001 Downtown Magazine NYC Winter 2010 Ed Burns by Downtown Magazine NY, LA & Miami

L I V I N G H I G H I N L OW E R M A N H AT TA N

PREMIER ISSUE

ED BURNS The Actor, Director and Writer

on His Newest Film and Calling TriBeCa Home

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Inside Harry and Peter Poulakakosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Restaurant Empire

PLUS

Holiday Gifting Chic Fashion Tips Neighborhood Hot Spots and More

WINTER 2010

$5.95 US

63 WALL STREET 520 MADISON AVENUE 1155 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS THE SHOPS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE WWW.THOMASPINK.COM

1 14 Pr ince Street New York 212 334-8492 114 Prin ce S tree t N ew York 212 334-84 9 2 www.karenmillen.com www.karenmillen.com

Contents 17 19 20 22

Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Editor Contributors Calendar

LOCAL FLAVOR In the Beginning...

Downtown Leaders

Money Matters

Real Estate

Art & Culture

Stylish Tots

Parental Controls

42 44

Follow the rise of residential living in Lower Manhattan. Meet two local movers-and-shakers who are making Lower Manhattan proud.

PHOTOS BY LESLIE HASSLER (BURNS); TONY SHI (SEAPORT)

John Thomas Financial’s Mike Norman talks economics. Thanks to luxury residential buildings, Downtown is suddenly the hottest place to reside. Downtown Alliance’s Re:Construction project and the best books for your coffee table. Eight questions for two of Downtown’s coolest kids. Ten winter activities for you and your brood.

Top Dogs

Street talk with four of our favorite pooches.

Neighborhood Watch

The South Street Seaport is rife with things to see and do.

FEATURES

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Mr. Independent

All in the Family

Good Gifting

Talented writer, actor and producer Ed Burns on his newest film and calling TriBeCa home. Inside Harry and Peter Poulakokos’ restaurant empire. The best items to give (and get) whether you’re a man, a woman, a child or a canine.

Contents FASHION & STYLE 59

Dress Code

Shopping News

Beauty Buzz

Fitness

Gadgets

Everything ladies and gents need to look chic for any occasion. Store openings and new collections galore. Bold lips, spa indulgences and skin care advice. Keep the activity level up when the mercury is down. High-end gadgets for those who like to play.

ON THE TOWN

75 12

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Hot Spot

Kitchen Confidential

Dining Guide

Wine & Spirits

After Dark

Views from the Top

The Last Word

The sparkly new W New York Downtown is making waves. Shaun Hergatt shows off his culinary mastery at the Setai. Where to eat, drink and be merry. Wine and food pairing with the experts; and the best holiday-inspired liquor bottles. A guide to the best sports bars, lounges and nightclubs. Can you name all the real estate in our legendary skyline? Two Downtown residents sound off about â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Divide.â&#x20AC;?

NEW YORK DOWNTOWN

CEO | PUBLISHER Grace A. Capobianco — EdItOR In CHIEf Camille Hunt CREAtIvE dIRECtOR Ilene Segal fASHIOn EdItOR Meredith Mulligan BEAUty EdItOR Betsy Mclain COPy EdItOR Jacqueline Grupe EdItORIAL ASSIStAnt Sam Edsill COntRIBUtInG WRItERS Melanie Bower, Brad Lockwood, Sara Pepitone Michael Shapot, Luis vasquez, Susan Waits COntRIBUtInG PHOtOGRAPHERS Leslie Hassler, Mark Jason, tony Shi PROdUCtIOn MAnAGER Mia Macfarlane SALES dIRECtOR fatima Roland ExECUtIvE SALES COnSULtAnt teresa Shufelt Lindel ACCOUnt MAnAGERS Alina Braverman, Sabina firestone Stasia Harris, Sharon Lettieri, di Li OnLInE EdItOR John J. Capobianco tECHnOLOGy Philippe Haberstroh, Bradley Kirkland, Rob LaGatta IntERn tO tHE PUBLISHER Lindita Capri AdvISOR tO tHE PUBLISHER Andrew Wheatcroft fInAnCIAL COnSULtAnt Howard Webber LEGAL COUnCIL thomas farley dOWntOWn MAGAZInE nyC, InC CORPORAtE HEAdqUARtERS 380 Rector Place, Suite 15f new york, new york,10280 Phone: 646.783.2661 fax: 888.761.0937 www.downtownmagazinenyc.com.

CHIEf ExECUtIvE OffICER Grace A. Capobianco CHIEf OPERAtInG OffICER Michel Pécou vICE PRESIdEnt Of OPERAtIOnS Shiran nicholson

DownTown magazine is published four times a year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. the publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to DownTown magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings sent to Editors, DownTownMagazine, 380 Rector St., Suite 15f, new york, new york,10280. Phone: 646.783.2661; fax: 888.761.0937 www.downtownmagazinenyc. com. to order a subscription, please call 646.783.2661. for customer service, please inquire at customer@downtownmagazinenyc.com. to distribute DownTown magazine at your business, please email distribution@downtownmagazinenyc.com.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE welcome to downtown magazine

Every day since settling in Battery Park City, I’ve awoken to the stunning view of the Hudson River from my bedroom window. My building sits on the tip of the esplanade. When I walk outside, whether I’m hit with ferocious winter gusts or the pungent aroma of spring flowers, I ask myself, “How lucky am I?” Of the many passions in my life, living Downtown is in the top three. Where else can you sit quietly on a bench watching an endless parade of boats in the middle distance, while couples pass arm-in-arm enjoying a romantic stroll, laughing children lead their parents to the playground and a fascinating canine pageant snuffles and prances past? Then there are the runners, anglers, cyclists and the rollerbladers—and that’s just on the esplanade! At the age of 27, I published my first magazine. For me bringing a new magazine to life is just about as exciting as it gets. All emotions are pushed to the limit—happiness, excitement, disappointment, frustration, but ultimately sheer bliss. The idea for DownTown was hatched in 2002. My partner, Michel Pécou, and I explored every angle of bringing this magazine to life then. But it was too soon; not enough time had passed after September 11th for the healing and the rebuilding to close our wounds sufficiently. After eight months of exploration, we decided to shelve the idea. Then, within the last year, a good friend who is a Downtown resident and business owner, asked me to create a small magazine for the area, so that businesses such as his could promote and market to the neighborhood. The time, at last, was right. We want to show Downtown residents and tourists alike what each of our neighborhoods has to offer. Where to grab a bite after 11:00 p.m., where to find the freshest fish, which local business owners are working diligently to bring Downtown back, stronger than ever, who is raising money for our schools and which developers are shaping Downtown, both commercially and residentially. Rebirth, rebuild… These words have helped me tell a story in this first issue of where we came from and where we are going, one day at a time. Photo by Shiran nicholSon

Happy Holidays,

Grace A. Capobianco Publisher PS: In this endeavor I have called on the talents and good graces of many of my friends. They abandoned their personal lives and sometimes even their homes, took on extra work after putting in a full day and doled out more advice than they even knew they had to offer. Then there are those whom I’ve completely deserted in my single-minded journey to get this magazine off the ground. Thank you all for sharing your skills, knowledge, love and understanding!

Hair by Ronie Borga. Makeup by Marcia Bush. Styled by Destiny DeLeon. Black printed pony coat and black velvet jeweled shoes by Karen Millen. 112 Prince St., 212-334-8492; karenmillen.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE a bit of its cachet—with hope. We want DownTown to be a part of that. For our premier issue we profiled some of the biggest names in Lower Manhattan, including Stone Street icons Harry and Peter Poulakakos, longtime residents and owners of Harry’s restaurant empire. Writer Sara Pepitone sat down with father and son to discuss passing the torch, and how their restaurants helped bring a much-needed sense of PHOTO BY HELENA PALAZZI

community to the area post-9-11. We also spoke to multi-talented movie star Ed Burns who, along with his supermodel wife, Christy Turlington, and their two children, call TriBeCa home. Seasoned scribe Brad Lockwood chatted with Burns about his newest movie, Nice Guy Johnny, which was released in November. Additionally, we spoke to CAMILLE HUNT Editor in Chief

Downtown Alliance president Elizabeth Berger about their Re:Construction project, which is commissioning artists to bring a bit of inspiration to

CAN YOU BELIEVE it’s been ten years since the

construction sites around the city; profiled com-

millennium?

munity leader Julie Menin; and went inside SHO

It seems like ages ago that naysayers project-

Shaun Hergatt, the spectacular fusion restaurant

ed that the world would end on January 1, 2000.

that’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-

So much has changed. We elected our nation’s first

after seats in town. Finally, we bring you winter

black President. We now buy our music, date and

fashion tips for men and women and our holiday

“social network” online (in fact, let’s add the phrase

Gift Guide, filled with gift items for your entire brood.

“social networking” while we’re at it). We get our

We hope you enjoy this premier issue of DownTown

movies through the mail. Our cell phones are smarter

magazine. We’ll continue to bring you all the art,

than we are. Reality TV has taken over the tube. And

culture, fashion, gastronomy, events and news

then of course there were the tragedies. As a nation,

that our eclectic neighborhoods have to offer. Stay

we endured 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, two wars, the

warm this winter; see you in 2011!

ILENE SEGAL Creative Director After a long stint as Art Director for New York magazine, I decided to start my own graphic design firm, idesign + co. The challenges of growing a business keep me humble, and I find living Downtown a necessary balance as I love running and being outdoors with my dog. People ask me all the time if I miss living near Central Park. These people don’t live in Lower Manhattan. Central Park could never compare to the view I see and the breeze I feel as I walk my pup along the Hudson River. Or the visual two feet in front of my face as I run under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge. This view is so grand, so magnificent and best of all, it looks different every single time. Running the loop in Central Park is an accomplishment, but running along the river through Lower Manhattan is simply special.

JACKIE GRUPE Copy Editor I love to read. There was even a time— short-lived though it was—that I thought I might like to write. Instead I became a pretender to a writer, helping hone the words of others into prose I as a reader would find engaging. And then I became an accidental New Yorker. Having spent the first nine years of my life in Bergen County, New Jersey, I did most of my growing up in the Midwest, came back to the Northeast for college, and eventually settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where I now live with my husband, son, three dogs and two cats. But my day job brought me back to New York, where I spend my work weeks,and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the wonders of Downtown, especially Battery Park City. It’s my great honor and pleasure to be part of this inaugural issue of DownTown.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the housing market SAM EDSILL Editorial Assistant

crash. Lower Manhattan was at the epicenter of two of the worst blows our nation was dealt, blows that continue to resonate. And yet, in spite of all that, Lower Manhattan is growing, brushing off the dust of the past decade and

Camille Hunt

re-emerging stronger. New buildings continue to rise. New businesses are opening their doors. Families are

PS: A special thanks to my extraordinary edito-

flocking to a revitalized Downtown. Maybe the hard

rial team who helped make this magazine possible:

times aren’t over yet. But we enter the next decade

creative director, Ilene Segal, copy edior, Jackie Grupe

with optimism, and—to use a word that’s maybe lost

and editorial assitant, Sam Edsill.

I’m a fiction writer, editor and journalist from Eastern Iowa who moved to Brooklyn this past June. I’ve written for the music blog Mission Freak! and The Daily Iowan newspaper, and ran a featured interview series for the arts webzine mentalcontagion. com. I also worked on the editorial staffs of The North American Review and Final Thursday Press. Working on DownTown has been a fantastic opportunity to see just how vibrant a community lower Manhattan really is: trendy and classic, upscale yet down-to-earth. My girlfriend, Rachel, and I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, with our two cats.

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Contributors

SARA PEPITONE

LESLIE HASSLER

Sara Pepitone is a New York Citybased freelance writer for such publications as The New York Post and Bon Appetit. She is also the editor of Scoreboard Gourmet, a website dedicated to everything food-and-sports. The culinary school graduate knows every meal can be an adventure and is currently running a food truck— Beach Street Sandwiches—with Gregory McCarty, former chef de cuisine at Bouley. For this issue, Pepitone sat down with Harry and Peter Poulakakos for our feature, “All in the Family.”

Leslie Hassler spent years in front of the camera, as a major model with the Ford Modeling Agency, before returning to New York City to attend NYU Film School and switching her focus to being behind the lens. Today, Hassler specializes in shooting actors, writers and celebrities, and her work has appeared in the likes of New York, Elle, Vanity Fair and Entertainment Weekly. See Hassler’s striking images of actor Ed Burns on our cover, and in our cover story, “Mr. Independent.”

BRAD LOCKWOOD Brad Lockwood is an author and syndicated columnist who makes films when time and money allow. For the past two years Lockwood and his dog Stu have been wandering America, resulting in 140 “mini documentaries” on Or-Bust.com. He is now in preproduction for the hilarious family-friendly horror film, Our House. Lockwood talked shop with writer, director and actor Ed Burns for our cover story, “Mr. Independent.”

MARK JASON

MELANIE BOWER

MIKE NORMAN

Downtown-based photographer Mark Jason has been shooting celebrities, events, food and restaurants for more than five years, but has had a camera in his hand for as long as he can remember. He is currently collaborating with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater NYC on the group’s Survivor Portrait Gallery, a website featuring photos of breast cancer survivors and their stories. For DownTown, Jason pointed his lens toward Stone Street icons Harry and Peter Poulakakos for “All in the Family,” and then stepped inside the studio to shoot our holiday gift guide.

Melanie Bower is a historian and urbanist whose career at the Museum of the City of New York has given her a unique understanding of the many facets of Gotham’s past. She served as editor of the critically acclaimed illustrated history, New York 400, and is a contributing writer to Edible Manhattan. Currently, she lives in Cusco, Peru, where she is seeking out stories on Peru’s past and present. For this issue, Bower gave us a look at Downtown’s storied residential past in “The Way They Were.”

An expert on fiscal and monetary policy, Mike Norman is an international economist with more than 30 years in the industry and has been a commentator on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNNfn, and Fox. Currently, Norman is the chief market economist for John Thomas Financial, pens a blog and is involved in a program that will bring entry-level economic concepts and knowledge to school children. Check out Norman’s take on 2010’s economics and his forecast for 2011 in “A Look Ahead.”

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Calendar

WINTER 2010 | 2011

NOVEMBER

20 SpongeBob SquarePants writer Steven Banks’ play, Looking at Christmas, opens at The Flea Theater. Nov. 20-Dec. 30, 41 White St., $25 ; theflea.org

Self-help author Laura Day speaks about how to use intuition to create profound and healing life changes. Nov. 20–Dec. 30, Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., $25

Enjoy unique drink specials at W New York Downtown’s weekly “Symmetry Spins” with DJ Bouji. 7 p.m., 123 Washington St.; starwoodhotels.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The season’s first tree lighting ceremony at South Street Seaport will feature holiday music by Darlene Love and the Big Apple Chorus, and a parade down Front St. 6 p.m., Historic Cobblestone area

DECEMBER

1 HAPPY HANUKKAH! Anne Rice, best-selling author of Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned reads from her new novel, Of Love and Evil. 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., Free

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2 Young Friends Annual Hanukkah Party at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. 8 p.m. 36 Battery Place; mjhnyc.org Watch the Battery Park Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Cove. bpcparks.org

3 Alfred Stieglitz Exhibit

Check out Alfred Stieglitz’s exhibit at the South Street Seaport Museum, where thirty-nine historic New York photographs by will be on display together for the first time in 80 years. Through Jan. 10, 2011, 12 Fulton St.; seany.com

9 Comedians Kevin Allison, Michael Ian Black, Aasif Mandvi, and others, recount their most personal, embarrassing and otherwise hilarious exploits for your amusement. 7 p.m., 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St., $15 ; 92ytribeca.org

The “Scandal! Financial Crime, Chicanery and Corruption that Rocked America” exhibit at the Museum of American Finance showcases the worst financial scandals in American history. Through Apr. 29, 2011, 48 Wall St.; moaf.org

Attend the Christmas Eve Liturgy at Trinity Church, which begins with 30 minutes of choral music. 9:30 p.m. 74 Trinity Place; trinitywallstreet.org

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ring in the New Year at Cipriani’s (55 Wall St.; cipriani.com) or at the Tribeca Grand (2 Ave. of the Americas; tribecagrand.com), where a replica of the Times Square ball will drop from the hotel’s eight-story atrium.

CHLOE CRESPI

Tribeca Grand’s New Year’s Eve ball

JANUARY

29 Happy Birthday

to our cover star Ed Burns (and his wife Christy Turlington, who was born on January 2nd).

New York City Police Museum

Last day to see the New York City Police Museum’s “Artist As Witness: The 9/11 Responders.” A collection of sketches and watercolors by artist Aggie Kenny that captures scenes of New York after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. 100 Old Slip; nycpolicemuseum.org

FEBRUARY

09 Authors and parents Mark Schulman, Rachel Sherman and Meg Mullins read at this New York-based literary salon’s monthly reading series. 6:30 p.m., Gild Hall Hotel’s Libertine Library, 15 Gold St.; thompsonhotels.com

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

21 Celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the 11th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Canal St. South

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Hot Dog Stand, 1936

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Shelter on the Waterfront, 1936

LOCAL FLAVOR | IN THE BEGINNING

Pike and Henry Streets, 1936

LIFE

As They Knew It Tracing the Evolution of Downtown Living By Melanie Bower Photographs by Berenice Abbott/Museum of the City of New York It may seem hard to think of Lower Manhattan as a neighborhood. The word “Downtown” conjures up images of glass and steel skyscrapers, power lunches and money markets. The area is often considered an enclave for bankers and lawyers, a bastion of powerbrokers in pinstripe suits who all but desert Downtown after 5 p.m. But while the recent residential boom in FiDi may seem like a new phenomenon, lower Manhattan has a long history as a residential neighborhood. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Downtown was literally the place to be. Up until the 1830s the city barely extended past Canal Street, and every New Yorker called Downtown home. Throughout the 19th century the city grew, and Lower Manhattan evolved into the center of city government, as well as one of the world’s most important ports. As business boomed, many of the wealthy merchants and bankers who profited from the city’s bustling maritime industry moved out, building homes outside the city. At the time the establishment of residential neighborhoods beyond the boundaries of the central city was a radical idea. It marked the advent of the “business district”—a place where people worked but did not live. However, even as New York’s nouveau riche sought uptown digs, Lower Manhattan was still home to several thriving immigrant neighborhoods. By 1900 more than 7,000 Chinese immigrants had settled below Canal Street around Pell, Doyers and Mott Streets. On the western shore of the island, Washington Street was known as Little Syria, and the area around West Street was home to New York’s Greek quarter. In the early decades of the 20th century, Downtown continued to develop, evolving from one of the world’s most import ports into the center of the world’s financial industry. While South Street’s busy piers and wharves once symbolized the power of New York’s renowned port, skyscrapers that housed banks and brokerage houses slowly supplanted tall-masted merchant ships. The development of downtown Manhattan is captured in the photos seen here, taken by Berenice Abbott in the 1930s as part of a project entitled “Changing New York.” With funding provided by the Federal Arts

Project, Abbott set out to document the city’s rapidly evolving environment. The photos in this series reveal a city full of contradictions. At the height of the Depression, the Downtown skyscrapers still reflect the power and wealth of New York’s financial industry. Seen from afar the skyline is symbolic of the modern city, yet when Abbott took these photos the city’s streets were still plied by horse-drawn carts delivering milk door to door. In the postwar era Downtown found itself in competition with Midtown for the title of New York’s preeminent business district. Urban renewal efforts spearheaded by David Rockefeller sought to revitalize Lower Manhattan with bold commercial and residential projects. In 1960 Rockefeller revived postwar plans for a World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, and when construction began six years later, dirt excavated from the site was used to add a 700-foot extension into the Hudson that would become Battery Park City. Years later Battery Park City would be credited with sparking a sort of residential renaissance in downtown Manhattan. When it was first proposed in 1966, the west side of Lower Manhattan had devolved from a dynamic port into a sea of decaying piers. Upon its completion in the 1980s this 92-acre development brought nearly 8,000 new residents to downtown Manhattan. By the mid-‘90s zoning changes and tax incentives combined to lure residential developers to the area. Conversion of commercial office space into residential buildings became increasingly common, and supermarkets, bars and restaurants soon followed as Downtown’s residential population swelled. Most recently FiDi has witnessed a new phenomenon—an upsurge in the number of families choosing to settle in Lower Manhattan, thanks in part to an abundance of larger and more affordable apartments. While previous residents tended to be single professionals who wanted to live close to their Wall Street jobs, Downtown’s newest residents are somewhat different. Like many other New Yorkers who have called Downtown home, they are reinforcing a sense of community in a neighborhood with a rich historic past. W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

LOCAL FLAVOR | DOWNTOWN LEADERS

VOICE

of the People Julie Menin is bringing the Lower Manhattan community to the forefront.

WHO SHE IS: Menin is a board member of the Women’s Campaign Forum, Chairperson of New York City’s Community Board 1, host of Julie Menin’s Give and Take on WNBC, a regular television commentator on CNN, MSNBC, Today and CBS Evening News as well as a regular blogger for The Huffington Post. She sits on six government and civic boards in New York City and is also the founder and former president of Wall Street Rising, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the area post-9-11. ACCOLADES: Menin’s honors include making the list of City Hall newspaper’s “40 Under 40,” being voted one of the “100 Top New Yorkers” by the New York Resident and was named NY1’s “New Yorker of the Week.” She’s also received the “Rising Star” award from the Women’s Campaign Fund, the “Civic Spirit Award” from the City Women’s Club and the 2008 “Public Service Award” from Manhattan Youth. MOST

INFLUENTIAL WORK: Menin was a major player in

moving the trial of 9-11 co-conspirator Khalid Shaikh Mohammed out of Lower Manhattan, and wrote a piece for The New York Times. She won $200 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation’s Community Grant Program to benefit the residents, workers and communities Downtown. She and the Community Board 1 voted to support the Islamic cultural center being built on Park Place, and she has vehemently supported it. WHAT DRIVES HER: “Seeing firsthand our community devastated after 9-11 has driven me to work every day to move our neighborhood beyond the tragedy of that day, and to show the city, nation and world that our community has not only persevered, but also serves as a beacon for standing up and moving forward.”

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PHOTO BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON

“[I want] to show the city, nation and world that our community has not only persevered, but also serves as a beacon for standing up and moving forward.”

LOCAL FLAVOR | DOWNTOWN LEADERS

NEW

Face of Finance Wall Street entrepreneur Thomas Belesis is making a name for himself Downtown.

WHO HE IS: Belesis is chief executive officer of John Thomas Financial, a full service broker-dealer offering client-centric retail brokerage and investment banking services, and owner of John Thomas Wealth Management, John Thomas Insurance Services and John Thomas Global Energy Group. ACCOLADES: Named 2009 Bronx GOP “Man of the Year,” which was presented by Rudy Giuliani. Appeared in Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, alongside Michael Douglas. MOST INFLUENTIAL WORK: Supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and G brielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, member of the Executive Board of the World Energy Forum, an international organization focused on creating a sustainable energy-secure world, involved with raising or participating in approximately 150 million dollars in financing for startup companies. WHAT DRIVES HIM: “Being an active participant in our financial markets motivates me every day. Helping to fund new and developing companies and industries is extremely satisfying and humbling, and I consider it to be an important and honorable profession. I also feel immense responsibility toward the people who have come to work at John Thomas Financial, and I want them to be successful. We have established a great in-house training program, and I get tremendous fulfillment from helping young people begin their careers in our industry.”

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PHOTO BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON

“Helping to fund new and developing companies and industries is extremely satisfying and humbling, and I consider it to be an important and honorable profession.”

LOCAL FLAVOR | MONEY MATTERS

A LOOK AHEAD After a tumultuous year, 2011’s outlook sees a light at the end of the tunnel. By Mike Norman AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES, it’s a good time to take a look at the emerging economic trends for 2011. Before we do, let’s review the current year and highlight some of the main economic events that made 2010 unique. Economic growth slowed markedly this year. We went from at 5 percent growth rate at the end of 2009 to a 1.7 percent rate of growth through the third quarter of 2010. That was a disappointment. From January through May, 1 million jobs were created, but then we started losing them almost as fast after that. For a second year in a row the government played a big role. From the passage of healthcare reform to financial regulation, new policies became the law of the land. The effects will be long term, but as of now they remain uncertain. Investors probably won’t forget the “Flash Crash.” That was the scary, 1,000-point, intraday plunge that happened in early May. It did a lot to shake investor confidence; however, buying into that drop would have been exceedingly profitable—a lesson we often see repeated throughout the history of the market. And who could forget the BP oil spill? Day in

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and day out we watched the images of a huge black gusher shooting up from the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, of soiled beaches and of dead wildlife. It was gut-wrenching. Not surprisingly, the stock market started moving higher once that disaster was finally brought under control. Of course, there was plenty of politics, too. With the midterm elections behind us and a new Congress to be seated early next year, the question is, what new policies, if any, will emerge? Will our taxes increase or be cut? This will be key for the economy all the way up to the presidential election of 2012. Most experts expect the economy to remain sluggish in 2011, but there are some positives: Households have trimmed the fat; debt service as a percentage of income is down to the lowest level in 12 years, meaning that household balance sheets are looking healthier. Typically, reductions in debt of that magnitude have preceded new credit expansions. The weak dollar may be bad for American consumers, but it has triggered a boom in exports. This has helped many U.S. companies boost their profits. In addition, it will bring foreign investment and lots of tourists to the U.S.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to fix the domestic economy would be a payroll tax holiday. It’s an idea being discussed by some lawmakers and people within the Administration. A payroll tax holiday would restore about $1 trillion in income to working people, immediately giving them more spending power. That would push consumption, the biggest component of Gross Domestic Product. If we could do that and couple it with some major investment to refurbish roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure, it would not only put people back to work, it would create the capital we need to build wealth and prosperity for generations to come. There is one caveat: The public’s outrage over government spending could cause Congress to enact some deep spending cuts next year. That could throw us right back into a recession. It’s the mistake that FDR made in 1936, when he listened to his advisers and took measures to reduce the deficit. What followed was another economic downturn, dubbed the “mini depression” of 1937, a place we hope to never go back to. Mike Norman is chief economist of John Thomas Financial

ExpEriEncE thE ExcitEmEnt and EnErgy of Wall StrEEt onE block from thE nEW york Stock ExchangE

48 Wall Street New York , NY 10005 www.MoAF.org 212-908-4110 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @FinanceMuseum

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Solid Gold Jeweled Monopoly Set Through October 2012

Scandal! Financial Crime, Chicanery and Corruption that Rocked America Through April 2011

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First IPO Through March 2011

Tracking the Credit Crisis Ongoing

LOCAL FLAVOR | REAL ESTATE The Visionaire, Battery Park City C

THE NEW BLACK Thanks to luxury residential buildings and worldclass amenities, Downtown Manhattan is suddenly the hottest place to reside.

CMY

Frank Gehry’s Beekman Tower

DOWNTOWN IS THE NEW BLACK, the in spot, the next new thing. But don’t expect this black to grow gray and fade as happens to most trendy neighborhoods. Its ability to adapt to the needs of its settlers will enable Downtown to maintain its edginess, while at the same time welcoming playgrounds, strollers, leashes and dog parks. As the residents have changed, so too have the predominant housing styles. The tenements of Downtown’s early inhabitants gave way to lofts and now luxury high-rises and office conversions. The Visionaire and Liberty Luxe in Battery Park City; 15 Broad, 2 Gold and William Beaver House in FiDi; 101 Warren, the Fairchild and Truffles in TriBeCa are just a few examples of high-end Downtown living at its best. Coming soon is the incredible 76-story Beekman Tower designed by Frank Gehry. As one of the tallest buildings in lower Manhattan, it will offer spectacular views along with lavish living space. The options for luxury living Downtown are as varied as they are sumptuous. Downtown arrived late to the real estate development party primarily because of its lack of residential services, but no more. Convenience shopping, destination shopping and luxury goods and services abound. You can put up your out-of-town guests at amenity-rich hotels, send your

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By Michael Shapot and Luis Vasquez

children to top-ranked schools and exercise and pamper your pets (and yourself) in gorgeous parks, dog runs and spas. But for the hot restaurants, hip nightlife and some residual grit to remind us of its roots, Downtown might be mistaken for the Upper East Side. Although Downtown boasts some of the most valuable real estate in the city, the practicalities of closing deals pose some serious challenges. Financing, whether for purchases or refinances, is difficult for numerous reasons. Relatively few sales for appraisers to use as comparables are resulting in lower than expected appraisals. Some buildings fail to meet lender guidelines, because they are simply too small, have too many unsold units, have a low percentage of owner occupancy, or have insufficient reserves or inadequate insurance. The latest obstacle is that lenders will not finance purchases in buildings with hotel-like services, such as room service, maid service, spas and short-term stays. Banks fear these high-end amenities make properties more akin to investments than residences, and investments are riskier mortgages. Despite the challenges, the market is responding positively to Downtown’s high-end housing stock and lifestyle. The vibe remains positive, energy levels are through the roof, and the buzz is spreading. Downtown has arrived!

Sailboats and Sunsets Green inside, and out… Clearly living. Discover Luxury Green Condominiums Designed by Rafael Pelli on the Battery Park City Waterfront. Available for Immediate Occupancy Ownership Begins at $690,000 Penthouse Residences Available From $1,765,000 On site sales gallery: 70 Little West Street, NYC 212 425 2550 TheVisionaire.com MARKETING AND EXCLUSIVE SALES AGENT: THE MARKETING DIRECTORS, INC. DEVELOPER: ALBANESE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS NOT AN OFFERING. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN PLAN AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR FILE NO CD-06-0248. SPONSOR: BATTERY PLACE GREEN, LLC.

LOCAL FLAVOR | ART & CULTURE “Walking Man 99” by Maya Barkai at 99 Church Street

CONSTRUCTION RE:IMAGINED The Downtown Alliance Brings Uplifting Art to Troubled Spaces By Sam Edsill ART HAS A FUNNY WAY of making unpleasant things bearable, like the drawings on a child’s cast. Sometimes a splash of color, a dash of whimsy, is all it takes to lift the spirits. It’s an approach that the Downtown Alliance has implemented on a grand scale through its Re:Construction program. Over the past three years, as the seemingly endless construction projects around Downtown have given rise to the skeletons of new buildings, the Alliance and its president, Elizabeth Berger, have sought to combat the enduring sense of intrusion with the work of world-class artists like Richard Pasquarelli, Maya Barkai and Caitlin Hurd. Berger, who was appointed president of the Downtown Alliance in 2007, has heard rave reviews of the program from tourists, developers and building owners, but says its most ringing endorsement came from someone who had no idea where she works. One morning, during an elevator ride in her Financial District apartment building, a neighbor asked Berger if she’d seen any of the murals on Downtown construction sites. “I love them,” the neighbor said. “With all the construction and noise, they give me a moment of happiness.”

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As a resident living with the cranes and plywood barriers throughout lower Manhattan, Berger has seen firsthand how these art projects transform Downtown. “The difference they have made in the pedestrian experience has been incredible,” Berger said. “We’ve consistently heard how exciting, welcome and unexpected these temporary canvases are.”

“Hours of the Day” by Richard Pasquarelli at the W New York - Downtown

Re:Construction is sponsored by a $1.5 million grant from the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation. Here’s how the program works: The Downtown Alliance works with local property owners and developers to identify potential locations and then assembles a list of

site-specific technical criteria for the art. (For example, no reflective materials or traffic signs are allowed.) A four-person advisory board of arts professionals identifies artists whose work might be appropriate for the location, and each artist creates a project proposal. The site owners then pick the project they like best. So far the program has brought 17 public art projects to construction-zones-turned canvases, ten of which are currently up for viewing. Two more projects will be unveiled before the end of 2010, and the final count could reach as high as 30 by the time the program winds down in 2013. “Stay tuned,” Berger said. Right now you can view “Walking Man 99,” by Maya Barkai, a parade of life-size “walk” signs from around the world, at 99 Church Street. The digital print designs of Richard Pasquarelli can be seen at the corner of Barclay and Greenwich Streets (“Restore the View”), on Chambers Street between Greenwich and West Streets (“Secret Gardens”), and at the W Hotel at 123 Washington St. (“Hours of the Day”). Caitlin Hurd’s “Flying Animals” can be found at the corner of Washington and Rector Streets. Visit downtownny.com for more information.

LOCAL FLAVOR | ART & CULTURE

PAGE TURNERS These oversized reads are perfect as gifts or centerpieces on your home coffee table By Camille Hunt PUCCI Only 10,000 copies of this gorgeous coffee table book will be produced (each bound with one of a selection of recent Pucci prints). The book includes hundreds of photographs, drawings and candid shots from the Prince of Prints’ archive. (Taschen, $200; taschen.com) BESPOKE: THE MEN’S FASHION OF SAVILE ROW James Sherwood’s illustrated history of bespoke tailoring—the custom-made men’s clothing spawned on London’s Savile Row—has a forward by the ever-chic Tom Ford. (Rizzoli, $65; Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St. barnesandnoble.com) AMERICAN DIOR Through this book readers discover how Christian Dior lived the American dream and became a fashion icon in this country almost as formidable as in his hometown of France. (Assouline, $70; shopassouline.com) DOGS Award-winning photographer Tim Flach’s Dogs is an ode to man’s best friend and will appeal to all who have shared their lives with the beloved animals. (Abrams, $50; Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St. barnesandnoble.com)

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How do you say

hello?

Привет

Hola oh-la

kon-nee-chee wah

pree-vyet

nee-how

Hello

Bonjour

hel-low

bohn-zhure

sha-lom

Buon Giorno bwohn gee-or-no

Guten Tag goot-en-taag

mar-ha-ban

Give the gift of a second language to your child. Little Pim makes it fun and easy.

Gift Sets, DVDs, Music CDs, Flash Cards, iPhone Apps and more. 10 Languages Available

LittlePim.com

Eight questions for two of Downtown’s coolest kids

LOCAL FLAVOR | STYLISH TOTS

LITTLE WONDERS ALEXIS AND JACK BATTERY PARK How old are you? Alexis: “I’m five. I’ll be six in March.” Jack: “I’m six.” Do you dress yourself for school? Alexis: “Yes, since I’m two.” Do you like what you’re wearing today? Alexis: “Oh yes, I love my dress, and these are my favorite boots.” Jack: “Sure, these are very cool shoes.” Do you play sports? Alexis: “I do gymnastics, and I run.” Jack: “I’m a fast runner.” What’s the best thing about your neighborhood? Alexis: “I like to say hi to all the dogs.” Jack: “I get to go fishing.” Where’s the best place to ride your scooters? Alexis: “In the park.” Jack: “Along the water.” What do you want for the holidays? Alexis: “An American Girl doll.” Jack: “A new fishing rod.”

Alexis’ dress and Jack’s top and pants by Bouton. Aminah Et Les Amis, 2 World Financial Center, 212-227-0117; Bu & the Duck, 106 Franklin St., 212-431-9226; boutonkids.com

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PHOTO BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON

What do you want to be when you grow up and why? Alexis: “A doctor, so I can check babies and make sure they don’t throw up and that they’re ok. Or, I want to be a disco girl.” Jack: “I want to be a fisherman so I can catch lots and lots of fish.”

LOCAL FLAVOR | PARENTAL CONTROLS

TOP TEN Keep the winter blues at bay with these neighborhood activities. 92nd Street Y

Teardrop Park

Stop by the New York City Police Museum (100 Old Slip) for the Junior Officers Discovery Zone exhibit, which teaches kids the nuts and bolts of police work.

Take a course at Tribeca Language (22 Harrison St.), where you and your tot can learn any of eight languages, including French, Arabic and Chinese.

Get lost at Teardrop Park (Warren St. and River Terrace), where you’ll find maze-like paths, geysers and an extra-long slide.

Enjoy a slice from one of sister pizzerias Picasso Pizza (303 S. End Ave.) and Pizza and Pasta Delight (77 Fulton St.).

Experience music and fun for the entire family at the 92nd Street Y’s Bring Your Own Kid program (200 Hudson St.).

Take a Mommy (or Daddy) and Me swimming class at Imagine Swimming (40 Harrison St.).

Grab a seat for brunch at Bubby’s (120 Hudson St.), where they serve good ol’ home cooking in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Grab a scrumptious chocolate peanut butter or s’more cookie at Tribeca Treats (94 Reade St.).

10.

Check out a book from the new Battery Park City Library (175 North End Ave.).

Tribeca Language

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Buy a pair of mini Mary Janes from Shoofly (42 Hudson St.), the fun yet sophisticated children’s boutique.

LOCAL FLAVOR | MAN’S BEST FRIENDS

TAJA

Owner: Eric Pienaar Favorite hangout: Battery Park where she gets to stalk squirrels Typically found: Curled up on the bed in the comforter “nest”

WINSTON

Owner: Christine AuYeung Favorite hangout: Any dog run as long as he gets to sit on someone’s lap Typically Found: Belly-up on the bed

TOP DOGS

Street talk with four of our favorite pooches.

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FIESTA

Owner: Mike Willhelm Favorite hangout: West Thames Dog Park and Pier 17 Typically found: On the bed of pillows in the master bedroom

PHOTOS BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON

NAANI

Owner: M. Bianda Nelson Favorite hangout: Wall Street Dog Run from 9–10 pm Typically Found: Watching Animal Planet

LOCAL FLAVOR | NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Seaport SOUTH STREET

This bustling historic neighborhood is rife with things to see and do. By Sam Edsill HISTORY LESSON In the 1740s, several wealthy individuals constructed mansions along Pearl Street near Dover Street. Perhaps the most notable of these is the former Franklin Mansion at 1 Cherry Street, where George Washington lived for nearly a year after he was elected president and New York City was briefly the nation’s capital (his neighbor at 5 Cherry Street was John Hancock). But in the 1880s, the entire area was torn down to make room for the Brooklyn Bridge. Meyer’s Hotel, which was located at 119 South Street, was a celebrity hotspot for decades. Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody attended a party at Meyer’s celebrating the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883. Other famous patrons included Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, and Butch Cassidy and Harry Longabaugh (a.k.a. “The Sundance Kid”). FAMOUS RESIDENTS Painter Naima Rauam, photographer Barbara Mensch and director and photographer Carter Smith all call the Seaport home.

SHOPPING A century and a half ago the docks and markets on South Street were some of the busiest in America. Today the South Street Seaport continues to provide Downtown epicures and locavores with delicious foods from its open-air markets and specialty stores. And even though the Fulton Stall Market (South Street between Fulton and Beekman Streets)

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DINING OUT The Seaport consists of more than just tourist-infused joints and includes a variety of low-key restaurants popular with the local set. If you’re looking for fine Italian, try the family-owned Buon’ Amici (40 Peck Slip) or Acqua (12 Peck Slip). Cowgirl Seahorse (259 Front St.) serves up seafood and Tex-Mex for brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as some excellent margaritas. It only makes sense for a seaport to offer sushi, and you can find it at Suteishi (24 Peck Slip), which has a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge. If turf is more your game, head to MarkJoseph Steakhouse (261 Water St.) for a variety of steaks, thick-cut Canadian bacon and lamb chops. THINGS TO DO The Seaport Museum (12 Fulton St.) will exhibit a collection of 39 vintage photographs of New York by Alfred Steiglitz through January 10, 2011. And you can give your Black Friday a festive finish by attending the Seaport’s 22nd annual Choral Tree Lighting on November 26, the city’s first tree lighting of the season. The following four weekends feature performances by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, the Big Apple Chorus and the Cantori Choir. The Seaport is also home to the Imagination Playground at Burling Slip, an outdoor public play space with everything a kid needs to have fun: unique foam building blocks, a sand patch with digging tools, fountains, a rope climbing structure, masts and pulleys, and more.

PHOTO BY TONY SHI

LIVING IT UP One of the area’s premier residential properties is 200 Water Street, a 32-story building with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown. And then there’s Beekman Tower, the Frank Gehrydesigned highrise set to open in 2011, which is one of the most anticipted residential buildings in the city.

and the New Amsterdam Market (902 Peck Slip) are closed for the season, there is still an array of wonderful food and wine options: Head inside Provisions Natural Grocery (150 Beekman St.) to get your fix of a variety of artisanal and locally made foods like Brooklyn’s Mast Brothers Chocolate. Wine aficionados can pick up a bottle (or four) at Pasanella & Son Vintners (115 South St.), which also houses a vintage 1967 Ferrari. For more shopping, walk down Front St., where you can find always-in-style Coach, Inc. (193 Front St.), the first brick-and-morter J. Crew store (203 Front St.) and a great cup of coffee at Jack’s Stir Brew (222 Front St.).

PHOTO BY LESLIE HASSLER

MR. INDEPENDENT

Edward Burns has been a vital part of bringing Downtown Manhattan back into the spotlight post-9-11. With the release of his newest film, Nice Guy Johnny, this Hollywood triple threat and TriBeCa resident shows no sign of slowing down. By Brad Lockwood

EVER SINCE HE BURST ONTO THE SCENE with The Brothers McMullen in 1995, actor/writer/director Edward Burns has been a stalwart voice for independent filmmaking, especially in New York City. Assisting ten years ago with the launch of a little film festival in his neighborhood of TriBeCa, where he lives with his wife, supermodel Christy Turlington, Burns helped rejuvenate lower Manhattan post-9-11. Burns again broke barriers in late October with a distribution deal with video-on-demand channel FilmBuff to release his latest film, Nice Guy Johnny, to screens worldwide simultaneously via cable/video-ondemand, iTunes and DVD through Amazon.com and other online retailers. Made with an “ultra no-budget” (Burns’ term) of $25,000 in 12 days, Nice Guy Johnny is the heart-wrenching story of sell-out versus dreamchasing–a subject Burns knows well. Starring relative newcomers Matt Bush, Anna Wood and Kerry Bishé, Nice Guy Johnny is a rare film among today’s big-budget, short-on-story market. In addition to writing and directing, Burns also plays ne’er-do-well Uncle Terry, who tries to lead “nice guy” nephew Johnny down a different path, while “borrowing” a vehicle and home in the Hamptons. Burns spoke with DownTown magazine about his “on-going love affair” with New York City, why acting has never been his passion

and when working with new actors makes for a much better set. DOWNTOWN: There hasn’t been a year without Edward Burns acting, writing, directing or producing something in over a decade. Quite a long, strange trip since working as an assistant on Oliver Stone’s The Doors after college, wouldn’t you say? EDWARD BURNS: I certainly never imagined that this would be the career that I would have. When I was in school, I wanted to be a novelist. That dream died pretty quickly. Then I thought I should go into sports journalism. It wasn’t until I was sort of failing out of college and an advisor told me I should take some film appreciation classes because they were easy A’s that I fell in love with movies. I thought I would be a screenwriter. But the more I fell in love with this notion of being a writer-director, the more it seemed to be the unattainable career. Then, [The Brothers] McMullen goes to Sundance, and I kind of luck-out. It happened just at the moment in indie cinema when those little movies were being embraced by the public and getting theatrical releases. I knew then that, as long as I didn’t lose anybody any money, I would probably be allowed to continue to make these small films. And that’s been my only goal: To make these small talkie movies. I try to do one a year, and that’s been tough to do. W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

But the part of my career that I never imagined was the acting side. That’s been the gravy on this whole thing, but it’s also been a blessing. Making indie films, you don’t make a lot of money. A lot of times you make no money. And the acting career has been able to sort of finance my dream, if you will.

“The great thing about living in New York City is—

whether it’s the architecture, the atmosphere or the people on the street—there’s always going to be something to inspire you if you have your eyes and ears open.” Ed and wife Christy Turlington at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

You’re now rumored to be in the upcoming The Prince of Providence by David Mamet, and just signed on for Man on a Ledge. I thought you were going to slow down after marrying Christy Turlington and having kids? [Laughs] That would not be a fun choice, to just hang around. I made that decision about six or seven years ago. I had a moment after Saving Private Ryan when a certain kind of “movie star” career became an option, and I went for it. Those were a couple years that I didn’t make a film as a filmmaker. I come through the other side of that and didn’t turn into, you know, a massive film star, so I made a decision: ‘Let me keep acting in studio films and let the profile they give me—and the paychecks—afford me a certain level of creative freedom to make my little movies.’ How do you continue to walk that line of being brazenly independent versus doing those big studio projects? You know, a lot of times you don’t have a hell of a lot of say in it. There have been years where—and I have no idea why—I get a little heat and all of a sudden I’m cast in two or three studio movies. And that’s great. Then a year will go by and you don’t get a gig, and I’ll take a job only because a year has gone by and I haven’t gotten a gig. I love my acting career and I’m thankful for it, but it’s never been my passion. My life’s work is the indie movies that I write and direct. So I don’t have to be as careful with my acting choices, maybe, as I would if that were my bread and butter.

You live in TriBeCa. How has lower Manhattan healed post- 9-11, then followed by the stock market meltdown? I lived down here on 9-11, so certainly the months after were a difficult time, a sad time. I then got involved with the Tribeca Film Festival, when they launched the first festival it was a way to help get people back down to lower Manhattan, TriBeCa more specifically. I’m still involved with the festival ten years later. There was a little minute during the recession when some restaurants closed but, you know, the guys on Wall Street seem to be doing well enough that most of the restaurants are still packing them in.

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PHOTO BYNEILSON BARNARD/GETTYIMAGES.COM

Anyone familiar with your work expects New York City to be a costar. What is it about this city that so inspires you? It’s been an ongoing love affair I’ve had with the city since I was a little kid. We grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island, and my dad was a cop here in New York. He would always take us into town for any number of things, and my mom was a big theater buff, so she would take us in to see Broadway shows. As a young kid I recognized that this was where I wanted to be. Back then in the `70s, the city was a very different city, and I was in love with the grit and graffiti and, a little bit, probably the danger. You know, getting to ride around with my dad was a lot of fun. As I got older and came to the city after college and started to write, the city served as the inspiration for everything. Sometimes the inspiration might be overhearing a conversation on the subway. Sometimes the inspiration might be walking around what used to be Hell’s Kitchen and imagining what it used to be like. The great thing about living in New York City is—whether it’s the architecture, whether it’s the atmosphere or the people on the street—there’s always going to be something to inspire you if you have your eyes and your ears open.

Matt Bush as “Johnny” and Kerry Bishé as “Brooke” in Nice Guy Johnny

“I knew that as long as I didn’t lose anybody any money, I would probably be allowed to continue to make these small films. And that’s been my only goal: To make these small talkie movies. I try to do one a year, and that’s been tough to do.”

What do you like most about living Downtown? We love living in TriBeCa. In fact, we rarely seem to go above Canal Street these days. It’s a terrific place for a family, especially with the new Hudson River Park. We can’t wait for Pier 40 to open; it’s going to be great. But your new film, Nice Guy Johnny, opens and ends in Oakland. What’s up with that? My wife is from the Bay Area, and we spend a lot of time out there. So it’s become a second-city. It’s not specific to Oakland, but the Bay Area, San Fran. I’ve started to fall in love with that area, so it’s a good way to dip a toe in the waters. And Christy is now a filmmaker, with her striking documentary about motherhood worldwide, No Woman, No Cry. How did her experience affect your relationship, and might there be a collaboration in your future? We haven’t discussed collaborating, officially. But every script I’ve written since I met her, she gets an early draft and gives notes on the female characters, about finding their truth and voice. And the good thing is she can be brutally honest and very tough, so it’s good for me to have somebody I can trust on that side. On her film I was only there to offer encouragement When anybody makes a film there are always setbacks, there are always unforeseen complications and difficulties, and I was just there to let her know not to sweat it; it happens on every film. I was there to help out, periodically, to remind her editing team that, while it is a documentary, there’s still a story to tell.

Burns as “Uncle Terry” (right) with Bush

Specific to your work, I found Nice Guy Johnny to be one of those rare films that are harder to find, and I really like the cast. Matt Bush, Anna Wood and Kerry Bishé offer an uncommon energy. Talk about creating the atmosphere to be productive while also giving newer actors the chance to grow. I do a couple of things. First off, you get these newer actors who show up to your set with such excitement and enthusiasm because they can’t believe they’re the lead in your movie. They have such eagerness just to be there (and I can speak to that not always being the case on bigger films). The other thing is, maybe because this is their first shot, they are there fighting for their lives. They want it in the worst way, and they’ve done so much prep work with those characters. The way I like to work as a filmmaker, I want the actors to know their characters better than I can possibly know them. So prove it to me. And then they sort of jump into the deep part of the pool. That’s the kind of atmosphere we had on this thing. Your recent screenplay competition through Scripped was intriguing, asking for the first fifteen pages of a script and offering direct feedback to winners from you and producer Aaron Lubin. Have you found the next Citizen Kane, and what’s the biggest mistake most new screenwriters make? We didn’t find the next Citizen Kane, but we found a writing team that has a great and funny voice. So we found a good, new comedy team, and we’re developing their screenplay with them now. The thing that new artists do is lack respect for good story structure. Especially when you’re first learning how to tell stories in the screenplay format, structure is king. When we’ve worked with newer writers in the past, forcing them to be mindful of good structure has helped the story.

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ALL

IN THE

FAMILY

Inside Harry and Peter Poulakakosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Restaurant Empire By Sara Pepitone Portrait by Mark Jason

50 24

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Peter and Harry Poulakakos at Harry’s Café and Steak

The dining room at Harry’s Italian

WHEN TEENAGED HARRY POULAKAKOS arrived in New York City in the mid-1950s, lower Manhattan looked much like Stone Street looks today. There were no skyscrapers on Water Street, three- and four-story buildings dominated, Battery Park City was a line of piers crowded with boats and Front Street was the place for coffee and tea merchants. “It was wonderful to smell the roasting coffee,” says the 72-year-old restaurateur. “There was a lot of activity, but nobody lived down here, and there was no business after 6 o’clock.” We’re sitting with his 34-year-old son and successor, Peter Poulakakos, at Harry’s Steak, the 2006 reincarnation of Harry’s original restaurant at One Hanover Square. Together—Harry as consultant, Peter as owner—they run ten of the neighborhood’s most successful establishments. “I was expecting to do some nice business, be able to survive and live comfortably,” says Harry of opening his eponymous restaurant after 14 years at Delmonico’s. Instead, Harry’s quickly became the place for workday lunch. And cocktails. And early dinner. And private parties. For Wall Street people. That was the `70s and beyond. Today, Harry’s Steak has brunch, dinner, a late-night bar menu and business seven days a week. And don’t forget the Beef Wellington, the original menu’s most popular item, now prepared in individual portions, Wednesdays only, $42. In 1972 you got a slice from an entire filet, and it cost $8.85. Prices, though, are not the only thing that’s changed over time. Four decades ago FiDi was still referred to as “The Street,” and a baby carriage sighting was someone’s wrong turn. “Now you see school buses every day,” says Harry. He mentions the youthfulness of the neighborhood, and it’s clear why he’s more retired than not, which is not to discount the creativity and acumen of his only son. And restaurant experience—years in the family business—doesn’t hurt either. Peter cites Rudy Giuliani’s real estate tax abatements and other incentives when speaking of the changes and growth occurring in the mid-`90s when he moved to Pearl Street after college. “Businesses were starting to come down here; the Financial The dining room at Harry’s Café and Steak

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District was starting to make a name for itself as a community. Every month you were waiting for a new building to pop up, or a new restaurant,” he says, “and then it all fell to the wayside after September 11th.”

Harry and Peter in 1985 at Harry’s Café and Steak.

Like everyone in town that day, Peter says the attack itself was the worst thing that’s ever happened, anywhere. But it’s his experience of the aftermath, what he calls “the residual effects,” that the rest of us may not remember. “This area was closed to traffic for three or four months after the towers fell,” he says. “And it took a year for people to even realize that they could drive down here or get back in.” It doesn’t take a master’s degree to figure out what that meant for local businesses. Fortunately, says Peter, the New York State and federal governments, the City, the Downtown Alliance and other agencies rose to the occasion in some way, shape or form to try to rejuvenate the area. “And now Ground Zero is coming to life, and Downtown as a whole is the neighborhood people anticipated before 2001: a sevenday-a-week community, an evening-time community, and a lot more fun.” Propelled by the support and positive energy invested in lower Manhattan’s rebirth, Peter and partners Michael Jewell and Danny McDonald started construction

Harry on Stone Street in April 2001

on Ulysses Folk House in 2002. (Greek + Irish, get it?) “Everyone thought we were crazy to do it because of the way Downtown was, but we saw the potential the street had,” Peter says. He means Stone, not Wall, of course. The space, like others on the area’s second most discussed street, was part of the original Harry’s, used for private dining and events, with entry from Pearl Street only, because the other side was a drug alley. Then, Stone Street didn’t have electricity, and every door was locked down with metal gates. “It was a disaster street,” says Peter, while Harry nods in agreement. “This was a revitalization in every sense of the word. Not only did it become a great place for people to go, but the cleanup was extraordinary.” Indeed. And the June 2003 opening of the bar was, as Peter says, one of the first times the entire neighborhood was smiling again—smiling, drinking al fresco and eating until 3:30 a.m. The area known for closing after work was suddenly open late,

“We brought real hours down here, and I think it made a big difference.

be the best neighborhood in the City. Why? Water all around, ten degrees cooler than

It made people believe that it was more of a community, not just a catering to the corporate life.”

anywhere else and small streets outside your door. “You live in Midtown,” he says,

—Peter Poulakakos

like the rest of the City. “We brought real hours down here, and I think it made a big difference,” Peter says. “It made people believe that it was more of a community, not just a catering to the corporate life.” As if to prove that point, both Harry and Peter are residents in what Harry considers to

“and you face six lanes of traffic.” So though they’re roasting Financier’s coffee in Brooklyn, and opening outposts of the patisserie throughout the City, don’t expect to find either Poulakakos anywhere but here. And you just might catch one of them prepping the next generation— currently in baby carriage—to impact the neighborhood in years to come.

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GOOD GIFTING

Holiday items to give (and get) whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a man, woman, kid or canine. By Meredith Mulligan

FOR HER

Clockwise from top left: Booties by Maison Martin Margiela ($775). Edon Manor, 391 Greenwich St.; edonmanor.com. Gold and pearl necklace by Chan Luu ($345). Calypso, 137 W. Broadway; chanluu.com. Cashmere Starlight scarf ($138) and feather clutch ($138) by Ann Taylor. World Financial Center; anntaylor.com. Sunglasses by Vogue Eyewear ($90). Sunglass Hut, South Street Seaport; sunglasshut.com. Leather gloves by Coach ($118). South Street Seaport; coach.com. Gold and silver stone rings ($175 and $190) by Chan Luu. Calypso, 137 W. Broadway; chanluu.com. Metallic ballet flats with rosettes by Gap ($49.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com

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GOOD GIFTING

FOR HIM

Clockwise from top: Wool cap by Gap ($24.50). South Street Seaport, gap.com. Lambswool sweater by Brooks Brothers ($128). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com. Sunglasses by DKNY ($90). Sunglass Hut, South Street Seaport; sunglasshut.com. Wool knit tie by Brooks Brothers ($75). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com. Leather lace-up shoe by Canali ($795). 25 Broad St., canali.it. Sterling silver Padova shoe horn by Tiffany & Co. ($375). 37 Wall St. tiffany.com. Rubber flasks by Hennessy ($45 for a set of four). hennessy.com. Atlas Travel alarm clock in rhodium with leather slide cover by Tiffany & Co. ($425). 37 Wall St.; tiffany.com. Silk tartan scarf by Thomas Pink ($195). 63 Wall St.; thomaspink.com. Merino scarf by Gap ($24.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

GOOD GIFTING

FOR THE KIDS Clockwise from top: Monkey by Jellycat ($38). Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., torlykid.com. Fleece pom pom scarf by Gap ($12.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com. Silver sequined leggings by Angela Frost ($50) and silver glitter Mary Janes by Naturino ($68–$78). Both available at Shoofly, 42 Hudson St., shooflynyc.com. Multicolored joker shoes by Pom D’api ($49). Capucine Kids, 20 Harrison St.; capucinekids.com. The Mirror T by Lunchbox ($29). Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., torlykid.com. Boy’s fleece scarf by Brooks Brothers ($44.50). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com

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GOOD GIFTING

FOR THE DOG Clockwise from top: I Love New York t-shirt by Pet Royalty ($22); custom collar by Ken Bradley ($65); Kosher dog toy by Copa Judica ($8). All available at The Salty Paw, 38 Peck Slip; thesaltypaw.com. Salmon Paws ($15). Spot, 21 Murray St.; spotdogsrule.com. Statue of Liberty squeaky toy by Jet Set Pets ($12); Bowser Beer by 3 Busy Dogs ($4 per bottle). Both available at The Salty Paw, 38 Peck Slip; thesaltypaw.com. Fundle bag ($165). Spot, 21 Murray St.; spotdogsrule.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

FASHION & STYLE | DRESS CODE

GLAMOUR GIRL Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re attending a holiday party or jetting to an island getaway, mixing the right accessories will keep you effortlessly chic. By Meredith Mulligan

Jaguar print pencil skirt by Ann Taylor ($118). South Street Seaport; anntaylor.com PHOTO BY PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTYIMAGES.COM (CHANEL)

Galaxy clutch in satin with crystals and drop-in chain by Tiffany & Co. ($1,295 each) 37 Wall St.; tiffany.com

Isabel Marant F/W 2010

URBAN HOLIDAY

Channel your inner exhibitionist by opting for flirty cocktail dresses, animalist pencil skirts and show-stopping accessories.

Leather gloves by Tiffany & Co. ($225-$295). 37 Wall St.; tiffany.com

Sparkle strapless dress by Rebecca Taylor ($495). Otte, 121 Greenwich Avenue; otteny.com

Open weave fedora by Hat Attack ($95). Calypso St. Barth, 137 W. Broadway; calypso-celle.com

Blockprint tunic by Calypso St. Barth ($195). 137 W. Broadway; calypso-celle.com

Clear blue sunglasses by D&G. Sunglass Hut ($135), World Financial Center; sunglasshut.com

Open toe heel by Vanessa Bruno ($680). Steven Alan Annex, 103 Franklin St.; stevenalan.com

Chanel Resort 2011

FANTASY ISLAND

Take a cue from the Chanel Resort 2011 runway show in St. Tropez with ethereal prints, tribal-influenced heels and piles of dazzling jewels.

Metro bangles in 18 karat white and rose gold with sapphires, tsavorite and amethyst, all by Tiffany & Co. ($3,900 each). 37 Wall Street; tiffany.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

FASHION & STYLE | DRESS CODE

A MAN’S WORLD Winter finds for fashionable gents By Meredith Mulligan

Wool multicheck hat by Issey Miyake ($275), 119 Hudson Street; tribecaisseymiyake.com

GOOD GROOMING Gray cashmere sweater ($169), red flannel shawl collar sweater ($98.50), red flannel and double layer check button down shirts ($84.50 each), all by Banana Republic. Southstreet Seaport; bananarepublic.com

Gold sunglasses by Ray Ban ($145). World Financial Center; sunglasshut.com

Ties by Banana Republic ($59 each). World Financial Center; bananarepublic.com

Cufflinks by Tiffany & Co. Brooks Brothers FW 10/11

OLD SOULS, NEW CLASSICS

Bring a modern twist to the art of masculine dressing by pairing a simple pair of slacks with tweeds, herringbones and a perfectly tailored shirt.

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($400). 37 Wall St., tiffany.com

Tips to keep your look cool and collected By Betsey Mclain John Allan’s, one of Wall Street’s most storied grooming tenures, opened its Downtown location 22 years ago and has been offering their signature Full Service Treatment— a scalp massaging shampoo, conditioning treatment, hot towel, haircut, manicure, shoe shine and beverage—ever since. Beyond the Full Service, guests can choose from a facial, massage or a simple haircut, plus extras like a billiards lounge, clubroom and Allans’ own line of products. The Downtown John Allan’s hosts a weekly Wednesday night music night, with drinks and live music, and during football season a tailgating party every Monday replete with beer and food from Suspenders. Tied to your desk all week? Allans’ TriBeCa location houses the same amenities—and a clothing line—but with Saturday hours. 95 Trinity Place; 418 Washington St.; johnallans.com For at-home grooming, Anthony Logistics For Men’s Algae Facial Cleanser ($35) purifies and moisturizes the skin—the perfect combo for pre-shave prep. The brand’s holiday collection includes an oversized body cleansing gel in eucalyptus mint that ($35) gives a bracingly fresh wake up call. Sephora, 150 Broadway; sephora.com

Is it any surprise that the season’s top trends are right here in our backyard? By Susan Waits

Stella

FASHION & STYLE | SHOPPING NEWS

STREET NEWS

Edon Manor

THE PLAID WHISPERER Like it or not, work wear-inspired gear has made quite a comeback in the past few years. Luckily, you don’t have to look like a lumberjack to partake in the trend. Downtown designer Steven Alan has teamed up with Dockers for a capsule collection of khaki-based pieces. The updated assortment of shirts, pants, blazers and ties is masculine and modern, but most of all, subtle. 103 Franklin St.; stevenalan.com; dockers.com

to head to Midtown and fight the seasonal crowds. With more than 600 retailers and 400 restaurants south of Chambers Street, there’s practically no need to leave your neighborhood for sparkly goods, and our friends at the Downtown Alliance have made the process even easier with their annual Holiday Retail Campaign. Detailed shopping itineraries take the guesswork out of running all over town, and each is designed with a lunch TREND SPOTTING IN TRIBECA Resident fashionista Davinia Wang knows her way around a bootie. Her hour timeframe in mind. For a complete list of shopping itineraries, visit renowned accessories outpost, Edon Manor, may look like an English downtownny.com. countryside library, but instead her shelves are stocked with rock star looks from the likes of Joseph Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Givenchy and DIVINE DESIGNS Dries Van Noten. The Notting Hill, London, transplant specifically chose Nine-year-old design store Stella is a haven for those who want only the TriBeCa because it reminded her of home: “Each building is so different, best for their abodes. The store sells high-quality textiles from around the and many of the streets are cobbled, which I love,” she said. “The overall world, from table linens and bedding to fragrances and accessories for tranquility of the neighborhood gives people a sense of privacy that I think baby. Their newest offering is a collection of luxurious bedding developed is hard to find in New York City.” Hip, charming and a regular at Smith and by shop owner, Mischelle Arcus, and made by local female artisans in VietWells—we had to get Wang’s scoop on the best pieces for fall. However, if nam. “I wanted to produce something unique that incorporated all of my she could wear only one piece from her store, she says, “It would have to favorite elements—like hand-embroidered sheets, linen and crisp percale,” be the Maison Martin Margiela beige shearling boot.” 391 Greenwich St.; says Arcus. The elegant bedding comes in white with three classic color choices on the Italian percale border (deep purple/charcoal, white and edonmanor.com cocoa) and is delivered in a beautiful hand-embroidered bag. 138 West Broadway, 212-233-9610; stellastore.com POWER GIFTING Let’s face it, holiday shopping can be a big hassle, especially if you have

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

FASHION & STYLE | BEAUTY BUZZ

BEST FACE FORWARD

Keep yourself aglow with a bevy of products and spa treatments. By Betsey Mclain

THE LOCALS Two hotel spas up the ante with intimate spaces and luxe treatments.

Dolce & Gabbana FW 10/11

MERRY AND BRIGHT

The straightforward elegance of a striking red lip and pared down eye is a must-add to your winter party garb. Achieve the look by keeping your eye makeup simple—just a hint of a natural shadow and black mascara—so the focus is your stunning pout.

Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Rouge Creme Lipstick in Raven ($30) is highly pigmented, and creates the perfect red lip.

Givenchy Le Prisme Collector Sparkling Powder ($60) adds a touch of sparkle to the face and decollete.

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The pool at Shibui Spa

THE GREENWICH HOTEL With a 250-year-old wood and bamboo farmhouse imported directly from Japan as its calling card, the hotel’s Shibui Spa imparts a relaxed, old-world vibe to the city. A sense of balance and calm continues throughout the four treatment rooms—a Shiatsu room, a traditional Japanese bathing room, a wet room for wraps and scrubs and a treatment room for massages and facials. On their freshly retooled menu, the Bamboo Glow combines a bamboo and gingergrass body scrub with a sea algae wash, a hinoki mineral bath and an hourlong massage, while the Elemental WellBeing focuses on the five elements along with Chinese and Japanese medicine with a private mineral soak in Japanese ofuru tub, scrub and an hour-long, customized massage. 377 Greenwich Street, 212-9418900; thegreenwichhotel.com

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Acclaimed plastic and reconstructive surgeon (and Downtown resident) Dr. Donald Roland answers our burning questions. What are some of the most common issues you see in New York patients? The biggest challenge lies in the change of seasons, from freezing snow and wind in February to lying on the beach in 80-plus degree weather four months later. Good skin care in New York centers around changing products with the seasons—one regimen is just not effective throughout the whole year. What is the most common question you get from patients? Will this surgery last forever? Making good on your promise to eat better and work out more can help your plastic surgery results look better longer. However, plastic surgery only turns back the clock; it doesn’t stop it. Gravity, sun exposure and smoking continue to age us. Are there home remedies that can keep us out of the doctor’s office? For puffiness under the eyes, place cool compresses in the morning when sitting or standing. Our bodies are bags of water, which seeks its own level during the night. By morning water has accumulated around our eyes. To hide cellulite temporarily, have a body wrap one day before a big event. Also, sun avoidance, a healthy diet, exercise and drinking a whole lot of water are essential. What is the biggest misconception people have about plastic surgeons? That plastic surgeons want to overdo everything. Laypeople usually recognize cosmetic patients only when a surgery is overdone or done poorly, and they equate this to “plastic surgery.” 80 Wall St., 212-744-9400; donaldrolandmd.com

PHOTO BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON (ROLAND); GREG KESSLER/FIRSTVIEW.COM (DOLCE)

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40) imparts a soft focus, so you’ll look flawless in every party picture.

THE ANDAZ WALL STREET The Andaz spa’s intimate setting belies its two spacious treatment rooms, one a full suite with a shower for post-wrap and -scrub rinses. Treatments are classified into two groups: The Shares are fast-tracked facials or massages (like the Oxygen Boost, $35), starting at 15-minute increments, and Stocks are the real deal 60- or 90-minute facials or massages, including their signature face and body treatment ($165) or customized options. Also available are no-soak manicures and pedicures using hot towels and gorgeous RGB polishes, makeup touch-ups using Christopher Drummond’s line and a new offering— eyelash extensions with free touch-ups for first-timers. 75 Wall Street, 212-590-1234; spa.wallstreet@andaz.com

FASHION & STYLE | FITNESS

WINTER SHApe-Up

Your workout regimen doesn’t have to suffer when the mercury drops. By Camille Hunt

ON THE RUN According to Urban Athletics’ seasoned running instructors, you can enjoy outdoor running in almost any weather, as long as you have the right gear. And the store sells some of the most high-tech running apparel around, including Sugoi’s Firewall 220 zip jacket and XT gloves, which are windproof and thermal, and their MidZero Zap tight, also wind- and water-resistant and reflective for safety. In addition to selling all the must-have equipment, Urban Athletics offers individual and group running programs year round. Their certified coaches customize programs to the needs of beginning through advanced runners and have a new program starting in January—just in time for your New Year’s resolutions. 2 World Financial Center; urbanathleticsnyc.com

SoulCycle

SPINNERS’ DELIGHT SoulCycle, the citywide cycling studios that have celebrities and socialites alike going spin crazy, has expanded its schedule with three six-week training programs that will keep your bod in optimum condition. SoulCycle HIIT (high-intensity interval training) includes indoor cycling, strength training and calisthenics; Soul Challenge is a unique program including plyometric exercises and designed for weight loss, core strengthening and overall muscle tone; and SoulCycle Body features cardio, weights and resistance bands. All three workouts are done on-and-off the bike for a full-body workout and maximum results. 103 Warren St., 212-406-1300; soul-cycle.com SWIM FANS The Community Center at Stuyvesant High School is a beloved Downtown institution offering recreation, classes and events for people of all ages and, happily, gives residents the opportunity to swim in an Olympic-sized pool year round. Swim classes are offered for toddlers through adults, as are water aerobics, stroke mechanics and even yoga and Zumba (through December 29th). Facilities are open on evenings and weekends while school is in session—perfect for getting a few laps in after a long day at the office. 345 Chambers St., 212-267-9700, ext. 370; 646-210-4292; communitycenteratstuyvesanthighschool.org

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CORE VALUES Situated in the heart of TriBeCa, Real Pilates is a top-of-the-line studio offering everything from individual and group classes using suspension training systems to a 10-week intro program including comprehensive nutrition evaluation to pre-natal pilates and workouts for men. Owner and fitness guru Alycea Ungaro and her instructors are committed to customizing your workout for rapid results. 177 Duane St., 212-625-0777; realpilatesnyc.com

HEALINg POwErS A lesson in integrative medicine with Dr. Alex Kulick

Why are some people still ambivalent about holistic/integrative medicine? People believe that integrative/holistic and traditional medicine are non-aligned and mutually exclusive. In fact the whole point of integrative medicine is to incorporate the best of many medical traditions to maximize the ability to understand and treat one’s patients. Integrative medical doctors are as much or more up to date as traditional medical doctors. What are some of the medical ailments that benefit most from integrative medicine? All medical ailments that are chronic in nature can benefit—chronic gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, fatigue, etc. But integrative medicine isn’t just about treating illness; it is a way to maximize one’s health. What are the benefits of integrative medicine to athletes? It provides many approaches to help athletes maximize their efforts through guidance, diet, vitamins and, at times, hormone supplementation. It also utilizes a variety of tools, ranging from acupuncture and mesotherapy to herbal remedies incorporated from a number of medical traditions, to accelerate the healing of an injured athlete. What are some of the most common ailments you hear from New Yorkers? Stress, fatigue and insomnia seem ubiquitous in New York, though I can’t imagine why.

Real Pilates

369 Lexington Ave., 212-799-2944; dralexanderkulick.com

Can: challenge• change cure YouYou Can: challenge • change••cure

HALF MARATHON TRAINING PROGRAM Train this winter for a destination race in Virginia or Hawaii! For over 40 years, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has paved the way toward finding a cure for these chronic digestive diseases. Team Challenge, our Half Marathon Training Program, raises the critical funds needed to make Crohn’s and colitis history. Novice or advanced runners or walkers will put their abilities to the test! Make new friends and race in the hillside vineyards of Virginia Wine Country or the scenic beaches of Kona, Hawaii while helping the 1.4 million Americans living with these diseases.

Join Team NYC Today: Visit ccteamchallenge.org or call 212-679-1570. Team Challenge: Benefiting Crohn’s & Colitis Research

FASHION & STYLE | GADGETS

PORTABLE POWER The must-have electronics for those on the go.

Strength. Confidence. Integrity.

The Amazon Kindle 3 ($189) is the perfect way to read books, newspapers and magazines anywhere, anytime. Best Buy, One Union Square S., 212-4464789; amazon.com

The Mini Cooper Countryman is the newest offering from the BMW-owned car company. This small SUV has four doors and is 16 inches longer than the original Mini, so fans of this iconic car no longer have to choose between comfort and style. BMW of Manhattan, 67 Wall St., 646-291-6667; miniusa.com

John

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broker-dealer of stocks, bonds, alternative investments and Enjoy your favorite games on the Alienware M11x (starting at $799),

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To learn more about how John Thomas Financial can help you, call us at 212-299-7800 or visit www.JohnThomasBD.com

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14 WALL STREET, 23RD FLOOR • NEW YORK, NY • 10005 Member FINRA/SIPC/NASDAQ

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ON THE TOWN | HOT SPOT

Waves MAKING

The W New York Downtown is a testament to technical innovation and whimsical design DESPITE THE EXTREME HEAT, the Financial District basked in the stylish cool blown in when the W New York - Downtown Hotel and Residences opened in August. The spectacular 450-room property brings together modern design and stylish amenities to raise the bar of sophistication to new heights. Berlin-based Graft Studio designed the W’s stunning interiors, with the idea that

the hotel would bring a wave of positive energy to the neighborhood. This creative swell can be seen throughout the hotel’s 58 floors, starting with the showering light installation reaching from the second-floor ceiling down to the street lobby, and continuing into the Living Room Bar and Terrace (pictured). The latter boasts a wraparound outdoor terrace, floor-to-ceiling

windows and plush leather sofas and ottomans. But the most impressive feature in the space is the incredible Lamella installation on the ceiling—a billowing curtain covering thousands of linear feet of LED lighting, it creates a visually stunning ripple effect, turning cocktails and snacks into an event. 123 Washington St., 646-826-8600; starwoodhotels.com—Camille Hunt W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

ON THE TOWN | KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

A private table inside the wine gallery at SHO

ON WITH THE

Sho

Shaun Hergatt shows off his culinary mastery at the Setai. By Vivian Lee

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PHOTOS BY SHIRAN NICHOLSON (HERGATT; TABLE)

WITH CASUAL BURGER-AND-BEER JOINTS and gastro pubs popping up all over town, it’s nice to know the City retains at least a few establishments practicing the art of haute cuisine. One of the newest of that breed is SHO Shaun Hergatt, a 150-seat stunner on the second floor of The Setai, New York, which executive chef and owner Hergatt says is designed to “transport people into a different mindset.” Transport, indeed. The extravagant space features deep red walls, slatted wood, a sparkling glass wine display, two candle-lit infiniti pools, luxurious leather couches and linens and beautifully plated Asian-accented French fare served out of an immaculate, glass-framed open kitchen. Hergatt, a native Australian who was influenced by the home cooking of his American father—a former chef—and his Scandinavian grandmother, is behind the restaurant’s design and cuisine. The acclaimed chef had stints at several Ritz-Carlton restaurants, was chef de cuisine at New York’s Atelier and later executive chef at The Setai, Miami Beach before branching out on his own. At SHO, which recently received a Michelin star and Best New Restaurant nods from both New York magazine and Esquire, Hergatt serves up cuisine that’s an extension of his 20 years of experience—classic techniques, complex flavors and exotic ingredients that meld into dishes that are pleasing to the eye and the palate. A fall menu includes such delicacies as butternut squash ravioli with chestnut purée, slow-cooked halibut with fingerling almond pavé, barbecued pork belly with scallion purée and prawn-filled shiitake and braised veal collar with black eyed peas and a wine reduction. We sat down with Hergatt (now a Downtown resident) to discuss comfort food, family and bringing simplicity to fine dining.

Chef Shaun Hergatt

When did you realize you were going to be a chef? My father was a chef for a while, so I was in the kitchen from the age of five. In high school I was working at a hotel, and they asked me if I wanted to apprentice [in the kitchen], and they kept hounding me. Finally I tried it and was naturally good at it. If something is built into you, you have to follow it. What was the vision behind SHO’s menu? The concept, menu and design are a compilation of my experience over the past 20 years. It was spawned by the concept of classic French cuisine with Asian influences and was also driven by my personality and what I’ve seen around the world and, of course, my cooking. I think good restaurants are driven by personalities. SHO is very much who I am and what I like to cook. What impression did you want the design to make on your guests? We want it to feel like a place where people can forget about all their stress and come in and get fine food and fine wine. I love fine dining, but we wanted to do it simply. SHO bridges the gap between fine dining and a pretentious restaurant. And it’s about value for menu as well. Our prices are 20 percent lower than any of the four-star restaurants in the city.

“We want it to feel like a place where people can forget about all their stress and come in and get fine food and wine. SHO bridges the gap between fine dining and a pretentious restaurant.” menu. As we see a new ingredient, we evolve the menu. Fall is good for mushrooms and foie gras, for example. People eat more heavily in the fall and winter, and I love heavy food; it’s much more comforting. You’ve never attended formal cooking school. Do you think that helped or hurt you? In Australia you do a four-year apprenticeship, which is in more of a European style. The difference with that and, say, attending the French Culinary Institute, is the life experiences you gain. You see a lot more of how it is to cook in the kitchen when you apprentice. They beat you up a bit to see if you can cook. I’m not discrediting school, but it’s always interesting when kids want to be sous chefs after one year of school. It takes a long time. You have to have a very strong foundation to be a good chef.

ON THE TOWN | KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

DOWNTOWN: Tell us about the kind of cuisine you experienced while growing up in Australia. SHAUN HERGATT: It was a very multicultural melting pot. Australia is close to Southeast Asia, so there are immigrants from Thailand, China and India. There are also a lot of Europeans, from Italian to Greek. I grew up eating my grandmother’s traditional Scandinavian cuisine. There were a lot of people around the table growing up, and we all sat and had dinner together. It was very rustic and home-driven.

You opened the restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach. Why come back to New York? Before Miami, I was chef de cuisine at Atelier, and I was always trying to do my own thing. I purposely went to Miami to open The Setai and make a success of it. It was a good test round for me. I was always going to come back to New York, so it was a strategy. New York is where you want to cook and compete. Look at all the four-star restaurants around the city.

From left: 24 Carrots Farm Rabbit Loin with carrots, cardamom and picholine olive sauce; Colorado lamb with fermented garlic and riberry jus; Citrus Palette with milk chocolate ganache and passion fruit ice cream

Why open in the Financial District? The developers wanted a world-class restaurant, and there were a lot of signs that we could do it and succeed—Hermès had just opened, and there was a lot of growth going on down here. Right as we opened the recession hit, so we revised the pricing structure and had to deal with the fact that we were quiet in the beginning, but we pushed through. The first real reaction was when we got the Michelin Star and were voted [one of the] Best New Restaurants by Esquire. Today we’re successful because we are in touch with the locals. People are coming from all around Manhattan to visit us. What menu items are you particularly excited about? Our menu is very seasonally driven, and you can see that on the fall

You have people, clients and other chefs pushing you, and you have to keep proving yourself. Describe the perfect meal at SHO. What are you eating and drinking? I’d start with the Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon—it’s very artistic and clean and in season with apples. I’m a bit of a lamb guy, so for the main course I would do the Colorado lamb, which is crusted with Korean black garlic. As a dessert, I think the pecan and butternut squash ice cream. I don’t like really expensive wines; I prefer boutique wineries. And I’m much more into white wines than reds, especially when it comes into fall season. A lot of foods go very well with a great Gewürztraminer. 40 Broad St., 2nd level, 212-809-3993; shoshaunhergatt.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

Locanda Verde

Brasserie Les Halles, French, 15 John St., FiDi, (212) 285-8585; leshalles.net Bread Tribeca, Italian, 301 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-0200; breadtribeca.com Bridge Café, American, 279 Water St., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-3344; bridgecafenyc.com Bridgewaters, American, Catering, 11 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 608-7400; theglaziergroup.com BLT Bar & Grill, 123 Washington (Inside W New York – Downtown), FiDi, (646) 826-8666 bltbarandgrill.com Bubby’s, American, 120 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0666; bubbys.com

‘beca, New American, 130 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-4600; duanestreethotel.com 2 West, American, 2 West Street, Battery Park City, (Inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel), (917) 790-2525; ritzcarlton.com Acapella, Northern Italian, 1 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 240-0163; acappella-restaurant.com

Burger Burger, American, 77 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 269-9100; burgerburgerny.com Burger Shoppe, American, 30 Water St., FiDi, (212) 425-1000; burgershoppenyc.com

Crêpes du Nord, French-Scandinavian Fusion, 17 S. William St., FiDi, (212) 422-9500; crepesdunord.com Delmonico’s, Steakhouse, 55 Beaver St., FiDi, (212) 509-1144; delmonicosny.com Devon & Blakely, Casual, 3 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 240-7450; devonblakelywfc.com Donald Sacks, American, 220 Vesey St., Battery Park City, (212) 619-4600; donaldsacks.com Duane Park, American, Southern, 157 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 732-5555; duaneparknyc.com Dylan Prime, Steakhouse, 62 Laight St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-4783; dylanprime.com Ecco!, Italian, 124 Chambers St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-7074; eccorestaurantny.com

Café Sage, Thai, 108 John St., FiDi, (212) 925-7440 Capri Café, Italian, 265 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 513-1358

Adrienne’s Pizza Bar, Italian, 54 Stone St., FiDi, (212) 248-3838; adriennespizzabar.com

Capsouto Frères, French, Bistro, 451 Washington St., TriBeCa, (212) 966-4900; capsoutofreres.com

Alfanoose, Middle Eastern, 8 Maiden Ln., FiDi, (212) 528-2669; alfanoose.com

Carl’s Steaks, Sandwiches, 79 Chambers St., TriBeCa; carlsteaks.com

Ancora, Italian, 11 Stone St., FiDi (212) 480-3880; ancoraristorante.com

Centrico, Mexican, 211 W. Broadway, (212) 431-0700; myriadrestaurantgroup.com

Au Mandarin Restaurant, Chinese, Battery Park City, 200-250 Vesey St., (212) 385-0313; aumandarin.com

Cercle Rouge, French Bistro, 241 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 226-2652; cerclerougeresto.com

Barbarini Alimentari, Italian, 225 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-8890; barbarinimercato.com

Charlys, American, 110 Trinity Pl., FiDi, (212) 566-0003; charleysonline.com

Edward’s, American, Bistro, 136 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 233-6436; edwardsnyc.com

Chrrascaria, Brazilian, 221 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 925-6969; churrascariatribeca.com

Estancia 460, Latin American, 460 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 431-5093; estancia460.wordpress.com

Cipriani Wall St., Italian, 55 Wall St., FiDi, (212) 699-4096; cipriani.com

Farinella, Italian, 90 Worth St., TriBeCa, (212) 608-3222; farinellabakery.com

Beach Street Eatery, Deli, 57 Beach St., TriBeCa, (718) 440-4636

City Hall Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, 131 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-7777; cityhallnewyork.com

Filli Ponte, Italian, 39 Desbrosses St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-4621; filliponte.com

Blaue Gans, German/Austrian, 139 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-8880; kg-ny.com

Columbine, Deli, 229 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 965-0909; columbine229.com

The Bigger Place, Mexican, 61 Warren St., TriBeCa, (212) 528-3175; orderthebiggerplace.com

Corton, French, 239 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 219-2777; cortonnyc.com

Bouley, French, 163 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-2525; davidbouley.com

The Country Kebab, Turkish, 76 Fulton St., FiDi, (212) 349-4290; countrykebab.com

Battery Gardens, American, 17 State Street, FiDi, (212) 809-5508; batterygardens.com Battery Park City Gourmet Market, Deli, 450 North End Avenue, Battery Park City, (212) 233-9333

ON THE TOWN | DINING GUIDE

DINER’S DIGEST

BLT Bar & Grill

Fino Wall Street, Italian, 1 Wall Street Ct., FiDi, (212) 825-1924; finony.com Flor de Sol, Tapas, 361 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 366-1640; flordesolnyc.com Fresco by Scotto On The Go, Italian, Café, 114 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 635-5000; frescobyscotto.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

ON THE TOWN | DINING GUIDE

DINER’S DIGEST Gate House, American, 301 South End Ave, Battery Park City, (212) 488-8444; gatehouserestaurantny.com

Inatteso Pizzabar Casano, Pizzeria, 28 West St., TriBeCa, (212) 212-267-8000; inattesopizzabar.com

George’s, American, Diner, 89 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 269-8026 ; georges-ny.com

Industria Argentina, Argentinean, 329 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-8560; iatribeca.com

Gigino, Italian, 323 Greenwich Street, TriBeCa, (212) 431-1112; gigino-trattoria.com Gigino at Wagner Park, Italian, 20 Battery Pl., Battery Park City, (212) 528-2228; gigino-wagnerpark.com Godiva Chocolatier, Chocolate, Pier 17, Zone C, 1st Fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 571-6965; godiva.com Greenwich Grill, Japanese-Italian Fusion, 428 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 274-0428; greenwichgrill.com

Ise Japanese Restaurant, Japanese, 56 Pine St., FiDi, (212) 785-7660; iserestaurant.com Ivy’s Bistro, American, Italian, 385 Greenwich, TriBeCa, (212) 343-1139; ivysbistro.com Izzy & Nat’s, American, 311 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 619-5100; izzyandnats.com

The Libertine, Contemporary Pub, 15 Gold St., FiDi, (212) 785-5950; thelibertinerestaurant.com Liberty View, Chinese, 21 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 786-1888; libertyviewrestaurant.com

Greenwich Street Tavern, Sandwiches, 399 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-7827; greenwichstreettavernnyc.com

Locanda Verde, Italian, 377 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 925-3797; locandaverdenyc.com

The Grill Room, Seafood, 225 Liberty St., 2 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945- 9400; arkrestaurants.com/grill_room

Macao Trading Co., Asian Fusion, 311 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 431-8750; macaonyc.com

Harbour Lights, American, Contemporary & Seafood, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-2800; harbourlightsrestaurant.com

Marc Forgione, New American, 134 Reade St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-9401; marcforgione.com

The Harrison, New American, 355 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 274.9310; theharrison.com Harry’s Café and Steak, American, Steakhouse, 1 Hanover Sq., FiDi, (212) 785-9200; harrysnyc.com Haru, Sushi, 1 Wall St. Court, FiDi, (212) 785-6850; harusushi.com Heartland Brewery, American Barbeque, Pier 17, Zone D, 1st Fl., South Street Seaport, (646) 572-2337; heartlandbrewery.com House of Crepes, French, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd Fl., South Street Seaport, (917) 421-2027 Il Brigante, Italian, Trattoria, 214 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 285-0222; ilbrigantenyc.com Il Giglio, Italian, 81 Warren St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-5555; ilgigliorestaurant.com Il Matto, Italian, Molecular Gastronomy, 281 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-1607; ilmattonyc.com Il Mattone, Italian, Trattoria, 413 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 343-0030; ilmattonenyc.com

The Odeon

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

P.J. Clarke’s

Jerry’s Café, American, Diner, 90 Chambers St., TriBeCa, (212) 608-1700; jerryscafenyc.com J.P. Mustard, Deli, 22 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 785-0612 Kaijou, Japanese, 21 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 786-9888, (212) 786-9878; kaijounewyork.com Kitchenette, American, 156 Chambers Street, TriBeCa, (212) 267-6740; kitchenetterestaurant.com Kori, Korean, 253 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-0908; korinyc.com La Colombe Torrefaction, Coffeehouse, 319 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 343-1515; lacolombe.com Landmarc, New American, Bistro, 179 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 343-3883; landmarc-restaurant.com Le Pain Quotidien, Bakery, 2 River Terrace, Battery Park City, (212) 227-2300; lepainquotidien.com/us/

Mark Joseph Steakhouse, American, 261 Water St., South Street Seaport, (212) 277-0200; markjosephsteakhouse.com Matsugen, Japanese, 241 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 925-0202; jean-georges.com Max, Italian,181 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 966-5939; max-nyc.com Meade’s Bar, Contemporary Pub, 22 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, (212) 227-4087; meadesbar.com Megu, Japanese, 62 Thomas St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-7777; megurestaurants.com Mehtaphor, Southeast Asian, Eclectic/ Global, Indian,130 Duane Street, TriBeCa, (212) 542-9440; mehtaphornyc.com Mr. Chow Tribeca, Chinese, 121 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-9500; mrchow.com Nam, Vietnamese, 110 Reade St # 1, TriBeCa, (212) 267-3777; namnyc.com Nelson Blue, New Zealand, Bar & Grill, 233-235 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 346-9090; nelsonblue.com Ninja New York, Japanese, 25 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 274-8500; ninjanewyork.com

Nobu, Japanese, 105 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0500; noburestaurants.com/new-york

Sazón, Puerto Rican, 105 Reade St., TriBeCa, (212) 406-1900; sazonnyc.com

Terroir Tribeca, Wine Bar, 24 Harrison St., TriBeCa, (212) 625-9463; wineisterroir.com

Nobu Next Door, Japanese, 105 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0500; noburestaurants.com/new-york

Scalini Fedeli, Italian, 165 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 528-0400; scalinifedeli.com

Thalassa, Greek, 179 Franklin St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-7661; thalassanyc.com

Sequoia, American and Seafood, Pier 17, Zone A, 1st and 2nd fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 732-9090; arkrestaurants.com/sequoia

Trattoria Cinque, Italian, 363 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-0555; trattoriacinquenyc.com

The Odeon, American, 145 West Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 233-0507; theodeonrestaurant.com O’Hara’s, Pub, 120 Cedar St., TriBeCa, (212) 267-3032 Pacific Grill, Pan-Asian Seafood, 89 South St., South Street Seaport, (212) 964-0707; pacificgrillnyc.com Pécan, Café, 130 Franklin St., TriBeCa, (646) 613-8296 Peace & Love, American and Seafood, 378 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 349-8500; peacelovenyc.com Pepolino, Tuscan, 281 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 966-9983; pepolino.com Picasso Pizza, Pizzeria, 303 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 321-2616; picassopizzany.com P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson, Casual, 4 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 285-1500; pjclarkes.com Plein Sud, French, 85 West Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 204-5555; pleinsudnyc.com RBC NYC, Coffeehouse, 71 Worth St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-1111; rbcnyc.com Red, Mexican, 19 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 571-5900; redrestaurantnyc.com Roc, Italian, 190-A Duane St., Main, TriBeCa, (212) 625-3333, Delivery (212) 925-1100; rocrestaurant.com Rosanjin, Japanese, 141 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 346-7807; rosanjintribeca.com Ruchi, Indian, 120 Cedar St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-8454, (212) 227-8455; ruchinyc.com Salaam Bombay, Indian, 319 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-9400; salaambombay.com Salud! Restaurant & Bar, Latin and South American, 142 Beekman St., South Street Seaport, (212) 566-2220; saludrestaurant.net

SHO Shaun Hergatt, French-Asian Fusion, 40 Broad St, 2nd Floor, FiDi, (212) 809-3993; shoshaunhergatt.com Simply Seafood, Seafood Market, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd Fl., South Street Seaport, (201) 819-0484

Tribeca Grill, New American, 375 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-3900; myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tribecagrill Ulysses Folk House, Pub, 95 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 482-0400; ulyssesfolkhouse.com Wall & Water, American, 75 Wall St., FiDi, (212) 699-1700; wallandwater.com

Smith & Mills, American Traditional, 71 N. Moore St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-2515; smithandmills.com

Waterstone Grill, American, Seafood, 79 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 943-1602; waterstonegrill.com

Souths, American Pub, 273 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0640; southsnyc.com

Yushi, Japanese, 250 Vesey St., 4 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945-3096; yushi.com

Southwest Grill, Southwestern, 225 Liberty St., 2 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945-0528; southwestny.com

Zaitzeff, American, Burgers, 72 Nassau St., FiDi, (212) 571-7272; zaitzeffnyc.com

Steamer’s Landing, Continental, 375 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 432-1451; steamerslanding.com Stella Manhattan Bistro, American, Bar, 213 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 233-2417; stellanyc.com

ON THE TOWN | DINING GUIDE

DINER’S DIGEST

Zeytuna, Sandwiches, Sushi, 59 Maiden Ln, FiDi, (212) 742-2436; zeytuna.com Zigolini’s, New American, Bar, 66 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 425-3127; zigolinis.com

Stone Street Tavern, American, Pub, 52 Stone St., FiDi, (212) 785-5658; stonestreettavernnyc.com Stuzzicheria, Italian, 305 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-4037; stuzzicherianyc.com Sushi Azabu, Japenese, 428 Greenwich St., Basement, TriBeCa, (212) 274-0428; greenwichgrill.com Suteishi, Sushi, 24 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, (212) 766-2344; suteishi.com Takahachi, Japanese, 145 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-1830; takahachi.net Tamarind Tribeca, Indian, 99 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 775-9000; tamarinde22.com Tataki, Sushi, 3 Lispenard St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-0975; tatakisushibar.com

Megu

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

RAISING THE BAR

These special edition, artfully designed bottles are perfect for gift giving or special occasions. By Camille Hunt

After a long career as a financial executive in the cosmetics industry, Seth Datz decided it was time for a change. So he quit his job, began studying wine and joined Downtown Cellars (formerly The Greene Grape) in 2006. Here, the corporate businessman-turned-wine aficionado tells us which vinos pair best with a holiday meal. Fish: For a lighter white fish I’d go with a Marlborough, New Zealand-style sauvignon blanc, like the Virginie Taunt Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($16.50). The wine has nice citrus and grassy flavors, which won’t overwhelm the fish. For a heavier fish like salmon, a California pinot noir is always nice—the inherent red fruitiness matches well with the fattiness of the fish, but it has enough structure to cut through it. Try the Fleur Pinot Noir 2008 ($19.75).

WITH YOUR APPETIZERS… What’s more festive than sparkling wine? It matches well with all light foods. I recommend Henri Goutorbe NV Champagne ($43.00) if you have money to spend, or the fine Gruet Brut Rose ($18.00), a dry sparkling wine produced in New Mexico by a French champagne family. If you happen to be serving a cheese, olive and meat tray, I suggest something from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, which produces some fantastic cheeses and meats. You can’t go wrong with the Bassi Luigi Pignoletto Reno 2009 ($17.50) or the Terre Nerre Lambrusco ($16.50), a slightly sparkling dry red wine that goes very well with salty meats. WITH YOUR ENTRÉES… Ham: I love an off-dry Riesling with ham. Its hint of sweetness along with its acidity make it a natural to offset the richness of ham. SchäferFröhlich Medium Dry 2008 ($21.50) from the Nahe region of Germany would be perfect. Turkey: For a classic pairing, go with a California Zinfandel like the Storia Zinfandel 2006 ($28) or the organic Sobon Zinfandel Hillside 2008 ($12). If you want to be cool and different, a juicy Beaujolais is surely the way to go, especially from the fantastic 2009 vintage. The Chateau d’Emeringes Beaujolais-Villages Vielles Vignes 2009 ($17), a Cru Beaujolais like the Granger Moulin a Vent 2006 ($19.75) or a gamay from the Loire Valley will earn you kudos from wine geeks.

Roast Beef or Steak: Roast beef and steak show almost any big red wine to advantage. The protein in the meat devours the tannins in the wine, while the meatiness stands up well against a fruit-forward, oaky wine. For something a little different, try Keith Tulloch’s Per Diem Quantum Red 2006 ($19.25) from Australia.

BEEFEATER WINTER EDITION Cinnamon, nutmeg, pine shoots and extra Seville orange make Beefeater Winter Edition gin spicier and warmer than the original libation. The limited edition bottle is dressed in cool colors and comes in a stylish gift box.

ON THE TOWN | WINE & SPIRITS

PERFECT PAIRINGS

ABSOLUT GLIMMER Iconic Swedish vodka brand Absolut has long been known for its creative bottles and ad campaigns, and their holiday offering doesn’t disappoint. Absolut Glimmer comes in a glamorous crystal-like bottle that will light up anyone’s at-home bar. BELVEDERE VODKA SILVER LIMITED EDITION Belvedere produced only 46,000 cases of this limited edition stunner. The vodka inside is the same as the traditional, but the luxurious bottle will definitely make an impression. All available at fine liquor stores areawide

Pork: With its mineral tones and hint of white pepper, the white Franz Etz Grüner Veltliner 2009 ($14.25) is a natural with unadorned pork. On the red side try a nice German pinot noir. The subtle fruit, spice and earthiness of Becker Pinot Noir 2008 ($21) will not be lost on the pork. Lamb: You can’t ignore the classic pairing of lamb and red Bordeaux. The Château la Rame Bordeaux 2006 ($23.50), dominated by cabernet sauvignon with some merlot in the blend, will pair perfectly. FOR DESSERT… Chocolate: Chocolate is notoriously hard to pair with wine, but try the Infantado Tawny Port NV ($18.00). The aged fruit flavors and slight sweetness offset the deep dark flavors of the chocolate. Pumpkin pie: I’d stick with the port for this pie as the deep fruit and spice of the pie almost mimic that of the port. But to make your circle complete, you can return to the original sparkling wines. Apple or fruit pie: For something very low in alcohol after all you’ve consumed, why not try a sweet sparkling Moscato from Italy like La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti Quaglia 2009 ($20.00)? Sweet on sweet works very well in this instance. 55 Liberty St., 212-406-9463; downtowncellars.com W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

ON THE TOWN | AFTER DARK

DRINK UP

Four Downtown establishments top the list in the sports bar, speakeasy, wine bar and upscale lounge categories.

TERROIR TRIBECA Oenophiles rejoiced when Terroir TriBeCa, sister to the popular West Village location, opened its doors last spring. The 65-seat destination has the vibe of a subterranean neighborhood bar—with dark woods, wine bottles lining the walls and ultra low lighting. At 50 pages, the massive wine list includes an array of top-of-the-line wines from around the world. Luckily, servers are well versed and can steer you in the right direction, including toward their popular wines on tap (yes, tap) and selection of local vinos from Finger Lakes, New York. 24 Harrison St. 212625-9463; restauranthearth.com

Brandy Library

BRANDY LIBRARY Classic cocktails and speakeasy-inspired spots have seen a welcome resurgence lately, and one of the newest to join the lot is Brandy Library in TriBeCa. This upscale lounge boasts some of the rarest spirits around and a menu of 100 classic cocktails, in addition to its wines, beers and tasty hors d’oeuvres. There’s also weekly whisky tasting and a live piano player on Monday nights. Before you go, be sure to make reservations—the bar has a strict policy about not overcrowding to ensure that all guests have a seat and can enjoy their experience. Also, although there is no formal dress code, all patrons must be 25 or older. 25 N. Monroe St., 212-226-5545; brandylibrary.com CIPRIANI WALL STREET After-work cocktails are raised to new heights at Cipriani Wall Street, where an open-air terrace sits among granite columns giving patrons a view of Wall Street while they imbibe. Thursday nights see the biggest crowds, when DJ Jacques spins from 9pm till 1am, Double Cross vodka supplies cocktails and tasty Cipriani classics are served inside and out (weather permitting). If a luxurious cocktail and impeccable service are what you crave, this is the place to be. 55 Wall St., 212-699-4099; cipriani.com

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

WARREN 77 Former Beatrice Inn owner Matt Abramcyck and New York Ranger Sean Avery opened this handsome sports bar in 2009 and it has since become a favorite of locals and the after-work crowd looking to grab a brew and watch a game in a classier setting. The bar’s vintage-inspired interior features tufted leather banquettes, black-and-white photographs of sports greats like John McEnroe and Yogi Berra, Hardy Boys books lining the walls and tabletop video games playing classics like Donkey Kong and Galaga. 77 Warren St., 212-227-8994; warren77nyc.com

Bar at Terroir

Cipriani

DATE NIGHT

Where to go and what to do when a night off from the kids is in order. Before heading out on the town, ladies should try TenOverTen (112 Reade St., 2nd floor), a newly opened TriBeCa salon that complements its full-service manicures and pedicures with iPads and a full cocktail menu. Gents can get a full-service shave, haircut and shoeshine at the historic barbershop Esquires of Wall St. (14 Wall St.), which has been keeping Downtown gentlemen in tip-top shape for decades. If a special flower arrangement orbouquet is in order, try Flora Tech (51 Beach St.). Or give your night a sweet start (or finish) with delights from the Paris chocolate artistes at La Maison Du Chocolat (63 Wall St.). For dinner, head to any of the romantic restaurants that line Downtown’s many streets, including Duane Park (157 Duane St.), which features live jazz and performances by burlesque dancers nightly, and legendary French restaurant Bouley (163 Duane St.), widely regarded as having some of the city’s finest cuisine. After dinner take a romantic stroll down the esplanade, which runs the length of Battery Park along the Hudson and boasts some of the best views in the city. Feel like getting away from it all but a far-off trip is out of the question? Downtown hotels like the TriBeCa Grand (2 Avenue of the Americas) and The RitzCarlton, Battery Park (2 West St.) offer romantic couples packages year round. Or take a private cruise around Manhattan with East Coast Yacht Cruises (19 Fulton St.), where you’ll feel like you’re seeing the city’s spectacular vistas for the first time. —Sam Edsill

‚stella„

EXQUISITE HOME TEXTILES BED - BAT H - BA BY - TA BLE

138 WEST BROADWAY 212.233.9610 MON-SAT 11AM - 6PM STELLASTORE.COM

60 WALL ST. Deutsche Bank

55 WATER ST. Retirement Systems of Alabama

15 WILLIAM ST. William Beaver House 32 OLD SLIP Financial Square Beacon Capital Partners

20 EXCHANGE PLACE Metro Loft Management

1 NEW YORK PLAZA Brookfield Office Properties

2 NEW YORK PLAZA Pan Am Equities

75 WALL ST. Hakimian Managemment Corp.

111 WALL ST. Citibank Building

The Downtown skyline is arguably the most famous in the world, but many of us pass these iconic buildings and skyscrapers every day, often without ever looking up. With the help of the Downtown Alliance, we put a name to many of the structures that comprise this familiar horizon.

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

120 WALL ST. Silverstein Properties

PHOTO BY TONY SHI

VIEWS FROM THE TOP

180 MAIDEN LANE Continental Center

8 SPRUCE STREET Beekman Tower 70 PINE ST. AIG Building

88 PINE ST. Wall Street Plaza Orient Overseas Associates

CHASE MANHATTAN PLAZA J.P. Morgan Chase

175 WATER ST. American International Group

199 WATER ST. One Seaport Plaza Jack Resnick & Sons

233 BROADWAY Woolworth Building The Witkoff Group

FULTON & SOUTH STREET South Street Seaport 90 BEEKMAN STREET Southbridge Towers

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

THE GREAT DIVIDE Wall Street suits or stroller moms? Spectacular architecture or water views? Trees and dog parks or acclaimed restaurants and late night revelry? Two Downtown residents—each living on a different side of the West Side Highway—sound off.

LUIGI ROSABIANCA PRINCIPAL ATTORNEY | FOUNDER ROSABIANCA & ASSOCIATES, PLLC FINANCIAL DISTRICT Why do you like living in FiDi?

LORRAINE DOYLE DISTRICT MANAGER MILFORD MANAGEMENT BATTERY PARK Why do you like living in Battery Park City?

The charm of FiDi is the iconic buildings within the canyon-like street

It’s a real neighborhood. If you live anywhere else in Manhattan,

compositions. It would be a shame not to benefit from the charm that

you can actually live in your apt for 20 years and never completely

these mazes afford us. It also has a small town sense of community. The butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker reside Downtown.

know your neighbor. In BPC neighbors know each other’s children, mothers, families and dogs. I also love to sit on the bench by the water watching the cruise ships. People pay a lot of money to get

How is living and working in the same area?

away in search of what we have right here in our own backyard.

It does call for the occasional excursion. So I keep my passport ready for

We have parks, restaurants, shopping, playgrounds and even the

when I go north of 23rd Street. Where did you live before FiDi and how does it compare? There was no before Downtown. What are your thoughts on “the great divide?” Why should someone choose East over West? East side architecture is the oldest in the country, while successfully

yacht basin with lovely sailboats from all over the world. Where did you live before BPC and how does it compare? I lived around 14th Street, and there is no comparison. What are your thoughts on “the great divide?” Why should someone choose West over East? The minute you cross the West Side Highway from East to West

progressing its current uses to modern necessities. This balance of clas-

you feel it; you just know that you’re in a different place. If someone

sicism marrying modernism achieves harmony here. A westsider’s path

is looking for a peaceful, tranquil neighborhood, this is the place.

home can include a “frogger-like” stroll among vehicles traveling well

Everything Manhattan has to offer is just at your feet and fingertips.

in excess of the lawful speed limit as they cross the Highway, to then

If you decide to have a family, we are perfectly suited for families.

be confronted with monsoon force winds from the Hudson that will re-

BPC has created a place for Manhattanites that never existed

adjust the trimmest of haircuts. You get to go home to a neighborhood

before.

with “Park” in its title, but your common charges are a bit excessive. What about the fact that the restaurants close early? What do you see in the future for Downtown? Do you worry about the area being over-developed?

I’m sleeping [laughing]. If I don’t have what I want in my refrigera-

Not at all. There are few, if any, available lots to be developed upon. Thus

tor, we do have great restaurants right here, including Inatesso and

the apartments in place will be the quantity to be reckoned with for

Izzy & Nat’s. But if I want nightlife it’s just a stone’s throw away—

some time to come. We need to revolutionize the entire area surrounding The Seaport. Give us time; it will come.

Where do you go for food after 9 p.m.?

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across the highway. I wouldn’t change my life for the few times that I would wish to have food after 10 p.m.

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A Moinian Group project. The Residences at W New York Downtown are not owned, developed or sold by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc or their affiliates. The Moinian Group uses the W trademarks and trade names under a license from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy residences in states where such offer or solicitation is prohibited by law.