25a November Issue

November 2017

GOLD COAST LUXURY MAGAZINE

FALL TRAVEL ISSUE

ART DRESSING THE

OF

WITH JESSICA SPANGLER & SYDNEY FE

Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health

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HO . CMO M E L EL LALMACMHCUHGUHG. C Panache Madison 3rd Flr., Panache | 545| 545 Madison Ave, Ave, 3rd Flr., New New York York City City Vivaldi | 1388 3rd Ave, Vivaldi | 1388 3rd Ave, New New York York City City

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ONE OFOF MORE THAN 30 EXQUISITE HOTELS WORLDWIDE. ONE MORE THAN 30 EXQUISITE HOTELS WORLDWIDE. FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE VISIT PARKHYATTNEWYORK.COM. FOR RESERVATIONS PLEASE VISIT PARKHYATTNEWYORK.COM. #LUXLIST #LUXLIST 2 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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SpaSpa Nalai Nalai Private balcony on on 25th floor Private balcony 25th floor Personal steam shower in your spa spa suite Personal steam shower in your suite Signature Nalai Treatment on our sand quartz bedbed Signature Nalai Treatment on our sand quartz Complimentary access to fitness center andand pool Complimentary access to fitness center pool with spa treatment with spa treatment For For reservations please visit visit nalaispa.com reservations please nalaispa.com or call or call 646-774-1210 646-774-1210 25AMagazine.com | MetMatNy.com | 3

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Publisher

Chase Backer Editor-in-Chief

Christopher A. Pape September 2017

Assistant Editor

Willy Nichter Art Director

Enri John Angeles Assistant Publisher

Jaime Backer Director of Marketing-NYC FALL TRAVEL ISSUE

Suzanne Vigliotti Copy Editor

Nancy Halseide

AN ELEGANT AFFAIR WITH JULIANN WILSON

Luxury Editor

Stephanie L. Howitt Features Editor

Victoria R. Crosby Fashion Editor

Raven Roberts Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health

Profiles Editor Alexandra Appino-Tabone Social Editor

Clara Morgan Food Editor

Andrea Correale Nutrition Editor

Lindsay Brustein Rosen, M.S., R.D., CDN. Gold Coast Writer

Monica Randall Contributors Elizabeth Darwen, Megan Mandrachio, Lucy Flinn, Norah Bradford, Nori Inoguchi, Jennifer Pelaez, Leslie Long, Catherine Andersen, Lillian Langtry, Nicole Clarke, Bennett Marcus

Contributing Photographers Michael Paniccia, Jay Mathews, Filip Shobot, Chris Carroll, Lenny Stucker, Patrick McMullan, Nori Inoguchi, MA , Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman, Sandy Ramirez, Jan Klier, Mitchel Gray, Paul Prince, Kristiina Wilson For advertisement info:

646.930.3007 info@25amagazine.com | 25Amagazine.com facebook/25amagazine

twitter/25amagazine

Writers, models, musicians and photographers, please inquire.

Š Copyright 2017 by Metropolitan Magazine, All rights reserved. Metropolitan is published eleven times per 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 such and unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Metropolitan magazine’s right to edit.

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2017 BEAUTY & FASHION

22

14 Travel Beauty Essentials 16 An Elegant Affair

COVER 22 The Art of Dressing

TASTE 30 Boulud Sud 32 Coffemania 34 Colonie & Gran Electrica 36 Tuome 38 Bobby Van’s Steakhouse 40 Benares TriBeCa 42 Coppa 44 Hojoko 46 La Pulperia 48 Mozzarella & Vino 50 Charlie Palmer Steak New York 52 Empire Diner 54 New York Restaurants 56 Get Your Eat On! 58 2 Spring 60 End of Summer Marinades

16

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CONTENTS 77

NOVEMBER 2017 TRAVEL

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62 SkySafari 66 Ashura Coffee Lodge 68 Hacienda Encantada 70 Montreal 72 Nobu Eden Roc Hotel 74 Review: Delano Las Vegas 76 Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo 78 Palace Hotel Tokyo 80 Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu 82 Ito Ryokuyu 84 Nevis 86 A Day in Paradise 88 Royalton Saint Lucia Resort 90 Marigot Bay Resort & Marina 92 The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel 94 Omni Berkshire Place 96 Hawaii

76

88

PROFILE

98

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EVENTS 118 Galas Galore 120 Hamptons Happenings

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98 First Long Island Investors 100 Christopher Tsarsi & Matthew Sorrentino 102 Frank Gullo 104 Mina Deutsch 106 Mark Fleischman 108 Priya & Sara Kapoor 110 Yumbox 112 Don & Katrina Peebles 114 Laurie Gelman 116 Avanti Gupta

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE 12 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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Fall is almost here and we couldn’t be happier! The weather is cooling down, kids are back-to-school and the leave are changing! It’s a time to enjoy the beautiful weather and be with family. And honestly, for my staff and me it’s the perfect time to travel! With that in mind, we are thrilled to present our Fall Travel Issue. From Tanzania to Japan and everything in between we’ve got your luxury travel needs covered. We’ve scoured the earth for the best of the best; from hotel rooms in treetops, to soaring towers with cuisine that will make you weep with joy, we explore it all!

Use us as your guide as we know you demand only the very best! In addition, we have presented the best beauty travel products for looking when on the go.

Food and travel go hand-in-hand and we’ve got the most delicious New York City restaurants for your to consider. Manhattan has the best places to eat in the world and we try to deliver those places to your doorstep. We encourage you to use our pages as your resource the find the best meals possible! Profiles on rising stars of the art, cultural, social and entertainment worlds are also included.

We are blessed to have the best writers and readers in the world!

Thank you for choosing us!

Chase Backer Publisher

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1.

11.

TRAVEL BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

BY ANN LAWLOR 1. Christopher Fischer Southampton 100% Cashmere Travel blanket in Zippy bag $480, available at Christopher Fischer Southampton, NY 2. 3LAB “M” Eye Brightening $250, barneys.com 3. Andre Assous, Estrella $179, andreassous.com 4. Annick Goutal Rose Pompon $39, Annick Goutal Boutiques in NYC

2.

5. Creed White Amber 250ml, 8.4oz $985, creedboutique.com 6. Laura Mercier Laura’s Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette Nordstrom Anniversary $65, nordstrom.com 7. Derek Lam CHARLOTTE in Ambre $385, modo.com 8. Vital Complex Leave-In Conditioner $21.50, angelodavid.com 9. By Terry Glow Expert Duo Stick $48, spacenk.com

3.

10.

10. Clarisonic Mia Fit $219, clarisonic.com 9.

11. Henri Bendel Centennial Stripe 360 Wheelie $698, henribendel.com

8.

6.

4.

5.

7.

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AN ELEGANT AFFAIR Photos by Michael Paniccia Styling by Raven Roberts Produced by Christopher A. Pape Hair by Dion Moore for Angelo David Salon | ELCHIM Milano Make-Up by Virginia Martin for Angelo David Salon | Smashbox Manicurist: Marjana Kryekurti for Angelo David Salon | OPI Products Models: Max Ando / New York Model Management Juliann Wilson / APM Models

Thank you to Blu on Park for use of their space bluonpark.com

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HIM Stephen F: stephen-f.com White Tuxedo Blazer, $1,500 Black Tuxedo Pants, $450 Black Button-down with Mother of Pearl Buttons, $240 Black and Red Bowtie, $110 HER CYNTHIA ROWLEY Peony Jacquard off the Shoulder Gown. $698, cynthiarowley.com FREIDA ROTHMAN Mixed Stone Radiance Ring, $220, Embellished Wrap Chain necklace, $675, freidarothman.com

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HIM Stephen F: stephen-f.com White Tuxedo Blazer, $1,500 Black Tuxedo Pants, $450 HER THEIA Crystal and Beaded V-Neck Gown. $3,995, theiacouture.com

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HIM Stephen F: stephen-f.com Sharkskin Suit, $1,800 Silk Ecru Turtleneck, $320 Black Wingtips, $720 HER CYNTHIA ROWLEY Long Sleeve Shift Dress with Flower Beading. $498, cynthiarowley.com SCHUTZ Gold Double Ankle Strap Heel. schutz-shoes.com FREIDA ROTHMAN Round Crown Edge Ring. $180, freidarothman.com 25AMagazine.com | MetMatNy.com | 19

THEIA Antique Silver Micro Sequin Gown. $2,495, theiacouture.com

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Stephen F: stephen-f.com Black Double Breasted Tuxedo Blazer, $1,800 Black Tuxedo Pants, $450 White Button-down with Mother of Pearl Buttons and French Cuffs, $250 Silver Gray Bowtie, $110 White Pocket Square, $60

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THE ART OF DRESSING 22 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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Photos by Michael Paniccia Styling by Connie Miller Produced by Christopher A. Pape Hair by Dion Moore for Angelo David Salon | ELCHIM Milano Make-Up by Virginia Martin for Angelo David Salon | Smashbox Manicurist: Clive Rousseau for Angelo David Salon | OPI Products Models: Sydney Fe / Major Models Jessica Spangler / APM Models

“Dressing up is a way of life” Yves Saint Laurent

Jessica (Left) ALICE + OLIVIA White Blazer, $385, available at Bloomindales THIS IS A LOVE SONG Black Striped Top, $55, thisisalovesong.com DAVID DALRYMPLE Pencil Skirt, $120, daviddalrymple.com ALEXANDER WANG White Chastity Clutch, $425, alexanderwang.com Sydney (Right) THIS IS A LOVE SONG White Striped Top. $55, thisisalovesong.com THEORY Black Trousers, $285, theory.com CHANEL Black Lego Clutch, $12,000, chanel.com

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“I don’t need a dress, I need an address.

And some panties.”

Jarod Klintz

PROENZA SCHOULER Top. $680, proenzaschouler.com AGENT PROVOCATEUR Underwear, $275, agentprovocateur.com 24 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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VICTORIA’S SECRET Underwear, $70, victoriassecret.com VICTORIA’S SECRET Bra. $70, victoriassecret.com VICTORIA’S SECRET Satin Robe, $50, victoriassecret.com Gucci Leather Sandals, $875, gucci.com

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BALMAIN Pinstriped Blazer, $2,385, balmain.com THIS IS A LOVE SONG White Mesh Top, $55, thisisalovesong.com ALEXANDER WANG Leather Skirt, $975, alexanderwang.com MANOLO BLAHNIK White and Black BB Pump, $595, manoloblahnik.com 26 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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“Your clothes should be as important as your skin.”

Amit Kalantri

THIS IS A LOVE SONG White V-Neck Mesh Top, $55, thisisalovesong.com SANDRIO Leather Skirt, $660, available at Bloomingdales NARCISO RODRIGUEZ Blazer, $1,095, narciscorodriguez.com ERICKSON BEAMON Gold Necklace, $975, ericksonbeamon.com 25AMagazine.com | MetMatNy.com | 27

“It’s wisest always to be so clad that our friends need not ask us for our names.”

James Fenimore Cooper

Sydney (Above) ALON LIVNE White Dress. $5,900, alonlivne.com BYAMT FOR KWAMBIO Ball Ring, kwambio.com Jessica (Below) ADAM LIPPES Black Satin Dress, $1,650, adamlippes.com ERICKSON BEAMON Choker, $545, ericksonbeamon.com Table by LIKEMINDEDOBJECTS for KWAMBIO 28 | MetMatNy.com | 25AMagazine.com

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Boulud Sud Bar. Photo by Melissa Hom

Boulud Sud VIBRANT MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE IN A MODERN SETTING

BY CHASE BACKER

W

hen it comes to the culinary world, New York City is a veritable Mecca for fantastic taste opportunities. From Spanish to Chinese, a savvy gourmet can find just about anything somewhere in the city. For those who want to experience authentic Mediterranean cuisine, then look no further than Chef Daniel Boulud’s restaurant, Boulud Sud. Located at 20th West 64th Street between Broadway and Central Park West, Boulud Sud is a truly incredible Mediterranean experience, featuring flavors from all over the region. The tastes offered range from the south of France to the coast of North Africa, and emphasize fresh seafood and a variety of spices for a savory and flavorful meal.

The décor matches the food perfectly, creating an elegant and comfortable setting.

Colored in sunflower yellow and slate gray, the space features a bar and lounge and is lit by floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the vaulted ceilings, terrazzo floors, and the many Vik Muniz paintings lining the walls.

It is truly an exquisite location, creating the proper ambiance for enjoying Boulud Sud’s

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culinary offerings.

Under the purview of Executive Chef Travis Swikard, who became fascinated with the craft of cooking at four years old, Boulud Sud’s menu has become a thing of beauty. As Chef Travis says, “Boulud Sud is about elegant and inspired Mediterranean cuisine. It’s about taste, texture, and aroma first and foremost, but it is also about fun.”

Boulud Sud serves both lunch and dinner, and provides a Happy Pasta Hour at their bar and lounge, which starts at 9 p. m. every night and allows guests to order any of their house-made pastas at half price. With wonderful dishes like Rye Flour Spaghetti and Squid Ink Bucatini “Fra Diavolo,” it is an opportunity that is not to be missed.

Of course, their other offerings are equally delightful. For lunch, start off with a Za’atar Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Salad or a Ratatouille and Oeuf Mollet, based off a recipe by Chef Boulud’s grandmother.

Next, try a Fire-Roasted Turkish Pizza with soujouk, feta, and spinach or a Harissa Lamb Burger with polenta fries.

For dinner, begin with an Octopus “à la Plancha,” then move on to a Dover Sole “Méditeranée” or a Moroccan Chicken

Tagine. Finally, finish up your meal with a Bittersweet Torta Caprese or the HouseMade Crèmes Glacées.

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy some of Boulud Sud’s drinks, which are utterly spectacular. Curated by sommelier Joe Robitaille, their wines cover the full length and breadth of the Mediterranean region, and their cocktail program is expressly designed to mirror many of the ingredients used in the kitchen.

Boulud Sud is a marvel of Mediterranean cuisine and a must-visit for any gourmet.

With outstanding food, amazing drinks and gorgeous décor, the restaurant is a vibrant and unique expression of the region’s diverse culinary culture, and it is guided by practiced and caring hands. Go soon, and see for yourself just how exquisitely flavorful this coastal cuisine can be when handled by the right team.

20 W 64th St. New York, NY 212.595.1313 bouludsud.com

Assorted Flatbreads. Photo by Liz Barclay

Ras el Hanout Spiced Duck.Photo by Melissa Hom

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Coffeemania DINING WITH CULTURAL FLAIR

BY CHRIST OPHER A. PAPE

S

ituated near Bryant Park in New York City, Coffeemania provides contemporary A m e r i c a n c u i s i n e t h ro u g h the lens of French and Asian cooking techniques.

By combining these three distinct styles, Coffeemania provides a fascinating and stunning dining experience, and the skill and variety in both its food and its drinks will keep you coming back again and again.

This is the first American location for the Coffeemania international restaurant group, whose locations include 27 in Moscow, Russia. The restaurant’s owners and staff hope to use this location as a means of showing the Coffeemania brand to an entirely new audience and to apply its techniques to a new style of cooking.

The restaurant is an all-day dining location, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week and offering brunch on the weekends. It accepts both reservations and walk-ins, making it convenient for the average New Yorker and tourist alike.

The restaurant’s décor is meant to exude hominess and to make you feel like you belong. The designers combined both historical and modern design techniques

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to create a rich and inviting atmosphere, perfectly suited for elegant and casual dining alike. Added to its custom-made light fixtures and array of nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, Coffeemania has an ambiance that complements and highlights the incredible food.

Speaking of the food, one of Coffeemania’s main selling points is the usage of the Josper charcoal grill, a European kitchen device that has seen limited usage in the United States. The Josper grill utilizes the best aspects of both a grill and an oven and is perfect for highlighting the flavors of meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

Coffeemania’s menu rotates seasonally, with certain signature dishes remaining year-round. Among its current lunch and dinner offerings are Roasted Bone Marrow, Josper Chicken Wings, Classic Borscht Soup, and Seared Duck Breast. They also offer a variety of pastas alongside many lighter options, such as Hamachi Tartare and Seared Sea Scallops, ensuring that all diners will come away satisfied.

As for breakfast, Coffeemania serves multiple kinds of blinis, both sweet and savory, as well as vanilla cottage cheese fritters. These warm delights add to the

homey breakfast experience guests have come to expect from Coffeemania.

The restaurant also provides several different types of patisserie, all elegantly prepared in-house and available throughout the day. From the rich Chocolate Envy to the fruity Love Me, Love Me Not, these pastries are a perfect capstone to a rich and satisfying meal.

Coffeemania’s beverages are equally elegant, ranging from artisanal cocktails to herbal infusions to, of course, the signature coffee. Its dedicated team of highly-trained baristas work tirelessly to create unique and fantastic coffee blends for guests’ pleasure.

Coffeemania is the perfect restaurant for those seeking hearty American cuisine with European and Asian flare. With the wonderful design, the rich food, and the fantastic drinks, Coffeemania is sure to be a new hit in the Bryant Park restaurant scene. Visit soon, because dining there is an incredible and unforgettable experience.

1065 Sixth Avenue (between 40th & 41st Sts) New York, NY 212.221.2510 coffeemanianyc.com | @coffeemanianyc

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Colonie & Gran Electrica BROOKLYN’S BEST

BY MEGAN MAND RACHIO

A

team comprised of Tamer Hamawi, Emelie Kihlstrom and Elise Rosenburg has created two delicious restaurants that really reflect the New York City dining experience and pay homage to the influences that impact their menus’ themes.

Perched on the edge of Brooklyn Heights, Colonie strives to support the New York food community by using as many local farms as possible, all while providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere to drink and dine.

Colonie’s team appointed Executive Chef Jared Braithwaite to solidify what truly makes Colonie. Drawing inspiration from the history and beauty of the surrounding neighborhoods, Chef Braithwaite transforms produce and herbs into clean, flavorful dishes while maintain the integrity of each ingredient with his passion for food.

The menu is arranged by categories of Snacks, Cheese, Vegetables, Pasta, Small, and Large, all offering tasty options for dinner. For pasta, the Campanelle made

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with hen of the woods, Tuscan kale, and parmesan cheese is a great entrée. For a smaller meal, The Bay Scallops paired with avocado, pea tendrils, citrus and green chile is a perfect meal for one, while in the larger options, the Montauk Sea Bream served with squid, heirloom beans, and salsa rossa makes for something a tad more filling.

Colonie also provides a great brunch menu with a handful of baked goods, salads, and amazing breakfast foods perfect for an early lunch and a late morning meal.

The bar at Colonie currently features a selection of wines created with natural and sustainable ingredients, along with regional craft beers and fresh creative cocktails.

Perfectly located under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, Gran Electrica offers an authentic and market-driven Mexican menu.

This Bib-Gourmand restaurant is inspired by travels abroad, particularly Mexican street fare. Creating a new take on Mexican cuisine, the menu aims to showcase diversity in a creative style. With the focus still being on freshness and traditional cuisine, Gran

Electrica emphasizes a menu rooted in authenticity through its techniques.

From hand-pressed heirloom corn tortillas stuffed with lengua, cilantro, onion, and radish to marinated day boat scallops for aguachile, Gran Electrica gives a respectful nod to Mexico and celebrates the vibrancy of their culture and their foods.

Beverages include Mexican ingredients and flavors incorporated in their cocktails, featuring Tequila and mescal by artisan distillers, a common theme by its management.

Whether you’re dining at Colonie or Gran Electrica, you are definitely being taken care of and thought of. Stop by for a meal or casual drinks, and find out for yourself how these two restaurants embody what means to be a New York City restaurant.

COLONIE 127 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn, NY 718.855.7500 colonienyc.com

GRAN ELECTRICA 5 Front St. Brooklyn, NY 718.852.2700i granca.com

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Tuome AMERICAN FAVORITES WITH A CHINESE FLAIR

BY WILLY NICHTER

T

he American culinary landscape is one of endless variety and nuance. Even when preparing traditional dishes, most chefs are able to find a way to insert a cultural flair, making every restaurant a truly unique experience. At Tuome in New York City, Chef Thomas Chen prepares distinctly American meals with an Asian touch that not only taste delicious, but show the many ways a simple meal can be modified and explored.

Tuome, located on the East Village, is the creation of Chef Chen, a ChineseAmerican native of New York. After working as an accountant for four years, he left the business in order to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Chef Chen spent years working his way through the ranks of Eleven Madison Park’s kitchen honing his cooking skills while also spending time learning business and commerce in order to properly run a casual neighborhood-style restaurant. Tuome, named after his parents’ pronunciation of his childhood nickname “Tommy,” is Chef Chen’s first restaurant, and it is by all accounts a major success.

Tuome is open for dinner on Monday

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through Saturday, and its menu is heavily ingredient-focused. It is contemporary American in style but features unique additions and modifications from Chef C h e n ’s c l a s s i c a l t r a i n i n g a n d A s i a n upbringing, creating a scintillating taste experience.

The menu is simple but well-made and filled with nuance. Begin your meal with an appetizer of crispy, devilled chili eggs, a lobster roll with wasabi aioli, chives, and celery, or octopus with brown butter and fingerling potatoes.

From there, move on to a main dish of chicken with gem lettuce, basil, and porridge, beef with a shallot confit, sunchoke, and mushrooms, or branzino with corn, freeksh, and herbs. Of course, there is always the special Pig Out meal for two, Berkshire pork with spicy peanut noodles and condiments—a rich and flavorful meal perfect for an enjoyable evening.

Their drink selections are equally excellent, with a variety of cocktails, beers, and wines designed to pair perfectly with your meal.

From a Fire in the Sky—sake with Thai chili and yuzu—to an East Forest Blossom—brut rose with hibiscus and blood orange— your drinks are guaranteed to be exquisite.

Tuome provides special meal offers, including the “Taste of Tuome” and “Summer Picnic” experiences. The “Taste of Tuome” is a three-course meal offered Monday through Thursday, where guests choose one of several options for the first and second courses, including the already mentioned Pig Out. Guests can finish their meal with a beignet with goat’s milk caramel, citron, and ice cream.

The “Summer Picnic” is a two-person meal of fried chicken, made with General Tso’s honey and herb ranch sauce and served with a jalapeño and corn waffle and Karee curry macaroni and cheese. Both of these offers are truly exquisite and wonderful ways to experience Tuome’s food.

Overall, Tuome is a vibrant addition to the New York food scene, providing contemporary American favorites with a unique Chinese touch. Go soon, and experience Chef Thomas Chen’s masterful interpretation of American cuisine.

536 E 5th St. New York, NY 646.833.7811 tuomenyc.com

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Bobby Van’s Steakhouse EXPANDS IT’S EXCELLENCE TO CENTRAL PARK SOUTH

BY ELIZABET H D AR WEN

B

obby Van’s Steakhouse has earned its place as a venerable New York institution, thanks in part to a continued commitment to cooking techniques perfected years ago by the founding fathers of New York steakhouse cuisine. Celebrating its 48th Anniversary this 2017, Bobby Van’s has grown from its original home in Bridgehampton, NY, and now includes a repertoire of ten fine restaurants that offer the refined style of a classic New York City steakhouse.

The newest addition is Bobby Van’s on 40 Central Park South, a highly coveted location just steps away from the Plaza Hotel, and overlooking Central Park. The new restaurant officially opened its doors in late March 2017, inviting diners to the same exquisitely prepared dining experience as its sister restaurants, in addition to a special Saturday and Sunday brunch.

The new restaurant is proud to announce Executive Chef Ted Rozzi who has crafted a menu of delectable dishes such as Crispy Calamari, Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Maxie’s Meatballs for Starter and Veal Milanese, Chilean Seabass and

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N.Y. Sirloin Steak for Entrée. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of dining options outside of prime beef and seafood, including supremelyprepared pastas, wood-fired pizzas and freshly tossed salads. To accompany the meal, diners have a choice of delicious sides, which include Cauliflower Carbonara, Thick Cut Applewood Bacon and Sautéed Mushrooms.

A quintessential steakhouse, Bobby Van’s is at the roots of the New York steakhouse family tree, with strong employee connections to original famed eateries. It is restaurants like Bobby Van’s that have inspired a legion of imitators, but Bobby Van’s still shines as a premier authentic steakhouse. When restaurateur and Chef Robert Dickert - the great-nephew of steakhouse legend Peter Luger - joined the Bobby Van’s team in 1996, he brought with him a wealth of family knowledge and tradition. These traditions of quality food and superior customer service are still the hallmark of Bobby Van’s dining experience today. Dickert remains at Bobby Van’s where he helps to oversee the all-important process of selecting and dry aging the kitchen’s quality prime beef.

The process of dry aging its USDA prime quality

beef is key to developing the superior flavor of Bobby Van’s’ steaks, which they do “the old fashioned way”. Once the team has carefully selected well-raised and well-marbled steak, it is aged in a specially-designed, humidity-controlled room for up to 28 days, which tenderizes it and enriches the flavor. Prime beef aside, the kitchen imports the majority of their seafood from overseas, selecting only the best. The tuna is sourced from the Maldives, the Branzino from Spain, and the salmon from Scotland. Locally, Bobby Van’s seafood supplier has a fleet of 30 fishing boats providing the kitchen with the freshest fish and shellfish daily.

Bobby Van’s décor is elegant yet warm with white table cloths and wood accents. It is the ideal dining destination for an intimate dinner as well as for larger groups or special occasions.

The Central Park location offers beautiful views in a convenient and central location.

40 Central Park South New York, NY 212.369.4000 bobbyvans.com

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Benares TriBeCa REVITALIZED AND AUTHENTIC INDIAN CUISINE

BY WILLY NICHT ER

L

ocated at 45 Murray Street in TriBeCa, New York City, Benares presents masterful Indian cuisine from all over India’s 28 states. While the restaurant has been a Manhattan staple for years now, its new chef Qutab Singh Negi has brought new life and vibrancy into the restaurant and its menu. Negi adds his own touches to the already spectacular selections from the restaurant’s original chef, blending both old and new to create a wonderful dining experience.

This is the second of Benares’s two locations, the other being in Midtown. Both restaurants focus primarily on dishes from India’s northern region, but compared to its first location, this iteration emphasizes vegetarian dishes, seafood, and other healthier options prepared in ways that maximize flavor while minimizing the usage of butter or fat.

The design of the restaurant serves to highlight its Indian inspiration, with rich, dark colors, paintings of Indian landscapes, and even a mobile diving panel with a window shaped

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like the Ganges River. The décor highlights the restaurant’s connection to India while enhancing the overall dining experience.

While the restaurant may have achieved prominence under Executive Chef Peter Beck, Chef Negi provides an incredible degree of authenticity. He was born in northern India, the birthplace of much of the restaurant’s menu, and he has served at several award-winning Indian restaurants from all over the world, proving the depths of his culinary knowledge.

The restaurant’s cuisine is heavily inspired by that of Uttar Pradesh, the Indian state where the restaurant’s namesake city is located. Among the popular dishes created by Beck are the beet and roasted turnip patty appetizer, Kashmiri Tiki; the yogurt- and turmeric-marinated lamb with roasted corn known as Makkai ka Soweta; and the pan-seared tawa scallops topped with mangotomato relish.

However, Negi provides many of his own signature dishes, which serve to enrich an already fantastic menu. Among his new dishes are Dahi Ke Kebab, richly seasoned fried yogurt patties;

Chicken Tikka Smokey, tandoori chicken with smoked curry yogurt; and a lamb Galouti Kebab, marinated in papaya. His seafood offerings include Tomato Fish, which is tender basa in tomato sauce, alongside other savory dishes.

As for desserts, they range from the fantastical, such as the chocolate brownie and rose-flavored ice cream known as the Atomic Bomb, to a simple dessert like Mango Pudding. These, alongside the variety of drink options, which range from richly spiced Indian wines to light and delicate cocktails, provide a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Benares TriBeCa is a must-visit for any true fans of Indian food. With its incredible food, beautiful atmosphere, and the authenticity that comes from its chefs and design team, eating there will be a guaranteed enjoyable experience. Stop by soon, and explore the majesty of Indian cuisine and culture.

45 Murray Street New York, NY 212.766.4900 benaresnyc.com/tribeca

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Coppa ITALIAN DELICACIES AND SMALL PLATES

BY WILLY NICHT ER

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mong the cultures that have proliferated the American culinary scene, Italian is one of the most commonly found. From pizza to pasta and everything in between, Americans have come to truly love Italian food, and for good reason. In Boston, James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer’s restaurant Coppa is showing just how fantastic Italian food can be when created by the proper people.

C o p p a , c re a t e d b y a p a r t n e r s h i p between Oringer and fellow James Beard Award-winner James Bissonnette, is a neighborhood favorite in Boston, known as much for its comfortable atmosphere as for the quality of the food it produces. Coppa focuses primarily on small plates, allowing for a relaxed dining experience that is not to be missed.

Coppa’s menu is seasonally driven, blending several staple dishes with creative new ideas produced using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients. Because of this, guests are always able to find something they’ll enjoy, be it an old favorite or a brandnew specialty, which prompts repeated visits.

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The skilled hands of Executive Chef Trevor Smith and Beverage Director Jodie Battles work together to blend a rich and flavorful menu with an eclectic and inventive group of wines and cocktails. Together, the two ensure a perfect pairing between food and drink, enriching and enlivening every dining experience.

Coppa serves dinner seven days a week, along with weekday lunches and weekend brunches. No matter when you visit, all the options Coppa provides are incredible taste sensations, causing guests to always walk away satisfied.

Start your meal with some of their many special varieties of salumi, which can be selected separately or in a sampler of five.

Their options range from classics such as their Prosciutto di Parma and Nostrano to more original variants like their Beef Heart Pastrami and their Duck Prosciutto. Pair your salumi with one of their cheeses, such as Taleggio, Robiola due Latte, or Arrocca for a truly marvelous experience.

Guests can also choose between one of several Stuzzichini, or Italian small bar snacks, such as Mortadella Pimento Formaggio or an Olive Marinate as a starter.

They also have more traditional antipasti,

such as their Italian Grinder sandwich or their Buratta.

Their pastas and pizzas are among their greatest specialties, and they have several different varieties of both. From their Uni Carbonara with sea urchin to their semolina pasta-based Gemelli con Mais, from their flavorful Margherita to their zesty Fisherman’s Pizza, Coppa’s meals are truly something special.

Their brunch menu, while small, is equally fantastic, featuring options such as Zeppole, ricotta donuts, and Pancake Mais. And of course, their wine and cocktails are truly spectacular, hand-selected and crafted to provide the best pairing with the meal.

Overall, Coppa brings a neighborhood feel to Italian cooking with a comfortable atmosphere and a variety of small plates.

Not only is it the product of chefs whose skill and pedigree cannot be overstated, but its food is rich, flavorful and full of innovation.

Go soon, and see for yourself just how truly spectacular simple Italian cooking can be.

253 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 617.391.0902 coppaboston.com

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Hojoko JAPANESE PUB FOOD WITH A MODERN FLAIR

BY WILLY NICHT ER

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apanese cuisine is a rich and nuanced culinary experience with many different facets.

From hibachi to sushi, the food of Japan covers a wide spectrum of techniques and products. James Beard Award-winning chef Tim Cushman is bringing a new style of Japanese cuisine to the States with his Boston-based izakaya-styled restaurant, Hojoko.

Hojoko, located inside the Verb Hotel, is Cushman’s take on an izakaya, which is essentially a Japanese gastropub. Designed with happy hour and socializing in mind, they tend to serve relatively substantial shared plates over the course of a night, setting it apart from its Western equivalents.

Cushman has done an excellent job transporting this unique tradition of establishments to the United States. Having spent seven years training and working in Los Angeles under some of the greatest chefs in the business, including Michael Roberts and Roy Yamaguchi, Cushman founded the restaurant group Cushman Concepts alongside his wife, Nancy, who is herself a distinguished drink specialist.

Together, the two have created and

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maintained restaurants such as O Ya and Covina, and they have brought the full extent of their years of expertise to bear in Hojoko. The restaurant’s décor is a perfect expression of its general aesthetic, with colorful artwork, Japanese knickknacks, and communal tables.

The food matches well with the décor, with Cushman presenting his own personalized take on traditional Japanese and izakaya cuisine, creating a unique and flavorful experience. As is traditional for an izakaya, many of the dishes are shareable, prompting guests to interact with each other and with the food in ways that are unique to Hojoko, which helps set it apart from other Japanese restaurants.

A m o n g t h e re s t a u r a n t ’s p a r t i c u l a r specialties are their Wasabi Roulette, which features hamachi, shiso, and one piece of “super wasabi”; their Funky Chicken Ramen, a 48-hour chicken broth with soy egg, menma, and Robata grilled koji chicken; and their Spicy Tuna Burger, made of seared big-eye tuna with avocado, kabayaki, and spicy mayo, served with sprouts and fries.

As for drinks, Nancy Cushman livens up the bar with her experience as a certified advanced sake professional. While they

do serve beer and wine, sake is the most prominent drink they have to offer, serving bottles and cups with a variety of flavors and sensations.

Additionally, Hojoko serves as a music venue at night and during the weekends, hosting both local and international bands.

They also feature karaoke and DJ nights on a regular basis, giving their guests an opportunity to truly relax and enjoy themselves.

Hojoko is a wonderful pub experience that is not to be missed. Not only are the food and drinks utterly spectacular, but Tim Cushman’s commitment to bringing the izakaya experience to Boston creates a truly unforgettable venue. Hojoko is unlike anything most people think of when they think about a pub. Go and have a drink of a wonderful sake or beer, share a plate of food with your friends or family, listen to some truly fantastic music, and let the stress of the workday disappear in the rich and exotic atmosphere the Cushmans have created.

1271 Boylston St. Boston, MA 617.670.0507 hojokoboston.com

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La Pulperia THE PERFECT FUSION OF L ATIN AMERICAN FLAVOR B Y EL I Z AB ETH DAR WEN

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ustic Latin American restaurant La Pulperia, co-owned by Victor Medina and Head Chef Carlos Barroz brings eclectic European influence with Latin American touches to the denizens of New York. Since opening their first location in Midtown West, Barroz and Medina have since gone on to present their fresh take on the classic delicacies of Mexico and Argentina to their three locations on the Upper East Side, Midtown East and Hell’s Kitchen.

With a menu that is both inviting as well as adventurous, La Pulperia serves classic Latin delicacies with European inspiration taken from countries such as Italy and Spain. Signature menu items include Las Tablas, which allows patrons to choose from a variety of perfectly grilled proteins such as their famous Pulpo (grilled octopus), accompanied by 5 seasonal varieties of “cazuelitas” tasting, such as the Eggplant Chambota, Russian Potato Salad and Celery Root; Pacu Fish Ribs, which are a rarity in New York, are made with grilled Brazilian fish ribs, served with orange chipotle BBQ sauce and coconut rice; and Moqueta Mixta which includes a mix of fresh squid, shrimp, mussels, white fish, scallops, soy beans, Spanish chorizo, bacalao and green coconut rice in dende oil. The Warm Farro Salad with parsnips, beets, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes and butternut squash, tossed in an orange maple vinaigrette, is an excellent lunchtime choice for guests of the Midtown East or Upper East Side locations.

Hungry diners will relish with La Pulperia’s dessert menu, which features dishes such as the Spice Chocolate Mousse, made with Herradura anejo tequila, olive oil flourless cake, popcorn toffee, espresso crumbs and

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24k edible gold flakes; and Mango & Lychee Tres Leches, a citrus sponge cake, topped with coconut mousse & sake soak, with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, mango and lychee pico de gallo.

On the weekends, diners can enjoy a Latin twist to a classic brunch. Menu items include Lobster & Baked Eggs seasoned with fresh herbs, crema de blue cheese, fresh cream and truffled scented toasted bread; La Pulperia Omelette with caramelized onion, roasted red peppers, tomato confit, Chihuahua cheese, a side of home fries and a house salad; and Tortilla Espanola, a Spanish style omelette with potato confit, onions and a choice of cheese or chorizo. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of spirits and an ample cocktail menu featuring both classic and innovative cocktails.

The Upper East Side location hosts live Jazz every Monday night, giving patrons a chance to unwind at the beginning of the week with Brazilian themed entertainment.

Happy Hour specials are also available all day Monday, as well as Tuesday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Sundays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Upper East Side location also offers delivery within the area.

Hell’s Kitchen is home to the famous La Pulperia Drag Brunch Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This location also hosts Tuesday Night Lady’s Night where from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM all female customers receive their first drink of the night free of charge!

Hell’s Kitchen’s Happy Hour is every week, Sunday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with Weekend Brunch and daily Dinner menus.

Full service lunch menus are available

Monday-Friday on the Upper East Side and all week long in Midtown East, though not at the Hell’s Kitchen location.

La Pulperia serves modern Latin American fare with a several fresh seafood dishes, accentuated by select meat and vegetarian options. Chef Barroz brings simple yet refined cuisine with European influences from places like Italy and Spain and has received an Open Table Diner’s Choice Award.

La Pulperia’s interiors were designed by Andres Gomez (Red Rooster, Whitehall, SoCo) and mirror the authentic pulperias of South America, with handcrafted floor tiles from Mexico, reclaimed wood from Brazil on the ceiling and walls, and abundant shelving displaying top shelf liquor, fresh produce, and wine.

For more information, call 212 933 0757, or visit www.pulperianyc.com

La Pulperia UES 1626 Second Avenue (Between 84th & 85th St) New York, NY 10028 La Pulperia Midtown East 151 E 57th St (Between 3rd Ave & Lexington Ave) New York, NY 10022 La Pulperia Hell’s Kitchen 371 W 46th St (Between 8rd Ave & 9th Ave) New York, NY 10036

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Mozzarella & Vino VIBRANT MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE IN A MODERN SETTING

BY CHASE BACKER

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ocated in Midtown Manhattan just steps from MoMA is sleek antipasti and wine restaurant Mozzarella & Vino, owned by husband-and-wifeteam Gianfranco Sorrentino and Paula Bolla-Sorrentino. The talented Chef Vito Gnazzo offers diners a delectable menu that reflects the simplicity of authentic Italian ingredients and its incredible biodiversity, with a heavy emphasis on the Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, Italian cheeses and affettati.

Based mostly on classic Italian antipasti, such as arancini and crispy fried calamari or golden fried zucchini, the restaurant also serves a wonderful selection of paninis, soups, salads, and of course mozzarella in all shapes and combinations - even on desserts. Signature dishes include Buffalo Mozzarella Roll Filled with Prosciutto San Daniele with a light pesto sauce served with baby arugula; Oven Roasted Veal Brisket served with sautéed spinach; and “Ravioli del Giorno,” homemade ravioli of the day. Diners can also enjoy a selection of homemade desserts, such as Vanilla Panna Cotta with strawberries gelato, chocolate cake filled with orange compote, Carrot cake topped with robiola cheese and mascarpone mousse, and Artisanal Italian Gelati and Sorbetti, all made in-house!

Mozzarella & Vino’s enoteca style bar focuses on showcasing smaller family estate wines and independent Italian winemakers. A variety of

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wines by the glass are offered, as well as by the bottle. The selection greatly varies due to constant new discoveries. The restaurant continuously attracts a wide array of celebrities, including Paul McCartney, Glenn Lowery, Greg Proops and Andre Leon Talley.

The Sorrentinos are committed to producing top quality Southern Italian gastronomy, to the use of authentic ingredients, and to keeping the tradition of Italian culture and hospitality, vibrant and passionate. Chef Vito Gnazzo, formerly of two Michelin-starred restaurant Antica Osteria del Ponte and world-renowned REX il Ristorante in Los Angeles, is known for his “farm to table” approach to Southern Italian dining, something that attracts locals and visitors alike to Mozzarella & Vino and its sisters restaurants Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes. His commitment to bringing the best of the Italian culinary traditions to all of his creations has led to him being awarded two stars by The New York Times and three stars by the New York Post.

Originally from Naples, Italy, Gianfranco Sorrentino carries over 40 years of experience in restaurant management from the Quisitana Hotel in Capri, Dorchester Hotel in London, Four Seasons Hotel in Tokyo, Bice restaurant in New York. In November 1991 He opened Sette MoMA restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art of New York, and Union Bar & Grill in Great Barrington, MA. In September 2001, the Sorrentinos opened Il

Gattopardo, just across from MoMA, and in 2011 they embarked on one of the most rewarding journeys of their careers; the re-birth of the Café des Artistes restaurant at New York landmark and institution located Hotel des Artistes.

Brazilian born and raised, of Italian parents from Veneto, Paula Bolla-Sorrentino is passionate for art, design and Italian culture. With fashion and design background, she had the opportunity of traveling around the world with top fashion designers, as well as worked in one of the most prestigious design firms of New York, Pentagram Design, as Graphic Designer. Paula runs all visual and organizational aspects of the company, from art direction and flowers, graphic design, and customer relations, to make sure that guests are not only exposed to a wonderful gastronomical event on the table, but to a whole sensorial experience.

Mozzarella & Vino 33 West 54th Street (Between 5th & 6th Ave) New York, NY 10019 646.692.8849 | mozzarellaevino.com Facebook: mozzarellaevino Instagram: mozzarellaevino Twitter: @MozzarellaeVino

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Charlie Palmer Steak New York REINVENTS THE STEAKHOUSE B Y C H R I S T O P H E R A. PA P E

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onsidered by many to be one of the top food Meccas in the world, New York City can lay claim to a bevy of fabulous and famous restaurants covering a wide variety of different styles.

New restaurants are always coming and going in the city, hoping to make a lasting impression. And Charlie Palmer Steak New York, located at the Archer Hotel in Midtown, is certainly one that is garnering much attention.

Charlie Palmer Steak New York is one of the many temples to food created by the Charlie Palmer Group, which owns several different restaurants all over the country. The owner, the titular Charlie Palmer, is not just a skilled entrepreneur, but is also a master chef in his own right.

Palmer’s signature style is Progressive American, which blends together intense flavors in surprising ways to create an unforgettable dining experience. He has achieved great fame through his cooking and as executive chef brings all of his culinary technique and flair to Charlie Palmer Steak New York.

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Charlie Palmer Steak New York has menus for all three major meals, and each menu features several delicious options. Start your day off with a bread and pastry basket, a steak and eggs special, or a bagel with house-made lox and optional caviar.

For lunch, help yourself to one of their raw bar options, or simply have it all with their Prime Platter, which features all of their raw bar foods. Continue your meal with their specialty 50-50 Burger, with a patty consisting of half ground beef and half ground bacon.

But it is at dinner where their steaks truly take center stage. From Japanese Kobe Beef to a filet mignon, you can hardly go wrong with any of these options. Also of special interest is their 30-day dry aged New York strip, Ribeye, and Porterhouse for two. Mention should also be made of their non-beef options, such as a starter of Charred Spanish Octopus served with salsa verde, chorizo and fingerling potatoes that will convert you to or reconfirm your love of octopus. And for dessert, try Ryan’s Sticky Bun with vanilla ice cream and cream cheese frosting, a delicious ending to your

meal.

When it comes to drinks, Charlie Palmer Steak New York is at the top of their game there as well. Amanda Streibel, their lead sommelier, has worked with Charlie Palmer for many years having been sommelier and bartender at Aureole, his very first restaurant. The wines offered range from crowd favorites like California Cabernet and Italian Montepulciano to niche wines from as far off as New Zealand and Tasmania.

Charlie Palmer Steak New York is a truly wonderful example of what makes the New York City food scene so spectacular. With Palmer’s experienced hand at the reigns, the food is utterly superlative and there are more than enough options to cater to whatever mood you are in. It is without exaggeration to say that in the firmament of New York City dining, Charlie Palmer Steak New York is one its brightest stars. And therefore, I implore you to go there soon and experience everything that the restaurant has to offer.

47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 (212) 302-3838 charliepalmersteak.com/locations/new-york

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Empire Diner A REMA D E CLA S S IC

BY LU CY FLINN

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he Empire Diner made its grand revival this past April. Cafeteria Group and Chef/Proprietor John DeLucie have joined forces to create a space that combines diner classics with elevated and fresh flavors. DeLucie noted, “I’ve always been drawn to nostalgia. I love historic spaces that can be revitalized.

I’m thrilled to be working with Cafeteria Group to bring such an iconic New York establishment back to life.” Located in West Chelsea, the Empire Diner appears as any other milkshake and patty-melt joint on the outside, yet it has been transformed into a chic, modernized dining area on the inside.

There is both a floor-level seating area and an upstairs dining area that serve as ideal spots for private events for up to twentyfive guests.

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Chef de Cuisine Justin Neubeck presents the diner meals we know and love with unique twists. Neubeck displays appetizers that intrigue his guests. From the macaroni and cheese served with mustard greens and sherry vinaigrette to the celery root soup accompanied by brown butter and crab, the list goes on. As for heartier options offered in Neubeck’s “Main” section, one can choose to feast on Braised Beef Short Rib with horseradish gremolata or even a Sourdough Pretzel Fried Chicken with chili mustard sauce and herbed French fries on the side.

While you eat, you have the opportunity to sip on beverages creatively concocted by mixologist Jenny Castillo. Castillo utilizes her appreciation for simple and crisp ingredients to produce drinks that will truly tickle the

taste buds. The Empire Diner’s “Mule,” which combines matcha with notes of mint, lime and ginger, and the “Salty Dog,” which fuses pressed fennel and grapefruit juice, are only a couple among the many updated takes on classic beverages. Overall, the Empire Diner encapsulates a universe where the past and present join forces, and the results are innovative dishes and beverages within a stunning, comfortable space. With a glowing history of its own and a future towards refreshing takes on beloved classics, the Empire Diner is a spot you simply don’t want to miss.

210 10th Ave New York, NY 212.335.2277 empire-diner.com

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New York Restaurants EGG SHOP, ALICE’S ARBOR, & BADSHAH B Y W I L LY N I C H T E R

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s a culinary destination, New York City is nearly unmatched in the variety and quality of its offerings. W ith old standards and new talents everywhere, it can be difficult to determine where to go. But with three particularly excellent new restaurants having opened recently, that decision can be made much easier.

First is the Egg Shop, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This vibrant eatery features a delicious egg-centric menu.

Specialties include their Car ne Asada Burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese and avocado; their Crab Toast Benedict on brioche with poached egg and asparagus; and Le Street Food with duck egg, spicy coconut curry butter,

kelp noodles, Thai chili and holy basil.

Visiting the Egg Shop is a truly unforgettable experience.

Then there is Alice’s Arbor, which is a rustic farm-to-table restaurant with a fantastic menu. They serve three meals a day there, and all three are not-to-be-missed experiences. From seasonal breakfast omelettes with cowboy fries to a Kale Salad served with a fruity vinaigrette, from their Roasted Chicken served with seasonal mixed vegetables to their Spaghetti and Vegetables with mustard green pesto and pecorino cheese, Alice’s Arbor is a truly delectable taste of healthfully-produced cooking.

Last but certainly not least is Badshah, which serves up dishes inspired by classic Indian street food alongside richly-flavored

signature dishes. Badshah’s menu is divided into three sections, titled “Appetizers from the Roadside,” “Tandoor” and “From the Pots” respectively, and each one offers several different options. These include Gol Goppa, which are seminola balls with chutney, their Boneless Tandoori Chicken and their rich pot-cooked Cheese Kofta with curry. This extensive menu ensures that Badshah can satisfy any and every palate.

Together, these three restaurants are a perfect example of the varied food scene in New York City. From an egg-centric eatery to a farm-to-table locale and a celebration of Indian street food, all three restaurants are wonderful options, perfect for abating your hunger. Go soon, and taste for yourself the culture inherent in New York City’s cuisine.

EGG SHOP 151 Elizabeth St.New York, NY 646.666.0810 | eggshopnyc.com

ALICE’S ARBOR 549 Classon Ave.Brooklyn, NY 718.399.3003 | alicesarborbk.com

BADSHAH 788 9th Ave. New York, NY 646.649.2407 | badshahny.com

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100% vegan, with a focus on organic, seasonal, and gluten-free cuisine Three elegant locations in Manhattan Chelsea, West Village, Upper West Side Organic & local wine, cocktails, and beer Special Events and Catering Available Certified Kosher

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Get Your Eat On! AT THESE THREE FOOD OPTIONS IN NYC

BY W. A. MU LLER

Here are three food options in New York that we are sure you don’t want to miss!

We know that you’ll love these options as much as we did! Enjoy!

Sushi by Bou Executive Chef and Owner of Sushi by Bou, David Bouhadana hosted a sushi and sake social on Sunday, July 16th to celebrate his Sensei being in town for one night from Japan. “Andy” Matsuda runs the SCI Sushi Chef Institute, which Bouhadana attended when he was 21. It was a 6 week program and at the end Matsuda told David he needed to learn more, so off to Japan David went to live his family. Sushi by Bou is Chef David Bouhadana’s newest omakase destination, which allows 4 guests at a time to experience a 12 piece, 30 minute, $50 omakase menu. The restaurant has locations at Gansevoort Market and underneath The Sanctuary Hotel.

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Pergola Showcased their Petal Pops at a Summer Soiree

International Vegetarian Convention at the Indian Consulate

Pergola, the Mediterranean hotspot in Flatiron, celebrated the summer with a stunning soiree on Thursday, July 13th. The night, sponsored by Moet Hennessy, featured Moet Chandon and Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc wine from Western Australia. Guests also got the opportunity to try Pergola’s f ro z e n , a l c o h o l i c P e t a l P o p s f ro m FrutaPOP, which are made with Tito’s Vodka, Elderflower, Lemonade and Edible Flowers, which they sell from their Adult Lemonade Stand and Garden Bar. Additionally, the restaurant let diners in on a secret, a new offering of gourmet pre-made picnic baskets available for purchase through Pergola’s website for a perfect day in the park or present for a friend, colleague or loved one.

Vegetarian Vision Inc. founder Harshad K. Shah and the non-profit’s President Chandra Mehta welcomed more than 200 guests to a private kick-off party and dinner for the International Vegetarian Convention at the Indian Consulate on the Upper East Side on Friday, July 14th.

The evening, which also marked the charity’s 25th anniversary year, began with cocktails and vegan hors d’oeuvres, followed by a press conference with HealthyPlanet President Bob DiBenedetto who acted as the night’s Master of Ceremonies and host for the evening.

Dinner followed with guests including re s t a u r a t e u r N i t i n Vy a s , M e a t l e s s Monday’s Monica Bassi, speaker Vinod Shah, Vishna Chandra, and New Life Expo Mark Becker all feasting on vegan Indian cuisine. Many of the participants and wellness experts who will be speaking and playing an active role at this year’s food festival, wellness event and familyfriendly fete at Penn Plaza Pavilion on September 9th and 10th were also in attendance.

PLANNING ON HAVING AN AFFAIR? PLANNING ON HAVING AN AFFAIR?

delicious cuisine, stylish presentation, impeccable service

delicious cuisine, stylish presentation, impeccable service

OFF-PREMISE CATERING & EVENT DESIGN for your HOME, BUSINESS or VENUE Southampton 631 324 9825 · Glen Cove 516 676 8500 · Manhattan 212 991 0078 ElegantAffairsCaterers.com

OFF-PREMISE CATERING & EVENT DESIGN for your HOME, BUSINESS or VENUE 25AMagazine.com | MetMatNy.com | 57

2 Spring AN INSTANT GOLD COAST FAVORITE B Y W. A . M U L L E R

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n the firmament of New York City dining, Chef Jesse Schenker is one of the brightest stars. Having owned and operated recette and The Gander, both beloved Manhattan properties, Chef Schenker has left his mark on a generation of chefs and devoted diners. His contemporary approach to creating American classics is a reflection of his devotion to highly-refined techniques combined with his passion for creating delicious food.

In addition to being a twice-nominated James Beard award semifinalist, Schenker has received a number of awards and accolades, including a mention on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the food and wine industry in December 2011 and inclusion in Details magazine’s “America’s Best Young Chefs” list in August 2011. Schenker was also victorious in his battle on Food Network’s Iron Chef America in 2010.

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Along with Claudia and Michael Taglich, Chef Schenker is opening 2 spring in Oyster Bay. The restaurant combines coastal American cuisine with modern sensibilities, highlighting fresh seafood and premium farm meats. The menu is complemented by a raw bar, small bites and seasonal produce sourced from Long Island’s North Fork.

The restaurant celebrates the essence of mid-century Manhattan, where exceptionally well-prepared food was served in settings that were both sophisticated and unpretentious. 2 spring brings the hospitality and quality of Manhattan’s finest downtown eateries to Oyster Bay. Chef Schenker transforms familiar favorites and elevates them to a new level. The result is a refined everyday elegance. Their deep wine list features both classic and littleknown wines, peppered with great value and older vintages.

The multi-level restaurant includes a zinc

top bar, beautiful views of the town square and a garden patio for outdoor dining.

The incredible space is a blend of refined and eclectic interior styles with brick lime washed walls, tin ceiling, and mid-century flair.

This combination of inspired, elegant food made with care and great technique and a beautiful, comfortable room makes for a winning formula. The team at 2 spring is excited by these wonderful possibilities and aims to provide an unforgettable dining experience for residents of the Gold Coast.

The restaurant I set to open in December and is sure to be an instant success.

2 SPRING 2 Spring St Oyster Bay, NY 11771 516.624.2411 2springstreet.com

SoHo’s Most Sophisticated Urban Retreat

525 Greenwich Street, New York, NY www.hotelhugony.com 212.608.4848 reservations@hotelhugony.com Follow us: @hotelhugosoho @barhugonyc @azulnyc 25AMagazine.com | MetMatNy.com | 59

End of Summer Marinades BREAK AWAY FROM TRADITIONAL BARBECUE

BY ANDREA CORREALE

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he end of summer is upon us, and while we all want to enjoy the warm weather as long as we possibly can, many of us are over the traditional barbeque fare that we eat all season long. If you’re planning to host a party, now is a good time to freshen up your summer barbeque menu and mix things up a bit to serve your guests the unexpected.

Whether you’re cooking seafood, steak, lamb, or ribs, it’s likely you’re going back to the same tried-and-true marinades and rubs. However, mixing up your marinades and rubs with some unexpected flavors will give your party guests a fresh taste that reinvents the typical barbeque menu.

To start, break the rules a little bit and don’t stick to one marinade type. Your go-to dry rub or bottled marinade don’t have to be your only options. Use your own palate as inspiration – get creative with flavors that you love and chances are, your guests will love them too. Additionally, ingredients from other cultures can be wonderful additions to your own kitchen.

Seafood is a great option for your guests – not only is it light and nutritious, but it absorbs the flavors of a marinade beautifully.

Salmon is a cost-effective option that is packed with nutrients like omega 3s.

Instead of grilling and seasoning with lemon or a traditional glaze, try an unexpected flavor like a sesame soy marinade to add complexity to the dish. Place the salmon in the marinade in advance of cooking so that the elements of sweet and savory can infuse tremendous flavor into the salmon.

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This helps flavor the fish all the way through, instead of just flavoring the top layer.

Another seafood option is grilled octopus.

It’s on every high end restaurant menu in Manhattan, so why not bring the fancy restaurant menu to your very own backyard?

For some interesting, new flavors, try a Sriracha marinade. There’s a reason this hot sauce is so popular – people love the sweet spiciness it brings to food. Brush it on as a wet marinade while you‘re grilling the octopus to infuse a huge amount of flavor.

Your guests will not only be impressed by your culinary skills, but also delighted by the powerful flavors.

Taking notes from other cultures, Korean marinades are absolutely fantastic. While this type of marinade is typically associated with ribs, try using these flavors on a different type of meat. This marinade typically has a sugar base like brown sugar, white sugar, or honey to add an element of sweetness.

While using the marinade more traditionally on ribs is still a fabulous option, you can also try something unexpected like a sweet, Korean-style meatball.

For steak, it’s easy to fall back on your typical pre-prepared seasonings, but it’s also quite simple to make your own rub. For an interesting, smoked flavor, combine chili powder and cumin in your dry rub. Most of us don’t have a smoker in our backyards, so this is a great way to infuse meat with a rich flavor that has the same effect.

Another delicious combination is garlic and rosemary. While a garlic, rosemary, l e m o n , a n d o l i v e o i l m a r i n a d e i s n ’t necessarily unexpected, the type of protein

you use it on can make all the difference.

Try using this marinade overnight on some lamb chops for a truly wonderful meal that will wow your guests. This classic flavor combo is completely elevated when you use it on an unexpected protein.

There are many ways to keep your grilled food fresh as summer winds to a close.

Your guests will look forward to the new culinary adventures they’ll experience that stray tremendously from the hot dogs and cheeseburgers they’ve been eating all summer. Cheers to fabulous and delicious end of summer parties!

Andrea Correale, President of Elegant Affairs, is a celebrity caterer and the new national entertaining expert for the Lenox brand. Andrea has been featured in multiple magazines and on television networks such as People magazine, Woman’s Day magazine, Oprah.com, FOX 5, WCBS, Bravo, VH1, Lifetime, and Martha Stewart Living. L’Oreal Paris Academy calls her their lifestyle expert with a series of entertaining videos used to inspire women nationwide. elegantaffairscatereres.com

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SkySafari by Elewana Collection COMPLETE EXPLORATION OF AFRICA

BY CHRISTOPHER A. PAPE & WILLY NICHTER

A

frica is a continent of wild beauty where one can explore an essence and variety of nature that most continents lack. For those who want to try to witness everything that East Africa has to offer, SkySafari

by Elewana Cllection offers a marvelous opportunity and a unique perspective to experience sites that are guaranteed to leave you breathless.

SkySafari is produced by the Elewana Collection, a group that supports several different hotels and holiday excursion groups all over Africa. This particular experience makes use of Elewana’s own executiveclass Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft in order to give an eight-day safari tour of

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an East African country, traveling to four locations and allowing tourists to see the landscape in a way most never have before.

SkySafari offers three different purchase options: SkySafari Classic, SkySafari Connoisseur and SkySafari Plus. Classic and Connoisseur offer the original tour, giving you the opportunity to stay at Elewana bush camps and lodges as you make your way around your country of choice, staying in four different locations for two days each.

SkySafari Plus gives you the opportunity to extend your trip by at least two days, giving you several options for how you spend the extra time.

SkySafari by Elewana Cllection services both Kenya and Tanzania, countries filled with history, beauty, and natural wildlife.

Because of this, both tours are equally unique and beautiful experiences that are not to be missed.

The Classic Kenya safari begins with a one-day stay at the Elewana partner hotel Hemingsway Nairobi, a luxurious location with a gourmet restaurant, 45 suites with walk-in wardrobes, and access to an invigorating spa. These amenities make the location perfect for easing yourself into the safari experience and preparing for the next several days of journeying through and seeing all of Kenya’s natural beauty.

From there, the next two days will be spent in the Amboseli National Park, which hosts over 1000 elephants and is the second-most popular wildlife area in the country. While staying at the comfortable Tortilis Camp

Amboseli, guests have the opportunity to take guided bush walks and experience birding with resident Masai guides, all while seeing the stunning natural views of the surrounding countryside, including Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Next is the Meru National Park, which is 215,000 acres and features an 84 km2 rhinoceros sanctuary. After enjoying day and evening game drives and guided nature walks, you will relax in a comfortable cottage at Elsa’s Kopje Meru, taking in the breathtaking views.

Then it is off to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which boasts a truly staggering amount of wildlife in its confines, including over 450 different species of birds. The

lodge is the Sand River Masai Mara, right on the outskirts of the reserve, which is modeled after a 1920’s permanent tent camp. From there, you will return to the Hemingsway Nairobi for a day of relaxation before returning home.

As for Tanzania, your stay there begins at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, located at the base of Mount Meru. Surrounded by a gorgeous coffee plantation, you can spend your time taking a tour exploring the process of coffee making, visiting the tanzanite gemstone boutique, or simply relaxing in the incredibly comfortable accommodations.

From there, you’ll head to the Tarangire National Park, where you will be taken to a luxurious lodge, Tarangire Treetops, for a

two-night stay. Enjoy the daily game drives, a visit to an authentic Masai village, and dinner held in a traditional bomba, featuring Masai singing and dancing.

Next is the Ngorongoro Crater—a natural enclosure for a wide variety of wildlife.

The crater hosts zebras and wildebeests alongside a group of Ngorongoro lions, allowing for a diverse range of animals to see. While there, you will partake in a full-day game drive to the crater itself, and as well as Lake Manyara National Park. Your stay there will be at the Manor at Ngorongoro, which blends Dutch luxury with East African hospitality for a marvelous experience.

After that is the Serengeti, one of the lushest and most vibrant regions in Tanzania.

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You will be staying at either the Serengeti Pioneer Camp or the Serengeti Migration Camp, depending on which location offers the best game-viewing opportunities during that trip. Both locations are wonderfully appointed and perfect for witnessing the rich natural wildlife the Serengeti has to offer. Finally, you will return to the Arusha Coffee Lodge, allowing you to decompress and prepare to leave.

The exclusive options are much the same between the Kenya and Tanzania. You can extend your stay in a final location, either the Masai Mara or the Serengeti respectively, by two days, allowing you to truly take in

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all that the respective location has to offer.

Take the opportunity to end your tour with a trip to a special luxury location, allowing you to take several days and luxuriate in the comforts the country and the Elewana Collection have to offer. For the Kenya safari, this location is the AfroChic Diani Beach, which provides exquisite ocean views and wonderful cuisine. For Tanzania, there is Kilindi a boutique beach hotel with beautiful ambiance located in a stunning natural environment.

All in all, SkySafari by Elewana Cllection provides an absolutely marvelous experience, one that should not be overlooked. With

two countries to choose from, you have your choice on how you want to spend your African safari, and both options are equally incredible. You can choose to spend your time in Kenya, exposed to the marvels of the various national parks and reserves it has to offer. Alternatively, you can go to Tanzania, and enjoy the more open and diverse comforts it provides to its guests.

Either way, you are sure to leave Africa feeling satisfied having been exposed to the wonders of a continent that is filled with a truly unique natural beauty all its own. skysafari.com

37 West 24th Street New York, NY between 5th and 6th Avenue

844-277-9123 • www.hotelhenrinyc.com

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Arusha Coffee Lodge by Elewana Collection RICH RELAXATION IN TANZANIA

BY CHRI STOPER A. PAPE & WILLY NICHT ER

T

anzania is a country of beauty a n d h i s t o r y, w i t h s t r i k i n g natural landscapes that truly impart and express the majesty of the region. For those seeking to explore all that Tanzania and East Africa as a whole has to offer, there is no better place to set up base than the Arusha Coffee Lodge.

Part of the Elewana Collection, the Lodge is based at the foot of Mount Meru, one of the tallest mountains in the world and a major Tanzanian landmark. It is on the outskirts of the town of Arusha, surrounded by one of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantations. The relative isolation and the luxurious natural beauty serve to make the lodge’s location an utterly stunning one.

The living arrangements match the ambiance in style, consisting of 30 plantation houses strategically placed throughout the coffee fields, all designed around the original landowner’s home from the early 1900s. However, while the façades might be antique, the accoutrements are far from old-fashioned.

Out of the 30 houses, 18 of them are Plantation Rooms, and 12 are Plantation Suites, all of which are decorated in such a way as to bring to mind the warmth and ambiance that the plantation’s main product provides. The Plantation Rooms feature an ensuite bathroom with both shower and bath, an in-room log-burning fire and a request-stocked minibar alongside a verandah that allows for a stunning view of the plantation.

The suites provide additional luxury, with international satellite TV service and a 32ʺ flat-screen television, a fully-stocked minibar, two terraces—one with lounge

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furniture and one with a log-fire burner— and a personal attendant to provide room service. No matter which living option you choose, Arusha Coffee Lodge will host you in the utmost luxury, making for a wonderful experience when you’re not exploring the countryside.

Indeed, there are plenty of opportunities for exploring. Not only does the lodge pride itself on being the perfect location to relax either before or after an East African safari tour, but it also offers several different “encounters,” allowing its guests to view the majesty and culture of Tanzania.

These encounters include the “Bean-toCup” coffee estate tour, a one-hour walk around the plantation to explore its inner workings, and several different trips into Arusha and Tanzania as a whole. These include visits to the Arusha National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as more traditional attractions like the Arusha Museum of Natural History and the Tanzanite Museum. They even offer trips to the Land Rover Experience Centre and Test-Driving Track, allowing for an exciting and unique experience unlike anything else the lodge has to offer.

For those who want to simply relax, the lodge is equipped to meet those needs as well. The main plantation house features, among other pleasures, an intimate indoor swimming pool and a spectacular garden terrace with acres of beautiful coffee plantation that can be walked through, with or without a tour. There are also conference facilities, a curio shop, and even a tanzanite boutique, all of which can be enjoyed at your leisure.

As for dining, the Arusha Coffee Lodge has several different options. It is able to

accommodate individual dietary needs when given notice. In addition to their personal restaurant, which serves breakfast from 6:30 a. m. to 11:00 a. m. on Mondays through Fridays, there is also their Garden Buffet Luncheon, which is a daily 4-course buffet served in the garden.

The Grill Room, which features a menu with a variety of dishes using locally-sourced produce prepared with gourmet techniques and a host of fantastic wines, is another wonderful restaurant the hotel offers. Finally, there is the Bistro, which has meat, fish, and “straight-from-the-oven” pizzas, as well as salads, freshly-made cakes, and coffee made with the plantation’s very own beans. With both indoor and garden terrace seating and its own bar, it is a fantastic eating experience.

The lodge even offers picnic lunches for guests wanting to eat lunch out and about.

These lunches can be made vegetarian, or with other dietary restrictions upon request, and are the perfect way to enjoy the food of the lodge while also seeing the sights of Tanzania.

For those interested in seeing everything that Tanzania has to offer, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is the place to go. With access to wonderful history, set in a beautiful location, and providing innumerable opportunities to showcase the natural beauty and culture of the region, it is all but guaranteed that you will not regret staying there. The Arusha Coffee Lodge is an exploration of what makes Tanzania wonderful, and it certainly represents the country well. e l e w a n a c o l l e c t i o n . c o m / a r u s h a - c o ff e e lodge/arusha-coffee-lodge-at-a-glance

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Hacienda Encantada L OS C ABOS S A N LU CA S LU X U RY RES O R T

BY T RACY BU CCO

L

os Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a popular vacation destination known for its perfect weather.

With an average of 360 days of sun, there is always a perfect fun-filled day awaiting you on your vacation. You will never be bored on your trip to Cabo. Whether you choose to spend your day swimming, taking a boat ride snorkeling and seeing the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, dinner on the Marina, or dancing the night away at Cabo Wabo.

However, no vacation is complete without the right hotel accommodations.

As you head closer to downtown Cabo from the airport, you reach Hacienda Encantada, a beautiful luxury resort hidden far off the busy highway amongst the tranquil cliffs of Cabo. This resort is truly the ultimate relaxation and luxury experience.

You are welcomed by their friendly and endearing staff that help escort you to your new temporary oasis. The architecture and furnishings reflect traditional Mexican Hacienda inspired decor, featuring colorful buildings with elegant vine covered walls and fountains. The resort offers studio suites all the way up to 4 bedroom suites, making this the perfect experience for both big and small groups travelling together. You can choose suites offering kitchen, dining and living rooms options, as well as ocean view balconies with private whirlpools. And the highlight of this resort is the breathtaking picturesque view of the Sea of Cortez.

Although the beach is not swimmable,

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there are 3 separate infinity pools on site, ensuring room to accommodate all guests at the hotel.

Expedite your relaxation level and treat yourself for a day at the resort’s Holistic Spa. The spa offers a large selection of pampering activities to choose from and has beautiful indoor and outdoor bed options.

The smell of unique oils and Mexican holistic incense instantly has you relaxed from the moment you walk in. For some more interactive activities, book a day of horseback riding on the beach or Mexican cooking class paired with tequila tasting.

When traveling with the whole family, the resort offers a list of services directed towards children. At the main pool, the friendly staff offers fun-filled activities throughout the day to entertain all members of the family. Steps away, you will find a separate children’s pool, paired with the kids zone; a water playground and play area.

Tennis and basketball courts are both on site and available to all guests as well. Also, be sure to ask about the resorts babysitting services if interested in a romantic dinner for two or a night out on the town.

The adults only pool area consists of a 3-level infinity pool paired with a 5 star view of the Sea of Cortez and the iconic mountainous cliffs. Surrounded by a breathtaking view, you will truly experience luxury and relaxation unlike any other resort.

The adults only pool area offers prompt waiter service and swim up bar where you can order poolside appetizers, sushi, and

an extensive cocktail menu. Relax in one of the luxe lounge chairs and be immersed in the sound of the sea crashing over the rocks below.

As the evening unfolds, make a reservation at one of the eight restaurants on site for dinner. This resort is known for the high end cuisine and restaurant experience. Hacienda Encantada does offer an optional all-inclusive plan, which would include all eight restaurants on site. The allinclusive package also includes restaurants found at the sister hotel in downtown Cabo on the Marina, called Marina Fiesta. If you feel like expanding your Cabo San Lucas experience some evenings, the hotel offers shuttle service to Marina Fiesta, the sister hotel on the Cabo San Lucas Marina and downtown Cabo, where there are a handful of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shopping for your entertainment.

Hacienda Encantada truly brings you the best experience of Los Cabo San Lucas, providing a tranquil luxury experience, while also being a quick ride away from the flamboyant famous nightlife of downtown Cabo. The views, pools, rooms, and food are all the perfect 5-star combination for the ultimate vacation. This hidden luxury gem is truly a must see if you are visiting Cabo San Lucas, and will bring you a unforgettable vacation experience.

haciendaencantada.com

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Moment Factory Aura

Montreal TH E PARIS O F NO R TH A MERICA

BY CATHERINE AND ERSEN

Y

ou know that feeling when someone lets you in on a secret? All of a sudden you feel a little sneaky and a little giddy.

You’ve just been trusted with some very special information.

You now have access to something that few people do and you are now one of the few keepers of this treasured knowledge that was given to you in a whisper, because it was that precious.

I live for those moments, especially when I travel: The secret dish that’s not on the menu and has to be ordered in a very specific way; the password that gets you into an underground watering hole to hear the best live, local music; the undisclosed hot spring that’s off the map and way off the tourist trail. I live for those moments-when a local trusts you so much that they’re willing to let you in on one of their city’s secrets.

My trip to Montreal felt like one whispered secret after another. It started before I even got there.

So I’m waiting in the Delta Sky Lounge for my flight and a Delta representative asks me to follow him. He takes me through a door I’d never noticed before, down a set of stairs

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and before I can ask why, he opens another door and there we are on the tarmac—as in, where the planes are. He explains that my plane is now departing from a different terminal and walks me over to a Porsche.

Yep, it’s right there on the tarmac too.

He opens the passenger door for me and explains, “We do this for VIP’s—Celebrities, Government Officials, and Delta Diamond Club Members who have tight connections.

It’s called our Porsche Service.” The last part was uttered just above a whisper.

The Delta representative then drives me past a dozen or so planes until we arrive at mine. A private stairway is set up and at the top, is a covert door. “This is how I get on?” I ask, walking up the stairs in disbelief.

When we get to the top, he nods and opens the door to the plane. No need to go back into the airport and wait for boarding instructions. Just up the steps and there I was, in my seat sipping champagne before the jet bridge for all the other passengers was even set up. How did I not know about this Porsche Service before?

It was a secret.

The next one was disclosed about 20 minutes later. This time, not in a whisper.

Our pilot announced that our flight from

NYC to Montreal would be 45 minutes. Yes, as in less than an hour. I’ve had commutes from one side of Manhattan to the other that were longer than that. Instead, today, I’m commuting to--what I’ve been told is--a miniature version of Paris which is a little bit different, isn’t it?

Next, we arrive at our hotel, Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, where every staff member we encounter is genuinely smiling and happy to greet us. It became quite clear over the course of our stay that their staff is carefully hand-picked. They truly enjoy hospitality. Again, I found myself questioning how seasoned I actually was as a traveler: How am I not more familiar with this hotel group? I’d obviously come across the brand before, but I had no idea it was such a step above.

It’s almost as if it’s been kept a secret.

Part of a French multinational hotel group, Sofitel sums up its philosophy in one word: Magnifique--the French word for magnificent--a word that’s synonymous with gorgeous, splendid, lovely, and royal.

Nothing could be more true of this hotel and its staff. The Le Renoir restaurant and Le Bar within the hotel were refined down to the detail from the dashing décor and

Beaux-art Restaurant.

Photo by Laurent Godbout

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, Opera Suite Bedroom

clever cocktails to the creative menu and elegant dishes. Dessert was no exception.

(Psssst, don’t tell anyone, but their Head Pastry Chef, Roland del Monte, renowned for his ice cream, was made a knight of the Order of Agricultural Merit by the French Agricultural Minister and has indulged the sweet teeth of French presidents and other state officials. He wants people to enjoy his creations, not his titles, so that stays between you and me.)

That air of charm and French refinement shines throughout the city of Montreal, however I wouldn’t confine it to being “a miniature Paris.” Its flavor is slightly different. There’s a modern flair added to the Old European feel in Montreal that’s magnetic. You get the sense that the city doesn’t want you to just wander in and out of its historic sites and museums. It wants to make sure you’re engaged while you’re there. For example, I was caught by surprise at the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal by the spectacular multi-media light and music show called Aura. It was, not only stunning by way of its production value, but also by the way it left me with a much deeper appreciation for the architecture and sanctity of the Cathedral itself.

Montreal’s Museum of Fine Arts Museum was another perfect example of the city’s desire to keep you captivated. One minute y o u ’ re l e a r n i n g a b o u t c l a s s i c R e n o i r paintings and the next, you’re diving into “Love is Love,” a daring and exquisite exhibit

by French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier. It’s remarkable.

Here’s what’s not a secret: My fascination with food. It’s amazing to me how much eating through a city will tell you almost everything about it. In Montreal, that happens right in the streets—open-air farmers markets taken to a whole other level. Not just once a week, but every day, they set-up these elaborate indoor/outdoor markets with colorful, fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal breads, pates, foie gras, soups from scratch, pastries, and the types meats and cheeses that, in New York, you would have to seek out a specialty store to find. Within 15 minutes of being at the market, we put together a charcuterie board that would rival most fine dining restaurants.

In Montreal, they simply call it “grocery shopping.” I know. It makes me jealous too. These markets are everywhere but the most prominent ones are the Jean Talon Market and the Atwater Market.

Pied de Cochon

And now, one of the best-kept secrets I’ve ever come across: The Sugar Shack of Chef Martin Picard’s restaurant, La Pied de Conchon. Quick background: The term “Sugar Shack” comes from the Canadian tradition of boiling sap down to maple syrup in a shack out in the countryside.

In short, it describes a rustic atmosphere.

Get Picard involved and what you have is a renowned chef’s gourmet reinvention of local, traditional, harvest season recipes.

Imagine, being out in the peacefulness and fragrance of a gorgeous farm, knowing everything from this land you’re on is being cooked for you elegantly course after course, and you’re being served in a cozy log-cabin like setting—picnic-table style with a front porch outside where the barbeque smoker is within arm’s reach. I was in foodie bliss.

The atmosphere, the flavors, everything was so grounded and sophisticated at the same time. One of the best culinary experiences of my life. Apparently, I’m not the only one who feels that way. It can take months to get a reservation. But I assure you, if you plan ahead, it will be a night you will never forget.

Sometimes a secret is just too good to keep.

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Nobu Eden Roc Hotel MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA

BY T RACY BU CCO

A

mong the many vacation spots in the State of Florida, Miami stands out as a place of mixed culture, beautiful beaches, and posh nightlife.

A city for the Elite, the Miami experience is one of luxury between the high-end shopping, pricey nightlife and numerous glamorous hotels. Along Miami Beach, you will find Nobu Eden Roc Hotel; a luxury hotel unique to any other hotel in Miami and a must see. Built in 1955-56 by the famous architect Morris Lapidus, the hotel lobby still exudes the original art deco décor Lapidus so beautifully executed in the original design. There are historically protected elements such as golden pillars surrounding the center lobby bar and the original gold elevator doors are still present.

Even the large Eden Roc sign seen outside the building as you pull up to the hotel, is the original signage also designed by Morris Lapidus.

Preserving the history of the Eden Roc building has held importance to the hotel’s owners, which makes this hotel a perfect location for all history, design, and architecture fans. Even if you are not a history buff and just looking for the ultimate luxury experience, Eden Roc is also the perfect place as well. Although there are historically protected art deco elements found within the Eden Roc Tower, the hotel itself completed updated renovations back in 2008, and has also just renovated again in 2017. Maintaining the position of Miami Beach’s top luxury hotels entails keeping up with the times, and every room in the Eden Roc hotel is flawlessly designed and updated for modern luxury.

One phrase you will hear when visiting Nobu Eden Roc is “Two Hotels, One Miami Address” and it is that which makes this resort a truly unique experience. There are two towers within this hotel, the Nobu Tower and the Eden Roc Tower. Both share the same property amenities such as the

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lobby, spa, gym, pools, and beach front access. However, both towers exude two completely different design aesthetics and luxury experience, providing an environment that will appeal to all. As already mentioned, the Eden Roc Tower is a mix of the historical art deco elements with the rooms providing a modern contemporary twist. All rooms in this tower are paired with large balconies looking over the beautiful Miami Beach.

Entering the Nobu tower, you feel as if you are in a completely different hotel. The Nobu tower, which just finalized full renovations in Fall 2017, has been immaculately designed in Botanical Japanese Beach House décor.

The bathrooms have been renovated to truly mimic a botanical spa setting with jet soaking tubs paired with large rainfall shower stalls. At the top of the tower are 3 brand new penthouse suites available with wrap around balconies. There is also 2 large rooms reserved for business meetings or private parties. The rooms can be opened up to 1 large room in order to accommodate larger parties as well.

You can’t talk about a Nobu Hotel and not mention the food. Nobu Matsuhisa is the chef of the famous Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants found across five continents.

Foodies all over the world seek out Nobu restaurants for the incredible cuisine and unique culinary experience. Chef Nobu continually outdoes himself time and time again, creating innovative and mouthwatering dishes at his restaurants.

At Nobu Eden Roc, you have one of the famous Nobu restaurants conveniently on property and it is a culinary affair everyone should experience.

Secondly, Nobu Eden Roc is celebrating the opening of their brand new second restaurant on property in Fall 2017. Chef Nobu has partnered with well-known re s t a u r a n t o w n e r H e l e n e H e n d e r s o n , to bring a completely different culinary experience to the Miami hotel location.

Helene Henderson is the owner of the

famous Malibu Farm Restaurant and Café, located on the beautiful Malibu Pier. Malibu Farms provides a farm-to-table organic eating experience; supporting local farm and food suppliers and creating daily menu options based on the produce available each day. The restaurant is also well-known for its picturesque location, which provides waterfront views of Malibu Beach, California.

Chef Nobu and Helene paired up to bring this incredible experience over to our Miami beach. The Malibu Farms Nobu Eden Roc location has been intricately designed to mimic the design asthetic you will find at the Malibu location. It also now sits on the largest waterfront view property found in Miami Beach. The menu will maintain its strong roots of farm-to-table organic culinary experience, and support all local farm and food suppliers.

Between the imaginative culinary menu found at the famous Nobu restaurant and the simplicity of whole foods found at Malibu Farms, the Nobu Eden Roc hotel offers a memorable food experience while vacationing in Miami Beach. The newly renovated décor is a sight to see, paired with several gorgeous pools, Jacuzzis, and indoor and outdoor bars. Nobu Eden Roc also has a state of the art Spa on location.

Offering a large menu of Spa treatments, all spa clients will receive the ultimate luxury experience with access to the spa lounge room, hot and cold soaking baths, Sauna, and steam rooms. There is no time limit to utilize these luxurious amenities and it is truly a place where guests lose time and experience true luxuriousness and ultimate relaxation. When traveling to Miami Beach, the Nobu Eden Roc hotel is truly a must see and will make the Miami experience a memorable one, full of amazing food and the ultimate luxury experience.

nobuedenroc.com

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REVIEW: DE LA NO LA S VEG A S

BY MELISSA BRAVERMAN

M

GM has a legendary history of hospitality in Las Vegas spanning more than forty years. Of the brand’s 14 hotels and resorts, the Delano stands apart as a sophisticated, refreshing alternative to its sister properties.

Originally opened as The Hotel at Mandalay Bay back in 2003, it was reimagined as The Delano in 2014 after a top to bottom renovation inspired by the contemporary design of The Delano South Beach. A partnership between MGM and Morgans Hotel Group, the non-smoking, non-gaming 1,117 room all-suite hotel offers the boutique atmosphere and attention to detail that define Morgans properties.

It begins with the inviting lobby experience-soft lighting, a cozy coffee and tea bar and friendly staffers with iPads ready to assist with any guest needs. Other thoughtful touches--complimentary flavored water, a rotating shadow box exhibit (currently highlighting vintage cocktail guides) and large mirror ador ned with handwritten inspirational sayings that change every day.

Accommodations at the Delano are spacious at 725 square foot or larger and sleekly designed in neutral tones. Suites boast floor to ceiling windows with Strip, beach, or mountain views, a separate

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living area with seating for five, and master bathroom with a glass enclosed shower and soaking tub. Distinctively scented bath amenities come from BATHHOUSE Spa, the hotel’s well-appointed 14,000 square foot spa and gym complex. Unwind in the spa’s eucalyptus steam room and redwood sauna.

With its location adjacent to Mandalay Bay, the Delano offers easy access to the resort’s dizzying array of restaurants, shopping, gaming and pools. Right next to the Delano Beach Club pool sits Mandalay Bay Beach--an 11-acre man-made beach with sand, a 1.6 million gallon wave pool, four additional pools and private cabanas.

Culinary indulgence awaits at the Delano’s two main dining outlets. Located on the lobby level, Della’s Kitchen serves breakfast and lunch all day daily, with farm-totable items made from regionally sourced ingredients. The casual eatery’s peaches and cream French toast is a standout, garnished with peach compote, granola and bourbon crumble and creme Anglaise.

For a more upscale experience, Rivea doesn’t disappoint. Located on the 64th floor, the rooftop restaurant is known for its spectacular Strip views, outdoor balcony dining and attentive, knowledgeable wait staff. Delano Executive Chef Bruno Riou updates the European-born Alain Ducasse concept, with fresh seasonal takes on small

plates inspired by food markets in the Italian and French Rivieras. Must-have specialties-marinated sea bass, beef carpaccio and chickpea fries. Save room for Rivea’s signature dessert--a decadent limoncello baba cake, drizzled tableside with chilled limoncello and fresh vanilla whipped cream.

The Delano is one of only a few hotels on the Strip that is pet friendly, with a first-class selection of amenities available through its Doggie Butler Service. Four legged guests receive a welcome bag upon arrival with biscuits, a leather toy and waste disposal bag. In addition to a small but serviceable dog park right outside, the hotel provides dog walking services for a fee with optional text messages and photos so you know your best friend is being well taken care of.

Like many other hotels, the Delano does not allow dogs to be left unattended unless they are in a crate or carrier. Not to worry-crates are available for rental. And yes, the 24-hour room service menu includes Doggie Delights.

For a luxurious, rejuvenating oasis that will transport you from the Strip while staying right in the heart of it, The Delano Las Vegas is your best bet.

delanolasvegas.com

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Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo F IN E DIN IN G IN THE HEA R T O F TO KYO

BY N ORI INOGU CHI & WILLY NICHT ER

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n the realms of both comfort and cuisine, Japan is a unique and exquisite locale.

Its rich culture provides an unforgettable experience, particularly for those who come prepared to immerse themselves in everything the country has to offer.

And for those who want to do so in a setting of unmatched luxury, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo gives not only a comfortable place to return to after a day of exploring, but also a variety of restaurant options guaranteed to meet your culinary needs.

The Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is located amidst a stunning garden vista, the gardens being formally established in 1811, but it has been appreciated as a destination of natural beauty for over 700 years. The setting is truly gorgeous, blooming throughout the year and visible from almost any location inside the hotel, including its nine restaurants.

These restaurants are among the most essential features the hotel has to offer, each one given new excellently crafted menus every season. All the food is made with only the freshest produce, grown and brought there from all over the country and the world for the sake of providing the best

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culinary experience possible.

Out of the hotel’s nine restaurants, four of them serve primarily Japanese food, beginning with Ryotei Kinsui Restaurant. Built in the sukiya style of Japanese architecture, the restaurant serves traditional kaiseki meals, set courses of several small dishes chosen based on the season. It is an elegant and subdued dining experience, perfect for a relaxed immersion into Japanese culture.

Next is Mokushundo, which also serves kaiseki cuisine, and grilled dishes in Japanese style. The restaurant serves old-style dishes, cooked to perfection on hot lava rocks brought over from Mount Fuji, which give them a unique taste and stunning flavor.

Then there is Miyuki, which offers full Japanese meals, including sushi and teppanyaki, offering its guests a traditional Japanese meal in a rich and luxurious setting. And finally among the Japanese restaurants is Mucha-an, which serves up soba noodles made from Japanese buckwheat flour in a rustic woods environment, perfect for lunch, drinks, or dinner.

The hotel’s other five restaurants serve various types of cuisine, beginning with Il Teatro. Il Teatro

serves authentic Italian cuisine in a lush setting, allowing the guests to experience the heart of Italy without leaving Japan.

The Bistro serves casual western-style dining, providing small plates, full meals, and excellent wine, while Le Jardin provides an afternoon high tea in the English style, as well as a casual bar menu at night. Le Marquis is the hotel’s main bar, serving drinks and hors d’oeuvres, including over 100 different martinis.

Lastly, there is Café Foresta, which serves coffee, snacks, and delicious homemade sweets.

With viewing windows to show the chefs as they work, it is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s rich atmosphere.

With nine spectacular restaurants to choose from and a wonderful location, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is an exquisite place to stay while visiting Japan. Go soon, and experience the full extent of the luxury, beauty, and quality cuisine they have to offer.

hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com

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Palace Hotel Tokyo J A PAN E SE H OSP ITA LITY IN U NMATCHED LU XU RY

BY N ORI INOGU CHI & WILLY NICHT ER

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apan is a country of remarkable beauty and history, one that includes years of isolation from the Western world. Because of this, visiting Japan is an utterly unique experience, invoking a blend of ancient traditions and modern influences unlike what any other country can offer. And it is that spirit, along with wonderful amenities and excellent service, that the Palace Hotel Tokyo offers to all its guests.

The space where the hotel is located initially hosted the Teito Hotel in 1947, a symbol of the increased Western influence in Japan following the end of World War II. However, in 1961, the Teito Hotel was razed to the ground and replaced with the original Palace Hotel, which was a greater blend of the two cultures. It even won a prize for its innovative use of traditional Japanese architecture and materials in its construction. Rebuilt into the Palace Hotel Tokyo in 2009, it pays homage to the traditions of its predecessors while forging its own identity as a magnificent representation of Japanese luxury.

The Palace Hotel Tokyo has several different kinds of rooms and suites, ranging in size from 484 square feet to 2,744 square feet, making them perfectly suited for individual or group usage. All rooms offer stunning views of the hotel’s surroundings, including lush gardens and a spectacular skyline.

As far as comforts, its rooms feature a fully-stocked minibar, an in-room safe, two LCD TVs, one of which is located in the

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bathroom, and complimentary high-speed internet, both wireless and wired. The rooms go from Deluxe to Club Grand Deluxe, while the suites go from an Executive Suite to their Palace Suite.

Naturally, their Palace Suite is the most luxurious suite they have to offer, with features such as a service kitchen with its own entrance, a walk-in wardrobe, 24-hour in-room dining, and an M’s brand speaker system. It is perfect for those who want to experience the fullest extent of the Palace Hotel Tokyo’s comforts.

When it comes to food, the hotel is well-equipped to meet any and all culinary needs. With seven different restaurants, three bars, and a pastry shop, you will find wildly different dining experiences.

Wadakura offers up kaiseki cuisine, a refined and uniquely Japanese meal experience involving several small plates brought out over the course of an evening.

Tatsumi provides delicious tempura made with the freshest seafood available, making for a rich and flavorful meal.

There is also Sushi Kanesaka, which provides sushi produced by Michelin-starred Chef Shinji Kanesaka. And for those who want to taste something closer to home, their Grand Kitchen is open all day and serves up an array of Japanese-influenced food from the American, French, Spanish, and Italian culinary traditions.

The Palace Hotel Tokyo offers relaxation and comfort with their spa, Evian SPA TOKYO. Not only is the spa gorgeous, designed to resemble the path Evian® brand mineral water takes through its Alpine

home, but it also features several different luxury treatments all designed to revitalize its guests.

Additionally, the hotel has several different venues for meetings or other events. It has seven different function rooms and three meeting rooms designed to suit whatever need is required of them.

Among the seven function rooms, Aoi is the largest, capable of holding 1,440 people, while Kikyo is the smallest, capable of holding 90. All the rooms offer striking views and elegant décor and can be furnished and decorated to host occasions ranging from dinner parties to weddings.

The meeting rooms consist of two regular meeting rooms and one boardroom, all of which are comfortable and tastefully decorated. These rooms can be used for any meeting and will surely lend an authentic sense of luxury to the proceedings.

Of final importance is the hotel’s location, which is right in the heart of Tokyo.

Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and beautiful scenery, guests can easily walk around the city and experience everything it has to offer.

T h e P a l a c e H o t e l To k y o i s a t r u l y marvelous hotel and a perfect place to stay while experiencing Japan. With wonderful accommodations, fantastic restaurants, and a central location, it is an essential place to stay if you want to see what Tokyo has to offer. Go soon, and explore the full extent of Japanese luxury. palacehoteltokyo.com

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Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu MOUNTAINSIDE LUXURY IN JAPAN

BY N ORI INOGU CHI & WILLY NICHT ER

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apanese hospitality is truly an amazing experience, plunging visitors into a depth of culture that is entirely unique. Those visiting Japan have the opportunity to explore a rich natural landscape and beautiful, vibrant cities, while being treated in a luxurious and comforting manner. For those who want to witness the depths of Japanese hospitality and the height of natural beauty, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a truly remarkable resort and a wonderful place to stay when exploring Japan.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is one of the latest properties of leading Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko Inc., having opened in April of this year. Located in Hakone, one of Japan’s premier hot spring destinations, it takes full advantage of its location and its pedigree to create the most comfortable and stunning guest experience possible.

A major part of what makes it so

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spectacular is its location. Hakone has been designated a Japanese geopark, featuring several different tourist attractions. These include several museums, beautiful natural landscapes, and, of course, hot springs.

Japanese hot springs are known for their restorative properties, and Hakone’s hot springs are no exception. How Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu makes use of these hot springs will be detailed later, but needless to say, they take full advantage of their abilities.

In addition, the resort’s close proximity to Mount Fuji makes for a stunning natural landscape for guests to witness and explore during their stay. Furthermore, Hakone is only two hours away from Tokyo, so guests are free to visit the city and explore everything it has to offer without being overly inconvenienced. Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu’s location is a major factor in its success.

W h e n i t c o m e s t o ro o m s , H a k o n e Kowakien Ten-yu is well-suited with a wide variety of choices. The resort features 150 Japanese-style rooms, ranging from the

Japanese Superior Room to the Japanese Executive Suite Room. Most of the rooms have both beds and futons, and the décor of each room was designed to combine Japanese artistic aesthetics with simple elegance. Additionally, all six Japanese suites were designed with a unique theme, ensuring that every guest’s experience is different. In-room dining, breakfast and dinner, is available with suites As far as amenities go, every room features free W i-Fi, gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, a refrigerator, and an electronic safe. However, probably the most striking amenities that Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu offers are their private open-air hot spring baths.

Every room in the resort has one of these baths, all of which are situated to overlook the gorgeous natural scenery surrounding the resort. Guests can relax in the soothing natural waters after a long day of exploration, recovering from the stresses of the day in a comfortable and

private atmosphere. These hot springs are absolutely fantastic, and they are key to the resort’s success.

Because of this, Hakone Kowakien Te n - y u a l s o p ro v i d e s t w o o t h e r h o t spring facilities, both of which are open to all guests. While one is a traditionalstyle hot spring bath, situated in a forest environment with a waterfall, the other is an open-air “infinity” bath, which features a completely open view. This bath is an entirely unique experience, one which promotes a rejuvenating and natural experience.

In terms of dining, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu has its own in-house restaurant, which serves delicious Japanese meals for a scintillating taste experience. The resort also has its own bar/lounge that serves both cocktails and an afternoon tea with pastries.

For those who want to explore other options, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu also provides access to other restaurants in the Hakone Kowakien resort complex. These include Soba Kihinkan, which offers rich and flavorful soba noodles, and Teppanyaki Geihinkan, which provides top-quality grilled meals featuring delicious Wagyu beef and abalone. In addition, both restaurants occupy Japanese cultural heritage sights known for their beautiful architecture,

allowing guests to enjoy a stunning visual experience alongside their meals. Whatever dining option guests choose, they are guaranteed a wonderful time in terms of taste and atmosphere.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu also features several activities for those guests who want to explore their surrounding environment.

The natural landscape of Hakone features prominently in several of these, including morning yoga in their garden and trekking along the Chisuji Falls and Mt. Sengen.

Another natural wonder guests can see is Horaien Park, a notable botanical garden filled with gorgeous plant life.

Guests can also visit Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a hot spring-themed amusement p a r k a n d s p a re s o r t . T h e re , o n e c a n experience attractions such as “The Gods’ Aegean Sea” and “Rodeo Mountain” while also partaking in hot spring spa treatments.

Additionally, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu has its own in-house spa, An Spa Hakone.

Located in their garden, the spa is modeled on a traditional Japanese-style house and offers exclusive spa treatments using highquality Japanese products for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Furthermore, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu has a dedicated and experienced concierge team that works day and night to meet any and all guest demands. In addition to performing

the regular functions of a concierge service, the team also works with local experts to arrange a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. These include arts and crafts, sports, and other cultural experiences. With this concierge team working there, it is clear that Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is fully and absolutely committed to providing the best possible experience for their guests, no matter what that may entail.

Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu is a truly marvelous resort and an excellent example of what makes Japan such a remarkable country. Its location is perfect, allowing guests to experience a bevy of natural wonders while also providing access to more modern comforts. Their rooms are exquisite, with a variety of amenities and personal open-air hot springs to recover from the excitement of the day. Their meals are phenomenal, deliciously crafted to provide the greatest possible taste experience for the guests, and their activities are fantastic, giving guests the chance to explore a beautiful landscape and witness the majesty of Japanese culture. Go soon, and experience the wonderful pleasures of Japanese hospitality for yourself.

hakone-tenyu.com

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Ito Ryokuyu H OT SPRIN G S IN THE HEA R T O F JA PA N

BY N ORI INOGU CHI & WILLY NICHT ER

J

apan is a country of rich atmosphere, vibrant l a n d s c a p e s a n d i n c re d i b l e artistic sensibilities. These three qualities work in harmony to ensure any visitor to the country receives an utterly unique and truly spectacular experience, making it an absolutely wonderful country to travel. For those who want to experience traditional Japanese comforts in a luxury location filled with history, Ito Ryokuyu is the place to stay.

Located in Ito, a city known as one of the top three largest hot spring cities in all of Japan and a short train ride away from Tokyo. Ito Ryokuyu is part of Ito Kowaiken, which is a resort brand of the Japanese hospitality company Fujita Kanko. Fujita Kanko is a pioneer in the Japanese resort business, controlling and maintaining 70 properties throughout the country, having built their first resort over 60 years ago.

As its name implies, Ito Ryokuyu takes great pride in its location, which is essential for the success of their hot springs, otherwise known as onsen. While the

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specific details about the springs will be discussed later, what is important to note here is that Ito’s hot springs are comfortable, suitable for people of all ages, and known to heal several different ailments. This makes the springs perfect for visitors wanting to recover, both physically and mentally.

Ito Ryokuyu is a small resort, with only seven suites. However, each and every one of these suites is masterfully designed to provide the height of both comfort and cultural exposure.

All seven suites are decorated in a traditional Japanese style, with tatami mats on the floor, antique furniture, and gorgeous artwork, creating a luxuriously subtle atmosphere that evokes “Old Japan.”

In addition, each suite is named after one of the seven primary Izu Islands, a group of volcanic islands stretching south and east from the Izu Peninsula, where Ito is located.

While the furnishings are antique, the amenities are completely modern. Every suite comes with free Wi-Fi, a television, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, and several beverages, including a variety of teas.

Furthermore, several different articles of Japanese clothing will be provided, including a yukata, which is basically a robe, and socks known as yu-tabi. With five of the seven suites able to accommodate up to four guests, groups are guaranteed a relaxing and enjoyable communal experience.

While all of the amenities are firstclass, there is one special feature: every suite features its very own garden with an open-air hot spring bath. These baths are perfect for relaxing at the end of a day of rich exploration, enabling guests to unwind in the comfort of their own “backyard,” so to speak. These hot springs represent and provide the lap of luxury and are one of the major factors in elevating Ito Ryokuyu’s status as a truly fantastic resort.

The in-room hot springs are only the start of this luxury, though. Ito Ryokuyu also offers access to Ito Kowaiken’s communal hot spring baths, both indoor and open-air.

Guests can bathe in the waters and drink them from a tap near the entrance, a unique Kowaiken experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the healing and

comforting waters Ito Ryokuyu offers.

Ito R yokuyu’s other facilities include their entrance lobby and lounge, which feature a large timber table and chairs to facilitate relaxation, a karaoke room, a shop, parking, and an outdoor pool for use in the summertime. These facilities are wonderful ways to unwind inside the resort when guests want to recuperate from a full day of exploration and enjoyment in the city of Ito. As far as dining goes, Ito Ryokuyu offers in-room breakfasts and dinners for all guests, both of which are wonderful and involved affairs. While their breakfasts are a perfect way to start the day, their dinners are where most of the effort is placed.

Ito Ryokuyu’s dinners are spectacular affairs, usually around 11 courses and featuring local produce and freshly caught seafood. With Ito being a major port city, the seafood is truly spectacular and a vibrant expression of Japanese cultural sensibilities.

Furthermore, all the dishes are beautifully presented, elegantly styled in carefully selected Japanese-style tableware and seasonally designed ceramics, making it a

feast for the eyes as much as one for the mouth.

While Ito Ryokuyu guests are allowed access to Kowaiken’s Japanese restaurant Ukifune, they are just as well off enjoying the wonderful and unique experiences offered by their in-room dining. Ito Ryokuyu’s meals are something to behold and are not-to-bemissed experiences in this wonderful resort.

Another incredible in-suite opportunity is Ito Ryokuyu’s aromatherapy massage, where skilled experts will work to unburden their guests’ bodies with sweet scents and a deep massage. In addition to their hot springs, this service shows Ito Ryokuyu’s commitment to improving their guests’ physical state by healing them of all their ailments.

Additionally, Ito R yokuyu also offers birthday cakes and bouquets for those celebrating special days, free pick-up and transfer from the nearby JR Ito Station, allowing for easy further exploration of Japan, and even special maternity plans for expecting guests. With all these amenities, Ito R yokuyu cements itself as a resort

truly dedicated to making their guests as comfortable as possible and facilitating a full and proper exploration of Japan.

Together, these factors make Ito Ryokuyu a truly remarkable resort and a wonderful place to stay when visiting Japan. Its location lends itself to an enjoyable exploration experience, with Ito being home to a variety of wonderful pleasures. Their rooms, while few, are incredibly comfortable, and the in-room open-air hot spring baths are a wonderful and unique feature in an already incredible location. Their meals are a sight to behold, both fantastically tasting and exquisitely designed to create a beautiful spectacle, and the services they offer show a deep commitment to pleasing their guests and making their stay as wonderful as possible. Go soon, and see for yourself just how incredible a hot spring resort can be in the magnificent and unique country of Japan.

ito-ryokuyu.com/english/index

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Naturally Beautiful Nevis TH E RE AL C ARIBBEA N IS A LIVE A ND W ELL

BY LESLIE LONG

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perpetual lament of today’s sophisticated traveler is that things aren’t the way they used to be. Whether because of overdevelopment, overexposure, gargantuan hotels, day trippers or diminished natural resources, it’s easy to wish that certain beloved destinations would return to a quieter time. If you love the laid-back beauty of the Caribbean islands, there’s no need to make that wish, as long as you travel to Nevis.

Nevis is an island committed to offering travelers an authentic experience, and it happily delivers with warmth, style and luxury. Large cruise ships aren’t welcome and smaller ones visit sporadically. Hotel and restaurant staff are usually local Nevisians who have often worked at the same property for decades. Better yet, no

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building can be higher than a coconut tree, preserving tropical views in every direction.

As the 1757 birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, Nevis is enjoying newfound fame through the Broadway sensation Hamilton. As a British holding until 1967, it was a special day when the island achieved Associated Statehood, along with neighboring St. Kitts. Today, the two are an independent nation, with most visitors flying into St. Kitts before taking a ferry or short boat launch over to Nevis.

Step off your flight and into luxury.

Your Nevis vacation can begin the minute you disembark in St. Kitts if you plan your transfer through the elegant YU Lounge.

This private luxury terminal is as lovely as a fine hotel, and it handles every detail of your arrival. You’re met on the tarmac and whisked off to the calm, quiet lounge. As

you sip champagne and dine on delicious small plates, YU staff members discreetly disappear to handle customs details and to retrieve your luggage. Once everything is in order, you’re off to the boat launch feeling relaxed, cool, satiated and ready for the many pleasures of Nevis.

Elegant hideaway hotels that truly are small, or just feel that way.

Nevis is dotted with fine boutique properties. Each has its own persona, and guests at one hotel often will visit the others for a drink, an indulgent lunch or a casualbut-elegant dinner. With the island being just 35 square miles, it’s easy to experience it all.

Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is a longtime favorite destination with guests who return year after year, consistently rating it among the best in the Caribbean.

This 30-acre former coconut plantation has

pretty rooms in spacious bungalows and a Great House where excellent dinners are served in colonial splendor. Start the day with breakfast specialties like coconut French toast served by a staff that quickly greets you by name. There’s a pool, a spa and a wide white sand beach where privacy prevails.

Golden Rock has been recently purchased and renovated in a spectacular manner by artist Brice Marden and his talented wife Helen. Their style is eye-popping in the best possible way, juxtaposing modern fur niture the color of tropical flowers against the weathered stone walls of this former sugar plantation. Even the gardens are enchanting, especially at night when the chirp of the tree frogs is like a romantic soundtrack to your inspired dinner on the terrace.

Montpelier Plantation & Beach is a Relais & Chateaux property that has been

beautifully renovated and expanded with a sleek bar, restaurant and pool area, in addition to a private beach. Head bartender Kaddy is the island’s undisputed king of rum punches, so even if you stay elsewhere, stop in for one of his masterpieces topped with fresh island nutmeg.

The sprawling AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons helped put Nevis on the map.

Set on a long, calm, picturesque beach, there are several serene pools, elegant cabanas, an intimate spa and a variety of restaurants. There’s Kastaway Beach Bar where snapping-fresh sushi reigns supreme and the waterfront Mango Restaurant where the 101 Rums Bar is the Caribbean’s only bar solely dedicated to fine-aged rum (try their signature rum pairing dinner complete with tasting notes). With water sports and a spectacular golf course, The Four Seasons has a fabulous staff always at the ready.

While it’s by far the island’s largest hotel,

the separate low-slung buildings give it the feel of a smaller hotel that just happens to offer every single thing you’d ever possibly want or need.

See the island guided by experts.

Yes, Nevis is small, but if you don’t rent a car, here’s the way to go. Funky Monkey Tours has a fleet of hearty AVSs you can drive yourself or leave to their capable and knowledgeable guides. Travel the back roads amid cute monkeys and agile goats as you stop at scenic overlooks and former sugar plantations so picturesque in their crumbling beauty. And if a private taxi is more your style, nothing beats Champ’s VIP Taxi Service. Ever the gentleman, Champ sticks to the paved roads and will happily show you the island in air-conditioned comfort. nevisisland.com

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A Day in Paradise 24 HOURS IN BARBADOS

BY NORAH BRAD FORD

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onsidered one of the safest vacation destinations, Barbados offers travelers everything they need for a perfect Caribbean holiday. The calm luxurious beaches of the gold coast attract the majority of tourists and a share of celebrity vacationers most notably music phenomenon, Rihanna. The windswept east coast attracts a fair share as well, with surfer-friendly shores facing the Atlantic Ocean. However, if you are visiting this tropical paradise only for a day, we have collected the best hotspots for Jetsetters to experience the very best of Barbados in 24 hours; where to stay, what to do and how to enjoy everything the island has to offer.

BEACHFRONT LUNCH AT BAJAN BLUE, SANDY LANE Located in the exclusive luxury Sandy Lane resort, one of the best ocean front hotels in the world, the atmospheric Bajan Blue is

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perfect for beachside dining. This informal restaurant offers all day dining and a mĂŠlange of European, Caribbean and Asian influenced cuisine. The elaborate Sunday Brunch is a must, as are the spectacular themed buffet evenings. Other features include the modern wine bar, sushi station and state-of-the-art grill.

A sweeping marble staircase leads down to the wonderfully spacious Lower Terrace, adorned with relaxing seating shaded by expansive umbrellas. Its architectural design is subtly styled to create the feel of an amphitheatre for you to enjoy the beauty of the Caribbean setting. From morning until night, the Lower Terrace offers a dining and drinks service, as well as their special Afternoon Tea. Sandy Lane St. James, Barbados +1 246.444.2000 sandylane.com

CLIFF-SIDE DINING AT THE CLIFF C o n s i d e re d o n e o f t h e f i n e s t d i n i n g experiences in the Caribbean, the restaurant The Cliff sits to accommodate those arriving by yacht, as every candlelit table has a sea view. Appetizers include but not limited to, spicy Thai-style beef salad, snow crab cake, or savory escargot in puff pastry. For the main course, try swordfish with yellow curry sauce and jasmine rice, seared tuna with saffron caper sauce and tomato coulis, or a prime beef tenderloin with wild mushroom fumĂŠ and truffle Parmesan fries. General Manager, Peter Harris, is always around to ensure diners enjoy their experience. With delectable desserts and impeccable service, The Cliff remains one of the premiere dining experiences in Barbados.

Derricks, St. James, Barbados +1 246.432.1922 thecliffbarbados.com

Champers

SEASIDE DINING AT CHAMPERS Champers offers the romance of seaside dining in its Gazebo or Open Terrace.

Air condition comfort is also available at lunch in the upstairs Dining Room.

Feel comfortable while complementing the beautiful surroundings by dressing elegantly casual. If art is your passion, take a minute to browse the exquisite works of art in their “On the Wall” art gallery curated

by Vanita Comissiong.

Their mission is “Taking pride in providing unpretentious casual dining in an unforgettable, relaxed atmosphere, offering consistently good value and service aimed at pleasing the most discerning palate through freshness and quality.”

Skeetes Hill, Bridgetown, Barbados +1 246.434.3463 champersrestaurant.com

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Royalton Saint Lucia Resort LUXURY WITHIN REACH

BY CATHERINE AND ERSEN

I

feel like a million dollars.” I’ve said it probably a million times. Usually, “ after something like a great night’s sleep or a big win at work to express to someone how vibrant I feel at the moment and to get a laugh out of them at the same time. “I feel like a million dollars” is almost always said in jest because, let’s face it, what does a million dollars really feel like?

Now, I know, because as soon as I stepped into my room at the Royalton St. Lucia Resort and Spa, it truly felt like a million dollars.

My corner suite was chic, spacious and wrapped in sunshine. Instead of walls, there were sliding glass doors—floor to ceiling— providing multiple entrances that led out to the wraparound terrace from both the living room and the bedroom; their curtains breezily hypnotized me over breakfast throughout my stay whether I was curled up in the suite’s delicious Dreambed™ or savoring my omelet and coffee at the dining table. The living room felt like a white canvas accented with brushed steel art, mirrors and a bar full of all the details: a set of glasses to suit whatever cocktail you desired, a mini wine cellar and, oh yes, wine taps.

Then, I saw the bathroom complete with a gorgeous, long vanity, a shower with dual rain-drop showerheads, and the centerpiece: a Jacuzzi already drawn for a bubble bath waiting for me. I felt like Marilyn Monroe, kicking bubbles in the air. It was divine.

Just in case I’d rather enjoy my bubbles outdoors, there was a second Jacuzzi on the terrace overlooking the beach. I whole-

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heartedly took advantage of both.

I learned this place has a pillow menu (yes, that’s a real thing) and standard operating procedure for putting in your order is done via the designated butler cell phone. It’s mobile so you can bring it with you wherever you go (I called it the “bat phone” because I could ask for anything and a lovely friendly staff member would appear wherever I was in the resort to help me).

Let me just pause for a second while we’re on this subject. This is important. I’ve traveled around the world and have been to many beautiful places, but it’s the people who are there who always seem to make or break a trip for me. Each place, whether it’s a city, or a region or an island, has its own personality. If their vibe is closed-off or cold, you don’t absorb the same rich flavors of a place as you do when you visit a spot where the locals are genuinely warm and friendly. The locals in St. Lucia make you crave your next trip back.

Because of how welcomed I felt by everyone I met, I could fully absorb the island’s beauty: the knock-out beaches, the gorgeous waterfalls, the volcanoes and Morne Coubaril Estate (tasting chocolate in its rawest form—a must!), the landscape, everything.

Then there was the food. When I travel, I usually like to do most of my eating “offcampus,” so-to-speak, to explore an area and get an authentic taste for the local cuisine. But after my first meal at Calypso, a restaurant within the Royalton St. Lucia, I realized this was one of the few resorts where I could have a culinary adventure every day without ever leaving the grounds. Each

plate felt like a new experience on its own.

Offering West Indies cuisine with exquisite style and creativity, Calypso served the perfect marriage of local flavor and high-end dining. After that, I found myself counting the hours between each meal because I couldn’t wait to try another restaurant at the Royalton St. Lucia—whether it was Hunter Steakhouse, the Zen Japanese restaurant or the darling Beachfront Seafood and Grill Restaurant, Dorado, to name a few The beauty of this was not only the food itself, but the fact that I could soak in every minute of the pristine beach, the infinity pools, the cabanas and entertainment at the resort instead of wasting that precious time in taxis searching for a memorable meal.

But, therein lies the conflict of any trip, right? You want to explore this place that you’ve never been to, but spending all day on a bus with a tour guide or wandering around on your own sounds less than desirable when you consider the beach and luxurious loveliness waiting for you back at the resort. That’s when they mentioned the excursions available. What better way to explore an island than on a boat? I couldn’t agree more. It’s like they knew me.

But what was it that closed that milliondollar feeling? The spa. Anything that starts with a hydrotherapy circuit is going to be amazing. Then it continued with aromatherapy, exfoliation treatments, body wraps, and the most intuitive deep-tissue massage I’ve ever experienced. I caught myself tearing up a little when it was time for me to go. Yeah, it was that kind of heaven. royaltonresorts.com/St_Lucia

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Marigot Bay Resort & Marina ST. LUCIA’S BEST CARRIBEAN HIDEAWAY

BY JANIS T U RK

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f all the Caribbean islands, none seems as extraordinary and as sublimely tucked away as St. Lucia. There guests can hide away on a private sparkling bay flanked by rainforest-covered jungle mountains and a pristine little beach, making it a sublime vacation or honeymoon spot. And with direct/nonstop JetBlue flights from JFK, getting to St. Lucia is a breeze.

All the best island fun—like street parties and water sports—await, or simply unplug from city life and enjoy a peaceful Caribbean retreat.

St. Lucia is home many spectacular hotels and resorts, but my favorite is one far from where the cruise ships dock. For the best

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and most luxurious St. Lucia experience, I prefer to stay at the secluded elegant Marigot Bay Resort & Marina by Capella.

Romantic, playful, scenic, and sexy, this tony little resort offers the best island adventure in the Caribbean.

Centered by two freshwater infinity pools on the upper and lower levels of the resort, Marigot Bay Resort also offers a luxury spa, an active marina, attractive shops, boats and beaches, fine-dining restaurants, Sushi bars and a swim-up watering hole, along with a newly renovated Rum Cave restaurant, featuring fun and informative rum tasting events. The lavish resort has sprawling indoor/outdoor lounge spaces, garden pavilions, patios, cabanas, water features, and a private boardwalk. With

stunning views of Marigot Bay (featured in movies), and with shimmering waters, and mountain flora and fauna, Marigot Bay Resort offers a blissful escape.

The resort’s 124 extravagantly handsome rooms and suites offer hot tubs, balconies, and West Indian-inspired décor. You’ll feel as though you’re in your own private island residence, complete with five-star amenities and your own personal assistant. Whether guests book the most expensive suite or simply a standard room, all are assigned their own Capella Personal Assistant who calls in advance of their trip to make their every desire is ready once they arrive. Once there, the personal assistant will book romantic dinner reservations, arrange a cruise from the resort’s own Capella Marina, or set up

special island adventure excursions. During my stay, the staff pampered me as I enjoyed an enormous one-bedroom suite, complete with a living room, ultra-contemporary kitchen, laundry room, spacious master bedroom, and grand master bath. With my own deck overlooking the pool and Capella Marina, and with a private hot tub and fast dependable Wi-Fi, I couldn’t imagine nicer island accommodations. Two- and threebedroom suites are also available, and families with children will appreciate the resort’s “Zando’s” Kid’s Activity Program.

One of the highlights of my stay was a visit with Billy Boyle, Marigot Bay Resort & Marina’s executive chef, who carefully and skillfully cultivates the resort’s farmto-fork dining experiences. Chef Billy’s m e t i c u l o u s l y c u r a t e d m e n u s f e a t u re delicious, locally-sourced dishes inspired by fresh ingredients available seasonally from Saint Lucian farmers. Local fisherman

Captain Warren docks at the Rum Cave to deliver his catch of the day for the evening’s dinner.

Another blissful part of my stay was an afternoon at the Auriga Spa & Fitness at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina. With views of the bay and mountains, the private indoor/ outdoor spa village and fitness facilities are hidden among trees and verdant foliage, creating an exclusive oasis. Before my treatment, I enjoyed the steam inhalation room, Jacuzzi, and sauna cabana, and a welcoming, grounding ceremony, employing carefully selected herbs designed to prepare the body for the spa experience. The large state-of-the-art fitness center was also handy day and night. The Spa village is even home to a treehouse gazebo, perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a special spa treatment setting.

With the resort’s marina’s shops, restaurant and sundries store, and with a ferry to take

guests across the bay to LaBas Beach at Marigot, to swim, kayak, and more, guests never want to leave Marigot Bay. But if you do, be sure to take a “Smooth Operator” private charter boat to the other side of the island (or you can ask your Capella Personal Assistant to arrange for a car). Take day trips or half-day excursions to visit cocoa farms, or to bathe in natural hot springs, or take a volcano tour, and along the way pass through charming villages and see St. Lucia’s famous twin volcanic mountain peaks, the Pitons. Visit Pigeon Island and Anse Cochon beaches, where snorkeling and diving is a delight. Or make a scenic climb up the Marigot Bay Ridge with the resort’s resident Ranger.

With all this to do and see in St. Lucia, you owe it to yourself to book your Marigot Bay getaway. marigotbayresortc.com

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The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel RE F IN E D S YMBO L O F THE CITY

BY WILLY NICHT ER

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onsidered by many to be the cultural capital of the United States, New York City is home to an unmatched bevy of entertainment options. From restaurants to parks, stores to shows, there are few if any pleasures the city does not offer those who visit. And at The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel, guests can not only experience the full extent of New York’s luxury, but also find a wonderful home base from which to peruse the city’s unlimited delights. In fact, The Pierre is the only hotel on the Upper East Side of Manhattan which is Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond rated, making for a very comfortable and luxurious stay for each guest.

The Pierre was built in the 1920s, and has been a staple of the city’s hotel scene ever since. The United States flagship of the international hotel corporation Taj, the hotel was given a $100 million renovation in 2010, bringing it fully up to date with modern luxury while paying homage to the history that has surrounded it throughout its lifetime.

One of the most prominent reasons for The Pierre’s success is its location. On the corner of Fifth Avenue and 61st street,

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visitors have easy access to the finest shopping and high-end residential districts, making it easy to walk to a given destination.

Furthermore, all three main NYC airports are only about 45 minutes away, allowing for an easy commute there and back.

As for the view, hotel residents will overlook the beauty of Central Park, midtown Manhattan, and the skyline that has made New York so famous. These can all be enjoyed from the comfort of one of The Pierre’s 189 rooms and suites, each one promising a wonderful experience.

The Pierre’s rooms range in style from the Superior King Room, with its three-fixture bathroom and 40-inch flat screen TV to the Tata Presidential Suite, a two-bedroom suite, which can become a six-bedroom or full-floor suite when the whole floor is rented out includes a kitchenette, dining room, living room, office, bedroom, and bathroom, all wonderfully decorated and designed. With several exquisite options between these two, guests are guaranteed a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Before entering your room however, fall in love with the white-gloved elevator service that The Pierre provides each guest. It truly brings back memories from a bygone era.

When it comes to restaurants, The Pierre

has three different options to choose from.

First and most prominently, is Perrine, The Pierre’s own French-American restaurant.

The cuisine is seasonally focused and offers the best that New York City has to offer.

Not only is the food expertly prepared and delicious to eat, but the restaurant itself is gorgeous, and offers outdoor seating with a wonderful view of Central Park. For those looking to experience the best food The Pierre has to offer, Perrine is certainly the place to eat.

The next is The Rotunda, which offers midday and supper menus in an utterly gorgeous space, recently redesigned by architect Daniel Romualdez. The cuisine there is classic New York, taking guests back in time with their culinary marvels.

Lastly, is Two E Bar, an Art Deco bar, featuring signature cocktails and elegant Afternoon Tea. Altogether, these experiences, combined with the exquisite restaurants and the beautiful rooms, make The Pierre a prime hotel for those who want to see what New York City has to offer. Come soon, and experience what true luxury feels like. thepierreny.com

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Omni Berkshire Place C OMF OR T IN THE HEA R T O F MA NHATTA N

BY WILLY NICHT ER

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In terms of sights and activities, New York City is universally considered one of the main cultural capitals of the world. With thousands of restaurants and stores, there is little people cannot find if they look closely enough. And because of that, New York City is a major destination for travelers, both at home and overseas. For those who want to experience everything that the city has to offer while staying in a luxurious setting, there are few better options than Omni Berkshire Place.

Part of the Omni Hotels and Resorts group, Omni Berkshire Place is notable first for its location, which is on 52nd Street between Madison and 5th Avenue. For those who don’t know the city’s layout, this location places it right in the heart of Manhattan, allowing for easy access to many of the city’s most notable delights.

From Central Park to Radio City Music Hall, all the major attractions of the city are just a short cab ride or a brief walk away, allowing guests to explore at their leisure.

Naturally, a prime location isn’t all Omni Berkshire Place has to offer. W ith 389 guestrooms and suites, the hotel lives up to its stated goal of utilizing tradition, style, and comfort to create a stunning living experience.

The rooms were designed to resemble an Upper East Side townhouse in terms of design while also being larger and more luxurious than typical Manhattan a c c o m m o d a t i o n s . A l l ro o m s f e a t u re customized furnishings, an Italian marble bathroom, a flat-screen HD TV, and WiFi

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on request.

Furthermore, in addition to its guestrooms and suites, Omni Berkshire Place also features eight terrace rooms on their 14th floor, providing stunning views of the city in an area of unmatched luxury. With these, Omni Berkshire Place ensures that every guest will have a unique and comfortable experience.

As far as dining goes, the hotel has two different in-house restaurants, as well as a list of recommended locations nearby.

These options are wonderful for those who want to explore the city, but for guests who want to stay in, Omni Berkshire Place’s own restaurants are excellent.

The first of these restaurants is Bob’s Steak and Chop House, a traditional American Prime Steakhouse that has been around since 1993. A household name among fans of fine American cooking, this location does the name proud with its bevy of delicious items.

Everything the restaurant has to offer is superb, from their famous and traditional jar of pickles to their prime beef selected from the top 2% of all United States beef, from their rich seafood to their decadent desserts. Bob’s Steak and Chop House is a truly magnificent dining experience, and one that is not to be missed.

Furthermore, the restaurant also offers a private dining space for groups of 12 to 90 guests, and their event planners work tirelessly to ensure that every dining experience at the hotel is a marvelous one.

For guests who want to enjoy Bob’s Steak and Chop House’s food in an intimate setting, this is the perfect solution.

The second of Omni Berkshire Place’s restaurants is Bob’s Bar and Lounge, which features a variety of classic and signature cocktails alongside a delicious menu of small plates alongside options from Bob’s Steak and Chop House. Comfortable, traditionally designed, and richly appointed, Bob’s Bar and Lounge is perfect for socializing or relaxing after a long day.

Omni Berkshire Place also features a wonderfully designed fitness center, filled with all the machines and accessories necessary to keep in shape during your stay. Furthermore, they provide in-room hair and makeup services from NOMI Beauty, allowing guests to receive a one-on-one consultation in order to ensure they look fabulous.

Last but not least, Omni Berkshire Place offers a comprehensive list of local events they think guests will enjoy, as well as a two-day itinerary for getting the most out of their exploration of the city. With this in place, Omni Berkshire Place all but ensures that guests will truly see the best of what New York City has to offer.

Omni Berkshire Place is a truly wonderful place to stay while visiting Manhattan.

W ith its central location, its luxurious accommodations, its wonderful dining options, and its commitment to providing the best experience possible when exploring the city, it is an incredible location for witnessing the marvels of New York City. Go soon, and see for yourself just what makes New York City one of the prime cultural capitals of the world. omnihotels.com/Berkshire

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Hawaii EMBRACE NATURE B Y J ENNIF ER P EL A EZ

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ong praised for its natural beauty and remote location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the enchanting a n d p i c t u re s q u e H a w a i i a n Islands. Formed from a “hot spot” of lava pouring up and out from the floor of the Pacific Ocean over the course of millions of years, this already large and diverse island continues to expand. It is not only home to the world’s most active volcano, but it is also an island where you can immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of this truly special and magical destination.

Boasting 10 of the world’s 14 climate zones, ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra, Hawaii Island subsequently offers spectacular vistas and a myriad of activities and sights accommodating every possible interest. From its lush green vegetation and cascading waterfalls to its rocky volcanic

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shores, its black and green sand beaches to its azure manta ray-filled waters, Hawaii is a remarkable place where you can marvel at Mother Nature first-hand while discovering the ancient history and legends that loom large on this island.

While on Hawaii Island, be sure to allow enough time to explore all regions, with a particular focus on the cities of Hilo on the east and Kona on the west, for two very distinct yet equally thrilling experiences.

Hilo, a former plantation town, is still slowpaced with a very down-home localness feel. It’s ideal for pure relaxation, yet it offers a plethora of activities from which to admire your stunning surroundings while taking in the rain-washed air sweetened by blooming flowers. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls offers a wonderful base for exploration, ideally set amidst 22 acres of lush greenery, miles of trails, and bamboo gardens, and situated next to Hawaii’s largest privately

accessible waterfall. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls maintains the authentic Hawaiian charm and aloha spirit reflecting Hilo’s heart and soul. The accommodations are provided in several Asian-inspired buildings, some with private covered lanais and impressive waterfall views that allow guests to feel as if they were in their own home away from home.

Spend your day lounging by the 120-foot waterfall. Adventure-seekers can arrange to repel down with a guide for a safe and thrilling adventure. Venture off-property to zipline and segway at Botanical World Adventures, or to better understand the origins of the Hawaiian Islands, book the Lava Expedition, which can be organized through KapohoKine Adventures. You will be taken out to the most current active eruption site. While active red flowing lava may not be an everyday occurrence, your guide will lead a several-mile hike across the former (now

hardened) lava flows looking for outbreaks and skylights. Another must while on Hawaii Island is a full hiking day (or several) to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses 333,000 acres, complete with 150 miles of hiking trails with amazing vistas of volcanic craters, scalded deserts and rainforests—a photographer’s paradise. You will also experience a walk-in lava tube and most impressively, two active volcanoes: Maunaloa and Kilauea.

After exploring the eastern part of Hawaii Island, a drive to the wester n coast, often referred to as Kona, Kohala or the “Gold Coast” for its white sandy beaches and perfectly sunny weather, is a must.

Here, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai showcases the best of this coast with its luxurious and perfectly manicured property, including a magnificent Jack Nicklaus golf course, stunning pools, and an outstanding beachfront. It is the perfect fusion of laidback island tranquility and five-star luxury.

The 243 guestrooms and suites occupy either the top or bottom of two-story bungalows and are strategically spread across the lush property. The rooms are well-appointed and decorated in pleasant soft hues and accented with rattan and bamboo for a true tropical vibe. All rooms have balconies or lanais with pools and ocean views from which you can appreciate the crisp sea breezes and panoramic vistas.

Dine at one of the five ocean-side restaurants serving delectable fresh local food or laze in a cabana by one of the seven exceptional pools with views of the ocean and beautiful green grounds. Head over to King’s Pond, their “aquarium” carved out of natural lava rock to enjoy scheduled activities such as ray and fish feedings and snorkeling lessons, or bliss out in the 28,000-square-foot spa, which uses local ingredients like black lava salt, hibiscus, and crushed macadamia nuts for over-the-top treatments. Although many may not want

to leave this heavenly and self-contained resort, experiencing the sunrise atop the summit of Maunakea is well worth the early departure time. Organized through Hawaii Forest & Trail, this exclusive Maunakea Sunrise Experience is a most magical and awe-inspiring moment. Commence your day over 13,000 feet above sea level at the summit of Maunakea to be mesmerized by brilliant shades of red and orange as the sun rises above the stunning landscape below.

Regardless of your chosen adventures, you will leave the Island of Hawaii admiring not only the diversity and sheer natural grandness of this land, but also enamored at how such a large island can also feel like a small town, reflected by the rich culture, traditions, and kind welcoming hearts of the locals. waterfall.net fourseasons.com/hualalai gohawaii.com

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First Long Island Investors ROBERT D. ROSENTHAL & RALPH F. PALLESCHI

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he dedicated team at First Long Island Investors, a Jerichobased wealth management firm, with their deep and broad base of knowledge, strives to make each client feel confident and secure in the knowledge that their money (and overall financial life) is wellmanaged. Since the firm was founded over 30 years ago by Robert D. Rosenthal and Ralph F. Palleschi, the principals have always invested side-by-side with their clients. With their belief that trust is the “foundation of all meaningful relationships,” and by developing an individualized investment approach for each client, the firm has enjoyed a loyal client base for decades. Their strong service ethic and tailored approach provides every client with the resources, expertise, investment guidance and confidence necessary to achieve a lifetime of wealth.

The firm’s process begins with an analysis of a client’s holdings and an understanding of his or her goals. From there, the team develops customized programs and plans of action regarding the client’s investment plan.

The firm builds a prudent asset allocation for clients designed to participate in market appreciation while protecting capital. The firm reviews every clients’ asset allocation on a quarterly basis to check that it is appropriate based on the individual’s goals and investment horizon, also considering the macro economic factors, the overall markets and company valuations.

Because so many firms offering similar services, FLI is continually finding ways to differentiate themselves from the rest of the pack. One of the ways they do so, is by providing an extremely high level of service and always working to give the best to their clients. Even though 2017 has been a great year so far, they are determined to not “rest on their laurels.” The metrics by which they want to be scored, are not just based on performance, but also trust and service.

This is how they maintain decades-long relationships.

With that in mind, they are rolling out new initiatives. New for this year, is a “wealth-

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management hotline,” for their clients. With things like cyber-attacks and hacking a constant threat, which can happen afterhours or on a weekend, in order to better serve their clients, they established an emergency hotline. For example, they had a New York City based client, who was hacked on a weekend. She was concerned that her assets were in jeopardy. The firm took decisive action to ensure that everything was in order (and thankfully it was). This gave the client great comfort; “we want our clients to rely on us whenever they need us.”

In addition, twice a year they offer a breakfast seminar for their clients. Offering thought leadership, they cover all different topics that can and do affect the investment landscape, even if it’s not directly related to investment strategies. For example, their most recent breakfast speaker was a former CIA analyst who now works for a non-profit dedicated to studying the issue of terrorism and its proliferation through online and social media channels. This level of service is quite unique and really sets the firm apart from their competitors.

Rosenthal and Palleschi also weighed in on the financial status of the US and shared their expectations of what is to come in the markets. Since Trump’s election the S&P 500, Dow and NASDAQ have continually hit new highs and we are in unchartered waters in terms of market highs which, as Rosenthal believes, are being driven by ear nings growth and low interest rates. In terms of market sustainability, the firm expects interest rates to stay relatively low, and the markets to make gains over the longer term. The firm believes that Washington needs to pass pro-growth initiatives such as repatriation of cash held overseas by US companies, as well as a lower tax on the repatriation than under current law. The tax proceeds can then be used to improve infrastructure. In addition, they would like to see tax cuts, especially for the middle class and businesses. Rosenthal shared his view, “if we are to see real economic improvement , any legislation passed should be wary of increasing our over $20 trillion debt,” Thankfully, the FLI Investment

Committee does not predict a recession in the near future and keeps a watchful eye on the economic indicators so that they are prepared when it does happen.

The team at First Long Island uses several categories to put together an asset allocation for a client. The categories are: security investments, defensive equities, traditional equities and real estate/private equity.

By using this particular matrix, the team customizes asset allocations so that clients are put in a place where their net worth is expected to appreciate while preserving capital. One example of a strategy used by

the firm, helpful in these uncertain times, is investment in companies that pay an aboveaverage dividend and grow their dividend each year. This defensive strategy provides a strong dividend yield and the companies in the strategy are expected to continue to pay a cash dividend and grow that cash dividend, generating an income stream for clients. By placing an emphasis on investing side-by-side with their clients, and using prudent and diversified investment strategies, the team at FLI helps clients commit their capital to sound strategies and prepare for changes in the market both

emotionally and financially.

In addition to asset management services, the team at First Long Island Investors strives to ease the burden of wealth administration for their clients. They take the time to develop a comprehensive understanding of each client’s total wealth goals and become a part of their team of advisors providing guidance on things such as estate planning, taxation counsel, philanthropic advisory, family wealth planning, and wealth transfer.

Finding someone you trust to wisely manage your money is a complex task riddled with frustration and anxiety. With

a committed and passionate team schooled in the essentials of wealth management and focused on providing exceptional service, First Long Island Investors is redefining financial responsibility.

First Long Island Investors, LLC (“FLI”) is an SEC registered investment adviser serving individuals, families, and select institutions with five million dollars in investable assets or more.

A copy of FLI’s current written disclosure statement discussing FLI’s business operations, services, and fees is available on the SEC website or from FLI upon written request. One Jericho Plaza, Suite 201, Jericho, NY 11753 (516) 935-1200. www. fliinvestors.com

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Christopher Tsarsi & Matthew Sorrentino "EVERY HOME A SAFE HOME" GALA HONOREES MATTHEW SORRENTINO Descended from a large Italian family with prior success in the culinary world, Matthew Sorrentino (Matty) inherited that natural love and passion for Italian cuisine and subsequently the drive to succeed and implement all he had learned beginning from his first back-of-the-house job at the age of 15, at the legendary Don Peppe in Queens. Matty's experience combined with his vast knowledge of running a familyowned operation and the challenges one can encounter led him into the owrld of consulting where he could share and mentor other aspiring restaurateurs. Highly regarded for his strong work ethic and ability to motivate, Matty is a true entrepreneur who approaches challenges head on and creates unique ways to grow and umprove each business. Over the past few years, he has developed and consulted for some highly successful dining establishments including 388 Restaurant & Lounge in Roslyn, Chris & Tony's Restaurant & Lounge in Syosset, and Italian 101 in Sunny Isles Beach, FL. As a proud family man and father of four children, two of whom are in the restaurant business as well - daughter, Alexia, as co-

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owner of Chris & Tony's and 388, and his son Salvatore, a chef at 388, Matty credits much of his prosperity to his remarkable wife of over twenty five years, Antonette, who has been vital to the success of what they have built. The Sorrentino's also incorporated philanthropy into their lives, attributing their involvement in The Guardian Brain Foundation from the loss of Matty's brother, Andrew, who suffered from brain cancer.

CHRISTOPHER TSARSI Christopher (Chris) Tsarsi, co-owner with Alexia Sorrentino of 388 Restaurant & Lounge has become a successful addition to the North Shore Northern and Southern Italian culinary scene. If you have ever visited either 388 Restaurant in Roslyn Heights or Chris & Tony's in Syosset, you know that not only will you enjoy a delicious meal but will be warmly greeted by Chris at the door. Chris has been in the restaurant business for over thirty years with his first job as a young man at Salerno's in Queens, NY. When asked what keeps him motivated and inspires him day-in and day-out, he immediately responds that he "loves what he

does" and is "fulfilled by the knoledge that he is creating an atmosphere that makes people happy despite what may be going on in their lives." His recipe for success..."Good Food, Good Wine, Good Company." When not working, Chris enjoys kickboxing twice a week at Keith Trimble's Kickboxing in Bellmore, NY, going to car shows and maybe trying fishing if he had more time. Chris is marries and the proud father of two girls and one boy, ages fourteen, thirteen, and eight years of age.

Along with the Sorrentino Family, the Tsarsi Family generously suppots a number of non-profit causes including Breast Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Diabetes, and the Knights of Columbus to name a few.

The Safe Center is grateful to both Matty and Chris for thier long-time participation and support for our fundrasing efforts including our annual food and wine event.

We admire their commitment to our mission and for helping us provide hope to adult and children in need. It is our privelege to present these extraordinary men as this year's Every Home A Safe Home Gala honoree

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Frank Gullo MEET THE KING OF OCTOPUS

BY WI LLY NI CHTE R

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n the world of food, seafood is always a unique experience.

Many cultures have different ways of preparing it, so any seafood dining excursion can provide an entirely unique taste experience. However, the quality of the food is just as important as the preparation, and a poor ingredient can make a poor product. Fortunately, Frank Gullo and his family business, Gullo Specialty Foods, are working around the clock to ensure that only the best products find their way to your table.

Born in Sicily and raised in Brooklyn, Gullo is unique among seafood providers both in and out of the United States. While most providers sell a variety of seafood, Gullo and his company focus exclusively on two types of seafood: octopus and cuttlefish.

“We’re probably the only ones in the United States that strictly bring in octopus and cuttlefish,” Gullo said.

“We just focus in on that. We love focusing on octopus because it is a sustainable seafood product and has not been over harvested.”

Gullo sources all the octopus and cuttlefish he imports from Spain and Portugal—countries he feels have the highest quality products available.

Gullo travelled all over the world to find the best place to import from, and due to the quality of the product and the government regulations in place, he determined that Spain and Portugal were the best options. “There is nowhere else in the world you can get this particular product,” he said.

Furthermore, he also takes a great deal of time and energy in ensuring that the fish brought in are prepared in a way that brings out the most flavor.

“If you just catch an octopus, put it inside a pot, and boil it,” he said, “and you’re thinking by cooking it longer, it’s going to break it down, the only thing it

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does is the opposite. It actually makes it harder, and it makes it rubberier to eat.” Instead, both Gullo’s workers in the States and the providers in Spain and Portugal prepare it the proper way, by beating it against a stainless-steel barrel with sea salt, ice and water.

They also do this process with their cuttlefish, producing a perfectly ready product. In addition, the products they sell for home-use are frozen, ensuring a lengthy shelf-life for the sake of their customers.

Gullo Specialty Foods is a familyowned-and-run business and distributes from as near as New York to as far as Hawaii. They work alongside restaurants and distributors to ensure their products reach as many people as possible. While their product line might be limited, the quality is topnotch, ensuring the continued success of the business.

H o w e v e r, o n e o f t h e a s p e c t s that makes Gullo Specialty Foods unique is that it retains its roots and remembers the community with which it first served. As a Long Island based company, they have a large warehouse where customers can come to see the product firsthand and purchase it on the spot. Frank is especially proud of this fact, as it is how the company started and it allows him to see, firsthand, how much people appreciate the product. Located in Hicksville, they are easily accessible for those on the Gold Coast and in the city.

“The taste for octopus keeps growing, and we’re seeing a lot more restaurants and a lot more distributors,” he said. “We see the growth for sure.”

Gullo Specialty Foods 194-R Lauman Lane.

Hicksville, NY 11801 516-938-0243 gulloseafood.com

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Mina Deutsch SHINES BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

BY W.A. MU LLER

F

rom an early age, Mina Deutsch loved jewelry and design.

This passion for beautiful things stayed with her into adulthood and was expressed through her company, Mina D. Jewelry. Launched in December of 2010, the collection is comprised of natural materials—pearls, stones, sterling silver and vermeil—with the exception of cubic zirconia, and everything is sourced locally.

Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind, all designed by Mina herself and manufactured by master craftsmen in New York City.

The classic collections are based on color. “I design for the woman who knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to make a statement,” Deutsch says. “My clients get a thrill collecting and wearing works of art.”

Her inspiration originated not only from the fashion that comes down the runway each season, but also from her love of travel, especially the ocean and beaches, the muse behind her Ocean Dreams and Calming Blue Collections.

At the age of 18, Deutsch started her jewelry career in Manhattan’s Diamond

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District working for a prestigious wholesale diamond firm. “I always looked for ways to be unique and update some of my classic pieces from season to season,” Deutsch says. “With my passion for style and the business knowledge I gained, I began designing for my own wardrobe and the path of my company began.”

As the finance director for a wholesale diamond company called Olympic Diamond she had the expertise and experience to start something of her own. But she had to keep in mind the fact that she was still with Olympic Diamond, so it had to be something that was not a conflict of interest, hence Mina D, Jewelry’s birth.

The Mina D Jewelry collections are wearable and transition year-round, it all comes to your own personal style. The luxury collections are equally stylish at the office or after hours. You can wear one of the multi statement necklaces to the office with a simple shift dress, then add a great pair of earrings, and the transition from work to dinner or event is seamless.

The same necklace can easily be worn on the weekend, for your casual outfit to look

polished and pulled together. Another great look is a handful of stretch bracelets and or the multi row bracelets from the designers signature collection. We also love the look of exquisite long dangling earrings when you want to take the focus away from the neckline of your dress.

It’s all about color and not being afraid to experiment, whether you love the blues of the Ocean Dreams Collection, or the Reds of the Red Hot Collection, or perhaps the simplicity of Black and White Collection, there is a collection for you.

Known throughout the country (she’s even been featured on the Price Is Right several times), Mina D. Jewelry has burst onto the scene and revolutionized women’s jewelry.

Made with care and expert craftsmanship, Mina D Jewelry is beautiful and practical for every occasion and also has great gift options.

917.969.5527 info@minadjewelry.com minadjewelry.com

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Inside Studio 54 MARK FLEISCHMAN

BY BE NNE TT MA RCUS

T

Real estate entrepreneur and hotelier Mark Fleischman bought Studio 54 from its original owners Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell throwing in the Morgan hotel as part of the deal. He has written a scandalous book about the experience titled “Inside Studio 54,” that will be out on September 19th. Can Studio 54 Be Born Again? blared a New York Magazine cover in 1981, chronicling the reopening festivities of the legendary nightclub that had been shuttered when its owners were convicted of tax evasion and sent to jail. Mark thought he could bring back the magic. “It was the pinnacle of everything happening in NYC at that time and I was drawn to owning it like a moth to the flame,” said Mark. On opening night, a glittering crowd of thousands waited for hours, in the rain, while the doorman, with all the power, “glowed.” The street was closed due to the clog of limos, while celebs like Jacqueline Bisset, Bjorn Borg and Cheryl Tiegs slipped in the back door.

David Bowie & John Belushi Fleischman was right, the place roared back to life, and he was in the middle of all of the cocaine sniffing, Champagne swilling debauchery. And he recounts all the juicy details; in the book, you’ll find Mick Jagger befriending young women, Michael Jackson taking refuge from the crowd in the DJ booth, Rick James entertaining in the ladies’ room and David Bowie hanging in Fleischman’s office. It took two years of legal assessing before Fleischman received the “go ahead” to publish his book. Fleischman admits he had to pull a few stories, but he still names plenty of names and offers some interesting blind items for the readers. You’ll find a story about the wild party he threw to reopen the club in 1981. But what he couldn’t include was the part about an Oscar winner locking himself in the bathroom with Champagne and cocaine at the after-party Fleischman had at his penthouse. He also had to edit out several stories involving Liza Minnelli and details about the hard partying he did with John Belushi and Robin Williams.

Alec Baldwin & The Rubber Room “The legendary Rubber Room was the dark balcony at the top of Studio 54. It was covered with black rubber trim and flooring that could be easily washed down. Every night after all the lunacy, the busboys would find discarded rubbers, poppers, and panties —a testimony to the night’s fun and games. Alec Baldwin, who had worked there as a busboy when he was a struggling actor, said he finally had to quit because seeing the sexual interplay night after night left him’ perpetually horny.’ “There are risks involved in running the world’s biggest party, and Fleischman, who now lives in L.A. and runs the Bar Method workout studio, became overly fond of drugs, alcohol and wild sex, and checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in 1985.

Betty Ford didn’t work for Mark but he regained his sobriety 30 years ago at the Rancho La Puerta health resort in Tecate, Mexico by learning to focus on exercise and healthy living. indiebound.org/book

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Raquel Welch, Steve Rubbell and Mark Fleischman @ Studio 54

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A Bridge Together MILLENIAL TWIN SISTERS RIYA AND SARA KAPOOR

BY LILLIAN LANGTRY

B

ridgefest 2017, now in its second year under the auspices of Newport Festivals Foundation, Inc. presented A Bridge Together, a special concert and Newport Jazz Festival® “extra” that connected Jazz, African Beats and Indian Carnatic music, on the Quad Stage at Fort Adams State Park.

The two-part concert featured dance segments by 17-year old twins, Riya and Sara Kapoor, accompanied by a Carnatic music orchestra featuring musicians from India. Guru Swati Bhise was the Conductor and Choreographer for the music and orchestra arrangement for this dance segment. The jazz quartet was led by award-winning guitarist Rez Abbasi and West African compositions, directed by the noted West African choreographer and dancer, Maguette Camara, rounded out the evening.

Part I was an exploration of music from West Africa, India and the US. To start, there was “The First Beat,” blending Indian Classical and traditional West African genres with instruments such as the mridangam and tabla played interactively with the West

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African djembe. Western musical traditions eventually got a turn with familiar sounds from guitar and saxophone. The result was a harmonious, unexpected cohesion, which made the point that together we can choose to thrive.

Part II introduced the expressive, athletic Kapoor sisters, whose intense study of Bharatanatyam has continued for more than a decade in New York City. The IndianAmerican sisters first appeared on stage at age 15 at their debut event at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Newport Festivals Foundation CEO/ founder George Wein was in the audience when Riya and Sara made their debut and was determined to bring some of the magic he saw on stage to Newport.

“These young women are tremendous,” said Wein. “The dances are very intricate and beautiful, but what I loved is how they brought jazz into these very traditional art forms. They’ve modernized the dances in a wonderful way while adding a delightfully different perspective to jazz music.”

The first element, “The Invocation,” amazed audiences with heavy percussion created by multiple drums, while dancers clad in traditional costumes in shades

of saffron and eggplant danced in the Bharatanatyam style, a challenging series of steps performed in accordance with ancient rules. Here every muscle, every facial expression, every bell trilling from the dancers’ ankles, became part of the performance. “The First Foils” and “The Ten Apostles of Peace” revved up the sound and excitement with a full Eastern orchestra, vocal chanting and jazzy beats. The songs and dances celebrated Shiva, the Hindu god known as the “cosmic dancer.” The evening reached a crescendo with “Bridge Together,” which focused on the dancers with slow, easy movements to begin and progressively rose to leaps, pirouettes and bold percussive beats. The choreography was enhanced with improvisation by the jazz artists and African drummers.

Newport Festivals Foundation was founded by George Wein in 2010 to build and continue the legacies of the famed Newport Jazz Festival® and Newport Folk Festival®. For more information, please visit newportfestivalsfoundation.org.

(Photo Credit ©Kristin Hoebermann)

Photo credit: Kristin Hoebermann

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Maia Neumann & Daniela Devitt Co-founders of Yumbox, THE GENIUS LUNCHBOX FOR SIMPLE, HEALTHY AND FUN EATING

BY ELIZABET H D AR WEN

M

aia Neumann and Daniela Devitt are co-founders and creators of Good Design award-winning product Yumbox, which through its design promotes nutritionally balanced and portion controlled meals.

Maia Neumann has a long track record of growing and supporting successful children’s brands through her work at Sesame Workshop, United Media and Scholastic. Long time New Yorker, she moved to Europe over a decade ago, where she experienced first-hand the French’s methodology of feeding young children, which influenced the creation and design of Yumbox. As an expat mom living in France she brings awareness of healthy eating to the Yumbox community.

Daniela Devitt has a background managing c h i l d r e n ’s e n t e r t a i n m e n t , c h a r a c t e r licensing, as well as product and brand development for many years in New York.

Daniela’s passion for cooking and healthy

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eating is rooted in her Italian heritage and experiences working and living in Europe.

Daniela and Maia met in the licensing industry and established a friendship recognizing the creativity and can-do attitude in each other. Their entrepreneurial outlook coupled with the new challenges of motherhood led them to the creation of Yumbox. Daniela enjoys putting her professional and personal experiences to use daily, sharing Yumbox and healthy eating solutions with families around the world.

Maia and her Yumbox co-founder Daniela are both proponents of the Mediterranean diet which reinforces moderation and balance. Their hope is that Yumbox will help kids to easily integrate those concepts into their lifestyle. Inspiration came from the French school lunches served to Maia’s kids daily. The emphasis in France is on balance, variety, taste and nutrition. Yumbox was dreamed up to allow us all to replicate that same balance and nutrition for our kids, regardless of where we live.

Yumbox is a kid-friendly, bento-style lunch

container designed for kids and adults.

Yumbox is made with high quality, super durable, BPA-free, food-safe materials.

While Yumbox is fun to use and a pleasure to pack, it is also an educational tool that helps children develop healthy eating habits.

Yumbox is easy for kids to use and a cinch for parents to pack. It cleans easily, will save money, and help to reduce waste. Featuring a bento-like tray, with one lid that seals all compartments; designated food groups to encourage and assist parents in packing a balanced meal; built-in portion control; a cool design and illustrations make this little box more of an adventure in good nutrition than just plain old lunch.

Yumbox is also the proud winner of the following awards: Good Design 2013 Children’s Products, Little London Awards 2015 - Best Feeding Product, Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards 2016 - Genius Bento Boxes. yumboxlunch.com

Daniela Devitt

Maia Neumann

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Philanthropic Power Couple Don & Katrina Peebles HOST AN EVENING OF COCKTAILS & CONVERSATIONS

BY ANN GRENIER

P

hilanthropist power couple Don & Katrina Peebles hosted Cocktails and Conversations in honor of the New York City Mission Society at their Bridgehampton home. The elegant but understated event benefitted the Mission Society’s programs and services, which help youth and families in our city’s most underserved communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success. At the event, Mrs. Peebles gave a touching speech about the society’s mission.

Currently, Mrs. Peebles sits on the board of the Mission Society. The event host committee includes the following supporters: Peggy & John Bader, B. Michael & Mark-Anthony Edwards, Missy Kilroy & Jay Moorhead, and Leah & Stanley Rumbough.

Notable attendees included: Don Peebles, Katrina Peebles, and Chloe Peebles;

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Peggy Bader & John Bader; B. Michael & Mark-Anthony Edwards; Missy Kilroy & Jay Moorhead; Leah Rumbough, Stanley Rumbough, and Cole Rumbough; Cornelia Bregman; Beth Fishel & Robert Fishel; Maria Fishel & Kenneth Fishel; Debbie Paley & Marc Paley; Missy Hargraves; Carine de Meyer; Lynn Lehocky; Michael Ohoven; Mae Sze Greene & Jeff Greene; Anne Haubenstricker & Tom Haubenstricker; Dottie Herman; Margo Manhattan; Larry Scott; Stacia Means; Jannine de Meritt; Rehanna Farrell; Brenda Blackmon; James Godman & Jason Duchin.

Both as a couple and individually, Don & Katrina Peebles have an outstanding re c o rd o f c h a r i t y w o r k . M r. P e e b l e s generally focuses his charitable work on politics, art, historic preservation, and empowering underprivileged youth with the tools they need to pursue entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Peebles usually focuses her charitable work to build and support schools to educate children out of poverty.

Together, Don & Katrina Peebles use their influence to help children and families. Some of the initiatives and organizations that have benefitted from their board service and fundraising include the YMCA of Greater New York, the Women’s Cancer League, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and the campaigns of President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama, among others. Don & Katrina Peebles philanthropic activities expand to Miami where they work with groups such as CARE Elementary, and The Viscaya Museum. Mr. Peebles is also a former Chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, and The Congressional Black Caucas Foundation Board of Directors.

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Veteran Media Personality Laurie Gelman LAUNCHES HER DEBUT NOVEL - CLASS MOM

BY ELIZABET H D AR WEN

L

aurie Gelman’s debut novel Class Mom: A Novel is a clever take on a year in the life of kindergarten class mom, Jen Dixon. Jen is not your typical Kansas City, Missouri, kindergarten class mom or a mom in general. Jen already has two college-age daughters by two different men (probably musicians), and it is her second time around the class mom block with five-year-old Max this time with a husband and father by her side. Though her best friend and PTA President sees her as the “wisest” candidate for the job (or oldest), not all of the other parents agree.

F ro m re c o rd i n g p a re n t s ’ re s p o n s e times to her emails about helping in the

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classroom, to requesting contributions of “special” brownies for curriculum night, not all of Jen’s methods win approval from the other parents. Throw in an old flame from Jen’s past, a concerned “allergy mom,” a surprisingly sexy kindergarten teacher, and an impossible-to-please Real Housewifewannabe, causing problems at every turn, and the job really becomes much more than she signed up for.

Relatable, irreverent, and hilarious in the spirit of Maria Semple, Class Mom is a fresh, welcome voice in fiction the kind of novel that real moms clamor for, and a vicarious thrill-read for all parents, who will be laughing as they are liberated by Gelman’s acerbic truths.

Laurie has appeared on numerous media outlets including Good Day New York, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, PIX11 Morning News, and Access Hollywood.

Class Mom: A Novel is available now wherever books are sold.

ABOUT LAURIE GELMAN Laurie Gelman was born and raised in the Great White North. She spent twenty-five years as a broadcaster in Canada and the United States before trying her hand at writing novels. Laurie lives in New York City with her husband, Michael Gelman, and two teenage daughters. Class Mom is her first book.

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Social Media “It” Girl, Avanti Gupta NEXT GENERATION TRENDSETTER

BY LILLIAN LANGTRY

S

ocial media influencer Avanti Gupta, a leader in the new generation of “It” Girl trendsetters, has launched a beautiful new website for stylish women everywhere.

Her more than 23K Instagram fans already know Gupta as a go-to expert on all things fashion and entertainment. Now they have one more outlet to peruse her fabulous looks and glamorous adventures.

AvantiGupta.com offers readers a glimpse into the social media personality’s life of beauty, travel, and high fashion as well as

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showcase Avanti’s work thus far.

With 7 years of expertise in the luxury fashion industry, Avanti curates strong visual images and works as an on-screen host with growing experience in creating video content. Her social media presence is strong and climbing, especially on Instagram, where she boasts 24.2k followers. Those followers will now find Gupta’s talents, interests, and top picks for the good life all in one place: AvantiGupta.com.

S o j u s t h o w d i d G u p t a re f i n e h e r impeccable taste and amass such a loyal following? It all started when her taste for

fashion brought her to New York City, where she attended the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Gupta has worked for Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, Barneys, Lanvin, Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi.

Avanti also worked with a top stylist and assisted on shoots and content for Bally, Bergdorf Goodman, the New York Post, and Style.com Arabia.

Find out more about Avanti and what luxury fashion and lifestyle experiences she is loving these days at AvantiGupta.com | Instagram @avantigupta

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GALAS

BY CARLOS LACAYO

Southampton Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Robert Chaloner, Good Day NY co-host Greg Kelly and, Judith Gray, co- chairs Marigay McKee and Bill Ford, and Douglas Elliman’s Dottie Herman, at the Southampton Hospital’s 59th annual Summer Party. Other guests included dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark, Lisa Jackson who donated diamond earrings to the auction and Dr. Christopher Calapai. southamptoshospital.stonybrookmedicine.edu

Robert Chaloner, Greg Kelly and Judith Grey

Marigay McKee and Bill Ford

Dottie Herman

Southampton Animal Shelter MC Chuck Scarborough and honoree Jean Shafiroff, junior chairs Lindsey Spielfogel, Elizabeth Shafiroff and Katie McEntee and Beth Stern and Alex Donner at The Southampton Animal Shelter’s gala. Other attendees were honoree Sony Schotland, Jonathan McCann, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Leesa Rowland, Larry Whol and Beth Shak, who brought her Instagram star pup Mila. southamptonanimalshelter.com

Jean Shafiroff and Chuck Scarborough (photo credit: Jared Siskin, PMC)

Lindsey Spielfogel, Elizabeth Shariroff and Katie McEntee

Beth Stern and Alex Donner

(photo credit: Jared Siskin, PMC)

Walk of Hope Ballerina Melanie Hamrick, Founder Audrey Gruss and Jose Sebastian lead The Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Walk of Hope in Southampton. Jay McInerney was the Grand Marshal. Walking were Susan Gutfreund, Jamee and Peter Grergory, Kim Hierston, and real estate heirs Toby and Larry Milstein who were the events Junior Chairs. Hopefordepression.org

Melanie Hamrick, Audrey Gruss and Jose Sebastian

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Susan Gutfreund

Toby Milstein and Larry Milstein (photo credit: Presley Ann, PMC)

GALORE East Hampton Library Authors Night Co-chairs Hilaria and Alec Baldwin, Lyss Stern who wrote Motherhood is a B#tch , and Russian Instagram sensation Valery Jour attended the East Hampton Library Authors Night. 100 writers signed their books, including, Elizabeth Vargas, Alan Alda, Anne Colter, Dick Cavett and Jessica Seinfeld. Andrea Correale’s Elegant Affairs catered the authors dinner. authorsnight.org

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin

Lyss Stern with her book Motherhood is a B#tch ( photo credit: Andrew Werner)

Valery Jour

Watermill Center Susan & Robert Downey Jr. and Bob Wilson, Peter Thomas Roth and Libbie and David Mugrabi were among those following the dress code of “Dark Shiny Matter” at the 24th Annual Watermill Center Summer Benefit was dubbed ‘FLY INTO THE SUN’. The night honored French actress Isabelle Huppert and Laurie Anderson who performed a concert honoring her late husband Lou Reed. Watermillcenter.org

Guild Hall Guild Hall director Andrea Grover welcomed Caroline, William and Michael Avedon and Zoe & Janna Bullock to Avedon’s America, a show by their father Richard Avendon, that opened during the Guild Hall gala. The dinner honored Bonnie Lautenberg and DJ QuestLove, who played for Eric Fischl & April and Gornik, Priyanka Chopra. guildhall.org

Andrea Grover

Zoe Bullock and Janna Bullock

Caroline Avedon, William Avedon and Michael Avedon

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NEW YORK CHARITY SCENE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION’S 2017 NEW YORK DINNER

BY C L A RA M O RG A N

Prostate Cancer Foundation’s 2017 New York Dinner featuring host Whoopi Goldberg with special musical performance by Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson honoring Peter and Laurie Grauer, Cipriani 42nd Street NYC: Jennifer Hudson, Michael Milken ©Patrick McMullan

Whoopi Goldberg at the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Peter and Laurie Grauer at the Prostate Cancer

2017 New York Dinner

Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez at the Prostate

Dr. David Shulkin at the Prostate Cancer Foundation

Spencer Segura and David H. Koch at the Prostate

Cancer Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

2017 New York Dinner

Cancer Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

Leon and Debra Black at the Prostate Cancer

Jim Coleman and Candace Bushnell at the Prostate

Maria and Kenneth Fishel at the Prostate Cancer

Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

Cancer Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

Foundation 2017 New York Dinner

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

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NEW YORK SOCIAL SCENE GLOBAL LYME ALLIANCE 3RD ANNUAL NY GALA, DDB FALL MARKET 2017, & STARS OF DESIGN

BY C L A RA M O RG A N

Global Lyme Alliance hosted 3rd Annual New York Gala honoring Marisol Thomas and Joseph Abboud produced

by Celebrity Event Planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events Cipriani 42nd Street NYC: Larry Scott, Yolanda Hadid ©Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Joseph Abboud and Marisol Thomas at the Global

Rob Thomas and Chris Daughtry at the Global

Lyme Alliance 3rd Annual New York Gala ©Dimitrios

Lyme Alliance 3rd Annual New York Gala ©Dimitrios

Kambouris/Getty Images

Kambouris/Getty Images

New York’s Decoration & Design Building Celebrated

Brian Sawyer, Amy Astley and Monique Gibson in the

Whitney Robinson and Bunny Williams in the Kravet

the Power of Storytelling with Industry Leaders at Fall

Cowtan & Tout showroom at Decoration & Design

showroom at Decoration & Design Building Fall

Market 2017, NYC: Martha Stewart in the Baccarat

Building Fall Market 2017

Market 2017

showroom ©Andrea Fischman

©Andrea Fischman

©Andrea Fischman

The Decoration & Design Building and the

Lee Mindel and Victoria Hagan at the 10th Anniversary

Virginia Tupker and Nori Inoguchi at the 10th

Cohen Design Centers Celebrated the 10th Anniversary

Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise Awards

Anniversary Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise

Stars of Design and Stars on the Rise Awards, Upper

©Patrick McMullan

Awards ©Patrick McMullan

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NEW YORK SOCIETY SCENE CHARITIES, PARTIES, SCREENINGS, & SIGNINGS

BY C L A RA M O RG A N

U.S. Kick Off Party for the 28th Rallye Aicha des

U.S. Kick Off Party for the 28th Rallye Aicha des

U.S. Kick Off Party for the 28th Rallye Aicha des

Gazelles du Maroc, Bobby Van’s CPS, NYC: Brooke

Gazelles du Maroc, Bobby Van’s CPS, NYC: Marie-

Gazelles du Maroc, Bobby Van’s CPS, NYC: Pierette

Vonn, Kiera Erickson Chang

Monique Steckel

Huttner, Diana Mohyi

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

©Patrick McMullan

Sophie Bonvin Founder of Luxury Handbag Line The Collector Launches Latest Collaboration The CODE Collection with Artist Bill Claps In partnership with The Angelica Patient Assistance Program, Crosby Street Hotel NYC: Sophie Bonvin, Bill Claps, Lauren Casaron ©Patrick McMullan

Avanti Gupta at The CODE Collection with Artist Bill

Missy Hargraves and Antoine Verglas at The CODE

Claps ©Patrick McMullan

Collection with Artist Bill Claps ©Patrick McMullan

Laughing Affairs, founded by comedian Felicia

Deana Hanson and Laurie Gelman at Laughercise

Gina Savage and Nina Ashe at Laughercise at the

Madison, presented Laughercise, an innovative

at the West Side Comedy Club at Playa Betty’s NYC

West Side Comedy Club at Playa Betty’s NYC ©Patrick

lunchtime comedy show, at the West Side Comedy

©Patrick McMullan

McMullan

Club at Playa Betty’s NYC ©Patrick McMullan

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WHEN IT’S TIME FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, YOU WANT TO FIND A BUYER WHO’LL VALUE YOUR HOME AS MUCH AS YOU DID.

I T ’ S T I M E F O R E L L I M A N

elliman.com NEW YORK CITY | LONG ISLAND | THE HAMPTONS | WESTCHESTER | CONNECTICUT | NEW JERSEY | FLORIDA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | INTERNATIONAL © 2017 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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