The annual Hot Pink Party held by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is always a mustattend event on the social calendar. This year’s event, held at The Glasshouse, raised a recordbreaking $10.3 million to support BCRF’s global legion of 255 scientists pursuing high-impact, lifesaving breast cancer research. Hosted by Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador of The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, the evening featured an unforgettable concert by the legendary Diana Ross and honored BCRF Board of Directors Co-chair Kinga Lampert with the inaugural Evelyn H. Lauder Spirit of Philanthropy Award; and Margaret Flinter with The Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award.
On any given night at Nello, the famed Madison Avenue eatery, you could bump into luminaries including actors, musicians, royalty, and world leaders.
You name it, they all came to Nello.
It wasn’t that long ago that within the space of one week, while dining at Nello on different occasions, I bumped into the late Valentino one night and Madonna with her then-boyfriend Jesus on another night—maybe having their last supper together.
In fact, on any given day, you’d walk in and see Nello hanging out with legendary singer and poet Bob Dylan or hedge funder John Paulson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, Kanye West, Clint Eastwood, Spike Lee, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Bon Jovi, or Jay-Z and Beyoncé, just to name a few.
The restaurant we all love on Madison Avenue— Nello—became what it was because of the vision of one man—Nello Balan.
Throughout history—both real and fictional—a lot of stories have been centered around a meal. There was King Arthur’s legendary Round Table and the very real and scathing Dorothy Parker and her Vicious Circle—where they'd lunch, gossip, snark, and trade barbs at the Algonquin. And then there was Nello Balan.
Growing up in Switzerland, he picked up a few languages—11 at last count. He was an excellent painter—my favorite memory with him was when we spent the afternoon painting at his restaurant in Southampton. That’s the day I learned he used to paint when he lived in Jerusalem.
Nello was fearless—though he did tell me once that his “greatest fear” was that he’d fall naked into icy water during a trip to Antarctica.
He knew how to create buzz. In 2014, in the middle of a horrible New York blizzard, he called me and said, “Come to the restaurant.” I put on my boots and walked over on the freshly fallen snow. I howled with laughter when I saw him sitting at a table placed in the middle of Madison Avenue in the midst of the snowstorm, enjoying a nice burgundy.
“A little snow’s not going to stop me from enjoying my lunch,” he said.
ask him my Proust-questionnaire-like questions. Nello wasn’t one for conformity.
I’d ask him: “Michelangelo or Rodin?”
His response? Brâncusi—claiming that he was the father of modern art who didn’t get enough credit. Beethoven or Puccini?
He’d respond Mozart, claiming that “he was innocent and unsurpassed in purity.”
At his restaurant, Nello brought together people from all walks of life. It was like one great dinner party on Madison every night but the vibe was never the same. Each night when you walked in you had no idea what was in store for the evening—the place had “it.”
Nello was also all about love. Indeed, some of his favorite words had to do with that concept, including “amour,” meaning love in French, or “inima,” meaning heart in his native Romanian.
Speaking of Romania, a few years back Nello told me how he was related to Vlad the Impaler. You know, Dracula. Aren’t vampires supposed to be immortal?
On any given day, you’d walk in and see Nello hanging out with legendary singer and poet Bob Dylan or hedge funder John Paulson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sly Stallone, Kanye West, Clint Eastwood, Spike Lee, Jennifer Lopez, Mick Jagger, Bon Jovi, or Jay-Z and Beyoncé, just to name a few.
When he opened Nello in the 1990s, Studio 54 had shuttered its doors. Sure, we had Cipriani and Le Cirque, but a lot of us were longing for something else. And Balan brought it to us—“it” was his eponymous eatery, Nello, on Madison Avenue.
Now, anyone can open a restaurant—Nello elevated it and created a New York institution.
With Nello, you’d walk by Madison Avenue around 11 a.m. on a Tuesday, before the restaurant opened to customers, and you’d see a woman playing the cello in the middle of the restaurant with Nello sipping champagne and working on a floral arrangement— just because Nello liked listening to live classical music while he worked.
When he passed on May 25, I was shattered— when I met him in the 1990s, he became like a brother to me. I understood him and he “got” me. We both had wicked senses of humor and weren’t afraid to tell it like it is.
If you knew Nello, you knew that he had a guiding principal in life: the concept of noblesse oblige. But while he held to that simple philosophy, as a man, he was so complicated—so multidimensional, so dichotomous, and always full of surprises.
In 2009 I told him I was going to do a feature on him in Hampton Sheet. I wanted my readers to know the real Nello. Sure, people knew him—after all, the New York Times called him the “maestro of publicity”—but did they know Nello the man? The man who never had a problem calling an idiot an “idiot”? Nello’s irreverent side.
Interviewing Nello was no easy task—with him, each time I thought I’d got to the center of the onion, there’d be another layer. So when he eventually sat down with me for the interview, I told him that I’d
I told Nello that King Charles claimed that he was also related to Vlad. Nello just chuckled and said, “I guess my family has grown.”
So I suppose that made it official—he was royalty. The king of fun, the king of Madison Avenue. All hail the king.
And now this is it. My positive, nonconformist, free spirit of a friend—that brilliant, beautiful light of his in this otherwise dark world has dimmed. Those of us that were lucky enough to experience him and his eponymous restaurant will have our memories live on forever.
And with that, I’ll leave you with this. In 2012, I wrote another article in Hampton Sheet on Nello. This time I asked him—thinking at the time that my surrogate brother had an incredibly long life ahead of him—“When you get to the pearly gates, what do you want God to say to you?” He looked at me with that Nello-esque, mischievous, incredibly naughty school-boyish smile and said, “Nello, mi casa es tu casa.” Everyone in heaven has no idea what a treat they’re in for. Rest well, my friend. n
wouldn’t let a little blizzard stop him from enjoying a nice burgundyNello Balan with Joan Jedell
KAREN ANN LOVE
Editor-at-Large
MICHELE CAMERON
Art Director
VANESSA WEIMAN
Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
George Gurley
Emily Jedell
Lauren Lawrence
Norah Lawlor
Bobby Love
Laura Taylor
Tristan Walder
George Wayne
Cover Credits:
Photo: Michael Paniccia
Gown: Malan Breton Makeup:
Hair: Henry de la Paz
The theme of the 67th Viennese Opera Ball, co-chaired by Jean Shafiroff and Denise Rich, was a night inspired by Carmen. Led under the artistic direction of Daniel Serafin with Brazilian conductor Maestro Vinicius Kattah, top opera stars performed by Bizet including Stephen Costello, El-Khoury, and Nathalie Peña Comas. The gala, which also
The New York City Ballet’s 2023 Spring Gala: Invention, sponsored by Porsche and Chopard at the David H. Koch Theater, celebrated the New York City Ballet’s commitment to driving the art form forward. Guests attending the glitzy evening were treated to two new ballets by Christopher Wheeldon and Alysa Pires, as well as Justin Peck’s The Times Are Racing.
Butterfly Pendant (choice of variations), $4,900, charleskrypell.com
BY EMILY JEDELL
JACQUEMUS
Le petit panier Soli, $460, jacquemus.com
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Kios Spikes Leather Card Holder, $350, us.christianlouboutin.com
Embroidered jacquard fabric mini-bag, $2,700,
Miami Suit Pants, $720,
JW ANDERSON Baseball Cap With Crystal, $285, jwanderson.com
FENDI First F Heel Strappy Sandals, $1,390, fendi.com
CHARLES KRYPELL
Renowned beauty expert Trish McEvoy grew up believing that everyone deserves to feel confident and radiant in their own skin. She established Trish McEvoy New York in the mid-’70s with a clear mission—to demystify the beauty journey and foster confidence in individuals.
BY JOAN JEDELL
Trish McEvoy launched her brand with an initial collection that consisted of just five luxurious makeup brushes—tools that simply enhanced makeup application. Today the brand is credited with bringing professional-grade luxury makeup brushes into the everyday beauty routines of consumers and making high-quality tools accessible to all. In addition to bringing makeup brushes into the mainstream, Trish McEvoy New York also elevated the art of makeup through other products that seamlessly integrate into its clients’ lifestyles, including its color palettes; the Makeup Planner—the first portable vanity of its kind; and its fragrance wardrobe. These meticulously crafted, environmentally friendly, and beautifully packaged products not only guide individuals to discover their own inherent power, they also reinforce the maxim that beauty goes beyond aesthetics—it enhances everyday life and contributes to overall wellness.
Since launching her eponymous company, McEvoy has maintained a singular philosophy: Beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin. Indeed, she and her late husband, dermatologist Dr. Ronald Sherman, pioneered the concept of medical spas with the opening of the Dr. Ronald Sherman/Trish McEvoy Skin Care Center. Together, they developed a results-oriented preventative and corrective skincare line.
For many years, McEvoy served as the beauty editor for Good Morning America—generously sharing her beauty tips and tricks with people across the country. Trish McEvoy New York products have also taken center stage—adorning the attendees at prestigious events including the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
Today, she continues her journey of em powering individuals through a person alized approach to beauty—embracing uniqueness and uplifting lives, one client at a time.
Hampton Sheet sat down with McEvoy to talk about all things beauty and her eponymous brand. You started your company with a brush. Tell us more about the power of brushes when it comes to makeup.
I’ve always believed in demystifying beauty and making it accessible to everyone, and those brushes were my way of doing just that. They made the whole process of putting on makeup easy and effortless. It was about empowering our customers and giving
them the tools they needed to achieve a flawless look in no
But it’s not just about brushes—there’s so much more that your company has and continues to offer. Definitely. We were one of the first companies to introduce a fragrance wardrobe, offering a transformative olfactory experience to uplift moods. Many have credited our Makeup Planner® with redefining the organization and utilization of makeup. We also spearheaded direct-to-consumer initiatives before they became as popular as they are today. You treat skin like a painter treats a canvas.
Throughout the years I’ve maintained a singular philosophy: Beautiful makeup begins with beautiful skin. My late husband, Dr. Ronald Sherman, and I pioneered the concept of medi-spas with the opening of the Dr. Ronald Sherman/Trish McEvoy Skin Care Center. Together, we developed a results-oriented preventative and corrective skincare line. Working with a spouse can be tough, but you made it into one of the most successful skincare centers in the country. To what do you attribute the incredible success of the Dr. Ronald Sherman/Trish McEvoy Skin Care Center?
For us, it was a dream come true; we loved working together. It was such an important part of our lives. We loved taking care of our clients and helping them achieve healthy, great-looking skin. Our clients were and still are family to us. When we hear “skin” we almost always associate it with the term “anti-aging.” We heard that term makes you cringe, yet your products make people look ageless. I have always felt aging is a privilege. At Trish McEvoy New York, we don’t believe in the term “anti-aging”; we believe in correcting, enhancing, and protecting the beautiful skin you have. So like the age-old adage, we should feel comfortable in our own skin?
Everyone deserves to feel confident and radiant in their own skin. And armed with the right tools, those precious moments that you spend in front of the mirror each morning can elevate your confidence on a profound emotional level. If you think about it, our “artisan tools” aren’t just our efficient organization tools and brushes; they are also our exceptional skincare lines, the exquisite color palettes, and the captivating fragrances that we offer. n
You’re packing up for a day at the beach but you have no idea where to store all your necessities. Roller Rabbit’s Amanda Bondi Bag is ideal. It is 100 percent cotton canvas, so it’s light and easy to clean—not to mention that the print is perfect for the “coastal grandmother” trend we teenagers have been keen on. Fill it to the brim with necessities: towels, your favorite beach read, and snacks, of course! $98, rollerrabbit.com
With the sun beating down on us, the most important way to keep our skin looking top-notch is to go the extra mile with a mask moisturizer. Estée Lauder’s Nutritious Melting Soft Creme/Mask Moisturizer will do the trick! In addition to tackling sunburned skin, the mask’s red algae ferment will reduce the appearance of any redness on the face. Additional ingredients like sweet kelp and coconut water ferment will prevent additional oil on the surface to keep skin nourished. This product strengthens your skin’s barrier while moisturizing. The perfect combination if I do say so myself! $48, esteelauder.com
Looking for your summer 2023 scent? Clinique’s got you covered with Clinique Happy™, an aroma that will spritz you in sweet ruby red grapefruit and bergamot, along with Hawaiian wedding flower and spring mimosa. The Perfectly Happy Fragrance Set includes both a full and travel size of Clinique Happy™ Perfume Spray, which is complemented by the Clinique Happy™ Body Cream. Pair them together and you will smell like the definition of summer! $69, clinique.com
LoveShackFancy’s Bartlette Minidress in Neon Tangerine is the minidress of the season. Its tech jacquard fabric allows for the effortless scrunch effect that will beautifully cinch your figure. It’s soft and stretchy but also creates shape. Pair it with white strappy heels for an evening out or white high tops and a denim jacket for a day of shopping with the girls. $275, loveshackfancy.com
If you didn’t think it could get better than the Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream, it can. Introducing the Biggie Biggie Beija Flor™ Elasti-Cream. This 500ml. tub of your favorite cream is a limited edition and comes with the most adorable surfboard applicator. The cream itself includes three vital ingredients for perfectly plump skin: cacay oil, vegan collagen, and plant squalene. As you apply, flood your nostrils with notes of pink dragonfruit, lychee, hibiscus, Brazilian jasmine, and even ocean air. You can’t have the perfect body product without a teensy bit of vanilla though! Count on Sol de Janeiro to include it all. $85, soldejaneiro.com
Your guide to what’s trending for the next gen of Hamptonites...
La Mer’s Genaissance De La Mer The Serum Essence measurably reduces lines and wrinkles beginning with just four exquisite drops. Handcrafted with Crystal Miracle Broth™, this richly active, silken serum provides antioxidant protection, evens the complexion, and refines the look of pores, making your skin firmer and more resilient. If only everything in life could be this easy! $790/1oz., lamer.com
Research shows that scent, emotion, and memory are all intertwined. The limited-edition Aerin Rose de Grasse Joyful Bloom Solid Perfume, infused with lush pink notes of Indian rose, sparkling bergamot, and creamy sandalwood and housed in an exquisitely crafted gold-colored compact case, will certainly evoke happiness in anyone who smells or looks at the gorgeous new addition to the Aerin beauty collection. $70/2g. (perfume only), aerin.com
The Baccarat Rouge 540 extrait de parfum is an exalted version of a signature scent, with jasmine blossoms and woody musks engaging in an alchemy of the senses that augments the strength and radiance of the fragrance’s aura.
$845/200ml., baccarat.com
It’s as easy as 1-2-3 with Christian Louboutin’s luxurious and refillable magnetic case, covered with the iconic Christian Louboutin spikes. Step 1: choose your refillable case (available in Louboutin Rouge and Louboutin Noir); step 2: choose your Christian Louboutin Abracadabra La Palette eye shadow or blush and highlighter palette (sold separately); and step 3: insert the palette in the case and ta-dah—instant beauty. Abracadabra
La Palette Refillable Case, $73. Abracadabra La Palette Eyeshadow Palette Refill, $73. Abracadabra La Palette Blush and Highlighter Palette Refill, $73, christianlouboutin.com
Every touch of Estée Lauder’s new Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpted Transformation Creme Moisturizer transports you, immersing your skin and your senses in total luxury. With an exceptional concentration of its exclusive Black Diamond Truffle Extract and potent levels of innovative youth-sustaining technology, this creme delivers precision lifting, firming, and smoothing—a “diamond sculpt”—verified through detailed clinical measurements: jawline, cheeks, and laugh lines look more sculpted and undereye fine lines, crow’s feet wrinkles, and neck lines look smoother. Over time, skin feels firmer and more resilient. $435/1.7oz., esteelauder.com
WRINKLES? RETINOL. ACNE? RETINOL. COLLAGEN BOOST? RETINOL. Dr. Sobel’s Retinol Complex Night Treatment—a super-charged, award-winning night treatment with 4.5 percent retinol and the patented SD-100™ formula—is clinically proven to decrease the length and depth of fine lines and wrinkles. $110, drsobelskinrx.com
You won’t be able to help yourself from falling in love with the Sisley-Paris Revitalizing Fortifying Serums—two highly concentrated serums infused with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins, and minerals—which not only create a healthier scalp but also energize the hair for a more beautiful look. $365/120ml. (duo packaging), sisley-paris.com
Only incredible things are coming your way with the Tom Ford Beauty Rose Prick Candle—inspired by the eponymous designer’s private rose garden. What are you waiting for? Light up this wild bouquet—a beautiful blend of Rose de Mai, Turkish, and Bulgarian roses. $135, tomford.com
Hats off to the Central Park Conservancy Women’s Committee, which celebrated the 41st Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon and raised over $4.3 million in support of preserving and enhancing Central Park. Guests to the chic affair, affectionately known as the Hat Luncheon since guests mark the day by donning their most exquisitely crafted fascinators and hats, included Michael Bloomberg, Misty Copeland, Katie Couric, Mariska Hargitay, Margo Nederlander, Christine Schwarzman, and Martha Stewart.
The exciting life of the philanthropist and style icon Jean Shafiroff captivates from the moment one is introduced to her. Often referred to as the First Lady of Philanthropy by both international and national press, Shafiroff regularly appears on magazine covers, in fashion articles, and on society pages.
As a philanthropic leader, TV host, and the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, Jean Shafiroff defines the value of giving back—from her perspective, making the world stronger through philanthropic work creates a positive impact.
Jean Shafiroff is powerfully influential in the world of philanthropy through her leadership and generosity. She works to encourage others to dedicate their lives as she does—creating change through volunteering, leading, and donating. Her dedicated philanthropic work over the years proves that when ingenuity meets purpose, the human capacity for solving problems is boundless.
Shafiroff is a radiating changemaker who is shining a bright light on what it takes to make the world a better place. Her dynamic and genuine volunteer work in communities from New York City to the Hamptons and beyond establishes her as a leading authority on philanthropy. The visionary’s passionate advocacy has been globally recognized by many news sources and creates a wave of inspiration.
Jean Shafiroff serves on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, the New York Women’s Foundation, Mission Society of NYC, Casita Maria, Couture Council (Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology), French Heritage Society, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, Shafiroff served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and is now an honorary trustee. She has also been honored for her work by many charities including American Humane, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research, Operation Warrior Shield, Viennese Opera Ball, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Health Advocates for Older People, Youth Counselling League, Viennese Opera Ball, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, and the Hadassah.
In September 2022, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright bestowed a proclamation to honor Jean Shafiroff for her charitable endeavors, calling her the First Lady of Philanthropy of New York. Then in November 2022, she was recognized in the Congressional Record of the 117th United States Congress by congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (DNY) for her work as a philanthropist.
Hampton Sheet recently caught up with Shafiroff to talk about her favorite subject—giving back. How did your early years influence your giving?
I was raised by a middle-class family. My father was a music teacher and my mother was a stay-at-home
mom. Since a very early age, the importance of giving back was imprinted on me by my parents. My mother had the family performing volunteer work at school or at our church. And it wasn’t just my parents who instilled this in me. My teachers were also excellent role models who ingrained in us these life-changing values.
How did you go from volunteering while growing up to being involved with almost every high-profile charity today?
I graduated from Columbia University with a BS in physical therapy. I then went back to Columbia for my MBA in finance and graduated from the Grad-
uate School of Business at Columbia University. After earning my MBA, I worked on Wall Street. My personal philanthropic work started slowly when I volunteered at my daughters’ schools. From there, I joined a few charity boards. Then a few boards multiplied to serving on eight boards and chairing between eight and 10 large fundraising galas each year. I also host and underwrite numerous smaller events in my home and elsewhere for many different charitable organizations.
You’re not only a philanthropist, you’re a TV show host. Over the years I’ve written about and then spoken on many TV shows and podcasts about the rewards of volunteering and philanthropy. I thought I’d develop and host my own show to give celebrities, politicians, executive directors of charities, and fellow philanthropists an opportunity to speak about their lives and their philanthropic work. The show is called Successful Philanthropy and airs several times each week in the Hamptons. I love hosting the show. And you still found time to write a book?
I wrote Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, to motivate others and to serve as a guide for those who wanted to engage in philanthropic work. The main message of my book is simple: Anyone can become a philanthropist. You don’t have to be a billionaire or even a millionaire. You can be a philanthropist by simply giving your time and knowledge. If you do have the financial resources, I believe you also have an obligation to donate.
You’re also an influencer. Your Instagram account @ JeanShafiroff has an impressive 1.2 million followers. My social media is designed to promote philanthropy, positivity, and my love of fashion. I love being able to connect with people around the world!
from New York University. She spends a great deal of her time in Kenya doing volunteer work and has been instrumental in making significant changes in a center for disabled children. My youngest daughter is the cofounder and president of Global Strays, an international animal welfare charity that aims to reduce the suffering of animals in impoverished communities. Global Strays is also involved in the education of children on the proper care of animals. Both my daughters are hard workers and driven. Any last thoughts for our readers?
Through volunteering and taking the time to help others, life has far greater meaning. It is our obligation to help those who struggle. Life develops meaning when we reach out and help those most in need. n
Follow Jean Shafiroff on social media: I: @jeanshafiroff, @jeanshafiroffatwork, F: @JeanShafroff, T: @JeanShafiroff
What’s your typical day like?
I believe in hard work. Hard work leads to success. So does honesty and integrity. I spend many hours each day working in front of the computer and on calls to promote organizations and boost representation for them. It’s not easy but I feel blessed to do it. What causes do you support?
My main areas of focus are women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, healthcare, and animal rights. I’m also interested in furthering equality and cancer awareness campaigns, among others.
You’ve been called a style icon and have been on many best-dressed lists. How does that fit in with philanthropy?
I serve on the Couture Council of the Museum at FIT and I love this board! I believe fashion is art and one of the most notable forms of expression. Over the years I have supported the artful work of emerging designers and have a large collection of both couture and ready-to-wear ball gowns by designers including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Mary McFadden, Victor de Souza, Malan Breton, Zang Toi, B Michael, Valentino, and many others. My own personal collection of ball gowns will one day be donated to a museum.
Your parents instilled your love of giving back. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?
I am especially proud of my two daughters, who have also learned the importance of philanthropy. My oldest daughter has a master’s degree in social work
Photos by Michael Paniccia Gown: Oscar de la Renta”
“Life develops meaning when we reach out and help those most in need.Gown: Oscar de la Renta
In life, we’ve all attended parties or concerts that have become the source of legend. Think Diana Ross’s concert in Central Park or just about every night at Studio 54.
Just two years ago, one of those legendary parties was held in the Hamptons home of David Hryck, where Wyclef Jean performed for three hours. During the fête, which was a benefit for the Mariano Rivera Foundation, Hryck even joined Jean on stage with his guitar to perform a song or two.
But despite what you might think, Hryck is not a musician or even an impresario—he’s a lawyer.
This year, power attorney David Hryck joined Holland & Knight.
Senior partner Hryck is one of the world’s most sought-after strategic attorneys in international business. His client roster is as heavy-hitting and as diversified as he is, representing entertainers, sports legends, designers, global companies, and international families.
Hryck also gives back—he serves on the board of numerous nonprof-
David, are you reading this? We need you to host another party at your home with Wyclef performing. Let’s turn up the heat this summer!
its including the Amy Winehouse Foundation; the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for Excellence Fund, run by HRH Prince Edward, now the Duke of Edinburgh; the Lifeline Humanitarian Organization, founded by HRH Prince Alexander and Princess Katherine; the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development; Yue-Sai Kan’s China Beauty Charity Fund; Marc Anthony’s Maestro Cares Foundation; and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.
David, are you reading this? We need you to host another party at your home with Wyclef performing. Let’s turn up the heat this summer!
Julianne Michelle, known for her extensive filmography and remarkable philanthropy work, has made a unique impact in both fields. She has received acclaim for her performances in notable films including The House Is Burning, Down the P.C.H., Apartment 1303 3D, Awakened, and Shannon’s Rainbow. Despite her busy acting career,
she remains committed to her humanitarian work. In 2021 she founded Mommy’s Heart, a nonprofit organization that provides free legal and mental health services to abuse survivors facing retaliation in family court. Julianne opened up to The Sheet about some of the meaningful aspects of her life.
What inspired you to start Mommy’s Heart?
My personal experience with family court compelled me to create Mommy’s Heart after discovering there was a large unmet need. Mommy’s Heart provides much-needed services to domestic violence survivors and their children who are facing retaliation by their abusers, and we are working with public officials to protect abuse survivors from retaliatory actions by their abusers. I want to provide vulnerable families with the tools that I once desperately needed while navigating the court system.
Has acting helped you with your efforts for Mommy’s Heart?
My acting career created many opportunities for me to learn about problems in our community and to give back. I developed a passion for advocating for the vulnerable and silenced. I returned to school to study clinical social work at Columbia University to help inform my efforts, and then I experienced family court, which led to the formation of Mommy’s Heart. Additionally, I have carried over many relationships that I’ve cultivated in the entertainment business toward my efforts at Mommy’s Heart.
What’s next for Mommy’s Heart?
Mommy’s Heart will be hosting our next fundraiser, our Summer Soirée, in Water Mill on July 29. We continue to expand our pro-bono program and are working to build partnerships in every state.
Cosmetic dermatologic surgeon Dr. Howard Sobel has always been the go-to cosmetic dermatologist in NYC and the Hamptons. In his toolbox there’s all the latest fillers, neurotoxins, skin-rejuvenating lasers, and noninvasive treatments.
What makes Daxxify better than Botox? Daxxify, unlike many other neurotoxins, can be effective up to twice as long. Studies have shown that at least half of the studied patients had no return of frown lines for up to six months. What sets Daxxify apart from the others is a coated peptide that becomes effective in one or two days. So come on in and be one of the first to try it and see how long it lasts!
What is so exciting about the MyEllevate procedure?
This fabulous noninvasive procedure removes the neck bands and at the same time tightens the skin on the neck and jawline. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses a light-guided technology known as ICLED. The suture system without incisions allows for minimal bruising and rapid healing—all with only local anesthesia. Imagine getting rid of neck bands and loose skin without the traditional neck lift! That’s a wow!
How can you increase hair growth without the injections used with platelet-rich plasma [PRP]?
This is another wow-factor treatment. We use the Alma TED; the results are similar to PRP but without the painful injections. This medical device uses ultrasound waves that gently massage the growth factors and nutrients into the scalp. No blood drawing is required. The ultrasound increases blood flow to the scalp to deliver the growth factors and nutrients to the hair follicles. Treatments are a month apart for four months. There is hair growth, a thickening of the diameter of the hairs, and a decrease in further hair loss. Some say no pain, no gain, but with the Alma TED that’s not the case!
Eugenia, you are known in Harlem as an entrepreneur/philanthropist and one of the first clients of designer Marc Bouwer.
Tell us about yourself. I am a renaissance woman and my life’s journey has had many milestones—scholar, fashionista, owner of a fine art gallery, flight attendant, real estate owner/broker, organizational president, scholarship committee trustee, and podcast host. I’ve interviewed singer Melba Moore, as well as an indie director, filmmaker, and producer, the director of the Grammy Museum in New Jersey, developers from Indonesia and Taiwan, and others in art, business, fashion, culture, and entertainment on my podcast, “The Foxworth Theory.” Then I partnered with NJ Urban News. After two amazing years, my podcast is on hiatus for now. It changed and enhanced my life in all aspects. What has changed with your day job?
I opened Foxworth Realty, Inc. in 2008 when everyone was closing and/ or downsizing. Selling real estate is different now. But people are still buying in New York City, Harlem, and Riverdale. Although my international luxury sales have been at their lowest, my clients and their friends and family are responsible for my successful business. I am known for making the deal happen.
Are you still active with FIABCI, the International Federation of Real Estate?
I am now a past president of FIABCI-USA—I was president from 2021 to 2022—and I’m a trustee for the FIABCI Scholarship Foundation. My colleagues nominated me in June 2022 to be on the FIABCI-ORG World Board of Directors in Paris at the 72nd World Congress. In December 2022 I was appointed to serve as a NGO delegate to the United Nations for FIABCI-ORG.
So what are you doing at this time?
I am still on the senior advisory board for the Harlem Art Alliance, which is a sponsor of the Harlem Skyscraper Classic and does other philanthropic work. n
Mesopotamia—the region of Western Asia, home of Abraham, located between the Tigris-Euphrates river system—is often heralded as the cradle of civilization. From the invention of the wheel to advancements in mathematics, art, astronomy, and agriculture, this area is where some of the most important developments in human history occurred.
In 2018, Mahmood Qannati, in partnership with France’s most talented experts in the field of luxury, founded Qannati Objet d’Art with a singular focus: creating luxury timepieces and jewelry inspired by ancient Mesopotamian art and mythology, blended with wonderfully contemporary design and luxury craftsmanship. Qannati is more than just a seller of bracelets and watches—each exquisite handcrafted piece is a source of ancient knowledge and symbolism.
Hampton Sheet sat down with visionary entrepreneur Mahmood Qannati to learn more about his exquisite creations.
How has history inspired the Qannati brand?
Mahmood Qannati: When I grew up in Bahrain, I read a story about Gilgamesh, a Mesopotamian king who discovered immortality through an undersea plant called the Flower of Life, which had the power to grant eternal youth. Over time, the Flower
So every piece from your collection is inspired by ancient traditions?
Exactly. Qannati has revived these more than 5,000-year-old traditions through two types of masterpieces: Eternity Bracelets and Quantum Timepieces. The Quantum Timepieces are pieces of wearable art that can be worn on the wrist alone or complemented with an Eternity Bracelet on the other wrist, in the manner of the ancient kings of Mesopotamia.
Collectors have described your creations as wearable art. What makes these pieces so unique?
Qannati focuses on the art of time-keeping rather than time-telling—it’s for those who have mastered the art of time and for those who want to celebrate their achievements and other precious moments in their lives. Because everyone is unique, Qannati creates a canvas for our clients to celebrate treasured moments of their lives by freezing those moments
the underlying theme of each collection, the Qannati Spectrum and its sacred geometry also define the timing and protocol for the launch of all upcoming Qannati collections.
The Eternity Bracelet looks like a timepiece, but it doesn’t tell time.
The Eternity Bracelet is designed for the wearer who prefers to lead rather than to track time. Handmade in France, each Eternity Bracelet is unique in its materials, its finishings, and its strap. Under its sapphire dome, handcrafted sculptures made of different precious gemstones, exotic materials, and other relics are delicately placed to bring the client’s story to life. On the back of each bracelet, a slot allows a stone—to be chosen by the wearer upon purchasing the piece to match that wearer’s energy—to be affixed.
What sets the Quantum Timepiece apart from other luxury watches on the market?
What elevates the Quantum Timepiece apart from other products on the market is that each piece is a one-of-a-kind objet d’art with a different and original theme presented inside its miniature, three-dimensional, high-relief sculpted universe, which is protected by a sapphire glass and adorned with a mini universe on the buckle. The Quantum Timepiece, powered by a mechanical, self-winding movement, is made in Switzerland. From there, the watch is shipped to France, where the sculptures for the Quantum Timepiece are fitted.
How can readers purchase an item from one of your collections or create their own masterpieces?
of Life became a recurrent motif of the “Bracelet of the Divine,” with many iterations that always evoked divinity and power on the wrist—one or both—of the great rulers of Mesopotamia. Legend has it that the region’s various kings would gift bracelets adorned with the Flower of Life to those they considered to be the “chosen ones,” great men who had earned the trust of their king with their strength of character and the remarkable achievements that made them worthy of that honor. Years later I found myself walking through the wings of the Louvre and I stumbled upon the Mesopotamian collection. Before me was a sculpture of Gilgamesh adorned with floral motifs—the Flower of Life— carved into ornaments worn on both of his arms. That moment inspired me to launch Qannati Objet d’Art and revive the ancient tradition of wearing symbolically powerful objects on both wrists by the chosen ones of our modern times.
and converting them into breathtaking, one-of-akind wearable art pieces set with gemstones and precious metals.
What is the mathematical ancient symbolism in each of your designs?
The design of every masterpiece we create is conceived based upon the Flower of Life and its sacred geometry—something we call the Qannati Spectrum—enabling clients to choose from infinite possibilities for the design of wrist ornaments. The Qannati Spectrum has 13 circles with lines that cut across those circles to represent the various Qannati dimensions. Three horizontal lines cut across this spectrum, each representing a well-defined universe of creation. The outer part of the spectrum in turn represents the 12 Western and Chinese zodiac signs. Clients can choose from or create universes across all three possible dimensions: past and future; matter and consciousness; and fiction and reality. Besides
If the client is interested in a bespoke experience to create a fully personalized piece, then our Master Designer Frederic Mane follows a very thoughtful and comprehensive process. He helps clients find the one moment they want to treasure and convert into a timeless piece. Once a moment in the client’s life is defined, Frederic masterfully transforms that moment into a breathtaking sketch. He also defines the different stones, relics, and other materials that he proposes could be used in the masterpiece. The sketch is then brought to life by the expert hands of our jeweler and sculptor, Jothi-Seroj Ebroussard. The client receives regular updates and is involved throughout the journey. Changes are sometimes made during the journey to make the story better. Once the piece is ready, we hand-deliver it to the client along with Frederic’s original sketch, certificates of authenticity of all the materials used, and a video that documents the entire bespoke journey. n
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FAUNA
Rooted Hospitality Group, which owns Rumba and Cowfish in Hampton Bays, took over Chef Starr Boggs’ former high-end restaurant in Westhampton after he passed. Now known as Fauna, the new American menu includes appetizers like roasted red pepper gnudi and entrées like basil-seared halibut with bacon lardons. There will also be steaks that can be shared.
EAST QUOGUE
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Widely considered one of the premier spots on the East End, this marinabased restaurant, where you can enjoy cool breezes and fresh air, has an eclectic mix of fresh seafood, steaks, and lobster. Dockers has a vacation feel with its casual, relaxing, and friendly environment. There are three waterside bars and two lounges, so even if you just stop in for a quick drink, it’s worth it.
HAMPTON BAYS
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RESTAURANT AT CANOE PLACE
Ülfet Ralph, a Relais & Châteaux chef who previously ran the kitchen at Magee Homestead in Wyoming, will bring a Mediterranean menu to Canoe Place’s unnamed restaurant, which is set to open in August. At this new waterfront resort there will be pastas, pizzas, and local seafood, some of which will be prepared using live-fire cooking methods.
CENTRO TRATTORIA
Enjoy this Hampton Bays staple, Centro Trattoria owned by Salvatore Biundo, which boasts a prime outdoor dining location from which to see and be seen. New this season: Enjoy the cuts of steak added to the menu. “Sunday with Sinatra and Friends,” with live singer Tony Della, is a favorite here.
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THE INN SPOT
On Memorial Day, the team that transformed the old East Hampton Point into the chic EHP Resort & Marina and opened waterfront restaurant Sí Sí
will unveil its latest property. It is located minutes from Ponquogue Beach and will feature nine bungalows with views of Shinnecock Bay. Crash Cantina, the Inn’s new Latin-inspired restaurant, serves dishes like fluke ceviche verde, local oysters, and Yucatán ribs, as well as an array of margaritas.
SOUTHAMPTON
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MANNA AT LOBSTER INN
The iconic red barn that was previously the notorious landmark Lobster Grill Inn has transformed into Manna Restaurant. Featuring the freshest local seafood and sustainably farmed fish, they boast selections that are truly farm-to-plate.
CLAUDE’S
Claude’s Restaurant at the Southampton Inn is kicking off the Hamptons season with a new tavern-style menu from its new chef plus a selection of grab-and-go options to complement the restaurant’s delectable menu. Enjoy breakfast or lunch outdoors by the pool or on their patio.
DOPO ARGENTO
Dopo Argento on Main Street by East Hampton’s Dopo La Spiaggia looks to continue their success after a strong opening last year. The restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine with strong Italian accents.
SOUTHAMPTON SOCIAL CLUB
Owned by Ian Duke and David Hilty, Southampton Social Club sets the standard for a season of dining, drinks, and socializing. Enjoy the supper-club vibe with an all-new dinner and drinks menu in the lounge from Executive Chef Scott Kampf. Live music and DJs create the most blissful summer vibes.
75 MAIN
This Southampton staple is known for summer season entrées that are equally as enthralling as the people watching. Owner Zach Erdem rejuvenated this eatery by combining the classic style of the Hamptons with the
enticing elements of New York City nightlife. 75 Main’s menu is expertly crafted by award-winning Executive Chef Mark Militello.
BLU MAR
Zach Erdem’s second restaurant in the village features Mediterranean seafood from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean waters coupled with seasonal local ingredients harvested at their peak.
SANT AMBROEUS
This elegant European-style café has a beautiful ambiance both inside and out. The interior dining room is furnished with ivory leather banquettes and the restaurant’s iconic black-and-white-striped chairs. The outdoor space offers a vine-covered patio where guests can choose from an array of authentic specialties such as the signature vitello tonnato, carpaccio di manzo, and branzino alla griglia.
Where can you bring the family any day of the week and find a place where the children can play while parents can have dinner and watch stand-up comedy or listen to live music? Main Prospect in Southampton aims to provide just the place.
Like its sister restaurant located at 116 East 60th Street in the city, T Bar Southampton offers guests outstand-
ing cuisine in a casual yet elegant space, and the outdoor terrace and garden make it the quintessential location for cocktails on those warm summer evenings.
Founded by restaurateur Keith E. Davis, the Golden Pear has been a Southampton staple on Main Street for decades. People love the homemade products from the bakery and fresh roasted coffee.
A cuisine hot spot with a well-known local reputation, Tutto il Giorno hosts alfresco dining in their beautiful garden patio in Southampton. Open for lunch and dinner, they serve contemporary Italian dishes from Naples and also offer decadent craft cocktails.
New this summer, and situated at the former Red Bar location in Southampton, Enchanté Bistro will be offering classic French brasserie cuisine. Led by Heath Freeman and the team at EHP Hospitality, Enchanté is a new addition to their portfolio at which devotees of Pastis in New York City will feel at home.
Celebrating its fourth year, the casual dining destination restaurant from owner Ian Duke with award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf is open year-round. The restaurant continues to offer a variety of specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, milkshakes, an elaborate craft beer, and a small-batch bourbon selection. New this summer is the addition of an outdoor sushi bar offering the finest Asian dishes.
This historic bed-and-breakfast’s name comes from the original house, which is known to have existed on this spot since 1708. Stays include a divine daily breakfast and afternoon tea to be enjoyed in the formal living room or outdoor garden.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary under the leadership of Dede Gotthelf, the Southampton Inn continues to delight. The grounds consist of several acres of manicured lawns and gardens with amenities that everyone can enjoy, including a 50-foot heated outdoor pool, an all-weather tennis court, croquet and volleyball, a game room for all ages, and one of the East End’s
favorite eateries—Claude’s restaurant. Also, enjoy the complimentary shuttle to take you to Coopers Beach, just one mile from the inn’s front door.
WATER MILL
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KISSAKI
Originally a downtown Manhattan hot spot, Kissaki’s premium-quality sushi experience quickly grew in popularity, prompting the opening of an additional location in Water Mill. The menu honors Japanese tradition and highlights include their signature premium omakase boxes, specialty rolls, and more by Executive Chef Mark Garcia.
LILIKOI AT KISSAKI
Lilikoi will open at Kissaki this summer. Lilikoi comes from chef and owner Manuel Torterola, who is bringing flavors from his experiences in Sydney and Maui to Lilikoi, which he has been operating since 2016 in Miami.
BRIDGEHAMPTON
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DOPO IL PONTE
Maurizio Marfoglia is the chef and restaurateur behind the chic Dopo La Spiaggia in Sag Harbor and East Hampton, as well as Argento in Southampton. Thin-crust and New York-style pizzas are made in a woodburning oven. Pastas and other main courses such as chicken paillard round out the menu.
PIERRE’S
Pierre Weber has always stuck to his vision here and the result has produced a casual-chic French dining experience. Pierre’s serves bistro classics and local seafood seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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TOPPING ROSE HOUSE
This iconic hotel at the end of Main Street offers dining at the on-property Jean-Georges restaurant. Enjoy amazing meals in pure luxury. The hotel features 22 elegantly appointed guest rooms and a heated outdoor pool.
SAGAPONACK
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OLD STOVE PUB
This staple of the Hamptons, known for its steak, offers guests outstanding
cuisine in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. The outdoor gardens make it the quintessential location for cocktails on those warm summer evenings.
SAG HARBOR
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LE BILBOQUET
Dine alongside gleaming
white yachts at this chic waterfront hot spot with some glam people watching. It’s the place to be seen and get ready for the scene—not to mention the excellent cuisine.
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This year is the 65th birthday of Baron’s Cove! Famously, it was one of the regular haunts on the East End for a number of literary lions including Truman Capote and Kurt Vonnegut, among others.
EAST HAMPTON
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SANT AMBROEUS
Babette’s in East Hampton said goodbye after 27 years last year, and now Sant Ambroeus has taken its prime location in town. This popular Italian restaurant, which already has a location in Southampton and is known for its Milanese fare, is an ideal people-watching spot. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all planned, as well as spectacular baked goods.
TUTTO CAFFÉ
Tutto Il Giorno, which has locations in Southampton and Sag Harbor, has opened a more casual café in East Hampton. Tutto Caffé serves coffee and pastries in the morning and lighter fare, including salads and seafood, in the afternoon and evening. A large selection of wines by the glass will also be available.
EL TURCO HAMPTONS
Join Cagri Kanver and Frank Cilione for a delightful culinary experience with superstar Executive Chef Yılmaz Güney that showcases the tastes of Turkey along with an expanded Mediterranean menu featuring a range of the most unique and delectable dishes. New for this season is catering from Chef Meze and delivery services.
This celebrated East Hampton property is owned and operated by entrepreneur Antonella Bertello. Find here a luxurious 17th-century Englishinspired building with relaxing and comfortable amenities all year round. Also check out the opulent onsite spa and fresh, lavish, homemade daily breakfasts.
The Maidstone Hotel features a whimsical take on Hamptons aesthetics. This is reflected in the shared spaces throughout the property including the pink sunroom, the art-filled bar, and the classic lounge. The hotel has 19 individually designed rooms and cottages that each bring joyful days to guests.
AMAGANSETT
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IL BUCO AL MARE
In this casual setting in the heart of the village find a simple, relaxed menu presenting the best local seafood and produce. Inspired by their sister restaurant Bottega il Buco in Ibiza, Spain, the restaurant offers cuisine in a warm and beautiful space. Chef Justin Smillie’s menu features ancient grain focaccias and imported tinned fish from the Iberian Peninsula and Italy as well as seasonal local fare from a wood-burning oven. Guests love mains like the grilled whole mackerel or sharing small plates such as seared octopus and seasonal crunchy vegetables.
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Conveniently situated on Main Street in the charming town of Amagansett, the Roundtree is walking distance to boutiques, galleries, restaurants, farm stands, and historic landmarks. Set on two acres of beautifully landscaped property surrounded by historic Amagansett farmlands, the tranquil locale of this hotel makes it a peaceful getaway this summer.
The Lobster Deck provides a dose of the South of France both in Montauk and on the North Fork at Orient Point, Duryea’s offer a raw bar with seating alongside the theater of the team at work preparing the oysters, clams, and seafood in front of diners. Outside, the deck has those hard-to-score tables by
the waterfront where you can take in the sun and sea and those magnums of rosé wine.
Ruby’s, an all-day Australian café with three locations in Manhattan, will take over the dining space at Ruschmeyer’s on Memorial Day with Little Ruby’s Montauk. Chef Jon Meraviglia, a former employee of Le Bernardin, Café Boulud Palm Beach, and Bouchon Beverly Hills, will prepare dishes such as crispy rice salad, crab linguini, and chicken avocado salad.
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SUNSET BEACH
A seaside hideaway nestled on the sands of Shelter Island Sound that is both a hotel and one of the region’s most breathtaking settings for a meal. Sunset Beach offers the perfect intimate escape with a menu that celebrates the healthy and delicious summertime food of the Italian Riviera and southern France. Signature dishes include whole grilled branzino, steamed mussels, and oysters from favorite local farms.
Noah Schwartz, a North Fork dining pioneer, will oversee the food and beverage program at the newly renovated Chequit Hotel on Shelter Island. In a setting with a large center bar, a wraparound porch, and an antique billiard table, Schwartz’s celebrated filet mignon sliders and pulled duck barbecue will share a menu with homemade pastas, raw bar items such as sea scallop crudo, and seasonal specials.
THE PRIDWIN
First opened in the late 1920s, the Pridwin Hotel on Shelter Island offers a more relaxed, one-step-removed vacation with the hustle and social bustle of the Hamptons summer close at hand. The eight-acre property, which has just emerged from a two-year renovation, includes a new spa and dining at the Terrace restaurant.
The Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island is an inviting seaside getaway with a relaxing atmosphere, gracious country accommodations with 17 charming and comfortable suites, quality dining, and warm hospitality. Joe Smith’s American menu features fresh local produce, game, and seafood, as well as harvests from the inn’s garden. Guests can enjoy the beachfront while watching the sunset.
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Chef Meze New this summer: A delightful culinary experience, owned by Cagri Kanver with Chef Yılmaz Güney, comes to the rescue to help elevate your garden parties. Chef Meze offers a selection of menus for any type of event and white-glove service.
Hard day at work? Tired of tourists on Citi e-bikes almost mowing you down as you cross the street? Stressed out because of the “in-office” mandate after the almost-blissful COVID-era work-from-home? What if you could—in just an hour and a half—be transported to an aweinspiring Victorian castle on a mountaintop—far away from all of this? Sound like magical thinking? Not really.
Nestled at the top of the Shawangunk Mountains and enveloped by a nature preserve is Mohonk Mountain House—a well-kept secret amongst those in the know, from the literati to the glitterati, including former presidents, artists, and awardwinning musicians and actors. Whether it’s to absorb the gorgeous—almost dreamlike—scenery or for a film shoot (Showtime’s Billions filmed here) or a much-needed retreat to rejuvenate, this fabled and inspiring getaway has been catering to an ultra-highnet-worth crowd from around the world for well over a century.
Hampton Sheet recently toured the Hudson Valley property, including its fabulous new Lakeview Summerhouse—the resort’s first outdoor spa treatment room, which overlooks Lake Mohonk and the surrounding sweeping cliffs. Read on.
Founded by Albert Smiley in 1869, this Victorian castle resort is nestled in New Paltz, New York—a mere 90 miles north of Manhattan.
Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, the architectural styles of this Natural Historic Landmark are as vibrant and different as the scenery that surrounds it.
Generations of the Smiley family have ensured that Mohonk Mountain House continues to embody a love of nature, a preservation of history, and new and exciting opportunities for recreation and renewal of body, mind, and spirit.
BY JOAN JEDELL & KAREN ANN LOVEEach room at the resort is equally unique. Whether it’s one of the spacious suites, a Tower room, or a guest room at the Grove Lodge, these elegant accommodations all combine Victorian luxury with modern amenities.
The dining at Mohonk Mountain, led by Executive Chef Jim Palmeri, sources items locally from some of the Hudson Valley’s finest farms. Even picky eaters and those with allergies need not worry—the dining team is happy to accommodate dietary needs.
There are plenty of activities at Mohonk Mountain House—for people of all ages and abilities.
The resort offers some of the best hiking and rock climbing in the Northeast, so you can take in breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.
There are plenty of other activities—a labyrinth, yoga, meditation, fitness classes, swimming, tennis, and the oldest nine-hole golf course in the United States—the Scottish-inspired Mohonk Golf Course, built in 1897.
A highlight of Mohonk Mountain House is its award-winning spa. This summer the property is unveiling a refresh of its spa offerings, including a series of spa therapies. “We’ve created experiences that are deeply connected to Mohonk’s natural surroundings,” said Barbara Stirewalt, vice president and general manager of Mohonk Mountain House. “Our spa has always been an exceptional space to nurture guests’ well-being.”
Perhaps the greatest addition to the spa is the Lakeview Summer House, designed to create a simple, welcoming environment that promotes welfare of the mind, body, and spirit.
The Lakeview Summerhouse will also serve as
the site of private mindfulness sessions with Nina Smiley, Ph.D., Mohonk Mountain House’s director of mindfulness programming. The sessions will teach guests simple techniques that can be called upon at any time to support the benefits of mindfulness. “Wellness has been a crucial aspect of the Mohonk Mountain House experience since its founding in 1869,” said Smiley. “With the addition of the Lakeview Summerhouse and the new treatments and programs that come with it, guests will be given fresh opportunities to celebrate our natural environment and create mindful moments on the property, just as our founders intended.” n
It may be hot in the summer, but if you still want that pick-me-up warm drink in the morning, the Ember Temperature Control Mug is the one for you. While most drinks get cold almost immediately after you set them down, this high-tech heater keeps your beverage warm until the last drop. To top it all off, you can control your beverage temperature from across the room with the mug’s smartphone-accessible app. $150, ember.com
Enter a new dimension with this cutting-edge virtual reality set. Unlike most bulky VR sets, the Vive Flow provides a sleek experience with iPhone and computer compatibility to watch or interact with any of your favorite media. Rated number one in Best Wearable tech by Esquire, this gadget is perfect for your rainy days inside. $499, vive.com
Are your joints hurting after a long tennis match? The TheraGun Pro Handheld Massage Gun has a stealthy motor that yields strong power for muscle relief. Theragun five different heads, each suited for a different muscle. Its top priority is the road to recovery. $599, therabody.com
SMOOTH SHAVING
Kiss that boring shaver goodbye with the new Gillette Heated Razor. It makes sense that Bugatti Automobiles sponsored this elite product. The heated bar on the blade opens up your pores and provides the most comfortable shaving experience. The heat on the razor can be easily adjusted to your preference. $150, gillette.com
You will never complain about your phone dying again with the on-thego Anker 737 Charging Block. It is so powerful that you can classify this charger as a power bank. With two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, you can charge all your products with maximum wattage. The screen data calculating output and battery life makes the Anker one of a kind. $160, anker.com
Normal headphones are boring. What isn’t boring? Supercars—more specifically the McLaren P1. Bowers and Wilkins went out of the ordinary and created the Px8 McLaren Edition Headphones, whose style is modeled after McLaren Automotive’s supercars. These headphones hold the highest-quality leather on the muffs and the sleekest design in the headphone game. The neutral gray, which matches the McLaren color scheme, allows these headphones to pair with any style you choose. $799, bowerswilkins.com
My uncle Leo introduced me to Dean Martin’s music. When Leo died in December 2020, only two things made me happy—golf and watching Dean Martin music videos on YouTube, including a version of “Style” that started like this:
You’ve got to be as suave as Gary Player / As debonair as J-Bear [Jack Nicklaus] / You mean you have to be calmer than Arnold Palmer? / Or you’re gonna get nowhere?
It was like a musical instruction manual of how I could become an excellent golfer.
A year later, when I was 10 years old (I’m 12 now), I found myself standing next to Gary Player—one of the golfers from the song. I was in shock. All I managed to say to him was “I love you!”—not exactly “suave.”
But then Player smiled at me and said, “I love you too”—showing me how “suave” is done.
Gary Player is one of the greatest golfers of all time. Born in South Africa, he won nine major championships and is the only non-American to get a career grand slam in golf—Masters, U. S. Open, PGA Championship, and the Open Championship (British Open). It’s hard not to think of the British Open without thinking of Gary Player—he’s the only golfer to have won the tournament in three different decades.
Player has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and has received countless awards over his career—including the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award. He’s also a golf course architect—if you play golf, there’s a good chance you’ve played on one of the 400 courses he designed. And if that isn’t enough, he’s in excellent shape—people call him “Mr. Fitness.” At age 87, Gary Player can probably do more push-ups than most elite athletes.
Gary Player is also a champion off the course. With his late wife, Vivienne, he cofounded the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation to “support, uplift, and develop underprivileged and vulnerable children.” As of 2023, the foundation, which operates in both South Africa and the United States,
has given away millions of dollars to charity.
I had the honor of catching up with Player at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando, Grande Lakes. You wear black like New Yorkers do. Why? Don’t you get hot?
I wear black because it’s a trademark. You see, all athletes have got to have a trademark of some kind. I watched a movie called Have Gun Will Travel—it’s about a man dressed in black with a silver holster and a cowboy hat. He gave everyone he met his business card—with a black knight logo—that read, “If you have problems, call me and I’ll help you.” And I loved that. So I decided to wear black and that’s why they called me the Black Knight. And yes, it’s a little hot—but when you’re hot, your muscles are far more loose than when they’re cold. You’re not just a golfer. You’re a singer too—you released a record in the 1970s. I love singing. I love music. Music makes you happy and you’ve got to be happy; if you’re happy, you’ll live longer. If you’re not happy, you’re miserable. There’s an old song: “When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling, the whole world smiles with you. But when you’re crying, when you’re crying, nobody cries with you.” So you should make sure that you’re smiling. You have a choice—be happy or be sad. Lots of people choose sad. Me, I chose happy. How did your childhood influence your career?
I was 9 when my mother died. At the time, my brother was working down in a gold mine; my other brother—at 17— was fighting in the war; my sister was in boarding school; and I was alone in South Africa—there was nobody there. I cooked my own food, made my own bed. The reason why I became a world champion is because I knew what it was like to have suffering and to fight for things. Everybody has adversity, everybody has suffering, everybody has
stress. All this talk about “Oh, I have so much stress and it’s affecting me” is nonsense. That’s all good for you. That makes you a man. That makes you a warrior.
Tell me more about the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation.
Over the years, people asked me, “What is your legacy?” I’m the only one to get the grand slam on the regular tour and the senior tour; I’ve won the most Opens and International Opens of anybody who ever lived—32! But that’s not my legacy. My legacy is raising over $100 million dollars for underprivileged children, changing their lives, and giving them a better place on this planet. That’s my legacy. What’s your best golf memory?
Winning the British Open—it’s the hardest tournament to win because of the weather. You play in the morning, the weather’s lousy. In the afternoon? The weather’s good. And historically the British Open is where the game all started—it’s the greatest championship in the world.
If you had the choice between hitting the longest and straightest drive every time or making every putt, what would you choose?
The other day on television they asked a pro if he could be the best driver or the best putter—he very stupidly said he wanted to be the best driver. That’s rubbish. That’s hogwash. The reason why Tiger Woods was number one in the world? He was the best putter. You see, long driving is not the answer. It’s the mind—how good a mind you’ve got, and how well you putt.
For more information about the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation, go to garyandvivienneplayerfoundation .org. Bobby Love, a Manhattanite who moved to Florida, started taking golf lessons in 2021 at the age of 10. He wants everyone to love golf as much as he does. n
He coulda been a contender— Hampton Sheet’s outspoken celebrity commentator George Wayne reminisces on what he did during the summer of 1994 while zillionaire Jeff Bezos was busy founding Amazon.
BY GEORGE WAYNE
By now you’re all used to the sunsoaked images of the planet’s third-richest man and his new fiancée galivanting, sexcapading, and entertaining from his $500 million—412-foot-long, three-masthigh—mega-yacht, the Koru.
That yacht’s so huge, it’s half the size of the great pyramid of Giza and twice the length of the A380 Airbus whale. Jeff basically offered the Koru to the soon-to-be Mrs. Bezos—the minx from New Mexico, Lauren Sanchez—as their own “personal Love Boat,” filled with so many nooks and crannies to “sexplore.”
By proposing, the madly in love Amazon founder has crowned Sanchez the new Queen of the Zillionaire (yes, you read that correctly) set—she’s the luckiest girl in the whirl—living her Prime life.
With this news, GW had to pause to ponder the simple fact that it wasn’t that long ago—July 1994 to be exact— when Jeff Bezos started Amazon out of his garage in Seattle. Or was it during a road trip from New York to Seattle? And then GW thought, “Geez Louise, GW—what the f**k were you wasting your time doing back in 1994?”
Of course GW didn’t immediately remember—it was the ’90s after all. So GW had to pore over the archives to find GW’s notes in GW’s Legendary Black Book from the summer of 1994. Just five years earlier—in 1989—the legendary pop culture arbiter Bob Colacello told GW to always jot down his day on pen and paper. “Keep a diary—just like Andy does,” he said as he took a mouthful of his exquisite lunch
at Caffe Dante in Greenwich Village. Since then GW has never been without a pen and his artisanal black homemade notebook in tow. Now shhhh GW is going to let you glance at some snippets—letters from GW’s vaulted Black Book.
SOUTHAMPTON
August 14, 1994
Took the Hamptons Express to the country and stayed with my friend Scott Currie and his friend Kathy. He picks me up and we stop at the A&P for some basics.... Scott takes me to some boozy fancy party off Gin Lane.
I keep expecting to see the comatose Sunny von Bulow sprawled on some couch, but instead I see the ex-governor of New York, Hugh Carey, dancing like a banshee with some woman whirling like a dervish...
We decided to go to the hot club spot, Big City, at midnight. I wear a white terry-cloth bathrobe, underwear, and my Church's monk-strap shoes. I can’t believe the doorman let us in! The bathrobe is a big hit at the nightclub. And I was so happy to meet the legendary Interview magazine illustrative artist, Richard Bernstein, too. A productive night.
SOUTHAMPTON
August 15, 1994
“I hate to tell you that I didn’t go to that Morocco-themed AMFAR benefit last week,” says the supermodel beauty Carol Alt.
“You didn't miss much,” GW tells her. We’re watching polo, and she looks incredible. Still happily married,
but the husband’s a bit rough around the edges and not pleasant company. He’s a bit gruff. What would one expect from a retired professional ice hockey player?
This magazine editor from Esquire Woody Hochswender—approaches the conversation and makes some flippant comment when I spot Jeanne Tripplehorn! And Russell Simmons! The Esquire editor tells me that Little Brown Publishing had just given Ethan Hawke a $400,000 advance to publish his book. Wow!
I meet this guy Seth Greenberg from Boston—his restaurant Paradise is the hottest spot on Commonwealth Avenue. He gives me his phone number. “Call me. I’ll bring you to Boston one weekend.” How sweet.
AUGUST 17, 1994
New York City Scott drives us back to the city. He insists we stop first at Elaine’s—1703 Second Avenue—for a cheeseburger. We walk in the door and there she was, sitting at her usual table at the front with George Steinbrenner! I had to snap a photo with the Minolta. Flash forward to 2023. GW’s still here and going to the Hamptons. Like Joan Collins would say, the old school is always the best. But…had GW been focused on launching his vision from his garage instead of frolicking all over Southampton, GW probably could have been a zillionaire—just like Jeff Bezos. Oh well, I’ll be in touch.
Follow George Wayne on Instagram @georgiewhirlofficial n
Before Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Fresh Direct we had A&P, which was an institution on Main Street in Southampton.
Carol Alt, one of the world’s first supermodels, is still married to a retired hockey player—but not the same one from 1994.
Seth Greenberg became the king of Boston’s nightlife. Today, through his company Sterling Management, he operates numerous ventures in the hospitality industry.
Kaufman and
If you never heard of them, look them up now!
Today you can find her on HBO’s The Gilded Age as the shunned Mrs. Chamberlain.
How Far Do You Want to Go?, by John Catsimatidis The American Dream doesn’t come with an instruction manual—but New York City billionaire John Catsimatidis’s new book, How Far Do You Want to Go?, comes pretty close. From his beginnings in the grocery business to entering the political arena, Catsimatidis is the epitome of the American Dream. Lucky for you, he shares the wisdom he’s gained in this new must-read volume. (Penguin Random House)
Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom, by Michael Seth Starr
Not too long ago, comedians could skewer presidents, royalty, celebrities, friends, and fans alike—and people laughed. New York Post television editor and celebrity biographer Michael Starr delivers the first comprehensive biography of Don Rickles, the original king of insult comedy and honorary Rat Pack member whose career spanned decades and influenced generations of comedians. (Citadel, Penguin Random House)
Quietly Hostile: Essays, by Samantha Irby Number one New York Times bestselling author Samantha Irby delivers her relatable and outrageously hilarious essay collection in Quietly Hostile, which invites readers to share in the details of her real life—like being turned away from restaurants for being inappropriately dressed or trying to cope by adopting a deranged pandemic dog.
(Vintage Books, Penguin Random House)
Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere, by Maria Bamford
The New York Times called comedian Maria Bamford’s brutally honest yet roll-on-the-floor-laughing memoir about show business, mental health, and the comfort of rigid belief systems like cults “weird, scary” and “ingenious.” We call it downright hilarious. (Simon and Schuster)
Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me by Bernie Taupin
There are two sides to every story—or in this case, every chart-topping song. In this much-anticipated memoir by legendary songwriter Bernie Taupin—Elton John’s longtime collaborator—readers can experience events unfolding through Taupin’s eyes throughout the decades and around the globe.
(Hachette)
Time’s Mouth by Edan Lepucki
Ursa can travel through memory and revisit her past from her hometown—from the counterculture glory of 1950s California to the 1980s glam of Melrose Avenue to a solitary mansion off La Cienega. Yet Ursa’s special powers come with a cost. Brimming with the double-edged capacity of memory to both heal and harm, Time’s Mouth is a poignant and evocative excavation of the bonds that bind families together.
(Counterpoint Press)
BY LAUREN LAWRENCEThe Dream: “I have a recurring dream that I didn’t have enough credits to graduate, even though I took enough courses and all the tests. What do these dreams mean?”
The Interpretation: I have often referred to dreams with missed examination motifs as “caffeine dreams,” because they act as powerful stimulants that keep dreamers on their toes, alert, cognizant, and ready for action. Self-deprecating in nature, these anxiety dreams are the trial runs of conscientious individuals—tireless perfectionists eager for their wake-up calls.
The shock value of hearing one will not graduate ensures against being unprepared and highlights the importance of vigilance during wakefulness. In this view, the dream recurs as a protective measure. Any element of selfdoubt is quashed when the dreamer reaffirms taking all the necessary courses and tests. As such, the dream serves as a gratifying reassurance.
Judge Jeanine Pirro is an author and cohost of the Fox News program The Five (weekdays, 5–6 PM/ET).
The Dream: “I have a recurring dream where I have to sell a gigantic $100 million home in the Hamptons. It’s really big and needs to be staged so I hire a team to help decorate it. In my most recent dream, the team was a married couple who decided to paint the house pink. While I was showing the house to a client, I saw the couple making out in the bathroom. Strangely, I was wearing dirty riding clothes and being trailed by a camera crew, presumably filming RHONY: Legacy. What does this mean?”
The Interpretation: In that dreams of houses represent the dreamer’s being and persona, the large expensive house represents a positive, expansive self-view. The more palatial the house, the greater the self-love. But when it comes time to sell the house, one understands this grand sense of self is conflicted as refurbishing work needs to be done–staging and decoration. In this view, the core of the dream reveals the prescient need to sell yourself.
Whereas painting a house signifies the wish to cover something over, the color pink is revelatory: It expresses the wish to be seen in the pink, viewed through the blush of rose-colored glasses, as it were. Viewed as if all is hunky-dory. However, something is amiss.
The couple caught “making out” in the bathroom symbolize a need for emotional nurturing coupled with the need to be cleansed. This explains the dirty clothing. In other words, the dirty apparel is a manifestation of something in your life that must first be washed clean. Similarly, being trailed by a camera crew represents an unwillingness to let go of the past.
Although there is indirect anxiety—an attempt to keep it at bay—there is a fear that the “sale,” the desired transaction, will not come to pass. n
Kelly Bensimon is an author, a TV personality, and a realtor.
Lauren Lawrence is the author of numerous books on dreams including the coffee-table book Private Dreams of Public People, published by Assouline in 2002, a TV personality, and former Dreams columnist for the New York Daily News, USA Today, and GEORGE magazine.
Send your dream to LaurenLawrence@aol.com
• JUDGE JEANINE PIRRO
• KELLY BENSIMON
Two of our favorite East Enders share their most memorable dreams to help them understand what they mean
Many incredible events, stunning galas, premier charity benefits, and lavish parties take place during the summer season. Here are some of the most prestigious ones to attend, where you can enjoy opulent dinners and cocktails, watch spectacular performances, dance the night away, and even raise money for charitable causes.
BY LILLIAN LANGTRYARTCOM SUMMER ART SHOW
The Southampton Cultural Center
July 1 – August 28 • 12 p.m.
Southampton
Artacom turns a conventional gallery into a digital, interactive display comprising sculpture, live art, performance art, and digital and traditional representations of art all in
one space. The addition of virtual reality and social events make this a must-experience show. artacom.io
SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
18th Annual Hamptons Happening
Saturday, July 8 • 7 p.m.
Bridgehampton
The event features tastings by premier chefs, live music, and a live auction, all in support of cancer research. The chair is Mark D. Friedman, along with co-chairs Jamie Koff, Bess Freedman, Bryan Griffin, and Erica Linden-Fineberg. waxmancancer.org
PARRISH ART MUSEUM
MIDSUMMER DINNER
Saturday, July 15 • 6 p.m.
Water Mill
The museum will celebrate the 125th anniversary of its exhibitions, education, and programs, which energize the creative legacy of Long Island. Along with member of the director’s council Lizzie Asher, artist honorees include Eddy Martinez, Sam Moyer, and Hank Willis Thomas. Late-night dance party to follow. parrishart.org
ANIMAL
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE GALA
Saturday, July 22 • 6 p.m.
The Muses, Southampton
The gala will be chaired by philanthropist
Jean Shafiroff and will honor Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders, and Matt Meeker, cofounder and CEO of BARK. The SASF is an open-admission, no-kill shelter that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for homeless animals in the local community with the goal of placing them in loving “forever homes.” southamptonanimalshelter.com
THE JILL ZARIN ANNUAL LUXURY LUNCHEON
Saturday, July 29 • 12 p.m. Private residence, Southampton Mingle amongst an exclusive group of celebrities, socialites, and trendsetters for a day you’ll remember!
Highlights will include, luxury gift bags, a beauty bar, a gifting suite, designer trunk shows, tasting stations, a rosé bar, VIP lounge areas, produced by Brian Kelly & Sean Koski, and more. The event will benefit the Bobby Zarin Memorial Fund c/o New York Community Trust in honor of Bobby Zarin and his brave fight against anaplastic thyroid cancer. Ticket2Events.Com
THE BODY: THE WATERMILL CENTER ANNUAL BENEFIT
Saturday, July 29 • 6 p.m.
Watermill
This year the Annual Summer Benefit will center on the body’s role in art making. The
Body will take a broad approach engendered by diverse cultures and mediums, including time-based performance, painting, sculpture, and video. watermillcenter.org
SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 34TH ANNUAL SUMMER GALA
Saturday, July 29 • 6 p.m.
Bridgehampton
The gala will honor Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia; Dan and Rae Emmett, who led Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Green Building Initiative; Basil Seggos, commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and Annette Sabin (posthumous award). sofo.org.
RAND LUXURY HAMPTONS CONCOURS
Saturday, August 5 • 11 a.m.
Bridgehampton
The event will bring together classic and contemporary cars with a special emphasis
themed special event. All proceeds from the event will support the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Emergency Department and the new East Hampton Emergency Department, due to open soon.
bit.ly/SBSHSummerParty2023
NYC SECOND CHANCE RESCUE
Tuesday, August 8 • 6 p.m.
The Baker House, East Hampton
The animal-loving event will feature pawparazzi cats, canines, and cocktails. An impersonator concert hosted by Brandon Colon will feature Athena Riech impersonating Lady Gaga, amongst others, to raise funds for animals in need. Music by DiMatteo. nycsecondchancerescue.org
DIABETES RESEARCH
INSTITUTE FOUNDATION
HAMPTONS GARDEN GALA
Saturday, August 12 • 6 p.m.
Private residence, Watermill
The gala will be held at the beautiful home of cohosts Patricia and Roger Silverstein and will feature cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing under the stars. diabetesresearch.org/events/
NORTHWELL HEALTH SUMMER HAMPTONS EVENING (S.H.E.)
Saturday, August 12 • 6 p.m.
Water Mill
The gala will benefit the Katz Institute for Women’s Health’s targeted programs and unique services to advance care for women in our communities. Northwell is at the forefront of much-needed change in women’s healthcare, and they are proud to set the bar higher every day. Because when we improve women’s health, we improve everyone’s health.
Lawrence Scott Events will provide dinner under the tent and there will be an impactful program hosted by longtime friend and supporter Rosanna Scotto and a special musical performance by Paula Abdul. give.northwell.edu/events/summerhamptons-evening
EAST HAMPTON LIBRARY AUTHOR’S NIGHT
Saturday, August 12 • 5 p.m.
Herrick Park, East Hampton
Meet your favorite author as well as newcomer Sol Rivera and pick up a book—titles include everything from politics to celebrities. authorsnight.org
on the Ferrari and celebrate 75 years of Porsche in Bridgehampton, Benefitting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. randluxury.com
SOUTHAMPTON HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
65th Annual Summer Party:
A Night at the Colony Hotel
Saturday, August 5 • 6 p.m.
Wickapogue Road, Southampton
The Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Annual Summer Party, the Hamptons' longest-running fundraiser, is celebrating their Sapphire Anniversary. All guests will be invited to come together for a Palm Beach-
SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Kids Cancel Cancer
Tuesday, August 15 • 5 p.m.
The Clubhouse, East Hampton waxmancancer.org
THE ELLEN HERMANSON FOUNDATION SUMMER GALA
Saturday, August 26 • 6:30 p.m. Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, Bridgehampton
The core philosophy driving this foundation is that access to healthcare, and in particular access to state-of-the-art breast healthcare, is a basic human right. ellenhermanson.org
