Manhattan, NY March 2024

Sculptor of Style SAMANTHA

There's No Place Like Home

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.” As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you read this month's issue, take special note of the design improvements you can make in your home, whether it's a complete kitchen re-do, adding new materials and colors to your existing spaces, or just organizing and de-cluttering. And then take a break - go out and try a new restaurant!

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most all ofyour home. Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home.

But what’s important to me …. I want to know what YOU think – we’re publishing this for YOU! I want you to enjoy what you’re reading about your community and the people and businesses that are involved. Please send us an email or reach out to us on Instagram - We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

KEVIN HICKS, PUBLISHER @MANHATTANNYCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Kevin Hicks | Kevin.hicks@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Svetlana Blasucci | svetlana.blasucci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Svetlana Blasucci, Kevin Hicks, Samantha Gore, Yaron Vilosny, Maria Samal, Rob Mallari-D'Auria, Sonia Wojcicki

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Svetlana Blasucci, Marco Ricca

OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Duevall

DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

city scene

1: Eric Duell, Jeremy Goldman 2: Mosaic United networking event - including introducing Manhattan City Lifestyle! 3: Herbert Fox 4: Sarah Zambuto, Sebastian Rodriguez, Devin VanderMaas, Eric Duell, Bob Lui 5: Eitan Miller, Bob Liu, Amelia Tran, Arnold Ng 6: Margina Dennis, Tom Cozart 7: Another exciting meeting of the Mosaic United Happy Hour at Pando 39!

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO CHOOSE?

Franchising with us means making money and time for your life.

Manhattan Singles - Get Ready to Get Lucky in Love!

You Asked - Cupid Listened. Meet Kelly Leary, M.S., CEO and Founder of Revolution Dating. Kelly has her Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology and 33 years in the dating industry. The Award-Winning Palm Beach Matchmaker recently launched a New Hub in Manhattan. After decades of representing clients who jet-set between the Northeast and Florida, this Go-To Matchmaking Guru is aiming her arrow directly at The Big Apple. Call 917-905-2006 or apply at  www.RevolutionDating.com. #TellYourFriends

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Dermatology

the CITY LIST

We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.

Real Estate Agent

Brown Harris Stevens

http://www.bhsusa.com/ | 212.593.8300

SLR Real Estate

http://slr-realestate.com/ | 929.298.1983

Justine Lee-Mills Corcoran Group Real Estate

https://thedanielcohenteam.com/agents/justin-lee-mills | 734.660.4753

Suburban Jungle Group

https://suburbanjunglegroup.com/?utm_source=gmb&utm_ medium=organic&utm_campaign=website | 212.417.0356

Brown Harris Stevens

http://www.bhsusa.com/ | 212.593.8300

Interior Designer

Shelf Genie West Brooklyn

https://www.shelfgenie.com/locations/westbrooklyn/ | 718.369.5540

Circa 22 Design Studio

http://www.circa22designstudio.com/ | 718.612.1216

Want to suggest a monthly pick?

California Closets New York, NY californiaclosets.com/locations/new-york-city/tribecashowroom/?CC5=32008&CC6=30359 | 646.486.3905

KOHLER Experience Center NYC

https://www.kohler.com/en/locations/new-york/new-york-city/kohler-experiencecenter-by-best-plumbing-supply | 212.337.3224

Klein Kitchen & Bath

kleinkitchenandbath.com/ | 212.717.1726

ARTICLE BY SVETLANA BLASUCCI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SVETLANA BLASUCCI / MARCO RICCA

the Spatial Sorcerer SAMANTHA GORE

NATURAL PROJECTION OF THE SOUL

As I take my first steps into Atelier 20 a warm glow welcomes me.  It's a quiet space where so much creativity flows through the air. When first meeting Samantha in person, I am in awe. Her spirit is as vibrant as a kaleidoscope, she effortlessly weaves creativity and intellect into the fabric of her persona. Samantha is not merely defined by her accomplishments but rather by the passion and dedication she pours into every endeavor. Her personality is magnetic and illuminating. Conversation with her went on and on, as if my curiosity wasn't fulfilled enough. We spent the whole afternoon speaking and I watched her light up with every word. Interior design is no joke to this woman, it's what gives her breath.

“My clients inspire me. To get to know them, the pieces they might want to incorporate and their intentions for their home or space. I use this information to create something beautiful and meaningful to them.”

What do you want to get into interior design?

Do you mean Why I got into Interior Design? Ultimately, I’ve become an interior designer as I felt and feel first-hand how our environment influences and shapes us.

I believe in the power of connection. When we feel connected, reflected and understood by our homes, as well as by others, daily and weekly life unfolds nicely.

When collaborating with my clients, I look to integrate their personalities and needs into their home in a profound way to make an enjoyable and elegant place for them to be themselves.

What was the most rewarding client to work with?

The reward is in the continued relationships with my clients.  As their lives and needs evolve, so does the design. For example, when clients acquire new art, we incorporate the art into their space. Sometimes a change of wall color and/or rearranging the existing art and furnishings is required. Oftentimes a successfully finished project leads to another area in the same home. I love it when this happens as rapport and trust are established.

What inspires you when it comes to designing someone’s home?

My clients inspire me. To get to know them, the pieces they might want to incorporate and their intentions for their home or space. I use this information to create something beautiful and meaningful to them. For me, fabric comes first. Fabric, color and form are the building blocks of interior design. The space itself is the container.

Define interior design.

Interior design is the overall envisioning of a space to merge function and aesthetics in order to enhance the lives of the people it holds. Taking disparate pieces of new material, new and existing furnishings, art, lighting, fixtures, finishes and colors and marrying them into an architectural space to arrive back at a shared vision.

Where did you go to school?

I have my Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University with a major in Art History and Fine Arts. CONTINUED >

I completed certificates in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design and in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).  I worked for New York interior designer Randy Ridless.  Prior to that, I worked for global luxury brands, LVMH and Fendi.

Do you have a process when onboarding a potential client?

It’s wonderful when introductions and referrals are made. It’s a comfortable way to first meet. And

then we talk again, more deliberately about the job - who the client is, what they have in mind, where the project is located, what the interiors budget is and do we share aesthetic common ground.

Once my proposal is sent, approved, and the invoice paid, our design kicks off. We begin with an exploratory phase where your Welcome Packet arrives and your input is shared. We then have our first meeting to begin the process of developing a design concept. Measurements are taken of the space, and drawings and floor plans are started.

Do you find it more challenging to design a smaller space or a larger space and why?

Space is a puzzle. I love puzzles. A small space often has many uses - clients often like that extra bedroom to function as a home office and a guest room and a den!  A large space has more room to move, improvise and flow through.

Tell me what your favorite patterns or colors are to work with?

As you can see I love color and I look to personalize a palette for each client.

This might sound funny, but I used to say that I was a pattern whisperer. After leaving Fendi I took classes at FIT and got a certificate in Image Consulting. Every class was so interesting - for

patterns, we discussed all the things - fabric, line direction, scale, open space and how all of these relate to other features. Add in silhouette and color study, it really makes for quite a developed and organic vision.

Beauty takes on many forms and visual harmony promotes it.

Is there any specific Interior Designer or Artist that inspires you?

“I really appreciate the work of designers Paola Lenti, Paola Navone and Pierre Yovanovitch. Also Shawn Henderson.

I find their approach to shape, space, mood, scale, color and texture to be sophisticated and welcoming. I think they are so elegant in their personal expression through design.”

Who is Samantha Gore? Tell me a little bit about you and possibly anything that you like to do when you’re not Interior Designing?

Creating art has been the way I communicate myself freely. Freedom of expression is very important to me. Back in pre-school, my parents were called in to let them know how creative I was. Interior Design is one way I make art. In my time I do a lot of watercolor paintings - abstracts, landscapes and cosmic compositions. In the past, I’ve carved stone - alabaster - and exhibited my sculptures.

Though I have lived in New York for over 20 years, much of my inspiration comes from other places I’ve lived and visited. These include Boston, where I was born, outer Cape Cod and Italy where I studied and lived for a number of years. Losing myself in the nature in these places is what feeds my soul and inspires my work.

Samantha Gore c. 917.912.5641 goredesigns.com

Klein Kitchen & Bath

Our home improvement design isn’t just about renovating; it’s a sultry dance of textures, a rendezvous with colors that ignite the senses.

HOW DOES KLEIN KITCHEN AND BATH DIFFERENTIATE ITSELF FROM OTHER RENOVATION COMPANIES IN NEW YORK?

It’s the people, the team effort. Very rarely you will find a company where the designers, project managers, and contractors work together.

We also incorporate more communication tools to speed decision-making and tackle unforeseen challenges on the worksite

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A DESIGN AND BUILD COMPANY LIKE KLEIN?

The benefits are enormous. One location where you have designers, expediter, project manager, and subcontractors that are familiar with each other and can streamline decisions much faster. Decisions on site need to be made constantly and having the designer in your team help with decision time and technical challenges.

HOW CAN PRE-MOVE-IN RENOVATIONS ADDRESS COMMON CHALLENGES SUCH AS STORAGE LIMITATIONS, LAYOUT INEFFICIENCIES, AND OUTDATED FEATURES IN NYC APARTMENTS?

Pre-move allows the owner to plan the look and feel of his new apartment. Adjusting a space to your needs, personality and functionality is best done prior to a move-in.  WHAT ROLE DO PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS AND DESIGNERS PLAY IN ENSURING SUCCESSFUL RENOVATIONS IN

NYC APARTMENTS?

NYC is heavily regulated and new regulations and laws are updating constantly. Using a professional contractor helps in decision-making, budgeting and pushing the look and feel of a project based on the building limitations.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF RENOVATING AN APARTMENT BEFORE MOVING IN, SPECIFICALLY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COMPETITIVE NEW YORK CITY REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Customized lifestyle: Renovating allows you to customize the space to suit your lifestyle. This personal touch can make the apartment feel more like home and meet your specific feel and look. Having an updated and modernized apartment can give you an advantage when buying or renting.

Maximize space: Efficient use of space is essential in NYC apartments where square footage can be limited. Renovations help maximize the use of available space, making the apartment more functional and comfortable.

Future Savings: Addressing potential issues, such as plumbing or electrical problems, during renovations is better for the long run and keeps your house in working order.

Market Appeal: Renovated apartments often have a higher appeal in the real estate market. They tend to attract a wider range of potential buyers

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or renters, increasing the likelihood of a successful transaction. Renovating an apartment before moving in allows you to take pride in your living space and the style can be immensely rewarding.

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN NYC HOME RENOVATIONS, AND HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS INCORPORATE THEM INTO THEIR PROJECTS?

If I am being asked today on renovation trends:

• Tub-to-shower conversion is on the rise

• Niches in the  shower/tub are a must

• Warm toilet seats, lighting solutions,

• All of this needs to be designed, specs and installed with the proper handling,

• This is where Klein really shines

WHAT WE LOVE TO SEE IN PROGRESSIVE CLIENTS: COLORS, DESIGN ELEMENTS

The word must get out: be bold, enjoy patterns and use design elements. When you renovate it’s the best time to build according to your needs, choose colors that affect the mood and set an atmosphere.

HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS NAVIGATE POTENTIAL DISPUTES WITH CONTRACTORS OR UNEXPECTED ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE DURING A RENOVATION?

Communication, asking questions and get things in writing. This is basic. Also, compare quotes and choose based on references, workmanship and past projects.

WHAT ARE THE KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING A RENOVATION PROJECT IN NYC?

Budget, wish list, looking at other renovated apartments in your building, (get inspired)

If you have the option to renovate before you move in, hire a designer to get ideas.

LOCATED:

25 West 26 St. New York, NY 10010

(212) 717-1726

NYC is heavily regulated and new regulations and laws are updating constantly. Using a professional contractor helps in decision-making, budgeting and pushing the look and feel of a project based on the building limitations.

MJ Laser

Welcome to MJ Laser, where savvy meets silky! Maria is the brains and beauty behind this laser hair removal sanctuary. If you're ready to bid farewell to the hassle of shaving and waxing, you've just stepped into the realm of smooth sophistication.

WHAT IS MJ LASER?

MJ Laser is not just a studio or business for me, it is the opportunity to give clients great and life-changing moments. Girls even get engaged or married after doing laser with us - don’t think it's just a coincidence! Our mission - honest epilation: fair prices, the best efficient FDAapproved equipment, licensed technicians and the health of the client is a priority.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DECIDE YOU WOULD OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

I've always wanted to open my own business. The beauty industry is so intriguing. As a girl I do a lot for myself - nails, massage, haircut and of course

laser hair removal too. Since I tried laser hair removal for the first time, I was so impressed by the results and already knew it would help a lot of people. Not just for the ladies, but also for men, because we all suffer from unwanted hair.

WHAT LASER DO YOU USE AND HOW DOES IT HELP?

We are really proud that in MJ Laser Studio we can treat ANY skin type and deliver incredible results in 6-8 procedures. We use Alexandrite laser for lighter skin types and ND:YAG laser for darker skin types

WHY IS A LASER BETTER THAN JUST A TRADITIONAL RAZOR?

In 6-8 procedures we remove up to 90% of hair, and then you will need just a few touch-ups once in 6-12 months. Can you imagine that? Razors just cause us problems like irritation or in-grown hair, and doesn’t reduce hair - the opposite: it makes them even more coarse.

Velvet Veil Vanisher

“

Kalye

Gourmet Odyssey the Delectable World of Filipino Gastronomy

Embark on a culinary adventure with Rob, the passionate owner of Kalye, a Filipino restaurant that transcends the ordinary. Rob is not just a restaurateur; he is the heart and soul behind the rich flavors and vibrant ambiance that define Kalye. With a deep love for Filipino cuisine and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, Rob has created a gastronomic haven that celebrates the diverse and delectable tastes of the Philippines.

SVETLANA BLASUCCI

WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA TO OPEN UP YOUR OWN RESTAURANT?

Two reasons: the Pandemic and our Love for Filipino culture.

Pandemic: back in 2020, my husband, Henry, and I witnessed how New York City shut down due to the pandemic. We wanted to have our own storefront to help the City get back on its feet, so to speak. And to provide employment for people who had lost their source of livelihood due to the hardships that came with the pandemic.

Love for Filipino Culture: Kalye’s mission is to be a part of the movement to champion Filipino Food and Culture to New York.

WHAT DOES KALYE MEAN? WHEN DID THE DOORS OPEN?

Kalye is a Tagalog word for Street. We officially opened in January 2023.

WHAT’S THE MOST POPULAR DISH AND WHY?

Ube Longganisa Sliders. It’s a mouthful explosion of the best of Filipino flavors in a small sandwich bun. The ube is both pretty with its deep purple hue and fabulously delicious.

BOODLE…WHAT AN ADORABLE NAME BUT STRONG! TELL US HOW THIS WORKS? WHAT DO YOU GET IN IT?

FAMILY STYLE?

“Long before the onset of Spanish colonial rule in the 1500s, kamayan feasts were popular affairs throughout the Philippine archipelago. In Tagalog, the word “kamayan” quite literally means

“with hands” and the feast was meant to be enjoyed as such.  Kubyertos (cutlery) were available, but largely reserved for stuffier affairs.

Following the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Philippine-American War, the United States of America seized control of the Philippines. While the Spanish took little issue with kamayan traditions, the American colonial state tried to impose Western dining conventions on the island nation—including forks and knives."

WHAT MAKES YOUR CUISINE AUTHENTIC AND WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE THAT OF FILIPINO CULTURE?

We understand that authenticity is a dynamic word. And Kalye’s authenticity is anchored on the fact that the

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dishes we cook are mostly heirloom dishes passed on from generation to generation. Food that is cooked and served in Filipino homes across the Philippines. We prioritize using indigenous ingredients in our dishes, like ube, tamarind, fish sauce, and pork, to name a few.

WHO OWNS THE RESTAURANT WITH YOU? HOW DID YOU TWO MEET?

I co-own Kalye with my husband, Henry.

Our love story is one that started as a long-distance relationship. We met in 2017 in New York while I was taking a class in Harvard, Massachusetts, and we kept seeing each other in different parts of the world, until we agreed to tie the knot and for me to settle in the US. I left my law practice (of 12 years) in Manila to live and start a new life in New York.

UBE! IT’S PURPLE AND A POTATO?! IS THIS A NATIVE FILIPINO VEGETABLE?

Yes. It’s endemic in a lot of other Southeast Asian countries, but widely associated with Filipino Food.

TOP FAVORITE DISHES…GO!

- Ube Longganisa Sliders (A mouthful explosion of the best of Filipino flavors)

- Sinigang (my husband’s favorite Filipino Food)

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO BE A CHEF? THIS FEELS MORE LIKE FANCY STREET FOOD.

Yes, it is more fancy street-eat type food. The more rewarding part is instant gratification from seeing customers smiling out of joy from eating Filipino food because it reminds them of home. Home is where the heart is. Having an experience eating Filipino food for the first time pleasantly surprises people. That’s precious. Hands down.

LOCATION:

251 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

MARCH 6TH - 7TH

New York Build 2024

655 W 34th St, New York

New York Build Expo, the leading and largest free-to-attend construction and design show in New York and the Tri-state area, is set to take place in 2024. This prestigious event is officially supported by the Governor of NY, and with its unrivaled scale and influence, it stands out as a must-attend occasion for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

MARCH 22ND - 24TH

March Madness at Madison Square Garden

Barclay's Center

Experience March Madness® in New York March 22-24, 2024 at Barclays Center! NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Rounds 1 & 2

MARCH 29TH - APRIL 7TH

New York International Auto Show 2024

655 W 34th St, New York

The Auto Show is a highly anticipated event in the automobile industry! Held at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, this event brings together enthusiasts and professionals to explore the latest advancements in the world of cars. With over 1000 vehicles on display, attendees will have the opportunity to discover cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation across four floors of exhibits

ORGANIZE, PEACEFUL MIND MAXIMIZE SPACE, AND INVITE A

ARTICLE BY SONIA WOJCICKI

Who does not wish to have a perfectly organized home? Most of us really love the idea of being greeted by an organized space. As daunting as it may be to go through the process of organization, the best thing you can do is simply begin.

Like with any process, there are steps to follow. Before you jump on this adventure make sure you select the area which you will be tackling and allow yourself the time it will require.

Now that the space has been chosen, start with decluttering- the rule to follow is if it has not been used for one year, get rid of it. Do not overthink this part or underestimate the power of desiring to keep it. One year of no use, let it go.

Next step is to find a low-maintenance system that provides long-term functionality. Let’s just say you have decided to tackle the pantry as previously, the one spice you have needed became elusive on the day you craved

making that special recipe. To keep yourself organized, you can incorporate a spice rack in your kitchen design. As simple as it may sound, this is a long-term solution with very little upkeep. Moving onto the next phase, label and find a home for all items. For most areas, you will want to arrange things according to how frequently they are used. In order to reap the benefits of your hard work, you must ensure you are consistent with putting things back in their place after each use. Your mind will thank you for being organized and inviting peace into your space.

About the guest contributorSonia Wojcicki works with many incredible designers, architects and homeowners where she helps bring projects to fruition by translating visions into results.

YOU CAN VISIT THE MURETTI SHOWROOM ON WEST 25TH BETWEEN 6TH AND 7TH FOR SOME EXCEPTIONAL ITALIAN HOME SOLUTIONS

sugarwerks

“Sugarwerks” is an artistic collaboration - feel good paintings, with a copacetic vibe that, like a jazz track, can excite your wonder from the wonderland for a few minutes out of your crazy day. These paintings are worlds painted in an artistic collaboration between Artist Oliver Corwin and Celebrity Photographer Ann Lawlor together on a walk: whimsical and mellow, along the canvas, telling abstract stories with funky characters, explosions of color, and a lot of groove - hoping to give the viewer a look into a happy world for a brief moment in time. Without preaching, the stories - also like a mysterious and deep message written on a wall - leave the viewer with food for thought.

For inquiries please call

Ann Lawlor | (917) 304-4773

“The Phone Call to Time in Chamber” | 48” x 60”

Mixed media on canvas | Oliver Corwin and Ann Lawlor 2023

“The Woman Looking in the Mirror” | 48” x 60”

Mixed media on canvas. Oliver Corwin and Ann Lawlor 2023

Photos by Ann Lawlor

“The Robots Spoke in a Language That no one

Understood” | 48” x 60”

Mixed media on canvas | Oliver Corwin and Ann Lawlor 2024