Staten Island, NY October 2023

OPEN HOUSES

Lower School

For Students entering Grade Pre-K3 through Grade 4

Tuesday, October 24 at 9:30 AM

All School

Saturday, October 28 from 9 AM to 12 PM

Middle & Upper School For Students entering Grade 5 through Grade 11

Tuesday, November 14 at 9:30 AM

All School

Wednesday, December 6 at 9:30 AM

The Food Issue

Happy October Staten Island, this one is for the foodies!

This month is our most delectable issue. Please join us as we offer various ways to tantalize your tastebuds with some tasty treats and culinary wonders.

In this food-centric issue we are taking you behind-the-scenes with an exclusive culinary haven you may already be familiar with, Le Malt. As a members-only club nestled in the heart of Staten Island, Le Malt offers a luxurious escape for those seeking a truly extraordinary dining experience. Immerse yourself in the opulence of this hidden gem as we unravel the secrets behind its culinary artistry and the unparalleled sophistication it brings to our borough.

But that’s not all – A2Z Travel Design has provided us with some truly unbeatable European culinary experiences to create the ultimate foodie travel guide that perfectly combines gastronomy and wanderlust.

We invite you to take a moment and savor each page of this tasty issue. We hope the articles and recipes inspire your culinary explorations and ignite your own creativity in the kitchen.

So here’s to a month filled with delectable flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. Happy reading and bon appetit!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Brigitte McLaughlin | brigitte.mclaughlin@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Valerie Bianculli | valerie.bianculli@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alex Ziselman | alex@a2ztraveldesign.com

Giovanni Belotti | belottivevo@gmail.com

Corporate Team

BRIGITTE MCLAUGHLIN, PUBLISHER

@STATENISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1: Osteria Santina’s delicious jumbo tortellini filled with ricotta and mozzarella in pesto cream with pistachio 2: Experience the Natura Bisse Air Bubble at Serena Marie Licastro’s studio taking place Oct 11-13! 3: Another delicious lunch at JBJ Kitchen Red Bank for Community Resources SI 4: 14th annual YPG Business By The Beach 5: Meet Ms. Cruz, SI Academy’s new Head of Lower School! 6: The perfect lychee martini at Le Malt Imperiale 7: Views of Staten Island Ferry from the water

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @StatenIslandCityLifestyle

Indulgence Unlocked

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI & BRIGITTE MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LE MALT

Inside Le Malt, Staten Island’s Culinary Retreat

Fine dining and exquisite experiences converge at Le Malt Imperiale, the new members-only club that has taken the island’s dining scene by storm. This unique establishment is not only a restaurant, but also a sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the visionaries behind Le Malt Imperiale and uncover the essence of this exceptional dining haven.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT INVOLVED IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY.

Saurabh Abrol: I joined my dad’s business about 25 years back. We had a few liquor stores as well as a couple of other small businesses, but the emphasis was mainly on the liquor industry. Over the years I saw a real opportunity in hospitality and started to

dive in. In 2012 we started to build out our first Le Malt in Colonia, New Jersey. We opened the private members-only club in Red Bank, New Jersey in 2019. I learned a lot about the restaurant industry and it opened my eyes to a whole new business outside of liquor stores. We are now expanding into Staten Island, some other places as well and we are developing our authentic Mexican concept called Meximoto.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE MEMBERS-ONLY CONCEPT?

Saurabh Abrol: I always wanted to open businesses that were elegant, exclusive and that really targeted a certain demographic. We thought Red Bank would be the perfect opportunity because of the clientele and the demographics that Monmouth County has to offer. We made it very exclusive. We hired chefs that were the best of the best. We fly our sushi in straight from Japan and it is a very elevated experience. We created value with our world-class dining and our ambiance. It was something that New Jersey didn’t have previously. Right now our Red Bank location has about a 2-year waitlist.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: IN WHAT WAYS IS THE STATEN ISLAND LOCATION SIMILAR TO RED BANK AND IN WHAT WAYS IS IT DIFFERENT?

Saurabh Abrol: The similarities lie in the concept and the ambiance. There are lockers where you can store your alcohol and it still has the Le Malt feel. It’s different because we hired a very specific design firm that really took on this project out of Manhattan and they really designed it in a way to create a very exclusive dining experience. The space is double the size of Red Bank to accommodate the demand.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE AT LE MALT?

TJ Pingitore: A mix of upscale, sophisticated, and fun. I don’t think it’s your traditional stuffy environment. The expectation of exclusivity and privacy can sometimes be misconceived as a bit bland but that’s not our brand. It’s a business club but also an elegant leisure experience.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT IS YOUR MENU LIKE AND WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT?

TJ Pingitore: The two main areas we wanted to focus on were sushi and a great steak menu. For us this was vital to create a worldly dining experience.

Saurabh Abrol: Something I haven’t seen in Staten Island is an authentic omakase experience. Our sushi chefs will create this for our members and throughout the night they can experience all 15 courses that are chefs’ choice. This is a very unique element that we haven’t done at any of our other locations.

“The goal is to make sure we have the right community where everyone feels comfortable.”

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER AT LE MALT IMPERIALE?

TJ Pingitore: A conversation is always the starting point with each person that submits an inquiry. We aim to better understand them, their business, their network and see if they are a good fit for the club. We follow this by giving a tour so we can have them learn more about the club, see it in person and it gives us an opportunity to meet them. The goal is to make sure we have the right community where everyone feels comfortable. We try to ensure that their businesses align in some way and also look at the reasons they would like to join, attendance etc. Once you apply there’s a 24-72 hour vetting process and after that you are either selected, waitlisted or denied.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: TELL US ABOUT THE DIFFERENT MEMBERSHIPS THAT YOU OFFER.

TJ Pingitore: The first is a solo membership which is for 1 person. The 2nd is a joint membership for 2 people and

the 3rd is for 4 people to a locker. In addition, we also have a platinum plus membership which is a double size locker with some additional perks for members who are bringing clients on a more consistent basis. We also have a global extension, which allows our members to dine at our other locations. For this there is an additional fee. The vision for the brand is global access to everywhere as we continue to expand.

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR SOMEONE TO REACH OUT TO YOU IN REGARDS TO GOING FOR A TOUR?

TJ Pingitore: Send over an email to tj@lemalt.com!

STATEN ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE: LASTLY, WHEN WILL THE STATEN ISLAND LOCATION BE OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS?

Saurabh Abrol: Early October

Jaritza M. Lima, LMT, MLD-C

Cuisine Quests

A2Z Travel Design Unveils 5 Culinary Escapades

Indulge your taste buds and embark on a global culinary expedition with A2Z Travel Agency. Collaborating with destination partners across the globe, we have handpicked five remarkable culinary experiences that will leave you craving more. To book one of these experiences, contact A2Z. Bon Appetit and Bon Voyage!

Titanium Tours Underwater Winery Experience

During this experience, guests have the unique opportunity to compare the same wine aged underwater and on land, to see if they can taste the difference. Spoiler Alert—you will definitely be able to taste the difference! Hop aboard the Crusoe Treasure, where visitors can meet the founding members and learn about the history and passion behind their wines. Sample undersea wines on land or aboard the boat where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Bay of Plentzia near Bilbao.

Bay of Plentzia, Spain

Another Titanium Tours experience where guests will have the privilege of selecting and savoring the finest seasonal Catalan ingredients. A walking tour through the lush green countryside will lead you to various local experts who will teach you all about the seasonal products and, together with your chef, they will advise you how to select the very best ones. Accompanied by Jordi, participants visit farms where he sources his produce. The experience culminates at a private villa, where guests help to prepare and enjoy a delectable recipe, immersing themselves in the creative process of a Michelin star dish.

Barcelona, Spain

Titanium Tours Farm to Table with Michelin Star Chef, Jordi Artal

Embark on a mouthwatering journey through Emilia Romagna, Italy, along the famed Via Emilia. This 162-mile road offers a tantalizing array of culinary delights, including Parmigiano cheese, balsamic vinegar, lasagna, tortellini and Parma ham. Sample a variety of expertly aged cheeses and savor tender slices of flavorful prosciutto. An enchanting 18th-century vinegar farmhouse awaits, where you’ll inhale the rich aromas of aged balsamic using traditional techniques and locally grown grapes. Conclude your adventure with a memorable lunch, perfectly paired for the ultimate experience.

Apulia is renowned for its magnificent coastline and stunning sea, so what better way to fully immerse yourself in the local way of life than by enjoying an authentic fishing experience? Not only will you catch the fish, but you will also learn how to transform your catch into a savory dish to be enjoyed on board as you cruise and marvel at Apulia’s breathtaking seascapes. Beginning in Savelletri, participants will board the boat for a funfilled day immersed in the region’s maritime and culinary traditions. Guided by a professional master chef, guests learn the secrets of creating the perfect pasta and sauce, sourcing fresh ingredients from the pristine waters around them.

This unique and memorable experience is perfect for foodies and nature-lovers. Discover the unmatched beauty of the Lake Como region and learn all about the local flora as you enjoy a leisurely and scenic walk and forage for the herbs that will become a featured ingredient in the creations you will whip up in the kitchen alongside an expert chef. After your walk, you’ll make your way to a beautiful loft overlooking the lake with a gorgeous terrace suspended in the woods. Here, you will partake in a hands-on cooking class.

Emilia Romagna, Italy

Apulia, Italy

Lake Como, Italy

Arno Travel & Event Design

Emilia Romagna Experience

Imago Artis Travel Fishing and Culinary Experience

Imago Artis Travel Foraging Experience & Cooking Class

Breathing Beauty

ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NATURA BISSÉ

NATURA BISSÉ AND SERENA MARIE AESTHETICS ELEVATE WELLNESS WITH THE ENCHANTING PURE AIR BUBBLE EXPERIENCE

Experience the groundbreaking collaboration between Natura Bissé and Serena Marie Aesthetics taking place this month featuring the iconic Pure Air Bubble. This remarkable synergy introduces a 60-minute immersive experience, where skin and spirit converge for a journey of rejuvenation. Seamlessly blending the power of pure air with Natura Bissé’s exclusive Pro-Youth Lifting Method, this venture promises remarkable results that transcend the ordinary.

The Pure Air Bubble is a roaming oasis—a sanctuary for the mind, an invigorating

breath of fresh air for the skin and an immersion in sensory delight. Inside, guests are enveloped by 99.9% pure air, untouched by contaminants or allergens. The ambience fosters a connection to the present moment while amplifying the skin’s receptivity to the rejuvenating outcomes of the treatment. Externally, the Bubble’s structure swells with the pure air it holds, undulating like the Mediterranean breeze that inspired its creation.

The heart of this experience lies in Natura Bissé’s revolutionary Pro-Youth

The Pure Air Bubble presented by Natura Bissé

Lifting Method. This avant-garde facial treatment integrates three core pillars: Pro-Youth Maneuvers, Conscious and Guided Breathing and State-of-the-Art Skincare. Pro-Youth Maneuvers refers to exclusive massages that target key anatomical points, bringing physical and emotional harmony. Conscious and Guided Breathing is the fusion of ancient mindfulness practice and pure air to create skin oxygenation, detoxification and anti-inflammatory processes. Lastly, Natura Bissé’s skincare is renowned for having high concentrations of innovative actives that target signs of aging with impressive efficacy.

The experience commences with a body alignment ritual followed by breathing exercises and subsequent massages to set the tone for relaxation and rejuvenation. The second phase

involves a deep cleansing, potent exfoliation, indulgent masking and skincare treatment that is tailored individually to each client’s needs. Followed by this is heat application with spa pillows and aromatherapy to reinforce conscious breathing and an overall state of calm. Skin will be visibly rejuvenated, firmer and plumper.

This event takes place October 11-13 at the Serena Marie Studio located at 75 Putnam Street, Staten Island, NY Suite #4. Appointments are recommended!

“The Pure Air Bubble is a roaming oasis—a sanctuary for the mind, an invigorating breath of fresh air for the skin and an immersion in sensory delight.”

ARTICLE BY GIOVANNI BELOTTI

Double Delight

STATEN ISLAND ACADEMY’S VIBRANT WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA FOR ALL

lively

Festival with carnival games, inflatables, raffles, and delicious food. The

is open to all, offering a day of family-friendly entertainment on the school’s scenic campus. In addition, don’t miss the Tiger Triple Crown Tournament on October 15, 10AM-4PM , where pickleball, bocce, and tennis enthusiasts can compete for victory. Secure your spot and sponsorships via https://ttc.givesmart.com

Staten Island City Lifestyle would like to sincerely thank SI Academy for their partnership!

Do The Monster Mash With These Fall-Focused Cocktails Perfect For Halloween Festivities

spook - tails

ARTICLE BY SAM LAGE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLETTE MARTIN

• 2 ounces cachaça (Brazilian sugar cane rum, silver rum can be substituted)

• 1 ounce Galliano liqueur

• 1/2 ounce lemon juice

• 1/2 ounce brown sugar & cinnamon syrup

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• fresh nutmeg

Combine all ingredients except for the nutmeg in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Strain through a mesh fine strainer into a martini glass or other decorative glassware without ice. Shave fresh nutmeg over the top as a garnish and enjoy!

TOASTED MALLOW

• 1 1/2 ounces vodka

• 1 1/2 ounces chocolate liqueur

• 1/2 ounce Frangelico liqueur

• graham crackers

• marshmallows

Combine all ingredients except for the graham crackers and marshmallows in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously until sufficiently chilled and blended. Crush graham crackers in a plastic bag to make a fine powder. Coat half of a martini glass with your crushed graham crackers and strain your cocktail into the coated martini glass. Layer the top of the drink with marshmallows and toast with a crème brûlée torch. Enjoy!

PUMPKIN BRAIN PURÉE

THE FLAVOR OF FALL

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Apples are the trademark fruit of fall, and with the many varieties to choose from, there is an apple that is sure to please any palate. They can be included in both sweet and savory dishes and are delicious and incredibly healthful. We all have heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” While they aren’t a cureall, apples are packed full of polyphenols, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins and fiber. Make the most of autumn’s best produce and the flavors of fall with these simple recipes.

APPLE GALETTE WITH CARAMEL DRIZZLE

Easier than pie but with all the same textures, this gooey warm dessert is sure to please. For simplicity, this can be made with a premade crust.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/4 cup iced cold water

Filling:

• 2 apples, peeled and sliced into thin slices

• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Caramel sauce

• Optional: 1/4 chopped walnuts or pecans

Crust:

(Note: If running short on time, store bought crust works great, too.)

Mix flour, salt and sugar together in a bowl. Cut in the butter. Add water and mix until moistened. Lightly knead the dough and then form into a ball. Next, flatten dough into a thick circular form and refrigerate for one hour.

Filling:

Mix the apples, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar together in a bowl.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into a circle and set on parchment paper. Arrange apples in center of dough, leaving about one inch of space for the edges. Fold crust over the apples and press to seal edges. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans or walnuts. Bake for 35 minutes. Serve with caramel sauce and ice-cream.

ELEVATED GRILLED CHEESE

This take on the classic grilled cheese is sure to satisfy your fall cravings. With the combined flavors of savory and sweet, it packs a punch for your taste buds.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 1/4 red onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Sliced sourdough bread

• 1-2 tablespoons butter

• 4 ounces Brie, sliced

• Fig jam, or preferred choice of jam

• 1 Granny smith apple, sliced

• Arugula

• Thinly sliced ham, optional

Heat olive oil in the skillet and add sliced onions. Cook for a few minutes and then add brown sugar. Sauté until soft. Set aside. Butter the outside of the sourdough bread. Next, spread jam on the inside of both slices. Add cheese, apples, onions and arugula. If using meat, add as well. Top with slice of bread and grill on skillet until both sides are toasted and cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!

APPLE CHUTNEY

This Indian-inspired dish is the perfect fall topping for pork chops and also pairs nicely with ham. This is so easy to make and will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall.

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups Granny Smith apple, chopped

• ¼ cup pecans or walnuts

• 1/3 cup apple juice

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons dried cranberries

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• ¾ teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat butter in saucepan, then add remaining ingredients. Cook over medium heat until the sauce has cooked down and the apples are tender. Serve over pork chops. Enjoy!

APPLE CRISP A LA MODE

This fall classic is the perfect treat for a cozy fall dessert.

INGREDIENTS:

Filling:

• 6-8 apples, peeled and sliced

• ½ cup dark brown sugar

• ¼ cup flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

• ¾ cup flour

• ¾ cup dark brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ cup cold butter cubed

• 1 cup oats

• ¼ cup pecans, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease pie plate or baking dish. Mix all filling ingredients together and place in baking dish. Prepare topping by combining the flour, brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in butter using a fork or pastry cutter. Stir in oats and pecans and sprinkle over filling until covered. Bake for 45 minutes and serve with caramel drizzle and vanilla ice cream.

APPLE CIDER BOURBON

This easy fall cocktail is festive and delicious. Served hot or cold, it is a crowd pleaser.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• Apple cider (hot or cold)

• 1 ½ ounce bourbon or whiskey

• ½ ounce honey

• ½ ounce lemon juice

• Cinnamon

• Apple slice

Add all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake. Serve over ice and garnish with cinnamon stick and apple slice. Enjoy!

BAKED APPLES

Baked apples is a great fall side dish or can also be the perfect appetizer to share with others. This dish is surprisingly savory, is simple to make and looks impressive.

INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS:

• 3 apples, your choice of variety, halved and cored

• 3 tablespoons butter

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup apple juice or apple cider

• Fresh rosemary, chopped

• Brie, sliced

• Chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice apples in half and remove the core. Set aside. Heat skillet and melt butter. Add brown sugar and lightly stir. Place apples face down in the skillet and add apple juice and a sprig of rosemary. Allow apples to cook on stovetop for 5-10 minutes. Flip apples over and top with Brie, chopped walnuts and chopped rosemary. Bake for 6-7 minutes or until the Brie is melted. This is best served warm and is easy to reheat. Enjoy!

It’s Pumpkin Bread Season

The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.

4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.

5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.

7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.

8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN

A Taste of Italy

After defining sophistication in Red Bank and Colonia, Le Malt is establishing a new stronghold in the heart of Staten Island. Le Malt Imperiale is here to welcome you to our premier New York City location. Imperiale is a stand-out luxury destination for our version of classic drinks and fine dining, where tradition is honored and elevated.