New York Lifestyles Magazine - August 2018

Vol. 4 #6 | August 2018

TASTE TASTE OF OF TENNIS TENNIS

TAKES TAKES NYC NYC

SLOANE STEPHENS Ready For An Encore TRAVEL Exciting Nearby Escapes

COOL OFF The Best Ice Cream In Town

GLOBAL BEAUTY Your Visa To Looking Good

STYLE Must-Have Essentials

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Georgian Lakeside Resort

Marine Village Resort

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Located in the heart of Lake George Village, this full service resort offers accommodations, dining, and event hosting. With short walks to everything, The Georgian has a beautiful lakeside location with 157 rooms and suites. The resort has a lakefront pool, patio and Cabana Bar. Dining is offered at Giovanna’s on the Lake with entertainment in the Terrace Room overlooking the lake. Georgian guests enjoy free concerts, lake cruises as well as Six Flags Great Escape theme park.

Family resort located in the center of Lake George that features a 300-foot beach to relax and play.

Docks are available for guest boats or boat rentals. Relax with family and friends on the large patio and pool area. The Morgan Restaurant serves made to order breakfasts daily and grills are available throughout the property for guest use. Perfect choice for those who prefer a location with a short walk to the village while offering a host of resort activities.

The resort spans 15 acres of luxurious lakefront property and outdoor activities abound with 2 beaches, a heated outdoor pool, 2 children’s playground areas.

Modern townhomes offer 2-bedroom, 2.5 baths with full kitchens, dining area and living room and two bedroom villas offer outstanding lake views from the living room as well as private balconies overlooking beautiful Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains. Guests have dining privileges at The Inn at Erlowest, the only AAA 4 Diamond Restaurant in the region located on the same property.

384 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 1-800-525-3436 / 1-800-LAKE-GEORGE georgianresort.com

370 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 1-800-727-7090 / 1-518-668-5478 marinevillageresort.com

3178 Lake Shore Dr., Lake George, NY 12845 1-518-668-2085 suncastleresort.com

Scotty’s Lakeside Resort

The Lodges at Cresthaven

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Newly rejuvenated and located on 7 expansive acres in Lake George Village and 350 ft. of beautiful shoreline, the resort is a place for fun with friends and family. Enjoy the large sandy beach or the beachside pool.

Canoe, paddleboat, an interactive arcade, beach volleyball, and Scotty’s Café and Beachfront Bar offer plenty of activities to fill the days.

A premiere vacation destination just 1.5 miles from Lake George Village.

The family-sized lodges feature two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large great room with a fully-equipped kitchen, a living area and a dining area. Also features 300 ft. private sandy beach and heated indoor and outdoor pool. The on-premises Boathouse restaurant features waters edge dining with beautiful views of Lake George.

Located less than 1 mile from The Village of Lake George, the former summer home of Georgia O’keeffe. Luxurious vacation rentals feature newly remodeled lakefront accommodations with spacious, private units with abundant amenities and breathtaking views of the Adirondacks.

From cozy fireplaces and jacuzzis to private balconies, beach access and outdoor grills, the townhouses at The Quarters have it all. Open all year long.

2896 Lake Shore Dr., Lake George, NY 12845 1-877-749-0930 scottyslakesideresort.com

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Contents

19

FEATURES 16 19 52 59

From The Publisher Cover Feature: Citi Taste of Tennis & Sloane Stephens Through The Lens With Annie Watt Tech Talk: Welcome To The Future

STYLE 24 26 28 30

Life & Style: A Late-Summer Sampler Global Beauty Beautiful Blues Silver Belles: Mother Nature Knows Best

24

TRAVEL 33 36 38 40 42 44 47 49 50

Mohegan Sun: A Year-Round Escape Pedal Power: Biking Local Wine Country Charleston, SC: Highlights, History & Heritage The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: A Luxury Getaway Portland & Mt. Hood: A Weekend To Remember Palm Springs: California’s Desert Revival Washington, DC: Shop Till You Plop The Catskills: A Place To Revel Saint Lucia: An Island For All Reasons

33

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 61 63 66 68 70 72 74 76

Notes From DB 90 Morton Street: West Village History Private Island Retreat Comes To Market 108 Leonard: Elegantly Defining Tribeca Anguilla: A Caribbean Paradise Around Town: NoMad Spotlight: Nick Cassini Designing Ways: Easy Ideas To Update Any Space

10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

72

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Lots of Optional Tours Near by such as Dolphin Cove, Dunn’s River Falls, Chukka Cove, Walking Distance to Golf Course

• Ice cream Tree House • Cycling • Gym • Four Restaurants • Premium Bar • Free wifi • Tennis Court • Rain Disco

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Contents

79

82

MONEY MATTERS

79 Range Rover Velar: Roaring Through Life 80 Vacation Rentals For Income

HEALTH & WELLNESS 82 Spa Scene: Naturopathica Chelsea 84 Samuel Waxman, MD: A Pioneer In Medical Research 85 Surface Friendships: Can They Last?

92

FOOD & DRINK 86 89 92 94

Majorelle: A Magic Garden Of Haute Cuisine Culinary Havens: A Guide To NYC Food Halls Cool Off! The Best Ice Cream In NYC Summer’s Best Rosés

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 96 98 100 102 104

On Stage On The Big Screen On The Small Screen The Met Cloisters: A Very Fashionable Journey Trina Merry: The Fine Art of Body Painting

96

NEW YORK, NY 106 108 110 112

Paws Down, Tails Up Entrepreneur’s Corner: Elsie McCabe Thompson My New York Story: Jim St. Germain Time Out With…Cajai Fellows Johnson

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

106

SEPTEMBER 7-9

The most original and dynamic celebration of the pleasures of the palate.

The 2018 Saratoga Wine and Food Festival has partnered with Colin Cowie Lifestyle and the Saratoga Automobile Museum to present three days of gourmet events with more than 200 wines from around the world, live entertainment, celebrity chefs, innovative competitions, an energetic new brunch hosted by Colin Cowie, and more.

New this year, the festival will feature a stunning display of 80 luxury Bugatti automobiles coming in from every corner of the globe that will join the festival as part of the International Bugatti Tour – visiting the U.S. for the first time in a decade.

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Visit spac.org for festival schedule and tickets

spac.org

SPAC Box Office

(518) 584-9330

ISSN 2474-770X

OUR CONTRIBUTORS CLINT BROWNFIELD Clint has been a full-time freelance travel, culture, and food writer since 1997. He considers it a tremendous privilege to have been able to report from all seven continents, 103 countries and 46 states—nearly 250 trips in all. His base is New York City—the destination he loves more than any other.

His main philosophy is: “The more I know—the less I know.” Hopefully that keeps him from being a smug drone at cocktail parties as he describes his job—one of the most envied in the world.

Clint contributes regularly to Readers Digest.com, The Travel Planners syndicated radio show and has written for the New York Post, About.com, Brides, Fodors, International Yachtsman and Gannett and Scripps newspapers. He also been a guest travel reporter on Fox News and WABC-AM Radio.

JEFF & STEPHANIE SYLVA Travel enthusiasts Jeff & Stephanie have been freelance travel writers for over 30 years. Much of their writing reflects their love of the outdoors and their active lifestyles. Some of their favorite travel experiences include a hike on the Solheimajokull Glacier in Iceland, a trek across the Kilauea Iki Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii, and snorkeling with penguins and white-tipped reef sharks in the Galapagos Islands.

The New Jersey couple have written regularly for several local newspapers in addition to Gallagher’s Travels, Hospitality 21, JustSayGo, Family Travel Network, Family Travel Forum, Travellady, The Parent Paper, Bergen County: The Magazine, Bergen County Kids Magazine, and Family Destinations.

Jeff and Stephanie enjoy tennis, hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, traveling.

JENNY PETERS Jenny has covered the entertainment, lifestyle and travel worlds as a freelance journalist for many years.

Her credits include writing on film, celebrities, and lifestyle for USA Today, AARP.com, Variety, New York Magazine, to name a few. She is the former editor-in-chief of Brentwood/Distinctive Living magazines and held the same post for Scene magazine. She is a founding and voting member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January honoring the previous year’s finest in cinematic achievement. Her favorite places to be: sipping wine in the middle of a vineyard or simply strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities.

14 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

Vol. 4 #6 | August 2018 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole

Art Director Eric Duncan

Entertainment Editors Jenny Peters, Lori Simmons Zelenko

Fashion/Beauty Editor Ann Lawlor

Features Editors Clint Brownfield, Ruth J. Katz

Lifestyle Editor Griffin Miller

Real Estate Editor Daniel J. Bollinger

Special Projects Editor Norah Bradford

Chief Photographer Annie Watt Contributing Writers Natasha Bazika, Ivana Columbus, Lee Gabay Marie-Claire Gladstone, Jenna Guarneri, TJ Johnson, Dr. Peter Kalellis Gretchen Kelly, Mark Laiosa, Jeremy Murphy Ellis Nassour, Ted Owen, Darren Paltrowitz, David Porter Anne Raso, Rob Stephens, Gerrie Summers, Elsie McCabe Thompson Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Brett Caldwell - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Director of Sales - Real Estate Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim

Advertising BLUE VISTA 725

Internet Presence Scott Cuollo, Richard Austin

Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. © 2018 New York Lifestyles Magazine

Cover Photo Credit: USTA/Darren Carroll

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Aug only

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Check us out on the web!

ven though August is one of the warmest months of the summer, there are still so many fun and exciting things you can do to cool off and be entertained around our great city.

During the month you can dine at many of NYC’s best fine-dining spots with a reasonably priced menu as we celebrate Restaurant Week, hundreds of restaurants are participating. Logon to the NYCgo.com/restaurant-week for more information.

Another great way to entertain your pallet and beat the heat, of course, is indulging yourself with ice cream. It comes in countless flavors, shapes, and styles these days.

Be sure to catch our must-read feature “Cool Off ” which lists some of our top picks around town including 10Below, and Wowfulls—guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

For the sports fan, New York City always tops the list. This month, head to the US Open Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The matches start August 27th. But before heading out to Flushing, come see our cover girl Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open Women’s Champion team up with Iron Chef Morimoto for an exciting culinary demo. Now this doubles pair is a sure winner! It is also a great chance to meet the tennis elite and New York’s celebrity chefs. Mark your calendar for the 19th annual Citi Taste of Tennis NYC on August 23rd at Cipriani.

If you’re lucky enough to still have a few vacation days left, I have several recommendations of what to see and do. First, experience some of the region’s most beautiful vineyards and wineries and get some exercise, too! Just try “Pour and Pedal” which has many convenient locations throughout Long Island and New Jersey. Another good choice is how my family rounds out every summer— Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA. Now my best-kept secret is out of the bag. It’s also been rated as TripAdvisor.com’s #1 Family Resort in America. Woodloch is all about bringing people together and having lots of fun while doing it. Besides having an excellent staff, Woodloch offers the best customer service—the reason so many guests return year after year. This is the place where memories are made, and dreams do come true. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience a stay there yet, then put it on your bucket list. You won’t be disappointed.

I look forward to hearing from you with your comments, suggestions, and what you would like to see on the pages of New York Lifestyles and Pet Lifestyles Magazines.

Have a great month!

-Bill Mason

Publisher

16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

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FEATURES

C I T I TAS T E O F T E N N I S & S LOA N E S T E P H E N S TA K E N YC !

By Patricia Canole

ports fans rejoice! It’s August which means two-weeks of thrilling, white-knuckle tennis matches in Queens. This year’s U.S. Open spectacular will be August 27th through September 9th and is sure to stir emotions with incredible feats of athleticism from the tennis elite.

But even tennis pros love to play—especially before the championship games get underway. What better place to do just that than at Citi Taste of Tennis—considered the World’s Premier Food & Tennis Experience on August 23rd at Cipriani (110 East 42nd Street). Now in its 19th year and produced by AYS World, it brings together New York’s professional chefs, tennis royalty, and luxury brands for an unforgettable evening of gourmet food, signature cocktails, and nonstop fun.

Excellent service has always been fundamental to professional tennis as well as New York restaurants. Where else can venerable fans meet and greet with Grand Slam royalty like the Bryan Brothers, Sam Querrey, Genie Bouchard, John Isner, and Kevin Anderson? Joining the star-studded fest will be New York celeb chefs including Nicole Gajadhar (Saxon & Parole), Paolo Dorigato (Lugo Cucina Italiana), Jorge Espinoza (Scarpetta), John Mooney (Bell, Book & Candle).

The evening will begin with the dynamic Sloane Stephens, who will face off in a Challenge alongside Chef Masaharu Morimoto during an exclusive VIP hour. Then the main affair begins at 7 pm when guests enjoy tastings from leading chefs, sip on signature cocktails, and escape to destination-themed lounges.

Now let’s get acquainted with Sloane Stephens and Chef Morimoto and some of the talented pros who will be cooking up a spectacular evening in New York City.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19

I am a naturally competitive person, and I compete with myself.

20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

©Taste of Tennis

©Zhukovsky

MEET SLOANE STEPHENS

Who is this young dynamo at center court? She’s Sloane Stephens, the 25-year-old who won her first U.S. Open Championship in 2017 and is ready to fulfill her dream of winning a second championship this year.

But for those not familiar with her story, let’s take a look at her rise to stardom. By 2016, Sloane had defeated Venus Williams, challenged Serena, and risen to the ranking of number 25 in the world of women’s tennis. Then, she was forced to withdraw from the U.S. Open that same year because of a foot injury. She was out of commission for a long 11 months before making a return at Wimbledon in 2017.

Then in August 2017 we arrive at the U.S. Open. With Serena Williams sitting out on maternity leave, all eyes were focused on the young talents, past champions—and Sloane Stephens. It was truly magical to see this brilliant athlete as she emerged into the finals to win the championship title. Her rule of thumb is always to stay focused. “It’s important not get too caught up on the ‘what could be’ and the noise around you.”

New York Lifestyles had the pleasure to catch up with Sloane Stephens during her busy schedule. Here’s what we learned about this bright, young athlete.

What drives Sloane Stephens?

Growth. I am a naturally competitive person, and I compete with myself. I always look to improve my game, run an extra five minutes longer than the day before just because I want to do better. As I compete more and more, it is important to me that I am advancing my skill set.

When did the tennis world feel more like a business for you?

First and foremost, tennis is a passion of mine. Tennis is also my job, and like any job or career—it requires focus and hard work. I am lucky enough that my job is something that I love to do. If I had to look back and choose a time where it changed as a business for me, it would have to be when I turned professional when I was 17, when I started receiving prize money and sponsorships.

What is your secret strategy to come back in a game?

Breathe and calm my mind. I have a great team. Before every match, we set an approach. As long as I trust my game and stay focused, I can push myself forward through points.

How does Sloane Stephens relax?

Hang out. I am pretty low-key when my schedule allows me to be. I hang out with my friends and my grandparents. I go to the movies, out to dinner, go shopping—all the normal stuff!

There’s a story going around that Sloane Stephens loves Bingo. Is this true?

Yes! I love Bingo. When I hang out with my grandparents, we sometimes go to Bingo, and it gets pretty competitive. It’s a lot of fun.

Other than tennis, do you have another favorite sport?

Basketball and soccer. Both are great live sports to attend and watch.

How do you see yourself in five years?

I don’t have many expectations; I like to live in the moment. I am hopeful that I am still playing tennis. I hope to be healthy and continue to win more matches and some titles. In five years, I will be 30—now that is still pretty young to be in the sport. Yes, I’d like to keep playing.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21

MEET THE CHEFS With more than a dozen chefs creating their magic, it’s bound to be an evening of fun, food, and fantasy. Here, Chef Masharu Morimoto and some of the talented New York chefs you’ll be meeting on August 23rd.

MASAHARU MORIMOTO

Morimoto Without question, Chef Morimoto has been the key influence in creating the bridge between the culinary traditions of his native Japan and the American palate. Doing so has brought intense excitement, precise technique, and perfectly balanced flavors to thousands of diners throughout the world. But it didn’t start that way.

Originally an athlete, Morimoto wanted to play professional baseball. After a shoulder injury had ended a promising career as a baseball catcher in Japan, Morimoto began studying sushi in his hometown of Hiroshima. He quickly grasped the technique of this exacting food art, and at age 24, opened his first restaurant. Five years later, he moved to America to explore new opportunities and possibilities. It was wasn’t too long before Morimoto joined the original Nobu restaurant and was soon named Executive Chef. In 1999, Chef Morimoto appeared on the Food Network’s Iron Chef where he was able to showcase his flawless technique and creativity with different ingredients. Two years later, he opened his first eponymous restaurant in Philadelphia.

Morimoto expanded his culinary reach to opening restaurants in Mumbai and New Delhi. Then in 2006, the much-anticipated flagship restaurant, Morimoto New York opened. A decade later, his much-anticipated restaurant was launched in New York City, Momosan Ramen & Sake, which showcases his personal, modern take on traditional Japanese ramen.

SUJAN SARKAR

BAAR BAAR A man of few words but an artist known for his bold culinary leaps. Sujan Sarkar opened ROOH in San Francisco, where he served his interpretation of new-age Indian cuisine.

With BAAR BAAR—New York’s first modern Indian gastro bar—he’s pushing the envelope even further.

Championing progressive cooking deeply rooted in tradition, Chef Sujan was an early adopter of the farm to table movement and his experiments with decadeold recipes have led to the birth of ambitious projects like Ek Bar—India’s first Artisanal Cocktail Concept.

Sujan worked extensively Internationally, he worked at the Michelin starred ‘Galvin at Windows’ at London Park Lane and also headed up the hotspot Automat and Almada at Mayfair London, and in New Delhi took the helm at Olive Bar & Kitchen. All these experiences have helped create Sujan’s distinctive culinary style.

ROXANNE SPRUANCE

Kingsley Chef Roxanne Spruance entered the culinary world as a pastry chef apprentice in the highly regarded restaurant, Blackbird in Downtown Chicago. Working her way up in the Chicago restaurant industry, Spruance gained valuable knowledge and experience in all aspects of the kitchen. An athlete at heart, Chef Roxanne has taken her fearless, winning attitude towards sports and translated it into her approach towards food. As Executive Chef and co-owner of Kingsley, she’s confident to experiment with different genres and ingredients and believes in creating a culinary product that is stimulating while never losing respect for the product. She creates innovative, seasonal food while respecting and incorporating regional traditions in her Lower East Side restaurant.

Believing that the best food comes from fresh, seasonal products, she is passionate about purchasing from local farmers.

22 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

MICHAEL HAN

Ortzi Michael Han is the Chef de Cuisine of Ortzi, bringing over a decade of experience working from high end hotels and several Michelin starred restaurants in New York and Chicago. He credits working for David Bouley and Shea Gallante as the chefs that greatly influenced his creativity and technical skills. Michael’s most recent experience as Executive Sous Chef at A Voce Columbus will bring a great deal of knowledge of the standards of fine dining and attention to detail. After he had left he had traveled to Spain for several months where he fell in love with the culture and cuisine by backpacking his way around the country. When he returned back to New York he brought back his Spanish inspired cuisine and worked with Jose Garces to open Ortzi, a Basque-inspired restaurant located in the LUMA Hotel Times Square.

CATHERINE MEDRANO

The Regency Bar & Grill You can catch Executive Chef Catherine Medrano at The Regency Bar & Grill inside Park Avenue’s iconic Loews Regency New York Hotel.

Here, Medrano oversees daily operations for the hotel’s signature restaurant, home of the famed Power Breakfast, and In-Room Dining.

Chef Catherine began her culinary career at the esteemed Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island in 1991. After graduating with honors, Chef Medrano participated in The Greenbrier Culinary Apprenticeship Program, which has trained some of the world’s top chefs and culinary leaders, where she earned her American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification. Soon after, she was hired as Executive Chef of The Stanhope Park Hyatt in NYC followed by stints in Chicago and Jersey City.

Outside of the kitchen, she enjoys vacationing with her family in Key West and visiting her extended family in both Ireland and the Dominican Republic. She loves reading and keeps up on local politics and food and restaurant trends by following several food blogs and collecting local chef ’s cookbooks.

MATTHEW SCHINDLER

Charlie Palmer at The Knick Matt Schindler brings a dedication to culinary creativity and artistry to his role as Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer at the Knick. A Seattle native, Matt developed his interest in cooking at his first job at the age of fifteen when he worked as a dishwasher. In the kitchen he discovered a strong sense of team and camaraderie, which led him to study culinary arts at the American Culinary Federation and attend classes at The Culinary Institute of America. His newly honed skills and talents brought him to New York City to open L’Atelier Joel Robuchon, where he was a part of the team honored with both a James Beard Award for Best New restaurant and a muchcoveted Michelin star.

Soon after, Matt packed his knives and moved to England, where he was offered the position of Executive Chef at Seasons Restaurant at The Four Seasons Hotel in Hampshire. Matt’s hard work paid off in spades, twice earning England’s most elusive accolade, the AA Rosette.

Returning to New York in 2013, Matt worked for several esteemed operations, before becoming Executive Chef at Charlie Palmer at The Knick. Matt’s experience in luxury, high-volume hotels, as well as his passion for creativity and seasonal ingredients, renders him the ideal leader for culinary program at The Knickerbocker Hotel.

INTO THE NIGHT The fun continues with Citi Taste of Tennis After Dark, a delectable dessert-tasting extravaganza from 9 to 11 pm. You’ll enjoy New York’s popular sweets, dessert drinks and, of course, the company of top tennis players who also have a sweet tooth.

The Little One’s Eddie Zhen will be presenting cool Shaved Ice and Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Oceana Restaurant’s Chef Doug Hernandez will be whipping up Chocolate Hazelnut Bar which is a mélange of White Chocolate Cremeux, Chocolate Meringue, Candied Hazelnuts, Candied Cocoa Nibs and Nutella powder.

Moffle Bar will be serving up Moffles available in three flavors: Unicorn (condensed milk & fruity pebbles), Dark Unicorn (chocolate sauce and cocoa pebbles), Rosé Hibiscus (rosé sabayon & hibiscus crystals).

Rebecca’s Cake Pops will be joining the fun! Chef/owner Rebecca Clavecilla-Eng will be baking her famous Cake Pops. In 2012, she began baking for family, friends, and hasn’t stopped! Find out why you can’t have just one!

FOR MORE INFO

Citi, Jamaica Tourist Board, Oban, Amazing Thailand, Diplomatico Rum, Walkerswood Caribbean Food, Hampton Water, Red Stripe, Harney & Sons, ChefWorks, Volki Tennis are just a few of the major sponsors/partners. Wellness In The Schools (WITS), a non-profit partner, inspires healthy eating and fitness for kids in public schools. Citi Taste of Tennis kicks off at 7 pm, August 23rd at Cipriani (110 East 42nd Street), directly across from Grand Central.

For more information on Taste of Tennis, visit tasteoftennis.com.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23

STYLE

LIFE & STYLE

A LATE-SUMMER SAMPLER

By Griffin Miller

he best things in life are supercool—and a little decadent. Should they also be cutting-edge and fashion-savvy, well, you’ve really got something. So, if you’re up for a little Life (raise a glass or pack a lunch), and ready to seize the latest on-trend Style (a bauble here, a flip-flop there). Read on!

LIFE

BUFF LOVE

IT’S ALL IN THE CARDS

Across all athletic disciplines, from the pro teams to gym fanatics to weekend warriors, dangerous overheating leading to severe heat illness has been unaddressed until 15 years of medical research led to Alan Brockway’s creation of Kryofit Sport’s Ice Cold Compression Sleeves—a seemingly simple, but ultimately proactive way to “warm up” their muscles and joints and keep cooler during any sport, while improving performance! Also shines for non-athletes with joint and muscle issues!) Info:kryofitsport.com.

MAKE A MEAL OF IT Closed it looks like a runway take on the designer clutch. Open, it’s the 21st Century’s genius lunchbox. The Prepd Pack by Tastemade, with its secure bamboo case and inner food sanctum (modular, leak-proof containers, configurable multiple ways), has already made it to Oprah’s list of favorite things and the raves keep coming. The basic pack includes case, large container, two small containers & magnetic cutlery. Expansion extras are also available, as is Prepd’s App for lunchtime inspiration. Info: getprepd.com

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Recently my snail mail brought a gift that made me smile. It was a fully loaded GiftCards.com Visa debit card. What triggered the grin, however, was the image: me in goofy cardboard sunglasses. Way better than cash, because I, vs. a Founding Father, was front and center. The cards (Visa or MasterCard) can be ordered with a personalized photo and message or any of many pre-designs. And for the slacker in all of us, think eGift Cards (Visa, Amazon, Best Buy, etc.) for immediate delivery.

Done and done. Info: giftcards.com.

SECURITY GUARD Square, wireless and a master at motion detection, Blink for Home® is the home watchdog system that manages to subjugate paranoia discreetly and affordably. Each unit (larger than a cigarette pack; smaller than a smoke detector) runs on two AA lithium batteries for two years. What really sold me, though, was how once Blink cameras sense motion in your home, HD video and audio alerts are sent directly to you smartphone. Instant no-subscriptionfees peace of mind, in our impatient, hightech cosmos. Info: blinkforhome.com

DRY NICE I found this sleek little bag to be something of a crossover between Life and Style. Sure, it has that pragmatic travel side (waterproof lining; ecofriendliness; washable), yet, Wander Wet Bags™ stunning designer prints (the selection is massive), suggests a certain jetsetter swagger. Bottom line: An attractive savior of anything in your backpack, suitcase or tote sharing space with your soggy swimsuit or sweaty workout gear. A new favorite thing? For sure! Info: wanderwetbags.com

STYLE

HAIR-A-PHERNALIA

Whether you’re into flowing Boticelli bed head or choppy cropped layers with attitude, look to CAJ Beauty, an affordable line of professionalquality tools and products. They absolutely hit all the right marks when it comes to what a woman looks for to go from shower to out-the-door (I speak from experience!).

Brainchild of former back-up singer and star of Bravo’s Secrets & Wives Andi Black, CAJ (for “Care Amplify Joy”) products reflect her personal coda of ease and empowerment.

Info: cajbeauty.com.

STATUS PRO

FOOTWEAR PHENOM

To dream of owning an Anne Sylvain handbag is one thing; to possess what company founder/creator Patricia Raskin describes as a “one-of-a-kind investment-worthy collectible,” is quite another. The company name melds that of Patricia’s artist grandmother, Anne, with that of her grandfather, Silvan, an arbiter of refined taste. Using exotic leathers and the stamp of artisan quality, each USA handcrafted bag is not only an investment, but a to-be-cherished work of art. Info: annesylvain.com.

As long as pedicures rule the summer, the sandal will remain a seasonal staple.

But when a line of affordable sandals beckons with massage-like comfort and a truly outrageous glam factor, “seasonal” is off the table. Intrigued? Introduced to Oka-B a couple years ago, I fell in love (spoiler alert: the company also makes adorable flats and wedges). From arch support and bendiness to delectable waterproof colors decked out in gems and bows. Take a pair for a test drive and you won’t take them off! Info: oka-b.com.

FACE VALUE

FORM MEETS FUNCTION

ON EDGE

When the sun goes down, or when your day is designated an indoor sport, consider adding a flash of shimmer to your cheek, brow and décolleté. A recent (and most welcome) discovery: a small disk with a swirl of lightcatching flecks called You Glow Girl Baked Highlighter. This unique, multi-dimensional complexion booster (any skin tone or type) comes from J. Cat Beauty in mythical colors like White Goddess, Mermaid Skin and Moon and Back. Warning: Can be habit forming.

Info: jcatbeauty.com.

Do not get me started on how excited I was to find Unbelt—the only belt that doesn’t a) burden me with bulky buckles (it’s a sweet 1/8” thick and comes in gold and silver); and b) allow my jeans to slide south. Their pitch that you don’t even need to remove it from pant loops to wash nearly brought me to tears. Comes in a whole bunch of colors; “built to hug, not pinch,” one size fits sizes 0 to 24X. Come September: A unisex, metal-free version with secret money pouch. Stay tuned! Unbelt.com

Weathered coins no longer minted; a tiny brass lock; cameos and crystals; beads from 1920s… these are the kinds of recycled and reclaimed materials jewelry artist Mark Edge incorporates into his signature “eco-vintage” creations.

Whenever I come across Edge’s pieces featuring these elements (not all of his collections do), I’m drawn both to the artistry and the sepia world that gave these bracelets and necklaces their genesis. Wear one of them and you can expect compliments… many, many compliments. Info: markedge.com. •

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25

STYLE

GLOBAL BEAUTY

By Ann Lawlor

e all have our go-to beauty products, but there are some tried-and-true ingredients from around the world that will rock your beauty routine. So let’s take a journey. Pack your (beauty) bags! Here, your visa to some of the bestselling beauty products from around the world.

JAPAN

ISRAEL

Tatcha Plum Blossom Silk Lipstick This lipstick brings a youthful, cool plum pink blush to lips with a fine hint of 23-karat gold for a creamy, lustrous finish to flatter any complexion, day or night. Info: tatcha.com; $55.

Lavido Thera Intensive Foot Cream This ultra hydrating foot cream is formulated with the aromatic Achillea plant and purifying oils like distilled myrtle and Organic Tea Tree. Serves to moisturize and repair chafed skin as well as purify and prevent foot odor. Leaves skin soft, supple and energized. Suitable for all skin types. Info: lavido.com; $28.

FRANCE

USA

Les Absolus D’Annick Goutal Perfumed Shower Gel Between enchanting notes and sweet softness, the Bath and Beauty products of the Les Absolus collection melt on the skin, wrapping us in their exquisite trail. The gel, with its creamy foam, gently awakens the skin while offering a real moment of relaxation and pleasure. Info:us.annickgoutal.com; $28.

Farmacy Bright On Massage-Activated Vitamin C Mask Turn your bright on! Brighten and detox in one step with this color-changing vitamin C clay mask that transforms color as it transforms your skin. The face mask contains antioxidants and AHAs that remove buildup and impurities to visibly improve skin texture and tone. Instantly reveal your brightest, most perfect skin!

Info: farmacybeauty.com; $38.

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IRELAND

ICELAND

CANADA

Pestle and Mortar Recover Eye Cream Recover is the superior eye care product from Pestle & Mortar. Recover is an eye-cream formulation which is packed with multi-tasking goodness. The active ingredient, Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 is a powerful peptide which stimulates collagen production from the inside-out, making it a super-effective anti-ageing tool. Info: pestleandmortar.com; $54.

Blue Lagoon Lava Scrub Composed of lava surrounding the Blue Lagoon, Lava Scrub renews your skin, leaving it smooth and luminous.

Using moist fingers and a light, circular motion, apply to face and body and rinse thoroughly. Fragrance free and dermatologically tested. Info: bluelagoon. com; $115.

Bleu Lavande Multifunctional Day & Night Face Cream This moisturizing facial cream day and night contains no parabens, artificial fragrance, mineral oil and alcohol and is not tested on animals. With continuous use, you will help slow down signs of skin aging with its anti-aging barriers, its anti-inflammatory effects and toning properties. Info: en.bleulavande.com; $31.

KOREA

SWITZERLAND

BRAZIL

Am ore Pac i f i c Pr ime Res er ve Epidynamic Activating Crème (Limited Edition) A richly textured and targeted treatment that awakens skin’s youthful potential. Use a spatula when applying to stimulate skin and to prevent fine lines, dark circles, and lost elasticity, for a much more youthful, healthier look. Info: us.amorepacific.com; $750.

La Prairie White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire This lavish moisturizing cream offers new levels of luminosity and evenness.

It works to illuminate the skin as if by a flattering light – with results that are measurable in two weeks, visible in four, extraordinary in eight. Info: laprairie. com; $695.

Murumuru Reconstructive Hair Mask This reconstructive hair mask helps repair dry, damaged or over processed hair.

Perfect for textured or curly hair. This rich formula is packed with luscious Brazilian murumuru butter which deeply penetrates to repair hair fibers while sealing split ends.

Info: naturabrasil.com; $25. •

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27

STYLE

BEAUTIFUL BLUES

By Ann Lawlor

ith summer coming to an end, it’s easy to get the most of these days with some hot accessories. Fashionable women always add a touch of blue to remind them of those bright blue skies and calming waters. Here, our picks of blue hues.

KATE SPADE

DAVID YURMAN

MODO

Cameron Street Hilli Leather Crossbody The crossbody bag boasts a smooth leather that zips up for dashing out the door. Did we mention it’s lightweight, scratch-resistant and wipes clean, too?

Info: katespade.com; $158.

Continuance Ring A twisted sterling silver band and beautiful faceted stone center lend enduring elegance to the Continuance ring from David Yurman. A perfect finishing touch to your summer blues.

Info: davidyurman; $1,250.

454 Sunglasses Fashionable sophistication is the keyword here. These Crystal Navy sunglasses will go everywhere with style. Lightweight and flexible, Modo has always been known for their creative offerings, uncompromising craftsmanship, and value. Info: modo; $270.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Fantastic Animal Print Square Scarf Exquisite colors and delicate 100 percent silk are perfectly combined to create this exquisite print scarf. Available in a number of designs for the sophisticated woman. Info: ferragamo.com; $380.

Curatora Sandals It’s a step in the right direction with these Electric Blue leather sandals featuring curved front straps and flattering stiletto heel. The stunning design is inspired by the African continent and its deeplyrooted tribes. Info: manoloblahnik.com; $795.

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MOVADO Heritage Series Celestograf The Celestograph watch features a rich rose gold ion-plated stainless steel case with a round white mother-of-pearl with day, date and moon-phase sub-dials. To finish off this stunner is a top-stitched navy leather strap with rose-toned buckle. Info: movado.com; $695. •

STYLE

SILVER BELLES

MOTHER NATURE KNOWS BEST

By E. Hoffman

omen of all ages are embracing their silver streaks and showing off the badge of aging proudly. True, blondes may have more fun, but gray gals have it made in the shade. Gray is no longer old or aged. It’s debonair, dignified, and downright sexy.

The fact that it’s suddenly trendy is a good thing for aging. Celebrities like Lady Gaga, Helen Mirren, Rihanna, Judy Collins and Rita Moreno have also chosen silver strands. Headlines are no longer referring to gray a word generally associated with dullness, dreariness, sadness, and gloom. It’s become a fashion statement.

We salute women of all ages who have welcomed their gray tresses! Here, some New York women who are embracing the course of nature—gracefully!

JAMIE deROY, 70s

Caberet Performer/Actress/Broadway Producer Jamie deRoy first noticed a few strands of gray at age 18 and was completely salt and pepper by 35. “I had an agent who told me I wouldn’t get any commercial work with silver streaks in my hair so I dyed it and my hair turned green!” She then dyed it again and was left with red and brown highlights. “It took me literally 30 times to wash out the color,” deRoy said.

After the mishap and on the advice of another agent, deRoy let her hair grow all silver. The look has paid off mightily for her.

She is a six-time Tony Awardwinning producer; cabaret, stage, film and TV performer; recording artist and humanitarian. She has produced scores of Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Her Jamie deRoy & friends cabaret series has been attracting New York audiences for 28-years.

What are her thoughts on today’s silver hair trend, especially among young women? “I think it’s fun,” deRoy said. “I wish it happened years ago!” ©Laura Pennance

MELISSA MALEBRANCHE, 40s

Donor Relations Manager/NYU’s School of Professional Studies Melissa Malebranche started graying at age 17. She didn’t let her hair grow all out until three years ago at age 41.

“I tried to hide it for years,” she said.

Malebranche became a blonde so her hair would blend in with the gray. “I have grown to love my silver hair, but I don’t think I ever would have colored it gray on purpose,” she said.

“Letting my silver hair shine through has been an exercise in acceptance.”

For Malebranche, a Silver Belle “is a woman who has completely accepted who she is and loving the reflection in the mirror.”

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NANCY OZELLI, 60s

Actress/Model Nancy Ozelli attributes her success as a model to her gray hair. “When I think of a Silver Belle, I visualize the belle of the ball,” she said. “That’s how I feel on a good hair day,” Ozelli noticed her first gray hair in her early teens. Gray hair also happened at an early age for her father who had a full head by his early 20s. After trying many different hair colors over the years, Ozelli let her gray hair grow out when she was in her late 20s. “My blonde mother was unhappy that I let my hair go natural,” Ozelli noted. “She thought having a gray-haired daughter aged her.”

Ozelli is pleased that women today realize silver hair is attractive. “Perhaps they noticed a Silver Belle and were inspired by her,” she said. “I like that!”

MICHELLE GOLDEN, 30s

Public Relations/Text 100 Co. Michelle Golden has had silver strands since elementary school. By high school, she had concentrated patches if she flipped her hair to one side. “I had full silver roots when I was in my mid-to-late 20s,” she said. Golden was dyeing her roots every few weeks to keep her original dark brown color. Two years ago, she let her hair grow out naturally. “It was a stark contrast and a transition,” she said.

It was the trend amongst young girls to go silver that was the motivating factor for Golden. “It gave me the push to let my silver hair grow out,” she said. “I was apprehensive. But seeing young faces desire silver hair allowed me to let go and give in to my natural color.” Golden gets compliments on her gray hair practically every day. “The question I get most often is ‘where do you get your hair done?’ People are shocked to hear it’s my natural color.”

To Golden, the term, Silver Belle, sounds “delicate and pure.” She has not been called it, but she has been referred to as a Silver Fox many times. •

Montego Bay Resort

1.800.962.1349

1800 Boardwalk North Wildwood, NJ

info@montegobayresortnj.com

www.montegobayresortnj.com

TRAVEL

MOHEGAN SUN A YEAR-ROUND ESCAPE

By Darren Paltrowitz

he luxurious two-tower hotel at Mohegan Sun allows guests the flexibility to stay for a quick escape or indulge in a weekend getaway. The Sky Tower and Earth Tower combined boast 1,563 spacious and elegantly appointed guest rooms and 175 suites, Mohegan Sun offers guests the opportunity to leisurely experience a wide variety of fine dining and entertainment.

Like the rest of Mohegan Sun, the 34-story hotel exterior and interior reflect Mohegan Tribal stories, traditions and designs as well as the Tribe’s affinity with nature. The gleaming, crystalline tower pays homage to the natural materials the Mohegan’s used to fashion arrowheads and the ceremonial objects that acknowledged good spirits, such as rock and smoky quartz. Its glass curtain-wall system gently reflects the landscape, while the building’s geometric shape and large windows provide panoramic views of the surrounding New England countryside.

Operated by the Mohegan Tribe, it encompasses 240 acres of reservation land nestled along the banks of the Thames River in Uncasville, CT. In addition to its 364,000-square-feet of gambling space, there’s also a Mandara Spa, multiple pools, fitness centers, a shopping arcade, and Golf Club. Given the wide range of amenities, no matter the weather, visitors can do as much (or as little) as they please.

Then, of course, there’s the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena (which has hosted Billy Joel, The Eagles, Jennifer Lopez and Bon Jovi, as well as being home to the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun), the Wolf Den (which has hosted Eddie Money and MC Hammer), and the comedy club known as Comix. In addition, the property has been the host of numerous festivals, including the Sun BrewFest, the Heart Of America Balloon Festival, and the New England Food Truck Festival. In other words, if you time your visit to Mohegan Sun right, you can experience world-class entertainment above all of the fun and relaxation you would expect.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33

IN THE AREA

Visitors to Mohegan Sun will also discover Mystic Country, a region rich in museums, attractions, vineyards and more. A trip to Mohegan Sun serves as the springboard for an unforgettable getaway, or an action-packed trip the whole family can enjoy, or a solo retreat. The following is a sampling of things to see and do in southeastern Connecticut. Info: Mystic Country, visit mystic.org.

Mystic Seaport The Museum of America and the Sea is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Explore American maritime history firsthand as you climb aboard historic tall ships, stroll through a re-created 19th century coastal village or watch our working preservation shipyard in action. Info: mysticseaport.org.

Old Lighthouse Museum The first government lighthouse in Connecticut was built in 1823. A climb to the tower offers a panoramic view of Long Island Sound, and the public can enjoy exhibits tracing the history of the community first settled in 1649. Info: stoningtonhistory.org/light.htm.

The Tantaquidgeon Indian Museum The oldest Native American Museum in the country was founded in part by Gladys Tantaquidgeon, the Mohegan Tribe’s medicine woman. Opened in 1931, the museum has a collection of artifacts made and used by Mohegan Indians. Info: call 860.848.9145.

The Spirit of Broadway Theater

The Connecticut Wine Trail A numb er of lo c a l w iner ies and v ine yards fe ature d ai ly w ine t ast ings and a guide d tou r including Stonington Vineyards (stoning tonv ineyards.org), a Connecticut and California based operation on a beautiful 48-acre hilltop vineyard in North Stonington, and Chamard Vineyards (chamard. com), which sits on 40 acres of gently sloping fields on the Connecticut Coast.

The Spirit of Broadway This is an intimate, 74-seat, professional, award-winning black box theater which produces the very best in off-Broadway, regional and world premiere productions. Nationally recognized for artistic excellence and commitment to producing the finest in new works for the stage, The Spirit of Broadway Theater combines the best in regional talent with professional actors to create an unequalled theater experience. In addition to theatrical productions the theater presents the top names in New York City professional Cabaret talent throughout the year. Info: spiritofbroadway.org.

Mystic Seaport

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Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: Here’s 2.5 hours of fun for all ages. The 100-year-old Essex Steam Train takes guests on a nostalgic tour of some of the Connecticut River Valley, during which guests meet up with a riverboat for a spectacular cruise heading north on the Connecticut River toward Gilette’s Castle. For an even more memorable experience, visitors can enjoy the dinner train. Rides take place, rain or shine, May through October. Info: essexsteamtrain.com.

DINING DELIGHTS

With more than 40 dining venues, you’ll win at these tables! Whether it’s a quick bite on the run, a casual lunch with friends or a savory meal at a gourmet restaurant, there’s something for everyone from celebrity restaurateurs to burgers and barbecue. And, yes, there are plenty of buffet options, too.

SolToroo Grill ©Melissa Paltrowitz

Gourmet The options are endless and include Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain which celebrates American cuisines, BALLO Italian Restaurant for exceptional cuisine, Pasta Vita featuring over 100 freshly prepared entrees, and Todd English’s Tuscany with its accent on old world Tuscan fare.

For prime steaks, head to Michael Jordan’s Steak House for its classic cuisine, award-winning wine, and personalized service. The menu can be dizzying with so many options available. Therefore they’ve made it easier for diners with a red “MJ” bullet on selected choices denoting popular choices. My guest and I decided on the red bullet recommendations and started with orders of Nueske’s Double Smoked Bacon. The four large pieces of thick-cut bacon are not like anything you will get in your local butcher shop. They are juicy, to say the least, and served on top of a maple syrup glaze that is infused with black pepper. For the main course, the Bone-In Kansas City Strip was perfect. Other beef selections include a Prime New York Strip or Prime Delmonico. Of course, leave some room for a delectable dessert called The Bomb which includes flavoring from Chocolate Peanut Kit Kats or if you prefer the 23 Layer Chocolate Cake.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House

Casual Dining Among the options available are Bobby’s Burger Palace from celebrity Chef Bobby Flay; Chief ’s Deli for classic sandwiches, soups, and salads; Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana offering brick oven thin-crust pizza; Jasper White’s Summer Shack Oyster Bar featuring a seasonal New England kitchen from famed restaurateur Jasper White; Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville an island escape with flavors of the Florida Keys.

A favorite among guests is SolToro Tequila Grill, located in Casino of the Sky, for its authentic Mexican menu. Start off with the Guac For Two prepared tableside on the Guac & Roll cart. Served with house-made chips it makes the perfect appetizer.

SolToro’s generously-portioned Taco Platters all consist of three tacos, as served beside rice and black beans. For an entrée try The Roasted Duck Tacos which are flavorful—you won’t be disappointed. The dish includes pickled vegetables and puffed bean noodles, as served beside cherry hoisin sauce.

SolToro also offered an extensive cocktail menu with over 200 brands of tequila available. A good choice is the Mexican Standoff: Don Julio Reposado with hibiscusinfused agave and lemon flavoring. Another option is The Spicy Pina with hints of pineapple flavor and spice (best consumed with a glass of ice cold water nearby!).

The Brownie Sundae dessert capped off an evening of incredible flavor experiences.

What makes Mohegan Sun so appealing? Well, for starters it offers something for everyone day and night. Entertainment and gambling options or pure relaxation that includes a full-service spa as well as fine dining make this the perfect escape—in your own backyard!

For more information on Mohegan Sun and its attractions, visit mohegansun.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35

TRAVEL

PEDAL POWER

BIKING LOCAL WINE COUNTRY

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

hat’s the best way to experience some of the metropolitan area’s beautiful vineyards and wineries—and get a little exercise for good measure? Well, Pour & Pedal may be a good solution. With five locations on Long Island and in New Jersey, here’s a great way to explore local wine country in a unique and fun way.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Pour & Pedal founders Jason and Jen Cohen were so impressed with their wedding venue, Rafael Winery on Long Island’s North Fork, that they were excited to introduce more of their friends to some of the North Fork’s great wineries. When they encountered busy wineries packed with crowds, they became determined to find a better way to get people into these busy wineries with some exclusive access.

Pour & Pedal’s all-inclusive tours provide top-of-the-line hybrid bicycles equipped with baskets. Helmets, water bottles, snacks, a tour map, and safety instructions are also provided. Want to take home some of your favorite wines that you tasted? You will find the staff very accommodating to transport your purchases in their support vehicle.

And then it hit them. Organize a group of wineries that would be willing to provide private tasting events for their group. Then they added the perfect way to get their group to the wineries—on bicycles!

“Now in our eighth year, we feel we have developed great relationships with our partner wineries,” says Jason. “We feel we have become ambassadors for local wine regions.”

Each tour includes two wineries visits to the tank room, barrel cellar along with a perspective into the winemaking process. This is then followed by a wine tasting. The tours average approximately 10-plus miles and generally follow a predominately flat terrain.

Peddling to the next winery is rewarded with another wine tasting and a picnic lunch. And depending on the location, you may have a chance to ride through the vineyards—available only to Pour & Pedal guests.

LONG ISLAND Long Island has two Pour & Pedal locations—the original one on the North Fork and one in the Hamptons. The wineries visited on the North Fork tour vary each week (they have a long list of winery partners in this region). We visited Lenz Winery and Pellegrini Vineyards. Especially memorable was the bike ride through the vineyard after enjoying a delicious picnic lunch. The Hamptons tour visits two of the South Fork’s three wineries—Wolffer Estates, Channing Daughters Winery, or Duck Walk Vineyards.

NEW JERSEY After a successful first year with the North Fork operation, Jason and Jen wanted to expand.

They partnered with their friends Lou and Christina De Martino who, given their knowledge of the many wineries in New Jersey, realized the potential of the Garden State’s viti-cultural areas.

We had so enjoyed our tour experience with Pour and Pedal’s flagship tour on Long Island’s North Fork that we were eager to try one of their tours in New Jersey. Located in the heart of Central Jersey, The New Egypt Tour offers visits to Cream Ridge Winery and the beautiful Laurita Winery which will have you thinking Napa Valley in no time. Most of the ride was on a gravel bike path where you could ride side-by-side and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

You may also want to try the The Ringoes Tour, which includes visits to the 90-acre farm housing the Unionville Vineyards through picturesque rolling hills that take you to Old York Cellars for another tasting and the catered lunch complete with a full glass of your favorite chosen wine. The Cape May Tour offers an approximate 10-mile ride through this historic beach area with stops at Hawk Haven Winery and Cape May Winery.

For more information on Pour and Peddle, visit pourandpeddle.com. • 36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

beautiful beachfront luxury

Check your cares at the front desk and explore the oceanfront Pan American Hotel where our professional crew stands ready to meet your every need. Lovely first class rooms feature private balconies providing sweeping aerial views of the ocean.

On the Beach at Crocus Road • 5901 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood Crest, NJ 08260 609.522.6936 • Visit us at www.PanAmericanHotel.com

A MOREY RESORT

TRAVEL

CHARLESTON, SC

HIGHLIGHTS, HISTORY & HERITAGE

By Ruth J. Katz

aiting for my Uber car to arrive, I was musing about the graciousness and elegance of Charleston, South Carolina arguably among the top tourist destinations in the States.

This appealing municipality of some 150,000 residents has garnered countless accolades, attesting to its amiable, cordial, and history-filled profile from local and national publications.

Of course, if the tributes are not enough to convince you to hop on a plane to savor some Southern hospitality yourself, perhaps my Uber driver’s co-pilot would assuredly seal the deal: Up pulls my sedan, and who is riding shotgun?

Gunner, a Chattahoochee gun dog! Imagine that happening in Gotham.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Aside from canine friendliness, there is much to admire in this city. History is at every turn: Take a stroll down Meeting Street past the lovely South Carolina Historical Society (and its charming gift shop) and the verdant Washington Square Park to Broad Street. Here are the Four Corners of Law: the Lord’s Law is St. Michael’s Church, the US Post Office is the federal law, City Hall represents civil law, and the courthouse, state law.

Dotting the city’s historic district and beyond are countless remarkable and celebrated homes. (Tip: Buy the Charleston Heritage Foundation’s Heritage Passport, available in a few configurations, which affords entrée into most of the renowned sites, including two nearby plantations.) Don’t miss The Heyward Washington House, once home to both George Washington and to a signer of the Declaration of Independence; the Joseph Manigault House, one of the most distinguished dwellings in the city, and a paragon of Federal architecture; the Aiken-Rhett House, unaltered since 1858, illustrative of antebellum architecture; the Nathaniel Russell House, arguably the nation’s most important neoclassical dwelling; and the Edmonston-Alston House, where General Beauregard once surveyed the bombarding of Fort Sumter. At the newly renovated Gibbes Museum of Art, the oldest museum building in the South, a stellar collection that spans four centuries is a must-see. I toured the entire museum and regretted I did not have more time to appreciate its impressive exhibits.

38 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

Aiken-Rhett House

I ventured out of town to Middleton Place (a former plantation, with a National Historic Landmark designation), making a brief stop en route at the stunning Magnolia Plantation. It was a gorgeous day, and Middleton’s herd of sheep were grazing, lollygagging contentedly among the tourists. It is the former home to Henry Middleton, a President of the First Continental Congress and his son, Arthur, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The flora—America’s first formal gardens—are magnificent, now over 270 years old.

After taking in the family’s living quarters, venture to Eliza’s House, a slave cabin. Pick up a copy of Slavery at Middleton Place, a very well researched volume that carefully recounts life on the other side of the divide.

Hardly a footnote, do not overlook the Old Slave Mart Museum, in the heart of town and right near the Market, a vast open-air series of sheds with all manner of foods, souvenirs, and trinkets. Nearby, on King Street, the Preservation Society of Charleston has a wonderful gift shop, featuring local artisans’ wares.

Middleton Place House

BEST STAY

In the pursuit of “work,” I have called the five-star the Wentworth Mansion home (at least for three nights). It is clear that owners Linn Lesesne and Richard Widman (along with their caring staff) do all they can to make your stay simply seamless. These very cordial proprietors proffer a tray of elegant crystal carafes of port and brandy all day long in a snug, vest-pocket anteroom, and lemonade and iced tea in the Great Room. Every day at 5 PM, wine and hors d’oeuvres are offered in the Main Salon and wraparound porch.

Wentworth Mansion

ENTICING EATERIES Charleston is a food lover’s mecca where one can sample all the enticing eateries and experience the cuisine from so many gifted chefs. Lunch at 82 Queen Street was a toothsome treat, under the whisk of Chef Steve Stone, it is one of the city’s oldest restaurants and not to be missed. Try 492, a convivial watering hole and dining destination, under the direction of Chef Josh Keeler, whose award-winning cuisine will please every palate. Reservations are not easy to come by at Husk, which has four locations in the South. Here, James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock transforms the essence of Southern food. I celebrated my birthday at the Charleston Grill at the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel; upon hearing it was my special day, the manager arranged for a Champagne tasting with a flight of fine, seductive wines. Dinner was mouthwatering, worthy of the Four Diamond Award the restaurant earned from AAA.

A member of Small Luxury Hotels, the Wentworth is a gracious 21-room hotel, once the 1886 Gilded Age family home to Francis Silas Rogers, a wealthy merchant, and father of 13! The stately manse passed into the hands of two organizations before Widman purchased it in 1997 and pumped some seven million dollars into restoring its heirloom grandeur, highlighting imperial architectural details, including Tiffany glass, and adding modern, marble baths and 21st-century necessities. Widman even installed a widow’s walk on the roof, providing a panorama of the city. In a separate edifice, across the charming gardens, is the Circa 1886 restaurant, serving the most succulent and creative fare—no surprise, since Charleston is a foodie’s paradise. Another cozy building houses the sybaritic spa. Info: wentworthmasion.com.

Charleston, SC

For more information on Charleston, South Carolina, visit charlestoncvb.com. • © 2018 Ruth J. Katz All Rights Reserved AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

TRAVEL

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND A LUXURY GETAWAY

By Stacey Zable

irates play a big part in Amelia Island’s heritage and guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island will feel as if they’ve found their own pirate’s treasure upon arrival at the oceanfront resort. It’s only a short flight from New York City to Florida’s Jacksonville International Airport and then a quick 30-minute drive to this 446-room property that provides all that you need for a stress-free stay that excels in pampering service.

Here, four reasons to book The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island as your next luxury vacation.

THE BEACH

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island’s sits along a quarter-mile of wide, white sand beach that is spectacular. The pristine sands are accessible via three private boardwalks that take you over dunes that are home to gopher tortoises. There is even a Sand Castle Concierge to offer the how-to on the best sand building techniques plus the tools for making your beauties. At night, a beach bonfire can be paired with s’mores.

THE POOLS

Find your special spot among the tiered seating surrounding the outdoor pool, dedicated kid’s area, and hot tub and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean. For added indulgence, private poolside cabanas are filled with padded lounge chairs, a stocked mini-fridge, sunscreen, and flat-screen TV. An indoor heated pool and hot tub ensure that taking a dip can be done in any kind of weather yearround. There is also a dedicated adults-only outdoor pool at the spa with therapeutic underwater music plus a separate whirlpool with cascading waterfall. Food can be delivered to the relaxing spa pool deck, so you never have to leave your relaxing lounge chair.

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The Lobby Bar The Amelia Roll Ocean Bar & Grill

SALT

THE RESTAURANTS

The culinary experience at the property includes a choice of five dining venues catering from your casual to upscale mood. The AAA Five-Diamond SALT offers an elegant setting where the selection of more than 40 salts from around the world comes into play from how the meal is prepared to how it is presented. Head to the dedicated salt shop located on the property to taste and buy your selections to bring home.

Though a more casual setting, Coast restaurant offers an extensive seasonal menu, including an abundant daily breakfast buffet. An outdoor terrace allows you to take in the ocean views. Light bites and made-to-order sushi and sashimi are paired with cocktails, wine, and beers at The Lobby Bar. The Pub offers local craft beers and bar fare that can be paired with time at the pool table. The Ocean Bar & Grill serves a poolside lunch menu of seafood, salads, sandwiches, and drinks.

ABOUT AMELIA ISLAND Amelia Island is a barrier island located on 13 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline. Plan an afternoon in historic downtown Fernandina Beach, a short drive from The Ritz-Carlton, where you can stroll quaint shops and restaurants. The property’s daily resort fee includes the use of two bicycles for two hours so you can take off along the more than 40 miles of bike trails to take in the island’s lush foliage and ocean views. Guided kayak tours through the Intracoastal Waterway can also be set up through the concierge.

For more information ameliaisland.com.

on

Amelia Island,

visit

WELLNESS & THE SPA

Wellness is a big part of the property’s mantra and if the seaside setting isn’t enough to jumpstart your relaxation then The RitzCarlton Spa, Amelia Island will do the trick. There are plenty of treatments to pick from to soothe your body, face, and mind. Before or after your treatment, the eucalyptus-infused steam room, sauna, indoor hot tub and wet lounge, as well as the outdoor spa pool, will keep you unplugged and stress-free. Keep the wellness theme going with yoga on the beach and other fitness classes, a long walk along the beach that stretches for miles, time in the well-equipped fitness center, or enjoying on-site golf or one of the offered tennis drill clinics. Schedule your trip during the annual Amelia Island Wellness Festival on November 9th through 11th and package your stay with a weekend that includes yoga, mindfulness, dance, fitness, healthy meals, branded gear, and spa access.

For more information on Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, visit ritzcarlton.com/ameliaisland. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41

TRAVEL

PORTLAND & MT. HOOD A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

By Clint Brownfield

DX, City of Roses, Stumptown—no matter what you call it, Portland, OR, should be on your bucket list. It’s a year-round destination where the temps rarely dip below the freezing mark and where you’ll encounter some of the nicest people in the world.

I’d never been to Portland, but that was remedied quickly one recent weekend, where I virtually ate my way through the city—with a few sips of excellent Oregon wines along the way. The region’s pinot noirs can hold their own with any in the world.

The city dates back to the 1840s when Asa Lovejoy from Boston and Francis Pettygrove from Portland, ME, tossed a coin to name the new city. Pettygrove won the toss, and that’s how Portland got its name. East met west! Today, there are about 650,000 contented people who call Portland home.

A GREEN CITY When in any city for the first time I’m a big fan of always including a tour. And that’s just what I did, after an amazing breakfast at Mother’s Bistro, which is rated one of the top restaurant bargains in the country. Try the French toast! Fortified, I walked to Pioneer Square, Portland’s landmark city center and joined a small group to take a two-hour walking tour of the downtown area (portlandwalkingtours.com). Our excellent guide, a Portland native, pointed out some things that make Portland unique including a solar-powered trash receptacle. When the can gets 20 percent full a compacter kicks in and continues to do so until it’s full. Portland is very eco-friendly. Next to that was an electric fueling station where vehicles can recharge. For free!

We walked along tree-lined Park Avenue, home to many of Portland’s cultural institutions: the Portland Art Museum, the 42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

Oregon Historical Society and performing arts venues. This is a great way to pick and choose what you’d like to delve into more thoroughly during your stay. Then it was time to move on to one of the city’s most famous and treasured highpoints—The Portland Japanese Garden (japanesegarden.org), located above the city in Washington Park, which also contains the Oregon Zoo. The garden features a new glass-enclosed restaurant-tea house where visitors can view the tranquil gardens while savoring a pot of tea. I also had a helping of their chicken fried rice to build up strength for the stroll through the incredible gardens.

Next stop: Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore where it’s virtually impossible not to buy something. I couldn’t resist picking up a leather-bound copy of Gulliver’s Travels for $5.95. It’s on my coffee table now. (Tip: There is no sales tax in Portland. So if you need a new laptop, cell phone or other expensive purchase, apply the savings to the cost of your trip.)

MT. HOOD TERRITORY No trip to Portland is complete without a visit to Mt. Hood Territory which includes Oregon’s highest peak (elevation 11,250 feet) and the surrounding parks and towns offering myriad things to enjoy year round.

NEW HEIGHTS

While it’s easy to scoot around Portland without having a car, you’ll need some sort of vehicle to explore Mt. Hood Territory. I rented a Jeep Cherokee equipped with GPS and drove about an hour to check into Miss Scarlett, at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village (mthoodtinyhouse.com) located in the town of Welches at the base of the mountain. With an area of about 300 square feet, each home features a tiny kitchen, bathroom and TV for a night. In case you don’t feel like fixing a meal you can grab a meal or snack next door at the Dragonfly Café & Bakery. The following night I checked into The Resort at the Mountain (mthood-resort.com), also in Welches, where I could spread out in a large, well-appointed room with a fireplace.

On the way up the mountain, which has the longest ski season in North America, do stop in the town of Government Camp and tour the Mt. Hood Cultural Center, which has exhibits, artifacts and art depicting the history of the area. Then, head on up and stay or enjoy a meal at famed Timberline Lodge which was dedicated by FDR in 1937. The exteriors of the lodge were featured in the classic movie thriller The Shining.

Mt. Hood Territory also includes Oregon City, which was the terminus of the Oregon Trail, which allowed pioneers in the 1800s to take founding editor of the New-York Tribune Horace Greeley’s advice to Go West! Today, visitors can easily spend a few hours here learning about this era in U.S. history through its exhibits and films at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

Mt. Hood Territory offers excellent food and lodging, spectacular scenery and activities for all ages. Families are most welcome in this fantastic neck of the American woods.

For more information on Mt. Hood Territory, visit mthoodterritory.com.

FOOD LOVERS REJOICE!

Dinner that night was at one of Portland’s most revered restaurants—Paley’s Place Bistro and Bar where, since 1995, James Beard Award-winning Chef Vitaly Paley has been wowing guests in a charming Victorian home in Portland’s Nob Hill neighborhood. French and Russian influences infuse his amazing take on Northwestern cuisine. After dinner, a city tram whisked me to the brand new Porter Portland Hotel (curiocollection3.hilton.com) for a restful evening. Located within easy walking distance to Pioneer Square and public transportation, the Porter welcomes guests wanting to relax and explore Portland. The hotel features three dining venues, a spa, fitness center and an indoor pool. Highly recommended!

The next morning I skipped breakfast because I was to meet famed Portland foodie Laura Morgan for one of her extensive tours (thebigfoodie.com) of some of the city’s most prominent food and beverage establishments—with plenty of delicious samples along the way. We sipped tea, dined on house-made sausages and cured meats, savored chocolates, tasted locally processed salt and area honey—reaching a slightly high crescendo at New Deal Distillery where we sampled some of the finest spirits you will ever come across.

While in Portland you will frequently see bumper strips and T-shirts worn by locals emblazoned with the motto Keep Portland Weird. The only thing I found weird about Portland is: Why aren’t there more cities like Portland in this world?

For more information on Portland, visit travelportland.com. •

Porter Hotel

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

TRAVEL

PALM SPRINGS

CALIFORNIA’S DESERT REVIVAL

By Karen Feld

magine traveling back in time to mid-century, the days when the Hollywood studio system still reigned. It was Hollywood’s playground. Homes were mostly second or third ones with generous outdoor space to party. Regulars included Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Nat King Cole, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Dinah Shore, The Rat Pack and other superstars.

Later, as golfers and tennis players moved to newer residential club communities on the outskirts, the downtown fell on hard times.

Fast forward to 2018 and some modern touches to bring it back to life and appeal to a younger generation of travelers. This is Palm Springs today.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

• Extended weekend visits are getting longer and longer as Palm Springs attracts more visitors. Hiking and cycling are popular. Joshua Tree National Park is worth exploring if only to view the brilliant sunset at Keys View, at 6,200 feet; it feels like you’re on top of the world.

• Ditch your hotel pool and head to Salton Sea, located on the San Andreas Fault. It’s at the lowest elevation—some 200 feet below sea level—where you can have a day of birding, boating, and exploring this incredibly scenic area.

• Palm Springs is a shopping destination for antiques and collectibles including unusual items from the sixties, seventies, and eighties. “Vintage clothing and original movie posters sell in a market diluted with reproductions,” said collector/dealer Mike Rivkin of Antique Galleries of Palm Springs. “It’s a destination for high-end art, antiques, and consumables.” A vintage market the first Sunday of each month attracts buyers as well as lookers.

• Shopping and culture abound in the Palm Springs area. For haute couture, stop in at the elite consignment shops on El Paseo in nearby Palm Desert. Savory Spice offers tastes of some 400 herbs and spices. A visit to the nearby historic non-profit McCallum Theatre, which turns 30 this year, is a must regardless of the performance. The A-list lineup includes a variety of big names in music, theatre, and dance.

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• History buffs and nature lovers can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors in the Indian Canyons. Search for artifacts and rock art on a self-guided or rangerled hike. Or tour the Movie Colony where the studio heads had their homes and spend time in the adjacent Ruth Hardy Park. Catch a glimpse of Barbra Streisand’s compound high on a hill and Liberace’s church across from his old house.

• The ever-changing VillageFest is a Thursday evening happening. Many locals credit Sonny Bono for this as well as the revival of the town he represented. Palm Canyon is closed to automobile traffic for blocks as locals and visitors roam the streets with musicians in the background. Vendors sell date shakes and sweet local dates of all varieties, artisan handcrafts including jewelry, clothing, and pottery.

WHERE TO STAY

The striking new Kimpton Rowan Hotel sits one block from the Palm Springs Art Museum and its state-of-the-art Annenberg Theater at the center of the busy old Palm Springs.

The hotel’s rooftop pool and 4 Saints bar attract a youngish party crowd of locals and visitors.

For extended stays, why not rent a home with a pool and outdoor fire pit to experience the true outdoor desert lifestyle.

Neighborhoods are known by the architects who designed the homes. Any structure built before 1969 automatically falls under Historic Preservation. Many of these quintessential traditional mid-century homes have been modernized with extended outdoor spaces.

THE BEST EATS

There’s no shortage of restaurants to fit any taste. Lines form throughout the day at Farm in the Plaza to relax on the patio and satisfy hunger pangs with a Belgian waffle topped with chicken, bacon, and sausage simmered in a creamy butter sauce. If you insist on “clean” food, try the new A La MOD Café or the very trendy Workshop Kitchen & Bar in the Uptown Design District on North Palm Canyon. The food is sourced from local farms and prepared creatively— think shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Apple. Your best bet is a table on the garden patio.

The old school restaurants are still my favorites. Melvyn’s at the Ingleside Inn, the legendary Hollywood hotspot has been refreshed and the patio revamped. They still offer Steak Diane, and Spinach Salad prepared tableside by a server dressed in a tux and white gloves. The ghosts of its famous guests live on— Sinatra’s wedding reception was held there.

Stay late enough, and they’ll happily share old stories. In fact, stop by solo and indulge in a huge Chicken Pot Pie while listening to the pianist.

Check out the photos of Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, and Jerry Lewis among others. Spencer’s Restaurant set in the San Jacinto Mountains is still famous and a popular favorite for its upscale American fare and Hollywood banter too.

For more information on Palm Springs, visit greaterpalmsprings.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45

Global Travel + Tours & EXCURSIONS

“Where Luxury Meets Passion” RJA MEMORIAL MIGHTY MONTAUK TRIATHLON

Come, Join Us!

ounded in 1982 by the late Robert J. Aaron and long considered the east end season opener which would be celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. It features a very scenic course through the beautiful hamlet of Montauk. The race consists of a 1 mile swim, 22 miles bike and 6.2 miles run. This fun event is USAT sanctioned.

This course must be completed in 3 hours 55 minutes.

SWIM - The distance is 1 mile in the calm salt water of Lake Montauk. The course is out and back. Since this race is in the spring, wet suits are recommended (water temperature is normally around 55 degrees Fahrenheit).

One Day Excursion Swimming with the Pigs

BIKE - The distance is 22 miles taking you along Montauk historical routes; giving you a bird’s eye view of the famous Montauk Lighthouse. The course is out and back with some hills. Hardshell helmets (ANSE approved) and bar end plugs are mandatory.

This race adheres to USAT policy of NO DRAFTING.

Spanish Wells or

Major Beneficiaries • Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research • St Therese Youth Group • Phoenix House • East Hampton PBA Harbour Island – Pink Sand Beach • Montauk Ambulance Squad

RUN - The distance is 6.2 miles through the scenic side of Montauk challenging hills. + Optional AdventuresDEVICES Exuma, The NO ELECTRONIC ON THE Bahamas COURSE (ex: iPods, MP3 players etc). No water stops on the bike course. However, Please visitare our for water stops at website one mile intervals on the 242.477.4103 run course. other “Wonder” Excursions!

242.803.4918

alkrallis@gmail.com globaltravelparadiseisland.com

Welcome to Harborside resort montauk

The Harborside Resort Montauk offers a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. On-premise pool and tennis, attractive rooms, studios, suites and efficiencies - each offering many amenities.

Montauk is one of the beautiful resort destinations on the East Coast. Miles of breathtaking coastline, nature trails and preserves, varied watersports from famed surfing to water-skiing to whale watching.

World renowned fishing is found here, too as Montauk is well recognized as one of the top fishing capitals of the world.

For beach lovers, we provide our guests’ access to Montauk’s finest ocean and sound beaches. And, golfers, bring your clubs and golf at the magnificent Robert Trent Jones designed Montauk Downs State Park located just one mile from the Harborside. You can enjoy the pleasure of

371 West lake dr. montauk, nY 11954 631.668.2511 montaukharborside.com

nearby horseback riding, being pampered at a marinotherapeutic spa, great shopping and a trip to our treasured beacon - the Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Sample the gourmet delights of the finest restaurants, just a short walk or drive away.

You will never be at a loss of things to do in Montauk - where a great vacation begins!

TRAVEL

WASHINGTON, DC SHOP TILL YOU PLOP

By Jeremy Murphy

alph Lauren and room service. It’s every traveler’s dream, and in malls across America, it’s becoming a reality as retailers partner with brands like Ritz-Carlton to give their customers a more immersive experience—and new meaning to “shop to you drop.” Now, you can do it at a luxury hotel. Who doesn’t want the end the day of charging your plastic by soaking in a world of fantastic, preferably with Asprey bubbles.

New York’s Time Warner Center, now rebranded The Shops at Columbus Circle, includes a Mandarin Oriental as one of its tony tenants, while Las Vegas hotels have always mixed the slots with Chanel.

PENTAGON CITY

But the template is Washington, DC, where two Ritz-Carlton crown shopping malls within a stone’s throw from the Capital.

Across from the Potomac, the Fashion Center in Pentagon City features three floors of top shops connected to the hotel, giving DC denizens the world’s best medicine—style, sweets and suites. “It is a huge draw for our group and transient guests because it offers additional dining options and shopping is always a favorite past time for leisure travel,” says Manuel Martinez, the hotel’s General Manager. “Most guests run into the mall at one point or another whether to grab a Starbucks or pick up something in one of the shops.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City has always catered to DC’s elite, with 365 luxurious rooms and suites, the famous Club Level experience with delicious culinary delights throughout the day, and its signature Fyve restaurant where guests gather for afternoon tea and after-work cocktails. Its proximity to the actual Pentagon also guarantees a celebrity sighting or two, so practice that salute, soldiers!

One of its prime attractions, though, is the discreet entrance to the popular Fashion Center. A collection of 170 stores, including Nordstroms, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman, await guests—something few competitors can offer. And it’s not shy about saying so. “We partner on various promotions and are exploring options to allow merchants to display items in the hotel,” Martinez said. “We promote various packages throughout the year that tie into the mall and have a shopping element.”

To wit, guests in its top suites are greeted with gift cards to use throughout the mall, which also features a sky-lit food court and the popular Shake Shack, Café Nordstrom and Matchbox American, where wood fired pizza is ready for your Visa.

Bonnie Rubin-Schultz, a Florida journalist who covers the luxury market, calls it a “modern day fantasy. It’s the perfect girlfriend getaway, and even better holiday experience.

Whatever the occasion, the idea of ending the day in a luxury suite is quite enchanting. And a great way for the hotel to distinguish itself.”

TYSONS CORNER

Deeper into the region is The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, which also connects to a luxury shopping experience: the Tysons Galleria.

More intimate, the mall features top brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent. “Washington proper doesn’t have a lot of shopping options,” says Susan Nixon, former publisher of CAPITOL File magazine and now a top DC and Virginia realtor. “People actually have to leave the city limits to find the best brands. Pentagon City and Tysons Corner are within driving distance and have everything you need right there.

And a martini at the Ritz-Carlton afterwards never hurts.”

So, welcome to the future of travel. Instead of jumping in a car to shop or dine, it’s all within an easy escalator ride away.

For more information on Ritz-Carlton Hotels, visit ritzcarlton.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

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THE CATSKILLS A PLACE TO REVEL

By Gerrie Summers

eed a little downtime from a hectic life in the city? Let’s face it, these days we all need a restorative vacation. The Catskills is a good place to start with a stay at Spillian in Fleischmann, NY. A 2.5-hour drive from Manhattan, sits a small village renamed after Charles Louis Fleischmann, founder of the Fleischmann Company, of yeast and whiskey fame and fortune.

Spillian is part inn, part retreat and was originally built in 1882 as a summer cottage for OLD WORLD CHARM the Flesichmann Family. It rests on 32 acres overlooking the village and surrounded by the beautiful Catskill State Park. The property was purchased in 2012 by Leigh Melander Arrive at the inn and you’re immediately taken and Mark Somerfield and opened as Spillian, A Place to Revel in October 2013. Now back in time. The warm and inviting Great rocking chairs line the front porch facing the tranquil scene of ducks floating on a pond. Room features period furniture, a harp, a grand piano and fireplace. All eight bedrooms Spillian in Old English means “to play, to jest, or to revel.” Think raw chocolate workshops, feature antiques, tapestries and original wall Great Gatsby-style garden parties, cheese-making classes, dream workshops, and the murals. I stayed in the Four Seasons room, recent Catskills Trout Tales (catskillstrouttales.com). Held in springtime, this fishing watched over by four goddesses representing celebration features special expos, feasts, hikes, contests and other events celebrating spring, summer, winter and fall pictured in the art of fly fishing. The Catskills are considered the birthplace of American fly fishing. a large tapestry. Elegant touches include the curved windows with serene views of the pond. This was the private sitting room of Max GONE FISHING Fleischmann. Although there was no TV and Day two and the thought of fly fishing was as thrilling the Wi-Fi was a bit sketchy, it didn’t matter. as the gorgeous views. We drove to Esopus Creek After all, I was here for total relaxation. near Mt. Tremper, where licensed guides Mark Loete, Catskill Mountain Angler, and Lenny Millen of The next morning began with a with a Catskill Kingfisher Guide Service, who would teach restorative yoga class followed by a country us the art of fly fishing. After we donned waders and breakfast with farm-to-table greens, fresh eggs, boots, we learned about the lightweight flies used and local breads. This fueled us for what was (which are made of feathers and designed to look like to come. Hiking with Will Soter of Upstate insects found in the area that trout eat), how to set up Adventure Guides (upstateadventureguides. the fly fishing rod, and a couple of fly fishing casting com). Our journey began along Emery Creek techniques. We were then positioned along the creek, where we learned more about the history of fortunately in shallow water, just about up to my the area and the flora and fauna. After lunch knees. After many tries, I didn’t snag anything, except by the waterfalls, our group covered all 32 acres my guide. Note: look behind you before you cast! at Spillian and including sites that in the 19th century featured a tennis court, ornamental For more information on Spillian, visit spillian.com. • gardens, a riding arena (complete with chandeliers) and a deer park.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49

TRAVEL

SAINT LUCIA

AN ISLAND FOR ALL REASONS

By Darren Paltrowitz

iking, biking, mountain climbing horseback riding, nature watching…you name it, and Saint Lucia’s got it. (Alright, so skiing is somewhat limited on an island that averages 80 degrees year-round, but who cares!) There are enough adventures to keep you busy for a week—or a lifetime.

Trek through the lush rainforest, keeping an eye peeled for orioles, black finches, and rare parrots. Gaze out on to sea as majestic frigate birds soar overhead. Look down to spot wild mushrooms, and up to admire bromeliads and orchids clinging to trees. Inhale the scent of jasmine. Wherever you go—whether you arrive on foot, bike or horseback—the twin Piton Mountains dominate your view, a delightful reminder that the best-loved celebrity on Saint Lucia is Mother Nature.

WHAT TO SEE & DO Sulphur Springs Drive-In Volcano The “world’s only drive-through volcano” is an eerie moonscape of sulfurous steam and gurgling yellow-gray mud. Hikers and motorists can travel right into the crater and walk among rock formations that are millions of years old. Nearby natural hot springs are a smelly treatment for tired bones. Featuring water heated close to 110 degrees, these baths are surprisingly cool enough for one to experience a mud bath. Beyond its relaxing properties, many also believe in the healing nature of sulfur touting its anti-aging qualities too.

Gros Islet Street Party If you are seeking the chance to party Saint Luciastyle, street party is an opportunity to do as the locals do. Known as Jump Up the island’s most famous party happens every Friday (except for Good Friday). The event kicks off at sunset and is something between a block party, a cook-out, a pub crawl, and a night at the club. Arts and crafts vendors display their wares, while a DJ-led dance party takes place and restaurants and bars serve their regular menus. For those seeking an all-night experience, the street party does not wrap until the wee hours of Saturday morning.

Caribelle Batik Here visitors are welcome to observe the crafters practicing the 2,000-year-old Indonesian art in this batik workshop which is both sightseeing attraction and a boutique. Hand-printed cotton fabrics, wall hangings, and clothing are created and sold on site. The operation is set in Howelton House, a carefully restored Victorian building which affords beautiful views of Castries Harbour from high on Morne Fortune.

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WHERE TO STAY

Jade Mountain Resort This architectural wonder is perched on a picturesque mountainside and offers guests some of the best views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. Accommodations are called “sanctuaries” uniquely designed with an entire wall open to the outside world. Each sanctuary features an infinity plunge pool extending from the sitting area onto the balcony. The gorgeous Anse Chastenet Beach attracts sun worshippers from nearby hotels who come by boat for a day at the beach or to scuba dive. The waters here are part of the marine reserve teeming with fish, so perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

Kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfers are available at the water sports center. As another day comes to an end, enjoy a cocktail (or two) and be sure to indulge at the Jade Club where Chef Allen Susser, a James Beard Award winner, creates culinary magic. He refers to his menu choices as “Jade Cuisine,” exotic and flavorful fruits, vegetables, herbs, and chocolate—all sourced from the resort’s organic farm. Naturally, fresh seafood is always on the menu and perfectly prepared to taste. Given the comfort and privacy of the sanctuaries, however, it’s no wonder why room service is so popular!

The Body Holiday Voted “Best Overseas Destination Spa” by Condé Nast Traveler, BodyHoliday takes a unique approach to health, fitness, and overall well-being. Presenting a wide range of treatments, therapies, and activities, the 155-room resort, nestled on Cariblue Beach, is probably the only place in Saint Lucia in which one can enjoy archery, scuba diving, Pilates, fitness boot camps, sailing, and Reiki. The resort has five restaurants including Cariblue, the main dining room offering breakfast and lunch (buffet-style) and Tao, for its fine dining specializing in Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine (reservations required).

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort Opened in 1989 and designed

by Barbadian architect Ian Morrison, this resort is intended to look like a Mediterranean Village offering a mix of villas, suites and standard hotel units. Each one- and two-bedroom oceanfront suite has a separate sitting room, kitchen, and hot tub on the terrace. Spacious hillside villas can easily be closed off or opened up to become one, two, or three-bedroom suites; some have private plunge pools. Several estate villas at the top of the hill have three and four bedrooms, private pools, and full kitchens with a private chef.

This all-inclusive spot provides guests five al fresco restaurants, four bars, six swimming pools, a 24-hour fitness center as well as a tennis court, And if you had forgotten to pack your sunblock, sunglasses or any other necessities, there’s even a small store with all the essentials.

Jade Mountain Resort

For more information on Saint Lucia and its attractions, visit saintlucia.org. • Windjammer Landing Villa, North Pointe Villa Terrace

MUSIC TO YOUR EARS The St. Lucia Jazz Festival, part of the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival, launched over 25 years ago and has outlasted most other Caribbean music festivals. The major artists who have performed over the years include Elton John, Santana, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Luther Vandross, Amy Winehouse, and John Legend. This year’s happening was more jazz-focused and included sets by Lalah Hathaway, the Robert Glasper-fronted R+R=NOW, and Avery*Sunshine.

Over the course of seven days, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival took place at a variety of locales including Pigeon Point National Park, the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa, the Rodney Bay-based Harbor Club, and the Sandals Grande Street St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. Other festivals of note in Saint Lucia include the Roots & Soul Festival, Arts & Heritage Festival, and the Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival. Info: stlucia.org/summerfestival.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51

FEATURES

THROUGH THE LENS Photography By AnnieWatt.com

2018 NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY BOOK AWARDS

Winning authors Douglas L. Winiarski, Christina Baker Kline, Diane Waggoner, Jen Rose Smith

Charlotte Brinton, Jane Pflug, Stephen Foley, Jay Sherwood

ACTORS FUND’S ANNUAL GALA HONORS WARREN BEATTY, KENNY LEON, CHITA RIVERA AND UMA THURMAN

Leah Lane, Joshua Jackson, Stewart F. Lane, Bonnie Comley

Pam MacKinnon, Uma Thurman

Brian Stokes Mitchell, Allyson Tucker, Annette Bening, Warren Beatty Nancy Hayward, Anne Hall Elser

NES President Anna Bulkot and NES Book Awards Committee Chair Ellen Scordato

Joseph Benincasa, Kenny Leon

52 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BLERANCOURT COCKTAIL PARTY

Pamela Johananoff, Matthew Adell

Kristen Ernst, Vivian Barrois, Vanessa Uzan

Myles Morgan, Franck Laverdin, Susan Gutfreund, Sonja Morgan, Quincy Morgan, William Kapfer, Pamela Johananoff, Matthew Adell

Vanessa Uzan, Vivian Barrois, Roswitha Rodriques, Kristen Ernst

AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE OXFORD PHILHARMONIC AT THE WALLACE COLLECTION IN LONDON

ANGLOSPHERE SOCIETY IN CELEBRATION OF THE ROYAL WEDDING

ANNUAL BENEFIT OF THE YOUNG PATRONS CIRCLE OF AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE LOUVRE

Consul General Anne-Claire Legendre, Sue Devine, His Excellency Majid Al-Suwaidi

Nicole Rolet, April Gow, Geoffrey de Jager, Caroline de Jager, Roddy Gow, Maestro Marios Papadopoulos

Carol Taber, Lee Cohen, Amanda Bowman

Oxford Philharmonic Musicians

Donald Tober, Barbara Tober, James Watson, Elizabeth Watson

Susan Gutfreund, Geoffrey Bradfield, April Gow

Jane Pflug, Feodor Starcevic, Jan Ogden

David Arquilla, Bill Radin, Dmitry Sholokhov, Katia Kokoreva, Alex Rodriguez

CeCe Black, Lee Black and guests

Michael Scully, Emily Costic, Susan Cushing, Hunter Cushing

Natia Kvachadze, Soraya Alolama, Salma Heri, Paola Carreiro, Zena Jawad

Caroline McCarthy, Delia Folk, Andrew Frazier, Lynnette Lyzwinski

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53

ALISYN CAMEROTA AUTHOR OF AMANDA WAKES UP BOOK SIGNING

CHARLOTTE MOSS ENTERTAINS BOOK SIGNING PARTY AT D. PORTHAULT

CHASHAMA GALA 2018

Pamela Fiori, Charlotte Moss

Leah Lane, Stewart Lane, Bonnie Comley, Anita Durst

Perfect Provenance Founder Lisa Lori, Alexis Clark, Alisyn Camerota

Aedhmar Hynes, Hannah McGovern

Brent Weinstein, Peter Goldberg, Alisyn Camerota, Jay Sures

Female Viagra Founder Cindy Eckert and Laura Brounstein

Ambassador Brenda Johnson, Sharon Hoge, Christy Ferer

Joachim Bader, Mary Snow, Christopher Colley, Catherine Colley

Michael McGraw, Joan Carl, Abby Ostrowski, Christina Gungoll Lepore

54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

Adriana Echavarria, Tony Bechara, Solita Cohen, Estrelitta Brodski

Anita Durst

Leah Lane, Intuitive puppetry and fine art

FRENCH HERITAGE 2ND ANNUAL LITERARY AWARD

MUSICALE 2018 - CASITA MARIA CENTER FOR ARTS & EDUCATION

Elizabeth Stribling, Thad Carhart, Elaine Sciolino

Students of The Gaetana Enders Music Program

Guy Robinson, Francis De Marneff, Jennifer Herlein

NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY COCKTAIL PARTY

KC Sahl, Sarah Moros, Karen Brown, Shika Saraf, Liam Kavanagh, Max Joel, Julie Robbins, Andrew Wallach, David Langer, Eric Sanderson

Graciela Dauhajre, Esmeralda Pedroni Spinola, Isabella Pedroni Spinola, Karla Farach, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Haydee Morales, Alexandra Seegers

Marc Wallach, Peggy Yannas, Maile Dyer, James Wacht, David Alper, Nancy Stratford, Andrew Wallach

Thad Carhart, Elaine Sciolino Maria Wirth, Elise Thoron, Pablo Zinger, Sarah Moulton Faux, Haydee Morales

Thad Carhart, Simo Neri, Christian Draz, Elizabeth Stribling, Francis De Marneff

The Casita Maria Chamber Choir

Sarah Charlop-Powers

Shika Saraf, David Langer, Max Joel, Carter Strickland, KC Sahl, Ted Wolff

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55

NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY’S ANNUAL FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATION

NYC MISSION SOCIETY’S ANNUAL CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN GALA HONORING CATHY HUGHES & MANNIE JACKSON

ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION’S FOLLIES GALA KICKOFF

Greg Joye, Caleb Anderson, Eileen McComb, Emily Eerdmans

New England Society Board Mannie Jackson, Elsie McCabe Thompson, Cathy Hughes, Francis W. Kairson Jr.

Betsy Barbanell, Tracey Dedrick, David Nathans

Mark Gilbertson, Suzanne Clary, Michael Kovner, Jean Doyen de Montaillou Amelia Ogunlesi, Jean Shafiroff, B. Michael, Valerie Simpson

Roger Schmitt, Margaret Ann Harley, Ivan Obolensky, Anna Bulkot

Matt Rich, Annie Watt, Lawrence Kaizer, Alex Donner

Sunny Hayward, Richard Johnson, Mary Latimer-Chung, Cathleen Noland

Stanley Roubough, Cole Rumbough

56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

Bruce Shostak, Emily Collins, David Kelleher-Flight, Lydia Melamed Johnson, Erik George, Robbie Gordy, Michael DiazGriffith

Phillip Reeser, Wendy Moonan, Tracey Dedrick, Jennie McCahey

THE CENTER FOR ARTS EDUCATION’S ARTS JAM

THE HISTORIC HOUSE TRUST HONORS NOTED INTERIOR DESIGNER JAMIE DRAKE

URBAN STAGES’ 2018 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD TO JIM DALE

Vicki Gross, Elizabeth Sarnoff, Richard Anderman

David Duncan, Janice Parker, Michael McGraw

Julie Dale, April Gow, Jim Dale, Francine Pascal, Lynn San Andres

James Druckman, Newell Turner Amy Adler, John Rudio, Jim Greenberg

Antonio Thompson, David Shookhoff, Samantha Britell, Marc Powers

Sheetal Prajapati, Marcia Santoni, Jim Greenberg, Richard Anderman, Abigail Scheuer

Jamie Drake, Ari Kopelman

Ryan Weston, Ric Watts, Elsa Soyars, Justin Shaulis, Erin Flannery, Bunny Williams, John Rosselli

Dan Weiss, Amy Weiss Berkower, Laurie Wenk Pascal

Julie Dale, Frances Hill, Frank Dunlop, Jim Dale, Abou Lion Diarra, Frank Dunlop

Michael Casciato, Angie Casciato, Stanley Zareff, Istvan Olah, Rudy Rufer, Judy Rufer

Whether it is a charitable cause, a magazine cover, or a special occasion, the photographers with Annie Watt.com make an occasion more memorable. Annie and her associates embody the essence of professionalism, seamlessly moving through any assignment with finesse and an innate ability to capture the moment at its heart. Book a photographer/videographer, contact annie@anniewatt.com.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

Welcome.

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FEATURES

TECH TALK

WELCOME TO THE FUTURE

By Ted Owen

hen on the road, I am aware of the need for road safety. This translates into strict no cell phone while driving. I am always mindful of the fact that one day the automation of driving will leave me free to surf the web, play games, or make further strategic plans a reality for whatever device follows the cell phone. Even now, there are exciting developments you find on leading-edge cars which bring that self-driving vehicle one step closer to reality.

APPLE CARPLAY & GOOGLE’S ANDROID AUTO Apple and Google are taking a similar approach to my own business, Play API. Make the best driving experience on the road while providing software to make your content safely accessible to you. Currently available on some 400 car models, CarPlay and Android Auto use the familiar iPhone and Android interfaces and build the software into the display on your car, making accessing music, contacts, and navigation information feel and act just like on your iPhone or Android cellphone. Info: apple.com; android.com.

VENTILATED MASSAGE SEATS When driving and making hands-free calls one of the things that helps me relax is the ventilated massage seats. These seats are designed to enable warm or cold air to evenly flow, thus banishing sticky clothes in summer for good. That massage function can help work away stress, or on long drives to offset the lack of movement.

The latest 2018 Range Rover SVA Autobiography is bringing in hot stone massage seats. Put me on the list for that one. Info: landroverusa.com.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL We all know what cruise control is about. Well, add a radar system into your car that can detect vehicle movements ahead and manage the distance to the next vehicle automatically, and that’s adaptive cruise control.

SELF-PARKING Wish someone else could do that parallel parking? The technology is already here and at your fingertips. And at the push of a button a number of clever lasers and the car’s computer will work out how to turn the wheel—all you have to do is gently work the accelerator.

HEADS-UP DISPLAY

THE BACK STORY

The technology that enables fighter pilots to see essential information in front of their eyes and remove the need to be distracted looking at dials is now available in your car. See the next turn from your GPS programmed route in front of your eyes or check the speed against the current limit easily and safely.

Since May 1st, all new passenger cars sold in America are required to include a rearview camera. Hopefully leading to pin-point precision parking in every shopping mall going forward, the more attentive drivers can indulge in seeking perfection in their every parking maneuver.

COMING SOON This year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas showcased the next auto gadgets which will make our lives even more comfortable. Avis is testing car keys synced to your cell phone.

So all you do is rent and drive away. Cool. Meanwhile, Toyota is developing mini-buses that will serve as mini-offices. Just think of working in a “mini” environment and at days end delivered back home. Welcome to the future! • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59

Daniel J Bollinger Instagram ~ @DanielJBollinger

• New Development Expert • Luxury Specialist • NYC & Brooklyn • Debt/Equity Investments

Contact Daniel for all of your real estate needs: Daniel J Bollinger Licensed Real Estate Salesperson T: 212-367-0423 C: 718-662-9493 Daniel.bollinger@djkresidential.com 101 5th Avenue New York, NY 10003

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

NOTES FROM DB

90 Morton St.

By Daniel J. Bollinger

t’s the middle of the summer, and the heat is melting more than the city. The stock market, the real estate market, and the world in general is “feeling the heat.” On Wall Street the market is continuing to trade sideways and more and more pundits on Squawk Box are forewarning a recession. The NYC real estate market is in grand flux. There have been some major events inside the industry. Some events that have occurred:

108 Leonard

• Town Residential has ceased resales and leasing operations and is solely focusing on new development.

• Keller Williams Midtown had a major shakeup with massive layoffs and restructuring.

• Eastern Consolidated, a 37-year-old commercial brokerage, shut its doors through bankruptcy.

Watch for events like this to continue as the real estate market continues to soften as we transition into a “new reality.” Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens sales inventory is rising at the fastest pace on record. Recorded sales activity dropped dramatically in these markets as well. Simple economic laws of supply and demand forecast further softening. In times like these, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” or, they lower their prices to reflect a new market. Some good examples of this are: • Chelsea’s Walker Tower Penthouse: Originally listed for $42mm, sold for $31mm, a roughly 25 percent price cut.

• 443 Greenwich’s priciest Penthouse: Originally listed for $58mm, sold for $43.7mm, another roughly 25 percent price cut.

• 432 Park Avenue: A ‘flipper’ got out of two apartments for the same price that he bought into them at $60mm, barely breaking even.

The NYC real estate market is shaking things up in response to this. For example, Corcoran Sunshine Group recently was removed from marketing 111 W 57th Street and a $30mm lawsuit ensued. There are great buying opportunities in times like these. Although sellers are reluctant to lower their prices to reflect the new ‘reality’ in today’s market, it is the perfect opportunity for buyers to get their “ducks in a row” and start making realistic offers on properties. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61

WHERE EXCELLENCE LIVES

RYE, NEW YORK | Panoramic views of the Long Island Sound inspiring its traditional design, top quality modern finishes, high ceilings, custom millwork & marble surfaces throughout. This exquisite custom waterfront Georgian Colonial home is prominently sited on a fabulous Rye peninsula. Located only 35 minutes from NYC. 5 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half baths | $13,750,000

RYE, NEW YORK | Spectacular Rye home located in prestigious Milton Point. Almost 5,000 sqft. Colonial ideal for entertaining and warm family living. Second floor views of the Long Island Sound, private backyard with pool and landscaped gardens.

RYE, NEW YORK | Nestled on a private cul-de-sac in Greenhaven, this recently updated home offers top of the line finishes, fixtures and modern amenities. Spacious 3+ heated garage with Swisstrax flooring, screened in porch, flagstone patio and basketball court.

5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths | $3,395,000

6 bedrooms, 4 full and 1 half baths | $2,495,000

Sula Pearlman, Associate Real Estate Broker

C: 914.393.4104 | Sula.Pearlman@Cbmoves.com www.SulaPearlman.com | 25 Purdy Ave, Rye, NY 10580 2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All rights reserved Coldwell banker residential Brokerage supports the principles of fair housing act and the equal opportunity act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. Property information supplied by seller and/or other sources and is not guaranteed. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a listing solicitation.

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

90 MORTON STREET WEST VILLAGE HISTORY

By Daniel J. Bollinger

ucked away in the sought-after West Village, precisely at the corner of Greenwich & Morton Streets, is a former printing factory built in 1912 located at 90 Morton Street. This conversion is being masterfully transformed into a condominium by Brack Capital Real Estate, with concept architecture led by Gottesman Szmelcman Architecture and the interior design by Leroy Street Studio.

The state-of-the-art condominium consists of 35 residences from two-to-five bedrooms, including one townhouse. The façade’s first two floors are limestone, while white brick encompasses the next six. The four penthouse floors are comprised of blackened steel and make for a beautiful visual contrasting the neutral limestone and white brick. The units boast ceilings with original concrete beams and columns that are up to 12’4’’ in height. The penthouses have an ample amount of natural light and outdoor space.

INTERIORS The designers have kept with the original theme of this building by designing interiors I would describe as warm industrial chic. There are varying living spaces; light and privacy have been maximized in each of them. The concrete ceilings and original beam sequences have been preserved which adds to this historic, industrial feel.

Living/Dining Room

The kitchens have quartzite counters and backsplashes of neutral gray.

There is a great design detail around the kitchen island, where this same quartzite is laid around the island forming a border. This helps to define the kitchen space and makes the island pop. The island is expansive and features ample space for dining. Integrated cabinets of walnut veneer create warmth. With appliances from Gaggenau and Sub-Zero, some include double ovens (convection and speed), a wine refrigerator and more. Blackened steel upper cabinets with ribbed glass add to the industrial chic feel. Waterstone fixtures are standard, and there is also a hot/cold filtered water dispenser.

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63

The master baths are studies in white, with honed Royal Danby marble, and an encased tub with great ledges. The secondary baths feature custom medicine cabinets of walnut and are double mirrored with outlets inside the cabinet.

There is a shelf below the medicine cabinet, and the secondary baths also feature a marble encased tub. All baths feature Waterworks fixtures in matte chrome. There are numerous solid wood pocket doors throughout the spaces that help maximize space.

AMENITIES There is a robust amenities package at 90 Morton. From the outside, you can see a carport that provides privacy and security for residents. Next, to the large lobby, there is a private library. One floor below is a 64’ lap pool, a rare amenity, and even rarer to find it in a boutique building. On the ground level is a fully equipped fitness center. On the roof of the building is an expansive terrace that provides views galore of the city. It also features a full kitchen with dining and lounge furniture, a fireplace and a powder room.

Roof Deck

Powder Room

RECAP 90 Morton is another excellent example of luxury development hitting the NYC market. It is a boutique offering with high-end amenities and a fabulous warm industrial chic design. With large loft-like spaces and great designs from Gottesman Szmelcman Architecture and Leroy Street Studio, put 90 Morton Street on your list of great new condo offerings in NYC. For more information on 90 Morton Street, visit 90mortonst.com. • 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

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This 4 bedroom home was enovated and rebuilt in 2013. The 2 story soaring ceilings in the Great room with a wet bar, gas fireplace and a wall of windows that enhance the calming water views and also creates the open concept living spaces that todays buyers desire. Vacation all year with boating, swimming and fishing. This is a must see!

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REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

PRIVATE ISLAND RETREAT COMES TO MARKET

By Lyle Seltzer

once in a lifetime opportunity currently exists to acquire a private island just minutes from Hilton Head Island. This private island can be enjoyed as a family or corporate retreat with unparalled privacy. This beautiful island’s homes, buildings, pathways, and boardwalks were designed with nature in mind. Getting to the island is easy; leaving the beautiful surrounds and the peacefullness of the island may be the hard part. It is a coastal jewel coming to market for the first time.

BUCK ISLAND

Buck Island is situated just off the coast of Hilton Head Island, where Broad Creek gently meets the Calibogue Sound and Intracoastal Waterway. Approximately ten acres of maritime forests provide outstanding and impressive water views from every point on the island. The north and west sides of the island are framed by the Calibogue Sound and Intracoastal Waterway. To the south and east lies Broad Creek and the marshes of Hilton Head Island.

The island consists of the main island and a hammock island covered with live oak, palm, cypress, cedar, and pine trees. The location is ideal for savoring the early morning sunrises and spectacular end of the day sunsets.

Buck Island offers you a sanctuary of peaceful relaxation where memories ebb and flow with the Lowcountry tides.

ACTIVITIES ABOUND

With an annual high average temperature of 75 degrees, sailing and boating are perfect activities for the area. For the fishing enthusiast, Buck Island offers a rich variety of inshore fishing, shrimping, and crabbing, as well as wonderful offshore sport fishing, in the surrounding waters. For those who enjoy a good game of golf, nearby Hilton Head Island has more than twenty-four championship courses, both public and private for golfers of all skill levels.

66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

THE HOME

A true generational asset, the main home was constructed in the late 1980’s and has been in the same family since. This picturesque compound includes the main house with a pool and ponds, guest house, storage barn, and docks all connected by paths and tree-lined walkways. The island is self-sufficient with water in place and electric provided from shore.

Stepping ashore and traveling along the quiet path beneath the forest canopy leading to this magical home, is a sensation like no other. It feels like a departure from the current cares of the world or even to another era entirely. The home is equipped with modern conveniences including a fitness center, wine closet, office and gas fireplace. •

BUCK ISLAND

INCREDIBLE PRIVATE ISLAND RETREAT

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602 COLONIAL DRIVE

4 bedrooms | 4½ bathrooms | 4954 sq. ft. | $799,000

8 LINDEN PLACE

The Main House features 3 bedrooms/4 full baths/1 half bath - comprised of a master suite with Brazilian Cherry ceilings and 2 guest bedrooms all with private baths. The formal living room with Brazilian Cherry ceilings features a gas fireplace as well as a wet bar. A formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, study/library, interior/exterior atriums, wine closet, office as well as a fitness center round out the remaining rooms. On property is a 3 bedroom/2 bath Guest House, 2 Docks as well as a whole host of extras.

4 bedrooms | 4½ bathrooms | 5200 sq. ft. | $765,000

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AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

108 LEONARD

ELEGANTLY DEFINING TRIBECA

By Daniel J. Bollinger

s the NYC real estate market cools down and the competition in the luxury sector heats up, 108 Leonard is a masterpiece of design and architecture. In these market times, one usually sees a flight to quality meaning the act of moving capital away from risky investments and toward safer investments due to uncertainty about the overall economy. 108 Leonard is waiting with open arms.

This project is sponsored by C3GB, with development managed by Elad Group, while Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) has designed the interiors. The building has been completely restored and re-designed inside. In fact, the building is an Italian Renaissance Revival landmark spanning an entire city block and initially built in 1894 by renowned architects McKim Mead & White. This is one of Tribeca’s most iconic century-old buildings, which has been restored with all the timely attributes of that century including dramatic details of scale, proportion, and volume paired with updated, modern forms and contemporary design details. The impressive one-to-four bedroom condos are currently available at prices starting at $1.6 million.

The façade could not be replicated today, with all of its arched windows of varying sizes, columns galore and grand entrances (three to be exact). The fully restored Leonard Street lobby boasts floor-to-ceiling marble and landmarked double height ceilings—adorned with design choices such as Blue de Savoie chevron patterned flooring, a custom satin black and hammered nickel paneled reception desk and dual staircases that flank twin seating groups. There’s additional discrete seating on the mezzanine level offering a step back in time concerning volume and space and a step into tomorrow with modern materials. The two other lobbies at Lafayette and Broadway provide entrances featuring high contrast dark stone flooring in a chevron pattern; cove lit ceilings with intricate molding detail; custom satin black and hammered nickel paneled reception desks and custom cast glass feature walls. These are the elegant design details that you will notice upon your arrival, and the interiors match this timeless point of view.

INTERIORS

The interiors are beautiful. With 9.5 to 15-foot ceiling heights, there is a plethora of light that enters these residences. Even the lower floors have incredibly high ceilings. Oversized doors match the volume of the spaces. The custom Scavolini kitchens designed by Jeffrey Beers for 108 Leonard offer lacquered wood cabinetry in satin white, a fully integrated Miele appliance suite and polished chrome Dornbracht fixtures. Two color palettes are offered, and a single slab backsplash and counters are standard. There is a huge kitchen island with storage all around. One design detail that stands out is a ledge that runs across the entire length of the backsplash. It is both simple and very functional. This design is so rare, I have only seen it in one other development.

The master baths are equally elegant with floor to ceiling Calacatta Mandria marble, cove ceilings, and a wet room with high ‘niche’ factor and rain shower head. Two design details that must be mentioned are the mirrored niche that runs along the length of the tub ledge and the mirrored ledge built into the medicine cabinets. The medicine cabinet is custom made, double mirrored, with outlets hidden inside.

68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

AMENITIES

There are over twenty thousand square feet of amenities offered at 108 Leonard, including a resident lounge, fitness center, and rooftop entertaining and dining suites with multiple levels and open-air lounges. There are also the two most coveted amenities here: parking and pool. A 75 foot mosaic glass-tiled lap pool with sauna and steam room. Not just parking but a private, covered motor reception with valet attendant which is heated.

RECAP

108 Leonard is a masterpiece. C3GB and Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) have developed a new piece of architectural history in NYC. The level of sophistication and luxury in the designs are bar none. For those who expect nothing less than the best, 108 Leonard is the obvious choice.

For more information on 108 Leonard, visit 108leonard.com. •

English Country Grandeur 30 Minutes from Manhattan

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ

$8,900,000

A world class estate situated majestically on a secluded 5.4 acre gated setting. Approximately 14,000 sf on the 1st two floors plus the finished lower level, featuring a 3,500 bottle wine cellar and tasting room. Salerno kitchen suite, 12 person theater, billiard room/fpl, woodworked library/fpl and the master bedroom suite are on the 1st floor. Lagoon pool, cabana and 7-car garage.

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REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

ANGUILLA

A CARIBBEAN PARADISE

By Daniel J. Bollinger

nguilla is a small island in the heart of the Caribbean, spanning just 35 square miles. It is here that visitors won’t find cruise ships, crowds, or casinos, but rather 33 beaches and a tightknit community. When you arrive in Anguilla, you are immediately treated like family.

Albeit a small island paradise, Anguilla boasts an unmatched level of luxury at the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla. The Residences have 136 keys comprised of Point House Residences, Beach Residences, and Villas. There’s something for everyone here, from studios to five-bedroom homes.

INTERIORS There are a variety of layouts, sizes, and levels of privacy throughout Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla and luxury design is standard in all. Except for studios, all residences have full-size kitchens with stainless steel appliances. There is plenty of cabinet space, and many units have large marble islands. A design element that is consistent through every residence is the silver travertine floors. Starwood Capital Group, the owner of Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla, even bought its quarry to guarantee a consistent supply.

All residences feature ample-sized bedrooms: one bedrooms start at 870 square feet and five bedrooms up to 9,500 square feet. Large open-concept layouts grace the residences that lead to expansive terraces with infinity pools, barbecue and lounge areas. Some patios have outdoor showers, while all residences boast fantastic views of the ocean. Interior designer Kelly Wearstler intentionally incorporated neutral hues throughout the property to enhance the pure and natural beauty of Anguilla such as the turquoise sea water, and native flora and fauna that make the island one of a kind.

The Villas offer outdoor wet rooms draped with silver travertine as well as outdoor lounge areas that create the ultimate sense of privacy and serenity.

Penthouses and Villas have large terraces which feature lap pools with attached Jacuzzis, in which the water can be heated or not. All the master baths are spectacular, quite oversized with marbled-encased, deep soaking tubs and dual sinks. A glass table with “tusk” legs as the centerpiece serves as a great example of Wearstler’s design acumen.

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AMENITIES & ACTIVITIES At Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, amenities run the gamut including a spa, sports pavilion, fitness center, and a children’s center with daily onsite activities. The sports pavilion includes basketball, tennis, rock climbing, and more with complimentary clinics for both adults and children. The fitness center has many classes including boot camps and yoga. You will never miss a workout while on vacation.

The resort’s Sea Centre is fully equipped with snorkeling gear, Hobie Cats, boogie boards, paddle boards, and kayaks, all of which are complimentary. Off-site, Four Seasons Anguilla offers a multitude of water sports and activities including private boat excursions, scuba diving, snorkeling, sunset cruises, and motorized water sports.

RESTAURANTS & POOLS The resort boasts three heated outdoor pools and four onsite restaurants. The adults-only Sunset Pool is an infinity-edge pool set between two restaurants. Sunset Lounge is a must for excellent sushi complemented by a long list of vintage Caribbean rums, classic island cocktails and stunning views over the sea. On the other side is Cobá where the menu includes local and international steak and seafood on par with the finest steakhouses in Manhattan. The resort’s third restaurant concept, Bamboo Bar & Grill, overlooks Meads Bay and offers islandinspired cuisine adjacent to Bamboo Pool. Located along Barnes Bay, Half Shell Bar & Restaurant, a casual beachfront eatery, offers Caribbean classic cuisine and is one of the hidden treasures of the island. The third Aleta Pool is architecturally impressive with a number of signature palms planted in precise geometry surrounded by large cabanas— a vast aquatic garden designed for family gatherings.

RECAP Four Seasons Anguilla is a spectacular resort. Throughout the entire property, there’s not a single place where you won’t enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Once one discovers Anguilla’s beauty, it is a place you come back to year after year. Four Seasons Anguilla has designed beautiful residences with this in mind, geared toward individual lifestyles and preferences. For guests who want to be home in the heart of resort life, the Point House Residences are for you. Situated in the heart of the resort, the residences are steps away from the pools, restaurants, spa, and fitness facilities. For a more private bespoke lifestyle, the Villa and Beach Residences are great options. Beach Residences are set on mile-long Meads Bay Beach near the Sea Centre and Sports Pavilion. Villa residences are nestled along Barnes Bay Beach offering the most seclusion and privacy.

Whatever the preference, Four Seasons Anguilla has it. The spacious and remarkable homes encompass luxury, art, and style, while the turnkey lifestyle and generous outdoor spaces are designed to appreciate the island’s beauty. For anyone who has been seeking an island paradise to call home, Four Seasons Anguilla is calling.

For more information on Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla, visit anguillaprivateresidences.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

AROUND TOWN NoMAD

By Marie-Claire Gladstone

ith an incredible history and stunning architecture, NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) has reinvented itself over the last decade as one of Manhattan’s most coveted neighborhoods. There’s no shortage of the best restaurants in the world, (Eleven Madison was ranked number one last year) excellent transportation options, green spaces for relaxation and pet lovers, as well as plenty of shopping. Real estate in NoMad, located from 25th to 30th Streets between Lexington and Sixth Avenues, is now some of the most desirable in the city.

Madison Square Park named after our fourth president, James Madison, was established as a public park in 1847. The famous park, filled with lawns and lush shrubbery, was even home to the Statue of Liberty’s arm and torch from 1876 to 1882! And let’s not forget P.T. Barnum’s 1874 Great Roman Hippodrome, as well as the first and second Madison Square Garden arenas, were also located in the area.

THE GILDED AGE In the later 19th Century, Madison Square was one of Manhattan’s most elite neighborhoods, with elegant mansions surrounding the park. The Gilded Age’s elite including Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, J.P. Morgan, France’s Napoleon III, were attracted to restaurants like Delmonico’s, a multi-story restaurant with a large sidewalk café that was located at Fifth Avenue and 26th Street.

By the 1990’s, the park had fallen into disrepair, and the City Parks Foundation took the lead in restoring it, using the original 19th-century design as well as adding more contemporary amenities, including a reflecting pool, new gateways, and decorative lighting. It is now the centerpiece for some of Manhattan’s most sought-after real estate.

The NoMad Hotel

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NoMAD TODAY NoMad is slowly becoming the new design district in New York, taking over from SoHo, as the high retail rents drove most of the big furniture design stores away. One can easily walk around from brand to brand, with stores including B&B Italia, DDC, Minotti, Poliform, Natuzzi, Luxury Living New York and Fendi Casa.

Christian Liaigre will be opening a store soon on the corner of 30th and Madison.

With the arrival of trendy hotels and onsite restaurants, this area has become a dinner destination in its own right. Some of these spots are new and have generated tons of buzz; others are under-the-radar mainstays. But one thing is sure: they’re all delicious. Scarpetta at The James Hotel has the best Italian food in the area, as well as a great lounge with live music. The Breslin at The Ace Hotel, and Clocktower at The Edition Hotel make fine choices.

Then, there are other favorites like La Pecora Bianca for its excellent tuna salad for lunch and the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison, mentioned above, which serves the ultimate 13-course tasting menu.

212 Fifth Avenue Crown

REAL ESTATE NoMad continues to be a favorite for anyone who values access to green space, transportation, shopping, restaurants and incredible architecture. Rental prices in this neighborhood vary from $3,000 to $5,000 for a one bedroom and $6,000 to $9,000 for two bedrooms.

I’ve also been seeing sale prices from around $2,500 per square foot.

This neighborhood has become so chic you may spot a celebrity or two. In just one building alone you’ll find Jennifer Lopez, Chelsea Clinton and Jeff Gordon.

Buyers are drawn to both incredible loft spaces, but still others love the new devel opments in the area.

One of my favorites is 212 Fifth Avenue. Built in 1912, this neo-medieval property was once a commercial building. Influenced by the Woolworth Building, its steel skeleton was innovative for being one of the first skyscrapers of the time. In 2016, it was converted into a 24-story luxury condominium with 48 apartments and a ten thousand square foot penthouse featuring six thousand square feet of terraces. The architects moved the main entrance to be centered on West 26th Street, and the crenelated parapet at the top of the building was restored to its historic elegance. Prices start at $4.9 million with a mix of two, three, and four bedrooms plus penthouse.

The Rafael Viñoly-designed 277 Fifth Avenue is a 55-story building with 133 condominiums. Viñoly placed columns at the building’s base to keep the inside free from structural elements. This feature allows for alternating floor-to-ceiling windows, which frame the view, and solid walls, to display art. Viñoly says, “This building belongs to Fifth Avenue.” Prices start at $1.925 million with a mix of one- to five-bedroom duplexes.

Marie-Claire Gladstone

For more information on Marie-Claire Gladstone of Corcoran, e-mail her at mgladstone@corcoran.com. •

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

SPOTLIGHT

Four Seasons Caye Chapel Belize

NICK CASSINI

By Daniel J. Bollinger

Nick Cassini

ick Cassini, of IMI Worldwide Properties, has more than 12 years of experience leading sales strategy for some of the most well-known developments.

Unbeknownst to many, Nick’s background is just as vibrant as his career and the destinations he helps represent. After spending five years of playing professional golf, Nick started with IMI as a sales executive. That was 2006. Since then, he has become a trailblazer at leading the sales strategy for most well-known private communities and destinations.

Today, as a president at IMI, Nick focuses on managing the daily operations of all projects. Maintaining his profound respect for each destination, Nick leads relationships with developers, manages and trains sales executives and directors, and executes the sales and marketing strategy for each project.

IMI Worldwide Properties utilizes a seamlessly integrated and highly-successful process that results in consummate market price and absorption increases. I had a chance to catch up with Nick to discuss all things IMI and his familial ties to some of New York’s most-remembered luminaries.

Since you have been in marketing, what changes have you seen?

The basics remain the same: we have to create vision, brand, value, and awareness for the development. But, the media in which the message is communicated has changed over the years. Technology and accessibility have reshaped most industries, and ours is not exempt. These changes bring great opportunities if we strike a balance with the classic principles of the past and the possibilities in the exposure of the now and future. As people and markets change then, of course, marketing changes. How we approach a market, especially with experiential marketing, needs to be very intuitive.

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What new ideas/developments do you see in the luxury real estate market today?

Many of the newer developments are centering on specific experiences, interests, activities, amenities that appeal to key lifestyles. New developments can’t just offer the old set of amenities: tennis, golf, and swim. It’s essential for new developments to include more original programming around health and fitness, as well as unique food and beverage offerings, such as organic farm to table options. There is a lot more activity and wellness incorporated in the luxury real estate market of today.

One trend that I see these days is sustainability and eco-designs that incorporate sustainable energy (wind, solar) and energy efficiency (LEED). Does IMI have any projects with these themes in mind?

Yes, certainly. Responsible development surrounding eco-friendly, sustainable living and preservation are important to most of our clients these days. For example, in our newest Four Seasons Resort offering in Caye Chapel Belize, the developer is very conscious of making all efforts to use as many sustainable and environmentallyfriendly options as possible, while still delivering the highest quality of product.

What makes IMI Worldwide Properties unique?

IMI Worldwide Properties specializes in resort destination locations and typically begins the sales process much earlier than an ordinary sales and marketing firm. We’ve done this for a long time and can provide much insight that a developer wants at the forefront of development—before the construction and sales process starts.

How does that translate into your services?

IMI provides a wholly integrated approach to sales. From design through to closing- we can manage every single detail along the way.

Tahoe Beach Club

Tahoe Beach Club

Of all the developments IMI Worldwide Properties represents, is there one that you want to call attention to right now?

A unique property, one that I find a privilege to contribute to, is Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel, Belize. It’s such a dynamic setting. It’s a private island in the heart of Belize’s largest marine sanctuary, on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Belize Barrier Reef. So, it’s rich with natural wonders and, at the same time, it has this spectacular cultural vantage point. It has the historical Maya influence along with Caribbean charm.

That creates a very warm, but mysterious vibe.

Out of the properties that you’ve represented, have you lived at any? If so, what about living in those destination(s) stood out the most?

Yes, I have. I’ve lived in Anguilla, Cabo San Lucas, and Sea Island to name a few. I have a home base in Atlanta, GA so it’s easy for me to fly anywhere worldwide, which I do a lot.

The common factor that stands out with all of those locations is that each is in a beautiful part of the world. There’s something special about each of these places, and I have been lucky to enjoy those aspects as daily life. There aren’t many bad options in this industry as far as working on location goes!

What’s one of your proudest accomplishments?

Outside of family, looking back, many of my proudest moments involve the sport of golf.

One of the most momentous accomplishments was being selected for the 2001 U.S. Walker Cup Team. Representing my country to compete alongside and against some of the world’s best golfers will always remain a pinnacle achievement.

I understand you have some pretty impressive familial ties to New York. Your dad, Hearst columnist Cholly Knickerbocker/Igor Cassini, popularized the term jet-set.

Tell us more about your family background.

My father Igor “Ghighi” Cassini lived quite a vibrant life. He did so many things that seem fantastical that it’s hard to believe his stories—but they’re true! He did live in NYC for a while and was a well-known writer using the pen name Cholly Knickerbocker for his column. It’s also true that he coined the term jet-set. My father’s brother, Oleg Cassini, also chose NYC to be his home, where he remained throughout his life. Both he and my dad represented a bygone era. They were so different than anyone I meet or see these days.

Their story stems from Russia through Italy and eventually to the United States of America.

For more information on IMI Worldwide Properties and Nick Cassini, visit imiliving.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR

©Shutterstock

DESIGNING WAYS

EASY IDEAS TO UPDATE ANY SPACE

By Ivana Columbus | Photos by DZINENY Home Interiors

ow is the perfect time to update your space. And it’s easy! Year after year, new and exciting home interior trends are always evolving. This year is no exception with lots of dramatic changes to create an inviting and comfortable home.

As a real estate agent, I pride myself on knowing not only what’s happening in the real estate market, but also the top design trends. This knowledge enables me to serve my clients in a full capacity. Visiting open houses, touring new developments, and one-on-one with designer colleagues has sharpened my skills tremendously.

As Sondra Rose, Senior Sales & Design Associate, of DZINENY Home Interiors says, “Our homes should reflect our style, our passions, and our joie de vivre. Located in the D&D Building, DZINENY prides itself in innovative design aesthetic and an unrelenting desire to spread style and inspiration. “Our brands derive from the Italian world and have crossed over from fashion to the home,” she explains. “We bring vintage back and mix it with our rock and roll vibes. We relentlessly and incessantly mix metals and fuse life into all of our unique and bespoke projects.”

Here, some fabulous ideas that are sure to enliven your home.

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BE BOLD

Out with the white and in with bold and bright colors like blue, red, purple, and more. Pantone’s color of the year is ultra violet. Why not incorporate this hue into your design. Go ahead, push yourself to come up with a creative strategy. Go big with furniture that makes a statement or if you don’t want to be overly committed, use accessories like rugs or throw pillows. Use patterns and accessories that complement each other. However, keep in mind that although bold colors may be fashionable this year, they can become overwhelming when not done right. Try to incorporate neutral shades into your design as a background.

A WELL-ROUNDED LOOK

Curves have made a comeback— and I’m not complaining. Curved furniture adds softness and a nice flow to any room. You can even go big by placing this furniture in the middle of a room and making it the focal point. Curved furnishings can help open up spaces, while softening the hard edges in a room. In response to this theory, a recent Oregon State University study revealed the impact different furniture had on people. It showed that compared to hard-line furniture, curvy furniture evokes a feeling of positivity and relaxation.

IN WITH THE OLD

From fashion to home décor, vintage has always been popular and it looks like it’s here to stay! Vintage accessories add character to your design. You’ll never go wrong by adding some vintage pieces as they bring a sense of uniqueness and comfort to any space.

An excellent piece of vintage furniture can transform your living room, home office or kitchen to anything but average. Just don’t overdo it. Make sure it flows and makes sense.

Combine old with the new and remember, you can never be out of date when using vintage.

Our homes should reflect our style, our passions, and our joie de vivre.

METAL FINISHES

Copper, brass, gold and black nickel from your kitchen to the furniture are now being used interchangeably, and I’m obsessed with every bit of it. You can use metal finishes in all areas of the house! Beyond your kitchen, use these finishes on lighting, bathroom fixtures but be sure each finish complements the type of metal to help visually pull them together.

Make it the central piece of your design.

RESORT-LIKE FEEL

These days it’s all about feeling pampered and refreshed. Why not add the feeling of a favorite resort or spa—and bring it back home. With this in mind, we’re seeing more emphasis on resort-style spa bathrooms, such as standing tubs, rain shower heads, and lighting fixtures that replicate a spa.

Another trend designers are using is using material to cover the entire bathroom. If done right, using one element can turn an average space into something special. You can go bold and use graphic patterns or simple, opting for softer tones of color and materials. Go with what makes you feel happy.

While no one expects you to make major changes to your home year after year, stay on top of the interior design game by creating just one change that can make a home feel renewed. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

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More properties and photos at WWW.LIBBYMCKEE.COM Libby McKee, CNE2, CBR, SRES Luxury Collection Specialists | Zillow Premier Agent 2015-2018 Five Star Professional C: (518) 755-0457 lmckee@bhhsblake.com

MONEY MATTERS

RANGE ROVER VELAR ROARING THROUGH LIFE

By Jenny Peters

ver wanted to feel as if you own the road, no matter what the driving conditions? Then get ready to take the wheel of the new 2018 Range Rover Velar—and suddenly, you’re the king of the road.

Perhaps it’s the height of the Velar, the mid-size luxury SUV that joins the Range Rover family with an entirely new look and feel. Sitting in the driver’s seat, your outlook is well above most of the other vehicles around you, with a long view of what’s coming up, be it traffic on Second Avenue or the snow-covered approach to Whiteface. Add in the wide stance of the Velar and the total control found in the combination of all-wheel drive with Range Rover’s traction technologies and this is an SUV that does make you feel like the master of any terrain.

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY

IN CONTROL

But the Range Rover Velar is anything but stripped down.

Beginning with the sleek modern exterior, a beautiful iteration of the mid-size SUV with cool features like a racy roofline, inset door handles that pop out for entry and a pool of light by the front doors that automatically guides you to the entry; it really is a luxurious way to travel. At a base price of $49,000 and a top-range of $89,300, it needs to be, as entering the luxury market with competition already in place from the Porsche Macan, MercedesBenz GLC, Audi Q5 and others, the Velar obviously must stand apart—and it does.

Some of those bells and whistles may be a bit much for those of us that adore driving a fully responsive automobile, but each of those elements is at your discretion on the Velar. You can drive this Range Rover that comes in three engine types (a 2.0L Inline 4 turbocharged diesel or gasoline version, or a 3L supercharged V6 gasoline 380 hp beast) with as much or as little assistance as you need in any given moment, which might just come in handy on slippery mountain roads come winter.

It’s a fitting way for Land Rover to celebrate 70 years as one of the world’s toughest automobile brands. It’s also a very long way from the original Rovers, which were modeled after World War II Jeeps and also had four-wheel drive shafts and a stripped-down interior and exterior.

Inside, the newly developed InControl Touch Pro Duo “Infotainment” System consisting of two ten-inch touchscreens that include the controls for the climate, media, phone, seats (including massage, cooling, and heat) and—bringing the fun to the driving—the Terrain Response functions. Those change the Velar’s settings to what’s out there, ranging from Eco to GrassGravel-Snow, Mud-Ruts, Sand, Comfort, and Dynamic; there’s also the optional Terrain Response 2 system, which allows the car to select the best mode for whatever surface automatically and conditions it senses you are driving on.

More control is at your fingertips, too, with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, for the moments you want to put the Velar automatic transmission through its paces. Meanwhile, those who wish to surrender to this state-of-the-art vehicle have the option of letting it do just about everything—keep you in your own lane, automatically brake when it senses an emergency in the making, park the car itself and even monitor your alertness.

Like most luxury mid-size SUVs, the Velar has adequate inside storage space, especially with the passenger-seat row folded down.

The rear door opens hands free, with just the kick of your foot, and the roof retracts to let the sunshine in and the wind ruffle your hair just a bit. Expect to get city-highway combined gas mileage ranging from 20 to 28 per gallon, depending on the model you choose.

For more information on the Range Rover Velar—and the entire Land Rover/Range Rover line, visit landroverusa.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79

MONEY MATTERS

VACATION RENTALS FOR INCOME FOUR IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

By Rob Stephens

nterested in renting out your yurt, tiny house, or couch? Now there are several options homeowners have to make extra income. For those looking to purchase a second home— often called a vacation rental—leasing out to vacationers is a great way to afford purchasing an additional property. Not to mention, for a growing number of travelers, renting a private home is the only way to go and typically offers more choices, comfort and privacy than hotels, and often cost less as well.

There’s no question that the vacation rental business is booming. In the United States alone, revenue in this market is approaching $18 billion, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.6 percent. That makes operating a short-term vacation rental an extremely attractive option for generating extra income.

While there are plenty of opportunities in the vacation rental business, there also are plenty of questions about how to succeed. If you’re thinking about investing in a vacation rental property (or renting out property you already own), here are the top four questions to ask.

Is a vacation rental a smart investment?

Buying a vacation rental home can be an attractive investment option. Not only will you have a place to call home in a location you already love and visit frequently, the property can be an excellent source of income for you between visits. The income from renting your property will often cover a significant portion—if not all—of your ownership costs while you reap the benefits of long-term appreciation.

Of course, your rental only generates income when it’s occupied. Popular websites like Airbnb and HomeAway connect guests to your property and offer tools to make interacting with your renters and managing your property easier. If you’d rather not do it yourself, a property management company can help with finding renters, handling logistics and maintaining the property between guests.

Keep in mind that, unlike stocks, real estate is not a liquid investment. Buying and selling a home takes time and involves transaction costs. There is often a lot of negotiating and compromising to be done as well. That, however, hasn’t stopped millions of people from turning their short-term vacation homes into incredible longterm investments.

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What are the laws governing short-term rentals in my community?

The rapid rise in short-term rentals has caused some communities and homeowner associations (HOAs) to restrict or even ban them. Many communities prohibit owners from renting out their homes for fewer than 30 days. If you’re not in an HOA community you’ll likely have more leeway, but some cities and states are starting to impose regulations on vacation rentals as well.

It’s the owner’s responsibility to learn about short-term rental laws, and failure to comply with those regulations may result in fines and other penalties.

While researching changing local regulations can be challenging, a call to your HOA property management company, a visit to your city hall website and conversations with local friends and neighbors who use their home as a vacation rental can help provide clarity. There are also technology platforms that track changing regulations and fees. Do your research prior and ask experts in the short-term rental space about these types of questions.

Which taxes and fees am I required to collect?

As a short-term rental property owner, you are responsible for collecting any local lodging taxes required in your area. State and local lodging taxes can vary widely, and can change with little notice. Understandably, it can be very confusing (and risky) to try to keep up with them on your own.

This is where a lodging tax compliance automation tool can be invaluable.

The right lodging tax software can manage the complexities of your tax and business requirements in your specific location—so you can focus on managing your property. The right tool will offer a full range of solutions, including determining the vacation rental taxes and reporting requirements as well as calculating and filing returns on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Who will you charge lodging tax to?

If you do decide to purchase a vacation property with an eye toward short-term rentals, the short answer is anyone who rents from you. Whether you or your property is located in California, Maine or anywhere in between, the local and state lodging and occupancy taxes must be remitted to remain compliant. Many real estate investors overlook the fact that lodging or occupancy taxes need to be paid in order to rent the home in compliance with city and state tax agencies. Short-term rentals can offer much greater income potential, but liability can add up quickly if these taxes are not collected and remitted on time. When you enter the short-term rental market, lodging tax collection will need to be a part of every rental agreement and transaction you make.

Is a vacation rental property the right move for you? If you secure the right guidance, ask the right questions and perform your due diligence in the area, it just might be a smart and rewarding investment.

Rob Stephens, Co-founder and General Manager of Avalara MyLodgeTax is the leading provider of tax compliance solutions for the vacation rental industry.

For more information, visit mylodgetax.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SPA SCENE

NATUROPATHICA CHELSEA

By Griffin Miller

treet scene on a recent overcast Tuesday afternoon: pedestrians darting around construction barriers and each other. Trucks and mini-vans are doing their loud traffic thing. Rogue cyclist shouting “out of my way!” Me, crazed and running late. Finally, Naturopathica.

I cross its storefront threshold. With its white walls enhanced with bamboo and leaf silhouettes and generous track lighting, “All is calm, all is bright.” And all is de-stressed. To my left, the Vitality Bar, serving teas, cold-pressed juices, tonics and healthy snacks; to my right, an impressive span of blue and white Naturopathic products; towards the back, the check-in desk.

As it turns out, the shop also serves as a portal to the spa—and the contrast in surroundings is striking. A hallway, flanked by a number of treatment rooms, is lit with an eye to atmosphere: not too dark, but dim enough to create a serene ambiance. Instinctively you know communication here is sotto voce. Off the hall as well is the Consultation Room alcove where you meeting with a professional herbalist skilled in designing personalized therapy can schedule a plans that tap into Naturopathica’s collection of “teas, tinctures and essential oils.”

A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE The more you explore and interact with the staff, the more obvious it becomes that every aspect—from overall design and layout to a mysterious bank of teardrop-shaped vials containing colorful oils—reflect founder Barbara Close’s dedication to holistic living.

Naturopathica was built on a foundation of well-being—a matrix for sustaining a healthy lifestyle from the inside out. As she told us, “Being confident in our own skin comes from making connections between our lifestyle and how we look and feel.”

To this end, the Chelsea spa’s staff of massage therapists and estheticians ensure every treatment is customized, matching your needs to the questionnaire (filled out upon arrival) and in-room consultation. Products (non-toxic and cruelty-free) are chosen accordingly and applied lavishly. They are also seductively effective.

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Tea Area

SKIN PERSONALITY ID My introduction to the transformative powers of Naturopathica came wrapped in the spa’s signature Holistic Facial – a multi-layered adventure in skin rejuvenation that begins with identifying your “skin personality.” My guide/ esthetician was Alison, whose insights were as invaluable as her expertise in transforming my challenging dry skin into a healthy glow—a pièce dehydration, if you will.

The categories include: • Hormone Reactive Skin that’s influenced by the ebb and flow of hormones (i.e. blemish-prone, oily, postmenopausal, etc.).

• Stress Reactive The result of bad eating habits, lack of sleep, high-pressure job and life in general or environmental changes. Here, the skin can run the gamut from breakouts to rashes.

• Mature Thinning, dry skin; possibly lined and sun damaged, wrinkled, dark spots, depleted firmness, and broken capillaries.

• Adaptive The skin everyone wants requiring minimal attention thanks to average-sized pores and overall firmness/ resilience. Still, the T-zone can act up, pimples can show up and too much beach time can take its toll.

For the record, I clocked in at Stress Reactive with some Mature thrown in to keep me extra vigilant. To describe the Holistic Facial from memory is a bad—make that pointless— idea. What I can recall is how the real world evaporated as Alison worked her alchemy, one silken layer after another, but not much more. As a veteran spa-goer with a substantial number of facials under my belt, I can tell you that this one ranks among the most relaxing and fascinating, since it involves no equipment other than Alison’s hands and several custom-picked Naturopathic items.

Consultation Room Exterior

THE RIGHT RUB Fortunately, the spa was able to fill in some of the blanks. For instance, while the Holistic Facial targets the individual in areas like exfoliation and extractions, the first two steps follow the same course: 1) a lymphatic brushing (utilizing a sensually soft brush, this portion of the program easily scores five stars); and 2) a sculpting massage to spark circulation while soothing facial, neck and shoulder muscles; featuring Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm (I now use it daily).

At the end of the session, when your face has assumed something akin to dewy nirvana, your esthetician gives you a card citing recommended products along with personalized diet, lifestyle and herbal remedy suggestions. My list included Plant Stem Cell Booster Serum and Calendula Essential Hydrating Cream. (You can make purchases as you leave, on a return visit or online.)

After the session, visit the Sensory & Meditation Lounge, an in-house getaway with its nature-like cinematography to entice you to jettison stress, connect with your spiritual side, or simply veg out. A sensory revamp on your terms.

For more information on Naturopathica Chelsea, visit naturopathica.com. •

AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SAMUEL WAXMAN, M.D. A PIONEER IN MEDICAL RESEARCH

By Norah Bradford

amuel Waxman, M.D., Founder and CEO of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), has dedicated his entire career as an oncologist/hematologist to developing scientific-based minimally toxic therapies for patients with cancer. Dr. Waxman, in collaboration with other scientists, found a cure for acute promyelocytic leukemia, which once was 100 percent fatal but now has a 95 percent cure rate. This was based on his research that cancer cells can be reversed in behavior with minimally toxic treatment.

Dr. Waxman founded the SWCRF and its unique concept of the Institute Without Walls™ to rapidly bridge the gap between the bench and bedside research by funding multi-disciplinary collaborative grants. SWCRF scientists have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver drugs and novel therapies to treat cancer. More recently, Dr. Waxman and members of his lab have demonstrated that triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive cancer that is more likely to occur in young women with Ashkenazi, Hispanic and African American ancestry, can be reprogrammed with targeted treatment, so it loses its ability to spread. They hope that this will be tested in clinical trials in the near future.

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING Another area of focus for Dr. Waxman and SWCRF is to better understand cancer as a disease of aging. Cancer incidence rises dramatically above age 40 and research in this area remains understudied. Dr. Waxman has directed the SWCRF to a successful collaboration with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to pool their expertise and fund collaborative aging and cancer research. The collaboration will fund research that addresses how aging affects cancer development and how to develop preventative protocols and treatments.

Throughout his career, Dr. Waxman has authored hundreds of scientific papers and was among the first scientists to study differentiation as a cancer therapy. He has also contributed chapters to textbooks on hematology, chemotherapy, and nutrition, as well as authored two books—Differentiation Therapy and The Leukemia Cell. Dr. Waxman is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Oncologic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

He is also an Honorary Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

Dr. Waxman helped found the International Conference on the Differentiation Therapy of Cancer, which brings together researchers from around the globe every two years.

A GLOBAL EFFORT Presently, the SWCRF Institute Without Walls™ funds 30 outstanding research scientists at cancer research institutions throughout the world. Dr. Waxman continues to work closely with academic and clinical leadership at the highest levels in China and will move forward with future collaborations. Only through shared effort will scientists come to understand the common denominators that all cancers share, enabling them to speed cures to patients. It is the goal of SWCRF to develop therapies for all types of cancers—and to eradicate the disease as we know it. Since its inception in 1976, the Foundation has awarded more than $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.

Much of the support for the SWCRF cancer research funding comes from events such as The Hamptons Happening cancer research benefit held each summer, the Annual Golf Tournament and the Waxman Gala. This year, the 21st Annual Waxman Gala will be held this coming fall on November 15th at Cipriani’s in New York City.

For more information on SWCRF, visit waxmancancer.org. • 84 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

2017 Waxman Gala Marion Waxman, Dr. Samuel Waxman

HEALTH & WELLNESS

SURFACE FRIENDSHIPS CAN THEY LAST?

By Dr. Peter M. Kalellis

riendships like relationships are important and can enrich our lives as they unfold harmoniously. They could become troublesome and cause emotional setbacks when disagreements or conflicts develop between two friends. A surface friendship is a friendly interaction that does not go beyond a no-commitment dialogue: “Hi there, how are you? I haven’t seen you for a while. Were you on vacation?”

A circumstantial friendship is one when either of the two individuals needs the other. But as soon as there is a shift in life, be it positive or negative, this friendship fades. It can be hard to detect a circumstantial friend at the start because both perceptions have so much in common. We all know the saying, “People come into our life for a reason.” When we come across circumstantial friends, we learn to appreciate and perhaps even seek a lifetime friendship.

Young adulthood seems to be the ideal age for forming friendships. During young adulthood, bonds become very meaningful. In adolescence, there’s a lot more self-disclosure and support between friends. And although adolescents are naïve and are trying to discover who they are, they eventually learn what it means to be intimate. Their friendships help them do that and seek out friends who share their values on the essential things.

As people enter middle age, they tend to have more demands on their time, many of them more pressing than friendship. After all, it’s easier to put off catching up with a friend than it is to skip your child’s play or a necessary business trip. Time is invested, mainly, into jobs and families. The most substantial drop-off in friends in the life course occurs when people get married. But even those who stay single are likely to see their friendships affected by the big question, “to marry or not to marry?” and other choices.

MOVING BEYOND

Tired of making small talk and want to bring up more personal topics and build more meaningful relationships? Taking conversations beyond the surface level isn’t always easy. It’s comfortable at the surface and often moving deeper entails a bit of risk. But the most rewarding relationships and conversations tend to happen when you move beyond the surface. How do you make your conversations deeper? You’ll usually have to lead first, emotionally. Let’s say you want to establish more trust with someone. You want them to feel comfortable confiding in you and sharing their secrets with you as well. Naturally, you can’t ask them to share their secrets with you if that trust isn’t there yet.

So how do you get someone to open up? You do it by opening up first. Take the first step in moving the relationship to the next level by sharing your secret and granting your trust, first. When others feel you trust them and have opened up to them with a deeper part of yourself, they’ll feel comfortable doing the same.

This principle applies to just about any aspect of taking conversations deeper. It refers to trust, vulnerability, realness, respect and so on. Give first, before asking the other person to do the same.

A FRIEND FOREVER

To some degree, every person strives to have a lifetime friend. “If you have a real friend he could be a lifetime friend, and you would be a lucky person.

You only need a one-lifetime friend; one person that will be there for you no matter what,” I was told fifty years ago by my psychology professor Dr. Murphy. Since then, I have treasured and honored his wisdom.

Lifetime friendships withstand distance, time and conflict. Lifetime friends can communicate no matter what the issue is and get through it. We don’t have to speak to them every day. If we happen to be in a critical situation and we call someone believing that he or she will come to us running, without question, that is a lifetime friend.

Over many years James has been my friend. Believing that real friendships are a give and take, we both nurtured our friendship by being physically and emotionally available to each other. There was a time that I needed to be driven to the hospital at 5 AM; James picked me up at 4 AM. Another time, when he needed help with some serious family issues, I made myself available to help him resolve the conflict.

Both lifetime and circumstantial friendships can teach us valuable lessons.

We learn how to be a friend through both experiences. As we avoid judgment and criticism, we pull back and observe how circumstances evolve and try not to internalize the outcome. At best we can respond positively and be relieved.

The result is not fatal. With a dose of patience, things usually work out. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85

FOOD & DRINK

MAJORELLE

A MAGIC GARDEN OF HAUTE CUISINE

By Anne Raso

t’s hard not to be dazzled by the Art Deco beauty of the Upper East Side’s Lowell Hotel. Built in 1927, it still retains all of its original splendor including white awnings on the bottom three floors and multi-paned windows that have long been replaced on other buildings of this age.

The Lowell is indeed fabulous, and this year, the readers of Travel + Leisure agreed, voting it their #1 favorite hotel in NYC. Indeed an incredible feat considering the stiff competition in NYC. It’s also quiet and homey at The Lowell. So much so, that many New Yorkers have voted it their top “staycation” hotel. Each room is uniquely and lavishly furnished—many with private balconies. So it comes as no surprise that Majorelle, its on-site French Moroccan eatery has become highly sought after as well. The large array of beautiful, exotic flowers and the outdoor dining area with retractable glass roof make Majorelle feel like a summer garden which restaurateur, Charles Masson, has definitely achieved.

CUISINE & ART The friendly and worldly Masson discussed the mixture of French and Moroccan cuisines at Majorelle with New York Lifestyles. He said it was an easy decision for him to include both cuisines on his menu: “France and Morocco share many cultural points—cuisine and paintings to name just two. French artists were attracted by the light of Morocco including Delacroix, Matisse, and Jacques Majorelle. It was Majorelle who built his oasis (a villa and garden) in Marrakech in 1917. His father was the illustrious designer and co-founder of École de Nancy.”

He continued in a nostalgic tone, “My father, born in nearby Belfort, traveled to Morocco in 1933, met Majorelle and saw the garden. He told me, ‘You must see this magic garden.’ When I did for the first time in 1968, I was struck by its mystical beauty. That garden and the source of inspiration for Majorelle has never left me. Majorelle has an artistically and significant personal influence on those who see, smell, and taste.”

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Masson took over Majorelle space in March 2017, and he believes in having his wait staff and sommeliers do everything old school and tableside. Surprisingly, he relaxed and let the transitions in this elegant hotel restaurant space happen organically. Masson revealed: “A restaurant is a living person: it is born, crawls, stumbles, walks and runs. The first year of Majorelle has seen a beautiful development stemming from the inspiration that all good things happen in a garden.”

How would Masson describe the Majorelle clientele? He told us, “Il faut tout pour faire un monde” (It takes all sorts to make the world)—the same is true for a lively restaurant. We have a very interesting and eclectic clientele from all walks of life, of all ages... and extraordinarily loyal who make Majorelle unique.”

THE CLASSICS & MORE Despite having many of the rich French classics like Steak Au Poivre and Raspberry, Grand Marnier and Chocolate Soufflés on the menu, there is a tremendous amount of light fare featuring exquisitely fresh locally grown produce in generous portions.

Tomato Mosaic is such a dish and possibly the most colorful and juicy tomato salad that you will ever encounter in a fine restaurant.

Masson comments that he enjoys the challenge of keeping many unique choices on Majorelle’s menu for the health-conscious that they wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else. “Many of our dishes are vegetarian or vegan without ever labeling them as such. They are delicious and healthy. In the summer we have offered Mosaique De Tomates (a mosaic of heirloom, vine, and cherry tomatoes, lemon, olives, basil, and chives). We serve the Herb And Flower Salad—a beautiful colorful composition of micro-greens, baby watercress, arugula, tarragon, thyme, basil, mint, parsley, nasturtiums, and pansies tossed with a beetroot vinaigrette. This salad epitomizes my belief that you eat with your eyes first. We also feature a delicious and gratifying Tajine of Snapper with braised fennel, Moroccan olives, and lemon cured in sea salt, turmeric, and thyme.”

What new items will we see this fall? Reveals Masson, “I follow what nature offers at the moment. Both for the edible menu as well as what surrounds the plate—just as the flowers in the fall will tend to be Mountain Ash, late viburnum, oak, crabapple, and pear. The fruits and vegetables on the plate and around the table are of the same garden, same palate, and palette. I love the spontaneous true choices prompted by the market.”

Majorelle’s prix fixe dinner of $110 per person includes lots of extras including delightful palette cleansing granites—the classic shaved ice made with the fruit of the season: Champagne grapes in summer, cherries and Kirshwasser in late summer, apples and Calvados in fall, and Clementines in winter. Also exceptional are the mini-French desserts to enjoy at the end of the meal. As we hear, Chef Richard Brower enjoys rotating the “extras menu” quite a bit.

For more information on Majorelle, go to the official site of The Lowell Hotel at lowellhotel.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87

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FOOD & DRINK

CULINARY HAVENS A GUIDE TO NYC FOOD HALLS

By Natasha Bazika

ou’ll find them in hotels, shopping malls, train terminals and even apartment buildings.

What are we talking about? Food halls, of course. The obsession is real and for a good reason.

New Yorkers and others alike prefer variety—one food hall could contain just about every dish from almost every country, all conveniently situated in one close-knit space—otherwise known as food heaven.

New York has always been known for its diversity. Brimming with every culture under the sun, it’s now made even more convenient to go global and visit Bangkok one day and Peru the next, tasting your way through the world’s best pho and ceviche or authentic Italian fare.

Whatever your heart desires you can find it in one place. Here’s the dish on the best food halls in the city.

CHELSEA MARKET

Chelsea Market is perhaps, one of the best-known food halls in the city as it opened in 1997 and continues to thrive today, drawing in crowds of visitors. This enclosed urban food harbourage offers a dish for every craving from at Los Tacos No. 1 and Beyond Sushi to the organic choices at The Green Table. The industrial building on the West Side is always a surprise with pop-up shops (both in the food and clothing category), wine stores, apparel and more that will have you roaming for hours. Info: chelseamarket.com.

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GANSEVOORT MARKET If you’re looking for a blend of old and new, Gansevoort Market was the first open-air produce market for buying and selling regional produce onsite in 1884; the market continues to live on offering visitors a curated selection of locally produced goods and fare. The industrialinspired architecture pays homage to the market’s history while creating a modern atmosphere to eat, relax and converse with friends and family. Munch on delectable items from well-known purveyors such as Chip NYC, Milk and Cream Cereal Bar, Johns Juice, 2 Dough Boyz, Burger INC NYC and more. Info: gansevoortmarketnyc.com.

URBANSPACE @ VANDERBILT Situated a hop away from Grand Central Terminal is Urbanspace @ Vanderbilt, which offers over 20 artisinal and chef-driven food concepts for a unique culinary experience, inspired by pop-up (temporary) food shops that were common in the city. This year-round food destination rotates concepts to offer new and exciting options from vendors including Dough, Mr. Bing, Two Tablespoons, Amali Mou and more.

Info: urbanspacenyc.com/urbanspace-vanderbilt.

GOTHAM WEST MARKET If you’re in the Hell’s Kitchen area, head over to Gotham West Market.

This 10,000 square foot warehouse features high profile multiple award-winning vendors including Seamore’s healthy and fun seafood fare, Whirlybird by Chef Seamus Mullen, Waffle De Lys and Ivan Ramen to name just a few. Invite friends and family to sample with you as you make your way through Asia, the Middle East and beyond with accompanying cocktails, wine, beer and other beverages. Info: gothamwestmarket.com.

GOTHAM MARKET AT THE ASHLAND Sister to Gotham West Market, the Gotham Market at The Ashland is a Brooklyn newcomer sprawling with choices. Situated at the base of a Fort Greene high-rise, The Ashland is a modern upscale food hall sporting an industrial look with exposed red brick walls, contrasted with wood tones and matte black finishings. Visitors can choose from an abundance of culinary options including light Asian noodles and dumplings from Hey Hey Canteen, South American fare from Bolivian Llama Party, beer and cocktails from Fulton Hall and much more. Info: gothammarketashland.com.

CITY ACRES MARKET The Financial District is home to City Acres Market, a hybrid shopping destination that embraces the joys of cooking, eating and living life by offering a grocery store and restaurants boasting fresh and readymade products. Explore over 15,000 square feet of this food haven, conveniently located in the heart of Wall Street, which provides a taste of the world, including locally grown honey crisp apples, or craft beers from across the globe. The market includes a cheesemonger, which stocks an assortment of gourmet cheeses; the deli; a fishmonger offering everything from freshly caught salmon to scallops; bulk goods and beer.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat while wandering the aisles, vendors include the Juice Brothers, the famous Beyond Sushi, The Cinnamon Snail, and Vanessa’s Dumpling House. Info: cityacresmarket.com.

CITY KITCHEN City Kitchen brings the five boroughs into one celebrated place—Times Square, offering hyped food concepts and the city’s best dishes from well-known vendors. Everything from Brooklyn to the Upper West Side can be found in this modern industrial space, highlighting the best of the city. Providing a warm atmosphere, it’s the perfect venue for grabbing a bite for lunch break, meeting up with friends, or finding a place to sit and simply people watch as you chow down on a delicious lobster roll at Luke’s Lobster (tip: you may want more than one!) and Dough serves up the best “doughnuts” in town. Info: citykitchen.rownyc.com. •

FOOD & DRINK

COOL OFF!

THE BEST ICE CREAM IN NYC

By Natasha Bazika

ew York may be heating up, but you could be cooling down with some of the city’s finest ice creamery available. Whether you’re a purist and prefer banana, strawberry and vanilla, or adventurous and opt in for matcha, avocado and fig, New York is a city full of ice cream shops offering the classics, the trendy, and the plain weird (and wonderful) varieties to overheated locals and tourists alike. Here, are just some trendy and tasty ice cream shops to cool off this summer.

MOMOFUKU MILK BAR With locales in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Momofuku Milk Bar is easily accessible and offers an array of selections from chocolate soft serve covered in pretzels to cereal milk soft serve. Their Instagram-worthy desserts are delicious with a pinch of salt and caramel for indulgence. Don’t forget to try one of their famous cookies and pair with a birthday cake latte for those sweet tooth’s out there. Info: milkbarstore.com.

EMACK AND BOLIO’S Emack and Bolio’s is a child’s dream covered in chocolate, fruity pebbles and other treats set atop a crunchy waffle cone—perfect for cooling off on any summer day. With locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, you can stop by at any time to try one of the flavors like S’Moreo, Bananas Foster, Grasshopper Pie or Chunk O’Funk. They also have sorbets including fruity flavors like Raspberry, Lemon and Mango. If you’re looking for something new, something funky and downright weird, Emack and Bolio’s is famous for their Ice Cream Pizzas made with a rich brownie crust, creamy vanilla bean ice cream and hot fudge and topped with marshmallows. Info: emackandbolios.com.

WOWFULLS Wowfulls brings a taste of Asia in the shape of 1950s-style egg waffles.

Yes! You heard me, egg waffles. It is a trend you see on Instagram and as the name suggestions, you will be saying “wow” with every mouthful. First they start with an egg waffle (Chocolate, Matcha, Red Velvet to start) then they fill it with an ice cream scoop of your choice and finish off with toppings of fruit, chocolate drizzle, Oreo crumble and anything else you desire (so long as they stock it).

Info: wowfulls.com.

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VAN LEEUWEN ICE CREAM Nothing says good ice cream, like a good old-fashioned ice cream truck selling artisan scoops on the streets of New York.

Each flavor is a celebration of some of the world’s best artisan producers made from scratch in their Brooklyn flagship with nothing more than fresh milk and cream, cane sugar, and egg yolks. Their vegan scoops are also made with house-made cashew milk, organic coconut milk, organic extra virgin coconut oil, organic cane sugar, pure cocoa butter, and organic carob bean. Flavors include Salted Caramel, Mint Chip, Cookie Crumble Strawberry Jam, and lots more. As for the non-vegan options, indulge in Royal Wedding Cake, S’mores, Chocolate Cake, Black Sesame Ash to start. Keep an eye out for their pastel yellow ice cream truck and stop by one of their brick and mortar shops spread throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn see link for locations and more information Info: vanleeuwenicecream.com.

MORGENSTERN’S FINEST ICE CREAM Morgenstern’s is the love child of Nicholas Morgenstern, a self-made restaurateur with extensive pastry experience in New York and a love for the quintessential American indulgence. Head down to lower Manhattan to be greeted by a bright blue storefront filled with delicious creamy frozen treats including King Kong Banana Split and Avocado Ice Cream Toast. Don’t forget to taste one of their several flavors such as Green Tea Pistachio, Crème Brulee, Cinnamon Whisky, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, Burnt Honey Vanilla and lots more. Info: morgensternsnyc.com.

TAIYAKI NYC

When it comes to the prettiest dessert in town, Taiyaki is a clear winner. The trendy Japanese ice cream parlour in Chinatown serves treats that are so beautiful; you almost don’t want to ruin them with your mouth.

Picture this: soft-serve ice cream piled on top of an open-mouthed, Tai-fish-shaped waffle cone. The fish, a symbol of wealth and good luck in Japan, actually works. By the time you finish a cone, you feel fuller and happier. You can customize your order—try the Matcha and Black Sesame Ice Cream Swirl (yes, there are old favorites like vanilla and chocolate). The ice cream velvety texture could rival Dairy Queen soft serve. Info: taiyakinyc.com.

ODDFELLOWS ICE CREAM CO.

True aficionados already know that the ice cream at OddFellows is amazing. With locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, it delivers the freshest ice cream—and is simply irresistible. Their greatest hits include Cornbread, Buttermilk Blueberry Honey, Chorizo Caramel Swirl, Burnt Marshmallow, and PB&J with Toast. Info: oddfellowsnyc.com.

10BELOW ICE CREAM The show here is watching as Thai-style ice cream rolls are prepared by pouring liquid cream onto a cold plate (negative-10 degrees), chopping in ingredients like fresh fruit or cookies, then smearing, spreading, and scraping the frozen results into cylindrical spirals. Flavors change weekly and may include Key Lime Pie, I Love You a Latte, or Ain’t Got No Thai Fo’ Dat. Locations in Manhattan and Queens. Info: 10belowicecream.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93

FOOD & DRINK

SUMMER’S BEST ROSÉS

By Elizabeth Darwin

ummer is here, and the wine of choice is rosé. Frequently associated with the Provence region in the South of France rosé’s production has expanded throughout Europe and North America.

The name rosé comes from the pink hue of the wine, yielded by a CHATEAU DE CHAUSSE limited grape time with skins during the winemaking process. A great alternative from red wines to white, rosé wines can be dry What wine could boast better social credentials than one or sweet, depending on the grape varietals used. coming from a vineyard located If you’re new to rosé wines, the plethora of grape varietals and close to St. Tropez in the regions from which to choose can seem overwhelming. Here, South of France? Chateau de Chausse, situated on 135 acres our picks to place on your summer wish list. of land with adjacent 40 acres of vineyards produces a range CHATEAU MINUTY of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, The M Rosé from Chateau Cinsault, and Grenache. These Minuty in Provence is grapes provide the key to designed to be shared with the fabulous Rosé Cotes de family and friends. The M Provence 2016. Blended from range of wines are nonCinsault and Grenache grapes vintage, modern in look this rosé has high minerality and and taste and combine a is dry with a fruity taste which fresh taste on the palate reflects the proximity of the soil with fruit and intense from the Mediterranean. Info: flavors. Wow your host this chateaudechausee.com. summer with the Limited Editon M de Minuty WOLFFER ESTATE 2017 which features a Produced and bottled on Long Island, Wolffer Estates is celebrating decorative bottled painted their thirtieth anniversary this year. Wolffer’s Summer in a Bottle in collaboration with Rosé is a non-vintage wine which aims to capture the spirit and style American artist Ashley of the Hamptons in a bottle. A blend of some six grape varietals, the Mary. Info: minuty.com. wine, which has a light coppery color is full of aromas with some acidity and minerality for balance. Regarded as an ideal complement LAZY CREEK VINEYARD to any summer menu the vineyard also recommends it for drinking As it implies on the label, this Californian wine is made from with milk chocolate. Info: wolffer.com.

100 percent Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. The aroma and flavors, which include fresh strawberry, honeysuckle, watermelon, and tangerine. Rosé of Pinot Noir offers something a little different from the West Coast which will likely leave a lasting impression.

Info: lazycreekvineyards.com. •

94 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

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The decor is sophisticated and in keeping with its neighbors , allowing them to feel at home away from their homes.

The whimsical features and characteristics are featured in all five locations and are consistent here.

Lexington Bar and Books caters primarily to Upper East Side residents, their friends, and visiting guests. The dress code is strictly enforced; casual yet stylish proper attire is requested.

Lexington Bar and Books has a private salon that hosts a big screen TV and which can be used for private events of up to 50 guests.

Lexington Bar and Books Open daily: 5pm - 4am 1020 Lexington Avenue (212) 717-3902 @ 73rd Street, New York 10021 www.barandbooks.cz/lexington/

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

MUSIC LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT

By Lori Simmons Zelenko

ON A CLEAR DAY The Irish Repertory Theatre “A perfect summer treat for people to come and see,” sums up this great musical from the days of glorious musicals (1965) now intimately staged at The Irish Repertory Theatre. The comment from leading man Stephen Bogardus expresses the delightful charm of this whimsical musical with a score that lifts you sky high and keeps you there for the entire show; you may leave feeling like you are walking on air. But then could the combination of a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner (My Fair Lady) and music by Burton Lane (Finian’s Rainbow) be anything but elevating? It’s a romantic story of an extrasensory young woman, Daisy Gamble (played and sung beautifully by Melissa Errico). She sings and flowers bloom, and she always knows where you’ve placed your keys—but it’s her smoking habit that leads her to Dr. Mark Bruckner (Stephen Bogardus), a psychiatrist who will attempt to hypnotize her smoking addiction away.

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The show opens with a chorus, a melodic array of voices singing “On a Clear Day.” Ahh, the story, well it does strain credulity, but the score is so beguiling that there is every reason to suspend disbelief and live in the moment, caught up in the past and present lives of the characters. Hypnotized street smart, modern Daisy becomes an 18th-century British aristocrat named Melinda Welles. Enchanting as she is confident, Mark falls under Melinda’s spell finding himself seething with jealousy as he watches her relive her great love affair with the passionate painter, Edward Moncrief (the dashing John Cudia).

Reporting diligently for her anti-smoking hypnosis sessions, Daisy starts falling in love with Mark who is now in love with Melinda. But when she reads her story in the papers (Mark leaked it), Daisy feels used. Her departure shakes him up and prompts my favorite tune (other than the title song) from the show, “Come Back to Me.” Yes, the show ends with Mark realizing that after all, it was Daisy who had the key to his heart and unlocked his formerly conventional mind in the process. Together they find they’re happily ever after.

The orchestra for this blissful production is bright and bubbly, an on-stage ensemble led by conductor Gary Adler. The sets are projected watercolors of the city; bridges, gardens, rooftops, in broad strokes by James Morgan. The direction by the Irish Rep’s Charlotte Moore is as fresh as the flowers Daisy charms into growing. Catch it before it closes September 6th. Info: irishrep.org.

GETTIN’ THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Belasco Theatre Who doesn’t dream about quitting their day job? Admittedly, we’ve all harbored yearnings to hold center stage and live the glamorous life. Well, in the new musical Gettin’ The Band Back Together that’s the story: Mitch Papadopoulos (Mitchell Jarvis) really wanted to be the next Bon Jovi, not a desk jockey, but security won over a chance at fame and trapped him with the lure of the high life—the high paying job, the high-rise apartment. But as luck would have it, he winds up losing the perks thanks to a pink slip and moves back to his mom’s place in Sayreville, New Jersey. His mom, by the way, is played by Marilu Henner.

When foreclosure threatens the family home, Mitch decides it’s time to dust off his guitar and save his small-town home.

With songs, you can blast on the Jersey Turnpike and a music video that’s outrageously funny—and real in its quirky way, the band gets back together. And in the process, Mitch woos the high school sweetheart he left behind as he sets out to make his dream come true. Will he win The Battle of the Bands? See this irreverent, hilarious, and honestly, entertaining show to find out. Producers Hunter Arnold, Carl Daikeler, Ken Davenport, Richard Hopper, Roy Putrino and Richard Roth proudly present this production. Info: shubert.nyc/theatres/belasco.

THIS AIN’T NO DISCO Linda Gross Theatre This Ain’t No Disco is an impressionistic rock opera set in Studio 54 and Mudd Club-era New York City and from the creator of the cult rock phenomenon Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Stephen Trask and Peter Yanowitz (The Wallflowers, Tits of Clay). Camille A. Brown choreographs it and directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anastasia). Framed by the grit, the garbage strikes, the graffiti of 1979 New York City, the show tells the story of drifters and dreamers searching for their place in the night world of the clubs famous for far more than music back in the day.

In their uptown/downtown quest for revelry and kinship, every decision is fateful in a city where your future can turn on a dime bag. Among the stars are Krystina Alabado (The Mad Ones), Cameron Amandus (Spamilton), Will Connolly (After The Blast), Eddie Cooper (The New World), Lulu Fall (Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812), Hannah Florence (Paramour: A Cirque du Soleil Musical), Chilina Kennedy (Beautiful), Peter LaPrade (The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical), and John-Michael Lyles (Sweeney Todd).

Tune in for an out of the ordinary experience. Info: atlantictheater.org. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 97

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

CRAZY COMEDIES BLACKkKLANSMAN Not yet rated BlackkKlansman, Spike Lee’s latest serio-comedy that’s chockablock with social commentary, triumphed at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, winning the Grand Prix prize. His fact-based flick uses Ron Stallworth’s memoir to tell his story; as a rookie cop in Colorado, Stallworth infiltrated the local Ku Klux Klan chapter, despite being an AfricanAmerican. John David Washington (Denzel’s son) stars, along with Adam Driver, Alec Baldwin, and Topher Grace, who plays David Duke.

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN PG Imagine that Christopher Robin is all grown up, having put away his Winnie the Pooh bear (as well as Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit, Piglet, and Owl). Next, imagine that he regrets giving up his special friends, but one day Pooh comes back into his life.

That’s what the folks at Disney Studios imagined, and now this charming liveaction movie is ready for kids of all ages to enjoy. Ewan McGregor stars as Christopher and Jim Cummings, whose voice has been Pooh’s before in countless Disney cartoons, brings him to life here, too.

CRAZY RICH ASIANS PG-13 Constance Wu, who is hilarious on the TV sitcom Fresh Off The Boat, comes to the big screen in this muchanticipated romantic comedy based on the best-selling book of the same name. She’s an American bride-to-be who journeys to Singapore to meet her fiancé’s family, where her soon-to-be family turns out to be those crazy rich Asians. This funny movie has an allstar cast, including Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, and Humans star Gemma Chan.

THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS Not yet rated Sesame Street lovers, look out! Jim Henson’s son Brian has turned your favorite Muppet puppets on their heads with this irreverent, somewhat filthy crime comedy. Melissa McCarthy and Elizabeth Banks star alongside a slew of puppets from a television show (that aren’t quite the ones from your childhood) in this action caper that involves murder, mayhem and some hilarious riffs on what those puppets are doing when they are not on camera.

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THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME Not yet rated First, we love both Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis, two seriously funny gals. Second, we enjoy a movie that is written and directed by a woman (Susanna Fogel), because of the Hollywood reality that so few females get the opportunity to do that. So that puts The Spy Who Dumped Me way up on our list of movies to see this summer, especially since it’s a wacky comedy about two friends who end up inadvertently embroiled in international espionage. Add in the goodlooking Sam Heughan (Outlander) as their costar, and we’re already standing in the ticket line.

SCARY SCI-FI THE DARKEST MINDS PG-13 Jennifer Yuh Nelson, the Academy Awardnominated director of Kung Fu Panda 2, takes the helm in this, her first live-action feature film. This futuristic tale follows a group of teens that have been quarantined because of the extraordinary powers they have developed; in their world, being different isn’t tolerated. Based on the favorite Alexandra Bracken novel, the movie delves into supernatural phenomena and the ways society copes with people who don’t fit the expected norm. Mandy Moore, Amandla Stenberg, Bradley Whitford and Gwendoline Christie star.

KIN PG-13 Brothers Jonathan and Josh Baker are the force behind Kin, a featurelength flick based on the duo’s short film of the same name. Together they wrote and directed this action movie with an edge, as two brothers run from the law with a weapon that is apparently not of the earth.

Where did the weapon come from and who are the strange soldiers who are on their trail, searching for it? You’ll have to go to the theater to find out the answers—and to see if the fabulous Baker boys are filmmakers to watch, too.

THE MEG PG-13 What horrors lie deep beneath the sea? Dive to the depths of the ocean with The Meg, a screaminducing tale that mixes up fear, sci-fi and a bit of romance. Jason Statham stars in this frightening flick designed to make you fear to go into the water, even though the sea monster he encounters is probably not real. But who knows what lurks beneath? Maybe Ruby Rose, Rainn Wilson, and Robert Taylor do, for they costar in this scary sci-fi underwater thriller. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 99

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

FEEL THE FUNNY ALL ABOUT THE WASHINGTONS Netflix Art imitates life in this “fictional” hiphop comedy starring rapper Rev Run (Joseph Simmons) playing a character that’s only a few steps away from reality.

As an aging hip-hop star, he’s joined by his real-life wife Justine Simmons for the scripted show, which centers on the fiftysomething couple’s trials, tribulations, and role-reversals while raising four kids.

Expect to hear plenty of rap and hip-hop tunes on this raucous family sitcom.

CARTER WGN Affable Jerry O’Connell stars as Carter, a down-on-his-luck Hollywood star who heads home to rethink his life. There he gets entangled in a series of mysterious crimes, as his cinematic persona begins to merge with his actual existence.

What’s a guy to do, except go with the flow and become a wisecracking detective whose childhood pals are all on the force? Think The Rockford Files with a slightly different twist, if O’Connell and company can pull it off.

DISENCHANTMENT Netflix Animation comedy genius Matt Groening (The Simpsons, Futurama) brings a new comedy to Netflix, this time chronicling the distinctly adult sensibilities of a medieval princess who loves trouble—and her booze, too. Bean (Abbi Jacobson) isn’t your typical princess, which is what makes her such a comical heroine for the 21st century. Her adventures might remind you a bit of Game of Thrones, just with jokes replacing all the nasty bits. She’s got a personal elf and her very own demon; Netflix is so sure that Groening has another hit on his hands that this series is already renewed through 2019.

LODGE 49 AMC What’s the kid of two movie stars going to do with his life? If you’re Wyatt Russell, the son of Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, you’re going to get yourself a TV show. Lodge 49 is the seriocomic tale of Sean “Dud” Dudley’s aimless life. He’s an ex-surfer dude living a slightly lost life in Long Beach, California, who finds meaning in the world via his late father’s somewhat strange fraternal lodge.

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RANDOM ACTS OF FLYNESS HBO Get your weird on with artist Terence Nance, as he brings a slightly surreal vision to late-night television on HBO. He’s doing it all here, from producing, writing, directing, composing music and starring in every episode of this subversive modern variety show.

He’s got plenty of talented help joining him, however, including Whoopi Goldberg, Gillian Jacobs, Paul Sparks and Ntare Guma Mwine.

DIG INTO THE DRAMA AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ORDEAL

BY INNOCENCE Amazon Prime There’s a reason that Agatha Christie’s novels keep coming back to the screen—her plots are some of the greatest mystery stories ever imagined. Ordeal by Innocence is the first of an ongoing series of her works coming to Amazon Prime, starring top-notch actors including Bill Nighy, Matthew Goode and Alice Eve. This three-part mystery set in the early 1950s has it all— murder, sex, intrigue and gorgeous costumes, too!

THE INNOCENTS Netflix Take a pinch of Romeo and Juliet, add in a smidgeon of Altered States and a dollop of The Wolf Man and you’ve got the general idea of The Innocents, the weird new Netflix show. When a mixed-race teenage couple runs away from their disapproving parents, strange things begin to unfold. With a cast of relative unknowns—except for Guy Pearce, who plays a key controller of the action—The Innocents breathes a new life the well-worn idea of shapeshifters living among us and of the havoc they inevitably wreak on society when pushed to their limits.

JACK RYAN Amazon Prime John Krasinski is the latest talented actor to step into the role of Jack Ryan, author Tom Clancy’s most famous super spook. Following Harrison Ford, Alec Baldwin, Ben Affleck, and Chris Pine into the shoes of the CIA agent who might be the toughest American ever. In this TV series, Ryan is at the beginning of his career, moving from desk-bound analyst to a full-blown secret agent/action expert.

Krasinski’s take on the character seems to be hitting on all cylinders, for this show has already been renewed for a second season, well ahead of its premiere on Prime. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 101

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

©The Metropolitan Museum of Art/Brett Beyer

THE MET CLOISTERS A VERY FASHIONABLE JOURNEY

By Clint Brownfield

he Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is one of those iconic New York institutions like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The Empire State Building and the Intrepid Museum we may visit once in a great while—probably when out of town friends and family come to the city. Well, you must put the Met Cloisters on your short list of places to visit or revisit. It’s the largest museum in the nation devoted to medieval art and artifacts.

In addition to seeing The Met Cloisters in all of its magnificent glory, there is another primary reason to travel uptown now. It’s a joint exhibition shared by The Met Cloisters in Fort Tryon Park and multiple galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Fifth Avenue. This truly spectacular show is entitled Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. So, if you didn’t receive an invitation to this year’s Met Gala, never fear, the exhibition runs through October 8th.

Virtually all of the public spaces in the Met Cloisters are used to display designs of modern masters surrounded by the permanent collection, including the room that houses the famed collection The Hunt of the Unicorn or The Unicorn Tapestries, which on their own have, for years, attracted visitors from all over the world.

Heavenly Bodies is a thematic exhibition featuring a dialogue between fashion and masterworks of medieval art in The Met collection and examines fashion’s ongoing engagement with the devotional practices and traditions of Catholicism.

A magnificent group of papal robes and accessories from the Vatican, on view at The Met Fifth Avenue, serves as the cornerstone of the joint show, highlighting the enduring influence of liturgical vestments on designers. “The Catholic imagination is rooted in and sustained by artistic practice, and fashion’s embrace of sacred images, objects, and customs continues the ever-evolving relationship between art and religion,” says Daniel H. Weiss, President and CEO of The Met. “The Museum’s collection of Byzantine and Western medieval art, in combination with the architecture and galleries that house these collections at The Met, provide the perfect context for these remarkable fashions.”

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Gallery View, Fuentidueña Chapel ©The Metropolitan Museum of Art

AN INSIDE LOOK The exhibition features approximately 40 ecclesiastical masterworks from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican—encompassing more than 15 papacies from the 18th to early 21st century.

The last time the Vatican sent a loan of this magnitude to The Met was in 1983, for The Vatican Collections exhibition, which is the Museum’s third most-visited show.

Providing an interpretative context for fashion’s engagement with Catholicism are more than 150 ensembles from the early 20th century to the present, on view in the Byzantine and Medieval galleries, part of the The Met’s Robert Lehman Wing, and at The Met Cloisters alongside medieval art. The presentation situates these designs within the broader context of religious artistic production to analyze their connection to the historiography of material Christianity and their contribution to the construction of the Catholic imagination.

Residents of the tristate area may pay as they wish upon providing proof of residency. Tickets for the day purchased will allow visitors to enter both The Cloisters and The Met Fifth Avenue and also The Met Breuer on Madison Avenue.

There is no extra charge to see the clothing show.

For more information on The Metropolitan Museum of Art/ The Cloisters, visit metmuseum.org. •

Gallery View, Romanesque Hall. ©The Metropolitan Museum of Art

FORT TRYON PARK & THE CLOISTERS Fort Tryon is named after Sir William Tryon (17291788), the last British governor of colonial New York. The treasured 66-acre oasis is one of the highest points in New York City and is home to The Met Cloisters and its world-famous works of art from medieval Europe and celebrated gardens. The Museum’s chapel-like spaces, high ramparts, and portcullis, along with commanding views over the Hudson River, all contribute to the extraordinary ambiance. Founded in 1938, The Met Cloisters traces its roots to George Grey Barnard (1863–1938), an American sculptor who studied with Rodin. While living in France, Barnard became an impassioned, indefatigable collector of medieval sculpture, buying and selling works in private hands, especially in the south of France. He ardently believed that young American sculptors should take inspiration from what he called “the patient Gothic chisel.” Thus, on the eve of World War I, Barnard returned to New York and established his own “Cloisters museum” for the collection he had amassed. That museum, located in Washington Heights, was path-breaking and influential, the first display of medieval art of its kind in the United States.

Gallery View, Medieval Europe Gallery ©The Metropolitan Museum of Art

When Barnard’s Cloisters was offered for sale in 1924, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874–1960) financed The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s purchase of the museum and its collections. By 1927, The Met decided a larger building was needed for its new branch museum. With great foresight, Rockefeller offered to fund the conversion of land just north of Barnard’s museum into a public park—today’s Fort Tryon Park—with a new Cloisters as its centerpiece.

To ensure the beauty of this setting, Rockefeller donated additional land along the Palisades, the dramatic cliffs on the New Jersey side of the Hudson.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TRINA MERRY THE FINE ART OF BODY PAINTING

By Jeremy Murphy

he art world was collectively shocked last November when the Leonardo da Vinci painting Salvator Mundi sold for $450.3 million by phone in a record 19-minute auction. Trina Merry, a New York-based body painter, was not. It’s a phenomenon she has been witnessing for years, and which inspired her acclaimed series Lust of Currency.

The artist re-created the world’s highest grossing masterpieces—Van Gogh, Pollock, Picasso, et all—by camouflaging a model into each piece to signify “the sellers and anonymous buyers who have commoditized art,” Merry says. “When people don’t remember the name of a painting, but they do the price, that’s a very profound statement. How do we value art now? Is it by the historical significance or price tag?” To further make her point, the artist renamed each painting by the selling price. To wit: the famous oil canvas Interchange by abstract expressionist Willem de Kooning has been rebranded $300,000,000 in Merry’s series.

It’s just one of many projects the artist has done in the 12 years she has been painting. Now one of the art world’s most respected talents (she was named a “World Champion Body Painter” in 2012), Merry is helping distinguish her particular craft—camouflaging models into settings, scenery and other paintings, and also creating objects out of people—as a fine art worthy of the most prestigious museums and showcases. Merry has exhibited her creations around the world, in addition to doing private commissions, marketing campaigns, and her own passion projects. It’s not uncommon for her to start a series merely to make a statement.

New York Lifestyles sat down with the 38-year-old artist recently to learn more about her extraordinary talent and future.

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Trina Merry

How do you distinguish body painting as fine art and separate it from more celebratory fare?

With any medium, there are multiple ways to use it. Painting, sculpture, photography—these can all be used either as fine art or not. An artist can sculpt an everyday cup or can sculpt the next David. I know many technically talented body painters, but they are not working with the medium as fine art—they work from gig to gig. They are looking to use body-paint as a commercial commodity. Whereas, as an NYC artist, I am using body paint as a fine art in context and in conversation with the contemporary art scene. I consider myself to be an interdisciplinary artist first who happens to be using body paint as one of my mediums. I keep winning photography awards for example, even though photography is a relatively quick part of my process used to document performances.

Tell us some of the advantages of living and working in NYC as an artist.

NYC is a primary art market, which has benefits for anyone wishing to make a living as an artist but it also is an incredibly nurturing and accepting place for artists to experiment. I’ve never been so surrounded by the current conversations in art like I am in NYC; it’s like living at an international art fair yearround and responding in real time to conversations with other artists.

What inspires you here in NYC? I’m attracted and inspired by ephemeral experiences especially performance art, installations, video and some sculptures. I’m also very encouraged by the architecture, energy, and pace of NYC which inspires me to do my best work and to keep going.

In this kind of new economy for art, what do you think is the role of the artist?

Right now, the art economy is one of the best we have ever had, with art selling for unprecedented high prices. And it’s now globalized to include collectors and artists from around the world for the first time in history. It has shifted from a true patron-environment to one where the artist is potentially an entrepreneur needing to build a brand for themselves that they or their galleries can “market.”

How to do you prevent art from being commoditized further?

The art economy has become more transparent with its pricing. Buying is always an emotional decision, and the auctions, internet, and art fairs have all led people to make very interested and varied emotional decisions. It is not the most famous or best works of art selling at these record high prices; it is often the ones with the best stories. I find this all very distracting and limiting to my practice as do many other artists, which is why we still ultimately enjoy the gallery and art dealer relationships we have, and perhaps appreciate them in a new, deeply personal way.

What new projects are you working on?

I’m experimenting with some feminist works around the body. As a woman, working with the body, it was logical that this would be something I would eventually experiment with. Amid the current cultural climate in America, it seems more urgent to work with women directly on their stories and my own experiences with the body. I use the body as a surface but am also working with the body as a brush in this series and expanding this to include some sculptures and video.

For more information on Trina Merry, visit trinamerryartist.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 105

NEW YORK, NY

PAWS DOWN, TAILS UP TRAVEL-READY TOYS FOR PETS

By Crystal C. Long and Lori Zelenko

o doubt about it New Yorkers are avid animal lovers, just look at the number of dog-friendly places where we can hang out with our pooches. Another thing we New Yorkers love to do is travel—whether it’s a road trip with your best friend or a plane ride to paradise, it’s what we love to do especially in August. So why not combine the best of both worlds and travel with your furry friend?

You might be thinking to yourself now: “that sounds awesome and all, but how can I travel with my little buddy and still keep my sanity intact?” Well, don’t fear!

We have got you covered. Here, some of the best toys you can find to keep your furry friend entertained while you’re in the car, on the train or about to take flight.

PLAYOLOGY Scented Toys We adore these inventive dog toys from Playology—we especially love the Dual Layer Bone. Scented with their exclusive Encapsiscent Technology (which is essentially a natural gelatin), each bone toy is infused with an all-natural scent irresistible to your four-legged friend. With a soft and chewy outside and a hard & durable inside, it is made with ultra-durable dog-safe materials and is designed to last. As the dog gnaws the toy, the scent gradually releases to keep dogs engaged for quite a while. Perfect for a long trip or even a staycation, it is available in chicken, bacon, or beef scent. Info: playologypets.com.

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PLANET DOG Orbee-Tuff Toys With tons of fun options s u c h a s t h e O r b e e - Tu f f Produce, Sport, and Cosmos lines these resilient, colorful dog toys from Planet Dog will keep your dog entertained and engaged for hours.

Incredibly durable, these pawsome toys are virtually indestructible—rating a sound four out of five on the durability scale. Planet Dog also offers a specialty line aimed at puppies and senior dogs so everyone can join in on the fun.

Catch all the excitement.

Info: planetdog.com.

BOODA Fresh N Floss 3 Knot Tug Rope Dog Toy Keep your best friend’s teeth healthy on the go with the Booda Fresh N Floss 3 Knot Tug Rope Dog Toy. A two-in-one rope toy and dental floss for your dog, it is twisted with a mix of durable cotton and mint-scented floss. The ingenious rope dog toy contains fresh-tasting baking soda and wax coated nylon strands to help combat plaque and control tartar for your little fur baby. The fun toy also has duo-action as the fluoride and baking soda helps freshen breath as they play—now what could be better than that?! Coming in three sizes: the medium, large, and extra-large, it is now easy as (mint?) to keep your dog’s teeth healthy on the go. The toy is also non-abrasive and non-irritating to sensitive mouths and gums—making it the perfect toy to bring on your travels. After all, wouldn’t you want to greet relatives or friends or even hotel staff with fresh breath? Same goes for your pet. Info: available at amazon.com.

BENEBONE Real Flavor Wishbone Chew Toy A good chew toy is essential for every trip, and Benebone’s wishbones will keep your pup entertained for hours.

With three flavors: Bacon, Chicken, and Peanut, there will be at least one that satisfies your pup, and all his/her friends. Benebone toys come in three sizes, and only contain 100% real food ingredients, so your pup is guaranteed authentic flavor. Constructed with super-strong nylon and food-grade bacon, peanuts, or chicken, the Benebone toys are perfect for strong chewers. Pick one or two up for your furry friend and also check out other keep-your-dog occupied road options, like the Pawplexer with its rubberized center portion perfect for keeping a bully stick, jerky, or your dog’s favorite treat stable, indoors, or out. Info: benebone.com. • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 107

NEW YORK, NY

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

By Elsie McCabe Thompson

hat makes a true New York story? I grew up in Brooklyn and lived most of my life in Manhattan. Outsiders see New York City as one, big, continually moving organism, but those of us who were born here know it to be a collection of villages. To me, “community,” that hard-to-define sense of homeplace and cohesion is critical. It is where we all feel connected to one another, not because we all know each other but because we value the same things, and that is where I always want to be.

I have lived in Harlem for many years.

Harlem has that feeling of community and history that is unique. It is food and music and iconic civil rights leaders and brownstones, of course. But it’s also about the shared cultural values of bringing a plate to a sick neighbor, chatting with the storekeeper, patronizing the family-run restaurant, watching out for each other’s children and caring about their futures.

A FORCE OF NATURE I am the daughter of an African American father, who was a physician, and a Latina mother. My mother could effortlessly talk to anyone, anywhere. As a child, her talks with complete strangers embarrassed me. Mothers like mine come in all colors and all ethnicities and they are all true forces of nature. Whether my mother was angling to get me into the best classes in school or chatting up a building superintendent to get me the inside track on a soon-to-be vacant apartment, she was resolutely determined when it came to finding the best for her children.

Throughout my childhood and particularly in matters that involved my schooling, my mother was my staunchest advocate.

Later in my education, I was blessed with outstanding teachers and mentors who encouraged me and taught me to have faith in myself. Early on I struggled in school and it shaped my worldview as I witnessed my mother and a couple of teachers fight for me. But it begged the question: what happens to all the children who don’t have parents and teachers with the determination of Marine Corps fighters to advocate for them?

By the time I was in law school, I was working for Harvard Legal Aid. I was doing real work for people, and it mattered because it wasn’t just theorizing. I wrote letters for people who were sick and desperately trying to get Social Security Disability benefits. I helped organize the Somerville Housing Authority to help tenants fight for better living conditions. After law school, I worked for a large law firm, but on the very day that I paid off my last student loan, I quit and went into public service working for the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins.

Elsie McCabe Thompson

A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE Mayor Dinkins was assembling a delegation to South Africa to help usher in the skills and the know-how to build the new South Africa. It was to consist of the international press corps and teams of people who were expert in affordable housing, educators to talk about setting up public education for students who had never been in school, and public health experts to discuss setting up healthcare delivery where there was no access to electricity. The delegation’s trip was to be privately funded. He needed someone to go there and help set up the itineraries and all the logistics. Although the initial funding could only pay for a one-way ticket for me, I was thrilled to go. It was truly life changing.

One of the most memorable experiences for me was meeting a man from a tiny black township called “Alex,” short for Alexandra, not far from Pretoria.

He told me that people felt fierce pride in being from Alex. Whether they lived relatively well or were completely destitute, they had enough pride of place and enough of a feeling of community to come out every day and take care of Alex. He was concerned that their precious sense of community would be lost in the post-apartheid era, when a community might be more defined by income than commonwealth. That experience has always stayed with me.

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Elsie w Peter Rabbit

AN ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN When I became president of the New York City Mission Society, I had two important strategies: to be a fierce advocate for children and families who have no one else to fight for them and to maintain that same strong sense of community that is so important to me.

For the past several years, the Mission Society has been focused on making up the educational deficits that children are living through the trauma of poverty by providing programs that wrap around public school curricula. Our Power Academy program addresses the educational achievement gap through after-school enrichment and in summer camps. Through exciting hands-on activities, children concentrate on STEM learning and language arts, with special sensitivity to diverse cultures and new English speakers. We are proud that 84 percent of Power Academy kids show improvement, often by two or more reading levels.

I was able to launch a highly successful— and free—GRIOT (Global Rhythms in Our Tribe) program that teaches children to play instruments after school, where kids learn the math of music and the science of sound while they improve their math scores.

LEADING THE WAY

Elsie with Former Mayor David Dinkins

I’ve also been focused on our Learning to Work high school program, which works with more than 1,200 high school aged students who have either dropped out of high school previously or are unable to graduate because they have fallen too far behind—which we know would doom them to a lifetime of poverty. Through intensive engagement, we coach and encourage them toward that all-important diploma, while arranging paid internships, so they gain job skills. They leave the program ready for the world of work or to take the next step in their education. Many of our Learning to Work programs boast an 89% graduation rate, far above the citywide average.

For all this success, I am keenly aware that we are reactive to educational deficits that might have been avoided in the first place.

Many young people may successfully graduate, but who will not live the best possible versions of themselves because their education was uninspired or because they just did not meet that mentor or role model who would lead the way. Nelson Mandela said it best: “There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

We owe it to our collective future as a city, and as a society to ensure that every child, regardless of background, gets a quality education with all the inspiration, we can pack into it. This is what motivates me every day, and I am glad that my early experiences have shaped my current outlook—that education is the path forward to success for students in their schools and in their lives.

For more information on New York City Mission Society, visit nycmissionsociety.org. •

Left to right Stan Rumbough, Jean Shafiroff, Elsie McCabe Thompson and Katrina Peebles

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NEW YORK, NY

MY NEW YORK STORY JIM ST. GERMAIN

By Lee Gabay

go to therapy on Mondays at four o’clock in Union Square,” offers Jim St. Germain, whose willingness to share extends well beyond his therapist’s couch and onto the pages of his recently published memoir, A Stone of Hope. The book chronicles Jim’s troubled youth, exploring how he got caught up in street life and how he ultimately overcame the traumas of urban violence.

MEAN STREETS

Jim was born in Haiti and grew up in dire poverty, with little access to running water, electricity and food. When his family moved to New York City, his troubles accompanied him and only intensified on the rough new soil of Crown Heights. “As a ten-year-old moving to the toughest section of Brooklyn, I was now responsible for escaping poverty, and also gun violence, lead poison, confrontation with police, drugs, and a history of blunders I couldn’t understand,” says Jim. As a juvenile, Jim’s choices and limited resources landed him behind bars. It was in lock-up where Jim read his first book and began his transformation.

Through reading and clinical treatment, he found ways to manage his anger and to address deeper issues of mental health. “There is such stigma of showing vulnerability where I am from,” explains Jim. “So to talk about my depression and ADHD in a toxic, hyper-masculine surrounding was not an option.”

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FROM LOCK-UP TO LEADERSHIP

Jim’s passion for learning not only led to his healing but eventually enabled him to earn an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from the Borough of Manhattan Community College as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from John Jay College.

In his role as a youth advocate at the Mental Health Association, Inc., Jim used his specific life experiences to help young people living with mental illness, in whose shoes he once walked. He also added his empathic voice as a member of New York State’s Division of Criminal Justice Services Youth Advisory Council.

Being so forthcoming and essentially an open book, Jim received numerous speaking engagements throughout the city. At one such function, he says, “A publisher at HarperCollins heard me speak and offered me a book contract on the spot.” The result, A Stone of Hope, delves deep into the decisions and actions which almost cost him his life and freedom, and depicts how his transformed behaviors took him from lock-up to leadership.

After joining the Board of the National Juvenile Defender Center, Jim was appointed by President Barack Obama to the Coordinator Council on Juvenile and Justice Delinquency Prevention. Advising on matters related to juvenile justice, mentoring, mental health, substance abuse, and educational issues, he has collaborated with countless local, state and federal officials including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, and Junior Senator from Connecticut Chris Murphy.

Jim now works with juvenile justice-involved youth and their families in the city with his mentoring program, PLOT (Preparing Leaders For Tomorrow). PLOT offers positive role models in the lives of criminal justice-involved youth.

Mentor and mentee go to plays, meet with local leaders, or just grab a bite to eat as they work to build rapport and inspire trust. When mentees need additional support, PLOT will make referrals to various specialists within its network. “I want to assure that the needs of our young people are addressed with qualified health care providers, regardless of their fiscal circumstances,” says Jim.

ALL EYES ON ME

Jim’s memoir caught the attention of activist/athlete LeBron James, prison reform advocate/musician John Legend and Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg, who is co-writing the movie script of the book with Jim. What Jim didn’t talk about much in the book was the gaping hole left in his heart from his mother’s absence. “One of the most painful parts of my life, my relationship with my mother, was left out of my story. For so long, I ignored how her absence made me feel and how I think it affected me.”

He attributes his inability to cope with powerful feelings of abandonment as antecedents to many of his childhood outbursts. These same emotional scars further ignite Jim St. Germain into combatting the chronic unreliability that has become so embedded in the psyches of many young people in his neighborhood.

Jim’s way to systemic change is to be the change. “Kids learn more from watching you and much less from listening. I try to teach through the way I dress, the language I use, and how I live my life.”

Having the wisdom to show rather than to tell has made Jim St. Germain so gifted at what he does. He believes that all youth can avoid incarceration or re-incarceration through realizing their personal and educational goals. “The time to give up on a child is never.” • AUGUST 2018 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 111

NEW YORK, NY

TIME OUT WITH… CAJAI FELLOWS JOHNSON

By Daniel J. Bollinger

ajai Fellows Johnson is a dancer, actress, and fine artist from Bloomfield, CT. Her dad, Jaimoe, is a founding member and drummer of the Allman Brothers Band and mom, Catherine Fellows, has been the Dance Director at Central Connecticut State University for more than 45 years. Performing is definitely in her blood since she’s been performing professionally since age 10 when she was cast as Young Nala in the first national touring company of The Lion King.

She’s a New Yorker now and also parallel to her performance career, draws large-scale, charcoal, realistic drawings of dancers, on used drum heads. New York Lifestyles recently met Cajai to catch up with this young, talented performer.

Growing up the daughter of a famous rock n roll band drummer you must have some great stories to tell, can you share one?

I have so many great stories! I’ll go with the first one that came to mind. Now I don’t remember this one super well, but the story goes that when I was three years old, my parents and I were on James Brown’s tour bus and he put me on his lap, and I showed him my manners book I was carrying with me. I told him all about good manners!

And your mom is a dance director for Central Connecticut State. I guess it just runs in the family?

Yes, I was blessed with two incredibly talented and driven parents. It’s incredible to have such great examples in my life, but it’s a lot to live up to. I can’t embarrass the family!

Are you performing at the moment?

I am happy to report I just completed my first season dancing for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks City Dancers. That experience was a whole new world for me but taught me so much about being a smarter, faster, and all around better dancer and performer. It is a challenge, but I have a great support system with the teammates and the staff. There is no other arena like the Garden and the rush you get when you hear the music start and lights come on you, it’s incredible.

Then last winter, I had the opportunity to perform with The Love Show which is a fantastic entertainment and dance company here in New York. They did their infamous production of Romeo and Juliet in collaboration with Little Cinema, an immersive cinematic experience that was performed at House of Yes, a raging music, theater, dance and party venue in Brooklyn.

I danced the role of Juliet which was unique to me. If you told me when I first moved to the city I would have the opportunity to dance one of the most iconic roles in theatrical history, at one of my favorite places in New York, I would have laughed!

We read that you were also performing with the Metropolitan Opera. Tell us a little more.

This past year I danced for the first time with the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center in The Merry Widow; it was directed and choreographed by the Tony award-winning director, Susan Stroman. Luckily, that won’t be my final time on the grand stage.

112 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | AUGUST 2018

I will be dancing in two operas this coming Winter and Spring 2019, in The Met’s production of Adriana Lacouvreur and La Traviata. Ever since I was a little girl, I would go to Lincoln Center and see the gorgeous fountain and think I have to be a part of this one day. It’s entirely a dream come true.

With a schedule like yours, how do you find time for such organizations such as Broadway Cares?

It’s important to me! Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights Aids is a charity that I have been participating in fundraisers for since I was ten years old. This past June, I was so touched to be able to participate in one of their most exciting fundraising events, Broadway Bares. Bares is a performance that involves many of Broadway’s hottest choreographers and dancers and is arguably one of the most fun nights in the theater world!

Your talents also include the fine arts. Tell us more about your charcoal renderings.

I use Sumi ink on the drum heads, and I do the charcoal portraits on paper. I was inspired to make the dancers on the drumheads because I was already drawing history into the work. Drumheads are already interesting on their own and filled with the emotion and artistry of its prior owner. I thought they would make an excellent canvas.

One of my more exciting projects I have started working on is some video and performance art where I am blending my two worlds into one event. I dance while creating a kind of celestial abstract painting. You can see the video on my Instagram (Cajmahal) or on my website (cajai.net). The first successful attempt was made possible, and in collaboration with a brilliant video artist, I have a working relationship with, Max Nova. He provided me with the space and filmed the event and turned the video into a fresh piece. I want to start doing this performance around the city at different events and in different spaces.

What makes New York City so special?

I love that at any time of the day or night you can find what you want whether it is food or entertainment. And while outsiders see New Yorkers as jaded when it matters, New Yorkers are there for each other. I also love all the weird artist types you meet here. It’s such a cool community just to be yourself, let go and have a good time. •

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