New York Lifestyles Magazine - June/July 2019

fun

Vol. 5 #5 | June/July 2019

SARA

From our famous mineral s

scene and national historic s

and make merry. Choose fr your favorite

TRAVEL

Add Cuba To Your Bucket List

HEALTH

Wellness In The Bahamas

HOME DÉCOR

Expert Trends To Make Your Own

REAL ESTATE Next Stop Williamsburg

World TeamTennis Returns to New York

with NYC’S PRO TENNIS TEAM Featuring world-class tennis, your favorite pros, non-stop action, music and a taste of Arthur Avenue JULY 14 - 31, 2019 | CARY LEEDS CENTER FOR TENNIS & LEARNING

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2019 SEASON SUNDAY

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

July 14

July 16

July 18

July 19

July 21

July 29

July 30

5:00pm WTT Opening Night Kick off the 2019 World TeamTennis season, featuring live music, food and world-class tennis.

FRANCHISE PLAYERS

6:30pm Community Hero Night A salute to public service members.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

6:30pm Taste of the Bronx Featuring some of the best food Arthur Avenue has to offer.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

Reilly Opelka

Sloane Stephens

6:30pm Fan Appreciation Night A night to celebrate the fans! First 500 fans receive Empire giveaway.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

5:00pm Family Fun Night Featuring entertainment, games, and face painting.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

7:00pm Bronx Night Celebrating the Bronx and borough pride! Come Rock The House.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

Feliciano Lopez

Mardy Fish

6:30pm Empower Her Night Honoring women who inspire, featuring Billie Jean King and the Women’s Sports Foundation.

FRANCHISE PLAYER

John Isner Ryan Harrison

Venus Williams

Mardy Fish

VISIT NYEMPIRETENNIS.COM FOR EVENT DETAILS

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bedroom Hampton’s style shingle & stone masterpiece offers high volume & expansive views. The 9-stall barn opens to a limestone jumping area, paddocks & trails along the river. Massive artist's loft, infinity pool & more!

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Stunning all brick manor, completely renovated by current owner. Very high level designer finishings throughout. Smart Home Electronics, 2 kitchens, wine cellar/tasting room and more! Fabulous pool, cabana & patio area. 4-car garage.

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Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.

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SADDLE RIVER, NJ One of the most extraordinary estates in the New York Metropolitan area, this one of a kind masterpiece on approximately 4 lush acres was custom built for the original owner with no expense spared and updated by the current owner also with no expense spared. Banquet dining room, massive great room, multi-suite kitchen, solarium, award winning Theo Kalomirakis theater & wine cellar and tasting, huge master bedroom suite, boutique-style closet room, indoor and outdoor pools, 7-car garage, ten fireplaces. $13,888,000. Vicki Gaily, Realtor-Associate, Office: 201 934-7111 From Cottages to Chateaus…Every Home is

Special to Us.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK @SPECIALPROPERTIESNJ 158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD • SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458 Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.

NAPLES/PELICAN BAY, FL $6,095,000 I MLS#219009549 Pat Biernat, 239.269.6264

WHITE PLAINS/RITZ CARLTON, NY $5,495,000 I MLS#4810528 Harmony Stern, 914.462.2615

ROWAYTON, CT $4,999,000 I MLS#170095387 Elaine Falkenberg, 917.941.5362

CHAPPAQUA, NY I $3,995,000 MLS#4913661 I Cindy Glynn, 914.523.6163 & Harmony Stern, 914.462.2615

NEW CANAAN, CT $3,495,000 I MLS#143202 Hannelore Kaplan, 914.450.3880

CHAPPAQUA, NY $3,300,000 I MLS#4913772 Stacy Levey, 914.400.3962

WESTPORT, CT $2,895,000 I MLS#170169385 Jillian Klaff Homes, 203.858.2095

WESTPORT, CT $2,750,000 I MLS#170171606 Faith Schachne, 203.858.9876

MT. KISCO, NY $2,295,000 I MLS#4900246 Cindy Glynn, 914.523.6163

NEW CANAAN, CT $2,175,000 I MLS#170077350 Denise Gannalo, 203.981.7927

CHAPPAQUA, NY $2,150,000 I MLS#4922840 Cindy Glynn, 914.523.6163

NEW MILFORD/MERYALL, CT $1,995,000 I MLS#170159360 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

SOUTHPORT, CT $1,899,000 I MLS#170134395 Barbara Voytas, 203.395.0554

WILTON, CT $1,799,000 I MLS#170043521 Nancy Budd, 203.984.8922

FAIRFIELD, CT $1,599,000 I MLS#170169223 Denise Walsh & Partners, 203.650.1583

CHAPPAQUA, NY $1,499,000 I MLS#4905271 Cindy Glynn, 914.523.6163

ROXBURY, CT $1,495,000 I MLS#170176306 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

STAMFORD, CT $1,449,000 I MLS#170154665 Phyllis Doonan & Associates, 203.428.1703

NAPLES, FL $1,397,500 I MLS#218047759 Michael Jordan, 239.777.3745

ROXBURY, CT $1,150,000 I MLS#170052871 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

STAMFORD, CT $1,135,000 I MLS#170122521 Gerald Pierni, 203.550.1107

ROXBURY, CT $1,100,000 I MLS#170165118 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

WASHINGTON, CT $1,050,000 I MLS#170153712 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

BRIDGEPORT, CT $899,000 I MLS#170067365 Catherine DiChiara, 917.833.2837

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Contents

21

FEATURES 18 21 56 63 66

From The Publisher Cover Feature: Feel The Heat—Your Perfect Escape Through The Lens With Annie Watt Bits & Bailey: The Who, What & Wow Of The Luxury Scene Tech Talk: Cool Gadgets For Summer Days

STYLE 32 34 37 40

Frequent Flyer Fashion Looking Good While On The Go Life & Style: Gifts For Dads & Grads John Mahdessian: The Haute Couture Doctor

32

TRAVEL 43 47 68 69 72 74

Shawangunk Mountains: Hudson Valley’s Best-Kept Secret Saratoga: A Winning Bet Beachfront Perfection In The Wildwoods New Hampshire: Summer Adventure In The Granite State Cuba: It Will Sweep You Off Your Feet!

Have Gear, Will Travel

69

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 76 79 82 85

Around Town: Williamsburg 13 West 121st Street: Incredible Harlem Living Quay Tower: Brooklyn Heights Home Décor: The Latest Trends From The Experts

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

76

855-371-4576

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Taxes and fees included in price. Restrictions apply. All Rights Reserved. Š2018 Charter Communications.

Contents

90

98

HEALTH & WELLNESS 90 Is It For You? The Impact Of A Nose Job 93 The Start Of Something Wonderful 94 Wellness Is A Breeze: Who Knew This Could Be So Healthy!

FOOD & DRINK 96 Benjamin Steakhouse: The Man Behind The Restaurant 98 Restaurant Roundup: Here’s To Dad 101 Antoine Hodge: Taking Cocktails To A New High

102

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 102 104 106 108

On Stage: Moulin Rouge Off-Broadway: Fiddler On The Roof On The Big Screen On The Small Screen

NEW YORK, NY 110 112 115 118 119 120

Entrepreneur’s Corner: Gina Smith My New York Story: Minchul An Summer In The City: Make The Most Of Sunny Days To Come Caitlin Meister: Changing The World Of Private Education Game On: New York Sports Tours Time Out With…Ann Liguori

14 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

115

ISSN 2474-770X

OUR CONTRIBUTORS BAILEY BECKETT Bailey is a jet-setting bon vivant who has written extensively for publications around the globe, and is often quoted as an expert on style, fashion and luxury. A Parisian native, he graduated from the Sorbonne before beginning his career as a lifestyle ambassador for the Ritz Paris. There, he friended top magazine editors, who encouraged him to parlay his experience into a journalism career. Before long he became a staple of the front row during Paris Fashion Week and a regular presence on the world’s social scene—including the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals to name a few.

RUTH J. KATZ The author of five books, Ruth specializes in consumer reporting, with an emphasis on luxury lifestyle and travel.

She has been a contributing editor to Redbook, Classic Home, and Colonial Homes.

For 15 years, she was on staff for several upscale magazines, among the The Modern Estate, Golf Connoisseur, and New York Spaces. She was the style editor at New York City-based Promenade magazine for eight years. She has written close to 100 articles for The New York Times and was an esteemed service writer/reporter at New York magazine for nearly 20 years. As an on-air personality at Fox-TV, she reported on home services/ shopping; she was also on air as the host of shows on the Lifetime and the USA networks. Currently a contributing editor to Bold magazine, she continues to travel and has visited close to 90 countries…and counting.

NATASHA BAZIKA As a globetrotting, freelance journalist, Natasha is on a mission to create smart and compelling content for the various media outlets she contributes to. The native Australian has always had a taste for adventure and travel, which led her to receive a journalism degree and embark on her travel-writing journey.

Natasha has contributed to various publications including Malibu Times magazine, Upscale Living and many more media outlets. Her time is spent writing about anything and everything from fashion to profiles on philanthropists and influencers to luxury resorts and spas. Her specialty is everything travel, food, and adventure. She often brings her stories further to life with her photography. Her travel bucket list includes Croatia, Paris, and Spain and when she’s not on the go, she enjoys reading and editing her photos.

16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Vol. 5 #5 | June/July 2019 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole

Art Director Eric Duncan

Entertainment Jenny Peters, Lori Zelenko

Style Gerrie Summers

Features Ruth J. Katz

Special Projects Norah Bradford

Lifestyle Griffin Miller

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributing Writers Shana Ackerman, Maxine Albert, Min An, Natasha Bazika, Bailey Beckett AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Lee Gabay, JP Giacalone Jenna Guarneri, Isabelle Harrington, TJ Johnson, Dr. Peter Kalellis Robb Lanham, Kelley Mason, Margaret Mason, Adam Morgan Tina & TJ Mulqueen, Jeremy Murphy, Ellis Nassour, Anne Raso Mike & Nava Raviv, Will Reed, Paul Seth, Jennifer Strong 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. ©2019 New York Lifestyles Magazine

Cover photos courtesy of Cape May Chamber of Commerce, Hamptons Chamber of Commerce, Howe Caverns, Moreys Piers, Rye Playland, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Southampton Inn, Ulster County Tourism, Warren County Tourism, Woodloch Resorts, World Team Tennis.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Check us out on the web!

e’ve looked forward to these days for months. After wishing and planning, hoping and waiting, summer is finally here! Long days of outside fun with friends, road trips with family, bicycling on the boardwalk, enjoying an outdoor concert, catching a Broadway play, or simply grabbing an ice cream cone with a loved one. It’s all ahead to be enjoyed!

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

This issue’s cover reflects some of our staff and readers favorite summer destinations.

I’m sure you will recognize most of these hot spots and may have already visited some of them. Others may pique your interest to plan a getaway with family. Either way, all offer an extremely fun and relaxing way to enjoy a summer vacation.

Here’s our list of what you may want to discover in Summer 2019: The Hamptons, Woodloch Resorts, Ulster County Wine Trails, Morey’s Piers, Howe Caverns, Lake George, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Rye Playland, World Team Tennis, Broadway, and our very own Central Park. Just remember we all have our special “happy place” where memories are made and last forever. Let’s create a summer to remember, one that we’ll look back on fondly. Who knows? You may strike up a friendship that will last a lifetime. I know, because it’s happened in my family.

Also, I would like to take a moment and thank our readers and our entire staff for their support and contributions to New York Lifestyles Magazine. This issue marks a significant milestone for my partnership with Executive VP of Sales, Lyle Seltzer.

It celebrates our success and determination in being a platform to reach so many of you every month. Now in our 5th year, this opportunity to reach out and touch so many people and become a voice for our community through our publications has been thrilling to say the least. Our structure has been based on trust, understanding, integrity, creativity, and having some fun along the way. Here’s to many more years serving our city and all the people who make it great.

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

Have a safe summer, and see ya “Down the Shore!”

-Bill Mason

Publisher

18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com For subscription or back issues, call:

(646) 259-2651

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FEATURES

THE JOYS OF SUMMER! THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE A PERFECT ESCAPE

here’s something intoxicating about the idea of summer vacations, and it never gets old. The sizzle of a barbecue grill, melting ice cream cones, the sound of music floating out an open car window, the first taste of chilled rose are just some of the charms linked to summer. Sure the prices are higher, the crowds somehow more crowded, but think about this: You’ll also experience beautiful landscapes, relaxing outdoor events, and balmy summer food festivals. Whether you’re looking to head to Long Island’s East End, Jersey’s Wildwoods or beyond, we’ve got you covered. Throughout this issue, you’ll find fun ways to soak up the sun on the perfect summer getaway.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21

FEATURES

THE HAMPTONS

Coopers Beach ©Southampton Inn

SUMMER MUST-DO’S ON THE EAST END

By Norah Bradford

n weekends and during summer months, the seaside towns of eastern Long Island come to life. Almost like magic, the villages of the Hamptons blend and merge beautifully as the annual exodus from New York City and beyond once again take hold. Here, our guide to the best of the Hamptons.

BEST BEACHES FOR SOAKING UP THE RAYS

Coopers Beach Consistently rated amongst the top beaches in America, visitors to Southampton’s Coopers Beach can enjoy the sand, fresh air, and a beautiful backdrop of those famous mansions amidst the landscape. Coopers Beach is consistently listed as one of Top Ten Best Beaches in the U.S. Two Mile Hollow East Hampton’s main beach and popular with the younger crowd. Parking fees are relatively cheap (at $30); however, with only forty parking spaces total you need to start early.

Two Mile Hollow Beach

22 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Atlantic Avenue Beach This Amagansett favorite offers lifeguards and concession stands that among its provisions include fried clams, lobster rolls, and chicken tenders.

A GLORIOUS DAY WITH ROSÉ

Hampton Water Rosé Wine You are definitely not ‘living on a prayer’ ordering a bottle of Diving into Hampton Water Rosé 2017—a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvedre grapes from a new winery involving rock legend, Jon Bon Jovi and son Jesse with winemaker Gérard Bertrand. Enjoy this in one of the garden cabanas in the lounge at the rear of Southampton Social Club. Info: southamptonsocialclub.com.

Miraval Rose Cote de Provence Boasting access to some of the best terroir in Provence, combined with ideal geographic elevation and climate, actor Brad Pitt felt compelled to get involved in creating this highend summer rose. Sip a glass of the Miraval Rose Cote de Provence and people-watch overlooking the yachts in the marina at Sag Harbor at Le Bilboquet, where the French classics draw a celeb crowd to the offshoot of the original New York City location. Info: lebilboquetny.com.

Wolffer Estate Summer in a Bottle Rose Produced and bottled on Long Island, Wolffer Estate’s Summer in a Bottle Rose is a nonvintage wine which aims to capture the spirit and style of the Hamptons in a bottle. Enjoy at Southampton staple, 75 Main which boasts the prime sidewalk dining location from which to see and be seen. Info: 75main.com.

Le Bilboquet

75 Main

ENJOY A SERIOUSLY GOOD LOBSTER ROLL

Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club

Duryea’s Lobster Deck A dose of the South of France in Montauk, Duryea’s offer a raw bar with seating alongside the theater of the team at work preparing the oysters, clams and seafood in front of diners. Outside the deck has those hard to get tables by the waterfront where you can take it all in—magnums of rose too! Info: duryealobsters.com.

Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club Under new ownership this season Gurney’s Montauk Yacht Club offers some 107 luxury waterfront guest rooms, suites and villas inside 15 acres of grounds boasting outdoor amenities such as a swimming pool by the dock, restaurants and bars. Enjoy a lobster roll by the bar watching the yachts sail by. Info: gurneysresorts.com.

Clam Bar

The Clam Bar at Napeague The East Eng’s best kept secret is the Clam Bar. Located on Montauk Highway between East Hampton and Montauk it is the favorite for sasiating your desire for Lobster Rolls en route to Montauk or when girding yourself for the drive back to the city. Info: clambarhamptons.com.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23

SWEETS & TREATS FOR THE KID IN EVERYONE

Buddhaberry Ice Cream & Yogurt Satisfy the whole family at Bhuddhaberry on Main Street in Sag Harbor. Boasting frozen yogurt, a creperie, waffle and coffee bar in addition to a fill-it-up candy shop everyone will be happy. Guaranteed!

Info: buddhaberry.com Candy Kitchen Located in Bridgehampton, the Candy Kitchen has a retro-cool look and feel like an old-school ice cream shop and candy store. However, the Candy Kitchen also boasts a more substantial menu should appetites require. Info: Montauk Highway; 631-537-9885.

Union Burger New this season, Union Burger in Southampton is a first come, first serve restaurant. The new no reservations policy pertains to lunch and dinner. One thing that has not changed is the specialty gourmet burgers, fresh hand-cut fries, maniacal milkshakes and desserts from restaurateur/owner Ian Duke with award-winning Executive Chef Scott Kampf. Info: unionburgerbar.com

Union Burger

Union Burger

Nick & Toni’s

A ROMANTIC HAMPTONS DATE

Nick & Toni’s Having just celebrated three decades, this restaurant is the East Hampton hub for classic, seasonally inspired dining in their Tuscan farmhousestyle location. Reserve an outdoor table and engage all five senses from the sights and sounds to the delicious taste of the cuisine. Info: nickandtonis.com.

Union Cantina

T-Bar Southampton Just like its sister restaurant on the Upper East Side, T-Bar offers Southampton guests innovative Contemporary American cuisine in a warm and inviting ambiance under the watchful eye of restauranteur, Tony Fortuna. The outdoor terrace and garden make it the quintessential location for evening cocktails on those warm summer evenings. Info: tbarnyc.com.

Union Cantina It’s Southampton’s most vibrant and social destination for modern authentic Mexican cuisine. Union Cantina’s festive atmosphere incorporates both the sleekness of the high society with the rustic beauty of Mexican culture. The dark woods are balanced by the bright cerulean colored walls and are also decorated with Mexican artwork.

Info: unioncantina.net.

24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

GET CLOSER TO NATURE & ANIMALS

Hamptons Wildlife Rescue Center A perfect family outing: Visit the Evelyn Alexander Hamptons Wildlife Rescue Center in Hampton Bays on June 1st and participate in the Save the Babies event and learn how to feed orphaned wildlife and perhaps get involved as a volunteer. Also not to be missed is the annual Get Wild Benefit on June 29th to see the work and meet the animals by the volunteers and the rescue center. Info: wildliferescuecenter.org.

GET WILD Beth Stern ©Rob RichSocietyAllure

Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge Gracing the shore of the Atlantic Ocean is this 36acre former lifeboat station which was acquired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1968.

The protection and management of fragile shore habitat and wildlife give Amagansett special significance. This beach section of the refuge is open to the public to come and see the habitat and wildlife. Info: fws.gov/refuge/amagansett.

Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation On July 20, 2019, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, a safe-haven for homeless pets, will be holding its Unconditional Love Gala. Join fellow animal lovers for a night of cocktails, dinner and dancing under the tents to benefit this shelter. Info: southamptonanimalshelter.com.

Southampton Animal Shelter ©SASF

HANG TEN IN MONTAUK

Ditch Plains Beach

Surf Lodge

Ditch Plains Beach The super long break makes surfing a favorite for beginners as well as more experienced surfers. At the western end of the beach the Cliffs of Shadmoor Park provide a stunning views. Why not stop on the way at the Morty’s Oyster Stand at the site of the former Cyril’s and have a Bailey’s Banana Colada (BBC) for old-time’s sake. Jeremy Morton and Jack Luber have partnered with hospitality veteran Charles Seich of Ferris to create a casual, cool and refined restaurant and bar inspired by sustainable seafood, East Coast oysters, and coastal cuisine.

Navy Beach Inside the antique 35-foot wooden bar and décor screams old-school though a modern wine list and signature dishes including the Lump Crab Cake, Clam & Corn Chowder and the eponymous Navy Burger.

There’s outdoor seating available directly on the beach to take in the scenic beauty. Info: navybeach.com.

Surf Lodge For t he u lt imate apres - su r f experience in Montauk, Jayma Cardoso’s Surf Lodge in Montauk has risen as the place to be. Every weekend sees musical acts queuing up to perform to its loyal fan base.

Info: thesurflodge.com. •

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25

new for

2019!

RUNAWAY TRAM

You thought the boardwalk tramcar was out of control, wait until you ride this family friendly coaster!

Go to MoreysPiers.com for more information on TripAdvisor’s Number 1 Destination on the Rise.

26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

FEATURES

MOREY’S PIERS

SUMMER’S ULTIMATE FAMILY PLAYGROUND

By Paul Seth

orey’s Piers located on the Boardwalk in the Wildwoods, NJ just 2 ½ hours from New York City is ready for another fun-filled summer season. With the seaside amusement park celebrating its 50th year as a family owned entity situated on 18 acres along six beach blocks, Morey’s Piers has over 100 rides and attractions and includes three amusement piers and two beachfront water parks. Morey’s Piers along with Morey’s Hotels and Resorts is truly a combination of an Amusement Park, a First Class Boardwalk where one can experience a beach lifestyle as well as a provider of great accommodations. When we spoke with Jack Morey, he summed it up in a nutshell “The Morey’s Pier’s family is all about catering to ‘the kid in all of us’ but beyond delivering wild rides, laughter and entertainment, we strive to do our part to support a brighter future for our community.”

This summer visitors can experience Morey’s new ride on the Surfside Pier: The family friendly Runaway Tram, with the family roller coaster themed after the recognizable Wildwood Sightseer Tram Car, an icon of the Wildwood Boardwalk since it debuted nearly 70 years ago. The trackless trains originally built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair is known for taking passengers along the two mile boardwalk while echoing the famed pre-recorded phrase “watch the tramcar please.” The Runaway Tram featuring one train with ten 2-person passenger seats will climb 40 feet before coasting, twisting and turning riders along 922 feet of track. The Touring Promo Tramcar built out from a MINI-Cooper will be traveling to NYC/Times Square, Philadelphia and other major city destinations promoting a full summer of excitement at Morey’s Piers.

Morey’s is also enhancing dining offerings with its new private group dining program being featured at its restaurants. This is a welcome addition to its already popular catering and large group party offerings.

Morey’s has a full lineup of events in store for Summer 2019. Over the course of the summer, Morey’s Piers will feature the “Funner Summer Challenge” with $1 million in giveaways for free rides, food, swag and game vouchers. During the month of July, Morey’s will host a concert series taking place on Saturdays from 5pm -8pm at Pigdog Beach Bar& BBQ. Another major event on tap is the September 8th Doggie Dash & Splash Puppy Pool Party at Raging Waters Water Park. A Doggie Dash race will be held in the morning followed by a puppy pool party throughout the day.

This is a fun 5K run or a 1 mile run/walk and you can choose on the event day which length you want to participate in.

Morey’s will be partnering with Team Foster, a nonprofit organization which pairs service dogs with TriState area veterans suffering from combat-related disabilities including Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. Morey’s will donate $5 from every registration to Team Foster.

The Touring Promo Tramcar with Kris Swain of Atomic Specialties and Jack Morey

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AMUSEMENT PIERS

Surfside Amusement Pier features 16 rides including Dante’s Dungeon where you are wheeled through a Gothic Haunted Castle with grisly scenes, ghastly monsters and gruesome sound effects.

Other notable rides include Doo Wopper where you ride through zig zagging turns and undulating hills on a wild version mouse coaster and Zoom Phloom which is one of the longest, tallest and steepest log flumes on the east coast and features two coaster-like drops that culminate in a final splash. The main dining option is Joes Fish Co., a classic seafood house with the freshest seafood menu featuring oysters, crab cakes, fish & chips, grilled fish, lobster bake and the signature desert, house made key lime pie. The 2nd floor bar is a great place to hang out as it overlooks all the action of Surfside Pier.

Mariners Amusement Pier features 24 rides including the Wave Swinger, a classic swing ride for an exciting flight over Morey’s Piers and featuring a hand painted history of The Wildwoods. The Giant Wheel is one of the largest ferris wheels on the east coast providing great views of the island. The Sea Serpent is a high looping ride through two 120 foot hills upside down three times. The ride then snakes back and takes you through the ride again in reverse. Super

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Scooters is bumper cars for the big kids. There are four dining establishments to choose from on the pier. Enjoy Jumbo’s Grub & Pub for seafood, gourmet pizza, sandwiches & salads and make sure to try a basket of Chef Wally’s famous Cuban spiced fries. Be sure to stop in Founders Pub located inside Jumbo’s for a frozen “Yea Salt Water Taffy” daiquiri or to enjoy a glass of wine. Pigdog Beach Bar and BBQ is a dog-friendly barefoot beach bar for great BBQ & Brews with ocean views. Try the BiG Pig, sourdough loaf stuffed with smoked pulled pork, covered in melted Monterey Jack Cheese, pickled jalapenos & scallions. Wilhelm’s Bier Garten is a drinking and dining establishment named after co-founder William Morey and his love for German rides and most of all Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Menu highlights include fried pierogis served with apple sauce and sour cream and the cheddar bratwurst sandwich served on a fresh pretzel roll.

Adventure Amusement Pier features 9 “adventure filled” rides including a Skycoaster which is part sky diving , part hang gliding and can accommodate up to 3 flyers at one time. You soar from over a height of 100 feet over Wildwood’s beautiful beaches. The Great White is a classic out and back wooden coaster that begins with an exhilarating 25 foot drop into a dark tunnel, then be prepared

for the big 105 foot drop all at speeds of over 50 MPH. The Screamin’ Swing takes you 70 feet in the air at a G-Force of 4.0. The Grand Prix Raceway is a go-kart ride that races its way through Adventure Pier on a longer and windier wooden track. It’s located next to the Great White Roller Coaster.

WATER PARKS

Ocean Oasis Water Park & Beach Club features an exciting collection of waterslides including the Cliff Dive where you experience a 5 story drop within the span of three seconds on an exhilarating speed body slide. Riptide Rapids is for high speed tube sliding. Grab your tube and let yourself go down this long twisting open slide at record setting speeds. If you are a competitive individual, WIPEOUT! is the ride for you. It’s a 350-foot long 40-foot high slide with six lane slopes for friends to compete.

Just steps from the beach and Ocean Oasis Water Park and Beach Club is Stubborn Brothers Beach Bar and Grille. The Morey’s Brothers, Will and Jack may tell you that it took a while for them to agree on a name for this beach bar, but have no fear it’s a great place to enjoy a cold beverage and sample the impressive beach influenced menu put together by Betsy Garr, Food & Beverage Manager. Top menu selections are the Crabby Cake, Baja Fish Tacos and Siblings Signature Salad. Specialty

Cocktail offerings come from original recipes using fresh fruit.

Signature drinks include the Pirates Punch and the not-to-bemissed Blueberry Pina Colada. Beer, wine, fresh sangria and non-alcoholic beverages round out the offerings.

Raging Waters Water Park at the end of Mariners Pier features over 10 outstanding rides. The Speed Slides let you slide solo or race a friend in the twin slide next to it as you whip around the 40-foot high slides going head first while twisting and turning along the way. Sky Pond Journey is like no other as riders slide in tubes into four different pools as they journey to the final splash. Shotgun Falls is a two flume body slide attraction that drops riders 6 feet into a 10-foot deep pool filled with 75,000 gallons of fresh, cool water. Shipwreck Shoals is fun for the whole family as water cannons, a cargo net, climbing ropes and slides give kids and adults more than they can handle.

Both water parks offer relaxation in private water park cabanas which can be rented on a daily basis. The cabanas feature comfortable seating, shade as well as preferred food and beverage service. The signature personalized concierge service will create a lasting memory.

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SPECIAL DESTINATIONS

The Starlux mini golf course with three unique themed 9- hole courses is not to be missed. The Beach course features the largest artificial sand dune and sand castlet in the world and the Ocean course features giant fountains and creatures of the sea. Lastly, the Boardwalk course features plastic palm trees and Wildwood memorabilia.

WHERE TO STAY

Pan American Hotel was an iconic structure when it was built in 1964 and features a recent renovation and restoration of its penthouse.

Being an oceanfront hotel and featuring private balconies, it is known for its comfortable rooms, a gorgeous swimming pool and best of all its location - being close to the boardwalk, Wildwood by night and watersports. Hotel GM Jim Kelly is in his 38th year with

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the family owned and operated organization and he knows that by him and his staff “treating guests like family” he has found the key ingredient to guests enjoying their stay with many returning year after year.

Port Royal located on the pristine beaches of Wildwood Crest is a perfect spot for guests to soak up sun and the salty sea air from a private balcony with beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms range from Standard to Deluxe Ocean Suite which includes two bedrooms and a living area which comfortably sleeps up to six guests. The Doo-Wop themed Royal Grill on the lobby level of the hotel is a great spot to dine.

The 2019 Summer Season is shaping up to be better than ever so come down to Morey’s Piers in the Wildwoods and share in the 50th anniversary celebration. •

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

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STYLE

FREQUENT FLYER FASHION

By Gerrie Summers

ith all the traffic, security checks, delays and cancellations, lost or damaged luggage, traveling is less than glamorous these days. But we’ve got you covered. Here are chic and fashionable essentials for land, air and sea, to help you travel light and travel in style.

CUPSHE

SMART BIRDY Wings Jetsetter Case Accurately described as “carr y-on couture,” the Smart Birdy Wings Jetsetter Case can hold up to 50 (or more) outfits, depending on your packing skills. It has a phone battery charger for Android, iPhone, iPod and tablets. The removable power bank is TSA approved. Other features of the Smart Birdy are 360-degree Rose Gold wheels, bottom support handle, exterior computer sleeve that can hold a 15-inch laptop, a clip-on shoulder strap, key cord pocket and iPhone/Android USB cord. It can be used as both a carry-on or personal item on flights because it can fit in the overhead bin. It’s easy to spot at the luggage carousel.

But you won’t want to check it. (Of course, if you’re forced to, the Birdy comes with a Tote bag to keep your suitcase secure and protected). Other accessories include an expandable shoe console (to keep your shoes separated from your clothes), a hot tool holder, an organizational jewelry case, wristlet clutch, Bluetooth speaker, laundry bag and silk pouch. Available in a wide range of colors.

Info: smartbirdy.com.

I Like You Halter One-Piece Swimsuit You’ll like it, you’ll really, really like it. It’s the perfect name for a swimsuit and this Californiainspired swim and beachwear brand has a focus on quality, comfort and style. Part of Cupshe’s Pearl Collection, the I Like You Halter One-Piece is suitable for all body types and the fabric has a luxuriant, smooth feel. The best part is that it’s a 2-in-1 swimsuit—so it’s like having two bathing suits on your vacation. The self-tie double straps can be customized to create a deep v neckline or a keyhole look. It has padded cups and is ruched at the sides (great for the tummy). Info: cupshe.com.

LUCYD

Lucyd LOUD These stylish summer shades will sound good to you! Lucyd LOUD are Bluetooth-enabled eyewear, with bone conduction technology and a built-in mic to let you play music, make calls and even use Siri hands-free. The open-ear sound allows you to hear your environment as well as your audio content. You don’t have to keep taking your phone out to answer calls during a walking or bus tour, or in a restaurant. You can answer calls and have a conversation without holding your phone, listen to music and skip tracks on your playlist, ask Siri a question, just by using the touch pad on the side of the glasses. Available with polarized sunglass lens, prescription and other options, such as bluelight blocking. Info: lucyd.com.

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WALLAROO

Victoria Wallaroo started 19 years ago when sun protection apparel was still a new thing in the U.S. The hats not only provided sun protection, but UV protection as well. Now Wallaroo has a wider range of hats to choose from. The Victoria women’s sun protection hat, provides shade from the sun, and it’s also lightweight and packable, making it great for travel. It comes in 19 fun colors and has an internal drawstring to adjust the fit.

Note: Although this style does not have a UPF 50 rating, there are other styles from Wallaroo which do. Info: wallaroohats.com.

PLAKA

SOLO NEW YORK

All-Star Hybrid Backpack Duffel This great looking, lightweight backpack from Solo can transform into a duffel bag. There are hideaway padded straps for when you want to use it as a backpack. As a duffel you can carry it by the handle or on your shoulder by using the removable shoulder strap. The Backpack Duffel has a separate shoe/laundry compartment and there’s also a compartment to use for laptops and tablets, which really does make it much easier to remove quickly at TSA security checkpoints. The backpack can be used for a day trip (provided you don’t need a lot—think lightweight clothing in tight rolls) but more likely as a personal item that fits well beneath the seat in front of you. Info: solo.net.

Explore Hiking Sandals These comfortable walking sandals are great for short and long walks and mild to moderate hikes. They have adjustable, buckle free straps and are made of soft nylon for a blister-free stroll. The soles are made of anti-slip molded rubber with phylon insole with a good grip—making them perfect for slippery cobblestones and hilly village streets (they were inspired by sandals worn in Crete Island, Greece). Explore Hiking Sandals are available in three colors: Turquoise/Gray, Pink/Gray and Red/Gray. Info: plakasandals.com.

B.WR

Bamboo Cotton Intimates b.WR (pronounced “b-wear”) is an organic, eco-friendly undergarment line made with bamboo—which makes it unbelievably light and soft. The company believes that what we put on our skin is as important as what we put in it. The intimates are made from sustainable bamboo, which is also hypoallergenic and antibacterial, instead of synthetic and irritating materials, making it safe for sensitive skin. Portions of the sales go to non-profit sexual health and education organizations. The Women’s Style Sampler has three of the women’s styles—Lace Thong, Thong and Bikini. Info: shopbwr.com.

TYR ACTIVE

Lagoon Abby Swim Leggings By land or by sea: these are leggings that you can wear on land and in the ocean. Made by TYR, an activewear company and leader in swimsuits and warm-up suits (and responsible for the red bathing suits featured in slow motion on Baywatch), the Lagoon Abby Swim Leggings can do triple duty as leggings on the yoga mat or on the paddle board and providing UPF 50 protection from UV rays. Info: swimoutlet.com.

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STYLE

LOOKING GOOD WHILE ON THE GO

By Gerrie Summers

t’s vacation time! We’ve got on-the-go beauty items that are easy-to-pack and will keep you looking good on the road, in the air, and at your final destination.

ELYPTOL

LAVIDO

Age Away Starter Kit Hours playing in the sun, in the ocean and the pool, can wreckhavoc on your facial skin. Lavido’s Age Away Starter Kit contains two of the company’s best-selling products—Replenishing Facial Serum that contains organic pomegranate seed oil, distilled lemon myrtle and cold-pressed mandarin oil to plump the skin, restore hydration and help skin retain moisture, while also helping to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity. Age Away Hydrating Cream nourishes the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with organic evening primrose oil, attar of roses and other essential oils and natural ingredients. Info: lavido.com.

GURUNANDA

Misti Ultrasonic Personal Diffuser The Misti Personal Diffuser is a perfect item for the frequent traveler—small enough to fit in your purse, pocket, carry-on or backpack. With just a spritz, you can moisturize your face during long flights or in dry climates. The Misti uses silent, ultrasonic waves that convert rosewater into a fine mist. The diffuser comes with a bottle of rosewater, which hydrates, moisturizes and also has de-stressing properties to enhance your mood or induce relaxation after an active day. Info: gurunanda.com.

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Frequent Traveler’s Kit If you’re frequently on planes, trains, buses, on hikes or at destinations where soap and water might be a bit scarce, this is the kit for you. Elyptol’s sanitizer products are formulated for frequent use with natural botanicals and eucalyptus essential oils— ingredients that are less likely to cause allergic reactions, contact dermatitis or cracked, chapped or dry hands that are often caused by harsh ingredients in conventional sanitizers. The Frequent Traveler’s Kit comes with 2 oz. anti-microbial hand sanitizer spray, 2 oz. Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer Gel, 1 antimicrobial wipe, and 2 carabiners so that you can clip your spray or gel onto a backpack, key chain and other items when you’re on the go. Info: elyptol.com.

COLLOSOL

Lingettes de Lait (Milky Wipes) Collosol Eau de Lait has been a favorite cleanser of makeup artists.

Now to make life easier for us all, the new Collosol cleansing wipes are infused with Eau de Lait to gently remove makeup or just refresh the skin. With a soft scent of flowers and citrus fruit, it removes impurities and excess sebum, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. By the way, Collosol Eau de Lait is also available in TSAapproved size. Info: collosol.com.

CHI

Lava Travel Flat Iron While you’ll probably find a hair dryer in your hotel room, the likelihood of finding a styling tool like a flat iron, is slim. CHI now offers a travel flat iron with its volcanic lava ceramic technology which uses a heat-conducting material that gives your hair sleek results, without the drying effects of high-heat styling. The flat iron is lightweight and a compact size that is convenient to bring along in your suitcase or carry-on, so you can get salon-quality styles on-the-go. Info: chi.com.

THE POCKET PALETTE

This tiny makeup palette works well in an emergency, when you’ve forgotten your makeup, are in a hurry, or don’t have space for your makeup kit. It’s small enough to fit inside a purse, gym bag, backpack or travel bag. Each packet contains mascara (with wand) that is gentle enough for sensitive eyes; dual use lip/cheek color; a choice of BB Cream, as well as Foundation. Info: thepocketpalette. myshopify.com.

SKINBUZZ

The Facial Kit This kit is perfect, especially if you’re traveling by plane. The Skinbuzz facial kit comes with mini bottles of Clean-Bee Cleanser, Bee-Witched Toner, Bee-You-Tiful Moisturizer and CoalBee Charcoal Mask. In case you didn’t catch the theme, ingredients include propolis (bee resin), a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory substance used by honeybees to strengthen their hives and is used in the cleanser and toner to soothe and heal skin. The moisturizer contains beeswax, with its anti-bacterial properties, along with jojoba and grapeseed oils to nourish the skin without clogging the pores. The mask has activated charcoal and bentonite clay to gently purify and exfoliate skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. The kit also includes a super-soft Bamboo Face Cloth, so you can avoid using the oft-times irritating hotel face towels. Plus there’s a headband to keep your hair back while cleansing, and a little cloth Facial Kit Bag to carry and store the items. Info: skinbuzz.com.

LEONOR GREYL PARIS

Luxury Travel Kit You’ll appreciate this Luxury Travel Kit after frequent trips to the beach and pool. The kit contains Huile de Leonor Greyl (1 oz.), a pre-shampoo treatment with botanical oils that have hydrating and nourishing properties as well as natural UVA/B sun protection filters to protect hair from the damaging effects of sea water and chlorine; Shampooing Sublime Meche, a shampoo for highlighted hair to protect and maintain highlights and increase shine; and Creme de Soin a l’Amaranthe, a conditioner for colored or highlighted hair, with ingredients that protect color from frequent shampooing and UV rays. Info: leonorgreyl-usa.com.

DOCTOR PLOTKA’S MOUTHWATCHERS

Travel Toothbrush Dr. Plotka’s Manual Toothbrush in travel size is foldable and easy to store. It has antimicrobial dual layer flossing bristles— long, soft bristles reach deep in-between teeth, deep grooves and areas between the tooth and gums, while the harder, shorter inner bristles clean outer surfaces and massage the gums. The bristles are embedded with food grade silver to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria growth for up to six hours after brushing and are made with soft polyester that the company states lasts longer than traditional nylon bristles of most brushes. Info: mouthwatchers.com.

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STYLE

LIFE & STYLE

FOR DADS & GRADS: A MOST UNCONVENTIONAL GIFT GUIDE

By Griffin Miller

urning the corner from spring to summer is traditionally a hallelujah of big plans and bigger celebrations, with Father’s Day and graduations taking their rightful place center stage.

Dads, granddads, uncles, husbands—all the good guys who love and inspire us—are pretty much primed for a June 16th of family gatherings and/or face time, while the cap and gown set are ready to throw themselves into parties, travel and the uncharted tomorrow. All, of course, require gifts, which is where this guide begins.

ALFRESCO SIZZLE Unlike the sprawling backyards of the staggeringly affordable homes on TV’s “Fixer Upper,” personal outdoor space in Manhattan is patio limited (penthouse wraparounds being the exception). Yet even with a modicum of square footage, Dad DNA may well dictate a desire to exhibit barbecuing skills.

The solution lies in a city-savvy portable grill, elected The Best Tailgating Grill by the Hammacher Schlemmer Institute. With 345 square inch cooking surface—large enough to feed six at a time—this five star grill boasts 13,000 BTU burners, electronic ignition lights and even a glow-in-the-dark thermometer to give any paterfamilias the chef ’s edge once the sun goes down. Info: hammacher.com.

THE ESSENCE OF TIME The watch: long-established classic gift for father figures and newly minted grads. Ah, but let’s push the envelope into the realm of techno-chic with a guaranteed whoo-hoo impact. Like say, a numbered, limited-edition Tockr D-Day timepiece incorporating salvaged material from the actual C-47 that lead The Invasion of Normandy. Partnering with The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Tockr’s base for each dial is a distinctive circle of weathered metal from the aircraft known as That’s All, Brother. The ultimate gift for a WWII buff or veteran, especially as this year marks the return of the restored That’s All, Brother to the skies over Normandy to commemorate D-Day’s 75th anniversary. Info: tockr.com/dday.

TRAILBLAZERS When cutting loose from finals means trekking the Southwest or hiking through the Alps, a backpack that lives up to the adventure and scenic beauty is a decided plus. So let me be the first to introduce you to a couple of outstanding backpacks from Pendleton (yes, the same Pendleton that’s been around since 1863!)—perfect for style-fueled outdoor enthusiasts. The Pagosa Springs Backpack, features a striking blanket design representing blue hot springs rising through a medallion of fire, while the Shelter Bay Backpack’s colored stripes denote the meeting of ocean, bay, land and sky. Canvas and wool—and designed for both practicality (padded laptop sleeve) and, as I can attest, awesome comfort. Info: pendleton-usa.com.

ONE FISH, TWO FISH, UMPTEEN NEW FISH Wearable art has entered the sportinglife sphere thanks to Abby Paffrath, an artist who grew up skiing, riding horses, and fly-fishing. And it’s her passion for the latter that propelled her into unique designs like the one on her Fish Print Solar Top. Using Japanese fish prints as inspiration, Paffrath turned to a woodblock relief technique to complete her vision. Unisex (grads, dads and anyone else who favors open air enticements), these long sleeve shirts have the added benefit of UPF 50+ solar protection as well as PURE-tech™ cool wicking. As for Abby’s website, clothing is only part of the picture – literally, since her fine art prints can also be found there. Info: art4allbyabby.com.

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BULL’S EYE, BABY!

SINGLE MALT MAGIC

“Everything’s better with Bluetooth.”—The Big Bang Theory.

Absolutely. Even when the thing in question is a good old fashioned game of darts that’s been given an extreme contemporary twist.

Hammacher Schlemmer’s Best Electronic Bluetooth Dartboard has transformed the familiar pub diversion into a high tech phenom connecting to your device of choice. Using a free iOS/ Android app for everything from scoring to stream-synchronized sound effects, it even allows gamers to flex their competitive cyber muscles playing over the Internet. Warning: once unwrapped, this gift can result in weekend-long dart-a-thons. Info: hammacher.com.

Should a fine whiskey be on Dad’s Father’s Day wish list, and should he be looking for something not too predictable, I wouldn’t hesitate to present him with The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14. After reaching the splendid age of 14 in traditional oak casks, the quaff-to-be is then transferred to casks that once were used to mature Caribbean rum. The end result is a rich, creamy toffee nose with notes of fresh fruit. As for the taste, it touches the palate rounded with vanilla and sweet oak notes and a lush fruity character. All this leads up to a “soft and lingering” grand finale.

To your health, Dad! Info: thebalvenie.com.

DUDE, YOU LOOK AMAZING! Like many guys, my husband steers clear of department store shopping whenever possible. So the idea of his heading to a “skin care for men” aisle was not going to happen. Still, soap and water just weren’t cutting it—and don’t get me started on his touch-and-go SPF application.

Without coming right out with the “M” word (melanoma), I urged him to try a Tiege Hanley facial system billed as “Uncomplicated Skin Care for Men.” Delivered monthly by subscription, the kits can be tweaked with a product or two, but essentially they involve washing the face and applying moisturizer (the AM version with SPF 20) twice a day.

So straightforward even my husband succumbed—and he likes the results. Go figure. Info: tiege.com.

BOOTING UP So uniquely on trend—and in demand as women’s rain boots (best seller)—the guys insisted on having them, too. Thus were born the ROMA Chelsea Matte Black Boots for men, checking off any number of “must-have” boxes; eco-friendly material (natural rubber); color (matte black goes with everything); comfort (no pinching or rubbing); traction (rubber-grip sole); and dryness (utterly waterproof). Let the weather run amok, male and female grads will stay dry… as will Dad, should Chelsea Boots make it to his Father’s Day festivities.

Worth noting: Philanthropically, for every pair of boots sold, ROMA donates a pair to a child living in poverty. Info: romaboots.com.

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TO SLEEP, PER CHANCE TO SOOTHE Jetlag… racing thoughts… the stress of being stressed… no wonder falling and staying asleep has become a luxury.

So, what if we could give someone we love the gift of delicious, uninterrupted sleep. Dreampad. A pillow that delivers specially curated music internally through gentle vibrations via a mobile app. Beyond simple to use. As a poster child for sleepless nights I gave Dreampad a try. Impressive. It’s become my bedtime security blanket (for my ears only), fiercely protected from those who would whisk it away. Originally designed for children suffering from anxiety, including those with autism, the pillow eventually found its way into the adult market. Not surprising. Info: dreampadsleep.com.

ROK STAR

DRINK IT/WEAR IT

Here’s the part where dad tosses his inert folding chairs and embraces his ultra laidback self in a portable rocking chair— Rok-it—by Kijaro.

Totally decadent when you think about it—kind of like having a porch swing at your disposal 24-7 no matter where you are. Just add a cold beer, keeping in mind that a flip out beverage holder is part of the design. Other easygoing features include padded armrests, a high back with breathable mesh insert, built-in carrying strap, and a storage bag to protect it from the elements. Rating major points for comfort and fluid rocking in terrain as diverse as campsites and patios. Info: kijaro.com.

Anyone with a dress shirt in the closet crying out for cufflinks that wouldn’t look out of place in a fashion spread will appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of a pair plucked from the Smart Glass Jewelry collection. And should you want to blow the recipient’s mind a bit, insist they read the enclosed artist card that explains how company founder/designer Kathleen Plate has handcrafted the cufflinks—as well as stunning lines of necklaces, earrings and bracelets—from post-consumer bottles. To commemorate special occasions you can even provide Plate with a bottle that has special significance and she will produce a jewelry piece (or pieces) from it. Art at its most sustainable… outstanding! Info: smartglassjewelry.com.

FOOD BOOTCAMP, N’EST PAS?

JUST A LITTLE OFF THE TOP

THE WRAP UP

For years my go-to excuse for keeping a low kitchen profile has been “If I were meant to cook, why are there restaurants?” Of late, though, I’ve been trying to fill in the culinary black hole I inherited from my mother. And I suspect I’m not alone. Recent college graduates, for instance, are probably ready to move on from ramen noodles and Red Bull. Suddenly salvation. A 114-page how-to primer by Shelly Onderdonk and Rebecca Bloom titled: The Anti-Cookbook.

I admire how the authors take a rebellious stance right off bat, but ultimately it’s the accuracy of the subtitle—Easy, Thrifty Recipes for Food-Smart Living—the humor, and the Baked Pear recipe that sell me. Info: anti-cookbook.com.

Just when you thought yesterday was a thing of the past, along comes a barbershop that prides itself on its old-fashioned esthetic, from ambience (rich woods, nostalgic barber chairs, iconic props), to services. Would Dad get caught up in getting a straight razor shave topped off by a hot towel and facial massage? Barber’s Blueprint is on the fast track to iconic at the crossroads of Little Italy, SoHo and Nolita. Classic to edgy haircuts are given, with superstar perks like a complimentary full bar and cigars on hand. And if downtown is a bit out of the way, Blueprint will travel to you. Still, I’d opt for the whole experience: think outing with Dad or a gift certificate. Info: barbersblueprint.com.

So you want your gift to be the most attractive one in the room. Unfortunately, you’re wrapping skills are non-existent and your sister-in-law, Jennifer, has an in-home studio for just such matters.

This year will be different though.

Cloaked Box, a foolproof kit complete with peel-and-stick adhesives, tissue paper, bow and card is on the table— the most impressive aspect being the fold-in box with pre-attached wrapping paper. Cloaked Boxes’ stealth wrapping technique is available in sizes that should cover 80 percent of such typical gift items as laptops, smoking jackets, imported cigars, spirits, bunny slippers, iPhones, and so on. You’re going down, Jenn. Info: cloakedbox.com. •

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

STYLE

JOHN MAHDESSIAN THE HAUTE COUTURE DOCTOR

By Lillian Langtry

ohn Mahdessian, luxury and couture connoisseur, is better known for his renowned cleaning and restoration company Madame Paulette. The flagship boutique located on the Upper East Side is famous for maintaining some of the world’s most illustrious wardrobes and iconic pieces. So exclusive is Madame Paulette that Forbes Travel Guide recently named it as the Verified, Five Star Official Couture Cleaner of 2019.

Madame Paulette Storefront

At the helm of the cleaning and restoration industry, Madame Paulette has held the position of being the most excellent custom couture cleaners in New York City since 1959. The third-generation family-owned company was founded by John Mahdessian’s great uncle to honor his wife, French Courtier Madame Paulette. To maintain her couture pieces, the great uncle would travel to Paris, France for exclusive cleaning and restoration services. Deciding the trek was no longer worth the trouble, he decided to build the luxury cleaning business at home.

CLEAN, RESTORE & TAILOR

TREASURED WEDDING GOWNS

Sixty years later, Mahdessian has grown the family business into a global enterprise, becoming a cornerstone of the couture industry. “For more than half a century we have been the pioneer leader in couture cleaning and restoration. Our client list includes designers such as Vera Wang, Christian Dior, Gucci, and Fendi as well as celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Cardi B.” Mahdessian went on to tell us that his company’s work is highly regarded, they’ve been recognized with some of the most prestigious restoration commissions, including Princess Diana’s gowns, Joe DiMaggio’s original baseball jersey, and even Coco Chanel creations dating from the 1930s.

With the 2019 wedding season now in full swing, many brides will be looking for quality alterations, cleanings, and preservations of their dresses and Madame Paulette is the authority in these areas. “From the smallest adjustment to a complete re-tailoring of a special suit or remaking of an entire dress, we are the final destination for brides and the world’s most famous bridal designers. For brides who feel like a dress has been lost to time, we can fully restore the dress to its original splendor, including adding identical panels, lace or trimming, which may have thought to be damaged beyond repair. We are the exclusive bridal specialist for designers including Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, and Oscar de la Renta. These companies commission only the finest bridal gown cleaning, restoration, and preservation company, which is why they chose Madame Paulette.”

Highly trained garment experts at Madame Paulette clean, restore and tailor a client’s expensive clothing items that an average cleaner may not accept nor can clean.

Services include bridal, vintage and couture, designer apparel, leather, suede plus fur maintenance, interior cleaning, restoration, as well as, accessories and other specialized services. John added “We handle a lot of couture garments and have created the safest, most advanced techniques and procedures to restore and salvage couture collections once thought to be damaged beyond repair. Even if you look at our shirt laundering business, we can do anything that is needed.” He went on to say that “in some cases, we remove special types of buttons before laundering to prevent cracking or breaking, as well as laundering each shirt by hand, which doesn’t cause shrinkage, and increases the life expectancy of the garments by ten times compared to conventional processes.”

MORE SPECIALTIES The Interior Cleaning & Restoration Service offers the same premium quality for custom interior textiles and home furnishings in your residence. “We also provide this service for yachts and private jets, and includes wall-to-wall carpets, draperies and window treatments, upholstery cleaning, antique carpets, and oriental rugs, fabric blinds, shades and curtains, estate cleaning and restoration, water, fire and smoke damage restoration, soot and smoke removal as well as odor treatment” he said.

Madhessian also knows his clientele bring in many items and family heirlooms because of Madame Paulette’s quality service. “Restoring an old handbag, cleaning a perfectly good couch or refurbishing a vintage dress from grandma’s closet have all become quite popular alternatives to going out and buying new things, creating a niche market for Madame Paulette. We’ve been able to utilize our incredible reputation as pioneers for cleaning and restoring and become a valuable asset to these clients.”

John Mahdessian of Madame Paulette ©Dave Warren

For his jet-setting clients who are traveling near and far, Mahdessian has adapted Madame Paulette’s patented process and proprietary formula into a safe and easy-to-use Professional Stain Removal Kit. When something spills, drips and stains, the unique, eco-friendly formula cleans the most elegant apparel and textiles. The kit is a perfectly-sized gift and allows you to take the expertise of Madame Paulette with you wherever you go!

For more information on Madame Paulette, visit madamepaulette.com •

Global Travel + Tours & EXCURSIONS “Where Luxury Meets Passion”

Come, Join Us!

One Day Excursion Swimming with the Pigs

+ Optional Adventures Exuma, The Bahamas

Spanish Wells or

Harbour Island – Pink Sand Beach

Please visit our website for other “Wonder” Excursions!

242.477.4103 242.803.4918

alkrallis@gmail.com globaltravelparadiseisland.com

ULSTERCOUNTY NEW YORK

Get away from the noise and discover a quaintly sophisticated paradise. Stroll our historic Main Streets, peruse our charming shops and galleries, indulge your palate with a farm-to-table feast, and make lasting memories to take home.

&

SEEK FOR YOURSELF ESCAPE THE BIG CITY ulstercountyalive.com

TRAVEL

THE SHAWANGUNK MOUNTAINS HUDSON VALLEY’S BEST-KEPT SECRET

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

ow far would you go to experience an area noted for its endless natural beauty, dramatic scenery, and variety of outdoor activity? Add to all this a wine trail that is home to 15 familyrun wineries offering friendly tasting rooms with exceptional wines. Include a thriving village—a college town—that is home to a collection of farm-to-table restaurants, boutique shops, a lively music scene, and a historic district dating back to the late-17th century. Well, all this is less than 90 miles from Manhattan in the Shawangunk Mountain region of the Hudson Valley.

Fondly known as “the Gunks,” the Shawangunk Mountains offer hiking experiences that will challenge veteran hikers with some great trails and rock scrambles. Less ambitious hikers will enjoy the relatively easy, gentler carriage roads that traverse much of the area and offer spectacular views from many points. Access to the region’s trails and carriage roads is available in three parks/preserves. Mohonk Preserve provides access to over 8,000 acres—including dramatic cliffs and rock outcrops, secluded glens, cascading waterfalls, deep forests, and tranquil streams—and over 65 miles of carriage roads and trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Info: mohonkpreserve.org.

WHAT TO SEE & DO The cliffs of are internationally known for their more than 1,000 technical rock climbing routes. Start your visit to Mohonk Preserve at the Visitor Center for trail maps, trail information and suggestions, exhibits, day passes, and the orientation video. A very popular hike, Undercliff Carriage Road, offers great views of rock climbers scaling the cliffs and of the valley below. Outside Magazine named Mohonk Preserve “one of the 5 Best City Escapes” nationwide.

Climbing in the Trapps

One of The Preserve’s neighbors, Mohonk Mountain House—a separate property and resort hotel—has a reciprocal agreement that allows Preserve members and day visitors to hike from Preserve property onto the 1,200-acre resort grounds. Another of The Preserve’s neighbors, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, is a 20,000-acre state park with 50 miles of hiking/biking paths and 35 miles of carriage roads. Minnewaska has three crystalline lakes for swimming and boating. (Note: Renovations at the park during 2019 will significantly reduce available parking.)

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

After experiencing the natural beauty of the Shawangunk region, you may enjoy sampling some of its viticulture.

Nestled between the magnificent cliffs of the Gunks and the Hudson River lies the eighty-mile-long Shawangunk Wine Trail. The 15 wineries along the trail are as diverse as the wines themselves. Some of the wineries and welcoming tasting rooms are housed in brand new facilities and others in refurbished barns upwards of 100 years old. Many of the wineries offer the chance to sip wine while soaking in some fabulous views. Some are very quiet and peaceful, while some offer, food, music, and special events including Wines & Bites and the popular Wine Tasting Passport. Info: gunkswine.com.

Take time to stroll the town of New Paltz and visit the many unique shops. Be sure to visit the National Historic Landmark District, Huguenot Street. The 10-acre site includes a Visitor Center, seven historic stone houses (the most significant, intact architectural concentration of late 17th- and 18thcentury stone houses in the U.S.), a reconstructed 1717 Huguenot church, a replica Munsee wigwam, archaeological sites, and a burial ground that dates to the very first settlers.

Guided tours are offered May through mid-December. Info: huguenotstreet.org.

Shawangunk

WHERE TO EAT New Paltz has a great selection of dining choices—two that we recommend are P&G’s and Garvan’s in part because of their historical significance. P&G’s is a “Cornerstone of New Paltz,” as it has been serving locals and tourists since it first opened in June of 1900. For the last 50 years, three generations of the Beck family have been maintaining patriarch Ed Beck’s vision of P&G’s—“a fun place.” The atmosphere is casual and inviting, and the food is well-prepared and moderately-priced. Burgers are a favorite, along with Stormy’s Chili (a recipe from Storm Nickerson, an exDodger pitcher, and beloved bartender). Info: pandgs.com.

Garvan’s features “New American cuisine with an Irish Twist.”

Housed in a building that dates back to 1759, this self-described gastropub features original ceiling beams and stone walls in the Tap Room. Says owner Garvan McCloskey, “We serve the finest pint of Guinness in the U.S.” (No one has yet to dispute this.) A few Guinness-inspired selections include Lamb Stew, Braised Short Ribs, and Guinness-battered Fish & Chips. The eclectic menu emphasizes fresh, local ingredients with excellent presentations.

Garvan’s has a beer garden for socializing and an inviting porch for dining during warmer months. Info: garvans.com.

Garvan’s

WHERE TO STAY Offering spectacular views of the Gunks from its large bluestone patio and its breakfast/sitting room (aptly referred to as the “big sky room”), The Inn at Kettleboro is a perfect choice for an immersive stay in New Paltz. The Inn is a beautiful mix of historic (the home was initially built in 1830) and contemporary (it reopened in 2014 after extensive renovations to the house). This intimate escape boasts three sitting parlors and a dining room furnished in classic style; its four bedrooms blend traditional style with modern amenities. The white, columned house sits atop a hill and is bordered on three sides by the owners’ 12-acre apple and peach orchard.

The Inn is more than a comfortable place to stay. Convivial owners Robert Witkowski and Michael Aiello love sharing their thoughts and experiences of the region—and most especially Michael’s own experiences growing up in the house. They also enjoy the social interaction among their guests who are encouraged to sit together at the large table in the breakfast room while Robert, the Inn’s chef, serves his delicious breakfast creations. Info: kettleboro.com.

The Inn at Kettleboro

44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

For more information on the Shawangunk Mountain region and New Paltz, visit newpaltzchamber.org. •

WINE

Hudson Valley, NY

#GunksWine

Visit our members for tastings, special events and more!

Angry Orchard Walden Applewood Winery Warwick Baldwin Vineyard Pine Bush Benmarl Winery Marlboro Brimstone Hill Vineyard Pine Bush Brotherhood, America's Oldest Winery Washingtonville Clearview Vineyard Warwick Demarest Hill Winery & Distillery Warwick Glorie Farm Winery Marlboro Magnanini Farm Winery Wallkill Palaia Winery & Meadery Highland Mills Robibero Winery New Paltz Stoutridge Vineyard Marlboro Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery Warwick Whitecliff Vineyard Gardiner

HUDSON VALLEY, NY

GunksWine.com

fun — S A R AT O G A C O U N T Y, N Y —

SARATOGA

From our famous mineral springs and world class horse racing, to great golf, polo, a fun arts scene and national historic sites, it’s all waiting here for you. Plus so many places to eat, drink and make merry. Choose from lovely country inns, bed and breakfasts, full service resorts, or your favorite chain hotel. You’ll find us so very accommodating.

518-584-3255 • ilovesaratoga.us ® I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.

TRAVEL

SARATOGA A WINNING BET

By Paul Seth

aratoga Springs is a special city in upstate New York just a 3-hour drive north from New York City. It is also easily accessible by rail with Amtrak’s Saratoga Springs station located less than two miles from downtown. The city is famous for being the home of America’s oldest and most popular thoroughbred racecourse attracting large crowds during the summer season.

Local attractions include naturally carbonated mineral spas, harness racing and polo as well as 15 golf courses around the county, 10 historic museums and an award-winning downtown for dining, shopping and nightlife.

WORLD-CLASS HORSE RACING

The 2019 summer thoroughbred racing meet at The Saratoga Racetrack is 40 days long and runs from July 11th through Labor Day Monday, September 2nd with Mondays and Tuesdays being “Dark Days” as no racing takes place. There is General & Grandstand admission as well as clubhouse admission with children under 12 being admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Picnicking in the backyard grounds of the track is very popular and you can bring your own chairs and sit wherever you wish. If you want to get a picnic table it is advisable to arrive as early as 7am when the track opens for breakfast. The Saratoga Racetrack attracts some of the best jockeys and best horses in the country competing for large purses in the summer meet which features a multitude of stakes races. Travers day on August 24th is the most popular day of the meet and the best 3-year old horses in the country meet up to race for the coveted $1.25 million purse. There are many giveaway days and you are sure to enjoy the thrill of cheering on your favorite horse as it races to the finish line.

The Saratoga Hotel Casino and Raceway is home to harness racing in Saratoga. Now in its 78th season of live racing, the venue originally known to many as the Saratoga Harness Track is a half-mile harness track, where one can view live races outside at the rail, in the lower clubhouse or in the Grandstand while having dinner at Lucky Joe’s.

Additionally, patrons can watch and wager on live racing in New York or from tracks around the country on one of many TV’s located in the Mezzanine. The Saratoga Casino Hotel is the place to try your luck at over 1700 exciting slots and electronic table games. The 117-room 125,000 square foot hotel with a grand lobby entrance has 13 luxury suites and offers guests a true Saratoga experience along with some of the best amenities including an indoor resort pool with a spa whirlpool and an outdoor terrace.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

Saratoga is filled with a host of high-quality restaurants and bars covering all types of cuisines and ranging from casual to the more upscale. Most establishments feature daily food specials and happy hour specials so get out and visit a few and enjoy yourself. Here is a short list to pique your interest.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Morrissey’s Lounge Upscale lounge at The Adelphi Hotel with an extensive sushi menu featuring specialty rolls, sushi, sashimi and sushi boats (all sushi ½ off every Wednesday). Try casual menu favorites like Crispy Calamari, Korean BBQ wings, East Coast Oysters, salads, and burgers. Featuring a daily happy hour. Live Music often. Info: morrisseyslounge.com.

15 Church Seafood is flown in fresh daily and the very best USDA prime aged beef is served mixing classic with exotic in a comfortable elegant dining room. Choose from starters (Hamachi Tartare Tacos, Buttermilk Crispy Oysters and Shrimp Calabrese) and mains (Wild Steelhead Salmon, USDA Prime Filet Mignon, and Church Burger with Crispy Oysters). Info: 15churchrestaurant.com.

Mrs. London’s Bakery Boutique bakery and café that uses only the best quality ingredients in creating its famous pastries, cookies, delectable desserts and fresh breads. Also offering salads, quiche, soup and signature sandwiches. Menu items are complemented by a selection of hot and cold coffee and tea selections. Info: mrslondonsbakery.com.

Cantina Mexican restaurant/bar serving fresh, contemporary fare and creative margaritas. Features Specialty Burritos (go for the Catalina Chipotle Chicken), Enchiladas (Cheese, Chicken Mole and Spicy Beef), Quesadillas (Cheese, Carnitas, Portabella Asada) and Fajitas (Chicken, Carne Asada, Shrimp). Look for Happy Hour Monday through Friday at the bar. Info: cantinasaratoga.com.

Sperry’s Serves a rich combination of classic and contemporary American cuisine with a bit of Global flare! Mouth-watering cuts of steak, and a wide array of fresh, local seafoods. An award winning wine list and signature cocktails served in the historic Bar Room or any of three other warm and inviting dining rooms. Lovely Garden Patio. Info: sperrysrestaurant.com.

Fish at 30 Lake In the Pavilion Grand Hotel, serving up a fine-dining experience of fresh, gourmet seafood. Start with the raw bar (Oysters, Clams, Colossal Lump Crab Cocktail) or starters (Fried Calamari, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Nachos). Entrees include Seared Sea Scallops, Pan Roasted Halibut, Seafood Paella, Steak Frites). Daily happy hour at bar. Info: fish30lake.com.

Uncommon Grounds Community café serving freshroasted coffee, house-made bagels and other delicious foods. Over a dozen bagel types to select from (banana nut, pumpernickel, salt, jalapeno and cinnamon raisin). The Flying Pig featuring Roast Turkey, Monterrey Jack, Mayo, Onion, Lettuce and Tomato on a bagel is a house favorite.

Info: uncommongrounds.com.

Harvey’s Restaurant & Bar Saratoga’s finest Irish Pub is the place to be when you are looking to have a good time. Harvey’s is “your home away from home,” serving apps (Irish Nachos, Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, Short Rib Kabobs, Wings fried or smoked with sauces (Irish Gold, Sweet Chili and Maple Bourbon), Classic Irish (Fish & Chips, Monaghan Stew and Shepherd’s Pie). Info: harveysofsaratoga.com.

48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Wheatfield’s Restaurant & Bar Italian restaurant featuring handcrafted pasta dishes(Linguine & Clams, Chicken & Sausage Scarpetta, Baked Lasagna), hand-stretched wood stone pizza and market salads. Feature family meals to go that feed 4 people for $29.95; 6 people for $44. Info: wheatfields.com.

SARATOGA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is located in an idyllic park setting surrounded by hiking trails, geysers and natural mineral springs. The main stage has a 25,000 person capacity with sheltered seats for 5,200 people and a sloping lawn that holds approximately 20,000 people. The stage is home to a full season of performances including resident companies New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra in addition to Live Nation shows and new global music programming like SPAC on Stage and YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan. Below are some highlights for the 2019 season.

42nd Annual Freihofers Saratoga Jazz Festival featuring an extraordinary roster of 22 musical groups highlighted by the festival debut of Grammy® award winning artist Norah Jones and the return of jazz legend George Benson and festival favorite Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Fifteen emerging artists making their Saratoga debuts include Kandace Springs, Diane Grantis and the, Joey DeFrancesco Trio. The festival will also feature a record number of women artists highlighted by Alison Miller, Veronica Smith, Ruthie Foster and Youn Sun Nah. Performances are slated for Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th with performances beginning on the Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery Stage” at 12pm and 11am respectively and the SPAC Amphitheater page stage at 2pm and 1 pm respectively.

New York City Ballet’s residency from July 16-20 will feature four distinct programs including the story ballet Coppélia which was premiered at SPAC, an evening dedicated to Balanchine and Tschaikovsky, and a program showcasing three SPAC premieres by 21st century choreographers, highlighted by Kyle Abraham’s The Runaway which fuses modern and classical technique and an eclectic soundtrack mixing composer Nico Muhly, singer James Blake and hip-hop artists Jay-Z and Kanye West. The annual New York City Ballet Gala on Saturday, July 20th will showcase George Balanchine’s Apollo, Christopher Wheeldon’s This Bitter Earth and Principia, a new work by NYCB Resident Choreographer and soloist Justin Peck.

Coppelia ©Paul Kolnik

Yannick

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s three-week residency from July 31-August 17 will be highlighted by 19 SPAC Premieres ranging from classical masterpieces to innovative contemporary compositions. They range from Aaron Copeland’s to Mason Bates’ Anthology of Fantastic Zoology. SPAC’s “Cinema Series,” will be back to delight audiences of all ages as the Orchestra accompanies, live to picture, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert; Disney • Pixar’s Up in Concert and Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights in Concert. This season will, once again, showcase two weeks under the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Music Director of both The Philadelphia Orchestra and The Metropolitan Opera. Nézet-Séguin will conduct the closing night performance of Mozart’s Requiem. A highlight to the season will be the premiere of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) returns August 4-20 with a roster of internationally celebrated artists which includes performances by David Finckel and Wu Han, Co-Artistic Directors of CMS. Audiences will experience the return of the Escher Quartet plus debut appearances by four artists including Chinese Violinist Angelo Xiang Yu, British Flutist Adam Walker, Bulgarian violinist Bella Hristova and renowned American cellist Keith Robinson.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49

WHERE TO STAY

Pavilion Grand Hotel Offering a taste of Europe with old world glamour, modern sophistication and the excitement of downtown just steps away. Built in 1819, the original Pavilion Hotel was one of Saratoga Springs most opulent hotels and a favorite city getaway. As General Manger, Susanne Simpson states, “The new Pavilion Grand Hotel reflects the history of its namesake as a gathering space, boutique oasis and chic retreat all rolled into one. The hotel stands out with its curated, concierge service through every step of your stay and the accommodations are truly like no other”.

The hotel feature 54 luxury suites and rooms with each hotel room reflecting the hotels modern elegance and every room featuring a unique design and layout.

Rooms range from 300 to 2300 square feet, from traditional king rooms to full suites. The Penthouse Loft Suites, are a high end luxury apartment style space stretched over two floors, boasting 18002300 square feet of indoor living space with up to a thousand square feet of landscaped rooftop garden or private walkout terrace featuring outdoor furniture, plants, and sweeping views of Saratoga Springs. All of the suites have 9 foot ceilings with crown molding and feature fully-equipped gourmet style kitchens, luxury linens, bathrobes complete, in suite safes and everything you need to feel completely at home. Other hotel amenities include on-site dining at the Blue Peacock Bistro for breakfast and lunch and dining at Fish at 30 Lake Restaurant for dinner. Make Me fabulous Salon and Spa(with nationally recognized owner, hair stylist and make-up artist) will meet all your pampering needs. Additional amenities include a 24-hr fitness center. Info: paviliongrandhotel.com.

Pavilion Grand Hotel

Fish at 30

The Adelphi Hotel

The Adelphi Hotel A historic boutique hotel with 32 rooms centrally located in the heart of downtown Saratoga right on Broadway. The hotel offers a selection of rooms ranging from a Premiere King to the Premiere Broadway King with a fourpost king bed and five-fixture bathrooms. All rooms feature beautiful hardwood floors, custom designed furnishings and antiques from the Adelphi’s history.

The hotel is famous for “The Adelphi Perfect Night Bed” which allows for a comfortable night’s sleep so you wake up raring to go the next morning. Inroom amenities include custom designed throws, lush robes, slippers, complimentary mini-bar, and a Nespresso machine.

The hotel is centered around vibrant contemporary dining and The Blue Hen Restaurant is where chefs create daily dishes from fresh local ingredients and the staff is known for their impeccable service.

Morrissey’s Lounge is nestled within The Adelphi and is known as a place where good friends come to hang out for good conversation, great drinks (local beer, craft cocktails and a top-notch wine list) while dining on small plates, shareable dishes and the new upscale sushi offerings. Morrissey’s has a little bit of history, having been named after John Morrissey—a prizefighter, gangster, entrepreneur and congressman who was credited for bringing racing to Saratoga by personally organizing and financing the town’s first thoroughbred contest in 1863. Info: theadelphihotel.com.

For more information on Saratoga, visit ilovesaratoga.us •

50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

The perfect hotel to create exceptional experiences for your meeting, wedding or travel needs!

Enjoy European elegance in the heart of Saratoga Springs and footsteps from the best shopping, sightseeing and destination amenities that only Saratoga and Pavilion Grand Hotel can offer...

an experience like no other!

BLUE PEACOCK BISTRO • De‘lite’ful Breakfast and Espresso • Assorted Lunch Paninis and Fare • Artisan Cheese Platters and Exotic Meats • Wine by the Glass or Bottle MAKE ME FABULOUS SALON & SPA • Nationally Recognized Makeup and Hair Stylists • Event Styling and Bridal Services • Lashes, Waxing, Color and Cuts • Massage Therapies and Body Treatments FISH AT 30 LAKE RESTAURANT • Seasonal Day-Boat Fish • Raw Bar • Hand Crafted Cocktails & Happy Hour • Private Events and Roof Top Catering

DURING YOUR STAY COME AND EXPLORE

The

Businesses of Pavilion Square ALL CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON SITE

30 LAKE AVENUE, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 12866 • (518) 583-2727 WWW.PAVILIONGRANDHOTEL.COM ASK FOR “NY LIFESTYLE MAG” PROMO WHEN YOU BOOK!

Georgian Lakeside Resort

Marine Village Resort

Sun Castle Resort

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, all nearby.

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. Outdoor activities abound with 2 beaches, a heated outdoor pool and 2 children’s playground areas.

Modern townhomes offer 2-bedroom, 2.5 baths, full kitchens, dining area and living room. 2-bedroom villas offer outstanding lake views from the living room and 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

Surfside On The Lake Hotel

The Quarters at Lake George

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.

Located in Lake George Village, Surfside is an independent family owned 154 room resort featuring 41 Suites, some with two bedrooms and many rooms have a view of Lake George or Lakefront with private balconies. Surfside has a private sandy beach on Lake George, an outdoor heated pool and 3100 square foot rooftop cabana bar. The Club Hamilton restaurant serves breakfast.

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

400 Canada Street, Lake George, NY 12845 1-518-668-2442 surfsideonthelake.com

3014 Lake Shore Dr., Lake George, NY 12845 1-518-668-4901 lakegeorgeresorts.com

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53

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!

FEATURES

THROUGH THE LENS Photography By AnnieWatt.com

CENTRAL PARK CONSERVANCY’S 37TH ANNUAL FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED AWARDS HAT LUNCHEON

JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Annette Rickel, Eleanora Kennedy, Anna Kennedy Thomas Kempner, Suzie Aijala, Norma Dana, Patricia Harris, Alexia Leuschen, Elizabeth W. Smith

Audrey Gruss, Jamee Gregory, Karen LeFrak, Blaine Trump

Metropolitan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc

Maurice DuBois, Renee Elise Goldsberry Elizabeth W. Smith, Michael Bloomberg

Jane Segal, Bonnie Comley, Randi Zuckerberg

Karen Klopp, Mark Gilbertson, Barbara Tober, Tina Beriro

Dominik D’Alleva, Stewart Lane, Robin Cofer, Bonnie Comley, Robyn Roth-Moise, Erika Elliot, Michelle Friedman

Martha Stewart, Susan Magrino

Erika Liles, Marilyn Crawford

56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Fadeyi Table

PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN

Harriette Cole, George Chinsee

Photographer Lisa Berg, Rizzoli Publisher Charles Miers, Partnership With Children CEO Margaret Crotty

Erik Stangvik, Ann Davlin

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JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

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58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

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60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

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JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61

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Smallfoot: ©2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. ©2019 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, Globe logo, DIRECTV, and all other DIRECTV marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

FEATURES

BITS & BAILEY

THE WHO, WHAT & WOW OF THE LUXURY SCENE

By Bailey Beckett

heers, dears. Summer is finally here. So, take off those Ugg’s (literally and figuratively) and grab your sandals and indulge in all the sunny-season has to offer. Although the Hamptons are fantastic, Bailey prefers to stay local, and for good reason: reservations are aplenty and the shopping is sublime.

DOWNTOWN SPARKLES

The biggest surprise this month is the still-new and sparkling Four Seasons Hotel Downtown, an 82-story oasis that reaches high above the skyline to announce its majestic glory. And that megaphone is not loud enough. The Four Seasons Downtown is, hands down, among the top five hotels in the city. I was awed.

Featuring 189 guest rooms, which include 28 ultra-luxury suites, the hotel is exquisite, modern and welcoming all at once. Atop the hotel sit 157 private residences, which all get the Four Seasons services and amenities, but it was the hotel portion that captured my heart. Aside from the typical luxuries you find with this luxury chain, the downtown property is infused with a sense of serenity, peace and wellness, whether it’s a “purpose built” gym, with all the latest equipment, a spa you won’t want to leave, an artisanal oil and scent bar that lets you create your own potions, and even programs that help encourage better sleep and diet.

You’ll need it after eating at Cut, Wolfgang Puck’s celebrated steakhouse off the lobby of the hotel. To say this is gleeful gluttony is an understatement. Bailey wanted to eat everything and felt the buttons on his bespoke Kiton shirt threaten to burst as he looked down the menu. I settled with a delicious petite filet and delicious fries, and maybe a glass or three of wine. Afterward, I retreated to my suite—double the size of my apartment, natch—and enjoyed a plate of complimentary macarons (the diet was shot anyway) and a mid-afternoon nap. Drinks in the bar was next, followed by a glorious sleep on luxury linens. It takes a lot to impress Bailey— but this fits the bill. Well done, Four Seasons, well done. Info: fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63

A NEW L’AVENUE

Having spent many hours at the world-famous L’Avenue restaurant, a bigger-than-boite retreat for Paris’ wellto-do down the tony Avenue Montaigne, imagine my surprise hearing it was opening its only other restaurant in New York—atop Saks Fifth Avenue. A strange choice, for sure. Department store restaurants are always a mixed bag (although I loved the previous SFA Café). But Saks has nailed it with L’Avenue. Designed by star architect Philippe Starck (LA’s Mondrian, Miami’s Delano, Paris’ Le Meurice), the restaurant spans two floors with a French Art Deco-vibe. Its brushed oak wide wood plank floor is accented with soft area rugs while large glass vitrines with surrealistic objects create a dream-like atmosphere.

Columns are wrapped in shagreen throughout, complementing warm gray walls with luxurious curtains.

The food is almost second thought but scrumptious nevertheless – avocado and tuna tartar, shrimp dim sum, spicy lobster pasta and Tom Yam chili sea bass are among the selections, as well as desserts by Pierre Herme (macaroons! Ispahan!). Downstairs from L’Avenue is the bar/ lounge Le Chalet, which looks just like a chalet in the French Alps (Ralph Lauren, someone’s knocking at your door!) The log cabin feel gives a cozy, winter feeling no matter what the weather, as does the dark red wood paneling, classic sconces, logs procured from Europe and a bar made of rich hammered metal and warm wood.

Though the menu is not as elaborate as the upstairs restaurant, you won’t quibble over its nibbles.

SAKS TO THE MAX

You can’t get to either L’Avenue or Le Chalet without entering through its home base Saks Fifth Avenue in midtown, and wow-wow-wow. What a difference a year makes. The storied department store wisely did a facelift to its lobby, jettisoning its beauty and fragrance “super market” style floor to the second level in favor of a 53,000 square-feet mecca of luxury handbags—50 designers fill the stylish new floor, including 14 new brands. The new space includes an OMA/Rem Koolhaas-designed escalator, custom terrazzo flooring from Italy along with transparent and opaque high-design fixtures that guide customers down runway-inspired aisles, and folded metal origami inspired tables and glass fixtures built with two-way mirrors. “The opening of our reimagined main floor offers our customers a modern and expansive experience the moment they walk through the doors,” said Saks president Marc Metrick. “The new handbag floor reinforces Saks’ position as a fashion authority with an exceptional offering.” Info: saksfifthavenue.com.

GLAMBURGER

It’s no secret that between pan-seared foie gras, lobster and whatever else Thomas Keller puts in front of me, Bailey likes a good burger. The honor of “World’s Best” used to solely belong to the “BB” Burger at Bar Boulud inside The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London, but there’s now a tie: L’Hamburger at the Italian wine bar Felice. The Tuscan-influenced collection of restaurants, whose few locations include on the Upper East Side and downtown on Gold Street, features a menu of Italian favorites—pastas, chicken parmesan, fresh fish— but it’s the burger that tickles my fancy: a short rib blend on brioche bun, with fontina cheese, bacon, caramelized red onions and tomato, served with hand-cut fries. I’m obsessed. Info: felicenyc.com.

64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

A ROAST WITH THE MOST

Something very obscure that caught my attention this month is a bespoke café called the Felix Roasting Co., a design-forward, “experiential” coffee shop on Park Avenue—at the cross section of midtown, Murray Hill and Union Square. The unexpected locale is part of its allure—and a prescient decision, given the area’s growth.

Conceptualized by hotelier Matt Moinian and coffee entrepreneur Al Ansari, Felix offers guests innovative espresso drinks and its signature Hickory-Smoked S’mores Latte, made with graham cracker infused milk, a shot of espresso, dark chocolate, and topped with a marshmallow.

Specially-selected beer, wine and soju are also available after 5 pm. Felix features a whimsical design curated by Ken Fulk, that features a hand-drawn mural composed of 500 individual tiles, patterned terrazzo floor, vibrant color palette, and eclectic artwork, with a striking wooden coffee bar as the focus. Info: felixroastingco.com.

DON’T DISMAY YOUR DELAY

One thing Bailey misses desperately is frequent trips to London, which he took in a past life and always on British Airways. But let’s face it: the JFK terminal—especially its Club Lounge—was a dump. They knew it too, which is why, after a two-year-long renovation, it has finally unveiled a lux setting worthy of its first-class reputation. The airline spent more than $50 million updating its terminal, including its business class lounge. Spread across 22,000 square feet, the lounge now includes a pre-flight brasserie-style dining room where travelers can enjoy freshly prepared dishes or a range of smaller items chosen to allow customers to “grab and go.” There’s also a granite topped Quaich Bar with a full range of fine wines and cocktails like the “Broadway Copper Cup” made with Copper Dog whisky, orange bitters and berries. Another new addition is a BrewDog craft beer room, which features an original blend—Speedbird 100— created for British Airways, named after its flight call sign.

The First lounge, which opened last year, offers an opulent bar, kitchen with pre-flight dining service, state-of-theart wine room with an enomatic dispenser and wine list expertly curated by London-based Borough Wines. Info: britishairways.com/en-us.

CHIC MYSTIQUE

Frevo Restaurant ©Charissa Fay

Bailey is obsessed with Frevo, a new French restaurant by Chef Sampogna and his business partner and General Manager Bernardo Silva which recently opened in Greenwich Village. Frevo derives from the Portuguese word ferver (to boil), but in this case it’s sizzling! The menu reinvents contemporary French cuisine (meats and fish) in a way that will have your palate doing the bourrée.

Immersed in the culinary cultures of Paris and the Mediterranean, Frevo presents refined dining and unpretentious service.

Info: frevonyc.com. •

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 65

FEATURES

TECH TALK

COOL GADGETS FOR SUMMER DAYS

By Will Reed

hether it’s the beach, backyard, or camping it’s time to relax at last! Now is the time to start upgrading our summer fun with these essentials.

SUNFRIEND UV MONITOR

CGEAR SAND-FREE MAT

One of my personal pet peeves of the beach is sand getting everywhere.

With thanks to the military scientists, the Sand Free Mat is specially designed with a one way mesh which prevents sand creeping into everything. They even make a helipad design for the coolest drone landing spot on your piece of beach or backyard. Info: cgear-sandfree.com.

Not just for the outdoor living, the SunFriend is the first activity monitor that helps you manage how much sun you get daily as part of a healthier lifestyle. To use, simply set your personal skin color and sensitivity. The monitor reads your UV exposure throughout the day—from sun and reflected surfaces both indoors and out. A definite must! Info: amazon.com.

DEZZIO CLASSIC FUNCTIONAL BEACH TOTE

Let’s make that beach more useful than just a sand magnet. The Dezzio Beach Tote comes with integrated USB ports for charging devices and a zip around the bottom exposes a mesh base which can be used to shake the bag at the end of the day and let any sand out. There is even an insulated cooler pocket and side pocket for storing flip-flops. That’s really functional. Info: dezziodesigns.com.

ULTIMATE EARS WONDERBOOM SPEAKER

MOPHIE POWERSTATION XXL POWERBANK

Want to soak up every moment of sunshine as you use your cell phone or engage in poolside binge watching/ readings on a tablet? Time to invest in a Mophie Powerstation. The XXL is a 20,000 mAh storage battery with three USB ports to charge your devices all at once. Info: mophie.com.

SPORT-BRELLA SUN UMBRELLA

The Sport-Brella will keep your skin safe and protected from damaging rays with its SPF 50+ protection. Add side panels for extra coverage and wind flaps for ventilation and airflow, and you’ll be enjoying the great outdoors in style.

The 8-foot canopy is perfect for you and your crew to enjoy whether at beach or mountain escapes. Info: sklz.com.

66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

In a crowded arena, the wireless outdoor speaker market has many seeking glory but the most worthy today has to be the small UE WONDERBOOM which has 360 degrees of sound, even when in water (it boasts an IPX7 rating for submersion in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes). Roughly the size of a grapefruit, the WONDERBOOM easily fits in a backpack or beach bag and, with 10 hours of battery life, there’s plenty of power for an all-day party. Info: ultimateears.com. •

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TRAVEL

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

BEACHFRONT RESORT PERFECTION IN THE WILDWOODS

By Margaret Mason

l Coronado Resort located in the heart of Wildwood Crest is a premiere beachfront fullservice hotel which is known for catering to families. The hotel features a superior location as it is just minutes away from fine restaurants, Wildwood nightlife and the world-famous boardwalk. It is also just a short drive if you are looking to make an excursion to Historic Cape May or want to try your luck at one of the casinos in Atlantic City.

The resort features 123 Oceanview and Oceanfront units and most have private balconies. Accommodations range from single air-conditioned rooms with king-sized beds to one, two and three bedroom suites which are perfect for larger families. You are sure to enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean from your balcony as well as when you relax on the beachfront sundeck. All of the units have flat screen TV’s with cable, remote and DVD player. The rooms also feature a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. If you are looking to work out, you can take advantage of the well-equipped on-site fitness center. There is also an on-site game room where the kids can go to have fun. If you happen to need to use a computer, a Computer Business Center is available.

The Coronado Café located in the lobby of the hotel is a great spot for both breakfast and lunch and you can eat inside or on the outdoor patio. A favorite item on the breakfast menu is the delicious Oreo pancakes so be sure to give them a try on your stay.

The hotel features an elevated pool with a poolside hot tub as well as a separate kiddie pool and you can also lounge at the oceanfront sundeck. If you get hungry while sitting at the pool, a poolside snack stand is only steps away.

From July to Labor Day, the resort has a Children’s Activity Director to keep the kids busy. Activities range from arts and crafts to participating in a variety of games. The resort also hosts a number of special weekly events. Twice a week, there is live poolside entertainment as well as a complimentary Hot Dog cookout. Free poolside movies under the stars are offered on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday nights and you can enjoy free popcorn while watching the movie.

68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Wildwood has a tradition of celebrating Christmas one day during the month of July with all of the lights and festivities. If you happen to be vacationing at the El Coronado during the months of July or August with your children, there will be a special treat in store for your kids. Santa Claus will be visiting El Coronado Resort every Wednesday during these months on the new Mermaid Walk for a photo-op with the kids. Every “good” little boy and little girl will also receive a very special treat from Santa Claus.

If you are looking to host a party, family reunion or just an office building day, make sure to check out the hotels Fiesta room as it may be perfect for your needs. General Manager, Carolyn Guarracino, can help you with your plans. Carolyn always ensures that everything runs smoothly at the resort and guests receive the best service possible.

The El Coronado is a place to make lasting memories. It is my home away from home. See you at the beach. •

TRAVEL

NEW HAMPSHIRE

SUMMER ADVENTURE IN THE GRANITE STATE

By Laurie Bain Wilson

ew Hampshire is seriously summer—it’s home to the Northeast’s highest mountain, freshwater lakes for sodium-free swimming and a stretch of surf-friendly seacoast.

The state motto could be “The Road Less Traveled,” in a nod to celebrated resident poet Robert Frost. These roads will transport you along the seacoast to those lakes and up to Mount Washington—with fabled New England villages and verdant forests along the way. New Hampshire packs a lot into a tiny space—it’s only 100 miles at its widest and 200 miles from north to south. So, let’s hit the road! Here are spots in The Granite State for your summer vacay bucket list.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69

THE SEACOAST

New Hampshire’s seacoast is a well-kept secret. The 18-mile coastline is only an hour north of Boston and is also home to Portsmouth, the third oldest city in the nation but with a decidedly hip vibe. In recent years, Portsmouth has debuted as a city with a sought-out restaurant scene and highly rated inns— and is a good base, too, for exploring the region.

Stay The Ale House Inn Love beer? Cheers to this Lark Hotels boutique property that pays homage to the Portsmouth Brewing Co. building in the late 1800’s that once called this space home. The rooms are fun with pops of color and the nitro draft coffee machine is a nice perk. Prime location in the historic Market Square district—explore town on one of the complimentary Trek cruiser bikes.

Info: alehouseinn.com.

Wentworth by the Sea, A Marriott Hotel & Spa On the classy island of New Castle (a five-minute drive from Portsmouth) is one of New Hampshire’s most elegant resorts. Home to a pair of popular restaurants, including Latitudes—sit outside on the patio overlooking the marina (the lobster rolls are to live-freeor-die for) and SALT (with a lively lounge, too). Everything you’d expect from a grand dame resort with 161 rooms and suites—that spa, a heated outdoor pool and an indoor pool, too. Info: marriott.com/hotels.

Ale House Inn (Portsmouth) ©Lark Hotels Great Island Inn

The Great Island Inn Also in New Castle, this stylish getaway has great bones— it’s housed in a just-renovated 1820 beauty. The experience is unique—you’ll check into one of six stylish apartment-like guest studios with kitchens, even in-room laundry. Some studios have ocean views, and the beach is a threeminute walk—expect a tranquil inn escape with lively Portsmouth a skip away, a win-win. Info: greatislandinn.com.

The Sailmaker’s House On a summer afternoon, seek shade under the peach and cherry trees at this renovated, quirky 1801 home with ten lovely guestrooms that’s turning heads. Located a horseshoe-toss from historic Strawbery Banke Museum—while you’ll love the vintage period, you’ll also appreciate the stylish modern guestroom comforts. And the inn is located within walking distance to the best of Portsmouth. Info: saailmakershouse.com.

Eat Row 34 A Portsmouth pearl for oysters, seafood and beer. The sister property to popular Row 34 in Boston, this downtown spot is one of Portsmouth’s darlings, showcasing New England’s culinary DNA—warm buttered lobster rolls, grilled Boston mackerel, and a raw bar with those oysters. Info: row34. com.

Row 34 ©Morgan Ione Yeager

Jumpin’ Jay’s Fish Café Here’s another of Portsmouth most popular seafood restaurants. With an in-town location, the place gets jumpin’ especially for the Clams & Linguine and the Haddock Picatta. And, of course, a raw bar, too.

Info: jumpinjays.com.

It’s also fine to dine at a Portsmouth waterfront spot. You have options but you should visit Old Ferry Landing (oldferrylanding.com) for the knockout Jimmy Juice (rum punch), River House (riverhouse53bow.com) for the clam chowder, and Martingale Wharf (martingalewharf.com) for the views from the deck.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village ©PetiteRetreats.com

HAMPTON BEACH

Not far from Portsmouth, along the seacoast here, is where you’ll find an old-school boardwalk with lots of throwback seaside charm, kitschy shops, motels and inns, and historic the Hampton Beach Casino. And the beaches here are classic New England beauties.

For a cool experience, stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in nearby South Hampton. The tiny house movement is sweeping the country and this collection of five darling houses is an ideal vacation base with all the comforts. Houses range from 180 to 310 square feet— sleeping accommodations for up to four, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, flat screen TV—and there’s a pool and pond, too. Info: tuxburytinyhouse.com.

70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

WHITE MOUNTAINS & MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY

Of course, the mountains are frosted white in winter but in the summer these mountains come alive with thrill-seeking adventures like zip lining, mountain biking and hiking.

The White Mountains are home to the Northeast’s highest peak, Mt. Washington (6,288 feet.) Yes, you can hike to the summit. But there are other ways. Climb aboard The Cog Railway, dating to 1869, it is believed to be the world’s first mountain climbing cog railway. Info: thecog.com. Or, take the Mt. Washington Auto Road—drive your own car up the five-mile road scenic photogenic journey. Or, shuttle up in an Auto Road Stage Coach. At the summit, you’ll visit the Tip Top House museum, the observation deck, and the Observatory museum.

Info: mtwashingtonautoroad.com.

Kayaking the Saco River, Mt. Washington Valley ©Wiseguy Creative.com

It’s also not always about reaching the top, sometimes it’s about the climb. Drive the 100-mile White Mountains Trail loop, designated a National Scenic Byway with breathtaking vistas and darling, quintessential New England villages. This road system includes the iconic Kancamagus Highway—a 32-mile scenic stunner. Info: mtwashingtonvalley.org; visitwhitemountains.com.

Stay Snowvillage Inn This sought-out, off-the-beaten-path inn in Eaton Center, with mountain range views, is offering guided “Outdoor Adventures for Beginners” packages this summer, perfect for city slickers. Cocktails on the porch and dinners in Max’s restaurant and pub, too. Info: snowvillageinn.com.

Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods is arguably New Hampshire’s most well-known resort—and has been since 1902. It’s evolved through the years—now offering wellness weekends with restorative yoga and herbal remedies. Summer is still as timeless as sitting on the verandah with a sip—talk about wellness. Info: omnihotels.com.

Purity Spring This family-owned resort that’s been operated since the late 1800s sits pretty between the Lakes Region and White Mountains, so pick your pleasure. Life is simpler here—board games, lobster bakes and breakfast cookouts, a small lake for swimming and a pub to congregate. Info: purityspring.com.

Snowvillage Inn Omni Mt. Washington ©Omni Mt. Washington Resort

Mt. Washington Auto Road ©Ernie Mills

LAKES REGION

New Hampshire is home to some of the nation’s best lakes, including action-packed Lake Winnipesaukee. Squam and Newfound Lake are eye candy, and more subdued. And the town of Wolfeboro here is said to be America’s first summer resort and still hosts low-tech celebrations like The Lawn Chair Brigade on July 4th. There are also darling habitable islands in this region—you can take the mail boat to reach them.

You’ll find no shortage of lakeside cabins in this neck of the woods. But you’ll also discover several inns like The Manor on Golden Pond in Holderness, a quick stroll to Squam Lake.

There’s an outdoor pool and a lovely patio with lake views. Book one of the Manor House rooms or, better yet, one of the darling cottages. Info: manorongoldenpond.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71

TRAVEL

CUBA

IT WILL SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!

By Maxine Albert

uba is sizzling. It’s hotter than ever, and I don’t mean the temperature. The history, art, music, vintage cars, colonial architecture—and, of course, cigar making--are all fantastic.

With a vast array of flora and unspoiled eco-systems and plentiful wildlife, Cuba is a great Caribbean hotspot for nature lovers as well as culture vultures. We begin our journey in Havana to explore old streets and get a taste of the local life.

Back in the 50s, wealthy playboys, beautiful models, socialites, jet-setters and Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, and Marilyn Monroe frequented glamorous Havana with its glitzy casinos, swanky hotels, and swinging nightclubs. Marlon Brando loved to play the conga drums. “The discovery of Cuban music almost made me lose my head,” exclaimed the legendary actor. I felt the same way when I saw the movie The Buena Vista Social Club, with those suave romantic ballads crooned on Havana’s streets. The music, so rhapsodic, stirred my being; its sultry Latin sound is the very heart and soul of this storied island.

FEEL THE MAGIC You feel the magic the moment you arrive. Havana has an aura of romance and mystery, with its breezy seawall promenade, royal palm trees, fragrant orchids, and grand Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Baroque buildings with ornate carvings and wrought iron balconies—many being restored for Havana’s 500th-anniversary celebration in November. You can’t help but be enthralled by the 50s vintage American cars—Thunderbirds, Chryslers, Cadillacs painted in vivid Technicolor shades, many in mint condition, used as taxis. A 1957 Chevy Bel-Air was my means of transportation in the enchanting city.

I turned to Cuba Candela to organize my visit, as I wanted an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience. They choose my residence in Havana, a stylish European-looking mansion remade into a small splendid boutique hotel in the upscale Miramar District, with vibrant art photos, voguish décor and a beautiful sitting room with piano, perfect for pre-dinner daiquiris. My room 72 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

on the upstairs floor was more like a private suite, done in gorgeous hues of scarlet and featuring a spacious veranda with loungers and scenic views.

I took in the city’s wondrous sights with my guide Cynthia, a personable local and consummate professional. Being with her was like having a friend who knew everything about the locale.

After viewing historic Cuban art at the Museum of Bellas Artes, we walked the winding cobblestone streets and glorious historic squares of Old Havana, lush Plaza de Armas, and the lively, tree-lined Paseo del Prado, marveling at the architecture. Music is everywhere: in bars, cafes, from musicians on the streets and wafting from apartments with open windows. Passing a group of men playing dominoes on a makeshift table outdoors, we wound up at a private terrace for sunset mojitos serenaded by a trio on guitars and bongos playing Cuban classics including those beautiful Buena Vista Social Club songs.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS That evening we had reservations at the recently opened Tierra Restaurant within the VIP section of Fabrica de Arte, a former cooking oil factory and now the hippest spot in Havana. The menu features a variety of international dishes from Portuguese beef, Greek lamb moussaka, to Grandmother Carmen’s confit pork dough from the fields of Cuba. After dinner, we were escorted into the art gallery-nightclub space where a fashionable crowd meandered about various rooms with art exhibitions, music concerts with bands, solo singers, a dance area (with classes) and trendy bar serving up the best rum cocktails.

During the next few days, I discovered a fascinating side of Havana: walking a picturesque neighborhood in Central Havana with a resident who calls himself a spiritual warrior who knows everyone. We visited his favorite spots along the way greeting a talented street artist as well as his mother, a barber, at her shop.

We also met a popular tattoo artist at his workshop; dabbled in a psychic reading using sacred stones by Yoruba priests (a religion with descendants from various West African Countries); and experienced what Cuba is all about. Then it was onto the art studio of a renowned cartoonist-poster artist, took a private salsa lesson with famous dancer Elio and couldn’t resist cruising around the city in a gleaming purple 1951 Chevy Deluxe convertible, sporting sunglasses, with cool music blasting on the radio—a signature Havana experience.

INCREDIBLE DELIGHTS

Cigar Rolling

The restaurants were first rate with creative chefs serving up modern and traditional fare that will delight any food lover’s palate. Some standouts: Ivan Chef Justo, an antique and photo-filled 18th-century colonial mansion with the best suckling pig in town; El del Frente with a rooftop terrace and luscious grilled lobster; and chic La Guarida, for tastiest papaya lasagna and snapper carpaccio. Nights in Havana are sexy with steamy jazz haunts like La Zorra y El Cuervo. Lovers stroll the seafront boulevard, the malecon, caressed by gentle breezes off the bay. On the streets and in salsa clubs such as Casa de la Musica people dance the night away.

ON THE ROAD TO TRINIDAD After a few fabulous days in Havana, we headed to Trinidad, Cuba’s gorgeous perfectly preserved colonial town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with brightly colored buildings, a neo-Baroque main square and cobblestone streets with donkeys and horse-drawn carriages passing by. We checked into a junior suite at La Casona, an atmospheric, terra cotta 6-room lodge with private terraces, lovely gardens and mountain views on the edge of town that’s also a working farm with horses on site.

By day, I wandered the charming town streets filled with quaint shops and outdoor markets displaying local wares and also hiked trails to waterfalls with ponds for swimming, in the surrounding hills. Nights are dreamy with outstanding cuisine served in elegant converted mansions such as Sol Ananda and its Restaurante Museo 1514 which has a live band and salsa dancers who invite guests to join. After dinner, the action is at the outdoor Trinidad branch of Casa de la Musica in the main square with music every night where locals and visitors alike kick up their heels as they rumba, salsa, and cha-cha. •

PLANNING YOUR TRIP I went to Miami based-travel company Cuba Candela, specialists in creating the top unique, culturally rich, bespoke trips that stay within the guidelines U.S. citizens have to meet. They arranged everything including hotels, restaurants, night venues, transportation, a remarkable itinerary with an expert guide and fashioned a trip that gave an authentic insider experience of the real Cuba I could never have done by myself. Info: cubacandela.com.

Havana Architecture

JetBlue offers direct flights from JFK to Havana and also provides service to other cities in Cuba, such as Santa Clara, the closest airport to Trinidad. If you haven’t arranged your visa beforehand, you can buy it from the airline when you check in at the airport.

Info: jetblue.com.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73

TRAVEL

HAVE GEAR, WILL TRAVEL

By Ruth J. Katz

yricist Dorothy Fields’ words, which were set to an iconic tune by Jimmy McHugh, instructed us to: “Grab your coat and get your hat...” as you head for the sunny side of the street. As we inch toward the cusp of summer, we are all looking to be transported to that sunny side of—not merely the street—but the globe! Here with some goodies to make that breezy jaunt or that tiring trek easier.

DID YOU SAY WHAT YOU MEANT?

Travel Flips are cunning little flashcards that teach you the most valuable and essential things to say in a variety of languages, complete with pronunciation guides. They come with a vintage-look card holder, as well. Info: travelflips.com.

ABRACADABRA!

OUT, OUT DAMN SUN!

The only case you’ll ever need to organize those vital cords, adapters, headphones, and plugs is from Brouk, leaders in crafting personal storage containers. The Croft Tech Dopp Kit is available in four colors and is made of vegan “leather.” Info: broukandco.com.

How shrewd of Algenist to pack its SPF 50 Sublime Defense sunscreen in oneounce bottles for TSA-compliance. It’s a lightweight lotion, loaded with alguronic acid, which fights aging. Info: algenist.com.

NO COWBOY COFFEE FOR YOU

Make your own tasty joe with Aeropress’ pack-and-go coffee kit. Everything you need (except the water) packs expediently into a cylindrical case. Resourceful and convenient. Info: aeropress.com.

DECEPTIVELY ROOMY

Masters of ingenious ways to pack and transport your stuff, Victorinox Swiss Army has the classiest and most useful tote in its newest Victoria 2.0 Carry-All. Places/ pockets for everything; a lightweight nylon that is stain-resistant; and come with very sturdy leather handles. A winner all around, in three colors. Info: victorinox.com.

SLEEPING BEAUTY ON THE ROAD

From the geniuses behind Sleep Number beds, is this travel pillow for sweet dreams.

Its unique fill is a blend of memory foam and premium down alternative fibers, encased in an ergonomic shape. Info: sleepnumber.com.

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WALK ON AIR

Propet makes the most packable, foldable, light-weight sneakers ever. And did we say oh-so comfortable? Available in a rainbow of colors. Info: propet.com.

LOOKING GOOD ON THE GO

At last, all the tools you need with AC/DC dual voltage—dryer, flat and curling irons, and heat-resistant glove—in perfect mini dimensions, all easily packed in a go-bag.

Bravo to NuMe to help us each create a New Me! Info: numeusa.com.

ALWAYS COLORFUL, EVER USEFUL

Fold-down, hang-up travel organizers from Vera Bradley are available in a plethora of patterns and colors. A cosmetic cache and several zippered compartments—places for everything. Info: verabradley.com.

CLEVER PACKING

Packing Cubes from eBags come in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and materials. Keep all your essentials organized. Brilliant. Info:ebags.com.

STYLISH SANITIZER

Created in Barcelona, Touchland sanitizers are deep-hydrating, fastdrying, and long-lasting, dispensed in easy-to stow, glamorous packaging.

Available in a variety of tempting scents.

Info: touchland.com.

TWO TIMELY TREASURES

HAIR YE, HAIR YE

All manner of hair treatment products are packaged by It’s a 10 in 2 oz. TSAcompliant tubes. Want hair curly? Want hair straight? There is a product for all.

Info: itsa10haircare.com.

GLOBAL CHARGING

Xcentz’s glitzy power adapter will be all you ever need for charging all your travel gizmos and gadgets. Three USB ports, plugs for just about any country you land in, and style to boot! Info: amazon.com.

The Philip Stein Company, long known for its stylish, precision-driven dual-timezone watches, has upped the ante with even more handsome and elegant models.

In addition, the Swiss watchmaker has a line of sleep bracelets that harnesses high-tech, frequency-based technology to enable you to sleep better (ditch that jet lag fast), and wake refreshed and more resilient to stress. Info: philipstein.com. • © 2019 Ruth J. Katz all Rights Reserved

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

AROUND TOWN WILLIAMSBURG

By TJ Johnson

illiamsburg is back! With all the L train concerns over the years, prices had been steadily going down and sales slowed down in Brooklyn. Now that the L train madness is over, you may have waited too long to pull the trigger on your new apartment, because Williamsburg is seeing a spike in sales and prices once again.

There are still a number of reasons to call Williamsburg your home. As you walk through Williamsburg, experiencing trendy shops and stopping in to eat at one of many amazing restaurants, you seem to get more hip the longer you stay. Here, some places to consider.

Schaefer Landing North 440 Kent Avenue

WILLIAMSBURG LIVING

There is a lot of happenings in Williamsburg, and most of which is easily located near transportation. Here, some places to consider.

Schaefer Landing North Located at 440 Kent Avenue, this post-war high-rise condominium is within walking distance of the Williamsburg Bridge and the waterfront.

Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings, providing breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan and the East River. They are finished with hardwood floors, and several apartments have terraces. The kitchens are equipped with stainless steel GE appliances, and are finished with marble and granite countertops. The bathrooms boast double vanities and glass showers with granite, limestone, marble and slate tile finishes.

Not to be overlooked are the amenities which include a bike room, children’s playroom, courtyard, fitness center and garden. Residents can enjoy the services of a full-time doorman and garage parking. Schaefer Landing North also features a business meeting room, lounge space and a rooftop deck.

Pricing for 2 bedrooms start at $1.2 million.

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56 South 3rd Street If you like the loft-like feel and want to live in Williamsburg, this would be the place to look.

It’s located on the quieter side of Williamsburg, but it’s still surrounded by hip bars, restaurants, and shops. 56 South 3rd Street has been impeccably and thoughtfully designed to create six massive and unique lofts. Reconstructed in 2013, 56 South 3rd Street features four floors to house the six apartments. These elegant new homes feature expansive living and kitchen areas, high ceilings, oversized windows, laundry rooms and private outdoor spaces. The building also includes a large, communal rooftop deck. Presently, there is a 2400-square-foot loft available for $3,495,000.

20 Bayard Street One of the most standout buildings in Williamsburg is 20 Bayard Street. This beautiful 17-story building is known for being the tallest building on McCarren Park, but it’s not just the building’s height that gives it the wow factor; the condominiums it houses are equally spectacular. The homes here offer some of the best views of the park, and the Manhattan skyline, making them extremely sought after for anyone wanting to live in Williamsburg.

56 South 3rd Street

While the building has been designed by Karl Fischer, the interiors of 20 Bayard Street feature the designs of Andres Escobar. The apartments feature high ceilings and maple plank floors, along with floor-to-ceiling windows through which the aforementioned stunning views can be seen. Spacious and elegant, the apartments also have wellequipped kitchens and bathrooms, with state of the art appliances, fixtures and finishes. Pricing for 1 bedrooms start at $900,000.

20 Bayard Street

BROOKLYN BITES

With so many amazing places to eat in Williamsburg, it’s hard to cover them all. However, I will tell you about two favorites—that never disappoint.

Fette Sau BBQ Located at 354 Metropolitan Avenue in Brooklyn is one of the best barbecue restaurants you’ll ever visit. Everything from the ambiance to the food is absolutely fantastic!

Fette Sau BBQ

In the early spring of 2007, Joe Carroll opened Fette Sau with a bar focused on local craft beer and small production American spirits. The menu is simple and focused on the meats, all of which are heritage breeds raised naturally by small family farms and contain no antibiotics or hormones. The barbeque is one part Central Texas and one part New York Deli. The meat is ordered by weight and served on butcher paper. All the traditional barbeque cuts are served along with plenty of not-so-traditional menu choices like beef tongue pastrami, pork belly, and veal heart. Info: fettesaubbq.com.

OKONOMI // YUJI Ramen My other go-to place is located at 150 Ainslie Street. Being a frequent visitor of Japan, I’m always excited to find a place that offers a traditional Japanese breakfast. This place is fantastic, offering the Japanese breakfast and dinner at night. If you are in Williamsburg you should definitely give Okonomi // Yuji Ramen a try. Info: okonomibk.com.

OKONOMI // YUJI Ramen

Thelonious “TJ” Johnson is a licensed broker with Brown Harris Stevens, teamed with Ogden Starr, who enjoys sharing his tips on his favorite city.

If you are looking for a residence in Williamsburg—or anywhere else throughout the city—contact him for any of your buying or selling needs.

Info: bhusa.com/real-estate-agent/thelonious-tj-johnson. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

LIVE VERMONT

FRESH WATERS OF LAKE BOMOSEEN

SUMMER SUNNY DAYS

CUSTOM BUILT LAKE HOME

STUNNING LAKE HOME

First time being offered for sale and one of the few special landmark locations available on Lake Bomoseen. Enjoy the 1.8 acres, hard to find level land, 220 ft. of spectacular waterfront, and a very private cove on the east shore.

This 3690 sq. ft. custom-built year round lake home was built in 2000 and possess a magnificent connection to the water; the view of glistening water is truly captivating!

Custom built lake home and renovated boat house with Vermont products such as soapstone counters and slate radiantly heated floors, that is undoubtedly the coolest house on the lake!Great interior design and what a boat house with decks and two boat slips. Deep clean water frontage for swimming on Lake Bomoseen, VT.

Stunning, east shore custom-built lake home featuring 197 ft. of premier lake frontage and your own beach is a true treasure. Unheard of .82 acre lot that provides privacy and a tranquil setting plus space for summer games. This 2002 built home has massive beamed ceilings, a vaulted ceiling, wood flooring, and a Rumford brick fireplace.

CASTLETON, VT | $749,000 | MLS#4712370

RUTLAND TOWN, VT | $659,000 | MLS#4749334

CASTLETON, VT | $995,000 | MLS#4747737

FREDDIE ANN BOHLIG 85 North Main Street | Rutland, VT Cell: 802.353.1804 FreddieAnn.Bohlig@FourSeasonsSIR.com FreddieAnnBohlig.FourSeasonsSIR.com

FourSeasonsSIR.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

13 WEST 121 STREET ST

PRE-WAR DETAILS PLUS MODERN KNOW-HOW EQUALS INCREDIBLE LIVING

By Patricia Canole

here is no better place to experience New York’s new energy than West 121st Street, between Mount Morris Park West and Malcolm X Boulevard—where a new type of homeowner is invigorating one of Harlem’s most distinct blocks. Of course, there are similar blocks to be found in Harlem, but 121st Street is intact and almost looks unreal. All 22 brownstones have their stoops, cornices and most other details; it is hard to find such beauty and integrity on the East Side or even on the brownstone-rich West Side. With a new generation comes a new appreciation of what is old is new again. Here is one we particularly liked and you will as well.

THE RESIDENCE

This meticulously restored townhouse at 13 West 121st Street with an income producing garden floor apartment was built in the 1880s and is situated on the most beautiful residential block in Harlem. Nestled among stunning townhouses, its location in the Mount Morris Historic District is a stone’s throw from Marcus Garvey Park. The home has been lovingly renovated and restored while maintaining the charming original details. The five-story townhouse is built 21 feet by 52 feet totaling approximately 4,500 plus interior square feet.

There is a garden with open, sunny exposures, beautifully planted with dramatic lighting, and bluestone tiles. Special features include new double-pane Lepage screened windows and original ornate wood cornices above many doors and windows. The home also contains restored wooden pocket and regular doors as well as stairs with original wainscoting and paneling, and decorative fireplaces with original mantels. All this plus high ceilings and open south and north exposures make this townhouse a particularly good investment.

Modern touches include hardwood floors styled to be consistent with the traditional feel of the home. Each level can control the heat and air conditioning—also, all new plumbing and electric throughout complete the picture. The rear of the house was recently repointed and a new rubberized roof installed.

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THE GARDEN FLOOR

This is currently configured as a separate income generating apartment with private gated entrance. It is complete with a living room with a decorative fireplace, wainscoting, a full kitchen, one bedroom, one bath, washer dryer, and lots of storage and lovely details. This unit has direct access to the garden and could easily convert back to a part of the main house.

THE PARLOR FLOOR

Entering by way of the original stoop, there’s a foyer replete with dramatic mahogany stairs, railings, doors, with ornate cornices over all the doors and windows. This elegant parlor floor boasts 11 foot-plus ceilings in both the formal front parlor and less formal rear living room and library with a decorative fireplace, a wet bar, bookcases with a library ladder.

THE 2ND FLOOR & BEYOND

The second floor, with its 10 foot ceilings, has a sound-proof family room with decorative fireplace, formal dining room, and a new powder room. Both rooms close off to the large kitchen with original enormous, floor-to-ceiling wooden pocket doors.

The fully equipped kitchen has stainless steel appliances including a DCS stove with six burners, griddle and two ovens, a Bosch dishwasher, GE Monogram refrigerator, and a double sink. The cherry cabinetry offers ample storage. The floors, backsplash, and countertops are all black granite.

The master suite occupies the entire third floor with 9-foot ceiling heights. The master bedroom (also soundproofed) has large windows overlooking the garden and a lovely decorative fireplace. The master sitting room/study/additional bedroom occupies the front room on this floor. The oversized master bath has two sinks, a Jacuzzi tub, a six- spray shower and tons of storage including two closets.

Finally, on the 4th floor, you’ll find two bedrooms each with ensuite baths. Sun pours in through two large skylights. The ceiling height of 10 feet continues on this floor allowing for fantastic light throughout the day. There’s an additional work/ play area. The storage closet houses the washer/ dryer and has a set up for a small kitchenette if desired.

At the end of the block is the lush Marcus Garvey Park with a recreation center, pool, gym, amphitheater as well as many playgrounds and fields. Mount Morris Historical District is a landmarked neighborhood that maintains all its original charm and character while enjoying the recent addition of new retail, restaurants and residential building in the adjacent areas. There’s a Whole Foods Market close by on 125th Street as well as the convenience to bus and subway lines.

The home is listed for $4,675,000 by Stephanie Kanner, Fox Residential Group.

For more information on 13 West 121st Street and Fox Residential Group, visit foxresidental.com. • 80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

WHERE EXCELLENCE LIVES

40 Polly Park Road | RYE P.O., NEW YORK | Two gated estate acres and a granite floor gallery makes a stunning entrance into this grand Contemporary showcasing atrium glass ceilings. Two living rooms, sunroom and study have sweeping views of exquisite gardens, court and pool.

Dining room with granite-topped serving buffet bar is beautifully arranged for a dozen or more guests served from a well-appointed kitchen with two prep islands and breakfast room adjoining a tiered patio. One of six bedrooms, the luxurious master suite has a sitting room, own patio, three wardrobe closets and spa bath. Walk-out to pool, spa, pavilion garden level has two workout rooms, two baths, additional family room with fireplace, game room, built-in bar.

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 & YOUR HOME

QUAY TOWER

LUXURY LIVING IN BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

By AP Connolly | Photos by MOSO Studio

his striking luxury building showcases panoramic, picture-perfect views of the Manhattan Skyline, New York Harbor, Downtown Brooklyn, and beyond from virtually every home.

Welcome to Quay Tower which features 126 two- to five-bedroom homes—and includes Brooklyn’s first condominiums with private elevators and a full complement of amenities.

Designed by ODA’s Founding Principal, Eran Chen with interiors by AD100 California-based firm Marmol Radziner, Quay Tower has indeed set a new standard for luxury living in Brooklyn.

“Quay Tower has been meticulously planned to bring an unparalleled level of luxury to one of New York City’s favorite neighborhoods—Brooklyn Heights—at an incredibly compelling price point,” said David Wine, Managing Partner at Oliver’s Realty Group. “We are excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind offering that has, in my opinion, better views than any waterfront development in Manhattan and a lifestyle to match.”

OPTIMIZING VIEWS & PRIVACY Aptly named Quay Tower (pronounced “kway,” a term for a landing place constructed on the edge of a body of water), the 28-story building has been designed with architecture that pays homage to the neighborhood’s industrial past and celebrates the park. Gracious floor plans have been carefully planned to optimize views and privacy, with most homes featuring windowed kitchens and windowed master bathrooms. Marmol Radziner— famous for renovating iconic mid-century properties and for designing homes for celebrities such as Demi Moore and Tom Ford—brings its renowned California modernist aesthetic to the interiors, harmonizing nature with a structure to create warm and inviting residences that complement Brooklyn Bridge Park.

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“The bold metallic-gridded exterior at Quay Tower has been designed to enhance the Brooklyn Heights waterfront. Almost all homes have double exposures and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that frame unrivaled views,” said Chen. Ron Radziner, Design Principal at Marmol Radziner added, “Quay Tower reflects the spirit and vibrancy of the park and the way active, cultured and professional New Yorkers and their families live today. We want these homes to be relaxed and timeless—to be lived in and loved for generations to come.”

Quay Tower is the first Brooklyn condominium to offer private high-speed elevator access. Available for west-facing residences, these elevators are adorned in Armani Gray marble floors and open onto a private entry foyer with custom Marmol Radzinerdesigned cabinetry. Another special feature—and rarity for most NYC homes—is a mud room which includes Whirlpool washers, vented dryers, and enough cabinetry to organize sports equipment.

RESIDENCES & AMENITIES The interiors at Quay Tower feature honest, natural materials and elegant, relaxed design. Custom kitchens with incredible views are the heart of each Quay Tower home, featuring a fully integrated Gaggenau appliance package and white oak cabinetry that is complemented by White Princess Quartzite countertops, backsplashes, and hood surrounds. Oversized master bathrooms, the majority of which are windowed, convey Marmol Radziner’s signature flair for effortless luxury, with custom brushed oak vanities, Alabastrino Rustico Travertineadorned walls and radiant heated floors, and custom lighting.

The exclusive resident amenities at Quay Tower complement the lifestyle afforded by the park, beginning with the building’s welcoming double-height, light-filled lobby, with warm walnut paneling, a marble-clad fireplace, and furnishings curated by Marmol Radziner. Residential amenities also include a stateof-the-art fitness center overlooking the park’s lush gardens, a children’s playroom, a music practice room, and a pet wash.

Additionally, the building’s roof includes two spectacular indoor/outdoor amenity spaces with aerial views in all directions: The Sunset Lounge on the north side, which boasts a 60-foot long terrace and can accommodate private events; and The Sky Cabana on the south side, which also enjoys a gracious terrace with two barbecues and has been designed for daytime entertaining. The building also has an exclusive partnership with Gleason’s—a Brooklyn landmark and the world’s most famous boxing gym—to create a private boxing gym for residents. World Champion boxer Yuri Foreman will lead private classes at the building for residents.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD Located in historic Brooklyn Heights, Quay Tower is the latest addition to one of New York City’s most sought-out places to live. Diverse lifestyle, wellness, culinary and cultural attractions are steps away from Quay Tower. Residents will enjoy access to all of the benefits of living on the edge of the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, home to volleyball courts, children’s playgrounds, a seasonal water park, dog run, and ample lawn space for relaxing and recreation. Quay Tower is also conveniently located near various public transportation options including the NYC Ferry Pier 6 and 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, R subway lines offering a quick commute to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.

Pricing for current availability starts at $1,995,000 for a twobedroom. The building is nearing completion and will open to residents this summer, with closings expected to begin in July.

Douglas Elliman Development Marketing is the exclusive sales and marketing firm for Quay Tower.

For more information on Quay Tower, visit quaytowerbk.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83

Start Living Your Dreams on the Beach

2704 Estero BLVD

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Listing # 219015152

$2,950,000

Opportunity of a Lifetime to live your dream on the beach. This totally renovated home, mixes the warm feel of the old world with the modern updates of today, so that you have the best of both worlds while enjoying the wonderful beach atmosphere. This beachfront property is not on the main strip, you take a small private street that leads to the property. The heated pool overlooks the beach. Sit on the new new deck and watch the sunsets, or walk down to the beach. It does not get any better than this. Beautiful travertine floors on the new decks that go into the living area of the main house and are also in the guest house. Imagine the dinner parties on the patio overlooking the beach. All this and you are walking distance to restaurants and nightlife. Across the street from the FMB Library and Bay Oaks Recreation Center.

The property is presently being used as a vacation rental but you can use it for a private residence if you prefer. The main house has three bedrooms and the guest house has one bedroom. The options are endless.

Start Living Your Dreams on your boat to the Gulf of Mexico

3414 SW 7TH LN Cape Coral, FL 33991

Listing # 219027621

$564,900 AMAZING PROPERTY!! Watch the manatee play as you enjoy the breathtaking views over the Massey Basin. This home has a composite dock for your boat that you can pilot out to the Gulf of Mexico with no bridges or locks!!! This is what Florida living is all about, as you watch the diamonds sparkle on the water. The beautiful pool and spa have both solar and electric heat. The home has stylish tile on the diagonal throughout and in the lanai. The kitchen has granite and there is even a fireplace for those cool nights. The vaulted ceilings in the living area and master suite have eye catching, accent beams. The master suite has a large walk-in closet that has been designed for organizing your personal things. All this and walking distance to Joe Stonis park which provides activities ranging from fitness to tennis and pickle ball. You can either boat or drive over to Matlacha for all the great restaurants and nightlife. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get almost a half an acre of land with direct access on the water.

Start Living Your Dreams on the Golf Course

10381 Butterfly Palm DR #912 Fort Myers, FL 33966 Listing # 219025434

$170,000 Amazing water views from this first floor condo overlooking the 38 acre lake in the golfing community of Heritage Palms. This condo is available turnkey and has been updated with tile throughout, granite in the kitchen and bathrooms. The property has been tastefully decorated and has crown molding to add to the character of the condo. There is an extra storage area for your golf clubs or beach chairs. This unit has everything you could want in this very desirable community that is located close to the airport and shopping. There is something for everyone here. If you do not want to play one of the two 18 hole golf courses, you can swim or play tennis.

This Brookside model is the most poular model at Heritage Palms. Come and see it...you will not be disappointed.

Call Lenora for maps and information on Cape Coral and Fort Myers!

Lenora Marshall EXP Realty LLC 239-898-0484

www.lenoramarshall.com

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

HOME DÉCOR

Dedon NYC Showroom ©Federica Carlet

THE LATEST TRENDS FROM THE EXPERTS

By Isabelle Harrington

rends, whether we subscribe to following them or not, provide a necessary outlet for experimentation and conversation. Some are fleeting while some leave a lasting impact.

Here, the latest from the recent Decoration& Design Spring Market and Kips Bay Decorator Show House events.

OUTDOOR LIVING

Mckinnon and Harris DDB Showroom ©McKinnon and Harris

People are spending more time in their homes and investing in creating a sanctuary. That might explain why outdoor furniture and textiles are one of the largest growing categories in the design industry. The Decoration & Design Building (DDB) has a curated collection of internationally renowned outdoor furniture showrooms, including the likes of McKinnon and Harris, Kettal, Walters, Vondom, Dedon and Gloster, as well as countless showrooms now carrying high performance outdoor textiles from fabric to rugs. Now considered an extension of interior spaces, the “outdoor room” can be appointed with all the comforts of home, including weatherproof technology. The Christopher Peacock showroom is redesigning their terrace with Janice Parker Landscape Design, featuring David Harber sculptures and enhanced by Architechnology Design’s smart home system utilizing DDB’s Crestron and Lutron brands.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85

Charlotte Moss Mural Kips Bay ©Nickolas Sargent

WALL MURALS

A trend that has been on the rise over the last several seasons, wall murals are becoming a designer’s go-to wow factor for commercial, residential and hospitality spaces.

They have the ability to transform a space and transport the mind, providing an escape-like experience. The iconic designer known for her worldly, layered and curated interiors, Charlotte Moss employed an oasis-like scene in the Kips Bay Show House master bedroom she recently designed for an imagined well-traveled couple.

At Schumacher, they recently introduced their take on the trend with Iksel’s latest collection, which premiered at DDB’s market event as an Experiential Event. “The mural panels offer a way to make a statement in any room…and are a great value which allows anyone to use a trend in their home,” said Schumacher’s Regional Director/NY, John Amato. Many other DDB showrooms such as Élitis, Osborne & Little, and Gracie offer their take on the wall mural trend.

Atelier Bookstore ©Atelier Bookstore

86 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Richard Rabel Kips Bay Entry ©Nickolas Sargent

PAINT EFFECTS

Gone are the days of flat paint that gets lost in the overall design of a space.

With an infusion of craftsmanship, paint can be transformed into a one-ofa-kind feature and focal point of any space. DDB newcomers from France, Ressource House of Paints and Atelier Premiere both offer distinctly different approaches to paint; the former specializing in lime washing and texturizing, with the latter in faux finishing and gilding. Paint effects, including but not limited to plaster texture, high gloss finishes, faux detailing and color blocking were spotted on just about every floor of the Kips Bay Show. To name a few, Cullman & Kravis’ celestial dining room with its lacquered and gold speckled walls, J. Cohler Mason’s shimmering textured plaster giving new depth the Benjamin Moore’s pearlescent paint, the understated bathroom by Pappas Miron enveloped with Ressource House of Paints signature lime wash, Richard Rabel Interiors + Art statementmaking stairway, Vicente Wolf’s high gloss, high impact aubergine-hued bath, Gluckstein Designs’ faux decorative trim, and Young Huh’s aptly named artist’s loft that takes paint to new heights.

FEMINISM IN DESIGN

Female Retreats are a reoccurring, industry-wide trend that we hope is here to stay. Throughout the Kips Bay Show, we saw a record number of female-focused spaces, juxtaposing sophisticated pastel palettes with traditionally masculine shapes, and innovative interpretations as to how a women’s retreat or sanctuary should appear and operate.

In his recent Kips Bay space, Designer Corey Damen Jenkins focused in on this female initiative and speaks to the importance of creating supportive and conducive environments for the modern woman. “Male designers are in a unique position to be an advocate for what women need in a household,” said Jenkins. “I wanted to do a Ladies Library where today’s woman can do it all, from taking care of households to running their businesses. Women are the backbone of society, which doesn’t always give them the resources to carry out the responsibilities like it should. They want their own command centers. The houses with man caves are over,” explained Jenkins. In addition, traditional concepts of feminism are challenged and explored by Paloma Contreras, Eve Robinson, Robert Passal, and Sarah Bartholomew.

The DDB is doing their part to support women in design as well.

“It is an honor to support and be a part of the global dialogue that is redefining feminism,” said Alyssa Abrams, Senior Marketing Manager of D&D Building.

Corey Damen Jenkins Kips Bay ©Nickolas Sargent Paloma Contreras Kips Bay ©Nickolas Sargent

ANIMAL MOTIFS

Animals, be it prints or full forms, are an ever present standby in design. This season, however, we are seeing an explosion of representation from across the animal kingdom. Sheila Bridges Design dedicated her jewel-box of a space at the Kips Bay show to (wo)man’s best friend while Studio DB accented their moody and glamorous bath with life-size depictions of exotic animals. Paloma Contreras featured a menagerie of birds while J. Cohler Mason made a big impact with tiny creatures, insects, another micro-trend emerging this year. Notably, the industry as a whole has seen a rise in animal prints, mirroring the leopard craze currently taking over the fashion world with no sign of slowing down.

Studio DB Animal Motif ©Matthew Williams

For more information on the Decoration & Design Building, visit ddbuilding.com; for Kips Bay Decorators Show House, visit kipsbaydecoratorshowhouse.org. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87

Selling Saratoga Springs - Lake George Areas Finest Homes 39 Franklin Street Saratoga Springs, NY 2 deeded properties! 30 Franklin has Full frnt porch, hw flrs. 11’ ceilings, arched windows, DR & library. Eat-in kit, finished 3rd flr.

18 Marvin 2nd sep deeded lot: newer brick 2 br carriage home, w/bright open floor plan, 3/bay garage has radiant heat floors, & patio. Both w/generators. Sep meters/gas & elec.

4 Campion Lane

Saratoga Springs, NY

Exquisite custom WITT built home, equipped with a FIRST FLOOR MASTER SUITE situated on one of Saratoga’s most coveted culde-sacs. The current owners put an up to date stamp on this home with a new sleek white kitchen incl. SS appl, new & refinished HW floors, new light fixtures and fresh paint. Superior craftsmanship and ideal location w/ glimpses of Lake Lonely.

1 Overlook Court Saratoga Springs, NY 3100 SF of living space, and an entertainer’s oasis in the backyard.

HW’s, updated baths, lg master w/custom closets. Kitchen w/large 2 tiered island, Subzero fridge, gas cook top w/griddle, granite counters, 2 story family room w/FP, skylights and 2nd floor overlook.

3 season scr porch, covered outdoor kitchen, Luxurious IG pool and stamped concrete patio. HOA incl beach access.

20 Foxhound Run Saratoga Springs, NY Spectacular 3000 sqft Custom Home located on a cul de sac in beautiful neighborhood only minutes to downtown Saratoga Springs. A backyard oasis w/heated in ground pool, private patio. Custom high end finishes throughout, open floorplan, h/w floors.

6 Oak Brook Blvd

Saratoga Springs NY

The Best Buy in all of Saratoga Springs! Custom home in prestigious neighborhood, private 2+ acre private treed home site with over 4000 sqft. 1st and 2nd Floor master suite, gourmet kitchen, h/d flrs, 2 story f/p. 5 minutes to Downtown Saratoga Springs.

3 Salem Drive Saratoga Springs, NY Just listed! Beautifully updated 3,000 sq ft home in the heart of Saratoga Springs. All the amenities included in this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home including in-law apartment.

History of successful summer rental for thoroughbred racing season.

31 Stoughton Dive

Northern Lake George, NY

Beautiful Colonial on 1.3 private wooded acres with just a short walk to Lake George and your own private dock, 20 x 40 Shed and access directly to Lake George w/ spectacular views up and down the lake. The home features, 4-5 bedrooms, 2300 sq. ft, 2 - 2 car garages, front and back covered porches, park-like setting.

6 Fieldstone Way Ballston Spa, NY

“Fieldstone Meadows” t/o Ballston’s newest “favorite place to live” w/ sites from 2 to 6+ acres & an incredible country setting! Incredible 1 story home has a terrific flow, amazing open Kitchen, a 17’+ covered back porch that extends your living space to your private country setting & great views, you’ll never want to leave!

$1,335,000 Celia Dillon

Licensed R.E. Salesperson

c. 518.857.3684

celiadillon@howardhanna.com

$949,000 Colleen Guarino

Lic. Associate R.E. Broker

c. 518.248.7658

colleenguarino@howardhanna.com

$759,000 Colleen Guarino

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c. 518.248.7658

colleenguarino@howardhanna.com

$729,900 Sharon Byrne

Lic. Associate R.E. Broker

c. 518.527.4914

sharonbyrne@howardhanna.com

$699,900 Sharon Byrne

Lic. Associate R.E. Broker

c. 518.527.4914

sharonbyrne@howardhanna.com

$699,000 Suzanne Cobb

Licensed R.E. Salesperson

c. 518.788.8572

suzannecobb@howardhanna.com

$649,000 Richard Timberlake Licensed R.E. Salesperson

c. 518.323.5808

richardtimberlake@howardhanna.com

$558,500 James C. Furey

Lic. Associate R.E. Broker

c. 518.229.5104

jamesfurey@howardhanna.com

Howard Hanna RE Services . 505 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-584-0743

“Pines Lake” Wayne, NJ

I Proudly Suppor Friends of Laurelwood A Beautiful lakefront home with an inground pool that overlooks the lake! This spacious home features soaring ceilings in many rooms and walls of windows to capture the view! The 2 story entry foyer opens to the 2 story living room with a dual fireplace and flows into the family room overlooking the lake. There are doors to the rear patio and pool. The kitchen with an island and breakfast bar opens to the lovely dining area with a wall of windows framing the view.

The formal dining room, a billiard room and a den complete the first floor entertaining / living space. A second floor master has a stunning view, a private deck, a walk in closet dressing area PLUS a new bath. An adjacent bedroom connects to a bonus room, plus there are 2 additional bedrooms, a full bath, 4 car tandem garage and waterfront dock. Enjoy the Pines Lake lifestyle!

Offered at $1,399,000

I Proudly Support the “Lynn Carole Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum International Presid Top 1% World Carole “Lynn” CallBrescia Direct: 201.8 International President’s Premier www.lynnbresc Top 1% Worldwide

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

IS IT FOR YOU?

THE SUBTLE—YET POWERFUL—IMPACT OF A NOSE JOB

By Shana Ackerman

re you considering a permanent change to the shape, size or appearance of your nose? There is no doubt that you should embrace your individuality and unique look, but sometimes making a subtle modification to certain features of your face can enhance your appearance in just the way you are hoping to achieve. If you are looking to alter a specific feature of your nose, then perhaps it is time to visit a plastic surgeon.

Are you considering rhinoplasty? You are not alone! According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasties were the third most performed cosmetic procedures in 2018, just under breast augmentations and liposuction. We spoke with nationally recognized, New York-based Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. B. Aviva Preminger about her experience with rhinoplasty. “Many of my patients want to maintain the unique, individuality of their noses,” says Dr. Preminger, “but will often request that I improve a feature. In most cases, a patient will request a subtle correction. They want their friends and family to notice something is different, but do not know exactly what has changed.”

We asked Dr. Preminger to share with us the top five questions people ask her during a rhinoplasty consult.

90 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

1. What can I change about my nose?

There are several conditions that a patient may want to change about their nose: • Nasal airway problems: septal deviation or internal valve collapse • Prominent nasal tip: a nasal tip that is disproportionate to the rest of the face, too round, fatty or bulbous • Drooping nasal tip: the nasal tip dips towards the upper lip • Dorsal hump: an overly pronounced bump on the bridge of the nose • Nasal width: a nose that is too narrow or wide • Po s t - i n j u r y d e f o r m i t i e s : s h a p e deformities after an injury to the nose • Asymmetry: the nose appears deviated, crooked, or twisted 2. I want a nose job, but I am concerned it will be too obvious. Is it possible to refine my nose, but not make it obvious that I had surgery?

In the ’80s and ’90s, the trend was to make noses overly narrowed with an upturned tip.

This look appeared unnatural or excessively done. I always do my best to address the unique needs of each of my patients. In most cases, a subtle modification to the shape or size will provide them with the change they are looking for while maintaining the individualized look of their noses and avoiding the overly done appearance.

The best nose jobs are the least conspicuous. I strive to create the most natural looking, well-proportioned result.

Dr. Preminger

3. As a surgeon, what do you consider when performing a rhinoplasty?

When I perform rhinoplasty, I strive to make sure all sections of the nose are in harmony with each other and that the nose matches the face. A small change, even as little as a millimeter, in one area of the nose, can have a dramatic change in the overall form of the nose. For example, a minimal reduction of the dorsal hump based on the profile view could result in the appearance of a wide or broad bridge when looking directly in the mirror. I carefully plan every surgery with acute attention to detail, always appreciating the nuances of facial and nasal harmony.

4. Can you make someone’s nose look like a celebrity’s nose?

It is essential that my patients have realistic expectations. Every person’s face is unique. Jennifer Aniston’s nose would not look good on every woman nor is it realistically achievable. Your nose needs to fit your face, persona, and individuality.

5. How long will my recovery take?

Every patient is different in their recovery process, but generally speaking, most patients return to work two weeks following surgery, resume light exercise after three weeks. Often, a patient can resume strenuous activity after six weeks, and after 12 weeks most swelling is resolved. Depending on the extent of your surgery, final results and remodeling of the nose can take up to 12 to 36 months.

There is a lot to consider and learn about the rhinoplasty procedure. Being informed and ready to ask questions will create a great consultation with your surgeon and ensure that both you and the surgeon are on the same page. Dr. Preminger explains, “The goal of a rhinoplasty is to give a natural shape and size to the nose as if it were never touched, so it balances the patient’s face.” She explains, “The best nose jobs are the least conspicuous.

I always strive to create the most natural looking, well-proportioned result.

It is a very exciting process!”

For more information on B. Aviva Preminger, M.D., F.A.C.S. (969 Park Avenue, Suite 1E; 212-706-1900), visit premingermd.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL

By Peter M. Kalellis

une with its sunny days makes us rejoice! Velvet green grass carpets the barren earth, and nature has already reached its ultimate glory—trees and flowers are in full bloom. Somehow we feel happier, kinder, more loving and satisfied with life.

Imagine if all human relationships began with the belief that people are innately wonderful and beautiful—and with an inner capacity to love. It may be hard to conceive, for we may not see this capacity in ourselves. Beyond our superficiality we are people with a potential for loving. We need to learn to respect and with practice we will realize that we can look inside others instead of just at them. In fact, we will understand others with a capacity to love despite some outwardly unloving behaviors. Why take the trouble? Because our peace of mind and health of body and soul are dependent on the relationships we establish with others.

Sometimes we may find ourselves disappointed in caring for a friend or associate at work or loving our spouse because as months and years go by, we realize that we are all human beings and to a degree limited, inadequate, blemished, and sometimes boring. No matter how rich and talented our personalities are or how good looking our bodies, none of us can indefinitely excite and generate novelty, sexual attraction, and psychological pleasure within an intimate relationship or marriage.

Any relationship is like a long trip and there is bound to be some long dull stretches. The fact is we cannot always please each other. It’s respect which makes it possible for us to sustain a long relationship or marriage: Love your partner as you love yourself. Forgive the errors of your partner, as you would expect to be forgiven. True love implies effort and emotional availability. By being emotionally available and giving of ourself, we will receive love in return.

START NOW Unlike a valuable piece of furniture or a precious painting that can be completely restored within a specific time frame and remain intact, the restoration of self requires longer time, persistent effort and constant maintenance. As long as a person is alive, there will be something that could be done to improve and refine the self. As we have explored previously the complexities of our human condition do create obstacles for our growth which need to be removed and problems which need to be identified and resolved.

However, resolution involves an inner discipline, a gradual process of identifying and rooting out destructive patterns and replacing them with new and constructive behavior. To regain and sustain a healthy self requires the development of resources that can facilitate and nurture the restoration process. You need to ask yourself, what is it that I want out of my life? What steps do I need to take to attain a loving, healthy and satisfying life?

FEELING ACCEPTED One of our greatest needs is to know that we are accepted and loved. Each one of us has to feel confident that someone loves us, cares for us, and has our best interests at heart. That is a deep-rooted need in everyone’s inner self—our psyche. Reality tells us that we cannot look to an idealized person as one who will lead us out of the anguish of establishing our own identity.

That very process of creating a relationship designed to give a sense of being needed creates dependency, entirely fitting in infancy but out of place as an adult. It is essential to think about how we deal with the people we encounter daily. Do we see them as equals or do we think of some people as inferior?

Long ago, I visited a millionaire’s office where I found a picture of a man in work clothes among portraits of his family. I asked him about the photograph. The millionaire answered, “He’s our custodian; I think of him as family.” Confirming the millionaire’s attitude and as Thoreau once said, “I could call no man charitable who forgets that the persons who work for him or with him are made of the same clay as himself.”

To put it simply: We need to move from love platitudes to loving attitudes and actions. •

Any relationship is like a long trip and there is bound to be some long dull stretches.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 93

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Breezes Bahamas

WELLNESS IS A BREEZE

WHO KNEW BREEZES BAHAMAS COULD BE SO HEALTHY!

By Gerrie Summers

hen I was invited to Breeze’s Wellness Week with Crunch Fitness, I have to admit I wondered, Wellness at an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas? How will that work?

All I envisioned was me lazily lounging on a chair by the pool, the tempting aroma of cheeseburgers and fries wafting into my nostrils and visions of refreshing and intoxicating rum drinks. So with a lot of persuasion —okay with the thought of ocean/beach sunsets it really didn’t take that much!—I was on my way to take this wellness challenge.

With the boon in Wellness retreats and travel, it’s understandable that all-inclusive resorts would want to attract and satisfy the needs of their fitness-conscious guests. This is the second year that the Breezes in Nassau, Bahamas has teamed up with Crunch Fitness.

FITNESS ALL THE WAY

On its own, the resort has a lot to offer in the area of fitness. There’s a fitness center with a view, where you can go to stay in shape on a treadmill while gazing at the ocean. It has state-of-the-art equipment—stationary bike, stair-climber, Nautilus-style machine, rower, along with free weights and fitness classes. Also on property are three tennis courts (with free instruction), rock climbing wall, table tennis, beach volleyball, a sand soccer field, flying trapeze, beachside jogging track, and three freshwater pools. The price also includes water sports activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking. If you get sore muscles from your workout or just simply need a bit of relaxation, you can get a treatment at the Blue Mahoe Seaside Spa at an additional cost.

Nathan Norrington with yoga class.

94 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

A benefit of booking a stay when a resort has scheduled a wellness week-type program is that you’ll be encouraged to stay fit, healthy and not overdo it. If your spouse or traveling companion is not into wellness, retreats and yoga, this is a good alternative, because there are resort activities to keep them entertained.

FIRST DAY CHALLENGES

It was going to be a challenge. The first thing I did after dropping off my luggage in the room, was take a visit to the grill for a quick bite (fries) since my scheduled dinner was a couple of hours away. Of course I needed a rum punch to wash them down. So far, no good.

HEALTHY TIPS Reggae Cafe

The first activity was yoga taught by Nathan Norrington who happened to be sitting next to me on the flight into Nassau, eating a healthy salad while I munched on chips. I met the rest of the Crunch team, Alinne Alves, Michael Becker, Joyce Wong, Jamie Drye and Denita Palumbo on the beach for Sunset Salutations.

Nathan Norrington teaching the Sunset Salutations class. ©Joyce Wong

WAITING TO INHALE

The next morning, I attended the Ritual Meditation class with Michael on the Observation Deck above the Pool Bar. Unfortunately this seems to be a place where people are allowed to smoke, and during class, as Michael instructed us to take a deep breath, I got a nasty whiff of tobacco.

A sign indicating that a meditation class was in session and to refrain from smoking, would have been nice.

A number of events were scheduled for the day. Alinne taught TRX Bootcamp, just after breakfast. Participants in this kind of class use a TRX Suspension Trainer to lift, pull and lower their bodies in Spiderman-like moves to get a total body workout. The healthy cooking demonstration a little later by Breezes Executive Chef Nigel Clarke was more my style.

In the late afternoon, the Bahama Boogie Dance Party at the pool led by Jamie, had the boozy crowd up doing the cha-cha slide and other classics, culminating with a fun conga line around the pool at the end. Then I joined the team and other Breezes guests for Happy Hour Hatha on the beach taught by Joyce. I must admit this is the first time I’ve gone into Triangle Pose to reach down and take a sip of a Mai Tai! Each day began with either Ritual Meditation or Rise & Flow Yoga Meditation, followed by TRX Bootcamp, Pound Class (in which you move and drum along to a soundtrack using weighted drumsticks called Ripstix™), Hair of the Down Dog Yoga (you can guess what that involved), sunset yoga and Silent Disco (music is broadcast to wireless headphones instead of a speaker system).

Breezes also has live entertainment and on Saturdays there is a fire eater and a Junkanoo Parade with musicians and dancers in colorful costumes playing piercingly loud but entertaining goombay drums and cowbells.

For more information on Breezes Bahamas visit breezes.com. •

Even with a program like Wellness Week, there will probably be the desire to take advantage of everything offered in your all-inclusive deal and make sure you get your money’s worth. Tennis lessons, snorkeling, beach and pool games and activities are great, but with unlimited food and beverages, there might just be the tendency to eat and drink everything in sight.

So here are a few tips: Daily breakfast Don’t skip breakfast or you’ll probably overeat later. Take advantage of the fresh fruit at breakfast. Try to go with nourishing foods like oatmeal and yogurt to give you energy to start your day.

Ask for healthier options At dinnertime, try to avoid the buffets, where you might be more likely to get carried away. All-inclusive resorts have a la carte restaurants where you can choose healthier options from the menu and usually have vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections. At Breezes, Garden of Eden and the new Asian restaurant Munasan had lighter options and healthy alternatives. When you’re visiting an island opt for the fresh, steamed fish.

Avoid the urge to splurge If you don’t want to wait for an a la carte meal and decide to go to the buffet, be sure to walk around and look at the food that is offered instead of loading up your plate with the first things you see. Plates are huge at resorts, so give yourself a one-plate rule. An even better idea is to take a smaller salad or dessert plate (but don’t pile on the food.)

Think before you drink It’s easy to wind up drinking all day, especially if you’re at one of the private beach cabanas and have an attentive beach butler. While it’s okay to treat yourself to a frozen or fancy island drink, simple mixed drinks, wine spritzers and light beer, will have less calories.

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 95

FOOD & DRINK

BENJAMIN STEAKHOUSE THE MAN BEHIND THE RESTAURANT

By AP Connolly

eet Benjamin Prelvukaj of Benjamin Restaurant Group, an Albanian immigrant who moved to the U.S. and began his career as a busboy at the esteemed Peter Luger Steakhouse. Ben saw the potential in running a restaurant business of his own because of the simplicity of the menu: quality beef and a chef who can cook it properly.

Years pass and his dream comes to fruition. After partnering with his brother-in-law, Benjamin Sinanaj, they created a fabulous empire of restaurants in New York that includes Benjamin Steakhouse, Benjamin Prime and Sea Fire Grill (there is a Westchester location and two international locations in Japan). His determination has garnered many favorable reviews from loyal diners as well as the press, and most recently was named to the Crain’s 40 Under 40 list in 2019. We sat down with this restauranteur to find out more about the man himself and what makes for a successful restaurant in New York City.

Benjamin Prelvukaj

96 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Tell us about your career path. How did you get your start? How and why did you open Benjamin Steakhouse­­?

After working in the industry at Peter Luger, I saw the potential in running a steakhouse business of my own. I had a bird’s-eye-view into the inner workings of this massive machine, astutely observing both its successes and its faults. These assessments were the building blocks I used to develop Benjamin Steakhouse just a few short years later.

When did you open your first restaurant?

I opened Benjamin Steakhouse in 2006 with my partner and brother-in-law, Benjamin Sinanaj.

What advice would you offer young chefs just getting started?

Your first years of working in a professional kitchen will shape the rest of your career so be open to every opportunity. Work longer hours than required and practice, practice, practice!

What’s your secret to keeping customers coming in?

Our secret ingredient is our hospitality. It stems from me being on the floor every night to greet guests and know what is happening every single day. Our managers, servers, bussers, all members of our staff understand that the care we put into each customer’s experience will determine if they come again. We pride ourselves on offering unmatched hospitality and making each guest feel as though they are part of our family from the moment they walk through our doors.

What is the biggest challenge of being a restaurant owner?

Successful restaurant owners know it’s finding the right employees and as an organization we must have a good team in place to make it in the hospitality industry. At Benjamin Restaurant Group we are a family run business, and try to instill that in all of our staff whether they are actual members of our family or not, that each guest must be made to feel as though they are a part of it, too. When hiring employees, I believe the energy between people is so important. I look for employees with a warm personality and who are determined and driven to learn and grow within the restaurant and hospitality business. Most of our top employees have been with us since day one and have really become family.

What advice can you give to those who would like to open a restaurant in NYC? One piece of advice I would give is the importance of location. We take great pride in finding locations that will satisfy the needs of all customers and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The space of our original location, Benjamin Steakhouse, is unique—it actually used to be an old chemists club in NYC and has a wonderful fireplace area and balcony space that provides a cozy atmosphere for diners in the winter months. With so many great restaurants opening in New York every day, quality food is not enough to stand out. Diners care about a quality experience provided with incredible hospitality from start to finish.

What is your philosophy on food and dining?

Food and dining are what bring people together! It should be enjoyable in all aspects. Not only the bread you break but whom you break it with. We hope to provide top-notch experiences when it comes to both the actual meal you eat and the experience of being with us as you dine.

With Mario Lopez

With Jason Derul

o

Steak & Cocktail

With NFL’s Aaron

Rogers

With Benjamin Sinanaj

What does sustainability mean to you?

It means making a conscience effort to provide the best quality food with reasonable pricing to ensure all guests have a fabulous experience. Sustaining our credibility, our level quality and our image are very important.

What are your top tips for running a successful steakhouse in New York City?

New York City is known as a culinary destination, but specifically for me, I like to think of New York City as the steakhouse capital of the world. There are so many iconic and wonderful steakhouses here that we call them our neighbors in this city. My top three tips: • Employ hard-working, dedicated and passionate employees that embody your brand and your beliefs.

• Source quality meat. We source our beef from 4th generation butcher Pat LaFrieda, who is notably one of the most famous meat purveyors in the country. Pat has the top 10 percent of meat in the country in his facility (sourced from Omaha, Nebraska), and we select the best meat for our restaurants.

• Hire a great chef. When we were preparing for Benjamin Steakhouse, we turned to fellow Peter Luger employee, Arturo McLead, to become a fellow partner and our executive chef.

Arturo has over 35 years of experience working in steakhouses and his skills in preparing the most succulent and flavorful steaks are truly unmatched.

Splash Surf and Turf

For more information on Benjamin Steakhouse, visit benjaminsteakhouse.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 97

FOOD & DRINK

RESTAURANT ROUNDUP HERE’S TO DAD

By Patricia Canole

ive the man of the house a break from the barbecue this Father’s Day and take him out for brunch, lunch or dinner. We’ve rounded up the best places to take him to dine, from eateries featuring steaks and more.

PATSY’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT This favorite West 56th Street eatery is pure elegance and warmth—made famous by The Chairman of the Board himself, Frank Sinatra—and operated by the Scognamilla family. But what makes it a lasting NYC institution is not so much the celebrity clientele, but the food. This is where they know how to make the red sauce—from marinara to pizzaiolo.

According to third-generation Chef Sal Scogmanillo, many guests love all things stuffed including the Veal Rollatini Marsala with Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Prosciutto or the Trio of Ravioli, each separated with lobster, spinach, and mushrooms. A big hit is the Stuffed Artichoke filled with a mixture of garlic, bread crumbs, Gaeta olives, capers, and anchovy.

Make sure Dad orders the signature Veal Meatballs and Spaghetti—a genuinely unforgettable dish. Chef Sal re-created his grandfather’s Patsy’s recipe and considered by many to be tender and flavorful. Served with a simple tomato and basil sauce, it’s a Number 1 in our book. Other entrees include Striped Bass Marechiare in a light garlic sauce with tomato and white wine. Or perhaps the Chicken Pizzaiola with Mushrooms and Peppers served in marinara sauce (hot cherry peppers are optional) will score points.

Be sure to toast the man of the hour with fine wine. The varietals are impressive and reasonably priced. Info: patsys.com.

JAMS RESTAURANT A trailblazer among chefs, Jonathan Waxman opened the original California-inspired Jams on the Upper East Side in 1984. It was New York City’s first parlay into American cuisine with something more creative and more healthful than a classic diner (think: Californian cuisine). Jams was an instant hit and carved the way with farm-to-table New American cuisine.

Today, with its brick walls and modern décor the restaurant vaguely recalls the previous version through photos of the 1980’s venue and a menu that line the walls and the smattering of dishes from the original.

Classics such as Tarragon-laced Chicken or Seared Scallops are both solid choices. New selections dad will love are Grass-fed Strip Steak, Maine Sea Scallops, or a perfectly done Pan Roasted Black Sea Bass. The weekend brunch is a favorite with a menu of Signature Pancakes, MiniBlinis topped with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Crème Fraîche. There’s an extensive wine list spanning the U.S. and Europe. Info: jamsrestaurant.nyc.

NORTH FORK Styled with Long Island’s North Fork in mind, this West Village eatery is all about locally sourced food and wine. At the weekend brunch, those ingredients go into dishes like Sweet Potato Toast, Chicken and Waffles, and the “Brexit” Full Irish Breakfast complete with Blood Pudding. The menu—created by Chef Chris Fusaro formerly of Talde in Jersey City—intrigues with even more tasty surprises.

Look for Grilled Octopus with Pineapple-Ginger Salsa, Diver Scallops with Purple Sweet Potato Puree, and Slow-Roasted Herb Chicken with Biscuits. The rustic yet modern setting is inviting and will make you want more.

The well-prepared menu is served in a rustic yet modern setting inspired by the North Fork region of Long Island where people shop the local farms and vineyards. Drinks from nearby wineries and breweries are also available.

How comfortable is that! Info: northfork.com.

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UNCLE JACK’S STEAKHOUSE This restaurant, which has been open since 1996, cultivates the atmosphere of a venerable New York institution—mahogany bar, pressed-copper ceiling, speakeasy décor. We visited the flagship Uncle Jack’s in Bayside (there is a Manhattan outpost on Ninth Avenue). Start with a toast to dad with the handcrafted cocktail or the famous Bloody Mary (it’s potent!). Then order a selection of appetizers for the table including Lollipop Lamb Chops sprinkled with bread crumbs, garlic, and rosemary; Bluepoint Oysters; and a delicious Buffalini Mozzarella in a balsamic reduction sauce. There’s more to come. Porterhouse is the specialty, but there’s also the Prime Rib, as well as the Filet Mignon. All meats are cooked perfectly, the char exactly even on both sides.

And for those wanting to brunch instead, there are plenty of tasty options. Try the Lemon & Mascarpone Pancakes with Maple Syrup and the B.F.F. Steak & Eggs (any style you wish) served with Rustic Hash and Salsa Verde Herb Salad. Whether it’s a brunch or dinner, end the feast with the delectable Apple Strudel or the favorite New York Cheesecake. Info: unclejacks.com.

RED ROOSTER HARLEM

MINETTA TAVERN

A neighborly and refined addition to Harlem, Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster is both a gathering place for locals and a world-famous destination restaurant.

The comfortable restaurant feels like a loft, with an open kitchen, walls decorated with artwork and shelves crammed with a collection of nostalgic knick-knacks.

The menu is as eclectic as the décor, focusing on soul food but tracing a direct path to the chef ’s Swedish and Ethiopian roots. Appetizers and main courses will delight the senses. To start, try Helga’s Swedish Meatballs, a staple from the chef ’s early days at Aquavit. Cornbread with honey butter harkens to the South as do three standout main courses: Blackened Catfish, Creamy Macaroni, and the Signature Fried Yard Bird (chicken) served with Mace Gravy A side of smoked collard greens is a must. You’ll want to leave room for the Sweet Potato Donuts, or Cheddar-Crust Apple Pie washed down by a mug of rich African java or fragrant green tea, so you can linger and enjoy the atmosphere. There’s a wine list including bottles from Austria, South Africa, and Argentina. Info: redroosterharlem.com.

This 85-seat eatery in the heart of Greenwich Village has had history on its side; since the 1930s, the bistro-like restaurant has been home to many a poet and writer, sports stars and celebrities. But then restaurateur Keith McNally (of Balthazar fame) took over.

After a complete restoration, he revamped the menu too, turning it into an old-school palace of meat. Enjoy a caramelized onion-topped Black Label Burger or a choice of two steaks—a Côte de Boeuf and a Strip—that could rival steakhouses uptown.

Other standouts include a Filet of Trout Meunière, Roasted Lamb Loin, and Prawns with Celery Root Rémoulade. There’s also the well-liked Pasta Za Za with Pancetta, Parmesan and a Fried Egg. Weekend brunch, which offers plenty of egg dishes, burgers, among other entrées, is a slightly easier time to nab a table. The wine list is extensive; the cocktails, as one would expect, are classic. Info: minettatavernny.com.

MAMO MAMO has all the ingredients to delight the palate and the eyes of its patrons.

The décor features exposed brick, clean white lines, oversized vintage movie posters, and a beautifully designed marble bar.

THE STANDARD GRILL

Executive Chef Salvatore Marcello curates the incredible menu. Originally from Naples, Italy, Salvatore was born into a family of cooks and bakers, igniting his passion for food at an early age. Start with Come a Capri (heirloom tomatoes, burrata, and basil) or Fiori di Zucca Ripieni e Fritti (stuffed zucchini flowers with tomato and mustard sauce). Continue your dining experience with an entrée of Petto di Pollo Arrosto con Verdure Alla Girglia (roasted chicken breast with grilled vegetables, balsamic and rosemary sauce). For those who want lighter fare, try one of the renowned pizzas such as its Foccacia al Tarfuto with Parmesan, Cantal, and Truffle. Or, perhaps the thick juicy burger will do just fine. And be sure not to miss the velvety Tiramisu for dessert. Info: mamonyc.com.

The restaurant is now helmed by celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito, a James Beard awardwinning chef and New York Times best-selling author. After nearly a decade away from the New York restaurant scene, Chef Rocco made his return late last year with a menu of healthy and indulgent options from the extensive fresh daily raw bar and Japanese-style binchotan grill. Guests can expect wood-fired vegetables, steaks and other meat dishes as well as his signature items like the Peconic Bay Scallops & Uni dish first served at the chef ’s critically acclaimed Union Pacific restaurant. A definite must is the memorable Truffle Risotto with Red Shrimp. The menu celebrates sustainable, fresh, organic and local ingredients from purveyors he knows and trusts and includes a robust selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Info: standardgrill.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 99

CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK

ALSO OF NOTE AUGUSTINE

Restauranteur and celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s first Manhattan restaurant located in the Four Seasons Hotel. Aside from the main dining room, there’s a bar, lounge, and semi-private dining area where you can enjoy any one of the chef ’s prime cuts of beef.

Info: fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown/dining/restaurants/cut.

Keith McNally’s restaurant is located in The Beekman and named after a 4th-century theologian who had a wildly hedonistic lifestyle. Augustine is a brasserie-style eatery with a special rotisserie and grill section of meats, fish, and poultry. Info: augustineny.com.

AVRA MADISON ESTIATORIO

FLORA BAR

Upper East Siders have been flocking to the space that offers up traditional Greek food with an emphasis on fresh seafood. The airy white-washed space, designed by the Rockwell Group, has comfortable seating, lush greenery, lots of white oak and marketstyle seafood and produce display in the back to highlight the kitchen’s fresh raw ingredients. Info: avrany.com/madison.

Located in The Met Breuer (part of The Met), Flora Bar focuses on seafood and boasts an extensive artisanal wine selection.

Take dad to the famous Sunday brunch, then catch an inspiring exhibit. Info: florabarnyc.com.

TEMPLE COURT

LORING PLACE

This downtown restaurant comes our way via restaurateur and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio. Expect a menu of modern American fare. Dishes included roasted and braised meats as well as classics like Lamb Wellington. Info: templecourtnyc.com.

Dan Kluger, who made a name for himself at the much beloved ABC Kitchen, ventured out on his own with a vegetable-focused American spot. Expect small plates, pizzas, and fish dishes like Wood-Grilled Arctic Char. Info: loringplacenyc.com.

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FOOD & DRINK

ANTOINE HODGE A MIXOLOGIST TAKING COCKTAILS TO A NEW HIGH

By Bailey Beckett

ntoine Hodge isn’t your typical mixologist. But then again, the Baccarat Hotel isn’t your ordinary establishment. Just like its namesake, it’s so opulent you’re afraid to touch a thing. Including your credit card, because Hodge has just invented the most tempting— and expensive—cocktail for the city that’s never meek.

Antoine Hodge

Sip this: The “L’Imperial” at $5,000 is a potent blend of gin, green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur and lime juice perfectly presented in a majestic Tsar glass designed in 1909 for Nicholas II. Double-cased with colored crystal covering the clear crystal, the glass was crafted by Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and is rarely commissioned by Baccarat and cocktail connoisseurs around the world. Until now.

A COCKTAIL WITH A STORY

“Having just acquired an impossible-to-get vintage bottle of green Chartreuse (circa 1921-1926) from France, I was very intrigued and felt as if I was holding a piece of history in my hands,” says the mixologist, whose official title is Bar and Spirits Director at the Baccarat Hotel. “This drove me to do the unexpected and used it in a cocktail. After all, great things in life are created to be enjoyed in life.”

Does it ever! But it’s apropos for Hodge, who brings a classic, old school vibe to The Bar. A veteran of Harlem’s eclectic Afro-Asian restaurant Cecil, Minton’s Jazz Club, Danny Meyer’s Tabla and finally the three-star Michelin restaurant The Modern (across the street from The Baccarat, no less), Hodge is a purist. “Every cocktail has to have a reason and a story,” he says one evening, as The Bar goes from bustling to bursting as soon as the clock strikes 5 pm. “Cocktails need to have a background, or they become boring.”

That’s not likely to happen. For Fashion Week, Hodge created a light and refreshing “The Little Black Dress” black martini, with Louboutin shoes made of red floral garnish. Tequila, Cappelletti, Yellow Chartreuse, lime, activated coconut charcoal and orange bitters made up the sinful surprise. “I wanted to show a contrast of the dark rich look of the drink, as it is actually bright, balanced and refreshing,” Hodge says. “The activated coconut charcoal is a trend in the health and beauty industries. This food-grade product adds mostly color and texture and is naturally made from coconut shells.

Charcoal is a natural filter and helps to relieve hangovers.” He also delighted fashionistas with the “Heart of a Woman,” a smoky scotch Manhattan with Carpano Antica Vermouth, Cappelletti, and bitters. The martini glass is sprayed three times with Laphroaig 10-year-old scotch before the drink is poured. “There are lots of layers of flavor that build the unique complexity of this scotch cocktail,” he says.

But it’s “L’Imperial” that is getting the most adulation. “My vision for it was focused on its history and simplicity with a desire to elevate it through the use of premier ingredients, rare spirits, and a glass that takes your breath away,” Hodge says. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 101

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

MOULIN ROUGE! set designed by Derek McLane,

MOULIN ROUGE COMES TO BROADWAY

By Lori Zelenko and Marcy MacDonald | Photos By Matthew Murphy

nce upon a time Moulin Rouge was a movie, a glamorous spectacle with Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, an extraordinary and fantastic Oscar-winning vision created by Baz Luhrmann in 2001 to be exact.

Now this fave film is a Broadway musical slated for official opening on July 25th. What’s it all about? Love. And music. And even more music. Actually 50 years of hits, from “Shake It Up” (originally popularized by Florence and the Machine) and “Lady Marmalade,” a super-standard for Patti LaBelle to “Diamonds are Forever” with cinematic echoes of Dame Shirley Bassey. Not every song is as famous as the Rolling Stones “Sympathy for the Devil,” but taking his cue from pop and rock hits we know only too well, music supervisor Justin Levine has included a vast number of top 40 love songs never out of style, as well as new music written specifically for this production.

Karen Olivo as Satine

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THE GLITTER AND GLITZ

It is taking the grand sum of $28 million to create a spectacle for the stage that is just waiting to wow Broadway when it opens this summer. Heroine Satine is perfectly played by Karen Olivo (who won the Tony for West Side Story), as the beautiful but jaded star of the Moulin Rouge, who started turning tricks at 13. She falls in love with penniless composer Christian, played by an incandescent Aaron Tveit (whose “Rolling in the Deep” may make you forget Adele’s rendition for a moment or two) who sees past the glitter and glitz, and into her heart. He is taken to the famous Parisian nightclub by his friends, Toulouse-Lautrec (the amazing Sahr Ngaujah looks nothing like the painter, but convinces appealingly) and Santiago (thanks to Ricky Rojas, born to play this role) who have written a play within a play which appears in the lengthy second act, starring Satine who, everfocused on the beauty of transactional relationships, has by this time launched a lucrative affair with The Duke who will be the play’s producer.

WELCOME ALL!

This is supposed to be the show that saves the nightclub—and her old friend, the dubiously intentioned Harold Zidler (aka: the incomparable Dany Burstein)—from ruinous bankruptcy. When the Master of Ceremonies raises his cane, confetti shoots out of it as he announces the delights of Moulin Rouge, a venue ready to accommodate wonderfully wayward visitors, welcoming all with a no boundaries invitation, “no matter your sin, no matter your desire.” All of this is essentially a prologue for the story of two naive lovers who actually expect to survive the third act.

Karen Olivo as Satine and Aaron Tveit as Christian

It’s 1889, and those 21st century patrons who come to the theater have their own parts to play as they find themselves looking into a psychedelic stage decorated with cascading hearts by uber designer Derek McLane. Catherine Zuber’s costumes are ready for sin, from the phallic cigars to the female sword swallowers who look as if they’re about to devour one another before they begin on the vast array of men clad in top hats seen in so many of Toulouse-Lautrec’s paintings of the era.

Karen Olivo as Satine and Tam Mutu as The Duke of Monroth

John Logan captivates us all with his original book an ode to lust and decadence steeped in romance headed for glorious disillusion. Director Alex Timbers (of Peter and the Starcatcher fame as well as the Tony-nominated Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) has the deft touch that could bring him yet another avalanche of awards. The credits are long, and the list of musical numbers even longer.

Just take yourself back to turn-of-the century Paris, accompanied by the sounds of your own—hopefully— misspent youth. Pack a whole box of Kleenex: the end is both expected and devastating. But the trip is divinely rewarding thanks to the clever direction of Alex Timbers. This Broadway show is a movie-lovers dream come true, a cinematic spectacle now appearing on stage. Grittier than the film but no less entertaining, memorable tunes punctuate the narrative fleshing out characters with wit and passion. Tunes from Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Elton John, Adele, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Sia, Lorde and more create new memories of Moulin Rouge. Come for the sexy spectacle, engage with the lovers determined to find happiness, and stay for the music. A feast for eyes, ears, and soul.

For more information on Moulin Rouge, visit moulinrougemusical.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 103

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The company of Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish ©Matthew Murphy

OFF-BROADWAY FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

By JP Giacalone

ith Tony, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning actor Joel Grey directing, there’s very little doubt this production has been a success since it opened. Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish (with English and Russian supertitles), breathes new life into this legendary production while making audiences interact with what is now one of the most well-known musicals of all time.

(L-R) Raquel Nobile, Rosie Jo Neddy, Rachel Zatcoff, Stephanie Lynne Mason, and Samantha Hahn ©Matthew Murphy

Fiddler on the Roof is based on Tevye and His Daughters, a collection of short stories by Yiddish literary icon Sholem Aleichem (1859-1916). Aleichem’s stories concern the poor but faithful Jewish milkman Tevye and the tsuris (troubles) caused by the non-traditional romances of his six daughters in their small village on the outskirts of turn-of-the-century Tsarist Russia.

The original Broadway show, which opened in 1964, was the first musical production to surpass 3,000 performances; it won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical in addition to eight other Tony Awards that year. What is so astounding is that the musical has been performed in nearly every city throughout the world.

As Harold Prince, original producer of Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof, put it so beautifully, “If you have seen Fiddler before, you must see this production because it will make you feel you are seeing Fiddler for the first time.”

For more information on Fiddler on the Roof, visit FiddlerNYC.com •

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W I N N E R !

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL 2019 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD

FIDDLERNYC.COM

| 212-239-6200 | STAGE 42, 422 WEST 42ND STREET

Photo: Matthew Murphy

DIRECTED BY JOEL GREY

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

CHILDREN’S CHOICES THE LION KING Not yet rated Disney Studios pretty much rules the entertainment world these days and the studio is poised to own the summer box office, too, with the arrival of the latest versions of two of the company’s most popular franchises. This version of The Lion King arrives in July and is a sort-of-liveaction version of the animated classic. Think The Jungle Book from 2016, which Lion King director-producer Jon Favreau also brought to the big screen, and you’ll have an idea of this retelling of the much-loved story of lion cub Simba (voiced by Donald Glover) and his evil uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor), set against the backdrop of Africa’s natural beauty.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 Rated: PG With Patton Oswalt taking over doing the voice of Max the dog (from disgraced comic Louis C.K., thankfully) this sequel to the hilarious animated flick from 2016 continues his story, all about the life of pets when the humans go off to work. All the rest of his animated pals are back, with vocals done by a familiar crowd including Kevin Hart, Dana Carvey, Elle Kemper, Eric Stonestreet and Jenny Slate. And this time, listen for Harrison Ford and Tiffany Haddish, too, as the pets keep up the lunacy that made the original such a funny flick for both kids and grownups, too.

TOY STORY 4 Rated: G Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse, Rex, Bo Peep and the rest of the original toys from Disney/Pixar’s wonderful Toy Story trilogy of animated movies are back again, voiced as always by Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and other favorites, in a new story once again imagined (and written) by Andrew Stanton. This time, the gang goes on a road trip, adding new toys to the mix and – as usual – finding out more about just how complicated it can be to be living toys in a world full of humans.

ADULT ALTERNATIVES LATE NIGHT Rated: R Mindy Kaling took the Sundance Film Festival by storm in January with Late Night, the comic film all about late night television that she both wrote and stars in, along with Emma Thompson, John Lithgow and Reid Scott. It’s a satiric look at the rampant sexism that holds sway over the late-night television comedy world, even when a woman is sitting in the coveted seat behind the desk. There’s already Oscar buzz swirling around this seriocomic flick directed by Nisha Ganatra, the Canadian best known for her work in television (including directing an episode of The Mindy Project).

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ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Rated: R Get ready for a wild ride, as writer-director (and sometimes lunatic) Quentin Tarantino interweaves the real-life story of Charles Manson and his murderous followers into a fictional story set in Hollywood in 1969. Following a washed-up TV actor and his stunt double as they struggle to come back into the limelight via the movies, there’s wild times for everyone as reality and dreams intertwine in what Tarantino says may be one of his last films.

Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Pacino, Margot Robbie, James Marsden, Timothy Olyphant and Dakota Fanning bring the crazy in this star-studded retro tale of Tinseltown.

SCI-FI AND SUPERHEROES MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL Not yet rated The Men in Black are back, but this time at least one of them is a woman—Tessa Thompson, that is.

She and Chris Hemsworth lead the usual mayhem that occurs when the MIB forces have to protect the earth from weird and wacky otherworldly threats from across the universe. This time, it seems there is a mole working inside the MIB headquarters in an attempt to take over the world; needless to say, Agent H (Hemsworth) and Agent M (Thompson) are the black-suited agents out to save the world.

Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Kumail Nanjiani co-star in the comic sci-fi lunacy directed

by F. Gary Grey (The Fate of the Furious).

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Rated: PG-13 The Marvel Universe just keeps on expanding into the theatrical world, as this Spider-Man sequel not only continues the saga of Peter Parker and his Spidey adventures, but also includes the next chapter in the Avengers: Endgame story. There’s more to the tale (naturally) as actor Tom Holland once again dons the Spider-Man suit in order to help save the world and the universe from terrible danger.

Watch for Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, Jon Favreau and Zendaya in this action-packed superhero flick.

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX Rated: PG-13 After almost 20 years of Marvel Comics’ X-Men movies, this one could almost be called X-Women. For X-Men: Dark Phoenix centers on the female mutants that make up this extension to the rebooted original, younger group. Which means Sophie Turner of Game of Thrones fame is playing Jean Grey/Phoenix in this iteration, along with Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/ Mystique and Alexandra Shipp as Ororo Munroe/ Storm, with Jessica Chastain coming into the fold as a mysterious mutant. Michael Fassbinder (Magneto), James McAvoy (Professor Charles Xavier), Nicholas Hoult (Beast) and other male X-Men join those otherworldly powerful women as earth is once more at risk from these warring mutant creatures. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 107

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN CITY ON A HILL Showtime Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge co-star in this fact-based Boston story that is produced by Ben Affleck, a Boston native. This 10-part series unfolds as Boston in the 1990s is a place where criminals are blatant about committing crimes, the cops are complacent in getting paid to look the other way, and the justice system is pretty much broken. With the help of a local district attorney and an FBI agent with a tarnished career, change actually happened, in what has come to be known as the “Boston Miracle.” This is a taut, slightly fictionalized look at what happened back then to change the City on a Hill.

FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL Hulu Remember the terrific Hugh Grant-Andie MacDowell film from 1994 called Four Weddings and a Funeral? It’s a classic romantic comedy (and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, too) that stars a gaggle of white British friends who help a dedicated bachelor realize that being in love isn’t such a bad fate. In this new 12-part miniseries, Mindy Kaling and Matt Warburton (The Simpsons, The Mindy Project) have created a different look for the people involved and have fleshed out the story as well. This time the friends include people of color, including Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones) and Nikesh Patel, as well as one very familiar face, as Andie MacDowell turns up again in this charming tale of love—and death.

THE LOUDEST VOICE Showtime Just when you thought you’d never have to hear the name Roger Ailes again comes this seven-part miniseries all about the venal head of Fox News and (in many ways) the architect of the current Republican party. Ailes, who died in 2017, was ousted from Fox in 2016, when his sexual harassment of female employees finally became too obvious for the company to ignore.

Russell Crowe, who despite gaining weight in real life, is almost unrecognizable starring as the obese Ailes, whose early life as a consultant to U.S. presidents is also explored. Naomi Watts, Sienna Miller, Seth MacFarlane and Josh Charles also star.

TALES OF THE CITY Netflix The characters created by Armistead Maupin and brought to TV with a six-part miniseries in 1994 are back, with new stories and new characters, too. But Laura Linney and Olympia Dukakis return in the roles that they originated in this story that follows a group of diverse San Franciscans living in the same building, as Mary Ann (Linney) returns to the City by the Bay after a 20-year absence. With Maupin serving as executive producer, expect comedy, drama and a liberal sprinkling of LGBTQ politics thrown in, too, in this 10-part continuation of a tale begun long ago. Ellen Page and Paul Gross also star.

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SUPERHEROES AND SCARY STUFF THE BOYS Amazon Prime The best-selling comic book The Boys comes to the small screen, with the story of a group of superheroes who aren’t exactly the good guys.

What’s the world to do when those powerful beings prefer to be careless celebrities and abusive politicians, rather than using their powers to help humanity? Well, The Boys have an idea as to how to make them behave; that’s the tale told in this eight-part series soon to stream on Amazon Prime. Karl Urban, Jennifer Esposito and Chace Crawford star in this superhero story with a twist.

LOS ESPOOKYS HBO Fred Armisen and Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live) invented this weird and wacky half-hour series all about a gaggle of Latin pals who start up a business providing scary moments to people who are slightly bored with everyday life. Set in an unnamed Spanish-speaking country, this horror-comedy series is mostly told in Spanish, and features weird and wonderful ideas for bringing imaginary terror into their clients’ day-to-day lives.

Armisen also stars in this oddball show, along with Bernardo Velasco, Cassandra Ciangherotti, and Ana Fabrega.

NOS4A2 AMC Look closely at the name of this frightening new show and you just might get an idea of what horrors lie in wait. NOS4A2 can also be read (or said) as “Nosferatu,” Nosferatu was the original movie vampire in Murnau’s 1922 silent classic; this time around, he speaks, as played by Zachery Quinto. Now named Charlie Manx, he’s still looking for yummy victims that will give up their blood to make him immortal in this 10-episode series guaranteed to be full of gory moments. Based on the novel by Joe Hill, the show co-stars Ashleigh Cummings and Ebon Moss-Bacharach.

PENNYWORTH Epix Ever wonder how Alfred became Batman’s intrepid butler? Well, wonder no more, for Pennyworth has arrived to give you the back story. Alfred Pennyworth is a young man as this tale begins, played by Jack Bannon; he goes to work for billionaire Thomas Wayne (Bruce Wayne’s dad, but before he’s been born), in London during the Swingin’ Sixties. Together, the pair gets involved in some exciting capers and undercover cops, all springing from the mind of Bruno Heller, whose previous stellar work includes the TV series Gotham, The Mentalist and Rome.• JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 109

NEW YORK, NY

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER GINA SMITH OF RAUXA

By Bailey Beckett

s this Google? Did I mistakenly go to Facebook? Wait, I’m not at Apple? One look around the twostory home of Rauxa, high above the city skyline in downtown’s Brookfield Place, and you’re likely to be confused. Before your eyes, a young, bustling, diverse and quirky workforce mixes week-day shuffleboard challenges with high stakes pitches to Fortune 500 companies. There are panoramic views of Manhattan and design-forward office space that inspires and awes. This isn’t Amazon? Nope!

Welcome to Rauxa, one of the fastest growing digital marketing agencies in advertising. What began as a direct mail company started by industry lion Jill Gwaltney has grown into an industry powerhouse, with five offices across the U.S. and a staff of more than 300 of the brightest minds in marketing. Now led by Gina Smith, the women-owned company (one of very few, thank you very much) continues to expand its footprint, adding to a portfolio of clients that already includes Verizon, Vans, TGI Fridays and Alaska Airlines. How are they doing it?

Three simple words: Head. Heart. Hustle. The company’s culture is among one of the most inclusive in advertising, attracting industry-leading talents who create engaging, inventive digital campaigns.

Ever wonder why you spent more time than usual on that website? It’s Smith in particular who is infusing the company with an infectious, go get ‘em vibe. The president, who herself started at Rauxa right out of college, balances sales calls, client pitches, company meetings, and daily management with company initiatives, like mentorship, diversity, engagement and rewarding employees for hard work. As she continues to grow its New York offices—eyeing another half floor to accommodate its burgeoning workforce—Smith explained to New York Lifestyles her keys to success.

How did you get into marketing?

By random happenstance. A college friend was at my house for the end of a summer barbecue, bragging to everyone about this fantastic new job. It was at a fastpaced, women-led ad agency. It just so happens, she tells me, that they were looking for a new receptionist.

I interviewed and started the following week at Rauxa.

That was almost 18 years ago.

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How has Rauxa risen from a direct mail company to a digital marketing powerhouse? How were you able to transform?

It started by not denying the transformation that was happening all around us.

First and foremost, we went out and hired the absolute best and brightest to help us evolve—Ian Baer, Lincoln Bjorkman, Arthur Fullerton, Rita Ku—to name a few. Then, we started pushing ourselves in terms of the thinking we brought to clients. We piqued interest, took risks, clients gave more work, and we grew from there. We are continually evolving the solutions we bring to clients—you will never get a canned answer from Rauxa. Everything is bespoke to the challenges a client faces. We stay at the edge of what’s technologically possible yet apply the data-driven fundamentals to support the investments we recommend for our clients.

What first attracted you to the company?

The people! Our CEO Jill Gwaltney and our former president Johanna Bracken are two powerhouse women. Jill brought the business in, and Jo helped get the work out the door. The energy and passion people brought into the work and the client relationships every day was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Everyone wanted to be there, for the work, the clients and each other. I badly wanted to be a part of it all!

To what do you attribute your rise to the top of Rauxa?

I’ve been so fortunate to receive amazing opportunities thanks to the mentorship I’ve received from Jill and other leaders at Rauxa over the years. Also, I have a strong work ethic—I show up and put in the time to learn new things and engage with people on the work. I’ve never said no when someone has asked for my help which has helped me build relationships with folks who have supported my growth over the years.

How do you instill those messages/philosophies in mentoring people now?

It all starts with honest feedback. There are plenty of compliments to go around on a job well done, but really digging into the challenges people face and helping them work through it—that’s when trust is built, and great mentorship occurs.

You have to spend the time getting to know people. Spending the time to connect, in the moment and on a deeper level, often provides the best opportunity for mentoring.

How important is it for Rauxa to still be a woman-owned company?

Frankly, I think it’s less about ownership structure and more about how we lead. We are empathetic to our clients and our employees. We take the time to mentor each other and grow. Our roots are in solving client problems, applying the latest technology and data capabilities to develop the right solution, and doing what it takes to meet the needs of as many people as possible. The fact that we have always been woman-led also means we’re inclusive by nature. We didn’t have to break through glass ceilings or create initiatives to make sure people are treated fairly. Inclusion is second-nature to us.

What do you do better than anyone else?

I’m an eternal optimist, and I have great confidence in our ability to grow and do great things. I don’t see closed doors. I see everything as an opportunity. It’s a matter of thoughtfully choosing opportunities, having the right plan and people in place, and remaining adaptive to the situation as it changes.

In one sentence, how do you sell Rauxa to clients and potential employees?

That’s a great question, and one we’ve spent years trying to answer because our business and the agency keeps evolving so quickly. Ultimately, we landed on two words: Bold.

Results. Those words describe so well who we are, how we do things, and the level of rigor and discipline it takes to make everyone successful. We can make big things happen for our people and our clients because of a unique combination of rigor, talent and drive that sets our work apart. We promise our employees that we will give them the resources and opportunity to do the best work of their careers here at Rauxa, and when they do everybody wins. We move fast, we move with intelligence, and we aren’t afraid to do things differently.

What’s next for Rauxa?

Up! We continue to adopt new ways to reach people and connect them to brands, to drive business forward for our clients. We embrace new technologies that will change daily. We attract new talent that forces us to think differently. We grow. We take it all head-on. And, we have fun on the wild ride together!

For more information on Rauxa, visit rauxa.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 111

NEW YORK, NY

MY NEW YORK STORY

By Minchul An

love living in New York City. There’s just something about the energy, the hustle, and the fast-paced environment that motivates you to succeed and make something of yourself. It’s incredible, but also terrifying. While the fast-paced energy is excellent, it has given me a lot of anxiety. As a coping mechanism, I learned that if I wanted to continue to live in NYC and reduce my stress that it meant I needed to travel on the weekends to escape the chaos and recharge a bit.

Often I felt this wasn’t enough. I needed something that would take the edge off while still keeping me focused and motivated. With my training in the profession and my passion for all things natural, I set out to create something that has completely changed my life, and the lives of the people around me. In February 2019, Buzzn was born.

ENTERING HEALTH CARE While I was still in high school, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was always fascinated by science, math and the human body, but understanding the mechanism of this disease was beyond my control. Despite going through tremendous physical and mental struggles, my mom was able to eradicate cancer from her body completely. This miracle was made possible by advanced pharmacotherapy, which eventually led me to pursue a career as a pharmacist.

My career as a registered pharmacist began in 2012 upon graduating from Northeastern University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Being in various health care settings, the one commonality I witnessed was that the opioid crisis was a real dilemma, and people’s addiction to habit forming medications under a doctor’s authority was also a problem. As a pharmacist, I have only witnessed the consequences of opioid addiction at a local level, so I can only imagine how serious the issue is nationwide. On a more personal level, I’ve also seen my close 112 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

friends struggle with addiction and even at one point teetering close to that line myself.

Then in 2016, I was introduced to CBD by one of my patients, who successfully weaned himself off of opiates for chronic pain by using CBD. He took the initiative to educate himself on CBD and its natural healing benefits to taper off his pain medications entirely. My patient was on high doses of opiates for chronic pain.

Every two weeks he decreased his treatment by half, while tapering up his CBD dose. He’s not entirely opiate free as he still takes short-acting pain medications for breakthrough pain, but he’s altogether off his extended acting opiates. Seeing how wonderful it was to see him restore his well-being, I began my educational research on all things CBD and our body’s endocannabinoid system. I started taking CBD, and it too has completely changed my life. I suffer from occasional anxiety and in the past, I have taken benzodiazepines which are highly sedative medications to take the edge off on stressful days.

CHILL & BLISS These prescriptions are like temporary fixes but do not diminish the core problem. The long-term complications of these medications are very serious, including but not limited to brain damage due to hypoxia resulting from respiratory depression, liver damage, and development of tolerance and/ or addiction. Hence, I wanted something more natural without serious long-term side-effects and dependence issues. CBD has become my solution. I put my whole family on CBD—even my dogs! Not only does it have healing properties that work with our endocannabinoid system (we have cannabis CB1 and CB2 receptors), but it’s filled with antioxidants. It’s a dietary supplement, almost like a multivitamin, and it’s one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. It’s chill and bliss in a bottle, and that’s how we named our products!

As a pharmacist, I have witnessed the struggles people go through with addiction to controlled substances that are federally legal. I used to think a healthy life without the presence of these dangerous drugs would be impossible, but CBD has brought a new ray of sunshine in my life. It has completely changed my life for the better. Now I want to share the same positive influences with the world. Hence, why I came up with my CBD products. I want to let people know that there are other alternatives to treat certain conditions like pain or anxiety, and it comes from the cannabis plant. Through Buzzn, I’m looking to educate consumers on CBD and also be an advocate in de-stigmatizing hemp from a health care professional’s perspective. Buzzn’s products are for both people and pets and are made with pure broad-spectrum extracts that contain zero THC and comes with third-party lab tests, Certificate of Analysis (COA).

CHANGING ATTITUDES The impact of the last century’s perception of cannabis still hangs heavy over the world, but a drastic social shift is underway as attitudes today are more supportive. At the end of the day, however, it’s just a plant. To my knowledge, there haven’t been any cannabis-related deaths—unlike alcohol, which is wholly accepted socially, yet alcohol-related deaths happen every day. People’s attitudes are changing, and legalization is expanding—fast.

Today, CBD oil is being used in cancer patients, and that’s pretty amazing to see. I don’t believe CBD by itself will be used to treat the terminally ill, but I can see CBD being an adjunct supplement to boost immunity and slow cancer cell growth, on top of first-line cancer treatments. First line cancer treatments can be so aggressive that they can often destroy one’s immune system. This goes to show how amazing the cannabis plant has been for multi-purpose therapeutic uses, and it’s time we allow ourselves to accept this plant for what it is: a natural healing alternative.

I’m so excited to be a part of this movement. It’s phenomenal to see a growing amount of people incorporate CBD into their daily wellness routine. Unfortunately for centuries people have created a negative stigma on cannabis and failed to give it a fair assessment on all the great benefits it provides. As a health care professional living in New York City, I will continue to be an advocate for the cannabis plant and recommend CBD to my family, friends, and patients. All of us New Yorkers could benefit from CBD because we all need that break from our daily grinds. Cannabis or any form of extraction, like CBD oil, can honestly give that to us if we allow it.

For more information on Buzzn, visit getbuzzn.com. • JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 113

NEW YORK, NY

SUMMER IN THE CITY MAKE THE MOST OF SUNNY DAYS TO COME

By Natasha Bazika

ho is ready for summer in the city? We definitely are! From dining alfresco to rooftop bars and pools, and let’s not forget the free summer festivals, this summer is set to sizzle, and we can’t wait. Don your best outfit for Summer at Lincoln Center, catch a movie on a rooftop and cheers to warmer, longer weekends because summer is here and it’s staying. Check out our guide on what to do this summer in the greatest city on the planet.

ALFRESCO DINING

One of the better things about summer is the ability to dine outside under warm rays. In a city that is built mainly on concrete, restaurants use sidewalks, rooftops and any space they can secure to provide a sun-filled dining experience; even if it’s letting the breeze in through large folding doors. We scoured the concrete jungle to bring you some great alfresco dining options.

Añejo Tribeca Born out of a desire to create a quality and fun dining experience, Añejo Tribeca is here to satisfy all your summer Mexican fantasies from braised short rib tacos to a cellar brimming with 200 tequilas—and a tequila sommelier. It doesn’t get better than that. Set in the hip area, known for its industrial buildings turned residential lofts, Añejo offers a refreshing casual dining spot, set in a beautiful industrial chic building. Spend your lunch breaks munching on Pork Carnitas or meetings sipping on mezcal and crunching on chips and salsa—because there are no chips without salsa, and guacamole. Info: anejotribeca.com.

Arlo SoHo This hotel offers more than just thoughtfully designed guest rooms; it also boasts several dining options from a rooftop to a blossoming courtyard. The Courtyard makes for an excellent spot to relax in the outdoors under the cool shade of bamboo trees. Enjoy a cocktail, eat, or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere. Head down to Harold’s, the neighborhood hotspot for weekend brunch, complete with Bloody Mary and Shakshuka.

You can also indulge in the same menu items from Harold’s at Arlo Blooms, an eco-friendly botanical garden bursting with color on The Courtyard.

Why not book the greenhouse for a group alfresco dining experience. Info: arlohotels.com/arlo-soho.

Anejo Tribeca ©Anejo Tribeca

JUNE/JULY 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 115

FESTIVALS

Whether you’re looking to rage in the mosh pit, appreciating local artists, or simply want to dress up for a pink-themed picnic, New York City has it all—and more. This summer several free summer festivals are happening and some which require an admission fee but are entirely worth it. Check out just some of the anticipated events coming to the city soon.

MoMA PS1 No list of summer festivals would be complete without the beloved annual MoMA PS1 Summer Warm Up, the most anticipated outdoor music series, which run every Sunday during July and August.

The series will feature the best in live and electronic music, presenting a wide range of emerging and established artists. Although the lineup has not been announced, we do know it will be exceptional. The program’s alumni include contemporary creators Solange, Black Dice, Cardi B, Jamie XX, Lizzo, Skepta, Thom Yorke, Four Tet, and A-Trak as well as legendary DJs including Derrick May, DJ Premier, and Ritchie Hawtin.

Info: moma.org/calendar/programs/156.

Summer At Lincoln Center Throughout the summer, Lincoln Center will be host to several events, starting with Midsummer Night Swing, an event that will have you dancing all night long. Enjoy the sounds of renowned guest artists, emerging voices, premieres, and more—all reflecting Mozart’s legacy at the Mostly Mozart Festival. Celebrate all things theater all summer long with events such as Lincoln Center’s Great Performers who will be delivering compelling performances of classical and bold, cutting-edge repertoire. The American Songbook is set to keep the canon of popular American songs relevant with new interpretations while Summer Evenings offers listeners three captivating programs of beloved chamber repertoire. Get your tickets now before they sell out. Info: lincolncenter.org/festivals-programs.

Midsummer Nights Swing

PINKNIC IN THE PARK

This year instead of a picnic in the park, try Pinknic in the park. This summer tradition welcomes hundreds if not thousands of guests a year, all dressed in pink and white, sipping on rosé, frosé, Champagne, and even pink cider. As is proper etiquette of a picnic in the park, food will be served by the mouthful and includes all our favorites from Beyond Sushi, to Wowfulls and Dô: Cookie Dough. Also, Big Mozz, Corner Harvest, Doughnuttery, Gordo’s Cantina, Lena, Lobster Joint, Mac Truck, Melt Shop, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Ramen Burger and more will all be making an appearance. While sipping on festive drinks and indulging in the best of the best, live music will be supplied by a lineup of talented artists including Mark Ronson, Chromeo, Youngr, Brasstracks and more. The two-day event will take place on Randall’s Island Park from July 19-20 with tickets ranging from $95 to $185. Don’t forget to grab the complimentary Pinknic wine glass. Info: pinknic.com.

Magic Hour ©Warren Jagger

Pinknic

ROOFTOP BARS

Yes, it is rooftop bar weather, and we have been waiting since last summer to check out the latest additions to the skyline. From a carnival-inspired adults only wonderland to a sophisticated new rooftop bar drawing in crowds for its botanical interiors, we bring to you the rooftop bars that are not to be missed this season, all complete with spectacular views.

Magic Hour Celebrate happy hour at Magic Hour, a fantasia rooftop bar designed to make all your circus dreams come true atop Moxy Times Square Hotel. Whether you visit by day or by night, it’s a place that’s good every hour of the day. Brunch on Sunday comes with a super stack of pancakes, an 18 oz. party pouch or a glittering disco ball filled with Bajan Tiki Punch. If you’re a purist, mimosa’s come deconstructed, waiting for you to mix brut with orange juice. Afternoon drinks are accompanied by snacks like disco waffles, jumbo soft pretzel, magic hour sliders, chicken tenders, French fries and more. For those with a sweet tooth, the boozy cupcakes are not to be missed. As for the cocktails, they come in curious vessels of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re with a group, the choices under the Spirits for Sharing section include high octane, a fanciful fuel-pump filled with the “float my boat” cocktail or classic popcorn bucket served with a “berry bubbly” cocktail. Don’t worry, their beverage list also features classics like wine, Champagne, beer, and spirits. Info: moxytimessquare.com.

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MORE HAPPENINGS IN THE CITY Intrepid Summer Movie Series May 24th – August 16th Watch a movie under the stars on a ship’s flight deck and enjoy views of the Hudson River and famous Manhattan skyline. Admission is free, so first-come, first served. Info: intrepidmuseum.org/movie-series.

CATCH Roof ©CATCH NYC

CATCH Roof One of few rooftops open for lunch, dinner, and late night in the Meatpacking District is also one of the coolest, with frequent celebrity sightings, so you know you’re dining where they do. CATCH Roof is located on the rooftop of CATCH NYC a restaurant bringing creative seafood-focused food to the hip area.

Enjoy panoramic views in an ultra-chic atmosphere with great food, great company, and an unparalleled ambiance. You can dine alfresco in the 3,000 square foot indoor and outdoor penthouse or enjoy the beautiful weather on the terrace. Sip on inventive cocktails like the Pineapple Trainwreck, Mojito Mo’ Problems, and Dirtier Bastard. Don’t forget to stop by for brunch for the beet cured salmon eggs benedict, tuna poke bowl, or grilled Spanish octopus. There are also these fantastic Instagram worthy seafood towers and oyster shooters. Info: Call 212-392-5978 to reserve a table.

Fleur Room The latest rooftop bar to grace New York with its presence has already attracted a loyal crowd and continues to excite newcomers, so we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to introduce this swanky new space to you. The glassencased lounge on Moxy Chelsea’s 35th floor has showstopping, 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. As the weather warms, the glass walls retract to create an alfresco sky veranda, perfect for lounging with friends soaking up the views and summer breeze.

Inside, botanical-inspired interiors create a glamorous space complete with luxurious floral fabrics, a copper-clad bar, water droplet chandelier and a massive vintage disco ball that once hung in the infamous LA club Vertigo. Stay for dinner or come for the bar bites, whichever you choose, the Fleur Room has a taste for all types. Indulge in Black Truffle Popcorn and Tea Sandwiches with King Crab Salad or opt-in for the main menu highlight such as the Steak Frites and finish with Cotton Candy and Mini-Ice Cream Cones. Info: Call 212-888-1095 to reserve a table.

Celebrate Brooklyn June 4th – August 6th Hosted by BRIC, Celebrate Brooklyn is an event that lasts all summer and includes exhibits from local artists, events and performances. Info: bricartsmedia.org/events-performances/ BRIC-celebrate-Brooklyn-festival.

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes June 8th Head to Queens and place your bets. In addition to the final leg of the thoroughbred Triple Crown horse races, the Belmont Stakes features a three-day festival with dozens of races, live music and a food-truck village for visitors to enjoy.

Info belmontstakes.com.

Museum Mile Festival June 11th New York’s biggest block party is back again this year for one day from 6 to 9 pm. Walk the mile on Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 110th Streets while visiting some of New York City’s finest cultural institutions, which are free and open to the public. Info: museummilefestival.org.

Pride Fest June 30th Sport your best rainbow at the annual LGBTQ+ street fair for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality. Info: 2019-worldpride-stonewall50.nycpride.org/events/pridefest.

Macy’s Fireworks

Fleur Room ©Fleur Room

Macys 4th Of July Fireworks July 4th Every year, Macy’s puts on a spectacular fireworks display for the city—and nation. This year, we’ll be celebrating America’s 243rd birthday from the Brooklyn Bridge. Info: macys.com/ social/fireworks.

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NEW YORK, NY

CAITLIN MEISTER

CHANGING THE WORLD OF PRIVATE EDUCATION

By Bailey Beckett

olecules. They move. They bond. And they bounce. But do they dance? Yes, but only in private lessons with The Greer Meister Group, one of the most inventive, forward-thinking private tutoring and educational consulting practices in the Greater New York area.

Caitlin Meister, a Brooklyn mother of two who balances her work in education with a successful voiceover career, started The Greer Meister Group with some of the most diverse—and entertaining—tutors in the city. To wit: one of the group’s math and science tutors, Chelsea Retzloff, is a trained chemist who also tours the world dancing with Shen Wei (founder of Shen Wei Dance Arts and choreographer of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony). Such creativity is what sets Meister’s group apart, and combined with a common sense approach— giving children the tools and skills now to overcome challenges and obstacles later—it’s raising interest with parents throughout the city.

Meister talked to New York Lifestyles about her company and her philosophies.

How did you get into the private tutoring/education field?

All of my early jobs involved teaching. I taught theater to kids and teenagers, I worked in a preschool, and I mentored and tutored. When I graduated from college, I pursued an acting career and found success in voiceovers—audiobooks, radio and television commercials, and animation. The work is artistically fulfilling, and I absolutely love it and would never give it up. So when I found myself really missing working with children, tutoring was a way that I could do both.

Within the first year, I had a full schedule. The question then became whether to turn people away or turn it into a fullfledged business. I had the opportunity to learn from some inspiring artists and entrepreneurs, and I was exhilarated.

One of my closest friends was tutoring for other practices at the time, and I asked whether she would join me. That was 10 years ago!

You’ve since founded The Greer Meister Group. What is your specialty?

The Greer Meister Group is a private tutoring and educational consulting practice with a focus on academic independence and perseverance. We give students the tools that they need to achieve their goals. We believe that tutoring should teach content and strategies that students can replicate to be successful independently—not only with a tutor by their side.

If we’ve done our job well, we’ve put ourselves out of a job!

How are you different from other private tutoring firms?

Our tutors have interests and passions that go beyond just one discipline, which helps students free themselves from the limitation of thinking that someone has to be only a “math person” or only “an artist” to the exclusion of other fields. When we work with younger children who are just beginning to read, write, experiment, and explore math, we have to be engaging and adaptable. We all know that kids learn best when they’re having fun. We also know that our biggest responsibility to our youngest learners is to foster a life-long love of learning; tutoring should never be a burden.

We empower our older students with the tools that they need to persevere independently—all while meeting the goals the families set forth for us.

What is your definition of success?

I consider my work successful if we have given parents peace of mind and provided children with confidence to go into the classroom feeling supported and resilient, not inflexible and overwhelmed. Yes, I want my students to know the material, and I want more. I want my students to know that they have the tools to figure out anything new or unfamiliar. We also 118 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Caitlin Meister

provide enrichment for students who need more challenge than they get in school. We want our children to have the internal strength and motivation to keep trying no matter how many times life challenges them.

Who is your ideal client?

We would always prefer to work with a student who is engaged in the process rather than one whose parents are pushing them into tutoring.

The great news is that a majority of our students are with our practice because they have asked their parents for tutoring. Kids are savvy—they are aware of the benefits of tutoring, and they want it. Sometimes, the kids are the ones educating their parents about tutoring!

How has having your own kids influenced the way you tutor other children?

When I became a mom, I understood the intensity of emotion that parents feel surrounding their own kids. Before becoming a mom, I understood my clients’ needs on an intellectual level. I also always trust a mother’s instincts if she tells me that something concerns her about her child. It guides our work. I work with people’s children, they invite us into their homes, and that is an honor and deserves the highest ethical standards and level of compassion. It’s never “just business.”

For more information on The Greer Meister Group, visit greermeistergroup.com. •

NEW YORK, NY

GAME ON

NEW YORK SPORTS TOURS

By Laurie Bain Wilson

t’s amazing! The Miracle Mets celebrate their 50th anniversary this year and long-suffering Mets fans who can’t get enough of the milestone will want to add the New York Sports Tours to their roster of celebrations this spring and summer. It’s the sweet spot: Take the tour now through Father’s Day and you’ll score a comp copy of celebrated sports journalist Wayne Coffey’s newlyreleased bestseller They Said it Couldn’t be Done, a Penguin Random House book that chronicles the 1969 Mets miraculous World Series win. Only in New York.

The hip museum-on-wheels tour (a small luxury Mercedes that seats 12) gets going at Grand Central Terminal and expertly navigates midtown, hitting on more than 70 midtown locations that are linked to the great athletes who have played here and special neighborhood spots with interesting sports lore—these are buildings that New Yorkers walk by daily, never knowing the cultural-shaping historic moments that were made just inside. Spots like Jackie Robinson’s office when he worked at Chock Full o’ Nuts, the 21 Club (and its role in sports) and the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, where, in the 50s, the Knicks played their NBA Finals games and the Globetrotters also dribbled back in the day. On-screen audio and videos enhance the riding experience with documentaries complementing the tour stops and narrated by former professional tennis player and legendary sports broadcaster Mary Carillo, a hometown gal who grew up in Queens.

Reliving the memories of not so long ago

Sign on for the three-hour tour ($150) or, better yet, go for the $200, four-and-a-half-hour tour experience that includes an intimate post-tour dinner with a noted sports personality at one of NYC’s celebrated landmarks—the 130-year-old Keens Steakhouse on West 36th Street (if only these walls could talk, there surely has been lots of juicy sports convos here through the decades.) Dig into steak or one of the steakhouse’s other fan favorite dishes, and nerd out with fellow sports fans who love to dish about New York’s love affair with sports. History fans also will appreciate the enthusiasm for the city’s illustrious teams and legendary athletes—past and present. And you’ll also come away with a keen sense for just how important the role of sports has played in shaping the city’s culture through the years—and continues to.

The grand slam for Mets-loving dads and grandfathers: On Father’s Day this year, June 16th, Coffey will host the post-tour dinner at Keens. Surely, they’ll be lots of speculative talk about whether this is the year for the Mets to go all the way—as former Mets player and manager Yogi Berra once said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.”

Here’s to the Mets!

For more information on the New York Sports Tour, visit newyorksports.tours. •

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NEW YORK, NY

TIME OUT WITH...

ANN LIGUORI

By Elizabeth Darwen

he covers some of the most prestigious Golf Majors on radio and with guest appearances on television. She is also the President of Ann Liguori Productions and owner of Sports Innerview Radio & Television properties, an archival collection of television interviews that she has conducted with sports legends and entertainers. Who is this Renaissance woman? Ann Liguori, of course.

BROADCASTING

ANN LIGUORI’S JUNE CALENDAR

This past April, Ann celebrated covering The Masters for her 21st consecutive year. Ann has covered Tiger Woods’ career since he turned professional, including his epic comeback win at The Masters this past April. “Witnessing Tiger’s amazing win at The Masters and broadcasting from Augusta National throughout the week on WFAN Radio 660 AM and 101.9 FM and on CBS Sports Radio Network, was as exciting as can be,” says Liguori. “Every Masters is special with compelling stories but this one was over-the-top. Tiger has transformed himself as a person, as well, and to see him overcome both his physical and personal issues was thrilling!”

Liguori’s vast knowledge and passion for golf also inspired her to write her 2007 book A Passion for Golf: Celebrity Musings About the Game, (available on Amazon.com) which includes stories from more than thirty celebrity golf enthusiasts, who reveal their favorite courses, most embarrassing golfing moments, and how they find the time to indulge in one of their favorite sports.

CHARITY

When Ann is not covering major sports events, she is a champion of charitable activity through her Ann Liguori Foundation, with the mission to raise funds and awareness for not-for-profits that work in the field of cancer research, prevention and cancer care. “My family lost our Dad to cancer and a year-and-a-half later, my brother Jim, only 22-years-old at the time, succumbed to leukemia. Two terrible tragedies so close to each other could have torn our family apart but my Mom, my biggest inspiration, and my two younger siblings, my sister Jean and brother Dan, were determined to say strong.”

Liguori decided to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, prevention and care. “Twenty one years ago, I started hosting and organizing a charity golf tournament to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Ten years into it, we put together the Ann Liguori Foundation so we could help a variety of not-for-profits. Our charity golf tournament has become one of the most popular fundraisers in the Hamptons every year and I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do and the organizations and causes we’ve been able to help.”

Mentorship has always been an important component of Liguori’s world and legacy, and recently at the NY WICI Matrix Awards Luncheon in Manhattan, the Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholar was recognized. This year’s recipient is Danielle Pluchinsky, a Sports Media Major at Ithaca College. She is currently interning in her college athletic communications office.

“The field of sports media is still challenging for women to break into and eventually rise to decision-making positions. The Ann Liguori Foundation Sports Media Scholarship and our mentorship programs help enable women to pursue their dream,” says Liguori. “I enjoy connecting with students and encouraging them that with hard work, focus, dedication and commitment, they can reach for the stars and pursue their passion.”

120 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | JUNE/JULY 2019

Here are a few of Liguori’s notable upcoming events this season.

June 13th – 16th Liguori will be covering the 119th U.S Open Golf Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, California, for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio Network.

June 20th Look for her as she hosts the 21st Annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic at the exclusive Westhampton Country Club in Westhampton, NY. This popular Hamptons Golf tournament is the flagship fundraising event for the Ann Liguori Foundation.

June 24th Liguori will be honored at the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 37th Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, NY.

FASHION

This summer there is also the opportunity to see the creative side of Ann Liguori in her collaboration with Holly Daniels Christensen for her debut jewelry line known as the “Hamptons Rope Collection” with Dune Jewelry. The custom-made pieces incorporate sand from your favorite beach or golf course in sophisticated, timeless pieces for women and men. Ann also promotes the Dune Jewelry golf items, including ball markers, divot tool, wine stoppers and much more. “The jewelry collection is really exciting and makes for a lovely, personal gift to savor a special memory.” Info; dunejewelry.com.

For more information on Ann Liguori, visit annliguori.com. •

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