Vol. 7 #3 | March/April 2021
PHILANTHROPIST
JEAN SHAFIROFF Embracing Change To Make A Difference LIFE & STYLE
THE SPRING FORWARD EDITION
TRAVEL
EASY GETAWAYS + SHOOT PHOTOS LIKE A PRO
REAL ESTATE
HOME OWNERSHIP IN A NEW ECONOMY
FOOD & DRINK
THOSE IRISH EYES ARE SMILING
PET SPOTLIGHT
FASHIONABLE PETS STEP OUT
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HIDDEN TREASURE SADDLE RIVER, NJ Colonial brick manor with over 8,000 square feet (completed in 2010). Elegant woodworking throughout, 5 fireplaces, new inground pool and a 4-car garage. 1 or 2 office/libraries for great work space. Sought after Chestnut Ridge area of town. $3,695,000
IDYLLIC COUNTRY RETREAT
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SADDLE RIVER, NJ Enlarged and renovated in the 2000's by designer Philip La Bossiere, with updates by the current owners, this beautiful residence is in a class by itself. Outdoor amenities include outdoor kitchen, koi pond and patio. Ability to have 2 home offices. One of a kind opportunity! $1,549,000
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ 11,000 square foot, sleek and stunning brick manor offers an open floorplan, 7 bedrooms including a huge office/library, ideal for working from home. Lagoon pool with waterfall, patio and cabana. Finished lower level, 6-car garage. (2 detached) and generator. Private setting. $3,150,000
HILLTOP COUNTRY RETREAT
GRACIOUS COLONIAL
SADDLE RIVER, NJ European Manor on 1.7 secluded hilltop acres with sleek & stunning finishes throughout. The floorplan is ideal for entertaining along with great space for working remotely. The finished lower level offers a recreation room, theater area, billiard area and 3-car garage. $1,775,000
SADDLE RIVER, NJ 2.4 acre setting surrounds this gracious colonial in the heart of the Chestnut Ridge area. Large kitchen, family room, great room and master suite. Finished walk-out lower level. Deck overlooks pool and spa. Great supporting value along this sought-after estate lined street. $1,299,000
VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE® • FOUNDER • MARKETING DIRECTOR OFFICE 201 934-7111 • CELL 201 390 -5880 • VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM • W W W. SPECIALPROPERTIES .COM 158 WEST SADDLE RIVER ROAD
•
SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458
Information deemed reliable but subject to errors and omissions.
,
,
TIMELESS FRENCH CHATEAU SADDLE RIVER, NJ 2000’s built French Chateau situated on 2.33 gated and fenced acres with tennis/sport court and lagoon pool with waterfalls. This all-brick manor features elegant woodworking, high ceilings and a large fi rst floor master bedroom. The lower level has outside entry, 9-seat theater and stone enhanced wine cellar. 4-car garage. Ready to move in! $4,995,000
vicki gaily, realtor-associate • founder marketing director VICKI GAILY, REALTOR-ASSOCIATE ® • cell 201 390 -5880 office 201 934-7111 FOUNDER • MARKETING DIRECTOR vgaily @ specialproperties.com VGAILY@ SPECIALPROPERTIES.COM 158 west saddle river road OFFICE 201 934 -7111 • CELL 201 390-5880 saddle river WWW. SPECIALPROPERTIES . COM www.specialproperties.com
R EALT OR
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R EALT OR
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Special Properties, Div. Brook Hollow Group, Inc • All information deemed reliable but subject to change, errors & omissions.
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Contents FEATURES
12 From The Publisher 15 Cover Feature: Jean Shafiroff
STYLE 20 22 23 24
Life & Style: Spring Forward Edition Life & Style: Beauty & Health StyleScan: High Tech Meets Fashion Millo: A Boutique Grows In Brooklyn
TRAVEL 27 31 35 39 43
15
A Perfect Weekend Getaway: 8 Reasons To Visit Bermuda The Gilded Age: America’s Industrialists And The Good Life Palm Beach Hot Spots: Ready For Sun Accented With Glamour Carlisle Bay: Inner Peace In The Caribbean Shoot Photos Like A Pro: Or Close To It!
REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 46 48 50 53
145 Central Park North: Spectacular Views On The Park Real Estate Investing: Learning From The Best Manhattan’s Best: Choice Addresses To Call Home Home Ownership In A New Economy
27
HEALTH & WELLNESS 58 Dr. Joseph Dello Russo: Shining A Light On Laser Surgery 60 Breathe Easy: Indoor Air Quality—COVID And Beyond
FOOD & DRINK 61 63 63 64
212 Steakhouse: New York’s Best Bet For Kobe Beef Great Bites: Irish Soda Bread Great Drinks: Irish Coffee Champagne: Sparkle Any Time Of Year
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 66 On Stage: Spring Has Sprung 68 On The Small Screen 70 An Interview With Robert Smithline
61
PET SPOTLIGHT 73 Paws Down…Tails Up: Warmer Temps + Fashionable Pets
NEW YORK, NY 76 78 80 82 83 84
Entrepreneur’s Corner: Shalini Kumar, Shalini Parfum Collection My New York Story: Mary Ann Browning, Brownings Fitness Emily Roebling: How She Saved The Brooklyn Bridge Back To The Past: A Tour With The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel A New York Rant: Don’t Rain On My Parade! Time Out With...Gerard Senehi, Master Of Mentalism
6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS MELANIE CARDEN Melanie is a Boston-based writer and editor. Formerly a newspaper columnist, she writes about social justice, culture, cooking, adventure, and all things curious and creative. She earned her BA—with a concentration in Food and Culture Journalism—from UMass Amherst. Melanie is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning—the traditional, immersive, and online classrooms alike— and remains an active alumnus for the University Without Walls department of her alma mater. Her work has been featured in such publications as The Gay & Lesbian Review, Incomer Magazine, The Winchester Star Newspaper, and Cleaver Magazine. Mel can’t resist a good coffee mug and is obsessed with picnics. Catch her on melaniecarden.com. BOB KAPPSTATTER Having photographed and written about Cuba, India, Africa and other foreign and domestic destinations, award-winning journalist Bob Kappstatter spends his off-time prowling with his camera in “the most interesting city in the world.” Kappy, as he is known to scores of politicians, cops, fellow journalists and “a lot of local characters,” spent over four decades at the NY Daily News, as a reporter, editor and columnist, and as he puts it, “with the best front row seat in the world, equally at home at a black-tie affair or in a South Bronx detective squad.” In this issue, he shares his love of photography with some great basic photo tips. MARIAN BETANCOURT Marian B etancourt is a journalist and author who has written for scores of publications including Associated Press, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Travel + Leisure. Her book Heroes of New York Harbor includes a chapter on Emily Roebling and the long-forgotten Lighthouse Kate. Her most recent book, A Woman’s Work, is a novel based on the storied life of Esther Morris, the world’s first justice of the peace who helped make Wyoming the first state to grant women the vote. (And by the way, Morris was originally from New York.) In addition to history and women’s issues, Betancourt was the restaurant writer for Promenade magazine for five years and has co-authored two cookbooks with chefs. A lifelong New Yorker, she lives in Brooklyn. You can find more on her at MarianBetancourt.com. 10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Vol. 7 #3 | March/April 2021 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole
Art Director Eric Duncan
Editor-at-Large Jeremy Murphy
Features Ruth J. Katz
Entertainment Jenny Peters
Lifestyle Griffin Miller
Op-Ed Columnist Sean-Patrick M. Hillman
Special Projects Norah Bradford
Chief Photographer Annie Watt Contributing Writers Bailey Beckett, Harry Brads, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen Peter Elston, Lee Gabay, Anne Grenier, Dr. Peter Kalellis, Bob Kappstatter Lillian Langtry, Irvina Lew, Lisa Maysonet, Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein Anne Raso, Esther Reizes-Lowenbein, Pamela Smythe-Woods Gerrie Summers, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Sara Wiesenfeld, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development John Miller - Sales Manager Robert Petris - Sales Manager Michael Stulmaker - Sales Manager Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim
Advertising BLUE VISTA 725
Internet Presence Scott Cuollo
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. ©2021 New York Lifestyles Magazine.
Cover Photo by Michael Paniccia
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
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pring is a celebration of new life, rebirth, and renewal. What better way to welcome a new season than with this double issue of fresh thoughts, the latest news and views, and up-to-the-minute ideas on the city you love. In this issue, we visit with Jean Shafiroff, New York’s First Lady of Philanthropy, who has successfully added TV host to her accomplishments as an author, fashionista, animal welfare advocate, and philanthropist. Her new series, Successful Philanthropy, which airs on LTV, cuts into how well-known influencers donate their time and know-how to make a difference. Make sure to tune-in. Of course, recent months have meant how alone so many of us feel right now. You don’t have to go to a desert to feel alone because the majority already feel that way in their own lives. The pandemic wreaked havoc. People are still without jobs and basic income. But life is a mystical journey, and it’s ours to walk with others. In New York Lifestyles, we share the voices of those who share their wisdom, lessons, and life experiences with the hope that their journeys will make you feel less alone on yours. Being in our community does that. The articles you read here strive to give you a sense of belonging which ultimately leads to feeling hopeful and renewed. Remember, it’s all about those who have spent time alone and have grown from it. Some teach us how to care for our bodies and our minds, while some guide us on the fine art of reading minds. In short, it’s about those who share their gifts and inspire us. This issue is all about that. It’s about living well and living long. Even capturing those special moments, too. Our experts cover all aspects of living. Travel photographer and writer Bob Kappstatter shares his expertise with a complete guide to capturing those special moments—even with a cell phone. Or, as he told us “close to it!” In an interview with Kate Severance, she delivers a step-by-step guide on how to buy a home in the age of pandemic. Whether it’s your first or third place to live, this top-rated realtor at Brown Harris Stevens makes a big purchase seem simple. And Dr. Joseph Dello Russo comes to the table with the latest in LASIK surgery. That’s right—no more eyeglasses! So, here’s to a renewed spirit! You’ll never feel alone here. You’re always welcome in the New York Lifestyles community. We’re a good bunch, and like you, love this city and its people. Wishing you a wonderful Spring, a Blessed Easter, and a Happy Passover. See you next issue...
-Bill Mason
Publisher
12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Visit us at: newyorklifestylesmagazine.com For subscription or back issues, call:
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W O O D L O C H . C O M | 8 0 0 .W O O D L O C H | IN THE NORTHERN POCONO MOUNTAINS
©Michael Paniccia, Dress Oscar de la Renta
FEATURES
JEAN SHAFIROFF
FIRST LADY OF PHILANTHROPY AND FASHION ICON WORKS TO GUIDE THE WORLD TO BRIGHTER DAYS By ElizaBeth Taylor MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15
select number of notable figures in the world are using their skills and resources to guide us down the path of hope this year. One such distinguished individual is Jean Shafiroff.
16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
©Michael Paniccia, Dress Oscar de la Renta
Well-known in the American social circuit as a groundbreaking philanthropist, Jean has used her good fortune to better humankind. Her vast credits of charitable work include serving on the boards of the American Humane, Southampton Hospital Association, New York City Mission Society, French Heritage Society, Couture Council of The Museum at FIT, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. Although Catholic, Jean served as a board member of the Jewish Board for 28 years and is now an Honorary Trustee. Jean is an Ambassador for the American Humane Society and their National Spokesperson for the Feeding the Hungry COVID-19 program. She is the Ambassador of the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Jean is a New York Women’s Foundation Board Alumna who remains highly active with the Foundation and women’s issues.
VOICES MUST BE HEARD
©Michael Paniccia, Dress Victor de Souza
“In times like these, when the global pandemic has caused such uncertainty in the nonprofit world, it is our job to make sure that the voices of the growing portion of those in need are heard,” Jean states. “Action has to be taken, and it is our obligation to make sure that the suffering caused by the pandemic is greatly minimized.”
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17
©Nick Mele Photography, Dress Alice and Olivia
I have had a good life, and with that comes a responsibility to give back.
18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
THE ART OF GIVING
Jean’s level of dedication makes her a once-in-a-generation humanitarian. Often, the philanthropist is asked for what is viewed as a simple favor by various charitable organizations, and it becomes an all-encompassing passion project. As a result of her dedication, Jean has been honored by many charities, including Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Youth Counselling League, the Jewish Board, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, and the Hadassah. Thought-provoking ideas on philanthropy’s business have created a position for Jean Shafiroff as the leading authority on the art of giving. Sought-after guidance as a volunteer advisor has driven Jean to become a popular television host, writer, and the author of the book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give. Jean Shafiroff ’s creative endeavors are conveyed as the host and producer of the television program Successful Philanthropy. Her show has established a radiating inspiration for viewers. Jean conducts riveting interviews with world leaders, international philanthropists, top leaders of charities, politicians, and celebrities alike. The show airs six times weekly through LTV studios in East Hampton, NY, as well as in New York City on Manhattan Neighborhood Network, Spectrum Channels, Verizon/FiOS Channels, and RCN Channel. The success of the show has led to it also opening in additional markets in 2021. The show can also be viewed on Jean Shafiroff ’s Successful Philanthropy YouTube channel. With these significant accomplishments, it is easy to see why the bestowed title of First Lady of Philanthropy is incredibly merited. Jean’s generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world is rooted in a life-long mission. ©Michael Paniccia, Dress Oscar de la Renta
©Michael Paniccia, Jacket Courreges
From humble beginnings, Jean was influenced by her music teacher father, as equally as the nuns at her Catholic school, to begin a life of good work. Encouraged to help others from her youth, a compelling motivation pushed Jean to do more for the world. As a young woman, Jean was accepted at the competitive Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons to study physical therapy. Then the Long Island native proceeded to work as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York. Successively, Jean decided to resume her studies and attended the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. During this time, the TV host earned an MBA and then applied her innate business skills to start a fruitful finance career on Wall Street. “I have had a good life, and with that comes a responsibility to give back,” says Jean. “Beyond the giving, though, comes hard work, advocacy, organizing, leading, and gathering support for a given cause.” With an understanding that not everyone can do what she has personally accomplished, Jean has pushed her philanthropy mission. Now the humanitarian is expanding her passion from New York City and the Hamptons to Palm Beach and Southern Florida. But Jean’s philanthropy is global as she serves on many international charity boards. Jean wants to encourage every individual to make a difference. Among the many causes championed are women’s rights, the underserved, health care, and animal welfare. For Jean, there is a very hands-on approach to volunteering, as she works hard to motivate and educate others to get involved in the philanthropic process.
Whether Jean is talking about this effort on her television program or other media platforms, it is a progressive movement that creates change for the better. After all, if one person can be encouraged, it is sometimes all that it takes to create a mighty chain reaction: From a small seed blooms a beautiful flower full of colorful motivation. The words she speaks, and the actions accomplished provide meaningful guidance across the world. We are all in this together. We will all come to light from these dark days when humanitarians like her lead the way. Visit Jean at jeanshafiroff.com. Follow her on Instagram @JeanShafiroff; Twitter @JeanShafiroff; Facebook @JeanShafiroff. •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19
STYLE
LIFE & STYLE
SPRING FORWARD EDITION By Griffin Miller
t’s springtime, baby, the season associated with optimism, and I’m going to get me some. After a year’s worth of misery, it’s time to get down with fresh air and socializing -- in person! Flights of al fresco fancy kick off with the arrival of Daylight Savings Time on March 14th and pick-up speed with St. Paddy’s (3/17) and the official arrival of spring (3/20) before launching into Passover (3/27), Easter (4/4), and Earth Day (4/22). No surprise then that my latest bespoke selections veer towards “out and about.” See you there! HIGH & MIGHTY WELL-CONNECTED Since their debut in 1923, high top sneakers have been the optimal athletic shoe, boasting both ankle support and a cool profile. Today, sneakerhead faves run a multiple-style gamut, and once I found Cat Footwear’s unisex CODE Hi Hex high tops, I was a convert. From their leather uppers and minimalist gestalt to their quality and comfort, they checked all the boxes. And while they come in Black and Star White, I say go for colorful with Cat Yellow for brilliant spring! Info: catfootwear.com.
Does your MacBook have a USB Type C hub? (The newest models all do.) Then life just reached Techno manageable status via Kingston Digital, Inc.’s Nucleum, a must-have 7-in-1 hub that houses not only USB-C and A ports, but also HDMI and SD/ microSD card slots—all usable simultaneously. I know, awesome. A mere 5” long and under 2” wide, the hub is just about as versatile as it gets. I suggest checking out the website for the full picture. Info: kingston.com.
ASTRAL SELECTION
MOVEABLE FEASTS
Gemstones, crystals, and aromatherapy are key aspects of Moxie Malas’ inspiration infused jewelry. These lovely bracelets reflect the wearer; through Moxie Monthly subscriptions, they are eyeopening. I was drawn to their Zodiac Collection, with Aries being the sign that overlaps March and April. Each can be used as a diffuser by adding essential oil to its lava stones. Rock stars, for sure! Info: moxiemalas.com.
With Earth Day on the horizon and plastic accumulation outpacing recycling, we not only need to clean up our act, but we also can. Overwhelmed? Start compact, with ECOlunchboxes’ modular Three-in-One Classic nesting bento set. Sleek, stainless, and ideal for anyone heading back to school/office/picnic-land or, like me, my desk at home. A lidded snack-size box pulls out, expanding the top tier’s capacity. I give it two forks (or chopsticks) up! Info: ecolunchboxes.com.
20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
SIGHT FOR SORE EYES
LIGHT ON YOUR FEET
Over the last few years, actor/director/producer and talk show host Drew Barrymore has parlayed her innate charisma into product lines for home and beauty under the FLOWER by Drew umbrella. But for me, it’s her FLOWER Eyewear Blue Light Glasses that stand out thanks to my steady diet of laptop and cellphone use. Their yellow tint and layers of anti-blue light coating work in tandem as vision preservers, while the frame selections are fiercely on-trend. Info: flowerbydrew.com/flowereyewear
For a while now, I’ve been wanting to test drive Bombas socks and seeing their Women’s Wild Wear Calf Socks in the confetti of safari patterns; I was more than primed to go all-in feet first. I am happy to report that each pair’s design whimsy is well-matched by comfy in terms of style. Additionally, their materials—a combination of 63 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, 6 percent rubber, and 1 percent spandex—add up to a lightweight softness that I highly recommend! Info: bombas.com.
NEATLY PRESSED
CROSSOVER APPEAL
CORN-UTOPIA
In a world where product titles don’t necessarily tell it like it is, I fell for the straightforward BruTrek French Presses. It is created for those who like our coffee freshly brewed in bucolic— even rugged—open-air surroundings, BruTrek’s caffeine dispensers come in two sizes: 32 and 48 fluid ounces. As for the product, think posh café-style anywhere, allowing me to up my coffee consumption in the most innovative and handsome of ways! Info: planetarydesign.com.
Après vaccine: One of the things I love most is working from anywhere other than home. In the spring, that translates to Central Park, the Lincoln Center fountain, and other assorted halcyon out-of-door spots. And I’m ready to splurge on a laptop case that eclipses my ho-hum tote. Enter Fabrik918’s Unisex Laptop Bags, luxe to the max: Turkish leather, deftly crafted, with clean unisex lines, gorgeous hardware, and interior accouterments that are altogether flawless. Info: fabrik918.com.
Snacking is a) idiosyncratic and b) at the mercy of one’s taste buds and allergies, and a place that addresses all the above is a significant find. Pop On The Block is family-owned, making it a Mom & Popcorn business (cue rim shot). Their 50+ gourmet flavors—from Buffalo Wing and Cinnamon Whiskey to Cotton Candy and Pumpkin Pie—are nonGMO, kosher, gluten-free, plus there are vegan options. Indulge away! Info: popontheblock.com. •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21
STYLE
LIFE & STYLE: BEAUTY & HEALTH By Griffin Miller
inter winds and indoor living have not been kind to our faces, bodies, sleep habits and stamina. Hopefully, the following will nourish us back to looking and feeling our best. Make that spring best! TOTAL IMMERSION LASHING OUT Even though CBD products have been around a while, they’re just now being embraced for their versatility. With its luxuriant line of Bath Bombs and Soap, CBD Living has taught me that healing can be beautiful. Enriched with Broad Spectrum Nano CBD, both products share a scents menu. Among them unique combos, Amber Bergamot and Coconut Lime formulated to retain skin nutrients and moisture, bombs and soap are nothing short of transformative! Info: cbdliving.com.
While our noses and mouths are safely double-masked, our eyes are taking up the facial expression slack, twinkling or tearing up, lashes flirt-fluttering, brows rising or furrowing. But if thinning brows and eyelashes are a current bête noir (like mine are), I recommend scooping up Factorfive’s Eye/Lash Cream. After a month, I am pleased to report both brows and lashes are rallying nicely. The triple-threat cream also refreshed and improved my entire eye area. A true 10! Info: factorfiveskin.com.
SOUND INVESTMENT
O TO GO
FINGER PALETTES
With New York living spaces being magnets for sleep issues—street cacophony, neighbors, night owl cohabitants—it’s no wonder our shuteye teeters on wonky. March being Sleep Awareness Month, I’ll share my solution: Sound+Sleep MINI, a compact, battery-powered sound machine that adjusts volume automatically to block ambient noise. Myriad audio programs, ranging from white noise to realistic, natural sounds, have turned my sleep hours into a virtual dream. Info: soundofsleep.com.
It’s a well-known fact that gasping for breath is traumatic: ask any athlete, rock climber, or hardcore hiker. And it’s no picnic for couch potatoes with respiratory problems either. At 95 percent pure oxygen, Boost Oxygen in a portable can tackles everything from lousy air quality and hangovers to high altitudes and stamina. Available in “Natural,” you can up the impact with aromatherapy versions that help with things like muscle pain, headaches and focus. Info: boostoxygen.com.
Shedding winter dreary for spring’s explosion of color ranks among the season’s most tantalizing delights. Off with gloves and boots, on to mani/ pedis! Naturally, this means stocking and upgrading our nail polish stash. In honor of Earth Day, I’m going eco-friendly, odorfree, non-toxic, water-based, crueltyfree, and vegan with SOPHi. Durable to the max, thanks to the brand’s Prime + Shine + Seal System, the color line is nothing short of très SOPHisticated! Info: sophinailpolish.com. •
22 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
STYLE
HIGH TECH MEETS FASHION STYLESCAN: THE AT-HOME DRESSING ROOM By Ann Grenier
s with all industries today, technology has undoubtedly revolutionized how we live using artificial intelligence and virtual technology, leading to more efficiency and safety. The fashion industry has not been left behind. Runway shows at Fashion Week have been transformed into virtual events attended by top editors and journalists reporting on the latest stylish trends. But with many brick-and-mortar stores shutting doors and with e-commerce sales booming, what’s a consumer to do? The experience of try-on in a dressing room may have become a distant memory. Move over dressing room, and enter StyleScan, the brainchild of Larissa Posner, a former fashion model, and financial-tech entrepreneur. As a licensed Investment Advisor with a Machine Learning certification from MIT, Posner assembled a group of leading U.S. scientists, venture investors, and fashion executives to develop technology that lives at the forefront of augmented apparel try-on. StyleScan uses machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and data analytics to predict a realistic pre-purchase visualization of apparel for the online consumer. New York Lifestyles magazine sat down with Larissa Posner to discuss her career and her revolutionary fashion software. Explain what exactly StyleScan does? We provide 3-D display and digital try-on technology for fashion e-commerce. Here is how it works: Our clients send us garments. We take those garments and, using our patented software, digitally render the garments in 3-D. They are then displayed on digital mannequins. Online shoppers can spin those garments and see them from all angles. We can show a single garment being worn by an array of previously photographed models of all sizes. This allows consumers to preview apparel from 360-degrees. With diversely sized models, we advocate inclusivity, promote body positivity, and embrace individuality. Our next software release will allow consumers to try on the garments digitally. They will be their own best models. What inspired you to create StyleScan? I am a former catalog model. So, I know that there are pins and clips and strips of tape that enhance the fit of garments on e-commerce websites. After spending several years as a model, I passed my Investment Advisor law exam and began working in finance and financial tech. Of course, I needed to maintain a stylish wardrobe, and I took to shopping online. All too often, though, I noticed that the clothing I received did not fit as advertised. Through my job, I worked with some of the world’s smartest engineers, mathematicians and scientists. I asked a group of them if there was a way to bring truthfulness and efficiency to e-commerce. My guys led to the formation of StyleScan, which is on a mission to make shopping more productive. How is StyleScan different from other online virtual try-on technologies? Within the realm of fashion, we are taking things to the next level. There is a virtual try on for eyewear, makeup, and jewelry. Historically, though, virtual try on for apparel has been inferior—but not for lack of trying. For example, some apparel companies use Photoshop to copy and paste garments over models. Then there are avatars, which are digital dolls that can be stretched to mimic different sized models. We’re not using old-school digital trickery or playing with dolls. We have created a state-of-the-art technology that shows how the clothing will look on flesh-and-blood consumers. StyleScan will deliver on that expectation. We’ll give online shoppers the ability to see garments on themselves within seconds. How is technology changing the fashion industry? And how does StyleScan fit into it? The digitization of products is economically sustainable. StyleScan aids by cutting down on returns. Returns contribute to tremendous amounts of packaging waste and 17 million tons of disposed textiles that end up in landfills each year. By digitizing apparel collections in 3-D and providing consumers with the ability to try before they buy, StyleScan is on a mission to do well by doing good. For more information on StyleScan, visit stylescan.com. • MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23
STYLE
MILLO
A BOUTIQUE GROWS IN BROOKLYN By Bailey Beckett
ew York is blessed with ultrachic shopping experiences, from Bergdorf to Saks and Bloomies. But one boutique has AMEX cards charging across the five boroughs: Millo, an understated Brooklyn haven for discerning, fashion-conscious women who want a curated, personal experience. The small store—well, compared to the 8 level BG—has done the shopping for you. From beauty and fragrance to jewelry and accessories, everything sold here is personally selected by its namesake Millo Haddad. “There is nothing online, or in my store, I wouldn’t wear or experience myself,” says Millo, who travels the world visiting designer showrooms, international art festivals, and fashion shows for the inspiration behind her assortments. “My customer is searching for a way to define and highlight their style. It’s such a joy to help them express that visually.”
DIVERSITY IS KEY Since its founding in 2011, the store has become a multi-branded beauty and jewelry retailer of excellence, including its store and e-commerce site, which offers an incredible selection of products. Together, they offer items from more than one hundred designers—from heritage brands like Anita Ko, Natura Bisse, and Diptyque to newer, niche favorites like Dr. Barbara Sturm and Byredo. There is also a wide selection of men’s fragrances from the world’s top perfumers including Tom Ford and Creed. “Diversity is key,” says Millo. “While traditional style is important, you have to give women options to mix and match, experiment with looks, and step out of their comfort zone every once in a while,” says Millo. “We take great pride in the variety of the selection we provide to our clients. Adding to the luxury experience are soon-to-start spa indulgences, including a full menu of customized treatments, including microdermabrasion, oxygen, and LED facials. Nationally recognized makeup artists are also available to provide one-on-one consultations or master classes. Simultaneously, customer ‘Piercing Parties’ has become a fanfavorite, allowing clients to showcase their recent purchase while meeting with brand designers. Says Millo: “It’s not just a store and site, it’s an experience.” For more information on Millo Brooklyn (2150 E 4th Street), visit millo.com. • 24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
OFF
Welcome to a Tropical Paradise Dramatically situated overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast, the 75 room family owned and operated Pompano Beach Club is a tropical paradise! The resort offers extensive recreational facilities, exceptional service and hospitality, gourmet cuisine, breathtaking ocean views from every guestroom and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are interested in a Bermuda family holiday, golf vacation, honeymoon getaway, place to relax with your significant other or some fun in the sun, the Pompano Beach Club offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel and the amenities of a world-class beach resort. Pompano’s spectacular shallow waterfront is the only one of its kind in Bermuda, attracting beachgoers, snorkelers, water sports enthusiasts and swimmers of all ages and abilities. Golfers love having Port Royal, the island’s top ranked public course, right next door!
For more information and reservations, visit www.pompanobeachclub.com or call theirtheir reservations office at 1-800-343-4155 For more information and reservations, visit www.pompanobeachclub.com or call sales office at 1-800-343-4155 (toll-free from the the U.S. U.S.and andCanada) Canada) (toll-free from
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A PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY 8 REASONS TO VISIT BERMUDA By Patricia Canole
Editor’s Note: Those who choose to travel are strongly encouraged to check local government restrictions, rules, and safety measures related to COVID-19 and take personal comfort levels and health conditions into consideration before departure. ou realize the moment you arrive in Bermuda that this place is unique, an improbable Eden set in a dazzling blue, surprisingly temperate patch of the Atlantic just 90 minutes from New York City by air. Rich in beauty and British charmer offers travelers easy access, plus a unique blend of alluring landscapes (pink beaches and pastel cottages) and underwater thrills (the wreck diving is phenomenal). Read on and discover what this island has on tap. A PASTEL PARADISE MADE FOR SECLUSION Like a lovingly wrapped gift, Bermuda is awash in pale pink, mellow yellow, and dreamy turquoise. A pastel rainbow of tiny cottages with white-tiled roofs runs up, down, and around hillsides, which drop, sometimes dramatically, into the sparkling sea. Limestone walls, softened by drifts of vibrant bougainvillea and tufts of green moss, line narrow roads that curl around the rocky, crenulated coastline. And gaily hued flowers— lilies, hibiscus, oleander—are everywhere.
Around every turn of this 21-mile, fishhook-shaped island, cliffs, and hills frame shots of the sea splashed by million-dollar yachts. Waves funnel into small coves guarded by rocky outcroppings, then wash onto coral tinged sand. Have your hotel pack a picnic lunch, then claim some quiet time on one of these secluded beaches. The locals will point the way. Horseshoe Bay is Bermuda’s most famous strand, but often you can barely tell pink sands from the sunburns! Opt for Long Bay beach instead.
LEGENDARY ALLURE All over Bermuda, you’ll find pathways leading through large circle-shaped portals made from coral and stone. These curious crescents harken back to ancient China but take on new meaning in these surroundings. According to legend, they are said to bestow happiness on those who pass through one. A local captain built the first moongate in 1860, based on one he had seen in a Chinese garden. The oldest example is the ivy-covered one in Hamilton’s Par-la-Ville Park, but the gate overlooking the beach at Tobacco Bay is by far the most picturesque. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27
THOSE FAMOUS SHORTS The history of Bermuda shorts is steeped in the British military. Overcome by the Indian heat, British sailors stationed there snipped off the bottom of their uniform trousers. Being stiff-upper-lip sorts, they kept the woolen knee socks. The style later spread to the British garrison in Bermuda and, over the years, evolved into the pleated, tapered, pastel shorts we know today. Locals sport their Bermuda shorts year-round (rain, wind, or shine) and wouldn’t be caught dead in anything other than a traditional navy blazer.
INCREDIBLE UNDERGROUND SCENERY Beneath Bermuda is a chain of 150 limestone caves discovered in 1907 by a group of kids looking for a lost cricket ball. Visitors can explore Crystal Caves on pontoons that float on a vast underground lake framed by thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Nearby, Fantasy Cave can also be explored with a guide. Instead, those who would do it themselves can poke around the cave at Blue Hole Park or snorkel the half-submerged sea caves at Shark Hole.
FINDING NEMO: A NO-BRAINER Bermuda is surrounded by the northernmost coral reef in the Atlantic Ocean and home to many marine species you find in Caribbean waters: turquoise parrotfish, butterflyfish, blue angels, and silver barracuda are just the beginning. Snorkeling is superb right off the beach at places like Long Bay and Church Cove. Many outfitters offer scuba diving excursions to vertical walls and dozens of shipwrecks in the surrounding Bermudan waters.
AFTERNOON TEA There’s nothing quite like taking a break and enjoying a traditional English afternoon tea. If you’re feeling a wee bit British, head to The Crown & Anchor at The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Enjoy homemade scones, Devonshire clotted cream, finger sandwiches, and pastries served on beautiful silver trays alongside steaming pots of tea inspired by British royalty. A Rose Congou—Princess Diana’s favorite—is layered with rose petals, while their Prince Harry and Meghan Royal Wedding Blend fuse teas from South Africa, Kenya, China, and France. Be sure to bring the kids—there’s a special children’s menu offering peanut butter, tuna salad, and cheese sandwiches. 28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
A HISTORY LESSON A trip to Bermuda, is not complete without a visit to the Royal Naval Dockyard, which has become Bermuda’s leading tourist attraction—a sort of theme park (without the roller coaster) that includes museums, pubs, sports, and shops. Housed inside the massive British fort, the Bermuda Maritime Museum is much more than old ships and sailors. You can rent snorkels and sea kayaks at the snorkel park to explore the nearby reef. There is also a glassworks and ceramics factory and an indoor craft market where you can buy island keepsakes such as cedarwood jewelry boxes, black rum cakes, and many other hand-crafted objects. For more information on Bermuda, visit gotobermuda.com. •
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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THE GILDED AGE
AMERICA’S INDUSTRIALISTS AND THE GOOD LIFE By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva
id you know that some of America’s most well-known industrial giants were Florida snowbirds? Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were next-door neighbors in Fort Meyers, Florida. And just 75 miles north, circus magnate John Ringling made his winter home and his complete circus’ winter respite in the Gulf Coast city of Sarasota.
Edison Guest House
The estates and museums, gardens, and performing arts centers comprise lasting legacies for these Gilded Age entrepreneurs. And although they’re referred to as Winter Estates, they are open daily all year. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31
THOMAS EDISON & HENRY FORD In 1885, Thomas Edison bought a piece of land along the Caloosahatchee River’s shores in Fort Myers. One year later, he and his bride, Mina, honeymooned there. It is believed Edison was attracted to this parcel because of the bamboo growing there. Edison had been experimenting with bamboo for light bulb filaments. The house designed by Edison would become known as Seminole Lodge, after the local Native American tribe. Many friends and famous visitors dined with the Edisons, including President-elect Herbert Hoover, the Colgate and Kellogg families, and even the Athletics baseball team. John Burroughs, noted naturalist and conservationist, and Harvey Firestone of the prestigious tire and rubber company were frequent guests. Another well-known visitor was Henry Ford, who was so enamored of the location he purchased the adjoining estate, The Mangoes, two years after his first visit.
Ford House Living Room
HOMES, MUSEUMS & LABS
1918 Model T Chuckwagon that was built for the camping trips taken by Ford, Edison, Firestone, and Burroughs.
Edison Botanical Research Laboratory
There is much to see as you tour the homes of Edison and Ford. The Edison guest house; two caretaker’s houses; Edison’s study and Moonlight Garden; a concrete swimming pool and adjoining tea house; a botanic research lab; a 15,000-square-foot museum full of inventions, artifacts, a theater, the interactive Smithsonian Spark! Lab (currently closed due to the pandemic); and 20 acres of botanic gardens. Take a self-guided audio tour or guided tour. Get a more up-close peek into the homes and their owners with an Inside-the-Homes Tour, an Inside-theLab Tour, or a horticulturist-guided Garden Tour. Edison, Ford, Firestone, and Burroughs were avid explorers and enjoyed camping in the wilderness, particularly in the Everglades. They relished the opportunities to relax, hunt, and fish. But they also sought to collect plant samples to be used in their rubber research. The quest for natural rubber was Edison’s last major research project. Edison, Ford, and Firestone formed the Edison Botanic Research Corporation and constructed a laboratory at the Edison Estate. The lab has been restored to look exactly the way it did in its last year of 1936. In 2014, The American Chemical Society designated it a National Historical Chemical Landmark. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates has earned the National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historical Preservation, is on the National Register of Historic Sites, and is an official project of “Save America’s Treasures.” Info: edisonfordwinterestates.org.
32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
JOHN RINGLING You don’t have to be a circus fan to enjoy The Ringling—the museums, gardens, and palatial home of John and Mable Ringling. This extravagant legacy of the Ringlings includes the Ringling Museum of Art; the Circus Museum; the Historic Asolo Theater; Ca’d’Zan, the Ringling’s magnificent home; and the beautiful Bayfront Gardens. In 1925, circus impresario John Ringling built an art museum, both as a legacy meant to outlast his business interests and as a memorial to his wife Mable and himself. The Museum of Art is a pink, Renaissance-style palace with 21 galleries enclosing a sculpture-adorned courtyard. Paired perfectly with the style of the Museum, the Courtyard embodies the ideals of the Renaissance garden. Its long loggias flank a central courtyard that features an impressive group of early 20thcentury bronze and stone casts of famous Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque sculptures, among them, at its heart, Michelangelo’s David from Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
Ca’d’Zan
THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH Viewing the unique collection of “The Greatest Show on Earth” memorabilia at The Circus Museum will spark fond memories of circuses past. See the parade wagons, the posters, the glittering costumes, and the cannon that shot daring performers through the air. Admire the Wisconsin, the railroad car on which John and Mable Ringling traveled across the country looking for feature acts. Marvel at the fascinating 3,800 square foot Howard Bros. Circus Model, a re-creation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Howard Tibbals, a man who fell in love with the circus as a boy and dedicated his life, handcrafted every one of the over 44,000 pieces in this exceptionally detailed model and recreated it in miniature. It is difficult to determine which is more impressive the fantastic details and workmanship of the circus-inminiature or the incredible organization and effort that the circus had to perform, setting up each day and night barnstorming tour around the country as depicted by the model. Also, be sure to watch the film The Life and Times of John and Mable Ringling, narrated by Hal Holbrook. The Ringlings had been traveling throughout Europe for nearly 25 years, acquiring circus acts and art. They both admired the architectural style of Venice. When they decided to build a home in Sarasota, Florida, the Venetian Gothic-style of the palazzos that ring the Venice canals inspired them. Following Mable’s detailed instructions, construction crews built the 36,000 square-foot palatial bayfront home that was to be called Ca’ d’Zan, (House of John), in the dialect of their beloved Venice to honor its owner. Guided and self-guided tours of the mansion are available. Ringling Museum of Art Gallery
The estates and museums comprise lasting legacies for these Gilded Age entrepreneurs.
Take the time to explore the beautiful 66-acre Bayfront Gardens either on your own or with a guide. Ninetyminute Garden Tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays and can be booked 30 days in advance. Admire Mable Ringling’s Rose Garden; stroll in the shade of the majestic Banyan trees and along the Bayfront Promenade and Millennium Tree Trail; visit the Secret Garden, the last resting place of Mable, John and John’s sister, Ida Ringling. Info: ringling.org. •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33
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Stay for three nights or longer on this special Stay Stay forfor three three nights nights or or longer longer onon this this special special promotion and receive: promotion promotion and and receive: receive: • 30% discount off our regular rates. • 30% • 30% discount discount offoff ourour regular regular rates. rates. • $100 resort spending credit. • $100 • $100 resort resort spending spending credit. credit. • Coupon Book with over $250 in savings in Resort • Coupon • Coupon Book Book with with over over $250 $250 in in savings savings in Resort in Resortgolf, outlets; enjoy family activities, restaurant savings, outlets; outlets; enjoy enjoy family family activities, activities, restaurant restaurant savings, savings, golf, golf, spa services and merchandise, and more. spaspa services services and and merchandise, merchandise, and and more. more. Travel Dates: January 2, 2021 through June 30, 2021 Travel Travel Dates: Dates: January January 2, 2, 2021 2021 through through June June 30,30, 2021 2021 3 Night Minimum 3 Night 3 Night Minimum Minimum Call 800.931.6600 and ask for the Live, Work, Learn, Play promotion or visit SouthSeas.com/live-work-learn-and-play/ CallCall 800.931.6600 800.931.6600 andand askask for for thethe Live, Live, Work, Work, Learn, Learn, Play Play promotion promotion or visit or visit SouthSeas.com/live-work-learn-and-play/ SouthSeas.com/live-work-learn-and-play/
Welcome to Island Life Welcome Welcome toto Island Island Life Life
All nights must be consecutive. Offer cannot be combined with other packages, promotions, Homes of Distinction or group rates, and cannot be
applied to must existing reservations. Offer is subject availability and maypackages, only apply to certain accommodation types. Credits will be and applied at time All nights All nights must be consecutive. be consecutive. Offer Offer cannot cannot be combined be to combined withwith other other packages, promotions, promotions, Homes Homes of Distinction of Distinction or group or group rates, rates, and cannot cannot be be of check-out toward applicable charges. can not beand used towards room fees and corresponding taxes. Unused of time the applied applied to existing to existing reservations. reservations. Offer Offer is subject is Credits subject to availability to availability and may may onlyonly apply apply torate, certain to resort certain accommodation accommodation types. types. Credits Credits will be willapplied beportions applied at time at credit will be forfeited and not reimbursed in cash. Resort fees and room taxes additional. This rate is non-commissionable. of check-out of check-out toward toward applicable applicable charges. charges. Credits Credits can can not not be used be used towards towards room room rate,rate, resort resort feesfees and and corresponding corresponding taxes. taxes. Unused Unused portions portions of the of the credit credit will be willforfeited be forfeited and and not not reimbursed reimbursed in cash. in cash. Resort Resort feesfees and and room room taxes taxes additional. additional. ThisThis raterate is non-commissionable. is non-commissionable.
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PALM BEACH HOT SPOTS SUNNY DAYS ACCENTED WITH GLAMOUR By Norah Bradford
ith spring temperatures rising and travel restrictions easing, New Yorkers are eager to travel. One destination to put on your list is Palm Beach, Florida—the perfect getaway for a weekend or longer. Here are some popular places to stay and dine in style. Chesterfield Palm Beach
THE CHESTERFIELD PALM BEACH Stay Surrounded by palm-lined boulevards, the historic Chesterfield Palm Beach is just steps from Worth Avenue and white sandy beaches. It combines exceptional hospitality combined with an old-world charm showcased through it’s sophisticated interiors and beautifully designed rooms and suites. All rooms are uniquely fashionably decorated and cozy. Guests can choose to relax in the hot tub or be more adventurous by renting a bike and exploring the area. Dine Nothing represents Palm Beach like the legendary Leopard Lounge & Restaurant which epitomizes gilded age sophistication. Images of the early 20th century’s grand institutions welcome guests as the jet-black lacquered walls are highlighted with golden fittings. Executive Chef Gerard Coughlin and his team have created a delicious fusion menu of classic international dishes, served alongside much-loved signature recipes by the founder Beatrice Tollman, including Maryland Style Lump Crab Cakes, Gerard’s Turkey Burger, Shrimp Stroganoff, and Key Lime Pie. Info: chesterfieldpb.com. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35
THE COLONY HOTEL Stay A legendary boutique hotel, The Colony is nestled between glamorous Worth Avenue and sparkling Atlantic waters. All 90 guest rooms, suites, villas, and penthouses are beautifully appointed, having pillow-top mattresses and 350 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets with European duvets. Three spectacular Penthouses top the main hotel, and an adjacent mansion, Casa Manana, has been beautifully reconfigured into seven spacious villas. Dine Once New York’s pre-eminent society boîte, Swifty’s Palm Beach has made its way to Palm Beach at the iconic Colony Hotel. For almost two decades, Swifty’s was an Upper East Side stalwart and now founder Robert Caravaggi and Colony Hotel owners have brought the restaurant that inspired an international following to Palm Beach. Swifty’s POOL serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails around The Colony’s swimming pool, as well as al fresco seating under the hotel’s outdoor hanging garden. Along with a stellar menu featuring some of the beloved favorites of the original Swifty’s, Swifty’s POOL offers many other activities including rum tastings, acoustic guitarists, and other engaging, socially distanced endeavors. Info: thecolonypalmbeach.com.
Colony Palm Beach
THE BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL Stay This historic landmark is infused throughout with Roaring 20s glamour and boutique intimacy. The Brazilian Court Hotel’s 80-room enclave is the classic Palm Beach luxury getaway—bringing together stunning, high-style accommodations and impeccable service for an unforgettable experience. Guests are invited to enjoy unparalleled pampering at the Brazilian Court Salon or vanish into tranquility by the secluded, palm-fringed pool. You can even choose to relax in one of the property’s two tropically landscaped courtyards.
Cafe Boulud Patio ©LibbyVision
WHITE ELEPHANT PALM BEACH Stay Built in 1924, re-imagined today, the structure’s footprint and facade remain, but the interior has undergone a total transformation. This contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean-revival architecture reflects the pulse and excitement of Palm Beach while capturing the spirit of a stately home. White Elephant Palm Beach continues the rich tradition of outstanding hospitality established at White Elephant Nantucket while bringing its style and excellence to this new yet already legendary Palm Beach resort destination. Info: whiteelephantpalmbeach.com. Dine Located at the luxurious White Elephant, Lola 41 is an alluring Palm Beach hot spot with a welcoming bar and large outdoor patio for alfresco dining within a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Signature dishes include a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi as well as King Crab Rangoon, Lobster Fried Rice, Portuguese-style Grilled Octopus, Korean Beef Bulgogi, and the all-time favorite Lola Burger served with Foie Gras sauce. Private label wine and craft cocktails elevate the experience along with stunning interior design elements. Info: lola41.com. • 36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Dine Café Boulud Palm Beach is Chef Daniel Boulud’s award-winning restaurant. Since opening in 2003, the restaurant has become one of Palm Beach’s most coveted dining destinations. Executive Chef Dieter Samijn is no stranger to working alongside Boulud, as he helmed the Upper West Side French Bistro, Bar Boulud, before making the leap to Palm Beach. Samijn’s love for traditional French cuisine will shine brightly in the warm sun while tapping into locally sourced seafood and produce to add a Floridian flair to his dishes. Info: thebraziliancourt.com. Lola 41
The Montreal Beach Resort: Your Home at the Beach in Cape May · Family owned and operated for over 50 years · Gorgeous oceanfront rooms · The Montreal Beach Club · On-site dining and entertainment at Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille Reserve online or by phone today and get ready for your Cape May Getaway!
BEACH AT MADISON AVENUE • CAPE MAY, NJ 609.884.7011 • MONTREALBEACHRESORT.COM
LET US BE YOUR TOUR GUIDE!
Luxury Bahamian 1-5 Villas Now booking Spring + Summer Escapes to Paradise View all accommodations, exclusive beachfront accommodation and our exclusive family and/or romantic rendezvous Beachfront packages... with a 10-minute walk to Atlantis Paradise Island... enjoy all their amenities if you so choose, or, stay at your exclusive Paradise Island villa. And note, what’s better... a Bahamas exclusive escape in a condo, or, a 1 bedroom triping over your luggage... visit www.sunrisebeachclub.com to view everything we have to offer. With direct, non-stop daily flights out of Newark, LaGuardia and JFK we’re awaiting your beachfront arrival. Visit our exclusive beachfront property in Nassau, Bahamas. Fully furnished condos with the privacy you are looking for at a premiere resort.
Let us be your tour guide as you explore the island. Sunrise Beach Villa’s guests travel from around the world to escape the hustle and bustle of back home. Our resort’s tranquil setting in addition to the island attractions makes the perfect vacation spot for you and your family. Relax poolside at our private resort, stroll along the beach, and explore the island. The Bahamas is the best place to make memories with your friends and family. For all forthcoming Spring + Summer Exclusive Family Getaways and/or Romantic Rendezvous promotional offers + packages and to book your Island Escapes visit www.sunrisebeachclubcom or ring us toll-free at 1-800-451-6078.
Sunrise Beach Villas | Luxury Condos in Nassau Bahamas | sunrisebeachclub.com
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CARLISLE BAY
INNER PEACE IN THE CARIBBEAN By Natasha Bazika
pring brings a sense of renewal for the body, mind, and soul. But if you have been feeling stressed with day-to-day living, you’re not alone. It’s real! I found a health retreat to be the best remedy to help me find the inspiration and motivation I needed. They are popular, and with the wellness trend taking over this year, I sought a quiet respite in Antigua, where I found the sounds of lapping waves, the rustle of palm trees, and my own space was enough to find inner peace. Antigua is ringed with coral reefs, has a rich culture in English Harbor, and boasts endless sandy beaches. It’s by far the opposite of city living and just what the doctor ordered. My journey to find peace begins at Carlisle Bay, a luxury resort hidden on the southern coast with an emerald green rainforest backdrop. The traditional warm hospitality already convinced me that I was miles away from the city and the West Indian conviviality solidified it. Upon arriving at the resort, I was escorted to my oceanview suite, which boasts a terrace with daybeds to lounge on and direct access to the resort’s private beach. After a quick tour around my suite, I headed to East— one of the on-site restaurants—to taste Japanese, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine. The restaurant serves a tempting menu of shrimp, Peking duck, and lobster tempura. I’ve hit nirvana!
WATER Did you know Vinyasa yoga can reduce stress, improve balance, and build muscle? I didn’t either. But on my first morning here, I woke up to the flow of yoga on the jetty at sunrise. Finding my inner calm was more relaxed than the headstand pike up pose. The instructor guided a group of fellow yogis through breathing and moving in one flow. It’s harder than you think, but it will change your life once you get to achieve this. From Warrior I to Warrior III and Halfmoon pose, we collectively moved together, using the breath to change positions in one swift move. After a relaxing morning, I strolled down to Indigo on the beach, an open-sided terrace restaurant facing the beach and serving up classic Caribbean cuisine including lobster benedict and rice congee—among many others. A big breakfast fueled me for the rest of the day, filled with activities from a tennis clinic to a sailing lesson. Yes, I fulfilled a lifelong dream of learning how to sail. The afternoon was reserved for lounging beachside on a day bed, watching a brilliant red and orange sunset. The best part about the resort is it guarantees glowing ombre afternoons almost every day. For dinner, I reverted to the adults-only Jetty Grill for great cocktails and a taste of the Caribbean with a side of ocean views and sea breeze. I couldn’t go past the seafood roti—a classic. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39
EARTH
Of course, New York City is known for its skyscrapers, and going to a rooftop bar will give you a great view on a clear day. But hiking Signal Hill in Antigua brought me closer to the island’s natural beauty and inspired a new life perspective. The rainforest, which sits behind the resort, has many different trails, but Signal Hill was my goal, as I heard it has the best views of the entire island. A short drive from the resort took me to Wallings Dam, where I met the locals, signed my life away, and made my way up the trail. It starts in dense forest but quickly opens to ledges and smaller lookouts, where the coast is visible. I carried myself up rocky steps, lunged over logs, and widestepped up steep hills to come to a clearing fortified by flat rock and a ledge, which was perfect for practicing yoga poses. The views of the surrounding mountains, which are immense and lush, brought comfort. And on a clear day, you can see other Caribbean islands beyond the horizon. Taking the time to sit and breathe in the new altitude was the unspoiled experience I needed to replenish myself. After taking a moment to reflect and appreciate my surroundings, I continued onward, following the familiar smell of lemongrass until another clearing appeared. Ideally named lemongrass view, the mountaintop offers views of the entire island. However, the vibrant green and deep blue hues are reason enough to seek higher ground. The journey back down the mountain was breezy and slippery, but it was the perfect lead up to the therapeutic spa appointment that awaited. The resort’s Cara Organic Beauty Spa encompasses a natural and therapeutic way of living with deeply restorative massages and natural products. The West Indian massage offers a peaceful journey, where tired muscles are soothed to the touch, and skin is refreshed and renewed. I emerged from my hot stone induced coma feeling energized with a renewed focus and lasting positivity. After soaking up my last picture-perfect Caribbean sunset, I headed to Indigo on the beach for dinner, of which I indulged in a seafood feast from lobster bisque to the chef ’s daily catch and a fresh fruit tart for dessert. The next day, I reluctantly packed my bags and headed back to the city life, but this time I felt ready to tackle whatever the concrete jungle was going to throw my way! For more information on Carlisle Bay, visit carlislebay.com. •
RESTORE SERENITY Looking for a more personalized experience? In that case, Carlisle Bay offers programs with entirely private, one on one yoga and meditation instruction, coupled with therapeutic spa treatments to regain your balance while enjoying a carefree getaway to yourself to revive the spirit. The health retreat is designed to help individuals find a healing and uplifting breakthrough with these activities, health consultation, and meditation.
40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
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Relax and mingle at the Rum House Bar or have an exquisite meal at the Hibiscus Dining Room, or in the Palm Court. After dinner, enjoy the warm tropical breezes on one of the terraces surrounding the Great House. Enjoy a casual Lunch at the Bayside Grill beside the pool.
Offering the only such “adventure”, of gazing fathoms down into crystal clear, turquoise hued, mineral water surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites in a 500,000 year old environment, is guaranteed to leave the participant in complete awe.
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TRAVEL
SHOOT PHOTOS LIKE A PRO (OR CLOSE TO IT) By Bob Kappstatter
kay, so your vacation photos won’t (necessarily) show up in National Geographic or Travel + Leisure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve those “smile for the camera” and “sunset over the beach” shots. And maybe even get some real “oohs” and “aahs” for your pix. I have been a semi-professional photographer for decades, doing travel pieces around the globe while a full-time newsman at the NY Daily News, as well as pursuing my passion for street and personal photography.
This photo combines examples of The Rule of Thirds, leading lines, level horizons, shooting on a misty day—and the impact of black-and-white photography.
Whether capturing the sights of New York City, Cuba, Africa, India, Europe, or the photographic wonders of America, it has involved years of studying, learning from my mistakes, or just plain lucky moments. Perhaps this is your journey too. So, let’s help it along with some basics.
SEEING THE PHOTO It sounds simple but seeing a potential photo takes practice, calls for awareness. That’s why I love being in a new place. Your senses come alive. The trick is to isolate and frame what strikes your eye while eliminating distractions from the photo.
COMPOSITION We can’t cover it all here. Please do hit the Internet and YouTube for further study. Meanwhile, here are some of our essential tips: • Framing The Rule of Thirds is fundamental in framing a photo. Look for or imagine a crosshatch in your viewer. Your main subject should be lined up along one of those lines or where they intersect. Leaving two-thirds of generally secondary space in the photo, be it a wall or whatever, gives the subject dramatic focus. • Straight Lines Also, use those crosshatch lines to make sure those horizons in your sunset shots, wall, window, and door frames are vertically and horizontally straight. • Space It’s better to leave some room in the frame for cropping later. And do make sure to leave some space above a person’s head and below their feet. • Symmetry If you want to center the main subject, make sure it’s dead center—another reason to leave some room for cropping. • Angles Look up, look down, and try shooting other than dead-on for a more dramatic effect. Also, look for leading lines sweeping diagonally across the frame. • Background Shooting someone in front of a building? If you want most of the building in the shot, bring the person forward so they’ll be a dramatic element in the foreground. The same applies to having some object in the foreground. • Distractions Watch out for distracting elements in the photo, including shadows, as well as telephone poles and wires sticking out of a person’s head.
The “Golden Light” of early morning sun helped create this dramatic shot in the Indian desert.
• Portraits Besides a dead-on look at the camera, try different angles. And keep an easy conversation going to relax them, so it’s not just one of those grimaced-looking “Say cheese!” shots. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43
“A smile goes a mile” resulted in this photo of these two Brooklyn motorcycle club members.”
Background barn and foreground truck made for a great shot in Western North Carolina.
LIGHT Along with subject and composition, lighting is the third most important element in a good photo. When the sun is giving what photographers call the Golden Light, early morning and BLACK AND WHITE late afternoon are generally the best times for dramatic looking One of the most significant discoveries I’ve made in photography photos. Mid-day sun is usually best for landscapes, while cloudy has been converting many of my color photos to black and white. or misty days can make for great shadow-less, moody photos. Please don’t overlook the dramatic effect it can have, especially with people shots.
This cell phone shot while visiting a Cuban tobacco farm is a great example of being prepared for the unexpected.
APPROACHING PEOPLE One of the hardest things for most people is approaching a stranger for their photo. I generally try to shoot candid images first. But I also try to involve people directly. My Number One rule has always been “a smile goes a mile.” Whether it has been a desert camel trader in India, a Maasi warrior in Africa, or motorcycle gang members in Brooklyn, a smile and telling them they look great or interesting and that you’d love to photograph them usually works. And of course, kids are always great. Just make sure their parents are okay with it.
South Dakota: An example of the Rule of Thirds and filling foreground to complement scenics. San Francisco: Centering your subject and waiting patiently for what French master photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson called the decisive moment.
EQUIPMENT You can spend all kinds of money on expensive cameras, and usually get more features and sharper photos. But most folks already use a camera that’s with them all the time—their cell phones. Today’s phones have excellent quality lenses and some great photo tools. We like the portrait setting, which brings out a sharp, quality look. Also, the continuous shots you get holding down the shutter, great for when your subject may have briefly closed their eyes, and for catching moving subjects.
MOVING UP If you're using a regular camera, you can always keep it set on automatic mode. But why spend the money if you don't want to take advantage of all its bells and whistles for more professional-quality photos? Besides the camera's manual, take advantage of the Internet and YouTube, which have a number of excellent tutorials. One final note. Don’t spend all your time going nuts with your camera while on vacation. Enjoy, and be sure to buy a few postcards! Visit Bob Kappstatter on Instagram @bobkappstatter. •
44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
©Redundant Pixel
145 CENTRAL PARK NORTH SPECTACULARS VIEWS ON THE PARK By AP Connolly
entral Park North is an often-overlooked corner of New York City’s most famous green space. Compared to its counterparts that also face Central Park—Fifth Avenue, Central Park West, and Central Park South—it has dramatically lagged in both price and awareness. But that’s about to change. In recent years, the neighborhood has dramatically transformed into a community rich with history and culture. Access to transportation here is excellent, with the B, C, 2, 3, and 6 subway lines within a 10-minute walking distance.
©Redundant Pixel
Curious about the neighborhood? We were too. We found one new development to consider—145 Central Park North, designed and built by GLUCK+, the New York City-based architecture and construction firm.
THE PROPERTY
With 37 one- to four-bedroom homes, it is the only residential building in the neighborhood that affords every single residence exceptional views of Central Park. This feat is enabled by the site’s unusual footprint being wider than deep, spanning 100 feet wide facing Central Park. “145 Central Park North is the culmination of many years spent meticulously mapping out an unconventional site,” says Yiannes Einhorn, Principal at GRID Group. “The unique footprint of the development enabled us to capture views of the most spectacular skyline in the world for every residence, and we’re thrilled to introduce these homes to the market.” 46 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
GLUCK+ designed 145 Central Park North to be in context with the surrounding neighborhood. A rare opportunity to complete the street wall around Central Park, this new building will add to the rich history of special moments along the park’s perimeter. The building façade’s design features a highly articulated skin for the lower nine floors with a deep bronze profile to relate to the height, rhythm, and texture of the neighboring residential buildings from the 1930s, and a taut all-glass skin wrapping the top four floors above. “Our goal was to create a building that was worthy of its place in the city and had the depth and richness of iconic buildings that surround the park while being a building of its time that can endure far into the future,” adds Thomas Gluck, Principal at GLUCK+. ©Redundant Pixel
©Evan Joseph
THE RESIDENCES Homes at 145 Central Park North feature unique floor-to-ceiling windows facing Central Park with white oak frames and wireless automated window shades. The residences include beautiful white oak floors, vented Electrolux washers/dryers, Wi-Fienabled thermostats, and VRF heating and cooling systems along with individual ventilation systems so that no air is shared between residences. The building features two spectacular penthouses, both with private rooftop terraces and custom stainlesssteel spas overlooking the park. The timeless kitchens at 145 Central Park North offer a clean and sleek aesthetic with custom millwork and no exposed hardware. They are equipped with honed Jet Mist granite countertops, custom matte gray lacquer and glass cabinetry, two dishwashers, and fully-integrated Fisher & Paykel appliances. Nestos Gray marble floors subtly play off Bianco Alanur marble walls in the master bathrooms. Floating vanities include chic Hansgrohe satin nickel fixtures. Deep soaking tubs and walkin showers with wide showerheads make for a spa-like experience coupled with radiant heat flooring. Secondary bathrooms are wrapped in Bianco Alanur marble tiles with custom floating vanities, Hansgrohe fixtures, and tub and shower combinations with built-in toiletry niches. Amenities include a full-time doorman, children’s playroom, state-of-the-art fitness center, resident’s lounge, common terrace, cabanas, and a furnished rooftop deck with breathtaking views of the park and the Manhattan skyline. Onsite parking and storage units are available to purchase. 145 Central Park North is situated between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards and sits directly on Central Park in Harlem’s iconic neighborhood. The building is steps from dozens of popular restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and it is five minutes from Harlem Meer, North Woods, and The Blockhouse.
©Evan Joseph
For more information on 145 Central Park North, visit 145cpncondos.com or email info@145cpncondos.com. • MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47
REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
REAL ESTATE INVESTING LEARNING FROM THE BEST By Esther Reizes-Rowenbein
recently attended a commercial real estate summit and was inspired by some power-house women, determined and successful who have created their all-women teams. Here are their stories. DEEP PAKNIKAR, KARONLINA DIMARIO & KAYLEE MCMAHON These women have geared up together to purchase apartment complexes in Texas and be a positive inspiration to others in the process. Deep Paknikar worked at a Fortune 500 company and found real estate investing in sustaining her second income and serving as a passive cash flow investment. She began with singlefamily homes and made her way up to apartment investing. Her goal as a mentor is to assist women in becoming financially independent and emotionally healthy. Her message to women is, “Do not try to reinvent the wheel, connect to experts and leverage their knowledge, and of course, network.” Paknikar is working on starting a podcast. In 2014, Karolina DiMario obtained her real estate license and began acquiring single family homes with the hopes of growing into the multi-family space. In addition to her W-2 job, she
Deep Paknikar
Karolina DiMario
is an expert underwriter and analyzer and has created her spreadsheet. Her advice for other women getting into real estate investing is to “become educated and figure out what you are good at.” Kaylee McMahon, the Apartment Queen’s founder, started with a nutrition degree and marketing knowledge and then dived into leasing residential properties. She worked on her mindset and learned that it is okay to start over and that one can have it all. She was displeased, knowing 70 percent of commercial real estate investors were male; she acted and, along with Paknikar and DiMario, created an all-women fund named after her grandmother. The group’s goal is to empower women to be lead operators, get more women to join positions of power, and have an additional income set.
Kaylee McMahon
ELIZABETH FAIRCLOTHE & ANDRESA GUIDELLI Here are two women who have joined forces to create a real estate “InvestHER” community to support women and create passive investors. Initially, they joined together to partner on the fix and flips in PA. They soon realized the great need for women to have a forum to converse and support one another. Their passion resulted in a group formed, 40 meetups nationally, a podcast, and a membership community with women-only speakers. They aim to assist women of all ages and stages, and locations in their self-care abilities, business and real estate investing goals. Elizabeth Fairclothe invests in multi-family syndications and vacation rentals. She is the woman behind TheRealEstateInvestHER.com nation. “Women wear many hats, and now more than ever, they need a space for growth, support, and community to become financially stable.”
Elizabeth Fairclothe & Andresa Guidelli
As a single mom from Brazil, Andresa Guidelli was inspired by the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. She read during her internship for her master’s degree in Business communications while attending LaSalle University. She was inspired to learn more about real estate investing and eventually took out a HELOC on her home to begin her real estate investing journey. Her motto is to “take full responsibility for my project’s profits and losses; blaming others does not make the situation better. It is my choice to learn lessons from all experiences, which is essential for growth”. She started the Trailblazers, where women will be involved in syndicating apartment deals from beginning to end. •
48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
MANHATTAN’S BEST CHOICE ADDRESSES TO CALL HOME By AP Connolly
anhattan has some of the best avenues and plenty of beautiful buildings to make them shine! Most of all, in this age of pandemic, there are choice places to call home. You can find breathtaking pre-war buildings, kitchens with ultra-modern appliances, and living spaces with ample light. Let’s discuss some of the residential buildings available now. We asked our friends at Brown Harris Stevens for some of their choice offerings this month and found these properties among the best. For more information on Brown Harris Stevens, visit bhsusa.com. 212 EAST 57TH STREET
#16A Welcome to this bright and spacious full-floor 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath home that features a northern and southern exposure along with a private elevator landing and south-facing terrace. This full-floor home is tastefully designed and features high ceilings, hardwood floors throughout, and oversized windows that create an open and lofty atmosphere. The sunny windowed kitchen has honed black marble counters and features top-of-the-line appliances, including a SubZero refrigerator and freezer. The bedrooms are ideally situated in the apartment’s corners, allowing for the ultimate sense of privacy and separation of space. Each of the bedrooms has generous closet space and en-suite baths, two of which include deep-soaking tubs. You’ll also appreciate other features, including central air-conditioning, an in-unit washer and dryer, and a private service entrance. Building amenities include a full-time doorman and concierge, a roof deck with 360-degree city views, and a fitness center. 212 East 57th Street is a full-service boutique condo situated near the city’s best dining, shopping and entertainment destinations. Enjoy all that this prime location offers being steps away from Whole Foods, Bloomingdales, plus shopping on Fifth Avenue and a mere five minutes from Central Park. This residence is listed at $2,995,000 and is represented by Matthew Cohen.
26 EAST 10TH STREET #4C This classic, pre-war home in the Beaucaire house features 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths with beamed ceilings and herringbone floors throughout. The apartment gets ample light with 12 windows facing University Place. The foyer leads into an elegant formal dining room with a wood-burning fireplace and an adjacent living room, also with a fireplace. Each bedroom has a windowed bath en-suite featuring basket-weave marble flooring. Amazing views of tree-lined streets never disappoint from the kitchen that features subway tiles throughout with top-ofline appliances. Conveniently located in Greenwich Village’s heart—steps away from all major transportation, restaurants, shopping, and both Washington Square Park and Union Square Park. The Beaucaire is a pet-friendly building and includes a full-time doorman, live-in super, laundry facilities, fitness room, Pilates room, children’s playroom, bike room, storage, and a shared garden roof terrace. The residence is listed at $3,995,000 and is represented by Chris Poore and Eyal Dagan. 50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
540 WEST 28TH STREET #PHD Have it all! The nearly 1,860 square foot interior has been meticulously renovated. This penthouse duplex offers a private 370 square foot terrace with Hudson Yards’ exceptional views, the High Line, the Empire State Building, and the Hudson River. It’s an ideal setting to entertain or savor the vibrant neighborhood and views. The first floor of this residence features an open loft-like living room with a sleek chef ’s kitchen, a guest bedroom with its private bathroom, and a second bedroom, which is currently on the opposite side of the floor configured as an office. A masterfully designed spiral glass and steel staircase leads to the top floor primary suite. This bedroom even has its separate entrance for utmost privacy, a large walk-in closet, a luxurious en-suite bath with Italian marble and fixtures, and a spa rain shower. This home features custom lighting throughout as well as built-ins. A washer/dryer is also included. 540 West 28th Street is a full-service private condo with a live-in super, a state-of-the-art gym, a private courtyard garden, a landscaped roof deck with grilling, and more. This residence is listed at $3,495,000 and is represented by Nada Rizk.
475 PARK AVENUE #10C The 15-story, white-glove cooperative building was initially built as a series of duplex apartments in 1908. In 1959 it was reinvented as 92 simplex cooperative units, its distinctive white-brick facade not original to the building. This oversized, renovated 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is well-conceived in layout and detail. Its public rooms include a rare corner living and dining room overlooking Park Avenue, while both bedrooms enjoy direct Park Avenue and 58th Street views, respectively. Take in the city through large picture windows. At the same time, the apartment features include updated thru-wall HVAC, wide-plank hardwood flooring, extra-high ceilings, abundant storage throughout, from walk-in entry closets, deep custom primary bedroom closets with custom millwork, and a dedicated linen closet. A well-appointed kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and ample cabinetry is a delight. Two updated baths complete this marvelous property, perfect for quiet enjoyment or entertaining. With a prime location on 58th Street and Park Avenue, the building is convenient to shopping and some of the best dining and cultural attractions Manhattan offers. 475 Park features a 24-hour attended lobby and staffed elevator. Private storage is also available. This residence is listed at $1,995,000 and is represented by Scott Harris and Billie Sunday Banks.
817 WEST END AVENUE #8B Located in a grand and rare turn-of-the-century condominium on West End Avenue, this classic seven has beautiful details, all still intact but in need of some TLC! The side-by-side living room and dining area open to each other, creating an over 25-foot-wide loft-like space that faces East over double-wide West End Avenue. The windowed eat-in kitchen has been slightly updated with stainless steel appliances, new cabinets, and countertops. Off the kitchen is a staff room/home office with a full bath. The bedroom wing houses three bedrooms, including the primary bedroom, which faces West End Avenue and has a large closet. An extensive bathroom services these bedrooms. The apartment features large windows, nearly 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and pre-war details. Bring your contractor to restore this fabulous home. 817 West End Avenue is a pre-war condominium with a gorgeous, refurbished lobby, doorman, top-notch resident superintendent, central laundry, and bike storage. This residence is listed at $2,100,000 and is represented by Lisa K. Lippman and Gerard “Scott” Moore. • MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51
“ P i n e s L a k e” Wa y n e , N J 1042 Pines Lake Drive
LAKEFRONT! PINES LAKE with an open concept floor plan ideal for entertaining. Walls of windows frame the incredible lake views! The recently updated Master Suite has a 2-sided gas fireplace, radiant heated floors and a walk-in closet and features a spa bath with instant hot water shower unit. The private balcony is ideal for enjoying the water views. The large ground level entertaining space features a summer kitchen and multiple doors which open to the rear patios and waterfront dock making this home a wonderful lake retreat. Come and fall in love with Pines Lake living featuring swimming, boating, fishing, tennis and an incredible year-round lifestyle. Only 25 miles from NYC! Support the II Proudly Proudly Support the Offered at $1,229,000. Friends of of Laurelwood Arboretum Friends Laurelwood Arboretum
Call today and come see!
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
Wykoff/Franklin Lakes Office 360 Franklin Avenue • Wyckoff, NJ 07481
Carole “Lynn” Brescia
International President’s Premier Top 1% Worldwide International President’s Premier Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com Top 1% Worldwide
Call Direct: 201.848.3202 www.lynnbrescia.com
More photos at lynnbrescia.com
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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME
HOME OWNERSHIP IN A NEW ECONOMY
ESSENTIAL TIPS FROM AN EXPERT REALTOR By Pamela Smythe-Woods
or many New Yorkers, homeownership continues to be the essence of the “American Dream.” But sometimes, it’s not clear to the average buyer. Today’s homebuyer has an array of options to consider with financing their home. The right down payment? The best mortgage that meets your needs. And the long list goes on. In this article, Katie Severance addresses these questions and more. As a tri-state area realtor, she’s successfully closed more than $200 million in real estate transactions and has authored The Brilliant Home Buyer: 101 Tips for Buying a Home in the New Economy. She’ll share some savvy tips on long-term smart homeownership and the dependable road to personal wealth. What are the most significant real estate changes in the “new economy over the last five years? First is the far greater inventory and information available on the Internet than ever before. Second, the new Know Before You Owe lending laws make it so much easier for consumers to comparison shop for a loan and understand fees. Factors such as more complex and specialized inspections than we have had before and climate change affect the location, home materials, home systems, and homeowner’s insurance. Don’t overlook buyer competition. There are more savvy buyers than ever competing with you. So being educated about how to find and negotiate the right home has never been more critical. Why is owning a home long term the best path to personal wealth for most people? A buyer only needs to spend 20 percent (or less) to own a significant asset—one that will appreciate over the long term. It is unlike a car or boat, both of which will depreciate the minute you buy them. Stocks and commodities are typically purchased at 100 percent of their value. A home is an asset that you can live in, so it has two purposes. Homeownership is a hedge against inflation; it comes with multiple tax deductions and the stability of fixed payments vs. annual rent increases. According to the Federal Reserve (2019), homeowners have 40 times the net worth of renters—and that gap is widening. Values come down in cycles, but they never stay down—they have always come back higher. How can you know when to buy? The first step is to establish if the market is going up or down. If home prices are going up each month, you need to act faster because you will pay more next month than this month for the same home. If mortgage interest rates are going up, you need to work even more quickly still. For every 1 percent increase in mortgage interest rates, a buyer loses 10 percent buying power. Figure a mortgage approval for a $500K home now only buys a $450K home. MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53
How can you read the market and make a brilliant buy? The first step is to stop looking online. Physically walk through as many homes on the market as possible. Know all the inventory and the condition. Next, track them all and analyze them (with the help of a real estate agent) and see how long they took to sell (Days on Market—or DOM—are on every listing) and what the final sale price was relative to the asking price. A pattern will emerge and be clear to you regarding value in the area. There will always be an unusually high or meager sales price here and there that even the realtors can’t explain. Forget them. Focus on the pattern. When you know the market, you will not only avoid overpaying, but you won’t waste time on unsuccessful negotiations with unrealistic sellers. Knowing when to walk away from a dead-end negotiation is powerful. To do that is learn how to analyze, see the inventory and neighborhood values inside and out. What is your favorite money-making real estate tip? This tip is a big money-maker. With the right property, it can make you hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit over time. Purchasing a two- or three-family home and living in one unit for a year or two, or even more. By “owner-occupying” for some time, you’re allowed to put less of a deposit down than if you just bought it as a straight investment property; plus, the other renter is paying most of your monthly mortgage payment. It keeps your living expenses extremely low and allows you to save enough money for a down payment on a single-family home for yourself—and keep the multi-family home as an asset that produces great annual passive income for years to come.
Katie Severance
What are a few key first-time homebuyer mistakes to avoid? The biggest mistake to avoid is picking the wrong city, town, or community. Owning a home in a town that you later learn does not suit you can be debilitating. Selling and moving is an expensive mistake to correct. It is also physically and emotionally disruptive to your life. The need to thoroughly research a town, its people, and its culture cannot be understated. Making an offer before you know the market well should be avoided. This is how buyers end up overpaying and not getting the big profit down the road associated with smart homeownership. In the worst case, it can lead to owing more on the home than it is worth. That is a quick sale. And that can also lead to personal bankruptcy. Not understanding how to negotiate well. There is an art to negotiating, and while it is simple, it is difficult—because it requires doing a bit of homework and having the fortitude to walk away. A new kitchen is seductive. I know! But you can re-create a great kitchen anywhere. Don’t be captivated by someone else’s upgrade—because you are probably paying a premium for it. Buy a home in the right location and get the best price, and then use the savings to renovate the kitchen your way. Not performing a thorough inspection. This is obviously how a buyer ends up with a money pit—or a home subject to climate change or other environmental hazards. Picking the wrong loan product. The type of loan you choose has a significant impact on the monthly payment for the next 15-30 years. It’s something you want to get right from the outset. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself re-financing the loan at some later date to get the best deal—one that you may have missed the first time around. • 54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
LUXURIOUS PHILADELPHIA-MAIN LINE PROPERTY
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
DR. JOSEPH DELLO RUSSO SHINING A LIGHT ON LASER EYE SURGERY By Patricia Canole
f you’ve spent much of your life wrestling with contact lenses or wearing glasses, the appeal of corrective laser eye surgery is obvious: imagine waking up each day and seeing the world with clear vision! If you want 20/20 vision, laser eye surgery is worth looking into—but like any health procedure, there are risks and benefits. Corrective laser surgery reshapes the cornea to achieve better vision. The cornea is the clear lens that focuses light as it enters your eye. When it is not shaped correctly or has other errors, it changes the way light lands on your retina, and in turn, the quality of your vision. Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to change focusing power. You may know laser surgery under the name LASIK, which stands for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. It’s only one type of laser eye surgery and can usually reduce some need for corrective lenses.
Dr. Joseph Dello Russo with patient
58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
We recently met with Dr. Joseph Dello Russo via Zoom, who shed some light on one of the most prevalent eye procedures today. If you live in the Metro New York, you know the name Dello Russo is synonymous with corrective laser surgery. Tell us how it all began? In 1980, I purchased a research laser from a new company, VISX. The laser’s purpose was to change the front layer’s shape of the eye and eliminate glasses. That same year, the FDA selected me as an investigator to test the laser on one of my patients. The research would help the FDA decide whether it should approve that laser company for treating the public in the future. In 1996, the FDA approved the laser company, and thus the age of LASIK began. Today, Dello Russo Laser Surgery offices can be found in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, and New Jersey. For those who wear glasses and the required facial mask during the pandemic, there has been a condition known as “foggy glasses.” Have you seen an uptick in patients wanting LASIK surgery to prevent this? Yes. Warm breath escapes to the top of the mask, and if we wear glasses, it will cloud up the glasses. Many first responders are having this issue especially, and it has motivated them to have LASIK done. Dello Russo has seen a massive uptick in cases. And with the surgery performed, no more foggy glasses!
Dr. Jeff Dello Russo with patient
Explain LASIK surgery and how it affects eyesight? If the shape of a person’s eye is not perfect, then the sight will not focus. The purpose of the laser is to reshape the cornea to an ideal shape. Originally, the procedure directly reshaped the surface but took a few days to heal properly. LASIK does not treat the surface. In fact, the surface layer is first lifted out of the way, and the cornea’s reshaping is done under this layer. This way, as soon as the layer is repositioned, the eye’s surface is smooth, and sight occurs immediately with no pain. Who is eligible for LASIK surgery? Not everyone is eligible, which is why an experienced surgeon must perform a thorough evaluation. Just because you wear eyeglasses or contacts doesn’t mean you are the right candidate for laser eye surgery. The most important criterion is that your vision is no longer changing. People with cataracts, extreme myopia or astigmatism, or damage to their corneas can’t benefit from laser surgery.
Dr. James Dello Russo with patient
How does a patient prepare for surgery? There is usually no preparation needed, so some people will elect to have surgery the same day as the consultation. We advise most people who wear contact lenses to not wear them for a few days before their visit if they decide to have LASIK after the exam.
What happens during the procedure? Since the eye is anesthetized with numbing drops to prevent any discomfort during the surgery. The procedure is quick, usually lasting ten minutes. Can LASIK be performed on both eyes at the same time? Most people have both eyes done on the same day. How long does the surgery take, and will a patient see immediately after the procedure? The FDA decided in 1996 that LASIK was “safe and effective.” What are the risks of LASIK surgery? Most people have surgery to improve their distance vision. A small percentage of patients’ eyes may experience a slight natural change in the cornea’s shape. In those cases, we recommend having another surgery. For more information on Dello Russo Laser Vision, visit laservision.com. •
Waiting Room
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 59
HEALTH & WELLNESS
BREATHE EASY
INDOOR AIR QUALITY—COVID AND BEYOND By Melanie Carden
ir quality has been on my mind, and I’m not alone. Even before the pandemic, I was becoming more aware of the urgency for improving indoor air quality. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that “…indoor air pollution is among the top five environmental health risks.” Knowing people who live with the daily struggles of COPD lung disease—and now the pandemic—it was time to get a better understanding of residential air purification. I called upon air quality expert Ian Cull, who has worked with NASA and is a well-known speaker on the subject. To simplify this complex topic, I asked Cull to help us sift through all the air purifier claims and lingo. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The essential is an air cleaner with a high clean air delivery rate (CADR). For a small bedroom or enclosed office space, 100 is fine; something around 300 is better for large open areas. For COVID, choose a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter and avoid other technologies, especially those claiming to kill the virus. When it comes to removing particles, HEPA is the king of the hill. Most other technologies will underperform, and those that might exceed it do so only nominally.
THE COSTS
Westinghouse 1702
Cull explains that non-HEPA technologies are often more costly—resulting in a nominal increase in effectiveness but at a higher price point. He mentioned that other methods may have redeeming qualities but to be cautious. For example, “Ultraviolet (UV) and high heat are designed to kill micro-organisms and viruses, rather than physically remove them. UV can work but there are safety concerns as these germicidal wavelengths can cause eye damage if not properly shielded. High heat is very energy intensive when compared to HEPA,” he said. If you’re thinking of investing in an air purifier, you can explore several affordable smallspace purifiers as well as the brands below—each offering a HEPA filter, at a minimum. Be sure to measure the space and choose an appropriate option—otherwise you risk reducing the unit’s ability to exchange the air efficiently. Do you have central air in your home? Check to see if you have a “whole house fan” setting. If so, it might very well have a HEPA filter, and this might be an option as well.
EnviroKlenz Air System Plus
Those working from home and seeing only household family members, may not feel the need for an air purifier in terms of the pandemic. An essential worker, on the other hand— might want to add one into their already existing COVID-awareness layers. But even when we move beyond the pandemic, the quality of our indoor air is essential to our health—so be sure to change the filter according to manufacturer directions.
Westinghouse 1702 The long-trusted brand offers this well-designed, living-ready unit starting at $500. It uses both HEPA filtration and its own patented NCCO activated oxygen technology. It is appropriate for spaces up to 500 square feet. Info: westinghousecleanair.com. Oransi Mod It began as an engineer’s quest to find better indoor air quality for his asthmatic son. Oransi Mod boasts a smart design—from the glass user interface to the cylindrical shape with an orange carry handle and filter handle so a dirty filter will never be touched. This powerful unit is $600 and boasts a super-quiet user experience. It is appropriate for spaces up to 1,250 square feet. Info: oransi.com. EnviroKlenz Air System Plus Military-grade technology is the cornerstone of the EnviroKlenz Air System Plus. It uses HEPA filtrations with the added feature of non-ozone producing UVC bulbs to provide additional germicidal irradiation and internal system cleaning. Rated for spaces up to 1,000 square feet, it comes in either white or black. Info: enviroklenz.com. • 60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Oransi Mod
FOOD & DRINK
212 STEAKHOUSE
NEW YORK’S BEST BET FOR KOBE BEEF By Anne Raso
t’s weeks later and my head is still buzzing from the fantastic Kobe beef sampler that I had at 212 Steakhouse—and to say that I am dying to go back is an understatement. Along with Kobe, there’s dry-aged Halal beef from Canada and Wagyu beef from Australia, too. 212 Steakhouse might not be as well-known as Peter Luger’s or Morton’s, but you can count on quality at fair prices! You could say it’s the best-kept secret of New York steak lovers, but not for long. The décor is “classic New York steakhouse” given a boost by a strong mix of glamour and sophistication. The highly detailed matte silver ceilings—reminiscent of the Art Deco era—pull the restaurant’s look together. “When we built this place, we spent a lot of time trying to achieve a unique look by working with prestige brands like John Richardson and Arteriors Home, says owner Nikolay Volper. “I selected the overall design, furniture, and lighting.” The accommodating staff—which has an extensive knowledge of the menu and wine list—puts an additional polish on the dining experience.
FIRST TIME’S THE CHARM It’s impressive that this is the first restaurant owned by Volper, who came from the world of e-commerce. Maybe there is such a thing as beginner’s luck, but if you meet him on your visit to 212 Steakhouse, you’ll realize that his dream was built on a love of great steak. (Of course, having a great business mind helped make Volper’s success as a restaurateur happen as well!) Volper wanted to create what is touted on the 212 Steakhouse website as “the only East Coast restaurant serving authentic Kobe beef.” In fact, it’s the only restaurant in New York that is a member of Japan’s Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association. “There are only nine restaurants in the U.S. to be members of the association due to the limited supply of Authentic Kobe beef,” he told us. “And, as you may know, Kobe beef is only raised in Japan and has a special certification process. Even in Japan, only 0.2 percent of beef consumption is Kobe beef.” MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61
COOKING OVER COMPUTERS
Executive Chef Ryan Kemp also has a heavy hand in making 212 so consistent. He has a background that even the heaviest hitters in the restaurant world can appreciate. “I grew up in Massachusetts and went to school for computer science,” Kemp told us. “But as a summer job, I began cooking at a local restaurant and ultimately decided that I enjoyed cooking far more than programming. I moved to New York City ten years ago to be a part of the country’s best restaurant scene and haven’t looked back. Over these last ten years, I’ve worked in many different restaurants under many chefs, learning and growing at each one.” Although Kemp did not go through the traditional culinary school route, he did his on-the-job training from established chefs at Le Bernardin, Telepan, and Landmarc. The youthful red-haired Kemp is key in bringing in new cuts of meat and creating fresh, ultra-fresh seafood and pasta dishes. Not to be overlooked are the incredible lineup of sides that includes the tender roasted Brussels Sprouts and Polenta Fries, and some of the best Garlic Mashed Potatoes. “I develop new dishes, often sharing them with the staff first to get feedback and creative input,” he noted. “I find that trying to go through the entire creative process alone usually results in a mediocre product, so feedback is invaluable.” Kemp is very hands-on with selecting ingredients and reveals, “Picking out meat and produce is a never-ending process as the menu evolves and we continue to try to tighten food costs, especially during the pandemic.”
ATTRACTIVE PRICING AND RAVE REVIEWS We asked Volper what sets his restaurant apart from the others. “Even though 212 Steakhouse is the most premiere steakhouse in NYC, with the most expensive steak cuts from around the world, our goal is to provide affordable prices,” he explained. “We focus on customers having a great experience beyond the food, and that is how we have achieved very high reviews on independent platforms like Open Table and Google.” Despite being a steakhouse, the seafood selection is a close runner up in terms of why customers return. “It might sound strange, but our seafood selection is tailored to fit the steakhouse experience, Volper explained. “I consider steakhouse experience seafood to be Shrimp Cocktail, Grilled Salmon, and a selection of Raw Oysters. But we also serve some dishes like Salmon Avocado Ceviche and Lobster Dynamo.” Ryan Kemp
The restaurant endured months of no indoor dining and has come out on top of its game. Reviewers have called the Kobe sampler that includes three types of Kobe strip steak a “once-in-a-lifetime” steak experience. But you will indeed marvel at all the kinds of beef served here. The Dryaged Rib Eye recommended on my visit by talented server Dagmar was a large portion that two or three diners could share, and it was marbled to perfection. It was served with the bone already removed and placed next to the sliced meat—which is not often seen in other New York steakhouses. 212 Steakhouse is the perfect place to take your fussiest friends and relatives as well as being an ideal date night spot featuring a romantic and classy ambiance. You and your date will love the Seafood Platter For Two, which features Warm Octopus Salad, a Half Lobster Tail, and Eight Oysters—all for $55. You will appreciate that the tables are properly spaced (giving a lot of elbow room) and that you’ll not be rushed through your meal even at peak hours. In a nutshell, you’ll get the feeling that you are right at home and every item served has an incredible “wow factor.” ‘Nuff said? For more information on 212 Steakhouse, visit 212steakhouse.com. •
62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
GREAT BITES IRISH SODA BREAD By Sean-Patrick Hillman
rish Soda Bread is part of my family’s tradition in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. I could never imagine March 17th without both Irish Soda Bread and a right pint of Guinness. So, I thought for my last Great Bites column, I would pass along a favored Irish Soda Bread recipe that will help you celebrate allthings Emerald Isle! Ingredients • 4 to 4 1/2 cups flour • 1 tablespoon of sugar • 1 teaspoon of salt • 1 teaspoon of baking soda • 4 tablespoons of butter • 1 cup raisins • 1 large egg lightly beaten • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk Preparation • Preheat oven to 425-degrees. • Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda into a large mixing bowl. • Work the butter into the flour mix using your fingers or a wooden spoon until it thickens. Then add raisins. • Using a large spoon, dig a well in the center of the flour mix. Add beaten egg and buttermilk. Stir with a wooden spoon until all liquid ingredients are absorbed. • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for a few quick turns just to even out the dough. Note: Do not overwork the dough. Now form into a mound. • Transfer the dough to a large baking sheet. Score the mound with a cross or an X using a serrated or bread knife. This will help the dough receive enough heat internally to bake properly and evenly. • Bake for about 35-45 minutes until bread is golden and the bottom sounds hollow when tapped. You can easily check for doneness by inserting a thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your Irish Soda Bread is done! • Let cool a few minutes. Enjoy Irish Soda Bread with a pint of Guinness, a glass of Irish Mist, or an Irish Coffee. Sláinte! As this will be my last Great Bites column, visit me at my new online bakery at HillBites.com starting March 15th! Thank you for the last year of culinary adventure.
GREAT DRINKS IRISH COFFEE By Patricia Canole
long with corned beef and cabbage, soda bread (see recipe this page), the Irish are also well-known for their tea. I remember my Irish-born mother setting the table for her weekly gatherings with friends. Tea and biscuits were always welcome and enjoyed. But she liked her Irish Coffee, too! There’s nothing more quintessentially Irish than a perfect Irish Coffee. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a St. Patrick’s Day, this will make the occasion extra special. The recipe is not complicated. It requires four ingredients: The combination of a smooth Irish whiskey, rich coffee sweetened and combined with whipped cream is a delight. Despite some common shortcuts, authentic Irish coffee is not as simple as spiking coffee with a shot of whiskey. Instead, it’s a carefully constructed coffee drink that should be prepared with the care of any latte or cappuccino. That said, it is relatively easy. Choose a great Irish whiskey Then follow the recipe, and you’ll discover why this classic is considered one of the best cocktails. You’ll soon want to share with everyone you know. Ingredients • 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar (to taste) • 4 ounces coffee (strong, rich, hot) • 1 1/2 ounces I rish whiskey • 1 ounce of heavy cream (lightly whipped) Preparation Gather ingredients. Place brown sugar into a warm Irish coffee glass, mug, or other heat-proof glass. Add coffee and Irish whiskey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Float the whipped heavy cream on top. Do not stir. Rather, drink the Irish coffee through the cream. Enjoy! •
SAVVY TIPS • Start with a great coffee. To experience an authentic Irish Coffee, you want a rich, robust blend: medium-to-dark roasted will work best. • Don’t forget to preheat your glass. It keeps the drink warm and helps combine the ingredients. • Always use freshly whipped cream. Begin with heavy whipping cream and vigorously whip it with a whisk or fork until it is light and fluffy.
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 63
FOOD & DRINK
CHAMPAGNE
SPARKLE ANY TIME OF YEAR By Tina Mulqueen
ost people view Champagnes as a treat for special occasions, delegating dinner pairings and after-work imbibes to the classic bubble-less reds and whites. But there’s no reason Champagnes can’t escort you through your daily life as well. So long as you’re comfortable navigating them, they can bring a sparkle to ordinary occasions, too. I connected with my friend William Oben, a wine enthusiast and founder of WineBox, who put together a stellar lineup of Champagnes at different price points. Krug NV Brut-167th Edition “This is probably my absolute favorite Brut Champagne on the planet,” says William. We drank the 167th edition of the NV (Non-Vintage). Champagnes are often NV, meaning that grapes from more than one harvest are in the bottle. “This Champagne is mostly a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a little Pinot Meunier to make it perfect,” explains William. “With fragrant brioche and apricots on the nose, the wine coalesces on the palate with ample fruit: apricots, peaches, and ripe apples,” he continues. It’s deliciously creamy and balanced with gripping acidity and a long finish. Delamontte NV Blanc de Blancs “This is the fifth oldest Champagne house in France,” enthuses William. “Established in 1760 by Francoise Delamotte, it evolved into a collaboration with the superstar Champagne house of Salon. We in wine circles refer to Delamotte as ‘Baby Salon.’” Composed entirely of Chardonnay grapes from a single vineyard, the wine hints at apple peel, bread, and spice on the nose. The palate yields bright green apple, subtle honey, hazelnut, and baker’s yeast. Crisp acidity is rounded out by chalky minerality for a long and balanced finish. “It’s a fairly underthe-radar Champagne that should be a staple of your cellar,” says William. André Clouet Grande Réserve Brut “I call this designer Champagne since the cellar master creates individual blends with different fermentation methods to arrive at the final Grande Réserve Blend,” describes William. This Champagne is entirely composed of Pinot Noir from Grand Cru sites, which is the most prestigious classification for the vineyard land and implies the highest quality grapes. The wine reminds me of bread pudding with floral nuances and hints of orange zest on the nose. Delicate bubbles interplay with baking spices for a long and full finish that’s rounded out with hints of honey. William sums it up best: “this wine has lovely acidity and sass.” It’s one of the best values in the Champagne aisle. 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
I enjoy it on a Sunday afternoon watching a game on TV and a bowl of potato chips. Courtier Rosé “This is a lighter but delicious rosé,” William gushes, “with medium-bodied fruit. And did I mention delicious?” With 85 percent Chardonnay and 15 percent Pinot Noir blended in, this Champagne is mostly based on the 2015 vintage, and it all comes from Grand Cru fruit. It opens with notes of strawberry, giving way to flavors of scone and spice. It’s “the perfect spring and summer sipper for not a lot of dough,” according to William. This is a versatile addition to any wine cellar. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house in France, and they deliver what William calls “very consistent notes on this very reliable Champagne.” It has hints of citrus and a nice bread with light fruit. The long, smooth finish is baking spices mingling with ripe, caramelized apple for creamy, elegant apple pie notes. William describes it as an “amazingly fresh and balanced Chardonnay, bright and with loads of white fruit flavors and aromas. I enjoyed this at the end of a Saturday night with a board game. Ulysses Collin Les Maillons Blanc de Noirs “Now this is what Champagne dreams are made of,” exclaims William. I must agree. This is the first time I’ve had a Ulysses Collin wine, and it doesn’t surprise me when William tells me he’s one of the most exciting producers in Champagne to date. Composed entirely of Pinot Noir, the grapes come from a small plot near the town of Sezanne. For me, the nose is almost nostalgic with layers of caramelized apple, pear, and vanilla ice cream. It reminds me of a White Burgundy thanks to a complex balance of fruit and minerality on the palate. “It’s succulent and fresh with perfect balance and acidity,” says William. “Make sure you get to try this before I drink it all.” It’s well worth trying at least once. •
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
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!
371 West lake dr. montauk, nY 11954 631.668.2511 montaukharborside.com
VACATION RENTALS
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OUTER BANKS VACATION RENTALS & REAL ESTATE SALES joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com • 800-552-6257
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
SING ALONG WITH BROADWAYHD’S FAVORITE MUSICALS By Sara Wiesenfeld
ime to put a spring in your step with some of our favorite musicals! If you’ve made your way through BroadwayHD’s incredible selection of dramatic classics, look at what it offers in the line of the greatest musicals. BroadwayHD is available on your computer or any of your favorite devices such as Roku, AppleTV, Chromecast & Amazon Firestick. When you head to BroadwayHD.com, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial. Now, let’s check out some of our BroadwayHD favorites! RODGER & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
HOLIDAY INN
Lesley Ann Warren plays the title role in this television production of the classic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein III musical. Young Cinderella longs to go to the royal ball and dance with the Prince—but it will take a magical miracle to make it happen.
Jim leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut, but life isn’t the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim’s luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday, from Thanksgiving to Easter.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
FOREVER PLAID
This breathtakingly beautiful Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the Oscar® winning MGM film, tells the vibrant story of discovering love in the City of Light. Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin (including the classic hits “’S Wonderful” and “I Got Rhythm”), stunning designs, and show-stopping choreography.
You’ll enjoy this affectionate musical homage to the close-harmony guy groups that reached the height of their popularity during the 1950s. This quartet of high-school chums, and their earnest dreams of recording an album, ended (symbolically, and even literally). Sadly, it ends in death when their cherry red ’54 Mercury collided with a bus filled with Catholic schoolgirls on their way to see the Beatles’ U.S. debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. The girls were fine.
66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
RODGER & HAMMERSTEIN’S CAROUSEL The classic American features some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most iconic pieces, including “If I Loved You,” “Mister Snow,” “June is Bustin Out All Over,” and the iconic “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” This is a dazzling adaptation featuring all-star performances from Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, and others.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC The beloved family classic comes alive once again! The world’s most popular musical, The Sound of Music, comes brilliantly to life in this ambitious, live-broadcast production. The spectacular Kara Tointon delivers a mesmerizing performance as Maria, the tomboyish nun who reluctantly becomes the governess for seven children living in the shadow of their stern widower father (Julian Ovenden).
GODSPELL Prepare the way of Godspell in concert! Theatrical legends come together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Godspell in an exciting online concert experience. Ruthie Henshall and Darren Day return to reprise their roles and are joined by Sam Tutty, Ria Jones, and Jenna Russell.
BYE BYE BIRDIE
SHE LOVES ME
Relive the musical magic of Bye, Bye Birdie, one of America’s best-loved musicals. In this tuneful parody of Elvis Presley, Conrad Birdie is a wildly popular ’50s rock-n-roll star. Conrad’s manager, Albert (Jason Alexander), and his devoted secretary, Rosie (Vanessa Williams), arrange for Conrad to make a dramatic final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, on the eve of his joining the Army.
With an incredible cast led by Zachary Levi, Laura Benanti, and Jane Krakowski, She Loves Me follows Amalia and Georg, two parfumerie clerks who aren’t quite the best friends. Constantly bumping heads while on the job, the sparring co-workers can’t seem to find common ground. But little do they know the anonymous pen pals they have both been falling for happen to be each other! Will love blossom once their identities are finally revealed? •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ON THE SMALL SCREEN By Jenny Peters
KEEPING KIDS HAPPY THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS Disney+ Almost thirty years ago, The Mighty Ducks entered the world’s consciousness as Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), a selfish lawyer who learned a lot when forced to coach a kids’ hockey team. Two sequels followed in the 90s and now Estevez is back again, with this series that pairs him with Lauren Graham and a whole new team of misfits, in a show created for kids who have no awareness of the origin, as everything old is new again on TV. RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON Disney+ Expected to be a theater blockbuster, Raya and the Last Dragon is Disney’s latest bigbudget animated feature to head to the small screen. The tale of an alternative world where dragons and monsters dwell, this Asianinfluenced, visually lovely story stars the voices of Kelly Marie Tran, Sandra Oh, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, and Awkwafina. You’ll pay $29.95 on Disney+ for unlimited access to this animated adventure. WAFFLES + MOCHI Netflix Michelle Obama stars (and produces) this new children’s series that’s all about good food from around the world. Waffles and Mochi are a puppet duo who join real-life humans in their quest to find out how to cook and eat flavorful, healthy dishes. It’s a little bit animated, a little bit live, and all-around a fun, delicious way to help children learn to enjoy yummy food from many cultures. YES DAY Netflix Jennifer Garner and Edgar Ramirez play the beleaguered parents of three rambunctious children, who give their kids 24 hours to run the family. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare and a fun way for your whole brood to watch the same thing. The only problem is it will give your kids some ideas for their own Yes Day. 68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
HELPING EVERYONE LAUGH A LITTLE COMING 2 AMERICA Amazon Prime Video They’re back! It only took 33 years for Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Garcelle Beauvais, and James Earl Jones to return to the land of Zamunda—and back to the USA as well. Add in Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and a host of other funny people. This long-awaited sequel, helmed by Craig Brewer (of the hilarious Murphy comedy Dolomite Is My Name), is poised to become one of 2021’s favorite reboots of the stay-athome world. MOXIE Netflix Amy Poehler produces, directs, and stars in Moxie, a series devoted to a shy teenage girl’s angst. Hadley Robinson stars as Vivian, the girl whose mom (Poehler) inspires her to stand against mean-teen culture. She’s got Moxie, an underground magazine she publishes to fight the status quo, in this show based on the popular novel of the same name.
REVISITING THE PAST VIA REAL-LIFE THRILLERS THE COURIER Lionsgate/On-Demand Powerhouse acting duo Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel Brosnahan share the screen in this fact-based story of 1960s international spy intrigue amid the Cuban Missile Crisis. Brosnahan is CIA, Cumberbatch a British businessman pulled into the operation designed to stave off a nuclear war between the USA and the USSR. Happily, they succeeded, as recounted in this taut tale of the world on the line. SIX MINUTES TO MIDNIGHT IFC/On-Demand It’s 1939 on the southern coast of England, as this true story unspools. At a finishing school for girls—including the offspring of Nazi bigwigs—a tense murder mystery unfolds that entwines the headmistress, teachers, and students into a dangerous web of deceit and danger. Eddie Izzard produced, co-wrote, and stars in this fascinating thriller that also features Judi Dench, Jim Broadbent, and Carla Juri. • MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
AN INTERVIEW WITH ROBERT SMITHLINE
THE LATEST FROM THIS TALENTED WRITER-DIRECTOR By Bailey Beckett
o, it’s not Murder on The Orient Express. But, it is safe to say, even Agatha Christie would sit on the edge of her seat. This year, the streaming buzz is all about The Hunter’s Anthology, a five-part supernatural whodunit set in the New York subway system. We’ve all seen some scary things in the underground jungle, but writer/director Robert Smithline raises the stakes by adding one more element: a devil. As six strangers find themselves stranded in a subway car, a rugged demon slayer must determine who is from the underworld.
THE PERFECT REMEDY The series, filmed over four years, expertly weaves the character-driven stories into the mystery, adding tension and suspense at each turn. The series, which recently debuted on Amazon Prime, peeks into this random group of strangers’ souls and discovers five paranormal tales. “It’s a big throwback to the kind of shows many of us grew up with,” says producer Arezu “Nicky” Akmal. “The Hunter’s Anthology is pure escapism—a story that engrosses you in mystery, danger, and supernatural and takes you away from reality. We’ve all been stuck inside, separated from friends, and living under so much uncertainty. This is the perfect remedy.” Adding layers to the drama are engaging, suspenseful backstories for each of the suspects, from midnight tarot card sessions to an escape from a mental hospital. The result is a binge-worthy guilty pleasure for weekend pleasure.
Robert Smithline
“I’ve always been a big fan of The Twilight Zone,” says Smithline. “Each story was always so different, and I liked watching one after another. When writing The Hunter’s Anthology, I used that as a frame of reference but added my twist.” And like the classics, Smithline peppers his drama with doses of humor, suspense, and sci-fi. “This is meant for every audience,” Smithline says. “It’s about people’s fears, their demons, and how they choose to face them. I think that relates to just about everyone. And a mystery driving at the plot will hopefully keep people interested the whole way through.” “I think audiences will have a lot of fun with it,” Smithline continues. “Hopefully, they’ll get creeped out, get surprised, maybe laugh a little along the way, and try to guess who is the demon!” For more information on The Hunter’s Anthology, visit the huntersanthology.com. • 70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Dominican Republic Escape
“boutique & unique” VIK hotel Cayena Beach
Experience Caribbean ambiance in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on the miles long Bavaro Beach with a premium all-inclusive stay at this boutique resort. You will be fully covered and protected by the Dominican Government backed Insurance Policy. Greatest deal in Punta Cana: free upgrade to Cayena Deluxe Ocean Suites for the price of the Standard Garden Room during March and April, 2021. For reservations please call: 800-817-6177 ext.3 / 800-228-2208 ext.1 / 800-774-0040 or send an email to: r.petris@vikhotels.com. For more information: www.hotelvikcayena.com / www.vikhotels.com
PET SPOTLIGHT
PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP BLOOMING FLOWERS + WARMER TEMPS + FASHIONABLE PETS By Melanie Carden
etting outdoors this spring is cause for celebration. Of course, this warmer weather requires fabulous outfits and eye-catching accessories. Oh, yes—don’t forget your fur-baby’s spring raincoat! BRIGHT WHITES PARTY ANIMAL Winter’s over—no need to sift through your dog’s closet for winter whites. This hoodie has a pop of plaid shirt tails for a little oomph. From Tuxie Luxie, it’s aptly named Uptown Pooch—it’s an elevated basic and an absolute must-have. Info: tuxieluxie.com.
This sassy model is channeling his inner Spuds MacKenzie. But your dog doesn’t need to be an 80’s icon to rock this old-school fanny pack. The harness style bag is perfect for carrying his own treats or a few dollars to splurge on a puppacino. Info: petco.com.
GARDEN PARTY POOCH
SUNDAE AFTERNOONS
SEEING DOUBLE
Spring flowers are always ontrend. House of Furbaby offers this Victorian style dress for the dog with garden party panache. If your dog is a fool for a damask print and bouquets of fresh spring flowers—this is the dress. Info: houseoffurbaby.com.
Kickee makes dog apparel with over 40 different patterns—dinosaurs, pineapples—you name it! We love the ice cream sundae-themed shirt. So, grab one of these sweet treats for your pooch. Info: kickeepants.com.
Don’t let your pet have all the fashion fun. Dog Threads has matching outfits for everyone in the family from baby to furparents. Be twice as fashionable in this color block athleisure wear in soft hues of teal and blush. Info: shopdogthreads.com.
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 73
COUTURE GALORE
HAUTE HERO
FASHIONABLE FIDO
Your pets deserve a statement piece— something that exudes luxury and captures their personality. Marc Petite—in Barcelona Spain—offers handmade designer collars for the discerning pet. Each collar is made to order for dogs or cats. Info: marcpetite.com.
Get your cat (or dog) in on this exclusive Wonder Woman line from Moshiqa x Christian Cowan. It says to the world “Superhero Comin’ Through.” This line is elegant, empowered, and has just the right amount of zing to make the birds sing. Info: moshiqa.com.
Springtime weather patterns may prove Fido needs a bit of extra warmth. Your go-to solution: This low-key camo design from Boo Dog Lifestyles in the season’s most fashionable pattern. Info: boodoglifestyles.com.
GREEN WITH ENVY
LIGHTNING STRIKES
CITY SLICKER
After the cold, drab days of winter, it’s nice to get out to nature—fresh air. Chewy offers this leash the color of springtime. Your adventure pawtner will be ready to tackle all the rain puddles with the flair of a trendsetter. Info: chewy.com.
Three words: Lightning Bolt Cardigan. When Rhianna sings “We gon’ run this town tonight,” she’s talking about this pup. So, if your dog’s swagger matches the likes of this guy, then visit Barclaire’s luxe line of dog fashion. Info: barclaire.com.
Spring + rain go hand-in-hand. To avoid a muddy buddy, invest in a good rain slicker. Petco went all in on the design in their new Youly line. This coat has a hoodie, adjustable toggle straps, pockets, and more. Info: petco.com. •
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EMBRACE yo ur WAVE AT THE BOARDING HOUSE IN CAPE MAY, NJ
Rustic and relaxed — yet decidedly modern — the Boarding House seamlessly weaves laidback vibes with luxury and comfort. Nestled in the heart of historic Cape May, NJ, with dog-friendly accommodations and eco-friendly amenities, the Boarding House is the perfect choice for your next warm-weather vacation. Breezy and fresh... Sun-drenched and seaside... Relaxed coastal living by the salt and sand... That’s the Cape May lifestyle.
That’s the Boarding House.
810 Lafayette Street, Cape May 609.884.4884 • boardinghousecapemay.com
NEW YORK, NY
ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER SHALINI, SHALINI PARFUM COLLECTION By JB Samuel
halini Kumar is the visionary behind the world-renowned Shalini Parfum Collection, but little is known of the brand’s fascinating woman and entrepreneur. New York Lifestyles was delighted to spend an afternoon with Shalini to learn more about the woman and her parfum empire. Shalini (pronounced Sha-lin-nay) was born in Bombay, India, and aspired to become an architect while studying at Harvard. However, her love for texture, mood, and color drew her to the world of haute couture and eventually fragrance. She remembers as a child being surrounded by scents, and no doubt, these floral memories have inspired her perfumes. “My mom introduced me to all the flowers in the garden: how they grew from bud to full bloom, and how their fragrance changed. Tuberoses were my favorite—they only emitted their gorgeous scent in the evening hours. I would sneak into the garden at night so that I could inhale them by the moonlight.” Shalini began designing for Valentino, which eventually led to the creation of her own Haute Couture Collection. Her reverence for design and craftsmanship captivated a loyal clientele. Following an introduction to Master Perfumer Maurice Roucel, Shalini found her true calling: bringing the same sense of luxury and beauty to fragrance as she did for Haute Couture— creating Haute Parfum. The Shalini Parfum Collection was born with one eponymous fragrance—Shalini. It is Maurice who composes Shalini’s pure parfums with only the finest naturals and absoluts, making them a favorite of fragrance-lovers. Today, the Shalini Parfum Collection includes six opulent fragrances, which are considered Modern Masterpieces. Each perfume depicts a particular time and place in her life. And while they are the most luxurious fragrances in the world, any person who needs to be uplifted can wear them and feel the essence of luxury. 76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Shalini Kumar
What is your vision for the Shalini Parfum Collection? The vision behind Shalini Parfum is to create something of beauty, of lasting value, and of the ethereal that will stand the test of time and returns to the origin of perfume, the healing properties. Fragrance aficionados understand the healing energy, the uplifting effect on the soul, and the sense of luxury they experience when wearing our pure parfums. What has been the inspiration for your perfumes? Each of my fragrances evokes a special time in my life. My first fragrance, Shalini, was created from childhood memories of the lingering scent of tuberose and dancing butterflies in the garden. They are the favorite flowers of my childhood. Jardin Nocturne is inspired by Dubai’s night air and driving through the city at night with the stars above: the warm desert air scented with the Oud that ceremoniously burns, and whose haunting scent caresses your senses. Amorem Rose is an ode to the greatest love. Inspired by the rose gardens surrounding the Taj Mahal, it is the most opulent Bulgarian rose perfume with an element of smoke. Amorem Rose is the signature fragrance of The Pierre Hotel. Paradis Provence is the essence of my favorite place on earth—Provence. Iris Lumière is the Silver Light of peace and self-acceptance. My newest addition, Vanille Rêve, is an embracing composition of warm sensual Vanille Absolut, aromatic Anise, voluptuous Tuberose, Jasmin, and the Tahitian Gardenia blossoms. It is reminiscent of evenings in Bora Bora, Tahiti, the warm water of the South Pacific, and the scent of vanilla on sunkissed skin evoking amorous feelings.
Jardin Nocturne
Describe the creative process with the esteemed Master Perfumer, Maurice Roucel. Maurice Roucel was awarded Perfumer of the Year in 2020, and the Shalini Parfum Collection is the only complete collection he has designed during his distinguished career. Maurice is a dear friend whom I have worked with for 18 years. There is synergy and understanding between us, which is essential for the creation. It is easy to communicate what I want to create. He understands this on an intuitive level. The fragrances we have created transcend time. Tell us what drives the launch of a new fragrance? I compose my fragrances like poems that leave something to the wearer’s imagination to interpret based on their memories and experiences. I capture these moments to create the most beautiful, complex compositions by creating a mood and feeling where the composition becomes a rapture and is transportive. I design for a luxury customer who responds to our perfumes at an inner level—someone who loves the perfection and exquisite composition of our parfums. What would you say to budding entrepreneurs? I always say find something you believe in and pour your heart into it. Trust that your heart and creativity will take you in the right direction. Don’t follow trends, just your inner vision. I believe it is essential to be authentic in your creation as well as your message. As a child, my grandfather took me to the races, where he showed me that the thoroughbred horses wear blinders when they race, so they are not distracted by others. He told me that to succeed in life, you need to think like a thoroughbred and focus only on your goal and not what others say and do. To this day, I follow that advice. Finally, where can we find Shalini Parfum? The Shalini Parfum Collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman. Look for the launch of Vanille Rêve this month. Vanille Rêve
For more information on Shalini Parfum, follow @ shaliniparfum. •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77
NEW YORK, NY
MY NEW YORK STORY
MARY ANN BROWNING, BROWNINGS FITNESS By Lillian Langtry
ary Ann Browning is one of the most sought-after trainers in New York City and the Hamptons. Celebrities, socialites, and moguls—Rosanna Scotto, Vera Wang, Jonathan Tisch, David Steinberg, among others—train with Mary Ann because she produces results that last a lifetime without sacrificing the quality of life. At Brownings Fitness, this founder and president, along with her team of elite trainers, guarantees to build muscle where you currently do not have it, burn fat where you do, and change the shape of your body. As Mary Ann says, the Browning Method is about exercise and reinforcing positive body image and a healthy outlook on fitness. Brownings Fitness is now offering workouts at their city and Hamptons locations, FaceTime and Zoom virtual training sessions, as well as virtual and in-person nutritional consultations and training with Mary Ann. New York Lifestyles Magazine sat down with this dynamic woman to discuss her career and revolutionary fitness studio.
It’s all about exercise and reinforcing positive body image and a healthy outlook on fitness. 78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Mary Ann Browning
Tell us where you were born and raised? I was born in South Africa, and while there became a prima ballerina with the Johannesburg Ballet Company. I needed to stay moving when I left the ballet company at 26, so with my husband I moved to Capetown. We had a restaurant, which turned out to be an unhealthy change of life for me. Eventually, I met a trainer who motivated and helped me to get my nutrition and life on track. I studied nutrition and became certified for over ten years, and got divorced. Along the way, I met a woman who had an eating disorder. I started to help and train her, which also made me concentrate on myself. It showed me how wonderful it was to help others. I also began to participate in marathons, Ironman’s, and other sports events. After that, my fitness career took off. How and when did you start your fitness studio? I was named South Africa’s most successful personal trainer and had the opportunity to work as a specialist trainer in New York City. It was then I decided to open my first Brownings Fitness center. Currently, I am a certified trainer in MESC, NASM, AFTA, Pilates, Spinning, Swimming, and Running Coach, Sports and Nutrition, and Yoga. With locations in Manhattan and the Hamptons, our trainers specialize in all aspects of fitness, all experienced and well-trained. We have our in-house physical therapists for clients who have suffered an injury or need post-surgery. We’ll even make in-person visits or do virtual appointments.
Gym
What makes the Browning Method unique compared to other programs? We utilize cardio, strength training, and proper nutrition to change your body shape. Our unique design and individualized approach make it possible to build muscle and burn fat. It is a complete program that harmonizes exercise and nutrition. Other programs might focus on workouts or else not have enough focus on the food you are putting in your body. In addition to strength training, you specialize in nutritional counseling. What advice do you give your clients? I don’t believe in diets. I specialize in nutritional counseling and believe in respecting a person’s lifestyle and culture regarding food. You have to work in those perimeters to make nutrition beneficial. I spend a fair amount of time on a consultation with a client because it is crucial.
Nutritional Porgrams
You get excellent results because we are there with you every step of the way. Personalized one-on-one time makes the difference. Our tiers of programs offer a variety of programs that work best with the individual. Custom nutritional plans are sustainable for life. I have had incredible success with New York clients, many of whom lost over 20 pounds in two months and kept it off for 20 years. Once you’re a client, I am with you every step of the way. How did your business model adapt to the COVID-19? When the pandemic began, I immediately advised clients to buy home equipment like weights and bands. I then had to start motivating them and urging them to keep their bodies moving. Because my business is private training, people felt safe. We maintained the same clients during the pandemic. Trainers are available for Virtual Personal Training via Zoom or FaceTime. As most New Yorkers know, you can work out anywhere with minimal equipment from your bedroom to the park. Where do you see yourself and Brownings Fitness in the next five years? We have a strong business right now, which we will keep private. I believe New Yorkers will come back to the gym, but more people will want private lessons online and in their homes.
Mary Ann Browning with Client
Fo r m o re in fo r m at i o n o n Br o w n i n g s F i t n e s s , v i sit browningsfitness.com. •
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NEW YORK, NY
EMILY ROEBLING
HOW SHE SAVED THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE By Marian Betancourt
n a snowy December day, ground was broken for the Emily Roebling Plaza. This two-acre site at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge completes the 10-year project reclaiming a 1.3 mile stretch of once dilapidated industrial waterfront along the East River that has been transformed into a landscape of lawns, promenades, playgrounds, sports facilities, and the popular Jane’s Carousel. “When we went to the community planning board to ask what they thought for the final section, we heard very loudly about the need to pay tribute to Emily,” said Eric Landau, president of Brooklyn Bridge Park Commission. The new plaza is the area Emily Roebling used as her “office” for 11 years, meeting daily with engineers, workers, and supervisors carrying out her husband Washington Roebling’s role as chief engineer. Caisson’s disease had left Washington partially paralyzed, nearly blind, and bedridden. His father, John Roebling, the bridge creator, had died earlier of tetanus because of his foot being crushed between the dock and a ferry boat. 80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
Emily Warren Roebling
AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE Emily was well educated in science and academics and was quickly able to step into her husband’s role. Two years before completion, she led the trustees across a five-foot-wide plank walkway over the East River. When they reached the Manhattan side, the trustees, several clearly nervous on this “walk,” gave Emily and the bridge a Champagne toast. By the time the bridge was finished in 1883, Emily, now 40, had become the public face of the era’s most massive engineering and construction project to be forever known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Just before the official celebration, Emily with her teenaged son John, again crossed the bridge, this time in a carriage carrying a live rooster in her lap as a symbol of progress and prosperity. The workers stopped to cheer and lift their hats as she passed by. Most of the people involved in creating the bridge realized that Emily was the one who got it built. Even the press knew but hesitated to state clearly just what her role had been, for it was so far outside of society’s ingrained notions of womanhood. The extent of Emily’s work was never officially recognized except for thanking her for being a loyal helpmate to her ailing husband.
Eric Landau, Brooklyn Bridge Park Commission
Most of the people involved in creating the bridge realized that Emily was the one who got it built.
A SUFFRAGETTE After her accomplishment, Emily did not “settle down” into a conventional married woman’s role at home near the Roebling Iron Works in Trenton, New Jersey. Long active in suffrage, Emily chaired the state committee gathering data on women employed outside the home and worked with New Jersey’s officials planning their exhibition at the 1893 Columbian Exposition. In 1899, a 56-year-old Emily graduated from law school at New York University and won the $50 first prize for her essay, A Wife’s Disabilities, which she read to a “stunned” audience. She proposed eliminating laws discriminating against wives and widows. “Married women are the equivalent of idiots and slaves,” she wrote, “and property should belong to both partners equally.” Washington attended the graduation but responded to a reporter inquiring about his wife’s prize-winning essay, “I never heard her essay until tonight, and I do not agree with one word she has said.” Three years later, on February 28, 1903, Emily died of stomach cancer. Although Washington never fully recovered from caisson’s disease, he remarried and lived to be 89. Were it not for her son saving her letters, we would not know about Emily’s inner feelings as expressed in this 1898 letter to her son: “I am still feeling well enough to stoutly maintain against all critics (including my only son) that I have more brains, common sense, and know-how generally than any two engineers civil or uncivil that I have ever met, and but for me, the Brooklyn Bridge would never have had the name of Roebling in any way connected with it! It would have been Kingsley’s Bridge if it had ever been built! Your father was for years dead to all interest in that work.
Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Emily’s greatgreat-grandson Kriss Roebling, who lives in the community, spoke at the groundbreaking. Set to open at the end of the year, the new plaza will be furnished with benches, trees, and lawns, offering a beautiful area to enjoy the waterfront and think about what Emily accomplished for us all. • MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81
NEW YORK, NY
BACK TO THE PAST
TAKE A TOUR WITH THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL By Bailey Beckett
hen Amazon premiered The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, no one could have predicted the series—about a 1950s housewife who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy—would become a cultural phenomenon. From costumes to Greenwich Village and Upper West Side landmarks, the series expertly captures big city life in the otherwise lackluster Eisenhower era. Now, the Emmy-winning show fans can have a living Mrs. Maisel experience with a tour of its most prominent sites from the back of a classic 1957 Studebaker Commander. On Location Tours, one of New York’s leading entertainment tour companies premiered the tour, which has become one of the city’s hottest tickets.
Greenwich Village: A visit to the Kosher butcher where Mrs. Maisel picks up the lamb for her famous brisket and black-and-white cookies. You’ll also see the leading comedy club from the series as well as an old café which was seen in Maisel as well as Mad Men.
THE ‘50S MAGIC “During a time when TV fans cannot wait to see their favorite shows return, we came up with an extra special offering for our ultimate Maisel fans,” said Georgette Blau, founder of On Location Tours. “This tour recaptures some of that 1950s magic by bringing fans and tourists back to the place where the fictional Midge lived, worked, and made people laugh.”
Washington Square Park: Next, it’s time for a stroll in the park seen multiple times in the series. You might remember it best from the episode where Miriam finds herself in the spotlight yet again to protest a proposed highway that was almost built right through Manhattan. You’ll then head to the Irish bar where Midge and crew visit. In real life, they didn’t let in dames until the 1970s!
She speaks the truth: the tour includes an actress dressed for the era, and who brings the series to life with details about the series, filming, and anecdotes about how directors, costume designers, and producers recreated the setting. The 75-minute experience, which can accommodate three people at a time (for $150 per guest), takes guests through city neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Gramercy, NYU, and the Bowery. It also includes stops at 50s landmarks like the National Arts Club, Old Town Bar, Gaslight Café, Kettle Of Fish, McSorley’s Old Alehouse, City Spoon, and Café Reggio.
Gramercy: The first location is the swanky National Arts Center, where Joel introduces his parents to Midge. You’ll then head to the Old Time Bar where Joel gets drinks with his friend Archie (it still looks like the 1950s inside)!
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For more information on Mrs. Maisel’s Marvelous Tour of New York City, visit onlocationtours. com. •
NEW YORK, NY
A NEW YORK RANT DON’T RAIN ON MY PARADE! By Sean-Patrick Hillman
arch 17th is Sean-Patrick’s Day. I mean St. Patrick’s Day. For my entire life, having grown up in New York with a first name like Sean-Patrick, this day has always been my favorite. Whether it was marching down Fifth Avenue with a particular group, hanging out with friends along the parade route, or (more likely) doing an Irish pub crawl, the day we celebrate Irish heritage is unlike any other in New York. It will always have a special place in my heart. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is as synonymous with New York City as jelly is to peanut butter. It also happens to be the oldest and longest-running parade in the world! So, when 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19, the organizers still managed to get enough marchers to go down Fifth Avenue so that it could be recorded as “held.” Many of my fellow Irish Americans were so happy that at least that was able to happen. So, the question is, will the parade be allowed this year? All indications seem to say yes at this point. Still, we all know how wonderful the city and state have been over the last twenty years in telling the public things in a timely fashion and, of course, their responsibility in taking care of public health. You know, like our dear Governor’s handling of the nursing homes during the pandemic and resulting cover-up.
Traditions are important, especially in immigrant communities. Now, yes, it has been a few generations since the Irish side of my family emigrated to the U.S., but we still hold those very traditions in our hearts. And, of course, I have added to those traditions with my very own. I hope the parade goes forward this year, as you will most certainly find me along the parade route and then inside an Irish pub on the Upper East Side (likely Dorrian’s, Iggy’s, or Bailey’s Corner). After all, tradition is tradition! Erin Go Bragh! It has been my sincerest honor writing this column for the last year, but it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. This is going to be my last issue. Thank you for the support, the patience, and the love with A New York Rant and Great Bites! Stay in touch by emailing me at Sean-Patrick@hillstory.com. •
MARCH/APRIL 2021 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83
NEW YORK, NY
TIME OUT WITH…
GERARD SENEHI, MASTER OF MENTALISM By Harry Brads
e is recognized as a superstar in Mentalist Entertainment. Meet Gerard Senehi, who provides the most mind-bending and inspiring mentalist show in the world. His talents are so well known, he’s appeared on The Today Show, Ellen, CNN, and on the pages of New York Magazine. During this past year, he created a virtual experience of his show for special and corporate events and continues to break the boundaries of what is possible. Gerard has a unique interest and ability to use his art as a mentalist to create mystery, demonstrating impossible feats that even the most ardent skeptics can’t explain. At the same time, he makes an environment where people can suspend their ideas of what’s possible, thus giving an experience that is thoroughly captivating and expands possibilities beyond imagined boundaries. World leaders, celebrities, and top corporations have been so moved by the unique way he combines mind-bending mentalism with an inspirational outlook on life. Witness his talents, and you’ll be transported from the everyday environment to a completely different dimension. Senehi’s audiences know they have seen a one-of-a-kind event. He creates an environment where people can suspend their ideas of what’s possible, thus giving an experience that is thoroughly captivating and expands possibilities beyond imagined boundaries. His presentations are thoroughly entertaining, mysterious, and a perfect backdrop to let the imagination run with potentials not yet imagined. The mentalist is also regarded as one of the best and has received the highest recognition and honor, the Dunninger Award from the Psychic Entertainers Association. New York Lifestyles met up with Senehi to discuss his unique career and how one becomes a mentalist. Tell us how it all started. Well, I was born in France but grew up in Switzerland, Iran, and the U.S. After schooling, I became a teacher, then went on to social work and worked in nonprofits for most of my life. How did you discover your ability? It is an art form that I developed over the years. An initial catalyst was when I was playing cards late at night with high school friends, and I started jokingly calling out the cards that my friend was dealing and guessed three in a row right. I was intrigued by what happened, and it opened a deep curiosity about all the invisible aspects of life.
Gerard Senehi
How would you describe a mentalist? A mentalist is someone who brings forth an experience of mystery through skills or abilities of the mind, in contrast to a magician who creates an experience of mystery through sleight of hand or illusion. You have performed at many events. Tell us who about high-profile clients who have witnessed your talents. I’ve performed for world leaders, including President Clinton and his cabinet, Prince Philip, Prince Edward, Prince Albert, dozens of celebrities, the giant corporations in the world. I’m often the keynote presenter for annual meetings and conferences of many corporations. Do you have a particular activity that you are known for? I’m known for being one of the world’s best improvisational mentalists, as I create a real and inspiring experience rather than perform a staged show.
Gerard Senehi performing for the Clintons
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Is there anything else about being a mentalist that you would like to share? I’m passionate about giving people an experience of the intangible side of life where mystery opens the doors to possibilities. For more information on Gerard Senehi, visit experimentalist.com. •
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