New York Lifestyles Magazine - November 2017

Vol. 3 #10 | November 2017

MUST SEE HOLIDAY THE BIG APPLE THANKSGIVING DAY TIPS SKI EAST FESTIVITIES AROUND TOWN CIRCUS RETURNS! FOR THE HOME CHEF BEST SLOPES TO HIT

SAVE UP TO 20% ON TICKETS TO THE SHOW* *Valid on select seats and performances

VISIT ROCKETTES.COM/FAMILY *Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer. 8 ticket max per order. Discount is calculated off of the original box office price. Service charges apply to telephone and internet orders. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires January 1, 2018.

Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 212-465-6115. Š2017 MSG Sports & Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS HAVE COME TO SKIN CARE. Today’s skincare brands provide a spectrum of skin care products and treatments. Some tone, smooth and exfoliate. Others moisturize and repair damaged skin. There are even “anti-aging” formulations that temporarily plump or fill wrinkles.

Individually, or taken together via a facial treatment or spa protocol, these products can make your skin look and feel great.

But not a single one addresses the actual underlying health of the skin.

Until now.

Columbia Probiotics has developed a line of products that employs probiotics, plant stem cells and peptides to build healthy skin from the bottom up--from the dermis to the epidermis--by actually feeding it with the nutrients it needs to regenerate itself naturally.

HOW IT WORKS This natural complex of beneficial probiotics, botanicals and peptides keeps the bacteria in and on your skin balanced by promoting “good bacteria” at the expense of “bad bacteria.” The result is that the renewal of skin cells is naturally stimulated and accelerated, making the skin function more efficiently and promoting more rapid cell turnover to mimic the activity of skin younger than it is.

OUR PATENT-PENDING PROBIOTICS The probiotics in Columbia’s patent-pending formula are specifically made to be used topically, but work on your skin much like they do in your digestive tract. By facilitating the body’s natural processes of renewal, regeneration and rejuvenation, you will achieve naturally-improved, healthy functions. The same functions that slow down when we age, or lack proper nutrition, sleep or water intake. So, just as proper foods, water and rest heal, restore and rejuvenate your body, Columbia’s topical complex does the same for your skin.

MAKE UP FOR LOST TIME Don’t wait to bring your skin back to the optimal healthy state of its youth. Combine a healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep and a core skin-care regimen with Columbia Concentrate and Columbia Serum.

Available exclusively at

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15 FEATURES 12 14 15 50 54 56

Publisher’s Note November 2017 Calendar Marlo Thomas: From Fame To Philanthropy Through The Lens With Annie Watt Joan Hornig: Are You Listening?

NYC Holiday Guide

FASHION & BEAUTY 20 Ditch Dry Skin

20

TRAVEL 24 26 29 32 34 36

Aruba: A Dutch Treat California Dreamin’ Ski East A Teen’s Take On Universal Orlando Resort Sunny Days In South Beach 5 Amazing Places To See In 2018

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 39 40 42 44 46 48 60 62

Notes From DB Brooklyn In The Avant-Garde Woolworth Tower Residences Madison Square Park Tower 21 East 12th Street 49 Chambers Spotlight: Craig Van Mackelberg Holidays At Home

6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

34

42

NOW OPEN!

VIEW.

Eight Screens • Laser Projection The Best in Film for Sophisticated Moviegoers

SIP.

Full Bar • Craft Beers on Tap • Premium Liquor Craft Cocktails • Extensive Wine List

STAY. Luxury Seats & Recliners Reserved Seating Special Filmmaker Q&As

THE LANDMARK AT

WEST

657 West 57th Street at 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019 • (646) 233-1615

For Advance Tickets and to Reserve Your Seat landmarktheatres.com Join Our Film Club Email List for advance info about upcoming engagements, notifications of filmmaker appearances, free screening invitations, and giveaways! filmclub.landmarktheatres.com @TheLandmarkAt57West

@TheLandmark57W

@ltnewyorkcity

68 HEALTH & WELLNESS 64 66 68 70 72

Dealing With Head Injuries Giving Gratitude Frank Talk On Cosmetic Dermatology & Medi-Spas Spa Scene: Modrn Sanctuary Pumpkin Spice (And Everything Nice)

DINING 74 76 77 78 81

74

Bagatelle: The Best Of French Mediterranean Feast On This The Home Chef In The Kitchen With Tracey Ceurvels Jersey Spirits

THEATER & ARTS 84 On Stage 88 On The Big Screen 90 On The Small Screen 92 On The Bookshelf 95 Museum Happenings

95

NEW YORK, NY 98 100 102 105 108 110 112

The Big Apple Circus Returns NYC & The Civil War: It’s Complicated Welcome To TV Town Paws Down, Tails Up Entrepreneur’s Corner: Andreas Leuzinger My New York Story: Katrina Adams 15 Minutes With Steve Cohen

8 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

98

SAVE UP TO 20% ON TICKETS!* *Valid on select seats and performances

Bring some Buddy you love!

3 WEEKS ONLY!

DECEMBER 13-29

USE CODE: FAMELF theateratmsg.com/famelf

*Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other offer. 8 ticket max per order. Discount is calculated off of the original box office price. Service charges apply to telephone and internet orders. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice and is subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. Offer expires December 29, 2017. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 212-465-6034. Š2017 MSG Sports & Entertainment, LLC. All rights reserved. ŠNew Line Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Logo Illustration by Hugh Syme.

ISSN 2474-770X

Check us out on the web!

Vol. 3 #10 | November 2017 President / Publisher Bill Mason

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

Executive Publisher Ernie Anastos

Editor at Large Nina Anastos Floyd

Vice President of Sales Lyle Seltzer

Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim

Marketing Director Phillip Anastos

Art Director Eric Duncan

Managing Editor Patricia Canole

Medical Editor Doris Day, MD

Entertainment Editors Jenny Peters, Lori Simmons Zelenko

Feature Editor Joan Hornig

Real Estate Editor Daniel J. Bollinger

Fashion & Style Editor Miki Makrillos

Contributing Editors Clint Brownfield, Ruth J. Katz

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributing Writers Michael Alpiner, Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RDN, Norah Bradford Karen Feld, Lee Gabay, Judy Goss, Ann Grenier Karen Jacobs, Peter Kalellis, Gretchen Kelly, Gerard Longo Jessica Masters, Mary McLean, Julie Menin, Griffin Miller Ellis Nassour, Anthony Rapacciuolo Anne Raso, Mike & Nava Raviv, Richie Realms Ian Reifowitz, Baruch Shemtov, Bill Spadea Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Susan Traub, Stacey Zable Internet Presence Scott Cuollo, Richard Austin Advertising BLUE VISTA 725 Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Brett Caldwell - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing Janneta Abunda - Director of Sales - Health, Beauty and Travel John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Director of Sales - Real Estate Francine Dingeman - Senior Sales Manager 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

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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 11 times annually. © 2017 New York Lifestyles Magazine

This holiday season, create unforgettable memories together at TripAdvisor’s #1 resort for families.

At Woodoch, it’s a story about families coming together. We invite you to come and reconnect, make life-long memories, and even find a few new friends.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE “New York Lifestyles Magazine is a continuation of my passion to share news, information and lifestyle about where and how we live. This commitment reflects a positive approach to offering compelling features with the highest quality presentation. As executive publisher, I am proud of our professional staff and my family who are helping to reshape the way you read and enjoy this exciting magazine.”

here are many books about positive thinking that can help us all create or reinforce a good attitude about life.

I want to share a fine book that caught my attention. It’s titled, “A Daybook of Positive Thinking” and filled with daily affirmations of gratitude and happiness. It is part of the Blue Mountain Arts Collection and nicely edited by Patricia Wayant.

One of my favorites is on page 36 and called, How to Be Happy. Robert Louis Stevenson is credited with composing it and giving us twelve steps to positive living. Number 1 on the list, Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things. That’s the idea!

I think that making a decision to look for happiness in life brings us closer to finding it. You’ll be inspired to think about what really matters, live in the present moment and always look for the sunshine!

-Ernie Anastos

Executive Publisher New York Lifestyles Magazine “Our City, Your Life”

Ernie Anastos is a celebrated author and distinguished Emmy award winning TV news legend in New York. He is recognized as a champion for promoting more positive news and an influential voice in the world of media.

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Give to help her live.

St. Jude patient Stella, age 4 blood cancer

Give thanks for the healthy kids in your life, and give to those who are not.

Last Thanksgiving, Stella didn’t feel like playing. She was cold and tired, and her legs hurt. When tests revealed blood cancer, Stella’s doctor referred her to St. Jude for treatment. Families like Stella’s never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food—because all they should worry about is helping their child live. “Stella has gotten phenomenal treatment here. We’re at the best place possible,” said Stella’s mom, Crystal.

Give today at stjude.org or 800-4STJUDE ©2017 ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (32410)

NOVEMBER 2017 CALENDAR 1ST – 4TH BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL (BAFF) The film festival showcases independent filmmaking and presents awards at School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theater. bigapplefilmfestival.com

3RD – 4TH NYC CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL Sample 150 craft beers with local restaurant food at the Metropolitan Pavilion. nyccraftbeerfest.com

4TH – 5TH 5TH TCS New York City Marathon The world-famous NYC Marathon begins in Staten Island and runs through all five boroughs before ending at Central Park. tcsnycmarathon.org

23RD THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE Watch giant balloons, floats, marching bands, clowns, and performers as Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade goes down Central Park West and 6th Avenue. macys.com/social/parade

TOY FAIR This annual event promises hands-on exhibits, awe-inspiring displays, dozens of toys and entertainment brands—and neverbefore-seen exclusives at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. playfairny.com

11TH VETERANS DAY PARADE New York City Veterans Day Parade entertains over 500,000 spectators as it goes up Fifth avenue from 26th to 52nd Streets.

The opening ceremony is at 10 AM, wreath laying at 11 AM, and parade at 11:15 AM. nycvetsday.org

24TH – 25TH HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Watch the Harlem Globetrotters demonstrate ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots and comedy at Madison Square Garden. harlemglobetrotters.com

29TH WALL STREET ROCKS Join big name performers at the Wall Street Rocks: For Our Heroes benefit at the Highline Ballroom. wallstreetrocks.org 14 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

29TH ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE LIGHTING Brave the crowds and winter weather to watch the Christmas tree come to life along with live entertainment. rockefellercenter.com/holidays

MARLO THOMAS: FROM FAME TO PHILANTHROPY This NY Icon Is On A Mission!

By Anthony Rapacciuolo

amed actress, television star, and Broadway phenomenon Marlo Thomas grew up in a house of comedy and love which ultimately shaped the person we know today. However, her father Danny Thomas forged a legacy which she carries on that is more near and dear to her heart than any theatrical performance or TV sitcom.

JOIN MARLO - SUPPORT ST. JUDE Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

New York Lifestyles Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Marlo about her career, her life and most importantly, her mission of helping children with pediatric cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After reading her story, we encourage you to learn more about St. Jude and consider supporting its upcoming Thanks and Giving Campaign.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 15

Programs like this year’s Thanks and Giving Campaign are the lifeblood of our organization.

16 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Tell our readers what it was like growing up? What was your fondest memory?

I lived in a house of comedy. My father, Danny Thomas, was a very funny guy. He had a lot of comedian pals like George Burns and others who used to hang out at our house. They were laughing from the moment they arrived to the moment they left.

I remember being 7 or 8 years old and going into my father’s study while he honed his comedy act. In those moments, I learned a lot of things that I’ve carried over into my own career. One of those things he said was never lie to an audience. If you stop along the way for a cheap laugh, you’ll lose them. It’s so true, and I’ve seen it happen.

You came to New York to pursue your acting career.

What does New York mean to you, the people, its culture, and attitude?

What’s great about New York is that you’re in the traffic so to speak, of theater, art, music, politics and so much more that really isn’t available elsewhere. New York is also a very spontaneous place. You don’t have to plan something because you can simply go to the theater or a restaurant, or do almost anything else. I think anybody who’s bored in New York isn’t trying.

President Obama Putting Medal on Marlo Thomas

You studied to be a school teacher? Tell our readers about the career change.

I’d always wanted to be an actor, but my Dad didn’t want that for me. He came from an immigrant family of ten kids, most of whom didn’t finish high school. It was very important to my parents that we received an education.

I went to college and studied teaching, and I later ended up writing my thesis on applying acting to teaching. I received an A on the paper, and my teacher wrote on the side in red I think you should go into theater, I think that’s what you really want. That’s something I’ll never forget. I remember after graduation taking my diploma home to my father and telling him that was for him, and that I was headed to New York to study acting.

I think the art of storytelling is really what the theater is all about—and you are the storyteller.

You’ve done it all from stage to studio, which would you say is your passion?

For me, my favorite thing to do is be on stage live. I love to rehearse, and I especially love to do new plays. It’s quite exciting to embark on a new play with a director and group of actors and together learn what the play is about.

I like the structure of it. Being able to work in front of an audience and hear their reaction whether its wonderful laughter or wonderful silence, it’s a very exciting moment to communicate. The theater is so ancient, and I think the art of storytelling is really what the theater is all about, and you are the storyteller. When the performance is over, you’ve told the story to that group of people, and tomorrow it will be totally different.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17

You believe there are two types of people in the world, can you describe them for us?

There are two types of people in the world, those who stop at a traffic accident to see if they can help, and those who just drive by. One of the things missing in our society is that people don’t take notice of things. They’re too busy trying to cross things off their to-do list. It’s a lesson I must learn myself all the time, I need to slow down and notice things, and it’s something that I’ve taken seriously.

Clearly, you’re the type of person that stops at the traffic accident. Speak to our readers about the role philanthropy plays in your life and the organization closest to your heart.

My brother, sister, and I grew up in a house of comedy and in a house that was dedicated to the building of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In fact, we heard about it so much as children we actually thought that he was one of our uncles. While my father was alive, we all did what we could to help him, but we weren’t really involved all that much. When my father died 26 years ago, little by little my sister, brother, and I became more involved. At first out of respect for my father, but then we became completely emerged in the need of the children.

My father founded the hospital with two promises: First that all research and discoveries would be shared immediately with the scientific and medical community worldwide. Second, that no family would ever be given a bill from St. Jude for anything. We believe that all a parent should do is worry about saving their child’s life.

My brother, sister, and I grew up in a house of comedy and in a house that was dedicated to the building of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tell us why 2017 is so special for the organization, and how our readers can help support the cause.

At St. Jude we need to raise 78 percent of our money from the public. By comparison, other reputable hospitals like those here in New York only need to raise about 8 percent. Our budget is $2.4 million a day, and that’s real money. Programs like this year’s Thanks and Giving Campaign are the lifeblood of our organization. The Thanks and Giving Program takes place between Thanksgiving and New Year’s and is our most significant national campaign. It allows us to raise funds and also raise awareness.

18 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Share with our readers any of the latest developments or research that’s coming out of the hospital.

The great thing about St. Jude is that we’re constantly coming up with new ways to try and cure cancer. Something new and exciting that’s happening is our precision medicine effort. We sequence the genome of every single child that comes to St. Jude, and by having that genome, we’re able to create a precision medicine unique to every child. The genome helps us to precisely see whether a specific child can be helped by a specific therapy. This limits unnecessary treatments and allows us to understand better what treatments may help. That’s how we have achieved such amazing survival rates.

Outside the realm of philanthropy, are you currently working on any new projects?

Opening Night Relatively Speaking

THANKS AND GIVING CAMPAIGN

They haven’t been announced yet, but what I can tell you is that I’m working on a new television series idea, and I’m also working on a new movie. But that’s all I can say!

Sound Off! Tell our readers something you’ve never shared with another publication before.

I’m obsessed with Jerry Seinfeld! I just adore him. I think what I love about Jerry is that he works with a certain amount of ease and a tremendous respect for the audience. It reminds me very much of my father’s criteria and work ethic.

Here at New York Lifestyles Magazine, we are proud to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and encourage our readers to do so as well. For more information or to make a donation to the Thanks and Giving Campaign, please visit StJude.org, call 800-4STJUDE, or shop at any one of the 70 corporate sponsors who are participating in the campaign and make a donation at the checkout.

The other thing people don’t know is that I love party games. If you come to my house, you have to be ready to play charades. I’m very competitive. It’s not only competitive in that you want to win but also an appreciation for the other person’s ability and finesse. Nora Ephron is a great charade player! • Anthony Rapacciuolo is the owner of New York-based PRcision LLC, a full service public relations, marketing and events firm. His company has been called upon by numerous clients to assist in their fundraising and communications efforts. He is also a partner in an Italian Restaurant based on Staten Island.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19

DITCH DRY SKIN! he weather is changing, and so is our skin! The transition to cooler weather is always one that needs attention. It’s time to make way for some extra time in our daily routine for some skin TLC.

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SHOWER. EXFOLIATE. MOISTURIZE Harsh weather can take its toll on our bodies—and with hot showers and cozy nights becoming more and more appealing, our skin sets alarm bells ringing. Heat causes the skin to dry out rapidly—so we need products that repair lost moisture.

Exfoliating scrubs can help to cleanse dead skin cells and make way for an intense body moisturizer that can stay put. Just apply in a circular motion, paying particular attention to rough areas like elbows and knees. Rinse off using warm water rather than hot, as the best way to close pores is with cold if you’re feeling brave!

KARITÉ CRÈME MAINS SHEA BUTTER Is a decadent, anti-aging hand cream formulated specifically for the unique needs of the hands. Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E, the cream helps restore moisture and reinforce the skin’s barrier while leaving skin smooth, plump and baby soft (mykarite.com).

Towel dry your skin in a patting motion and then apply a body butter or intense hydration moisturizer—products containing vitamin E and shea butter are ideal. Moisturizing daily is the best way to avoid cellulite and improve uneven lumps and bumps. Hand and foot creams should be applied at least once a week for optimum smoothness—just use in the evenings while watching your favorite TV show and let them soak in well before bed.

BABOR REVERSIVE ANTI-AGING OVERLIGHT MASK Supports the skin’s natural repair mechanisms precisely when they need it. With this effective combination of active Reversive ingredients, the mask makes sleep the ultimate luxury (babor.com).

DR. BRONNER’S ORGANIC HAND & BODY LOTION Moisturizes and soothes skin, without being too thick or sticky. Jojoba, hemp, coconut and avocado oil provide penetrating moisture to keep the skin silky smooth and supple (drbronner.com).

20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

CERAMIRACLE THE FIRST LIGHT— THE SERUM Is a hydrating, rejuvenating serum that boasts baby-like softness and harnesses the capabilities of the vernix caseosa—the natural power that provides hydrated, resilient, and near-perfect skin (ceramiracle.com).

MIRAI CLINICAL 3-IN-1 MULTI-TASKING FACE SERUM Is a toner, moisturizer, and age-defying serum in a single application. Helps prevent the visible signs of aging from UVrays and hormonal changes (miraiclinical.com).

FACE OFF From striking sunrays to bitter winds, our skin is arguably the most vulnerable when it comes to facing the elements. It needs constant protection and cleansing to keep out chemicals we don’t even realize are in the air—and red noses are something we don’t want trending this season!

Take care to cleanse and tone thoroughly— micellar water is huge right now. Follow up with a moisturizer that contains Aloe Vera—it’s like drinking a big glass of water with your face!

NIGHT IN So your makeup is off, the heating is turned down, and you’re about to get into bed. Stop right there! Night creams and overnight masks can make your skin go that extra mile. Minimal effort—just dap on and sleep! You’ll thank yourself in the morning.

SKINN COSMETICS ENLIGHTENED SERUM Is an all-encompassing brightening and anti-aging treatment that diminishes the appearance of discolorations, fine lines, wrinkles and dry skin. The formula is packed with an encapsulated peptide, antioxidants Resveratrol and White Tea to help increase moisture retention and improve the look of uneven skin tone (skinn.com).

MALÉE CONDITIONING BODY SCRUB Uses a gentle yet effective combination of multi-grain natural salt, skin-loving oils and sugar with naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids to draw in moisture, smooth away imperfections and reveal the healthy, youthful skin beneath (maleeonline.com).

KAPLAN MD NIGHT REPLENISHMENT CONCENTRATE Promotes cell regeneration and collagen synthesis for the visibly youthful skin.

Also, includes an exclusive MicroCirculation Applicator specially engineered to increase micro-circulation and draw heat away from the skin allowing for optimal penetration of active nutrients (kaplanmd.com).

PARODI NOURISHING FOOT CREAM Softens, soothes and hydrates dry, tired feet, keeps callouses under control and moisturizes skin while giving feet a luxurious look and feel (parodicare.com).

NERD CELLULAR INTELLIGENCE TIME POSTPONING CREAM Repairs skin cells while targeting existing and future signs of aging with this ultra-rich cream. Also formulated with PhytoCellTec Nunatak® and snow algae powder to postpone aging (nerdskincare.com).

HYDRATED INSIDE OUT The biggest rule for maintaining the moisture not just through products is also through natural resources. Water is an integral part of daily life. Get through the day in the best possible way by drinking 6 to 8 cups of water—whether that is on its own or through juice or smoothies.

When exercising, it’s vital to increase your fluid intake as sweating is also a cause for hydration loss, and yes, that means before, during and after exercise!

Vitamins and supplements are another way to ensure a glowing complexion—the best thing? It’s 5 seconds of your time and a longlasting, healthy result! Just take one every morning with your breakfast, and you’re ready to go!

So what are you waiting for? It’s time to banish dry skin. •

-The Editors at BeautyPress.com

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21

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ARUBA: A DUTCH TREAT

By Patricia Canole

f you’re craving a bit of sun-drenched Arizona—but you want this desert to be surrounded by dazzling pale aqua blue waters and some of the Caribbean’s best palm-lined beaches—then say “bon bini” to Aruba. That’s “welcome” in Papiamento, the local dialect on this nice little Dutch island.

Aruba sits a mere 18 miles off the coast of South America, and the primary ingredient in its cosmopolitan stew is mellow Latin HAPPY ISLAND, JOYFUL OPTIONS spice, mixed with just enough international flavor (casinos, water Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo sports, superb dining) to keep visitors coming back year after year.

And if that isn’t enough for you, here are more reasons Aruba is irresistible.

IT’S GOT ENDLESS SUNSHINE The sun comes out on Aruba almost every day of the year. This arid isle gets just 20 inches of rain annually, and since it (along with fellow ABC islands Bonaire and Curaçao) lies below the hurricane belt, it’s a safe bet even during storm season. For the best beach bumming, settle in on the leeward coast, where resorts of all sizes hug the golden sands of Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. Kick off your shoes and soak up the intense rays this super-sunny spot is known for.

IT’S SPORTY There’s nothing wrong with becoming one with a comfy chaise, but if you are of the ambitious sort, Aruba excels in active pursuits. Constant trade winds make the island a top spot for sailing, parasailing, and windsurfing. You can also commandeer a Jet Ski and skim over the aquamarine sea or slide into the soothing 82-degree water and snorkel among the colorful tropical fish that dart in and out of the shipwrecks off the coast.

24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

IT’S SOCIAL When the sun goes down, most visitors stroll from one resort to another, checking out the revolving array of nightclub theme nights, Vegas-style floor shows, and beachside barbecues. Another after-dark option: Test your luck at one of Aruba’s lavish casinos, located in the top resorts in the charming capital, Oranjestad.

Partying the night away is as easy as jumping aboard one of Aruba’s colorful buses for a wild tour of a local hangout, discos, and dives. Two to try: try the wacky, whimsical Kukoo Kumuku, an all-inclusive dinner, bar-hopping night out with door-to-door service provided on a colorful bus. Or try the open-air Fiesta Hopper with its onboard dance lessons—maracas and margaritas included!

IT HAS A WILD SIDE When it’s time to do some serious exploring, rent a car or hook up with a four-by-four safari and head across Aruba’s hauntingly beautiful cactus- and boulder-strewn canucu, or countryside, to the rugged windward coast. Here, crashing waves have carved small, secluded coves into the rocky shore, including, one enclosed by a large natural stone bridge. Standing together with the sea spray cooling your skin, you’ll realize that Aruba truly is different—awesome. Be sure to tour the incredible “The Tunnel of Love” cave; it does have a heart-shaped entrance. You’ll be inspired. And leave the map behind. Instead, follow the natural road signs of Aruba’s distinctive divi-divi trees. (Bent by the wind, they’ll always point you back to the leeward coast where first-class comforts await.)

Of course, you’ll want to visit the Casibari Rock Formations, huge boulders created by prehistoric volcanic activity. Climb the steep stone steps to the summit for a view from the island’s highest point, Hooiberg (Haystack Hill). A twisting road leads to the charming Alto Vista Chapel, built in the 18th century by Spanish missionaries. And don’t forget to snap a photo of Aruba’s most famous landmark, the Natural Bridge, a 100-foot-long formation of coral limestone.

Then it’s back to your resort for a relaxing nap before you’re ready to hit the town again for a night of fun.

On Aruba, you really can have it all!

For more information on Aruba, visit aruba.com. • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 25

CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’

By Jessica Masters

he leaves are brown; the sky is grey, and—you know it!—we’d be safe and warm if we lived in Southern California. That is not to say you should ditch NYC for good. But you will enjoy a vacation at any one of these fantastic hotels and resorts. From the Santa Monica beaches to the Santa Barbara Riviera, Southern California indeed has something for everyone. Even die-hard New Yorkers.

LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL Santa Monica Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated beachfront hotels. It’s easy to see why: The hotel’s 347 guest rooms and suites overlook both the ocean and the Santa Monica Pier and offer excellent quality and service. Relax by the ocean view pool and Jacuzzi and cool off with a chilled towel delivered by your own Poolside Concierge. Even better, take a walk along the 3.5 mile Santa Monica beach and take in all the sights and sounds. At night, when the ferris wheel is electrified like a Lite Brite, it’s hard to remember you’re in Los Angeles. What makes this hotel special, however, are its innovative ways with food and beverage. In addition to its two California-driven restaurants, Ocean & Vine and BarBelle, the hotel recently introduced Flavor by Loews, an original experience that serves up the best of Los Angeles’ local flavors. The indigenous products are showcased on menus enabling guests to experience a taste of the destination. Flavors that entice include El Machete Chili Sauce, handcrafted by owner Oscar Ochoa, the son of Mexican immigrants. It’s featured in the signature “Locals Only” cocktail at BarBelle, and at Ocean & Vine. And LA-based company Juice Served Here offers cold-pressed and nutritionally-packed premium juices made with produce sourced from local biodynamic farmers.

The hotel has introduced refreshing Cold Pressed Cocktails, where such flavor as “The Pixie” and “Charcoal Lemonade” make a hit with the crowd.

For more information on Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, visit loewshotels.com/santa-monica.

26 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

BOOK SOME CALIFORNIA SUN NOW Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

HOTEL BEL-AIR Los Angeles Yes, the Hotel Bel-Air is as fabulous as it’s cracked up to be. Nestled within 12 lush garden acres, you couldn’t be farther away from the madness of Hollywood. The hotel is as fascinating as it is beautiful, having been a hideaway for world travelers for more than 65 years.

Now managed by the Dorchester Collection, it continues to evoke the elegance and glamorous charm of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Deluxe guest rooms and suites are located throughout the property.

But the piece de resistance are the seven individually designed specialty suites, which include the Grace Kelly, Presidential, Chalon, Herb Garden, Swan Lake, Grand, and Patio suite.

A popular setting for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or Sunday brunch, Wolfgang Puck is the perfect place for a romantic meal, a social celebration or solo dining. And The Bar and Lounge, which extends to the outdoors with garden niches and fountains.

Portraits of celebrities in black and white dominate the walls of the bar with iconic imagery captured by photography legend Norman Seeff. Finally, the Spa, a favorite among the A-listers, open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM for decadent massages, facials, and body treatments. You never know which celeb you’ll run into. And we’ll never tell.

For more information on Hotel Bel-Air, visit dorchestercollection.com/en/los-angeles/beverly-hills.

BELMOND EL ENCANTO Santa Barbara Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Santa Barbara’s only Forbes Five-Star Belmond El Encanto is an enchanting hilltop hideaway for those who crave privacy and serenity. The resort features two distinct styles of early Santa Barbara architecture—California Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival. Each one of the 92 bungalows has been luxuriously designed to provide guests with every modern convenience in a luxurious setting. The resort opened in 1918 and was a favorite of celebrities like Hedy Lamarr, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard, who motored up from Los Angeles. Re-opened in 2013 under the Belmond banner, it has launched an exclusive new partnership with the local winery, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, which offers guests an opportunity to explore the area’s continuously booming wine region through curated experiences and offerings. There’s also a partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB), which offers visitors and locals the chance to view works by some of the world’s brilliant artists. Its Artist and Designer In-Residence Program, a rotating on-property program that brings contemporary artworks, furniture, and designs from an international selection of MCASB commissioned artists to hillside resort. In addition to curating a collection of artwork that can be enjoyed throughout the resort, this program offers guests the opportunity to watch and interact with the artists firsthand. Recent artists included San Antonio-based contemporary artist Cruz Ortiz, in which guests witnessed Ortiz’s plein air painting techniques, and Canadian designer Philippe Malouin, who was recently named the designer of the year at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

For more information on Belmond El Encanto, visit belmond.com/hotels/north-america.

MONARCH BEACH RESORT Dana Point Monarch Beach Resort is located in Dana Point, Orange County, just 60 miles south of Los Angeles and a half-hour drive from the John Wayne Airport.

The AAA Five-Diamond awarded luxury hotel has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and 400 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites. It features the Robert Trent Jones-designed Monarch Beach Golf Links; exclusive access to one of the most coveted beaches in Southern California; three luxurious pools; six ocean-view restaurants including Chef Michael Mina’s lauded Stonehill Tavern; and the Miraval Life in Balance Spa. Now let’s talk spa: It offers offers more than 70 of the signature treatments developed at the company’s flagship Miraval Resort & Spa near Tucson, Arizona. The facility has 24 treatment rooms, spa suites, boutique, Drybar, nail salon and relaxation and tranquility zones.

You won’t want to leave unless it’s tee time.

For more information on Monarch Beach Resort, visit monarchbeachresort.com. • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27

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SKI EAST

By Patricia Canole

kiing and snowboarding on the East Coast are a bit different than in the west. Although elevations may be lower, there are plenty of white-knuckle challenges, with plenty of challenging trails.

BOOK SOME SNOW TIME NOW Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

VERMONT It’s the king of New England skiing, with more major ski resorts than any other Eastern state. There are a few ways to make the most of a ski getaway here. For starters, with so many resorts in such a small state, it’s very easy to ski more than one in a single trip. And nearby resorts offer interchangeable lift tickets. Also, to get the most bang for your buck, go where the skiing best suits your ability. Southern Vermont areas (Okemo) lean toward intermediate cruising terrain, while northern resorts (Stowe) tend to offer more to advanced and expert skiers. In the middle is Killington, the biggest of all, with plenty to interest skiers of every ability.

For more information on Ski Vermont, visit skivermont.com.

Okemo Vertical Rise: 2,200 feet Acres of Terrain: 667 Well-traveled skiers will enjoy the excellent grooming and quality of the white stuff which has made this southcentral a favorite. High-powered snow guns cover 96 percent of trails that span the resort’s five mountains— with terrain equally divided among novice, intermediate and advanced levels. There’s something for everyone (including acrobatic boarders, who can perform tricks on six terrain parks and a 500-foot-long super pipe). And those looking for more of a cardio-workout should include a few hours on the extensive network of sweat-inducing trails, manicured especially for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Stowe Vertical Rise: 2,360 feet Acres of Terrain: 485 Don’t let the luxury hotels and vacation homes distract you—this mountain is no joke. Located on the face of Vermont’s highest summit, Mount Mansfield, Stowe has some of the most challenging runs on the East Coast. While the most famous trails are the legendary Front Four— National, Liftline, Goat, and Starr—Stowe also has access to some of the best-unmarked tree skiing in the east. Stowe is as close to a traditional European resort as it gets in the eastern United States.

Killington Vertical Rise: 3,050 feet Acres of Terrain: 1,509 This sprawling property offers snow-packed trails that weave around the Green Mountains and promise the most thrilling downhill skiing this side of the Mississippi.

Dubbed the “Beast of the East” it lives up to its name: It’s the biggest resort covering seven mountains and an excellent variety of terrain. Probably a good reason Killington attracts large numbers of devoted skiers who keep it as lively after hours as they do during the day.

It also demonstrates that the beast is still a real beauty of a mountain. Beginners can trail off on Pico Peak and Rams Head Mountain, while speed demons rip down Killington Peak.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29

NEW YORK New York has its distinctive style. Rather than sleepy New England towns, you’ll find a lively crowd on—and off—the slopes. Reigning supreme here is Whiteface Mountain and Gore Mountain both set in Adirondack State Park. The park is big and steep (if not more significant and more precipitous) as many mountains in Vermont or the rest of New England. Few East Coast resorts can match Whiteface’s big-mountain challenge, and none can match its tradition: After all, Lake Placid hosted the Winter Olympics twice— in 1932 and 1980.

For more information on Ski New York State, visit iskiny.com.

Whiteface Mountain Vertical Rise: 3,430 feet Acres of Terrain: 288 In the town of Lake Placid, you’ll find the towering Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface has two significant advantages over other areas: the most prominent vertical drop in the Northeast and its proximity to Lake Placid, which offers many winter activities.

Whiteface will especially please both expert and intermediate skiers looking for long trails and gorgeous views of the Adirondacks.

Less experienced skiers have access to Runner Up and Silver, closer to the base. Families can also try out their skills at bobsledding in the town of Lake Placid.

Gore Mountain Vertical Rise: 2,537 feet Acres of Terrain: 446 This small ski area has a loyal following of families who return year after year— most probably because it’s relatively uncrowded. Besides, the comfortable layout, with all trails leading back to a medium size base lodge, it is good for parents who might worry about losing their kids. The area encompasses four different mountains in the Adirondacks: Gore, Little Gore, Burnt Ridge, and Bear Mountain. Nearly half the trails are intermediate, and 10 percent are suitable for beginners. In addition to alpine skiing, Gore Mountain also offers crosscountry and snowshoe trails located at North Creek Ski Bowl.

30 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Hunter Mountain Vertical Rise: 1,600 feet Acres of Terrain: 240 Hunter Mountain, located in the Catskills, is the largest mountain in the southern New York State area--a convenient two-hour drive from New York City. The resort offers arguably the best skiing south of Vermont and is a worthy destination for skiers of all abilities. Hunter’s beginner terrain centers on Hunter One, the smallest of three mountains. For the intermediate, there’s the longest run, Belt Parkway. And for advanced and expert skiers, there’s black and double black terrain on Hunter West. The Empire Terrain Park offers freestyle skiers and snowboarders plenty of jumps, while a ninelane snow-tube park is fun for families or the young at heart.

PENNSYLVANIA It’s time to shift your winter into high gear and plan your incredible Pennsylvania ski vacation to where else but the Poconos. With a history dating back to 1946 when the mountains welcomed the first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania and perfected the art of snowmaking, the Poconos have become a bona fide ski destination. Today, the Poconos have it all—beginner slopes to the double black diamonds and terrain parks to test your skills.

Get out and experience the exhilaration when your skis start sliding down a Pocono slope.

For more infor mation on the Po c on o Mou nt ai n s , v i sit poconomountains.com.

AH SCHUSS—A GUIDE TO SKI LINGO Alpine Skiing Another way of saying downhill skiing.

Après Ski After-skiing social activities.

Base Amount of packed snow reported by ski areas.

Chute Steep and narrow run usually flanked by rocks or trees.

Cruiser Long, smooth, bump-free run on packed powder.

Face Usually a steep, open section of a trail down the fall line.

Half Pipe Half-cylindrical form (like a tube cut in half lengthwise) designed exclusively for snowboarders, who execute tricks off its edges.

Powder Dry, fresh, light snow. Preferred by powder hounds, but often the bane of less experienced skiers because it requires a more advanced technique than does skiing in regular snow.

Slalom Form of racing in which a skier attempts to negotiate a course of staggered, closely set gates using short radial turns.

Shawnee Mountain Located in Pennsylvania on the Delaware River, the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area is nestled in the Poconos Mountains. Best of all, it’s just a two-hour drive from NYC, and once you’ve arrived, you will be a “world away” from the hustle and bustle. The mountain features 23 trails and two terrain parks, as well as a snow-tubing park. If you’re not quite ready to hit the slopes or some of the more difficult trails, nearly one-quarter of the total runs at the Shawnee Mountain Ski Area are beginner runs. While the trails can get crowded from time to time, a high-speed quad chairlift helps to keep the lines moving.

Camelback Mountain Vertical Rise, 2,133 feet Acres of Terrain: 160 If you ski just one place in Pennsylvania, Camelback must be it.

Most resorts along this gentle mountain range in Northeastern Pennsylvania describe runs as “great for beginners” or “family friendly.” Camelback is indeed that, but it also has trails that appeal to expert skiers. It can even make a high volume of snow and has two terrain parks and two half-pipes. For non-skiers, the sizeable snowtubing park is a pleasing alternative.

The ski day at Camelback is long—starting as early as 7:30 AM (for pass holders) and going as late as 10 PM, with every trail capable of being lit. And it’s less than 90 miles from New York City.

The resort’s base lodge is a great place to get your après ski started.

Friday through Sunday live bands play crowd-pleasing covers for the happy masses downing the macro-brews on tap.

Of course, as we all know there are two types of people in this world: those who ski, and those who don’t. If you fall into the latter camp and have never vacationed at a ski lodge, then you’ve been missing out.

Camelback Mountain Resort affords non-ski activities including zip lining over snow-covered mountains and treetops. For kids, there’s always Aquatopia Indoor Water Park with fun rides and slides. And for those who just want to kick back and relax, there’s Serenity Spa. For more information on Camelback Mountain, visit skicamelback. com; for information on Camelback Mountain Resort, visit camelbackresort.com • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31

A TEEN’S TAKE ON UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT

By Stacey Zable

s die-hard Harry Potter fans, my teen daughters longed to immerse themselves in the magical world, or more accurately, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort. A recent trip completely transported them into the legendary fictional world, with Universal delivering an authentic experience.

Harry Potter World in each of its two theme parks: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley in Universal Studios Florida and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Hogsmeade in Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The two are connected by the Hogwarts Express. So get ready for an adventure not to be forgotten!

DAY ONE AT UNIVERSAL My girls donned their Harry Potter shirts—full of energy and excitement—to experience Hogsmeade’s shops, dining venues and, of course, the rides and shows that recreate many of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s adventures. In their ever-important world of social media, my girls needed to chronicle every moment of their immersion with Instagramworthy photos and Snapchat fun images and videos. As guests of Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, we were not only given the opportunity to enter the Harry Potter areas early but were provided with Unlimited Express passes enabling us to stand on ride lines that were no more than a few minutes wait.

The girls started with the Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster where they got to see Hagrid’s Hut and Buckbeack, the hippogriff. After their awe of seeing Hogwarts up close, they entered the castle multiple times to ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Here they flew through the castle along with their favorite characters, escaping a Whomping Willow, dragons, and more. While at Hogsmeade, there was also frozen Butter Beer, and the viewing of the Triwizard Spirit Rally show.

With 2-park/2-day tickets, we were able to board the Hogwarts Express to travel from Hogsmeade Station in Universal’s Islands of Adventure to King’s Cross Station in London at Universal Studios Florida. We made a reverse trip the following day—both providing surprises, including seemingly walking through Platform 9¾.

32 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

GET TIPS FOR A MAGICAL VISIT Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

WE’RE WILD ABOUT HARRY Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida lies just beyond a brick wall creating a dramatic entrance to the themed area. The looks on their faces, as well as other guests, was of complete joy as they entered the special world of their favorite characters. They stood back and surveyed all that the fictional Diagon Alley had to offer starting, of course, with the massive fire breathing dragon towering on its perch above Gringotts bank.

Both girls would have been satisfied just standing at the entrance all day, but the 3-D fun of encounters with Voldemort at the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride beckoned. More excitement was found from the magical mirror in Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions shop and exploring the fun treasures at Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes shop. Another store available at both parks is Ollivanders, where interactive wands—popular with younger guests—are among the wands available for purchase; they allow you to perform magic in select spots throughout the two Harry Potter Worlds.

BEYOND POTTER

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

WHERE TO STAY Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando is one of five properties (with a sixth slated to open in summer 2018). The 750room resort designed to be reminiscent of the village of Portofino, Italy, features a lake-dominated piazza surrounded by guest rooms and dining venues. It’s also the point to catch the 10-minute complimentary boat ride that takes guests to the two parks and Universal CityWalk.

Loews Portofino boasts three swimming pools, the Mandara Spa and fitness center, a nightly Italian musical celebration, and eight food and beverage venues. Guests who upgrade to Club Level receive complimentary access to the Club Lounge, where snacks and drinks, as well as complimentary breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres are served daily. In addition to proximity, the benefit of staying onproperty includes early access to the parks.

For more information on Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, visit loewshotels.com/portofino-bay-hotel

Teen fun outside the immersive worlds of Harry Potter within the parks can be experienced at Islands of Adventure’s Skull Island: Reign of Kong; the water rides of Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls; and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Not to be missed is the new Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon and roller coaster thrills at Revenge of the Mummy (a crowd favorite). The 30-acre Universal CityWalk located within walking distance of the two parks offers an abundance of dining, entertainment and shopping for the family to enjoy. • Stacey Zable is an awardwinning veteran editorial professional with experience writing for both print and online publications. She has held senior staff positions at top travel trade publications and has freelanced for some of the industry’s top consumer travel magazines. Visit her website at staceyzable.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 33

E-Wow outdoor glass balcony view

SUNNY DAYS IN SOUTH BEACH

By Mike & Nava Raviv

ust mention South Beach and images of white sand beaches, beautiful people, and celebrity-studded nights come to mind. And ask anyone there where is the best place to stay and they’ll say W South Beach Hotel, on Collins Avenue.

You’ll be greeted by an impressive building overlooking the sea with a façade reminiscent of a modern painting with a grid of white walls, glass windows, and terraces. The lobby, contemporary and warm, is several stories high and appointed with leather sofas, marble accents and a curated art exhibit from the hotel’s $40 million BOOK SUNSATIONAL SAVINGS private collections. Artwork by Warhol, Schnabel, and Basquiat, to Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo name a few, are proudly displayed throughout the public areas. The sprawling lobby, called the Living Room, is where you’ll want to relax with a drink, sip an espresso, munch on bar fare or just engage in the favorite pastime—people watching.

SPLENDID TO WOW The 408 guest rooms range from Splendid Studios to a fantastic and pricey E-Wow Suite. All accommodations are appointed with white ceramic tiles, floor to ceiling screens, modern Italian sofas, plasma TVs and original photographs.

Our Sensational Suite, a smartly decorated onebedroom overlooking the pool and beach did not disappoint with a spacious living room with sleek white furniture, a fully equipped kitchen with a lacquered center island.

Those who book the incredibly beautiful E-Wow Suite will be impressed with the newly redesigned, 2,960-square-foot, three-bedroom apartment with a large living room and outdoor glass balconies offering 180-degree sweeping views of the ocean and Miami skyline. The suite is furnished with a custom $80 thousand sectional sofa, leather lounge chairs, and a glossy lacquer dining table. Accents of black marble, glass, and textured wallpaper complete the decor.

34 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Fabulous Suite Marvelous Suite

Fantastic Suite Spectacular Suite

Living Room Bar

Penthouse

A TYPICAL DAY The W has several personalities that change throughout the day: Mornings are part business, part leisure, as smartly dressed men and women, along with early-rising vacationers, start their day at The Dutch restaurant. Join them for a lavish buffet, or a la carte breakfast served indoors or outdoors overlooking the meticulously landscaped gardens.

Come mid-morning, the atmosphere changes to all leisure, as guests relax on the beach (called Sand) or poolside (called Wet). Stake your spot on a complimentary chaise on the breezy beach, rent an umbrella, beach cabana or daybed and enjoy your day in the sun. Kids of all ages will be delighted by the array of complimentary beach toys at their disposal. If you prefer the tranquility of a swimming pool, settle on a padded beach chaise surrounded by palm trees and lush vegetation.

Unwind with an organic cold-pressed juice, a cocktail or casual fare from the Wet Bar and Grille. As you chill out with a book, pool attendants offer refreshing towels, crisp apples, and fruit infused ice water. You can also enjoy some privacy in your poolside cabana.

Bliss Spa waiting area

PLEASING EXTRAS The W offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, called FIT where guests can join a maximum calorie burn boot camp, take a Yoga class or work with a personal trainer. The resort also features a rooftop basketball court and tennis court, called Swish & Swing. Also, guests can rent complimentary bicycles and explore the nearby South Beach.

Guests preferring a more sybaritic lifestyle will enjoy some “me” time at the Bliss Spa, indulging in pampering treatments such as the Triple Oxygen Facial Treatment, the Blissage 75 Massage, and the Hot Milk After dusk, it’s time for dinner and party. The W attracts the and Almond pedicure. beautiful people of swanky South Beach who join hotel guests for drinks and chats at the Living Room Bar. Couples head for Important to note: Pets are welcome at the hotel and the W’s PAW an intimate interlude at Grove, a serene garden, landscaped with program features includes toys, treats, floor mats, pet beds and a “petwinding paths, flowering vegetation, lanterns and decorative in-room” door sign. objects.

The W takes pride in offering superior service from pre-arrival Dinner is offered at two venues, at The Dutch, a casual indoor- to departure. Their concierges, named Insiders, handle restaurant outdoor American restaurant and oyster room inspired by reservations, VIP access to hard to get venues and special requests. To cafes, seaside shacks and roadside eateries. Then there’s the top it all off, the W is located within walking distance to Lincoln Road, celebrity hotspot, Mr. Chow, known for its exceptional Chinese the famous pedestrian street lined with art galleries, excellent shops cuisine. The restaurant’s soaring interior is appointed with black and plenty of outdoor restaurants. lacquer furniture, gorgeous floral arrangements, and artwork.

Its centerpiece is a gold-leaf and Swarovski crystal chandelier For more information on W South Beach, visit wsouthbeach.com. • designed by Chow himself.

At midnight, the W becomes a nightlife spot, the club set converge to Wall, a trendy, exclusive lounge often visited by celebrities. Tuesday is the night when people in the know converge here. It is named Favela Beach, a night when the DJs kick it up a notch as everybody gyrates to the infectious beat. The club pulses into the wee hours with the hottest sound tracks, flashing strobe lights, colorful lasers, and white smoke.

W South Beach

W South Beach Party Night

Nava and Michael Raviv are the publishers of Hi Class Living Magazine.

For over three decades, they have shared luxurious travel experiences, art and culture events, and epicurean highlights. Follow their adventures at hiclassmag.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35

5 AMAZING PLACES TO SEE IN 2018

By Norah Bradford

he world is full of diverse destinations that are waiting to be explored. But with so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your bucket list. Our choices include sprawling European wonders, U.S. mountain towns and destinations that are sure to wow every traveler. As Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” So, now is the time to sail VIEW DESTINATION DETAILS away and catch the trade winds in your sails—and explore. You only Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo live once, and there’s a world of things out there to discover.

Here are our five suggestions for 2018.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

FLORENCE, ITALY

Why not take a modern-day flying carpet to Dubai and stay at one of the most iconic contemporary hotel establishments in 2018? The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah currently the world’s third-largest building—soars into the sky with its unique architectural design resembling the sail of an Arabian Dhow. Service, however, underpins the fantastic architecture of the Burj. Arrive by helicopter or Rolls-Royce to the 202-suite hotel with its host of personal butlers and celebrate being in one of the most vibrant new cities on the planet. Dining options range from British Chef Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara to Californian fusion cuisine at Scape or Al Iwan in the world’s tallest atrium. Alternatively, why not just go for the ultimate at Al Muntaha and dine 27 stories above the ground while taking in the Dubai cityscape finishing with cocktails at the new Gold on 27.

Escape to a world of renaissance beauty at Villa Mangiacane in Firenze, Italy. Former home to the influential Machiavelli family, it’s a gem nestled Chianti Classico region of the Arno Valley. Built over 500 years ago and located near the Dome of the Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower, Villa Mangiacane’s 28 luxurious guestrooms and suites are elegantly designed in the Tuscan style, reflecting the serenity of the property’s surroundings. The villa’s nearly 600 acres of vineyard olive groves produce awarding winning wines and distinctive olive oils—all served on-site. After a full day exploring Tuscany, soothe the body and soul at the incredibly beautiful spa.

For more information on The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, visit jumeirah.com.

For more information on Villa Mangiacane, visit mangiacane.com.

36 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

ANTARCTICA Why not travel to one of the last wildernesses on Earth in a truly remote location? Antarctica is typically accessed in five-star expedition fashion by the vessels of Silversea. Cruises depart from the tip of Argentina at Ushuaia and cross the Drake Passage into the Antarctic Ocean and this alien world where travelers can follow in the footsteps of famed explorers such as Scott and Shackleton. Two expedition ships, the Silver Cloud Expedition and Silver Explorer deliver respectively some 200 and 144 intrepid guests to the ends of the Earth in five-star comfort with the skilled crew to ensure the most special of expeditions. While Antarctica is apparently the focus for such a voyage, more extensive itineraries encompass the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and wildlife including whales and penguins—though it will be the lucky travelers who will get to perform the Happy Feet dance.

For more information on Silversea Cruises to Antartica, visit silversea.com.

MIAMI, FLORIDA Now is the time to head to the Sunshine State and focus on the pleasures of Miami. The social calendar starts early with Art Basel Miami Beach this December.

After the New Year, look for key events to experience and include the 2018 World Cup Sailing (January 2128), Miami Yacht Show (February 2018), Miami Beach Antiques Show (February 9-12), South Beach Wine & Food Festival (February 21-25), and Music Week (March 20-25). Check in at the hip Hotel Croydon Miami Beach and be at the center of it all. The hotel has facilities including a rooftop sundeck, outdoor swimming pool and dining at The Tavern restaurant.

For more information on Hotel Croydon Miami Beach, visit hotelcroydonmiamibeach.com.

WYOMING If either seeing the most remote corners of the Earth or contemporary cities do not pique your interest, how about indulging the senses at a luxury ranch in Wyoming and enjoy the American West. Surrounded by the most spectacular scenery, Red Reflet Ranch combines five-star accommodations, first-class cuisine, an enviable list of activities to pursue from horseback riding to fishing, shooting or even preparing gourmet food plus excellent amenities.

There are many ways to arrive at the Ranch, not least by using their own 5,000-foot runway! The local town of Worland, Wyoming is accessible by air with a short transfer flight from Denver, Colorado. Owners Bob and Laurence Kaplan have sought to create a unique experience by ensuring that each staff member is an expert in their field to offer an excellent ranch experience to all guests. Dining is a treat for the senses as nearly everything served is grown or raised on the ranch and where guests can savor in-chalet or at the Mountain Cabin with its stunning views of the landscape.

For more information on Red Reflet Ranch, visit red-reflet-ranch.net. • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37

DUCK SOUTHERN SHORES KITTY HAWK KILL DEVIL HILLS NAGS HEAD SOUTH NAGS HEAD

Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates is a family owned company with nearly 50 years of experience in providing quality vacation rental accommodations and real estate services on The Outer Banks of North Carolina. You can trust the knowledge and expertise that come from choosing to do business with one of the first and most well-known companies on the Outer Banks. Our work ethic, dedication and strong community involvement awarded us the honor of 2016 Small Business of the Year by the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce.

Vacation Rentals We offer rental homes in all of the popular Outer Banks beach towns of Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores and Duck. We understand the importance of your vacation and have carefully selected a wide range of homes to fit everyone’s needs and budgets.

Real Estate Sales Quite a few things have changed since 1968. One thing that will always stay the same is our commitment to you.

Whether you are buying or selling property on the Outer Banks, open communication and team oriented decision making will guide you through the ins and outs of your transaction.

Open seven days a week 800-552-6257 or locally at 252-261-4444 joelambjr.com • joelambrealty.com

NOTES FROM DB

By Daniel J. Bollinger

he era of “aspirational” or “utterly ridiculous” pricing has reached its peak with the penthouse at the Woolworth Tower VIEW RECENT LISTINGS being listed at $110 million. That’s over $11,000 per square Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo foot. With the median sales price in Tribeca about $2,000 per square foot one has to wonder how and by whom this pricing strategy was determined. Uptown on Billionaire’s Row at 252 East 57th Street there is a penthouse for sale with a listing price of $37.5 million. Aspirational pricing has become so common that articles about this penthouse state that this property is listed “at a discount.” This penthouse is not listed “at a discount,” it is realistically priced.

Reality is setting in on the NYC real estate market these days with a lot of listings that have remained stagnant on the market with ridiculous asks finally coming down to ‘somewhat’ realistic pricing. Two examples include 427 East 85th Street, originally listed at $21 million and currently at $10.5 million—a 50 percent reduction on the market since February 2016. At 1 Central Park South #1707, the apartment was originally listed at $18 million and is currently listed at $11.9 million—a 30% discount since being listed in 2013.

NYC is a premier financial safe haven for real estate investment. NYC properties (especially in the luxury sector) have historically shown that they hold their value in times of broader market volatility, bounce back quickest from any downturn, and are a great hedge against inflation. With the current environment of brokers “aspirational” pricing listings outside the bounds of reality, the market has become a case of brokers’ tails “wagging the dog.”

WRITING ON THE WALL But the reality is starting to set into the market. On the investment front, which is a leading indicator since that is where new development begins, Manhattan investment sales volumes continue to fall, and 2017 is expected to be the lowest year of transactions since the 2008 financial crisis. Combine that with the uptick in more financially strained projects being recapitalized with new partners and new infusions of cash, and it’s not hard to see that the writing is becoming visible on the wall. With 40+ new developments hitting the market in what’s left of 2017 and much more scheduled for completion in 2018, the competition is going to heat up.

The sky is not falling. There is not going to be another 2008 financial crisis.

Developers and sellers just need to get a realistic handle on their pricing strategies. There is enough inventory on the market and coming to the market where buyers are not hard pressed to make any unreasonable decisions. Time is on their side. With some sensible pricing strategies, the NYC market is poised to be as strong as ever. The brokerage community has to become more realistic on pricing to stop this “tail wagging the dog” situation we currently have in the NYC market. • Daniel J. Bollinger Luxury Real Estate Expert Keller Williams Tribeca DJB@KWNYC.com danielbollinger.kw.com NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

BROOKLYN IN THE AVANT-GARDE

By Gerard Longo, Principal at Mettle Property Group

have been fortunate enough to be in the real estate industry in what is arguably the capital of the real estate world. There is nothing more iconic than Manhattan with its unique architectural landscape. In a place where growing horizontally wasn’t an option, Manhattan became a pioneer in vertical living. In my thirty years of experience, I would have never guessed that Manhattan could have found a way to expand horizontally. So much so that in recent years we have watched the real estate revolution push its way across the river into Manhattan’s outer borough sibling.

At the forefront of this trend is my hometown of Brooklyn, which by many accounts has become an international destination not only to live and work in but for tourism, as well. At one point in time, a vast majority of those who resided in the outer boroughs made the daily commute into Manhattan for work. Nowadays we see that commerce is expanding and offering many opportunities to also work in Brooklyn.

LIVE, WORK, VISIT BROOKLYN Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

Brooklyn is rich in history and cultural assets. It continues to be a real melting pot of diversity stemming from the immigrants who came to the New World in the 1800s to present day families relocating to experience Brooklyn’s unique energy. In 2016, Brooklyn saw a 5 percent increase in their population from the previous year, which equates to approximately 124,500 people. The borough also saw the highest growth in private sector jobs with an increase of 12.8 percent—more than double the national average, a 3.8 percent drop in unemployment, and wages rose by 4.7 percent (Source: New York City Economic Development Corp.).

BROOKLYN BOOM

Photo by Julienne Schaer

With Brooklyn continuing to surge, it’s no surprise that the borough has become a launching pad for startup companies. Co-working spaces have increased, and nearly every neighborhood has an affordable option for motivated individuals looking to start a business on their own. In particular, the tech space is having its own Brooklyn moment.

According to a 2015 report published by the Brooklyn Tech Triangle, more than 1,350 tech companies have established roots in the space between the Brooklyn Navy Yard, DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn, employing over 17,300 people in the process. Along with startups, Fortune 500 companies are also looking to move into the borough. Recently, Amazon announced it would be opening a second headquarters in the Northeast and Brooklyn is, of course, a prospect. The $5 billion project would create an additional 50,000 jobs in Brooklyn.

The borough is not only home to a diversity of people, but it’s also a place where city dwellers and tourists come to get peace from the busy city and offers an abundance of recreational areas. One of the most sought-out places is Prospect Park, the flagship park of Brooklyn, where people can enjoy anything from baseball to birdwatching, and skating to nature programs, amongst much more. You also have Brooklyn Bridge Park where One Hotel Brooklyn Bridge recently opened.

Many people are already familiar with “Brownstone Brooklyn”—the more historical areas that are centuries old. However, we see a large trend in what we refer to it as “Suburban Brooklyn.” This is the southern part of Brooklyn which encompasses areas from Bay Ridge, along with the waterfront to Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Bergen Beach, and Mill Basin, then inland to Madison, Marine Park, and Midwood. These neighborhoods offer more traditional housing with private driveways, slightly larger lots of lands, beautiful tree-lined blocks and yes, little or no alternate side of the street parking. These neighborhoods are maybe an additional 10-to-15 minute commute from Manhattan and offer its menu of residential offerings.

40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Photo by Julienne Schaer

OLD & NEW TOGETHER

Grand Army Plaza Photo by Tagger Yancey 70 Henry Rooftop

70 Henry Kitchen

If I had to say, one of the most surprising things is that the world has finally recognized Brooklyn as being a tourist destination. Indeed, places like Coney Island—home to the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel— are now seen as more historical than entertainment.

And, of course, the architectural wonders are endless.

Built in the 1800s, the Brooklyn Museum holds one of the oldest and finest public collections of American art in the world. It is located adjacent to the equally impressive Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and directly across from Prospect Park. More recent to the neighborhood, The Barclay Center is an example of the new generation of modern and contemporary architecture coming into Brooklyn.

Brooklyn also now offers an abundance of food and hospitality. Tourists visiting or neighborhood friends looking for a place to have drinks can look no further than Cecconi’s in DUMBO which offers magnificent views and the Wythe Hotel, which is an old factory constructed in 1901 on the Williamsburg waterfront.

Brooklyn is home to some of the city’s top Michelinstarred restaurants. Three-starred Brooklyn Fare, an old-school neighborhood grocer, is located in the heart of downtown Brooklyn and offers fresh, delicious groceries and prepared foods at affordable prices.

Preservation of historical Brooklyn has always been an important facet as a real estate developer. Our company, Mettle Property Group, is a leader in the preservation of historic architecture, restoring and utilizing original building materials, as well as developing ground-up construction in context with their neighborhood. Our latest project is 70 Henry Street which is the former Brooklyn Heights Cinema. The building was erected in 1895 and previously served as a butcher shop, pharmacy, then as a restaurant before becoming a movie theatre in 1970. We are currently working with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the original façade remains intact as represented by the exterior of the first two floors.

Since the downturn of 2008-09, Brooklyn rebounded almost immediately. We not only saw a recapture of value, but it continued a steady increase. We saw the condo market in Brooklyn Heights start pushing nearly $2,000 per square foot while in neighborhoods such as Marine Park, the average one family home is starting around $600,000. As well as there being a highdemand, we’ve seen a decrease in inventory across the borough. Rents have also been at a premium. However, there is a significant amount of new development inventory set to hit the market in the next few years.

For more information on Gerard Longo and Mettle Property Group, visit mettlepropertygroup.com. •

70 Henry Livingroom

Gerard Longo is responsible for directing and overseeing the daily operations of Mettle. As a wellrecognized leader in the real estate industry, he has been quoted in many leading media organizations including MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Real Deal.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41

THE WOOLWORTH TOWER RESIDENCES

By Daniel J. Bollinger

he Woolworth Tower, a celebrated New York City landmark, is being transformed into 33 luxury condominium residences aptly named The Woolworth Tower Residences with homes ranging from one to four bedrooms. Located right next to City Hall Park—in Parkside Tribeca to be exact—this location is prime.

When the tower was completed in 1913, it was the tallest building in the world and would be for the next forty years. Now, thanks to developer Alchemy Properties who commissioned famed French architect Thierry W. Despont, the Woolworth Tower is going to help define luxury living with residences that are as sophisticated as they are grand. Alchemy Properties has created a limited collection of apartments from the 29th floor and above.

VIEW AVAILABILITY & PRICING Grandeur design that is both traditional and classic, these homes are Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo helping re-define what full-service luxury living means in New York.

HISTORIC LUXURY: REDEFINED All units have at least three exposures including vistas of cityscapes and water views. Ceilings range from 11’ to 15’+ in height, with large windows framed by the signature polychromatic terra cotta surrounds—making that much more spectacular. The layouts are spaciously proportioned and boast a massive great room ideal for entertaining. There is a wet bar in the living area with a refrigerator, ice maker, and freezer. The kitchens and baths also have a modern and tasteful aesthetic.

The kitchens are of a beautiful pure white palette. Classic designed custom-made Dada cabinetry from the Molteni Group marry well with the Calacatta Caldia marble countertops and back splashes. With solid oak herringbone floors, a suite of integrated Miele appliances, and Dornbracht fixtures, this is an excellent example of a traditionally designed kitchen. One unique design detail is the original elevator transoms were saved and mounted above the range as part of the backsplash. It is a subtle tribute to the Beaux-Arts design of the building.

The master, secondary, and powder rooms show the craftsmanship and thought that went into this project. The secondary baths and even the powder rooms have floor-to-ceiling marble walls. The master bath has 7’ marble wainscoting with picture rail marble moldings atop with Nero Marquina accent trim, resonating stately pre-war design. The Molteni Group also custom built the bathroom cabinetry and matched it with custom platinum-finish Dornbracht fittings as in the kitchen.

42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

ULTIMATE DETAILS

ONE REALTOR FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTRY

Architects, designers, and developers should take notes for the wet room design in the master baths. The wet rooms have all the elements that a luxury wet room should have. A huge double shelved niche offers functionality, and the size of this niche matches the proportions of these units. There is a marble bench for seating, which is the proper way to enjoy a steam bath. And the oversized rain shower head is ceiling mounted. These are all the elements of a good wet room, and Alchemy Properties has combined all of these elements well. The last design detail to mention is the trim. Marble trim outlines the wet room and also frames out his and her sinks and medicine cabinets. This small design detail accentuates the exceptional design of this project.

Other design details that confirm The Woolworth Tower Residences are continuing its historic status in these new residences are the doors which are solid core and oversized to match the grand proportions of the residences. All hinges and doorknobs are custom and have some excellent level of details like the ribbon patterns on the knobs. There are plenty of closets. With only two units per floor maximum, personal privacy was factored into this design. Smart wired Lutron lighting systems are standard in all units.

Cheryl B Newton MOVING? RELOCATING? HELPING A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND?

I belong to a nationwide network of trusted real estate agents. I can refer you to three professional agents in any area of the U.S. ­ you get to interview each of them and choose one with whom to work.

It’s that simple!

What would a project such as this be without luxury amenities to match the units?

Full concierge services, of course, align with a 24-hour door attendant who is pretty standard for a project like this. Also, there is a bike storage, a fitness center, and the Gilbert Lounge which is a residents-only gaming lounge with billiards table and catering pantry. The two most sought after conveniences are available as well: on-site parking and a pool. The 50’ salt water lap pool has a history as well. It was originally commissioned by F.W. Woolworth in the original design. Thierry Despont has reimagined it in Bisazza Mosaico tiles; Alchemy Properties has even added a sauna, hot tub, and changing rooms. Another offering that is half amenity/half included with a residence is, each home includes private cellar wine storage of approximately 185 bottles. The added convenience is a wine tasting room for private gatherings.

The Woolworth Tower is once again making history thanks to Alchemy Properties and Thierry W. Despont. The units are as elegant as they are grand.

The craftsmanship and detail are evident in the designs and materials. Another example of the care that went into this project: Alchemy replaced 22,000 terra cotta pieces on the façade at the cost of $22 million. And that was just on the outside of the building. One-bedrooms start at $4.575 million, and full-floor residences start at $26.4 million.

For more information on The Woolworth Tower Residences, visit thewoolworthtower.com. •

Contact me when you’re ready.

431 W Lancaster Ave Devon, PA 19333 610.564.1144 M 610.647.0444 F cheryl.newton@foxroach.com

Photo by Evan Joseph

MADISON SQUARE PARK TOWER

By Daniel J. Bollinger adison Square Park Tower, located at 45 East 22nd Street, is the tallest residential address in Manhattan’s historic Flatiron District.

Developed by Bruce Eichner’s Continuum Company, the building VIEW AVAILABILITY & PRICING offers one-to-five bedroom residences (with four studios designated as Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo staff quarters). With simplex, duplex, full-floor, and penthouses available, there is something for everyone who can appreciate true luxury living.

The units are fantastic with sweeping views, some very luxurious design details, great layouts, plenty of space, and amenities to match. Londonbased interior designer Martin Brudnizki crafted the interiors. Brudnizki is known for creating hotels, bars, restaurants, and other commercial spaces. Madison Square Park Tower represents his foray into the world of residential design.

At Madison Square Park Tower, residents can choose between an open or a closed kitchen. Custom Molteni cabinetry is paired with integrated appliances by Miele and Sub-Zero. Waterworks fixtures and Nanz hardware beautifully finish each space.

Residences feature corner exposures and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. You can see the high level of commitment that Continuum Company has put into this project, down to the marble countertops in the laundry rooms. All of the doors in these residences are beautiful. The entrance door is fluted, and the laundry room doors include horizontal fluted cut outs—a unique touch that adds to the incredible design.

Photo by Evan Joseph

FLATIRON LUXURY

Madison Square Park Tower is one of only two buildings that have the air rights to build taller than other buildings in the area, allowing for 360-degree protected views from all of the full-floor residences. The acclaimed architectural firm Kohn Pederson Fox created an angular design that optimizes these views. With a maximum of two apartments per floor, each apartment boasts breathtaking vistas overlooking nearby Madison Square Park and other city icons, including the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings.

At 777 feet tall, Madison Square Park Tower is the tallest building between Midtown and Lower Manhattan. Some of the residences are higher than the gold spire atop the neighboring Met Life building. This beautiful experience denotes a higher air of luxury living by providing a unique vantage point.

This is a trait that few (if any) other luxury developments can boast.

44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Photo by Evan Joseph

ONLY THE FINEST All of the bathrooms, including the powder rooms, are fitted with custom vanities. In the 55th-floor model residence, a partial wall separates the master bathroom into distinct areas, with his-and-hers vanities on one side, and a freestanding tub with cinematic skyline views on the other. A third sink is located in the water closet, which is the only water closet with its own sink that I have seen in all of Manhattan. The floors are tiled in imported Mountain White Danby Stone. This is luxury at its finest.

Photo by Evan Joseph

There are five floors of amenities at Madison Square Park Tower, which include a fitness center, a half-court indoor basketball court, private yoga studio, PGA Tour classic golf simulator, children’s playroom, duplex library and club room with billiards, games, and an outdoor terrace for entertaining. Additionally, residents will have access to an automated parking garage and the private club FIFTYFOUR, located on the 54th floor of the building, with sweeping views of the city and a demonstration kitchen for catered events.

Bruce Eichner and the Continuum Company have added something special to the Flatiron District with Madison Square Park Tower. The high level of finishes, rich choice of materials, striking city views, and the high standard of design all combine to make this project an extraordinary addition to the Flatiron District.

Rendering by Williams New York

For more information on Madison Square Park Tower, please visit: madisonsquareparktower.com. •

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45

21 EAST 12TH STREET

By Daniel J. Bollinger

n the heart of Greenwich Village on a former bowling alley site is a new ground-up development, 21 East 12th Street. There are 52 residences in total consisting of one to four bedrooms by the William Macklowe Company, co-sponsor Goldman Sachs, and designed by SCLE and Selldorf Architects.

VIEW FLOOR PLANS & PRICES Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

The location couldn’t be better and features 13,000 square feet of retail space at the base of the development. Both the East and West Village are within walking distance, Union Square is two blocks north, and Washington Square Park is a few blocks south.

You’re in the midst of a plethora of stores, restaurants, and culture and transportation options abound. The setback for the residential portion of the building is huge and offers vast outdoor spaces for the residential ground floor apartments. The interiors of the units themselves are very nice as well.

CLEAN LINES The residences are spacious with high ceilings, classic layouts, and sleek design, also perfect wall space for art collectors. There are only four residences per floor max; most floors have 2 to 3 units offering privacy.

The underlying design: Very simple interiors that equate to elegant design style. For example, the kitchens have no extruding pulls; they are invisible or flush with the cabinets. Some other subtle design details are the under counter lighting and the frosted glass backsplashes. With Gaggenau and Sub-Zero appliances, they are well-designed kitchens.

The bathrooms follow this clean lines-theme and have excellent design details. Marble wainscoting, floor to ceiling tiled wet room with a niche, and the Robern medicine cabinets all combine to make a great master bath. Even the secondary baths have floor to ceiling tiles and niched wet room. The powder room impresses with a full marble sink. All the bathrooms can be described as a “Marble Wonderland” showing that the sponsors did not spare on quality.

There are pocket doors throughout the residences. Large casement windows and the prime location of the 22 storied hi-rise on 12th Street make for a plethora of incoming light in all apartments. The building amenities include a resident’s lounge and a fitness room. Parking which is always a highly sought-after amenity is also available.

All in all, Selldorf Architects, SCLE, and William Macklowe Company have developed some great new residences that can be described as “Elegant Minimalism.”

For more information on 21 East 12th Street, visit 21east12.com. • 46 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

LARRY SOTO, REALTOR License #0565617

Member of Luxury Home Council CELL: (732) 429-2294 OFFICE: (732) 494-7700 EMAIL: larry.soto@cbmoves.com • www.LarrySoto.com

L uxury

homes in

N ew J ersey

Palatial colonial set on 6+ picturesque acres in desirable Freehold Twnshp was designed for lavish entertaining. Stunning Coffered ceilings,sweeping staircase custom woodwork throughout adds drama to 15 spacious rooms.2 master suits offers sitting areas,walkin closets steam shower chef kitchen,Home theater, maids quarters.

Inspired Craftsmanship Distinguishes this exquisite Georgian Colonial Home Built with Select Materials with the Highest Attention to Detail. This Home is the Pinnacle of Superior Craftsmanship. The 7000 SF of Bright 13 Spacious Rooms Brim with Sophistication and Comfort. 1St floor master bedroom Suit.

49 CHAMBERS

By Daniel J. Bollinger

ocated on the northern edge of City Hall Park, 49 Chambers is yet another spectacular addition to the Tribeca landscape. The luxury condominium is comprised of 99 residences ranging from one to three bedrooms—with many units offering additional studies—which includes four penthouses.

LIVE IN TRIBECA - VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

The building has an impressive pedigree: Built for the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank, it was the largest bank building in the United States upon its completion in 1912. The landmark Beaux-Arts building makes for an ideal conversion thanks to its H layout, which allows natural light and air to reach the interiors of the tower, and provides many of the residences with stunning triple exposures. This development spans an entire city block and offers an unbelievable collection of amenities. Developed by the Chetrit Group and designed by the world-renowned Woods Bagot Architects, with interiors by Gabellini Sheppard Associates, 49 Chambers offers an opportunity to own a home in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods.

A PEEK INSIDE Gabellini Sheppard, led by Michael Gabellini, is known for creating sumptuous yet inviting environments, including hotels for Ian Schrager and the legendary Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. The team makes use of warm and earthy tones with accents in bronze, metal, and mirror to embrace and evoke the old glamour of the landmark.

There are many excellent design details throughout the residences, including elevated ceilings and up to eight-foot curved and bay windows that allow for an abundance of natural light to flood the rooms. The residences also feature floating ceilings and seamlessly integrated recessed lighting systems. All of these features combine to create a sophisticated home that is very befitting of its Tribeca location.

The large open layouts were designed for entertaining. The kitchen is comprised of a mix of top-notch appliances including Gaggenau, Sub-Zero, and Bosch, with custom Cypress wood millwork that makes space feel warm and inviting.

One detail that should be called out: the countertops and backsplashes are marble: Rich, beautiful gold veins weave through the grey of the honed San Marino marble and accentuate the warm palette of the cabinetry.

The master baths boast substantial backlit mirrors that emphasize the volume of the room. Floor-to-ceiling marble is prevalent throughout, as are customdesigned Apaiser stone vanities. The double-door entries to the master baths are particularly impressive.

The entrances to the residences also feature double doors that match the grandness of the rooms—a rarity found in a Manhattan condominium. All closets are built out with custom-designed Italian closet systems, and the homes are pre-wired for smart systems.

EXCEPTIONAL LIVING An excellent package so far and one would not expect anything less of the amenities package. The building’s 10,000 square feet of amenities include all of the perks (and then some). There’s a resident lounge, fitness center, yoga studio, children’s playroom, bicycle storage, and a screening room. But the amenities that set 49 Chambers apart from the rest include a Turkish Hamman cast in honed white Ariel marble with a steam room and sauna, as well as a mosaic-tiled indoor swimming pool with a companion whirlpool spa. The rooftop park—designed

by M. Paul Friedberg and Partners—is extraordinary with living green walls, lawn, a garden, multiple seating areas with chaise lounges and cabana furniture, and a covered dining area with an outdoor kitchen and al fresco grill. The views from the rooftop park are epic, and we have MPFP to thank for all of the lush greenery.

The Chetrit Group has brought us a great new project in Tribeca. Situated on the edge of City Hall Park, the building offers access to all this vibrant neighborhood has to offer. With wonderfully designed residences and standout amenities to match, 49 Chambers is the new definition of luxury living in Manhattan.

For more information 49chambers.com. •

48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

on

49 Chambers,

visit

Saddle River, NJ

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$5,950,000

Enchanting, with panoramic views of the exceptional 4.93 acres. Stone veranda, pool, spa, 2-story cabana, tennis court and rolling manicured lawns. Slate and copper roof, Peter Salerno kitchen with new additions, 4-car garage.

Saddle River, NJ

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$3,950,000

Saddle River, NJ

Franklin Lakes, NJ

English Manor

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$9,975,000

6.5 acre country estate on aprx. 17,000 sf in the main residence, a state-of-the-art custom kitchen, indoor and outdoor pool/spa, cabana and tennis court. 6 car gar.

Sleek & stunning stone & cedar col. 2 acre cul de sac setting. 6 BRs, 6 1/2 baths, theater area, wine tasting, elegant woodworking, wrap around mahogany porch.

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Rio Vista

Mahwah, NJ

Situated at the end of a sought after cul-de-sac, offering lush landscaping and natural wooded areas for privacy. Spectacular Peter Salerno kitchen opens to a light filled sun room, deck, inground pool and screened Gazebo.

$1,795,000

Located in sought after Rio Vista, and situated among multi-million dollar estates, this panoramic almost 2 acre hilltop setting offers fabulous views of the picturesque Ramapo Mountains. Rio Vista fees apply.

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Filip Wolak Losar Family Day

ARE YOU LISTENING?

By Joan Hornig

ome November in NYC there is no hiding from the flurry of activity and the sounds of a city at work and in pre-holiday mode. We start to hum the holiday tunes without even thinking about it. Many of us plan and attend seasonal musical activities like The Nutcracker, The Messiah, Radio City Holiday Spectacular, Broadway musicals and other traditions. But how many of us think to go to an art museum for Sound Art exhibitions?

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Apparently, many. I say this because 3 of our most influential art museums—The Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), and the Rubin Museum of Art—have devoted attention and exhibitions to this artistic discipline in which sound is utilized as a primary medium in contemporary art.

While Sound Art may be relatively new to some, it is commanding increased attention around the world and has many roots in our city through a history of exhibitions devoted to it in our top cultural institutions. The first decade of this century saw at least 130 Sound Art exhibitions worldwide which can be attributable to both advances in technology as well as the desire to push the boundaries of art.

The earliest documented use of the term “Sound Art” in the U.S. began in 1983 with a show called Sound/Art which was held at the Sculpture Center in NYC created by William Hellerman. In 2013, MoMA held the first-ever major exhibition dedicated to Sound Art, paving the way for its acceptance and prominence in museums and galleries around the world.

Sound Art is by its nature interdisciplinary and takes on hybrid forms. It can engage with a range of subjects such as acoustics, psychoacoustics, electronics, noise music, audio media, and environmental sound, explorations of the human body, sculpture, architecture, film or video. Because of the diversity of Sound Art, some consider it visual art or experimental music or both.

But as the artist or the curator and all would agree that the conjunction of sound and image insists on the engagement of the viewer, forcing participation in real space. And, isn’t this just what our current museum audience wants and is demanding as technology plays a greater and more important role in our lives?

Photograph by Peter Aaron Esto

THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM The Guggenheim Museum began this recent trend with the summer exhibition of Doug Wheeler’s 50 years in the making installation of PSAD Synthetic Desert III. An immersive, completely silent “desert” meant to have viewers feel complete and total silence. He accomplished this employing semi-anechoic chambers (used by scientists and manufacturers to conduct acoustical experiments) combined with special lighting which evokes an endless space. Ironically, most people can’t endure this profoundly empty soundscape for more than 40 minutes!

For more information on The Guggenheim Museum, visit guggenheim.org.

54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Michael Palma

MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN Museum Of Arts And Design’s The Sonic Arcade: Shaping Space with Sound on Columbus Circle is the opposite of silent with most of the museum devoted to interactive installations, immersive environments, and performing objects that explore how the ephemeral and abstract nature of sound is made material.

It embraces the physical and material nature of sound through a combination of large-scale works that seek to engage space, architecture and the movement of the body through space using projects that utilize electronics and new technology as tools and material.

The show, two years in development, features six solo exhibitions and two “group” exhibitions. Some of the exhibits were commissioned, others reconfigured to be site specific. But whether your taste is grand or intimate, you are young in age or heart; there is something for you, your family and friends. Just come prepared to spend some quality time at MAD. The Studio PSK Polyphonic Playground brought here from the UK is perfect for any inclement weather day.

You can climb, swing and make music while becoming your own performance artist. Just bring your cell phone to Instagram and Snapchat the expressions of delight you will witness.

On a smaller scale, but equally compelling, is the jewelry by Noordemean and Wright: Audiowear exhibit. MAD has the only permanent museum jewelry gallery in the US, and this installation allows visitors to interact with jewelry even when behind glass cases.

For more information on The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), visit madmuseum.org.

Filip Wolak Family Day

Asya Danilova

RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART Rubin Museum Of Art, as locals and visitors will agree, is one of the best things about NYC. For the price of a subway ride, you can find yourself immersed in other cultures. The Rubin, known for its innovative programming and community outreach connecting the art and culture of the Himalayas and neighboring countries throughout history, has a major exhibit called The World is Sound.

This show explores how sound and our sense of hearing shape our daily lives, traditions, history and all of the existence by employing sound in new ways to animate and intensify the experience of art in The Rubin’s collection. Organized cyclically from creation to death to rebirth, the exhibition explores different dimension of sound and listening and its many functions in Tibetan Buddhism.

Like the MAD exhibition, many artists are incorporated into the show; some galleries showcase site commissioned work and others exhibit some of the most prominent contemporary sound artists juxtaposed to historical objects from the museum’s collection.

Also like the MAD exhibition, the gallery space itself becomes an instrument of transformation, using the stairways to continue the experience. Ambient drone sounds inspired by Buddhist philosophy are “tuned” to the building and ascend and descend as visitors wind their way up the Rubin’s iconic spiral staircase.

The subtlety and ephemerality of the sounds prepare the listener for understanding that in the Buddhist philosophy, music is a metaphor for change and impermanence.

This is another exhibit you should not rush through or attend only once to garner its full impact. Instead, take a moment to understand some of the most important Buddhist tenants: Slow down, consider your bodily engagement with sound, space, and your individual perceptions. If you need a little coaching on how to experience these things, there are a series of public programs and an audio tour available (rubinmuseum.org).

Sound Art is having its moment with a large number of artists exploring sound in its pure state, simultaneously bridging and muddling barriers between sound, noise, and music in the contemporary or historical sense. It’s also the most direct way of engaging with art—you can literally do it with your eyes closed, and if music is any indication, sound can affect your emotions immediately, without any thought or explanation. But don’t close your eyes and instead, open your ears to the opportunities available right here in NYC to indulge in the hottest emotive medium this season! • Joan Hornig is a New York-based Jewelry Designer, Social Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist. She left a Wall Street career 15 years ago to create a jewelry line at Bergdorf Goodman, where 100 percent of her profit is donated to the charity of the purchaser’s choice.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 55

NYC HOLIDAY GUIDE

By Patricia Canole t’s the most wonderful time of the year! Just a few weeks after Halloween wraps up, the city and the best New York attractions turn into an illuminated wonderland. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, lighting the Tree at Rockefeller Center to watching all the animated figures in the Holiday Windows, it’s a month-long fairyland of magic. Even the most jaded New Yorker has to admit that it’s a spectacular sight. Let’s take a tour of a New York-style Holiday Season!

MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE On Thursday, November 23th the 91st Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will parade down Central Park West and 77th Street to Columbus Circle along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue. From there it will follow Sixth Avenue to 34th Street and along 34th Street to Herald Square. More than 8,000 people take part in the parade, including clowns, balloon handlers, and marching bands, while many more line the streets along the parade route to see it in person. The parade has been an annual tradition and it has been getting bigger and better every year. Get ready for giant character balloons, floats, cheerleaders/dancers, marching bands, celebrities—and Santa Claus! Don’t Miss: One of the most anticipated events of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade occurs the night before. The Balloon Inflation allows you to get up close and personal to watch technicians inflating nearly 25 parade balloons from 3 to 10 pm. The excitement begins at the American Museum of National History (just off Central Park West between 77th and 81st Sts.) where the entire family can see the balloons come to life (macys.com/social/parade).

56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

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RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Radio City Music Hall is most famous as the home of the legendary Rockettes and their high-stepping Christmas Spectacular which has been entertaining us since 1933. This year’s show—which runs from November 10, 2017 through January 1, 2018—won’t disappoint.

You’ll see lots of favorites along with the Rockettes, as well as some special effects technology and updated choreography. Not to be overlooked is the return of the live animals in the “Living Nativity” and the Nutcracker scene (rockettes.com).

HOLIDAY TREES The Tree at Rockefeller Center is hands down the iconic Christmas image and continues to attract visitors every holiday season. However, there are more trees to check out including the unique Origami Tree at the American Museum of Natural History and lots more.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE It’s the most celebrated of holiday trees and a classic destination for holiday visitors and residents alike. The 85th annual tree lighting will be November 29, 2017 (rockefellercenter.com/holidays).

HOLIDAY TREE AT BRYANT PARK The tree at Bryant Park Winter Village is decorated with over 30,000 LED lights and 3,000 custom ornaments. The annual tree lighting ceremony will be on December 2, 2017. Visitors can enjoy free ice skating at Winter Village as well as holiday shopping(wintervillage.org).

ORIGAMI CHRISTMAS TREE AT AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY For over 30 years the AMNH has celebrated the joyous with its 13-foot Origami Tree. The museum draws inspiration from its exhibits for the 1,000 folded-paper works, constructed by volunteers throughout the year. On display beginning November 20, 2017 (amnh.com).

CHRISTMAS TREE AND NEAPOLITAN CRECHE AT THE MET FIFTH AVENUE The Met continues its holiday tradition with the presentation of its Christmas tree: a brightly lit, twenty-foot blue Norwegian Spruce featuring 18th-century Neapolitan angels and cherubs gracing its boughs. At the base of the tree are the crèche figures flanking the Nativity scene. On display beginning November 21, 2017 (metmuseum.org).

LINCOLN SQUARE CHRISTMAS TREE On Monday, November 27, 2017, the 18th Annual Winter’s Eve at Lincoln Square—New York’s largest holiday festival will begin with the tree lighting ceremony. The highly anticipated event promises a lively lineup of legendary performers, musicians, dancers, street entertainment and more to ring in the holiday season and light up the Upper West Side (winterseve.nyc).

NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW Model trains navigate crafted miniatures of New York City’s environment all made from seeds, bark, leaves, and twigs. The Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge are just a few of the 150 landmarks that form a fantastically rendered city landscape, serviced by a robust half-mile of the track, all nestled under the glass ceilings of the historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. This year the train show runs from November 22, 2017 to January 15, 2018 and showcases Manhattan’s skyscrapers with new replicas of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, 30 Rockefeller Center and St. Bartholomew’s Church (nybg.org/whats-on).

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

HOLIDAY SHOPPING From November through the end of December you’ll find the best that New York City has to offer— unique gift items including jewelry, clothing, home goods, arts, crafts, antiques, electronics, and so much more.

HOLIDAY SHOPS AT BRYANT PARK’S WINTER VILLAGE The Holiday Shops include more than 100 boutiquelike kiosks offering lovely gift ideas from jewelry, decorative goods, local foods, and much more--for all ages. The Holiday Shops are housed in Bryant Park’s custom-designed kiosks (closes January 3, 2018; wintervillage.org).

GRAND CENTRAL HOLIDAY FAIR Holiday Fair is the only one held indoors. This year, the Fair will fill Vanderbilt Hall with vendors offering an incredible array of holiday gifts. Clothing for adults and children, handbags, hand-crafted jewelry and accessories for men and women top the list (closes December 24, 2017; grandcentralterminal. com).

UNION SQUARE HOLIDAY MARKET Over 100 merchants are on hand to bring you unique gifts. Hand-blown glass housewares; handmade leather goods; bags and accessories; and a good variety of handmade jewelry are just some of the items available. As in years past, there will also be nibbles and noshes throughout the market (closes January 2, 2018; urbanspacenyc.com).

COLUMBUS CIRCLE HOLIDAY MARKET This market is considered by many as one of the most elegant places for holiday shopping.

Conveniently located near the entrance to Central Park, at 59th Street, shoppers enjoy walking around discovering one-of-a-kind items including art and jewelry, from local designers (closes January 2, 2018; urbanspacenyc.com).

58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

NEW YORK CITY BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER The New York City Ballet’s production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is at the heart of New York City’s holiday season, and this year marks the 63rd annual performance. Whether a family tradition or a oncein-a-lifetime visit, your experience of this glittering classic ballet will stay with you forever. Young and young-at-heart will be transported to a magical place filled with adorable children, marching toy soldiers, mischievous mice, waltzing snowflakes, and some of the most breathtaking costumes ever seen.

The most famous example is the massive Christmas tree that grows to 40 feet evoking audible gasps from the audience every time. David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center (nycballet.com). •

HOLIDAY WINDOWS A visit to New York City during the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a view of the city’s department store windows.

Barneys New York - If you’re shopping along Madison Avenue, Barneys windows are a must-see. Every year they show hip and stylish displays, accented with a dose of fun (Madison Ave. at East 61st St.).

Bergdorf Goodman - Holiday windows feature high-fashion and authentic antiques: each a work of art. Put this one on your list of mustdos (Fifth Ave. at West 58th St.).

Bloomingdale’s - The holiday window displays are playful and on display before Black Friday so holiday shoppers can enjoy them throughout the season (Lexington Ave. at East 59th St.).

Lord & Taylor - Every year this store features classic holiday window displays which are unveiled in late November. The colorful displays feature imagery and mechanical movements that make them both traditional and enjoyable for families (Fifth Ave. at West 38th St).

Macy’s - Here windows depict animated scenes of New York. In years past, Miracle on 34th Street and a Charlie Brown Christmas have created a stir on 34th Street (Broadway at West 34th St).

Saks Fifth Avenue - The holiday window displays feature funny animations. Conveniently located Saks Fifth Avenue’s windows are located across from the Rockefeller Center Promenade. Don’t miss: Saks also produces a beautiful Winter Palace Light Show on the facade of the building during evening hours (Fifth Ave. at East 49th St).

HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW ® November 22 – January 15 NYC’s Favorite Train Show is Better Than Ever!

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REAL ESTATE SPOTLIGHT

By Daniel J. Bollinger

eet Craig Van Mackelberg owner of MVM Consulting, an NYC-based project management, and client advocacy firm. MVM specializes in streamlining the professional services involved in a new build-out or renovation project, primarily in the areas of design, construction, engineering, and expediting. In other words, it’s your single point of contact in the comprehensive management of a project from A to Z. Through their due diligence, MVM can offer the most cost-effective and cost-efficient solutions for the task at hand.

We had the opportunity to meet with Craig recently to find out more about MVM. How do you save costs on projects?

The cost efficiency comes as a result of my relationships with several well-qualified professionals in the industry and being able to leverage these relationships to get my clients the best scopeappropriate vendors at the best price for each service.

What projects are you currently working on?

We currently are working with The Nature Conservancy, a worldwide non-profit organization, on their two-floor gut renovation project at 322 Eighth Avenue. MVM is also working on a couple of smaller retail projects in the Upper East Side as well as a restaurant on the Upper West Side.

We will be starting a sizable renovation project for a large contract furniture dealer next month in Hell’s Kitchen.

How much on average can you save clients on a project?

We typically can save our clients an average of 30 to 40 percent off an “all in” proposal from an architect or a contractor. Our ultimate goal is to save clients our fee multiple times over rather than costing them an additional professional service fee.

How did MVM Consulting come about?

I have been in the A&D industry now for 13 years and have worked in sales, business development, as a marketing/branding rep and a project manager in the areas of contract furniture, design products, architecture, construction and owner/tenant representation.

What are your specialties?

Offices, showrooms, retail and restaurant renovations or new buildouts are our bread and butter projects. I am currently working on a ground-up residential building opportunity in Bushwick, Brooklyn that would begin construction in Spring 2018.

What is one thing that you wish potential clients knew or would do?

We like to educate people of their options when it comes to undertaking a costly endeavor such as a new build-out project.

Typically, in the past for office space, an architect would be contacted first, and they would usually manage the whole process including hiring the contractor and all the other professional services involved. In the case of the retail spaces and restaurants, 60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

a contractor is commonly put in place first. Hiring either of these services early and having them manage the entire project typically comes with hidden costs to the client in addition to trusting that the vendors they choose are competent as well as right for the job. By hiring MVM, the client gets an objective third party team that is in their corner all the way and acts entirely on their client’s behalf to keep the costs down while seeing the project through to an efficient, timely and on budget completion.

What other service do you offer?

We are eager to assist commercial brokers by doing pre-lease signing walkthroughs with their clients and make them aware of any issues that require immediate attention within the space. MVM will make sure that sufficient power, water, HVAC, etc. requirements are met in the area before the tenant signs on so there are no surprises when the work begins.

MVM also specializes in small renovation projects such as when a tenant signs another lease term and receives Tenant Improvement (TI) allowances to update their space. This usually involves new paint, tile/carpet, and signage products and we can get individual subcontractors to do the work instead of hiring a General Contractor (GC), and we will manage the whole process. We can save a tenant up to 70 percent of the overall construction costs of a standard build out!

Who should put you on their speed dial?

Commercial brokers, real estate finance directors, developers, architects, contractors, landlords, building managers and, of course, end users who are renovating or building out new space.

For more information on Craig Van Mackelberg and MVM Consulting, visit mvm-consulting.com or email him at craig@ mvm-consulting.com. •

VIEW 4 REASONS TO USE MVM Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

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HOLIDAYS AT HOME

By Miki Makrillos | Photos Courtesy of Moll Anderson

hen people think of the holidays, they usually think about their menu, shopping lists, and a hectic time of the year.

It’s during the holiday hustle and bustle that we don’t often take the time to honestly see the beauty of the season surrounding us.

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Moll Anderson is an acclaimed inspirational interior designer, lifestyle expert, and author who shares her expertise to help inspire change in your home, uplift your mood, an impart a multi-sensory experience this holiday season. According to Moll, an elegant doorway, beautiful table-scape, touches of color and candlelit nuances will inspire you to “create your own traditions of celebration and happiness.”

FEARLESS FIVE RULES • Start Small Paint a wall or doorway, buy flowers you are drawn to.

• Accessorize Use colorful throws, pillows, and accent pieces.

• Music Sound elicits feelings and sets a tone in a room. Have a playlist for all occasions.

• Art Display pieces you are drawn to and love.

• Paint Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. Find your own colors you are attracted to that are uplifting.

MOLL’S HOLIDAY TIPS • Signature Scent Mix candles with a light, clean scent, with unscented votives to create a relaxing experience. Place unscented candle only around food.

• Place Cards Add a special personalized effect to any dinner table.

• Holiday Favor Wrap a small ornament, fudge or cookies in a box as a favor for each place setting.

• Signature Color Pick your favorite color and let it pop in different ways from room to room.

• Thematic Tree/Gift Wrapping Take a statement color from your Christmas tree and wrap your gifts in the same theme for a balanced dramatic effect.

• Metallics Leave a warm, sparkly touch to your table and decorations.

Guests and family will be amazed at your beautiful holiday décor. These festive tips are easy to achieve, and you will have time to spare. Relax this holiday season and enjoy the compliments that your unique table and a welcoming door will bring you! • 62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Miki Makrillos is a commentator on style, fashion, and lifestyle on her website wonderwomantalks.com.

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DEALING WITH HEAD INJURIES

By Karen Jacobs & Mary McLean

eep-Beep-Beep... An alarm sounds on Jenna’s iPad as it sits next to her while she works on a long-term assignment for her history class. She examines the screen of the device, which displays a notification entitled math homework. Jenna puts away her history assignment she has been working on and pulls out her math book to begin her homework. With this device, Jenna can manage her time to complete her academic work and dedicate an appropriate amount of time to each assignment.

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After her concussion, while playing soccer last year, homework and time management has been a challenge for Jenna. This may sound like the day of a typical college student, but in reality, it is a student using an adaptive device to overcome the often-debilitating limitations caused by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This Cognitive Support Technology (CST) helps Jenna to support her goals of achieving an undergraduate education and a career in spite of her long-lasting traumatic brain injury symptoms.

LIFELONG EFFECTS Jenna is among the approximately 1.7 million Americans who sustain a TBI annually.

A TBI as it is often referred to is caused by trauma to the head which may damage the delicate structures of the brain. TBI can be caused by a variety of factors including car accidents, combat/improvised explosive devices (IED), sports, falling, and assaults or gunshots. The after effects of a TBI often do not end once the evidence of the initial trauma is healed. This injury can spur lifelong symptoms that include poor concentration, irritability, difficulty reading, and speaking. Very often fatigue, depression memory problems, anxiety and nervousness, sensitivity to light compound an already stressful situation. These symptoms can obviously cause challenges throughout many aspects of a person’s life. People who have had a TBI may often face a future with difficulties in achieving higher education, as well as obtaining and maintaining employment.

Like Jenna, individuals with a TBI can benefit from the use of CST such as an iPad and apps. There are a wide variety of app categories to address the challenges a person with a TBI faces.

Wunderlist App

• One category, Planning & Organization, has many apps such as Wunderlist, iOS and Week Calendar which allows for the person to converge their different schedules and assignments’ due dates into a single calendar. Another app in this category, 30/30 provides for the user to make a program of activities with notifications that allow for different intervals of time to be dedicated to each one. These apps implement a structured strategy for the organization that helps the person experiencing the effects of a TBI to remain focused.

• Another category of apps helps with taking notes in class and addresses the challenges of being a student with a TBI. An example of an app in this category is Notability which allows for users to draw onto images, insert recordings into notes, and write by hand or type. This kind of adaptation is essential to bring organization, usability, and focus on the often fast-paced task of taking notes during a lecture.

Other apps, such as Dragon Dictation allows for users to turn their spoken words into text. For some students attending to the task of 64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

writing may be very difficult for them. An app such as Dragon Dictation allows for user to speak their ideas which are recorded. It will enable them to have a mode of exhibiting what they know on a topic even if they are unable to attend to the task of typing fast enough to record their ideas.

• Other app categories include Behavioral and Psychological Support/Relaxation. This category helps students address some of the behavior challenges such as managing stress. A specific app in this category is Breathe2Relax which primarily takes the user through different breathing exercises to mediate their mood.

YogaStudio, another app is suitable for all abilities and includes quick yoga postures that can be customized to the individual’s routines.

• Finally, another category is Games and Activities that individuals can utilize that use games to develop and enhance memory skills. Some examples of these apps include Lumosity Brain Trainer and Elevate.

More app resources can be found at projectcareertbi.org.

TECHNOLOGY AT THE FOREFRONT Responding to the serious public health concern in the United States regarding TBI, an inter-professional group from Kent State University, West Virginia University, and Boston University came together through a grant from the National Institute for Disability, Independent Living, Rehabilitation and Research (NIDILRR). Under the U.S. Department of Education to develop, it implements and demonstrates a technology-driven, long-term, and resourcerich individualized support program for undergraduate students with a TBI. This initiative is called Project Career, and it merges the use of CST and vocational rehabilitation (VR) practices to improve the career readiness and long-term employment outcomes of civilian and veteran post-secondary students with TBI. The Project Career attains this goal through psychometric evaluation of these students to ascertain their assistive technology, personal, academic, career objectives and needs. It also provides CST training, iPads, and apps; matches students with mentors in their area of work interest; offers vocational case management and job development and placement assistance; and provides an electronic portal regarding accommodation and career resources.

Jenna participated in Project Career and shared, “The reason I’m doing so well in my classes is because of Project Career.” As for Project Career outcomes, 74.9 percent of participants have reported doing better in school, and 62.2 percent indicated that their quality of life had been enhanced. Project Career has had a significant impact on these students’ lives. It is hoped that Project Career will serve as a guide to assist others with a TBI. The Project Career team is composed of Dr. Phillip Rumrill, Dr. Deborah J. Hendricks, Eileen Elias, Dr. Karen Jacobs, Anne Leopold, Amanda Nardone, Elaine Sampson, Deborah Minton and Dr. Marcia Scherer.

Case examples will be shared on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 1 to 2 PM (EST) at a complimentary Learn At WORK webinar titled Perceived Benefit of iPad Apps Among College Students With Traumatic Brain Injury. If you’re interested in joining, please register at attendee.gotowebinar.com/ register/3415532095909897988.

If you miss attending webinar you can listen to recording on the Learn At WORK YouTube Channel, youtube.com/channel/UCOJalCXvSg9fPHaFFs48PuQ. •

Mary McLean, BA, Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Student at Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College. Boston University’s Project Career team member.

Karen Jacobs, OT, OTR, EdD, CPE, Clinical Professor and Program Director, Online Post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College. She is the Boston University site coordinator for Project Career and can be contacted at kjacobs@bu.edu.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 65

GIVING GRATITUDE

By Dr. Peter Kalellis

e often take for granted many valuable and beautiful aspects of our lives. A lack of gratitude can lead to self-destructive behavior such as lack of joy, creativity, motivation, aspects of life that result in a state of unhappiness. Not a pretty picture, but it results in passivity and unresolved misery.

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Our realization of what is most important in life goes hand in hand with gratitude for what is currently available to us. Reality points out that both abundance and lack of abundance exist simultaneously in our lives. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives. But we are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, and personal pursuits that bring us happiness.

Before calling for a national day of fasting, President Abraham Lincoln stated, “We have been the recipients of the choicest blessings of heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation ever has grown; but we have forgotten God! We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.”

A MATTER OF TIME This is a tremendously powerful statement! Since the time President Lincoln gave this speech, the wealth, prosperity, and peace experienced by the United States are far greater—along with the attitude of pride, selfishness, and ingratitude. But if this same speech were given today, there would be quite an uproar!

In contrast to Lincoln’s day, or even to fifty years ago, today’s ungrateful attitude is worse by far. If that generation forgot God, and the many blessings He provided for America, then this present generation doesn’t even know God exists! In this world of being obsessed with what’s “in”—from the newest fashions, to the latest songs and absurd political correctness—gratitude has been all but declared unconstitutional!

Parents I have often counseled have complained about the lack of 66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

gratitude of their teenagers. It is by far one of the most difficult times that many parents experience. When I sense that a client has confidence in my work, I try to share the wisdom of my professor, Dr. Herbert Holt who said that children were not designed to make their parents happy. Parents have been designed to make them happy. Some parents respond that they do their best to see that their children are healthy and happy. Recently, one mother said, “I don’t expect to be praised as the mother of the year, I certainly would like to be appreciated.” Another mother added, “Oh well, I guess we are not alone, but an occasional ‘thank you’ would suffice to make me happy.” An older parent whose children were now adults said, “I will always wish I could have done more for my children. Who doesn’t want to give them everything? But it doesn’t always work that way.” This particular parent did not realize that by giving children so much, they come to expect more and more, and that actually deprives them of the ability to be happy—because they have less and less gratitude.

HAVING IT ALL?

THE LITTLE THINGS

Recently, a client, we will call Ted, came to me for therapy. His main issue was depressive feelings and unhappiness. In his early forties, he had a good job, was married to a lovely and kind woman who had a high position in a large firm; he loved his wife, and they owned a beautiful home. Why did Ted need therapy?

“Doc, I have everything I need in my life, but I’m an unhappy man.”

“What do you think is missing?” I asked.

“I don’t know,” he said.

“In therapy, ‘I don’t know’ means that you do know.”

“No, I don’t,” he said.

“Ted..., you may lack gratitude,” I said.

“Gratitude for what?” he asked rather annoyed. “I worked very hard to attain whatever I have, and nobody has given me anything.”

“What about the things that you take for granted?” I asked.

He paused, and after a brief silence he said, “what things?”

In today’s fast-paced world, most people seem to have no time for thankfulness. Work, traffic, family, soccer practice, doctor appointments, social events and countless other things are their top priorities. They seem to have no time for gratitude. One wonders why we have so many unhappy people in a country that enjoys plentiful food, shelter, electricity, running water, wealth, air conditioning, heating, transportation, sanitation, and many other blessings.

I looked at him straight in the eyes, and with a semi-smile, I said, “You have eyes that can see, ears that can hear, a brain that can think, hands that can work, feet that can walk. You are alive and healthy. Aren’t these givens worthy of some gratitude?” His response was “everybody has these!”

“Well, if you want to be happy, start your day by being grateful for the things that you take for granted. Some unknown author offers some practical thoughts,” I said and gave Ted the following list: • Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

• Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

• Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

• Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.

• Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.

• Be thankful for your mistakes; they will teach you valuable lessons.

• Be thankful when you’re tired and weary because it means you’ve made a difference. • Dr. Peter M. Kalellis is a psychotherapist, marriage and family therapist, lecturer, and writer. He has a doctorate in clinical psychology and is the author of many books. He maintains his practice in Westfield, New Jersey.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

FRANK TALK ON COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY AND MEDI-SPAS

By Ruth J. Katz

o be perfectly frank—no pun intended—Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, an Upper East Side board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and dermatological surgeon, ironically observes: “Mother Nature isn’t always fair: Too much fat in some places and not enough in others.” Don’t we know it.

Frank has been practicing for some 25 years, has written a book on cosmetic rejuvenation, and is an authority on age prevention and anti-aging procedures—with a chic clientele (including The Material Girl herself )—using the most advanced techniques in laser resurfacing, fat reduction, and injectables, among the many “tools” in his war chest for battling Mother Nature’s march. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of both the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and the American Academy of Dermatology. Additionally, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Cosmetic Surgical Clinic for Training Dermatologists at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

And if all that were not enough, in addition to running his very busy practice, he just opened the PFRANKMD Skin Salon, adjacent to his office; the facility features a broad and tempting menu of treatments. Additionally, and more notably, there are many treatments that you would not find in a typical elegant spa setting—procedures that need to be performed under the auspices and oversight of an on-premises physician. The facility offers many types of treatments that Dr. Frank performs across the hall, but at PFRANKMD Skin Salon, procedures cost less than at his private practice.

VIEW PROCEDURE VIDEOS & LEARN MORE New York Lifestyles recently sat down with Dr. Frank to discuss the state of cosmetic dermatology today and to learn about medispas and what his new salon offers that others may not.

Can you give us a brief overview of the state of cosmetic dermatology today and the public’s everincreasing desire to stay young-looking forever.

The world of aesthetic medicine is an ever-expanding landscape of new technology and advanced skincare treatments, driving the growth of non-invasive, cosmetic enhancement. The pursuit of healthy, youthful skin no longer requires that patients undergo aggressive medical procedures to achieve the best version of themselves. I have seen an increase in the number of young people and the number of men coming to my office, so it’s obvious that keeping a youthful glow is a desirable notion—and an attainable goal—to all. More millennials want procedures, and the pharmaceutical and laser companies are developing more and better machinery, procedures, and products to respond to the consumer interest.

Do you find that today people are more transparent about their procedures?

Yes, for sure. In the 1930s, women who colored their hair usually had their treatments in the basement, in the shadows, as hair-coloring was deemed socially unacceptable. It took 30 years before we saw those Clairol ads, “Does she or doesn’t she?” It is the same with injectables like Botox and other fillers, and laser treatments. Thirty years ago, only the “ladies who lunch” talked about it, among themselves. Today, my patients are posting their treatments on social media; cosmetic rejuvenation is a very accepted form of grooming, like getting a mani or pedi. I want to further legitimize these kinds of procedures, and present them as the benefit that they are. Hence, another reason for the PFRANKMD Skin Salon.

68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank

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How is the PFRANKMD Skin Salon different from other day spas?

After decades of being on the cusp of new advancements in technology, skincare, and injectable techniques, I knew it was the right time for the PFRANKMD Skin Salon, as a brand, expanding my expertise beyond my practice. At the Skin Salon, we offer the full palette of cutting-edge, non-invasive technologies, prescribing the right combination of treatments to best suit the needs of each individual. Many are treatments I offer in my private practice, but at a lower price at the Skin Salon, since I am not performing them. To ensure safety and efficacy, each patient is evaluated and treated by medical professionals, trained in accordance with the standard of care in my own practice. The Skin Salon is overseen by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Bauer, a skilled and highly credentialed cosmetic dermatologist; he is on-premises.

With the overwhelming selection of treatment options and providers available today, it’s challenging to know what is safe, and who should be performing these treatments. What should an astute consumer look for in a medi-spa?

This topic can be very confusing. Sadly, there is a great deal of illegitimacy in the market, with unlicensed providers who are not skilled or educated enough to perform particular procedures. In many settings, there are aestheticians performing services illegally, services that legally need to be performed by a doctor or a registered nurse. Licensing for medi-spas varies by state, but here in New York, a medi-spa must be owned by a physician who is ideally on premises, evaluating a patient taking a case history, and assuring safety. All procedures do not necessarily have to be performed by a physician; some may be performed by a registered nurse or aesthetician. In most states, estheticians are generally not licensed medical professionals. They can do hair-removal laser, but they are not allowed to do any other laser, say, for skin tightening or fat removal. In 90 percent of medi-spas, aestheticians are evaluating and treating patients. Government agencies are not enforcing the law, as they are too busy chasing down insurance fraud. At PFRANKMD Skin Salons, guesswork and uncertainty have been removed from the equation. •

The world of aesthetic medicine is an everexpanding landscape of new technology. © Ruth J. Katz 2017 All Rights Reserved. The author of five books, Ruth J. Katz was style editor of Promenade magazine and has written extensively for The New York Times and New York magazine. She has served as editor at numerous magazines and appeared regularly on Fox television as the consumer services expert.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 69

SPA SCENE: MODRN SANCTUARY

By Griffin Miller

hen it comes to luxury spas, it’s pointless to go for the gold when there’s platinum in those dimly lit treatment rooms. Velvet massages, aromatherapy, facials that turn depleted skin to radiance, manicures, pedicures, saunas, Jacuzzis, cushy chairs, Prosecco... guilt-free indulgence.

Recently, though, I’ve been on a quest to expand my posh spa horizon by embracing treatments and experiences that straddle the well-being pampering divide. Of Manhattan’s substantial options one of the most intriguing is Modrn Sanctuary, a wellness center in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood.

When you step off the elevator, you find yourself in an attractive reception/waiting area. There are two hallways lined with intriguing works of art and doors leading to rooms occupied by practitioners offering a variety of holistic services and classes. But I had been seduced by two specific offerings: Crystal Light Therapy and Halotherapy.

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PEACE & RELAXATION I should mention that I’ve never been swept up in anything remotely New Age or holistic. So when Alexandra Janelli—Modrn Sanctuary’s creator/owner—introduced me to Crystal Light Therapy, I was a total neophyte. However, as she described the concept, I became increasingly intrigued. Among the treatment’s benefits are reductions in anxiety, panic attacks, stress and migraines; more energy and vitality; feelings of physical healing; and an overall sense of peace and relaxation. To be honest, she had me at stress.

All this takes place in a treatment room dominated by a Quantum Resonance Crystal Bed—roughly the size of a massage table but with Vogel quartz crystals forming a chorus line of multi-colored lights, each radiating above the table. On it was a heated mat that vibrates to a beat designed to complement your chakra and choice of music (kind of an audio simulcast).

As I lay down (in my street clothes… no robes or wraps required), the infrared warmth of the mat was lovely. I selected the color or chakra that spoke to me (light blue) and adjusted the headphones while Alexandra covered my eyes with a soft, lightly scented mask.

Then I was alone with nothing to do but de-stress and rejuvenate.

And, yes, all the elements involved worked in my favor. Thoughts dissipated altogether. And while I didn’t doze, the half-hour slipped through my consciousness like silk.

THE SALT OF LIFE As I left the room, for the second half of my Modrn Sanctuary adventure—Halotherapy—I was genuinely relaxed and untroubled.

After one session. Interesting.

Halo (or salt) therapy is just a matter of spending quality time in a most remarkable environment: the Salt Room. Uniquely enticing, the 190-square-foot space is comprised of 11,000 tons of 200 million-year-old Himalayan pink salt. The walls are made of salt bricks—both rough and smooth—and thanks to LED lights, they can change color in a range spanning vibrant pink to a calming beige, your choice. And the heated floor is an expanse of salt granules… deliciously dense and lovely to walk barefoot in. Or crawl around in.

Of course, crawling is optional as the salt suite features zero-gravity reclining chairs.

The room is tailored to your sound preferences: binaural beats; relaxation music (guided or no). The healing comes mostly vis a vis the Halo-Generator, a state-of-the-art mechanism that crushes up small particles of salt that fill the air of the salt room. You don’t notice the particles at all, but you’re inhaling them as you rest, meditate, or leisurely carve pictures in the salt floor. Namaste.

For more information on Modrn Sanctury, visit modrnsactuary.com. •

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PUMPKIN SPICE (AND EVERYTHING NICE)

By Shari Bilt Boockvar

’m a sucker for the pumpkin spice trend. My son and I are always looking for those seasonal products that we simply must try before the limited editions are gone. Some people may even assume (or want to believe) that if it’s “pumpkin,” it must be made with real pumpkin and therefore a healthy choice. Of course, we know the truth—they are mostly flavorings. If you are like me and want healthier versions of these products, read on. Keep in mind that not all of these choices have the perfect nutrition profile, but they are better options than most in the market today.

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BARBARA’S PUFFINS LIMITED EDITION PUMPKIN CEREAL If you’ve tried and enjoyed Barbara’s other varieties such as the cinnamon and original flavors, then you must taste this pumpkin version. The pumpkin flavor has 3 grams of dietary fiber and 5 grams of sugar per serving. Toss in a handful of blueberries along with your milk of choice, and you will find it a satisfying and filling option that will keep you from snacking until lunch. You can also make a grab and go snack by filling a Ziploc bag with some Puffins and a tablespoon or two of mixed nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.

CHOBANI LIMITED BATCH PUMPKIN SPICED BLENDED GREEK YOGURT Do you love Greek yogurt? Even if you don’t, this may be an excellent way for you to give it a try. Chobani’s version is a flavorful way to get your pumpkin fix. At 120 calories per cup and boasting 12 grams of protein, it’s a great way to start your day. Try adding fresh fruit and a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds or other nuts. If you enjoy smoothies, substitute this for your milk or yogurt in your recipe.

RXBAR LIMITED EDITION PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN BAR This is one of my favorite go-to bars for a mini-meal or snack. Their simple ingredients mostly come from egg whites, almonds, cashews, cinnamon, and dates. This pumpkin spice flavor is fantastic, and I recommend stocking up before they are sold out!

EDY’S LIMITED EDITION PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE LIGHT ICE CREAM When I’m craving ice cream, I’ve been reaching for Edy’s light ice cream for years. This is the first year I’ve had the pumpkin spice latte flavor, and it’s great! Each 2/3 cup serving is 120 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, so I don’t feel like I’m overdoing it. To make it healthier, top with a handful of berries and sliced almonds. Use it as a substitute for milk in your coffee to create your own pumpkin spice latte!

STARBUCKS PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE (THE HEALTHIER WAY) So here’s the deal, a grande pumpkin spice latte clocks in at 380 calories, 14 grams of fat and 50 grams of sugar. Although my way may not be as sweet and decadent, it can satisfy your pumpkin craving without all of the guilt. Order a tall cup of regular or decaf coffee with 1 to 2 pumps (25 calories each) of pumpkin spice flavoring and a sprinkle of the pumpkin spice topping. Add about ¼ cup milk (I like whole milk for the creaminess) which amounts to 40 calories and 2 grams of fat.

Skip the whipped cream. The total calories will be approximately 90 calories.

GOURD FAMILY FRUIT You read that correctly, pumpkin is a fruit, not a vegetable. It’s a member of the gourd family, which also includes squash. This is an excellent time of year to add them to your meals. Choose delicious options such as acorn or butternut squash. Just peel, cube, and roast with olive oil and any desired seasonings. For a great pasta alternative, give spaghetti squash a try and top with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.

Shari Boockvar, MS, RDN is a Nutritionist in New York and the Tri-State area. She specializes in nutrition counseling and consulting for weight control and fitness. Shari can be found blogging about her favorite products and recipes at Facebook.com/ NutritionShari, Twitter.com/NutritionShari, Instagram: @NutritionShari, and nutrifactsforyou.com.

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BAGATELLE: THE BEST OF FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN

By Anne Raso

pon walking into Bagatelle at 1 Little West 12th Street, one can’t help but feel like they have been whisked away to jet-setting Ibiza or Nice. Guests all look like they have stepped off a fashion runway. The décor is country French with crystal chandeliers and modern accents including graffiti art. The service is impeccable and the food considered one of the culinary wonders of the world.

It has been said that the luxurious Poulet Rôti Entier à la Truffe (whole roasted truffled chicken served au jus with baby potatoes) is the best chicken dish in Manhattan. The $69 price tag might cause sticker shock, but consider there are generous amounts of truffles tucked under the skin. There is also Gnocchi Truffés à la Parisienne de Nicolas (homemade choux pastry gnocchi truffle sauce & Parmesan) that is a top selection of vegan customers.

CULINARY PERFECTION I love classic French cuisine (which they do so well here) and steak, so I was curious about trying Bagatelle’s Steak au Poivre made with an all-natural strip steak. Add peppercorn sauce, and this did not disappoint; the meat was done perfectly medium rare and the sauce was cognac-infused. So tender was the meat, I didn’t need a steak knife.

Another wonderful option is the Filet Mignon with bordelaise sauce and served with cheesy mashed potatoes; a lovely add-on is the panseared foie gras. Most meat eaters prefer Bagatelle’s famous truffled fries as a side, but I choose their beautiful medley of seasonal vegetables which includes asparagus, multicolored beets and sugar snap peas which actually tasted like they were locally sourced and freshly picked that afternoon.

It comes as no surprise that there are Bagatelle locations in Miami Beach and Ibiza that have received equally great food critic accolades; all locations have immensely popular over-the-top weekend brunches that include DJs spinning both classic rock and modern pop. I know foodies who go just for the Braised Short Rib Croissant!

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THE BEST OF EVERYTHING I had to ask co-owner Remi Laba if it is difficult to cater to a “beautiful people” crowd and he stated, “We are a restaurant before anything, and as such, we are service-driven, and all clients are treated the best possible way. Some clients are indeed more particular than others. However, the answer is always to give the best of what Bagatelle has to offer. We don’t see any challenges catering to a particular clientele as long as we stick to our core principles and always try to go the extra mile for them.”

Laba adds that despite having a menu steeped with classic French dishes, he does keep the clientele’s health concerns in mind: “Eating healthy for us is more about eating clean. We avoid processed foods, make sure we know where all our produce comes from and pay very close attention to having balanced dishes. We offer gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options to make sure we are all encompassing for our clientele and make a very conscious choice to be that way when conceiving our menus.”

In the heart of the Theater District, Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse is a celebrated Broadway fixture and a New York Institution. It is the longest running show on Broadway (as well as one of the city’s oldest continued dining establishments) having first opened as a speakeasy in 1926.

Whether you are going to the Theatre, visiting New York, or are one of our regulars, please join us for a wonderful dining experience and be part of our continued legacy.

There are culinary twists to many of the French dishes served at Bagatelle. Laba points out: “We are French, and our cuisine is South of France-based, which is a Mediterranean cuisine. As such, we are influenced by the entire region and our menu has the Mediterranean twist with flavors originating from Italy, Greece, Spain, North Africa and Lebanon. At times, you will find a bit of Asian or Peruvian influences in some dishes, but that is solely because we love these cuisines and flavors.”

Despite being a luxury eatery, there are special event nights and every Tuesday night bottles of wine are half price. You might just want to saddle up with a loved one at a table in the dimly-lit bar area and polish off a bottle of your favorite Bordeaux as part of a romantic and reasonably priced “date night.”

For more information on Bagatelle, visit bagatellenyc.com. • Anne Raso is a New York City-based freelance journalist. She is the former rock columnist for the Sunday New York Daily News and has contributed travel articles to Time Out New York and foxnews.com. Anne currently edits the lifestyle website luxelifenyc.com and contributes to Discovery Girls Magazine.

COCKTAILS – LUNCH – DINNER Private Dining Room Available frankieandjohnnies.com 320 WEST 46TH STREET, NY, NY 10036 212.997.9494

FEAST ON THIS

By Peter Elston

hether visiting for the holidays or simply enjoying the Thanksgiving Day with family and friends, New York City offers plenty of options to whet your appetite—from prime-aged steaks and Italian hospitality to Provencal charm. So, give thanks and gather one and all and head to one of these fine restaurants.

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THE LEOPARD AT DES ARTISTES The Leopard at des Artistes is owned by husband-and-wife-team Gianfranco Sorrentino and Paula Bolla-Sorrentino, and partner Chef Vito Gnazzo. This partnership has also grown to include two other excellent restaurants, Il Gattopardo and Mozzarella & Vino. The Leopard at des Artistes is conveniently located near Lincoln Center in the landmarked Hotel Des Artistes. Once inside you are surrounded by the astonishing 1920s murals by Howard Chandler Christy. The Leopard at des Artistes finds its roots in the area once known as “The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies” (the mid-1800s) and in the culinary traditions of the regions of Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, Apulia, Sardinia and, of course, Sicily. The menu is a perfect balance of dishes based on rural elements, such as pasta, vegetables, cheese, and seafood ingredients from the Italian Costiera (theleopardnyc.com).

BOBBY VAN’S STEAKHOUSE The newest addition to the Bobby Van’s family of restaurants is located on Central Park South overlooking the bucolic park and just steps from the iconic Plaza Hotel. Executive Chef Ted Rozzi has crafted a menu of delectable dishes such as Crispy Calamari, Lemon Pepper Shrimp and Maxie’s Meatballs for Starter and Veal Milanese, Chilean Seabass or New York Sirloin Steak for an entrée. It is the ideal dining destination for an intimate dinner as well as for larger groups or special occasions (bobbyvans.com).

MAMO RESTAURANT Enjoy the best this season has to offer with celebrity favorite MAMO Restaurant’s incredible menu curated by new Executive Chef Salvatore Marcello. MAMO’s new menu features an array of delectable dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients. MAMO offers diners traditional southern Italian/French cuisine in an intimate yet elegant setting. The bi-level restaurant includes a casual lounge on the ground floor and a formal dining room upstairs. Both spaces capture the Riviera’s “sense of home” with original family photos and oversized vintage posters. The decor also incorporates classic New York-inspired touches such as exposed brick walls. The intimate downstairs lounge is available for private bookings and is the perfect space for a holiday gathering or celebration (mamonyc.com). • 76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

THE HOME CHEF

By Patricia Canole

hether you’re about to host your first Thanksgiving dinner or maybe have earned your stripes as a seasoned pro, one thing is for certain: there’s always something new to learn for the home chef. We went straight to the experts at Diestel Family Ranch—a fourth-generation, family-owned turkey producer in the U.S. Nestled in the Sierra Foothills, the traditions of Great Uncle Ernest, who founded the farm six decades ago, are continued to this day. This family has demonstrated new ways to sustain old-fashioned values, striving at the same time to maintain a small carbon footprint while producing a high-quality product. Unlike most turkey farms, Diestel ORDER YOUR DIESTEL TURKEY NOW allows their birds to roam free, giving them plenty of time to grow, Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo feeding birds the highest-quality, all-natural food sources (they even make their feed), and being meticulous about the finished product’s quality. In fact, Diestel Family farmers walk the turkeys every day and pay close attention to their health, removing the need for antibiotics.

FAMILY-STYLE RECIPES SIMPLE SPICE RUB 4 tablespoons oil (melted butter, margarine, olive oil, etc.)

4 teaspoons salt or to taste 2 teaspoons paprika Rub the exterior of your turkey with this paste before placing into the roasting pan.

OLD-FASHIONED TURKEY GRAVY Skim and strain freshly roasted turkey drippings into a saucepan over medium heat. If you’re short on drippings, add 1 to 2 cups water or broth back into your roasting pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits. Strain and incorporate into your drippings. Whisking constantly, gradually add drippings to a roux (butter cooked with flour).

Reduce heat to low and simmer for the gravy to thicken and flavors to meld. Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Optional: When the turkey is half done, heat (do not boil) one cup of white wine and pour over turkey. This is the secret to a fabulous, deep flavored gravy.

SAVORY HERB STUFFING 2 medium sweet onions 5 stalks celery 7 sprigs parsley 1 7 ½ oz. bag stuffing cubes, unseasoned (approx. 8 cups) 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ packet herb seasoning (approximately 1 teaspoon, included with the stuffing cubes), or season to taste with sage, savory, thyme, and pepper 1 teaspoon dry marjoram leaves 3/4 teaspoon dry oregano leaves 1/2 teaspoon dry thyme leaves 1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Finely chop onions, celery, and parsley. In a large bowl, mix with bread cubes. Sprinkle with olive oil. Toss to combine. Add seasonings. Mix thoroughly.

Heidi Diestel loves her role in the family business which has evolved into educating the consumer— and especially children— about essential restorative properties of good nutrition. New York Lifestyles recently caught up with Heidi who advised whether it be an Heirloom, Pasture Raised, or Certified Organic holiday bird, to keep these tips in mind.

• Before roasting, check to ensure your turkey is soft and oven ready. If the turkey feels firm and cold, it will not roast evenly. Ideally, room temperature birds cook well.

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. After removing the neck and giblets from the cavity, rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. If you choose to stuff your bird, this would be the time to do so.

• Rub the exterior of turkey with a blend of your favorite herbs and spices (see Family-Style Recipes). Place the turkey in an open roasting pan, breast side up.

• You can baste your bird, but keep in mind that consistently basting turkeys throughout the entire cooking cycle will result in skin that’s more moist than crisp. Whether you baste—or not—it’s always important to have some liquid in the bottom of the roasting pan (broth, stock, water or wine) throughout the roasting process.

• There is no need to turn the bird while roasting as it will brown to a golden color. A foil tent can be placed loosely over the turkey during the last hour of roasting to prevent over browning. When the turkey reaches the desired internal temperature, remove from the oven.

• Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before carving/ serving. This allows time for the juices to seal within the meat and makes for a delicious finished product.

Short on time? Why not make it simple and order an Organic Oven Roasted Whole Turkey. Just reheat in a roasting pan for two hours, and the result is a tender, super juicy turkey for your guests to enjoy.

Pat neck and body cavities of turkey until thoroughly dry. Stuff loosely, never pack. Leftover stuffing can be baked in a covered, greased dish at 325º F for 30 minutes.

For more information on the Diestel Family Farm and purchase of holiday birds and other poultry products, visit diestelturkey.com. •

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

IN THE KITCHEN WITH TRACEY CEURVELS

By Patricia Canole

t’s easy to understand why Tracey Ceurvels loves exploring new places. This food and travel journalist has traveled the world and written about her escapes for The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and Relish. Her enthusiasm for food and travel continues and is perfectly presented on her culinary website, The NYC Kitchen. “We can buy ingredients from all over the world,” says Tracey who has probably frequented every specialty shop in the city. Instead of shopping at the big box supermarket, she loves discovering smaller stores in every borough which specializes in spices, pasta, cheese, tea, greengrocers—you name it!

In her new cookbook, The NYC Kitchen Cookbook (Skyhorse Publishing), Tracey continues her quest to spice up the New York City kitchen with 150 recipes inspired by the numerous specialty food shops and markets. Living in Brooklyn, Tracey has some favorites including Sahadi’s for spices, Staubitz Market for meats, Caputo Bakery and Bien Cuit for bread. Of course, she’ll frequently venture into Astoria to her favorite Greek grocer, Titan Foods for phyllo and feta, and travel to Teitel Brothers on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx for sausage and cheese. Not to be overlooked is Manhattan with some favorites Eataly and Di Palo’s Fine Foods for fresh pasta and meats.

Tracey’s philosophy is simple. “I enjoy meeting people who love what they do, especially when it comes to food. I’ve met beer brewers, winemakers, chocolatiers, butchers, and cheesemongers. Their passion for what they do is contagious and, honestly, I’d rather buy artisanal produce made with love and care than a mass-produced one at the supermarket.

In between specialty shop visits, we had the chance to learn a little more about this new cookbook author and what inspires her.

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How did you begin NYC Kitchen?

I started the NYC Kitchen for a few reasons. Before I had my daughter in 2008, I was a freelance writer, reviewing restaurants, going out a lot at night to events, and traveling the world. I’ve always had a sense of wanderlust and when Sabrina was born, that stopped for a while, yet my love of food didn’t. Soon I realized I could feed my adventurous spirit differently and that’s when I started my website. I began venturing around NYC to all the excellent food shops, going to places like Chinatown for greens, noodles, ginger, and to Brighton Beach to check out the Russian markets. Cooking for me became a fun adventure.

What is your favorite dish to cook and why?

Making quick dinners during the week is a necessity, but sometimes I love making meals that require more time and effort: Dishes like bouillabaisse, beef stews, roasts, whole chickens, and tagines. These types of dishes are relegated to the weekends, which is why I named a chapter in my book, “Relax on the Weekend: Feasts.” Even though we live in a fast-paced world, I love the art of taking time out of a weekend day to make a meal. I put on some music, light candles, open up a bottle of wine, and enjoy the process of chopping vegetables, combining spices, and smelling the scents from whatever is simmering in the oven. During the week dinnertime looks a lot different, but on the weekends it’s nice to turn to dishes that require more thought.

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Tracey Ceurvels For cooks who are just starting out, what is square one?

I believe that having an interest in trying new things is helpful— this is something that continually inspires me in the kitchen. On my website, I offer “The Edible Adventure List” which includes some of my favorite ingredients. I believe that it starts with the ingredients—fresh herbs, spices, sauces, and more—and keeping a few essential items stocked at all times.

Also, organization is important especially if you’re naturally a go-with-the-flow person like I am. On Sundays, I think of a few meals I’d like to make during the week, and I write down what I need for each dish. Before doing this, I’d wander around a few stores, unsure what to make, then I’d come home having forgotten something. For this reason, I created a menu planner, which is something that goes against my nature but has helped me immensely. That being said, I often challenge myself to make a meal out of what I have stocked, and that kind of experimentation can be a lot of fun.

For more information on Tracey Ceurvels and The NYC Kitchen, visit newyorkcity.kitchen. •

THANKSGIVING DAY TIPS Thanksgiving dinner—the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other side dishes—is the focal point of this food-centric holiday. But the period before sitting down for dinner can be just as appetizing. Whether you’re the host or a guest, you’ll want to nibble on something while everyone convenes and sips on cider or cocktails. Here, Tracey’s easy ideas on what to serve.

Nuts and Olives make a great snack before dinner, and they’re especially good with a glass of wine or a flute of Champagne. Stock up on a variety of olives and nuts from Zabar’s, Sahadi’s, or Titan Foods.

Italian Meats are always welcome—even on an allAmerican holiday. While prosciutto, bresaola, and soppressata (along with olives from above) might not be regarded as Thanksgiving dinner fare, watch how it’s gobbled up before the turkey’s even sliced. Head to Arthur Avenue in the Bronx.

Cheese is always a welcome addition to any holiday gathering. Generally, cheesemongers will advise you to pick a variety of cheese made from different kinds of milk, so opt for a cow, sheep, and goat—and/or a blend—to satiate different palates. The French Cheese Board, Murray’s and Saxelby Cheesemongers, sell stellar choices.

plataformaonline.com 316 W 49th St., NYC 212-245-0505

My American vodka beats the giant imports every day.

Try American! It’s better.

JERSEY SPIRITS

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

re you a fan of farm-to-table cuisine and looking to support restaurants and chefs who stress locally-sourced ingredients?

Why not take that commitment to the next level—supporting your local distiller. Jersey Spirits Distillery Company, located in Fairfield, NJ, is a craft distillery that uses as many locally-sourced raw materials as possible to create an impressive and varied line-up of hand-crafted spirits.

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This passion for experiencing “anything local” was instrumental in the creation of Jersey Spirits. It was in 2013 when John Granata and Susan Lord were in Park City, Utah and visiting High West Distillery where they were inspired to create their own distillery in New Jersey. After several months of researching, studying, and visiting many distilleries and manufacturers, they found the perfect spot in Fairfield and began the process of making high-quality, hand-crafted spirits. Their choice of location was a bit ironic, as Fairfield currently boasts three craft distilleries and two craft breweries.

JERSEY MADE The company’s line-up of products is quite impressive for a small, craft distillery. Their signature Main Street Vodka was their first introduction. Not long after, Barnegat White Whiskey (an un-aged whiskey—sort of a Jersey moonshine), Boardwalk Rum, Jersey Apple Hooch (“like apple pie in a bottle”), and DSP.7 Gin made their appearances. And with the introduction of their Crossroads Bourbon Whiskey, the first to be legally made and sold completely in New Jersey since before prohibition, bourbon lovers don’t have to look to Kentucky for their favorite libation. Granata and Lord joke that with their craft distilling license and are not afraid to use it. The results continue to amaze with Jersey Pumpkin Hooch, and Jersey Hooch Holiday Nip (using locally-sourced cranberries, apples, and maple syrup—“like holidays in a bottle!”).

An unusual product line is their HopManiac Spirits, available in Citra, Mosaic, and Experimental versions. Using a vapor infusion process during redistillation, Jersey Spirits adds a variety of hops to its neutral grain spirits. Beer lovers may find these creations enticing!

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 81

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE What better way to learn the craft than to see how it’s all done with a lesson from the masters themselves. The Infusion Class at Jersey Spirits’ Distilled Spirits Plant in Fairfield, NJ. is a unique learning experience. The two-hour long class covers techniques for both slow and fast infusions, so you can utilize your newfound knowledge at home to make creative spirits. The course includes a bottle of Main Street Vodka or Boardwalk Light Amber Rum which you will infuse during the session using quick infusion techniques. A distillery tour, tastings, and one of Jersey Spirits’ tasty, creative cocktails are also included.

Jersey Spirits Distillery Company, located in Fairfield, NJ, is a craft distillery that uses as many locally-sourced raw materials as possible to create an impressive and varied line-up of hand-crafted spirits.

The owners encourage their class participants to get creative with their infusion choices. All of the infusions, whether ones produced for sale or those created in class, use only natural ingredients with no artificial additives of any kind. Be sure to visit Jersey Spirits’ tasting room with its chicly-designed cocktail bar offering a large selection of creative cocktails. Here you will have fun choosing from Jersey Spirits’ extensive list of creative cocktails, some which are available in a flight of three mini drinks.

Some of the more exotic concoctions include the Punisher (Hot Pepper Vodka, pineapple, orange, and coconut) and the Cucumber Cosmo Martini (Cucumber-infused Vodka, Orange-infused Vodka, and cranberry).

It is evident that Granata and Lord want to provide their customers an experience beyond just purchasing their craft spirits. In addition to the infusion classes, Jersey Spirits conducts two different mixology classes, perfect for the holiday season. Mixology 101 is an introductory course for those who might not be that familiar with spirits and preparing cocktails. Granata explains how to stock a bar for a party including the core liquors needed for the most common cocktails—and how to do so economically.

Advanced Mixology is for those looking to go beyond the basics and experimenting with various flavors and creating interesting and unique cocktails and garnishes. The creative process will continue at Jersey Spirits, as classes such as Candy Making with Spirits and Baking with Spirits are planned for the future.

For more information on Jersey Spirits Distilling Company visit jerseyspirits.com. • Jeff and Stephanie Sylva are retired English and Social Studies high school teachers who have been freelance travel writers for over 28 years. They’ve been publishing in many national publications and who love to write about the great outdoors and, of course, travel.

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ON STAGE: BROADWAY GOES HOLLYWOOD

By Lori Simmons Zelenko

CLIVE OWEN IN M. BUTTERFLY The Cort Theater The price of illusion is steep, so French diplomat René Gallimard (played by Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Winner Clive Owen) learns in David Henry Hwang’s Tony Award-winning play M. Butterfly. Disgraced, a victim of his own sexual obsession with a beautiful, submissive, modest “woman,” Song Liling, a Beijing opera star (played by newcomer, Jin Ha), Gallimard winds up in prison, damaged beyond belief by this desperate romance.

Julie Taymor directs with tremendous imagination as always (her vision brought us The Lion King and more recently, Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark) letting this twisted heartbreaker unfold in layers of deception each revealed with a tangible sensuality. Based on a true story yet taking from the romance at the heart of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, the play is, Clive Owen says “astonishing…a wild passionate story” that happens to be as they say, straight from the headlines. Arrogance meets delusion in this drama which like a Chinese puzzle box is never-ending in its mystery, fascinating and compelling to experience as love and betrayal lock and unlock in a mesmerizing sequence.

Julie Taymor poses the question is M. Butterfly “fantasy or is it a reality?” with her visualization of the play as essentially a sophisticated game of hide and seek, a beautiful liaison of love, espionage, and betrayal. Conceived cinematically, we suspend disbelief like Gallimard breathlessly waiting for the next intoxicating revelation of desire as we follow passion down an exquisitely dangerous path. Race, gender co-star in M. Butterfly letting us see how easy it is to fall when flirtation and flattery tease us along.

For more information on M. Butterfly, visit mbutterflybroadway.com.

UMA THURMAN IN THE PARISIAN WOMAN The Hudson Theatre Opens: November 30th Powerful friends, it’s been said are the only kind worth having. That’s the way it is in Washington, D.C. post-2016 election. Dark humor and drama come together in a story that addresses the current political landscape through the eyes of The Parisian Woman starring Uma Thurman (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Imposters) as Chloe, a socialite who navigates politics, her past, her marriage, and a future that’s far from assured.

This electrifying new play makes it clear that the truth isn’t obvious and the stakes couldn’t be higher at this pivotal moment in Chloe’s life and the state of our country. Parisian Woman is by House of Cards creator Beau Willimon, and directed by Tony Award winner Pam MacKinnon (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Clybourne Park). Willimon’s inspiration for The Parisian Woman came from French dramatist Henri Becque’s controversial play, La Parisienne which debuted in Paris in 1885.

Also in the cast are Josh Lucas (Sweet Home Alabama, American Psycho), Tony Award winner Blair Brown (Orange Is The New Black, Fringe, Copenhagen), Marton Csokas (Loving, The Lord of the Rings) and Tony Award nominee Phillipa Soo (Hamilton, Amélie).

For more information on The Parisian Woman or to purchase tickets, visit thehudsonbroadway.com.

84 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

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STEVE MARTIN’S METEOR SHOWER The Booth Theatre Opens: November 29th “It’s a hot night in Ojai, California, and Corky (Amy Schumer) and her husband Norm (Jeremy Shamos) are having another couple over for dinner. Laura (Tony Winner Laura Benanti) and Gerald (Keegan Michael-Key), though, aren’t looking for a casual evening of polite small talk with new friends. Eventually, the two couples find themselves in a marital free-fall matched in velocity and peril only by the smoldering space rocks tearing through the sky.” That sets up Meteor Shower Steve Martin’s new play, directed by Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!). It’s an unpredictable and sometimes wonderfully absurd, offbeat look at the comic anxiety lurking just beneath the surface of modern marriage.

Laura Benanti

For award-winning actress and Broadway darling, Laura Benanti, Meteor Shower is “Jungian;” revealing the characters’ quest to find a balance between the conscious and the unconscious as sparks fly and relationships flare. Though, she observes, Hello, Dolly! which she enjoyed recently (from the same director, Jerry Zaks) may be a powerhouse, Meteor Shower she says is a more intimate show, revelatory in its authenticity tempered with Steve Martin’s marvelous comic edge.

Her character, she says, reminds her of her younger self as the play is set in 1993 a far more innocent time than today.

For more information and tickets for Meteor Shower (which runs for 12 weeks), visit meteoronbroadway.com.

THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne (known for his exceptionally clever and remarkably brilliant modern productions of classic story ballets, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty) makes magic once again with his spell-binding dance adaptation of the Academy-Award winning film, The Red Shoes. The price of fame is steep as we see through the eyes of the ingenue dancer whose struggle with love and her obsession takes her out of the realm of reality as she dances her life away in a pair of possessed red shoes. The film (originally released in 1948) is in itself an obsession for many in Hollywood including Martin Scorsese who restored what’s considered the greatest dance film of all time in 2009.

Though there may be many a hopeful young dancer who dreams of becoming a legendary ballerina as we see in Matthew Bourne’s ballet, the path can be treacherous. Surreal and sensuous, this sumptuous production of The Red Shoes draws parallels with the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale of the same name as passion and possession preclude romance with devastating consequences. The Red Shoes had sold-out runs in London and across the UK, making this smash hit one of the most anticipated tickets in New York City this fall.

The flame-haired leading role of Victoria Page (played by Moira Shearer in the 1948 film) will alternate between original dancer Ashley Shaw from the New Adventures London production and New York City Ballet principal Sara Mearns. American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Marcelo Gomes and New Adventures dancer Dominic North share the role of composer Julian Craster, and Sam Archer is Boris Lermontov, the iconic Svengali-like impresario. The score by Bernhard Herrmann is a lush compilation of the greatest films of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

For more information on The Red Shoes (which runs through November 5th), visit nycitycenter.org/pdps/TheRedShoes. • Lori Simmons Zelenko grew up in NYC skipping school to go to an afternoon of theater so it’s no wonder that she’s dedicated to telling the stories of Broadway to the New York Lifestyles audience.

With an eye towards pop culture, she seeks to bring a point of view that’s fresh and fun. She is also a brand storyteller creating compelling marketing communications campaigns for startups and established brands. Her website is lszcommunications.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85

Positively Ernie

CHANNEL 5 NEWS AT 6PM

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

TOP PICKS THOR: RAGNAROK Rated PG-13 The Marvel Comics vision of Thor returns in this third outing starring Chris Hemsworth as the Norse god (and all-around hunk) but with some fundamental changes to his cinematic universe this time around. Kenneth Branagh, who directed Thor and Thor: The Dark World, was busy with Murder on the Orient Express, which also opens this month; he was replaced for Thor: Ragnarok by acclaimed New Zealand helmer Taika Waititi in his first Hollywood outing.

Also missing from this foray into what Marvel calls “a journey of discovery” for Thor is his love interest Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). But never fear, there are some formidable women in this mashup of the Marvel Comics Universe, including a deliciously evil Cate Blanchett as Hela, the Goddess of Death, and Westworld favorite Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie. Throwing in Benedict Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange along with Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk just adds to the CGI-driven fun, and it doesn’t hurt that Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston return to reprise their roles as Heimdall and Loki and Anthony Hopkins is back as Odin. With the juggernaut that is Marvel Studios these days, Thor: Ragnarok is bound to be one of November’s hottest tickets.

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JUSTICE LEAGUE Not yet rated It’s going to be an all-out war at the box office in November, as DC Comics brings together old favorites and new heroes in Justice League in an to attempt to wrest away the superhero movie crown from Marvel.

And with Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman joining The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg in this Zack Snyder-helmed adventure fantasy, a couple of things are guaranteed. First, the plot (as in virtually all of Snyder’s films) will make no coherent sense whatsoever, and second, his loyal audiences won’t care a bit—as long as there are plenty of wild action sequences, cool superhero costumes and corny lines like Wonder Woman’s pithy statement, “They said the age of heroes would never come again.” This one once again stars Ben Affleck as the Batman, Henry Cavill as Superman, Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and adds Jason Momoa as Aquaman, Ezra Miller as the Flash and Ray Fisher as Cyborg, with Oscar winners J. K. Simmons and Jeremy Irons thrown in for good measure as Commissioner Gordon and Alfred.

COCO Rated PG What could be more fun than taking a wild adventure through the Mexican Land of the Dead with Pixar Animation? In our minds, not much. That’s the plot of Coco, which follows a boy named Miguel on a colorful journey that includes Latin music, family traditions and plenty of skeleton characters. But parents shouldn’t worry, as the skeletons in the Land of the Dead are friendly, helping Miguel to solve the mystery of his family’s history. Coco took the Pixar team six years to complete and continues the tradition of that studio’s dedication to creating movies that both children and adults find completely delightful. This film is a bit different than most of the others that Pixar has created (think Best Animated Feature Film Oscar winners like Inside Out, WALL-E, Toy Story 3, Up), in that it has many more musical numbers, which is perhaps an influence coming from its parent company Walt Disney Studios. Certainly, the animated featurette that precedes Coco comes right from the Mouse House—look for Olaf ’s Frozen Adventure (a 21-minute Frozen spinoff) along with Coco in theaters.

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MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Rated PG-13 It’s been over 40 years since an all-star cast brought Agatha Christie’s mystery masterpiece Murder on the Orient Express to life on the big screen, with that version garnering six Academy Award nominations (including a win for Ingrid Bergman). Now Kenneth Branagh brings his own take to the classic whodunit, both directing the film and starring as Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective whose train trip is interrupted by murder. Branagh’s version boasts an impressive cast, too, with everyone from Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer to Daisy Ridley, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Derek Jacobi, Josh Gad, Willem Dafoe and Hamilton Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. It’s a gorgeously shot and fast-paced thriller, filled with secrets and lies that swirl around the suspects—the only people on the snowbound Orient Express luxury train.

This elegant film is likely to cause a stir come awards season, much like its 1974 predecessor.

OSCAR WATCH THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI Rated R Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri may have a title that is hard to remember, but this comedic, yet deadly serious tale of crime in a small Midwestern town is a movie you’ll never forget. Already racking up prizes at prestigious film festivals (it took the top prize at the Toronto Film Festival), it is already poised to be one of 2017’s most acclaimed films. Oscar winner Frances McDormand is a force of nature here, as the mother of a murdered daughter who is fed up with the lack of action on her daughter’s case. So up go her three billboards, and all hell breaks loose, as the town sheriff (Woody Harrelson, who is having a banner career year at the movies) takes umbrage at the accusations posted for all to see. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh of In Bruges fame, and co-starring Sam Rockwell, Peter Dinklage and John Hawkes, this is one to watch come Oscar time.

DARKEST HOUR Rated PG-13 You may look twice or even three times to realize that the man playing Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour is actually Gary Oldman. The fact that he disappears into the role is why he’s already being touted as one of the frontrunners to win the Best Actor Academy Award in this stirring tale of World War II. The tense drama meets Churchill just as he becomes prime minister of Great Britain, in the midst of the Nazi takeover of Europe. Much more than a history lesson, Darkest Hour explores Churchill’s psyche and the myriad reasons that he became the man who successfully stood up to Adolf Hitler and helped save the world from Nazi enslavement. Lily Collins, Ben Mendelsohn and Kirsten Scott Thomas also star in this Joe Wright (Atonement) picture.

LBJ Rated PG-13 ‘Tis the season for biopics, and LBJ tackles the life of America’s Texas president; the man thrust into the spotlight at the moment that JFK was gunned down in that state on November 22, 1963. Rob Reiner directs Woody Harrelson in the role of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th president, and you’d think that Harrelson, another Texas native, must be somehow related to Johnson, as he captures the man so succinctly. Focusing on the days just after the assassination, but also moving through many moments throughout LBJ’s life, the film is a look at the political morass that was Washington, D.C. in the 1950s and 1960s—and that makes an interesting parallel to what is going on there today. Harrelson’s performance is on most pundits’ short list for a Best Actor Oscar nomination, as he is truly transformed.

GUILTY PLEASURES A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS Rated R If you thought Bad Moms had just the right amount of politically incorrect comedy, then you’re in for a treat with this sequel that brings back every one of the creative team behind that hit flick. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn return as the rebellious mothers who are dying to have some fun, along with the writer-director team of Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. This time they are trashing Christmas, and have brought their own mothers (Cheryl Hines, Christine Baranski, and Susan Sarandon) along for the ride.

DADDY’S HOME 2 Not yet rated As if Bad Moms aren’t enough, there are some pretty bad dads coming to the silver screen in November, in another sequel that adds parents to the general mayhem.

In Daddy’s Home, Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell went head-to-head in a goofy comedy about two men (one biological, one the stepparent) trying to be good role models and fathers to the same kids. The comedy was a big hit at the box office, making a sequel inevitable; adding Mel Gibson as Wahlberg’s pop and John Lithgow as Ferrell’s father was a bit of inspired casting. Setting Daddy’s Home 2 during the holidays is the added present to fans of the original, as is keeping writerdirector Sean Anders in place for the sequel.

As a longtime freelance journalist, Jenny Peters covers beats that range from entertainment to lifestyle topics. She writes on film, television, travel, restaurants, wine, design, architecture, beauty, spas, cars, fashion and celebrity events for USA Today, AARP, New York Magazine and many other domestic and international outlets.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 89

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

HOT DRAMAS

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S.W.A.T. CBS Shemar Moore (the hottie everyone loved from Criminal Minds) stars in this new police action series from CBS, based on the 1970s TV show and the more recent feature film of the same name. Set in Los Angeles, this iteration follows the elite tactical unit of the L.A.P.D. that comes into play in police situations where all else has failed.

It’s a show that mixes up wild action sequences with more socially charged moments, a combination that the producers (led by Fast and Furious director-producer Justin Lin) hope will give it more than the two-season life of the original ABC-TV version.

DAMNATION USA Damnation springs from the mind of Tony Tost, the writer-producer who helped make Longmire a USA Network original series hit beginning back in 2012. This time he takes us to 1930s Iowa, where big money and the working poor are engaged in an epic class struggle in the heart of the Great Depression.

Industrialists want to keep the unions out, rabble-rousers are ready to make a change at any cost, preachers wish to control the souls (and pocketbooks) of the lower classes, and two men with a shared past find themselves on opposite sides of the battle that swirls around the emotional fight for survival in desperate times. Starring Killian Scott, Logan Marshall-Green, and Sarah Jones.

THE LONG ROAD HOME National Geographic Channel Based on the best-selling nonfiction book of the same name, The Long Road Home is an eight-part series that follows the true story of the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division (from Fort Hood). The division was ferociously ambushed on April 4, 2004, in Sadr City, Baghdad; this mini-series follows the harrowing events that followed. With an all-star cast including House of Cards Emmy nominee Michael Kelly, Parenthood Emmy nominee Jason Ritter and (on the home front) Kate Bosworth and The Walking Dead favorite Sarah Wayne Callies, this true-to-life saga is filled with taut action and emotional resonance.

ALIAS GRACE Netflix The strange, notorious story of Grace Marks has fascinated Canadians for over a century, to the extent that Margaret Atwood (A Handmaid’s Tale) wrote a novel based on her life in 1998. It’s that novel that this fact-based six-episode series is based upon.

Following her life from the moment in 1843 that she and another Irish immigrant, James McDermott, apparently murdered their employers on a farm near Toronto, Alias Grace explores the twisted mind of the first woman to be declared criminally insane in Canada. She was 16, he was 20, and together their crimes shocked the Victorian sensibilities of the country that was still a British colony at the time. Sarah Gadon (known for Belle and our favorite Canadian TV series, Murdoch Mysteries) stars as Grace, whose enigmatic life both in prison and beyond continue to be the thing of legend. Did she kill them, or did McDermott drag her down with him? That’s the question that the fascinating miniseries Alias Grace tries to unravel.

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SUPER SCI-FI MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS Hulu The Marvel Cinematic Universe is everywhere these days, so to find the newest addition to Stan Lee’s television superhero world, head to Hulu to stream the latest addition to that ever-expanding realm.

Marvel’s Runaways stars six teenagers (two boys, four girls) who make the jarring discovery that each is the child of a pair of supervillains.

That’s a pretty tough discovery for a teen, but then it gets even weirder, as the group realizes that they are the superheroes, with powers ranging from telepathy to witchcraft, who must stave off their parents’ nefarious plans. Based on the Runaways comic book series from the early 2000s, the series features Rhenzy Feliz, Ariela Barer, and Allegra Acosta and is most likely to appeal to the teenage sensibility.

FUTURE MAN Hulu Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games) joins forces with director-producers Seth Rogen, and Evan Goldberg in Future Man, a mishmash of goofy gamer comedy rolled up with some sci-fi time travel action and chockablock with more than a little seriously crude dialogue. Fans of Rogen-Goldberg’s earlier movie efforts like This Is the End and The Interview are likely to find this 13-episode series hilarious, but it gets pretty silly early on and never quite recovers from the juvenile level of jokes, much as Hutcherson tries his best to pull it off. Watch for Glenne Headly in a small role as his mother; it is one of her last performances before her untimely death in June 2017.

COMEDY ESCAPES SMILF Showtime For those who aren’t up on the acronyms used in modern society, SMILF is shorthand for “Single Moms I’d Like to #?*!.” So you might imagine that this new Showtime series would be told from a man’s perspective, but that’s not the case. Instead, this comedy about a twentysomething single mother is the brainchild of Frankie Shaw, who created it, produces, directs, writes and stars in this slightly raunchy and funny semi-autobiographical series. She’s best known as an actress, with starring roles in the TV series Blue Mountain State, Mixology, and Bad Robot; SMILF may just put her on the map as the next big quadruplethreat female phenom in Hollywood.

SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT Netflix With the new TV series, She’s Gotta Have It, famed writer-director (and sometimes actor) Spike Lee revisits one of his earliest hit movies. The idea and title remain the same, but this time Netflix has contracted Lee to take ten 30-minute episodes to tell the sexually charged comic tale of Nola Darling’s quest to live her own life, without being tied down by any of her appealing lovers. Nola, as played this time out by DeWanda Wise, has three sweethearts, each one with qualities she enjoys – so why does everyone want her to choose just one? It’s the question Lee asked in 1986, and 30 years later the answer is just as interesting—and funny—as ever. • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 91

ON THE BOOKSHELF WHOSE WORDS THESE ARE

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Compilation and Commentary by J. Justin and John J. Dilenschneider Significance Press

WHAT IS IT ALL BUT LUMINOUS Notes From An Underground Man

A collection of memorable lines of English writing, this book is a tour de force. Chronicling English verse and one prose selection with f re q u e nt l y - q u o t e d and memorable lines including “The shot heard round the world,” “The fault is not in our stars,” “Theirs not to reason why,” or “The best-laid plans of mice and men.”

Notes From An Underground Man

By Art Garfunkel Penguin Random House

Although newspaper columnists still reference Yeats’ “The centre cannot hold,” still others including Bruce Springsteen and sportscasters often revisit Dylan Thomas’ “Do not go gentle into that good night”— memorable lines often misquoted or misunderstood. Sometimes we unsuccessfully scour our memories all the way back to high school English class for their source and meaning.

John and j. Justin Dilenschneider a retired judge and English professor, respectively, assembled these texts to help people navigate such frequently quoted lines. Whose Words These Are provides copious examples, commentary and author information that not only gives background to so many of the memorable lines that pepper our conversations but also further informs the reader of many poetical and rhetorical devices used by some of the greatest English wordsmiths of our time.

With some sixty authors and 145 memorable lines from the English language represented, Whose Words These Are illuminates, and gives context to, the words we use. Whether on your nightstand or the book you choose to read for your book club, you’ll be in the know when it comes to understanding the historical and literary references alluded to in book and movie titles, newspaper headlines, politicians’ pronouncements, and sportscasters’ declarations.

The curly-headed half of Simon & Garfunkel recounts in What Is It All But Luminous the moving, lyrical making of a musician and the forging of a friendship that would change his life forever.

Now 74, Art Garfunkel takes us back to Kew Gardens, Queens, meeting Paul Simon in school and recording their first hit together, “Hey Schoolgirl,” at age 16 under the name Tom and Jerry. The book delves into Garfunkel’s success with Simon and their remarkable music career together, as well as his solo career, work as an actor, getting his masters in mathematics, nearly losing his voice—and gaining it back.

Garfunkel is frank and direct and reveals his thoughts and feelings about a turbulent life. His accomplishments are many: With Paul Simon, he won six Grammy Awards, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. As a solo singer, he scored three Top 20 hits.

In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel broke up after dominating the pop charts for five years. Then in 1981, he performed with Simon before more than 500,000 fans in New York’s Central Park and belted out his signature vocal Bridge over Troubled Water. In 2010, he temporarily lost his voice due to a vocal cord problem and struggled to regain it.

Moreover, digesting the readily accessible content in Whose Words These Are may just place you front-and-center in conversations at your next dinner party!

In the end, Garfunkel’s legacy as half of the greatest modern-day duo in music is undeniable. And if you have any of those classic recordings, you’ll want to give them a fresh spin as well!

-Jim Zebora

–Patricia Canole

92 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

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MUSEUM HAPPENINGS

By Clint Brownfield

he stretch of 61st Street between 1st and York Avenues in Manhattan is nestled among high-rise apartment, and office buildings and hospitals. Just to the south, the Roosevelt Island Tramway can be seen gliding along the horizon. But the main feature here is one of New York’s true—and possibly under-discovered—gems the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum (MVHM), one of only about eight 18th-century structures remaining in Manhattan. Today, it’s difficult to imagine that this area was once farmland.

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Built in 1799 as a carriage house, the stone-covered house museum today is owned and operated by the Colonial Dames of America, a hereditary society whose members can trace their ancestry back to people who lived in the colonies before the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

For many years, the historic building was open to the public as the Abigail Adams Smith Museum and was part of a 23-acre estate owned by John and Abigail Adams Smith. Her parents were John and Abigail Adams. The museum’s name was a bit of a misnomer since the Adams never actually lived in the structure—they resided in the main house on the property, which was lost to fire in the early 1800s.

In the mid-1980s the Federal-style home was retooled and reopened as the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, reflecting how the building appeared when it began operating as a day hotel in 1826. Eight period rooms are now on view, in addition to the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum—providing an oasis in 21st-century Midtown Manhattan.

In 1826, when the hotel opened, the city’s population was concentrated below Canal Street and, with the opening of the Erie Canal; the city’s population grew exponentially, from 100,000 to more than 200,000 in just a few years. To escape the hustle and bustle of the city downtown, people would travel to such hotels as the Mount Vernon to live it up for a day. They arrived either by boat on the East River or carriage via the Old Boston Post Road—roughly where 1st and 2nd Avenues are today. They would spend the day overlooking the East River meet new friends, dine and would be back home before sunset.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 95

STEP BACK IN TIME Today visitors can see those rooms furnished as they would have appeared as a day hotel in the early 1800s. Tables are set with period china, crystal, and silverware. Furniture, lighting fixtures, fabrics, and works of art reflect how people then lived without electricity—lighting in the museum is kept to a level that resembles what it would have been like then—candles and oil burning lamps. From the gardens in the back of the house, one can look up and see the date 1799 worked into the house’s stone covering.

The museum is open year round and can be rented for special occasions. Wedding parties can take over the entire house and gardens (weather permitting). Each year the house is decorated for the holidays, usually just after Thanksgiving, featuring natural materials such as fruits, nuts and whatever greenery might have been available during that time. Visit the museum soon and often—or become a member, and let the time traveling begin!

For more information about hours, group tours, special programs and events and rental opportunities at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum, visit mvhm.org. •

THE ERIE CANAL I’ve got a mule; her name is Sal…15 miles on the Erie Canal.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of construction of what would become the Erie Canal, which would open for business in 1825. Until then, goods had to be transported by pack animals. The Canal would link New York City to the state’s westernmost reaches, and the cost of transporting goods would be reduced by 95 percent. However, animals wouldn’t entirely be put out of business. Mules like the famous Sal would be used to help propel barges along the 363-mile “ditch.”

A NEW WORLD At first, it garnered nicknames like Clinton’s Folly and Clinton’s Big Ditch after DeWitt Clinton, who was then serving as New York State’s sixth governor and was mostly responsible for the canal’s construction. Upon its completion, it would be the second largest canal in the world and would become the country’s best way to transport goods to and from the western edges of the country. After its completion, New York City became the country’s leading port, serving as the gateway—up the Hudson to Albany where the Canal began. It would terminate at Lake Erie.

This would also create income for a whole new generation of New Yorkers, forming an upwardly mobile group of people who could then afford to travel uptown, to what is now Manhattan’s Upper East Side and enjoying the good life—at least for a day—in places such as the Mount Vernon Hotel.

Today, you can explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor—America’s most famous man-made waterway. Marvel at the stone locks from the 1800s. And, weather permitting, bike/hike from Buffalo to Albany along that path mules once trod!

For more information on the Erie Canal, visit eriecanalway.org; for more information on lodging and other fun activities, visit discovertheeriecanal.com.

Clint Brownfield is a travel, food and beverage writer and has reported from all seven continents, more than 100 countries and 45 states. He is based in New York City—his favorite destination in the world.

96 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

THE BIG APPLE CIRCUS RETURNS

By Ellis Nassour

fter a one year hiatus, New York’s home-grown Big Apple Circus has made a triumphant return, premiering its 40th Anniversary season at its longtime home under the big top in Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, with performances through January 7th. Rescued by Big Top Works, this New York original and intimate onering “circus with a heart” is back bigger, better, and newer than ever.

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This edition captures the family fun, excitement, and thrills you expect with bumbling clowns, daredevils, acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, majestic horses, playful pups, and rousing music from a live band. There’s traditional sawdust, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs slathered with mustard and relish to take you back to the nostalgic era when tented shows crisscrossed the country filling children of all ages with wonder and joy – and, no doubt, pounding heartbeats watching those daring performers on the trapeze and high wire.

“This is a dream come true,” says Dr. Neil Kahanovitz, a now-retired spine surgeon, theatrical producer, and former circus performer. “The Big Apple Circus was a New York City cultural gem, and we couldn’t let this beloved American pastime just disappear. We wanted the big top to rise again. Our goal,” he continues, “has been to push the envelope, to go gently into new territory, but keep circus tradition relevant for modern-day audiences.”

BIGGER & BETTER Though there have been changes—including a multi-million dollar upgrade in technical aspects and infrastructure, one thing hasn’t changed. “We wanted to keep the intimacy that a European-style, one-ring show offers,” says Dr. Kahanovitz. Under the climate-controlled big top, no seat is more than 50 feet from the ring.

Ready, set go for lump-in-your-throat edge-of-your-seats thrills? For the first time in circus history under the same big top, two acts of audacious, death-defying acrobats go for the gold with edge-of-the-seat daredevil thrills. First, the Flying Tunizianis—with trapeze wiz Ammed Tuniziani—doing what was once thought unattainable, the quad somersault. And then the Flying Wallendas, probably the most daring family troupe in the circus world, on the high wire with a jawdropping seven-person pyramid. The latter act traces its roots back seven generations to the 1780s and the Austro-Hungarian empire. Headliner Nik Wallenda, who first set foot on the high wire at age two, holds ten world records.

In addition to thrills, ringmaster Ty McFarlan, Ringling Bros. ringmaster emeritus, presides over the high spirits and hijinks of Grandma, a 2016 inductee into the International Circus Hall of Fame, and his sidekick Mr. Joel. Also look for the talented barking brigade of rambunctious rescue dogs and 16 magnificent steeds trained by Vidbel, Italian skate acrobats Dandlino and Luciania, and the U.S.’s young Jan Damm making his BAC debut this season doing “rola-bola” balancing feats.

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THREE RING ADVENTURES It’s not surprising to discover that Dr. Kahanovitz, former president of the North American Spine Society, has a love of circus. “I grew up in a blue-collar family and was the first to attend college. But I kept hearing the siren call of the circus. I arranged a leave of absence from the University of Maryland Medical School and ran away with the circus.”

For five years, he lived the nomadic life, traveling with bus-and-truck companies. After starting in concessions, he graduated to clowning and, self-taught by watching, segued to trampoline and trapeze acts. On his retirement from medical practice, he says “I wanted to do something different and challenging, so I ran away with the circus again.”

This time “it took a village,” states Dr. Kahanovitz. Compass Partners, a Sarasota-based investment firm led by managing partner Richard Perlman, formed Big Top Works and “our investors built a sustainable business plan to not only bring back but also revitalize the Big Apple Circus to restore it to its proper place in New York culture.”

The team includes industry veteran Larry Solheim, BAC former vice president and general manager.

The Big Apple Circus is directed by Mark Lonergan, artistic director of New York’s award-winning theater company Parallel Exit, with choreography and associate direction by Antoinette DiPietropolo. Rob Slowick returns to music to direct his big little band. Broadway’s Rob Bissinger is the scenic designer, and the dazzling costumes are by Amy Clark.

For more Big Apple Circus information on schedules, community outreach programs and special family events, visit bigapplecircus.com or purchase tickets at the Damrosch Park box office. •

The Fabulous Wallendas - Seven Person Pyramid

Ellis Nassour writes on the entertainment business. He’s a veteran of The New York Times, New York Daily News, and Playbill; the author of the definitive biography Honky Tonk Angel: The Intimate Story of Patsy Cline and the hit revue Always, Patsy Cline.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 99

NYC & THE CIVIL WAR: IT’S COMPLICATED

By Ian Reifowitz

ewYork City and the American CivilWar have a more complex relationship than many New Yorkers may realize. On the hand, our city is in the North and sent many thousands young men to fight for the Union. Abraham Lincoln, then running for President, came to our town, where he delivered a speech February 27, 1860, at the Cooper Union that, according to leading Lincoln historian Harold Holzer, made him president.

one

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o n

The city remembers that war at Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza, where we have the Soldiers’ And Sailors’ Arch—designated a city landmark 44 years ago—which is dedicated to “The Defenders of the Union, 1861-1865.” But those aren’t the only elements of the story. Take a look at the sentiments one New Yorker expressed regarding the question of whether the city should support the Union effort: “Why may not New York disrupt the bands which bind her to a venal and corrupt master—to a people and a party that have plundered her revenues, attempted to ruin her, take away the power of self-government, and destroyed the Confederacy of which she was the proud Empire City?”

SECEDE FROM THE UNION? You might be thinking: that’s just one New Yorker, so what? The person who said that, however, wasn’t just anyone. He was Fernando Wood, New York’s three-term Mayor, who made these remarks to the City Council on January 6, 1861. Going further, he proposed that Manhattan, Long Island (as a geographic unit), and Staten Island should themselves secede from the United States and become the Free City of Tri-Insula. Mayor Wood argued that such a step would allow New York to “make common cause with the South.” Of the South, he also said: “With our aggrieved brethren of the Slave States, we have friendly relations and a common sympathy.”

The Council gave its assent, briefly making secession the official policy of New York City, at least until after shots were fired at Fort Sumter that April and the war officially began. Nevertheless, according to historians, a significant percentage of New Yorkers sympathized to some degree with the Confederacy throughout the war.

Slavery and the cotton trade were decisive

factors in making New York rich, and many on Wall Street and in other related fields of manufacture and commerce simply didn’t want to give that up. According to John Strausbaugh, the author of City of Sedition: The History of New York City During the Civil War, “New York was arguably the most pro-South, pro-slavery city in the North because it had a very long and deep involvement in the international cotton trade.”

Interestingly, the general assessment is that pro-Union sentiment was stronger in Brooklyn, then its own city and the home of the famed 14th Brooklyn Red Devils—the only Civil War regiment to bear the name of a city in its moniker.

Those who sympathized with the Confederacy were not limited to members of the economic elite. Many of New York City’s white laborers had little interest in seeing the end of slavery, which they believed would lead to ruinous competition over jobs between themselves and the newly liberated black population. Amazingly, a quarter of New York’s population on the eve of the Civil War was born in Ireland, and most worked as unskilled laborers. They were economically vulnerable, to say the least.

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Abraham Lincoln

A SPARK IS SET The fears and resentments of these white working-class New Yorkers remained in check during the war’s first two years. However, the Emancipation Proclamation—issued in late 1862 to take effect on the first day of 1863— raised the tension level as the promise of black laborers coming north loomed. What set the spark ablaze was the Civil War Military Draft Act, which became law on March 3, 1863. Only citizens could be drafted, and as most African Americans had not yet become citizens, the draft law affected few of them—although many black Americans volunteered and served heroically in any case. Nevertheless, anger at the draft focused on blacks, as well as on the wealthy who, according to the law, could escape service even if selected by paying $300 or hiring a substitute.

The first names of New York men to be drafted were selected on July 11, 1863. The city remained calm. When another set of names was drawn two days later, the city erupted. By the time order was restored on July 16th—which required the dispatch of federal troops—119 or 120 people had been killed. Rioters had lynched eleven African American men, and enough blacks fled New York City for Brooklyn that it altered the city’s demographics in a meaningful way for decades. The Draft Riots are likely more familiar than Fernando Wood, thanks to their depiction in the 2002 movie Gangs of New York.

As our country reels today from a white supremacist movement given fuel by the push to remove monuments of Confederate figures, New Yorkers are discovering that we’ve got Confederate monuments here too. After the white supremacist terror in Charlottesville, Virginia in August, Bronx Community College got rid of busts of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Two Lee plaques in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn have also been removed.

I certainly don’t want to overstate the case here.

Although New York City was not 100 percent on board with the Union cause, it was overall pro-Union. Fernando Wood was succeeded as Mayor by Republican George Opdyke, who ran and won in 1862 as a vociferous backer of Lincoln. A staunch, long-time abolitionist, Opdyke had previously been a member of the anti-slavery Free Soil party.

The Draft Riots of 1863 The Cooper Union

Mayor Fernando Wood

While it is impossible to tell the whole history of New York City during the Civil War in one short article, the point is that that history is not as one-sided as many of us might believe. • Ian Reifowitz is a professor of history at Empire State College of the State University of New York and a Contributing Editor at the political website Daily Kos. In 2014 he earned S.U.N.Y. Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship.

His most recent book is Obama’s America: A Transformative Vision of Our National Identity.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 101

WELCOME TO TV TOWN

By Julie Menin, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

ew York City has provided the backdrop for some of the most acclaimed movies. But what some New Yorkers may not know is that in recent years the Big Apple has become the television capital of the world, leading to significant job growth and economic benefit for the city.

Back in the 2002-03 TV season, just seven programs filmed here—and three of them were Law & Order shows. Cut to 2016-17, and 56 episodic series were shot on the streets and soundstages of the city—up eight percent from the year before, and the seventh consecutive annual increase. The number of pilots filmed in the five boroughs rose by 14 percent over last season.

Among the New York-based productions are some Emmy-nominated series including The Blacklist, Billions, Blue Bloods, Broad City, Elementary, Gotham, Homeland, Madam Secretary, Mozart in the Jungle, Mr. Robot, Orange is the New Black, Power, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

The TV production explosion doesn’t just improve our chances of catching a glimpse of our favorite star at the local coffee shop. It provides money, jobs, neighborhood improvements, and fresh hope for underrepresented New Yorkers who want to work in the business. In July, Netflix and Disney announced they’ll more than double the number of Marvel superhero episodes set in New York City. Since the Marvel productions started three years ago, they’ve hired more than 14,000 cast and crew and contracted with 500 small businesses that supply sound stages, equipment, supplies, and food.

Blue Bloods Courtesy of CBS

Madam Secretary Courtesy of CBS

READY, WILLING & ABLE Why are makers of television flocking here? An appealing statewide tax credit is part of the reason and the rise of streaming services like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix have certainly helped.

But NYC’s main attraction is the city itself—its iconic locations and its people. No other city can match our five boroughs for energy, diversity, and talent.

Over 130,000 New Yorkers are currently working in the business—and the number is growing. Location managers, script supervisors, camera operators, makeup artists, carpenters, set decorators, production assistants, plus more than a few writers, actors, and directors are ready, willing, and able to deliver whatever a studio needs. Our office provides a one-stop shop for production companies making shooting on the streets of New York as easy and efficient as possible.

The economic benefit to the city is enormous. A successful series can sustain year-round employment for a crew. A network can spend more than $56 million each season. And a good deal of that money trickles down to local businesses.

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Orange is The New Black Courtesy Lionsgate Entertainment

ONLY IN NYC Fans of Lena Dunham’s HBO series Girls, are probably familiar with Café Grumpy. The little coffee shop opened in 2005 next to Broadway Stages’ Greenpoint building. Owner Caroline Bell recalls, “Some days we’d have very little business. Then someone from the studio would show up at the end of a day with a 75 drink order.” Café Grumpy now has six citywide locations that employ 65 people. The Aviles family, who started Bridge Cleaners in Brooklyn in 1969, saw their business take off in 2008 when productions at Steiner Studios started sending thousands of costumes in for dry cleaning. LeNoble Lumber, operating for five generations in Queens, doubled its business when they began supplying Kaufman Astoria and other studios. Jamali Gardens, a family-owned shop in the Flower District, has become a daily destination for set designers.

At the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, we are determined to ensure that productions benefit the local economy. During the filming of Money Monster, we pressed Sony to hire local labor, to give cast and crew lunch money to use at local restaurants, and to book hotels for wardrobe changes, rather than use trailers. The 15day shoot plowed $300,000 directly into New York small businesses.

Our Made in NY Discount Card Program steers TV and film people to over 1,200 local vendors. The Made in NY Marketing Credit offers free advertising on subways and bus shelters to productions that shoot 75 percent locally. These productions must also donate to city cultural organizations, which has netted arts groups $200,000 in the past two years.

Our office also works hard to make sure productions are good neighbors. Our recently launched environmental designation program, NYC Film Green, spurs productions to reduce waste and conserve energy. It’s the country’s first government-sponsored green initiative for the entertainment industry. And even while filming is at an all-time high, production-related complaints were minimal last year. We’re doing our best to notify communities well before camera crews arrive on your block. Our office also sends field reps to sets every day, to liaise with residents and make sure productions are following parking and safety rules, and being considerate to the community.

Julie Menin and Beau Willimon Photo by Antoine Braxton-Tellavision Films

A GOOD THING With our help, neighbors in Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill secured a $16,000 donation for tree guards from the producers of The Americans. A church in Bed Stuy received a much needed new roof thanks to another production company. And when Sex and the City and other shows fell in love with the West Village, the surrounding community benefitted as well. “The neighborhood got new lamp posts and a lot of other improvements,” says MOME Deputy Commissioner Dean McCann. “Productions now anticipate these donations and write them into their budgets.”

To spread the economic benefits, we’ve encouraged TV shows to shoot in all the boroughs, and location scouts looking for new backdrops have found gems. In the 2016-17 season, 17 pilots were shot in the boroughs, up 14 percent from the previous year.

Madam Secretary has turned a closed military base on Staten Island into a religious cult’s Bolivian hideaway. Brooklyn plays Washington, D.C. on The Americans. Abandoned buildings at Staten Island’s Bayley Seton Hospital double for Arkham Asylum on Gotham.

Television’s demand for sound stages has spurred New York’s studios to build new facilities. Silvercup, which has two complexes in Long Island City, opened Silvercup North in a 115,000-squarefoot former warehouse in the Bronx’s Port Morris neighborhood last year. York Studios, which has operated in Queens since 2012, broke ground on a $100 million studio in the Bronx’s Soundview district in June. In August, Brooklyn-based Broadway Stages bought the 69-acre Arthur Kill Correctional Facility on Staten Island. (The studio will keep a few cells for prison dramas.) Last February, I joined Mayor de Blasio in announcing the city’s investment of $136 million in a 100,000-square-foot production facility at Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

A LEARNING EXPERIENCE I’m just as proud of our investment in enlarging and diversifying our city’s creative workforce. In May, MOME joined the Writers Guild East in welcoming the first fellows of the Made in NY Writers Room—aimed at developing TV writers from diverse backgrounds. Participants in the six-month program will learn everything from structuring a story to landing an agent. Their teachers are some of the industry’s top writers, producers, and showrunners, including Richard LaGravenese (The Divide), Brian Koppelman & Beau Willimon (House of Cards), Lee Daniels (Empire), and Julie Klausner (Difficult People).

Gotham ©2017 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Jeff Neumann/FOX

Considering how robust the TV business is in NYC, these newly minted production workers couldn’t be arriving at a better time. • NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 103

Help Cure Food Insecurity Food Insecurity happens when the poor, the disabled, the elderly – wonder whether they will have enough food to feed themselves and their families.

St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters have strived to eradicate food insecurity by feeding the children who play in your neighborhood parks, the working poor, the lonely and marginalized with the welcoming respect that St. Francis epitomized.

It all starts with confronting food insecurity. Then, doors are open to so many more ways we can serve our neighbors in need.

St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters

Feeding, clothing and counseling families in need.

Tel: (212) 279-6171

www.stfrancispantries.org

YOU can donate.

YOU can volunteer.

YOU is the key word.

Everyone of ‘YOU’ has something special and unique that you can contribute to the cause.

St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters, New York’s answer to food insecurity.

Snowy days at play in the backyard of The Paw House Inn

PAWS DOWN, TAILS UP

By Lori Simmons Zelenko and Susan Traub

hen it comes to travel near and far, pets rule when it comes to choosing where to head for the Holidays. We’ve come up with some Fido and FiFi-friendly luxe hotel experiences that will wonderfully fulfill owner and pet.

FIND & BOOK A PET FRIENDLY ROOM Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

ENGLAND Heading across the Pond to the graceful tree-lined streets and polished charm of London?

Get a head start by filling out the “pet preference form” before your stay at the enchanting boutique townhouse that is The Egerton House Hotel (egertonhousehotel.com) located in the heart of Knightsbridge, just minutes from Harrods. Upon arrival, your pet will receive a personalized pet welcome message, toys and treats, an embroidered pet towel and a specially catered menu reflecting your fur baby’s likes and dislikes. Grooming services are also available as are sitting and walking options, but pet parents must arrange these with 24-hour notice.

Like all 17 properties in The Red Carnation Hotel Collection (redcarnationhotel.com), The Egerton is pet-friendly and offers a range of services, such as a pet concierge, pet spa, or doggie afternoon tea, to ensure that you and your four-legged pet have quite an enjoyable stay. It’s clear then that your pets are VIPs (Very Important Pets)! Pet parents can relax and enjoy a glass of chilled champagne while their posh playmates can sit on silk cushions and avail themselves of assorted treats appearing on playful tea trays. Indeed no pet would turn their nose up at this delicious and delightful ritual.

It's a winter wonderland in Vermont! Kristin and K2 in the backyard at The Paw House Inn

VERMONT

The Egerton House Hotel Doggie Afternoon Tea where the poshest pets chill

You could say Vermont’s The Paw House Inn (pawhouseinn.com) is going to the dogs. In fact, they prioritize your pampered pet in ways Fido or Fifi only dream about! And dream they do on the custom-built dog beds in the private guest rooms. The Inn dates from 1786, and some of the original elements remain but adding to the timeless nature of the experience are the breathtaking views of pristine Vermont countryside from the floor to ceiling windows. Of course, proper doggie manners are expected, but well-behaved dogs (there are no breed or size restrictions) are welcome throughout the inn, even at breakfast. Just 15 minutes from the slopes, pet parents can pursue a day of downhill skiing and leave their pet to be cared for by the Inn’s devoted staff who lovingly provide exceptional “dog services.” Or with your dog in tow, go snow-shoeing or hiking at nearby Mountain Meadows; this Nordic center is genuinely pet-friendly. Of course, there’s also the backyard at the Inn a real winter wonderland with icicle-frosted trees and snowy paths. After a day of play in the snow with your pup, contemplating going out for the evening? “Instead of leaving your dog(s) alone and unattended in your private guest room, the hotel offers an onsite dog facility Mario’s Playhouse as a safe and comfortable alternative,” explain owners Mitch Frankenberg and Jen Fredreck who add, “Some hotels accept dogs. Other hotels tolerate dogs. Vermont’s Paw House Inn caters entirely to the unique needs of dog lovers.” Conscientious in every way the Inn’s staff takes great care to make sure you and your pet have a perfect stay, to that end all essential dog caregiving services are included in your room rate. And if an emergency develops, vets are on call 24/7. Interestingly enough there is a $10 nightly charge if you do not bring a dog.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 105

PRIVATE PET TRAVEL

Relaxing on a leisurely afternoon as the waves break nearby.

Beachside bliss at Huntington Beach Kimpton Shorebreaks

Dogs chill at the luxurious wellnessfocused surfer's hub, Huntington Beach Kimpton Shorebreak.

Photo courtesy @normanthepomsky

CALIFORNIA Life in the fast lane equates to time on the Sunset Strip with your pooch in tow to shop the chic boutiques on Melrose (treats and water at every stop) and soak in West Hollywood’s blend of youthful energy and urban sophistication. The best place then to hang with Fido or Fifi? The Grafton on Sunset (graftononsunset.com) a re-imagined retreat. Intimate and inviting, 108 guestrooms and suites, including a handful of unique Hollywood-themed suites, offer guests easy access to Oliver’s Prime Steakhouse and Bar 20, as well as the largest saltwater swimming pool on Sunset Boulevard.

And the pooch? Up to two per room, there is a fee of $100 per dog (25-pound limit); no cats permitted. The on-site Canine Concierge at The Grafton on Sunset will set you up with local activities like an off-leash dog park or hiking trails in the canyons if shopping is not enough of a workout. Or do your own research and check out Bring Fido (bringfido.com) for nearby pet entertainment options.

If beachside bliss is your agenda then check out Kimpton Shorebreak (shorebreakhotel.com) in Huntington Beach, California on the Pacific Coast Highway not even an hour from LA, it’s paradise for the pampered pet; by the way, they don’t care if your pet is “furry, feathery or scaly.” At the Shorebreak, Chef JT Walker offers a healthy dog menu which consists of Beef and Potato, Rockfish and Yam or Chicken and Rice; all made with the same quality of meat, seafood, chicken and produce enjoyed by guests in the hotel’s restaurant, Pacific Hideaway where the Chef finesses fresh California flavors. According to the Chef, the culinary team poaches the beef and chicken to lose as little of the nutrients as possible. No fees for pets plus such rewards as hypoallergenic beds to rest tired paws after a romp at Huntington Dog Beach (a favorite for our four-legged friends). All this combined with amenities for humans like wine hour and yoga mats in every room make this a preferred destination for wellness-focused pets and owners certainly including surfers who cherish the superb swells which freight train 100 yards from the hotel’s front door with epic regularity.

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If jumping on a jet plane is required to get to your destination consider the safety of your pet: you don’t want Fido, or Fifi stuck in the cargo hold if that’s what the commercial airline requires. Flying private may be for you. According to Amy Robinson, a top dog trainer who has improved the manners of private jet-traveling pets, speaking as a resident expert for Sniff & Barkens (sniffandbarkens.com), she observes that “what’s trending at NetJets (netjets.com/en-us) is pet owners flying commercial so they can save their private jet miles for travel with Fido. NetJets’ pet policy states that an animal up to 150 pounds can occupy a seat if he is belted in with a dog harness made for the purpose, or lounge on the floor at the owner’s feet but should be secured for safety during takeoff and landing. Two smaller dogs can share a seat. While airborne, they have the same freedom in the cabin that humans enjoy, within reason: they cannot block the aisles, emergency exits, or wander into the cockpit to beg for a biscuit. For those of us who love our pets like family, the extra cost may just be worth it.” Flying private is becoming more financially accessible through flexible hour deals and partnerships, and it does eliminate connecting flights which certainly saves valuable time making travel with your pet smoother and easier especially during over-crowded travel times like Holiday weekends.

WOOFING IT

FLORIDA

Dog playing on a Miami Beach made accessible to pets

by Fun Paw Care founder Russell Hartstein.

Courtesy of funpawcare.com

A personal guru will greet you curbside when you arrive at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach (1hotels.com/South-Beach/Official-Site) a serene destination that sits directly on 600 feet of pristine beachfront taking up an entire block of Collins Avenue. Wondering what a personal guru is? According to 1 Hotel, it’s one part wellness, one part magician and taking pride in guests’ wellbeing. With personalization then being the mantra at 1 Hotel (they have other locations across the country as well as Asia and Mexico), the experience involves an understated yet unforgettable approach to an artful, easy lifestyle.

The views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, and Downtown Miami’s everexpanding skyline are unparalleled. If you’re the pet parent who doesn’t hesitate to offer their fur baby delicious cuisine, there are seven unique dining options who will gladly make you a doggie bag. Making every effort to make sure your pup feels right at home, the dog-friendly 1 Hotel Concierge Team is educated by the folks at BarkBox (barkbox.com) to stay up to speed on Miami’s best dog parks, pet shops, grooming salons and more. (Barkbox also offers a monthly subscription delivery service of toys, treats, and crazy dog joy custom-sized for your pet.) And for the pet parent who never dines without bringing home a doggie bag, there are seven farm-fresh restaurants to choose from. All “four-legged, furry travelers” up to 40 lbs. are welcome as guests (check with the hotel regarding breed restrictions), and they are open to pets other than dogs. However, due to Florida state law, pets are not allowed to lounge poolside or on the hotel’s beach, but there are dog-friendly beaches in Miami. The Concierge team is on hand to assist with recommendations for pet-sitting or walking services making sure that you and your furry or feathered companion have fun in the sun.

Wherever you’re traveling if the hotel’s Canine Concierge can’t accommodate your wishes, try Bring Fido (bringfido.com) for a rundown on how to maintain your pet in the manner to which he or she has surely become accustomed. With many opting to raise a pampered pet over a human child, indulging our fur babies is the norm not the exception. So when the Holidays arrive and the open road beckons there’s no doubt they’ll be sending out a double woof or a precious purr much less a delighted squawk as pet-friendly hotels give them everything their hearts’ desire. Bring Fido will help sniff out the best restaurants and petfriendly attractions in 10,000 cities around the world.

As far as NYC and LA go, The Standard (standardhotels.com) is the height of coolness, so its Miami Beach hotel is indeed on par. And it’s pet-friendly too. Up to two pets can enjoy organic treats while owners recover at this “hydrotherapy playground, reimagined modern spa experience with a Turkishstyle Hamman, aroma steam room, Roman waterfall hot tub, Finnish sauna, Arctic plunge, treatment baths, mud lounge, and infinity pool. Yes, nature’s tranquilizer (aka H20) is everywhere you look at The Standard Spa. Bring your pampered pet for rest while you indulge in a wellness retreat that reinvents the spa category with the most fabulous style. Of course, if your pet needs a spa day of their own, head to The Dog from Ipanema (thedogfromipanema. com) in South Miami where pet parents can stay while their fur babies are groomed. What pampered pup doesn’t appreciate a luxurious spa session after splashing in the surf or a joyful jaunt in one of Miami’s dog parks? Miami is an exceptionally dog-friendly city, and The Standard is known as one of the top dog-friendly destinations. • Lori Zelenko and Susan Traub have teamed up to reveal exclusive personal insights into the luxe life of pets in New York City and beyond. Each a devoted dog owner as well as an entrepreneur, Lori and Susan are mutually dedicated to improving the well-being of pets. To learn more, email lzelenko@gmail.com. ©2017 Lori Zelenko and Susan Traub, All rights reserved.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 107

Photo by Sandra Kennel

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

By Michael Alpiner

here’s no question the Big Apple is the core of endless fun and excitement. But in a city that never sleeps, most visitors might bite off more than they can chew. Enough with the clichés…and toss away the guidebooks and the labyrinthine web searches. There must be a more efficient method.

VIEW LOCALIKE SPECIAL OFFERS Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

Andreas Leuzinger, a 33-year-old Swiss-American marketing specialist, and frequent visitor to NYC had a brainstorm which turned into a deluge. He created a process by which perspective travelers can fill out a simple yet comprehensive questionnaire that determines their travel and lifestyle preferences. That survey becomes the foundation for a custom-built travel itinerary. Like a well-tailored suit, the customized travel itinerary helps the traveler make the most of his/her leisurely excursion.

The company is called LOCALIKE New York, and for reasonable rates, the New York team will analyze the questionnaire results, and research the destination to match the needs and desires of the said traveler. Andreas Leuzinger, who grew up in Zurich, now lives and works in Manhattan.

How did you acquire enough knowledge of NYC to allow you to provide your excellent itinerary service?

I always had a close connection to the city. My mother, a thirdgeneration New Yorker, bestowed the love and enthusiasm for the city and it continued to grow. I enjoyed visiting the city, and in 2012, I founded LOCALIKE New York which has grown and expanded its database tremendously. One of the most enjoyable aspects is being out and about in the city, exploring, testing and trying new things, and experiencing up-and-coming neighborhoods. Every recommendation we give our clients has been reviewed by us in person so our customers can be assured that anything we suggest has satisfied our quality standards. We pride ourselves in our network of local businesses and organizations that keep us updated on new projects such as pop-up shops or restaurant openings. At this point, any niche interest can be catered to with the extensive knowledge LOCALIKE New York has built up over the years.

Why do you think NYC is such a prime destination for experiential travel?

New York travelers can be overwhelmed by the number of options and the variety of offers, activities and information sources. The city is constantly changing, fast-paced and diverse. So, filtering through data not only becomes a hassle, but information can quickly be out of date as well. Digging through websites and guidebooks is time-consuming and stressful, and in the end, travelers tend to just follow the beaten tourist path. Our unique offer is that we have not only tried the available options, but we assemble a customized itinerary for every individual client.

108 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Photo by Sandra Kennel

TIPS FOR NEW YORKERS

Andreas Leuzinger Andreas loves to tell New Yorkers to rediscover your own city. There are so many of you out there who haven’t even seen an Outer Borough (you know who you are!).

Of course, it’s big, intense, and exhausting—so why not let LOCALIKE do the work for you? With that in mind, Andreas offers some insider tips for making your “visit” more personalized. And remember LOCALIKE makes a great gift idea for friends and family.

Photo by Sandra Kennel

Photo by Joe Buglewicz There’s more to New York Discover unseen New York and find out what Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island have to offer. One shining example is Jackson Heights in Queens where more than 160 languages are spoken—you can literally take a trip around the world without ever leaving the city.

Photo by Julienne Schaer The ever-changing restaurant scene The city’s 25,000+ restaurants continually reinvent themselves, and new culinary concepts turn food into an experience. For the quick bite head to Trapizzino on Orchard Street for its version of the New York slice. The pizza turnover filled with the best Italian ingredients is the new trend about to hit the city! Another insider tip is to book a reservation at Contra where gourmets on a budget know they can order a six-course set meal made from local and seasonal ingredients for a cool $74.

What information is essential to providing the best travel experience?

Every traveler is unique; thus their needs are unique as well. That is why we feel getting to know our clients is a crucial part of providing them with an optimal experience. Rather than just asking for the type of cuisine we inquire about the atmosphere of a restaurant the client is looking for. Our travel profile is the heart of our customized travel service. The questionnaire offers up to 350 different responses, allowing us to get to know the customer’s wishes, needs, and interests. At the same time, it just takes 15 minutes to fill out.

How do you compare your business with others such as gobe.com?

Thanks to the information we receive about our clients’ interests and preferences through the travel profile our service is tailored to their specific needs. Websites listing the standard tourist experiences in the city cannot deliver on such a customized level. Additionally, the experiences we offer are truly one-of-a-kind. LOCALIKE New York wants to be a friend to our clients; this is why we provide access to a unique Japanese restaurant, called Bohemian New York. Reservations are mandatory, but only insiders know whom to call. This minimalist space, hidden behind a Japanese butcher, would otherwise go unnoticed, but LOCALIKE New York is happy to be your insider with the right contacts to get you in.

What are your plans for expanding the business in the future?

Due to the great success in New York, we already expanded LOCALIKE to Rome, Italy. Additionally, we are in conversation with interested parties in various other cities and are planning to open more branches soon. Our goal is to one day offer LOCALIKE in every exciting city destination.

For more information on LOCALIKE New York, visit localike-newyork. com. • Michael Alpiner’s writing and publishing includes travel/hospitality articles as well as fiction and poetry. His poetry is included in the anthology, Blood to Remember. Michael earned an MFA in Creative Writing, teaches college writing, and has served as a Writer-in-Residence for the Louis Armstrong Museum. He is co-founder of ExtremeLuxuryGetaways.com.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 109

Katrina Adams Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II

MY NEW YORK STORY

By Lee Gabay

ne of my many unofficial duties as a teacher is to find appropriate and inspiring speakers for our graduations. To do this, I gauge the collective personality of the graduating class, reflect on the cultural climate of the year, and then reach out to an individual I feel would be ideal for the June ceremony. Last year, within an hour of sending out a request, my ideal speaker wrote back with an enthusiastic “Yes!” And before long, she is standing before the 2017 graduating class of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, the transfer high school in Brownsville GET MORE OF KATRINA'S STORY where I teach over-aged and under-credited students.

Go to www.Reveel.it and snap a photo

Katrina Adams, Chairman, CEO, and President of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is encouraging the students to take positive risks towards their betterment, telling them, “Getting back up says more about you than being knocked down. Challenges reveal your character and can lead to greater growth!” Her words impact my students, many of whom have been incarcerated, homeless, or in foster care. She concludes her keynote by reminding them of the Michael Jordan Failure commercial, which famously told how his 26 missed game-winning shots ultimately inspired him to succeed.

A MORE COLORFUL GAME Taking hard shots and positioning others for success are two beautiful tenets of Adams’ personal and professional mission.

A gifted athlete in her own right, she was the Illinois two-time state tennis singles champion and a two-time NCAA doubles champion. She reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1988 and has twenty WTA doubles titles. When her playing days ended, she coached the US National Team, did commentary for the Tennis Network, and then became the first African American president of the USTA. She was also its youngest president and the only president twice-elected. Beyond her elite tennis resume, she continues to foster equality and diversity within the game. “We want tennis to look like America demographically by making sure that we are connecting with every ethnicity in America to engage them in our sport,” she states.

Growing up in Chicago as the daughter of schoolteachers, Adams was taught to embrace differences and to take an interest in others. She seems to shrug off her early tennis achievements, which are remarkable, considering that she was one of the few urban African American females from a working-class family playing a historically white and wealthy country club sport in the 1970s. “There were certainly barriers back then,” she explains. “I was introduced to new environments and communities through the sport. There are always cultural differences, but as long as you are doing things in the right way, nothing else matters.”

110 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

Katrina Adams Courtesy of USTA

PARKS & RECREATION As an educator, I am always searching for ways to enrich the lives of my students. When I read about a panel discussion on how tennis can better serve diverse youth populations (and that Katrina Adams would be a discussant), I made sure to attend. Here I learned about the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, on which Adams serves as Executive Director, and which brings tennis to youths from our city’s lower-income neighborhoods. Adams is proud that 90 percent of the students in her program graduate high school, in contrast to the citywide average of 67 percent. She believes the key to a child’s success is simply access and participation.

To further athletic opportunities, the USTA launched its youth brand, Net Generation. Net Generation is an initiative for kids aged 5 to 18 that offers coaches, schools, and parents customized coaching curricula to give young people a chance to learn and enjoy tennis on their own terms. “Parents are putting their kids into sports to be professional athletes, but we want kids in the game for the health benefits that it creates for their mind, body, and soul,” explains Adams.

Photo by Mike Lawrence

GRAND SLAM Two weeks later, I see Adams on TV standing center court at Arthur Ashe Stadium inside the Billy Jean King Tennis Center in Queens. A rare allAmerican women’s U.S. Open Final Four has concluded, and Adams is presenting the championship trophy to debut winner Sloane Stephens.

Adams speaks to the event’s spectators, TV viewers, and the American finalist standing next to her, saying, “For me, I couldn’t be more proud to be here to see you, the future of diverse American tennis.”

The following evening, Adams is on center court once again. This time to give Rafael Nadal his Men’s championship trophy, further demonstrating that the U.S. Open also practices gender equality with equal prize money ($3.5 million) for both men and women.

Photo by Jen Pottheiser Photo by Jennifer Pottheiser

Having always digested a new nugget of wisdom in the presence of Katrina Adams, I wanted to share the important social justice work, which she champions, with a broader audience. When I asked her if she would sit down with me for this interview, she said, “Absolutely, Doc.” She invites me to join her at the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications annual conference in Times Square, where she is the recipient of the prestigious Mickey Leland Humanitarian Achievement Award. It is here that we speak about her life, legacy, and mission. During the Ceremony, former Mayor David Dinkins introduces her, referring to her as his “daughter.” Dinkins, who grew up during Jim Crow laws and has lived through the civil rights movement, says, “Each February I am asked if Martin Luther King’s dream has been realized. I always respond with a ‘not yet.’ But enormous progress has been made, and it is people such as Katrina Adams who furthers along that promise. And she herself is the fulfillment of that dream.”

As she was with my students back in June, Katrina Adams continues to be perfect in her role of elevating, inspiring and improving the lives of New Yorkers and so many others. • Lee Gabay is a doctor of Urban Education whose research on Juvenile Detention Education is documented in his book, I Hope I Don’t See You Tomorrow. He teaches High School English in Brooklyn, and his published works about education, incarceration, basketball and sneaker culture can be found in numerous magazines. In 2016 the New York Times named him “A New Yorker” of the the year. He lives in the Lower East Side with his wife and daughter.

NOVEMBER 2017 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 111

15 MINUTES WITH STEVE COHEN

By Baruch Shemtov | Photo Courtesy of Chamber Magic

agician Steve Cohen has been dazzling audiences for decades, bringing the art of illusion to an elegant setting in his Chamber Magic show. Having performed for the likes of Warren Buffett and the Queen of Morocco, Cohen has earned the title of “The Millionaires’ Magician” and has remained in high demand among the world’s elite. Cohen recently celebrated his 5,000th show with a proclamation from Mayor Bill de Blasio establishing “Chamber Magic Day” in the City of New York. Cohen’s legendary show can now be enjoyed every week at the historic Lotte New York Palace Hotel.

When did you know that you would become a magician?

My parents wanted me to become a physician, but instead, I became a magician. They’re still proud! I began practicing magic at age six, and I always knew it would be my life work. Growing up, I performed at libraries, fundraisers, birthdays, blue and gold dinners—any place where I could get a booking. My uncle showed me my first trick, and I still use that trick in my shows, forty years later.

What’s next for Chamber Magic?

When I launched the show in 2000, I visualized it would play continuously for twenty years. If I could accomplish that in New York—the most competitive theater city in the world—I felt I’d be a success. Now in my seventeenth year, I don’t feel like I’m chasing “success.” Instead, I’m always tweaking the show. I have the perfect showroom, and a strong drive to continue developing powerful magic. I feel I’m just getting started.

What makes Chamber Magic unique?

In many magic shows, the performer aims to dazzle your eyes with color, flash, light, and smoke. Chamber Magic is more about the interaction. Audiences are limited to 60 people, and we have a dress code—cocktail attire—to set the tone. You start in your seats, but everyone is invited to stand up and move around the room to get closer to the action. Because of the small audience size, strangers become friends—there is a lot of laughter and bonding by the end of the show.

For more information on Chamber Magic, visit chambermagic.com. •

How does the Lotte New York Palace hotel complement the show itself?

Sophisticated New Yorkers and visitors want to experience places that are otherwise out of reach to the public. The Madison Room in the Lotte New York Palace is just that venue—a gorgeous 19thcentury room decorated with museum quality paintings, gold ceilings and marble columns. It’s straight out of Versailles. When people arrive, they feel transported from modern New York back to a calm and comfortable, pre-digital world. They are open to seeing something extraordinary because the surroundings are exceptional.

How do you keep the show fresh?

I play a mental game with myself. In every audience, I imagine that there is a person who is seeing a magician for the very first time. That person could have visited a museum, an art gallery, or a concert but instead, they have chosen to spend their most precious commodity—their time—with me.

What makes the perfect magic trick?

Ideally, the audience needs to be active participants, making choices that affect the outcome of the trick. When I’m doing my most famous trick, “Think-a-Drink,” I don’t pour the five drinks I want from my magic tea kettle. Instead, the audience yells out their favorite drinks, and the same tea kettle pours each, one right after another, without pause. It’s all to give people that feeling of “I can’t believe this is happening,” and “I can’t believe I’m making it happen.”

112 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | NOVEMBER 2017

STEVE COHEN’S FAVORITES What’s your favorite New York spot for...

A Coffee?

Culture Espresso in the Garment District. Great cappuccinos and homemade, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies.

A Gift?

MoMA Design Store, it’s sophisticated, stylish, and streamlined with items that you never knew you craved.

Dinner?

Hirohisa, on Thompson Street. I lived in Tokyo and was traveling back and forth for nearly thirty years (my wife is Japanese). The omakase course at Hirohisa is as authentic as it comes.

Some time alone?

I love the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Enter at 102nd and Fifth Avenue and veer off to the right. Enter the gates into a beautifully crafted English-style garden.

A celebration?

I just celebrated my 5,000th show at the Lotte New York Palace, so I’m partial to my own home base! They have three upscale lounges that serve unique cocktails (including one named after me!) and a gorgeous brunch restaurant, Villard. The food and the dining room are unmatchable.

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