New York Lifestyles Magazine - September 2019

Vol. 5 #7 | September 2019

NEW YORK’S

JEAN SHAFIROFF

FASHION MEETS PHILANTHROPY TRAVEL

ENGLAND’S GREAT WEST WAY

LIFE & STYLE

FABULOUS FALL MUST-HAVES

WELLNESS

SPA LUXURY AT THE JERSEY SHORE

MONEY MATTERS PREVENT SENIOR SCAMS

Together..

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Contents

15

FEATURES 12 15 46 52 54

From The Publisher Cover Feature: Jean Shafiroff Through The Lens With Annie Watt Bits & Bailey: The Who, What & Wow Of The Luxury Scene Tech Talk: Fall Wake-Up Call

28

STYLE 27 Fashion Finds To Fall For 28 Saving Face 30 Life & Style: Editor’s Picks: Phenomenal Fall Finds

TRAVEL 33 36 38 40 42 44

The Great West Way: Explore England’s Past & Present The Rustic Charm Of A Tuscan Hideaway Guatemala Idyll: Welcome To A Tropical Paradise A Tale Of Two Cities: A Mother-Daughter Reunion East Meets West: Florida’s Beautiful & Bountiful Beaches Destination D.C.—Alive With Culture & Luxury

33

REAL ESTATE & HOME DECOR 56 58 61 64

Around Town: NoMad 100 Franklin: Tribeca Perfection Inspir Carnegie Hill: Senior Living At Its Best The Ritz-Carlton Residences Long Island, North Hills

6 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

64

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Contents

67

70

MONEY MATTERS 66 Extraordinary Experiences: Offset Risks Of Experiential Travel 67 Senior Fraud Scams: How To Prevent It

HEALTH & WELLNESS 68 Great Expectations: A Real Cause Of Unhappiness 70 The Reeds At Shelter Haven: Luxury On The Jersey Shore 73 MARK3 CBD: Medical Company Enters The CBD Market

74

FOOD & DRINK 74 Shelly Fireman: The Many Faces Of A Restaurateur & Artist 76 Restaurant Review: Coarse: No Menu. No Problem!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 78 79 82 84

Tiago Azevedo: Fantasy With A Touch Of Whimsy On Stage: Broadway Fall Preview On The Big Screen On The Small Screen

84

NEW YORK, NY 86 88 91 94 96

Entrepreneur’s Corner: Amina Belouizdad My New York Story: Leesa Rowland On The Mark: This Chic Hotel Emits A Royal Glow Auschwitz: Not long ago. Not far away.

Time Out With…Brent Feinberg

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94

ISSN 2474-770X

OUR CONTRIBUTORS GRIFFIN MILLER Griffin’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Corporate & Incentive Travel, City Guide New York, Promenade, Hotels, For the Bride and others.

Her articles for New York MetroParents earned her multiple Parenting Media Association Editorial Gold Awards. She is a member of the New York Travel Writers Association, on the board of the Lewis Carroll Society of North America, and an awardwinning collage artist.

Also an actress and playwright, Griffin lives in Forest Hills, New York with her husband, Richard Sandomir of The New York Times, and their cats, Reggie and Cosmo.

SHERRY AMATENSTEIN Sherry Amatenstein, LCSW is a NYC-based therapist, author of three books including The Complete Marriage Counselor, and editor of the anthology How Does That Make You Feel?— True Confessions from Both Sides of the Therapy Couch. Additionally, she is a longtime journalist who feels travel can be amazing therapy—but not a substitute for the real thing! She has written for New York, Washington Post, vox.com, The Week, Brides, The Observer, Woman’s Day, and many other publications. Travel is a lifelong passion—she has been fortunate enough to have visited and written about many amazing destinations ranging from the Berkshires and the Bahamas to Bangkok and Berlin Her website is howdoesthatmakeyoufeelbook.com.

STACEY ZABLE Stacey Zable is an awardw i n ning ve te r an e d itor i a l professional with experience writing for both print and online publications. She has held senior staff positions at the industry’s top travel trade publications, and has freelanced for some of the most popular consumer travel magazines. Stacey has written about most destinations around the world, with a focus on cruises, luxury travel, spas, and family travel. Visit her website at staceyzable.com.

10 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Vol. 5 #7 | September 2019 President / Publisher BILL MASON Editor-in-Chief Patricia Canole

Art Director Eric Duncan

Entertainment Jenny Peters, Lori Zelenko

Style Gerrie Summers

Features Ruth J. Katz

Special Projects Norah Bradford

Lifestyle Griffin Miller

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributing Writers Sherry Amatenstein, Natasha Bazika, Bailey Beckett, Anina Belouizdad AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Lee Gabay Jenna Guarneri, TJ Johnson, Dr. Peter Kalellis Robb Lanham, Kelley Mason, Margaret Mason Denise Mattia, Tina & TJ Mulqueen, Ellis Nassour Abel Ooononny, Anne Raso, Will Reed, Cecilia Ruane Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Tripp Whetsell, Laurie Bain Wilson, Stacey Zable Executive Vice President of Sales LYLE SELTZER Sales Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Brett Caldwell - Director of Integrated Sales and Marketing John Miller - Director of Sales - Travel Michael Stulmaker - Director of Sales - Real Estate Director of Operations Kurt Nesheim

Advertising BLUE VISTA 725

Internet Presence Scott Cuollo, Richard Austin

Magazine Distribution The Garrido Group

New York Sales Office (646) 259-2651

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651 newyorklifestylesmagazine.com Facebook: /NYLifestylesMag Twitter: @NYLifestylesMag Instagram: @NYLifestylesMag All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles Magazine is published 10 times annually. ©2019 New York Lifestyles Magazine

Cover photograhy by Michael Paniccia Cover dress by Oscar de la Renta Cover jewelry by Chopard

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Check us out on the web!

here did the summer go? It feels like we just lived through the quickest three months of the year. Well, let’s look at the bright side ahead of us, the fall season brings some of my favorite things to do and places to go.

For starters, it is the beginning of football season, I’m a diehard Giants fan (sorry Jets) so let’s cheer for our team—“Let’s Go, Giants!” So whatever you do don’t miss

Read Any of Our Issues In Digital Format on:

Issuu.com | Apple Newsstand | Our Website

our exciting Eli Manning cover story on Pet Lifestyles Magazine it’s the perfect way to start of the season. Between games, you might want to take some weekend drives to see New York’s fall foliage and its colorful beauty, make sure to do some apple and peach picking at the orchards. While you are there pick up some warm homemade potato pancakes, some freshly squeezed apple cider and a few delicious cider doughnuts for the ride home.

If you’re sticking around the city on the weekends, you might want to sink your teeth into the best sausage, pepper, and onion sandwich on earth. You’ll find it— and lots more—at the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy from September 12th through 22nd. Be sure to grab a bag of powdered zeppolis for the subway ride back home.

Also, don’t forget to strap on your lederhosen because only real men can wear them while raising his beer-filled stein at this year’s Bavarian celebration, otherwise known as Oktoberfest. This happens from September 21st until October 6th with locations ranging from Central Park and throughout the five boroughs.

Before I sign off, I have a challenge for our readers who are pet parents. I’m looking for you to send me a picture of your pet dressed up for Halloween. Let’s have some fun with this! Pets of all kinds fashioned in a costume—store-bought or handmade—are eligible. I will publish some of the best, funniest, and most original ones I receive. Remember, it’s Publisher’s choice. So, if your photo is selected, you will receive a VIP bag filled with treats and toys for your pet. Start sending them now to publishingwiz@aol.com and put Halloween Contest in the subject line.

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

See you next issue…

-Bill Mason

Publisher

12 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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

(646) 259-2651

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FEATURES

JEAN SHAFIROFF

PHILANTHROPIST, INFLUENCER & FASHION ICON SHARES THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK

By Tripp Whetsell | Photography by Michael Paniccia Hair by Henry de la Paz creative director for Warren Tricomi | Make-up by JP Gonzalez

or a certain segment of New Yorkers, the cooler Fall temperatures outside also mean one of the busiest times of year when some of most important fundraising galas and philanthropic events for organizations around the city and from across the globe heat up again.

Philanthropist, humanitarian, influencer, and author Jean Shafiroff certainly fits into this category. Google her name or peruse the pages of practically any magazine and you’ll easily understand why. For nearly two decades, Jean has continued to distinguish herself as someone who has not only stood out time and time again, but someone to closely watch in the future. She is also known for her remarkable ability to connect different people and resources with a myriad of different charitable groups.

Green and gold embroidered gown by Oscar de la Renta Jewelry by Chopard

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Dress and Earrings by Oscar de la Renta Shoes by Michael Kors

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 17

Earrings by Oscar de la Renta

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Pink vintage gown by Vicky Tiel

DONATING HER TIME

She is viewed as a leading philanthropist by many. Working tirelessly to achieve her fundraising and personal donation goals, which she often exceeds, it’s not hard to understand why she is held in such high esteem. In fact, even in her downtime, it’s not uncommon for Jean to respond to emails, answer phone calls and attend board meetings whenever and wherever she is needed no matter what time of day or night. Her enthusiasm, generosity, compassion and managerial skills are among some of her strongest traits.

Named “the First Lady of Philanthropy” of New York by both Hello and Hola! magazines, she is one of the most successful and visible volunteer fundraisers and donors on behalf of countless charities throughout Manhattan, Long Island’s East End and increasingly international. Dividing her time between homes on the Upper East Side and Southampton, Jean is well known for hosting elegant and memorable A-list galas, luncheons, brunches and lectures for a myriad of diverse causes she believes in, just some of which include helping the underserved, healthcare, women’s rights and animal welfare.

Over the years, she has served as the chair and host of galas for The New York Women’s Foundation, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, the NYC Mission Society, the American Heart Association, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, the French Heritage Society, the Couture Council, JBFCS, the American Cancer Society, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, UNCF, the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation and the Viennese Opera Ball. All of this exemplifies her unwavering commitment and dedication to giving back.

And when it comes to her indomitable spirit and passion, 2019 has been no exception. In fact, for the elegantly turned out, two-time Columbia University graduate—who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy from Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and an MBA from Columbia Business School—it has been one of her busiest years yet.

This past summer in the Hamptons, Jean chaired two sold out events—the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s Gala and the Ellen Hermanson’s Foundation Gala in July. In July also, Jean officially joined the board of the Southampton Hospital Association. Not only is this her eighth board appointment, but Jean—who has chaired the Stony Brook Southampton Gala three times which raised a total of $5.4 million during those years—was also honored along with her husband Martin at Stony Brook Southampton’s 61th Annual Summer Party in August. This year›s sold out Stony Brook Summer Gala raised in excess of $1.5 million with 700 attending.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

In the beginning of 2019, Jean co-chaired the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club Charitable Foundation Gala and also chaired the 64th Annual Viennese Opera Ball in Manhattan. In addition, Jean hosted a large kick-off party in her New York City home for the New York City Mission Society Gala, and then went on to co-chair the gala at Capitale. Last spring as well, Jean hosted two large separate cocktail parties, one at her Upper East Side home for Surgeons of Hope and the other at her Southampton home for Stony Brook Southampton Hospital.

She has many other high-profile events planned throughout the fall and into early next year. Kicking things off at the JW Essex House on October 8th, Jean will co-chair the Radical Generosity Gala for the New York Women’s Foundation, which honors leaders in philanthropy, business, the arts and social justice.

After that, she will host and co-chair Surgeons of Hope’s 7th Annual Charity Gala on October 15. Held at the iconic JW Essex House in Manhattan, this year’s gala will honor stage actor Diego Luna, who currently serves as Surgeons of Hope’s Heart Ambassador. Then, on November 21, Jean will co-chair the French Heritage Society’s New York Gala Dinner Dance—the Black and White Ball. All proceeds from the French Heritage Society event go toward providing support for the charity’s core missions, which include preserving historic French architectural heritage in France and the United States, organizing educational exchanges between the two countries and promoting FrenchAmerican friendship.

For her philanthropy and dedication, Jean has also been honored by countless different charities, just some of which include the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, NYC Mission Society, JBFSC, Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, the NY Woman’s Dominican Foundation, the Hadassah, the NYC Film Festival and Surgeons of Hope.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 19

A LIFE AROUND GIVING

Jean is also the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give. Widely lauded as one of the most informative guidebooks on giving, Jean’s mission for writing it was to inspire others to become involved in the philanthropic process.

In her book, she redefines the word philanthropist, stating that anyone can become a philanthropist regardless of their financial means by giving their time, knowledge and available resources. It features a special introduction by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s daughter Georgina, who discusses how she combined her background as an equestrian and a philanthropist to launch her charitable organization, The Rider’s Closet.

Jean’s highly instructive and informative book also addresses such topics as how to choose a charity and building a life around giving.

Of why she decided to write the book and why she feels so passionate giving back—something Jean credits to both her parents and teachers that was instilled in her as a child growing up in suburban Long Island—Jean says: “We have an obligation to see the need in the world and take action.

Gown by Vintage Vicky Tiel

We have an obligation to help those that have less than we do.

20 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Blue ruffled gown by Oscar de la Renta Earrings by Oscar de la Renta

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 21

LOVE HER STYLE

Yet beyond her impeccable academic credentials, philanthropic prowess and the fact that she’s an author, there’s another dimension to Jean that people revere: her sense of style. So much that she’s equally well-known as one of the best-dressed hosts who is also regarded as among America’s top party givers. Having received top rankings on many best dressed lists for her style and extensive ball gown collection, she was listed by thesalonniere.com (as reported in Town and Country) as one of 2019’s top 100 American party givers this past January and as one of the 12 best dressed women of the world by Look Online in 2018.

Though her number-one priority is to help support the many diverse charities and organizations she’s involved with, she also loves to have fun with fashion while hosting these galas. Summing up her passion for fashion and style, she explains: “Style is an expression of oneself. When I’m well-dressed, I feel good. Fashion is a highly creative form of art. I am in awe of the incredible vision of so many of our present-day fashion designers. My involvement on the board of the Couture Council of the Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology has expanded my knowledge and love of the world of fashion. To wear and own the creations of some of our great fashion designers is a great privilege. For the past several years, I have also been collecting ball gowns. Most are the creations of American designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Mary McFadden, Zac Posen, Zang Toi, Carolina Herrera, B Michael and Victor dE Souza. Many are couture pieces. One day I plan to donate my collection to a museum. I look forward to that day. In the meantime, I am enjoying the experience of wearing them.”

Turquoise gown by Carolina Herrera Gloves by E Sermonetta Gloves Earrings by Oscar de la Renta

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 23

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Jean’s two daughters and her husband Martin are also very involved in philanthropy. A few years ago, her youngest daughter co-founded her own charity called Global Strays, which strives to promote and improve animal welfare in countries that don’t have the proper resources to do it on their own. Jean is an active board member of Global Strays, which currently funds animal rescue groups in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Columbia. Internationally, Jean is also supporting the Cherie Blair Foundation for women. In addition she recently traveled to England to meet Prince Harry through Walking With the Wounded, a charity she supports fully. This British charity founded in 2010 was designed to help former British Armed Forces servicemen and women in their career transition from the military to civilian life.

Gown by Carolina Herrera Earrings by Oscar de la Renta

24 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Recognizing the need to promote philanthropy through multiple platforms, Jean views social media as yet another important vehicle for garnering support of various charities and encouraging others to donate their resources and volunteer their time.

Towards that end, she currently has over 170,000 followers on Instagram alone. Besides supporting her favorite causes though social media, yet another passion of Jean’s is helping to promote up-and-coming designers in her social media posts. Her humanitarian philosophy is apparent in everything she does.

“I believe we are not just put on this earth to just to consume and to provide for ourselves and our immediate families,” she concludes. “We have an obligation to help those that have less than we do.

When we share our resources, we come closer to understanding the true meaning of life.”

To learn more about Jean, her favorite charities and her philanthropic activities this summer, follow her on Instagram @ jeanshafiroff •

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STYLE

FASHION FINDS TO FALL FOR

By Gerrie Summers

ne thing that makes me feel a little better about the end of summer is singing “September” with Earth, Wind & Fire and sharing some great autumn items that you’ll fall for!

SEE EYEWEAR

Sexy Specs Collection They’re bringing Sexy (Specs) back. Twenty years ago SEE Eyewear was the talk of the town. Today, the new Sexy Specs collection features unique shapes and colors to turn heads and get you noticed. SEE stands for Selective Eyewear Elements and features fashion eyewear that is the closest one can get to custom eyeglasses, since the company produces a limited number of each frame, sometimes only two per color, per city or store (more than 43 nationwide) or limited edition frames, that you won’t “see” everywhere. Info: seeeyewear.com.

DON LUCAS FINE JEWELRY

DL Charm Bracelet How charming! The Don Lucas bespoke jewelry line has been featuring beautiful southwest-inspired handmade and handcrafted jewelry for nearly 40 years. The signature DL Charm Bracelet (available in bronze and silver) features 11 charms (which can be added or removed for every occasion). Each one is made by hand.

You can also purchase a chain link and buy individual charms to customize your bracelet. Info: donlucas.com.

MUCK BOOT COMPANY

URBAN ORIGINALS

Wild Flower Vegan Leather Backpack This backpack from Urban Originals does double duty as a backpack for convenient commuting or as a fashionable tote. I love that it’s water-resistant and made with PETA certified vegan leather that is soft to the touch. It’s roomy, with plenty of pockets, a top zip closure, adjustable and removable back pack straps and tote bag strap and a top carry handle. Available in tan and taupe. Info: uobags.com.

Liberty Ankle Rubber The Liberty Ankle Rubber from Muck’s Liberty Collection, is perfect for warm weather months because the mesh lining wicks away humidity and perspiration, as well as for colder weather, the boots keep your feet warm (with a removable sock liner) and dry (100 percent waterproof) for rain and snow. Whether you’re gardening or shoveling snow, or keeping feet dry and fashionable during storms, you can step out in style. Info: muckbootcompany.com.

APRIL MARIN

City Ruffle Shawl Perfect for those days when you need a little warmth, the April Marin City Ruffle Shawl is one size fits all and can be worn several different ways. Wear open like a cardigan, tied in front, or thrown over the shoulder as a wrap. It can be dressed up or worn casual and is available in 20 colors.

(Frequent travelers — it also works as a blanket!). Info: aprilmarin.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 27

STYLE

SAVING FACE

By Gerrie Summers

s one season ends and another begins, our skin care needs change to adapt to changing weather and environment and its effects on our skin, especially on the face. These products will help you prepare for fall and the colder weather ahead.

REVIVE LIGHT THERAPY PURE DAILY CARE Sonique LED Sonic Cleansing System Start With Double-Duty Skin Cleansing: Sonique LED Sonic Cleansing System combines LED light therapy with sonic cleansing technology. Use the LED light as a treatment to treat fine lines and wrinkles by penetrating deep into the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, thereby reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone. The cleansing function uses sonic vibrations to massage and rejuvenate the skin, while clearing out pores for deep cleansing, for a smoother, more radiant look. Info: revivelighttherapy.com.

FUSION NATURALS Elixir Face Mask Apply A Hydrating Face Mask: Elixir Face Mask contains a serum that includes spinach leaf powder, blueberry fruit extract and tangerine peel extract to encourage the skin to produce collagen, plus ingredients to boost hydration. The eco-friendly mask sheet is made of 100 percent wood pulp utilizing Japanese technology for a better fit and to maintain its shape. Info: heyfusion.com.

28 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Nano Steamer Treat Your Skin To Therapeutic Steam: The most important step in preparing for a facial—and targeted treatments—is steam. It not only softens the skin, helps eliminate bacteria, but is a necessary step in the absorption of creams and serums during a facial.

But sometimes it’s not always convenient to visit a salon. Enter 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer that generates nano steam with negatively charged ionic particles. Nano steam combined with ionic water particles is said to be ten times more effective at penetrating the skin. Info: puredailycare.com.

KARUNA Clarifying + Face Mask Oily And Acne-Prone, This is For You: Clarifying+ Face Mask refines clogged skin by deep cleansing pores and controls excess oil produced by the skin. Honey deep cleans pores while providing oil-free hydration. Other ingredients include soothing aloe and chamomile, hydrating hyaluronic acid, peptides, Chinese licorice, and vitamin B. The mask is also paraben, dye and mineral oil-free.

Info: karunaskin.com.

KINDRI

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ELLA + MILA

Trio For Dry Skin Cleanse And Moisturize: The KINDri Trio contains travel-friendly bottles of Orange Almond Cleansing Oil, to purify and condition with a blend of sweet almond oil, organic prickly pear seed oil, grape seed oils and pure orange oil to remove grime and makeup. The Organic Beauty Oil plumps and hydrates the skin with a blend of sunflower seed, argan, and olive oils to apply alone or before moisturizer. Pas de Rouge provides hydration and sun protection with nourishing ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. Info: kindri.com.

CBD Anti-Aging Serum Give Skin A Collagen Boost: The CBD Serum is said to relax the skin, which makes it more effective in absorbing your favorite skin care products. The serum contains retinol and collagen boosters using natural ingredients to reduce facial fine lines and wrinkles, and natural essential oils with anti-aging properties. Info: ounceofnature.com.

Lip Scrub Don’t Forget The Lips: The Lip Scrub comes in four flavors (Peach Smoothie, French Vanilla, Mojito Mint, and Rosy Kisses) and gently exfoliates dry and flaky skin from lips, and moisturizes and softens lips with shea butter and vitamin E. Info: ellamila.com.

UNSUN EVERYDAY

TIZO PHOTOCEUTICAL

JOI

Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion Always Use Sunscreen: Face Sunscreen is a chemical-free (plus vegan and crueltyfree) sunscreen with UVA/UVB broadspectrum SPF-30 protection (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and is also waterresistant (for up to 80 minutes). With soothing ingredients like shea butter, green tea leaf extracts, and vitamin E, there’s no excuse to go without your sunscreen. Ideal for all skin tones. Info: target.com.

AM Replenish SPF 40 Prevent And Repair: The perfect solution in preventing and repairing UV damage Use AM Replenish SP 40 mineral sunscreen, formulated with zinc oxide, ceramides to restore moisture balance, and vitamin C to help stimulate collagen. Available in lightly tinted and non-tinted. Info: tizofusion.com.

Spotlite HD 2.0 Diamond Makeup Mirror Finishing Touches: The Spotlite HD 2.0 Diamond Makeup Mirror has over 15 features including ultra-bright true daylight LEDs (Tip: brightness is easily adjustable). It has a fast-charging lithium battery and includes a 10X distortionfree magnification mirror, integrated organizer tray and cellphone mobile attachment for selfies and videos. The mirror is transformable to hand-held, wall-mounted, and while closed is compact enough for travel. Available in several colors. Info: wearejoi.com. •

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 29

STYLE

LIFE & STYLE

EDITOR’S PICKS: PHENOMENAL FALL FINDS

By Griffin Miller

here are three things I like about the summer: 1) Long days; 2) Summer fruits; and 3. More room to spread out in cramped theatre seats (no bulky coats). I know this is a skimpy list by most people’s standards. But as much as I like walking on the beach at twilight and watching al fresco performances in NYC parks, things like tides and mosquitos interfere with my ideas of perfection. Plus, if you’ve ever stood on a subway platform during a heatwave, I doubt you were humming, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” I’m much more of an autumn, light-jacket, wave good-bye to the kids as they head back to school, kind of person. And since Daylight Saving Time is not until November 5th, I’ll be partaking of my fall roster of favorite things. I can honestly say August: Good; September: Awesome!

BODACIOUSLY BUBBLICIOUS SCREEN TEST I know I’m late to the game, but I just discovered bubbles are not only about carbonated drinks, lavish baths, or airborne orbs with a mission to dazzle kids and kittens. They’re also playful edibles known as bubble waffles (aka eggettes, egg puffs, and bubble cakes).

Originating in Hong Kong in the 1950s, these chewy treats are open to interpretation: sweet, savory, wrapped around ice cream, broken into bite-sized bits. And with the correct tool, such as The Hong Kong Bubble Waffle Maker, Hammacher Schlemmer’s non-stick version produces 37 “bubbles” in under five minutes.

And yes, they are my latest breakfast obsession. Having aced the basics, I’m moving up and on to fancier recipes. Watch your back, Rachel Ray! Info: hammacher.com.

As 2019’s sultry season winds down, it helps to remember just how essential it is to protect whatever skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, regardless of the season. Granted, sunscreen may not be the most bewitching part of your face-the-day game plan, but with skin cancer lurking behind every sunny outing, it is absolutely the most imperative. So why not opt for what I’ve found to be the safest and most effective kid on the block—i.e., CōTZ® The Healthier Sunscreen®. And while I’m not going to dis other SPF products, I will say CōTZ’s minimal mineral formulations—Titanium and Zinc only—are plant-based, unscented and, with their matte finish and silken application, provide top tier broad-spectrum protection yearround. I wouldn’t have it any other way and you shouldn’t either. Info: cotzskincare.com .

INTERNATIONAL EYE-TINERARY

LET THEM DRINK CAKE

In my years of makeup trial and error, I’ve come to believe in the tantalizing power of eye shadow—more specifically, eye shadows built on a palette of pigments laid out like the Prang watercolor paints that blew me away in grade school. Of course, myriad versions have been around for a while, but none became my requisite eye shadow until Nomad Cosmetics introduced their global-inspired collection. The travel-savvy wife and husband creators—Felicia and Antt i R i nt anen— embraced the distinctive hues they identified with several favorite destinations, infusing each palette with a different oil. My choice was their Berlin Underground Palette (hemp seed oil), a glorious collection of killer shades that boldly standalone or blended in fierce harmony. My eyelids are officially a lush color canvas.

Info: nomadcosmetics.com.

Napa Valley’s Cakebread Cellars have a 45-year reputation for creating some outstanding wines.

And now that cooler weather looms I’ve been diving—sip first— into their red varietals. As a oneperson judge of a contest of my own creation, I decided to test which of two reds made my taste buds happiest. And while I don’t pretend to be a wine connoisseur, I am no stranger to cocktail hours and at least two wine tastings. My two contenders: #1—Cakebread Cellars 2016 Two Creeks Vineyard Pinot Noir what experts would call complex won me over for its smoothness and fresh flavor. #2—Cakebread Cellars 2015 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon seemed spicier with a nice sweep of fruitess. Info: cakebread.com.

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TIME WILL TELL

METRO BLISS

I may be sitting at my laptop typing away, but I am dreaming of…well, dreaming. More precisely, sleeping. It’s one of my superpowers. Recently, though, I have managed to quadruple my pre- and post-slumber skills with La Crosse Technology’s WiFi Connected Projection Alarm Clock. I know, it’s a mouthful, but it’s also a lifesaver once you download the app that delivers a bunch of totally relevant functions, like the ability to monitor home conditions, view and share data, and customize alerts. And because the La Crosse is in partnership with AccuWeather for the clock, I’m privy to first-class forecast info, from highs and lows to wind direction. Did I mention weather predictions are not one of my superpowers? Snooze control is, of course, a given, but this compact bit of engineering also shows indoor temperature and humidity. It’s about time! Info: lacrossetechnology.com.

Downtime: Luxury? Necessity? Don’t ask? My therapist has been urging me to explore meditative breathing. I try. But my world—a blur of needy kitties, a tyrannical cell phone, restless thoughts, and other miscellaneous stimuli (garbage trucks and such), dictate this to be a formidable challenge. Thankfully, my distracted self-discovered Salthaus, an idyllic little sanctuary on the Upper East Side where tiny pink salt nuggets scrunch between your toes as dry, salty air heals, revitalizes and soothes.

Recline (or not); cover up with a blanket (or not); meditate, write, read or socialize (besties and groups welcome); or take a class.

September’s schedule includes regular and “Salt + Renew with Five Pillars Yoga,” “Food for Thought” as well as “Kids Salt + Music” and other individual classes. I have my eye on a Thursday night “Salt and Breathe” meditation. Clearly, my Zen is calling.

Info: salthausny.com.

BOX SEAT To a college student, “off to school” can turn into a rallying cry to transform a sterile cubby of a dorm room into a viable living space. Posters, sheets designed exclusively for elongated (why?) twin beds, mini-fridges and microwaves, a desk tchotchke or two. But what about the extra stuff? Spare glasses (drinking and reading), blanket, hands-off hair care and/or makeup items, and so on. Where to stash them? And how about an extra place to sit?

On the flip side, what if you want to keep your haul away caddy but don’t want it hogging precious closet space. The iconic company SCOUT—known mostly for its go-anywhere-do-anything bags— has come up with Rump Roost, a super-strong lidded storage bin that doubles as a seat or folds flat. Many design choices, but I zeroed in on the unisex, gray-striped “Oxford News.” Info: scoutbags.com.

SCENTS AND SCENTS-ABILITY If I were as decadent as I aspire to be, a good portion of my time would be spent in an ultra-deluxe spa getting my (holistic) massage groove on via skilled hands and sweet and savory aromatherapy oils. And while my decadence may not be sufficiently bankrolled for continuous “spa-fication,” my desire for transcendent aromatherapy oils can be indulged whenever I choose. I choose oils from Lola’s Apothecary, a British company that has created at least three I am hooked on. (It’s a passion, not an addiction, I swear.)

My favorite oil, though, is Delicate Romance, a mix of a variety of scents, the most dominant being roses, whose petals float in the bottles.

And while all Lola’s blends are available in regular bottles, “Delicate Romance” is among those offered in a portable roll-on tube for an anytime aromatherapy boost, to strengthen nails or smooth foundation. Info: lolasapothecary.com. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 31

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

Come, Join Us!

One Day Excursion Swimming with the Pigs

+ Optional Adventures Exuma, The Bahamas

Spanish Wells or

Harbour Island – Pink Sand Beach

Please visit our website for other “Wonder” Excursions!

242.477.4103 242.803.4918

alkrallis@gmail.com globaltravelparadiseisland.com

TRAVEL

THE GREAT WEST WAY EXPLORE ENGLAND’S PAST AND PRESENT Text and Photos by Denise Mattia

ntrigued by the idea of following a route commissioned centuries ago by England’s royalty and known today as The Great West Way, I embarked on a 125-mile extraordinary journey from Bristol to London. Awaiting me was a blend of cities, castles and villages, of tight, twisting roads, open countryside and an unspoiled authentic region.

BRISTOL Nestled in the hills of South West England, Bristol is grounded in centuries-old traditions. The port city is a hotbed of artists, and where walks along the streets become part of a living canvas.

A visit to the new Royal Photographic Society will inspire. Here, I viewed striking images of Altered Oceans by Mandy Barker; as well as It’s Called Ffasiwn, works by young people at the Martin Parr Foundation; and even attended a performance of the Black Ballet troop in the Bristol Old Vic. There’s plenty of fun activity in Bristol. Near my hotel at the Marriott Royal, I found the Watershed, an exciting multi-artistic venue where Bristolians enjoy three cinemas and a media studio. A café/bar overlooks the Floating Harbor and draws crowds into the late evening.

Bristol Cathedral

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BATH According to legend, Bath was founded by Prince Bladud, the mythological father of King Lear who, having contracted leprosy, was cured by Britain’s only natural warm, mineralrich waters. But it wasn’t until the first century AD that the Romans built their temples, which functioned as spas until the 19th century. After long, irregular periods of dereliction, the 92-degree thermal spas were restored and opened to the public.

At the 18th-century Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, the healing power of nature began in my luxurious Duke of York Suite with spectacular views overlooking the Royal Victoria Park. Then it was off to the SPA! A once-in-a-lifetime experience wasn’t too far away. At The Spa & Bath House soothing rose essences hydrate the body followed by heated stones on the back to contribute to a sense of sheer peacefulness. Later, I indulged in a soothing dip in the rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa, followed by a body reconditioning with essential oils and plant extracts. One could get used to this!

A visit to England without Afternoon Tea? The naturally sweet Rooibos brew at the Crescent’s Dower House soothed my spirit. Delicate, savory sandwiches atop a tier of homemade scones and buns are served with decadent Devon clotted cream, rich cinnamon butter, and fresh strawberry preserves.

Delectable terrines with buttery crescent cookies completed the culinary experience, started by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840.

Bath Cathedral

As I found out the next day, this area offers so much more than spas and wellness. Nigel from Around and About Tour Company, which focuses on personalized tours, drove me through the quintessential English countryside in The Cotswolds, stopping at the medieval villages of Corsham and Castle Combe. This is the England of the imagination; rolling hills with a landscape for country walks and bird watching. Towns are tied to one another by twisting country lanes. The vista from any hill is as likely to include a square tower of a Norman church as a far-off field of grazing sheep.

On my last day in Bath, I moved to the charming Abbey Hotel located across from the 7th-century Abbey Cathedral and strolled around the honey-colored Bath-stone streets. Adjacent to the original Roman Baths is the museum, where among the artifacts is the two thousand-year-old gilt bronze head of the Goddess Sulis.

Roman Bath and Museum

While in Bath, be sure to include Koffmann & Mr. White for its English-French brasserie cuisine. An English buffet breakfast fortified me for my travels to my next stop, Wiltshire.

WILTSHIRE A county of rolling downs, chalk hills, woodlands and river valleys, Wiltshire is an area of outstanding beauty and stately homes, many still owned by the aristocratic families who first built them.

The hundred-acre park in Caine is home to the Marquess and Marchioness of Lansdowne. Here, you’ll find Bowood House with memorabilia as well as stunning jewels from Lord Keith’s participation in the Napoleonic Wars. If you plan to stay, the boutique-style Bowood Hotel offers beautifully designed luxury accommodations, a golf course, restaurant, and spa facilities.

Bowood Manor House estate - Lord & Lady Lansdown

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I was on the move again the following day with Laurence from Oldbury Tours to Silbury Hill and the stone circle of Avebury Henge, one of the largest ceremonial sites of Neolithic Britain, uncrowded and accessible to the public.

I left Laurence at the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, where the centerpieces of the award-winning exhibition are gold-studded artifacts from the Bush Barrow, Britain’s richest Bronze Age burial site. Director David Dawson walked me through the museum’s galleries, which house artifacts from the Neolithic period through the Middle Ages.

Toward evening I sat on the veranda of the apartment at the Devizes Marina Lodge watching boats rock in the tranquil Kennet & Avon Canal and drinking Prosecco before a divine dinner at The Hourglass restaurant that served Deviled Whitebait and Provençale Medallions of Pork.

Ian Newman from South West Heritage Tours and I drove to Stonehenge the following morning. Having once hugged the giant blue stones, all I could do currently was stand at the ropes with the crowd and enjoy the mysterious ring of upright monoliths. Venturing on and soaking up the gorgeous scenery, we arrived in Salisbury. “It floats!” explained my guide as he inserted a measuring stick into the drain. Salisbury Cathedral was built with nearly 100,000 tons of stone and wood on a foundation only four feet deep. The behind-the-scenes tour included climbing to the tower for a bird’s-eye view of the Early English Gothic architecture and ended with the library, built in 1445 where thousands of books and centuries-old manuscripts are stored.

Later, I met with Roger Blaber for a town walk and learned of a “secret” passage monks once used from St. Thomas’ Church to a brothel and about Salisbury’s ghostly and ghastly past. Leaving the spirits behind, I settled into my luxurious suite on the top floor at the Red Lion Hotel, ordered a beaker of wine and a king-size portion of fish & chips. Next stop Reading.

Salisbury Cathedral

READING

LONDON

Reading is more than high-tech and IT companies. It’s one of the largest regional retail centers and organizers of England’s oldest pop music festival.

Arrival in the busy city left me enough time to visit the Tate Modern which included a retrospective of the quirky Franz West works and Jenny Holzer’s powerful texts. The following day, I marveled at the British Museum’s Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian rooms. For a well-deserved break, and venturing to other museum treasures, try the Great Court Restaurant for honey and free-range mustard salad with an artichoke and caper dressing followed by the Kerry Hill Rump of Lamb with Squash Remoulade. I continued my museum quest and left the best for last: Dappled sunlit terraces and sparkling fountains lit the National Gallery with canvases by the Spanish master of light, Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida. At the Victoria and Albert Museum, I was amazed at the haute couture outfits and sketches by Christian Dior.

It’s also home to the ruins of the Reading Abbey, one of the richest monasteries of medieval England founded by Henry 1 in 1121.

The Roseate Reading, originally Shire Hall for the Berkshire County Council, “has been restored to its original glory,” said GM Vicky Punchaye. Hallways, vaulted ceilings, moldings, the imposing fireplace and elaborate wood carvings have been restored to their past beauty. It’s a culmination of opulence. At the Cerise Restaurant, bartender Giovanni Puiatti recommended a perfect pairing with the Roast Rump of Lamb and Ratatouille, Artichoke, and Aubergine puree. Hats off to Chef Rajesh Maharajan who creates new, sumptuous menus every season.

Memorial Errected 1909

Seeing the past and appreciating the present. This is what a visit to the Great West Way will provide with a new opportunity to witness history in the making.

For more information on The Great West Way, visit greatwestway.co.uk. •

The Tower Bridge

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 35

TRAVEL

View from Piazza Michelangelo

THE RUSTIC CHARM OF A TUSCAN HIDEAWAY

By Elizabeth Elston

uscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, artistic legacy, and its influence on high culture. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it’s been the home to many influential historical figures in the arts. Well-known museums contain artifacts and collections and can be seen in the Uffizi and Pitti Palace. The region—consisting of Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and Arezzo—is also renowned for its wines including Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino.

History left its mark across this region, in the Renaissance art of Florence and the medieval brick palaces of Siena.

Pre-Roman Etruscan heritage is preserved in museums and tombs, and even in the landscapes of Volterra and the Maremma. A total of seven Tuscan localities have been designated World Heritage Sites: the historic center of Florence, the Cathedral square of Pisa, the historical center of San Gimignano, the historical center of Siena; the historical center of Pienza, the Val d’Orcia, and the Medici Villas and Gardens.

WHAT TO SEE & DO

Piazza Michelangelo offers some of the best views of the city. There’s a romance to the Ponte Vecchio as well as discovering secret corridors that lead to hidden shops.

Not surprisingly, the region is filled with amazing pieces of art. It seems around every corner there’s art to discover.

The long line outside the Accademia is there for one thing only, and that’s to see David, which stands at seventeen feet tall. It took Michelangelo over two years to carve this masterpiece from one block of marble.

Next to art, leather goods can be found in most shops and stalls—a Florentine tradition. Although lots of the leather that’s sold is now imported, the Scuola del Cuoio trains the next generation of artisans and sells their hand-made wares. After Milan, Florence is Italy’s second city for fashion. There’s plenty of high-end shopping for designer threads along Florence’s Via de’ Tornabuoni. Florence is also the home of Internet fashion sensation Luisa Via Roma. This mall outlet, east of Florence, sells end-of-line items from top-end Italian couture brands at discounted prices.

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Florence Cathedral

WHERE TO STAY

Because Florence continues to be the epicenter of art history and fashion, a stylish stay is in order and the perfect doorway to this luxurious city. Nestled in the heart of the winemaking region of Chianti Classico, Villa Mangiacane is a magnificent 15th-century property built by the Machiavelli family and bearing the unmistakable hand of the master, Michelangelo. Located just 7 miles south of Florence, Villa Mangiacane, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is perfectly positioned to explore all that Tuscany has to offer.

The property has 28 individually designed rooms and suites and is set within 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves. The classic beauty of Mangiacane combined with its history, art, and idyllic countryside setting create the perfect backdrop for a Tuscan wedding, unforgettable holiday, or exclusive rental. Luxurious facilities complement the property, including a gourmet restaurant, a stunning infinity pool, unique sculpture gardens, and breathtaking views.

Villa Mangiacane

WINE & DINE AT THE VILLA

Villa Mangiacane offers a myriad of dining options to its guests by providing a wide range of options, from personal in-room meals to feasts in their exclusive restaurant. You may enjoy a fresh breakfast served in the Herb Garden or a refreshing light lunch around the pool. For dinner, you may choose the elegant restaurant or dine al fresco. Mangiacane’s executive chef mixes the freshest local ingredients to present meals that will surely satisfy. And what an incredible surprise to find the olive oil is produced on the estate.

The chef capitalizes on Tuscan ingredients to create traditional Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, T-bone steaks, to a simple handcrafted Spaghettoni with tomatoes and basil just plucked from the garden.

If your inclination is for seafood, try the Sicilian King Prawns, accompanied by a Fennel Carpaccio. Of course, pair your feast with some of the best award-winning wines, as well as grappa.

Villa Mangiacane terrace at night

For a more intimate setting, enjoy the cozy environment of their Vinoteque, (private wine cellar). In winter, you may enjoy the feeling of a home-cooked meal around the fire in the main villa’s Olive Oil Kitchen. If the incurable romantic in you takes over, the staff will set up an intimate, candle-lit meal on request, anywhere on the estate.

Wine, Olives, Countryside

THE VINEYARD

Even though Villa Mangiacane has been around for over 500 years, their prime wine production began in 2001 once they had undergone extensive modernization as well as the construction of a new cellar. Mangiacane’s wines are produced following the Chiantigiano style, which represents the perfect combination of ancient wine-making traditions and modern concepts. The exceptional wines are the result of the definitive traditions of Chianti Classico as well as the timeless passion and innovative expertise of the wine-making team at the estate.

Whether it’s viewing the historic arts in the area, or simply viewing another magical Tuscan day with a glass of wine, there is nowhere in the world quite like Tuscany.

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 37

TRAVEL

GUATEMALA IDYLL WELCOME TO A TROPICAL PARADISE

By Sherry Amatenstein

here is a sudden ‘thump’ on the blue roof of our pontoon. We squeal with delight—mostly!— as the ‘thumper’ hops inside, screeching as she races around, sniffing at tote bags, then hanging upside down off the boat’s stern. Our visitor, Lanchera, is one of the residents of Monkey Island, a 30-acre reserve for rescued spider monkeys run by our hosts Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel, an intimate eco-hideaway in the Peten region of Guatemala.

Lanchera’s primary objective in her pontoon foraging is the bucket of bananas and beets brought along by our guide/naturalist. While the monkey consumes, the humans alternately watch Lanchera and the entertainment on the island: monkeys swinging in trees. Our visitor stays onboard as we finally motor away on tranquil Laguna Quexel. The guide explained that monkeys often grab a ride to another of the resort’s islets. Sure enough, she hops out when she reaches her preferred destination. “Hey, why doesn’t she have to pay a fare?” I giggle while thinking, ‘I must have done something right in a former life to be on this amazing trip!’”

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NOT ALL MONKEY BUSINESS

Spread across over 300 acres of lush jungle between Belize and Mexico, Las Lagunas is a magical retreat. Here the focus is on conserving the native species of Guatemala which include quetzal (exotic birds), toucans, ocelots and, of course, spider monkeys. The hotel has 19 private casitas featuring a deck and Jacuzzi, rain shower, and spectacular sunrises and sunsets unimpeded by a single building. The free-standing casitas, each with its own walkway are over-water which encourages peaceful sleeping even for the insomniac! There is a half-moon shaped infinity pool, full-service spa, openair restaurant Shultan serving gourmet fare (try the native Blanco fish) and occasional serenades from snowy egrets perched on treetops. Don’t miss the 915-square-foot museum featuring 600 Mayan artifacts at a time collected throughout the country over 60 years by the resort’s owner.

The property offers numerous opportunities to either laze around in style or hike, bike, birdwatch, kayak or an ATV tour of Las Lagunas’ natural reserve. It also provides guests a 60-minute trip to the jungle-shrouded ruins at Tikal, located an hour and change away in Flores. With so much architectural bounty, it’s incredible to learn only a small portion of the ancient kingdom, which was likely home to 90,000 inhabitants, has so far been excavated!

ANCIENT MEETS MODERN WORLD

Stroll through palaces, monuments, ball courts, and public squares. Trod softly and you might glimpse ocellated turkeys, monkeys, foxes, and hear the warbling of the many bird species who call Tikal home. A special treat for film fans: Temple IV, at a neck-craning 212 feet was the stand-in for Yavin 4 where Luke and Hans Solo land the Millennium Falcon in Stars Wars Episode 4: A New Hope. Two tips you’ll thank me for: Hire a guide and go early in the day as the kingdom can get very hot!!

If your appetite for ruins is not sated, consider visiting Yaxha, the thirdlargest Mayan ceremonial city in the country. Located 18 miles southeast of Tikal and spread out over nine plazas, Yaxha, which means “green waters” has several pyramid temples and 40 stelae spread over nine plazas. While it received no visitation from Luke Skywalker, Yaxha was the site of 2005’s reality show Survivor: Guatemala—The Mayan Empire.

Flores also holds more modern pleasures. The town proper boasts cobble-stoned streets, colonial architecture, and copper-colored roofs.

You don’t need your hiking shoes as the island is only five blocks wide in any direction. Perched on Lake Peten Itza, the island is connected to the mainland and its sister town Santa Elena via a causeway bridge. While in town, taste a pupusa (thick corn tortilla with numerous tasty filling choices), hail a Tuk Tuk (a three-wheeled taxi), check out the outdoor markets and cute shops. Another day rent a canoe or hire a boatman to ferry you to Jorge’s Rope Swing, a family-owned spot replete with diving board, platform, hammocks, and yes—a rope swing.

While every aspect of my Guatemalan idyll was memorable, perhaps the best part was experiencing the sunrise each morning. I watched a cascade of colors emerge over the lagoon while listening to the music of the rainforest’s animals ushering in a glorious new day.

For more information on L as L agunas Boutique Hotel, v isit laslagunashotel.com. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 39

TRAVEL

A TALE OF TWO CITIES A MOTHER-DAUGHTER REUNION

By Natasha Bazika

t’s over a year since I last saw my mom and now here I was, sitting on a five-hour flight from New York City to San Francisco anticipating a long overdue rendezvous. My mom lives 9,291 miles away from me in Sydney, and this was her first time on American soil.

EXPLORING THE BAY CITY I landed just in time to see the sunset on the Golden Gate Bridge before arriving at Omni San Francisco Hotel. I was whisked away from the Uber to the golden age of opulence. The man at reception told me mom had checked in. I guess the sound of a broken luggage wheel was enough for a mother’s cat-like instinct because I barely swiped the room key when a waft of air brushed my face, followed by my mother suffocating me with a bear hug.

We walked through the city, getting lost as usual, but eventually finding our way to MKT Restaurant and Bar at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

It’s always good to spoil your mom, even if it’s splurging on dinner. We wined, we dined, and mom tried her first baked Alaska. I’m happy to announce every bite was a success, but there was a moment during dinner when we stopped reminiscing and catching up on current news and just sat in silence. I looked over to see her gazing at the buildings, and I saw a little glimmer in her eye. Maybe she was falling in love like I did the first time I saw New York’s starry skyline.

40 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Omni Hotels San Francisco

The next morning we decided to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge.

We strolled along the waterfront until we landed at Fisherman’s Wharf. The shops, eateries, and carnival-like atmosphere reminded me of Luna Park in Sydney; it was enchanting, especially under the warm sun. We weaved through hordes of people, dodging pop-up stores, children inching farther from their parent’s grip and, of course, restraining ourselves from eating our way through every ice cream store before succumbing to the sounds of seals, who were lounging on docks. I felt like a kid in a zoo, standing by my mom’s side.

We got lost, and while I prefer to turn to my phone for directions, my mom has always turned to people—I would say it’s a generational thing. She approached a waiter standing behind a counter. “Excuse,” she muttered. “How do we get to the Golden Bridge?” The man replied. “You mean the Golden Gate Bridge?”

She looked at me for confirmation. “Yes, that one.” The man told her it was about seven miles north from where we were, and after walking in circles for five minutes, we decided Uber can do the hard work for us. If you know anything about San Francisco, the hills are tall enough to challenge most buildings in Sydney, and there was a slim chance she was going to make it up one. The driver dropped us at the welcome center, where we walked to the best spot to see the bridge, which was a dirt path on the edge of Fisherman’s Wharf a cliff. In classic mother-daughter fashion, we snapped several tourist photos, of which 10 minutes later a Facebook notification popped up on my phone. Mom had already posted photos, PAINTING SIN CITY RED whereas I was contemplating which filter to use. After getting the perfect shot, we sat on the concrete bench overlooking the The next day we woke up in Sin City following a two-hour flight and bridge. I don’t remember how long we sat there, but the glow on eight-minute drive from the airport to the Four Seasons Las Vegas Hotel. Our first glimpse of the city was The Strip lined with shops, my cheek disappeared. restaurants, towering signs, and a palm-lined oasis that emerged as if a mirage. Our grand bedroom (mom deserved this splurge!) was Four Seasons Las Vegas Pool complete with magnificent views of The Strip and the Mojave Desert peaking in the background.

Getting acquainted with Vegas was almost surreal and like being on the movie set. We stopped to see the Bellagio’s dancing water fountain show, dodged advertisers looking to make a quick buck, and managed to steal the spotlight of the Sin City Cowboys, who grabbed me for a cheeky photo. When dawn fell, lights shone on the city, illuminating every structure, street, and tourist. People sported extra-large novelty cups, filled to the brim with daiquiris. We continued down The Strip, walked to New York, explored Italy’s finest cuisine and beverages, then settled in Paris, at a chic casino under the Eiffel Tower.

As with all mothers, photos, especially awkward selfies, are compulsory, regardless if I didn’t want to partake, but she insisted. Anything with a sign, word, or fountain was in danger of a snap. Especially the sign outside Mandalay Bay, which read “Thunder Down Under, Made in Australia.” I’m not sure how many daughters have been to a male strip show with their mothers, but if you haven’t, put it on your bucket list.

At first, I thought it would be awkward, but it was far from that. We watched men, hairless, oily, and six-packs included, dance on stage and with women in the audience. I looked over to see mom, who had a grin ear to ear. This may have been her favorite part of the trip.

Our sultry night led to a relaxing day by the pool, and lunch at Gordon Ramsey’s Burgers. I would say mom is his biggest fan, so trying one of his restaurants was a priority. After being seated, the burgers arrived, standing a foot tall and bigger than our hands. Mom’s eyes expanded as did her stomach with every bite as juicy as the next. “He lives up to my expectations,” she said as if she were a world-renowned food critic.

As I sat on the plane back home, I looked around to see mothers and daughters sitting side by side. I looked at mom, held her hand, and thanked her for my incredible life. The light faded, the city disappeared in the clouds, and I felt my mother’s heartbeat once again.

We’re already planning our next journey. Stay tuned! • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 41

TRAVEL

EAST MEETS WEST

FLORIDA’S BEAUTIFUL AND BOUNTIFUL BEACHES

By Ruth J. Katz

ast Side, West Side, all around the town…” So go the opening lyrics to James W. Blake and Charles E. Lawlor’s The Sidewalks of New York. I paraphrased those words recently as I road-tripped between Florida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts. I decided to explore two Florida properties, both part of the Opal Collection’s 18 hotels and resorts that dot the Eastern seaboard, from Key West to Bar Harbor, Maine. Here’s what I found…

EAST COAST First stop, the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa in Jupiter, which is nestled along the largest stretch of secluded beachfront in the Palm Beaches. (It is literally twenty minutes north of Palm Beach). The resort boasts 1,000 feet of pristine beachfront (chair/umbrella service, of course), and an oceanfront pool and spa waterfall. Many of the 168 rooms have panoramic views of the sea, as does the in-house restaurant, Sinclairs Ocean Grill. Aside from drinking in the vista, you’ll savor the cuisine, too: I could not resist the rack of lamb seared in a blackberry, barrel-aged port reduction. (Yes, of course, there is plenty of seafood on the menu—it is Florida, after all.)

The atmosphere is family- and pet-friendly, as well. (The Opal Paws Program is for canines 30 pounds and under.)

You won’t lack for things to do, especially if a poolside movie is screened one night; there is a state-of-the art fitness center; luxurious spa (with enveloping eucalyptus steam room); night-lit tennis courts; basketball and shuffleboard courts (and nearby golf).

42 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa Bedroom

“Off-campus” I would recommend, first and foremost, the remarkable Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a stone’s throw from the resort. It is an educational nonprofit, focused on ocean and sea turtle conservation. “Green turtles and manatees are the lawnmowers of the ocean,” the docent explained. There are guided turtle walks, sunrise nest excavations, hatchling feedings, and for the kids, sleepover nights with the turtles, as well as a junior veterinary laboratory. I witnessed a thrilling treat: Five volunteers removed a giant loggerhead from his tank, to take him into the hospital for treatment. The nearly two-hundredpound fella was gingerly lifted onto a gurney and then seatbelted (!) with a crisscross network for safety, lest he consider a frisky escape! The Center protects this endangered species, and is well-equipped to care for and treat sick and injured turtles.

Also, within driving distance is the Norton Museum of Art, known for its five core collections. Also nearby is the astonishing Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, with exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and traditional Japanese festivals, including the wildly popular Obon Festival (this year, October 19th)— when thousands of lit lanterns are floated on the lake, honoring our forebears. Do not pass up an evening at the former Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre, now the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

Norton Museum of Art ©Nigel Young

WEST COAST Equally noteworthy are some of the diverting sights on the “left” coast, where I settled into Opal’s Lido Beach Resort, in the Sarasota area.

The property, with 300 feet of private beachfront, features 222 smartly decorated condo-style suites, many with terraces and well-equipped kitchenettes. While it might be hard to tear yourself away from the two pools, the three Jacuzzis, the fitness center, and the resort’s amenities, there is shuttle service to the charming shops and boutiques at St. Armands Circle.

Lido Beach Resort

And beyond the Circle, are more interesting sites. Sarasota was the location John Ringling chose for his dream home and today that mansion, Ca’ d’Zan (Venetian dialect for House of John), is open for touring, as is the museum he built to house the “trinkets” (think Velazquez, van Dyke, and Rubens) he snatched up in Europe. The Ringling Museum itself is a marvel. Arguably, the highlight of the Museum is the to-scale (3/4” to the foot) model of a circus, with nearly one million pieces.

Dubbed the Howard Bros. Circus, it was painstakingly built by Howard Tibbals. Nearby and under the stewardship of Florida State University, is the celebrated Asolo Repertory Theatre, which stages top-flight plays from fall until early summer. Originally erected in Asolo, Italy, in 1798, the theatre was brought to Sarasota in the early 1950s and meticulously reassembled. Another must is the bucolic Marie Selby Gardens, which features, among its vast collection of some 20,000 plants, a living and preserved collection of epiphytes (plants that get their nutrition from the air), 5,500 orchids, and 3,500 bromeliads.

“Back at the ranch,” the Lido Beach Resort offers three inviting restaurants and lounges, and a groaning board for Sunday bunch. And speaking of breaking a diet: Head to the upper-level loft of nearby restaurant Euphemia Haye on Longboat Key for—drum roll!—the most mouthwatering, delectable, awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping desserts you’ll likely ever see in one place. Come hungry. (Bring insulin.)

Whether you choose Opal’s Jupiter or Lido property, prepare to bliss out. As a sign in the Armands Circle Creperie Caffe noted: “We do not have Wi-Fi. Talk to each other, pretend it’s 1995.” That is sound advice: Disconnect, unplug, relax, enjoy.

For more information on the Opal Collection, visit opalcollection. com; Jupiter Beach Resort, visit jupiterbeachresort.com; Lido Beach Resort, visit lidobeachresort.com; The Palm Beaches, visit thepalmbeaches.com; Palm Beach Culture, visit palmbeachculture. com; Sarasota, go to visitsarasota.org.

The Ringling Museum

© 2019 Ruth J. Katz All Rights Reserved • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 43

TRAVEL

DESTINATION D.C.

OUR NATION’S CAPITAL IS ALIVE WITH CULTURE & LUXURY

By Bailey Beckett

he partisan gridlock in Congress might have you believe the Capital is a war zone. Well, someone hasn’t told the Capital, because Washington, D.C. is alive as ever, with a City Center shopping mall bursting with Hermes and Dior, restaurants boasting Michelin star chefs, hotels catering to every clientele and a culture scene attracting the brightest talents (and audiences).

In fact, as you’re planning a Fall getaway, D.C. should be top of the list to eat, stay and play.

EAT The Dubliner A Capitol Hill institution just a stone’s throw from the dome itself, The Dubliner is a true enclave of the old country, radiating a warm welcome from the glowing bottles of fine Irish whiskey to the dark gleaming woodwork. A congenial atmosphere for regular happy hours, live Irish music—or negotiating delicate peace accords. Info: dublinerdc.com.

Bourbon Steak Chic, modern and visually striking, Bourbon Steak still sizzles almost 10 years after its opening at the tranquil Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. Restaurateur Michael Mina and chef Drew Adams have made its steaks legendary, including a Wagyu from Japan that the Washington Post called “so tender and richly marbled you feel as if you’re grazing on meat butter.” The restaurant’s menu features American fare with a strong focus on heritage meats. Info: michaelmina.net.

The Occidental Generations of political luminaries, sports stars, and celebrities have made The Occidental a Washington landmark as star-studded and lively as ever. A stone’s throw from the White House, off Pennsylvania Avenue, the seafood and steak grill mixes nostalgia with new, bringing vintage menus to life with contemporary interpretations of classic American cuisine. Info: occidentaldc.com.

Kingbird Housed in the historic Watergate Hotel, the restaurant is named after the dapper native species whose tailored black and grey plumage hides an exuberant crest of red, flashed at his discretion. There’s nothing discreet about this restaurant, where Chef Sébastien Giannini dazzles guests with his French Rivera-inspired menu which celebrates the purity of exquisite local ingredients with a light and sophisticated hand.

Info: thewatergatehotel.com/washington-dc-restaurant-kingbird.

Dubliner Main Bar

STAY The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. A renovation of the classic RitzCarlton in downtown Washington, DC last year put this mainstay back on the map. Less traditional and more like a chic Restoration Hardware catalog, the hotel, with 300 rooms, caters to the world’s elite: world leaders, philanthropists, heads of state, royalty, and celebrities. A soothing gray and blue décor has replaced the wood paneling and oil paintings of old. And its bar, Quadrant, and restaurant, Westend Bistro, has brought trendy local crowds back to the lobby. Not to be overlooked is sister property Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown. Here is one of the most original boutique hotels in America. Housed in the former Georgetown incinerator—you read that right!—the property is rustic and luxurious at the same time, with the red brick facade still intact—as well as the smoke stack—and public spaces and guestrooms that carry on the “fire” theme (its bar is called Degrees). With just 86 rooms and 27 premiere suites, the hotel is intimate to say the least. Info: ritzcarlton.com/en/ hotels/washington-dc.

The Mayflower A Grand Dame since its opening in 1925—timed to the inauguration of Calvin Coolidge—The Mayflower is the social hub of Washington, D.C. Its impeccable mix of historic grandeur with contemporary elegance brings the city’s movers and shakers, visiting dignitaries and the city’s largest conferences to the hotel day in and out.

What President Truman called “the city’s second-best address” is a city in itself, with 581 rooms, grand ballrooms, state-of-the-art fitness center and Edgar, its ultra-cool bar and lounge. Info: themayflowerhotel.com.

Ritz-Carlton Washington DC

44 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Moxy Washington, DC Downtown Definitely catering to the younger set, the Moxy Washington is a millennial’s delight, with a check in stand decorated with hot pink flamingos that doubles as a bar, lockers where you can store your luggage, foosball tables, board games, ping pong tables in the lobby, retro rotary phone and a screen showing live Instagram feeds from guests enjoying the hotel. Info: moxy-hotels.marriott.com/en.

PLAY KENNEDY CENTER The REACH Expansion Opening: September 7th; Festival: September 7th-22nd The REACH, the first new space in the 47-year-old performing arts campus brings a $175-million Steve Holl-designed project adding 60,000-square-feet of classrooms, rehearsal and performance space in three pavilions. The addition to the southern side of the Center also adds a reflection pool, a projection screen and bridge over Rock Creek Parkway to the Potomac Riverfront. The Kennedy Center celebrates its expansion with a 16-day arts festival filled with nearly 400 free events. Info: kennedy-center.org.

Kennedy Center ©Richard Barnes

ARENA STAGE

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS UNION MARKET

Jitney September 13thOctober 17th The lauded rep theater leaps into its 70th season with Ruben Santiago-Hudson directing his 2017 Tony Award-winning revival of August Wilson’s challenging drama about gentrification.

Info: areastage.org.

Judy Chicago—The End: A Meditation on Death and Extinction September 19, 2019-January 20, 2020 Feminist icon Judy Chicago presents her most recent work and continuing rally cry to challenge the status quo in almost 40 pieces of painted glass and porcelain and two bronzes. Info: nmwa.org.

Jitney ©Charles Chaisson

All Things Go Fall Classic October 12th-13th The All Things Go Fall Classic returns to Union Market for its 6th year This year’s music festival features CHVRCHES, Melanie Martinez, LANY, Betty Who and more. Info: allthingsgofallclassic.com.

SHAKESPEARE THEATRE Everybody October 15th-November 17th The first show under the theater’s new artistic director, Simon Goodwin, is a reconsideration of the 15th century play of the same name.

In Braden Jacob-Jenkins’ version, the titular role is awarded to a cast member by on-stage lottery, and then the drama of life unfolds. Info: shakespearetheatre.org.

Judy Chicago - Smuggled

CAPITAL ONE ARENA

LINCOLN THEATRE

Washington International Horse Show October 23rd-28th The nation’s leading indoor horse show draws global stars and stables more than 500 animals in the surrounding streets. Info: wihs.org.

Bentzen Ball October 24th-27th Bentzen Ball, a magical festival partnership between Brightest Young Things and Tig Notaro is coming back for its 10th Anniversary of Comedy & Friendship in 2019.

Info: brightestyoungthings.com.

Katherine Dinan rides Dougie Douglas at the 2018 Washington International Horse Show ©Shawn McMill

RONALD REAGAN BUILDING & INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER National Children’s Museum Opens: November 1st After years of planning, an intentionally built, 33,000-square-foot play space emphasizing hands-on STEAM learning (science, technology, engineering, art and math) opens blocks from the National Mall and White House. Info: nationalchildrensmuseum.org. •

National Children’s Museum

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 45

FEATURES

THROUGH THE LENS Photography By AnnieWatt.com

17TH ANNUAL WOMEN OF VALOR AWARDS LUNCHEON

Rebecca Humphrey, Tamarra Wickes, Sofia Juperius, Mavis Wiggins, Linda Foggie, Michele O’Connor, Michelle DeCarlo, Kelly Merino, Kamelia Poppe

Joseph Sano, Rita Cosby, Tomaczek Bednarek, Joseph Aquino, John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimatidis, Nikki Klieman

Faith Rose, Kendal Zoppa, Monica Weiner

Police Athletic League Young Artists

Macro Consultants, Comcast, Daroff Design Michelle DeCarlo and family

Sharon Yorio, Allen Poeppel, Michele O’Connor, Kristine Rocco

Bonnie Pfleiderer, Deborah Cole, Colleen Moran, Ellen Canny

William Campbell, Hermin Campbell, Drew O’Connor

Mavis Wiggins, Jim Phillips, Pat Wiggins, Michele Wright, Donna Vance

Caryl Stern, Joseph Sano

Art Thompson, Rosalie Edsons, Colleen Moran

46 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

ASHLEY LAUREN’S THE QUEEN’S CLOTHES

Lauren Bush Lauren, Sharon Bush, Ashley Bush

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Lauren Roberts, Winn Morton, Robin Cofer George Ledes, Whitney Schott

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Ashley Bush, Lili Buffett

Sharon Bush, Bob Murray

Suzan Rosenholtz Kremer, Susan Baker Chid Liberty, Georgie Liberty

Darlyn Heckman, Austin Wright

Jeremy Weisen, David Lauren

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 47

FRENCH HERITAGE’S SPLENDOR OF NORMANDY DINNER

John Robert Massie, Michèle Gerber Klein George Sape, Jeri Sape

Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, Rosalie Brinton

Sana Sabbagh, David Sadroff, Stephen McCarthy, Elizabeth Stribling

Elizabeth Stribling, Guy Robinson, Agnes Beane Peter de Heydu, Kathryn Mac Govern

Jennifer Herlein, Marjorie Hart

Barbara Wolf, Ann Van Ness, William Van Ness

Elena Alden, Dr. Robert Lahita

William Ivey Long, Laurie Bodor

48 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Sondra Gilman, Celso Gonzalez-Falla

Dimitri Alden, Steven Levy, Joseph Swiader, Joshua Leuchtenburg

NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY’S ANNUAL BOOK AWARDS

Ellen Scordato, Roland Foster MIller

Jay Sherwood, Jan Whitman Ogden

Matthew Von Barton, Emily Mohr, Geoffrey Von Barton III

Lisa Brooks, Matt Moffett, Elyse Lightman Samuels, Gregory Smith

Helen Denisenko, Lisa Brooks, Lillie Rose Brooks Anne Teasdale

Charles Bennett, Roland Foster Miller, Elizabeth Anne-Smith, Andrew Smith, Jr., Marigold Randall

Lucille Kirk, Anna Bulkot

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Thomas Hills, Sara Champion

Lisa Brooks, Marigold Randall, Roland Foster Miller, Ireen Kudra-Miller

Leslie Middlebrook-Moore, Daisy FieldPearson, Mark Pearson, Helen Denisenko

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 49

PUBLICOLOR, STIR, SPLATTER & ROLL GALA 2019

Barbara Kohn, Gene Kohn, Kim Craig, Tommy Craig, Ruth Lande Shuman

Joshua Lawson, Nicole Miller

Ruth Lande Shuman, David Kirkland

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Robert Di Mauro, Marilyn Kershner, Jeffrey Banks

Anne Valentino, George Ranalli

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50 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Jeffrey Banks, Mickey Ateyeh

Ruth Lande Shuman, students

THE 2019 CENTER OF THE ARTS EDUCATION CELEBRATION

Fabian Jiang, Andy Chauca, Jewel Iyuso, Deanna Siguenza, Mariecia Moore

Venk Varadan, Jill Braufman, Jim Greenberg, Amy Bermant Adler

William Fleischer, Grimanesa Amoros, Abigail Scheuer, Gloria Pitagorsky

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David Shookhoff, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Jill Braufman

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Taia Bell

Erica Weinstein, Seth Weinstein

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SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 51

FEATURES

BITS & BAILEY

TWA Hotel

THE WHO, WHAT, WHY & WOW OF THE LUXE SCENE

By Bailey Beckett

heers, dears. Fall is finally upon us. Well, almost. I’m counting the hours until I can wear my Hermès cashmere écharpe. In the meantime, I’m indulging in sunny season’s last rites. Yes, there are still a few things to cross of your to do list in these dog days of summer. And leave it to Bailey to find its most chic.

TWA Hotel Guestroom COME FLY WITH ME The thought of staying overnight at an airport is something Bailey has never considered. Who wants to sleep on a baggage carousel? Those images of people spending the night in uncomfortable chairs and next to Auntie Anne kiosks are as frightening as a Jordan Peele horror film. Enter the new TWA Hotel, a 512-room throwback housed in the airline’s legendary 1962 Eero Saarinen-designed terminal. You know, when flying was chic and flight attendants didn’t wear poly-blend.

Ahhh, yes: the golden age of travel.

Opened this past May, the hotel turns back the clock with a visually-stunning recreation of the terminal’s swanky grandeur, flanked by two connecting towers.

It’s like an amusement attraction for fans of the aviation age. Employees are dressed in recreations of the airline’s original uniforms while accents throughout the terminal feature its logo. And TWA’s signature red hue is omnipresent in the décor, furniture and amenities.

52 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

While the main attraction is the concept, there’s plenty to do on the direct flight through time. The TWA Hotel features five different dining options, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Paris Café and Lisbon Lounge, as well as Rande Gerber’s (husband of Cindy Crawford and bestie to George Clooney) The Sunken Lounge, the hottest airport bar near the runway. Located in the center of the terminal underneath a split flap departures board, The Sunken Lounge bar serves 1960s classics like the Royal Ambassador (Champagne, orange juice, and Grand Marnier), and the Come Fly with Me, a cocktail inspired by the Frank Sinatra tune that made with Grey Goose, St. Germain, Prosecco and fresh lime juice. Just as nutty is the Connie Cocktail Lounge located in an actual Connie N8083H jet that was restored to her original 1958 glory. And not to be outdone, the hotel also boasts a rooftop bar with views of the runway. The infinity edge pool and observation deck are also run by the Gerber Group and open to guests and the public.

Now, the most pressing question: being virtually on top of the runway, how can one possibly sleep with all the noise? Thankfully, it was built with a 4.5 inch thick glass curtain wall to muffle sounds from nearby runways. In other words: you can see take-offs and landings through the floor-to-ceiling windows—but you’ll never hear them. Info: twahotel.com.

©Emily Gilbert

COME DRINK WITH ME I call it Disneyland for Adults. The most fun, interactive adventure for New Yorkers is the Rosé Mansion, a wine tasting experience dedicated to the history and allure of the pink-hued wine. Located off Herald Square in a 32,000 square foot space that serves as the second floor of the Manhattan Mall, Rosé Mansion takes wine-sippers (ok, gulpers) through the 7,000-year history of rosé with a labyrinth of 14 different experiences, each more insane (and I say that with love) than the next. Like Cleopatra’s Palace, a recreation of her throne where guests can sit and enjoy her favorite Brachetto surrounded by lush fabrics, art and artifacts. Or The Celebration Room, which features a larger-than-life-size cake guests can jump out of (yes, I did it and I’m proud to say it!). Every “room” in the journey includes a different blend of rosé, as well as background on its making. You get to sample each, of course, which makes the experience all the livelier.

By the end of the course, you’ll be giddy and wanting more. Info: rosewinemansion.com.

Rosé Mansion ©James Coletta

COME EAT WITH ME The best meal I’ve ever eaten was at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Paris on the left bank. That was four years ago, and though I’ve circled the globe three times since, I’ve yet to find an equal.

Which is why I hold the brand behind the late culinary genius Joël Robuchon in the highest regard. I recently had the good fortune to dine at its New York outpost in the Meatpacking District and can honestly say Paris has met its match. Three mini courses— scallop carpaccio, beef filet with foie gras, and the chef ’s signature mini-burgers—grouped together to create the most delicious meal I’ve had in 19 years of living in New York. And the Robuchon experience is about to get saucier. What was its next door Le Grill de Joël Robuchon has been transformed into a sophisticated clublounge called, naturally, Le Club. Set to open this month, it will feature French-inspired small bites for sharing, as well as large format cocktails, wines served from magnums, and drinks finished in front of guests. Each night will become its own performance for the dining room team, with “hosts” replacing servers, and a DJ to turn up the energy on the weekends. Info: joelrobuchonusa.com.

34 Matfair Burger

L’Atelier ©Alex Staniloff

COME INDULGE WITH ME Bailey’s recent trip to London has me dreaming of many things, but mostly the 34 Mayfair restaurant, where I indulged in their decadent burger. The USDA A5 wagyu patty with bone marrow is topped with foie gras and a brioche bun. Don’t forget the truffle pecorino chips.

Info: 34-restaurant.com.uk… If steak tartare is on your menu, head to Le Caprice. The menu also features British and American favorites in a classic black-and-white dining room. Info: le-caprice.co.uk.

Finally, the thought of cooler months ahead of us. So, friends, look forward to “chilling with you” in October. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 53

FEATURES

TECH TALK FALL WAKE-UP CALL

By Will Reed

all is for many the unofficial start of a “new year.” The school year begins, most people who were on a reduced summer schedule go back to their normal routine, Broadway comes alive with new productions and, of course, most television shows come back from their seasonal hiatus. With so much going on, it is hard especially for New Yorkers to make sure they get the proper amount of rest. Sleep is great for your health—and it just feels good, too—but unfortunately, many do not get enough. Here, some of the best innovative tools to help you get the sleep you need to tackle the day ahead.

ADAPTIVE SOUND TECHNOLOGIES

PHILIPS SOMNEO

Sleep & Wake-Up Light It is our body’s natural response to wake up with the sun, and these alarm clocks help you to do just that. Nobody enjoys being shocked out of a deep sleep by the shriek of standard alarm clock, and clocks like this are the perfect remedy for that. With simulated sunrise and sunset, RelaxBreathe to sleep, and multiple lights and sounds, Sleep & Wake-Up light will make sure you fall asleep relaxed, and wakeup refreshed. Info: usa.philips.com.

DREEM

Dreem 2 Headband You’ll want to wear this high-tech headband to bed for a sound slumber.

Dreem 2 Headband tracks sleep by recording and analyzing brain activity via EEG sensors, as well as heart rate and respiration. It has sounds to help you get a deeper sleep and it gives you a comprehensive report of your sleeping patterns, so you are in touch with your body and habits. Info: dreem.com.

REVERIE

CIRCLE MEDIA LABS

Circle Home Can’t sleep because you’re scrolling through Instagram? You are not alone.

That is where Circle Home comes in. It monitors tech usage and promotes digital wellness, helping you shut down early enough to get those z’s. What’s more, with features like Bedtime and Pause, Circle helps users get their sleep schedules on track by automatically disconnecting and reconnecting to the Internet at scheduled times. Info: meetcircle.com.

4M Adjustable Foundation This high-tech adjustable base can move and adapt to form dozens of positions, like “Zero Gravity” to alleviate lower back pain, “Anti-Snore” to keep your relationship intact if your partner snores, and more. It’s also Bluetooth enabled, so you can control everything from your phone. The 4M Adjustable Foundation also offers 3D-Wave massages ondemand (three patterns, 10 intensities) to help improve your body’s circulation and ensure a quality night’s sleep. Info: reverie. com/4m-adjustable-foundation.

54 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine This white noise and fan LectroFan sound machine will put you straight to bed. It offers 10 different fan sounds and noise variations, as well as white noise, pink noise, and brown noise options. It lets you pick the volume you want and it’ll easily block out any snoring from a partner or outside traffic noise. A sleep timer can be set for a gentle turn off in 30, 60, 90, or 120 minute increments or you can let it run all night. Take it up a notch? Try the LectroFan EVO, with 22 variations. Info: soundofsleep.com/shop-now.

WITHINGS

Sleep Tracking Pad The Sleep Tracking Pad powered by Nokia slides under your mattress to do the work for you, monitoring your sleep cycles, heart rate, and snoring. The accompanying Health Mate app then whips up a Sleep Score and customized tips for improving—it’s waiting for you every morning when you wake up, and it just doesn’t get easier than that. The pad is also integrated with Amazon Alexa and can be linked to your other smart home devices. Info: withings.com. •

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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

AROUND TOWN NOMAD

By TJ Johnson

oMad is one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Manhattan, and there isn’t a slowdown in sight. When the NoMad Hotel went up in 2011 and a condo building located at 241 Fifth Avenue opened, that seemed to be enough to spark interest and create a boom in the once-commercial area.

NoMad is also becoming a notable LIVING LARGE IN NOMAD neighborhood for families. With three elementary schools—PS 11 William T. Harris, PS 33 Chelsea Prep, and PS 116 Mary Lindley Murray—plus plenty of playtime at Madison Square Park in pristine condition make NoMad a prime choice for family living. Of course, NoMad is also a great place to live if you are single or have just moved to the city. Centrally located, it’s also the bedrock of new restaurants, hotels, and residential developments always sprouting up making it the happening fun-filled neighborhood it is today.

Let’s explore some of the residential buildings in the neighborhood.

400 PARK AVENUE SOUTH This is the epitome of ultra-modern, ultra-urban, ultra-luxury living. World-renowned architect Christian de Portzamparc designed this 40-story condominium. The building is stunning. Dual glistening glass peaks erupt into the sky, offering extraordinary views of the Manhattan skyline.

Luxury amenities abound in this massive tower. They’ve included the basics: a fitness center, 24/7 concierge service, garden courtyard, rooftop terrace, children’s playroom, bicycle storage, individual storage lockers, and lounge. There is also an indoor lap pool with a Jacuzzi spa, steam room, media room, screening room, and golf simulator.

Pricing starts at $2.3 million for a one bedroom.

241 Fifth Avenue

241 FIFTH AVENUE

400 Park Avenue South

56 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

The 20-story condominium and the mid-rise building offers up 46 contemporarily designed residential units. Pristine views of Madison Square Park can be seen through oversized windows, which (paired with high ceilings) allow for ample space and sophistication. The residential lobby is tastefully modeled with a concierge desk and chic decor. Kitchens come fully equipped with stainless steel appliances and dishwashers.

The building has been crowned with a rooftop deck, and the top floors of the development have been set back from the street, allowing for terraced duplex apartments. Private screenings can take place within the building’s screening room, and a fitness center is also included as an amenity.

Pricing starts at $1.25 million for a one bedroom.

THE GRAND MADISON AT 225 FIFTH AVENUE

The Grand Madison at 225 Fifth Ave.

If classic pre-war is more your style, then I would look at The Grand Madison. Located on the northern edge of Madison Square Park in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, the Grand Madison is one of Manhattan’s most attractive pre-war apartment buildings. Built in 1906 in a Renaissance-revival style, this pre-war 12-story mid-rise has an elegant limestone base and ornate stone carvings below the roof. Once The Brunswick Hotel, and more recently recognized as the New York Gift Building it offered beautiful showrooms for retailers, which speaks to the classic style that can still be found here.

In 2006, it was converted into 200 luxury condos and renamed The Grand Madison. Hardwood flooring, chef kitchens, marble bathrooms complement the high ceilings found in the Grand Madison’s apartments. This full-service condo conversion process also entailed a gut renovation for the building itself. New HVAC components, elevators, and windows were added, as well as duplex apartments on the upper floors.

This classic building combines Old New York-style with modern amenities. The Grand Madison offers 24-hour white-gloved doorman and concierge service, hall porter service, and a landscaped interior courtyard offering residents additional exposures and more natural light. This pet-friendly condo building also offers a rooftop deck and a state-of-the-art gym.

Pricing starts at $1.75 million for a one bedroom.

DINING OUT There are a lot of great places to sit down and have a memorable meal, and there are also plenty of options for when you simply need something quick. So whether you’re heading out to meet colleagues or looking for easy and fast, you’ll always find it in this neighborhood. Here are some a few of my must-go favorites.

If you’re in the neighborhood, you must stop at the NoMad Restaurant, located in the NoMad Hotel at 1170 Broadway.

Featuring sophisticated, modern, French-inspired food, order with confidence because everything is delicious!

My next favorite is Upland, located at 345 Park Ave South, this restaurant never disappoints! Built around a California-style culinary philosophy that takes heavy cues from the seasons, Upland balances a familiar rusticity with a smart global approach, all enhanced with a New Yorker’s eye for detail. The menu offers an artful array of starters, entrees, and sides, each plate accented with Chef Justin Smillie’s enticing and urbane touch.

If you are looking for different and like bowls of food, I would check out Inday located at 1133 Broadway. Modern, counterserve Indian eatery for seasonal and build-your-own bowls with a choice of proteins. So delicious and a great on-the-go spot. • Upland Restaurant

Nomad Restaurant

ABOUT TJ JOHNSON & THE STARR-JOHNSON TEAM Thelonious “TJ” Johnson and the Starr-Johnson Team at Brown Harris Stevens are always available for all of your buying and selling needs in New York City.

For more information contact Thelonious “TJ” Johnson.

Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC Partnering Worldwide 130 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 Direct: 212-317-3687; Cell: 646-236-7901; Fax: 212-319-3925 Email: tjohnson@bhsusa.com Visit him: bhsusa.com/thelonioustjjohnson Member of Luxury Portfolio International Member of the Real Estate Board of New York

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 57

REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

100 FRANKLIN

©Robert Granoff

TRIBECA PERFECTION

By AP Connolly

anhattan’s Tribeca is a neighborhood of cobblestone streets, world-famous restaurants, and a way of life like no other. One of the city’s most exclusive areas, the zip code also features one of Manhattan’s most charming neighborhoods.

Tribeca is an abbreviation for Triangle Below Canal, coined by city planners in the 1960s. The area encompasses Canal Street south to Vesey Street and Broadway west to the Hudson River. It may hard to believe, but at one time this was once farmland, eventually to become commercial in the 1850s with warehouses and factories.

Today, new real estate developments have moved into the formerly industrial, cast-iron buildings. One of note is the architecturallydistinct building, 100 Franklin Street, a new ground-up residential development in Tribeca comprised of two triangular buildings uniquely joined together. Located between West Broadway and Sixth Avenue, the project features a striking hand-laid brick facade by Denmark’s Petersen Tegl. The project, designed and developed by DDG, represents a homecoming for the firm, which is headquartered in Tribeca and has completed other projects in the neighborhood.

THE RESIDENCES

100 Franklin Street features ten private full-floor homes—including two duplex penthouses with expansive rooftop terraces—that utilize the buildings’ unique architecture. Accessed by direct elevator entry, every residence offers a private experience of the unique triangular architecture. The striking geometry amplifies the spacious proportions of each layout and transforms exterior views into exciting perspectives. All floor plans were designed with thoughtful versatility and boast generous storage.

The interiors possess an enchanting sense of lightness in every element: From the building’s eight-foot windows to the residences’ signature larch floors sustainably harvested from forests surrounding the Admont Abbey in the medieval Austrian town of Admont. Marble surfaces, Wolf Sub-Zero kitchen appliances, Hansgrohe bathroom fittings, and custom millwork complete the elegant living experience. Pricing starts at $3.3 million.

Like other DDG projects, a secure connection to the arts is prevalent throughout 100 Franklin. DDG has commissioned Parisbased artist and designer Charlotte Taylor to create new pieces to be permanently installed within the building. The building was also recently the site of street art installations by French graffiti artist JR.

For more information on 100 Franklin, visit 100franklinstreet.com. • 58 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

©Robert Granoff

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I Proudly Suppor Friends of Laurelwood A Inspired by renowned architect R.M. Schindler, this STUNNING contemporary has amazing details PLUS “state of the art” energy efficient Geothermal heating/ cooling system. The interior has the feel of a tree house with dramatic property views. If you love the feel of a California contemporary, accompanied with artistic flair & top of the line features inside & out, this home is for you! Open floor plan on the main level is washed in light from dramatic windows & features spacious living areas with a gas fireplace & Tigerwood floors. The Kitchen features UltraCraft cabinets, Ceasarstone countertops, stainless appliances, butlers pantry plus walk in pantry. The Dining room showcases hand screened Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe Monoprint wallpaper. 2nd floor laundry. The Master suite with a fireplace, has a stunning spa bath & private deck. 2 additional bedrooms share another full bath.

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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

INSPĪR CARNEGIE HILL SENIOR LIVING AT ITS BEST

By AP Connolly

nspīr Carnegie Hill, a new senior residence nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side, is poised to change how New Yorkers age. With the next wave of seniors living longer, healthier lives, a new standard for what aging looks like is emerging. Seniors and their families want more than just a place to live; they are looking for an exceptional lifestyle complete with immersive experiences, luxury accommodations, five-star hospitality, and world-class care. To meet these demands, Inspīr Carnegie Hill offers a transformative senior living experience that exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning New Yorker.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 61

Located at 1802 Second Avenue, Inspīr Carnegie Hill is the flagship location of the Inspīr brand, which was developed specifically for older residents in metropolitan areas who require assisted living, memory care or advanced care options. Every detail of Inspīr has been carefully considered to create a living experience that caters to their every want and needs. In fact, prospective residents and their families are amazed by what Inspīr Carnegie Hill has to offer.

Cafe

HARMONY & WELLNESS Deemed an architectural masterpiece, Inspir Carnegie Hill was purposefully designed to promote health and wellness as well as harmony and connectedness for residents, families, and staff. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping cityscape views and ample natural light. Wood finishing, stone accents, and lush gardens keep residents close to nature. Every detail was considered and customized, from specialized lighting and smooth transitions in flooring to reinforced bath rails and a myriad of other features designed to enhance safety and promote well-being.

Common areas are inviting and attractive, filled with natural light and elements, that connect residents to the outdoors.

Dining venues, a SkyPark, library, bespoke lounge, spa, and fitness center are designed to promote engagement, give purpose and encourage movement and creativity for residents.

Inspīr Carnegie Hill is outfitted with customized technology that enhances day-to-day conveniences through voiceassistants and smart-home features. Each residence includes a voice-activated care concierge system that can alert staff when a resident needs assistance. There is also a resident safety system featuring nurse call, fall detection, and even real-time location feature to locate loved ones in the building.

Studio

A POSITIVE IMPACT Beyond the physical environment and the embedded technology is a philosophy of vibrant, intentional living that truly sets Inspīr apart from other options in the city. Inspīr draws upon key lifestyle elements proven to have a positive impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Regardless of whether someone is looking for a carefree lifestyle or if they require specialized care, they will receive a custom care plan that draws upon core lifestyle elements proven to contribute to living long, healthy lives. “It was important to us to create an environment that truly nurtured whole person wellness,” said Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, Chief Experience and Memory Care Officer.

Participating in activities based on personal interest helps to keep the brain active and promotes well-being. Inspīr curated an eclectic selection of daily programming to meet every interest and tailored them to fit the needs of older adults. Of course, there are plenty of social opportunities but beyond that residents benefit from expert wellness coaches who customize programs like yoga, meditation, water aerobics, balance training, and spiritual practices based on individual interest and abilities.

With so many New Yorkers active in the city’s cultural scene, Inspīr collaborated with renowned cultural institutions, to design thoughtful programs that do more than entertain—they engage and provide residents a meaningful interaction.

Today’s seniors are pushing the boundary and have high expectations for how they envision their lives, and they should have their expectations met. Inspīr Carnegie Hill is providing those solutions for seniors in a whole new way.

For more information on Inspīr, visit inspirseniorliving.com. • 62 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Bathroom

NAPLES, FL I $6,700,000 I MLS#219039710 Dante DiSabato, 239.537.5351

NEW CANAAN, CT I $5,495,000 I MLS#170196451 Jack Horstmeyer, 203.536.5106

ORLEANS, MA I $4,800,000 I MLS#21904252 D. Newell, 508.237.3609/N. Carter, 508.410.0558

ROXBURY, CT I $4,500,000 I MLS#170216895 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

FAIRFIELD, CT I $4,250,000 I MLS#170185797 Al Filippone Associates, 203.964.7450

IRVINGTON, NY I $3,199,000 I 4903603 Debra Goodwin, 914.424.4518

WARREN, CT I $2,595,000 I MLS#170025664 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

NAPLES, FL I $2,475,000 I MLS#219040693 C. Resop, 239.231.6164/J. Caveney, 978.549.9195

WESTPORT, CT I $2,299,999 I MLS#170160006 Elaine Schanzenbach, 203.984.5543

FAIRFIELD, CT I $2,250,000 I MLS#170172911 Al Filippone Associates, 203.209.0870

NORWALK, CT I $1,995,000 I MLS#170174552 Meghan Gatt, 203.904.8064

FAIRFIELD, CT I $1,699,000 I MLS#170185589 Denise Walsh & Partners, 203.259.7653

FAIRFIELD, CT I $1,500,000 I MLS#170076344 Al Filippone Associates, 203.209.0870

LITCHFIELD, CT I $995,000 I MLS#170168244 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

MORRIS, CT I $950,000 I MLS#170187802 The Matthews Group, 860.868.0511

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REAL ESTATE & YOUR HOME

THE RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES LONG ISLAND

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN NORTH HILLS

By Natasha Bazika

hether you’re a New York transplant or were born and raised, everyone knows that New York City is a giant melting pot, brimming with life, crowds, skyscrapers—and it’s only getting bigger.

In an effort to deal with the growth, many of Manhattan’s elite tastemakers are migrating to Long Island and are taking us with them. From interior designers to architects, Manhattanites are fawning over the luxury residences popping up beyond the picturesque island proving that you can really have the best of both worlds.

LONG ISLAND’S NORTH HILLS Did you know you can still revel in a five-star lifestyle outside of Manhattan? And no, we’re not talking about the Hamptons. North Hills is a quaint village in Nassau County, with a not so quaint residence complex. The Ritz-Carlton Residences Long Island, North Hills is set within one of America’s most legendary enclaves— the North Shore. For over a century, those with a penchant for the good life have been drawn to the area for its natural beauty, social and cultural experiences.

Today, New Yorkers and beyond are noticing the lifestyle and are making the move to bigger and better things, all while being within 20 minutes from the city.

64 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

A SPACE OF YOUR OWN Upon arrival, residents drive through a gated palace with 244 luxury condominiums spread over 17 acres of lush green grass.

The Clubhouse stands front and center and is the gateway for all amenities including a golf simulator, board room, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center and yoga studio, theater-style screening room, lounge and bar and many more. Think of it as your personal reception. As for residence amenities, the list is long with a grand entrance gallery, pet-friendly attitude, club rooms, play grounds and more fitness centers. The property prov ide s an e x t r aord i nar y lifestyle to its residents, enhanced by the legendary services the Ritz-Carlton is known for.

While each residence is unique in design, they all have certain things in common.

A grand kitchen is equipped with stainless steel sub-zero refrigerators, fiveburner gas wolf cooktop, under counter wine storage, instant hot and filtered cold water and the choice of marble, granite and quartzite countertops—just to name a few. The bathrooms are clad in statutory marble and feature a 6-foot Bain Ultra soaking tub and double vanities. The separate water closet is the extra space you deserve and the glass encased shower is a luxury on its own with rain, handheld and body spray features. However, the piece de resistance is the private outdoor space. From oversized terraces to open air penthouse balconies, residents are treated to views of the green surroundings, Clubhouse and water fountain as well as having an adequate space to entertain outdoors.

As is expected from the Ritz-Carlton, residents will enjoy exclusive services from valet parking to dog walking and housekeeping. Furthermore, the commute to Manhattan is a mere 20 minute train ride on the LIRR, but you can leave the car at home because there is a Cadillac Escalade shuttle to the train station available to residents, as well as a 24/7 concierge—in case there is anything else needed.

Pricing starts at $1.86 million for a 2 bedrooms and $2.6 million for a 3 bedroom home.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hill, visit theresidenceslongisland.com. •

MANHATTAN-STYLE DESIGNS Interior design is influential to Manhattanites, especially when considering a home. To cater for the Manhattan buyer, The Ritz-Carlton Residences Long Island, North Hills partnered with celebrated interior designer, Ryan Korban, to design model units.

Incorporating pieces from his first furniture collection, Korban designed a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom model unit with the stylish New Yorker in mind. Korban is no stranger to style with a past in the fashion world including A-list clients such as Alexander Wang and Kanye West. But when it came to designing his furniture collection, he said, “I wanted to show that you can still live in a certain way without having an apartment on Park Avenue. You can have a sexy coffee table and live the family way.”

Ryan Korban

He proves this with the soft velvet furnishings of gray suede dining chairs and blush lounge chairs which provide an opulence to the room, while the grey velvet curtains hang subtly in the background and affords depth. In the master bedroom, a four-poster bed becomes the centerpiece, rising to meet the high ceiling. Korban’s use of his signature muted palette allows each piece to exist in the space, rather than outshine. His emphasis on beauty, comfort, and entertaining clearly encompass the interests of a New Yorker, with all the intention of understanding luxury and a space that feels lived in. Info: ryankorban.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 65

MONEY MATTERS

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES WAYS TO OFFSET RISKS OF EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL

By Robb Lanham

f your idea of vacation nirvana is a Hamptons getaway, a relaxing mix of sand and surf, with fine dining and some shopping on the side, then feel free to eschew today’s increasingly hot trend of experiential travel.

A significant number of Americans, though—72 percent of adults, in fact—would rather spend their time and money on experiences, and particularly on travels that are not quite so, well, tame. Adventure travel is especially popular. Think outdoor escapades like hiking glaciers or four-wheeling it across deserts or bush camping safaris in remote regions of Africa. TripAdvisor tells us that 67 percent more travelers opted for travel experiences with a risky edge last year than in 2017.

If the experience is your thing and the more exotic the better, then plan away and enjoy. Adventures are increasingly available that cater to every interest and appetite for risk. But here’s something to remember: There’s risk and there’s risk. Don’t leave home without hedging your risk with the right protection if you intend to go out and play on the edge another day. Here, some factors to consider.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL CHALLENGE

Your readiness, from an overall health perspective, will play a big role in your adventure’s success. Your first step, four to six weeks before departure, is to get required and recommended vaccinations for the country you’ll be visiting. Also have your physician verify your routine vaccinations on your health record. It’s also key to note pre-existing medical conditions and how they’re managed with medications in the event medical care is required while you’re traveling.

Your due diligence should also cover the unique environment and potential health risks at your destination. It’s not only important to gauge your ability to cope physically, but to come with appropriate clothing and footwear, adequate food and water and safe and unsafe aspects of the environment.

INSURANCE FOR RISKS

That bush camping safari? There’s insurance for that. Trekking through Colombia’s Cocora Valley cloud forest? You might want kidnap and ransom insurance, depending on your route for getting there, though the problem has significantly abated.

There’s insurance for about every contingency, and you’re welladvised to talk it through with your broker in the weeks before your departure. Here’s an overview for starters: • Travel insurance A comprehensive plan covers you for trip cancellation and interruption, some baggage loss and medical emergencies. It typically covers some level of activities for leisure, entertainment, fitness or recreation purposes. But more extreme activities like rock climbing, scuba diving and mountaineering are not covered unless you add them with a rider, and even then there will be limits to the extremes.

• Worldwide liability You’ll want to make sure that your coverage is not limited to the U.S. if you’re departing for another country.

Ensuring worldwide coverage avoids problems on even minor issues. Also double check exclusions, like operating an aircraft or chartering a board of a certain size.

• Medical coverage If your policy doesn’t include international benefits, you’ll want more coverage for your travels. Also ask your broker if higher medical limits are warranted for your trip’s length and activities planned – especially since many tourism activities aren’t covered.

• Medical evacuation coverage What if you take deathly ill while off the beaten track, don’t speak the local language and need to 66 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

be transported to the closest, most suitable medical facility for treatment? This covers the high costs such situations entail.

• Kidnap and ransom coverage In some countries, the risk of kidnapping can be high. One sort that has become more common than what Hollywood typically portrays is the “express” kidnapping. It’s where your “taxi driver” forces you to retrieve money from an ATM before releasing you. A K&R policy will recover your losses.

• Safari coverage If you have the opportunity to realize this exciting, inspiring and even dangerous bucket list experience, consider this safari coverage as an extra layer of protection. In addition to trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage coverage benefits cover certain safari equipment, like cameras and guns. Global medical coverage to offset emergency medical costs and medical evacuation also are part of this protection.

Experiential travel is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in different people, customs, lifestyles and adventures that are a total departure from your everyday life. By doing it right, with insurance that protects you against the possible risks, you’ll be able to go on and adventure another day.

Robb Lanham is the chief sales officer for HUB International Personal Insurance, where he is responsible for the personal insurance sales initiatives across North America. Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker providing property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits, investment and risk management products and services. For more information on Hub International, visit hubinternational.com. •

MONEY MATTERS

SENIOR FRAUD SCAMS HOW THEY’RE TARGETED AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

By Abel Oonnoonny

s people age, they may become significantly more susceptible to financial scams and fraud— an issue that is becoming increasingly frequent in New York City and across the nation. In fact, older adults tend to experience more wealth-related events than other generations— from selling a home to making IRA withdrawals—which, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to scammers. Sadly, elders increase their vulnerability when they lose touch with those who can support them.

While technology has made many aspects of our lives easier, including managing money, it has also increased the ways in which scammers can weaponize fraudulent activity. As technology continues to evolve and become more prevalent, it becomes more critical than ever to empower older adults to protect their financial accounts—and for trusted family and friends to help them do so, before it’s too late.

Common types of scams targeting older adults include Medicare/healthcare insurance scams, counterfeit prescription drug schemes, romance scams, person-in-need scams, lottery scams, funeral and cemetery scams, telemarketing/phone scams and investment schemes.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

No matter your life stage, there are some steps you can take to help avoid scams and to make sure you and your senior family members do not become victims of financial fraud: • Designate a trusted contact This should be someone who can speak to your financial services provider in the event of an emergency, such as financial exploitation. Many financial institutions provide this as an option, so be sure to check with your provider and assign this role to someone you trust.

• Get your financial affairs in order It’s always important that you understand your full financial situation, especially when it comes to locating and filing your key financial records, creating or reviewing wills, establishing trusts and power of attorney declarations, and updating account and insurance policy beneficiaries as your life situation changes.

• Guard your passwords To protect your online financial accounts, create unique passwords and never share usernames, logins, passwords or personal identification numbers. This is particularly important for those over 60 years old who, according to the 2018 FBI Internet Crime Report, experience the most incidents of online investment scams and the highest monetary loss.

• Get smart with your smartphone It’s not unusual for scammers to mask their phone number to make it appear that a call is local or from a trusted party in order to get the victim to respond. You can help prevent telemarketing scams by joining the National Do Not Call registry, and it is often smart to let calls from unknown phone

numbers go to voicemail.

• Up your technology game Knowing how to protect yourself and your information online is a key aspect in avoiding scams and fraud. If you or an older family member feels unfamiliar with the technology you’re using, many recreation centers and libraries offer technology and digital literacy classes to help older adults and their family members protect themselves online.

If you’re worried about the security of your finances, it can also be helpful to talk with a financial advisor. While family and caregivers can be helpful in picking up on potential threats, a financial advisor or institution can be a trusted partner in spotting unusual or suspicious changes in your financial behavior.

While seniors are particularly susceptible to financial scams, you can never be too vigilant when it comes to protecting your finances at any age or life stage. To learn more about how to educate yourself and your older family members on the latest financial schemes, visit Schwab’s resources for senior investors.

For more information on Charles Schwab, visit schwab.com.

Abel Oonnoonny is a vice president and senior financial consultant at Charles Schwab’s Midtown branch with over 20 years of experience.

Contact him at 1300 Avenue of the Americas, New York 10019; 212307-5179. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 67

HEALTH & WELLNESS

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A REAL CAUSE OF UNHAPPINESS

By Peter M. Kalellis

ost people have expectations of themselves or a spouse, a good friend—even children. For the most part, expectations can cause disappointment unless they are met realistically.

And while some of our hopes are often verbalized, others remain silent—mostly out of fear that they may cause distress, disappointment, and difficulty.

Let’s examine some of our expectations and learn how we could be more effective in our interaction with other people.

OUR INTERESTS

This may obligate us to mingle with people other than our circle of intimates. Someone we may seek out is a former colleague or classmate. In this scenario, we may recall experiences and memories, or with whom we can pursue an activity resulting in the inclusion of an intimate family member/friend. This is not done intentionally to avoid someone or even your partner. It merely points out the need to connect with other people to feel fully human and fully alive.

AGREE TO DISAGREE

Seeing eye-to-eye with one another on everything that comes in daily life may be difficult. Two people with different values, backgrounds, and sets of habits cannot possibly agree on life’s unfolding experiences. One person enjoys climbing mountains; the other prefers swimming in the ocean. One is gregarious and loves to socialize; the other is an introvert and prefers solitude. Consider the possibility of accepting the other person as they are. The key to success in any relationship is learning adaptation.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

A couple in love cannot do enough to satisfy the other. Later, as life moves on, this type of intensity is converted into focus on essential issues. Either it becomes marriage or an intimate and lasting relationship. The best way to help your partner to experience greater love for you is to create in yourself an experience of greater respect for him/her. Create a spirit of loving without expecting a return.

Love does not work effectively when you expect repayment. True love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.

FULFILLMENT OF ALL NEEDS

It is humanly impossible to fulfill all the needs of another person— an intimate friend, a spouse, or a partner at work. No man or woman could possibly meet the total needs of another. Ask for what you want, enjoy what someone gives you, and work on differences. You both need to live in a broader social world—community, house of worship, your friends, personal interests—to draw on resources outside the marriage as well as inside for life and love.

As we get older, our expectations tend to change, and what appeared to be so important a year ago loses its significance a year later. • 68 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

We can control the attitude we have formed toward each other.

SOME THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER • Although we cannot control all the events of our life, we can control the attitude we have formed toward each other.

Once you accept yourself, it would be easier to accept others.

The next step is to take responsibility for your behavior.

Finally, see what contribution you are making toward your interaction with another person and toward meeting common and mutual expectations

• Unquestionably, any person would like to be happily married. However, a happy marriage is never accidental.

It is a careful process of applying relationship skills. A determination must be made concerning time spent together and how it is appropriated. Plan how to have essential time together. It is the quality of time that counts, not the quantity.

• Now is the time to set the process in motion. Arrange a mutually convenient evening and start your planning with a pencil and paper. Write down your priorities and discuss them. You may wish to rearrange them. Let’s assume that you end up with a long list composed by both of you. Goals and priorities do change at different times. It is important to take time to support each priority as it surfaces.

• If a partner is dissatisfied, then before any new priorities are pursued, it is imperative that your partner’s dissatisfaction is resolved. see if you can sensitively encourage a discussion.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE REEDS AT SHELTER HAVEN

LUXURY WELLNESS ON THE JERSEY SHORE

By Stacey Zable

alking into The Reeds at Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor, NJ, it’s hard to imagine that you are only a three-hour drive or so from New York City. The boutique luxury bay front property and beach town magically transport you to a place that beats a little slower and does not seem to belong in the Tristate area.

Sitting at the southern end of the shore in Cape May County, the very walkable charming town of Stone Harbor just outside The Reeds’ doors boasts restaurants, cute shops, and a magnificent beach only a few blocks away. The property offers high-level service and amenities, with a staff always ready with a smile. With the new Salt Spa opening, The Reeds—the flagship property of Refined Hospitality—is gearing up for a busy off season. Ron Gorodesky, Refined’s managing director and president, explains a quieter guest experience awaits visitors with the same beautiful views during the off-season. Stone Harbor typically grows from less than 1,000 residents in the shoulder season to nearly 25,000 in the warmer months.

THE NEW SPA Gorodesky continued to explain it’s “the most comprehensive full-service luxury spa in Southern New Jersey.” The spa offers six treatment rooms, including a couples’ massage room, and a Relaxation Lounge. Treatments are also given in the Turkish Bath, and Soft Pack Float which combines exfoliation and light water submersion. The Brine Lounge offers guests soothing music, light therapy, and a mist from the brine waterfall to truly relax following treatments. The Hair + Makeup Studio with a blow-out bar, the Bridal Studio and the Nail Studio are ideal for bridal and bachelor/bachelorette parties and girlfriend getaways.

The new building also includes a fully equipped Fitness Center with 24-hour access for all guests, as well as a boutique.

The Reeds also features two-night spa packages—perfect for romantic getaways, baby-moons, and girls’ getaways—that include accommodations, treatments, and resort dining credit.

70 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Turkish Bath

ACTIVITIES The opening of Salt Spa expands on the hotel’s existing wellness programming of daily yoga classes, a plunge pool, and two hot tubs on the Roof Garden lounge area during the summer. Also available then are complimentary paddle boarding and kayaking on the bay.

Other seasonal offerings include complimentary beach butler service mid-May to early October featuring roundtrip transfers via electric car to the beach. Also included are beach tags, chair, towel, umbrella service, bottled water and ices. The Reeds has partnered with Stone Harbor Golf Club for tee times on the 18-hole course year-round.

Brine Light Room

The Reeds Shelter Island

DINING ON THE SHORE The Reeds boasts an abundance of choice dining with five restaurants (depending on the time of year). SAX with an international menu and the Stone Harbor Pizza Pub, a casual option, features local craft brews; both are open year-round. Seasonal dining options on-site include the bay front Water Star Grille featuring an outdoor deck and lively bar plus an indoor room with a view. Don’t miss the fun Buckets Margarita Bar & Cantina with live music, and the decadent Wafflewich Ice Cream and Waffle Shop.

For more information on The Reeds At Shelter Haven, visit reedsatshelterhaven.com. •

STONE HARBOR OFF-SEASON Diane Wade, The Reeds at Shelter Haven’s guest services manager, is also a long-time resident of Stone Harbor who is the one all guests should seek out during their stay. She knows everything there is to do and see in the area—all year-round.

Typically, The Reeds hosts a program of special events throughout the year for guests. Enjoy Fire Pit Fridays, live entertainment on weekends and seasonal cocktails at SAX and Football Sunday at Stone Harbor Pizza Pub. It’s also Open Mic Night on Wednesdays and Family Game Night on Thursdays year-round. Upcoming holidays are celebrated with traditional Thanksgiving Dinner, a Holiday Sing-Along and Tree Lighting Ceremony on the property. Kids of all ages will thrill as the Stone Harbor Christmas Parade marches past the hotel.

Local attractions include the Wetlands Institute offering guided fall walks and year-round aquarium feedings and more. Many of the restaurants and quaint stores in Stone Harbor are seasonal with closings January to March, but there are plenty of shopping and dining options in the surrounding areas of Avalon, the Wildwoods and Cape May, says Wade. And, of course, the beach is always open for great long walks any time you visit. Info: stoneharborbeach.com.

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 71

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

MARK3CBD

MEDICAL COMPANY ENTERS CBD MARKET

By Paul Seth

he Cargus family has serviced the dental industry for over 40 years and has produced more than 200 products used by dentists all over the world. When first introduced to CBD by friends with a THC business in California, they were curious about the product and as CBD grew in popularity on the West Coast they began their own research. With the CBD market expected to grow from $800 million in 2018, to more than $3 billion over the next 3-5 years, their findings started to have a significant impact on the company. They found that CBD is now having a profound effect on people’s lives through use for a variety of ailments including pain, arthritis, anxiety, sleep issues and more. With many people looking for safe, effective alternatives to prescription drugs that can have harmful side effects and be associated with habit formation and the risk of overdosing, cannabidiol has been found to be non-toxic and non-addictive. Cargus found many differences in the quality of CBD used and noted that many products on the market were in fact not effective in providing users with their desired benefits.

Based on their studies and after analyzing products currently on the market, Cargus decided to add CBD to their already popular MARK3 dental line. The Cargus research led to the development of one of the strongest and most effective pain creams on the market today - MARK3 CBD pain relief cream which is a premium medical grade product with 500mg of CBD per ounce using full spectrum hemp oil that includes a full range of cannabinoids for maximum benefits. The premium blend of essential oils to complement the CBD were carefully selected. Dentists across the country started to use the products for their own personal practice related ailments - neck/back/hand pain and arthritis, and their own successes led them to begin offering it to their patients as well. Cargus has now launched a new website MARK3CBD.com so that everyone can benefit from their premium, medical grade CBD products.

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FOOD & DRINK

SHELLY FIREMAN THE MANY FACES OF A RESTAURATEUR AND ARTIST

By Patricia Canole

heldon “Shelly” Fireman, the accomplished restaurateur behind the Fireman Hospitality Group, owns and operates some of the most well-loved restaurants in New York City—Redeye Grill, Trattoria Dell’Arte, Brooklyn Diner, Bond 45, and Cafe Fiorello. He has branched out with Bond 45 and Fiorella Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen both in the Washington, DC area.

Fireman has developed an organization of both seasoned and contemporary industry professionals to help execute his vision for design, food, and genuine hospitality. Tackling large spaces in high-traffic areas, the company has grown steadily. Concentrating on the cultural centers in New York City, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Theater District, Fireman has created and run beloved dining establishments in New York for more than four decades.

This restaurateur’s passion doesn’t rest on creating new concepts for his many restaurants, though. In his spare time, it shifts to the fine arts. Fireman is an avid sculptor and passionate art collector. His work can be found in his restaurants. With homes in New York and Italy, it’s very easy to understand his unquestionable appetite for food and art.

New York Lifestyles recent met with the legendary restaurateur in NYC to learn more about the man, his food, and art.

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Sheldon Fireman

Tell us about your family and growing up in the Bronx Great parents, great household, and lots of hospitality. To honor my parents, I made a sculpture that reads: To my parents, Frances and Sam, who taught me the blessings of hospitality. I had multiple copies cast, and I hang them in every space I have built: the walls of each of my restaurants, our offices, my homes... Because I owe it all to them.

What inspired you to open your first restaurant?

I got an idea for a restaurant and decided to teach myself the basics of restaurant management. My idea for this was to take a bagel and make it hip. So for three months, I studied the hospitality manuals at the New York Public Library. I had performed an extensive market analysis, looking at every aspect of the market in the neighborhood on the corner of Bleecker and MacDougal in Greenwich Village, and I believed it would work. I got the space, and in 1963, I opened my first restaurant, The Hip Bagel. Before then, you could only get bagels at a bakery. They weren’t served in restaurants. I was the first to do it.

Tell us more about the newly re-opened Redeye Grill.

Are there any new surprises for guests?

“A lot of surprises. For one thing, we’ve introduced a new casual section of the restaurant called the Café & Bar Room (which we were initially calling the 888 Café & Bar). The menu serves breakfast starting at 7:30 am and has its own all-day comfort food menu. Major design elements throughout Redeye have also been completely overhauled and updated, including new lighting, artwork, and sculptures. And we’re opening up a Redeye Grill Steak Joint. Coming soon. So yes. A lot of surprises.”

At day’s end, what is the secret to your success?

Do you tell secrets? Once I tell somebody, then it’s not a secret anymore, and then I’m the big mouth on the block.

I protect people’s secrets, including my own. So I’m not telling.

Bond45

Sheldon Fireman ©Benvenuto Saba

What do you look for most in a potential Fireman Hospitality Group employee?

I look for people who have a real respect for their parents, and their family, and have that genuine passion for that hospitality way of life. We also have a highly sophisticated personality test that we give all of our candidates that scientifically defines their personality traits. We do this to ensure they are on the same wavelength as ours. We are very discerning when it comes to our staff. Skills you can teach; personality you can’t.

Tell us more about your other love--art.

It’s more fun than playing golf. And it’s longer-lasting. I know because I was a caddy for two years. My father was a factory worker who loved going to museums and taking me with him, because he had a deep appreciation for art. My mother, no matter how broke we were, was a compulsive reader. I learned if you read 100 books on anything you could lecture on it, that’s how the world is, and that’s how I learned about art.

Did you study art in school? What inspired you?

What inspired me to be an artist? I don’t know what the word inspired means.

After learning to appreciate art from my parents, I got tired of all these artists moaning about how life’s unfair to artists. They think they’re creating things that will change the world. What has art done? Except make a few guys rich and a few guys proud, what does it do? So I wanted to try it myself.

Aside from your art collections, have you displayed your own creations?

Yes. My restaurants incorporate original art commissioned from Red Grooms, Milton Glaser, and Peter Max. The first sculpture of my creation, which I have on display in National Harbor, is one of the most photographed pieces of art in Maryland. At both Bond 45 NYC and the new Redeye Grill, I have two of my giant bronze female nudes dominating the main dining rooms.

My colorful illuminated giant jelly candy fruit sculptures are displayed in Trattoria Dell’Arte. There’s so much. I could go on. I love to share it with the guests dining in our restaurants, because to me when you welcome people into your restaurant, you’re welcoming them into your home.

What’s in the future for Shelly Fireman?

More restaurants. New restaurants. New art. New concepts. All exciting things. My team and I never stop moving. But we sure make time for meditation, exercise, and a lot of laughs and good humor along the way. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 75

FOOD & DRINK

©Kevin Hermosa

COARSE: NO MENU. NO PROBLEM! DINING WITH AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE!

By Anne Raso

oarse is a truly unique dining experience as it touts an eight-course “spontaneous tasting menu”—you’re not going to know exactly what you’ll be getting but you are in great hands with experienced chef/owner Vincent Chirico. Simply put, guests pay $99 per person for eight small mystery courses with wine pairings (as well as a “welcome Prosecco”).

Chef Vincent’s talented staff will discuss any allergies or food preference before the magic starts happening in the kitchen. If you need just a little hint of what you’ll be eating before you go to Coarse, go to their site to see what the base of each dish will be—just don’t expect more than just one or two words for each (you’ll see “duck” or “almond” or “tuna” but nothing beyond that).

Chef Vincent admits that one of his greatest challenges opening up Coarse was getting folks to “trust us completely on their culinary journey from food to wine.” Your eyes will open wide when you see all the beautifully presented and very unique farm fresh dishes.

DEFYING DESCRIPTION

Chef Vincent (who has worked with top chefs including Marcus Samuelsson, Rocco DiSpirito, Daniel Boulud and Jean George Vongerichten) explains, “We discuss any dietary restrictions in real time with the guest and devise a menu for them on the spot. We are not stuck or contained to any format or menu. We cook what we’re able to freshly source, which changes almost daily. Every time you come back to Coarse, it is a new culinary experience.”

There is simple reasoning behind what some traditional New York foodies might consider total madness! Says Chef Vincent, “I think one of the most important things in dining is the experience.

When patrons come to Coarse, they’re trusting us with more than just the experience-they are trusting our culinary chops.

They don’t know what we will cook or serve them, but they trust us. Coarse has become a place for people to come and enjoy a tasting menu experience with creative food and wine pairings without spending hundreds of dollars per person. It fulfills my longstanding vision to create a ‘tasting menu’ restaurant that is fun, exciting, and most importantly, affordable!”

76 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

MIXING IT UP

Two-and-a-half-year old Coarse—which is a simple storefront operation with exposed brick walls seated on the cusp of the West Village and the Meatpacking District—has no pretentiousness. Chef Vincent doesn’t really want the tag Modern American that it has been given in the food media.

(A few outlets even describe Coarse’s cuisine as “Japanese Italian fusion.”). He reveals, “I never really planned any particular type of cuisine or fusion here—that said, I am Italian and have worked in mostly French restaurants.

I’ve also done some Japanese training. I would guess that is what netted this result. I love Japanese simplicity and Mediterranean flavors and that comes through in the food we make.”

Chef Vincent does not mind Coarse being called a farm-totable eatery, however, he is very hands-on with the purchase of all kitchen provisions. He remarks, “We use local (items) as much as we can. We use companies like Natoora who help in this process as well. I develop relationships with local vendors and do the bulk of the purchasing to ensure quality.” ©Kevin Hermosa

Chef Vincent

AN ADVENTUROUS CLIENTELE

While being in a trendy neighborhood that you might think would only attract young foodies, Chef Vincent says that Coarse does not have a ‘typical clientele.’ He tells New York Lifestyles, “One of the refreshing things about Coarse is that there is no typical type of client. We get all types of people coming in. I believe our diners are certainly a bit more adventurous and open-minded, trusting us to deliver palate-pleasing choices. We embrace that. Word of mouth has helped Coarse become the spot for in-town business associates, friends and family, and so much more.”

The aforementioned spontaneous tasting menu is available with or without wine pairings and Coarse also serves an exceptionally reasonable multicourse lunch for $49. A completely vegetarian tasting experience is available as well. Amazingly enough, Chef Vincent is also willing to bring his unique off-the-cuff menus right to your home for dinner parties, etc. Overall, Chef Vincent is happy about how his business has landed on Manhattan’s current “hot list” but there are some difficulties below the surface. He says that it is “a big challenge to balance business and artistry. With the insane fixed costs in NYC, it is challenging to offer an excellent product at a reasonable price point (as we do). My accountant and I have many conflicts here!”

Guests are presently nudging Chef Vincent about what new dishes will be appearing come fall. Well, since Coarse is all about surprises, Chef Vincent has to be a little elusive! He will say this much, though: “I can’t divulge new dishes because in part we’re still working on them, and in part, that’s the fun of Coarse! What I can say is that we are working on some really unique new dishes that include some interaction with our guests. Of course, they will include new fall ingredients as they come into season. I can say we’re definitely looking at things like Short Rib and King Crab.”

Part of Coarse’s surprise is that there is a communal table in the center of the dining room and guests have the option of being seated there or getting their own table. It is said that great friendships over food have been struck up there. We’ll definitely return!

For more information on Coarse, visit coarseny.com. Reservations are very strongly recommended but not necessary. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 77

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TIAGO AZEVEDO

FANTASY WITH A TOUCH OF WHIMSY

By Bailey Beckett

he paintings are striking. Steeped in underground comics and fantasy, with a slight touch of whimsy and overly pronounced eyes, Tiago Azevedo’s creations have gained notice in the art world, as well as fans of science fiction and comic books. His work, steeped in the Lowbrow Movement, blends classical techniques with contemporary concepts.

Tiago Azevedo

Though based in Germany, the artist will be exhibiting his “Historical Characters” series in New York this winter, returning after showing pieces from his “Fairytales” and “Religion” works. Also a YouTube star (youtube.com/user/tgoazevedo), he gives viewers lessons in painting history through art tutorials. Raised in Portugal, the artist is also an architect, where he collaborated on the restoration of Hotel Bayerischer. He talked to New York Lifestyles about his career, inspirations and his unique embrace of fantasy and surrealism.

How would you describe your artwork?

My work can be described as being part of the Pop Surrealism/Lowbrow Movement. This is a mixture of contemporary traits from our pop culture like music icons, fashion models, and movie stars using classical techniques from the Baroque and pre-Raphaelite period.

I paint mostly portraits of imaginary characters that touch me the most. My paintings look like they come from a very long time ago; however, you can find in them characteristics from our culture, like the anatomy and expression of the face. I also manipulate the dimension of the eyes because I believe they are the perfect way to directly transfer to the canvas the emotions I want to convey.

Where do you find inspiration?

My great source of inspiration is often related to fantasy, religion and history, including the tales of the Brothers Grimm. I have always been passionate about fables; I love the imaginary, the mystique, and fantasy inherent to them. When I moved to Germany, I became more and more in love with the original version of fairytales, which although a little darker, contain much more juice and matter to work with. The Baroque and the Middle Ages also fascinate me because of the strong contrast and dramatic effect. Painting is a way to say everything I want, everything that fascinates and inspires me in one single image.

Marie Antoinette

What do you hope people get from your art?

Since almost all of my paintings are portraits, people simply fall in love with the way the painted figure looks at them. Curiously these are the people who often purchase my originals, because they fell in love with the subject. It makes me feel like my mission of stimulating emotions within people has been fulfilled.

Describe your technique?

I identify myself more with oil painting because it allows me to work with multiple layers and achieve the transparency effect I desire. It also provides my work with contrast and vibrancy of colors that would be difficult to achieve with any other technique. Oil also dries a lot slower, so this gives me time to work on details.

What is your journey? How did you begin?

As a child I spent most of my time painting figures related to fantasy, it was always something that was a part of me, but when it came time to choose a career, I chose architecture, due to the typical social pressure that art is not a profession. I later found out that this was completely far from the truth.

Architecture was undoubtedly an impulse to paint since it was through the studies I carried out that I discovered that painting was something that was my nature. Painting gradually took over my life, and I decided to make it a productive profession. I am sure I made the right decision because now I feel complete for doing something that is my true passion.

What is your favorite piece?

Interestingly, my favorite piece was the one I took to my first big exhibition at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. It is entitled “The Princess and the Frog,” and it defines a transition in my style in which the characters, although still surreal, acquired a much more realistic feel. This exhibition was the one that struck me most because it was the first time I was exposed to such a large and influential audience. •

78 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON STAGE

BROADWAY FALL PREVIEW

By Ellis Nassour

oes contemplating all the new and revived works on Broadway this Fall with stellar casts, writers, and directors put a gleam in your eyes? As Sondheim wrote for West Side Story (on its way back to Broadway in 2020), “Could be? Who knows?” Theatergoers will decide, but based on the first half of the new season, it appears Broadway will be loaded with must-sees.

Sea Wall/A Life Hudson Theater Now through September 29th Tony winner Simon Stephens and Olivier nominee Nick Payne’s acclaimed play, described as “a heart-filled exploration of the beauty of life, how sons become fathers, and the transformative power of love.” Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Tony nominee Tom Sturridge had audiences roaring at the Public early this year as they took them on a journey in two linked (45 minute) monologues contemplating and confronting “birth, trauma, death, and the unknowable.”

Betrayal Bernard Jacobs Theatre September 5th Following its smash extended run shattering West End box office records, Harold Pinter’s 1978 play is revived. Loaded with poetic precision, humor, and emotional force. It follows the old axiom: Every betrayal begins with trust. Here, it’s the disintegration of a seven-year romance and marriage—told in reverse order. Olivier and Golden Globe honoree Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager) heads the cast along with Zawe Ashton and Charlie Cox. Slave Play Golden Theatre September 10th The Old South lives on in the plantation of cotton fields with workers toiling to the crack of the whip. In its Off-Broadway premiere at New York Theatre Workshop, Jeremy O. Harris’ play, directed by Robert O’Hara, became the most talked about play of the year, garnering intense critical acclaim and stunning audiences with its unflinching examination of race and sex. Harris was hailed as “one of the most promising playwrights of his generation.” The New York Times critic called it “the single most daring thing I’ve seen in theater in a long time.”

Freestyle Love Supreme Booth Theatre September 13th Before there was Hamilton and In the Heights, there was this hip-hop, improvisational comedy co-written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning Lin-Manuel Miranda. Performers and guest stars such as Miranda, Christopher Jackson, Daveed Diggs and James Monroe Iglehart will expect the unexpected as audience members spin them into riffs and musical numbers.

The Sound Inside Roundabout’s Studio 54 September 14th Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker will star as a successful author and tenured professor dying of cancer who befriends a young student in Williamstown Theatre Festival’s 2018 dark suspense drama by writer, musician, screenwriter and film director Adam Rapp (his 2006 Red Light Winter was a Pulitzer finalist). Directing is David Cromer (The Band’s Visit, The Waverly Gallery revival).

SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 79

Linda Vista Second Stage/Helen Hayes Theatre September 19th Steppenwolf ’s production of Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner Tracy Letts (August: Osage County’s) play is “a brutally comedic look at a 50-year-old divorcee played by Ian Barford (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) in the throes of a mid-life spiral on a path toward self-discovery attempting to reconcile the man he has become with the man he wants to be.

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical Longacre Theatre September 20th Following an Off-Broadway run, 2018 national tour, and recent Boston run, Joe Tracz (Be More Chill) and Rob Rokicki’s action-packed musical returns to New York. It’s based on Rick Riordan’s 2005 New York Times best-selling novel of bedtime stories about Jackson, a son of Poseidon, and his quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods.

It and subsequent sequels sold more than 175 million copies internationally.

The Inheritance Barrymore Theatre September 27th Matthew Lopez’s touching and wickedly hilarious play, inspired by E. M. Forster’s Howards End and staged in two parts (each over three hours) garnered rapturous reviews on the West End—termed by one critic as “perhaps the most important American play of this century.” It won Best Play, Actor (Kyle Soller), and Director (Stephen Daldry) awards, including Oliviers. Set at a gathering of New Yorkers, it gives “a panoramic view of gay life a generation after the height of the AIDS crisis.

The Great Society Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theatre October 1st Part Two of the LBJ plays by Robert Schenkkan (2014 Tony-winning Best Play, All the Way) takes place in an era that will define history forever. It captures Johnson’s passionate and aggressive presidency from his landslide election to the agonizing decision not to run for re-election. Veteran film/TV star and Golden Globe nominee Brian Cox, will portray LBJ with Tony nominee Bryce Pinkham as RFK. Co-starring are Richard Thomas, Tony winner Frank Wood, Tony nominee Mark Kudish and, in his Broadway debut, Grantham Coleman, as Martin Luther King Jr.

The Height Of The Storm Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre October 9th Powerhouse actors Tony winner Jonathan Pryce and Tony nominee Dame Eileen Atkins return to the New York stage, reprising their highly-praised portrayal of a couple looking back at 50 years of marriage, and realizing it may not be as perfect as expected. By French playwright Florian Zeller, according to London’s The Times, “the most exciting playwright of our time.” The translation is by Christopher Hampton (Les Liaisons Dangereuses).

The Rose Tattoo Roundabout’s American Airlines Theatre October 15th Direct from the Williamstown Theatre Festival and returning for the first time in over 14 years, is Tennessee Williams’ 1951 Tony-winning Best Play. Oscar winner Marissa Tomei portrays fiery widow Serafina Delle Rose, a widow in a gossipy Gulf Coast town between New Orleans and Mobile who rekindles her desire for love, lust and life in the arms of a fiery truck driver, Alvaro, played by Emun Elliott (Marillion on Game of Thrones) in his Broadway debut.

80 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

American Utopia Hudson Theatre October 29th After a sold-out, year-long critically acclaimed world tour, the funky concert by innovative pop/rock icon David Byrne (Here Lies Love) lands on Broadway. Billboard praised the 11 international artists for delivering “an experience unlike anything else.”

“SPEAK OF ME AS I AM…” — OTHELLO

Tina—The Tina Turner Musical Lunt-Fontanne Theatre November 7th Tony nominee Adrienne Warren (Shuffle Along…), who was hand-picked by Tina Turner and won huge acclaim in the hit West End production, reprises her role. The show sweeps audiences from Turner’s humble Tennessee beginnings, through her abusive marriage to Ike Turner to her ascension to the throne of the Queen of Rock— revealing the untold story of this legendary dynamo who’s become one of the world’s bestselling artists. Her 12 Grammys prove it!

Jagged Little Pill Broadhurst Theatre, December 5th Tony-winning director Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin revival, Porgy and Bess) helms this ingenious, acclaimed musical “about raw emotions laid bare” by rock legend (60 million albums) seven-time Grammy winner Alanis Morissette and six-time Grammy winner Glen Ballard with book by Oscarwinner Diablo Cody, inspired by Morissette’s hit record. •

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

ACTION, HORROR AND SCI-FI FOR FALL AD ASTRA Rated: PG-13 Brad Pitt’s career is on a high again, after his grand performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Now he’s really riding high, right into space, as an astronaut whose space experiences include searching for his father, who went before him into the great unknown.

He’s backed up by an all-star cast including Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Ruth Negga, and Tommy Lee Jones. And those eye-popping special effects that make you feel like you’ve gone to space with him.

HUSTLERS Not yet rated They had us at Lizzo! That outrageously wonderful singer joins Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Julia Stiles, and Keke Palmer as a band of strippers who run a complicated crime caper against their Wall Street customers. Based on a real story, the film is certainly an excuse to see a bunch of women pole dancing in skimpy costumes. But hopefully, since it is written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, it will have a female point of view that skewers the typical male-focused look at this sexy world.

IT CHAPTER TWO Rated: R The kids from Stephen King’s IT are all grown up in this sequel, which promises to scare the wits out of everyone who dares enter a darkened movie theater. Once again helmed by Andy Muschietti, who follows up his 2017 hit film version of King’s classic horror tale with this star-studded production. Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, and Bill Skarsgard star in this flick guaranteed to give you nightmares!

RAMBO LAST BLOOD Not yet rated Sylvester Stallone insists that this really, truly is the last installment of the Rambo movie franchise that the 73-year-old action star first made famous in 1982 with First Blood. We’re not sure watching a senior citizen run around with big guns, and compound bow-and-arrow rig is worth the cost of a movie-theater admission. But if Sly as Rambo floats your boat, this is the Last Blood you’re going to get.

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DRAMAS AND BIOGRAPHIES DOWNTON ABBEY Rated: PG Everyone who made Downton Abbey such a spectacular television series is on board for this big-screen continuation of the Crawley family saga, starting with writer-creator Julian Fellowes. Add in Michelle Dockery, Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Matthew Goode and all the other upper- and lower-class denizens of the big estate and this is sure to warm the cockles of your Britishperiod-piece-loving heart.

THE GOLDFINCH Rated: R Ansel Elgort and Nicole Kidman star in this adaptation of Donna Tartt’s best-selling novel which follows the New York uppercrust tale of a boy adopted into a wealthy Upper East Side family.

The plot thickens when a crime is committed, and with its top-notch storytelling pedigree and talent like Sarah Paulsen, Jeffrey Wright and Luke Wilson lending support to this emotionally twisted tale, it’s likely to be an early awards contender.

JUDY Rated: PG-13 Renee Zellweger transforms seamlessly into Judy Garland to tell the tale of the famed singer-actress’s later years.

It begins with her trip to London in 1968 to star in a series of high-profile concerts.

Garland, whose legendary life was fraught with turmoil, began singing in vaudeville as a toddler. Zellweger tackles both her life story and her vocals in this biopic tracing the last year of the star’s life.

LINDA RONSTADT: THE SOUND OF MY VOICE Rated: PG-13 This emotional documentary traces the life of Linda Ronstadt, whose gorgeous voice helped define the music of the Sixties and Seventies and beyond. She brought a stunning style to now-iconic rock songs, as well as pop, folk, country and even mariachi, while also being a style-setter and incredible collaborator. Sadly, her voice has been stifled by Parkinson’s disease. But the film brings it all back. Featured musical friends include Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Aaron Neville, Jackson Browne and more. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 83

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

MAKING MUSIC COUNTRY MUSIC: A FILM BY KEN BURNS PBS When documentary filmmaker Ken Burns takes a deep dive into a subject, it is always a fascinating experience. He’s given us the history of Jazz, taken deep dives into Baseball, The Vietnam War, The West, and The Civil War over the years. Now it’s time for the twang with Country Music. An eight-part miniseries explores the beginning and features interviews with over 100 country greats, including Dolly Parton, Dwight Yoakum, and Willie Nelson. An incredible journey into this uniquely American sound.

PERFECT HARMONY NBC Bradley Whitford stars in this small-town comedy with music on its mind. As a retired Ivy League music professor, Whitford takes on a small-town church choir as his pet project and changes things up and brings some joyful noise to a group of singers. Yes, they’re definitely in need of help—not only with their harmonies but with life in general. Anna Camp, Tymberlee Hill and Spencer Allport co-star in this genial sitcom.

COMBATING CRIME ALL RISE CBS Courtroom dramas are the bread-and-butter of American television, from the days of Perry Mason and Law and Order to this new offering set in one of Los Angeles’ most volatile courthouses. Led by Simone Missick, who plays a newly seated judge, and Marg Helgenberger as an attorney, this drama explores the ins and outs of America’s often-flawed justice system.

BLUFF CITY LAW NBC L.A. Law favorite Jimmy Smits again takes on the role of a crusading attorney, this time as a powerful civil rights advocate based in Memphis. When his estranged daughter returns to that Tennessee town to join his firm, sparks fly. Mixing a bit of family angst with ripped-from-the-headlines legal cases, Bluff City Law also stars Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, and MaameYaa Boafo.

EMERGENCE ABC Actress Allison Tolman, who was so terrific in the first season of Fargo as a small-town deputy sheriff, puts on a badge again in Emergence. This time she’s the boss, trying to unravel the secrets of an accident that leaves a young girl alone and with no memory of what happened. The plot thickens as weird encounters, and strange events cloud the reality of what has happened in this slightly surreal whodunit.

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STUMPTOWN ABC Putting How I Met Your Mother far behind her, Cobie Smulders stars in Stumptown as Dex Parios, a Portland private investigator who takes on cases that often set her in harm’s way. But that’s okay since she’s ex-Army and knows how to take care of herself.

Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, this series is designed for anyone who loves a tough gumshoe who goes balls out for her clients.

STARTING OVER CAROL'S SECOND ACT CBS Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) is Carol, a 50-year-old ex-teacher with a dream; she’s made it to her internship on her way to becoming a physician. But that means she’s in the thick of it in a hospital full of other wannabe docs who haven’t even made it to 30. Naturally, laughs ensue as she fights for her chance to shine in the place she knows is her life destiny—even if she is getting to it a little later than originally planned.

THE UNICORN CBS Forget all the roles (like in Justified and Django Unchained) that have made Walton Goggins the quintessential bad guy. This time out he’s playing it for laughs, as a widowed dad looking for a little love. Having two daughters and a good job make him a real catch, and the kind of guy no single woman believes she will ever find (thus The Unicorn in the series title). He’s willing to try but sometimes is sure that the love of his kids and his dog is all a guy needs. The comedy co-stars Rob Corddry, Michaela Watkins, and Maya Lynne Robinson.

SUNNYSIDE NBC Sunnyside takes place in the historic neighborhood of Queens. Here, former New York City council member Garrett Modi, played by Kal Penn, who finds his real calling when he is recruited by six recent immigrants in search of the American Dream—and needing his help. Get ready for the laughs. Not only does Kal Penn star but lends his comedic talent as writer (along with Matt Murray). Co-starring Joel Kim Booster, Kiran Deol, Poppy Liu, Tudor Petrut, Samba Schutte, Diana Maria Riva, and Moses Storm. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 85

NEW YORK, NY

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

By Amina Belouizdad, CCO of The Private Suite

career is a lot like life; it is not always a linear journey. You may find yourself in unexpected places and working in a field you may not have predicted or even studied in college. I have had a zig-zag career—from hotel development to private equity and e-commerce— exposing me to a breadth of circumstances in multiple cultures, languages, and environments. My colorful background, throughout which I have been fortunate to call seven different cities home, has taught me a considerable amount about leadership and entrepreneurship.

This prepared me for my role as Chief Commercial Officer at The Private Suite, a TPG-backed company which owns and operates exclusive, luxury airport terminals for commercial travel. My role of CCO is to set commercial strategy and to oversee the growth of the company. It allows me to align my interest in building brands, leading teams, and blazing new trails.

A Chief Commercial Officer is singularly focused on commercial strategy. The CCO ‘owns’ the customer— their needs, their wants, and how to communicate with and serve them. The role employs my expertise in sales, marketing, product development, strategy, customer service, to name a few. Ideally, a CCO needs to have domain expertise as well as a breadth of perspective that allows for creativity and disruption. At The Private Suite, we don’t have a CEO. So as the CCO, I work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, and we act together as a CEO. 86 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

FOCUS ON THE CUSTOMER I love what I do because I get to dial-up and dial down my involvement in different verticals and at different times. For example, there are big themes that I’m focused on in 2019—branding, positioning, customer experience infrastructure, and corporate sales—so I’m very involved in those at all times. Besides, there will be small projects or tactical themes that I will dive into. I try to wear many hats and be amenable to where my team needs help while keeping my eyes focused on the customer.

Throughout my diverse background, I’ve learned how perspective is everything—having a point of view that allows one to act, guide, and take risks. The biggest thing I’ve learned since joining The Private Suite has been to keep my perspective open. I took a mentor’s good advice to set aside preconceived notions for your first 90 days. Sit back and be a silent observer, and to let any judgments or hypotheses come and go. This was tough for me; I wanted to dive in, roll up my sleeves, and get started immediately. I’m so glad I listened! You learn so much when you start a new role, and it’s essential to give yourself the benefit of time before drawing conclusions. It can only help you be a better leader.

Leadership is about making tough or risky decisions… Experience helps, but so does vision, humility, and perseverance.

BEING HUMAN As a leader and CCO, I believe the most important character traits are being a generalist, people-person, and strategic. I also think we don’t talk enough about empathy when it comes to leadership. Most alpha personalities are typecast as aggressive, zero-sum, and almost dictatorial. While it’s extremely important to be decisive and to have a vision, I think it’s equally important to be human, vulnerable and have empathy.

Those are traits that have served me well in life. A leader also has to be able to know when to make the calls and when to un-make them. Leadership is making tough or risky decisions and knowing when to stick to them and when to change course. Experience helps, but so does vision, humility, and perseverance.

The concept of private airport terminals for commercial flights exists in almost every major international city—London, Frankfurt, Dubai, you name it. We opened the first one in the U.S. at LAX, and we can’t wait to open next in one of the most major cities of all, New York.

The energy in New York is like no other.

Everything is a hundred times more than anywhere else—the lights are brighter, the pace is quicker, the restaurants are more electric and even the coffee is more caffeinated! The feeling in NYC is like that of success; it’s invigorating. To me, success is a feeling that you only know when you reach it – it’s a magical blend of happiness, fulfillment, and peace of mind. And it’s meant to be shared.

For more information on The Private Suite, visit theprivatesuite.com. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 87

NEW YORK, NY

MY NEW YORK STORY LEESA ROWLAND

By Elizabeth Darwen

ost celebrated actors have impressive backgrounds, but few are as unique and wideranging as the cult film star and philanthropist Leesa Rowland. She is an actress and animal advocate who went from the family ranch in Texas to the bright lights in Hollywood and New York where she has lived for more than a decade.

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Leesa grew up in Austin, Texas, where she studied broadcast journalism, to later become a classically-trained actress at the world-renowned Steller Adler Studio in Los Angeles. Soon after, she was cast as Victoria in Troma Entertainment’s 1992 cult film classic, Class of Nuke ’Em High Parts 2 and 3. In 1994 she acted in Troma’s USA Network series Troma’s Edge. Then, in 2012, she co-starred in Travis Campbell’s Slaughter Daughter as Phyllis Adjani, an eccentric mother who drives her daughter to insanity. “My role as Phyllis in Slaughter Daughter was memorable because I was able to work with my dear friend, actress Nicola Fiore. This was a dynamic and sentimental role. Nicola and I have performed together many times before, and we had so much fun through production.” The film won Best Feature at Orlando’s 7th Annual Freak Show Film Festival. Soon after, Leeza was co-starring in the critically acclaimed web series Two City Girls, as well as making appearances on the Oxygen series Jersey Couture in 2012. Her success continued when she appeared in the sequel Return To Nuke ’Em High, which aired on Starz.

CREATIVITY IN HER DNA Beyond her extensive career as an actress, Leesa is the author of the bestselling self-help/motivational book Discovering the It Factor within You: Developing Your Charismatic Personality published in 2015. Leesa stated, “I wanted to share my own story with the world and inspire people to be the best they can be. The book unveils everything from spirituality and religious to auras and mantras and more in helping each reader build their charismatic personality and excel in life. My book was inspired by a desire to help people recognize their potential and have greater confidence.

We all have skills and talents and problems to overcome. My book elevates personal attributes and urges the reader to focus on inner beauty and strength to overcome adversity.”

She is also well-known for her work as a philanthropist and animal rights activist. She has been active with the national non-profit organization Last Chance for Animals since 1989 and is the president of the New York non-profit group Animal Ashram, which she founded in 2013. As a dedicated vegan Leesa says, “Life is full of choices, and living a crueltyfree life is the best choice I have ever made. There is plenty to eat without eating animals, plenty to wear without wearing animals and plenty of entertainment without exploiting animals. My choice is compassion. It is RAISING AWARENESS always in fashion.”

Leesa explained her motivation for founding Animal Ashram was “to raise awareness of animal rescues and the need to Leesa Rowland with Dog educate people about animal rights. We are promoting an “Animal Bill of Rights” to expose people to the broad spectrum of living conditions for animals held in captivity.

We advocate change and better conditions for all animals.

There are New York State laws pertaining to the protection of laboratory animals which resulted from many political debates and proposed regulations. Unfortunately, there are no laws that require general protection of companion animals and wildlife. Isolated laws addressing subjects such as service animals and carriage horses in New York City exist…but these are still isolated examples. There is much more to be done about protecting laboratory animals. We must view the larger picture and be proactive for all animals.”

Leesa continues to explore new worlds. A lifelong sit-com fan, she has been taking classes with Richard Kline—the actor best known as Larry on the 1970’s classic Three’s Company. She’s even taken the plunge in the art of improv at New York’s famed Upright Citizen’s Brigade.

Leesa has been recognized for her many good works and was most recently honored at the 2nd Annual Hamptons Interactive Influencer Brunch at The Maidstone Hotel in East Hampton. She also was involved with the New York Center for Children’s Spring Benefit and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundations Unconditional Love Gala.

For more information on Leesa Rowland, visit leesarowland. net; Animal Ashram, visit animalashram.org. • SEPTEMBER 2019 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 89

Georgian Lakeside Resort

Marine Village Resort

Sun Castle Resort

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scotty’s Lakeside Resort

Surfside On The Lake Hotel

The Quarters at Lake George

Newly rejuvenated and located on 7 expansive acres in Lake George Village and 350 ft. of beautiful shoreline, the resort is a place for fun with friends and family. Enjoy the large sandy beach or the beachside pool. Canoe, paddleboat, an interactive arcade, beach volleyball, and Scotty’s Café and Beachfront Bar offer plenty of activities to fill the days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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NEW YORK, NY

ON THE MARK

THIS CHIC HOTEL EMITS A ROYAL GLOW

By Bailey Beckett

few months before Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle gave birth, she gathered with friends for an intimate baby shower on New York’s Upper East Side. Well, intimate for a member of the Royal Family.

In truth, the setting was the Penthouse Suite at The Mark Hotel and those friends just happened to include Serena Williams, Amal Clooney. and Gayle King. It was a starstudded affair, for sure. But not uncommon at The Mark, which has been attracting the elite since its $150 million makeover a little over ten years ago.

Garden Suite - Francesco Tonelli

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A FEAST FOR THE SENSES Nestled discreetly on the corner of East 77th Street and Madison Avenue, The Mark Hotel is a feast for the senses, thanks to an extensive renovation by Jacques Grange. The designer enlisted Pierre Passebon of the Galerie du Passage in Paris to curate objets d’art, furniture and lighting fixtures for the hotel, which grew to include lobby fixtures like an Op Art monochrome striped marble floor; Zaza side table lamp made of pear wood and bronze by Anne and Vincent Corbiere; swirling Ge‐Off Sphere chandelier by Ron Arad; Jaryka coffee table by Eric Schmitt, who also made a double ring chandelier made of plaster and wrought iron that sits above its stairwell; Sister Margaret sofa and club chairs by Paul Mathieu; and rock crystal wall scones by Mattia Bonetti.

The 118 rooms and 40 suites are just impeccable. Designed in soothing tones of brown and beige, rooms feature paintings and photographs from artists as varied as fashion designer/artist Karl Lagerfeld, and Todd Eberle. It’s no wonder Vogue uses the hotel as its headquarters every year in May for the Met Gala a couple of blocks away at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. For three days the hotel is a celebrity catwalk (Giselle!

Beyoncé! Rihanna!), coordinated by fashion empress herself Anna Wintour. The editrix famously camped out at The Mark in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy left much of New York in the dark. Thankfully, there’s more to do here than primp and pout.

The Mark Penthouse Rooftop Terrace ©Todd Eberle

SPECIAL FEATURES The hotel is a virtual stay-cation in the city, treating guests to on-property features like a second-floor beauty salon by Fredric Fekkai, a shoeshine stand by John Loeb; the chic Mark Bar off the lobby, filled with specially made furnishings by Guy de Rougemont and Vladimir Kagan. Then, of course, there’s The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, featuring innovative European classics as well as world-class wine collection showcased in a cooper and glass wall. There’s even an Assouline bookstore off the lobby. During warmer months, look for pedicab rides to Bergdorf Goodman; a private sail on The Mark’s own yacht around Manhattan, catered by Jean-Georges; specially prepared picnics in Central Park; and even a gourmet hot dog stand outside featuring treats by, you guessed it, Jean-Georges.

The Mark Penthouse Living Room ©Scott Frances

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The pièce de résistance is the hotel’s 10,000 square foot Penthouse Suite, encompassing the entire length of the 16th and 17th floors. At nearly six figures per night, it’s also New York’s most expensive. The suite, also designed by Grange, includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a great room, library, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, and four fireplaces. It also features a 2,500 square foot terrace overlooking the city skyline, Central Park and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

So, grab that Centurion card and come on over. You only live once!

For more information on The Mark Hotel, visit themarkhotel.com. •

NEW YORK, NY

AUSCHWITZ

Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.

By Ruth J. Katz

ust outside the haimish, second-floor bistro aptly named LOX at Café Bergson, in the inner reaches of the Museum of Jewish Heritage—a Living Memorial to the Holocaust, is a welcoming terrace with a picturesque view of the city’s harbor, framed in verdant foliage. Central in this vista is the majestic Statue of Liberty. It is suggestively appropriate that our celebrated symbol of welcome is visible here, just as she was a beacon to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who braved transatlantic crossings over the years; Lady Liberty was, assuredly, an uplifting symbol of freedom and hope. It is all the more significant to see her presence, because outside the Museum, in front, is a disturbing site—the antithesis of freedom and hope: an original German-made Model 2 freight train car, the type used for the deportation of Jews to the ghettos and extermination camps in occupied Poland. Indeed, there is no hope here, only spine-chilling forebodings of what the ultimate destination will hold—the horrific finality of this boxcar’s fatal journey.

This ever-potent symbol outside the Museum sets the sober and somber tone for what the viewer will encounter inside, in the 20 galleries— encompassing 18,000 square feet of exhibition space—that comprise the powerful show, Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. Currently on view (through January 3, 2020), the exhibit offers up some 700 original objects never before seen in North America, in addition to 400 photographs, video testimony from survivors, and countless other artifacts, including a section of barracks from the infamous camp as well as concrete posts that formed a part of the perimeter fence.

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Museum of Jewish Heritage

THE HATRED UNFOLDS The show is the most comprehensive Holocaust exhibition about Auschwitz ever exhibited in North America. The Museum of Jewish Heritage produced the show in partnership with the Spain-based, international exhibition firm Musealia and the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland. Originally on view in Spain at Madrid’s Arte Canal Exhibition Centre (where it drew record-breaking crowds), the exhibition explores how this human barbarity was able (dare I say allowed?) to incubate: Almost as if in slow motion, the deliberate fostering of hatred unfolds with measured contagion, accented by staccato salvos; it builds to a crescendo, as viewers see how the ultimate formation of the Final Solution was methodically choreographed.

Comments Luis Ferreiro, director of Musealia and the exhibition project, “Auschwitz did not start with the gas chambers. Hatred does not happen overnight: it builds up slowly among people. It does so with words and thoughts, with small everyday acts, with prejudices.” The show chronicles these subtle occurrences and allows us to understand how this structured annihilation flourished. Ferreiro describes his firm’s mandate, noting, “When we had the vision to create the exhibition, we conceived its narrative as an opportunity to better understand how such a place could come to exist, and as a warning of where hatred can take us to.”

Woman’s Dress Shoe This red dress shoe belonged to an unknown deportee.

Collection of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, Oświęcim, Poland. ©Musealia

Curated by an international team of experts, spearheaded by chief curator Dr. Robert Jan van Pelt, a leading expert on Auschwitz, the show represents the first time since the liberation of the camp that a traveling exhibition dedicated to the historical significance of Auschwitz is being presented to an American audience. Fittingly, the exhibition’s May 8th opening coincided with the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, 1945, when the Allies celebrated Nazi Germany’s surrender and the end of World War II in Europe.

Suitcases confiscated from deportees to Auschwitz; in the background is a photograph of hostages arriving at the camp.

Exhibition installation, Centro de Exposiciones Arte Canal, Madrid, 2017. ©Musealia

Exhibition objects are primarily from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum, but there are also many items from more than 20 international museums and institutions, including hundreds of personal items— nearly 100 are rare artifacts from the Museum’s collection, many of which reflect the experiences of survivors and liberators who ultimately found refuge in the Greater Metropolitan Area. Among those items are suitcases, eyeglasses, and shoes; having viewed virtual mountains of these kinds of goods—the lares and penates of daily life—in glass vitrines at Auschwitz itself, I found these symbolic personal possessions simply heartbreaking: Here, one small vitrine holds less than ten suitcases, including two simple wicker baskets and one beaten-up leather valise bearing the name, if I read it correctly, “Dr. Stein.” It will readily bring you to tears, as you ponder the upheaval and mayhem brought to Dr. Stein’s life…and likely, ultimate death.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE “Seventy-three years ago, after the world saw the haunting pictures from Auschwitz, no one in their right mind wanted to be associated with Nazis. But today, 73 years and three generations later, people have forgotten, or they never knew,” observed Ron Lauder, the founder and chairman of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation Committee and president of the World Jewish Congress. “This exhibit reminds them, in the starkest ways, where antiSemitism can ultimately lead, and the world should never go there again. The title of this exhibit is so appropriate because this was not so long ago, and not so far away.”

For more information on the Museum of Entrance Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to Exhibition Visitors enter through a hallway showing a video of life before the Holocaust. Displayed at the end of the the Holocaust, visit auschwitz.nyc. entrance hall is a quote from Auschwitz survivor Primo Levi: “It happened, therefore it can happen again: this © 2019 Ruth J. Katz All Rights Reserved •

is the core of what we have to say. It can happen, and it can happen everywhere.”

Museum of Jewish Heritage / John Halpern

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NEW YORK, NY

TIME OUT WITH… BRENT FEINBERG

By Elizabeth Darwen

sk anyone today, and you’ll hear how difficult it is to find your path, build confidence, and overcome fear. In other words, get unstuck. And if it’s challenging for us as adults, how do we create positive habits for children and set them up for happiness and success?

Integrative healer, reiki master, certified BodyTalk practitioner, and yoga teacher, Brent Feinberg, is the best-selling author of Freeing Freddie The Dream Weaver (Amazon, 2017), an inspirational book for children and adults endorsed by Deepak Chopra. As Chopra attests, “A truly enchanting story with the deep universal truth that both children and adults will enjoy, helping them gain an understanding of how to let go of fear and be a part of a loving, connected world.”

Brent is also the creator of With Love From Freddie, a platform of holistic materials and mindfulness workshops (it includes the storybook Freeing Freddie The Dream Weaver); an interactive workshop + activity/craft book for children; seminars for teens, adults, parents and teachers; and training programs for teachers, counselors, psychologists and social workers. These are all aimed at focusing on a person’s fears.

THE IDEAL LIFE TO LIVE

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brent was raised with the influences of Nelson Mandela—whom he also spent time with. He has worked with youth and others along his incredible journey. Today, he shares his wisdom and tools to live a life where all individuals share an experience based on justice, love, selfawareness and greater consciousness.

Through years of experience and study, Brent developed a greater understanding of consciousness-based well-being that spurred him to write his first bestselling book Freeing Freddie The Dream Weaver provides entertaining and relatable characters to best model the inner strength and determination needed to overcome fears and the newfound self-esteem and confidence that follows.

The activity and sticker book for younger children and more comprehensive Workbook for older audiences reinforce the story’s messages and help bring its lessons to life in practice. These make an impactful addition as the latest social, emotional learning and wellness resources to incorporate at home, school, or in a psychology practice.

His second book, Revealing the Light From Within (available next year), will continue Brent Feinberg the conversation on developing your inner gifts in a world that is a positive experience for all. It continues to provide tools to enhance the conscious development of children, youth, and adults in a fun manner to actualize their potential. The issue of anxiety in American society has become an astounding issue. Brent’s books address this by giving the skills and tools to individuals to use daily to access and release their fears and to realize their dreams.

We live in a time when 1 in 8 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with anxiety disorder based on fear and stress. “Fear is normal; we are all afraid of something, so there is nothing to be ashamed of, and most of our fears are a commonality. A healthy sense of danger is a good thing, and self-preservation should not be confused with the fear that wraps our mind in constant thought and our body in anxiety.

Once we face our fears or use specific techniques to release them, we acquire a new level of freedom in our lives.” Brent continued to reveal that he had overcome the fear of speaking in public to purse his dreams. Today, he works with schools in South Africa and North America which use his books as the basis for their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum for grades 2 through 12. “To feel fulfilled in our lives, we need to have a greater understanding of who we are within and how we function daily.

This translates into an understanding of what we want in our lives and how we need to take on the responsibility of creating the life that we wish to have. Dreams don’t manifest without action and focus. Always keep dreaming, learning, connecting, and growing.”

As Brent says, “Give of yourself totally to each moment. This makes for a fulfilling life!”

For more information on Brent Feinberg, visit withlovefromfreddie.com. • 96 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | SEPTEMBER 2019

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