August 2026 - Sutton Place Social

Sutton Place AUGUST 2026

Marsha Palanci is Still Uncorking New Adventures Photography & Editing by Anneliese Horowitz

DEAR

“

NN MARIE ”

Question of the Month DEAR ANN MARIE, I am thinking of selling, but it’s August. Should I wait until the fall?

- WONDERING WHEN DEAR WONDERING WHEN, Not necessarily. Many people assume August is a slow time to sell, but serious buyers are still actively searching. In fact, with fewer homes on the market, your property may have a better chance to stand out.

August buyers are often highly motivated. They may be relocating for work, hoping to settle in before fall, or simply ready to make their next move. When a home is priced strategically and presented beautifully, it can generate strong interest regardless of the season.

If you’re thinking about selling this fall, August is actually the perfect time to start preparing. Decluttering, making a few updates, and creating a thoughtful pricing and marketing strategy now can help your home shine when the fall market begins.

Hello August!

The best time to sell isn’t simply about the calendar—it’s about your goals, your home’s unique appeal, and today’s market conditions. Planning ahead gives you the greatest advantage.

If you are wondering whether now or this fall is the right time to sell your Sutton Place home, I’d be happy to provide a confidential market analysis and help you create a strategy tailored to your needs.

Warmly, Ann Marie EMAIL

Ann Marie Folan is a long-time Sutton Place resident and the top Sutton broker. After serving as a residential and commercial real estate attorney at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan LLP, she joined Douglas Elliman where she quickly established herself as a top producer, and earned the prestigious “Deal of the Year” award from the Real Estate Board of New York. She has closed hundreds of sales in NYC. ASK ANN MARIE! Submit your questions to Ann Marie.

:

AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM

PHONE

:

718-309-6606 CALL TODAY ADDRESS

:

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, NY, NY 10022

NN MARIE FOLAN THE QUEEN OF SUTTON PLACE REAL ESTATE STUNNING

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 9N $1,725,000 - 2BD/2BA

RARE PENTHOUSE

25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PHG $4,950,000 - 4BD/3.5BA

FULLY RENOVATED

GORGEOUS GARDEN VIEWS

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 8NN $925,000 - 1BD/1BA

60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 3HS $675,000 - 1BD/ 1BA

IN CONTRACT

IN CONTRACT

410 EAST 57TH STREET, 5A $1,500,000 - 3BD/3BA

245 EAST 54TH STREET, 8LM $1,750,000 - 2BD/2.5 BA

SOLD

SOLD

50 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 16A $2,250,000 - CLASSIC 7 W/TERRACE

36 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 1B $1,499,000 - 3BD/ 2BA

RIVER HOUSE, 6/ 7F $5,000,000

SOLD

4 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PH $5,400,000

14 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 7C $1,795,000 - 2BD/2BA

OVERSIZED

50 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 8K $615,000 - 1BD/ 1.5BA

SOLD

ST. JAMES TOWER, 415 E 54TH ST $2,875,000

SOLD

234 EAST 61ST STREET $7,500,000

JAW DROPPING VIEWS

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11F $2,999,999 - 3BD/2.5BA

IN CONTRACT

40 SUTTON PLACE, PHM $750,000 - 1BD/1BA

SOLD

400 EAST 56TH STREET, 18P $1,350,000 - 2BD/2BA

SOLD / RECORD PRICE

45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 16I $2,000,000 - 2BD/2BA

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

CANDELA BEAUTY

440 EAST 56TH STREET, 12G $1,100,000

SOLD

30 SUTTON PLACE, 7C $1,795,000 - CANDELA CLASSIC 6

330 EAST 51ST STREET $6,995,000

SOLD

130 WILLIAMS STREET, PH $7,995,000 - 3BD/3BA

SOLD

2 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 9E $900,000

SOLD

ONE BEEKMAN PLACE, 15C $3,500,000 - 3BD/3.5BA

575 MADISON AVENUE, NY, NY 10022. 212.891.7000 © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. IF YOUR PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY LISTED WITH ANOTHER REAL ESTATE BROKER, PLEASE DISREGARD THIS OFFER. IT IS NOT OUR INTENTION TO SOLICIT THE OFFERINGS OF OTHER REAL ESTATE BROKERS. WE COOPERATE WITH THEM FULLY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

NYC’S EAST-SIDE EXCLUSIVE MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Sutton Place SOCIAL

Eleni Menoutis Publisher

Margaret Pfohl Feature Writer

Julie Hang Designer

Anneliese Horowitz Photographer

PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher Eleni Menoutis Feature Writer Margaret Pfohl mpfohl@bestversionmedia.com Designer Julie Hang Photographer Anneliese Horowitz anneliesehorowitzphoto@gmail.com ADVERTISING / CONTENT / MAILING LIST Contact Eleni Menoutis Phone 646.386.6270 Email emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com IMPORTANT LOCAL CONTACTS Sutton Area Community (SAC): 212.838.9770 info@suttonareacommunity.com Sutton Place Parks Conservancy (SPPC): info@suttonplaceparks.org events@suttonplaceparks.org Beekman Place Association (BPA): 415.533.5366 board@beekmanplacenyc.org Turtle Bay Association (TBA): 212.751.5465 office@turtlebay-nyc.org East Midtown Partnership (EMP): 212.813.0030 info@eastmidtown.org NYPD 17th Precinct: 212.826.3211 FDNY Engine 8/Ladder 2: 718.999.2000

Join us! Stay Social FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM MOVING? FORMER TENANT'S NAME? DUPLICATES? GOING GREEN? KINDLY CALL/TEXT 646.386.6270 Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

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AUGUS T 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I A L

Dearest Readers,

As always, each August, I take this opportunity to wish my eldest son Léo a happy birthday — Super 7th, Léon mou! We hosted an early class birthday for our big Dinostar, with help from our go-tos Crumbly Cafe & Bakery and Small Fry, at PLAYDAY on the Upper East Side — soon opening a location even closer to us all, on 64th & 1st! See more on pages 10 and 11.

Marsha, our most fabulous cover star, thank you for sharing your life story — from your early days in France and Belgium, to your extensive (and envious!) travels, to your impressive years in New York. Let us all be so lucky to live a life as full and vibrant — “carpe diem," as you religiously practice.

Check out our events calendar for fall happenings (September through November dates to save already!). Reach out with any ideas, and we'll make them happen.

Off to visit family abroad this month and next.

See you back in Sutton soon!

ELENI MENOUTIS Founding Publisher, Sutton Place Social EMenoutis@BestVersionMedia.com

EILEEN FOY-TOP SUTTON PLACE BROKER YOUR HOME DESERVES A PROVEN EXPERT! PROVEN RESULTS THAT MATTER

$1

Billion in Residential Sales

500+

Co-op, Condo & Townhouse Transactions

Top 1%

of Real Estate Agents Nationwide

From strategic pricing to powerful marketing and skilled negotiation, Eileen is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client.

With a track record of exceptional results, Eileen Foy helps homeowners navigate the market with confidence.

SOLD

520 West 28th Street Penthouse | $20,200,000 CONTR ACT SIGNED

401 East 60th Street 4ABC 5 BD | 5 BA | $3,675,000 CONTR ACT SIGNED

45 Sutton Place South 11K 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,595,000 CONTR ACT SIGNED

50 Sutton Place South 11L 2 BD | 2 BA | $999,000

SO L D

109 Waverly Place Townhouse | $17,960,000 SO L D

45 Sutton Place South 9F 3 BD | 2.5 BA | $2,550,000 SO L D

45 Sutton Place South 8L 2 BD | 2 BA | $1,595,000 SO L D

50 Sutton Place South 5E 2 BD | 2 BA | $999,000

SO LD

150 Charles Street 14A 3 BD | 3.5 BA | $14,200,000 CO N TR ACT S I G N E D

447 East 57th Street 5/6E 3 BD | 3 BA | $2,500,000 SO LD

20 Sutton Place South 8C 3 BD | 2.5 BA | $1,560,000 SO LD

50 Sutton Place South 5E $999,000

SOLD

156 East 65th Street Townhouse | $7,100,000 SOLD

25 Sutton Place South 8G 3 BD | 3 BA | $1,995,000 AVA I L A B LE

50 Sutton Place South 21L 4 BD | 2.5 BA | Terrace $1,275,000 I N CO N TR ACT

25 Sutton Place South 9R $680,000

Schedule A Personal & Confidential Market Appraisal Today!

M: 347.463.8128 eileen.foy@compass.com eileenfoynyc.com “COMPASS is the #1 REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE in the UNITED STATES and #1 in NYC” is sourced by REALTrends Verified 2024.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

SOL D

31 Sutton Place Townhouse | $4,000,000 AVAI L ABL E

300 East 59th Street 705 3 BD | 3 BA | Convertible 4 BD $1,750,000 SOL D ( RECORD PRI C E)

300 East 54th Street 29H 1 BD | 1.5 BA | $1,125,000 SOL D

25 Sutton Place South 2L 1 BD | 1.5 BA | $675,000

The Experts.

OUR CONTRIBUTING INDUSTRY INSIDERS

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH Dr. Robert Melillo The Melillo Center for Developing Minds 646.971.8040 melillomethodnyc@gmail.com www.drrobertmelillo.com 347 5th Ave, Rm 1010 (btw 33rd & 34th)

Susan Janart

Susan Janart Susan Janart Susan Janart Growing up within the boroughs, personally Associate Real Estate Broker Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE

CLIE Associate Real Estate Broker AFFI Licensed in NY A&FCT, F I L I SRS, AT E DCBR, W I T HCIRE THE Associate Associate Real Real Estate Estate Broker Broker Associate Real Estate Broker Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE B R O K E R A G E I N T H E transition from NYCthe toboroughs, the suburbs, hasexperien helpe Growing up within personally Licensed in NY & CT, SRS, CBR, CIRE # U N I T E D S TAT E S

M: 914.262.0177

E: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com W: susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com @susanjanart_realestate @susanjanart_realestate @susanjanart_realestate | Y 14 1ELM R Y E B R O K E R AG E | 1 4RYE E L BMROK P L ER , RAG Y EE, N 0 8PL 0, RYE, NY 10

0 @susanjanart_realestate 0

RYE B ROK ER AG E | 14 ELM PL , RYE, NY 10

R Y E B R O K E R AG E | 1 4 E L M P L , R Y E , N Y 1 0 8 0

@DRSTEVENCHAVEZ

ASSISTED LIVING MEMORY CARE Clare P. Shanley, Executive Director The 80th Street Residence Enhanced Memory Care 212.717.8888 www.80thstreetresidence.com 430 E 80th (at York Ave)

Contact Eleni Menoutis emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270

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AUGUS T 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I A L

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RYE RYE BBROK ROKER ERAG AGEE || 14 14 ELM ELM PL PL,, RYE, RYE, NY NY 10 10 RYE B ROK ER AG E | 14 ELM PL , RYE, NY 10 0

COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTAL Dr. Steven Chavez Blue Line Dental 212.317.5959 hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com www.bluelinedentalnyc.com 1037 2nd Ave (btw 54th & 55th)

DO YOU HOLD EXPERT STATUS?

#

Associate Real Estate Broker | Licensed in NY & CT

@DRROBERTMELILLO

INVESTIGATION & PHYSICAL SECURITY Michael Gaeta SI Global Partners 212.245.2918 info@siglobalpartners.com www.siglobalpartners.com 199 Water St, 16th Fl, NYC 10038

1

1

Growing up the boroughs, experiencing transition from NYC to thepersonally suburbs, has helped me the un Growing up within within the boroughs, personally experiencing th and deliver the best client representation.

Growing up within the boroughs, personally experiencing the transition from NYC to has and deliver best client representation. transition from NYCthe to the the suburbs, suburbs, has helped helped me me understand understand transition from NYC to the suburbs, has helped me understand and deliver the representation. and deliver the best best client client representation.

Let’s connect and navigate together to get yo deliver the| Licensed best client Associate Real and Estate Broker in representation.

NY & Let’s CT connect and navigate together to get you the ho Let’s connect navigate together get you the home, Associate Real Estate Broker |and Licensed in NY &to CT M: 914.262.0177 community andlifestyle lifestyle you are looking Let’s connect and navigate together to get youlooking thefor! home,for!c community and you are Let’s connect and navigate together to get you the home, fir community and E: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com community and lifestyle lifestyle you you are are looking looking for! for!

M:are914.262.0177 community and lifestyle you looking for! im M 914. .0177 W: susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com LO C A L M 914.262.0177 E: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com k M .0177 M 914.

914.262.0177 sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com CONNECTIONS .0177 m HUDSON VALLEY 4-SEASON RETREAT M 914. W: sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com W I T H E X T E N S I V E sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.comLO C A L sjanart@houlihanlawrence.com prof G LO B A L R E A C H with a pool, pergola & firepit $989,000 susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com C Oreally NN susanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com susanjanartrealestate R Y E B R O K Esusanjanart.houlihanlawrence.com R AG E | 1 4 E L M P L , R Y E , N Y 1 0 5 8 0 854 County Route 9, Ghent, NY 12075 Source: Real Trends 500, 2021, closed transactions. susanjanartrealestate WITH doe susanjanartrealestate 4 Beds 2.5 Baths | 3424 sq.ft. | 3.7 Acres @susanjanart_realestate susanjanartrealestate ourBaA G LO susanjanartrealestate

Keren Ringler | Lic. Assoc. R. E. Broker M 917.757.0343 | O 212.418.2023 keren.ringler@elliman.com

Source

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HUMANS OF SUTTON

Sutton Place’s Beloved Owner of Jennings TV

WOULD "CHANGE NOTHING"

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT KIM SCHU

A very unique feature of the shop is that you’ll see countless boxes of product stocked all the way from floor to ceiling thanks to Jennings’ ladder.

Despite being a long-time resident of Forest Hills, Queens, Jennings considers Sutton Place a second home. He enjoys breakfast near his store six mornings a week, arriving at 6 a.m. to soak in the surroundings and enjoy chatting with locals before his 12-hour workday.

“It’s an enclave unto itself, Sutton Place. Everything you want and need, you get in the neighborhood. We are our own city within a big city.”

In fact, Jennings even credits this area to meeting the love of his life, who he first laid eyes on over 59 years ago just blocks away from his store, outside the first-ever TGI Fridays. While his friends went into Maxwell’s Plum across the street, 19-year-old Marty stayed behind to meet the beautiful woman.

This was in August, and by November of the same year, they were engaged.

By February, they were married. Nearly six decades later, Jennings' face still lights up when he talks about his wife: “I would marry her all over again.” He is also a proud father and grandfather; you don’t need to spend much time with him to figure out family is his world.

B

eginning at the young age of 11, Marty Jennings knew the privilege of hard work.

His family business was established in 1950 when Jennings TV first opened its doors a few blocks up on 58th Street. Eventually, the current location on 1st Avenue between 54th and 55th gave the original spot a run for its money, with young Marty supporting both sides of his parents' friendly competition. This began the extraordinary career of the Sutton Place icon who has been devoted to his tiny but mighty electronics repair shop for well over half a century.

Jennings sums up many decades in his shop and at home, proudly beaming: “I consider myself lucky. I did something I really love, and it gave me the opportunity to have a wonderful life. I would change nothing.

And I plan to never retire!”

JENNINGS TV IS OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY, 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M., LOCATED AT 999 1ST AVENUE.

Jennings fondly remembers when life was centered around traditional radios, television sets, and house phones. Earlier business boomed from selling and fixing popular household items, with a heavy focus on television repair. Now, along with the rest of us, Jennings has embraced the era of modern-day electronics. While he pretty much operates as a one-man show, he does have a devoted repair man on staff who does home installments four days a week. They are able to support the region of Manhattan running from Sutton Place to Fifth Avenue.

Still to this day, Jennings shares that his favorite part is the challenge to repair heavy duty items and never saying no. “Everything is thrown away now,” he expresses. “But I never give up.”

There’s a lot of foot traffic in the store, customers purchasing a wide array of appliances ranging from Cuisinart blenders and coffee makers to hairdryers, a variety of vacuums, lightbulbs, clocks, TV parts, and more. I was instantly drawn in by the small footprint with an impressive amount of inventory.

Kim Schu has spent over a decade living in various neighborhoods of NYC (obviously Sutton is her favorite so far!). Kim graduated from NYU and prides herself on being a true New Yorker who can help any tourist or local curate their perfect weekend itinerary. kimpaigeschu@gmail.com AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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STAY SOCIAL DAILY CAMP 5+ PLAYDAY UES Half day, partial, all day

& Fall

351 E 78th (at 1st) CAMP 5+ is a fun-filled day of creative experiences, new friends, and masterful art work! Children begin with doodling, socializing, and free time to inspire their creative journey. Over the course of the day children participate in several art activities led by our accredited artists with snack time in between. No two days are the same, no two projects are alike! CAMP 5+ is offered EVERY DAY to accommodate all different school calendars and can be booked hourly, daily, or weekly. Book by 6pm the day before at: www.playdayues.com YEAR-ROUND GREENMARKET

Dag Plaza, 47th Street at Second Avenue Located just around the corner from the United Nations Plaza, the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket brings local food to the Turtle Bay community and nearby neighbors. The wide variety on offer reflects the eclectic tastes of neighborhood residents and UN workers alike. www.grownyc.org | hammarskjoldplaza.org | SPONSOR EVENT | NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME 2026 17TH PRECINCT X SUTTON AREA COMMUNITY Tues, Aug 4, late afternoon/early evening

Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, E 47th St (btw 1st & 2nd) Join the 17th Precinct Community Council at this year’s National Night Out Against Crime, an annual community event held across the country to strengthen relationships between neighborhoods, public safety agencies, local organizations such as Sutton Area Community (SAC), and residents. suttonareacommunity.com DECO STROLL OF MIDTOWN EAST ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Thurs, Aug 6, 6–8pm

RSVP for meeting point Join us for an early evening stroll through East Midtown, where Art Deco still dazzles at every turn — from grand residences built for New York's elite to stylish middleclass apartment houses to a remarkable building created exclusively for sorority women. Discover how this often-overlooked neighborhood transformed from a gritty landscape of factories and tenements into one of Manhattan's most desirable districts, complete with an elegant yacht harbor where neighborhood kids once swam. We'll then head west into the heart of Midtown to cap the evening with two of New York's most celebrated Art Deco masterpieces.

For more info & to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6720522 www.artdeco.org MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE - PAUL RUDOLPH INSTITUTE Fri, Aug 7, 6–9pm & Sat, Aug 22, 1–4pm

246 E 58th St Experience the only Paul Rudolph-designed interior open to the public in New York City. Reservations can be made through the website as there are limits to the number of people in the building at a time. $30/ticket. RSVP: www.paulrudolph.institute/rudolph-open-house

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US

ON INSTAGRAM & VIA OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR UPCOMING FALL BOOK CLUBS, HAPPY HOURS, WALKING TOURS, WELLNESS EVENTS, SPONSOR SOCIALS & MORE.

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Event details subject to change

FREE ESPLANADE YOGA ESPLANADEFRIENDS Wed, Aug 12, 6:30–7:30pm (6pm check-in)

Andrew Haswell Green Park (E 60th St & York Ave up the ramp) Join IronStrength NYC for an hour of yoga fitness with a spectacular view of the waterfront.

Registration Required.

EsplanadeFriends.org/events Mark Your Calendars for More: September • Wed, 9/9: Yoga on the Waterfront with IronStrength (6–7:30pm) • Sun, 9/13: Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance (10–11:30am) • Sat, 9/26: Family-Friendly Live Music & Activities (1–4 pm) • Mon, 9/28: Fishing Clinic (5:30–7:30pm) October • Sat, 10/17: Bird Walk with NYC Bird Alliance (10–11:30am) • Sat, 10/24: EsplanadeHALLOWEEN Spooktacular! (1–4 pm) DECO AFTER DARK YACHT CLUB ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Fri, Aug 14, 6–8:30pm

212 12th Ave The Art Deco Society of New York invites all lovers of Deco to join us for an evening of cocktails and mingling at The Yacht Club, a modern nod to 1920s to 30s maritime elegance perched on a tenth-floor rooftop in the Art Deco masterpiece Starrett-Lehigh building, with sweeping views of the Hudson River. Dress in your finest 1920s attire or simply come as you are — whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Deco After Dark is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, make new friends, and immerse yourself in the spirit of the era.

For more info & to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6709944 www.artdeco.org | SPONSOR EVENT | ROOFTOP SCHMOOZE SUTTON PLACE SYNAGOGUE Tues, Aug 25, 6–7:30pm

225 E 51st St Prospective members and those new to the SPS community, meet our clergy, staff, educators, and congregants, and learn about our offerings for the High Holidays. We hold traditional egalitarian services in our sanctuary, also services for Young Professionals, as well as Tot & Family services. Discover how our programming can inspire, educate, and engage, at every stage of life.

Rabbi's Welcome at 6:30 pm. Nosh and drinks will be served. Kids welcome!

RSVPs encouraged to ajohnson@spsnyc.org. www.spsnyc.org

Save The Date SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL EVENTS MOM'S HAPPY HOUR AT LES VAGABONDS Thur, 9/17, 4–7pm SPONSOR SOCIAL AT NOSTOS Mon, 9/28, 5:30–8:30pm BRUNCH BOOK CLUB AT NOSTOS Sun, 10/15, 11:30am–1:30pm OUR PARKS STROLL Sun, 10/18, 1pm

BEHIND THE BRAND

Small Fry, Big Smiles F

BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL

or parents, finding the perfect gift often falls somewhere between a thoughtful gesture and a last-minute scramble.

That’s where Small Fry Gifts comes in.

Founded by local mom Elizabeth Hofer, the business specializes in handcrafted personalized gifts and party favors designed to help families celebrate life’s special moments with something unique.

Whether it’s a birthday party, a child heading off to sleepaway camp, or a forgotten gift needed by tomorrow, Hofer creates custom pieces that feel personal and memorable. Every item is handcrafted in Sutton Place and tailored to the child receiving it.

Small Fry Gifts officially launched in February 2025, but the idea began much earlier. Inspired by her two sons, Andrew and Corey, Hofer developed a love for personalized gifts after seeing the joy they had brought to her own family. What started as a creative outlet during maternity leave quickly evolved into something more — when friends and family began requesting custom gifts of their own.

“I realized I had accidentally created a second job,” Hofer laughs, “but thankfully one I genuinely love.”

At the heart of the business is a simple philosophy: every gift should feel personal. Hofer believes that small details, whether it’s a child’s name, favorite color, or special interest, can transform an everyday item into something treasured for years to come. She also understands that parents have enough on their plates, and she aims to make gift-giving easier while still creating something meaningful.

Her greatest inspiration continues to be her family. In fact, many of Small Fry Gifts’ products are first tested by Andrew and Corey, who serve as the company’s unofficial product development team. New ideas often begin with a request from one of her sons or a project she creates just for them.

“They’re always the first to weigh in on new designs,” Hofer says. “Some of my most popular products started because I made something for them first.”

Of course, their contributions occasionally extend beyond product feedback. Hofer jokes that her sons also like to “help” by reorganizing her supplies, which usually means creating a bit of chaos in the process.

Her workdays are a mix of creating custom orders, answering customer messages, and hearing little voices ask, “Can you make one for me too?”

Over time, she has also become what she describes as “the mom other moms text” when they need a birthday gift for next week.

One of the most rewarding aspects of building Small Fry Gifts has been discovering the strength of New York’s parenting community.

While the city can feel enormous, Hofer has found support through fellow parents who champion small businesses, recommend her services, and continue to return for future celebrations. She is quick to note that every order, recommendation, and even every social media “like” means more than people may realize. Behind every package is a real person who still gets excited each time a new order comes in.

Today, Small Fry Gifts has become a trusted resource for NYC families, helping to make childhood milestones even more memorable.

FOLLOW SMALL FRY GIFTS ON INSTAGRAM @SMALLFRYGIFTS AND DM TO ORDER.

AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

9

UES GUIDE

Power of a

INSPIRING CREATIVITY, CONFIDENCE & COMMUNITY Through Art

BY MARGARET PFOHL

S

ince opening in 2017, PLAYDAY has been on a mission to give children something increasingly rare: a chance to unplug, get creative, and express themselves through handson art experiences.

What began as an effort to provide original screen-free enrichment, offer art-focused after-school programming, host unforgettable birthday parties, and connect children with inspiring educators has grown into a thriving creative community. Today, PLAYDAY operates six locations throughout New York City and New Jersey, with additional nearby studios on the horizon, serving hundreds of children, ages 1 through 12, every day.

At the heart of PLAYDAY's philosophy is the belief that creativity helps children thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Through exploratory art activities, camps, classes, birthday parties, and special events, young artists are encouraged to embrace diversity, develop self-awareness, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Children participate in both indoor and outdoor projects designed to promote focus, patience, problem-solving, sharing, forgiveness, and collaboration. Along the way, they learn new artistic techniques while discovering their own unique voices.

"Our biggest inspiration is seeing the impact these experiences have on children," says Maddy Oldham, Director of School and Community Partnership Development and Sales. "Not only do their artistic skills grow, but we also watch their confidence flourish, their public speaking

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improve, and friendships form in real time."

For PLAYDAY's youngest participants, those moments can be especially meaningful.

"With our toddlers, we often get to witness their very first art memories," she says.

"Seeing materials and the world through their eyes is incredibly rewarding."

Creating a welcoming environment is central to everything PLAYDAY does.

Programs take place in clean, safe, positive, inclusive studio spaces where children are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun. The organization's motto — "Have Fun. Be Awesome." — serves as a daily reminder of that mission.

Of course, when you spend your days working with children, there is never a shortage of laughter.

One recent Color Explosion project challenged young artists to design both the world's best and world's grossest ice cream sundaes. The class filled a giant whiteboard wall with topping ideas ranging from sprinkles and chocolate chips to eyeballs and other delightfully disgusting additions.

"The room erupted with laughter," Oldham recalls. "The finished creations were covered in feathers, googly eyes, stickers, and paint. They were completely ridiculous and absolutely wonderful."

Beyond its studio walls, PLAYDAY remains deeply connected to the communities it serves. The organization partners with schools, community groups, festivals, street fairs, and charitable auctions throughout the city.

Families can also bring PLAYDAY directly to them through customized off-site programming, including private lessons, pods, and group classes led by the company's professional art instructors. Oldham says the team prides itself on being responsive and supportive to the individual needs of families, offering flexible programming options designed to fit busy schedules.

"Our team brings together educators, artists, parents, and creative professionals from across the city," says Oldham. "Many of our team members are parents themselves, bringing a valuable family perspective that helps shape our programming."

As PLAYDAY continues to grow, its goal remains unchanged: helping children build confidence, creativity, and connection through the joy of making art.

GET YOUR FIRST ACTIVITY FREE ON PLAYDAY.COM AND FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @MYPLAYDAY.

AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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ARTISTRY IN THE CITY

A

Alakananda Mukerji

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT ALAKANANDA MUKERJI

lakananda Mukerji is an internationally exhibited artist and scholar whose practice bridges painting, printmaking, and art historical inquiry. She is a professor of studio art in the division of arts and humanities at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, where she serves as chair of the studio art department and director/curator of the Berger Art Gallery and Brownson Art Gallery. She is represented by Blue Mountain Gallery in New York.

Mukerji received her M.A. in Painting from the State University of New York at New Paltz and pursued post-graduate study at Athens University (Polytechnic) as a recipient of a Greek Government Scholarship. She earned her Ph.D. in Art History, MFA, and BFA from Banaras Hindu University. Her scholarly background informs a practice deeply engaged with cultural memory, cross-cultural dialogue, and visual narrative.

Her work, held in over 500 public and private collections globally, has been presented in significant solo exhibitions across the United States, Europe, and Asia, including the European Cultural Centre during the Venice Biennale (Personal Structures, 2024), Gasometer Triesen Gallery/Museum in Liechtenstein (2019, 2025), and Galerie L33 in Switzerland, among others.

ALKA CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.ALAKANANDAMUKERJI.COM AND ALKA.MUKERJI@MVILLE.EDU.

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575 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NY 10022. 212.891.7000 © 2023 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate | 575 Madison Avenue 6th FL NY NY | djohnson@elliman.com | O: 212-418-2075 | C: 917-865-4340 12

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AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

13

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Friends of the East ANOTHER YEAR OF PROGRESS ALONG THE WATERFRONT

BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL

W

alk along the East River Esplanade on any given weekend and you'll likely find neighbors rolling out yoga mats, families listening to live music, children exploring nature, or volunteers working to make the waterfront even better. Behind it all is Friends of the East River Esplanade, the nonprofit dedicated to making this stretch of Manhattan's East Side a vibrant place to gather, explore, and connect. The organization is funded in large part through generous donations from community members.

This past year has been one of the organization's busiest yet, with expanded advocacy efforts, free community programming, environmental education, and public art initiatives that have produced tangible improvements along the waterfront.

Founder and Board Chair Jennifer Ratner says one of the group's biggest accomplishments has been helping accelerate long-awaited repairs and reopenings along the Esplanade. Through meetings with city agencies and elected officials, along with a sustained media advocacy campaign that brought attention to ongoing closures and safety concerns, EsplanadeFriends helped accelerate several long-awaited projects, including the reopening of the 71st Street footbridge and repairs to the growing sinkhole in the East 90s. Later this year, residents can also look forward to another section of the East 70s reopening, complete with new waterfront fitness equipment inspired by the group's advocacy; Ratner knows that's what residents are most eager to see. "We could have Taylor Swift perform on the Esplanade, and people would still ask, 'When's the East 70s opening?'" she laughs. "Believe me, no one wants it open more than we do."

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AUGUS T 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I A L

While pushing for long-term improvements, EsplanadeFriends continued filling the waterfront with free experiences for neighbors of every age.

Thousands of people attended concerts, cultural celebrations, children's activities, environmental programs, fishing clinics, seasonal events, history walks, and visits from the New York City Parks PuppetMobile. Yoga on the Waterfront remained one of its most popular offerings, routinely drawing more than 150 participants to practice with sweeping East River views.

Partnerships also continued to expand. EsplanadeFriends worked alongside organizations including the Billion Oyster Project, East Harlem Tutorial Program, Goodwill, NYC Bird Alliance, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to introduce residents to the river's ecosystem through hands-on environmental programming, including oyster education, bird walks, fishing clinics, and other educational experiences. The organization also continued beautifying the Esplanade through public art, showcasing local artist Carmen Paulino's colorful crochet installations that brighten the waterfront while larger

River Esplanade

reconstruction projects continue. Looking ahead, EsplanadeFriends also hopes to create a self-guided audio tour highlighting the rich history of the East River waterfront.

For Ratner, the Esplanade is a place where advocacy and community come together. Every free concert, fitness class, educational program, and public art installation encourages neighbors to experience the waterfront while reinforcing why it deserves continued investment. As EsplanadeFriends looks ahead, their mission remains unchanged: creating a more connected, accessible, and welcoming waterfront for everyone.

Refer to page 8 in this issue for upcoming EsplandeFriends events.

Neighbors can also find an updated calendar of events, volunteer, and support EsplanadeFriends at EsplanadeFriends.org, and follow @EsplanadeFriend on Instagram for updates.

JENNIFER RATNER & JULIE MENIN

AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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SOCIAL SCENE

Book Talk

with BINDU

E

AT LES VAGABONDS

By Eleni Menoutis

xactly one week prior to rising author Bindu Bansinath receiving a raving New York Times review of her debut novel "Men Like Ours," members of our community, brought together thanks to neighbor Trish Gilbert, gathered at Les Vagabonds for a literary afternoon. The setting: French jazz in the background, champagne continuously being poured, charcuterie boards overflowing, homemade macrons on fresh whipped cream, all courtesy of owner Motrya. Plus, diffusers in luscious scents Rose, Tuberose, Sandalwood and Jasmine, from owner Nisha of AyurLight Candles. Thank you, Bindu, for sharing stories both personal and from your work, and congratulations on your growing success — and on the upcoming Apple TV series, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, based on your 2025 New York Magazine article, “The Nanny Squatter.” We will all be watching!

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Visit www.EastMidtown.org and follow us on social media to learn more.

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Media LET'S EAT LOCAL: INTERNATIONAL RECIPE

Flavors of

Portugal RECIPE & RETREAT

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT SARA DAVIS

Introducing award-winning chef recipes from all over the globe to practice at home, highlighting our local small shops along the way.

C

hef Olivier is one of the most recognized chefs in Portugal and the founder of a growing restaurant group that includes 36 restaurants globally. Among them is K.O.B. (Knowledge of Beef) in Lisbon, a specialist steak restaurant focused entirely on the craft of cooking beef.

Olivier believes that the difference between an average steak and a great one often comes down to a few small details, such as allowing the meat to come to room temperature before cooking, and slicing it properly after it comes off the pan. Our recommendation for where to purchase your meat locally — Simchick Meats, 988 1st Ave — and his recommendations for cooking Portuguese steak at home:

ANNELIESE HOROWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY

5. Slice the steak into thin pieces about 3 to 5 millimeters thick to release the juices.

6. Arrange the slices together so they resemble the original shape of the steak.

7. If needed, return the sliced meat briefly to the pan to warm it before serving. Finish with whole peppercorns.

1. Remove the meat from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before seasoning and cooking.

2. Season the steak with coarse salt, pepper, herbs, then brush lightly with olive oil.

3. Preheat a grill pan until very hot to create a proper sear.

4. Grill the steak to your preference. Cook about 2 to 3 minutes per side for rare, adding about one additional minute per side for more doneness.

The result is a simple, flavorful dish that brings restaurant quality comfort to a holiday table or an easy weeknight dinner.

WWW.RESTAURANTESOLIVIER.COM/GRUPO-OLIVIER-RESTAURANTES-EN WWW.SIMCHICKMEATS.COM For our Sutton Place neighbors, a special discount is being offered to Renew, Relax & Retreat with bi-country Sutton Place resident Eve Fleishman in Southern Portugal, this October. Check her website www.evefleishman.com/retreat for 2026 dates (October 10–17), or bring your own small group and pick your own date.

Eve is a singer, songwriter, artist and yogi who, along with her husband Mark, was featured on "House Hunters International" in 2019. Read all about their adventures at www.evefleishman.com/blog/revisitng-househunters-international.

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997 1st Ave, between 54th & 55th 1729 2nd Ave, between 89th & 90th AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

17

A Life Well Lived

O N E V I N TA G E & R E C I P E AT A T I M E WRITTEN BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL | PHOTOGRAPHY & EDITING BY ANNELIESE HOROWITZ

COVER STORY

S

ome people measure a life in years. Marsha Palanci prefers vintages.

Ask her age, and she is likely to respond with a smile and a wine reference, noting that she was born in one of Bordeaux’s greatest vintage years. It is exactly the kind of answer you would expect from someone who spent more than four decades in the wine industry, built a nationally respected marketing agency, ran seven marathons, studied cooking in Europe, maintains two flourishing terrace gardens, and still approaches each day with the curiosity of someone half her age.

“Age is merely a state of mind,” she says. “People tell me that I am eternally young.”

Raised in France and Belgium, Marsha earned a master’s degree in Medieval French Literature from Kent State University before putting her fluency in French to work in the wine industry after moving to New York City.

Her first role was with Sopexa before joining the prestigious importer Schieffelin & Company. During her 13 years there, she worked with brands including Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy Cognac, and Ruffino wines.

ICIF CHEF MASSIMILIANO CARERI & MARSHA

In 1990, she founded Cornerstone Communications, a boutique wine marketing agency that became highly regarded throughout the industry. Over the next 25 years, her all-female team represented clients ranging from Napa Valley Vintners and Washington State Wines to producers from Austria, Chile, Israel, and beyond.

The wine business also led her to the love of her life.

Marsha met her husband, Ed Lauber, through work after making a cold call requesting a wine donation for an event. Ed, then a wine executive, agreed to donate half the wine if she purchased the rest.

“Astute businessman, that Ed,” she recalls.

When he later asked her out, she initially declined. But persistence and charm eventually won her over. The couple married in 1978 at the United Nations Chapel and spent more than 40 years together.

Ed passed away in 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, but his influence remains woven throughout the life they built together.

Ed built one of America’s most respected wine distribution companies, Lauber Imports, while Marsha established her own successful agency. For years, many people in the industry did not even realize they were married.

“We were so discreet that for years many people did not know we were a couple, especially since I kept my name,” Marsha shares.

“Turns out subterfuge was quite exhilarating for us as newlyweds.”

MARSHA BAKING WITH HER GRANDCHILDREN

Today, Marsha divides her time between Manhattan and Paris. Her apartment in the Marais allows her to toggle between two of the world's great cultural and culinary capitals.

AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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COVER STORY A self-described “card-carrying hodophile,” she and Ed spent decades exploring the world, often by bicycle. They pedaled through the Italian Alps, Vietnam’s rice fields, and the French countryside, combining adventure with their shared love of food and wine.

food insecurity, raise funds for cancer patients and their families, and beautify the East River Esplanade. CancerCare holds particular significance for Marsha and Ed, whose families were both affected by cancer. Most recently, she helped raise more than $1.1 million as co-chair of the annual gala.

Gardening remains one of her favorite pastimes. On the terraces surrounding her Sutton Place South penthouse, Marsha tends hydrangeas, roses, a pear tree, and more. She jokes that she sometimes feels like Marie Antoinette retreating to her countryside hamlet at Versailles.

ZUANI VINEYARD, ED AND MARSHA

“What better way to explore the world and eat as much as you want and not gain weight?” she jokes.

In 1999, the couple purchased their penthouse from author and humorist Leo Rosten. They completely renovated the space, transforming it into what Marsha describes as “a French country house in the sky.” Twenty-five years later, it remains one of her favorite places in the city to relax or welcome friends for a glass of wine.

That appreciation for food extends well beyond travel. Marsha and Ed were passionate home cooks who regularly hosted gatherings for friends, clients, chefs, restaurateurs, and wine producers.

She appreciates Sutton Place’s international character, convenient location, and quiet charm. Having lived, studied, and worked throughout Europe, she was drawn to the neighborhood’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, shaped by its proximity to the United Nations and numerous foreign consulates.

They studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and attended multiple culinary courses throughout Italy. Most recently, Marsha even trained at ICIF, a professional chefs' school in Piedmont.

She has also watched Sutton Place evolve. Once known for its older residents and quiet pace, the neighborhood has welcomed a growing number of young families in recent years.

When she closed Cornerstone Communications to care for Ed, Marsha found another creative outlet by launching her travel and food blog, "Tarte Tatin Tales," named after her favorite French dessert and the signature dish of Sologne's famed Hotel Tatin. Through the blog, she shares recipes, travel stories, words of wisdom, and her love of la bonne vie. She later expanded the project into a book of the same name.

“The wheelchair brigade, as my husband used to call it, is being replaced with baby carriages,” she says. “This welcome increase in young families has added new vitality, excitement, and joy to our formerly slightly sleepy neighborhood.”

“I have no desire to ever open a restaurant,” she says, “but entertaining at home and now knowing how to make Agnolotti del Plin takes care of the needs of my inner chef.”

Her love of food extends to family as well. Marsha is a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, all of whom know that a visit to Noni’s apartment often comes with a cooking lesson. Whether she is teaching family members how to prepare favorite recipes or inviting the children of friends into her kitchen, sharing knowledge has become just as rewarding as cooking itself.

Service has become equally important throughout Marsha’s life.

She has dedicated significant time to organizations including Les Dames d'Escoffier New York, Food Bank for New York City, CancerCare, and Green Park Gardeners NYC. Through those efforts, she has helped support women in food and hospitality, address 20

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MARSHA'S TERRACE, HER SPS ESCAPE

Friends jokingly refer to the Trader Joe’s beneath the 59th Street Bridge as “Marsha’s happy place,” a title she has earned through years of loyal visits. She is equally enthusiastic about supporting neighborhood staples like Ideal Cheese, Ambassador Wine & Spirits, and Elia’s Casa Bianca.

OUTHMANE DIALLO, MARSHA PALANCI, JOAN BROWER & FAUSTINO VARGAS

Ask Marsha what motto guides her life and she answers without hesitation: “Carpe Diem.” Seize the day.

That philosophy has guided every chapter of her story, from entrepreneur and traveler to volunteer, mentor, and neighbor.

At an age she still prefers to describe as a particularly good vintage, Marsha Palanci is proving that the best years are not necessarily behind us. Sometimes they are yet to be uncorked.

STEVE Q, MARSHA, JOAN & CHRIS, EASTER DAY PARADE 2026

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @marshapalanci, and keep up with Marsha on her blog tartetatintales.com.

GREEN PARK GARDENERS NYC AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

21

LET'S DRINK LOCAL

BY OUR PUB CRAWL DUO LIAM DOUGHERTY & LUKE ROBINSON

C

hances are you have walked past The Stag's Head more than once, pausing to admire the beautiful sign out front — a majestic stag rendered with the kind of quiet confidence that hints at what lies within. The bar sits at the corner of 51st and 2nd, understated enough that without the striking sign outside, you may pass it entirely. For those who live nearby, it is simply part of the streetscape, a familiar fixture on your walks around the neighborhood. This is precisely why it deserves a closer look, because once you step inside, you will wonder why it took you this long.

Open since 2008, The Stag's Head has been a quiet staple of the neighborhood for nearly two decades, serving the kind of dependable hospitality that locals tend to appreciate. The interior is warm and intimate: wood-lined walls, low lighting, the easy murmur of familiar faces catching up over a pint. It is the sort of place that feels less like a bar you discovered and more like one you have always known. And while the space is compact in the way that neighborhood bars around here often are, it spans two floors, meaning there is almost always room for one more — whether you want to be in the middle of the action downstairs or tuck yourself away more quietly upstairs.

The beer list reflects a genuine respect for the craft, catering to those who are as thoughtful about what they order as the bar is about what it pours. Sixteen rotating draughts, with a strong

emphasis on New York City and State craft breweries, keep things interesting visit after visit. The staff are as much a draw as the menu — genuinely warm, happy to make a recommendation, and familiar enough with their regulars to make you feel at home.

For those who work nearby or simply need a reliable place to decompress after a long day, the after-work hours here are hard to beat. With happy hour running Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 pm., The Stag's Head offers one of the more accommodating windows in the neighborhood. The kitchen turns out solid bar food that pairs well with the drink menu, and the room fills up in the best possible way as the evening progresses — enough energy to feel like something is happening, but never so loud that you lose the thread of a conversation.

Next door, sharing the building, is Cornerstone Tavern, its sister bar. If the game is on, or you are in the mood for trivia night or a karaoke session with friends, Cornerstone is right there. Together, the two establishments make this corner of 51st and 2nd one of the more complete evening destinations the neighborhood has to offer.

For a community that takes its local establishments seriously, The Stag's Head is a bar that has truly earned its place. Nearly two decades on the same corner is a statement in itself — and every visit makes clear that it has been time well spent.

THE STAG'S HEAD 252 E 51ST ST (AT 2ND AVE) @THESTAGSHEADNYC

SOCIAL SCENE

LA BELLE TASSE, 836 2ND AVE

Tudor City

I

Centennial Celebratory Stroll

By Eleni Menoutis

n celebration of Tudor City's very first two buildings opening 100 years ago (first Prospect Towers, No. 45, then The Manor, No. 333), we strolled the once private streets of Tudor City with Manhattan historian Joyce Gold, appreciating its Tudor Style, Old English names, original stained glass still in tact, its Bishop's Crook lampposts (look up and take note of them!). Everyone's favorites, the two Tudor City Greens parks, and the Tudor City Overpass (prime spot for Manhattanhenge) looking to the Chrysler Building to the west and the United Nations to the east. Did you know? In 1930, the Chrysler was the tallest building in the world, beat out by the Empire State building the next year. And, the UN was the first in New York to be built in the International Style. Fun facts, Anna Nicole Smith lived at The Manor at the height of her career; 5 Tudor City Place has been the backdrop of many famous films such as "Spider-Man," "Scarface," "Splash," and "The Godfather; and Katharine Hepburn played tennis at the open-air courts where 2 Tudor City Place now stands.

gifting everyone a signed copy of local author Larry Samuel's book "Tudor City: Manhattan’s Historic Residential Enclave" (The History Press, 2019) on his behalf.

What a special celebration this walking tour turned out to be.

NEXT WALK

"OUR PARKS" STROLL WITH MERRILL PERLMAN WWW.SUTTONPLACE.MEDIA SUN, 10/18, 1PM

On our way home (we had attendees from the Tudor City, Beekman and Sutton Place areas on this particular tour), owner Pia of Café La Belle Tasse welcomed us in for a treat, where I had the pleasure of

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AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

23

ouch Grass?

T Not for Hysan, the City Pup PET CORNER

BY TURTLE BAY RESIDENT FLORENCE LI

SUMMER CAMPS 2026 JUNE 29TH TO AUGUST 28TH

Registration for 2 or more weeks 10% off contact: classprogram@cervantes.es

M

eet Hysan — a 7-month-old Havanese named after Hysan Place in Hong Kong, where his parents had their first date.

A true city dog, Hysan loves subway rides and concrete, but won't be touching dirt and grass — and will happily request to be carried instead. He’s also mastered the art of pretending he’s never been fed, despite clear evidence to the contrary, and is always ready to negotiate for a treat.

A proud puppy school graduate, Hysan is above his mom’s questionable outfit choices but puts up with it in exchange for chicken treats. You’ll often find him checking his pee-mail at Peter Detmold Park Dog Run, where he lives for belly rubs and catching up with his favorite dog friends. @GOODBOYHYSAN

SCAN FOR YOUR SPOT

24

AUGUS T 2026 / SUT TO N PL AC E SOC I A L

GREEN LIVING

EverDEAR Green — PRUDENCE FERRY

BY LOCAL RESIDENT HELLEN HELLO

M

oldering in Long Island City, Prudence, the ferry, is stripped down to her metal frame. Glass, wiring, machinery, upholstery, and every bit of paint is painstakingly removed by volunteers. Dear Prudence, why is this happening to you?

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Prudence arrived in Anable Basin in 2012, her owner having high hopes for her as a floating beer garden — a convivial, relaxing vessel bobbing on the East River tides. Alas, the plan came to naught, and abandoned Prudence was out to sea. Over the years, she aged into a rusty hulk, an eyesore to the residents of the neighborhood.

One resident reached out to Bill Cadden, founder of the Long Island Artificial Reef Society, who then bought Prudence with the intent of giving her a new life as an artificial reef. The all-steel, still floating, and towable Prudence will be reborn as an underwater home for sea life. Her new address will be the 16th Fathom Reef, near Fire Island.

Sinking artificial reefs around New York harbor is nothing new. Fishermen began sinking cement-filled butter tubs on the ocean floor to encourage sea life. In NYS, the official artificial reef building program began in 1962, and until the program ended in 2010, the MTA stripped and sunk 2,500 outmoded rail and subway cars into the Atlantic.

According to the Department of Conservation that strictly runs and enforces the artificial reef program, only items made of concrete, rock, and plain steel are acceptable for artificial reef building. These materials must be clean of any and all chemicals and substances that can harm the environment and our waters.

Next is obtaining permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and approvals from the EPA, US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) and others, to sink the vessel. As Peter Malinowsky of the Billion Oyster Project told me, “It’s far easier to take things out of the water than to put them in.”

Once sunk, it takes fish and underwater life one day to find the vessel and make it home. Soon the steel frame is coated with barnacles, sponges, hydroids, mussels, and anemones. The fish return, and eventually, dolphins and whales. A great new chapter in the sea life of Prudence Ferry.

Check out the websites of the Department of Conservation, Long Island Artificial Reef Society, and of course, the Billion Oyster Project for more information and volunteering opportunities for outside fun for the summer!

I’ll keep you posted.

HellenHelloNYC@gmail.com AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

25

READER FAVORITE

Bedford Barbers

FOR MEN AND WOMEN

MUSTAFA MY BARBER, ME, OWNER STEVE

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT MIRIAM SILVERBERG

I

have been told I am a very stylish woman. One of the reasons I’ve been told this is that I wear my hair like a man’s. In fact, it is a man’s haircut. I have it cut by a very fine gentleman named Mustafa at a very fine barbershop, Bedford Barbers, at the corner of 57th Street and 1st Avenue. Bedford Barbers is owned by the nicest gentleman, Steve, and has been in business for 16 years. I was looking for a hairdresser when a neighbor said, "You wear your hair so short, why not go to a barber?" Well, I went to Bedford across from my home, and it was love at first sight.

THE ROOT CAUSE OF AUTISM |INCLUDING NON-VERBAL AUTISM| FROM A TREATMENT & RESEARCH PERSPECTIVE DR. ROBERT MELILLO and his team are NYC-based leaders in neurodevelopmental conditions such as NonVerbal Autism, ADHD, OCD, Tics, Dyslexia, Anxiety, and Depression in both children and adults. With extensive knowledge of brain function, Dr. Melillo has perfected a multi-modal method that significantly improves the most pervasive neurologic-based issues today. The Melillo Method has transformed the lives of thousands all over the globe, by addressing the root cause, improving brain-body function.

Dr. Melillo’s expertise in functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology is unparalleled, backed by 30 years as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author.

We invite you to visit The Melillo Center for Developing Minds located at 347 5th Avenue if you or your child is struggling with a neurodevelopmental condition.

646.971.8040 | melillomethodnyc@gmail.com | drrobertmelillo.com @drrobertmelillo | 347 5th Ave Rm 1010 (btw 33rd & 34th) 26

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They do great work (a cut is $40) and everyone there is kind and helpful.

It’s on the second floor, and I have trouble with my balance, and someone is always there to help me up and down the steps. Mustafa would not know how to do a bad job, and I never have to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment, even though they are always busy.

So many women are wearing their hair short now that it seems a barber is the best idea. I certainly am not the only woman customer. Their excellent reputation is richly deserved. There is no “sitting around” for this staff. Try them and I am sure you will become a steady customer.

silverbergm212@gmail.com

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The Confidence of Choosing Right, The Art of Living Well When people come through our doors, something shifts. Moments of uncertainty transform into a vision of what life can be — warm, unhurried, and entirely their own. For over 25 years, The Bristal has offered families clarity, comfort, and an experience better than they imagined.

Ask About BrainFit Gym™ At the intersection of innovation and wellness, the BrainFit Gym™ provides a personalized cognitive fitness experience where advanced technology and individualized support work together to encourage growth, engagement, and lifelong brain health.

When Expertise Meets Compassion – Confidence Follows The Bristal at York Avenue 646.941.7887 | 1622 York Avenue at 86th Street

thebristal.com

Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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27

ESCAPE FROM SUTTON PLACE

The Alb

A CoastlineS That We

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL

ome places dazzle; others disarm you with quiet beauty.

I arrived at the Albanian Riviera, curious — and left as though I’d been let in on the most well-kept secret.

Sarandë — Where the Sea Sets the Pace Sarandë curves around the Ionian Sea in a way that slows you down without asking. The water shifts from deep blue to glassy silver, and the evenings carry that unmistakable Mediterranean blend of salt, citrus, and something floral you can’t quite name.

Despite its growth, the town still feels sincere, grounded in its fishing‑village past.

KEEP SUTTON PLACE SHINING BECOME A MEMBER OF SAC

Cuisine That Honors Simplicity What surprised me most was the food. Albania doesn’t rely on flourish; it relies on freshness.

Seafood tastes as though it traveled straight from the water to the plate — grilled fish with crisp skin, octopus touched by smoke, shrimp brightened with lemon and peppery local olive oil.

Produce is vivid and sun‑warmed, tomatoes bursting with sweetness, cucumbers cool and clean. Even the bread, dipped in golden olive oil, feels like a small celebration.

WHAT WE DO

Meals here aren’t performances. They’re gestures of welcome.

Hospitality That Feels Personal Albanians have a way of making you feel seen. Conversations unfold easily. People ask where you’re from with genuine interest, not routine politeness. There’s no curated charm — just warmth, curiosity, and a sense of pride that never tips into pretense. It reminded me of a kind of hospitality that has become rare: human, unhurried, and sincere.

Maintain the Sutton Sparkle in our streets and parks Sponsor exciting neighborhood events and activities Liaise with police and fire departments as well as local government to make sure your voices are heard Award grants for programs, projects and services that further enrich our vibrant community

GET INVOLVED

suttonareacommunity.com @suttonareacommunity sacsuttonarea@gmail.com 212.838.9770

Please visit our new website at | www.suttonareacommunity.com

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Ksamil — Albania’s Whisper of Bora Bora South of Sarandë, Ksamil reveals itself in a way that almost startles you. The water glows in shades of turquoise so vivid they feel borrowed from the South Pacific, and it’s no wonder travelers have begun comparing it to Bora Bora. I understood the comparison the moment I stepped onto the sand — the clarity of the water, the gentle gradient from pale aqua to deep blue, the small islands rising just offshore like quiet sentinels.

anian Riviera

elcomes You In

But unlike Bora Bora, Ksamil carries no pretense. It offers that same dreamlike beauty with a simplicity that feels even more precious. I spent an afternoon drifting between sea and shade, letting the coastline remind me that paradise doesn’t always need overwater bungalows; sometimes it’s enough for the water itself to do the talking.

What Stayed With Me The Albanian Riviera is shaped by centuries of influence — Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Italian — yet it feels entirely itself. A coastline of clarity and confidence. A cuisine rooted in land and sea. A culture that welcomes without effort.

What I carried home wasn’t just the memory of turquoise water or sunlit afternoons. It was the feeling of being welcomed into a place that still holds its secrets close, offering them only to those who arrive with an open heart.

Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com |

@yanina_lecristal

Spend Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur with Sutton Place Synagogue

Traditional Egalitarian Services, 20s & 30s Services, Tot & Family Services & More

To learn more contact us at sps@spsnyc.org, 212-593-3300, or go to spsnyc.org AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL

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NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH

The Art of Unplugging

BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT AMANDA MACTAS

I

n a city that rarely slows down, finding an hour to truly unplug can feel almost impossible. That's exactly what inspired the idea behind Grata Wellness, a New Yorkbased wellness practice founded by health and wellness coach Marianna Cuomo Maier, whose own experience with professional burnout became the catalyst for helping others prioritize stress management before it takes a physical toll.

After years working in health tech, she found herself constantly putting work ahead of well-being — until chronic stress contributed to an autoimmune diagnosis and gut health issues. That realization led her to launch Grata Wellness in 2022, with a focus on empowering clients through coaching, meditation, breathwork, and, eventually, sound baths, where her focus now lies.

Sound baths have become increasingly popular, but many people are still unsure what to expect — and take away — from one. The practice involves simply lying down while crystal singing bowls produce resonant tones designed to promote relaxation. Unlike meditation or yoga, there's no technique to master or barrier to entry. "Sound baths require nothing from you except showing up," Marianna explains. "You don't have to think about your breathing or whether you're doing it right. You simply receive the experience."

As Marianna elaborates, the vibrations created by the crystal bowls help encourage the body to shift into a calmer parasympathetic state — the "rest and digest" mode that's often difficult to access in everyday life. The experience can also help quiet racing thoughts, allowing the brain to enter more relaxed, creative states.

The frequencies the bowls put off are of utmost importance: “They’re actually showing and signaling to our body that we’re safe; they're regulating our nervous system,” Marianna emphasizes. All day long, 30

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we are exposed to different vibrations and frequencies, from fire trucks going by to the noise of crowded sidewalks, all of which unknowingly affect us. The crystal bowls emit frequencies associated with nature, creating a common grounding energy.

While even a few minutes of calming sound can be beneficial, Marianna recommends sessions lasting at least 25 to 30 minutes, with 45 to 60 minutes offering the strongest restorative effects.

As for frequency, consistency is key — but perfection isn't necessary. A weekly practice can be ideal for those managing high stress, while attending a sound bath every few weeks or even once a month can still provide meaningful benefits. Listening to sound meditations at home between sessions is another accessible way to incorporate the practice into daily life.

Like many wellness modalities, sound baths may not resonate with everyone immediately. But for those seeking a restorative practice that asks very little and offers the rare chance to simply be still, they may be one of the most approachable forms of self-care available. After all, in a culture focused on constant productivity, spending an hour doing nothing at all might be exactly what the nervous system needs.

Marianna offers private 1:1 sessions as well as bespoke group experiences for birthdays, girls' nights, bachelorettes, and corporate gatherings.

Email marianna@gratawellness.com to book.

WWW.GRATAWELLNESS.COM @GRATAWELLNESS SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL'S WOMEN'S VIP WELLNESS RESET AT THE PALACE

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Sutton Place 3373

SOCIAL

PRIVATE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | ISSUE #87 | EST. 2019

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