Call today for a complimentary confidential no obligation market analysis of your
at 718-309-6606
“D EAR NN MARIE ”
Question of the Month
DEAR ANN MARIE,
My family has owned property in New York for years. With talk of new taxes on inherited wealth, should we consider selling?
- LEGACY OWNER
DEAR LEGACY,
You’re not alone—many owners are asking this.
New York doesn’t have an inheritance tax, but it does have an estate tax. In 2026, estates under $7.35M are exempt; above that, rates range from 3.05% to 16%, even for non-residents with New York property.
What’s changing is the policy conversation—proposals could lower the exemption and increase taxes on generational wealth, making it more costly to pass down property and potentially forcing sales.
The decision is strategic: hold and risk higher taxes later, or sell now and reposition your equity. It depends on your priorities.
My advice: don’t wait. Review your options with an estate planning expert—and if you’re considering a sale or want to understand your property’s current value and market timing, I’m here to help.
Sincerely,
Ann Marie
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.
SOCIAL Sutton Place
PUBLICATION TEAM
Publisher Eleni Menoutis
Feature Writer Margaret Pfohl mpfohl@bestversionmedia.com
Designer Sarah VanDerGeest
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
Dearest Readers,
Seven years of Sutton Place Social, seven. Reflecting, the number one thing I've enjoyed the most is meeting and knowing so many of you. Our book club and walking tour regulars, our local doormen and librarians (maybe our biggest fans), our USPS postmen and women (they're dedicated readers of ours, too!) — and partnering with so many local to iconic institutions in the city on special events. Building on the Social aspect of our community magazine has been key to keeping true to Sutton Place Social's core, which I hope you all feel.
This June, we celebrate Father's Day (an extra special one to you, Harley, our former cover star and now cover artist!), Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Pride Month, National Cheese Day (June 4!), Juneteenth, and 7 YEARS IN PRINT
Thank you to all of you — print advertisers, event sponsors, contributing writers, my team — for making this a true (the truest they come!) neighborhood collaboration, a labor of love.
Stay reading with us,
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)
Eleni Menoutis Publisher Margaret Pfohl Feature Writer Sarah VanDerGeest Designer
ELENI MENOUTIS Founding Publisher, Sutton Place Social EMenoutis@BestVersionMedia.com
Anneliese Horowitz Photographer
EILEEN FOY - SUTTON PLACE TRUSTED ADVISOR
Recognized in the prestigious top 1% of brokers nationwide by RealTrends and ranked among the top 250 brokers in the country, Eileen has built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and results.
Specializing in Manhattan’s co-ops, condos, townhouses, and luxury rentals, Eileen’s expertise spans every facet of the market, making her the trusted advisor for buyers, sellers, and investors alike. Whether navigating a historic pre-war property or securing a sleek modern residence, Eileen’s keen market insight and dedication deliver unparalleled outcomes.
When you work with Eileen, you’re not just choosing a broker — you’re choosing a trusted neighborhood expert.
For your next move, trust the name synonymous with success: Eileen Foy.
EILEEN FOY
THE SUTTON PLACE BROKER SPECIALIST
eileen.foy@compass.com eileenfoynyc.com
“COMPASS
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) @DRROBERTMELILLO
COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTAL
Dr. Steven Chavez
Blue Line Dental
212.317.5959
hello@bluelinedentalnyc.com www.bluelinedentalnyc.com
1037 2nd Ave (btw 54th & 55th) @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)
AUDIOLOGY HOME VISITS
Emma Durazzo, Au.D., CCC-A Anywhere Audiology
201.731.8828
emma@anywhereaudiology.com www.anywhereaudiology.com
At-home, in-office, on-the-road visits @ANYWHEREAUDIOLOGY
Contact Eleni Menoutis emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270
Custom Food Art by Sutton Place Resident Harley Langberg
Photo by Oliver Parini
ELIA’S
FATHERHOOD , FAMILY & FOOD at Casa Bianca
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
Elez Bucaj has spent nearly two decades in Italian hospitality in New York, building restaurants rooted in Tuscan cooking, fresh ingredients, and consistent service. His journey began in 2007 with Caffè e Vino, where Tuscan dishes and a strong focus on hospitality shaped how he approached running a restaurant. He later opened Teura Italian Restaurant in Coney Island, continuing to build spaces centered on authenticity and community. Elia's Casa Bianca in the Sutton area is the latest chapter, carrying forward the same approach that has defined his work from the beginning.
The restaurant is named after Elez and Elvana Bucaj’s daughter, Elia, who as a child would constantly draw white houses. While searching for a new space in Midtown East, they came across a building on East 52nd Street that immediately reminded them of those drawings and decided to move forward with the concept. Before opening, they brought Elia to the site and revealed a “coming soon” banner with her name for the first time. In that moment, she saw the connection instantly and began imagining and planning what the restaurant could become. “That truly was a beautiful and unforgettable initial memory,” Elvana reflects.
At 398 E 52nd Street, the menu is built around Tuscan cooking and simplicity, the focus on fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and preparation that avoids unnecessary complication. The dishes are grounded in repetition and precision rather than reinvention.
As a husband-and-wife team, the structure of Elia’s is practical. Elez leads front of house and guest experience, while Elvana oversees operations and the kitchen. It is a system they have refined through years of working together in previous restaurants.
The duo's professional harmony is shaped by family history. Elez grew up watching his father run a five-star hotel and restaurant, learning what leadership looks like through action. His father trained staff by working alongside them, setting standards through demonstration rather than instruction. That example became the foundation for how they approach hospitality today.
This influence also carries into the next generation. The couple’s children are part of the restaurant in a hands-on way, tasting dishes and offering feedback on everything from seasoning to texture. Their input contributes to ongoing refinement in the kitchen.
At Elia’s, the guiding principle is simple: Every guest is treated as if they are entering a home. Service is warm and straightforward, with care carried equally between kitchen and dining room. The experience is built through tradition, and the menu reflects it. The veal ragu fettuccine is slowcooked with vegetables to build depth and richness. The mussels are served out of the shell in a butter sauce that keeps the focus on the ingredient itself. Each dish stays close to Tuscan cooking.
For Elez and Elvana, Elia’s Casa Bianca is not a new endeavor but a continuation. It reflects years of restaurant experience, family influence, and daily practice, built around a simple idea — food served with care in a place that feels consistent, welcoming, and lived in.
Browse the menu and make a reservation at ELIASCASABIANCA.COM
ELIA
Spring
Spring Spring
DAILY CAMP 5+ PLAYDAY UES
Half day, partial, all day
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
ESPLANADEFRIENDS ANNUAL BENEFIT AT LYCEE FRANCAIS DE NEW YORK
MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE
PAUL RUDOLPH INSTITUTE
Fri, Jun 5, 6–9pm & Sat, Jun 20, 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
| SPONSOR EVENT | ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY
SUTTON PLACE SYNAGOGUE
Sun, June 7, 11am–2pm
225 E 51st St
All are welcome for food, fun and activities for everyone, as we close 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd to celebrate our community. www.spsnyc.org
Tues, June 2, 6:30–8:30pm 505 East 75th Street
An Evening Celebrating the Esplanade. Tickets available for purchase: EsplanadeFriends.org/Events
More EsplanadeFriends events this June: Andrew Haswell Green Park (60th St & the Esplanade) www.esplanadefriends.org/events
Family Friendly Event — Sun, Jun 14, 1–4pm (Rain date 6/28) Free Bird Walk — Sat, Jun 17, 10–11:30am CityParks PuppetMobile (Pinocchio) — Mon, Jun 29, 11am
Tudor City Centennial Walk
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JOYCE GOLD X LARRY SAMUEL X CAFÉ LA BELLE TASSE
Wed, June 3, 10:30am
Consulate General of Malaysia, 313 E 43rd
In honor of the centennial of Tudor City's very first two buildings, Manhattan historian Joyce Gold will lead us on a tour of our neighboring Tudor City. Local drink beforehand courtesy of La Belle Tasse, plus a signed copy of "Tudor City: Manhattan's Historic Residential Enclave" by Larry Samuel. $45/ticket. RSVP via: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com
June Book Club With Bindu
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LES VAGABONDS
X AYURLIGHT CANDLES
Wed, June 10, 3:30–6pm
Charcuterie & Champagne literary afternoon inside Les Vagabonds! With a gift from AyurLight Candles and homemade macarons. Moderated by neighbor Trish Gilbert, we will be welcoming up-and-coming New York Magazine's The Cut journalist Bindu Bansinath in celebration of her debut novel "Men Like Ours."
Maximum 40 people. Attendees to purchase book — preorder now! (via Bloomsbury site or Amazon)
$50 per person. Please RSVP for F&B and gift organization: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com
Save The Date: www.lesvagabondsnyc.com
Mom's Happy Hour! — Thurs, Sept 17th, 4–7pm in partnership with Sutton Place Social Weekend Jazz — every Friday & Saturday evening
"ART DECO UPTOWN" WALKING TOUR
ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
Sat, June 20, 2–3:30pm
WINING & DINING IN 1820S & '30S NYC MOUNT VERNON HOTEL MUSEUM & GARDEN Fri, June 5, 12–1:30pm 421 E 61st St btw York & 1st
Learn how guests experienced food and drink at a day hotel like the Mount Vernon Hotel, nestled in the “countryside” of New York City, during a culinary history tour.
For more info & to purchase tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/winingand-dining-in-1820s-and-1830s-nyc-a-culinary-history-tour-tickets1986552192083?aff=oddtdtcreator www.mvhm.org
One more event this June:
421 E 61st St btw York & 1st www.mvhm.org/events
50 Years of American Independence — Tues, Jun 9, 3–4:30pm
Join the Art Deco Society and architectural historian Matt Postal to discover Inwood's history and treasures, viewing 1930s structures that display a lively mix of multi-color brick and cast-stone details, as well as, when possible, memorable elevator lobbies. We'll learn what makes this community, perched atop Manhattan's northern tip, so special. Sutton-area residents can easily hop on an express bus that runs along Lexington Avenue, with stops on 50th, 56th & 63rd Streets, directly to Inwood for this spectacular tour!
For more info & to register: www.artdeco.org/upcoming-events www.artdeco.org
JAPANESE CALLIGRAPHY COURSES
JAPAN SOCIETY
Now Through July
In-Person & Via Zoom
Japanese calligraphy, also known as shodo, is a revered, centuries-old art form and Zen practice which evokes harmony, beauty, and balance. Shodo uses a brush and charcoal ink on paper, wood plaques, and fabric, and includes Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese hiragana. Although it originated in the techniques used for letter writing, with its unique form of expression it has developed into an art genre.
Courses offered for beginners & those with previous experience: www.japansociety.org/language-center/calligraphy
More events this June: 333 E 47th St btw 1st & 2nd www.japansociety.org
Contemporary Music — Thurs, June 4, 7:30pm Performing Arts Talk — Fri, June 5, 6:30pm
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US ON INSTAGRAM & VIA OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR UPCOMING SUMMER & FALL HAPPY HOURS, BOOK CLUBS, WALKING TOURS, WELLNESS EVENTS, SPONSOR SOCIALS & MORE.
SUMMER CAMPS 2026
JUNE 29TH TO AUGUST 28TH
Registration for 2 or more weeks 10% off contact: classprogram@cervantes.es
SCAN FOR YOUR SPOT
Class of
1969
HARVEY FIERSTEIN
BY ART & DESIGN INTERN KADIJA FOFANA
Founded in 1936, The High School of Art & Design has since been dedicated to nurturing young and gifted minds into professional artists in the industry. When it was originally founded, it began as the School of Industrial Arts. In 1941, co-founder John B. Kenny was appointed principal. Networks of artists, designers, and photographers were formed under his administration. The school' s name was changed in 1960 to its current title, and its location moved to a modern building in Midtown East, on 56th Street.
Today, eight varying art majors are offered: Photography, Fashion, Film, Architecture, Animation, Cartooning, Graphic Design, and Illustration. Each major is given abundant resources to hone their skills as well as professional experience in their fields. The school has birthed many celebrated artists who have made a lasting impact on the art industry, some of whom will be celebrated in our continued series from last semester, Famous Graduates of Art & Design!
HARVEY FIERSTEIN, ACTOR, PLAYWRIGHT, GAY ACTIVIST (CLASS OF 1969)
Harvey Fierstein, born on June 6, 1952, grew up to be an inspirational pioneer in the theater world, being the first of many to introduce LGBTQ representation into theater.
His love for the arts was nurtured in Art & Design high school, where he graduated in 1969 and went on to pursue a BFA in painting at the Pratt Institute. During this time, he was introduced to the world of theater, performing in small plays produced by his school's performing arts department. Soon enough, he was encouraged by his theater friend to begin playwriting, despite his dyslexia. After many drafts and ideas, he developed a Broadway trilogy of plays ("The International Stud," "Fugue in a Nursery," and "Widows and Children First"), performed collectively as the Torch Song Trilogy in 1982. These plays starred Fierstein and became widely celebrated as one of the first Broadway productions to highlight LGBTQ+ families and their search for self-acceptance and love. Fierstein later won the Tony Award for Best Play and Best Actor in a Play for Torch Song Trilogy in 1983, starring in its live action feature shortly after. His career began to skyrocket with his Tony Award–winning book "La Cage Aux Folles," adapted from Jean Poiret 's original play.
Fierstein's plays gained widespread attention because of his inclusion of LGBTQ representation in his writing, something that was considered rare at the time. Harvey's signature crossdressing roles in Broadway theatre were welcomed in the LGBTQ community for advocating for queer representation. He is most famously known for his role in John Waters’ "Hairspray" as Tracy Turnblad's overbearing mother, Edna, as well as his queer roles in "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993) and "Kinky Boots" (2012).
As of recent, his impact on LGBTQ activism and theater earned him a Tony Award Lifetime Achievement in 2025. He published a memoir, "I Was Better Last Night," in 2022, detailing his life in theatre as a gay man in New York City as well as his personal struggles. Harvey Fierstein is honored for his LGBTQ+ inclusion in theater that led to the fight for favorable queer representation in today's media.
TEENY TINY Poirot
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT MONICA COMAS
Bonjour! It is Poirot! I'm named after Agatha Christie and like him, I speak of myself in the third person. I am a tiny shih tzu (5 pounds) with an enormous personality, solving all the mysteries of the Sutton-area neighborhood. Do you have a toy that is missing? Has your bag of treats disappeared? Poirot can help! Well… unless the sidewalks are wet by your building because I do not enjoy a wet sidewalk. Or rain. I only investigate in the sun. Or the snow. Somehow the snow is fine, but never, ever, will I walk in the rain. So, if your investigation needs fall within these persnickety shih tzu parameters, Poirot is here to help. Bon!
SERVICES CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS AT THE CHABAD SUTTON TOWNHOUSE 409 EAST 58 STREET TH FRIDAY: 30 MINUTES AFTER CANDLELIGHTING SHABBAT MORNINGS 10:30 AM
Return of a Landmark, Rise GUERLAIN
Wellness Spa at Waldorf Astoria
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
The Waldorf Astoria's return to New York feels less like a reopening and more like a restoration of a city landmark that has always set the tone for luxury on Park Avenue. Originally born from the Waldorf and Astoria hotels on Fifth Avenue in the 1890s, the brand has long been woven into New York's cultural fabric, introducing innovations like 24-hour room service and in-room telephones, while hosting generations of dignitaries, artists, and cultural icons.
The current Park Avenue landmark, the Art Deco tower that opened in 1931 as the world's tallest hotel, has now been meticulously reimagined after a transformative eight-year, $2 billion renovation that began in 2017. Reopening in 2025, the restoration carefully preserved its landmarked interiors while modernizing the property into 375 hotel rooms and 372 private residences, complete with renewed spaces like Peacock Alley and the return of its defining grandeur. Within that revival, Guerlain Wellness Spa has carved out a new kind of sanctuary, one that transforms the idea of a hotel spa into something far more intentional, immersive, and deeply personal.
Opened in October 2025, Guerlain Wellness Spa at the Waldorf Astoria is now the House of Guerlain's largest spa globally, spanning approximately 22,000 square feet on the hotel's fifth floor. The space brings together the brand's French heritage in beauty and skincare with the Waldorf 's unmistakable legacy of New York glamour and cultural influence. The result is a wellness destination designed not just for escape, but for recalibration.
Guests move through experiences built around four guiding pillars: nutrition, movement, sleep, and mindfulness. These foundations inform everything from express treatments to multi-day wellness journeys that address skin health, stress, energy, and long-term vitality. The approach reflects a broader shift in luxury wellness, where results and longevity matter as much as ritual and relaxation.
At the center of the spa's treatment philosophy is LongeviSkin, Guerlain's proprietary technology that blends advanced aesthetic science with the brand's signature manual techniques. Treatments are designed to improve firmness, radiance, and overall skin vitality, while still preserving the human touch that defines the Guerlain experience. It is a balance of innovation and tradition, where precision tools enhance rather than replace expert care.
The connection between the Waldorf Astoria and Guerlain feels natural, both houses built on legacies that have shaped their respective industries. The Waldorf has long defined modern hospitality, while Guerlain has been
Rise of a Sanctuary
a benchmark in beauty since 1850. In this new chapter, that shared history is reflected in both design and storytelling. Details throughout the spa subtly reference the hotel's icons, from its architectural motifs to its cultural symbols, creating a sense of place that feels distinctly New York.
That sense of connection extends beyond the treatment rooms. Hosting a Sutton Place Social book club with Margie Goldsmith in the space this March underscored how wellness today is as much about conversation and community as it is about self-care. Gatherings like these reflect Guerlain Wellness Spa's belief that well-being is expanded through shared experiences, where ideas, stories and dialogue become part of the ritual itself.
Even the spa's design language supports that philosophy. Lighting softens as guests move deeper into the space, acoustics shift, and circulation is intentionally paced to slow the nervous system before a treatment even begins. It is an environment that guides rather than instructs, allowing each experience to feel personal and unhurried.
At its core, Guerlain Wellness Spa at the Waldorf Astoria is about listening. Every treatment, every program, every detail is shaped by individual needs rather than a preset formula, creating an experience that feels both elevated and human.
Explore the amenities and book a treatment at waldorfastorianewyorkspa.com/guerlain Expect more Sutton Place Social events at Guerlain Wellness Spa.
@WALDORFNYC | @GUERLAINSPANY
www.yaninalecristal.com
Cheese, & Chocolate Cake
Together with cheese master Eric of Ideal Cheese , our neighbor and local sommelier Yanina Le Cristal , and our neighbors Carla and Tessy of La Pastelería en NY — we brought to life our first-ever cheese and wine (and the most decadent flourless chocolate cake!) tasting event for readers. Everyone experienced The Greats of Craft's quality wines on tap (Pinot Grigio, Malbec, Sabine rosé, Valdinevola prosecco) inside their intimate back lounge, while enjoying a lesson in cheese, wine, and pairings, all while connecting with like-minded readers.
Our next, similar event will take place inside Ideal Cheese — you'll learn from their article, opposite, that they host all sorts of gatherings at their shop! We at Sutton Place Social discover something new about our neighborhood with each and every issue we print.
By Eleni Menoutis
MAKING PASTA WITH THE TRUFFLE FAMILY
Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur
Eric Schaum
Carla & Tessy of La Pastelería en NY
Miriam, Sutton's No. 1 fashionista & cheese fan
BEHIND THE BRAND
From Local Counter to National Tables Ideal Cheese ENTERS A NEW ERA
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
At Ideal Cheese, the first thing you notice is not just the counter lined with wheels and wedges, but the sense that everything has a story behind it. That philosophy has been building since 1954, when the business began in New York City as a butter and egg company before evolving into what is now recognized as the city’s oldest dedicated cheese shop.
The current chapter of the business began in the early 2000s when Michael Binetti and Julius Binetti took ownership and began expanding its footprint beyond retail. While continuing to serve the Sutton Place neighborhood, they strengthened relationships with restaurants and hotels across Manhattan and grew the company into a national wholesale and shipping operation. Today, Ideal Cheese supplies clients across the country while still operating as a family-run shop rooted in personal service and hands-on expertise. The collection includes more than 250 cheeses from 17 countries, carefully selected for quality, character, and a strong sense of place.
In recent years, the business has also undergone a full rebrand, including a new logo, updated website, and a refreshed overall identity. The goal was to better reflect what Ideal Cheese has become: a neighborhood destination with a major wholesale and logistics arm behind it. The updated direction emphasizes clarity and accessibility, making it easier for customers to understand that the shop is not only a place to buy cheese, but also a resource for gifting, events, and curated experiences. “We wanted the brand to feel more aligned with how people actually experience us,” the shop’s cheese expert, Eric, notes.
That experience is shaped by curation at every level. The team prioritizes cheeses that are expressive and well-made, often favoring
traditional styles over heavily flavored or modified varieties. Everything on the shelf earns its place through taste first, though wholesale partnerships sometimes introduce new products that later become retail staples. Eric describes it as a natural overlap between chefs’ needs and customer discovery.
While much of the selection is imported or sourced from established domestic regions like Vermont, California, and Wisconsin, Ideal Cheese also places strong emphasis on supporting local makers. Partnerships with brands such as Mara's Honey, Sugar Sweet, Finger Lakes producers, and Simrancooks add a local and globally influenced dimension to the offerings. These collaborations extend the shop beyond cheese, creating pairings that feel intentional and complete.
For those new to the shop, Eric points to a few standout selections that capture its range. Old Witch, an alpine-style cheese with savory, onion-like notes, is a staff favorite for both snacking and melting. Bruzy Fleure, topped with edible wildflowers, offers a nutty flavor and soft texture that makes it a natural conversation piece on any board. Pairings also play a major role, from Midnight Moon layered with pistachio spread and chocolate-covered almonds to curated combinations designed for events and gifting.
Beyond the product itself, Ideal Cheese is deeply tied to experience. The shop regularly hosts classes and private events where guests can explore pairings, ask questions, and build their own boards with guidance from in-house experts.
For Eric, the most rewarding part of the work is the unpredictability of customer requests, from pairing cheese with a book to designing boards for themed gatherings. At its core, Ideal Cheese is less about transactions and more about collaboration, creating moments that feel personal, memorable, and distinctly shaped by cheese.
Explore their catalog and browse gifts at idealcheese.com, or pop in and chat with a cheese expert at 942 1st Avenue.
Hornkuhkase, the legendary Swiss “Alpenhorn” made from the raw milk of horned mountain cows
Olivia Christensen
BEEKMAN PLACE ASSOCIATION
MISSION STATEMENT: The BPA’s mission is to promote the health, safety and welfare of its residents located between the east side of First Avenue and the East River, and between Mitchell Place and East 51st Street.
415.533.5366 @beekmanplacenyc board@beekmanplace.org beekmanplacenyc.org
A DECADE OF BEAUTY
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL
For ten years, in the heart of New York City, Christina Oliva-Cinque — the Hair Goddess of New York — has built a salon defined by warmth, intention, and extraordinary craft. What began as a single studio has grown into a trusted brand, yet the heart of the business remains deeply personal: Christina is still hands - on, still shaping every detail, still ensuring every client feels seen and beautiful.
Her reputation extends far beyond the neighborhood. Christina has become the discreet go - to for celebrities, public figures, and entertainers — the clients who never announce where they go but always return to her chair. They trust her for camera - ready polish, seamless transformations, and the kind of elevated, natural - looking hair that photographs flawlessly.
The salon’s signature is its luxury hair extensions, crafted exclusively from 100% real, imported virgin human hair. Never dyed, never processed, the hair moves naturally and blends seamlessly through custom color- matching. These extensions withstand daily life — washing, heat styling, workouts, even swimming — and with proper care, can last months to years.
But Christina’s work isn’t only about glamour. Olivia Christensen Salon has become a haven for clients navigating medical hair loss, from alopecia to hormonal changes to treatment- related thinning. Christina approaches these guests with compassion and technical mastery, offering extensions and personalized solutions that restore confidence as much as appearance.
Christensen Salon AND CONFIDENCE
The East 48th Street location reflects her ethos perfectly: polished yet intimate, glamorous without pretense. The menu spans precision cuts, color, blowouts, consultations, and specialized extension work — but every appointment begins with a conversation, a moment of connection.
As the salon celebrates its 10 -year anniversary, it stands as a testament to what happens when craft meets heart. Christina didn’t just build a salon; she's built a community — one that continues to welcome anyone seeking transformation, healing, or simply a moment of beauty.
CHRISTENSEN SALON
E 48TH ST (BTW 1ST & 2ND)
The only licensed Assisted Living Residence in NYC entirely devoted to Enhanced Memory Care.
Billionaires' Row
In March and April (you'll notice we've been offering both weekday and weekend tour options with Joyce Gold!), we took a stroll along Billionaires' Row — once a place for buying horses and carriages, then cars, then art, and now expensive real estate. We listened and visually learned: One57, across from Carnegie Hall (did you know Tchaikovsky performed at the opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891?), was the first of Billionaires' Row to go up; Central Park tower the tallest residential tower in NYC; Steinway Tower at 111 W 57th, the skinniest skyscraper in the world! Superlatives, and now on to famous residents, we stood in front of the building where Bobby Short once lived, later moving to Sutton Place. David Bowie resided in the Essex House, his apartment currently on the market (we have access, if you'd like a showing). We learned all about air rights, the still-standing brownstone gifted to Vanderbilt's daughter, and that the Dakota, Art Students League and the Plaza were all designed by the same architect. Fun final fact, 9W57th — owned by Soloviev, home of the Chanel corporate office, and more — pays rent to the city for the giant red 9 on the sidewalk.
NEXT WALKING TOUR WITH JOYCE emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com Wed, June 3, 10:30am Tudor City Centennial Walk Free coffee & signed book!
By Eleni Menoutis
KEITH HARING NY
MASHED POTATOES, EGGPLANT, DRAGON FRUIT, PURPLE CABBAGE, ZUCCHINI, MANGO, RASPBERRY, ORANGE
MASHED POTATOES, PASTA, TURNIP
YELLOW CAB
CAPTURED MEMORIES BY MALANI RAMIREZ
MASHED POTATOES, LEMON, TURNIP, EGGPLANT, RED PEPPER
CANDY, CHOCOLATE, COOKIE DOUGH
The Future of Brain Health at The Bristal Assisted Living
Introducing the BrainFit Gym™ - a groundbreaking approach to cognitive wellness, exclusively at The Bristal. Powered by SMARTfit™ technology, this innovative program blends physical activity with mental engagement, helping to strengthen memory, coordination, and focus in a fun, interactive way.
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Discover how The Bristal at York Avenue is redefining senior wellness on the Upper East Side.
Dubrovnik, Korčula
A JOURNEY ALONG THE ADRIATIC
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL
There are places in the world that don’t just welcome you — they recognize you . That is how I felt moving through Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Hvar, three destinations that seem to exist on the same emotional wavelength, each offering a different shade of beauty, history, and quiet reflection. Traveling between them felt less like a series of stops and more like following a thread of memory I didn’t know I had.
My first steps inside Dubrovnik’s walls felt like entering a living cathedral. The stone beneath my feet was warm from the sun, polished by centuries of footsteps. Every turn revealed another narrow passageway, another balcony draped with laundry, another glimpse of the sea shimmering at the edge of the city.
There is a gravity to Dubrovnik that you feel immediately. The city doesn’t rush you; it invites you to slow down, to look up, to listen. I found myself lingering on the old port, watching boats drift in and out as if time itself had softened. At sunset, the walls glowed gold, and for a moment I felt suspended between centuries — held by a place that has seen everything and still chooses to shine.
Sailing into Korčula felt like approaching a dream I had once forgotten. The old town rises from the water like a miniature Dubrovnik, but its
Korčula & Hvar
energy is gentler, more intimate. The streets spiral inward, guiding you through archways and stone staircases that seem to lead directly into the sky.
Here, the Adriatic feels different — calmer, almost affectionate. Pine trees lean toward the water, and the breeze carries the scent of herbs and warm stone. I tasted Grk and Pošip in small family- r un wineries, each glass poured with a kind of pride that felt deeply personal. Korčula slowed my pace. I lingered at lunch, swam a little farther, and let the moonlight keep me out later.
Hvar is the opposite of spectacle, and that is precisely its magic. One of the oldest towns in Europe, it carries its age with humility. The harbor is quiet, the stone houses lean toward narrow lanes, and the lavender fields stretch toward the hills like a soft exhale. What grounded me most, though, were the family- r un Konobas tucked into courtyards and along the backstreets — places where dinner feels like being welcomed into someone’s home. Meals arrive slowly, lovingly: grilled fish caught that morning, olive oil pressed by a cousin or an uncle, carafes of local wine poured with the kind of pride that only comes from generations tending the same land. In those Konobas, Hvar reveals its truest self — unhurried, generous, deeply human.
Hvar reminded me that beauty doesn’t always need to announce itself. Sometimes it waits for you to notice; it folds you in.
What ties Dubrovnik, Korčula, and Hvar together isn’t just geography — it’s feeling. Awe in Dubrovnik. Belonging in Korčula. Peace in Hvar. Three places, three moods, one coastline that lingers long after you’ve left.
And as I returned home to Sutton Place, I carried the Adriatic with me — the warmth of the stone, the softness of the sea, and the quiet reminder that some journeys stay alive inside you long after the plane lands.
Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com | @yanina_lecristal
Larry Samuel
BY PART-TIME SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT LARRY SAMUEL
Larry Samuel is a Miami- and NYC-based independent scholar with a Ph.D. in American Studies. He is the author of many books, including: "Tudor City: Manhattan’s Historic Residential Enclave" (The History Press, 2019); "Making Long Island: A History of Growth and the American Dream" (The History Press, 2023); and "Queens: A History of the Most Diverse Place on Earth" (SUNY Press, May 2025). His next book, "Sutton Place: A History of Manhattan's Most Fashionable Neighborhood," is currently in production with The History Press, set to be published late summer. It traces the fascinating history of Sutton Place over the last century, making it a must-read for current and past residents of the neighborhood.
LSAMUEL19@YAHOO.COM
Tudor City Centennial Walk
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 10:30AM
Receive a signed copy of "Tudor City: Manhattan’s Historic Residential Enclave" RSVP: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com
I’m Dr. Steven Chavez and I’d like to introduce you to a dental practice offering the care, comfort, style, and support you’ve been looking for: meet Blue Line Dental.We’renowschedulingweekday appointments at our brand new location in the city. PLUS,we’reavailablefordentalemergenciesat ournewo ffice location.We celebrate this vibrant community by making brighter smiles, and we can’t wait to welcome yours.
Introducing Blue Line Dental, a fresh and innovative dental practice that combines exceptional care, ultimate comfort, and a touch of style. Dr. Steven Chavez and Dr. Calvin Tam invite you to experience the care, comfort, style, and support you’ve been looking for. Our brand-new Sutton Place location is now accepting weekday appointments, PLUS, we’re available for dental emergencies to provide prompt care when you need it most. We celebrate the vibrancy of our community by making smiles brighter, one patient at a time, and we can't wait to welcome you!
SMILE, SUTTON PLACE
I’m Dr. Steven Chavez and I’d like to introduce you to a dental practice offering the care, comfort, style, and support you’ve been looking for: meet Blue Line Dental. We’re now scheduling weekday appointments at our brand new location in the city. PLUS
Dr. Steven Chavez started Blue Line Dental to provide a high caliber of care to the community he loves to serve. As a proud local, he’s committed to treating you like family while delivering world-class care.
yours.
DR. STEVEN CHAVEZ
Experience Senior Living in Style
ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE
Sunrise at East 56th is where elegance, service, and comfort come together. Our sophisticated residences, restaurant-style dining, and bespoke programming create a dynamic, enriching lifestyle. With attentive team members who cater to your unique needs and interests, you’ll enjoy a truly personalized experience that far exceeds your expectations.
