Sutton Place NOVEMBER 2026
the Art of
Photography by Anneliese Horowitz
HOME
Stephanie He
& HER PAUL RUDOLPH LOFT
Thinking of Making A Move? Call Ann Marie for a complimentary market analysis.
Sutton Seller Seminar
WEDNESDAY | NOV. 18 | 5 - 6 PM 575 MADISON AVENUE 3RD FLOOR
Join me for an intimate chat over local drinks & bites! What Buyers Look For, Capital Gains Tax, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, Transaction Time, Pied A Terre Tax & more. RSVP at AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM or 718-309-6606 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.
718 – 309 – 6606
AFOLAN@ELLIMAN.COM
60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, NY, NY 10022 WWW.ELLIMAN.COM/AFOLAN WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/ANNMARIEFOLANREALESTATE
NN MARIE FOLAN THE QUEEN OF SUTTON PLACE REAL ESTATE PARK BLOCK GALLERY
26 EAST 78TH STREET PRICE UPON REQUEST
JAW DROPPING VIEWS
45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11F $2,999,999 - 3BD/2.5BA
IN CONTRACT
25 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PHG $4,950,000 - 4BD/3.5BA
SOLD
STUNNING
RIVER VIEWS
45 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 10H $2,000,000 - 2BD/2 BA
60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 7KN $1,195,000 - 2BD/ 2BA
GORGEOUS GARDEN VIEWS
60 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 3HS $639,999 - 1BD/ 1BA
IN CONTRACT
245 EAST 54TH STREET, 8LM $1,750,000 - 2BD/2.5 BA
SOLD
50 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 16A $2,250,000 - CLASSIC 7 W/TERRACE
RIVER HOUSE, 6/ 7F $5,000,000
SOLD
4 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, PH $5,400,000
2 TUDOR CITY PLACE, 14BS $750,000 - 1BD/ 1BA
IN CONTRACT
40 SUTTON PLACE, PHM $750,000 - 1BD/1BA
SOLD
400 EAST 56TH STREET, 18P $1,350,000 - 2BD/2BA
410 EAST 57TH STREET, 4CD $3,400,000 - 4BD/4.5BA
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
TERRACE LOVER
ST. JAMES TOWER, 415 E 54TH ST $2,875,000
SOLD
234 EAST 61ST STREET $7,500,000
440 EAST 56TH STREET, 12G $1,100,000
SOLD
30 SUTTON PLACE, 7C $1,795,000 - CANDELA CLASSIC 6
CANDELA BEAUTY
14 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 7C $1,595,000 - 2BD/2BA
RENOVATED
36 SUTTON PLACE SOUTH, 11B $795,000 - 1BD/ 1BA
SOLD
JOHN STEINBECK TOWNHOUSE $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
Sarah Van Der Geest Designer
Anneliese Horowitz Photographer
PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher Eleni Menoutis Feature Writer Margaret Pfohl mpfohl@bestversionmedia.com Designer Sarah Van Der Geest 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,
What's incredible about our neighborhood is the many layers it holds. How we think we've seen it all, heard it all, from neighbors, books and walking tours. But the truth is, even having lived in this area for so many years now, and coming to this very place time and time again growing up, there are still stories to uncover, residents to read up on, buildings to look more closely at, architects to add to our admirers list. As someone who learned about the Paul Rudolph Institute only a few years ago, then recognized his name when exhibited at the Met two years back, I am personally thrilled to be able to introduce you to this month's cover star Stephanie He, an architect herself living in a Paul Rudolph-designed loft, down a street we've all walked countless times before. Enjoy our stunning November face and feature, and pay a visit to the Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture, located at 246 East 58th Street. Each month there are two open houses to attend, to experience the only Paul Rudolph-designed interior open to the public in New York City. Stephanie, thank you for allowing us the pleasure of witnessing yours. Happy discovering,
ELENI MENOUTIS Founding Publisher, Sutton Place Social EMenoutis@BestVersionMedia.com
KEEP SUTTON PLACE SHINING BECOME A MEMBER OF SAC
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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NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
WHAT WE DO
Join us! Stay Social 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
NO ONE KNOWS SUTTON PLACE LIKE THE EILEEN FOY TEAM! PROVEN RESULTS THAT MATTER
Compass Ranked
$1B
500+
Top 1%
#1
in Residential Sales
Co-op, Condo & Townhouse Transactions
of Real Estate Agents Nationwide
Brokerage in the USA 5 years in a row
From strategic pricing to powerful marketing and skilled negotiation, Eileen is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for every client. Eileen Foy has helped hundreds of homeowners navigate the market with confidence.
SO L D
25 Sutton Place South, 8G $1,975,000 SO L D
36 Sutton Place South, 13D $549,000 SO L D
447 East 57th Street, 5/6A $2,350,000 SOL D
25 Sutton Place South, 15P $1,237,500 I N CO N T R ACT
188 East 76th Street, 5ABC $4,995,000
SOLD
45 Sutton Place South, 9F $2,550,000 SOLD
50 Sutton Place South, 11L $995,000 SOLD
350 East 57th Street, 14B $1,975,000 IN CONT R ACT
50 Sutton Place South, 2D Best Jr. 4 Deal! $539,000 AVAIL ABLE
447 East 57th Street CANDELA BEAUTY $1,895,000
SOL D
45 Sutton Place South, 8L $1,595,000 AVAI L ABL E
440 East 56th Street, 1B Private Garden! $1,195,000 SOL D
45 Sutton Place South, 9D $1,150,000 SOL D
25 Sutton Place South, 10E $995,000 AVAI L ABL E
14 Sutton Place South, 7G CANDELA BEAUTY, $870,000
SOL D
45 Sutton Place South, 11K $1,595,000 SOL D
50 Sutton Place South, 5E $995,000 SOL D
25 Sutton Place South, 2L $675,000 SOL D
36 Sutton Place South, 8E $315,000 AVAI L ABL E
200 East 57th Street, 6H GREAT VALUE $849,000
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 2025. 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.
I N CONT R ACT
25 Sutton Place South, 9R $660,000 I N CONTR ACT
425 East 58th Street, 18D $2,195,000 I N CONT R ACT
50 Sutton Place South, 21L 3 BD Plus Terrace! $1,100,000 I N CONT R ACT
716 Broadway, #2 $3,675,000 SOL D
401 East 60th Street, 4ABC $3,675,000
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) @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) INVESTIGATION & PHYSICAL SECURITY Michael Gaeta SI Global Partners 212.245.2918 info@siglobalpartners.com www.siglobalpartners.com 199 Water St, 16th Fl, NYC 10038
Do you hold Expert Status? CONTACT ELENI MENOUTIS emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270
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)
FALL 2026
New York Speaks Many Languages
Make Spanish Yours September 26 – December 12
At Kaplan Nursery School, children learn what it means to be a member of a classroom community and what it means to be a friend. We are committed to sharing the value of Judaism by integrating the celebration of Shabbat and Jewish Holidays into an age-appropriate program. KNS is an integral part of the vibrant and long-standing Sutton Place Synagogue community. Email us at knsinfo@spsnyc.org or call us at 212-826-6204
EXTENDED DAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE
APPLICATIONS FOR 2027-2028 ARE NOW OPEN 225 East 51 Street, NY | 212.826.6204 | sps@spsnyc.org |
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@kaplannurseryschool
NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
New Students 10% OFF Use code NEW26
November GONG BATH & ENERGY HEALING OHM CENTER Sun, Nov 1, 5:30–7pm
STAY SOCIAL
1143 1st Ave, 62nd/63rd Cleanse your energy and reset your whole system through a powerful All Souls' Day gong bath, sound healing, and energy healing (ohmcenter.com/booking). For meditation, reiki, breathwork, sound baths, retreats, our newly released app that significantly reduces anxiety, and more, visit: www.ohmcenter.com MONTHLY OPEN HOUSE PAUL RUDOLPH INSTITUTE Fri, Nov 6, 6–9pm & Sat, Nov 21, 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
Sip & Shop & Signs SUTTON PLACE SOCIAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELIZABETH SUTTON X VIOLETTA LAZÉ Thurs, Nov 19, 5–8pm
Elizabeth Sutton Atelier-Boutique, 897 1st Ave The first in our series of Shopping Socials! Join us as we meet, mingle, and discover local artisans and curators in the area, just in time for the holidays. Drinks, bites, games, astrology, plus home decor and more from Elizabeth Sutton. $25pp includes entry, gift & chance to win a raffle. RSVP: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com www.elizabethsuttoncollection.com
HIDDEN HISTORY & WINE / TEA TASTING MOUNT VERNON HOTEL MUSEUM Sat, 11/ 7 (Wine) & Mon, 11/9 (Tea), 3–5pm
Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E 61st Discover another New York, paired with a historically inspired wine or tea tasting! Guests will also see our new exhibition, "The Empire City Begins," and learn about the Erie Canal and its impact on NYC. For more info & to purchase tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/the-empire-city-discover-new-york-citys-hiddenhistory-wine-tasting-tickets-2002076314150?aff=oddtdtcreator www.mvhm.org INSIDE FIT'S SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK Thurs, Nov 12, 6–8pm
TURTLE BAY TOUR WITH LOCAL JEFF LISS Sun, Nov 8 & Sat, Dec 12, 1–3pm RSVP: www.suttonplace.media/events SAC CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Mon, Dec 7, 6–7pm @57th Street Cul-de-Sac RSVP: www.suttonareacommunity.com/events
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US
ON INSTAGRAM & VIA OUR MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR UPCOMING WINTER BOOK CLUBS, WALKING TOURS, MAHJONG EVENINGS, NETWORKING NIGHTS & MORE. Event details subject to change
In Person, FIT, 227 W 27th St Join us at the Fashion Institute of Technology for a curated archival overview of women’s fashions in the Art Deco era. Fashion plates, period publications, original illustrations, and other materials from Special Collections and the FIT Archive, including works of some of the 1920s and 30s most influential designers and illustrators such as Erté, George Barbier, Paul Iribe, and Paul Poiret. Registration: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6851620 www.artdeco.org MORE THIS MONTH: Thurs, 11/5, 6–8pm: The Reinvention of FiDi (Downtown Manhattan) Thurs, 11/19, 6–8pm: "Goddesses in the Machine," American silent film fashion (Bard Graduate Center) www.artdeco.org/upcoming-events
Mark Your Calendars
| SPONSOR EVENT | 25TH ANNUAL MEETING EAST MIDTOWN PARTNERSHIP Wed, Nov 18, 9–11am
SUNY Global Center, 116 E 55th St We're kicking off a year of festivities and recapping 25 years of innovative programming. www.eastmidtown.org | SPONSOR EVENT | FREE SUTTON SELLER SEMINAR ANN MARIE FOLAN REAL ESTATE Wed, Nov 18, 5–6pm
575 Madison Ave, 3rd Fl (at 56th) Join the Queen of Real Estate for an intimate chat over local drinks and bites. NYC Pied-à-Terre Tax, Capital Gains Tax, What Buyers Look For, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, Transaction Time, and more. Please RSVP: AFolan@Elliman or 718.309.6606 www.elliman.com/afolan N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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LET'S EAT LOCAL
Sofia
Wine Bar
BY LOCAL NOAH WEINTRAUB |
A
@NOAHZACHARY
Owner Tommy & Noah
s I walked into Sofia Wine Bar, tucked away at 242 East 50th Street, I was immediately charmed by the rustic décor, exposed dark red brick walls, classic chandeliers and romantic vibe. The place was packed at 5:30pm on a Wednesday night and, even though I was early, they had my table ready and I enjoyed a glass of wine while I waited for my husband.
I asked the two twenty-something girls at the table next to me, “What do you love about this place? Is it your first time?” They told me they come here twice a month after work and it’s become their spot: “The wines are excellent and affordable. Two glasses of wine, a burrata and the sourdough bread is our go-to.” The DeGrezia family opened Sofia Wine Bar in 2009. Owner Tommy DeGrezia lives locally and is grateful that his restaurant exists in a part of Manhattan that “still feels like an actual neighborhood.” And that was made clear by the crowd. So many of the diners were regular customers, two different tables were celebrating birthdays, and the entire DeGrezia family was there entertaining their guests. “Have you tried the meatballs? I made them myself today,” said Antonia, the matriarch of the family.
ANNELIESE HOROWITZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Our lovely server Ava brought over a sampling of wines, spinach and artichoke dip, and the famous meatballs, which really were fantastic as promised. Leo Ricciardella is the sommelier and has created an ever-changing menu of fantastic wines from all over the world. We ordered the Gluten Free Pesto Ricotta Sicilian Pizza and a Caesar Salad. My husband said it was one of the best gluten-free pizzas he has ever had. We finished off the meal with homemade Tiramisu and a scoop of local A La Mode vanilla ice cream. Just when I thought I had seen it all, Tommy showed us two more dining areas. A private room toward the back with more seating, and an intimate indoor/outdoor garden area that is available year-round. Private dinners or small gatherings of thirty to fifty people can be hosted. There is something singular about a wine bar experience that’s both festive and more relaxed than the traditional pub or sports bar. I used to be intimidated by selecting wines, but with service like this, they will guide you to what you’re looking for. Sofia Wine Bar is the perfect place for a romantic date night, festive family gathering, or a cozy catch-up with friends. I’ll see you there. SOFIA WINE BAR 242 E 50th St (at 2nd) WWW.SOFIAWINEBAR.COM 8
NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
SPECIAL EVENTS | TEAM HEADSHOTS FAMILY MEMORIES | CUSTOM SHOOTS CONTRACTED PROJECTS EXPERIENTIAL | PRINT | WEB
347.277.6473 | anneliesehorowitz@gmail.com @anneliesehorowitz | anneliesehorowitz.com
ARTISTRY IN THE CITY
Nancy Koenigsberg
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT NANCY KOENIGSBERG
N
ancy Koenigsberg is a fiber a tist whose woven wire sculptures are simultaneously delicate and industrial, employing traditional fiber echniques with nonconventional materials that are at once airy and solid. Her works are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Art and Design, the Textile Museum in Washington D.C., the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Cleveland Museum of Art, among many others. WWW.NANCYKOENIGSBERG.COM NANCY.KOENIGSBERG@GMAIL.COM
YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY, WITH A TOUCH OF TRUFFLE Celebrate the season at the Sabatino Showroom in New York City. An intimate setting for private parties, corporate gatherings and holiday celebrations, with the unmistakable touch of the Truffle Family. NOW BOOKING HOLIDAY PRIVATE EVENTS. Info and reservations: m.bilopolska@sabatino1911.com
400 E 54TH STREET, NEW YORK 10022 Mon: 2 pm - 6 pm, Tue-Sat: 11 am - 6 pm (212) 920-4656
N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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i at r b l e Ce Our Sponsors
SOCIAL SCENE
& 7 YEARS
SEPTEMBER SOCIAL AT NOSTOS BY ELENI MENOUTIS
M
our gorgeous cover star Daklea
onday, September 28 marked our fifth Sponsor Social, an intimate evening filled with a palpable sense of community and gratitude. Without speeches, without an agenda, just a natural flow of conversation and connection — and a chance to experience a new local venue in town.
Spiros Exaras
Our neighborhood's gracious Greek restaurant Nostos, located on 59th between First & Sutton, closed its doors to the public and opened them up to us, in honor of our print and event partners, and seven years of Sutton Place Social. The private evening was in honor of all of you, my beloved sponsors, and we celebrated with a welcome drink of Kleos Mastiha Spirit, traditional passed appetizers, a sit-down second and third course, and homemade desserts. Singer and guitarist Spiros Exaras performed live outside in Nostos' beautiful enclosed terrace, while astrologist Violetta Lazé graced guests with her intuitive presence inside. Raffles from Dr. Cris Studio, Collagen Bar NYC and Dr. Cindy Bressler were awarded, and our valuable magazine sponsors were gifted decadent truffles courtesy of Katrina Markoff of Violet Flame Chocolate.
Violetta Lazé & Eileen Foy
As a tradition moving forward, MVPs (Most Valuable Sponsors) will be selected; for this specific social Scogo Media, East Midtown Partnership and Sutton Area Community. Scott Goldman, thank you for so generously supporting our events and visual aesthetic with your striking signage that never fails to elevate and wow. And for your spirited energy, always! Rob Byrnes, I greatly value our partnership and appreciate all of the effort you put into including our happenings in your newsletter. Because of you,
I’VE JOINED COMPASS! Your luxury real estate connection from NYC to the suburbs. Let’s schedule a discovery call to find a home that fits your lifestyle in Westchester County, NY, or Fairfield County, CT.
SUSAN JANART Associate Real Estate Broker | Licensed in NY & CT M. 914.262.0177 susan.janart@compass.com 25 Purdy Avenue, Rye New York 10580 susanjanart_realestate
SCAN TO CONNECT WITH SUSAN Susan Janart is a real estate licensee affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.
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NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
ing owner Alina
interns from The High School of Art & Design became a reality for the magazine, helping with our event posters and more. Pam Zonsius, you are a natural leader and a wonderful new president of SAC. You show up to everything (it's noticed!) and visibly (and humbly) improve our neighborhood with each initiative you undertake. It's because of humans like yourselves who make where we live a true community.
WWW.NOSTOSNY.COM @NOSTOSNYC
Thank you everyone for being part of the Sutton Place Social family these past seven successful years. Already looking ahead to our next get-together and anniversary celebration — who's hosting next?
WWW.SPIROSEXARAS.COM SPIROS@SPIROSEXARAS.COM
WWW.DRINKKLEOS.COM @DRINKKLEOS
FURNISHED RESIDENCES BY THE MONTH Whether you're transitioning between homes, renovating, or welcoming family for an extended visit, AKA Sutton Place offers the comfort and flexibility of home. Thoughtfully designed serviced residences feature gourmet kitchens, spacious living areas, and access to exclusive amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, and 24/7 Resident Services Team. Our elegant lounge and cocktail bar warmly welcomes residents and local neighbors.
SUTTON PLACE 330 EAST 56TH STREET STAYAKA.COM 212.752.8888
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SOCIAL SCENE
Astrologist Violetta Lazé
A Moment For Us L O C A L M O M S
owner Motrya
HAPPY HOUR A
Th an kf ul FOR
Sutton Place
& UES customers Fresh Baked Goods Pies • Muffins • Cookies & More
Order Ahead FOR THANKSGIVING!
917.409.3008 Family Run & Owned 997 1st Ave, between 54th & 55th 1729 2nd Ave, between 89th & 90th
Baking On Premises
week after the start of school, a group of mothers from the neighborhood eagerly gathered at Les Vagabonds to unwind, meet new mom friends, chat with fellow class parents, and discover some local brands in the area. We were treated to wine and bubbly and passed French hors d'oeuvres courtesy of lovely owner Motrya, homemade cheesecake brownie bites from PS59 mom Carla of La Pastelería en New York, astrology readings by renowned Violetta Lazé, a live piano performance, and raffle prizes from local shop owner Elizabeth Sutton (a colorful set of her signature placemats), our print sponsors Dr. Robert Melillo and Dr. Lynn Viscusi-Mancinelli (full set of Melillo Method books), small business Kind Lips (assortment of organic lip balms promoting kindness among kids!), and hot sauces for all by Beekman Place mom Simran of Simran Sauces (sold at The Greats of Craft). Each attendee also went home with Les Vagabonds' famous housemade Champagne Vinaigrette, now available for holiday gifting, too. What a way to transition from summer to school to seasonal happenings in our community. Be on the lookout for more events coming up!
WWW.LESVAGABONDSNYC.COM | WWW.LAPASTELERIANY.COM WWW.VIOLETTALAZE.COM Get the chance to meet Elizabeth and Violetta on November 19 at Elizabeth Sutton Collection boutique-atelier (1st Ave) for our second gathering, open to all, for a Sip & Shop & Signs event: www.suttonplace.media/events By Eleni Menoutis
FOLLOW US @crumblynyc
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NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
LET'S DRINK LOCAL: RECIPE
Les Vagabonds' MULLED WINE BY OWNER MOTRYA TOMYCZ
Vin Chaud
A seasonal drink enjoyed all over the globe, to serve at home. This month we bring to you: Les Vagabonds' Mulled Wine, or Vin Chaud.
A rich, warming blend of full-bodied red wine, fresh orange, crème de cassis, orange liqueur, cinnamon, star anise, clove and nutmeg, gently simmered until the wine becomes deeply aromatic and ruby red.
Bistro To Table
Warm slowly over low heat with the citrus and spices, taking care not to boil. Strain and serve hot in a glass mug, garnished with one fresh orange slice, a cinnamon stick and star anise.
Diane Johnson
Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS,
A SELECTION OF LES VAGABONDS' JARRED FAVORITES ARE AVAILABLE FOR FAMILY FEASTS AND GIFTING!
- Steak Frites - French Mayo - Duck L'Orange - Champagne Vinaigrette By popular demand after our Mom's Happy Hour at Les Vagabonds in September. Dine In, Swing By, Visit: WWW.LESVAGABONDSNYC.COM
Full Floor Apartment Perched Above and Overlooking the East River
Emery Roth Prewar Cooperative on Charming Block
3 Beds 3.5 Baths 450 E 52, 15th FL | $5,000,000 | Maint: $13,246/Mo.
NW Corner 1 Bed 1 Bath, Sunken Living Room & Open Views 235 East 73rd Street, Apt 10F | $829,000 | $2,489/Mo.
Listing #23733679
Listing #23794517
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 N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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Sabatino
SUTTON SOIRÉES
BRINGS THE
World of Truffles
TO A SHOWROOM IN
S U T TO N P L AC E BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
F
or more than a century, Sabatino has made truffles the center of its family story. A thirdgeneration family owned and operated Italian truffle company, also known as The Truffle Family, Sabatino was founded in 1911 in Montecastrilli, a quiet village in the heart of Umbria, Italy. Today, the company has grown into an international operation, sourcing truffles from its lands around the globe and distributing them through a network of partners, restaurants and operations across the United States, Europe, Asia and the UAE.
The story began when Sabatino and Giuseppina Balestra opened a modest shop fill d with local goods. From those humble beginnings, each generation carried forward the same values of hard work, respect for the land, and devotion to quality. In the 1960s, Piero Balestra expanded the family vision by investing in truffle farming, laying the foundation for the company’s future. By the 1990s, Sabatino had transformed from a regional shop into an international company, exporting Italian truffles throughout Europe, North America and beyond.
While the company has continued to evolve, family remains at the heart of Sabatino’s approach. Family ownership continues to guide its decisions, blending tradition with modern innovation. That philosophy is reflected in the company’s commitment to quality, sustainability, innovation and integrity, from sourcing the finest t uffles and ingredients to cultivating orchards and managing supply chains responsibly. For Sutton Place, Sabatino offers something particularly special. Located at 400 East 54th Street, its New York City showroom serves as a truffle hub for the community, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the world of truffles firsthand Customers can shop for fresh seasonal truffles and an extensive selection of truffle products, while the intimate space also hosts events and pasta making classes. Education is an important part of that experience. Sabatino is passionate about helping people understand where truffles come from, how they are grown, and how versatile they can be in the kitchen. The goal is to show that truffles can have a place in everyone’s kitchen, whether they are being used by a home cook preparing dinner for friends or a chef in a Michelin starred restaurant. The Sabatino team also includes some four legged members. The company’s truffle hunting team is made up of Lagotto Romagnolo and other mixed breed dogs. As the holiday season approaches, the Sutton Place showroom is opening its doors for private parties, corporate gatherings and festive celebrations. The intimate space offers an opportunity to bring a touch of truffle to holiday gatherings while creating a memorable experience for guests. For information and holiday reservations, contact m.bilopolska@sabatino1911.com.
Sabatino x SP Social pasta making, March 2026
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NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
@SABATINOTRUFFLES | WWW.SABATINO1911.COM Showroom located at 400 E 54th (corner of 1st) Retail location inside Grand Central Market
SEASON OF AYURLIGHT: DIWALI
& New Beginnings
A Celebration of
LIGHT, TOGETHERNESS
BY NISHA RANA, FOUNDER OF AYURLIGHT CANDLES
D
iwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate, share food and sweets, exchange gifts, and fill their homes with ligh . While Diwali has deep religious roots, the way it is celebrated varies across India and among different communities. At its heart, it is a celebration of light, hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Diwali is traditionally celebrated over five days, with each day bringing its own customs and traditions. In the days leading up to the festival, homes are often cleaned and decorated, new clothes are purchased, special foods are prepared, and families begin making plans to gather with loved ones.
One of the most familiar sights of Diwali is the diya, a small oil lamp traditionally made from clay. Rows of diyas, along with candles and decorative lights, are placed throughout homes, on balconies, around entrances and in windows. The word Diwali comes from Deepavali, meaning “row of lights.” The lights are commonly associated with hope and the triumph of light over darkness. Diwali is also a celebration of color and creativity. Many homes are decorated with rangoli, intricate designs made from colored powders, rice, flowers or sand, often placed near the entrance.
Marigolds and other fresh flowers are used throughout homes and gathering spaces. The aromas of sweets, spices, flowers and incense add another familiar part of the Diwali experience. Food and hospitality are at the center of the celebration. Thoughtful gifts are exchanged as a way to show appreciation and extend good wishes for the year ahead. It is often the thought behind the gift, rather than its value, that matters most. For many families, the main evening of Diwali includes dressing up, gathering for a festive meal, lighting diyas and spending time together. Many also take time for prayer or personal reflection. Fireworks have traditionally been part of Diwali celebrations in many parts of India, although their use varies from one community and region to another. Today, Diwali is celebrated far beyond India, with Indian communities around the world keeping their own family and cultural traditions alive. Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists observe Diwali, although the meaning and traditions associated with the festival can differ. From one home to another, the celebration may look different, but the spirit of light, connection, generosity and new beginnings remains at its heart. For those experiencing Diwali for the first tim , there is no need to know every tradition to appreciate the spirit of the festival. Light a candle, gather with the people you love, share something sweet, and take a moment to think about the light and new beginnings you want to carry into the year ahead. Wishing all of the Sutton Place Social readers a very Happy Diwali and a year fill d with light, happiness and prosperity! WWW.AYURLIGHTCANDLES.COM @AYURLIGHTCANDLES Readers experienced AyurLight and its aromatherapy benefits at our recent events at The Palace & Les Vagabonds. Discover Nisha's New York-based brand of thoughtfully crafted candles inspired by the beauty, traditions and sensory experiences of India. N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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Architecture ,
Adventure
and Family WRITTEN BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNELIESE HOROWITZ
COVER STORY
T
hree years ago, Stephanie and her husband had never heard of Beekman Place. Today, the neighborhood is home to the couple, their 2.5-year-old Aussiedoodle, Pepe, and, as of this fall, their baby girl. What first drew them to the area was Paul Rudolph’s architecture and the East River views, but over time, the tree-lined streets, familiar faces, and quiet rhythm of the neighborhood have become just as meaningful. Their story together began long before they arrived in New York. The couple met in college in Montreal and began dating after graduation. Years later, their relationship stretched across two cities and an ocean. Stephanie was in graduate school in London while her husband was already working in New York, and their weekends together became an opportunity to discover the city side by side. They tried new restaurants, found coffee shops in Brooklyn Heights, and explored New York’s architecture. Eight years after they met, they were married at Manhattan City Hall. That shared curiosity has remained a constant in their life together, whether they are exploring a new city, heading to the mountains, or simply walking along the East River. Growing up in Vancouver, Stephanie was surrounded by mountains, the Pacific and forests. Her family lived near the beach and beside an old-growth forest, and she became attuned to the way different environments could shape a feeling. The West Coast architecture around her, from midcentury homes to civic buildings by Arthur Erickson, added another layer to that fascination. “I grew up attuned to the way each environment evoked a different sense, whether it was the hush and filtered light of the forest or the openness and shifting light off the water,” Stephanie recalls. That early connection eventually became a career. Stephanie studied architecture at McGill University before earning her master’s in Architecture and Urban Design at University College London. She moved to New York to begin her professional career, first joining ZGF Architects, where she worked on Google’s New York offices in Chelsea and Hudson Square. She later joined Henning Larsen’s New York office during its early years in the city, contributing to projects including the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library competition, Visa’s headquarters at Mission Rock in San Francisco, Amazon’s headquarters at Boston Seaport, and a robotics lab at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Today, Stephanie is a Registered Architect in New York and oversees design at a real estate development firm. Architecture, however, remains just as much a part of her life outside the office.
Pepe celebrating Chinese New Year
It is especially apparent in the home she shares with her husband. Their space sits within a 19th-century townhouse N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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Paul Rudolph exhibition at the Met, 2025
Hiking in the Catskills
that Paul Rudolph renovated, adding his own bold, multi-level penthouse in steel, concrete and glass above the original structure. Their apartment echoes that same design language, with exposed I-beams left in view rather than concealed and nine distinct levels unfolding across two floors. “For me, walking through it every day is its own kind of education,” Stephanie explains. The home also reflects the couple’s appreciation for the relationship between old and new. Contemporary art sits alongside pieces carrying generations of family history, including hand-carved cookie molds that once belonged to Stephanie’s great-grandmother in China. In the main living area, the visual connection to the second floor keeps the family connected even when everyone is doing something different. Pepe has settled into his own favorite corner beneath the fireplace. Their life outside the home is equally active. Stephanie runs along the East River Esplanade and through Central Park with Pepe, who seems to consider every person and dog he encounters a potential friend. A friend originally convinced the pair to try running by using new bakeries and coffee shops as motivation along the route. What started as a creative incentive has become one of her favorite ways to spend time with friends. This year, Stephanie completed the Vancouver Half Marathon at four months pregnant. Stephanie grew up snowboarding at Whistler, while her husband skis, and the two take an annual ski trip together. Whistler and Jackson Hole are among their regular destinations, although they also enjoy exploring new mountains. One of their most memorable trips took them to Niseko, Japan, where her husband proposed. 18
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Visiting Villa La Coste in France
apple tarts, while Animo! is their go-to for breakfast after a workout. They also frequent Okatte Tanto, Ubani and Norma, along with Ambassador Wines & Spirits, where Stephanie appreciates the knowledgeable staff and selection of wine and sake. Eva’s Nails is another neighborhood staple. Beyond Rudolph’s work, Stephanie has discovered Sutton Place’s Art Deco buildings, historic townhouses and treelined streets. The community feels welcoming without feeling crowded. “Everyone here is warm and friendly. Neighbors and doormen alike always say hello, with Pepe counting many of the doormen among his best friends,” Stephanie says with a laugh.
At home, the couple enjoys cooking together and testing new recipes for friends. Stephanie also spends time at Astoria Woodworkers Collective, a nonprofit wood shop where she built her first piece of furniture, a side table she remains proud of. For her, woodworking provides a meditative, hands-on break from her day-to-day work. On quieter days, she sails on the Hudson. Their travels often follow Stephanie’s interest in architecture and design. In Naoshima, Japan, known as “Museum Island,” she explored several museums designed by Tadao Ando, one of her favorite architects. The Chichu Art Museum is built almost entirely underground, allowing the architecture to exist within the landscape rather than compete with it. At Benesse House, gallery and hotel spaces come together. Another memorable destination, Villa La Coste in Provence, combines a wine estate with an open-air museum featuring work by Ando, Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel and Louise Bourgeois. Back in Sutton Place, some of the couple’s most cherished moments are much simpler. One of Stephanie’s favorite rituals is picking up a sandwich from Ideal Cheese Shop and taking it to the esplanade, where she can sit and watch the river traffic drift by with Roosevelt Island in the background. Chez Les Frenchies Café is a regular stop for coffee and
Around the holidays, the Christmas tree at Beekman Place adds another layer of charm, but Stephanie says the appeal of the neighborhood ultimately comes down to something quieter. She loves the calm of its mornings, before the energy of Midtown takes over the rest of the city. This fall brought a major change to that rhythm. Stephanie and her husband welcomed their first child, a baby girl, in October. Their home, already filled with art, architecture and reminders of family history, now has a new story unfolding inside it. “Home has always meant more to me than four walls. It’s a discipline I practice for a living and a retreat I return to at the end of the day,” Stephanie reflects. That may be what makes their life in Beekman Place feel particularly fitting. Stephanie first noticed the neighborhood because of its architecture, but what kept her here was everything that could not be captured in a floor plan: the river views, familiar faces, walks, meals, traditions, and the sense of returning somewhere that feels distinctly their own. Keep up with Stephanie and see more of their Paul Rudolph loft on Instagram @casa.y.pepe. N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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R I V E R H O U S E
LEGENDARY LANDMARKS
20
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT & REALTOR EILEEN FOY | PHOTOS BY DANIEL OSBORN
S
ituated on a quiet cul-de-sac where East 52nd Street meets the East River, River House is one of Manhattan's most storied and iconic buildings. Majestic in scale and defined by enduring elegance, it enjoys unparalleled views of the river, the Pepsi-Cola sign, and the Queensboro Bridge. Cars pass through the gates into a cobblestone courtyard with two stunning fountains, which makes arrival and departure remarkably discreet. Within, a lobby of quiet sophistication opens onto a beautifully kept garden that looks out over the East River, a private green retreat with the water just beyond.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION,1930–31 Long before the twenty-six-story central tower and its two fifteen-story wings were built, the property was occupied by a cigar factory. That structure was cleared for a new cooperative development, which builder James Stewart & Co. constructed between 1930 and 1931. The architectural firm Bottomley, Wagner & White, headed by Columbia University alumnus William Lawrence Bottomley, designed the building, drawing on Bottomley's extensive experience crafting prominent Virginia residences. From its inception, River House was envisioned as a co-op, originally debuting with seventy-eight sprawling apartments. These initial layouts were massive for the era, typically featuring twelve rooms, dual fireplaces, dedicated staff quarters, and entire floors or wings dedicated to a single residence to guarantee waterfront views. Additionally, the design incorporated a secondary entrance on East 53rd Street. While decades of apartment combinations and renovations have altered the original floor plans, the building now has seventy-six apartments. THE LANDING Among the original amenities was a private pier on the river. Shareholders docked their yachts there and commuted by water to their Long Island mansions. The city later took the pier by eminent domain to build the FDR Drive — a point frequently garbled in accounts of the building, which sometimes suggest the co-op gave the pier up by choice. THE FIGHT FOR THE FLOOR PLANS Financial strains from the Great Depression triggered a 1941 foreclosure sale at River House after residents fell behind on the mortgage interest. In 1948, new owner Tishman Realty & Construction attempted to subdivide the building's massive residences into about one-hundredseventy smaller apartments. However, the community mobilized, hiring a legal team that ultimately defeated the proposal and preserved the grand architectural designs. The episode explains a great deal about the building as it stands today. River House still offers a few twelve-toeighteen-room layouts at a moment when nearly every contemporary of its generation has been carved up into smaller units.
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435 EAST 52ND STREET THE RIVER CLUB The River Club functions entirely separately from the co-op, occupying the lower section of the building through a long-term lease arrangement. As a trailblazer among New York’s elite private organizations, it stood out as one of the first o establish a coeducational membership. Today, the facility boasts premium recreational amenities, including a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a ballroom, and courts for tennis and squash. Guests and members can also dine indoors or on the outdoor terrace, both of which overlook the waterfront. Residents have access to the fitness cen er, and individuals approved to purchase an apartment at River House may request sponsorship by the River House Board of Directors in their club membership applications. A GUARDED DOOR For a time, the co-op board’s exacting approval process drew nearly as much public notice as the building itself. A number of notable and famous people were turned down over the years, according to stories reported at the time. Recognizing that this reputation was weighing on property values and slowing sales, the co-op changed course. Today, its approach to prospective buyers bears little resemblance to the rigid practices of earlier decades.
THE SETTING River House is conveniently located at the Beekman Place/ Turtle Bay border, one block from Sutton Place, in a quiet waterfront community at the center of Manhattan. Several small parks are scattered throughout the neighborhood, among them Peter Detmold Park, a waterfront park reached from the end of East 51st Street. The East River Esplanade and Sutton Place Park are also close by. The author acknowledges the cooperation and assistance of the River House residents and management in the preparation of this article.
EILEEN.FOY@COMPASS.COM @EILEENFOYNYC
THE RESIDENTS Throughout its history, River House has drawn a distinguished roster of residents. Among its high-profile shareholders were industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, FM radio pioneer Edwin Howard Armstrong, and investment banker Ferdinand Eberstadt. The property also attracted prominent cultural and political figures, including luxury retail executive Walter Hoving of Tiffany & Co., explorer Kermit Roosevelt, theatrical director Joshua Logan, and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Other notable names to call the building home include financier Peter G. Peterson and bestselling author Barbara Taylor Bradford. A FACADE REVEALED For the past several years, River House was wrapped in scaffolding. Its recent removal has returned the beautiful limestone facade to full view, and the striking prewar Art Deco building can once again be admired throughout the neighborhood. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS The scaffolding was part of a far broader program of capital work. The building’s Local Law 11 cycle is now complete, with detailed repairs carried out to the facade, the roofs, and the exterior walls. The main lobby has been fully renovated in a style faithful to the building’s period, and the motor court and River Court gardens have been replanted, with new irrigation and lighting throughout. The systems behind the walls have had equal attention. A new 450-kilowatt emergency generator is in place, along with new domestic hot and cold water pumping systems, an automatic fire pump, and upgraded steam stations. Security has been strengthened throughout the building and at both the residential and service entrances. Two projects remain under way: the modernization of the building’s ten elevators and the reconstruction of the East 53rd Street sidewalk. N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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A MINUTE WITH
Violetta Lazé
GUIDES OTHERS TO AWAKEN THEIR INNER WISDOM & LIGHT BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
For Violetta Lazé, the path to becoming a spiritual psychology coach, transpersonal hypnotherapist, astrologer, and psychic intuitive guide began long before it became her profession eight years ago. From a young age, she felt an innate connection to something greater than herself and a curiosity about the unseen dimensions of life and the deeper meaning behind human experiences. Today, Violetta’s private practice supports high-achieving leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives and luminaries seeking greater clarity, purpose, confidence and fu fillmen . Blending spirituality and psychology, Carl Jung’s depth psychology framework, Eastern and Western philosophies, subconscious reprogramming, nervous system regulation, and intuitive guidance, she helps clients understand their soul’s path, uncover limiting beliefs, strengthen self-awareness and self-trust, and navigate pivotal transitions in their relationships, careers and personal lives. Violetta believes lasting change requires looking at the whole person, including the conscious and subconscious mind, nervous system, emotional body, energy, and connection to something greater. “Rather than constantly searching outside of ourselves for answers, I believe that each person carries an innate inner wisdom,” she explains. Her work focuses on quieting the conditioning, fear and subconscious patterns that can make that wisdom difficult to access.
return home to one of her own. On her first d y back in New York, her neighbors showed her a litter of kittens, and Leia was the only orange kitten left. As a new year approaches, Violetta encourages the community to embark on their spiritual path into 2027: “Bet on yourself. Stay connected to the light of your soul. Choose your future self. Take risks.” For those looking to begin the year with greater clarity, working with Violetta can be an opportunity to intentionally manifest meaningful change from the inside out. Book a session with Violetta at ViolettaLaze.com and connect with her on Instagram @violettalaze. Join our Sip & Shop & Signs event with Violetta on November 19, 5–8pm, at Elizabeth Sutton Collection (1st Ave).
Her path to this work was surprisingly shaped by a background in entertainment. As a film actress and entertainment television host for PBS, Violetta spent years in front of the camera learning scripts, interviewing celebrities and telling stories. Behind the scenes, she became increasingly fascinated by what existed beneath the surface of human behavior: why people think, feel, choose and repeat certain patterns. That curiosity led her deeper into metaphysics, spirituality, psychology and astrology. She also began recognizing what she experienced as innate intuitive abilities, including prophetic dreams and insights about people and situations. What began organically through conversations with close friends eventually grew into a calling to help others on an international scale. For Violetta, the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing when someone "taps into their innate power, comes back home to their truth and authenticity.” She finds the g eatest meaning in helping people reconnect with their “inner light and sense of divinity” and turn that connection into a lifelong practice beyond fear, trauma and conditioning. Outside of her practice, Violetta loves traveling internationally, discovering hidden gems, immersing herself in different cultures and learning about spiritual philosophies and traditions. Her newest family member is Leia, an orange Scottish Fold kitten. While traveling in Greece, Violetta repeatedly encountered orange cats and developed a strong feeling that she would 22
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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
NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
THE RISING POPULARITY OF
PADEL BY LOCAL RESIDENT EILEEN ANGELO
S
utton Place has always been a haven for those who want to play racquet sports. Between the Sutton East Tennis bubble under the 59th Street Bridge, built in 1979 with its eight red clay courts, Town Tennis (founded in 1954!), and the storied River Club offering tennis, squash, and platform tennis (in winter), there has always been a draw to the neighborhood for those seeking the fitnes , socializing, and exclusivity that racquet sports offer. Although the platform courts that once sat above the sidewalk at Town Tennis are no longer, and the River Club is terribly exclusive, the relationship between Sutton Place and racquet sports remains alive and thriving, and I decided to investigate the newest addition to the neighborhood, Reserve Padel. In the past few years, a “new” racquet sport, Padel (pronounced ‘paddle’), has found its way into the hearts and souls of racquet enthusiasts around New York City and beyond. Being a longtime tennis and squash player, with some wintertime platform tennis played from time to time, I too was intrigued by this sport with a funny looking racquet, played inside a glass box, and with a shot called a “bandeja.” My curiosity became a quest after my first experience with padel at Padel House in Dumbo, Brooklyn. I was hooked, and I was determined to find a way to satisfy my craving closer to home. I was just finishing my spring tennis season on the indoor har-tru courts at Sportime Randall’s Island when I noticed a pamphlet on the front desk advertising their padel options. So I booked a clinic and had a great afternoon ($90 for two hours) with three other women who were looking for something to do while their kids were taking tennis lessons. It was a blast! We moved, we challenged ourselves, we cheered for one another on good shots. I was actually pretty good! I had to find a way to play more. Enter Reserve Padel. I reached out to them to book a tour and a lesson and called upon my good friend, excellent squash player and Sutton Place resident Jess Vogel, to join me. Reserve Padel has two locations in Manhattan, both led by Head Pro Pablo Casado, a Spanish national and former junior professional player with over 20 years of experience. While the larger club is in Hudson Yards, Reserve recently opened two courts on 61st and York, right up the block from the Sutton East tennis bubble. It was a scorching day, but the courts were comfortable and air conditioned. We were taken through our paces by assistant pro Cooper Sakaguchi, former collegiate tennis player at SMU and USC, who made a run at the big time on tour, and has now settled into a career as a padel pro. He is not alone; many tennis players have made this switch. Cooper thinks it is due to a few key reasons: lower barriers to entry, you can play anywhere in the world, you don’t need as much space as you do for tennis, and it's easier on the body! I agree with all of these. He has loved being part of Reserve and tells me that most of their members are local to the neighborhood. Reserve views itself as a “modern country club,” providing a high-end and full-service experience in the middle of the city. There are great locker rooms, access to a gym, pool and spa, as well as the two courts.
After three great padel experiences in NYC, I wanted to learn more. I reached out to my good friend and President of US Padel, Bill Ullman, to find out mo e about the sport. Bill is an excellent racquetsman and longtime, highly decorated squash player. It surprised me to learn that US Padel was founded way back in 1993, but just in the past few years has really gotten traction in the States. Invented in Mexico in 1969 and made popular in Spain and Argentina in the following decade, padel is only now growing quickly in the US. Bill began playing in 2022, quickly became nationally ranked, and was elected to the board in 2024. The goal of the organization, besides being the governing body of the sport (like the USTA or USGA), is to grow the sport and make it more accessible. Although there are several hotbeds of padel around the country like in Florida, Texas and California, where play is outdoors year-round and land is abundant, New York City (boroughs included) is a bright spot for the growth of the sport. Unfortunately, costs are higher here and there are still only about 30 padel courts. He equates where we are currently in terms of padel to where tennis was in the US in 1910! There is a long way to go. Sutton Place and East Side residents in general are lucky, though. We have two of the best facilities in the city available to us, and there are additional courts being built in several places like Queens and Harlem. It's true, playing padel is not an inexpensive hobby, but for those who desire something a bit more intense than pickleball, but easier to learn than tennis, padel might be just the thing! To learn more about Reserve Padel, Sportime, or USA Padel, including a map of courts, please visit their websites.
RESERVE PADEL UES 1113 York Avenue WWW.RESERVEPADEL.COM/61STSTREET N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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UES GUIDE: GRAND OPENING
Jean Claude
I S S E T T L E D I N S U T TO N
& BACK ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT SYLVIA O’HAGAN
owner Kamel & Sylvia
I
n 2024, a restaurant joined a busy stretch of 1st Avenue right by Trader Joe’s and the 59th Street Bridge. While some of our Sutton Place neighbors might not have known at the time, this wasn't just a new neighborhood restaurant, but the celebrated return of an Upper East Side institution — Jean Claude was back.
Having originally opened in SoHo in 1991 before moving to its longtime UES location, then closing after its building was sold, the restaurant was welcomed by Sutton Place and its reopening celebrated by those UES fans who had missed it. Owner Kamel Moumeni says that while his original customers were happy to be able to return once again, there was some grumbling about having to go a bit downtown. Luckily for our Sutton Place neighborhood who has come to love Jean Claude, and all its longtime fans of more than 20 years, Kamel decided to expand by reopening in Yorkville, and keeping our Sutton Place spot. Jean Claude Yorkville opened this past September, and from the scene of a recent dinner there, with many happy welcome-backs to both Kamel and his dedicated staff, we knew we were in for a treat. The new Yorkville restaurant has a different vibe than the Sutton Place location, the aesthetic being less bistro and more modern, with white walls, modern seating and a great-looking bar for mingling. "Each location has its own personality and reflects its neighborhood, but the heart of the design remains the same: a warm place where people can gather and create memories together," explains Moumeni. The menu, however, is consistent between both locations, as Jean Claude's chef consults for both to ensure consistency and enjoyment of the classic yet elevated French bistro fare — from onion soup to steak frites to crème brûlée and more. "Nothing is meant to feel overly formal or pretentious," notes Moumeni. "It is casual, cozy, and inviting, while still capturing the spirit of a classic French neighborhood bistro." While we basked in the camaraderie around us, we enjoyed a variety of appetizers and entrees that warmed us from the chill of one of the season's first fall evenings. The standouts included Calamards à la Nord Africaine, artfully sliced rings of squid in an amazing sauce which our friendly waiter rightly suggested we dip the table's crusty bread into for 24
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extra enjoyment. Another was the Shrimp Salad, a customer favorite and easy to see why with its pairing of perfectly cooked tiger shrimp nestled in beans and tomatoes. The classic Coquilles Saint-Jacques was a favorite for this scallop-loving diner. Paired with tasty risotto, it was somehow hearty and light simultaneously. La Raie au Couscous, a delicious original dish from Jean Claude's SoHo days, was the same. We could not pass up the French bistro standard steak experience, so we dipped into L'Onglet aux Echalotes, hanger steak drizzled with a tasty thyme and red wine shallot sauce (bread dipping encouraged again). Though beyond satisfied, we peeked at the dessert menu, and settled on a shared Crème Brûlée. As for what is next for both Jean Claude restaurants and their patrons, Moumeni says they are committed to serving the same quality as well as introducing new specials in their lunch, brunch and dinner menus. He notes he is immensely proud to have evolved from working at the original SoHo Jean Claude to now owning the two restaurants and indulging his passion for business and hospitality. "It is a privilege to share the French dishes and recipes that I love so much…I am incredibly proud of what we have created and grateful to everyone who walks through — both — our doors."
1481 YORK AVENUE (AT 78TH) 1076 1st Avenue (Sutton Place) WWW.JEANCLAUDEBISTROTNYC.COM
Behind the scenes for their most recent 'basics' collection
Brings STYLE TO THE STUDIO & Strives to Give Back
Café Après
Victoria & Becca at their first trade show, Brand Assembly, February 2026
BEHIND THE BRAND
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
V
ictoria Mathis and her business partner, Becca West, launched Café Après one year ago after spending about two and a half years developing the idea. The boutique accessories brand sits at the intersection of fashion, wellness and café culture, beginning with minimalist grip socks designed for the studio and worn long after. The idea began about four years ago in a Pilates class, where Mathis noticed the limited options for grip socks. There were inexpensive pairs from large online marketplaces or nearly $30 options at studios, covered in slogans and embroidered icons often with loud grips underneath. After purchasing a pair and watching the grips come off after one wash, she began wondering if a grip sock could simply be well made, functional and fashion-forward. “I can be a maximalist in other parts of my life, but it made me wonder whether a grip sock had to look like everything else on the market,” Mathis recalls. “Whether someone could just make a really good one: plain, chic and functional, and neutral enough that I could dress it up myself if I was meeting someone for a matcha after class.” Café Après takes a quieter approach to the category, focusing on clean design, considered color, and functionality without unnecessary decoration. The name reflects the brand's philosophy: “Après is the part of the day most activewear forgets to dress for.”
The same standard will eventually extend to caps, bags and other accessories. New York has always been Mathis' biggest inspiration, from its architecture and street style to its creativity and energy. Fashion, design and Pilates are what she cares most about, and Café Après brings the three together. Pop-ups at local Pilates and barre studios are a favorite part of the business, giving Mathis and West the opportunity to meet customers and build relationships with instructors. Community is an important part of Café Après' — and its future. One of the brand's biggest goals is to eventually make an annual donation of grip socks to patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering. Mathis lost her mother to cancer and remembers her as the most stylish woman she knew.
Women's VIP Wellness Reset at The Palace with Sutton Place Social magazine
“ S M A L L C O M F O R T S M AT T E R W H E N S O M E O N E I S G O I N G T H R O U G H S O M E T H I N G H A R D. H O S P I TA L G R I P S OC K S A R E A N A F T E R T H O U G H T AT E X AC T L Y THE MOMENT THEY SHOULDN'T BE. I CANNOT WA I T TO B E A B L E TO DO T H I S O N E DAY . ”
Mathis and her husband, a photographer, call the Upper East Side home and spend time at their family lake house in Alabama. They have three dogs and a cat and support shelters and rescue work. West lives in Denver with her husband and dog, Marley. Café Après plans to continue expanding its styles and colors while improving the product with every run. To find upcoming pop-ups or experience the brand at another Sutton Place Social collab event, follow @shopcafeapres on Instagram. N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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ESCAPE FROM SUTTON PLACE
Letters
Paris FROM
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT YANINA LE CRISTAL
P
aris has a way of rearranging your senses. It seduces you, slowly, confidently, with the kind of grace only centuries of beauty can teach. Each time I return, I feel the same quiet flutter in my chest, as if the city is whispering, Welcome back. I’ve been waiting.
I begin my mornings the way Parisians do: unhurried. A warm croissant, impossibly flaky, paired with a café crème that seems to taste better simply because it’s Paris. The city moves around me with a softness — neighbors exchanging greetings, the hum of bicycles, the distant bells of Saint‑Germain. Even the light feels curated, slipping between Haussmann façades like a painter choosing where to place his gold. Wandering is my favorite Parisian ritual. I let the streets decide my direction, turning corners that reveal hidden courtyards,
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flower‑draped balconies, and bookstores that smell of old paper and new stories. In Paris, beauty isn’t an event — it’s a constant. It’s in the way a woman ties her scarf, the way a waiter places a glass of Sancerre on the table, the way the Seine glimmers even on a cloudy day. Afternoons belong to art. Whether I’m standing before Monet’s water lilies or discovering a new exhibit tucked inside a modern gallery, I feel the same spark — Paris reminds you that creativity is a living thing. It breathes here. It thrives here. And it invites you to join in. Evenings are for indulgence. A candlelit bistro, a glass of Burgundy, a dish so simple yet so perfect it makes you close your eyes for a moment. Paris teaches you to savor, to linger, to let pleasure be part of your vocabulary. But what stays with me most is the feeling. Paris makes you believe in elegance, in romance, in the poetry of everyday life. It reminds you that the world can be beautiful, and that you can be part of that beauty simply by paying attention. Every visit becomes a chapter in my ongoing love story with this city. And each time I leave, I carry a little bit of Paris with me — its charm, its confidence, its quiet magic — until I return again.
Yanina Le Cristal Lifestyle Connoisseur yaninalecristal.com |
@yanina_lecristal N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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LITERARY LOCALS
Central Park!
A NEW RHYMING CHILDREN’S BOOK
A rhyming storybook for kids about the park they love
by T ish Rabe
illustrated by Andrea Boatta
PROVIDED BY TURTLE BAY RESIDENT TISH RABE
N
.Y. Times Bestselling Dr. Seuss author, and contributing writer for Sutton Place Social magazine, Tish Rabe has just released a new rhyming book about the “must see” places children love to visit in Central Park. This beautifully illustrated book introduces the Squirrel Family — Mommy, Daddy, and their kids Sunny, Skippy and baby Sky — who are excited to give everyone a tour of the most famous park in the world. Little readers can discover the Alice in Wonderland statue, the Children’s Zoo, and take a ride on the Carousel! The book also includes a “Thank You” to the Central Park Conservancy, and the song “Central Park is Here for You,” which ends with...“You can spend the day, it’s fun and pretty, in the heart of New York City!” "Central Park You Can See Is the Best Place to Be" is available on Amazon and at TishRabeBooks.com.
To make it easier for supporters to help in distributing MORE free books (Tish via a crowdfunding campaign raised enough money to donate 5,000 copies to kids in the underserved neighborhoods of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island), the new nonprofit Tish Rabe Children's Foundation has been launched. Tish Rabe is the bestselling author of more than 200 children's books for Sesame Street, Disney, Dr. Seuss and many more, with over 11 million copies sold. To learn more, visit TishRabeBooks.com.
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PET CORNER
Pleasantly
Pepe BY BEEKMAN PLACE RESIDENT STEPHANIE HE
H
i, I'm Pepe! I'm a 2.5-year-old Aussiedoodle, and life in Beekman Place is pretty much perfect. My favorite foods are pumpkin, cheese, and sardines (I will do just about anything for a bite). I love playing catch with my friends at Peter Detmold Dog Run, my favorite place in the whole neighborhood. Jogging with Mom is another favorite — my personal record is 8 miles in Central Park! And when I need to slow down, I like sitting by the river and watching the boats go by. @CASA.Y.PEPE
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NOVEMBER 2026 / SUT TON PL AC E SO C I A L
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N OV EM B ER 2 0 2 6 / S U TTO N P L ACE SOCIAL
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Sutton Place 3373
SOCIAL
PRIVATE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE | ISSUE #90 | EST. 2019
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