Sutton Pl a ce
A Timeless Sutton Place Story
Cover Illustration by Tug Rice
“D EAR NN MARIE ”
Question of the Month
DEAR ANN MARIE,
We’re thinking about listing our Sutton Place apartment, but the holidays are coming up. Is December really a good time to sell, or should we wait until spring?
-TIMING IT RIGHT ON THE EAST RIVER
DEAR TIMING IT RIGHT,
Believe it or not, December can be a wonderful time to sell — especially in Sutton Place. While many sellers wait until spring, that’s exactly what gives you an advantage now: less competition. Buyers who are looking in December tend to be serious — they’re not browsing; they’re ready to make a move before the new year.
Sutton Place, with its private parks, tranquil community feel, warm prewar details and sparkling river views, photographs beautifully in the glow of winter light and holiday décor. A tastefully staged apartment can feel especially inviting this time of year — and emotion drives real estate decisions more than we often admit.
If you have flexibility, list strategically: get professional photos taken now while your home looks its best, and be ready to welcome qualified buyers who want to start their next chapter before January. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a smooth, well-timed sale — and December just might deliver it.
Warmly, -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 anneliesehorowitz.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,
Our December issue is an ode to Sutton. A perfect pair-up of never-before-seen memories of years past — and a winter wonderland representing the magic, to this day, that is Sutton Place. To top this festive feeling off, we have countless community celebrations in our event listings, enough to have you mingling and merry with neighbors all holiday long.
Happy Everything, everyone!
ELENI MENOUTIS
Founding Publisher, Sutton Place Social EMenoutis@BestVersionMedia.com
BEHIND THE COVER
Custom Illustration by Sutton Place
resident Tug Rice, Sutton Place Social's October 2023 cover star & this month's featured artist. See page 22. @TUGRICE | WWW.TUGRICE.COM
Anneliese Horowitz Photographer
Eleni Menoutis Publisher Margaret Pfohl Feature Writer Sarah VanDerGeest Designer
December
| SPONSOR EVENT |
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
SUTTON AREA COMMUNITY
EVENTSDecember
Mon, Dec 1, 6–7pm
57th Street Cul de SAC
Please join us for our annual Christmas tree lighting event this year! Free community event. For more details: www.suttonareacommunity.com
| SPONSOR EVENT | DAN SENOR LECTURE
SUTTON PLACE SYNAGOGUE
Mon, Dec 1, 7:30pm
225 East 51st Street
Join us to welcome Dan Senor to give our Annual Stanley Kahn Memorial Lecture. Senor, host of the "Call Me Back" podcast and author of "Start-Up Nation," will join Rabbi Rachel Ain in conversation to discuss Israel, Judaism, and issues of the day.
RSVPs appreciated: sps@spsnyc.org www.spsnyc.org
HOLIDAY WINDOWS WALKING TOUR
SP SOCIAL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH JOYCE GOLD HISTORY TOURS
Fri, Dec 5, 11am–1pm
59th & Fifth at Sherman Equestrian Statue
From 58th to Rock Center, with history about The Plaza Hotel, St. Patrick's Cathedral, 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Episcopal, Paley Park, Rockefeller Center, and of course, the iconic high-fashion holiday windows. Bonus: Treat for attendees. $35/ticket. RSVP by emailing: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com
| SPONSOR EVENT | HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR
SI & EAST MIDTOWN PARTNERSHIP
Sat, Dec 6, 10am–6pm
128 East 63rd Street
In partnership with East Midtown Partnership, the Society of Illustrators presents its third annual Holiday Craft Fair, a festive makers market celebrating craft, design, and handmade goods. Explore three floors of art and unique gifts, enjoy live music, seasonal treats and beverages, and take part in activities for all ages.
$40 VIP ticket / $10 general admission / Children 10 and under are free. Purchase tickets: www.societyillustrators.org/holidaycraftfair | www.eastmidtown.org
ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY & TOY DRIVE
TURTLE BAY ASSOCIATION
Sun, Dec 7, 1pm–3pm
Foxy John's Bar & Kitchen, 143 E 47th St
Join in the holiday spirit at the annual Turtle Bay Association toy party which will once again benefit The Single Parent Resource Center. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift. www.turtlebay-nyc.org
"1925 A MODERN VISION"
ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
Mon, Dec 8, 6–8pm
Christie's New York
The global celebration of the Art Deco Centennial continues with a special ADSNY members-only evening featuring a panel discussion and preview of Christie's stellar exhibition "1925 A Modern Vision." This exhibition celebrates the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, the landmark exhibition that defined the Art Deco aesthetic — when form overtook function and artists and designers championed elegance and luxury to create complete environments.
For more information and to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6389560
| SPONSOR EVENT | FREE SUTTON SELLER SEMINAR
ANN MARIE FOLAN REAL ESTATE
Wed, Dec 10, 5–6pm
575 Madison Ave, 3rd Fl (at 56th)
Join the Queen of Real Estate for an intimate chat over local drinks and bites! What Buyers Look For, Capital Gains Tax, Market Conditions & Trends, Seller Closing Costs, Transaction Time, and more.
Please RSVP: AFolan@Elliman or 718.309.6606 www.elliman.com/afolan
| SPONSOR EVENT | PATRICIA BRENNAN TRIO INSTITUTO CERVANTES NEW YORK
Thurs, Dec 11, 7pm 211 E 49th St
A mesmerizing evening of music with the Patricia Brennan Trio, a boundarydefying ensemble known for its bold exploration of sound, rhythm, and texture. Led by renowned vibraphonist, marimbist, and composer Patricia Brennan, the trio brings together three adventurous improvisers who create immersive sonic landscapes that blur the lines between contemporary jazz, experimental music, and ambient minimalism.
Free RSVP: www.eventbrite.com/e/amsteryardsoundsjazz-patricia-brennan-triotickets-1424890809769?aff=ebdsoporgprofile www.nyork.cervantes.es/en
SEASONAL SING-ALONG & LIGHT SHOW SUTTON PLACE PARKS CONSERVANCY
Sat, Dec 13, 5–5:45pm 57th Street Park
The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy is holding its Fifth Annual Sutton SingAlong and Light Show, kicking off the winter season with festive songs led by professional singers. Hot chocolate will be served with all the fixings, and there will be a special “light show” surprise. Song lyrics will be provided. Adults, children and singing dogs are welcome to celebrate winter with your neighbors. Follow us on Instagram @suttonplaceparks for more information. www.suttonplaceparks.org
| SPONSOR EVENT |
HOLIDAY SING-ALONG
BEEKMAN PLACE ASSOCIATION
BEEKMAN PLACE ASSOCIATION
Sun, Dec 14, 5–6pm
End of East 50th & Beekman Pl
Come join the Beekman Place Association in a Holiday Sing-Along as we celebrate by the Christmas tree at the end of East 50th Street and Beekman Place. Bring your hot cocoa and mittens! Free Event!
www.beekmanplacenyc.org
WALDORF ASTORIA REOPENS
ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK
TURTLE BAY BOOK CLUB
FT. MURRAY HILL AUTHOR!
SP SOCIAL MAGAZINE
WITH ROBERTA MANTELL & GARY WILLIAMS
Wed, Jan 21, 6–8pm
Exact location revealed upon RSVP
Tues, Dec 16, 10:30am–12:30pm & Wed, Dec 17, 10:30am–12:30pm 301 Park Ave
The Art Deco Society of New York is pleased to announce two special private tours for ADSNY members of the stunning Art Deco restoration of the Waldorf Astoria as our final event of this extraordinary Centennial year. Our guide will be the Waldorf's historian, Victor Wilson, who will give us an in-depth tour of the beautiful public and private restored spaces and discuss the architects and designers who have spent almost a decade painstakingly bringing this New York Art Deco icon back to its original grandeur.
For more information and to register: https://artdecosocietyofnewyork.wildapricot.org/event-6393077
| SPONSOR EVENT |
CHANUKAH COCKTAIL
CHABAD SUTTON PLACE
Thurs, Dec 18
Chabad Sutton Townhouse
Chabad Club Members come together on the fourth night of Chanukah for chef-prepared Latkes and an open bar. For members only. To inquire, email Rabbi@ChabadSutton.org www.ChabadSutton.org/ChabadClub
| SPONSOR EVENT |
BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG MENORAH
CHABAD SUTTON PLACE
Sun, Dec 21, 3:30–5pm
East End of 57th Street @ Sutton Place
Annual Menorah Lighting & Chanukah Celebration hosted by Chabad Sutton Place. Elected officials join the entire community in celebration. Heated seating areas, hot drinks, donuts, crafts, entertainment and more. RSVP: ChabadSutton.org/Chanukah. Complimentary & Open to All. www.ChabadSutton.org
MOMS-ONLY SOUTHAMPTON EVENT
THE MOM CLUB X HILL STREET BOXING
Sun, Dec 21, 12–1:30pm
33 Hill St, Southampton, NY
Join The Mom Club (founded by a Sutton area mom!) at Hill Street Boxing for a special 60-minute, MOM-ONLY workout mixing boxing-inspired moves with HIIT for a full-body sweat session. Receive a Yoga Democracy two-piece outfit to sport during the event, assisted 1:1 stretching by Stretch Zone Southampton, and mini facials by Blue Water Spa Southampton. Plus, energy bites from mom-founded Hampton Grocer — and an amazing signature Mom Club swag bag, as always! $100/person. All levels welcome and all equipment will be provided. www.thethirdplace.is/event/CeGgHR91T86DpiYI7XPlgQ
Another very special book club bringing together two talented Sutton Place Social readers, both authors. Murray Hill writer and former longtime arts reporter and photographer for The New York Times, Roberta Mantell, will be discussing her debut novel, "Angels’ Blood: Murder in the Chorus," a mystery set in the worlds of music and journalism. Our gracious host for the evening, Gary Williams, will be gifting attendees the first book of his trilogy, "Gone But Not Forgotten." Local food & drinks will be enjoyed, including La Pasteleria en NY homemade desserts.
$40/ticket. Readers to purchase featured read. Maximum 20 seats. RSVP: emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com.
https://robertamantell.com | www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-butnot-forgotten-gary-m-williams/1139376215?ean=9781649791993
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH US
on Instagram & via our monthly e-newsletter for upcoming December & January walking tours, book clubs, socials, and more.
THIS WINTER
The Experts.
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
CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Matthew M. Cruger, PhD, Clinical Director
Child Mind Institute
646.452.0500
Annie.Rosenbladt@childmind.org
www.childmind.org
215 E 50th (at 3rd Ave) @CHILDMINDINSTITUTE
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
DO YOU HOLD EXPERT STATUS?
Contact Eleni Menoutis emenoutis@bestversionmedia.com | 646.386.6270
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
HOMEWORK
Poor school performance could be related to a mental health or learning disorder. Child Mind Institute’s expert team will carefully evaluate your child to make the right diagnosis.
Understanding your child is the first step towards treating your mental health and learning disorder.
Ready to Buy?
Multicultural COFFEE SHOPSArrive in
Turtle Bay
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT AMANDA MACTAS
For the caffeine starved among us, nothing is better than when a new coffee shops opens up in the neighborhood. Thankfully, two new cafés have arrived, both of which are slinging superior sips along with baked goods you won’t want to turn down.
La Belle Tasse
836 2nd Avenue (btw 44th & 45th)
@CAFELABELLETASSE
Although this new café is French in nature, it also has Turkish roots at heart. Helmed by Turkish multi-hyphenate Pia Bozyel (she not only runs the café, but is also an artist, journalist, and chairwoman of the Greenearth Fund), La Belle Tasse has been thoughtfully decorated with her mother’s teacup collection (some of which is for sale) and charming antiques to give customers a welcome and at-home feel. You’ll find plenty of classic coffees and teas on the menu here, as well as French pastries and even Turkish coffee (which is served with some Turkish delights). In particular, the café is becoming well known for its tea selection, which is beautifully displayed and sourced from Turkey — and will soon be available for purchase to take home. Due to its proximity to the United Nations and surrounding embassies, the café also offers a 10% discount to anyone with a UN ID. Bozyel has big plans for La Belle Tasse and is already eyeing spots for a second location.
Simpl Coffee
927 2nd Avenue (btw 49th & 50th)
@SIMPL_COFFEE
After running a successful outpost in New York City’s Financial District for over three years, Simpl Coffee decided to open up its second shop uptown. The menu offerings reflect the Ukrainian upbringing of its owners, with options like Raf coffee and delicious cardamom buns. Mostly, though, you can expect to find really good coffee and tea beverages — none of which are made with any syrups or artificial ingredients — for really affordable prices. The store’s flat white is extremely smooth and is one of the most popular drinks on the menu. And while you’ll find standard coffee options here, Simpl’s ice menu broadens the beverage options with more creative drinks like espresso and matcha tonics, strawberry matcha lattes (amazing), and the bumblebee (a blend of espresso and orange juice). Plus, Simpl makes its own coffee blends, which are also available for purchase to take and make at home.
Amanda Mactas Sutton Place resident, freelance food, travel and lifestyle journalist
From all of us at Sutton Place Social, to the GoC team on their growing business — and growing family!
GREAT MOVES: PART II
The Greats of Craft LIC WATERFRONT
BY OUR PUB CRAWL DUO LIAM DOUGHERTY & LUKE ROBINSON
Located right on the edge of Gantry Plaza State Park, just steps from the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign, The Greats of Craft LIC Waterfront is a welcome addition to the Greats of Craft family.
Step inside, and you are immediately met with the same neighborly warmth that defines their other locations — another all-day neighborhood hub that shifts effortlessly from a mellow morning coffee spot to a cozy late-night bar.
The Greats of Craft — affectionately known as GoC by regulars — first opened in Sutton Place in the summer of 2019 (same timing as Sutton Place Social! ) with a simple but powerful goal: to restore a sense of neighborhood and community through shared experiences. That mission remains alive and well at their newest spot, which opened in the fall of 2025. The LIC Waterfront location marks the group’s third space, following the success of their LIC Warehouse location that opened Spring 2024.
Inside, the space feels instantly familiar. The front bar hums with easy conversation, the back room offers a quiet refuge, and the outdoor patio invites you to linger over a drink. Behind the bar, manager Chloe infuses every interaction with warmth and energy — her recommendation of a Double IPA from Albany was spot-on when we visited. It is those personal touches that make GoC what it is.
GoC’s rotating tap list remains a craft beer lover’s dream. Each visit brings new discoveries and unexpected finds from breweries across the country. We first encountered one of our all-time favorites, Edmund’s Oast’s Cereal for Dinner, at the Sutton Place location. During our visit to LIC Waterfront, we enjoyed a hoppy standout from Ever Grain Brewing in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania — a surprising connection to a place Liam once called home. That's the magic of The Greats of Craft: every pour tells a story, and sometimes, that story is yours.
If beer is not your drink of choice, GoC’s cocktail list and seasonal specials are equally impressive, paired with a menu of small plates and snacks complementing both. They even offer a curated selection of canned beers to-go — perfect for a waterfront picnic or a quiet night in. For early risers, their strong coffee program kicks off daily at 7 a.m., fueling the neighborhood long before the first pint is poured.
What truly sets GoC apart is its commitment to community. On Wednesday nights at 7 p.m., the bar hosts trivia, a lively event that turns casual visitors into regulars. Whether you are stopping in for a morning latte, an after-work pint, or a nightcap with friends, The Greats of Craft LIC Waterfront captures the spirit of the neighborhood — a place that celebrates connection as much as craft.
Sutton Place Stroll
Just two days after our book club benefit, another group of readers joined together for a walking tour of Sutton Place. Everyone got to sample our October cover star Maren Jensen's Glow Beauty Fuel collagen protein bars (Dark Chocolate Almond was the favorite of the evening!) while being led by Manhattan historian Joyce Gold on our signature neighborhood history lesson. The trend for most of our walking tours lately seems to be getting a delightful surprise greeting by one of our townhouse residents, this time the iconic YueSai Kan of Sutton Square! WWW.JOYCEGOLDHISTORYTOURS.COM WWW.GLOWBEAUTYFUEL.COM WWW.YUESAIKAN.COM
- Eleni Menoutis
PHOTOS BY TASHA MACEDO
Sutton Place’s
AUTHENTIC ITALIAN
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT KIM SCHU
If you loved La Villetta, you are in for a treat with La Terra, an Italian restaurant opened by the same owner. Luigi, a native of Puglia, Italy, who has been a fixture in Midtown East 's dining scene for more than two decades, is proud to debut his latest restaurant alongside new business partner, Nick.
Marked by a small lit-up awning on the bustling block of 54th and 1st Avenue, this adorable eatery is perfect for families or a date night out.
My fiancé and I had the privilege of experiencing the attentive staff (Luigi and Nick personally greeted us when we walked in the door!), a cozy endearing atmosphere, and practically any dish you could possibly dream of.
Upon arrival they provided us with an extensive wine list, with a focus on Italian reds. The owners share that they are continuing to build out this list and pride themselves on unique wines from Puglia.
We were thrilled to see our two favorites on the appetizer menu, burrata and caprese, and we couldn't resist the meatballs when we learned of the fresh, gooey mozzarella baked into their centers.
For entrees, we split the delicious (and very generously sized) Chicken Parmesan from the Specials Menu, along with Gnocchi Di Patate “La Terra,” and the Agnolotti Al Porcini, which were half-moon-shaped mushroom ravioli smothered in truffle cream sauce. While I am not particularly a seafood lover, Nick highly recommends the multiple fish options on their specials menu, as Puglia is known for their seafood.
Our meal was capped off with a Sicilian Cannoli and slice of their homemade Carrot Cake topped with homemade vanilla gelato. The dessert menu also includes tiramisu, ricotta cheesecake, and a handful of other options to please those with a sweet tooth, like myself.
At the end of our meal we had the privilege of learning Nick's backstory: This health-tech corporate professional had never been in the restaurant industry before, but he was a loyal customer of La Villetta and knew Luigi from years of dining there.
“When Luigi closed down La Villetta, I offered to help him find a space to open a new restaurant. As time progressed, I became more invested in the venture, and we decided to become business partners.”
Nick also shares how exciting it is to have family and friends come see the success he has helped create. He describes the restaurant as “extremely similar to the atmosphere and food of La Terra, with a much bigger kitchen.”
La Terra is open daily from 12 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. for dining and takeout. Making a reservation in advance is recommended!
LA TERRA
987 1ST AVE (AT 54TH) WWW.LATERRA-NYC.COM @LATERRANYC
Kim Schu is a Sutton Place resident as of this past year, but she has spent over a decade living in various neighborhoods of NYC (obviously this one is her favorite so far!). Kim attended NYU and prides herself on being a true New Yorker who can help any tourist or local curate their perfect weekend itinerary. kimpaigeschu@gmail.com
Cocktails should be simple, delicious, and ready whenever you are. That’s exactly what Julie Stevens set out to do with BeTini Spirits. A designer and entrepreneur known for high-end interiors, custom glassware, and luxury golf products, Julie wanted a cocktail that made entertaining effortless without sacrificing style or flavor. Her awardwinning, ready-to-drink brand delivers just that.
Launched in 2015, BeTini is a woman-owned, premium cocktail brand built for real life. The frosted hourglass 750ml bottles feature six signature cocktails: Pink Cranberry Cosmo, Lemon Drop, Appletini, Margarita, Mojito, and Tropical Sunset rum cocktail. Each is low-calorie, low-carb, gluten-free, and certified kosher, so you can enjoy the drink without any guilt. For portable sipping, BeTini Minis come in four-packs of 200ml recyclable PET bottles shaped like stemless champagne flutes, perfect for a picnic, poolside afternoon, beach trip, music festival, golf outing — or even a NYC rooftop book talk like Sutton Place Social's at 2 Sutton Place South!
BeTini Spirits COCKTAILS
Made Simple, Chic & Ready to Sip!
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
From flavor profiles to packaging design, Julie has guided every aspect of BeTini, ensuring a luxurious yet approachable experience. She personally designed the hourglass bottle to combine elegance with practicality. Every cocktail is award-winning, recognized by the SIP Awards, PR%F Awards, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, and the Los Angeles International Spirit Competition. BeTini can be served straight from the bottle, on the rocks, or as a base for your own creative cocktails.
Explore the brand @betinispirits and order a BeTini for yourself at BeTiniSpirits.com. Mocktails coming soon.
PHOTOS BY CARA HARMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
A Book Club BENEFIT
Fit For Marilyn Monroe
On a windy Sunday afternoon in mid-October, our book club benefit atop 2 Sutton Place South, Marilyn Monroe's former Sutton Place residence, was brought inside — in hindsight, a preferred setting for what turned out to be a most special, inspiring, honest chat with two local authors: Anne Abel and Kaye Courington. Kaye of "Scrim: A New Orleans Story of Resilience and Rescue," welcomed us into her chic 2 SPS apartment, where we enjoyed whimsical high-tea bites from Sarisa Cafe and equally fancy BeTini Spirits cocktails, while listening to Anne vulnerably and so engagingly discuss her life through her memoir "Mattie, Milo, and Me." Book clubbers received a copy of both
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.
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,
books, which they had the opportunity to get signed at the end of the event, and a chance to view the building's unimaginable 360-degree rooftop views. A portion of ticket sales have been proudly donated to The Humane Society of New York.
Read more about our featured authors, their pets, and our generous event sponsors (and even Marilyn!) throughout this issue of Sutton Place Social.
WWW.HUMANESOCIETYNY.ORG
306 E 59th St (btw 1st & 2nd) @humanesocietyny
The only licensed Assisted Living Residence in NYC entirely devoted to Enhanced Memory Care.
Kaye Courington & Anne Abel
- Eleni Menoutis
Priscilla McOstrich
When Priscilla Charlotte Glenn McOstrich tells you she’s lived in Sutton Place her entire life, she means it.
Born at LeRoy Hospital on East 61st Street in 1949, she’s been here longer than most of the buildings that now define the skyline. Her earliest memories are of tree-shaded blocks, quiet courtyards, and the neighborhood park where she still sits today, sometimes feeling, she says, like she’s “on a movie set.”
Her story begins during World War II, when her British father was sent to New York by his government to open an antique shop in a Park Avenue townhouse between 56th and 57th Streets in support of the Lend-Lease Act. He met her mother, a Georgia native working as his assistant, and they married in 1941. They made New York their permanent home, moving to 400 East 58th Street in 1953. “I’ve lived in our neighborhood since then,” Priscilla says simply, though that understatement covers a lifetime of stories few others could tell firsthand.
Priscilla’s personal life has been marked by both love and loss. Her fiancé passed away years ago from a heart attack before they had a chance to make wedding plans. She also shares a quiet regret that she never had children. Even so, her life has been full of creativity, passion, and connection to her community.
As a girl, she attended the prestigious Nightingale Bamford School on East 92nd Street, then spent a year at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, before transferring to Parsons School of Design, then-located in an old meatpacking building on 54th Street between First Avenue and Sutton Place. “Our class took our graduation photo in the sandbox at the park between 53rd and 54th,” she recalls. “The Madison was our coffee shop hangout after class. It was tiny back then.”
After earning her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography, Priscilla started at Esquire magazine in the promotion design department, then moved into medical advertising before finding her stride in fragrance packaging. “I got a job designing fragrance bottles and boxes for Geoffrey Beene and Diane von Furstenberg,” she beams. That experience led her to Coty U.S. Inc., where she spent twentythree years as a multi-award-winning Senior Art Director, a role she landed, fittingly, by answering a New York Times classified ad.
“I loved seeing my designs in stores and on television, especially at Christmas,” she reflects with a smile. One of her favorite projects was designing key elements of Sophia Loren’s fragrance and bath line. After Coty, she founded her own business, PMCO Designs, specializing in fragrance and beauty branding, and still takes on freelance work today.
Her creative eye spills over into her passions. Priscilla has built one of the most extensive private collections of perfume packaging from 1915 to 1955, with more than 3,000 bottles and packages and 1,000 vintage illustrated ads. “I’ve shopped antique stores across the U.S. and Europe to build it,” she says passionately. Together with a friend and former Elizabeth Arden creative director, she now gives elaborate lectures on the history of major fragrance houses of earlier and present times, bringing each era to life with her collection.
My Parents, Summer 1954
57th St Sutton Place Park
Sutton Place Park Summer 1954
1 Sutton Pl S, 1957
Lorna won her dog at a raffle at The Spence School on 91st near Nightingale
The McOstrich influence runs deep. Her father once worked as the main cataloguer for Parke-Bernet, which became Sotheby’s, and her aunt Patricia McOstrich was among the first female car racers at Brooklands Raceway in England in the 1930s, a suffragette who later ran an ambulance corps during World War II.
Priscilla still lives just off Sutton Place on East 55th Street, where she’s been in the same building for fifty years. Her constant companion is Sparkle Lilystar, a white toy poodle known throughout the neighborhood. “Everyone knows her. She’s a social butterfly!” Sparkle even has her own company, Sparkle of Sutton Place, and together they’ve designed eighteen holiday greeting cards starring Sparkle, to be sold on Etsy.
It’s not her first poodle with star power. Her previous pup, Twinkle Snowstar, used to sit with Priscilla’s mother on the benches above the 57th Street Park. “They’d chat with Greta Garbo and her poodle,” Priscilla laughs. “Mom never let on that she knew who she was, because Garbo would have gotten up and left.”
Her favorite local haunts include Deux Amis on East 51st Street and Éclair Bakery on 53rd, which she’s eager to see reopen after a fire. She’s also fascinated by the layers of
Mom & Me Sutton Place Park, 1956
With Dad & Chipper, 1973 58th St Sutton Sq Park
neighborhood history, like how Trader Joe’s now sits under the Queensboro Bridge, where a bustling bridge market once operated when the bridge opened in 1909.
Sometimes, though, it 's the smaller memories that linger most: the ice cream parlor that once stood on 58th Street where Biscuits & Bath is now, with its marble counter and tin ceiling. Or the afternoon when, as a child, she and her friends saw Marilyn Monroe leaning out her window at 2 Sutton Place South. “I still have friends from those sandbox days,” she shares warmly. “The funny thing is, we all remember each other parents.”
Beyond New York, Priscilla has long enjoyed traveling to Europe, particularly to visit cousins in South Wales and the Cotswolds in England. Locally, she's volunteered over the years with Bide-A-Wee, the Lighthouse Guild, Ronald McDonald House, and the Sutton Place Parks Conservancy, where she once designed event posters. “Sutton Place is like a secret, private space in New York City,” she believes. “It has history, beauty, and the most interesting mix of people.”
Today in the 57th Street Park, Priscilla sits with Sparkle Lilystar at her side, remembering afternoons spent there with childhood friends. She's watched it change, adapt and grow, but through it all, she's remained constant.
In her words and in her life, she embodies Sutton Place itself: timeless, kind, and quietly extraordinary.
58th St Sutton Sq Park, 1956
Under the 59th St Bridge, 1954
Sutton Place Park, 1963
"Greta Garbo Bench," 1956 in front of 1 Sutton Pl N Townhouse
Diane Johnson
Licensed
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 575 Madison Avenue 6th FL NY
djohnson@elliman.com
O: 212-418-2075 | C: 917-865-4340
Opportunity To Own Former Kennedy's Apartment
4 Bed 5 Bath Duplex | 4 Sutton Place #6/7
High Ceilings | Pre-War Charm | Gracious Room Proportions
Price $3,500,000 | Maint: $16,916/MO. #23614031
COUNTRY SOUL MUSIC MAGAZINE...
RICE Tug
Tug Rice is a New York City-based illustrator known for his elegant, character-driven work and collaborations with leading international brands such as Harry Winston, Dior, Halcyon Days, The Ritz London, and The Carlyle Hotel. His illustrations have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Veranda, and The Washington Post, and in books published by Simon & Schuster, Rizzoli, and others. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, he serves on the board of the Noël Coward Foundation in London. He was recently featured in the book, "New Fashion Illustration: 50 Essential Contemporary Artists."
"I love walking around Sutton Place with a coffee and looking at the Art Deco architecture. Some of the best examples of the period are found in our neighborhood. There’s a quiet elegance all around that I find so peaceful and inspiring. I love traveling, but coming home is always a treat."
COURTESY OF SUTTON PLACE
RICE
Winter Scene, for Scully & Scully
The Metropolitan Opera Club
Detail from The Occidental restaurant in Washington, D.C.
Personal work
The Ritz London
LITERARY LOCALS Anne & Kaye
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENTS ANNE ABEL & KAYE COURINGTON
Anne Abel is a late-in-life author, storyteller, and influencer. Her first memoir, "Mattie, Milo, and Me" (2024), about unwittingly rescuing an aggressive dog, was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in New York City. Her second memoir, "High Hopes" (2025), was inspired by her Moth StorySLAM win in Chicago. Anne was featured on Newsweek.com: “Boomer' s Story About How She Met Her Husband of 45 Years Captivates Internet.” She holds an MFA from The New School for Social Research, an MBA from the University of Chicago, and a BS in chemical engineering from Tufts University. She has freelanced for multiple outlets over the course of her career.
"MATTIE, MILO, AND ME"
Anne grew up in an abusive home leading to severe depression. One of her sons wants a dog from the time he is a baby, but Anne does not. Her desire to be a good mother wins out and Anne agrees to get a dog, Mattie. Anne falls in love, instantly. When Mattie dies a sudden death, Anne feels herself sinking back into depression. Trying to cope, she immediately adopts Milo, a dog who, unbeknownst to her, has already been returned to the rescue by several families due to his aggressive behavior. But even after Anne realizes Milo is dangerous, she's committed to trying to give him a good life. Everyone deserves a second or third, or even fourth, chance.
"HIGH HOPES"
At the age of 59, Anne had never been to a concert. She goes to a Bruce Springsteen concert, a man she knows nothing about. Despite her severe depression, his magic lifts her, and for the first time in her life she feels alive. For the first time in her life, she has fun.
A year later, after having one desk too many thrown at her, she quits her community college teaching job, and then she panics. She's terrified that with her sons grown and living on opposite coasts and her husband traveling, without the structure and focus of the classroom she'll fall back into the abyss of depression.
She remembers that Bruce Springsteen will be touring Australia in four months. So, even though she hates to travel, hates to be alone, and hadn't known what a Springsteen was a year earlier, she books a solo trip at the age of 60 to follow Springsteen's 2014 Australia High Hopes Tour: eight concerts, five cities, over twenty-six days. Anne didn't go on this trip to change. But change, she did.
Anne currently lives nearby in New York City with her husband, Andy, and their perfect cavapoo, Wendell. You can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok @annesimaabel. www.anneabelauthor.com/mattie-milo-and-me | www.anneabelauthor.com/high-hopes
Kaye Courington is a lifelong animal advocate and the author of "SCRIM: A NEW ORLEANS STORY OF RESILIENCE AND RESCUE" (Susan Schadt Press, 2025), which tells the true, heartwarming story of a scrappy terrier who defies all odds, surviving a hurricane, two gunshot wounds, dodging a train, crossing an interstate highway, and the 2025 New Orleans six-inch snowstorm. Featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, the London Daily Mail, and other major news outlets, Scrim became a hero overnight, and a symbol of unbreakable spirit. This beautifully illustrated picture book, for animal lovers everywhere and of all ages, follows Scrim's harrowing journey from danger
to safety, thanks to a dedicated community of rescuers led by Michelle Cheramie of Zeus’ Rescues. With unwavering determination, they worked for nine months to bring Scrim to his forever home. More than a rescue story, SCRIM is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of compassion. Kaye, a New Orleans attorney, currently splits her time between NOLA and Sutton Place. She is generously donating all of her author royalties to local animal organizations.
www.susanschadtpress.com/shop/p/scrim-a-neworleans-story-of-resilience-and-rescue
Stanley & Wendell LUCKY RESCUES
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENTS KAYE COURINGTON & ANNE ABEL
STANLEY is thrilled to be making his magazine debut in Sutton Place Social. A 13-year-old rescue dachshund, he moved to Sutton just this past July from his hometown of New Orleans and has been soaking up the neighborhood vibes ever since. He enjoys the new experiences of belly rubs from neighbors in elevators, treats from the wonderful doormen at 2 Sutton Place South, and visits to the Florentine boar statue in the 57th Street Sutton Place Park and to the Little Free Library in the 56th Street Park. His adventures in NYC, which he visited at length last summer (with his dear departed friend Minnie), have been chronicled on Instagram @Stanley_And_Minnie_Take_NYC where he still enjoys a small but loyal following.
WENDELL is an 18-month-old cavapoo who made his way from Missouri to bring love, smiles, and fun to his mom and dad in NYC. He loves every minute of every day and every single person he meets. But he especially loves his dad; with his mom, a close second. When he isn’t nestled in a lap or playing fetch with his squeak balls and skinny chicken, he is looking for opportunities to snatch his dad’s dirty socks or unroll toilet paper from the holder and drag it throughout the apartment. You can follow Wendell (sometimes) with over 700K other followers on his mom’s Instagram, TikTok and Facebook: @annesimaabel
Recreated in honor of Diane Keaton
A TASTE OF THAILAND
Sarisa
BY FEATURE WRITER MARGARET PFOHL
SCafe
tep into Sarisa Cafe on 53rd between 2nd and 3rd and you'll instantly be surrounded by the scent of coconut and sweet mung bean as Thai desserts are handcrafted with care. From Khanom Chan to Look Choup, Bou Loey, and other pastries in traditional Thai flavors, every item on the menu is made thoughtfully. Their signature Afternoon Tea Set with blooming flower tea gives guests a chance to linger, taste something beautiful, and take a break from the city's pace
The café opened in 2023, born from a family dream to share Thai sweets with New Yorkers. It is named after Kasiya Jittanuch's mother, Sarisa, and every dessert is crafted by her aunt, Chef Abbey, who has spent years perfecting classic Thai recipes with her own creative touch. “We wanted to bring the taste of our home kitchen to the city,” Kasiya shares. “It 's about family, culture, and passion connecting generations.”
The philosophy at Sarisa Cafe is simple: dessert with heart. “We believe in slowing down, being present, and appreciating the care behind each dish,” Kasiya explains warmly. Everything is handmade from quality ingredients, rooted in Thai tradition but reimagined for today's table. The team draws inspiration from family, particularly their grandmother, who taught them to make Thai sweets with patience and love. “Every dessert we create carries those memories.”
One of the most rewarding parts of running the café is seeing people try Thai desserts for the first time. Guests often light up with surprise and joy. Many are fascinated to learn that each dessert has a meaning. Khanom Chan, the steamed coconut layered cake, represents progress in life, while Look Choup, tiny fruitshaped mung bean treats, symbolize creativity and joy. “We love sharing these stories with our guests,” Kasiya beams. “It always starts a conversation and fills the café with smiles.”
Sarisa Cafe is fully family-run, with Kasiya as the heart and Chef Abbey as the creative mind behind every dessert. Beyond the menu, the family stays connected to the neighborhood, supporting cultural events, small businesses, and local festivals. “New York can be fast-paced,” Kasiya notes. “We wanted to create a little oasis, a calm spot where everyone can enjoy something handmade and heartfelt.”
This holiday season, Sarisa Cafe will offer limited Holiday Gift Boxes with a curated selection of their most-loved sweets. Seasonal Afternoon Tea events featuring nine handmade Thai desserts with blooming flower tea give guests another reason to slow down and savor the flavors.
For Kasiya and her family, Sarisa Cafe is more than a café. “Our goal is simple: to make people happy through the beauty and balance of Thai dessert, one plate or gift box at a time.”
To view the menu, make a reservation, or place an order, visit sarisacafe.com
SARISA CAFE
243 E 53rd St, 2nd floor (above Little Thai Kitchen) @SARISACAFE_NEWYORK | @LTKMIDTOWN
Chef Abbey & Kasiya Jittanuch (bottom
The Future of Brain Health is Here 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.
More than fitness, the BrainFit Gym is a luxury lifestyle enhancement that supports confidence, vitality, and healthier, more independent living.
Shah's Shawarma Bay
BY SUTTON PLACE RESIDENT MIRIAM SILVERBERG
Iwasn’t quite familiar with Halal food until my dear late friend and I experienced two of the nicest fast-food restaurants in town: Shah's at 231 East 53rd, and Shawarma Bay on 1st and 57th. Their food is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary principles and ethical treatment of animals.
SHAH'S is family-owned and has over 120 locations worldwide but mostly in the U.S., headquartered in NYC. It has delicious food, accommodating service and an inviting atmosphere, and both places have similarly reasonable prices and rather generous portions.
At Shah's, we started with Pakora Chips (similar to potato chips but better) and hummus, $4, and we couldn’t stop eating them. We tried the Chicken and Rice and salad platter, $12, enough for two delicious meals. The $10 gyro was out of this world. The Cheeseburger, for just $7, was amazing. It was excellent, huge, and $7! Their pita bread was very good. I love good bread, and this really was. Of course, we just had to order Baklava, $3, which we also loved. You must try Shah's, and soon. My friend and I loved it, and so will you.
SHAWARMA BAY is a very welcoming place, the name Middle Eastern. Walking by, you feel you must go in and order something. Once inside, you are sure you will love their food — and you do. It is outstanding.
Starting as a food truck, the truck is still on 6th Avenue near Radio City Music Hall. The truck opens at 7:30 p.m. and stays open until the wee hours of the morning. It is a franchise, and the 1st Avenue manager, David, is part owner. David tended to us so kindly. To begin, we started with pita bread and hummus, $6. We had Falafel, $12, chicken Shawarma, $13, Chapli Kebab of minced ground beef and chicken with an excellent salad, $14, and a chicken Gyro, $12. It’s hard to say which we enjoyed the most. Everything was truly outstanding. You must try the Falafel and you’ll order seconds, as we did. For dessert, we had Baklava, $5, Kataifi Bites, $5, and Dubai Chocolate Kataifi Bites, $6. I don’t care how full you are, you must order dessert. You’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t! We are lucky to have Shawarma Bay in our neighborhood.
SHAH'S HALAL FOOD
231 E 53rd St (btw 2nd & 3rd)
646-448-4464
SHAWARMA BAY
401 E 57th St (at 1st Ave) 646-370-1921
Miriam Silverberg is a freelance writer and the owner of publicity firm Miriam Silverberg Associates. She may be reached at silverbergm212@gmail.com.
Miriam with manager Saad
Shawarma Bay owner David
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.
