New York Lifestyles Magazine February 2023 - OsteoStrong

It’s time to

write your story

For 65 years we have been changing the lives of our guests through experiential satisfaction, wholesome homegrown activities, and family-focused traditions. One of our greatest strengths lies in the ability to help guests foster a healthier holistic mindset. We’ve seen it, day after day, as guests check in and then check out, their demeanor is uplifted, their spirits brighter, and their hugs with their kids are a little bit tighter.

Goexplore!

Winter fun in our Sullivan Catskills is plentiful. Strap on your hiking boots or snowshoes and visit our trails—we have dozens. Ice fishing is all the rage. We have 164 lakes and contests, too! And who doesn’t love a winter firepit and smores?Indoors you can stay roasty-toasty by a fireplace at a boutique inn, B&B or vacation rental. And our inventive chefs serve up the most Catskill-icious winter comfort food.

It’s time for you to explore our legendary vacationland.

THERE’S SO MUCH MORE: EAGLE WATCHING • SULLIVAN CATSKILLS DOVE TRAIL

CRAFT

2495 Trapp Avenue, Miami, FL 33133

Brand new single family home sitting on a quiet 6,579 sqft lot in northeast coconut grove. Enjoy 3,918 sqft living area divided on a 2 level home with 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, family room, home office, living room, dining room and heated pool. Located in the heart of Coconut Grove this new construction home encompasses the best in luxury living. Enter the home to a double height ceiling foyer and living room followed by a dining and family room. The custom cabinetry surrounding the kitchen is accompanied by sub-zero/wolf appliances throughout which were craft fully made to provide the owners with a perfect space to entertain. Wall to wall windows open the space to the home’s exterior oasis which features a gas grill, ice maker and sink, a heated pool with marble pavers, and a beautiful landscape design. The home includes window treatments, automation, surround sound system and custom wood work through out. For questions please contact 305-807-5223 or email Asher@OneCoreRealty.com.

ASHER ABADI

305.807.5223

Asher@OneCoreRealty.com

NEIL J. TANDY

Neil is a photographer with an innate passion that began as a youngster when he picked up an Instamatic to record a family vacation in the South of France. At 26, the British-born aspiring photographer moved to South Africa where he honed his skills before settling in New York. Today, he combines that passion to capture the interplay of light, line, and color to create visual stories whether on the streets of New York on a fashion shoot or seizing the moment of wonderous nature in Yellowstone National Park. “I visualize my finished photo before even taking it,” he says, “and try to capture emotion in everything I photograph.” For Neil, telling stories with his photographs is art.

RUTH J. KATZ

The author of five books, Ruth J. Katz specializes in consumer reporting, with an emphasis on luxury lifestyle and travel. She has been a contributing editor to Redbook , Classic Home, and Colonial Homes all Hearst publications. For 15 years, she was also a masthead editor for several upscale magazines, among the The Modern Estate, Golf Connoisseur, New York Spaces, and Promenade

Ruth has written close to 100 articles for The New York Times and was an esteemed service writer/reporter at New York magazine for nearly 20 years. As an on-air personality at Fox-TV, she reported on home services/ shopping; she was also on-air as the host of shows on the Lifetime and the USA networks. She continues to travel and has visited close to 90 countries…and counting.

ANNE RASO

Anne, who hails from New Jersey, is a longtime editor and writer now based in New York City. Highlights of her 35-plus year career include serving as the associate editor of Tiger Beat and Sunday music columnist for the New York Daily News. She has penned seven teen celebrity paperbacks including ones on Justin Timberlake and One Direction. More recently she has added food and travel to her expertise. Anne’s personal interests run the gamut from learning local history (particularly stories behind Art Deco buildings) to discovering new restaurants.

Vol. 9 #2 | February 2023

President / Publisher

BILL MASON

Editor-in-Chief

Patricia Canole

Theater Editor Bonnie Comley

Health & Wellness

Anne Akers

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Entertainment Jenny Peters

Special Projects

Norah Bradford

Chief Photographer & Visuals Editor

Neil J Tandy

Contributors

Brian Aker, Bailey Beckett, Mindie Barnett, Melanie Carden, AP Connolly, Elizabeth Darwen, Peter Elston, Ann Grenier, Ruth J. Katz, Stewart F. Lane, Lillian Langtry, Irvina Lew, Bennett Marcus, Darren Paltrowitz, Meryl Pearlstein, Anne Raso, James Saloman, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Annie Watt, Pamela Smythe Woods, Stacey Zable

Executive Vice President of Sales

LYLE SELTZER

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development

Don Fetherman - Director of Travel

Michael McKenzie Magazine Distribution

Internet Presence

New York Sales Office  (646) 259-2651

The Garrido Group

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

For advertising inquiries, subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call:  (646) 259-2651

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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without written permission of this publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles is published 10 times a year. ©2023 New York Lifestyles Magazine. .

COVER CREDITS

OSTEOSTRONG MANHATTAN

Photography by Neil J. Tandy

• Gated community with 24-hour security

• 71 Luxury villas with full kitchens

• Three great dining venues with new menus

• Secluded beaches, find your spot

• Complimentary wireless internet access

• Access to Emerald Bay golf course, a Greg Norman signature course

• Full service spa

• Adjacent to The Marina at Emerald Bay

• Swimming with the pigs

• Shark tagging experiences

CELEBRATE FEBRUARY

On the calendar: February 14th. Spice it up for Valentine’s Day with a dinner for two at a new restaurant or old-time favorite. We have a few suggestions that are sure to fit the menu. Or, if you have the time, break away to get away to a secluded inn or resort and soak up the romance.

February can bring bountiful pleasures in other ways. Celebrating the Lunar New Year (the Year of the Rabbit) which culminates on February 5th is a fun way to visit Chinatown and participate in the Lantern Festival. It celebrates family reunions and features ancient spiritual traditions with food and fun. Many call this the true Chinese Valentine’s Day.

For this issue we met fabulous people who make this world a better place. What we found with these individuals is that they love their work with passion.

The owners of OsteoStrong Manhattan—Flatiron District, Park Avenue, and Upper West Side—share the latest in wellness Not a gym, diet, supplement, pharmaceutical, or medical treatment, OsteoStrong provides astounding results in a 15-minute once-a-week program to improve balance, strength, and build bone density. So, take a peek and meet these pioneers—Vincent Koo, Elaine Gonzales, Shawn Hauver, and Mackenzie McMahon.

Then we visited Cynthia Basinet, an astute businesswoman and thinker, who recognized and embraced the liberating power of new technologies to reach new audiences in entertainment with her creativity. As a recording artist, Basinet established a new channel of distribution for her music, using the Internet to bypass the traditional recording industry path to bring her releases directly to listeners wherever they may be located.

There we have it! All this plus features from Food & Drink, Travel, Health & Wellness, to Arts & Entertainment and a few inspiring Profiles. I hope you find this February issue informative and entertaining. Wherever February 2023 takes you, remember to focus on what really matters during this month—love and kindness.

See you next issue…

Now that 2023 is officially underway, it’s time to make this short month long on memories. There’s much to celebrate fellow New Yorkers!

OSTEOSTRONG MANHATTAN

WELLNESS WITHOUT THE PAIN

Imagine if there was an efficient and proven way to build bone density, increase muscular strength, improve balance and posture and decrease joint and back pain. There is and it’s called OsteoStrong. Not a gym, diet, supplement, pharmaceutical, or medical treatment, OsteoStrong, with three wellness centers in Manhattan, including Manhattan’s Park Avenue, Flatiron, and Upper West Side, can provide astounding results in a 15-minute once-a-week program.

During a weekly circuit on four machines—upper body, hips and legs, core strengthening, and vertical--members utilize Trigger equipment. Why Triggers? They are designed to trigger osteogenesis, the natural bone regeneration process that happens until age 30. Most people don’t realize that bones replace themselves about every seven years. However, once we reach 30 the process stops. So, although some of us are fortunate to maintain good bone density, for the rest of us it means slowly losing density (osteopenia) and others more quickly (osteoporosis).

OsteoStrong will increase density by establishing a regular plan on the Trigger Equipment circuit of machines. With careful guidance, a trained coach will guide you to a position that maximizes your ability to safely put enough force against all four areas of your skeletal system. Without little effort it will naturally return to what it was before. This is called osteogenesis.

So, what is the secret? Extensive studies have identified how many multiples of body weight (MOB) must be placed against each area of your skeletal system. Because the weight needed is high (2 MOB or upper core/4.2 MOB for hips and legs), it is impossible to trigger bone regeneration with traditional gym equipment, yoga, or Pilates. However, osteogenic loading on the Trigger equipment will easily allow it to happen. It takes a total of about 10-15 minutes to complete the entire circuit, which consists of four pieces of equipment, at one time. This triggers osteogenesis which will increase as you progress over a weekly loading session.

GROWTH & STRENGTH

The three pillars of OsteoStrong are Balance, Strength, and Bones. The body naturally senses the correct stimulus to trigger new bone and muscle tissue. and muscle tissue. These patented devices are known as a Robotic Musculoskeletal Development System (RMDS). In addition, the equipment tracks your weekly progress, showing how many pounds and MOBs you can hold.

The beauty of this system is that it works regardless of age, fitness level, or physical fitness. We all have a musculoskeletal system and making it stronger allows your body to perform better, whether competing in your favorite sport or simply walking up and down stairs without pain.

Reducing the risk of fracture is, of course, OsteoStrong’s goal. But before these modalities were available, there was no way to get the best results. However, most current members of OsteoStrong suffer from back and joint pain with an emphasis on osteopenia/osteoporosis (or those who want to prevent it) in all age brackets. Additionally, there are those concerned with age-related loss of strength and balance and those with hectic lives who find it challenging to fit a regular exercise routine into their life. However, every person can benefit from osteogenic loading, especially when it can be done safely and conveniently.

Think of it this way: Muscles constrict, and joints get compacted during and after strenuous exercise. Over time, they will tighten with age. Sitting for prolonged hours, the hip flexors contract, posture slumps, and your back is strained.  Everyone needs more flexibility.

A BETTER UNDERSTANDING

OsteoStrong’s unique system goes beyond triggering bone tissue growth; it also improves density (myofibril hypertrophy), balance, and agility as it thickens tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. As a result, all fitness levels have found the benefits of increasing skeletal strength, muscle strength, and joint function and reducing or eliminating joint and back pain.  Wearing comfortable clothing, OsteoStrong clients stimulate their bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nervous system by standing on a vibration plate followed by each workout station. Those few minutes of total workout time have yielded striking and documented results for many. A welcome advantage: A typical OsteoStrong session does not make you sweat or leave you exhausted afterward; it will make you feel more energized!

There are many added benefits to OsteoStrong which have been mentioned. Another is as you strengthen the skeletal system, you are affecting the blood sugar in your body. Osteogenic Loading has been found to increase muscle density, naturally resulting in less insulin resistance. In a recent study, Osteogenic Loading lowered HbA1c in prediabetics.

FOR THE PROS

Professional athletes (and weekend warriors, too) have discovered the benefits of OsteoStrong combined with regular fitness workouts. The reasoning is that the body is designed to limit muscle growth based on how bones can manage. Our body makes sure that can’t happen by determining the amount of muscle you can build based on the strength of your skeletal system. As a result, the body can exert more power when an athlete improves bone and skeletal strength.

This OsteoStrong experience is maximized with the use of additional devices designed to enhance mind-body balance, well-being, increased energy, and recovery.

Bio Charger Red Light Therapy

The wavelengths of red-light therapy trigger a chemical reaction in the cell’s mitochondria that has helped members reduce inflammation and joint pain, improve sleep, strengthen the immune system and restore cellular function.

PEMF Mat The mat helps the body to increase circulation, blood flow, and oxygen, remove toxins, and stimulate metabolism. The PEMF mat also eliminates electromagnetic “smog” from your body, jumpstarting your cells back to health and allowing you to feel your best!

Compression Boots

Compression Boots boost blood flow and flexibility. As they adjust to your exact body shape with a pulsating pattern, wearing them allows fluids to flow in the right direction, increasing muscle recovery. It has also been proven effective in reducing the stress hormone, which in turn helps to boost the immune system.

Biocharger

Science confirms the existence of a subtle energy field around all living organisms, which regulates cellular function. Cellular dysfunction impacts physical performance, injury recovery, and overall wellbeing when not in balance. The Biocharger bathes the whole body in frequencies resulting in measurable improvements.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

OsteoStrong was founded in 2012 by biomechanics engineer John Jaquish, who wanted to help his mother, a lifelong tennis player diagnosed with osteoporosis. He realized osteoporosis was deconditioned bone, and anything that had been deconditioned could be repaired. Jaquish began researching the best way to repair and remodel bone and soon discovered that gymnasts have the highest bone density of athletes because of how they strike the ground when landing. Subsequently, he developed a circuit of robotic musculoskeletal devices which allow users to emulate that high-impact-level force in a safe, controlled movement.

After Jaquish built his prototype and started assessing it on his mother, she saw significant improvement in her bone density and overall strength. It soon became apparent these devices could help more than just those with bone loss. Thus, OsteoStrong was created.

All three OsteoStrong Manhattan centers offer a free trial session for you to engage in the wellness experience. For more information on OsteoStrong and its Manhattan locations, visit Flatiron: osteostrongnyc.com; Park Avenue: osteostrongnyc. com; Upper West Side: osteoct.com/upperwideside.com

VINCENT KOO & ELAINE GONZALES

OsteoStrong Flatiron

22 East 21st Street

4th Floor

Visit osteeostrongnyc.com or call 917-540-3914

Owning the first OsteoStrong in Manhattan certainly changed this married couple. For Vincent Koo and Elaine Gonzales, they had to work to get people to try it out. They succeeded and have flourished ever since.

Vincent and Elaine both realized after becoming parents that being healthy and strong needed to be a priority. Vincent found OsteoStrong after talking to other owners who had story after story of people who no longer had pain, and increased their ability to participate in activities and recovery. For Vincent, a real estate executive this was ideal. For Elaine, it was discomfort in her back from practicing dentistry. She also knew that many of the medications for osteoporosis affect people’s oral health, too. “These machines create the greatest positive physical benefits in the shortest time invested and it can work for virtually everyone because it works to build the foundation of the body. We found the ultimate biohack and were inspired to give people hope and control over how they age.”

Their philosophy is to make the world a better place. They offer supplements, help with alignment, and balance measuring. Additionally, they offer in-house events with expert guest speakers.

VINCENT & ELAINE OFF THE CUFF

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you. We were high school sweethearts who first met at The Bronx High School Science.

The first rock concert you attended. Stevie Wonder.

SHAWN HAUVER

OsteoStrong Park Avenue

30 East 60th Street

23rd Floor

Visit osteonewyorkcity. com or call 917-451-3183

Your favorite movie.

50 First Dates and Shawshank Redemption

Your favorite New York restaurant

The classic Gramercy Tavern and Giorgio’s of Gramercy. How do you relax?

With three boys we found it is great to be out in nature.

The OsteoStrong Park Avenue’s location is owned and operated by Shawn Hauver. For over four decades, he was a key figure in the hospitality industry, serving some of the top hotels and resorts in America.

Throughout his career, working hand in hand with the wellness community, he was intrigued with OsteoStrong eventually becoming a member himself. Experiencing the firsthand results, Shawn knew that this biohack was the wave of the future that impacted long-term health.

Hauver’s philosophy is simple: “We are making this innovation accessible to everyone, and I am confident that we can help people reach never before seen levels of physical performance and freedom,at any age”. It’s incredibly gratifying for Shawn and his staff when members show DXA scans displaying improvements and seeing their strength balance improve while reducing pain. Having spent lots of time researching the science, reviewing testimonials, and coming to understand the possibilities the OsteoStrong system can deliver, Shawn is confident he can help New Yorkers achieve physical performance at any age.

To introduce guests to the entire experience, Shawn has launched  Strong Talks,  a series of health and wellness evenings, including a tour of the facility, an in-depth introduction to the services and benefits, and special guest speakers.

SHAWN OFF THE CUFF

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you. I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen in concert over 120 times.

The first rock concert you attended. You guessed it! Bruce Springsteen in 1985 at the Born In The USA Tour.

Your favorite movie.

Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Your favorite NYC restaurant

Del Frisco’s

How do you relax?

Netflix and a great Bourbon.

MACKENZIE McMAHON

OsteoStrong Upper West Side

245 West 72nd Street

Visit osteoct.com/upperwestside or call 914-690-7190

For Mackenzie McMahon active has always been in her vocabulary. Playing sports with her brothers at such a young age created her path and interest in the health and wellness field. Throughout high school she struggled with eating disorder and is extremely grateful to those who helped her. It made her want to help others. “When I discovered OsteoStrong, it was the missing piece to finding my purpose and mission,” she says. Today, Mackenzie is the Director of Operations and co-owner of three OsteoStrong centers: OsteoStrong Upper West; OsteoStrong Naples (FL), and OsteoStrong Greenwich (CT).

For Mackenzie, the two most outstanding details of the Upper West Side location are the wonderful staff and incredible members. “Our team is knowledgeable, supportive, and always looking to put a smile on your face! Our members walk through our door every week bringing in different laughs, stories, and memories!”

Owning an OsteoStrong has changed Mackenzie’s life by providing a product where you can see results. “It is the most rewarding feeling watching our members’ lives change by helping them do the things they love without fear of hurting themselves.”

Another way OsteoStrong has changed her life is living and learning through the experience of opening a small business. Mackenzie has discovered how to build relationships and network, how to manage staff and clients. “I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and OsteoStrong allows me to see it through. I also believe that to be beautiful on the outside, you must start from within.” In addition to the OsteoStrong experience, Mackenzie’s Upper West Side center offers medical seminars with local physicians, Strong Talks and a variety of supplements.

MACKENZIE OFF THE CUFF

Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you. Although I grew up in the Northeast, I was born in Colorado and would drop anything to go snowboarding with my friends and family.

The first rock concert you attended. Rod Stewart.

Your favorite movie.

My favorite movie is Catch Me If You Can with Leonardo DiCaprio

TESTIMONIALS STRENGTH & BALANCE

Tracy had been hiking for years with friends before coming to OsteoStrong. She struggled to keep up with the group’s pace. She now has been able to transform this experience, saying, “Now I am the one who has to turn around and wait for them!”

ARTHRITIS RELIEF

Lucille is an artist who has been coming to OsteoStrong since August 2022. Recently, she has been struggling with arthritis in her hands. She began using red light technology to reduce inflammation and pain and noted, “After the red light there was no pain!”

BONE DENSITY

“As a nurse, I was skeptical at first. I decided to give it a full two years—and it worked. I stopped the loss in my spine, and my hip increased by 3.6 percent!”

STRENGTH & POSTURE

Olivia loves OsteoStrong. “I have increased my strength and posture significantly. I also love how knowledgeable the staff is—and sessions are always fun!”

Your favorite NYC restaurant. My go-to restaurants are Giorgio’s of Gramercy and Sugar Fish, and my favorite special occasion restaurant is Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House.

How do you relax?

Depending on the circumstances my favorite location to relax, of course, on the beach reading a book! I also love acupuncture and go on a nice, mindful walk.

CYNTHIA BASINET

INNOVATOR + TRENDSETTER + HUMANITARIAN

Among the iconic sounds of the recent Holiday season is the song “Santa Baby.” Initially recorded by Eartha Kitt in the early 1950s, the song has remained relevant with its contemporary sound by Cynthia Basinet – one of the seductive voices in the music scene. Cynthia was a classically trained musician, developing her skills with the saxophone and flute - the former sanctioning her career as among the best performing jazz singers in the world today. Her voice and performance conjure up Hollywood’s golden era of glamour through her sultry jazzcountry crossover recordings.

More than just a voice or performer, Cynthia Basinet has been ahead of the curve most of her career as an innovator, seeking to do things differently. She was a model starting her career in San Francisco thanks to Bob Mackie, which led her to be based in Paris, France, for five years. While there, she studied French cinematography and learned French fluently while being shot by some of the world’s leading photographers for Europe’s elite fashionistas in Paris, London, and Milan.

NEW CHANNELS

Returning to the U.S., the single mother continued with her modeling and returned to her acting in music videos, national commercials, TV series, and movies. After multiple union strikes, the impending change in the industry led the astute businesswoman and thinker to recognize and embrace the liberating power of new technologies to reach worldwide audiences in entertainment with her creativity. As a recording artist, Basinet established new channels of distribution for her music, using the Internet to bypass the traditional recording industry path to bring her releases directly to listeners wherever they may be located.

The innovatively strategic move in music distribution garnered Cynthia worldwide radio play and millions of downloads where she created an entertainment phenomenon with her sultry rendition of “Santa Baby,” initially recorded for love of Jack Nicholson, who has remained her friend and confidant for over three decades. Her version was included in the 2003 Indie Cult Movie  Party Monster soundtrack and used in an episode of CBS-TV’s  NCIS: LA Billboard Magazine 2018 recognized Cynthia’s version of “Santa Baby” as amongst the Top 10 best versions noting how her voice has been frequently mistaken for Marilyn Monroe’s bluesy tones.

GOING GLOBAL

Basinet’s belief in “walking the talk” regarding awareness of social issues that affect individuals, families, and society universally led her to use her musical talents as a platform to raise awareness of the plight of others in our world, including a visit in 2001 to the Saharwian refugee camps in Africa’s near-inhospitable Western Sahara in a fact-finding mission with the late Senator Edward Kennedy, Swedish Consulate and various NGO’s. Here she sought to highlight their self-determination and inspire hope for those excluded in the discourse of peaceful resolutions and was subsequently included in the book  1000 Peace Women Across The Globe, highlighting the works of Peace Women nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize Award in 2005 for her ability to utilize the connectedness of the Internet and solving issues of reconciliation and reconstruction.

She has continued her political activism statewide, working with candidates across the aisle, thanks to her social influence and understanding of big media and technology.

In 2005, she met and later married musician and platinum record producer Lloyd Chiate (Eddie Money, Motown, writer of the original song “I Just Called to Say I Love You”), which led to their musical collaborations while she cared for him when facing a life-threatening illness. The couple later divorced.

Cynthia has also spent the past decade appearing in projects on red carpets, recording and releasing a second album and several singles. With concerns over the ever-increasing lack of privacy in Los Angeles and New York in 2018, she moved to the Capital of the music industry, Nashville, where Cynthia published the first book of her quotes in 2020,  How to be Civil in an Uncivil World (Archway Publishing) and followed this with her podcast in 2021, The World According to Cynthia. She discusses social issues, intellectual property, celebrities, the role in society of big media and big technology overreach, and selfempowerment through her perspective, which can be listened to on Spotify, Apple, Anchor, and online. She recently recorded another Patsy Cline and Jo Stafford classic ballad, “You Belong to Me,” which is the follow-up to her hits “Sweet Dreams” and “Eventually.”

For more on Cynthia Basinet, visit her at cynthiabasinet.com, listen to her on Apple Music at apple.com/3FvXlrK, and The World According to Cynthia Podcast at apple.co/3FCSPrt

2022 “You Belong to Me” (Single)

2015 “All of Me” (Remix Featuring Klubjumers; Single)

2014 “Eventually” (Single)

2012 “It’s Only a Paper Moon” (Single)

2012 “The Christmas Song” (Single)

2012 The Standard Album

2009 Remixed (EP)

2006 The Collection (Album)

2001 For You With Love (EP)

GRAND CAYMAN #1 LUXURY RESIDENCE HOTEL

PLAY RELAX RECHARGE

THROUGH THE LENS

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GALA

VERDURA COCKTAIL RECEPTION FOR AUTHOR DEEDA BLAIR FOOD, FLOWERS & FANTASY

HISTORIC NEW ENGLAND PARTY AT THE KOCH FOUNDATION

EARL MARTIN PHALEN

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Nationally recognized non-profit pioneer and visionary education leader Earl Martin Phalen is set to release his highly anticipated new book Giving My All, in honor of his life dedicated to making a difference. The book showcases perseverance and uplifting motivation with a focus on the life and times of the celebrated author. Looking ahead to a bright and prosperous future for students across America, Phalen’s passionate body of work will be officially released online in the middle of February 2023. The hardcover edition of the book will be released in June 2023.

This book released in time for Black History Month, celebrates Phalen’s ambitious work as President and CEO of KC Scholars and Phalen Leadership Academies. Earl’s educational expertise coupled with his passion and commitment to students. His championing of programs, like KC Scholars, is making systemic change in the community. “I bring urgency to the adultswe serve and the children we serve because I know their lives can be fundamentally different if given the opportunity,” Phalen reflects.

Earl Martin Phalen is one of K-12 education’s most visionary leaders: a founder and CEO of multiple successful non-profits. His mission is to deliver educational excellence and equity to lowincome Black and brown children. Born into the Massachusetts foster care system, Earl was adopted into a large, loving Irish Catholic family at age two. His parents instilled the values that led him to a life of service. Growing up Earl was encouraged to see people as they were, not to pre-judge relationships and situations based on color. Earl’s education taught him the power of Black selfdetermination, and the love of his family and community sustained him as he struggled to become the leader he once doubted he could be. deserve the support, the opportunity, and the self-belief they need to reach for their dreams without hesitation.

A MESSAGE TO MOTIVATE

With his impressive and eclectic background, the entrepreneur has lived a book-worthy life that is reflected on the pages of the newly released materials. With a heartfelt meaning to motivate and uplift fellow educators as equally as students, Phalen takes readers on a journey through his storied life. Yet, whether on the basketball court or in business, he encountered opportunities that required him to give his all despite racism in his predominantly white neighborhoods and settings.

While at Yale, Phalen gained anew sense of pride and purpose as he connected with his Black and African American heritage. Phalen began his career in education while a law student at Harvard, where he founded Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL), which operates after-school and summer education programs in several major U.S. cities. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a local community service project to a national non-profit educating 15,000 children annually and from an annual budget of $12,000 to $27.5M annually.

In the ensuing years, a significant number of notable accolades have been bestowed and positions held which surface for impressive book chapters that include the 1997 President’s Service Award from President Bill Clinton; Silver Anniversary Award from NCAA; Black Law Student Association Community Service Chair; Cofounder of the Charles Ogletree Scholarship Fund; Board Member of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Boston Uncornered Advisory Board Member and Advisor for Coaching for Change.

GLOBAL OUTREACH

On a mission to enhance the quality of life for KC Scholars and students worldwide, his prolific vision has redefined industry standards and revolutionized how we view education. Inspired by his commitment to positively impact the global landscape, his work in the last year with KC Scholars has helped make the organization one of the nation’s most influential college scholarship and support programs. KC Scholars awards traditional college scholarships to high school juniors, adult learner scholarships to adults 18 years and older, and college savings match awards to high school freshman. KC Scholars supports all its awardees throughout the process and during college. KC Scholars newest program, Great Jobs KC, provides tuition assistance to approved job training programs in high paying and high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing. With the support of Great Jobs KC, adults 17 and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to earn between $45,000-$85,000.

“The persistence rates this year that led to graduation were about seven times larger than most first-generation students,” states Phalen. “The beautiful part is just the size of the scholarships, as well as the intensive support and the quality of the programming that allows students to achieve their dream of graduating from college and getting a good job. I think that’s one of the key differentiators.”

KC Scholars is unique to America since most students in the program graduate debt free, and because of the intensive support provided to scholars. Most scholars graduate from college or third party credentialing program and enter good paying careers. Students and adults who are low- and moderate-income and reside in our six local counties in the Kansas City Area (Kansas and Missouri) are eligible to apply. Over 90% of scholars persist annually, and 74% of KC Scholars backed students are on track for on-time graduation. KC Scholars currently has 6,293 participating scholars, and awards approximately 750 new scholarships annually. The goal is to significantly expand KC Scholars programs to over 1,000 new scholarships and thereby its impact in the coming years. For more information on Giving My All and KC Scholars, visit kcscholars.org

242.815.4918

LIFE & STYLE

SWOON WORTHY SIMPLICITY

Ilove that bit of bite in the February air—especially if there’s a cozy soup or cocktail waiting for me when I head indoors. And, of course, love is in the air as well. But skip all that Valentine’s Day hoopla this year. Instead, opt for simplicity. That might be an elegant at-home meal with extraordinary bubbly or a cozy, flannel-clad night with the family. Here, a few of my favorites for the month.

BEYOND BASIC BUBBLES

Keep it simple and elegant. The Champagne Louis Roederer Collection 243 is beguiling with hints of stone fruit, lightly salted almond, and a lingering finish. Sip while cooking together or as friends arrive for a soiree. Info: louis-roederer.com

AS TIMELESS AS TIME ITSELF

Vincero is where dapper meets daring. The Reserve Automatic, which sports a Citizen Miyota Series 9100 automatic movement, is no exception. It’s available in four aesthetics, but the gray and silver combination reminds me of James Bond. So, the case closed. Info: vincerocollective.com

ALL ROMANCE, NO NONSENSE

Candy hearts are adorable, but I don’t want them on my bed sheets. Luckily, Garnet Hill’s Wildflower Relaxed-Linen Bedding offers a dreamscape of classic romance. So, you can leave the silly stuff in the candy bowl. Info: garnethill.com

POETRY OPTIONAL

Sometimes love is so overwhelming, it’s tough to find just the right words. But Atum’s Love Always fragrance—with its lightly spiced woods and rose tubers—says it all. Info: atumfragrance.com

PLAY THE CHARD CARD

Valentine’s Day agenda: a gorgeous Chilean Sea Bass feast with friends, and maybe a lingering evening of playing Baccarat. The Stonestreet 2019 Upper Barn Vineyard Chardonnay is the perfect pairing for a night—refined, yet approachable.

Info: stonestreetwines.com

FAMILY FLANNEL

If your vibe is more hunker down and bundle up, then Lanz of Salzburg has red tartan flannel pajamas for you—and the whole family. Pop some corn and indulge in some of cupid’s candy. Info: lanzofsalzburg.com

AN ELEVATED CLASSIC La Maison du Chocolat tinkers with chocolate with the eye of an artist and the palate of a genius. From the holiday glazed chestnuts to the craquants, these chocolate gifts are both refined and indulgent. Info: lamaisonduchocolat.com

COZY PROVISIONS

Toggle between the slopes and the warming hearth. Olive & Cocoa’s Après All Day cookbook is full of snow-day soups and more. Plus, the book and mugs arrive in a gift-ready wooden box with a red satin ribbon. Info: oliveandcocoa.com

MOCHI AMORE

I love gifting something unexpected, so the beautiful hues of Mochidoki’s treats caught my eye. From classic chocolate to jasmine boba, these mochi ice cream treats are great for Valentine’s Day or a unique hostess gift. Info: mochidoki.com

ZERO-PROOF PERFECTION

Raising the Bar creates craft cocktail kits with no alcohol whatsoever. The brand offers a subscription service or à la carte purchases, with each offering designed to be just as complex in flavor as traditional cocktails. Info: weareraisingthebar.com

BIODYNAMIC BEAUTY

Brand’s acreage in Napa Valley includes Vineyard N°95, where an amalgam of old and young plants yields gracious, yet come-hither wines. The 2017 Brand Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon Gift Box is a holiday unto itself. Info: brandnapavalley.com

COLOR YOUR WORLD

A LEADING EXPERT SHARES HOW TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

Dressing for the job you want, rather than the one you have, is a mindset many follow. But what about dressing for the mood you aspire to maintain? Many do just that and find when they pick out particular colors or textures and dress to impress, they feel better, are more confident, and overall happier. It’s called dopamine dressing, and the movement is taking social media by storm. The natural “high” one achieves from donning certain hues and patterns leaves those who practice it feeling uplifted and looking lovely. New York City Psychologist—The Fashionologist—Dr. Ania Schwartzman, shares what this social media trend is all about and how we, too, can feel as good as we look

Tell us about your practice and how you incorporate dopamine dressing into sessions with clients.

I founded The Fashionologist in 2018 to support individuals who want to master how to take control of their presence. My business is unique because I function as an image coach combined with the expertise of a clinical psychologist in practice for over twenty years. Getting dressed is more about clothing. It’s about wellbeing. I teach my individual and corporate clients that you must feel good if you want to look good. I incorporate research in the field of enclothed cognition and color theory to accomplish this.

What is dopamine dressing?

Psychologist Karen Pine introduced dopamine dressing to explain that when people wear clothes that symbolize something of value, they feel more confident.

Does it work? Can you dress to boost your mood?

Yes, what you wear can affect your mood. Research in the field of psychology called enclothed cognition demonstrates that what we wear affects how we think and feel and how we manage ourselves in the world. So, when you put something on your body that symbolizes strength and confidence, your mood shifts in a way that makes you feel strong and confident. It is remarkable.

The last few years have been chaotic for most. Give us an example of how you would incorporate mood-boosting through fashion.

Chaotic is one way to describe the last few years! I used clothing that helped me feel safe, comfortable, and hopeful during a time entirely out of my control. I chose to wear bright colors or patterns that helped me feel energized and focused. I used accessories and played up my “ear game” with eye-catching earrings, especially on zooms, when I only had a small box to make an impression. For important meetings, I wore shoes that made me feel confident and in control. Heels can do that for women. It’s worth mentioning that to feel good in your body and mind, you don’t need to wear a whole special outfit. Instead, you can boost your mood with accessories like a necklace or a scarf.

Do texture and prints come into play when dopamine dressing?

Absolutely! Textures and prints work to send messages to those around you about who you are right now. I had a client, a lovely, friendly, successful woman who could not understand why she wasn’t making connections with colleagues in her office. Most of her clothing was in solid dark colors. Her clothing sent a message that she was closed off and uninterested in connecting with anyone. How you dress matters for your mood and how others perceive you.

Can color therapy help balance the body’s energy or even heal physical and mental health?

Color therapy (or chromotherapy) is an alternative remedy. It uses color and light to treat physical or mental health challenges by relying on each color’s wavelength to influence the body’s neural pathways, specifically serotonin, and melatonin.

I apply color theory in my work as The Fashionologist because we know that when we wear something we associate with solidity and confidence, we feel good about ourselves.

For more information on Dr. Ania Schwartzman, visit thefashionologist.com

JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK

A SOUTHEAST ASIA GEM

Angkor is a magical place, mysterious and vibrant, a silvered city of temples and towers so high, only the gods were meant to see the tops. It rises above the jungle, shining with the spirit of kings and conquerors, artists and poets, gods and goddesses. This was once a flourishing society, sophisticated and creative, influenced by the Indian traders who settled there. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most important and dynamic destinations.

In its shadow, a 36-room boutique hotel stands, listed among the world’s most iconic and luxurious hotels. The vision of its general manager and noted environmentalist, Christian de Boer, Jaya House River Park stands out among hospitality’s most revered brands. “We attract a global and sophisticated audience,” says de Boer. “Our guests are drawn by the mystique of Angkor and the authentic experience of Cambodia we offer.”

Every aspect of the hotel reflects Angkor’s spiritual and artistic heritage while projecting a modern and eco-conscious influence. Public rooms and guest accommodations mix Art Deco, contemporary prints, Cambodian silks and woodwork. Exquisite Khmer statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities are placed throughout the hotel and on the grounds. Guests can gather at the rooftop Sunset Bar to watch the sun slip behind the spires of Angkor Wat, then feast on Cambodian fusion dishes in the charming Deco restaurant.

A NATURAL PATH

Jaya House River Park is an exceptional experience. Airport pickup, daily breakfast, laundry, daily massage at the hotel spa and a free inroom minibar are all included in the room rate. The hotel also blends sustainability and solutions to contemporary climate concerns with ancient and powerful remedies. In fact, the exclusive amenities brand, Jaya Organics, used in guestrooms and at  The Spa at Jaya House, are created with indigenous Cambodian plants in a growing line of skin and hair products. Kampot salt, lemongrass, and the magical Moringa oil are packaged in refillable, recyclable glass bottles and shipped worldwide. (All products are available at jayaorganics.com.)

A visit of Cambodia will reveal the country has a fresh view. After the horrors of the Pol Pot regime, the country rebuilt its tourism industry only to be closed by COVID-19. Officials rallied to make many positive changes—new roads, a cleanup of the Siem Reap River and new bicycle paths to Angkor Wat. The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opens this year.

A DYNAMIC PRESENT

Visitors will be able to see many of the priceless statues looted from local temples and deeply mourned by Cambodians who see these sculptures as their gods and ancestors. Some were returned by various museums and collectors, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, thanks to the help of New York’s State Attorney General.

If Angkor Wat represents Cambodia’s fabled past, Siem Reap embodies its dynamic present. Many galleries showcase a vibrant art scene. Shops are Aladdin’s caves of silks, silver and statuary. At night, Siem Reap glows – its pubs, clubs and restaurants welcoming all nations and persuasions.

A visit to Angkor is a personal and spiritual experience. One can view it by helicopter, hot air balloon, or on the back of an elephant. But the Khmer gods are in the details and their magic is most potent in the quiet forest, the light glowing on the sandstone carvings.

For more information on Jaya House River Park, visit jayahouseriverparksiemreap.com

The Flanders Hotel Ocean City’s most historic and prestigious boardwalk hotel, known as “The Jewel of the Southern Shore”, was built in 1923. This service-oriented Ocean City, NJ hotel, which was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2009, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The Flanders combines the elegance and hospitality of yesteryear with modern amenities to offer the finest in luxury accommodations. All suites in our Ocean City hotel have private bedrooms and full kitchens, equipped with refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, coffee makers and stove tops, along with irons and ironing boards.

Located on the Ocean City Boardwalk, our full-service NJ beach hotel is a seaside destination that provides the following amenities:

• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space

• Emily’s Ocean Room (featuring family friendly dining)

• The Shoppes at The Flanders (featuring clothing, jewelry, accessories)

• Divine Images Salon & Spa

• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)

• Fitness Center

• 24-hour business center

Ocean City, known as America’s Greatest Family Resort, is one of the best beach towns in South Jersey. The Flanders, with its premier accommodations and prime location, is a landmark known throughout the region, state and nation. Vacationers have marveled at the towering structure as one of the great hotels along the Jersey Shore while local residents and business owners are reminded of the glory and memories provided by the resort. Because of its status as the grandest of Ocean City, New Jersey hotels, the community is fortunate that this architectural gem has survived to the present and continues to remain an important part of Ocean City’s past and future.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

A VISIT TO STROUDSMOOR COUNTRY INN

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, just a two-hour drive from Manhattan, is a boutique country inn resort offering an ideal getaway opportunity for anyone looking to enjoy great food, intimate accommodations, and picturesque mountain vistas in a serene natural location. The Stroudsmoor Country Inn, with its welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff, is the result of the Pirone family’s commitment to providing Old World hospitality with quality, courtesy, and outstanding service.

The Pirone family’s dream began in 1984 with their purchase of the Stroudsmoor Country Inn, which included a variety of buildings in addition to the main inn and an in-ground pool on 150 acres. The facility had operated as a three-month summer resort since the 1930s. The Pirones enhanced the Stroudsmoor experience by adding a full-service restaurant in the main inn; a social cocktail lounge; an indoor pool, a whirlpool spa, and a fitness room in the beautifully designed Natatorium. A variety of attractive rooms, junior and luxury suites; several beautiful banquet facilities; and an additional 50 acres, including some outstanding mountain views, were also added.

ACCOMMODATIONS

A total of 66 lodging options in 22 buildings gives guests many choices. Stroudsmoor’s charming Main Inn, built at the turn of the century in a colonial style, houses a reception desk, two dining rooms, a lounge, and 15 guest rooms, each with a private bath, and some original turn-of-the-century furnishings. To accommodate larger families, The Cottages feature spacious porches for gathering and adjoining doors. A more luxurious experience can be found in the Ledgemere Suites providing king-size mansion beds, Italian marble baths with whirlpool tubs, living rooms with fireplaces, a wet bar, a private balcony, and a loft. Need even more space? The Cabins on the Common are a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom suites, replete with living rooms for entertainment, individual climate control, a wet bar, entertainment centers, and a deluxe bath, some with whirlpool tub.

DINING

Breakfast each morning is included with your stay. The main dining option,  SCI: The Restaurant at Stroudsmoor Country Inn, serves traditional fare and signature cuisine in a beautiful setting. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including special-themed evenings. Seafood lovers celebrate every Friday night with the Festa di Mare… Feast of the Sea buffet. Every Saturday evening, The Grand Buffet serves a bountiful feast featuring Tenderloin of Beef. Sunday evenings feature the American Harvest Buffet with traditional favorites. In addition, the famous Champagne and Caviar Brunch takes center stage on Sunday mornings.

A more casual option for dining is the Mahogany Lounge, which offers a variety of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, and hearty entrees. In addition, the lounge offers a Prime Rib of Beef dinner on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Seek a comfortable spot to enjoy an early morning cup of coffee and a freshly baked treat in the Breezeway, which connects the inn to the Natatorium, or in the Lobby next to the cozy fireplace.

The  Stroudsmoor Inn Towne Bakery & Cafe is less than a mile from the inn. In addition to many of the inn’s favorite recipes, the cafe offers delicious sandwiches, Italian specialty bread, and homemade salads for dining at the café or take-out. A variety of signature sauces and soups, entrée selections, and classic quiches and pot pies can be found here as well. These items are ready for travel and can be quickly thawed and heated as a main dish or prepared as a component of your favorite recipes. And the baked goods are nothing short of amazing.

ACTIVITIES

The Natatorium, a beautifully constructed building with natural wood paneling and ceilings, houses a hot tub, indoor pool, and fitness center. Then, stop at The Spa at Stroudsmoor by Shear Design to relax and restore your mind and body. They offer a full line of massages, facials, skin treatments, and aromatherapy. A variety of spa packages can be found on their website.

Stroudsmoor Country Inn is set atop its 200-acre mountain offering panoramic views of the newly-formed 30,000-acre wildlife sanctuary, Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and surrounding area. Stroudsmoor’s hiking trail leads to a beautiful mountain overlook. Bicycle rentals and lawn games are available on the property.

Numerous hiking and biking trails are just minutes away. Glen Run Nature Preserve, which is part of the Pocono Heritage Land Trust, is just down the road from the Inn and has some beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Check the Land Trust’s website, for other nature preserves offering great opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. More nearby activities include horseback riding; guided canoe and whitewater rafting tours on the Delaware River; golfing; skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Camelback and Shawnee Mountains. Info: phlt.org

Be sure to reward yourself after an invigorating hike with a visit to the nearby Eagle’s Rest Cellars. Enjoy wine-tasting flights, seasonal sangria, wine by the bottle or glass, craft beer, and specialty drinks. In addition to the indoor tasting room, the winery has an outdoor tasting bar with covered seating and several fire pits. During warmer months, live music fills the air on weekends, and various special events are scheduled. Info: eaglerestcellars.com

Downtown Stroudsburg - just minutes from the Inn - has art, antiques, architecture, and history ready to be explored. Enjoy your self-guided walking tour of the town’s craft breweries and urban wineries.  For more information on Stroudsmoor Country Inn, visit stroudsmoor.com

FOR THE LOVE OF TRAVEL

5 VALENTINE’S DAY ESCAPES

As we enter February, so our minds turn to where to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Saying it with flowers, chocolates and gifts is great, but going on a trip cements the memories of that day. Here are five places that will melt the heart of even the most jaded traveler.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles

Head for a luxury city break and enjoy Valentine’s Day at what is often regarded as the headquarters for the Awards Season. Film and music stars often can be seen passing through the hotel during the first months of the year as the industry gathers to celebrate excellence. Speaking of excellence, the Four Seasons has an outstanding dining experience at Culina which has an exclusive menu for Valentine’s Day with optional wine pairing. Should you feel you need to look more like a celebrity fitness and wellness facilities galore and heart focused spa treatments including the Love quartz massage and the Sweetheart couple’s massage.

Info: fourseasons.com/losangeles

The Lodge at Woodloch

Rated among the top spas in the world, Woodloch is the ideal break for Valentine’s to rest, rejuvenate and take a spa treatment or two. Located approximately 2 hours by car from New York in Hawley, PA, the spa has an extensive range of treatments and recent additions including a snow room (in case snow is thin on the ground outside). Woodloch also has its TREE restaurant focusing on an organic menu.

Info: thelodgeatwoodloch.com

Cliveden House

Why not take a flight and visit a stately manor in the English countryside in Berkshire, UK. Orginally built some 350 years ago as a gift from the 2nd Duke of Buckingham to his mistress, Cliveden is a Grade I listed manor house situated on 376 acres of National Trust property. You can live out your Downton Abbey fantasy dining in the Astor Grill or the Cliveden Dining Room, while the famed Cliveden Spa can help you to relax and dream.

Info: clivedonhouse.co.uk

Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera Maya

Take love South of the Border to the exquisite luxury resort that is the Rosewood Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen. Many guest suites are nestled among the lagoon and a beautiful beach front is close to hand. The dining choices are vast with one of the ever-popular destinations being Chef Juan Pablo Loza’s La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen. Experience the chef’s garden dinner menu among the natural beauty of its surroundings.

Info: rosewoodhotels.com

Christopher St. Barth

Why not mix tropical sunshine with the feel of the French Riviera and head for the Caribbean to St. Barths for Valentine’s Day ? Stay at the Christopher Hotel, totally renovated in recent years and boasting a Sisley Spa alongside guest rooms and villas overlooking the waters. The Rivyera restaurant offers a South of France dining experience from Arnaud Faye, who spends his time between the island and the Cote d’Azur.

Info: hotelchristopher.com

CRUISE CONTROL

4 GOOD REASONS TO SET SAIL

The return to travel has manifested new ways to see the world. For those of us still desiring social distancing and open spaces with the addition of adventure and, perhaps, luxury, cruises provide lots of options.

FEEL THE BREEZE

If the concept of a sailing holiday conjures up images of a Gilligan’s Island three-hour tour, you really should look at Windjamming in Maine. For a three-day to weeklong sailing trip, the association’s eight beautiful schooners that leave from Penobscot Bay will convert you to the glory of the high seas. Days begin early if you wish with a glorious sunrise punctuated only by seagulls overhead. You’re invited to be active if you’d like, learning to sail from the captain and the superattentive crew, hoisting the mainsail and assisting in the galley kitchen where meals are concocted in a space that’s smaller than an apartment kitchen. Choose your level of comfort from schooners like the Ladona or the American Eagle, refitted and polished to a gleam.

Accommodation is compact, and you’ll learn that packing light is your best friend. Topsiders, bathing suits, a windbreaker and a warm sweatshirt are pretty much all you need. There are basic conveniences like plugs and a shower. This is travel with likeminded, unfussy guests who enjoy an itinerary that depends on the wind. Info: schoonerladona.com; schooneramericaneagle.com

SAIL LIKE A CELEBRITY

The minimalist sailing life may not be your thing. That’s why there’s the opportunity to sail like a celebrity without taking out a mortgage by chartering a crewed yacht in Croatia. Less expensive than sailing in Monaco or along the Amalfi Coast, superyachts from broker Goolets offer a variety of sizes and degrees of luxury to create a very personalized yachting experience. When you consider this allinclusive, bespoke trip with a fixed number of cabins at a fixed price, the economics work in your favor. What’s more, the yacht comes with a crew tasked with making you happy all the time. The length of the cruise is up to you, and the experts at Goolets will select the yacht that meets your budget and interests, adding stops at UNESCO sites, or sailing to exclusive beaches and islands where only smaller vessels have access. Plan to get to know Croatia—history, culture and beauty all wrapped up in an affordable price—with a sailing experience that will have you singing “the yachting life’s for me.”

Info: goolets.net

FLOAT A NOT-SO-LAZY RIVER

When you hear about a river cruise, what comes to mind? Slow travel, beauty, excursions, food and wine? All are correct. And the mode of travel is truly special. On Scenic Cruises’ river itineraries, you’ll be immersed in the culture of the area, taking in historic scenery, while enjoying gourmet meals, fine wines, and a well-heeled coterie of passengers. Consider some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, and you’ll understand the appeal. On the Bordeaux Affair cruise, for example, you’ll spend your days soaking up the vineyard-filled villages along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, introduced to wines from local producers, oysters from local coves, and gourmet meals and non-stop snacks to ensure you’re well fed. A massage area, salt therapy relaxation room and butler service ensure happiness. Lest you think you’ll be inactive on this trip, there are walking and biking excursions through towns and vineyards. Info: scenicusa.com

ADVENTURE-FILLED SAILING

Expedition cruises are all the rage, but some come with a huge entourage which may not be to your liking. Windstar cruises are small ships with a limited number of guests, most under 200, with a guest: staff ratio that is close to 1.5:1. Consider the Alaskan Splendors cruise to experience the north country’s glaciers and wildlife. Increasingly important as climate change affects our lives, these marvels of nature are evident every day on the cruise. Staff excel in knowing what to look for, where to go, and how to keep you safe and happy, while they embody the Cheers mantra of “where everybody knows your name.” Daily expeditions searching out otters and bears or dogsledding on glaciers after an exhilarating helicopter flight are the stuff of dreams. Each port, from Seward to Vancouver, has its many attractions and if you’re a culture vulture, you’ll see that area residents are special people who are as curious about you as you are about them. Meanwhile, back on deck, you’ll enjoy superb dining, spa services and evening entertainment where you’ll be hard-pressed not to shimmy on the dance floor.

Info: windstarcruises.com

ANTARCTICA

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL DESTINATION

The seventh Continent on our planet, comparable in size to the United States with a wintertime population of around 1,000, surrounded by the Southern Ocean, is both simultaneously awe-inspiring and off-putting to several seasoned travelers. Unlike the Arctic Circle in the North, which can be accessed by air directly, Antarctica—accessible by sea—is treaty regulated by international law and is kept as pristine as possible to enable scientific research on the ecosystem and climate conditions affecting all of us. In addition, the fact that the South Pole was discovered barely a century ago adds to the mystery of the Continent of wind, ice, and snow.

Visiting Antarctica is typically done during the Spring/Summer season (when it’s Fall/Winter here). Therefore, packing for the expedition requires care and should be thought of as a combination of casual clothes and apres-ski layering for daytime expeditions. Also, do not forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture all the wildlife and memories.

UNPREDICTABLE CONDITIONS

The Drake Passage—typically a 1- to 2-day sea crossing from South America is often referred to as the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake,” referring to how unpredictable ocean conditions can be. Arriving at the passage comes after traveling from North America or Europe halfway around the globe to South America and then connecting to another flight to get to the Southern tip of the Continent. All this before crossing the passage.

The luxury cruise line Silversea considered this and how valuable time can be for its passengers. Problem solved: The expedition ship, the all-new Silver Endeavour provides an An Antarctic air bridge from South America into King George Island, the most accessible region of the Continent in Spring/Summer. Flying conditions (particularly visibility) play a significant role in the timing of the flights across the Antarctic air bridge.

Once landed at King George Island wearing the expedition gear (supplied by Silversea on the flight), you will be guided to a zodiac boat in to the ship. Just arriving at the  Silver Endeavour is an expedition and a presage of the excitement to follow.

Unlike a cruise to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, where the itinerary involves a port visit every day, either docked alongside or a tender ride away, the expedition cruise is all about flexibility. Nature determines the schedule; the expedition ship has a highly experienced team who decides where it is safe to land each day and inspects the route before an on-land hike.

WILD & REMOTE

Antarctica is fantastic. What distinguishes it, perhaps, is not just how wild and remote it feels – for example, there is no sound or smell other than the wind and, occasionally, the penguins. You feel like you are a visitor to another world. The rules for visitors also add to the feeling of being from another planet—maintaining distance from any wildlife, not sitting down, or disturbing the natural environment.

The varieties of penguins could be the highlight of anyone’s visit—the Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adele are amazing to watch, providing endless entertainment, partly because they had no interaction with people.  Whales swimming, avalanches in the mountain ranges above—it feels remote, wild, and primal.

WHAT’S INSIDE?

While the ship is compact, do not think for one moment it is not luxurious. Suites are well-appointed and extremely comfortable; dining options cover the spectrum, with the high-end option being the  La Dame restaurant. In addition, the Otium spa offers a range of treatments to relax after a day’s expedition ashore. There is even a gift shop containing clothing and expedition necessities, and even the only bear you will find on this Continent.

The focal point of the ship’s entertainment is the nightly briefing, where the expedition team provides a brief review of what is potentially ahead as well as lectures from experts in the fields of oceanography, ornithology, and history to contextualize what you have seen and will see in the coming days.

Although the itineraries can seem short, they offer a window into a unique continent and a genuine once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, but who knows, it may grant you the taste for more.

For more information on an expedition to Antarctica and Silversea, visit silversea.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO

ALL-SEASON LUXURY

Northern California is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. And the quintessential city that showcases all the glory of the region is no other than San Francisco. When staying in the idealistic location fully embrace the town with a divine stay at the Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco.

The location boasts an ideal form of luxury hospitality at the very finest that life has to offer. The hotel sits in the heart of the Yerba Buena Arts District, steps from Union Square, the Moscone Convention Center, Museum of Modern Art, and the financial district. Bringing a focus on natural influences, the stunning décor takes inspiration from the organic forms of the Bay Area; at the same time, the city’s high-tech scene calls for a clean, vibrant aesthetic.

Entering the building, you’ll be captivated with custom carpets, wall coverings and drapery that recall San Francisco’s fog and mist, while furniture pieces feature hand-finished walnut slabs and ceruse oak with cool steel and brass accents.

LUXURY AROUND EVERY CORNER

Overlook the divine city within 231 guest rooms and 46 suites that feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of San Francisco. The 42-floor building compromises looks by interior designers Frank Nicholson and Meyer Davis, which both warmly embrace the vibrant tones of one of the most fascinating cities in America.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco also celebrates the wonderful vibe of America in the California setting with the return of the Three-Martini Lunch at MKT Restaurant. For visitors coming to town for exciting business meetings look no further than this delicious moment found at the venue for a perfect business meeting. The lunch is available

Monday-Friday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and features the option to add any combination of three mini-martinis made with Stoli Elit Vodka or Hendrick’s Gin, dry vermouth, no vermouth or dirty, with olives, onions, cucumber, or a twist, to the a la carte lunch menu. By request only, guests with the MKT Insider Secret can also opt for the Vesper, James Bond’s original martini—shaken not stirred, with vodka, gin and Lillet Blanc.

A RETURN OF THE BUSINESS LUNCH

Inspired by the return to the office, the three-martini lunch also celebrates the classic cocktail’s history. Many believe the timeless elixir to have originated in Martinez, California, just outside of San Francisco, during the Gold Rush in 1849. After striking it rich, a miner stopped in Martinez on his way back to the Golden Gate City to celebrate with a glass of champagne, which the bar was out of. Instead, the bartender offered to prepare a “Martinez Special,” one-part dry Sauterne wine, three-parts gin, stirred with ice and finished with an olive, and so the martini was born.

“Our location in the heart of downtown San Francisco has always made MKT a hotspot for business lunches,” says Jesse Caetano, Assistant Director of Food and Beverage, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. “The Three-Martini lunch puts a tempered twist on a favored pastime to welcome businesses back to the office.”

Located on the fifth floor, it is helmed by veteran Chef Kevin Tanaka, MKT offers a California-centric, market-to-table menu of sustainable seafood, local meats, and seasonal produce.

For more information on Four Seasons San Francisco, visit fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco.com

THE DEVON CONDOMINIUM

MOVE-IN READY IN MURRAY HILL

Turn the key to this beautifully renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom top-floor property at The Devon Condominium (333 East 34th Street) . Conveniently located in Murray Hill, unexpected “wow” moments abound, from the walnut-stained hardwood floors, high ceilings, and oversized open kitchen with breakfast bar to the sweeping East River views and incredible natural light all day long. Access is available to the beautiful roof deck just one floor above, and the attractive low monthlies and on-floor laundry are a bonus!

Penthouse M boasts a split-bedroom layout designed for maximum privacy. Both bedrooms are bright and extra spacious. The primary suite is nothing short of deluxe, complete with a showcase-worthy walk-in closet, storage area, and gorgeous ensuite bath with radiant heated floors.

HIGH-END ALL THE WAY

Enjoy cooking in this chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, gorgeous quartz countertops, and top-of-the-line stainless-steel appliances, including a Viking range and Liebherr 40-bottle wine refrigerator. In addition, the dining nook and connected living area offer the perfect space to entertain family and friends.

The Devon Condominium is a 16-story, 205-unit, full-service, 24hour door attendant building conveniently located in Murray Hill. Amenities include a parking garage, common roof deck, multifloor laundry, bike storage, and live-in super. Close to subway and bus access, the 34th Street ferry, East River running/bike paths, St. Vartan Park, Trader Joe’s and Fairway, and many great restaurants and nightlife! The asking price is $1,425,000.

For more information on The Devon Condominium (333 East 33rd Street), visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

160 WEST 66 TH STREET

GORGEOUS…TASTEFUL…BEYOND SPECIAL

Mesmerizing city and Central Park views await you from this corner 39th Floor spacious residence complete with approximately 2,600 square feet of space. Just completed with the most gorgeous, tasteful renovation, this three-bedroom plus library and office, threeand-one-half bathroom home is beyond special.

The open living and dining room command incredible views of Central Park, the Reservoir, the Hudson River, and the skyline from a wall of windows facing North and East. The very large, partially open new kitchen boasts huge views, a professional grade six burner BlueStar stove and Sub-Zero refrigerator, plus ceruse oak grey cabinets with ample work space on beautiful stone counters. The kitchen is partially open to the dining room as well as on the other side to the library that has great Park views too. This space is perfect for intimate entertainment or a quiet movie night with direct access to the top of the line wet bar/ wine room that features natural stone, smoked glass and lacquer finishes and an extra dishwasher.

SPACE PLUS MORE

The expansive primary bedroom suite features incredible park views, a large separate study with views, a new sumptuous bathroom with dual vanities, custom millwork, a soaking tub and separate shower, and a spacious, two person, perfectly planned dressing room. A separate wing houses two additional bedrooms with open North views including side Park views and two new bathrooms. There is a laundry room with storage and folding space, a powder room to service guests and a new central/thru-wall air conditioning system controlled by thermostats.

Every space and surface of this home is new and there is custom millwork throughout. The attention to detail in materials, the bathrooms and the kitchen are unsurpassed. All lights and windows shades are automatic and there is a state-of-the-art music system as well.

Three Lincoln Center is a white glove, full-service condominium with its own private entrance to Lincoln Center. Amenities include 24 hour doormen, concierge, live in resident manager, state of the art gym with City views and outdoor space, large indoor pool with locker rooms, beautiful event room with a kitchen and adjacent garage for discounted prices for residents. The asking price is: $6,990,000.

For more information on 160 West 66th Street, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

230 WEST 56 TH STREET

PANORAMA 360

Enjoy jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park and the Hudson River. Indulge in sensational sunrises and sunsets, and even watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve from this eight thousand square foot treasure in The Park Imperial, one of midtown’s most elegant condominiums. The one and only full floor residence in the building, unit 64, is a space you don’t want to miss out on.

High in the sky, this magnificent, turn-key home was designed by renowned architect Frederic Schwartz, with interiors by Ray Booth of McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier. The finest materials have been selected throughout, including hand-sewn wide-plank oak flooring, silk and leather wall finishes, and recessed chestnut coffer ceilings. The six bedrooms and six and a half baths provide plenty of opportunities to create specialty rooms like staff quarters, billiard’s room, media room, home office, home gym or wine cellar.

VIEWS WILL AMAZE

Your exclusive landing at your private elevator vestibule leads you to a gracious foyer that spills into to entertainment space, taking your breath away with nearly 100 feet of floor-to-ceiling glass facing Central Park with double corners. Ideal for entertaining on a grand scale, the enormous open concept kitchen with a 20-footlong counter offers dual Sub-Zero refrigerators, Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher, and a 65-inch La Cornue Range with 6 burners, 2 ovens, grill, French Top and matching cabinetry. A Butler’s Pantry includes an additional SubZero refrigerator, secondary dishwasher, gorgeous copper sink with a matching copper countertop, and 132 Bottle Sub-Zero wine fridge. Custom made walnut cabinetry throughout provides an endless amount of storage for tableware, glassware and every imaginable small appliance. The hand-cut Jerusalem Limestone floors have radiant heat, giving maximum longevity and enjoyment.

PERFECT ENTERTAINING

The dining room accommodates well over a dozen guests with space to expand, and the adjacent sitting room with views of the park and river is the perfect place to start or end your evening. A stellar, wood paneled corner home office with solid core walnut sliding doors and 180-degree views rounds off the Northwestern wing of this extraordinary home. Lined by the Western and Southern perimeter, five oversized, en-suite bedrooms feature premium finishes, including solid oak flooring, silk carpets, Waterworks, Duravit, and Kalista fixtures, radiant heated bathroom floors, and remarkable views from every room.

The immense primary suite is truly fit for a king. Offering triple exposures facing North, South, and East, this primary room boasts two colossal walk-in dressing rooms outfitted with custom built-ins, recessed lighting, and inlaid silk carpets. The bedroom ascends into the luxurious and boundless en-suite bathroom with sweeping views of Central Park, embellished with heated Jerusalem Limestone floors, double vanity accoutered with Waterworks, Dornbracht, and Duravit fixtures, motorized window treatments, two private water closets, Kohler Tea-for-Two deep soaking tub and polished off with a 4-person sauna.

Over and above touches include an elegant powder room off the foyer with a carved granite pedestal sink, and walk-in laundry room with vented Miele washer/dryer, plus adjoining sink and linen storage. State of the art technology abounds, with motorized shades, centralized dimmer controls, humidity control, soundproofing, A/V and Internet hookups, and video security system.

Located one block south of Billionaires Row, The Park Imperial is a cutting-edge luxury condominium with absolute white-glove service including a 24-hour doorman, concierge and on-site resident manager. Amenities include a Fitness Center appareled with Life Fitness equipment and Peloton bikes, conference rooms, a fireside Resident Lounge, and a terrace with captivating city views. This is all located in one of Manhattan’s most desirable locations within proximity to Central Park, Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and multiple mass transit subway lines. The asking price is: $14,500,000. For more information on 230 West 56th Street, visit Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

MINDIE’S MUSINGS

OVERCOMING SOCIAL PHOBIAS

uthor and motivational speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, while steering you down a more straightforward path.

We welcome your questions and invite you to reach out to Mindie at mindiesmusings1@gmail.com.

Dear Mindie,

With the start of 2023, I’m looking to make some personal changes. I really hate my inability to be outgoing. I think it really holds me back from moving up at work and is standing in the way of me having a more successful dating life. I get nervous when I’m in large crowds and find myself feeling anxious when I am going to be with new people or before a party. I just want to change this characteristic and don’t know where to start. I’m holding myself back and feel hopeless. It’s something I have dealt with for many years. Any advice you can share would be great.

Sincerely,

Dear Scared Stiff,

It sounds like you could potentially have a social anxiety disorder, which is when you feel nervous in many social situations, like the ones you’re describing. It’s more than the traditional butterflies one typically feels when giving a presentation or going on a date. It’s also known as social phobia and involves feeling unsettled during more everyday interactions, such as the examples you provided. Most people who suffer from this feel self-conscious that they may be scrutinized or judged negatively by others. To know for sure, you really need to see a mental health professional, who can give you a proper screening and determine if you meet the criteria. There are ways to change this personality disorder and create new behavioral patterns and alter your way of thinking so that you face this situation with more positivity and less fear. First, you need to know if that’s the case.

In the meantime, my DIY advice to you is to start creating a journal and take it out when such situations present, these uneasy emotions present. I’d write down the feelings you are having and the evidence for and against the thoughts and feelings. What proof do you have to back up the anxiety of self-doubt you are experiencing? And alternatively, what proof do you have to knock down those negative notions?

Another great way to feel more at ease before you go to parties or larger gatherings, is to partake in some breathing exercises before-hand so that you go into the environment feeling more relaxed. It may also help to use some visualization and see yourself in the room, easily conversing with guests and introducing yourself to new people and smiling. Imagining yourself in the crowd and having a good time will also help combat some of the negative feelings you have been experiencing.

Lastly, I recommend taking small steps and challenging yourself. For example, you may opt to skip the self-checkout line and instead head over to a cashier at the grocery store, so that you can converse with the store clerk. Another great way to get out of your comfort zone in a small way is to compliment a co-worker on their outfit and then initiate a conversation. These little tweaks to your routine will lead to larger ones and eventually you’ll retrain your brain to send more realistic and positive thoughts about your ability to converse with ease, receive acceptance and ultimately fit in.

I wish you the best of luck! It’s not easy to revamp old patterns we’ve likely maintained since childhood, but it can be done. A little hard work, determination and you may soon be drafting me a new advice letter on how to turn down invitations; your mailbox is so inundated with new friends.

Love, Mindie

BILLY ALSBROOKS

HIS VOICE AND WORDS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Who is he? Billy Alsbrooks is the number one motivational artist in the world. His profound and prolific work has led to him being one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the industry. Billy Alsbrooks possesses such a unique and original style of uplifting inspiration backed by spiritual wisdom, poetic artistry, and epic music. He is known worldwide for being a champion for humanity and a soaring example of how one can overcome the most difficult of life’s challenges. This year, Alsbrooks launched the fourth year of his Blessed and Unstoppable World Tour to more than 28 cities.

The way you handle trials and tribulations will reveal to the world who you are,” Billy reflects. As a world influencer, multi-awardwinning poet, and former Billboard charting recording artist, Billy has created a massive movement that is taking the world by storm.

His viral motivational messages have been streamed over 70 million times in 170 nations globally, and his top-selling book Blessed and Unstoppable: Your Blueprint for Success has been sold in over 31 countries. In 2019, Billy was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humanities for his massive global impact.

HAVE YOU HEARD HIM SPEAK?

As the voice of this generation, his use of poetry intensely stirs the emotions of all ages across the globe. He’s more than just a motivational speaker: he’s a motivational artist who has created his own new genre. The speaker’s charismatic booming voice and thought-provoking words shake the foundation of every venue in which he speaks.

The passion, fire, and intense energy he speaks with are incredibly contagious. This enables him to effectively instill hope, usher in mindset shifts, transform corporate culture, and instigate massive personal breakthroughs almost immediately in his listeners. As a result, NFL teams and major corporations all over the world hire Billy to come to speak to their organizations.

Billy, an artist and successful entrepreneur, transformed the tragedy of his father’s passing into an amazing and inspirational testimony. “It’s not what happens to you in life that will define you,” Alsbrooks said, “but rather how you respond.” His response has made him an unstoppable force for world change.

Billy is a product of the struggle. He turned his inner war with panic attacks and PTSD into a voice of hope that changes lives. “Pain and heartache is both powerful energy resources,” Billy says. “Unrefined, their energy is destructive, but properly harnessed, they can become a superpower that will thrust you into greatness.”

Just as Martin Luther King climbed the marble steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and shouted, “I have a dream!”, at the end of every one of his motivational masterpieces, Billy shouts out his own dream which is to impact 1 billion people. It’s rare today to see a man with such vision, passion, and purpose.

Billy said, “When I die, on my headstone it will read, ‘Here lies a man that set the world on fire with truth and impacted 1 billion people.’ That will be my legacy.”

For more information on Billy Alsbrooks listen to him on youtube.com/BillyAlsbrooks; get your World Tour tickets to see him live at blessedandunstoppable.com

INDUSTRY KITCHEN

WHERE SEASONAL MODERN AMERICAN MEETS ITALIAN

Step into Industry Kitchen and you will feel like you’re in an industrial space that has been giving a “warm” makeover that now resembles an art studio. Step outside and you will find the city’s most appealing clear, well-lit dining pods (yes, they are heated). There are stunning East River views and with its ideal location is a few blocks from the heart of the bustling South Street Seaport.

Having the Bianco Pizza at Industry Kitchen is a must, and you will be impressed by how fast it’s served and the super fresh farm to table arugula on top. The golden thin crust is as good as it gets and the hot, melty homemade ricotta is unforgettable. One Industry Kitchen pie is big enough to cover two people for lunch or dinner, but you don’t want to miss any of their entrée items including sliced New York Strip that is a large portion of over eight ounces and one of Lower Manhattan’s best meat bargains.

A TOUCH OF GREEK

What might be the go-to dishes that the NYL staff tried and loved? The Pan Roasted Chicken Breast is topped with lemonthyme natural chicken jus and goat cheese then sided with whipped polenta and wilted garlic spines. (This chicken dish is as juicy as it gets)! The Chopped Greek Salad is a bestseller, and it’s enough for five guests! It features romaine, cherry tomato, cucumber, pepper, Kalamata olive, pepperoncini, red onion, feta cheese, Greek vinaigrette and is topped with za’atar dusted lavash—it’s the perfect dish for those who want to be healthy but love vibrant flavors and filling foods as well.

In general, the Industry Kitchen entrees are all under $30 and most portions are sharable. By the way, there is a three course $60 prix-fixe menu until February 12th including Classic Meatballs, Avocado Toast, Winter Squash Pizza, Honeybee Pizza, Chocolate Mousse and more. It is said that an amazing four-course dinner is being set up for Valentine’s Day that includes their super popular Grilled Atlantic Salmon sided with roasted Brussels sprouts, beet purée, and orange-ginger sauce.

A PENCHANT FOR PIZZA

Executive Chef Jonathan Haffmans was born and raised in the Netherlands and honed his skills around the globe before coming to NYC. “Prior to pursuing a career as a chef in the U.S., I accrued over 25 years of culinary experience across the globe building my skills in Europe, Bermuda, Aruba, Washington, D.C. and more. Before Industry Kitchen, I was the head chef at Ocean House Restaurant in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and at my own restaurant Vers, which I opened in 2013. At Vers, I won best restaurant in the Cape Cod and Islands category by Boston Magazine in 2014.”

Not surprisingly, this affable chef has a pension for pizza and loves to create new and exciting takes on it—and the current menu includes one that is topped with smoked potatoes! He explains to NYL where he gets his pizza inspiration: “Besides food, my other passion is traveling.  When I have time during the slower winter months, I travel and experience new culinary destinations where I learn about different flavors and techniques which become the source of my inspiration. My personal favorite is the Smoked Bacon Pizza as it reminds me of a loaded baked potato, which I love.”

A MELTING POT

The typical clientele for Industry Kitchen ranges from arty Brooklyn folks to mainstream celebs. He tells us, “Industry Kitchen is a melting pot of various folks across New York City; this is an aspect I’m incredibly proud of. We typically see patrons who work on Wall Street, city locals, and tourists. In proximity to the Financial District, Industry Kitchen provides an atmosphere by the East river that can be calming, allowing guests to relax during their busy day or after work. With floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for an indoor-outdoor feel and ample waterfront seating along the river, the space also provides an impressive backdrop for business lunch meetings and NYC tastemakers seeking a vibrant, Instagrammable moment. We have had many celebrities visit us including Lavern Cox, Taye Diggs, Matthew Lillard, to name a few.

WOW FACTORS

While the NYL staff tried everything from the Bianco Pizza to the New York Strip on their recent visit to Industry Kitchen, we just had to ask Chef Haffmans for his favorite dishes on the menu.

“The Ahi Tuna Nachos is one of our top-selling dishes, likely because it augments a classic comfort dish with a fun seafood flare. The plate comes with homemade wonton chips, a mix of napa cabbage, avocado, and wasabi aioli topped with sweet soy and jalapeno. Our flavorful Lobster Tacos are also a must-have, served in a shell made in-house and accompanied by mixed mango-apple salsa and fennel with chipotle aioli.”

He adds with a smile, “I am looking forward to when our 24K Gold Pizza is back on the menu this year. The sophistication of the flavors in the toppings-which include Stilton cheese, 24-karat gold leaves, Ossetra Caviar, truffles, and foie gras--excite me. The experience of this dish is so special that it must be ordered 48 hours in advance!”

All in all, Industry Kitchen is a real crowd pleaser, whether you are dining with out of towners for the first time, fussy foodie pals, or a loved one and you want an intimate night out with them. It’s also great if you want a quick bite for lunch or dinner as we can’t end this review without stating that all four dinner items that we ordered came out of the kitchen in six minutes or less!

For more information on Industry Kitchen, visit industry-kitchen.com

TUSCANY STEAKHOUSE

GREAT FOOD WITH A TOUCH OF ROMANCE

What is New York known for on the dining scene? Well, next to pizza, bagels, and burgers, high on the list is steakhouses. All serve food in a captivating environment with wine, whiskey, and martinis, or whatever strikes your fancy. If you need help separating the good from the great, we have one standout that deserves your attention.

Located close to Central Park, Tuscany Steakhouse has served as a neighborhood staple since it opened its doors five years ago. At the helm is veteran restaurateur Steve Haxhiaj, an alumnus of  Wolfgang’s Steakhouse; it represents a rounded cuisine experience to its local following with a menu combining Italian American fare and classic American steakhouse.

His hospitality career helped develop his passion for sharing fine food and wine with friends and family. At Wolfgang’s, Haxhiaj met Chef Jaime Chabla, where they worked for eight years before opening  Tuscany Steakhouse.  Today, they continue a strong relationship and deliver a welcoming, intimate dining experience.

QUALITY CUISINE

Diners can loo forward to generous portions starting with many appetizer choices, including Baked Clams Oreganata, and Fried Calamari, with homemade marinara sauce. Additionally, Fresh Mozzarella Beefsteak Tomato and a Classic Steakhouse Wedge will truly satisfy you.

The main attraction, of course, is the USDA Prime Dry-Aged Steaks, carefully dried in the restaurant’s signature aging box. Tuscany’s  signature Bone-In Rib Eye Steak is enough to satisfy any carnivore. The veteran wait staff finishes by serving steaks with a final baste of au jus. After enjoying a few bites, indulge in a few dashes of the house made Steak Sauce that will add even more flavor to an already great cut of meat. Also on the menu are tender cuts of the New York Sirloin and Filet Mignon and just as mouthwatering.

Italian menu choices and other favorites include Pollo Tuscany, a succulent breast of chicken beautifully blended with hints of cheese, mushrooms, and spinach. Surf lovers will be satisfied. Look for fresh and perfectly prepared Chilean Sea Bass, Grilled, Whole Maine Lobster, and Jumbo Shrimp Scampi. Naturally, expect portions of Hashed Browns, Mac & Cheese (option to add lobster), and the best Creamed Spinach.

The wine selection is curated by Steve Haxhiaj, features over 300 wines from around the world, and is displayed in a chic transparent wine cellar for diners to marvel at while dining.

Romantics will love the old-word charm, atmospheric lighting, and excellent menu this Valentine’s Day—or, in fact, any day.

For more information on Tuscany Steakhouse, visit tuscanysteakhouse.com

TIME TO SPLURGE

RED WINES FOR WINTER

While we know that any time of year is an enjoyable time for sipping fine red wine, there’s something about winter that lends itself to reaching for a bottle on a chilly evening. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of some of America’s finest red for your drinking pleasure; these will pair with those hearty dishes you’re serving up throughout the winter months, too.

NAPA VALLEY

Cabernet is king in the Napa Valley, so you’ve probably heard of some of the biggest names producing fine reds from that fertile valley already, like Shafer, Pine Ridge and Chimney Rock from the Stags Leap District, or Silver Oak, Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel from Oakville.

But what about Davis Estates in Calistoga?

That family-owned winery produces four stellar Cabernet Sauvignons, each one from a different Napa appellation (Calistoga, Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain), but all with the rich, red-fruit-forward, smoothly tannic flavors that helped make the valley famous. Davis Estates wines pair fabulously with food and once you taste them, you’ll want to plan a visit to their spectacular estate as well.

Palmaz Vineyards has been making world-class Cabernet Sauvignons since 2001, using cuttingedge scientific techniques to make the most of their Napa vineyards. Expect flavors of blackberries, dark stone fruits, chocolate and spicy oak in these bottles of liquid gold.

Sequoia Grove is one of Napa’s oldest wine estates (and yes, there’s a grove of sequoia trees on the property), still making top-notch Rutherford Cabernet today. We’re partial to their single-vineyard Cabernets like the Lamoreaux Vineyards, that bursts with peppery cassis and has a glorious mouthfeel and perfect structure, but all their reds are exemplary.

Quilt Wines is a relative newcomer to the Napa scene, but with deep roots there. Joe Wagner’s family is known in the valley for Caymus Vineyards; now he’s making his own mark with these wines from where he’s got deep roots. His award-winning 2017 Reserve Cabernet is a perfect place to start, with dark cherry, chocolate and coffee flavors melding into a perfect blend.

Handwritten Wines is another newish wine producer on the Napa scene, with a beautiful tasting room in the heart of Yountville (a don’t-miss small town that also boasts the French Laundry). They make a Yountville Cabernet that’s a juicy, fruit-laden red bomb with hints of vanilla and smoke; and their Calistoga Cabernet Franc is a revelation for those who don’t think of that rape as anything more than a blending element. Try that one paired with a wild boar or venison stew for a winter taste delight.

OTHER TOP REDS

Ready for a bigger, spicier red wine? Then how about Zinfandel? Sonoma’s Dutcher Crossing Winery is the label to look for, as they make eight different Zins, mostly from the Dry Creek Valley AVA within Sonoma. With a more earthy, oaky structure that often surprises with floral notes and baked bread layered on a peppery foundation, their Zins are sinfully good.

If Meiomi Pinot Noir is your go-to red wine, consider going to the source. Originally conceived by Joe Wagner from the Belle Glos vineyard that Caymus owned, it’s now a part of a bigger conglomerate and no longer under his purview. But Belle Glos Pinot Noir is, and if you haven’t tried one of their five different bottlings (all with their distinctive red wax covering the top half of the bottle), discover the single-vineyard designates (Clark and Telephone is our favorite) that burst with rich flavors and have the velvet structure that sets Pinot Noir apart from every other red wine.

And if you’re an NFL fan planning a Super Bowl party, surprise your guests by pouring Intercept, an eminently drinkable Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s Paso Robles AVA that is produced by ex-NFL superstar Charles Woodson. With a retail prince of just $20, this one’s a real steal from a man who knows his wine as well as he knows his pigskin.

FROM THE GRAPEVINE

For more information on the wines mentioned, here’s your go-to guide.

Davis Estates: davisestates.com

Palmaz Vineyards: palmazvineyards.com

Sequoia Grove: sequoiagrove.com

Quilt Wines: quiltwines.com

Handwritten Wines: handwrittenwines.com

Dutcher Crossing Winery: dutchercrossingwinery.com

Belle Glos: belleglos.com

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines: cwinterceptwines.com

SPOTLIGHT ON STAGE

TERESA EYRING

Teresa Eyring is in her 16th year as Executive Director and CEO of Theatre Communications Group (TCG). Ms. Eyring is helping to create a better world for theater and a better world because of theater paraphrasing a TCG vision statement adopted under her leadership. A Stanford University and Yale School of Drama graduate, Eyring worked for many years in resident theaters before moving to New York to take the helm at TCG.

Ms. Eyring heads up TCG’s programs and services for a membership of seven thousand individuals and seven hundred theatre organizations and affiliates. TCG also provides professional development, networking opportunities, research, grants, and scholarships across the United States. TCG publishes  American Theatre Magazine and is the largest independent trade publisher of dramatic literature in North America, with 19 Pulitzer Prizes for Drama on the booklist. TCG holds a major biennial national conference for theater professionals, theater teachers, and theater-makers. Additionally, TCG’s work extends globally as the US Center for the International Theatre Institute shared with the Laboratory for Global Performance and Politics at Georgetown School of Foreign Service.

We had a chance to ask Ms. Eyring about her career and TCG.

You have worked in development, management, and administration at various theaters, including prestigious resident theaters and a prominent children’s theater. Tell us about how your experience prepared you for TCG.

Artists and the arts are vital in community life. My first job after college was as development director of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre company in Washington, DC. I learned about fundraising, of course—which has been essential in every position I’ve ever held. But I also delved into how theater can inspire reflection on current and past events, help us build relationships and imagine the future together, and lead to overall community well-being. Each experience reinforced my belief in the importance of theatre and theatre-makers in society. For example, at the Children’s Theatre Company, I saw that young people are excellent and discerning theatre-goers, usually less conservative than adults regarding theatrical form and storytelling. In addition, these experiences gave me a deep understanding of how theater is made, how communities are engaged in art making, and what the economic challenges are for live performing arts.

TCG Books, your play publishing division, commits to publishing playwrights’ works throughout their careers. How is this model different than other publishers? Ours is a commitment to the playwright and their body of work. We don’t publish only the plays that have been the biggest hits. There is also a sensitivity to the individual artist’s process. We don’t generally rush a book but rather ensure the final text is how the author wants it. We’ve even stopped the press on a few titles because, in the end, the playwright realized they weren’t quite finished with their script.

At the recent TCG fundraiser, you honored La Tanya Richardson Jackson & Samuel L. Jackson. Tell us about the connection between TCG and the Jacksons.

Given TCG’s long relationship with the late August Wilson, we saw an alignment with the Jacksons’ revival of  The Piano Lesson. In addition to the Jacksons’ artistry, we admired their philanthropic spirit and commitment to increasing access to theater for all. Broadway publicist Rick Miramontez, a TCG honoree in 2019 and a close collaborator, also saw a meaningful connection.  The Piano Lesson’s lead producer Brian A. Moreland concurred. Rick and Brian became co-chairs of our 2023 Gala, and they brought so much to the process.

You just announced TCG’s One Million Books Campaign. What are these books, and who gets them?

We are passionate about theater as an art form and plays as literature. One Million Books aims to make a broader range of playwrights and plays available to college, university, and public libraries, independent bookstores, community centers, and more.

In addition to single-volume print and digital offerings, TCG Books participates in Drama Online, a digital library for theater and literature students, professors, and teachers. It includes 200 TCG titles, nearly half by writers of color.

What are you looking forward to at TCG?

Our mission is to lead for a just and thriving theater ecology. I look forward to how we will fulfill this mission in the coming years as we continue to rebalance and reimagine our theatre landscape for the future. With our fierce dedication to equity and inclusion, a specific program I look forward to is a Theatre for Activism series coming up.

For more information on Teresa Eyring and the Theatre Communications Group, visit tcg.org

BROADWAY HD

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH & VALENTINE’S DAY

No matter which holiday you’re celebrating this month, we’ve got thrilling performances ready for you to stream. Visit broadwayhd.com to learn more!

ROMEO AND JULIET

This production, starring Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad as Shakespeare’s famous star-crossed lovers, was captured during its Broadway run in 2013. Set in Verona, Italy, the Capulets and the Montagues have been engaged in an ancient feud that has been lost to time. However, when Romeo of the house of Montague and Juliet of the house of Capulet meet and fall in love, nothing can stop them from being together, not even death.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL

Filmed before a live audience at Cafe Brasil in New Orleans, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill features six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald in her history-making, tour-de-force performance as jazz icon Billie Holiday.

THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS

George Gershwin miraculously melded classical idioms, jazz, blues, and spirituals in this American masterpiece about a beggar, the headstrong woman he loves, and the community that sustains them both.

LADY

CHATTERLEY’S LOVER

Adapted from the controversial literary classic by D.H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterley’s Lover is the perfect date-night watch: a sweeping, romantic musical, with a score by John Robinson and a book by Phil Willmott, that played the West End in the summer of 2021. Georgia Lennon stars as Lady Chatterley, an upper-class wife whose love affair with a working-class man prompts her to consider what it means to have a life well-lived.

BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN: THE OPERA

Brokeback Mountain is the heart-wrenching tale of ranch hand Ennis del Mar and rodeo cowboy Jack Twist, two young men who meet and fall in love on the fictional Brokeback Mountain in Wyoming in 1963. Based on Annie Proulx’s extraordinary 1997 short story, Brokeback Mountain was subsequently made into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Ang Lee and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and the late Heath Ledger. Composed by master operettist Charles Wuorinen, this marks one of the ambitious and major works in his long and storied career. Teatro Real’s production is helmed by Tony Award-winning Ivo Van Hove, known for his gritty and ground-breaking direction.

PIPELINE

Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher, is committed to her students but desperate to give her only son Omari opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident at his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. But will she be able to reach him before a world beyond her control pulls him away? This critically-acclaimed play by Dominique Morisseau is a must-watch.

MARLOWE

R

ON THE BIG SCREEN

FOR ADULTS ONLY

Liam Neeson playing detective Philip Marlowe in a new take on Raymond Chandler’s iconic L.A. detective? You had us at “Hello”! Add in twotime Academy Award winner Jessica Lange and Diane Kruger, as well as Oscar-winning director Neil Jordan and Oscar-winning screenwriter William Monahan and this 1930s hardboiled detective flick has all the makings of a big winner.

COCAINE BEAR

R

Elizabeth Banks directs this whacked out comedy-drama about a bear who inadvertently ingests a massive quantity of cocaine and goes loco in the woods. And the crazy thing is, it’s based on a true story! She’s assembled a great cast for this weird romp, including real-life couple Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, along with Margo Martindale, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and (sad to see) the late Ray Liotta in one of his last roles.

KNOCK AT THE CABIN

R

Get ready to shiver as M. Night Shyamalan brings his latest horror thriller (he wrote and directed) to the big screen. This one’s a tale of the apocalypse and how it affects one family that thought they were just taking a vacation in a secluded cabin. Instead, their choices will affect the fate of the entire world. No pressure, right? Dave Bautista, Rupert Grint and youngster Kristen Cui star in this chilling thriller.

MAGIC MIKE’S LAST DANCE

Magic Mike is back yet again, with Steven Soderbergh back at the helm, Channing Tatum shirtless once again and Salma Hayek along as the gorgeous female lead. What’s the plot? Does anyone really care? We’re just sad that Joe Manganiello isn’t back in the cast of this third go-round in the ongoing story of male strippers and their deep problems.

FOR MARVEL FANS OF ALL AGES

ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA NR

Our favorite Marvel Cinematic Universe hero is back, as Paul Rudd returns as Ant-Man in this third installment about the tiny superhero. Evangeline Lilly is back as well as The Wasp, with Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas and Bill Murray cashing those big paychecks from Marvel as well. What’s the plot? Everyone ends up in the Quantum Realm, and (let us guess) the movie ends with a huge fight scene.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

OUT OF THIS WORLD

THE ARK SyFy

Writer-producer Dean Devlin loves science fiction, as proven by his hits like Independence Day and The Librarians, so no surprise that he’s back with The Ark, a space-travel series about a ship on a mission to save the Earth’s population. When a catastrophe happens, the remaining crew must band together to make it to their new planet. We just hope it goes better than the shipwreck in the recent brilliant movie Triangle of Sadness!

HELLO TOMORROW! Apple TV+

Put Billy Crudup and Hank Azaria in a futuristic (yet oddly retro) series about guys selling timeshares on the lunar surface and add in our favorite TV cop (Michael Paul Chan, from The Closer and Major Crimes) and we’re ready to fire up Apple TV+ to watch. This is one wacky world that straddles old and new with a deft touch, as we discover just what the future may hold.

SATIRE OR BROAD COMEDY: YOU CHOOSE

THE CONSULTANT Prime Video

If dark satiric comedies are to your liking, then tune in to The Consultant to see Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz prove that he’s the sort of guy you don’t want as a boss. As a consultant who is given free rein to make employees improve performance, he’s just what the bosses wanted. The employees? Not so much. Nat Wolff and Brittany O’Grady costar in this slightly creepy black comedy.

NOT DEAD YET ABC

Jane the Virgin breakout star Gina Rodriguez returns to network TV comedy in this new series focused on a down-and-out journalist who returns to the only beat she can get—writing obituaries. As she tries to right the wreckage of her very single life, she discovers that thinking about dead peoples’ lives all day is actually a way to get a little perspective on her own. Lauren Ash and Hannah Simone star alongside the always-fun-to-watch Rodriguez.

PARTY DOWN Starz

If you’ve never seen the first two seasons of Party Down, you’re missing a lot. The first two seasons ran from 2009-2010 and starred Adam Scott, Lizzy Caplan, Jane Lynch, Ken Marino, Ryan Hansen and Martin Starr; 13 years later, they are all back for the reboot of this hilarious series all about a group of Hollywood transplants whose dreams of stardom haven’t gone so well. They all work as caterers while waiting for their big break, which hasn’t turned up in the years they were not on screen. We’re ready to binge the return just as soon as we can!

PAWS DOWN…TAILS UP

HEARTFELT LOVE FOR YOUR PET

This month, when we are feeling lots of extra Valentine’s Day love, we are assuredly going to remember Fido and Fluffy. And if the 65 million dogs and the 45.3 million cats in America don’t get heartfelt love on Valentine’s Day, they are assuredly going to get it on February 20th, when we celebrate National Love Your Pet Day. Here are some ideas for how to lavish love on your furry friends.

ALWAYS A FAVORITE

If you cannot wear your heart on your sleeve, then wear it on your face! These fun Berber “little man” toys from Zanies are traditional favorites of just about every dog. Red for Valentine’s Day, of course. Info: petedge.com

A FISH TALE

Catit’s Groovy Fish features three realistic movement modes and a soft padded cover, geared to trigger your cat’s hunting instinct, and at the same time keep your frisky feline entertained and interested Info: USA.Catit.com

CAVIAR DREAMS

Caviar conjures images of kings and emperors…but why not Canine Caviar and Feline Caviar for furry royalty? These healthy, nutritious treats are geared to (for dogs) improve cellular generation, reduce the risk of degenerative disease, and supply taurine for heart health; and (for cats), maintain healthy skin and coat, aid in hairball control, and supply antioxidants to boost the immune system, among the many benefits these nutritious treats supply. Info: caninedaviar.com and felinecaviar.com

FASHION ID

Max & Molly’s Smart ID Collars—this one is for a cat—are beautifully crafted in Germany, with triplelayers of plush neoprene and polyester that provide comfort and flexibility. Solid buckle supports weight five times the animal’s own weight, a no-escape safety ring, and Gotcha Lost & Found Smart ID tag and mobile app.

Info: onlyanocean.net

BOWLED OVER

Drink and dine with two products from American Pet Supplies. I Love You So Much treat containers, carefully designed with ridges on the canister (about 6” x 4”) that provide an ergonomic grip. The bowl is designed with a rubber, non-slip base, and emblazoned with that message of love as a daily reminder of just what our pets mean to us. Info: americanpetsupplies.com

LUXE TOUCH

True luxury and a tribute to felines. The design of this regal trio comes from wellknown home furnishings company Yves Delorme. Made in Belgium, the Jacquard-cotton tapestry pillow has a zipper closure and a combo of cushy down and feathers inside.

Info: usa.yvesdelorme.com

PRETTY IN PINK

Kindtail has created the PAWD collapsible crate, constructed from high-grade plastic and designed to look decorative, in addition to being functional. Choose from several colors and sizes, to accommodate animals from five to 12 pounds (small) and 10 to 25 pounds (medium). Crates are lightweight, as well.

Info: kindtail.com

TUGS AT YOUR HEART

A sturdy Valentine’s Daythemed toy for Rover, especially if he is a “power chewer.” It will help clean your pet’s teeth, while also entertaining your pooch: The resilient, heart-shaped tug toy (made of high-grade rubber) also is ideal for retrieving and chewing. The Key to My Heart chew toy is made of ultra-durable nylon and will provide hours of enjoyment, straight from the heart.

Info: sodapup.coim

YOU GOTTA HAVE HEART

Show love with these darling wool hearts from Dharma Dog and Karma Cat Toys. These heart toys (two to a pack) are handmade in Nepal of natural wool (the lanolin acts as mild catnip for your kitty), and the coarse fibers help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. Available in a variety of colors. The company prides itself on showcasing sustainable and fair-trade merchandise.

Info: dharmadogkarmacat.com

MANI TIME

A genius of an invention! Give your pet a manicure for Valentine’s Day, without ever leaving the house! The De’Vora Scratch Squares for dogs and cats is a clever way to stimulate play, and at the same time, provide a manicure, as it keeps nails effortlessly trimmed.

Info: devora.us

LOOK WHO’S TALKING!

If you’ve secretly wished your dog could talk, well, here’s the starter kit from Hunger to Talk, so you can try to make that happen. The recordable speech buttons allow you to start with basics, like “play,” “bed,” and “outside,” for example. We can only hope it works, but don’t expect Rover to learn to read! Info: brightkins.com

SLEEPY TIME

The Slumber Pet Cuddler Bed is available in the “Buffalo” red and-black checked print and in a dog-bone print in blue. Dense polyfill cushioning and the soft Sherpa surface provide supreme comfort and wrap-around bolster support.

Info: bosspetedge.com

ENTREPRENEUR’S CORNER

ALINA MEHRLE: SURVIVOR TURNED PIONEER

While enjoying a wildly successful architectural design career, Alina Mehrle got a terrible surprise: a triple-positive breast cancer diagnosis at age 30. Unfortunately, the cancer was aggressive and called for rapid treatment. Mehrle endured a double mastectomy and multiple intensive chemotherapy treatments with all the adverse side effects that came with it, including hair loss and ravaged skin, which Mehrle described as “especially devastating for a woman.”

ON A JOURNEY

Ameōn’s philosophy is rooted in the ancient practice of cryotherapy.  “After eight chemotherapy sessions, my skin was left completely fragile, dehydrated, and yellowed,” Mehrle explains. “On my journey to healing, my oncologist introduced me to cryotherapy, which is the use of cold or freezing temperatures to increase blood flow to the face, which can tighten and brighten skin while reducing blemishes. It was transformative. My skin slowly rejuvenated and returned to the look it had before treatment.”

Ameōn is derived from the word for soul in French and the brand’s philosophy of turning on skin’s potential. “We represent the balance between two worlds: the world of nature and spirituality and the world of modern scientific achievement in medicine, art, and design. Skin icing has been around for centuries,” says Mehrle. “As a brand, we modernized and beautified it, applying science to make the process even more effective with our unique formulas activated by freezing. With regular use, the effects are dramatic and cumulative.”

FROZEN WONDERS

Mehrle and her team spent two years meticulously crafting Ameōn’s five core products, including its two signature Frozen Essences, two serums, and a moisturizer. Mehrle explains the product’s unique application, “It’s a highly concentrated, individually packaged liquid cube designed to be frozen. You massage it all over your face which causes the blood vessels to constrict and dilate, helps our ingredients penetrate deeper and provide faster results.” Results include a boost in radiance and skin tone, minimized imperfections and pores, and deep hydration.

Ameōn’s appeal has extended well beyond cancer survivors. The full range of products offered provides intense anti-aging effects and using the cold essence cube treatment applied to the skin is invigorating.

Beyond the brand, Mehrle designed a fully holistic experience. In 2022, the Ameōn Retreat Room opened within the Equinox fitness space at Rockefeller Center. “It’s like a skincare laboratory,” Mehrle says. “We’ve developed new techniques like our eye scaling facial, which includes lymphatic massage and uses cold tools along with all of the products.”

Mehrle has gone from surviving to thriving and has an eye on expansion. This year, we will add seven new skincare products to the line. She’s also eyeing a luxury retail launch to meet demand across the country for this revolutionary skincare line. New spas are also in development, providing several points of access for clients to see the whole Ameōn experience.

When Mehrle is not in the throes of her entrepreneurial hustle, she spends time in the East Village, where she’s lived for eight years with her husband, Alex. She enjoys diving into all that New York has to offer. “I love to explore New York’s culinary scene. There is so much depth and breadth in the restaurant options, and something new is always opening. You cannot be bored with all of these choices, which is great because I love to eat,” she says with a broad smile. “New York offers so much opportunity, and the people here are incredible to meet. There is a genuine warmth to New Yorkers that is often overlooked.”

This an apt observation from a skincare “ice queen.”

For more information on Alina Mehrle and Ameōn, visit ameonskin.com

MY NEW YORK STORY

COLIN ASARE-APPIAH, MIXOLOGIST

Celebrity first came to Colin Asare-Appiah in London as co-host of The Cocktail Kings, a British show on Discovery Travel and Living. The show, he explains, was pioneering, the first time an entire TV show was devoted to the craft of the cocktail. Colin did not set out to be a bartender; he saw bartenders long before their role was reinvented as mixologists, harried people slogging it out behind the bar. But loving the opportunity to interact with people, finding great pleasure in connecting them with food and drink, he saw bartending bring his creativity and open-mindedness to the art of mixing drinks.

Talent and charm may lead the way where he is concerned, but Colin Asare-Appiah, who now resides in Brooklyn with his wife and family, has become a renowned and respected force in the spirits world through intuition and perseverance. Unconcerned with titles and status, he is happy to pour as a friend for A-list celebrities’ private parties but is never one to name-drop. After all, his passion is his passport to the finest restaurants and bars in the world. Indeed, we’re chatting about his past, present, and thoughts on the future of mixology in the happening East Village hangout in downtown NYC,  Bar Belly, a must-visit for seasonal cocktails and fresh oysters from the team behind the renowned restaurant, Fat Radish. The approach to cocktails and cuisine here is farm-totable within the context of modern British cooking. So, it’s only natural that Colin would include gardenfresh ingredients in the Caviar Martini he makes for us.

His focus is on what lies ahead, encouraging and inspiring women, individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBT+, etc., to adopt mixology as a career. “What’s critical for the future of the spirits industry is fostering opportunities for diverse voices. It’s time that cocktail culture genuinely reflects the different audiences that are vital elements of our world. Discovering and mentoring this next generation of talent is building a community, a family of sorts is tremendously important as we deal with the aftershocks of the pandemic.”

One trend Colin has been glad to see emerge is a new fearlessness when making cocktails at home. “There’s an exciting feeling of confidence we’re observing now. People feel empowered to step it up and create exceptional and inventive cocktails, getting behind the bar themselves.” Of course, going out and enjoying a cocktail in a setting full of vitality and modern energy is still something we relish after such isolation.

With moderation in mind, he suggests we’ll appreciate Caviar Gems, dehydrated caviar, as a luxurious indulgence that delivers all that fresh caviar promises. Given its extended shelf life, this caviar option is an affordable luxury, accessible for the bartender to keep on hand and easy for us to enjoy spontaneously.

And so, with a flourish, looking dashing in his bold, patterned jacket made from traditional African fabric, a nod to his heritage (he is originally from Ghana), Colin presents his signature Caviar Martini.

CAVIAR MARTINI

· 2 oz Grey Goose Vodka

· 1 oz Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

· Sprig of fresh dill

· Fresh lemon peel

· Pinch of Fleur de Sel

· Cubed ice

· Caviar Gems (a spoonful)

· Chilled martini glass

Place a sprig of dill in a large mixing glass. Add Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth and stir. Fill it with ice and add Grey Goose Vodka. Squeeze lemon peel over the mixing glass. Stir all ingredients for 20 seconds—strain into a chilled Martini glass. Sprinkle a pinch of Fleur de Sel and garnish with Caviar Gems on a Caviar spoon.

MIXING IT UP

Bringing delicious, coveted drink recipes now revealed by the world’s top mixologists, Black Mixcellence is the go-to drink guide for any wine and spirits connoisseur. New Yorkers can experience these enviable concoctions, drinks that will resonate with us at three Harlem bars during February. Happy Hours will feature cocktails from the book and other relevant cocktails created by each bar celebrating Black Mixology from February 7th through the 22nd at the following restaurants 67 Orange Street, Sugarmonk, and HoneyWell.

TIME OUT WITH...

JENNIFER NISAN

Everyone experiences the thrill of the hunt. The quarry differs, and there are many paths to victory. For my new friend Jennifer Nisan, that means finding an exclusive article of clothing or accessory that’s impossible to locate. Make no mistake. She knows it’s out there, and with a sense of adventure and fierce tenacity, she’ll secure it for you.

A few years ago, Jennifer started a fashion-focused Instagram account. “I thought it would be a cool idea to post some of the hottest items on the market,” she explains, “I always dreamed of sitting front row at a fashion show, and so I thought Front Row Live would be a perfect name. I want my followers and clients always to have a front-row view.”

TAKING ON A CHALLENGE

Jennifer’s hunting began when she posted a Gucci bag and heard from a friend who had been looking for it everywhere but was told it was completely sold out. So, Jennifer took on the challenge, and after days of dialing, she “bagged” the trophy for her pal.

It didn’t take long for  another friend to call in disbelief. She wanted one too. “We sure thought it would be impossible, but after hunting for a second one and searching through all possible areas, I found it. That’s when I knew I had tapped into something.” She recalls, “Before I knew it, people contacted me asking me to help them locate some of the most coveted designer pieces of the season. I started posting new items daily to my Instagram and showing followers what is out there in the luxury designer world.”

IN THE BEGINNING…

Born and raised in Brooklyn to Azerbaijan immigrants, Jennifer went to a religious school for pretty much all her life. She later landed in the fashion closet at  ELLE Magazine before having four children, back-to-back-to-back-to-back. She brings strong maternal caring to her business. “I ensure they get what they want and feel taken care of. I’m sensitive, so my relationships are important to me. My clients have become my friends, and I will bend backward for them. I’ll work weekends and keep my phone on at midnight if that means they’re satisfied. The thrill of digging and searching tirelessly for something and locating it is a high that I can’t describe. There’s the thrill of the hunt, of course, but the real satisfaction is in the reaction I get from my clients. I’m searching from when my workday begins until my head hits the pillow. Coming through for someone is a feeling that makes my soul happy.”

THOSE DIFFICULT FINDS

One of her most challenging finds was a Chloe visor for actress Shay Mitchell. One of her friends lost hers, and she wanted to replace it for her as a gift. “I searched for weeks until I was on the verge of losing hope, and then suddenly it was there.”

Her most searched this season was hunting The Chanel Heart Bag. Any color. Any size. They didn’t care. They just wanted that bag. “It was complicated because they were so demanding, but my assistant and I did everything we could to fulfill their wishes. We secured a fair share of those for our lucky clients.”

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Among treasured items in her own “trophy case,” Jennifer has a Chanel denim and leather combination coat that was part of Karl Lagerfeld’s last collection he designed before his passing in 2019. “He was a creative genius and irreplaceable. That entire collection will forever leave a mark on my heart, and that coat is so special to me.”

But her greatest treasure is her first Hermès Birkin 25. “That was the first major purchase I made with my hard-earned money. I didn’t have to ask anyone to get that for me, and that’s a good feeling. I rarely take it out of the box. I’m obsessed with it, and it reminds me that if you work hard enough and become independent, you can treat yourself.”

Follow Jennifer Nisan on Instagram at @JenniferNisan