Samantha Leibowitz SS18 Collection at New York Fashion Week
On the night of Sunday, September 10th, Philadelphia-born designer Samantha Leibowitz graced 2017 New York Fashion Week with another stunning collection featuring bold textures and unrivaled craftsmanship. Her designs, which wowed the audience, were presented as part of the CAAFD Collective Showcase for Spring/Summer 2018. The show took place at Pier59 Studios and featured 21 different ensembles, each of which carried its own air of timelessness. Paired with upbeat music and a captivated audience, Leibowitz’s designs undoubtedly made a mark.
As each of the 21 models showcased Leibowitz’s designs one by one, the audience progressively grew more astonished by the collection. The colors of the collection were mainly neutral tones of black, white, silvers, and blues. Leibowitz demonstrated a steady balance between street style and evening attire. Additionally, she played with juxtaposing symmetry and asymmetry in her outfits. While her theme was clear and her pieces closely related, they also each displayed a great deal of uniqueness. Among her clothes were dresses, denim, pants, skirts, tanks, and blouses. Each outfit displayed an airiness and buoyancy that was ideal for a Spring/Summer collection.
The models, each of which added a different component to the line, mirrored one another only in hair, which was styled in a messy bun, and bright silvery-blue lipstick. At the end of the show, Leibowitz, who wore a shining textured blouse and black pants with heels, made her way down the runway hand-in-hand with two of the models and received a roar of applause from the audience.
Overall, Leibowitz’s liberating show was a huge hit at 2017 New York Fashion Week. Yet again, she succeeded in providing an ideal collection that can take any woman from “dawn until dusk.” Her edgy yet classic line was nothing short of inspiring.
Photos courtesy of Hannah Gerety
BELLA’s Fall Fashion Week Cover Party
On the night of Wednesday, September 6th, BELLA New York Magazine kicked off the 2017 New York Fashion Week with a sensational party at Attic Rooftop and Lounge. BELLA New York, a sophisticated and modern lifestyle publication, combines elements of beauty, celebrity, cuisine, fashion, health, arts, culture, philanthropy, entertainment news, and beyond. The party was hosted by Dorit Kemsley, a cast member on Bravo TV’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills who was featured on the magazine’s latest cover.
Joining Kemsley was the rest of the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. These stars included Lisa Vanderpump, TeddiJo Mellencamp, Erika Girardi, Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna, and Camille Grammer. While these ladies are undoubtedly “California girls,” they took over New York by storm, looking glamorous and enjoying the start of fashion week in pure BELLA Magazine style. Additionally, editor-in-chief of Bella New York Courtenay Hall and chief brand strategist Daniel Hall was present to make the party even more enchanting. Other stars who made appearances included Real Housewives of Dallas’ Stephanie Hollman, WWE’s Total Divas’ Ariane Andrew, Netflix’s Orange is the New Black’s Francesca Curran, and Fox Empire’s Jeremy Carver.
Guests arrived at the venue to a breathtaking, custom made flower wall created by Marzan Flowers. Upon arriving to the upper level, visitors were able to explore various stations offering a variety of products throughout the event. These included Tallia-designed fashion suits, hair extensions and beauty products from José Eber and Hidden Crown Hair, Grande Cosmetics, Hanes, Brussel Airlines, 1907water, and LIC Frozen Cocktails. The LIC Frozen Cocktails in particular were a huge hit at the party, as guests kept asking for more of the delicious, refreshing treats. Guests also tasted exceptional hors-d'oeuvres and drank Prosecco provided by Prosecco DOC as they surveyed the rooftop.
Overall, the buzz surrounding BELLA New York’s most recent edition, the filming of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills at the party, as well as the start of Fashion Week made for an unforgettable party with endless entertainment for all.
Special thanks to Jenna
Photos provided by Steve White and Antoine Debrill
A Night With America’s Best New Restaurants
On Wednesday, September 6th, Bon Appétit Magazine hosted it’s annual “Best New Restaurants” event at the exclusive Spring Studios on Varick Street.
Each year, the event celebrates the restaurants Bon Appétit has named the “Hot 10” -- 10 restaurants, out of hundreds that have opened nationwide, that stand out for their culinary creativity. The top five finalists for 2017 included the New Orleans based Turkey and the Wolf; Chicago’s Elske; Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco; Palizzi, an Italian American joint located in Philly; and Hart’s, a seafood inspired restaurant in Brooklyn.
Rounding out the top ten were Chicago’s Giant; the seasonal eatery Spring Marietta; the izakaya meets Texas BBQ Kemuri Tatsu - Ya in Austin, Texas; Nixta, in Saint Louis, and finally, Brewery Bhavana, a quirky cafe styled eatery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For the affair, each restaurant provided samplings of their menu items for over 1,000 guests -- elite restaurateurs and aspiring foodies alike. Particular favorites included the Chicken Liver Pate on Toast from Spring Marietta and a Thai chili sweet corn with tiny shrimp and peanuts from Giant, but those with a less adventurous palette satiated their hunger with an extensive cheese platter or various hor d'oeuvres that made their way around the room.
As an art, cooking tends to be underrated and overlooked, driven down by its everyday practicality. Watching the chefs, however, it was clear how much craft and care they had all put into creating their dishes, displaying an understanding of food that no everyday cook could come close to. Thanks to platforms like Bon Appétit, we are able to see just how versatile food can be, as well as appreciate the people who can take the oddest or most ordinary of ingredients and make them into dishes that are delectable and different.
Be sure to check out the full details about America’s Best New Restaurants at http://www.bahot10.com/.
Special thanks to Craig and Molly.
Photos by Kyle Dorosz
PBS/OZY Media’s 'Third Rail with OZY' Live Taping and Premiere
On Friday night, PBS premiered Third Rail with OZY, a new debate show that explores hot-button issues and philosophical dilemmas of the modern age. Each half-hour episode will bring together a panel of expert and celebrity guests to discuss a single hot topic.
At the live taping of Friday’s premiere episode, it was clear from the introduction of the panelists that the audience was in for a lively debate. The night’s lineup included Roxane Gay, acclaimed writer of Bad Feminist and Hunger; Mo Rocca, humorist and journalist known for his Cooking Channel show, “My Grandmother’s Ravioli” and his role on CBS’ “Sunday Morning”; Seth Weathers, a Georgia-based political consultant and former Trump campaign director; and Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, a New York Times op-ed columnist and former Google data scientist.
To open the dialogue, Third Rail’s host Carlos Watson asked, “Is the truth overrated?” Despite the ambiguity of the question, each panelist had a quick and resolute reply. Roxane and Mo answered no, representing the “pro-truth” end of the spectrum, while the two Seths took the more cynical “anti-truth” approach and answered that yes, the truth is overrated (although Stephens-Davidowitz was quick to distinguish himself from his Republican counterpart by declaring, “I hate Trump”). The debate that ensued was as murky as one would expect given the abstract nature of the subject. The panel never quite arrived at a consensus on what fundamentally characterizes “truth” to begin with. But Roxane Gay lucidly stated, “There are degrees of mendacity, and… some lies matter more than others." Unsurprisingly, the discussion quickly turned political, touching on slavery in textbooks, Trump and the DACA repeal, Hillary’s emails, and Confederate statues. Despite its inconclusiveness, the conversation was engaging and thought-provoking.
Midway through the show, Malcolm Gladwell was asked to weigh in. Where the panel had struggled to wade through the grayer areas of the debate, the famed writer and journalist was eager to take a more black-and-white approach by analyzing the semantics of the discussion, saying, “I don’t know what… we mean by the word ‘lie’ and ‘truth’ in this context.” He went on to say that while “simple and deliberate misstatements of fact” are incontestably wrong and damaging, more often than not, our disagreements are the result of differences of opinion. According to Gladwell, these differences should be encouraged, as diversity of thought grants more power to individuals and the media and strengthens our society.
The Third Rail concept is new for PBS, and will likely be a successful one. The setup was intimate, with direct audience participation and feedback. Gladwell’s cherished “diversity of thought” was well-represented by the guests on this episode, and future lineups are equally promising. The questions proposed for later episodes are massive and monstrous but intriguing and very necessary (one question, for example, asks whether it is okay to have a racial preference in dating). But the show promises to provide a great weekly fix for viewers who feel limited by polarized media outlets and want to hear some authentic, cross-platform discussion.
To see the debate for yourself and to get a taste of what’s in store for PBS this Fall, watch the Third Rail premiere here.
Photos courtesy od OZY Media
Harper's Bazaar Icons party 2017
@AmiableJason
The Plaza Hotel, one of the most prestigious land marks in New York City, was filled with the most glamorous people on Friday night. The star power was at an all-time high at the 2017 Harper's Bazaar Icons party. The bash hosted by the American magazine is one of the most highly anticipated events -- outside of the shows -- at New York Fashion Week. The last three years have seen performances by Kanye West, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga
Each year, Bazaar's global fashion director Carine Roitfeld gathers some of the world's most famous faces for her highly anticipated Icons shoot. This year was no different. This year’s September issue includes an 18-page portfolio of “Icons” in music and entertainment which included: Courtney Love, Dionne Warwick, Grimes, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Miranda Lambert, Travis Scott, Adriana Lima, Natasha Poly, Joan Smalls, Kelly Rohrbach, Irina Shayk, Candice Swanepoel and Karlie Kloss.
“From rock to hip-hop, classic to country, and electric to soul, this unique group of Icons is about diversity, that is what I love,” Roitfeld said. “Celebrating a universal language of music and fashion is important to the world today.” To celebrate this occasion, Bazaar held the star-studded event in New York City presented by Infor, Laura Mercier, Stella Artois, Fujifilm and Swarovski on September 8.
Partygoers arrived through a marbled room filled with Moet vending machines. The guests proceeded up a grand staircase to a soaring ballroom, where there was a bar serving nothing but mini bottles of champagne.
The star of the evening is undoubtedly The Weeknd. The 27-year old Canadian singer-songwriter, born Abel Tesfaye, is one of the hottest singer right now. In a prolonged and highly energetic set, The Weeknd sang tracks including ‘Starboy,’’ ‘Party Monster,’ ‘I Feel It Coming’ and ‘Can’t Feel My Face.’ The mesmerized crowd included Selena Gomez, who received a special shout out from her boyfriend. While it was a big night for The Weeknd, the lavish bash also marked the couple's second red carpet appearance together since the Met Gala.
There are New York fashion week parties and then there's the New York fashion week party: BAZAAR Icons. The evening was a chance for both bold names and no names (myself) to low-key roll into the party.
Aliens Coming Review
The unique and uproarious musical, “Aliens Coming”, has returned to The People’s Improv Theater after a previously sold out run. Under the directorship of Griffin Osborne, the talents of writer Joe Kelly and musical director Jonathan Evans, “Aliens Coming” beautifully merges contemporary music, classic show tunes and campy humor.
The musical follows the friendship of high school seniors, Brandi Boudoir (Maia Scalia) and Clementine Tweedy (Alice Kors), who have incredibly different outlooks on friendship and life. The beginning of the story takes place at an avant-garde art party hosted by Clementine, who seeks the approval of the American Spirit smoking Cool Art Kids. Brandi hates the Cool Art Kids, and loves makeup tutorials and can not wait to go to the state school and join a sorority. Clementine reveals to Brandi that she wants to attend Emerson University as a film student, which causes Brandi to leave the party in outrage and also causes Brandi to be abducted by Zooby Doober (Trevor McGhie), a Flimp from the planet of Flimpton. While abducted, Zooby uses Brandi’s emotional vulnerability to make her believe that he can make her famous for her Youtube makeup tutorial videos by giving her a necklace with special powers. Truthfully he is giving her the power of mind-control over all the humans who watch her makeup tutorials, and will make her control them as he wants. After learning that Zooby has a secret plan to harvest the genitals of the entire human race, Brandi makes it her mission to stop him. In the midst of Brandi being abducted and taking over the world, Clementine runs into Zooby’s hapless assistant, Smib. They end up sleeping together and Smib learns that contrary to what Zooby had been telling him, sex is not evil and that he does not want to get rid of genitals. Clementine, Brandi, and Smib join forces to save the human race and all of their genitals.
"Aliens Coming” truly has something for everyone in this unorthodox scrutiny of youth, identity, sex and technology. If you are not one for raunchy comedy, perhaps you will appreciate the fantastic musical numbers, the genius writing, or the passion the actors put into their performances. People with an interest in fashion will appreciate the fabulous costumes for the aliens, white bedazzled jumpsuits and light-up sneakers. The energy on stage was contagious, it was clear that everyone that was a part of the cast and crew had a great time putting this show together and loved performing it. The audience was invested in every minute of the show, you are unlikely to find a room filled with smiling New-Yorkers anywhere else. If you have the time, spend the ten dollars to see a show worth much more.
The cast features Alice Kors, Maia Scalia, Andrew L. Ricci, Trevor McGhie, Ariana Raygoza, Rebecca Lampiasi, Ashley Hutchinson and Tessa Stokes. Aliens Coming is Produced by Jonathan Evans, Joe Kelly and James Young of Ashcat Productions. Aliens Coming will be playing in the PIT up until September 18th. Buy tickets here.
Special thanks to Bianca from Shark Party Media. Photo credit: Jackie Abbott Photography.
The DL 5th Anniversary Party
On the evening of Wednesday, August 16th, The DL celebrated its 5th Anniversary. An already world famous venue, known for having both a nightclub and a lounge, the DL also boasts a spacious rooftop deck overlooking the Lower East Side. The event made sure it's guests did not go hungry by serving some of the venue's famous finger foods, including coconut shrimp and grilled vegetable skewers.
For the 5th anniversary, the DL served up the four different cocktails and the patrons gladly tasted them on repeat. Felicidad (left), a tequila made up with mescal and raspberry, was a hit of at the event.
DJ Chris Willard's music got many of the guests onto the dance floor, while others lined up for the photo booth. For this year’s event, DL brought Incubate's Future Booth to the rooftop. After filming videos or pictures of themselves, guests were able to add their numbers, and send the photo/video to their mobile on a later date, as if they were receiving a message from the past.
In addition to the amazing rooftop, the DL has two more levels. The first floor, which is filled with beautiful chandeliers dripping in crystals, offers a luxurious atmosphere which also serves as a dinning area. The second floor is a lounge named Red Room. This appropriately named room gives off a intimate and sultry vibe with its red lighting. Charitable events and art parties are regularly held here as well. Nevertheless, the rooftop, with its magnificent views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the plant-filled garden, is still definitely the best part of The DL.
Their cocktail menu is seasonal and also includes extensive bottle service offerings.
The DL is located at 95 Delancey St, New York, NY 10002
Photos courtesy of DL
Special Olympics NY Summer Gala
The 11th Annual Special Olympics Summer Social Gala, which took place at Marquee on August 10th, was a great success! Over 500 affluent New Yorkers attended this evening party in order to support the athletes of Special Olympics New York,.
Children and adults living with disabilities face isolation and even poverty. The Special Olympics not only plays a role in erasing these kinds of barriers, but also letting people know that they’re just like us. By being given equal footing with able-bodied people, the athletes in the Special Olympics have opportunities to develop their talents and gain recognition in more than 200 athletic competitions, which are all supported by the Special Olympics New York. With their funds, over 68,000 athletes can train and participate in the competition with no cost.
For charity-minded young professionals, sets by DJ Luther Riggs, heated the dance floor, while an open bar, offering many options from fine cocktails, wines, and craft brews, was endlessly flowing for all the guests. Afterward, the electronic violin performance by Timothee Lovelock rocketed up the vibe until it the end of the night.
People also had a chance to meet the Special Olympics heroes in person. Wearing their medals, athletes complied cheerfully with requests to pose for photographs, and also didn’t hesitate to join others on the dance floor. At the end of the event, a meaningful speech by Danny Davila, Special Olympics World Games Athlete, was given.
The same as last year, there was a silent auction, with all prizes donated from top brands, including Tiffany & Co., Flywheel, getaways to the Monarch Beach Resort, a stay at the Diamond Hotel (NYC/Palm Beach), Yankees tickets, and so much more. All the money raised from ticket sales and the auction went towards raising funds for the athletes.
James Tang, Adam Merino, Taylor Burns and Joe Stewart made their appearance to announce the result of fund-raising. Compared to the original goal of $7,500, the final total was much higher, at $11,630. When the record breaking total was announced, Special Olympics stars and guests restarted dancing wildly, and Timothee Lovelock once again performed the electronic violin in honor of the moment!
Over 10 sponsors and numerous donors made this amazing night. For information or to donate to Special Olympics New York please visit: http://specialolympics-ny.org/
Special Thanks to Kaitlin
Photo Credit: Casey O'Connor from Casey O'Connor Photography and Patrick McMullen
Nighttrain No. 8 T-shirt Line Launch
On Tuesday, August 8th, media and industry influencers gathered at the Rose Hill restaurant to view a new, buttery soft, innovative t-shirt line by Nighttrain No. 8. Founded by Jamie Antolini, a former Wall Street tycoon, the t-shirt line displays lyrics from songs from some of the most famous rock and roll musicians of all time.
The designer himself was at the event and was more than happy to share his story. Antolini used to spend his time on Wall Street before making the decision to take his talents as a businessman to a different area. With an eye for fashion trends and a passion for rock music, Jamie realized he was onto something great. He combined his skills and interests and immediately got to work on his vision to create a sexy, edgy t-shirt line.
In a short interview with Antolini, he said, “I see all of these young girls walking around in shirts with The Rolling Stones logo on them, and they have no idea who Mick Jagger is. I thought, the lyrics from these bands are powerful not just to old fans, but to anyone”. Bands featured on the shirts include Led Zeppelin, The Clash, and The Beatles. Any lover of music and art is guaranteed to adore these shirts. Each Nighttrain No. 8 t-shirt is made from 100% pure cotton, garment dyed and butter washed. These shirts are made to be worn for either a casual cup of coffee or dressed up for a night of drinks and dancing. Jamie does not plan on stopping there, he already plans on expanding his line to hoodies and long-sleeved shirts.
My favorite thing about this line is the passion within the designer. He took all of these different things that he cared about and he turned them into a career. When he talks about his clothing line, his excitement is infectious. If you want to wear clothing that was truly made from dreams, look no further.
Guests at the launch event were also welcomed to light bites and speciality cocktails by Double Cross Vodka. It was an exceptional night for an exceptional new clothing line. Check out Nighttrain No. 8 at their website here.
Nighttrain No. 8: Rock your body, melt your soul.
Special thanks to Amy and MJ from Indra Public Relations.
Secret Summer Festival 2017
On August 6th, dozens of selected guests were invited to be part of the Secret Summer Festival 2017!
This festival was held at The Foundry; a venue filled with greenery and located in Queens, which was a much needed break from the busy Manhattan. The beautiful summer weather was even more appreciated out in the gardens -- the sun was shining, and summer flowers were seen all over.
Upon entering the beautiful garden, guests who dressed up to their most festival fancy were able to complete their look more perfect. The first step was to Gold Foil Tattoos station. Guests were given the opportunity to have a gold lettering tattoo on their body. Also, Mehdni By Monika was showing off their face painting skills and people’s faces were lighting up the room even at the dark places.
Secret Summer Festival 2017 was full of things to enjoy and play. Haiku Guys & Gals listened to each person’s story and wrote them a personal haiku, while Anthony Kieren Water Colors painted portraits of visiting guests. SPIN also presented a petit playground called ‘PRO PING-PONG GARDEN,’ and We Love Photobooths and ESP Cameras provided photo lovers the chance to spend the whole day in booths. DJ’s playing and performing arts gave patrons the chance to dance away the summer night.
The highlights of the day were the 8 kinds of farm-to-bar cocktails! SPRING 44 Farm-to-Tonic BAR was one of the most crowded bar among bar sections. They coated the glass with agave syrup and decorated it with cornflower petals from Farm One. Made of Spring 44 vodka, Polar tonic water and red syrup, the creation looked gorgeous.
2/ Figgedaboudit
Zacapa Rum served a honeyful cocktail. Their rum tasted deeply sweet, and went well with coconut water from Harmless Harvest. The bee pollen around the cup added a nice finish.
3/ Stone in Love
Herradura brought nectarines and serrano peppers from Thorpe’s Farm into their cocktails, but balanced the explosion of flavor with a light, creamy egg foam.
4/ Resting Birch Face
Woodford Reserve used their own dropper: ’WOODFORD RESERVE SPICED CHERRY BITTERS’. Various mints from Farm.One gave a refreshing taste.
Even nondrinkers had various options to choose from. Illy served up affogato, while La COLOMBE COFFEE came with 6 varieties of draft latte. Kevita and Harmless Harvest were loved by the health-conscious. They brought probiotic drinks and coconut water which everyone grabbed endlessly.
Most of all, the best part of this festival was the the amazing people who came out and showed out. Below the cloud-lighting, sitting around the outdoor table or on the rooftop garden, people could stay, drink and chat away their summer stories.
Photos courtesy of Secret Summer
Oscar Wilde NYC
In his house in the London neighborhood of Chelsea, famed Irish playwright Oscar Wilde wrote in a study containing “a colossal bust of Apollo, a number of bronzes, a Chinese lantern, a Persian carpet as well as a sheepskin rug, and several easy chairs.” There’s no doubt, then, that the witty writer would feel much at home at the soon to be opened Oscar Wilde NYC, named in his honor.
The bar, boasting smooth bronze figurines and cool marble statues, dozens of high backed, leather covered chairs, and a painted glass window that creates the illusion of everlasting sunlight, is a true homage to the writer’s gilded, ornate style. Even the bathrooms, a flight below the main bar area, are adorned with extravagance, with portraits of Victorian era figures and dark mahogany molding.
Perhaps even more breathtaking than the decor, however, are the elaborate, handcrafted cocktails thought up especially for the bar by mixologist Johnny Swet. Patrons can enjoy Wilde inspired drinks such as “Fifty Shades of Dorian Gray,” “Oscar Wilde’s Potent Elixir,” and a chilly, era esque absinthe drip. There’s the standard bar fare as well, but, in true Victorian fashion, it comes with an opulent twist -- displayed behind the the marble topped bar, which, at nearly one hundred and nineteen feet, is the longest in New York City, there are 300 types of whiskey and 32 beers on tap.
But Oscar Wilde NYC isn’t a slave to gilded memories of the past. In a move that departs from its grandiose Victorian theme, the bar will also provide modern dining options using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Dishes will include cured salmon with fried capers, crème fraiche, jalapeno, and salted cabbage slaw; ‘buffalo wings styled’ cauliflower, buttered in rice flour and tossed with a Sriracha butter sauce; and a personal, heartier favorite -- tender, pull apart oxtail with a side of pureed potatoes.
In putting this bar together, owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole have outdone themselves with their dedication and attention to the work and lifestyle of Oscar Wilde. This isn’t a bar likely to end up jumbled up on your list of pre-game drinking spots, mixed in with your old college hang out and the place your bartender friend works at. Like the man himself, Oscar Wilde NYC is the main event, meant to be enjoyed in the singular, and -- most importantly -- in earnest.
OSCAR WILDE NYC opens on August 16th, 2017, and is located at 45 West 27th Street.
Photo courtesy of Oscar Wilde
Hayground School’S 13th Annual Chefs Dinner
Hayground School celebrated its 13th Annual Chefs Dinner on Sunday, July 30, 2017 in Jeff’s Kitchen at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton, NY. Chef Tom Colicchio and Nick & Toni’s Toni Ross (a Hayground founder) hosted a farm-to-table benefit dinner which honored Bill Telepan (Executive Chef Oceana and Wellness in the Schools) and Tinka D. Topping (Hayground Founding Member). Eleven Chefs including Arjun Achuthan (Haygound School); Josh Capon (Lure Fishbar, Bowery Meat Company); Michael Cavaniola (Cavaniola's Gourmet); Claudia Fleming (North Fork Table & Inn); Roger Martinez (Il Buco); Christian Mir (Stone Creek Inn); Garrison Price (Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria); Hillary Sterling (Cook Shop, Vic's); Trevor Swope (Dock to Dish); Joe Realmuto (Nick and Toni's & Townline BBQ), and Jason Weiner(Almond, L&W Oyster Co.) prepared the perfect evening for a group of 150 modern food cognoscenti.
Each year, Hayground secures a handful of culinary masters to work together for one night only, cooking together in one kitchen, to raise funds for the school. Chefs Dinner is the school’s only fundraiser, with additional funds coming from the highly coveted summer camp. The event raises funds, which will support the 82% of students who are receiving financial aid during Hayground’s school year.
One of the evening’s first speakers was Tohanash Tarrant, granddaughter of Elizabeth Thunderbird Haile, alongside Tinka Topping, one of Hayground’s founding members. Cohannash was a graduate of Hayground’s first year.
Guest list included: Hilaria and Alec Baldwin, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Tony Hitchcock, Alan Patricof, and Nisa and Jeffrey Tannenbaum.
The evening began with guests enjoying a variety of locally grown hor d'oeuvres. Josh Capon served Chilled Fishers Island Oysters with Pineapple Cucumber Salsa, Chilled Kushi Oysters with Jalapeño Ponzu, Uncle Arthur’s Chilled Littleneck Clams with Hot Sauce and Lemon. Michael Cavaniola provided an artisanal cheese selection. Arjun Achuthan made wood fired flatbreads in the Hayground wood-fired oven with Hayground student chefs. Roger Martinez served figs, ricotta, marcona almond and aged balsamic. Trevor Swope provided Montauk Crudo of Citrus Cured Local Fish. Jason Weiner prepared beet and cucumber gazpacho with smoked bluefish and horseradish (which he also prepared on Good Day New York, earlier in the week).
During the Five-Course dinner, Hillary Sterling prepared the first course of local tomatoes in saor, paired with Domaine le Fay d'Homme Muscadet de Sevre et Maine sur Lie 2015. Garrison Price prepared the second course of housemade maccheroncini with local clams, garlic scape pesto and sunflower sprouts which was paired with San Giovanni Paestum Bianco 2015. Christian Mir created the third course of butter poached lobster with coconut ginger lime broth, which was paired with Fattoria San Lorenzo Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore "Campo delle Oche" 2012. Joe Realmuto prepared the fourth course of roasted quail with local peaches, corn and arugula, paired with Fabrizio Iuli Vino Rosso "Nino" [Pinot Nero] 2013. Claudia Fleming served the fifth course of blackberries and sweet corn cream, which was paired with Ezio Cerruti Moscato Bianco Passito "Sol" 2011. The five chefs prepared the entire dinner using local ingredients, some of which came straight from the Edible Schoolyard gardens, located on Hayground’s own 13 acres. The evening’s wine selections were made by Christian Troy Indie Wineries.
A live auction hosted by Charles Antin of Lot 1 Auctioneers included some very exciting packages, including a package of gift certificates to some of New York City’s most renowned restaurants courtesy of chef Bill Telepan’s close friends and colleagues. The Island of Mustique – Villa Americawinner received one week on the exclusive island of Mustique in the Caribbean archipelago, a fabulous contemporary hillside villa with a relaxed, open floor plan that offers spectacular sea-views across the Northern Grenadines. The Ultimate Nick & Toni’s Package winner received dinner and wine for six guests at Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton and an invitation for four to the opening night at Coche Comedor, the newest culinary destination by the Nick & Toni’s team. Additionally, they will receive a reservation at Nick & Toni’s once a week from August through Labor Day weekend for up to four people. Another winner received a Chefs Tasting Menu for 6 at Le Bernardin, including a menu hand-picked by Chef Eric Ripert with wines selected by Sommelier Aldo Sohm. In a surprise addition, the highest bidder won complimentary reservations to the re-opening of the winner of World’s Best Restaurant: Eleven Madison Park.
Chefs Jason Weiner and Josh Capon introduced their friend, honoree Bill Telepan. Chef Bill Telepan was honored for his activism and tireless work with Wellness in the Schools, a non-profit that helps provide public school students with essential meals as well as culinary education. Telepan has helped 100 schools in four states fight obesity and low academic performance by providing healthier meals and exercise programs. “If the nation would think about the difficulties kids are having with obesity and low performance—the cost lost to our thinkers, innovators, even our military—they will quickly see how much this is costing us. And if they change how that money is spent, and how much they are funding meals in the schools, and if they think about the next generation of kids being healthy and sharp, the benefits are all there,” said evening honoree Chef Bill Telepan. Chef Telepan was introduced to Hayground’s programs by Chef Jason Weiner of Almond Restaurants, a longtime supporter of the Hayground’s Chefs Dinner, whose daughter attends the school.
Ella Engel-Snow and Jaja Engel-Snow, granddaughters of Tinka Topping gave a moving tribute. Honored for being one of Haygound’s founding members and devotion to children’s education, Topping is a champion for children’s education and the right to learn; she supports the implementation of new, exciting, alternative ways to educate school children. Tinka also has been an active and vocal proponent of preserving farmland and open space, vital to the environment and way of life on the East End.
“In founding Hayground, we had several goals: to break down the out of date lock-step definition of an age bound classroom, to produce a model of what any elementary school should be in terms of its population—diverse in race, class, ethnicity, available to all—and to remove a hierarchical structure in which a director is the captain of the ship in favor of a horizontal model in which the teachers design the program with their interests and passions forming how their classes will emerge. We learned a lot, and are still learning how to be a more creative, intellectual, and exciting place for kids to learn, that survives in this increasingly complex and difficult world,” says evening honoree Tina Topping.
The Chefs Dinner Committee included: Toni Ross (Chair Emeritus), Elaine DiGiacomo (Co-chair), Almond Zigmund (Co-chair), Erica-Lynn Huberty, Scott O'Neil, Perry Burns, Craig Wood, Christian Troy, Cindi Crain, and Jamison Wilson.
The Chefs Dinner Advisory Committee included: Karine Bahkoum, Josh Capon, Emily Chu, Leslie Close, Tom Colicchio, Kimberly Cooper, Brain Halweil, Tony Hitchcock, Ron Kaplan, Victoria Munroe, Joseph Realmuto, Susan Ringo, Éric Ripert, Sandra Ripert, Clifford Ross, and Lori Silverbush.
Since 1996, Hayground’s mission has been to create a community of students and mentors who explore together the central questions of human culture in the natural world. Hayground fulfills its mission through a set of core values and practices: diversity, mentorship, meaningful work, mixed age groups, social responsibility, and sustainability.
In 2004, the Hayground community joined hands to build Jeff’s Kitchen, a state-of-the-art culinary classroom that was the long-held dream of founding parent and local restaurateur Jeff Salaway. Today, the Culinary Arts Program is a complete embodiment of the Hayground experience—an authentic endeavor that demands daily collaboration and a full integration of academic, social, and professional skills. Throughout the year, students learn how to grow, prepare, and cook in Jeff’s Kitchen under the guidance of chef Arjun Achuthan. The school’s Culinary Arts Program teaches students farm-to-table practices, incorporating incidental hands-on science and math lessons, nutrition and business skills.
Hayground Founders: Elizabeth Bertsch, Arjun Achuthan, Perry Burns, Kathy Engel, Susan Engel, Kathy Faraone, Nicole Feret, Anna Gerschman, David Gruber, Elizabeth Thunderbird Haile, Sarah Stahl Jaffe, Gordon J. Klopf, Marcelle Langendal, Susan Ringo, Toni Ross, Jeff Salaway, Roy Scheider, Brenda Siemer, Jonathan Snow, Lisa Stamm, Tinka Topping, Lauryn R. Williams, Terrie Wilson, and Richard Wingfield.
Photo Credits: Richard Lewin
Publicolor Celebrates Carmen Herrera's First Ever Mural
Yesterday evening, Publicolor founder Ruth Lande Shuman welcomed guests at her home in celebration of Cuban-born artist Carmen Herrera. A mural by the 102-year old artist was recently painted by Publicolor students at New York’s public school MS 244 (New School for Leadership and Arts) in the Bronx. The art project was part of Publicolor’s mission to engage high-risk, low-income students, ages 12-24, in a continuum of intensive, design-based programs to encourage academic achievement, college preparation, job readiness, and community service.
Ms. Shuman articulated the importance of extending art-making practices into the lives of underprivileged children who otherwise would not enjoy the enriching joy art can engender. She said, “Our goal is to bring the power of visual beauty to communities who experience little of it.” New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viveritospoke on the significance of bringing art to all communities, including her own in the Bronx. The Whitney Museum of American Art, which recently exhibited Herrera’s work, sent curator Jennie Goldstein to speak on Carmen's late acceptance as a major figure in both abstraction and minimalism. Tony Bechara spoke about his personal appreciation of Herrera, an artist whose fame only recently reached its zenith.
While Herrera was not able to attend, she did remark: “My two great loves, education and art. They have enriched my long life. Having students paint this mural in a school, that’s a beautiful thing. A first mural and a first piece permanently in a school. I consider it a great honor to have been asked by Publicolor and I am so pleased with the results. My thanks to every student who has participated in this project as you have given me joy.”
Guests included: Frederick C. Anderson; Zulema Arroyo; Jeffrey Banks; Janna Bullock; Chus Burés; Bénédicte de Montlaur; Layla Diba; Adriana Echavarria; Nichoals Farley; William Haseltine and his wife María Eugenia Maury; Laura Pels; Gaetano Pesce; Pascale Richard, and Kathleen Elizabeth Springhorn.
Publicolor is a long-term youth development program that engages high-risk students in their education throughout the year with a continuum of design-based programs that mentor them for success in college, career and life.
Photo courtesy of Robert Vinci
Grand Neptune Ball
High Seas. Live Music. Open Bar. What else could you ask for in a celebration? Last Saturday, dozens of people made the trip to Red Hook, Brooklyn, for The Grand Neptune Ball - a celebration on the historic Lehigh Valley Waterfront Museum Barge. The festivity was in honor of the historic wooden barge, which is a nonprofit that raises funds for renewed arts and education programs.
Guests arrived in their finest Neptunian fashion, and partied like Poseidon all night long. The event featured light jazz tunes by Steve Oates and the Zac Greenberg Quartet. Local distillers Van Brunt Stillhouse and Widow Jane provided an endless flow of cocktails, to go along with mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres. The interior of the barge was filled with marvelous pieces of artwork by Bill Mensching. All proceeds from the tickets sales went to benefit the barge–the only surviving wooden covered railroad barge from the 1860s. Today, the barge acts as a museum, classroom, and theatre, all acknowledge to the work of Captain David Sharps, who founded the Waterfront Museum in 1986 to promote maritime history and its importance to the everyday life of the city, and the world.
Sharps had a history of living on the water. When he was studying theatrical movement in Paris, he lived on a houseboat on the Seine. When he returned to New York, David wanted to continue living on a boat, so a tugboat captain introduced him to the Lehigh Valley No. 79 Barge. When Sharps first acquired the historic barge, it only cost him $1, it came with 300 tons of mud in its hold and was grounded in New Jersey. The barge was eventually restored to seaworthy condition after seven years of restoration. The barge’s main attraction is driven in large part by proprietor Davis Sharp’s blend of compelling history and showmanship, turning the barge into a showboat. The great night was driven by Sharp’s enthusiasm and the painstaking care for the boat, which doubles as his home!
Since 1994, the Barge has been docked in Red Hook, Brooklyn and has become a landmark and a source of pride for the community. With spectacular views of Statue Liberty and the Lower Manhattan, the barge is the last enduring example of its kind afloat. However, the Museum is often overlooked due to its location at a more obscure part of Brooklyn. While most people today associate Brooklyn with the hipster kingdom Williamsburg, there are many other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Red Hook, is a lesser known and even less traveled side of Brooklyn, due to it being isolated from major forms of public transformation. With surroundings of pre-civil war warehouse and shipping yards, Red Hook projects a waterfront vibe with a blossoming community of creative types. Today, despite having no subway stations directly in the neighborhood, Red Hook is a destination for New Yorkers from all over, and the barge is one of the top reasons.
The museum’s open hours are Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., though groups can visit on other days by appointment. There are also special theater, dance, and circus showboat performances by Sharps and his friends.
Special thanks to David and Stela. All photos courtesy of Jackson Krule
Serafina Launches in Tribeca
Last week, Serafina welcomed its tenth New York City location in the trendy neighborhood of Tribeca. Its launch coincided with the celebration of Serafina’s 20th anniversary. The location is the largest yet, taking up a luxurious space of 6,500 square feet across three levels. To bring life to its interior, Pato Paez’s paintings decorate the walls throughout the building.
Serafina serves authentic Italian fare in a family-like setting. It was founded by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, who came up with the idea for the restaurant while lost at sea. The two friends were stranded on a small sailboat, suffering from brutal weather and severe hunger pains. They fantasized about creating the perfect pizza and swore to bring the idea to life if they survived. While the dream started with only one restaurant in mind, Serafina now boasts 29 locations worldwide, including outposts in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Dubai.
At the opening party, guests were treated to an abundance of Italian foods including pizza and pasta paired with signature drinks. The restaurant’s famous pizza includes a thin-crust made with extra virgin olive oil imported from Italy. Handmade personal pizzas were prepared in front of guests before getting fired into a Marra Forni brick oven.
To complement the hearty food, Serafina served delicious passion fruit margarita shooters, along with imported Italian beers and select wines. Patrons will be able to order drinks in an XL “By The Magnum” format at the Tribeca location.
Notable guests included founders Assaf and Granato, joined by Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy. Genuardi officiated the pasta ribbon cutting ceremony of the night.
“We know what our customers expect, whether you visited the first location or one that’s only been open for a short time, you will experience the same fabulous food we introduced over 20 years ago,” said Assaf.
The founders have many plans for the future, including launching breakfast options at their restaurants and opening a hotel in Puerto Rico later this year.
Since its opening, the restaurant has attracted celebrity diners including NYCFC star athlete Andrea Pirlo, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, and television producer David E. Kelly. To make a reservation, call (212) 766-2700.
Photos courtesy of ShadowPR
Good Beer 2017
The 9th Good Beer festival, one of the hottest events among Manhattan beer lovers, was held on July 20. This event took place at 28 Liberty; an amazing outdoor venue for drinking vibes. Chilling outside with beers, ciders and wines, allowed all the guests to forget the intense heat in NYC, while also enjoying unlimited access to delicious and fresh finger foods.
While live music played, people had a chance chat, laugh off the day’s frustrations by sampling the great variety of food and drink.
People rushed to the booth pouring Ireland’s most prized beverage: Guinness. There were four varieties available, including the fruit flavored Irish Wheat: a drink that equaled the popularity of the iconic Guinness draft.
Many Breweries participated in this amazing event with many bringing their seasonal summer creations. Porterhouse Brewing Company poured Hollows & Fentimans Ginger Beer, made with 100% natural ingredients which left a particular lasting impression.
If you love flavorsome ales, you should choose Beach Plum Goes, the traditional German ale of Blue Point Brewery. Bride of Beach Zombie brewed by KCBC would be also be nice for your taste buds.
Original Sin Cider’s booth was crowded for their unique brand concept, while Harlem Shake drew attention for their own promotional items including snapbacks, folding fans, and post cards.
On a tough day, a pale ale brewed by Reinheits-Boten could be comforting. Be careful though: its smooth taste hides an alcohol content of 8.5%
It was an amazing opportunity to be in the company of so many food and drink lovers. Prohibition Bakery served up mini cupcakes with a pretzel and Nutella cream. L&W Oyster Company showed off their fresh Hawaiian tuna. The amazing sausages from The Meat Hook were unforgettable.
The last one is Trio collection, the new ice cream of Häagen-Dazs. If you’re a ‘real foodie’, you must know that ice cream works wonders for curing a hangover. After drinking too much, grab the Salted Caramel chocolate flavor with crisp belgian chocolate! That will get rid of your pain.
Everyone was laughing and dancing when all of a sudden, it started to rain, but people never stopped enjoying Good Beer. It was a tasty day.
Special Thanks to Marissa
OZY Fest 2017
On Saturday, July 22nd, in the heart of Central Park, guests filled the outdoor showground of Rumsey Playfield for OZY Fest 2017. The outdoor festival boasted an exceptional line-up of comedians, speakers, and performers for a daylong extravaganza of fun, food, and entertainment. Throughout the day names such as Katie Couric, political insider, Van Jones, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-host, Michael Che, Zara Larsson, and Jason Derulo would take the stage in front of the thousands in attendance.
The playfield was transformed into a town of OZY Fest design, with multiple stages, food stands, and shopping tents for the ultimate festival feel. Consecutive acts from noon to nine encouraged guests to take a seat on the lawn, grab something to eat, and come and go as they pleased. Celebrity chef and culinary expert, Eddie Huang, organized the menu, serving dishes of spicy, gourmet taste such as chicken lime tacos and mixed rice bowls. Ice pops and refreshing lemonades were the perfect summer treat to help beat the heat.
Carlos Watson and Katie Couric kicked off the event with an introductory segment on the Main Stage. Drag queen sensation and personality, RuPaul, shared insight and personal experiences with the audience, followed by a performance from the talented up and coming artist, Kamau. Mark Cuban and Carlos Watson took the stage to explain their experience with success and offer words of wisdom. Other commentary acts followed including talks, “Third Rail With Ozy” and “Is It Really that Funny?” with speakers Samantha Bee, Malcolm Gladwell, Jeb Bush, Mark Cuban and Katie Couric. Musical performances from artists, Yuna ,Talib Kweli, and Zara Larsson, preceded an hour of comedic entertainment from Saturday Night Live’s very own, Michael Che. Headlining the evening and concluding the main stage entertainment was the top-hit recording artist, Jason Derulo.
The Town Square stage introduced political speakers throughout the day as well as industry leading professionals. Dr. Jill Biden discussed her past in a talk titled “When I was 23” and her husband, former Vice President, Joe Biden, surprised attendees with an unannounced appearance to share a few of his own words. In separate talks, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand shared her views on the Democratic Party and Jeb Bush discussed his views on the Republican Party. Together, Maysoon Zayid, David Perry, Sinead Burke, and Victor Pineda engaged in a conversation about the art of inclusion in the political scene. CEO of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe, spoke to the crowd of her experience of working while dating.
A third stage, 1818, also hosted entertainment throughout the day with talks from the event’s chef, Eddie Huang, snack expert, Deuki Hong, as well as Adam Grant, Glynn Washington, Eugene S. Robinson, Hakeem Oluseyi, and Rep. Karen Bass.
OZY Fest is a yearly event hosted by the publication, OZY. The idea behind OZY is to support open-mindedness and forward thinking, in addition to being a knowledgeable source of the happenings of today. The stories reported by OZY are of political interest, as well as of environmental, social, and economic importance. The discussions of OZY Fest emphasize the mission of OZY and their free thinking, cultural and societal values.
Special thanks to Kerri from Shore Fire Media
Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World Festival
On July 8th, music mingled in the trees of Queens Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World Festival, situated just by the Queens Theatre, brought the delightful lull of Jazz to excited festival lovers abound. The music united many listeners on the main green while others chose to visit the various booths situated around the park.
To celebrate Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful world festival, the main stage featured a showcase of some of the best contemporary Jazz artists of our time. Most notably, the festival featured Jon Batiste, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and master jazz musician. Festival goers who stayed until the evening was honored with the powerful music of this world-famous musician and the sound of the Havana Roots collective.
Jazz was not the only thing being celebrated through, culture, food, and human connection were also main aspects of this amazing festival. Reflecting on aspects of Louis Armstrong’s ability to bridge the divide; the festival beautifully brought together festival goers of diverse backgrounds and age ranges; all enjoying the music and dancing in tandem. Families with kids seemed to had the most fun, as most of the kids had their faces painted, while dancing and laughing amongst older folks, swaying quietly to the music.
Louis Armstrong’s ability to bring people together with his music seems to have lasted the test of time, with his Wonderful World Festival being the highlight of many families weekends and contributing to the artistic atmosphere of the park.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Kupferberg Cent
Help For Children Summer Sunset Social
In America alone, every 47 seconds, a child is the victim of an abusive circumstance. This neglect impacts the lives of 3.3 million children each year within the United States. Even more so, a staggering average of 40 million cases indicating child abuse are reported annually worldwide. The occurrence of child abuse is a global concern and therefore requires the support of teams and individuals across nations.
The HTC, or Help For Children, is a foundation connecting core solutions of prevention and treatment to best help children undergoing abuse. Together, Hedge Funds Care and Private Equity Cares supports the foundation in their efforts to raise money and provide grants to service nonprofit organizations. The HTC fosters partnerships between alternative investment holders to afford grants to treatment centers and prevention offices for children facing abuse. As a multi-goal oriented organization, the HTC is also focused on philanthropic practices to increase awareness and prevention of abuse.
Help For Children has donated nearly $50 million dollars since their start in 1998 and now hosts over 45 events each year to raise money and continue awareness for children in need of support. Their latest event, the New York Young Professionals Summer Sunset Social was held outdoors at the Inside Park at St. Bart’s. The after-work social encouraged discussion between guests as they bonded over cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres. The social was an opportunity to highlight the core mission of Help For Children and have guests become further involved with the organization.
Isolated or ongoing, any harm in the manifestation of abuse has the power to impact a child’s entire life. The stress of suffering and fear associated with being abused at a young age can cause problems with early mental development and behavioral and mental health problems later on.
Grants from the HTC are directed towards counseling, youth assistance programs, and support services to children who have endured physiological and physical trauma to empower paths to healing process. Their efforts also extend to organizations that provide resources to connect at-risk families with social services and offer children in dangerous domestic situations direct assistance.
For information or to donate to HFC please visit: http://www.hfc.org/ny/
Photos courtesy of HFC
Baby Driver Review
From the brilliant mind of Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Edgar Wright delivers Baby Driver, the story about the best getaway driver, Baby (Ansel Elgort), working for crime lord Doc (Kevin Spacey). While he may be the best at what he does, Baby no longer wants to be part of the criminal life and only works for Doc to repay a debt. Falling in love with a woman named Deborah (Lily James) only makes it harder for him to escape the life of a crime as he is called to one last heist.
Baby Driver is an anomaly of a film because it is the ultimate balance between action, humor, and story. This film had me laughing hysterically. Jokes never feel forced and don’t hit you over the head. Some jokes come out of left field and completely catches the audience off guard. Baby Driver had so much personality that you can definitely feel Edgar Wright’s personal stamp on it. The music is the heartbeat of the film. Music flows and syncs to scenes so seamlessly that it never feels out of place. When the music is silly and fun, you feel that way. When the music is exciting and dramatic, you sense it. When the music is slow and tension building, you experience it. When one thinks of masterful usage of music, one would recall the success of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy and its Awesome Mixes. Baby Driver kicks it up a notch with its own musical flavor.
Baby Driver’s action sequences are so thrilling to watch and listen to. Watching car chases, in general can sometimes make you feel lost when camera shots aren’t edited together properly or they can even feel too slow and disengaged with static shots. However, Baby Driver nails this aspect down perfectly as the car chases in the film are shot and edited so fluidly. The sound mixing is incredible as well. There’s perfect emphasis on the sound of the car’s engine, the sound of the wheels turning and burning against the asphalt, when the music needed to be loud, and when the music needed to tone down and be subtle.
Each character is unique and has their own flavor and backstory. It felt as if every character was a scene stealer, but you can appoint this to great casting, acting, and directing. As explained in the trailers, Baby had an accident when he was a kid that left him with tinnitus (ringing in his ears) so he listens to music to drown the ringing out as well as making him focused while he’s on the job. Ansel Elgort plays Baby perfectly; a confident, but innocent character that wants nothing to do with crime. You can get a real sense of his confidence from the look in his eyes when he’s driving; outmaneuvering cop cars left and right. His facial expressions really show his regret in his actions as he performs unlawful deeds after unlawful deeds. Ironically, the more Baby tried to get out of the life of crime, the deeper he actually got into it.
Kevin Spacey really shines as crime lord Doc as he’s cunning, witty, and compassionate. Baby is indebted to Doc because of their shared past and is almost blackmailing Baby into being his getaway driver. One of the rules of their operation is to never have the same team of people on any given heist. However, Baby is the exception to Doc’s rule because he trusts Baby. Doc frequently stands up for and vouches for Baby when other members of the heist crew doubt Baby. Their relationship is an interesting one in that it contains multiple elements; that of an employer and employee, the blackmailer and victim, friends, and even almost a father-son relationship. Doc is a character you both dislike and love at the same time because of his bad, but smart decision making and the delivery of his sharp lines. I liked the relationship shared between the two characters, up until the end where their relationship takes an unexpected turn which I found questionable, but not overly flawed.
Lily James plays Deborah well, as the innocent love interest of Baby as well as the driving force for Baby to get out of doing crime. Ansel Elgort and Lily James have great chemistry together as their on-screen love is believable and adorable. Their interactions are so natural and their back and forth about music is pleasant to watch. I do feel that there were one too many of their scenes together and could’ve been edited to one scene less. Jamie Foxx’s character Bats is an absolute scene stealer as he’s both hilarious and captivating in all his scenes. He’s so believable as an impulsive, crazy criminal that you’re never sure whether to laugh or be scared of. Bats is comparable to Jamie Foxx’s other character in Horrible Bosses where he plays an ex-con. Foxx is able to flex his acting chops when he’s able to go from a more serious role in Django Unchained to a crazy, funny role in Baby Driver. Jon Hamm is another surprise standout as Buddy, the handsome bank robber that’s crazy about his wife Darling (Eiza Gonzalez). He plays a seemingly good guy that tries to relate to Baby through music as well as trying to stick up for Baby when other crew members question Baby. He plays this type of good guy so convincingly, no one sees the twist coming at the end with his character.
Baby Driver combines thrilling action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and personal storytelling to deliver a perfect summer movie. While I could easily say Baby Driver is the better of the two out of Baby Driver and the entire Fast franchise, Baby Driver is in essence, a different kind of film that’s on another level. The stellar cast, great acting, and sharp writing drives the story and never really stops. Masterfully shot action scenes are fun to watch and just make you want to become a driver on the level of Baby. To anyone reading this out there, I’d tell you to drive to the theater to see this movie, baby. I give this film, 4.5 stars out of 5 and invite you to see Baby Driver.
