The Winter Show 2019
The Winter Show Opening Night Party, held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, was attended by nearly 2,000 people from the worlds of arts & antiques, design, business and philanthropy. The evening provided an opportunity for guests to peruse and purchase highly coveted museum-quality objects before the Show opened to the public on January 18, 2018. Proceeds from the Opening Night Party, and all net proceeds from the Winter Antiques Show, benefit East Side House Settlement—a community-based organization in the South Bronx and surrounding communities.
Under the leadership of new Executive Director Helen Allen, New York’s longest-running art, antiques, and design fair celebrates its 65th Anniversary Sapphire Jubilee. The 2019 edition will feature 68 exhibitors presenting a dynamic mix of fine and decorative arts from around the world, dating from ancient times through the present day. In 2018, The Winter Show changed its name from The Winter Antiques Show to recognize and embrace the long-established breadth and diversity of its exhibitors. The Fair was established in 1954 by East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. All net proceeds from the 10-day event benefit the organization’s life-changing programming.
New exhibitors this year include Charles Ede (London, UK), Erik Thomsen Gallery (New York, USA), Lowell Libson & Jonny Yarker Ltd (London, UK), Red Fox Fine Art (Middleburg, VA) and returning exhibitors Les Enluminures (Chicago and New York USA; Paris, France) and Maison Gerard (New York, USA). The 2019 loan exhibition Collecting Nantucket, Connecting the World will celebrate 125 years of collecting by the Nantucket Historical Association, presenting the best the Association has to offer in paintings, craft, and folk arts.
Returning for a 23rd year, the Show’s Presenting Sponsor is Chubb, with Fran O’Brien, Division President, Chubb North America Personal Risk Services, as Chair of the Opening Night Party. The Show’s 2019 Design Chairs are Frank de Biasi, Victoria Hagen, and John B. Murray, eminent figures in the world of interior design and architecture.
The Winter Show runs from January 18-27, 2019, at the Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue, New York City. Hours of admission are 12 PM–8 PM daily, except Sundays and Thursday, 12 PM–6 PM, and Tuesday, 12 PM– 4:30 PM. Daily admission is $25, which includes the Show’s award-winning catalogue.
The Winter Show
The Winter Show celebrates its 65th year as the leading art, antiques, and design fair in America, featuring 68 of the world’s leading experts in the fine and decorative arts. The Winter Show is an annual benefit for East Side House Settlement, a community-based organization serving the Bronx and Northern Manhattan. East Side House’s programs focus on education and technology as gateways out of poverty and the keys to economic opportunity. All net proceeds from the Fair’s general admission, the Opening Night Party and all other special events benefit East Side House and contribute substantially to its philanthropic budget.
East Side House Settlement
East Side House Settlement is a community-based organization in the South Bronx. Recognizing education as the key to economic and civic opportunity, East Side House works with schools, community centers, and other partners to bring quality education and resources to individuals in need, helping approximately 10,000 residents of the Bronx and Northern Manhattan improve their lives each year. For more information, please visit eastsidehouse.org
Soho Cigar Bar's 20th
On Wednesday, January 16th, Soho Cigar Bar celebrated its 20th Anniversary in NYC. The hotspot is one of New York’s oldest cigar bars and lounges, which was formerly known as Circa Tabac. Walking into the bar is like stepping back in time, all the while enjoying a true New York City experience where you can indulge in the finest cigars, classic cocktails, rare whiskeys, delicious food and top-notch service.
Owner Lee Ringelheim and GM Michael Dounoulis, who is the only certified Cigar Sommelier in the state, welcomed over 150 guests over the course of the evening. Hudson Whiskey Old Fashioneds were poured as guests circulated the bar, getting to see how cigars are made along the way. Every person in there made the spot feel cozy and at home. One drink turned into 3 (or 6?). People had an amazing and relaxing time. Mike, GM, is great at making his costumers feel welcome.
The warm and welcoming environment of Soho Cigar Bar is reminiscent of a 1920's speakeasy with plush leather furnishings and art deco inspired décor. Modern touches include a state-of-the-art ventilation system and flat screen TVs throughout, discreetly hidden behind timeless art photography.
Partygoers walked away with a gift bag filled with Soho Cigar Bar merchandise, ranging from ash trays and cutters, to commemorative lighters, in addition to Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey shot glasses, Balvenie Doublewood 12-Year-Old Scotch Whisky, Frey freshener, a Madame Paulette stain removal kit and a copy of the newest issue of Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Soho Cigar Bar is open to the public 7 days a week beginning at 12pm. For more information or to make reservations, please visit, http://www.sohocigarbar.com.
TOP JANUARY EVENTS
The Brooklyn Podcast Festival, produced by City Farm Presents, is a celebration of innovative, engaging, and informative podcasts of all genres, the artists who create them, and the community surrounding them.
Calling all Travelers
Set your wanderlust free, with over 550 exhibitors representing more than 170 destinations. Travel smarter, with globe-trottting tips from a huge variety of experts. Watch unforgettable cultural performances, savor tastes from the world's most delicious destinations. And make yourself comfortable, anywhere you roam.
The Food & Drink Event of the Year
Clear you calendars and dust off the winter chill at the third annual Best of Brooklyn Festival. Thousands of businesses have been nominated in 100+ categories and we are showcasing your nominations! This is a collection of Brooklyn’s best craft brews, 20+ of the best chefs plus music from curated DJs and fun not to be missed!
Choose from 3 different sessions at Industry City offering unlimited local craft beer tastings. Grab your tickets today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-of-brooklyn-food-beer-festival-tickets-39838915268
4. Aquarius 2019
Aquarius 2019 at The Foundry
Aquarius returns for its 2nd annual arctic-chic pop-up highlighting sustainable seafood and supporting sustainable fishing initiatives by raising awareness over the way our seafood is obtained. Aquarius will be held at the historic Foundry in Long Island City (42-38 9th St.) on Saturday, January 26th from 7pm - 1am with an official afterparty to follow at The Profundo Rooftop at The Ravel Hotel. The event will feature delicacies of the sea and a bevy of seafood purveyors, charities and vendors plus over the top performances and a select roster of premium spirits. Aquarius 2019 is brought to you by the talented producers of Secret Summer, Tyler Hollinger of HighLife Productions, Andrew Maturana of RAPT and Allison du Val of The Foundry. Specialty cocktails at Aquarius are complimentary and full meals will be available for purchase only. Limited early bird tickets start at $75 and can be purchased by visiting:
JANUARY 26, 2019
The Tunnel in Manhattan, NY
608 West 28th Street, NYC 10001 (11th & 28th)
TWO BIG SESSIONS
Noon - 4pm Session 1: 69% SOLD OUT
The BACON AND THE BEAST! Tasting Session
5:30pm – 9:30pm Session 2: 73% SOLD OUT
The Whole Hog Pig Pickin’ Session
This annual event hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries welcomes young patrons, emerging artists, and guests from the world of art, fashion, business, and entertainment for an evening of cocktails, music, and exhibition viewing. Art Party proceeds benefit the Independent Study Program and other Museum education initiatives.
Pre-Art Party Dinner
7 pm
Art Party
9 pm–12:30 am
Sleeping Beauty Dreams
The legend of Sleeping Beauty has been reiterated by masters since the 14th century, but no one has explored what the princess was dreaming while she slept for 100 years. This question was answered in the New York’s Premiere of Sleeping Beauty Dreams, an innovative artistic performance that unifies dance, contemporary art, and cutting-edge digital technology.
New Yorkers crowded the iconic Beacon Theatre to see artists of different medias draw inspiration from the famous legend and explore the untold story of Princess Aurora’s 100 years of dreams. Combining real-time digital imaging technology, contemporary choreography, electronic music, and new media art Sleeping Beauty Dreams showed that the world of dreams is unique and doesn’t have to be confined by time or space. World famous ballerina Diana Vishneva, performed as Princess Aurora, and Marcelo Gomes, as Prince Peter, are reunited together in a fusion of dance, music, art, and revolutionary 3D digital technology never seen onstage before.
The visuals were a treat for the eyes. Sleeping Beauty Dreams hypnotized the guests with its spectacular imagery colors and it was a feast for the eyes. Every one of Diana Vishneva’s flow of moves was simultaneously interpreted digitally on a screen using motion-capture technology.
Diana’s dancing was full of emotion and intensity as she showed her active range in more modern fare with Choreography by Edward Clug. The real star of the production was the technology which was a truly multi-dimensional experience and everyone probably spent as much time (or more) watching the video projections as the dancers.
In 2019 Sleeping Beauty Dreams will tour nationally to 20 cities and in 2020, internationally. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information visit www.sbdart.com.
Stax Ice Cream’s Winter Treats Launch
The creations at Stax Ice Cream are rooted in the belief that ice cream is a treat to be enjoyed even during the coldest time of the year—and, after trying their new winter flavors, I’m convinced. Prepared for the holidays, this charming little ice cream shop offers respite amid the busy streets of Chinatown in the form of cozy Christmas decor and seasonal sweet treats.
Founders Sophie Gao and Vida Feng strive for quality with a personal touch. Their ice cream is handcrafted in small batches and every dessert is cleverly and delicately adorned. Stax isn’t your average ice cream shop, and certainly not the place to quickly grab a vanilla or chocolate waffle cone; aiming to deliver a unique experience, the ladies at Stax have developed and perfected innovative flavors that pull from both Western and Eastern palates, including fruity pebbles, jasmine milk tea, ube, cornflake bourbon, and more, all which can be made into one of their famous “Cremella” donut ice cream sandwiches. Because who needs a cone when you can eat your ice cream in a donut?
For this holiday season, the launch of Stax Ice Cream’s Winter Treats collection will debut a new line of treats for their Treats Bar in addition to their Holiday Mini Ice Cream Cakes featuring three new winter flavors: Peppermint Oreo Bark, Roasted Oolong Milk Tea, and Red Velvet & Cream. Not only are the ice cream flavors irresistible, but the cakes themselves are adorable—the Roasted Oolong cake is exquisitely decorated as a snowman with a candy corn nose, while the Red Velvet (my personal favorite) is a red-nosed reindeer with pretzel antlers. The Peppermint Oreo cake is a brand new take on one of their classics—a unicorn—but this time with a seasonally appropriate candy cane striped horn.
These sweet, winter-themed inventions will be available at Stax until the end of the month along with the spreading of holiday cheer and #sweetvibesonly.
5th Anniversary Call to Arms Gala
On Friday, November 30th, guests gathered in the ballroom of the Altman Building to commemorate the organization Operation: Heal our Heroes (HOH). The organization, founded back in 2014, was created by two friends, Everett Weston and Patrick Bolchoz, after tragically losing their beloved friend, former Army Captain Francis ‘Franky’ Kim to suicide. Today, HOH, works within the American Veteran population to end the epidemic of veteran suicide and has, created ing a resilient community of individuals dedicated to activism and change.
Hosted annually, the Call to Arms Gala is a fundamental opportunity in communicating the message of Heal our Heroes to the public and opening the door toward discussion. The event serves not only as a social benefit, but as a fundraiser, as 100% of proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction are donated directly toward resource funding.
At this year’s event, mental health was an important topic of discussion. Former Marine and a current Barstool Sports spokesperson, Kate (insert last name) shared a piece of her own personal strife with mental health- and ultimately her healing. Her tone was lighthearted and comedic as she gave her speech, but her story nonetheless powerful. We were grateful to speak with Kate afterward to ask about her hope for the sole takeaway of the evening. Kate expressed her main message to be, “No shame in the mental health game... I want it to become to the point where it’s like if you’re going to bed with a sore throat you take melatonin, if you’re sick, you go to the doctor.” Kate’s hope is to normalize the idea of taking care of mental health and believes we should treat our mind the same way we would our body.
In the past, the mental health of our veterans has not been the forefront of discussion leaving our heroes without the true care they deserve. However, with the work of HOH, awareness for their silent battle has spread. Heal our Heroes has been able to provide readily available resources to those who seek them. The organization offers funding for medical care and professional guidance at the need of each veteran.
The 5th Anniversary of the Call to Arms Gala was an amazing and empowering evening -- one not to be forgotten. Tickets are available for purchase to the public, so make sure to join us next year to honor this tremendous cause and hardworking organization.
2018 Dance Magazine Awards
On Monday, December 4th, Dance Magazine celebrated their annual anticipated awards show. The 61st Awards celebration took place at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, and honored Ronald K. Brown (his award presented by Arcell Cabuag), Lourdes Lopez (presented by the Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker), Crystal Pite (presented by Sean Curran), and Michael Trusnovec (presented by Patrick Corbin). A special Leadership Award was presented to Nigel Redden by Dance Media CEO Frederic Seegal.
An emotional Misty Copeland opened the program, "I’ve just come from Arthur Mitchell’s memorial service. Celebrating a life of such incredible impact, puts so much into perspective...and a stronger understanding of my responsibility as a human, as an American, as a black woman, and as a black ballerina! We all in this room and in the dance world hold a responsibility to use what we love for good. To move the art form forward, to move and motivate one another, to transcend race, religion, and politics! Dance unifies us."
The evening included performances by Evidence, Miami City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Gallim Dance.
Proceeds from last year's ceremony created a new grant, The Harkness Promise Award, for emerging young artists and the promise of their artistic work. The Harkness Foundation For Dance's vice president, Joan Finkelstein, announced the inaugural awardees; Raja Feather Kelly and Ephrat Asherie. The pair accepted the award together saying in unison, “we promise... not to let you down!". Proceeds from this year's Dance Magazine Awards will be applied to next year's Harkness Promise Awards.
To donate to next year's Harkness Promise Award, visit https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/FiscalSponsorship/profile?id=17922#giving_levels
Since 1954 the Dance Magazine Awards have recognized outstanding men and women whose contributions have left a lasting impact on dance.
10th Annual Latke Festival
On Monday, December 4th, the highly anticipated 10th Annual Latke Festival returned to NYC. Having consumed lotsa latkes during the festival at the Brooklyn Musuem last night, a panel of 13 judges and 500-plus latke-loving attendees determined the winners of the culinary competition and fundraiser for The Sylvia Center. The judges declared the Hoppin' John Latke, black-eyed peas, rice and potato latke, BBQ brisket, braise collards, crispy onions from Brooklyn’s Benchmark Restaurant their favorite, naming it Best Latke – this is Benchmark’s second consecutive year for that honor, having snagged the Best Latke award at last’s year’s event.
For the two new awards at the 2018 edition of the festival, the judges cited the Falafel Latke from Kulushkat, the Brooklyn-based Middle Eastern eatery as Best Creative Latke and Dima’s Sweet & Savory Short Rib Latke, slow braised short ribs, prune reduction and micro greens from Manhattan’s venerable Veselka got the nod for Best Traditional Latke, its foundation being the 64- year-old Ukrainian restaurant’s traditional homemade latke. In a festival first, Veselka’s entry was a double winner, also named the People’s Choice Best Latke!
One of most deliciously fun and eagerly anticipated events on New York City’s Holiday Season calendar, the Latke Festival – celebrating the scrumptious versatility of the potato pancake – was presented by Great Performances, the highly-acclaimed New York-based catering and events company, as a benefit for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching nutrition and cooking in underserved communities through hands-on experiences on the farm and in the kitchen. The evening showcased 24 latke creations, from the classic to the decadently imaginative, by chefs from such establishments as: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola; FONDA; FryGuys; Korso; Mama O’s; The Norm; Riss’s Knishes; and White Tiger. See complete list of participants here.
The judging panel of influencers and food experts included: actress Debi Mazar and her celebrity chef husband Gabriele Corcos, hosts of Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin; Dana Cowin, host of Heritage Radio’s Speaking Broadly (formerly long-time editor of Food & Wine); Alex Mayyasi, editor-in-chief of Gastro Obscura; David Berliner, president and COO of the Brooklyn Musuem; Tine Redwine, host of News12 CT’s “Chef’s Quick Tips;” Lee Schrager, director of the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, and Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park. The full list of all 13 judges can be seen here.
“We’re so grateful to the participants who brought their culinary creativity to our event. It’s very gratifying all the winners have been long time supporters of the festival and The Sylvia Center. In fact Veselka has been part of the Latke Festival all ten years of its existence,” notes Liz Neumark, the founder and CEO of Great Performances, which produces the event annually, and who also established The Sylvia Center. “It’s so intriguing how different the winning latkes were, demonstrating, once again, the myriad ways chefs can work with potato pancakes.”
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ABOUT THE SYLVIA CENTER
A nutrition education and youth development organization that works in high-need, high-potential communities to show young people and their families how to establish healthy habits that lead to happier and more productive lives. The nonprofit works with more than 2,500 young people annually across New York City’s five boroughs and in Columbia County, N.Y. Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen and at on a farm in upstate New York, students learn to prepare and enjoy healthy food made fresh, whole ingredients.
Ten students from The Sylvia Center’s “Cooks for Health” program at the Williamsburg Community Center in Brooklyn are competing in the Latke Festival this year. For more information about The Sylvia Center, please visit www.sylviacenter.org.
ABOUT GREAT PERFORMANCES:
Established in 1980 as a waitress service that provided flexible part-time employment to women pursuing careers in the arts, Great Performances (GP) has grown to become New York City’s largest privately-held full-service catering, events production and retail hospitality company. GP is particularly distinguished by a propensity for innovation, a commitment to sustainability—GP was the first and remains the only catering concern in the U.S. to own and operate an organic farm*-- and a dedication to building communities around food. GP’s roots in the arts are reflected by its exclusive partnerships with such prestigious cultural institutions as the Brooklyn Museum, BAM, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater and Asia Society. For more information about GP, please visit greatperformances.com.
Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography
TGA NYC: The Experience
I don’t know how, but it took me a whole year to get over to TGA NYC, the luxe sports bar located on the ground floor of the midtown Crowne Plaza Hotel. Still, no need to whine about lost time. I’ve been to TGA, I’ve tried it, and the verdict is in: I love it.
A high step above the usual midtown sports bar, TGA is practically a carefully designed and high ceilinged piece of modern art. Even now, decorated for the holidays, the white christmas trees and twinkling lights remind guests that TGA isn’t just an ordinary “Done with the grind of the day” after work drink spot -- it’s a cool, “I made a zillion dollars out of nothing,” after work drink spot, complete with a back-alley beer garden and creative cocktails. And then, there’s the food.
My friend and I started out with a whopping three appetizers: A Loaded Mac and Cheese with shrimp, short rib, and bacon; the TGA Jumbo Crab Cake, served with pineapple relish, sour cream, and black bean sauce; and Risotto Croquettes filled with a creamy truffle sauce. Everything was delicious -- I stuffed myself silly -- but I have to give the top prize to the crab cake. I don’t mind pineapple on pizza, but I now love pineapple on crab cake. Not a combination I would have expected, but definitely one I hope to try again in the future.
The real star of the meal, however, was the risotto I ordered for my entree. While the dish can be ordered with steak, shrimp, mushrooms, or asparagus, I, at the recommendation of my waiter, chose the three cheese. I was not disappointed. My biggest fear with risotto is that it’ll be bland, but the three cheese was a far cry from -- my friend ended up abandoning his amazingly seasoned Braised Beef Short Rib to eat what, as he put it, was “the best risotto he’s ever had.”
A huge shout out to Chef Israel Calderon for his wonderful dishes and beautiful presentation. TGA NYC is truly an experience, and in addition to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a happy hour, they offer what’s sure to be a world-class bottomless brunch on the weekends. So check it out! And maybe I’ll see you there -- because I’ve already made another reservation.
For more information about TGA NYC, check out their website, https://www.tganyc.com/, or their insta, @tganyc.
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala honored Liu Dan, John S. Long, Howard P. Milstein, and Dame Jillian Sackler for their contributions to US-China relations. Co-chaired by Yue-Sai Kan and Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, the evening included performances by the U.S. China Music Institute at Bard College Conservatory and ballroom champion dancers Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva. More than 300 guests crowded the Pierre Hotel Grand Ballroom and raised nearly one million dollars.
Howard P. Milstein was honored for his generous philanthropy and for founding the Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation. Receiving the award, he said, “It’s a privilege to be able to help support the good work of the China Institute, and it is particularly meaningful because I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from many of their scholarly programs.” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney sent him a special congratulatory video.
John S. Long, founder of the Long Family Foundation, was honored for establishing the University of California Irvine Long Institute, which works to bridge a common understanding between the US and China. “I’m just delighted to be part of this,” said Long. “We do a lot of work with the second generation of Chinese here and that’s something that we and China Institute have been collaborating on.”
Dame Jillian Sackler, philanthropist and chair of the Foreign Policy Association, was recognized for her achievements in East-West cultural diplomacy, including founding the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University in Beijing. “I’m very honored to receive the Blue Cloud Award,” said Dame Jillian. “I feel like a pioneer of museums in China because I built the first teaching museum there in 1993. It was the first modern institution in the country to have state-of-the-art curatorial standards. I feel proud to have begun the realization that museums can contribute to the community.” Dame Jillian wore a gown created by Chinese designer, Guo Pei. The dress’ half-black, half-white pattern with embroidery and ink took more than 560 hours to make and was meant to symbolize a “cultural collision”, as well as Dame Jillian’s talent for bringing people together.
Liu Dan, one of China’s most significant living artists, was also honored. His award was accepted by Didi Pei. “The construction process is never truly finished because we are always looking to do more, and this is what tonight is really about,” said Pei. “It is an opportunity to highlight all that we have done and set our collective sights on what we will build moving forward.
The gala also featured a live auction by CK Swett who raised $250,000.
The China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in the US to focus exclusively on China. At the gala, their president, James Heimowitz, announced new initiatives to come, including launching the US-China Next Generation Philanthropy Initiative, providing opportunities for emerging Chinese and American philanthropists. China Institute will also begin working with Bard College
Conservatory to teach traditional Chinese music to New York City communities.
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan
Fall Family Party at The Guggenheim
On Wednesday, November 28, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum hosted the Fall Family Party to benefit the museum’s longstanding Learning Through Art program, an artist residency program that has served nearly 150,000 New York City public schools students since its founding in 1970.
The benefit was attended by key supporters of the program including Anna Kovner(granddaughter of the program’s founder, Natalie Lieberman), Whitney Schwartz, Kimberly and Aaron M. Tighe, and Kim Vinnakota; as well as Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Wendy Fisher, President, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Board of Trustees; and Greer Kudon, Associate Director of Learning Through Art.
The evening began with a family-friendly reception at The Wright restaurant, and was followed by art-making activities inspired by the exhibitions Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future, and R.H. Quaytman: + x, Chapter 34.
Photo Credit: Guggenheim
Global Alive Luncheon at Nerai
If I had to name the three most prevalent ethnic cuisines in New York City, I’d go with Italian, French, and then Japanese. After that? Maybe Indian. Or Chinese. It’s subjective -- you can agree or disagree about the order, but I think it’s fair to say that Greek Cuisine is usually not on many New Yorkers radar, especially when looking for a sophisticated place to dine on a night out. After Wednesday afternoon luncheon at the gastronomically inclined Greek restaurant Nerai, however, I’d say it’s about time that changed. Greek food is here, it’s delicious, and it’s beautiful.
Nerai, located on East 54th Street, has to be one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever stepped into. The exterior -- light colored and draped with twinkling lights -- is a far cry from the concrete and glass facades that dominate Fifth Avenue. It’s elegant, glamorous… but of course, the restaurant’s real sell is the food.
To start off the luncheon, guests were served an amuse bouche of Tzatziki and Tarama along with a dish of grilled halloumi cheese, served with fresh figs and a fennel salad glazed with balsamic.
Following that was the “Xtapodi Sti Skara,” or Grilled Octopus served over Santorini fava with caramelized onions. It was only about the third time I’ve had octopus, but even I could tell that everything was perfectly cooked and flavored. And as much as I liked the octopus, I loved the next dish: the “Orzotta Thalassino,” a seafood orzotta featuring octopus, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. When I go back to Nerai (which will definitely be soon), this is 100% what I will be ordering.
To finish up what had already been an outstanding meal, the chefs at Nerai whipped up a “Paidakia Sti Skara,” or lamb chops served with honey glazed carrots, dolma, and oregano jus, and then followed it with a decadent dessert: A Tsoureki Bread Pudding filled with almonds, chestnut gelato, and praline cream. And is all of this doesn’t already sound amazing, just know that In addition to the fine food, Nerai had their talented Wine Director, Mr. Michael Coli, choose the wine pairings for each course. I don’t think there was single person by the end of the meal who was not only happily stuffed, but a little sloshed -- in the classiest way possible.
Special thanks to the host, Evageline Plakas, and Grigoria Kamaterou, for sharing their enthusiasm and love of Greece!
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Just in time for the holidays, Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W. 77th Street, Manhattan) will welcome artisans and independent dealers to showcase their products at their annual holiday market on Sunday, November 25th, and every Sunday in December from 10am - 5:30pm. Find-one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decorations, fashion, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry, furniture, food and more.
This special event will feature a carefully selected roster of over 150 vendors both indoors and out with an opportunity to find unique gifts you won't find elsewhere. Vendors include Stonehill Design, Science Seeds, Rose Suds, Elemental Hardware, Ayala Naphtali, aQK, Stephanie Putter Jewelry, Dyer & Sparks, JD Prints, Pierre Laborde, Wavelength Antiques, Lua Belle and more. Food and treats will be provided to purchase from DownEast Lobstah,Maze-Maze, Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop and others.
Grand Bazaar NYC supports local artisans and independent dealers by providing them with much needed affordable retail space. Also, part of Grand Bazaar NYC’s mission is to give back to the local Upper West Side community. Every time a vendor commits to selling their goods at the market, four schools in the surrounding area including PS 87, The Computer School, PS 334 and M.S. M247 Dual Language Middle School benefit1 00% of the net profits from the booth’s rental cost benefiting over 4,000 public school children by providing them with much need school supplies, books, art enrichment and sports programs.
Grand Bazaar NYC is located at 100 W. 77th Street at Columbus Avenue. The indoor and outdoor market is open rain or shine every Sunday from10am – 5:30pm. The Holiday Bazaar will be open November 25th and December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. To find out more, visit, www.grandbazaarnyc.org.
The Essence of Lightness
On October 24, 2018, Nello Petrucci, an Italian artist from Pompeii, presented another one of his mesmerizing artworks: The Essence of Lightness.
The piece, which was inspired by Petrucci’s life in Pompeii and background in the film industry, took up a full wall on the 45th floor of 3 World Trade Center. Surrounded by the panoramic views of New York City, Petrucci took over six months to complete the piece., even relocating here to dedicate all of his creative focus and direction into manifesting his work.
The artwork, which more closely resembles an installation due to its unusual size and location, remains true to Petrucci’s fashion of creating collages using movie posters, brush strokes and several layering techniques.
Just as with his previous work, The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci used film, concert and ad posters as a base for The Essence of Lightness. He walked around New York City and tore down old and new posters. After completing the collection process, he began the intricate layering process. Two or more additional images or posters were added, followed by strokes of paint. As with The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci included some parts of Pompeii within his work through photos of the Pompeii paintings on the surface, fusing them with the layers of posters.
Yet, what is unique about The Essence of Lightness is the continuous motif of butterflies. If looked at from a distance, an observer might not notice that there are butterflies spread out from the beginning to the end of the painting. However, once an observer gets closer, they will realize that the butterflies are flying through the painting, representing time.
According to Petrucci, the beginning of the artwork represents the past. It represents the history of Pompeii and various thoughts and experiences that we, as human beings, lost sight of. The middle of the painting represents the present. It is everything that we are experiencing at the moment, whether it is delight or worry, we are living in the moment. The butterflies get higher and spread wider as you approach the end of the painting. The end represents our hopes and dreams for the future. If the observer steps back and takes a look at the overall piece, it is reminiscent of the course of life and everything we have experienced, are going through and shall expect.
Overall, The Essence of Lightness was an innovative way to represent such an intense and magical piece. Surrounded by the night skyline of New York City, it becomes almost surreal and yet Petrucci managed to conquer it all and spill it on canvas.
The Essence of Lightness is not available to the public at the moment, but here is a short clip about the making of the fascinating installation.
Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum hosted a glamorous pre-party to kick off the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala. Made possible by Dior, the annual event supports the museum’s internationally renowned exhibitions as well as its educational and public programming. This year’s Gala honored the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and philanthropists Dimitris Daskalopoulos and Alice Walton.
In a celebratory precursor to the Gala’s Thursday night benefit dinner, nearly 600 guests filled the emblematic rotunda of the Guggenheim gallery to sip champagne, listen to music, and experience the museum’s featured exhibition: Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future. The collection showcased the Swedish artist’s colorful and abstract imagery which she deemed too radical for the early 20th century artistic sphere, keeping her works private to reserve them for future audiences.
The event in itself was a spectacle of visual culture, from the paintings of the Klint exhibition to the atmospheric purple glow of the Guggenheim spiral which, along with a colorful, interactive photo booth, presented the perfect photo opportunities for stylish celebs, many of whom wore designs by Dior. The evening was lively with beats from DJ AMRIT and featured a powerful performance by R&B singer-songwriter Jorja Smith.
The dinner on November 15 featured a menu by Gunnar Gíslason, Executive Head Chef of Agern, as well as a special performance of the oldest song in the world, the “Hurrian Hymn,” arranged by Nico Muhly and commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
Over $2 million was raised in support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, advancing a range of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and educational programs, while providing stewardship for the Guggenheim’s modern and contemporary art collection and its building.
Other guests included Maria Grazia Chiuri, Olivia Palermo, Winnie Harlow, Sofia Hublitz, Eleanor Lambert, Rebecca Dayan, Sophie Auster, Zosia Mamet, Gideon Adlon, Janet Montgomery, Anna Baryshnikov, Jon Batiste, A$AP Ferg, Sam Beckerman, Cali Beckerman, Hannah Bronfman, Juana Burga, Jessica Clements, Brendan Fallis, Daniella Garcia, Amalie Gassmann, Kat Graham, GoldLink, Gala Gonzalez, Charlotte Groeneveld, Mckenna Hellam, Anne Huntingon, Makenzie Leigh, Danny Mapes, Selah Marley, Chantal Monaghan, Harley Viera Newton, TK Quann, Cipriana Quann, Rachele Regini, Camille Rowe, Charlotte Sarkozy, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Duckie Thot, Geraldine Viswanathan, Brittany Xavier, Gemma Ward, Nicole Warne, and Tiffany Zabludowicz.
Photos by Guggenheim
About the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim constellation of museums that began in the 1970s when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, was joined by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, has since expanded to include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (opened 1997) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (currently in development). The Guggenheim Foundation continues to forge international collaborations that celebrate contemporary art, architecture, and design within and beyond the walls of the museum, including the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative, and The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative. More information about the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.
The Water Tower Bar
The Williamsburg Hotel (96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, New York) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated opening of The Water Tower, a sleek, intimate lounge and nightclub, which is set to open its doors today, Friday, November 16.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower, located high in the sky above the hotel’s rooftop, boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows encased in steel. With cozy sofas throughout the intimate space, the unique bar transitions from a sophisticated lounge to a contemporary nightclub in the later hours, featuring nightly live entertainment from a rotating list of DJs from around the world.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The beverage menu offers inventive libations, all created by renowned mixologist, Rael Petit, whose forward-thinking approach to mixology led him to celebrated restaurants like L'Orange Bleue and The Standard, before taking the helm at The Williamsburg Hotel in May 2018.
Cocktail highlights include the luxe Heart of Gold (Patron Gran Platinum, Cocchi Americano, white truffle-infused aperol), Message in a Bottle (Bacardi 4yr, clarified milk, Chinese cinnamon cordial, blue majik pineapple juice, lemon), Purple Rain (Empress Gin, Cocchi Americano, Pear Williams, Plant People CBD oil) and Les Gnomes (Absolut Elyx, Singani 63, Ancho Reyes, ginger syrup, lemon juice). Guests are also able to enjoy luxurious bites created by Executive Chef Nic Caicedo, like the Seafood Plateau (chef’s selection of fresh local and wild seafood with seasonal accompaniments), White Truffle Grilled Cheese(fontina, comte, smoked gouda, and white alba truffles, on Brooklyn Bread Lab brioche), and Caviar Tastings (Siberian sturgeon, classic osetra, and golden osetra served with traditional accoutrements).
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower was constructed with industrial materials like steel, glass, and brass, and the decor is punctuated with plush velvet couches and chaises. The lounge is accessible via a VIP elevator, and colorful murals painted by a local artist line the walls, offering an apt mix of grit and glam that pays homage to the neighborhood’s history.
The launch of The Water Tower will mark the opening of the hotel’s sixth property concept, with others including The Ballroom, The Library Bar, The Restaurant, The Rooftop + Pool, and Brooklyn Bread Lab, a warehouse kitchen focused on crafting artisan breads, pastas, pastries, and pizza dough from house-milled grains.
The Water Tower will be open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00pm - 4:00am. Reservations can be made by emailing watertower@thewilliamsburghotel.com.
For additional information, please visit thewilliamsburghotel.com.
The Angel Band Project with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends
On Monday, November 12th, The Angel Band Project hosted back-to-back sold-out concerts, dubbed "An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends - A Benefit to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence”, at 54 Below. The benefit concerts began with original songs by two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz and a heartfelt introduction from Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Aaron Tveit, Jessie Mueller, Sherie Renee Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal also performed with musical direction by Michael Moritz, Jr. The night was sponsored by Rebecca, Hannah and Sarah Gang and White Honey. Survivors Hannah Tombley and Jennifer Hopper graced the stage, using their voices to share their survival stories.
All of the proceeds from the night benefitted The Angel Band Project, which provides music therapy to sexual assault survivors in New York, Seattle and St. Louis. The inspiration for the charity came from an unthinkable tragedy in 2009 in Seattle, WA when a man crept through an open window at the home of Teresa Butz and her partner, Jennifer Hopper raping and stabbing the women, Teresa fought back and according to police, her actions saved Jennifer’s life but cost her her own. After an emotional but musically-uplifting funeral service, lifelong best friends Rachel Ebeling and Jean Purcell got together with the idea of recording a CD in Teresa’s memory. Teresa’s brother Norbert Leo Butz and her surviving partner, Jennifer Hopper, joined their efforts. Their aim was simple: to capture the power in the music they heard to help others heal from the effects of sexual violence. “Take You With Me” was released in 2010 and since that time, the vision has expanded to use music therapy to directly impact the lives of survivors.
In 2014, The Angel Band Project created the groundbreaking music therapy program called Songs of Survival in St. Louis, MO. Where board-certified music therapists work with small groups of survivors as part of their healing process. In late 2016, the program expanded to include Seattle, WA, and in 2017, in collaboration with New York University’s Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, The Angel Band Project began serving survivors of sexual violence in the greater New York City area.
An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends was the first New York City fundraising effort for The Angel Band Project. All of the artists involved donated their time for this event and proceeds will be used to grow outreach efforts in the New York metro area.
“One in five women will be the victim of a sexual assault in her lifetime,” said Angel Band Project Executive Director and co-founder, Rachel Ebeling. “One of the biggest obstacles that victims of sexual assault encounter in the aftermath of being assaulted is the fear of being judged or not believed. A sense of isolation and blame is very common amongst victims of such violence. The Angel Band Project is here to show support, belief, and community for survivors. Until sexual violence is no longer tolerated, we walk in solidarity with survivors on their journey to healing.”
To learn more about The Angel Band Project visit AngelBandProject.org.
Photo Credit - Heidi Peters
Harboring Hearts Gala
On Thursday, November 7th, Harboring Hearts celebrated their annual highly anticipated gala. Harboring Hearts founder Michelle Javian, co-founder Yuki Kotani and Executive Director Missy Rahman welcomed 200 guests to a sold-out benefit evening to support heart patients and their families during their most critical times of need at The Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. The special night began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, an awards ceremony and live musical performances from Alex Getlin, Demi Grace and Broadway Star Antoine L. Smith.
Honorees included Emile Bacha, M.D., Maryjane Farr, M.D., Jack Copeland, M.D. and heart transplant recipient and official Portraitist of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Amy Sherald. Dr. Jennifer Haythe spoke about her friend and colleague Dr. Farr’s tireless efforts to help heart patients throughout her career and Elizabeth Moran shared a heartfelt story on how Dr. Bacha saved her little girl. Kevin Pemberton spoke about his partner Amy Sherald’s work after Auctioneer Paul Flores encouraged attendees to raise their paddles in support of this worthy cause. Benefit Chairs Linda J. Addonizio, M.D., Ralf J Holzer, M.D., William Cherry, Robin McArthur-Murphy and Dana Jean Constantino along with Board Members Sergio Lagunes, Sheila McCaffrey, Ryan Melkonian, Jessica Melore, Hope Geier Smith and Russell G. Tisman welcomed special guests including Fashion Designer Derek Lam, Elizabeth Rosecrans and Vincent Geiss. Harboring Hearts extended a special thank you to the LiveOnNY Foundation for a game-changing grant they provided this year.
The night raised over $280,000 for Harboring Hearts, a 501 (c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing critical financial and emotional assistance for heart patients and their families. In 2008, Michelle Javian lost her father to heart disease. For two years while she was by her father’s side at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Michelle witnessed firsthand the lack of refuge and community support for heart patients and their families. Around the same time, Yuki Kotani’s father was in the same hospital, under the same surgeon, awaiting a heart transplant after years of battling heart disease. Michelle approached Yuki with the idea to create a charity to help these families and on April 10, 2009, the 1-year anniversary of Michelle’s father’s passing, Harboring Hearts received notice of their official 501c3. For more information, visit www.harboringhearts.org
Photos Credit: Jordan Rathkopf
Freehold Brunch
The word “brunch” holds a special meaning in the hearts of New Yorkers. Brunch is a weekly tradition for those who live in the city, typically celebrated on Sunday with a good group of friends. There are places all over Manhattan that offer a tasty meal and cocktails to beat the “Sunday scaries.” But head down to Brooklyn and you’ll find Freehold - the refined yet urban restaurant that can do it all.
This well-rounded restaurant checks most of the boxes one looks for in choosing a place to eat, drink, and have a good time. The Freehold has mastered creating a space that has a unique aesthetic and artistic feel. While the Freehold operates day-to-day as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, special events offer live music, dancing, and special performances that transform the space from day to night. Sundays at the Freehold usually start off quiet as guests gather for brunch and by mid afternoon- the music turns on.
Known for their savory dishes, the Freehold recently unveiled their newest brunch menu. The selection offers gourmet dishes of both breakfast and lunch favorites such as the “Smoked Salmon Scramble,” cooked over an English muffin; the “Brunch Burger,” a ground patty stacked with Munster cheese, fried egg, and the works, and a simple egg platter, scrambled with meat and made to perfection. Yummy vegetarian options now include the “Housemade Yogurt”, with berries, granola, and honey, the “Everything Salad”, and a plant-based veggie burger named the “Impossible.”
Also introduced were a range of cocktails perfectly crafted for the afternoon. The “Dirty Chai” tastes of chai, cinnamon, and tequila. A fruitier choice is the “Bloodhound,”a vodka-based drink disguised with a splash of grapefruit.
To celebrate, The Freehold generously hosted an intimate brunch in their private dining space. Tables were served courses of each dish, family-style to share and taste throughout the course of the afternoon. Both the food and cocktails were well received by guests, leaving no plate untouched. Overall, the event was very successful in launching their new menu.
Heading to Brooklyn? Make sure to stop by the Freehold to check out their new menu. Or make a trip; it will be well worth it. Brunch at the Freehold is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Photos courtesy of FreeHold
NYSPCC Food & Wine Gala
On Wednesday, November 7th, The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC) held its sixth annual Food & Wine Gala Tuesday night at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose world-renowned Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Estiatorio Milos was the 2017 winner of The Concierge Choice Awards’ International Cuisine category, designed a one-of-a-kind menu for guests, and also donated all food. The exquisite cuisine was paired with world-class wines provided by George Spiliadis, Founder of Cava Spiliadis.
Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville, who is also a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, served as the evening’s host while Mary Pulido Ph.D, Executive Director of The NYSPCC, gave an inspirational speech about The NYSPCC’s work championing New York’s most vulnerable. Renowned auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla led the gala’s reverse auction, which raises crucial funding for The NYSPCC’s Trauma Recovery Program. The program offers a specialized therapeutic program for children, ages 5-18, who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, neglect, traumatic bereavement, or who have witnessed family violence. The Food & Wine Gala is one of the major fundraising events for The NYSPCC; the other being the annual Spring Luncheon, which in April 2018 featured an emotional guest speech by Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney.
“We are the first line of defense for vulnerable children and their families in New York City,” said Dr. Pulido, who delivered a powerful speech about The NYSPCC’s work. “Our Trauma Recovery Program provides life-saving counseling to children who have suffered unthinkable abuse, and we’re so grateful to everyone who attended this crucial event and contributed to their rescue and recovery.”
Additional VIP attendees included Vicky Cornell, the widow of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, President of The NYSPCC’s Board Karl Wellner, Board Member Dr. Penny Grant, Gilligan’s Island star Tina Louise, Delicatessen’s Executive Chef Michael Ferraro, who provided The NYSPCC’s exclusive Food & Wine Gala menu in 2017, Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services David Hansell, business executive and former Reuters CEO Tom Glocer and his wife, NYSPCC Board Member Maarit Glocer and New York Jets offensive tackle Brent Qvale.
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) is one of the most highly respected child protective agencies in the world. Founded in 1875, the NYSPCC helps the most vulnerable children of our community recover from trauma. And, more importantly, it helps prevent child abuse through its work with parents, teachers, children and foster care agencies. The NYSPCC’s amazing work is used as a model for child abuse prevention centers across the nation. The NYSPCC has investigated more than 650,000 cases on behalf of over two million children and has educated over 47,000 professionals working with children on child abuse and neglect issues. http://www.nyspcc.org.