STRIVE's 35th Anniversary Gala
On Tuesday, November 5th, workforce developer STRIVE held their 35th Anniversary Gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York. Former New York Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Goldman Sachs Managing Director Dina Powell McCormick were honored. The gala, raised $1M in support of STRIVE’s career readiness programs honors individuals who uphold the success of STRIVE’s students through their commitment as partners and supporters.
“We were proud to honor Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Dina Powell McCormick for their efforts to assist our students in overcoming employment obstacles and barriers,” said STRIVE President & CEO Phil Weinberg. “They have worked to support our mission, advocate for our students, and continue to help us expand our programs. We are grateful to them for their continued generosity in the lives of so many.”
Mayor Landrieu received the STRIVE Leadership Award for his role as a champion of opportunity, and under whose leadership and vision STRIVE launched its workforce development efforts in New Orleans.
“STRIVE was a critical partner in reimagining our economic development and economic opportunity strategy in New Orleans,” said former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “STRIVE creates pathways to prosperity for people facing the biggest obstacles, so I am honored to help celebrate their 35th anniversary.”
Goldman Sachs Managing Director Dina Powell McCormick received the STRIVE Champion Award for her long standing support of STRIVE, and as a leader in driving sustainable economic development and revitalizing underserved communities.
“I am humbled to accept this award in honor of the students that STRIVE reaches each year. STRIVE sees what people can be and unlocks their potential, and provides the grace, love, and support, that they need to achieve it,” said Ms. McCormick. “Because of STRIVE’s dedication to providing motivated individuals an opportunity to overcome barriers and enter the workplace, you can see the ripple effect they have on the graduates, their families, and their communities.”
“STRIVE clearly understands the determination of those coming through their doors each day, working hard to move beyond the personal and professional obstacles, and ultimately guiding them to a place where their efforts are rewarded with bonafide jobs and a way of providing for their families,” said CBS This Morning co-host and The Oprah Magazine Editor-at-Large Gayle King. “It was an absolute honor to emcee the STRIVE Gala, and I wish them continued success.”
More than 250 people gathered to acknowledge and laud STRIVE’s work as CBS This Morning co-host and The Oprah Magazine Editor-at-Large Gayle King served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore, Fox News Co-host of The Five Dana Perino, Morgan Stanley Managing Director Tom Nides, and Jefferies Financial Group President Brian Friedman served as Gala co-chairs.
Guests heard the ‘success-despite-the-odds’ stories of graduate-turned STRIVE Board Member Roy Castro, and graduate-turned-business owner Catana Yehuda. They each spoke about how their early adverse circumstances led them to STRIVE, and how tenacity and determination led each to own their own piece of the American dream: a $10M ice-cream distribution enterprise, and an environmental and construction services company.
STRIVE’s unique workforce development model provides individuals with the job-readiness skills, positive and engaging attitudes, and connections needed to begin life-changing careers that allow them to have productive, successful, and responsible lives. With over a 70 percent graduation and 70 percent job placement rate, STRIVE leverages partnerships with local employers to provide a ready workforce and a steady pipeline of graduates.
About STRIVE
STRIVE is a national leading workforce development solution for people who face the biggest obstacles for employment. Their proven model propels students into careers that lead to upward mobility and define the promise of the American Dream. Headquartered in East Harlem, New York, and since its founding in 1984, STRIVE has helped more than 75,000 graduates prepare for career success through employment programs geared toward those left behind in the economy, including adults, young adults, and those with a history in the justice system.
All photos provided by STRIVE
Sumo + Sushi: A Sensational Combination for an Evening of Entertainment
Good news! You no longer have to fly to Japan to experience the extravagance and thrill of Sumo wrestling. With the arrival of Sumo + Sushi, a live show that catapults this ancient sport right into the centre of New York City, Sumo fans now have the pleasure of watching five world champion Sumo wrestlers do their thing all while comfortably sipping on sake and snacking on sushi.
Sumo + Sushi, an intense experience of food and fighting
On Sunday, November 17, I had the pleasure of attending one of the fun filled shows sat The Playstation Theatre in Times Square. Hosted by legendary Sumo wrestler Konishiki, the first non-Japanese-born wrestler to reach ōzeki, the second highest rank in Sumo, the event was filled with information as well as entertainment, with Konishiki guiding the guests through the history and culture of Sumo, before explaining the do’s and dont’s of Sumo wrestling -- if a Sumo loses his silk belt and is exposed, for example, he automatically loses the match!
The evening progressed with the remaining four world champion Sumo wrestlers battling it out over the course of six live matches. Tououyama, a professional for nine years and weighing in at a whopping 400 lbs fought valiantly against Musashikuni, a 6’3” Hawaiian native. While fighters caught their breath, Q+A sessions with the wrestlers took place between matches, allowing the audience a further glimpse into the complex, competitive world of Sumo.
Sumo + Sushi at The Playstation Theatre
While watching the Sumo spectacle, guests were also treated to an interactive dining experience including miso soup and wasabi peas as well as a carefully curated bento box filled with sushi, vegetable tempura and chicken katsu. Multi talented wrestler Kumago, who owns a karaoke bar in the city, ended the evening with a haunting rendition of Backstreet Boys, I Want It That Way, to the wild enthusiasm and applause of the audience. Sake and beer were also widely available and indulged.
The pinnacle of the evening however, was the very end, with Sumo + Sushi’s unique trend of allowing audience participation. Eager, (and possibly insane) audience members clambered up into the ring to fight their chosen wrestler. Some did better than others but all had a fantastic if frightening experience. Sumo + Sushi brings so much together into one evening of outrageous entertainment!
Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Gala
Photo by Dominick Totino
The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) recently held its 2019 sold-out gala fundraiser, Celebrating A Creative Jamaica. A mix of local political representatives, partners, donors, board members and members of the community came to honor the work that JCAL does year-long and to celebrate the honorees – three outstanding individuals representing the entertainment industry, New York City politics and the financial world.
Photo by Dominick Totino
Photo by Dominick Totino
Obba Babatundé, a native of Queens, New York received JCAL’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The multi-talented and highly celebrated, award-winning entertainer is a Broadway, film and television star, whose career spans more than four decades. He is the recipient of numerous awards including a daytime Emmy for his role in CBS’ The Bold and the Beautiful, was nominated for a Tony for his role in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls is a Critic’s Circle Awards-winner for the musical Sammy, and the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for A Soldier’s Play.
Photo by Dominick Totino
The other luminaries honored by the organization at this event were, New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams, a first generation Brooklynite who traces his heritage to the island of Grenada. One of New York City’s young, rising political stars, Jumaane served on the New York City Council representing the 45th District in Brooklyn, which included East Flatbush, Flatbush, Flatlands, Marine Park and the Midwood section, prior to winning the Public Advocate’s position vacated by State Attorney General Leticia James. In accepting his award, Jumaane took time to remind the audience to exercise their right to vote and he stressed the importance of supporting organizations like JCAL. He spoke about the power of the arts and programs like those offered at JCAL, which were valuable when he was growing up, in helping him manage his Tourette and ADHD.
Photo by Dominick Totino
A former Spelman College Magna Cum Laude graduate, Marilyn F. Booker, was also an award recipient. Cited as one of the most influential women of power and listed among the top 100 Executives in America –– just a few of her many accolades, Marilyn is a career financial specialist with Morgan Stanley, who heads up their Urban Markets Group, with a portion of her mandate devoted to providing financial education to inner city and underserved communities. Although unable to attend due to a previous family commitment, she was well represented by her colleagues who celebrated her leadership, her devotion to the job, family and friends, as well as her passion for the work of helping underserved communities better understand and manage their finances.
The Gala event was held at the Jamaica Performance Arts Center (JPAC) which was transformed for the evening’s event into a banquet hall, with catering provided by Chef Elvis Caribbean Cuisine.
Photo by Dominick Totino
The event kicked-off with a performance by a very special young performer, Charlie Shneller, a student at JCAL who wowed the audience with his magic tricks, charm, and tap dancing skills. He demonstrated what JCAL is about, and what it means to young and old to have an organization that enriches the lives of all people starting from their early years. Cathy Hung, JCAL’s Executive Director opened the evening with a brief year-in-review presentation, spotlighting a few of the programs including the addition of the Jamaica Downtown Jazz Festival, which brought out an audience of several thousand jazz enthusiasts and music lovers over a three-day period, to hear iconic musicians such as Milford Graves and today’s most innovative young artists like Jason Moran. The Making Moves Dance Festival celebrated its 10th year in September. It is a platform for presenting emerging choreographers and new dance companies. Each year JCAL commissions new dance works to encourage the continuation of their creativity. This is in addition to the year-long, school of the arts that offers opportunities for artistic development to children and adults of all ages, across all arts disciplines.
Photo by Dominick Totino
Photo by Dominick Totino
But the highlight of the evening came when Obba Babatundé took the stage at JPAC in a Vegas Style performance with a full orchestral band behind him. This magnificent showman sang, danced and told stories about his early days touring with Liza Minnelli, and his chance encounter with the legendary Mr. Sammy Davis, Jr. that would lead to a life-long friendship. Obba took the audience on a magnificent musical ride, tapping into his inner Sammy Davis, Jr. and bringing him to life for a brief and touching moment with songs that included “Candyman” and “Mr. Bojangles”. It was the perfect cap to a beautiful evening, and Obba was gloriously in his element. If you are interested in learning more about the programs that JCAL offers, or would like to support the organization, please www.jcal.org.
Holiday House NYC 2019
Celebrate the holiday season by giving back while simultaneously being reminded how small your New York City apartment is. Holiday House NYC, one of New York’s leading showhouses, has moved to a $12,000,000 historic Neo-Georgian 12,000 sq. foot townhouse on the Upper East Side (125 East 65th Street) featuring five bedrooms, a sizable garden and a grand staircase. Each space has been re-imagined by a hand-selected group of more than 20 designers and all ticket proceeds benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF).
Founded by Iris Danker, breast cancer survivor and interior designer herself, the Holiday House has been delighting the public with out-of-the box designs since 2008, raising over $1.3 million. Iris Dankner, Design Chair Amy Lau, and BCRF’s President Myra J. Biblowit, join New York area’s leading emerging designers {Mariem Horchani, Bjorn Bjornsson, Sara Touijer, Jasmin Lam, Ally Coulter, Bennett Leifer, Iris Dankner, Vanessa Deleon, Keith Baltimore, Lauren Berry, Zoya Bograd, Tathienne Kader, Tara Kantor, Barbara Lewis, Hilary Matt, Nicola Rosendorff and Elsa Soyars} to transform the stunning 1904 mansion designed by renowned architect Charles Platt.
Few times (okay, never) have I been invited to a New York City apartment where there’s a basement, spacious outdoor garden and several flights of stairs that don’t also belong to all the neighbors. Beyond the impressive house itself, the talented designers have stepped up in creating unique designs that exude personality. So whether you are looking for something different to experience this holiday season, want to make yourself feel bad about your studio apartment, or also live in a sizable New York mansion and are in need of design tips, Holiday House NYC is a must see. Below are just a few standout rooms:
ALLY COULTER DESIGNS - “BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’s”
“Trimmed with custom cabinets containing precious jewels, glamorous Tiffany accouterments, and Tiffany blue and white ceilings precisely tinted by Benjamin Moore reflects timeless luxury style reminiscent of the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The glistening antique French brass and rock crystal chandelier and sconces add more ‘glam’ to the self-indulgent, feminine salon.”
BENNETT LEIFER INTERIORS - “NEUE DRAWING ROOM” (2nd Floor, Living Room)
“I love to reference history and different design elements in the spaces I create. I recently visited the Neues Palais in Potsdam and was inspired by how dramatically the spaces evolved over time, with so many events transpiring over the 20th century. The space retains its elegance but bears a mark of each period that passed through.”
BJORN BJORNSSON INTERIOR DESIGN - “A FRENCH AFFAIR” (3rd Floor, Master Bedroom)
“Inspired by a holiday in Montpellier, France, the concept for the Master Bedroom is eclectic modern with a French twist. In creating the “old and new” design, I took an artistic approach in selecting furnishings and textures that though stylistically diverse, collectively produce an elegant, unique, and personal design.”
ELSA SOYARS INTERIORS - “ENCHANTED GARDEN” (Garden level, Garden)
“The gorgeous pebble flooring in the townhouse courtyard takes you back in time. Playing with textures and shapes one can create an unexpected dreamy garden in this cosmopolitan city.”
“PARISIAN SALON” (1st Floor, Dining Room)
“This dining room captures not only a functional living space but also it shows a fashion element brought through fabric, luxurious textures and color – this is how I see Paris. It’s pure fashion.”
HILARY MATT INTERIORS - “UNDEFINED LINES” (4th Floor, Bedroom)
“Undefined Lines is a bedroom inspired by curvature and linear thoughts brought to life through reflection. this design scheme is primarily black and white with pops of soft, gentle colors to illuminate the space the aesthetic is influenced by curvature, squiggles, zig zags, and grids to ultimately create an undefined reflective space.”
LAUREN BERRY INTERIORS & HOMES - “CITY LIFE / CITY LIGHTS” (1st Floor, Foyer)
A transition from the City life outside into a sophisticated interior space; the Foyer & Entry invites, welcomes, and draws you in with eye catching materials both elegant and durable. The Entry’s barrel vaulted ceiling is highlighted with a Kelly Wearstler Cubist pendant; upon ascending into the Foyer guests will be greeted with a stunning work by Sherie’ Franssen that elevates your sense of arrival.
LEWIS DESIGN GROUP LLC - “CAFE SOCIETY” (Garden Level, Bar Lounge)
This Bar Lounge is designed to take you back in time to the glamorous and fun Cafe Society of the late sixties in Manhattan, where everyday is a holiday worth celebrating and playful and inspiring design adds to the buzzy euphoria of brilliant company and an expertly made cocktail.
MHM INTERIORS - “THINK PINK” (Garden Level, Powder Room)
“The powder room design is centered on the power of pink. It doesn’t take a lot of pink to make an impact! The design conceptualizes the redefinition and evolution of pink, from powdery to powerful.”
Design Concept:
The Redefinition of Pink is expressed through the empowerment and evolution of Pink in fashion images and Barbie dolls displayed in the Think Pink! Powder Room. Pink shows its Power by effortlessly holding its own, while complementing the rich textures and dark hues of the room’s furnishings and surfaces.
Holiday Inspiration:
Day of Pink is the International Day against Bullying, Discrimination, Homophobia, Transphobia and Transmisogyny. It is a day of awareness, action and celebration of diversity. Day of Pink also celebrates the Redefinition of Pink. Its inception was Canadian high school kids defending a gay classmate being bullied for wearing a Pink shirt. In fashion and in popular culture, Pink has evolved, from prim and proper to Powerful and Political.
ROOMS BY ZOYA B - “HARRY AND INDY’S ROOM” (4th Floor, Nursery)
“When I saw this rug, and heard its backstory, my mind just jumped immediately from the beautiful constellations to treasure maps, treasure hunting, and of course to Indiana Jones.”
COUTURE RUG COLLECTION: Constellation Rug Created at the end of the 20th century, the DITOZZI COUTURE line effortlessly coalesces classical elements, such as baroque and Greek mythology, with a modern sensibility, ardent execution, and flawless precision.
TOUIJER DESIGNS LLC - “MEDITATION SPACE” (4th Floor, Meditation Room)
“Creating your personal space that resonates well with you can help you to find the peace you are looking for. Most believe that mediation is all about connecting yourself – mind and body – with nature and your surroundings. My meditation space provides you with the opportunity to recharge your body both physically and mentally, and keep you balanced.”
VANESSA DELEON ASSOCIATES - “THE RIGHT WING LOUNGE” (3rd Floor, Master Lounge)
“Original design starts with a playful idea for living. The oversized Cage Chair and sets the stage, tempting the individual to choose between captivity and freedom of leisurely play.”
Open Daily: Now through December 15, 2019 11am – 5pm; Thursdays: 11am – 8pm; Closed Mondays and Nov 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving
General Admission: $40; Students with valid ID: $25
The Resolution Project’s Tenth Annual Resolve Gala
The Resolution Project hosted its 10th Annual Resolve Gala at The Altman Building in New York City on November 14th, honoring and celebrating young social entrepreneurs who make an impact on sustainability around the world. The unique organization identifies and empowers undergraduate students across the globe who wish to launch new social ventures and positively impact issues affecting communities, while also giving them a pathway to do so. Through an international network of resources and Social Venture Challenges held at youth conferences, Resolution awards winners Fellowships that provide dynamic, hands-on support and mentorship, seed funding, and access to world-class global advisory resources.
Annually, the Resolve Gala is held to celebrate the inspirational Resolution Fellows and their accomplishments, which to this date include positively impacting more than 2.5 million people across 80 countries in areas such as women’s empowerment, water access, disaster relief, clean energy, and equality. Nearly 500 Resolution Fellows are working on over 300 diverse ventures creating a powerful force for good and source of lasting and exponential impact. Supporting Resolution Fellows are over 500 volunteers, a dedicated staff, and dozens of partners from both the public and private sectors. The event also brings together VIPs, social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business leaders to raise proceeds that will go directly toward supporting Resolution Fellows and their ventures.
This year a highlight of the gala was the “A World of Impact” exhibit which showcased four social ventures through interactive installations ranging from an eight-foot tower of water jugs to a ten-foot curtain of tampons, to a thermal dehydrator prototype imported from Uganda. Leftover food from the event was donated to local homeless shelters via a Resolution Fellow’s online food redistribution platform, Transfernation.
Guests got to enjoy food stations throughout the room, an open bar, live and silent auction to raise money, music by DJs for Climate change and an after party at The Box featuring Funk flex. The crowd came together for special music performances by Grammy award-winning artist Wyclef Jean and legendary DJ Funk Flex playing the ever-popular Santana’s Maria Maria, The Fugees’ Ready or Not, and Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie. Before Wyclef took to the stage, a new partnership between The Resolution Project and Wyclef Jean’s music program Wyclef Goes Back to School program was announced. This endeavor will inspire young artists to pursue cause-and mission-based work, bringing awareness to their efforts through music and a chance to win a Resolution Fellowship.
“Ten years ago, the first-ever Resolve event was held in Manhattan at the Jerome L. Greene Space. The event was attended by fewer than 100 people, celebrating a handful of Fellows. To have grown the event almost tenfold in 10 years is a testament to this incredibly phenomenal team” said Resolution Chair and Co-Founder Oliver Libby. “All of the contributions of the Resolution community have been instrumental in enabling the organization to grow to serve nearly 500 inspiring young leaders and counting.”
“This was an incredible gathering to celebrate the tireless work of our Fellows around the world and the growing impact of the Resolution community, including our volunteers and generous supporters,” said CEO and Co-Founder George Tsiatis. “Since our inception, we have evolved and expanded in ways we never could have anticipated, and that impact is ever-growing. We are so grateful to the many guests who have attended Resolve year after year, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the global impact of our community in the future!”
Sponsors of the event included Aramark, Macquarie Group, Hatzimemos/Libby, Mastercard, DuPont, White & Case, Perkins Coie, JPMorgan Chase, and Kirkland & Ellis, Nue Agency, and Heads Music.
For further information, please view The Resolution Project’s website or follow @resolutionproj on Twitter, The Resolution Project on Facebook and YouTube, and @resolutionproject on Instagram.
Photo by Resolution Project
Olivier Leflaive Dinner at Park Avenue
On October 28th, a few lucky guests gathered at the Park Avenue Autumn to learn about and celebrate Olivier Leflaive, a wine tasting event. The private affair was led by Jean Soubeyrand, who has been the president of Olivier Leflaive since 2008. Formerly a stock trader, (but always a wine lover) living abroad, Jean returned to joined the team at Olivier Leflaive under the tutelage of his former father-in-law, Olivier himself.
The history of the The Leflaive Family goes back all the way to 1717, then Domaine Leflaive began exporting to the United States in the early 1930’s. Entrepreneurial and creative, in 1985, Olivier started his own business, focusing solely on quality, buying grapes and managing vineyards, with a team directed by Olivier Leflaive himself. With his own team in place, Olivier Leflaive was able to source wines from outside of Puligny-Montrachet. In 1995, Olivier Leflaive, in mutual agreement with his family, left Domaine Leflaive to concentrate on Maison Olivier Leflaive. Today, the Maison Olivier Leflaive controls 50 acres of vineyards throughout Puligny-Monrachet, Chassagne-Monrachet, Meursault and Pommard.
The evening got off to a relaxed start, with a champagne reception in the Autumn's private dining room accentuated by delicious hors d’oeuvres. This reception was then followed by an extravagant dinner that began with a toast from guest of honor Jean Soubeyrand:“I want us to have a wonderful night and enjoy some of the finest wines we have.”
The appetizers were Hamachi Crudo, Orecchhiette, and Local Burrata & Roasted Grapes // Paired with Pugliny Montrachet AC. 2016, Chassagne Montrachet AC. 2017, and Mersault “Poruzots” Ier Cru.2015. The main course was Roasted Filet Mignon with Creamed Spinach & Mushroom Strudel// Paired with Volnay AC. 2017, Pommard “Pezerolles” Ier Cru. 2017, and Corton “Clos du Roi” Grand Cru. 2017. For the desert the table was served Park Avenue Auturmn Cheese plates paired with Corton Charlemnage Grand Cru. 2017. After the dinner, Champagne Valentine Leflaive and Brut Rose. NV was the perfect choice to end a remarkable evening.
Throughout the night, Jean told wonderful stories about the Leflaive wines and the kind of wines he prefers. Jean said that he continues educating himself by blind pouring wines when he is home, and tasting select wines from around the globe. His taste ranges from around France, Italy and even California.
Being a grower and grape buyer enables Maison Olivier Leflaive the strength to produce wines from Côte Chalonnaise and Côte de Beaune. The wines of Maison Olivier Leflaive are widely regarded for their precision, elegance and finesse rather than power and ‘specularité’. More than a dinner pairing, the wines are symbols of classiness, purity that consumers of all ages will enjoy and love.
Imagine This Women's International Film Festival Dazzles Brooklyn
From November 7-10 2019, Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival (ITWIFF) descended on Brooklyn. From short block screenings to feature length films, from networking parties and screenplay competitions to pitch workshops, ITWIFF created a dynamic and informative film-filled weekend. With screenings at multiple locations including Firelight Studios, Alamo Drafthouse, and UnionDocs, ITWIFF set Brooklyn abuzz with big, bold content and events.
Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival 2019
ITWIFF, diverse in both style and content, offered web series, documentaries, narration, animation and music videos, resulting in a showcase of innovative and rich stories from both established and emerging female filmmakers. A truly international event; with filmmakers heralding from Nigeria, Australia, Iran, Germany and Denmark, to name a few; with a serious grounding in strong and inspiring storytelling, creating compelling, and at times unnerving dialogue between the films.
For me, good cinema unsettles and upends expectations all the while caring for the audience and their experience. ITWIFF achieved this and more. I personally enjoyed the blocks of shorts; 6 or 7 short films back to back across a range of genres. All Skinfolk Ain't Kinfolk, directed by Angela Tucker, was a powerful opening documentary, following the mayoral race in New Orleans between two very different black women, Desirée Charbonnet and LaToya Cantrell. This was sharply juxtaposed by Savannah DesOrmeaux and Madison Seely’s Ghost Town, an interview-format comedic talk show that explores the modern dating phenomenon of “ghosting” and what it means for any human navigating the world of love, sex, and…abandonment. This was hilarious and managed to be original in both style and delivery, which considering the genre of pop culture was an achievement. Looking at Millennial dating trends such as ghosting is vital to understanding how language adapts to shifting cultural environments.
Screening at ITWIFF
Esther, a hauntingly beautiful and suspenseful horror, follows a husbands plot to kill his wife with his mistress. Yet as director Montana Mann demonstrates, things don’t always go to plan. A silent film for a modern audience, yet set centuries earlier, Esther, confronts your expectations of revenge and adultery and creates 10 minutes of compelling feminist horror. The most affecting from this block of Sunday shorts was certainly Fatemeh Mohammadi’s delicate depiction of the cruel disease that is Alzheimer’s. Oblivion tenderly yet bluntly follows Mehrbanoo’s attempts to make her husband’s life, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, worth living. From rental issues to absence of their children, Oblivion achieves the poignancy of portraying how often love and suffering co-exist.
Watching the dance between genres, from psychological horror to political documentary, macabre animation to family drama, with seconds between films you feel caught up in the theatre of the experience. Watching blocks of shorts intentionally keeps you unsettled; whats coming next? What emotion will be evoked? What will I bear witness to?
Drinks and discussions
“According to statistics, women still lag behind men directors in the film industry,” ITWIFF Co-Founder Patrice Francois said. "We are trying to create a platform of diverse storytellers from all over the world that is available to everyone to create an inclusive environment that supports and elevates women storytellers. We create opportunities for women to take their stories to the screen and share with the community." ITWIFF’s dedication to providing aspiring women storytellers and filmmakers a platform that encourages original content creation and project development is overwhelmingly evident and resulted in a fantastic four day film festival that delivered at every angle.
Premiere of Angelfish Starring Princess Nokia
On Thursday, November 14th, Princess Nokia walked the red carpet at the historic United Palace Theater in Washington Heights to celebrate the world premiere of her feature film debut Angelfish. Princess Nokia stars in this romantic drama, written and directed by Peter Lee, alongside co-star Jimi Stanton.
Angelfish is a Bronx love story set in the year 1993 in which Brendan (Jimi Stanton), a high school drop-out with a manipulative mother and unstable brother, falls in love with Eva (Princess Nokia), a smart young first generation immigrant about to start college. As the young couple develop their relationship, complications in their home lives, cultural divides and dreams for the future set against familial responsibilities threaten their fragile love.
Despite the plot following patterns of predictability, Princess Nokia and Stanton both conveyed beautifully vulnerable and sensitive performances that kept the audience empathising with every moment of the story. The soundtrack by Tom Bromley was particularly striking as moments of music seamlessly recurred to underscore the emotions of key scenes.
The architecturally stunning United Palace, recently renovated in part by Lin Manuel Miranda, being situated steps away from the Bronx proved the perfect setting to immerse in this intimate love story.
Jimi Stanton and Princess Nokia
Other cast members in attendance at the premiere included Alejandra Ramos Riera, Claire McClanahan, Erin Davie, Kaelyn Ambert-Gonzalez, Kyle Glenn, Lucy Bermudez, Pedro Morillo Jr., Rosie Berrido, Sandy Tejada, Sean Rogers, Stanley Simons and Tommy Playboy, who is also Princess Nokia's backup dancer. Celebrity guests in attendance included Patrick Byas, Lexi Lawson, Jari Jones and Carol Maraj.
A Q&A session with director Peter Lee, Princess Nokia and Jimi Stanton followed the screening during which they discussed the key role that improvisation played in the rehearsal and shooting process to create, in Lee’s words, “real, authentic, performances” that could connect with people. The director further elaborated: “That’s why I make films, it’s about connecting with people, so if there was one person in this audience who was like ‘Wow I connected with that,’ then that’s it for me.”
Director Peter Lee
Delicious food and drink accompanied by lively music was offered at a VIP reception at Rincon Mexicano across the street from the theater, followed by the official Angelfish after party hosted by NOW WHAT?? at Lucky Seven.
Angelfish is available on iTunes and on-demand as of Tuesday November 19th.
Watch the trailer here.
2019 GIG Pre-Party x Christine and the Queens, A True Work of Art
Photo: Scott Rudd
Art is a shapeshifting form that is presented to us in the format of music, food, dance, sculpture, photography, painting, and many other mediums. At the 2019 GIG Pre-Party made possible by Dior, at the Guggenheim Museum, attendees encountered all those diverse forms of art.
Photo: Scott Rudd
Photo: Scott Rudd/BFA
The enchanting night began with special guests being photographed in front of the Dior red carpet. Each guest' outfit glistened with extravagance in front of the photo wall. Following the photo op, DJ Caroline Polachek’s performance greeted guests as they came in and enjoyed cocktails, mingling, and hors d’oeuvres. The first floor featured a stage in the center of the room and an area where people were being photographed against a semi-circular lit up wall. Ascending the spiral ramp delivered you to the second floor which had a wall beautifully covered in 4 individual works that were all glass covered in gunpowder. Peering across the building, the white spiral walkway was embraced by blue and purple lighting effects, amplifying the artistic ambiance of the elegantly curated night. The works that entailed were done by Constantin Brancusi and Paul Chan. In between the second and third floor was a room with an open bar paired with dishes such as mouth watering truffle crackers with goat cheese in between and a tender salmon on a chip that dissolved with bliss on your palette. The unique food choice magnified the riveting event.
Photo: Scott Rudd/BFA
As the night ensued, it came to its culmination as Christine and the Queens energy filled performance took the stage. The music reverberated through the museum and the attendees bodies, guiding their every movement. The singing and dancing grasped everyone’s attention allowing their sole focus to be on the melodious tunes.
The successful nine p.m. to 12 a.m. event, endorsed by Dior, presented lively music and art. The funds raised enable stellar exhibits to be shown at the Guggenheim, along with enlightening opportunities such as educational and public programming to take place. The gathering of people, exhibitions on display, delicacies to taste, and music to be heard was a live work of art.
LACMA 2019 Art & Film Gala
Photos courtesy of LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosted its ninth annual Art+Film Gala on Saturday, November 2, 2019, honoring artist Betye Saar and filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón. Co-chaired by LACMA trustee Eva Chow and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, the evening brought together more than 800 distinguished guests from the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries.
Photos courtesy of LACMA
The Gala's host committee included Elizabeth Segerstrom, joined at her table by HRH Princess Michael of Kent, Nigel Lythgoe, Benjamin Millepied, Christoph Waltz, and American Ballet Theatre dancers Isabella Boylston, Devon Teuscher, and Cory Stearns. Elizabeth's Segerstrom Center For The Arts, next to South Coast Plaza in Orange County, is ABT's winter home.
Photos courtesy of LACMA
Photos courtesy of LACMA
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winner John Legend gave a tribute in Betye Saar’s honor and filmmaker Christine Turner presented a short film about the artist. Shortly thereafter, Ted Sarandos presented a tribute to Alfonso Cuarón and the audience enjoyed a montage of the director’s films. Actor and musician Donald Glover introduced the honoree.
Photos courtesy of LACMA
Following dinner, Will Ferrell invited guests to an outdoor performance. Billie Eilish then introduced Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals who powered through hits including “Heart Don’t Stand a Chance,” “Come Down,” “Tints,” and “Am I Wrong,” following a trumpet intro by band member Maurice “MoBetta” Brown. The set concluded with an encore of “Jet Black.”
This year’s gala raised more than $4.6 million, with proceeds supporting LACMA’s film initiatives and future exhibitions, acquisitions, and programming.
Pascal Jolivet Wine Dinner
On October 21st, 2019, guests were invited to a very distinctive evening- a celebration and tasting of Pascal Jolivet’s latest 2018 vintage bottlings. The affair was hosted by Pascal himself, who shared intimate stories about wine and food and his favorite types of wine. Pascal Jolivet is one of the most vibrant representatives of wine in the world. The Frenchman has impeccable grape DNA. Both his great-grandfather Louis and grandfather Lucien were winemakers.
The house of Pascal Jolivet was founded in 1987 and is one of the most dynamic domaines in France’s Loire Valley. Based in Sancerre, the domaine now boasts over 120 acres of prime vineyards spread across the appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Sancerre wines originate from three soil types: clay, limestone and flint. Sancerre wines are more floral and elegant than wines of the same varietal type in other regions.
Pascal Jolivet is a firm believer in natural winemaking and practices environmentally friendly techniques in both the vineyard and the cellar. The philosophy of the estate is to let nature take its course as much as possible. The juices are fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks with thermoregulation. Valentina Buoso is Pascal Jolivet’s newest winemaker, and she continues to fulfill Pascal Jolivet’s philosophy and practices.
The event took place at the Estiatorio Milos, inside new hotspot Hudson Yards, which afforded gorgeous views of The Vessel and Hudson River. The reception started with all the guests receiving a glass of Attitude Sauvignon Blanc. Since 2001, Pascal Jolivet has engaged in a profound reflection on Attitude. The idea was to create a high-quality Loire collection not especially from Sancerre area but from the Loire Valley, the best terroir in the world for the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety.
This reception was then followed by a very elaborate dinner served in an intimate setting within the hotel’s restaurant. While the highlight of the night was clearly engaged by the various courses of delectable wines that were paired with each dinner course, the food didn’t fail to impress either.
The first course was Sashimi quality Mediterranean Octopus, Santorini yellow split pea fava // Paired with Sancerre, Blanc-Fumé & Metis Sauvignon Blanc. Second, was the Madagascar Shrimp & Endive Salad // Paired with Sancerre “Le Chêne Marchand”, Pouilly Fumé “Les Terres Blanches” & Sancerre Rosé. The main course was the Grilled Mediterranean Sea bream with steamed crown broccoli // Paired with Sancerre “Sauvage” & Pouilly Fumé “Indigène”.
A wonderful night with one of the most knowledgeable and amazing hosts.
For more information on Pascal Jolivet, visit pascaljolivet.com.
Art, Artists and Essence: BRIC'S Annual Gala Celebrates Brooklyn!
On Thursday November 8, BRIC hosted its annual gala in honor of Brooklyn’s artistic community at the Knockdown Center, featuring artist installations, pop-ups, canapés aplenty and dazzling performances.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jordan Rathkopf. Courtesy of BRIC.
BRIC, the largest non-profit presenter of free arts and cultural programming in Brooklyn, aims to present and incubate work by artists and media-makers who reflect the diversity that surrounds us. The gala honored this year’s 2019 recipients of the Colene Brown Art Prize: Manuel Acevedo, Nicole Awai, Xenobia Bailey, Nona Faustine, Alicia Grullón, Baseera Khan, Heidi Lau, Christopher Myers, Judith Simonian, and Kennedy Yanko.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jordan Rathkopf. Courtesy of BRIC.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jordan Rathkopf. Courtesy of BRIC.
The evening opened with drinks and canapés, as guests mingled around the exhibition space, featuring interactive artwork by Cuban-American artist Yara Travieso, a portrait studio by esteemed photographer Barron Claiborne and a pop-up barbershop by Greg Purnell to name but a few. Red, blue, gold, and green streamers framed the night, while giant piañatas waited patiently for guests to tear them apart.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jordan Rathkopf. Courtesy of BRIC.
Viewing art is hungry business so thankfully an energetic yet intimate dinner was next on the menu. From artistically plated Burrata and beets, to Braised Short Rib with Pistachio Asparagus and finally, delectable Red Velvet Cake, to complete a meal of understated decadence. During dinner, BRIC president Kristina Newman-Scott shared during her opening remarks, “this evening was created to honor artists. It was created by Brooklyn, for Brooklyn”. The night was certainly a showcase of the best of Brooklyn’s artistic community!
Notable dinner guests included fashion influencer twins Cipriana Quann and TK Wonder, fashion designer Reuben Reuel of Demestik, celebrity photographer Barron Claiborne, artist Andrea Bergart, art collector Carla Shen, musician Antoniette Costa, artist Renee Cox, and model Ashley Hart, and commissioner of NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Tom Finkelpearl.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jordan Rathkopf. Courtesy of BRIC.
Following dinner, guests continued the festivities and gathered for the gala’s electric after-party, BRIC After Dark, with music from DJ Moma and performative moments by Tendayi Kuumba, Courtney Cook, and Love Muwwakkil of Urban Bush Women. All the exposed brick alcoves of the Knockdown Center were abuzz and filled with dancing, laughing and whispers into the early hours.
BRIC’s 41-year legacy, as a major New York City cultural institution, was celebrated tenfold across the evening, showcasing and honoring vibrant contemporary art, performing arts, and media programs in a fashion only Brooklyn can pull off.
Oscar Wilde Wows with New Head Chef Ali Dey Daly at the Helm.
Oscar Wilde stretches from mere literary feats, to visual and edible feasts at 45 W 27th St, with the addition of new head chef Ali Dey Daly. Award-winning, Tunisian-born Chef Ali innovates the menu with new dishes that match the extravagance and eccentricity of the popular NoMad bar and restaurant, that first opened in 2017.
Endearing energy exuded from all angles at Oscar Wilde.
Combining eclectic styles, from Victorian-influenced dishes and Celtic cuisine, with his classically trained French techniques, Chef Dey Daly introduces revamped menus now available at the longest continuous bar in New York City - do you need anymore reason to pay Oscar a visit?
The Celtic Developers Group Co-Founders, Thomas Burke and Frank McCole, are delighted with Chef Ali’s arrival: “With nearly three decades of culinary training and experience in award-winning, Michelin-star kitchens in Paris, Shanghai and New York, Chef Ali brings a global creative vision to our bar, while maintaining true to what our patrons love the most – delicious comfort fare with locally-sourced produce and ingredients.”
Beef Short Rib Bites
And those three decades of training certainly shine through, as Chef Ali offers seasonal snacks from Maple Glazed Bacon cooked for a staggering 72 hours, to elegant comfort dishes of Beef Tenderloin Cottage Pie topped with White Cheddar Mash to warm the winter cockles.
My personal favorite, Citrus Crab Avocado with Frisée & Toasts, was preceded by the perfect Fall opener, Beef Short Rib Bites; succulent braised beef lollipops, accompanied by autumnal spiced marmalade and paired with an apple and lemon champagne cocktail. Other enticements include, Branzino Filet with Cauliflower in Three Ways, Seared Duck Breast with Butternut Squash Puree, Asparagus and Citrus Sauce and the mouth watering Crémeux chocolat Manjari.
Wilde Whiskey Aplenty!
Born in Tunis, Tunisia, Chef Dey Daly found his passion for gastronomy at the young age of eleven. He studied at the prestigious Culinary School Institut Paul Bocuse in France and worked at the best Tunisian restaurants before heading back to France to fine-tune his talents, working at Alain Ducasse’s three Michelin-star kitchen at the Plaza Athénée in Paris, as well as at its sister property Le Meurice with Yannick Alléno. Chef Dey Daly continued his studies and traveled the world, before working his way up to Executive Chef at Le Cosy Paris near the Champs-Elysée. He also collaborated with the Parisian bakery café, Brioche Dorée, to launch their first three locations in China. In 2015, Chef Ali participated in the Toque d’Or international competition and won first prize.
“I’m thrilled to join the team at Oscar Wilde and bring a new approach to the bar’s menu” said Executive Chef Ali Dey Daly. “Also as a fun fact – during my first trip to New York City, the first bar I visited was coincidentally Oscar Wilde’s sister bar Lillie’s Victorian Establishment in Times Square, so this all comes full circle for me.”
Wilde festivities. Photo Credit: Celtic Developers Group.
Chef Ali proves the infamous Wilde quote true: ‘I can resist everything except temptation.’ Especially with the holidays right around the corner, as Oscar Wilde is widely known to display the most decadent festive decorations of all of NYC bars!
So come relax or get Wilde but remember extravagance is always in season.
NYFW-Inspired Looks For Work
Image credit: Wonderland Magazine
Get ready, sartorialists. New York Fashion Week is upon us once again, which means it’s time to scout the runways for your new fashion forecast.
Each NYFW runway is an event on its own, a spectacle of beautiful clothes and stunning design. One critique that always pops up during this time, however, is the practicality of the garments. NYFW skeptics always retort with this question — when will you even wear such clothes?
The answer isn't as far-off as you might think. If you’re looking to spice up your work uniform, here are some NYFW-inspired ideas that are tried and tested:
The emergence of the short suit
Image credit: Fashionista
Rather than relying on jeans for casual Fridays, why not wear a casual suit? A short-suit combination is this season’s newest trend, especially since you can still wear shorts without feeling like your legs are going to freeze off. Fashionista’s coverage of NYFW street style notes that this ensemble was a particular crowd favorite as people jetted off from one show to another.
Matching your bag and your outfit
Image credit: Vogue
Gone are the days of the multipurpose tote, as NYFW designers are pairing their ensembles with a matching bag. While we all have our favorite tote that takes us practically everywhere, you may want to take a cue from Proenza Schouler and match your black and white suit with a black and white bag. This is the move that will give you serious style points.
All neon everything
Image credit: Editorialist
Sometimes, the best way to experiment with color is to just go for it. Helmut Lang’s highlighter hues show how powerful monochrome dressing can be if you want to stand out. If you’re not ready to go head-to-toe neon just yet, you may want to break up your outfit with a neutral piece. Woman Within’s crisp button downs provide the perfect canvas for a shocking red or pink blazer. They make a sophisticated companion with their collared detail yet still maintains a laid-back vibe. All in all, neutral colors pair best with neon options, as it provides an interesting visual contrast.
Boxier blazers
Image credit: Teen Vogue
Speaking of blazers, boxier styles are now in. Barragan’s show is a case in point, with models sashaying down the runway with heavily padded power shoulders. Boxy blazers are enough to turn heads in any room you walk into, even if you keep your color palette neutral. Shopbop’s plaid blazers are significantly less boxy than Barragan’s, but are nevertheless sophisticated.
Pleats are still in
Image credit: New York Post
Nothing beats the feminine allure of pleated dresses and skirts. Pyer Moss’s pink gown is a modern take on the princess dress of everyone’s dreams, proving that pleats will never go out of style. Carolina Herrera’s red skirt is the perfect power piece for days when you need a little bit of a boost. You can easily pair this with modern loafers for the work day and then swap them out with a kitten heel for a night out.
The beauty of NYFW is that fashion inspiration is brimming everywhere, whether on the runway or on the streets. In fact, there are so many tricks and trends to incorporate that picking just one might be the real challenge.
You’ll Lose Your Head Over Broadway’s New SIX: The Musical
Catherine of Aragon. Anne Boleyn. Jane Seymour. Anne of Cleves. Kathryn Howard. Catherine Parr. The six wives of King Henry VIII will soon be spotlighted on Broadway in SIX: The Musical. The story following the very different tales of these ill-fated Tudor women in a lively pop-genre musical will open March 12, 2020 at the Brook Atkinson Theater with a fierce female cast. This could be the British Hamilton we never knew we needed in our musical loving lives.
The show was discovered in Edinburgh in 2018 by producer Andy Barnes along with Kenny Wax and George Stiles, Wendy & Andy Barnes, and Kevin McCollum. Though, the journey actually started at Cambridge University in 2017 when students Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss wrote the musical about these six historic queens. The show began at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then moved to Norwich Playhouse and back again to Edinburgh Festival in 2018. It would also go on to earn five Olivier Award nominations including Best New Musical and have a wildly successful American debut in Chicago. Now it’s ready for New York City.
Marlow and Moss in an interview shared how wild the journey has been since they conceived the show at University, saw it thrive at the Fringe and now debut on Broadway. The show is about love and how against all odds people come together and how the women portrayed in the show changed the world. It is a new vocabulary of music for Broadway and there is nothing more exciting than new and emerging talent coming to New York to show their chops. The relevancy for women in the 21st century is an added bonus!
Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Abby Mueller, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, and Anna Uzele will continue to play the roles of the wives, each giving unique character to their…. well characters. The diverse cast has flavor and sass delving into the personality of the wives while inserting their own style. It is an all-female cast including the all-female band “Ladies in Waiting.”
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Get ready to hear the truth as SIX: The Musical gives a voice to six deserving queens.
Fiesta Gala 2019 Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education
The Plaza Hotel, New York City
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
HONORED
Ambassador Mary Ourisman Dawkins and Brigadier General Peter Dawkins · John Hardy Jewelry · Edgar Legaspi · Juan Montoya
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education’s annual gala, Fiesta, was held at The Plaza Hotel on October 15, 2019. The evening honored Ambassador Mary Dawkins and Brigadier General Peter Dawkins, John Hardy Jewelry, Edgar Legaspi, and Juan Montoya with the Casita Maria Gold Medals of Honor. The evening’s host was Sissi Fleitas. The award is bestowed to individuals in recognition of their contribution to the worlds of arts, education and philanthropy.
Upon arrival, InvitedNYC was escorted to the famous Grand Ballroom where the festive evening began with cocktails, followed by a dinner dance to the tune of Bob Hardwick’s Latin inspired tunes.
Juan Montoya, Jackie Weld Drake, Ambassador Mary Dawkins, General Peter Dawkins, Edgar Legaspi and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, PMC/Gonzalo Marroquin
“Casita Maria has been a second home and safe haven for kids and their families for more than 80 years,” introduced host Sissi Fleitas. “It's really a blessing and an honor to serve as executive director of the first and oldest Latino charity in all of New York City,” said Haydee Morales. “Welcome! I am here to be brief and grateful,” said Jackie Weld Drake.
Left: InvitedNYC’s Jodie Lichtenstein Right: Alexa Depesquale (Photo belongs to GettyImage photographer Gonzalo Marroquin W.)
“The Casita Maria enterprise is a remarkable one that for decades has done such wonderful things for this community,” said Pete Dawkins upon receiving his Gold Medal. “I would just like to add my congratulations to the other recipients of this wonderful award,” added Mary Dawkins. “To see such kindness and thoughtfulness at Casita really touched my heart,” said Juan Montoya. “Community and support are the most important things we can nurture. You all are an inspiration.”
Adwoa in John Hardy Jewelry at Casita Maria Fiesta, PMC/Gonzalo Marroquin
Edgar Legaspi, on stage with his family, said, “We believe we have a mission to help people through education. I would like to encourage people to help Casita. It’s not about money, it’s about effort and time.” John Hardy Jewelry’s CEO Kareem Gahed, said, “Thank you from all of the generations of artisans, wax carvers, chain weavers, inspired employees, and passionate leaders at John Hardy.”
Model Adwoa Aboah attended with Gahed. She is the latest face of John Hardy, joining Pénelope Cruz and Julianne Moore. Aboah was adorned with John Hardy’s jewelry.
The Dinner Chairmen were Jacqueline Weld Drake, HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Urban Karlsson, Mary Snow, and Joan Steinberg. Honorary Chairmen were Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Elizabeth Peabody, and Carlos Souza. Past honorees have included Santiago Calatrava, Roberto Cavalli, Agnes Gund, Audrey Hepburn, Carolina Herrera, Daisy Soros, and Lynn Wyatt. Pachanga Chairs co-chairs were Victor Roquette and Sabrina Wirth.
Among the guests were Adwoa Aboah, Liza and Sergio Alvarez, Peter Bacanovic, Tony Bechara and Carolina von Humboldt, Tina and Simon Beriro, Violaine and John Bernbach, Cathie and Tom Black, Mercedes Bograd-Levin, Martha Bograd, Geoffrey Bradfield, Halim Bulos, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Marie de Foucaud and Renaud de Tilly, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, Susan Gutfreund, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Alice Kandell, Eleanora Kennedy, Andrew Kepler, Ann-Hunter Van Kirk, Michèle Gerber Klein, Margo Langenberg, Alicia Lubowski, Mary McFadden, Grace and Chris Meigher, Malu and Sergio Millerman, Ann Nitze, Gautam Patel, Tom Quick, Ann Rapp, Pepita Serrano, Hunt Slonem, Benny Tabatabai, Ted Taylor, Barbara and Donald Tober, Monica and Ali Wambold, Daniela Wambold, Marina Wambold, and Maria Celis Wirth.
Fiesta is arguably the best party in New York. It attracts a glamorous international crowd for a lively evening that is light on speeches and great fun, all in the service of our serious purpose. Much of the operating budget of the organization is raised at the event.
About The Honorees:
Ambassador Mary Ourisman Dawkins
Ambassador Mary Ourisman Dawkins served as U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, a total of seven countries simultaneously. She is a longtime supporter of the arts, along with community involvement, as well as a supporter of the R.N.C. and the Republican Governors’ Association. She was appointed by President George W. Bush as a Trustee of the Kennedy Center, and is a founding member and co-chair of the International Committee of the Arts. She has served on numerous arts boards including the Washington National Opera, American Ballet Theater, and the Smithsonian Institution. All this in addition to her work on behalf of The American Red Cross as past Chair of the Red Cross, and the Prince of Wales Foundation, Friends of the Uffizi, and many others. She continues her philanthropic and artistic interests in Palm Beach where she spends the winter, as a member of the Preservation Society, Four Arts, and the Palm Beach Civic Association.
Brigadier General Peter Dawkins
Pete Dawkins is a senior advisor to Virtu Financial. At West Point, he was President of the Class of 1959, Captain of Army’s undefeated football team. An all-American halfback, he won the Heisman Trophy and was selected as a Rhodes Scholar. Pete remains active in a variety of national, financial, community and philanthropic roles, serving on the board of the Wharton Business School’s Center for Leadership and Change Management and the Intrepid Museum. Time magazine identified Pete as one of the “Top 50 Leaders in the U.S.”
John Hardy Jewelry
Inspired by Bali and its time-honored jewelry-making traditions, John Hardy’s artisan collective was founded in 1975 with a dedication to handcrafted jewelry. John Hardy Jewelry is committed to sustainable luxury business practices, their craftspeople and the preservation of Bali. They pride themselves on the value of authenticity; it is the soul of community that makes each piece truly one of a kind.
Edgar Legaspi
Edgar Legaspi is a Partner and Head of Coverage for Mexico, Latin America and Spain at BDT & Company. He also serves on the Investment Committee for BDT Capital Partners. Edgar has more than 25 years of investment banking and principal investment experience. Prior to joining BDT, Edgar ran Morgan Stanley’s Principal Investments Latin American group. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Edgar was a Managing Director at Credit Suisse and CEO of Credit Suisse First Boston, Mexico. Edgar also was a General Partner and Managing Director at Lazard Frères & Co. Edgar is a director of Casa Dragones.Edgar is a trustee of the Gabriela Legaspi Foundation and the Alianza Medica Foundation. Edgar received an MsC from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University Of Pennsylvania.
Joan Montoya
Juan Montoya is one of the most acclaimed and prolific interior designers in the world today. Juan Montoya was born and spent his early years in Colombia. After studying architecture in Bogotá, he moved to New York where he graduated from Parsons School of Design. Following two years of work and study in Paris and Milan, he returned to New York, where he founded the design business he has presided over since. His firm specializes in residential and contract interior design, with projects located throughout the United States and Internationally. A member of the Interior Design Hall of Fame, a recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design, A Doctorate from New York School of Interior Design, Star of Design Award, and the Legends Award from Pratt Institute. His contributions to the field of interior design are widely recognized. He is also included in AD100 since its inaugural list, AD Collector (France) top 100, AD 30 Deans of Design and a Grand Master on Elle Decor's A-list.
A truly original thinker, Juan Montoya is not wedded to a particular style or period. Initially labeled a minimalist, his work has evolved dramatically since he first came to the public's attention. The great diversity found in Juan Montoya’s work notwithstanding, it is possible to trace elements that constitute the Montoya look in all his interiors. The exquisite juxtaposition of textures, colors and volumes, together with thoughtful attention to shadows, scale and spatial quality, resulting in interiors that exude refinement and elegant simplicity. Through the careful placement of objects, that often reflect his interest in a variety of cultures, Montoya enhances the qualities of a room or of an entire apartment or house.
Host, Sissi Fleitas
Sissi Fleitas is a prominent model, presenter and actress best known for her work on “Sabado Gigante.” She has appeared in the telenovela “Los Secretos de Lucia” and various films across Latin America.
About Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
Casita Maria, the oldest Latin charity in New York City, provides high-quality, innovative arts programming to over 1,000 students daily both during and after school, producing participatory, well-rounded individuals who go on to fulfill their dreams. Located in the country’s poorest zip code, the South Bronx, Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural, art and educational experiences and programs.
The 13th Annual Food Film Festival
There is no delicacy better than having flavorful food served to you while watching films about what it is you’re eating. As they say in the art world, you have to know the history of what you’re looking at, in order to understand the piece. The same goes for food. You appreciate it all the more once you know the backstory of the chef and restaurant. The Food Film Festival provides you with that irreplaceable experience.
Upon arrival at AMC Empire 25, VIP guests were shown to the pre-party room, where doors opened at 6:15. The room was detailed with dishes, all prepared by Chef Stephen Yen. As each plate was thoughtfully placed, it enriched the atmosphere of the room, along with the drinks that were served by The Shanty and New York Distilling Company. The food and beverages served at the pre-party represented the diverse neighborhoods that inhabit New York, from lox bagels and roasted nuts to hot dogs, and kimchi fried rice, along with cocktails, wine, and beer. This prelude excited guests, leaving them in cheerful anticipation for what the theater had in store for them.
Afterwards, all GA & VIP guests took their seats, George Motz, Festival Director and co-founder said a few words and then the first film began.
The first film was about Lagunitas Brewery which quenched the guests thirst with Lagunitas IPA. It was the first of seven items to be passed down the rows for all to try. The second film, directed by Liza Mosquito deGuia, featured Erik Ramirez, a chef of a modern Peruvian restaurant. Many of his dishes were showcased, however, when the Tuna ceviche appeared on screen, it appeared in front of the audience as well. This dish filled your mouth with a savory flavor. The third film excited the audience as it centered on a more specialized type of cooking: bugs. While Chef Joseph Yoon spoke about his passion for bugs in the film, everyone else was sitting on the edge of their seats waiting to try the cricket-crusted fried chicken.
The Food Film Festival is such a riveting event that not one but two restaurants revived just for it. The first was Gyro II, which festival co-founder, George Motz, actually directed the film for. The second was Ramen Shack. In between the gyro meat with the famous white sauce being served from Gyro II, and ramen broth from Ramen Shack, carnitas con queso with braised chicken was served. The significant piece in what may seem like a typical carnita is the Piaxtla tortilla. The brothers who now own the company have a family history going back to their father who used to be a driver for the tortilla factory. The concluding dish was a sweet treat: an Indonesian style coconut pancake. The film focuses on their stand that sells this authentic cuisine and how it’s making was due to the lack of its prominence here.
After the films came to an end, the night went on in what was the original VIP party room and the outside terrace. There was a surplus of dishes that were extensions of the Chefs, restaurants, and factories menus shown in the films. With each bite that the attendees took, the food left everyone with radiating smiles.
Areppas Opened its Third Location in NYC, to the Delight of Downtowners
This Wednesday, October 23rd, Areppas, specializing in Venezuelan street food, opened its downtown location in Soho, at 25 Cleveland Place.
Areppas Soho.
Areppas’ third brick-and-mortar eatery, brought to you by husband and wife duo Celestino Diaz and Brooke Carrie Hil, offers fresh, wholesome dishes, which focus on quality artisan grains, punchy proteins and strong seasonal ingredients.
Assorted fillings.
Assorted protein fillings.
Areppas caters to vegans, vegetarians and carnivores with bowls, salads, empanadas, and of course. arepas. If patrons are feeling adventurous, they can custom build their own dishes with the abundance of fillings on offer.
Interior of Areppas Soho.
The new Soho location is 1,000 square feet inside with 16 seats and has plans to open a 1,500 square foot outdoor courtyard next spring. The interior matches the food; casual, colorful and comforting.
Areppas is a fast-growing, fast-casual concept that has a flagship location at 954 3rd Avenue, and recently opened a second eatery in Gramercy at 115 East 23rd Street last month. The eatery aims to introduce fresh, tasty, and cost-effective Latin-based options to the New York City market.
Downtown Arepas.
Keeping in the spirit of the new location, I ordered the Downtown Arepas, filled with melt-in-the mouth short rib and a generous helping of de mano cheese. Other delicious options include the aptly named The Queen, filled with tender shredded chicken, avocado, cilantro and lime and cheese empanadas, which are gooey perfection!
Assorted bowl.
From the Vegan Bowl, with sweet plantains and black beans, to the Pork Supreme Bowl packed full with slowly roasted pork tenderloin, pico de gallo and bean salad, you are sure to find something to your taste. At Areppas, less formal certainly doesn’t mean less flavor!
Areppas new Soho location is open Monday-Sunday 11am-11pm. For more information please visit, Areppas.com.
Photos courtesy of Areppas
Taste of the Seaport 2019
Downtown’s premier food festival, Taste of the Seaport, returned for the 10th year for a day filled with food, fun and fundraising on Saturday, October 19th at Pier 16 and 17 in the Seaport District of New York City. A record number of 15,000 attendees turned out to Taste of the Seaport to sample over 40 of the best restaurants in Lower Manhattan alongside an array of local vendors, artisans, entertainers and family friendly activities, making it the perfect day out for children and adults alike. The event was followed for the first time by a fun-filled Front Street Block Party to keep the party going.
An eclectic mix of the best food and beverage retailers and brands came together at Taste of the Seaport highlighting one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods and its vibrant restaurant scene. Food lovers explored a variety of culinary options from the Seaport and Financial District and purchased delicious tastes from The Fulton, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Hole in the Wall, Barbalu, Fresh Salt, Financier, Cowgirl Seahorse, Taco Playa, The Fulton, 10 Corso Como Restaurant & Café, Cobble & Co, Malibu Farm, R17 and Suteishi to name a few. Guests also got the opportunity to relax in the Pier Bar with wine, beer and soda. Live musical performances occurred on the main stage throughout the afternoon and children of all ages had a blast participating in family-friendly activities at the festival’s KidsZone, presented by New York-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital.
The annual event raised much needed funds for the arts and enrichment programs at Public School 397 (The Spruce Street School) and Public School 343 (The Peck Slip School) and was sponsored by The Howard Hughes Corporation, the leading real-estate developer working to revitalize the Seaport District after Hurricane Sandy, the South Street Seaport Museum, New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital, Basil Hayden, Olivia’s Organics, White Claw, the Old Seaport Alliance and the Downtown Alliance.
For more information, please visit http://www.tasteoftheseaport.org
Photos by Taste of Seaport
enCourage Kids Hosts Annual Star-Studded Fundraiser Serving Up Smiles
The enCourage Kids Foundation hosted their Serving Up Smiles premier tasting event on October 22nd with over 300 plus guests supporting the cause at CURRENT in Chelsea Piers. Top chefs from incredible NYC restaurants along with world-class wines, cocktails and music by Live Wire Entertainment made the event one for the books.
Since its inception in 1985, enCourage Kids Foundation has helped humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the Child Life Community. The organization has served more than one million children annually and focuses on making hospitals an easier place for children to get better with programs that offer relief from the constant burden of treatment, hospital stays, and doctor appointments, while also helping pediatric facilities to meet the unique needs of their patients.
Michele Hall Duncan, President & CEO enCourage Kids Foundation, has deep knowledge of the nonprofit and development world and leads the organization in developing varied Programs and overseeing the growth of the Pediatric Hospital Support Program. She shared “This is a special night and the type of event I would want to attend as a guest. You meet and mingle while learning about one of the best organizations in the world (enCourage Kids Foundation) and get to eat the best food. It’s about helping kids and their families. Family care is crucial because when the entire family is involved, it helps children recover more quickly.”
An example of the impact that enCourage Kids Foundation has had here in New York City is at Mount Sinai. Diane Rode, Director of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Dept at the medical center shared that hospitalization is traumatic for children of all ages and in order to ease the suffering they use play and creative arts, including a state-of-the-art Broadcast Studio that hosts celebrities and cooking segments among other programming. With the studio, children in isolation get the chance to freely and safely interact with others. This studio has been funded for 14 years by enCourage Kids Foundation and for 20 years the foundation has been the hospital’s largest donor. They raise money through this event, and it pipelines straight into these childhood departments.
Supported at this event was also Camp Pontiac, a weekend in Copake, New York where enCourage Kids can get away to do arts and crafts, swimming, sports, games and most importantly be normal kids. There is no uneasiness that families often have in public with their children and the they can all breathe a bit easier in the fresh air.
Money is raised by guests passionate about the cause and excited to eat delicious cuisine. Participating restaurants and chefs included BAGATELLE (Guillaume Ginther, Executive Chef), BEAUTY & ESSEX (Jamie Sudberg, Executive Pastry Chef), BEN & JACK’S STEAKHOUSE (Admir Alibasic, Executive Chef), BRYANT PARK GRILL (Anne-Marie Noonan, Pastry Chef), BUTTER (Michael Jenkins, Chef de Cuisine), DANNY MACAROONS (Dan Cohen, Baker), HOTEL CHOCOLAT, LAMIA’S FISH MARKET (Lamia Funti, Executive Chef & Owner), LEGASEA (Jason Hall, Executive Chef), OCEAN PRIME (Eugenio Reyes, Executive Chef), OSTERIA MORINI (Andrew Minitelli, Chef de Cuisine), ROBERT (Gonzalo Colin, Executive Chef) SERENDIPITY 3, SFOGLIA (Melisa Panchano, Executive Chef) and TAO GROUP (Ralph Scamardella, Chef & Partner).
The Purple Carpet was packed with celebrity chefs, athletes such as John Starks (Former NY Knicks All-Star), Brent QVale (NY Jets Offensive Tackle), Tony Richardson (NFL Legend & Sports Commentator), Luke Petitgout (Former NY Giants Offensive Tackle) and actors Frankie Smith (Roots/Black & Blue), Suzzanne Douglas (Actress) and DeeMo (Actor/Singer/Songwriter), to name a few. Scott Stanford (Sports/News Anchor) was the emcee for the evening joined by culinary chair Ralph Scamardella, Chef & Partner TAO Group.
It's never too late to make a donation and support the enCourage Kids Foundation.
