New York Lifestyles Magazine May 2026

ISLAND SPIRIT, GLOBAL STYLE

MARINA COCHER BERGÉS CELEBRATES

20 YEARS OF MARINA ST BARTH

3RD ANNUAL

HAMPTONS SUMMER

SONGBOOK

FRIENDRAISER

TUESDAY

STEPHANIE POPE

PAMELA MORGAN

BARBARA FASANO

ERIC COMSTOCK

Where Luxury Embraces You...

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Thoughtfully curated interiors blend seamlessly with expansive outdoor living, where ocean breezes, natural light, and tranquil surroundings shape each experience. From quiet mornings to unforgettable evenings, every detail is intentionally crafted to create an escape that feels indulgent, welcoming, and deeply personal.

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On the shores of the turquoise waters of Punta Cana, the Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort o ers a five-star retreat where luxury coexists with the natural richness of the Caribbean. Surrounded by white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and tropical gardens, the resort blends harmoniously into an environment of great biodiversity. Its open architecture and commitment to sustainability invite guests to discover Dominican nature and culture, transforming each stay into an experience of relaxation, connection, and respect for the environment.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Jon Salas

Jon Salas is a professional trend forecaster and onair fashion and lifestyle correspondent. He can regularly be seen on both English and Spanish language TV, sharing the latest trends from fashion and beauty to what’s viral and shaping broader culture.

Tapped into New York’s fashion and haute lifestyle scene, you can follow him at @hellojonsalas to keep up with his latest.

Mindie Barnett

Mindie Barnett is a licensed psychotherapist. Her approach to therapy is humanistic which affords her clients a safe place to explore their inner most feelings. She promotes growth with newfound skillsets, confidence, and resilience. Mindie is experienced treating adolescents, families, and couples and is trained in a variety of therapy modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) . She is experienced in treating mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and grief. She is a two-time self-help and leadership published author, and mental health news contributor. Mindie is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with an MA in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and received her BA in journalism from Hofstra University.

Vol. 12 #5 | MAY 2026

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor In Chief

KARL KIRCH

Entertainment Director Jenny Peters

Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

Travel enthusiasts Jeff & Stephanie have been freelance travel writers for over 30 years. Much of their writing reflects their love of the outdoors and their active lifestyles. Some of their favorite travel experiences include a trek across the Kilauea Iki Crater on the Big Island of Hawaii, and snorkeling with penguins and white-tipped reef sharks in the Galapagos Islands.

The New Jersey couple have written regularly for several local newspapers in addition to Hospitality 21, Family Travel Network, Family Travel Forum, The Parent Paper, Bergen County: The Magazine, Bergen County Kids Magazine, and Family Destinations.

Art Director SCOTT CUOLLO

Special Projects Director Norah Lawlor

Contributors

Ruth J. Katz, Jenna Guarneri, Elizabeth Darwen, Norah Bradford, Peter Elston, Lillian Langtry, Joan Cian, Stacey Zable, Jeff & Stephanie Sylva, Anne Raso, Clara Morgan, Irvina Lew Scott Cuollo, Michael McKensie, Grant Ellison, Stacey Keys

Columnists

Melanie Carden - Curated By Mel

Jon Salas - Le Haute Trend Report

Mindie Barnett - The MINDIE Method

Robert Massimi - On Broadway

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie

New York Sales Office  (646) 259-2651

Event Photography Annie Watt Photography.com

Editorial/Sales Fax (212) 202-4888

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development Don Fetherman - Director of Travel

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

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All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without written permission of this publisher. Printed in the USA. New York Lifestyles is published 10 times a year. ©2015 - 2026 New York Lifestyles Magazine.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

SUMMER BEGINS HERE

May has a way of opening the door to summer before the season officially arrives. In New York, the days grow longer, the city feels lighter, and conversations begin to shift toward weekends away, outdoor dining, cultural evenings, seaside escapes, and all the possibilities that warmer weather brings.

This issue of New York Lifestyles Magazine is our Summer Preview — a celebration of the style, travel, dining, arts, wellness, real estate, and seasonal experiences that help define the months ahead. It is a time of movement and anticipation, when New Yorkers begin looking beyond the everyday rhythm of the city and toward the places, people, and moments that make summer feel special.

Our cover story captures that spirit beautifully. Marina Cocher Bergés, founder of Marina St Barth, marks 20 years of a brand built on island elegance, resort style, and the kind of effortless sophistication that travels from St. Barth to Palm Beach, Naples, Southampton, and beyond. Her story is not simply about fashion, but about vision, resilience, personal style, and the joy of creating something that makes women feel confident, beautiful, and at ease.

Travel also plays a central role in this issue, from the timeless pleasure of seeing New York Harbor aboard Classic Harbor Line to the flavors, energy, and cocktail culture of New Orleans. We also look toward the East End with our Hamptons Summer Guide, highlighting the events, destinations, performances, and experiences that will help shape the 2026 season. From gallery openings and historic gatherings to music by the sea, the Hamptons remain one of summer’s most enduring stages.

Closer to home, our dining features spotlight the restaurants and culinary voices that continue to make New York one of the world’s great food cities. In Arts & Entertainment, we turn our attention to film, television, theater, music, and cultural happenings, including the return of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea at LTV Studios. Our wellness, pet lifestyle, real estate, and Life & Style sections round out the issue with ideas for living well, looking ahead, and enjoying the season with intention.

Summer in New York is never just one thing. It is city nights and beach days, rooftop dinners and harbor breezes, weekend escapes and cultural discoveries. It is tradition, reinvention, and the simple pleasure of stepping into the sunlight again.

As the season begins, we hope this issue inspires you to explore, celebrate, and make the most of everything summer has to offer.

See You Next Issue,

-Bill Mason Publisher

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FEATURES

ISLAND SPIRIT, GLOBAL STYLE

MARINA COCHER BERGÉS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF MARINA ST BARTH

By Norah Bradford

For Marina Cocher Bergés, fashion has never been only about what a woman wears. It is about where she is going, how she feels when she arrives, and the quiet confidence she carries with her along the way. For 20 years, the founder of Marina St Barth has built a brand rooted in sunshine, travel, femininity, and ease, creating a destination for women who want clothing that feels as joyful as it looks.

That vision was celebrated this spring as Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a gathering at the brand’s Palm Beach boutique on Worth Avenue. It was a fitting setting for a milestone that began with an island spirit and grew into a refined resort wear name with a presence in Palm Beach, Naples, and Southampton.

Guests gathered to honor not only the success of the brand, but also the woman behind it, whose eye for style has turned Marina St Barth into a passport to a certain kind of life: elegant, relaxed, sunlit, and always personal. “This anniversary is deeply personal for me,” Marina Cocher Bergés said in connection with the milestone celebration. “Marina St Barth was born from a moment that reminded me how precious life is, and from a desire to create something joyful and beautiful.”

A BRAND BUILT AROUND A FEELING

That sense of purpose has shaped the brand from the beginning. Marina St Barth is not built around fleeting trends. It is built around a feeling. Its world is one of island mornings, coastal evenings, garden lunches, summer travel, long weekends, seaside weddings, and spontaneous invitations that call for something special but never overdone. The clothes suggest a woman who enjoys beauty without fuss, glamour without strain, and luxury without stiffness.

Over two decades, Cocher has become known for a distinctive curatorial instinct. Her boutiques bring together global designers, resort wear, accessories, dresses, kaftans, swimwear, hats, jewelry, and pieces from the Marina St Barth label itself. The result is a wardrobe that moves seamlessly from St. Barth to Palm Beach, from the Hamptons to Naples, and from sunlit days on the water to dinner under the palms.

In an era when fashion can feel increasingly fast, digital, and impersonal, Cocher’s success is rooted in the opposite. She understands the intimate experience of shopping. She knows that a woman often enters a boutique looking for more than a dress. She may be dressing for a birthday, a holiday, a new chapter, a romantic escape, a charity luncheon, or a moment when she simply wants to feel beautiful again. Marina St Barth meets her there, with color, texture, movement, and a sense of discovery.

Fashion should feel joyful and beautiful.

THE ART OF PERSONAL STYLE

That personal connection is part of what has made the brand endure. Cocher’s boutiques have the feeling of a well-traveled friend’s closet, carefully edited and full of pieces that seem to come with a story. There are airy silhouettes, polished linens, printed dresses, statement hats, beach-to-evening separates, and accessories that give each look individuality. Nothing feels anonymous. Everything feels chosen.

For Cocher, that act of choosing is central to the brand’s identity. She has built Marina St Barth as a woman-owned business with a highly personal point of view, one that reflects her belief that fashion should be expressive, intuitive, and emotionally uplifting. Her customer is not chasing a label for its own sake. She is drawn to pieces that reflect who she is: independent, feminine, confident, worldly, and at ease in beautiful places.

The anniversary also marks a meaningful entrepreneurial achievement. To sustain a brand for 20 years, especially in the ever-changing world of fashion retail, requires more than taste. It requires resilience, discipline, adaptability, and an understanding of how women’s lives evolve. Cocher has navigated shifts in shopping habits, seasonal markets, digital commerce, and luxury consumer expectations while preserving the warmth and identity of the brand.

RESORT ELEGANCE, WHEREVER SHE GOES

Today, Marina St Barth’s world extends beyond the boutique floor. Its online presence allows customers to shop from wherever they are, while the boutiques continue to serve as lifestyle destinations in some of America’s most styleconscious resort communities. Palm Beach offers the polish of Worth Avenue. Naples brings Gulf Coast elegance. Southampton connects the brand to the rhythm of the Hamptons summer season. Together, they form a map of Marina’s fashion universe.

Yet the heart of the business remains remarkably consistent: pieces for women who want to feel effortless and distinctive. That balance is not easy to achieve, but it is where Cocher’s personal view of fashion is clearest. She sees style as a form of freedom. It should move with the body, fit the climate, lift the mood, and enhance the occasion without overwhelming the woman wearing it.

That philosophy feels especially relevant now. Modern luxury is increasingly defined not by formality, but by ease, authenticity, and a sense of personal pleasure. Marina St Barth anticipated that shift long before it became a fashion industry talking point. Cocher understood that women wanted clothes that could live beautifully across continents and seasons, pieces that could be packed in a suitcase, worn on vacation, photographed at lunch, remembered after a party, and brought out again because they still felt special.

A MILESTONE WITH HEART

At the Palm Beach anniversary celebration, surrounded by family, friends, clients, and supporters, Cocher stood at the center of a story she created one choice at a time. The milestone was not simply a look back. It was a reminder of how a founder’s personal vision can become a world that other women want to step into.

After 20 years, Marina St Barth remains what it has always been at its best: a love letter to island elegance, a celebration of women, and a reminder that fashion, when chosen with heart, can carry the spirit of a place and the confidence of a life well lived.

visit: marina-stbarth.com

Locations:

Palm Beach, FL 313 Worth Avenue

Palm Beach, FL 33480

T: (561) 446-0818

Naples, FL 1183 3rd Street South Naples, FL 34102

T: (239) 248-4535

Southampton, NY

54 Jobs Lane

Southampton, NY 11968

T: (631) 268-8921

Photos: Capehart Photography / Marina St Barth

The resort sits on a lush tropical estate featuring dramatic caves along the water’s edge in Bailey’s Bay. Scattered over 21 acres and sloping down toward two private beaches are 11 colorful cottages in traditional Bermudian architecture overlooking the clear turquoise waters dotted with small islands.

Swim in the shallow waters off our private beach, in the fresh water pool, or languish in the outdoor Jacuzzi situated among a garden overlooking the bay. Sail, snorkel, paddle board, dive ancient wrecks or explore the delicate coral reefs. Grab an early morning fishing charter, take a cruise on a sunny afternoon or a glorious sunset sail right from our dock.

At Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa our extensive list of amenities and activities ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.

FROM SOHO WITH LOVE

MARIEBELLE NEW YORK’S MOTHER’S DAY COLLECTION ARRIVES

By Lillian Langtry

MarieBelle New York is celebrating Mother’s Day 2026 with a luxurious collection of chocolates and confections created to honor the mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters and mother figures who bring beauty, warmth and love to everyday life.

The MarieBelle New York Mother’s Day Collection is now available online and in boutiques, offering a curated selection of spring-inspired gifts that combine fine chocolate, distinctive design and the brand’s signature sense of New York glamour. Each piece reflects the artistry for which MarieBelle is known, with chocolates presented not simply as sweets, but as miniature works of culinary art.

MarieBelle New York founder and CEO Maribel Lieberman was born and raised near the cacao fields of Honduras and, as a young girl, she made and sold sweets to the local community. She emigrated to the U.S. and studied at The Parsons School of Design where she developed her innate sensibility for luxury goods, fine food and elegant fashion, she launched her entrepreneurial career in the 1990s with Maribel Gourmet Cuisine, a catering enterprise serving high-profile clients, U.S. Diplomats, and a U.S. President. In October 2000, Maribel opened the doors of her first retail shop, Lunettes Et Chocolat. This was an eclectic boutique offering designer eyewear and handmade chocolates.

Shortly after in 2001, Maribel opened MarieBelle New York in Soho. MarieBelle NY quickly gained a loyal following from local and international customers with discerning palettes. Word made it to Oprah about MarieBelle NY and her unparalleled Aztec Hot Chocolate, which she announced as one of her “favorite things.” From these beginnings. MarieBelle NY is recognized as a top chocolate house with stores in New York and Japan.

Among this year’s featured offerings is the Mother’s Day 16-Piece Chocolate Ganache Gift Box ($60), a keepsakeworthy assortment of MarieBelle’s famed chocolate ganache, handmade with fine cacao and beautifully decorated with designs created especially for the occasion. Each piece offers a small story of love, gratitude and indulgence, making the box a standout gift for the mother figure who appreciates both flavor and presentation.

For a charming gesture, the Mother’s Day 2-Piece Chocolate Ganache Tote Box ($14) offers a petite expression of appreciation, while the Icaza Gourmet Chocolate Gift Set ($135) provides a grander presentation for those looking to make a memorable Mother’s Day statement. The collection also includes the 4-Piece Chocolate Ganache Brownie Tin ($25), 9-Piece Chocolate Ganache Brownie Box ($42), 16-Piece New York Chocolate Caramel Box ($39), 7-Piece Little Miss Caramel Gift Bag ($13) and 9-Piece Chocolate Clusters ($20).

Other gift options include MarieBelle favorites such as the 20-Ounce Aztec Dark Hot Chocolate Tin ($37), 16-Ounce Maya Hot Chocolate Tin, No Sugar Added ($37), 4-Ounce Jasmine Tea Tin ($21), 12-Piece Dark Chocolate Truffle Box ($37), Dark Chocolate Crispy Toffee ($24), Fig and Walnut Butter Caramels ($27), and a selection of chocolate bars including 70% dark chocolate with orange, milk chocolate with espresso and toffee, white chocolate with Japanese matcha, sea salt and wafer flakes, milk chocolate with sea salt, and milk chocolate with bourbon and pecans.

For mothers who love to entertain, the collection also features “MarieBelle Entertains: Savory and Sweet Recipes for Every Occasion from the Master Chocolatier” ($75), a fitting gift from the celebrated chocolatier whose confections have become synonymous with elegance, celebration and New York sophistication.

MarieBelle New York was founded by Maribel Lieberman, who has built the company over more than two decades into one of New York’s most distinctive chocolate houses. A proud woman-owned business, MarieBelle remains rooted in Lieberman’s love of cacao, her Honduran heritage and her devotion to craftsmanship. From the company’s Brooklyn factory to its elegant New York boutiques, MarieBelle continues to create handmade chocolates using fine ingredients, all-natural flavors and artistic packaging that turns each gift into a lasting memory.

The 2026 Mother’s Day Collection is available at MarieBelle SoHo, MarieBelle at the Kitano Hotel, MarieBelle at The Pierre Hotel and online at www.mariebelle.com. MarieBelle also offers shipping across the United States, with free ground shipping on orders of more than $100

For more information about MarieBelle Chocolates, visit www.mariebelle.com For corporate inquiries email: corporate@mariebelle.com IG: @mariebelleofficial | F: MarieBelleNewYork | X / T: @MarieBelleNY

CURATED BY MEL

SUMMER PICKS FOR EVERY OCCASION

By Melanie Carden

This month, a sunlit, summertime mélange helps usher in the many warm weather celebrations of summer. Whether I’m spoiling moms, dads, grads, or newlyweds, May tends to be my busiest gift-buying month, second only to December. But I’m also setting aside time for athome movie nights (with ultra gourmet popcorn) and a fireplace mantle refresh; and I’m all in on splurge lounge sets and carrot-inspired cocktails.

SUSTAINABLE AND OH-SO SPECIAL

Launched in 2023, meet GreenRow: a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. offering thoughtful eclectic home goods. It’s the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, but lucky for NYC, the brand recently opened its first brick and mortar store in SoHo. In a world of increasingly bland and cheaply made goods, GreenRow is a breath of fresh air—unique, gorgeous products with an eye on sustainability. Info: greenrow.com

MOTHER’S DAY TRIUMPH

The search for mom’s ultimate athleisure ends at Softies, where fabrics and design reign supreme. I’ve stashed away the wintery Marshmallow loungewear in favor of the brand’s travel-ready spring favorite, DreamTech ¼ Zip Jogger Set—two of the brand’s signature offerings. The DreamTech fabric has a Model-like feel, and the curved-opening, ¼-zip styling gives the set a finished look—perfect for errands or travel days alike. It’s available in 11 colors, from almond to indigo. Info: www.softiespjs.com

I absolutely adore Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. These fresh-squeezed, minimally processed juices arrive on your doorstep, ice-cold. Choose from classics like orange, tangerine, and grapefruit juice or jazz it up with a smoothie-ready blend like pineapple-cucumber-celery. I’ve found they perfect for sipping (of course!), but also making fresh sorbets and stunning cocktails, like the Carrot Orange Fizz, featured on the brand’s recipe page. Info: www.natalies.com

FOR THE SPORTY DAD

With more than 10 unique waterproof headphone designs, H2O Audio has thought of everything. Father’s Day typically includes gifts like whiskey and golf gear in heavy rotation, but truly waterproof headphones are the gift that’ll wow him. Swimming? The brand has headphones for that, as well as running, watersports, and more—each designed with that sport’s nuanced needs. Check out PLAYLIST+, which stores downloaded music, so it’s accessible even during off-grid adventures.

Info: h2oaudio.com

MR. GOLDILOCKS

NOMATIC’s unisex Access Sling is the Goldilocks of crossbody bags; it’s not too big or too small. It’s the perfect size for a wallet, phone, and a few basics but it can also accommodate a packable raincoat. The strap is thick and the zipper is tamperresistant, which deters theft. It’s a clean design and can be worn as a crossbody or waist-pack and has two internal mesh compartments. It’s a 12/10 for me: versatile, durable, clean aesthetic—available in five colors.

Info: www.nomatic.com

BOUQS FOR EVERYONE

By far my favorite go-to flower delivery service, Bouqs has that special “it factor.” The farm-to-vase brand offers bouquets ranging from ephemeral to classic and even quirky delights like the recent LEGO collaboration. Spoil moms, aunts, and mentors with Mother’s Day bouquets for under $60 or splurge on small-batch arrangements like Butterfly Ranunculus. Last minute sympathy or graduation arrangements are a breeze with over 30 next-day options.

Info: bouqs.com

POP OF FLAVOR

I’ll always remember my first Chicago-style popcorn experience. It’s been twenty-plus years, but that unexpected blend of caramel corn and cheddar popcorn was a revelation. Double Good offers their version—Chi-Town Chow Down— plus other fun varieties like queso. If you’re looking for the perfect at-home movie night, grab a bag of Butter Believe it, which is a mind-blowing dupe for theater popcorn. Double Good specializes in group fundraising, but even individual online purchases support the brand’s Double Good Kids Foundation.

Info: www.doublegood.com

GENIUS GREETING CARDS

This greeting card turns into a Swedish-style cleaning cloth! In its first “life,” these fanciful greeting cards help celebrate life’s important moments. But rather than being bin-bound and off to the garbage pile, it’s also a reusable cleaning cloth—genius, really. When it’s ultimately worn out (which takes a while), just toss it in with the compost. Founder and designer Carla Scholz offers both practical and whimsical designs, starting at $12.

Info: soakitup.shop

WEDDING WHITENING BOOST

Spring cleaning isn’t just for bathroom grout and the hidden corners of our homes. It’s also a time to refresh our styles—and smiles, especially as we head into celebration photo season. In other words, give your smile whitening boost before all the season’s weddings, graduations, and family gatherings. The Original Mint Whitening Collection Kit from supersmile boasts extra-large tubes of whitening toothpaste and accelerator, plus a pre-rinse booster and a full travel set.

Info: www.supersmile.com

SPRING POETRY

There’s a timelessness woven into this alpaca and Peruvian Pima-cotton cardigan. And in a time when stores are flooded with oversized sweatshirts, this gem is an ode to elegance. It hits just at the waist and is perfect with a camisole or longsleeve shirt. The stitching detail adds texture and beauty, but it’s the gossamer glow of the fluffy fibers that truly sets it apart. Luckily, the same can be said of most pieces from Poetry—a brand that celebrates natural fabrics with a deep commitment to sustainability.

Info: www.poetryfashion.com

MUCK AROUND AND FIND OUT

For those impossible to shop for, may I not-so humbly suggest Muck Boots? Whether Dad is a practical do-it-yourself style yardman; a grad is heading off on a mega-adventure; or mom is obsessed with all things gardening, there’s a boot for that. My first introduction to the brand was on an Antarctica expedition, where I wore the Arctic line for ice exploration, but The Original Muck Boot Company has boots and shoes for activities as wideranging as farming, hunting, gardening, and beyond. Planned obsolescence? Far from it. These boots are built to last.

Info: muckbootcompany.com

A WORTHY WINE GAMBLE

Is there anything better than al fresco sips at the end of a perfect spring day? The sun is setting, and there’s a light breeze— maybe a few song birds nearby. Raise a glass imbued with crisp elegance like the 2024 Gamble Estates Yountville Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy orange blossom and floral notes, followed by bright stone fruit. It’s ready for gifting, brunching, and it’s decidedly lovely for beach and balcony sipping. Cheers to the warmer weather!

Info: gambleestates.com

LE HAUTE TREND REPORT

NEW SEASON, NEW SCENT - FRAGRANCE GUIDE FOR WARMER TEMPS IN THE CITY

By Jon Salas

Warmer temperatures in sight for the Big Apple as jackets become a distant memory of winters past - and with these brighter days come lighter layers of clothing and fresher scents fit for the season. Similar to how we change styles for each season, scents are also created to better suit certain times of the year, especially during Spring and summer.

In New York we have no shortage of humidity and warm days, and as those temperatures rise, our fragrances can often feel heavier, sticky and overwhelming. The way we archive our coats, we too must do the same for those oud, leathery, smoky scents and look forth to for lighter, fresher, citrusy notes because no one wants to be ‘that guy’ in the elevator that overwhelms us with an acidic smell that makes a ten-second ride feel like two minutes underwater. There is a way to hijack chemistry and navigate your scent game so you can smell your best despite whatever is in the forecast. A few general considerations for helping revamp your scent include…

• Heat Intensifies Notes: Warm weather causes scents to “bloom” faster, intensifying notes and speeding up evaporation. A heavy, leathery, musky, or spicy scent meant for cold weather can become overbearing and feel more suffocating than refreshing when we hit 80 degrees. High humidity can make fragrances feel thicker.

• Suitability and Comfort: The same way you change your wardrobe to find heat relief, lighter, fresh or citrus scents also feel refreshing in spring and summer whereas those heavy, warm winter favorite scents feel out of place. You wouldn’t wear a parka on Memorial Day so why sport the aromatic equivalent?

• Improved Performance: Light, airy, and citrusy notes work better in heat, while heavy scents can turn sour, off-putting or “too sharp” when interacting with increased sweat.

Luckily, we have fragrance options for the season that surely will work with any pH or temperature.

FOR A NEW CLASSIC TOUCH OF SCENTED LUXURY…

Unlike earthy, heavy vetiver fragrances, Creed’s latest launch, Wild Vetiver, is an uplifting blend of citrus notes of grapefruit and bergamot, combined with floral and woody notes that feels clean and modern. It’s clean, smells expensive and was created for increased longevity so you can wear it from the office to an al fresco evening dinner. Wild Vetiver instantly became a crowd favorite when launched earlier in the year and it’s easy to see why because Creed has more than 250 years of craftsmanship excellence. Originally a brand serving European royal families, Creed has now amassed a laundry list of fans across the globe including recognizable personalities of the likes of George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Pierce Brosnan, Michelle Obama, David Bowie and many more.

FOR A TOUCH OF QUIET LUXURY…

Swedish fragrance house Byredo is the epitome of quiet luxury with their discreet bottle designs where the sparkle is not the packaging but rather the magic comes alive when the molecules meet air making it a favorite amongst names including Kate Bosworth and Rose Huntington-Whitley. The Absolut version of their classic Mojave Ghost has been a popular option for Spring as this version intensifies their popular original scent with higher concentration, providing better longevity and superior projection. Mojave Ghost Absolut offers a deeper, creamier, and more intimate “skin scent” experience that blends pear and woody notes creating an aroma that lingers longer with notes that feel like sunbaked wood and crushed petals – it’s not a fragrance that will command presence when you enter a room but it is one that will not go unnoticed as folks come closer – it’s an elixir that radiates quiet luxury

FOR A HINT OF THE AMALFI COAST…

If there’s one scent profile that truly encapsulates the ‘Dolce Vita’ Amalfitana it’s the citrus zest of the regional lemons that have become as emblematic of the Italian coast as its cliffside houses and postcard vistas. No one quite captures that scent profile as Dolce & Gabbana with their signature Light Blue parfum that mixes citrus zest with notes of Granny Smith apples, cedarwood making it year after year one of the most sought-after scents as temperatures rise. And on social media it is frequently recommended by users for being an easy-to-wear, clean, and “unisex-leaning” scent suitable for daily use or beach days. A favorite among Hollywood’s elite including Madonna, Kim Kardashian, Theo James and more – Dolce & Gabbana continuously shows us how Italian style never goes out of fashion, including in the scent department.

FOR THE TRAVELERS WHO KNOW…

FOR THE BOMBSHELL…

Carolina Herrera’s ‘La Bomba’ is its newest fragrance inspired by the iconic nickname given to Carolina by legendary editor and local socialite Diana Vreeland, who described her as ‘loud, fabulous and explosive.’ La Bomba as its name hints in Spanish is a bomb of confidence and bold femininity featuring notes of tropical pitaya, cherry peony, and solar vanilla. Designed as an attentiongrabbing scent that will not go unnoticed when you walk into a room, La Bomba is housed in a butterfly-shaped, fuchsia-toned bottle with a pink quartz-inspired cap that reminds us that this warmer season we have carte blanche to unapologetically live our most free-spirited and transformative summer yet.

For those who enjoy traveling and are familiar with the EDITION hotels across the globe, they’ll instantly recognize this scent. While the Le Labo products at EDITION hotels are an exclusive line you can only enjoy while on property, Le Labo’s Thé Noir 29 is a very similar expression that to the common nose will smell nearly identical, and is available at their boutiques. Commonly referenced as a highly intoxicating, “compliment-getter” fragrance, this unique, unisex blend of black tea, bergamot, fig, and bay leaves, dries down into a woody, and slightly smoky scent. It balances the freshness of tea with cedarwood and tobacco-like notes, making it versatile for both cooler spring nights and or an evening night out on the town. In simplest terms, Thé Noir 29 gives an “iced tea” vibe.

FROM AMALFI TO THE AEGEAN SEA…

Building upon fragrances that instantly transport us to our favorite destinations, Philosykos by Dyptique is a piece of the Greek isles in a bottle. One mist and you’ll instantly feel back in Paros, Milos and beyond reminiscing of your favorite summer under the sun and olive trees. This ultimate, earthy, ‘green’ fig scent, offers a nostalgic, unisex aroma that is popular for its unique, creamy blend of fig leaf, fruit, and woody notes, making it a highly soughtafter, sophisticated fragrance for spring and summer. The scent evokes a ‘sundrenched’ summer vibe and is easy to wear day or night whether on route to the beach or office.

While scents can completely transform any mood and outfit – they’re only half of the style equation. The most important part is the attitude of the user and aesthetically sporting what feels right for you. While fragrances follow seasonal scent trends, the beauty lies in the beholder’s nose as everyone has individual palette preferences and a unique PH that makes no two scent experiences the same. After all, no two New Yorkers are the same, it seems fitting our scent game should follow suit.

Turks & Caicos Islands

RESORTS

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS IS 192 SQUARE MILES. WHY GO TO TEN DIFFERENT WEBSITES, WHEN YOU CAN FIND WHAT YOU NEED IN ONE?

LUXURY VILLAS

REAL ESTATE

With over 25 years of experience in the travel, hospitality, and tourism industries we know our local presence and knowledge will be instrumental to you, your family, and clients in creating a seamless experience for booking your accommodations, activities, private jet services, and sourcing your real estate options. We collaborate with professionals in all areas and assure you that in one call, we can coordinate your entire Turks and Caicos experience. Let us make your arrangements from your first steps in the islands, to stepping back on your private jet or flight out of the islands.

website: theturksandcaicoscompany.com email: reservations@theturksandcaicoscompany.com

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE

FOR SPECTACULAR VIEWS OF NYC

By Jeff & Stephanie Sylva

Amajor component of New York City’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry is sightseeing. The city’s iconic skyline, monuments, and bridges are attractions every sightseer looks forward to viewing. One of the best ways to experience these attractions is on a boat cruise in New York Harbor with Classic Harbor Line

CRUISING IN STYLE

Classic Harbor Line operates seven vessels in New York Harbor – each a finely crafted, classically-inspired yacht. Five are exquisite motor yachts reminiscent of 1920’s luxury motor launches. These vessels include the yachts MANHATTAN I, II, and the newly launched MANHATTAN III, as well as the KINGSTON and the FULL MOON. The other two boats are the Schooner ADIRONDAK and the Schooner AMERICA 2.0 – a modern tribute to the first boat to win the America’s Cup in 1851. All of Classic Harbor Line’s yachts and schooners are elegant vessels featuring teak decks, varnished mahogany rails, gleaming brass fixtures, comfortable seating, a cocktail bar, and restrooms.

A CRUISE FOR EVERYONE

The variety of cruise offerings are designed to appeal to visitors of the Big Apple looking for unique sightseeing opportunities, as well as local New Yorkers looking for a new idea for date night, entertaining friends, or simply a way to escape the city without leaving the city.

The sightseeing cruises aboard both the yacht cruises and the sailing cruises offer outstanding views of the NYC skyline and its many bridges, and, of course, an upclose experience of the Statue of Liberty. These cruises offer a variety of narration: non-narrated, lightly narrated, or fully narrated.

Classic Harbor Line’s yacht cruises offer a variety of choices. Cruises include the Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Jazz Cruises, Fall Foliage Cruises, Around Manhattan Brunch Cruises, and a number of specialty cruises. Some of the specialty cruises are City Lights Serenade, featuring a vocalist and live band, and a Champagne, Wine, Cheese, and Caviar Pairing Cruise.

Among the many sailing cruises is the Tides & Tapas: Taste of the Sea at Sunset. Enjoy a glass of Sparkling Wine on the house and then partake in a tapas-style tasting menu featuring caviar, smoked trout, ahi tuna, and seared scallops. Additional drinks are available for purchase, or choose a wine flight as an add-on. Other sailing cruises aboard the schooners AMERICA 2.0 and ADIRONDACK include a Mimosa Sail, a Grand Palisades Fall Foliage Sail, and an Evening Jazz Sail.

NEW YORK’S ICONIC BUILDINGS

A cruise we experienced and heartily recommend is the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Boat Tour. This 2 ¾-hour tour aboard the Manhattan II, done in collaboration with AIANY (American Institute of Architects New York), circles the island of Manhattan and offers fascinating insight into the development of New York’s skyline over the past one and a half centuries. The host/narrator from AIANY had a wonderful since of humor, a very pleasant presentation, and a wealth of knowledge about various architectural styles and engineering marvels, as well as the events that influenced these architectural trends.

The presentation included a lot of historical background about many of Manhattan’s famous buildings and landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Yankee Stadium. We learned a lot about the city’s successful post-industrial vision for reclaiming its waterfront. The city’s shoreline is now predominantly residential and recreational giving so much more access to residents and visitors.

ECO TOURS

Other specialty cruises include a selection of Urban Naturalist Tours. We enjoyed the Fall Foliage of the Grand Palisades Tour. On this cruise passengers can admire the grand Palisades of the Hudson River and the spectacular fall foliage. Views are available through the skylights of the heated and glass-enclosed observatory or on the open outer deck. An Urban Naturalist presents narration of the geology and ecology of this epic waterway.

The Seals, Seabirds and Winter Wildlife Cruise explores NYC winter wildlife and history of Lower NY harbor, the NYC skyline, and the obscure islands of Hoffman and Swinburne Islands just beyond the Verrazzano Bridge.

Another Urban Naturalist Tour is the Abandoned Islands of the East River at Sunset. Travel past the lesser known islands of Belmont Island, Roosevelt Island, Mill Rock, and North and South Brother Islands. This NYC eco tour is a 3-hour, fully narrated cruise through the heart of the city, where history and nature converge. Perfect for bird enthusiasts, this unique eco-friendly boat tour is available during the summer months.

Classic Harbor Line also operates a large selection of holiday and special event cruises. Every Fourth of July Classic Harbor Line has its fleet well positioned for Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular. This year will be special as Sail250 will bring a huge flotilla of tall ships and the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Week together, and Classic Harbor Line is offering a number of cruises to experience NY Harbor and its many visitors this July.

Celebrate the holidays with any of the themed cruises available during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Other holiday cruises are available for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter Sunday.

A FAMILY BUSINESS

Classic Harbor Line is the brainchild of John Scarano, who followed his passion for sailing and boat design to found his company in 1974. John’s brother Rick joined him in 1984, and Scarano Boat Building found a niche in the production of replica sailing vessels and motor yachts with classic styling and appointments. Classic Harbor Line, the only family-run sightseeing cruise line operating in New York Harbor, was launched in 1994 with one vessel sailing Narragansett Bay out of Newport, RI.

In addition to its New York harbor location, Classic Harbor Line cruises are offered in Newport, RI, Boston, and Key West. All of Classic Harbor Line’s 15 vessels were designed and built by Scarano Boat Building in its Albany, NY facility.

Enjoy picturesque New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the iconic New York skyline from a whole new perspective – and do it in style with a Classic Harbor Line cruise.

For More Information visit: sail-nyc.com

PLEASURES OF NEW ORLEANS

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL AND OTHER TOURIST THRILLS

By Ruth J. Katz

It was an especially languorous Tuesday, in the middle of a particularly steamy July in New Orleans, where summer is spelled m-u-g-g-y…or is it spelled s-w-e-l-t-e-r-i-n-g? High noon and your sunglasses fog up when you walk outdoors

Never mind the weather outside, what mattered to me was what was happening inside, in this case, at the majestic Ritz Carlton, the home base for the extraordinary Tales of the Cocktail extravaganza. Begun in 2002, as a kind of boozy walking tour of historic bars in the Big Easy, the event morphed into its present format—a six-day festival toasting all things cocktail and alcohol-related. (This year, July 19-24) Attended by upwards of 20,000 from all over the world (well over 50 countries), TOTC hosts anyone even marginally interested in the alcoholic beverage industry: importers, bar owners, drink consultants, chefs, bar tenders, marketing execs, distributors, alcohol companies, waitstaff, menu designers, serious connoisseurs, and the merely curious—it is the go-to event for alcoholic excitement, exploration, and enthusiasm.

During its six days, there were over 400 events you could attend, hosted by nearly 300 brands/exhibitors; nearly fifty percent of these events were hosted by companies from far-flung ports of call—Peru, the Netherlands, India, and Australia, among the many. As you can see, this is a place not just for fun, but for serious education.

In the Bookstore & Bitters Marketplace, alone, there were hourly happenings. As you scroll through the TOTC program, which seems to go on forever, you’ll realize it’s tough to make decisions as to where to plant yourself each hour: panels, lectures, workshops, discussions, book signings, demos, classes, tastings, participatory events, cooking demos, and, of course, parties galore at night. My favorite fete was the Spirits of the Galaxy: A Celestial Celebration by William Grant & Sons, which took place in the Orpheum Theater, where all the seating had been removed; acrobats and flying ballerinas swung from the rafters; dry ice machines sent out billows of other-worldly mist; headbands with mini Martianlike lights illuminated attendees’ tresses; revolving stage lights transformed the mood; and an ever-present pulsating beat set your heart racing. If ever I needed a time machine to take me back to my halcyon and wild days of carefree youth, this was that moment.

Some of your choices during the day might have included such seminar topics as:

• Laws of Extraction: Liquid Brilliance from Solid Ingredients

• Filthy Animals, Spirited Drinking

• Fermentation 101

• Unlocking Synesthesia: A Seduction of the Senses

• Jefferson’s Bourbon Presents: Ocean & Oysters

• Mix Smarter, Not Harder: The Batching Playbook for Bars

• The Third Annual Three Martini Lunch at Galatoire’s with Clemente Bar

• Louche: The French Quarter Absinthe Tour

Two seminars I thought were sensational: Nikka Whisky presents Highballs ‘N’ High Tea, orchestrated by master Japanese showman-mixologist, Takuma Watanabe, from the legendary Martiny’s in New York. He coalesced the Big Easy and the Big Apple, creating an alchemic blend of Nikka’s coffee grain whisky and matcha tea into a sublimely ambrosial brew. The other seminar that was other-worldly was the Step into Our Library: A Spirited Chapter Featuring Sazerac’s Global Whiskey Portfolio. Here, they tell me, “Distilling is a science; blending is an art.”

THE GENIUS OF JOE BAUM

On that lazy Tuesday, I chose a group discussion, entitled, The Genius of Joe Baum and His Restaurants: The Past Informs The Future, featuring panel members Julie Reiner, Jeffrey Pogash, Charles Baum, Dale Degroff. I eagerly queued up early to snag a seat, as this was likely to be a standing-room-only event. Baum, in case you didn’t know, was dubbed, by respected food writer and critic Mimi Sheraton, “the Cecil B. DeMille of restaurateurs.” There was a time when several of his near-mythical creations, including Windows on the World, the Rainbow Room, the Four Seasons, and Tavern on the Green, were the highestgrossing restaurants in New York City.

I had a particularly warm spot in my heart (and gut) for him, because as a tot, I was brought to one of his fantastic, phantasmagoric creations, The Newarker, located, um, in Newark Airport. Don’t gasp. This was a destination restaurant, the way the majestic, ormolu-encrusted Le Train Bleu is a terminus (in particular because it is in a tarin station!) at the Gare de Lyon in Paris.

Baum was likely the first restaurateur-showman to put fire tableside—flaming shish kebabs, crêpes Suzettes, and a seductive dessert that I remembered ahd something to do with snowballs—an ice cream concoction with—wait for it—sparklers! This was unheard of then. But Baum dreamed it up to dazzle his customers. It was the happiest birthday I ever spent. I remember that the grown-ups ordered three of them for the table, much to my five-yearold delight! And I think I might have had my very own. Proust had his petites madeleines, but I had Joe Baum’s Snow Balls.

A careful look at a menu on line, from back then, shows that it was called Toasted Coconut Snow Ball Chocolate, and alongside that, anisette is mentioned, which I certainly know I did not get! It was a whopping 65 cents, ten cents less than both the martini and Manhattan cocktails! Also, worth mentioning, the dessert menu featured Sanka for 40 cents, followed by a Flaming Café Hennessy, for a buck-fifty. (Obviously could not resist putting flambé on everything!)

It is interesting to note that from a period postcard from the Newarker, Baum promotes it as “Newark’s window on the world.” A harbinger of something to come decades later.

And, so, I was here at the Ritz to relive that tasty Snow Ball moment…and learn more about Joe Baum and his dreams. Celebrated mixologist Dale DeGroff, a Baum acolyte, whom Baum dispatched to Europe to study cocktails, offered many heartwarming stories, as did Baum’s son, Charles. This panel did not disappoint, and among the many attendees were giants in the culinary realm, many owing their careers to the farsightedness of Baum’s genius. “Clearly Joe’s history is the history of restaurants in New York in the second half of the 20th century,” notes Tim Zagat, co-founder of the renowned Zagat Restaurant Surveys.

Had I not been hell bent to hear about Baum, I could have attended nine (yes, nine) other events that very hour. You will not get bored or go hungry (or thirsty) at the TOTC

MUSEUM MAGIC

I was in the city, of course, to imbibe more than alcohol. I took a break from spirits education to visit a favorite museum, that has seemingly cloned itself—the National WWIII Museum. When I was there last, it featured but two buildings, and now, across its six-acre campus, it offers six buildings. Its website notes that it is a “compelling blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail,” and so it is. Allow enough time to absorb it all, as there are immersive exhibits, multimedia experiences, and an expansive collection of artifacts and first-person oral histories, that all combine to conjure up a picture of, what the Museum notes, is “the war that changed the world.” The film “Beyond All Boundaries,” narrated by Tom Hanks, is dubbed a 4-D experience. The Museum’s web site carefully lays out ideal visits for two hours, a half-day, or a full day and I’d advise following one of its plans. The museum suggests that you head to the L.W. “Pete” Kent Train Car Experience” which is located in the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, where you can register your dog tag and follow one person’s service journey through the war.

I also enjoyed the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB), which was founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Williams, who wanted a place where the intersection of culture and food could be studied. The museum began with pop-ups around the city, but in the summer of 2008, it found a home in Riverwalk Marketplace, which is where I first encountered this jewel. The Museum of the American Cocktail (MOTAC), originally located in the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter, became a permanent part of SoFAB’s collection in 2014. MOTAC, which is still housed in SoFAB, features a collection of rare spirits and books, as well as a presentation on the cocktail’s place in history. After its first exhibit, the public began donating family artifacts, and today all that memorabilia constitutes a fascinating look at packaging, tastes, style, and trends.

Another museum that was a must for me was the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, which explores the many ways that Jews in the American South influenced, and were influenced by, the distinct cultural heritage of their adopted country (If you have had the pleasure of seeing the play “The Lehman Trilogy,” then you have likely garnered a tiny kernel of just how many Jewish immigrants settled in the American South.) In 2012, the museum, which had been founded in Mississippi, moved to New Orleans and now houses over 4,000 artifacts, many featured in the permanent exhibits, which highlight the unique and remarkable history of Southern Jews

TIME TO EAT!

I barely know where to begin to praise all the extraordinary food that this city offers. There are so many well-known restaurants here, it’s hard to choose, but given that I had a limited number of lunches and dinners, choose, I did.

Thus, lunch on the way to the WWII Museum was at Herbsaint, Chef Donald Link’s jewel, since 2000, and which earned James Beard recognition for him, as Best Chef in the South in 2007. My chicken breast offered layers of flavoring, and it sat floating on a bed of tasty zucchini. Since it opened, this restaurant is consistently in the TimesPicayune’s annual list of New Orleans’ 10 Best Restaurants.

Dinner that night was at Mr. B’s Bistro, another mainstay in New Orleans, and where I had the absolute best pecan pie, that dwarfed all else I ate, and trust me, everything else was pretty spectacular. As Wednesday rolled around, it meant more good eatin’. Dickie

Brennan’s Steakhouse proffered the most colossal Gulf shrimp I’d ever seen, with New Orleans-style barbecue sauce, and a stoneground grit cake. Food of the gods. I barely had room for the steaks that were coming. Another bull’s eye was lunch at Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House—the food is so flavorful, you’ll not want to put your fork down. And, yes, as you might expect, lots of oysters, crab, shrimp, and rich, succulent sauces. Each meal eclipses the previous one. One dinner at the Commander’s Palace—a city mainstay—was even more memorable, but not for reasons you’d guess: During a loud and eventful thunderstorm, the lights all blew! And, yet, somehow, the kitchen and the waitstaff managed to present us complete meals! All the while, a determined squall pelted the glass wall adjacent to our table. It was a feat of legerdemain. And again, delicious doesn’t even begin to describe the meal. The last meal—I thought of it as Last Supper, because it was so amazing—was at Brennan’s, and it was a stage show. The cocktails were each a marvel of science and chemistry: Whatever you do, order the Flamingo (Chopin Vodka, Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Gin, dragonfruit, lemon, Tattinger ‘La Francaise’ Champagne) and the Birdcage (a smoked old fashioned made with Rabbit Hole Dareringer bourbon, Angostura Bitters, orange, cherry). They will set you back a coupla’ bucks, but every dime will be worth it—for me it was a memorable way to end a glorious New Orleans sojourn.

SLUMBERING IN STYLE

I chose for my first two nights, the elegant Ritz Carlton, a Beaux Arts grande dame in the French Quarter, with 528 rooms. All are gorgeously appointed, as you’d expect from an antebellum mansion, and it was a delight to just fall out of bed and topple into TOTC. The staff was gracious, knowledgeable, even as they were overwhelmed with thousands of guests coming and going. Breakfasts were plentiful, and the morning highlight for me was an ethereal beignet.

My last two nights, I luxuriated in another NOLA stately dowager, the Monteleone, which celebrates its 140th birthday this year. The showpiece of Sicilian immigrant Antonio Monteleone, this majestic property offered, in 1908, “220 guest rooms with electric lighting, and attached bathrooms,” and in 1909, it touted “steam heat, private baths, electric elevators, and electric lights.” The crown jewell of the hotel is the charming Carousel Bar, where the legendary Vieux Carré cocktail was invented. The hotel is a designated National Literary Landmark by the American Library Association.

Additional Info: neworleans.com; talesofthecocktail.org; ritzcarlton.com; hotelmonteleone.com

All photos courtesy of New Orleans & Company; the Ritz Carlton; the Monteleone

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE’S NEWEST SHIP

NORWEGIAN LUNA IS PACKED WITH FUN FOR MULTIGENERATIONAL TRAVELERS

By Stacey Zable

Norwegian Cruise Line’s recently launched newest ship, the 3,565-guest Norwegian Luna, is an ideal choice for extended families traveling together. It offers many of the cruise line’s latest exclusive amenities, as well as a host of new features. In addition to a choice in accommodations, guests of all ages will find what makes them happiest among the abundance of food, entertainment, and wow factors.

Norwegian Luna’s range of accommodations enable multigenerational families to spread out in comfort. Those seeking a luxury experience will be impressed by the suites at The Haven by Norwegian, an exclusive shipwithin-a ship area. Within this special private-entry enclave, guests enjoy a dedicated restaurant, bar, lounge, pool, hot tubs, and deck area for their exclusive use. Beyond The Haven, you’ll find inside, oceanview, balcony, and even solo staterooms.

INTERNATIONAL DINING

There are 17 dining options offering more than 15 cuisines onboard Norwegian Luna. Besides the two open seating complimentary main dining rooms, culinary choices include nine specialty restaurants (for an additional fee). Our absolute favorite was Onda by Scarpetta, including its signature breads, fabulous pastas, pizzas, and more high-end delicious Italian dishes. You can also dine at Cagney’s Steakhouse, Le Bistro for French fare, Palomar for seafood, Sukhothai for Thai dishes, Nama Sushi, Hasuki Japanese grill, and Los Lobos for

MEXICAN CUISINE

Among the other complimentary dining offerings, the very popular Indulge Food Hall invites guests to sit down and use a tablet to choose from among plant-based foods, Italian, Chinese, tapas, and Southeast Asian, all delivered to the table. The Surfside Café & Grill is the ship’s buffet for salads, burgers, entrees, side dishes, desserts, and breakfast items in the morning. The classic pub fare of The Local Bar & Grill offers a great spot for comfort food.

ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT

Many of the 18 bars and lounges on board feature live entertainment performing a variety of music genres. In addition to these, Norwegian Luna’s evenings are further packed with entertainment options. Elton John fans may want to set sail on the ship just for the chance to see the original production, “Elton: A Celebration of Elton John,” which pays tribute to the legend and his music through live performances, video, and special effects in the ship’s main theater. Another must-see performance is Syd Norman’s Pour House’s “A Tribute to Eagles”. Syd Norman’s Pour House is the ship’s intimate live entertainment venue, but during this show guests are able to enjoy a special performance at the main theater. The ship’s The Improv At Sea venue hosts guest comedians with performances either for all ages or only for 18-plus.

FAMILY FUN

If action is what you’re seeking while on board Norwegian Luna, head to the Aqua Slidecoaster, which the company states is “the longest and fastest slides at sea.” The dual slides include a magnetic lift that propels guests through two different courses. There is also The Drop, a free-fall dry slide, for additional adrenaline thrills. More games and fun include mini golf, oversized foosball, pickleball, the Glow Court hightech LED sports floor, and Moon Climber, a multi-level climbing and obstacle course. Luna Game Zone is home to classic arcade games and virtual reality experiences. Kids even have a dedicated Aqua Park.

The onboard complimentary kids’ camps are divided by age and are sure to make the youngest guests happy. Then, mom and dad can relax at the Vibe Beach Club, an adults-only area for lounging in the sun or dipping in infinity hot tubs. Or spend time in the Mandara Spa and Salon, for a massage, facial, or other pampering treatment, or relax in the flotation salt pool, steam, sauna, salt room, ice room, and more at the Thermal Suite.

FUN IN THE SUN DESTINATIONS

Norwegian Luna is sailing Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries roundtrip Miami through April 2027, including a stop at its newly enhanced private island, Great Stirrup Cay. You will have an array of places to relax or be active on the island, including the Great Life Lagoon large pool area. Look for the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark to debut this summer with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a 9,000 square-foot kids splash zone, and more. When you want kids-free zones on the island, the new adultsonly Vibe Shore Club offers a private bar, premium lounge seating and cabanas, as well as private beach access. Take the luxury level up even more at Silver Cove featuring one- and two- bedroom villas that can host six to 16 guests with food and beverage delivery service plus private beach, pool, restaurant and two bars. The area is also home to a spa for oceanside pampering.

Next year, look for Norwegian Luna to homeport in New York from April to October 2027, where you can sail roundtrip

For More Information or to book your cruise visit: ncl.com

THE LONDONER

LEICESTER SQUARE’S NOT-SO-LITTLE JEWEL

By Ruth J. Katz

“Well,” I blurted out to no one in particular, as I entered my room at The Londoner (in London, dare I need clarify?). “Finally, a hotel room that has been designed by a woman!” Heaving a sigh of relief, I eyed the inviting vanity and the comfy slipper chair in front of it. What would have been dubbed a dressing table years ago, was a welcome sight…a large, circular mirror was on the wall in front of the vanity, and all it lacked were twinkling stage lights around the corona, to make me feel like a West End starlet. It did not escape my notice that adjacent to that mirror, on the wall, were electrical outlets—real sockets (!), where you could plug in the cord of a hair dryer and sit down to perform your toilette, while actually looking at your own face in a mirror. What an ingenious idea. Ha ha

Sounds a little obvious, maybe? Well, I cannot tell you how many hotel rooms I have stayed in, some with pretty posh price tags attached to them, where there was NO place to sit and blow-dry my hair. Being England, and the UK in general—not to mention countless countries that are NOT the US of A—having a socket in the loo, which could accommodate an electrical appliance is verboten. Over the years, I cannot tell you the lengths I have had to go to in order to dry my tresses.

And, to add a cherry to the top of this sundae of a boudoir—there was a Dyson hair dryer to complete Nirvana! Yes, Dyson! Oh, heavens!

Allow me to tell you just what else was in this well thought out chamber. (For the record, maybe it was, or maybe it wasn’t, indeed, designed by a woman, but it was clearly tricked out by someone with a frontal lobe who considered human needs!) The toilet was one of those fascinating porcelain fixtures that had a million buttons and automatically lifted its own cover and warmed the seat before I even left the writing table. How did it know? In the shower, there were generous bottles of Miller Harris hand wash and body lotion pump-decanters, thus sparing the environment some wear and tear. But, there were also little, individually packaged amenity goodies that we all love—nail and dental kits, shower caps, and so on. A seductive recamier was opposite the closet and there was also a decent-size writing desk. Let’s just say, with my needs met, I was a happy camper.

I should have known, though, that the upstairs hotel rooms (the property has 16 floors and 350 guest rooms and suites) would be comfy and singular just based on the staff uniforms for the women at the front desk. They were, in a word, stunning. It was as if Joan Miró, Frank Stella, and Morris Louis had all collaborated on creating a memorable garment fabric—a rainbow of saturated, primary colors in bold geometric shapes was the canvas for the dresses, which were chic shirt waists of sorts, with a pleat or two here and there—and a stylish, catch-you-off-guard asymmetric hem! They all looked fabulous and I wanted to take one those dresses home.

And I also should have guessed that art plays an important role in the hotel’s interior and exterior concepts (courtesy of the design firm Yabu Pushelberg). As I faced the check-in counter, I was captivated by a panoply of three-dimensional sculptures in alcove showcases behind the desk: striking sculptures depicted the London skyline, the buildings artfully constructed— folded, bent, and cut—from show-white paper, forming some of London’s most recognizable landmarks—there was “The Gherkin,” Tower Bridge, City Hall, Covent Garden Opera House, “The Cheese Grater,” and St. Paul’s. The hotel is chockablock with art, and there are some very special exhibits to inquire about and to visit. An art gallery in your own backyard.

If you venture into Joshua’s Tavern, a cozy, beckoning cocktail lounge, you’ll be struck by the hand-painted murals on the walls, beautifully imagined by design studio En Viu, depicting scenes of silliness and drunken debauchery. This is a tribute to the 18th-century portrait artist and a denizen of Leicester Square. (See if you can spot the prolific painter himself in the murals.) The hotel also offers a cozy Whisky Room; the Y Bar, a comfy spot open to hotel guests only, with its walls kind of graffitistrewn; and The Stage (a kind of lobby living room).

That is to say, there are many places to sit down and have a wee dram. Additionally, there is a Japanese rooftop bar, 8 at the Londoner, which features a bold menu (written in Japanese and English) of nibbles and drinks, with a vast selection of Japanese whiskeys and 45 different Champagnes—and even a Japanese shima garden. Dinner is at Whitcomb’s, lobby level; it’s got a casual atmosphere, but a sophisticated menu. I would enthusiastically recommend the crispy Dover sole with a Calabrian chili salsa.

Also in the lobby, do not miss the art by Rose Robson: Busts of faces encased in fantasy turbans and hats and facial figures, are constructed from a panoply of bird feathers; they are curious, and both subtle and complex…and, in a word, they are utterly stunning. The Londoner’s head of design, Krishma Singh Dear, teamed up with James Robertson Art Consultants and the affore-mentioned Yabu Pushelberg, to curate a worldclass art collection that harmonizes with the hotel’s serene design, striking architecture, and the vibe of the alawys-abuzz Leicester Square location. The collection includes framed pieces and sculptures, murals and site-specific installations, by a mix of renowned artists and up-and-coming creatives. While the majority of the artwork is British, there are global influences, too, that reflect the city’s diverse, multifaceted personality and population. Also worth noting, in the lobby on a large credenza is a daily assortment of newspapers and trendy magazines. Grab a few and plop down in the comfy lounge—people-watching is a treat here.

I had a delightful stay and loved the central location—a short walk to Covent Garden, a hop over to Green Park and beyond, to the “western” side of London, and near enough to Charing Cross Station so that I could walk there to catch a train. I look forward to a return engagement! There is still the spa to explore and I did not even have time for a glass of Champagne on the roof…but I will remedy that next time.

Additional info: thelondoner.com

All photos courtesy of The Londoner

THE BERKSHIRES TAKE CENTER STAGE

A MUSIC-FILLED ESCAPE THROUGH WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS

By Norah Bradford

In 2026, the Berkshires will once again strike a memorable chord with travelers, offering a season of music, culture and scenic discovery across Western Massachusetts. From classical performances at Tanglewood to jazz, opera, indie rock and intimate live venues, the region invites visitors to turn a concert calendar into a true cultural getaway.

A SEASON IN THE HILLS

Long known as one of the Northeast’s most treasured cultural destinations, the Berkshires continue to offer the rare combination of natural beauty, small-town charm and world-class performance. Less than three hours from both New York City and Boston, the region makes an ideal long-weekend escape for travelers looking to pair music with mountain views, historic inns, acclaimed restaurants and year-round outdoor adventure.

For 2026, 1Berkshire is spotlighting a wide-ranging music season that moves easily from classical masterworks to contemporary experimentation, jazz, indie rock and immersive performance experiences. The result is a calendar that feels less like a single festival season and more like a region-wide celebration of sound.

TANGLEWOOD & THE CLASSICS

At the center of the Berkshires’ musical identity is Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Lenox. Its 2026 season, running from June through September, promises classical excellence alongside popular programming, with appearances by Yuja Wang, Augustin Hadelich and Laurie Anderson, as well as concerts by James Taylor and his All-Star Band, Carrie Underwood, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Ziggy Marley with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, and more. The Festival of Contemporary Music also returns, curated this summer by Esa-Pekka Salonen

FESTIVAL ENERGY

North Adams will once again draw music lovers to MASS MoCA when Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival returns June 26–28, 2026. Conceived by Wilco and co-produced by Higher Ground Presents, the festival blends headline performances with a broader lineup that includes The Breeders, Gang of Four, Billy Bragg, S.G. Goodman, L’Rain and more. Also at MASS MoCA, the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival runs July 13 through August 2, culminating in the high-energy LOUD Weekend.

JAZZ, OPERA & INTIMATE STAGES

Jazz takes the spotlight in Pittsfield with the 20th Annual Pittsfield CityJazz Festival, running April 17–25, 2026, with a theme centered on women in jazz and headline concerts by Georgia Heers, Grace Kelly and Veronica Swift. Opera lovers can look to the Berkshire Opera Festival at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, which returns with Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor.

Beyond the marquee names, music remains woven into daily life throughout the region. The Lion’s Den at The Red Lion Inn offers intimate live performances in Stockbridge, Barrington Hall brings concerts and open mic nights to Great Barrington, and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield continues to present concert events and special performances. Outdoor music also spills into warmer months at beloved cultural destinations including The Clark, The Mount and Naumkeag.

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

For travelers, the Berkshires offer more than a ticketed event. They offer a complete getaway—picturesque towns, mountain landscapes, food culture, lodging options and a cultural scene that rivals far larger cities.

Between performances, visitors can explore galleries, browse independent shops, enjoy seasonal dining, or unwind at historic inns and countryside retreats. Outdoor enthusiasts can add hiking, scenic drives, garden visits and museum stops to the itinerary, making the region as rewarding by day as it is after the curtain rises.

For more information, visit berkshires.org

SUNLIT SOPHISTICATION ON EAST 71

CLASSIC SCALE MEETS MODERN POLISH AT THE TOWNSEND HOUSE

By Stacey Keyes

Residence 12C at The Townsend House, 176 East 71st Street, is a rare find—a bright, beautifully appointed two-bedroom, 2.5-bath home spanning just under 1,600 square feet in the heart of the Upper East Side. Set on one of the neighborhood’s most charming treelined blocks, the residence blends classic proportions with thoughtful modern updates, striking a balance that feels both timeless and easy to live in. Perched on the 12th floor, it enjoys wonderful natural light throughout the day. A gracious entry foyer sets the tone, offering a warm sense of arrival along with ample closet space that seamlessly combines function and style.

LIVING ON A GRAND SCALE

The thoughtful layout unfolds seamlessly into an expansive living room that stretches over twenty-four feet in length—an impressive scale that is increasingly rare in today’s market. Oversized windows flood the space with sunlight, while rich checkerboard oak parquet floors add warmth, texture, and a subtle nod to classic New York design. The room offers both visual impact and everyday comfort, ideal for relaxing as well as entertaining.

Adjacent to the living room, the formal dining area offers a striking focal point for both everyday living and special occasions. Anchored by a dramatic bay window, the space captures open city views and is bathed in soft, natural light from morning through late afternoon. Whether hosting intimate dinners or larger gatherings, this area provides a beautiful and inviting setting that feels both refined and relaxed.

LUXURY FEATURES + MORE

The renovated, windowed galley kitchen has been designed with both style and functionality in mind. Custom white shaker cabinetry offers ample storage, while quartzite marble countertops and a matching backsplash introduce a clean, polished aesthetic. A full suite of stainless-steel appliances ensures modern convenience, making the kitchen as practical as it is visually appealing. The presence of a window enhances the space further, bringing in natural light and fresh air, an often overlooked but highly valued feature.

The private quarters are equally well-appointed, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy. The primary bedroom is generously proportioned, with ample space for additional seating or a workspace, as well as a beautifully renovated en-suite bath. The second bedroom is equally versatile, ideal for guests, a home office, or a library, and is complemented by its own full bathroom. A well-placed powder room adds convenience for visitors, while maintaining privacy within the bedroom wing.

UPPER EAST SIDE LIVING

Throughout the residence, thoughtful renovations and attention to detail are evident at every turn. From the harmonious flow of the layout to the quality of the finishes, every element has been considered to enhance both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Situated within The Townsend House, a well-regarded full-service cooperative, residents enjoy the benefits of a prime Upper East Side location just moments from Madison Avenue shopping, acclaimed dining, and Central Park. This exceptional home is represented by Louise Phillips Forbes of Brown Harris Stevens, offering a rare opportunity to experience classic New York life reimagined for today.

Asking price: $2,235,000.

Info: Contact Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

THE UWS AS IT WAS MEANT TO BE

EMORY ROTH’S ARCHITECTURE MEETS A HOME BUILT FOR MODERN LIFE

By Stacey Keyes

From the moment you arrive, Residence 4C announces itself with a gracious entry foyer that sets an unmistakable tone: two closets for seamless daily organization, and exquisite custom mosaic flooring with heritage detailing that signals the quality carried through every room that follows.

LIVING & ENTERTAINING

Beyond the foyer, the living and dining room unfolds with genuine expansiveness — a space conceived for both effortless entertaining and quiet evenings at home. Large windows frame picturesque views of tree-lined streets, flooding the interiors with natural light throughout the day. High beamed ceilings lend the space a sense of grandeur rarely found at this scale, while custom millwork and intricate molding recall the craftsmanship of another era, rendered with complete fidelity. A dedicated custom workstation, thoughtfully integrated into the room, adds a layer of function and flexibility that speaks to how people actually live today.

The Kitchen: The windowed kitchen is a study in considered design. A generous island — with seating for three — serves as both a culinary workspace and a natural gathering point. Marble countertops and a full marble backsplash run throughout, paired with custom cabinetry finished to an exacting standard. Appliances have been selected for both performance and longevity: a Bertazzoni refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, and Fisher & Paykel induction range complete a suite worthy of a serious cook.

Bedrooms & Bath: The primary suite is a quiet retreat of excellent light and generous proportions. Custom molding frames the room with understated elegance, and two walk-in closets offer storage on a scale that is genuinely rare in Manhattan residential living. The corner second bedroom presents dual exposures and open city views, capturing light and perspective that make a secondary room feel like a destination in its own right.

Both bedrooms share a beautifully appointed bathroom finished with mosaic tilework, walnut vanity, Grohe fixtures, and a deep soaking tub with glass enclosure — a space that balances daily utility with the feeling of a private sanctuary. A powder room, equally well-appointed, serves the entertaining spaces with the same care given to every other detail in the home.

DETAILS THROUGHT

Wide-plank flooring flows through the principal rooms, anchoring the interiors and complementing the warmth of the custom built-ins and millwork. Storage — always a premium in city living — has been addressed with genuine thoughtfulness at every turn.

The Building: Designed in 1927 by Emory Roth — one of New York’s great apartment architects — 310 West End Avenue is a fullservice cooperative offering 24-hour doorman service, a live-in superintendent, private storage, a bike room, and laundry facilities. The building is pet friendly.

The Neighborhood: One block from Riverside Park, with its celebrated bike paths, playgrounds, and dog runs along the Hudson. Fairway and Citarella are nearby for daily market needs, and the neighborhood’s celebrated dining and retail corridors are all within easy reach. Express transportation links make the rest of the city equally accessible. A monthly assessment of $462.29 is in place through 2030.

Info: Asking price: $1,899,000.

Contact Brown Harris Stevens at bhsusa.com

LINCOLN, MA

MLS# 73500670 | $5,888,000

Lucci Witte Team Matt Witte, 978.273.0099 NAPLES, FL

MLS# 226010668 | $5,295,000 The Laurie Bellico Team Laurie Bellico, 239.293.9389

SAGAPONACK, NY

MLS# 982410 | $2,999,000

THE MINDIE METHOD

WHEN A TOXIC BOSS TURNS EVERY WORKDAY INTO A TEST OF SURVIVAL

By Mindie Barnett

Psychotherapist, wellness coach, author, and speaker Mindie Barnett answers your questions about life, navigating these stressful and uncertain times, and steering you down a more straight forward path. We welcome your questions and invite you to contact Mindie at:  mindiesmusings1@gmail.com

Mindie is available for in-person and virtual psychotherapy sessions via her Executive Health by Mindie Barnett Psychotherapy practice. Her expertise is in interpersonal relationships, overcoming depression, coping with anxiety and avoiding and overcoming burnout among many other wellness areas. Life coaching and career coaching are also areas she excels in. For more information or to schedule a session visit mbexecutivehealth.com

Dear Mindie,

I feel like I am drowning. My boss is so mean, she is constantly criticizing me and has very unrealistic expectations what a human being can get done on a normal workday. She is constantly embarrassing me in front of my colleagues and making me look and feel stupid. I really feel she is harassing me, but I cannot quit my job without another job lined up. The other issue is I do not have any personal time nor breaks in my day to even look for another job, so I feel very stuck and have the sensation that I am sinking. What do I do to combat this deathtrap of a situation? I feel like there is no real solution on the horizon and I am not sure how much longer I can take of this. Please help me.

Sincerely,

Work Woes

Dear Work Woes,

I am so sorry to hear about this incredibly toxic workplace you are a part of! It’s sadly common for bosses to have narcissistic traits and it sounds like your boss is looking to prove her power by executing some very unhealthy tactics. I understand your need for financial security and that quitting your job without another one to seamlessly replace it is not feasible. That said: I would encourage you to spend at least a few hours a day job searching with intention. I do not know what time you wake up and start your workday, but I would recommend that you set your alarm an hour earlier than you normally would and dedicate the first hour of your day to apply for positions which are of interest to you. Then, at the end of your day dedicate another hour to see if you have gotten any replies or if there may be anything additional to apply for.

I understand this routine will add to your already long (and stressful) day but if you aren’t able to tackle the outreach during your 9-to-5, you need to get creative. Then, hopefully once you’ve secured an interview you can use PTO or personal time to pursue.

In the meantime, while you are in that environment, do your best to focus on what you can control. You cannot control your boss’s actions, but you can control the way you allow her to enter your head and how you react to her behavior. Remind yourself of your worth, your talent, and lean in heavily on those who love and support you.

I would also recommend keeping a mini brag book, noting all of your professional proud moments to reflect on daily as a tangible way to provide yourself with affirmations. Lastly, allow yourself some sort of daily reward at the end of a workday. This will serve as something to look forward to and a token for persevering another day.

This too shall pass and, in the end, I have a feeling you will be stronger and more attuned to your self-esteem as a result.

Chin up, Work Woes! With Love and Light, Mindie xo

“What I discovered at Woodloch is what I want for my own family, and why we keep coming back, it’s that magic of together.”

- Meagan’s My Woodloch Story

WELLNESS

PHILANTHROPY MEETS FASHION HEALTH &

AT THE 12TH ANNUAL WAXMAN LUNCHEON

By Lillian Langtry

Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, honoring Mary Slattery and Alexandra Adame for their commitment to Advancing Cancer Research and Special Fashion presentation by Safiyaa on May 6th

The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer will host its  12th Annual Waxman Luncheon on  Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at Riverpark in New York City. The annual event will bring together philanthropists, supporters, members of the fashion community and advocates for cancer research for an elegant afternoon in support of lifesaving scientific work.

The  Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, an affiliate of  The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, is a first-of-its-kind organization specifically dedicated to tackling the single greatest risk factor for cancer—aging.

The Waxman Institute builds on the decadeslong legacy of the  Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, which since 1976 has awarded more than $120 million to support the work of more than  200 scientists worldwide. Through collaborative, cross-institutional research, the Waxman Institute is working to improve prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies for all cancers, with the goal of advancing more effective and less toxic therapies for patients around the world.

This year’s luncheon will honor  Corcoran Real Estate Broker, Mary Slattery and fashion entrepreneur,  Alexandra Adame for their extraordinary commitment to advancing lifesaving cancer research, while  Safiyaa will be recognized as the event’s fashion presenter. Known for blending philanthropy with style and community, the Waxman Luncheon has become a notable spring event on the charitable calendar, uniting guests around a shared mission to advance progress in the fight against cancer.

As in years past, the luncheon will feature  live and silent auctions, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on unique items while contributing directly to groundbreaking research. Funds raised will support the work of the  Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, an affiliate of  The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Aging is the single greatest risk factor for cancer. The Waxman Institute was established to study aging biology and cancer together to further advance better treatments and preventions.

Event leadership includes Event Chairs Marion N. Waxman, Susan Pernick and Dina Koutroumanis; Event Co-Chairs  Erica Linden-Fineberg, Nancy Litman and Helen Vaysman; and committee members  Sandy Ackerman, Jessica DiPalma, Orital Karelic, Norah Lawlor, Lorri Scott  and  Randi Schatz

For Tickets, sponsorship and further information please visit: bit.ly/4lx58ds

For more information, visit www.waxmaninstitute.org IG: @waxmancancer | F: WaxmanCancer | X / T: @waxmancancer

HALIFAX

A SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD FOCUSED EATERY IN THE W HOBOKEN

ByAnne Raso

Halifax is situated inside the lobby of the W Hoboken at 225 River Street, placing it smack dab in the middle of all the action of what is quickly becoming “New York’s Sixth Borough.” The main dining room has stunning views of the Hoboken Riverfront so getting a table right against the front windows is something you will never forget, especially after dark. There’s also a stunning wood bar with Art Deco inspired ceiling high shelves right at the dining room entrance and a large private event room.

My recent visit included a quick chat with very “hands on” Executive Chef Sheadon Shouse, who halls from Nova Scotia, was quite impressive. This is a guy who amazingly goes out to Montauk, LI to bring home water and dry it out for sea salt to use in Halifax’s dishes! The affable Chef Seadon is famous for his seasonal, coastal-inspired cuisine that emphasizes locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, with a strong focus on seafood and techniques like curing and smoking.

The Starters section of the Halifax menu includes items like Dressed and Naked Oysters and Poached Shrimp Cocktail, but the core idea is a grazing-style spread meant for the whole table, with a strong emphasis on seafood and charcuterie. Some of the seafood comes from unexpected places—for instance, the Naked Oysters are from Barnegat, NJ and my dining guest was blown away by their taste and freshness saying she could eat three or four dozen in one sitting if she had the chance (she usually prefers oysters from colder waters so this is saying a mouthful).

Under Starters you’ll also find dishes like Fritto Miso, Maine Mussels, Clam Chowder, both Asparagus and Mushroom Toast, Bluefin Tuna Crudo, Spring Vegetable Salad and Baby Romaine Caesar Compared to the boards, these are less about sharing and more about beginning your meal with something simple, fresh, or comforting, while still keeping that coastal, seafood-forward theme consistent across the menu.

I tried the Spring Vegetable Salad which featured that most amazingly sift and fresh burrata in the center and some of the crunchiest radish and arugula that I have ever eaten. The fresh, lightly boiled spring peas and sunchoke chips gave were perfect for additional spring fresh texture and flavor. The Mushroom Toast was another item that I devoured with relish—the local mushrooms are lightly drizzled with EVOO and placed on sark house sourdough, put in the oven until light golden brown and then served with house made ramp butter and parmigiana.

FROM SALMON TO SAFFRON RIGATONI

At Halifax, the entrée selection not surprisingly leans heavily into coastal New American cuisine with a strong seafood presence-options include Pan Seared Salmon with lentils and seasonal vegetables, Nova Scotia Halibut with a bean cassoulet and chorizo, and a rich Seafood Risotto packed with shrimp, mussels, clams, and squid.

There are also elevated house made pasta dishes such as Saffron Rigatoni with local lobster, coral butter and trumpet mushroom, Three Cheese Ravioli with seasonal vegetables including asparagus, spring peas and maitake mushrooms, and Ricotta Gnocchi with mushroom Bolognese, tomatoes and Parmesan—which obviously portray a mix of lighter and more indulgent choices.

For heartier appetites, the menu rounds out with meat-focused plates like Smoked Amish Chicken with house made bacon, pearl onions, oyster mushrooms and carrot in a red wine jus, Grilled Pork Chop with spring vegetable ragu, In House Dry Aged New York Strip Steak with sea salt shoestring fries, arugula salas and Parmigiano and New York Strip Steak with carrot puree, pearl onions, local mushrooms, a sweet potato and chimichurri sauce for a more classic steakhouse feel.

I had the New York Strip Steak and I was as in love with the carrot puree that my meat was laying on and side of contrasting crunchy pearl onions as the steak itself. Overall, the entrée section of the Halifax menu balances refined seafood dishes with comforting pastas and substantial meat options, so they’re keeping the menu upscale while still approachable and varied. There is truly something for everyone—you will even see lots of kids and teens with simple tastes finding items that they love like flatbread pizzas and burgers.

DESSERTS TO DIE FOR

Halifax’s desserts are polished but still comforting, with a mix of fruitforward and rich, indulgent options. The core lineup includes dishes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake served with chocolate ganache, whipped cream and peanuts, then there’s a Brown Butter Torte with chocolate cake, a brown butter cookie brownie and caramel sauce, and a warm pile of sugarcoated Cinnamon Apple Fritters served with brown butter ganache and coffee anglaise, salted caramel, and hazelnut ganache. On the lighter side there is Lemon Blueberry Mousse made with lemon sponge cake, honey comb and whipped cream and Berry Panna Cotta with lemon curd, orange shortbread crumble and fruit pearls. There is also a rotating selection of ice creams and sorbets.

I love decadent desserts above all else so you know that my guest and I had to share both the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake (which was even creamier and richer than it looked) and the Cinnamon Apple Fritters (which was a particularly large portion of about eight fritters served hot from the oven). I was in sugar heaven and will return to Halifax just for both these items and some of their freshly ground custom blend coffee.

A POLISHED AND SOCIAL CROWD

The Halifax guests tend to be a polished, social, young professional and “occasion” crowd—think late-20s to late-30s people who work in NYC (finance, tech, consulting) but live nearby, mixed with hotel guests and business travelers who want something convenient but still upscale; it skews smart-casual to dressed-up, especially at dinner or brunch, with groups of friends, date nights, and small celebrations rather than wild nightlife. The waterfront setting plus farm-to-table menu and cocktails naturally attract people who are willing to spend a bit for ambiance, views, and a more refined but still approachable vibe.

BOP OVER TO ‘BOKEN

Why should you visit Halifax in the W Hoboken? I’d say because it delivers that rare mix of serious food, standout views, and an elevated but approachable vibe. You’re getting farm-to-table coastal cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, creative cocktails, and a menu that feels refined without being overly complicated, all set in a bright, stylish dining room with heigh ceilings. Can I mention the stunning waterfront view one more time here? You get the unusual view of seeing the lower part of Manhattan light up at night and it’s a lot different than the classic midtown view full of skyscrapers although you get to see some taller buildings like the Freedom Towers.

For more information on Halifax, go to halifaxhoboken.com

A NON-TRADITIONAL ITALIAN EATERY WITH GRACIOUS SERVICE

By Anne Raso

Irecently went to the celebrated non-traditional Flatiron area Italian resto ‘ino (yes, the name is spelled in all lower-case letters). It’s a small intimate space (with only 60 seats) located at 31 East 20th Street. There’s low lighting and some of the friendliest service in town. It’s the more casual little brother or sister of the popular Bottino and features rotating eye-catching art on the walls.

You will be amazed at the great pacing of each course coming out, the “just right” portions and gorgeous plating. They have a huge regular crowd of foodies who bring in pals who quickly become people who have to come in several times per week. Chef/owner Jamie Kenyon keeps things simple by having about five choices in each food category and no specials—and in all honesty, some of the dishes seem to be tinged with British influences (especially the ever-present Scotch Eggs). Prices are reasonable, which is another feather in ‘ino’s cap.

I suggest starting out with the Artisanal Bread Basket although it will be hard to hold back on eating several items and getting full. (I am guilty of this around any freshly baked bread opportunity!) This might seem pricey at $12 but includes a variety of warm rustic bread plus house made ricotta and apricot honey emulsion that you will get addicted fast.

There are what I call “pre appetizers” listed as Picky Bits on ‘ino’s menu! This is where you will find the previously mentioned Scotch Eggs which are actually titled Duck, Duck Goose Eggs. These are indeed duck eggs that come with duck sausage and foie gras. You see more of the British influence with the Yorkshire Al Salmone which is actually subtitled as Salmon Tartare with Stilton Blue Cheese and Lemon Walnut Vinaigrette.

Next on the menu is the Starters list which includes Crispy Mozzarella with Prosciutto, Pesto and Spicy Fig Mostarda—this is not your typical pile of mozz sticks by any means. The crispy mozzarella is in disc shapes then topped with the pesto and spicy fig concoction, then topped with a tender slice of prosciutto. You honestly can be totally full on some of ‘ino’s artisanal bread and a serving of the Crispy Mozzarella, so pace yourself. Another fried favorite is the Calamari Fritti with citrus butter and pickled onion. The food here is hearty but if you want to stay light in the appetizer/ starter category, try the Spring Market Salad made with spring lettuce, honey vinaigrette, asparagus, spring radish, goat cheese and smoked almonds.

Next on the menu is the Starters list which includes Crispy Mozzarella with Prosciutto, Pesto and Spicy Fig Mostarda—this is not your typical pile of mozz sticks by any means. The crispy mozzarella is in disc shapes then topped with the pesto and spicy fig concoction, then topped with a tender slice of prosciutto. You honestly can be totally full on some of ‘ino’s artisanal bread and a serving of the Crispy Mozzarella, so pace yourself. Another fried favorite is the Calamari Fritti with citrus butter and pickled onion. The food here is hearty but if you want to stay light in the appetizer/starter category, try the Spring Market Salad made with spring lettuce, honey vinaigrette, asparagus, spring radish, goat cheese and smoked almonds.

Pastas are truly the star of the ‘ino menu and you can’t walk past a table without seeing a plate of pasta in front of each diner! These are individual portions not really big enough for sharing but you might find a table of diners sharing all the pastas available for the night--with plates placed in the center of their tables. I had to go for the simple and legendary Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe made with Grana Padano, Pecorino, cracked pepper and olive oil and it did not disappoint! I was in pasta heaven! (Who could resist homemade pasta with a lightly stretchy cheesy sauce?) There is another standout that is uniquely prepared—that’s the Gnocchi topped with lamb ragu, goat cheese and ricotta mixed, plus fresh lavender. Seafood lovers line up for the Mafaldine; this wondrous concoction features octopus, tomato, chili, capers and bone marrow breadcrumbs.

The Meat, Fish & Fowl category features something for everyone— the Pan Roasted Branzino Filet comes with roasted cauliflower, carrots, spinach and Bombetta and it’s the go-to entrée for healthy people. It’s hard to create healthy fare with a lot of flavor profiles but ‘ino does it with flying colors here! The Heritage Chicken Breast Diavolo is another truly unique item--it features honey chili glaze, favas, artichoke and Romanesco. Beef lovers must check out the very uniformly sliced Porcino Rub NY Strip served with arugula, Parmesan and balsamic, and the famous ‘ino Burger topped with Cotswold cheese on a Ciabatta roll. It’s sided with cream spinach, bone marrow cipollini agridolce and crispy russet potatoes. I fell in love with the NY Strip and its unique salty, crispy edges.

Speaking of sides, there are two choices each night—the aforementioned Crispy Russet Potatoes and Cime Di Rapa (sauteed broccoli rabe done simply with olive oil and garlic).

There are three desserts available at ‘ino and they do get changed now and again, just like the sides. I partook of the Vanilla Panna Cotta which is topped with prosecco raspberry coulis and fresh berries. This looks like a Mondrian painting and has remarkable creaminess. I fell in love with the fact that it was not too sweet (Panna Cotta can often be overly sweet)!

Other great items in the Sweets category are Pugliese Bread Pudding made with hazelnut gianduja and sided with salted caramel gelato, Sticky Toffee Pudding made with dates and sided with butternut squash gelato, and an assortment of homemade gelato and sorbet.

You will leave ‘ino very full and happy—and your mind will be blown by the freshness of the ingredients and ultra-creative recipes! I consider ‘ino to be an “impress your date” place and there will definitely be a second date if this is the site of a first date! There is also a lovely choice of wine, signature cocktails and mocktails. Since I was being a teetotaler the night that I dined at ‘ino, I downed a couple of the Passion Fruit, Ginger and Club Soda mocktails, which were ultra refreshing.

You will also love that that ‘ino is only a four-minute walk from the 6 train stop at 23rd and Park Avenue South. I guarantee that once you try ‘ino, it will become an instant favorite!

For more information on ‘ino, visit inonyc.com

MOTHER’S DAY, SERVED BEAUTIFULLY

RESTAURANT PICKS AND SPRING SIPS FOR A POLISHED CELEBRATION OF MOM

By Michael McKensie

Mother’s Day has a way of turning a meal into a memory. It is less about checking the holiday off the calendar and more about creating a table that feels thoughtful, relaxed, and just a little indulgent. Whether the plan is a polished brunch in Manhattan, a family-style feast built for sharing, or a beautiful cocktail hour at home, the best celebrations balance elegance with ease.

GRAND BRASSERIE

For New Yorkers looking to take Mom out, Grand Brasserie offers the kind of setting that makes an occasion feel instantly elevated. Set inside Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal, the restaurant brings together classic French cuisine, grand architectural energy, and the convenience of an all-day dining destination. For Mother’s Day, that flexibility matters. A morning table can lean into coffee, pastries, eggs, and a celebratory glass of bubbles, while a later reservation can become a more leisurely Parisian-style lunch or dinner. The room itself does much of the work: soaring ceilings, polished service, and a sense of arrival that feels fitting for the day.

Le Rock at Rockefeller Center is another polished choice for mothers who appreciate a more refined New York dining experience. The acclaimed French restaurant brings a sophisticated brasserie spirit to one of the city’s most iconic addresses, making it especially well suited for a celebratory brunch or early dinner. For Mother’s Day 2026, Le Rock is offering a threeplus course prix fixe brunch with choices such as smoked trout, pâté maison, pea shoot salad, duck bolognese, leg of lamb, steak frites, eggs Benedict, French toast, and desserts including coconut gâteau, strawberry vacherin, and chocolate mousse. The setting feels unmistakably New York, while the menu gives the day enough polish to feel special without losing warmth.

For a very different but equally crowd-pleasing choice,  Carmine’s remains a classic option for families who want the holiday to feel warm, generous, and unmistakably New York. Known for Southern Italian cooking served family-style in generous portions, Carmine’s was built around the idea of making a meal feel like an Italian-American celebration. That makes it ideal for Mother’s Day groups with grandparents, kids, cousins, and picky eaters all at the same table. Instead of everyone disappearing into separate entrées, the meal becomes shared platters, passed plates, conversation, and the familiar comfort of pasta, chicken, seafood, salads, and dessert. It is festive without being fussy, which is often exactly what Mom actually wants.

SPRING SIPS FOR MOM

For those celebrating at home before or after brunch, a few spring drinks can make the day feel special without turning the host into a full-time bartender.

STRAWBERRY BASIL BELLINI

A soft pink toast that feels made for May.

Ingredients:

3 fresh strawberries, sliced

1 basil leaf

1 teaspoon honey or simple syrup

Chilled Prosecco

Strawberry or basil leaf for garnish

Method:

Muddle the strawberries, basil, and honey in a shaker or small glass. Strain the mixture into a champagne flute, then top slowly with chilled Prosecco. Garnish with a small strawberry or basil leaf.

ROSÉ LEMONADE COOLER

Easy, seasonal, and ideal for a pitcher.

Ingredients:

4 ounces chilled rosé

2 ounces lemonade

½ ounce fresh lemon juice

Fresh raspberries

Ice

Lemon wheel for garnish

Method:

CUCUMBER MINT GARDEN SPRITZ

A crisp, zero-proof option that still feels festive.

Ingredients:

3 cucumber slices

4 fresh mint leaves

½ ounce fresh lime juice

1 ounce white grape juice or elderflower tonic

Sparkling water

Ice

Cucumber ribbon or mint sprig for garnish

Method:

Muddle cucumber, mint, and lime juice in a glass. Add ice and white grape juice or elderflower tonic. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with cucumber or mint.

Fill a wine glass with ice. Add rosé, lemonade, and lemon juice. Stir gently, then add a few raspberries and garnish with a lemon wheel.

To batch, multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and combine in a pitcher just before serving.

VANILLA ESPRESSO MARTINI

A glamorous dessert-hour cocktail for coffee lovers.

Ingredients:

2 ounces vodka

1 ounce fresh espresso, cooled slightly

½ ounce coffee liqueur

¼ ounce vanilla syrup

Ice

Coffee beans for garnish

Method:

Add vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, vanilla syrup, and ice to a cocktail shaker. Shake hard until well chilled and frothy. Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with three coffee beans.

The beauty of Mother’s Day dining is that it does not need to follow one formula. Some mothers want white tablecloths and French polish. Others want red sauce, laughter, and an overfilled plate passed across the table. Some want cocktails. Some want coffee. Some just want everyone in the same room without rushing. The best choice is the one that feels like her.

A TASTE OF VERMONT

VERMONT FLAVOR, FINE WINE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS MEET IN MANCHESTER

By Grant Ellison

This May, Manchester, Vermont sets the table for a weekend devoted to regional flavor, craft traditions and culinary discovery as the Manchester Food & Wine Festival makes its debut in the Green Mountains.

This May, Manchester, Vermont sets the table for a weekend devoted to regional flavor, craft traditions and culinary discovery as the Manchester Food& Wine Festival makes its debut in the Green Mountains.

There are few places where food, wine and setting come together quite like Vermont. This spring, Manchester invites visitors to experience that connection firsthand with the inaugural Manchester Food & Wine Festival, taking place May 22–24, 2026. Set against the beauty of the Green Mountains, the weekend is designed as both a culinary celebration and a stylish seasonal escape.

The festival opens Friday evening with a VIP Preview Soirée at The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, an elegant kickoff featuring elevated tasting stations, curated wines, chilled seafood, chef-led carving stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. It sets the tone for a weekend that blends Vermont craftsmanship with polished resort hospitality.

Saturday offers a full menu of experiences throughout the area. Guests can explore the working landscape of Vermont during a Pasture Walk and Cheese Tasting at Woodlawn Creamery, where artisanal cheeses are paired with the scenery of the Mettawee Valley. At the Southern Vermont Arts Center, Sip, Savor & Stroll combines a guided cultural experience with a three-course wine-paired lunch. Other afternoon highlights include a behind-the-scenes brewery experience at Lost Marble Brewing Co., a Vermont Alpine Aperitif tasting that brings together vermouth, cider and craft spirits in a refined, Europeaninspired format.

The weekend continues with intimate wine-pairing dinners, including a Dorset dining journey—a progressive fourcourse dining experience at both the Barrows House and Dorset Inn with curated pairings from starter to dessert and a Mediterranean-inspired prix fixe with Turkish wines at Depot 62 Café — adding an international note to the weekend’s Vermont foundation.

The festival culminates Sunday with The Grand Tasting at The Equinox, an afternoon of wines, spirits, gourmet bites, live music and regional artisans. The event will feature more than 20 vineyards, six top restaurants and over 15 local artisans as part of the Green Mountain Experience. Participating restaurants include Depot 62, Crooked Ram, The Reluctant Panther, The Chop House at The Equinox and Copper Grouse at Kimpton Taconic Hotel, while the artisan showcase includes names such as Woodlawn Creamery, Grafton Cheese, Village Garage Distillery, Mad River Distillers and Mother Myrick’s Confectionery.

For food lovers, wine enthusiasts and travelers looking for a spring weekend with character, Manchester offers more than a tasting itinerary. Its walkable village, boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and historic inns make the festival feel like a true getaway—one where every glass, plate and view tells a little more of Vermont’s story.

Info: vermontfoodfestival.com

ON THE BIG SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

STAR-STUDDED SEQUELS

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

PG-13

The ultimate fashionista bitches are back, as this 20-years-later sequel to the hit 2026 flick proves that Hollywood stars never grow old. Meryl Streep once again chews the scenery as Miranda Priestly, the all-powerful Runway fashion-mag editor, while Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci still live in her orbit, albeit with some career changes. Times have changed in this new chapter, but one thing stays the same, as every couture designer worth talking about is part of the action that clotheshorses worldwide adore. Lady Gaga turns up, too, as does Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu and a veritable gaggle of long-legged, skinny models.

STAR WARS:

Not yet rated

THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

MORTAL KOMBAT II

Sometimes Hollywood makes sequels of movies that were not huge box office hits, but when the franchise is built on more than 20 popular video games, that’s reason enough. So bring on “Mortal Kombat II,” adding Karl Urban as hero Johnny Cage, in this fantasy film filled with martial arts moments, supernatural foes and special effects galore. Co-starring Ludi Lin, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jessica McNamee and Tati Gabrielle, we’re pretty sure that this one’s for gamers who have been playing these games since 1992. But will they go to the movies? We hope so, anything to get them out of their basements!

Made for IMAX, this newest live-action chapter of the “Star Wars” saga has it all, as the two much-loved characters from “The Mandalorian” TV series join up again in a sequel that makes a big leap onto the big screen. Pedro Pascal returns as Din Djarin, the bounty hunter whose apprentice is Grogu, a youngster of the Force-sensitive small green species (like Yoda). Together they are out to stop the forces of evil in the universe, including a descendent of Jabba the Hut. Eyepopping special effects, plenty of intergalactic action and a slightly comedic sensibility make this first new cinematic addition to the “Star Wars” canon in almost seven years worth the wait.

MYSTERIOUS HAPPENINGS

BACKROOMS

Not yet rated

IN THE GREY

Not yet rated

There’s eye candy for every taste in this latest movie from Guy Ritchie, who once again writes and directs an action tale centered around a team of for-hire problem solvers hired to recover a billion stolen dollars. Led by gorgeous Eiza Gonzalez, with Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal doing the manly heavy lifting, this tough team makes beating the bad guys look easy. With Ritchie, who’s now calling himself a “scoundrel,” throwing up his trademark action sequences and wry jokes, this one’s been in the can since 2023. Make of that what you will.

Horror screams and scares are in store in this thriller about a yellow room in a furniture shop that turns into a nightmarish maze for stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Duplass, Finn Bennett and the others drawn into this mystery. Based on the YouTube short series, this one jumps to the big screen with 2025 Best Actress Oscar nominee Renate Reinsve in a starring role as a psychiatrist who isn’t quite sure if the people sucked into the maze are simply crazy, or something more.

ON THE SMALL SCREEN

By Jenny Peters

CRIMINAL ACTIVITY EVERYWHERE

DUTTON RANCH

Paramount+

Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) has left the Yellowstone and headed for Texas to start a new ranch in this latest “Yellowstone” spinoff. Along with husband Rip (Cole Hauser) and adopted son Carter (Finn Little), Beth is starting over, but her ornery personality has come along; and her family’s past has too. This series is led by showrunner Chad Feehan and director Christina Alexandra Voros, two of mega-creator Taylor Sheridan’s favorite collaborators (think “Lawman: Bass Reeves” and “The Madison”), so expect storylines that intertwine “Yellowstone” history with this new beginning that co-stars Annette Bening and Ed Harris.

M.I.A.

Peacock

Shannon Gisela has a breakout role in this revenge tale of a revengeseeking woman whose whole family is murdered by a rival drugrunning gang. She’s got a plan to kill every man involved, which means lots of action in this series set in South Florida. Created by Bill Dubuque, known as the writer-creator of “Ozark” as well as “The Accountant” films, this one’s another, even more violent look at Florida’s underbelly. Cary Elwes, Danay Garcia and Edward James Olmos also star.

SPIDER-NOIR

Prime Video

MAXIMUM PLEASURE GUARANTEE

Apple TV+

Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black”) brings her unique style to this dark comedy about a single soccer mom whose life is turned upside down by a combination of blackmail, murder and online porn. Sounds kinda crazy, right? Well, throw in that this is a dark comedy series and you get the idea of the kind of twisty ride this new series takes off on. Jake Johnson, Charlie Hall, Murray Bartlett and Jessy Hodges round out the cast of this look at one mother’s ways of coping, and the messes she finds herself in as a result of some sketchy choices.

NEMESIS

Netflix

If the world of “Power” is your T.V. jam, then tune into this L.A. crime thriller, the next project from Courtney A. Kemp’s fertile storytelling mind. She’s set two very different men into a collision course in this action-packed show, with a highstakes burglar (Y’lan Noel) and the LAPD detective (Matthew Law) who’s out to bring him to justice. Mario Van Peebles directs and Tani Marole is Kemp’s cocreator on this gritty crime series.

“Spider-Noir” has so much going for it, it will be a crime if it isn’t a big hit. From the always terrific, Oscar-winning producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Project Hail Mary”) at the helm with showrunner Oren Uziel, to the show’s stars Nicolas Cage (in his first TV series!), Lamorne Morris, Brendan Gleeson and Jack Huston, this noir series is hitting on all cylinders. Add in the story, of a washed-up private eye living in 1930s New York, a man with a big secret and lots of existential angst. And he happens to be able to swing between buildings on spider strands. Presented in classic black-and-white film noir, or color if you prefer. Go for the noir!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BROADWAY BY THE SEA

HAMPTONS

SUMMER SONGBOOK

RETURNS TO EAST HAMPTON

By Clara Morgan

There is something unmistakably special about summer on the East End. The days are bright and unhurried, the evenings stretch a little longer, and suddenly every gathering feels as though it should come with music. For summer 2026, LTV Studios in East Hampton is once again giving those evenings a soundtrack with the return of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, an intimate concert series that brings the sophistication of cabaret and the spirit of Broadway to the Hamptons.

Produced by Donna Rubin and LTV’s Creative Director Josh Gladstone, the series has become one of the East End’s most distinctive cultural offerings. It is not simply a lineup of performances; it is an experience. Inside LTV’s industrial television studio, the space is transformed into a warm, atmospheric venue where state-of-the-art lighting and sound meet café-style seating, modular staging and the gleam of a Baby Grand piano. The result is a setting that feels polished but personal, refined yet relaxed—an ideal match for summer nights by the sea.

What makes Hamptons Summer Songbook so appealing is its sense of intimacy. These are not distant, formal concerts where the audience feels removed from the artist. Instead, the series offers an up-close encounter with performers who understand how to tell a story through song. Cabaret, at its best, is about connection. It is music with personality, wit, memory and emotional detail. Broadway brings its own power and grandeur, but in this setting, even the biggest songs can feel immediate and deeply human.

The 2026 season opens on Sunday, June 28, with an especially exciting season premiere starring Norm Lewis, one of Broadway’s most celebrated leading men. His appearance sets a high note for a summer filled with acclaimed performers and thoughtfully curated musical evenings.

On July 11, Ann Hampton Callaway brings Here’s to Life to the series, promising an evening shaped by warmth, artistry and the kind of expressive vocal storytelling that has made her a favorite among cabaret and jazz audiences. The following week, on July 18, Klea Blackhurst and  Billy Stritch celebrate one of the great American songwriters with Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael, offering audiences a chance to revisit a timeless catalog through two performers known for elegance, humor and musical intelligence.

The season continues on July 25 with Beyond Blue Moon: Before the Broken Hart, starring Eric Yves Garcia, Maria Abous and David Alpern, followed on August 1 by A Swell-Egant, Elegant Party, featuring Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano, hosted and produced by Laurence Maslon. The title alone suggests the kind of polished, stylish evening that feels perfectly at home in the Hamptons—smart, musical and just a bit sparkling.

Later in August, the series offers a cabaret celebration with Hey, old friend! A Cabaret Jubilee on August 22, starring KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi and Stephanie Pope. The next evening, August 23, brings a flavorful turn with Pamela Morgan in What’s Cooking? Where Every Song Comes with a Little Spice. The season closes on August 29 with Donna McKechnie in A Musical Memoir, an especially fitting finale from a performer whose career is deeply woven into Broadway history.

Part of the charm of Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea is that it fits so naturally into the rhythm of an East End summer. One can imagine arriving after a day at the beach, lingering over dinner nearby, then stepping into LTV Studios for an evening of song that feels both world-class and wonderfully close. It is sophisticated without being stiff, intimate without feeling small, and rooted in the kind of live performance that reminds audiences why music still matters most when it is shared in the room.

Tickets for the 2026 season are available through LTV Studios. The June 28 season opening event includes a reception, with VIP Café front row reserved seating and a drink ticket priced at $200, and general admission priced at $150 in advance or $160 at the door. For all other summer performances, VIP Café front row reserved seating with a drink ticket is $120 in advance or $125 at the door, while general admission is $80 in advance or $85 at the door.

Beyond the individual performances, Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea speaks to something larger about summer on the East End. The Hamptons have long been associated with beaches, restaurants, galleries and social gatherings, but evenings like these add another layer to the season. They give audiences a reason to slow down, sit close to the music and experience performers in a setting where every lyric, pause and story has room to breathe.

That intimacy is part of the appeal. In a smaller room, cabaret and Broadway standards take on a different kind of power. Familiar songs can feel newly discovered, while personal stories from the stage create the feeling of being invited into a conversation rather than simply watching a show. For longtime theater lovers, it is a chance to see accomplished artists in a refreshingly personal environment. For newer audiences, it is an inviting introduction to a musical tradition built on craft, charm and emotional connection.

In that sense, Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea is more than a summer entertainment option. It is a reminder that live performance still has the ability to transform a night out into something memorable, elegant and deeply human.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

Season Premiere starring Norm Lewis

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Here’s to Life starring Ann Hampton Callaway

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Dreaming of a Song: The Music of Hoagy Carmichael starring Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch

Saturday, July 25, 2026

Beyond Blue Moon: Before the Broken Hart starring Eric Yves Garcia, Maria Abous and David Alpern

Saturday, August 1, 2026

A Swell-Egant, Elegant Party starring Eric Comstock and Barbara Fasano

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Hey, old friend! A Cabaret Jubilee starring KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi and Stephanie Pope

Sunday, August 23, 2026

What’s Cooking? Where Every Song

Comes with a Little Spice starring Pamela Morgan

Saturday, August 29, 2026

A Musical Memoir starring Donna McKechnie

Dates, performers and program titles are subject to change, but one thing seems certain: Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea is poised to make summer evenings in East Hampton sing.

For more information, visit: www.ltveh.org

Instagram: @ltveh | Facebook: LTVEH X/Twitter: @localtveh | YouTube: @LTVeasthampton

INTO UNCHARTED WATERS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MARK SEIDENFELD OPENS A NEW CHAPTER IN BRIDGEHAMPTON

By Lillian Langtry

Hamptons-based artist Mark Seidenfeld brings his abstract vision to Uncharted Waters, a solo exhibition inaugurating The Bridgehampton Museum’s newly renovated Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn. On view June 4th through June 21st, 2026, the exhibition explores depth, gesture, discovery and the creative risk at the heart of abstraction.

A NEW SPACE FOR DISCOVERY

This June, The Bridgehampton Museum opens a new chapter with Uncharted Waters, a solo exhibition of paintings by Hamptons-based artist Mark Seidenfeld. The show will be on view from June 4th through June 21st, 2026, and marks the inaugural exhibition inside the museum’s newly renovated Corwith Homestead Tractor Barn at 2368 Montauk Highway. Blending a contemporary exhibition setting into the historic William A. Corwith Homestead campus, the barn expands the museum’s ability to present ambitious, largescale and site-responsive work.

THE LANGUAGE OF ABSTRACTION

Born in New York City in 1954, Seidenfeld is an abstract painter whose work investigates structure, gesture and spatial depth. His paintings move beyond earlier representational influences into fully realized abstraction, where landscape gives way to interior vision. Rather than depict recognizable places, the works create constructed fields and dreamlike spaces shaped through layering, interruption and revision.

That sense of process is central to the exhibition. Each painting engages what the artist identifies as the Unknown—a shifting condition that resists repetition. What feels resolved in one canvas becomes insufficient in the next, pushing the work forward through discovery rather than formula. The result is a body of work that feels alive with motion, tension and recalibration.

PAINTING AS A JOURNEY

For Seidenfeld, painting is not decorative or passive. In his artist statement, he describes the act of painting as setting sail “for the deep and uncharted waters,” a journey into experimentation, uncertainty and internal discovery. The canvas becomes a place where doubt, fear, instinct and perception are transformed into something visual and illuminated.

This idea gives the exhibition its emotional force. Seidenfeld’s surfaces are built, disrupted and reworked, producing compositions that hold depth without easy closure. Installed within the scale and character of the Tractor Barn, the paintings invite viewers to experience abstraction not as something distant or purely formal, but as a field of perception—one that asks them to look longer, move closer and consider what lies beneath the surface.

A BRIDGEHAMPTON MOMENT

Uncharted Waters also signals an important moment for The Bridgehampton Museum. Long dedicated to preserving local history while fostering cultural dialogue, the museum’s new Tractor Barn exhibition space creates fresh possibilities for contemporary art on the East End. With Seidenfeld’s work as its first presentation, the space opens with a show rooted in risk, transformation and discovery.

For more information, visit markseidenfeld.com and bridgehamptonmuseum.org

THE MOONLIGHTERS TAKE TRIBECA

By Clara Morgan MICHAEL FREDO BRINGS JOYFUL CHARACTERS

TO ONE ART SPACE

One Art Space in Tribeca recently welcomed The Moonlighters, a colorful and imaginative exhibition from artist, singer-songwriter and sculptor Michael Fredo. Celebrated with a VIP reception hosted by Tommy Hilfiger and Andy Hilfiger, the show introduced Fredo’s whimsical cast of original clay characters to a New York audience drawn to art, storytelling and creative reinvention.

A WORLD OF ORIGINAL CHARACTERS

In the heart of Tribeca, One Art Space has once again become a gathering place for art, culture and creative conversation. With Michael Fredo’s The Moonlighters, the gallery opened its doors to a playful, personality-filled universe of sculptural characters that feel at once nostalgic, contemporary and unmistakably personal.

The exhibition, celebrated at a VIP reception hosted by Tommy Hilfiger and Andy Hilfiger, spotlighted Fredo’s imaginative clay figures known as “The Moonlighters.” The works are rooted in original character design, storytelling and a sense of wonder, inviting viewers into a visual world shaped by humor, charm and emotional warmth. For Fredo, each figure is more than an object; it is a small personality with its own presence, expression and story.

FROM MUSIC TO SCULPTURE

Michael Fredo’s creative journey has taken an uncommon path. An American singer-songwriter, sculptor and former model, Fredo first entered the national spotlight through music. After auditioning for Quincy Jones, he secured a contract with Warner Bros. Records, released his debut album, toured with Britney Spears and earned a Billboard Hot 100 hit with “This Time Around.” He later continued making independent soul and R&B projects while expanding his creative practice into visual art.

That background in performance is felt throughout The Moonlighters. The sculptures carry a sense of stage presence. They do not simply sit quietly in the gallery; they appear to perform, interact and communicate. Their moon-themed forms and playful expressions reflect Fredo’s lifelong interest in creating original characters inspired by people, animals and everyday moments.

Now working from his Manhattan studio, Fredo handcrafts each sculpture with an eye toward joy, good fortune and connection. The result is art that feels accessible without being simple, lighthearted without being shallow, and deeply rooted in the artist’s instinct for storytelling.

A TRIBECA CELEBRATION

The VIP reception drew a notable crowd from the worlds of art, fashion, music and New York society. Among those in attendance were Michael Fredo, Tommy Hilfiger, Andy Hilfiger, MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, Mei Fung, Betsy Hilfiger, Ginny Hilfiger, Allison Fredo, Dean Fredo, Joe Fredo, Fern Mallis, Patrick McMullan, Tina Radizwil, Carmen D’Alessio, Nicky DiMaggio, Paul Schindler, Chloe Jane, Joey DJ Blaze, Marky Ramone, Marion Ramone, Al Diaz, Ryan McGuiness and William Quigley.

The exhibition also marks the beginning of a broader creative extension for The Moonlighters. In collaboration with Fredo, One Art Space is launching an exclusive line of merchandise featuring the characters, including mugs, lunch boxes, tote bags, puzzles and clothing. It is a natural move for a project built around strong visual identities and an inviting storybook sensibility.

ONE ART SPACE’S CREATIVE MISSION

Located at 23 Warren Street, One Art Space has been part of Tribeca’s cultural landscape since opening in May 2011. Led by co-owner and gallerist MaryAnn Giella McCulloh and Mei Fung, the gallery has built a reputation for presenting both museum-caliber and emerging artists in a versatile ground-level space filled with natural light and framed by a welcoming glass façade.

McCulloh’s own creative roots run deep. Her father, Joe Giella, was a celebrated Batman illustrator hired by Stan Lee, with artwork later featured on two USPS stamps issued in 2006 as part of the DC Comics Superheroes release. That connection to illustration, character and popular imagination makes The Moonlighters feel especially at home within the gallery’s larger curatorial story.

THE SMILE COLLECTION

A centerpiece of the exhibition was the presentation of the “Smile Collection,” a group of works inspired by curator MaryAnn Giella McCulloh’s first encounter with Fredo’s clay sculptures. According to the exhibition materials, the pieces immediately brought a smile, helping inspire the collection’s name. That response is central to understanding the spirit of The Moonlighters: these works are designed to spark delight.

Tommy Hilfiger captured the appeal of the work, describing Fredo’s art as imaginative, expressive and uplifting. He noted its storytelling quality, calling it both nostalgic and fresh, and praised the way it draws people into a creative world built around joy and connection.

The evening also included an unexpected performance by Fredo of his 1990s hit song “Free,” creating a bridge between his musical past and his current artistic chapter. In that moment, the exhibition became more than a gallery opening. It became a portrait of an artist whose creative life continues to evolve across mediums.

Over the years, One Art Space has presented a wide range of artists and exhibitions, including figures from New York’s art scene, world-famous street artists, abstract contemporary painters and solo presentations of influential work. Its mission remains clear: to create a place where the giants of art history and the visionaries of art’s future can come together under one roof.

With The Moonlighters, that mission takes on a joyful new form—one filled with character, color, memory and imagination.

For more information, visit mymoonlighters.com and oneartspace.com

Imagine yourself reclining on the sandy white beaches, soaking in the volcanic mud baths of Soufrière, ziplining through lush rainforests, indulging in authentic island food, club-hopping on the Rodney Bay strip, and riding ATVs through the countryside. Envision exploring abandoned sugar plantations, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, chasing brightly colored fish in the shadow of the Pitons, or experiencing a live sea turtle hatching in the last light of dusk.

Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return. Your Next Adventure Awaits....

BROADWAY BOB’S

THEATER REVIEWS

By Bob Massimi

“THE FEAR OF 13”

“The Fear of 13” at James Earl Jones Theatre is a riveting play based on the life of Nick Yarris. Making his Broadway debut, Adrien Brody is excellent in the lead role. Through a Ph,D student in the field of poetry, Jacki Miles (Tessa Thompson), Yarris relives his life, his hopes and his knowledge that he has acquired through reading over 1,000 books while on death row at the Huntington, Pennsylvania Correctional Facility.

Miles has donated her time at the institution and shows up weekly to hear the concerns of the inmates on death row. She particularly is interested in Yarris’s life. As she begins to bond with him, she tries to help him get off death row and out of prison entirely.

What makes “The Fear of 13” so good is several fold: Adrien Brody is a natural in his role; both funny and poignant, Brody commands his role. The set design by Arnulfo Maldonado shines, the lighting by Heather Gilbert back stops the mood of this deep play and the superb direction by David Cromer. This may very well be the best direction by Cromer that I have seen by him. He is deft in locking in the actors in this well written story by Lindsey Ferrentino.

Ferrentino pays careful attention in the dialogue between Brody and Thompson. The two slowly unwind their lives; what their fears are, what makes them tick. Yarris is unconventional, his statements and loud thoughts at times are hilarious. We feel like we know him personally over the two hours. Even though he has been given a raw deal over his lifetime, Cromer never brings out the really ugly side of prison, he only dabbles which makes the story that much better.

“The Fear of 13” is so well done. From the excellent writing, the direction as well as the acting and everything that supports the show is first rate and a must see!

“GIANT”

John Lithgow who plays Roald Dahl in “Giant” at the Music Box, looks physically very much like the writer that he is playing. He moves about the stage sometimes child-like, other times flashing the bad temper that Dahl was known for. The real life Roald Dahl was an intellect, a soft spoken gentleman who could become irate when talking about world issues, especially the children who have suffered from around the world due to war efforts.

The two- and -a -half hour show starts off slow with Dahl (John Lithgow), his fiance Felicity Crosland (Rachael Stirling) and his close confidant, Tom Maschler (Elliott Levey) conversing about his new book about to be released.

Writer Mark Rosenblatt tries to introduce the main characters, give some insight into their personalities. The play in the first ten minutes drags but picks up steam nicely when publicist Jessie Stone enters (Aya Cash).

The play focuses on politics at Dahl’s home at Gipsy House as it is called in 1983 in a small village in England. The politics in question is the Israeli bombing of children’s hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon. Dahl has written a piece condemning Israel, and the Jews in general which starts a row among the literary community.

Throughout the play director Nicholas Hytner straddles the temperment of all the actors well. Dahl’s fiance who is much younger than he is, tries to protect Dahl from the publishers, the community, and tries to keep his reputation in tack. Where Tom tries to avoid politics at all costs, the main battle of the play is between Jessie Stone and Dahl himself. When it comes down to the issues at hand, both make good points defending their beliefs. It is Felicity and Tom who try to calm as well as deflect the situation at hand that at times tends to get out of control.

Even though this play was written years ago it is earrily topical today. From October 7th to what is happening right now in the Middle East, Rosenblatt brings front and center just how people feel about the war torn Middle East. He tells us in the show to pick a side and the emotion in the dialogue is raw like an open wound. To Dahl, a lover of children, it has become an obsession, one that is front and center in his everyday life.

Where “Giant” succeeds is that the writer gives us all sides of the argument. Even though Tom and Jessie are not particularly religious, they still have their Jewish traditions. They both give arguments as to why Israel has the right to exist. Dahl, on the other hand makes a strong case for his beliefs and that is what makes “Giant” such a worthwhile play to see!

ELEVATED STYLE FOR EVERYDAY FEEDING

TROT PETS BRINGS SMART DESIGN AND POLISH TO THE DAILY DOG BOWL

By Michael McKensie

I’m always looking for pet products that make everyday life easier without taking over the house, and the TROT Pets Elevated Dog Bowl Set immediately feels like one of those rare finds that gets both sides right. It is practical, thoughtfully designed, and attractive enough that you do not feel the need to hide it when company comes over.

What I like most is that this is not just a bowl set—it feels like a complete feeding station. The set includes a bamboo elevated stand, a stainlesssteel slow-feeder puzzle bowl, a second stainlesssteel bowl for food or water, a silicone mat, and no-leak lids. Everything works together in a way that feels intentional, not gimmicky. It is the kind of product that solves several small daily annoyances at once, from messy floors to fast eaters to bowls that never seem to stay where you put them.

The elevated design is a big plus. For dogs who tend to bend low over their food, the raised stand can make mealtime feel more comfortable and relaxed. It also helps create a cleaner, more organized feeding area. Instead of bowls sliding around the floor or water splashing everywhere, the silicone mat helps keep things contained. For busy households, that matters. A neater feeding space means less wiping, less clutter, and a setup that feels like it belongs in the room rather than something temporarily dropped on the floor.

I also really like the stainless-steel bowls. They feel durable, easy to clean, and much more hygienic than plastic. The slow-feeder bowl is especially useful for dogs who eat too quickly. It turns dinner into more of an activity and helps slow down those overexcited gulps, which any dog owner can appreciate. It adds a little mental engagement to a routine part of the day, giving dogs a reason to pause, work through the bowl, and enjoy the meal instead of inhaling it in seconds

The bamboo stand gives the whole set a warm, modern look. It blends into a kitchen, mudroom, or living space much better than the usual pet bowls scattered on the floor. TROT also offers different sizes and colors, which makes it easier to choose something that fits both your dog and your home. That flexibility is important, because pet products are increasingly part of the way we live, not accessories we want to tuck away.

The included lids are another smart touch. They make it easier to prep food ahead, cover leftovers, or take the bowls along when traveling. That little bit of convenience makes the set feel designed by people who understand the daily rhythm of pet ownership.

Overall, the TROT Pets Elevated Dog Bowl Set feels like a genuine upgrade. It makes feeding time cleaner, calmer, and more stylish, while still being sturdy enough for real everyday use. For pet parents who want something useful, attractive, and thoughtfully made, this is an easy product to love.

CITY TAILS

NYC’S MOST STYLISH PET-FRIENDLY HOTELS

By Stacey Keyes

New York City is home to people with many lifestyles. Now, that diversity extends to fourlegged companions. Today’s traveler no longer needs to leave a beloved pet behind. As a result, more hotels in the city are embracing thoughtful hospitality. They recognize pets not as an afterthought, but as part of the experience itself.

From Midtown icons just steps from Central Park to boutique properties near Bryant Park, these hotels are redefining pet-friendly hospitality. Whether it’s plush dog beds, gourmet treats, or playful amenities for pets and their owners, these properties ensure that comfort and style extend to every guest—human or animal. In a city celebrated for its energy and sophistication, traveling with a pet is now both seamless and indulgent.

KIMPTON HOTEL EVENTI

This hotel is redefining what it means to be pet-friendly through imaginative events like dog weddings. The Kimpton Eventi, known for welcoming pets, now allows pet parents celebrate their dogs’ bond through a ceremony—offering joy and elegance for four-legged companions and their humans alike.

The Dog Wedding package transforms a playful idea into a thoughtfully curated event. Each two-hour ceremony takes place in a private setting, building an intimate atmosphere for pets and their humans to enjoy. For a distinctive personal touch, the hotel’s General Manager officiates, blending sophistication with the sense of fun that defines the experience.

The setting is adorned with festive elements, including a balloon arch, a custom photo backdrop, and whimsical props for memorable photos. The dog couple wears formal attire, fitting the occasion. Kimpton’s poet-in-residence writes personalized vows, making the ceremony unique and heartfelt.

No wedding would be complete without a cake. Here, the celebration features a specially prepared dog-friendly cake that balances safety with indulgence. Human guests are also included in the festivities, invited to raise a glass with a celebratory Champagne toast—a refined touch befitting the event.

Those celebrating with a dog wedding can book a special one-night stay in a King Premium City View or Two Queen Premium guest room. After the ceremony, the newlywed dogs receive cozy marital dog beds—a thoughtful and playful finishing touch.

A highlight of the experience is Liza, the hotel’s Boston Terrier Director of Pet Relations, who oversees pet needs and ensures everything runs smoothly. Her presence highlights Kimpton’s genuine love for animals and commitment to pet-friendly hospitality.

Info: Contact the hotel at 646-794-6830

THE MUSE NEW YORK

Shifting to another Midtown gem, The Muse offers a refined, playful escape for travelers who believe no adventure is complete without their beloved pets. Its Pampered Pet Package elevates traveling with animals, turning a typical city stay into a thoughtful, seamless, and enjoyable experience for both humans and their companions.

At The Muse, pets are truly honored guests. Each room includes either a doggie bed or a cat tree, so pets can relax comfortably. This thoughtful detail helps pets settle in quickly after travel and sets the tone for a stay designed around their needs.

Practical needs are addressed with wee-wee pads and bowls for food and water, so guests don’t have to bring extra items. Pet treats are also provided to reward good behavior and add enjoyment to your pet’s stay.

What truly sets this package apart is its effortless integration into the New York City experience. The hotel sits just steps from Bryant Park and is within easy reach of Central Park, placing guests perfectly to explore

Park’s shaded paths and open lawns, or venture a

pets can stretch their legs and soak in the fresh air.

Back at The Muse, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and welcoming. Staff is attentive, suggesting nearby pet-friendly cafes or greeting pets kindly, ensuring that both guests and animals feel valued and comfortable throughout the stay. Ultimately, the Pampered Pet Package at The Muse New York is more than a collection of amenities. It’s a thoughtful approach to hospitality that recognizes pets as part of the family. Info: themusehotel.com

INTERCONTINENTAL NEW YORK BARCLAY

The InterContinental New York Barclay welcomes travelers and their four-legged companions with its thoughtfully curated Pooch Package, offering a refined stay in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Blending timeless elegance with modern comfort, this iconic hotel ensures pets are pampered just as much as their owners, creating a seamless, elevated experience for all.

From the moment of arrival, pets are treated like VIPs—Very Important Paws—with warm greetings from staff and thoughtful in-room touches such as treats and personalized name tags, all setting the tone for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The Pooch Package blends style with practicality, offering a curated selection of amenities such as toys, waste bags, and grooming wipes to help pets feel right at home. Upon entering the room, guests will find a plush Bark-Lay Dog Bed sized for their pet, as well as a Bowl Set-up with separate dishes for food and water, ensuring a cozy, designated space for their furry companion to relax. The bedding offers comfort after a day of exploring the city, while the bowls provide easy access to food and water throughout the stay.

For fun, each pet receives the Bark-lay Plush Dog Bone, offering both entertainment and comfort during the stay. This detail reflects the hotel’s focus on enriching the pet experience.

The Posh-Pup Treat Amenity includes carefully selected treats for pets, enhancing their stay and making the experience distinctly pet-focused. The package also includes a waived pet fee, which is a notable benefit in New York City.

For guests seeking a luxurious New York City stay that also prioritizes pets’ comfort, the InterContinental New York Barclay offers a polished, welcoming experience.

Info: barclayres@ihg.com

YOUR HAMPTONS SUMMER GUIDE 2026

WHERE TO CELEBRATE, DINE, STAY, SHOP, AND BE SEEN THIS SEASON

By Norah Bradford

Summer in the Hamptons has always carried its own rhythm: beach days that drift into cocktail hours, gallery openings that become dinner conversations, and philanthropic evenings that define the season as much as the shoreline itself. In 2026, that familiar energy arrives with added sparkle as America’s 250th anniversary and marquee events such as the U.S. Open Golf Tournament help set a celebratory tone across the East End. From Southampton to East Hampton, this curated guide gathers standout happenings, cultural stops, dining destinations, boutique stays, style finds, and summer reads worth keeping on the radar.

THE SEASON’S SOCIAL CALENDAR

Memorial Day weekend begins with a fashionable toast as Marina St. Barth celebrates its 20th anniversary at its new Southampton location on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The boutique, located at 54 Jobs Lane, Southampton, brings its signature resort sensibility to the East End with summer wardrobe essentials suited to polished days by the water and evenings on the town. www.marina-stbarth.com

The weekend continues in East Hampton at The Baker House 1650, where the historic inn hosts its Sunset Aperitivo on Sunday, May 24th, 2026, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Set against the property’s exquisite gardens, the gathering offers a refined way to ease into the season with cocktails, conversation, and the relaxed elegance that has made the property a summer fixture. www.bakerhouse1650.com

Music takes center stage at LTV Studios with Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea, produced by Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone. This season’s cabaret lineup includes Norm Lewis on June 28th, Ann Hampton Callaway on July 11th, Klea Blackhurst & Billy Stritch on July 18th, Eric Yves Garcia & Maria Abous on July 25th, Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano on August 1st, KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Christine Pedi & Stephanie Pope on August 22nd, Pamela Morgan on August 23rd, and Donna McKechnie on August 29th. Tickets and details are available at bit.ly/3PYmNz2

For a dose of heritage, the Southampton History Museum offers an engaging window into the architecture, culture, and stories that shaped the village. Its annual Halsey House Gala returns on Friday, July 3rd, 2026, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, at the historic Halsey House & Garden, with Jean Shafiroff and Mary Slattery serving as gala co-chairs. The museum’s preservation and education mission makes it an essential cultural stop for visitors seeking the Hamptons beyond the beach. www.southamptonhistory.org/hhg

Art lovers will want to keep an eye on painter Mark Seidenfeld this season. His new exhibition Uncharted Waters is scheduled forThursday, June 4th through Sunday, June 21st, 2026 at the Bridgehampton Museum, with an opening reception on June 4th, adding another compelling cultural stop to the Hamptons summer calendar. Known for his visually striking work, Seidenfeld brings an artistic energy that fits naturally into the East End’s long tradition of gallery-going and collecting. www.markseidenfeld.com

The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, better known as SOFO, remains one of the Hamptons’ most meaningful destinations for families, nature lovers, and supporters of environmental education. Based in Bridgehampton, the museum connects visitors to the natural world of the East End, while its 37th Annual Summer Gala on Saturday, July 11th, 2026, promises to be one of the season’s important philanthropic gatherings. This year’s honorees include Bernadette Castro, Fabien Cousteau, Louise & Stephen Pesce, and Jean Shafiroff, with supporters and past celebrity names associated with the institution including Liev Schreiber, Jeff Corwin, Susan & David Rockefeller, Dick Grasso, Ronald Lauder, Jill Zarin, and Alex Guarnaschelli. www.sofo.org

Bradford Rand and his team at RAND Luxury will be hosting their invitationonly Annual Hamptons Concours D’Elegance event on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 bringing together over $100m of classic and contemporary cars with a special emphasis on the Ferrari and Porsche marques at the estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel in Bridgehampton benefiting Southampton’s Animal Shelter and SOFO. Some of the event sponsors include Morgan Stanley, Ferrari of Long Island, Louis XIII by Rémy Martin, Rendezvous Films, Manhattan Motorcars, Barnes Yachting, Apollo Jets, Aston Martin of Long Island, Augustine Jewels, and Ryan Friedman Motorcars. www.randluxury.com

The weekend of August 8th, 2026, NYC Second Chance Rescue hosts its 5th Annual Hamptons Benefit at a private estate in Bridgehampton. The event supports the organization’s mission to save vulnerable animals, particularly large-breed dogs and those requiring urgent, life-saving medical care. Last year’s benefit honored animal advocate Christine Evangelista and featured a special musical performance by Robin Thicke. www.nycsecondchancerescue.org

Mom’s Book of Wisdom:

Timeless Advice from My Mother & Yours

By Norah Lawlor

One of the Hamptons’ most anticipated literary traditions returns on Saturday, August 8th, 2026, when the East Hampton Library presents its 22nd Annual Authors Night fundraiser. Widely regarded as one of the summer’s most popular book-focused events, Authors Night brings together approximately 100 authors across genres for signings, conversation, and private dinners held in their honor, including Norah Lawlor, author of Mom’s Book of Wisdom. The evening begins with a cocktail reception under a grand tent at Herrick Park and remains a perennial highlight for book lovers and social-season regulars alike. www.authorsnight.org

SUMMER READS

Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give

By Jean Shafiroff

There is a familiar moment that arrives with age, sometimes quietly and sometimes mid-sentence: you hear your mother’s voice coming out of your own mouth. Mom’s Book of Wisdom gathers essential lessons passed down through generations, capturing the guidance that shapes how people handle disappointment, choose resilience, show up for family, and keep moving forward when life becomes complicated. The hardcover release will be available April 28th, 2026, published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed by Penguin Random House. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon. amzn.to/4229srW

In Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, philanthropist, television host, author, human-rights advocate, and animal advocate Jean Shafiroff encourages readers to make giving a meaningful part of their lives. Drawing from her experience as a volunteer fundraiser, leader, and spokesperson, Shafiroff offers a practical guide to modern philanthropy designed to empower individuals to get involved in charitable giving. Now in its second printing, the book is available in select bookstores and from Barnes & Noble and Amazon in hardcover and paperback. www.jeanshafiroff.com/author

WHERE TO DINE

Southampton Social Club returns for its 16th summer in the Hamptons with a renewed “Be More Social” vision while remaining at the heart of the East End’s nightlife and dining scene. Led by restaurateur Ian Duke, its celebrated supper-club atmosphere continues to evolve with experiential dining, live music, and dynamic entertainment. A new kitchen team and chef bring fresh energy to the menu, paired with a cocktail program featuring refined classics and highly Instagrammable nonalcoholic creations. Nightly happy hour at the outdoor bar, al fresco dining, private cabanas, and private-event opportunities, including U.S. Open clubhouse experiences, round out the summer appeal. www.southamptonsocialclub.com

Union Burger Bar, also led by Ian Duke, offers a lively take on American comfort food at the entrance to Southampton Village. Known for gourmet burgers including the Double Truffle Smash Burger, The Mac Attack, and The CBD, the restaurant pairs premium ingredients with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Signature shakes range from indulgent boozy creations such as the Sweet Kentucky Caramel to playful classics like the Cookie Monster. Weekly programming includes Taco Tuesdays, trivia nights, and bingo, while outdoor dining on the patio and lawn, plus a private event space for up to 200 guests, make it a versatile summer gathering spot. www.unionburgerbar.com

WHERE TO STAY

For those seeking a refined East Hampton escape, The Baker House 1650 remains one of the East End’s standout boutique stays. The historic property pairs old-world charm with an elevated hospitality experience, offering private grounds, distinctive guest rooms, a coveted village location, and an intimate sense of privacy that appeals to guests looking for a polished alternative to the larger resort scene. Its boutique also offers a thoughtfully edited shopping experience for those seeking a hostess gift, stylish keepsake, or a small piece of East Hampton luxury to take home. www.bakerhouse1650.com

STYLE, GIFTS & LITTLE LUXURIES

Marina St. Barth brings the relaxed elegance of Saint Barthélemy to Southampton as the brand celebrates its 20th anniversary. Now located in a new Hamptons boutique, with additional locations in Palm Beach and Naples, Florida, the brand offers a curated mix of resort wear from global designers alongside its own label. The result is effortless summer style with a quiet-luxury sensibility suited to sun-drenched days, coastal evenings, and travel beyond the East End. www.marina-stbarth.com

For an elevated hostess gift, MarieBelle New York offers fine-art chocolate with a luxury point of view. The woman-owned company marks its 25th anniversary this year and is known for handmade chocolates produced in Brooklyn, with retail locations in New York City and Japan. From signature artisanal ganache and lavish truffles to bars and custom chocolates featuring personalized art, MarieBelle remains synonymous with refinement, design, and decadence. www.mariebelle.com

At The Baker Spa, tucked within The Baker House 1650, wellness feels intentionally private. Designed for just two guests at a time, the intimate retreat allows visitors to reserve the entire spa and unwind with access to a heated counter-current pool, hydra Jacuzzi soaking tub, eucalyptus steam shower, private changing room, massage, and facial services. The spa also features Luzern Labs skincare, adding a clean Swiss alpine element to the experience and reinforcing its reputation as a discreet East Hampton oasis. www.bakerhouse1650.com/the-baker-spa

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

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

• Spacious Banquet and Meeting Space

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

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

• Divine Images Salon & Spa

• Outdoor heated pool (largest in Ocean City)

• Fitness Center

• 24-hour business center

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

THROUGH THE LENS

Photography By Annie Watt.com

Set along the pristine shores of Ambergris Caye, Xanadu Island Resort is a private sanctuary where lush tropical beauty meets refined comfort.

Renowned for its intimate destination weddings, Xanadu offers a breathtaking setting for life's most meaningful moments from oceanfront ceremonies to tailored celebrations surrounded by family and natural island elegance.

A NEW YORK MINUTE

SPRING BLOOMS, CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS, MOTHER’S DAY OUTINGS, AND MEMORIAL DAY TRADITIONS

By Michael McKensie

May brings New York into full bloom, with the city’s parks, gardens, museums, neighborhoods, and waterfronts offering every reason to step outside and celebrate. From thoughtful Mother’s Day escapes to lively food festivals, cultural parades, open-air performances, and Memorial Day tributes, the month offers a little bit of everything—beauty, remembrance, discovery, and the unmistakable energy of spring in the city

COSTUME ART AT THE MET

Opening on Mother’s Day, The Met’s spring Costume Institute exhibition, Costume Art, offers a refined cultural outing for fashion lovers, art enthusiasts and anyone looking for a memorable May museum visit. The exhibition explores the relationship between clothing and the body, pairing garments with artworks from across The Met’s collection. On view from May 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027, it gives visitors a chance to experience one of the city’s signature fashion moments beyond the Met Gala red carpet. Website: metmuseum.org

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION AT NYBG

Treat Mom to a garden escape at the New York Botanical Garden, where spring color, open lawns and seasonal displays make for a polished yet relaxed Mother’s Day outing. NYBG’s Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and 10, from noon to 5 p.m. on Daffodil Hill, offering the kind of fresh-air setting that feels both festive and unrushed. It’s an ideal choice for families looking to skip the crowded restaurant-only plan and build the day around flowers, photos and time together. Website: nybg.org

BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN SEASONAL HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

For a softer, slower Mother’s Day-season outing, Brooklyn Botanic Garden remains one of the city’s most reliable spring escapes. Its Seasonal Highlights Tour runs Tuesday through Sunday through May 24, giving visitors a guided look at what is blooming across the Garden. It is especially well suited for families, couples or out-of-town guests who want a classic New York spring experience without needing a full-day itinerary. Think flowering paths, quiet corners and a beautiful reason to wander. Website: bbg.org

JAPAN PARADE & STREET FAIR

The Japan Parade returns to Central Park West on Saturday, May 9, bringing music, dance, martial arts, colorful costumes and cultural pride to one of Manhattan’s most recognizable avenues. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m., while the accompanying street fair runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering food, activities and family-friendly ways to explore Japanese heritage and contemporary culture. It is a lively, photogenic way to spend the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Website: japanparadenyc.org

DANCE PARADE & FESTIVAL

On Saturday, May 16, New York becomes one big moving stage as Dance Parade celebrates its 20th annual parade and festival. More than 10,000 dancers, DJs and live bands are expected to bring over 100 styles of dance through the streets, ending with a festival atmosphere that keeps the energy going. Whether you come for the costumes, the music, the cultural variety or the sheer spectacle, this is one of May’s most joyful public celebrations. Website: danceparade.org

NINTH AVENUE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

Hell’s Kitchen turns into a mile-long feast when the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stretching along Ninth Avenue from 42nd to 57th Streets, the festival brings together neighborhood restaurants, global flavors, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a steady stream of New Yorkers ready to graze their way through the weekend. It’s casual, crowded and very New York in the best possible way. Website: ninthavenuefoodfestival.com

QUEENS NIGHT MARKET

Queens Night Market is back for the season, bringing global street food, small vendors and one of the city’s most beloved open-air dining experiences to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Running Saturday evenings from 4 p.m. to midnight through October 31, the market is known for its international range and famously affordable food pricing. It’s a perfect May outing for adventurous eaters, families and anyone who believes the best way to understand New York is one bite at a time. Website: queensnightmarket.com

MOOMIN AT NYBG

Beginning May 23, NYBG welcomes a new seasonal experience inspired by the beloved inhabitants of Moominvalley. Running through September 13, the program adds a whimsical, family-friendly layer to the Garden’s spring and summer calendar. For families with young children—or adults who appreciate storybook charm—it offers another reason to head to the Bronx after Mother’s Day weekend and make the most of the Garden while the weather is ideal. Website: nybg.org

BROOKLYN MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Brooklyn’s Memorial Day Parade returns on Monday, May 25, stepping off at 11 a.m. at 3rd Avenue and 78th Street in Bay Ridge. Now in its 159th year, the parade proceeds through the neighborhood and concludes at John Paul Jones Park with a memorial service that includes bagpipes, a flag raising, wreath laying, a 21-gun salute, and the playing of Taps. It remains one of the city’s most meaningful Memorial Day traditions. Website: brooklynmemorialdayparade.com

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND AT THE INTREPID MUSEUM

The Intrepid Museum marks Memorial Day Weekend from Friday, May 22, through Monday, May 25, with programming that honors the men and women in uniform. Set aboard one of New York’s most distinctive historic spaces, the museum offers a meaningful way to connect the long weekend with service, sacrifice, and American history. It is especially fitting for families looking to pair a day out with something more reflective than the usual start-of-summer plans. Website: intrepidmuseum.org

BRYANT PARK PICNIC PERFORMANCES

As May comes to a close, Bryant Park begins its free Picnic Performances season, with the 2026 lineup running from May 28 through September 11. The series brings music, dance, theater, opera, circus and more to one of Midtown’s most inviting outdoor spaces. Pack a blanket, arrive early and settle in on the lawn as the city shifts from spring into summer with free culture under the skyline. Website: bryantpark.org

LITTLE NECK–DOUGLASTON

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

Queens hosts one of the city’s most prominent Memorial Day traditions with the Little Neck–Douglaston Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. and marches rain or shine, bringing veterans, community groups, families, and civic organizations together in a largescale tribute to those who served. For many New Yorkers, it is the definitive local Memorial Day experience—patriotic, communal, and deeply rooted in neighborhood pride. Website: lndmemorialday.com

Welcome To An Enchangting, Exclusive And Unparalleled Island Escape To Anguilla

The Manoah

SHOAL BAY EAST IS AS PRISTINE AS EVER

Spotless beach, no seaweed, white sand, clear and warm water, mild waves, pollution free...

Idyllic Shoal Bay East – a shimmering, nearly deserted stretch of brilliant white sand strewn with tiny crushed shells – is still miraculously blight-free. There's a handful of small-scale resorts and villas as well as a string of laid-back beach bars along the sand, but it's surprisingly quiet, even in high season. Bring your snorkeling gear (or rent some on-site), as the glassy turquoise waters are perfect for underwater observation.

Unprecedented Destination Wedding & Anniversary Getaways

Romantic Rendezvous & Family Excursions

Island Adventures, Unparalleled Attractions & Exclusive Events

Exquisite Cuisine & luxury accommodations, with an unparalleled experience.

PRESIDENTIAL PENTHOUSE |