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Situated on the coast of Croatia in the village of Korlat, Korlat Vineyards is a uniquely Croatian wine operation that produces some of the very best red wines in Europe. Specializing in Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, Korlat derives its name from Croatian nobility and offers a taste of the Adriatic coast and Croatian soil. We held an intimate and elegant event recently at Lismore Castle in Lismore, Ireland. The event hosted 28 guests and we wanted to provide them the best in wines from across Europe and other wine producing regions of the world. Korlat was special. Our founder, Anthony Berklich, is of Croatian heritage and wanted to showcase wines from a country that means so much to him. We worked with Korlat to showcase two of their successful offerings, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each variety is unique, fresh and truly complex in their flavor profile. The wines hail from the Korlat vineyard, which is near the original Benkovac vineyard planted in 1956. The company was known primarily for their Rosé variety, until they began producing Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot. The Korlat Syrah has a beautiful flavor profile. It has a deep, dark red purple color and strong rich structure. This intense and concentrated wine offers spicy aromas of ripe berry fruits such as blackberries and black raisins. Strong fragrance complexity and personality contribute to the finely tuned aromas of coffee, dark chocolate and a discrete tobacco aroma, which is part of the statement of the aromatic potential, and partly a result of caring for the wine in oak barrels. This wine is lively, warm, balanced, durable and mature. The Korlat Cabernet sauvignon is exceptionally dark, deep and almost black in color with a distinctive violet reflection. In its aromatic profile it’s characterized by an abundance of diversified aromas such as plum, blueberry, black currant and a discrete spicy note. This wine is full-bodied, harmonious, with superbly concentrated fragrance and a slightly more pronounced freshness with plenty ripe tannins. All three red varieties produced by Korlat, the Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot have won many awards across Europe – including championships in Verona, Italy. We served these varieties on their own and with dinners of Irish lamb, grass-fed beef and other appropriate dishes. We couldn’t have selected better wines for this event.

Zlatan Otok , the incredible winery and restaurant on the tiny Croatian island of Hvar is our favorite spot to stop and watch the world go by. Established in 1986, the winery was founded by one man, who turned his passion and love of Hvar into a business that has drawn much attention and accolades from around the world. Situated near the tiny town of Sveta Nedjelja, the restaurant is flanked by a beautiful little marina, and is an incredible spot to taste the vineyard’s offerings and sample true Dalmatian cuisine. Zlatan Otok’s vineyards cascade down the steep mountains of Hvar and into the sea. The surrounding area is littered with lavender fields, tiny villages and olive groves with views of the open Adriatic as far as the eye can see. The entire operation is very casual, so it’s great to spend the morning swimming in the turquoise waters of the sea, and then head to the marina for plates of fresh cheese, meat and seafood that is paired perfectly with the vineyard’s wines. The vineyards on Hvar are only a small part of those used in this operation. On the Croatian mainland, the areas of Makarska and Šibenik contain more vines owned by Zlatan Otok and help make all the varieties they offer. From deep, rich reds, to refreshing Rosé, crispy whites, like Pošip, and more – each bottle is delicious. I tasted all of their wines and there wasn’t one bad variety. When visiting Hvar I suggest spending time here at Zlatan Otok. Not only can you pop-in for a wine tasting, but you can have dinner, some of the best seafood on the island, at their marina-front restaurant. You just cannot miss this experience while on Hvar.

Zori Restaurant , set on the tiny idyllic island of Palmizana off the larger island of Hvar, is our favorite spot in the region for one of the best meals of your life. Taking a short speedboat ride from the harbor of Hvar through the glistening Adriatic waters, you arrive to a chic and intimate spot where food and hospitality is the focus, and the priority is you. A family-owned operation, Chef Iva Tomlinovic helms the kitchen and churns out some of the most delicious Mediterranean food you’ll ever eat. Sitting down at the table, you can’t help but be taken by the gorgeous pink and orange sunset, all reflected in an Aperol spritz brought to you by your waiter. The menu is promptly delivered and, soon, the tough choice of selecting something from a list of incredible options begins. The service at Zori is stellar. There isn’t a moment where you’re not looked after, from the appetizers to main courses, dessert and coffee. Would you like pasta with Croatian truffles? No problem. Grilled Adriatic tuna wth fresh vegetable from local suppliers, of course! There isn’t a bad choice here. The food exemplifies the best of the Adriatic coast, Croatian cuisine with international influences. The atmosphere is outstanding and the mood – perfect. For anyone visiting Hvar, you absolutely cannot miss Zori. It would be a very big mistake.

Passarola , the restaurant located on one narrow side street in the capital of Hvar, is the island’s top spot for fresh seafood. I dined here recently in an effort to experience the place, since the reputation had gotten to me before I had even left for Croatia. A bustling and busy restaurant, Passarola is not a spot where you go for quiet. But, instead, for fantastic food, lively energy and even better cocktails. I sat at a table in the back with a group of people. We had driven 30 minutes from our villa near the small village of Sveta Nedjelja on the other side of the island. The service was prompt and good, our server passing around menus and taking drink orders immediately. As I peered through the menu, which is very heavy with fresh seafood, I realized the choice would be nearly impossible. Everything looked incredibly good and I couldn’t decide between homemade pasta, grilled fish or other Dalmatian specialties that made an appearance. I chose a plate of Croatian cheeses, Italian burrata and tuna tartare with avocado – and that was just the appetizers. For my main course, I opted for fish, Adriatic tuna – which was seared perfectly and rolled in a delicious mix of sesame seeds and spices. Each bite was better than the last. Dessert here at Passarola is equally as good. The restaurant uses local ingredients, like lavender (Croatia is known for lavender) to infuse unique flavors into cakes, puddings and more. The night ended perfectly with something sweet and a glass of sweet Croatian wine. Anyone who is visiting Hvar shouldn’t miss Passarola. It’s simply the best.

Dr. Ellen Marmur is an enigma. She’s not your average New York City dermatologist and not your average doctor. Whether you’re visiting her at one of her two Upper East Side medical offices for a cosmetic treatment or for a full body mole check, you realize when you walk-in to her office that you’ve entered a lair of beauty and passion – where a critical eye with years of medical expertise will help guide you down the path of looking and feeling your best. Dr. Marmur is as intelligent as she is beautiful. A strikingly confidant woman, she’ll greet you with a boisterous, “Hello”, and speak with you about whatever your skin goals might be. But, don’t be fooled – beauty isn’t her only forté. She is an associate clinical professor in both the Department of Dermatology and Department of Genetics and Genomic Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at the prestigious Mount Sinai in New York. She is a double-edged sword in the field of dermatology and knows how to wield it in the most effective way possible. Dr. Marmur worked with our creative director on achieving a few cosmetic goals – using the latest and greatest in dermatological tools that have the ability to enhance your appearance and turn back the clock in a natural way. Approaching each patient with her concept of “preservation aging”, Dr. Marmur worked with him – at the age of 37 – to replace volume that had been lost in his face due to aging, as well as strengthen his jaw and chin with dermal fillers. She chose Radiesse and Restylane and used them in tandem to build-out his cheek bones, fill-in hollows under his eyes, straighten his nose and create a stronger chin and jaw, and the results were amazing. Aside from addressing volume loss in the face of our creative director, she performed a Thermage treatment – by which a laser device heats-up the layers of skin on the face to create a tightening effect that will appear within three to six months after the initial treatment. Thermage has been extremely successful in tightening and toning people’s skin that show laxity due to aging. She also administered a chemical peel to address discoloration and brighten the complexion. Dr. Marmur is unique in that aside from being a doctor, she’s also an artist. In a world where most any medical professional can administer treatments like laser or filler, it’s important to realize when choosing someone to work with that you select a doctor that has a very strong understanding of aesthetics and art – facial structure. This person must also have the imagination necessary to envision how you can be at your very best, even if it’s not blatantly obvious to you or others around you. Not everyone can do that. This is why, with the use of fillers like Radiesse, and lasers like Thermage, patients can see incredible results when in the right hands. Dr. Marmur also expertly uses Botox, not only to ease the appearance of lines and wrinkles, but aid in the lifting of certain facial muscles. She did this with our creative director in the forehead. Both practices, one flagship and another, on Park Avenue, called MM2, address dermatology on a cosmetic and medical level. But, the MM2 practice is geared toward quick procedures, like a pimple injection or fast chemical peel. Dr. Marmur has used her knowledge of skin and aging, as well as her research of genes to create an innovative skincare line called Marmur Metamorphosis . Marmur Metamorphosis is a unique skincare concept that offers products that communicate with your skin and its ever-changing needs. MMSkincare serums and masks are formulated with biodynamic plant-based active ingredients, clinically proven to work with, and optimize, your body’s own dynamic, sophisticated mechanisms of repair and rejuvenation. Adaptogens such as wild indigo and baobab extracts, pre and probiotics, photodynamic seaweed and plankton, and heat-activated deep-sea enzymes function together as an organic, incredible communication system for your healthiest skin ever. Dr. Marmur has even released a MMSkincare app through the Apple App store, and allows you to shop, as well as track your skincare regimen. From her medical background to her incredible personality, her caring sensibility and approach as an artist – you will not find a better skin doctor in New York City or anywhere near it. We wouldn’t trust our skin to anyone else.

The Four Seasons Casablanca is an enigma. Situated on the beach with endless views of the Mediterranean Sea, this palace is your hub for calm, cool and chic sophistication you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Morocco is known for beautiful hotels, the most famous ones being in Marrakech. But, this newer property run by Four Seasons will give you another good reason to explore Casablanca. The city has been overlooked in the past as travelers have often transited through its airport to other places further afield, but now you can stay. And, make no mistake, Casablanca is booming and blossoming – so why not visit now? The Four Seasons Casablanca is an oasis that was created for the most discerning guests – people who expect the best and hope for even more than that. It’s here. With 157 rooms and 29 suites, the hotel is lively and fun, yet calm and serene with a boutique property feel. Upon entering and an in-room check-in, you’ll be referred to by name from thereafter. A nice touch. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable – with all the modern touches one would expect from a Four Seasons. You’ll find huge bathrooms, paper thin televisions, safes, coffee makers, stunning beds and more. The staff are at the heart of this entire operation. A recent stay allowed me to see the depth in which they are able to make every guests feel at home. Calling me by name was one thing, but remembering that I enjoyed sparkling water with my Moroccan tea from breakfast and brining both to the table at lunch without being asked – astounding. If my coffee sat for more than ten minutes, it was replaced without me even having to bat an eyelash. The Four Seasons offers guests a stunning spa, three restaurants and 24-hour in-room dining. And, the food is remarkable. The spas massages are sensational, and so are its body treatments and facilities. Surrounded by traditional Moroccan art and textures, the decor sets the tone for the entire experience, yet is modernized in such a way that it feels new and fresh. You can enjoy a steaming cup of Moroccan mint tea any time of the day. It will be poured expertly table-side from a silver pot. A roaring fire seems to add an air of exoticism – with an indoor/outdoor feel. Everything from cocktails to juices, coffees and homemade sodas are prepared daily in the restaurants. There are incredible healthy options to choose from on all menus – whether traditional Moroccan fare or international. I indulged in many different dishes to get a flavor for the culinary range the hotel has to offer – which is far and wide. The staff here make it known that they will bend over backward for you, all in an effort to make you feel at home. Between the sumptuous rooms, delicious food and seaside location – you won’t want to base yourself anywhere else in Casablanca during your visit.

In the world of luxury throw pillows, Arianna Belle is queen. A custom and tailored approach to creating unique pillows for your living space, bedroom or office – these pillows and their creator are unique, luxurious and filled with life. Based in California, Arianna Belle runs an operation that essentially allows customers to choose from a wide range of fantastic fabrics to create individualized pieces for their home, or choose from a selection of pre-designed pillows that are ready to ship immediately. When designing the Ultimate New York Apartment, we turned to Arianna to help us create four pillows for a central living room that would accent the space, and add a pop of vibrance and color. She and her team worked with us to select fabric that would work for us and punctuate a very neutral space. We were leaning towards patterned options with notes of green and blue – but also had breathing space within the design as not to overwhelm the space. One of the pillows chosen is a 100% white cotton with green touches throughout. The pillow is called Les Touches Green – and looks incredible in the room. Two pillows chosen are white and navy blue, called Java Java Navy. The composition is 55% linen and 45% cotton – a beautiful combination that goes very well with the linen sofa from Interior Define on which they sit. When you choose a pillow from Arianna Belle, whether it’s from her “regular” or “limited” collections, each piece is made for you. It takes roughly two to four weeks to make the piece, but can sometimes happen faster. Each pillow is handmade in California in Arianna’s studio and it’s obvious that only the best fabrics and even inserts are used. One of my favorite pieces we chose is a white pillow with an Indian-inspired motif printed on it. The pillow is called Raja Embroidery Sky and it’s mostly composed of linen (first picture above). The print is so beautiful and adds something uncommon to the room. Each one of these pillows harmonizes to create a zen feeling in the living room. Working with the Arianna Belle team is easy and efficient. There are countless options on her website and, what we love, is due to the uniqueness of each piece, you won’t see the same pillow at every one of your friends’ homes – which is a common issue for those who buy from larger corporations. In terms of design, price and quality, it’s hard to exceed the standard set by Arianna.

Plantwalldesign is a unique a niche company based in New York City – one that has the power to breathe new life into your living or working space. Founded by Marie-Christine Steffanetti and Laurent Corradi, the company specializes in conceptualizing, designing and installing both living walls and moss walls into spaces. Although based in New York, the duo, and their team, have installed stunning living works of art throughout the United States, including at Harvard University. Plantwalldesign worked with us to create a moss wall, designed around a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams mirror in New York. When we contacted the brand, it was to help us conceptualize something unique and beautiful, something that would add greenery but not take-up too much floor space in a luxury, but small, one-bedroom apartment. From the beginning, Marie-Christine and her team worked hand and hand to help bring this dream to life. They listened to our wants and layered them with years of expertise in what they believed would work best in the space. Installing a living wall in New York can be easy or difficult, depending on the setup of the space in which you plan to install it. With the help of plantwalldesign, we decided that a moss wall would be best – because there is absolutely no maintenance involved. Once installed, there is no watering, pruning or care that needs to be directed to the custom wall. The moss walls are made-up of preserved, but not living, Norwegian moss that is intricately placed onto plywood in whatever shape, size, look and color you can dream of. For our wall, we decided that creating a “secret garden” moment around this stunning antiqued large mirror would be most stunning. Along with moss walls, plantwalldesign creates living walls that can range in size, shape and color. If you can dream it, it’s likely they can do it. Living walls do require a light source and refillable water tank, which plantwalldesign can design and install in a minimalistic way to meet the needs of the space and client. The tank is usually refilled daily to maintain freshness and the wall is irrigated to be sure that all those gorgeous little plants growing through the installation are hydrated. Our wall design and installation happened quickly and was truly a joy to work on with the plantwalldesign team. The outcome was extraordinary and it has added a whole new life and vibe to the space. For those looking to add something green into your living or working space, a living or moss wall is ideal. After our wall was installed, we spoke to Marie-Christine about plantwalldesign, why she founded it and how she sees it evolving in the future. IC: Why was plantwalldesign founded? MS: Since New York City is a vertical city, we had the idea of creating and patenting a new technology that allows plants to grow vertically using a new technique in hydroponics automation. Dense cities are known as “Concrete Jungles”, so the concept of bringing “outdoor landscape” inside of buildings, allowing people to reconnect with nature, was the trigger. After the success of our first plant wall in the U.S., we decided to develop the concept for architects, interior designers, developers and direct clients. plantwalldesign is the pioneer in live vertical garden installations since its foundation, in 2007. IC: What is the company’s method when approaching its projects? MS: At plantwalldesign, every project is unique, and that is clear when going through our extensive portfolio. Due to our felt patented system and over 10 years of experience, we can create, accommodate, and recommend a vertical garden design and shape according to the architect’s or client’s vision. IC: What are the benefits of having a living wall in your personal and/or work space? MS: There are several pieces of research about the benefits of having an indoor live vertical garden. Plants consume carbon dioxide and purify the air of volatile organic compounds. Vertical gardens regulate indoor temperature and humidity through the process of transpiration. In addition to generating a temperate environment, plants have a pleasant aroma and beautify any space they inhabit. Large vertical garden installations also provide soundproofing because of the capacity of the felt material and plants themselves to absorb sound energy. The peaceful atmosphere created by a vertical garden increases morale and productivity. Living walls refresh viewers’ awareness, reduce stress, and elicit a meditative mood. IC: For those not able to maintain a living wall, what benefits does a moss wall have? MS: For spaces where a lighting system, water supply and/or a drain line are not possible, we recommend the moss. The preserved natural dry moss, lichen, stabilized is completely maintenance free. Requiring no light, trimming or water of any sort, the moss is stabilized with a process where the water is replaced with glycerin. There are many different types of mosses available, but the most popular choice is the Reindeer Moss. This species is Cladonia Stellaris lichen that grows in the arctic. Mosses and preserved plants, while being great decoration elements, create a serene, sound-absorbing surface, perfect for any space. IC: What is the process of designing a living wall with a client? MS: Prior quoting and designing a live vertical garden or moss wall, we have some questions that need to be addressed in order to better understand what our client wants. The first step is to get to know our client’s taste, vision, and lifestyle. Together with the client, we decide on the plant selection according to the plant’s shape, color and texture. Then with the plant pallets, we design the vegetal sequences pattern, with the possibility to achieve different looks, such as organic, graphic, geometrical, and others. IC: How long does it take to put a project together and install it once it’s conceptualized? MS: After the proposal is signed, our estimated time for a live vertical garden or moss wall is between 6 – 8 weeks. For a live vertical garden, a custom-sized gutter is needed, which takes about 4 weeks to be fabricated. After its installation, and after the construction site is clean, we are ready to install the plants. For a moss wall, since our product comes from Norway, and our projects are custom-sized and handmade, we need time in advance to design, select the material and to create the moss wall. IC: How can plantwalldesign help their clients maintain a living wall? MS: We recommend the frequency of the maintenance services depending on the size of the plant wall and the number of plants installed, which can be once a month, once a week, or every other week. During a maintenance visit, the vertical gardeners trim the plants as needed to manicure the vegetal sequences in order to keep the original design of the wall and to prevent overgrowth. Debris are removed to preserve the controlled hydroponic environment and promote healthy plant maturation. At the end of each maintenance visit, the automatic irrigation system (timer, valve, pump, lines, and drippers), is fully checked and the nutrient tank is replenished. Regular maintenance optimizes plant health and growth. IC: Where can we see your work around the country? MS: plantwalldesign is based in New York City, however, we have projects in hotels, theaters, restaurants and commercial spaces all around the U.S. (Illinois, California, Washington DC) and Canada. Our most recent project was at the Smith Center Campus, at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There we have built 8 massive vertical gardens, installing manually over 12 thousand plants.

Travelers visiting the Detroit Metro area must make a stop at the beautiful Rivage Day Spa in Birmingham. An oasis of relaxation and beauty, this day spa has a reputation amongst locals as the best for their well-crafted treatments, beautiful space and attention to detail. The spa offers everything from facials to body wraps, nail treatments and massages. Entering the tranquil and well-designed space on Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, you can’t help but be instantly enchanted by your surroundings. The friendly staff offer you a beverage and you’re given a form to fill-out with your preferences, medical details and other information that helps the team customize your time there. As someone who frequents spas around the world, it’s hard to find one that has it “all together”. This means where every detail has been looked after. Rivage Day Spa not only pays attention to the treatments they’re providing, but how you move and operate in the space they’ve built. Waiting areas are gorgeous, the bathrooms large and luxurious and the treatment rooms – perfection. I experienced a massage and facial at the spa and they were both fantastic. My massage therapist customized the massage to my specifications and I left with glowing skin after a deep cleansing facial. Rivage offers experiences like the “Brittany Coast Detox Wrap”, “Jannsen Illuminating Facial” and a range of delicious massages. Whichever treatments you choose, you simply can’t go wrong. For anyone in the Detroit area currently, or for those visiting, book your appointment now.

TOTO, the acclaimed Japanese toilet designer and manufacturer, has a multitude of product offerings, but one of the best and most luxurious products they produce, ideal for smaller spaces, is the NEOREST 550H . Known for their artistry, technology and craftsmanship, TOTO offers the NEOREST 550H to truly help make your life easier and your bathroom experience the very best it can be. A company founded in Japan based on a visionary’s goal to improve the country’s lifestyle quickly became the gold standard in bathroom products. TOTO has paved the way in the elevation of the global bathroom experience. Some may believe a toilet is a toilet – but that cannot be the further from the truth. TOTO has taught us this. The NEOREST 550H is a stunning example of how technology, thoughtfulness and design can come together in one perfect product that can enhance any environment – whether a small one bedroom apartment in New York City or a luxurious, multi-room suite in one of the world’s finest hotels. No matter what your space or what your budget; a TOTO bathroom experience is life changing. TOTO’s NEOREST 550H combines their best technology to deliver a bathroom moment that we all crave – one that is clean, comfortable, effortless and refreshing. The toilet itself is beautiful to look at, with a skirted design. It’s compact, but sturdy and offered in two colors – #01 Cotton and #12 Sedona Beige. The Japanese tradition and artistry of ceramics is present here with a bowl glaze so smooth, you won’t have to worry about any mess being left behind. The ion-barrier surface helps keep this toilet spic and span. The technology you’ll find in the NEOREST 550H is advanced and some of the best in the market. The toilet offers TOTO’s award-winning WASHLET personal cleansing system system, Tornado siphon jet flushing system, separate remote control, adjustable temperature heated seat, automatic lid opening and closing, automatic flush, air deodorizer, nightlight, EWATER+ and more. Some might not fully understand just how all these features are necessary, or how they can make one’s bathroom experience better – but that is a mistake. TOTO’s EWATER+ alone is incredible. The electrolyzed water, a technologically advanced process that transforms water into a safe and powerful compound, keeps the toilet bowl clean after every flush. The TORNADO FLUSH features two powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action, which prevents waste buildup and keeps the bowl cleaner. Using only 1.0 gallons per flush for the full flush and 0.8 for the light, this high-efficiency system is more effective in one flush than most toilets are with multiple flushes – which makes this toilet an eco-friendly product. TOTO’s CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze creates an extraordinarily smooth surface that helps keep the bowl cleaner longer. The 1.0 GPF Gravity is a high-performance line of toilets that use TOTO’s gravity-based Tornado technology, offering a balanced and ultra-efficient 1.0 gallons per flush. So, in essence, all of these little words and phrases have big meaning and add-up to an even bigger picture. TOTO, since its inception, was never a company concerned with simply making a product for profit. Their toilets were imagined and innovated with the future in mind. Ahead of their time, TOTO has shown their commitment to being eco-friendly by creating “green” technology that is environmentally sensitive in a multitude of ways – especially in water usage. TOTO currently offers a number of products that meet the new California Green Buildings Standards Code, known as CalGreen, which is one of the strictest codes in the United States of America to meet. These include toilets, faucets, showers, flush valves, and urinals all with superior performance. TOTO also is known for their support of WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, seeking to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products. The NEOREST 550H is a dream to use. Waking-up in the morning, or in the middle of the night, to use a standard toilet can sometimes be a cold and harsh experience. The NEOREST 550H softens this through the use of a heated toilet seat and remote control. You can sit down and control every part of your experience through a touch of a button. Do you like your seat warm and toasty in the winter months? No problem. Turn the temperature up or down depending on your personal comfort. Do you want your toilet lid to remain down when not being used and to rise automatically when the toilet senses someone nearby – press a button and you can set-up your device to do this. Do you want your toilet to automatically flush when you stand up – it’s just a touch away. It’s all so convenient. The NEOREST 550h is compact and elegant. The price of the toilet starts at $5,750 and increases depending on the finish you choose. But, it will be one of the best investments of your life. Your entire outlook on using the bathroom and the idea of a toilet will change. Your time on the toilet will literally become an experience, one you undoubtedly look forward to. Only TOTO can provide you this feeling.

New Yorkers are always looking for good seafood, and The Flying Fisherman , on Manhattan’s Upper West Side is where it’s at. The room is large, but cozy. As you step-in you feel how casual it all is, but somehow they inject a bit of charm and warmth into the place which makes it perfect. Friendly hellos and smiles greet you at the door, which isn’t always the case at every New York City culinary establishment. But here, that’s standard. I dined here recently and was seated in the window, with views of Columbus Avenue. The service was prompt, with a friendly gentleman greeting my table and taking cocktail orders. The cocktails at The Flying Fisherman are phenomenal, and all crafted by hand. You’ll find traditional offerings on the menu, as well as more innovative mixes. Chef Juan Carlos Landazuri hails from Lima so you’ll find heavy Peruvian influences on the menu here – which is an amazing thing. As you read the menu you’ll peruse by their signature lobster roll, served on a buttery bun, ceviche, Jalea (Peruvian fried fish garnished with lemon), chowders and more. The oysters are always fresh and the shrimp cocktail, divine. If you like your seafood more simple, don’t worry. You’ll see offerings of Faroe Island salmon, whole branzino, rock shrimp pasta and herb crusted chicken on the menu. One of my absolute favorite appetizers, and probably one of the best salads I’ve ever had, is the charred Boston lettuce – done with watermelon radish, avocado, fontina cheese, crispy mushrooms and mustard vinaigrette. If you’re in New York, whether local or visitor, don’t miss The Flying Fisherman.

Every year new beauty products are introduced to the market, some good and some great. But, there hasn’t been an introduction as important and revolutionary as Lumify from Bausch and Lomb in a long time. This tiny little bottle holds the key to giving your face that pop and pep you’ve been looking for. Inside the bottle, a proprietary formula waits to be used – each drop a magic wand in combatting redness, dullness and tiredness that plagues eyes today. I have been seeing the television commercials for Lumify for quite some time, scrolling past ads on Instagram and reading reviews online. But, was it really worth all that marketing and promotion? I had to see for myself. I try my very best to take care of my eyes, eat well, drink lots of water and swallow handfuls of vitamins that are purported to be good for my health. But, despite those efforts, sometimes my eyes look a little dull. Maybe it’s all the travel. Maybe it’s the fact that I live in New York City and have city pollutants infiltrating my personal space. I’m not sure. But, I knew I wanted to try Lumify. I wanted to experiment with it, so I read the label and followed the instructions – one drop is all that’s needed. The bottle says the effects of the liquid can last up to eight hours, which is a big claim, so I had to see if that held-up. I placed one drop in my right eye. My eyes before were white, but small blood vessels were present. After adding the drop, I waited 30 seconds and, wow. My right eye had cleared instantly, the whites were beaming and seemed to project a light I only see these days in newborn babies. I only added the drop to the right eye and let my eye do its thing throughout the day, frequently checking mirrors to see if it would last – and, it did. Lumify is literally like a Snapchat filter for your eye and it will help your face look the best version of itself. I began giving bottles of Lumify to everyone I know, and they reported back with the same results. I do not travel without these drops and they are perfect for men and women looking for an easy and quick beauty enhancement. Who wants to walk around with cloudy, red eyes? I recommend not over-using them. In fact, I don’t use them every day, but use them when I am going out at night, have an important meeting or want to look refreshed. Everything in moderation. You should run, not walk, to your local pharmacy or buy them online – it will be the best beauty decision you make all year.