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One of the newest and most glamorous hotels to arrive on the Amalfi Coast hotel scene is the stunning Borgo Santandrea - and it's absolutely fabulous. A sister property to San Montano Resort and Spa in Ischia, this property hangs elegantly off a cliff between the famed towns of Positano and Ravello. I stayed here recently and fell in love with its effortless beauty, charm and location - tucked away from it all, but still within an arm's reach. Who doesn't love the Amalfi Coast? But, if you happen to arrive during peak season your dreams of small Italian towns cascading down hills and open charming streets dotted with small art galleries and authentic restaurants can soon turn into something else entirely. Positano is gorgeous, but it can literally feel like Grand Central Station during the month of July. Ravello is where those "in the know" plant themselves, and is more spread out than Positano, but can also be overrun with people trying to get the perfect Instagram shot at all costs. Borgo Santandrea takes you away, 15 minutes north of the town of Amalfi where you are cocooned in an oasis of peace, quiet and calm, yet easily accessible to all the region has to offer. My visit to Borgo Santandrea was magic, really, in every sense of the word. As you make your way around the winding roads on the coast, you must keep your eyes peeled for the entrance, because it comes out of nowhere. Pulling-in there is a valet who will greet you, collect your luggage and help park your vehicle, as you're led down the steps to reception. Instantly you are transported into a villa on the cliff, a reimagined hotel from the 1960s that has been painstakingly redone and sustainably renovated to reveal a design paradise fused with Mid-Century modern meets Mediterranean cool. This place feels like it belongs to you, and only you, an oasis where pools, gardens, a beach, beach club and the infinite blue sea views punctuate your time on this storied coastline. The reception team was warm, welcoming and excited to show me to my room. Being that the hotel is hanging off a cliff, everything is on levels and you must get to know the intricate maze of staircases and elevators that will become your best friends over your stay. It will absolutely take you a minute, and you will get lost several times, but you will learn the way eventually and it will become second nature. Borgo Santandrea is a vertical heaven and it offers many different room and suite categories. All the rooms and suites are wonderful, but the deluxe suites and premium suites with ocean views and private pools are something else. What I absolutely love is that architect Rino Gambardella led a, "Made in Italy '', initiative and everything from the tiles, glass, furniture, linens and pens are made in Italy. There's nothing more on-point or poignant to me than the attention to detail that makes this place truly unique. My suite had a gorgeous ocean view and a terrace to enjoy the afternoon sun. But, inside, the bedroom and sitting area were huge with blue and white tiled floors, sleek Mid-Century Modern furniture, and fixtures. The beds were like clouds and the fabrics so thick and heavy you could just tell the amount of effort it took to create them. I felt like I was in a friend's luxe 1960s Italian villa, and I didn't want to leave. Borgo Santandrea is a destination unto itself. Layer by layer, you can peruse the fragrant gardens, private beach, multitude of rooms, or order a delicious pizza at the beach club (my favorite). But, your day starts at Alici with breakfast. Breakfast is a gastronomic experience and, dare I say, the best breakfast in Italy. You must come hungry because as you walk through the open kitchen concept at the hotel, you will be mesmerized at the sheer amount of choices from fruits, to meat, fish, sweets, beverages and everything in between. All the recipes are made with farm fresh ingredients - with no leaf of mint or granule of sugar overlooked. The breads and sweets here are some of the most beautiful and tasty I've had in my life - and they are offered all day. The Biscotteria invites guests to enjoy complimentary brioches, granitas, pastries and ice creams throughout the day - for everyone to enjoy. I recommend spending at least two hours at breakfast and taking very small portions to try everything. Aside from the food, the waitstaff will remember your drink order and leave you at your table on the terrace to gaze out over your cappuccino and down the majestic coastline before you. Each and every space at this property is inviting and elegant, effortlessly calling you to relax from the inside out. There is a vibe of calm that literally washes over you from the moment you walk in. Borgo Santandrea features Marinella, a fine dining restaurant with Italian specialties from the Amalfi region. Plumbago Bar is where you can sip craft cocktails over views of the sea, and the absolutely perfect Beach Restaurant and Bar. There's no shortage of dining and drinking options. I dined at Marinella and it was everything one can conjure up in your dreams about what dining on the Amalfi Coast means. Fresh seafood pastas, endless wine and the scent of the sea wafting in from the horizon. My few days here were spent at the beach club, which is a rarity for a hotel on the Amalfi Coast. Taking the elevator all the way down to beach level you exit into a cave-like tunnel, through a stunningly designed bar and restaurant and out to the glistening sun. There's no better place on the coast to spend your days. The beach is private, exclusive and all guests can reserve a sun bed here and lounge around ordering Aperol Spritz after Aperol Spritz. The phenomenal lunch food like pizza, burgers and fish can be brought right out to you seaside. If you're in the area, but not a hotel guest, you can dock at the Borgo as well for dinner or the afternoon. There's always something inventive or traditional to order in the restaurants. I have been fortunate enough to stay at various hotels on the Amalfi Coast, but this one is different. Borgo Santandrea offers something incredibly unique - that not many others can. It offers privacy, intimacy and complete use of what feels like a personal villa in one of the world's most beautiful regions. The hotel might be new in concept, but its soul is old and luxurious - a place you will want to return to over and over again.

Ischia Island, just off the coast of Naples, Italy, is a quiet paradise compared to its counterpart, Capri; and its shining star of hotel properties is the magnificent San Montano Resort and Spa . The resort, perched above the charming village of Lacco Ameno, is family-owned and has been in operation for a long time. It occupies the most incredible location overlooking hills of lemon trees that jut right up against the crystalline blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. I came here to get away for a few days and found myself completely enthralled with not only the island of Ischia and its effortless "cool factor", but with a resort where you can literally bop between its 8 thermal pools, sun loungers, spa and a private beach - as if you were in your own backyard. Arriving the hotel is very easy and similar to arriving to Capri - by ferry, or private chartered boat. The only difference is that you will run into more Italians here than anyone else and the place doesn't feel nearly as crowded as nearby islands. Walking into the lobby, through a gorgeous garden of lavender and lemon trees, you notice the beautiful Mediterranean-modern decor - deep blues, glass, turquoise and white that work well together in a concept that instantly makes you feel calm. I was greeted with a warm welcome, a glass of champagne and smiling members of the reception team who were eager to invite me into their little paradise. I was escorted to my room, which was separate from the main building and in its own private area outside of the main building. San Montano Resort and Spa offers many types of room categories, many of which feel like your own private residence. Upon first entrance, it was clear that guests tend to stay a long time and really sink into the vibe of this place and all it has to offer. My room was a suite which was made up of a living room, a large bathroom, bedroom and actual grassy yard with a private terrace and pool. The entire quarters had views over the hills and sea, feeling like a true haven tucked into a resort with limitless amenities. Other room types on property offer private infinity pools, duplex layouts, villas and more with ample space for relaxing and enjoying your time in Ischia. Throughout my four night stay, I fell more and more in-love with my spot at San Montano Resort and Spa, and truly didn't want to leave it. The resort is really centered around the idea of health and wellness. Of course people come for the sun and a bronzed glow, but the property has invested a great deal into its Ocean Blue Spa. The spa is really rooted in Ischia's thermal waters and mud that have been used and coveted since Roman times. At the spa, you can indulge in thermal water pools which are incredible for sore muscles, skin conditions and other ailments. You can have a fabulous massage with citrus oil from the island under a grove of lemon trees. You can work with one of their clinicians to design and adhere to a particular diet when on-property in order to clear up skin problems or even breathing issues. San Montano is truly an ideal spot to invest in your health and focus on self care. I was able to dabble in the thermal pools during my stay and enjoy a deep tissue massage in the spa - truly one of the best I've had. True foodies will love San Montano Resort and Spa. You are in Italy, after all. But, this is where you can experience everything that is unique to Ischia - including citrus, seafood and recipes made with plants grown right here on-site. Overlooking the Gulf of Naples, Franco's is the ideal marriage between seafood and farm-fresh ingredients fused together in true Mediterranean-Italian spirit. La Veranda leans more traditional Italian but with a twist from the chef - and there's nothing on the menu that you won't absolutely love, including the homemade pastas. All the food at the resort can be modified for your diet and special requests are welcomed. But, honestly, when you're in Italy with this caliber of cooking, there won't be much you want to change. For something casual, head to Acropoli Pizza Bar, pizza in true Napoli tradition. My days were spent in Ischia exploring both on land and at sea. After a relaxing breakfast at the hotel, I usually selected a new village or area to take-in. All of the towns here are small and cute, offering local shops selling products like homemade soap or skincare infused with Ischia's thermal water. But, the real highlight is floating around on a boat atop the azure waters. The water is incredibly clear and you can see straight to the bottom at some points. San Montano is happy to help you organize a boat for the day with picnic, or a specific tour. I recommend spending as much time as possible seeing the remote parts of the island from the sea's vantage point. This will help you understand Ischia in a different way. I personally love the service with Ascanio Charter Boat in Lacco Ameno. Four days flew by in a flash and, with each passing day, I grew more and more fond of this place. Ischia is special and San Montano is a jewel in its crown. Because the resort is so famous and has been around a while, you feel as if you are stepping into Italian heritage, sitting amongst the walls that houses years and years of family memories, honeymoons, vacations and other special times. It's a nice, comfortable feeling and I know anyone who visits will feel the same. Being here is like being with an old friend.

New York has many options when it comes to cosmetic and medical-based dentistry, but Lowenberg, Lituchy and Kantor , on Manhattan's Central Park South, is, by far, the best. Led by three innovative doctors with an eye for beauty and detail, and supported by a talented team of dental enthusiasts, the practice is truly a holistic operation where a patient can address tooth and mouth issues, disease, aging and, of course, cosmetic concerns. I visited the practice recently for a thorough cleaning and Zoom whitening session, and found not only their office to be incredibly chic, modern and beautiful - but the true heartbeat of dental medicine - incredibly reassuring. These doctors are celebrity dentists, through and through. Not only do they count a gaggle of famous faces around the world as patients, but they are considered experts in their field and are called-on by the profession to weigh-in on everything from implants, veneers, smile restoration, mouth cancer and more. My visit was rather straight forward, but in my three hours in the office I realized that all the teeth cleanings I had for years prior paled in comparison - and that I needed to step back and take another look at the way my oral health was being managed. From the moment I walked into the office I was welcomed and quickly led upstairs. I was shown into a beautiful treatment room with a large television equipped with Netflix and all the gadgets one could imagine to make your mouth sparkle. The hygienist soon entered and got to work on x-rays, cleaning, polishing and flossing. My teeth have never felt so clean and, soon after, the Zoom session was set up. Over an hour my teeth went from a decently white shade to a gleaming white masterpiece, ready to show itself off all over the city. I felt brand new and, after Zoom, was looked over by Dr. Brian Kantor to be sure I had no hidden cavities or other problems. I was even given a tour of the office's private veneer and crown lab in the lower level. After my appointment, I spoke with Dr. Marc Lowenberg via email and asked him and few questions about the doctors and the practice. IC: What sparked you to enter the field of dentistry? ML: I grew up wanting to be in show business, either an actor or director, but I had an uncle who was a dentist and at the same time I was great with my hands - always building things. My dad kept telling me that I should be a dentist. I remember by the time I was 13, I was still debating which path to choose. When I began college at American University, my dad drove me down to Washington DC. Somewhere along the Jersey Turnpike he turned to me and said, "So what’s it going to be? Acting or Dentistry? You're going to have to pick a major when you register." I still remember waiting on a very long line to register for theater courses, but when my turn came and the registrar asked me to declare a major, without thinking I just said, "pre-med.” When I graduated college, I went to the New York University College of Dentistry. In my junior year of dental school, which was during the Vietnam War, I volunteered as a medic during the Moratoriums in Washington protesting the war. It was there where I met the personal physician for the Rolling Stones who promised that he would send me the Rolling Stones when I opened my practice. That moment changed my professional path, as he kept his word and the Stones became my first patients. Roberta Flack, Bryan Eno, Bryan Ferry and the Average White Band followed in the early years, and as the years went by, more and more entertainers and celebrities followed. As my mom would say, "I ended up with both my dreams, dentistry and show business." IC: What is the LLK ethos when treating patients? ML: We always strive to make the patient happy: to try and meet their esthetic expectations. IC: What has been one of the most exciting cosmetic cases you’ve worked on? ML: There have been many, but among the outstanding ones, I would say the most exciting case was one that I did for the Oprah show about 18 years ago. A young mother with a severe dental phobia, had neglected her teeth for years. She had put all her care into her children and husband, and let her teeth deteriorate. She was a beautiful young woman with a smile she was embarrassed of. Oprah flew her to New York, and within a week I transformed her smile into a glamorous show stopping one that she was so proud of. You can see the results on our website. What makes this case special is that this woman is filled with gratitude for what we did for her. Believe it or not, for the last 18 years she contacts me every few months to remind me of how grateful she is. She recently posted a memory on Facebook, that 18 years later she is still smiling from what we did for her. IC: What is an easy and affordable way for patients to better their smile? ML: Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips are a great option for at-home whitening on a budget. The bleach within the strips remains in contact with the tooth enamel long enough to deliver noticeable results. Whitening strips combined with daily use of a whitening toothpaste are an affordable alternative to maintaining a bright smile. The length of time your teeth will stay whiter varies and is influenced by how often you drink coffee, tea, dark colas, red wine or smoke. The results vary from person to person depending on how receptive one’s teeth are to the bleaching gel. White strips work to their maximum in 2 weeks – the whitest your teeth will ever be, is the day that you stop. It is not as effective as in-office bleaching because Whitestrips contain a weaker percentage of hydrogen peroxide and don't remain isolated on the teeth as well as in-office whitening but they are the best of the at-home options. The biggest mistake people make is that they don’t floss and if they do, they don’t floss correctly. You should never skip flossing. You should ideally floss 1 time per day but the healthiest mouths are those who floss after every meal. There is no miracle product that will replace brushing and flossing. Flossing daily is necessary for healthy gums because it dislodges food that is stuck between the teeth where a brush cannot reach. Food debris caught between teeth can cause bad breath and other serious dental problems. Most of the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease lives in ‘hard to get to’ areas between the teeth. A brush simply will not reach it and rinsing is not powerful enough to dislodge it. The only way of physically removing this plaque from between the teeth is to floss. You should always run the floss along the tooth structure in the shape of a C rather than just snapping quickly between each tooth. If I were to give anyone 3 tips on oral hygiene, it would be, floss, floss and floss. A healthy diet containing fruit and crunchy vegetables will help remove plaque from your teeth. Also a sugar free diet or a low sugar diet will reduce the amount of plaque that sticks to your teeth, which causes decay and gum disease. Nothing can replace flossing and brushing, but in general, a well-balanced diet will contribute to a healthier mouth and less inflammation overall. IC: Are there any exciting new devices or procedures entering the field of dentistry? ML : While not necessarily new, the use of Botox injections in the muscles of mastication has increased during the pandemic because it reduces the ability to grind your teeth, and therefore, reduces the exacerbation of TMJ. IC: What is the LLK difference? What makes you one of the best in New York City? ML: I would have to say that what makes us different is that the three of us truly care about making people happy. We go to great lengths to satisfy patients expectations. Artistic talent plays a great part in creating beautiful smiles and that is what makes us great at what we do. It is not just the technical aspect of dentistry, but also requires an artistic eye. And, it helps that we have our own dental lab in our office, captained by the world renowned ceramist Jason Kim, who actually creates the porcelain veneers. We change smiles, but more importantly we change lives.

Dr. Ellen Marmur is known to be the best in New York in terms of Dermatology. What makes her the best is complicated and rare, as most dermatologists, and doctors for that matter, do not have what she has. Dr. Marmur owns the perfect combination of medical expertise and artistic know-how to not only prevent, diagnose and treat serious skin conditions; but also use today's cutting-edge materials and devices to help her patients look their very best natural selves. Knowing her for over five years we have watched her turn back the clock on patients by utilizing her subtle yet effective treatments. And, one of those new treatments offered in the office is the much buzzed-about Daxxify . We visited Dr. Marmur to try out Daxxify in an effort to smooth crows feet around the eyes, rid eleven lines from between the brows and smooth several forehead wrinkles as a result of having overly-emotive facial expressions. We had heard a lot of about Daxxify and knew Dr. Marmur was one of the very first doctors in the country to offer it in-office. Daxxify is similar to Botox, the famed neurotoxic protein that eases wrinkles and limits muscle movement to prevent future wrinkles from developing. But, Daxxify is different and it lasts longer - twice as long, in fact. Using Daxxify with its 6 to 9-month efficacy on smoothing wrinkles means that you can cut down on office visits and spend more time addressing other skin concerns. The process of receiving Daxxify in your face is nearly identical to receiving Botox, so there isn't anything new or unique to get used to. In true Dr. Marmur fashion, on the day of treatment, she bounded into my room in one of her Upper East Side locations full of energy. Smiling from ear to ear and explaining what exactly Daxxify is and why it's so exciting in the world of dermatology, she pulled-out a syringe and began to analyze my face to determine exactly where to place it. Dr. Marmur spent 8 years as the Chief of Dermatologic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center and her specialty is skin cancer diagnosis and Mohs surgery. So, she isn't just any old dermatologist with a love for the cosmetic part of the practice. Her incredible depth of medical knowledge and experience is exactly why you feel instantly comfortable knowing she's about to inject you with a liquid that will freeze certain facial muscles for up to 6 months. Within a few minutes, she was done, and I was on my way with a bag full of a few of my favorites products from her MMSkincare line. After every laser appointment or cosmetic procedure, I usually use her award-winning MMSphere LED device to help with collagen production, bacteria elimination and mood enhancement. While being injected, we spoke to Dr. Marmur about why she's so excited for the release of Daxxify. IC: Why is Daxxify such an exciting new product on the market? EM: Daxxify is so exciting because it is the first of a new field of longer lasting neuromodulators that improve the look of prominent frown lines on the face. IC: How does Daxxify differ from Botox or other known neurotoxins? EM: The key factor that differs Daxxify from Botox or other neurotoxins is its longevity. While botox and other neurotoxins last for around 3 months, Daxxify can last anywhere from 6 to 9 months. ‍ IC: Why were you selected as one of the first doctors in the country to use the new product? EM: The first phase of dermatologists selected to offer Daxxify were those of us who specialize in cosmetics, especially with neuromodulators and with new innovative products. I was part of the scientific advisory board for Revance before COVID where we evaluated the patient results from the Sakura trials and the molecule as the basic science of the PET complex was discussed in detail. Since that time I've met with the medical science team and discussed Daxxify with other dermatologists. Most recently, more information has been released which summarizes the key outcomes of the trials. I am excited to be one of the select doctors in the USA in the PreVu program who will have the earliest access to Daxxify for my patients in NYC. IC: What other products are you most excited about, new or old, for 2023 in the field of dermatology? EM: I’m most excited about regenerative medicine in dermatology using LED devices with specialized skin care products. Our patented system was honored as the Best Dermatologist Invented LED device with our MMSphere . MMSkincare is a transformative system of serums specifically activated by our proprietary MMSphere LED light therapy device that can be used in different settings to treat different skin concerns and has wellness benefits.

The Four Seasons Prague , in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, is the coziest, most charming, and fabulous spot to base yourself while in town. I was a guest recently and it had been a while since I visited Prague. It was Winter, which meant that it was snowy and cold - but this added some sort of magic to the air as my plane touched down at the airport and all the eye could see was a blanket of fresh fallen fluff covering the city. I pulled-up to the hotel, located just steps from The Charles River, and I was immediately welcomed with a warm, “Ahoj!”, which, of course, means “hello” in Czech. The doors to the lobby flung open and I stepped into a refuge of style and comfort that would be my home base for the next three nights.  The Four Seasons Prague is made-up of two distinct buildings that are seamlessly fused together inside to create a haven of old-world elegance, touched with modern luxuries. One of the buildings leans more classical, while the other one feels more contemporary in design and presentation. I stayed in the more contemporary side of the property, but was able to easily access the classical side which holds the spa, pool, and other amenities guests can enjoy. As I made my way through the flower-adorned lobby, I was met by the manager on duty and warmly welcomed with a beverage of my choice and a personal escort to the room.  The room, and all rooms at The Four Seasons Prague, are comfortable, large, and offer the  amenities one could imagine at a property of this magnitude. There are many different room categories, with some of the suites being the most impressive, but even the standard rooms are something that the most discerning hotel guest would  be comfortable staying in. If you’re looking to splurge, I would suggest the Prague Castle Presidential Suite, which has unobstructed views over the city and right up to Prague Castle. My room offered a sumptuous king-sized bed, sitting area, desk area, large windows with views over the river and city, and a lovely large marble-clad bathroom. It was very cozy and, right away, I felt at home. Prague is an old city, but there’s so much that is always changing. From restaurants, to bars, art exhibitions, and shopping - the concierge at the hotel has their finger on the pulse of all of this information. During my stay, I was given so much valuable information on hidden gems and things to do and see while I was in town. They helped me obtain restaurant reservations, get tickets for museums, and led me to a couple of adorable antique stores selling art and jewelry. This is very valuable, considering the fact that one could get sidetracked with the more touristy things here, and neglect places of real interest that are right under your nose.  The Four Seasons Prague offers a range of dining options that span everything from Czech, to Italian, and even Japanese. Their seasonal Japanese rooftop restaurant, Miru, is an incredible place for sushi and Japanese fare, and cocktails overlooking the city. For something sexy and more intimate, CottoCrudo, just off the lobby, is an absolute winner. I dined there one evening and was blown away by the food. Overlooking the Charles River and under flickering candlelight, the restaurant is comfortable and warm. Food here is elevated with Italian classics such as Cacio e Pepe, artichoke risotto, crispy duck breast, and all of it served in the most beautiful of ways. The wine list is stellar and service, matched with presentation, was on the level of a Michelin starred restaurant.  At the back of the lobby at the hotel there’s a lovely fireplace, perfect for Winter months. I was able to sit here most afternoons and work on my laptop, sipping one of the bar’s signature martinis. I mention this because, to me, that is the vibe at The Four Seasons Prague. It’s all about comfortable luxury, and it feels that way from the moment you walk in and lasts until you depart. For anyone coming to this beautiful city, make this hotel property your home.

When seeking a custom furniture manufacturer that fuses quality, beauty and function into their pieces, Dr. Sofa delivers all of that and more with every project they take on. Working with them on a custom banquette for a galley-style kitchen in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, Dr. Sofa proved to be not only good at what they do, but collaborative and informative throughout the entire process. Born from a few phone calls and a crude sketch on our part, the company's founder, Shlomi Eini, took the reins and turned an idea into reality with his talented team who are experts in the art of furniture making. Passionate about furniture from a young age, Mr. Eini built his reputation in the tri-state area as someone to trust when it came to furniture modification for clients who had pieces too large or awkward to fit into the sometimes tiny entryways, stairwells and elevators that New York living offers. Building upon that reputation, he began using years of creative experience to offer customers truly one-of-a-kind furniture that would be a permanent staple and sometimes solution for their homes. The banquette he created for the Ultimate New York Apartment falls in line with this thought as it was critical to have something in the kitchen that offers seating yet fits the very specific dimensions of the space. There is a long wall located directly opposite kitchen cabinets where the banquette would be placed - but needed to allow enough room for walking. The resulting banquette sofa with channeled backing is not only visually appealing but offers end tables for beverages, performance fabric in case of spills and soft-close drawers for storage under the entire piece. The banquette is a true work of art and function. The banquette sits in the kitchen of the show space against a hand-painted wall covering created by Stephanie Dedes Reimers, founder of Sarkos . The wallcovering, which is a matte black with constellation-like silver leafing, is juxtaposed against the soft velvety white performance fabric used by Dr. Sofa and his team - making for a stark but warm feel in the space. We spoke with Mr. Eini about his company, past projects, present work and the future of Dr. Sofa. Mr. Eini's story is not only incredible, but admirable and inspirational to anyone who is brave enough to follow their life's passion. IC: Where did the idea for Dr. Sofa spring from? DS: I started my business back in 1999 with no assets or financial investments at all. It was just me traveling through subways with a tool bag and an idea on how to solve the problem of getting large furniture through small entryways. Many of my customers would be amazed as I took apart their sofa and would comment that it looked like I was doing surgery. Besides the surgery, I also ended up relieving their stresses so they nicknamed me, "The Surgeon", thus came the name "Dr. Sofa." IC: Where did you get your passion for furniture? DS: I am the third generation in my family in the furniture business. Since a very young age, I would play in my father and grandfather's workshop - building almost anything I could think of on my own, tree houses, wood scooters and more. As I grew, I discovered a passion for painting and sculpting. It was natural for me to blend my two loves of art and furniture into a division - Amazing Upholstery - where we build custom pieces. IC: What has been the most complicated sofa deconstruction job in your history? DS: Years back we got a call from a famous rapper. His sofa was a special order 17-foot long tufted sofa with Swarovski crystal buttons. They tried everything to fit it into his Chelsea apartment, but nothing worked. So, they called me. I had to deconstruct the sofa entirely - and it still didn't fit. The operation took me about 14 hours in total. Since then, I have taken-on many challenges including steel-framed sofas - finding a way to deconstruct and reassemble the pieces while maintaining the integrity of the frames and the design of the sofa. Today we count wall units, sofas, armoires, dressers and more as our "patients". IC: What has been the most gratifying custom furniture job you've completed since you began? DS: We have built many custom pieces for celebrities in New York City and that gives us a certain level of satisfaction that we are hired by a group of people who can really go anywhere for custom work. We have also been contracted by several Fortune 500 companies to create show pieces for their lobbies. We have done hundreds of unique custom designs for WeWork locations nationwide. But, if I have to choose a favorite, it would be our work for American Dream Mall in Secaucus, New Jersey. We built four sofas, each about 50-feet long and unique in both shape and design. We had to construct them in a way that maintained the original design yet where they could be installed in sections due to the length. Not to mention, the sofas had to be constructed and upholstered to stand up to the abuse of high traffic - and accommodate up to 100 people in one sitting. Mission accomplished! That is my most gratifying project to date. IC: What are you most proud of in your experience working with upholstery and furniture? DS: I am most grateful and proud that what we do helps others solve what they consider to be very difficult problems - be it fitting a sofa or building a unique piece. My team and I find it very satisfying to come to the rescue of our clients and mostly getting positive feedback. We never get tired of hearing, "Amazing job! Thank you." IC: What is the Dr. Sofa ethos when creating custom furniture? DS: I would say that turning a customer's vision into reality is our ethos because we want to encourage customers to dream - because we can make it for them! IC: Where do you see the future of Dr. Sofa, the brand? DS: My vision is to continue to expand into other urban cities around the nation, bringing the same talent, design and beauty that Dr. Sofa and Amazing Upholstery currently deliver in the tri-state area.

Ann Causey and her Too Shy Studio are a refreshing and talented take on hair color, offered on a lively block in Brooklyn’s Bedstuy neighborhood. I was a recent client of Ann’s and met her on the street level of her walk-up studio one Sunday morning in Brooklyn. I had heard about Ann’s talents from a friend and from online articles raving about her ability to bring life, fun and whimsy to anyone’s strands. I was in need of a change and wanted to bring something interesting and new to my look that differed from the blonde highlights I typically lean towards. Ann worked me into her busy schedule and soon I was in her chair ready to get her opinion on what might work for my face. Ann is known to offer unique and interesting colors for her clients daring to do something bold and unique. Of course she can do your typical blondes, browns and other colors - she is often sought-out for pops of orange, pink, blue and other unique shades that can be done incredibly right, or wrong, depending on the colorist. I had a particular vision to bring a copper highlight to my medium brown hair to add not only a little lightness, but to also do something a bit out of the norm for me. I think copper is a pretty color and adds a caramel-esque vibe when your base color is nearly chocolate. Ann is soft spoken at first and naturally introverted, so one can see where her “Too Shy” branding comes from. But, once you begin talking color, she is in her element and ready to get her hands dirty. We agreed on the copper/caramel color for my highlights and she mixed a base to give my gray hair a pop of chocolate to serve as a nice base. She was soon mixing bleach that she hand-applied to the ends and watched vigilantly to be sure it lifted to just the right level to achieve the caramel/copper she was looking for. Once the color set and was rinsed, Ann mixed a custom toner to apply to my freshly highlighted hair. The result was the perfect copper/caramel shade that gave me something new, different, edgy and fun. I loved it. I spent roughly three hours with Ann and met her adorable puppy that she rescued from Taiwan. She is warm, engaging and truly passionate about what she does - willing to go the extra mile to make her clients happy. I spoke to her about possibly going for rose gold next time, and I’m still considering it. I know she will be the right person to go to for that particular transformation.

Located in New York City’s Flatiron neighborhood, Reviv is a one-stop-shop for wellness. Whether you’re looking for a hangover cure, a vitamin boost or an overall wellness check-in – this clinic is your place to truly revitalize every part of your body, from the inside out. I was feeling a little listless and tired and began searching for a place to get a vitamin drip in New York. Many places popped-up on Google for me to explore, but something stood out about Reviv. I had tried various places around the world when I had a few many cocktails the night before, but this was not the reason for my visit to Reviv. I just wanted to improve my overall sense of well-being. Reviv offers guests one time treatments and packages that focus on addressing various ailments. You can stop-in for a quick vitamin injection – like Vitamin B, CoQ10 or others. Or, you can stop-in for something more intensive, which is what I did. Reviv’s website offers a menu of IV treatments and I opted for the Royal Flush, which promised to clean out your liver, kidneys and boost your vitamin levels. The Royal Flush promises to boost hydration and your immune system while replenishing vitamins and minerals, decreasing pain, nausea and cleanses your vital organs. The IV treatment is perfect if you’re suffering from an extreme hangover, allergies or exhaustion. I arrived for my appointment and filled-out a quick intake form on an iPad before being led into my private room. I was seated in a large black massage chair where I was promptly hooked-up to two bags of fluids, administered one at a time. My veins and body were clearly in need, because they absorbed the fluids very quickly. The friendly staff at Reviv came-in every fifteen minutes to check-in on me. Towards the end of the treatment, I received a shot of Glutothione – a super antioxidant for your liver. I have to say the experience was fantastic and I felt better, instantly. Over the next few days, that feeling of overall wellness persisted and I was so happy I decided to stop-in. If you’re in New York and want to give yourself a boost or recover from an ailment, don’t miss Reviv.

There’s nothing worse than being in Paris at the start of the new year, having just flown-in from another locale, and look like you’ve been working for three weeks straight with no sleep. Traveling can take a toll on your heath and your skin – causing dehydration, discoloration, sagging and more unneeded stress. But, there’s a cure. Just off the Champs-Elysées, through a quiet courtyard, a glass door opens into a clean, white and perfumed space where skincare reigns supreme. A company and product line that has been respected for years, Biologique Recherche is an institution. It’s the only place to consider when frantically trying to rescue your skin and bring it back from the brink of no return. The 90-minute facial begins with a skin assessment and selection of products from the brand’s incredible line. The aesthetician takes her seat and exposes your face, neck and chest – no area is forgotten. Throughout the 90 minutes, a series of massages, pinching, tweaking and meshing transforms your skin into a glowing masterpiece you’d never dare taint with makeup. Liquids drain and your skin magically firms and lifts – literally. There is no faking that. The entire experience is blissful and the result incredible. After just one treatment, not only did I feel better but my skin continued to improve over the coming days. I was fresh-faced and ready to take on the shows. If you’re in Paris, or New York, don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your look and give your skin the attention it deserves. There’s simply no place like Biologique Recherche.

Since 1876 Beringer Vineyards has stood as an icon in Napa Valley, California, consistently delivering a wide range of product to every wine lover’s palate. As a state designated California landmark, Beringer is the oldest continually operating vineyard in the valley and each year it continues to diversify its offerings while staying true to the core of its existence – good wine. Although Beringer has changed hands over the years from the original family to Nestlé and then others, its never strayed from utilizing the expertise of their winemakers to make a permanent mark on wine culture throughout the United States and the world. Beringer offers a wide range of labels under their umbrella company and each serves as a boutique experience within an experience, bringing its drinkers close for an unbridled look at what makes that particular variety special. On site, Beringer’s tastings are designed to suit everyone’s needs and introduce them to something new and unexpected. A few of my favorites include the Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 and the Winery Exclusive Chardonnay 2019. What I love about each is the drinkability whether paired with food or just on their own. Rich, smooth and complex – Beringer’s product, especially their reserve wines, are exceptional. This couldn’t be achieved without the chief winemaker and general manager, Ryan Rech. We spoke with Mr. Rech and asked him questions we had about his wines, Beringer’s future plans and the uniqueness of what the operation does in the industry. IC: Beringer has such an incredible history in California. What is your unique approach with wine, as chief winemaker, that is different than those who held that role before you? RR: Founded in 1876, Beringer is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley (having operated through Prohibition making wine for religious purposes). We are a leader in the AVA with several “firsts,” namely one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars; the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition; and, most notably, the first winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine . At Beringer, I’m fortunate to work in some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyards, and I want the characteristics of this land to show through in my wines. There are several actions we take in the vineyard to make incredible wines with a sense of place, but foremost is creating a healthy environment for our vines by preserving natural habitat, improving soil health, and conserving our water resources. My approach to winemaking is similar—I practice minimal intervention to showcase the beautiful fruit that comes from our estates. Color, Clarity and Focus are today some of my guideposts when I am creating these wines and I try to stay open-minded as I engage with what the season and each vineyard site brings me. With Beringer’s trailblazing legacy in both Napa Valley and Knights Valley, I feel an honor and responsibility to strike a balance between preserving the traditions that have come to define this historic brand, while also pushing the boundaries of creative winemaking to ensure that we are always at the forefront of the latest innovations. IC: Beringer has such a diverse portfolio of wine that it offers consumers. Is there one common thread or ethos that runs through everything they produce? RR: Our unrelenting commitment to quality has always been at the heart of everything we do at Beringer. Obviously, our pioneering efforts to establish premiere vineyard sites in Napa Valley and Knights Valley is one example, but there have been incredible advancements in winemaking over the past 145-plus years. In 1977, Beringer began fermenting Chardonnay and Cabernet in French oak barrels. In 1989, Beringer launched the first formal research and sensory evaluation program. And today, we continue to push sustainability forward with a plan to transition to one hundred percent renewable electricity by 2024 and a bold target of net zero emissions by 2030. This focus on sustainability means we’ve gotten groundbreakingly creative in developing several new technologies to use our precious resources wisely. For example, recaptured rainwater at our winery ultimately helps cool our tanks during fermentation; and a new technology system, allows the entire winemaking team to manage every step of the winemaking process in real-time and in great detail from anywhere. It’s the largest and most comprehensive system in the wine industry, helping us not only achieve the highest quality but also save us money and energy. IC: What is special or unique about the Knights Valley wines? RR: We like to call Knights Valley “Cabernet’s best-kept secret.” Beringer has been, and continues to be, a pioneer in Knights Valley, first establishing vineyards there in the mid-1960s. We were a key driver in garnering official recognition for the area as a premier wine growing region in the form of its own AVA designation in 1983. Located 17 miles north of our Napa Valley-based winery, in the northeastern corner of Sonoma County, our Knights Valley Vineyard features volcanic, well-drained soils that are perfect for growing high-quality wine. It’s largely farmland and wilderness, and, back in the day, it was home to a hunting lodge. The rocky soils there create a unique, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors that are a bit “wilder” than the “refined” flavors of Napa Valley. IC: What is your favorite part of the wine making process? RR: I love the seasonality of winemaking. Growing grapes, making wine, blending, bottling – it’s all tied to the season. There are constants in the winemaking process like the vineyards, the style of wine I want to make, but it’s all the variables that the season gives us that intrigues me every year. The wines we make do reflect every vintage but it’s my job to highlight that and stay true to the vineyards I get to work with. The quality and beauty of Beringer’s vineyards are unlike any other, and I’m grateful to work in an environment with such a diversity of microclimates, terroir, and location – producing Napa Valley’s absolute best. Working in these vineyards each day gives me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create world class wines that are truly unique. IC: Which wine makes the top of your list of favorite wines to drink, regularly, that Beringer produces and why? RR: Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay. Our Private Reserve label is the pinnacle of our wines. Both the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the very best wines we produce in each vintage. The chardonnay comes from our Oakville estate, Gamble Ranch. The vineyard is very mature, and each vine only produce a few clusters. The grapes express a rich yet elegant style of chardonnay with lots of acidity and complex flavors. It’s a classic style of chardonnay. IC: Are there any special experiences or offerings Beringer has that people should partake in when visiting the vineyards? RR: Visiting our property is an experience in itself! Not only is Beringer one of the most beautiful properties in California’s wine country, it’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The homes of both founding brothers, Frederick and Jacob Beringer, are the centerpiece. Frederick ‘s former residence, the Rhine House, is a beautiful German-inspired, 17- room mansion, exhibiting the fine, detailed craftsmanship of the period with beautiful exterior stonework, 26 stained- glass windows (the owl in the library room window is a must-see) and interior wood paneling. It’s where we do our special luxury tasting experiences such as the Veranda Tasting, Salon Tasting, and Single Vineyard Wine & Food Pairing Tasting. You can also enjoy a self-guided tour through our property including a visit to the historic gravity-flow winery and hand-dug caves, a walk through our demonstration vineyard, or enjoy quiet time in the garden by a one-of-a-kind fountain designed by renown Japanese American sculptor Ruth Asawa–dedicated in 1988 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the planting of the first grape vines in Napa Valley. If you’re looking for something more casual, I personally love the Beringer Backyard Social, a 90-minute experience with relaxing seating in Beringer’s Backyard, access to our Bocce Court, and a bottle of wine per every 4 guests, served with a charcuterie board.

A true Italian icon, Martini & Rossi is just as much part of Italian culture as pasta, parmesan and even opera. But, the brand, a beloved vermouth and sparkling wine span of beverages, continues to evolve while simultaneously staying close to its heritage. Since 1863 and throughout the years after the company has offered over 9 types of vermouth and a handful of sparkling wines. From the original, “Rosso” to the more recent, “D’Oro”, Martini & Rossi has continually helped people around the world understand why vermouth is the beverage that will never go out of style as long as the top ingredients are used in its creation. What’s brilliant about the products seen under the Martini & Rossi umbrella is how versatile they are. Of course the Prosecco or Asti are wonderful on their own or mixed with your favorite spirit, but the vermouth is a real star. The delicate Rosso with its herbal and woody flavors is perfect with a touch of Indian tonic. The Fiero is my personal favorite with the delectable citrus flavors paired with white wine and a touch of tonic over ice. The Bianco is for vanilla lovers due to the vanilla flowers at its heart and is a delicate and warm flavor especially lovely during winter. We spoke with Martini & Rossi North American brand ambassador Fabio Raffaelli about the brand’s past, vermouth misconceptions and future plans. IC: Why is Martini & Rossi special in the vermouth and sparkling wine sectors of alcohol? FR: What sets Martini & Rossi apart is the legacy and longstanding tradition of the brand. In 1863, in a small town near Turin, Italy, Alessandro Martini and Luigi Rossi took over the National Wine & Spirits Distillery and crafted an iconic vermouth recipe that has endured for almost 160 years: the Martini & Rossi Rosso. Ever since, the brand has grown globally – known for its refreshing flavors, elevated style, and playful nature– but has always remained true to its pure Italian roots. Not too many brands can claim a 160 year legacy and continued innovation and relevance among young, contemporary consumers. IC: What is the quintessential idea behind each product released into the market? FR: Whether it’s the limited editions that celebrate our history or the classics loved by bartenders across the globe, every bottle of Martini & Rossi starts with the wines, carefully selected from only the best harvests to create the perfect blend. For example, we blend crisp white wines, together with carefully formulated combinations of aromatic fruit, barks, exotic spices and herbs to create a vermouth that’s been one of the most sought-after for generations IC: What are common misconceptions about vermouth? FR: One common misconception is that vermouth is only enjoyable in a martini cocktail. At Martini & Rossi, we take pride in our careful, masterful crafting to create a beautiful blend of botanicals that make irresistible variations of the beloved recipe. From our classic Rosso recipe, to newer, lower ABV vermouth options like Fiero, we make something for everyone, and that pair nicely in cocktails from a martini, to a negroni, and a sbagliato. IC: What is the Martini & Rossi brand ethos? FR: Martini & Rossi takes its iconic, traditional Italian roots and gives them a stylish, unique, contemporary twist. We are both playful and refined, fun and elegant, and we’re built around the core concept of time best shared with loved ones. Through our products, we hope to inspire connection by bringing people together to celebrate the fun, finer things in life. IC: Are there any particular ways that people should consume Martini & Rossi products? FR: The majority of Martini & Rossi’s products are designed so that they be enjoyed on their own or can be incorporated with other ingredients to make a cocktail (Vermouths). For example, Martini & Rossi Fiero can be simply mixed with tonic or soda water – this 50-50 split, poured over ice, makes the Fiero & Tonic or the Fiero & Soda a perfect, refreshing, and elevated twist on the classic spritz. Similarly, a glass of our sparkling wines on their own make the perfect aperitif, but you can also use Fiero as a modifier for example combined with silver tequila in the classic Margaritas. The best way to enjoy and understand Vermouth is to drink it with soda over ice, in Italy we call this Vermuttino, (small vermouth) and it’s part of the classic Italian aperitivo tradition. IC: What exciting things are on the horizon for Martini & Rossi in the near future? FR: Martini & Rossi just launched two new, low-ABV products, called Floreale and Vibrante. These are designed to be low ABV alternatives to our classic aperitifs, so that everyone can enjoy apertivo hour! Floreale and Vibrante are already available in selects markets in the US, and we are excited to be rolling out these products nationally in the coming months.

New York City is loaded with airbrush tanning experts, but not all are created equal. What separates them are nuances that are perceivable only by those who are in tune to detail and variations in color, tone and texture. This is very hard to find. So, when you find an artist who understands all of these things, you shout their name from the rooftop. Soleil Spray, owned and operated by lovely Sonja, is a one-woman operation that offers home visits within the tri-state area for clients that expect the best. I was a recent client of Sonja’s and her Soleil Spray truly made an impact on me for a trip planned to The Caribbean. I booked an appointment with Sonja and her office the day before departing to the island of St. Barths. My natural color from summer rays had begun to fade and, although I use sun protection daily and avoid direct sunlight, the desire to have a golden, sun-kissed glow was alive and well. Sonja arrived to my apartment on time and walked-in with a peppy, sweet and kind demeanor. She introduced herself and set-up quickly. With her, Sonja brought a tent that inflated in seconds to act as a place to spray, her airbrush machine, spray gun, gloves, nail protectant, foot pads and instructions on post-tanning protocol. It was all very comprehensive and easy. Sonja explained my color options to me and analyzed my skin tone and prepared a custom blend that would give me a deep yet natural bonze so, upon arrival to The Caribbean, most would think I had already been laying on its sandy beaches for at least a week. The airbrush process was quick and easy, taking her just 15 minutes to paint me and dry me. I left the solution on for three hours, per her instructions, and rinsed to find the most natural glow on my skin. I was thoroughly impressed with Soleil Spray’s process and efficacy. The holidays and cold months are upon us, a time when we typically meet with friends and loved ones for parties, events and spontaneous gatherings. Soleil Spray is the ideal airbrush tanning operation to keep you looking your best – tanned, glowing and fresh. You won’t find better in New York.