A celebration of learning - New York City rallies behind the McCarton Foundation

A celebration of learning - New York City rallies behind the McCarton Foundation
May 21, 2010

With Cipriani Wall Street as the dazzling backdrop, guests enjoyed an evening of bellinis and fine dining at the Ninth Annual Celebration of Learning, in support of Founder Cece McCarton and her namesake cause, The McCarton Foundation. The event, hosted by NBC Dateline’s Chris Hansen celebrated the Foundation’s progress in educating children with autism. The gala honored Shawn A. Rubin, Managing Director of Wealth Management at The Abacus Group of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, with the support of gala co-chairs Michelle Russell—who is also being honored at the Artrageous Gala Dinner and Art Auction on May 24th—and Neil Johnson, Sandra and Eric Ripert and Jill and David Robbins.

Cece McCarton made the exciting announcement that in September 2010, The McCarton School is opening an Upper School by educator Peter Gerhardt, for ages 13-18, keeping the promise that students will be taken care of throughout the continuation of their education. The entire room stood in an emotional standing ovation, showing a passionate appreciation for the teachers of The McCarton School on stage.

About The McCarton Foundation: The McCarton Foundation is dedicated to educating children with autism and development disabilities. Founded in 2002, The McCarton Foundation has actively supported the development of three key initiatives. The McCarton School, which provides a model program for educating children with autism and has more than doubled its enrollment since 2002; The McCarton Center for Research, creates, implements, and reports on applied research studies in autism and education; and The McCarton Training Institute, which is a training and consultation source for practitioners, caregivers and families. For more information, please visit www.mccartonfoundation.org.

Southampton Inn - Retreat to a Hamptons hideaway

Southampton Inn - Retreat to a Hamptons hideaway
May 20, 2010

The Hamptons have long been known for star power, as the exclusive East End enclave is a playground for the rich and famous. Hot Hamptons hotel, Southampton Inn, has already begun to play host A-listers, as stars Kate Hudson, John Krasinski and Ginnifer Goodwin have been spotted there shooting scenes for the hotly-anticipated chick-flick Something Borrowed.

An idyllic escape for bustling city-dwellers, the Southampton Inn is nestled on more-than-five acres of lushly landscaped grounds. The perfect Hamptons home-away-from-home for any traveler, Southampton Inn is steps away from designer boutiques, quaint and fine dining, art galleries, parks and museums, and just over a mile from renowned Coopers Beach. A local landmark, the casual-chic, Tudor-style Inn is home to ninety recently-renovated guestrooms, each individually decorated to reflect the effortlessly stylish allure of the Hamptons. Summer pool membership is also available for non-guests.

In addition to its ninety guestrooms, the Southampton Inn’s 5.5-acre campus includes a conference center, OSO Restaurant and 71 Hill Street— the premier office complex in Southampton Village. Boasting 20,000-square-feet, the property houses a high-end construction company, financial services company, travel agency, spa and fine dining, as well as the area’s only local public radio station.

Hungry? Guests need not go far for a bite—classic Hamptons hospitality meets the modern palate at OSO At Southampton Inn. Start your morning with refreshing breakfast, featuring local farm fresh ingredients, freshly squeezed juices, and baked goods, prepared on-premise in the Inn’s new state-of-the-art kitchen. Throughout the Hamptons summer season, OSO delights foodies with a creative take on Modern American fare for lunch and dinner. Diners can indulge in such dishes as Local Clams (Crispy pork belly, Southampton Publick House Grand Cru broth), Lobster Tacos (Sriracha pepper, avocado, lime marinated lobster, roasted corn) and Chioga Beet Carpaccio (local arugula, Catapano Farms goat cheese, citrus mist, almond oil) poolside, al fresco in the courtyard and inside in the intimately-decorated dining room. During summer afternoons, guests can enjoy refreshing juices, iced tea or lemonade in the library; throughout the fall, winter and spring months, guests are treated to coffee, tea, juice and pastries in the library.

Also, Southampton Inn is perfect for any Hamptonite planning a special summer event. The ideal East End venue for a ‘Hamptons wedding,’ private social gathering or charity fête, as well as corporate meetings and conferences, Southampton Inn can play host to a number of events with a 6,000-square-feet of flexible indoor meeting space, 2,300-square-foot ballroom, seven meeting spaces of various sizes and dimensions, lushly landscaped outdoor courtyard, tented or open air events for up-to-500 people on the lawn, and private indoor and outdoor cocktail hours and receptions are all available to accommodate any type of event. OSO on-site catering is also available for all occasions; custom-crafted menus can be exclusively created by Chef Bryan Naylor, who prides himself on crafting menus with an elegant, refined palate infused with the casual allure of the Hamptons.

Southampton Inn
91 Hill Street
Southampton, NY 11968
www.southamptoninn.com

Blue Star Jets - Returning to the Silver Screen in Cannes

Blue Star Jets - Returning to the Silver Screen in Cannes
May 20, 2010

Blue Star Jets—more than just a name in a film, but a real life private jet brokerage company. No coincidence, after all the company’s founders Todd Rome and Ricky Sitomer did title the company based on the business central to the cult classic movie, Wall Street. In the 1987 film, Michael Douglas stars as corporate raider Gordon Gekko who is seeking control of airline, Blue Star. Rome says the name Blue Star was chosen because, "In an era where private jet travel became accessible to the world's business and jetset elite, Blue Star Jets was the obvious name to choose in homage to Wall Street.

Now, twenty-three years later, Oliver Stone premiered the star-studded sequel Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps at the Cannes Film Festival, where Blue Star made its big screen comeback during a scene where Charlie Sheen’s character (Bud Fox), returns to tell Gekko (Douglas) that his private aircraft business is booming. The film’s other hefty cameos? Look out for big names 'The Sage of Omaha' Warren Buffett, Economist Nouriel Roubini and Vanity Fair's Graydon Carter. Widely anticipated to be a blockbuster the movie hits theatres September 24, 2010. (www.wallstreetmoneyneversleeps.com)

About Blue Star Jets: As one of the world’s largest private aircraft charter broker, Blue Star Jets offers an unparalleled level of personalized service. As their motto states, ANY JET, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE™, Blue Star Jets grants clients freedom from the financial constraints of fractional jet ownership; the savings of paying only for trips taken; and the flexibility to choose the best aircraft according to a trip’s specific budget requirement. Most recently, Blue Star Jets has introduced the world’s first online social networking site for travelers seeking to fly privately, while minimizing costs— the ShareAJet Exchange. As the first site of its kind, the ShareAJet Exchange introduces travelers to flying privately together, helping clients connect with other flyers planning trips to similar destinations and arrange to share flights aboard a specific private aircraft. As Blue Star Jets grants travelers unmatched access to the private aviation industry through its centralization of the charter business, eliminating the need for fractional jet ownership, the ShareAJet Exchange will once again lower the barrier of entry for travelers into the marketplace as it brings down the costs of private aviation for travelers by up-to-fifty percent.

As an idea which arose from business executives, Mr. Todd Rome and Mr. Ricky Sitomer, frustrated with the lack of service and high costs of flying privately, Blue Star Jets has revolutionized the private aviation charter business through centralization of a fractured marketplace. By creating a network of charter companies, Blue Star Jets has access to over 4,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters to Boeing business jets. Its staff of aviation specialists solicits competitive bids on each flight request, passing the savings to their clients. Blue Star Jets’ aviation specialists are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Since 2005, the New York-based Luxury Institute has named Blue Star Jets the “Most Prestigious Private Jet Services Brands.” For more information, please visit www.bluestarjets.com.

The Stone Turtle Restaurant - A delicious detour on your way to the Hamptons

The Stone Turtle Restaurant - A delicious detour on your way to the Hamptons

May 18 2010
The Stone Turtle Restaurant opened its doors with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, returning a playful sense of whimsy and fun to fine dining. The perfect halfway point from New York City to The Hamptons—The Stone Turtle is set to be the must-stop eatery for New Yorkers and Hamptonites during their weekend road trips.

As guests step inside, they are greeted by a brightly colored décor – brought to life with light and olive shades of green – met with exposed brick and wood embodies the casual elegance and charm of The Stone Turtle. Sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows that line an entire wall of the restaurant, shining light onto the one-of-kind graffiti mural that stands opposite, while classic rock, blended with Motown tunes and iconic Frank Sinatra sounds, bring together the lively atmosphere.

Offering guests an unparalleled culinary experience, Executive Chef Gregory Baumel shares his imaginative take on Eclectic cuisine – everyday food with a twist – crafted with the season’s freshest ingredients, many of which are organic and locally sourced. Signature favorites include Tatsoi, Shiitake and Duck Egg Salad (A Soft Poached Egg tops Baby Spinach-like Greens, Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms and Shaved Red Onion with a Warm Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette), Green Tea Poached Wild Alaskan Salmon (Sesame Grilled Asparagus, Wasabi Cous Cous and Soy Mustard Glaze) and Four Cheese and Wild Boar Sausage Lasagna (Mozzarella, Ricotta, Parmesan & Romano Cheese baked with Lasagna Noodles, housemade Tomato Sauce and 100% Organic Free-Range Wild Board Sausage from Broken Arrow Ranch, Texas).
Stone Turtle’s Small Plates are ideal for those seeking lighter fare and include Screaming Oysters (Freshly Shucked East Coast Oysters lightly poached in a sauce of Sake, Oyster Sauce, Chilis and Cilantro served with Crostini) and Tuna Tartini (Sashimi quality Tuna tossed with Ponzu and Chili Peppers served with Avocado and Homemade Waffle Chips).

Thirsty? Try the Hare of the Turtle (Bacardi® Superior Rum, club soda, mint leaves, jalapeno, lime, sugar, topped with Cotton Candy garnish), one of Stone Turtle’s tempting original cocktails, or the Stone Turtle Beer Sampler, which includes four 5oz. draft beers from the eatery’s twelve-beer selection that includes Dogfish Head IPA 60 min, Monty Python Holy Grail Ale, BluePoint Blueberry, and Six Points Sweet Action. With an array of imaginative menu items, the Grand Tasting Menu offers undecided diners seven delectable courses of the Chef’s careful choosing— twenty-four hours notice and a six-person-minimum result in an unforgettable culinary event. No time to stop? Executive Chef Gregory Baumel also makes “House Calls” upon request, personally crafting and creating a special menu based upon his client’s tastes and wishes.

Getting a late start on the weekend? Weekend Brunch at Stone Turtle evokes the restaurant’s original culinary interpretation and light-hearted sense of humor with such tongue-in-cheek dishes as The Amsterdam (Hash Sampler of Corned Beef Hash, House Smoked Salmon and Caper Hash and Confit of Duck with Sweet Potato Hash with two Poached Eggs and Sauce Bernaise) and Green Eggs-N-Ham (Poached Eggs with Roast Serrano Ham, Tomatilla Avocado Salsa & Blue Corn Tortillas). For those with a sweet tooth be sure to indulge with a selection or two from the Chocolate and Nothing But Chocolate Dessert Menu— the decadent, all-chocolate menu offers playful signature sweet treats such as The Dirty Ashtray and Chocolate Jalapeno “Chipwich Sandwich.”

At once festive and casual, an original culinary take on Eclectic cuisine is served under the backdrop of the colorfully chic interior, as The Stone Turtle boasts a truly unparalleled fine dining experience.

The Stone Turtle Restaurant
4160 Austin Boulevard
Island Park, NY 11558
www.thestoneturtlerestaurant.com

Discover Oriel - A new kind of wine company

Discover Oriel - A new kind of wine company
May 12, 2010

Oriel wines have made a lasting impression in the wine industry. Big names from singer Usher to actress Teri Hatcher are among the who’s-who following of these handmade wines from around the globe.

Oriel sets themselves apart with highly-rated wines—receiving praise from Food & Wine Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and Gourmet Magazine—at affordable prices. While wine prices are normally driven by overheads and marketing fees rather than the cost of grapes and production, Oriel can offer a $25 bottle of wine for $15, or a $45 bottle of wine for $25. Don’t be fooled by the reasonable prices—from Petrus to Penfold’s Grange, Oriel wines are made by some of the world’s most celebrated winemakers.

Oriel wines are handmade in miniscule quantities, following the theory that making a great wine is like making great food—to make a little with the very best ingredients is possible, to make a lot is not. Perfecting the wines a few barrels at a time, Oriel wines express the distinct characters of the unique vineyards they come from—including vineyards of Germany, France, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. Indulge in a bottle and transport yourself to the other side of the globe.

Oriel Wines
www.orielwines.com
1-877-77-ORIEL

April Showers bring May flowers... and the return of MODA Outdoors

April Showers bring May flowers... and the return of MODA Outdoors
May 1, 2010

New York City’s iconic Flatotel is home to the sophisticated, Italian and Mediterranean inspired restaurant, MODA. Sophisticated design meets modern Italian cuisine in a warmly lit space, accented with flickering candles and gorgeous floral creations. Open year-round, MODA, Italian for style, offers a sophisticated and refined, yet warm and welcoming dining experience.

The perfect eatery for the quintessential New York City dining experience, MODA is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; MODA is also the ideal place for a pre-or-post-theatre bite, featuring prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus. Offering an inventive twist on classic Italian and Mediterranean fare, each of MODA’s dishes is crafted with only the season’s finest ingredients.

This month, Flatotel is opening the doors and welcoming the return of MODA Outdoors. A true urban escape, MODA Outdoors is perfect for sipping cocktails and alfresco dining, as well as special events up-to-500 people. Seasonal outdoor dining is offered May through October at MODA Outdoors, complete with a stunning 30-foot-glass-ceiling that crafts a one-of-kind ambiance. Dine while overlooking the heart of New York City—try specialty dishes such as the Fra Diavolo, Angel hair Pasta with Shrimp and Spicy Marinara, the Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon, Grilled Salmon, Butternut Squash and Orange Fennel, or indulge in specialty drinks such as the MODA Wave, Beefeater Gin, Island Blue Pucker and Orange Juice and the Coconut Mojito, Coconut Rum, Lime and Mint leaves.

ABOUT FLATOTEL: Located in the heart of New York City, Flatotel fuses modern style with luxurious comfort. Boasting some of the largest guestrooms and suites in Manhattan, this four-star-hotel offers an intimate feel with apartment size accommodations. Designed based on concepts by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright – the hearth as the heart and soul of a house – a guestroom at Flatotel draws its spirit from the bed, a custom-designed piece that becomes the central element of the room. The 272 guestrooms and suites include deluxe guestrooms, junior suites, one, two and three-bedroom suites, as well as penthouse tower suites that are up to 2,400-square-feet complete with balconies. For more information on MODA and Flatotel, please visit www.FLATOTEL.com.

Sea Crest on the Ocean Resort & Residences - Sunny Hamptons Weekends by the Beach await you

Sea Crest on the Ocean Resort & Residences - Sunny Hamptons Weekends by the Beach await you
May 6, 2010

Wiggle your toes into the beautiful white sandy beach of Sea Crest on the Ocean Resort. Shouldn’t the search for your Hamptons destination be as stress-free as your vacation there? A sister property of Distinctive Management Company’s flagship luxury development, the Panoramic View Resort & Residences, Sea Crest on the Ocean offers exclusive seaside units, spanning 8.3 acres, nestled between Montauk and Amagansett. With 74 units – comprised of studios, one, two and three-bedroom fully equipped units – Sea Crest on the Ocean is the perfect site for a luxurious resort escape.

Indulge yourself in the Sea Crest Amenities—an outdoor heated swimming pool, private tennis courts, children’s play area, daily housekeeping service, picnic and barbecue areas. Enjoy the private beach with chair, umbrella and towel services. Having recently completed an extensive renovation, the stunning Sea Crest Resort has made it just that much sweeter to wake up by the sea.

For those who want to call Sea Crest home, units are also available for ownership—ideal for all ages, from young families who are looking to spend affordable yet memorable summers with their kids to retired couples looking to enjoy quiet time on the ocean. Distinctive Management eliminates the worries and stress of owning a second home. As a complete property management company, all home maintenance is taken care of. Monthly billing and expenses are a snap with the One Bill System. A residence at Sea Crest on the Ocean can even be acquired fully decorated and furnished—perfect for those busy buyers who aren’t looking commit to a big home decorating project.

Sea Crest on the Ocean
2166 Montauk Highway
Amagansett, NY
T: (631) 267-3159
www.seacrestontheocean.com

About Distinctive Management LLC: As the preeminent management company for exclusive, luxury properties in the Hamptons, Distinctive Management, LLC boasts an unparalleled expertise in the high-end real estate development and management market, which includes hotels, resorts, cooperatives, condominiums, private estates and commercial properties. For more information, please visit www.distinctiveventures.com.