Panoramic View Resort and Residences - Montauk's exclusive new enclave

Panoramic View Resort and Residences - Montauk's exclusive new enclave

April 12, 2010
Welcome home to your doorman/concierge building on the ocean—the weather is warming up, which means the Hamptons season is just around the corner!

Distinctive Management, LLC presents a true East End getaway for bustling New Yorkers, the Panoramic View Residences—presenting the most exclusive, exceptionally-priced homes directly on the beach in the town of East Hampton. A renowned destination for over fifty years, the new luxury oceanfront villas are available for purchase at the Panoramic View. The perfect second home and seaside escape, this magnificent property encompasses over ten oceanfront acres across 1,000 feet of sandy white beach. Waking up to a breathtaking seaside view in the mornings, residents may have to remind themselves that they are in New York’s Montauk, not a Caribbean isle. Absolute attention to detail and luxury styling are incorporated into each and every aspect of construction. The Panoramic View Residences range in size and price to suit your needs; featured are one through five bedroom units, from 1,200-square-feet to 6,500-square-feet, available from under $2 million to $10 million.

Redefining luxury, the property’s year-round staff ensures that every need is met, from a fully-stocked refrigerator to the delivery of mail or dry cleaning. The Panoramic View promises residents the ultimate rest and relaxation experience. Amenities include poolside cabanas, fitness center, concierge service, porters, beach and pool attendants, on-site housekeeping, on-call massage therapists and fitness trainers. The Panoramic View Residences offer heavenly oceanfront living with none of the hassles associated with oceanfront home ownership. For more information, please visit.

About Distinctive Management LLC: The preeminent management company for exclusive, luxury properties in the Hamptons, Distinctive Management, LLC boasts an unparalleled expertise in high-end real estate management, including hotel resorts, cooperatives, condominiums, private estates and commercial properties. For more information, please visit.

BANGLE BANGLE! - Jewelry designer Amrita Singh brings the Glitz to Tinseltown

BANGLE BANGLE! - Jewelry designer Amrita Singh brings the Glitz to Tinseltown
April 8, 2010

Jewelry designer Amrita Singh won the hearts of the fashion and celebrity worlds in 2003 with the launch of Amrita Singh Jewelry. Her unique blend of Old and New worlds into exuberant, artistic pieces of fashion jewelry and accessories have earned her a huge A-list following—the likes of Anne Hathaway, Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Lopez, Faith Hill and Jessica Lange have donned her designs.

A connoisseur of art, Amrita believes in creating jewelry that incorporates the best elements of modern and classic designs. Studying the intricacies of Indian art through travel and extensive independent work, Amrita draws upon the designs of India and the Mughal dynasty to create artisanal Indian Jewelry and accessories. Her passion is evident in the development of both her lines—contemporary jewelry and fine jewelry collections.
One of Amrita’s contemporary jewelry collections, Bangle Bangle is the collection that made Amrita Singh Jewelry a buzzword in the fashion and design circles. The Bangle Bangle Collection combines art and fashion to create a dynamic look for any woman. Featuring an array of materials, styles and sizes, the collection ranges from sterling silver and designer costume jewelry pieces to intricate silk designs and fine enamel work. Featured in top magazines such as Women’s Wear Daily, InStyle, Glamour, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue—Amrita Singh’s Bangle Bangle line has drawn the attention of women, celebrities and the fashion world alike.

Amrita Singh designs are available online and at top U.S. stores including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Intermix, Macy’s and Holt Renfrew—the Fine Jewelry Collection is available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman.

ABOUT AMRITA SINGH: Trained by the best in the field, Amrita Singh graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and also completed the prestigious two year executive training program at Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Though jewelry-making began as an “accidental love,” it grew into a unique and compelling “passion,” according to Amrita. Her design interests are global, reflecting the city that she inhabits and works in: urban, culturally diverse, and infused with artistic inspiration.

Amrita Singh Jewelry and Accessories
580 Broadway, Suite 1109
New York, NY 10012
T: 212-869-3434
F: 212-840-6135

With the opening of Bhojan vegetarian restaurant Shiva K. Natarajan, Owner & Executive Chef, changes the face of New York's little India

With the opening of Bhojan vegetarian restaurant Shiva K. Natarajan, Owner & Executive Chef, changes the face of New York's little India

April 7, 2010
Now with the recently-opened Bhojan Vegetarian Restaurant, restaurateur Shiva K. Natarajan has done it again. Having opened a number of the most innovative and highly-reviewed Indian restaurants along the East Coast—including Dhaba, Chola and Tadka in New York City—he is now offering diners a refreshing take on Indian dining with the new vegetarian eatery.

The farthest thing from your average curry house, Shiva’s restaurants offer imaginative yet authentic menus. His restaurants stand out from Little India’s restaurant row neighbors because of a clear insight and vision behind his restaurant concepts. For instance, Dhaba offers a unique list of British-influenced curries, rarely offered at New York City Indian restaurants, while Bhojan boasts an all vegetarian and kosher menu featuring cuisine from Northern and Western India. Dishes such as the Thalis on Bhojan’s menu and the homemade Makkai ki Rotti on the Dhaba menu are the reasons behind Shiva’s success—he has the ability to offer new guests an authentic Indian dining experience while transporting Indian guests back to fond childhood memories.

The restaurant’s inspired interior design and walk-in friendly concepts such as Bhojan’s Sweet Shop have transformed Little India. Shiva’s restaurants attract both hip, young diners walking by on a Friday night as well as Indian guests who look forward to a homecooked meal, forever changing the face of Restaurant Row—a neighborhood known for its on-the-go dining options that is now, due largely in part to Shiva’s vision, a must-try NYC culinary hotspot.

BHOJAN
102 Lexington Avenue (between 27th & 28th Streets), New York City

ABOUT SHIVA K. NATARAJAN: Restaurateur and Executive Chef, Shiva Natarajan, is a veteran to the East Coast gourmet industry having opened eight highly-regarded restaurants; Dhaba, Chola and Tadka in New York City, Chola, Malabar Hill and Bombay Bar & Grill in Connecticut, Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine in Brewster New York and Bombay at the Black Swan Inn in Lee, Massachusetts. Born and raised in Calcutta, Shiva fell in love with the art of cuisine by spending countless hours in the kitchen with his family, developing what would become his life-long passion for food. After completing his high school education in Bombay, he left India to pursue his MBA at Pace University in New York City. After traveling throughout India, experiencing many different cuisine styles of his native country, Shiva transported his expertise of Indian cuisine to the restaurant industry of New York City.

Dynamic Philanthropist takes the helm: JBFCS welcomes Tony Mann as new Board President

Dynamic Philanthropist takes the helm: JBFCS welcomes Tony Mann as new Board President

Tony Mann has taken office as Board President at the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS)— an honor that recognizes Mann’s twenty years of exceptional service to the agency. “Giving of oneself is more than a responsibility; it is a privilege,” says Mann. “Getting involved in something larger than myself, such as JBFCS, has taught me the importance of our accomplishments—both big and small. It is our collective impact in the city that counts and we do this by taking small steps. This has inspired me to work even harder.”

JBFCS provides a comprehensive network of mental health and social services to promote well-being, resilience and self-sufficiency for individuals and families in need in the New York metropolitan area. As leaders in the field of human services, the organization proudly serves people of all faiths, races and cultures. Today, JBFCS serves over 65,000 New Yorkers annually through a comprehensive range of 175 community-based programs, residential facilities, and day-treatment centers. With the single largest number of clinic licenses held by one agency, at any given moment, 6,200 New Yorkers are receiving treatment through the JBFCS network of clinics. For further details, please visit www.jbfcs.org.

In addition to his many years of service on the JBFCS Board of Trustees, Mann also served as chairman of Kaplan House, an urban residential facility for twenty-five adolescent males that provides an extensive independent-living skills program and therapeutic and support services. Last year, he launched the JBFCS Hudson Valley Ride, an annual bike ride fundraiser for JBFCS programs and services. The 2009 ride exceeded its first year goal of $250,000 to attain over $425,000. This year’s ride is July 18th with a $500,000 goal. (For more information).

“My vision for the future of JBFCS hinges on our practicing the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in serving families and communities,” said Tony Mann. “As we adapt to these uncertain times, we must remain optimistic as well as vigilant in serving the needs of a diverse population…and having a Board that reflects that diversity.”

A resident of Greenwich, CT, Mann is President of E-J Electric Installation Co., a 110-year-old electrical contracting firm in Long Island City, NY. E-J’s projects range from stadiums, water treatment and power plants to office buildings, transit facilities, schools and theatres. Notable projects under Tony Mann’s leadership include: Yankee Stadium, New York Times Headquarters, Bank of America – Mission Critical, 11 Times Square, Astoria Power & Poletti 500 MW Power Plants, WTC Path Station, Planetarium at the Museum of Natural History, JetBlue JFK Terminal, USTA National Tennis Center, Madame Tussaud’s, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, United Nations, and the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Research Center.

The Launch of Fund Art Now - Bringing Together the Global Art Community

The Launch of Fund Art Now - Bringing Together the Global Art Community
April 3, 2010

Fêting the launch of the newly-formed not-for-profit, Fund Art Now (F.A.N.), a who’s-who of New York City’s art community came together for an evening of art and music at the chic art space, Collective Hardware. Founder of F.A.N. David Zelikovsky kicked off the ten-day celebration of art, with a mission to instill a new Renaissance within the global Arts community and change worldwide consciousness. The night highlighted provocative works by several artists, including Zach Hyman – rumored to be the latest love interest on the MTV Show, The City for star Roxy Olin – as well as Anton S. Kandinsky and Brian Reed, and showcased Ulysses’ latest “animated art” endeavor, along with musical performances. Also in attendance was owner of the Chair and the Maiden Gallery, John Dabu. The F.A.N. launch event began its fundraising efforts for future projects.

Other events during the celebration include, the Nouveau Haiti Night, benefitting the New York City Haiti Relief Fund, the debut of Soul Mafia’s newest album and a performance by Ms. Annie Brazil. The evening’s sponsors include: Ace of Spades, Armand de Brignac Champagne, Steinway & Sons, The Global Syndicate, Diamond Club International, TR Luxury, Next Generation Beverage LLC, Barbados Tourist Authority, The Crane Resort, New York Historical Society, Heart-4-Haiti, One Heart For Haiti and Luxe Event.

ABOUT F.A.N.: With a mission to instill a Renaissance within the Arts community and change global consciousness, F.A.N. draws upon all types of Artists and Artisans across the globe and will create projects – such as the building of its foundation, brick-by-brick, through a joint effort – drawing international interest toward a focused goal. F.A.N.’s purpose is to create a public congregation in which common goals and interests can be developed in a performance and gallery space where improvisation and collaboration are encouraged— a space where All are welcome; the ultimate goal will be to fulfill Van Gogh's elusive lifelong desire for community among artists, a collaboration of dreams.

Art projects selected for sponsorship will be chosen based upon their appeal to the base of human nature, where religion and politics are given secondary status, and their perceived effective nature on a global stage with accessibility to the international public— making a simple statement simply. Breaking down barriers that education and socio-economic factors have established over the centuries, accessibility to the masses is of utmost importance to F.A.N.'s mission.

Through such globally-accessible artwork, F.A.N. hopes to instill a global dialogue that will ultimately alter the manner in which humanity thinks and expresses themselves, changing the basic ideas of value and so forth. As important as the air we breathe, and the water we drink, art, in all of its various incarnations, needs to be embodied by All.
For additional information, please visit www.fundartnow.org. To become a F.A.N. volunteer or donate.

Meet Thelonious "T.J" Johnson - Actor, Model, and Trainer to the Stars

Meet Thelonious "T.J" Johnson - Actor, Model, and Trainer to the Stars

April 2nd, 2010

Thelonious Johnson, better known as T.J., embodies a matchless triple threat, as an actor, model and fitness expert with such elite clients as CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Named one of 2008’s Most Eligible Bachelors by Extra, T.J. has established himself in many arenas, proving to be a sought-after actor while helping individuals reach peak levels of fitness.

T.J.’s career boasts a wide range of highlights. As a model, he has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue Italia, Details, and scored the cover of Maximum Fitness. He was also featured in a nationally syndicated commercial for Old Spice Hair & Body Wash. His acting highlights include roles on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, One Life to Live, and All My Children. Most recently, he has become the face of Capcom Viral Video for popular video game, Bionic Commando.

T.J.’s affinity for fine arts stems from his childhood— his father, a jazz musician, and mother, an artist, emphasized the importance of art throughout T.J.’s upbringing, even naming their son after famed American jazz pianist and composer, Thelonious Monk. Upon college graduation, T.J. focused his efforts on acting, while maintaining a level of physical activity that met his life-long fitness interests.

Thelonious introduces a new approach to fitness training— as he has shared on leading television program Extra, T.J. stresses the importance of preserving the body, and practices the belief that each individual should treat their unique form as a temple. Customizing training sessions to fit the needs and goals of each individual client, T.J. provides full-body workouts that target problem areas to achieve results. Results-driven, T.J. organizes total, comprehensive training sessions that positively affect the client’s physical form, while helping to instate healthier, happier lifestyle choices into his/her everyday life.

Thelonious organizes comprehensive training sessions that positively affect the client’s physical form, while helping to instate healthier, happier lifestyle choices into everyday life. T.J., being an adrenaline-junkie with interests such as snowboarding and extreme sports, offers workouts that embody his own interests. For thrill-seekers in search of an action and adventure-driven workout, he offers extreme outdoor training, providing sessions that feature mountain-biking, hiking, “tough man” workouts and boot camps.

For more information on T.J.’s fitness tips and motivation.

Welcome to Catskill Farms: The low-key celebrity hangout

Welcome to Catskill Farms: The low-key celebrity hangout
March 31, 2010

As a classic symbol of a simple, traditional and romantic way of life, designer and builder Charles Petersheim has re-envisioned the “old American house.” Providing picture-perfect countryside escapes from bustling New York City, Petersheim has singlehandedly transformed the architectural landscape of Upstate New York, while accruing a diverse celebrity and media clientele including Albert Hammond Jr., guitarist of The Strokes; David Cross, Comedian, Actor, and Author; Gavin McInnes, founder of Vice Magazine; Rob Christofaro, Founder of fashion line ALife Limited Street Wear; Leah McSweeney, Founder of fashion line Married to the Mob; Benoist Drut, Founder of Mid-Century French Antiques, Maison Gerard; and David Loud, Broadway Composer. A-list neighbors include Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ruffalo and Joan Osborne.

As a designer and builder of traditional homes with modern amenities, Catskill Farms has reinvigorated the architectural landscape of Sullivan County real estate. Over the past four years, Catskill Farms has designed, built and sold in excess of 40 new/old homes in Sullivan County, becoming the leading designer and builder of Upstate New York getaways. Providing a serene escape for those residing in bustling New York City, the Catskill Farms clientele base is largely composed of city residents ranging in ages thirty-two to forty-four years old. From young musicians, actors and comedians, to fashion entrepreneurs, alternative magazine publishers and lawyers, an extensive array of urban professionals have come to Catskill Farms in search of scenic homes, allowing for this small real estate company to outperform many larger firms during a challenging time for the property development industry.

Catskill Farms revisits the history of the area with our construction of country cottages and farmhouses — that are inspired by the traditional building styles. With new home construction eliminating any old home worries, residents have the best of both worlds— early American architecture, wide plank floors, fireplaces, painted salvaged wood ceilings, wrap-around porches, not to mention whole-house audio, security systems, and modern kitchens. Capturing the charm, beauty and character of the early 1900s. Catskill Farms eliminates all of the hassle and maintenance issues related to an old house.

Good homes have a soul, and Catskill Farms strives to ensure its homes provide not only sound and stylish construction, but also a sense of history— homes are constructed with authentic turn-of-the-century regional architecture as the basis of the design. Fireplaces, wide plank floors, shaker-style cabinets, and huge porches are installed as well.

In addition, Catskill Farms wants everyone to be able to afford a countryside escape, hence their brand new mini-cottages series. Priced from $225k to $400k, these homes feature two bedrooms, as well as a spacious floor plan and lots of open interior space. The sizeable basements continually amaze Catskill Farms’ space-starved clients.

Plan your A-Lister Fete with Insignia Productions

Plan your A-Lister Fete with Insignia Productions
March 25, 2010

Guestlists, themes, food, décor, music, venue— with so many countless details that go into planning an event, it’s no wonder that so many people seek outside help when planning their special occasions…which is where Insignia Productions steps in.

A luxury full-service event-planning firm, Insignia Productions specializes in intricate and inspired design, customized planning and the logistical production of all event types and sizes – from professional meetings and conferences to weddings and birthday bashes – based in New York City, the Hamptons and Los Angeles. Client specific, Insignia Productions works to fulfill the individualized needs of its clientele. Insignia Productions Owner, Ranee Bartolacci-Meir builds a personal relationship with every client, making certain that he/she is granted the necessary level of attention, which derives from a boutique firm. With her team, Ranee manages each event from beginning-to-end— attending each meeting, ensuring that the chosen theme is carried throughout all aspects of the event and each component is meticulously planned, absolute focus is placed on even the smallest of details. Ranee’s uniquely hands-on approach allows her insight into each client’s personality, resulting in events that are is carefully-crafted according to the client’s wishes, tastes and style. With an extensive background in New York City’s event-planning industry, Ranee established Insignia Productions in 2008, inspired by her passion for working one-on-one with clients, helping to celebrate milestones and create memories.

Insignia Productions offers three levels of service to its clientele to fit individual needs— Full Service (includes vendor suggestions, contract negotiations, production timeline, and the coordination of logistics the day of the event. From start-to-finish, each and every detail of the affair is planned and executed by Insignia Productions); A La Carte (perfect for the client who has planned much of the event on his/her own, but requires assistance with remaining vendors and details of the occasion); Day of Assistance (timeline construction and logistic coordination— includes one meeting prior to the day of event, logistical coordination and one Insignia Productions team member on-site for the day of the event).

Past Insignia Productions events have ranged from the traditional – a classic New York City wedding, held at the Plaza Hotel with entertainment by Kool & the Gang – to the trendsetting – including an Asian-fusion wedding at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (featured in Bridal Guide Magazine), a fragrance launch-themed thirteen-year-old birthday, and chilly ice-themed soirée, complete with ice bar and décor. Recently, Insignia Productions organized and produced a pre-Oscar’s lunch with legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino to celebrate his eight-time Academy Award-nominated film, Inglorious Basterds.

For further information, please visit www.insigniaproductions.com.

Ambassador John L. Loeb jr. to Deliver "Beyond Tolerance" at the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture

Ambassador John L. Loeb jr. to Deliver "Beyond Tolerance" at the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture
March 24, 2010

The selection of Ambassador John L. Loeb Jr. to present the Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture on March 25 marks the first time a descendant of the Lehman family has been invited to address this event. Lehman College has the tradition of inviting well-known speakers for the annual event and past speakers have included Israel’s Abba Eban, Kitty Carlisle Hart, chairman of the New York State Council of the Arts until her death in 2007, former U.S. Senators George McGovern, Daniel Moynihan, Albert Gore Sr. and George J Mitchell, and noted historian Arthur M. Schlesinger. Ambassador Loeb, who represented the United States in Denmark from 1981-1983 is the founder of the George Washington Institute for Religious Freedom. He will address the 41st Annual Herbert H. Lehman memorial event on the subject of tolerance.

Herbert H. Lehman, for whom the Memorial Lecture is named, was the son of one of three founders of the original investment bank, Lehman Brothers, where he worked for 30 years. He later served both as governor of New York State and as a U.S. senator, having a clear passion for business, politics, and philanthropy. A veteran of World War I, during the Second World War he was the first director of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) created by President Franklin Roosevelt, which provided aid to the population of the Allied nations. The work of UNRRA involved the shipment of some 18 million tons of clothing, shoes and bedding to war ravaged countries. Following the war in 1946, Lehman College in the Bronx, an arm of the City University of New York became the temporary headquarters of the United Nations with early U.N. Security Council meetings held in the college gymnasium.

Herbert H. Lehman was not afraid to stand up and speak out against political injustices of the day. In the early 1950s, he was one of the earliest opponents of Senator Joseph McCarthy and his ideologically motivated hearings of individuals suspected of communist leanings.

For former US Ambassador to Denmark, John L. Loeb Jr. the opportunity to speak on a subject of deep personal passion, “Beyond Tolerance” is not only a privilege but also a deeply satisfying personal event for he shares his ancestor’s passion for speaking out on issues of religious freedom. Ambassador Loeb has recently produced a book about the contribution of early Jewish families to the United States and is championing educational projects regarding George Washington’s early efforts to establish religious freedom in this country.

The Lecture will be held on Thursday March 25, 2010 at 11:00am in the Monroe and Rose Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College.

For further information, please visit.

Filmaker N.C. Heikin's Critically Acclaimed Kimjongilia Opens in New York City

FILMMAKER N.C. HEIKIN’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED KIMJONGILIA OPENS IN NEW YORK CITY

Kimjongilia is a haunting look at the reality inside the most secretive country in the world. Told from the perspectives of North Korean refugees who shine light on the atrocities taking place in their homeland, and juxtaposed with clips from North Korea's mass propaganda machine that has indoctrinated citizens to worship the North Korean leadership, Kimjongilia is a film that shocks, enlightens and stays with you. –Laura Ling, journalist, held captive in North Korea over five months in 2009.

KIMJONGILIA, The Flower of Kim Jong Il (Lorber Films), is the first film to fully expose the humanitarian crisis of North Korea, examining the mass illusion possible under totalitarianism and the human rights abuses required to maintain that illusion.

North Korea is governed by a totalitarian regime that has controlled all information entering and leaving the country for the sixty years since the conflict with South Korea. A cult of personality surrounds its two leaders: Kim Il-Sung (“Great Leader”), and his son, Kim Jong-Il (“Dear Leader”). For Kim Jong Il’s 46th birthday, a hybrid red begonia named kimjongilia was created, symbolizing wisdom, love, justice, and peace. The film draws its title from the rarefied flower and reveals the extraordinary stories told by survivors of North Korea’s vast prison camps, devastating famine, and every kind of oppression. Filmmaker N.C. Heikin provides a historical backdrop to North Korea’s situation in her deeply moving documentary that examines why defectors fled, gives accounts of their harrowing escapes, and reveals the dangers they face in China, hunted by both Chinese and North Korean police. The refugees, who were interviewed in South Korea, where they now live, come from every walk of life, from child concentration camp inmates to an elite concert pianist. Their stories, however, all speak to repression and the breaking of body-and-soul. In essence, these humble heroes are inspiring, for despite their unimaginable suffering, they continue to hold out hope for a better future. For further information on Kimjongilia, please visit here, or the Facebook Fan page here. For film times and tickets, please visit www.cinemavillage.com.


ABOUT N.C. HEIKIN: A student of dance and theatre at Sarah Lawrence College, N.C. Heikin began working at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club upon graduation, with Wilford Leach and Andrei Serban, among others. There, Heikin created the title role in La Mama’s renowned production, Carmilla as well as a series of interdisciplinary performance pieces, shown in New York City and at theatre festivals around the world. Her performance background is exhibited in the manner in which she has crafted this innovative documentary. In 1986, Heikin began screenwriting with commissions from Paramount and Disney and has since done movies for television and episodic work. Heikin made her film directing debut in 2004, with her prizewinning narrative short, mañana, which debuted on Indiepix in May 2008. Kimjongilia is her first documentary. It received a grant from the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and was invited to the Sundance Story & Edit Lab in June 2008. It premiered at Sundance 2009 and has since played in festivals around the world, including the Sarasota Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Docuwest, Hamburg Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, and South Korea’s Pusan International Film Festival.