downtown magazine nyc

LIVING HIGH IN LOWER MANHATTAN

PREMIER ISSUE

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 $ 5 . 9 5 U S

EDBURNS

The Actor, Director and Writeron His Newest Film and

Calling TriBeCa Home

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Inside Harry and Peter Poulakakos’

Restaurant Empire

PLUSHoliday Gifting

Chic Fashion Tips Neighborhood Hot Spots

and More

63 WALL STREET 520 MADISON AVENUE1155 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS THE SHOPS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE

WWW.THOMASPINK.COM

114 Pr ince Street New York 212 334-8492 www.karenmil len.com

Contents

Letter from the Publisher

Letter from the Editor

Contributors

Calendar

LOCAL FLAVORIn the Beginning...Follow the rise of residential living in Lower Manhattan.

Downtown Leaders Meet two local movers-and-shakers who are making Lower Manhattan proud.

Money MattersJohn Thomas Financial’s Mike Norman talks economics.

Real EstateThanks to luxury residential buildings, Downtown is suddenly the hottest place to reside.

Art & CultureDowntown Alliance’s Re:Construction project and the best books for your coffee table.

Stylish TotsEight questions for two of Downtown’s coolest kids.

Parental ControlsTen winter activities for you and your brood.

Top Dogs Street talk with four of our favorite pooches.

Neighborhood WatchThe South Street Seaport is rife with things to see and do.

FEATURESMr. IndependentTalented writer, actor and producer Ed Burns on his newest film and calling TriBeCa home.

All in the FamilyInside Harry and Peter Poulakokos’restaurant empire.

Good GiftingThe best items to give (and get) whether you’re a man, a woman, a child or a canine.

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Contents

FASHION & STYLEDress CodeEverything ladies and gents need to look chic for any occasion.

Shopping NewsStore openings and new collections galore.

Beauty BuzzBold lips, spa indulgences and skin care advice.

Fitness Keep the activity level up when the mercury is down.

GadgetsHigh-end gadgets for those who like to play.

ON THE TOWNHot SpotThe sparkly new W New York Downtown is making waves.

Kitchen ConfidentialShaun Hergatt shows off his culinary mastery at the Setai.

Dining GuideWhere to eat, drink and be merry.

Wine & SpiritsWine and food pairing with the experts; and the best holiday-inspired liquor bottles.

After DarkA guide to the best sports bars, lounges and nightclubs.

Views from the TopCan you name all the real estate in our legendary skyline?

The Last WordTwo Downtown residents sound off about “The Great Divide.”

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12 W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

NEW YORK DOWNTOWN

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CEO | PUBLISHERGrace A. Capobianco

—

EDITOR IN CHIEFCamille Hunt

CREATIVE DIRECTORIlene Segal

FASHION EDITORMeredith Mulligan

BEAUTY EDITORBetsy Mclain

COPY EDITORJacqueline Grupe

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSam Edsill

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMelanie Bower, Brad Lockwood, Sara Pepitone

Michael Shapot, Luis Vasquez, Susan Waits

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSLeslie Hassler, Mark Jason, Tony Shi

PRODUCTION MANAGERMia Macfarlane

SALES DIRECTORFatima Roland

EXECUTIVE SALES CONSULTANTTeresa Shufelt Lindel

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Alina Braverman, Sabina Firestone Stasia Harris, Sharon Lettieri, Di Li

ONLINE EDITORJohn J. Capobianco

TECHNOLOGYPhilippe Haberstroh, Bradley Kirkland, Rob LaGatta

INTERN TO THE PUBLISHERLindita Capri

ADVISOR TO THE PUBLISHERAndrew Wheatcroft

FINANCIAL CONSULTANTHoward Webber

LEGAL COUNCILThomas Farley

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERGrace A. Capobianco

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERMichel Pécou

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONSShiran Nicholson

DOWNTOWN MAGAZINE NYC, INC

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS380 Rector Street, Suite 15FNew York, New York,10280

Phone: 646.783.2661 Fax: 888.761.0937www.downtownmagazinenyc.com.

Copyright 2010 by DOWNTOWN Magazine NYC, Inc. All rights reserved.DownTown magazine is published four times a year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to DownTown magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings sent to Editors, DownTownMagazine, 380 Rector St., Suite 15F, New York, New York,10280. Phone: 646.783.2661; fax: 888.761.0937 www.downtownmagazinenyc.com. To order a subscription, please call 646.783.2661. For customer service, please inquire at [email protected]. To distribute DownTown magazine at your business, please email [email protected].

Every day since settling in Battery Park City, I’ve awoken to the

stunning view of the Hudson River from my bedroom window. My building

sits on the tip of the esplanade. When I walk outside, whether I’m hit with

ferocious winter gusts or the pungent aroma of spring flowers, I ask myself,

“How lucky am I?”

Of the many passions in my life, living Downtown is in the top three.

Where else can you sit quietly on a bench watching an endless parade

of boats in the middle distance, while couples pass arm-in-arm enjoying

a romantic stroll, laughing children lead their parents to the playground

and a fascinating canine pageant snuffles and prances past? Then there

are the runners, anglers, cyclists and the roller bladders—and that’s just on

the esplanade!

At the age of 27, I published my first magazine. For me bringing a new

magazine to life is just about as exciting as it gets. All emotions are pushed

to the limit—happiness, excitement, disappointment, frustration, but

ultimately sheer bliss.

The idea for DownTown was hatched in 2002. My partner, Michel Pecou,

and I explored every angle of bringing this magazine to life then. But it was

too soon; not enough time had passed after September 11th for the healing

and the rebuilding to close our wounds sufficiently. After eight months of

exploration, we decided to shelve the idea. Then, within the last year, a

good friend who is a Downtown resident and business owner, asked me to

create a small magazine for the area, so that businesses such as his could

promote and market to the neighborhood. The time, at last, was right.

We want to show Downtown residents and tourists alike what each of

our neighborhoods has to offer. Where to grab a bite after 11:00 p.m., where

to find the freshest fish, which local business owners are working diligently

to bring Downtown back, stronger than ever, who is raising money for our

schools and which developers are shaping Downtown, both commercially

and residentially.

Rebirth, rebuild… These words have helped me tell a story in this first

issue of where we came from and where we are going, one day at a time.

Happy Holidays,

Grace A. Capobiano Publisher

PS: In this endeavor I have called on the talents and good graces of many of my friends.

They abandoned their personal lives and sometimes even their homes, took on extra

work after putting in a full day and doled out more advice than they even knew they had

to offer. Then there are those whom I’ve completely deserted in my single-minded jour-

ney to get this magazine off the ground. Thank you all for sharing your skills, knowledge,

love and understanding!

WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN MAGAZINEPUBLISHER’S NOTE


Hair by Ronie Borga. Makeup by Marcia Bush. Styled by Destiny DeLeon. Black printed pony coat and black velvet jeweled shoes by Karen Millen. 112 Prince St., 212-334-8492; karenmillen.com

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CAN YOU BELIEVE it’s been ten years since the

millennium?

It seems like ages ago that naysayers project-

ed that the world would end on January 1, 2000.

So much has changed. We elected our nation’s first

black President. We now buy our music, date and

“social network” online (in fact, let’s add the phrase

“social networking” while we’re at it). We get our

movies through the mail. Our cell phones are smarter

than we are. Reality TV has taken over the tube. And

then of course there were the tragedies. As a nation,

we endured 9-11, Hurricane Katrina, two wars, the

Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the housing market

crash. Lower Manhattan was at the epicenter of two

of the worst blows our nation was dealt, blows that

continue to resonate.

And yet, in spite of all that, Lower Manhattan is

growing, brushing off the dust of the past decade and

re-emerging stronger. New buildings continue to rise.

New businesses are opening their doors. Families are

flocking to a revitalized Downtown. Maybe the hard

times aren’t over yet. But we enter the next decade

with optimism, and—to use a word that’s maybe lost

a bit of its cachet—with hope. We want DownTown

to be a part of that.

For our premier issue we profiled some of the

biggest names in Lower Manhattan, including Stone

Street icons Harry and Peter Poulakakos, longtime

residents and owners of Harry’s restaurant empire.

Writer Sara Pepitone sat down with father and

son to discuss passing the torch, and how their

restaurants helped bring a much-needed sense of

community to the area post-9-11. We also spoke

to multi-talented movie star Ed Burns who, along

with his supermodel wife, Christy Turlington, and

their two children, call TriBeCa home. Seasoned

scribe Brad Lockwood chatted with Burns about

his newest movie, Nice Guy Johnny, which was

released in November. Additionally, we spoke to

Downtown Alliance president Elizabeth Berger

about their Re:Construction project, which is com-

missioning artists to bring a bit of inspiration to

construction sites around the city; profiled com-

munity leader Julie Menin; and went inside SHO

Shaun Hergatt, the spectacular fusion restaurant

that’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-

after seats in town. Finally, we bring you winter

fashion tips for men and women and our holiday

Gift Guide, filled with gift items for your entire brood.

We hope you enjoy this premier issue of DownTown

magazine. We’ll continue to bring you all the art,

culture, fashion, gastronomy, events and news

that our eclectic neighborhoods have to offer. Stay

warm this winter; see you in 2011!

Camille Hunt

PS: A special thanks to my extraordinary edito-

rial team who helped make this magazine possible:

creative director, Ilene Segal, copy edior, Jackie Grupe

and editorial assitant, Sam Edsill.

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EDITOR’S NOTE


ILENE SEGALCreative DirectorAfter a long stint as Art Director for New York magazine, I decided to start my own graphic design firm, idesign + co. The challenges of growing a business keep me humble, and I find living Downtown a necessary balance as I love running and being outdoors with my dog. People ask me all the time if I miss living near Central Park. These people don’t live in Lower Manhattan. Central Park could never compare to the view I see and the breeze I feel as I walk my pup along the Hudson River. Or the visual two feet in front of my face as I run under the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridge. This view is so grand, so magnificent and best of all, it looks different every single time. Running the loop in Central Park is an accomplishment, but running along the river through Lower Manhattan is simply special.

SAM EDSILL Editorial Assistant I’m a fiction writer, editor and journalist from East-ern Iowa who moved to Brooklyn this past June. I’ve written for the music blog Mission Freak! and The Daily Iowan newspaper, and ran a featured inter-view series for the arts webzine mentalcontagion.com. I also worked on the editorial staffs of The North American Review and Final Thursday Press. Working on DownTown has been a fantastic oppor-tunity to see just how vibrant a community lower Manhattan really is: trendy and classic, upscale yet down-to-earth. My girlfriend, Rachel, and I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, with our two cats.

CAMILLE HUNTEditor in Chief

JACKIE GRUPECopy EditorI love to read. There was even a time—short-lived though it was—that I thought I might like to write. Instead I became a pretender to a writer, helping hone the words of others into prose I as a reader would find engaging. And then I became an accidental New Yorker. Having spent the first nine years of my life in Bergen County, New Jersey, I did most of my growing up in the Midwest, came back to the North-east for college, and eventually settled in Atlanta, Georgia, where I now live with my husband, son, three dogs and two cats. But my day job brought me back to New York, where I spend my work weeks, and I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the wonders of Downtown, especially Battery Park City. It’s my great honor and pleasure to be part of this inaugural issue of DownTown.

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Contributors

SARA PEPITONESara Pepitone is a New York City-based freelance writer for such publications as The New York Post and Bon Appetit. She is also the editor of Scoreboard Gourmet, a website dedicated to everything food-and-sports. The culinary school graduate knows every meal can be an adventure and is currently running a food truck—Beach Street Sandwiches—with Gregory McCarty, former chef de cuisine at Bouley. For this issue, Pepitone sat down with Harry and Peter Poulakakos for our feature, “All in the Family.”

LESLIE HASSLERLeslie Hassler spent years in front of the camera, as a major model with the Ford Modeling Agency, before returning to New York City to attend NYU Film School and switching her focus to being behind the lens. Today, Hassler specializes in shoot-ing actors, writers and celebrities, and her work has appeared in the likes of New York, Elle, Vanity Fair and Entertainment Weekly.

See Hassler’s striking images of actor Ed Burns on our cover, and in our cover story, “Mr. Independent.”

BRAD LOCKWOODBrad Lockwood is an author and syndicated columnist who makes films when time and money allow. For the past two years Lockwood and his dog Stu have been wander-ing America, resulting in 140 “mini documentaries” on Or-Bust.com. He is now in preproduction for the hilarious family-friendly horror film, Our House.

Lockwood talked shop with writer, director and actor Ed Burns for our cover story, “Mr. Independent.”

MELANIE BOWER Melanie Bower is a historian and urbanist whose career at the Museum of the City of New York has given her a unique understand-ing of the many facets of Gotham’s past. She served as editor of the critically acclaimed illustrated his-tory, New York 400, and is a contrib-uting writer to Edible Manhattan. Currently, she lives in Cusco, Peru, where she is seeking out stories on Peru’s past and present. For this issue, Bower gave us a look at Downtown’s storied residential past in “The Way They Were.”

MARK JASONDowntown-based photographer Mark Jason has been shooting celeb-rities, events, food and restaurants for more than five years, but has had a camera in his hand for as long as he can remember. He is currently col-laborating with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Greater NYC on the group’s Survivor Portrait Gallery, a website featuring photos of breast cancer survivors and their stories. For DownTown, Jason pointed his lens toward Stone Street icons Harry and Peter Poulakakos for “All in the Family,” and then stepped inside the studio to shoot our holiday gift guide.

MIKE NORMANAn expert on fiscal and monetary policy, Mike Norman is an interna-tional economist with more than 30 years in the industry and has been a commentator on CNBC, Bloomberg, CNNfn, and Fox. Currently, Norman is the chief market economist for John Thomas Financial, pens a blog and is involved in a program that will bring entry-level economic concepts and knowledge to school children.

Check out Norman’s take on 2010’s economics and his forecast for 2011 in “A Look Ahead.”


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CalendarWINTER 2010 | 2011


DECEMBER

1HAPPYHANUKKAH!Anne Rice, best-selling author of Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned reads from her new novel, Of Love and Evil. 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., Free

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Check out Alfred Stieglitz’s exhibit at the South Street Seaport Museum, where thirty-nine historic New York photographs by will be on display together for the first time in 80 years. Through Jan. 10, 2011, 12 Fulton St.; seany.com

NOVEMBER

20SpongeBob SquarePants writer Steven Banks’ play, Looking at Christmas, opens at The Flea Theater. Nov. 20-Dec. 30, 41 White St., $25 ; theflea.org

22Self-help author Laura Day speaks about how to use intuition to create profound and healing life changes. Nov. 20–Dec. 30, Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St., $25

24Enjoy unique drink specials at W New York Downtown’s weekly “Symmetry Spins” with DJ Bouji. 7 p.m., 123 Washington St.;starwoodhotels.com

26The season’s first tree lighting ceremony at South Street Seaport will feature holiday music by Darlene Love and the Big Apple Chorus, and a parade down Front St. 6 p.m., Historic Cobblestone area

HAPPYTHANKSGIVING!

2Young Friends Annual Hanukkah Party at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. 8 p.m. 36 Battery Place; mjhnyc.org

Watch the Battery Park Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Cove. bpcparks.org

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Alfred Stieglitz Exhibit


FEBRUARY

Authors and parents Mark Schulman, Rachel Sherman and Meg Mullins read at this New York-based literary salon’s monthly reading series. 6:30 p.m., Gild Hall Hotel’s Libertine Library, 15 Gold St.;thompsonhotels.com

09 21Celebrate the Year of the Tiger at the 11th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Canal St. South

JANUARY

29Happy Birthdayto our cover star Ed Burns (and his wife Christy Turlington, who was born on January 2nd).

9Comedians Kevin Allison, Michael Ian Black, Aasif Mandvi, and others, recount their most personal, embarrassing and otherwise hilarious exploits for your amusement. 7 p.m., 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St., $15 ; 92ytribeca.org

17The “Scandal! Financial Crime, Chi-canery and Corruption that Rocked America” exhibit at the Museum of American Finance showcases the worst financial scandals in American history. Through Apr. 29, 2011, 48 Wall St.;moaf.org

24Attend the Christmas Eve Liturgy at Trinity Church, which begins with 30 minutes of choral music. 9:30 p.m. 74 Trinity Place; trinitywallstreet.org

31Ring in the New Year at Cipriani’s (55 Wall St.; cipriani.com) or at the Tribeca Grand (2 Ave. of the Americas; tribecagrand.com), where a replica of the Times Square ball will drop from the hotel’s eight-story atrium.

MERRYCHRISTMAS!

Last day to see the New York City Police Museum’s “Artist As Witness: The 9/11 Responders.” A collection of sketches and watercolors by artist Aggie Kenny that captures scenes of New York after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. 100 Old Slip; nycpolicemuseum.org

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14HAPPY VALENTINE’SDAY!

Tribeca Grand’s New

Year’s Eve ball

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New York City Police Museum

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Hot Dog Stand, 1936


It may seem hard to think of Lower Manhattan as a neighborhood. The word “Downtown” conjures up images of glass and steel skyscrapers, pow-er lunches and money markets. The area is often considered an enclave for bankers and lawyers, a bastion of powerbrokers in pinstripe suits who all but desert Downtown after 5 p.m. But while the recent residential boom in FiDi may seem like a new phenomenon, lower Manhattan has a long history as a residential neighborhood. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Downtown was literally the place to be. Up until the 1830s the city barely extended past Canal Street, and every New Yorker called Downtown home. Throughout the 19th century the city grew, and Lower Manhattan evolved into the center of city government, as well as one of the world’s most important ports. As business boomed, many of the wealthy merchants and bankers who profited from the city’s bustling maritime industry moved out, building homes outside the city. At the time the establishment of residential neighborhoods beyond the boundaries of the central city was a radical idea. It marked the advent of the “business district”—a place where people worked but did not live. However, even as New York’s nouveau riche sought uptown digs, Lower Manhattan was still home to several thriving immigrant neighborhoods. By 1900 more than 7,000 Chinese immigrants had settled below Canal Street around Pell, Doyers and Mott Streets. On the western shore of the island, Washington Street was known as Little Syria, and the area around West Street was home to New York’s Greek quarter. In the early decades of the 20th century, Downtown continued to de-velop, evolving from one of the world’s most import ports into the center of the world’s financial industry. While South Street’s busy piers and wharves once symbolized the power of New York’s renowned port, skyscrapers that housed banks and brokerage houses slowly supplanted tall-masted mer-chant ships. The development of downtown Manhattan is captured in the photos seen here, taken by Berenice Abbott in the 1930s as part of a project entitled “Changing New York.” With funding provided by the Federal Arts

Project, Abbott set out to document the city’s rapidly evolving environ-ment. The photos in this series reveal a city full of contradictions. At the height of the Depression, the Downtown skyscrapers still reflect the power and wealth of New York’s financial industry. Seen from afar the skyline is symbolic of the modern city, yet when Abbott took these photos the city’s streets were still plied by horse-drawn carts delivering milk door to door. In the postwar era Downtown found itself in competition with Midtown for the title of New York’s preeminent business district. Urban renewal ef-forts spearheaded by David Rockefeller sought to revitalize Lower Man-hattan with bold commercial and residential projects. In 1960 Rockefeller revived postwar plans for a World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, and when construction began six years later, dirt excavated from the site was used to add a 700-foot extension into the Hudson that would become Bat-tery Park City. Years later Battery Park City would be credited with spark-ing a sort of residential renaissance in downtown Manhattan. When it was first proposed in 1966, the west side of Lower Manhattan had devolved from a dynamic port into a sea of decaying piers. Upon its completion in the 1980s this 92-acre development brought nearly 8,000 new residents to downtown Manhattan. By the mid-‘90s zoning changes and tax incentives combined to lure residential developers to the area. Conversion of commercial office space into residential buildings became increasingly common, and supermarkets, bars and restaurants soon followed as Downtown’s residential population swelled. Most recently FiDi has witnessed a new phenomenon—an upsurge in the number of families choosing to settle in Lower Manhattan, thanks in part to an abundance of larger and more affordable apartments. While previous residents tended to be single professionals who wanted to live close to their Wall Street jobs, Downtown’s newest residents are somewhat different. Like many other New Yorkers who have called Downtown home, they are reinforcing a sense of community in a neighborhood with a rich historic past.

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Tracing the Evolution of Downtown Living By Melanie Bower

Photographs by Berenice Abbott/Museum of the City of New York

LIFEAs They Knew It

Pike and Henry Streets, 1936 Shelter on the Waterfront, 1936


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WHO SHE IS: Menin is a board member of the Women’s Campaign

Forum, Chairperson of New York City’s Community Board 1, host of

Julie Menin’s Give and Take on WNBC, a regular television com-

mentator on CNN, MSNBC, Today and CBS Evening News as well

as a regular blogger for The Huffington Post. She sits on six gov-

ernment and civic boards in New York City and is also the founder

and former president of Wall Street Rising, a not-for-profit organi-

zation dedicated to revitalizing the area post-9-11.

ACCOLADES: Menin’s honors include making the list of City

Hall newspaper’s “40 Under 40,” being voted one of the “100 Top

New Yorkers” by the New York Resident and was named NY1’s

“New Yorker of the Week.” She’s also received the “Rising Star”

award from the Women’s Campaign Fund, the “Civic Spirit Award”

from the City Women’s Club and the 2008 “Public Service Award”

from Manhattan Youth.

MOST INFLUENTIAL WORK: Menin was a major player in moving

the trial of 9-11 co-conspirator Khalid Shaikh Mohammed out of

Lower Manhattan, and wrote a piece for The New York Times. She

won $200 million from the Lower Manhattan Development Corpo-

ration’s Community Grant Program to benefit the residents, work-

ers and communities Downtown. She and the Community Board

1 voted to support the Islamic cultural center being built on Park

Place, and she has vehemently supported it.

WHAT DRIVES HER: “Seeing firsthand our community

devastated after 9-11 has driven me to work every day to move

our neighborhood beyond the tragedy of that day, and to show

the city, nation and world that our community has not only per-

severed, but also serves as a beacon for standing up and moving

forward.”

Julie Menin is bringing the Lower Manhattan community to the forefront.

VOICEof the People

“[I want] to show the city, nation and world that our community has not only persevered, but also serves as a beacon for standing up and moving forward.”

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WHO HE IS: Belesis is chief executive officer of John Thomas Financial, a full service broker-dealer offering client-centric retail brokerage and investment banking services, and owner of John Thomas Wealth Management, John Thomas Insurance Services and John Thomas Global Energy Group.

ACCOLADES: Named 2009 Bronx GOP “Man of the Year,” which was presented by Rudy Giuliani. Appeared in Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps, alongside Michael Douglas.

MOST INFLUENTIAL WORK: Supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and G brielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research, member of the Executive Board of the World Energy Forum, an international organization focused on creating a sus-tainable energy-secure world, involved with raising or participat-ing in approximately 150 million dollars in financing for startup companies.

WHAT DRIVES HIM: “Being an active participant in our finan-cial markets motivates me every day. Helping to fund new and developing companies and industries is extremely satisfying and humbling, and I consider it to be an important and honorable profession. I also feel immense responsibility toward the people who have come to work at John Thomas Financial, and I want them to be successful. We have established a great in-house train-ing program, and I get tremendous fulfillment from helping young people begin their careers in our industry.”

Wall Street entrepreneur Thomas Belesis is making a name for himself Downtown.

NEWFace of Finance

“Helping to fund new and developing companies and industries is extremely satisfying and humbling, and I consider it to be an important and honorable profession.”

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AS THE NEW YEAR APPROACHES, it’s a

good time to take a look at the emerging eco-

nomic trends for 2011. Before we do, let’s re-

view the current year and highlight some of the

main economic events that made 2010 unique.

Economic growth slowed markedly this

year. We went from at 5 percent growth rate

at the end of 2009 to a 1.7 percent rate of

growth through the third quarter of 2010. That

was a disappointment. From January through

May, 1 million jobs were created, but then we

started losing them almost as fast after that.

For a second year in a row the government

played a big role. From the passage of health-

care reform to financial regulation, new policies

became the law of the land. The effects will be

long term, but as of now they remain uncertain.

Investors probably won’t forget the “Flash

Crash.” That was the scary, 1,000-point, intra-

day plunge that happened in early May. It did a

lot to shake investor confidence; however, buy-

ing into that drop would have been exceed-

ingly profitable—a lesson we often see re-

peated throughout the history of the market.

And who could forget the BP oil spill? Day in

and day out we watched the images of a huge

black gusher shooting up from the bottom of the

Gulf of Mexico, of soiled beaches and of dead

wildlife. It was gut-wrenching. Not surprisingly,

the stock market started moving higher once

that disaster was finally brought under control.

Of course, there was plenty of politics, too.

With the midterm elections behind us and a new

Congress to be seated early next year, the ques-

tion is, what new policies, if any, will emerge?

Will our taxes increase or be cut? This will be

key for the economy all the way up to the presi-

dential election of 2012. Most experts expect the

economy to remain sluggish in 2011, but there

are some positives: Households have trimmed

the fat; debt service as a percentage of income

is down to the lowest level in 12 years, mean-

ing that household balance sheets are looking

healthier. Typically, reductions in debt of that

magnitude have preceded new credit expansions.

The weak dollar may be bad for American

consumers, but it has triggered a boom in ex-

ports. This has helped many U.S. companies

boost their profits. In addition, it will bring for-

eign investment and lots of tourists to the U.S.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to fix the domestic economy would be a payroll tax holiday. It’s an idea being discussed by some lawmakers and people within the Administra-tion. A payroll tax holiday would restore about $1 trillion in income to working people, immedi-ately giving them more spending power. That would push consumption, the biggest compo-nent of Gross Domestic Product. If we could do that and couple it with some major investment to refurbish roads, bridges and other vital infra-structure, it would not only put people back to work, it would create the capital we need to build wealth and prosperity for generations to come. There is one caveat: The public’s outrage over government spending could cause Congress to enact some deep spending cuts next year. That could throw us right back into a recession. It’s the mistake that FDR made in 1936, when he listened to his advisers and took measures to reduce the deficit. What followed was another economic downturn, dubbed the “mini depres-sion” of 1937, a place we hope to never go back to.

Mike Norman is chief economist of John Thomas Financial

A LOOK AHEADAfter a tumultuous year, 2011’s outlook sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

By Mike Norman

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THE NEW BLACKThanks to luxury residential buildings and world-

class amenities, Downtown Manhattan is suddenly the hottest place to reside.

By Michael Shapot and Luis Vasquez

DOWNTOWN IS THE NEW BLACK, the in spot, the next new thing.

But don’t expect this black to grow gray and fade as happens to most

trendy neighborhoods. Its ability to adapt to the needs of its settlers

will enable Downtown to maintain its edginess, while at the same time

welcoming playgrounds, strollers, leashes and dog parks.

As the residents have changed, so too have the predominant hous-

ing styles. The tenements of Downtown’s early inhabitants gave way to

lofts and now luxury high-rises and office conversions. The Visionaire and

Liberty Luxe in Battery Park City; 15 Broad, 2 Gold and William Beaver

House in FiDi; 101 Warren, the Fairchild and Truffles in TriBeCa are just

a few examples of high-end Downtown living at its best. Coming soon is

the incredible 76-story Beekman Tower designed by Frank Gehry. As one

of the tallest buildings in lower Manhattan, it will offer spectacular views

along with lavish living space. The options for luxury living Downtown are

as varied as they are sumptuous.

Downtown arrived late to the real estate development party primarily

because of its lack of residential services, but no more. Convenience shop-

ping, destination shopping and luxury goods and services abound. You

can put up your out-of-town guests at amenity-rich hotels, send your

children to top-ranked schools and exercise and pamper your pets (and

yourself) in gorgeous parks, dog runs and spas. But for the hot restaurants,

hip nightlife and some residual grit to remind us of its roots, Downtown

might be mistaken for the Upper East Side.

Although Downtown boasts some of the most valuable real estate in

the city, the practicalities of closing deals pose some serious challenges.

Financing, whether for purchases or refinances, is difficult for numerous

reasons. Relatively few sales for appraisers to use as comparables are

resulting in lower than expected appraisals. Some buildings fail to meet

lender guidelines, because they are simply too small, have too many

unsold units, have a low percentage of owner occupancy, or have insuffi-

cient reserves or inadequate insurance. The latest obstacle is that lenders

will not finance purchases in buildings with hotel-like services, such as

room service, maid service, spas and short-term stays. Banks fear these

high-end amenities make properties more akin to investments than resi-

dences, and investments are riskier mortgages.

Despite the challenges, the market is responding positively to Downtown’s

high-end housing stock and lifestyle. The vibe remains positive, energy levels

are through the roof, and the buzz is spreading. Downtown has arrived!

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Sailboats and SunsetsGreen inside, and out… Clearly living.

ART HAS A FUNNY WAY of making unpleas-ant things bearable, like the drawings on a child’s cast. Sometimes a splash of color, a dash of whimsy, is all it takes to lift the spirits. It’s an approach that the Downtown Alliance has implemented on a grand scale through its Re:Construction program. Over the past three years, as the seemingly endless construction projects around Downtown have given rise to the skeletons of new buildings, the Alliance and its president, Elizabeth Berger, have sought to combat the enduring sense of intrusion with the work of world-class artists like Rich-ard Pasquarelli, Maya Barkai and Caitlin Hurd. Berger, who was appointed president of the Downtown Alliance in 2007, has heard rave re-views of the program from tourists, developers and building owners, but says its most ringing endorsement came from someone who had no idea where she works. One morning, dur-ing an elevator ride in her Financial District apartment building, a neighbor asked Berger if she’d seen any of the murals on Downtown construction sites. “I love them,” the neigh-bor said. “With all the construction and noise, they give me a moment of happiness.”

As a resident living with the cranes and ply-wood barriers throughout lower Manhattan, Berger has seen firsthand how these art proj-ects transform Downtown. “The difference they have made in the pedestrian experience has been incredible,” Berger said. “We’ve con-sistently heard how exciting, welcome and unexpected these temporary canvases are.”

Re:Construction is sponsored by a $1.5 million grant from the Lower Manhattan Develop-ment Corporation. Here’s how the program works: The Downtown Alliance works with lo-cal property owners and developers to identify potential locations and then assembles a list of

site-specific technical criteria for the art. (For example, no reflective materials or traffic signs are allowed.) A four-person advisory board of arts professionals identifies artists whose work might be appropriate for the location, and each artist creates a project proposal. The site owners then pick the project they like best. So far the program has brought 17 public art projects to construction-zones-turned canvases, ten of which are currently up for viewing. Two more projects will be unveiled be-fore the end of 2010, and the final count could reach as high as 30 by the time the program winds down in 2013. “Stay tuned,” Berger said. Right now you can view “Walking Man 99,” by Maya Barkai, a parade of life-size “walk” signs from around the world, at 99 Church Street. The digital print designs of Richard Pasquarelli can be seen at the corner of Barclay and Greenwich Streets (“Restore the View”), on Chambers Street between Greenwich and West Streets (“Secret Gardens”), and at the W Hotel at 123 Washington St. (“Hours of the Day”). Caitlin Hurd’s “Flying Animals” can be found at the corner of Washington and Rector Streets.Visit downtownny.com for more information.

CONSTRUCTION RE:IMAGINEDThe Downtown Alliance Brings Uplifting Art to Troubled Spaces

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“Walking Man 99” by Maya Barkai at 99 Church Street

By Sam Edsill

“Hours of the Day” by Richard Pasquarelli at the W New York - Downtown


PAGE TURNERS

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These oversized reads are perfect as gifts or centerpieces on your home coffee table

By Camille Hunt

PUCCIOnly 10,000 copies of this gorgeous coffee table book will be produced

(each bound with one of a selection of recent Pucci prints). The book includes hundreds of photographs, drawings and candid shots from the Prince of Prints’ archive.

(Taschen, $200; taschen.com)

BESPOKE: THE MEN’S FASHION OF SAVILE ROWJames Sherwood’s illustrated history of bespoke tailoring—the custom-made men’s

clothing spawned on London’s Savile Row—has a forward by the ever-chic Tom Ford. (Rizzoli, $65; Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St. barnesandnoble.com)

AMERICAN DIORThrough this book readers discover how Christian Dior lived the American dream and

became a fashion icon in this country almost as formidable as in his hometown of France. (Assouline, $70; shopassouline.com)

DOGSAward-winning photographer Tim Flach’s Dogs is an ode to man’s best friend

and will appeal to all who have shared their lives with the beloved animals. (Abrams, $50; Barnes & Noble, 97 Warren St. barnesandnoble.com)


HelloBonjour

Hola

Buon Giorno

Guten Tag

�

��

nee-howpree-vyet

oh-la

bohn-zhure

goot-en-taag

sha-lom

hel-low

bwohn gee-or-no

mar-ha-ban

kon-nee-chee wah

How do you say

hello?

Give the gift of a second language

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LITTLE WONDERS

ALEXIS AND JACK BATTERY PARK

How old are you?Alexis: “I’m five. I’ll be six in March.”

Jack: “I’m six.”

Do you dress yourself for school?Alexis: “Yes, since I’m two.”

Do you like what you’re wearing today?Alexis: “Oh yes, I love my dress, and

these are my favorite boots.”Jack: “Sure, these are very cool shoes.”

Do you play sports?Alexis: “I do gymnastics, and I run.”

Jack: “I’m a fast runner.”

What’s the best thingabout your neighborhood?

Alexis: “I like to say hi to all the dogs.”Jack: “I get to go fishing.”

Where’s the best placeto ride your scooters?

Alexis: “In the park.”Jack: “Along the water.”

What do you want for the holidays?Alexis: “An American Girl doll.”

Jack: “A new fishing rod.”

What do you want to bewhen you grow up and why?

Alexis: “A doctor, so I can checkbabies and make sure they don’t

throw up and that they’re ok. Or, I want to be a disco girl.”

Jack: “I want to be a fisherman so I can catch lots and lots of fish.”

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Alexis’ dress and Jack’s top and pants by Bouton. Aminah Et Les Amis, 2 World Financial Center, 212-227-0117; Bu & the Duck, 106 Franklin St., 212-431-9226; boutonkids.com

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Eight questions for two of Downtown’s coolest kids


TOP TEN

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1. Stop by the New York City Police Museum (100 Old Slip) for the Junior Officers Discovery Zone exhibit, which teaches kids the nuts and bolts of police work.

2. Take a course at Tribeca Language (22 Harrison St.), where you and your tot can learn any of eight languages, including French, Arabic and Chinese.

3. Get lost at Teardrop Park (Warren St. and River Terrace), where you’ll find maze-like paths, geysers and an extra-long slide.

4. Experience music and fun for the entire family at the 92nd Street Y’s Bring Your Own Kid program (200 Hudson St.).

5. Grab a seat for brunch at Bubby’s (120 Hudson St.), where they serve good ol’ home cooking in a family-friendly atmosphere.

6. Check out a book from the new Battery Park City Library (175 North End Ave.).

7. Enjoy a slice from one of sister pizzerias Picasso Pizza (303 S. End Ave.) and Pizza and Pasta Delight (77 Fulton St.).

8. Take a Mommy (or Daddy) and Me swimming class at Imagine Swimming (40 Harrison St.).

9. Grab a scrumptious chocolate peanut butter or s’more cookie at Tribeca Treats (94 Reade St.).

10. Buy a pair of mini Mary Janes from Shoofly (42 Hudson St.), the fun yet sophisticated children’s boutique.

Keep the winter blues at bay with these neighborhood activities.


92nd Street Y

Teardrop Park

Tribeca Language

TOP DOGS

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’S BEST

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FIESTAOwner: Mike Willhelm

Favorite hangout: West Thames Dog Park and Pier 17 Typically found: On the bed of pillows in the master bedroom

WINSTONOwner: Christine AuYeung

Favorite hangout: Any dog run as longas he gets to sit on someone’s lap

Typically Found: Belly-up on the bed

TAJAOwner: Eric Pienaar

Favorite hangout: Battery Park where she gets to stalk squirrels

Typically found: Curled up on the bed in the comforter “nest”

NAANIOwner: M. Bianda Nelson

Favorite hangout: Wall Street Dog Run from 9–10 pmTypically Found: Watching Animal Planet

Street talk with four of our favorite pooches.

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HISTORY LESSON In the 1740s, several wealthy individuals constructed mansions along Pearl Street near Dover Street. Perhaps the most notable of these is the former Franklin Mansion at 1 Cherry Street, where George Washington lived for nearly a year after he was elected president and New York City was briefly the nation’s capital (his neighbor at 5 Cherry Street was John Han-cock). But in the 1880s, the entire area was torn down to make room for the Brooklyn Bridge. Meyer’s Hotel, which was located at 119 South Street, was a celebrity hotspot for decades. Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill Cody attended a party at Meyer’s celebrating the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883. Other famous patrons included Thomas Edison, Theodore Roosevelt, and Butch Cassidy and Harry Longabaugh (a.k.a. “The Sundance Kid”).

FAMOUS RESIDENTS Painter Naima Rauam, photographer Barbara Mensch and director and photographer Carter Smith all call the Seaport home.

LIVING IT UPOne of the area’s premier residential properties is 200 Water Street, a 32-story building with breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Downtown. And then there’s Beekman Tower, the Frank Gehry- designed highrise set to open in 2011, which is one of the most anticipted residential buildings in the city.

SHOPPINGA century and a half ago the docks and markets on South Street were some of the busiest in America. Today the South Street Seaport contin-ues to provide Downtown epicures and locavores with delicious foods from its open-air markets and specialty stores. And even though the Fulton Stall Market (South Street between Fulton and Beekman Streets)

and the New Amsterdam Market (902 Peck Slip) are closed for the season, there is still an array of wonderful food and wine options: Head inside Provisions Natural Grocery (150 Beekman St.) to get your fix of a variety of artisanal and locally made foods like Brooklyn’s Mast Brothers Chocolate. Wine aficionados can pick up a bottle (or four) at Pasanella & Son Vintners (115 South St.), which also houses a vintage 1967 Ferrari. For more shopping, walk down Front St., where you can find always-in-style Coach, Inc. (193 Front St.), the first brick-and-morter J. Crew store (203 Front St.) and a great cup of coffee at Jack’s Stir Brew (222 Front St.).

DINING OUT The Seaport consists of more than just tourist-infused joints and includes a variety of low-key restaurants popular with the local set. If you’re looking for fine Italian, try the family-owned Buon’ Amici (40 Peck Slip) or Acqua (12 Peck Slip). Cowgirl Seahorse (259 Front St.) serves up sea-food and Tex-Mex for brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as some excellent margaritas. It only makes sense for a seaport to offer sushi, and you can find it at Suteishi (24 Peck Slip), which has a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge. If turf is more your game, head to MarkJoseph Steakhouse (261 Water St.) for a variety of steaks, thick-cut Canadian bacon and lamb chops.

THINGS TO DO The Seaport Museum (12 Fulton St.) will exhibit a collection of 39 vintage photographs of New York by Alfred Steiglitz through January 10, 2011. And you can give your Black Friday a festive finish by attending the Seaport’s 22nd annual Choral Tree Lighting on November 26, the city’s first tree lighting of the season. The following four weekends feature performances by the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus, the Big Apple Chorus and the Cantori Choir. The Seaport is also home to the Imagination Play-ground at Burling Slip, an outdoor public play space with everything a kid needs to have fun: unique foam building blocks, a sand patch with digging tools, fountains, a rope climbing structure, masts and pulleys, and more.

This bustling historic neighborhood is rife with things to see and do.

By Sam Edsill

SOUTH STREET

Seaport

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Edward Burns has been a vital part of bringing Downtown Manhattanback into the spotlight post-9-11. With the release of his newest film, Nice Guy Johnny,

this Hollywood triple threat and TriBeCa resident shows no sign of slowing down.

EVER SINCE HE BURST ONTO THE SCENE with The Brothers McMullen in 1995, actor/writer/director Edward Burns has been a stalwart voice for independent filmmaking, especially in New York City. Assisting ten years ago with the launch of a little film festival in his neigh-borhood of TriBeCa, where he lives with his wife, supermodel Christy Turlington, Burns helped rejuvenate lower Manhattan post-9-11. Burns again broke barriers in late October with a distribution deal with video-on-demand channel FilmBuff to release his latest film, Nice Guy Johnny, to screens worldwide simultaneously via cable/video-on-demand, iTunes and DVD through Amazon.com and other online retail-ers. Made with an “ultra no-budget” (Burns’ term) of $25,000 in 12 days, Nice Guy Johnny is the heart-wrenching story of sell-out versus dream-chasing–a subject Burns knows well. Starring relative newcomers Matt Bush, Anna Wood and Kerry Bishé, Nice Guy Johnny is a rare film among today’s big-budget, short-on-story market. In addition to writing and directing, Burns also plays ne’er-do-well Uncle Terry, who tries to lead “nice guy” nephew Johnny down a different path, while “borrowing” a vehicle and home in the Hamptons.

Burns spoke with DownTown magazine about his “on-going love affair” with New York City, why acting has never been his passion

and when working with new actors makes for a much better set.

DOWNTOWN: There hasn’t been a year without Edward Burns acting, writing, directing or producing something in over a decade. Quite a long, strange trip since working as an assistant on Oliver Stone’s The Doors after college, wouldn’t you say?EDWARD BURNS: I certainly never imagined that this would be the career that I would have. When I was in school, I wanted to be a nov-elist. That dream died pretty quickly. Then I thought I should go into sports journalism. It wasn’t until I was sort of failing out of college and an advisor told me I should take some film appreciation classes because they were easy A’s that I fell in love with movies. I thought I would be a screenwriter. But the more I fell in love with this notion of being a writer-director, the more it seemed to be the unattainable career. Then, [The Brothers] McMullen goes to Sundance, and I kind of luck-out. It happened just at the moment in indie cinema when those little mov-ies were being embraced by the public and getting theatrical releases. I knew then that, as long as I didn’t lose anybody any money, I would probably be allowed to continue to make these small films. And that’s been my only goal: To make these small talkie movies. I try to do one a year, and that’s been tough to do.

MR.INDEPENDENT

By Brad Lockwood

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0 | D O W N T O W N M AG A Z I N E N YC . C O M 47

But the part of my career that I never imagined was the acting side. That’s been the gravy on this whole thing, but it’s also been a blessing. Making indie films, you don’t make a lot of money. A lot of times you make no money. And the act-ing career has been able to sort of finance my dream, if you will.

You’re now rumored to be in the upcoming The Prince of Providence by David Mamet, and just signed on for Man on a Ledge. I thought you were going to slow down after marrying Christy Turlington and having kids?[Laughs] That would not be a fun choice, to just hang around. I made that decision about six or seven years ago. I had a moment after Saving Private Ryan when a certain kind of “movie star” career became an option, and I went for it. Those were a couple years that I didn’t make a film as a film-maker. I come through the other side of that and didn’t turn into, you know, a massive film star, so I made a decision: ‘Let me keep acting in studio films and let the profile they give me—and the paychecks—afford me a certain level of creative freedom to make my little movies.’

How do you continue to walk that line of being brazenly independent versus doing those big studio projects? You know, a lot of times you don’t have a hell of a lot of say in it. There have been years where—and I have no idea why—I get a little heat and all of a sudden I’m cast in two or three studio movies. And that’s great. Then a year will go by and you don’t get a gig, and I’ll take a job only because a year has gone by and I haven’t gotten a gig. I love my acting career and I’m thankful for it, but it’s never been my passion. My life’s work is the indie movies that I write and direct. So I don’t have to be as careful with my acting choices, maybe, as I would if that were my bread and butter.

Anyone familiar with your work expects New York City to be a co-star. What is it about this city that so inspires you?It’s been an ongoing love affair I’ve had with the city since I was a little kid. We grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island, and my dad was a cop here in New York. He would always take us into town for any number of things, and my mom was a big theater buff, so she would take us in to see Broadway shows. As a young kid I recognized that this was where I wanted to be. Back then in the `70s, the city was a very different city, and I was in love with the grit and graffiti and, a little bit, probably the danger. You know, getting to ride around with my dad was a lot of fun. As I got older and came to the city after college and started to write, the city served as the inspiration for everything. Sometimes the inspiration might be overhearing a conversation on the subway. Sometimes the inspiration might be walking around what used to be Hell’s Kitchen and imagining what it used to be like. The great thing about living in New York City is—whether it’s the archi-tecture, whether it’s the atmosphere or the people on the street—there’s always going to be something to inspire you if you have your eyes and your ears open.

You live in TriBeCa. How has lower Manhattan healed post- 9-11, then followed by the stock market meltdown?I lived down here on 9-11, so certainly the months after were a difficult time, a sad time. I then got involved with the Tribeca Film Festival, when they launched the first festival it was a way to help get people back down to lower Manhat-tan, TriBeCa more specifically. I’m still involved with the festival ten years later. There was a little minute during the recession when some restaurants closed but, you know, the guys on Wall Street seem to be doing well enough that most of the restaurants are still packing them in.

48

“The great thing about living in New York City is—whether it’s the architecture, the atmosphere or the people on the street—there’s always going to be something to inspire you if you have your eyes and ears open.”

Ed and wife Christy Turlington

at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

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What do you like most about living Downtown? We love living in TriBeCa. In fact, we rarely seem to go above Canal Street these days. It’s a terrific place for a family, especially with the new Hudson River Park. We can’t wait for Pier 40 to open; it’s going to be great.

But your new film, Nice Guy Johnny, opens and ends in Oakland. What’s up with that? My wife is from the Bay Area, and we spend a lot of time out there. So it’s become a second-city. It’s not specific to Oakland, but the Bay Area, San Fran. I’ve started to fall in love with that area, so it’s a good way to dip a toe in the waters.

And Christy is now a filmmaker, with her striking documentary about motherhood worldwide, No Woman, No Cry. How did her experience affect your relationship, and might there be a collaboration in your future?We haven’t discussed collaborating, officially. But every script I’ve written since I met her, she gets an early draft and gives notes on the female characters, about finding their truth and voice. And the good thing is she can be brutally honest and very tough, so it’s good for me to have somebody I can trust on that side. On her film I was only there to offer encouragement When anybody makes a film there are always setbacks, there are always unforeseen complications and difficulties, and I was just there to let her know not to sweat it; it happens on every film. I was there to help out, periodically, to remind her editing team that, while it is a documentary, there’s still a story to tell.

Specific to your work, I found Nice Guy Johnny to be one of those rare films that are harder to find, and I really like the cast. Matt Bush, Anna Wood and Kerry Bishé offer an uncommon energy. Talk about creating the atmosphere to be productive while also giving newer actors the chance to grow.I do a couple of things. First off, you get these newer actors who show up to your set with such excitement and enthusiasm because they can’t believe they’re the lead in your movie. They have such eagerness just to be there (and I can speak to that not always being the case on bigger films). The other thing is, maybe because this is their first shot, they are there fighting for their lives. They want it in the worst way, and they’ve done so much prep work with those characters. The way I like to work as a filmmaker, I want the ac-tors to know their characters better than I can possibly know them. So prove it to me. And then they sort of jump into the deep part of the pool. That’s the kind of atmosphere we had on this thing.

Your recent screenplay competition through Scripped was intriguing, asking for the first fifteen pages of a script and offering direct feedback to winners from you and producer Aaron Lubin. Have you found the next Citizen Kane, and what’s the biggest mistake most new screenwriters make?We didn’t find the next Citizen Kane, but we found a writing team that has a great and funny voice. So we found a good, new comedy team, and we’re developing their screenplay with them now. The thing that new artists do is lack respect for good story structure. Especially when you’re first learning how to tell stories in the screenplay format, structure is king. When we’ve worked with newer writers in the past, forcing them to be mindful of good structure has helped the story.

“I knew that as long as I didn’t lose

anybody any money, I would probably be allowed to

continue to make these small films. And that’s been my only goal: To make these small talkie movies. I try to do one a year, and that’s

been tough to do.”

Burns as “Uncle Terry” (right) with Bush

Matt Bush as “Johnny” and Kerry Bishé as “Brooke” in Nice Guy Johnny


24

Inside Harry and Peter Poulakakos’ Restaurant Empire

By Sara PepitonePortrait by Mark Jason

FAMILY

ALLINTHE


Peter and Harry Poulakakosat Harry’s Café and Steak

52

WHEN TEENAGED HARRY POULAKAKOS arrived in New York City in the

mid-1950s, lower Manhattan looked much like Stone Street looks today. There were no

skyscrapers on Water Street, three- and four-story buildings dominated, Battery Park

City was a line of piers crowded with boats and Front Street was the place for coffee

and tea merchants. “It was wonderful to smell the roasting coffee,” says the 72-year-old

restaurateur. “There was a lot of activity, but nobody lived down here, and there was

no business after 6 o’clock.”

We’re sitting with his 34-year-old son and successor, Peter Poulakakos, at Harry’s

Steak, the 2006 reincarnation of Harry’s original restaurant at One Hanover Square.

Together—Harry as consultant, Peter as owner—they run ten of the neighborhood’s

most successful establishments.

“I was expecting to do some nice business, be able to survive and live comfort-

ably,” says Harry of opening his eponymous restaurant after 14 years at Delmoni-

co’s. Instead, Harry’s quickly became the place for workday lunch. And cocktails.

And early dinner. And private parties. For Wall Street people. That was the `70s and

beyond. Today, Harry’s Steak has brunch, dinner, a late-night bar menu and business

seven days a week. And don’t forget the Beef Wellington, the original menu’s most

popular item, now prepared in individual portions, Wednesdays only, $42. In 1972 you

got a slice from an entire filet, and it cost $8.85.

Prices, though, are not the only thing that’s changed over time. Four decades ago

FiDi was still referred to as “The Street,” and a baby carriage sighting was some-

one’s wrong turn. “Now you see school buses every day,” says Harry. He mentions

the youthfulness of the neighborhood, and it’s clear why he’s more retired than not,

which is not to discount the creativity and acumen of his only son. And restaurant

experience—years in the family business—doesn’t hurt either.

Peter cites Rudy Giuliani’s real estate tax abatements and other incentives when

speaking of the changes and growth occurring in the mid-`90s when he moved to

Pearl Street after college. “Businesses were starting to come down here; the Financial

District was starting to make a name for itself as a community. Every month you were

waiting for a new building to pop up, or a new restaurant,” he says, “and then it all fell

to the wayside after September 11th.”

The dining room at Harry’s Café and Steak

The dining room at Harry’s Italian


Like everyone in town that day, Peter says the attack itself was the worst thing that’s

ever happened, anywhere. But it’s his experience of the aftermath, what he calls

“the residual effects,” that the rest of us may not remember. “This area was closed to

traffic for three or four months after the towers fell,” he says. “And it took a year for

people to even realize that they could drive down here or get back in.”

It doesn’t take a master’s degree to figure out what that meant for local businesses.

Fortunately, says Peter, the New York State and federal governments, the City, the

Downtown Alliance and other agencies rose to the occasion in some way, shape

or form to try to rejuvenate the area. “And now Ground Zero is coming to life, and

Downtown as a whole is the neighborhood people anticipated before 2001: a seven-

day-a-week community, an evening-time community, and a lot more fun.”

Propelled by the support and positive energy invested in lower Manhattan’s re-

birth, Peter and partners Michael Jewell and Danny McDonald started construction

on Ulysses Folk House in 2002. (Greek + Irish, get it?) “Everyone thought we were

crazy to do it because of the way Downtown was, but we saw the potential the street

had,” Peter says. He means Stone, not Wall, of course.

The space, like others on the area’s second most discussed street, was part of the

original Harry’s, used for private dining and events, with entry from Pearl Street only,

because the other side was a drug alley. Then, Stone Street didn’t have electricity,

and every door was locked down with metal gates. “It was a disaster street,” says

Peter, while Harry nods in agreement. “This was a revitalization in every sense of

the word. Not only did it become a great place for people to go, but the cleanup was

extraordinary.”

Indeed. And the June 2003 opening of the bar was, as Peter says, one of the first

times the entire neighborhood was smiling again—smiling, drinking al fresco and

eating until 3:30 a.m. The area known for closing after work was suddenly open late,

like the rest of the City. “We brought real hours down here, and I think it made a big

difference,” Peter says. “It made people believe that it was more of a community, not

just a catering to the corporate life.”

As if to prove that point, both Harry and Peter are residents in what Harry considers to

be the best neighborhood in the City. Why? Water all around, ten degrees cooler than

anywhere else and small streets outside your door. “You live in Midtown,” he says,

“and you face six lanes of traffic.”

So though they’re roasting Financier’s coffee in Brooklyn, and opening outposts of

the patisserie throughout the City, don’t expect to find either Poulakakos anywhere

but here. And you just might catch one of them prepping the next generation—

currently in baby carriage—to impact the neighborhood in years to come.

“We brought real hours down here,

and I think it made a big difference.

It made people believe that it was more of a community, not just a

catering to the corporate life.”—Peter Poulakakos

Harry and Peter in 1985 at Harry’s Café and Steak.

Harry on Stone Street in April 2001


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GOOD GIFTING


Holiday items to give (and get) whether you’re a man, woman, kid or canine.By Meredith Mulligan

FOR HERClockwise from top left: Booties by Maison Martin Margiela ($775). Edon Manor, 391 Greenwich St.; edonmanor.com. Gold and pearl necklace by Chan Luu ($345). Calypso, 137 W.

Broadway; chanluu.com. Cashmere Starlight scarf ($138) and feather clutch ($138) by Ann Taylor. World Financial Center; anntaylor.com. Sunglasses by Vogue Eyewear ($90). Sunglass Hut, South Street Seaport; sunglasshut.com. Leather gloves by Coach ($118). South Street Seaport; coach.com. Gold and silver stone rings ($175 and $190) by Chan Luu. Calypso, 137 W. Broadway;

chanluu.com. Metallic ballet flats with rosettes by Gap ($49.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com

FOR HIM Clockwise from top: Wool cap by Gap ($24.50). South Street Seaport, gap.com. Lambswool sweater by Brooks Brothers ($128). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com.

Sunglasses by DKNY ($90). Sunglass Hut, South Street Seaport; sunglasshut.com. Wool knit tie by Brooks Brothers ($75). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com. Leather lace-up shoe by Canali ($795). 25 Broad St., canali.it. Sterling silver Padova shoe horn by Tiffany & Co. ($375). 37 Wall St. tiffany.com. Rubber flasks by Hennessy

($45 for a set of four). hennessy.com. Atlas Travel alarm clock in rhodium with leather slide cover by Tiffany & Co. ($425). 37 Wall St.; tiffany.com. Silk tartan scarf by Thomas Pink ($195). 63 Wall St.; thomaspink.com. Merino scarf by Gap ($24.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com


GOOD GIFTING


FOR THE KIDSClockwise from top: Monkey by Jellycat ($38). Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., torlykid.com. Fleece pom pom scarf by Gap ($12.50). South Street Seaport; gap.com.

Silver sequined leggings by Angela Frost ($50) and silver glitter Mary Janes by Naturino ($68–$78). Both available at Shoofly, 42 Hudson St., shooflynyc.com. Multicolored joker shoes by Pom D’api ($49). Capucine Kids, 20 Harrison St.; capucinekids.com. The Mirror T by Lunchbox ($29). Torly Kid, 51 Hudson St., torlykid.com.

Boy’s fleece scarf by Brooks Brothers ($44.50). 1 Liberty Plaza; brooksbrothers.com

GOOD GIFTING


FOR THE DOGClockwise from top: I Love New York t-shirt by Pet Royalty ($22); custom collar by Ken Bradley ($65); Kosher dog toy by Copa Judica ($8). All available at The Salty Paw, 38 Peck Slip;

thesaltypaw.com. Salmon Paws ($15). Spot, 21 Murray St.; spotdogsrule.com. Statue of Liberty squeaky toy by Jet Set Pets ($12); Bowser Beer by 3 Busy Dogs ($4 per bottle). Both available at The Salty Paw, 38 Peck Slip; thesaltypaw.com. Fundle bag ($165). Spot, 21 Murray St.; spotdogsrule.com

GOOD GIFTING

GLAMOUR GIRLWhether you’re attending a holiday party or jetting to an island getaway, mixing the right accessories will keep you effortlessly chic. By Meredith Mulligan

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URBAN HOLIDAYChannel your inner exhibitionist by opting for flirty cocktail dresses, animalist pencil

skirts and show-stopping accessories.

FANTASY ISLANDTake a cue from the Chanel Resort 2011 runway show in St. Tropez with ethereal prints, tribal-influenced heels and piles of dazzling jewels.

Jaguar print pencil skirt by Ann Taylor ($118). South Street Seaport; anntaylor.com

Sparkle strapless dress by Rebecca Taylor ($495). Otte,

121 Greenwich Avenue; otteny.com

Leather gloves by Tiffany & Co. ($225-$295). 37 Wall St.; tiffany.com

Galaxy clutch in satin with crystals and drop-in chain by Tiffany & Co. ($1,295 each)

37 Wall St.; tiffany.com

Blockprint tunic by Calypso St. Barth

($195). 137 W.Broadway;

calypso-celle.com

Isabel Marant F/W 2010

Open weave fedora by Hat Attack ($95). Calypso St. Barth, 137

W. Broadway; calypso-celle.com

Clear blue sunglasses by D&G. Sunglass Hut ($135), World Financial Center; sunglasshut.com

Metro bangles in 18 karat white and rose gold with sapphires, tsavorite and

amethyst, all by Tiffany & Co. ($3,900 each).

37 Wall Street; tiffany.com

Open toe heel by Vanessa Bruno ($680). Steven Alan Annex, 103 Franklin St.; stevenalan.com

Chanel Resort 2011


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GOOD GROOMING Tips to keep your look cool and collected By Betsey Mclain

John Allan’s, one of Wall Street’s most sto-

ried grooming tenures, opened its Downtown

location 22 years ago and has been offering

their signature Full Service Treatment—

a scalp massaging shampoo, conditioning

treatment, hot towel, haircut, manicure, shoe

shine and beverage—ever since. Beyond the

Full Service, guests can choose from a facial,

massage or a simple haircut, plus extras like

a billiards lounge, clubroom and Allans’ own

line of products. The Downtown John Al-

lan’s hosts a weekly Wednesday night music

night, with drinks and live music, and dur-

ing football season a tailgating party every

Monday replete with beer and food from Sus-

penders. Tied to your desk all week? Allans’

TriBeCa location houses the same ameni-

ties—and a clothing line—but with Saturday

hours. 95 Trinity Place; 418 Washington St.;

johnallans.com

For at-home grooming, Anthony Logistics For

Men��

moisturizes the skin—the perfect combo for

pre-shave prep. The brand’s holiday collection

includes an oversized

body cleansing gel in

eucalyptus mint that

($35) gives a brac-

ingly fresh wake up call.

Sephora, 150 Broadway;

sephora.com

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OLD SOULS, NEW CLASSICSBring a modern twist to the art of masculine dressing by pairing a simple pair of slacks with tweeds, herringbones and a perfectly tailored shirt.

A MAN’S WORLDWinter finds for fashionable gentsBy Meredith Mulligan

Brooks BrothersFW 10/11

Wool multicheck hat by Issey Miyake ($275), 119 Hudson Street; tribecaisseymiyake.com

Gray cashmere sweater ($169), red flannel shawl collar sweater ($98.50), red flannel and double layer check but-ton down shirts ($84.50 each), all by Banana Republic. Southstreet Seaport; bananarepublic.com

Gold sunglasses by Ray Ban ($145).

World Financial Center; sunglasshut.com

Ties by Banana Republic ($59 each). World Financial

Center; bananarepublic.com

Cufflinks by Tiffany & Co.

($400). 37 Wall St., tiffany.com


THE PLAID WHISPERERLike it or not, work wear-inspired gear has made quite a comeback in the past few years. Luckily, you don’t have to look like a lumberjack to partake in the trend. Downtown designer Steven Alan has teamed up with Dock-ers for a capsule collection of khaki-based pieces. The updated assortment of shirts, pants, blazers and ties is masculine and modern, but most of all, subtle. 103 Franklin St.; stevenalan.com; dockers.com

TREND SPOTTING IN TRIBECAResident fashionista Davinia Wang knows her way around a bootie. Her renowned accessories outpost, Edon Manor, may look like an English countryside library, but instead her shelves are stocked with rock star looks from the likes of Joseph Altuzarra, Proenza Schouler, Givenchy and Dries Van Noten. The Notting Hill, London, transplant specifically chose TriBeCa because it reminded her of home: “Each building is so different, and many of the streets are cobbled, which I love,” she said. “The overall tranquility of the neighborhood gives people a sense of privacy that I think is hard to find in New York City.” Hip, charming and a regular at Smith and Wells—we had to get Wang’s scoop on the best pieces for fall. However, if she could wear only one piece from her store, she says, “It would have to be the Maison Martin Margiela beige shearling boot.” 391 Greenwich St.; edonmanor.com

POWER GIFTINGLet’s face it, holiday shopping can be a big hassle, especially if you have

to head to Midtown and fight the seasonal crowds. With more than 600 retailers and 400 restaurants south of Chambers Street, there’s practically no need to leave your neighborhood for sparkly goods, and our friends at the Downtown Alliance have made the process even easier with their annual Holiday Retail Campaign. Detailed shopping itineraries take the guesswork out of running all over town, and each is designed with a lunch hour timeframe in mind. For a complete list of shopping itineraries, visit downtownny.com.

DIVINE DESIGNS Nine-year-old design store Stella is a haven for those who want only the best for their abodes. The store sells high-quality textiles from around the world, from table linens and bedding to fragrances and accessories for baby. Their newest offering is a collection of luxurious bedding developed by shop owner, Mischelle Arcus, and made by local female artisans in Viet-nam. “I wanted to produce something unique that incorporated all of my favorite elements—like hand-embroidered sheets, linen and crisp percale,” says Arcus. The elegant bedding comes in white with three classic color choices on the Italian percale border (deep purple/charcoal, white and cocoa) and is delivered in a beautiful hand-embroidered bag. 138 West Broadway, 212-233-9610; stellastore.com

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STREET NEWSIs it any surprise that the season’s top trends

are right here in our backyard?By Susan Waits

Edon Manor

Stella

THE LOCALS Two hotel spas up the ante with intimate spaces and luxe treatments.

THE ANDAZ WALL STREETThe Andaz spa’s intimate setting belies its two spacious treatment rooms, one a full suite with a shower for post-wrap and -scrub rinses. Treatments are classified into two groups: The Shares are fast-tracked facials or massages (like the Oxygen Boost, $35), starting at 15-minute increments, and Stocks are the real deal 60- or 90-minute facials or massages, including their sig-nature face and body treatment ($165) or customized options. Also available are no-soak manicures and pedicures using hot towels and gorgeous RGB polishes, makeup touch-ups using Christopher Drummond’s line and a new offering— eyelash extensions with free touch-ups for first-timers. 75 Wall Street, 212-590-1234; [email protected]

THE GREENWICH HOTELWith a 250-year-old wood and bamboo farmhouse imported directly from Japan as its calling card, the hotel’s Shibui Spa im-parts a relaxed, old-world vibe to the city. A sense of balance and calm continues throughout the four treatment rooms—a Shiatsu room, a traditional Japanese bath-ing room, a wet room for wraps and scrubs and a treatment room for massages and facials. On their freshly retooled menu, the Bamboo Glow combines a bamboo and gingergrass body scrub with a sea algae wash, a hinoki mineral bath and an hour- long massage, while the Elemental Well-Being focuses on the five elements along with Chinese and Japanese medicine with a private mineral soak in Japanese ofuru tub, scrub and an hour-long, customized massage. 377 Greenwich Street, 212-941-8900; thegreenwichhotel.com

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BEST FACE FORWARDKeep yourself aglow with a bevy of products and spa treatments. By Betsey Mclain

MERRY AND BRIGHTThe straightforward elegance of a striking red lip and pared down eye is a must-add to your winter party garb. Achieve the look by keeping your eye makeup simple—just a hint of a natural shadow and black mascara—so the focus is your stunning pout.

Dolce & Gabbana FW 10/11

The pool at Shibui Spa

Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Rouge Creme Lipstick in Raven ($30) is highly pigmented, and creates the perfect red lip.

Givenchy Le Prisme Collector Sparkling Powder ($60) adds a touch of sparkle to the face and decollete.

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40) imparts a soft focus, so you’ll look flawless in every party picture.

DOCTOR’S ORDERSAcclaimed plastic and reconstructive sur-geon (and Downtown resident) Dr. Donald Roland answers our burning questions.

What are some of the most common issues you see in New York patients?The biggest challenge lies in the change of seasons, from freezing snow and wind in February to lying on the beach in 80-plus degree weather four months later. Good skin care in New York centers around changing products with the seasons—one regimen is just not effective throughout the whole year.

What is the most common question you get from patients?Will this surgery last forever? Making good on your promise to eat better and work out more can help your plastic surgery results look better longer. However, plastic surgery only turns back the clock; it doesn’t stop it. Gravity, sun exposure and smoking continue to age us.

Are there home remedies that can keep us �� !�� "#� �%�' �� compresses in the morning when sitting or standing. Our bodies are bags of water, which seeks its own level during the night. By morning water has accumulated around our eyes. To hide cellulite temporarily, have a body wrap one day before a big event. Also, sun avoidance, a healthy diet, exercise and drinking a whole lot of water are essential.

What is the biggest misconception people have about plastic surgeons?That plastic surgeons want to overdo every-thing. Laypeople usually recognize cosmetic patients only when a surgery is overdone or done poorly, and they equate this to “plastic surgery.”

80 Wall St., 212-744-9400; donaldrolandmd.com

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SPINNERS’ DELIGHTSoulCycle, the citywide cycling studios that have celebrities and socialites alike going spin crazy, has expanded its schedule with three six-week train-ing programs that will keep your bod in optimum condition. SoulCycle HIIT (high-intensity interval training) includes indoor cycling, strength training and calisthenics; Soul Challenge is a unique pro-gram including plyometric exercises and designed for weight loss, core strengthening and overall muscle tone; and SoulCycle Body features cardio, weights and resistance bands. All three work-outs are done on-and-off the bike for a full-body workout and maximum results. 103 Warren St., 212-406-1300; soul-cycle.com

SWIM FANSThe Community Center at Stuyvesant High School is a beloved Downtown institution offer-ing recreation, classes and events for people of all ages and, happily, gives residents the opportu-nity to swim in an Olympic-sized pool year round. Swim classes are offered for toddlers through adults, as are water aerobics, stroke mechanics and even yoga and Zumba (through December 29th). Facilities are open on evenings and weekends while school is in session—perfect for getting a few laps in after a long day at the office. 345 Chambers St., 212-267-9700, ext. 370; 646-210-4292; communitycenteratstuyvesanthighschool.org

ON THE RUNAccording to Urban Athletics’ seasoned running instructors, you can enjoy outdoor running in almost any weather, as long as you have the right gear. And the store sells some of the most high-tech running apparel around, including Sugoi’s Firewall 220 zip jacket and XT gloves, which are windproof and thermal, and their MidZero Zap tight, also wind- and water-resistant and reflective for safety. In addition to selling all the must-have equipment, Urban Athletics offers individual and group running programs year round. Their certified coaches cus-tomize programs to the needs of beginning through advanced runners and have a new program starting in January—just in time for your New Year’s resolutions. 2 World Financial Center; urbanathleticsnyc.com

CORE VALUESSituated in the heart of TriBeCa, Real Pilates is a top-of-the-line studio offering everything from individual and group classes using suspension training systems to a 10-week intro program including comprehensive nutrition evaluation to pre-natal pilates and workouts for men. Owner and fitness guru Alycea Ungaro and her instruc-tors are committed to customizing your workout for rapid results. 177 Duane St., 212-625-0777; realpilatesnyc.com

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WINTER SHAPE-UPYour workout regimen doesn’t have to suffer when the mercury drops.By Camille Hunt

SoulCycle

Urban Athletics

HEALING POWERS A lesson in integrative medicine with Dr. Alex Kulick

Why are some people still ambivalent about holistic/integrative medicine? People believe that integrative/holistic and traditional medicine are non-aligned and mutually exclusive. In fact the whole point of integrative medicine is to incorporate the best of many medical traditions to maximize the ability to understand and treat one’s patients. Integrative medical doctors are as much or more up to date as traditional medical doctors.

What are some of the medical ailments �� medicine?All medical ailments that are chronic in ��"�� *��"+�#�� "��"�-tinal disorders, chronic pain, fatigue, etc. But integrative medicine isn’t just about treating illness; it is a way to maximize one’s health.

�� medicine to athletes? It provides many approaches to help ath-letes maximize their efforts through guid-ance, diet, vitamins and, at times, hormone supplementation. It also utilizes a variety of tools, ranging from acupuncture and me-sotherapy to herbal remedies incorporated from a number of medical traditions, to accelerate the healing of an injured athlete.

What are some of the most common ailments you hear from New Yorkers?Stress, fatigue and insomnia seem ubiquitous in New York, though I can’t imagine why.

369 Lexington Ave., 212-799-2944; dralexanderkulick.com

Real Pilates


HALF MARATHON

TRAINING PROGRAM

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For over 40 years, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) has paved the way toward finding a cure for these chronic digestive diseases. Team Challenge, our Half Marathon Training Program, raises the critical funds needed to make Crohn’s and colitis history.

Novice or advanced runners or walkers will put their abilities to the test! Make new friends and race in the hillside vineyards of Virginia Wine Country or the scenic beaches of Kona, Hawaii while helping the 1.4 million Americans living with these diseases.

Team Challenge: Benefiting Crohn’s & Colitis Research

Join Team NYC Today: Visit ccteamchallenge.org or call 212-679-1570.

Train this winter for a destination race in Virginia or Hawaii!

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PORTABLE POWERThe must-have electronics for those on the go.

The Mini Cooper Countryman is the newest offering from the BMW-owned car company. This small SUV has four doors and is 16 inches longer than the original Mini, so fans of this iconic car no longer have to choose between comfort and style. BMW of Manhattan, 67 Wall St., 646-291-6667; miniusa.com

The Amazon Kindle 3 ($189) is the perfect way to read books,

newspapers and magazines anywhere, anytime. Best Buy,

One Union Square S., 212-446-4789; amazon.com

Have it all—light, thin and a large screen—at the same time with the new MacBook Air (starting at $999). It has a longer lasting battery and Flash stor-age. J&R, 23 Park Row, 212-238-9000; apple.com

The impressive Canon EOS Rebel T1i ($899) is a semi-pro camera offering unmatched performance whether it’s shooting still or video. J&R, 23 Park Row, 212-238-9000; canon.com

Enjoy your favorite games on the Alienware M11x (starting at $799), the ultra-portable netbook by Dell. It has an 11.6-inch screen and its high-

power technology can run the most demanding software. Dell.com

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DESPITE THE EXTREME HEAT, the

Financial District basked in the stylish cool

blown in when the W New York - Downtown

Hotel and Residences opened in August. The

spectacular 450-room property brings togeth-

er modern design and stylish amenities to

raise the bar of sophistication to new heights.

Berlin-based Graft Studio designed the

W’s stunning interiors, with the idea that

the hotel would bring a wave of positive

energy to the neighborhood. This creative

swell can be seen throughout the hotel’s

58 floors, starting with the showering light

installation reaching from the second-floor

ceiling down to the street lobby, and con-

tinuing into the Living Room Bar and Ter-

race (pictured). The latter boasts a wrap-

around outdoor terrace, floor-to-ceiling

windows and plush leather sofas and ot-

tomans. But the most impressive feature in

the space is the incredible Lamella instal-

lation on the ceiling—a billowing curtain

covering thousands of linear feet of LED

lighting, it creates a visually stunning ripple

effect, turning cocktails and snacks into an

event. 123 Washington St., 646-826-8600;

starwoodhotels.com—Camille Hunt

The W New York Downtown is a testament to technical innovation and whimsical design

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WITH CASUAL BURGER-AND-BEER JOINTS and gastro pubs

popping up all over town, it’s nice to know the City retains at least a few

establishments practicing the art of haute cuisine. One of the newest of

that breed is SHO Shaun Hergatt, a 150-seat stunner on the second floor

of The Setai, New York, which executive chef and owner Hergatt says is

designed to “transport people into a different mindset.” Transport, indeed.

The extravagant space features deep red walls, slatted wood, a sparkling

glass wine display, two candle-lit infiniti pools, luxurious leather couches

and linens and beautifully plated Asian-accented French fare served out of

an immaculate, glass-framed open kitchen.

Hergatt, a native Australian who was influenced by the home cook-

ing of his American father—a former chef—and his Scandinavian grand-

mother, is behind the restaurant’s design and cuisine. The acclaimed chef

had stints at several Ritz-Carlton restaurants, was chef de cuisine at New

York’s Atelier and later executive chef at The Setai, Miami Beach before

branching out on his own. At SHO, which recently received a Michelin

star and Best New Restaurant nods from both New York magazine and

Esquire, Hergatt serves up cuisine that’s an extension of his 20 years of

experience—classic techniques, complex flavors and exotic ingredients

that meld into dishes that are pleasing to the eye and the palate. A fall

menu includes such delicacies as butternut squash ravioli with chest-

nut purée, slow-cooked halibut with fingerling almond pavé, barbecued

pork belly with scallion purée and prawn-filled shiitake and braised veal

collar with black eyed peas and a wine reduction.

We sat down with Hergatt (now a Downtown resident) to discuss

comfort food, family and bringing simplicity to fine dining.

Shaun Hergatt shows off his culinary mastery at the Setai.By Vivian Lee

Chef Shaun Hergatt

A private table inside the wine gallery at SHO

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DOWNTOWN: Tell us about the kind of cuisine you experienced while growing up in Australia. SHAUN HERGATT: It was a very multicultural melting pot. Australia is close to Southeast Asia, so there are immigrants from Thailand, China and India. There are also a lot of Europeans, from Italian to Greek. I grew up eating my grandmother’s traditional Scandinavian cuisine. There were a lot of people around the table growing up, and we all sat and had dinner together. It was very rustic and home-driven.

When did you realize you were going to be a chef?My father was a chef for a while, so I was in the kitchen from the age of five. In high school I was working at a hotel, and they asked me if I wanted to apprentice [in the kitchen], and they kept hounding me. Finally I tried it and was naturally good at it. If something is built into you, you have to follow it.

What was the vision behind SHO’s menu?The concept, menu and design are a compilation of my experience over the past 20 years. It was spawned by the concept of classic French cui-sine with Asian influences and was also driven by my personality and what I’ve seen around the world and, of course, my cooking. I think good restaurants are driven by personalities. SHO is very much who I am and what I like to cook.

What impression did you want the design to make on your guests? We want it to feel like a place where people can forget about all their stress and come in and get fine food and fine wine. I love fine dining, but we wanted to do it simply. SHO bridges the gap between fine dining and a pretentious restaurant. And it’s about value for menu as well. Our prices are 20 percent lower than any of the four-star restaurants in the city.

Why open in the Financial District? The developers wanted a world-class restaurant, and there were a lot of signs that we could do it and succeed—Hermès had just opened, and there was a lot of growth going on down here. Right as we opened the recession hit, so we revised the pricing structure and had to deal with the fact that we were quiet in the beginning, but we pushed through. The first real reaction was when we got the Michelin Star and were voted [one of the] Best New Restaurants by Esquire. Today we’re successful be-cause we are in touch with the locals. People are coming from all around Manhattan to visit us.

What menu items are you particularly excited about?Our menu is very seasonally driven, and you can see that on the fall

menu. As we see a new ingredient, we evolve the menu. Fall is good for mushrooms and foie gras, for example. People eat more heavily in the fall and winter, and I love heavy food; it’s much more comforting.

You’ve never attended formal cooking school. Do you think that helped or hurt you?In Australia you do a four-year apprenticeship, which is in more of a Eu-ropean style. The difference with that and, say, attending the French Cu-linary Institute, is the life experiences you gain. You see a lot more of how it is to cook in the kitchen when you apprentice. They beat you up a bit to see if you can cook. I’m not discrediting school, but it’s always interest-ing when kids want to be sous chefs after one year of school. It takes a long time. You have to have a very strong foundation to be a good chef.

You opened the restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach. Why come back to New York?Before Miami, I was chef de cuisine at Atelier, and I was always trying to do my own thing. I purposely went to Miami to open The Setai and make a success of it. It was a good test round for me. I was always going to come back to New York, so it was a strategy. New York is where you want to cook and compete. Look at all the four-star restaurants around the city.

You have people, clients and other chefs pushing you, and you have to keep proving yourself.

Describe the perfect meal at SHO. What are you eating and drinking? I’d start with the Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon—it’s very artistic and clean and in season with apples. I’m a bit of a lamb guy, so for the main course I would do the Colorado lamb, which is crusted with Korean black garlic. As a dessert, I think the pecan and butternut squash ice cream. I don’t like really expensive wines; I prefer boutique wineries. And I’m much more into white wines than reds, especially when it comes into fall season. A lot of foods go very well with a great Gewürztraminer.

40 Broad St., 2nd level, 212-809-3993; shoshaunhergatt.com

From left: 24 Carrots Farm Rabbit Loin with carrots, cardamom and picholine olive sauce; Colorado lamb with fermented garlic and riberry jus; Citrus Palette with milk chocolate ganache and passion fruit ice cream

“We want it to feel like a place where people can forget about all their stress

and come in and get fine food and wine. SHO bridges the gap between fine

dining and a pretentious restaurant.”


‘beca, New American, 130 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-4600; duanestreethotel.com

2 West, American, 2 West Street, Battery Park City, (Inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel), (917) 790-2525; ritzcarlton.com

Acapella, Northern Italian, 1 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 240-0163; acappella-restaurant.com

Adrienne’s Pizza Bar, Italian, 54 Stone St., FiDi, (212) 248-3838; adriennespizzabar.com

Alfanoose, Middle Eastern, 8 Maiden Ln., FiDi, (212) 528-2669; alfanoose.com

Ancora, Italian, 11 Stone St., FiDi (212) 480-3880; ancoraristorante.com

Au Mandarin Restaurant, Chinese, Battery Park City, 200-250 Vesey St., (212) 385-0313; aumandarin.com Barbarini Alimentari, Italian, 225 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-8890; barbarinimercato.com

Battery Gardens, American, 17 State Street, FiDi, (212) 809-5508; batterygardens.com

Battery Park City Gourmet Market, Deli, 450 North End Avenue, Battery Park City, (212) 233-9333

Beach Street Eatery, Deli, 57 Beach St., TriBeCa, (718) 440-4636

Blaue Gans, German/Austrian, 139 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-8880; kg-ny.com

The Bigger Place, Mexican, 61 Warren St., TriBeCa, (212) 528-3175; orderthebiggerplace.com

Bouley, French, 163 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-2525; davidbouley.com

Brasserie Les Halles, French, 15 John St., FiDi, (212) 285-8585; leshalles.net

Bread Tribeca, Italian, 301 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-0200; breadtribeca.com

Bridge Café, American, 279 Water St., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-3344; bridgecafenyc.com

Bridgewaters, American, Catering, 11 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 608-7400; theglaziergroup.com

BLT Bar & Grill, 123 Washington (Inside W New York – Downtown), FiDi, (646) 826-8666 bltbarandgrill.com

Bubby’s, American, 120 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0666; bubbys.com

Burger Burger, American, 77 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 269-9100; burgerburgerny.com

Burger Shoppe, American, 30 Water St., FiDi, (212) 425-1000; burgershoppenyc.com

Café Sage, Thai, 108 John St., FiDi, (212) 925-7440

Capri Café, Italian, 265 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 513-1358

Capsouto Frères, French, Bistro, 451 Washington St., TriBeCa, (212) 966-4900; capsoutofreres.com

Carl’s Steaks, Sandwiches, 79 Chambers St., TriBeCa; carlsteaks.com

Centrico, Mexican, 211 W. Broadway, (212) 431-0700; myriadrestaurantgroup.com

Cercle Rouge, French Bistro, 241 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 226-2652; cerclerougeresto.com

Charlys, American, 110 Trinity Pl., FiDi, (212) 566-0003; charleysonline.com

Chrrascaria, Brazilian, 221 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 925-6969;churrascariatribeca.com

Cipriani Wall St., Italian, 55 Wall St., FiDi, (212) 699-4096; cipriani.com

City Hall Restaurant, American, Steakhouse, 131 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-7777; cityhallnewyork.com

Columbine, Deli, 229 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 965-0909; columbine229.com

Corton, French, 239 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 219-2777; cortonnyc.com

The Country Kebab, Turkish, 76 Fulton St., FiDi, (212) 349-4290; countrykebab.com

Crêpes du Nord, French-Scandinavian Fusion, 17 S. William St., FiDi, (212) 422-9500; crepesdunord.com

Delmonico’s, Steakhouse, 55 Beaver St., FiDi, (212) 509-1144; delmonicosny.com

Devon & Blakely, Casual, 3 World Finan-cial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 240-7450; devonblakelywfc.com

Donald Sacks, American, 220 Vesey St., Battery Park City, (212) 619-4600; donaldsacks.com

Duane Park, American, Southern, 157 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 732-5555; duaneparknyc.com

Dylan Prime, Steakhouse, 62 Laight St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-4783; dylanprime.com

Ecco!, Italian, 124 Chambers St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-7074; eccorestaurantny.com

Edward’s, American, Bistro, 136 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 233-6436; edwardsnyc.com

Estancia 460, Latin American, 460 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 431-5093; estancia460.wordpress.com

Farinella, Italian, 90 Worth St., TriBeCa, (212) 608-3222; farinellabakery.com

Filli Ponte, Italian, 39 Desbrosses St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-4621; filliponte.com

Fino Wall Street, Italian, 1 Wall Street Ct., FiDi, (212) 825-1924; finony.com

Flor de Sol, Tapas, 361 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 366-1640; flordesolnyc.com

Fresco by Scotto On The Go, Italian, Café, 114 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 635-5000; frescobyscotto.com

DINER’S DIGEST

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Gate House, American, 301 South End Ave, Battery Park City, (212) 488-8444; gatehouserestaurantny.com

George’s, American, Diner, 89 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 269-8026 ; georges-ny.com

Gigino, Italian, 323 Greenwich Street, TriBeCa, (212) 431-1112; gigino-trattoria.com

Gigino at Wagner Park, Italian, 20 Battery Pl., Battery Park City, (212) 528-2228; gigino-wagnerpark.com

Godiva Chocolatier, Chocolate, Pier 17, Zone C, 1st Fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 571-6965; godiva.com

Greenwich Grill, Japanese-Italian Fusion, 428 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 274-0428; greenwichgrill.com

Greenwich Street Tavern, Sandwiches, 399 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-7827; greenwichstreettavernnyc.com

The Grill Room, Seafood, 225 Liberty St., 2 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945- 9400; arkrestaurants.com/grill_room

Harbour Lights, American, Contemporary & Seafood, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 227-2800; harbourlightsrestaurant.com

The Harrison, New American, 355 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 274.9310; theharrison.com

Harry’s Café and Steak, American, Steak-house, 1 Hanover Sq., FiDi, (212) 785-9200; harrysnyc.com

Haru, Sushi, 1 Wall St. Court, FiDi, (212) 785-6850; harusushi.com

Heartland Brewery, American Barbeque, Pier 17, Zone D, 1st Fl., South Street Seaport, (646) 572-2337; heartlandbrewery.com

House of Crepes, French, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd Fl., South Street Seaport, (917) 421-2027

Il Brigante, Italian, Trattoria, 214 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 285-0222; ilbrigantenyc.com

Il Giglio, Italian, 81 Warren St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-5555; ilgigliorestaurant.com

Il Matto, Italian, Molecular Gastronomy, 281 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-1607; ilmattonyc.com

Il Mattone, Italian, Trattoria, 413 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 343-0030; ilmattonenyc.com

Inatteso Pizzabar Casano, Pizzeria, 28 West St., TriBeCa, (212) 212-267-8000; inattesopizzabar.com

Industria Argentina, Argentinean, 329 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-8560; iatribeca.com

Ise Japanese Restaurant, Japanese, 56 Pine St., FiDi, (212) 785-7660; iserestaurant.com

Ivy’s Bistro, American, Italian, 385 Greenwich, TriBeCa, (212) 343-1139; ivysbistro.com

Izzy & Nat’s, American, 311 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 619-5100; izzyandnats.com

Jerry’s Café, American, Diner, 90 Chambers St., TriBeCa, (212) 608-1700; jerryscafenyc.com

J.P. Mustard, Deli, 22 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 785-0612

Kaijou, Japanese, 21 South End Ave., Bat-tery Park City, (212) 786-9888, (212) 786-9878; kaijounewyork.com

Kitchenette, American, 156 Chambers Street, TriBeCa, (212) 267-6740; kitchenetterestaurant.com

Kori, Korean, 253 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 334-0908; korinyc.com La Colombe Torrefaction, Coffeehouse, 319 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 343-1515; lacolombe.com

Landmarc, New American, Bistro, 179 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 343-3883; landmarc-restaurant.com

Le Pain Quotidien, Bakery, 2 River Terrace, Battery Park City, (212) 227-2300; lepainquotidien.com/us/

The Libertine, Contemporary Pub, 15 Gold St., FiDi, (212) 785-5950; thelibertinerestaurant.com

Liberty View, Chinese, 21 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 786-1888; libertyviewrestaurant.com

Locanda Verde, Italian, 377 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 925-3797; locandaverdenyc.com

Macao Trading Co., Asian Fusion, 311 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 431-8750; macaonyc.com

Marc Forgione, New American, 134 Reade St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-9401; marcforgione.com

Mark Joseph Steakhouse, American, 261 Water St., South Street Seaport, (212) 277-0200; markjosephsteakhouse.com

Matsugen, Japanese, 241 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 925-0202; jean-georges.com

Max, Italian,181 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 966-5939; max-nyc.com

Meade’s Bar, Contemporary Pub, 22 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, (212) 227-4087; meadesbar.com

Megu, Japanese, 62 Thomas St., TriBeCa, (212) 964-7777; megurestaurants.com

Mehtaphor, Southeast Asian, Eclectic/ Global, Indian,130 Duane Street, TriBeCa, (212) 542-9440; mehtaphornyc.com

Mr. Chow Tribeca, Chinese, 121 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-9500; mrchow.com

Nam, Vietnamese, 110 Reade St # 1, TriBeCa, (212) 267-3777; namnyc.com

Nelson Blue, New Zealand, Bar & Grill, 233-235 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 346-9090; nelsonblue.com

Ninja New York, Japanese, 25 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 274-8500; ninjanewyork.com

P.J. Clarke’s

The Odeon

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Nobu, Japanese, 105 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0500; noburestaurants.com/new-york

Nobu Next Door, Japanese, 105 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0500; noburestaurants.com/new-york

The Odeon, American, 145 West Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 233-0507; theodeonrestaurant.com

O’Hara’s, Pub, 120 Cedar St., TriBeCa, (212) 267-3032

Pacific Grill, Pan-Asian Seafood, 89 South St., South Street Seaport, (212) 964-0707; pacificgrillnyc.com

Pécan, Café, 130 Franklin St., TriBeCa, (646) 613-8296

Peace & Love, American and Seafood, 378 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 349-8500; peacelovenyc.com

Pepolino, Tuscan, 281 W. Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 966-9983; pepolino.com

Picasso Pizza, Pizzeria, 303 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 321-2616; picassopizzany.com

P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson, Casual, 4 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 285-1500; pjclarkes.com

Plein Sud, French, 85 West Broadway, TriBeCa, (212) 204-5555; pleinsudnyc.com

RBC NYC, Coffeehouse, 71 Worth St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-1111; rbcnyc.com

Red, Mexican, 19 Fulton St., South Street Seaport, (212) 571-5900; redrestaurantnyc.com

Roc, Italian, 190-A Duane St., Main, TriBeCa, (212) 625-3333, Delivery (212) 925-1100; rocrestaurant.com

Rosanjin, Japanese, 141 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 346-7807; rosanjintribeca.com

Ruchi, Indian, 120 Cedar St., TriBeCa, (212) 227-8454, (212) 227-8455; ruchinyc.com

Salaam Bombay, Indian, 319 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-9400; salaambombay.com

Salud! Restaurant & Bar, Latin and South American, 142 Beekman St., South Street Seaport, (212) 566-2220; saludrestaurant.net

Sazón, Puerto Rican, 105 Reade St., TriBeCa, (212) 406-1900; sazonnyc.com

Scalini Fedeli, Italian, 165 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 528-0400; scalinifedeli.com

Sequoia, American and Seafood, Pier 17, Zone A, 1st and 2nd fl., South Street Seaport, (212) 732-9090; arkrestaurants.com/sequoia

SHO Shaun Hergatt, French-Asian Fusion, 40 Broad St, 2nd Floor, FiDi, (212) 809-3993; shoshaunhergatt.com

Simply Seafood, Seafood Market, Pier 17, Zone A, 3rd Fl., South Street Seaport, (201) 819-0484

Smith & Mills, American Traditional, 71 N. Moore St., TriBeCa, (212) 226-2515; smithandmills.com

Souths, American Pub, 273 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-0640; southsnyc.com

Southwest Grill, Southwestern, 225 Liberty St., 2 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945-0528; southwestny.com

Steamer’s Landing, Continental, 375 South End Ave., Battery Park City, (212) 432-1451; steamerslanding.com

Stella Manhattan Bistro, American, Bar, 213 Front St., South Street Seaport, (212) 233-2417; stellanyc.com

Stone Street Tavern, American, Pub, 52 Stone St., FiDi, (212) 785-5658; stonestreettavernnyc.com

Stuzzicheria, Italian, 305 Church St., TriBeCa, (212) 219-4037; stuzzicherianyc.com

Sushi Azabu, Japenese, 428 Greenwich St., Basement, TriBeCa, (212) 274-0428; greenwichgrill.com

Suteishi, Sushi, 24 Peck Slip, South Street Seaport, (212) 766-2344; suteishi.com

Takahachi, Japanese, 145 Duane St., TriBeCa, (212) 571-1830; takahachi.net

Tamarind Tribeca, Indian, 99 Hudson St., TriBeCa, (212) 775-9000; tamarinde22.com

Tataki, Sushi, 3 Lispenard St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-0975; tatakisushibar.com

Terroir Tribeca, Wine Bar, 24 Harrison St., TriBeCa, (212) 625-9463; wineisterroir.com

Thalassa, Greek, 179 Franklin St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-7661; thalassanyc.com

Trattoria Cinque, Italian, 363 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 965-0555; trattoriacinquenyc.com

Tribeca Grill, New American, 375 Greenwich St., TriBeCa, (212) 941-3900; myriadrestaurantgroup.com/tribecagrill

Ulysses Folk House, Pub, 95 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 482-0400; ulyssesfolkhouse.com

Wall & Water, American, 75 Wall St., FiDi, (212) 699-1700; wallandwater.com

Waterstone Grill, American, Seafood, 79 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 943-1602; waterstonegrill.com

Yushi, Japanese, 250 Vesey St., 4 World Financial Center, Battery Park City, (212) 945-3096; yushi.com

Zaitzeff, American, Burgers, 72 Nassau St., FiDi, (212) 571-7272; zaitzeffnyc.com

Zeytuna, Sandwiches, Sushi, 59 Maiden Ln, FiDi, (212) 742-2436; zeytuna.com

Zigolini’s, New American, Bar, 66 Pearl St., FiDi, (212) 425-3127; zigolinis.com

Megu

WITH YOUR APPETIZERS…What’s more festive than sparkling wine? It matches well with all light foods. I recommend Henri Goutorbe NV Champagne ($43.00) if you have money to spend, or the fine Gruet Brut Rose ($18.00), a dry sparkling wine produced in New Mexico by a French champagne family. If you happen to be serving a cheese, olive and meat tray, I suggest something from the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, which produces some fantastic cheeses and meats. You can’t go wrong with the Bassi Luigi Pignoletto Reno 2009 ($17.50) or the Terre Nerre Lambrusco ($16.50), a slightly sparkling dry red wine that goes very well with salty meats.

WITH YOUR ENTRÉES…Ham: I love an off-dry Riesling with ham. Its hint of sweetness along with its acidity make it a natural to offset the richness of ham. Schäfer-Fröhlich Medium Dry 2008 ($21.50) from the Nahe region of Germany would be perfect.

Turkey: For a classic pairing, go with a California Zinfandel like the Storia Zinfandel 2006 ($28) or the organic Sobon Zinfandel Hillside 2008 ($12). If you want to be cool and different, a juicy Beau-jolais is surely the way to go, especially from the fantastic 2009 vintage. The Chateau d’Emeringes Beaujolais-Villages Vielles Vignes 2009 ($17), a Cru Beaujolais like the Granger Moulin a Vent 2006 ($19.75) or a gamay from the Loire Valley will earn you kudos from wine geeks.

Fish: For a lighter white fish I’d go with a Marl-borough, New Zealand-style sauvignon blanc, like the Virginie Taunt Sauvignon Blanc 2009 ($16.50). The wine has nice citrus and grassy flavors, which won’t overwhelm the fish. For a heavier fish like salmon, a California pinot noir is always nice—the inherent red fruitiness matches well with the fattiness of the fish, but it has enough structure to cut through it. Try the Fleur Pinot Noir 2008 ($19.75).

Roast Beef or Steak: Roast beef and steak show almost any big red wine to advantage. The protein in the meat devours the tannins in the wine, while the meatiness stands up well against a fruit-forward, oaky wine. For something a little different, try Keith Tulloch’s Per Diem Quan-tum Red 2006 ($19.25) from Australia.

Pork: With its mineral tones and hint of white pep-per, the white Franz Etz Grüner Veltliner 2009 ($14.25) is a natural with unadorned pork. On the red side try a nice German pinot noir. The subtle fruit, spice and earthiness of Becker Pinot Noir 2008 ($21) will not be lost on the pork.

Lamb: You can’t ignore the classic pairing of lamb and red Bordeaux. The Château la Rame Bordeaux 2006 ($23.50), dominated by cabernet sauvignon with some merlot in the blend, will pair perfectly.

FOR DESSERT…Chocolate: Chocolate is notoriously hard to pair with wine, but try the Infantado Tawny Port NV ($18.00). The aged fruit flavors and slight sweet-ness offset the deep dark flavors of the chocolate.

Pumpkin pie: I’d stick with the port for this pie as the deep fruit and spice of the pie almost mimic that of the port. But to make your circle complete, you can return to the original sparkling wines.

Apple or fruit pie: For something very low in alcohol after all you’ve consumed, why not try a sweet sparkling Moscato from Italy like La Spinet-ta Moscato d’Asti Quaglia 2009 ($20.00)? Sweet on sweet works very well in this instance.

55 Liberty St., 212-406-9463; downtowncellars.com

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PERFECT PAIRINGSAfter a long career as a financial executive in the cosmetics industry, Seth Datz decided it was time for a change. So he quit his job, began studying wine and joined Downtown Cellars (formerly The Greene Grape) in 2006. Here, the corporate businessman-turned-wine aficionado tells us which vinos pair best with a holiday meal.

RAISING THE BAR These special edition, artfully designed bottles are perfect for gift giving or special occasions.By Camille Hunt

BEEFEATER WINTER EDITION Cinnamon, nutmeg, pine shoots and extra Seville orange make Beefeater Winter Edi-tion gin spicier and warmer than the original libation. The limited edition bottle is dressed in cool colors and comes in a stylish gift box.

ABSOLUT GLIMMERIconic Swedish vodka brand Absolut has long been known for its creative bottles and ad campaigns, and their holiday offering doesn’t disappoint. Absolut Glimmer comes in a glamorous crystal-like bottle that will light up anyone’s at-home bar.

BELVEDERE VODKASILVER LIMITED EDITION Belvedere produced only 46,000 cases of this limited edition stunner. The vodka inside is the same as the traditional, but the luxurious *�""��7��"��%<�=��<��>

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BRANDY LIBRARYClassic cocktails and speakeasy-inspired spots have seen a welcome resurgence lately, and one of the newest to join the lot is Brandy Library in TriBeCa. This upscale lounge boasts some of the rarest spirits around and a menu of 100 classic cocktails, in addition to its wines, beers and tasty hors d’oeuvres. There’s also weekly whisky tasting and a live piano player on Monday nights. Before you go, be sure to make reservations—the bar has a strict policy about not overcrowding to ensure that all guests have a seat and can enjoy their experi-ence. Also, although there is no formal dress code, all patrons must be 25 or older. 25 N. Monroe St., 212-226-5545; brandylibrary.com

CIPRIANI WALL STREETAfter-work cocktails are raised to new heights at Cipriani Wall Street, where an open-air terrace sits among granite columns giving patrons a view of Wall Street while they imbibe. Thursday nights see the biggest crowds, when DJ Jacques spins from 9pm till 1am, Double Cross vodka supplies cocktails and tasty Cipriani classics are served inside and out (weather permitting). If a luxurious cocktail and impeccable service are what you crave, this is the place to be. 55 Wall St., 212-699-4099; cipriani.com

TERROIR TRIBECA Oenophiles rejoiced when Terroir TriBeCa, sister to the popular West Village location, opened its doors last spring. The 65-seat destination has the vibe of a subterranean neighborhood bar—with dark woods, wine bottles lining the walls and ultra low lighting. At 50 pages, the massive wine list includes an ar-ray of top-of-the-line wines from around the world. Luckily, servers are well versed and can steer you in the right direction, including toward their popular wines on tap (yes, tap) and selection of local vinos from Finger Lakes, New York. 24 Harrison St. 212-625-9463; restauranthearth.com

WARREN 77Former Beatrice Inn owner Matt Abramcyck and New York Ranger Sean Avery opened this hand-some sports bar in 2009 and it has since become a favorite of locals and the after-work crowd look-ing to grab a brew and watch a game in a classier setting. The bar’s vintage-inspired interior features tufted leather banquettes, black-and-white pho-tographs of sports greats like John McEnroe and Yogi Berra, Hardy Boys books lining the walls and tabletop video games playing classics like Donkey Kong and Galaga. 77 Warren St., 212-227-8994; warren77nyc.com

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DRINK UPFour Downtown establishments top the list in the sports bar, speakeasy, wine bar and upscale lounge categories.

Brandy Library

Cipriani

DATE NIGHT Where to go and what to do when a night off from the kids is in order.

Before heading out on the town, ladies should try TenOverTen (112 Reade St., @��Q��'��7�%��X��[��that complements its full-service mani-cures and pedicures with iPads and a full cocktail menu. Gents can get a full-service shave, haircut and shoeshine at the historic barbershop Esquires of Wall St. (14 Wall \">�' 7#��# #� *�� =�� ]�7�"�7�gentlemen in tip-top shape for decades. ^! � �� Q�7�� <��" ��*��-quet is in order, try Flora Tech (51 Beach \">�> _� �`� %�� #" � 7��" "��" ��#�7�"#�� #"!��<"#�{��#��-late artistes at La Maison Du Chocolat �|�}��\">�> For dinner, head to any of the romantic ��"��" "#�" �� ]�7�"�7�� <��%streets, including Duane Park�~��]��\">�' 7#��# !��"�� `� �� !��-mances by burlesque dancers nightly, and legendary French restaurant Bouley �~|�]��\">�'7��%�� #�`-�� <��!"#��"%��"��>�!"��dinner take a romantic stroll down the es-planade, which runs the length of Battery Park along the Hudson and boasts some of the best views in the city. Feel like getting away from it all but a !��!! "�� "�! "#��"��]�7�-town hotels like the TriBeCa Grand (2 �`�� ! "#� �<�� The Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park�@}�"\">��!!��romantic couples packages year round. _�"�=��`�"��#�""��with East Coast Yacht Cruises (19 Fulton \">�' 7#�� %�� !�� =� %�� "#� ��"%� ��"�� `�"� !�� "#� ��"time.—Sam Edsill[��"X��

1 NEW YORK PLAZABrookfield Office Properties

2 NEW YORK PLAZAPan Am Equities

55 WATER ST.Retirement Systems of Alabama 32 OLD SLIP

Financial SquareBeacon Capital Partners

111 WALL ST.Citibank Building

15 WILLIAM ST.William Beaver House

20 EXCHANGE PLACEMetro Loft Management

75 WALL ST.Hakimian Managemment Corp.

120 WALL ST. Silverstein Properties

60 WALL ST.Deutsche Bank

180 MAIDEN LANEContinental Center

VIEWS FROM THE TOPThe Downtown skyline is arguably the most famous in the world, but many of us pass these iconic buildings and skyscrapers every day, often without ever looking up. With the help of the Downtown Alliance, we put a name to many of the structures that comprise this familiar horizon.

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70 PINE ST.AIG Building

88 PINE ST.Wall Street PlazaOrient Overseas Associates

CHASE MANHATTAN PLAZAJ.P. Morgan Chase

175 WATER ST.American International Group

199 WATER ST.One Seaport Plaza Jack Resnick & Sons

233 BROADWAYWoolworth BuildingThe Witkoff Group

FULTON & SOUTH STREETSouth Street Seaport

8 SPRUCE STREETBeekman Tower

90 BEEKMAN STREETSouthbridge Towers


THE GREAT DIVIDE


LORRAINE DOYLEDISTRICT MANAGERMILFORD MANAGEMENTBATTERY PARK

Why do you like living in Battery Park City?

It’s a real neighborhood. If you live anywhere else in Manhattan,

you can actually live in your apt for 20 years and never completely

know your neighbor. In BPC neighbors know each other’s children,

mothers, families and dogs. I also love to sit on the bench by the

water watching the cruise ships. People pay a lot of money to get

away in search of what we have right here in our own backyard.

We have parks, restaurants, shopping, playgrounds and even the

yacht basin with lovely sailboats from all over the world.

Where did you live before BPC and how does it compare?

I lived around 14th Street, and there is no comparison.

What are your thoughts on “the great divide?”

Why should someone choose West over East?

The minute you cross the West Side Highway from East to West

you feel it; you just know that you’re in a different place. If someone

is looking for a peaceful, tranquil neighborhood, this is the place.

Everything Manhattan has to offer is just at your feet and fingertips.

If you decide to have a family, we are perfectly suited for families.

BPC has created a place for Manhattanites that never existed

before.

What about the fact that the restaurants close early?

Where do you go for food after 9 p.m.?

I’m sleeping [laughing]. If I don’t have what I want in my refrigera-

tor, we do have great restaurants right here, including Inatesso and

Izzy & Nat’s. But if I want nightlife it’s just a stone’s throw away—

across the highway. I wouldn’t change my life for the few times

that I would wish to have food after 10 p.m.

Wall Street suits or stroller moms? Spectacular architecture or water views? Trees and dog parks or acclaimed restaurants and late night revelry?

Two Downtown residents—each living on a different side of the West Side Highway—sound off.

LUIGI ROSABIANCAPRINCIPAL ATTORNEY | FOUNDER ROSABIANCA & ASSOCIATES, PLLC

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Why do you like living in FiDi?

The charm of FiDi is the iconic buildings within the canyon-like street

compositions. It would be a shame not to benefit from the charm that

these mazes afford us. It also has a small town sense of community. The

butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker reside Downtown.

How is living and working in the same area?

It does call for the occasional excursion. So I keep my passport ready for

when I go north of 23rd Street.

Where did you live before FiDi and how does it compare?

There was no before Downtown.

What are your thoughts on “the great divide?”

Why should someone choose East over West?

East side architecture is the oldest in the country, while successfully

progressing its current uses to modern necessities. This balance of clas-

sicism marrying modernism achieves harmony here. A westsider’s path

home can include a “frogger-like” stroll among vehicles traveling well

in excess of the lawful speed limit as they cross the Highway, to then

be confronted with monsoon force winds from the Hudson that will re-

adjust the trimmest of haircuts. You get to go home to a neighborhood

with “Park” in its title, but your common charges are a bit excessive.

What do you see in the future for Downtown?

Do you worry about the area being over-developed?

Not at all. There are few, if any, available lots to be developed upon. Thus

the apartments in place will be the quantity to be reckoned with for

some time to come. We need to revolutionize the entire area surround-

ing The Seaport. Give us time; it will come.

��

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