Long Islanders Celebrate Irish Day With Their Annual St. Patrick’s Parade and Parlay Gastropub Restaurant

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(Long Island, NY) Long Island residents celebrated Irish Day in Rockville Centre with the 20th Rockville Center St. Patrick’s Parade. The event took place on Saturday March 19, 2016.

With much anticipation the Parade route began on the corner of Long Beach Road and Maple Avenue. Marchers headed west on Maple until the street ended; the parade then took a sharp right turn on North Park Ave, a quick sharp left onto College Place, continuing onto Quealy Place where paraders passed Village Hall and the St. Agnes Cathedral. Paraders continued on to the end of Quealy and made a left onto North Village Avenue and a right onto Washington Street coming to an end at Parking Field 2.

Patron Jon Arneth celebrates with Cognac Wellerlane.

The Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade is proudly known as the Parade that Cares and Shares—what a brilliant decision by those founders back in 1997 to build in a way to give back. Rockville Centre’s is the only St. Patrick’s Parade that raises money and promotes three different charities each year. In the Parade’s previous 19 years organizers raised $933,000 for 58 individual charities. They are very close to that 1 million dollar raised mark, and with continued support they may very well reach their goal of surpassing a million dollars.

This year they add three more charities to the roster. The organization takes the process in choosing each charity very seriously and is overjoyed by the 2016 Sponsor Charities.

Rob Verderosa with Cognac. Rob Verderosa with Cognac.

The Irish Charity is the Ballinasloe Eagles Special Olympics Club—from Galway Ireland. This is an organization that is dedicated to helping special athletes train and compete at a high levels in horseback riding, golf, and swimming. Their athletes face many challenges in life but the chance to participate in sports brings them many social opportunities for inclusion and the enhancement of their self esteem. They may be 5000+ miles away, but because of this partnership everyone knows who they are and, perhaps equally important, they know who Rockville Centre is.

The Parade’s National Charity is the Children’s Tumor Foundation. The Children’s Tumor Foundation is an organization dedicated to finding effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with neurofibromatosis (NF). NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body resulting in many difficult and painful medical conditions. One of the goals of CTF is to expand public awareness of NF to promote earlier and accurate diagnoses by the medical community, increase the non-affected population’s understanding of the challenges facing people with NF and encourage financial and other forms of support from public and private sources. This is where the 2016 Parade comes in—for those who do not know of CTF before this Parade their mission is for all to become aware and to support. Continued support will go towards treatments and a cure for all the NF Heroes out there.

Delicious food from Parlay Gastropub. Delicious food from Parlay Gastropub.

Michael O’Reilly was Grand Marshall for this year’s event. After the parade pedestrians and Rockville Centre residents visited the many restaurants and pubs celebrating Irish Day. One big contributor and supporter of the event was Parlay Gastropub Restaurant, located at 210 Merrick Rd in Rockville Centre.

I sat down with Manager Rob Verderosa who explained what Irish Day means to the community and what Parlay Gastropub was offering.

Parlay Gastropub Menu 2

Cognac: Welcome back darling I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here at Parlay Restaurant to celebrate Irish Day and I am here with the Manager. Introduce yourself to the camera.

Rob: Absolutely, hello everyone my name is Robert Verderosa. We are here at Parlay Gastropub Restaurant in Rockville Centre. Today is the beautiful Irish Day festivities that are done in Rockville Centre every year.

I understand there was a big parade earlier and everyone came in here afterwards.

Rob: Yes, there is a big parade every year. It starts about 11:30 – 12:00 PM and then when the parade is done everyone and all the bars and the restaurants in the town celebrate the festivities from now until 1:00 AM.

Fantastic! First there was a brunch and now everyone is having dinner and a fantastic time. Tell my audience what we are eating… there’s chicken wings and there is also steak.

Rob: Yes, right here you have the Prime Rib French Dip—one of our staples here. We just updated our menu; we have eleven different flavors of wings that nobody has anywhere else. We are a gastropub. A lot of people ask, “What is a gastropub?” We are a pub that takes pride in high quality food and has a spin on certain dishes you would not normally see.

Parlay Gastropub offers a creative, high-quality food menu, an extensive specially cocktail list and 40 craft beers. Beer enthusiast can sample any beer by ordering a beer tasting flight with their meal. Parlay Gastropub was voted up one hundred brunches in America by Open Table. You can enjoy a decadent brunch menu of savory and sweet edible items unlike any other trendy eatery in Long Island.

Parlay Gastropub Menu 4

They also serve delicious dinners accompanied by flat screen televisions to watch sport games and a vivacious party atmosphere on the weekends—there is always some thing for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant is open for dinner and happy hour Monday through Friday. After hours is party night on Fridays and Saturdays, and there is always brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information please visit ParlayRVC.com.

Bailey House Presents Their Annual Gala and Auction at The Chelsea Piers

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New York, NY – Bailey House presented its annual Gala & Auction, one of the hottest parties on the spring benefit circuit, at Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers on Thursday, March 10, 2016. The gala honored the heroism of individuals and organizations that help further the Bailey House mission of transforming the lives of people with or at risk of HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses through housing, health services and community.

Honorees included: Tom Postilio & Mickey Conlon of Douglas Elliman Real Estate for their exceptional support of Bailey House and their work amplifying the organization’s mission; The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, a longtime dedicated supporter of Bailey House and many other organizations addressing HIV/AIDS; Joy A. Tomchin, a social justice activist and philanthropist in the LGBT, HIV/AIDS, and women’s and children’s rights movements; and Daniella Carter, a formerly homeless young advocate, for her work raising awareness about LGBT youth homelessness.

The Bailey House Auction and  Gala was hosted by Raphael Mirand and Gus Rosendale, Emmy Award-winning members of the NBC 4 New York team.

News Anchor Gus Rosendale with Cognac.

The storied Auction followed the gala and this year introduced a new feature – the Design for Living Designer Auction. Design for Living offers an unparalleled opportunity to bid on consultations provided by 20 of New York’s most sought-after interior designers. Other featured Auction items included Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts photographs; tickets to Hamilton and Shuffle Along with a backstage meet-and-greet with Brian Stokes Mitchell; a luxurious getaway to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam with airfare provided by Air France; experiential Los Angeles vacation with a stay at The Standard and Access Hollywood set visit plus meet and greet; outstanding works of established and contemporary artists, including Bruce Sargeant, Peter Max, and Brian Kenny; and a unique and robust selection of home furnishings and décor. Bailey House has raised over $15M since its inaugural event in 1988. All proceeds benefit Bailey House programs that help transform the lives of low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

During the event I talked with Honoree Daniella Carter.

Twenty year old Daniella Carter was  raised in foster care.  At the age of fourteen she came out as transgender and was disassociated by her conservative Christian parents. For the next several years, she lived in the New York City subways but still attended high school every day.

After finishing high school, she established a global advocacy group, Gender Global, made a cameo appearance in a Laverne Cox-produced documentary and has recently  worked with Start From Here, an organization fighting youth homelessness. She has spoken at awareness-raising events around the world including  the White House.

Cognac:  Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here with one of the honorees right here at the Bailey House Auction and Gala, Daniella Carter.  Am I right about that?

Daniella: Yes, you are correct.

Tell my audience what this award means to you being honored here tonight at the Bailey House.

Daniella:  So I was a client of Baileys–

 …Am I right about this, you were homeless for a very long period of time.

Daniella:  Yes and so I experienced homelessness from the age of fourteen to eighteen while navigating through high school.  I tried to reach out and identify mentors and I identified with Janet Moch, the author of “Redefining Realness,” and she pretty much connected me with Laverne and I shared my physical and sexual abuse.

 You really have experienced everything, haven’t you?

Daniella:  I wouldn’t say everything.  I am sure there are people out there who have experienced more than I have but I would say, I definitely would say I did not have the ideal narrative.  I didn’t have the typical New York City kid upbringing, but I think, when we look at our own inner sexual lens, me being a transgender woman of color it was kind of bound to happen.  I am very grateful and humble to overcome that adversary–being homeless.

You are still alive because people very much like yourself they don’t live. Things happen.

Daniella:  Yeah, there is 2.5 million homeless LGBT youth living in this country.  We know that 19% of trans people are living in households that are making less than $10,000 a year.  We get a lot of oppression, but for me being alive is a revolutionary act for so many youth who have been silenced, and so I continue to do the work because it is not about me it is about them redefining a narrative that for so long has been stigmatized by media and society.

Daniella Carter at the Bailey House Gala Daniella Carter at the Bailey House Gala.

I also had the chance to chat with Honorees Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon of Douglas Elleman Real Estate, HGTV’s  “Selling NY,” who received the Jason Sheftell Real Estate Award.

Cognac:  Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here with the Honorees and they just accepted their award right here at the Bailey House Auction and Gala.  Introduce yourselves to the camera darlings.

Mickey:  My name is Mickey Conlon

Tom:  And I am Tom Postilio

Now what this award mean to you?  Obviously it means a tremendous thing but tell my audience deeply what it means to you.

Mickey:  Sure, the Jason Sheftell Real Estate Award was named for Jason Sheftell, who was a prominent real estate reporter for the Dailey News,and he was a giant in the industry and a great friend of ours and a champion not only of the real estate industry but also of Bailey House. To receive this award named in his honor means a great deal to us because it keeps the spirit of generosity–that was what Jason was really all about–it keeps it alive.

And I am sure you feel the same.

Tom:  I do of course.  We were fortunate to know Jason personally for so many years, and then as Mickey was saying he respected real estate brokers because he came from a family where his mom was a real estate broker and he knew that It was not the easiest job in the world.

Tom Postillio and Mickey Conlon with Cognac.

Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon stand out even among the exclusive coterie of New York’s “super-brokers.” Responsible for more than $1.5 billion in residential sales, Tom & Mickey are named among the Top 1,000 Real Estate Professionals in the United States by The Wall Street Journal. Their innovative marketing techniques have repeatedly shattered price records not only in several of Manhattan’s most desirable buildings, but also for entire neighborhoods, as highlighted in a New York Times feature story.

As stars of Selling New York, HGTV’s smash-hit reality series broadcast to 99-million American homes and 65 countries, Tom & Mickey are internationally renowned for their command of New York City’s luxury real estate market. They have been profiled by a variety of publications, from the New York Times to the Hollywood Reporter, as well as major television news outlets, including CBS, NBC, CNBC, Fox, Bloomberg, ABC’s Good Morning America, and Inside Edition.

For 33 years, Bailey House has worked to transform the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses through comprehensive housing, care coordination, and wraparound support services. Their efforts are aligned with the campaign to end AIDS in New York State by 2020.

For more information please visit BaileyHouse.org.

Hooray For Hollywood: Taste Of The Oscars Viewing Party Honors Actor and LI Resident Burt Young

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It was Hollywood on Long Island as guests and celebrities arrived in chauffeured limousines wearing tuxedos, gowns, and diamonds at Taste of the Oscars.

Taste of the Oscars took place on Academy Award night, February 28th, 2016, at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College. Molloy College partnered with the Long Beach International Film Festival, Long Island Pulse, and News 12 to bring to all Long Islanders their annual Long Island Oscar viewing party honoring Burt Young, known for his role in Rocky, in support of the Madison Theatre Scholarship for young filmmakers.

Comedian and host, Paul Bond, was the Master of Ceremonies through the festivities, games, and trivia. From 5:30 – 7:30 PM guests enjoyed local food, wines, and cocktails from the restaurants including Cannon Blackthorns, Taste of Greece, Viaggio, Chadwicks, Mesita, Salsa Mexicana, Sangre-DeUva, Bonefish Grill, and Tony Columbos

Additionally Red Door Space primped the guests on the red carpet. Jewels by Kravitz Celebrity Jeweler, Idayne Kaye, and Peter Duffy Furs also walked the Red carpet. The evening was also special because of an an award presented to the night’s Honoree, actor Burt Young. Before his award was presented a special video message from Sylvester Stallone was shown to congratulate Mr. Young.

Gerald Tommaso DeLouise was born April 30, 1940 and is better known by his stage name Burt Young. Mr. Young is an American actor, painter, and author. He is best known for his Academy Award-nominated role as Sylvester Stallone’s character’s brother-in-law and best friend, Paulie Pennino, in the Rocky film series.

Co-Founders Ingrid Dodd and Craig Weintraub pose with a Photo-op With Honoree Paul Young.

Young was born in Queens, New York, the son of Josephine and Michael DeLouise. During my interview with the iconic actor he revealed he was trained by Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. Young is a widower and has one daughter, Anne More. He now lives in Port Washington. Mr. Young also served a tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps from 1957-1959.

Young made his name playing rough-edged working class Italian-American characters, the best-known example being his signature role Paulie in Rocky in 1976 for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He is one of four actors who have appeared in all of the first six Rocky films.Young did not reprise his role in the 2015 film Creed because his character died in 2012.

He has played similar roles in Chinatown, Convoy, Back to School, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Once Upon a Time in America, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Downtown: A Street Tale, and even a brutal and darker role in Amityville II: The Possession. Young has also appeared in many television programs, including The Rockford Files, Baretta, Law & Order, Walker, Texas Ranger, M*A*S*H, and guest-starred in a Miami Vice episode. He also made an appearance on The Sopranos (in the episode “Another Toothpick”) as Bobby Baccalieri’s father, who is dying of cancer and comes out of retirement to execute a hit on his godson.

Young is a painter whose art has been displayed in galleries throughout the world. As an artist, he has collaborated with the writer Gabriele Tinti, for whom he designed the cover for the poetry collection All over, as well as contributing the illustrations for the art book A Man. Young is also a published author whose works include two filmed screenplays and a 400-page historically based novel called Endings.

He has written the stage plays: SOS, A Letter to Alicia, and the New York City Government From a Man With a Bullet in His Head.

I had a wonderful opportunity to chat with Co-Founder Ingrid Dodd on the red carpet.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here with the founder of the Long Beach Film Festival and she is going to introduce herself to the camera.

Ingrid: Hi, my name is Ingrid Dodd I am the co-founder of the Long Beach Film Festival and I am also the Director of Development for Motion Pictures and TV for Nassau County.

How exciting is that.

Ingrid: Yes, it is a fun job. I have a good time.

Tell my audience about this event tonight. It’s a pretty spectacular event. It’s not just about watching the Oscars, it’s also about giving an award to someone that is an important actor that is well deserved. Tell my audience about that.

Ingrid: I agree. I think that Burt Young is an iconic figure in American cinema. He has been in over two hundred films and he was nominated for an Academy Award. Not only that he is an artist, writer… he is like a Renaissance man. You know he is amazing and we have known Burt for a very long time. He has supported the Long Beach Film Festival as well as Nassau County. He comes to our press conferences at the studios now that the business here in Long Island is booming. He is just a really awesome human being and I am honored that he accepted. On top of that he will be giving out two scholarships.

Yes I read that, that is pretty amazing.

Ingrid: It is amazing. We have something called the “Do A Good Deed Contest” every year and we encourage students to find their creativity and do something kind for others and we give them awards to be nice. So this year we used Instagram because all the kids are on social media. We had them post something that was kind for someone else–either a photograph or a fifteen second Instagram video and we have the winners here tonight to accept.

Actor Bill Lee Lanndis, Co-Founders Ingrid Dodd and Craig Weintraub, and Cognac Wellerlane pose for a photo-op.

The Long Beach Film Institute gives back to the community by orchestrating the “Do A Good Deed Contest” open to students from 6th-12th grade. Encouraging kindness, and the art of giving back, while using the creativity of video or photography. They have held events for students at The Long Beach Recreation Center, with movie nights and ice skating, encouraging kids to stay safe and gather as a community.

LBFI holds “Shorts On The Beach” every summer, along the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean in Long Beach. A movie theatre is re-created on the beach where independent and studio short films are screened for free public viewing. This brings together people of all ages and keeps Arts Alive on the South Shore of LI. LBFI also assisted the Long Beach High School with creating their first film festival and incorporates film students from colleges and schools all over LI in their internship program. There is also a yearly scholarship awarded to an underprivileged student to attend Madison Theatre Summer Film Camp.

Celebrities that attended a Taste of The Oscars included: Actor Bill Lee Lanndis, Actress Helen Proimos, Celebrity Jewelry Designer from Kravitz Jewelers, Idayne Kaye, Chef Jonathan Scinto (from MasterChef) Comedian Paul Bond, Samantha Brooks, Celebrity cake designer Jaimie Stewart, News 12 Sports Anchor Donna Drake, CBS Live It Up star AJ Espinoza, and Comedian Carrie Karivis.

Throughout the night raffles tickets were purchased with great prizes donated by: The Garden City Hotel, The Indigo Hotel, The Inn at Fox Hollow Hotel, Viaggio, Cabo, Kooka Burra Coffee Company, Eden Total Skim Care, SwingBelly’s, Paulina Hair Salon, Lido Kosher Deli, Laurel, Diner by the Sea and Oh La La Boutique.

From 7:30 – 8pm there was an award ceremony honoring Burt Young’s generosity and commitment to the Arts as well as education here on Long Island. Also at 8pm was showtime at the Oscars with a special viewing of the Red Carpet with dessert and cocktails provided by: Sami Cakes Boutique, The Garden City Hotel Poppy’s Bakeshop, Front Street Bakery, and Pammy Cake Creations.

Sitting on luxurious comfortable sofas, celebrity guests were able to see a live broadcast viewing of the Oscars on a huge movie screen. Host and comedian Paul Bond ·revealed winners of the raffles that were announced throughout the commercials.

Guest could also purchase their own Hollywood Star of Fame to sign and add to the red carpet. Everyone was able to vote on their very own ballot of who they thought the winners should be. Proceeds will go to benefit the Madison Theatre Film Intensive Scholarship Fund for an underprivileged student to attend the Summer Film Intensive at Molloy College.

For more information please visit the LBIFF website.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK PREMIERED FROM FEBRUARY 11th THROUGH 17th, 2016, Showing Off New Collections

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New York, NY – New York Fashion Week, held in February and September of each year, is a semi-annual series of events for a full week when international fashion collections are shown to buyers, the press and the general public. As always, since fashion week is a preview of styles to come, each season is named for the season the clothes will actually be available, not for the month the shows are held. The previews of the collections are always a season ahead.

Fashion Week in February premiered from February 11 through February 17, 2016.

Below are my top picks of the incredible collections that I have seen for the whole week.

Nicholas K Fall/Winter 2016/2017

The sister-and-brother collaboration of Nicholas K have been designing fashion for over a decade. The Urban Nomad inspiration continues to be central to their collections and re-appears once again for fall/winter 2016.

Flowing, comfortable designs created a staple by striking accessories flooded the runway earlier this week in New York.

A member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America since 2009 and the opening show of New York Fashion Week since 2011, Nicholas K showcased functional details with innovative fabrics, wrap options and plenty of neutral shades. Color hues focused on black and grey, with several highlights in plum.


Malan Breton Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Rising Star Winner, Malan Breton opened the week with his Fall/Winter 2016 collection: “Gotham Disco Dollies”, a homage to Studio 54 and the glam rock era of the 1970’s. Malan Breton has recently been featured in Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair and numerous publications worldwide.

The Malan Breton Collection featured Asian Brocades for Men and Women. Fabrics included: angora, vicuna, merino wool, lambskin, python, and silk. The collection specialized in embroideries using the Brother Dream Machine. In colours like Syrah, Valerian root, Peacock, Mallard Duck, and Scarlett. Fabrics were woven together by the sounds of Billboard Number #1 EDM star Sylvia Tosun.

The collection was styled by celebrity stylist Montgomery Frazier, the collection was accented with Jewelry by Maria Pujana, Tattoos by Black Lace Skin Jewelry, Women’s shoes by Michela Rigucci, and Men’s shoes by Giorgio Brutini.

For Davines Hair care, Joseph Dimaggio, and for Cargo Makeup, Joseph Sanchez and Brandon Kan.

PopImpressKA Fall/Winter 2016/2017

In 2008, Olga Papkovitch / CEO & Founder of PopImpressKA Journal established her clothing brand and accessory collection called PopImpressKA. She incorporated her copyrighted original art pieces on silk in a form of a quilt and combines them with variety of silks and other materials that signifies her collection as elegant, classic and trendy.

Olga designs dresses, skirt, blouses, shirts and very original one of a kind wearing pieces. Her clothing collection also includes handbags and men’s apparel, such as shirts, pants, ties and bow ties and vests. Olga’s Inspiration and Muses are her Mother and her favorite model Brianne Helfrich, who she features regularly in PopImpressKA Journal. Both Olga’s mother and Brianne Helfrich inspire Olga to create her line in order to bring elegance, creativity and sophistication forward, so when people wear her garments and accessories they feel confident, sophisticated and positive.

Just Drew Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Just Drew by Andrew Warren, grandson of fashion tycoon David Warren, showcased his Fall and Winter “It Girl” collection with Kyra Kennedy, Tiffany Trump, Gaia Matisse, Eliza Johnson, Reya Benitez, Billie Lourd, Dani Lauder and Abigail Breslin walking the runway.

A mix of sultry and sophistication, Andrew showed sleek lines and unique detailing in his ready-to-wear eveningwear collection. The extraordinary statement details brought an edge and innovation to the average “it girl” clothing. His collection showed daring personality and polished artistry. Just Drew created a buzz seconds into his runway premiere; this is without a doubt the soon-to-be coveted collection for “It girls” everywhere.

Farah Angsana Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Farah Angsana returned to the runway this season at New York Fashion Week showcasing her Fall/Winter ’16 Collection at Style Fashion Week. Inspired by her Indonesian heritage and audacious hand-embellishments and lavish embroideries created elegant movements along the runway.

Farah’s incredible collection was full of life, sparkle and electrifying hues. Farah showed a variety of necklines, silhouettes and shapes establishing her collection as extremely eye-catching.

As each model strutted down the runway, Farah’s pieces flowed gracefully and created an enchanting energy throughout the hall. Her brand brings new cultural and ethnic qualities to haute couture, this collection brought light and warmth to a freezing Manhattan day.

David Tupaz Fall/Winter 2016/2017

David Tupaz presented a collection of pure grace and sophistication. His designs were a mix of elegant lines and sharp detailing. His collection are for those that love drama and high couture style. When asked what the inspiration David revealed “Always Old Hollywood Glamour.” David’s favorite stars from Hollywood’s Hey day included Lauren Bacall.

Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Zang Toi’s Fall/Winter 2016 collection was fabulous as always and truly inspired by the original ‘Bond Girl’ style. The designer’s recent trip to Courchevel is what gave him the idea for the show. He wanted the collection to tell the story of a young woman skiing in the French Alps who meets a James Bond-like character who manages to sweep her off her feet at the ski resort she’s staying at; and that’s just the beginning of this passionate romance as the new couple heads for Paris.

A Zang Toi fashion model.

The show opened with Tina Turner’s “Golden Eye” sounding through the speakers. Buyers and editors watched with anticipation as the first models stepped onto the runway. The first looks of the collection were all sportswear inspired pieces; black and grey knits, luscious puffer jackets, and garments lined in shearling fur all glided across the runway. As the show continued it took a surprisingly colorful turn. All of the sudden bright purple and red silk dresses adorned with feathers took center stage – here was our introduction to Paris! Show stopping capes and furs added to the romantic drama of the collection. Zang is my top choice for the Best Show.

Columnist Cindy Adams Sits Front Row at Zang Toi

Nancy Vuu Fall/Winter 2016/2017

An Australian model with Down Syndrome stole the crowd’s heart as she strutted down the runway wearing Nancy Vuu at Style Fashion Week. Nancy Vuu’s luxury children’s wear always receives an enthusiastic response from the audience because of her exquisite mix of glamour and detailing. This season there was another incredible surprise, Madeline Stuart. As she turned onto the runway, her excitement and joy filled the room and the crowd could not help but match her passion. She brought a light to fashion week and proved that style, beauty and confidence have no boundaries!

Nancy Vuu Fall and Winter collection blended modern elegance with vintage-inspired shapes. Vuu’s designs have a refreshingly youthful voice while still maintaining a high-fashion edge. Her show seemed to be a modern Alice in Wonderland, it took viewers through the rabbit hole of time and into a world of childlike elegance. The show opened with a regal cream-colored dress and tiara. This stunning piece set high expectations for the rest of the collection. Vuu’s fashions are intriguing with an underlying sweetness. Vuu’s clothing blends the playful spirit of childhood with high-fashion elegance. Her outfits and accessories transform children into sprites and evoke a feeling of enchantment and a sense of nostalgia. Thus, her couture seems comparable to Lewis Carroll’s famous stories, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Vuu’s clothing is age-appropriate and elegantly understated. Her collection celebrates a childlike innocence and creativity without seeming infantile. Vuu’s collection shows an enormous amount of potential. Couture-lovers should look out for her next fashions, and hope that she will consider expanding her signature style to include separates and accessories. Vuu’s fashions impart a feeling of timelessness and, like Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, seem poised to become classics.

Anthony Rubio Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Born and raised in New York City, of Puerto Rican ancestry, Anthony Rubio grew up immersed in his Latin culture loving everything from music and cuisine to the elaborate fashions which inspired his colorful palate and evolution as one of the hottest sought after designers to date. Growing up in the most rebellious and yet most expressive periods in the history of fashion helped both influence and mold him into the visionary he is today.

With a formal education in women’s wear design and twenty years of experience creating and innovating new concepts and techniques, Anthony Rubio had no reservations about delving into the world of pet fashions earning for himself the title of Master Pet Couturier. The pet industry is estimated to be a Fifty billion dollar industry worldwide and offered an opportunity for Mr. Rubio, who is recognized worldwide, to reach into his world of inspirations to create confections that every dog owner in the know wants to possess. During our interview he revealed, “The dogs fashions are important and the women’s fashion is merely accessories.”
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Art Heart Fashion Fall/Winter 2016/2017

Monday was Latin night for Art Hearts Fashion, a group that is presenting collections throughout Fashion Week at the Angel Orensanz Foundation (site of Alexander McQueen’s New York debut in 1996). Begun by designer-philanthropist Eric Rosete in 2011, Art Hearts Fashion explores the intersection between the two creative disciplines by hosting celebrity-laden parties and showcases in New York, Miami and Los Angeles.

Three designers took the stage, starting with Gregorio Sánchez from Mexico, who brought an assemblage of what he calls “strong fashion for non-ordinary women.” Immaculately-tailored separates with eclectic flourishes were sent down the runway on big-haired models with an upscale Beverly Hills vibe. Standouts were a shimmering gunmetal pantsuit, a black blazer with bits of mirrored glass embroidered across the back and sleeves, and a long white dress with black lacy detailing on the shoulder.

Pineda Covalin, also from Mexico, is known for her bright geometric designs on silk scarves, handbags and garments. She presented some sophisticated sundresses on the runway such as a metallic floral with sheer shoulder straps and black piping, and a gray, yellow and green print dress with a deep V neck and a fitted waist. But her designs can also delve dangerously into folksy territory, particularly the menswear. An elbow length button-down shirt with bright trim on the end of the sleeve worn with a vest that is backed with the same red print might be cool in certain parts of the world, but wouldn’t really work on an edgy New Yorker.

On the closing night I had the pleasure of interviewing Founder and Designer Eric Rosete who revealed that throughout the week thirty important designers premiered their collections for the Fall/Winter 2016/2017 season.

Cognac interviews actress Rachel Grant.

The 12th Annual NY Pet Fashion Show Presented by TropiClean

New York Pet Fashion Show Presented by TropiClean is an animal rescue benefit and a portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals ( 150 Alliance Partners) that is dedicated to providing a higher quality of life & “Forever Homes” for domesticated companion animals. Hamptons Pet “The Global Luxury Pet magazine” was one of the premier media sponsors.

The iconic New York Pet Fashion Show Presented by TropiClean kicked off the Westminster Weekend and NY Fashion Week as the premier must see show of the year. The NYPFS was being held at the Hotel Pennsylvania which caters to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s participants, attendees and media from all over the world. The event took place at Penn Top Ballroom overlooking the city and Madison Square Garden.

The pet show will benefit The Mayor’s Alliance of NYC 150 Alliance Rescue partners, a portion of the ticket price is donated to the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals

Super Model/Actress Carol Alt poses with Cognac Wellerlane

Super Model Actress Debbie Dickinson

25A MAGAZINE HOSTS ARTIST DIANA PINCK’S BIRTHDAY BASH AND ART GALLERY AT HENDRICK’S TAVERN IN ROSLYN

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Roslyn, NY – Friends, members of the press and guest arrived for a very special birthday celebration for Artist Diana Pinck hosted by 25A Magazine at Hendrick’s Tavern in Roslyn, New York on February 2, 2016.

Diana Pinck grew up in New York and Lucerne, Switzerland. She studied art and film production at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, and painting at The Art Students League of New York. As a fine arts painter she works primarily in oil and pastel. Ms. Pinck is known in the United States and Switzerland for her arresting portraits, her dazzling still-lifes and her brilliant landscapes. Her paintings can be seen in a number of important international collections and she has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows in the United States. A permanent rotating exhibit is on display at La Coquille Restaurant in Manhasset, New York.

Chase Backer, publisher of 25A Magazine, with Cognac.

Diana Pinck has been a part of 25A Magazine since its inception in 2012. She writes primarily about art and travel, but also contributes regularly as a photographer and in many other capacities. Diana is also a member of the prestigious Pastel Society of America.

During her birthday bash we sat down and talked about her passion for art.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here at Hendrick’s Tavern right here on 25A, and I am here with Artist Diana Pinck. It is her birthday party and she is having a fabulous time celebrating at this beautiful restaurant. It’s a fabulous venue. Diana tell my audience…you have been an artist for many, many years. Tell my audience about the art work we are seeing in the front room. How many paintings are we seeing in the front room?

Diana: There are actually about sixty paintings. I am moving out of the country.

So you are actually leaving?

Diana: I am going to Switzerland, to Europe for a few years right now. So I wanted to bring everything here for my friends to have the opportunity to buy something. I am selling very, very reasonably so that someone could buy one of on my paintings. I don’t want to bring them to Europe or carry it and put in storage. I would rather have someone enjoy it. You see a whole retrospective of all my styles from when I started in pastels and then I moved on to oils and then I changed back. Now I am working with gold, silver and copper. You can see the whole evolution.

Artist Diana Pinck and Cognac.

How many years have you been painting?

Diana: Well I started seriously when I was twelve.

Oh my God, your whole life.

Diana: My sister was good at everything. She was better at sports and stuff. One day everybody was drawing and I realized…..I looked at her drawing and I looked at my drawing and mine was so much better and I said, “Wow, I am really good at this.” So I just kept doing it. If I am good then I should keep doing it. I just kept getting better and better I think.

What motivated you to move to Europe? Why do the switch from working here at 25A Magazine to going all the way to Europe?

Diana: I feel like I want to give back. There is an opportunity to go. I am going to get a Masters Degree in Education. I will teach Art, French, German and English. I like teenagers. I like young people mostly, more than old people.

And you want to be a mentor.

Diana: I feel like it would be nice for me. Right now at this time of my life it is something good to do. I have been here for a while and I am going to come back. I still have all my friends in Europe and they are waiting for me.

Are you originally from Europe?

Diana: I grew up in Switzerland.

Oh I see, so you want to go back to that wonderful place where your love of art came from.

Diana: Yes, so I am looking forward to what I am going to paint over there.

Diana tell my audience if they want to find out more information about you where can we go?

Diana: You can go to my website at DianaPinck.com and you can see what I am doing. I do mostly photography and I write for 25A Magazine. I am their Travel Editor. I do a lot of different things but painting is my biggest passion.

Author Monica Randall with Cognac.

BLURRED VISION – Loris Diran Presents His Fall/Winter 2016-2017 Menswear Collection

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The Fall/Winter Men’s 2016 collection entitled “BLURRED VISION,” designed by Loris Diran explores the relevance of athletic themes as they intermix within the ready-to-wear arena. Loris pairs his offerings with updated tailored staples and sprinkles the whole collection with distinct military details. The collection is cut from unlikely textiles such as graphic wool double knits, optical jacquards, neoprene, technical performance nylon and fantasy tweed. Blurred lines and broken patterns reflect a sense of vague memories and distant dreams.

Diran marches ahead with his ‘New Look’: Uber soft, pre-wash suiting sans padding and stiff interfacing yet he maintains a slim defined silhouette. With this in mind the collection presents a distinct juxtaposition of sportswear to sartorial traditionalism.

The collection pairs pieces atypically to create a new sensibility.

Loris Diran, Patricia Parenti, and Cognac

Designer Loris Diran is of French-Armenian descent and immigrated to America at an early age where his family settled on New York’s upper west side. Highly influenced by the glam culture of the 1970’s, he was drawn to music, theatre and fashion and attended New York’s High School of Performing Arts. Afterwards he performed on Broadway and appeared on Capital records as a recording artist.

After earning a Fine Arts degree from NYU, Diran went on to work for such legendary design houses such as Versace, Claude Montana, OMO Norma Kamali, and Chanel. It was at these institutions Diran learned the key elements of style and embraced luxury as a lifestyle concept.

His designs have been worn by Beyonce Knowles, Ne-yo, Ricky Martin, Jonathan Rhys Meyer, Nicolette Sheridan, Sofia Milos, Britney Spears, Liev Schreiber, and Andrew McCarthy, and his designs were featured in “The Devil Wears Prada” starring Meryl Streep.

This prestigious assembly of notable names and associations combined with Loris Diran’s growing presence in the design community earned him an invitation to debut his collection on the runways of Milan as a guest of VOGUE ITALIA and MILANO UNICA in September 2010.


After the show I talked with Designer Loris Diran backstage.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings I am here with the handsomest designer on Seventh Avenue, Loris Diran. Famous fashion designer….he just showed his 2016 collection. We are going to find out what the inspiration for this season Fall 2016. Loris, tell my audience what the inspiration was all about.

Loris: Well you know we are exploring the sartorial meets streetwear-athletic world. I think that men now are transitioning into things now, more performance oriented clothing but they still want a sense of structure in the clothing. So we are mixing the tailoring with very soft pieces. As far as the military influence–New York in the winter is like combat.

Yes, you are going into battle.

Loris: You are going into the streets. You are trying to get from one place to the other. You need your pockets, you need this, you need that, so I added that element to it too and then of course abstract lines. The abstract lines of the collection, the patterns–I like all the broken lines, broken plaid, broken check, things like this.

Well I like it too. I thought the men looked terrific. I think you look terrific.

Loris: Thank you, I haven’t slept but that’s OK.

Well, you haven’t slept but nobody sleeps before a show.

Loris: A few anxiety attacks in the middle of the night and that’s about it.

Can you tell my audience about New York Fashion Week. Are you going to any shows that we should know about?

Loris: No, I am going to go to India. I am doing a capsule collection for Kohls and JCPenny.

Fabulous.

Loris: So I am being flown to India to do that for ten days. It should be fun.

Loris Diran models. Photo credit: Alex Geana; Partial credit: Facebook/Instagram.

Are you going to miss New York Fashion Week?

Loris: I will miss New York Fashion Week. You know we grew up in it. I miss going to Patricia Field’s shows, The House of Fields.

That’s true. Darling tell my audience where we can go to find more information about your sexy self.

Loris: Oh thank you; LorisDiran.com

Loris Diran Fall 2016-17: Designer Patricia Field Sits Front Row

Designer Loris Diran has expressed “I love my family, my friends, and all the adventures life throws me into. My life is about living, loving, and laughing…Without these things, there is nothing!”

LORIS DIRAN’S FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Life’s what happens to you while you’re on your way to somewhere else” (Think about it… It DOES make sense…).

Chocolate and Wine Pairing at Glen Cove Mansion

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January 30, 2016 – The Mansion at Glen Cove was a delicious destination for discovering the exotic pleasures of pairing chocolates and wines from around the world. The event was hosted by Chocolate Sommelier, Roxanne Browning.

Guests arrived before the tasting to sample some delicious dishes that were prepared by Executive Chef Andy Helliwell, including Beef Flanken braised in mole to compliment the variety of wines and chocolates that were going to be paired.

Chocolate and Wine.

The Fabulous Roxanne Browning, New York’s Chocolate Sommelier not only was the host but a fascinating guide for this “Soiree for the Senses.” The event was truly a one-of-a-kind exotic tasting experience.

This special adventure began at 7PM with a leisurely cocktail reception, followed by the luscious pairings of wine with chocolate.

Roxanne Browning, Chocolate Sommelier, from New York had all intentions as a child to save the world. She earned a BFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York City that led to a career in the ad world on Madison Avenue, far from the ideal of joining the Peace Corp. One day she woke up in 1990 in the small town of Northport, where she wanted to bring positive changes to her community, and so she decided to run for office. As a two-term elected official she was allowed to serve the people, which was both a rewarding and a humbling experience.

Glen Cove Mansion Chef Andy Helliwell with Cognac. Glen Cove Mansion Chef Andy Helliwell with Cognac.

As the Mayor she was concerned about the local environment and infrastructure of her town. After two high energy careers, she retired the gavel in search of a sweeter life. That brought her back to the question she had as a child, “How can I help others?”

As an entrepreneur she merged two passions: chocolate and wine. Ultimately, a trip to the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, where she harvested cacao and witnessed firsthand how the noble cacao pod transforms into a chocolate bar motivated her to create this unusual career. By empowering cacao farmers to lift themselves out of poverty, they reinvest back into their land and communities, and can feed and educate their children.

Founded in 2010, Exotic Chocolate Tasting, Inc. is a Certified New York State Women-owned business. This original idea of terroir-driven chocolate paired with wine showcases her knowledge and experience with guests while they enjoy their two favorite pleasures. Uniquely entertaining and enlightening, you can host your event at a restaurant, wine bar, conference room or your family room. The event concept is ideal for public, private soirees, professional functions, and fundraisers. A list of distinctive settings can be sent on request to Roxanne and she will customize and tailor it to your specifications.

Her “Green” mission and higher purpose is to bring awareness of the indigenous people that create sustainable chocolate from bean-to-bar, how cacao harvesting helps the rainforest, the health benefits of chocolate, and to demonstrate how to mindfully savor every morsel for your well-being.


During the event I sat down with Roxanne as she explained her passion for exotic chocolate and fine wine parings.

Chocolate Sommelier Roxanne Browning with Cognac.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here at the Glen Cove Mansion and I am here with Roxanne and she is going to talk about a very special event that is taking place right here at this wonderful hotel and inn. It is all about chocolate and wine pairing. It is a wonderful tasting. Roxanne tell my audience about this event tonight. Tell us how you coordinated it.

Roxanne: Well I am a chocolate sommelier and my company is Exotic Chocolate Tasting. I have a methodology of creating pairings from arisen exotic chocolates and wine. This is one of the very few public events that I do. I mostly do corporate events or non for profits and private events. This is a lovely venue.

Oh, it’s gorgeous.

Roxanne: There are about thirty five people that will be attending. It’s sort of like a pre-Valentines Day pairing. So when I had that in mind I thought about floral notes and fruit notes that will be in two of the chocolates. The chocolate comes from–one of the chocolates comes from Tuscany, infused with red berries. Another one I brought back from Australia. The beans are from the Samoa Islands and there is another one from London and those beans are from Madagascar, and the very special one–because it is close to Valentines Day–is a chocolate infused with candied violets.

Wow, candied violets.

Roxanne: Yes that is paired with prosecco so that will be our opener. We are going from a prosecco and then we are going to go to the chocolate from Madagascar that’s paired with a wine that is a zinfandel that is California, and then we are going to Tuscany with the wine and the chocolate. We are going to end with a wine and chocolate from Australia.

Oh my goodness.

Roxanne: We are going around the world sitting in your seats.

It sounds truly amazing and quite fascinating. This is a new trend, am I right about that? Pairing wine and chocolates together.

Roxanne: I started this trend six years ago and I am still the only one that is doing it at least to this level of perfection and passion.

Glen Cove Mansion Director of Operations Gus Montesantos with Cognac.

Chocolate and wine pairings are the perfect sensory experience! Roxanne’s original idea pairs terroir-driven chocolate with wine to enhance their flavors and nuances. Sip the wine with the chocolate, and an “aha!” moment follows. Roxanne’s events are an infusion of flavors using all your senses that will certainly reveal a fun new way to enjoy your beloved treasures.

For more information please visit ExoticChocolateTasting.com and for more information about the Mansion at Glen Cove please go to GlencoveMansion.com.

Macabre Faire Film Festival Premiers 146 Film Titles

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This past weekend The Macabre Faire Film Festival returned again to celebrate excellence in independent Horror films from around the world on Long Island at the Upsky Hotel in Hauppauge.

Macabre Faire events and Film Festival has a reputation for being a very friendly environment with a wonderful celebratory ambiance within an intimately sized space. If you are a person who needs to be at an event with 1000’s of people in a large space where you may need to attach a GPS on your friends & family so that you can find each other quickly and easily… then the Macabre Faire Film Festival may not be the event for you. However, if you prefer an atmosphere that runs steady; you enjoy costumes; you love movies, music, Halloween and fun non-pressuring vendors; you genuinely enjoy making new friends; you appreciate everything being within close proximity; and are comfortable around a few hundred macabre-loving fans like yourself, then it is most certainly the event for you.

Actors Thomas Ryan and Edward X Young from FACES poses for a photo-op with Cognac Wellerlane

For starters the word “Macabre” is pronounced “ma-cob.” The “re” is hardly ever heard. What does it mean?

Although it is an adjective meaning “disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury,” you should approach the Macabre Faire Film Festival with a lighter touch in so far as not all of the films screened are a gore-fest. Of course there isn’t anything wrong with adding some gore to your film but, when we hear the word “Macabre” we remember those hauntingly fascinating films that starred legendary greats such as: Vincent Price & Peter Cushing. Or those fantastic Gothic Horrors like those from “Hammer” films. These names in themselves represent what “macabre” means to the Macabre Fair Film Festival.

Their mission is to provide a venue for showcasing films within a celebratory & respectful environment, where fans can enjoy the independent films entered by those who passionately craft their Strange, Weird, Horrifying, Sci-Fi-tastic, Fantastical and Macabre-laden films. The opportunity to win awards, increase film visibility via press and possibly obtain distribution is always part of the equation with the Macabre Faire Film Festival.

In between my interviews with the filmmakers I sat down with Elsie Ginsberg, Co-founder of the Macabre Film Festival.

Macabre Faire Film Festival Co-founder Elsie Ginsberg and Cognac Wellerlane.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am here with the Co-founder Elsie Ginsberg. Elsie how many years have you been doing this?

Elsie: Only three years.

Only three years. Every year it gets bigger and better. Every year it becomes more spectacular.

Elsie: Well, thank you. That’s right you were here last January. We actually doubled the attendance. I am trying to whisper because Father Evil just won Best Villain Competition and he is accepting right now but we are really excited about the Macabre Film Festival this year and we are really gearing up for 2017 already.

Tell my audience how many films were shown this year at the Macabre Faire Film Festival?

Elsie: Well this is the first time that we are screening four days for a total of 146 film titles.

Wow… now best in category for how many films total?

Elsie: I would say there are twenty different categories. Remember we are talking about features and shorts so that’s a lot.

Do you have a favorite category?

Elsie: They’re all here and I have seen every single one of them. For me my favorite part is them just enjoying the stage we fill for them which is exactly what’s happening. Look at the place–this is… I mean, this is what you would see in Hollywood.

There is nothing else like it. I go to many, many film festivals including the Hamptons International Film Festival and they don’t do this.

Elsie: They don’t?

They do not do this. They have sought of like an award event but it’s not the same and people do not look as glamorous and they are movie stars.

Elsie: But remember what I told you all along for us the goal is to raise the bar where it comes to the Horror or the Macabre Genre and we are sticking to it. I know we may be ruffling a lot of feathers in the process but at the end of the day that is the vision, and if I don’t stay true to that vision we will never elevate the bar and dammit I will die trying.

Don’t say that word tonight.

Elsie: No, no, no it is my passion…you have to understand for me this is what I am living for right now to make this happen.

I think that’s what keeps you going too.

Elsie: Plus all the filmmakers that I deal with and how difficult it can be. My stress levels are high.

Your stress levels may be high but you do a fantastic job every single year. Every year you get top notch films and top celebrities that come to this event.

Elsie: From the independent world, yes.

But now a lot these movies are being shown on Netflix, and Edward X Young told me his film you can buy at Best Buy.

Elsie: Edward X Young is on everything–even my interview. You know what, we love him. What’s great is that the different outlets are making it easier for these wonderful filmmakers to be able to showcase what they love so much. Their craft, their skill of film-making. So I am happy that they got that outlet. We are simply building a stage to be noticed for them, to get their work out there so with that said I am going to run off.

Tell my audience one more thing where can they go to find out more information about the Macabre Fair Film Festival?

Elsie: You just said it. Go to our website, MacabreFaireFilmFest.com, and “Faire” is with the “e” at the end. You will see how much time and love we have put into that website for the filmmakers.

You’re gorgeous.

Elsie: Thank you.

Exorcist Star Eileen Dietz poses for a photo-op with Cognac Wellerlane at the Macabre Faire Film Festival.

Congratulations to the Winners:
Best Actor Joseph Halsey for Junkie Heaven
The Boatman‬ directed by Greg Morgan wins ‪‎Best Feature‬
Jack Is Pretty‬ directed by Jarek Zabczynski wins ‪‎Audience Choice‬
‪El Gigante‬ directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero wins ‪‎Best SFX‬
Summit‬ directed by Christina Raia wins ‪‎Best Sound‬
The Red Man Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Faraldo
‪Gfest14‬ Alum Director Javier Arcelus Cano and SUPERMISIL in winning ‪‎Best Foreign Short‬
The Smiling Man‬ directed by A.J. Briones receives ‪‎Honorable Mention‬ in the ‎Best Horror Short‬ category
‪‎Hush‬ directed by Michael G. Kehoe wins ‪Best Horror Short‬
Director Brian Cottington’s Film House of Oddities Best Costumes
Helio‬ directed by Teddy Cecil wins ‪Best Director
The Vulture‬ directed by Amin Haghshenas wins ‪Best Music Video‬
Who Lives There‬ directed by Luc Sirois wins ‪Best Super Short

Long Islanders Create New Memories at The Savoy Night Club on New Years Eve in The Hilton Hotel

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Huntington, NY – Long Islanders made the Hilton Hotel their choice for celebrating the New Year. There was a multiple parties to pick from, including The New Year’s Eve bash at the Grand Ballroom–which featured a 5-course gourmet dinner, open bar, live band, and an overnight stay in a Deluxe Guest Room–and The Savory Club New Year’s Eve bash–which included dancing to a live DJ performance, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres served by white gloves on elegant silver platters, and an open bar with premium liquors.

I enjoyed the evening and was happy to chat with the staff including Director of Sales and Marketing Dorothy Roberts and Sales Manager Gino Veneroso who invited me to the elegant gala.

Before the evening got underway I sat down with the Director of Sales and Marketing, Dorothy Roberts, who explained the details of the evening’s agenda.

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here at the Savoy night Club; it’s New Year’s Eve and I am here with Dorothy Roberts, Director of Sales and Marketing. This is a fabulous evening tonight. It’s a very special evening. Tell my audience what we can expect tonight here at the Savoy.

Dorothy: Well we are very excited because it is a special night for us. We decided to bring back the Savoy Night Club for one night only–New Years Eve–so for us this is kind of like a once in a lifetime thing for everybody that works here and everybody that lives in this area that can come here tonight. We are also thinking about doing something in the future if this goes well tonight. We would like to bring it back from time to time.

I would love that.

Dorothy: Well when I just started working here I heard so many people talk about the Long Island Exchange that used to be the nightclub. I heard so many stories from people that really had great memories.

This is so weird because that’s the name of the online newspaper, LongIslandExchange.com, that I write for. That is so uncanny and so surreal that I would be doing this interview with you about a nightclub with the same name as the online newspaper that I write for.

Dorothy: Well, tonight we have a lot of different things planned. We have an open bar for five hours, we have white glove service for hors d’oeuvres, we are doing a balloon drop at 12:00 midnight, we have a big screen behind the DJ for the live telecast from Times Square. So tonight we really are all about the vibe and the feel of New Year’s Eve, and celebrating all together here. The Huntington Hilton has been around for a long time and there are so many people that came back tonight that haven’t been here for a while. They wanted to come back just because we opened the Savoy here tonight.

When was the hotel built?

Dorothy: I believe it was built back in the 80’s.

That’s what Meredith said, the Director of Human Resources.

Dorothy: It was built back in the 80’s and this used to be the club called the Long Island Exchange and I just read something yesterday that back in 1989 The New York Times wrote a lot of articles that it was the in place to be in the New York Metro area.

In all of the metropolitan area?

Dorothy: They said there used to be a thousand people here in one night and there used to be a line at the door that used to go all the way out to the parking lot.

This was in the 1980’s?

Dorothy: Yes around 1989.

Oh my God.

Dorothy: Yes and a lot of people remember this place from that time.

Well Let’s hope that we can bring back old memories and maybe create some new memories here on New Year’s Eve.

Dorothy: By popular demand we had so many people that called us today and said “We want to come down today and pay at the door.” We weren’t going to do that but we got so many calls so we said “Absolutely come on down we are open until 1:00 AM in the morning if you want to come down tonight you can pay at the door.”

What’s the website?

Dorothy: It’s HiltonLongIsland.com.

Cognac with Gino Veneroso and Dorothy Roberts.

The Hilton Long Island Huntington is the ideal hotel centrally located on Long Island, New York for business, groups, weekend getaways, family and leisure travel. This newly renovated Hilton hotel offers 305 deluxe guest rooms with all the amenities of a full service hotel. Spacious guest rooms feature plush bedding, coffee makers, refrigerators, in-room safes, and flat screen TV’s.

Some of the amenities include:

  • 305 Deluxe Guest Rooms
  • Digital Check In
  • Hilton Honors
  • Outdoor Seating with Fire Pit
  • Basil’s Cafe & Lobby Bar
  • Complimentary Parking
  • Materson’s Steak House
  • Starbucks
  • Avis Rental Car
  • Fitness Center
  • Indoor Heated Pool with Hot Tub
  • Outdoor Pool
  • Tennis Courts
  • Volleyball Court
  • Walking Path
  • Concierge Lounge
  • 24 Hour Room Service

The Hilton Long Island Huntington is an upscale hotel and is perfect for hosting events or meetings with their 26,000 sq. ft. of banquet space. The hotel can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in their Grand Ballroom, and has over 20 rooms to use for banquets, meetings, events, conventions, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, sweet sixteens and political events.

Their expert planning professionals and 26,000 square feet of flexible function space ensures your occasion is simply unforgettable. The Hilton Long Island Huntington is truly the ideal destination among hotels on Long Island, whether it be for a family vacation, business meeting, or simply a weekend getaway, enjoy superior service and amenities at this Long Island hotel!

Cognac with Gino Veneroso.

The 12th Annual Christmas in Italy at the Skirball Performing Arts Center, Starring Cristina Fomtanelli

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New York, NY – It was a Merry Christmas Italian-style at the 12th Annual “Christmas In Italy” showcasing at the Skirball Center for Performing Arts in Greenwich Village in New York City on December 19, 2015.

Audiences started new traditions and created lovely family memories as they were transported to La Bella Italia! All that attended enjoyed the strains of the mandolins, the beautiful Children singing (the Little Language Studio of Brooklyn) and dancing (Dance Electra of Staten Island), plus the Richmond Choral Society of Staten Island with the Arcadian Chorale of NJ performing during this special concert. Opera Star Cristina Fonantelli and her wonderful PBS-TV co-hosts, Denise Richardson and Jim Masters, were happily joined together on this Vocal Journey through Italy’s best-loved songs and the World’s best-loved Christmas classics.

After the concert I sat down with Cristina as she explained the history of “Christmas in Italy.”

Cognac: Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here at the Skirball Center. It’s “Christmas In Italy” and I am here with Opera Star Cristina Fomtanelli. Cristina this was such a spectacular event.

Cristina: Thank you Cognac, should I say Gracia.

Graci…

Cristina: It’s “Christmas In Italy.”

Yes.

Cristina: It’s twelve years.

Twelve years. I was just about to ask you. This was established twelve years ago. Can you tell my audience a little about the story–how it happened?

Cristina: Sure, I would be happy to. I had a vision for “Christmas In Italy” because I sang at an event where there was a New York Times reporter and I thought I was famous. I sang “Torna a Surriento.” (serenading) So I thought it was a famous song until the Times reporter came up to me and said “What is that? It’s beautiful… what is that?” I had to explain to him that it is a Neapolitan Folk song and he wrote about it in the New York Times the next day and I had this idea. I said “We can’t lose these beautiful songs…”

Christmas in Italy: Cognac and Cristina

That’s a pretty old song. How old is that song? Do you know the origin of that song? Do you know how old that song is?

Cristina: Turn of the century around the 1890’s or something like that. I decided… a light bulb went off I said, “You know I am going to have a concert, a show once a year—what better time but Christmas? Because it should be for families so that older generations can pass the music down… can pass the joy down.” So that’s what I did. I started it twelve years ago and as you can see today we have lights and sets…

It was so beautiful. It was just the most beautiful thing. It reminded me of “White Christmas” you know when Bing Crosby sings at the end of the movie. You remember with all the ballerinas and the children and the Christmas Tree…everybody is in red. It was just so gorgeous!

Cristina: Well, thank you. You know it’s really old fashioned. To me “Christmas In Italy” is going back in time. It’s like a time capsule of when families were happy and joyful with each other and felt safe with each other and all the relatives came over that is the thing that I want to keep.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such a beautiful concert. Can you tell my audience how many songs you sang throughout the evening?

Cristina: Oh I don’t count, but it is a a marathon.

Was it something like twenty songs?

Cristina: Something like that. We also had kids dancing, Weren’t they great?

They were terrific. The kids dancing, singing… it was just a beautiful, absolutely adorable show.

Cristina: And Santa Claus…

Of course Santa Claus at the end. Tell my audience, Cristina you work on so many wonderful things. What is next for you? What can we expect in the new year 2016?

Cristina: Well you know this show twelve years later is really headed for some big things. I have been pointing it towards television and it looks like it is definitely going there—major television—I can’t say where exactly. Also in the Spring I am going to do The Great International Song Book at Baruch College in New York, and I sing in eight languages so that is not only going to be Italian songs so to speak, but the songs of the world. I go down to Florida in January with orchestras—every year brings new and wonderful thing you know. So let’s see what happens in 2016,

I can’t wait darling, I can’t wait. I want you to tell my audience where we can go to find information. What is the website?

Cristina: It’s an Italian name, ladies and gentleman, CristinaFontanelli.com I took the “h” out of “Cristina” and “Fontanelli” means “little fountains” in Italian.

Christmas in Italy PBS Emcee, Jim Masters.

Cristina has become a well-known personality through her recordings, her appearances on TV, radio, in concert, nightclubs, opera and through her acting debut on network television. She has appeared as PBS-TV/NY affiliates host for Andrea Bocelli’s Live From Central Park, also starring Celine Dion and Tony Bennett; for the Il Volo Takes Flight special; Vienna Boys Choir and Qi Gong PBS-TV Specials. In November of 2014 Cristina was chosen by the Italian government as a world-wide representative of the Puglia region to sing in Bari, Italy. She is the “Voice of Domino’s Pizza” on their national radio commercial, the voice of “Nonna” on PBS-TV Chef Lidia Bastianich’s Christmas special (in over 300 PBS outlets across the U.S.) and has appeared on CBS Weekend NY in interview/performance/co-hosting roles for the past 2 years. Cristina’s beautiful soprano voice has taken her to the White House as part of President Clinton’s holiday celebration and Cristina was invited to open the ceremonies at the Stars and Stripes Inaugural Ball for President George W. Bush. This following her “Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts” from the Order Sons of Italy in America (previous honorees include Luciano Pavarotti).

She has appeared with many famous recording artists and big talents including Tony Bennett and Joel Grey. Ms. Fontanelli is a guest artist with many prestigious orchestras including the Boston Pops and the St. Louis Symphony performing in major concert halls throughout the U.S. and the world, including the Lincoln and Kennedy Centers and major concert halls throughout the Far East and Canada.

 

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