Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman Puts The Passion Into His Dishes at Lovecraft Restaurant in the East Village

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NEW YORK, NY – The city has plenty of restaurants that offer exceptional dining, however, there is something captivating and special about the Lovecraft Bar that has patrons coming back for more. Created in honor of legendary American Author, H.P. Lovecraft, this horror-themed bar has been inspired and modeled after his literary works. The restaurant serves a variety of drinks that include infused cocktails, a large selection of beers, and scrumptious eats. Lovecraft Bar NYC has a laid-back atmosphere that New Yorkers can’t seem to get enough of.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman over cocktails and dinner as he explained his passion for cooking and all things related to food.

Lovecraft NYC Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman Lovecraft NYC Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman with Cognac Wellerlane. Coleman sits with Cognac over cocktails and dinner as he explains his passion for cooking and all things ‘yummy’.

Welcome back darlings! I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here at this fabulous eatery located in lower Manhattan right here on Avenue B, Lovecraft, and I am here with Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman. He has prepared wonderful appetizers for us and I am very, very interested in what he has to say about these gorgeous appetizers and what went into creating these innovative dishes. It is a pleasure to see you again. The last time we met was/

Chris: At the Carlyle Hotel.

Tell my audience how you became the Executive Celebrity Chef here at Lovecraft.

Chris: First of all my name is Chris and the way I became the celebrity chef down here at Lovecraft; Anthony the owner and I go way, way back. Anthony is one of the owners. We met a few years ago in the Hamptons.

The Hamptons, my favorite spot in the whole wide world. Where did you meet Anthony in the Hamptons?

Chris: Me and Anthony actually met in Montauk at the Point Bar. We have built a camaraderie and friendship for a long time and he was intending to open up a restaurant in the Hamptons a few times and it didn’t happen for whatever reasons. He kept my number but we lost contact for a while. Then one day, I would say six, seven months ago he text me, “Chris are you there? Is this still your number?” I said “Sure” and I said “Who is this?” And he said “Anthony, do you remember we met in the Hamptons.” So I said “Sure” so he went on to say “I am in the process of opening a new restaurant and I am looking for a chef and I know you are very talented. I think I am interested in having you come to the restaurant, let’s meet and we will talk about it.”

And bingo! You are here.

Chris: Yes, I am here and I actually have another great chef behind me (Dine Tidjani), a good friend of mine who has been with me for at least five years. He was the head chef at Gurneys with me.

At Gurneys, Really? I love those people. They sold the business.

Chris: Yes, I was the head chef there last year. I decided to leave because I am in love with the city. This the place where it could make you or break you, New York City.

That’s right. It will either make you or break you! But you look like you haven’t broken yet. Look at these dishes that you created for us. Tell my audience what we are seeing here.

Chris: We have Chesapeake Bake Maryland Crab Cakes. A little bit of onion down here, celery, red tomatoes, part of the food is a vision, visual. All of this is marinated. I love flavor. I like the execution. I treat my food very respectively. I like the people to see the passion and the tasting style that I bring to my food and what I do. I love food!

And you want your patrons to love what you have prepared. Tell my audience about this dish. It looks amazing!

Chris: What we have down here is Prince Edwards Island Mussels. I try to do this different then way a lot of people do it around here. I do this with coconut curry sauce.

Coconut curry sauce, wow!

Chris: So we go down to the West Indies over here. It has a slight kick to it!

Sounds sexy!

Chris: I don’t know what that means!

Yes, it looks delicious! I can’t wait to eat this. The way you prepare food it is just unbelievable. So tell me more about the ingredients.

Chris: We have clam juice. When I clean my fish I reduce the salmon carcass. I use all the goodness that comes out of the carcass of the fish.

Tremendous! What is this, is it lobster?

Chris: Just mussels but the way it has been prepared the flavor, the passion that I put into it. You have to remember if you don’t cook with love and passion your food will never taste good, bottom line you have to have passion!

Tell my audience about the signature dishes here. What do people from all over, tourist and the people that live here, what are the signature entrees?

Chris: I like to give my customers top quality produce. We have down here nice grilled skirt steak.

My husband is going to try the steak.

Chris: The steak is like you are eating butter! It basically melts in your mouth. A lot of people out there want to save a dollar. They don’t use top quality; me, I rather use top quality. I want every customer that comes here, I want them to say “Wow, this is amazing!” There are over 20,000 restaurants in New York so why would they want to come to this place. I want to give that to my customers.

What is the signature seafood here at the restaurant?

Chris: Crab cakes is one of them as you can see over here. I also have nice tuna tar tare. There is only one other place that makes it the way I make it.

What about the salmon. I see you make Grilled Salmon.

Chris: It’s Wild Salmon, off the hook! The way I do it is I put it on a saute pan very, very hot. I make sure the skin gets very, very crispy. Then I put it on the grill and then I finish it in the oven. Three ways of cooking, sauteing, grilling and baking.

Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman has prepared excellent meals for many A-listers including Leonardo Di Caprio, 50 Cent, Mel B the Spice Girl, Kate Hudson and Russell Simmons. For more information about Chris please visit http://www.colemancooking.com and to find mind out more information about Lovecraft restaurant please visit http://lovecraftnyc.com

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Celebrity Chef Chris Coleman at LOVECRAFT NYC Restaurant located at 50 Avenue B, New York, NY in Lower Manhattan

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Chef Dine Tidjani at LOVECRAFT NYC Restaurant located at 50 Avenue B, New York, NY in Lower Manhattan

Cloud Nine Exotics Showcases Their Unique Driving Experience at the New York International Auto Show

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NEW YORK, NY – Each year the New York International Auto Show test the limits of modern technology with some of the most innovative cars, trucks and luxury vehicles. This year the show was held at the Jacob Javits Center from April 3rd through April 12, 2015.

During the event I had the opportunity to interview Director of Operations Mike Pytlar from Cloud Nine Exotics. Cloud Nine Exotics is a driving experience company in the Northeast. They do events on race tracks, parking lots and public roads.

LAMBORGINICloud Nine Exotics showcases their unique driving experience company in the Northeast at the New York International Auto Show.

Gigi Neil Michael PytlarModel Gigi Neil, Director of Operations Michael Pytlar from Cloud Nine Exotics and Cognac Wellerlane at the New York International Auto Show.

Below is our interview:

Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here at the New York International Auto Show and I am here in this fabulous booth. It’s all about Cloud Nine Exotics. All the beautiful exotic cars that we are seeing. I am standing in front of a beautiful bright yellow Lamborghini and on the far right is a beautiful Ferrari. I am here with Mike and he is going to introduce himself to the camera.

Mike: How is going folks. I am Mike Pytlar, Director of Operations here at Cloud Nine Exotics.

Tell my audience about this whole line of exotic cars that you are featuring here at the New York International Auto Show.

Mike: We do different types of driving experiences whether you are testing driving in a parking lot, race track, on public roads that is what we are here to do, to provide the average gentleman here to have an opportunity to drive one of these beautiful cars.

Really, tell me my audience how that works.

Mike: It could be as cheap as $99 bucks. Our experiences go up to $749.00

$749.00!

Mike: You get behind the wheel of all five of these cars

And how long can you drive the vehicles?

Mike: For something like $749.00 you would get to do what is called the Paradise Cruise. You would come out to our facility in Farmingdale, New York and we would leave and go out to the Hamptons.

Oh nice!

Mike: Basically, me and you would go out together, we would drive the Lamborghini for twenty miles and then we would swap with the other four random couples that would be with us and then we get in the Porsche and we go do twenty miles in the Porsche. Then we go to the next pit stop with the GTR, the Bentley and the Ferrari. We would do a total of one hundred miles of driving on the Paradise Cruise.

So that is the ultimate deal. The Paradise Cruise?

Mike: That’s it yes and then we can do the $99.00 thing. We do it at Nassau Coliseum and we do it at the Pennysaver Amputheater both of which are located out on the Island.

Now why do people want to do this? What is so special about driving a Lamborghini or a Ferrari?

Mike: You tell me

Well I don’t know about me driving this car. I know I look good in front of the car.

Mike: So if you don’t want to drive it a professional like myself or like Josh in the back, one us can drive you and those are same prices obviously because actually we put more wear and tear on the vehicles.

I would be afraid to drive this car honestly. I would prefer a gentleman like you to drive me around.

Mike: I can certainly do that. I can give you the ride of your life!

Let me ask you something, would you drive a millionaire couple in a car like this to an event, there are so many red carpet events in the Hamptons.

Mike: We do all sorts of VIP connoisseur services. We do bachelor parties, we do all that type of stuff. What we say “We can do anything that you put your mind on to except drive in outer space.”

That’s next.

Mike: That’s next!

How long have you been working for Cloud Nine Exotics and why did you get involved in this?

Mike: I have been in the exotic car business my whole professional career. I am a young guy. This company was started about three months ago. It’s a relatively new company. I personally serviced about 80,000 people doing the same experiences.

FERRARI A guest, Michael Wellbrock, gets a taste of the Cloud Nine Exotics Ferrari at the New York International Auto Show.

MichaelPytlarDirector of Operations Michael Pytlar from Cloud Nine Exotics and Cognac Wellerlane at the New York International Auto Show.

PORCHECloud Nine Exotics showcases their unique driving experience company in the Northeast at the New York International Auto Show.

Mike discussed more about the amenities of each of the cars and he revealed that the Porsche Turbo S was his favorite vehicle in the booth and the fastest! During our interview Mike indicated, “The responses are overwhelming. During the week we have collected close to 10,000 emails so far here at the auto show. That’s great because obviously these are all of our potential clients. We want to get them behind the wheel and have everyone experience a smile on their face. It is a great event something that you have to try once and once you try it once you are going to keep coming back and we want to provide that expectation obviously with these cars. People expect a certain level at these events and that is what we are here to do set the benchmark in this industry.”

To find out more information please visit http://cloud9exotics.com

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Model Gigi Neil and Director of Operations Michael Pytlar of Cloud Nine Exotics at the New York Auto Show.

Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception Hosted by Jean Shafiroff at Madame Paulette

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NEW YORK, NY – It was an evening of fashion and cocktails at the cleaners, this could only happen on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan.  Philanthropist and Socialite Jean Shafiroff hosted the elegant fashion event at Madame Paulette located at 1255 Second Avenue to members of the press, celebrities and socialites for an exclusive showing of Fashion Designer Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 collection.

Fashion Designer Victor de Souza was born into a Portuguese family in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was first introduced to fashion through his grandmother’s closet, which was filled with an elegant collection by designers such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel and Schiaparelli. Seduced by the tapered silhouettes, brilliant hues and rich fabrics, de Souza knew at an early age that design was in his future.

Victor de Souza Victor de Souza, Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan, Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Fashion Designer Victor de Souza, Socialite Joy Marks and Owner of Madame Paulette’s John Mahdessian at the Cocktail Reception for Victor de Souza Fall 2015 Collection at Madame Paulette’s

I spoke to Victor about his collection, Madame Paulette and of course, fashion. Here is what he had to say:

We are here at Madame Paulette located at 1255 Second Avenue and I am here with the fabulous Designer Victor de Souza and he is going to tell us what the inspiration is for his Fall 2015 Collection.

Victor: My idea for the collection was a little piece from every part of the world but in a very smart way. I wanted it to be very wearable and very interesting. For me lately the challenge is how to make something that doesn’t look like somebody else because everybody copies each other.

Yes, I know I was at Fashion Week and everyone had the same design, the same color scheme, it was just getting out of hand. Now your showing this collection and it was not at Fashion Week. Did you do that deliberately?

Victor: I bought an apartment, ha, ha, ha, ……

I can understand that. So tell my audience how many pieces are in this collection?

Victor: Twenty-five pieces.

How many pieces are we seeing here tonight?

Victor: Tonight we have nineteen mannequins, nineteen outfits.

Nineteen outfits, nineteen ensembles!

Victor: The total collection is twenty-five.

How fabulous! Tell my audience why did you decide to have Jean Shafiroff host this event tonight at Madame Paulette? What was it about Madame Paulette that you wanted to do it here?

Victor: Well first I think Madame Paulette is an institution. So many of my gowns are stored at Madame Paulette. We always have had a connection. We have been planning this for years. We use to say ,”One day we should do a cocktail, we should do the windows.” We have been planning this forever. It happened that this was the evening.

This place is absolutely beautiful. Do you know the history behind Madame Paulette?

Victor: I think it’s about fifty years old. They specialize in high end couture. They do tailoring, They do storage. They are great. I love John the owner.

Yes, Is he going to be here tonight?

Victor: Yes he will be here.

Tell my audience where they are located.

Victor: 1255 Second Avenue.

Tell my audience where we can go to find out more information. What is your website darling?

Victor: www.victordesouzany.com

I also had the chance to speak to the Owner John Mahdessian

We are here at Madame Paulette located at 1255 Second Avenue and I am here with the owner. Introduce yourself to the camera.

John: Hi, my name is John Mahdessian and I am the owner of Madame Paulette.

Tell my audience a little bit about the history of Madame Paulette.

John: Madame Paulette is a third generation, fifty-five year old family business. We are true leaders and pioneers in the field of cleaning and restoring all types of couture designer apparel, museum collectibles and home interior furnishings.

Now this establishment has been around for many, many years. Is your family the original owners?

John: Yes, the story is my dad’s uncle’s wife, her name was Madame Paulette

She was French…

John: Yes, she was French. She was a couturier.

And a launderer. I would think because back in the day they called them launderers.

John: Exactly and for her personal needs on the upper east side, my uncle said “Honey I am going to open up a cleaning establishment so we can take care of your beautiful collection so you don’t have to bring it back to Paris.” Then my dad opened up the business with his uncle and then his uncle unfortunately got sick and passed away and he took over the business for Madame Paulette and then she eventually went back to Paris and then that is how it came into the family.

Now laundering garments goes back to the times of Marie Antoinette?

John: Oh sure. Yeah, they figured out dry cleaning when there was an accident. Kerosene fell on a dirty piece of silk and when the kerosene was on the silk it got cleaner. Basically the kerosene removed the dirt particles and the stains. That is how they invented the dry cleaning process.

Oh my goodness, how fascinating; a piece of information I know my audience is going to love, a little bit of history. Tell my audience why did you decide to host this party?

John: Victor is an amazing designer. We love him. We love his collection. We have been maintaining his collection for many years and what a better venue then to have it here where we have an audience of the biggest fashionistas of the world.

Tell my audience where we can go to find out more information. What is the website?

John: www.madamepaulette.com

During the event while interviewing Socialite Joy Marks, Joy revealed, “For the last four years I am wearing Victor de Souza almost exclusively. I love him, I love his clothes. His clothing, I call them my jewels, my gems!”

Jean Shafiroff Jean Shafiroff at Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan, Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

Jane Pontarelli Adele Nino LeeF Jane Pontarelli, Adele Nino, Lee Fryd at Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan, Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

The world of fashion, past present and future, will always consist of sophisticated tailoring that include fine and delicate fabrics, intricate beading, appliqués, embroidery, and other fragile hand craftsmanship that requires expert care and handling. This is why Madame Paulette is the custom couture cleaner of choice around the world.

Katlean DeMonchy Joy Marks Luci Katlean De Monchy, Joy Marks, Lucia Hwong Gordon at Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan, Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

John Mahdessian RitaCosby Bill John Mahdessian, Rita Cosby, Bill Lee Lanndis, Cognac Wellerlane and Lucia Hwong Gordon at Victor de Souza’s Fall 2015 Collection Cocktail Reception on the trendy upper east side of Manhattan, Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

There is simply no other resource that can boast the wealth of knowledge that Madame Paulette has. Whether for evening, business or casual attire, or something as special as your wedding gown, Madame Paulette will always be the most trusted name to rely upon when faced with any garment question that may be causing you uncertainty. This is precisely why the most reputable designers and retail establishments around the world choose to recommend Madame Paulette to their own valued clientele.

Their dedication to their clients and John Mahdessian’s own personal vision for the company has developed Madame Paulette’s client roster into a “Who’s Who” of the fashion, bridal, and entertainment worlds. Apparel houses such as Hermes, Carolina Herrera, and Vera Wang; corporations including Bergdorf Goodman and Trump International Hotel and Tower; and high profile clients including Anna Wintour, Kelly Ripa, Barbara Walters, and Sting, all depend on Madame Paulette for superb care of their garments and Interior home textiles.

Aid to Developmentally Disabled; 1st Annual Shamrock Shindig, Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Long Island Aquarium

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LONG ISLAND, NY – It was a Shamrock good time as Lads and Lasses gave their support and attended the 1st Annual Shamrock Shindig on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

Guests enjoyed an evening of Irish charm with a mix of marine life. The event was planned as Aid to the Developmentally Disabled (ADD). The fundraiser included h’orderves, cocktails, an Irish buffet and private access to the spectacular aquarium. The night was filled with fun and humor as guests were treated to comedy entertainment, as well as witness one ADD Executive or Manager being lowered into the aquariums 120,000-gallon Lost City tank for a nose-to-nose swim with the sharks.

DonRiebFounderADD Don Rieb, Founder of ADD and Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane, at the 1st Annual Shamrock Shindig on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead.

During the event I had the pleasure of interviewing Founder Don Rieb.

I am talking to the CEO of ADD. Introduce yourself to the camera darling.

Don: My name is Don Rieb. I am the founding CEO of the organization ADD. We started the agency in 1983 and we opened up our first residence in 1984 for those with disabilities and several years later we opened up programs for those with services for mental illness. We now have thirty residences in five townships.

And that is what this event is really all about. It’s participating and giving back to this organization.

Don: Yes. It’s actually critical. What’s happening over the past several years is that Albany and the federal government is reducing Medicaid funding for the past several years. Not just ADD but other organizations in New York State. It’s becoming much more difficult. They want us to do more for less.

More for less.

Don: Yet it’s getting harder and harder. So raising events like this is actually critical. Not only that but it get’s the community engaged in what we do.

And to bring awareness. That is the whole point behind this particular event. Obviously we are celebrating St. .Patrick’s Day but in a nice way because we are giving back to this wonderful organization.

Don: That and as you said it becomes an educational process for the community. The East End has been absolutely wonderful to us. It’s a wonderful community and we are happy to be here. We have houses out in East Hampton, Southampton, Greenport, Southold and Brookhaven Town. People are great.

Tell my audience what we’re going to experience at the 1st Annual Shamrock Shindig.

Don: Well this evening, obviously it’s to get the community together to learn something about ADD and to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. One of the things we are going to do is, we have a shark tank contest and the people who contributed will go into the shark tank. We had a program director and our board president, they got the most funding so there going to be going into the tank with the sharks!

Oh my God!

Don: Yeah, that’s what I said. Getting the people here is really about awareness and raising money is extremely important to us. All the money that we raise will go to all the people we serve.

Tell my audience where we can go to participate, support and contribute.

Don: We have a website. It’s http://www.addny.org

I also spoke to President Vincent Barry and why he became a big supporter of ADD.

Tell my audience why you are a big supporter of ADD.

Vinnie: Well I have been with ADD for more than ten years on the board and I really didn’t know too much about ADD when I first joined. I heard about it and the longer I have been with it’s been just a phenomenal organization. Don runs a great organization. It serves a very strong lead out here to save the mentally challenged and disabled. Don started this thirty years ago in 1984 with one home and now it has grown to thirty houses.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Founder of http://www.addny.org Donald Rieb and President Vincent Barry at the 1st Annual Shamrock Shindig at the Atlantis Aquarium in Riverhead, NY on March 19, 2015

The purpose at ADD is to provide the optimum level of quality rehabilitative services to all individuals living within their residential program. They provide a healthy, safe, and homelike environment in which individuals may achieve the greatest level of independence possible. ADD strives to surpass all requirements of OMH, OMRDD, federal, state and local authorities.

They are guided by their core of values:

  • Respect
  • Choice
  • Trust
  • Empathy
  • Dignity

ADD believes that every individual has value and the potential to learn and achieve goals. ADD does everything to inspire self-esteem, and encourage individuals to help each other and work together whenever possible. They aim to achieve fulfillment for every individual and employee by providing innovative and progressive programming and training. They are consistent in providing competent and compassionate staff who are role models for the people they serve. Standards of excellence are adhered to and monitored, as we work to achieve continuous improvement in all areas. ADD is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals are given the opportunity to be productive members of their community.

For more information please visit http://www.addny.org

Original Soup Man Famous Delicatessen, Grill Grand Opening in Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall

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LONG ISLAND, NY – Shoppers gathered with a line around the corner at Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall on Long Island to attend the The Original Soup Man Famous Delicatessen and Grill’s Grand Opening in the mall’s food court from 12 – 3 p.m. on March 21, 2015.

Actor Larry Thomas, The Soup Nazi, from the hit TV Show “Seinfeld” was on hand to sign autographs and serve the many varieties of soup to shoppers during lunch time.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Founder Seb Rametta. Mr. Rametta is founder and member of the Board of Directors of the subsidiary, The Original Soup Man, Inc. and is responsible for the executive management, focusing on strategic relationships, driving sales and distribution. He served as the Executive Vice President and a director of Soup Kitchen International from January 2005 to December 2009.

Soup Man Delicatessen Larry Actor Larry Thomas and Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane at The Original Soup Man Famous Delicatessen and Grill’s Grand Opening, Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall, Saturday, March 21, 2015

Tell us about the Orignal Soup Man Famous Delicatessen and Grill:

Reb: It’s about the ingredients, the abundance of the ingredients. We are so happy to be here at Roosevelt Field Mall with our new delicatessen grill concept. The crowds have come out.

This is amazing, the line is wrapped around the corner.

Reb: Because it’s all about the soup and the food. We deliver great food to people. They like it and they come back. It’s that comeback flavor that is created here and it is so wonderful. We are excited and I think you should try a cup.

I will. I am going to try the Lobster.

Reb: We are going to open these stores in casinos, malls and airports all around the country. I also have six of our varieties in Tetra Pak cartons. These cartons lock in the freshness and made it available on the shelf next to Campbells and Progresso on the soup aisles.

So you can actually buy the soup?

Reb: You can buy this soup in supermarkets across the country. These are new lines for us. Now we bring something new and exciting to the grocery aisles for soup because there is nothing that taste quite like our soups and we are excited about opening here in Roosevelt Field and we have new stores coming.

Tell my audience, how did you get involved in this and why did you get involved?

Reb: Because it’s about the food and Al Yeganeh started this in the 1980’s in Manhattan and he made these wonderful soups, Best of Zagat of New York.

Tell my audience where we can go to find out more information.

Reb: The website is http://originalsoupman.com

I also spoke to the “Soup Nazi” himself Actor Larry Thomas from “Seinfeld” who made an appearance to serve the soup to patrons at the grand opening.

Tell my audience why is this soup so spectacular?

Larry: It the way it’s made. It’s the best soup out there. The best soup there ever will be. You have to taste it for yourself but you will see. I never had anybody taste this soup without telling me “This is the best soup they ever had.”

Do you have a favorite?

Larry: I do have a favorite, New England Clam Chowder is my favorite.

Later I had the chance to chat with Co-owner Rakesh Chada who owns several franchises in Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall.

Tell my audience why you decided to open up such a brand of restaurant?

Rakesh: Soup Man was always known for the lobster bisque, a world famous soup and that inspired “Seinfeld” to do a show on him. It was the best soup in the world Zagat rated and with my current experience that we could take this brand into a second level and with the delicatessen, with the great sandwiches, we have a grill and I think this brand is ready to give Long Islanders great food at a reasonable price.

SoupManDelicatessen Larry Thomas, Cognac, Seb Rametta and Rakesh Chada at The Original SoupMan Famous Delicatessen and Grill’s Grand Opening, Roosevelt Field Shopping Mall, Saturday, March 21, 2015

In 1984, The Original Soup Man opened its doors at 55th Street & 8th Avenue in Manhattan and quickly became a worldwide destination. Rated number one by Zagat and honored by the New York Times as “Art, not Soup,” it set the standard for innovation and excellence long before the famous “Seinfeld” soup episode made it a cultural icon. The company sells soup across America to grocery stores in their Tetra Pak cartons and at their The Original Soupman restaurants and food services. Shaquille O’Neal is an adviser and equity partner, as are Mr. October, Reggie Jackson and the award-winning actor, Jason Alexander. Lloyd Sugarman, co-founder of Johnny Rockets Hamburgers is their Chairman of the Board. SoupMan Inc.is a fully reporting public company trading under the symbol SOUP.

CEO, Founder Chris Pati’s Independent Streaming Music Video Network; IndiMusic TV, It’s All About the Music

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LONG ISLAND, NY – Seemingly overnight, one man’s vision – to put independent music back into the hands of its creative talent– is currently on the verge of kicking the music industry onto its collective ear.

CEO/Founder Chris Pati explained that IndiMusic TV, a website that he launched in 2012, is a social media broadcast network with an emphasis on music and the artists that create it.

“We came up with the concept of taking a social community model, such as Facebook, and marrying it with a 24-7 HD broadcast channel…all in one place,” he said. “It is independent music videos…some big artists, some unknowns, and everything in-between, and we’re the number one provider of this content in the world.”

CEO/Founder Chris Pati CEO/Founder Chris Pati, a Smithtown resident, explained that IndiMusic TV, a website that he launched in 2012, is a social media broadcast network with an emphasis on music and the artists that create it.

Users can upload one video to IndiMusic TV for free, ten videos for a fee of $30, and 100 for $99. But whether a user pays or goes with the no-cost options, Pati said that it’s not how much you spend – everyone has an equal shot at exposure regardless – it’s the quality of your content and how it’s received by the community that will get you noticed or not.

“The quality of the music videos uploaded to our site is very high…this isn’t YouTube,” he said. “Anyone can upload a video to our site, but we don’t keep every video. What we’re trying to do is establish a top-shelf broadcast network that showcases up-and-coming and established artists through their music videos and their video content. We’re trying to keep the quality high.”

For those mistaking IndiMusic TV for something akin to YouTube, however, Pati makes a point that his creation is much, much more.

CEO/Founder Chris Pati CEO/Founder Chris Pati is himself a talented musician playing the bass, drums, guitar, keyboards and violin, and has been playing professionally since he was 13 years old. Eventually, he went into sound engineering/production and video production.

“Only one part of what we do is like YouTube…YouTube is VOD, not a streaming, linear channel. You go on Youtube, look through all the videos, and you play the ones you like. That’s it,” he said. “However, if you go to IndiMusic TV, in the top right-hand corner you see a live broadcast that streams 24 hours a day.”

Pati, a Ronkonkoma resident, is himself a talented musician from childhood onward; a multi-instrumentalist, he said that he knows how to play the bass, drums, guitar, keyboards and violin, and has been playing professionally since he was 13 years old. Eventually, he went into sound engineering and after that, producing and video production where he managed to successfully straddle both creative and promotional aspects of the music business at the same time.

In addition to music videos and other user-generated content, IndiMusic TV also features a variety of original programming as well, including airing the entire back catalog of the former hit A+E music series “Private Sessions”, which Pati said has been licensed from the famous cable television network AETN; IndiMusic TV will is slated to produce new installments of the show as well.

Pati noted that IndiMusic TV is now a brand that is available in over 260 countries and boasts traffic in the 100,000+ visits a day range to the site. Clearly, this is the place to find out what’s what in the world of music; and, with future forays into similar web-based content centered on other forms of entertainment, such as fashion and sports, as well as possible television deals looming, Pati said this is only the beginning.

“For users, IndiMusic TV is a great place to come and find new talent,” he said. “And for artists, it’s a great place to come and post their content, get exposure, and hopefully sell their music.”

To find out more, visit http://IndiMusic.tv.

IndiMusic TV Website IndiMusic TV, a website that Pati launched in 2012, is a social media broadcast network with an emphasis on music and the artists that create it.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: 80 Designers Take Stage to Showcase Latest Fashion Trends, Innovations

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NEW YORK, NY – This season, more than 80 designers took center stage as the global fashion community turns their attention to NY for the latest in fashion trends and innovations. As the destination for established brands and emerging talent, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NY is the world’s leading international fashion event with designers from over 15 countries.

Below are some top designers that I had the privilege of viewing their collections.

Helen Yarmak Fall/Winter 2015

Helen Yarmak Fall/Winter 2015 presentation, “The Metamorphosis Collection,” featured statuesque glamorous models wearing Helen Yarmak’s luxury furs. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the twenty-third floor penthouse suite showcased a beautiful view of The New York Skyline while guests, buyers and members of the press mingled together as models ensembled in fabulous fur capes and matching hats strolled around displaying the Fall/Winter 2015 Collection. Each of Helen’s furs could be nicely transitioned. Elongated furs became vests, long sleeved looks became sleeveless and many of the garments were reversible, presenting a whole new identify for this season’s collection.

During my interview with the legendary Designer, Helen Yarmak, I asked what the inspiration was. Helen revealed “Life always.” I also inquired why furs are so special. Helen remarked, “Because you know it can be like treasure. Fur coats protect you and it has to be made to be something special for you.”

“The Metamorphosis Collection” is elegant, luxurious and timeless.

For more information please visit http://helenyarmak.com/en/

Michael Kors Fall/Winter 2015

Kors’ Fall/Winter Collection embraced today’s modern woman and the reality of day to day living. Alluring tailored well constructed garments ruled the runway. Kors featured pretty bias dresses and sweater dressing combined with tweeds, trousers, crisp shirts and especially the outerwear, including a trench-cape hybrid worthy of an ultrachic Sherlock. Fabrics included cashmeres wools, silk foulards, gold metallic and a graphite caviar-beaded gown combined with breathtaking furs. My favorite piece was a damask intarsia mink and a fox coat worn over a sweater and lace skirt.

Kors reveals about the inspiration for his collection,“whether it was Wallace Simpson back in the Thirties, Babe Paley at her height, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. All of these women understood this idea, they knew how to play with the yin and the yang.”

For more information please visit http://www.michaelkors.com

Academy of Art University

During this show I had the chance to interview one of the designers, Kevin C. Smith who created seven looks around the color blue.

Smith, originally from California, was born in Walnut Creek and was raised in Sacramento. He has created menswear with the concept of light and volume. His garments are layered pieces that are combined with flowing overcoats.

When asked what the inspiration was Smith revealed, “My inspiration came from Christo’s Running Fence, vintage light bulbs and candle smoke.”

Seven pieces were shown in his collection alone. Academy of Art presented twenty seven pieces all together.

You can follow Kevin at Facebook/KCSmith

Charlotte Ronson Fall/Winter 2015

This season’s inspiration was entitled “The serenity of nature coupled with an abstract urban setting”. Ronson’s designs reflected the late 60’s to the 1970’s sportswear construction complete with flowing fabrics.

The show featured feminine silhouettes with large floral prints allowing delicate clothes to stand out. Ronson’s designs also showcased cowl necks and chunky knits. Hues included dull variations of grey, olive green, red and blue.

For more information please visit http://www.charlotteronson.com

Lupe Gajardo Fall/Winter 2015

The Chilean designer showcased her collection in the Pavilion at Lincoln Center. Her collection was inspired by as Lupe reveals, “Birds and the homeless. The streets. Dressing out of necessity. Layers upon layers. The beauty of authenticity. The freedom that is granted by chaos. The wandering. The unpretentious.” Recycled denim made a presence on the runway in a jacket, pants and a skirt covered in patches of different shades of denim for a more unique New York look. The majority of the garments in the collection were made from organic cotton for a more comfortable and natural look. The birds of the streets were even represented through the use of natural feathers on many of the garments, including the final look: an organic cotton chiffon dress with a feather poncho.

For more information please visit http://lupegajardo.com

Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2015

Zang Toi Fall/Winter Collection entitled “Mystique Beauty of Venice,” showcased collection of chic separates including pantsuits and shift dresses to stunning elegant gowns. The show closed with models strutting the runway in dramatic gown engulfed under capes, furs, black veils and Mardi Gras masks.

In my interview backstage with Zang Toi he revealed, “I decided to go to Venice in the Winter time to get inspiration. I have been to Venice so many times but I went there in the Winter. In the Winter it is stunningly beautiful, mysterious and sexy.”

For more information please visit Zangtoi.com

Oudifu Fall/Winter 2015

Oudifu returned to the Salon for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. His imaginative line is once again inspired by a serious environmental plea: the extinction of animals. “My inspiration for this season is the concept of protecting nature.” Zuliang Li

This time around he is using Woolly Mammoth as his muse, a prehistoric elephant like icon now extinct. As homage to Woolly M the clothes are decorated with his likeness.

For more information please visit www.OUDIFU.com

Venexiana Fall/Winter 2015

Designer Kati Stern new collection is a collaboration of lace overlays and intricate jeweled designs. Kati reinforces the importance of nude and pale hues with soft silky draped fabrics

The show started with a soft palette of nudes and progressed to elegant fabrics ranging from silver, gold, dark teal and rich blacks.

In our interview backstage Kati revealed her inspiration was the cubist exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

For more information please visit http://venexianaltd.com

Malan Breton Fall/Winter 2015

Malan Breton took us on a journey to the stars with his tailored menswear and ultra luxurious women’s red carpet gowns. He has never been afraid to use color for menswear and this season’s palate of ginger orange, fuchsia and steel grey green suits and overcoats were a standout.

There were also some androgynous tailored women’s pants suits that were reminiscent of Carnaby Street. The finale was another stunner; a bright orange wedding dress fit for a queen.

For more information please visit www.malanbreton.com

Lie Sangbong Fall/Winter 2015

Lie Sangbong Fall/Winter 2015 collection was entitled “Oriental Ink,” is a study in modern elegance. Mr. Lie found his inspiration in the juxtaposition of the clean lines of the drawings and the shape and vibrancy of the flower’s petals. The collection’s emphasis was on suiting and outwear showcasing the brand’s signature sophisticated constructions and multi-dimensional fabrications. A color palate of camel, navy, burgundy and grey is combined with graphic red, black and white.

His collection will be available at retailers across the globe and his recently opened boutique located at 30 Gansevoort Street in Manhattan.

For more information please visit http://liesangbong.com

Erin Fetherston Fall/Winter 2015

This season Erin presents “The Wildwood.” Erin grew up on Wildwood Avenue, a tree lined street in San Francisco, California where she drew inspiration. Erin has always had a penchant for fairytales, funny she looks like a character from the Brother Grimm Fairytales. Erin is tall blond with soft delicate features.

This season the designer sprinkles her magic on sultry gowns, elegant frocks and tailed separates in an array of luxury fabrics: silk, shimmering jacquard and ethereal organza.

For more information please visit http://www.erinfetherston.com

Dorin Negrau Fall/Winter 2015

The Romanian designer has shown in Paris, Moscow, Dubai, Dusseldorf, Milan and South Arabia.

During our interview backstage he revealed that he took his inspiration from his home in Transylvania, Romania. His floor length black gowns featured billowing skirts that bewitched the audience.

“The theme I use when designing, is that each creation should change the mood of the person wearing it. I believe that there is a clothing language,” reveals Dorin Negrau.

For more information please visit www.dorinnegrau.com

Jess Ingui Looks to “Kickstart” First Project as Solo-Artist Via Crowdfunding, Bedroom Recorded EP

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LONG ISLAND, NY – Jess Ingui is a singer-song writer from Long Island New York. Last year she was a pre-cut contestant on The Voice, NBC and is now focusing on recording her first album.

Ms. Ingui grew up in Patchogue and later, out in Middle Island. She completed high school in Shirley/Mastic-Beach and worked out in Hampton Bays. I had a chance to interview this rising star and below is our interview:

Tell us what inspired you to become the singer and songwriter you are today.

Jess: Well, I have been singing since before I can remember; but as I got older it turned from a dream and hobby, into something that I really wanted to try and pursue as a career. I feel like music has something really wonderful about it that connects people unintentionally. Even without lyrics, people can put on a song and feel moved. That same energy that moved me created this desire to want to create something that others can relate to as well through my own past experiences and feelings.

jess Jess Ingui, a singer-song writer from Long Island New York recorded produced, played, and sang her EP from her bedroom. She is raising funds on Kickstarter to complete her first solo album. Image via JessIngui.com; Photo credit: Eric Luc Photography.

Tell us about your previous projects that were recorded in your bedroom.

Jess: My last EP that I recorded was all produced, played, and sang in my bedroom. I collaborated with Josh Boorum, another local singer-songwriter, and we wrote a large collection of songs that we felt were a great reflection of us as individuals and as a duo. Because the drums and other important instruments were not recorded live, the quality isn’t of a stature that I feel is going to pull in a very large scale audience- however, the quality of the actual songs, lyrically and melodically, I think is proving to be able to do just that. I feel that a good song is a good song, whether listened to on a radio, a walk-e-talk-e, humming along to it- when you hear and feel a song that really connects with you, it doesn’t matter the quality of the overall recording. We are hoping that the songs released on that bedroom-recorded EP will drive enough support that, during the process of funding our first album, we will find success and be able to get into a real studio with all live musicians.

All of the songs on the EP are available for free download from www.soundcloud.com/jessingui

What goes into creating an album?

Jess: I used to feel that creating an album, from a singers perspective, meant learning the songs, getting into a booth, and trying to sing them with as much passion as you could muster. It took me years to realize that the concept of an album, as an artist, is so much more than that. It is creating a body of work that from start to finish, cohesively captures every sense. From the sound, the meaning, the visuals, the emotion… it’s everything. I have spent the last five years really absorbing the industry and the life lessons to be able to write material that I felt confident enough to stand behind. I think what it boils down to is, I have also spent the last five years really learning myself and growing into my skin and becoming comfortable with who I am as a person. When you become comfortable with who you are, and then allow yourself to create, the outcome is art. Creating a genuine and excellent album is everything- it’s the finished product of all the different aspects of art being pulled together.

In the music industry, who are your idols?

Jess: There are a lot of different people who have affected my perspectives musically and behind the scenes in the industry. Most importantly, other artists that have really moved me include Ella Fitzerald, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Lauryn Hill, Josh Boorum, and my father. But I have also learned a lot from some really strong-minded, intelligent and hard-working music professionals such as Leyla Turkkan (Founder and CEO of The Catalyst Group) and le’Roy Benros (now president of Universal Music Group/Noizy Cricket!!).

Tell us about your experience as a pre-cut contestant on the NBC network show “The Voice”:

Jess: It’s funny, growing up as a singer-songwriter, when you tell someone what you do- that you are a singer- the most common response is, “Why don’t you audition for one of those shows!?” The perception today is that, in order to get recognized or to grow a following, you need some type of televised machine behind you in order to be successful.

I got very far, behind the scenes, on “The Voice” and it was a really educational and fun experience. However, these shows are equally as focused on talent as they are on type-casting. I may be a performer and a well-versed vocalist, but I would never consider myself a reality star. I feel that that is what those shows are really looking for: next generation reality stars. I’m just an average girl coming from some humble-beginnings who is very passionate about pursuing music as her dream! If anyone is considering auditioning for those shows, I say go for it! Follow your heart- there are many successful artists who got there break through the shows! I just don’t find that it is for me.

Tell us about how and why you are creating your first album and the online fundraiser you have established to create funds?

Jess: KickStarter is an online fundraiser where artists (musicians, actors, inventors) launch a well organized project in hopes that their friends, family and following will support them by donating. After spending a few weeks planning, financially, what it would take to create something that was professional and true to my artistry, we set a budget and put the project live. In the music industry, getting signed to a label allows you to have a source of funding. The label gives you money toward creating your art and getting it out to the world for you. KickStarter takes the concept of label from a corporation to in the hands of your friends and supporters.

If all the money is raised on the KickStarter, all of the proceeds will then be designated toward recording the full-length album. If the money is not raised, however, everyone keeps their money and my project sees none of it. It is an all or nothing campaign!

The songs and material written for this album are everything to me. They are a reflection of my every day feelings and experiences. I think all the songs are relatable and enjoyable. My music is soul/jazz/r&b inspired with a little bit of a pop flare. It’s kind and honest and has taken me years to perfect and feel confident in even speaking highly of.

If this KickStarter gets funded, not only would I be able to complete the album, but everyone would have contributed toward making my dream become a reality! I really believe in my team and with a little kick start I would love to repay everyone through song!

Tell my audience some of the industry professionals you are working with.

Jess: I don’t want to give too much information away, especially while the campaign is still below 50% funded- but I will say, that if you contribute, you can sign up to receive updates on the project. When I hit 50% funded, I am going to share some of the musicians and other industry related professionals that agreed to assist me in the project and the release of it as well!

I understand that your project is on Kickstarter. Can you tell us what the different pledges are?

Jess: So donating toward my KickStarter doesn’t leave you empty handed! Depending on different amounts you donate you get things in return. A copy of the completed album, invites to different events, tickets to shows- things like that!

If we want to learn more about how we can donate towards this project for your first album is there a website we can go to?

Jess: If you would like to donate you can follow these instructions:

  1. Go to www.KickStarter.com; Using the “discover” search bar, type in “Jess Ingui” (even typing in ‘Jess’, my results are the first to pop up!) [Or you can follow this link and the same rules apply!] https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1573566439/jess-ingui-and-expressing
  2. Click “Back This Project!”
  3. Click a pledge amount that you would like to contribute!
  4. Stay tuned and watch while I create the art!

Tell us what your website is.

Jess: If you would like to learn more about me or connect with me on different social media platforms, you can go to my website at http://www.jessingui.com

For those who have never heard of it before, Kickstarter is a “crowdfunding platform” based through online support. The company’s mission is to help bring creative projects to life. According to Forbes, crowdfunding has “quickly moved from trendy buzzword to a mainstream fundraising model” with more than five million contributors pledging close to $1 billion, funding more than 55,000 projects.

Jess has an upcoming live show on February 19, 2015 at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue. Supporting sets will include fellow soul, jazz and pop artists, Leah Laurenti and Cora Small. Doors will open at 7:00 PM with a $10.00 Cover. 18+ Presented by Planet of Sound Promotions.

Fix This performed by Jess Ingui off of her debut EP; YouTube.

National Dental Awareness Event for Underprivileged Draws 1,600+ to Cradle of Aviation in Garden City

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LONG ISLAND, NY – On Friday, February 6, Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) “Give Kids A Smile” event, which promotes the benefits of dental care for youngsters who otherwise might not have access to it.

Joseph Brofsky Co-Chair of NCDS event, said that “Give Kids A Smile” is a national endeavor aimed at children from disenfranchised areas who may have never seen a dentist at all in their short lifetimes. The event took place on February 6 at venues from coast-to-coast; however, Garden City lays claim to the title of the biggest of them all, Brofsky said.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A Smile On Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile. Kids were thrilled to see Ronald McDonald who left goodie bags including a certificate from McDonald’s for a free Happy Meal.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, 2015, the national dental awareness event Give Kids A Smile drew over 1,600 to Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum.

“There’s about 2,000 events put on by Dental Societies across America today for Give Kids A Smile, and this is the number-one venue in the country. Today we’re expecting a turnout of over 1,600 children,” he said. “Children are bused in from under-privileged areas on Long Island; some of them have never been to a museum or a dentist. We provide them with a tour of the Cradle of Aviation as well as dental checkups and, if needed, follow-up care.”

Over 100 volunteer dentists were set up at stations on the Cradle’s second floor, providing check-ups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments, temporary fillings, and general dental advice to tykes from all over Long Island; in addition, there were 350 student volunteers from high schools such as Long Beach, Lynbrook, Freeport, Farmingdale, and more, each of whom helped chaperone and manage the large throngs of kiddies present.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A Smile On Friday, February 6, 2015, the national dental awareness event Give Kids A Smile drew over 1,600 to Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A Smile On Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile.

However, the NCDS also receives a great deal of help from a variety of other organizations; in addition to receiving donated dental supplies from Henry Schein Dental of New York, mascots and representatives from popular local sports teams such as the NY Islanders and the NY Mets were present to entertain the kids waiting for their checkups; however one certain clown clearly was the star of the show for these youngsters, Brofsky said.

“Ronald McDonald is a big star here with the kids…in fact, he’s the most popular character we have here today. The kids love him,” he said. “And Long Island McDonald’s has been tremendously helpful to us. They’re doing some wonderful work for the children of Long Island.”

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A Smile Posing for the camera are (L to R) Joseph Brofsky, Co-Chair of the Nassau County Dental Society’s “Give Kids A Smile” event, and Luciana Montuoro, LI McDonald’s Marketing & Public Relations Director, Friday, February 6, 2015, at Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Luciana Montuoro, LI McDonald’s Marketing & Public Relations Director, said that getting involved in the “Give Kids A Smile” event is just their way of continuing their tradition of giving back to the community; and the success of their involvement has enabled McDonald’s to extend their backing of this important cause to other areas of Long Island as well, she said.

“Long Island McDonald’s has been supporting Give Kids A Smile at this event for five years now, and each year it’s gown and grown,” she said. “They bus in children from all areas of Nassau and Suffolk County to get free checkups. And based on the success of this event, McDonald’s has also begun attending the Give Kids A Smile event held in Stony Brook University’s School of Dentistry and Farmingdale College as well.”

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A Smile On Friday, February 6, 2015, children from all areas of Nassau and Suffolk County were bused in for free checkups. Kids were thrilled to see Ronald McDonald who left goodie bags including a certificate from McDonald’s for a free Happy Meal.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile.

Montuoro noted that the inclusion of the one-and-only Ronald McDonald at the Give Kids A Smile events serves two very important purposes.

“First, the kids are thrilled to see Ronald, but he also puts them at ease because they are nervous about getting a checkup,” she said. “And, after their checkup, each kid gets a goodie bag and we include a certificate from McDonald’s for a free Happy Meal.”

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, 2015, the national dental awareness event Give Kids A Smile drew over 1,600 to Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum.

The Cradle of Aviation was abuzz with activity that day, with the mammoth lobby transformed into a jubilant waiting room of sorts, complete with chairs, music, snacks, and video screens everywhere you looked. Also, kids got free tours of the museum while they were waiting to have their teeth looked over by one of the many volunteers present.

Seven year-old Devon was indeed a bit apprehensive about going in for his check-up; however, with some encouragement from Ronald McDonald – and the promise of a Happy Meal to come – he soon found the courage to go in for a quick exam.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, 2015, the national dental awareness event Give Kids A Smile drew over 1,600 to Garden City’s Cradle of Aviation Museum.

Nassau County Dental Society and Long Island McDonald Help to Give Kids A SmileOn Friday, February 6, Cradle of Aviation in Garden City was packed to the rafters with a gaggle of children as part of the 12th annual Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) Give Kids A Smile.

“The dentist told me I had good teeth,” he said. “I really liked that they gave me a checkup and made sure that I’ve been brushing right. And I really can’t wait to get a cheeseburger Happy Meal when I get home later!”

Our Fabulous Variety Show Presents: Fire and Ice with D.E.O.X. of the Raffa Show in Southampton

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SOUTHAMPTON, NY – This past weekend “Our Fabulous Variety Show” presented Fire and Ice with D.E.O.X. of the Raffa Show at 230 Elm Venue located at 230 Elm Street in Southampton, NY.

The organization was founded by two lovely ladies, Kasia Klimiuk, (Artistic Director, choreographer, producer, and CFO) and Anita Boyer, (Director, Choreographer, Producer, & COO).

OFVS consists of an ever evolving troupe of dedicated thespians who are on a mission to hone the craft of live performance while raising funds and awareness for both local and national non-profit organizations.

Before the performance I had the privilege of interviewing Co-Founder Kasia Klimiuk.

Entertainment Journalist Cognac Wellerlane interviews Kasia Klimiuk and Anita Boyer Founders of Our Fabulous Variety Show and the star of the Show DEOX Of The Raffa Show at 230 Elm in Southampton, NY

Hello darlings I am Cognac Wellerlane and we are here in Southampton on a very snowy nigh but that doesn’t stop this entertainment troupe from performing right here at 230 Elm Street and this organization is called OFVS. Introduce yourself to the camera darling.

Kasia: My name is Kasia Klimiuk and I am the producer for “Our Fabulous Variety Show.”

And that’s what OFVS stands for.

Kasia: Correct.

Tell my audience what we are going to see tonight.

Kasia: Tonight you are going to see a very entertaining show which actually features one of our amazing performers Danny Ximo of the Raffa Show. Tonight he will be performing as D.E.O.X.,

Nice!

Kasia: That character actually debuted in our production “Spectacular Christmas Carol,”

Yes you recently had a Christmas production. I was unable to attend that but I figured I want to check you guys out and see what It’s all about because the Hamptons is buzzing about your entertainment troupe how wonderful it is.

Kasia: Thank you, yeah he actually debuted as “Christmas Present” and he was one of the ghosts in the show. It sought of is a fusion of masculine and feminine and he had a show called The Raffa Show that he had done here several times before. He has done it all over the world. It’s a show where he impersonates iconic female entertainers like Liza Minnelli, Raffaella, Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Tina Turner, everyone.

He must be amazing.

Kasia: He is amazing!

Wow!

Kasia: You are in for a treat tonight. Tonight he will be doing a lot of Raffa Show favorites. A lot of them were sung by Alan Cumming.

Oh, I interviewed Alan Cumming.

Kasia: Did you?

Yes. He is fabulous. He really is. He is just one of the most talented actors there is out there and I adore him. I interviewed him several times, once at the Hamptons International Film Festival when they were giving him an award. Wendy Williams presented the award and I was there for that.

So this is very exciting, He performs and he has his own interpretation of all these celebrities.

Kasia: Yes he does it to the T. It’s like you are watching Liza.

Now how did you get involved?: Why did you get involved into this?

Kasia: I am a performer, actress, singer dancer. Actually my partner Anita Boyer and I started the organization back in 2010. The two of us were running a half marathon and we had to raise the money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America because that’s what the half marathon was going to benefit. We decided to put on a show. We met doing “Cabaret” at the Southampton Cultural Center and we got a bunch of talented friends together. It was a one time thing and it evolved into an amazing theatrical troupe that has grown exponentially. We have been rated Dan’s Papers Best Theater Group on the South Fork for two years in a row, 2013 and 2014, it just keeps growing and getting better.

I see that! After this particular show what are you working on next?

Kasia: We actually are planning our 2015 season. We are going to be bringing back “The Spectacular Christmas Carol” in December at Guild Hall for two weekends this year, one weekend last year.

I would love to come that.

Kasia: We are also working on another project, “Our Fabulous Adventure in Wonderland” which will be based on “Alice on Wonderland.”

Very nice. Who is involved in the team of people putting this all together.

Kasia: It is just Anita and I.

Just you two! Oh my God. Now I understand this another reason why I wanted to come tonight. You mentioned something previously that you were working for a charity to raise money and I noticed that on the website you work with other organizations to raise funds. That’s really what I am all about. I believe in giving back to charities. Where do we participate? Where do we contribute? How can we get more involved?

Kasia: This is part of our mission. Every show we choose a beneficiary and we donate a portion of the proceeds to a local organization. The last show we donated to HUGS which was a youth organization that teaches students about anit-drugs, anti-suicide and we actually donated 2,500 dollars to them at our last show.

That’s wonderful.

Kasia: Each Time we try to pick an organization. We also started a performing arts scholarship for our June show last year. One of our dancers was a recipient for that. She was a local high school senior, she got that scholarship.

How nice! How lovely! Tell my audience where we can go to find out more information. What is the website?

Kasia: www.OurFabulousVarietyShow.org

Co-Founder Anita Boyer has a strong passion for choreography, dance, singing, and putting on spectacular events for worthy causes, Anita co-produced the original Fabulous Variety Show which helped raise over $8,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. Anita graduated from Ohio University with a major in Video Production and brings to the group her almost 20 years of dance experience and her event planning savvy. Anita is the coordinator for the East End Arts Teeny Awards program, she teaches dance for the Riverhead Faculty Community Theatre (RFCT) and DanceHampton in East Hampton, and she choreographs and directs shows all over the East End! Most recently she directed and choreographed Godspell for RFCT which was a fabulous success! She loves working with such a talented group of people to put on these shows!

Co-Founder_Anita_Boyer Our Fabulous Variety Show Co-Founder Anita Boyer poses for a photo-op with Entertainment Journalist and Host Cognac Wellerlane.

Here is what she had to say:

Welcome back darlings, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here with Anita Boyer the other half of this wonderful organization. Tell my audience again what the name is.

Anita: “Our Fabulous Variety Show”

Now that’s an interesting name. “Our Fabulous Variety Show,” what made you call it that?

Anita: Our original show was to raise money for our half marathon that we were running in Las Vegas for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and we kind of based the whole poster off of “Welcome to The Fabulous Las Vegas Show” sign so that’s where the fabulous comes in.

I see.

Anita: Throughout the process of putting on all these shows we have really been trying to embrace the whole “Our” concept. We love to get input from every single member of the cast. Everyone has an idea; we always hear it and try to utilize it. We do try to really focus on the “Our” The “O” the Our of “Our Fabulous Variety Show.”

Later I chatted with the star Danny Ximo, D.E.O.X. of The Raffa Show.

Our_Fabulous_Variety_Show Our Fabulous Variety Show Danny Ximo as D.E.O.X. of The Raffa Show poses for a photo-op Entertainment Journalist and Host Cognac Wellerlane.

Welcome back, I am Cognac Wellerlane and I am here with the star of the show who is going to be performing tonight. Introduce yourself to the camera darling.

D.E.O.X.: Tonight I am going to be DEOX which is the initials of my name and my stage name. Daniel Eduardo Orlando Ximo and actually my artistic name is Danny Ximo. It’s two complicated. I am so many personalities!

I love it! I love the whole idea! I love the concept and I can’t wait to see the show. I want you to tell my audience about your act and what it is all about. The whole thing, everything!

D.E.O.X.: Well actually you know this is the first time that the show is gong to have a twist. Before it use to be more like a female impersonation and now it is going to be something in between. Between a male and a female. That is why I have a beard, I have lip gloss, I have eyelashes.

Did you do your makeup? Did you do it yourself?

D.E.O.X.: Yes!

Beautiful!

D.E.O.X.: Thank you. Tonight is going to be different once again. You know we did the Christmas show and that is when I introduced DEOX to the fans of “Our Fabulous Variety Show,” I got a very good response from the audience. I am excited now about introducing my new baby to the audience.

How many characters are you going to be performing?

D.E.O.X.: It’s weird. It’s a transition. The show is going to be a transition with music, with different costumes, dance, it’s going to be a variety show.

Will you be impersonating celebrities?

D.E.O.X.: Yes, when I did female impersonators I did more specific.., like Liza Minnelli, this and that. Tonight something like that is going to happen in a different perspective.

Do you have a specific character, a specific personality that you just adore to impersonate?

D.E.O.X.: I think I sang “New York, New York” by Liza Minnelli more times than she did herself. They love my Liza Minelli and I love her!

I can’t wait to see this.

D.E.O.X.:  I also invite the audience to go to YouTube and they can find my previous shows on the Raffa Show DEOX and they can look for the videos on youtube.

D.E.O.X. : Big Spender, Friday Dec. 5th 2014, Guild Hall East Hampton New York.

Terrific! Tell my audience where we can go to find out more information about you. Do you have a website?

D.E.O.X.: I don’t have a website but I have a facebook page which is Facebook/Raffa Show Feat Deox. That is the page of my show and then I have my own page which is Facebook/Danny Ximo

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