What Does the New York LLC Crackdown Mean for NYC Condos?

Real Estate transaction are about to become more public. A law passed by New York Legislature aimed at battling issues upstate, now has New York City Condos under scrutiny as well. State Legislature signed a bill into effect in September that requires LLCs to disclose their identity in transaction involving one to four-unit buildings. The goal was to help crackdown on home abandonments in towns in the Hudson Valley by helping identify owners behind LLCs of abandoned homes.

Since Governor Cuomo signed the bill into law on September 13th, it is now being interpreted to include all residential condos in New York. The state Department of Taxation and Finance released guidance on September 27th that specified that residential condos were included in the “one to four family dwelling unit” definition.

What Does this Mean for NYC Real Estate?

Simply put, under current guidance and interpretation, Buyers cannot remain anonymous.

The New York City real estate industry is still looking to uncover the exact implications for our market, however, direction is indicating that the law’s reach is far greater than originally anticipated.

Under current guidance, Buyers would no longer be able to purchase Condos in an LLC to remain anonymous and would have to disclose identity. Disclosures would be subject to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests which can be filed by anyone to find out who owns an LLC. This means journalists and other parties could get names behind LLCs, thus revealing identity to the Press.

This implication has privacy concerns as many wealthy buyers and celebrities in the New York City market purchase in an LLC to protect their identity and privacy. Having to disclose means that this privacy has gone out the door, and parties can now pinpoint the exact address of any buyer.

There is also some concern in regard to implications this could have on real estate development in New York. Most new development projects are under an LLC by the Sponsor. This is sometimes a Real Estate Investment Trust which could have many investors. Developers may simply not want to take on the burden of having to disclose possibly hundreds of names of everyone involved in a particular project.

This new legislative change comes on the heals of the Progressive Mansion Tax which was enacted July 1st, and has had a negative impact on the Luxury market in Manhattan.

Guide: Celebrate Mother's Day in New York City

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 13th. Whether you plan to spend the day with Mom, or you plan to send a gift because she is not in town, we have you covered with ideas for ways to make Mom feel special. From Brunch to gifts, check out our guide to Mother's Day in New York City. 

Wave Hill House Brunch & Gardens

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Wave Hill House, a 28 Acre estate in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, hosts an annual Mother’s Day brunch that garners a lot of attention. In fact, it often sells out! Feel like you escaped the city a bit on the 28 acres, and enjoy a brunch with Mom consisting of Belgian waffles, poached eggs, polenta, and zucchini bread. At least check, 10:30am and 1pm seating times were available.

After brunch, stroll through the beautiful gardens on the property. Birding is a very popular activity at Wave Hill House.

$50 per guest or $45 for Members // 675 West 252nd Street

Afternoon Tea at Bergdorf Goodman

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BG at Bergdorf Goodman hosts afternoon tea daily from 3-5pm. If a full brunch isn’t your thing, this is a great way to pass the afternoon at a place that all women love, the famed Bergdorf Goodman department store.

Tea service comes with an assortment of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fruit preserves, Devonshire cream, and a variety of petite sweets. We recommend getting the option paired with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. After tea, take mom downstairs to pick out a luxurious gift.

$45 per person or $62 with glass of Veuve // 58th Street at 5th Avenue

Queens Botanical Garden Mother’s Day Brunch

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The blossoming Queens Botanical Garden will be hosting a farm-to-table brunch to celebrate Mom this year. Enjoy a selection from local caterers including omelets, bacon, muffins, scones, coffee, teas, and a complimentary glass of wine at the landmark setting.

After enjoying a delicious brunch, be sure to stroll throughout the gardens and take in the lush arrangement of greenery and plants.

Prices Range from $28 for children to $60 for adults // 43-50 Main Street, Flushings

New York Botanical Garden’s Annual Weekend Garden Party

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 njoy the beautiful spring blooms at the weekend-long garden party at the New York Botanical Garden. Stroll through the newly opened Lilac collection and enjoy live music and dancers on the garden’s main stage. There are a bunch activities planned throughout the whole day, making it a great family event. Activities include putting on the green, croquet, and guided walking tours throughout the gardens. Brunch, by reservation, will be served picnic-style.

All garden pass $28, $12 children // 2900 Southern Boulevard

Dinner at Majorelle

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 Majorelle is the newest restaurant on the Upper East Side located within the Lowell HoteCharles Masson, formerly from La Grenouille is running the restaurant in conjunction with four-star chef Christian Delouvrier. Similar to La Grenouille, Majorelle is decorated with fresh flowers throughout. The renovations in the Lowell to create Majorelle include a dining room designed by Michael S. Smith. Details include engaged columns and egg-and-dart moldings. The restaurant has approximately 75 seats with about 20 in a skylight garden. There is also a plush bar, Jacques, and a cozy library lounge with a fireplace adjacent to the dining room. The Chef has created a menu that mixes traditional French cuisine with Mediterranean and Moroccan influences. Highlights from the menu include a rich onion tart, warm sausage with potatoes, risotto of wild mushrooms, bass with Champagne and caviar, and steak au poivre.

28 East 63rd Street

Gift Ideas:

Fragrance: Hermes latest fragrance, name after the thin, silk scarves many women tie around the handle of their bags, has been receiving rave reviews. The maison crafted the new scent with Hermes girl in mind, a young, carefree one at that. Twilly has floral and spices with notes of ginger and sensual tuberose.

$130 – Hermes

Dress: Want to treat mom to a lavish dress that she will cherish season after season? The latest Dolce & Gabbana collection has striking floral prints that are sure to turn heads whether you are wearing it around the city or in the Almalfi Coast. We recommend the classic silhouette of the Sheath Cocktail Dress in the Rose print.

Elbow-Sleeve Scoop-Neck Rose-Print Sheath Cocktail Dress - $2,295 Neiman Marcus

Flowers: What goes better with Mother’s Day than flowers? Head to the New York Flower Market for the best selection. The district, which spans a full city block on 28th street between 6th and 7th Avenues, offers virtually any flower your heart can desire. Pick out Mom’s favorites and make a beautiful bouquet.

28th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues

Guide: The Best Observation Decks In NYC

In the real estate industry, you can get access to some of the best views. In fact, some of these views you can call home – 12 Instagram Worthy Views from Manhattan Real Estate. If you can’t get into the tallest apartment in the city with the best view, why not take advantage of some of the observation decks throughout the city? Instagram is waiting…

We've put together a few pointers about the most popular observation decks in New York City as well as what we know now about 2 observation decks coming to the city that will literally take things to new heights.

Empire State Building

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Quick Facts

• Most popular observation deck
• 86th and 102nd floors open to the public
• Views of Midtown, the Park, and other iconic buildings that make up NYC skyline
• 86th floor is not encased in glass or covered with a roof

 How: The Empire State building sells tour packages through its website. The price of admission will depend on the age of the visitor and which floor of the building they would like to go to. Guided tour packages are also available. Decks are open from 8am to 2am daily.

Top of the Rock

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Quick Facts

• Actually get to view the Empire State Building because you are not on it!
• Capture the iconic photo of it standing among the skyline
• Also great views of the park – slightly altered because of the construction on 57th Street!
• Timed Entry system makes it much less crowded
• Originally opened in 1933 re opened 2005

How: Sold through the Top of the Rock website and work in a similar fashion in that tickets are priced according to age. There are special add ons available and note – a surcharge exists if you want to go at sunset! Open from 8am to midnight daily.

One World Observatory

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Quick Facts

• Opened in May of 2015 and offers some of the best views of landmarks because you can even see the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island as you are located downtown
• Highest observation area in the city at the moment
• In addition to being able to simply take in the views, there are interactive elements along the way including videos depicting the construction of the tower

How: Prices vary according to age like the other options, and additionally, packages can be purchased. Special packages include options for entertainment and food as well as options to purchase expedited entry. Hours have varied, but spring/summer and the long days the seasons bring tend to have availability from morning until night.

Statue of Liberty

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Quick Facts

• The Crown of the Statue of Liberty offers an observation deck, however, this is more about the experience itself rather than the views once you climb the 162 stairs to the top
• Lines can be very long
• Not that high and located a distance away from Manhattan so views are not as great as from atop the other decks
• Looking to see the Statue? Consider a Boat Cruise or the Staten Island Ferry

How: Tickets are available through Statue Cruises and vary in price depending on whether it is for a child or adult.

Coming Soon

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30 Hudson Yards: The much talked about Hudson Yards Mega Project has another reason to be talked about – the sky-high observation deck that will be at 30 Hudson Yards. Upon completion, it will be the 5th highest observation deck in the world as it protrudes from the 100th floor of the building.

In addition to the outdoor deck, the Hudson Yards Observation Deck will offer a complete New York experience, offering the opportunity to have a cocktail or host a celebratory dinner. The deck is slated to open in March of 2019.

One Vanderbilt:

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The office building that is rising in Midtown East will have a publicly accessible observation deck similar to that of One World Trade and Empire State. Upon completion, the indoor/outdoor deck will stand 1,020 feet about the ground. Visitors will be able to access the observation deck through Grand Central. Construction on One Vanderbilt is slated to wrap up until 2020 so pricing for tickets has not yet been released.

6 Things To Do in New York This Winter

Things to Do in New York City this Winter

We know it’s cold outside and there are fewer things nicer than watching New York City streets through your frosted window while you cuddle under a fuzzy blanket and drink hot cider, but New York City in the wintertime is worth venturing out into the cold for.

Chill is in the air, but holiday music can be heard on every street corner and the city is aglow with lights and winter decorations that you won’t soon forget. So, tip your doorman and leave the building. Venture to 1251 Sixth Avenue, near Rockefeller Plaza and look out for the glowing giant red orbs reminiscent of pomegranates, or the gigantic Christmas tree ornament sculpture popping out of a city fountain on 6th avenue. There are endless events and festivities as the new year approaches, and unless you have a friend who can get you into The Metropolitan Club, it can be difficult to choose where you’ll spend your time. That’s why we’ve done all the work for you and put together a list of some of the most exclusive activities and events in and around Manhattan and New York City to keep you in the know this winter.

Window Shop on Saks 5th Avenue

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One of the best things to do in New York City during the holiday season is wander through Midtown to check out extravagant window displays at stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more. Every winter, the shops on Saks 5th Avenue compete for the best window display by bringing to life fairy tale panoramas, winter wonderlands, and otherworldly scenes of grandeur and winter cheer. Curbed, a New York Neighborhood guide, curated this user-friendly map of the best holiday window displays in the area, so they’re easier to find than ever.

See the World-Famous Nutcracker Ballet

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Ah, a night of beautiful dancing, magnificent costume design, and high-end musical composition is in store for you at the NYC Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker. Running until December 31, this globally acclaimed ballet will delight and surprise regardless how many times you’ve seen the ballet before. All 90 dancers, 62 musicians, 40 stagehands and more than 125 children, in two alternating casts, from the School of American Ballet join forces to make each performance as magical as possible. Tickets range from $89-290, depending on the seats you choose. We recommend sitting as close to the orchestral pit as possible, to get a glimpse of both the dancers and musicians alike.

Enjoy a festive dinner at Old Homestead Steakhouse

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The Old Homestead is the perfect place to flock to on a wintery night with friends and loved ones. Located in the heart of the former meatpacking district, this old-world steakhouse was made famous as the first restaurant in the United States to import Japan’s fabled kobe beef for use as the feature in its sumptuous steak dishes. The interior is plush and comforting, perfect after a chilly evening trek through the city.  Menu features include the Oyster Rockefeller Royale topped with a simmering pernod cream, the filet mignon for two with golden Yukon potatoes, aged cheddar spinach, sour cream and Asian vegetables, and the deliciously famous Homestead chopped salad.

Escape for a Weekend at the Windham Mountain Resort

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The Windham Mountain Resort, a true gem hidden away in the great northern Catskills, is only three hours from New York City and offers everything from skiing and boarding to spa relaxation and delicious dining opportunities. It’s the perfect place to escape for the weekend when you need a break from the droves of winter tourists flocking to New York to see the famous city decorations and the NYE festivities. Packages are varied, so whether you need to play hooky in the middle of the week or want to embark on a weekend getaway, Windham has an option for you to enjoy.

Get Your Groove on at NYC Winter Jazzfest

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Each January, Winter Jazzfest hosts the genre’s top talent over the span of several evenings. Its signature two-night Greenwich Village marathon brings vets and up-and-comers, hordes of music fans and a palpable air of excitement to an array of cozy downtown venues. The shows aren't individually ticketed, so a wristband grants you access to any of each night's shows—as long as venues don’t fill to capacity. This is a model built for venue-hopping and exploration. If your preferred show is full, pull out the schedule, and head to one of the nearby spots for something unexpected. This event happens after the New Year celebrations, which can be a downtime for happenings around the city. So grab yourself a ticket before they sell out and get your winter groove on to combat the post-NYE blues that can set in.

Drink in a Rooftop Igloo

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This is one experience you won’t want to miss. 230 Fifth declares itself “New York's largest outdoor Rooftop Garden and fully-enclosed Penthouse Lounge.” One floor is fully enclosed, while the rooftop garden is open to the sky. If it’s raining, the venue will provide umbrellas and keeps it cozy by heating the place on cooler evenings. This venue is a marvelous place to sip cocktails before making your way to one of many New Year’s Eve happenings around the city, if you need a pre-party.

Guest Blog by Jeremy Alderman

What Makes Townhomes Unique in New York City

When thinking about or discussing the New York City residential real estate market, condos and co-ops are what often comes to mind. It is easy to forget that a third type of property exists in the market because condos and co-ops, or apartment-style living, is what many think of when they think of city living. However, the third type of property that exists, townhomes, are quite unique and special. 

So what attracts people to townhouse properties in New York City?

Privacy

Townhouse living offers and elevated sense of privacy for some buyers because the home is entirely yours. People will not see you in the common lobby, elevators, or any shared space that exists in a condo or co-op. Similarly, there are no doormen or concierge at a front desk that see you coming in and out of your home. 

Additional privacy comes from the fact that there are no neighbors above or below you to make noise or complain about noise that you may be making. Private outdoor space such as terraces and backyards is solely for the use of the owner, unlike common outdoor space in condos and co-ops which is an amenity for the entire building. 

Compass Listing at 357 W. 17th Street

Vertical Living

Most people are attracted to townhomes for the simple fact that they are houses in the middle of the city. With that being said, townhomes offer traditional vertical living. While this is not for everyone, some buyers like the feeling of a traditional home. This aspect can change one's mindset because when one enters a townhouse, one feels an escape from the bustle of the city...perhaps forgetting it is situated in one of the most bustling metropolitan areas in the world. 

Ownership

Owning a townhome is different in many facets than owning a condo or a co-op. It is similar to a condo in that the owner has a title to real property, unlike share ownership in a co-op, but it differs in that a townhouse is "free standing" with no common areas shared by other owners. Townhouse owners only pay real estate taxes- there are no monthly common or maintenance charges.

This biggest aspect of townhouse ownership is the freedom that comes along with it. Freedom takes on many forms such as no board approval for moving in, tenants, or renovations, and no financing restrictions that one might see on a co-op property. 

Compass Listing at 73 Washington Place

It must be noted that the freedom of townhouse ownership also comes with increased responsibility, namely all burdens of upkeep and daily operations fall on the owner. Things like inspections, taking out the garbage, cleaning sidewalks in the winter, and handling all repairs become solely the owner's responsibility. There are no live-in supers or porters like a condo or co-op would have. 

Value & Selection

The value of townhomes varies depending on myriad factors, most notably, however, width and location. The standard width of a townhouse in New York City is between 18-20 feet. Anything above 25 feet wide is considered a mansion, and is rare, thus making it much more valuable. 

Additional items that can increase a townhouse's value amenities such as elevators and garages. An elevator can reduce the impact of vertical living for those buyers that are accustomed to condo or co-op living. An on-premise garage is highly coveted, allowing the owner to keep their car on the property, for use at their convenience, without additional garage expenses. 

The most coveted townhomes are usually found on the Upper East and Upper West Sides as well as the Village. When shopping for townhomes, there are various choices to match different buyer taste profiles. Selection spans the gamut of gut renovation ready to triple-mint renovated homes with all the conveniences for today's modern lifestyle. It is worth noting that some homes are considered historic, and thus certain details such as the facade cannot be altered. If you are buyer looking to make renovations, it is important to obtain this information.

The Victoria Shtainer Team Previews a Greenwich Village Townhouse

 

Intrigued by Townhouse Living in New York City?

Submit any questions about townhouses or contact us to schedule your townhouse tour in New York City.

New York Luxury Properties Lure Buyers With Pools

Summer is beginning to heat up in the city, and as subway platforms begin to approach 100 degrees, we are all reminded of what seems to be a suburban commodity and an urban luxury, namely swimming pools. 

Sure, you can visit certain hotels throughout the city, and often times, pay to use the pool for a day or even try to get a membership to the exclusive SoHo House. However, in the Manhattan luxury market, pools are becoming a highly sought after amenity that can be found in some of the most luxurious and exclusive buildings and homes throughout the city. With that being said, the luxury of having your own pool in the building or even a private pool can come at a significant cost. 

Take a look at some of the best properties throughout the city that give the resident access to a pool. 

50 United Nations Plaza

Situated across from the United Nations, this new 43-story black tower has become an exclusive address in the city. The building offers an array of apartments and sizes, however, our eye is on the duplex penthouse on the 42nd and 43rd floors. The 9,700 sq ft duplex is comprised of 4 bedrooms and 6.5 baths, and features a private infinity pool on the 43rd floor. What better way to beat the heat than your own pool in the sky with spectacular views of downtown Manhattan and the East River? Asking Price: $70M

One57 Indoor Pool via Extell Development

One57

It may come as no surprise that the high-rise situated on what has been dubbed "Billionaire's Row" features one of the most luxurious indoor pools. Residents of One57 have a plethora of amenities at their fingertips as the building is part of the Park Hyatt Hotel and features a 20,000 sq ft amenities floor. The building has become iconic as it transformed the Midtown skyline, rising to 90 stories. Availabilities range from 1 Bedrooms starting around $3M to a 4 bedroom residence on the 83rd floor with spectacular views asking $58.5M. The finishes of the indoor, heated pool matched the sleek interiors of the residences. Additionally, the pool space features triple-height ceilings. 

Soori High Line unit 5A via Soori

Soori High Line

The Soori, a new development along the high line at 29th street receives the title of "greatest number of homes with private pools" in the city.  The Soori, designed by award-winning architects SCDA, features 31 residences, with 16 having private, heated pools. The pools are integrated into the modern, open-concept designs that feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Unit 5A is currently on the market with a private pool. The 3,586 sq ft 5 bed 5 bath residence features 2 terraces in addition to the private pool and is asking $10.875M.

443 Greenwich Penthouse A via Hayes Davidson

443 Greenwich Street

The Tribeca Lofts at 443 Greenwich Street  ( at Vestry Street) is a new luxury building in downtown Manhattan. The building was a former book binding factory which now features 53 condos. Residences vary in size, however, Penthouse A, currently on the market, is the crown jewel of the building. The triplex penthouse is comprised of 8,569 sq ft and 5 beds and 6.5 baths. The notable feature, of course, is the private pool found on the terrace which offers spectacular skyline views. Asking price: $55M

11 N Moore Penthouse Terrace via Streeteasy

11 N. Moore 

11 N Moore is a boutique Tribeca condominium that offers just 18 residences. On top of the building is a grand penthouse that is, perhaps, the crown jewel of penthouses. The residence features large picture windows and soaring ceilings up to 18 feet. In addition to the 7,000 sq ft of interior living space, the penthouse features 3,800 sq ft of exterior terrace space which is also home to a private pool. The unit is currently on the market, asking $29.995M and is newly on the rental market asking $75,000/MO.

If you are interested in residences with pools in Manhattan, we are happy to show you the premier luxury buildings throughout the city that offer this sought-after amenity.  Please fill out the form below to connect with us and ask us any real estate questions you may have! We will respond to your questions in a timely manner!

Father's Day in NYC and The Hamptons

Father's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 19th so its time to start thinking about planning a special day for him, or, perhaps, a special gift. Father's Day does not have to mean another tie to add to his collection of hundreds. The Victoria Shtainer Team has curated a list of places to take Dad on his special day in the city and The Hamptons from a little R&R to some great brews, we have the perfect list for you. 

If you are unable to spend time in-person with Dad, consider sending him a thoughtful gift. Below, you will find a selection of gift ideas that will be sure to add a luxurious touch to his day. 

Enjoy!

Kayaking on the Hudson : Spend some time on the water of New York Harbor, taking in city views from a different perspective. The Downtown Boathouse is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free public access to the harbor in NYC. With that being said, sit-on-top kayaks  as well as brief instructions and all necessary safety equipment is provided complimentary. 

Hudson River Park at Pier 26 

John Allan's TriBeCa

John Allan's Spa for Men : This spa, or as dubbed by John Allan, "men's club", is all about just that, men. It is the premier men's grooming club that has created a luxury concept and lifestyle around their brand. Multiple locations can be found throughout the city, and they are available for yearly membership or on a per service basis. Consider treating Dad to the signature Full Service which consists of a 30-minute grooming service with scalp massaging shampoo and conditioning treatment, hot towel, haircut, manicure, and shoe shine. Looking for a rejuvenating rubdown? Choose from Swedish or deep-tissue options in 30 or 60-minute sessions. 

Locations Throughout the City

NoMad Dining Room

The NoMad: The restaurant at the popular NoMad hotel is a sibling to Eleven Madison Park and is a collaboration from co-owners Daniel Humm and Will Guidara. If you are looking to enjoy a brunch with Dad with an elevated, luxurious atmosphere, this spot is worth checking out. The atrium dining room features inviting armchairs and the decor evokes a feeling of Old New York. Notable brunch items include the poached eggs and egg with quinoa. Afterwards, enjoy a cocktail in the library bar. 

1170 Broadway (at 28th Street)

Brooklyn Brewery:  If Dad loves beer, consider taking him to Brooklyn Brewery to enjoy the tasting room and a tour. The tasting room is open on Sundays from 12-6pm, so you can come in and grab a ticket for a free tour.  The Brewery has experienced a lot of growth, and as a result, their portfolio of brews has grown as well, with their Brooklyn Lager being the flagship. The free tours on Sunday start on the half hour beginning at 1pm until 4pm. Please note that tables in the tasting room are on a first come first served basis. 

79 N 11th Street, Brookyln

Sadelles via @kimmyb_nyc on Instagram

Sadelles: Looking for a quaint breakfast with Dad complete with bagels? This is your spot! The SoHo eatery is known for its bagels and bakery specials that are all made in-house. The menu is all about New York Classics including bagels, chopped salads, and sandwiches. The signature menu item is the $100 tower of smoked fish and fixings for the ultimate Father's Day breakfast or brunch. If you are looking to enjoy dinner, the space transforms into a completely candlelit dining room in the evenings. 

463 West Broadway

Sparkling Pointe

Sparkling Pointe "Cheers for Dad": The Northfork vineyard will once again be hosting "Cheers for Dad" at the Tasting Room. Enjoy a glass of Sparkling Pointe sparkling wine paired with a trio of sliders. There will be live music by Alex Clough Jazz Duo. Tickets can be purchased online for $30. 

39750 County Road 48, Southold, NY

"Head over Heels" by Claudia Ward

At Sea: A Designer Showcase: Get in the mood for summer with the new exhibition on display at The White Room On display will be artwork that pays homage to the summer season and the beauty of the East End. The exhibition features oil paintings by Jill Krutick, and photography by Michele Dragonetti, EJ Camp, and Claudia Ward. Pieces are available for purchase, so it is okay if Dad falls in love with one!

2415 Main Street, Bridgehampton, NY

Entrance, Harbor Bistro

Sangria Sunday's: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Harbor Bistro in East Hampton with Dad. Sunday evenings, the Bistro hosts Sangria Sunday's with live music. You will enjoy $5 sangria, $6 drink specials, and $8 nosh specials including chipotle hummus, chicken potstickers, and grilled gulf shrimp. 

313 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road, East Hampton, NY

Father's Day Gift Ideas

From a favorite cologne to luxurious headphones, below are a few ideas for gifts here is sure to love. You will not find any ties here!

1. Tom Ford Fragrance: The Tom Ford favorite, Neroli Portofino, has recently received an update with a new edition "Neroli Portofino Forte." The new edition ups the intensity of the wonderful Neroli scent. He will be reminiscing of trips to the Amalfi Coast! Bergdorf Goodman

2. Vilebrequin Trunks: The St. Tropez swimwear brand, known for its splashy prints, is perfect as we approach summer. There are myriad prints from which to select, but we are partial to the classic turtles. They are also available in smaller sized for the little guy, so Dad and son can match all summer long. Vilebrequin

3. Nespresso Virtuoline: Is Dad a coffee lover? If yes, then Nespresso is the perfect gift him. Elevate is at-home coffee brewing experience with the Virtuoline from Nespresso. This sleek machine will allowing him to brew both espressos and coffees. Receive 20% off on all machines now through June 20th! Nespresso

4. Master & Dynamic Wireless Headphones: Master & Dynamic brings sophisticated styling and premium sound quality to its products. Dad can enjoy his favorite music with the MW60 over ear headphones that will connect to his device via bluetooth, eliminating the cables. Master & Dynamic

5. Custom Wall Print: This custom wall art from Shutterfly is sure to be a gift that he will cherish and remember. You can select any photo of your choosing, and it printed on metal for an interesting piece to adorn any room in the house. Select sizes are up to 30% off until June 14th! Shutterfly

We are Nearby!

Browse some of our wonderful current offerings that are nearby our recommendations.

200 Chambers Street

325 5th Avenue

151 East 58th Street

117 Bridies Path

3 Maple Avenue

1155 Noyac Path

Photos: John Allans, The NoMad, Konstantin Sergeyev , Sparkling Pointe, White Room Gallery, Harbor Bistro

70 Vestry Street Unveiled in TriBeCa

A new Robert A.M. Stern designed building is coming to the Hudson River skyline in TriBeCa. Last week, Related Properties hosted an exclusive unveiling of the newest building coming to the Triangle Below Canal. 

The building, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, embodies his belief in the harmony of grace, symmetry, and proportion. The project is positioned to work into the Hudson River shoreline, drawing on classical architecture principals, yet fits harmoniously into existing downtown aesthetics thanks to its stone facade and decorative metal work that is reminiscent of old warehouses. 

The exterior of the building is created from Beaumaniere Limestone, coming from a quarry on the banks of the Seine, 250km south of Paris. Speaking of the exterior, Mr. Stern says,

“Limestone works more beautifully in the sunshine than any other material. With the western and southern light, the building and river will glow.”

70 Vestry comes with a full array of amenities that we come to expect from a luxury building of this caliber. The amenities start on the exterior, with a private courtyard featuring lush landscaping and a serene waterfall that evoke a glamorous sense of arrival. Other amenities include a library, café with private resident lockers, billiard room, lounge, and wellness level with fitness by The Wright Fit and a pool. 

The interiors are quite inviting, the result of a combination of modern materials and the special touch of interior designer Daniel Romualdez who collaborated on the project. Finishes include hand-sawn oak, bronze, and marble. Kitchens are outfitted with a full suite of Miele appliances.

Guests were able to experience the new building at the sales offices while enjoying champagne and hors d'oeuvres. At the time of the unveiling, an available 2 bedroom residence was in contract, with available residences starting at $7.25M for a 3 bedroom home. Additionally, 70 Vestry offers unique terraced residences starting at $19M. The majority of this building faces the Hudson River, affording it spectacular river views.

Wes Holland, Gabriel Zapata

Should you be interested in previewing 70 Vestry, please contact us

Photos: The Victoria Shtainer Team, Patrick McMullan

4 Places to Take Mom this Mother's Day

Mother's Day is this Sunday, and if it slipped through the cracks of your busy schedule, The Victoria Shtainer Team has 3 recommendations for you to take Mom to this weekend. Forget breaking the ban on a typical, boring lunch or dinner, these events are cultural and will add some interest and surprise to your Mom's special day. 

America's Cup : The iconic event will return to lower Manhattan for the first time since 1920! The cup, presented by Louis Vuitton, is a preliminary competition among six countries for the 35th America's Cup next June. Head to the Brookfield Place Waterfront Plaza for the best experience and viewing. Brookfield Place Waterfront will be transformed into an event village featuring a gear shop where you can purchase event t-shirts and apparel, and, most notably, a Moet Champagne bar. No tickets necessary, and races will take place from 2-3:30pm both Saturday and Sunday. The event village will be open both days from 12-6pm so you can enjoy some champagne!

Looking for something to enjoy afterwards? Head to Grand Banks at Pier 25 to enjoy an oyster bar al fresco. The restaurant is on the historic wooden schooner, Sherman Zwicker. The setting is reminiscent of the oyster barges that were seen on the Manhattan waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries. Great cocktails, rose, and beer on tap are also available. 

New York Botanical Garden Weekend Garden Party: Enjoy the spring time blooms and fragrant air at the New York Botanical Garden. The garden has restored and renovated some areas to have it looking the best this year. The weekend party will feature live music, dancers, games, food trucks, and casual picnicking. Tickets: $20 adults, $8 children. Saturday and Sunday from 10-6pm.

Frieze New York: Looking to give Mom a little dose of culture? In addition to all the art offerings the city has on a daily basis, the Frieze Art Fair is taking place May 5-8th on Randall's Island.  There will be a large array of art with more than 200 galleries showing. There will be food trucks and other beloved New York eateries on site such as Frankies Spuntino and Roberta's and Cosme. Tickets start at $49 and we recommend taking the East River Ferry to get to the island.  

CONTEXT New York: In conjunction with Art New York, CONTEXT New York is launching is inaugural New York edition with a fair running from May 3-8th. It is based of its successful counterpart, CONTEXT Miami. Art New York and CONTEXT create a welcoming atmosphere for both experienced and new art collectors. 60+ emerging and established galleries will be participating. The event will be held at Pier 94 located on the Hudson River at 12th Avenue and 55th Street. One Day passes are $40 and valid for both CONTEXT and Art New York.

We hope you can get out and enjoy the weekend with Mom. Wishing all mothers a Happy Mother's Day!

Victoria Shtainer with her Mother

Photos via: America's Cup, NYBG, Frieze , Art New York

Top Spots to Enjoy Cinco de Mayo in NYC

The spring day filled with celebrations is almost upon us. Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May celebrates the Mexican victory over the French army in 1862. An unlikely defeat, the win was a huge boost to Mexican morale, becoming a symbol of unity and pride. The best way to celebrate is to grab your friends and some tequila at these hotspots around town. 

Dos Caminos: Dos Caminos is bringing back their "Cinco de Cinco" which is comprised of 5 days of specials (starting May 1) leading up to Cinco de Mayo. Specials that caught our eyes include $5 Coronas and $5 Churros y Chocolate. Check out all the specials here.

Gansevoort Park: The trendy hotel will be hosting Cinco activities on their roof. Enjoy some great views in the sleek atmosphere on their rooftop. Specials for the celebration include $10 house margaritas, $6 drafts, and $13 tacos. 

Rosa Mexicano: Rosa has established itself as an upscale Mexican option with multiple locations in the city as well as elsewhere in the country. Rosa will be offering up a pre-fixe menu for $40. Selections vary by location, with menus being available here. We always recommend the pomegranate margarita! 

Anejo TriBeCa: The downtown restaurant and tequila bar is gearing up for their annual all-day Cinco de Mayo party. It is quite popular, and even Guest of a Guest is talking about it. The annual party goes from 11am until midnight with notable menu items including fried guacamole with tequila and mezcal specials.

Blockheads: An easy go-to with various locations around the city having served up over 6,000 margaritas last Cinco! Specials for the celebration include $5 frozen and $8 shaken margaritas. Free chips and salsa included with any order...count us in!