The French luxury brand Sisley Paris recently partnered with DOWNTOWN Magazine NYC to invite some of their dedicated readers, to a private evening of pampering, including mini facials and makeup applications, at their Bleecker Street location.
Sisley Paris’s esthetician Marcia Bush gives Lana Masor a customized facial. Photos: Mariana Agostini.
60 Minute Bleecker Street Signature Facial
Marcia Bush, Sisley Paris’s expert esthetician, prepared customized mini facials for each guest, based on their skincare needs, whether it’s to hydrate the skin, enjoy aromatherapy, a restorative facial for skin that is stressed or needs brightening. Sisley Paris also offers its busy clients on-the-go a 60 minute Bleecker Street Signature Facial, that includes a relaxing scalp and leg massage. The Lyslait démaquillant au Lys Blanc toutes peaux is a gentle cleansing milk, with White Lily, that is good for all skin types. For reducing redness on sensitive skin, Bush recommends using the Lotion Tonique aux Fleurs, which is alcohol-free, to calm the skin. The instant éclat works as an instant glow primer.
Sisley Paris Black Rose collection soothes and plumps skin.
Sisley Paris is renowned for its Black Rose collection, a series of products uniquely created with Paris-grown black roses, that naturally soothes and plumps the skin.
The evening also included a tutorial discussing Sisley Paris’s simple, three-step evening regimen for skincare that only takes minutes, introducing the Supremÿa La Nuit anti-aging skincare line. This includes a Night Lotion, to prepare skin; Supremÿa at Night, to repair damage; and Supremÿa Eyes at Night, to reduce eye puffiness and diminish the look of dark circles.
Sisley Paris-Spring Makeup 2022
Quentin at Sisley Paris gives Downtowner Aleksandra Lacka a makeup application.
All of Sisley Paris’s makeup is plant-based
Our CEO Grace A. Capobianco with Marcia Bush of Sisley Paris.
It’s all about striking a balance between finding the right skincare regimen for your lifestyle, and “légèreté-(lightness in French), makeup that’s a second skin,” says store manager Cecile Dennis. It shouldn’t feel heavy, but give a natural look that might make one wonder if someone is even wearing makeup. For spring 2022, they’ve introduced their Phyto-Teint Nude foundation. All of Sisley Paris’s makeup is plant-based, so it is kind to your skin, without ingredients such as alcohol, that can be drying and cause irritation. It also seals in hydration and optimizes plumpness.
Sisley Phyto-Rouge Shine
For lips, Sisley Paris recently introduced its Phyto-Rouge Shine, hydrating lip color, with Vitamin E, Moringa Oil, and Jojoba oil, available in 12 shades. But also, the applicator is designed to be kind to the environment; the elegant-looking refill clips into the base of the cap. Remove the upper part of the lipstick by pulling it upwards and clipping in the new refill.
Sisley Paris also has its own brand of hair care products, Sisley Hair Rituel, which is the equivalent of medical-grade back in France. Their Revitalizing Fortifying Serum Duo includes two highly concentrated serums infused with plant-based extracts, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to visibly fortify hair and scalp.
For more information on Sisley Paris, to purchase these products, or to make an appointment for a spa treatment at their Bleecker Street boutique, 343 Bleecker Street call and ask for Marcia Bush 212-645-1013 or visit sisleyparis.com
In case it hasn’t already taken over your Instagram feed, we’re here to tell you iconic Greenwich Village shop Murray’s Cheese has opened up a mac and cheese bar. The fast casual concept is right next to their flagship Bleecker Street shop, so you’ll definitely want to take home a few wedges so you can get your cheese plate on at home.
Murray’s has partnered withSfoglini, beloved New York pasta maker, to exclusively use their radiator pasta in all of their mac & cheese offerings. Sfoglini’s radiator pasta is made using only two ingredients – organic durum semolina and water, making it the perfect base to capture the flavors of our mac & cheese options. The shape of the pasta also serves a purpose, each nook and ruffled edge acts as a vehicle to have sauces and add-ons incorporated into every single, cheesy bite.
The signature flavors include Buffalo Chicken with blue cheese and buffalo sauce, Carbonara with pancetta and peas, French Onion with caramelized onions and bacon, and a weekend only breakfast version with sausage, bacon, and an egg. Diners can also customize their own cup of goodness with premium ingredients that range from pesto and roasted tomatoes to ‘Nduja and a giant ball of burrata. The shop is open daily at 254 Bleecker Street from 11 AM until 8 PM so you can eat mac and cheese all day!
The Anthony is a restaurant and lounge located in the midst of the buzzing Bleecker Street. There’s more to the Anthony than meets the eye, which aims to transport us back to the ambiance of Greenwich Village in the 1950’s. The spot is named after Anthony Lispenard Bleecker, the 18th century entrepreneur who owned many properties throughout the Village. That’s enough history for one day – time to discuss the food.
The menu revolves around comfort pub fare, inspired by cuisine from around the world. You won’t find the usual mac and cheese, burger or fries here – the Anthony gives our favorite dishes a contemporary twist. The Maine Lobster Fondre is an extremely creamy version of lobster mac and cheese, and comes with an entire half-lobster portion. Not impressed yet? Wait until you hear about those crispy Cacio e Pepe fries, topped with shaved pecorino, fresh cracked black pepper and a perfect parmesan pepper aioli — thanks Anthony, now we will never be able to eat regular aioli again.
Other highlights include the Duck & Waffles, and the signature Tony Prime Burger with creamed spinach cheese. And at least there’s a serving of veggies on there (= balance). No matter how much you eat, there’s always room for dessert — especially if they are made by Michelin-starred pastry chef Ashton Warren. The coconut cake is topped with coconut flakes, balancing the softness of the cake with a crunchy bite. The side of strawberries adds to the sweetness and rounds out the meal perfectly. After dinner, The Anthony turns into a nightlife scene, making it the perfect spot to go with a group of friends.
Air Charter Service was founded in 1990 by Chris Leach, who had realized the need for a customer-centric aircraft charter company. The son of a pilot, Chris started Air Charter Service from the basement of his house. Less than three decades later, ACS arranges close to 10,000 charters each year, with a network of offices spread throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Furthermore, its annual revenues are around a half-billion dollars.
Richard Thompson, originally from England, joined the ACS team in 2004 as Cargo Sales Director. He moved up in the ranks to Executive Vice President of North America, working out of the company’s New York office, in February 2013. A little over a year later, Richard became President of the Americas for the company.
Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with Richard about not only ACS, but flying private in general. He makes a great case as for why everyone should try it. More info on Richard and ACS can be found at www.aircharterserviceusa.com.
Richard Thompson: I joined ACS in 2004 and worked within the London Cargo team. In Jan. 2011, our Chairman Chris Leach offered me the opportunity to move from the U.K. to New York and take over the Cargo Sales Director position. This was the second best decision I ever made — after asking my wife to marry me! I’ve never looked back.
What do you remember about the first time you ever flew privately?
RT: As I joined our Cargo Division, my first charter experience was on an old Russian cargo aircraft called the Antonov-26 moving freight for FedEx. The minute I set eyes on the aircraft in Ostend, Belgium — where it was based — I knew this was the job for me.
RT: We don’t own a fleet of aircrafts, so we are not tied to any particular aircraft type. We have access to around 50,000 aircraft worldwide, ranging from helicopters and private jets up to Antonovs and Boeing 747s.
Any surprising amenities that a person would find onboard one of the planes?
RT: On the older cargo aircraft, you’re lucky if there is a bathroom or hot water to make a coffee! On our Passenger Jet side, depending on the aircraft type, customers can enjoy all sorts of comforts like inflight wi-fi, personalized catering, media centers, etc.
RT: Calling or emailing are the most common ways to contact us. We’ll then present you with a few options, varying in price, timings, availability, etc.
Where are your plans? Does the company provide rides to the airport?
RT: While we don’t have a fleet of our own, we can arrange transport to the airport, hotels and even trips whilst you are at your destination.
What sets your company apart from other charter services?
RT: I’d like to think that is a combination of factors. Our specialists’ knowledge and exceptional customer service are what we have built the company up on, but now our size offers the financial security that others struggle to match. Also, with 20 offices around the globe, we’ll always have a local office to where you are, or where you’re going to.
Who is the average customer of your company? Executives? Celebrities? All walks of life?
RT: We get all walks of life using our services, but we do get a lot of celebrities, often A-list, and sports stars. Flying by private jet saves so much time that high-profile executives use jets to get to more than one meeting a day, or just to get home for the evening.
How many people work in your office? Who else is on the team there?
RT: We currently employ over 80 people across our North American offices, which are in New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami and Toronto. Our North American sales divisions are Cargo, Executive Jets, Commercial Jets and Hand Carry.
RT: My wife and I enjoy traveling, especially within the USA. Most recently we have fallen in love with Hawaii and have made several trips out there on vacation. New York is our new home and we enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Do you have a favorite restaurant near your office?
RT: One thing New York is not short of is restaurants. My two current favorites are John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker — this was the first New York pizza I ever had — and ABC Kitchen on 18th Street for their food, atmosphere and great cocktails.
Do you have tickets to any upcoming concerts or events in New York?
Finally, Richard, any last words? Something to encourage others to put chartering a private jet on their bucket list?
RT: I think we have become numb to the excitement of air travel. Commercial flights almost feel like a commute. If it is within your budget to charter a private aircraft — you’d be surprised — try it and I think you’ll be reminded of how special flying actually is. Not to mention the tailored experience you’ll receive and more importantly the stress removed from the whole process. We have enough of that in life already!
We pride ourselves on our brokers’ knowledge and exceptional customer service, we’re ready to help you create a memory or simply make your commute remarkable.
Every year when March rolls around, music fans in New York City know to expect a major concert benefit being presented by City Winery’s Michael Dorf. This year is no exception as Mar. 6 brings The Music Of Aretha Franklin at Carnegie Hall, the 14th installment of Michael’s Music Of series. Among the artists slated to perform the works of the Queen Of Soul are Melissa Etheridge, Kenny Loggins, Glen Hansard, Rhiannon Giddens, G. Love, Sam Moore, CeeLo Green, Todd Rundgren, Antibalas, Allen Stone, Taj Mahal, Living Colour, and Bettye LaVette. Arguably the most prominent and impressive lineup ever assembled by Michael and team.
Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with six of the evening’s performers: Kenny Loggins, Sam Moore, Ron Pope, G. Love, Ruthie Foster, and Richard Thompson. Few artists can bring entertainers of all genres together like Aretha Franklin, and this Q&A helps explain why that is. 100% of the net proceeds from the Mar. 6 event are given to music education organizations for underprivileged youth, including Young Audiences New York, Little Kids Rock, and Church Street School Of Music; well over $1 million has been raised through prior events.
More on Michael Dorf and his event series can be found at www.musicof.org. Those looking to catch a public dress rehearsal of the Carnegie Hall event can try finding tickets via the City Winery website.
Do you remember the first time you heard Aretha Franklin? Or at least the first song by her you’d heard?
Sam Moore: I’ve known Aretha since she was a teenager playing piano for her father the famous Reverend C.L. Franklin. That’s around 60 years ago.
Ron Pope: There was never a time in my life before Aretha. Her voice was always there. I remember singing along to “Respect” as a really little kid. Sometimes I’d sing lead, sometimes I’d sing the background parts. I remember when I learned that she was singing the word “propers” in that song; when I was little, I always thought it was “popcorn.”
Ruthie Foster: I grew up listening to Aretha. Her gospel recordings with her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin, were a mainstay in our house when I was a little girl.
G. Love: I’m thinking that I surely grew up listening to the sounds of Aretha on the radio my whole life. I do remember my parents being crazy about the soundtrack for this movie The Big Chill, and I’m pretty sure “Natural Woman” was on that cassette. They wore it out! As I grew up and into music my Uncle Billy turned me on to Booker T & The MGs, who were the Stax Records backing band and recorded many of Aretha’s hits with her. So I always loved Aretha and the sounds behind her.
Richard Thompson: It would have been “Respect.” I was at school over in London, and that must have been 1964? It’s the first record of Aretha’s that got much airplay.
Do you have a favorite Aretha song?
Kenny Loggins: “What A Fool Believes” — I totally went to school on her reinvention.
Sam Moore: Well, she won the Grammy for my song “Hold On I’m Coming” in 1981, and I’ve stolen her arrangement done by the brilliant Arif Martin for my live performances. I recorded one of her big hits written by Ahmet Ertegun, “Don’t Play That Song For Me,” and I’ve heard her performing it and her shows with my arrangement.
Ron Pope: “Baby, I Love You” is my very favorite song of Aretha’s; it has everything I want in a record. Her lead vocal is lights out, the harmonies she sings with her sisters are interesting and effective, Jimmy Johnson’s guitar is so damn smooth driving it all along, they have King Curtis and those horn parts that feel iconic but are still understated. The recording is absolutely everything. The Swampers and King Curtis!? Unreal! And it’s like two minutes long! You want to explain to someone why she’s the Queen? Play them that!
Ruthie Foster: Her rendition of “Amazing Grace” is my favorite!
Richard Thompson: I love her version of “You Are My Sunshine.”
Where was the first gig you ever played in New York City? What do you remember about it?
Sam Moore: Oh my goodness. The Apollo Theater on the package as an opening act in 1963, I believe. I remember legendary female comedian Moms Mabley telling me, after Dave [Prater] and I sort of phoned in a performance because there were very few people in the house at the time we went on, “not to be lazy on stage and to get out there, even if there’s only three people in the audience and give them the show they paid their money to see! Do your best don’t ever shortchange the house, even if it’s just the waiters and waitresses at a club you’re playing as your career progresses.” Her words have never left me since and every time I walk out on stage I strive to give the audience 100% or more of me and my vocal gift.
Ron Pope: My first real gig in New York was at The Bitter End when I was about 19 or 20, playing with my band The District. I remember feeling excited. Here I was, just some kid from Georgia playing a stage Bob Dylan had been on! Lots of our friends came out since it was our first show — and we begged them. Afterwards, Paul and Kenny from The Bitter End were so complimentary of the band, and we established a relationship that put us back on that stage at least 200 times over the next few years. No matter how many times I go to that club, I’ll never forget that first night.
Ruthie Foster: My first gig in New York City was at a place called Terra Blues, just off Bleecker and Thompson in The Village. The blues artist — and actor — Guy Davis was playing and took a break, I talked to him for awhile about music and told him that I played and sang to and had just moved from Texas. He let me play during his breaks that night. I had a gig two nights a week at that venue for three years afterwards!
Kenny Loggins: Two months before I played for the first time in New York City, I was there as a tourist. When I walked past Carnegie Hall, I said to my girlfriend, “Maybe someday I’ll get to play there.” Ironically, two months later I played there with Jimmy Messina as the opening act for Delaney & Bonnie and Billy Preston.
G. Love: My first gig, aside from busking in Washington Square Park a couple times in 1991 on a road trip down from Skidmore College — where I went to school for a year — would’ve been The Grand for our showcase for the New Music Seminar. I remember the crowds were a bit tougher than the amorous crowds we had achieved at the Irish pubs in Boston but we kept our head down and played that shit proper. Right after that things started clicking and we played Brownies, Cafe Sinead, The Bottom Line and CBGBs Gallery, where we scored our first deal with Epic Records in 1993.
Richard Thompson: It was the Fillmore East, 1970. The bill was something like Fairport Convention — my band — Savoy Brown and Traffic. Bill Graham was at the side of the stage as we came off, and said, “Wow! I’ve never seen that before.” We were feeling quite pleased with ourselves, till he added: “I’ve never seen a band go onstage not knowing what the second number was going to be!”
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
Sam Moore: There are so many great ones. I haven’t really been in New York a lot in the past couple of years.
Ron Pope: Awash on 6th Street, for sure. As I tour, I try to find Ethiopian food that good all over the world, but it never stacks up to Awash! When I lived in The Village, I’d eat there at least twice a week. When I come home to New York from the road, that’s the first place I want to eat.
Ruthie Foster: I recently visited and played New York City and had a great experience at a wonderful restaurant called Khe-Yo in TriBeCa, that’s become my favorite! It’s has a lot of Laotian-inspired dishes which are great for sharing with friends.
G. Love: That’s a tough one, but I sure love Joseph Leonard’s and The Diner in Brooklyn.
Richard Thompson: I love Avra, the Greek seafood restaurant. I think it’s at 48th and Lex.
What’s coming up for you besides this show at Carnegie Hall?
Sam Moore: On Thursday night, the 9th, I will be at the Beacon Theater with a bunch of amazing artists at the God’s Love We Deliver fundraiser, and then I’m going to Scottsdale, Arizona the weekend of Mar. 18 at the Celebrity Fight Night tribute to a dear friend who we lost last year, Muhammad Ali. I’m also in the studio recording an album project actually a couple of album projects with the award-winning and most amazing producer, an artist Rudy Perez. Rudy has an album launching in the next couple of weeks, and the single from that album is a duet I was humbled to participate on, a little song written by Charlie Chaplin called “Smile.”
Ron Pope: I will be back in October to play at Terminal 5. I can’t wait for that one; I’ve never played there but I’ve seen so many incredible bands on that stage.
Ruthie Foster: I have U.S. and European tours coming up with my new CD on the horizon! Joy Comes Back is the title; it’s a celebration of all the transitions in my life, love and music since my last recording.
Kenny Loggins: My new children’s book: a reimagining of Footloose in which Jack, now a zookeeper, secretly lets all the zoo animals out of their cages to dance under a full moon.
G. Love: I’m writing this in Byron Bay, Australia, where I performed last night at the Byron Bay Surf Festival. Next stop is NYC, and the day after Carnegie Hall, I fly to Phoenix to start a month-long West Coast tour with my band Special Sauce. The original trio is still going strong closing in on 25 years!
Richard Thompson: I’m out the whole of April, and I’ll be fairly local a couple of times — Tarrytown on Apr. 14 and Port Washington Apr. 19. I’m also releasing two acoustic records, Acoustic Classics 2 and Acoustic Rarities, probably in May.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Richard Thompson: Listen to Aretha! There is such a thing as musical intelligence. Her voice is at the service of the song, not the other way ’round. She doesn’t show off, she uses her extraordinary vocal gifts sparingly to emphasize the emotional peaks of the songs.
Sam Moore: I actually working with my wife on a project with Florida International University developing curriculum to teach kids grades K through 12 the great and rich histories, legacies and contributions of the amazing American-born talented musical artists of past decades and generations who brought — to not only American culture — but the world the gift of music all of the joy it brings.
Also, my great-niece Courtney Trice is going to be duetting with me at Carnegie Hall. Not bragging or prejudice, she is amazing! I am so proud to have the pleasure and joy of introducing her to the world the right way and I want to thank Michael Dorf and his entire organization for affording me the opportunity to pay honor and tribute to my “Ree Ree” and do my portion of her salute justice with Courtney and her powerful vocal abilities at my side performing my duet version from my Overnight Sensational album of “Don’t Play That Song.”
Ron Pope: 10 years ago, I sang on the subway platform to make a living, and now I’m playing at Carnegie Hall. Whatever you decide to do with your life, stay focused and do it with your whole heart. You’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.
Ruthie Foster: My words for the kids would be to stay true to who you really are and when times get tough remember that music is a healer. It’s definitely been my light!
G. Love: Be original, be passionate, bring enthusiasm, energy and love. Make a connection and expect magic to happen. Leave it all onstage every night and stay on the hustle. It’s about the journey in music there’s no top to the mountain — you just gotta keep on climbing and enjoy the view! The best thing about music is that every night can be your best show ever, and that’s what I say the minute I wake up on show days, “Tonight I will play my greatest show ever.” Then I beat it the next night.
Kenny Loggins: Follow your dreams. They will always take you somewhere fun.
Just in time for the holidays, Everlane opened its latest concept shop, Cashmere Cabin, on Nov. 11. Open through Dec. 23, the cozy cabin aims to have something for everyone on your shopping list, including men’s and women’s Grade-A cashmere sweaters, Australian merino wool coats, and new — stocking stuffer sized — leather goods.
The one-stop shop will have custom gift-wrapping, hot chocolate for customers to warm up, a limited-edition Pintrill gift with purchase, and treats from Everlane’s favorite neighborhood spots, to name a few of the reasons why to visit it at 392 Bleecker Street. There will also be a special two-day event on Dec. 10 and 11 in which guests learn more about monogramming, calligraphy and customizing gift tags.
Cashmere Cabin will be open from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Monday through Saturday and between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM on Sundays. Additional information can be found on the Everlane website.
Other highlights include the Duck & Waffles, and the signature Tony Prime Burger with creamed spinach cheese. And at least there’s a serving of veggies on there (= balance).
No matter how much you eat, there’s always room for dessert — especially if they are made by Michelin-starred pastry chef Ashton Warren. The coconut cake is topped with coconut flakes, balancing the softness of the cake with a crunchy bite. The side of strawberries adds to the sweetness and rounds out the meal perfectly.
After dinner, The Anthony turns into a nightlife scene, making it the perfect spot to go with a group of friends.
