Local eateries made the best of a bad situation back in the cold, cold winter months with an excuse to try out all the first-rate dining rooms with the generous deals found during Restaurant Week: Two- and three-course prix fixe meals ranging from $29 to $39 to $59.
The promotion begins Tuesday, January 18, through Sunday, February 13 and, per NYCGo, the deals run Monday through Friday (not Saturdays) and it’s up to each restaurant whether they honor the rates on Sundays. You can read more details at the Restaurant Week site but for your convenience, the following are the participating restaurants below Chambers Street:
Anassa Taverna (104 North End Avenue)
Bareburger (155 William Street)
Batard (239 West Broadway)
Blue Smoke (255 Vesey Street)
Capital Grille (120 Broadway)
Felice (15 Gold Street)
Front & Wall Street (110 Wall Street)
The Fulton (89 South Street)
Gran Morsi (22 Warren Street)
Industry Kitchen (70 South Street)
La Pizza & La Pasta A Colori (101 Liberty Street)
Mad Dog & Beans (83 Pearl Street)
Malibu Farm (89 South Street)
MarkJoseph Steakhouse (261 Water Street)
Merchants River House (375 South End Avenue)
Morton’s The Steakhouse (136 Washington Street)
Route 66 Smokehouse (46 Stone Street)
Sant Ambroeus (200 Vesey Street)
Schilling (109 Washington Street)
Treadwell Park (301 South End Avenue)
Vino e Grano (101 Liberty Street, Eataly NYC Downtown)
Originally from Long Island, Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, author and socialite who splits time between Manhattan and Southampton. She currently serves on the board of seven non-profit organizations, including the NYC Mission Society. In turn, it is not surprising that New York Magazine featured her in its “Who Runs New York?” article, while Gotham Magazine included Jean as one of its “100 Most Powerful New Yorkers.” With an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a B.S. in physical therapy from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, Jean’s strong educational background is also of note.
Earlier this year, Jean’s Successful Philanthropy: How To Make A Life By What You Give was released via Hatherleigh Press. Featuring an intro by Georgina Bloomberg, the book is available in both digital and hardcover formats. A unique guide to philanthrophy, Jean’s book both explains the philosophy behind philanthrophy and how a person can become a fulfilled philanthropist. In support of Successful Philanthrophy, she is currently very active on the speaking circuit, set to appear as the keynote speaker at the National Association of Professional Women’s event on Oct. 26 and as part of a New York Junior League event on Dec. 13.
What inspired you to write this book? Did a publisher approach you?
Jean Shafiroff: I was given a contract by a publisher a number of years ago, but because of my philanthropic obligations, I did not have the time to write the book. In early 2015 my time freed up and I sent the publisher an outline. They approved the outline and then a contract was signed. That year I sat down and wrote the book. Writing a book is a huge project.
How did you meet Georgina Bloomberg? Where did the idea come from to have her to write the book’s introduction?
JS: Georgina Bloomberg and I met in 2014 when we honored her at the Southampton Animal Shelter Gala in July of that year. I was the chair of the even and because of this she and I became friendly; I have chaired this event for the past 5 years.
Georgina and I are on the Honorary Board of the Shelter together. She and I both love animals. In August 2014 we were also both honorees at the Pet Philanthropy Gala in Water Mill. Georgina is a bright young philanthropist. She represents the millennials. She was perfect for the introduction.
In the book you mention being inspired to get into the world of philanthropy after working within the medical field and within finance. Was there a specific person that inspired you?
JS: A number of people influenced me. My father was a teacher who truly cared about his students. The nuns at the schools I attended taught the importance of taking care of those in need. Mother Theresa, for the work she did, was a great inspiration. My travels deep into places like Cambodia, Columbia, Nicaragua, China and Costa Rica gave me a firsthand view of those who live in enormous poverty. We have great poverty in the United States. It would be criminal to ignore it and do nothing to try to help out.
Jean Shafiroff / Photo: Michael Paniccia
What was the first cause that you got involved with?
JS: I started by becoming involved with charities that had Junior groups rather than getting involved with a specific cause. As a very young person, I enjoyed being with people my own age. Now I am involved with several charities — all with different causes — I do not think it is necessary to limit yourself to one or two causes.
What do you feel is the best first step a person can take towards becoming a philanthropist?
JS: Start by being kind to others. If you are disrespectful and nasty you can never be a true philanthropist. Philanthropy is love of mankind. Next, volunteer for a cause you believe in. Get involved with a group you are comfortable with. My book, Successful Philanthropy: How To Make A Life By What You Give, guides the reader on how to become a philanthropist. It has chapters on such things as how to analyze a charity, what boards look for, how to be a good volunteer, and when and how to do volunteer fundraising. Anyone who wants to become a philanthropist will want to give his/her time, knowledge and resources to a charity that is well run and that manages its finances wisely.
How does one usually go about getting on the advisory board of a charity?
JS: In most cases you have to be asked. You could also volunteer to be on an advisory board and then you would have to be accepted. I have an entire chapter in the book about what boards look for. With any board membership comes the responsibility of making sure your help the charity in a number of ways.
Which board was first for you?
JS: I think the American Jewish Committee. As a Catholic, I thought it would be interesting to serve on their Diplomatic Outreach Committee. It was a great board — all professionals, lawyers, business people and a few doctors. We all respected one another for all of our differences. I was in my very early 30’s then.
What’s coming up for you, besides promoting this new book of yours?
JS: I serve on seven charity boards, chair many galas each year and host many charity parties. This takes up quite a bit of my time. Presently, I am being asked to speak on philanthropy by various groups and by different television networks. Public speaking comes naturally for me. I especially love television and would love to have my own show one day.
How do you like to spend your free time when not working?
JS: I love style and fashion, so this interest takes up a good deal of time. My family and husband are my top priority and I’d like to spend more time with them. I love to travel. This year we took several trips. The ones that were most interesting were the two trips to Costa Rica and then the two trips to Nicaragua. My daughter Elizabeth Shafiroff and her friend Lindsey Spielfogel planned them. We took these trip for animal rescue — and then to meet and support several animal rescue groups. We met and mingled with the very poor of both countries, too. Wherever we could, we gave our support.
What is your favorite restaurant in New York?
JS: Michael’s for lunch. For dinner I like Sant Ambroeus restaurant. Also Craft, for its farm fresh ingredients, and then the new Upland.
Are there any concerts or events that you have tickets to in the coming months?
JS: I love the opera, ballet and then fashion and art exhibits. Each year, I usually go to several openings including ones for the MEetOpera, NYC Ballet and ABT. I have had a subscription series for NYC Ballet forever. Ballet is another favorite of mine.
Finally, Jean, any last words for the kids?
JS: Children need to be taught to be philanthropists. This must occur both at home and at school. An entire section of Successful Philanthropy: How To Make A Life By What You Give is devoted to this topic.
There is no shortage of fun or healthy hair care products out there. So when it comes to taking care of your hair this season, it can feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right product for you. In turn, Downtown has not only sampled a myriad of new products — to help lead you to what may work best for you — but has also spoken to reps from those brands:
Rita Hazan is a world-renowned hair colorist and owner of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City.
Aaron Grenia is the co-founder of IGK Hair, which is known for its “hairstyling for the modern generation.”
Vaughn Acord — who works out of his salon Mizu — is at the helm of V76, which makes American-sourced products that are free of petroleum, sulfates, parabens, gluten and non-vegan elements.
Brad and Sarah Pearsall are the co-founders for BRÖÖ, an all-natural haircare collection infused with craft beer, which isn’t just served for Oktoberfest.
IGK
What is coming up for your brand?
Rita Hazan: The Root Concealer Temple + Brow Touch-Up Stick — it’s an extension of my original Root Concealer and it’s made for the temples and eyebrows. If you have gray in your brows, a brow pencil won’t cover it, it will only colors your skin. My Touch-Up Stick will actually cover the gray and fill in the brow at the same time – one product that does it all.
Aaron Grenia: Right now we are in full launch mode so a lot of upcoming travel to support this. We are also finalizing five new formulas to launch next year with new technology, and we’re really excited for them.
Vaughn Acord: The 4-in-1 Cleansing Foam, Blue Cedar EDT, Daily Balance Exfoliating Facial Cleanser and Daily Balance Facial Moisturizer are all new from the brand.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We’ve got some amazing new products coming soon that are “brewed for dudes!”
Do you have a favorite new product from your brand?
Rita Hazan: Triple Threat Split End Remedy — it keeps my hair strong. I can color as much as I want, blow-dry and flat iron almost every day and my hair stays shiny, long, and healthy.
Aaron Grenia: I love so many of them, right now my top three are Call Time Styling Primer, Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel and Sunday Funday Texture Foam. They all have amazing sheen and textures.
Vaughn Acord: I have waited so long for these to launch and they are all favorites of mine. I do think the 4-in-1 Cleansing Foam is very cool!
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We both love our Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner. Since we’re married, I guess it makes sense we like the same thing!
BRÖÖ / Photo: Julie McMillan of Silver Birch Studio Photography
What is your favorite restaurant in New York City?
Aaron Grenia: Carbone, for sure. The food and service there is five-star.
Vaughn Acord: TBar — I’m a creature of habit. I’ve never had a bad meal there and they have the most incredible host. Sant Ambroeus is another one I love.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We love the restaurant, La Birreria, because they had us at beer! It’s a beautiful rooftop restaurant on top of Eataly. We also like any hand-pulled noodle place in Chinatown and any Korean restaurant with K-pop karaoke. Are you seeing a theme?
What is the next concert or live event you plan on attending?
Aaron Grenia: It’s between Drake/Future or Die Antwoord coming up this month.
Vaughn Acord: Attending a show, as I often work on many — Los Lobos.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: Just saw Brian Wilson perform Pet Sounds in its entirety last month. Would love to experience that again. We are always in the city in December, for our wedding anniversary, so we love anything on the bill at Birdland!
Created by beauty veteran Dineh Mohajer, Smith & Cult is a popular brand known for its nail lacquer products. Prior to founding Smith & Cult, Dineh had reached prominence with the brand Hard Candy, which she had started as a hobby while completing her senior year as a pre-med biochemistry student at the University of Southern California. Hard Candy had seemingly taken off overnight after Alicia Silverstone had worn the brand’s baby blue nail polish on a Late Show With David Letterman appearance in 1995.
Smith & Cult recently expanded beyond nail polish, moving into the eye makeup realm. Its new eye collection — which includes four eyeshadow quads, three liquid liners and one mascara — is called the Book Of Eyes. Long-time fans of Smith & Cult’s nail polishes, however, will be delighted to know that Fall 2016 also brings two new shades of lacquers (Darjeeling Darling and 1972).
Downtown caught up with Dineh to learn more about Smith & Cult’s recent expansion and also what keeps her going as an entrepreneuer. She can be followed directly on Twitter, while Smith & Cult — which Dineh runs with partner Jeanne Chavez — is online at www.smithandcult.com.
When Downtown interviewed you a little over a year ago, you said that the then-very-new Smith & Cult was inspired by your “addiction to beauty.” Was there a specific person that inspired your passion for the field?
Dineh Mohajer: My earliest childhood memories all center around me playing with my mom’s massive collection of makeup and being completely enamored by the colors, cremes, compacts and magic of it all. I guess my mom is the one who inspired my lifelong addiction to beauty.
DM: I would pin the birth of my entrepreneurial spirit on starvation for a creative outlet for my love of all things beauty. When I first created Hard Candy, it was purely a survival mechanism and way to escape the stressful reality of my pre-med curriculum. Since I wasn’t actually trying to create a business, I was free to transcend traditional beauty constraints. What began as a fun little passion project gave me the freedom to concoct never-seen-before products and express myself.
Having had such early success with Hard Candy, was there any hesitation in trying to create another brand?
DM: I never thought that my random urge to mix shades to match my nails would result in a baby blue nail lacquer that essentially launched my career and drastically changed the course of my life and the beauty industry. I’ve accumulated infinitely more experiences in the past 20 years in this industry. I think that the unexpected success of Hard Candy only fueled my love for the work I do. Without hesitation I jumped into creating my new brand Smith & Cult, it is a reflection of my experiences past and present.
How did you and your partner Jeanne Chavez first meet? What was it that really brought you two together?
DM: Jeanne and I initially met during the Hard Candy era and were introduced by a cosmetic buyer who thought we were like-minded. At the time, I was overworked and overwhelmed by my new business. At our first meeting we struck a handshake deal and that along with our mutual passion — bordering on obsession — for the beauty world has remained the same throughout the course of our 20-year partnership. Jeanne is the yin to my yang. We could not be more different, but I think that’s why our collaboration is effective. I bring “mad scientist” and creativity to the table, while she brings her business sense and ability to execute our vision.
How would you describe Smith & Cult to someone that hasn’t yet tried the products?
DM: I am driven by creating things I would want to use myself. I would say our products are ultra-luxurious, made from the finest ingredients. Our formulas are elevating the levels of environmental consciousness for beauty brands; the nail lacquer is 8-free and the current standard for most luxury beauty brands is 5-free. Also, our lip lacquer formulas are vegan, gluten, paraben-free.
Do you have a favorite Smith & Cult product?
DM: My favorite Smith & Cult products are constantly in flux. However, today I am loving Book Of Eyes, our new eye quad palette. Soft Shock, which is amazing for achieving a super sexy not-trying-too-hard- smoked-eye.
What is the source of inspiration for the brand’s name?
DM: In a late-night brainstorming session, I had with myself in bed, it became clear to me that the name of this collection had to embody the complexity and duality that we each carry. Smith represents the timeless, refined side whereas Cult stands for the dirtier, more subversive side. This clashing, existential polarity is woven through every fiber of the brand.
Are you a fan of The Smiths? Or the band The Cult?
DM: I do like listening to The Smiths when I am feeling nostalgic or hormonal.
How did Smith & Cult wind up with its products sold at Saks stores so early on?
DM: My partner, Jeanne Chavez, knew and worked with Steve Bock, the Executive VP of Saks, back in her La Prairie days — pre-Hard Candy. Steve has been wonderful to us over the years and has been a fan/supporter of our brands. He also brought us to Sephora when it launched in the U.S.
What’s coming up for Smith & Cult in the near-future?
DM: I’m super-excited to share our new eye collection launching this year as well as two new nailed lacquer shades; a rose gold foil called “1972” and a new matte top coat called Flatte that will transform any shade in your current collection.
When not busy with Smith & Cult, how do you like to spend your free time?
DM: Free time? I have no idea what that means, but it sounds magical. I wish I was better at creating more of a balance, but I don’t really know how to work any other way, but it’s something I am working on — that sounds counterintuitive.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
DM: My favorite spots in New York City are Sant Ambroeus, Buddakan, Nobu, La Esquina, Spice Market, Margaux, Westville and Rao’s.
Finally, Dineh, any last words for the kids?
DM: Live authentically, express yourself with reckless abandon, and be kind — especially to yourself.
