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Downtown’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide, it’s all about Pampering in 2021

Romance is in the Air!

 

Even with a worldwide pandemic, love wins. With the best intentions sometimes life just gets in the way, our editors are here to help make your Valentine’s Day shopping a little bit easier from smooth silky chocolates to a little something for her, we have you covered, or in some cases, slightly covered.

 

Returning this season, MarieBelle offering the sweetest gift for that special chocolate lover in your life with their Izak Zenou Valentine’s Day Ganache Box, Truffle Box, and Chocolate Bars. The one-of-a-kind truly delicious, decadent, fluffy light collections are adorned with the artwork of renowned fashion illustrator Izak Zenou. Our CEO commented, ” decadent, delicious, and superb a must-have, a very special gift”

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Izak Zenou Valentine’s Collection ©MarieBelle

 

Acclaimed jewelry designer, Kristin Hanson’s artistic inspiration has no limit. Her impressive portfolio of work has garnered international distinction, with features in Vogue Italia, Harper’s Bazaar China, and W Magazine among others. Sold at select Neiman Marcus stores and a number of independent jewelry retailers. We fell in love with this romantic necklace and earrings.

Pink Drop Necklace $5,000.00 Water Ring Studs -$5,650.00

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Kristin Hanson jewelry designer

 

Active Cashmere, this lovely water repellent, machine washable, and durable, cashmere reinventing the way cashmere is worn. They offer a modern point of view on cashmere which embraces minimalism, comfort, and innovation. Their uniquely treated pure cashmere yarn provides functional features to their garments while maintaining the utmost quality.

Standard Crop Hoodie $595.00

A staple seamless standard weight relaxed fit cropped hoodie with a ribbed cuff and “v” detail and straight tubular bottom hem. Made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn, treated with our unique formula making this garment water repellent and machine washable, providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.

 

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
Active Cashmere

 

Beanie $150.00

This core unisex ribbed beanie made from the finest pure cashmere Scottish yarn and treated with a unique formula, making this garment water repellent and machine washable; providing more durability without sacrificing softness, breathability, or lasting quality.

 

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
Active Cashmere

 

 

HOYA JACKET – GREY $250.00

WILL-V was built to support a lifestyle that is naturally influenced by sport and athletics. New York City – we place value on delivering a quality, comfortable, and purposeful product that will last.

 

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
WILL-V Jacket

 

PRACTICE SHORT – GREY $80.00

 

 

WILL-V Practice

 

 

Mujjo pride itself in creating products that don’t disappoint, they think their products are perfect for a special gift. So much so they created a 15% discount on all products from our site, Mujjo.com – coupon: #14 (valid through the 14th)

 

Touchscreen Gloves Mujjo

 

With Valentine’s Day Weekend just a few weeks away, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is the perfect backdrop for romantic celebrations for two, or for some indulgent self-care either alone or with a friend, while enjoying a city staycation at one of New York’s most iconic luxury hotels. Choose from an array of offerings that celebrates both romantic love and most importantly, self-love.

Just For Two

The Hotel’s Just For Two package is a romance package, designed to make the most of Valentine’s Day weekend or anytime throughout February 2021, with the ultimate city staycation. Celebrate with a bottle of champagne on arrival, enjoy breakfast for two through In-Room Dining and relax with a late check-out of 2:00 pm to make the most of an overnight getaway.

 

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

 

This special package also includes a beautiful Rose Revival SOAK Service for two. Curated by Senior Spa & Wellness Director Tara Cruz, the in-room SOAK Service is an indulgent treat for in-house guests who wish to take full advantage of the deep soaking tubs featured in every room and suite within the Hotel. The Rose Revival for Two is a couple’s experience, designed to maximize time together with one’s nearest and dearest. Pure Himalayan salts naturally lift spirits while tuberose and lemongrass ignite the feeling of positivity and love. Seasonal citrus and floral notes are elegantly paired with sparkling rosé and decadent homemade treats to satisfy the most elevated palate.

The Just For Two package is available until February 28, 2021, with rates starting at USD $895 per night.

Reservations can be made online or by calling 646 880 1985.

 

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

 

Rouge Flowers Pop-Up Shop

For guests wishing to elevate their experience and surprise their special someone with a beautiful bouquet, a pop-up shop by Rouge Flowers will be stationed in the hotel lobby, with a selection of stunning floral options available for purchase. The pop-up shop will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 13, and Sunday, February 14, 2021, with bouquets available from USD $65-$85.

Individual “Ready for Real Love” Hypnosis Session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez

This Valentine’s Day, indulge in some self-care with an individual hypnosis session with Resident Healer Nicole Hernandez. Known as “The Traveling Hypnotist,” Nicole Hernandez guides guests through bespoke hypnotic journeys that help unpack and release anxiety, fear, and bad habits. Nicole’s clients experience a greater sense of inner wisdom, confidence, clarity and calmness, better relationships, and deeper sleep.

The “Ready for Real Love” special 60-minute session focuses on love — ranging from deepening self-worth, removing subconscious blocks to intimacy, or even indulging in a past-life regression to explore soulmates.  After the session, Nicole will custom-blend a Soveral healing oil as a take-home gift.

This session is available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred. 60 minutes / USD $285

Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com

Couple’s and Individual Astrology Session with Resident Healer Rebecca Gordon

As the most romantic weekend on the yearly social calendar, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to schedule an astrological reading with Rebecca Gordon, renowned New York City astrologer and Resident Healer at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.

Rebecca Gordon has been practicing astrology since the age of 14 when she was trained and mentored by her mother. In addition to being a celebrated astrologer, Rebecca is an author, presenter, and founder of the 15-year running Astrology School where she offers a suite of classes and workshops. She is also the resident astrologer at Harper’s Bazaar and a regular guest on the Dr. Oz Show. It is Rebecca’s mission to align people with their own unique brand of stardust so they can step into their highest potential.

 

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

 

Choose from two specific options during the month of February 2021 including –

  • Compatibility Astrology – Experience a couple’s session in compatibility astrology and discover the energetic signature between two people. Learn to better understand each other by seeing the cosmic blueprint of a loved one and the relationship dynamic. Both partners’ birth information will be required. 90 minutes / USD $500
  • Love & Partnering – Designed as an individual session, Rebecca will take an in-depth look at one’s natal love signature in the chart, relationship karmas, and then move into an overall love and relationship outlook for the year ahead. Rebecca will explore each guest’s unique passion signature, including a look at their love chart and the year ahead in love. 60 minutes / USD $380

Both astrological readings with Rebecca are available to experience either in-person at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown or virtually if preferred.

Bookings are essential. To book this special experience, contact The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown at 646 880 1990 or spa.nydowntown@fourseasons.com.

 

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown

 

Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown

Downtowners love their Eataly, this year Valentine’s Day will be a little different. Many of us will be celebrating with our loved ones at home. This does not mean that you cannot still enjoy Eataly’s delicious, fresh authentic ingredients. Here are some options to help make your Valentine’s Day 2021 even more special.

Let Eataly’s chefs do the cooking!

Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown

The most romantic holiday of the year is here, New York!

Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner out or share the love at home with friends, family, or neighbors, create the perfect Italian Valentine’s Day from start to finish with high-quality ingredients, prix-fixe dinners for delivery, and more

 

Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown

 

ORDER DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT

Share a heart-shaped Neapolitan pizza or a three-course prix-fixe menu with their finest antipasti, pasta, pizza, and desserts, create a romantic Italian evening with your special someone right from the comfort of your own home. Place your order for delivery or take-out on UberEats, Caviar, DoorDash, or Grubhub.

BRING HOME A MEAL MADE IN EATALY

Take the night off and let our chefs do the cooking. Eataly has put together a selection of housemade, ready-to-heat meals that make the perfect pairs (think, tagliatelle plus ragù alla bolognese, and more homemade Italian classics). Don’t forget to grab some heart-shaped pastries from Eataly’s pastry counter for dessert!

 

Valentine’s Day at Eataly Downtown

 

Delicious At-home And In-person Prixe-fixe MenusDinner For Two At Le District Le District is home to the Michelin Star L’Appart and the cozy Beaubourg Brasserie. If you’re ordering in, Le District’s Valentine’s Dinner for Two To-Go provides a four-course meal ready to be enjoyed in your own home.

If you’re looking to dine in, Le District has special lunch and dinner options available for open-air reservations on the outside patio.

The L’appart Valentine’s Lunch includes a romantic 4-course tasting menu for lunch at L’Appart, and Valentine’s Dinner At Beaubourg option consists of a decadent 3-course Prix Fixe. For Le District, Valentine’s Day 2021 is starting on Friday, Feb 12th, 2021, until Sunday, Feb 14th, 2021! They will also have special cakes, macarons, and chocolates at their Coffee District (entrance from the mall). Special Items will be available only during this weekend to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home or at Le District.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Brookfield Place

 

This year New York has pulled out all the stops, give a once in a life time Valentine’s Day gift you that special someone. What about dining on top of the world at  One World Observatory.

Sunday, February 14, ASPIRE, at One World Observatory will transform ASPIRE, the private event space into the ultimate, socially distant dining experience.

Deemed “Love on Top,” an exclusive, festive feast in celebration of Valentine’s Day, guests will indulge in a preset, multi-course menu while providing access to the stunning views of the city.

Brunch will feature delectable offerings including oxtail quiche, North African eggs with short ribs, and poached pear and sugar waffles.

Tickets are limited and reservations are currently being accepted for the 10 am seating. Additional details can be found at www.oneworldobservatory.com.

What are you waiting for? A romantic dinner while overlooking all of New York’s magnificent skyline, waterways, and landscape. Love surely is in the air!

 

One World Observatory

 

Mudras Treatments from $349

This is a special year, you’ve spent every day with her/him during the pandemic, this Valentine’s Day, give a gift that not only captivates all of their senses but also offers a magical relaxation experience, a body reset, with a deep unforgettable healing massage.

Spend a magical Valentine’s Day, give an experience that is truly unique and tailor-made, the perfect place for you to celebrate your love. Mudras for expert tailor-made hands-on massage treatments.

 

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Mudras New York

Meet Off-Broadway, Eau de Parfum + Refillable Lipstick Gift Box, $440.00 an optimistic new fragrance that pays homage to one of New York’s greatest traditions – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Bond’s Off-Broadway opens with a sparkling, attention-getting blend of grapefruit blossom and black currant. This edgy floral unisex scent — is the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for everyone you love.  Pair with Bond No. 9’s Refillable Lipstick in Broadway, a cool cherry.

 

 

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Off-Broadway Limited Edition with Lipstick Duo

 

Love Hat Box Gift Assortment $83

Laduree this perfect gift box, Rose-flavored meringues, “Marie-Antoinette” tea (20 teabags), a rose-flavored chocolate bar, Napoleon gift Box of 8 macarons: 2 passion fruit heart-shaped macarons, 2 rose-flavored Valentine-printed macarons, 4 classical macarons assorted. Thank you, honey!

 

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Love Hat Box Gift Assortment

 

Give your heart this Valentine’s Day with the best Laudrée
COFFEES + CANDLES + MACAROONS GIFT BOX $40
Great for any coffee drinkers, this gift box contains three unique coffees, Strawberry Verbena macarons from Le Petit Paris, a local French bakery based in Long Island City, and a hand-poured coffee-inspired candle to create a soothing atmosphere and add a sense of warmth to the special day.
Make Way for the Chef Doctor
COFFEES + CANDLES + MACAROONS GIFT BOX
PASSPORT TO COFFEE REGIONS SENSORY KIT $80
Inspired by Coffee Project’s SCA (Speciality Coffee Association) sensory class offered their LIC training center, this package is a self-guided coffee sensory kit to help people explore the three major coffee-growing regions of Asia, Africa, and America from their homes. The kit includes a guidebook filled with fun sensory activities such as taste-testing flavored gummies and experiencing scented sensory vials, before culminating with a coffee tasting of one coffee from each region.
2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
PASSPORT TO COFFEE REGIONS SENSORY KIT

 

This holiday, The Fladgate Partnership’s three exceptional 2018 Vintage Ports from Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca, and Croft Port house officially hit shelves. Just in time for Valentine’s Day romance at-home, wine lovers can purchase Taylor Fladgate Classic Vintage 2018, Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage 2018, and Croft Quinta da Roêda Vintage 2018.

 

Taylor Fladgate, Fonseca

Zazubean $22.00 is the better-for-you chocolate brand delivering healthy and delicious candy bars your way this Valentine’s Day! Zazubean chocolate is sustainably made using fair-trade certified ingredients and is 100%  organic, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and kosher! Their limited edition VALENTINES DAY VARIETY PACK includes six chocolate bars, Bling, Vixen, Nakid, Flirt, Hottie, and Smooch.

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
Zazubean Chocolate

 

Glass Hour, by Gregory Harrington, Janacek Philharmonic & Mark Shapiro
A unique gift for your loved one, this Valentine’s Day – Glass Hour – debuted at #3 in the Classical Billboard charts, this beautiful new contemporary album by Gregory Harrington, features a World Premiere Recording of his arrangement “The Hours Suite”. Based on the movie score “The Hours”, for violin and orchestra by Philip Glass along with the Violin Concerto No. 2 “The American Four Seasons”.  Both works recorded with the Janacek Philharmonic under the nuanced direction of conductor Mark Shapiro.
For a signed and personalized copy, order here 
2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
Glass Hour -by Gregory Harrington, Janacek Philharmonic Philharmonic & Mark Shapiro Conductor, Gregory Harrington Violin

Booking.com‘s “Love Letter to New York” stays at Bryant Park’s Winter Village on February 13 and February 14 for $14.21. Guests will be treated to shopping vouchers for the Winter Village Shoppes, igloo reservations, dinner and drinks at Bryant Park Grill and Café, private midnight ice skating, and more. This is the perfect staycation for celebrating Valentine’s Day safely, as the lucky consumers who book the experience will be staying solo with all the proper COVID-19 protocols and measures observed.

These exclusive stays can be booked on Booking.com starting on February 12, 2021, at 2:00 PM.

 

Valentine’s Day Bryant Park, New York City

 

The Valparaíso $260.00

Adelante makes shoes that are on par with the highest quality footwear in the market at a fraction of the price. Made-to-order models that deliver a personalized pair direct from Guatemala within 10 days. Connecting each customer with their shoemaker throughout the production process. Give him the best!

 

 

 

Fuzzy Shopper Nude $150.00

Our FUZZY SHOPPER is so EXTRA! Made of the softest luxe faux shearling and lined with a water-resistant liner. This fab and giant shopper is the perfect size for all your needs. With subtle ROAM woven double straps, you can carry it over your shoulder or in your hands. This is the perfect weekender, baby bag, gym bag, throw it all in the bag.

 

 

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
ROAM FUZZY SHOPPER NUDE

 

 

STAX. TIE DYE 2 – Classic Crop $31.00 and Legging $62.00 – Bubblegum.

This viral activewear brand is worn by all your favorite Insta girls! STAX has won the hearts of Addison Rae, Lucy Hale, Jade Marie, Conaugh Kathleen, and Leah Halton, to name a few. Made to flatter every figure, STAX.’s chic performance sets are a must for any active gal (or trips to Target gals… no judgment). A sweet new look for V-Day!

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
STAX TIE DYE
2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
STAX TIE DYE

 

 

 

YANDY Flirty Fold Over Bustier Set $24.95

For your romantic evening smooth out every inch of your curves with this exclusive bustier set featuring sheer lace triangle cups with a scalloped trim, adjustable spaghetti straps with satin bow accents, a cage back band with a hook and eye closure, a sheer lace cross over bodice, adjustable garter straps, an open back with a tie back closure. Time to heat up this winter.

 

 

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
YANDY Flirty Fold Over Bustier

 

 

NOBEL Black Leather $169.00

This modern sneaker from JSlides stuns with a lush shearling mid strap, a contemporary and very cool twist on our classic laceless silhouette. Adjustable hook-and-loop genuine shearling strap. A sweet comfortable gift for her!

 

 

 

 

 

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Wash Retinol $7.99 

Cleansing and Renewing Body Wash, with its rich and creamy lather, infuses your skin. Supercharged with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex, this nourishing body wash revitalizes and quenches thirsty skin for long-lasting hydration. Plus, it rinses off clean never leaving your skin with an oily, coated feeling.

 

 

Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide, it's all about Pampering in 2021
Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Wash Retinol

 

 

BOTA Warming Muscle Melt Crème $28.00

Info: This crème is infused with cinnamon oil, which has been used by our ancestors as a natural warming mechanism for centuries. Combining warming cinnamon oil, shea butter, and hemp extract, this crème is sure to help you melt away a draining day, workout, or year.

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
BOTA Warming Muscle Melt Crème

 

 

BOTA De-Stressing Nightly Face Cream $30.00

Pamper your face each night to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. Since nightly products absorb into your skin for hours while you sleep, it’s vital to use natural products with ingredients. BOTA™ De-Stressing Nightly Face Cream mixes nature’s best elements to deeply moisturize the skin, reduce redness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

 

 

2021 Downtown's Valentines Day Gift Guide its all about Pampering
2021 Downtown’s Valentine’s Day Gift Guide is all about Pampering

 

 

 

 

Categories
Lifestyle

When Meg Met Manhattan

This story originally appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of Downtown Magazine

America’s Sweetheart is all grown up and happily filling the role of a Downtown mom and leading lady, the setting of whose successful movie career has been right here in the City.

In the 1980s, Meg Ryan burst onto the movie scene and quickly became the girl every guy wanted to marry and every woman wanted to be. By the time she became a household name after bringing the classic 1989 comedy When Harry Met Sally to a hilarious climax, Meg was everybody’s favorite girl next door. Luckily, she has chosen Downtown to make that dream a reality for all of us! “Wherever I am in the whole world—I always judge it by how far it is from right here!” she proudly said of her favorite neighborhood. “I’ve been here my whole life. I know it completely, but I’m never bored.” She even took years away from her career to focus on raising her two kids in Downtown, and according to Meg, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Her son Jack, 25, with actor Dennis Quaid, and adopted daughter Daisy, 13, from China, have made these streets their childhood homes and have even been made better by that experience, Meg thinks. “Jack followed my path from NYU to becoming an actor, so he was exposed to so many creative influences that the community around the school offers,” she recalled. “And Daisy, my daughter, now she’s really a New York kid! She’s been exposed to so much by this city, and it’s made her such an interesting human being! When you grow up here you develop an incredible appreciation for the differences in people, and it’s made her incredibly well-rounded.”

By contrast, Meg was a child of the suburbs. The daughter of two teachers, Meg’s childhood was spent in the comfortable confines of Fairfield, Conn. But even back then, she was always drawn to Manhattan, sneaking off with her friends to spend time in the exciting city whenever possible. “Some of the best times I ever had was when we were in high school and my girlfriends and I would experience all these magical wonders like Coney Island or Times Square and, of course, Washington Square Park,” she recalled. Soon, the draw of Downtown was too powerful for her to ignore and she enrolled at NYU—and drew her lessons from the area all around it. It wasn’t long before casting directors took notice of this angelic beauty in their midst, quickly casting her in the daytime drama As The World Turns, and launching her creative journey. “NYUs really a university without walls,” Meg explained. “Before you know it, you’re absorbed by the lessons of the city that it calls home. My son Jack had the same experience and he’s now a successful working actor.”

MOVIES AND MEMORIES DOWNTOWN

In fact, Downtown has left many imprints on both Meg and her work. “Everywhere I look here, I am instantly returned to a cherished memory,” she said. “I walk through Washington Square Park, and I see various chapters of my life,” she said. “On one corner, I’m brought back to where I was a student. My trailer for When Harry Met Sally was parked on the North End. For Addicted to Love, my trailer was parked on the East Side. There are layers after layers where my different selves can meet each other.”  

Meg, as youthful and beautiful as when she emerged in a string of rom-coms that ran the gamut from Prelude to a Kiss to Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, has pulled together a resume that is as impressive as she is adorable. While she may have been anointed the “Princess of Perky,” impressive performances in such powerful dramas as 1987’s Promised Land with a then-unknown Kiefer Sutherland, When a Man Loves a Woman with Andy Garcia, and Oliver Stone’s The Doors offered compelling evidence that she was far more than just another pretty face. The films offered deep and often disturbing insights into alcoholism and addiction, failed expectations and the dark and destructive side of celebrity—and each gave Meg the opportunity to show how versatile and talented she really is.

Her appreciation of the wide variety of work that has come her way is obvious when she speaks about her career. “I feel like I’ve been lucky to investigate what’s interesting at the time,” she said of her more challenging roles. “There’s a time when you look back and realize you learn something important and share that with an audience—you’ve been a part of something worthwhile.” That was especially true in When a Man Loves a Woman, a film that saw her take on the dark role of an alcoholic wife and mother whose drinking destroys her marriage and endangers the life of her children. The character was everything she is not—and consequently one of her favorites. “I love that movie,” she said when asked what her favorite Meg Ryan films are—skipping over such classics as When Harry Met Sally and Kate & Leopold.  “It means so much to me when people talk to me about having seen [When a Man Loves a Woman] and how it moved them to take positive action in their own lives.”

MUSINGS ON LIVING UNDER A MICROSCOPE

She was less comfortable with the celebrity that followed her talent and incredibly infectious charm. Her marriage to fellow actor Dennis Quaid—who had achieved his own fame with such sterling credits as The Right Stuff and co-starring with Meg in D.O.A.—put her under a media microscope she could never escape. The marriage ultimately wilted under the pressure of constant public scrutiny, and Meg forever maintained a distance from the celebrity spotlight that Hollywood had thrust upon her. “I always felt like that attention is just too weird to metabolize,” she’s previously said. “So it’s nothing I ever chased.” In fact, she thinks that today’s hyper-intense focus on celebrity may have kept her from her beloved creative focus altogether had she risen to fame in the current environment. “If I started my career today, I wouldn’t have a chance. It’s a totally different experience,” she said. “Social media has changed things. I couldn’t handle the constant attention and the judging.”

That kind of dichotomy made her perform in The Doors as Jim Morrison’s iconic girlfriend Pamela Courson—who some historians blame for the excesses that hastened his tragic early death as well as her own, not long afterwards. “I never had any interest in stepping into that world,” she said. “It’s just never been my thing. I’m such a straight person…that’s not my kind of life.” But leave it to Meg to take a completely foreign experience into one that enhanced her already impressive acting chops. “I thought it was a really interesting story and I learned a lot by working with Oliver Stone who was a great fan of the band. He taught me so many things that I was able to use both in that film and many more to come.” Those lessons would help her prepare for such challenging and foreign—to her—parts as a lonely high school teacher in the 2003 erotic thriller In The Cut, or as sassy boxing promoter Jackie Kallen in 2004’s Against The Ropes, and especially in her directorial debut in last year’s instant family classic, Ithaca.  

THE MOTIVATION OF MOTHERHOOD

The film was sort of a perfect storm for today’s Meg, 55, who was deeply moved by the coming of age story set against the backdrop of small town America during World War II. The period drama focuses on one family guided by a widowed mother whose oldest son is in the army, leaving her to watch over and protect her three other children from the horrors of the world encroaching on their idyllic small town. 

Ithaca came 35 years after she broke into films and 15 years after she made a conscious decision to focus on being a mom. The film allowed her to slip behind the camera and focus on the work while drawing on all the emotions and experiences she nurtured in motherhood. “Being a mom was the best experience that I could’ve called on,” she explained. “You call on that, you call on understanding. You’re very fierce. You’re very protective of all the other artists. You’re making sure everybody feels good and everybody is contributing their best towards this film. The little things, I knew from being an actor.”

It also gave her the opportunity to direct her own son Jack, who has a critical role in the film. “That made it a little easier,” she admitted. “It was like telling him to pick up his clothes or go to bed. And, let’s not forget, he also happens to be a very talented actor.” And as easy as it was to work with Jack, it was just as demanding to manage all the responsibilities of directing a feature film. But those demands were not too daunting for Meg, who was happy to take on the challenge. “I loved it,” she confessed. “It was a hard thing to do, because you need to be on your toes in order not to miss anything. You have to know a little bit about everything.”

The coming of age story is based on the 1943 novel, The Human Comedy, and resonated with Meg who had long wanted to tell it on film.  “It’s a simple story about complicated things, and I felt like, given my lack of experience, I could serve it that way. I could tell it simply, in tableau mostly: ‘We’ll make the pictures work, and the light beautiful, and these actors are incredible, and that beautiful music, and keep it simple and spare, and the story will carry it.’” The story of a boy forced to deliver telegrams telling local families that they had lost their sons pulled at her heartstrings and maternal desire to protect her family. “I read the book when I was getting divorced [from Quaid],” Meg recalled. “My son was about eight years old, and I got that intense feeling of how do you keep your kid safe? Horrible and tragic things happen, and it’s impossible to keep the hurt away from the people you love. As a mom, I could really relate to the material.” And while she helmed the ship on her own, she made sure to load it with a crew of companions she knew that she could depend on.

A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FRIENDS

In addition to Jack, the cast includes longtime director and sometime mentor Sam Shepard, newcomer Alex Neustaedter as her 14-year-old son, and Homer and Tom Hanks—who flew across the country to film scenes for his three-time co-star and close friend. “What a solid he did me, right?” Meg said. “Tom shot for about half a day, and at the end of our time together, he calls the crew together and he goes, ‘Okay, we’ve gotten very close these past 10 hours and we now know each other really well. And I just want to thank you for being there for my friend, Meg.’ How can you not love him?”

“You know, the thing about Tom is that he’s as great as you think he’s going to be,” she beamed about her buddy. “He has what many great artists have—a great curiosity about other people and things,” she said. “We share that, along with a deep affection for each other.”

The experience was so positive that she is looking for new projects to direct. “I’m looking at all kinds of stuff, and that’s what New York does for you; it offers you a lot of choices.” One choice is a return to television for the first time in decades to participate in a project written by former Saturday Night Live star and TV director Brad Hall—who also happens to be married to Veep and Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. “I’ve learned it’s best to have a lot of balls in the air and see which one lands,” she said.

In the meantime, she’s enjoying bringing up Daisy in her favorite neighborhood where she basks in the power and warmth of Downtown’s rebirth since the dark day of the terror attacks 16 years ago. “It was a horrible event, but the ultimate result was that we all got a lot nicer to each other,” she reflected. “It’s a very powerful thing. People care about each other here. They look after each other. I mean—what more do we have, but each other?”

Photography by Udo Spreitzenbarth

Categories
Real Estate

30 Park Place unveils its 40,000 square feet of five-star amenities

Located in Tribeca at the corner of Church Street and Park Place, 30 Park Place recently unveiled its beautiful amenity spaces. Standing at 926 feet, Downtown Manhattan’s tallest condominium tower features nearly 40,000 square feet of amenities, as well as a full suite of hotel services, all managed by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. 

The entire 38th floor is devoted to dedicated private residential amenities, including a fitness center with yoga studio, vaulted conservatory with a baby grand piano, screening room, children’s play room designed by the Roto Group, dining room with separate catering kitchen and access to the hotel restaurant, and two gracious double height loggias that provide sweeping city views. Additional amenities include a sunlit 75-foot swimming pool, The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown inclusive of steam rooms and treatment rooms, ballroom facilities, meeting rooms, additional storage units and a parking garage.  Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to the Four Seasons Director of Residences and dedicated residential concierge, as well as 24-hour doorman, bellman and service staff focused on providing the bespoke services for which the brand is known. Tailored à la carte services are available to residents including in-residence dining and catering, housekeeping, grocery and flower provisions, car service and personal, child and pet care.

The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown occupies the first 24 floors of the tower, known for its five-star services, experiences, and amenities. The Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown is home to CUT by Wolfgang Puck, the celebrity chef and restaurateur’s first and only New York restaurant.

Photos courtesy of 30 Park Place.