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What you and your family do for fun to relax during the summer?

My family and I really enjoy the summer out at the beach. In fact, my parents, Marion and Anthony, my sister Elaina and her husband Brett Yormark, my husband, Lou Ruggiero, and all our kids live in, what we affectionately call, an upscale share house. We bought the house together ten years ago. It is a home filled with cooking and laughter. We love to entertain—whether it’s a casual barbecue or our enormous Sunday dinner.

My brothers and their wives have their own homes, but they know Sunday is family day and their kids don’t want to miss that pasta and meatballs!

Any favorite Hamptons’ memories or traditions?

We have thrown birthday celebrations and pre-wedding parties at our house. Each one is special.

We also remember when our Fresco on the Go catered Bridgehampton polo for several summers. The food became a very popular part of the match. We couldn’t keep up with the demand for serving our pizzas and potato and zucchini chips, so we put fake mustaches on our children and enlisted them as waiters. It was hysterical and practical.

We have since stopped doing polo, but we still do party catering and backstage concerts for some of the biggest names in music!

Does Fresco by Scotto offer any summer specialties on the menu (food/drinks)?

At our restaurant in midtown Manhattan, we try to use the freshest ingredients that are seasonal. For example, some of our summer salads will include peaches and watermelon. Soft shell crabs will be served crispy over a refreshing salad. We will also be preparing a delicious pesto with fettuccine made with arugula and basil. However, the Fresco favorites, including our eggplant and zucchini pie and tuna tartare, are enjoyable any and every season.

Any pet projects/causes you want to promote?

My family  and I have participated in the Strides for Life, Lung Cancer awareness walk in Southampton. My parents lost a dear friend and their families keep her memory alive by raising funds for a cure.

Rosanna Scotto along with her mother, Marion, brother, Anthony Jr, and sister Elaina Scotto co-own Fresco by Scotto restaurant for over 23 years. Rosanna is also the co-anchor of Good Day New York on Fox5.

Any celebrity/news anecdotes from the past year that made an impact on you?

Fresco by Scotto attracts a very eclectic crowd—from journalist/feminist Gloria Steinem to actress/singer Hailee Steinfeld to legendary crooner Tony Bennett and business powerhouse Ken Langone. All of them are friendly and easy to talk to.

34 East 52 Street
New York, NY
212.935.3434

frescobyscotto.com

The surf is up and summer is almost here. Are you ready? Browse the latest swimwear by PilyQ. The collection features bold pastels, whimsical, feminine yet edgy flair.

Sunbust with Tri-color blocks.

Reversible Seamless Wave

Spellbound Long Dress

“Bodies In Action” is an ongoing, limited edition art photographic series that legendary Photographer Mitchel Gray began in late 2014. The concept behind the series is to illustrate what the bodies of great athletes are actually doing under all the equipment, padding, and uniforms while they are performing their sport. In each photo in the series that appears to have two people in it, is actually the same person shot competing with themselves. Mr. Gray brings a uniquely artful and dramatic style to his work. Many of the subjects are Olympians or professionals, but all are champion level athletes.

Mitchel has enjoyed the cooperation of the U.S. Olympic Committee and the New York Athletic Club in the creation of “Bodies in Action”. Much of his portrait work in recent years has focused on sports celebrities ranging from Tom Brady to Derek Jeter.

Bodies in Action

Photo credit: Mitchel Gray Photography

During these challenging times many of us now find ourselves working from home attempting to stay connected with our customers, clients and team members who are also working remotely. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to leverage technology (e.g. Zoom) to make sure your clients and business associates know that the work is being done as we all hope for better days ahead. During a crisis, business leaders have an opportunity to step up and really have a positive impact on others. When times are tough it’s important to be adaptable. These days, it is certainly not business as usual. Kindness, patience and a sense of humor can go a long way to let others know we are all in this together and that we will get through this global health crisis together. These days, I’m not just Thomas Baskind, business advisor, I also find myself acting as a business leader looking for new ways to assure and motivate others.I believe it’s important for all of us to find balance to counteract stress and be productive during this tough time. It takes courage, self-control, compassion, decisiveness and accountability to be an effective business leader. If you are involved with sales, it takes courage to take a risk and make that extra call to deal with a tough client or prospect and not be deterred. It has been said that finding courage in business or sales is significantly helped through knowledge of oneself and one’s occupation. Further, I would add that you also have to know the client’s needs and how you can best serve them.

Self-control is also key during tough times. It requires that business leaders be equally tough, disciplined and action-oriented while still being compassionate and empathetic to your client’s concerns and issues.

Being decisive. In these uncertain times, Decisiveness is a quality that clients and customers are looking for. You need to be able to decide on a correct strategy and action plan in the face of all challenges or obstacles and keep your client’s needs and goals front of mind always.

Being accountable. If I ever get a phone call or email that starts, “Tom, we have a problem,” I see that as an opportunity to problem-solve and reassure my client about who I am, that I am willing and able to take on the responsibility of addressing all problems in a confident and timely manner. You are your brand. Your words and actions require a belief in self and willingness to assume responsibility. That’s what leaders do. When things go according to plan that’s because of your vigilance and due diligence. When business strategy goes awry, that provides an opportunity to own the problem and solve it effectively.

Accountability and effective problem-solving actually strengthen client relationships. To be really successful in business, you need to be a leader to your team and associates, as well as to each customer or client.

More articles by Tom Baskind

Hair removal is a monotonous, time-consuming task. Although there are many options, such as waxing, threading, or shaving, none of them give permanent results. Each method must be repeated continuously throughout your life to maintain smooth, hairless skin. Thanks to advancements in technology there is a much better option for safe at home laser hair removal, IPL.

WHAT IS IPL?

Intense pulsed light technology, or IPL, is a treatment applied to the skin to reduce hair growth, decrease the appearance of varicose veins, and diminish scarring or other unwanted pigmentation. It is most commonly used to eliminate and diminish unwanted hair. IPL may be used on both the face and the body. These treatments can be performed in a dermatologist’s office or salon by a professional. With new advancements in technology, there are also now IPL devices that allow you to perform treatments in the comfort of your own home.

HOW DOES IPL WORK?

IPL hair removal devices use a broad-spectrum light that produces heat to penetrate the skin and hair follicles. The light that emits from the device is absorbed by the melanin, the natural pigment found in skin and hair, in the hair follicle. IPL damages the root of the follicle and stops the regrowth process.

Hair grows in many different cycles. Therefore, each of the hairs on your body is constantly at different stages. Hair is more susceptible to the broad-spectrum light when in the anagen, or full growth, stage. This it is necessary to have multiple IPL treatments, to affect each hair in the optimal cycle.

Devices that utilize IPL have multiple settings. These settings affect the depth that the light can penetrate the hair and skin. Your hair texture, hair color, skin color, and the location that you are using the device will all also affect the setting required for you.

IPL is a quick treatment that, depending on the area, can be completed within 30 minutes or less. Typically, 6-12 sessions are necessary to see optimum results. Each session should be spaced out between 2-5 weeks. This time in between sessions allows the hair that was not in the anagen stage to cycle through, leaving each area smooth and hair-free.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL?

Unfortunately, IPL cannot be used by everyone. The best candidates for IPL are men and women with dark hair and light skin. Treatments are not as effective on those with darker skin, as the light may have an effect on the skin’s natural pigmentation. Hairs that are red, light blonde, white, or gray also do not respond well to IPL sessions. Individuals that are pregnant, have skin irritation or have certain skin conditions should avoid IPL. The treatments cannot be performed on areas with tattoos or permanent makeup. Marketer Thomas Baskind says “It can be a great device for so many people male and female, for semi-permanent hair removal in the safety of your own home.”

DOES IPL HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

IPL is considered very safe. One appeal of IPL treatments is that there is less chance of ingrown hairs and irritation caused by traditional forms of hair removal, such as waxing or shaving. This is also less expensive than traditional laser hair elimination and can be performed at home.

Although IPL has multiple benefits, there are potential side effects. IPL may cause irritation, burns, crusting, and discoloration on the treated areas.  These are not common and may be prevented if directions are followed for optimal device use. Those with darker complexions should not use IPL devices as more melanin in the skin can increase the risk for discoloration. It is also very important to avoid sun exposure before and after treatments to keep the skin safe.

Pain is usually not felt during IPL sessions. If any pain is felt, some people say that it is similar to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. It is very common to feel intense heat on the treatment area during a session. If you notice pain after using a device, anti-inflammatory creams or cold packs may be used to decrease any discomfort. Side effects that are more serious, such as burning or blistering, should be treated by a medical professional.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE RESULTS?

Results can be seen from IPL any time after the first 3 sessions of use. Hair that continues to grow back after treatments will appear lighter, finer, and will grow back slower than before. It is also important to keep up maintenance sessions to continue results.

IPL is a great option to remove unwanted hair easily, with little pain, and often permanently. Whether using an at-home device or going to a professional, IPL is a great option for hair reduction and removal.

Now that you know everything about IPL, would you consider this treatment?

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By Georgette Malitsis | Photos & Styling by Leonid Gurevich

Digital Capture: [+] Futurecapture | Skin: David Razzano

Photographer’s Assistants: Steven Simione, Caroline Argirokastritis | Post Production: George Buczko

World-renowned fashion photographer and former model, Nigel Barker continues his legacy through his true dedication and passion for creativity and the arts. His talents date back to the 1980s when his mother entered him in a modeling competition that ultimately sparked his career in the fashion industry—an  unexpected change of direction for a man who was originally studying medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor. It wasn’t until after the ’80sthat Barker discovered his passion for photography, and after making this transition, he quickly changed the world of fashion and media for years going forward.

Barker’s photography career began in Milan, Paris and London where his previous travels around the world as a model allowed him to work with world-renowned photographers. Barker moved to New York in 1996 and set up a studio in the meat packing district (quite an undesirable location in those days) where he realized he could make a career out of combining what he was most passionate about and best at—fashion  photography.

don’t judge a book by its cover.

Barker always enjoyed being creative and enjoyed the arts—a  large part of this passion was being involved in the modeling business and photography was his natural transition to a fashion media icon. His first big break was in PAPER Magazine when editorial director, Mickey Boardman, gave him a big story after Barker went above and beyond with portraits for the magazine. PAPER Magazine ran all 14 pages of Barker’s portraits and also gave him the cover. That in turn quickly launched his career.

Barker began his photography career with America’s Next Top Model—one  of the most successful fashion reality television series—during  the show’s second season. The network was interested in taking him on for a more permanent position as both judge and photographer. At the time, television was not very exclusive or elitist and partaking in a show that was on prime-time television was once frowned upon. Knowing this, Barker still took the risk in 2003 and has since then served 17 successful seasons on the show.

What is most unique about Barker’s extensive career as a photographer is that he practiced his craft by shooting with film. The world of digital photography did not exist until the mid-2000s. His first experience with digital photography was on America’s Next Top Model where he was expected to shoot digitally for a Garden of Eden-themed photo shoot. Lumiere digital company was launching its first digital camera, and with only five of their digital cameras in the country—Barker was given the opportunity to be one of the first to use the equipment.

POLO RALPH LAUREN: Cardigan | MICHAEL KORS: Shirt  | TALLIA ORANGE: Tie

In the beginning of its launch, America’s Next Top Model was a very low-budget reality television series, but was valued by viewers due to its authenticity. No one on the show became famous until several seasons progressed. America’s Next Top Model then changed dramatically and by the end of its run, members of the show, including Barker, gained fame and success as being part of a well-known television series that aired in over 100 countries with over 100 million viewers all over the world.

Barker tells us that the biggest lesson he gained from working for an extensive period on America’s Next Top Model was the importance of the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Certain contestants over the course of the show would reveal themselves as future stars and Barker enjoyed seeing the arc of transformation of the people who had potential and were willing to learn. This sparked the mentoring aspect of his career that he uses today in launching his Top Photographer—a  very similar concept of uncovering talent and potential.

After serving as a judge and photographer for a decade on America’s Next Top Model Barker began his new venture as host of a new reality competition show Top Photographer.. The idea for the show germinated due to some of the most popular highlights of America’s Next Top Model. The excitement of the show’s photo shoots and model transformations had viewers engaged and inspired. Viewers seemed to love the fashion industry and modeling and Barker wanted to push the idea that it was possible to become a photographer with the right creative ambition.

TALLIA ORANGE: Sport Coat | POLO RALPH LAUREN: Shirt | CALVIN KLEIN: Sweater | TALLIA ORANGE: Tie: | ALLEN EDMONDS: Shoes

The current launch of the Adorama web series Top Photographer features a series of photography challenges as five carefully selected photographers compete for the perfect shot. Contestants are expected to wow judges based on their ability to work well with subjects as well as capture a concept that is beyond their familiarity of photography.

Barker’s long-standing relationship with Adorama allowed the production of Top Photographer to come together. Adorama is more than a camera store —it’s  one of the world’s largest photography, video, audio and computer retailers.  AdoramaTV is the preeminent source for videos related to the photography, film and music community. They are at the forefront of social media and one of the longest-established companies in film.

So far, Top Photographer has reached a wide audience, including viewers ranging from Europe to South Africa. The first season of Top Photographer received thousands of submissions and narrowed them down to the five photographers who demonstrated the most potential. Submissions are limited to only one photo and it must be the highest quality and best depiction of their work. The show plans to increase the amount of contestants in future seasons and hopes to add an element of teaching to the competition as well where contestants are expected to practice the photographic style they’d been taught.

The goal of Top Photographer is to create a show that is cutting edge and available for anyone to watch around the world. Launching the show on YouTube facilitated the concept where users could download and share episodes. Doing so allows the show to reach younger audiences who utilize media platforms on a daily basis.

The industry of photography has grown exponentially on social media and has blown up over the years. Innovative technology, such as smartphones has armed millions of people with a camera at the palm of their hands. Top Photographer seeks to enable viewers to realize their creative potential and realize that the time is now in the growing age of technology.

Nigel Barker still continues his practice as a photographer outside of his new venture with Top Photographer. He is involved in a series of creative pursuits consisting of the launch of his own furniture line, radio show, men’s clothing and a variety of projects that emphasize his role as a fashion legend.  Barker’s love for world travel and experiences has fed the production of his artistic endeavors, bringing him nothing short of success.

nigelbarker.tv

A magical Italian restaurant was created in Noho under the hands of three long-term partners. Vic’s is the passionate result of Victoria Freeman, Marc Meyer and Chris Paraskevaide’s renovation — it is now a  reimagined Mediterranean restaurant. once called Five Points, with a new chief chef, Hillary Sterling. Focusing on locally sourced ingredients, including New York State flour  used for the homemade pizzas and pastas; a variety of fresh Italian-influenced dishes now rise from the wood-burning oven.

Stroll through Noho and be drawn in by the bright red bricks on the restaurant’s facade and white doors with a light-blue striped awning that reads, “Vic’s.” Walk into a well-lit, open wood-floored room illuminated by hints of lime and suspended lights under a coffered ceiling. Sit inside, or outside on the patio in the warm weather and enjoy brunch. Share freshly baked Focaccia bread with tomato, garlic and creamy ricotta. Bite into the Roasted Brisket and Egg sandwich with pickled peppers, sweet onions, a dash of mint and crispy potatoes. Or try the Soppressata Pizza with Calabrian chilies, mozzarella and savory thyme. Cool off with a refreshing Bloody Mary, imagined five ways, or share a pitcher of the Southern Mary, with Bacon-infused Bourbon, maple syrup with a salt and sugar rim. Sip a Basilica Mary, a basil-infused vodka, with balsamic and a salt-and-pepper cracked rim.

Start off with Roasted Beets served with blood oranges and poppy seeds. Share fresh, Crispy Baby Squid family style, served with pickled peppers, garlic and oregano vinaigrette. Choose from the succulent Roasted Chicken served with charred broccoli, sweet baby onions, fingerlings, chilies and basil, or for the meat lovers, Skirt Steak served with roasted mushrooms and salsa verde for an entree.

Enjoy the taste of freshly baked pizza, ordering the Spinach pizza, with crescenza, Fresno chilies and lemon. On a warm spring evening fall in love with the Fregola —a  Sardinian couscous with fresh Maine crab, refreshing lemon, chilies, green onions and garlic.  Their “Borsa” pasta (meaning little purse), filled with ricotta, hazelnut and lemon is a little burst of heaven in your mouth. These soft and decadent pillows of pleasure are a standout on the menu.

End your meal with a Chocolate Mascarpone Torta, with salted caramel, orange and pistachio. Watch the sunset with an Affogato, sweet walnut gelato, amaro, walnuts and smooth espresso. Cleanse your palate with lemon rosemary Sorbetti. Relax with the ZZZ tea by Serendipitea, with chamomile and lavender, or sip on a house-made limoncello liqueur.

Stroll off into the night after savoring the comfort of Vic’s Italian cuisine.

31 Great Jones Street
New York, NY
212.253.5700
vicsnewyork.com

About Uproot Wines:

We started Uproot in 2011 with a very specific goal in mind: Create a new kind of winery focused on handcrafting small-lot wines, while simultaneously utilizing innovative delivery, marketing, and customer service techniques to help bring the wine world into the 21st century.

Why wine and how it got started?

Our winemaker, Greg Scheinfeld, is originally from New York. After some time on Wall Street, he realized it wasn’t the profession for him. Greg had always been interested in wine growing up – his father has an extensive wine collection – so in a burst of spontaneity he “uprooted” his life and moved out to California to learn as much about wine as he could. This was in 2006. After stints at some amazing wineries including Cakebread, Jospeh Phelps, and Vineyard 29, he left as cellar master and with a desire to start his own winery.

Enter his friend and Uproot co-founder, Jay Levy – additionally Jay is the co-founder of the venture capital firm Zelkova Ventures. They knew if they were going to create a successful winery they would have to come up with something that would separate them from the old guard of wine. The light bulb went off as many friends of Greg and Jay came out to Napa to visit. Much like themselves, their friends were just starting to get comfortable in life. They were building their careers and finally starting to save some money. They were becoming more interested in wine and their tastes were moving beyond the standard $15 bottle. Yet, the one complaint they heard over and over again was that there wasn’t a wine directed towards them (the late 20s to early 40s market).

Uproot’s lively Rosé keeps the summer vibes going well past the time the sun goes down, with flavors of Strawberry, Watermelon, Sour Cherry, Pink Lemonade & Rose Petals.

Why your wine? Why is it special?

First and foremost, we wanted the wine to speak for itself. We started by hand-selecting vineyards in Napa Valley and the Santa Ynez Valley. We wanted vineyards that had distinct and interesting characteristics – like Beatty Ranch (located high atop Howell Mountain in Napa), which produce powerful, intense wines from small clusters and Camp 4 Vineyards (situated along the cool eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley), which is known for the production of unique varietals that are fairly uncommon amongst American wine drinkers (Grenache & Grenache Blanc).

Next, We wanted to work with farmers that would let us be hands on. So, each vine is meticulously farmed to our specifications to ensure a more natural and hands-off winemaking approach. Grapes are then harvested to the ideal ripeness, hand-picked and sorted, cold-soaked for a few days, fermented, pressed, and barreled into a mixture of our preferred French cooperages.

To really set us apart from the pack, we leveraged Jay’s business acumen to create a fun and interesting marketing strategy, a one-of-a-kind ecommerce platform, and an exceptional customer and lifestyle experience that the younger generation has come to expect. We were the first winery to integrate Shopify and ShipCompliant directly into our website. This has given us the ability to streamline our delivery and fulfillment systems. We also realized that the younger generation has become accustom to fast shipping at a low cost, something not typically associated with wine. We set up 2 shipping facilities, one in Napa and one in St Louis, that allow us to ship directly anywhere in the country in 2 days. We then decided to include shipping on orders of 3 bottles or more. We never want shipping costs to deter someone from enjoying our wines.

drinkuproot.com