Category: Hospitality

Daily Fitness: Spar Boxing

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fitness & Wellness, Hospitality

(This article first appeared in the August 9, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Juan Carlos Mancilla is an East Hampton native who has been competing in the boxing ring for 11 years. In 2016, the 27-year-old won by TKO at the Paramount in Huntington, officially turning pro and inspiring his latest business venture. As the co-founder of Spar Boxing, which opened its doors this summer, he decided to open his Springs location, found at 514 Three Mile Harbor Hog Creek Road, with a “start small, aim big” mentality.

“As not just an instructor but a professional boxer I am able to bring something unique to the table that you can’t really get out here in The Hamptons,” Mancilla admitted.

“I introduce the public to the hard workouts we boxers have to endure to mold our bodies to be fight-ready as well as fun but effective workouts. So we decided to start out small then in a year or so get a bigger place after we’ve established our clientele.”

Upon arrival to this new location I was given a set of Spar hand wraps to keep (for future use, and to make me look totally badass) and a set of gloves to borrow. My morning class only had four early birds but the studio’s capacity is 14 to a class — sign up early to get a good spot.

After a quick stretch there were 10 boxing rounds on the aqua bags, followed by 10 rounds on a terra core, back and forth. The aqua bags (those teardrop-shaped bags hanging from above) are an innovative new technology for boxers that absorb impact much better than a traditional heavy bag, plus it’s better for the joints (for those with joint pain).

Throughout the rounds Mancilla demonstrated to the class how to properly punch, place their feet, and target their overall core and upper body as one. Having grown up with an affinity for kickboxing, I fell in love with the aqua bag. Not only did it have a trendier look (because that’s apparently a factor in my fitness routine) but it allowed for swifter movement around the bag and cleaner upper cuts.

The terra core was a full body exercise including jumps, lunges, squats, crunches, and push-ups. Aside from using individual body weight, the class incorporated two-pound light weights (this is for all, despite strength), medicine balls, elastic bands, and even lifting the terra core itself (also for all, despite strength). For additional cardio at the end of the class, we practiced high intensity interval training with a quick, powerful punches.

What made this class particularly enjoyable, besides the bag, the terra core, and the instructor, was the playlist. I didn’t want to stop moving. Men and women alike will mutually agree that the beats fuel the body. This is suiting, since the space at Spar has the look and vibe of an actual nightclub. Replace the stilettos with sneakers!

Mancilla noted, “As our building gives off a nightclub vibe with the dark room and different color lights, and top-of-the-line PA sound system, we will be having a few local DJs come in and spin some tracks as the class jams out to the music while burning a high calorie count. We hope to do it a few times this month.”

In addition to the boxing BPMs, every Tuesday Spar donates to Project Most by having kids from the camp come take a boxing class free of charge; a perfect combination of fitness and philanthropy.

By the end of the class I was revived and ready to take on my day. Fist in the air, sipping iced coffee from the other, I felt like a Total Knock Out!

Roll with the punches by signing up yourself at http://www.spar-boxing.com or email at spar.boxingeh@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram @sparboxing.

Replacing Something Old With Something New

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Fashion, Hospitality, Inspiring, Long Island, New York

(This article originally appeared in the February 8, 2017 issue of The Independent Newspaper)

 

Weddings can call to mind such timeless moments and elegant couples as Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert in 1840, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III in 1956, or Lady Diana’s nuptials to Prince Charles in 1981. Though we can’t all be royalty, for one special day every bride is a princess and every groom is her Prince Charming.

Over the centuries some traditions have lasted while others have faded away. Warding off evil spirits is a thing of the past but, as Jane Fonda comically depicts in the 2005 film Monster-in-Law, dealing with the in-laws is forever.

Before saying the ‘I Do’s’ are some Dos and Don’ts of 2017. According to Vogue, there’s a fine line between trendy and tasteless at receptions. Trade out a rustic vibe in place of mountain-elegance, it’ll have a longer lasting effect in pictures. In line, kick off the cowboy boots or sneakers and keep fancy footwear.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen date back to Ancient Rome as decoys for jealous suitors. Today, have your friends at your wedding but only your closest friends in the bridal party, there’s no need for several best friends. Despite what your tipsy maid of honor may tell you, as ‘cutetini’ as your drink name may be, keep cocktails to something recognizable, like a Moscow Mule, Pimm’s Cup, or Sidecar.

Remember that time dancing to your favorite song only to be interrupted for your steak, salmon, or chicken dinner? It’s time to change the beat. Switch out formal dining fare for familiar fare, a meal that will keep the energy alive and lighthearted like the music. And while food trucks are still acceptable they are a ticking time bomb towards becoming outdated, put those gears in reverse.

When it comes to the cake, like the rest of the wedding, it shouldn’t be naked. Dress it up with simple accents and tiers. Lastly, the tradition of the bride’s family paying for a wedding dates back to dowries. In an age where marriage is equal, so should the bill paying.

Themes and unique locations are the fun of weddings of today. Off the beaten path destinations are on the rise. Adios, Cabo and hallo, Iceland. Faith Cowell, the Banquet Sales Manager of East Wind Long Island in Wading River, continues to notice a green theme. “We are seeing a lot of couples decorating using lanterns and votive candles and a hot trend in wedding favors is to give out succulent plants.” Having trees in a venue location is also common.

The days of all white weddings could be well behind us as color is making a comeback. According to BridalGuide.com, the color of the future is ‘blush rose’ pink, along with touches of copper, rose gold, and pewter metallic. Brightly lit accents across a relatively neutral toned theme are representative of the bride and groom. Floral designs of peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, dahlias, and soft petal flowers across the tables or hanging above guests heads are becoming popular. The emphasis in modern floral design is the appearance of effortless imperfection.

“Couples are often accessorizing their tables using mason jars filled with flowers to complete the rustic look. Vintage themes with lace, blush pinks, and light grey colors are also hot. Using a lot of candles both high and low with crystals hanging from them as centerpieces adds to this elegant look,” Cowell said.

Brides.com expects wedding décor to take on new heights with tall tapers in glass trumpets and low lighting. “Couples are getting very creative and customizing their wedding for a look that matches their style,” Cowell informed. Pinecone fire starters are a new wedding favor designed to share the flame of love.

The days of walking into a room with simple rhythmic clapping are in the past. Elaborate entrances with attention-grabbing stunts, such as choreographed dancing, are starting the party immediately.

“At East Wind we encourage our couples to be creative as they like. Whether it is The Estate, The Grand Ballroom, The Veranda or The Cottage, each room is a blank canvas for them to create into anything they’re dreaming of for their big day,” Cowell explained.

In moving towards the future, 2017 will be a tech savvy year. Virtual planning, online registries, drones, live-streaming, 3D printing, transitional dresses, Instagram phrases, and Snapchat geofilters are all part of millennial weddings. Hashtag #TheFutureIsNow.

Whether you’re in the midst of planning your fairytale ending or still writing your story, in the words of Carrie Bradshaw, “Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first.”

Tellers: An American Chophouse

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Food, Hospitality, Long Island, New York

(This article first appeared in the Fall 2017 issue of Luxury Living Magazine- a subdivision of Newsday Media Group)
Attention to Detail
Tellers Chophouse dining room pays homage to the First National Bank, built in 1927, with a captivating entrance of the original 30-foot ceiling windows and carved moldings. The authentic vault, located in the back, is the beating heart of the establishment. As one of two wine cellars, it houses over 10,000 bottles, listing 1,000 labels from across the world.
“[The vault is] the keystone holding this place together,” Manager, James Foglia, announced. “It holds valuables in terms of money but also in terms of clientele.”
Clientele is of the utmost importance and therefor are provided with The Cocktail Club and The Connoisseur Club, both of which can be found on the restaurants website. Combined, the clubs add an essence of grandeur open to all.
Telling the Difference
Frank Ferraro, General Manager of Tellers Chophouse, explained “You want something you can’t make at home…it’s about the experience.” Ferraro hands a young man sitting with his family a gift card. “He’s celebrating a milestone birthday, 18 years. For our patron’s birthdays we provide them with a free dessert and an incentive to come back.”
Having enjoyed many options from the Tellers menu, it’s difficult to write about a select few. For an appetizer, the Black Pepper Bacon. Thickly cut, properly proportioned, the slice resembles pork belly. As the meat falls apart tenderly, black pepper and horseradish glaze are delectable on the palate.
For the main course, Tellers appeals to carnivores with a signature cut, 40oz Tellers Ribeye that is broiled to perfection, marbling the fat in a steak lover’s dream. To the vegans, a large plate of colored veggies; roasted romaine lettuce, spinach, grilled asparagus, cherry tomatoes and sauteed mushrooms.
Noted side dishes are the roasted Brussel sprouts with pancetta; homemade Tater Tots (closely resembling potato croquets) filled with Gruyere cheese, covered in panko breadcrumbs with a horseradish crème fraiche dipping sauce; the Lobster Mac & Cheese is a melting pot of flavors as five cheeses slide over the Cavatappi pasta with poached lobster chucks in a creamy, bechamel sauce.
The finale. Vanilla Crème Brûlée and homemade Cheesecake with liquid ice cream. However, the sorbet trio with fig, coconut and pineapple flavorings was a sweet ending
(Additional, unpublished in the original)

Cheers
A Smoked Manhattan, poured tableside, uses a food grade smoker with hickory wood chips. Sipping on the classic cocktail, the smell and taste of hickory hits you in a subtle, not remotely overdone, aroma.
My bartender, Stephanie Diaz, described the creation process as entertainment. “[People ask] ‘What is that? I want it.’ The whole bar crowds around the smoker and people don’t realize it takes the same amount of time to make as other drinks.”
On the lighter side, guests may opt for the Rose Collins. Initially reluctant by the sweetness a rose embodies, the Collins was light and crisp.

Bethpage Polo: 2017 Season Opener

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Hospitality, Long Island, New York

On Sunday, June 4 a new kind of season kicked off for Long Islanders, polo season. Despite the rain outside, social members and guests remained dry in the VIP tents as the Jaguar vs Land Rover Challenge began, kicking off the official gate opener at Bethpage State Park.

The grey skies above were a solemn reminder of a man that was missing. Jerry Napp, the voice of Bethpage Polo at the Park for decades, and an intricate part of the the polo community, had lost his battle to cancer some brief months before. Led by equine extraordinaire, Bobby Ceparano, the crowd paused for a moment of silence to remember a man loved by all who knew him. Following, the national flag was held upright as the Star Spangled Banner was sung.

South African native, Aaron Pagel, made his Bethpage announcing debut as Jaguar and Land Rover teams took to the field. Playing for the “Jaguar Polo Team” was Keith Hart, Juan Redlich, Mrnial Dasanagani and Tomas Franco; for the “Land Rover Polo Team” was Peter Holowesko, Will Tomita, Joe Meters and Toro Ruiz & Joe Meyers. With a final score of 10 – 8 going to Jaguar, the MVP of the day went to Keith Hart, also the high scorer of the match with seven goals.

Polo season runs every Sunday through October 8th. New to the 2017 season, DJ Tommy Bruno will be playing music throughout each match that spectators will hear over the loudspeakers, with a special after party in the VIP tent from 5pm – 7pm. Managing the VIP tent, along with other creative developments (such as weekly blog posts) will be yours truly, Nikki on the Daily.

In addition to music, drinks, food and extreme sports, enthusiasts can look forward to dedicated specialty days ranging from yoga on the field to Long Island Pulse Magazines cover party.

Gates open at 2pm, with the match beginning at 3pm.

Park entrance is on the corner of Plainview Rd and Manchester Dr.

To see a complete schedule click here. For tickets go here.

On Sundays we play polo!

You can stay up to date with what’s new at Bethpage Polo at the Park by subscribing to my blog.

 

 

 

Long Island Hospitality Gem Earns Four Diamonds

Posted on by NikkiOnTheDaily in Hospitality, Long Island, New York, Travel

Luxurious. Magical. Those are two of the many words that can be used to describe The Garden City Hotel which, on November 17, celebrated winning the AAA Four Diamond Award. Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuves along with wine and champagne as they toasted the hotels newly accredited success. A Four Diamond Rating marks the hotel on a listing of less than 6% of the nearly 28,000 AAA properties approved throughout the North American region, including the St. Regis, Waldorf-Astoria, The Carlyle and The Plaza. For Long Island, this is the sole hotel to receive such a distinction as the only full service luxury property.

President of the Fortuna Realty Group, Morris Moinian, purchased the 142 year old hotel in 2012 after the passing of its former owner, Myron Nelkin. A Long Island native, growing up in Great Neck and continuing his education at CW Post University, Moinian comes from a family of real estate developers.

“In the past 8, 9 maybe 10 years I heavily shifted all my [real estate] investments into hotels. The Garden City property came on my way through my outside legal team. We took a tour and the moment I put my foot into the door I said I want to own this. And there you go, I bought it,” he smiles, “It was just one of those opportunities and I’m so happy I did. Unforgettable experience.”

Morris Moinian & I

Under Moinian’s ownership the 269 room hotel has seen a $35 million renovation and welcomed J. Grady Colin as the new General Manager of the property. The leadership between Moinian and Colin revitalized The Garden City Hotel to its iconic origins, adding Polo Steakhouse and Lounge, Patio Bar along with an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

“It’s the most glorious hotel,” Moinian continues. “The same as any other Four Diamond hotel. It pretty much competes with any top hotel in New York City or Beverly Hills.”

 The Garden City Hotel is one of several properties owned by Fortuna Realty Group, along with Hotel Hugo in Manhattan, Sugar Bay Resort & Spa in St. Thomas and Mr. C Beverly Hills to name a few.

Emmy Award Winning Actress Susan Lucci, famous for her role in All My Children and currently starring in the Lifetime series Devious Maids, was in attendance at the event. Lucci, a long time Garden City resident, had her first job back in the 1960s as a waitress at The Garden City Hotel, where she met her husband Helmut Huber who was the hotel’s Executive Chef at the time. To her, the award comes as no surprise.

Garden City Native, Susan Lucci

For the hotel staff, the evaluation was unexpected, allowing no time for preparation. Jill Rosenberg from AAA compared the unannounced evaluations to having ones mother stop by. When good ol’ mom shows up without a warning and still thinks the house is in good shape that’s something worth bragging about. It looks like this family is on top of their game!

“[They] dazzle their guests on a daily basis…the people that work here are the people that earned that Four Diamond designation.”

Sara Fingerman, Marketing and PR Manager, is a native Long Islander from Smithtown and has been with the hotel for 2 years. She is incredibly proud of her team.

“Everything was perfect…Earning this award is a team effort, from the housekeeping staff on up to the general manager to the owner of the hotel. We always strive for the best and it’s a very exciting time for us.”

Having come from publishing prior to her current role, Susan Lucci was one of Fingerman’s first interviews at the Polo Steakhouse.

“From the moment I met her I knew she was a sweet and sincere person. She’s an amazing representation of the hotel considering she has lived here her whole life.”

The Garden City Hotel is an excellent testament to the community on Long Island. Historic to the area, the hotel stands tall after seeing numerous changes and has come back better than ever.

Welcoming guests from all over The Garden City Hotel is located at 45 7th street, Garden City, NY 11750

http://www.GardenCityHotel.com

For daily feed on what I’m up to follow me on Snapchat/Instagram/Facebook: Nikki On The Daily