Japanese Grandmother’s Inspiration

Japanese Grandmother’s Inspiration

West 72nd Street

By Claudie Benjamin People rave about the rice balls at Shinbashi 72.  The excellence in preparation of the rice – a foundation of Japanese cuisine doesn’t happen by chance.  “My Dad, Takeshi Katayama takes care of the rice starting at 8:30am every morning,”...
Henna Designs: Some Subtle, Others Flamboyant

Henna Designs: Some Subtle, Others Flamboyant

9th Ave. Elevated

By Claudie Benjamin A dragon, peacock or band of intricate lace drawn on your hands, arms, small of your back, base of your collarbone.  What’s your pleasure?  Shaira Halani who goes by Saira professionally, has been working as a henna artist and specialist in...
Alterations with Finesse and Heart

Alterations with Finesse and Heart

West 72nd Street

By Claudie Benjamin   There are many folk and fairy tales where the magic lies in transforming simple threads into garments of gold and silver.  Luxury tailoring is the hallmark of Alteration Specialists, a business created in 2014 by two brothers who saw a...
“Shady Cash”

“Shady Cash”

50 West 66th Street, CENTRAL dARK

New York Post Journalist Jennifer Gould digs into the $127 million financing connections of 50 West 66th Street and another midtown development in her article “How Shady Kazakh Cash is Building NYC’s Poshest Pads” and even throws at bit of shade at...