By R. Couri Hay | Photo Contributions by Patrick McMullan | 

The original story appeared in the April Issue of Resident Magazine.

Marquis Who’s Who, Star Jones, Erica Lee, Isabelle Bscher, Andy Warhol, Linjie Deng, City Harvest, CS Dak, Chef Wheaton, Sous Vide Day, Race of Hope, American Humane
Promising Young Woman

This intriguing thriller/comedy starring Carey Mulligan gets off to a slow start, but picks up quickly. The movie has received four Golden Globe nominations including “Best Motion Picture Drama. Carey stars as Cassie, a wicked woman who lives a secret life by night. Carey confessed of her time on the red carpet, “Posing feels like you’re selling something that has nothing to do with you.” The film is in movie theaters and on Amazon Prime.


Warrior

Bruce Lee’s writings inspired HBO’s addictive crimedrama Warrior, which follows a late 19th century martial arts prodigy as he becomes a hit man for Chinatown’s most powerful crime family. Andrew Koji, who plays the lead, said “Bruce Lee, this legend, this icon of a person turned my life around from beyond the grave. He wrote eight pages on a piece of paper, and those eight pages changed my life. There will never be another Bruce Lee.”


Galerie Gmurzynska

Glamorous gallerist Isabelle Bscher, the third-generation owner of Galerie Gmurzynska,  presented Drawing Inspiration: A Century of Works on Paper at 43 East 78th St., the gallery’s flagship location. The show spans over 100 years of art, featuring Picasso, Miró, and Marcel Duchamp among many others. The gallery’s past shows, including Andy Warhol’s Toy Paintings, Robert Indiana’s Love Is in the Air, and works by Arnulf Rainer, are also available to be viewed online. If you are in Europe, be sure to visit its galleries in Zurich, Switzerland. gmurzynska.com


Carlton Fine Arts

Chinese-American multi-media artist Linjie Deng, who last showed at the Hamptons Virtual Art Fair, is presenting his new collection at Carlton Fine Arts at 543 Madison Avenue, alongside works by art world icons Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Marc Chagall, and Mr. Brainwash. Deng’s “Empty Hearts” series, COVID-19 inspired art, and figurative paintings, including the critically acclaimed “Moon Catcher” and “News” will be on display through March. The UN- sponsored artist and master calligrapher will donate proceeds from the pandemic-inspired art to the NewYork Presbyterian Hospital’s frontline healthcare workers. “As an artist, I thought ‘why not create a strong image with a strong message for the public; art is about bringing change, for myself and others,’” said Deng. linjiedeng.com

Marquis Who’s Who

Erica Lee, the CEO of Marquis Who’s Who (MWW), the world’s leading biographical publisher, announced the annual list of America’s Most Influential People of 2020. Lee said, “Marquis Who’s Who wanted to celebrate those who have been leading figures who sought and fought to make a difference. Who’s Who lists, issued several times a year, seek to highlight and amplify the voices of these significant players across many different genres, helping to continue to forge our path as the foremost global biographical source for journalists, researchers and search firms around the world.” The honorees included Dr. Anthony Fauci, chefs Guy Fieri and José Andrés, TikTok phenomenon Doja Cat, Hope for Depression Research Foundation Founder Audrey Gruss, VP Kamala Harris, Grubhub’s Matt Maloney, actor Elliot Page (formerly Ellen Page of Juno fame), 2020 presidential candidate and bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce, and Somos Community Care Founder Dr. Ramon Tallaj, who is testing and vaccinating the most underserved New Yorkers.

Black History Month

Star Jones has been named the Executive Editor of African American Catalysts for Change 2021, the Marquis Who’s Who list that celebrates Black History Month. Notable names include Moderna vaccine scientist Kizzmekia Corbett, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, television producer Shonda Rhimes, Serena Williams and Megan Thee Stallion. marquiswhoswho.com


Virtual Race of Hope

Philanthropist Audrey Gruss held her Virtual Race of Hope/Walk to Defeat Depression to benefit the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) in Palm Beach. The committee included Hilary Geary, Scott Snyder, Pauline Pitt, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Felicia Taylor, Laura Lofaro & James Freeman, and Frances Scaife. Gruss said, “We had such great success with our virtual race in Southampton last summer, that we knew we wanted to do it in Palm Beach as well. It’s so rewarding to see supporters from all over the globe join in to continue the fight against depression.” There was a live and interactive race day broadcast, connecting participants around the country. Thousands tuned in to get their steps in and raise mental health awareness. The first 1,000 participants received bright and beautiful yellow gear, including a vest, mask, race bib, and finisher medal. raceofhopeseries.comP

CS Dak

Cuisine Solutions, Inc. (CUSI) the global leader in sous vide cooking techniques, opened the world’s first chef-driven, delivery-only Dark Assembly Kitchen featuring sous vide dishes, CS Dak, in NYC. The kitchen offers patrons the choice of five different concepts: Cocina Oscura, Mediterranean, Poultry in Motion, Bodega, and The Cutting Edge. Dak’s Executive Chef Sean Wheaton said, “We are excited to bring Michelin-quality creative dishes to New Yorkers. We look forward to educating people about this time-honored application that truly preserves the quality of each ingredient.” https://order.csdak.com

International Sous Vide Day

In conjunction with their opening, CUSI honored International Sous Vide Day with a virtual program that is available online through March 26. The event gives guests an inside look at the history and artistry of the cutting-edge cooking process, and celebrates the birthday of sous vide master Dr. Bruno Goussault, who has trained 80% of three- Michelin starred chefs in the world. Featured chefs include legendary NYC restauranter Daniel Boulud, Nicolas Adamopulos of France, Ian Kittichai of Thailand, Eka Mochamad of Dubai, and Katie Button of North Carolina. All programs are free at internationalsousvideday.com.

Restaurant Week

CS DAK hit the ground running, and is already giving back to their community through City Harvest. CUSI CEO Felipe Hasselmann arranged to donate one hot meal for every one CS Dak sold during Restaurant Week. A thousand meals were provided to needy New Yorkers through the organization. cityharvest.org

Judge Leventhal: Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins

Judge Leventhal, who is a tireless advocate from victims of domestic and elder abuse, announced his retirement from the Appellate Division Second Department. He will now bring over 40 years of legal experience to his new role as a partner at Aidala, Bertuna & Kamins. Founding partner Arthur Aidala commented, “We are all flattered and honored that Judge Leventhal has chosen our firm to continue his outstanding legal career. He will greatly enhance the depths of our criminal and civil litigation and, of course, will add all his appellate talents to the firm.” aidalalaw.com


American Humane

Jean Shafiroff, author and animal advocate teamed up with Christine Schott, Editor of Palm Beach Social Diary, to host a socially-distant luncheon for American Humane. The event, honoring the country’s organization first to serve animals in need, took place at Swifty’s Pool at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Dr. Robin Ganzert, CEO of nonprofit, spoke about the challenges the charity has overcome this past year, and gave all the guests a copy of her book Metamorphosis: Leadership for a Humane World. Celebrity caterer and cookbook author Peter Callahan created fun-sized margaritas in mini patron bottles. Guests included Kimberly Guilfoyle, Pamela O’Connor, and Georges Ledes. americanhumane.com