'TIS THE SEASON EDITORIAL

This month, our editorial shoot takes us to The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection, a Marriott property which is a living gateway to the past, present, and the future as it embodies the early 1900's of literary and Hollywood luminaries that graced the rooms of this hotel while currently being a destination of the modern era with an open path to the iterations it will take as the years continue to evolve.

The holiday season is definitely a marathon and not a sprint as it takes place over a number of weeks spanning between the fall and the winter. We wanted to look at the many days that take place that are casual and allow us to connect to one another as we make our way closer and closer to more signature events! We spend a lot of time with friends, family, significant others, co-workers and more. Our shoot took place at the Tallulah Bankhead suite at this iconic hotel that is in the heart of it all. We wanted to find out more about the history of this hotel, why it's an important part of NYC history, what guests can expect whether they're staying for business, a staycation, or a vacation and more. We took some time to catch up with The Algonquin Hotel's General Manager Willis Loughhead to find out more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: It was such a pleasure to shoot at the Algonquin Hotel and being there, we learned a lot more about the property and its history. When did the Algonquin first open and can you take us back and through the storied history of this hotel as it's over 100 years old!

WILLIS LOUGHHEAD: The land for the Algonquin Hotel was purchased in 1901 for $180,000. In just under a year, at a cost of $500,000, the Algonquin Hotel was built and opened on November 22, 1902. Named for a New England Native American tribe, the hotel welcomed its first guests - a room with a bath set a traveler back $2 per night.

From the day it opened into the current time, the Algonquin has maintained close ties to the arts community with early residents who included the great star John Barrymore, Drew Barrymore’s grandfather, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. Writers, Playwrights, humorists and critics, as well as editors of both fact and fiction, converged on the Algonquin in the decade between 1919 and 1929, founding the legendary Round Table. My Fair Lady was written in suite 908. William Faulkner wrote his Nobel Prize speech in a room. The Algonquin has been both primary residence and preferred NYC hotel for incredible talent like Maya Angelou, Norman Mailer, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin, Steve Martin, and Lou Reed, to name a few. Films with a Round Table history include Citizen Kane, Giant, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, and many more.

I continue to host close friends in the arts community such as legendary musicians like Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth, James Ijames, who celebrated his Tony nomination for his play Fat Ham under our roof, and both Colson Whitehead and Richard Hell, New York City legends who read in the Oak Room.

AM: We had the pleasure of shooting at the Tallulah Bankhead Suite (loved the phones which were such a great touch and the blue shade of the paint was so calming) and we know that there have been other suites that are named after notable people, can you tell us about them and why there is such a connection with these individuals?

WL: All 24 of our suites are named after our residents like Dorothy Parker 1106, Herbert Ross 610 and John Barrymore 209.

AM: Who have been some notable people that stayed here and can you tell us more about the connection between the hotel and literary figures? Tell us about the Algonquin Cat! We didn't see Hamlet, but we know that he is just as much a key figure as others who have stayed there.

WL: Hamlet is featured in a children’s book, The Algonquin Cat, illustrated by Hillary Knight who also illustrated the Eloise series set in another famous NYC hotel where I served as Executive Chef for a number of years before moving into Hotel Management.

AM: Tell us about The Blue Bar and The Lobby Lounge. Is there a signature drink that we should know about?

WL: The most famous cocktail is none too cleverly named, The Algonquin; a mix of woodsy rye whiskey, pineapple, bianco vermouth and some say a touch of Peychaud bitters like a Sazerac. We also currently feature a Hamlet cocktail with Rocky’s Brooklyn Botanical, Galliano L’Autentico and Whispering Angel Rosé. Our cocktail lists change frequently and right now I am working on some Holiday treats with Hot Cocoa and Mezcal.

AM: For those looking to grab a bite at the hotel, what can you tell us about The Round Table?

WL: The Blue Bar Restaurant & Lounge is a 3 meal restaurant built around the legendary Blue Bar which opened in 1902 with the hotel. At night we feature cocktail cuisine with classic New York City inspiration from the Oysters Rockefeller to a deli-style Reuben, and we do a brisk, healthy lunch with servers who I would put up against the best of the cities’ baristas. You should see the foam they get for a cappuccino even out of the almond milk that I prefer!

AM: For those that are looking to create an event whether it's a launch, sales meeting, etc - what can you tell us about event spaces that you have available?

WL: We host wonderful and intimate occasions in our small private library featuring Round Table first editions, signed collectibles, vintage 1950’s and 1960’s Playboy magazines and recent releases and memoirs like Thurston Moore’s Sonic Life which just came out. In the early 90's, I worked for Arnold Schwarzenegger as a wood burning oven chef at his restaurant Schatzi on Main in Venice California, so sitting amongst the Pulitzer Prize winners is a copy of Arnold’s latest, Be Useful. We also use the Library a great deal for Broadway stars to dress and have makeup done before premieres and on opening nights.

We also have the famous Oak Room, a wood paneled vintage street front room that can seat 110, for formal dinners next to Hirschfeld’s original artwork that adorns the walls.

AM: At the conclusion of our shoot, we actually took in some live music, which was a great way to decompress, what events do you typically have that guests or those grabbing a drink can enjoy?

WL: We have a culture and history of live music at the Algonquin. It was a personal goal of mine to breathe life into that tradition that started with Ella Fitzgerald and so many others like Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Harry Connick, and Oscar Peterson. On Tuesday nights, we feature classic cabaret music with the inimitable KT Sullivan, and on Thursdays, we have live piano and vocals with Rocco DellaNeve who is a legend in the making. You should hear his version of Enter Sandman by Metallica and he also does a killer New York State of Mind. Guest stars always drop by.

October and December are my charity months to raise money for Breast Cancer and Toys for Tots, so our programming expands greatly with Broadway’s biggest talent coming in to belt numbers and dance. Keep your eyes and ears open in December when we have 10 nights of incredible holiday entertainment including one “Santa Baby” drag show that will raise this 120 year old roof.

AM: Tell us about the kinds of rooms that are available and also provide additional details about the suite we were in, The Tallulah Bankhead Suite?

WL: Our suites and king rooms book first. We are a boutique sized hotel with 181 total rooms. None of our rooms are exactly the same and some rooms have a haunted history that has been verified by both official ghost hunters as well as nightly guests. Was it Robert Benchley who moved your towels around or turned on the lamps in your suite living room? Did Dorothy Parker open the shades that you closed before turning in? Perhaps.

In 1959, the filmmaker Preston Sturges passed away in a suite and Montgomery Clift was a frequent visitor. Perhaps.

AM: For a truly decadent stay for our readers is there anything that you can suggest that can be enjoyed at the hotel? I know at one time, you had a $10,000 Martini that had diamonds in it!

WL: We have two packages to note:

• A Dine with a Broadway Star package, where pre-theater you are able to dine at the Infamous Round Table with one of the stars of the show that you are seeing that evening.

• Hex and the City package for 2024 with our Resident Wellness Witch, CardsyB who will help you stay magical by reading your tarot cards and your energy so that you can straighten up and fly right in 2024. All guests will receive a reading, CardsyB’s memoir, a Stay Magical AF candle and a Bad@ss B*tches Tarot Deck.

AM: For those that are enjoying a staycation at the hotel during the holiday season, what are activities that you suggest that are in the neighborhood that they should take out?

WL: All the B’s: Bryant Park, Broadway and Books at the NYPL.

AM: For those who have never been to NYC and are here for vacation during the holidays, what would you suggest that they should do?

WL: Get inspired, keep a notebook, write your story. The good ol’ days are now and keep your mind wide open. New York is an awesome place to be surprised. Rockefeller Center has grown immensely and Central Park is just a shopping walk away up 5th avenue.

AM: For those that have corporate functions that are being held at the hotel, do you have any ideas of what they can enjoy?

WL: I partner with BroadwayPlus.com. One of my close friends - ask for Corey - is the guru of the VIP corporate experience with them. They book custom concerts, VIP tickets, arrange backstage meet and greets, and generally unlock all of the perks normally reserved for the highest tier of celebrity guest and bring it to the corporate accounts. We also encourage a Bowery Boys Walking Tour or one of the many sightseeing tours via boat around Manhattan that my team can arrange.

AM: For those that have corporate functions that are being held at the hotel, do you have any ideas of what they can enjoy?

WL: I partner with BroadwayPlus.com. One of my close friends - ask for Corey - is the guru of the VIP corporate experience with them. They book custom concerts, VIP tickets, arrange backstage meet and greets, and generally unlock all of the perks normally reserved for the highest tier of celebrity guest and bring it to the corporate accounts. We also encourage a Bowery Boys Walking Tour or one of the many sightseeing tours via boat around Manhattan that my team can arrange.

AM: The holiday season is a major time of year, are there events that the hotel will offer that we should know about and can share with our readers? Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, is there anything that we should know?

WL: Book your 2 night Date Night Package now where you get a $150 credit in the Blue Bar, a bespoke scented candle, a chocolate rose and a guaranteed table in the restaurant.

If your pet is your date, perhaps our Fuwwy Fwiends Package, going live in December, with a:

• Waived pet fee

• Polaroid with Hamlet, you and your pet

• Vintage bronze “A” Algonquin pet tag

• Trip for your pet to the Algonquin Pawwty Chest, a treasure chest of toys and treats from our local pet shops

• Use of our cat or dog beds so that you and your date can sleep in peace

IG @algonquinnyc

It was such a pleasure to bring our editorial to life at the Algonquin that's filled with history, NY glamour, and a vibe of creativity that's all its own. This shoot included our focus on bringing 5 looks that lets us look at fall and winter holidays here in NY that you can enjoy on your next stay at the Algonquin as well as in the neighborhood.

TIS THE SEASON | CREDITS

LOUNGE LOOK PG 97 - 101 | Anna Zaia - PONO Colette Matte Earring | VIRGIN, SAINTS & ANGELS Saint Deco Cross Medallion + Delfina 6mm Crystal Jet Beaded Necklace | MAISON MIRU Floating Sphere Stacking Ring Trio - Gold | MAISON DE PAPILLON Jesse Silk Charmeuse Boyfriend Shirt Longtail | BCBG Ruched Velour Legging | Benjamin Simic - BEN SHERMAN Signature House Taped Track Pant |

FITNESS LOOK PG 88 - 95 | Anna Zaia - PONO Silvia H20 Earring Honey | AMELIA ROSE JEWELRY Fluorite Heishi Necklace Latte | ETTIKA Your Essential Flex Snake Chain 18k Gold Plated Bangle Set | MAISON DE PAPILLON Vail Cacoon Sweater | ABERCROMBIE + FITCH YPB Sculpt Squareneck Slim Tank + YPB MotionTEK High Rise Lined Workout Short | Benjamin Simic - ADIDAS RPT-02 SOL | MAISON MIRU Bubble Bracelet 7" | GREATNESS WINS Performance Training Tank | ATHLEISUREVERSE Bomber Jacket | ABERCROMBIE + FITCH Gym to Grocery Jogger |

WFH LOUNGE III PG 102 - 105 | Anna Zaia - VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Edie Crystal Post Earrings | PONO Sea Chain Necklace Latte | ATHLEISUREVERSE Cropped Fleece Hoodie + Jogger Set | SAVE THE DUCK Iria Long Hooded Puffer Vest | Benjamin Simic - | BEN SHERMAN Signature Zip-Through Track Jacket |

OUT + ABOUT LOOK IV PG 80 - 86 | Anna Zaia - DEEPA GURNANI FW23 Crab Earrings | DEEPA BY DEEPA GURNANI FW23 Loretta Necklace | ETTIKA Abstract Flex 18K Gold Plated Cuff | CARRERA 318/S | AUTUMN CASHMERE Sweater Dress | AEROSOLES Loafer | Benjamin Simic - MARC JACOBS Shield Sunglasses | BEN SHERMAN Lennon "Imagine" Mod Knit Stripe Polo | AUTUMN CASHMERE Cardigan | MAVI Jake | ADIDAS Samba |

(NYE/NIGHT OUT) LOOK V PG 106 - 112 | Anna Zaia - LELE SADOUGHI Crystal Pave Drop Earrings | DEEPA GURNANI Helga Clutch | VIRGIN, SAINTS & ANGELS Virgin Cameo Crystal Mesh Choker, Virgin Cameo Large Figaro Necklace 18 + Virgin Cameo Statement Clip Earrings | BCBG Oly Tiered Ruffle Evening Gown | NEVER FULLY DRESSED Black and Cream Coatigan | Benjamin Simic - UNTUCKIT Wool Rawlins Sport Coat + Wrinkle-Free Las Cases Shirt | MAVI Jake |

‘TIS THE SEASON | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Toni/Ann/Felicia Graham Beauty | NEW YORK MODEL MANAGEMENT Anna Zaia + Benjamin Simic |

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@pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

@toni__ann

@feliciagrahambeautyteam

@newyorkmodels

@_anna_zaia_

@lilboochie

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

For this shoot, Paul shot with a Sony Aplha A7R V, Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Prime G, Sony FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM1, Sony FE 50 mm F2.8 Macro Prime, Sony FE 90 mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Telephoto Macro Prime G, and Sony FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II. In addition, he used SIRUI Dragon Series Bendable RGB Panel Lights set of 2 of B25R*2 Kit + DJ280.

ATHLEISURE MAG SUMMIT EXCLUSIVE

We had a number of brands that were included in this shoot or supported this shoot and they wanted to make sure that you were able to enjoy purchasing your must-haves with a discount!

PONO

Receive 20% off your order with code ATHMAG95 for a 20% discount off PONO orders through 12/31/23.

SIRUI

Receive 5% off your order with code ATHLEISURE (Valid for all products, with a minimum purchase amount of $50; no expiration date).

VIRGINS, SAINTS, ANGELS

Receive 30% off (1x use per customer) your order with code ATHLEISURE30. There is no expiration date. Cannot be combined with other discount codes.

Read the NOV ISSUE #96 of Athleisure Mag and see ‘TIS THE SEASON Editorial in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | FOR WHEN HE'S OUT AND ABOUT

Read the MAY ISSUE #89 of Athleisure Mag and see HOW TO DRESS | For When He’s Out and About in mag.

RAF'S GAMBIT

Thanksgiving is this month and while many of us are looking forward to family, friends, food etc. This year, an extra amount of anticipation for the national holiday means the debut of NETFLIX/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It' which begins streaming on the network for this movie turned series. Rafael V DeLeon plays Manny Garciela and we caught up with him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've seen you in print campaigns and we know that you have acted in a number of shows/films, tell us about your journey in both areas.
 
RAFAEL V DELEON: Yes, I have! Well, the journey is still ongoing, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given so far. When I first moved to NYC, I worked the graveyard shift at a hotel. That was the bottom...I mean, “beginning” of the journey. lol
 
AM: Tell us about your role in Netflix/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It', how long were you filming and what was the auditioning process like? 
 
RVD: I filmed scenes over the course of several months. The audition process was like any other; you go in, do your best work, and leave the room knowing you gave it your best. 

AM: In your opinion, how has 'She's Gotta Have It' been tweaked from the world it existed in 1986 to now?
 
RVD: Well for starters, in 1986, social media didn’t exist. The integration of social media and cell phones are the two biggest tweaks. Other themes like: racial inequality, gentrification, feminine empowerment, and social justice were already top-of-mind issues for Spike...back in 1986. “Been Woke” as Spike would say.    

AM: What did you know about this movie prior to auditioning and what are your thoughts on this now that you have played the part of Manny Garciela that plays the best friend of Mars Blackmon played by Hamilton's Anthony Ramos?
 
RVD: I was familiar with the project but had not seen the film prior to auditioning. I had done my research on the film and prepared accordingly though.  My thoughts now are “Whoa. What an experience!” To work with creatives at the top of their game both in-front of and behind the camera is a milestone moment for me. You find yourself surrounded by so much talent it’s awe-inspiring sometimes. 

AM: With 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming on Thanksgiving, how excited are you to be a part of this iconic series?
 
RVD: As excited as Spike was when the Yankees won the World Series in 2009. 
 
 

AM: We know that you live in Brooklyn, where are your 3 favorite places to eat, workout and to grab a beer?

RVD: 1.) Eat- I really enjoy Archie’s Pizza in Bushwick (I hope they read this). 

2.) Workout- Any playground basketball court. Always good competition there. 

3.) Grab a beer - The Rookery Bar (I REALLY hope they read this). 

AM: Do you still play basketball as we know that you played Division I at Temple?

RVD: Temple is not only Division I, but is the 5th winningest Men’s Basketball program in NCAA history behind Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, and Duke; but I digress. ;) 

I do still play! A colleague of mine has pick-up every week (shout out to DG) and gets a bunch of ex-division 1 guys together for weekly runs. 

AM: What's your personal style when you're going out to grab a drink versus when you're running errands?
 
RVD: Oh man, when I’m going out I try to dress in something that is comfortable, individualist, and on-trend. When I am running errands? Whatever is clean.  
 
AM: What roles can we see you in next?
 
RVD:I have a few opportunities in the pipeline, but nothing I can announce currently. I will just say that I am excited for what 2018 has in store.
 
AM: With Christmas around the corner, what are you doing this season and where will you spend NYE?
 
RVD: I am spending the week leading up to Christmas with my family in Prince Georges County, MD and will be traveling to Costa Rica on the 26th through the new year! 
 
AM: Tell us about charities that you are a part of? 
 
RVD: I work closely with the Make-A-Play organization, Camp Ryan, and volunteer at a middle school in my neighborhood. Lending a hand in my community is something that is very important to me.
 
AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us that we have not covered?

RVD: I love playing Chess, day-trading stocks, reading The Atlantic, and watching critically-acclaimed films with my Somali princess. Oh, and I still haven’t beaten a local chess-master in Union Square.

Our shoot took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the McCarren Hotel and Pool as well as the famed The Meatball Shop. You can watch Rafael V Deleon on NETFLIX in Spike Lee's, 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming now. You can also connect with him socially. 
 
Twitter | @RafaelVDeLeon
Instagram | @RafaelVDeLeon
Facebook | /RafaelVDeLeon

We're big fans of The Meatball Shop at Athleisure Mag and it was fun to chat with their Marketing Director Natasha Miller about their history, menu, neighborhood locations and spirit.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about The Meatball Shop - what the concept behind the restaurant is, who are the co-founders, when it was created, and current as well as upcoming locations of this eatery. 

NATASHA MILLER: The co-founders are Daniel Holzman (Chef) and Michael Chernow, a pair of childhood friends who opened the first The Meatball Shop location on the Lower East Side in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded to open locations in the Upper East Side, West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Williamsburg. The Meatball Shop is all about eating responsibly sourced, delicious food in a fun, hip location. 

AM: What are some of the signature dishes and cocktails that are available at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: The beauty of The Meatball Shop is that you can put together any dish you'd like! But, some of our guest's favorites combos are definitely our Classic Ball (a mix of beef and pork meat) with our Classic Tomato over Spaghetti. Our Kitchen Sink Salad is also a big hit with our guests. Our cocktail menu changes seasonally, but I’d say our Moscow Mule is pretty classic (and delicious).

AM: For those who are vegetarian, can they also enjoy the experience at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Totally! We have vegan veggie balls that are out of this world, I like them best with our pesto, but they can be served however you’d like! We're all about cooking seasonally and are always changing up our awesome roster of veggies sides. Currently were serving sides like Roast Brussels Sprouts and Apples, Braised Kale and Tomato Soffrito, and Butternut Squash Sage Rissoto. 

AM: If you haven't done so already, can you tell us about Sidepiece? 

NM: Sidepiece is the bar connected to our Hell’s Kitchen location – you walk to the back of the restaurant, past the restrooms, through a little hallway, and you’re there! Sidepiece has a totally different cocktail menu and acts as our meatball test kitchen where we serve some super fun dishes like Pretzels Balls and Meatball Nachos, in a speakeasy-esque space. It can also be rented out for private parties too!

AM: With a number of locations in NYC, what is the thought of the aesthetic of the restaurant in relation to the location of the neighborhood that it resides in? 

NM: The aesthetic of each individual restaurant definitely changes based on the neighborhood that surrounds it. We want each location to feel like its own restaurant - the Williamsburg location, for example, is more subdued and looks lovingly worn in, while the Lower East Side shop has a poppy-feel, with a deep navy wall coated in bright white metal meat grinders. 

AM: We shot a portion of our shoot in the Williamsburg location of The Meatball Shop. What can you tell us about this particular location (when it opened, those who tend to stop in)? 

NM: We opened up our Williamsburg Shop in 2011 and it's become a stable of Bedford Ave. We get a lot of neighborhood locals for sure but as the neighborhood has changed we're also seeing a ton of tourists stop in which has been really fun. We recently started serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm – this was the first location we started doing so, and it’s been a nice change of pace.

AM: What can we expect with the upcoming holiday season in terms of events or promotions taking place at The Meatball Shops? 

NM: We’re just about to launch our latest SHUT skateboard deck design, which will be available on our website. We encourage fans of the brand to check out our other gear as well, like our Ballers sweatshirt, Ballerina Tee, and our jarred Classic Tomato Sauce- which can all be found at www.themeatballshop.com.
 

AM: What are the Co-Founders' favorite dishes at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Michael Chernow loves a Kitchen Sink with Veggie Balls and Pesto and Daniel Holzman loves a heartier dish of Pork Meatballs with Spicy Meat Sauce over Polenta with a Family Jewel on top!

AM: Are there new dishes (whether ongoing or seasonal) that will be coming to The Meatball Shop? 

NM: We just started serving our Grilled Cheese balls in all of our locations this week – they sit like dumplings atop a layer of cream of tomato soup and are dangerously good. Right before Christmas, we will be bringing back our Jingle Jingle Balls made with venison and paired with a traditional Cumberland Sauce. We also have a killer Bread Pudding special for dessert this month!

AM: We know that you can buy The Meatball Shops' sauce and cookbook, are there other items that are available that people can purchase when they can't get to the physical locations? 

NM: We love designing merch! In addition to our sauce and cookbook, you can find our "Balls" shirts, Grinder Snapbacks, and Grinder Carhartt Beanies at all of our shops. We also carry limited quality items such as our Hedley & Bennet Aprons, "Mini Meatball" Onesizie, and (Baller)INA Pink T-Shirts that you can find in our different shops!

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Raf's Gambit in mag.