SUPERMODEL CAROL ALT CELEBRATES ART BODEGA

Carol Alt

Russian Samovar Restaurant & Piano Bar celebrated supermodel and icon Carol Alt on the cover of Art Bodega Magazine’s Style and Beauty Issue. In the company of the stars of BRAVO TV’s Real Housewives, city socialites and the theater district’s finest patrons, Art Bodega Magazine’s first cover release party was a glamorous evening showcasing the high-fashion model and the beautiful cover photographs by Ezequiel de la Rosa. Russian Samovar Restaurant served the finest Russian cuisine in the intimate upstairs lounge set against the backdrop of picturesque green and red shaded lamps adorned with Russian folk print.

Notable attendees included: Carol Alt, Vlada Von Shats, John Mahdessian, Teresa Giudice, Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Lessa Rowland, Michael Von Shats, Nicholas Von Shats, Antonia Bennett, Jane Pontarelli, Dr. Michelle Zweifler, Leesa Rowland and Rebecca Herrero.

Teresa Giudice and Dorinda Medley

Guests enjoyed the Russian-themed event, and the musical stylings of DJ Farib, as they mingled with the VIP host and her famous guests. Carol Alt made an entrance in an all-black ensemble, and slipping off her fur-trimmed silk vest, she revealed a glittering Art Deco inspired cocktail dress with sequins, beads and fringe detailing. The night was truly star-studded as celebrity guests also shimmered in beautifully adorned looks.

Luxury and couture connoisseur John Mahdessian co-hosted the event and was also featured in the issue. With The Real Housewives of New York star Dorinda Medley on his arm, they took part in the fabulous evening with friends and enjoyed Russian Samovar’s time-honored ambiance. Mahdessian is the president of renowned cleaning and restoration organization Madame Paulette. The company, whose flagship boutique is based on the Upper East Side, is famous for maintaining the world’s most illustrious wardrobes and iconic pieces, including those of Princess Diana, Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep and Beyoncé.

While the cover party was taking place in the private lounge of Russian Samovar Restaurant, the main dining room featured a special guest performance by Antonia Bennett, daughter of iconic musician Tony Bennett. The restaurant is popular for its history, hosting Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack under the name Jilly’s Canteen. Establishing its own legacy, Russian Samovar was originally founded in 1986 by Roman Kaplan with his business partners, legendary dancer Mikhael Baryshnikov and Nobel Prize winner Joseph Brodsky, and often featured unexpected performances from Cyndi Lauper and Liza Minelli. The Theatre District hot spot has remained relevant thanks to current owner Vlada Von Shats and her two sons Michael and Nicholas, preserving the name and culture of the dining destination. Today, you can still find the original red banquettes Sinatra and The Rat Pack frequently dined.

In the celebrated cover story, Carol Alt shares with readers her evolution in the modeling industry, it’s challenges today, and how she balances her personal life. The intimate discussion delves into her supermodel legacy and being one of the most beautiful women in the world.

Event sponsors include: Russian Samovar’s Vlada Von Shats, Stila, Jane, Madame Paulette, and Tiffany & Co.

About Russian Samovar Restaurant

Located in the Theater District, Russian Samovar boasts a 19th-century feel, complete with picturesque green and red shades and Russian folk prints. Ballet Legend Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Prize winner for poetry Joseph Brodsky are former partners, and Cyndi Lauper and Liza Minnelli are known to stop by and offer the odd performance. The legendary location, formerly known as Jilly's Saloon, also used to be frequented by Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. The elegant establishment is famous for its 26 flavored vodkas prepared in-house, alongside its many Russian delicacies. Owned by Roman Kaplan and managed by his daughter Vlada Von Shats and her two sons Michael and Nicholas, Russian Samovar offers some of the finest Russian cuisine in New York. The restaurant, which seats 100 in the dining room and 50 at the bar, is the perfect location for private events. Its intimate upstairs lounge comfortably seats 34 for sit-down dinner, and 100 for standing buffet. Russian Samovar is a major supporter of the art community, with poetry readings held throughout the year and a classically trained pianist performs nightly. It features live interactive theatre every Thursday with award-winning actors, performance from Opera Singer Michael Peer on Mondays, Gypsy Fun Trio on Fridays and Saturdays on violin and guitar playing traditional Russian music, and Jazz Blues Brunch on Sundays with the Uptown Jazz Company.

Russian Samovar Restaurant & Piano Bar, 256 West 52nd Street (At 8th Avenue), New York, NY 10019

For more information, please call (212)757-0168 or visit www.russiansamovar.com

Photos Courtesy Of: Lawlor Media GP /  Credit Marcello Cutti Jr