TOP ROW (FROM LEFT): Michelle and Dr. Thomas Connelly; Dianne Vavra, Michael Combs and Angie Harmon. BOTTOM ROW (FROM LEFT): Brianna Birtles and Jared Talarski; Adrian Sosa, Todd Prybylski, Corina Hart, LeBron James, Steve Messer, Deon Harris and Christina Squillante.

In the Good Old Summertime

For New Yorkers there’s a certain allure to staying in the city during the summer. Things quiet down a bit (particularly on weekends) and it becomes the perfect atmosphere in which to take advantage of all there is to enjoy—this year in particular, with the trio of water-taxi beaches around the city and the High Line.

Another summer can’t-miss? The city’s vibrant dining scene (much of it outdoors this time of year). In this issue, which is dedicated to food, wine and all things culinary, we highlight restaurants (old favorites, new arrivals, kid-friendly joints and all in between) and the best dishes in town at places like Philippe and Philippe Chow Express, Strip House and Scuderia. We get recipes from one legendary food critic and six top New York City chefs, David Bouley and Eric Ripert included, and offer a map (by Bombay Sapphire) of bars and restaurants that are the perfect destinations for a drink and a bite.

Also, in support of Henry Buhl’s fantastic job-training program—in partnership with the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE)—and its SoHo Stroll fundraiser, we’re reacquainting ourselves with Soho, a luxury shopping destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Visit the likes of YogaWorks, Molteni & C. Dada Unifor, Tommy Hilfiger, Glory Chen, Ed Hardy, Reinstein/Ross, The Mercer Kitchen, Lazaro Diaz, Karen Millen and SoHo Gem. You’ll thank us. And don’t forget: The Divas Shop for Opera 2009 on June 24.

Enjoy!

BRIANNA BIRTLES

JASON BINN

KATHERINE NICHOLLS

In Loving Memory of Sue Pataki Frame, 1966-2009

One of the privileges of living in New York City is sharing it with friends and family from home, wherever that may be. My friend Sue visited me every few months over my 10 years here, and together we drank in everything we could. A typical weekend would consist of many miles walked and neighborhoods explored, stopping strangers to take our picture in front of landmarks, or toasting our friendship at quintessential NYC destinations like the Four Seasons Grill Room, Bemelmans Bar, Rolf’s and The River Café.

We took in Broadway, a Triple Crown opportunity at Belmont Park, a World Series game seven at Yankee Stadium and last summer’s Bon Jovi concert in Central Park. Sue fell in love with New York and brought her two daughters, Emma (when she was a newborn in a carriage) and Marlo (for her 10th birthday weekend). We saved our best stories and reconnected each time on walks through Central Park, which is where I went when I learned there would be no more visits from my beloved friend. She left the world too soon, but the hole in my heart will be filled with magical memories of our many adventures in the Big Apple. When I go back to our favorite spots I know I won’t be alone. Best friends never leave you, and Sue lives on in my most treasured memories of our time spent here in Gotham.—KATHERINE NICHOLLS

photographs by Donato Sardella/WireImage.com (HARMON); Brian Killian/WireImage.com (CONNELLY)