July 2020

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

1135 WILLIAMS DRIVE, SHRUB OAK IN PUTNAM VALLEY, NEW YORK

   As many people look to buy their second home outside the city, now more than ever is the perfect opportunity to purchase this private estate in Shrub Oak, Putnam Valley. Just 45 minutes outside of New York City, this custom built house lays on 83 New York acres. Come see the endless possibilities of a pool, tennis court, helicopter pad, golf course, whatever you can dream of right outside your New York home. 

   The house outside NYC is approximately 5,200 square feet with five bedrooms four bathrooms, as well as a gorgeous outdoor patio with a pond. The breathtaking views span to NYC’s horizon as you sit on an elevated mountain top. Check out the drone footage of this gorgeous property here.

   For private showings, please email Ronita.Kalra@elliman.com

STAYCATION
 

   Earlier this month, my family and I had taken a week-long vacation to Long Beach Island (LBI). In all honesty, I was very nervous to go out because of the current pandemic, however, the vacation turned out to be such a relaxing break from the heat here in New York City. My sister and cousin came along with their boyfriends and they stayed in the same house as us, which was nice since I haven’t been able to see them since the beginning of the quarantine. Not to mention, my best friends rented a house right down the road from ours! Since they have kids also, Lyanna was able to play with them while I was able to spend quality time catching up with old friends.

    While we were there, I was so relieved to see that everybody was taking the virus seriously. The restaurant we went to took everyone’s temperature and had gorgeous outdoor seating that was definitely six feet apart from other patrons, who all had masks. Getting to spend time with both my family and friends in public was truly a decompressing experience that let me reconnect with everybody; a much need experience with all the new projects starting at work. Also important to note, the beaches were not crowded! I’m already planning the next one. 

#RTWR

   This week, my assistant Victoria and I sit down on Real Talk with Ronnie and talk about how anyone knows if they are with the right person. I met my husband at an internship while I was 21, fully unaware that he was the one I’d spend the rest of my life with, so it made us wonder... when do you know? It’s amazing to think we dated for seven years prior to getting engaged but now looking back it felt like such a short amount of time. Victoria had dated her now husband when she was 19. They had spent some time apart, but they found their way back together and are so happy to be starting their family. So, how do you know the one you’re with is the one? Does anyone ever truly know? Isn’t there always a risk it doesn’t work out?!  Tune into Real Talk with Ronnie to hear our discussion. 
Click here to listen to it on iTunes.
Click here to listen to it on Spotify,
Click here to watch it on YouTube. 

RonitaKalra.com
 

 Looking to move to a different New York neighborhood? Want to be closer to a park or the water? Not sure which NYC neighborhood is right for you? Watch our real estate videos including apartment tours and neighborhood videos on the website RonitaKalra.com.

This website is also home to our Youtube series Real Talk with Ronnie, as well as an archive to these monthly newsletters. A one stop shop for our clients, friends, family and customers. Thank you to everyone for working with us and believing in us through this pandemic. We are all in this together.

June 2020

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

212 WEST 11TH STREET  + 214 WEST 11TH STREET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

  We have an incredible opportunity to sell two townhouses to someone wanting to create a corner MANSION in prime West Village. Here on West 11th Street in Manhattan, 212 is a multi family townhouse with four units currently being rented. Three out of four are free market and will expire within a year.  214 is a two family with an owners triplex and a garden one bedroom unit. Both houses have outdoor gardens (rare in the city.)  The combination would be around 40 feet wide! The best comp in the neighborhood sold for over 35 million a few years ago and our owner is now accepting serious offers. Reach out to us for more details on purchasing this NYC mansion. 

WHAT'S NEXT?  

   The governor has announced NYC reopening starting with phase 1 on June 8th. If all goes well, phase 2 will likely begin 2 weeks later around June 22 when NYC real estate is allowed to resume.  So what now? From the number of inquiries and the conversations I have had over the past 3 weeks, I'm optimistic we are headed for a busy summer. 
     All of the seasoned agents and managers in the industry keep comparing this time to 9/11 and according to them, New York City and the market came back stronger than ever in the years following that horrific incident. Since there was a literal PAUSE on the industry there are many on the sidelines who need to sell and need to buy and will get right to it once we are allowed. 
    Will prices fall? My real estate crystal ball is a little dusty but I anticipate a slight drop in prices initially. It only makes sense since there will probably be a lot of sales where the seller needs to get out ASAP and will be willing to take less than originally planned because of the time that has been lost and potential incomes that have been affected. 
     The flip side of this unfortunate circumstance is now more than ever working from home is becoming more of a reality and if you plan to stay in NYC, then upgrading your space to a larger one, or one with outdoor space is probably on your radar. If your productivity and job were not affected by the pandemic than your company is likely going to give you the option to work from home indefinitely and your home is now also your office, your quarantine sanctuary and the place you will spend most of your time. This mentality, in my opinion is going to be wide spread and is going to positively effect our New York City real estate market.

PREGNANT? ANXIETY THROUGH THE ROOF?  

   We know anxiety can be crippling under 'normal' circumstances. For all you mamas out there and soon-to-be-moms, we know anxiety and fear can strike even harder than you usually feel it! Join me and Victoria this week on Real Talk with Ronnie while we talk about worst-case-scenario thinking, fear of the unknown, and how it feels when your 'purpose' changes. 

   SUBSCRIBE to RTWR by clicking here .

BLACK LIVES MATTER

    I don't understand, I will never understand, yet I STAND. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, New Yorkers have taken a stance on the injustice faced by black people in this country. With 12 days of protests, we have seen the country come together in a way that seems different than every other time. Now is the time for us and the world to educate ourselves and create change. To learn more about systemic racism head here: raceforward.org

May 2020

LISTING OF THE MONTH
170 EAST 87TH ST E-10C

   Introducing a gorgeous Upper East Side 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom duplex apartment in NYC with a balcony which is located in the full-service Gotham condominium building. This sunny East facing home has a full wall of windows that almost reach the top of the living rooms 17'6" high ceiling and fill the entire Manhattan apartment with sunlight.   

   This New York home has a well-equipped kitchen that is open to the living room via a breakfast bar, allowing the kitchen to be part of all the activity in the living room and dining space. The first floor is completed by a modern wavy tiled guest bathroom, wine fridge, coat closet, and plenty of storage.   

   The second floor king-size bedroom has a private full bathroom, a massive walk-in closet, and a very generous built-in armoire. There is laundry on each floor, and it is located right outside each entrance.   

   The full-service Gotham is in one of the best locations in New York City. The 4,5,6 and cross-town buses are steps from the apartment building. The Q train is less than a two-block walk. Whole foods is across the street, and Fairway is one block away. The neighborhood is bustling with incredible restaurants, boutiques, banks, and every shop you could need. Carl Schurz Park is a few blocks away and has two dog parks, children's play areas, outdoor areas for picnicking, plus a full calendar of events.  

   The Gotham has a new saltwater pool, full health club, sauna, children's playroom, outdoor terrace with children's play area, and a gorgeous residents lounge complete with a full kitchen. The building has a live-in super, full-time doorman, concierge, and accommodating staff.  

This building is pet-friendly and investor-friendly. 

WHATS COOKING IN THE KITCHEN? 

   As many of you know I left Manhattan and have been staying in Jersey with my parents and family.  I think my daughter Lyanna is having the most fun during this pandemic.  Between my parents and my sister she has been entertained and giggling 24/7!! I always try to find the silver lining in life, and I am blessed that I do get to spend this quality time with my family and daughter. When else would we all be home for 8 weeks!?

   As a full time working mom, I am accustomed to coming home after a long day of work in the city, cooking a quick dinner for my family or ordering seamless and then its bath and bed time routine. I have been taking this time off to focus on a hobby I love which is cooking.  I thought it would be a fun idea for my team and I to share what we have been cooking in the kitchen! Everyone has been sharpening their skills except for one. Can you guess which one of my team members did not rise to the occasion!? 

 RONITA’S RECIPE
 MEAT-FREE CAULIFLOWER BOLOGNESE

 Recipe provided by Tanya Zuckerbrot @ffactor

INGREDIENTS (serves 8):

•      12 oz mushrooms (I used Bella)

•       2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

•       1 large onion, finely chopped

•       2 stalks celery, finely chopped

•       2 carrots, finely chopped

•       6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

•       1/2 cup dry red wine

•       3 cups riced cauliflower

2 TBSP TOMATO PASTE

      1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
      1 tsp dried oregano
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/4 tsp pepper
      1 cup almond milk
      2 oz reduced-fat grated Parmesan

PREPARATIONS:

     1.    Pulse mushrooms in a food processor until finely chopped.
            Transfer to a small bowl.
     2.    Place a large dutch oven  over medium-high heat and add
            oil to heat. 
     3.    Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally until golden     
     4.    Add onion, celery, carrots and cook  until onions are golden  
     5.   Add garlic stirring occasionally until softened.
     6.    Add red wine and cook until all the alcohol has evaporated.
     7.    Add cauliflower and cook until softened (approx 5 min).
     8.    Add tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened.
     9.    Add crushed tomato, oregano, salt and pepper, and bring to  boil.
            Cover, lower heat to a simmer and  cook for 15 minutes.   
     10.  Uncover sauce, add almond milk and stir to combine.          
     11.   Remove from heat and serve on pasta of choice. I used Banza Rigatoni!

NANCY’S “RECIPE”

   Not sure what day of quarantine it is, but I’m certain I’ve gone through at least 100 take out bags. When Ronnie instructed us to share a recipe from the Q, I immediately panicked because I can’t use a microwave- let alone create a recipe. Just like NYC, down here in Florida restaurants still aren’t open. Luckily they’re providing take out and curb-side pick-up. I’ve taken advantage of this from pretty much every dining establishment within a 20 mile radius. So despite not being able to cook, I’ve been avoiding grocery stores and supporting local businesses!

BRENDA’S RECIPE

TASSO HAM AND SHRIMP PENNE RUSTICA. 

   This is the altered recipe I use.  It is an adaptation of Macaroni Grill’s Penne Rustica by The Girl Who Ate Everything Website.  I have altered it to my taste.
 
GRANITA SAUCE:
 

•   1 teaspoon unsalted butter

•   1 teaspoon chopped garlic

• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

•   1/2 teaspoon dill

•   1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 

•   1/2 cup marsala cooking wine

•   1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

•   4 cups heavy cream

PENNE RUSTICA:

•  Tasso ham- as much or as little as you like.  This is very flavorful and smoky, but has the best flavor.  I purchase the ham at Murray’s Cheese shop.  Seriously, it is divine.  You need this ham, and want this in your kitchen at all times.

•  9 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

•  6 ounces grilled chicken breasts, sliced (1 large breast or 2 small) Season these!  Salt, Pepper, and a little of Cayenne pepper

•  8-12 ounces penne pasta, cooked

•  3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

•  1/2 teaspoon chopped shallot

•   pinch salt and pepper

•  1/2 cup- 1 cup parmesan cheese  I have a heavy hand with this cheese which is why I don’t add salt.

•  1/4 teaspoon paprika

•  optional 3 sprigs fresh rosemary 

Note:  Use unsalted European butter and fresh ground parmesan if you can.  The higher quality your ingredients are, the better this dish will tase. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

       1.       For Gratinata Sauce: Saute butter, garlic, and rosemary until garlic begins to brown.
       2.       Add Marsala wine and reduce by one-third.
       3.       Add remaining ingredients, reduce by half of the original volume. Set aside.
       4.       For Penne Rustica: Saute pancetta or bacon until it begins to brown.
       5.       Add butter, shallots, and shrimp.
       6.       Cook until shrimp are evenly pink but still translucent.
       7.       Add chicken, salt, pepper, and mix thoroughly.
       8.       Add gratinata sauce and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
       9.       Simmer until sauce thickens.
      10.     In a large bowl, combine shrimp and chicken mixture with the cooked pasta.
      11.     Pour into a large casserole dish or roaster.  
      12.     Sprinkle with 1/4 cup more parmesan cheese and sprinkle with paprika.
      13.     Bake at 475 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
      14.     Remove and garnish with fresh rosemary sprig. 

(I use small cook wear or tins that serve two people.  This recipe will make several dinners for two.  After baking and cooling, the small servings can be frozen for use at a later time.  Just defrost and microwave/bake) 

VICTORIA’S RECIPE 
 

   I have been really using this quarantine to learn from my mom and sister how to cook.  We have been using what we have in our kitchen  to create new and fun meals! This is an easy salad to prepare to switch up a lunch or dinner for something new. 

WEDGE SALAD

INGREDIENTS: 
 

•  Romain 

•  Onion 

•  Crumbled Blue Cheese 

•  Bacon 

•  Tomatoes 

•  Blue Cheese Dressing  

INSTRUCTIONS:  

      1. Cook strips of bacon extra crispy 
      2. Cut the romaine lettuce into four pieces 
      3. Cut all of the vegetables and  toppings into small bite size pieces. 
      4. Once you have all of your ingredients prepared you put toppings on each “Wedge” of Romaine.
       ( don’t forget the crumbled blue cheese!)
      5. Dress the salad to your liking.  

#RTWR 
  Grab your headphones and glass of wine because Real Talk with Ronnie is finally also available as a podcast! We are thrilled to announce that the YouTube series can now be listened to as a podcast on iTunes and Spotify. On iTunes you can find us by searching or check us out on the Douglas Elliman iTunes Channel. 

   Did you listen in or watch us last week on Real Talk with Ronnie? We had a FAB time sitting down with Lindsey Metselaar of We Met at Acme. Tune in and get the dish on about significant other compatibility, respect in a relationship, social media love letters, and head vs. heart in love.

   Tune in to catch up on all our season 1 Real Talk with Ronnie episodes and get REAL with some of our favorite guests like Christina Oliva Cinque aka the Hair Goddess, skincare guru Rita Linkner, and Jennie Monness (@MoMommies on the gram.)