Viva Lifestyles, New York, NY (2025)

06/28/2025

🌳✨CENTRAL PARK MAGIC ✨🌳

Okay real talk—Central Park is basically NYC’s backyard, and these photos? Just a tiny slice of the ✨GORGEOUS✨ energy happening there this week.

From rollerbladers zooming by 🛼 to jazz musicians under shady trees 🎷, couples on boats 🚣‍♀️, and picnics that turn into full-on dance parties 🧺🕺—Central Park is the ultimate playground for literally everyone.

💭 What do YOU love most about Central Park?
Is it…

🍦 Ice cream carts on a hot summer day?
🐢 Turtle Pond and its chill little sunbathers?
👟 Power walking to your favorite podcast?
📸 The skyline views from Sheep Meadow?
🧘‍♀️ That peaceful feeling after a solo yoga sesh?

Drop your favorite Central Park vibe in the comments 👇 Let’s trade stories, tips, and hidden gems—because this park is a WHOLE WORLD in itself 💚🌍

06/20/2025

Nothing like a full-circle NYC moment! 🌟
Ran into — a gem from the old Drama Book Shop days — back in town after a few years away, and honestly… priceless. 😭🗽💥

We laughed, we caught up, we probably annoyed the table next to us. 😆
And best part? He barely uses social media anymore. Now that’s when you know life’s going well. 👏📵

Lorenzo, your journey has always lit the way during mine in NYC.
Drop a 💬 if you remember the good ol’ Drama Book Shop days or tag a friend you’d love to bump into randomly like this!

06/14/2025

Healthy Twist on a Classic: The Perfect Denver Omelet & Greens Breakfast
The Denver Omelet, also famously known as the Western Omelet, is a classic breakfast dish beloved for its hearty combination of eggs, ham, peppers, and cheese. Traditionally, this dish is rich and filling, often cooked with generous amounts of butter and cheese. However, for those seeking a lighter, healthier version, it’s easy to modify the ingredients without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. By removing butter, using a modest amount of cheese and ham, and incorporating plenty of fresh greens and nutritious home fries, this reimagined Denver Omelet becomes an excellent energizing breakfast that fits into a balanced diet.
Our lighter take on the Denver Omelet emphasizes health-conscious choices. Instead of frying with butter, we utilize a garlic-infused olive oil that imparts flavor without unwanted saturated fats. The cheese is kept to a minimal one ounce of pepper jack, adding a subtle kick and creaminess without overwhelming the dish. The ham is sliced thick but used sparingly, providing protein and flavor without excess salt or fat. Packed with vegetables — diced red peppers, scallions, and fresh greens like spinach — this dish not only tastes great but also supplies vital nutrients and fiber to start the day on a positive note.

The inclusion of sautéed greens, prepared with garlic and a splash of red wine vinegar, adds a vibrant, vitamin-packed element to the meal. Greens simmered just until wilted retain their bright flavor and nutrients, complementing the richness of the eggs and vegetables. Preparing these components ahead of time and assembling them quickly in the morning makes this meal both convenient and satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how traditional comfort foods can be transformed into healthier options without sacrificing taste or texture.

06/13/2025

A Neighborhood Gem with a Side of Resilience: Tara Rose & the Taste of NYC’s Comeback

Earlier today in the heart of Rose Hill, where Midtown Manhattan hums with the quiet determination of a city that simply refuses to stay down, I shared a beautiful dinner with Allen Hubby—the legendary former co-owner of the Drama Bookshop, whose vision helped earn the store a Tony Award and a permanent place in NYC’s cultural hall of fame.

Allen and I weren’t just out for a bite—we were storyboarding our next big chapter. He’s now directing our new cooking show, The EJ Kitchen, where I, Lucas Eller, have the honor of starring. It’s a show that blends healthy, delicious food with soulful storytelling—very much like what Tara Rose itself offers: substance, style, and a deep love for what nourishes us.

From the moment we stepped in, Tara Rose felt like the kind of place that’s keeping New York’s heartbeat alive post-pandemic. The vibe? Effortlessly warm. A touch rustic, a bit romantic, and full of locals who look like they just came from a rehearsal, a brainstorm, or a dream they’re making real.

We started with the quinoa salad—bright, clean, and subtly addictive. Each bite was a perfect harmony of crunch and zest. For mains, Allen went with the signature Tara Rose burger, a juicy, confident classic with enough edge to feel upscale. I chose the steak sandwich, which arrived tender, flavor-packed, and nestled in bread that deserves its own standing ovation.

Tara Rose isn’t just serving food—it’s serving a comeback. One plate at a time, one laugh at a time, one neighborhood table at a time. In a city where so much was lost in the quiet of lockdown, this place reminds us of what can still be found: connection, creativity, and a damn good meal.

So here’s to Tara Rose—for feeding our bellies and our big ideas. And here’s to a New York that’s writing its next act, led by dreamers, doers, and diners who know a great burger can change your night, and maybe even your life.

06/12/2025

As much as I, Lucas Eller, have made an effort to stay away from politics on social media platforms, I believe it is my duty as a first-time voter and a deeply engaged citizen to speak up. After seeing a recent post by former mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor, I couldn’t remain silent. Public discourse matters—and when it comes to the future of our city, we all have a stake in the conversation.

There are serious concerns surrounding Andrew Cuomo, both in terms of political leadership and personal conduct. These concerns have been widely documented and rightfully questioned by the public. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, choosing to publicly endorse a figure like Cuomo—without acknowledging those controversies—feels disconnected from the values New Yorkers expect in their leadership.

What’s even more disappointing is that Mr. Bloomberg disabled comments on his post shortly after it went live, once the wave of public response began. Let’s ask the obvious: What kind of leader refuses to listen to the people they claim to represent? If you believe in your convictions, you should also have the courage to hear criticism. Shutting down dialogue is the opposite of what leadership should look like.

For that reason, I chose to unfollow Mr. Bloomberg. As someone who has proudly called New York home for over 20 years, I’m not interested in hearing from leaders who are unwilling to listen. Let the people speak. That is the foundation of our democracy—open conversation, respectful disagreement, and civic engagement. We only block voices when they become abusive or uncivil, not simply because we don’t like what they’re saying.

Andrew Cuomo is not a good choice for New York, and frankly, most of us already know why. But I’d love to hear Mr. Bloomberg clearly explain why he believes Cuomo is. Because if you’re going to stand by a controversial figure, the least you can do is engage with those who are directly impacted by that choice.

06/11/2025

MY JOURNEY WITH ALCOHOL AND RECOVERY

Almost two years ago, I made the decision to quit drinking alcohol entirely. Unlike many in Alcoholics Anonymous who track their days, months, and years of sobriety, I don’t keep count. This is because I was often “quitting” only to fall back into old habits—sometimes once or twice a year during my drinking years. In 2015, I realized that alcohol was causing overwhelming anxiety in my life, prompting me to seek professional help for the first time. Seeing therapists was a turning point; I visited around ten of them, and surprisingly, two of them genuinely helped me learn how to drink more responsibly, with the idea of “learning how to drink as an adult.” Still, my relationship with alcohol remained complicated until much later.

I Quit Drinking

In 2022, during the final years of the COVID pandemic, I faced a crisis—pancreatitis. To describe it, imagine someone pouring water onto your stomach continuously for 24 hours, with the water growing hotter until it feels like burning. That’s what pancreatitis felt like. I was hospitalized at NYU Langone, one of the top hospitals in the United States, where I received the maximum dose of morphine possible. Despite this, I was in such terrifying pain that I screamed and tried to jump out of bed. After leaving the hospital, I found quitting alcohol easier than ever, yet the months afterward felt like hell—worse than the worst hangover imaginable. Later, overwhelmed by anxiety, I ended up walking into the psychiatric unit at Metropolitan Hospital, where mild medications helped me manage my persistent insomnia. A wise bartender in Austin once told me, “After a few months, you’ll be feeling great,” and I clung to that hope as I navigated this difficult journey.

06/05/2025

Our first jungle tour in the Amazon has been successfully booked! I’m incredibly excited about this new adventure and the opportunity to reconnect with such a vibrant and breathtaking environment. The Amazon has always held a special place in my heart, and being able to experience it firsthand is truly a dream come true.

This trip marks my return to the jungle after many decades. It’s where I spent my childhood, exploring the lush surroundings and learning about the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that the Amazon offers. It’s been far too long since I was last here, and I can’t wait to immerse myself once again in this extraordinary ecosystem.

A particularly exciting part of this journey is visiting Manaus, a city I lived near as a child but never had the chance to fully explore or afford to visit until now. Reaching this destination feels like a long-standing goal finally coming to fruition. I’m eager to see how the city has changed and to enjoy all the unique experiences it has to offer.

Of course, with all the wild nature and secluded spots, I jokingly imagine myself sneaking off into the woods and disappearing completely—never to be seen by humans again! It’s a funny thought, but honestly, I’m looking forward to the adventure and the chance to fully immerse myself in the Amazon’s wild beauty. If you’re interested, here’s a link to the tour I’ll be doing: https://www.getyourguide.com/manaus-l917/from-manaus-one-day-amazon-jungle-experience-t298545/?ranking_uuid=ba888e04-321c-4b28-8595-04a9e42224d8.

05/30/2025

From NYC to Rio: Come Along on Our Brazilian Summer Escape!

This summer, from July 2nd through August 25th, I’ll be heading back to one of the most breathtaking cities in the world — Rio de Janeiro. But this time, the experience is going to be even more unforgettable. I’ll be staying in an absolutely stunning mansion in Boa Vista Heights, nestled high above the city with panoramic views that will take your breath away. What makes this trip extra special is that I won’t be going alone — I’ll be joined by my parents and a few of my closest American friends, many of whom will be stepping foot in Brazil for the very first time.

The house is truly something out of a dream. It’s a modern architectural gem with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive balconies that overlook lush green hills and the sparkling coastline beyond. With a pool deck perfect for sunset gatherings, multiple lounges filled with light and art, and bedrooms that feel like private boutique retreats, it offers the perfect balance between luxury and warmth. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to birdsong, sip coffee while watching the clouds roll over the mountains, and feel completely in tune with nature and beauty.

Being based in Boa Vista Heights also means we’ll be just 18 minutes away from the golden sands of world-famous Ipanema Beach. Whether we’re spending our days sunbathing, sipping on fresh coconut water, or dancing to samba rhythms at night, Rio’s vibrant culture will be right at our fingertips. We’re already planning day trips to museums, open-air markets, hikes in Tijuca Forest, and, of course, plenty of evenings filled with feijoada, caipirinhas, and good company under the stars.

For my American friends, I can’t wait to introduce them to the real essence of Brazil — not just the landmarks, but the rhythm of life, the kindness of the people, the spontaneous joy that fills every moment. This trip is about more than just travel; it’s about deep cultural connection, lifelong memories, and celebrating all the beauty that Brazil has to offer. Stay tuned — this is going to be a season to remember. 🇧🇷☀️🌴

05/24/2025

This week I went through a very difficult situation with the EJ Kitchen cooking show production, as we lost the gorgeous place to film in Midtown Manhattan. We’ll continue the production filming as we can, and very soon will be using the kitchen in the mansion we rented in Rio de Janeiro, where we’ll be staying for 2 months. There are lots of healthy, easy-to-make, fun dishes being made in this spectacular production.

The recipes and videos will be available at www.vivalifestyles.com Please subscribe to our email list and support our work.😎💖

Anyway, Central Park has always been my favorite place to relax and enjoy some physical activities, like jogging in the rain for 2 hours like a maniac.🤣😂🫣

05/23/2025

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