Whom You Know: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Sotheby's Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Earnings

SOTHEBY’S 2010 HIGHLIGHTS

“The net income of $161.0 million that we have been able to deliver in 2010 is our best yearly result ever, apart from 2007. It is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Bill Ruprecht, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s. “The recovery of the global art market which was aided in part by the increased buying activity of clients from new markets certainly contributed to these results, as did the difficult decisions we had to make beginning in the autumn of 2008 – the headcount reduction, tightening of our cost structure and steadfast focus on auction commission margins – which have paid off considerably.

The positive momentum continues in 2011,” added Mr. Ruprecht. “Our recently concluded London sales of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art, including the exceptional single owner sale, Looking Closely: A Private Collection brought an outstanding combined total of $390.8 million. This total even exceeds the prior year total of $366.7 million which had included the sale of the then-record breaking Giacometti sculpture which sold for $104.3 million. And we have just announced the sale of a selection of magnificent Imperial Porcelain from the Meiyintang Collection, one of the greatest private collections of Imperial Chinese Porcelain in the world. Estimated from $91-$137 million*, the sale in Hong Kong on April 7^th is likely to be of historic importance and brings the estimate for the total April Hong Kong series to in excess of $300 million.

“Overall, aggregate auction sales through the first two months of 2011 solidly improved from the first two months of 2010. We hope that 2011 will be another strong year for Sotheby’s and for the art market,” concluded Mr. Ruprecht.

· 2010 net income of $161.0 million and 4^th quarter net income of $96.2 million are best ever, with the exception of 2007

· Consolidated sales** up 74% to $4.8 billion

· Auction sales up 88 % to $4.3 billion; $2.1 billion increase is largest ever

· Private sales up 5% to $494.5 million

· 609 lots sold for over $1 million (307 in 2009)

· 93 lots sold for over $5 million (38 sold in 2009)

· 37 lots sold for over $10 million (12 sold in 2009)

· 17 lots sold for over $20 million (1 sold in 2009)

· Sales of Impressionist and Modern Art were up 116% to $1.01 billion

· Sales of Contemporary Art were up 97% to $870 million

· Sales of Jewelry were up 113% to $405 million

Hong Kong Sales were up 135% to $638.9 million
Record set for sculpture: Alberto Giacometti, Walking Man I, $104.3 million
Record set for any diamond and jewel: “The Graff Pink”, $46.2 million
Record set for a printed book: John James Audubon, The Birds of America, $11.5 million
Record set for a standard sized bottle of wine: Château Lafite 1869, $232,692
Record set for English Furniture: The Harrington Commode, $5.9 million

* Estimates do not include Buyer’s Premium

**Consolidated Sales is defined as the sum of Auction Sales (including buyer’s premium), Private Sales and Dealer Revenues.

http://www.sothebys.com/

Pureology PureArtists Tell You How to Get The Top Hair Trends at the Oscars

Last night’s Oscar styles were full of simplicity and retro elegance, including the hair! From ponytails worn by Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon to topknots and buns worn by Hailee Steinfeld, Melissa Leo and Sandra Bullock to the 70's waves worn by Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Marissa Tomei, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman and Mandy Moore. Pureology PureArtists, Ruth Roche, Dawn Stemick, Darren Pena, Brenda McGann, Christopher Devaney and Sandra Joseph give step-by-steps on how to achieve these hot hairstyle trends from last night’s Oscars:

Trend #1: Polished Pony – as seen on Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman

Step 1: Spray Pureology ColourStylist FortifyingHeatSpray to entire head, along with a blend of ColourStylistAntiSplitBlowDry and NourishingNectar before drying in a directional pattern of the ponytail shape with a flat paddle brush.

Step 2: When hair is dry, create a high ponytail on the crown of the head using a small paddle brush and/or combs to ensure a perfectly smooth perimeter. After securing pony with an elastic, apply a pea-sized amount of ColourStylistSilkBodifier to a fine-toothed Comb and smooth in any flyaways around the hairline.

Step 3: Take a 1″ section of hair from the ponytail and spray ColourStylist StrengtheningControl hairspray down the length and smooth with fingers before wrapping around base of pony to hide the elastic.

Step 4: To create the waves Reese had, take a 1" hot curling iron and wrap hair around it and drop.

Step 5: Smooth length of ponytail with ColourStylist CuticlePolisher

Trend #2: Waves of Glory as seen on Amy Adams, Natalie Portman, Mandy Moore, Anne Hathaway

Step 1: Spray Pureology ColourStylist FortifyingHeatSpray throughout hair and layer SilkBodifier andNourishingNectar in as well. Blowdry completely.

Step 2: Twist varying sized sections no larger than 1″ and wrap down the length of a curling iron. For added strength spray each section with ColourStylist StrengtheningControl zero dulling hairspray prior to wrapping. Secure each curl with a single prong clip to cool.

Step 3: Drop clips and work a tiny, pea-sized amount of ColourStylist CuticlePolisher through hands prior to breaking up curls with fingertips.

Step 4: Finish with a light mist of ColourStylist StrengtheningControl zero dulling hairspray.

Trend #3: Top Knot as seen on Hailee Steinfeld, Sandra Bullock and Melissa Leo

Step 1: Prep hair with Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Condition

Step 2: Work ColourStylist Nourishing Nectar sculpting gel through damp hair

Step 3: Blow hair dry smooth with a large paddle brush

Step 4: Take a dime-size amount of ColourStylist CuticlePolisher and run through hair from mid-shaft to ends

Step 5: Draw hair into a high ponytail, take a small egg-size ColourStylist SilkBodifier voluminizing mousse and run over ponytail

Step 6: Separate pony into two sections and twist sections over each other

Secure end of pony with elastic

Step 7: Wrap pony around base and secure with a bobby pin. Finish look with ColourStylist Strengthing Contol zero dulling hairspray

On the Oscars, by John Wayne

"Oscar and I have something in common. Oscar first came to Hollywood scene in 1928. So did I. We're both a little weather-beaten, but we're still here and plan to be around for a whole lot longer."

-John Wayne, Best Picture, 1979 Academy Awards

Peachy Picks Bella Blu

Bella Blu was first featured in Terrific Takeout:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/terrific-takeout-bella-blu.html

At this point in time, Peachy would say it was probably in the top 3 takeouts ever, and that was one night where Peachy ate the whole thing of everything too (she cannot always do that or you'd never want to see her waistline again-actually she probably would totally lose a waistline!) so they easily graduated to Tasty Tidbits:
http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/tasty-tidbits-bella-blu.html

We could not be more thrilled to announce that Bella Blu has joined the esteemed ranks of Peachy's Picks!!! Daniele Perugini is one of our most favorite hosts in the city and Peachy cannot stop dreaming about the orgasmic truffle foccia with ricotta cheese:

We have had this same dish other places, and have liked it at other places, but Bella Blu is the only place we've had it and dreamed about it. And since we were there on Friday, it is now 3 consecutive nights for Peachy of dreaming about it. She stared with some stellar prosecco suggested by sommelier Giorgio Manzlo and later had some fabulous Baby Tuscan and some even better Adult Tuscan (we are only trying to make you laugh it is Monday afternoon! You know it's not really called that!) and in a nutshell the whole night was a dream because it was THAT EXCELLENT. Villa di Zano Bulgheri de Russo-in an area of Tuscany-is the producer and the Cabernet and Sangiovese combination won us over in a big way.

A special of the night was a decadent mushroom soup, pictured above, which we had to start with along with some Verdurine Bella Blu con Aceto di Vino Rosso e Olio di Frantolo served by Adrian, who is a total peach. Incidentally Adrian is Daniele's nephew so the peachiness must be partially genetic.

We also started with some scallops which were seared to absolute perfection in glazed balsamic vinegar reduction and as charismatic as Daniele himself:

For her main meal, Peachy Deegan ordered the Tagliolini con gambert, rughette e pachini which means Tagliolini with shrimp, arugula, cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil and it was succulent and fresh! The colorful combination with winning flavor was standout and it is clear why you cannot get a table in Bella Blu! The atmosphere was upscale warm and friendly and the baseball player profile chandeliers were so unique.

Take a listen to the panel while Peachy is eating the fabulous truffle foccia....

Bella Blu has been a wonderful upper east side Italian staple for years, but it wasn't until my most recent tasting with Peachy et al that I realized its true dining potential. I must start by saying that the service and attitude of the waiter (Adrian), maitre d (Daniele), and sommelier (Giorgio) was off-the-charts fantastic. Their kindness, warmth, enthusiasm and knowledge for the delectable dishes and wines that were served was extremely impressive. The meal started on a very high note as we were fed bites of deeply toasted tomato focaccia (exactly like pizza, without the cheese) and an AMAZING truffle pizza doused with rabiola cheese.

Georgio made sure that this sweet little tasting was paired perfectly with a glass of wine -- a baby super Tuscan, to be exact. This 2007/2006 wine made with Sangiovese grapes by wine maker Poggio al Tufo was aged 12 months in the barrel, and was smooth, dry, elegant and young. It was perfect with truffles and cheese! Next out was the Verdurine Bella Blue -- a wonderful mix of finely chopped vegetables with red wine vinegar and olive oil. This dish was light and wonderfully seasoned. In addition to the Verdurine, I ate the Carciofini Scottati con Pistacchio su Valeriana con Parmigiano (sauteed baby artichokes with pistachio and parmesan cheese on a mache salad). This warm dish was also light and extremely flavorful; my favorite appetizer. I also tried a pan seared sea scallop sauteed with mushrooms and glazed with a balsamic vinegar reduction sauce, which was very, very tasty! The scallop had been cooked so that it was slightly charred/burnt -- yummy!! For our main course, Giorgio brought out a Villa Dizzano Super Tuscan red which was also wonderful. I got the paparadelle with buttnernut squash, spinach and pine nuts, which was light, sumptuous and full of butternut flavor.

Finally, dessert came out -- tiramisu and tartufo -- paired with a delicious dessert wine. Overall, I was completely blown away by my experience at Bella Blu. It was hard to leave after our 3-hour-long meal, but I left knowing that Bella Blu does deliver -- I will definitely be ordering in ASAP!

Girl's Night Out at the Lively and Chic Bella Blu was extraordinary, to say the least. Exhausted but famished we descended upon Bella Blu to be greeted by the inviting Marco and his handsome assistant Adrian. Both men were determined to make sure we had a great meal and a very good time. As soon as we were seated, out came enormous glasses of a terrific baby Tuscan red wine accompanied by a delicate and aromatic white truffle pizza filled with ravioli cheese. After one bite of the pizza I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. But then out came a fresh puree of mushroom soup with fontina croutons that really sent me up into the clouds. Next we were served a fantastic warm artichoke salad with Parmesan cheese. Other outstanding appetizers served included pan seared sea scallops sauteed with mushrooms glazed with a balsamic vinegar reduction and the well known Bella Blu Salad. By now we were very relaxed and the restaurant was hopping. Our main course began with a Villa Dizzano Super Tuscan Red Wine that our sommelier Giorgio promised would make us very happy. As we sipped, we realized this was a wine not to be skipped. Main course pastas sampled included savory duck and mushroom ravioli with ricotta cheese, pappardelle served with butter nut squash, spinach and pine nuts, and finally a black truffle spinach and fontina cheese ravioli in a light cream nutmeg sauce. As we continued to enjoy each dish, Giorgio and Adrian insisted that we also try the restaurant's delicious Newton Red Label Chardonnay. As Giorgio started to recommend more dishes, we suggested that we move onto to dessert. He then brought out a yummy tartufo covered in chocolate, a great traumas and the Bella Blu wonderful dessert wine. When it was time to leave Marco and Adrian warmly kissed us and invited us back to enjoy another memorable evening. We all smiled and promised to be back soon.

Anyone who complains about surly waiters and inattentive staff has not eaten at Bella Blu. The immediate warm reception lends itself to an appetite, and indeed, hunger is a good thing here. As you decide about the apperitif, a basket of focaccia appears on the table. Not big on spirits, Bella Blu stocks a fine cellar. Giorgio, the sommelier (who has his own website:giorgiovino.com) will assist you in any choices to be made, and recommends different combinations based on his theory of “analogy”. White food, white wine. Red food, red wine. So simple when he explains it.

The specialty of the house: a truffle infused white pizza. Enough for the whole table, and fun with the Baby Super Tuscan, 2006. This is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon with San Giovese grapes. As Giorgio explains, the baby is kept in the barrel only 3 months. When you jump up to the Super Tuscan, the 12 months of aging will prove the difference. They were both divine, by the way. The baby is a good red to balance most anything. The Super is perfect for more serious fare, not as full-bodied as a Bordeaux to this diner, but wonderfully full, fruity, flavorful.

The table shared some of the courses: the Carciofini Scottati was served by our waiter with aplomb. This was a beautiful salad of mache, pistachio nuts, parmesan shavings and of course, the artichokes. The mache was refreshing , and the parmesan provided a switch over from the robbiola of the pizza. The Baby Super Tuscan ruled both courses, and met well with: Verdurini, a plate of chopped vegetables in season, and the scallops as an appetizer that were served in a balsamic reduction.

Bring on the Super Tosca: the pressed duck ravioli have arrived. The strong character of the duck combines with the robustness of the wine. This one is a Bulgheri Rosso, from the Villa Di Zano. The pressed duck ravioli are cut prettily with a scalloped edge, and served with a touch of ricotta, to balance the density of the duck. W

e proceed to the Branzino Cileno con Vongole e Cozze e timo, or, as we say in NYC, Chilean Sea Bass. The bass is pan-roasted with clams, mussels, and thyme in a chardonnay sauce, so Giorgio brought me a Newton Red Label Chardonnay from California. This is a huge serving of fish. After the appetizers, and first and second platters, this generous portion needs company to eat it all. The balance of thyme and seafood that accompanies the bass is perfection, and it’s best enjoyed to the last drop.

Our able waiter, Adrian, brought us glasses of Moscato d’asti, a fizzy dessert wine, to help us down our tiramisu and tartuffo.
Share and share alike, but come hungry. And come often.

Peachy Picks Bella Blu!!!!!

967 Lexington Avenue

corner of 70th

212 988 4624

http://bellabluny.com/

On the Oscars, by Kathy Bates

"Every time an Oscar is given out, an agent gets his wings."

-Kathy Bates, 2003 Academy Awards

Peachy's Polls: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTY MOVER AND SHAKER WE'VE FEATURED?

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORTY MOVER AND SHAKER WE'VE FEATURED?

CONGRATULATIONS RITA COSBY, VOTED BY WHOM YOU KNOW READERS THEIR FAVORITE MOVER AND SHAKER TELEVISION PERSONALITY!!!

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVER AND SHAKER TELEVISION PERSONALITY?

Peachy's Polls: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER BRAND WE'VE FEATURED?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKER BRAND WE'VE FEATURED?

On the Oscars, by Shirley MacLaine, 1983 Academy Awards

"Films and life are like clay, waiting for us to mold it. And when you trust your own insides and that becomes achievement, it's a kind of principle that seems to me is at work with everyone. God bless that principle. God bless that potential that we all have for making anything possible if we think we deserve it."

-Shirley MacLaine, 1983 Academy Awards

DJV Volume Lash Recommended by the Gorgeous Women of Whom You Know

Mascara, mascara, mascara. A daily must for any NYC gal on-the-go. A staple of every day life in the city, yet it can be incredibly challenging to find a great one! Luckily, d.j.v. beautenizer has done it again with their Volume Lash mascara. This fab new product instantly volumizes, separates, and conditions lashes in one fell swoop. Using d.j.v.'s special 3D film-coating formula, the mascara not only plumps lashes, but it also dries quickly and repels oils and perspiration, to ensure that it remains smudge free. And it is easily removed with warm water, so there's no irritation at the end of the day. I was thrilled with how quickly and easily it went on; one coat did the trick, and it dried incredibly quickly! No clumps, no mess, just a whole lotta volume! Thanks, d.j.v.!!

DJV Volume Lash mascara is a must-have for women in the know! As a busy mom with two small children, I can certainly say that a quick fix in the morning is a must, and Peachy was right to suggest I try DJV! Unlike most mascaras I have used in past, you really use just one coat to make your lashes immediatly fuller and longer looking. There were none of the dreaded clumps and each lash seperated nicely. At lunch with some girlfriends, all agreed my lashes looked fantastic! As promised it was smudge proof once dry and washed off easily with warm water. I am a convert to DJV Volume Lash!

DJV Volume Lash mascara was a pleasant surprise. This mascara was fantastic. It brushed onto my lashes easily and there was no clumping. The company says you only need 1 coat and that is 100% true. 1 coat was just enough. Another great thing about this mascara is that is stays on all day and doesn't flake off. It washes off easily with soap and water. I love this mascara!

DJV Volume Lash lengthens and volumizes my lashes to no end. This mascara really gives you length & beautiful volume. I have been on the hunt for a while for something that really brings out the beauty in my lashes. My eyes seem brighter and more exotic. I already have long lashes but this mascara really accentuates them. I will be buying this again and forever. Run out and get yourself some amazing lashes!

Wow! What an amazing mascara! I'm very particular when it comes to mascara since I wear contacts, but after a full day of wearing DJV Volume Lash I have to say this product is pretty true to the manufacturers description. I apply moisturizing drops quite often and this mascara never smudged, not once! Which is pretty rare for a non-waterproof mascara. It also lengthened my lashes and beautifully separated them without clumping. DJV Volume Lash easily came off after I washed my face. Peachy Deegan never disappoints! This is truly a remarkable product and a great recommendation!

http://www.djv-beautenizer.com/usa/

Motives® Professional Nail Care Kit Recommended by Whom You Know

What could be worse than jagged nails?

You cannot be someone someone wants to know and shake their hand with awful nails!

Motives to the rescue!

Primary Benefits of Motives® Professional Nail Care Kit:

Multi-tool kit to keep your nails and cuticles well groomed
High quality stainless steel components
Compact and easily portable
Ideal for travel

Look your best from head to toe, and that means nice nails says Peachy Deegan! We recommend this kit by Motives-and it is also great for travel.

http://motivescosmetics.marketamerica.com

On the Oscars, by Cate Blanchett, Best Supporting Actress, The Aviator

"I don't have a sense of entitlement or that I deserve this. You'd be surprised at the lack of competition between nominees - I think a lot of it's imposed from the outside. Can I have my champagne now?"

-Cate Blanchett, Best Supporting Actress, The Aviator

Peachy Picks Pazzia

Pazzia was first featured in Terrific Takeout:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/terrific-takeout-pazzia.html

It was Terrific, so we then featured it in Tasty Tidbits:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2011/02/tasty-tidbits-pazzia.html

A newcomer to the Upper East side, Pazzia is well worth a visit! The lovely cuisine will melt in your mouth and the hammock at the end will make you want to put your feet up, but maybe not on the table! But Hammock is Peachy's name for it...and more on that later. Peachy Deegan angelicly began with the Melanzane Sott'olio of eggplant carpaccio, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. It bursted with freshness and flavor and she particularly enjoyed the thin slices of eggplant which were sliced incredibly well.

John Franco was a complete professional as the manager and Angelo Miele was a total peach!

Here he is now with Peachy's fabulous lobster ravioli:

In pink coganc sauce, this lobster ravioli was just delicious and not only was the lobster inside, but also bits of lobster danced around in the sauce. And they they did a cha cha to Peachy's stomach. Peachy just loves green beans and she got that as a side. They were sauteed in garlic so these people at Pazzia totally must be reading Whom You Know because that is how she likes them and she didn't even have to ask for it that way.

A poached pear made the dinner complete, and the panel all together had a pink drink that we will call the Hammock because it was so tropical we felt like we were in a hammock on the beach...

The panel comments:

We recently dined at Pazzia, a quaint new Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side, located at 81st Street and 2nd Avenue. Upon arrival we were graciously greeted by the manager Gian Carlo. We found the space cozy and inviting with intimate lighting and charm. We started by tasting an Italian cheese and olive plate and drank some excellent Montepulciano red wine.

For starters, we sampled various salads, including a delightful Pear salad with bacons, walnuts and gorgonzola cheese as well as an extremely fresh Caprese salad. For the main course, we tried an outstanding veal marsala which was one of the best we have ever sampled. Other favorite entrees for our party included a light yet savory Halibut special, lobster ravioli in a pink cognac sauce and a home made Gnocchi with a tomato basil sauce. All of the entrees were well accented with flavorful sauces and were appropriate sized portions (not too large).

We were served by 2 accommodating and knowledgeable waiters, Angelo from Napoli, Italy and Javier from Acapulco, Mexico. For dessert, we sampled the tiramisu, fresh orange slices soaked in a liquor sauce and other delicacies. We finished up by drinking a special house cocktail called a hammock, a blend of pineapple and coconut juices with a liquor. All in all, we were very impressed with the authenticity of the Italian cuisine, the various menu options (which all enticed us), the attentive and intimate service and our meal which while filling was not too heavy. We highly recommend Pazzia for a romantic dinner, a dinner with friends or a business dinner. Make sure to reserve a table as we expect it will soon be crowded by locals. We look forward to returning for another fine dining experience.

My Pazzia greeting was warm and genuine – with a splash of Sinatra to insure that I knew I would be Italian for the evening. I enjoyed new company with a nice Pino Grigio and a lovely plate of cheese that took me around the world. Traditionally, in February, one is served a Caprese salad with hard mozzarella and tomatoes, but I enjoyed the freshness of Spring. Every bite was soft and bursting with those earthy flavors that say “Tutte Bene.” When tasting at a French restaurant, I’m always told to check out the Chicken. When visiting an Italian restaurant – try the Gnocchi. The words, Home Made caught my eye. Delicious caught my tongue. I did not share my Gnoccetti Alla Sorrentina with any of the guests as I enjoyed every bite of the delicious Pachino tomato sauce with the melted mozzarella floating on the surface. Dipping the toasted country bread into the extra sauce. Dinner was completed with a lovely fruit tart on a delicious crust and a delightful, unnamed drink that refreshed and teased with pineapple, coconut and a touch of something Peachy. All in all, a lovely evening in my local Italy.

A neighborhood find, this Italian newcomer offers the diner a wonderful experience. The cuisine is prepared to create dishes that are tasty, with a delightful subtlety of flavor. The arugula salad, sprinkled with a lemon dressing, was beautifully presented with shavings of parmesan atop a healthy serving. Accompanied by a generous portion of julienne vegetables, the halibut entree was moist and filling. Lastly, the Tiramisu, an old standby, was very light, with a nice balance of creme and chocolate. Pazzia’s staff was highly welcoming, serving our every request in a timely and cheerful manner. With some aesthetic improvements to be made, the restaurant’s ambience will measure up to the quality and presentation of it’s cuisine.

Peachy Picks Pazzia!
1574 2nd Ave
212 772 2220
http://pazzianyc.com/

Recent Testimonials by Brand Ambassadors on their Experience with Whom You Know

"Peachy Deegan is a true New York original. Once you meet her you’ll never forget her. Curious and insightful. Full of questions. A great writer, able to vividly describe the people and places she goes. A lover of the city and all its fascinating people. Peachy loves to eat out, trying all cuisines and meeting with the chefs and owners of restaurants throughout the city. Peachy loves fashion, attends the shows and becomes familiar with the people behind the collections, designers and principals. Peachy thinks it’s important to support locally owned businesses and knows the owners of so many of them. And if you’re ever followed Peachy for a while you know she loves sports, especially ice hockey. I’ve known Peachy since the earliest days of whomyouknow.com and it’s been a pleasure." -Jeff Levy,President,Attitudes Footwear,Paul Mayer/Attitudes

"It’s an honor to be included in Peachy Deegan’s Whom You Know website. I’ve known Peachy Deegan for many years now and it’s always a delight to work with her. She’s professional and a terrific journalist -always searching for compelling topics and people doing noteworthy things to share with her readers. Her passion, tireless determination and persistence is inspiring and truly commendable. It’s why she’s able to provide diverse topics and engaging stories. She’s also delightfully skilled in capturing the personalities of her topics and I found her questions to be thought-provoking and fun to answer. Thank you, Peachy Deegan, for featuring me and my company- and for all the other countless interesting stories and people that I’ve enjoyed reading and learning about.” -Mover and Shaker Pamela Friedman CEO of her own skincare brand, CV Skinlabs

"I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Peachy Deegan, Editor-in-Chief of Whom You Know. From the moment she reached out to us with the opportunity to participate in a panel review of our lip balms, Peachy has been nothing short of extraordinary. She is a sharp, quick decision maker and a truly excellent journalist. Her enthusiasm for highlighting emerging brands like ours is not only refreshing but incredibly meaningful. As a small company, we deeply appreciate her sincere interest in helping us grow. Peachy has been both encouraging and supportive, offering thoughtful guidance that goes beyond just a review—she’s provided insight that will help shape our future goals. We are truly thankful for her involvement and the meaningful role she’s played in amplifying our voice. Her support has made a lasting difference in our journey. Sean and I are truly grateful for all your help and guidance." -Jill Morrissey, Owner/Partner, It’s The Balm Diggity LLC

"It's not who you know, it's Whom You Know and Peachy Deegan and I were recommended to each other by another Washington DC entrepreneur and we had a terrific positive experience with her first review of Boss Shepherd's in the Warner Theatre in 2015 where I was awarded Peachy's Picks status after our first meeting, and enjoyed further accolades that we earned in 2016 when we reunited. The cream does rise to the top and the best of the best often know each other and we discovered we had a mutual friend in Charles Kipps (Hustle!), as I was the manager for Peaches and Herb and I like that Peachy covers music and in particular the Recording Academy in New York Notes (over 1,000 music posts to date) and I loved her coverage of the Beatles AI release last fall, Now and Then. Peachy's superlative style of writing and winning personality make Whom You Know the success it has been and will continue to be, and I have been pleased to recommend her to entrepreneurs I know." -Paul J. Cohn, Chair Emeritus of the Resturant Association of Maryland Washington (RAMW)

"Working with Peachy Deegan and Whom You Know has been one of the smartest decisions we’ve made for our brand. Not everyone fully understands the power of social media and how it can elevate a business—but Peachy has been showing that since 2009. She’s helped countless brands grow by educating the public and industry professionals alike. Many people have become smarter about their online presence because of her consistent, thoughtful work.Peachy is incredibly detail-oriented and accurate when it comes to facts. She does not rush through anything—she takes her time and gives every subject the attention it deserves. Her reviews go beyond surface-level impressions. She carefully tests and monitors everything from food presentation to taste and preparation. Her dedication is real, and it shows. When she featured our restaurant Biricchino and our salami and deli shop Salumeria Biellese, it became clear just how invested she is in our story. She values the heritage and craftsmanship that go into our food, and she took time to learn about our history and traditions. She’s enthusiastic about our success and genuinely cares about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Thanks to her feature, we’ve seen stronger engagement online and a clearer digital presence. She has helped shape how we appear to the world and has made sure we are represented with professionalism, authenticity, and pride. We are proud to say that Peachy will absolutely be included in our 100-year anniversary celebration. Her knowledge, care, and commitment to excellence have had a lasting impact on us. She knows what she’s doing. She delivers. And we are so grateful to have her in our corner." -With appreciation, The Team at Biricchino & Salumeria Biellese, Fouad Alsharif

"In the wide world of the internet which is only growing, there is no one as well-versed in quality in the English language as Peachy Deegan. We are proud to have partnered with Whom You Know for over a decade (read the first review here) and though Whom You Know has significant accolades in the culinary industry, Peachy Deegan goes beyond to cover the greatest sport on earth, hockey in NHL Peachy including fabulous videos with Sidney Crosby and the sensational Warmies, beloved by kids! I think there are around 200 columns so there is something for everyone. We await new stories with enthusiasm as no one has greater ability to detect the latest and greatest and keep up with it on top of that in 28,000 posts plus over 14 years. We are so proud to have been named Best in Show in the New York Produce show by Whom You Know for many years and we love seeing her there." -John Slagel, Regional Director East Coast, Sunkist Growers