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CONTENT AUTOMOBILE 10 Invencible and autentica are the last extreme V12 Lamborghinis 12 Rolls-Royce Phantom “The Six Elements” celebrates art unlike any other automobile 14 600HP Carbon Fiber Ford Bronco by Zero Lab is retro at its finest! YACHTS 16 Alexander James Interior Design collaborates with other like-minded brands, including luxury yacht builder, Sunseeker London Group FASHION 18 Yanina Couture, Spring/Summer 2023 Collection 20 Men’s fashion is looking very blue this season 24 Cambodia’s Siem Reap, a surprisingly creative hub of fashion and design BEAUTY 27 Sakura by Ormonde, Jane Perfume 31 The holy grail of the Precision Shave1 AVIATION 22 Soar even higher with Fleet Clubs Private Memberships
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PROFILES 28 Nicola Andreatta, Roger Dubuis CEO on creating excitement for a hyper-watch brand 58 Wine specialist and connoisseur, Leslie Sbrocco TIMEPIECES 34 Objects of Desire 39 6 must have watches on every connoisseur’s bucket list ART + CULTURE 36 4 of the world’s best glass artist & their Masterpieces SPAS 42 10 best spas in the United States HOMES + INTERIORS 48 Continuing the legacy of Dorothy Draper 52 Home Trends, beautiful furnishings & accessories to add to your home CIGARS 54 Wellesley’s cigar and cognac experience WINES + SPIRITS 62 The Resurgence of luxury train travel on the Napa Valley Wine Train 109 Iconic Ornellaia, a synthesis of wine and art
WINES + SPIRITS (Cont’d) 122 Patron en Lalique
REAL ESTATE 99 Interview with FarmTogether founder, Artem Milinchuk
HOTELS 70 The Landmark London Hotel 74 Estalgem Da Ponta Do Sol Hotel
CHEF 102 In conversation with Alain Ducasse 106 Chef Vivek Singh
WHAT’S NEW! 77 El Vicenc de la Mar, La Gemma Hotel and Palacio de Luces Lastres
RESTAURANTS 111 Chef Jackson Clark and The Farmhouse Inn 114 The Matheson and Roof 106
GOLF 81 Palm Springs, America’s Golf Paradise: Bighorn Golf Club; Vintage Club; Desert Willow Golf Resort, La Quinta Resort & Club and Thunderbird Country Club
RECIPE 117 Filipino Pork Belly Pintxo
SPORTS 87 The Kentucky Derby GADGETS 88 Top 7 gadgets of 2023 TRAVEL 91 An unexpectged opulent stay in the 50th State, Fairmont Orchid-Hawaii 95 The Ultimate Kenyan Safari, Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Nyika Camp and Mara Plains Camp
GOURMET 118 Oregon Truffles and The Oregon Truffle Festival 119 Pinot Noir and Truffles, a match made in heaven COCKTAILS 120 Colorful Cotton Candy Margaritas 121 Bananas Foster Toddy BOOK REVIEW 124 Our favorite reads for Spring
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ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL) PUBLISHER / FOUNDER PUBLISHER@UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM 786.760.9133 cell
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A freelance writer and editor who travels the world covering the jewelry and watch industry. Anthony deMarco currently work as a lifestyle correspondent and “resident jewelry expert” for Forbes.com
Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer and editor for a variety of lifestyle, travel, and wine publications and websites, and serves as the California wine country authority for luxury travel concierge Essentialist. Adam Jacot de Boinod has worked in London on the first series of the BBC program QI for Stephen Fry. As a researcher, he discovered that there are 27ways of describing both moustaches and eyebrows in Albanian.
As an award-winning journalist and accomplished media professional with 20+ years of experience, Damon Banks have worked with a dynamic portfolio of projects over the years.
OEHLER MEDIA JULIANA ALTMORE
CONTRIBUTORS Helene Ramackers, Somnath Chatterjee, Jarone Ashkenazi, Damon M. Banks, James Essex, Angela Sara West,Tracy Beard, Rebecca Underwood, Adam Jacot De Boinod, James Wong, Anthony DeMatco, Felicity Carter, Fran Miller, Kevin Pilley, Leslie Royal, Nikita Vivek Pawat, Priscilla Pilon, Daljit Aulakh, Raj Gill Copyright 2023 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine and Leyva Publishing Group LLC. The Publisher will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The Publisher accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. www.upscalelivingmag.com
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Heléne Ramackers is a freelance journalist who enjoys interviewing local and international celebrities but thinks she has found her calling amongst the travel writing fraternity. Priscilla Pilon is a print and digital photo journalist with 30+ years of writing experience. Her focus is on food, wine, boutique hotels, and unique adventures. She is an accomplished social media expert, brand ambassador, and author. For Somnath Chaterjee the biggest luxury is the freedom to go anywhere at any-time and that is something which the humble automobile gives us.
Leslie E. Royal is an international travel writer, author, micro-influencer, and veteran multi-media journalist.. She loves to travel with her wonderful husband Tony, grandbaby Kedei Savanna, children Antasha and Jay, and son-in-love Jules! Brittney Blondino is the marketing manager and a freelance writer. Her freelance writing is diverse but focuses on women’s fashion and jewelry.
As the Executive Editor and Marketing Director, Tracy Beard assists the publisher in managing production— which encompasses editorial, design, advertising sales, vetting, and working with freelance writers. As a freelance writer/photographer, Tracy produces content and photos for Upscale Living Magazine digital issues and the website.
AUTOMOBILES
Invencible and Autentica are the last extreme
V12 LAMBORGHINIS | BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE
T
he V12 is coming to an end and bowing out before hybridization kicks in. While Lamborghini is busy readying its Aventador replacement with a hybrid V12, the famous car company is letting this iconic powertrain have one last dance on its own. The Invencible and Auténtica are the last extreme V12 Lamborghinis, desirable one-offs peppered with lots of true-blue Italian supercar DNA. This feature is rather crucial for the carmaker because ever since the Miura, the V12 has been the core essence of Lamborghini, and up until the latest Aventador, it has played a prominent role. While carmakers have shunned larger naturally aspirated engines, the future will inevitably demand some electrical assistance, and hence, the upcoming Lamborghini will get just that. “The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our histor y and our marque’s success,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridization at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12 with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalization.” Design wise, your eyes are in for a shock as it is Lamborghini at its extreme best, with numerous design cues plucked from yesteryear iterations. It is pretty much the best of what this supercar maker can conjure up. The Sesto Elemento, Reventón, and Veneno serve as inspiration while you can clearly see the influenc-es of these cars. Both new vehicles share the same carbon fiber monocoque from the Aventador, pro-duced in Sant’Agata Bolognese, along with full carbon
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bodywork incorporating design and technologies. The wedge-shaped aerodynamics-inspired design is festooned with various edgy angles, making it unmistakably Lamborghini. These days, Lamborghini is all about the Hexagon and is clearly smeared over the Invencible and Auténtica— for example, hexagonal LED running lights flank the front and rear light assembly. On the bonnet, the air intakes are reminiscent of those on the Sesto Elemento. The same cues are repeated in the central triple exhaust with Inconel tips, a unique highperformance steel alloy derived from the aerospace industry. The interior is trimmed in carbon fiber while having a racing car-like ethos with a stripped-out interior. It removes clutter and focuses on the art of driving. Then even here, you get 3D-printed hexagonal air vents. The coupe version gets a more sinister red paint scheme, red flakes, and carbon elements. Even the dashboard features a Lamborghini logo in Rosso Efesto, the same color used for the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Then there are the Lamborghini trademark scissor doors, and the Italian flag is also draped with two hexagonal tri colors. These two are the very last cars that feature the 12-cylinder 6.5 l engine mounted longitudinally at the rear. As such, they are a fitting tribute to one of the greatest automotive powertrains while also making enthusi-asts teary eyed at how things won’t ever be the same again.
AUTOMOBILES
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AUTOMOBILES
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM “THE SIX ELEMENTS” Celebrates Art unlike any other automobile
| BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
R
olls-Royce is about the sensory experience rather than numerical attributes, which generally govern automobile characteristics. It is all about the sense of luxury rather than enveloping the car within a blanket of technology. Hence, it is not a surprise that the RollsRoyce Phantom celebrates art with its ‘gallery.’ While other manufacturers talk about what technology their cars have, the Phantom is an alluring canvas for an artist. Rolls-Royce collaborated with artist Sacha Jafri to create a series of six bespoke Phantom cars with exclusive artwork. Six Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Series II motor cars have their specially-commissioned artwork hand-painted by Sacha Jafri.
These works of art are displayed within the glass-enclosed piece in the Phantom, each inspired by one of the five traditional elements: earth, water, fire, wind, and air. The sixth, humanity, references Sacha Jafri’s best-known work, "The Journey of Humanity", which holds the official Guinness World Record for the largest painting ever produced on canvas. The project was started in 2020 and took two years to develop, along with the bespoke division
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at Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce has always been associated with art. It goes back to its illustrious years or even its tryst with rockstar royalty, John Lennon, and his psychedelic Phantom, which remains a design icon. Along with the artworks, the cars also have individual NFTs, which the owners may opt to sell. The placement of the works of art are somewhat different from any other car, and they give the fascia a unique touch. They are free of traditional materials like glossy wood or metal and provide a bespoke touch missing from most cars. Previously the carmaker had ‘Muse,’ a program infusing art and automobiles with various commissions. It is nothing new to see Rolls-Royce bringing customizations to a new level, as the illustrious car company has rarely said no to any of its client’s demands. The bespoke department of Rolls-Royce caters to the whims and fancies of its clientele, but the art connection stems from the Phantom being an iconic car within its past product range. ‘The Six Elements’ series is a collection of art that separates each automobile from the rest. The artist strives to incorporate the owner’s ideas into the custom artwork instilled into each car.
AUTOMOBILES
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AUTOMOBILES
600HP CARBON FIBER
Ford Bronco by Zero Lab is Retro at its Finest
| BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE
W
ith electrification and technology increasingly dominating our automotive experiences, the lure of yesteryear cars being dipped amongst a modicum of modern-day convenience is finding favor. Resto mods have moved from being a niche to a full-fledged segment for car buyers craving a slice of nostalgia. Demand for these mods has increased over the years, allowing modifiers to experiment more. Zero Labs is one of the pioneers in this industry with its range of Bronco SUVs with an EV heart. The Ford Bronco is a classic. However, Zero Labs takes it to a new level with custom bodies and the same build quality of new luxury models. These fully electric Ford Broncos are an amalgamation of world trends – childhood heroes draped in an electric avatar. For this year’s version, CES, Zero Labs went one step further with an all-carbon Ford Bronco with the panache of a hypercar. Exotic materials on niche supercars or hypercars are the norm, but in a humble Ford Bronco, this application changes the appeal of this SUV considerably. The full-carbon look gives it an exotic touch while reducing its weight overall. Carbon fiber is tougher and lighter while improving performance too. The carbon fiber body is integrated with an electric platform with a 600 bhp dual motor
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configuration. There is also a 100-kWh battery and 235-plus miles of all-electric range, which means it is useable like any new EV, albeit much cooler looking while doing so. Underneath the classic Bronco lines is an allwheel drive system with two independent motors that control the torque supply to the wheels. Like any luxury car, there is an adjustable air suspension. Interestingly, the interior is all-classic Bronco, with a little bit of modernity creeping in. It is just the right amount of convenience without disturbing the car’s charm. All-carbon models feature new upholstery materials with hand-sewn leather seams and a wood finish on the interior. There is plenty of technology on offer, with a suite of Telematics and remote vehicle communication options. Zero Labs puts a lot of craftsmanship into their mods and their process of elevating a Bronco to being a custom-made SUV rubs shoulders with super luxury cars in terms of sheer appeal. The retro design within a veneer of modern technology, along with its greener credentials, makes it more appealing than newer SUVs while also standing out from the crowd. Like their Bronco example, Resto mods retain the classic charm without being overly drawn to the past.
AUTOMOBILES
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YAC HT
Alexander James Interior Design collaborates with other like-minded brands, including Luxury Yacht Builder
Sunseeker London Group | BY DALJIT KAUR AULAKH
W
ith over twenty years of experience creating award-winning interiors, Alexander James Interior Design collaborates with other like-minded brands as part of their brand partnership group. One of the collaborations is with luxury yacht builder Sunseeker London Group, introducing an extra dimension to a luxury partnership between the two brands. Alexander James’s Interior Design team dressed the yachts at all Sunseeker London’s European shows and events in Cannes, Monaco, Düsseldorf, Genoa, and more. Before the two luxury brands formed their partnership, the dressing of Sunseeker London yachts fell to their factory team. They were skillful at yacht building but not at matching cushions and china. As a result, the yacht interiors were somewhat lacking. Sunseeker motor yachts are crafted in the UK. “Sunseeker London pursues the more advanced, the more ambitious, and the more creative. Alexander James Interior Design is proud to work with Sunseeker to provide their yachts with the luxurious interiors they deserve.” Head of Partnership, Alexander James Interior Design, Julie Clifford, said, “I have approached the design of each Sunseeker London yacht by giving them a distinct look, using different color palettes to give them an individual feel. I have then used cushions, throws, floral arrangements, and decorative accessories to provide a sense of sophistication and lifestyle.” “We wanted to bring the concept of the “luxury home” to the Sunseeker group, so we styled each yacht as we would style our exquisite show homes. From Jo Malone perfume and candles to fur throws and the absolute best of everything you would expect in your dining room, bedroom suite, and beyond. Alexander James has also partnered with a small couture house,
Heirlooms Fine Linens, that is supplying the bedding to incorporate only the finest accessories upon the vessel.” The impressive Sunseeker 86 yacht was styled with a collection of soft furnishings and home accessories to complement and enrich the already exquisite styling found onboard a Sunseeker yacht. The styling was inspired by the luxury yacht lifestyle to create a home away from home. The scheme embraced a contemporary twist on the nautical theme centered on a modern and mono-chromic palette. The plush black, white, taupe, and grey cushions were paired with chrome and ocean-inspired accessories. The interior styling mirrored the flybridge. The flybridge is the open deck on a cabin cruiser above the bridge on the cabin roof, which usually has a duplicate set of navigating equipment. The black and white exterior of the boat was embellished by the deluxe faux fur throws and heavy cable knit blankets. When paired with black and white cushions, these not only complimented the exterior but added a taste of the elegance and glamour found throughout the boat. It also made the deck cozy as it can get quite windy on the open water when sitting on the deck. The prestigious London Boat Show occurred at the Excel center between the 10th and 14th of January 2018. The show celebrates everything that can be done on the water. Organizers were thrilled by the “better than ever” response from visitors, who could climb aboard classic boats and modern yachts. There was an opportunity to spend time with sailing legends and pick up the latest marine technology. The legendary footballer Sir Geoff Hurst
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opened the Sunseeker London stand. The show was packed with global, national, and boutique brands, showcasing the finest companies with multi-award-winning interior designers Alexander James Interior Design at the forefront, dressing five stunning Sunseeker yachts on display: the San Remo, Manhattan 66, Predator 78, and 76 Yacht. Various handpicked soft furnishings and home accessories have been used to dress the yachts, complementing the already exquisite styling innate to the Sunseeker London brand. “We are delighted to be once again invited to inject our passion, style, and sophisticated luxury into the already glamorous yachts for which Sunseeker London is so well known. The London Boat Show is one of the year’s most prestigious events, and we are proud to be involved.” Robert Walker, Managing Director, Alexander James Interior Design. Unfortunately, 2018 saw the last London Boat Show due to Covid-19. Alexander James is still officially partnered with Sunseeker, and they have been working together for private clients. They were building on the company’s already established partnership with the luxury yacht company Sunseeker London Group and The Luxury Network. Alexander James Interior Design was recognized as one of the World’s Top 100 Interior Designers and look forward to once again utilizing their twenty years of experience to dress the stunning yachts. The Sunseeker Group have recognized that their supplier partnerships help them develop world-class innovative products and make them an award-winning luxury motor brand. Many of the items above can be found in the online store www.Shopthelook
YAC HT
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FASHION
YANINA
Couture Spring/Summer 2023 Collection | BY BRITTNEY BLONDINO
C
olor, happiness, and love; this is the manifesto of Yulia Yanina. Her proclamation shines through in the YANINA Couture Spring/Summer 2023 Collection. In this new Collection, Yulia captures the contrast between bold and delicate by bringing us vibrant colors and elegant, sleek silhouettes. Each piece showcases a timeless beauty and a confident architectural new twist. Dresses, tunics, and skirts, oh my! Poppies got a bad rap in The Wizard of Oz when the wicked witch of the West put a spell on them, causing poor Dorothy to fall asleep. Yulia Yanina’s luxurious new Collection renews the hopeful awareness of poppies by awakening your senses with her stunning colors, textures, and shapes, all inspired by this lovely little flower. The poppy is a symbol of beauty and charm, both of which are expressed and eloquently displayed with eye-catching color and design in this spring lineup. The flower boasts notes of bright colors, creating a symphony of enchantment and charm. Yanina uses them perfectly, contrasting light and dark, soft and hard, handsome and feminine. Her use of fabrics evokes an excellent balance of gentleness and passion. The dark velvets give a soft yet intense and almost haunting feel. In
contrast, Yanina uses a light, weightless chiffon to portray a more feminine feel. Shiny silks and sophisticated crepes add to the aesthetic and help create diverse parts of the Collection. Yet, these different fabrics combine to form cohesive pieces and a beautiful spring lineup. Poppies influenced the colors in the garments, but also the architecture. The poppy petals inspired layered and blooming sleeves, and the leaves and stems inspired intense green colors. The poppies’ vine-like shapes and the soft velvety texture of the petals encouraged the use of warm velvet fabrics. Each piece uses innovative forms, including curved, snake-like V-necks, layered chiffon dresses, and larger-than-life sleeves. One black gown in the Collection boasts a sensual, curvaceous opening on the bodice that plunges toward the hip through dark black velvet fabric. This gown, teetering dangerously close to brazen, further demonstrates its confidence with attractive blossoming red silk sleeves. This striking dress will turn every eye in the room. A second gown in the lineup focuses on the softer side. It boasts stratums of chiffon in a delicate shade of pink. The petal-like architecture of the dress mimics the alluring layers of a
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flower, and a gorgeous wave of hand-embroidered dazzling red poppies splashes down from one shoulder to the base of the first stratum. A gown like this will infuse a sensation of royalty in the owner. A third garment in the Collection tells a story of growth and blossoming with a transparent bodysuit showcasing beautiful hand-embroidered bright red poppies and green vine-like stems that create dramatic lines along the bodysuit. To add to the drama of this piece, Yanina has designed a magnificent crimson coat. The coat showcases her exceptional craftsmanship with chiffon, and the train produces beautiful movement. This captivating coat would make anyone swoon. This Collection is intended for the girl who is soft yet daring. This girl is confident and always looking for adventure. She desires to appear flawless with the perfect balance of work and play. She is beautiful, happy, and filled with grace and charisma. She dares to be bold. Yulia Yanina’s desire to celebrate color, happiness, and love came to life in her YANINA Couture Spring/Summer 2023 Collection. Wearing one of her pieces will make any woman bloom with boldness.
FASHION
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MEN‘S
FASHION
Band of Sheep Polo MSRP: $118.00 | greysonclothiers.com Designed with signature Greyson motifs of the moon cycle, this elevated printed polo features quick-dry and four-way stretch technology for superior performance.
MEN’S FASHION IS LOOKING VERY BLUE THIS SEASON | BY DAMON M. BANKS
Though we see several colors making their voices heard each season, it’s obvious that the SS23 looks are all about blue. Cobalt blue is big, bold, and punchy. And it’s fantastic. With it being such a rich tone, it can easily stand on its own as we are seeing with many of the pants, shirts, and jackets this season, but it also looks sharp when paired with a contrasting hue, such as white to welcome the spring and summer weather. We have pulled together a collection of five items that you can add to your wardrobe this season to celebrate everything we love about these exciting blue color variations. Floral-Print Swim Shorts with Logo Detail MSRP: $68.00 hugoboss.com Fully lined for comfort, these straight-leg swim shorts are detailed with a contrast BOSS logo and printed all over with a floral motif for a statement look. Water-Repellent Packable Hybrid Vest MSRP: $248.00 | ralphlauren.com This stylish insulated vest is made with recycled polyester and is ideal for savvy travel as it also packs into its own pocket.
Prada America’s Cup Sneakers MSRP: $850.00 | prada.com These patent leather sneakers with bike fabric inserts are inspired by an iconic aesthetic, featuring the unmistakable Prada Linea Rossa logo. 20 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
Monogram Jacquard Orville Backpack MSRP: $1,650.00 us.burberry.com A spacious roll-top silhouette in a cotton blend, jacquard-woven with the Thomas Burberry Monogram, and the primary material is at least 70% recycled content.
JEWELRY
New Lock Collection
Tiffany & Co’s | BY BRITTNEY BLONDINO
N
o matter the occasion, being handed an iconic Tiffany Blue box is sure to put a sparkle in anyone’s eye. Tiffany & Co. launched the Tiffany Lock collection in September 2022. This collection embodies the idea of togetherness through a spirit of unity and inclusiveness. Each piece is more than just an alluring article of jewelry; it is an experience. There is an exclusive piece to suit every style within the Tiffany Lock collection. The bangles come in a variety of choices for every occasion, all of them gorgeous. There are yellow, white, or rose gold options. If you want to add more sparkle to your outfit, choose one with intricately placed stunning diamonds. If you
are going for full-on glamour, select a piece weighted down with pavé diamonds. Every Bangle boasts an innovative new swivel-lock mechanism. If bracelets are not your style, the Tiffany Lock collection includes a Tiffany Lock ring, Tiffany Lock earrings, and a Tiffany Lock pendant. Each item is available in rose and white gold with brilliant shimmering diamonds. Each Lock creation is guaranteed to amaze. The padlock is a significant motif in the Tiffany Archives, dating back to the late 1800s. To elevate this already exceptional collection, Tiffany & Co. collaborated with contemporary artist Daniel Arsham at Arsham Studio to reinvent the padlock. Daniel Arsham at
Arsham Studio used his expertise to create innovative packaging for a limited-edition Lock Bangle for the collection.
vorite garnet. All eyes will stop and steal a glance at this hand-crafted, fabulously refined, unique piece of art adorning your wrist.
The packages are large padlock-inspired sculptures hand-crafted in cast bronze with a custom patina to resemble the Tiffany Blue color. The custom patina creates an aged look to these sculptures, as if they have been around for years. These innovative pieces of art are the vessels for the limited-edition Lock bangle.
Tiffany & Co has returned to the Tiffany Archives to reinvent the padlock as a profoundly personal commitment toward togetherness, unity, and inclusivity through this collection.
It would be a thrill to open this vessel, revealing the limited-edition Lock bangle. This bangle is exquisite, a white gold lock bracelet adorned with four karats of sparkling hand-set diamonds and one karat of glistening green tsa-
The exquisite designs in this Tiffany Lock collection provide something new and exceptional for every jewelry box. Join the intimate gathering and purchase a Tiffany Lock ring, Tiffany Lock earrings, a Tiffany Lock pendant, or a Tiffany Lock bangle from the Tiffany & Co. Lock collection today.
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AV IATI O N
Soar Even Higher with
Fleet Clubs Private Memberships | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
T
he Fleet Clubs, a collection of boutique flying memberships, has introduced their newest routes providing 200 members and guests exclusive access to custom-configured Boeing 737s. Using private FBO terminals, passengers can skip congested airline terminals and venture out on four different routes: Miami to New York, Miami to Vail, Palm Beach to New York, and New York to Vail.
Committed to using Sustainable Aviation Fuels whenever possible, sustainability is front a center, so much so that the Fleet Club’s planes are painted in a distinct green livery, a reminder of the sustainable vision. “The iconic ‘Fleet Green’ liveries are a nod to the 90% reduction in carbon emissions we offer versus heavy jet travel,” said Rachael Ruddick, Partner at the Fleet Clubs.
From all your business needs to leisure requirements, the Fleet Clubs take care of everything with an extra layer of luxury, offering a leading crew-to-guest ratio and white-glove in-flight services. Journeys begin with door-to-door transfer services, including a fleet of chauffeur-driven Range Rovers, helicopters, and seaplanes. The Fleet Clubs is also pet friendly and allows dogs to fly onboard.
Fleet provides the finest hospitality in private aviation and the most environmentally responsible way to fly privately. Passengers achieve a remarkable 90% reduction in carbon vs. business jet travel and are offered various carbon offset opportunities. “We’re proud to offer the most environmentally responsible way to fly private. Our Clubs offer members a new type of luxury carpooling,” added Ruddick.
Each plane has 60 forward-facing seats in a 2x2 firstclass configuration, and some of the other customizations include:
Designed as a country club in the sky for private flyers, the Fleet Clubs provide 2-3 weekly round trips all year, with annual membership packages beginning at $50,000 for 20 round trips.
- Air purification system - Two by two, all first-class configuration with extra legroom seats - The seats have adjustable headrests and footrests - Loro Piana bedding in a chic hunter-green colorway - Venetian glassware and tableware - Tailored meal planning - Sustainable Aviation Fuels - Complimentary Wi-Fi - Elevated wine selection, including LVMH spirits portfolio
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Each club has a dedicated plane and route and is limited to 200 members. Memberships are by application only, and forms go to membership@thefleetclubs. com. Prospective members must apply and provide permission for a background check before admittance. Fleet Clubs shall determine whether an individual will be invited for membership at any time and at its sole and absolute discretion.
AV IATI O N
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FASHION
CAMBODIA’S SIEM REAP A Surprisingly Creative Hub of Fashion and Design | BY MICHAEL MCCULLEN
Eric Raisina
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MANAVA
Romyda Keth
FASHION
Like the rest of Cambodia, Siem Reap is emerging from a sad, dark past. Decades of war and unrest resulted in an enormous loss of life and a deep and gaping wound in the country’s cultural heritage, artistic capacity, and, more broadly, its educated class. During the Khmer Rouge rule in the 1970s, two million Cambodians were killed, including an estimated 90 percent of intellectuals and artists. Some escaped to Thailand, France, Japan, and other countries, providing refuge. The Cambodian civil war further weakened the country and its resources before ending in 1991. Considering this developing country’s troubled past, it may be surprising how quickly fashion designers and creatives have stepped onto the international stage to showcase what the Kingdom offers. Success may be attributed to several factors. Internationally trained Cambodian artists are returning and rediscovering their country’s story and educating others in its ancient crafts. International artisans are lured to this awakening country with its exquisite raw materials and rich cultural heritage. Others coming to assist the recovery are helping locals develop self-supporting creative industries. Perhaps a testament to the natural creativity of the Cambodian people is the engineering, grandeur, artistry, and sophistication of the ancient Khmer capital, Angkor Wat, and its magnificent ruins dating back to the 9th to 15th centuries. Today, with nearly 60 percent of the country’s population in the highly productive ages of 15 to 54, Cambodia harnesses that creativity as it looks to make up lost time. Let me introduce you to local and international creatives garnering international attention and acclaim while adding to Cambodia’s new and exciting artistic story. ROMYDA KETH Leaving Cambodia at just five with her diplomatic corps parents, as the troubles started in 1971, meant growing up in Prague and then Paris for Romyda Keth. After studying at Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris, she entered the Parisian Esmod School of Fashion Design. Spotting talent, the US department store chain Macy’s offered Romyda a position as a designer even before she had completed her apprenticeship program. Romyda also began showcasing her collections in small Paris boutiques in concert with a hat designer friend. Fashion shows, media coverage in prestigious women’s magazines, and the acclaim of her first customers followed. With her Biologist husband’s prompting, Romyda finally returned, with their two children, to the country of her roots in 1994. Cambodia had little in the way of infrastructure to assist in the development of her work. With clients in Paris still clamoring for Romyda’s creations, a makeshift workshop was set up in a corner of her home. The country’s riches of embroidery techniques, high-quality Khmer silk, organza, and the diversity of colors became new loves adding inspiration for Romyda women’s wear lines. Romyda’s client base is active women who want to exude elegance in every situation. Her patterns are undeniably feminine, with garments
highlighting the figure and fitting the curves. Coloring is a harmonious blend of shades and materials, versatile and high-quality. Global luminaries like Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have been entranced by Romyda Keth’s designs. Nearly three decades later, Romyda has her beautiful atelier and showrooms in Phnom Penh, Ambre boutiques in Siem Reap and Raffles Phnom Penh, and partner stores in Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Australia, plus Houston, Texas. ERIC RAISINA Madagascan-born and Paris-trained Eric Raisina is a master of textile and fashion. Turning down a design role with Yves Saint Laurent, Eric moved to Siem Reap in 2001 to explore Khmer artisanal silk weaving. He is now considered one of Cambodia’s most internationally renowned fashion designers, having called the country home for the last two decades. Though Cambodia is home, Paris remains his fashion playground. A lover of the 1920s golden age of French haute couture, he studied at the Duperré School of Applied Arts and the Institut Français de la Mode. Eric has collaborated with such luminaries as Christian Lacroix and Yves Saint Laurent. His seasonal collections feature at international fashion shows, including Paris. Until recently, he had a boutique in the French capital. His hyper-creative and enchanting clothes are distinguished by his use of vibrant colors and textures, such as his own silk ‘fur’ and ‘raffia’ innovations. Eric’s apparel also showcases the skill of local craftspersons, who, with his guidance, have revitalized the art of weaving luxurious Cambodian silk using multiple looms. The pandemic saw the closure of his Couture House; however, Eric Raisina Haute Texture remains available in his central Siem Reap boutique. International flights are returning visitors to Siem Reap. However, it is the exclusive charter flights with fashion and art-conscious clientele who are now securing private showings and seeking time with this creative titan. Even famous Siem Reap visitors, including Angelina Jolie, have been sure to grab their own Eric Raisina original while in town. KINGDOM OF WOW Embracing slow fashion, the ethical brand Kingdom of Wow (KOW) combines everyday luxury with sustainability. Made in Siem Reap, they produce footwear that’s comfortable, stylish, and made to last. All products are handmade with raw materials sourced responsibly by local women who earn fair wages in a safe and empowering workspace. Kingdom of Wow footwear encourages a gentler pace and discovery of hygge, a Scandinavian concept of creating a mood of cozy contentment that fosters wellness and self-care. Formerly a diplomat in Shanghai before moving to Cambodia with her family, Dutch national Godie van De Paal wanted to keep a fantastic, handmade product alive and produced ethically. Godie explains, “I’ve worn hand-crocheted wool slippers for as long as I can 25| UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2023
FASHION
Romyda Keth
Eric Raisina Collection
remember. I purchased mine from a lady that unraveled old sweaters and repurposed the wool. When she retired, I asked if I could take forward her concept.” Several years into the business, the designs have evolved. The hand-crochet remains the same, but the repurposed yarn is replaced with a rich blend of Lopi wool and eco-friendly bamboo with supple leather soles added. The footwear is handmade “from thread to toe.” A year ago, women’s and men’s espadrilles were introduced to the range. Having purchased a pair of wool slippers, Dutch luxury shoe designer Floris van Bommel was so enamored; he secured a co-branded range of KOW footwear for his clientele. Features in Vogue, plus dedicated shows at New York and Paris Fashion weeks, have certainly got people talking—Godie and her team dream of seeing Snoop Dogg all hygge in a pair of their handmade slippers. KOW footwear is available through their (US and EU) websites and selected retail outlets in Siem Reap. MANAVA Netherlands-born Ka-Lai Chan completed a product design degree from the University of Arts in Utrecht. Since 2009, she has worked as an independent designer with several international design brands. In 2016 on a two-month volunteer opportunity to Cambodia, she began
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Romyda Keth creation
Ka-Lai researched local traditional arts, spending time with families in the countryside. She was captivated by the country, the genuine, cheerful, and relaxed people, and the stunning crafts. She also realized that behind the smiles, they were struggling to support their families. Many had incredible weaving skills yet only earned a monthly average of $50 to $70. Utilizing her design and entrepreneurial skills, Ka-Lai partnered with Baraing Tho, a local Khmer creative with the same vision, creating MANAVA. Translated from Sanskrit, MANAVA means humankind. MANAVA supports these rural women, providing them with a stable and sustainable future while further developing their traditional weaving crafts. Villagers sustainably harvest a thin fast-growing “pdau” rattan palm and a willow grass called “la paek.” After drying for a month and stripping, the willows are ready for molding and weaving. With creative input from the weavers, the hand-woven bags, baskets or other pieces are created – taking up to three days. Natural plant dyes add decorative color to the pieces. MANAVA is currently providing 24 female artisans with a fair income. MANAVA’s fashion products are available through their website and selected retail outlets in Siem Reap. Additionally, thanks to exposure at the “Maison et Objet” design trade fair in Paris last year, European retailers are picking up these hand-crafted, well-designed artisanal pieces with a tremendous sustainable back-story.
BEAUTY
SAKURA BY ORMONDE Jane Perfume
| BY ELAINE PILLEY
T
he head, heart, and soul of this perfume are pure spring. SAKURA is the latest addition to Ormonde Jayne’s “Four Corners of the Earth” perfume collection. Inspired by “hanmai”, the symbolic Japanese springtime tradition of reflection, appreciating the transient yet eternal beauty of flowers, SAKURA is one the most evocative and transportative perfumes imaginable. Imagine yourself strolling through a carpet of cherry petals as you follow the cherry blossom front
across Japan. Or picture yourself meandering beside the moat of Tokyo’s Imperial Castle in Tokyo, under great swags of tunnel blossom, or through the heady cloudscapes (“sakuri fubuki”) while riding Kyoto’s Yozakura sakura night train. You could be savoring a bento box lunch in Matsumae Parkin Hokkaido. Or finally, maybe you are musing on the fragility of life and the transience of all things while nibbling on “hanami dango” dumplings or a Sakuramichi pink rice cake with red bean paste while sitting by a lone Somei Yoshino tree or in a vast cherry orchard on
Mount Atago. Sakura keeps you in springtime all year. The cherry tree and its pink blossoms are revered in Japan. The joyful tradition of “hanami” (flower viewing and smelling) is an ancient custom—and a popular tradition. The practice was first associated with plum blossoms before becoming almost exclusively linked with sakura by the Heian Period (794–1185). Cherries are associated with Buddhism’s ‘Mono no aware.’ 27 |
Basically, the pathos of things,” “an empathy toward things,” or “a sensitivity to ephemera,” gentle sadness (or wistfulness) at the passing of all things. In Japan, there are more than 600 kinds of flowering cherry trees. The trees in Mt. Yoshino are Yamazakura. In Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, there is Kariyado no Gebazakura, the oldest Yamazakura in Japan, which has been designated as a unique Japanese national treasure. Sakura represents spring.
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PROFILES
NICOLA ANDREATTA, ROGER DUBUIS CEO on Creating Excitement for a Hyper-Watch Brand
| BY ANTHONY DEMARCO
Watchmaking is literally in the blood of Nicola Andreatta. Born in Italy to an Italian father and Swiss mother, Andreatta (an Italian-Swiss national fluent in Italian, French, English, Spanish, and Cantonese) grew up in a family immersed in watchmaking for three generations. Andreatta has had a long and varied career in watchmaking and managing watch-related businesses in Hong Kong and Switzerland. In 2003, he founded his own watch brand, N.O.A. (None of the Above), resulting in an international reputation as a visionary entrepreneur in the world of luxury watches. He sold the business ten years later and turned his attention to working on a relaunched watch category for Tiffany & Co. in Switzerland. This change led him to his current position as CEO of Roger Dubuis, one of the world’s most innovative and creative watch brands. Roger Dubuis is arguably the most specialized watchmaker among the brands owned by the luxury holdings company Richemont. Roger Dubuis produces limited edition or unique timepieces that typically sell in the six-figure range to a relatively small group of international watch collectors who have both the wealth and the appreciation of its high-tech aesthetics. These features include movement and case finishes that meet the Poinçon de Genève (Geneva Seal) finishes, the highest standard in the Swiss watch industry, and its uniquely designed skeletonized dials. For more than four years, Andreatta has led this specialist Swiss watch brand in expanding its boutique network while maintaining its unique brand qualities, going against the trend of reducing prices, and limiting its crafted integrity to appeal to the mass market. The company produces watches in five categories: Excalibur, which could be defined as its artistic line, focusing on contemporary design, color, and luminescence; the hyper sportscar-themed Excalibur Spider, “hyper watches,” with high complications and innovative mechanical mechanisms; “Knights of the Round Table,” featuring its own elevated horological take on the literary story; and a women’s collection, Velvet. It has long partnerships with sportscar manufacturer Lamborghini and the tire company Pirelli. More recently, watchmakers at Roger Dubuis 28 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
PROFILES
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PROFILES
have created timepieces with contemporary and creative specialists, including Chinese artist Liu Wei, graffiti artist “Gully,” tattoo artist “Dr. Woo,” and Japanese artist, Sorayama. This year, Roger Dubuis has already been quite busy. The Swiss brand opened its newest boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California. Here they introduced the latest version of its Excalibur Blacklight Monobalancier, notable for its 42mm case size, white gold bezel topped with 61 round diamonds, and its RD720SQ automatic micro-rotor movement with a 72-hour power reserve. Next is the Watches & Wonders trade fair at the end of March for timepieces when Roger Dubuis and other watch companies release their most important pieces of the year. What follows is a conversation in January with Andreatta: You are visiting the U.S. to attend the South Coast Plaza boutique opening. Are there any distinguishing features of this new boutique that are new to Roger Dubuis? It’s a concept we started two years ago. We have three different boutique concepts, and now we are moving them all to this new concept. We started in China with seven boutiques and will now carry this concept to other regions. The materials and design show that the brand is becoming more inclusive. Have you introduced an exclusive boutique timepiece for this new retail space? We launched a new edition of the Excalibur Blacklight Monobalancier with Superluminova yellow and orange ‘micro-beams’ and a steel bezel with diamonds. Eight editions are in the new boutique (out of a limited edition run of 28). It mixes different colors in a very fancy way. Having all these pieces at once in a boutique is difficult. What are you doing to increase demand while maintaining your brand details?
aim remains the same. We will produce exciting technology-driven horology through our amazing timepieces. For the Spider collection, we will produce a Spider watch for Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary and the Goodwood “Festival of Speed” (a motorsport event in England). A few years ago, I remember there was pressure to increase production and produce watches at lower prices to attract new customers. Is this still the case? I’m not going to increase quantities. In fact, we are going to reduce quantity levels and continue to focus on quality and sophistication. I told them when I took the job that I was determined to keep the brand highly exclusive. We’ve refocused everything and are keeping our product offering very clear. We produce “hyper watches,” which is a more expressive and contemporary way to define high horology and watchmaking. It’s a contemporary reinvention of fine watchmaking. We cannot make more timepieces than we do today. Our product journey is very well-defined. We fill the gaps in what we have today. What are your top markets? We’re very successful in Asia. We’re also strong in North Africa, the Americas, and Europe. We’re becoming more balanced. For the next three years, we plan to advance further. We’re very close to opening a boutique in Palo Alto (California) and will continue expanding in the U.S. Our boutique in Soho in New York City is 350 square meters, fully painted in red. It used to be a garage. It was the best way to represent the brand. Is there anything else planned for 2023 that you are willing to talk about? We never stop with research and development. We always try to create the unexpected. To surprise the world of watch collectors and to have fun with watchmaking.
Given our positioning and what we do, we know we can attract a younger clientele. The
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BEAUTY
The Holy Grail of the Precision Shave1 | BY KEVIN PILLEY
T
he English taught the world to shave. Shaving is in the British DNA. But, for the best shave in 2023, you may have to go back in time over two hundred years. Founded in 1805, at the time of the Battle of Trafalgar, London’s “Truefitt & Hill” is the oldest barber shop in the world. It has offered luxury skin food, bespoke grooming aids, and male toiletries for two hundred years. John Wayne was a big fan, as were Frank Sinatra and Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
India. “Freshman Cologne” is one of the oldest formulations. “Clubman” was first called “The Exhibition Bouquet” after the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in 1851. The “Grafton” range of pre-shave oils, bespoke shaving cream, post-shave balm, and Eau du Cologne is named after the HMS Grafton battleships. “Apsley” (grapefruit, lemon, and pepper) commemorates the first Duke of Wellington. “Truefitt & Hill” has been caring for gentlemen for two centuries, as has another luxury London institution, Trumper’s—purveyors of gents’ skinfood.
The company founder, William Francis Truefitt, called himself “hairdresser to the British Royal Court." His firm received its first Royal Warrant from King George 111. In 1911, Edwin Hill set up a barber shop on old Bond Street in London, near the royal neighborhoods. H.P.Truefitt moved there in 1935. The other Truefitt outlets merged in 1941. The present location at 71 St James’s Street dates back to 1994. There are now locations in Toronto, Beijing, Canberra, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
A younger company is Daimon Barber, which offers ethically-sourced, science-led, luxury, “image-elevating” grooming products that “champion individuality.” These include a beard and stubble softener, post-shave balm, and shave cream with Honeybee complex. Daimon Barber has a bespoke “retreat” in Stratford-on-Avon. Men’s chins have evolved from Bronze Age obsidian. They have come a long way from clam shells, hot towels, and cut throats. The precision shave is still the Holy Grail.
Signature goods include “1805” Trafalgar, No.10 (Sir Winston Churchill was a user), Spanish Leather, Sandalwood, West Indian Limes, Lavender, and Rose. Truefitt’s still supplies many traditional hair management products such as “Circassian,” and “Melliflore Fibre” hair creams, “Julep Paste,” and “Euchrisma” hair creams. Tonic and “C.A.R.” hair lotion was initially created for the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. All these products come in etched bottles, and Truefitt also sells heritage shaving soaps and bath oils. The historic barbershop still offers beard oil and mustache wax using beeswax, shea butter, kukui nut, avocado, sunflower, and aloe vera. Master Barbers offer the “ultimate grooming experience,” a 60-minute (£130/$165) pampering comprising haircut and shampoo, traditional hot towel, and straight razor wet shave. A 30-minute
Home grooming is a colossal business. A lot of research goes into men’s cheeks, chin, jowls, throats, and the area under the nose. Shaving has become a billion-dollar franchise. Every day 80 consumers visit Proctor & Gamble’s Reading facility in the UK. They are observed through two-way mirrors trying different shaving concepts to gain feedback on their changing shaving habits. And why they nick themselves. beard and mustache trim comes in at around £40/$50. “Truefitt & Hill” offers bottled British history. “West Indian Limes” was the first citrus fragrance and floral fougere. Originally called the “Imperial Bouquet,” it was specially made for Queen Victoria in 1876 when she became Empress of
The word “nick” is thought to come from the name of King Camp Gillette’s assistant William Nickerson, who submitted a patent for a new variation of safety razor in 1901. Jacob Schnik also patented an early razor. Gold and copper razors have been found in Egyptian tombs since the 4th millennium BC.
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BEAUTY
The baby-faced Roman historian Livy reported that the razor was introduced in ancient Rome in the 6th century B.C. by king Lucius Tarquinius Priacus. However, Yorkshire in the UK brought civilization to men’s faces. The first modern straight razor, complete with decorated handles and hollow ground blades, was made in Sheffield. Benjamin Huntsman produced the first superior hard-polished steel in 1740. Solingen in Germany progressed male grooming. The first guard razor was invented in France by cutler Jean-Jacques Perret in 1762. The Kampfe brothers refined his work. John F. O’Rourke invented the first electric razor in 1898. Industrial production of electric razor machines started in 1937 by the US company Remington Rand and two years later, the Dutch company Philips began producing electric razor machines. In 1960, Wilkinson’s reusable stainless steel blades became available, reducing the cost of safety-razor shaving. Then came high-tech shaving.
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For many, the go-to state-of-the-art razor is a Bolin-Webb. Founded in 2011 by Derrick Webb and Marina Bolin, the luxury British brand aims to bring properly conceived and aspirational grooming products to men through design excellence. Originally a geographer, its founder Derrick, became a technical journalist in London. After working in London and Oslo, he switched to manufacturing and joined a major international metals company. His roles spanned strategic planning, sales and marketing, operations, and general management. He traveled extensively and got under the skin of wherever he went. He studied the topography of men’s faces and became obsessed with their epidermal surfaces from an engineering standpoint. Derrick said, “Our products are aspirational, contemporary, performing, and distinctive. Little thought was given to visual appeal, shaving enjoyment, or modern design. My idea was to use design cues from the world of cars and apply these to shaving: shape, color, and materials. That was how the original R1 razor with the Gillette Mach3 blade was created.” He said, “Color cues are taken from luxury car manufacturers such as Aston Martin,
Lamborghini, and Porsche, among others. We adapt these to our handles to narrow down to a product we are proud of. The names we choose for our different colors also come from the car world, but not always. As an example, the name R1 Blue 3000 comes from the Austin Healy 3000, while the R1 Ferrara Yellow refers to the home of the Lamborghini marque. The R1 Chrome, with a smoked chrome finish and a matching stand, is a striking and masculine application of materials and design.” Bolin Webb’s X1 carbon fiber is made by “Reverie”— the leading parts supplier to luxury cars in the UK. The luxury Prestige Range is a collection of designer razors in smoked plated Chrome and 24ct gold. They are perfect for those who wish to celebrate contemporary design and their own success before going to work in the morning. It handles beautifully in the fog; when the mirror mists up. It pays to splurge on a razor if shaving is to be a status-enhancing ritual and a socially uplifting experience and not an exercise in self-mutilation. www.bolinwebb.com, www.truefittandhill. co.uk, www.daimonbarber.com
TIMEPIECES
OF I
DESIRE
ntent on creating artistic masterpieces in their state-of-the-art atelier, engravers hover over worktables embellishing the ribbing and graining of horological components. Each stroke is delicate, exact within minute tolerances, and meticulously executed. Their obsession with precision–the timelessness of age-old traditions–is a hallmark at A. Lange & Söhne. Producing a limited number of mechanical, highly-coveted timepieces since 1845, this Glashütte, Germany, brand has risen from the ruins of World War II to become a luminous innovator in the ever-competitive luxury watch world—synonymous with connoisseurship and objects of desire. During a conversation with Christian Etienne, an expert watchmaker and the founder of Swiss-based watch company A La Clinique Horlogère, he said, “The DNA of A. Lange & Söhne is elegant-shaped cases, magnificent dials, and beautiful movements. It is a rare brand that assembles its own movements. I am very impressed by the detailing that goes into a Lange watch: the angled bridges, the gilded, yellow-gold wheels, and the gold plugs. All this richness says passionate, impeccable watchmaking.” Art and lavishly decorated detailing have catapulted A. Lange & Söhne into the pantheon of haute horlogerie. This attention to detail has made the brand highly collectible and given timepieces like the Lange 1, with its outsized date window, and the “flyback” 1815 Chronograph bonafide investment value. 34
| BY EDWARD KIERSH
But even as the company has forced a reappraisal of German watchmaking and become fabled in an exceptionally competitive marketplace, A. Lange & Söhne remains faithful to its “Never Stand Still” operating spirit. It continues to innovate. “We have a clear language, a special craftsmanship that distinguishes each of our watches,” says A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid. “We never had a split-seconds chronograph in our family of watches; it’s a very challenging (mechanical) complication, and I am glad we filled this void in our portfolio. But a brand should always look to the future and never be derailed by hurdles. The 1815 Rattrapante (only 200 will be produced in either platinum or honey gold), with a movement that is very difficult to build and spent four years in development, is now in a very wearable size (the case diameter is 41.2 millimeters) and it’s very exciting.” Extolling the fact that “we only squeeze out 5,000 to 5,500 watches a year,” he is equally excited about the newly introduced Grand Lange 1. It is an exquisite descendant of the now legendary Lange 1 with its large date window, screwed gold chatons, and off-center or asymmetrical dial configuration. This second-generation watch again flaunts the brand’s obsession with “technical optimization.” Proudly insisting, “we are teaching our watchmakers a type of art, a hierarchy based on craftsmanship,” Schmid adds, “It was very difficult to improve on the Lange 1, to add to
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“this family.” The idea was to make the Grand Lange 1 as slim as possible yet still very robust. The design is very powerful, very purposeful.” More than another “family” addition, the updated pink gold or platinum Zeitwerk boasts its own technological improvements. Heralding this timepiece as “the first wristwatch that displays hours and minutes with jumping numerals,” the eminently-legible Zeitwerk combines an ingenious digital display, combining classical elements with trailblazing analog mechanical mastery. “Very contemporary looking but still classical, the Zeitwerk is all about slowly releasing power, how to control the energy,” says Schmid. “We had to overcome many problems, and the engineering is unique (there’s a patented barrel design). Very complicated, this is a real statement watch.” There are mechanical “secrets” in all of Lange’s offerings—innovative engineering triumphs that have endowed the brand with elite investment status. So, what is on the horizon? What horological mastery will be shown next? That is one “secret” Schmid is reluctant to reveal, but whatever timepiece is introduced, it will undoubtedly celebrate the art of passionate watchmaking.
TIMEPIECES
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ART + CULTURE
4 OF THE WORLD’S BEST GLASS ARTIST & THEIR MASTERPIECES | BY JAMES ESSEX
I was meandering my way through the crowded streets of Venice when I was stopped cold in my tracks by the works of Italy’s greatest glass artists. It was a bright and sunny day when I first encountered the first piece of hand-blown glass art. That is when my love affair with the art form began.
G
lass art is a type of sculpture that has been capturing the imagination of people for centuries. It’s a medium that is both fragile and durable, yet one that molds and shapes its brittle material into intricate designs and patterns. The beauty of glass art lies in its ability to reflect light and create stunning, iridescent
displays that are mesmerizing—something many of North America’s most talented glass artists have learned to do well. Sculptors like Dale Chihuly and Martin Blank have transformed what artists can do with glass, which is why we should examine their works and see if we can understand what makes them so outstanding.
DALE CHIHULY Dale Chihuly is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential artists working with glass today. Chihuly has created many breathtaking glass art masterpieces throughout his career, including large-scale installations, sculptures, and individual works like The Sun 36 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
and Glass in Bloom series. Chihuly is best known for his unique approach to glassblowing, which often involves combining multiple colors, shapes, and textures to create intricate and vibrant pieces. His style’s bold use of colors and flowing forms often draws its inspiration
from the natural world. Think flowers, sea life, and landscapes. It makes for a very impressive viewing experience, and if you get a chance, you should take time out of your day to visit his work in Seattle, Columbus, or Toyama.
ART + CULTURE
MARTIN BLANK Martin Blank is another North American whose artwork inspires the soul with stunning glass art pieces characterized by intricate details, bold colors, and imaginative themes. Blank often incorporates elements of nature, such as flowers, leaves, and insects, into his designs, creating a beautiful fusion of art and the natural world. The most impressive thing about Blank’s work is not its beauty but its thought-provoking nature. Pieces like Cosmic Garden and his Garden Series explore themes of ecology, conservation, and the interconnectedness of all living things—which make for such a delightful experience for anyone viewing his work in Toronto at the Sandra Ainsley Gallery.
CAROL MILNE Carol Milne’s talent is unrivaled in the glass art world. She is known for her innovative approach to glassblowing and often includes organic materials like sand, soil, and even plants in her pieces. This unique fusion of organic material with glass creates one-of-a-kind pieces while adding a certain je ne se quois that you won’t find anywhere else. One of Milne’s most notable works—Dandy Illuminated—features intricate glass sculptures that resemble plant roots and stems, highlighting the connection between glass and the natural world. Another of Milne’s masterpieces is Day & Night. This unique and intricate sculpture features a knitted texture made of glass, with one half of the sculpture representing daytime and the other half representing nighttime. Day & Night perfectly illustrates how Milne’s glass artwork is visually stunning and thought-provoking; it encourages its viewers to consider the relationship between humans and the natural world. For anyone interested in glass art and its ability to express complex ideas, the works of Carol Milne are a must-see.
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ART + CULTURE
PAUL J. STANKARD Paul J. Stankard is another renowned American artist known for his intricate and mesmerizing glass paperweights. He has been creating these masterpieces since the 1970s and is regarded as one of the greatest paperweight artists ever. Stankard’s work is characterized by its intricate details, vibrant colors, and imaginative themes. Like Chihuly and Blank, Stankard often incorporates natural elements like flowers, leaves, and insects in his designs. But his talent is not all focused on small-scale paperweights. In addition to paperweights, Stankard has also created a range of other glass objects, including sculptures and vases. This work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries worldwide, earning him the title of one of our world’s best glass artists. If you have time to journey to Washington D.C., do yourself a favor and stop in at the Smithsonian and ask to see Spring Beauty or Renwick Boutique. You won’t be disappointed.
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TIMEPIECES
Paul Newman Rolex Reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona. Photo credit: Phillips auction house
F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine. Photo credit: Phillips Auction House
6 MUST HAVE WATCHES ON EVERY CONNOISSEUR’S BUCKET LIST | BY ANTHONY DEMARCO
Some of the most collectible watches worldwide are not always highly complicated or expensive when first issued. They become decidedly in demand due to celebrity promotions, time on the market, and other reasons that sometimes defy logic. Below are six timepieces considered essential for anyone who wants a respectable watch collection. But these are not the only timepieces deemed indispensable to create an entire collection. There are many ways to amass a noteworthy watch collection based on budget, personal style, and other factors. What ties five of these timepieces together is their mass appeal, a sense of history, and the fact that many of the models are still available in some form today. At the same time, the most important are largely unattainable. The sixth timepiece is an exceptional example of contemporary high watchmaking.
PATEK PHILLIPPE-TIFFANY NAUTILUS REF. 5711/1A-018 The Patek Philippe 5711, a seemingly simple steel watch with an unusually shaped bezel and “big ears,” as most people call the sides, became a phenomenon for reasons that are difficult to explain. The original Nautilus was created in 1976 by legendary watch designer Gérald Genta in response to the quartz watch era. The 42mm steel case (large for its time) featured a soft-angled rounded octagonal-shaped bezel inspired by the portholes of a transatlantic ship and an integrated steel bracelet. The Nautilus 5711/1A came into existence in 2006. This 40mm steel case version with a deep blue dial is the one that caught the imagination 39 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023 23
TIMEPIECES
stainless-steel watch with an integrated steel bracelet and octagonal steel bezel inspired by nautical imagery. It’s the work of Gérald Genta. He designed the Royal Oak in 1970, and it first appeared on the market in 1972, before the Nautilus. This watch became Audemars Piguet’s most iconic model and has been in production for over 50 years. The octagonal bezel shape with eight screws has become an iconic signature of the Royal Oak and was inspired by old diver helmets. It was the first luxury watch made from steel. Another iconic detail is the tapisserie (tapestry) textured dial.
of the watch world (as did all of the watches in the 5711 series). Its price on the secondary market reached astronomical heights during COVID isolation. Those wanting a new Nautilus 5711 would have to join a waiting list with retailers, and sometimes those people on the list waited for years. It became so popular that Patek Philippe discontinued the 5711 in 2021, saying it overshadowed the historic watch brand and that it has always placed a limit on the number of steel watches it produces. Before ending the 5711 run, it produced a Tiffany & Co. Ref. 5711/1A-018 Nautilus with the trademarked Tiffany Blue color and the stamp of both luxury brands on the dial. It was available in a limited edition of 170 pieces, which sold out during pre-order, except for one piece. This last watch was placed in an exclusive charity auction by Phillips auction house in New York in December 2021. It sold for $6.5 million, shattering its $50,000 estimate. Prices have come down a bit for the Nautilus 5711 series, but they are still quite high. The Patek Phillippe-Tiffany Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018 watch has become the holy grail of this top-rated watch series.
This Royal Oak is widely available at various prices in vintage and new models. One of the most significant models was Genta’s personal Royal Oak, sold at auction by Sotheby’s Geneva in May 2022 for more than $2.1 million.
Patek Phillippe-Tiffany Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-018. Photo credit: Phillips auction house
PAUL NEWMAN ROLEX REFERENCE 6239 COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA Rolex is the best-known brand in the watch industry and one of the world’s most recognized brands. The Swiss manufacturer has long partnered with the most important sporting events, particularly auto racing, and with numerous celebrities. Newman’s personal watch, reference 6239 Cosmograph Daytona, was valued at a few hundred dollars when his wife Joanne Woodward gave it to him as a gift. The 36mm stainless steel case housed an “exotic” dial configuration with white registers, a red minute track surrounding the dial’s perimeter, Art Deco numerals, and luminous hour markers. In October 2017, it sold at Phillips auction house in New for $17.8 million, which was a world auction record at the time. A 6239 Cosmograph Daytona with all the traits of the Paul Newman Rolex fetched $281,250 in December 2018 at Phillips auction house in New York. AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a 40 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
Gérald Genta’s personal Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Photo credit: Sotheby’s
HEUER MONACO CALIBER 11 Heuer Monaco Caliber 11, with its square case and blue dial with white and red highlights and left-handed winding crown, is one of the most distinctive watches of the 20th century. It was designed for auto racing and became famous when Steve McQueen wore it in a movie about a famous auto race, Le Mans. Heuer created it long before its merger with Tag, and it was unveiled in 1969 as the first waterproof, automatic chronograph in a square case. Since 1969, countless iterations have included re-editions and tribute pieces in several color patterns and more traditional right-hand winding crowns. Among the essential versions of the watch is the original series, the Heuer Monaco 1133B, powered by the Chronomatic Caliber 11. The word “Chronomatic” appears on the dial of these watches. However, the most prized are the six Monaco watches Steve McQueen wore on the 1971 Le Mans’ film set—the last of the six sold at Phillips New York in December 2020 for $2.2 million. You can buy a new, very close replica of the Steve McQueen watch for about $7,300. 1965 OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL REF. 105.012
TIMEPIECES
Heuer Monaco Caliber 11. Photo credit: Phillips auction house
The 1965 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.012 with the caliber 321, known as the “Moonwatch,” was worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin when they first stepped onto the moon in 1969. It was the first watch on the moon. The 42mm steel timepiece was the first in the Speedmaster series with the word “Professional” on the dial and the first with an asymmetrical case to provide extra protection for the crown and pushers. Since 1957, Omega has made many versions of the Speedmaster that are durable and highly accurate, and extremely popular. However, the watch that has captured the imagination of watch lovers and those passionate about space exploration is the 1965 “Moonwatch.” Armstrong’s watch is part of the Smithsonian’s collection, as are many of the Omega watches that went into space. Meanwhile, Aldrin’s watch disappeared in 1971 while in transit to the Smithsonian. While the original space watches are rarely available, some of the same models sell in secondary markets, including one that fetched $14,452 at Phillips Hong Kong in November 2020.
F.P. JOURNE SONNERIE SOUVERAINE I feel a list of this sort should include a contemporary watchmaker and a product of haute horlogerie. François-Paul Journe is a master watchmaker who handmakes his timepieces in his Geneva atelier. I chose the Sonnerie Souveraine because even in this rarified world of high watchmaking, this timepiece with a chiming mechanism is exceptional. A Sonnerie is a watch fitted with an active striking instrument that chimes the quarters and hours without manual activation. This feature differs from the more common minuterepeater, which chimes on demand. The watch was launched in 2006 and ended its run in 2019. Only 50 pieces were made during that time. Upon its release, it won the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève’s Aiguille d’Or award, the highest honor in Swiss watchmaking. This delicate and complex mechanism also was designed to be foolproof for the user, an incredible feat in its own right.
1965 Omega Speedmaster Professional Ref. 105.012 – The “Moonwatch.” Photo credit, Omega’s archives
In January, a black dial version of the watch, circa 2018, was sold by Phillips Hong Kong at an online auction for more than $1.1 million. All F.P. Journe watches, new and used, have become increasingly challenging to acquire.
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10 BEST SPAS IN THE USA | BY LESLIE E. ROYAL
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s you seek to retreat to a tranquil and scenic world of relaxation and bliss, consider spa locales offering the ultimate level of unparalleled luxury and rejuvenation. From the northernmost state in the United States to the southernmost state in America, these extraordinary places feature exotic, revitalizing, immersive experiences. Some exquisite and exclusive treatments cannot be found elsewhere in the USA. So, relax and bask in the joy of a transformational experience at one of these world-class spas.
ALYESKA NORDIC SPA, Alyeska Resort Girdwood, Alaska www.anordicspa.com
This magnificent, adults-only alpine sanctuary is just 40 miles from Anchorage and nestled in the Chugach Mountains. The 50,000-square-foot Alyeska Nordic Spa features halotherapy
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Signature saunas, Finnish saunas, aromatherapy-infused steam rooms, and outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy pools. The exfoliation cabin, complete with Alaskan sea salt, is connected
to the other areas by a heated pathway. Guests can indulge in Alyeska Forest Therapy Massages, Nordic Signature Massages, Prenatal Massages, and Time Together Massages.
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ACQUALINA SPA
Acqualina Resort & Residences Sunny Isles Beach, Florida www.acqualinaresort.com
KOHLER WATERS SPA Destination Kohler Kohler, Wisconsin www.destinationkohler.com
Experience renewal and rejuvenation amidst the tranquil ocean and white sandy shores. This five-star spa offers guests experiences such as Inner Calm Massages, Sound Healing Massages, Ayurvedic Marma Point
Massages, the Infinite Beauty HydraFacial MD, and Abhyanga Massage Healing Heat and Water Ritual. Reserve the Royal Spa Suite with 11 state-of-theart treatment rooms for special occasions. Enjoy the Crystal
Steam Room with color therapy, the Finnish Sauna with Himalayan Salt, and the Experience Shower with alternating cool arctic mists and warm Caribbean mists.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and nestled amidst 500 acres of Wisconsin wilderness, Destination Kohler houses the majestic Kohler Waters Spa. Guests can reach new depths and levels of renewal
and revitalization in this secluded haven. Featuring ancient rituals and modern wellness trends, visitors can delight in a wealth of relaxing services. They include Lavender Rain or Tranquil Tides Hydrotherapy Treatments,
Ahshiatsu Barefoot Massages, Illumination Facials, On the Green CBD Body Wraps, and Acoustic Baths. Additional features include steam rooms, saunas, cool plunge pools, and four wellness retreats.
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THE SPA AT FOUR SEASONS RESORT ORLANDO
Featuring stunning décor, this sanctuary of elegance is heavenly. At The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando, guests can delight in blissfully elevated experiences featuring Vibrational
Sound Therapy Treatments, Couples Sweetheart Scrubs, Passion Pedicures, Fire & Ice Facials, Abhyanga Massages, Healing Honey Treatments, and Cryotoning. Unique offerings
include the spa tub, steam room, Experience Shower, couple’s spa suites, and the Solarium with zerogravity wave loungers.
MOKARA SPA
Sited along the famed River Walk, Mokara Hotel & Spa is an oasis in Downtown San Antonio. The picturesque Mokara Spa is inviting as it restores the body, mind,
and spirit. Distinctive therapies include the Warm River Stone Massage, Lemongrass Mimosa Body Scrub, and Summer Rain Polish and Massage. Facials such
as the Mokara HydraFacial and HydraFacial Transformation encompass advanced science to complement the natural beauty of one’s face.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando Orlando, Florida www.fourseasons.com/orlando
Mokara Hotel & Spa San Antonio, Texas www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ san-antonio-mokara
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THE SPA AT LA COSTA
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad, California www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ san-diego-la-costa
ILA ONLY SPA
Lotte New York Palace New York, New York www.lottenypalace.com
The Spa at La Costa has been a haven for rejuvenation since 1965. That tradition continues today with modern technology being fused with ancient
ayurvedic techniques. Have a stress-free getaway that includes experiences such as the Knesko Collagen Facial, Chakra Balancing Massage, Revitalization from the
Sea Treatment, and the healing Hawaiian-inspired touches of the Lomi Lomi Massage.
Lotte New York Palace presents the first iLa Only Spa in the United States. The spa is the first in New York City to incorporate audio designed by Plateau Spa and Devialet with their massage treatments to foster
healing and mental escapism. While the human ear cannot hear it, the infra frequencies are experienced through relaxing, sensorial vibrations throughout the body. The menu of services includes tranquil Release and
Revive Massages, Vitality Wraps, Moment of Calm Facials, Ila Gold Facials, private yoga sessions, and transformational training techniques.
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THE SPA AT SERENBE Serenbe Palmetto, Georgia www.spaatserenbe.com
SPA AT CHÂTEAU ÉLAN
Château Élan Winery & Resort Braselton, Georgia www.chateauelan.com
Serenbe is a peaceful community on the outskirts of Atlanta committed to land preservation, energy efficiency, holistic living, wellness, and self-care. The Spa at Serenbe features rejuvenating
treatments and state-of-theart devices. Enjoy the Custom Laurel Facial, Osea Detox Ritual, Detoxifying Seaweed Body Wrap, Serenbe Swedish Massage, Reiki, Cupping Therapy, or Reflexology.
The spa also presents the mPulse bELIEVE, the world’s first and only 3-in-1 full-spectrum infrared sauna.
Sited in the hills of North Georgia, Château Élan is a magnificent property. Its recently renovated spa features unparalleled services that allow for total relaxation. Amenities include an
indoor saltwater swimming pool, spa whirlpool, dry Finnish sauna, Wet Eucalyptus Steam Room, outdoor sun decks, and spa suites. Restorative, innovative, and multisensory treatments encompass
Table Thai Massages, Tandem Stone Massages, Gentleman’s Facials, Tropical Escape Refining Body Treatments, Halo-IR Sauna, and Rendezvous for Two Massages.
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THE CALLUNA SPA
The Equestrian Hotel Ocala, Florida www.equestrianhotel.com
The Equestrian Hotel is a magnificent and grand property on 30 acres of land in the place known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” Guests travel worldwide to observe the weekly World Champion equestrian
competitions. By day, they can retreat to The Calluna Spa to bask in unforgettable experiences. These treatments include the Rider’s Recovery Massage, Stone Fusion Massage, Energy of the Glaciers Facial, and Milk &
Honey Nourishing Wrap. Three to five-hour rejuvenating wellness packages such as Simply Healed and Midnight Trail Ride are also available.
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HOMES + INTERIORS
Continuing the legacy of
DOROTHY DRAPER | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF NOTABLE DOROTHY DRAPER PROJECTS, GREENBRIER PROJECT IMAGES, PRIVATE CLIENT IMAGES
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merica’s first and most acclaimed design firm, Dorothy Draper & Company, is a legacy continued by a team of talented designers. Upscale Living Magazine’s journalist Heléne Ramackers spoke exclusively to Rudy Saunders, Senior Interior Designer at Dorothy Draper. Dorothy Draper & Company has been creating designs for interiors, furnishings, fabrics, and accessories since 1925. Please talk a bit about the firm’s history and the secret to its longevity. Dorothy Draper was simply a natural talent when it came to decorating. She had no formal education on the subject. Instead, she grew a reputation as having a flair for decorating. Mrs. Draper decorated her homes in such a unique style that other high society friends soon began to copy her. After some encouragement from her friends, she opened Architectural Clearing House in 1925 and later changed the name to Dorothy Draper and Company in 1929. She created designs for Hampshire House, Essex House, the Carlyle, the Greenbrier Resort, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to only name a few. Dorothy Draper was the first to professionalize interior design as a career, and her work continues to inspire today. As Carleton Varney said, “Dorothy Draper created a look.” You know, when you walk into a Draper space, and that is what has stood the test of time. Design is often about finding the perfect item for every spot. Dorothy Draper went a step further and created custom-designed furniture and fabrics because no one else was doing what she did. Rather than being stuck in a specific period, she blends different pieces, periods, and styles, making it uniquely Draper. In so, she created something timeless, something we continue today. Dorothy Draper is an icon in her own right, with work that continues to inspire today. Those must be very big shoes to fill. At Dorothy Draper & Company, it is our privilege to continue and to add to the history of the firm. We are all part of her legacy and style, and we look forward to paving the path set by her and Mr. Varney to create beautiful spaces worldwide. Rudy, tell us a bit about yourself and how did you end up having a career in interior design? I always had a passion for design growing up. During my childhood we were staying at Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island (Michigan), and it was love at first sight. I fell in love with the colors, and the design stuck with me. I always knew that’s what I wanted to do growing up. Because of that, I followed Mr. Varney’s career, went to his lectures and book signings, and when it came time for my college internship at the University of Cincinnati, DAAP, he gave me a chance. I 48 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
HOMES + INTERIORS
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HOMES + INTERIORS
started as an intern and have continued to grow and learn at the company. What is your role at Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc.? Senior Interior Designer. Describe a typical day in your life. There is no typical day, and that’s what I love about it. I genuinely love the design process from start to finish and seeing it come together. First, you have a blank slate, then the dreaming and planning, followed by the execution and order, and then seeing the project through to installation. Watching clients enjoy the spaces we created together is the real reward. My days are usually filled with meetings and conversations with clients, checking in and following up with individual orders, and tracking the progress of our custom-made pieces. Because we are doing multiple projects at a time, it is fun to juggle the needs of each. It is always important to take moments to allow for creativity, whether seeing new fabrics or a museum—I can find design inspiration anywhere! Change in life is constant, and so are interiors. How has the firm kept in vogue with new interior styles? As we spoke earlier about Mrs. Draper, we are not stuck in a specific time frame. Overall, we try to stay true to our core design beliefs. You can see a change of the time in the spaces the office has created over the years, but our central look will have bright color, florals, a play of patterns and scale, and layering. We don’t jump on style trends, we are aware of them, but they aren’t necessary to follow if they don’t stay true to our beliefs. You have undoubtedly influenced many excellent interior design outcomes. What is an essential component of maximizing a small space? For spatial planning, I always think of it like a cruise ship. Since there is only so much space, everything has to have a spot, and this requires that you think outside the box in how you use vertical space, utilizing underused space, and dual-purpose pieces. As for design, mirrors take advantage of all the natural light and visibly open up the space. Brighter always feels more spacious. What is your design process? Ideally, I like to see the space in person or look at the floor plan and photos to understand it. Then ask what the client is looking for and their vision. I like taking those components along with the inspiration of the particular space, perhaps local flowers or the atmosphere you want to create, and then pulling it together. I usually let designs percolate in my head, Mr. Varney would say he dreams his spaces, and I feel this is something I learned from him. The process begins with a main idea, and all the design puzzle pieces must fit together. Each selection informs the next decision. Talk us through the importance of color schemes. 50 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
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Following a trend that you do not like or choosing something that does not reflect the owner Listening to a designer or friend and not listening to yourself creates a space in which you are not happy.
Spring interiors! What’s hot and what’s not? Our office is in New York City. Walking down Fifth Avenue, I see brightly colored dresses and flowers in shop windows. Everyone always thinks of color for spring and looks towards the garden for inspiration. I know it is what everyone expects for spring, but the concept is tried and true after a cold winter. People are waiting for new blooms and colors to come back into the world, and bringing that bright color inside will always make us smile.
HOMES + INTERIORS
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HOME TRENDS
THE SIDE TABLE Marie Soliman of Bergman Design House selected handmade patina brass and rare Breccia Vendome stone to create the Monolith side table. The stunning blend of natural golds, rich burgundy, and aqua turquoise with a hint of green resounds with the same fullness of color as a Monet painting. Black Berg Collection
HOME TRENDS Beautiful Furnishings & Accessories to add to your Home | BY HELÉNE R AMACKERS
THE LAMP Until now, the Klampenborg table lamp was simply a line on a piece of yellowed paper in the Mogens Lassen brothers’ archive at the Danish National Art Library in Copenhagen. Today, this small table lamp boasts a timeless design that will remain cherished throughout the ages. https://menudesignshop. com/
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THE BAR CABINET The bar cabinet exhibits exquisite elegance with an ornate, clean, contemporary design enriched by fun fringes and stylish dragonflies. Eclectic and fitting for both the modern home or hospitality spaces, the Folk bar cabinet is an exclusive and esteemed addition to any project. www.jetclass.pt
THE WALLPAPER The Gully Of Jupiter Wallpaper surpasses space and time while transporting you to new and exotic places. The soft and delicate blue hues create a backdrop for glamorous tigresses, beguiling birds, and tropical flowers. Escape your everyday world and travel within the four walls of your room. https://camilla.com/
THE CHAIR The Grace chair is a feminine creation that expresses craftsmanship in its shape and silhouette and draws a fine line between fun and sophistication. In addition to its primary function, the Jetclass designers have created a piece that surpasses traditional conventionality and stretches the imagination. https://www.jetclass.pt/
CIGARS
Wellesley’s Cigar & Cognac Experience
| BY DALJIT KAUR AULAKH
C
igar connoisseurs suggest you take your time and savor an exceptional cigar. Regarding locations, why not travel to London’s Wellesley Hotel, Knightsbridge? This five-star boutique hotel houses one of the UK’s largest walk-in humidors and is known to have one of the most extensive cigar collections outside Cuba. At the hotel, you can enjoy a Montecristo, a Cohiba, or a limited-edition Bolivar, to name but a few. The heated terrace, with its inviting leather chairs, allows you to relax and take your time to enjoy your experience no matter the weather. At the Wellesley, you can indulge in the Cigar and Cognac Experience, which will increase your understanding of cigars. The experience includes a 2-3 hour session with a cigar expert, who will advise you in selecting two cigars and a complete commentary on the art of the cigar, from personal tastes to the cutting and lighting of the cigar. On hand to ensure that the selection process is as pleasurable as the smoking is award-winning Cigar Sommelier Giuseppe Ruo with his fully trained team. Our magazine’s journalist, Daljit Kaur Aulakh, had the pleasure of interviewing Giuseppe and learning firsthand about his journey that led him to become one of the world’s most sought-after Cigar Sommeliers. Who is Giuseppe Ruo? Tell us a little about your background. I am originally from Italy and genuinely have a passion for everything within the hospitality sector. At 17, I bought my first bar, and at 19, I opened a cocktail bar in my hometown. In 2000 I moved to London, and cigars became my secret passion, along with aged whisky and cognacs. In 2002 I opened the first cigar walk-in humidor in London. Then in 2007, the indoor smoking ban was 54 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
CIGARS
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CIGARS
I was involved in all aspects of creating The Wellesley’s cigar offering, from the humidor concept to armchairs, tables, and cigar stock. What is your signature cigar? My signature cigar would be a Cohiba Sublimes EL 2004. What drink would you pair with this and why? The drink I would pair with it is a Macallan 1967 because the complexity of the chocolate and coffee notes of the cigar would marry perfectly with the nutmeg and spicy marzipan flavors of the whisky. Which is the one cigar you have not smoked that you aspire to savor? I have smoked all the important and precious cigars to me, so I am very happy. announced, leading to the first cigar terrace in London.
I have always considered cigar smoking as a pastime for affluent middle-aged men.
In 2008 I was awarded cigar sommelier of the year and represented the UK in the world final in Cuba. In 2012 I joined The Wellesley Knightsbridge and created one of the world’s most respected and popular cigar terraces. Since then, I have traveled every three months to Cuba to get our clients’ latest stock.
What, in your experience, is the modern demographic of cigar smokers?
It is such a niche industry. What drove you to become a Cigar Sommelier?
How imperative is excellent client service to you?
In 2002 I believed that cigars would be the next frontier for bringing business to bars, and looking at how many cigar places have been opened over the years, I think I was right!”
Smoking cigars is an expensive privilege and deserves the best service possible.
What type of reaction do you typically get from people when you tell them what your profession is?
The demographic is changing. Smoking cigars these days has become popular with younger people. Both men and women between 20 and 30 are very enthusiastic cigar smokers.
How do you achieve such a high-ranking service? Very simply, attention to detail and passion for your job.
People’s reactions are different. Cigar smokers love me because I have access to all the new stock six months before it comes on the market. Others are shocked and can’t understand why I am so happy with what I do.
What are the most rewarding aspects of being a Cigar Sommelier?
Were you involved in the conception and creation of the smoking room?
Who was your most famous client?
When we see the happiness and satisfaction of our clients.
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If you could enjoy a cigar with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? From the present, Edward Sahakian (my mentor), Khalid Affara, Naji Halawi, and Pasquale B. My best friends. Where do you see your journey taking you next? To choose my next cigar and enjoy smoking it. What question do you wish a journalist would ask you? After all these questions, I think all the aspects of the business are covered, and there is nothing else I wish to be asked! A cigar consists of a rolled bundle of fermented tobacco leaves made to be smoked. The origins of cigar smoking are unknown. It is thought to have first been observed by European explorers when encountering the indigenous Taino people of Cuba in 1492. Cigar tobacco was primarily grown in Central America and the Islands of the Caribbean, including Cuba, famously renowned for its fine cigars. The French, Spanish, and Portuguese initially referred to the plant as the “sacred herb” because they thought it had medicinal properties. Formerly seen as an expensive privilege, cigar smoking is now something most can afford. Cigars are often given out or smoked on special occasions and celebrations, such as births, graduations, and promotions. There have been many famous cigar smokers. Winston Churchill said, “If newspapers write that we need to quit smoking, I’d rather give up reading.” Ron Perlman said, “Just to make sure I was smoking throughout the day, I started adding cigars to some of the characters that I played as an excuse to keep smoking even as I was working.”
PROFILES
WINE SPECIALIST & CONNOISSEUR
LESLIE SBROCCO
| BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
Leslie Sbrocco knows wine. She is an award-winning consultant, speaker, author, and television host most known for her entertaining approach to wine. I met Leslie over 20 years ago on a Crystal Cruises trip to Alaska when she taught seminars about wine. Today she speaks about the wonders of wine and how to pair this delicious beverage with food. You can watch Leslie on prominent talk shows, one of her four TV shows, inside classrooms, or at virtual tasting events. While visiting my hometown of Petaluma, California, I met up with Leslie for a casual interview. She takes the fear and formality out of wine and wine pairings; she makes wine approachable and fun. You speak with authority about wine. How do you make it approachable to everyone? I encourage people to integrate wine into their everyday life. I do not put wine on a pedestal. Having made wine and taken winemaking courses at UC Davis, I understand the technicality of making it. Producing good wine is very difficult, but I’ve made it. I have also made lousy wine. A long time ago I was determined to become a wine judge. To become proficient, I needed to learn everything I could about wine, including knowing and comprehending the technical pieces, the subtle nuances, and the fun parts. If you are going to be a specialist in something, you need to understand every aspect and be able to present it to people in a way that they can relate it to their lives. Why do you love what you do? I love everything about wine, the stories, the people involved, and the role wine plays in cultures around the 58 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
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PROFILES
world. I love to write about the people behind the wine. I teach classes and do virtual tastings that help people discover why they like this or do not like that, but it’s up to them to figure it out. You have made quite a name for yourself. What prompted your TV shows? Years ago I asked myself how to combine my love of food and wine. I wrote an article about wine for a local newspaper and built my career from there. The internet got involved, and one of my wine-loving contacts at Microsoft hired me to be the wine producer of “Sidewalk,” Microsoft Corporation’s attempt to create a group of comprehensive web portals oriented toward specific cities, basically a city guide. After Sidewalk, I built a wine website for the local paper, the Press Democrat. The paper’s parent company was the New York Times, and they asked me to create a wine website for them. I worked hard to build a network of people and wrote my first book, Wine for Women. After the book was published, speaking engagements followed. Later, I circled back to TV, did CBS Wine Minute, and the Today Show invited me on because of my book. I work hard and go for what I think will make me happy. What is your favorite wine? I usually say the wine in my glass, but that is not true. It is always Champagne. Sparkling wines would be a general category, but rosé Champagne is my favorite. I also enjoy great world-class sparkling wines because they go with everything. Can you recommend any exciting new wine destinations? When considering wine in Italy, people typically think of Tuscany, Umbria, and even lesser-known places like Prosecco. However, Sicily is one of the prettiest places to try Italian wine, and it is an undiscovered treasure with fabulous wines. I would not say it is new, but I fell in love with Sicily a few years ago before the pandemic. What is your philosophy on wine and food? Drink what you like and eat what you want. Call it a day and enjoy. But if I must look at
the tools I use when I pair food and wine, I consider the sauces and the spices. I ask myself what the style of the wine is. You want the two to dance together and not wrestle with each other. Pairing a light, delicate wine with a big, robust dish is hard. Keep them more similar in style but use the complement or contrast philosophy if they are not. What are your favorite Tuesday night, Saturday night, and special occasion wines? I love rosé, but I am an equal opportunity pinot noir drinker and appreciate all styles. I love the lighter and leaner ones but also enjoy a few bigger ones like those from the Santa Rita Hills area. These are my favorites: a rosé with Greek chicken and hummus on Tuesday night; Saturday night bubbles with anything and everything; and for a special occasion, a robust 10-year-old Napa cabernet sauvignon or an old Bordeaux with a big steak. I also love Chilean cabernet sauvignon. Do you have a favorite pairing? Potato chips and Champagne, or you can exchange the chips for popcorn. It is fun to try a tasting I did on the Today Show with bowls of popcorn topped with various things like flavored salts, chili powder, olive oil, or truffle oil. Anything salty with bubbles is excellent. Where have you had your most memorable pairing? I was in San Francisco 15 years ago at one of the restaurants on my show. It is no longer there, but I sat at the bar and had a Kabinett-style (made from fully ripe grapes) German riesling. I believe it was a Fritz Hagg, a drier-style riesling with just a whisper of sweetness. The wine arrived with a grilled onion and radicchio salad topped with blue cheese and a simple vinaigrette. The high acid in the wine and the high acid in the vinaigrette complemented one another. The radicchio’s bitterness and the smokiness from grilling the vegetables did not overpower the wine. I remember thinking, “oh, my gosh.” This pairing has stuck in my mind ever since. If someone wanted to begin collecting wine, what steps would you recommend? You have to taste and try it. Collectible means
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many things: are you keeping them for 20 years, are you building a world-class cellar, or are you just putting bottles away to put a couple of years on them to enjoy later? Play around, buy two or three bottles, and open them on different dates. Taste each over a year or hold each for a year and see what it is like. Watch for the evolution over time. Start with four or five categories and invest in a few differ-ent styles of cabernets and chardonnays. If you like sweet wines, purchase a sauternes or late-harvest California wine. Buy a few bottles of each and try them over time to build your collection. Lastly, buy a Coravin. Watch Leslie’s shows if you want to learn more about wine. You can find Leslie sharing about wine on a variety of television shows. She was a featured judge on the PBS national series The Winemakers and wrote content for the TBS show Cougartown. Leslie frequently appears on CNN, the Hallmark Channel’s Better TV, QVC, and NBC’s Today Show. Leslie hosted a restaurant review show on KQED in San Francisco called Check, Please! and her current new series, 100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations, takes viewers around the world. This show emphasizes Leslie’s appreciation and understanding of the history and culture around great food and wine.
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WINE + SPIRITS
THE RESURGENCE OF LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL ON THE
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
Although many illustrious trains in the United States, Britain, and Europe made their inaugural runs between the First and Second World Wars, history tells us that the love of luxury train travel began after the Victorian Era ended in 1901. Visitors from the New World—North, Central, and South America—began to visit the Old World and became enthralled with the luxuries surrounding railway travel.
However, with the invention of faster ships, airplanes, and motorcars, train travel took a back seat. Today in this fastpaced world people are eager to slow down and smell the roses. The Napa Valley Wine Train is the perfect way to take a moment, enjoy the glorious views in Napa Valley, spend time with a friend or loved one, sip on fabulous wine, and enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner.
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WINE + SPIRITS
THE BIRTH OF LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL Luxury rail travel began in the mid 1880s. Until then, trains consisted of four- to six-wheeled, non-connecting carriages. Many in the industry only saw the expense of improving this model, but the passengers traveling to and fro understood the possible advantages. The crucial moment came in 1883 with the launch of the Orient Express; it changed everything. Chefs incorporated regional and local food between routes, and passenger expectations rose. Sleeping cars, saloons, and a dining carriage were linked between passenger and luggage cars, which gave the media something to write about. Luxury train travel became an event and not just a means of transportation. THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN It was finally my turn to experience luxury train travel. My friend, Alyson, joined me on this step back in time. While waiting in the train station, I was struck by a group of young women adorned in lovely dresses, high heels,
and broad-rimmed hats. I spied couples dressed to the nines anticipating a romantic journey through the vineyards of Napa Valley. There was no rush at the gate, just a glorious stroll out onto the platform where we climbed aboard the 1085 Pullman Standard Dome Car for our three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from downtown Napa to St. Helena. THE HISTORY OF THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN The railroad, built in 1864 by San Francisco’s first millionaire Samuel Brannan, has a long and arduous history. Still, today the Napa Valley Wine Train is one of only a few active historic passenger railroads left in the United States. Samuel constructed the rail line to transport guests to his spa in Calistoga; and after an expensive divorce, he had to sell many of his holdings. The rail line became the property of the California Pacific Railroad, and in 1885 Southern Pacific bought the Napa Valley Railroad.
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The introduction of the automobile in the 1930s diminished the glory of train travel. In 1960 Southern Pacific forsook the right of way between two major towns in Napa Valley, St. Helena and Calistoga, and soon only one freight train traversed the tracks each week. Southern Pacific attempted to sell the property in 1984, but several Napa Valley residents wanted to rebuild the rail line. After one failed purchase attempt, a group of citizens led by Dr. Alvin Lee Block formed the Napa Valley Wine Train Inc. This group worked to create a railroad to preserve the transportation corridor for future use. The group sought out investors, and finally Vincent DeDomenico, the inventor of Rice-A-Roni and former owner of Ghiradelli Chocolate and Golden Grain Pasta, purchased the entire operation. Vincent loved the wine train idea and purchased most of the shares. REBUILDING THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN Vincent helped buy the line from
WINE + SPIRITS
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WINE + SPIRITS
Southern Pacific. He hired experienced railroad personnel, maintenance staff, and food service professionals. He began to rebuild the Napa Valley Wine Train from the ground up by purchasing antique Pullman rail cars and restoring them with Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, etched glass partitions, and luxurious armchairs. On September 16, 1989, the Napa Valley Wine Train took its first passenger trip. EXPERIENCE THE GLORY DAYS OF TRAIN TRAVEL The Napa Valley Wine Train offers memorable experiences. Guests can book three- to six-hour trips with wine-tasting stops, gourmet lunch tours, and evening dining excursions. There are numerous options, including which luxury car to ride in while enjoying your experience. Many people choose to celebrate special occasions with a trip on the train. OUR TRAIN RIDE Alyson and I enjoyed lunch in the two-story Vista Dome car built in 1952. This car was one of the first ten full dome cars built by Pullman Standard. We sat back in the lush booths, sipped on the bubbles, and took in the 360-degree view. The bubbles were tasty, the perfect indulgence for any opulent adventure, but we wanted more of Napa’s finest. Alyson and I reviewed the menu and purchased the Deluxe Wine Flight. Guests can buy the Deluxe Wine Flight, Standard Wine flight, or a bottle of one of the many hand-selected wines on the train. As the engine began to rumble, we passed by the gorgeous scenery in Napa Valley. This area boasts some of the most famous vineyards in the world and some of the most expensive real estate in California. A GOURMET FOUR-COURSE LUNCH Rombauer Chardonnay is one of my favorite styles of chardonnay. It boasts beautiful oak and butter notes and the scent of vanilla spice. This wine paired fabulously with Alyson’s appetizer of figs, prosciutto, and balsamic glaze, and my White Bean Ragout with duck sausage, bacon lardons, and Italian salsa verde. As we traveled through the valley, passing famous vineyards like Opus One and Robert Mondavi, our second courses arrived at the table. Both the Roasted Beet Salad with frisée, arugula, goat cheese, pistachios, and a honey-citrus vinai66 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
grette, and the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, paired well with the cherry jam, vanilla, black raspberry, and plum notes in the Markham Merlot. I ordered the Ricotta Cheese Gnocchi as an entrée. The creamed leeks, forest mushrooms, porcini cream, and Parmesan cheese were rich and luscious, and the solera vinegar brought a delightful freshness to the dish. Alyson chose the Fresh Catch, salmon over polenta with sundried tomatoes and basil oil. The dishes were tasty and paired famously with the soft tannins, blackberry, and clove notes in the Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon. A TOUR OF THE TRAIN After the first three courses, we got up and stretched our legs. We walked over to the kitchen and visited the openair car. We let the wind blow through our hair as we passed famous wineries and vineyards like Louis Martini, V. Sattui, and Beaulieu Vineyard. We chatted with other passengers and soon returned to our seats for dessert. A SWEET FINISH We finished our wine flights and asked our server, Rick, about digestives. We were in luck, and Rick poured each of us a glass of ten-year-old Sandeman Old Tawny Porto. We ordered two different desserts to share. Our vanilla crème brûlée was sweet, crunchy, and creamy, and the lemon tart was the perfect sweetness with a lemony punch. The tawny port went fabulously with both desserts. We continued to watch the stunning vineyard landscapes pass by and soon found ourselves back at the station in Napa. The train ride was an incredible way to step back in time, slow down, and enjoy tasty food, delicious wine, great conversation, and the famous vineyards of Napa Valley.
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HOTELS
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HOTELS
HOTEL REVIEW
THE LANDMARK LONDON | BY ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD
Across the road from the boutiques of Marylebone, Regent’s Park in leg-stretching range and right by Madame Tussauds, the London Planetarium, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum, The Landmark London is assuredly well-positioned. It’s bang opposite Marylebone railway station ‘Great Central Station’ as it was, which serves the Chilterns area and is directly linked to the hotel by an original iron canopy. This stunning Victorian edifice of red brick with a clock tower and turrets was built originally as a railway hotel. After con-verting into a convalescent home in WW1 and being used for Intelligence in WW2, it returned as a hotel. Recently refurbished, the rooms felt brand new and refreshing with beautiful finishing. A doorman in his top hat and cape ushered me inside past the wood-paneled reception into a hall bedecked with
carpets, artwork, mirrors, and chandeliers, living up to the hotel’s claim as “an ocean of luxury in the heart of London.” And this was before stepping into the soul of the hotel, the vast centerpiece of the atrium. Around the clock, people come for afternoon tea, dinner, or drinks and are soothed by either the harp or grand piano. The experience is dramatic and majestic in equal measure. This experience left me with a sense of wonder and transported me to another continent, one glamorous and warmer with eight gleaming pine trees. The trees, lit day and night for further prominence, were protected by a glass rooftop. The space was reminiscent of a botanical garden or grand museum; this is the famous Winter Garden. This expansive space stretches many stories with lush drip71 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2023
HOTELS
ping foliage, black iron railings, and bedroom windows amongst white stoned walls; resembling the exterior of houses. A unique play on the idea of ‘indoors-outdoors.’ Below them are boutique concessions and a hair and beauty salon. On the lower gallery, beneath the marbled archways and long corridors, and beside the Winter Garden are two of the largest ballrooms I have seen in London. Of the 300 rooms, with a starting price of £429, my family room was spacious, tasteful, and luxurious and felt reassur-ingly classic in style with its textured wallpaper, crystal lamps, and large gold curtains drawn to let the light beams across the room. My bathroom had a grey marble floor, a vast vanity mirror above a black marble double basin, and a wonderful tub equipped with White Company products. At night a double-sized central curved staircase led me with great theatricality down to the Winter Garden Restaurant, which takes up the atrium’s floor
and is clearly a place for a treat with three birthdays celebrated in turn by the pianist. I sat amongst the banana plants and palm fronds. I chose from my menu of modern European classics a course of Cornish white crab meat and roasted breast of maize-fed chicken, all paired with a glass of Morcassi Superiore Tuffo. I finished with Valrhona chocolate cremaux with hazelnut sponge and red currant sorbet. As for a hotel breakfast, one measure of its class can be judged by the fruit on offer each month. In January, there were tropical fruits galore, including passion fruit and purple dragon fruit. The Garden Terrace is one floor up. Dotted amongst the display cabinets of ancient curios of pipes and tea-spoons are cozy spots to take coffee, have meetings, or simply look up and admire the interior’s vast proportions. In the basement, there’s a dark, moody Great Central Pub offering pub food, and across the building, the Mirror Bar, decked in silvery blue and soft greys, is a small, snug ‘moonlight bar.’ The per-fect place to retire and enjoy a
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nightcap or a pre-prandial cocktail. The hotel certainly has a great basement wellness area. Beyond the gym and the relaxation and the treatment rooms, there’s a heated indoor pool (twenty strokes long) with a jacuzzi and a sanarium (a variant of the traditional Finnish sauna). The room has simple clear-cut lines and felt like a sanctuary emitting a zen-like tranquility of a cross between Scandinavian and Japa-nese. And best of all, the water is free from chlorine. The hotel’s ambiance is elegant and classy thanks to the international clientele, the pianist, and the willing servers. It’s reasonably priced and well-tailored for children, with kids’ menus, a toy library, and a swimming pool. Transported as I was in this hotel meant I didn’t hear or think about the outside world: the truest of cocoons within the most stunning of dimensions.
HOTELS
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HOTELS
HOTEL REVIEW
ESTALGEM DA PONTA DO SOL | BY CHRISTOPHER KANAL
A sub-tropical island unlike any other, Madeira is unique. A land that stimulates the imagination like the low-hanging clouds, pierced by sunlight, that moodily cloak the knife-edge mountains here. In some parts, it feels like one is nestled deep in a Hawaiian rainforest; trees are heavy with tropical fruit. In other areas, one could be viewing the final mountainous point of a great unknown continent where dark azure waves pull against a long deserted beach of ochre-colored sand. Madeira is a magical paradise for the senses. Located on the southwest coast of Madeira, the pretty, friendly seaside town of Ponta do Sol has a reputation for being one of the warmest and sunniest places on the island. A mere 30-minute drive from the island’s capital Funchal this 15th-century town arose out of the flourishing sugarcane industry. Today, it is a draw for its pebble-beached seafront enveloped by cliffs, a beautiful church Nossa Senhora da Luz, and a small fistful of excellent restaurants and vibrant bars.
BOND-ESQUE LAIR Perched above the town is the hotel Estalgem da Ponta do Sol. An unmissable landmark given its minimalist architecture; a cloud-grey con-crete pillar grips the side of the mountain and stretches a few hundred feet into the sky—and that is merely the elevator shaft that wizzes you from sea level to the hotel. It is a dramatic entrance worthy of a Bond set, and what follows in terms of design, sophistication, and atmosphere does not disappoint. Emerging from the red-lit elevator car, another lovely cinematic touch, you arrive at the property and are first welcomed by the hotel’s two dogs, Stella and Poncha. The latter is named after the revered Madeiran tipple made from citrus juice, honey, and local rum or ‘aguardente.’ Originally a ‘quinta’ or manor house, today it holds the hotel’s reception area, a lively bar, a cozy library, a stunning terrace, and a garden where tiny gold and emerald speckled lizards laze in the winter sun. The
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HOTELS
terrace overlooks Ponta do Sol and the expansive Atlantic beyond—we were told whales are often spotted from this vantage point. The seas off Madeira are unimaginably deep and are a popular highway for cetaceans. The modern part of the hotel, designed by celebrated architect Tiago Oliveira, was built on the surrounding land. The stark swan-white buildings, with large panoramic windows extend to the cliff’s edge and flood the interiors with light. There are 54 rooms. We stayed in a standard sea-view-facing room with a sun terrace. Garden view rooms overlook Ponta do Sol and the banana plantations on the mountainside. We enjoyed stunning ocean views, the rocky coast directly beneath us, and the cliffs to our east. At night, dots of light from the villages in the hills above us lit up like fireflies as the crashing waves below lulled us to sleep. The room was simple and spacious with light wood flooring, white walls decked out with black and white art photographs, and a comfy bed with striped linen sheets. The large bathroom came with a shower, while other rooms have bathtubs. All feature air conditioning, satellite television, and a minibar. MADEIRAN CUISINE The hotel’s restaurant has a dining room that overlooks the town and the bay. It opens onto a small outdoor garden terrace surrounded
by verdant tropical plants where you can eat. The dining room serves lunch and dinner; the cuisine is local Madeiran and European. The food is well-priced and tasty, particularly the steak and the scabbard fish; despite its satanic appearance, the latter is a delicious meaty Madeiran specialty. After dinner, many guests head to the snug Lobby & Lounge Bar, which is open late and is a great place to relax and meet others. Two roaring fireplaces and the incredible balcony view only add to its charm. The breakfast buffet serves continental-style freshly baked breads, pastries, yogurts, and mouthwatering tropical fruits, from ruby red pomegranates to golden mangoes. There are German and Scandinavian delicatessen favorites in a nod to the hotel’s prominent guests. The breakfast also has a first-class à la carte menu that changes daily. WILD ATLANTIC, WHALES, AND MORE The hotel’s centerpiece is undoubtedly the infinity pool set in a cliff-side garden that drops in rocky layers to the sea. The view is absolutely spectacular, and there is an outdoor hot tub, an indoor pool, a hammam, and a sauna. Massages can be booked in-house. Right at the cliff edge in the pool area is the Poolside Kabo Bar, where you can serve yourself a cocktail or pull a cool Super Bock on draught. On weekends there are regular sunset parties here with live music and DJs from as far afield as Lisbon and Berlin.
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Nearer to the reception among the hotel rooms is a gym. The very accommodating and knowledgeable staff can organize hikes, including complimentary transfers to various trails you can choose from, whether you want to see ‘levadas’ (canals), canyons, mountains, or waterfalls. Other activities include whale watching, paragliding, diving, and snorkeling. In summer, you can go on the hotel’s catamaran off the coast to go seal, dolphin, and whale watching. A private beach, Faja dos Padres, has black volcanic sands and a restaurant. The hotel provides a free daily shuttle service to Funchal and to the airport. The breathtaking location, stylish design, and relaxed vibes easily make Estalgem da Ponta do Sol one of Madeira’s top boutique hotels. It is a fabulous place for a romantic break, yet close enough to Funchal to see more action. Rooms start from $130 and are bookable via the hotel’s website. Breakfast included. Address: Caminho do Passo, 6 Ponta do Sol, 9360 529 Madeira, Portugal Telephone: 00351 291 970200 Email: info@pontadosol.com Website: www.pontadosol.com
TRAVEL
WHAT’S NEW “Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living Magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
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TRAVEL
EL VICENC DE LA MAR CALA MOLLINS, MALLORCA
The newest member of the Mallorca Ç Collection, El Vicenç de la Mar sits on the beautiful bay, Cala Molins, in Mallorca, on the northern coastline of the island, just 7 km from Pollença on the west side of Cap Formentor in Cala Sant Vicenç. Surrounded by azure waters at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains, guests can seek and experience nature: catch the Mediterranean breeze, walk to the beach, hike, or cycle. The ultimate sea escape is an immersion in nature exploration, just steps from the front door. Sitting on a crystal-clear cove, the hotel offers 35 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including four suites and one Penthouse suite. Some rooms and suites offer private terraces, a Jacuzzi, or a private swimming pool. 78 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
The hotel offers multiple categories of rooms ranging from a Penthouse Suite with a large terrace and private pool, Privilege Rooms with a shared swim-up pool, Junior Suites with private outdoor hot tubs, and Signature Rooms with private terraces perfect for gazing over the dramatic coastline. Major features at the hotel include a breathtaking multitiered rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, cocktail bar, and two restaurants. Here guests can enjoy the sweeping views across Cala Sant Vicenc and the Sierra Tramuntana Mountains. Both are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The hotel is the ideal setting to immerse yourself in an experience that combines relaxation, gastronomy, leisure, and nature. It’s the perfect
place to indulge in the essential pleasures of Mediterranean life. “The concept is to replicate the same 5-star boutique hotel service and quality that travelers have grown to love at El Llorenç in a luxurious beach setting, says Ruben Zamora, General Director, Mallorca Ç Collection. “The beauty of the location is that guests can enjoy any number of activities in the area, no matter the season.” https://www.elvicenc.com/en/
TRAVEL
LA GEMMA HOTEL FLORENCE, ITALY
La Gemma Hotel charmingly captures the essence of Florence’s unique elegance and distinctive sense of timeless sophistication. It is an inspiring concept hotel located on the famous via Calimala, surrounded by the city’s most iconic landmarks and stylish shopping streets. Just moments from Piazza della Repubblica, the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo, and via de’ Tornabuoni, La Gemma Hotel offers an oasis of serenity in the heart of Florence’s vibrant city center. The perfect destination for those travelers interested in the arts, fashion, design, architecture, and contemporary Florentine culture, La Gemma Hotel is the place to be. It is a design-led hotel created and masterminded by the Cecchi family, a young, dynamic team
aiming to offer the city’s best hospitality.
rooms feature private terraces overlooking the city.
Architecturally, La Gemma Hotel marks a new era for this prestigious Florentine property, and its transformation draws inspiration from its surroundings. The concept and interior subtly pay homage to Florence’s famous cathedral with its distinct colors and sculptural design elements.
At the heart of La Gemma Hotel is Luca’s restaurant and lounge, a beautifully presented space inspired by the Art Deco era. Gentle arches divide the room into comfortable dining areas, while the paneled walls, open wine cellar, and handcrafted bookcases add warmth, character, and charm.
La Gemma Hotel offers exclusive Florentine hospitality within a historic palazzo located over five floors of accommodations, including a selection of rooms and suites. These rooms and suites are impeccably presented and finished with vibrant silk wallcoverings, Italian bedlinens, and bathrobes by Rivolta Carmignani. Marble bathrooms boast furnishings by Devon & Devon with ceramics by Gio Ponti. Several
The Cecchi family has lovingly created the concept of Luca’s gourmet menu, which honors the classic traditions of Florentine cuisine yet reinterprets these with a robust and contemporary vision. Meals are both authentic, innovative, and mouthwateringly delicious! www.lagemmahotel.com
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TRAVEL
PALACIO DE LUCES LASTRES, ASTURIAS, SPAIN
One of Asturias’s best-kept secrets, Hotel CoolRooms Palacio de Luces, is a restored 16th-century palace nestled in 13,000m2 of gardens. Ideally situated just over a mile from the village of Lastres, Palacio de Luces is located in one of the most beautiful places in Spain. The area boasts a winding maze of tiered streets and unparalleled harbor scenery. Between the sea and the mountains, surrounded by woodland with beech, yew, cherry, pine, and holly trees, you will find this charming hotel by CoolRooms, the only Relais & Châteaux in the Principality of Asturias and a true example of hospitality. The hotel is an ideal place to escape the maddening crowds and discover an awareness of pleasure without noise or pollution, in 44 just renovated rooms and suites between 3380 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
51 square meters, some with private gardens.
Peak, surfing lessons, and fishing.
The refined restaurant offers cuisine with Asturian roots and influences from the Americas and flourishes under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Ignacio Garcia Canellada.
The hotel underwent total refurbishment and redecoration by the construction company Antana. The architect and interior design studio Proyecto Singular, in collaboration with the CoolRooms Hotels team, tailored Palacio de Luces to the standards of the CoolRooms Hotels brand, a collection of hotels located in iconic or unique buildings in culturally active centers or select natural settings.
The spa includes a massage room, heated swimming pool with jets, and chromotherapy connected to the garden. It also has contrasting showers, relaxation beds, a panoramic sauna, and a Turkish bath with chromotherapy. The hotel and grounds are surrounded by spectacular views of the Sueve Mountain Range, the Picos de Europa mountain range, and the Cantabrian Sea. Activities bear the stamp of nature, making it the perfect setting for exciting quad excursions, hiking to Pienzu
https://coolrooms.com/palaciodeluces/
GOLF
SPRINGS AMERICA’S GOLF PARADISE | BY TIM COTRONEO
N
o course captures how far Palm Springs has come in the world of golf more than Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, CA. Players such as Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Lee Trevino have all graced the fairways of Big Horn’s Canyons and Mountains Golf Courses. Yet today, these Hall of Famers are dwarfed by the sheer luxury of this opulent private community within a private club.
For vacationers looking to choose from Palm Springs wealth of 130 courses, the choices begin at high-end and then soar into the stratosphere. A favorite retreat of celebrities as far back as the 1930s, this Coachella Valley region wows visitors with an array of posh entrances connecting one luxury golf community with another.
What has occurred over the past century is that the high-end amenities which complement each of these golf domains have evolved into an unspoken competition for attracting golfers, home buyers, and investors seeking an idyllic lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the best in Palm Springs golf, communities, and 5-star amenities.
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GOLF
BIGHORN GOLF CLUB IN PALM DESERT, CA The elevations at Bighorn’s Mountains Golf Course are so spectacular that they served as a perfect made-for-TV venue during The Skins Game run in the mid-90s. Shortly after the television frenzy, a second course named the Canyons opened in 1999.
Fast forward more than 20 years, and this golf community, surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, exudes an uber-luxurious desert ambiance. Case in point is The Vault, a 24,000-square-foot facility housing members’ vintage, European, and sports vehicles. This car haven includes a glitzy lounge overlooking the showroom, a waiting list to get in, and a six-figure price tag to park one’s vehicle in The Vault.
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Bighorn’s 80,000-square-foot clubhouse, built to the tune of $75-million, features Peruvian limestone floors, Portuguese travertine walls, and glass sculptures. The clubhouse is a curved architectural marvel. Like everything else at Bighorn, the clubhouse is a stunning example of beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment weaved into the world of golf.
GOLF
VINTAGE CLUB IN INDIAN WELLS, CA The Vintage Club has been honored as the third most prestigious and Number 1 club in California and in the U.S. Set perfectly into a cove at the base of the Eisenhower Mountains, the Vintage Club is generational in its embrace of family, community generosity, and continued elegance.
Known for having some of the best views in the Coachella Valley, the Vintage made a splash in the industry in 2016 when it opened its new 80,000-square-foot clubhouse. During the summer months, when the Palm Springs area grows quiet due to 100-degree temperatures, the Vintage members renew their friendships while embarking on luxury cruises as a group.
The club’s 400 acres centerpiece is the Tom Fazio-designed Mountain and Desert Golf Courses. The Desert Course was honored by the American Society of Golf Course Architects as one of the three greatest courses built in the past 20 years.
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GOLF
DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT IN PALM DESERT The stylish mile-long entrance to Desert Willow’s two golf courses provides ample hints that golfers are in for a rich desert experience. Natural landscaping, views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and abundant water features make this 36-hole escape a must on your Palm Springs golf vacation calendar.
The bonus to your Desert Willow foray is its massive clubhouse leading to The Terrace Restaurant. A lower-level lunch or dinner reservation at this tiered restaurant is a real coup as you sit on the 50-yard line for amazing 18th-hole views of the Firecliff and Mountain View Golf Courses. Whether you play Bighorn, Vintage Club, Thunderbird Country Club, La Quinta, or
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Desert Willow, there’s no denying that the Greater Palm Springs area is golf heaven on earth. It’s hard to deny that endless sunshine, immaculate conditions, and nearly a century of fairway history are the ultimate formula for making a golf date with paradise.
GOLF
LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB IN LA QUINTA, CA On January 22, 2023 Jon Rahm took home $1.4 million at the Stadium Course at PGA West. The course, ranked as one of the best in the world, is one of five championship courses based at La Quinta Resort & Club.
La Quinta is a golfing feast for the senses with courses designed by Nicklaus, Norman, and Dye, as well as three clubhouses and a golf academy. You’ll also find five restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.
luxury golf communities include The Madison, The Tradition, and The Hideaway.
For those choosing to make La Quinta’s resort-style living their home, you’ll find casitas suites, villas, and vacation rentals. Neighboring 85 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
GOLF
THUNDERBIRD COUNTRY CLUB IN RANCHO MIRAGE, CA The community of Rancho Mirage is known as a favorite of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack. Smack dab in the middle is Thunderbird Country Club, still thriving some 70-plus years after its opening. When Johnny Dawson founded the Thunderbird in 1951, it was despite the misgivings of his friend, golf immortal Ben Hogan.
The Thunderbird would become the first Palm Springs area golf course or the trailblazer in a sport that serves as a Coachella Valley business and residential cornerstone. The course is also the birthplace of the first golf cart, a one-seater with three wheels featuring wings to hold golf bags. In 1954 The Thunderbird CC granted the right to use its name to one of its members, the
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Chairman of the Ford Motor Company. The very first Ford Thunderbird automobile was sent to the club. In 2021 Golf Architect Tripp Davis renovated the Thunderbird Golf Course so that it is modern in every sense while maintaining a classic look and feel. For golfers who thrive on the game’s history, The Thunderbird Country Club is an absolute thrill.
SPORTS
THE KENTUCKY DERBY | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
The 2023 Kentucky Derby will run on May 6, 2023, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival at the historic Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby combines pomp and circumstance, speed, and is one of the year’s most coveted sporting tickets. Earning nicknames of “The Run for the Roses,” “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” it is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby will see 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds run at a distance of one and a quarter miles (10 furlongs or 2.0 km), wowing spectators at the grounds and watching worldwide. Following the Call to the Post, which sees the horses parade before the audience, Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home” is played before the ‘Riders Up!’ command from the Paddock Judge. It is then when jockeys mount their horses and prepare to race down the dirt track for the crown. A trip to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend offers an unforgettable experience as several traditions play a significant role in the Derby atmosphere. First is fashion, which showcases the finest in spring fashions, with women typically wearing pastel-colored spring dresses or suits. But what truly separates the fashion for women is the bold hats, which come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Men complement their female counterparts with bright pastel, tropical colors, bold stripes, or a classic navy or seersucker blazer. Tradition also plays its part in the food and drink offered at the event. The traditional beverage of the race is the mint julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup, which cools off spectators under the Kentucky sun. Served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup, patrons enjoy their drinks and often pair them with burgoo, a thick stew that is also a popular dish. With a crowd of more than 150,000 people, it is one of the largest and most popular sporting events in the United States, and as such, tickets are a hot commodity. The infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers general admission, while “Millionaire’s Row” is an exclusive interior dining room with scenic racetrack views.
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GADGETS
THE DJI AVATA PRO-VIEW COMBO ($1,388) The DJI Avata Pro-View Combo provides a fully immersive flying experience with their DJI Goggles 2 and intuitive motion controller. Users can experience the thrill of flight while on the ground as DJI provides solutions to experience the joys of first-person flying. Compact and lightweight, DJI Avata supports 4K ultra-wide angle recording of 155° with flagship technologies RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady, ensuring smooth ultra-HD video.
TOP 7 GADGETS OF 2023 | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI
A
new year means new tech. Manufacturers are leveraging new technology to provide consumers with tech that will make our lives easier and more fun. And each year, the Consumer Technology Association (CES) annual conference brings innovations in all technology verticals. While many products are teased during the conference, new gadgets and devices are constantly hitting the market. Gadgets are becoming more prevalent in our everyday lives thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), and these new devices are getting more innovative and adapting to new situations. Here are our top seven gadgets of 2023.
GE PROFILE™ SMART MIXER WITH AUTO SENSE ($999.00) (CREDIT: GE APPLIANCES) Available to purchase now exclusively through Crate + Barrel, the GE Profile™ Smart Mixer With Auto Sense will ship this spring in three colors, carbon black, mineral silver, and stone white, and it will remove the guessing in baking. The powerful countertop stand mixer uses Auto Sense Technology to detect the texture and consistency of mixtures when using guided recipes in the Smart HQ app, so there is no more over- or under-mixing anymore. 88 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
BOWERS & WILKIN’S NEW PI7 S2 ($399) Bowers & Wilkin’s new Pi7 S2 in-ear True Wireless earbuds are available in three premium finishes satin black, canvas white, and midnight blue. The earbuds offer enhanced wireless connectivity for stable, uninterrupted listening on the move, and its advanced active noise-cancellation monitors adapt to surrounding noise. Superior sound quality is heard through their genuine 24-bit connection with aptX™ Adaptive, which adjusts dynamically to optimize performance. The new model presents increased earbud battery performance with five hours of listening time and offers a quick charge function that delivers an additional two hours of listening time from just a 15-minute charge.
GADGETS
EQUINOX 2 ($2,499) The eQuinox 2 is the latest smart telescope from Unistellar, letting users easily see the wonders of the beyond. Weighing in at only 19.8 lbs., this innovative smart telescope is great for those living in populated areas with numerous lights. The eQuinox 2 makes it easy to bring the wonders of space to users, allowing the curious to unlock the curiosity of the greater universe with ease. No need for expertise in complex instruments, as this user-friendly telescope’s Smart Light Pollution Reduction system enhances images and offers a storage capacity of 64GB to store such images. Explore space and enjoy the ‘click-and-wow’ telescope in just two minutes from anywhere. Available for pre-order, the telescope comes with a two-year warranty and even offers a 30-day trial. Shipping will start on February 27, 2023.
ATMOSGEAR ELECTRIC SKATES The world’s first pair of electric in-line skates are here. AtmosGear Electric Skates (€500 for the skates alone or the complete kit for €550) comes with a remote control to control both the speed, up to 25 km/h, and the brakes. The skates have two modes, the default Remote Control Mode and the Air Gear mode which allows you to control the skates with your movement and the motor kicks in to amplify your stride and reduce your effort. With a range of 20km, the skates recharge in one hour while riding, and you can skate even when the battery is discharged. Available in three colors, white sky, yellow thunder, and black night, you can pre-order your skates now, and the company is looking to deliver the product by May.
G4I ($5,499) FROM GOCYCLE If you want an environmentally friendly way to travel around city environments, look no further than the G4i from GoCycle. This electric bike is fully foldable and has no cables, chains, gears, sprockets, or oil, so it can be taken anywhere. Perfect for transit or storage in tight city living spaces (the travel case, $299, is available as an accessory), the bike is lightest in its class, and its F1-inspired streamlined dash shows the user the battery level, speed, DRL indicator, and gear indicator. Thanks to its all-new G4drive™ electric motor and carbon fiber parts, it has power and performance, and its new MotoGP-inspired treaded tires provide superior grip and sure-footed handling. Available in matte black or white, users can customize the bike with a full range of accessories.
VICTROLA STREAM ONYX WORKS WITH SONOS TURNTABLE ($599.99) Audiophiles can rejoice thanks to the Victrola Stream Onyx Works with Sonos Turntable, as it is now easy to connect your record player to your Sonos system at home. The second turntable in the Victrola Stream product line produces rich, vivid sound, and the turntable wirelessly connects and casts music to your Sonos devices. Made from high-quality materials, including an excellent aluminum tonearm and an easily adjustable counterweight, you can control volume and playback basic directly from the turntable’s illuminated control knob.
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TRAVEL
An Unexpected Opulent Stay in the 50th State
FAIRMONT ORCHID- HAWAII | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
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Sometimes life throws us unexpected pleasures. Often, unforeseen and unplanned trips are the best of all. Over the years, I have visited 42 of the 50 United States. I have been to the most southern point on Sunset Island in Florida, the most northern state, Alaska, the sunny state of California, several New England states, and most in between, but never a Hawaiian Island. With only five days’ notice, I consented to take a luxury journey to Kona on the big island. ARRIVING ON THE ISLAND After a non-stop business-class flight from Portland, Oregon, to Kona, Hawaii, I was relaxed and ready to see the island. A private car with a driver took me from the outdoor airport to the Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii in Waimea, not far from Kona. The scenery was somewhat bewildering. The Hawaiian Islands are known for their tropical flowers and lush beauty. However, the first 25 minutes of my trip were through an old lava flow. Everything was black lava rock on both sides of the road. Some greenery appeared on the mountain in the distance on one side of the road, and the teal-blue ocean came into view on the other side. Otherwise, we were driving through solid fields of black lava peppered with a few patches of dried yellow grass. FAIRMONT ORCHID - HAWAII Pulling into the resort, I discovered the lush foliage and colorful flowers representing Hawaii. I don’t go on many group press trips anymore, but by the end of this trip, I was planning the next. The Accor Group houses more than 40 hotel brands, and Fairmont is one of their luxury chains. The Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii lived up to its high-end reputation. A ROOM WITH A VIEW My luggage was taken to my room, and I received a warm greeting at the hotel entrance. Soon, I was led to my sixth-floor room, a section of the hotel that is part of the hotel’s Fairmont Gold Experience. The room boasted a 42” LCD HD Flat Screen TV, a gloriously vast marble bathroom with a separate shower and tub, a Nescafe coffee maker, and all the other essential amenities you would find in a luxury resort hotel room. My Partial Ocean View Room offered a stunning view of the golf course and an angled ocean view from my lanai, furnished with a tall table, two chairs, and a lounge. THE FAIRMONT GOLD EXPERIENCE
It was time to venture out and explore the grounds. It was effortless to find gorgeous photo ops with colorful flowers, waterfalls, a beautiful and inviting pool, the beach, and a wonderful little bay to swim or snorkel in, complete with a coral reef. After meandering around the tranquil grounds, I headed up to the private reception area on my floor in the North Tower for a bite to eat. Guests privileged with the Fairmont Gold Experience will find a daily hot breakfast, a dry snack bar, sunset canapés, complimentary non-alcoholic and expresso beverages, and access to the honor bar service featuring wine and spirits, along with a selection of local and domestic beers. I arrived just in time to try one of their lobster sliders with a decadent mango sauce. The bun was soft, the lobster tender and flavorful, and the mango sauce’s sweetness took the dish to a heavenly level. As much as I wanted to continue tasting the canapés on display, I maintained my willpower and saved my appetite for the Welcome Dinner. Here, Chefs Isabel Chung and Brian Hirata collaborated on a six-course private dining experience that reveals how to preserve Hawaii’s food culture and simultaneously serve today’s local cuisine. DELICIOUS DINNERS At 6:00 pm, I gathered in the banquet space with several representatives from the Accor Group, half a dozen other journalists, and several prominent influencers. Chef Hirata teaches the history of Hawaii’s food to culinary students, and he graced our group with tales of foraging for seasonal tree ferns, mushrooms, and treasures from the sea. The bubbles flowed, the cocktails were tasty, and the food was spectacular. After an evening of feasting outdoors, I returned to my room for a good night’s rest. ALL BEYOND LIMITS Fairmont Hotels are showcasing their All Beyond Limits Program featuring never seen experiences. During my stay, the group paddled into the ocean in traditional outrigger canoes and snorkeled near a float near the shore. While positioned around the float, Kristina Makushenko performed an above and underwater ballet. Known as the ‘Aqua Queen on heels,’ Kristina is a world champion of synchronized swimming. She takes her skills to a new level with strong but graceful moves presented on top of and
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TRAVEL
underneath the water, providing a breathtaking show for viewers. Most of the group paddled back to shore at the performance end, but some, including myself, decided to swim and snorkel to get a better view of the coral reef just off the resort’s coast. The day was free for swimming, sunning, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Dinner was a grand affair on the beach with crafted cocktails and various fresh and delicious sushi that was almost too beautiful to eat. SO MANY OPTIONS There is so much to do or not to do on the island. After a tasty breakfast, we were treated to a lei-making class by resident and Hawaiian culture expert Káiulani Blankenfeld, who explained the rich history and significance of leis and how to make them. I consider myself reasonably crafty, but my skills at this artistic endeavor seriously waivered. Filled with excitement for the afternoon activity, I joined the others for a helicopter excursion with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. Everyone was split into small groups of four or five and paired with a pilot. We lifted off for the Kohala Coast Adventure and gazed at the stunning Kohala coast of the Big Island’s North Shore. We flew over the towering sea cliffs of Waipío Valley and banked and weaved amongst the crevices of the Kohala Mountains in search of waterfalls. This trip was much better than any IMAX movie I have ever seen. The following day it was time for a little more exertion. We left the resort in four-wheel drive vehicles and headed for the other side of the island for a guided hike to seven waterfalls. The adventure was relatively easy, offering peeka-boo sea views while seeking out
the next waterfall. Several in the group took the opportunity to swim under one of the cascading falls, but the temperature outside did not dictate a dip for me. I did enjoy watching the others and soon learned that the waters were quite cold. I was happy with my decision. A SPA WITHOUT WALLS Upon returning, many of us were scheduled for 50-minute Signature Lomi-Lomi Massages at the Spa Without Walls. Some walked to enclosed beach huts near the resort waterfalls. I headed toward the beach. Here I found several screened places with massage beds inside. My masseuse Lily Barr was quite proficient at her craft. She relaxed my body, mind, and soul in less than an hour. The sound of the crashing waves lulled any stress away, and her perfect pressure loosened all the knots that kept me tense. A FINAL GOODBYE Our final dinner was another occasion to remember. Greeted at the beach with a slightly sweet lavender-colored cocktail, I mused at the stunning floral arrangements covering our long table on the beach. Tiny light strings swung in the breeze while the hula dancers prepared for their evening performance. Dinner was again impressive. Honestly, there was not one dish at any meal that did not receive at least an eight on my culinary scale, which maxes out at ten. Everything was delicious, and the presentations were clean, colorful, and imaginative. The culinary program managed by Chef Chung was nothing short of spectacular, and the service was equally impressive. The evening comprised lively conversation, hula dancing, fire dancing, and delectable food,
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wine, and cocktails—the perfect ending for an ideal trip to the 50th state. The Fairmont Orchid – Hawaii is at the top of my list of places to revisit.
TRAVEL
Mara Plains Camp. Photo courtesy of Great Plains.
The Ultimate
KENYAN SAFARI
Mara Expedition Camp, Mara Nyika Camp and Mara Plains Camp
| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
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TRAVEL
Mara Nyika Camp. Photo courtesy of Great Plains.
A
s far as bucket lists go, Kenya is at the top of many safari aficionados and seasoned travelers’ lists. The fabulous team at Great Plains Conservation had specially designed my itinerary. I was nervously excited to visit for the first time, but I knew I was in for an incredible time. VIP meet & assist from Tradewinds Aviation Services did a great job processing a late-night arrival at Jomo Kenyatta airport after a direct flight from Cape Town to Nairobi on Kenya Airways. Tradewinds assisted with each step of getting through customs and passport control. Next, I was handed over to the delightful Great Plains driver Joseph, who is also a tour guide. He imparted loads of useful knowledge and alerted me to various interesting buildings and attractions in Nairobi. With an early flight by Safarilink the next morning, I was staying overnight at the vibrant The Social House in the leafy suburb of Lavington, situated to the west of Nairobi city. The rooms are comfortable with quirky color accents, and four different restaurants are on the property. Joseph collected me for my flight with Safarilink departing from Wilson Airport, the gateway from Nairobi to destinations such as the Maasai Mara, Mombasa, Amboseli, Lamu, Kilimanjaro Diani, Lokichogio and Nanyuki. I flew to Mara Olkiombo, where I spent two
nights at Mara Expedition Camp in the Mara North Conservancy. The camp is on private land with easy access to the spectacular Mara North Conservancy. I was collected at the airstrip by guide Frank, who suggested a minigame drive en route to the lodge. We encountered a lone Mara giraffe that found shelter under the shade of a tree, a handsome male lion that took a walk across the plains, some Topis, several Thomson’s gazelle with their newborns, and small herds of Burchell’s zebras. Mara Expedition Camp opened in the second half of 2021, and the feeling of Africa’s safari era resonates with the atmosphere of yesteryear. Awaiting my arrival were camp managers JP and Dee, bar manager Julius, chef Pemba, and waiter Moses. The welcome was warm, as is the custom at all Great Plains properties. Guests are encouraged to spend time regaling tales of the day sans mobile devices in the communal area. Without realizing it, a few hours can easily be filled with getting to know someone new and relishing the stories they tell over a delicious lunch or dinner. It is a wonderful way to connect with people and disconnect from the incessant technological interruptions that rule our everyday lives. The six spacious canvas tents are beautifully designed and echo safari chic. Each tent contains a large bedroom with a desk and chair, a bathroom with double vanities, a hot and cold shower, and a flush loo.
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Game drives featuring abundant wildlife take place in the 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy. Frank stopped by a cacophony of Rüppell’s griffon vultures, Hooded vultures, Marabou storks, and white-backed vultures that fought over the remains of a zebra. Other sightings included a banded mongoose, a Martial eagle, a baby eland, a blue-headed tree agama, five different leopards, and the most glorious lion sightings. Leaving for Mara Plains Camp in the 32,000acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, ranger Duncan collected me for the 15-minute intercamp transfer for one night at Great Plains Conservation’s first-ever camp in Kenya. This camp is part of the exclusive Réserve-Collection by Relais & Chateaux, where guests stay in the finest accommodation and dine on high-end plant-based cuisine at each Great Plains Camp. Following a gentle facelift in 2023, Mara Plains Camp now sports stunning wooden Zanzibari doors at guest entrances, as well as the addition of a large, theatrical, interactive kitchen on the left-hand side of the central main dining area. My large, tented suite was positioned at the end of a wooden walkway, and the hippos were having a spirited time below in the Ntiakitiak river. The interiors, designed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, co-founders of Great Plains, are reminiscent of plush colonial living, with wooden accents and the exquisite freestanding copper
TRAVEL
Mara Expedition Camp. Photo courtesy of Great Plains.
bath, a signature piece in many Great Plains camps. Camp managers Stella and Douglas, chef John and waiter Sammy ensured that I was well taken care of during my stay. We departed for our game drive after a delectable farm-to-table lunch. Having been a guide for three years, Duncan is in tune with what guests would like to see, and he did not disappoint. Lying in the shade of a tree, two cheetah brothers were having a catnap, and further afield, we stumbled upon a pride of lions at sunset with the most adorable cubs. My final stay on this epic Kenyan journey was at Mara Nyika Camp, a magnificent camp in the 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy. Guests are ensured exclusivity in superiorly large tents under the umbrella-like canopies of acacia trees during their stay. Assistant camp manager Tikani, waiter Mike, butler Memusi, and chef Livingstone all played a part in making my stay unforgettable. My tent was near the central area, where leather couches make you want to linger longer. It might have had something to do with the immediacy of the kitchen and the mouth-wateringly fresh fare whipped up for guest enjoyment. Walking to my suite, I stopped by the on-site boutique, and I was pleased to see that they stock the enticing D&B Explorer Collection, which they have at every camp. Coveting the stunning leopard print scarf for a while now, I can finally buy it!
The on-site boutique is the place to shop for guests wanting to be stylish on safari.
How To Book with Karell Travel
The accommodation at Mara Nyika Camp is vast – the tent houses three rooms – a lounge, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Staying here was the perfect way to conclude a trip of a life-time, but not before I ventured out onto the Naboisho Conservancy. I was fortunate to have had Lenkuma as my guide for the duration of my stay. The area is undoubtedly lion territory, with three prides of varying ages. My favorite sighting was that of three lionesses with three small cubs, whose playful antics had fellow guests clamoring for their cameras. Another highlight was finding a pride of 13 lions, with the younger ones attempting to climb a tree. All too soon, it was time to leave, but not without promising to return one day as I have left a piece of my heart in Kenya.
Run by spouses Norman and Cathy Pieters, and son Craig, Karell Travel is renowned in the travel industry for its commitment and personal attention to orchestrating customized trips to Southern and East Africa. Karell Travel kindly sponsored my international flights between Cape Town International Airport and Nairobi International Airport on Kenya Airways. To book a trip, email land@karell.com or call them toll-free at +1 800 434 1323.
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6-13% Target Net IRR
Target Net Returns: Target IRR represents an annual estimated target net internal rate of return (IRR) and may differ from actual returns. Target IRR is based on investment offering due diligence conducted by FarmTogether. Target Net Cash Yield: Cash Yield is calculated as the average annual net payout over the projected lifetime of the deal divided by the offering size. Payouts are not adjusted for a discount rate. Cash Yield might be higher than IRR if higher payouts happen in later years.
REAL ESTATE
Interview with FarmTogether Founder
ARTEM MILINCHUK
I
n this issue, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Artem Milinchuk, Founder and Head of Strategy of farmland investment manager, FarmTogether. FarmTogether is making a name for itself in the world of real estate–the company is bringing exclusive access to some of the most extraordinary farmland opportunities across the U.S. while providing investors with a historically strong, uncorrelated asset.
In this interview, Artem delves deeper into what makes this investment so attractive, why investors previously have not had access to this lucrative asset, and the opportunity he saw with FarmTogether.
options, like reliable cash flow, land appreciation, and diversification benefits.
How does farmland differ from traditional real estate? What sets this asset apart?
What differentiates farmland from real estate is its risk-return profile. Farmland has delivered historically higher returns than stocks, bonds, and even real estate, and with much less volatility.
Farmland is a subset of real estate that has historically provided investors with many of the same perks as more common real estate
Since 1992, the NCREIF Farmland Index has delivered average annual returns of 10.71%––outperforming real estate (8.39%), 99 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2023
REAL ESTATE
stocks (9.58%), and REITs (9.43%). These returns are even more impressive from a risk perspective––farmland's annual volatility was 6.64%, compared to the S&P 500’s volatility of 17.80%, and real estate’s volatility of 7.62%. This performance can be attributed to the inherent demand for food and the finite supply of farmland. People will always need to eat. How does farmland differ from other agricultural investments, such as commodities? While farmland investments do provide some exposure to the commodities market, the two investments are fundamentally different, not only in terms of the underlying assets but also in terms of overall risk and return profiles. Farmland investing involves ownership of the actual land, which is then rented or leased to an operator to generate income. This actually helps to hedge against this price volatility in commodity markets through fixedlease agreements or other management structures. In contrast, investing in commodities typically involves ETFs that track the price movements of crops, like corn or wheat, and other commodities. How has farmland performed amidst the heightened market volatility we’re seeing today? Throughout the last three years farmland has continued to demonstrate its resiliency. While stocks and bonds ended 2022 with negative doubledigit returns, farmland posted a positive annual return of nearly 10%. The data speaks for itself.
diligence process; less than 1% of all deals that enter our pipeline are eventually offered on our platform. Tell us about your agricultural holdings. Where are these deals located and what crops do you invest in? Our firm is currently approaching $200M in assets under management across more than 40 farms, 8 states, and 14 crop varieties. We specialize in both permanent and row crops in prime growing regions across the U.S., focusing on properties in California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Midwest. When do I collect a return on my investment? FarmTogether typically targets net IRRs of 6-13% with target net cash yields ranging from 2-9%, both net of fees. Farmland produces returns through income via rental payments and sales from farming operations and land appreciation. Appreciation will be realized upon the sale of the property. Lease payouts are typically made on a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual basis. How do I qualify for each product? Our platform is open to both accredited and institutional investors. Anything else you can share with us? The continued demand we’re seeing for farmland investments, coupled with the growth FarmTogether continues to witness, is strong validation for our mission to increase accessibility to this asset class.
What was the opportunity you saw with FarmTogether? When I was first introduced to farmland nearly a decade ago, I was impressed with its remarkable risk/return/diversification profile and strong long-term fundamentals. I quickly found, however, that the asset was widely underutilized and, more importantly, widely unheard of. Only around 14% of the dollar value of all U.S. farmland is financially backed by investors located in a U.S. market that is nearing $3 trillion in value. This was a massive missed opportunity, and the idea for FarmTogether was born. How does FarmTogether work? We’re providing investors with unparalleled access to farmland via multiple products: our Bespoke Offerings, which start at $3m, our Sustainable Farmland Fund, which requires a single allocation of at least $100k, and our crowdfunding platform for a lower minimum of $15k. We also support 1031 exchanges. This accessibility is groundbreaking, and we’re proud of it. Investors can browse and invest in various opportunities across the U.S. via our digital platform. We pride ourselves on our rigorous due 100 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | APRIL 2023
This communication is not intended to be relied upon as advice to investors or potential investors and does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. All investors should consider such factors and risks in consultation with a professional advisor of their choosing when deciding if an investment is appropriate. Historical data is not indicative of future results and may not reflect fees which may reduce actual returns. Any historical information is illustrative in nature and may not represent future results, therefore any investor investing through the FarmTogether platform may experience different returns from examples and projections provided herein. Data representative from January 1992 through December 2022. Sources: Privately Held U.S. Farmland - NCREIF Farmland Index; Privately Held U.S. Commercial Real Estate - NCREIF Real Estate Index; Stocks - S&P 500; Bonds - Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index; Gold - Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Economic Data (FRED). Indexes are unmanaged and not available for direct investment.
CHEF
In Conversation with
ALAIN DUCASSE | BY MICHAEL CULLEN
Alain Ducasse is the world’s most decorated chef alive. He is the first to own restaurants in three cities, each carrying three Michelin stars simultaneously. He has an extensive portfolio of restaurants worldwide, including his home bases in France and Monaco, London, New York, Singapore, Bangkok, Japan, China, and Qatar. His Ducasse Paris enterprise has also developed specialized restaurant consulting, events and catering, cooking schools, luxury inns and hotels, and numerous highly acclaimed and best-selling cookbooks. Beyond this, Alain Ducasse Manufacturing has been rediscovering the authentic essence of chocolate, then coffee, followed by ice cream, and now biscuits. He controls the manufacturing from personally selected raw ingredients to the end product. Alain develops everything with the same founding principles and vision with high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques for authentic flavors and a tasty experience. He now has 33 Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse and Le Café Alain Ducasse specialist retail outlets across France, Japan, and the UK, as well as supplying to his restaurants. I chatted with the culinary ‘tour de force’ Alain Ducasse on his remarkable career and the talent he has nurtured to sustain nearly five decades of international success. How did it all start? You now have achieved 34 restaurants across three continents and seven countries holding twenty Michelin stars. I could say it started in my childhood when my passion for cooking was born. It also started years later when HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco trusted me and accepted a project I submitted to him. The daunting challenge was to turn the upscale restaurant Le Louis XV in the Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo, into the first hotel restaurant to receive three Michelin stars. So our success is a combination of passion and work. My passion was born on the family farm where I was raised and had the irreplaceable experience of the link between nature and cooking. And the work we did to develop an innovative and daring program for Le Louis XV. We had an agreed deadline of four years to achieve those stars, and against 102 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
Alain Ducasse and his team @ Louis XV Monaco (c) Matteo Carassale
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all odds, only thirty-three months later, we accomplished it. Of these many restaurants worldwide, which have a particular place in your heart? Why? I’ve been honored to be in charge of Le Louis XV restaurant in Monaco since 1987. After HSH Prince Rainier III, his son, HSH Prince Albert II, renewed his trust in us. So this restaurant has a very particular place in my heart. Then, the other restaurant dear to my heart is always the one to come. The one we are working on. The one we are looking for with the best possible ideas. The one we are defining, the unique story we want to tell our client. Your restaurants span Haute Cuisine, Contemporary, Bistro, and Brasserie styles. How do you decide the cuisine style, menu, and personality for each? The decision concerning style happens relatively smoothly because it flows naturally from the location. I firmly believe that a location has a soul and that the restaurant we create has to express the vibration of the place—the city, the neighborhood, and the particular building we are in. It’s self-evident, for instance, for bistros like Allard or Benoit in Paris. They were created in 1932 and 1912, respectively, so we better respect this long history. Yet this is also true for a contemporary brasserie like Champeaux, which we opened seven years ago in Les Halles. This hypermodern district also has its specific vibrancy the venue must reflect. I could give the same examples abroad. Take Muni, the restaurant we opened in 2020 in Kyoto. It offers the most excellent view of a charming river, the Katsura, and its millenary wooden bridge. This environment is a potent source of inspiration for our cuisine. Hand-picked Chefs de Cuisine helm each of your restaurants. How do you select them, and have they come from within the Alain Ducasse ‘system’? I’m fortunate to have a host of very talented professionals around me. Chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers, and restaurant managers have worked with me for a decade and frequently much longer. They improved their trade by traveling from one of our restaurants to another, rising from commis to chef. By the way, a large majority of them have worked, at
one time or another, in our Monaco Le Louis XV restaurant, which is a wonderful nursery of talents. I know each of them very well, and choosing a chef for one of my restaurants is relatively easy. It’s a matter of putting the right person in the right place at the right time! What do you look for when identifying the chef talent responsible for managing an Alain Ducasse restaurant? Each chef has their own personality, which has to fit with the restaurant’s character. But it’s also essential to deliberately create a sort of fruitful tension. For instance, a few months ago, I proposed to Laetitia Rouabah to return to Allard. She has overseen our iconic French bistro Benoit, on NYC’s West 55th Street. I wanted her to bring her American experience to this haut-lieu of traditional French cuisine. Allard, located in the heart of Saint-Germaindes-Prés and with an 80-year history, remains one of Paris’se last authentic gourmet bistros. These kinds of challenges help the chefs progress, and the restaurants benefit from a new perspective.
Portrait Alain Ducasse (c) Matteo Carassale
How has this talent helped the Ducasse restaurant business? One example, though not in our restaurants but in our Ducasse Manufacture, is Flora Davies, who has been working with me for ten years. A Canadian who, when she arrived in France, started as pastry commis at Le Jules Verne, the high-end restaurant I used to manage on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. From there, she went to the Salon Première of Air France at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport, which was quite a different challenge. Then I sent her to London to supervise the pastry of a high-class hotel and restaurant: another mission, another experience. In 2020, she was back in Paris to give a hand with the opening of the Manufacture de glace. One year later, I proposed a new challenge to helm our latest initiative, the Manufacture de biscuit. We spent 18 months together fine-tuning the biscuits in our range. The large spectrum of experiences she accumulated with me is a powerful asset. Where do you see the Alain Ducasse restaurant business going in 2023 and beyond? After the pandemic, our restaurants are rapidly recovering, and I’m quite confident about the
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Ducasse cuisine_The Dorcester London ©Food Story Media Ltd
Les Ombres where designs fits the setting (c) Julien Mouffron-Gardner.
future. The new, young generation of chefs working with me is a powerful resource for continuous innovation while still preserving our assets of excellence and environmental and social responsibility. Even more importantly, thanks to the Manufactures, we have started a vigorous diversification movement that is proving to be highly successful.
CHEF
CHEF VIVEK SINGH | BY RAJ GILL
Chef Vivek Singh is one of the most successful and respected modern Indian chefs in the United Kingdom, with four renowned London restaurants to his name—the authentic dining experience of The Cinnamon Club, the City’s Cinnamon Kitchen, Covent Garden’s Cinnamon Bazaar, and most recently Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea. Chef Singh’s refined approach to Indian cuisine changed the perception of Indian food in the UK. His success and reputation have continued to grow with the publication of six cookbooks, media appearances, and a regular guest slot on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen. Vivek is celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the Cinnamon Club, and Raj Gill had the honor and privilege of joining him for lunch. Tell us about your journey. I grew up in a coal mining community in Bengal. Like most boys in my generation, I had very little exposure and involvement in the kitchen. It wasn’t until after I completed hotel school and began an intense chef course that I was exposed to various cuisines and ways of cooking. This experience opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and journeys that cooking could bring. In 1997, I moved from the Oberoi’s flight kitchens in Mumbai to the Grand Hotel in Calcutta, where I was fast-tracked to become the Indian chef of the
Oberoi’s flagship Rajvilas in Jaipur. I moved to London in 2001 when the Cinnamon Club was born! How did you get into the industry? Becoming a chef began with my love of good food but was a happy accident; it was more by chance than by design or fate. I spurned family expectations to follow in my father’s footsteps and become an engineer by going to catering college and pursuing a passion that originated from reading Escoffier, Marco Pierre White, and Charlie Trotter at an early age. How has the pandemic changed the restaurant industry in London? Over the last 20 years, I have faced several challenges, but none as great as Covid-19. I’m grateful to be here, and I have kept most every member of the team. One thing the pandemic proved is how adjustable the hospitality industry is. Many restaurants, including ours, set up a range of at-home meal kits during the lockdown. We were so lucky with their popularity with our loyal fans, and we still offer them today. However, setting it up felt like brain surgery! The whole industry has had a slow recovery from the pandemic, as we are still feeling the effects two years later; rising costs and rents are an industry-wide problem, and we all want to support our staff the best we can.
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How do you conceptualize your restaurants? Each restaurant reflects an aspect of me. Being slightly contrary, cheeky, and irreverent to tradition and customs, we are forever looking to challenge perceptions and push boundaries. All Cinnamon restaurants somehow carry this ethos of challenging the status quo. The Cinnamon Club, at the time of opening, was itself an effort to liberate Indian food from the straitjacket of tradition. As it became popular, we wanted to concentrate on using good quality seasonal ingredients in our cooking, letting each component speak for itself rather than drowning them in heavy spices or sauces. As we became more comfortable in the industry, Cinnamon Kitchen was born to make the high-end Indian food adventure more accessible to a broader, younger audience that wanted interaction, recognition, and theatre in their dining experience. Cinnamon Bazaar now reflects how we live and work, a 24-hour, all-day, all-night buzz with an energy that is so typical of an Indian bazaar. In a way, they all have a reflection of my personality. Who or what was the inspiration behind the aesthetics and menus in your restaurants? We have worked with numerous designers for each venue, but with each locale, the designers listened to our briefs and added twists to deliver spaces integral to Cinnamon’s signature
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Camberwell, and New Cross, due to the many things currently happening and opening; there’s never a dull moment! Some of my best finds in the area are a Chinese restaurant called Silk Road and The Begging Bowl in Peckham, an excellent place for rich and flavorsome Thai street food! What do you cook at home? My favorite dish to cook is Old Delhi-style chicken, and it’s one of my favorite things to eat! How imperative is excellence in client service? It is vital. We wouldn’t be where we are now without our loyal clients, some of whom have been with us for more than 20 years, and that is all due to our client service. These people are like family, and they inspired us during the pandemic to produce our meal kits. Why would we want to disappoint and lose them? How do you accomplish such a high-ranking level of service? style. For menus, the inspiration comes from everywhere, my childhood, the constant want and need to evolve, and the divine variety of ingredients we work with here in the UK, thanks to our fantastic suppliers. What is your signature dish? I love working with game and feel so lucky to be able to. In India, for the last 70-80 years, hunting and game have been completely banned due to conservation reasons. The fact The Cinnamon Club was the first Indian restaurant to introduce grouse on the menu makes me immensely proud. We have managed to conserve the genre of Indian game cooking, which has a rich history. It would have been sad if it had been lost. One of my favorite dishes is a tandoori breast of grouse smoked with cloves, my mum’s pumpkin chutney, and masala peanuts. It’s your last meal; what’s on the plate? That is too difficult of a question; I eat everything! Where do you go to eat? It has to be the city’s southeast side, including the extraordinary “Republic of Peckham,”
Many team members are homegrown; we believe in nurturing excellence at the Cinnamon Club and reward it as we see fit. As I said previously, we are lucky to have such a loyal client base; this is also a reward for our team and helps us strive toward excellence. Who is the most famous person you have cooked for? Did you feel intimidated? Well, one of my favorite memories is when we had to turn Mick Jagger away from the Cinnamon Club because there were no tables left! However, it was a pleasure to cook for Bill Clinton in 2000, my first brush with a celebrity; his group was lovely and so complimentary about the meal. What is most rewarding about working in your industry? Encouraging and nurturing new talent is extremely important to me. It is even more critical today than ever with the current recruitment issues. I feel privileged to be able to say that some of the finest talent in the Indian scene all over the world has come out of our kitchens, not to mention our own longstanding team, many of whom have been with us for years. Last time I counted, between the head chefs, each one being homegrown, and some senior chefs,
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there are 12 of us, and we have over 220 years of experience cooking and working together.
celebrities have eaten at the restaurant.
What are your primary values as a chef?
Do you really want to know? We got more attention from those we couldn’t accommodate, for example, Mick Jagger and Will.I.Am.
Taste, presentation, and goodness are my three key values. Taste because food’s meant to be eaten and enjoyed. Presentation because we eat with our eyes first.
And the answer?
Goodness, if it’s good for you, if it’s good for the environment that is producing it, and if it’s good for the communities, then everyone’s a winner. What is the one question you wish a journalist would ask you? I wish they would ask who we couldn’t accommodate rather than ask which 108 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
WINE + SPIRITS
ICONIC ORNELLAIA
A SYNTHESIS OF WINE AND ART | BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER
O
rnellaia. The mere mention of the iconic Italian wine sends oenophile hearts aflutter. Since its first vintage in 1985, the collectible cuvée of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot has garnered award-winning recognition the world over. The Bolgheri estate is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best by Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, James Suckling, Antonio Galloni, Bruce Sanderson, and the Italian Wine Guides Gambero Rosso, Espresso, and Veronelli. Established in 1981 in a region along the Tuscan coast not traditionally known for grape cultivation, the Ornellaia estate was part of the original Super Tuscan revolution. In 2001, the 1998 Ornellaia was declared ‘Wine of the Year’ by Wine Spectator. In 2011 the German publication Der Feinschmecker awarded Ornellaia its most sought-after award, the ‘Weinlegende.’
Each distinct vintage contains varied percentages of each Bordeaux varietal. Yet, every vintage speaks of the Ornellaia terroir as a single, unified voice, and estate director Axel Heinz names each vintage in recognition of its character. For instance, 2018 was named La Grazia in tribute to the blend’s sense of proportion and symmetry. 2019 was dubbed Il Vigore for the vintage’s healthy growth of the vines, and 2020 has been titled La Proporzione (or ‘proportion’) for the vintage’s ideal transmission of the essence of each grape variety in creating a perfect, proportional relationship. The 2020 vintage was marked by contrast. Cold and rain alternated with extended hot and dry periods. After an almost perfect summer, the defining moment came with the late September drop in temperatures, which produced a wine of finesse and aromatic richness. “Ornellaia 2020 is vibrant and well-structured,” said
Ornellaia winemaker Olga Fusari. “It arcs through the palate with dense yet elegant tannins, leading into a persistent finish and lingering freshness.” Ornellaia is equally well known by wine collectors for its unique Vendemmia d’Artista program, in which the distinctive character of every vintage is celebrated artistically. Each year, starting with the release of Ornellaia 2006 in May 2009, a contemporary artist crafts a site-specific artwork and a set of limited-edition labels inspired by the vintage name. For 2020 American artist Joseph Kosuth was chosen to interpret La Proporzione. “This year,” said Heinz, “nature and man have combined to form a perfect relationship between vine and thought in the just proportions of elegance, power, and complexity.” Korsuth, one of conceptual art’s great practitioners and thinkers, was chosen to interpret this relationship. In-
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WINE + SPIRITS
terrogating its conventional techniques and definitions, it was the language of art on which Kosuth focused, aiming to present the complexity of cultural codes in visual form. He interprets the character of La Proporzione with a series of intellectually powerful works centered around the word “wine.” Kosuth’s interpretation is expressed in his label design, both for the 750 ml bottle and for larger formats, and culminates in the site-specific artwork designed for the estate itself. Some of the larger, individualized bottles will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s online auction, to be held from September 7th to 21st, 2023, before becoming valued additions to the cellars of the winning collectors. One artistic label designed by Kosuth can be found in each case of six 750ml bottles of Ornellaia 2020, La Proporzione. This label is printed with a quotation, in English, from Roman Architect Vitruvius, while the labels on the 100 Double Magnums show an etymological tree of the word wine. The 10 Imperials, no two of which are the same, have the same etymological chart etched onto the glass. Each Imperial shows a different branch of this tree highlighted in white, with Vitruvius’ quotation translated into that language or into one of its modern descendants: Albanian, Serbo-Croat, Latin, Italian, Hindi, Hebrew, Modern Greek, Irish, German, and Armenian. On the unique Salmanazar, the highlighted branch and Vitruvius’ surrounding words are in English. “I think that language is an important part of the experience of everything, and those experiences are formed in a way linguistically,” said Korsuth, who has experimented with language-based artworks since the 1960s. “The architecture of the experience through language was, of course, always in play, and I think that Vitruvius was a great source to understand a concept like proportion. Proportion is not only the balance of elements for the eye but is also a balance of all the elements that make it an entity of perfection of what it means for the world, thus also forming it as a conception.” The Vendemmia d’Artista initiative supports cultural projects, and for the last five years, proceeds from the Sotheby’s Ornellaia auction have been donated exclusively to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum’s innovative “Mind’s Eye” program, which allows blind and low vision people to access art. | Photos courtesy of Ornellaia
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R E STAU RANTS
CHEF JACKSON CLARK AND THE FARMHOUSE INN | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
J
oe and Catherine Bartolomei, owners of The Farmhouse Inn, asked Jackson Clark to be the new executive chef after a remodel in the spring of 2022. Before this time, Chef Jackson spent more than three years in the kitchen at The Farmhouse Inn with Michelin-star Executive Chef Steve Litke. Now at the helm, Chef Jackson is putting his spin on the menu and works closely with Wine Director/Sommelier Jared Hooper. The two have assembled a talented wait staff and kitchen crew, and the team works in sync to create tasty and memorable experiences. Chef Jackson has acquired his culinary finesse by working in numerous California kitchens in Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Healdsburg, and Forestville. His appreciation, knowledge, and respect for local products came from his mentors and personal experience.
A VISIT TO THE FARMHOUSE INN In the fall of 2022, I ventured to Sonoma County and booked a reservation at The Farmhouse Inn for my friend Bernadette and me. Sitting on the restaurant’s back patio before dinner, I enjoyed a fun and relaxed discussion with Chef Jackson. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE FARMHOUSE INN? I think the caliber of our people and the quality of ingredients available to us in this area is a big plus. The dining room was made slightly smaller during the remodel and now accommodates about 36 diners. With fewer diners we can be meticulous about our service and ensure everything is just right. 111 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
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The Farmhouse Inn had a Michelin-star for years up to 2019. Is there pressure for you to earn one? The restaurant had a Michelin-star for 13 or 14 years and kept it. We had to let go of many staff during Covid, and we lost the star in 2021. There is more ambition than pressure for me to earn it back. Every plate should come out with the expectation that an inspector could arrive at any time. I am familiar with the psyche of working toward perfection. A star is something to strive for but not to stress over. How have you changed the cuisine? I have put my spin on it. I am a bit more modern than the previous chef. I know the foods he served that did well, and I am trying to elevate those dishes and add my own modern twist. Can you give me an example? I am making a basil gel and basil powder for the tomato salad. It is still tomato, basil, and burrata but in different forms. How often do you change the menu? I change it seasonally, but with all the microclimates around here, I enjoy making tweaks when something comes into season. When ramps became available, I was excited to use them in a tart dish with roasted vegetables because they are only in season here for about three weeks. What is your culinary style? I am very eclectic. I love to take ingredients and create dishes with spices and seasonings from all over the world. I have used flavors
from Peru, Mexico, Morocco, California, the Caribbean, and more. How do you work on the tasting menus with your sommelier, Jared Hooper? Working with someone who knows their craft has been fun. We sit down together, discuss my thought process in designing the menu, and then taste the dishes with wines Jared is excited about that showcase the profiles he loves. Time to Dine After a lovely conversation with Chef Jackson, Bernadette and I went to the dining room for dinner. We decided to get different items and chose dishes from both tasting menus, Land and Sea and From the Garden. Something Savory from the Kitchen Every dish was flavorful, well-constructed, and artfully presented. One particular savory dish was the ricotta gnocchi and roasted Brentwood corn with Australian truffles. The gnocchi were al dente, the corn was sweet, and the shaved truffles raised the dish to another level. Wine Director/Sommelier Jared Hooper selected a delicious 2019 Pascal Clement, Meursault, Bourgogne from France to pair with this dish. The 2021 Vietti, Roero Arneis from Piemonte, Italy, complemented the Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Italian Burrata and Chef Jackson’s variations on basil. Other special tasty courses included Poached Wild King Salmon and Roasted Pork Loin, but my favorite dish was the Seared Hokkaido Scallop with Gravenstein apple and fennel salad. Our server, Akram, poured delectable white
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chocolate and caviar sauce over the perfectly seared scallop that was tender and moist inside. The tartness of the apple melded fabulously with the fennel and sweet notes in the chocolate sauce. The caviar added a touch of salt. Chef Jackson and his staff presented Bernadette and me with a scrumptious and artistically presented dinner. The dining room is chic yet comfortable, and the staff was professional yet warm and fun. Wine Director/Sommelier Jared Hooper brought entertainment to the table with his vast wine knowledge and witty personality. I expect The Farmhouse Inn will be back in line for a Michelin-star soon.
R E STAU RANTS
THE MATHESON AND ROOF 106 | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
I
first experienced Dustin Valette’s culinary expertise in September 2017 when my friend Bernadette and I dined at Valette in Healdsburg, California. I was impressed with the dinner, drinks, artistic presentation, and staff’s hospitality and warmth. Since then, I have worked with Dustin and his friends in the industry to promote restaurants and wineries in the Sonoma and Napa counties for more than five years. During all this time, Dustin and I only communicated via text and phone. When he opened his new restaurant, The Matheson, and rooftop bar, Roof 106, located in downtown Healdsburg, California, it was finally time to meet him in person. I drove down to Sonoma County, and my friend Judy and I headed to Healdsburg.
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ROOF 106 Roof 106, located above The Matheson restaurant, is reachable via staircase or elevator. The rooftop bar boasts an indoor space with a horseshoe-style bar, plenty of tables for dining inside or alfresco, and a Mugnaini wood-fired oven. Chef Brian Best, the chef at Roof 106, uses the wood-fired oven to cook incredible pizzas, delicious appetizers, and tasty small-plate options. The bartenders upstairs craft decadent cocktails using unique spirits, seasonal fruits, herbs, and flowers. The outdoor space upstairs is cozy and comfortable, with couches and firepits for a warm, relaxed vibe, tables and chairs for more traditional dining, and trees and greenery to create a garden effect. Diners enjoy a birds-eye view of Healdsburg Plaza. Roof 106 is the perfect place for a bite to eat, a drink after work, or a casual place to enjoy a great dinner. Chef Best works with Executive Chef/Owner Dustin to create an exciting seasonal menu for Roof 106. Diners can opt for a light dish of fried squash or something more substantial like a decadent pizza or
RESTAURANT
steak cooked in the wood-fired oven. There is something on the menu for everyone, and the signature cocktails constantly evolve. The staff also invests the same energy into making creative and tasty non-alcoholic beverages for those that choose not to imbibe. A COCKTAIL AT ROOF 106 Judy and I arrived early on a Saturday afternoon, so we began upstairs with a cocktail before settling into our table downstairs in The Matheson. Locals and travelers filled the tables both inside and out. I approached the bar and asked for a colorful drink. The bartender suggested the Butterfly Authority, a bright drink made of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Madeira, blackberries, and thyme. The drink was slightly sweet with a touch of herbaceousness, a fabulous start to the exceptional dinner that followed. THE MATHESON Although The Matheson and Roof 106 are Chef/Owner Dustin Valette’s newest creations, they are already notable in the culinary industry. Dustin attributes his success to his three top-notch chefs who oversee the kitchen activities at the three venues: Executive Chef Nathan Davis at Valette, Chef Brian Best at Roof 106, and Chef de Cuisine Matt Brimer at The Matheson. He also praises and thanks his Vice President of Operations, Marko Sotto. Chef Brimer collaborates closely with Chef Dustin at The Matheson, and they share the same dedication toward local ingredients. Judy and I arrived hungry and anxious to try a variety of dishes. When visiting The Matheson, I believe the tasting menu with paired wines is the best choice. Each dish bursts with flavor and is thoughtfully composed. LOVE THE SPUD The Osetra Caviar at The Matheson is a perfect example of how a talented chef can turn a simple staple into something marvelous. Shitake mushroom “xo” sauce was the bottom layer and perfectly salted, creamy Yukon gold espuma covered the sauce. Shavings of cured egg and chopped chives garnished the potato, and caviar crowned the dish, and finally, a dusting of Piment d’ Espelette, a red chili pepper powder from France. The salty caviar elevated the plate with another complementary flavor and texture, and the chili powder finished the whole dish with a touch of heat. I enjoyed this intense potato-flavored dish with a 2018 Arista “Ferrington” Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley. I love potatoes, and my daughter Brittney, a self-proclaimed foodie, loves to poke fun at me for finding such a simple ingredient so satisfying. TRY IT; YOU MIGHT LIKE IT My friend Judy is usually up for trying anything new. However, she told me at the beginning of the night that she would not try foie gras. I explained that if prepared well, it is delightful. The night we dined at The Matheson, the tasting menu featured Duck + Shrimp Shumai as one of the courses. This delectable Asian-inspired course boasted a plethora of textures and flavors, combining an excellent balance of salt, savory, soft, chewy, and crunchy. The smooth wonton-like exterior encompassed
shrimp, kimchee, and foie gras. The pouch, crowned with scallions and black sesame seeds, was topped with a delicious Asian sauce. This dish was paired fabulously with a Halleck “Calandrelli VYD” Gewurtztraminer, RRV 2021. Judy was leary, but after one bite, she was in heaven. She told me that the Shumai was her favorite dish of the evening. The dinner, drinks, atmosphere, and companionship made for a fantastic evening. About mid-way through dinner, Chef Dustin arrived tableside with Marko Sotto; this was the first time I had ever spoken to Chef Dustin in person. He was warm and friendly, like meeting an old friend. The downstairs bar serves classic cocktails and crafted cocktails derived from modern ideas. This unique back bar is built with suspended cold steel and stocks several varieties of whisky, scotch, bourbon, rye, and hard-to-find spirits. The Matheson also boasts a sake cellar with a range of styles to try. THE WINE WALL The Wine Wall encompasses the entire left wall of the restaurant’s sitting area. During my conversation with Marko Sotto, he said, “We have 88 wine selections on tap, mostly local wines from Sonoma and Napa, but we have brought in some international wines to bring in variety. All the wines on the wall are available by the taste, half glass, glass, or a carafe. We like it because we can offer different wines to our guests without having to sell them an entire bottle. You can choose and dabble.” When I asked how long the wines last on tap, Chef Dustin chimed in and said, “The system is impressive; it uses argon to pressurize the bottle and push the wine out. It is guaranteed to keep the wine fresh for three months, and on average, we go through a bottle in four days. We decided to do this because when we were putting together the restaurant, we wanted to showcase who we are, not one style, not one genre, but more importantly, the collective passions of so many people. We created a canvas for artisans. Food and wine go hand in hand. You may never hear of a particular petite winery in the region, and the wine could be out of your price range. But here, you can taste an ounce or a glass and not make much of a financial commitment to see if you like it. You can try something different and see if you love it. Some local wineries produce very small volumes, so they can only sell their wine by the bottle, but you can enjoy a splash or a glass and try them all here.” Dinner at The Matheson and Roof 106 provides a memorable evening, but if you are a local, it is a great place to become a regular. 115 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023
R E STAU RANTS
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RECIPE
F I L I P I N O P O R K B E L LY P I N T X O | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
While staying at The Sebastian Vail—a Timbers Resort in 2021, my son Garrett, daughter-in-law Victoria, and I dined at Leonora, the resort’s fine dining establishment. John Adams, Chef de Cuisine then, worked with Executive Chef Kristen York when he developed this delicious version of Filipino Pork Belly Pintxo. Chef Adams had previously opened six award-winning restaurants and was written about in Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, and New York Magazine. His style focused on ingredients and techniques that balanced fresh, bold, nuanced, and exotic flavors. INGREDIENTS
MARINATE
1 Pound Pork Belly
1 Clove Garlic - peeled
1/4 cup Scallion Greens - sliced Sesame Seeds for Garnish Skewers
METHODS •
Place all the ingredients for the marinade in a blender and blend until very smooth.
1 Teaspoon Ginger - peeled
•
1 Stalk Lemongrass - tough exterior and ends removed
Cut the pork belly into 1 ½ inch strips and use half of the marinade to marinate the pork overnight in a ziplock bag.
•
Roast the pork belly on a pan covered in foil at 300 degrees for 2-3 hours or until tender.
•
Let rest at room temperature for one hour and then chill in the refrigerator.
•
Cut the pork belly strips into ¼ inch slices. Skewer 2-3 pieces per skewer, depending on the size of the skewer you have.
•
Grill over high heat for one minute on each side, brush on a thin layer of marinade, and grill for another 30 seconds on each side or until it becomes caramelized.
•
Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions.
1/2 cup Soy or Tamari Sauce ¼ cup Tamarind Pulp 1/8 cup Lime Juice 1/8 cup Rice Vinegar 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce 1/2 cup Brown Sugar or Coconut Palm Sugar 2 tablespoons Honey 1/2 cup Banana Ketchup
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GOURMET
Oregon Truffles and The Oregon Truffle Festival
| BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
T
ruffles are among the world’s most coveted culinary delicacies. These delightful treasures are a form of mycorrhizal fungus that grows and develops underground in an interdependent relationship with tree roots; truffles are the “fruit” of these fungi. For years, only truffles discovered in Europe received glorious notoriety, but today four distinct species of native truffles from Oregon are recognized for their culinary value.
hog. Without truffle dogs, there would be no Oregon truffle industry.
The four native truffles in Oregon are the Oregon Winter White Truffle (Tuber oregonense available January - April), the Spring White Truffle (Tuber gibbosum found June - July), the Oregon Black Truffle (Leucangium carthusianum harvested October - July), and finally the Oregon Brown Truffle (Kalapuya brunnea available September - January). Along with these delicious prizes, a few European varieties have successfully been cultivated in Oregon: the Périgord Black Truffle, originally from Burgundy, France, and the “white” Bianchetto truffle, typically found in Italy. Although considered a white truffle, the Bianchetto truffles are unique in the wild and can be brown, orange, tan, black, or a variation of these colors.
The Oregon Truffle Festival, founded in 2006 by Leslie Scott and Dr. Charles Lefevre, introduced trained dogs to harvest truffles in Oregon. Dogs were essential to authenticating the value and quality surrounding Oregon’s native truffles, and now well-known chefs in Oregon feature them in their kitchens. The Truffle Festival is a series of dinners, tasting events, and a marketplace highlighting Oregon truffles’ use. The festival events support the industry by harvesting truffles, providing education, and creating a platform to promote these delicacies. I recently attended the Truffles and Bubbles Sparkling Dinner at Domaine Willamette.
People used pigs with sensitive noses to hunt truffles in the early days. However, over the years, truffle hunters found that certain dogs had just as good of a sense of smell. These hunters now use successfully trained dogs to find these little gems. Taking a truffle away from one of these pups is much easier than taking it from a 300–700-pound domestic
The use of truffle dogs was in response to the harmful raking practices which crushed and broke the truffles and destroyed the forest floor. The dogs, trained to determine which truffles are ripe and ready to harvest, can smell the ripe ones and leave the others so they can continue to develop.
The dinner comprised four courses prepared by Executive Chef DJ MacIntyre. Purposefully paired with one of Domaine Willamette’s sparkling wines or pinot noirs, each dish was artfully prepared and extremely tasty. Dinner began with a welcome pour of 2018 Méthod Traditionnelle Brut. The first course, Truffle Chawanmushi, followed the Brut. This dish consisted of a bowl of Dungeness crab
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with tamari, black fungus, beech mushroom, shio koji, and scallion topped with black truffle, arrived with a 2018 Méthod Traditionnelle Blanc De Blanc. The Chicken Oysters, with white truffle crème, baby new potatoes, trumpet mushrooms, watercress, sun-dried tomato, and artichoke, tasted fabulous with a 2017 Elton Self-Rooted Pinot Noir. Third, the Petite Filet Mignon with a truffle demi-glace paired with a 2018 Bernau Estate Pinot Noir. Finally, a 2018 Méthod Traditionnelle Brut Rosé paired with a Black Truffle-Infused Hazelnut and Chocolate Entremet finished the dinner. This dining extravaganza was a spectacular way to highlight Oregon truffles. Truffles and bubbles are an exquisite pairing, but truffles and pinot noir is a match made in heaven.
GOURMET
France. This admission does not go over well when living close to one of the world’s top pinot noir destinations, Willamette Valley, Oregon. However, I distinctly remember my first dinner at Marché & Le Bar. A group of 20 or so was sitting around a large table, and every course featured truffles. Broadley Vineyards Marché Cuvée Pinot Noir 2016 was the only wine served throughout the evening. Previously all pinot noirs I tasted were light-bodied and delicate; since I prefer big, bold reds, these wines never agreed with me. However, the Broadley pinot noir served that night was bold, rich, and layered with flavors that sang when paired with the dishes featuring the assorted truffles. It was a transformative moment for me. Even since that night, I have become a “fan” of truffles and pinot noirs. My taste buds have matured, and I now enjoy a variety of pinots and burgundy wines that range from lighter with subtle flavors to even bigger and bolder ones.
A
Pinot Noir and Truffles, a Match Made i n He a v e n | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
s the saying goes, “What grows together goes together,” and that has never been truer than the pairing of Oregon truffles and Oregon wines. Due to the arduous work of Leslie Scott and Charles Lefevre, the Oregon truffle industry is booming, and the Oregon Truffle Festival is a must-do experience. In 2018 I attended my first Oregon Truffle Festival in Eugene, Oregon, and discovered the marriage made in heaven between truffles and pinot noir. One sip and I was convinced. Prior to the events and dinners at The Oregon Truffle Festival, I was not an enthusiastic fan of pinot noir or Burgundy from
One of my favorite places to enjoy truffles is Truffes Folies Paris, owned by Chef Cyril Boccia-relli—he now owns two truffle restaurants. Truffle connoisseurs will discover a grand selection of delightful truffle dishes. During my visit, I dined on al dente tagliatelle pasta bathed in a cream sauce and then topped with black truffles, followed by a rich and creamy risotto where Chef Bocciarelli used black Périgord truffles from Australia with abandon. However, the simple baked eggs with toast points were the perfect unadulterated backdrop to highlight the freshly shaved truffles on top. Pair any and all of those
with a glass of Mercurey 1er cru Jérôme & Gaelle Meunier, and I am in heaven. Fabulous pinot noirs are all over the world. Whether you are looking for classic pinot noir fla-vors from grapes grown in cool climates, like bright red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, plum, currant, and pomegran-ate, or richer black cherry notes found in warmer climate pinots, there is something for everyone. Secondary notes are what typically pair with truffles. These notes include gravel, chalk, mushrooms, earth, spice, and light oak. Here are a few tips for pairing wines with truffles: 1) Do not overpower the truffle with the wine you select. Truffles have an enchanting aroma, although delicate. Make sure the wine highlights the truffle dish and does not overwhelm them. 2) Ensure that the wine is rich in aromas without too much body that can overpower the del-icate character of the truffles. Wines with a bit of time on them are perfect for enhancing the truffle in taste and smell. 3) Be mindful of what else is in the dish serv-ing as a backdrop for your truffles. 4) Always remember what grows together goes together The bottom line is that pinot noir and truffles have an affinity for one another. Each one boasts a delicious lingering perfume, expresses a sense of the earth and place, and is surrounded by an allure of mystery. Put them together, and you will experience a new level of culinary seduction.
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C O C KTAI LS
C O L O R F U L C O T TO N C A N D Y M A R G A R I TA S | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
INGREDIENTS 2 oz Silver Tequila 1 1/4 oz Cointreau 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice 3/4 oz Sweet and Sour Mix Kosher Salt Food coloring to match Cotton Cnady
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METHODS •
Colored Cotton Candy - roll into balls and stick one on the end of a wooden or metal toothpick or a swizzle stick
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Wet the rim of the glass with a lime
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Dip into Kosher Salt or Sugar
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Place all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake
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Pour liquid into the glass filled with ice
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Place cotton candy garnish in the glass
C O C KTAI LS
BANANAS FOSTER TODDY | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD
My Bananas Foster Toddy is warm and tasty, created with the famous dessert in mind. Try it out! You are bound to love it! INGREDIENTS 4 oz Boiling Water 2 tsp Reser’s Hot Buttered Rum Mix 3/4 oz Spiced Rum 3/4 oz Vanilla Vodka 1/4 oz Banana Liquor
METHODS •
Rub the heatproof glass with a lemon wedge and dip it in sugar
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Bring Water to a boil and blend in with hot buttered rum mix
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Pour the rum mix into the glass and add the vanilla vodka, banana liquor, and butternut schnapps
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Top with whipped cream
1/4 oz Butterscotch Schnaps 1 Lemon Wedge 1 Tbps Granulated Sugar A Pinch of Cinnamon
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WINE + SPIRITS
PATRON en LALIQUE
| BY KEVIN PILLEY
P
atron taught me the meaning of a dehydrated lime wheel and the importance of a ginger coin.
It taught me how to shave a grapefruit and when to and when not to muddle. It taught me what the art of the most artistic mint sprig looked like and how to deliver the perfect twist. But, above all, Patron Tequila— more than any other tequila—has taught me the definition of ultrapremiumization. It means you are holding the best, looking at the
best, and swallowing the best. I have been a Patron loyalist for years. My partisanship is unquestionable and unswerving. I have not been seduced by George Clooney, I have not been bowled over by The Rock, and I have never believed Michael Jordan is the real deal. I am a Patron person. I am on the “Good Boss” fanbase. I went very quiet and became tearfully emotional when I heard the rumor that Patrón Café XO might be discontinued.
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I sulked for weeks when I couldn’t get hold of a pair of limited edition, ultra-edgy Patron x John Geiger sneakers. My life has been a long, happy series of Tequila Espresso Martinis, Mile High Margaritas, Bull Riders (with Red Bull), highballs, coupes, and Collins glasses. Like many others worldwide, a day now rarely goes by without building myself a Highlands of Jalisco Old-Fashioned, a Lowland El Valle Paloma, or an extra añejo
Patron and Tonic. And raising my favored glass and garnish to celebrate all the lessons learned. Now “El Alto” has come into our lives to raise us further up into vegetal Heaven. And further our toasts to all the jimadors, tahona millers, macerators, fermenters, distillers, and bottlers of the familia Patron. A new Patron has a strange effect on agave worshippers. My skin
WINE + SPIRITS
prickles. My fingers begin to tingle and twitch. And I can feel the hairs on my drinking arm popping up. My tastebuds get goosebumps, and my palate becomes excited and noticeably aroused.
John Paul Dejoria and Martin Crowley, fell in love with tequila and devoted themselves to making the best possible. Then, it was rare for exported tequila to be made from 100% blue agave plants.
My tongue is restless and won’t leave my lips alone. My palms get clammy, my heartbeat quickens, and my hand involuntarily reaches out in search of the closest citrus zester.
Patron has been a modern cult for years. Now it has moved into the “prestige space” with the launch of Patrón El Alto and the unveiling of the Patron en Lalique Serie 3. The Bacardi-owned brand’s third collaboration with the iconic French luxury glassmaker.
The arrival of a new addition to the Patron line is the tequila lovers’ equivalent to the release of a new Glenmorangie or the latest Islay expression to the malt whisky connoisseur. The occasion releases the same amount of endorphins.
Serie 3 fetes the Blue Weber agave with the crystal decanter’s design inspired by the plant. Master distiller David Rodriguez used 14 rare extra añejo Tequilas, each aged up to eight years in French and Armagnac casks.
The original Patrón Tequila was produced by Casa 7 Leguas, one of the oldest Mexican distilleries. The company was founded in 1980 when two business entrepreneurs,
The decanter was created by Marc Larminaux, Lalique’s artistic and creative director. Each decanter is handmade and individually numbered at Lalique’s factory in
Wingen-sur-Moder, in Alsace, France. Patron previously partnered with Lalique in 2017 to launch an Art-Deco-style bottling and in 2015 with an Art Nouveau-style decanter. Limited to 299 bottles globally, Serie 3 is priced at RRP US $7,500. Luckily, Patron El Alto selling at $180, is much easier to acquire. But your feelings at the moment of opening are hard to define. You know you are in for something unique and different and to be savored as soon as you see it poured for you into a Champagne flute. The bottle is svelte and irresistible. Maestro tequilero David Rodriguez’s team “endured” more than 300 tastings to refine the blend of tequilas aged in eleven kinds of hybrid barrels. That means El Alto is technically a
relatively young reposado tequila, even though most of the mix is extra añejo, aged more than three years. Patron El Alto is a blended luxury tequila that raises the art of tequila-making to new, rarefied, and refined heights. Sweet, figgy fruity, and floral, it aspires to be breathtakingly smooth and of high terroir. The go-to-high altitude, top-end tequila. The highest of highs. One inhalation, and you are in Atotonilco El Alto. Or the El Nacimiento. One sip and you can hear the axes cutting the giant agave “corazon” hearts and the volcano stone millstones grinding. Trained Patron noses can smell the brick ovens and copper stills going about their age-old business. You will taste the oak and vanilla, the tradition and innovation; Patron will make you swoon.
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BOOK REVIEW
Our Favorite Reads for Spring | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS
Ever wanted to photograph leopard, lion, rhino, buffalo and elephant? Look no further than Safari Secrets – The Big Five. It is an informative book for any amateur or professional photographer compiled by Gerald Hinde and Will Taylor on how to improve your wildlife photography. Published by HPH Publishing, this beautiful book is packed with genius tips that include finding the Big Five and capturing them on camera. The book’s cover is a brilliant work of art, shot in low light circumstances by wildlife photographer Gerald Hinde. Author and experienced game ranger Will Taylor tells the story of the wonderful photography, putting text to pictures and making Safari Secrets – The Big Five a collector’s item. Available from www.hphpublishing.com
An inspiring collection of the extraordinary private spaces of 250 of the world’s most creative people, past and present, Life Meets Art by Phaidon presents an unparalleled, global, behind-the-scenes tour through these beautiful interiors of Frank Lloyd Wright, Pablo Picasso, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Marc Jacobs and David Bowie to name a few. Showing readers where the greatest creatives in history lived their lives, honed their crafts and, in many cases, produced some celebrated masterpieces – providing an intimate and insightful perspective on the masters that define artistic history, Life Meets Art is the perfect addition for aficionados of interior books. Available from Phaidon
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Hamptons Modern by New-York based critic David Sokol and published by Monacelli takes readers on a visual journey through the affluently beloved East End of Long Island with seaside living at its best. The author has masterfully compiled a showcase of the latest architectural experiments in New York’s renowned summer haven. The eighteen residences featured in Hamptons Modern portray modernism as well as the increasingly favored elements of contemporary design. Interfaced with the seaside landscape, these houses reference the Hampton’s rich design history and sensitively highlight Long Island’s glorious natural beauty. Available from Monacelli Press
