LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
IN CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY, THIS ISSUE HAS A LITTLE EXTRA FOR THE MEN.
For starters, turn to page 34 and read our member profile on Noor Kiswani. He is a Bellevue-born barber who started cutting hair at age 15. Since, he’s manicured men’s looks all over the world, and he recently came back home to open up a shop right around the corner. Not only does he share his story about building a business during the pandemic, but also he gives dozens of tips and tricks for all the guys out there who want to look their best. For advice on everything from haircut trends to better beard care, check it out.
Also, for all the dads (or other grilling enthusiasts) who like to impress family and friends with a well-cooked piece of meat, check out the dining feature on page 28. Our executive chef curated five summer sauce recipes from different countries that pair perfectly with a good cut of beef. The recipes also might be nice to test after a relaxing day of private lessons or club fittings in our new golf simulator. Turn to page 12 to read all about our exciting new club offering!
Enjoy and be well,
Lauren Hunsberger, EditorREFLECTIONS
MAGAZINE
VOLUME 36 ISSUE 11
creative director Bonnie Tankovich
425.688.3194
editor
Lauren Hunsberger
425.688.3162
designer Yasmeen Nayfeh
425.688.3163
junior designer Ashley Edmison 425.688.3161
advertising
Debbie Brickman
425.488.3211
To receive a media kit, please call 425.445.6800 or visit bcreflections.com.
BELLEVUE CLUB president S. W. Thurston club manager Connor Eden athletic services
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BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS (ISSN 1096-8105) is published bi-monthly by the Bellevue Club, 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004. Copyright 2019 by Bellevue Club. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without express written permission is prohibited. Publication number 715390. Periodicals postage paid @ Bellevue, WA, and additional offices.
Editorial, Advertising and Circulation
Office: P.O. Box 90020, Bellevue, WA 98009 (mailing address); 11200 S.E. 6th, Bellevue, WA 98004 (street address); telephone 425.455.1616. Produced by Vernon Publications, LLC, P.O. Box 970, Woodinville, WA 98072-0970. POSTMASTER send address changes to BELLEVUE CLUB REFLECTIONS, 11200 S.E. Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004.
BELLEVUE CLUB BUTCHER & WINE SHOP
We are excited to bring you individual and whole roast options of premium local beef, pork, and chicken customizable for your family’s needs. Select wines are also available. Orders open on the first of the month. Visit members.bellevueclub.com for closing and pickup dates.
FAMILY GYM NIGHT
First Friday of the month, through June 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Basketball Gym Meet in the gym for bouncy house fun. All children must be accompanied by at least one supervising adult.
VITAMIN B SHOTS
Join Voda Health on the third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. outside Studio 1 for vitamin B & nutrient shots.
The spring sales season is in full effect, and the local market has proven to be dynamic! Despite local headlines, many buyers are feeling refreshed and ready to find a new place to call home, bringing multiple offers for many of our sellers. This season, we’re celebrating sunshine with destinations that exude pure bliss. The Sotheby’s International Realty® network allows us to open the door in any location, with access to coveted enclaves around the globe.
As long-time Bellevue Club members and global real estate advisors, Bellevue is our backyard, but the world is our playground. We’d love to connect to discuss your real estate goals, explore real estate opportunities globally or locally, or simply catch up over a glass of bubbles.
Expertise that’s wherever you are and wherever you want to be. We’re
experts with global reach that will help you on your real estate journey— no matter where it takes you.
NEWSFEED
BC KARATE COMPETITORS
Congratulations to all our competitors in the Steve Armstrong Memorial Open, which was held at Bonney Lake. Fantastic job from Joanna Wilson (first place in her division), Josh Hobbs and Carson Millen, who entered forms and weapons and were medal winners.
AN INTELLIGENT GOLF EXPERIENCE
Introducing golf simulation and coaching at the club
Our brand-new Golf Studio will open soon! The cutting-edge space features an aboutGolf simulator, which provides the most accurate and immersive off-the-course experience. Plus, we have an expert on staff to help you take your golf game to the next level. Here are three ways you can play:
2. Schedule a club fitting for a new set of TaylorMade clubs.
For more information, visit members.bellevueclub.com.
BELLEVUE [ SUPPER ] CLUB
We created an event series for guests who want something a little over the top! Centered around ingredients that are wild, indulgent, foraged, luxurious, and sometimes extremely rare, our chefs will craft each menu with an extraordinary experience in mind. Test your culinary prowess. How many of the ingredients below have you heard of?
FENNEL POLLEN
With hints of licorice, like fennel seeds and stalks, the pollen of this plant is known for being even a little more complex in flavor.
LOVAGE
In the same family as flatleaf parsley, lovage is a Europeangrown herb that is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes and tastes similar to celery.
FOIE GRAS TORCHON
Torchon means “dish towel” and it’s used to identify the method for preparing the foie gras. Often cheesecloth is used to create the signature round shape.
DUNGENESS CRAB FLAN
This dish turns the traditional custard dessert into a savory course that highlights the buttery taste of crab.
You can find ingredients like these and much more at our monthly Supper Club dinners. Each dinner will feature perfectly paired wines from a different winery. Plus, we partnered with Seattle Culinary Academy to help educate and support local student chefs.
Space is limited. Register at members.bellevueclub.com
20 23
LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH
DINING
NEWS + NOTES
MARIACHI + MARGS: CINCO DE MAYO AT THE CLUB
Friday, May 5, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Splash patio
Get ready to celebrate with lively, traditional music by Mariachi Ayutla, drink specials and authentic small plates of fresh fare. Enjoy achiote chicken street tacos, tostadas, elote and more. Wash it down with beer and margaritas while you dance the afternoon away!
MOM’S NIGHT OUT
Thursday, May 11, 6-8 p.m., Polaris
Grab a fellow mom (or two) who needs a little pampering, and join us for tarot card readings, temporary henna tattoos, mini-spa hand treatments, raffle prizes, light bites and wine. Take a break and allow us to do all the work!
$40/member
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
Sunday, May 14, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Polaris
Dote on the mothers and grandmothers in your life with a beautiful brunch together! Adults and children will enjoy a customized seasonal buffet in Polaris. $75/member | $35/3-12 years old | 3 and under free
FATHER’S DAY BEEF AND WHISKEY
Friday, June 16, 6-8 p.m., Polaris
In celebration of fatherhood, we will be throwing a fete highlighting the scrumptiousness of the bovine. The various cuts of meat will be washed down with some of the finest American whiskeys available on the market, and a few which aren’t.
reservations at members.bellevueclub.com
The Bellevue Club culinary team is busy as can be this spring. Save the date for these upcoming social and dining shindigs.
Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that dates back more than 3,000 years. Those who use the technique say it gives them shiny skin, better circulation and much more. Read more, then give it a try!
WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?
Dry brushing is the practice of using a thickly bristled natural brush to groom the skin on your entire body.
WHEN DO YOU PRACTICE DRY BRUSHING?
It’s best to perform dry brushing right before a shower or bath, with completely dry skin.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
It is thought to exfoliate and smooth the skin, plus increase circulation, detoxify and encourage lymphatic drainage.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU PRACTICE DRY BRUSHING?
It depends on the sensitivity of your skin, but generally no more than once or twice a week.
ANY TIPS OR TRICKS?
Begin brushing your body from the feet and move upward, using small circular motions. And avoid your face since it’s more sensitive than the rest of the body.
This year our Pilates studio got an upgrade! With the latest reformers, Cadillacs and accessories, there’s never been a better time to give it a try. Here’s a little cheat sheet if you’re new to the method.
perks
LOW-IMPACT STRENGTH
Unlike other resistance training methods, Pilates is extremely easy on the joints but still builds significant strength.
FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY
Many of the movements performed in Pilates incorporate stretching and increase range of motion.
INCREASED STABILITY
The strong focus on core and back creates a centered, stable foundation for other activities and everyday life.
tools
REFORMER
The Reformer is the most well-known piece of equipment in a Pilates studio class. It is made up of a sliding carriage (a bed-like cushion) and set of springs to increase or decrease the challenge.
CADILLAC
The Pilates Cadillac Reformer includes bars overhead for specialty movements. These are also called Trapeze Tables because practitioners can perform exercises suspended in the air.
CHAIR
The smallest piece of equipment, the Pilates Chair, is still incredibly effective for building a strong core and building balance.
More Pilates Options Coming Soon!
In addition to our private and semi-private sessions, we are excited to offer drop-in Pilates group classes starting this summer. Classes will have up to six participants, allowing for maximum instruction.
For more information and to register, please visit members.bellevueclub.com.
He also used it as a form of rehabilitation for soldiers returning from World War II.
It was originally called “contrology” because it focuses on deep control of muscle groups.
There are six core principles of Pilates: concentration, centering, control, precision, breath and flow.
According to IBISWorld, in 2023 there are approximately 48,547 Pilates studios in the United States.
California has the most Pilates studios at 6,561.
It sounds a bit too good to be true—one small, handheld device that promises skin tightening, muscle toning and instant lifting on the face and neck. But the results of this cutting-edge technology speak for themselves. Handpicked by the aestheticians at The Spa, the whole line of NuFACE devices are enjoying a moment in the spotlight. Here’s why.
(APP)EARANCE
To help track results, a NuFACE app compares before and after photos. You can visually see the difference in your face and neck as you use the device day after day, so you know you’re getting the results you want!
MICROCURRENT TECHNOLOGY
All the NuFACE devices use microcurrent technology to do their magic. What exactly does that mean? “Microcurrent is a lowlevel electrical current that sends gentle waves through the skin down to the facial muscles to mimic and re-energize the body’s natural current,” according to the NuFACE website. While this sounds intense, the treatment causes virtually little to no sensation for the user.
The list of results is long as the devices work to “stimulate the recovery of damaged tissues, re-educate the muscles, improve muscle tone and contour in the face and neck, temporarily improve local circulation, aid in lymphatic drainage, enhance product penetration, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and firm and tighten the skin.” It’s powerful stuff!
While it might sound like something from the future, microcurrent technology has actually been around since the 1970s “with the introduction of the TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine and was approved by the FDA as a nerve stimulator for pain relief, wound healing and the treatment of Bell’s palsy—a condition that causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the face.”
This means it’s been used, studied and perfected for decades in many different industries, so there is no risk.
HOW TO GET A NUFACE
NuFACE is a skin-care company that realized the potential of this technology for the beauty and self-care sphere and crafted a line of devices that can be used in combination with other treatments in spa settings as well as at home for regular maintenance. The easy-to-use devices are compact and convenient, and you can purchase a variety of attachments and accessories that specialize in sensitive areas of the face such as the eyes and lips.
The Spa at the Bellevue Club currently features NuFACE devices in a variety of treatments. Enjoy it as an add-on for your next facial. If you like the results, you can also purchase a device to take home.
Try These Sauces
written by lauren hunsbergerBellevue Club executive chef Danny Gilmore took inspiration from around the world and came up with a library of ideas to keep on hand for the next time you are serving any cut of beef, from a fillet to rib eye. They are all easy enough to enhance a quick weekday meal but also delicious enough to feature at your next dinner party. Try one (or create a flight of sauces) on any given night.
CHIMICHURRI (Argentina)
1 teaspoon garlic
1 tablespoon shallot
1 cup cilantro (stems are OK)
½ cup parsley
¼ cup mint
¼ cup red wine vinegar
¾ cup olive oil
2 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
In a food processor, chop all the ingredients together.
SAUCE VERTE (France)
2 anchovies
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed
1½ cup parsley, loosely packed
¾ cup mint, loosely packed
¼ cup tarragon, loosely packed
¼ cup chives
2 tablespoons shallots
1 teaspoon garlic
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon, juice and zest
¼ cup olive oil
In a food processor, chop all the ingredients, except the olive oil. Scrape the bowl and chop once more. Fold in the oil.
AJI VERDE (Peru)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 cups cilantro (stems are OK)
1 teaspoon garlic
5 green onions, coarsely chopped
¼ cup mint
1 tablespoon jalapeños, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
Puree all the ingredients in a blender.
SAUCE
(France)
VIERGE
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
¼ cup chopped olives
(Niçoise, Cerignola)
2 anchovy fillets, chopped finely
½ teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon parsley, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon chives, sliced
1 teaspoon basil, chopped
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Serve at room temperature.
Global Recognition and Local Expertise
We provide a superlative, fresh approach to luxury real estate service, creating a bespoke client experience at every stage of the home buying and selling process.
SIMPLE STEAK SAUCE (America)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
½ teaspoon salt
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients. Serve chilled.
Learn the basics of preparing beef
Master the art of selecting, cooking and enjoying various types of beef. Don’t know the difference between grass-fed and aged beef or prime rib and rib eye? Let our chefs educate and demonstrate so you can prepare what you like with confidence. Beer and wine will be served, and guests will get to taste a variety of cuts.
May 20, 1–2:30 p.m.
ADVICE FROM A MASTER IN MEN’S ESTHETICS
Member Noor Kiswani is a Bellevue-born barber who started cutting hair at 15 years old under the tutelage of his dad. Since then, he’s manicured men’s looks around the world, from Australia to the Middle East to Switzerland and beyond. He estimates he’s done over a million cuts in that time span and brought all his expertise and experience to Uppercuts Barbershop, the shop he opened in heart of the COVID pandemic. Here’s his story.
REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE: Where did the name Uppercuts come from?
NOOR KISWANI: When you uppercut something it’s all about strength; it’s the finest part of boxing. I was boxing a lot when I came up with the concept, and I wanted to be the uppercut of all barbershops in Bellevue.
RM: When did you learn to cut hair?
NK: My parents are from Jerusalem and moved to Bellevue, and my dad was a barber. They wanted us to get an education but also wanted us to have a skill in life that we could fall back on. I started cutting hair at 15. This proved great advice during COVID.
RM: What sets you apart as a barber?
NK : The difference is a lot of people don’t know how to mix scissors and the machines together. I have a different style and use the best tools.
RM : What does the future of Uppercuts look like?
NK : The main goal is to keep up the quality at this shop, and possibly expand with more chairs. But I found a technique to teach people how to cut hair—fades, taper fades and skin fades. One day, I hope to open a school to train people on the proper way to cut hair.
Top Three Men’s Hair Trends
WHAT NOOR RECOMMENDS
1. “I’m really loving the new extreme curly hair on top with a nice low taper and scissor work for texture. I like to implement the fade on the sides; it’s important to have both, to mix two different styles into one.”
2. “The beard game is still huge. We specialize in fades and a straight razor on beards. We can make anything happen with any type of beard, as long as there is a little bit of hair.”
3. “A natural approach to hair loss, which is one of our biggest requests. I try to avoid chemicals because they can be really bad for you. Oftentimes, the minute you stop it all falls out. We want to make sure our customers aren’t taking something that affects them in a negative way, and there are many natural things you can do.”
Here for
For the last 123 years, Ewing and Clark has left an unmatched legacy of real estate service throughout our region, and we are proud that this legacy is extending to yet another generation.
Our history and track record in the region is without compare, and we are grateful for the opportunity of serving our countless customers, their children, and their grandchildren over the years.
Real estate ownership is a very important investment, and one’s home plays such a significant role in our lives. We would be honored and pleased to represent you with any of your real estate needs, and will offer you uncompromising professionalism and thorough service.
RM: How did you get to cut hair all over the world?
NK: I went to Bellevue High, and after, my parents sent me to the Middle East to learn Arabic. Then I got a scholarship to study international relations in France, and I went to Australia to get my master’s in communications management. Because I had the [haircutting] skill, I could work wherever I went and learned all different kinds of ways.
RM: How did you decide to open a shop during COVID?
NK: It was a tough period, and I really wanted to do something to support our family and Bellevue. I wanted to put my skills back into the community. The first three to six months were difficult, but I started doing videos on Instagram and people started seeing the work, seeing what we are capable of.
WHAT NOOR HOPES WILL DISAPPEAR
1. “The biggest mistake I see is when men buzz their hair all the way to refresh. I always recommend buzzing the sides, but just taking down the top. If you buzz the whole thing, the front line will never grow out the same.
2. “I think the mohawk is dying, which I’m happy about. Honestly, it’s not a great-looking haircut for anyone. It’s just trendy.
3. “Not investing in your appearance. Self-care is so important. I learned from my dad that there are two things you shouldn’t be cheap about: your food and your image.”
Make an appointment with Noor at Uppercuts Barbershop in Bellevue. For more information, visit uppercutsbellevue.com.
At your Service
WE LOVE BEING AT YOUR SERVICE FOR YOUR PRACTICAL NEEDS!
Whether its revitalizing a treasured family heirloom, producing a custom setting for a special gem or creating an entirely new piece that is unique to you- You dream it, we design it.
Selected for their professionalism and expertise, our client services team is at your disposal to advise you on servicing your timepiece.
Our expert team is here to advise you on your jewelry repair.
Watches are fantas tic employee incentive gifts. Some of our brands can even have your logo or a special commemoration engraved on the back.
In addition to the most beautiful selection of jewelry and timepieces that we carry in our showroom, we offer an array of special services. Our customer service team is ready to assist you by phone or in person. We look forward to talking soon.
Goldfarbfinding peace in Peru
A stunning combination of mountains, city, jungle, history and adventure, Peru has everything you need for the perfect combination of wellness and thrill-seeking.
TOUCH DOWN IN CUSCO
The best base camp for a Peruvian adventure is Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire more than 600 years ago. There are few direct flights into Cusco, so you will likely have to fly to Lima first, but the layover is well worth it. As you eventually fly directly through the craggy, lush peaks of the Andes Mountains, you will get a bird’s-eye view of all the potential for grand experiences that await you.
But beware: the most important thing to know about Cusco, and many of the most popular destinations in Peru, is that it sits at 10,800 feet above sea level, which is no joke. You will want to spend a few days acclimatizing in the city before venturing out farther into the mountains, and come prepared with healing aids if you know you are prone to altitude sickness. Locals suggest chewing coca leaves (which you can purchase virtually everywhere in town) and sipping coca or muña tea to help ease upset stomachs and soothe headaches.
BOOK A ROOM AT INKATERRA LA CASONA
Inkaterra La Casona is the premier place to stay in Cusco, as the city’s first five-star boutique hotel. It’s located in the beautiful Plaza de las Nazarenas, surrounded by vibrant eateries, shops and historic places to visit. The service here is top-notch, and the staff greets guests with tummy-soothing tea and a traditional Incan gift. But it’s the history of this stunning hotel that really impresses.
“This sixteenth-century manor house stands on the training grounds for an elite army of Incas, and had Spanish conquistador Diego de Almagro and Libertador Simón Bolívar among its illustrious guests,” according to the website.
There are only 11 suites on the property, and each one is perfectly appointed with a mix of traditional details and artwork while offering all the modern amenities, including floor-to-ceiling marble showers, Wi-Fi and luxurious bedding.
Led by a shaman, the ceremony involves making an offering of small amounts of native Andean cereals, grains and fruits, together with coca leaves
REFRESH AND RESTORE ON THE PROPERTY
Set in a stunning dining room with glass doors that face ancient art and lush Peruvian vegetation, the in-house restaurant on Inkaterra La Casona’s property is a must. “The food is fresh, natural and nutritious; our chefs incorporate local ingredients to give travelers a portal to explore and discover the Indigenous culinary secrets.” Their menu rotates based on the season, so ask your server what the chef recommends. The restaurant can also pack lunch boxes for any of your one-day excursions.
For something truly special, ask about their signature services including secret tea time on the roof of a nearby cathedral, sunset cocktail or even a Pay the Earth Ceremony Pachamama. “Led by a shaman, the ceremony involves making an offering of small amounts of native Andean cereals, grains and fruits, together with coca leaves.” It’s a taste of the mystical tradition of the Indigenous people.
Lastly, be sure to relax in the Yacu Spa Therapy Room. “All of our spa products are 100 percent natural, derived from local botanical extracts for a pleasing, spiritual and soothing experience.” The spa offers a variety of massages, foot therapy, reflexology and oxygen therapy.
For more information, please visit inkaterra.com.
HEAD OUT ON AN EXCURSION
The options for day trips and beyond are virtually endless when it comes to sightseeing from Cusco. From hiking and horseback riding to visiting ancient ruins, there’s something available for everyone.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN (VINICUNCA)
One spot that lands on almost every must-see adventure travel list is Rainbow Mountain, and for good reason— its striated, vibrantly colored layers make it one of the coolest natural features on the planet. But you will have to work a little to see it. The trailhead is located roughly two and half hours from Cusco, and you can take a private taxi or hop on a bus with one of multiple tour companies around. Either way, you will drive through remote villages, which gives you a chance to see the Peruvian countryside. Once you arrive, you have two options: hike up the 3.5-mile trail or rent a horse. Horses can help those who are having trouble with altitude (as the mountain peaks at 15,600 feet), but they can’t go all the way. The steep parts at the top are all up to you. Those who make it are rewarded with unbelievable views, a chance for a passport stamp and treats from locals who set up shop for travelers.
MACHU PICCHU—ONE OF THE NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD
Machu Picchu, the abandoned Incan settlement that rests on a mountain ridgeline, is the most famed destination in Peru, and its mystery and beauty are guaranteed to leave you in complete awe. The official website calls it “a masterpiece of art, architecture, and engineering in perfect harmony with nature and it’s the most well-known legacy of the Inca civilization,” and that’s putting it mildly. There are two approaches you can take to visit. The first is a five-day backpacking trek called the Inca Trail. It’s a major undertaking, but a perfect challenge for the most adventurous travelers. The other way is to travel from Cusco to the small riverside town of Machu Picchu by car and then take a 20-minute bus up the side of the mountain. It makes seeing the ancient citadel a shorter trip. Stay a night in the city and enjoy fresh local fare and the bustling marketplace.
Congratulations to all the participants of this year’s event! Below is a round-up of all the champions and finalists.
REFLECTIONS
Our first retro tennis tournament was a huge hit! Players came out dressed in style and had a blast with the theme.
BETTER BEARD CARE
THETAKEAWAY
Beards can be beautiful but tough to manage. They catch bacteria, food, dirt and everything else. Plus, the skin underneath is often neglected and can get dry, itchy and irritated. Plenty of products are available to assist with maintaining your facial mane, but sometimes a little oil is all you need. If you have sensitive skin, or are just looking to simplify your routine, try one of these approaches:
1.
2.
This oil is extremely hydrating and will moisturize dry, itchy skin immediately.
SWEET
Known to combat ingrown hairs, this oil can be added in small amounts to the beard directly after shaving or trimming.
3.
Touted for its antibacterial properties, this oil can be added in small amounts to the face to keep things clean.
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