2024 Spring / Summer

to the Harwood District’s law firms and business associates and draws inspiration from themes

NDA BRASSERIE

NDA Brasserie, Harwood Hospitality Group’s 20th concept, is now officially open.

Nestled at the base of Harwood’s newest tower, Harwood No. 14, NDA Brasserie pays tribute to the Harwood District’s law firms and business associates and draws inspiration from themes of confidentiality and exclusivity, creating the ideal location for a business lunch, breakfast meeting, or to celebrate the closing of a deal. The menu features a perfect blend of American classics with a Southern twist served in generous

portions with seasonal ingredients. Some of the menu highlights include:

• Sweet potato hash bowl made with two eggs your way, kale, turkey sausage, avocado crema, and pico de gallo

• Breakfast sandwich on your choice of a bagel, croissant, or buttermilk biscuit with your choice of scrambled eggs, ham, bacon, sausage, or crispy chicken, plus white cheddar and hash browns

• Tres leches French toast made with brioche, vanilla cream, coconut and strawberries

• Hanger steak frites made with Harwood’s exclusive Texas wagyu from the HWD Beef program, bearnaise, frites and frisée salad

• Blackened shrimp po’ boy served on a French roll with remoulade, romaine and tomato

• Ahi tuna nachos made with crisp wontons, avocado, spicy aioli, and serranos

• Broken rice with quinoa, snap peas, avocado, shaved broccoli, carrot, toasted sesame and spicy aioli

NDA Brasserie pays tribute

Photo by Chase Hall.

"We are excited to introduce NDA Brasserie's menu to the Dallas community, showcasing our passion for culinary innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences," said Taylor Kearney, VP of Culinary for Harwood Hospitality. "The menu celebrates the rich, soulful flavors of the South, presented in an approachable yet refined way. We take immense pride in crafting menus for our new concepts and are thrilled to bring a new culinary experience to the vibrant Harwood District."

The breakfast and lunch menus are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During evening hours, the space will be available for private events. For more information, and to inquire about private parties, please visit NDADallas.com.

The restaurant’s ambiance and sleek decor pays homage to the legal world with rich leathers reminiscent of briefcases and gold accents exuding a masculine charm, creating a setting that is both relaxed and refined. Photo by Chase Hall.

Clockwise from top: Tres Leches French Toast; Redfish; Cinnamon Roll; Blackened Shrimp Po Boy at NDA Brasserie. Photos by Chase Hall.

DOCENT STEAK & LOUNGE

Hanger steak frites and The Club at NDA Brasserie. Photo by Chase Hall.

Breakfast Sandwich at NDA Brasserie. Photo by Chase Hall.

Harwood Hospitality's next concept to open this summer is an upscale Japanese-inspired steakhouse, Docent Steak & Lounge. Located inside Harwood No. 14, Docent will be an unforgettable culinary and drink experience, featuring exceptional steak and wine programs. It will showcase the mastery of Harwood steaks while immersing guests in the rich heritage of the Samurai Collection.

Rendering of Docent's first floor lounge

OPENING SUMMER 2024

HARWOOD NO. 14 OPENING

Harwood International hosted its third talk with Kengo Kuma and Balazs Bognar of Kengo Kuma & Associates in tandem with the opening of Harwood No. 14. We were also joined in conversation by Christine Perez, Editor of D CEO, Oliver Barbier-Mueller, President, Harwood International, and Kelly Whaley, Director of Leasing, Harwood International. The panel was moderated by Michael Friebele, Associate Principal at Perkins Eastman and contributor to D Magazine, Texas Architect, and the Architects Newspaper.

This panel served as a snapshot of the present moment, delving into topics ranging from the evolving nature of the workplace to the significance of hospitality as a conduit for experience and innovation. It centered on a significant milestone achieved within the district, the opening of Harwood No. 14. Across all discussions, the pivotal role of design in driving the success of the Harwood District has been prominently featured and above all, the concept of legacy remained a constant theme.

Harwood International hosted its third talk with Kengo Kuma and Balazs Bognar of Kengo Kuma & Associates. From left to right: Balazs Bognar, Kengo Kuma, Oliver Barbier-Mueller, Christine Perez, Kelly Whaley, Michael Friebele.

Harwood No. 14 ribbon cutting. From left to right: Larry Rooney, Richard Fijolek, Oliver Barbier-Mueller, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, Alexis Barbier-Mueller, Taylor Wilson, Kengo Kuma, Matt Mooney. Photo by Kathy Tran.

Harwood No. 14's distinctive finned curtain wall façade adds a unique texture to the evolving skyline of the city.

HARWOOD ANNOUNCES LATEST DEVELOPMENT, HARWOOD NO. 15

Harwood No. 15 will encompass 340,000+ RSF, with 23 stories, and a 20,000 square foot rooftop park, and new restaurant expanding upon Harwood International’s trophy office portfolio and renowned hospitality group.

Global real estate firm Harwood International has announced a new Class AA development, Harwood No. 15, in the 19-city block luxury lifestyle neighborhood, Harwood District. Harwood No. 15 will stand 23 floors tall with 340,000+ rentable square feet paired with unmatched modern amenities. The tower will be located just steps from the Katy Trail and Harwood’s La Rue Perdue.

Harwood No. 15 will deliver a striking amenity-rich Class AA office building featuring spa-like amenities, including saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunge, as well as a technology-forward conferencing center, fitness center with deluxe locker rooms, an expansive 20,000 SF rooftop park, and a dynamic restaurant to expand upon Harwood Hospitality Group’s growing portfolio of popular dining destinations.

Harwood International will retain the talented development ensemble as its latest successful endeavor, Harwood No. 14 – world-renowned architects Kengo Kuma & Associates, Corgan, and Harwood International's in-house design firm HDF and construction management firm HCMS.

“Kengo Kuma & Associates, Corgan, and Harwood’s in-house teams have worked incredibly well together to bring our latest development Harwood No. 14 to life,” said Harwood International president, Oliver BarbierMueller. “We are keeping the band together to bring the same success to our next project, Harwood No. 15.”

Harwood International has built a reputation for collaborating with globally acclaimed architects to infuse Dallas with authentic international design. The upcoming Harwood No. 15 will mark Kengo Kuma & Associate’s fourth project within the Harwood District.

"Our friendship with Harwood International has yielded a range of taller buildings that have steered us toward unexpected directions,” said Kuma. “Each project is an effort to explore the typology using consistent horizontal or vertical motifs, looking for newness in the details, and a meaningful relationship to the surrounding city.”

The design of the new No. 15 tower is carefully crafted to harmonize with the existing architecture of its surroundings, aligning with the aesthetic vision of the entire Harwood District. Emphasizing the commitment to enhancing the street-level experience, the tower incorporates groundlevel beautification with wide sidewalks and pocket parks, furthering the approach taken by the neighboring buildings within the District.

“The integration of hospitality-driven amenities is key for collaboration, talent attraction, and talent retention,” said Kelly Whaley, director of leasing, Harwood International. “Harwood has designed Harwood No. 15 to deliver an efficient office building with a hospitality twist. We’re taking the design elements and operational efficiencies from our recently delivered Hôtel Swexan and incorporating those features into an office building.”

The Harwood District and Harwood Hospitality have taken a different approach to create their own beautifully developed beef program properly named, HWD –Harwood Premium Beef, using the whole animal for zero waste.

Offering Dallas diners and visitors alike something very special, the Barbier-Mueller family and Harwood culinary team led by Vice President of Culinary, Chef Taylor Kearney, have been working alongside a local rancher for two years to develop an ultra-high-end product of Akaushi bloodline breed of cattle.

The special line of beef is only available in the Harwood District restaurants and Hôtel Swexan. Harwood Premium Beef is the culmination of seeing it through, from ranch to the restaurant. The cattle are gently raised in Texas and Oklahoma.

Harwood uses the entire animal from taking hides and turning them into leather and rugs, bones are used to make stocks, sauces, and even dog treats.

Kearney says, “We make a lot of different things in the kitchen from the tallow such as our own cooking and infused oils. We cook with this whenever possible, trying to replace ultra-processed oils. We are then taking that tallow and using Texas beeswax to make our own candles to be sold in our European-inspired market, Fig and Favor.”

Waste is not an option for Kearney and his team. His passion for this project takes on a whole new meaning of commitment to quality. The program is in high demand and goes through about 2,000 lbs/week district-wide.

Each restaurant uses different cuts of meat in the District. Kearney also explains, “If we are not using the cuts in the restaurants, we use the meat for our burgers throughout all of our restaurants which delivers yet again a premium product, unlike any other on the market.”

Dishes featuring the Harwood Premium Beef “HWD” are available at Harwood District restaurants including Dolce Riviera, Elephant East, Happiest Hour, Harwood Arms, Isabelle’s, Mercat Bistro, Poco Fiasco, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, Stillwell’s Steakhouse, Te Deseo, and Tequila Social.

BEEF

Dolce Riviera

HWD wagyu, lemon oil, arugula, crispy artichoke, parmesan, cured egg yolk

VMFA PRESENTS MASTERPIECES FROM THE SAMURAI COLLECTION

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) will present Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller — a spectacular exhibition featuring one of the world’s largest collections of stunning Japanese samurai armor — from April 20 to August 4, 2024. Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel BarbierMueller will offer visitors a rare personal encounter with samurai artistry and tradition spanning more than 700 years of Japanese history.

At VMFA, Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller will showcase more than 140 examples of attire and objects, including 17 full suits of armor, weapons and equestrian equipment, and around 50 helmets and masks, all made between the 14th and 19th centuries.

“This is a rare chance to see these remarkable works of sheer artistic excellence that reflect samurai culture and legacy. Every object is unique and bears the maker’s exceptional skills, discipline, reverence for tradition and profound sense of honor. I encourage all to experience this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges.

Tōsei

Armor, Muromachi period, ca. 1400 (helmet bowl), mid-Edo period, 18th century

Myōchin Yoshimichi (helmet bowl), Myōchin Munenori (armor), iron, shakudō, lacing, silver, wood, gold, brocade, fur, bronze, brass, leather. © The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Dallas.

Samurai, whose name means those who serve, were the highly respected Japanese military elites who rose to power in the 12th century. Samurai emulated Japanese courtiers, adopted aspects of Buddhism and Confucianism, conceived their own distinct culture and practiced a code of conduct called bushido. Since A.D. 1185, when the shogun, or military general, established the first Japanese military government, the samurai class continued to dominate the country’s politics and society until A.D. 1868, when imperial rule was restored.

“To see many suits of samurai armor in one place is an impactful experience,” said VMFA’s Curator of East Asian Art, Li Jian. “Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller is one of the most important and extensive collections of its kind outside Japan, and VMFA is delighted to share these amazing works of masterful creativity and technique with Virginians.”

Visit the latest exhibition Iron Men: The Artistry of Iron in Samurai Armor in our Harwood District. Book your complimentary tickets at samuraicollection.org.

Nimaitachidō

Gusoku

(armor); Attributed:

Photo: Brad Flowers

HARWOOD WINE CLUB

Curated by our Harwood District Sommeliers

Join Harwood’s exclusive wine club and discover a world of exceptional wines. As a member, you’ll receive a hand-selected assortment of premium wines from around the globe to enjoy every month and 10% off all wine purchases from Fig & Favor. Harwood District’s sommelier team carefully curates each package selecting only the finest wines from top producers and emerging winemakers. Whether you prefer reds, whites or both, we have something for every palate. Join our wine club today and start exploring the world of wine with like-minded enthusiasts.

DISCOVER NEW WINES AND FIND OLD FAVORITES THROUGH OUR TWO TIER OPTIONS:

Premier Cru

Aspirational wines from around the globe for those looking to broaden their horizons.

4 BOTTLES

$125 A MONTH for

Let Harwood take care of all your catering & event needs.

CATERING in Harwood

Rare & hard-to-find wines from esteemed wine-makers honoring the traditions of their craft.

4 BOTTLES

$250 A MONTH for

Harwood Hospitality offers Corporate and Business Catering to our Harwood tenants with easy solutions for all your in-office events like staff lunches, breakfast meetings, office parties, board meetings, company happy hours and more. We offer a variety of diverse flavors and menu packages to choose from to make your next event delicious and easy.

inquire today

Tequila Social invites you to host an unforgettable private event in the heart of West Tex-Mex charm along the Katy Trail! Take advantage of our expansive patio along the Katy Trail, providing a picturesque backdrop for your gathering. Whether it's a casual get-together after a walk on the trail or a spirited celebration under the Texas sky, Tequila Social offers the perfect ambiance for every event.

Tequila Social is more than a venue — it's an experience!

PATIO SEASON IS HERE!

Eating outdoors is a Dallas tradition and Harwood District has an expansive selection of brunch options to choose from. Can’t decide? Try them all.

SAINT ANN Escape to a tranquil garden oasis and experience weekend brunch at Saint Ann. Discover a Dallas hidden gem and one of the best patios in the city. Originally built in 1927 as Dallas’ first school for Hispanic children. Every weekend enjoy brunch classics with an eclectic twist – Big Cat Biscuit, Country Breakfast, Smoked Salmon Benedict and Green Tea Firi Firi Doughnuts and a selection of brunch cocktails.

DOLCE RIVIERA Discover a 'La Dolce Vita' at Dolce Riviera with our Weekend Brunch featuring our signature Italian favorites like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Cannoli French Toast and Prosciutto & Eggs. Sip Spritzes under the lemon trees and experience our Mimosa Service with your choice of sparkling wine and fruit juice accompaniments.

MERCAT BISTRO Transport yourself to the streets of Paris with brunch at Mercat Bistro, a charming French bistro exuding warmth and sophistication. Indulge in delectable pastries, flavorful quiches, and artisanal coffee in an ambiance that whispers of the romance of France. Experience the essence of Parisian dining in the heart of your city at Mercat Bistro.

HARWOOD ARMS Savor a taste of the British Isles at The District Pub, Harwood Arms, as we invite you to experience our charming brunch. Explore a menu inspired by traditional British cuisine with a modern twist, all in the heart of the city. Join us for a cozy morning filled with hearty dishes, classic pub fare, and warm hospitality, creating the perfect ambiance for a delightful weekend brunch.

TEQUILA SOCIAL Saddle up every Saturday & Sunday for Tex-Mex brunch at Tequila Social along the Katy Trail. The perfect weekend hangout after a walk on the trail. Try favorites like Churro French Toast, Tres Leches Pancakes, Breakfast Tacos and our Instagram-famous clothes-lined Empanadas – all while sipping margaritas in the Texas sunshine.

POCO FIASCO Embrace the vibrant fusion of rowdy energy and refined elegance at Poco Fiasco, where brunch takes on a whole new flavor. Join us for a lively morning affair where pizza and martinis reign supreme. Enjoy our signature dishes, blending sophistication with a touch of mischief.

HAPPIEST HOUR Experience the ultimate weekend brunch at Happiest Hour, Uptown Dallas’ premier spot for catching a game and chilling with friends. Join us for larger-than-life brunch favorites, team cocktails, over 50+ beers on tap and panoramic views of the city.

Visit harwoodhospitality.com/harwood-district-restaurants for the latest hours and menus for all Harwood Hospitality destinations.

The perfect wedding destination.

Marie Gabrielle, nestled in the heart of Dallas, Texas, offers an enchanting backdrop for your dream wedding. With its lush gardens, elegant architecture, and timeless charm, it provides the perfect setting for your special day. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, our dedicated team will ensure every detail is meticulously crafted to reflect your love story. Experience the epitome of romance and sophistication as you exchange vows amidst the beauty of Marie Gabrielle, creating memories to last a lifetime. Inquire today marie-gabrielle.com

I SPY HARWOOD

DISCOVER HIDDEN FEATURES INSPIRED BY THE DISTRICT'S VIBRANT CULTURE

Get ready to sharpen your senses and dive into the heart of Harwood as you seek out these intriguing elements that capture the essence of this dynamic neighborhood. Let the hunt begin!

Te

Harwood

Poodle

Proposal

Chess at Marie Gabrielle Gardens

Deseo's tree

cows

dining at Magnolia's

Rollerblading sloth

Jazz Night at Babou's

Dapper dog at Poco Fiasco

Samurai pizza party

Duck serving a martini (x4)

A fish dining at Harwood Arms

Rolex building

Cornhole at The Grove

Moose Owl

ABOUT THE MURAL

Nestled within La Rue Perdue, the District's restaurant Poco Fiasco boasts a captivating marvel adorning the ceiling. Crafted in collaboration between Harwood International and Artist Uprising, the mural is a testament to the boundless creativity that thrives within the Harwood District. As you gaze upon its refined playfulness and undeniable allure, you're invited into a world where mischief meets artistry. Harwood International collaborated with Artist Uprising to create a whimsical, cheeky ceiling mural art paper that brings Poco Fiasco to life. Artist Uprising is a Dallasbased organization connecting up-and-coming artists with corporations and dedicated to enabling creativity to shape culture for the better.

The mural depicts a feverish party turned fiasco combining favorite Harwood moments throughout the District. A few Harwood motifs are illustrated including Harwood Arms and Magnolias: Sous Le Pont as well as signature Harwood District design aspects such as the blue tree from Te Deseo, life-size chess board from Marie Gabrielle, the Rolex building and a few samurai to represent the Barbier-Mueller Samurai Collection.

Did you know?

With an impressive walk score of 94, Harwood District isn't just another neighborhood — it's a city within a city. With its own unique vibe and atmosphere, it offers everything you need without ever having to venture far. It's a vibrant tapestry of urban living, where tenants, residents, and visitors alike can find everything from gourmet dining to cultural experiences right at their doorstep. As a walker's paradise, getting around is a breeze, making it easy to explore all the hidden gems it has to offer. So, whether you're a local looking for your next adventure or a visitor eager to experience the pulse of Dallas, Harwood District welcomes you to discover its dynamic charm.

SWEXAN SPOTLIGHT

Delight in afternoon tea at Hôtel Swexan every Saturday and Sunday, from Noon to 4 p.m.

Afternoon tea

Join us at Afternoon Tea for an exclusive and enchanting Afternoon Tea Service seated beneath an emerald canopy of lush greenery and soaring birds at Léonie. Indulge in our exquisite assortment of specialty sweets, tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, and your choice of loose-leaf tea while gazing amongst the clouds of the Dallas skyline on the 20th floor of the hotel.

Afternoon Tea at Hôtel Swexan is a ticketed affair, priced at $85 per guest and $35 for children 12 & under. Tickets include complimentary valet service and a casual elegant dress code, with traditional tea attire encouraged.

Book your reservation now and prepare to be enchanted by Swexan charm! Visit hotelswexan.com/afternoon-tea.

Step into Texas style with Miron Crosby's bespoke cowboy boots, a must-have for any Texan adventure.

Cowboy concierge

A trip to Texas would be incomplete without acquiring a pair of cowboy boots. Miron Crosby, inspired by sisters Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means experiences of growing up on their family’s West Texas cattle ranch, and later living and working in New York City, seamlessly blends luxury design with Texan roots.

To elevate the experience for discerning travelers, Miron Crosby has partnered with Hôtel Swexan to offer a unique and personalized service – the Cowboy Concierge. For guests staying at Hôtel Swexan, the opportunity to customize boots with personalized ear pulls and message boxes adds an exclusive touch. This bespoke service ensures that each pair of boots becomes a cherished memento of the Texan adventure.

To make the process seamless, Miron Crosby recommends placing orders ahead of the visit, as the customizations take approximately 6 weeks for completion. With the added convenience of picking up the customized boots at check-in, guests can stride into Texas with a personalized piece of authentic Western flair. For more information or to begin the customization process, please email guestservices@hotelswexan.com.

HÔTEL SWEXAN’S WELLNESS RETREAT KICKS OFF FITNESS PROGRAMME

Hôtel Swexan, Harwood Hospitality Group’s flagship hotel in Dallas, hosted a transformative retreat from January 12th to 14th, offering a curated wellness journey.

Renowned Forma Pilates instructors led the retreat with mat pilates classes. Founded in 2020 by Liana Levi in Los Angeles, Forma is an exclusive, boutique style studio that specializes in private and semiprivate sessions. Forma quickly became the go-to spot for celebrities, such as Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. At Forma, the main focus is form and precision; targeting small muscle groups and lengthening each muscle by slow and controlled movements. Forma has studios in Los Angeles and New York but will be exclusively popping up at Hôtel Swexan.

The finest pressed juice from Pressed Juicery was served, alongside Tepetán and Socorro cocktails. Tepetán, born in Oak Cliff, offers fresh pressed margarita mixers – paired perfectly with Socorro Tequila, a Texas-born Tequila made in Jalisco. Refreshments were available after each fitness class, alongside healthy bites.

Gifted products and a mini facial by renowned skincare experts Dr. Barbara Sturm and Joanna Czech were offered to guests. Both high-end skincare companies keep spas nearby the hotel and are ready to roll out the red carpet for Hôtel Swexan’s clientele any day of the week.

LA Muse Gems jewelry did a pop-up, showcasing exquisite jewelry that resonates with both elegance and wellness. Curated by Nataliya Mehta, a passionate collector and Southern Methodist University graduate with a flair for creating luxury statement jewelry. Each design at LA

Muse Gems serves as an homage to Nataliya’s rich heritage in India, as the pieces are meticulously crafted at her family-owned factory in the vibrant city of Jaipur.

Alo Wellness Club’s Lexi Bader led her famous hot yoga sculpt session. A session that harmonizes body and mind. Guests received goodies and an exclusive first look at Form by Lex – Bader’s newest fitness venture!

JOJA Activewear, founded by supermodels Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes, added a touch of glamour to the Hôtel Swexan Wellness Retreat by generously gifting guests with chic workout sets, ensuring they not only experienced unparalleled fitness but do so in style.

Hailing from the renowned Dallas yoga hotspot, Ritual One, Margaret Sone brought a unique blend of strength and serenity to her sessions, offering participants an energizing fusion of yoga and sculpting exercises.

As the premier destination for Ozone and infrared therapy, HOCATT, and Dermashape in Dallas, The Ozone Bar introduced attendees to cutting-edge wellness practices. Guests were gifted free HOCATT sessions, retailing around $300.

The retreat consisted of seven workout classes throughout the weekend, all fully booked with a waitlist of 200+ people.The hotel continues to host fitness classes with its own fitness programme. Offering complimentary fitness classes, from yoga, pilates, boot camp, spinning, dance cardio, and more in the state-of-the-art fitness center. Take advantage of the sauna, steam, and cold plunge after your sweat!

Guiding Hôtel Swexan's wellness retreat, esteemed Forma Pilates instructors hosted invigorating mat pilates classes.

Q & A

with Sommelier CW Kelley

Embark on a journey through the world of wine as we delve into a captivating Q&A session with our esteemed sommelier, exploring his favorite varietals, flavors, and stories.

What's your best tip for someone looking to learn more about wine/enjoy their wine more? Q. A.

The types and styles of wine are vast and can be overwhelming even for wine professionals. The best way for a consumer to get started learning about wine is to build a relationship with a local wineshop they have the knowledge and connections for you to be exposed to more wines. Also, start attending wine tasting at the shop and look to attend wine dinners.

Favorite food & wine pairing.

Seafood and red wine! The old saying of ‘white wine with fish’ is last century. Benanti Etna Rosso is an amazing Sicilian red wine that would pair well with our Polipo appetizer. The minerality and tartness of the wine will balance the braised octopus tossed with olive oil, agrodolce, saba, and cured lemon.

What wines are most popular at Dolce Riviera right now? Q. A.

Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti, and Super Tuscans are the most requested wines now. When guests are not familiar with Italian wines, I ask questions about what wines they normally enjoy and do my best to get them out of their box and comfort zone to be able to explore.

Q.

Describe the wine program at Dolce now & where you plan to take it.

A.

The wine list at Dolce was a well-diversified list when I joined the team. My vision of the growth of the list is to keep things fun, approachable, and enjoyable. There is a wine for everyone to enjoy at various price points. I have started to curate a Sommelier Selection of By The Glass Wines to make exploring wine easier. If storage was not an issue, I would like to expand the bottle offerings from 450 to 650 labels and expand the Brunello di Montalcino, Campania, and Sicilian selections. Also, hosting wine dinners or tastings at Dolce is a fun way to entertain our guests with an inspiring experience.

Q.

What is the most memorable bottle of wine that you have ever enjoyed/tasted?

A.

I had my wine epiphany in 1995 while working at The Trellis in Williamsburg, VA. I was 25 years old and I thought wine coolers were wine. During a staff tasting, my eyes lit up and I had ‘the look’ on my face. My teammates started to laugh because they realized that I apparently had an expensive palate . I don’t remember the vintage, but the wine was Chateau Pichon Comtesse de Laland. I was hooked on learning about wine after that experience.

What region, varietal, or producer are you currently in love with?

I have been enjoying wines from Sicily and really enjoy sharing them with guests. Prices are approachable for all budgets, and I have found that the quality is consistently above expectations for the price point. The red grapes of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nero d’Avola, and Frappato are all very enjoyable and worth exploring. The white grapes of Catarratto, Carricante, Grillo, and Zibibbo all make amazing wines that will surprise you. My favorite producers are Benanti, Terre Nere, Paolo Cali, Planeta, and Donnafugata. I think a trip to Sicily is in order.

Expensive wine is always the best. Only wines with a high point rating are good. Wines sealed with a screw cap are not good. All Rieslings are sweet. What wine cliches would you like to ban from the wine world forever?

What's an unusual pairing that works really well?

A.

First off you will need your preferred scenic setting of a beach, mountain, or forest and a picnic table. Then grab a bottle of Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Ice Wine from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Grab your favorite potato chips and make your best peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich. Enjoy nature and thank me later.

Most overrated wine on the market right now? Underrated?

I never want to yuk someone’s yum, but Napa Valley cult wines are overrated and unspectacular. However, the price point is for few to enjoy. Cava sparkling wines from Spain are consistently great value when comparing the quality and price. In 2020, I was fortunate to attend the CAVA Academy in New York City and became a Certified Cava Expert.

When did you know that you wanted to become a sommelier?

I worked under Advanced Sommelier Michael Flynn at Kinkead’s an American Brasserie in Washington DC from 1998-2006. His ability to teach the staff about wine was exemplary. I respected and admired his talents his encouragement made me believe in myself. My next job was as a wine director of a steakhouse.

Q. A.

What's your #1 rule when it comes to wine.

There are no formal rules to wine and never let someone else tell you how you are supposed enjoy wine. My #1 rule is that you should enjoy the wine how and when you like.

Q. A.

How should we taste wine when the sommelier pours a bit in our glass for sampling?

The first thing to analyze is the color of the wine in the glass and to check for sediment and bubbles. Does it match what you were expecting? Next, you should smell the wine and you are looking for off odors that would signal a bad bottle. Next, taste the wine to double check there are no faults. Ultimately a quality bottle of wine should be balanced between sugar perception, alcohol, tannins, and fruit components.

What red, white or sparking would you recommend for entertaining around the holidays?

Champagne is the gold standard for holidays and celebrations. I love them and other sparkling wines this time of the year. I would encourage people to branch out and try sparkling wines from around the world including German Sekt, Italian Franciacorta, Spanish Cava, and New York Finger Lakes sparkling wines.

AROUND THE DISTRICT

round the Dis tric t

Around the Dis tric t

Around the Dis tric t

Around the Dis tric t

Harwood No.

Around the Dis tric t

round the Dis tric t

Harwood No 1 I 2651 N. Harwood

Harwood No. 2 I 2728 N. Harwood St.

Harwood No 3 I 2727 N. Harwood St.

Harwood No 3 I 2727 N. Harwood St.

Harwood No.

Harwood No

Harwood No

Harwood

Harwood No.

Harwood No. 6

Harwood

Harwood No 8 I The

Harwood

Harwood

Harwood

Harwood

Harwood

The Ann &

Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai

Reverchon Park

Volleyball

Chess & Checkers at

HARWOOD PERKS

We're delighted to offer an array of exclusive Harwood Perks designed to enhance the work life experience for our valued tenants. From our stateof-the-art fitness center, where tenants can pursue their wellness goals with top-of-the-line equipment and amenities, to our inviting tenant lounge, a welcoming space for relaxation and socialization, we've curated a range of offerings to cater to every lifestyle. Learn more at HarwoodPerks.com.

Court Now Open!

Exciting

pickleball court exclusively for your enjoyment. Located at our 3100 McKinnon location, our pickleball court offers a fantastic opportunity for tenants to stay active, socialize, and have fun right where they work. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, our court is the perfect place to hone your skills and challenge yourself in a friendly and welcoming environment.

03.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning made easy for Harwood Tenants! J’s Tailor and Cleaners offers same day pick up and dry cleaning directly to your office, Monday – Friday. An additional perk, all Harwood District tenants receive a 20% discount.

Car Wash

Known for

02. Swexan Perks

As always, officing in the District extends past the 9 - 5. As a tenant of the Harwood District, we extend an invitation to be a part of the Swexan Perks, a corporate rate program and an extension of Harwood Perks. Complete the form at harwoodperks.com/swexan-perks and a member of the Hôtel Swexan team will reach out for enrollment.

04. Shoeshine

Shoeshine services are available every Monday in the District. This complimentary service ensures that our tenants step out in style with impeccably polished footwear. Whether it's preparing for an important meeting or simply wanting to maintain a polished appearance, they will always be putting the best foot forward.

Whether you need to grab a coffee at Magnolias, visit the Samurai Museum, or simply enjoy a leisurely drive around the District, our Harwood GEM car ensures that you can do so with ease and style.

A familiar face around the district is Lisa Ramirez. Having worked at Harwood for over four years and at every building. Lisa being the concierge biannual star is well-deserved recognition, along with our heartfelt gratitude for her outstanding contributions to our tenants and our guests. In addition to her impeccable guest service skills, Lisa possesses an unparalleled depth of knowledge about our District, effortlessly guiding tenants to their desired Harwood concept and ongoing events, enriching their day with unforgettable experiences.

Lisa is willing to go the extra mile and stepping in whenever it is needed. Her efforts, dedication, and commitment to Harwood International and our team is greatly appreciated. She is a pleasure to work with and we are lucky to have her on our team. New restaurant openings by Harwood Hospitality and more exciting neighborhood news delivered straight to your inbox. Scan below to start receiving our weekly Harwood District newsletter.

— Gene Embuscado Assistant Manager of Asset Protection

06. GEM Car

07. Fitness Center