SEPT-OCT 2023

THE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE

REMEMBERING TONY BENNETT

41.76± acres Vineyard Estate with 30± acres of High-Quality Vines

3265 Soda Canyon Road Napa

5 Beds | 4 Baths |

41.76± Acres |

5,487± sq. ft. Residence

Entering the stately iron gate and tall Italian cypress tree-lined driveway, you will nd this enchanting private vineyard estate prominently sited on 41.76± acres in the Atlas Peak wine region with 30± acres of high-quality vineyard with the best soil. Complexed wines grow on Soda Canyon peak, known for the best rocky soil with undulating elevations. The vineyard includes 18.45± acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.23± acres of Merlot, 2.88± acres of Malbec, 1.33± acres of Zinfandel, 1.98± acres of Sauvignon Blanc, 0.87± acre of Tempranillo and 1.42± acres ready for replant. This spacious 5,487± squarefoot residence with timeless wine country architecture features ve bedrooms, four baths over three oors with large windows in each room facing the panoramic views of vineyard, hills, natural and beyond, and the bright sunlight shines through every room and brings the warmth and charm of wine country living. The open kitchen features the nest materials with a large granite countertop island with a dining bar. The formal dining area faces the magni cent view of the vineyards, a perfect place for hosting dinner events

Napa, California

Offered at $14,999,000

and gatherings. Enjoy a glass of wine in the living room, with replace and attached large deck showcasing the panoramic vineyard view and the dramatic vistas of the sunrise and sunset over vineyards. The Master bedroom located at the end of the hall on the second oor features a marble bathroom, walk-in closets, replace, and large windows facing the dramatic view of vineyards and beyond, bringing privacy, peace, and tranquility. The two guest bedrooms located at the other end of the hall on the second oor each feature a bathroom. Two more bedrooms on the third- oor feature vaulted ceilings and panoramic views of the hills and vineyard. There is a wine cellar, 2-car garage and a laundry room. There is also a separate red barn which serves as an o ce building for vineyard manager and sta . The home is equipped with AT&T Fiber high speed internet and security cameras in front and back of the house, as well as the basement. The grapes produced at this vineyard are sold to prime wineries in Napa Valley.

3265 Soda Canyon Road, Napa | 3265SodaCanyon.com

California Lifestyle Collection

Magnificent Belvedere Waterfront Home with Stunning Views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco

4 Beds | 5 Baths | 2 Half-Baths | ±8,131 sq. ft | 2 Elevators | 3-Car Garage

4 Beds | 5 Baths | 1 Half-Bath | ±8,131 sq. ft

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the entire city skyline of San Francisco, and Sausalito. This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a ±8,131 sq .ft. home on a ±0.67 acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level o or plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached one bedroom, one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar. The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay. The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by

Featured in Architectural Digest, this world class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco and Sausalito. A magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting, this property has a most prestigious location and is comprised of a ±8,131-squarefoot home on a ±0.67-acre lot. It features 4 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths. This work of architectural art was designed by the world-renowned architect Charles Gwathmey and boasts spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the Southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage, an elevator descends to a courtyard where you will find a detached 1 bedroom, 1 bath guest house and a wine cellar. The main house’s is situated between two large retaining walls which follow the site’s natural contours and splay outwards toward the Bay. An interior circular staircase winds around an elevator and forms a cylindrical focal point. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at

Price Upon Request

Reduced to $28,880,000

the entry level, and a large deck projects towards the bay, extending the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study, and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower, and a sauna fill the lowest level which opens onto a spacious outdoor terrace with an infinity pool on the edge of San Francisco Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood, and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar and a curved, standing seam, zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors, and decks are teak; all terraces are paved in beige or gray-flamed limestone; and the retaining walls are painted a warm white stucco. The home is a state-of-the-art smart house within walking distance of the San Francisco Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, and downtown Tiburon where you will find ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and dozens of fine restaurants, including Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, and French Bistro Left Bank.

the retaining walls ensures privacy. An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate oors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool, whose “in nity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay. The interior oors are limestone and wide plank, Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar, with a curved standing seam zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray amed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco. More photos and information can be found at: 445BelvedereAve.com

More photos and information can be found at: 445BelvedereAve.com

California Lifestyle Collection

Majestic Mansion with Panoramic Views

Tiburon,California

Fully Furnished Rental on Belvedere Waterfront—Resort-like Vacation Home

3 Beds | 3 Baths | Bay Views | 3,000± sq. ft.

6 Beds | 5 Baths | 2 Half-Baths | ±0.94 acre

For Rent

Furnished at $2 2 ,000/Month

$7,888,000

A spectacular high quality contemporary residence with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay from every room, this majestic ±7,693 sq ft 6 bedroom, 5 full baths and 2 half-baths mansion was built in 2006 on a ±0.94 acre lot adjacent to Tiburon open spaces with ample privacy. The interior features huge windows providing great natural light, the formal living room showcases 2- oor-high ceiling windows that frame the panoramic Bay views, a stunning chandelier, and a replace. The formal dining room with matching chandelier connects to a high quality designer kitchen with center island, dining counter for 6 seats, and ample cabinets. This open oor plan includes a butler’s pantry, spacious family room with replace, a wet bar and a temperature controlled wine cellar, all leading to the expansive entertainment terrace with an outdoor kitchen. The private and opulent master suite features a replace, a separate

This waterfront showplace was a former home of award winning designer Martin Kobus which he fully renovated in 2011-2012. Known for creating calm, welcoming spaces that showcase his modern aesthetic, Martin reimaged this sunny bright home into a waterfront resort-like design with high ceilings and huge windows to enjoy the breathtaking San Francisco Bay views. Located on the coveted West Shore in Belvedere, this appx. 3,000 sq ft, 3 bedroom, 3 baths waterfront home features a state-of-the-art kitchen with a huge Caesarstone island, all bathrooms feature limestone floors and Caesarstone counters; living room with high ceiling, wall-to-wall windows and a large fireplace; family room with TV and built-in desk, dining room and kitchen combo sharing a large fireplace and large view windows; two bedrooms each with full bath on main floor with direct doors to Bay and garden. All main floor rooms have doors opening to the spacious 1,000 + square foot waterfront deck for gracious outdoor entertaining. Luxurious second full floor master

suite with fireplace, walk-in closets, a cozy office area and a terrace overlooking the Bay. Wide plank hard wood oak floors through-out the entire home. Almost every room enjoys spectacular views of Bay, San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Mount Tam and beyond. There is a two car garage and a gated garden. West Shore Road is the widest street in Belvedere with ample off-street parking. Belvedere West Shore is known as the best yachting location on San Francisco Bay with easy access to Corinthian Yacht Club and San Francisco Yacht Club.

Downtown Tiburon is walking and biking distance with Ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and has dozen great restaurants.

sitting room, a luxurious bathroom with stunning views and a walk-in closet. 5 other bedrooms all have beautiful Bay views. There is also a deluxe library/ media room and a billiard room with a bar. The nearly one acre grounds feature a huge stone terrace with an outdoor kitchen, a bocce ball court, a golf putting green, terraced gardens, a marble gazebo with re pit, a pool site, a three-car garage, and a gated motor court with a marble fountain and space to park 10+ cars. Downtown Tiburon is just a few minutes away with 2 world class yacht clubs, Bayside bike path, ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island, great restaurants such as Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Malibu Farm, Caprice and Sam’s Cafe.

More details and photos at: 55WestShore.com

More photos and information available at 189GilmartinDrive.com.

This issue is an emotional one for me, as the cover story about Gordon Getty and the story of Susan Williams on her late husband, Robin Williams, were close to my heart. I met Robin a couple of times in Paris, the first time at the celebration of Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France. He told me jokes about Tiburon-Belvedere. It was one of the saddest moments when I heard of Robin’s suicide. I went to his Tiburon home and placed flowers at his front gate, along with dozens of other fans. Our editor-in-chief’s interview with Robin’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, seeks to understand his life and death. Susan’s dedication to the beloved comedian and actor’s impact was immeasurable and gives Robin’s legacy new meaning. Susan spoke to Teresa about the details and complexity of the Lewy body dementia Robin suffered.

How time flies! Summer is ending! As we welcome fall, we offer you our annual Arts and Entertainment issue celebrating the opening of the gala season, remembering the fabulous events and concerts we participated in this summer and previewing the events of autumn that we will be sponsoring.

Our cover story (page 42) pays tribute to beloved entertainer Tony Bennett who shared his passion for San Francisco with the world with his biggest hit, “I left my heart in San Francisco.”

Our cover story subject, Gordon Getty, is truly an original Renaissance man. I’ve met Gordon dozens of times over the last 35 years, since we were both on the board of the now-defunct Marin Opera in early 1990s. Gordon is larger-than-life, not because of his billions, but because of his big personality and openhearted generosity. He inspired my pledge of $5 million to Festival Napa Valley for the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. Gordon announced his $5 million matching grant when he hosted a dinner at his home to welcome me and others as new board members of Festival Napa Valley in November 2019. His grant was for five years and matched anyone who donated to festival during that period. My donation fulfilled his remaining grant within less than three years. Gordon was impressed and donated another $5 million matching grant in January 2023. At nearly age 90, Gordon’s long, rich life is iconic and fascinating. It’s truly interesting to read even a glimpse of his vast world.

We also profile Daydreamers founder, Bay Area entrepreneur Katina Bajaj, who is a clinical psychology researcher, author, speaker, and creator. You must read this article to understand why, although daydreaming seems to be not doing anything, it works the brain to make myriad connections through creativity and help us with burnout and stress.

We recapture the 10 magical days of Festival Napa Valley (page 88) running July 13 – 23 and my Olivia Decker Power of Music concert on June 24 on the private island of Li Galli in Positano, Italy (page 72). I report on my trip to Tuscany for the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s magnificent annual fundraising concerts July 29 and 31 (page 76) and the San Francisco Consular Corps’ 4th of July party which I co-sponsored (page 70).

We also profile British fashion designer Marchesa’s co-founder, Georgina Chapman. I met at her at a 2019 fashion show for San Francisco Opera Guild’s annual fundraiser. I won the bid to go to New York Fashion Week, where I visited her at the Marchesa atelier. Georgina returned to Fashion Week this year. Her flowing, colorfully floral gowns are so feminine and romantic. I think the world would be much more peaceful if every woman dressed in Marchesa!

We are media partner of two upcoming major events. We give you a preview of the San Francisco Opera’s opening night and the Opera Ball on September 8 (page 62). This gala will start the next century. We look back the last 100 years of the San Francisco Opera with their archivist (page 66). We interview the co-chairs of San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Gala (page 54), scheduled for September 22.

In this issue’s Haute Events, I cover the San Francisco Opera’s 100th anniversary concert and a dinner with the artists. This one-night-only centennial celebration featured a program spanning San Francisco Opera’s first century with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus; conductors Eun Sun Kim, Sir Donald Runnicles, and Patrick Summers; and 15 vocal soloists who have been active on the opera stage for decades. The concert included projected archival imagery from 100 years of San Francisco Opera history. Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera is only the third American opera company to reach the centennial milestone.

In case you are wondering what to wear to these high society galas, we’re happy to help with an article on shopping (page 24) and social ambassador Aubrey Brewster’s article (page 114) for basic gala etiquette. Aubrey covers correct black tie or not black tie attire and tips to get red-carpet-ready “with some glamorous gala looks to induce the strobing flashbulbs of photographers!”

If you enjoy automobiles as much as art and entertainment—which I do—automotive ambassador Tim Lappen and I just came back from the 2023 Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach and Carmel, where luxury cars were parked on red carpets in streets of downtown Carmel every night and on golf course greens during the day. We share with you the highlights of this week dedicated to the best of the world’s cars (page 82).

Enjoy the arts and entertainment!

One other Haute Event this issue is my beloved Festival Napa Valley. Please read Jennifer Boden’s interview with Festival President Rick Walker on this 17th season’s upcoming programs, July 14–23. Highlights this year include the Arts for All Gala fundraiser at Nickel and Nickel with a special dinner by chef Charlie Palmer, a concert headlined by 8-time GRAMMY® award winner Carrie Underwood on July 16, and the Olivia Decker Power of Music concert of Matteo Bocelli on July 15. Young Bocelli has an amazing voice like his father, Andrea. He will perform a mix of classic and contemporary songs. The Manetti Shrem Opera on July 21 will be Don Pasquale, starring Lucas Meachem, Alexey Lavrov, Serena Saenz, and Xabier Anduaga. Both concerts go on stage at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. While you attend Festival Napa Valley, please check out the vineyard estate for sale in this issue’s Haute Residence at www.3265SodaCanyon.com.

Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!

PUBLISHER

Olivia Hsu Decker

Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Teresa Rodriguez

Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Restante Michelle@HauteLivingSF.com

DIGITAL EDITOR

Laurie Jo Miller Farr

Laurie@HauteLivingSF.com

COPY EDITOR

Karen M. Smith henhousepublishing@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Boden, Noël Burgess, Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Adrienne Faurote, Becca Hensley, Steph Keay, Fran Endicott Miller, and Sharon Seto

ABOUT TOWN AMBASSADOR

Aubrey Brewster

HEALTH & WELLNESS AMBASSADOR

Lydia Graham

BEAUTY & LIFESTYLE AMBASSADOR

Karen M. Horton, MD, FACS

LUXURY AUTO AMBASSADOR

Tim Lappen TL@JMBM.com

SOCIETY AMBASSADOR

Stephanie Block Stephanie@HauteLivingSF.com

WINE COUNTRY AMBASSADOR

Claudia Ross Claudia@HauteLivingSF.com

SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES

Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com

VICE PRESIDENT SALES

Jennifer Farrelly Jennifer@HauteLivingSF.com

AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Cindy Pelland Cindy@HauteLivingSF.com

OF THE WORLD VIEWS FROM A NOB HILL HIGH-RISE | $2,595,000

MINIMALIST RUSSIAN HILL

DRAMATIC BAY & SKYLINE VIEWS | $1,650,000

FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCE WITH GOLDEN GATE VISTAS | $3,500,000

STUNNING BAY BRIDGE AND SKYLINE VIEWS FROM THE HARRISON | $2,298,000

LUXURY LIVING FROM A PARKSIDE DOORMAN BUILDING ON NOB HILL | $1,995,000

ULTRA-LUXURY HIGH-FLOOR NOB HILL RESIDENCE WITH 360º VIEWS | $5,500,000

STYLISH SOUTH BEACH RESIDENCE WITH STUNNING BAY VIEWS | $2,998,000

SOHO LOFT- STYLE MEETS PARK AVENUE GLAMOUR ON NOB HILL | $2,600,000

PACIFIC HEIGHTS MASTERPIECE WITH SWEEPING BAY & GOLDEN GATE VIEWS | $13,000,000

PACIFIC HEIGHTS MODERNISTIC MASTERPIECE | $9,998,000

GRAND-SCALE BUENA VISTA PARK HOME WITH TOP-OF-THE-WORLD VIEWS | $7,500,000

GRAND PARK AVENUE STYLE GLAMOUR ON NOB HILL | $8,700,000

PANORAMIC VIEW GRAND RESIDENCE AT MILLENNIUM TOWER | $6,800,000

SAN FRANCISCO’S ICONIC CROWN JEWEL PENTHOUSE WITH UNPARALLELED WORLD-CLASS 360º VIEWS | $12,500,000

ON THE COVER:

HAUTE PROFILES

6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

12 EDITOR’S LETTER

13 CONTRIBUTORS

14 HAUTE CALENDAR

As summer eases into fall and all things pumpkin spice, the Bay Area’s event calendar revs up with an amazing assortment of galas, concerts, and festivals.

18 HAUTE KITCHEN

Executive chef Edgar Castro shares the diversity of Mexican cuisine at Colibri.

24 HAUTE SHOPPING

Dial up the glitz and glamor to make an unforgettable appearance at your next soiree with these sparkling, eyecatching accessories.

26 HAUTE WINE

Experience the lavish lifestyle of a Sonoma County winery at Skipstone Residence.

28 HAUTE CUISINE

Kiln’s skillfully prepared and exquisitely wrought bites compel diners to adopt their simple ethos: savor the moment.

32 HAUTE DESIGN

Elite designers take the humble bathroom from a space of necessity to a space of luxury that you’ll never want to leave.

36 HAUTE FASHION

Fashion designer Virgil Abloh’s imagination comes to life in Louis Vuitton’s 2023 Spring-Summer menswear collection.

42 COVER STORY

In 1961, a New York crooner first sang of his love for San Francisco and captured the city’s heart for all time. HLSF remembers the late, great Tony Bennett.

HAUTE PROFILES

48 Rebecca Alexander suffers from Usher syndrome type III and inspires by example, focusing on what she can do, not what she can’t.

52 Internationally acclaimed violinist Rose Crelli credits her humble beginnings as the motivation to honor her birth and adoptive parents.

54 What’s so special about the San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala? Co-chairs Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegel tell us.

58 HAUTE TRAVEL

You don’t have to travel overseas to experience hotel luxury, amazing sea adventures, exquisite scenery, and vintage vehicles. Find that right here in Monterey.

62 HAUTE FEATURE

The much-anticipated Opera Ball opens the San Francisco Opera’s 2023 season of glittering performances and begins a second century of entertainment and philanthrophy.

66 Archivist Barbara Rominski answers questions about the San Francisco Opera’s storied past.

TONY BENNETT

PHOTO BY DREW ALTIZER

HAUTE SCENE

70 After a 4-year hiatus, the Consular Corps’ 4th of July party celebrated United States independence, patriotism, and international friendship.

72 The Olivia Decker Power of Music Festival Napa Valley memorial concert was held June 24 on the private island of Li Galli off the Amalfi Coast.

74 The 25th V Foundation Wine Celebration raises a recordbreaking $21 million to fund cancer research.

75 GRAMMY® winner Maxwell awes a sold-out crowd at Davies Symphony Hall.

HAUTE EVENT

76 Elegance, luxury, and amazing entertainment reward the elite donors and sponors of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

82 The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance reigns supreme as the ultimate showcase of automotive excellence, attracting enthusiasts worldwide since 1950.

88 Olivia Decker reviews the highlights of Napa Valley’s “Best 10 Days of Summer.”

96 HAUTE WELLNESS

Head to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for stress relief and healing, not to mention wonderful cuisine.

100 HAUTE RESIDENCE

Constructed in the warmly welcoming style of Greek hospitality, this 3-bedroom home in Belvedere West Shore offers both a pool and a boat dock.

104 HAUTE MOVES

Tim Lappen reviews the Ferrari 812 GTS and Adrienne Faurote reviews the McLaren Artura.

108 HAUTE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

If you feel like dressing up and dancing, there’s no better opportunity to indulge the urge than during Vienna’s Ball Season.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

112 Lydia shares that moving more and exercising regularly is the key to age gracefully and enhances your chances of living a longer and healthier life.

114 Aubrey Brewster answers the most common etiquette questions about attending formal affairs.

HAUTE TRAVEL PAGE

TERESA RODRIGUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO

Has summer already come to a close? In San Francisco, it feels like it never even began. While the rest of the nation sweltered through scorching temperatures and hazy sunsets, San Francisco remained enveloped in the refreshing embrace of its famous fog, Karl.

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, guests, much like fish, tend to become unpleasant after three days. I couldn’t help but feel the same way about Karl. While I cherish the tranquil beauty he brought to the eucalyptus groves in the Presidio this summer, he overstayed his welcome, lingering ceaselessly for weeks.

As the San Francisco society’s gala season begins, we eagerly anticipate spectacular performances and a touch of sunshine. The San Francisco Opera is celebrating its second century and the start of the 2023 season with an exquisite lineup of star-studded performances, the dazzling Opera Ball, and an unforgettable after-party (page 62). Discover the enchanting highlights of the San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala as we delve into an exclusive interview with co-chairs Amy Christodoulou and Julie Liegel (page 54).

Indulge in the captivating tales of Olivia Decker’s marvelous adventures in Italy, Napa, and Pebble Beach within the vibrant pages of this issue. Join Steph Keay as she embarks on a delectable culinary expedition to Kiln, a remarkable addition to our city’s gastronomic landscape (page 28).

We sincerely appreciate the invaluable support of our advertisers and subscribers. If you are interested in advertising or subscribing, don’t hesitate to contact me at Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a 50 percent discount on your annual subscription using the code EDITOR through our convenient QR code below.

EVENTS

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER

San Francisco Giants

The last full month of regular season play brings 11 home games to Oracle Park, plus one more on Oct. 1. mlb.com/giants

THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

San Francisco 49ers

In regular play, home games versus the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals. Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. 49ers.com

THROUGH SEPT. 16 | San Francisco Playhouse

Extended by one week, catch a new production revival of the legendary hit musical about 17 aspiring dancers. With a score by Marvin Hamlisch, the show won the 1976 Pulitzer Prize for drama, nine Tony Awards, four Drama Desk awards and a 1984 Special Gold Tony Award as Broadway’s longestrunning musical. 450 Post St. sfplayhouse.org

THROUGH SEPT. 24

The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England | Legion of Honor

From Henry VII’s seizure of the throne in 1485 to the death of his granddaughter Elizabeth I in 1603. This is the only West Coast venue for the first major U.S. exhibition of Tudor portraiture, textiles, sculpture, silver, jewelry, and manuscripts. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. famsf.org

SEPT. 5 THROUGH DEC. 30

DearSanFrancisco| Club Fugazi

Following a brief summer hiatus, performances of mind-blowing acrobatic, aerial, and circus acts by The 7 Fingers resume in the heart of North Beach. Small bites and beverages available. clubfugazisf. com/dear-san-francisco

8 Opera Ball | San Francisco Opera

Music, dining, dancing, and elegance feature opera’s power couple, superstar tenor Roberto Alagna in his San Francisco Opera debut with soprano Aleksandra Kurzak. Presented by San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Guild, with proceeds supporting the future of opera and opera education in the Bay Area, ensuring the next 100 years of musical excellence. Co-chairs: Francesca Gutierrez Amann and Sue Graham Johnston. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com/seasons/2023-24-season/opera-ball

Music, dining, dancing, and elegance pair beautifully with important fundraising to ensure the next 100 years of education, training, and excellence. This season, the highly anticipated Opera Ball and the symphony’s Opening Night Gala bring arts and entertainment into the spotlight.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, FISHSHAPES, T CHARLES ERIKSON

Jack London poses for artist Xavier Martinez in 1905

Dear San Francisco

Hadestown

Lionel Ritchie and Earth, Wind & Fire | Chase Center

International superstar Ritchie has sold more than 125 million albums, earned an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, and four GRAMMY® Awards, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year. Earth, Wind & Fire has cemented their lasting impact on popular music, selling over 100 million albums and winning nine GRAMMY Awards. 1 Warriors Way. chasecenter.com

8 – 12

Flower Piano in SF Botanical Gardens | Golden Gate Park

A unique and creative annual event, Flower Piano transforms the San Francisco Botanical Garden into an al fresco concert hall where everyone is invited to play and listen. 1199 9th Ave. sfbg.org

9 Wente 140th Harvest Dinner

An elegant, farm-to-table, multi-course dinner paired with Wente Vineyards wines. Guests dine with family members under secluded, century-old olive trees for a one-of-a-kind experience. 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore. wentevineyards.com

9

Sound Summit | Mountain Theater, Mt. Tam

An annual, day-long music celebration and fundraiser for Mount Tamalpais State Park. Lineup features Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Kevin Morby, Brokedown in Bakersfield, and Vinyl with KNBR morning show hosts Murph & Mac as emcees. soundsummit.net

10

Opera in the Park | Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park

Opera for all in a Bay Area tradition. Music Director Eun Sun Kim leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in a delightful afternoon of arias, duets, and more performed by stars from the fall season. sfopera.com/seasons/opera-in-the-park

12 – 17

Hadestown | Orpheum Theatre

A place where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical. A haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go. Ages 8+. 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com

12 – Oct. 1

IlTrovatore| San Francisco Opera

Verdi’s towering opera of grand passions stymied at every turn. A work of sublime arias, passionate ensembles, and the rousing Anvil Chorus set amid the power struggles of the Spanish War of Independence. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

13

The Concert for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals VIP cocktail reception, live concert (headliner TBA), and after-party benefiting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. The Colin Powell Medal of Courage honors 22-year-old Selah Kitchiner. 1 Warrior Way. Chase Center. theconcertforkids.org

San Francisco Symphony 22

Opening Night Gala | San Francisco Symphony

A spectacular evening to celebrate the new season. Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the San Francisco Symphony in an exhilarating program, weaving music and technology in a tapestry of heightened emotional journeys and artistic exploration. Haute Living, San Francisco is proud to be the official magazine partner. Proceeds directly support acclaimed education, community, and artistic programs serving more than 75,000 people each year. Co-chairs: Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegl. Davies Symphony Hall. 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org/gala/2023

22 – 24

66th Monterey Jazz Festival

Since 1958, the world’s longest, continuously running jazz festival, held annually on the 20-acre oak-studded Monterey County Fairgrounds. The nonprofit event is committed to celebrating America’s creativity and cultural heritage by presenting legendary jazz musicians, composers, and young rising stars. Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, John Santos, Connie Han, many more. Montereyjazzfestival.org

22 – Oct. 7

The(R)evolutionofSteveJobs|

San Francisco Opera

The score by acclaimed San Francisco composer Mason Bates and Pulitzer-winning librettist Mark Campbell is an operatic journey through the fragmented memory of love, betrayal, obsession, and death. Under the baton of Michael Christie. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

23

World Ballet Stars in Petipa Awards Gala

An international cast of award-winning ballet stars from illustrious ballet companies perform on this special occasion honoring the legendary Natalia Makarova and Pierre Lacotte. Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Ave. cityboxoffice.com

23

Jack London State Historic Park Gala

Escape into the woods where artists and the poets come to misbehave in the rhythm of Jack’s Bohemian Groove, an epic arts salon. Revere! Celebrate! Laugh! Dance! 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. jacklondonpark.com

23

Summer Sessions | The Meritage Resort

Blue Note Napa brings the Crescent City’s music, food, and culture to Napa. Jazz-funk quintet Galactic, NOLA-based rock supergroup Raw Oyster Cult, plus Dumpstaphunk, Cyril Neville of The Meters and The Neville Brothers, and Bay Area deejay Harry Duncan. bluenotenapa.com

28 through Nov. 4

NollywoodDreams| San Francisco Playhouse

It’s the nineties in Lagos, and Ayamma dreams of stardom. Working at her parents’ travel agency, she yearns for the bright lights of Nollywood, the burgeoning Nigerian film industry. When she lands an audition with Nigeria’s hottest director, tensions flare with his former leading lady. 450 Post St. sfplayhouse.org

Conductor Michael Christie in (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, SF Opera

Il Trovatore at San Francisco Opera

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BRADFORD ROGNE, SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY, CORY WEAVER

OCTOBER

1 – 2

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis | SFJAZZ

Iconic trumpeter Wynton Marsalis returns with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for his first SFJAZZ performances since receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award presented in 2022. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

1 – 2

Sting: My Songs 2023 | Concord Pavilion

Many of the Grammy-winning artist’s best-known hits, songs Sting made famous with The Police and on his own. Accompanied by special guest Joe Sumner. 2000 Kirker Pass Rd., Concord. concordamp.com/events/sting

5 – 15

Mill Valley Film Festival

Founded in 1977 and now running 11 days, this internationally acclaimed cinema event presents a wide variety of new films in seven venues from 200 filmmakers representing 50 countries in an engaged, community setting. mvff.com

12

35th Annual Gala | The Commonwealth Club of California

This year’s gala honors five distinguished citizens who embody the theme “Soaring into the Future: Celebrating Resilience and Innovation” through incredible acts of service and longstanding leadership. 110 The Embarcadero. commonwealthclub.org

12 – 14

Esa-Pekka Salonen and Emanuel Ax | San Francisco Symphony

The symphony’s music director and the esteemed pianist join in a program that includes a world premiere as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 and more. Davies Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

14 – 15

51st Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival

On historic Main Street between Mill and Spruce Streets in the “World Pumpkin Capital” from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., free. Kicks off Oct. 9 with the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. (Can a giant gourd beat last year’s record 2,560 pounds?) pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com

15

AmericanKaleidoscope| Berkeley Symphony

The Marcus Roberts Trio performs in a program that includes Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Music Director Joseph Young. Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. berkeleysymphony.org

15 – Nov. 1

Lohengrin| San Francisco Opera

In Wagner’s soaring masterpiece, a magical, mysterious, and anonymous swan knight appears out of nowhere to marry and save the duchess, Elsa. The only catch? She must never ask his name or where he came from. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

19 – 21

Eddie Izzard – The Remix | Orpheum Theatre

The hilarious British comedian, two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner and Tony Award nominee, is making her way to the U.S. for a brand new tour, an homage to a 35-year career. Three shows only. 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com

19, 21 – 22

MTT Conducts Beethoven 9 |

San Francisco Symphony

Music Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas conducts San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Symphony Chorus, plus soloists in a program to include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Davies Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

31

Dr.Jekyll&Mr.Hyde| SFJAZZ

The sacred space of Grace Cathedral is transformed into a grand movie palace for a special Halloween screening of John S. Robertson’s 1920 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella of a doctor wrestling with split identities, starring John Barrymore. The live score is performed on the famous pipe organ by renowned organist and composer Dorothy Papadakos.1100 California St. sfjazz.org/tickets/ productions/23-24/dr-jekyll-mr-hyde

Lohengrin, The Royal Opera

Eddie Izzard

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) PIPER FERGUSON, CLIVE BARDA, PIPER FERGUSON, AMANDA SEARLE

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

Wynton Marsalis

HOLY MOLE! Colibri Mexican Bistro is that GOOD!

TACO about being loyal …

BY SHARON SETO

SINCE IT OPENED, I’VE BEEN FREQUENTING COLIBRI, ESTABLISHED by owners Eduardo and Sylvia Rallo, whose desire is to share Central Mexican plates from their childhood. Oftentimes, I go dining at Colibri’s outdoor patio on warm, sunny days and bring family and friends. Its private rooms are cool spaces where I can be found “partying” or celebrating a special occasion. At Colibri, general manager Emma Navarro watches over the dining room like a mom, with Victor Manuel beside her. They are not only hospitable, but extremely keen on running a tight ship for a delightful experience. I always look forward to tasting Chef Edgar’s latest creations. Chef Edgar is the mastermind behind the mouthwatering dishes at Colibri Mexican Bistro.

Chef Edgar Castro’s culinary journey began in his hometown of Merida, Yucatán, where his mother taught him the secrets of the delicious and diverse Yucatecan cuisine. After graduating from high school, he decided to follow his passion to the U.S. where he honed his skills with some of the best chefs in the Bay Area. He is proudly adept at showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine.

Castro’s love for cooking is as hot as the dishes he creates. His culinary creations, as colorful as they are flavorful, make lips smack. In 2005, Castro worked one job as a line cook at La Suite, a popular French restaurant on the Embarcadero, and a second job as a line cook at Colibri to get the most experience possible. In 2007, he joined the Chez Papa team as a line cook and worked under chef David Bazirgan for the next three years. Castro learned a lot from Bazirgan, who was his mentor and a true inspiration.

His hard work paid off. A few years later, he was promoted to sous chef at Colibri Mexican Bistro. Further demonstrating his talent and love for Mexican cuisine, he was promoted to chef de cuisine in 2009. Castro constantly looks for new recipes and tries new flavors, making his regional specials a monthly delight. Currently the executive chef of Colibri, he leads research and development efforts at the commissary kitchen just a few doors down from the restaurant.

HL: Who and why were you inspired to become a chef?

EC: My mother had a lot to do with it. Ever since I was very young, I saw how she loved to cook for us, and that love inspired me to become a chef, to cook with the same love for others that she did for her family.

HL: If stranded on a deserted island, what three kitchen tools must you have to survive?

EC: Knife, lighter, pot.

HL: If you had a “dream meal,” with whom would you like to share it at your dinner table, dead or alive?

EC: Chef David Bazirgan, the first chef I ever worked for.

HL: Tell us a story about when you felt like a hero in the kitchen?

EC: Without a doubt, it was during the pandemic, because a lot of chefs were calling in sick or could not work. So, the team and I who were there had to take on all the extra work to put on a good service, all while running the risk of getting COVID ourselves.

HL: Any future plans on the horizon or dreams?

EC: I’d definitely like to open my own restaurant one day here in San Francisco, serving authentic Yucatán cuisine.

“‘BUEN TRABAJO, GRACIAS.’ I SAY THIS WHEN I’M PLEASED WITH THE WORK OF SOMEONE IN THE KITCHEN.”

CARNITAS WITH SALSA

CARNITAS

~ 4 garlic cloves

~ 1 cinnamon stick

~ 1 orange

~ 7 ounces milk

~ 1 teaspoon oregano

~ 1 teaspoon black pepper

~ 1 tablespoon salt

~ 1 onion roughly chopped

~ 1 ounce brandy

~ 5 pounds pork lard or butter

~ 7 pounds pork leg

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add the garlic, cinnamon stick, orange, milk, oregano, pepper, salt onion and brandy in the blender.

2. Blend until ingredients form a thick paste.

3. Cut each pork leg into eight pieces, season with salt and pepper. Marinate for 12 hours.

4. Heat the lard or butter on low heat.

5. Add the marinated pork and confit in low heat.

6. Remove once it’s cooked through and tender.

SALSA

~ 1 white onion, roughly chopped

~ 5 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped

~ ½ cup olive oil

~ 4 cloves peeled garlic, roughly chopped

~ 1 tablespoon salt

~ 12 ounces tomatillos

~ 1 pound jalapeño

~ 8 pieces árbol chile pepper

~ 1 teaspoon black pepper

~ 2 pieces guajillo chile pepper

~ 2 spring onions, roughly chopped

~ 1 bunch cilantro, washed

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a pot, heat up the oil and add árbol chiles and guajillo chiles. After a few minutes, take them out and rehydrate the chiles in hot water.

2. In a blender, add the tomatoes, tomatillos, jalapeño, onions, rehydrated chiles, cilantro, garlic. Puree.

3. Add salt, pepper, and spring onions.

4. Keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

CHILE RELLENO

~ ½ pound mushrooms, diced

~ ¾ pounds onions, diced

~ 5 whole poblano peppers

~ ½ pound fresh corn kernels

~ 1 tablespoon salt

~ ¾ pound zucchini, diced

INSTRUCTIONS

1 Heat the grill and add oil.

~ 1 pound Yukon potatoes, diced

~ ¾ pound carrots, diced

~ 1 teaspoon black pepper

~ 4 ounces blended oil

~ Sour cream (for topping)

~ Queso fresco (for topping)

2. Fry onion, zucchini, mushroom, carrots, and potatoes until cooked through.

3. Season with salt and pepper. Cool on a tray and strain out the excess oil.

4. Roast the poblano peppers over the flame until cooked. Transfer to a small bowl and seal. Let it sit for five minutes.

5. Take the poblano peppers out of the bowl and peel off the skins.

6. Cut a small slit into the peppers. Stuff the peppers with the vegetable mixture on the tray.

7. Place each pepper slit side down on a plate and garnish with sour cream and queso fresco.

POZOLE

~ ¾ pound tomatillos, roughly chopped

~ 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped

~ 1 white onion, quartered

~ 2 cloves peeled garlic, chopped

~ ½ liter chicken broth

~ 1 teaspoon cumin

~ 1 teaspoon oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

~ 1 tablespoon epazote, chopped

~ 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

~ 1 tablespoon salt

~ 1 cup pozolero corn kernels

~ 2 tablespoons blended oil or olive oil

~ 1 teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oil in a pot and cook the tomatillos, onion, jalapeño, and garlic.

2. When the mixture is well caramelized, add the chicken broth, cilantro, epazote, oregano, cumin, and pepper.

3. Simmer for 15 minutes, then pour into a blender. Blend until smooth and strain.

4. In another pot, add the strained soup to the corn kernels. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Simmer for another 15 minutes. Serve hot.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF COLIBRI MEXICAN BISTRO (TOP), AF&CO (BOTTOM)

LAMB

~ 8 pieces lamb shank

~ 2 tablespoons salt

~ 1 tablespoon black pepper

~ 1.5 quarts shortening oil

~ Lamb shank sauce (below)

~ 1 pound whole banana leaves (soaked for at least 30 minutes)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Season the lamb with salt and pepper.

3. In a hot pot, add the soil and sear the lamb.

4. Remove the oil from pot and add lamb to the salsa (recipe above).

5. Cut banana leaves in 12-inch squares and aluminum foil in 17-inch squares.

6. Wrap each lamb shank in a banana leaf, then tightly wrap each “package” in aluminum foil.

7. Place in a bain-marie (hot water bath). Cover with aluminum foil and steam inside the pre-heated oven for four hours.

8. Place lamb shanks on plates with lamb shank sauce.

SAUCE

~ 1 white onion, quartered

~ 8 ancho chile peppers

~ 7 Roma tomato, chopped, no seeds

~ 1 ounce olive oil

~ 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

~ Dark chocolate, broken into pieces

~ 1 tablespoon salt

~ 1 stick cinnamon

~ 1 teaspoon black pepper

~ 1 teaspoon cocoa powder

~ 1 liter chicken broth

~ 1 teaspoon cumin

~ 1 teaspoon oregano

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a heated pot, add the oil and fry the ancho chile. Remove and place into hot water to hydrate.

2. In the same oil, add the onion, garlic, and cinnamon and sauté until caramelized. Then add the tomatoes.

3. Cook until the juice from the tomatoes leaches out. Then add the rest of the ingredients, except broth, salt, and chocolate.

4. Add chicken broth, salt, and chocolate. Simmer for 30 minutes.

5. Pour the sauce into the blender and blend until smooth. Strain and set aside to cool.

& working studio & working studio & working studio

& working studio

Gallery Sausalito represents a contemporary collection of original, ne art works by award winning, local and internationl artists.

Painting l Fine Ceramics l Sculpture l & More

Gallery Sausalito represents a contemporary collection of original, ne art works by award winning, local and internationl artists.

Painting l Fine Ceramics l Sculpture l & More

Experience art being made while you visit.

Experience art being made while you visit.

Gallery Sausalito 30 Princess Street Sausalito California 94965

(415)

Artist: Sue Averell Title: Giant Fans Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Artist: Sue Averell Title: Giant Fans Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

THINKING OF BUYING IN CABO?

THINKING OF BUYING IN CABO?

Dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Los Cabos has always been a popular vacation destination. Over the years it has grown significantly from sleepy fishing village to a global hot spot for all types of visitors. Health Care, hospitality, and the gastronomy scene are all world-class, and annual events like the Los Cabos Film Festival, Los Cabos Ironman and The Bisbee’s Black & Blue are uniquely Baja. Whether looking to vacation, invest, or retire, people migrate back to the climate and culture of the area annually, and every year there's more to explore.

Dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Los Cabos has always been a popular vacation destination. Over the years it has grown significantly from sleepy fishing village to a global hot spot for all types of visitors. Health Care, hospitality, and the gastronomy scene are all world-class, and annual events like the Los Cabos Film Festival, Los Cabos Ironman and The Bisbee’s Black & Blue are uniquely Baja. Whether looking to vacation, invest, or retire, people migrate back to the climate and culture of the area annually, and every year there's more to explore.

Dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Los Cabos has always been a popular vacation destination. Over the years it has grown significantly from sleepy fishing village to a global hot spot for all types of visitors. Health Care, hospitality, and the gastronomy scene are all world-class, and annual events like the Los Cabos Film Festival, Los Cabos Ironman and The Bisbee’s Black & Blue are uniquely Baja. Whether looking to vacation, invest, or retire, people migrate back to the climate and culture of the area annually, and every year there's more to explore.

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

What You Need to Know Before You Buy

The local real estate market has hit the world stage with everything from o -the grid beach casitas to ultra-high-end trophy estates for the most discerning of real estate collectors. Master-planned communities anchored by a brand name 5* hotel are very popular and all the big names are here or coming. Owners love the curated experiences and extensive amenities of branded residential o erings like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Four Seasons, and with record-high demand the income potential is o the charts.

The local real estate market has hit the world stage with everything from o -the grid beach casitas to ultra-high-end trophy estates for the most discerning of real estate collectors. Master-planned communities anchored by a brand name 5* hotel are very popular and all the big names are here or coming. Owners love the curated experiences and extensive amenities of branded residential o erings like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Four Seasons, and with record-high demand the income potential is o the charts. Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico as a foreigner is easy, but the market is sophisticated and local support is invaluable.

The local real estate market has hit the world stage with everything from o -the grid beach casitas to ultra-high-end trophy estates for the most discerning of real estate collectors. Master-planned communities anchored by a brand name 5* hotel are very popular and all the big names are here or coming. Owners love the curated experiences and extensive amenities of branded residential o erings like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Four Seasons, and with record-high demand the income potential is o the charts.

Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico as a foreigner is easy, but the market is sophisticated and local support is invaluable.

Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico as a foreigner is easy, but the market is sophisticated and local support is invaluable.

• How do Foreigners hold title in Mexico

• How do Foreigners hold title in Mexico

• How do Foreigners hold title in Mexico

° Foreigners may own fee simple real estate in Mexico, but in the restricted zone it is done through a trust established with a Mexican Bank

° Foreigners may own fee simple real estate in Mexico, but in the restricted zone it is done through a trust established with a Mexican Bank

° Foreigners may own fee simple real estate in Mexico, but in the restricted zone it is done through a trust established with a Mexican Bank

• How does the closing process work

• How does the closing process work

• How does the closing process work

° US-based Escrow companies are used and the steps from O er to Closing are similar to the US concept, however there are specific considerations and strategies that Foreigners should observe

° US-based Escrow companies are used and the steps from O er to Closing are similar to the US concept, however there are specific considerations and strategies that Foreigners should observe

° US-based Escrow companies are used and the steps from O er to Closing are similar to the US concept, however there are specific considerations and strategies that Foreigners should observe

• Why is local representation important

• Why is local representation important

• Why is local representation important

° Qualified, licensed counsel and support through the buying process is as important as an experienced and clear understanding of the local market

° Qualified, licensed counsel and support through the buying process is as important as an experienced and clear understanding of the local market

° Qualified, licensed counsel and support through the buying process is as important as an experienced and clear understanding of the local market

• What locations are best to consider

• What locations are best to consider

• What locations are best to consider

° The range of amenities and options for Buyers is extensive and varies across the peninsula. From investment to enjoyment or building to turn-key, the best targets vary with Buyer interest

° The range of amenities and options for Buyers is extensive and varies across the peninsula. From investment to enjoyment or building to turn-key, the best targets vary with Buyer interest

° The range of amenities and options for Buyers is extensive and varies across the peninsula. From investment to enjoyment or building to turn-key, the best targets vary with Buyer interest

• When is a good time to purchase

• When is a good time to purchase

• When is a good time to purchase

° Seasonal cycles, local market trends, geopolitics, and world economics all a ect the best time to purchase in a global destination market. A clear and defined strategy tailored to the Buyer’s best interest is key to choosing the best time.

° Seasonal cycles, local market trends, geopolitics, and world economics all a ect the best time to purchase in a global destination market. A clear and defined strategy tailored to the Buyer’s best interest is key to choosing the best time.

° Seasonal cycles, local market trends, geopolitics, and world economics all a ect the best time to purchase in a global destination market. A clear and defined strategy tailored to the Buyer’s best interest is key to choosing the best time.

For a more detailed Buyers’ Guide: +52 624 157-6323

For a more detailed Buyers’ Guide: +52 624 157-6323

it.”

“Having called Cabo home for almost 20 years I’ve seen an incredible evolution of life here and love it more now than ever. We share our passion and expertise with our clients in pursuit of their dreams. They define Luxury, we help them find it.”

“Having called Cabo home for almost 20 years I’ve seen an incredible evolution of life here and love it more now than ever. We share our passion and expertise with our clients in pursuit of their dreams. They define Luxury, we help them find

“Having called Cabo home for almost 20 years I’ve seen an incredible evolution of life here and love it more now than ever. We share our passion and expertise with our clients in pursuit of their dreams. They define Luxury, we help them find it.”

GUCCI EARRINGS

Be authoritative and charismatically leonine when you dangle Gucci’s breathtaking lion’s head earrings from each ear. Glittery and hypnotic with fancy tourmalines and diamonds, they were created to captivate. Price upon request. Gucci.com

GALA GLAM

THESE ACCESSORIES UP THE ANTE AT YOUR NEXT FÊTE

BY BECCA HENSLEY

SOMETHING OLD. SOMETHING BORROWED. SOMETHING NEW? THAT’S RIGHT. Don’t we all need that one extra bit of glitz and glam to complete our outfit for the gala? We’ve found a few things sure to scintillate at your next soiree.

DIOR® GLOVES

Gloves are back—finally. Channel your favorite heyday Hollywood siren and pull on Dior’s Tribales, long, black, lambskin gloves, adorned with white resin pearl buttons with the CD signature. Inspired by Dior Tribales earrings, they define couture dressing. $1,150 Dior.com

AVI & CO AH 17 WATCH

Horologists will travel near and far for a fine watch. Enter Avi & Co’s new store in Miami’s Design District, which sells an array of over-the-top timepieces and diamond jewelry. Strap on the AH17, a white or rose gold watch with a 44-millimeter case and 120.55-karat weight, for instant glam. $350K aviandco.com

1. LOUIS VUITTON® NECKLACE

Louis Vuitton’s director of jewelry and watches, Francesca Amfitheatrof, recently released her earthinspired, vintage-intoned jewelry collection Deep Time High—a trove of sparkly fantasies. The 18-karat white gold flight necklace incorporates one cushion-cut ruby from Mozambique totaling 4.17 carats and diamonds. Price upon request. https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/ stories/deep-time-high-jewelry

2. GABRIEL & CO. CUFFLINKS

Ever the standard bearer for bringing the final touch to a festive wardrobe for men and women, Gabriel & Co. offers a collection of dashing, classic cufflinks to punctuate your look with the ultimate in sophistication. Clip on these 14-karat yellow gold square cufflinks with twisted rope trip. $1,850 gabrielny.com

3. CAROLYN ROWAN SHAWL

Hope for a cool night, so you can don this elegant Carolyn Rowan Collection shawl. In black, gray, or white georgette silk, it has a feather trim. $425 saksfifthavenue.com

4. GUCCI® SILVER CLUTCH

Bygone inspiration is having a moment. This bag in silver lamé lizzard draws from iconic Gucci styling with snaffle bit hardware, a purse element instituted by brand designers in the 1950s. $3,890 gucci.com

5. HERITAGE JEWELRY NY ROMAN CUFFLINKS

Customized for you and made to order, these stunning cufflinks feature a map of one’s family with birthstones and Roman numerals representing birth months. Made from 18-karat gold, they are 18 millimeters in diameter. $3,480 heritagejewelryny.com/collections/sentimental-1/products/ roman-cufflinks

6. ISABELLA KRON PUMPS

Isabella Kron creates timeless, romantic designs sure to emanate sexy confidence. Her Miriam black suede pump, trimmed with pearlized Nappa leather, will take partygoers from day to evening. $425 isabellakron.com

7. REALM FINE + FASHION JEWELRY CORSET PAVÉ CUFF

Alluringly reminiscent of a tantalizing corset, this stylish bracelet emits a modern tone with its architectural shape. Easy to get on and off and playful, it comes in 18-karat gold vermeil and cubic zirconia blanc. $1,100 explorerealm.com

Live Like a Vintner with Skipstone

A wine lover’s dream come true in Sonoma County

BY NOËL BURGESS

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO OWN a winery? To live among the vines, taste-test the latest vintages, and have access to the serenity, exclusivity, and “high-life” perks associated with the elite vintners? Skipstone is ready to make a wine lover’s dream come true with the opening of the Skipstone Residence. Proprietors Fahri and Constance Diner are inviting all to immerse themselves in the true vintner experience. Whether you are an oenophile or a casual wine lover, Skipstone offers a luxurious escape into the world of fine wines, fine dining, and lavish experiences. Prepare to fall in love with this Sonoma County treasure, where every moment of your stay will feel like you are a winery owner.

The Residence

Originally the home of Skipstone proprietor Fahri Diner, the 5-bedroom residence at Skipstone perches upon a hill overlooking Alexander Valley. As you walk up the driveway, you can’t help but feel like you’re entering a Thomas Cole painting, due to the spectrum of earth tones and the calm surrounding nature.

Upon entering the stone farmhouse (5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 8,400 square feet), it becomes clear that no element was overlooked in the design. Start in the living room which features a double-height ceiling and French doors that open up to vineyard views of the Mayacamas Mountains. Other standout interior features include a gourmet kitchen, six indoor fireplaces, and a billiards lounge.

The outdoor space at the Skipstone residence is a true marvel. The backyard has a floating deck, perfect for eating and entertaining after utilizing the Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven located in the outdoor kitchen. Do you feel like enjoying a glass of wine by one of the two outdoor firepits? No worries, the Diners have opened up more than their home—they open their wine cellar as well! The 2,500 bottles stored below ground are available for a price via a QR code containing every bottle available for purchase.

The Winery

Skipstone primarily produces Bordeaux red varieties from nearly 30 acres of certified organic, certified sustainable, and biodynamic vines. Under the stewardship of famed winemaker Philippe Melka and newcomer Laura Jones (joined in 2022), Skipstone harnesses the unique terroir of the Pocket Peak AVA (pending approval), which results in elegant, distinctive wines that carry the signature core of the vineyards character. Guests of the residence will be led on a private tour and tasting of Skipstone Wines, which include:

▪ Faultline Vineyard Bordeaux Blend ($195)

▪ The Preface Proprietary Red ($70) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc

▪ Oliver’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon ($195)

▪ Viognier ($75)

▪ Luka’s Blend Cabernet Franc ($375)

▪ “Rose de Constance” Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne ($125) in partnership with Diebolt-Vallois.

▪ Sofia’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($375)

▪ Malbec ($140).

Scheduled to open in summer 2024, a brand-new hospitality center will include a wine library, outdoor patios, and private suites looking out to vineyard and mountain views.

The Perks

Now let’s explore the luxurious benefits of being a vintner in Sonoma County’s wine country. Patricia Smith, estate director for Skipstone, is essentially the chief of staff or executive assistant of guests during their time at the residence. Director Smith was born and raised in Sonoma County. Through personal and professional relationships, she expertly curates experiences from spa treatments to dining to family-friendly activities and beyond.

Would you like to enjoy a farm-to-table experience without leaving Skipstone? Local, renowned chefs such as Dustin Valette (Valette and The Matheson), Doug Keane (Cyrus), Gary Penir (Cuisine GP), and Laura and Sayat Ozylmaz (Dalida) are familiar with the gourmet kitchen and incorporate ingredients and produce from the property’s organic gardens, chicken coops, and olive and fruit trees.

If you fly in privately to STS or another airport near San Francisco Bay, then take advantage of Skipstone’s partnerships with NetJets and ground transportation services for patrons’ pre-arrival needs.

Kiln

Right now is the time to snag reservations at one of the city’s best new offerings, where less is dazzlingly more.

BY STEPH KEAY

AS SOMEONE WHO DINES OUT FOR A LIVING, I’M INEVITABLY asked after every restaurant visit: Was it good? It’s never an easy question to answer when there are numerous factors that go into whether a restaurant is “good.” This is complicated by the fact that the experience is subjective: one diner might enjoy having their dish whisked away the moment they finish the last bite, while others prefer laidback service. Some might prefer dining to a classical score, and others a contemporary playlist. For me, Kiln manages to strike the perfect balance in all areas—food, service, and ambiance—while maintaining an impressively calm and collected aura.

Part of the credit may be due to the space itself. The 3,400-square-foot space in Hayes Valley, a former garage that was previously inhabited by the celebrated Cala, is airy yet intimate. Vaulted ceilings and exposed concrete walls lend an industrialchic vibe, while clerestory windows and pendant lighting bring warmth into the space. A service station custom-made by Santa Cruz-based furniture maker Oxford Design anchors the room. It features a pale green olive tree from Sonoma sprouting out of the console’s concrete-topped wood. Kiln also inherited the previous restaurant’s state-of-the-art sound system—Meyer Sound Laboratories’ Constellation Acoustic System, if you want to get technical—a highly customizable setup that makes acoustics sound natural and immersive, perfect for its eclectic playlist featuring the likes of Mac Miller and Lana Del Rey.

The concept from owners chef John Wesley and general manager Julianna Yang, who met while working at the Michelinstarred Sons & Daughters, is simple and focused. The restaurant holds just 34 diners at a time, including bar seating for eight. The

Japanese, French, and Scandinavian techniques Wesley picked up from Baumé in Palo Alto and Aska in Brooklyn inform the ingredient-driven menu.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a welcome glass of sparkling rosé to begin the tasting menu ($225) consisting of 18 to 20 courses served over approximately three hours. (I must call attention to Kiln’s impeccable pacing.) Pairings curated by the beverage director, Vincent Balao (Atelier Crenn, Benu, Spruce), are also on offer, in addition to a spirit-free option featuring kombucha, seasonal shrubs, and Proxies (non-alcoholic wines from Acid League, a personal pantry favorite of mine).

The presentation of each course reflects the space’s minimalist aesthetic, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. Behind each dish is an extraordinary amount of preparation—be it fermentation, curing, or pickling. For example, take the beef tendon. This second bite—after a triple-cream goat’s milk cheese sandwiched between potato crisps with a tangy hit of malt vinegar that also deserves a mention—is not the slow-cooked, gelatinous version I’m accustomed to in Cantonese cuisine. Not that I’m complaining—part of the delight of dining at Kiln is that you don’t receive the menu until the very end, enticing you to wonder just how each ingredient is incorporated into each dish as you savor it. The tendon arrives in the form of a crisp, crisscrossed sphere, served on a glittering glass vessel. Topped with dabs of roasted onion vinegar and chive blossoms, the fried beef tendon is the result of a multi-day process in which the tendon is boiled, fried, and crumbled before being reconstructed around house-made sweet potato noodles.

Chef John Wesley and General Manager Julianna Yang (front) with the Kiln team

Kiln’s stark setting sets the stage for the cuisine

PHOTO: COURTESY OF JIM SULLIVAN

The next courses are a continued exercise in using exemplary ingredients and allowing their unique flavor profiles to shine alongside one another. Slivers of buttery shima aji are layered with the juicy ripeness of white peach, the pleasant crunch of a smoked sturgeon croustade complements tart white verjus and briny kombu, and the delicate sweetness of spot prawn pairs with earthy kohlrabi and grilled cream. Also worth mentioning is the tableware in which each course is served, each as singular as the dishes themselves. These works of art range from porcelain sourced from Japan to hand-blown glass bowls from Denmark.

The next course, cornettes of grilled beet with bone marrow and huckleberry, arrives tableside in a made-to-order stand of circular wood from a London turnery. Once lifted from its careful perch, again the eyes deceive: the beef requires a lengthy process of roasting, marinating, smoking, and drying before being molded into a conical shape and filled with a paste of rendered bone marrow and egg yolk. That tiny spot of plum atop, you ask? It’s a carefully concocted hint of huckleberry, a touch of acidity to complement the richness of the bone marrow. There’s more than meets the eye with every single dish at Kiln.

We’re only a third of the way through the menu, and the ingenuity never ceases. The next course is Dungeness crab and Osetra caviar, finished tableside with a verdant sauce that tastes of fresh-picked dill and just-grated horseradish. Sublime. Then,

blue lobster from Portugal, blanketed in a luxurious sauce of pilsner and roasted yeast. The umami flavor of tomato miso is a perfect match for its malty sweetness, making for a dish you’ll find yourself scraping the dish for. The journey continues with a slow-poached jidori egg yolk, a deep orange orb swimming in a full-flavored broth of smoked mushroom that wraps you in a warm embrace. It’s served with a fermented potato bread fragrant with caraway, warm and ready to be brushed with a delicately whipped cultured butter made with beef drippings. The bridge in Mac Miller’s “Congratulations” swells in the background as I bite into the roll, its extraordinary combination of flavors intensifying in concert with the soundtrack. It’s a life-altering combination for anyone who has been on a no- or low-carb diet, and I can only think of my life as before and after this course from now on.

We’re only halfway through the menu and there’s much more to come, but part of the spirit of Kiln is savoring the moment, so I’d like to leave some of it for your own discovery. Though there has been comparatively little fanfare since its opening— perhaps fortunate for those looking to score reservations— Kiln is a hidden gem ready to be uncovered. A line from “Congratulations” comes to mind: “[You’re] too divine to just be mine. You were everything I ever wanted.” Bring a partner for this transformative journey and know that you will leave satiated in a way that transcends the physical.

A quartet of confections

Cornettes of grilled beet and bone marrow

Bathroom Bliss

Beautifully designed bathrooms provide a respite for literal and metaphysical self-reflection.

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

AS THE MOST INTIMATE OF FUNCTIONAL SPACES, A bathroom serves to fulfill the most basic of needs. Yet a beautifully designed bathroom can become so much more than simply a spot in which to start and end the day. A thoughtfully planned bathroom may serve as a sanctuary, a tranquil place in which to relax and revive both body and soul. Large or small and with or without gilded mirror, a bathroom provides a respite for literal and metaphysical self-reflection, a venue for self-expression, and occasionally an Instagram-worthy destination. Find inspiration for your own luxurious haven in these decadent bathrooms where mundane becomes magnificent.

FIT FOR A KING

Luxury residential and commercial designer Sophie Azouaou of Sophisticate Interiors designed this chic and dazzling crystalmirrored sanctuary for the personal residence of luxury real estate agent Joel Goodrich. Located within the penthouse in one of Nob Hill’s iconic Beaux-Arts era buildings, this dramatic primary bath, clad in mirrors and black marble, features extraordinary Swarovski crystal sconces, chandelier, and mirror, each of which reflect the glittering city night lights, creating a fantasy-like space that Goodrich’s guests have dubbed the “disco bathroom.” Differing textures and materials sourced from Italy, Las Vegas, and the SF Design Center create a harmonized theme, the inspiration of which was a show-stopping crystal mirror at Wynn Las Vegas. “This bathroom is grand, glamorous, and unique in its richness,” said Azouaou. “All of Joel’s guests end up taking pictures in here.”

PALATIAL POWDER ROOM

Goodrich’s French-inspired, glittering powder room also received Azouaou’s glamor treatment. The designer added overthe-top crystal accessories in creating the tiny yet palace-worthy guest retreat that has served as the scene of several lifestyle and fashion photo shoots. This jewel box shimmers with iridescent mirrored tiled flooring, silver sequined draping lined with Swarovski crystal, and silver metallic painted walls and vanity. “I chose to work with Sophie because I knew that she would realize my vision and the end result would be super-chic,” said Goodrich, who, in describing his powder room quotes Mae West, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”

SOOTHING SANCTUARY

This Hillsborough estate bathroom, created for Dr. David Kang and his wife, Jennifer Han, co-owners of leading San Francisco medical spa Serenity Medspa, is all about inspiration and serenity and unifying function with beauty and luxury. The space needed to provide motivation for the day ahead and serve as a soothing sanctuary at day’s end for a busy doctor who is constantly on his feet. It needed to inspire, yet relax. Texture and sophisticated sparkle are achieved via jewelry-like glass borders, Swarovski crystal sconces imported from Europe, white wave wall tiles, Calacatta marble flooring, and marble top vanities. The effect is serene yet sophisticated.

(BATH)ROOM WITH A VIEW

At the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, spalike bathrooms (featuring luxurious Codage Paris amenities) feature deep soaking tubs positioned for dramatic city and bay panoramas. Enjoy sweeping views of the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower during a relaxing soak. This is the ultimate city refuge in which to unwind and restore.

TUB FOR TWO

The luxe villas at Carmel Valley’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa feature beautifully designed master baths with freestanding, hammered copper soaking tubs; custom, hand-carved porcelain bathroom sinks; al fresco showers set on hand-made Moroccan mosaic tile; and radiant heat floors. Order up a “Dream Bath” and receive two bath bombs, a scented candle, a seasonal bar of handmade soap, and a sleep eye mask. Add rose petals for an especially romantic vibe.

Electric Dreams Dreams Electric

The late Virgil Abloh’s ability to dream sits at the heart of the Louis Vuitton Spring-Summer 2023 Men’s Collection. Conceived and created by the Louis Vuitton Studio Prêt-à-Porter Homme, the collection is a living testament to Abloh’s imagination through bold, bright colors and prints woven through classic silhouettes like oversized blazers and bomber jackets — ultimately transforming Abloh’s creativity into an electric dream that lives on.

FASHION DIRECTOR ADRIENNE FAUROTE

PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SQUIRES

STYLIST ALYCIA COHEN

GROOMER AIMI OSADA

MODELS GIOVANNI C AT NEW ICON NY & ZHENG ZHANG AT IMG MODELS

PHOTO ASSISTANT DUNCAN MELLOR

STYLIST ASSISTANT ANNA HUGER

San Francisco Pays Tribute to

TONY BENNETT

A FAREWELL AND A LASTING LEGACY

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Tony Bennett on September 21, 1982 at the cable car shutdown party

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SFMTA ARCHIVE

Dianne Feinstein with Tony Bennett on May 5, 1984, at the restart of the cable car system PHOTO: COURTESY OF SFMTA ARCHIVE

ON NEW YEAR’S EVE IN 1961, THE CANDLELIT, PLUSH, RED Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel atop Nob Hill was the place to be. Yet none of the “well-dressed crowd at the fabulous supper club” could have known that a song debuted by a charming crooner from New York City would become an internationally acclaimed serenade to the City by the Bay. The audience loved it.

Tony Bennett talked about that signature love song in his autobiography: “I sang it on opening night at the Fairmont Hotel. It really went over like gang-busters. It might have ended right there, but as fate would have it, local Columbia reps heard the song at rehearsal that afternoon and loved it ... On January 23, 1962, I recorded ‘San Francisco’ in one take.”

During the decades that followed for millions of fans all over the world, Tony Bennett was one of San Francisco’s greatest and most celebrated ambassadors. His “melodic clarity, jazz-influenced phrasing, audience-embracing persona and warm, deceptively simple interpretations of musical standards helped spread the American songbook around the world and won him generations of fans …” reads an obituary in The New York Times

On his 90th birthday on April 19, 2016, hundreds attended the unveiling of an eight-foot-tall bronze statue of Tony Bennett outside the Fairmont Hotel. He’s depicted with outstretched arms, in full song, symbolically embracing the city. Two years later, the City of San Francisco renamed the stretch of street that fronts the hotel as Tony Bennett Way. “He may have left his heart in San Francisco, but he won all of our hearts. Be at peace, and sing to us now from the stars, Tony Bennett,” comes from a statement issued by The Fairmont San Francisco.

Another prominent location in San Francisco is permanently graced by Tony Bennett’s considerable artistic talents. On a pedestal at Union Square’s northwest corner, passersby may be unaware that one of the city’s most recognizable public art installations was personally painted by Tony Bennett. Unveiled in 2004, his original landscape depicts a colorful San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. An annual call for artists by San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, the project’s “Hearts in San Francisco” fundraiser theme was inspired by the famous song. We’re honored to use these pages to share glowing memories, wonderful photographs, and heartfelt tributes to the talented master of lyrical interpretation with an unmistakable voice, a legend in his own time.

“A national treasure, Tony Bennett inspired countless people the world over through his timeless music, civil rights activism, and dedicated humanitarian work. Tony Bennett will always have a special place in my heart and in the hearts of all San Franciscans. My thoughts are with his many loved ones and admirers at this time of loss.” –Governor

Gavin Newsom

At the statue unveiling ceremony, former mayor Willie Brown’s praise was expressed simply: “Tony is an adopted son.”

“Tony Bennett provided us with a song, a spirit, and a magic that [are] intertwined with the history of this city and who we are. His contributions to this city go far beyond words on a page or melodies in the air. From the first day he sang ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ at the Fairmont Hotel and through all the decades since, Tony Bennett embodied a love for this city shared by all San Franciscans. Today we honor his memory and celebrate his legacy that will stay with us forever.” –Mayor London N. Breed

“He made cable cars famous around the world, beyond San Francisco. He brought millions to San Francisco to ride those little cars over 60 years. For most listeners, ‘To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars’ was the line that stuck and pushed the little cars to the top of their must-do list … It seems fair to say that the magnetic ability of cable cars to draw visitors to San Francisco was constantly recharged by the enduring popularity of Bennett and his signature song.” –Rick

Laubscher, president, Market Street Railway

“I met Tony Bennett on the eve of my 21st birthday in Las Vegas and then again, I believe, in the ’80s in San Francisco. What I remember from the first time I met him—besides being starstruck—after the show, I saw him again at the bar and he sang a short happy birthday to me. Beside that unforgettable event, during his performances, he scanned the room with his kind and smiling eyes, and if his gaze fell on you, you felt he was singing to you and only you.” –Lily Samii, couture designer and author, A Journey Through Life and Fashion

“I have been a fan of Tony Bennett since forever. Any singer would be … I saw him at the Carlyle in New York, when he would be at the late singer/pianist Barbara Carroll’s opening night for her season, each year there, supporting his dear friend. He sang truth, and he spoke the truth. We are grateful for his always speaking out against injustice and being on the right side of history.” –Paula West, American jazz and cabaret singer

“I shared the Venetian Room stage with Tony Bennett at probably 200 shows over seven years. The venue was added a few decades after the Fairmont was built, so there were no dressing rooms for entertainers. The artists would take the service elevator down from their suites and hang out in the kitchen. I had martinis with Tony on a few occasions; he was such a wonderful guy—one of the most gracious men I’ve ever met. He’d often go to the lobby to greet people as they arrived for the show, just to shake hands and say hello. Tony was a real star by my definition, possessing that rare humble quality … What you see is what you get, both onstage and off.” –Dick Bright, veteran bandleader, musical director at the Venetian Room, author, Workin’ For A Livin’: Makin’ It In The Music Business

“He visited us at least twice that I remember. He dined here with former mayor George Christopher when I was a kid back in the ’70s. We are celebrating our 115th year anniversary on October 4, 2023, at noon with a block party offering free food and wine to the public, and we will pay a tribute to Tony Bennett.” –John Konstin, owner, John’s Grill

“I remember back in the late 1970s, when I was assistant manager at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Union Square, some delightful evenings spent in the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel at Tony Bennett’s show. This was the ‘golden era’ of Tony Bennet and San Francisco.”

–Olivia Hsu Decker, owner/publisher, Haute Living Magazine, San Francisco and Northern California

“That voice, that warm smile will remain with us forever … I sang with him for a few moments on the red carpet at the 2008 GRAMMY® Awards. ‘I don’t sing if I’m not paid,’ he told me, so I gave him a $20 bill which he happily returned after a few lines of us singing ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’ together. Truly one of the magical moments of my life.” –Liam Mayclem, radio and TV personality

Tony Bennett statue unveiling

PHOTO: COURTESY OF FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

Message in Mindfulness

Oakland-born Rebecca Alexander inspires us to focus on what we can do, not what we can’t.

BY BECCA HENSLEY

UPON HEARING REBECCA ALEXANDER’S STORY, WHAT comes to my mind first are words from a short Mary Oliver poem, “The Uses of Sorrow.” Succinctly, Oliver writes: “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift.” Ever inspirational and intrinsically healing, Oakland-born Alexander is a psychotherapist, extreme athlete, group fitness instructor, public speaker, and disability rights advocate. Now almost completely blind and deaf, she began losing her sight and hearing in adolescence due to Usher syndrome type III, a rare genetic disorder. Alexander doesn’t pretend it has been easy, but she’s “learned to live with it,” adapting, grieving, rebooting, and ever working to let go of what can’t be controlled in favor of focusing on what can. For her, mindfulness is everything.

It’s the message she brought to the Bay Area on August 19, when she headlined at An Enchanting Evening, a gala event for LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired San Francisco. The event’s proceeds go toward rebuilding and upgrading facilities at LightHouse’s Enchanted Hills Camp, located in the heart of Napa Valley. “Summer camps are a place where anyone, regardless of ability, can experience the power of community in nature. But I’m especially delighted to support LightHouse’s efforts to create a world class facility to serve campers who might

otherwise not have access to the confidence-building activities and opportunities Enchanted Hills offers,” says Alexander. Fascinated and inspirited by her story, we spoke with Alexander to draw fortitude from her wisdom.

HL: On your website you write “There is no purer form of humanity than offering help, accepting help, helping yourself and receiving him.” It seems this has been your life mantra. Upon hearing your story, Mary Oliver’s short poem, “The Uses of Sorrow,” came to mind. You have taken what some might consider a trial and turned it to a huge gift to the world. How has helping others helped you overcome your challenges?

RA: I haven’t heard that poem, but I really like those lines. We talk about overcoming challenges, but I haven’t overcome anything. I have lived with it. That’s a shift in our way of looking at life that I think is important. Darkness is a huge part of life. Life’s not always what we see on social media, but we all have darkness. Part of how I lean into that is allowing myself to feel the whole range of emotions of being human. I cry. I mourn. I feel darkness and heaviness.

Asking for help is very important. It’s one of the hardest things, because people fear being a burden. But when you ask for help instead of being a burden, you are engendering others to connect.

You let people know they are needed and that they matter. There’s nothing people want more than to know that they matter. It’s the subject of my TED Talk: “HELP (Humanity’s Essence Living Proof).” Helping others gives me a sense of being connected and being able to pay it forward for all the help I have received.

HL: According to many reports, we are living in a time of widespread anxiety, depression, gloom, and despair. As we know, everyone is working on something, though it isn’t always obvious. What are some suggestions you have for working our way out these funks? For bringing light?

RA: With social media, we have so much access to information— and not all of it factual. We have a lot of sensory overload. People do things mindlessly rather than with intention. Have you ever walked into a room to do something, then wondered why you were there? Or have you looked for your phone while you were on it? We get caught in the chatter. If people are going to spend time on social media, do it with intention. Cap the time at 20 minutes (or whatever time period you choose, but stick with it). Make sure the accounts you read and follow are ones that make you feel whole. For example, I follow a lot of dogs— and comedians. The other piece of this is that we long to be connected to one another. We must spend time with others and not just on the screen.

HL: It’s clear that exercise and athletic goals have helped you. Tell us about that and some of the extreme accomplishments you’ve mastered in this area. What is your daily routine? Tell us what classes you teach—and why.

RA: I was in a very serious accident when I was young, which left me with many broken bones. Exercise and rehabilitation helped restore me. As my vision and hearing continued to decline and I realized that I had no control over that, I began to focus on what I could control. One of those things is to strengthen my body. I am a big fan of HIT classes, for example. In all things, but also in terms of extreme athletic accomplishments, I focus on what I can do, not what I can’t. It wasn’t easy to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, swim from Alcatraz to the shore, or do a 600-mile bike ride, but each of these things, though rife with challenges, made me feel alive.

HL: Your story is nothing short of inspiring. Gratitude plays a role. How do you weave gratitude into every day?

RA: What does gratitude really mean? Perhaps the “I am so grateful” comments and emojis we have on social media have made the concept so mainstream that gratitude has lost some of its true meaning. For me, gratitude is something that co-exists with all aspects of your life. So, you can be having a really bad day and still be grateful. It doesn’t mean things are perfect. It means being able to incorporate gratitude with being human. For example, when I walk to work each day in New York, though I can’t see well, I’ve learned to be grateful for what I know about the sidewalk, all its dips and dangers, where to step aside, and where to continue.

Tugging at the Heartstrings

Meet Rose Crelli, a talented local violinist with an incredible backstory.

BY STEPH KEAY

Rose performing on an electric violin at City Hall, where she is a preferred wedding vendor

ELECTRIC AND ACOUSTIC VIOLINIST ROSE CRELLI IS A WOMAN on a mission—several, actually. Between corporate gigs to playing as many as three weddings a day at San Francisco’s City Hall, she manages to find the time to organize charity benefit concerts for humanitarian causes, such as the earthquakes in Turkey and the war in Ukraine. She attributes her strong sense of purpose to a unique life story, one that began 6,500 miles away.

Born in Wuhan, China, Crelli was left at a bus station before eventually being taken to an orphanage. At just eight months old, she was adopted by a loving family from Alaska and made the long journey to her new home in the small town of Fairbanks. “I grew up [with] the traditional northern lifestyle,” she says. “A small, oneroom cabin without running water or electricity and with a dog team of huskies.” When her older brother began taking violin lessons, she was inspired to join him. “I was a very competitive little sister,” she laughs. “I saw him doing it and thought, ‘I want to do it!’”

However, logistics soon became an issue when her family moved from Fairbanks to the even smaller gold mining community of Dawson City in the Yukon Territories—so small, in fact, that there was no violin teacher. Once a month, her mother braved the elements to drive Crelli and her brother to violin lessons in the closest neighboring city with a violin teacher. “Sometimes during the winter, because the border was closed, she would drive us almost three days round-trip to cross the other border between Alaska and the Yukon.”

Her mother’s dedication paid off. Today, Crelli is a conservatory and classically trained musician who holds four music degrees and has performed internationally in seven different countries. At many of her performances, she moves freely around the space. She plays a repertoire of classical music, contemporary pop, and even R&B covers completely from memory, allowing her to engage with the audience. She has played sold-out shows with stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and worked with clients such as the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, Meta, and Rolls-Royce. So, what’s next?

“There are so many things on my bucket list,” she says. “I’d love to perform for the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. I’d also love to give a TED Talk or do a stadium tour with an artist like Alicia Keys.” She also says she would also like to organize a benefit that relates to adopted children, since it is such a personal part of her own journey—one she proudly owns. “The tumultuous and unpredictable beginning of my origin gave purpose to my life, because I want to honor the decision my birth mother made to give me up for adoption,” she says. “The message that I would love to give her, if I ever get the chance, would be how I forgive her for her choice—and that I want to do my best to live my life full of purpose to honor her choice.”

PHOTO: KEVIN MATSUKURA (TOP), ROSE CRELLI (BOTTOM)

A young Rose at home in the Yukon Territories. Her family’s cabin was 100 miles from the nearest town.

Rose with her acoustic violin

Entertainment & Philanthropy

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Co-chairs of the San Francisco Symphony Opening Gala, Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegl, in Discussion with Haute Living, San Francisco

HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO , OFFICIAL MAGAZINE partner, spoke with Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegl about their roles as co-chairs of this year’s San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala on September 22, 2023. We’re proud to support their devoted efforts to make everyone aware that the evening is a fabulous celebration of artistic excellence—a truly special way to spend an evening—and so much more.

HL: Why are the Symphony and the Opening Night Gala especially important for San Francisco?

JL: The San Francisco Symphony is a living, breathing institution woven into the fabric and well-being of the community, more so now than ever, since being founded in 1911.

The overarching goal for this event is to plant seeds that enable the Symphony to thrive for generations to come. The focus is to plan a successful fundraising event that supports the Symphony’s mission and encourages audience members to return for performances throughout the season.

HL: Tell us more about that mission?

AC: This is an opportunity to raise funds for the Symphony’s outreach to kids through award-winning education programs that reach 50,000 public school children each year. Bringing music education to schools and the community benefits us all by not just developing the next generation of musicians and music appreciators, but it also helps kids build mental organization, self-discipline, listening skills, and emotional regulation.

Some people are not aware that Adventures in Music comprehensive music education programs are for the benefit of every single child enrolled in the first through fifth grades throughout San Francisco’s public elementary schools. Music and Mentors supports every public middle and high school band and orchestra program.

Also, the Symphony’s community ticket program provides free tickets to nonprofit and community workers and constituents across the Bay Area. There are monthly performances for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital patients, families, doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff.

We look to the Opening Night Gala as the single biggest fundraiser of the year, and one of our goals is to bring this event back to its glory, to pre-pandemic levels.

HL: Is there something new this year?

JL: Yes. This year, those purchasing a gala dinner package have the option of making an additional contribution in support of the SF Symphony’s 44th annual All San Francisco Concert on September 23. This beloved opening week concert welcomes and pays tribute to many of the impactful community groups and nonprofit organizations across the Bay Area for their invaluable work in enriching our city.

Past: Volunteer on the Junior Committee and San Francisco Symphony Junior Committee League President, Chair of Deck the Hall JULIE LIEGL (RIGHT)

Past: EVP Global Marketing at Salesforce, Dreamforce event planning, CMO at Slack

AMY CHRISTODOULO (LEFT)

“Attending the San Francisco Symphony opening night gala goes beyond an evening of fabulous music and celebration. It is important to me that the impact of my sponsorship allows an important cultural institution to thrive, and [it] supports all the amazing work they do in the schools and the community at large.”

HL: Will the Symphony’s Opening Night Gala 2023 attract first-time guests?

AC: We are so glad you asked: yes! This 112th season opens as a very special evening for everyone, regardless of their level of support. We are offering concert-only tickets to develop audience, while also garnering new supporters, appealing to younger people through a club experience with a party atmosphere, as well as acknowledging our many loyal supporters and longtime concert goers.

Through these efforts, if those Bay Area residents who are new to the SF Symphony put the venue and its programming into their consideration stack for a night out, we’ll have accomplished something significant to ensure the next generation of talent.

HL: Tell us more about the Symphony’s “biggest night of the year” experience.

JL: The San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala begins at 5:30 p.m. with red carpet arrivals and a pre-concert lobby reception for all attendees with complimentary sparkling wine and light bites.

For an elevated experience, patrons have the option to reserve one of two post-concert gala dinner packages. The classic seated Pavilion Dinner is presented in a stylish tent setting next to Davies Symphony Hall and features a curated dining and music experience. Guests attending the Pavilion Dinner are also invited to a special VIP pre-concert reception at 5:00 p.m. Afterward, the lounge-style Symphony Supper Club has a sleek nightclub atmosphere at the SoundBox space for mingling, specialty bites, drinks, and a performance.

HL: And the concert program in Davies Symphony Hall?

AC: The Opening Night Gala concert on September 22 and the All San Francisco Concert on September 23 feature Esa-Pekka Salonen leading the San Francisco Symphony in a program interweaving music and technology. Richard Strauss’s picaresque Don Juan opens the program, followed by Gustav Mahler’s Songs of a Wayfarer, featuring baritone Simon Keenlyside.

The varied program also includes Anders Hillborg’s Rap Notes, with live rappers squaring off against verse generated by artificial intelligence in a piece highlighting both human creativity and technological prowess. Salonen and the Orchestra close the program with a very popular piece, Maurice Ravel’s captivating and hypnotic Boléro

Tickets and more information: sfsymphony.org/gala

By air, land, and sea, here are the many ways you can journey through the Central Coast.

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ

NESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE COASTLINE OF CALIFORNIA, Monterey epitomizes the beauty and allure of the Golden State. This idyllic destination has long captivated visitors with its wealth of natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and diverse activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Monterey offers something for everyone. From the iconic Cannery Row and world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium to the majestic Monterey Peninsula and scenic 17-Mile Drive, this region is a veritable playground for exploration and adventure.

BY AIR

EFFORTLESS TOUCHDOWN FOR EXCLUSIVE AIRCRAFT

On the edge of the picturesque coastal city of Monterey lies the Monterey Airport, a serene and sophisticated hub of air travel for commercial and private flights. For those with private aircraft, the airport offers two private fixed-base operators (FBO), Monterey Jet Center and Del Monte Aviation, where every aspect of your travel needs is catered to with the utmost precision and care. The FBO’s team of experts will handle every aspect of your visit, from fueling your aircraft to arranging top-notch ground transportation to providing refreshments and amenities during your arrival and departure. Monterey Airport’s private FBOs are true gems among private aviation facilities, offering travelers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and sophistication. @MontereyJetCenter

SOAR ABOVE MONTEREY’S MAJESTIC LANDSCAPES

Witness breathtaking views of San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and the stunning coastlines of Monterey Bay as you dive from the sky. Indulge in the VIP San Francisco skydiving experience that will leave you breathless. Whether you’ve always yearned to soar through the skies or seek an adrenaline rush, they have the perfect solution to satisfy your cravings. Step closer to fulfilling your dream of defying gravity and experiencing the exhilarating sensation of human flight.

By Land

On your way to the beautiful Central Coast by car, embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey through Artichoke Alley as you make your way to the magnificent Central Coast. Experience the delights of Monterey County’s Artichoke Trail. Dive into the world of artichokes with over 40 stops, including mouthwatering dishes, charming farm stands, and captivating attractions. Delight in this regional delicacy’s unique flavors and textures as you explore the “Artichoke Capital of the World” in Castroville. @SeeMonterey

TAKE A RIDE IN A VINTAGE CAR

Experience the allure of Monterey County with Monterey Touring Vehicles. Their collection of over 35 meticulously restored classic and vintage cars awaits your command for a captivating coastal journey along the enchanting Monterey Peninsula or down the iconic Highway 1 to the scenic Garrapata State Park. Indulge in an unforgettable driving adventure surrounded by timeless elegance and unparalleled beauty. From the sleek lines of the iconic Camaro 350 convertible to the bold power of the Porsche 911, their fleet has something for every discerning driver. Their cars are not mere vehicles; they are living works of art, painstakingly restored and lovingly maintained to their original glory.

@MontereyTouringVehicles

INDULGE IN THE THRILLING WORLD OF CAR RACING

Tucked away in the rolling hills of California’s central coast, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca presents a challenging course for drivers with steep inclines and sharp turns that push the limits of what is possible on four wheels. Adrenaline-fueled races take place across the weekend, with drivers competing in various classes from vintage races featuring classic muscle cars to the high-tech machines of the IndyCar series. @WeathertechRaceway

IGNITE YOUR PASSION FOR LUXURIOUS CYCLING

Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop is the ultimate destination for bike enthusiasts in Monterey County. Experience the thrill of riding a hand-picked, top-notch electric bike that combines impeccable

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By Sea

MAKE WAVES IN MONTEREY BAY

Embark on an extraordinary aquatic exploration of Monterey Bay with Adventures by the Sea. Immerse yourself in mesmerizing wildlife encounters and breathtaking vistas as you paddle through the heart of the Cannery Row kelp forest. Just a stone’s throw away from renowned attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Coast Guard Pier, this tour promises close encounters with adorable otters, graceful harbor seals, and majestic sea lions. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Monterey on a kayaking adventure like no other. @AdventuresByTheSea

DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE SEA

Established in 1984, Monterey Bay Aquarium has dedicated itself to promoting ocean conservation. Immerse yourself in a captivating world of over 35,000 mesmerizing creatures, spanning 550 species within 200 mesmerizing exhibits across 24 remarkable galleries. Through collaborative endeavors, Monterey Bay Aquarium has played a vital role in propelling Monterey County to be the third certified “Green Destination” in the United States on the Global Destination Sustainability Index. @MontereyBayAquarium

ADVENTURES FOR AVIAN AFICIONADOS

Enjoy a leisurely wildlife tour aboard El Catamaran, a meticulously crafted electric catamaran by Wendy Kitchell and her talented brother. Join Monterey Bay Eco Tours as they take you on a fascinating journey through the enchanting Elkhorn Slough. Witness awe-inspiring marine creatures such as sea otters, whales, dolphins, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Prepare to be captivated by the beauty and vitality of this vibrant wetland paradise. @ montereybayecotours

EXPERIENCE THE NEWEST STAR IN THE MICHELIN SKY

Chez Noir: A Contemporary Culinary Haven in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Step into Chez Noir and experience the warmth and hospitality that Jonny and Monique Black offer. This charming Craftsmanstyle residence doubles as their home and a restaurant, creating an inviting atmosphere reminiscent of being welcomed into a friend’s home. With an impressive culinary background, Chef Jonny and his wife, Monique, have created a dining experience both refined and accessible. Drawing inspiration from French bistro cuisine and the abundant flavors of the California coast, their menu showcases the best seafood the region has to offer. Chez Noir is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that combines contemporary cuisine with a touch of homegrown charm. @ChezNoirCarmel

PHOTOS: T.M.HILL (TOP), MAD DOGS AND ENGLISHMEN BIKE SHOP (BOTTOM), JOSEPH WEAVER (RIGHT)

Where to Stay

Monterey Plaza Hotel: Experience the epitome of sophistication at Monterey Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Cannery Row. Discover a celebration of local charm, accompanied by exceptional services and top-notch amenities. @MontereyPlaza

Carmel Beach Hotel: Luxuriate in elegance at Mirabel Hotel & Restaurant Group’s newest property. With seven historic buildings, this award-winning establishment offers 26 luxurious guestrooms and suites. @TheCarmelBeachHotel

Le Petit Pali Ocean & Le Petit Pali 8th: Nestled within the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea lies a truly enchanting destination. These exquisite inns exude timeless elegance, carefully crafted design elements, and an air of genuine charm. @LePetitPali

Villa Mara: Villa Mara offers a discerning, residentially inspired experience. This coastal retreat exudes an intimate ambiance, providing a serene escape exclusively for adults. @VillaMaraCarmel

Carmel Valley Ranch: Hidden within the idyllic Santa Lucia Mountains, The Ranch resides on the sun-drenched side of the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. It has been honored as one of the finest resorts in Northern California through Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed Readers’ Choice Awards. @CarmelVRanch

Green Gables Inn: Indulge in a remarkable retreat at Green Gables Inn, an exquisitely refurbished treasure from 1888. Revel in the breathtaking, panoramic ocean sights of Monterey Bay, immersing yourself in its beauty. @FourSistersInns

San Francisco Opera Ball

The San Francisco institution’s second century dawns with the time-honored Opera Ball

BY STEPH KEAY

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN, WHEN THE CITY’S best-dressed take over Van Ness Avenue with scene-stealing ensembles. At the top of every socialite’s list is the Opera Ball, presented by the San Francisco Opera and the San Francisco Opera Guild. Kicking off the San Francisco Opera’s 101st season on Friday, September 8, this year’s gala event will feature a red carpet reception and lavish dinner in the Beaux-Arts glamor of City Hall, followed by a thrilling opening concert featuring a worldrenowned, married operatic duo and a rollicking after-party.

Opera Ball 2023 co-chairs Francesca Gutierrez Amann and Sue Graham Johnston are keen to welcome guests to San Francisco’s biggest fête of the year. “Bringing focus to the world class arts that San Francisco has to offer is one of the sheer joys of co-chairing the Opera Ball,” said Johnston, also a member of the San Francisco Opera Board of Directors. “The event’s impact is far beyond the beauty and pageantry of the evening—it is one of the biggest philanthropic events in the Bay Area. The whole evening is a celebration of the arts and civic pride that echo in San Francisco and beyond.” Amann, also a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild, echoes the excitement. “Attendees will start the evening on the red carpet at San Francisco’s stunning City Hall, transformed by event designer Riccardo Benavides, and enjoy a 5-star culinary experience by McCalls. Following the concert by two opera superstars, the celebration continues with the after-party of the year. We hope you will join us!”

Headlining the opening night concert is superstar tenor Roberto Alagna—making his San Francisco Opera debut—and soprano Aleksandra Kurzak. They are joined by the San Francisco Chorus and Orchestra under the baton of Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim. Opera’s power couple, Alagna and Kurzak, met during a 2012 performance of L’elisir d’amore at the Royal Opera House in London and wed between performances at the Paris Opera in 2015. Renowned on the world’s leading opera stages in their own right, the duo also frequently perform together in both opera and concerts.

“San Francisco Opera is known for showcasing the most renowned stars of the opera world, like Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak, and with music director Eun Sun Kim at the podium, San Francisco Opera is reaching even new heights of musical artistry,” says Johnston. San Francisco Opera’s opening night concert will mark Alagna’s first-ever appearance with the company and Kurzak’s return to the War Memorial Opera House stage, following her lauded debut as Gilda in Verdi’s Rigoletto. If last year’s opening night recital—which ended in a lively rendition of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”—is anything to go by, it will surely kick off yet another unforgettable night of festivities. Following a delightful program of arias and scenes, guests will make their way back to City Hall, where the dance floor beckons and drinks will be free-flowing.

Opera Ball 2023 co-chair Francesca Gutierrez Amann and Jeff Amann

Opera Ball 2023 co-chair Sue Graham Johnston and Eric Johnston

Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak

War Memorial Opera House is brightly lit for the biggest evening of the year

PHOTOS: TK

The city’s arts, civic, and community leaders enjoy dinner at Opera Ball 2022

San Francisco Opera’s opening week will continue Sunday, September 10, with its longstanding Opera in the Park event at Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Free and open to all, audiences may enjoy a picnic as Kim leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in a delightful afternoon of arias, duets, and more performed by stars from the company’s fall season. On Tuesday, September 12, Kim will lead the company in Verdi’s passionate Il Trovatore, its first full opera of the season.

As always, proceeds from the Opera Ball will support the San Francisco Opera Guild’s excellent initiatives which continually push the boundaries of opera and opera education in the Bay Area. “As San Francisco Opera steps into its second century, I am honored and thrilled to co-chair this event supporting the future of opera, including San Francisco Opera Guild’s award-winning education programs, reaching 50,000 students a year,” said Amann.

Innovative programs such as Opera for the Bay, a reducedprice ticket program for Bay Area residents offered in partnership with the Dolby family, will also return this season. The company will also continue to share its performances with global audiences through livestreams of each opera in the repertory. Another worthy event you’ll want to add to your calendar—especially if you’re feeling withdrawal from all the fabulousness of the Opera Ball—is the company’s next installment of its experiential opera events.

On December 1, San Francisco Opera will host an immersive experience themed around The Elixir of Love. Expect the team to go all out once again, this time transporting the War Memorial Opera House to the 1940s Italian countryside setting of Donizetti’s playful and heartwarming comedy. (Last year’s event saw the venue transformed into the decadent setting of Verdi’s The Traviata Encounter, inviting audiences into the decadent world of infamous Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, complete with acrobats, contortionists, and burlesque performers.)

“Our new season carries forth all the thrilling energy of the centennial as we welcome the community into a fascinating array of experiences and stories,” says Matthew Shilvock, the Tad and Dianne Taube General Director of San Francisco Opera. “I am so proud that we are telling so many new stories this season, and I’m excited to continue our innovation explorations as we chart a course for the future of opera. The Bay Area community is discovering opera in fabulous new ways, and we look forward to welcoming many new audience members to immerse themselves in artwork that connects us, bridges differences, and speaks to the soul.”

Elegantly set tables for Opera Ball 2022

Robert Richards and Haute Living San Francisco Editor-in-Chief Teresa Rodriguez enjoy the afterparty

James Cadillac Zak and Sanna Rytila tear up the dance floor

Philanthropist Maria Manetti

Shrem greets Mayor London Breed and Dustin Sharpe

Curtain Up: Second Century Dawns at San Francisco Opera

Take a look at the past with archivist Barbara Rominski.

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

DIGGING DEEP INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY OF THE company that just marked its centennial season is the job of the San Francisco Opera Director of Archives Barbara Rominski. From the popularity of opera during the Gold Rush to a bold beginning 100 years ago and throughout the years leading up to the centennial season, San Francisco Opera has presented an internationally acclaimed standard.

When Haute Living, San Francisco asked Rominski to share some of her knowledge, she revealed a few fascinating facts. For instance, from its beginnings, “In a sense, the whole enterprise was crowdfunded.”

If you love SF Opera, don’t miss these two special exhibitions:

BRAVO: Celebrating San Francisco Opera, Its Italian Roots and Legacy. Through October 22 at Museo Italo Americano at Fort Mason Center.

Also, see actual costumes from the archives on display. San Francisco Opera: A Centennial Celebration through October 15 at SFO Museum is in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (located post-security in Departures Level 2) at San Francisco International Airport.

HL: Founded in 1923, is San Francisco Opera the nation’s first company?

BR: Actually, the roots of opera in America extend back to the 18th century and in San Francisco, back to 1851 during the Gold Rush. Though San Francisco Opera was not the first professional company established in the United States, it is one of only three American opera companies to ever reach the centennial milestone, which is significant. Our 100th season was a celebration of that achievement as well as the beginning of a new era for the Company.

HL: What operas were performed in the inaugural season?

BR: San Francisco Opera’s inaugural season was comparatively short to what we present now, but it was filled with bold productions and some of the greatest singers of the day. Company founder Gaetano Merola packed 10 operas into just 13 days, beginning with Puccini’s La Bohème and including the composer’s still very new triple bill, Il Trittico, and [Arrigo] Boito’s Mefistofele, a complex piece which requires an enormous, wellrehearsed chorus. And he featured Beniamino Gigli, the world’s greatest (and most expensive) tenor. Merola’s ambition was breathtaking and has been a guiding principle throughout San Francisco Opera’s first century.

HL: What was the local response?

BR: From the early days of the Gold Rush, San Francisco has been an opera-loving city, discerning and accustomed to hearing the latest

and greatest. So Merola’s new resident company was welcomed enthusiastically and generously supported. In a sense, the whole enterprise was crowdfunded.

HL: In what ways were Italian Americans connected to the roots of our opera company?

BR: As a Neapolitan transplant, Merola had deep connections in the local Italian community. During card games and at parties and events, he raised tremendous support for the Company. With seasons featuring mostly Italian operas and artists like Claudia Muzio, Beniamino Gigli, and Giuseppe De Luca, the Company had a strong Italian profile from the beginning and was a point of pride for the Italian American community.

Talk about dramatic scenes: Did you know that during an outdoor concert on August 30, 1953, at Stern Grove, Gaetano Merola collapsed and died while conducting soprano Brunetta Mazzonlini in the aria “Un bel dì” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly?

HL: When the War Memorial Opera House opened in 1932, was it the world’s largest indoor theater?

BR: It wasn’t the largest, but at the time, its 3,100-plus capacity certainly made it one of the largest auditoriums. It is, however, the first municipally funded, owned, and operated opera house—which was quite an accomplishment given it was built and opened during the height of the Great Depression, a time when many other theaters across the country were going dark.

HL: Who are some of the international superstar opera singers who have performed in San Francisco?

BR: There are so many. In fact, there are only a handful of superstars who didn’t sing with San Francisco Opera. This company has a proud tradition, especially during the Kurt Herbert Adler years, of being the first American opera company to present the greats in this country. That list includes Renata Tebaldi, Mario Del Monaco, Leontyne Price, Tito Gobbi, among many others. Both Price and Luciano Pavarotti considered San Francisco their artistic home and sang many of their roles here first before taking them to the East Coast or abroad.

San Francisco Opera Music Director Eun Sun

Aida by Renata Tebaledi

Rock Hudson, Henry Lewis, and Jim Nabors backstage with Marilyn Horne

STROHMEYER (TOP), SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ARCHIVES (BOTTOM)

“Luciano Pavarotti was singing the role of Rodolfo in La Bohème. Suddenly, midway through the third act, the entire theater seemed to rumble and shudder. Chandeliers began swaying. Members of the audience stood up in confusion; some bolted for the exits. ‘What is happening?’ Pavarotti hissed to the prompter between phrases. ‘Terremoto— earthquake!’ the prompter breathed back. Pavarotti gripped the hand of his Mimì, soprano Dorothy Kirsten, a little more tightly, but kept on singing at full voice and never missed a beat.” –TIME Magazine, 1969

HL: What are some of the greatest operas performed by the company?

BR: The core repertory of Italian, German, and French works has always been well represented on our stage, but the Company has at times also excelled in presenting Czech opera, Russian titles, and other European works. But in more recent times, San Francisco Opera has been a leader in presenting new works by American composers such as John Adams, Jake Heggie, Gabriela Lena Frank, etc. This coming season, we have three co-commissions on stage, featuring the music of Mason Bates, Rhiannon Giddens, Michael Abels, and the late Kaija Saariaho, the latter for her final masterpiece, Innocence, in its U.S. premiere in June 2024.

Tenor Plácido Domingo rescued the season’s opening night in 1983 by hopping on a private jet from New York to replace the ailing Carlo Cossuta as Verdi’s Otello. To accommodate his late arrival, the Opera Ball is held before rather than after the performance. Originally scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Otello gets underway at 10:25 p.m. and ends at 2:06 a.m.

HL: So much goes into a production. Can you tell us about how intricate costumes are researched, designed, and made? What about production sets and props?

BR: That would be the purview of our costume department and the incredibly talented craftspeople there. They take the sometimes fanciful and imaginative ideas dreamed up by designers and create actual garments that our artists wear onstage. The costume shop is located in the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera on the fourth floor of the Veterans Building. It’s where part of the magic happens long before we see their work on stage in performance. The carpenters, welders, scenic artists, and props artists are amazing. If you can think of it, they can build it.

HL: Crystal ball time: What might the next 100 years bring as the second century of San Francisco Opera dawns?

BR: More evenings in the theater where the world’s greatest artists come to San Francisco and create magical experiences. There will be new works alongside the classics that continue to speak to us and our times.

ROBERT CAHEN, M NORTON, SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ARCHIVES

Dorothy Kirsten as Mimì and Luciano Pavarotti as Rodolfo in La Bohème

Luciano Pavarotti, in his 1967 Company debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème

San Francisco Opera Founder Gaetano Merola

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The Consular Corps 4th of July Party

A Stunning Success Uniting Nations and Commemorating U.S. Independence

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZER

THE CONSULAR CORPS 4TH OF JULY PARTY PROVED TO BE A NIGHT to remember, blending international camaraderie with patriotic spirit. Returning to the Maritime Museum after a 4-year hiatus, the event was brought to life with extraordinary décor by Riccardo Benavides and his team from IDEAS Events and Rentals. Guests were treated to delicious catering from the celebrated McCalls, as well as a prime spot on the Maritime Museum terrace for an up-close view of the breathtaking fireworks display.

Dancing to the vibrant sounds of Sangin’ Sara, featuring Dante McClinton and The Real, guests reveled in the celebration. The event, a longstanding tradition spanning over two decades, was elevated to new heights, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Olivia Hsu Decker, Jennifer Walske, and Steven Walske. Festival Napa Valley’s Taste of Napa Valley treated attendees to a selection of exquisite wines.

With consuls general representing more than 40 countries in attendance, this gathering epitomized the vision of the Office of Protocol. Through their tireless efforts promoting international relationships and nurturing San Francisco’s thriving cultural community, the event showcased the city’s vibrancy.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Mayor’s Office of Protocol raised the flag of each consulate country at San Francisco City Hall on their respective national days. The annual 4th of July party provided a grand opportunity not only to honor U.S. independence in style, but also to foster global unity and international friendship, truly embodying the spirit of San Francisco itself.

Hajime Kishimori, Oran Muduroglu, Steven Walske, and Yasushi Noguchi

Kevin Walker, Julia Walker, Karen Walker, London Breed, Eva Zanetti, Olivia Decker, Mauro Aprile Zanetti, Rick Walker, and Maryam Muduroglu

Sergio Strozzi, Irina Asatiani, and David Kurtanidze

Catarina Pinto, London Breed, and Pedro Pinto

Micheál Smith and Tom Horn

Meron Foster, Maryam Muduroglu, and Liston Hulse

Alex Bastian, Marisa Rodriguez, London Breed, and John Konstin

Ota Hadi, Meron Foster, and Prasetyo Hadi

Olivia Hsu Decker and Jennifer Walske

David and Mary Beth Shimmon

London Breed and Olivia Decker

Olivia Decker Power of Music concert on Magical Li Galli Island Positano

BY OLIVIA DECKER

LI GALLI, THE MYTHICAL ARCHIPELAGO CONSISTING OF A TRIO of small islands off the Amalfi Coast of Positano, is the fabulous setting of the Olivia Decker Power of Music Festival Napa Valley’s memorial concert on June 24 to celebrate the life of Bruce Katz, a beloved friend of many San Franciscans and Giovanni Russo, the owner of Li Galli Island. The magnificent evening included a classic Italian dinner, fireworks, and an exclusive concert featuring acclaimed Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito with special guests Broadway singer Christina Maxwell and renowned composer-conductor Adriano Pennino. Decker introduced Katz and Russo in 1996. The duo became best friends and shared their friends together on Li Galli and beautiful trips on Bruce’s yacht, Juliet, for many years.

Known to Italians as the most magical place in the Mediterranean and the island of the sirens, Li Galli attracted Russian choreographer and dancer Léonide Massine, who purchased the island in 1920s; rebuilt the medieval stone watchtower; constructed the walkways, villas, and the terraces for gardens and vines; and established a dance school on the island. In the 1980s, the Rudolf Nureyev Foundation purchased the island, decorated the villa with tiles from Istanbul, and entertained many VIPs and dancers. In 1995, prominent hotelier Giovanni Russo acquired Li Galli and extensively renovated the island, including a small church; the harbor with a dock which was dedicated to Bruce Katz; the exquisite, cave-like indoor pool; beautiful bedrooms, living room, and kitchen in the medieval stone tower; and the two villas.

The main island’s magnificent terrace boasts views of the other two small islands just in front and the island of Capri in the far distance. There was no better setting than Li Galli for the concert at sunset. Russo and his wife, Nicoletta, invited Italian friends who knew Katz as well as friends from San Francisco. Esposito performed classic Italian songs such as “Torna A Surriento,” “O Sole Mio,” “Volare,” “Caruso,” “Nessun Dorma,” and American classics such as “My Way,” “What a Wonderful Day,” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” He also performed two beautiful duets with Maxwell: “The Prayer” and “In Un Tramonto” which Pasquale composed about the sunset.

Katz and his father were the founders of Rockport, a successful shoe company sold to Reebok in 1986 for $118.5 million. Katz fulfilled a longtime dream building the 143-foot sailing yacht, Juliet, and invested in online and software ventures like The Well and the Republic of Tea. He was a generous philanthropist, supporting nonprofit arts including the Mill Valley Film Festival, the San Francisco Opera, and many others. This memorial concert was most befitting for the life of Bruce Katz, a man who was a great inspiration for so many San Franciscans, including me.

Pasquale Esposito with Giovanni Russo

Olivia Decker with portrait of Bruce Katz

Zem Joaquin, Pat Fok, Olivia Decker, and Christina Maxwell Li Galli harbor dedication to Bruce Katz

Christina Maxwell and Pasquale Esposito perform a duet

Bruce Katz’s widow, Dasa, and daughter, Lee

The V Foundation Wine Celebration raises a recordbreaking $21 million to fund cancer research

BY JENNIFER BODEN

THE 25TH V FOUNDATION WINE CELEBRATION RAISED A RECORDbreaking $21 million. Held August 3 through 6 in picturesque Napa Valley, this annual event supports innovative ideas and breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

This year’s event attracted a crowd of more than 600 guests and was hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former head coach of Duke University Men’s Basketball and a V Foundation board member.

Throughout the weekend, attendees were treated to memorable experiences. Highlights included an unforgettable Dinner with the Docs, an electrifying Rock the V party, the Answer for Cancer Symposium, and Gala Dinner & Auction. The events paid homage to the iconic Jim Valvano and his famous mantra of perseverance: “Don’t give up... Don’t ever give up!”

The live auction showcased a wide variety of impressive items up for bid. The most sought-after item at the auction that night was an exclusive dinner with Coach K at Gargiulo Vineyards, which fetched a whopping $1 million.

Since 1999, the V Foundation Wine Celebration has raised over $158 million to support the V Foundation’s mission of funding gamechanging research and all-star scientists to accelerate victory over cancer and save lives.

The 26th Annual V Foundation Wine Celebration will be held on August 1 through 4, 2024.

Grantee LaQuita Jones, D.O. –Cincinnati Children’s Hospital at the Answer for Cancer Symposium

KCBS Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem and Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor Africa and Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor at the Rock the V party

Left to right: chef Charlie Palmer with proprietors Kathryn and Craig Hall at Dinner with the Docs

Left to right: proprietress Beth Nickel, Coach K, and Mickie Krzyzewski at the Gala Dinner & Auction held at Nickel & Nickel Winery

Event co-chair Amy Marks Dornbusch and the V Foundation Wine Celebration’s board of directors cheer the record $21 million raised at the Gala Dinner & Auction

Maxwell Brings Soul to the San Francisco Symphony

BY NOËL BURGESS

MUSIC HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN TO BE THE LANGUAGE OF THE SOUL. It speaks to the heart and transcends all boundaries. And when we talk about soul music, one name that can’t be missed is Maxwell. Since breaking into the scene in 1996 with his debut album, Urban Hang Suite, Maxwell has been mesmerizing music lovers with his blend of jazz, R&B, and funk.

On August 4, the GRAMMY® award-winning star took to the stage at the renowned Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. The event, titled “Maxwell—Night: The Trilogy Show,” saw the artist put his talents on display in collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony led by Steven Reineke, whose expertise in orchestrating such collaborations allowed Maxwell’s music to be soulfully enriched.

At 7:30 p.m., the lights dimmed and the stage was set for Maxwell to take those fortunate to get tickets on a journey through his nearly 30 years of music. Davies Symphony Hall is an impressive venue that has hosted some of the world’s most renowned artists. Others might have been a bit nervous or overwhelmed, but Maxwell walked out with a swagger and smirk exuding pure readiness. He started the night with classic hits, such as “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” and “Sumthin’ Sumthin’” to an

enthusiastic audience. As soon as the first high note dropped, people rose from their seats, with some spilling into the aisle to sing and groove along. The stage lights changing colors seemed to align not only with the tempo of the songs, but also with the mood of the audience. The synergy between Maxwell’s smooth, sensual vocals and the orchestra’s harmonious melody added a new dimension to his performance.

The night ended on a high note with Maxwell delivering his classic, “Pretty Wings,” a powerful ballad about letting a love go to find the joy they deserve in life. Couples held hands, photographers capturing the event ceased working, and arms gently raised above heads glided through the air as everyone repeatedly sang the hook, “Pretty wings, your pretty wings around.” At one point Maxwell gazed out at the crowd and stopped singing to let the audience’s combined sound resonate with the San Francisco Symphony to close out the experience.

Maxwell’s Kool-Aid smile at the end of night made clear his enjoyment of performing his hits with the SF Symphony. He thanked the sold-out crowd for their support and gave a shout-out to the musicians who performed with him that night.

The GRAMMY winner performs his most iconic hits at Davies Symphony Hall.

Celebrity Adventure Italy and Andrea Bocelli Foundation 2023 Fundraising Events

Three magical Tuscan nights

BY OLIVIA DECKER

IN 2014, CELEBRITY ADVENTURES WAS LAUNCHED

AS a new, charitable foundation, and it partnered with Andrea Bocelli and his wife, Veronica, to bring the initiative to Italy to offer their international donors a journey through the excellence of Made in Italy: music, art, fashion, style, food, and all the best the country has to offer. Year after year, the event benefits from the most magnificent locations, the most extraordinary music talents offering performances and exclusive experiences, all of which contribute to creating a unique event benefiting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Previous events have attracted international celebrities, royals, and political and financial leaders, all of whom have chosen to attend and support the Andrea Bocelli Foundation’s mission to empower people and communities in situations of poverty, illiteracy, and suffering due to disease and social exclusion by promoting and supporting national and international projects to help people overcome these barriers and express their full potential.

This year’s Celebrity Adventures Notti Toscane offered guests two exclusive events in Lajatico and close to Forte dei Marmi. Guests could choose to attend a single event or both. I attended both events and had a unique, unforgettable experience.

On July 29, the concert was held at Teatro del Silenzio, which included a pre-show and gourmet dinner held outdoors. Two hundred fifty international guests and supporters of the Bocelli Foundation attended the dinner, followed by Andrea Bocelli’s concert at the Teatro del Silenzio in Lajatico (Pisa). The dinner was served with a splendid view of the Tuscan hills. The concert arena was created for this annual event: all electricity, sound equipment, concert seating, stage, lighting, and complete set-ups were brought in just for this event situated in the middle of the natural beauty and tranquility of the Tuscan countryside.

The concert was named Andrea Bocelli’s Mariposa. Bocelli described the concert and the stage artwork of Mariposa de la Vida as “wonderful and helpless in their flawless grace and intrinsic fragility. They feed on the natural sweetness of creation. It is said that they have been on the earth for a hundred million years, even though at times they live for no more than a few days. Whether diurnal or nocturnal, they live silently. They do not sting or wound. You do not feel their weight when they land on you. If anything, they are prey, but never predator. And, above all, they fly. And by flying, they distribute life, in concert with the water and the wind, multiplying beauty. A tiny angel assistant of our one

Andrea Bocelli performed with Soprano Sara Cortolezzis

Andrea Bocelli with Loren Allred

Andrea Bocelli performs with Gloria Gaynor

heavenly Father. Such is the butterfly, such is art, such is music. Such is ‘Mariposa,’ the emblematic title of the 18th year of the Teatro del Silenzio which will take flight on the wings of ‘Mariposa de la Vida,’ the great sculpture conceived by renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry.

“The solidity of steel, its iridescent sheen, the agility of its forms and empty spaces, the verticality of a work of art standing over 11 meters high: these are the crucial material elements of a great musical performance where the classical and pop repertoire will soar amid my beloved hills to examine (and share) the enchantment of beauty and lightness. And more: as the Teatro del Silenzio is a challenge naturally devoted to the synesthetic encounter between art forms, all around, today’s evening event will be dressed in large and original imaginative wings consisting of flamboyant lighting design, high-tech wonders, energetic choreography, and stage costumes designed around the ethical creativity that recycles recovered materials.

Everything is ready. Once again, beneath the gallery of the Tuscan sky, the same excitement in joyfully doing the honors and welcoming so many friends, on stage and in the audience, grows in me. Every person who crosses its threshold is equally the star of this sonorous midsummer magic. To each of them, I dedicate my grateful thoughts and song, in the hope that wonder will be renewed and that, from shared art, the feeling of flight will spring forth in the hearts of those present, light and powerful like a butterfly, like music, like life.”

The producer of the event, Vittorio Quattrone, described his spectacular production: “The setting of the Teatro del Silenzio is always breathtaking. The emotions get lost in the beautiful hills that form a natural amphitheater. It is now over 16 years that I have had the honor of producing this event which sets a unique and magical place on the maps of the whole world. The Teatro del Silenzio is a memorable experience, and to bring it to life, there is an extraordinary commitment of strength, creative minds, and energy. This unimaginable effort is always rewarded by the extraordinary result that fascinates thousands of people around the world every year. Acknowledgments are never enough, and they go to over a thousand people—artists and workers— who work on the show and, of course, to Maestro Andrea Bocelli as an artist and, above all, as a man.”

The concert’s general admission had over 10,000 attendees who descended to the otherwise beautiful, silent Tuscan countryside. The tremendous organization was an impressive undertaking for just two shows on July 27 and 29. Bocelli performed with special musical guests: Sara Cortolezzis, Loren Allred, Emma Marrone, the choir of the Institute of Musical Studies Luigi Boccherini in Lucca. The music was conducted by Carlos Bernini and accompanied by dancers choreographed by Alessandra Panzavotta on the spectacular stage.

The second event was an evening of music and entertainment with an exclusive dinner on July 31 at Villa Oliviero, the new home owned by the Bocelli family close to Forte dei Marmi. Seven hundred guests spent

an entire evening at the Bocellis’ recently renovated private home, which was decorated along the theme of the film The Greatest Showman which inspired the dress code. Dinner was interspersed with moments of music and entertainment, with Andrea Bocelli and musical guests sharing the stage with him for an unforgettable night. A charity auction supporting the foundation’s educational projects was held during the evening.

The event occurred within a beautiful, exotic tent erected in Villa Oliviero’s courtyard. Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the sea in the picturesque Tuscan countryside, Villa Oliviero has been lovingly renovated and restored to its former glory by the Bocelli family over several years.

The house has a rich history, taking its name from its former owner, renowned entrepreneur Oliviero Comparini. Comparini was at the forefront of Rome’s glitterati in the 1960s with his cult venue, Club 84. He ushered in a revolution in show business, attracting the jet set to the Tyrrhenian coast. Over the decades, Villa Oliviero has hosted Paola of Liège, the Queen of Belgium; Domenico Modugno; Frank Sinatra; and Charlie Chaplin. Legendary Italian landscape architect Pietro Porcinai designed the extensive pools and gardens. On July 31, the Bocelli family opened Villa Oliviero’s doors, welcoming guests for the first time.

Bocelli performed the concert with special guests Gloria Gaynor who performed her greatest hit, “I Will Survive;” Loren Allred, the New York-based singer of the movie soundtrack of The Greatest Showman; IDB Live Band; and Bocelli’s adorable, 10-year-old daughter, Virginia, with her angelic voice. Bocelli’s wife, Veronica Berti, was in charge of the event concept with the ambitious title, The Greatest Show, emceed by Kris Reichert. This was the most fantastic show I have ever attended, due to the music, the ambiance, the magnificent villa, the lush garden, the beautifully decorated tent, and the audience’s warmth.

As a very special bonus to thank the supporters and donors of both fundraising events, Berti hosted a magical beach party on July 30 at the Bocelli family’s Alpemare Beach Club in Forte Dei Marmi. The luxurious, sandy beach with tropical gardens at the street entry was decorated with Louis Vuitton outdoor furniture, towels, umbrellas, beach chairs, and dozens of tents furnished with chaise lounges and tables for a deluxe beach experience. The party started at sunset with disco dancing by the bar and buffet and lasted well past midnight.

Performers pre-concert

Bocelli Beach Club party at sunset

Veronica Bocelli and Monica Vengas, who hosted Alpemare Beach Club party

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Highlights of the 2023 Monterrey Car Week

BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER AND TIM LAPPEN

THE QUAIL, A MOTORSPORTS GATHERING

Twenty years ago, Peninsula Hotel Group Chairman as well as car collector Sir Michael Kadoorie started The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, at his picturesque golf resort hotel The Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley. This event, held on the Friday before the Concours d’Elegance® in Pebble Beach, has become one of the most popular automotive events each year. It is nearly impossible to buy tickets and book hotels unless you start very early in the year, preferably just days after the current show ends. Nearly all car brands worldwide participated in 2023 as exhibitors at The Quail, as did FlexJet (aviation), Burgess (yachts), Rolex (luxury timepieces), and the Peninsula Hotel Group (for the excellent culinary pavilions).

The Quail is an excellent venue for interviewing high-level executives—and especially designers—about their latest creations and future plans. In years past, Tim and I were lucky enough to interview senior people from Bugatti, Lamborghini, Hispano Suiza, Ruf, Czinger, Pininfarina, the CEO of RollsRoyce and more. This year, Tim visited with Bugatti, Maserati, and Rimac’s executives, and I chatted with Bentley USA’s CEO, Christophe Georges, and Lamborghini’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann.

Jascha Straub is the lead designer of Bugatti’s sur mesure (their bespoke group) and can assist buyers with tailoring a car to their specifications. Having him walk Tim through his process and show me the incredible detailing that he hand-applied to the exterior of a custom Bugatti Chiron was quite breathtaking.

Maserati Chief Commercial Officer Bernard Loire and Chief Communication Officer Maria Conti enlightened Tim with regard to the direction for the new MCXtrema track car and the new Gran Turismos.

Rimac’s stand was a real whirlwind of activity, no doubt because Rimac now is a co-owner of Bugatti and is the supplier of the rolling chassis to Pininfarina for

their Battista. Tim had a good visit with Marta Longin, head of marking and communications for Rimac Technology. She walked him through the design and performance aspects of the lightningfast Nevera, which now is the fastest production car in the world (zero to 249 miles per hour in 29.93 seconds and zero to 60 mph in 1.74 seconds)!

Rolls-Royce presented their quiet, powerful, and superrefined new electric car, Spectre. The result of 155 million miles of testing, coupled with 400 million simulated years of use, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre appeared in all its glory at The Quail. The performance of this whisper-quiet masterpiece was a wonderfully impressive demonstration of the manufacturer’s tremendous ability as an EV maker, even more praise-worthy as this is the luxury brand’s first EV production car. Tim’s time with the car last month in Napa, where we experienced both cruising and canyon-carving, was a joy.

Bentley Motors also had a major launch at The Quail, debuting the new Bentley Continental GT which redefines the language of the grand tourer design. Inspiration for this new design came from the original and iconic series of the early 1950s Bentley R-Type Continentals. Honoring both milestones on August 18, one of the highlighted feature classes pays tribute to this wonderful, original design, including the prototype 1952 R-Type Continental. Although 71 years separates these two amazing designs, both remain timeless.

The Quail this year presented 14 automotive classes competing for The Quail Rolex Award which went to Anne Brockinton Lee for her 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica “Superfast 1,” a singular example of Ferrari’s 1950s-era grand tourer with a 4.9-liter V12 engine and Pininfarina body. This special car was a great illustration of how the luxury cars of yesteryear frequently were prepared as a rolling chassis by the manufacturer, which the buyer then had delivered to a coachmaker to design and fabricate both the interior and the exterior of the finished car, creating a one-of-akind vehicle for the owner to enjoy.

THE PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

There are several top-quality car shows around the world each year, including the Villa d’Estate in Italy and the Amelia Island show in Florida. For many, however, the annual show on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links each August is the best. This year, Monterey’s annual Car Week festivities concluded on Sunday, August 20, with the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the week’s most anticipated award, Best in Show.

The picturesque Pebble Beach Golf Links were a hive of activity with meticulously cared-for cars from 1906 to 1998 gracing the 18th fairway. Special classes recognized the world’s leading brands, with Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche bringing some of their most iconic models to mark their respective milestones. Meanwhile, the next chapter in motoring history played out on the adjacent Concept Lawn, as Audi, Volkswagen, and more displayed their pioneering automobiles for all to appreciate.

The show is arranged with cars displayed on the lawn by categories, such as Figoni Centennial (in recognition of one of the premiere coachbuilders in the 1920s and 1930s); Mercedes-Benz S, SS, and SSK (from 1927-1933); Pegaso (which, in 1953, was the fastest touring car in the world at over 150 mph); Vanderbilt Cup-era race cars (from the early 1900s until about 1916); Porsche’s 75th anniversary; Lamborghini’s and McLaren’s 60th anniversaries; and postwar luxury and American dream cars of the 1950s.

Each class has a team of judges who look for authenticity and condition as well as how well everything works. We dare say most of us could not pass such a rigorous inspection! However, for the thousands of attendees, the ability to stroll past dozens and dozens of the best motor vehicles of each category, reunite with old “flames,” and often see other winners that they didn’t know about is an annual treat.

The Concours ended with the prestigious Best in Show awarded to the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster belonging to Jim Patterson of The Patterson Collection based in Louisville, Kentucky. Olivia’s client, Arturo Keller, a world-renowned vintage car collector known for his collection of more than 65 rare Mercedes-Benz cars, entered five of his Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the show this year, including a rare 1908 Benz Grand Prix which was produced before Mercedes and Benz merged. Unfortunately, he did not win the Best in Show this year. His 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahn Kurier won the Best in Show in 2021.

Especially for a day which began for some with the sunrise “Dawn Patrol”—a parade of these fine machines motoring under their own power and frequently piloted by a driver accompanied by guests, all of whom were attired in period-correct dress—then segued into hours with time to peruse the cars and visit (by invitation, of course) the luxury boxes of all of the major players, this was a long day, but one which will be remembered as another successful show created through the hard work and diligence by the professional staff of the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach.

DRIVING THROUGH LA VIE LA ROSE NOIR

The crown event of this year’s automotive week was the unveiling of the 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire. Many ultra-luxury car makers, as well as hypercar manufacturers, will personalize a car that truly reflects your interests and design senses, but Rolls-Royce went steps beyond.

In 2017, Rolls-Royce unveiled and delivered the first and only bespoke “Sweptail,” a 2-door coachbuild which reflected on the company’s mandate to create stunning cars which looked like nothing theretofore. The car was commissioned by one of Olivia’s car collector clients before 2013; it took over four years to create this one-of-a-kind car wanted by the client, who participated in the design and building process. The design was intended to create an intimate and cosseting interior, wrapping occupants in the comfort and luxury the client wanted, while also providing a smooth and powerful ride. It also has a champagne ice bucket with owner’s favorite vintage and a pocket inside a door to store a briefcase for

Olivia and Founder of The Quail Sir Michael Kadoorie

Winner of The Quail Rolex Award 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica

2023 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elgance Best Of Show 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster

owner’s secret documents. The car also thrills with its full-length glass roof, resembling the 1920s and 1930s Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe the client wanted to recreate.

Fast forward to 2021, the boat tail continued that design language as the car of an extrovert, one who enjoys driving with what Rolls calls a “highly social open top.”

On August 19, the eve of the Pebble Beach Concours, Olivia and Tim were invited to the unveiling event at Rolls-Royce’s private event house in Pebble Beach to meet La Rose Noire, the first of four coachbuilt “droptails” built for a private client. The open 2-seater (it does have a roof which can be put in place by the owner or left on a trapeze in the garage) is the first roadster body style in Rolls-Royce’s modern history. This amazing car was inspired by the allure of the Black Baccara® rose, a flower grown in France, which has petals possessing a velvet-like quality and is beloved by the mother of the commissioning family.

At an elegant reception on the hill overlooking Pebble Beach Golf Links and the beautiful blue Monterrey Bay and the Pacific Ocean, La Rose Noire glided up the driveway and took its rightful place in the center of a wall of gorgeous, dark red roses with a gold “RR” emblem in the middle while Rolls-Royce’s CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, proudly introduced this latest creation to a small selection of global journalists.

The contrast between the blood-red roses with the gleaming Rolls was stunning in its splendor. Photos do not do the color of this car justice. The incredibly luminescent and jewel-like red paint required some 150 iterations to perfect, a finish so dynamic that, while on display on a perfectly clear and sunny day, it shone with many shades of red depending upon the angle from which one viewed it. The sumptuous red body was in lovely counterpoint to the black-mist chrome accoutrements adorning it. That same metal hue was used in the bumpers and grille work as well as in creating the Spirit of Ecstasy adorning the top of the Pantheon grille.

Additionally, the spectacular woodwork in the car’s interior, especially along the rear section of the passenger compartment, was created by combining hundreds and hundreds of wooden shapes. The parquetry, comprised of extraordinary 1,602 pieces of wood specially sourced from France, was the most complex such project which Rolls had ever undertaken. It provided the perfect canvas on which to illustrate the flow of red rose petals floating from fore to aft, even while the car is not in motion.

Both Rolls-Royce’s design director, Anders Warming, and head of coachbuild design, Alex Innes, were in attendance. They pointed out the innumerable design touches which combined to make La Rose Noire a one-of-a-kind work of rolling art at once clearly identifiable as a Rolls-Royce. Being in the presence of such talent and having them personally show Tim, during a special one-on-one visit, the unusual features and designs of the car was an extremely unique experience in and of itself.

In yet one of many magnificent touches, the designers collaborated with Audemars Piguet to create a special, oneoff timepiece which the owners may wear as a watch or which may be placed into the car’s dash receptacle to provide an in-car clock. The 43-millimeter Royal Oak Concept SplitSeconds Chronograph GMT Large Date runs on a unique selfwinding Calibre 4407 movement with a flyback chronograph and a split-second mechanism. This beautiful timepiece has red counters and a red inner bezel in great contrast to the black “openworked” dial highlighted with rhodium-toned bevels.

Who would create such an amazing car? Naturally, RollsRoyce does not disclose its clients’ names, but they did mention that this couple started the design process four years ago, traveling to the Rolls-Royce design studio in Goodwood, England for numerous design meetings, even participating in the sculpting process of the clay model which was constructed to show a close approximation of the lines and sizes of the car being created. The rose motif was appropriate for the commissioning owners, as the car was designed to commemorate their upcoming 30th wedding anniversary. Never has a car been more symbolic of a life through rose-colored glasses, or la vie en rose, as La Rose Noire!

Olivia Decker with CEO of Bentley USA Christophe Georges at The Quail

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

CEO Torsten MullerOtvos unveiled the new bespoke Droptail La Rose Noir at Pebble Beach

Matteo Bocelli

2023 Festival Napa Valley Highlights

The Magnificent 10 Days in the Summer

BY OLIVIA DECKER PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER

FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY (FNV) HAS BEEN DUBBED THE “BEST 10 Days in the Summer,” and the 17th season this July exceeded all expectations! The concerts, the dance gala, the fashion show, the luncheons, the patron dinners, and the Arts for All Gala raised a record $4.2 million to fund music education programs, accessible and affordable concerts, and scholarships for young artists. The crowd seemed to have doubled this year, and most tickets were sold out weeks before the events.

It’s such a pleasure to report the highlights and again enjoy the magnificent days and nights of the 2023 festival in words and pictures.

JULY 13 – FOUNDERS DINNER AT WAPPO HILL

The dynamic duo of the wine industry, Jean-Charles Boisset and Gina Gallo-Boisset, invited FNV guests to their home atop Wappo Hill for the annual Founders Dinner. The evening was a tribute to the benefactors and patrons whose vision, encouragement, and support launched Festival Napa Valley in 2006 and to the major supporters of the 2023 season. Wappo Hill, the former home of the late Robert and Margrit Mondavi, boasts sweeping vistas and is an iconic property at the pinnacle of Napa Valley. The Boissets, husband and wife each from a legendary family of vintners, are renowned hosts who love to bring together a who’s who of wine, food, and culture. Wappo Hill’s distinctive, art-filled spaces are where they held court for the exclusive evening.

Founders Dinner guests enjoyed gastronomic delights, unparalleled wines, and a collection of unforgettable musical surprises—while raising a glass to another spectacular festival season. The 2023 Manetti Shrem Opera Prize winners, Serena Sáenz, and Xabier Anduaga, performed opera arias followed by the surprise of acrobatic dancers in exotic costumes dancing on the covered indoor pool stage with special effects of music and lighting. The evening was magical. Guests included Gordon Getty, Rick and Karen Walker, Maria Manetti, Michael and Pepper Jackson, and most FNV board members.

JULY 14 – OPENING NIGHT WITH FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

NAPA + PATRON DINNER AT CASTELLO DI AMOROSA FNV officially kicked off its 17th season with a celebratory evening featuring two beloved masterpieces and one world premiere. The concert opened with a new work by rising young composer Yang Bao. Spanish guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas took center stage for Joaquín Rodrigo’s iconic Concierto de Aranjuez. The evening culminated with pianist Alexander Malofeev performing Sergei Rachmaninoff’s lush Piano Concerto No. 2, a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest composers on his 150th anniversary. Kyle Dickson, 2023 recipient of the Joel Revzen Conducting Fellowship, led Festival Orchestra Napa. A selection of artwork created by students and seniors in FNV’s How I See Music workshops was projected during the performance.

Olivia Decker, Willie Brown, Sonya Molodetskaya, and Mary Beth Shimmon

Nancy Pelosi, Maria Manetti, and Matteo Bocelli at HALL dinner

The patron dinner at Castello di Amorosa followed the concert. Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a winery unlike any other. A vast estate with a 121,000-square-foot, 13th-centurystyle Tuscan castle at its heart, the winery boasts sprawling vineyards and breathtaking views. Named “Castle of Love,” this realized dream of proprietor Dario Sattui is a real-life fairy tale and a place where memories are made. Castello di Amorosa hosted the opening night dinner in its most enchanting courtyard. Guests dined under the moon on a sumptuous meal paired with Castello di Amorosa’s awardwinning, Italian-style wines—a remarkable evening in the 13th century Italian castle that will be remembered for years to come.

JULY 15 – TASTE OF NAPA AT THE MERITAGE REPORT

Featuring more than 70 wineries, craft breweries, restaurants, and food artisans with live music by Shelly Berg, the Frost Symphony Orchestra, and Broadway singer Christina Maxwell, this event is one of FNV’s annual favorites. This year’s sold-out event had 800 culinary connoisseurs who sampled gourmet nibbles and tasted the wines. It is a fun, walk-around event for mingling with people, food, and wines. Also, the event is a great venue to meet winery owners, to order your favorite wines to be delivered to your home, and to sign up as wine club members.

MATTEO BOCELLI IN CONCERT, AN OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC SERIES & MANETTI SHREM VOCAL ARTS SERIES

Rising international star Matteo Bocelli took audiences on a journey through some of the most beloved songs of all time—Italian classics such as “Quando Quando Quando;” ballads like “Can’t Help Falling In Love” and “Caruso;” favorite opera arias, and pop hits including “Fall on Me” and “Perfect Symphony.” Bocelli performed some of his original compositions as well, including selections from his upcoming debut album and previously released singles, “Solo,” “Tempo,” and “Dimmi.” Bocelli was joined by award-winning Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana, winner of the Festival’s 2023 Khaledi Prize for excellence and innovation in classical music. Maestro Eugene Kohn, one of the conductors of Andrea Bocelli’s concerts worldwide, conducted the orchestra. Talented and adorable, Matteo Bocelli, at age 25, is already a superstar for his California fans. All 700 tickets were sold out months before the event. As a sponsor of this concert, I received dozens of calls and emails asking me how to buy tickets. We could have sold 5,000 tickets if we’d had the capacity at the Krug Winery Festival stage.

A patron dinner at HALL Winery followed Bocelli’s concert Kathryn and Craig Hall are known for their commitment to sustainable winemaking practices, and their passion for hospitality and art is reflected in every aspect of their spectacular winery, HALL St. Helena. In 2003, they purchased the circa 1885 Bergfeld Winery to create a place of stunning beauty to match the exquisite wines they produce. They installed dozens of original works of art, restored and modernized the 19th century architecture, and revitalized the vineyards. Today HALL Winery is a destination combining the best of the past and future.

Olivia Decker, Christina Maxwell, and Mayor London Breed at Taste of Napa

Maria Manetti, Matteo Bocelli, Olivia Decker, and Lucas Meachem

The Halls’ guests explored the estate and vast contemporary art collection displaying works by John Baldessari, Nick Cave, Shahzia Sikander, and more. A live performance by cellist Sophia Bacelar during the elegant meal, expertly paired with outstanding wines from HALL and WALT, completed the evening.

JULY 16 – ARTS FOR ALL GALA AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD CONCERT AT NICKEL & NICKEL

Ensuring access to the arts is core to Festival Napa Valley’s mission and the inspiration of the Arts for All Gala. To date, the gala has raised over $20 million, making it one of FNV’s most impactful nights and among the nation’s biggest fundraisers for the arts.

This year’s Arts for All Gala was headlined by superstar singer Carrie Underwood, a multi-platinum-selling artist with 8 GRAMMY® Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, and countless other accolades. She brought her powerhouse vocals to Nickel & Nickel to perform a selection of her chart-topping hits.

Guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer, paired with offerings from the Far Niente and Nickel & Nickel family of wines. The festivities included a live auction hosted by Leslie Frank and Emmy® Award-winning auctioneer John Curley, featuring a collection of luxury lots including coveted wine collections, exclusive travel and dining packages, unique performing arts, and bespoke experiences.

The auction raised a record-breaking $4.2 million. Bravo to Leslie Frank for her spectacular leadership and to the gala’s committee for curating the stunning collection of auction lots and other “once-in-a-

lifetime” lots that money can’t buy. Among the 16 lots, an 8-day trip for four people to New Zealand with Leslie and Rich Frank raised $450,000, and a one-week trip for four people to visit Antinori Family Estate in Tuscany, Italy fetched $400,000.

Guests included Nancy and Paul Pelosi; Mayor London Breed with Dustin Sharpe; former Mayor Willie Brown; Maria Manetti Shrem; Olivia Decker; Marchesi Piero Antinori of Italy’s Antinori winemaking dynasty, who celebrated his birthday at the Gala; and Mary Beth and David Shimmon; Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi; and the four board members underwriting the Carrie Underwood concert, Bob and Maria Torres and Leslie and Rich Frank Torres.

JULY 17 – DONORS’ EXCLUSIVE DINNER AND CONCERT AT DARIOUSH

Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi, devoted and longtime supporters of Festival Napa Valley, love art, wine, and the hospitality imbued by the rich traditions of their Persian heritage. To them, these are essential elements of a well-lived and generously shared life.

On this exclusive occasion, the Khaledis welcomed Festival Napa Valley’s donors to a lavish dinner and private concert at their magnificent Napa estate, a remarkable compound inspired by the ancient capital city of Persepolis. The evening’s show took place in the winery’s majestic amphitheater. Soprano Serena Sáenz, violinist Francisco Fullana, cellist Sophia Bacelar, and guitarist Pablo Sáinz Villegas reprised selections from their much-acclaimed concert at last fall’s inaugural Raimat Arts Festival in Catalonia.

Nancy Pelosi, London Breed, Marchese Piero Antinori, and Maria Manetti at Arts for All Gala

The Khaledis’ passion for music is rivaled only by their artistry in making outstanding wines. The Persian-inspired dinner, prepared by executive chef Sean Massey, was paired with Darioush’s exquisite Bordeaux-style wines. Capping off the evening was the estate’s crown jewel, the limited-production Darius II, an intense, elegant, and ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon.

JULY 18 – SEASONS OF HOPE CONCERT + PATRON DINNER AT ODETTE

Maestro Constantine Orbelian led Festival Orchestra Napa and a stellar lineup of soloists in Seasons of Hope, an evening of works featuring stories of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper and vocal ensemble Volti performed Lera Auerbach’s Symphony No. 6, “Vessels of Light,” a piece dedicated to the extraordinary heroism of Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II. The program also featured three spellbinding choral works by esteemed composer Gordon Getty: “Shenandoah” with soprano Lisa Delan, the world premiere of “Annie Laurie,” and the monumental Joan and the Bells, a piece honoring the life and martyrdom of Joan of Arc with baritone Lester Lynch and soprano Melody Moore. Performers also included soprano Ronit Widmann-Levy.

Illuminated with the theatrical effects of brass and woodwinds, Oberlian conducted Getty’s rolling orchestration, transporting the audience through Joan of Arc’s experience of the bells, the townsfolk calling out to Joan, and all scenes in artful composition in Joan and the Bells, a cantata on the 15th century trial and punishment of Joan of Arc by Pierre Cauchon, the Bishop of Beauvais, recorded by PentaTone with Lisa Delan and Vladimir Chornobyl in 2003.

The Patron Dinner at Odette Estate Winery followed the concert. In literature, lore, and winemaking, Odette is a legend: a princess, ruler, and preeminent historical figure. She is also the namesake of the Odette Estate Winery, where some of Napa Valley’s finest wines are produced as well as the picturesque setting for the night’s patron dinner.

Nestled off the Silverado Trail, Odette’s LEED Gold certified winery sits on 45 magnificent acres of estate vineyard in Napa Valley’s iconic Stags Leap District. Odette wines are imbued with love and respect for the land and an emphasis on sustainability—the winery is both historic in its legacy and forward-thinking in its organic practices. More than anything else, Odette is renowned for its spectacular wines. Indeed, the winery and its head winemaker, Jeff Owens, made history when their inaugural vintage scored 100 points from The Wine Advocate

For this quintessential Festival Napa Valley evening, guests at this festive dinner were treated to a gourmet meal under the stars, paired with Odette’s acclaimed wines and an unforgettable musical performance. The host, Odette’s owner, is the great composer, Gordon Getty, who is also part owner of two other Napa Valley wineries, Cade and PlumpJack. Wine and music are great pairings, too!

JULY 21 – DANCE GALA: REUNITED IN DANCE + PATRON DINNER AT TRINCHERO NAPA VALLEY

A star-studded ensemble of dancers impacted by the war in Ukraine came together to perform new works and beloved classics at FNV’s annual dance gala. Led by Xander Parish, a former principal dancer at the Mariinsky Ballet, the evening featured dancers who were previously part of Russia’s most elite dance companies, including the Bolshoi Ballet and Stanislavsky Ballet. Reunited in Dance is a testament to the resilience of dancers and the enduring power of ballet.

Rita and Antonio Castellucci, Olivia Decker, Pasquale and Samira Esposito, and Mark Fishkin

Patron Dinner at Trinchero Napa Valley. In 1948, Mario Trinchero and his family embarked on a journey west in search of a better life. They purchased an abandoned Prohibition-era winery in St. Helena and renovated it, starting a small-scale operation. Fast forward seven decades and Trinchero Family Estates has become one of the biggest, familyowned wine companies in the country, boasting an impressive portfolio of over 50 wine and spirit brands from around the world. The Trinchero family has always been at the forefront of industry innovation, shaping how Americans drink wine and consistently committing to sustainable farming practices. On July 21, Trinchero’s principal and vice chairman, Robert “Bob” Torres, and his wife, Maria, hosted a dinner celebrating the family’s passion for the land, community, and exceptional wine. Guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner perfectly paired with a curated selection of wines from Trinchero Family Estates.

JULY 22 – VINTNER’S LUNCHEON & NEIMAN MARCUS FASHION SHOW AT FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

Leslie and Rich Frank invited FNV guests for an afternoon of food, wine, and fashion at Miller House, a new, state-of-the-art hospitality space at Frank Family Vineyars overlooking picturesque vineyards and mountains. Designed by renowned American architect Howard Backen and named in honor of the boundless contributions of Leslie Frank (née Miller) to the Frank Family Vineyards’ legacy, the space is both practical and elegant. It features sustainably reclaimed wood, high ceilings, and natural earth tones that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Guests at FNV’s Vintner’s Luncheon experienced the latest in couture with a high-energy fashion show by Neiman Marcus while enjoying a delicious meal paired with Frank Family Vineyards’ phenomenal wines. The fashion show was so beautiful, I was tempted to buy every outfit, as Leslie Frank told her husband it was her shopping day.

Donor Dinner concert at Darioush Winery

Dance gala

Gordon Getty and Olivia Decker

JULY 22 – MANETTI SHREM OPERA: GAETANO DONIZETTI’S DON PASQUALE + PATRON DINNER AT QUINTESSA

Luminous Spanish soprano Serena Sáenz made her U.S. debut as Norina in Donizetti’s classic comedy, Don Pasquale. The stellar cast included tenor Xabier Aduaga as Ernesto, baritone Alexey Lavrov as Dr. Malatesta, and baritone Lucas Meachem as Don Pasquale in this enduring tale of love and deception directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini and conducted by Noah Lindquist. It was Lindquist’s first time conducting a professional orchestra, and he did a fantastic job.

Meachem told me, “It was a unique experience. Because we had to stage and rehearse the entire opera over eight days in June, then leave for a month, and arrive back in Napa just in time to put everything together on stage and with the orchestra—along with a tenor cancellation, a replacement conductor—made for a very hectic but special evening. Having made it to the other side of this endeavor, I feel very proud to have been a part of it. We truly overcame great obstacles to make great art. Festival Napa Valley’s production of Don Pasquale proved the adage true that no matter what, the show must go on.”

Indeed, it did, magnificently staged and performed. The special effects were so interesting, and the story was so funny. It was truly delightful entertainment to end the Festival’s 2023 season.

The Patron Dinner at Quintessa followed the opera concert. Nestled into the scenic Rutherford hillside, Quintessa is an architectural marvel, a graceful marriage of form and function. Every structure on the estate exudes simple elegance and sensitivity to the environment, making it one of the most stunning wineries in Napa Valley. Propriétaire Valeria and Agustin Huneeus welcomed guests with their renowned generosity and a spectacular meal, thoughtfully paired with Quintessa’s world-famous, handcrafted wines. Guests dined under the stars, surrounded by picturesque vineyards. As the night progressed, a lively Latin dance band took the stage, playing salsa, merengue, samba, and more, as Festival Napa Valley guests kicked up their heels on the dance floor—a spirited end to a magical midsummer evening.

Lucas Meachem and Serena Saenz in Opera Don Pasquale

Charles Letourneau, Jean-Charles Boisset, Serena Saenz and Rick Walker at Founders Dinner

CONTEMPORARY MASTERPIECE

Pinnacle Country Club | Rogers, Arkansas

OFFERED AT $3,495,000

INQUIRES Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty +1(479)273.6697

AGENT Dee Rodes +1(479) 936.6073

dee@portfoliosothebysrealty.com

Located on the most coveted street in Pinnacle’s exclusive gated community, this modern masterpiece offers over 8,000 square feet of living space and resort-style amenities. The custom, floor-to-ceiling glass and steel walls are featured prominently throughout the home, lending the house an airy sensibility and a seamless connection to the outdoors. The main house features four bedroom en-suites, six bathrooms, formal dining, two living areas, an open gourmet kitchen, butler ’s pantry, full bar, private study, recreation room, 2 laundry rooms and a luxurious primary suite. All designed with the intention and flow that guides you toward a stunning architectural pool which is flanked by a covered lounge with a fireplace and a separate pool house with additional living space. The pool house boasts a fifth bedroom en-suite with a kitchenette/wet bar and a beautiful full bathroom. The striking interiors are rivaled only by the outdoor retreat which is perfectly designed to entertain in style.

UNRIVALED PANORAMAS

Cotswold Village | Rogers, Arkansas

OFFERED AT $3,850,000

INQUIRES Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty +1(479)273.6697

AGENT Dee Rodes +1(479) 936.6073

dee@portfoliosothebysrealty.com

Exclusive, custom estate with European charm located in the privately gated lake community of Cotswold Village. This home is perfection... From the carefully manicured grounds to the spectacular Beaver Lake views, it is truly a work of art! Thoughtfully designed with entertainment in mind, this residence boasts both formal and casual living spaces featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sun-filled rooms framing panoramic lake views Inside you’ll find updated on-point designer fixtures and finishes, wide plank hardwood flooring, coffered ceilings, new sisal carpeting, designer wallcoverings and new airy paint palette. Offering 6 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 living areas, dining room and full walk-out basement with new bar The gourmet kitchen is the crème-de-la-crème of style and function, offering Viking appliances, custom pantry, spacious island and eat in dinette overlooking the water The property backs up to protected lake-front community acreage and includes a community clubhouse, pool, community boat dock with slip and lift It is also conveniently located near Rocky Branch Marina

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty Logo are service marks licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty A liates LLC and used with permission. Portfolio Realty LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, a liated with or related to Sotheby’s International Realty A liates LLC nor any of its a liated companies.

Healing in Hawaii

Escape to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, abundant with resources for personal growth and renewal.

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ

STRESS IS A MYSTERIOUS BEAST. IT HIDES IN THE DEEP CREVICES of our minds and bodies. When stress is left unchecked, it may morph into a festering wound, infiltrating every aspect of our lives with negative thoughts and reactions. Stress creates a schism in our life, distancing us from our authentic, loving selves. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I let stress take over my life. My body broke down, and I got ill and suffered from migraines. Sleep was elusive.

We have witnessed the devastating consequences of stress on the lives of our loved ones. Realizing that I, too, could be headed down a harmful path of chronic illness, I recognized the urgent need to prioritize self-care and reset my life. So, I turned to the professionals and found David Erlich, the executive director of spa and wellness at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

With an extensive background in wellness program design, Erlich has established himself as a global leader in the field. Currently residing at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, he channels his expertise and passion to create an unparalleled oasis of wellbeing, drawing inspiration from the wonders of nature. By seamlessly blending various healing therapies, holistic wellness practices, functional lifestyle medicine, performance-focused fitness, and cutting-edge training methods, Erlich has crafted a sanctuary dedicated to self-care on the stunning North Shore of Kaua’i. One can gain valuable perspective and rediscover their true purpose in this place. When he’s not immersed in the spa, you’ll often find him riding the waves and immersing himself in the breathtaking beauty of Hanalei Bay.

“My lifestyle has always been that of an adventure sports enthusiast and athlete. I found myself using spa and wellness to help me stay fit and able to compete. Hydrotherapy, massage, nutrition, and amazing personal trainers proved to be the best way to care for my human body and help me recover, rejuvenate, and thrive. So, I made it a career choice to help share this philosophy and lifestyle with others,” shares Erlich.

Incredibly impressed by his pedigree in the spa and wellness industry, I set a course to the distant island of Kaua’i to experience Erlich’s wellbeing programs. Nestled amid the lush cliffs of Kaua’i at Hanalei Bay, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay offered the perfect sanctuary for my weary spirit. I was ready to immerse myself in an awe-inspiring landscape where towering mountains kiss pristine blue water.

The resort has a strong partnership with the prestigious Bamford brand, guided by the discerning taste of Carole Bamford. Carole Bamford is a firm believer in sustainable and holistic living. With an unwavering commitment to organic farming, ethically sourced clothing, and thoughtfully crafted beauty products, she has become a powerful advocate for preserving traditional skills and embracing a natural way of living.

The Bamford Wellness Spas curate a range of treatments and classes designed to cultivate relaxation, restoration, and overall well-being; each offering nurtures the body, mind, and spirit through a holistic approach. Embarking on the path of wellness, I wholeheartedly embraced the Bamford philosophy. By adopting this philosophy, I discovered the power of surrendering to my higher consciousness and unlocking true healing.

Despite wanting to take several weeks off to recover from an immensely stressful period, I only had time for a leisurely, long weekend. Determined to make the most of my limited time, I carefully prepared for an extraordinary, 3-day getaway.

ON ARRIVAL

The resort has a curated program called Within Wellness that offers unique “Journeys” that can be customized for each guest. Within Wellness is the signature well-being program designed to establish 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay as a comprehensive global wellness destination. For me, I was on a personal weekend warrior path with just a few nights, but wanting to take advantage of all the body, mind, and spirit-renewing opportunities possible.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a “Wellness Sage” who escorted me to my luxurious and personalized Within Collection suite. Each room features an outdoor terrace, a mattress with sleep enhancement technology, an infrared PEMF mat by HigherDOSE, Normatec compression leg boots, a HyperIce Hypervolt 2 Pro percussion massager, a meditation cushion, ergonomic pillows, a weighted blanket, and a white noise machine. Accommodations include exclusive minibar items curated with well-being in mind; healing, protective gemstones; and sleep enhancement technology with Lutron lighting and environmental controls.

DAY ONE

One of the highlights of my fitness journey was attending my first Body Tek class with Noah, a renowned instructor with a long list of satisfied private clients in Kaua’i. This class is one of the many offerings that are a part of the resort’s Daylife complimentary guest programs. This movement class combines elements of gait, biomechanics, and 3D movements, utilizes kettle balls and free weight flow to maximize sports performance, and aims to reduce pain and strengthen the musculoskeletal system. Later that morning, I had a private training session with Noah, who challenged me to properly align my body and strengthen my core with challenging balancing exercises.

That afternoon I spent in the Bamford Wellness Spa, I indulged in an intuitive herbal healing ritual with my massage therapist, Asher, for 90 relaxing minutes.

This ritual begins with a healing herbal foot soak infused with the robust plants of Kaua’i, followed by a full body massage centered on Kaua’i Farmacy’s Comfrey Noni Serum. The highly revered comfrey and noni plants awakened my fatigued cells. The mineral-rich comfrey bolstered the vitality of my bones, tendons, and ligaments; nourishing noni encourages circulation and detoxification. For the first time in months, I was pain-free.

That night I dined at Welina Terrace at the sushi bar where the chef, Misao Masuda, creates incredible Japanese plates that pair perfectly with Hawaiian-inspired cocktails. Back in my room, I tried out the HigherDOSE mat and Normatec compression boots. I arrived that day with a dark blue bruise on my thigh, and by my first session, the bruise was fading.

DAY TWO

At 6:00 a.m., I was in the Anatomy fitness studio with six other guests. We were about to embark on an exhilarating journey led by Noah in his Longevity Lab class. This unique class, offered by Daylife, aims to align our bodies through efficient and painless movements. By utilizing body mechanics, we activate, connect, and discover the harmonious integration of our entire system.

After a nourishing breakfast of green juice and açai bowl from Neighbors café, I embarked on a serene private yoga session guided by the esteemed body architect, Kinsey. After tranquil yoga, I embraced ultimate relaxation in the soothing float chamber at the spa, immersing myself in darkness for a blissful 60 minutes of letting go. In the chamber, I could hear my body speaking to me, and every loud beat of my heart told me to slow down. I have one body, and I need to take good care of it to live a long and healthy life. Message received.

My floating experience was followed by the Daylife Crystal Healing session. The guide placed crystals on my chakras and led the class through meditation. I departed feeling centered, grounded, and fully equipped to sustain the positive energy flow. Feeling the tension releasing from my body and ready for a hearty meal, I enjoyed a delicious dinner at their signature restaurant focused on serving hyper-local and sustainably sourced fare, 1 Kitchen, where I feasted on Nancy Silverton’s market fish spiedini. Chef Silverton was the inaugural guest chef of their Chefs by Nature culinary series focused on sustainable cooking.

Upon returning to my oceanview suite that evening, I indulged in another invigorating session with the HigherDOSE mat and Normatec compression boots. To my delight after the second session, the unsightly bruise on my thigh was nearly gone.

DAY THREE

The morning started with Noah and his Longevity Lab class at 6:00 a.m. My muscles were feeling the burn from the many workout sessions I’d taken, and it felt great to know my body was starting to ignite.

I was in for a surprise when I decided to give the next class a try: Soul Sweat, which is part of the Daylife program. The moment I stepped into the room, I could feel the infrared heaters in the ceiling adding a touch of warmth. Although the temperature wasn’t unbearable, I dripped with sweat, aware that my body was purging toxins.

As the morning classes breathed new life into me, I indulged in a refreshing swim in the calming waters of Hanalei Bay. The saltwater washed away my fatigue, leaving me revitalized. I had an opportunity to meet with Doug Wolkon, the owner of Kaua’i Farmacy. Kauai Farmacy is a seed-to-cup herbal medicine farm, and the spa’s intuitive healing experiences are centered upon its plants. He shared the ancient wisdom of plant medicine and educated me on using plants daily to reduce stress.

Once again, I headed back to the spa, this time for a thermal facial. This 150-minute treatment starts with a delicate neck and décolletage massage. Included in the treatment were different types of techniques, including gua sha and Cryo T-Shock therapies. My therapist, Lauren, guided me through the process and educated me on how each phase improved my skin and circulation. After the treatment, my face was glowing and my frown lines were less visible. I was astonished by the remarkable transformation I witnessed in my facial appearance.

The final evening was an unforgettable culinary adventure at Welina Terrace. The staff treated me like royalty as I embarked on a gustatory journey through multiple courses and paired cocktails while watching the sun set over Hanalei Bay. Afterward, I ended the night by gazing up at the stunning, starry sky, surrounded by the comforts of my private garden replete with lounge chairs. I felt overwhelming gratitude for the extraordinary individuals who guided me on this wellness journey. In that silent moment, I had a newfound appreciation for my body.

I repeated my nightly routine with the HigherDOSE mat and Normatec compression boots. At the end of the session, my bruise was entirely gone.

The following day, I emerged from my luxurious suite, experiencing renewed vigor and relief from months of stress. I ended my stay with one last Soul Sweat class at 6:00 a.m. As I made my way back to San Francisco, I couldn’t help but notice the profound change that had taken place within me. I became a more authentic, more genuine reflection of myself. While stress will always be a part of my life, I better understand how to better manage my emotions and care for my body and mind.

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay has partnered with Vitahealth to provide comprehensive integrated medicine crafted by an expert medical team.

VITAHEALTH PRECISION WELLBEING

Vitahealth Precision Wellbeing harnesses Vitahealth’s scientifically proven, human-centered, whole-body approach, including premium infusion treatments with bioavailable nutrients, peptide treatments, hormone balancing modalities, metabolic reshaping, as well as cognitive, sexual well-being, and mood enhancement therapies. Vitahealth provides a complete turnkey medical aesthetics program with nutritional guidance and recommendations for a total well-being reset facilitated by medical experts and registered practitioners.

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT: VITACORE PREMIUM IV THERAPY

IV infusions provide a powerful, advanced approach to enhance the body’s natural healing and regeneration process. Vitahealth’s carefully selected, bio-available, super-nutrient infusions are easily absorbed and utilized by the body. The Vitacore Premium Drip blend consists of 12 super premium, bio-available nutrients: electrolytes, vitamin C, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), dexpanthenol (B5), and pyridoxine (B6).

Discover the profound journey of personal transformation exclusively at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.

1hotels.com/hanalei-bay or call 808-977-1155.

BY OLIVIA DECKER

I SOLD THIS UNIQUE HOME IN 1999 TO A COUPLE FROM San Francisco who own dozens of Bay Area properties. Still, they wanted an exceptional waterfront home in Belvedere to create a resort setting in the style of the Greek island Santorini on the San Francisco Bay. In 2001, after about two years of planning and construction, they completed the transformation of this 4,165 square-foot, 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home on an 11,360-square-foot lot. It features rustic wood beams, white stucco, antique doors, lanterns, and many artistic and decorative elements purchased in Greece, Italy, Morocco, and India.

The home is located in the center section of Belvedere West Shore which offers magnificent views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, and Mt. Tam. It has a boat dock, a huge deck, and a pool—a rare combination. The spacious, bright, airy living room with fireplace, adjacent sitting room with a wet bar, and dining room with fireplace all have wall-to-wall glass doors which open onto the viewing deck at the water’s edge. The property also has a billiards room with a full bath, a closet, and a sauna opening to the garden and pool.

The billiards room may be used as a fourth bedroom. Two of the three bedrooms upstairs have two viewing decks and wall-towall sliding doors. This home is a perfect place to enjoy the magnificent views, ever-changing from sunrise to the gorgeous sunset over Marin Headlands. On a foggy day, you can watch the ocean fog roll over the Golden Gate Bridge and cover the Sausalito hills while Belvedere continues to enjoy the sunshine. There is a courtyard with extraordinary white marble seating at the front entry, a 3-car garage, and ample street parking on the desirable, wide, and flat West Shore Road. It is walking distance to downtown Tiburon where there are ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and a bayfront bicycle path to Mill Valley, Sausalito, and Golden Gate National Park. Belvedere Park features outdoor concerts and a children’s playground, the world class Corinthian Yacht Club and San Francisco Yacht Club, and a dozen fabulous restaurants including Michail Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Le Pettie Left Bank, Malibu Farm, Sam’s Anchor Cafe, Caprice, and Luna Blue. Offered at $8,995,000. Pictures on: www.49WestShore.com.

Founded in 2013, Wolk Development Company executes each residential and commercial project with quality craftsmanship, mastery and detail.

Founded in 2013, Wolk Development Company executes each residential and commercial project with quality craftsmanship, mastery and detail.

Founded in 2013, Wolk Development Company executes each residential and commercial project with quality craftsmanship, mastery and detail.

Every step of the building process is guided by the staff’s skilled hand, resulting in much more than a house, but a home.

step of the building process is guided by the staff’s skilled hand, resulting in much more house, but a home.

Every step of the building process is guided by the staff’s skilled hand, resulting in much more than a house, but a home.

Wolk Development Company

Development Company

In the Business of Building Dreams

Business of Building Dreams

Wolk Development Company

In the Business of Building Dreams

IG @wolkdevco

IG @wolkdevco

e. brian@wolkdevco.com

IG @wolkdevco

e. brian@wolkdevco.com wolkdevco.com

e. brian@wolkdevco.com wolkdevco.com

wolkdevco.com

Photo @pnut.productions

Photo @pnut.productions

Photo @pnut.productions

Ferrari 812 GTS

A superfast spider.

BY TIM LAPPEN

RUMOR HAS IT THAT SPORTS CARS WITH CONVERTIBLE TOPS ARE CALLED “spiders” (or “spyders”) because the eight wooden stays that held open the fabric top on historic convertibles seemed to resemble the eight legs on an arachnid. Amazingly, that moniker has stuck around for decades, even when an octopede insect is hardly the image that marketing suits want to have pop up when one thinks of a svelte grand touring car — they would prefer that the car generate romantic notions of carving the roads along the Stelvio Pass or cruising the Amalfi Coast on the way to an epic rendezvous.

The latter option always comes to mind when I am behind the wheel of a Ferrari, one where the more cylinders, the better. And the gorgeous Ferrari 812 GTS (for “gran turismo spider”) does not disappoint in the slightest. (Fans of the Ferrari 812 Superfast will be right at home in this iteration, as the two models are mechanically identical. And long-term fans of Ferrari will note that there is no “i,” which once was used to denote “injection,” following the “GTS”; virtually no car these days has carburetion, so it would be as superfluous as announcing “power steering and brakes.”)

Now, I am a fan of electrification of autos as much as the next guy. I mean, who doesn’t like instantaneous torque, for gosh sake? But the song of a finely tuned V-12 is both unmistakable and a siren’s call to those of us who long ago were baptized in the aural delight of a large-displacement, dozen-

cylinder Italian rolling opera. To partially explain my sound bias, I did buy records earlier in my life where, at a mere 33 rpms, I could hear the race cars at Sebring or the footsteps followed by engine cranks and fires at Le Mans, my mind racing with visions of race cars exploding into action.

With that background in mind, is it any wonder that the 812 was love at first sound for me? Long gone are the “rer rer rer rer” sounds of the engine cranking before finally starting. The 812 is one of the new breed — a slight, short starter motor sound and we have ignition! I love the smell of petrol in the morning, but the sound of the 789-horsepower engine coming to life (the sound of “the most powerful production spider on the market,” says Ferrari) is worth the price of admission all by itself. But wait, there’s more!

Again, it’s probably due to my early-childhood imprint, but the look of a long-hood, bobbed-tail GT two-seater does spark my heart. “Mine” for the week was in Blu Ahrabian, a beautiful deep blue that looked at once menacing and elegant. It was a great contrast to the Bordeaux leather interior and Nero black carpets. Even after just a quick look at the specs (about 6.5 liters, almost 530 pound-feet of torque, close to 800 ponies, and a sub-three-second blast to 60 miles per hour), I knew before driving it that this gorgeous car was writing checks that the mechanicals easily could cash! Spirited driving that afternoon proved the point.

But unlike some supercars, especially those of yesteryear, the 812 GTS is easy to live with. The convenience of a power-operated hardtop, for example, is great. With just a touch of a control, the top lowers in seconds and can even be put up or taken down at speeds up to about 30 miles per hour. Of course, it does impact the space in the trunk, but it’s a worthy trade-off. I am a top-down kind of guy, especially when that driving mode enhances the ability to listen to the melodic 12-pipe front organ, but it can rain in Los Angeles (not often), so it’s nice not to have to run home to get the hardtop hanging from the ceiling of the garage or even stop by the roadside to unsnap the tonneau cover to get access to the folded top.

Contrary to popular belief (“popular” in that there are daily postings to sites featuring wrecked exotics), having the money to buy an exotic car does not immediately qualify the owner as a capable driver of an exotic car. Ferrari apparently thought about that when designing some of the driving nannies that exist on the 812, such as:

Ferrari Peak Performance, which gives the driver feedback via steeringwheel torque to advise that the 812 is nearing the limit of grip.

(Apparently, the idea of a disembodied voice yelling “Watch out!” loudly through the car’s sound system was voted down.)

Ferrari Power Oversteer, which again provides feedback via steering-wheel torque that the power being applied while exiting a corner is leading to the loss of the rear wheels’ ability to be at one with the road. (Also, see above “Watch out!” note.)

Driving the 812 was a sheer delight. The looks, the sounds, the comfort, and the overall sensations were terrific, and I enjoyed my time with this Maranello masterpiece immensely. With a zero-to-60 run taking under three seconds and a top speed of over 211 miles per hour, it’s clearly a stormer. But it’s undoubtedly equally at home at the Oscars valet or the front drive at the opera. With a base price of about $425,000, “nicely equipped” will be well into the “5s,” and if you have a heavy pen and a fat wallet, you likely can see the “6s.” Mine was “very nicely equipped,” with well over $100,000 in options, such as special paint, carbon-fiber bits here and there (engine covers, wheel cups, sill covers, filter boxes, etc.), front suspension lifter, passenger display, and more (a lot more). However you decide to outfit your Ferrari 812 GTS, I am very confident that you will be thrilled with the result for many years to come.

McLaren Unveils The Artura

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

MCLAREN, RENOWNED FOR ITS EXPERTISE IN RACE- AND ROAD-CAR engineering, has unveiled the all-new Artura, its first-ever series-production high-performance hybrid (HPH) supercar. With the goal of blending thrilling performance, driving dynamics, and engagement with electricvehicle driving capability, the Artura represents McLaren’s commitment to innovation and excellence. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking features and design elements that make the Artura a game changer in the supercar industry.

The McLaren Artura showcases the company’s technical expertise and experience by incorporating state-of-the-art technologies. It is built on the all-new McLaren Carbon Fiber Lightweight Architecture, designed and manufactured inhouse at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region of the United Kingdom. This lightweight architecture, optimized for HPH powertrains, sets new standards in chassis design and flexibility. “The way we design cars at McLaren is different. We use a holistic approach comprising both technical design and studio design, areas that in the automotive industry are often separated and sometimes even compete; McLaren sees these pillars as integrally linked and working towards common goals,” notes Phil Mockford, vehicle line director of Supercars for McLaren Automotive.

Built with unparalleled performance, the new supercar is equipped with a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter, V-6 petrol engine, an e-motor, and an energydense battery pack, delivering a combined output of 671 base horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. Its exceptional power enables acceleration from zero to 60 mph in just three seconds and a top speed of 205 mph. The Artura is also the most fuel-efficient McLaren ever produced, achieving 39 mpg-e and offering an electric-only range of 11 miles.

With its perfect supercar proportions and “form follows function” design philosophy, the Artura stands out with its sleek, aggressive appearance. The “shrink-wrapped” bodywork, distinctive hammerhead line, and deeply rebated static adaptive headlamps contribute to its menacing yet elegant look. The use of carbon fiber and aluminum panels ensures a lightweight body, while reduced shut lines create a clean and visually appealing exterior.

The Artura’s engineering credentials make it a thrilling car to drive. Its super lightweight carbon-fiber construction, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration, and electro-hydraulic steering provide unmatched handling and instant driver engagement. The advanced handling modes (Comfort,

Sport, and Track) and Electronic Stability Control system allow drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences and skill level. Partnering with Pirelli, McLaren has developed bespoke tires for the Artura. The P Zero tires offer enhanced braking, handling, and control, while the Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology provides real-time monitoring of temperature and pressure. This advanced tire technology ensures optimal performance and safety in various driving conditions.

The Artura’s interior features a blend of revolutionary ergonomics, technology, design, and refinement. The spacious cabin incorporates highquality materials, contemporary aesthetics, and cutting-edge switchgear. McLaren offers extensive customization options, including 15 exterior paint colors and additional options through McLaren Special Operations for carbon-fiber body parts and bespoke commissions. “Our mission was to create a piece of pure technical sculpture, where technology doesn’t distract but enhances the visual experience,” reveals Mockford. “We were guided throughout by three key phrases — purity, technical sculpture, and functional jewelry. The purity is not only purity of line, but also in the integration of components; technical sculpture references the need to be stunning to look at, but there for a reason, like the forms you see in nature; while functional jewelry is best explained by the fact that we don’t decorate; we do what is needed and make it beautiful.”

The McLaren Artura represents a new era of high-performance hybrid supercars, combining McLaren’s racing heritage with innovative technology and design. With its groundbreaking features, exceptional performance, and eco-friendly attributes, the Artura is set to captivate car enthusiasts and redefine the standard for supercars.

The next-generation high-performance hybrid supercar.

The Spot SF is prestigiously located in the heart of Marin County, just moments from some of the most exhilarating driving roads in the world.

The Spot SF is prestigiously located in the heart of Marin County, just moments from some of the most exhilarating driving roads in the world.

A full service member-only clubhouse, The Spot SF offers 24/7 security, detailing and enclosed transportation. Monthly cars + coffee events and curated drives bring together car enthusiasts in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.

The Spot SF is prestigiously located in the heart of Marin County, just moments from some of the most exhilarating driving roads in the world.

IG @spot_sf e. info@thespotsf.com thespotsf.com

The Spot SF the world. bring together a functional as IG info@thespotsf.com

A full service member-only clubhouse, The Spot SF offers 24/7 security, detailing and enclosed transportation. Monthly cars + coffee events and curated drives bring together car enthusiasts in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.

A full service member-only clubhouse, The Spot SF offers 24/7 security, detailing and enclosed transportation. Monthly cars + coffee events and curated drives bring together car enthusiasts in a space that is as functional as it is beautiful.

IG @spot_sf e. info@thespotsf.com thespotsf.com

IG @spot_sf e. info@thespotsf.com thespotsf.com

Photo @pnut.productions

Photo @pnut.productions

Photo @pnut.productions

Ready to Waltz?

Vienna’s Ball Season Awaits

BY BECCA HENSLEY

I’VE DANCED AT ONE OF VIENNA’S FAIRYTALE BALLS—AND you can, too. This storybook tradition, unique to elegant Vienna, dates back more than a century to when Emperor Franz Joseph sought to quell discontent among his aristocratic subjects by inviting them all to a fabulous fête. The stuff of fairytales—perhaps even the original fairytale—this party, known as a ball, brought people from around the empire into the castle to dance and make merry.

Most fortuitously and simultaneously, local musician Johann Strauss had been working on a peppy new style of music which resulted in an audaciously provocative, fast-paced, dance in threequarter time called the waltz. Enticing, it put couples in closer proximity to one another on the dance floor, made their hearts beat faster, and emanated a sexy—even scandalous—vibe to any soiree. Together, the waltz and the opportunity to enter the castle ensured that Franz Joseph’s ball was a brilliant success. That fanciful outcome grew into Vienna’s extraordinary ball season, an annual tradition of socializing and celebration that lasts for months.

Today, more than 450 balls take place in Austria’s capital, an imperial city awash in haunting architecture, prodigious museums, and its own urban wine region. Scheduled during Lent season, the formal, black tie balls, many of them fundraisers or coming of age parties, take place in palaces, museums, opera houses, and courtyards. Organized by professional guilds (such as the Coffee Maker Ball I attended), most Viennese balls reign as exclusive public events, though some parties are private, and a few are informal and aimed at younger crowds. Many view the Vienna Philharmonic Ball as the showpiece of the season. Like the city’s renowned New Year’s Concert, it’s held in the spacious rooms of the Vienna Music Society.

Another season highlight, the dazzling Opera Ball rules as the official State Ball of the Republic of Austria. The event takes over the Vienna Opera in an evening that not only features some of the city’s top socialites, but also celebrates the opera’s premier artists. It’s a must for opera buffs. Less fancy balls also have a following.

PHOTOS: PETER RIGAUD

They may embrace a more rustic flair—such as a prominent mountaineering club’s characteristic Edelweiss Ball which features a strict dress code of indigenous apparel: dirndls and lederhosen. Even alternative balls have become popular. The Wallflower Ball dictates that guests wear mousy, beige clothes, with the most inconspicuous ball-goer being awarded a prize at midnight—just the opposite of the glitz and glamour of my Coffee Ball adventure.

While I played Cinderella in Vienna, I joined about 6,000 partiers at the famed Kaffeesiederball (The Coffee Maker Ball) which spreads through three floors and half a dozen ball rooms in the Hofburg, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty. Though I did take waltzing lessons at Vienna’s top dance school, my skills never managed to materialize on the dance floor, so my partner did his best to help me look airy as we whirled through the various lavishly adorned rooms—including the evocative Spanish Riding School.

When the ball ended, we exited the building disheveled and merry, ready to partake of a Viennese après ball tradition: goulash and beer at classic coffeehouse. Like other participants, we flagged down a fiaker (the city’s ubiquitous horse drawn carriages), clip-clopping our way to Café Landtmann. As the sun rose, I walked home barefoot, realizing that maybe Cinderella didn’t lose her glass slipper, but simply left it behind because her feet hurt. wien.info/en

BEREIT ZUM WALZER? (READY TO WALTZ?)

HERE ARE SOME TIPS.

How to Get Tickets

The Opera Ball usually sells out a year in advance, while it’s easier to secure tickets to some of the other balls. Check the ball websites or ask your hotel concierge to assist. They can do wonders when all else fails.

• For the Opera Ball: wiener-staatsoper.at/en/staatsoper/viennaopera-ball/

• For the Kaffeesiederball (the one I attended): kaffeesiederball.at

• For the Vienna Philharmonic Ball: wienerphilharmoniker.at/ en/vienna-philharmonic-ball

First, Learn to Waltz

Enroll at Elmayer Dance School, Vienna’s most prestigious place to learn to waltz. “Backward, between, left, right, together, turn,” your instructor will command. When I took my lesson, I struggled, though my teacher told me “dancing is just like walking.” he later admitted that some special people “need a few extra lessons.” elmayer.at/en/

PHOTO: PETER RIGAUD

What to Wear

Most balls specify a dress code. For example, women must wear long, floor length evening dresses, and men must wear a black tailcoat with a white bow tie or a gala uniform for many of the balls.

Buy a Ballgown

Located near the Vienna Opera House, Popp & Kretschmer has supplied Vienna’s glitterati with evening wear since 1889. An institution that began as a small leather goods store, it remains the consummate destination for stylish ball attendees. They even keep a record of who’s wearing what to where, so there won’t be embarrassing duplicates. popp-kretschmer.com

Buy Jewelry

Don’t mess around. Head over to Vienna’s most storied jeweller, A. E. Köchert, an imperial and court purveyor to royalty. Since 1814, this fascinating shop in the city’s most exclusive shopping district, the Golden Quarter, has been adorning bodies for balls. koechert.com

Where To Stay

Like its famous cake, the chocolatey Sachertorte, Hotel Sacher Vienna is the sum total of countless perfect details blended into one spectacular home away from home. The epitome of fin-de-siècle Viennese perfection, it remains one of the only 5-star, family-owned hotels in the world. Adjacent to the Vienna State Opera House, the glamorous hotel enchants with glittering chandeliers to brocade and silk wall coverings.

Concierges in flawless vintage uniforms stand at attention to answer your requests, a bartender lurks ready in the Blue Bar with a bottle of Champagne, and a spa with chocolate-themed treatments won’t fail to relax you. Choose the Madame Butterfly Suite, a haven of fantastical proportions. With near 360 degree views of Vienna, the sumptuous sanctum has a fireplace, a separate study, original artwork, parquet floors, a floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom as big as a house, and stellar carpeting. sacher.com/de/wien/

PHOTOS: PETER RIGAUD

Lydia is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned many health and wellness-related companies, products, technologies and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on healthy living, aging and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several recognized national brands. She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of age-related disease for today’s and future generations. It is the only independent research organization globally dedicated to extending the healthy years of life. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. To support Buck’s mission, please visit www.buckinstitute.org.

Move More. Age Less. Live Longer.

BY LYDIA GRAHAM

WE HEAR MORE AND MORE ABOUT THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF a sedentary lifestyle. For decades, the desk was the center of work culture and still is to some extent. Computers and mobile phones keep us glued to large and small screens alike, and with the wide array of entertainment content options available these days, it is easy to become that quintessential “couch potato” without even realizing it. Many influences pull us toward inertia, so it takes a conscious effort to get up and move, which we are learning is really the best thing for us. Our bodies were designed to move: if our ancient ancestors had sat in one place instead of hunting and gathering, none of us would be here today.

While we frequently hear “sitting is the new smoking,” this popular quip does not capture the full extent of the far-reaching, negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Conversely and more positively, exercise has one of the most profound impacts—if not the most—on our healthspan and longevity.

WHY EXERCISE?

If you are looking for a bit of motivation, consider these facts proven and replicated across numerous studies. Exercise improves:

• Metabolic health (weight control and insulin sensitivity)

• Cardiovascular health (reduces the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure)

• Cognitive function (mood and motivation, may offset dementia and increase neuroplasticity [i.e., the building of new brain cells]) and sleep

• Bone and muscle strength

• Improved libido

• Reduction of certain cancer risks

• Longevity (and how well) you will live.

Now, have I got your attention? If there was one wonder drug for longevity, it would be exercise. Even better, it is free and fully under your control. As the Nike slogan so aptly said, “Just Do It.” Herein lies the challenge—it takes determination, time, and effort on our part.

WHAT EXERCISE SHOULD I DO?

People frequently ask what exercise they should do. There are varying opinions answering this question, too many to mention here. Too, it depends on age, current physical fitness condition, pre-existing medical conditions, and injuries. Success also depends on choosing activities you will enjoy and stay with. Generally accepted, recommended federal guidelines are “150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate aerobic activity (walking, running, swimming, biking), or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix of both. Twice-weekly resistance training to strengthen muscles is also recommended.”

How do you measure up? If you are not currently meeting these minimums, do not feel bad—you have company with 80 percent of Americans. But if you care about your health and potential longevity, these recommendations are a warning call to become more active and up your game.

Exercise is your best insurance for enjoying a longer healthspan.

Lauren Elson, M.D., an editorial advisory board member at Harvard Health Publishing, noted in her blog post a few years back “how different types of exercise have complementary benefits:

Aerobic activity, like walking, running, or cycling, improves cardiovascular health. It involves movement of the large muscles of the body for sustained periods of time.

Muscle-strengthening activity, like resistance training with elastic bands or weightlifting, improves muscle strength, endurance, power, and mass.

Bone-strengthening activity, like running, playing basketball, resistance training, or jumping rope, improves bone health and strength.

Balance activity, like walking backwards, standing on one leg, yoga, and tai chi, can reduce fall risk.

Multicomponent physical activity, like running, dancing, or playing tennis includes at least two of the above types of activity.”

Not that the others aren’t important, but aerobic exercise and muscle resistance training may hold the most important keys to building the foundation for longevity. Let’s first talk about muscle mass.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSCLE MASS AND STRENGTH AS WE AGE

In his book, Outlive, Peter Attia, M.D., cites a 10-year observational study of 4,500 subjects aged 50 and older that “found those with low muscle mass were at a 40-to-50% greater risk of mortality than controls.” One study he cites indicated that strength training “may even trump cardiorespiratory (aerobic) fitness.”

Why is muscle mass so important for healthy longevity? Muscles do not just make us look good or hold our structure. They do so much more. We are just beginning to appreciate and understand the role they play in so many functions of the body. They are our powerhouse.

Unfortunately, we can begin to lose muscle mass even in our thirties, and the loss continues to creep up on us silently at a rate of as much as 8 percent to 17 percent with each ensuing decade if we are not careful. Over time, this accumulation results in the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function and can become sarcopenia which is also strongly associated with frailty syndrome. The activities of daily living then become difficult and impact independence. A higher frailty index is associated with higher mortality risk and incident disability, particularly falls—which is the leading cause of accidental death in older adults.

Frailty compounds as we age through bouts of illness requiring bedrest, particularly if there are surgeries or hospitalizations during which we incur extended disuse of our bodies and muscles. If you have ever seen a cast removed from a friend’s arm or leg or your own, you realize it does not take long for muscles to atrophy. Younger people can build and recover muscle more quickly, but for older adults, it is the beginning of a downward spiral. As we age, it is key to build up muscle reserves in the event we wind up in such an acute situation as well as to offset the muscle decline of aging.

Strength or resistance training is the best way to accomplish building muscle. Both muscle mass and muscle strength are important. Citing that same study, Attia states “further analysis revealed that it’s not mere muscle mass that matters but the strength of those muscles, their ability to generate force.” He further cites Andy Galpin, one of the foremost authorities on strength and performance work who concluded that “we lose muscle strength about two-to-three times more quickly than we lose muscle mass. And we lose power (strength × speed) two-to-three times faster than we lose strength.”

CARDIORESPIRATORY EXERCISE: HOW MUCH DO WE REALLY NEED? Views about aerobic exercise vary more than about resistance training, perhaps because it is not as straightforward and more difficult to measure and compare benefits and outcomes in studies across such a wide array of activities. One thing all experts seem to agree on, though, is that everyone can benefit.

How much is too much? Does lighter movement count? How many steps are enough? Does intensity matter? Can we do too much? How do we measure it? These are frequent questions, and they are difficult to generally quantify.

Besides the obvious metrics like how many miles, how fast, heart rate, etc. that can easily be measured by fitness trackers, you can measure and use VO2 max as a training metric. VO2, which is the maximum rate you can consume oxygen, indicates your peak aerobic capacity. This metric has been strongly correlated with longevity. If your score is in the lowest quartile, it can impact your longevity by as much as 50 percent. It’s not a pleasant test, as it’s a bike or treadmill test wearing a mask and doing the exercise to your “fail” point at which you can’t go any further. It may not be a test if you are a beginner exerciser or have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Like muscle mass, VO2 max can decline up to 10 percent per decade and as much as 15 percent per decade after age 50. The higher your starting baseline, the better off you will be in your older years. It is never too late to start training to improve your VO2 max. Even elderly adults can improve their VO2 max with consistent training.

It seems everyone is obsessed with tracking daily steps. But how many do we really need? The science is not settled, but a large study published in 2019 had interesting results. The study by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst as reviewed in the New York Times found “Those men and women accumulating at least 7,000 daily steps when they joined the study were about 50 percent less likely to have died since than those who took fewer than 7,000 steps, and the mortality risks continued to drop as people’s step totals rose, reaching as high as 70 percent less chance of early death among those taking more than 9,000 steps. (However,) people taking more than 10,000 steps per day, even plenty more, rarely outlived those taking at least 7,000.” Amanda Paluch, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who led the study concluded, “There was a point of diminishing returns …”

The 10,000 steps per day is likely an arbitrary number perhaps derived from the Japanese word for pedometers “sold in Japan since the 1960s, manpo-kei, which translates to “10,000-step meter”—a number apparently chosen in part because the Japanese character for it looks like a walking man.”

Another more recent study in 2021 undertaken by Lee, Shiroma, and Matthews of more than 16,000 female volunteers with an average age of 72 found “More steps taken per day are associated with lower mortality rates until approximately 7500 steps/d.” There is still much study needed on steps as a metric, such as whether intensity and speed matter for longevity.

CONCLUSION

A well-rounded exercise program should also address stability, flexibility, and mobility. Before beginning any new exercise program, it is important to get a physical and input from your physician. Regardless of your age, if you care about your healthspan and longevity, it is never too late to start. Join a gym or hire a trainer, choose a sport you will enjoy, and work a little harder so you can enjoy life and independence into your old age.

Note: The above does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your health professional before beginning any exercise or movement program.

Aubrey Brewster, a bon vivant and man-about-town, is a. product of his environment. His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle model-turned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that Brewster followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com). He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward. Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.

AUBREY ABOUT TOWN

A Guide to Gala Etiquette

BY AUBREY BREWSTER

TO QUOTE THE FRENCH-ALGERIAN PHILOSOPHER, AUTHOR, AND Nobel Prize recipient, Albert Camus, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Gala season is upon us and San Francisco’s society, philanthropists, fashionphiles, and enthusiasts of all things symphony and opera are scurrying to their favorite ateliers, tailors, and couture boutiques for that perfect, memorable ensemble sure to induce the strobing flashbulbs of photographers on the step-and-repeat’s red carpet.

Among all the chaos in getting ready and being coifed for the big event, newcomers and gala veterans alike often ask me about basic gala etiquette, so I’m happy to address some of their top gala etiquette questions and add some tips that some may have never thought to ask beforehand, along with some glamorous gala looks.

The proper attire for the occasion, formal black tie versus white tie. These days “black tie” or “black tie optional” seems to be the norm and usually will suffice for most events. As the name applies, a black tie affair for gentlemen consists of a black tuxedo worn with a black bow tie and tuxedo loafers. The black tuxedo jacket may be substituted for a chic, formal dinner jacket in a color to fit your preference or the evening’s theme. Black tie optional (as the name suggests) may consist of a tuxedo or dark suit with a bow tie or tie in the color of your choice.

White tie is the most formal and traditionally adheres to white tie evening tails (or a black dinner jacket) worn with a white waistcoat underneath; a formal, white, French cuff shirt; and a hand-tied white bowtie. For those who need to hear this, gentlemen, you’re adults now: learn how to tie a bow. There are hundreds of easy-to-learn tutorials on YouTube to guide you through it. For ladies, a full-length ball gown is traditionally appropriate for black or white tie affairs. A ball gown or a smart, knee-length cocktail dress is perfect for a black-tie optional event.

Familiarize yourself with the cause and organization. I am confident we can all agree the arts are a valuable benefit to our culture and society. They broaden our intellect and are core to our growth as a country and our civilization. With nonprofit organizations, we often wonder where the contributions are used, where they are distributed, and who benefits. The event’s confirmation email or correspondence generally offers a contributions list or a hyperlink to one.

Do I need to make a charitable contribution if I’m a guest at a table? Your table host has purchased the table, and you aren’t committed to donate any money. In the case of a ball, you are there simply to enjoy yourself and the performance. However, if you are at a fundraiser and if you feel compelled to do so, then by all means contribute what you can. If an item being presented in auction speaks to you or that wine tasting trip through Napa, California or that tropical dream destination, then why not use that vacation money to both help the organization and pay for that trip? If you spend $10,000 on a vacation, then let that be your highest bid.

I have food allergies, how do I convey my dietary needs? Whether you are a guest, sponsor, or host, the organization will either email or mail you correspondence with a menu selection beforehand, such as the beef, fish, or vegetarian option. These days, dietary restriction concerns are commonplace, and there is often an option on the menu selection to list allergies and needs. In cases where there isn’t, contact the organization or the host.

Be mindful of your alcohol intake. Galas and balls are festive places to be, and the endless hosted bar may be tempting. I get it, you just gave a huge contribution, and “getting my money’s worth” may have crossed your mind. Also, everyone is having a good time, and you want to join in on the festivities with some liquid courage to help you along the

Jack Calhoun, Dede Wilsey, Trent Norris

Matthew Cook and Vanessa Getty

“THESE SOCIAL OCCASIONS ARE MEANT TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. IF YOU ARE THE ONE CONNECTING OTHERS, PEOPLE WILL GRAVITATE TO THAT, MAKING YOU THE ONE WHOM EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE WITH.”

way. Being uninhibited is great, fabulous even… to a point. Drinking alcohol dampens your hearing, so after a couple drinks, unbeknown to you, your voice amplifies. Not only does that make you come off as obnoxious, it also disturbs others and hinders their fun. You are at an elegant affair wearing that new Oscar de la Renta; act the part and don’t be that (déclassé) guy or gal.

I need to leave the event early. Is it rude to do so? That depends. With the busy gala season schedule, many of us often inadvertently or purposely book ourselves to attend multiple events in one evening, especially if the event falls on a Friday or Saturday night. It’s understandable that we may need to spread ourselves to meet our social obligations. I think my friend, San Francisco’s former mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., mastered the technique best. He’d have a cocktail at one event, salad at another, then the main course somewhere else. With that said, when planning your exit, read the room! If someone is in the middle of a passionate speech about the needs of the organization, then stay in your seat until there is a window of opportunity to quietly thank your host (and tablemates) and leave discreetly.

Introduce yourself and others and include them in conversation. Nothing is more awkward than standing there trying to be part of a conversation with a stranger with nothing to talk about. Find things in common with others and use that directly after introductions. “David, have you met Gertrude Foster? Gertrude, David Rodriguez. David’s son is also going to Stanford. Gertrude’s daughter is studying economics.” It works every time. Gertrude and David have something to talk about— and it sometimes gives you a means of escaping to somewhere else! These social occasions are meant to bring people together. If you are the one connecting others, people will gravitate to that, making you the one whom everybody wants to be with.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the company you’re with, always show your gratitude to your host, and be sure to say thank-you to them before leaving. One thing that I found to be a sweet and much appreciated gesture is to send your host a flower arrangement in the color scheme of the event with a note of appreciation that includes a fun reminder of the evening.

Stay classy.

“THESE DAYS, DIETARY RESTRICTION CONCERNS ARE COMMONPLACE, AND THERE IS OFTEN AN OPTION ON THE MENU SELECTION TO LIST ALLERGIES AND NEEDS. IN CASES WHERE THERE ISN’T, CONTACT THE ORGANIZATION OR THE HOST.”

PHOTOS: ZANE PERSAUD/UNSPLASH.COM (LEFT), MATTHIEU JOANNON/UNSPLASH.COM (RIGHT)

The Extraordinary and Captivating ‘Art House’

Experience the luxury of modern living in this timeless contemporary marvel known as the ‘Art House’ offering an exceptional blend of art and architecture. This private estate is sited in one of the most coveted locations in Marin County, ‘Mount Tiburon’, overlooking the Tiburon - Belvedere Peninsula, the Golden Gate Bridge, and across to Sausalito.

Design concepts curated by well known interior designer Gary Hutton, boasting stunning gallery walls. The dramatic entryway with spiral staircase leads to the gallery like residence with soaring ceilings allowing natural light to flood the interior of the home. The stately living room features floor to ceiling windows, wood paneling, two gathering areas, a gas fireplace, and access to the private outdoors; located up a spiral staircase is the loft that overlooks the living room and opens to the lushly landscaped grounds. The library/media room is surrounded by beautiful floor-to-ceiling wood paneling with built-in bookshelves, cabinetry, recessed lighting, a built-in game lounge with a glass table, and two large french doors opening to the backyard. The ground level of the residence features the service entrance with elevator, recreation/media room complete with projection screens, fitness room, full bathroom with a steam shower, wine cellar, large storage room with built-in closets, and access to the 3-car garage. The outdoor living spaces tie in the natural landscape with meandering walkways, an expansive entertainment terrace with multiple seating areas, a commercial grade stainless steel built-in bbq station, and the perfect pool site. Designed to encompass a balance of quality and contemporary elegance, this residence offers dramatic and artistic living spaces ideal for entertaining and experiencing the essence of luxury living.

Belvedere Brand New Construction — Completion End of 2023

New Construction Project | 5,000± sq. ft.

A rare opportunity to buy a new home under construction to customize your fi nishes on a dream location near tip of Belvedere Island at end of Belvedere Ave. This appx. 5,000 sq ft masterpiece designed by acclaimed architect David Kotzebue features contemporary design and open fl oor plans, handcrafted European materials, expansive decks, views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, East Bay, Angel Island. Modern handmade bathroom vanities, crafted oak fl oors and stones. Interior design by Barbara Turpin Vickroy leading designer, honored with best design awards worldwide. Adjacent to open space

Price Upon Request

next door, this home o ers privacy to entertain and enjoy the Infi nity edge pool with custom pool house. The extensive foundation has cost over $4,500,000 so far. Completion is estimated for June 2023. Buying now would be able to choose fi nishes except the hand crafted stone decking from Spain and the intricate kitchen mill work from Germany are already ordered. AKA 1 Blanding Ln, Belvedere

For more detailed information, please visit: 465BelvedereAve.com

Digital Concept Rendering

Digital Concept Rendering

GalaOPENINGNIGHT

September 22, 2023

Davies Symphony Hall

Gala Co-Chairs

Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegl invite you to a spectacular evening of wonder and imagination.

Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen leads the San Francisco Symphony in an exhilarating and immersive program that interweaves music and technology.

Proceeds directly support the Symphony’s acclaimed education, artistic, and community programs, which serve more than 75,000 people in the Bay Area each year.

5:30pm Pre-Party

7:00pm Concert

8:30pm Pavilion Dinner & Symphony Supper Club

DINNER SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

PAVILION DINNER

Post-concert elevated dining experience

SYMPHONY SUPPER CLUB

Post-concert lounge reception with curated food and drinks, live music, and dancing

For questions, contact Tunisha Williams at 415.503.5351 or email gala@sfsymphony.org

To purchase dinner sponsorships, scan the code or visit sfsymphony.org/gala