Belvedere
An approximately 11,200 square foot home with stunning views from the Bay Bridge to San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, on appx. 1.2 acre lush garden double lot, this resort-like magnificent view estate is truly a one-of-a-kind property on the prestigious Belvedere Island. Incredible scale and unrivaled opportunity, in one of the most exceptional settings in Northern California, overlooking San Francisco Bay with breathtaking panoramic views. Sweeping entertainer’s decks and walls of glass that bring phenomenal views to the forefront of the living experience, all in a beautiful and private resort-like setting.
Rebuilt in 2008, this gated contemporary style home offers 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a 60 foot indoor pool and entertainment area with multiple decks to enjoy world class views, with elevator and walkways connecting the levels and uniting the indoor with the fabulous gardens and sculptures.
Double doors open into a light-infused, two-story atrium entrance of the home’s incredible floor-to-ceiling window walls, flooding the space in natural light and immersing guests in breathtaking views. Office nook with a fireplace, majestic formal living room with soaring high ceilings, wall of glass windows, fireplace, wet
bar, wine cellar and deck with panoramic views. The dining room is next to the spacious open plan kitchen/family room/breakfast nook with replace and wallto-wall glass doors to view decks and a second family room/o ce with half bath around the corner. The kitchen with enormous center island is equipped with top of the line appliances t for a Michelin Star chef.
Master suite features sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, a replace, a deck and an opulent bathroom of exquisite marble. Three other en-suite bedrooms complete this oor. A separate guest oor with two bedroom en-suite sharing a living room with wet bar and a private view deck.
The estate’s resort-like luxurious amenities are as impressive as the residence, o ering the versatility to retreat in serenity or entertain elaborate and lavish events, featuring the indoor pool on the garden level with steam room, sauna, spa, an exercise nook, an entertaining kitchen, dining, bar, two bathrooms, wallto-wall glass doors opening onto a spacious deck with a hot tub and outdoor dining overlooking the exquisite gardens, various terraces with seating areas and endless views. Ample parking within the gate, plus three-car garage.
This is a perfect home to enjoy luxurious gardens, breathtaking views and resortlike amenities in the most exclusive Belvedere location.
For photos and details, please visit: BelvedereGrandEstate.com
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
Collection
455 Belvedere Ave also ,for sale offered at: $6,500,000
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
This stunning world-class retreat is the epitome of the indoor-outdoor Napa Valley lifestyle. Designed by award-winning architect Howard Backen with sliding doors and screens that open completely to the surrounding gardens and views beyond, this residence and separate two-bedroom guest house are arranged as three separate zinc-roofed pavilions oating above semi-enclosed porches, a magni cent pool, and the surrounding landscaped gardens. Featuring extraordinary materials and workmanship, brilliant designs and soaring high ceilings, this private compound is designed to capture magni cent views of nature. Sited at the edge of a ravine, this home is oriented to frame and command views across neighboring vineyards and a watershed of the Napa River. Inside the main pavilion, the boundaries between living room, kitchen, dining room and the surrounding terraces are blurred. The combination of openness and grand scale permits the home to feel at once expansive and yet comfortable for intimate entertaining. Radiant heating under the polished concrete oors provides year-round comfort. The exible
architectural layers of sliding glass, shutters, and screens serve to e ortlessly control light, space, and temperature. Whether the walls of windows are open or closed, the calming architecture frames the natural and designed landscape. Spread across ±61 acres of grounds, amenities include in nity-edge pool, spacious lawn, bocce court, two hot-tubs, olive grove, organic garden, stocked lake, re pit, and outdoor kitchen with refrigerator, barbecue, and pizza oven. The basement level features a large wine cellar as well as a gym, powder room, and catering kitchen. A separate machine building houses a backup generator and well equipment including reverse-osmosis water lter. This sublime place represents an artistic departure from the conventional and is one that truly must be experienced—it is one that might inspire great thoughts and play gracious host to many extraordinary events to come!
THE CHALLENGING YEAR OF 2022 HAS COME TO AN END, AND WE CELEBRATE and welcome 2023 as a better year. In this issue, our theme is design and, from what I am reading, colors are back! For over 10 years, home decorations have been very contemporary in style in shades of gray and white and with casual, open floor plans. From the designers we worked with for this issue (see pages 32 and 58) and the design styles other magazines are writing about, it all seems the ultra-modern style with gray and white colors is no longer the trend. You can read in the pages of this issue the new trend is “dare to be colorful!” Classic designs and rooms that are more formal are back, too. We can certainly use more cheerful and joyful colors.
In this issue we feature home design, lighting trends, and wine products for the home and architecture for landscaping and at wineries. We profiled manufacturer StudioBecker for their high quality, European, bespoke cabinetry and wine rooms. They create the perfect environment for an organized life through thoughtful designs. Each project is handmade in Germany with environmentally responsible products and sustainable practice. StudioBecker’s showroom is located right here in San Francisco’s design district for your visit.
This issue we also cover several annual fabulous events, such as the San Francisco Opera Guild’s An Evening on the Stage, An Elegant Evening in the Court of Honor at the Legion of Honor Museum, and the details of San Francisco Ballet’s next@90, the new works festival which is opening the Company’s 90th anniversary repertory season. Plus, read about the Four Seasons Hotel Napa Valley and Polestar’s new partnership event and the first concert in the Haute Living lounge with Broadway singer Christina Maxwell. See page 82 for the magical, once-in-a-lifetime Andrea Bocelli concert presented by my Power of Music Series Festival Napa Valley and benefiting the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Festival education programs.
For your New Year’s holiday, we feature articles on unique restaurants, hotels, spas, and travel. Our beauty, health, and wellness ambassadors provide tips and suggestions for your New Year’s resolutions. If you don’t want to brave the traffic, the airports, the winter weather, and the risk of COVID and flu, I suggest you curl up on your sofa by the fireplace and enjoy our magazine! Please give us your feedback by texting me at 415-720-5915 or email me at O.Decker@GGSIR.com
We wish you a joyful and healthy 2023.
OLIVIA
HSU DECKEROWNER-PUBLISHER
HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DIRECT 415.435.1600
CELL 415.720.5915
O.DECKER@GGSIR.COM
WWW.ISSUU.COM/HAUTELIVINGSANFRANCISCO
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, Robert B. Richards, 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
ON THE COVER: WALLCOVERING, ÉLITIS (SOLEIL LEVANT LES CERISIERS SAUVAGES)
38 HAUTE FASHION
Louis Vuitton’s Artycapucines Collection brings together six renowned artists to reimagine the iconic capucines handbag.
48
12 HAUTE CALENDAR
The new year brings renewed purpose, new delights, and new adventures. Join us!
16 HAUTE KITCHEN
George Chen shares his favorite recipes from his world class dining destination, Eight Tables.
22 HAUTE HOME DÉCOR
Check out these fabulous items to make your life more comfortable, efficient, and stylish.
HAUTE TRAVEL
Three nearby wine country estates offer world class accommodations and service in addition to great wine.
52 HAUTE HOTEL
Head to the East Coast for the epitome of gracious Southern hospitality at Charleston Place Hotel.
HAUTE HOME & DESIGN
56 Must-have Wine Products: If you’re serious about your wine, then show it off with these must-have wine products.
24
28
HAUTE WINE
Black-owned wines match the best produced anywhere in the world. Try some!
HAUTE CUISINE
Chef Rogelio Garcia helms the newest culinary destination at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley: Auro.
32 COVER STORY
The colors surrounding us affect us. Here’s what interior design experts see as the best colors for 2023.
58 Lighting Design Trends: As a design element, light illuminates a whole new aspect of interior design
60
StudioBecker: StudioBecker shows how the small spaces of our homes benefit from thoughtful design.
HAUTE ARCHITECTURE
64 Wineries: Visit seven California wineries where the stunning architecture dazzles as much as the fabulous wines.
68 Landscape Trends: Jarrod Bauman highlights the best of today’s landscape design trends.
HAUTE SCENE
72 Holiday Issue Launch Party: We celebrated our Holiday Issue with a fabulous party, music, and more!
74 Dia de los Muertos: The San Francisco Symphony celebrated the Día de los Muertos with a concert, costumes, and a lot of fun.
75 Glenn Close: Glenn Close hosted a the Bring Change to Mind fundraiser, raising $1 million.
76 Libertine: Neiman Marcus and guests celebrate visionary designer Johnson Hartig’s Libertine.
77 Legion of Honor: Over 200 well-dressed guests attended the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco fundraiser at the Legion of Honor.
78 Joel Goodrich Party: Joel Goodrich outdid himself again with his most recent holiday party.
HAUTE EVENT
80 Opera on Stage: San Francisco Opera Guild’s ninth—and sold-out—An Evening on the Stage honored mezzo-soprano Federica von Stade.
82 Bocelli Recap: Operatic legend Andrea Bocelli and his family mingled with and sang for an elite crowd at the historic Kohl mansion.
86 Haute Living Lounge: Opera star Christina Maxwell performed for the Olivia Decker Power of Music’s December concert.
88 Polestar X Four Seasons: Four Seasons Resort and Residences partners with Polestar for the utmost in transportation luxury, sustainability, and convenience.
HAUTE BEAUTY
90 2.4.1: 2.4.1 Cosmetics twins Feven and Helen Yohannes infuse positive affirmations and energy into every product.
92 MVRL: MVRL® Skin Solutions defends and protects your youth and beauty with blue scorpion venom.
HAUTE WELLNESS
94 Burgenstock: Poised above Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock Hotel delivers a relaxation experience bar none.
98 Winter Wine: Cooler temperatures and smaller crowds make winter the perfect time to visit wine country.
100 HAUTE RESIDENCE
This 3,000-square-foot rental offers every amenity you could want, including waterfront access and spectacular views.
104 HAUTE MOVES
Sleek and timeless journeys with the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost and the 2023 Aston Martin DBX707a.
108 HAUTE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
San Francisco Ballet reveals nine world premiers in their Next@90 program.
HAUTE AMBASSADOR
112 Lydia Graham: Lydia Graham tackles sugar and shows you how to prevail against your sweet tooth.
114 Aubrey Brewster: Aubrey Brewster recounts his three most favorite parties and what made them so memorable.
118 Karen Horton: Dr. Karen Horton shares her daily practices for a healthy mind and body.
WELCOME TO 2023! THE WORLD HAS OPENED UP, AND WE ARE BACK TO OUR frenetic pace of pre-pandemic speed. So, when it came time to create the editorial lineup, going back to the home made perfect sense. While we all enjoy our new freedoms of travel and evenings dining with friends, there is nothing more wonderful than coming home to a beautifully appointed house.
In this issue, we turn our sights to the latest trends in home and design. Laurie Jo Miller Farr speaks to some of San Francisco’s top designers about the Pantone color of the year and the role of color in 2023 (page 32). We also glimpse the latest lighting trends (page 58) and closet systems as magical as those in the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Of course, we still have a bit of wanderlust prowling through our veins, so come with us as we step inside three utterly gorgeous villas in wine country that feel like they are worlds away but are just up the road in St. Helena, Calistoga, and Kenwood (page 48). Planning on traveling to the South?
Charleston Place Hotel is ready to surprise and delight guests with incredible amenities and services (page 52).
The bold and the beautiful were socializing and frolicking over the holidays, and we were there, covering the most glamorous, exclusive, and once-in-a-lifetime events for our SCENE and EVENTS sections. From mansions with Andrea Bocelli to penthouses in Nob Hill, we got a glimpse into the rarefied world of San Francisco’s most respected and beloved individuals.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, snuggle into your favorite cozy chair, and enjoy the many articles in this Home and Design issue. On the go? You can find our content online at HauteLivingSF.com, which includes many exclusive features only online.
We look forward to your feedback, and you can reach me at teresa@HauteLivingSF.com
Wishing you a grand and glorious 2023!
BECCA HENSLEY
A bon vivant journalist who believes travel is the ultimate celebration of life awash with lessons waiting to be learned, widely-published, Texasbased Becca Hensley is travel editor for New Orleans Bride and editor-at-large for Insider’s Guide to Spas In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.
SHARON SETO
A graduate of Golden Gate University and serial entrepreneur, Sharon loves the excitement and creativity of the business world and its people. Her addiction to business ventures began with the acquisition of the El Cid Building, site of the famous SF Jazz Mural. She has served as a board member, fundraiser, and event chair for nonprofit organizations, including the SF Symphony Board of Governors, City College of San Francisco Foundation Board, Red Cross Board, National Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board, SF Ballet, and Dress for Success.
JENNIFER BODEN
Jennifer is a freelance wine, food, and travel writer based in beautiful Sonoma County and has an extensive career in journalism. She contributes to KRON 4 News San Francisco, ABC 10News San Diego, and others. Prior to her writing career, she worked for several network affiliates as a news anchor and executive producer. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
NOËL BURGESS
Noël Burgess is an East Coaster living in Northern California wine country. His goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in wine, food, and travel with a focus on the places, the products, and most importantly, the people! Noël’s work can be found in VinePair , Wine Enthusiast , Travel & Leisure , Thrillist , San Francisco Magazine , and many other media platforms. Follow him on Instagram @mrnoelburgess and at noelburgess.com.
TIM LAPPEN
A lifelong petrol-holic, mechanic (cars, motorcycles, boats), and automotive journalist since penning a column for his high school newspaper, internationally recognized attorney Tim Lappen is a partner at a major Los Angeles-based law firm, where he chairs the firm’s Family Office Group and its Luxury Home Group and is, of course, a member of its Motor Vehicle Group. He can be reached at tlappen@gmail.com or visit LifeInTheFastLane.org
AUBREY BREWSTER
Aubrey, a bon vivant and manabout-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 he 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.
LYDIA GRAHAM
Lydia is an enthusiastic advocate and explorer of healthy living. She has launched and positioned health and wellness companies, products, technologies, and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her favorite focus is on healthy living and healthy longevity. She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research and Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of age-related disease for today’s and future generations. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. She reminds us in her articles that what we do each day matters in our journey to achieve optimal wellbeing.
LAURIE JO MILLER FARR
Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen and dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities. As a San Francisco-based travel writer, she enjoys views from its crazy, signature hills following half-alifetime promoting her two hometowns—a couple of oh-so-flat places: New York City and London. Laurie’s byline is found in USA Today , CBS, Where Traveler , Haute Living , Epicure , Fast Company , Napa Valley Life Magazine , Food & Travel Magazine , Eater , Google Touring Bird , and other major media titles. She was awarded Yahoo Contributor of the Year and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER
Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer for a variety of lifestyle publications and websites, editor-atlarge for JustLuxe.com, and California editor for luxury travel concierge service Essentialist. Prior, she held positions in the fields of politics, television, and professional sports. She is proud to have established the Golden State Warriors’ first community relations department and programs. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retrievers, Reggie and Nate.
STEPH KEAY
Steph Keay is a Canadian freelance and technical writer currently based in Silicon Valley. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, she spent a summer in Croatia assisting The Yacht Week with events management on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Formerly in PR/marketing, she has also placed stories for a variety of clients—including tech leaders, international artists, and acclaimed actors and musicians—with ABC, FOX, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News, American Way, and others. In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring, photography, and travel—all of which she documents on on her website, StephKeay.com.
EVENTS
CALENDAR
JANUARY
THROUGH MARCH 20
The Walt Disney Family Museum | Chris Miller: Kaleidoscope
A vibrant collection of recent works by the painter, Walt Disney’s grandson. Learn about the remarkable life story of Walt Disney through 10 interactive galleries featuring films, music, artifacts, and a Disneyland model. 104 Montgomery St. in the Presidio. waltdisney.org
3 – 8
SFJAZZ | Chris Botti
Bestselling jazz instrumentalist Botti’s SFJAZZ shows have become a New Year tradition, and always sell out. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org/tickets/ productions/chris-botti-2023
6 – 7
Golden Gate Theatre | R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – A
Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin
An electrifying tribute featuring the Queen of Soul’s hit songs for a night of great music. 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
6 – 7
San Francisco Symphony |
Film with Live Orchestra
Experience Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park as never before, projected in HD and accompanied by a live full symphony orchestra performing the iconic score by John Williams. Davies Symphony Hall. sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2022-23/ Jurassic-Park
13 – 16
Napa Truffle Festival
Are you wild about truffles? North America’s premier truffle event has been a favorite since 2010. napatrufflefestival.com
15
San Francisco Symphony | Itzhak Perlman
For one performance only, the legendary violinist returns to Davies Symphony Hall, accompanied by his long-time recital partner, pianist Rohan De Silva. Davies Symphony Hall. sfsymphony.org/BuyTickets/2022-23/Itzhak-Perlman
18
Golden Gate Theatre |
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
An immersive concert-style show that chronicles the amazing journey shared by the ultra-successful folk-rock duo. 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
No sooner do we bid adieu to 2022 than the red carpet rolls out for the Opening Night Gala at San Francisco Ballet 2023. The first two months of the new year have it all in a calendar of events filled with great jazz, theater, art, design, music … plus basketball and rabbits. Gung hay fat choy!
BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR19
San Francisco Ballet 2023 Opening Night Gala | ENCORE!
With the theme, “Next@90...The Future Starts Now,” the event celebrates 90 seasons of dance and the launch of nine world premieres. This elegant fundraiser benefits a wide range of artistic initiatives, including new works, scholarships for San Francisco Ballet School students, and community education programs. War Memorial Opera House and City Hall. sfballet.org/calendar/2023-season-gala
19
– 22
Fort Mason Festival Pavilion | FOG Design+Art
The 4-day exhibition features 48 leading artists’ galleries and conversations. A preview gala on January 18 benefits programming at SFMOMA, and the Innovators Luncheon on January 19 honors Linda Ronstad. fogfair.com
20
– 29
Napa
Valley Restaurant Week
Calling all foodies! This year’s event is bigger and better than ever: no preset prices, just 10 days of delicious dining across the five towns in the valley. visitnapavalley.com
21 – March 19
Orpheum Theater | SIX
“Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.” This original musical was the winner of 23 awards in the 2021-2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for best original score. 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com
22
Taste America
Ravi Kapur and his team from Liholiho Yacht Club present a 3-course meal with paired beverages as part of the James Beard Foundation’s 2022-2023 Taste America culinary series. Two seatings. 871 Sutter St. jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica
26
Livermore
Valley Arts | Jazz at Lincoln Center
“Songs We Love” is a journey through 50 years of jazz under the musical direction of Riley Mulherkar. Three guest vocalists join an all-star band of New York City’s rising stars. Bankhead Theater, Livermore. livermorearts.org/events/jazz-at-lincolncenter-songs-we-love
28
TedxBerkeley
“Channel X” is the theme, seeking to capture the spirit of Berkeley by gathering visionary thinkers and leaders from the Bay Area and beyond to spark new ideas, insights, and opportunities. Zellerbach Hall. tedxberkeley.org
Legion of Honor: Singer and Spain
Noise Pop Festival
FEBRUARY
4
Chinese New Year Parade | The Year of the Rabbit
The biggest Lunar New Year parade outside of Asia, San Francisco’s event, sponsored by Alaska Airlines, is one of the few night illuminated parades in North America. Kick-off 5:15 p.m. chineseparade.com
4
33rd
Annual Great Sonoma Crab & Wine Fest
Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s agricultural education activities. An evening of awardwinning wines, live music, auctions, and food. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. sonomafb.org/crab-feed
5
San Francisco Symphony | Year of the Rabbit
This vibrant Lunar New Year event draws upon Asian traditions, past and present, in a celebration of music and community with Earl Lee, conductor. sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2022-23/LNY-Yearof-the-Rabbit
5 San Francisco Symphony | Chamber Music Series
Legion of Honor: Singer and Spain
In a special Sunday afternoon performance presented with Fine Art Museums of San Francisco, concertmaster Alexander Barantschik plays the gorgeous 1742 del Gesu violin, generously on loan. Gunn Theater, Legion of Honor. sfsymphony.org/Buy-Tickets/2022-23/ChamberLegion-of-Honor-Feb-5
8 Chase Center | Golden Warriors
A busy season for the local champions and their fans with 14 home games during the first two months of 2023. chasecenter.com
9 – MARCH
5
The Toni Rembe Theater | The Headlands
A.C.T.’s West Coast premiere of Obie Awardwinning Bay Area playwright Christopher Chen’s striking, thought-provoking 21st century noir. 415 Geary St. act-sf.org/whats-on/202223-season/ the-headlands
10 – JULY 30
Club Fugazi | Dear San Francisco
The sensational “love letter” hit from the talented troupe, The 7 Fingers, returns with a cast of audience favorites and astonishing new talent. Now serving small bites, wine, beer, and soft drinks. 678 Green St. clubfugazisf.com
11 – MAY 14
Legion of
Honor | Singer and Spain
Exclusive to the West Coast, this major exhibition explores the vibrant works of artist John Singer Sargent across his seven visits to Spain. famsf.org/ exhibitions/sargent-and-spain
16 - MARCH 12
Marin Theatre Company | Justice
A new musical from the National Playwright in Residence, Lauren M. Gunderson, and awardwinning composer/lyricist duo, Bree Lowdermilk and Kait Kerrigan. 100 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. marintheatre.org
20 – 26
Noise Pop Festival
The multi-venue indie music event returns for its 30th anniversary. Concerts, art shows, film screenings, happy hours, after-hour parties, and more take place nightly over the course of the week. noisepopfest.com
23 – 26
Oakland Arena |
Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures
Take the family to this ever-popular, an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. theoaklandarena.com
24 – MARCH 5
San Francisco Ballet | Giselle
The poignant tale of a peasant girl with a gentle heart and a passion for dance is one of the great romantic ballets. sfballet.org/productions/giselle
Dear San Francisco
Fabulous Tiburon
This fabulous residence is a perfect contemporary design with high ceilings and wall to wall windows to showcase the magni cent panoramic views from Bay Bridge, San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Belvedere, downtown Tiburon and Sausalito. Located in a premier Tiburon location, with every room oriented towards the awe-inspiring view and natural light, this newly remodeled stylish 3,878± sq ft 4 bedroom home is an entertainer’s dream! The spacious living room with replace and wetbar, huge family room with replace and attached deck, the dining room with open beam high ceiling and 2 story windows overlooking the breathtaking views o er a dramatic dining experience. The stylish kitchen features ne Quartzite countertops, large center island, breakfast area, Spanish handmade tile oor and top-of-the-line appliances. The double oven is
equipped to be preheated from anywhere using the app. Primary bedroom features a large sitting area with wall to wall windows for perfect views and primary bathroom has a steam shower and state-of-the-art heating system and Quartzite vanities with walk-in closet. Bathrooms are equipped with brass faucets and tile oor handmade by Italian artisans. Other features include an o ce, a spacious laundry room with sink and 2-car garage. The close proximity to downtown Tiburon’s shops, restaurants, waterfront pathways, Angel Island and San Francisco ferries, the prestigious Corinthian and San Francisco Yacht Clubs gives every resident the remarkable sensation of vacationing at home!
More photos and info available at 23Venado.com
Clink Clink
Cheers to a new year.
BY SHARON SETOHAPPY NEW YEAR! GONG XI FA CAI! AS AN AMERICANborn Chinese, I am a blend of both Western and Eastern cultural traditions. New Year festivities in our household is a long, enjoyable, January-through-February celebration. As Western New Year parties ebb toward the end of January, the Chinese ramp up for their Lunar New Year gatherings in February.
In Haute Kitchen, we have George Chen, famed restaurateur for world class dining destination Eight Tables. Chef de cuisine Floyd Nunn (who came from Benu and Quince) joins him and helms Eight Table’s kitchen with his own creative fusion under Chen’s supervision and input. Their collaboration creates signature dishes such as xiao long bao, which is a reimagined Shanghai dumpling with foie gras. My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Eight Tables and found the flavors very traditional and authentic.
Chen and Nunn have modernized and elevated the approach to traditional Chinese food in the Bay Area. It was a delightful experience indeed.
George Chen has been a serial entrepreneur/restaurateur/ chef for more than 35 years. Having worked in several top restaurants in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, Chen was always intrigued by the vision of bridging food and culture between the East and West.
He opened his first restaurant, Betelnut, in 1995, by introducing different Asian cuisines in the form of street food. In 1995, The James Beard Awards nominated Betelnut for the best new restaurant in America. Chen went on to launch the multiunit Long Life Noodle Company, named one of the “Five Hottest Concepts” in the U.S. by Chain Leader and Restaurant Hospitality magazines. In 1997, Chen developed Shanghai 1930 Restaurant, recognized as the best Chinese eateries in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle. Other restaurants he has created and owned include Xanadu, Dragonfly Café & Restaurant, and BeauCoup Grand Bar & Salon on top of Nob Hill in San Francisco.
His current mega-project as executive chef and founder was established in 2017 in San Francisco’s historic Chinatown.
The China Live Complex, including Cold Drinks Bar and Eight Tables by George Chen (www.chinalivesf.com), has educated and changed the perception of Chinese cuisine in the West and beyond. Among hundreds of accolades received are Eater Restaurant of the Year, TIME magazine’s Greatest Places in the World.
Prior to Chen’s career in hospitality, he spent over 10 years as a senior executive on Wall Street. He is the founder/CEO of e-Ha Company, Limited (e-Ha.cn, e Ha.com). e-Ha (ElectronicHospitality Arts) is a cloud-based SaaS mobile and e-commerce company based in Shanghai, China and Cupertino, California.
Chen has received multiple culinary awards, including the U.S. Congressional Award for culinary excellence. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with degrees in neurobiology and psychology. He is married to the co-founder of China Live, Cynthia A. Wong-Chen.
HL: George, you had an amazing career in the 1980s on Wall Street. What happened? How did you switch gears to food and beverage?
GC: Well, friends say I went from the frying pan to the fire, but the reality is what we do now is a creative process that makes you want to go to work instead of trying to beat the market and make more money ... which I certainly probably would have.
HL: It’s so funny to hear about the story of your former boss, a restaurant owner, chasing you with a cleaver because he had a bad day gambling back in the day. Now, as the owner of more than 16 restaurants and with years of experience under your belt, any good and funny stories? Please do tell!
GC: I could write a couple of books better than Kitchen Confidential. I once had a cook who wanted to buy my restaurant because he won a lawsuit against the U.S. government in Reno v Wang for violating his rights. Wang, aka “Goldfish Wang,” was the guy who smuggled heroin into the U.S.in goldfish. There are so many more stories.
HL: As an avid traveler and a restaurateur, what is the weirdest dish you’ve eaten?
GC: There are too many weird dishes to count, but one was sea cucumber “roe” on my birthday. It’s a tiny, sticky, clear clump. My sushi chef friend says it’s an incredible aphrodisiac. My wife, Cindy, she wanted to try it and did, saying, there was a lot of citrus in it. The chef said the citrus was “to kill the taste!”
HL: You are such a busy bee with the myriad of endeavors you spearhead. What is the ultimate “vacation” to you?
GC: Anyplace with my best friend, my wife Cindy.
HL: Anything coming up in the future? What is in the horizon?
GC: Yes! We’ll have many, many super-exciting announcements soon in 2023. Keep Sonia in touch.
INGREDIENTS
KUNG PAO CHICKEN Serves 4
~ 454 grams boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut in large dice ~ 42.6 grams canola oil ~ 1 cup sweet green and red peppers (white pith removed), cut into ½-inch squares ~ 1 cup pasilla chili, cut into ½-inch squares ~ 14.2 grams minced garlic ~ 2 scallions (white tops only), cut into ½-inch pieces ~ 28.4 grams China Live chili bean sauce ~ 14.2 grams China Live soy sauce ~ 14.2 grams China Live chili oil ~ Roasted peanuts, skin on, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat wok to higher heat, add oil. Lower heat, add chicken, and cook until opaque. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
2. Raise heat back to high, add a tablespoon of oil, scallions, peppers, and garlic. Cook until onions char and peppers release their flavor.
3. Add the chicken back to the wok. Add soy sauce and chili bean sauce. Wok toss to create wok hay (“fire into wok”), and the sauce is tightened.
4. Top with roasted peanuts, if desired, and splash with sesame oil.
5. Place on serving dish.
“GET BETTER EACH AND EVERY DAY, AS IT DOESN’T HAPPEN OVERNIGHT. IF YOU’RE NOT GETTING BETTER, YOU’RE FALLING BEHIND.”
- George Chen of Eight Tables/China Live
XIAO LONG BAO
INGREDIENTS
XIAO LONG BAO DOUGH
~ 335 grams Hong Kong flour
~ 565 grams all-purpose flour
~ 500 grams room temperature water
~ 4 grams lye water
~ 4 grams salt
Knead for 10 minutes on low speed in an electric mixer. Rest for 30 minutes. Roll to 6-gram sheets.
CHICKEN SOUP GELATIN
~ 500 grams chicken stock
~ 15 grams gelatin
~ 50 grams shiro dashi
~ 25 grams light soy sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Roll 6-gram sheets of dough.
XIAO LONG BAO
FARCE
~ 500 grams chicken soup gelatin
~ 500 grams ground pork
~ 300 grams ground shrimp
~ 200 grams ground foie gras
~ 200 grams rendered pork fat
~ 40 grams ginger, minced
~ 30 grams scallion, minced
~ 17 grams salt
Mix with paddle in the mixer until fully emulsified.
2. Wrap 18 grams of xiao long bao farce with a 3-gram foie gras nugget.
3. Steam on full steam for 6 minutes. Serve immediately.
PORCINI DUN DAN
Makes 4 servings, with leftover custard and soup. At Eight Tables, Porcini mushroom dun dan is a favorite, enriching delicate egg custard with local porcini mushrooms and slices of abalone and chicken. We finish the dish tableside with a clear chicken broth poured over the top.
INGREDIENTS
~ 700 grams porcini stock (recipe follows)
~ 300 grams jidori egg ~ 7 grams salt, divided use ~ 2 grams xanthan gum ~ 2 liters water
~ 20 grams ginseng ~ 1 scallion, chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
~ 10 grams ginger
~ 1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
~ 1 abalone, poached (recipe follows)
~ 1 porcini mushroom, thinly sliced
~ Medjool dates, as needed
~ Chicken soup (recipe follows)
1. To make the porcini stock: Combine 1,000 grams of water, 300 grams of porcini trim, and 50 grams of dried porcini in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and cool the stock.
2. To make the custard base: Blend porcini stock, eggs, 7 grams of salt, and xanthan gum in a blender on low speed for two minutes, then strain.
3. Bring water, remaining salt, and aromatics to a simmer. Add chicken and poach at 158 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Do not simmer. Remove from poaching liquid.
4. To make the abalone: Shuck one abalone and remove liver and foot. Place into a sealable bag with one scallion, 10 grams of sliced ginger, and 10 grams of salt. Cook at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Shock in water bath, then slice.
5. To make the chicken soup: Place one whole chicken in a pot. Add just enough water to cover the bird. Add 400 grams Jinhua ham or domestic, cured, unsmoked ham, 50 grams of ginger, 40 grams of scallion, 20 grams of ginseng, and 4 Medjool dates. Simmer for 90 minutes. Do not boil. Skim fat and discard the solids.
6. At service, cook 40 grams of custard base in a small bowl for 9 minutes on full steam. Layer garnishes—chicken, abalone, porcini, and dates—onto the custard. Pour hot soup tableside over the custard to finish.
KRIGLER OPUS VERDE GOOD FIR 11 CANDLE
The House of Krigler has created scents for queens, actors, sultans, presidents, and more. One of the first fragrances conceived by founder Albert Krigler in 1910 after a visit to Colorado, this classic combination of leather, fresh mint, and eucalyptus has been called transcendent. Housed in a handblown green glass vessel designed by current head of the house, Ben Krigler, in collaboration with artisans in Biot on the French Riviera, the candle collection pays homage to one of Krigler’s most adored, nature-conjured perfumes. $150 krigler.com
CIVILIAN HOTEL WALLPAPER COLLECTION
Forget paint. Choose these custom wallcoverings, part of the Olio Collection, produced by Maya Romanoff for Civilian Hotel. They represent more than 100 years of Broadway history. $525 per 56.25-square-foot roll. mayaromanoff.com
ARMCHAIR LIPSTICK PINK
This whimsical, mid-century modern chair will make you smile. A must for art lovers in fuchsia pink, it features images from iconic Toiletpaper magazine. $1,180.00 wccgiftshop.com
BY BECCA HENSLEY“Form follows function—that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union,” said the great Frank Lloyd Wright, underscoring the fact that we love beauty, but lovely things are even better when they work well. We’ve collected some sublime items for your design-centric shopping list.
LOUIS VUITON OBJET NOMADES
MARCEL WANDERS LOUNGE CHAIR
Called an “unfolding and portable oasis for relaxation” by its designer, Marcel Wanders, this stunning and practical lounge chair folds up easily for transport to fêtes, outdoor concerts, and picnics aplenty. Note how the design conjures the vibe of iconic LV travel pieces from the past. Choose from four colors: red leather, dark gray leather, light beige leather, or classic nomade leather. $41,000.00 us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/ lounge-chair-by-marcel-wandersstudio-014405/R99297
BLOW TABLE LAMP
BY TOMAS KRALDreamy hot air balloons floating in the sky inspired the Blow lamp by Tomas Kral. With a soft, rounded silhouette and handcrafted from lead-free crystal. The frosted oval shade balances atop a solid, tapered base, gently diffusing light. $739 nudeglass.com
Salvaged from an old door in the Athens flea market by an intrepid collector, this ornate doorknob sculpted with Goddess Demetra is equally appropriate for your front door or used as an objet d’art on a stack of old books. $450 anthologist.com
STACKED FLOOR LAMP BY RICHARD HAINING Brooklyn-based designer Richard Haining hand-builds sensational, imaginative pieces from salvaged wood. Made from walnut, this one-ofa-kind lamp, inspired by nature’s flora and fauna, stands seven feet tall. Created from stacked wood, the large, asymmetric sculpture shows a variety of tones and hues. A Tala’s Voronoi II LED lightbulb crowns the masterwork. $16,250 richardhaining.com
REVOLUTION R270 TOASTER
Chosen by Oprah for her annual Favorite Things list, this beyond-the-pale toaster uses a proprietary InstaGLO® system to make perfect toast, faster and better than ever, every time. Sleek and futuristic with a fun-to-use touchscreen, it has 34 modes for 16 bread types. Don’t forget the accessories: a panini press and warming rack add to its usefulness. $399.95 for toaster; $79.95 for panini press; $29.95 for warming rack revcook.com
Both gorgeous and indispensable in the kitchen and a gastronome’s top pick, Thermomix TM6 has been called the Tesla or Peloton for the kitchen. With more than 24 diverse functions from chop to knead to emulsify, this superior “smart” appliance elevates every cooking space. $1,499.00 thermomix.com
Celebrate Black History 365 with These Wine and Spirit Brands
Drink the product, know our story.
BY NOËL BURGESSFEBRUARY 1 IS APPROACHING, AND BLACK HISTORY Month 2023 is about to kick off. It is a time to raise awareness of the past, present, and future contributions and sacrifices of Black people in American history. It is a time for African Americans and allies to celebrate strides toward freedom and equality for all.
But oftentimes, the significance of Black History Month is diminished to hashtags, slogans, temporary declarations, and performative activism. Sometimes the line between appropriation and appreciation is a thin one, but you, the reader, will learn about the individuals behind these wine and spirit brands and be inspired to take genuine action. For example, Black-owned brands are looking for a “long finish” from wine aficionados out there in terms of patronage and support. Celebrate Black History beyond March 1 by getting to know these brands.
Taking inspiration from her Black and Irish heritage as well as her love of Irish cream, Mariah Carey sought out to create something that would encapsulate her holiday spirit and feelings of love, laughter, and warmth, just like her perennial hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You”—but all year long. Black Irish is an Irish cream liqueur dedicated to delivering a taste of celebration in every sip.
Crafted in Ireland with a focus on superior taste and quality, this luxurious liqueur offers a modern twist on a holiday classic. Working closely with the Irish Whiskey Association and some of the finest craftsmen in the world, Black Irish is made exclusively with premium ingredients, ensuring authentic and delicious Irish cream in every bottle. As long as there’s Black Irish, there will always be A Cause for Celebration!
“I BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO LIFT OTHERS UP BY SUPPORTING THEIR ART, THEIR CRAFT, AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSIONS, AND FOR ME, THAT INCLUDES BIPOC AND FEMALE-OWNED BRANDS.”
– Mariah Carey
La Fête Wine Company
by Donae BurstonLa Fête Wine Company is the luxury lifestyle wine company behind La Fête du Rosé and La Fête du Blanc. After 20 years in the wine and spirits industry, Donae Burston set out to break tradition and convention by reimagining the luxury wine drinker and revitalizing the category. Since its inception, the company has donated a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to various programs that send underrepresented youth on unique travel experiences and to organizations focused on creating opportunities for the BIPOC community in the wine and spirits industry.
Throughout his career, Donae found that, in general, the wine industry did not embrace the multicultural consumer. He wanted to create a quality product inspired by his zest for life and travel. He focused on catering to the overlooked margin, particularly when it came to rosé. With a commitment to creating an authentic and exceptional St. Tropez rosé and breaking tradition and convention by reimagining the luxury wine drinker and energizing the category, La Fête du Rosé—a brand that speaks to all demographics—was born in the summer of 2019. The name “La Fête du Rosé” translates to “the rosé party,” one to which everyone is invited.
“FIRST AND FOREMOST, BECAUSE BLACKOWNED BRANDS AND PRODUCERS ARE MAKING SOME AMAZING WINES. BUYING AND SUPPORTING BLACK-OWNED WINE BRANDS SHOULD NOT BE CHARITY, NOR SHOULD IT BE MADE TO SEEM AS IF BLACKOWNED AND QUALITY ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. JUST LIKE HOW CONSUMERS WILL SEEK OUT FRENCH WINES, NATURAL WINES, GREEK WINES, ETC., BLACK-OWNED WINE BRANDS SHOULD BE GIVEN THAT SAME LEVEL OF SUPPORT AND INTENTION OF DISCOVERY. AND FROM AN ECONOMIC STANDPOINT, MANY BLACK-OWNED WINE BRANDS ARE SMALL BUSINESSES; SUPPORTING BOTH BLACK-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS, AND SMALL BUSINESSES OVERALL, CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THE AMERICAN ECONOMY.”
Eighty- One by Terrell Owens
Pro Football Hall of Famer, host, and entrepreneur, Terrell Owens is a man on a mission. Owens is credited as one of the most exciting and electrifying players to ever play the game. He has garnered countless awards and accolades for his work and was inducted in the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
His latest wine release, the 2018 HOF Edition Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, is a celebration of this achievement. As a wine enthusiast, Owens wanted to produce a wine, dedicate it to all his wonderful fans throughout the years, and craft an experience to excite both sports fans and wine lovers alike.
“I FEEL THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD SUPPORT BLACK WINE BECAUSE WE CAN PRODUCE A PRODUCT EQUIVALENT, IF NOT BETTER THAN, OTHER WINE BRANDS IN THE MARKETPLACE THAT ARE MARKETED AND/OR BRANDED BY A POPULAR NAME OR ENTITY JUST TO SELL THE PRODUCT. A LOT OF THINGS WE USE ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS TODAY WERE CREATED/INVENTED BY PEOPLE OF COLOR. SO, LET’S DRINK A GLASS OF WINE TO THAT.”
– Terrell OwensBlack Excellence Wine Company by Jamishia Ramsey
Born and raised in West Oakland, CA—the home of the Black Panther Party and the backyard of the Napa Valley Wine Country— Jamishia Ramsey became a winemaker in 2021. She became interested in wine when she noticed how it can bring a room together and how it represents class and elegance.
She decided to create a wine brand that represents just that: class and elegance. Ramsey felt that, coming from where she grew up, most people don’t think about a future in the wine industry, so she decided to change that.
“MY CITY AND THE WINE INDUSTRY HAVE CHANGED, AND NOW HAS MUCH MORE DIVERSITY AND SO MANY DIFFERENT CULTURES. BLACK EXCELLENCE WINE COMPANY IS A BRAND THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY. HOWEVER, IT WAS ALSO CREATED FOR THE CULTURE, MEANING US. AS AFRICAN AMERICANS, WE CAN HAVE AN EXQUISITE BRAND TO CELEBRATE. SO MANY PEOPLE LIKE ME ARE CHANGING THE GAME; BLACK WINEMAKERS ARE MAKING A BREAKTHROUGH. BLACK EXCELLENCE WINE CO.’S MISSION IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE A TASTE OF EXCELLENCE.”
– Jamishia Ramsey
The Awesome Aura of Auro at Four Seasons Napa Valley
New to the fine dining scene in Calistoga
BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARRAs rows of grapevines flashed their autumn brilliance, wine country’s newest fine dining experience made its debut at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley in Calistoga. Enter Auro. Guests enter—quite literally—via the vaulted TRUSS restaurant and fireside lounge to the more intimate concept beyond.
Spaces and functions blend seamlessly. Beside the chef’s table, a glass wall provides an intimate view of the action in an open kitchen where executive chef Rogelio Garcia and the talented culinary team prepare a seasonally inspired 5-course tasting menu. Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors open to the terrace against a backdrop of vineyards and mountains. The dining room’s interior of dark woods, landscape-inspired hues, and muted earthy tones complement the resort’s setting. In fact, the entire property was conceived around an existing 4.7-acre vineyard and winery, Elusa, the onsite brainchild of superstar winemaker and consultant Thomas Rivers Brown.
Executive chef Rogelio Garcia is a busy man in the spotlight. A former contestant on Bravo’s Top Chef, season 15, with a stellar pedigree that includes The French Laundry and Spruce, Garcia is at the helm of both Auro and TRUSS. He explains, “This menu is
a tribute to my evolution as a chef. Little did I know that an afterschool job as a dishwasher in Yountville would grow into a passion and, eventually, a career.”
At Auro, Chef Garcia’s menu changes weekly and showcases hyper-seasonal local cuisine prepared with global culinary techniques. He shares, “This menu begins in the fields and farms of Northern California. It captures my joy of ingredient sourcing, the excitement of beginning a new season, the smell of the sea and the soil, and my friendships with our ranchers, farmers, and fishermen.”
Each tasting menu dish is accompanied by a dedicated world class wine in a program curated by accomplished sommelier Derek Stevenson. His selections come from an extensive cellar of 250 labels with a local emphasis designed to embrace the regional Calistoga community and support the resourceful individuals within its dynamic wine industry.
While wonderful, fresh food is the star of the show and wine plays a masterful supporting role, Auro’s thoughtful presentations—sometimes whimsical, sometimes elegant— prompted plenty of conversation around the table. On a recent visit, some favorite dishes included a most impressive Norwegian king crab, Calabrese saucisson, fennel, and Yukon gold potatoes served with a 2021 Arnot-Roberts rosé from Healdsburg. Meat lovers swooned over a lean, perfect rectangle of delicious Kagoshima A5 Wagyu, spinach, matsutake, and Périgord truffle bordelaise paired with an outstanding 2014 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon from Mt. Veeder. The finale of gianduja chocolate pavé with hazelnut praline was conceived with a lacy dentelle and plated to match, complemented by Quinta Do Noval, a 10-year-old tawny port.
Hours: Thursday - Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. fourseasons.com/napavalley/dining/restaurants/auro
DESIGNER HOME OVER SAN FRANCISCO BAY AT PRESTIGIOUS BELVEDERE LOCATION A
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.
The home is fully furnished for rent at $24,000/mo and possible for sale to serious buyers only.
More photos and information available at 189GilmartinDrive.com.
For details, text Olivia Decker at 415.720.5915
SPINNING THE
COLOR WHEEL
SIX LOCAL EXPERTS ON 2023 COLOR TRENDS
BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARRISN’T IT REMARKABLE HOW A GLOBAL EVENT—IN THIS CASE, A PANDEMIC—CREATES GIANT RIPPLES that bring change to so many aspects of our daily lives? More time spent at home these past two years has left us with bags of time to reconsider the color scheme: walls, cabinetry, artwork, window treatments, seating, and soft furnishings.
NOT AFRAID OF COLOR
Thanks to several leading San Francisco interior designers and decorators, we collected additional thoughts on what else is hot in interior residential color trends for 2023.
Step into his jewel box of a showroom in Mission Dolores at New Deal Home to get a sense of why Terje Arnesen, a tall Norwegian, declares, “I’m not afraid of color!” From designing interiors for a Pac Heights penthouse to a Balinese villa, Arnesen is all about color being fun. (Note: We fell hard for the set of four Empire dining chairs custom upholstered in vibrant stripes of reds and oranges.)
“I always tell clients what makes their place interesting and personal is how you mix it up—that’s what gives it personality and makes it interesting. And please … add some color!” He assures clients, “You can put any colors you want together, but it’s what you do with everything else that makes it work.”
When the conversation turned to “Things I Love” and “Things I’m Not Crazy About,” Arnesen was keen to point out that surpriseand-delight color combinations get a thumbsup, and a pet peeve is feature walls without any direction. He suggests juxtaposing tones that don’t conform to any standard such as a color wheel and avoiding matchy-matchy or a sea of the same color. Art and artifacts are allimportant: “something stimulating to look at” will include “older pieces that you absolutely want to keep in your life.”
COLOR IS THE WORD
Color is the word on everyone’s lips, and inspiration comes from unexpected places beyond the world of design. In partnership with the Pantone Institute, Discover Puerto Rico designed an exuberant, new, limited-edition orange-yellow hue called Puerto Rican Sunshine. By combining science and emotion to capture the shade of the island’s sunshine, Héctor J. Jiménez, Ph.D., a physicist at the University of Puerto Rico, took on the brief. Through a series of models and calculations, Dr. Jiménez measured everything from the sun’s temperature to its movements around the island throughout the day. Then the tourism board worked with San Juan-based interior designer Cristina Villalón and ECOS Paints® to bring sun-in-a-can into our lives.
PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2023
Pantone has spoken for 2023, tapping a bold shade of crimson “that speaks to the strength and vitality needed for forging a more positive future.”
PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a selection that draws on both warm and cool tones. The Pantone Institute’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman, indicates that the 2023 Color of the Year communicates power in an assertive, not aggressive way, saying Viva Magenta is an “animated red, pulsating with movement.”
CALIFORNIA WARM
Interior design icon Suzanne Tucker creates beauty that leads the way. “I’m consistent with my use of color as far as keeping an overall mood slightly warmer than cooler, though that may be partially attributed to my California roots. Even with gray I will add a hint of warmth to it, and I love the juxtaposition of warm and cool colors together. But that’s where my consistency ends. You cannot assume the same color will work in every project—the variances between geographic locations, which direction a house faces, how the light comes into each room, what’s outside: all those things and more play into how I select my colors. I do love working with color though, so it’s great fun for me when a client loves color, too!”
She adds, “Having said all of that, these days, I’m really liking a flattering ‘warm’ blue. This may seem like a contradiction in terms, but the right blue can be incredibly soothing and comforting in an interior; it does not have to be cold. Here’s an example of a San Francisco kitchen with handpainted cabinets in a denim strié finish.”
What about Viva Magenta? “I do love the 2023 Pantone color … a strong and upbeat, positive and happy crimson. But I’d use it in small dose, as I’d rather wear it than live surrounded by it! For interiors, I would opt for a softer pink, which is hard to pin down—not too blue, not too ‘Pepto.’ You don’t want your home to look like Barbie’s playhouse. The Blossom colorway of our new Cachepot print is a good example.” suzannetuckerhome.com
KEEN ON GREEN
Founder and principal designer for the San Francisco Bay Area-based interiors firm that bears her name, Amanda Barnes touts green for 2023. “I anticipate we will continue to see a lot of earth tones, especially many shades of green. Whether it is on cabinets or walls, this verdant shade will be everywhere. Like many other hues, finding the right color means balancing the undertones of the green, as many read a little gray in the late evening light.”
In paint, one of her favorites is Pigeon by Farrow and Ball. “This soft greenish, grayish paint color was named after the bird and brings warmth to every surface. I have this shade in my own kitchen, and it boasts a robust green tone in daylight, while it softens to a balmy gray color as the sun sets. This is a failsafe green shade for any home.” She also likes Fieldstone, Raindance, and Black Forest Green by Benjamin Moore. amandabarnesinteriors.com
SEXY, DARKER CEILINGS
Gioi Tran, partner of Applegate Tran Interiors + Poliform San Francisco commented, “We see a few trends heading into the next year: saturated neutrals, mid-level sheen, and dark ceilings. More and more homeowners will paint their ceilings darker than the walls, adding height and intrigue to the overall room. Although we love bright and bold colors, it is not for every client; and, although they don’t want pure white walls or ceilings, they also don’t always want a bold, saturated color, opting for more layered neutrals.”
Describing a residential interior in Cow Hollow, Tran added, “In a recent project, we painted the walls a warm, chalky off-white and paired it with a gray mushroom ceiling in an eggshelllike mid-level sheen. The neutral tones are warm and welcoming and are certainly not plain white walls, as they have depth and movement from the shine. The darker ceiling adds a sexy, masculine aesthetic that feels more European and juxtaposes the sculptural furniture.” applegatetran.com
BE BOLD
Left: A veteran of six San Francisco Decorator Showcases, Tineke Triggs, Artistic Designs for Living, nails it. “I think we’re going to see a lot of warm tones used in 2023, such as rust, ochre, plums, dark greens, and browns. These are cozy colors that bring a sense of relaxed sophistication and style to any space.”
tineketriggs.com
Known for her collaborations with de Gournay, Dina Bandman concurs, “Bold colors are having a moment right now, including primary colors such as vibrant yellows, cherry reds, and cobalt blues—colors with a lot of punch. People are beginning to use these colors to bring more uplifting and energetic design elements into their homes.” dinabandman.com
ART FOR THE LOVE OF
INTRODUCING THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE LOUIS VUITTON ARTYCAPUCINES COLLECTION, WHERE SIX RENOWNED GLOBAL ARTISTS REIMAGINE THE CAPUCINES HANDBAG THROUGH THEIR OWN VISION AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSIONS.
BY ADRIENNE FAUROTEAMÉLIE BERTRAND
For French artist Amélie Bertrand, art is about studying the relationship between paint and the surface. Known for her vibrant use of colors and creating a visual universe of skewed perspectives, Bertrand blurs the lines between the natural and artificial in her work. “My work is a study of surface,” explains Bertrand. “Each painting is constructed using layers upon layers of digitally sourced materials — tiling, pebbles, plant motifs, artificial nature — which are first composed as small-scale digital works and then hand-drawn and painted onto the larger-scale canvas. Unlike a lot of paintings, there is only one single layer of painting itself in my completed works; the layers exist in the source material, not on the canvas.” A testament to her expertise in warping the dimension of color, her Artycapucines radiates bold colors and light.
DANIEL BUREN
Daniel Buren is one of the world’s leading contemporary artists. The French artist has explored the dynamic relationships between art and its physical and intellectual structures and our perception of light and space for the last six decades, with his work featured in over 3,000 exhibitions. His Artycapucines creation further investigates his study of space while also introducing his signature vertical stripe, which is now trademarked. “The subject of this work is not a specific space or precise environment, which [is] usually at the heart of all my work; rather, it’s a fixed object,” admits Buren. “The Capucines has a really simple design: a trapezoid as a base and the arc of a circle as a handle. Everything starts from there. My initial sketch was rather abstract, but the object’s function was still clear. By making the handle an exact semicircle and transferring it to the body of the bag itself, two shapes emerged: a trapezoid and a circle.”
PETER MARINO
New York-based architect Peter Marino is no stranger to the fashion industry, as his work globally reaches a vast range of sectors, including residential, cultural, hospitality, and major luxury fashion retail. In fact, Louis Vuitton also tapped Marino for its 200 Trunks, 200 Visionaries project, where artists interpreted the Louis Vuitton trunk for an exhibition. Marino is known for his minimalistic designs, graphic use of black and white to create light, and experimentation of textures, ultimately fusing the worlds of fashion, art, architecture, and interior design. In true Peter Marino style, his Artycapucines is a black monochromatic masterpiece with dynamic textures. He was inspired by a visit to a 14thcentury building in Venice, Scuola Grande San Giovanni Evangelista: “One time when I was visiting, I noticed a medieval box near the monumental staircase designed by Italian architect Mauro Codussi,” he explains. “This box had straps and a medieval key. I was inspired by these elements, which I translated into this new Artycapucines bag.”
PARK SEO-BO
One of Korea’s most celebrated artists, Park Seo-Bo, is the founder of Dansaekhwa, a movement that began in the early 1970s and altered the course of Korean art with its ideas of the purposelessness of actions and the spiritual benefits of endless repetition. This profound philosophy echoes through his Artycapucines. “When I started using colors in my painting, I did so by searching for ‘natural color’ instead of ‘ideological color.’ One time, I was looking at a valley by Mount Bandai; the valley was aligned with the sun, so it appeared almost neon red. The color was so intense that it felt like I was looking at a flame chasing me to my death,” explains Seo-Bo. “That moment acted as a reminder that I’m only a tiny being in front of the vastness of nature. As the wind blew the clouds and the sunlight shone, one side of the valley remained neon red, while the other side became shaded and much darker. I thought I should paint this harmony of nature; my red painting came from this moment — from nature.”
UGO RONDINONE
Ugo Rondinone, a renowned Swiss artist, creates with intention, exploring the depths of the human condition and nature, and creating a wide range of two- and three-dimensional objects, installations, videos, and performances. Rondinone’s works often represent pressing issues in current history, where modernist achievement and archaic expression intersect. “[For the bag], I took two archetypal symbols I often use in my work: the clown and the rainbow. With its recognizable nonbinary character and outlandish costumes, distinctive makeup, colorful wigs, and exaggerated footwear, the clown is designed to entertain large audiences,” notes Rondinone. “In my work, though, I have turned it into a character who doesn’t entertain but instead just sits in contemplation. The rainbow is a communal archetype of unity and peace, while also referring to the gay-liberation movement.”
KENNEDY YANKO
For famed artist and sculptor Kennedy Yanko, her artistic niche is found in metal and paint skin, a material she makes by pouring large amounts of paint, letting it dry, and using the sheet-like form to create new sculptural compositions. Her modern works have led her to become the first sculptor in residence at the Rubell Museum in Miami. Working on this particular project with Louis Vuitton broadened Yanko’s artistic horizons. “When the Louis Vuitton team first came in, I shared an idea of what I wanted to do. The next time I saw them, they presented me with so many different options to choose from — it really expanded my mind of what this bag could be,” she explained. “Once we’d figured out the colors and style and how to create the bag itself, I was particularly interested in making something functional. I wanted a bag you could use at any event and with any outfit. For example, the handle comes off, and there’s a pouch underneath it, so you can slide your hand and then carry the bag as a clutch.”
THE ARTYCAPUCINES DESIGNED BY THESE SIX ARTISTS FURTHER DEMONSTRATE LOUIS VUITTON’S DEDICATION TO THE FUTURE OF ART AND FASHION AS WELL AS THE MAISON’S PASSION TO COLLABORATE, CATAPULTING THE CAPUCINES DESIGN INTO A NEW DIMENSION. THE 2022 ARTYCAPUCINES COLLECTION WILL RELEASE EACH BAG IN A LIMITED EDITION OF 200 PIECES AVAILABLE IN LOUIS VUITTON STORES WORLDWIDE.
Wine TIME
Three unique wine country estates await.
BY BECCA HENSLEYSOMETIMES YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR AT ALL TO FIND a further-flung nook. And sometimes you don’t have to stay in a 5-star hotel for top-of-class service. Proving that, these glorious homes in the wine country—veritable micro-resorts replete with amenities from private chefs to yoga teachers to bespoke, rare vintage wine tastings— are impossibly luxurious, design-savvy, and swish. As a bonus, they provide unequaled access to the most exclusive aspects of Napa and Sonoma Valleys through their personalized concierge services either off-site or within the haven of the home. Rent them all in 2023, then decide which you love the best. Ideal for family reunions, girlfriends’ getaways, company retreats, or honeymooners who want an estate all their own, these sought-after retreats won’t disappoint.
St. Helena French Farmhouse, St. Helena
Like renting a small village in Provence, this stunning property can accommodate 24. It vaunts 11 bedrooms in total. The main farmhouse, an extravaganza of Avignon chic, features five bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. An adjacent guest house sleeps six with its bedrooms and baths, and an owner’s residence, set 1,000 feet below, holds three bedrooms, a living room, conference space, and demonstration kitchen.
Seductively remote and sporting a 60-foot, solar-heated infinity pool, this grand estate in Sonoma County occupies a one-mile lane atop the renowned Spring Mountain Appellation. All the while, it exudes an enthrallingly bucolic South of France ambiance with NoCal sophistication. Its array of rich fabrics and hand-embroidered linens—assiduously air dried by staff as might be done in Cassis near the lavender fields—maintains the cosseting mood already felt by guests as they relax in the immense media room, take cooking classes in the cutting-edge kitchen, or gad about in the wildlife-rife, 75-acre nature preserve that envelops the compound.
Guests can partake of the fragrant herb and flower garden, enjoy firepits, and easily be conveyed to prime locations in Napa and Sonoma by the retreat’s stellar connections to elite transportation services—though they may just want to stay at home and let the concierge arrange memorable tastings and entertainment.
Channeling the rustic resplendence of the great Adirondack lodges beloved by the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Whitneys, and Rothschilds, this romantic domicile is both an ode to the past and an homage to nature. Surrounded by majestic redwoods and lording over a burbling brook, it feels as secluded as a cabin in the woods, yet lies only 12 minutes from the characteristic spa town of Calistoga. On 10 acres atop a ridge that bestrides Napa and Sonoma Valleys, the whimsical—even eccentric—décor conjures the nostalgic elegance of former times.
Each of eight cannily appointed, historic-yet-opulent bedrooms boasts private baths. A delightful pastiche of antiques, as well as reclaimed and repurposed items from art to textiles, the décor captures your attention. Design features of note include the soaring, 26-foot-high, redwood-flanked Grand Room, three 16-foot slab dining tables placed indoors and out, and a 75-foot deck cantilevered to hover over Humbug Creek. With the tranquility of the outdoors at the forefront of your stay, you’ll also be gratified by the modern conveniences: a chef’s kitchen with a commercial range, a movie theater with a 12-foot-wide screen, a state-of-the-art Jacuzzi® jazzed up with a variety of custom jetpacks, and a wine bar that features the estate’s private 250-bottle wine library.
ART DECO AND
ANTIQUES
At the nucleus of the Sonoma Valley Appellation and minutes from key wineries such as Chateau St Jean, Landmark, Kenwood, and Kunde, this just-renovated, eco-conscious, green villa is tucked away in a sheltered section on the verges of Kenwood, one of the world’s most evocative wine villages. Girded by vineyards, the splendid, 4,500-square foot, 5-bedroom home with ensuite bathrooms features expansive bi-folding glass walls which fuse indoors with outdoors and vice versa. Reclaimed materials juxtapose with high-tech amenities for a cozily elegant aura, while global art deco and handpicked French antiques keep the mood refined and infinitely glamorous.
A massive fireplace anchors the great room and its 20-foot ceiling, while an outdoor firepit, positioned beneath a 120-foot fir tree, beckons for evenings en plein air in the side yard. Groups love the sunroom’s widescreen television, surround sound, and 10-foot (beer, wine, or cocktails) bar which provides 250-bottle, temperaturecontrolled refrigeration. The inviting outdoor space encompasses a beguiling swimming pool with waterfall, a hot tub large enough for eight people, a bocce ball court, and dining and lounging nooks.
Within, glittery chandeliers and creatively used architectural treasures add glamor in every room. An abundance of textures delights guests. Take advantage of the villa’s add-on options for chefs, wine tastings, pre-arrival shopping, and wine country activities.
Dedicated to offering guests “access to the inaccessible,” these three villas tempt with customized additional services from a team of deeply entrenched viticulture experts and local specialists from chefs to sommeliers. Their essential concierge service ensures 24-hour access to fixers and planners who can hew out itineraries that might include private chefs on site, private events at local wine estates or in galleries or boutiques, winemakers for vintner dinners, VIP personalized wine touring, cooking classes, wine education, team building activities, hot balloon rides, guided hikes or bike rides, yoga or fitness classes, pre-stocking of the refrigerator, housekeeping, or transportation with trusted sources.
For more information on villa rental go to BlairSpangler.com.
The Kenwood Lodge, KenwoodHANDPICKED FRENCH
KEEP THE MOOD REFINED AND INFINITELY GLAMOROUS.
The Charleston Place
Now independently owned, this icon is better than ever.
BY BECCA HENSLEYDEVOID OF SKYSCRAPERS, GRACEFUL SEASIDE CHARLESTON stands alone. Called the Holy City for its profusion of churches, the city’s prodigious preservation policy mandates no building can be built taller than a steeple. That ensures the nostalgic destination, which boasts one of the world’s largest historic districts after Rome, presents as an invitingly mysterious warren of cobbled streets, colonial buildings, Doric columns, and horse drawn carriages. Amid that ancient architectural milieu beside magnolias, jasmine, and wisteria in season, The Charleston Place twinkles with the confident elegance of the Hope Diamond, a virtuoso grande dame in a city known for its manners, Gullah influences, low country gastronomic culture, and big personality.
It doesn’t surprise me a bit when I realize that the independently owned and operated hotel lies at the slightly mystical intersection of downtown’s King Street, Market Street, and Meeting Street. If one considers names auspicious (or if anyone has ever wanted to have the job of “street namer” as I have craved since I was a child), one must find joy in the fact that these three most famous of Charleston’s streets also mirror the compelling characteristics of the hotel.
“King” evokes The Charleston Place’s regal ambiance as evinced by its glorious, handblown Venetian glass chandelier and shiny, Georgian, open arm staircase. “Meeting” embodies the hotel’s propensity to invite both locals and guests alike to gather within, offering exciting local partnerships, activities, and pop-ups in the lobby to provide interaction and immersion in the community— such as the Charleston Artist Collective’s lobby gallery and Art Walk, Casual Crabbing with Tia, or nightly holiday extravaganzas in season. (Think twice a night snow in the courtyard at Christmas.)
And “Market” (aka where the action is) suggests the hotel’s superior location downtown, just steps from popular shops, renowned restaurants, must-see historic sites, and the harbor.
MORE ABOUT THE HOTEL
The Rooms
History meets timelessness in the hotel’s unparalleled 433 guest rooms, including four suites and two presidential suites. Opulent décor evokes the city’s history with velvet upholstery and inlaid mahogany furnishings. Bathrooms, ever sybaritic, have herringbone patterned floors in Italian Carrara marble, mirrors framed in antique silver leaf, and ornate sconces. It’s the perfect place to sip a “dresser,” the word my friends in Charleston use for a cocktail you tipple while getting dressed. Splurge on an upgrade to a Club Level room, situated on the top two floors of the property and complete with private elevator access. These rooms offer numerous extras, including continental breakfast, afternoon tea, canapés, evening desserts, and a full beverage service.
Dining
Under the direction of Olivier Gaupin, one of only two master chefs in the state of South Carolina, Charleston Place’s culinary program rules. There are six distinct options, including Charleston Grill, a bastion of refined Southern fare (sample the crab cakes), and the Palmetto Cafe, a nod to the verdant courtyards around town, which specializes in low country plates such as she-crab soup.
The Bar
Themed to honor the oldest jockey club in the United States, the Thoroughbred Club concocts handcrafted drinks in a moody, southern atmosphere. It’s the epitome of a classy hotel bar down to the piano player and in-house oak-barreled spirits.
The Spa
The Spa at The Charleston Place is an urban retreat from the frenzy of our technologically controlled lives. Unplug with a Tata Harper facial or a detoxifying massage in truly serene digs. Make time before your treatment for a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness facility or some laps in the exceptional, 50-foot, horizon-edge, mineral swimming pool.
JOSEPHINE COLLECTION
A great wine deserves a great glass. Designed by perhaps the greatest master of his craft, Kurt Josef Zalto, the Josephine Collection is exceptionally light and thin-walled, amazingly flexible, extremely delicate yet robust, and of generous size but soft and smooth in the hand. This series of glasses brings out the perfect flavor in wines, and its characteristic shape delights both the palate and the eye.
Must-Have High-End Wine Products & Accessories for 2023
Enhance
BY NOËL BURGESSARE YOU A WINE GEEK EAGER TO FIND GADGETS TO PAIR with your wine? Perchance you have difficulty in finding the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day that equally represents the level of affection you have for your wine lover. For those with a passion for vino, these luxury accessories will enhance the experience for most wine connoisseurs.
CORAVIN, CORAVIN SPARKLING™ SYSTEM
Wine lovers often face this conundrum: I want to have a glass (or two) of wine, but not the whole bottle. Once opened, most wines last for one to five days before their quality deteriorates. Admittedly the Coravin system for still wines has been renowned for some time, but has not previously been available for sparkling wines. That is because even the lay wine person knows sparkling wines are all about the bubbles. Once gone, sparking wine loses its sexiness, not to mention taste. The new Coravin Sparkling™ Wine Preservation System injects carbon dioxide into a bottle to create pressure on the remaining liquid, allowing “bubble lovers” to enjoy their sparkling wine for weeks after initially popped. In addition, the Coravin makes it easy to gauge whether your wine is preserved with a color indicator, so consumers are always aware when the time is right to celebrate again with a glass.
VINTEC, 41-BOTTLE SINGLE ZONE WINE CABINET (ABOVE LEFT)
Have your graduated from placing wine bottles in the pantry or under the sink? Or maybe the household fridge is not quite working out as expected. It’s time to protect your liquid assets with the proper storage. Vintec’s wine cabinet is the ultimate upgrade to a wine collection. So, what is the difference between a “wine fridge or cooler” and a “wine cabinet?” The former is susceptible to humidity and intense cold, which will negatively affect your prized bottles. Wine cabinets, however, create the ideal conditions for storage effectiveness. The Vintec wine cabinet features precise and stable temperature control, UV-blocking glass, a vibration-proof environment, and a proprietary shelving system that fits bottles of all sizes and prevents labels from getting scratched. When you’re ready to expand, take a look at their 100-plus wine cabinet options!
RIEDEL, RIEDEL HORN DECANTER (ABOVE)
Proper breathing for humans increases performance, and the same can be said for wine. Allowing certain wines to breathe enhances taste and aroma which, in turn, allow for a remarkable experience. So, how do you make wine breathe? Riedel has been making decanters and glassware for two centuries, perfecting how to make sure wine always “shows up” at its best. The Riedel Horn Decanter merges style and substance, as it is modeled after a coiled musical horn shape made from mouth-blown crystal. It features two openings on either end, the larger of which is to be used for both receiving and pouring wine. Plus, like other coiled decanters, the horn decanter “double-decants” wine, which benefits young and old wines, whether your goal is to remove sediment or make them smoother and rounder.
RIMOWA, RIMOWA ONE BOTTLE CASE (LEFT)
Don’t we love snuggling up with a bottle of wine at home or inviting friends over for a glass? Or course, but eventually the urge to step out for an evening comes, and your wine must be ready for transport. Protection, performance, and presentation is what Rimowa’s One Bottle Case promises wine enthusiasts. Their signature aluminum exterior, padded microfiber interior, and TSA-approved lock comes in under five pounds. A leather handle for carrying adds an accent of luxury. Whether heading out for a night on a town or jet setting, the One Bottle Case will ensure your wine arrives in top form. Is the single bottle case not enough? Check out the 12-bottle case!
Seeing 2023 in a New Light
Discover the latest in lighting, featuring handpicked collections from world-renowned designers.
BY STEPH KEAYTHE NEW YEAR IS ALL ABOUT BEGINNINGS, AND THERE’S NO better way to freshen your perspective than with changes to your home. Lighting, in particular, is at the forefront of our minds for 2023. Whether you’re setting a scene or creating a mood, lighting can help you transform a space from a relaxing sanctuary to the backdrop of a lively fête at the flick of a switch. This year, take a closer look at the ways you’re illuminating your life and spark inspiration with our forecast of lighting trends.
TAKING CHARGE
Luxury is flexibility, and collections built for customization allow you to go the extra mile in making your mark on a home. One such collection is Cipher, created by award-winning, global designer Yabu Pushelberg in collaboration with Lasvit, a Czech-based lighting designer and manufacturer. This modular system—made up of delicate, hand-blown crystal shaped into slender cylinders and joined by polished champagne gold connections—offers endless configurations. “It is a really flexible piece, and we are able to customize its patterning and rhythm like never before,” says Pushelberg. Combining clean, contemporary lines with heritage techniques, Cipher offers limitless possibilities.
LIGHTING AS ART
No longer just functional, light is fast becoming a centerpiece. More thought is being given to its form and the materials used to capture and create it—even mediums traditionally reserved for works of art. “In the past couple of years, ceramics have seen a lot of activity,” says James Dieter, whose eponymous brand offers hand-cast porcelain elements and textiles in its collection of sculpted chandeliers, pendants, and sconces. Collections such as Elbo and Cone showcase porcelain diffusers, complementing Dieter’s inclination for design that is clean and simple, yet striking to the eye. “I find porcelain, in particular, very beautiful due to its translucence. I look forward to experimenting further to see how far we can go with it.” Not unlike contemporary painters or sculptors, some of today’s lighting designers are experimenting with new materials and techniques and seeking to push the boundaries of what lighting can be.
EMBRACING NATURE
The simple beauty of nature strikes an inspirational chord for some designers, which manifests in collections that bring the outdoors in. Escapist designs such as Constellation, David Rockwell’s new collection for Lasvit, celebrate the celestial forces of space and nature. Combining inspiration from “sparkling constellations in the night sky” and traditional glassmaking techniques, Constellation celebrates the wonder and magic of ancient constellations.
Closer to earth, a newly introduced collection from BOMMA sources inspiration from the seas. “Shells, and particularly mussels, always fascinated me with their simple, yet sophisticated, shape,” says Václav Mlynář, BOMMA’s creative director and the designer of Mussels. “They carry a sense of elegance and organic nature, as well as a bit of mystery.” Light is nestled within two delicate, rippled crystal shells, creating a shimmer that mimics light reflecting on the surface of water. Clear, alabaster, dark pearl, and smoke colored shells also provide a finish for every style—whether you’re finishing a sensual, velvetdraped study or a bright, modern foyer.
Though trends may come and go, high design and craftsmanship remain timeless. In 2023, explore lighting with the artisans who are uncovering the innovative, elegant new forms it can take. For Lasvit, BOMMA, James Dieter, and other cutting-edge products, visit Poliform in San Francisco’s Design District.
From Wine Walls to Wardrobes, StudioBecker Fulfills Design Dreams
BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER StudioBecker expertly designs and executes a home’s most personal spaces.WHEN DESIGNING OR REDESIGNING A HOME, CENTRAL spaces dedicated to entertaining command the most attention. Smaller spaces are often an afterthought, but mood and vibe are most accurately conveyed within some of these more diminutive regions of the home. A wall of elegantly displayed varietals expresses culinary sophistication; a wardrobe with an “everything in its place” motif articulates order and a sense of serenity. While San Francisco’s StudioBecker designs and executes every facet of a home, these more personal spaces best demonstrate the design studio’s unique talent.
Founded in Norway in 1946, StudioBecker soon grew into the largest kitchen and bath retailer in Scandinavia. In 1987, the familyowned company established its U.S. headquarters and quickly became known for its fine, pre-sized, modular German cabinetry. As the industry evolved, so did StudioBecker. Their product development team developed a line that could meet any design challenge in any room of the home, and by 1998, they introduced the Private Collection line of bespoke, German, handmade furniture.
Today, the third generation continues the family tradition of innovation and excellence, utilizing expert designers and craftsmen who transform the finest materials into innovative furniture and exclusive accessories for any room. Wine storage and wardrobes are two of their specialties, and StudioBecker has created patented product designs for these specialty areas of the home.
Wardrobes tend to be very personal spaces expressing the homeowner’s style. A well-designed wardrobe makes getting ready for the day or a night out a delight. Every individual StudioBecker wardrobe design begins with an extensive review of a homeowner’s storage needs for short, long, and folded items, belts, boots, shoes, etc. Then, each need is addressed with the company’s extensive accessory program, carefully designed to beautifully display items while maximizing organization.
A room too small for a walk-in closet may be outfitted with a statement piece such as a walk-up wardrobe featuring the client’s choice of graphic exterior artwork and individualized interior organization. A wardrobe designed with a corner carousel maximizes hard-to-reach corner space, and the additions of dedicated tie and belt storage and pull-out pants and shoe racks add the finishing touches. A narrow space proves perfect for a custom design featuring sculpted matte white lacquer art cubes for purses and shoe storage, with contrasting mahogany wood and specialty museum lighting creating a boutique-style space.
In creating its patented wine systems, StudioBecker consulted with expert wine makers to address key elements of proper wine storage. Designs incorporated into custom furniture pieces include the ability to remove a single bottle without disturbing other bottles, separation and cradling so labels are visible and remain pristine, and gently gliding wine bottle drawer inserts with feltlined cradling scoops, ideal for wines that don’t require aging. Patented shelving includes a scalloped shelf that perfectly stores a case of wine with identifying display space for a single bottle.
Adept at designing for specific customer requests, StudioBecker fulfilled a client’s desire for a unique wine partition to separate living room and hallway by utilizing wire suspension and chamfered walnut blocks to create the appearance of floating bottles. Dramatic, backlit shelving can be used to highlight a wine collection, as can a curved wine wall that allows each bottle to become an objet d’art.
For a bolder presentation, the StudioBecker Piano Bar is the ultimate entertainment piece that can also be customized. At the push of a button, this playable, programmable grand piano opens to reveal a stunning bar wrapped in supple, hand-stitched, Italian leather. The piano holds all the equipment, utensils, and beverages for entertaining, including glasses for martinis, champagne, red and white wine, and mixed drinks. Also included are compartments for cigar cutters, a lighter, and an ashtray.
“Designing wardrobes is both challenging and extremely rewarding,” said StudioBecker designer Gabriel Zaga. “It’s like working with a myriad puzzle pieces that need to be effectively arranged so that the end result is the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics … leading to the ultimate reward of a delighted client. Wine cellars were once more specifically for practical storage and are now ‘wine rooms’ that have become something to be displayed, even showcased. While there are still many functional aspects to be incorporated, they are great spaces for creativity with materials and unique designs.”
Wineries with Beautiful Architecture in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country
Enjoy the view in northern California.
BY NOËL BURGESSDID YOU THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT thing about A winery was the wine? Wine is clearly an important factor, but what would your experience be without the ambience? If the sensory part of wine tasting didn’t matter, wouldn’t more people consistently drink wine out of a plastic cup while sitting on the couch watching traffic go by? Humans love aesthetically pleasing things. From modern designs to Old World châteaux, these seven wineries offer a “fullbodied” experience to lovers of architecture in Sonoma and Napa Wine Country.
Artesa Winery, Napa, CA
Artesa, which means “artisan” in Catalan, is a Spanish-American brand set in the foothills overlooking Los Carneros. Known for their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and breathtaking views, the winery was founded in 1991 by the creators of Cava, the Codorniu Raventos family whose winemaking dates back 450 years. Ever passionate about wine, art, and architecture, the family tasked Signum Architecture in 2019 to elevate the winery’s hospitality experience and create a more authentic connection to the true identity of the family’s roots in Barcelona with some Napa flair mixed in. Artesa is designed almost entirely underground, set deep within a landscaped ridge. The chic white spaces also allow the customdesigned tiles, handcrafted in Barcelona, to take center stage. A play on Artesa’s branding—a playful rendition of the letter A—they provide a connection to the owners’ native Spain without being tacky. Authentic and fun, they evoke a sense of relaxed luxury and a slight hint of the Mediterranean waterfront. The private lounge’s circular bar and the curves of the public tasting bar are a playful contrast to the angularity of the tile and logo design. At the entry, a new, 24-foot portal is rendered in white, folded like a piece of origami to echo the Artesa “A.”
WHEN WE PLANNED THE NEW VISITOR’S CENTER SPACE, THE GOAL WAS TO CREATE A VERY ORGANIC, OPEN SPACE WITH LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT, INTEGRATING THE BEAUTIFUL, SWEEPING VIEWS OF LOS CARNEROS AND THE SAN PABLO BAY INTO THE ROOM. AT THE SAME TIME, WE STRIVED TO BRING SOME BARCELONA FLAIR INTO THE TASTING ROOM, WHICH WAS ACHIEVED BY OUR FEATURE BAR IN THE CENTER OF THE ROOM. OBVIOUSLY, SO MUCH HAS BEEN SAID ABOUT THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE FEATURE THAT THE WINERY ITSELF PRESENTS. NESTLED WITHIN THE HILL, IT FEELS AS PART OF CARNEROS, AS A NATURAL CONTINUATION OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ROLLING HILLS.
–Ana Diogo-Draper, Artesa winemaker
The Bouchaine Winery, tasting room, and hospitality center are located in the bucolic southern portion of Napa Valley closest to San Francisco, Marin, and the East Bay. Sitting atop a hill overlooking the existing historical winery is the 5,000-square-foot visitor center opened in 2019. The building is designed in a semicircle, reminiscent of an open embrace, to maximize spectacular views of the vineyard and surrounding hills. The outdoor terrace offers a perfect place for a relaxed wine tasting, surrounded by two soothing water features, landscaped gardens, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and the warm glow of firepits.
Inside, one end of the building features the Copeland Room with a massive, see-through fireplace built with stone from a local Napa Valley quarry and a large mantle made from reclaimed timbers. In contrast, the other end of the building hosts a modern, state-of the art demonstration kitchen which includes two Molteni ranges, two Euro-Cave Professional Show Cave wine cellars, and Cambria stone countertops.
The centerpiece of the hospitality center is the striking tasting room bar made from reclaimed cypress slabs. The room provides seating for up to 80 people, easily accommodating large groups or intimate gatherings with an inviting view of the large terrace and the breathtaking scenery of the San Pablo Bay.
The overall project included a renovation of the existing 3,000 square foot tasting room, a 22,000-square-foot expansion of the production facilities, a new 2,100-square-foot terrace, and ample parking space, including handicap and clean air vehicle parking. The project design was led by Michael Cook and his consulting team, including architect Kevin O’Malley of O’Malley, Wilson & Westphal.
“WHEN DESIGNING THE HOSPITALITY CENTER, WE WANTED TO BUILD A PLACE THAT REALLY WELCOMED VISITORS TO THE NAPA VALLEY AND SERVED AS A GATHERING PLACE FOR EVENTS AND FOR FRIENDS. WE HAVE A WORLD CLASS TEST KITCHEN WHERE WE HAVE HOSTED DINNERS AND COOKING SESSIONS WITH MANY OF THE VALLEY’S GREATEST CHEFS. WE HAVE A GRAND PIANO AND HAVE HOSTED FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY EVENTS WITH GREAT CLASSICAL MUSICIANS LIKE THE GAVILAN BROTHERS AND AUSTRALIAN DUO BOYD MEETS GIRL. OUR TERRACE, WHICH OVERLOOKS SWEEPING VIEWS OF THE SAN PABLO BAY, IS LITERALLY NESTLED INTO THE HOSPITALITY CENTER’S HALF-CIRCLE EMBRACE. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BUILDING IS MEANT TO EXPRESS A SENSE OF WARMTH AND WELCOMING. WE STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WINE IS ABOUT COMING TOGETHER AND CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND OUR COMMUNITY, AND WANTED OUR HOSPITALITY CENTER TO REFLECT THAT, WHICH IT DOES DOWN TO THE VERY WORDS EMBOSSED IN THE FLOOR ENTRANCE, OUR SLOGAN: ‘WINE MAKES YOU HAPPY.’”
managerFar Niente, Oakville, CA
Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson, an original forty-niner of the California gold rush and uncle of artist Winslow Homer. Benson hired architect Hamden McIntyre, creator of the former Christian Brothers winery (now the Culinary Institute of America) and the Gustav Niebaum winery (today’s Inglenook winery), to design the building. Constructed against a hillside in western Oakville, Far Niente functioned as a gravity flow winery, gently moving the grapes through each stage of production. Benson named the winery “Far Niente,” taken from the Italian phrase “dolce far niente” meaning “the art of doing nothing.”
The gardens and Acacia Drive at Far Niente are world-renowned and play an important role in the reestablishment of the estate. The Far Niente winery is surrounded by 13 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, thought by many to be among the most stunning landscapes in Napa Valley. The highlight of the gardens is the thousands of southern azaleas that bloom every spring, carpeting the estate in brilliant hues of bright red and deep pink. It is said to be the largest single planting of this particular variety of azalea in California and possibly throughout all the West Coast.
Acacia Drive is the road leading to the winery gates. The gently curved allée, bordered on either side with more than 100 Autumn Gold ginkgo trees, offers serene views of the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards of western Oakville. Groves of towering redwoods, acacias, dogwoods, and century-old cork oak trees create an enclosed canopy around the gates and along the front driveway. The historic stone winery emerges at the end of the drive through the Woodland Garden, lined with olive trees along the front drive and cloaked in colorful Virginia creeper.
GIL AND I DREAMED OF ESTABLISHING A WORLD CLASS WINERY IN NAPA VALLEY AND, IN 1979, WE KNEW WE FOUND THE PLACE WHEN WE DISCOVERED THE OAKVILLE ESTATE ORIGINALLY FOUNDED BY JOHN BENSON IN 1885. WE WANTED TO RESTORE THE WINERY THAT HAD BEEN LEFT UNTOUCHED SINCE 1950 TO ITS FORMER GREATNESS. THIS WOULD BE THE PLACE WHERE WE WOULD BEGIN THE LEGACY OF CREATING WINES WITH A SIGNATURE FAR NIENTE STYLE, VINTAGE AFTER VINTAGE, AND BE ABLE TO SHARE IT WITH EVERYONE WHO VISITS.
– Beth Nickel, proprietress of Far Niente, Dolce, Nickel & Nickel, EnRoute, and Bella Union
– Chris Kajani, winemaker and general Bouchaine Winery, Napa, CAThe Prisoner Wine Company, St. Helena, CA
The Prisoner Wine Company’s tasting room is an industrial, modern space in St. Helena built to stand out from the crowd. Curated by architect Matt Hollis and designer Richard Von Saal, who reimagined the space into a retro-futuristic feel, The Prisoner provides a nontraditional destination for immersive wine education and experiences. It challenges the rules on what a tasting experience in Napa can be.
The property houses The Prisoner’s tasting lounge, which boasts an open kitchen where in-house chef Brett Young prepares a variety of pairing experiences, as well as a 57-foot-long skylight that welcomes ample sunlight into The Makery, a suite of private tasting rooms available for groups.
For the interior, Richard Von Saal sourced raw, refurbished materials like reclaimed wood, rusted mirrors, and metal from the nearby Mare Island naval shipyard. Almost every surface features dark tones of black and gray with accents of the reclaimed metals; the only prominent pop of color throughout the space is a bold blood red.
Outside, you’ll find The Yard, an outdoor courtyard with living walls, tasting nooks, and furniture made from reclaimed materials like a bench created with wood from the former Bay Bridge. The Yard also boasts a wood-burning oven used to cook flatbreads, smoked meats, and seasonal vegetables for the wine pairing experiences, and a culinary garden that grows herbs and produce used in dishes served at the winery. The Yard also has a gender-neutral bathroom, one of the first Napa Valley wineries to implement one.
“THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY’S TASTING LOUNGE WAS BUILT TO REIMAGINE THE TYPICAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE AND CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO IN THE SAME WAY OUR WINES ARE UNBOUND FROM THE SHACKLES OF TRADITIONAL WINEMAKING. UNLIKE SO MANY OTHER NAPA TASTING ROOMS, THE PRISONER’S SPACE IS A CAMPUS FILLED WITH MULTIPLE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY. WE WANTED TO CREATE A SPACE WHERE FANS AND NEWCOMERS ALIKE COULD COME AND LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY, SHARE IN OUR NONTRADITIONAL SPIRIT, AND SETTLE IN FOR AN AFTERNOON OF DISCOVERY, FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS, AND UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES. WE WANT THEM TO RECOGNIZE THE PRISONER AS A WINE UNLIKE ANY OTHER NAPA WINE THEY’VE EXPERIENCED AND TALK TO THEM IN THEIR LANGUAGE, BUT THROUGH OUR OWN VOICE.”
– Bukky Ekundayo, general manager of The Prisoner Wine CompanyIn 1972, when American wine tourism was virtually nonexistent, Jordan Vineyard & Winery founders Tom and Sally Jordan were among the first to introduce a bespoke culinary hospitality and lodging experience by recreating a French-inspired getaway in California’s wine country.
Representing the heart of the winery marrying food, wine and hospitality, Jordan’s 58,000-square-foot château houses winemaking facilities, a kitchen, dining room, three guest suites, a tasting library, wine cellars, and offices. Overseen by matriarch Sally Jordan, the original design for the suites emulated Old World elegance, incorporating Louis XV antiques, ornate finishes, floral wallcoverings, and other French-inspired influences.
In 2020, John Jordan, son of the founders and the current owner/ operator of the winery, embarked on a makeover that retained his parents’ original vision for traditional luxury accommodations while bringing the rooms up to par with some of Europe’s most elite hotels.
John tapped San Francisco-based interior designer Maria Haidamus to lead the 8-month transformation which was completed in 2021. Haidamus was tasked with honoring the existing architectural features of each room and preserving elements of Sally Jordan’s original design, while bringing John’s modern vision to life. To pay homage to the Jordan Estate grounds—with over 1,000 acres preserved as natural habitat— Maria introduced botanical wallpaper and whimsical woodland images filled with towering oak trees draped in lichen and rocks covered with velvety, green moss. This tribute to the organic surroundings is carried throughout the design, bringing the nature residing just beyond the château walls inside.
“I WAS INSPIRED THE MOMENT I ENTERED THE SPACE–THE JORDAN CHÂTEAU HAD INCREDIBLE BONES, AND THE GRANDIOSE SCALE OF THE SUITES WAS SO IMPRESSIVE,” SAID MARIA HAIDAMUS, PRINCIPAL OF MARIA HAIDAMUS INTERIORS. “I HAD THE VISION OF REFINING THE SUITES AND BRINGING THEM TO A MORE MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED LEVEL, WHILE ENHANCING THE EXISTING ARCHITECTURE AND PRESERVING ELEMENTS OF SALLY JORDAN’S AESTHETIC THAT SHE FIRST INTRODUCED ALMOST HALF A CENTURY AGO. I WANTED GUESTS TO FEEL RELAXED AND WELCOMED INTO AN APPROACHABLE ENVIRONMENT THAT WASN’T TOO OVER-THE-TOP, YET EXTREMELY ELEVATED AND LUXURIOUS AT THE SAME TIME.”
Jordan Winery, Healdsburg, CA – Maria Haidamus, principal of Maria Haidamus InteriorsDonum Estate, Sonoma, CA
Founded in 2011, Donum brings to life a delicate balance of wine, land, and art that has made it an international destination. The winery has one of the largest, accessible, private sculpture collections in the world. More than 50 monumental works, including open-air sculptures, are placed on the Donum Estate.
Adding to the overall aesthetic is the newly built Vertical Panorama Pavilion, a space dedicated to tasting wine, enabling a contextual and unique encounter between senses and surroundings. The pavilion is designed by the Berlin-based Studio Other Spaces, founded by artist Olafur Eliasson and architect Sebastian Behmann through their shared interest in spatial experimentation.
The canopy shelters a dedicated hospitality venue, forming a focal point of the Donum Estate, while providing a scenic, panoramic view of the San Pablo Bay, its Carneros Estate vineyards, and the entire Donum Collection.
Inspired by the history of circular calendars, the conical canopy is centered on a northern oriented oculus and glazed with 832 colored, laminated glass panels depicting yearly averages of the four meteorological parameters at the estate: solar radiance, wind intensity, temperature, and humidity. The glass panels consist of 24 colors in variations of translucent and transparent hues which resonate colors of the local environment in the Sonoma Valley. Vertical Panorama Pavilion is a synergy of art and architecture manifesting Studio Other Spaces’ vision of designing public spaces through interdisciplinary and experimental methodologies.
“WE’RE EXCITED TO UNVEIL THIS LANDMARK NEW PAVILION INSPIRED BY DONUM’S EMPHASIS ON TERROIR AND THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. DONUM IS VERY MUCH ABOUT COMMUNITY; AND, WHILE WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO PRODUCING THE FINEST PINOT NOIR IN CALIFORNIA, WE ALSO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH SHARED PASSIONS FOR FINE WINE, CULTURAL ARTS, DESIGN, AND SUSTAINABILITY. OUR INTEGRATED GUEST EXPERIENCES OFFER AN ESCAPE FROM THE EVERYDAY WITH ACCESS TO A RENOWNED, GLOBAL ART COLLECTION, A SENSORIAL WINE TASTING, AND OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT OUR PORTFOLIO OF CERTIFIED ORGANIC ESTATE VINEYARDS WHICH, COMBINED, HAVE MADE OUR CARNEROS ESTATE AN INTERNATIONAL DESTINATION.”
– Angelica de Vere-Mabray, CEO of the Donum Estate.
Domaine Carneros, Napa, CA
The Domaine Carneros Winery or Château, designed by Valley Architects, was inspired by the Château de la Marquetterie which has been in the Taittinger family since the 1930s. Built in the 18th century, the Marquetterie draws heavily from the Louis XV style throughout its interior and exterior.
Former CEO Eileen Crane, hired by Claude Taittinger as Domaine Carneros’ founding winemaker, drew from this inspiration as she oversaw the construction of a modern winery in Carneros in 1986. Although much grander in scale than the Marquetterie, the balanced rows of windows, pediment roofline, formal staircase, and sweeping terrace overlooking rolling vineyards provide an unmistakable reference. Inside, the Louis XV style is diligently rendered with period appropriate chandeliers and furnishings and the grand foyer is overseen by a portrait of Madame de Pompadour, a paramour of Louis XV credited with popularizing Champagne in the court and for whom Domaine Carneros’s popular rosé sparkling wine was named.
In 2018, an ambitious expansion was undertaken. Drawing inspiration from the conservatories constructed by Gustave Eiffel two centuries ago to protect citrus through Parisian winters, this grand conservatory with three walls of glass seamlessly blends into the north side of the original château. Designed by Architectural Resources Group, the glass conservatory immerses guests in the beauty of Carneros while maintaining the château’s elegance and grandeur. This space boasts a broad fireplace, crystal chandeliers, hand-laid mosaic tile floors, dramatic curved glass, and fully retractable walls of windows.
“IN 1986, WHEN CLAUDE TAITTINGER BEGAN HIS DREAM OF CREATING A WINERY IN NAPA VALLEY TO PRODUCE MÉTHODE TRADITIONELLE SPARKLING WINES, HE SET OUT TO BUILD A FUNCTIONAL WINERY WITH AN ARCHITECTURAL NOD TO THE 18TH CENTURY CHÂTEAU DE LA MARQUETTERIE THAT THE TAITTINGER FAMILY HAS OWNED SINCE 1934. THE CHÂTEAU DE LA MARQUETTERIE WAS BUILT IN THE STYLE OF LOUIS QUINZE AND OVERLOOKS THE VILLAGE OF PIERRY SOUTH OF EPERNAY IN THE CHAMPAGNE REGION OF FRANCE. THE DOMAINE CARNEROS CHÂTEAU IS INSPIRED BY THE MARQUETTERIE, WHICH CELEBRATES OUR FRENCH PEDIGREE WITH AN HOMAGE TO THE TAITTINGER LEGACY, AND CREATES A WELCOMING AND LUXURIOUS LANDMARK IN CARNEROS AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE NAPA VALLEY.”
– Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine CarnerosLandscape Design Trends
Just as home design styles come and go, landscape design also changes with the times. An esteemed landscape designer details what’s “in” and how to get the most from your yard or garden.
BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLERWHILE IT MAY BE THAT A TREE IS SIMPLY A TREE AND A ROSE is simply a rose, the last few years have undoubtedly emphasized that a yard or garden is so much more than a mere patch of greenery. Homeowners know with new certainty that their outdoor spaces serve a greater purpose. Whether a large, park-like expanse or a small patio, home exteriors serve as sanctuaries—places in which to relax, rejuvenate, and rejoice.
Just as home design trends fluctuate, landscaping trends also come and go, although there is no landscaping equivalent to the orange Formica® countertops and avocado green appliances of the past, thank goodness. From the victory gardens of the 1940s to the ordered and manicured lawns of the ’50s and ’60s, landscape design and strategy tend to follow societal tenets. These days,
it’s all about sustainability, ecological harmony, and homeowner desire for personalized and bespoke outdoor areas that reflect individual lifestyles.
To better understand where landscape design has been and where it’s headed, Haute Living, San Francisco spoke with landscape designer Jarrod Baumann, CEO and founder of Zeterre Landscape Architecture. Baumann draws upon 20 years of experience developing projects ranging from jewel box cottage gardens to expansive estates, massive civic parks, and boutique luxury resorts. Finding inspiration in the gardens of Italy’s Lakes Maggiore and Como as well as Lotusland Garden and Estate in Montecito, his work has gained national and international acclaim with projects completed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
HL: Unlike with home and interior design, landscape trends are a bit harder to detect. What is currently important to your clients?
JB: Water has become precious; therefore, gardens are becoming even more of a luxury. People are really starting to choose the plants they put in their garden. I love this thoughtfulness! It’s about time. I encourage my clients to create spaces that their families can grow into sacred spaces like firepits where one can converse. I gently direct clients towards plants that are beautiful but also edible: artichokes, apricots, bronze fennel, passion fruit, elderberry—there are too many to name.
Good gardens are actually quite timeless and do not necessarily follow trends as do interior design and fashion. I watch trends and think it’s fascinating that the gardens that I’ve created over the last two decades have not necessarily been changed or redone. One can never go wrong with classic design.
HL: How has climate change affected landscaping trends over the years?
JB: I personally have started to think about every plant that I plant in my own garden and my clients’ gardens. Each plant takes water, so what does it bring to the garden? Is it beautiful? Does it bear fruit or provide some culinary value? At my own ranch, I’m planting guava hedges, passion fruit that tastes like roses smell, and anything that you cannot get at Whole Foods.
HL: What is one current and recurring client request?
JB: We certainly see everyone removing lawns. There are so many attractive alternatives these days, such as low-growing ground cover, ornamental grasses, or moss.
HL: What are some manageable things that homeowners can do to give their gardens a “facelift?”
JB: Delete, delete, delete. Simplicity equals elegance.
HL: What are a few specific items that “date” a garden or yard?
JB: Juniper and exposed aggregate.
HL: What are some of your public projects where people can find inspiration in your work?
JB: We create private gardens that are rarely experienced by most, which is something I’ve come to love and “not love.” Years ago, one of my friends walked through a garden I designed for a friend who’s changed the world in which we live in at least five times, and she said to me, “Jarrod, this is better than any resort or hotel I’ve ever been to, and yet few ever get to see this.” It’s true, and it made me a little sad, so I ventured a little into some wineries and hospitality, such as Lynmar Estate Winery and Armida Winery, both in Healdsburg, and Brasswood Estate in St. Helena. But you know what? I love designing incredibly special places for people who really appreciate them—and they can decide to share them with their chosen few.
HL: Are there any “exotic” locations one might find your landscaping?
JB: When I was as a little kid, all I wanted to do was design gardens all over the world. I’ve now done that; I’m so fortunate. I will say that we are working on a dream project for my best friend’s sister and family in the south of France. They bought this amazing bastide style farmhouse and the six adjacent houses. We are combining all the gardens to create a special central garden, while keeping the street frontage unchanged. If there is anything I love in landscape design, it’s a good surprise around an unexpected corner.
Haute Living, San Francisco Launch Party
The Holiday Issue
BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZERCheers to “The Holiday Issue, Share the Gift of Beauty.” To celebrate the final magazine release of the year, Haute Living, San Francisco brought loyal friends and followers together at North Beach Restaurant to toast the close of a challenging but successful 2022.
Guests, including Joel Goodrich, Mark Sullivan, Nafiseh Lindberg, Afie Royo, Paula West, and Mark Calvano, dined on a cornucopia of Italian delights while enjoying a fine selection of Italian wines and prosecco. Each esteemed guest left with a gift bag from Italian furniture designer Poliform.
“From the moment I walked in, I knew it was going to be a night filled with fun and laughter. The food was fabulous, great drinks, and everyone loved the festive and celebratory atmosphere,” said Gioi Tran, owner of Poliform, SF
We raised a glass to the spirit of renewal embodied by our beautiful cover girl, Dr. Karen Horton, San Francisco’s prominent plastic surgeon, who shared her thoughts on rejuvenation inside the glossy pages.
As ever, the magazine’s pages were filled with joyful, uplifting happenings and positive, inspiring stories to entertain, as well as luxury-with-purpose lifestyle features and philanthropic events to benefit the wider community from Mendocino to Monterey.
We invite you, dear readers, to join us in further adventures—also found online at hautelivingsf.com—throughout 2023.
The San Francisco Symphony Celebrates Día de los Muertos
We remember together
BY ROBERT RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZEROn Saturday, November 5, the San Francisco Symphony presented its 15th annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration at Davies Symphony Hall, featuring a concert program of traditional and contemporary Latin American music preceded by a festive array of family-friendly activities and followed by the ¡Fiesta! Día de los Muertos fundraiser. Carlos Miguel Prieto conducted the SF Symphony in the concert program which included Arturo Márquez’s Concierto de Otoño, featuring trumpet soloist Pacho Flores. Immersive art installations and altars built by local artists transformed the lobbies of Davies Symphony Hall and honored the living and the deceased.
Curated by longtime SF Symphony collaborator Martha RodríguezSalazar, this year’s Día de los Muertos celebration honored the ancestral, sacred rites and beliefs.
The Día de los Muertos Concert was presented in partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission. ¡Fiesta! Día de los Muertos presenting sponsors included Alexander’s Steakhouse Group, Pamela Rummage Culp, and Sharon & David Seto.
Glenn Close HostS Intimate Celebration with Melissa McCarthy
Bring Change to Mind honors the winners of the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award
BY ROBERT RICHARDS PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZEROn October 19, 2022, Bring Change to Mind (BC2M), a nonprofit organization co-founded by award-winning actress Glenn Close to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness, presented its 10th Annual Revels & Revelations fundraiser at the historic Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco. The evening was filled with both laughter and tears as celebrities and music legends spoke of their own experiences dealing with mental illness issues suffered by their friends and family.
Revels & Revelations 10 featured a star-studded evening of musical performances by icon Alanis Morissette and musician Andy Grammer, a performance by comedian Jay Pharoah, and the bestowing of the Robin Williams Legacy of Laughter Award to actress Melissa McCarthy by Zak Williams, a BC2M board member. Actor Erich Bergen hosted the event. BC2M’s visionary, Glenn Close, made a special appearance. Along with adults sharing their stories, students from the BC2M High School program spoke of how they have been helped and supported through the youth program. The spectacular evening raised $1 million for the cause.
More information about BC2M can be found at bringchange2mind.org.
Bring Change To Mind’s staff and students
Alan Stuart, Glenn Close, David Ehrehberg, Jack Wright, Melissa Alanis Morisette Andy Grammer Jay Pharoah Melissa McCarthy, Zak Williams Glenn Close Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthyAn Enchanting Dinner with Libertine’s Creative Director, Johnson Hartig, at Neiman Marcus San Francisco
BY AUBREY BREWSTERSan Francisco’s most notable and guests from
Angeles joined together for a night of pure escapism and enchanted elegance at Neiman Marcus’ picturesque Rotunda restaurant, as the retailer celebrated one of its favorite fashion visionaries, Libertine’s creative director, Johnson Hartig.
“If people are to come out of their way to a dinner for us [Libertine], I wanted to provide something extraordinary. And I thought, what would be extraordinary for me? And that’s a dinner in an enchanted English forest,” said Hartig. And an enchanting dinner it was. Atop the room-length table, Hartig meticulously created a tablescape reminiscent of an enchanted English forest. One would not have been surprised if fairies and sprites leaped from the mossy woodlands adorning the whimsically elegant table.
“The way in which Johnson decorated it was just like a magical forest and a fairytale. It was intimate and, just like Johnson, a warm atmosphere,” said longtime friend and Libertine enthusiast Yurie Pascarella.
Along with towering branches, wildflowers, and moss, pieces of Staffordshire figurines from Hartig’s private collection adorned the table.
Models showed Libertine fashions throughout the night.
Guests included Neiman Marcus Vice President/Market General Manager Mark Sullivan, Yurie Pascarella, Karen Caldwell, Harry and
Karen Kublin, and Mary Beth Shimmon.
An Elegant Evening in the Court of Honor
BY OLIVIA DECKER PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZERThe Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco welcomed over 200 guests to the Legion of Honor for the annual black-tie gala dinner event An Elegant Evening in the Court of Honor on December 13. Honorary gala chair Diane (Dede) Wilsey, and gala chairs Jack Calhoun, Lorna Meyer Calas, and Lisa Zanze led the event. This annual fundraising event benefits essential funding for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and expands accessibility to all families at both the de Young and the Legion of Honor Museums.
One of San Francisco Bay Area’s leading philanthropist for arts, Dede Wilsey led a campaign which raised $208 million to repair the earthquakedamaged de Young Museum and contributed $10 million of her own funds to the donation which was one of the largest ever given to an American museum. She is also the donor of San Francisco Opera’s Opera on the Park free concert and Festival Napa Valley’s dance event.
Lisa Zanze, Jack Calhoun, and Lorna Meyer Calas Christine Graesser, John Maa, Eleni Kounalakis, and Olivia Decker Danielle St. Germain, Dede Wilsey, and Dorka Keehn Debby McGowan and Dede Wilsey Lisa Zabelle, Riccardo Benavides, and Lisa Zanze Robert Beadley and Navid Armstrong Trevor Traina, Marissa Mayer, and Alexis Traina Markos & Eleni Kounalakis and Mary Beth ShimmonPutting on the Glitz
Goodrich’s holiday soiree BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZERMuch like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket, an invitation to Joel Goodrich’s holiday extravaganza is a coveted prize that many San Francisco socialites eagerly anticipate. Of course, there is a reason for all the kerfuffle: each year Mr. Goodrich outdoes himself with glamour and glitz. The rumors are true. One year, the party was so hot that the bedazzled curtain in his dining room burst into flames. There wasn’t that much excitement this year, but his guest list read like an Oscar award for “Best Dressed.” Staying in theme with Mr. Goodrich’s décor, guests arrived draped in sequins, pearls, and diamonds.
Chase Johnson, Melodie Pacheco, Maddi Chen, and Joel Goodrich Pernella Somerville, Aubrey Brewster, and Tiffany Wang Joel Goodrich Phoebe Cowles and Joel Goodrich Theodore Brown and Clara Shayevich Barbara Brown and Joel Goodrich“AS ONE OF MY NEW YORK SOCIALITE FRIENDS USED TO SAY, ‘WE LIKE PRETTY PEOPLE IN GLAMOROUS PLACES!’”
– Joel Goodrich
San Francisco Opera Guild’s An Evening on the Stage Gala
BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOGRAPHY DREW ALTIZER“It was truly a memorable evening reminding us of the power of music in our lives and the future generation.”
– Maryam Muduroglu.
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA GUILD’S AN EVENING ON THE STAGE Gala dinner honored mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and composer Jake Heggie on Tuesday evening, November 29, at the War Memorial Opera House. Von Stade and Heggie each received the Crescendo Award, bestowed by the Guild upon individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary support to the Guild and San Francisco Opera. Now in its ninth year, the sold-out benefit presented by the San Francisco Opera Guild offered 275 guests the opportunity to dine on the War Memorial Opera House stage, surrounded by the set of the Company’s acclaimed new production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
Frederica von Stade continues to be extolled as one of the music world’s most beloved figures. Known by her nickname “Flicka,” the mezzo-soprano has enriched the world of classical music for over five decades. Her long and distinguished history with San Francisco Opera began in 1971 (Spring Opera Theater) as Sesto (La Clemenza di Tito), returning the following year for her mainstage debut in the role with which she is famously associated, Cherubino (Le Nozze di Figaro). Over the decades, she has returned in a wide range of repertoire, from Il Barbiere di Siviglia and La Cenerentola to Der Rosenkavalier to the creation of roles in new works such as Conrad Susa’s The Dangerous Liaisons and Heggie’s Dead Man Walking. In addition, she is devoted to her work with local organizations, including Oakland’s St. Martin de Porres Elementary School, the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra, and the People’s Choir of Oakland.
Composer and pianist Jake Heggie’s acclaimed works include the San Francisco Opera world premiere commission Dead Man Walking (libretto by Terrence McNally) and co-commissions Moby-Dick (libretto by Gene Scheer), It’s a Wonderful Life (Scheer), and Three Decembers (Scheer). He served as the Company’s first composer-in-residence from 1998 to 2000, which led to his first opera, Dead Man Walking (2000), in which von Stade created the role of Joseph de Rocher’s
mother. In addition to nine full-length operas and numerous one-acts, Heggie has composed nearly 300 art songs and concerti, chamber music, and choral and orchestral works. “Watching Jake and Flicka perform on stage together that evening made the event even more special for all involved,” praised Lisa Zabelle.
San Francisco Opera Guild President Maryam Muduroglu, whom San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed just announced as the city’s new Chief of Protocol, noted: “Music and art can have transformative influences in the lives of children. Self-expression, empathy, selfesteem, collaboration, global curiosity, compassion, critical thinking, a sense of purpose: these are all the lifelong skills we strive to foster in the thousands of students we reach every year throughout the greater Bay Area. Each of the performers tonight, including Jake and Flicka, was inspired by a mentor, experience, or program that ignited a spark to help them discover and explore their passions. That’s why we do what we do and are so grateful to Flicka and Jake for being such inspiring mentors and extraordinary supporters of our mission.” Co-chaired by Afie Royo and Lisa Zabelle, An Evening on the Stage included a cocktail reception in the War Memorial Opera House foyer, followed by dinner, musical performances, and dancing on the opera house stage. “It was a magical evening, and SF Opera Guild was delighted to honor and celebrate two of the most wonderful contributors to the music and opera world!” shares Afie Royo.
Musical guests included San Francisco Opera Guild’s Opera Scouts, students from the Young Musician’s Choral Orchestra, mezzo-soprano Catherine Cook, and performances by the guests of honor, Frederica von Stade accompanied by Jake Heggie. Event stylist and frequent Opera Ball designer J. Riccardo Benavides reunited with San Francisco Opera Guild for this event, and McCalls Catering & Events created a sumptuous dinner. The Cheeseballs provided the music for the dance floor.
Clockwise from top left: San Francisco Opera Guild Opera Scouts at Evening on the Stage; An Evening on the Stage co-chairs Lisa Zabelle (left) and Afie Royo (right) with San Francisco Opera Guild President Maryam Muduroglu; Young Musician’s Choral Orchestra members Max Nguyen (left) and Israel Rangel (right) with Frederica von Stade; San Francisco Opera Guild’s Evening on the Stage.
La Vita è Bella
An intimate evening with Andrea Bocelli and family
BY TERESA RODRIGUEZNESTLED IN A 4-ACRE, PARK-LIKE SETTING IN BURLINGAME is the stunning historic Kohl Mansion, which was the setting for a oncein-a-lifetime evening of music and fine dining with operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli on December 2. The evening benefited the educational programs of Festival Napa Valley and the work of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation, founded in 2011 and through which Bocelli leverages his deep connections and bonds of trust to help some of the world’s most disadvantaged people, children, and communities.
Surrounded by vaulted ceilings and priceless art, 120 guests began their magical night with passed hors d’oeuvres and Taittinger champagne. The esteemed guests donned festive apparel and chatted with Andrea Bocelli, his wife Veronica Berti, and Andrea Bocelli Foundation representatives, making the evening even more spectacular.
Following the lively cocktail reception, guests were escorted to a glass atrium where the remarkable performance took place. At the piano was conductor Eugene Kohn, who made his Metropolitan Opera conducting debut in 1980. Over the last decade, he has collaborated with Bocelli as music director for operatic events. Kohn can be seen onscreen in Franco Zeffirelli’s Callas Forever in which he recreated his real-life role as Maria Callas’ accompanist. Soprano Larisa Martínez, a Festival Napa Valley favorite, opened the performance with Broadway songs and an opera aria. She has graced the world’s top opera stages including
recent appearances at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl. Next, Bocelli performed Italian opera arias then joined Martínez. They swept the audience away with their duets, including the “Drinking Song” from La Traviata
The showstopper was when Bocelli and his 11-year-old daughter, Virginia, sang “Hallelujah” and “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” There was not a dry eye in the mansion. Virginia has just released her debut album, A Family Christmas, with her father and her brother Matteo. The album has been promoted on stage in London, Dublin, Budapest, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Recognized as the greatest living Italian tenor, Bocelli has sold over 90 million records and performed all over the world. His audiences have included four presidents of the United States, three popes, Queen Elizabeth for her Jubilee Celebration, and many heads of state, as well as headlining the ceremonies of the Olympic Games. Hearing his incredible voice in a private, intimate setting like this was a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
After the performance, guests dined in the historic grand hall, which looked like it came from the pages of Harry Potter. Michael and Tara Uytengsu hosted the sumptuous, multi-course dinner by McCalls Catering & Events and paired each course with the Uytengsus’ Tusk Estate wines and other wines from their private cellar. During the dinner, Mayor London Breed proclaimed December 2 Andrea Bocelli Foundation Day in the City and County of San Francisco.
Honored guests at La Vita è Bella-An Evening with Andrea Bocelli & Family included Festival Napa Valley Arts for All supporters Speaker Nancy Pelosi and husband Paul; California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and husband Markos; Mayor London Breed; Olivia Decker; Maria Manetti Shrem; president of the Andrea Bocelli Foundation Laura Biancalani; Bocelli Foundation ambassador and mother of Veronica Berti, Elena Brunelli; Bonnie Uytengsu; Michael and Tara
Maddie
and
Napa Valley board members Darioush (founding chairman) and Shahpar Khaledi; Timothy (chairman emeritus) and Athena Blackburn; Leslie (Arts for All gala chair) and Rich Frank; Antonio and Rita Castellucci, Ken and Deborah Novack, Maggie and Stephen Oetgen, Romana Bracco, and Sabrina and Timothy Persson; plus dozens of other supporters who each donated $10,000 to attend this special event for a remarkable cause.
The evening was part of the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series and was made possible by the generous support of Olivia Decker and Maria Manetti Shrem. Rick Walker, president & CEO of Festival Napa Valley, noted that “The Andrea Bocelli Evening was the top lot in our 2022 Arts for All Gala auction, which raised more than $3.9 million for the Festival’s charitable initiatives, including a major grant to the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. There is a great affinity between Andrea and his family and the Festival Napa Valley family, and we anticipate more collaborations in the future. We are very grateful to Olivia Decker for her commitment to bringing the Power of Music monthly concerts into our lives, to Maria Manetti Shrem for introducing Festival Napa Valley to the Bocelli family and for her unwavering support, to Mauro Aprile Zanetti for serving as the catalyst in the partnership between the two organizations, to Michael and Tara Uytengsu for hosting the amazing dinner paired with their wines, to Mayor London Breed for proclaiming Andrea Bocelli Foundation Day in San Francisco, and to each and every one who supported this event to bring more beauty to this world through the gift of music.”
In 2023, Festival Napa Valley is presenting a star-studded lineup of Olivia Decker Power of Music concerts. For up to date information, please visit www.FestivalNapaValley.org.
Uytengsu; Fred and Kerri Uytengsu; Candice Uytengsu; Mauro and Eva Aprile Zanetti; Maryam and Oran Muduroglu; Alexis Traina and her parents Clarke and Elizabeth Swanson; Barbara Brown; Dick and Pamela Kramlich; Carmen Castro-Franceschi and Greg Franceschi; Charles Johnson and Chen; FestivalOlivia Decker Power of Music Festival Napa Valley Presents Christina Maxwell Concert
BY OLIVIA DECKERSINGER, ACTRESS, AND FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY FAVORITE CHRISTINA MAXWELL, accompanied by the Richard Howell Trio, performed at an intimate afternoon event of music and wine at Haute Living’s lounge in downtown Tiburon on November 6. The program consisted of favorites from the Great American Songbook as well as Broadway hits.
Based in New York City, Maxwell is a rising star on the Broadway scene. She was recently awarded the New York Musical Festival’s award for outstanding performance in a leading role as Laura Evans in SONATA 1962. She also appeared as Deanna Durbin and Judy Garland in the Papermill Playhouse production of Chasing Rainbows Maxwell has performed with symphonies and in concert across the globe, from the Forbidden City in Beijing, China to Carnegie Hall, with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra musicians on EDGE in New York City, at Citi Field with the New York Mets, and on television as the new face and voice of HUMIRA®’s national commercial campaign. She is also the executive director of High Line Nine galleries and of the arts and culture special projects for The Related Companies, L.P., a leading luxury real estate development company in the United States.
Guests attending the sold-out concert and reception enjoyed breathtaking views of San Francisco’s skyline, the bay, and Corinthian Yacht Club harbor. Hosting the event with Olivia Decker were Festival Napa Valley president Rick Walker and chairman of the board Robin Baggett. All proceeds benefit Festival Napa Valley musical education programs.
Exclusive Four Seasons Napa Valley and Polestar Partnership
BY OLIVIA DECKERFROM OCTOBER 27 THROUGH 29, FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND Residences Napa Valley hosted a select few top media members for an immersive first look at the resort’s newly debuted Polestar house car program. The program invites guests to ride and drive in sustainable style with the fully electric Polestar 2, featuring the debut of Google’s in-car “infotainment” system, and the Polestar 1 performance GT model.
The Polestar cars were charged on-property and made available to guests for complimentary drives and/or chauffeured rides on a first come, first served basis. This was my first opportunity to experience the newest Polestar cars and learn more about the collaboration between these like-minded industry leaders. The partnership strengthens their shared goals to deliver luxury experiences without compromise.
Driving through the beautiful rolling hills and vineyards of Napa Valley in a sustainable luxury Polestar car was a true joy. This partnership eliminates the need for a rental car and allows for a seamless vacation experience for all guests seeking unforgettably stylish stays.
The event included a 2-night stay in luxurious accommodations amid the vineyards at Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley, the ride-anddrive experience in the latest Polestar cars, a wine tasting at Elusa Winery amid its 4.7-acre organic vineyard, and exceptional meals and culinary experiences at Truss Restaurant and Auro. (Read our article “The Awesome Aura of Auro” in this issue under Haute Cuisine.)
The 7-course tasting menu dinner at Auro was amazing. We were able to watch the kitchen staff prepare the entire meal through the huge glass windows. For a culinary buff, this was a real treat for me.
I took advantage of the opportunity to go inside the kitchen with executive chef Rogelio Garcia. I also had the chance to relax and explore the Four Seasons Residences, then get a deluxe massage at Spa Talisa on the day of my departure.
Located in Calistoga with 85 guestrooms and suites, the recently opened Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley is at one with the countryside, boasting countless opportunities for open-air dining and activities while being surrounded by mountain and vineyard views. The Polestar house cars are an inviting addition to the resort’s distinctive amenities which include grape-toglass winemaking and tastings at Elusa Winery, dining at Truss Restaurant & Bar, holistic wellness at Spa Talisa, the fully supervised Kids for All Seasons program, and two expansive pools within the vineyard. The resort’s concierge team is available to curate local excursions and itineraries for guests to explore the wine country using the Polestar house cars.
“We are very proud to partner with Polestar, offering an exclusive opportunity for guests to drive in sustainable style or ride as a part of our complimentary house car service,” said Mehdi Eftekari, general manager of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. “Polestar is focused on exceptional design and refined performance, making this collaboration a natural fit for our property and further enhancing the wine country experience. Whether they are looking to enjoy a short jaunt to a neighbourhood restaurant or a longer journey to an acclaimed winery, transport with Polestar cars makes for joyful driving and riding from the resort and allows guests to take full advantage of Napa Valley’s idyllic views, vineyard scenery, and stunning wine country locale.”
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
BY BECCA HENSLEYThis makeup is good for the soul.
THEY CALL THEMSELVES THE SMALL BRAND WITH THE BIG HEART.
Twice chosen by Oprah for a coveted space on annual Oprah’s Favorite Things list, beauty brand 2.4.1 Cosmetics, founded in 2018 by California-based twins Feven and Helena Yohannes, has a mission. Firm believers that inner beauty empowers, the Yohannes twins not only bring consumers a high quality, easy-to-use, remarkably clean makeup line, but also imbue every product with manifestations, mantras, and supportive, empowering thoughts to recharge the soul. 241cosmetics.com
HL: Your concept of beauty celebrates the inner spirit. Tell us about that.
HY: We’ve always believed that beauty is soul deep. One way to reenforce that is through words, which is why we are very intentional with each product description and name. We like to say “nontoxic ingredients and nontoxic messaging.”
FY: Our makeup brand’s ethos is not trend-driven. We focus on enhancing a woman’s beauty, not concealing it. It doesn’t matter how much makeup you apply: if you don’t feel good inside, none of it matters. So, in addition to clean ingredients, we want the messaging to inspire and empower our customers in an authentic and supportive way.
HL: You put a positive message in each package. Why do you do this and why is it important?
HY: We noticed a common theme in the beauty industry: major brands were profiting from manipulating consumers with unrealistic, airbrushed photos and encouraging overdone makeup. The subtext was always “you need this product” and never “you deserve this.” We like to think that our products remind women of the beauty that currently exists.
To us, makeup is a meditative process. The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. The name and description behind each product are intentional, because words are magic if we use them in the right way. We are not just here to sell confidence, we want to instill confidence, too.
HL: What are some of the messages and why did you choose them?
FY: As twins, we are constantly compared to each other, but we learned early on the power of unity and sisterhood. So, we wanted to
create a brand that reminded us of our collective power, a brand that said the things that we wanted to hear and encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves.
HL: Your products are clean, uncomplicated, glamorous, and confidence-building. Why did you choose the lineup you did? Which product does each of you love most?
FY: Sometimes life can be complicated, but your makeup drawer shouldn’t be! We believe in practical and reliable beauty solutions for everyone. We provide customers with the key products that will really enhance their already beautiful features. We love all our products, but we can’t live without our liquid eyeliner, Wing It, which is an intentional affirmation to work hard, hope for the best, and just wing it.
HY: Absolutely! Wing it or Black Caviar eyeliner is our war paint. It prepares us for the world!
HL: You say your mother is your muse. What traits does she have that you try to embrace each day?
HY: Our mother is the sun, the moon, the stars. We love her unwavering optimism, something you need as an entrepreneur. We often say that you may not control what happens to you, but you control how you respond.
Growing up, we watched our parents navigate a new country and a new language with four children, a lot of humility, and a profound faith. When our mother got ready for her late-night nursing shifts, she never left the house without her red lipstick. It was like her armor of courage, and it later symbolized a calm knowing that things, no matter how overwhelming, were going to be all right.
HL: You both believe that mind, body, and spirit together enrich our beauty. What advice do you have for us on how to enhance these parts of ourselves?
FY: There’s so much unlearning we have to do, and this idea of perfectionism forced on us by society is unhealthy. We wrote in our beauty affirmation for Role Model lipstick: “YOU are the most influential person you will ever meet.” It’s important you pour that love into yourself.
OTHER MUST TRY PRODUCTS FOR 2023
+ From Agent Nateur, discover Holi (Bright) Resurface Glass Face Mask, a results driven remedy, ideal for mature skin, dry, or sun-exposed skin. Loaded with anti-oxidants the at home facial ensures a radiant glow. $88 agentnateur.com
+ Being stressed about those pesky 11 lines only makes them deeper. SIO’s got your brow! Their newly released Mid-Brow 11’s Lift, a reusable wrinkle smoothing patch truly works to minimize the appearance of fine lines. $30 siobeauty.com
Blue Scorpions and Beautiful Skin
MRVL® Skin Solutions leads with healing venom
BY TERESA RODRIGUEZTHROUGHOUT HISTORY, THE TERM “SCORPION” HAS MEANT defender and intense protector, and if you ever dated a Scorpio, you know that to be true. This ancient myth has been present in all civilizations, symbolizing the unity of life and death, strength, serenity, and dignity. Blue Scorpion Peptide (BSP™) is the foundation of the MRVL® Skin Solutions’ products and known to stimulate collagen production and support skin rejuvenation. It has also been clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging and provide a healthy, youthful glow. MRVL’s product line symbolizes a defense of your youth and protector of your natural beauty.
Blue scorpion venom is widely known as the most expensive venom in the world. It has been studied and used for decades in medical research for cancer, arthritis, and other diseases. This research brought to light the extensive combination of amino acids, peptides, proteins, antioxidants, and other compounds essential to anti-aging and maintaining one’s youth. As a result, MRVL Skin Solutions decided to introduce this revolutionary ingredient to the luxury skincare and spa market.
Product creator Rick Langley is an entrepreneur and philanthropist known as @scorpion.rick. He has adopted a business philosophy of social responsibility and is the founder of Today’s Promise, a nonprofit charity that aids impoverished children in the Caribbean. Langley is also the founder of the world’s largest blue scorpion farm and state-of-the-art laboratory.
Langley developed a passion for health and beauty and had the vision to create this proprietary product line infused with the BSP. MRVL Skin Solutions gives 5 percent of every purchase to support Today’s Promise.
HL: How is the venom extracted?
RL: The venom is carefully extracted in a harmless process by gently handling and milking each scorpion every 21 days.
HL: Are the scorpions ever harmed during or after this process?
RL: The scorpions are not harmed during or after the process. We use highly scientific and modern technology to extract and purify the venom to create our proprietary Blue Scorpion Peptide.
HL: Is blue scorpion venom safe to use in skincare?
RL: Yes, all products that contain Blue Scorpion Peptide are 100 percent safe and can be used daily. Also, the blue scorpion is a nonpoisonous species.
HL: Does the MRVL Group of Companies or MRVL Skin Solutions test on animals?
RL: No, we do not test on animals.
HL: What differentiates MRVL Skin Solutions from other products in today’s market?
RL: After years of research, MRVL Skin Solutions has discovered the Blue Scorpion Peptide, a combination of amino acids, proteins, enzymes, and antioxidants. This breakthrough, proprietary peptide is being introduced for the first time in luxury skincare. Our products are formulated with powerful active ingredients that deliver transformative anti-aging results.
HL: Why is the venom considered to be so luxurious?
RL: The milking process is once every 21 days for each scorpion. The cost for one gallon of blue scorpion venom is $39 million—making it the most expensive liquid in the world!
You can begin your MRVL Skin Solutions regimen at mrvlskin.com.
Swiss Sauna Therapy
Boost your health at this wellness resort above Lake Lucerne.
BY BECCA HENSLEYNEARLY 2,000 FEET ABOVE SHIMMERY
LUCERNE AT 5-STAR Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, I bide time in what most people call the most Instagram-worthy infinity pool on Earth. Peering over its edge, I’m enveloped by a Swiss vista that stretches far and wide, an expanse that encompasses Mt. Rigi (beloved by Mark Twain), Mt. Pilatus, and Lake Lucerne’s limpid, waters, brimming with swans and sailboats, sleek catamarans, and vintage-style steamboats. In the pool, hydrotherapy features surround me: jets, waterfall massagers, and fountains—all willing me to relax. It’s so glamorous and nearly impossible to resist. But, I’ve got a date ... with the sauna. I’m off to join an Aufguss ritual inside the co-ed Panorama Sauna, part of the Alpine Spa, a 3-story marvel spanning 100,000 square feet. At Switzerland’s best wellness center with so many options, one must always make choices. Today, Aufguss wins.
What is Aufguss? Translated from German, aufguss means infusion. A popular wellness activity in both Nordic and Germanic countries, the practice isn’t for everyone. Nudity is involved— though you can always hide behind a towel. Instead of sitting in a sauna alone, ruminating in silence, sweating, and waiting for the hourglass timer to empty, you join a group led by a well-trained master. The Aufgussmeister (or sauna master) uses aromatherapy oils chosen for their effect (pine for relaxation, eucalyptus for invigoration, lavender for calming, etc.) to scent the air. Then, with a choreographed flourish that involves whipping and brandishing a towel through the air, the sauna master leads the session, essentially motivating the participants to sit longer, breathe deeper, and perspire more.
During my session at the Alpine Spa, my sauna master uses pine oil derived from the adjacent forest and chamomile from
the meadows beside it. Before the session, I hang my robe and swimsuit on a peg by the Panorama Sauna where the practice takes place. Once inside, I sit on a towel placed on a warm wooden ledge. While I wait for the ritual to begin, I gaze at the mesmerizing mountain and lake view shown through a large window wall. Calmly, the session begins. The master pours water and oil on the hot stones, then whips his towel through the air, sending the scent specifically into each person’s direction.
As the hot, perfumed steam encircles me, I inhale deeply, happily, heatedly, and begin to drift into a pleasing meditative state. It’s bliss, really.
Each person in the sauna stays in their wellness cocoon, inhaling and exhaling. When Aufguss ends, the participants don robes and prepare to disperse around the spa. Our Aufguss instructor reminds us to cool down. He suggests a tepid waterfall shower, a rest in the serenity room (that tranquil corner of the spa
replete with waterbeds, a fireplace, and loungers facing floor-toceiling windows), or a dip in the freezing cold plunge, chilled water pumped up to the resort from the glacial lake below. Ever attracted to extremes, I choose the icy water. It’s a shock to the system, of course, but almost immediately I feel that endorphin surge. Gratitude overwhelms me.
During my visit at Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, I do a number of Aufguss sessions, including some when we exfoliate our bodies with scented salt in an herbal steam room then hose ourselves off. I also take advantage of the spa’s myriad stations, such as an infrared cabin, nap pods, a saline floating bath created to mimic the Dead Sea, an alpine rasul steam area, an alpine eco pool, and, of course, spa treatments from facials to massages, executed by welltrained therapists using topnotch Swiss, French, and British brands. Needless to say, I never stay far away from the picturesque infinity pool, where the view might be said to be a spa treatment in itself.
KNOWN BENEFITS OF SAUNA THERAPY
Leading to the release of endorphins, saunas provide a place for reflection, relaxation, and in many cases, a sense of community. Most studies show that sitting in a sauna helps lower blood pressure, combats chronic pain, staves off Alzheimer’s disease, enhances exercise performance, boosts the immune system, increases metabolism, and promotes detox.
MORE ABOUT BÜRGENSTOCK HOTEL & ALPINE SPA AND THE BÜRGENSTOCK RESORTS
Long a destination beloved by A-listers, the mountaintop retreat above Lake Lucerne is where Audrey Hepburn married in a small chapel and lived for many years, where portions of Goldfinger were filmed, and where Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti spent time. After a $626 million renovation, the Bürgenstock Resort on Lake Lucerne, essentially a quintessential Swiss village, reopened in 2017.
The gently developed retreat, set within a forest, crowning the cliff, and opening to a pastoral meadow (home to bell-wearing cows), occupies 150 acres. Arrive by boat from Lucerne. You’ll ride a funicular to the top, home to Bürgenstock Resorts’ three hotels: Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence (a Matteo Thun-designed wellness hotel that focus on recovery and longer-term stays), and the classic Palace Hotel (ideal for conventions). An array of restaurants tempt, including the exceptional Spices Kitchen & Terrace which juts high over the lake. I stayed in Bürgenstock Hotel for easy access to the Alpine Spa. I still dream of its elegant suites which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, double-sided fireplaces and sunken bathtubs with views that embrace the lake.
WE LOVE THESE HEALTHY SUPPLEMENTS FOR 2023 Asutra
There are many glorious, effective products from this company, part-owned by Venus Williams. My favorite is the magnesium-loaded, capsaicin-spiked Melt Pain Away, an incredible body butter which naturally relieves aches and aids sleep. asutra.com/collections/magnesium/products/magnesium-body-butter Armra
I had results in just seven days with Armra, an amazing product that harnesses the curative abilities of more than 200 nutrients from colostrum. Trumpeted to be “more effective than a flu shot,” the immune booster comes in travel-sized, individual serving packets. tryarmra.com
Activated Morning Complex
With prebiotics and probiotics, plus leafy greens and metabolic-enhancing ginger and turmeric root, this easy-to-use wellness drink nourishes the gut. activatedyou.com/morning-complete-citrus
Winter, Wine, and Wellness
Head to the Meritage Resort and Spa for some R&R
BY NOËL BURGESS– Joe Leinacker, Managing Director of the Meritage Resort & Spa and Grand Reserve at the Meritage
THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR FOR MUCH OF THE U.S. MEANS
frigid temperatures, puffy coats, seeing one’s breath while speaking, and snowplows, but in the Bay Area, things play out a bit differently. Highs in the low to mid 60s, sunshine, and smaller crowds make for perfect conditions for winter travel to your favorite wine region for some wellness time.
So, are you “California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day” yet? The Meritage Resort and Spa and its sister property, The Grand Reserve at The Meritage, are ready to welcome you to experience the best of Napa Valley hospitality. As a AAA Four Diamond Resort, the luxury property offers various amenities which include the underground spa cave, wine tasting rooms, multiple dining options, and a resort within a resort at The Grand Reserve.
SPA/WELLNESS
There is never a bad time to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. As Napa Valley’s only spa cave, Spa Terra is ready to accommodate with a 22,000-square-foot, full-service spa on-property, offering wellness seekers an experience of complete tranquility.
Visitors may choose from a locally sourced menu of offerings, including a cave-inspired stone massage and facials featuring organic ingredients. Additionally, guests can add on on-site health and wellness experiences like wellness classes and a guided vineyard yoga hike.
WINE & DINE
You can’t come to wine country without indulging in the vino. At the Meritage and Grand Reserve, lodgers don’t have to travel far, thanks to the multiple tasting rooms located at The Village. Napa staples like Trinitas, Anarchist Wine Company, and Gen 7 wines will keep your smile big and your glass full.
Interested in pairing your wine and wellness trip with some fine dining? Head over to Olive & Hay, where local ingredients
meet the farm-to-table experience of Napa. This on-site restaurant features traditional and innovative Italian cuisine incorporating the homemade and the homegrown for an elevated, inviting experience. Plus, the 100-plus varietals of wine offered will keep connoisseurs engaged throughout the dining day.
THE GRAND RESERVE AT THE MERITAGE
Formerly the Vista Collina at The Meritage, this luxury resort within a resort is re-introducing itself as The Grand Reserve at The Meritage. The new name bends the knee and pays respect to the resort’s location in the heart of California’s Napa Valley Wine Country.
The relaxing retreat features Tuscan-inspired décor in 39 luxury suites and 145 guest rooms overlooking the serene hills of the valley. In addition to the name change, patrons can expect a few enhancements on-property, such as a welcome glass of champagne, pre-arrival concierge curation calls, Saturday evening wine tasting experiences with visiting vintners, and special musical performances.
ABOUT THE MERITAGE RESORT AND SPA AND THE GRAND RESERVE AT THE MERITAGE
Offering acres of sun-soaked, hillside vineyards and beautiful accommodations paired with luxurious amenities and awardwinning cuisine, The Meritage Resort and Spa and The Grand Reserve at The Meritage celebrate the best of Napa Valley. These sister resorts blend world class luxury with exceptional hospitality for a resort experience in the heart of California’s wine country. Amenities include indulgent spa treatments in the serenity of an underground estate cave, a food and wine village with a locally sourced artisanal market, on-site tasting rooms, a spacious community lawn for picnics and outdoor gatherings, and more. Find more information at MeritageResort.com.
“WE ARE THRILLED TO EMBARK ON THIS NEW CHAPTER FOR THE RESORT AS THE GRAND RESERVE AT THE MERITAGE. BY PAIRING LUXURY AMENITIES AND UNPARALLELED SERVICE, WE HOPE TO CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE LASTING MEMORIES CAN BE MADE.”
DESIGNER HOME OVER SAN FRANCISCO BAY IN PRESTIGIOUS BELVEDERE LOCATION
BY OLIVIA DECKERTHIS WATERFRONT SHOWPLACE WAS A FORMER HOME OF award-winning designer Martin Kobus, which he fully renovated in 2011 and 2012. Known for creating calm, welcoming spaces showcasing his modern aesthetic, Kobus reimagined this bright, sunny home as a personal waterfront resort with high ceilings and huge windows to enjoy the breathtaking San Francisco Bay views. A Dutch native, Kobus studied design in the Netherlands and Italy, giving his work a distinctively European sophistication. Check out Martin’s other showcases and awards at martinkobushome.com.
Located on the coveted west shore in Belvedere, this beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath, waterfront home is approximately 3,000 square feet. It features a state-of-the-art kitchen with a huge Caesarstone countertop island. All bathrooms feature limestone floors and Caesarstone counters. The living room has a high ceiling, wall-to-wall windows and a large fireplace. The family room with TV and desk is conveniently situated next to the kitchen. The kitchen and dining combo share a large fireplace and ample windows to take advantage of the spectacular view. Two bedrooms, each with a full bath, on main floor have direct access doors to the garden and the bay.
All rooms on the main floor open to the spacious, 1,000-squarefoot waterfront deck for gracious outdoor entertaining. The second floor is reserved for the luxurious master suite with fireplace, walk-in his and her closets, a cozy office area, and a terrace overlooking the
bay. Wide plank oak floors are installed throughout the entire home. Almost every room enjoys spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, the city of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Mount Tam and beyond. The 2-car garage has storage and an access door to the back deck which overlooks the bay. A gated flat garden offers privacy and additional outdoor space.
West Shore Road is the flattest and widest street in Belvedere. It has ample off-street parking along with basketball hoops and Warrior’s NBA superstar Klay Thompson as a beloved neighbor. A boat dock may be built, subject to approval, as almost all homes on this street have boat docks. Belvedere West Shore is known as the best yachting location on San Francisco Bay with easy access to Corinthian Yacht Club, San Francisco Yacht Club, Racoon Strait, and Tiburon Yacht Club around the corner as well as Sausalito Yacht Club and St. Francis Yacht Club across the bay. Downtown Tiburon is within walking and biking distance, as are ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island and great restaurants with outdoor seating, including Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, Sam’s Café, Caprice, Luna Blue, Le Petti Left Bank, Rustic Bakery, Tiburon Tavern, Salt & Pepper, and the up-coming Malibu Farm.
The home is fully furnished for rent and possible sale to serious buyers only. For details, text Olivia Decker at 415-720-5915 or email Olivia.HsuDecker@SothebysRealty.com.
2022 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
Elegance and performance combined.
BY TIM LAPPENwhen a brand reaches the upper echelons of success, its trademark can attain a secondary meaning. The name “Rolls-Royce” achieved that success decades ago, so a product tagline that says “the Rolls-Royce of [fill in the blank]” tells the consumer that the product is extremely well designed, is made of high-quality materials, will stand the test of time, and will be the best there is. (Note: If that product is made by someone who doesn’t have a license from Rolls-Royce to use the name, that will not be a very long-standing or conflict-free marketing campaign.) Throughout its storied career ― since its founding over 115 years ago ― Rolls-Royce has earned a well-deserved reputation as the creator of the most elegant and well-built of cars, many of which are still on the road today.
Of course, I knew that when I was offered a loan of the latest RollsRoyce model, a Black Badge Ghost edition, I was in for a treat. I would get to drive a beautiful car that was well made, fun to drive, solid, highperforming, and reliable. I experienced that, and then some.
The Ghost is one of four Rolls-Royce models for sale today ― the other three being the larger and more imperial Phantom (an elegant and B-I-G four-door sedan, often chauffeur-driven), the Cullinan (the most sophisticated of SUVs), and the Spectre coupe. All are distinctive and stunning and achieve their purposes beautifully. The Ghost is the four-door sedan that is often driven by the owner, not a chauffeur, and is the smallest of the current Rolls-Royce sedans, though it’s by no means a small car. It is roughly the size of a BMW 7 series sedan (six inches longer but almost the identical height and width), but the two don’t share looks, interiors or even power plants. The Black Badge Ghost is the “bad boy” of Ghosts, as the Black Badge package (at $43,850) brings with it a blacked-out and illuminated grille, black rims, black Spirit of Ecstasy (the hood ornament), and a handful of other noir delights.
When the car arrived, I was immediately struck by its imposing presence. The car exudes quality and stature and, with “mine” being a stunning gray with shiny black trim, it looked at once classic and modern, which may be the motto of the Black Badge Rollers. Where once the shiniest of chrome was “de rigueur,” now dark trim, a dark grille (which is beautifully illuminated), dark wheels, and dark window
surrounds abound. I should have suspected that my Rolls was going to be a performer when I saw that the color was called “Burnout Grey.” (What, you thought Poupon Grey would be more fitting?)
But wait, there’s more. The Black Badge also bumps the horsepower and torque above those specs in the standard Ghost, and Rolls-Royce states this will move the stately sedan from 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. That is a remarkable feat: The car weighs in at about 5,600 pounds, yet the acceleration could beat most hot rods from the 1960s. (Two other differences are that the Rolls also handles and stops!) All Ghosts sport a twin-turbo V-12 motor but, at 592 horsepower, the Black Badge puts out about 30 horsepower more than the standard Ghost power plant.
The base price (a difficult choice of words, as nothing about this car is “base”) is $393,500, but mine was the beneficiary of a very liberal ordering clerk and had options totaling about $93,000. With destination, handling, and gas guzzler taxes, the window sticker was $492,250.
I suspect that most Black Badge owners drive theirs as I did, as the car is so responsive and ― surprising to many ― handles really well. The mileage may vary (as they say), but I was getting about 15 mpg. (If that’s really important to you, check out my upcoming article on the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the all-electric beauty that’s just been announced.) Some of the special features on my car are included in the Black Badge package, such as lambswool foot mats (my wife’s favorite), but most ― such as high-gloss interior veneer, contrast stitching for the R-R insignia on the headrests, body-colored grille, etc. ― really seem mandatory if one were to buy a Rolls-Royce.
My week with this beauty came to an end much too quickly. I enjoyed driving it on a short trip to Newport Beach as well as on the roads and freeways around Los Angeles. I was comfortable driving and parking the Black Badge and was grateful for the numerous cameras, which produced a terrific view of front, back, and side. But mostly, I enjoyed the pure luxury of driving a gorgeous machine that felt safe, comfortable, responsive, and elegant everywhere I went.
Thank you, Rolls-Royce, for over a century of luxury, class, elegance, and beauty on four wheels.
2023 Aston Martin DBX707
An SUV with the heart of a lion.
BY TIM LAPPENASTON MARTIN IS ONE OF THE LATEST MANUFACTURERS TO ENTER THE SUV parade, to be followed soon by Ferrari and Lotus. But not long after the Aston DBX arrived, the company delivered this fire-breather, the DBX707. And not to be outdone by others, Aston mated its beautiful, sinewy body with a 707 British horsepower (measured in PS, which makes it about 697 horsepower). And I am here to tell you that it puts all of those several hundred ponies to good use. (Note: even with the long-term James Bond connection, Aston obviously didn’t want to have to market a vehicle with only 007 horsepower, so they had to use this nameplate number.)
Aston Martin has made beautiful cars for years. In the 1950s, Ian Fleming helped immortalize Aston Martins as the cars that James Bond drove. Fleming’s verisimilitude was on several levels, with Bond partaking of various brands of drinks, weaponry, and the like, but almost everyone seems aware that Sir James drove an Aston. Also, we can thank the movies for the extensive list of options on the Bond Astons, which were replete with ejection seats, machine guns, oil slicks, and more. What a great product placement, on which Aston Martin has ridden for many years.
The more modern Astons are closer to the top supercars of these days in that they have more sculptural forms, more sophisticated technology, and more potent motors. And nowhere is that new formula more present than with the DBX707, which can rip off 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 193 mph Even the quarter-mile drag race stats are impressive: 11.5 seconds with a trap speed of 119 mph. As impressive as the numbers are, the SUV feels even faster, thanks no doubt to its great exhaust note and its very fine interior.
The suggested retail price for the DBX707 is $236,000, but “mine” had a number of fine options, boosting the price to $292,186. That compares favorably to the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Bentayga. However, at some 700 horsepower, the DBX707 leads the power parade. No wonder it’s gotten rave reviews from many.
But back to the options. As is the case with most manufacturers these days, the DBX has many color choices, each with a price tag of note. Mine was “Satin Titanium Grey,” which added $8,900, but that was the second most-expensive option on the SUV since it also had a number of the “Twill Carbon Fibre” packages: Carbon Fibre Gloss
Upper Package for $9,200; Carbon Fibre and Dark Chrome Jewelry at $3,400; and Carbon Fibre Trim Inlay for $4,500.
As I love gray cars and carbon fiber, I owe a huge shout-out to the person who configured my SUV. When you add the 23-inch forged textured black wheels at $5,700 and Arden Green Metallic Leather (stunning!) at $2,800, along with a few other bits and pieces, you can see why the sticker was some $53,000 above the base. But, personally, I would have chosen all of those options too.
Looks are good, of course, but can the performance cash the checks that the DBX is writing? Abso-Aston-lutely. We already know the stats show it’s a straight-line performer. But it was a delight to discover how the DBX707 handles the “twisties.” It’s sure-footed and corners really well, which is somewhat surprising since most of today’s primo handlers are e-cars with a very low center of gravity thanks to the batteries ensconced at or below the height of the axles. While the 707’s motor isn’t as heavy as the Aston V12, it’s still a force to be reckoned with, especially when the DBX is as tall as it is. I really like that the car has the ability to go almost in stealth mode and then, with the choice of the steering-wheel buttons for performance and suspension modes and the stomp of the pedal, it’s a real fire-breather.
I must admit that I was always a fan of the Aston Martin brand ― even the exhaust sound alone plays my favorite song ― but it has done a terrific job with the DBX707 in keeping the DNA of Aston’s performance, fit, finish, and sound while venturing into a whole different category of vehicles than they ever have before. Any nits or nats to mention? Not really, as I loved my time with the car and was very, very sorry to see it go back at the end of the week.
San Francisco Ballet Announces Details Of Next@90
A new works festival featuring nine world premieres
BY TERESA RODRIGUEZSAN FRANCISCO BALLET (SF BALLET) RELEASED DETAILS OF next@90, the new works festival opening the Company’s 90th anniversary repertory season and running from January 20 to February 11, 2023, at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Curated by the SF Ballet’s previous artistic director, Helgi Tomasson, next@90 follows 2018’s Unbound: A Festival of New Works in exemplifying a spirit of innovation with nine world premieres by choreographers both familiar and new to the Company, including Robert Garland, Jamar Roberts, Danielle Rowe, Val Caniparoli, Bridget Breiner, Yuka Oishi, Claudia Schreier, Nicolas Blanc, and Yuri Possokhov. In addition, the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Ballet Orchestra under music director Martin West will play live for each next@90 ballet, set to scores that span centuries of composition, including festival commissions.
GARLAND/ROBERTS/ROWE PREMIERES
January 20—February 11
Robert Garland’s Haffner Serenade Jamar Roberts’ Resurrection Danielle Rowe’s MADCAP
Robert Garland, named the new artistic director of Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2022, created Haffner Serenade for next@90, his first work for SF Ballet. For his contemporary ballet, Garland finds motivation in the African word sankofa, which represents the need to understand the past to move into the future. “Part of my intention is getting dancers to experience what a standard is within the classical canon,” Garland shares. For Haffner Serenade, set to Mozart, he has created a solo on principal dancer Esteban Hernández. It involves West African movement set in a classical context. He adds, “There are elements to older music that retain what I feel are African American and African-centered rhythms and syncopation.” Haffner Serenade also, in part, honors Helgi Tomasson, whom Garland describes as a “complete classicist,” and includes costumes designed by Pamela Cummings. It is set to three movements from Mozart’s Serenade for Orchestra in D Major Jamar Roberts enters a new era of his choreography by creating a narrative ballet for the first time. Roberts’ Resurrection, named after the
first movement of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 and marking Roberts’ first work for SF Ballet, involves a “witchy” lead woman who enlists the help of her community to resurrect and control a dead man when something goes awry. A longtime dancer with and former resident choreographer oft the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), Roberts is also influenced by his studies in visual art in his youth. “The idea of the cinematic lives rent-free in my mind,” he said, citing the “total theater” experience offered by Pina Bausch, Alvin Ailey, and Martha Graham as inspiration for his new work. Roberts will design the scenic elements of Resurrection, with costume designs by AAADT company member Jermaine Terry.
Danielle Rowe, the Australia-born, San Francisco-based choreographer, creates her second repertory work for SF Ballet with MADCAP. Rowe’s love of storytelling and theatrics is brought to the fore in her next@90 premiere. It dissects the anatomy of a clown and uses its motion as inspiration for the choreography. Set to eerie, carnival-inspired music by Pär Hagström and orchestrated by Philip Feeney, MADCAP also offers an unusual task for the dancers: using their voices with recitation, singing, percussive hisses and whoops, and hollers throughout the ballet. “It’s been a very collaborative experience,” says Rowe, highlighting the versatility and bravery of the dancers. “They’re so willing to be uncomfortable, so willing to try something new.” Rowe’s collaborative team includes costume designer Emma Kingsbury and lighting designer Jim French. Former SF Ballet Soloist Garen Scribner is Rowe’s assistant.
CANIPAROLI/BREINER/OISHI PREMIERES
January 21—February 8
Val Caniparoli’s Emergence
Bridget Breiner’s The Queen’s Daughter Yuka Oishi’s BOLERO
Val Caniparoli joined SF Ballet in 1973 and will celebrate his 50th anniversary with the Company in 2023. His next@90 ballet, Emergence, is set to Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Cello and Strings and includes costume designs by Susan Roemer and lighting designs by Jim French. In addition to dancing as principal character dancer since 1985, he has created more than 20 works for SF Ballet, including Ibsen’s House, which premiered during the 75th anniversary New Works Festival in 2008.
Bridget Breiner, artistic director and principal choreographer of Staatsballett Karlsruhe, creates her first work for SF Ballet with The Queen’s Daughter, an adaptation of the biblical story of Salome. Set to Benjamin Britten’s only violin concerto, her Salome (created on principal dancer Sasha De Sola) departs from Oscar Wilde’s femme fatale character. Instead, Breiner opts to explore the relationship between a very young girl and her mother. “In certain interpretations, Salome is a young girl who is pushed around and manipulated by her family,” says Breiner. “I found the idea of her dancing, then, as a moment of power for her. Maybe she’s a shy and introverted person, but she takes this opportunity to perform, and with this expression of herself, she can ask for anything.” The Queen’s Daughter uses a Greek chorus among the cast of 13 dancers. Jürgen Kirner will design minimalist costuming and sets.
Yuka Oishi makes her United States and SF Ballet debut with her next@90 ballet, BOLERO. Oishi’s creative process for BOLERO began in 2020, when she experienced two significant life changes at once: the pregnancy and subsequent birth of her son and the death of a loved one. “Death and life kissed each other,” described Oishi, who was motivated to create not a heartbreaking ballet, but one with energy. “When I listened to Bolero, I had to start moving,” she said about Maurice Ravel’s iconic piece. “The repetition of rhythm and melody completed my idea of a constant beating, the idea of growing a cell to the universe’s scale.” Oishi’s collaborators for BOLERO include assistant Orkan Christopher Dann, with whom she created RENKU in 2012 for the Hamburg Ballet at the invitation of artistic director John Neumeier. Composer Shinya Kiyokawa has created additional music for BOLERO, including costume designs by Emma Kingsbury and projections by Jun Nishida and Hiroki Inokuchi.
BLANC/SCHREIER/POSSOKHOV PREMIERES
January 25—February 7
Nicolas Blanc’s Gateway to the Sun Claudia Schreier’s Kin Yuri Possokhov’s Violin Concerto
Nicolas Blanc, former SF Ballet principal dancer and current rehearsal director/coach and choreographer at The Joffrey Ballet, returns to SF Ballet for Gateway to the Sun, his new ballet set to Anna Clyne’s DANCE for cello and orchestra from 2019. “Dance is a liberation; dance is a sense of soothing, of solace for a human being,” said Blanc, who models the five movements of Gateway to the Sun after the five lines of 13th century poet Rumi that Clyne excerpted for her score:
Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood.
Dance, when you’re perfectly free.
– Rumi
At Helgi Tomasson’s request, Blanc created two works for SF Ballet School in 2006 and 2007. Gateway to the Sun is Blanc’s first ballet created by the company and includes scenic and costume designs by Katrin Schnabel.
Claudia Schreier, choreographer in residence at the Atlanta Ballet, is creating for SF Ballet for the first time with Kin, set to a commissioned score by Tanner Porter. “Working with Tanner has blown open wide for me the possibility of what it means to work in collaboration with an artist,” said Schreier, who first worked with Porter at the Boston Ballet earlier this year and who emphasizes the give-and-take nature of their relationship. An abstract ballet, Kin features two female dancers among a cast of 16 who are enveloped in a shifting power dynamic, pressured by the limiting nature of time. A native of New York, Schreier credits studying SF Ballet and PBS’ Great Performances’ production of Lar Lubovitch’s Othello as a transformative moment in her career, which includes an academic degree from Harvard University. “It’s surreal to be here, in this beautiful city,” she says. “I love the San Francisco Ballet dancers.” Kin includes costumes by Abigail Dupree-Polston.
Yuri Possokhov, SF Ballet’s choreographer in residence, presents his premiere Violin Concerto at next@90. Possokhov, who became choreographer in residence after retiring from dancing for SF Ballet in 2006, recalls Balanchine’s Violin Concerto as one of his favorite ballets by the choreographer, which he danced many times. Possokhov approaches Stravinsky’s score with fresh eyes. “I needed to do this now,” Possokhov said. “My memory of Balanchine comes back, of course, but this impulse gives me a chance to express myself.” Violin Concerto showcases Possokhov’s musicality and is set on seven couples and one lead ballerina. Violin Concerto includes scenic designs by Alexander V. Nichols and costume designs by Sandra Woodall.
Calendar information: Tickets for the 2023 season start at $29 and may be purchased online at sfballet.org or by calling the ticket services office at (415) 865-2000, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. This wonderful series is sponsored by Jim and Cecelia Herbert and an anonymous donor.
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.
Kick off 2023 with a 30-day Sugar Buster Challenge
BY LYDIA GRAHAMI HOPE YOU HAD A JOYFUL HOLIDAY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
Here’s to you in 2023! May you be healthy, happy, and inspired. Along those lines, I’ll make this short and not so sweet. Maybe it’s time for you to break up with sugar? Just for a little while, at least. You probably had plenty over the holidays, so the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to kick off a 30-day sugar detox. I challenge you to 30 days, as most folks abandon their health resolutions within a few weeks. It’s important to stay with it.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH SUGAR?
Sugar is insidious and hidden in many foods we’re not even aware of. While finding two nutritional experts or scientists who agree on any one way of eating is difficult, all agree sugar makes us sick. It feeds cancer cells and exacerbates inflammation and insulin resistance, which is at the root of the diabetes and obesity epidemic today.
Sugar in significant amounts disrupts our gut’s microbiome, causing a proliferation of unhealthy bacteria that crowds out healthy bacteria. This, in turn, can impact our immune function. It’s widely accepted that 70 percent of our immunity resides in the gut. Too much sugar can also cause weight gain, an increase in triglycerides that contribute to heart disease, and unnecessary tooth decay.
If that’s not enough to convince you, it’s also highly addictive (more so than cocaine), causing us to want to eat more of it. Research by Lenoir et. al. in 2007 reported on a study of rats fed refined sugar and cocaine: the rats consistently choose sugar.
READ FOOD LABELS
Most people in the U.S. don’t know how much sugar they consume, because it’s not obvious. Food labels measure it in grams which most Americans cannot visualize.
This might help: four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon of sugar. To be healthy, you must be informed and know what’s in your food. Food companies make that hard for us—often intentionally confusing us to sell more products.
Reading labels requires awareness and knowledge as well as forming a habit of curiosity and intention to read them. Just because something is labeled “healthy” or “natural” or is purchased in a health food aisle or store doesn’t mean it is. Always look for the sugar content. I’ve been obsessed with eating healthy food for decades, and even so, eating healthfully remains an ongoing challenge. While food labeling is an exhaustive topic, let’s break down a few basics to consider on your low or no sugar journey, so you can be your own best advocate whether you grab-and-go, dine out frequently, or cook at home.
SUGAR HAS MANY NAMES
Sugar has many names: sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose, to name only a few. Google the rest. Look for suspects in the ingredients list, but always look at total grams of sugar, then translate it into teaspoons.
Establish a baseline of how much sugar you are currently eating before you begin. Make a note of your sugar bombs—i.e., the huge hits of sugar that sabotage you, such as a Starbucks Frappuccino or a Coke in the morning. Notice how you feel after you consume these.
Try this experiment for one week before you start. Buy a onepound bag of sugar. Keep a log of your daily sugar grams, translate it into teaspoons, and put that amount into a Mason jar. If you are not already monitoring your sugar closely, at the end of the week, your choices will change.
And sorry, honey, agave, and coconut sugar are still sugar.
Maybe it’s time to break up with sugar?
NATURAL VERSUS ADDED SUGAR
It’s pretty much impossible to go absolutely no-sugar, as sugar occurs naturally in many foods, such as lactose in dairy or maltose in sprouted grains. Natural sugars contain fiber and nutrients, which are important. Added sugars do not.
We need to be most concerned about the sugars added by food manufacturers. (If you want to get serious, you might consider eating low glycemic foods—more about that below.)
SUGAR ALCOHOLS
A word about sugar alcohols, as you’ve probably seen them on food labels. They occur naturally in some exotic fruits and vegetables, and some are man-made. While they have approximately half the calories of sugar and are not fully absorbed by the small intestine, they (particularly mannitol and sorbitol) can cause intestinal discomfort in the form of bloating and diarrhea if one eats too much at a time. Sugar alcohols, like sugar, go by many names: xylitol, eerythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH), isomalt, maltitol, mannitol, and sorbitol.
For those of you counting carbs, if the number of sugar alcohol grams is five or greater, divide that number in half then subtract it from your total carbs for an accurate reading. If erythritol is the only sugar alcohol listed, then subtract all its grams from your total carbs. Sugar alcohols, except for erythritol, are not recommended for those on a FODMAP diet due to the digestive distress they can cause. And an important heads-up for all who might be dog guardians, please note xylitol is highly toxic to dogs. Don’t leave it lying around.
INGREDIENT LISTS
Ingredients appear in order of their amounts in the product. The first ingredient is the largest by volume and the last, the smallest. Look to see where sugar ranks in the ingredient list. Remember its many names.
SUGAR BY SERVING SIZE
In 1993, the Federal Department of Agriculture mandated nutritional facts labeling on most packaged foods. Serving sizes were based on food consumption and intake surveys conducted in the 1970s and 1980s. Consumption has increased since then: super-sized fries, anyone? In 2016, the FDA required food labels to more accurately reflect consumption and food labels to state a serving size or how many servings per container. Labeled nutrition facts are always per serving size. Food manufacturers calculate small portions on purpose, so it’s easy to glide right over this and eat more than one serving at a time. I’m always amazed to see a drink or packaged food list two or three servings for what would make sense to be a single serving. Pay attention.
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
Don’t substitute with artificial sweeteners. Most qualify as a chemistry experiment and can be worse for your health than a little bit of sugar. Try to kick the sweet habit, but if you must add a sweet touch to your coffee or tea, try some stevia or granulated monk fruit.
HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?
My personal philosophy is any added sugar is too much, as we get plenty just eating food, but sometimes it’s impossible or unrealistic to avoid all added sugars. It’s hard to believe the daily recommendation by the American Heart Association is no more than 24 grams for women and 36 grams for men. Remember, that still equates to six teaspoons and nine teaspoons, respectively, which seems like a lot.
THE CHALLENGE
So how serious would you like to get about this? Think about committing to one of three levels below, but choose the one you think you can succeed in, not the one your perfect self would select. Be realistic and take stock of where you are starting from, as any progress above that is good. You can always go to the next level after 30 days. Also, you don’t want to create so much deprivation that it sends you binging in the other direction.
So, here are your choices:
Level One: This is the easiest and most obvious. Give up sweets, deserts, candy, and sugary drinks, etc. In other words, obvious sugar that you can see, quickly taste, or add, such as to your coffee, tea, etc.
Level Two: Getting more serious here. All the above, plus now you are reading the labels and discovering and forgoing foods or drinks with high (and hidden) sugar content by all its names.
Level Three: Now, you’re all in. All the above, plus give up the foods that quickly turn to sugar in the body, such as refined starches like breads, pastas, and/or high-glycemic foods. Eat low on the glycemic index which is a measure of how quickly a food can raise your blood sugar. Look up the glycemic index on the internet and you will see a list of foods and their glycemic values.
Bonus: Consider alcohol which can quickly turn to sugar in the body.
Some
tips to get you through:
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. This will help you feel full throughout the day.
• Crowd out sweets by adding sweet foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, fruit, etc. to your diet.
• Engage your partner as a buddy or find a friend to do this challenge with you.
• Establish rewards along the way that are not food related.
• Experiment with tasty new recipes that are low in added sugar or avoid added sugar entirely.
Stay With It:
Depending on how much sugar you have been consuming— particularly if it has been a lot—you could experience mild to moderate unpleasant mental and physical symptoms ranging from depression, anxiety, brain fog, cravings headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. (If you are concerned about any side effects, consult your physician.)
These side effects are largely due to the established fact that sugar leads to the release of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter stimulating the pleasure-reward pathway. Find other ways you can reward yourself and seek out pleasurable, low sugar, or non-sugar activities and foods that might offset this.
Overall, if you can decrease the amount of sugar in your diet, your prospects for a longer, healthier life will be better. Short-term challenges will be well worth the long-term benefits. This challenge is meant to set you on a healthier path and to improve your current awareness of just how much sugar is right for you. Remember, moderation is the key long-term, so don’t be too hard on yourself and, above all, pay attention to how you feel.
Here’s to a healthy start to your 2023!
Note: This is not meant as medical advice. Please consult your professional practitioner for individual counsel particularly if you have pre-diabetes, diabetes, or any other medical conditions such as depression or current or previous disordered eating.
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
The joy of holiday giving
BY AUBREY BREWSTERTHE SKILLFUL TABLETOP
To me, the perfect tablescape is the center—the home—of any party. It’s where it all happens, where the life of the event takes place, the soul to your meal.
Making your guests comfortable is key to the success of any sit-down function. It’s where they’ll spend the evening or afternoon, so everything they’ll need should be at arm’s length. From table settings to the menu and the libations, creating a fantasy for your guests is crucial when putting together a memorable soiree they will talk about for years to come. To start the New Year and in celebration of this sentiment, allow me to share some of my most talked-about parties, which I hope will inspire you for the year to come.
MYSTIQUE SAVANNAH— A SOUTHERN FANTASY
For guests, Mystique Savannah delivered a spectacular Savannah, Georgia-themed event worthy of a chapter from John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by transforming Neiman Marcus San Francisco’s posh and picturesque Rotunda restaurant into an enchantingly chic southern garden.
In true southern style, guests made their fashionable entrance through a dramatic, 10-foot iron arbor gate, whimsically adorned in English ivy and cascading Spanish moss (flown in from Savannah, Georgia). They were greeted with scrumptious oyster shooters, shrimp, and a generous caviar bar served under a beautiful water fountain before sitting down to a lavishly adorned, 50-foot table under a canopy of branches festooned with beautiful birds, lilacs, dogwood blooms, roses, and other stunning flowers. The 6-course menu, inspired by southern cooking, included fried green tomatoes with chilled Dungeness crab (an homage to San Francisco), hominy grits and lobster, braised short rib “Brunswick” stew, and fried chicken and waffle
napoleons with country ham (flown in from the Meats of Virginia, formally the renowned Edward’s Ham), and blue nose crab hush puppies, specially curated for the occasion by the Rotunda.
PURELY PARADISE—AN ESCAPE— THE ISLANDS ON THE MAINLAND
We lived a spectacular island fantasy by transforming the Rotunda into a decadent tropical oasis.
In pure island Ho’okipa sentiment, guests were warmly welcomed with freshly strung exotic orchid leis (flown in from Hawaii) and a luscious Hawaiian poke bar and passed hors d’oeuvres before sitting down to a lavishly adorned, 50-foot table under an elegant canopy of palm leaves and exotic flowers. The island-inspired menu consisted of chilled crab and avocado “shooters,” “surf and sand” (pork belly and butter-poached lobster tails with duck confit blue potatoes), hearts of palm and mizuna salad, and pineapple-basil entremets. The meal was followed by a stunning 3-tier cake decorated with sugar orchids, palm leaves, and hibiscus from renowned cake designer Perfect Endings Cakes of Napa, a favorite among presidents, first ladies, and other notables as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Sting.
Within a beautifully festive bamboo tiki lounge, revelers sipped on Perrier-Jouèt champagne and specially tailored, tropical libations served in custom-made ceramic tiki cups (painstakingly created by my good friend, Jerold Osato) with my likeness on them for guests to take home to commemorate the magical event.
Among the afternoon’s partygoers were ABC’s Carolyn Tyler (retired); former VP/general manager of Neiman Marcus, the late Alan Morrell; socialite Clara Shayevich; and legendary luxury real estate agent (and Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing San Francisco) Joel Goodrich. “The level of production value is incredible!” stated Goodrich about the attention to detail put into the 5-hour tropical soirée.
KAISEKI BLOOM—A KIYOTO DREAM
Fashionable guests experienced true Japanese hospitality, making their entrance down a pink carpet through a dramatic Japanese garden gate whimsically adorned with cherry blossoms. They were greeted with scrumptious, handcrafted nigiri rolls and a generous caviar bar served from a grand fishing boat before making their way over a wooden Japanese garden bridge arching over a brook of black river rocks and hedged by 7-foot ivory sakura trees and tranquil Zen water fountains. They sat down to a lavishly adorned table under a canopy of cherry blossoms.
As guests finished sipping on rich lotus miso soup, servers dressed in beautifully embroidered red kimono jackets presented guests with their very own personalized 3-tiered black lacquer bento boxes embellished in gold and red chrysanthemums. Each layer contained a different delectable course, including filet mignonette teriyaki, black sesame rice, watercress oshitashi, lobster and Japanese vegetable tempura, and an assortment of toro, maguro, and salmon sashimi, sea urchin and salmon roe nigiri, and maki rolls, all specially curated by the Rotunda.
World-renowned cake designer BethAnn Goldberg of Studio Cake, one of my favorites, created Kaiseki Bloom’s whimsical confectionary masterpiece: a stunning, 3-foot cake shaped like a Hinamatsuri emperor doll of the Japanese Heian period sitting atop a tatami mat and decorated in pastillage sugar cherry blossoms. Even the cake’s flavor was unique. Goldberg and I developed a flavor never tasted before: the “Geisha’s Stare,” a one-of-a-kind concoction of mildly sweet sakura leaf and vanilla genoise sponge filled with pickled cherry blossom paste and sakura jam buttercream.
Within the beautifully festive and elegant “Sakura Bar & Lounge,” revelers sipped on Moët and Chandon champagnes and specially tailored, Japanese-inspired libations such as the White Eye (named for the Japanese white-eye bird that populates the cherry blossom branches of Kyoto in springtime), a mix of unfiltered sake, peach vodka, and sakura syrup served in an adorable, hand-blown, birdshaped glass. Warming hot sake was served in keepsake porcelain sake bottles for guests to take home to commemorate the magical event.
“In the state of the world today, I think it’s important for us to indulge in a magical afternoon—a moment to escape and spread the love around,” I said in a toast to my guests. That love reverberated throughout the afternoon.
Longtime friend and partygoer, the honorable Mayor Willie Brown, Jr. says of Brewster’s events, “I don’t know how many of you
are repeat invitees, but it is something to look forward to, because you know every year, he is going to do something incredibly unique, unbelievable, as is the occasion.” Guests couldn’t have agreed more.
Among the afternoon’s 40 guests were Brewster’s partner (and co-host), Dr. Edward Winger; former Mayor Willie Brown, Jr.; ABC7’s Carolyn Tyler; jazz icon Paula West; fashion icon and Mayor Brown’s girlfriend, Sonya Molodetskaya; fashion designer Vasily Vein; socialites Mary Beth Shimmon and Farah and Victor Makras; philanthropist Sophie Azouaou; and luxury real estate agent Joel Goodrich.
“We closed Neiman Marcus,” stated Brown. Todd Hoyles, formerly the general manager of NM, added, “Neiman Marcus Union Square is honored that Aubrey Brewster chooses our beautiful store as the setting for his annual birthday party. Each year, Aubrey somehow manages to make his party grander and [more] over-the-top than the last. Equipped with a pink carpet, he completely transformed the space into a stunning Japanese cherry blossom orchard.”
MERRY & BRIGHT—NEIMAN MARCUS’ VIP HOLIDAY PARTY
To round up these memorable soirees, I can’t list my favorite events without mentioning collaboration with my home away from home, Neiman Marcus, for their first holiday party to kick-off the 2022 holiday season. I worked directly with Mark Sullivan, the vice president/market general manager of Neiman Marcus San Francisco and their headquarters in Dallas.
Guests were delighted with a British-themed Christmas (in honor of Mr. Sullivan’s roots) within NM’s holiday department in the Penthouse on 5. Guests sipped on French champagne from my new champagne cart (shipped in from the United Kingdom), equipped with a selection chic pump bottles filled with St. Germain, Poinesettia, Bellini, and Kir Royal to liven up their bubbles. Rotunda’s executive chef created bite-size Yorkshire puddings with roast beef and horseradish cream, his “Million Dollar Dip” on cucumber boats (smoked salmon mousse topped with caviar, available on his winter menu as an homage to NM culinary icon, the late Helen Corbitt), and mini sticky toffee puddings. I even had mince pie petit fours flown in from King Charles II’s Highgrove estate for guests’ amusement. Neiman Marcus gave each guest a luxury gift beautifully packaged in black magnetic boxes. There was a life-size snow globe for photo-ops to entertain partygoers.
Even the man himself, jolly ol’ St. Nick, made a cameo appearance to take pictures and check in on all the naughty and nice boys and girls!
AUBREY’S CHOCOLATE DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE
This is so sinfully rich, it could only be called one thing: devil’s food!
To show your affection this Valentine’s Day, why not bake the one you love this delectable chocolate confection in a 9-inch, heart-shaped cake tin? This recipe is perfect for your homemade birthday cake, anniversaries, cupcakes, or just when y’all need to tame that chocolate fix. Chocoholics, rejoice!
INGREDIENTS:
CAKE BATTER
~ 1½ cups cake flour
~ 11/3 cups superfine sugar
~ ½ cup cocoa powder
~ ½ cup butter (cold, cubed)
~ ½ cup milk
~ ½ cup strong brewed coffee (hot)
~ 2 large eggs, beaten
~ ¾ tsp baking soda
~ 1 tsp vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS:
CAKE
BATTER
INGREDIENTS:
CHOCOLATE FUDGE FROSTING
~ 12 ounces semisweet baking chocolate chips
~ 1¾ cups heavy whipping cream
~ ½ cup sour cream
~ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
~ ¼ teaspoon salt ~ ¼ tsp salt
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius).
2. Grease bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment rounds and dust the sides with flour.
3. In the bowl of a standing mixer, sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
4. With the stand mixer outfitted with the paddle attachment, blend on low speed the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs and there are no large, visible pieces of butter.
5. In a measuring cup, measure together coffee and milk (coffee accentuates the chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor) and stir in vanilla extract.
6. All at once, add the milk mixture to the flour mixture, blend until just incorporated and smooth, then add beaten eggs. Mix just until eggs are blended and the batter is glossy.
7. Divide batter into the two prepared cake pans. Lift and tap the cake pans on counter to release any air bubbles.
8. Bake for 30 minutes. The cakes are done when an inserted wooden toothpick or skewer comes out clean.
CHOCOLATE FUDGE FROSTING
1. Creating a double boiler, fill a medium-size sauce pan with an inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2 Pour chocolate chips and heavy cream into a medium-size, heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over the simmering water. Gently stir with a rubber spatula just until the chocolate chips have melted, creating a ganache. Remove from heat.
3 In a small bowl, combine sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
4 Add the sour cream mixture to the hot ganache and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Allow to set up and cool completely at room temperature, stirring occasionally. The frosting will firm to a spreadable consistency in two hours.
ASSEMBLE THE CAKE
1. Gently peel off the parchment round from one cake layer.
2. Place the cake layer upright onto a 9-inch cardboard cake round.
3. Spread frosting on top of bottom cake layer to the edges.
4. Place top layer topside down onto first frosted layer. Gently peel off the parchment round. Put a large dollop of frosting on top of the cake and spread it all the way to the edge.
5. Spread frosting on the sides of cake in an upward, swirling fashion to meet the frosted top.
6. Transfer to a cake stand or plate. Makes 12 slices.
Dr. Karen Horton is an internationally Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco, a fitness enthusiast, proud Mom to fraternal twin girls, and devoted wife of over 26 years. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, “Dr. Karen” relocated to San Francisco in 2005 for her final year of surgical specialty training. A surgeon’s daughter, she is proud to have built a successful women-focused boutique private practice in Pacific Heights. Featuring a brand new Quad A-certified fully equipped operating room, Dr. Horton offers her patients the highest level of aesthetic care, both surgical and non-surgical, in a modern, bright and discrete setting. She considers it an honor and a privilege to care for her patients! To learn more about Dr. Horton, visit www. drkarenhorton.com and follow her on social at @drkarenhorton.
Become the Best Version of
Keeping the core strong and body fit is vital, in Dr. Horton’s opinion, for overall health.
BY KAREN M. HORTON, MD, FACSA NEW YEAR IS ALWAYS AN OPPORTUNE TIME TO SWITCH-UP YOUR routine and create fresh healthcare goals. I personally start each new year by assessing how I treat my skin, what I put in my body, and how I use my body. And then, I examine what sort of minimal changes I can make to support better health. I encourage my patients to assess their own behaviors in the interest of achieving optimal results, and I do my best to help them achieve their skin and health goals through the varied services I provide within my practice. Inspiring others is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling parts of my job.
A great starting point for personal evaluation is diet. I typically eat well during the week, but don’t always have time to prepare my own meals. Thankfully, pre-prepared healthy meals with lots of protein, veggies, and healthy fats from Andy’s Local Market in San Rafael, Whole Foods, or United Market keep me nourished and full of energy for my 10- to 12-hour clinical days. On weekends, I love to chop vegetables, and I eat the rainbow as much as I can. In the summer, I make a mean gazpacho. In colder months, I’m known for my spaghetti sauce, spicy chili, and gourmet salads.
MOVE YOUR BODY
For exercise, I move my body every single day to maintain physical health. I’m proud to have surpassed 1600 Pure Barre classes last year— my non-negotiable Monday-to-Friday 6 a.m. “me time.” Keeping strong and maintaining physical endurance enables me to work long days in the operating room without being at risk for physical injury. Surgery is a physically demanding profession; many surgeons suffer cervical spine degeneration or joint injuries in their middle-aged years. By keeping my core strong and muscles toned, I never max out at work. Exercise also helps me to reflect, to focus, and to regroup or work through challenges. I’m grateful that my well-exercised body allows me to be a surgeon.
Self-care includes maintaining healthy skin!
Dr. Horton practices what she preaches and protects her skin from future sun damage, while restoring healthy skin with medical grade skin care products from her office.
FAMILY TIME
Finally, while I give my patients 100 percent of my time, energy, and attention at work, my family keeps me grounded and helps me to recharge. My husband is my biggest champion, enabling me to work hard and focus on my patients and my business while he handles most things at home. Each night, I’m honored to help my twin daughters with their homework, and I love making school lunches for my girls. It’s a small way I can ensure they are also staying healthy and eating nutritious food to nurture their developing tween brains.
For 2023, I hope that you, dear reader, learn to honor your body and all it does for you and to respect and nurture your health. By reflecting upon what brings YOU joy and helps you to recharge, health becomes an achievable goal.
GET GLOWING SKIN
We all know that beauty is more than skin deep, yet, our image is certainly elevated when skin is healthy and glowing. I encourage my patients to adopt a personal skin care routine. My own routine includes medical grade products; in the morning, I cleanse with SkinCeuticals LHA cleanser for oily skin, followed by Phloretin CF antioxidant gel. My foundation serves as sun protection and my Colorescience SPF 50 pigmented loose powder provides added UV protection while treating shiny T-zone areas. At night, I use the MakeUp Eraser microfiber towel and SkinCeuticals Simply Clean exfoliating gel to wash off oils and makeup. To promote healthy cellular turnover, I use AlphaRet Overnight Cream, which is gentler than other retinol/ tretinoin creams, followed by Neocutis Lumiere illuminating eye cream, and Latisse eyelash lengthening treatment. (Did you know that you can also apply Latisse to your eyebrows?)
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
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