HudsonMOD's Travel, Food & Wine Issue

2016, ISSUE 1 SPRING

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TRAVELING IN STYLE

TRAVEL, FOOD & WINE

ACCESSORIES THAT MAKE A STATEMENT

THE ICON A5 FLYING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

THE WORLD WINE GUYS A CONNOISSEUR’S GUIDE AROUND THE GLOBE

EXCLUSIVE:

JOE BASTIANICH hudsonmod.com

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S O M U C H T O FA L L F O R Burberry Prorsum • Valentino Spring 2016 • Couture Salon

WHITE PLAINS LONG ISLAND HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016 SHORT HILLS PARAMUS NEIMANMARCUS.COM

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Photo M. Gibert. Special thanks: TASCHEN. 1 Conditions apply, contact store for details. 2 Program available on select items, subject to availability.

Digital. Sofas, design Gabriele Assmann and Alfred Kleene.

Carambole. Cocktail table, end table and pedestal table, design Sacha Lakic.

Flag. Floor lamp, design Servomuto Manufactured in Europe.

NOW OPEN IN PARAMUS - 776 Route 17, North Paramus, NJ - Tel. (201) 882-1007 - paramus@roche-bobois.com

∙ Complimentary 3D Interior Design Service 1 ∙ Quick Ship program available 2

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Š2015 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. #13VH01142500

for the love of home

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INSIDE 2 016 , I S S U E 1 S PR I NG

50 FEATURES JOE KNOWS BEST | 42 As the guru behind some of New York City’s most notable eateries including Del Posto, Babbo and his newest restaurant La Sirena, everything Joe Bastianich touches turns to gold. Get to know more about one of the food industry’s kings in this HudsonMOD exclusive.

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THE VINE LESS TRAVELED | 50 The World Wine Guys, Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, transport you around the globe, mapping out premium side trips through different wine countries along the way. From San Francisco to Madrid to Capetown, this feature will serve as your wine guide the next time you travel.

ULTIMATE AUTOMOTIVE LUXURY | 58

THE LIFE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER | 12 CONTRIBUTORS | 16 STATEMENTS | 18 GADGETS | 22 TASTE: MIXOLOGY | 26 TASTE: GOURMET | 28 WINGS: ICON A5 | 34 BATHING IN LUXURY | 64 COVET | 38 Thinking of remodeling your bathroom space? Get SHELTER | 40 inspired by Phyllis Harbinger and her team at Design EVENTS | 68 Concepts/Interiors, LLC. They’re helping homeowners MOD SELECTS | 72 transform their bathrooms from cookie-cutter layouts THE SCENE | 76 to extravagant spaces to marvel at. The pictures THE QUOTE | 78 alone will make you want to have some serious R&R. ENCORE | 80 Take a ride with HudsonMOD contributor Dom Miliano, as he test drives cars manufactured by two of the most prominent auto brands: Rolls-Royce and Bentley. By the end of this feature, you will wish you were behind the wheel of one of these luxury cars.

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PUBLISHER

‘

Ever Ahead...

As Porsche describes the enhancements made to the new 911 series as “Ever Ahead,” we here at HudsonMOD are ever ahead too as we kick off April with a magnificent event: the Jack Daniels Porsche 911 Series launch, which will be held at the Jack Daniels Bergen County showroom on April 5.

The celebrations continue throughout the month of April as we honor HudsonMOD’s four-year anniversary.

Sponsored by Neiman Marcus and a full lineup of leading luxury brands, this year’s event will be held at the Morristown Private Airport. Many surprises are in store for our guests.

Success, passion and purpose are the unifying threads of our Women of Power initiative. This initiative is designed to provide successful women with a unique platform that will not only highlight their successes in business, but also inspire others— especially our younger generation of women leaders in the making. Further, we will spotlight each attendee’s philanthropic successes and the various beneficial causes they work tirelessly to bring to the forefront.

An outstanding group of women will travel to the Hamptons this May for a multi-day agenda packed with education, networking, well-being and more.

As we welcome spring, I hope you enjoy this issue as we continue to strive to bring you the very best the NJ/NY metropolitan area has to offer in the pursuit of an all-encompassing “Life Well Lived.”

HudsonMOD’s Design Editor Vanessa Deleon posed with Publisher Shannon Steitz at the Roche Bobois grand opening event in Paramus.

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Shannon Steitz, CEO

COURTESY OF JEREMY SMITH

‘‘

I hope you enjoy this issue as we continue to strive to bring you the very best the NJ/ NY metropolitan area has to offer.

D. V

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IN O

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TI S Y V E . ALWA

Introducing the 2016 GLE-Class.

Safety innovation has long been one of the cornerstones of Mercedes Benz.

The new 2016 GLE-Class SUV continues this proud tradition.

With an extensive range of technologies including Intelligent Drive, the new GLE is designed to effortlessly help drivers avoid trouble on the road, while delivering the world-class comfort, agility and versatility that only the successor to the M-Class can offer.

Discover the extraordinary comfort, versatility, and safety of perhaps the most advanced 4MATIC® SUV in the world.

Well appointed and exceptionally safe.

The DYNAMIC SELECT® handling control system lets you personalize your drive settings, whether you prefer a sporty or comfortable feel, or whether you want more control on slippery or off-road surfaces.

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Sales and Service 28 Grand Avenue HUDSONMOD.com 2016 Englewood,SPRING NJ 07631

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NEVER LEAVE LUXURY BEHIND

LIFE WELL LIVED

2016, ISSUE 1 SPRING

hudsonmod.com

@HudsonMOD

Shannon Steitz Publisher SENIOR EDITOR Mike EDITORS Nicole

Banka

Fonzino, Sara Brisolla

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brittany ILLUSTRATOR Isabella

Burgess

Bannerman

DESIGN EDITOR Vanessa

Deleon

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Mike DeSimone, Jeff Jenssen, Stephanie Krikorian, Dom Miliano, Amber Milt, Veronique Deblois, Simon Murray CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jeremy Smith, Charles Palmisano

BUSINESS DEVELOPER

Lissa Jean Ferrell SALES EXECUTIVES

Chris Pellegrino, Christine Wood CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Lauren Mena WEB DEVELOPER

Larry Volmer MARKETING ASSITANT

Karissa Collucci

©2016 by MOD Media, LLC All rights reserved ISSN# 2167-6151

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11 PARK STREET, SUITE 2F MONTCLAIR, NJ 07042

JIMMY CHOO

The Mall at Short Hills 1200 MORRIS TPK. 973.376.7000

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CONTRIBUTORS

GETTING PERSONAL WITH HUDSONMOD’S CONTRIBUTING TALENT...

Thanks for helping us continue our LIFE WELL LIVED into 2016.

MIKE & JEFF (THE WORLD WINE GUYS) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? Our favorite travel destination is Spain! Olé! We love it for many reasons—but to sum it up, for the warm, friendly people, the gorgeous architecture, the delicious wine, exquisite food at all levels, and the hot sun and beautiful beaches.

BIO: Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food and travel writers. They are the Entertaining and Lifestyle Editors for Wine Enthusiast magazine and have had their work appear in Wine Spectator and Saveur. Mike and Jeff have been guests on Martha Stewart’s Hallmark Channel Show, The TODAY Show, as well as NBC, FOX and CBS. Please visit them on www.worldwineguys.com.

STEPHANIE KRIKORIAN WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? Definitely Paris. One of life’s great pleasures is sitting outside of a Parisian cafe enjoying a glass of wine while watching the world go by. A day can easily slip away when I am lost in one of the many museums there—the Rodin being my favorite.

BIO: Stephanie Krikorian is a New York Times-bestselling celebrity ghostwriter and journalist who’s collaborated on more than 20 books for authors on a wide range of topics. Her own work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, O, the Oprah Magazine and Hamptons. She worked in TV news for many years, mostly for CNBC and BusinessWeek TV. In 2013, she created, sold and produced a reality show for an NBC cable entity, which was nominated for an Emmy in New York.

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DOM MILIANO WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? Italy, without a doubt. The people, food and history beckon. I especially love Maranello, home to Ferrari, and wish I was there right now!

BIO: Dom Miliano’s love for taking pictures and writing blossomed when he became the local PCA Region’s photographer and regular humor/ lifestyle columnist. His work has appeared in various magazines including the Robb Report, the New York Times, Cavallino and Prancing Horse, and he has contributed photography to several automotive books.

As a feature writer, he gets to drive and report on classic and vintage automobiles. Yes, it’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it!

VERONIQUE DEBLOIS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? Domestically - New England. Internationally - Canada. I’m originally from Quebec so New England was our neighbor to the south. I spent every summer on Maine beaches and by lakes in New Hampshire. It’s a beautiful region.

We moved away from Canada when I was 12 so it’s been great going back as a tourist to take in all that the great country has to offer.

BIO: Veronique Deblois is a food, wine and travel writer based in Morris County, NJ. As the author of the popular blogs Food & Wine Chickie and Veronique Travels, Veronique shares recipes, wine, restaurant and hotel reviews and insights into the travel industry of which she’s a 20-year veteran.

AMBER MILT WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION? My favorite place to travel to is somewhere that I haven’t been before. I love to meet new people, try new foods, explore new cities—though as much as I love to leave New York, I always love to come home to it. As for the places I’ve been? Bora Bora for the beaches, and France for the food.

BIO: Amber comes to us with over a decade of on-camera experience, covering beauty, lifestyle and fashion for many reputable programs including Fox News, Bluefin Media and BusinessWeek. She’s interviewed everyone from Brad Pitt to Kim Kardashian and has attracted worldwide viewers with her original and exclusive content.

When she’s not delving into the latest fashion trends for HudsonMOD, you can find her on QVC as Murad Skincare’s on-air expert or as a correspondent on Lifetime’s The Balancing Act. HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016

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The Life STATEMENTS

HIS

By AMBER MILT

Smythson Panama Travel Watch Roll One to watch: this cross-grain calfskin travel roll is the perfect way for him to tote his timepieces while traveling or to simply store while at home. The contrasting navy blue suede-lined interior will protect watches of all shapes and sizes.

Available at Smythson Boutiques and Smythson.com, $550.

Tumi, Tegra-Lite® Large Trip Packing Case

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hether going cross-country for business or taking a transcontinental trip for pleasure, a man’s travel accessories should be dapper and efficient. These carefully selected pieces cater to both his sartorial and common sense, so he can jet set in style.

Prada, Camo-Print Nylon Dopp Bag Add a dash of sophistication to your shave kit with this calf leather–lined dopp bag.

The nylon-lined interior safely stores all of your personal items. With four zippered compartments, you’ve got room for everything you need to groom on the go.

Available at Neiman Marcus Retailers and NeimanMarcus.com, $385.

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Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones Bose is synonymous with great sound. So, if you’re looking to block out the world and tune in, these noise-cancelling headphones are the best. They are small enough for easy packing, and the comfort tips stay snugly in the ears without added pressure. You even can sleep with them in. The fourbutton remote allows you to control your device without taking it out of your pocket.

Available at Bose.com, $299.95.

COURTESY OF BOSE, NEIMAN MARCUS, SMYTH SON AND TUMI

This suitcase satisfies even the most demanding traveler’s luggage requirements: spinners for ease of movement, a hard exterior to protect what’s inside and deep corner pockets to maximize packing space. Plus, the chic solid coloring will not show scratches, only your excellent sense of style.

Available at Tumi Retailers and Tumi.com, $845.

Custom made to SUIT your lifestyle...

FOX SU ITS

Contact us to schedule your custom fitting www.mrfoxsuits.com (844) FOX.SUIT

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The Life STATEMENTS

HERS

Jet Set Candy, Wanderlust Bracelet If you wear your heart on your sleeve, show off your passion on your wrists. This elegant 14K Gold Vermeil bracelet will let everyone know you’ve got a serious travel addiction and serious style to go along with it. We get it. We also plan our next trip before the current one ends. Welcome to the club. Available at MyJetSetCandy.com, $248.

Every once in a while, fun wins over functional. Even today’s most savvy voyager deserves to flaunt her style with flair. The vintage vibe is classic and chic, and you can enjoy this collection beyond the baggage carousel: proudly display them at home instead of storing.

Available at SteamlineLuggage.com, $350-$775.

Isabel Marant, Wicky CashmereGauze Scarf The temperature on a plane is inconsistent, which is why you should never leave home without a scarf. This luxuriously soft cashmere wrap is the perfect accessory for all destinations. In warm climates, it doubles as a beach coverup, in cooler climates and evenings as a wrap over a dress. This packable cashmere is a cash-miracle.

Available at Net-a-porter.com, $490.

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Tumi Sinclair, Voyager Q-Tote Whether you need a bag for commuting or casual use, this versatile and stylish tote has the perfect combination of features to get you where you need to be with what you need to carry. The concealed back sleeve easily slips on and off your luggage handle, while the numerous zippered pockets keep your belongings safe and organized.

Available at Tumi Retailers and Tumi.com, $295.

COURTESY OF JET SET CANDY, STEAMLINE LUGG AG E, TUMI AND ISABEL MARANT

Steamline Luggage, Cream Stowaway

A

s a fashion editor and spokeswoman for national brands, the (somewhat) cozy cabin of an airplane has become my home, office and boudoir in the sky. Whether it’s a short shuttle or a long-haul flight, I can confidently say that I’ve mastered the fine art of packing. If you’re a carry-on queen or a checkand-chill gal, these tried-andtested travel tools will have you breezing through your next aerial commute with style and ease.

Best Urban Hotel Spa Spafinder Wellness 365™ Readers’ Choice

ENTER A WORLD OF BEAUTY & ULTIMATE WELL-BEING Visit or call to reserve your experience today.

Towers of the Waldorf Astoria, 19th Floor, 100 East 50th Street, New York, NY U.S.A. 10022 • 212.872.7200 • GuerlainSpas.com HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016

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The Life GADGETS

The Waves of the Future

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rthur C. Clarke once said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.” What makes these smartphone-connected gadgets so magical is that they are not only useful, but can improve your way of life as well. Sure to impress any techie, these cool, stylish pieces are among the eye-catching offerings that debuted at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

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BY SARA BRISOLLA

Faraday Future FFZero1 Electric Concept Car The FFZero1 is an electric concept car that features four Quad Core motors producing 1,000 horsepower. Along with reaching zero to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and speeds over 200 mph, the vehicle boasts high-performance materials, intuitive user interface, smartphone-connected remote and an exterior of innovative carbon fiber with high-performance racing suspension. These beauties are expected to be available next year, and this company is definitely one to watch. Sign up for updates on faradayfuture.com.

Possess whAt you most DESIRE. $35,000 in incentiVes

uP to

Call 973-265-0899 or visit the sales office – 17 Park Place, Mountain Lakes, NJ LegacyOfMountainLakes.com

The Legacy has redefined what luxury is all about. Exquisite design and superb Mountain Lakes’ schools in the most prestigious location in Morris County, N J. It is our crowning achievement.

the luxury carriage series * from the low $600s

the elegant signature series * from the upper $800s

A n e l e g A n t c o l l e c t i o n o f lu x u ry tow n h o m e s .

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*

Free options and upgrades: Carriage $25,000 / Signature $35,000. Limited time only. See sales counselor for details.

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The Life GADGETS

WiseWear

Polaroid Snap+

LifeFuels

The Polaroid Snap+ is a Polaroid camera with a 3.5-inch touchscreen display. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, which you can use along with the Polaroid print app to add stickers, filters, etc. This camera uses Zink printing technology, allowing you to instantly print 2D three-inch photos in color without any cartridges. Added features include a self-timer and pop-up mirror for selfies, perfect for any tech-obsessed picture lover. This camera is expected to release later this year. Available on polaroidsnapcamera.com, $150.

LifeFuels is a smart bottle that lets users manage hydration and nutrition through FuelPods, a system of repackaged vitamins, minerals, supplements and flavors that can be stored in the top of the bottle and dispensed with the push of a button. The FuelPods can be tracked with the LifeFuels app that gives you personalized recommendations on which supplements you should be taking for optimal health. Available on lifefuels.co, $199.

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COURTESY OF LIFEFUELS, POLAROID SNAP, WISEWEAR AND FARADAY FURTUE

Designer Iris Apfel wanted to solve the problem of wearables not being fashionable, so she designed a smart jewelry line that is functional and stylish. The brand features three different brass bracelets plated in 18 karat gold or palladium, each with a distress messaging feature in which wearers can tap the front in a certain pattern to forward their location along with a text message to emergency contacts customized through the mobile app. In addition to these safety features, the bracelets track the wearer’s activity and receive real-time notifications. Absent of an LED display, the three-day battery life makes this piece perfect for the person on the go. Available on wisewear.com, $395.

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The Life TASTE

Guilt-Free Cocktails

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very seasoned partygoer knows that a celebration is incomplete without a signature cocktail. However, anyone looking to slim down for the warmer months ahead might be reluctant to sip down a heavy drink that adds hundreds of calories to their daily intake.

Instead of having your guests pass on your delectable concoctions, serve one of these lowcal cocktails from notable restaurants in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Each of these delicious (and healthier) cocktail choices will ensure you and your guests continue to stay in line with your caloric goals.

La Chine Inside the Waldorf Astoria, New York, NY

The Lotus 2 oz. Gyokuro Green Tea Shochu 1 /2 oz. Tequila Cabeza 1 /2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 3 /4 oz. Hibiscus Syrup 2-3 Ripped Kaffir Lime Leaves

Garnish: Kaffir Lime Leaves

Directions: 1. Add all ingredients to a mixing glass.

2. Add ice and shake well.

3. Strain into Collins glass filled with crushed or pebbled ice.

4. Garnish with Kaffir lime leaves.

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BY NICOLE FONZINO

Latour Crystal Springs Resort, Sussex County, NJ Created by Ali Koppel

Winter’s Nectar 2 1/2 oz. Hibiscus-infused Gin (Warwick Gin preferred*) 1 1/4 oz. Honey Syrup (Mix the syrup with equal parts honey and hot water.)

3 /4 oz. Lemon Juice

Optional Garnish: 1 Tablespoon Rosemary Granita

Directions: 1.

* Infuse the gin with dried hibiscus for about a week prior.

Del Frisco’s Grill Hoboken, Manhattan—Rock Center and Stamford

Youth Serum 2 oz. Ketel One Vodka 11/2 oz. Lemon Sour 1 /2 oz. Simple Syrup 1 Tbsp. Diced Cucumber 10 Mint Leaves

Garnish: Mint Sprig

Directions: 1.

Pour all ingredients into a pint glass and fill with ice.

2. Cap with a mixing tin and shake vigorously (about 10-15 times).

3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

4. Garnish with mint sprig.

230 Fifth

COURTESY OF D EL FRISCO, LATOUR AND LA CH INE

Place the gin, honey and lemon juice in a mixing glass with ice.

2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.

3. If using garnish, place Granita in glass prior to pouring mixture.

230 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NY

Raspberry Mojito 11/2 oz. Raspberry Vodka 11/2 oz. Rum Muddled Fresh Mint Muddled Fresh Raspberries Fresh Lime Juice Splash of Club Soda

Directions: 1. Mix ingredients together.

2. Garnish with Mint and Raspberry.

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The Life TASTE

BY VERONIQUE DEBLOIS

Gourmet Go-To’s

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ith its rich diversity, the New York/ New Jersey metro region abounds with exclusive specialty-food shops to satisfy even the most discerning shoppers. Here is a list of must-visits.

Eataly 200 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010 Daily 10:00 am - 11:00 pm Eataly is a 50,000-square-foot Italian market with restaurants; cheese, butcher and seafood counters; bakeries; a gelato shop and much more. It’s the ultimate shopping experience where customers can grab a glass of wine from one of the restaurants, stop by the seafood counter for a dozen oysters, and pick up housemade mozzarella, pristine fish and hard-to-find produce in a quick walk around the place.

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The Life TASTE

171 Eagle Rock Avenue Roseland, NJ 07068 Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Fairchilds Market, which opened as a local grocery store in 1927, has since morphed into one of the most popular artisanal and unique country markets in the region.

Fairchilds encompasses a deli that serves signature sloppy joes, the Famous Cream of Mushroom Soup by the defunct Pals Cabin and other housemade gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads and burgers. Also available are craft beers, singlevineyard hard-to-find wines, and a variety of eclectic, unique gifts.

Kalustyan’s 123 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10016 Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm; Sunday and holidays, 11:00 am 7:00 pm

Begun in 1944 as a store selling Indian spices and foods, Kalustyan’s not only is the mecca of Indian food products but also offers difficultto-find kitchen items from Australia, England, France, Germany and Greece. The two-story Aladdin’s Cave overflows with everything from premium imported feta cheese, curry spices, chutneys and

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jams to exotic grains, flour and rice.

Murray’s Cheese 254 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10017 Monday - Saturday 8:00 am – 9:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Murray’s Cheese was founded in 1940 by Murray Greenberg, who modestly sold butter, eggs and cheeses. Although Murray’s has a location in Grand Central Station and mini shops in select grocery stores, the Greenwich Village store is the flagship and is now not only the premier cheese shop in New York but also a thriving online seller of cheeses, meats and specialty foods. Murray’s offers popular classes, has a cult following with its Murray’s Melts grilled cheese sandwiches and a cheese bar serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

Sickles Market 1 Harrison Avenue Little Silver, NJ 07739 Open Daily 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Started more than 100 years ago

by Harold Sickles, this market grew from a small family farm selling fruits and vegetables to the booming business it is today.

With its floral department, butcher shop, bread counter, gift shop and gourmet market, Sickles is a onestop shop. Three generations of

family members are involved with the business and organize cooking and gardening classes, community charity events and various food, wine and flower tours locally and internationally.

The Cheese Cave 14 Monmouth Street Red Bank, NJ 07701 Monday – Thursday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm; Friday 11:00 am - 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Cheese Cave is a boutique shop dedicated to offering the world’s greatest cheeses along with domestic and imported charcuterie. The knowledgeable team meticulously cuts each cheese by hand to be certain of its pristine quality. The popular venue offers daily blackboard sandwich specials and, on Fridays from 5:00-8:00 pm, hosts a culinary sampling of cheeses and specialty foods at a fee of $5 per person.

Zabar’s 2245 Broadway New York, NY 10024 Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 7:30 pm; Saturday, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm; Sunday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Founded in 1934 by Louis Zabar as a smoked-fish shop, this renowned Upper West Side institution occupies a 20,000-square-foot space offering prepared kosher foods, cooking tools, cheeses, bakery items, deli foods, meals-togo and much more. Zabar’s sells more than 8,000 pounds of coffee each week.

EATALY

Fairchilds Market

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‘A CREATIVE TOUCH’

By Nicole Fonzino

A

s the former chef of the Ryland Inn and the Bernards Inn, two of New Jersey’s most notable restaurants, Andrew Pantano is no stranger to the culinary business.

With blue-ribbon experience and a certificate from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, it’s no wonder his full-service catering company Culinary Creations became an instant success when he established it in Hillsborough, NJ in 1995.

More than 20 years later, Culinary Creations has become a true fan favorite. The company provides customers with superior catering options including delivered and pickup buffets, full-service parties, business parties and weddings. Culinary Creations offers additional amenities such as a casual dine-in café, pastry shop and wedding and events consult showroom, where guests can personalize their menu instead of having preset options.

“We are truly invested in exceeding our clients’ expectations and creating an unforgettable experience,” says Chef Pantano.

“We customize every menu based on close communication with our clients and pride

invested in exceeding our clients’ expectations “We are truly and creating an unforgettable experience.

“

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PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHU CK PALMISANO

GIVE YOUR EVENT

ourselves in creating menus specific to our clients’ tastes and the style of their function. We are not like other caterers that stick to packages or preset menus. We also offer our clients a oneon-one tasting experience prior to booking their larger functions, not group tastings.”

Because of the staff’s exceptional expertise and skills, Culinary Creations can offer a wide variety of delectable menu items including carving stations, Southern tables, Middle Eastern or Tuscan stations, hand-rolled sushi, mini plates or a barista station with a variety of pastry and dessert tables.

Culinary Creations’ dedication and high customer-service satisfaction rates have been praised in the New York Times, New Jersey Life, Star-Ledger, Plate, New Jersey Countryside and on Food Talk Radio. The company has also been awarded numerous accolades recently for celebrating 20 years of success such as NJ Monthly’s Best Caterer, Wedding Wire’s Couple’s Choice Awards for three consecutive years, The Knot’s Best Weddings 2016 and All Wedding’s Best Caterer.

“We don’t judge our success on the number of events we perform in one day,” says Chef Pantano, “but rather by the complete satisfaction and recurring patronage from all our clients.”

Chef Pantano and his highly trained staff ensure exceptional service and provide a remarkable event that you will always remember.

For more information, please visit www. culinarycreations.com.

A production of

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The Life WINGS

BY SIMON MURRAY

L ICON A5 JET

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ast year came and went, and with it the promise of the future. That’s because on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 4:29 p.m., two time travelers appeared with a flash in a reconfigured DeLorean with something called a flux capacitor. They were in a movie, of course, Back to the Future Part II, which depicts the impossible technology and extraordinary innovations that futurists wildly hoped for when the film was made in 1989.

While Back to the Future Part II remains incredibly prescient in some respects, last year’s Back to the Future Day, as it came to be known, was a benchmark for our technological shortcomings.

What do we lack that our fictional selves enjoyed?

For one, hoverboards (real, levitating ones—not the so-called “hoverboards” with two wheels that don’t actually, you know, hover). And then there’s the unmistakable lack of flying cars whizzing up and down Madison Avenue, or anywhere else, for that matter.

But I’m here to tell you there’s a silver lining to all of this. Although we didn’t quite get Marty McFly’s hoverboard, a lucky few are about to take the Z-axis by storm. That’s because the $250,000 Icon A5 is the closest thing to a flying car you can own today.

I mean look at it. Lean and angular like a hawk, the A5 is more jet ski than Cessna, more Ducati than Piper M-class. The propeller is behind you. A beautiful, unobstructed wide-angle view is in front of you.

Sitting in the cockpit, the pilot and co-pilot (there’s space for two) can open the side windows, just as you would in a car.

Speaking of the cockpit, it’s gorgeous—and a lesson in ergonomics: simplified control panels, analog gauges and GPS screen. It’s the kind of thing the Wright brothers could only have dreamed of while soaring in their rickety flying machines over the beaches of North Carolina.

In comparison, the A5 doesn’t just soar—it goes 109 mph at full throttle. And it’s explicitly made for the uninitiated. At least that’s what Kirk Hawkins, founder and chief executive officer of Icon Aircraft, hopes to achieve.

His goal? Nothing less than the complete democratization of aviation.

The A5 is what’s known in adrenaline-junkie parlance as a light sport aircraft. In the same vein as powersports—think speedboats, ATVs and other

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gas-fed adrenaline machines—light sport aircrafts are targeted to recreational pilots. To fly one, all you need is a sport pilot license (SPL), which requires an in-flight training of 20 hours, as opposed to more than double that for a typical private license.

Then it’s time for takeoff. The “A” in A5 stands for amphibious, which means this flying speedboat can take off and land on water. “Sure, the A5 likes a smooth strip of runway,” reads the text on Icon’s website, “but it also loves a dirt strip or a secluded beach.” This is an aircraft that’s going places.

While you can’t exactly use it as a substitute for your more earthly commute—an SPL is restrictive to daytime flying only, in good weather only, in uncongested airspace—you can hitch the 23-foot-long A5 (with foldable wings) to your trailer and take it just about anywhere. The plane’s 20-gallon tank can be filled with high-octane automotive gas as well as aviation fuel.

With a full tank, it has a range of more than 300 miles.

By the end of this year, Icon hopes to have 100 airplanes shipped, and around 550 A5s on land, sea andin air by the end of 2017. Preorders are climbing: Icon has more than 1,500 or so to fulfill. (If you placed your $5,000 deposit today, you’d have you very own

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A5 delivered to you by 2019.) Its base price is $197,000, with up to $50,000 in additional options (including a rocket-powered parachute for added safety).

That brings us to what everyone is talking about: the A5’s spin-resistant airframe. The first of its kind to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s full criteria for spin resistance, the A5 has been designed to mitigate risk. An easy-to-read angle of attack (AoA) display shows you how the wings are performing. If the needle stays in the green zone, you’re good. Enter the yellow and an audible alarm signals you the need to correct.

Keep going and you’ll hit red, which indicates you’ve stalled in the air.

But don’t fret, because that’s where the spin resistance comes into play; it’s the one thing that’s keeping you from entering an uncontrolled spin that could hurtle the plane—and its human cargo—into the ground. If you stall in the A5, you don’t lose control.

While it might not be a flying car, Icon Aircraft envisions a world where the sky is no longer the limit for recreational enjoyment, just as jet skis and motorcycles have made quick work of roads and waterways. The air will be just another space for people to enjoy. Sounds an awful lot like the future to us.

COURTESY OF ICON AIRCRAFT

The Life WINGS

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973.777.3044

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The Life COVET

When Art Comes To Life

A

rt comes in all shapes, sizes and mediums.

As Henri Matisse once said, “Creativity takes courage.” These unique pieces are created out of the passion their artists have for their work. Perfect for any space, they will brighten and inspire any art or fashion enthusiast.

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MotoArt MotoArt is a California-based furniture maker that recycles aviation parts and transforms them into unique pieces. This company has been creating high-quality furniture for more than 10 years and has become an international brand with showrooms in the U.S., Australia, Asia and Europe. Pieces can be customized to the client’s request, which means additions such as connection ports and LED lighting; other requests are not out of the question, either. Available on motoart.com.

BY SARA BRISOLLA

Domingo Zapata Superga Shoes The Italian sneaker brand Superga teamed up with SpanishAmerican artist Domingo Zapata to create a unique collection of sneakers. Known for his Neo-Expressionist paintings, Zapata’s work is a great fit for footwear. For this collaboration, he replicated some of his well-known work on canvas for these sneakers for men, women and children.

Available at the Superga store-New York or Superga-USA.com, $80-160.

COURTESY OF MOTOART.COM, SU PERGA.COM AND SUPERGA STORE ON 78 CROSBY STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10012, ALEC AND BMW ART CAR PROJECT

Alec Monopoly Alec Monopoly is the alias of a graffiti artist originally from New York City. He is best known for his work in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and parts of Europe and Asia.

Considered to be the contemporary Banksy, Alec has depicted various characters in pop culture such as Rich Uncle Pennybags from Monopoly and Scrooge McDuck.

His work has been featured in the New York Post, Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone and other publications. Available on artsy.net/ artist/alec-monopoly.

BMW Art Cars The BMW Art Car is a project that was introduced by French racecar driver Hervé Poulain. It began in 1975 when he asked his artist friend Alexander Calder to paint his BMW 3.0 CSL. Calder’s design in primary colors inspired other renowned artists to paint designs on models for years to come. The current collection is comprised of 17 cars showcased in the BMW Museum in Munich, Germany.

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The Life SHELTER

T

he French are undoubtedly innovators, changing and pushing the boundaries on all platforms to help better our society. Monet, Cézanne, Perrault and Chanel all made a lasting impression in this world, and now another French company is paving the way into our futures and beyond: Roche Bobois.

The Parisian-based furniture and design retailer is currently a world-renowned brand known for their contemporary and high-end home accessories. Roche Bobois, which started from humble beginnings, originated in Paris in 1950 after the Roches and Chouchans (another famous design family) met at the Copenhagen Furniture Fair. They decided to collaborate on their creations, and since that moment, the resulting partnership of Roche Bobois has flourished.

From national advertising campaigns in Elle magazine in the ‘70s to the creation of their iconic Mah Jong lounge sofa, today Roche Bobois is upholstered by some of the world’s finest couturiers and inside

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BY SARA BRISOLLA

Experts Say...

Barbara Ostrom I love that you can do a lot of things with Roche Bobois’ chic furniture. I especially love that they put a twist on traditional French furniture and the products are made in bright colors or with stripes. They also have fun pieces such as chairs with emu feathers on the back.

Mark Polo

Jeffrey Brooks The brand is known to designers and high-end users thanks to the quality of the furniture and the longevity of the company.

Roche Bobois is a resource for my clients with a sweet tooth for classically modern interiors.

Vanessa Deleon I love how innovative the company is, and I have used them in the past when I designed. Their products make a room look special and you can definitely tell that it is a “Roche Bobois.” The brand truly has a way of setting themselves apart from the rest.

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COU RTESY OF ROCHE BOBOIS

the homes of America’s elite.

Its most recent storefront launched in Paramus, New Jersey, a newfound mecca for design brands in recent years.

“It [the Paramus showroom] is the 27th Roche Bobois store in the U.S.,” says Pierre Berardo, general manager of the northeast network. “We now have more than 260 locations in the world.”

Establishing itself in Bergen County, an area known for its wealth and proximity to New York City, will continue to help the brand thrive and lead the way in contemporary furniture and design.

The furniture crafted by Roche Bobois stands comparison to the best in the modern world, showcasing very high-quality, sleek and versatile products with many functions. It lives up to the company’s tagline, L’art de vivre, which translates into “the art of living.” Experts in the interior design world such as Barbara Ostrom, Mark Polo, Jeffrey Brooks and Vanessa Deleon all agree that Roche Bobois is innovative and avant-garde and evokes a sense of intimacy. While Roche Bobois’ pieces are contemporary overall, they continue to captivate interior designers of all tastes, from minimalist to eclectic.

Roche Bobois is the couture of interior furnishings. It is the runway show for ideas and innovations. It’s what I call avant-garde. When I see their furniture, it wakes up ideas and combinations that I can use in my own thought process and evolution as a designer.

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COURTESY OF RICH ARD AMBROSIO AND ANDREA PERONI

J

oe knows best

AT ONE TIME, THIS ‘RESTAURANT MAN’ TRIED TO RESIST HIS DESTINY. BY STEPHANIE KRIKORIAN

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“

D

uring college, I was determined to do anything but go into the family business of being a restaurateur,” says Joe Bastianich. “My mother and father were extremely supportive of me. Back then, being a ‘restaurant man’ (as my father used to call it) was nothing to aspire to. It was hard, physical work that amounted to a struggling blue-collar lifestyle.”

Bastianich’s parents knew that lifestyle well. Felice and Lidia operated a Manhattan eatery called Felidia, where Joe worked growing up. After graduating from Boston College with a degree in finance, Joe was able to get away from the food business. The world of money beckoned.

“A typical product of the Eighties, after graduation I ran straight to Wall Street,” he remembers.

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COURTESY OF KATE PREVITE AND BARB ARA KAUFMAN

His escape, however, was short lived. Fortunately, for Italian food lovers everywhere, the Queensborn Bastianich eventually came to his senses and embraced the world he’d tried to escape.

One year into a lucrative job at Merrill Lynch, he realized he was miserable. He didn’t like what he was doing and it gave him no happiness. His desire for a life in finance was trumped by a strong craving for the food and wine business he knew and loved. He quit his big job, bought a one-way ticket to Italy and worked odd jobs for a year while he plotted his way back into the environs he knew so well.

In 1993, Bastianich returned

to New York City to open a restaurant called Becco in the theater district, along with his mother. Around the same time, a hot young chef named Mario Batali opened a West Village spot called Po. Batali too had been batting about between Italy and the United States, building a reputation for himself and his authentic Italian food.

The two met and paired up.

In 1998, Bastianich and Batali opened the much-acclaimed Babbo in the West Village and an empire was born. Under the Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group umbrella (BBHG), the partnership—Batali in the kitchen, Bastianich up front, along with

Lidia on the team—went on to take New York’s Italian restaurant scene by storm.

Today, BBHG is the force behind many of New York’s hottest eateries including Lupa, Esca, Casa Mono, Bar Jamon, Otto and the four-star Del Posto. Bastianich and Batali are also partners— along with the Farinetti family and the Saper brothers—of the massive Italian food emporiums, Eataly. BBHG has global food clout too, having opened multiple restaurants worldwide from Singapore to Hong Kong to Los Angeles. Two years ago, Joe and Lidia opened Orsone, their first restaurant, tavern and B&B in Italy, across the street from the

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‘

A life in finance was trumped by a strong craving for the food and wine business he knew and loved.

COURTESY OF KATE PREVITE AND BARB ARA KAUFMAN

‘

46 HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016

Bastianich family vineyard. “Imagine being on a beautiful, rural Italian vineyard with fine dining the likes of Del Posto right across the street. It’s a pretty ideal place to be.”

It’s been a decade since BBHG launched anything in New York (outside of Eataly), the famed Del Posto being the most recent. But Bastianich and team did it again in a big way on February 11, opening the doors of a self-described “elevated trattoria” called La Sirena in Chelsea’s Maritime Hotel. It features an indoor-outdoor space that in warm weather allows guests to experience the buzz of the neighborhood half a flight above the street at plaza level. Old-school traditional Italian dishes share the menu with ones having a modern twist. However, it’s not only about the food at La Sirena. There’s a sophisticated cocktail menu as well.

The bar is one of the restaurant’s biggest attractions.

“We are just as proud of the bar as we are the rest of the restaurant. It certainly was not an afterthought,” says Bastianich. “It’s the center piece of a truly unique space. It is the first thing guests experience and see when entering La Sirena, and I think it accurately conveys the tone and overall mood for the remainder of the place. At 38-feet long, the bar itself is quite large

by New York City standards, but the space also offers a significant amount of standing room, as well as tables for drinks and small bites.

You can come alone, with a date or as part of a large group, and the room will accommodate you.”

As with many New York restaurant

ventures, the space came before the concept. “The heavy nautical themes of the Maritime Hotel served as inspiration,” Bastianich explains. “It seemed like a nobrainer to be in keeping with the rest of the building.”

Although he’s opened awardwinning restaurants many times before, getting La Sirena off the ground didn’t happen without challenges.

“You can never know everything about anything even after 20plus years in a particular field.

Things change and evolve and you are constantly acquiring new information and adapting,” explains Bastianich. “This time around with La Sirena, partially due to its large size as well as having indoor and outdoor seating, we faced many more challenges relating to city permits and regulations than we did 10 years ago.”

Despite the logistics and par-forthe-course hurdles, the team has a record for success in New York.

A big reason BBHG restaurants land at the top of the critics’ and customers’ lists is that the men have the same vision of combining Italian tradition and innovation in the kitchen.

“I think that quality product will always reign supreme,” says Bastianich. “The way in which people like to dine ebbs and flows over the years, but if quality is not there none of the other details matter.”

The men’s philosophies on how to run a business are aligned as well.

Primarily, they both keep an eye on the bottom line.

“I describe it a little differently in my memoir, Restaurant Man, but Mario and I are two of the most frugal people you will ever meet. We use everything and waste nothing.

Being cheap is a necessity in our industry, whether people want to admit it or not. He and I both understood that from day one. Efficiency in time, both ours and our staff’s, also is paramount to success.”

Bastianich points out that he and his partner aren’t always 100 percent in agreement. “I think Mario’s level of optimism in any project almost borders on the delusional, but it sure has come in handy at times.”

If Bastianich isn’t as optimistic as Batali, maybe he should be. At a glance, his career is enviable. In addition to setting an extremely high bar for Italian dining with dozens of restaurants worldwide, his family has owned Bastianich Vineyards since 1997. It’s in the Friuli region of Italy, which is close to the Istrian peninsula where his parents are from.

“Friuli is widely recognized as producing the best white wines in Italy, if not the world,” he explains.

“They have been making first-rate wines for a long time, and I strongly believe in the potential in this area, specifically Friuli, for even more growth and evolution.”

Bastianich’s brand extends beyond the restaurant and wine worlds.

He’s become a household

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name among the food-TV set. His credits include five seasons on MasterChef and MasterChef Junior, plus MasterChef Italia, which he still appears on. He just wrapped shooting the first season of Top Gear Italia, set to premiere this spring on Italy’s SKY network, and his CNBC reality show Restaurant Startup is in its third season. He’s co-authored several award-winning books on food and wine, and his memoir Restaurant Man made the New York Times Bestseller list.

He’s a busy guy, no question. His definition of luxury: “Free time,” he says. “Actually, there is not much of it these days!”

“None of it happened overnight, and I think as you expand and build upon your business you also build a solid team to work with. Mario and I are fortunate to have some very loyal and likeminded employees who have continued to grow with us. We believe in supporting people who work hard and are happy to share new opportunities for growth in their own careers.”

Bastianich does get some down time. Yet while many choose to avoid doing anything in their off time that closely resembles what they do professionally, Bastianich is the exception: he thoroughly enjoys eating out.

“I feel very much at home in

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COURTESY OF KATE PREVITE AND BARB ARA KAUFMAN

He acknowledges that hard work and dedication are part of the price of making it in the challenging restaurant business. Those things, plus surrounding yourself with the right people.

Despite his super-busy lifestyle, Bastianich enjoys taking breaks with his wife Deanna and their three children.

Bastianich claims if the world of food hadn’t come calling, there is one other thing he could have enjoyed doing for the rest of his life.

What’s been his best food experience?

“No matter how busy life gets, my family and I always carve out some time together during the summer to spend at our home on the grounds of the Bastianich winery in Italy.”

“My favorite dining experience ever was in Monaco at Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse. We had the vegetarian tasting menu and it was perfection.”

Anyone who has eaten at a Bastianich restaurant is thrilled he didn’t shun the business and went on to redefine what it means to be a true restaurant man. Nonetheless,

“Every kid dreams of being a musician, right? I would have wanted a career in music, absolutely. I’ve always had a love of playing guitar and singing. At present, I feel very lucky to have reached a certain level of success that I can afford to spend some of my free time pursuing what I’m passionate about and just enjoy it for what it is.”

‘

The way in which people like to dine ebbs and flows over the years, but if quality is not there none of the other details matter.

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‘

restaurants,” he notes. “I was practically raised in one and there is a sense of comfort I feel in that environment. It doesn’t have to be one of my restaurants. It can be any restaurant, so long as it is a good one.”

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THE VINE LESS TRAVELED COURTESY OF D OMAINE CH ANDON

SIP YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD

BY MIKE DESIMONE & JEFF JENSSEN

NEY PARIS

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W

ine lovers no longer have to have dinner in a major city in order to enjoy fine bottles. A visit to wine country can be an easy and delightful side trip. Many world-renowned growing regions are readily accessible from cities that are popular destinations for lovers of culture, dining and shopping. What could be more bucolic than rolling hills covered with grapevines?

Although several of the regions mentioned here can be visited in a day, we recommend at least a weekend to fully enjoy everything they offer. Visitors can relish the opportunity to drink wine in the land where the grape is grown and snag a few prize bottles to stock their home cellars with. We recommend calling ahead to plan an English-language tour and hiring a car and driver.

CITY: MADRID WINE REGION: RIBERA DEL DUERO DISTANCE: 99 MILES Ribera del Duero is justly famous for luscious barrelaged Tempranillo. In the last several years, buildings have begun to replace bottles as the icons of Ribera, especially in the “Golden Mile” near the town of Peñafiel. Here, modern wineries and hotels stand in sharp contrast to the traditional cuisine of northern Spain and the region’s longstanding winemaking history.

Bodegas Protos: This architectural wonder with enormous panes of glass, stainless steel pillars and a series of five vaulted roofs offers unparalleled views of the nearby castle, but most visitors are understandably focused on their glasses of delicious wine.

Bodegas Portia: Designed by British architect Sir Norman Foster, Bodegas Portia is built in the shape of a threepronged star. The red-lit barrel room is a sight to behold, and the winery’s vast size is brought into human scale in the wood-paneled café with views over the vineyards.

COURTESY OF BARRICCAIA ULTIMA VERSIONE

WHERE TO SIP:

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Cepa 21: A modern bodega owned by the Moro family, Cepa 21 features a gorgeous all-white tasting room, an onsite restaurant offering updated twists on traditional regional cuisine and an opportunity to taste wines from the entire Emilio Moro collection.

WHERE TO SLEEP: Hotel & Spa Arzuaga: The older large stone-covered winery and restaurant hides the more modern building housing a state-of-the-art hotel and spa with a large indoor pool offering views of verdant grapevines. Revel in a stress-reducing massage before savoring dinner, featuring award-winning house wines.

CITY: SAN FRANCISCO WINE REGION: NAPA VALLEY DISTANCE: 50 MILES A small wine region with a big reputation, Napa Valley contains more than 450 wineries offering everything from large venues with hourly group tours to smaller family-run operations. Downtown Napa alone features 20 tasting rooms and a panoply of hotels and restaurants. Take it easy and enjoy a leisurely drive (or bike ride) with vineyard views on the Silverado Trail.

Each of the valley’s towns has its own charms, from the Michelin-starred restaurants of Yountville to the spas and mud baths of Calistoga.

Hess Collection: Donald Hess is one of the world’s top art collectors, and his flagship winery showcases a wellcurated sampling of his favorite works of art and, of course, his wine. In addition to Mt. Veeder Cabernet and Chardonnay, visitors can try single-vineyard bottling of many other varieties.

Castello di Amorosa: Swearing they have been transported to Italy, guests rub their eyes in disbelief upon their first sighting of Castello di Amorosa. The estate bottled wines including Italian varieties like Sangiovese are well regarded by consumers and wine experts alike.

Domaine Chandon: The home of fine sparkling wine, Domaine Chandon’s tasting room, terrace and retail shops are set in a beautiful park-like setting just outside Yountville. Everybody loves bubbly, but be sure to sample their still wines and tasting room exclusives as well.

WHERE TO SLEEP: Auberge du Soleil: Perched high above Napa Valley, Auberge du Soleil combines the elegance of the Côte d’Azur with the laid-back ambiance of California. Its restaurant has earned one Michelin star, and views of the valley are stunning at all times of day. Enjoy drinks by the pool, dinner on the terrace or a massage in the spa.

CITY: ROME WHERE TO SIP: Robert Mondavi Winery: Wine-world legend Robert Mondavi’s namesake winery offers a bottle for every palate from entry-level through the Reserve and Library wines. Experiences run from a 30-minute tour to customized culinary experiences with a private chef.

Newton: This gorgeous Spring Mountain estate is set among formal English gardens that awe visitors with their incredible beauty. Even more inspiring is a tasting of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the cellar or a mountaintop vineyard tour in a six-wheel ATV.

NEY PARIS

WINE REGION: MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DISTANCE: 97 MILES Every summer, in-the-know Romans and international jetsetters flock to the beaches and towns of the Maremma to enjoy local food accompanied by the area’s specialty, young Sangiovese. Despite its proximity to Rome, the Maremma, home to DOCG Morellino di Scansano, is one of Italy's best-kept secrets. Gently curving roads through vineyard-covered hills offer views of the sea, and walled hilltop villages appear unchanged since medieval times.

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COU RTESY OF AUBERGE DU SOLEIL

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WHERE TO TASTE: Consorzio Tutela Morellino di Scansano: The headquarters of the regional wine authority is a great place to taste from the entire region. Buy bottles to enjoy at your hotel or bring home, and get information on wineries and tourism options.

Fattoria Le Pupille: Founder Elisabetta Geppetti, known as the “Lady of Morellino,” had her hand in every aspect of the creation of this special wine estate. The fully renovated antique farmhouse is at the center of formal gardens surrounded by some 30 acres of grapevines.

Massi di Mandorlaia: Practically the size of a small village, Massi di Mandorlaia offers wine lovers a topto-bottom tour from their dramatic stone tower to the winemaking and aging cellars. In addition to their exquisite DOCG Morellino wines, be sure to try the sweet Vinsanto.

and is known as the gourmet capital of the Cape.

Surrounded on three sides by dramatic mountains, this is one of the most picturesque wine regions in the world. Vine-covered slopes run up mountains and down to the river, and architecture is a combination of modern and classic Dutch Cape-style. Varieties include Chardonnay, Sémillon, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

WHERE TO SIP: Haute Cabrière: The wonderful restaurant here is popular for wedding receptions, partly because the bride and groom can arrive via helicopter and land in the winery’s heliport. The house makes still wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as luscious sparkling wine.

“ DRINK WINE IN THE LAND WHERE THE

WHERE TO SLEEP: Il Pelicano: A series of exclusive villa-style residences near Porto Ercole, Il Pelicano is an opulent jewel set on the sparkling Mediterranean. The seafront-dining terrace alone is worth the price of a room here.

CITY: CAPE TOWN WINE REGION: FRANSCHHOEK

GRAPE IS GROWN

“

Tenuta dell’Ammiraglia: The dramatic sweeping façade seems out of place in a region of traditional wineries, but the Frescobaldi family’s commitment to quality shines through in every bottle. Wines are made with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Vermentino.

Solms-Delta: Exquisitely crafted wines may be best enjoyed at the onsite Solms-Delta Fyndraai Restaurant, which defines the essence of farm-to-table with estateraised produce and meat.

La Motte: Hanneli Rupert, the famous South African mezzo-soprano, runs the estate that her father purchased in 1970. Visitors can enjoy monthly classical concerts, the family museum and a wonderful restaurant.

Boschendal: One of the country’s oldest wine farms dating back to 1685, Boschendal’s elegant manor house was built in 1812. A must-see, this estate at the entrance to the valley boasts three restaurants.

DISTANCE: 50 MILES WHERE TO SLEEP: Settled by Huguenots in the 17th century, Franschhoek (“French Corner”) has retained its eponymous charm

Leeu House: This 12-room boutique hotel is the ultimate

NEY PARIS

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ROLLING HILLS COVERED WITH GRAPEVINES?

“

“ WHAT COULD BE MORE BUCOLIC THAN South African luxury. Set in the quaint Franschhoek village, it offers full access to amenities at nearby Leeu Estates, located just five minutes away.

seek out harder-to-find bottles such as Sangiovese, Pinot Gris and Verdelho.

CITY: SYDNEY

Hope Estate: Michael Hope and his team make fantastic wine including Chardonnay, Shiraz and Merlot.

Plan lunch or dinner at Harvest Restaurant and try to time your visit to catch your favorite band in the 19,000-person capacity amphitheater.

WINE REGION: HUNTER VALLEY DISTANCE: 153 MILES

McWilliams Mount Pleasant: The natural beauty of the Brokenback Range is the backdrop for a winery that harkens back to the era of one of Australia’s most famed winemakers, Maurice O’Shea. Now run by the sixth generation of the McWilliams family, its wines can be enjoyed in the tasting room or restaurant.

COU RTESY OF H OPE ESTATES

Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region as well as its most visited. Filled with hotels, restaurants and tourist-friendly wineries, it has been called the “Napa Valley of Australia” for good reason. There are about 130 wineries, many founded by legends of Australian winemaking. Besides Sémillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay,

WHERE TO SIP:

MADRID SAN FRANCISCO ROME CAPE TOWN SYDN NSANO FRANSCHHOEK HUNTER VALLEY CHAMPAG 56 HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016

Tyrrell’s: One of Australia’s oldest family-run wineries, Tyrrell’s has museum-worthy oak vats and cellars that are still in operation. Their Short Flat Vineyard, planted in 1923, is home to Australia’s most-awarded white wine.

Tempus Two: This ultra-modern building houses a tasting room offering New World versions of classic French varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Sémillon.

WHERE TO SLEEP: Tower Lodge: This Relais & Chateau property is on the site of Tower Estate Winery. Built in Spanish mission style, it features 10 individually decorated rooms and a restaurant in the underground wine cellar.

CITY: PARIS WINE REGION: CHAMPAGNE

Veuve Clicquot: (Reims) You know the famous label, now walk in the footsteps of Madame Clicquot and discover what makes this champagne so special. Tours and tastings of various durations are offered, including one pairing champagne and cheese.

Taittinger: (Reims) Visit chalk-walled cellars more than 50 feet below ground in the remains of a 13th-century abbey. Custom tastings can be arranged to suit your tastes, whether you have an interest in only vintage champagne or prefer to drink rosé.

WHERE TO SLEEP: Domaine Les Crayères: Serenely nestled in 17 acres of parks in Reims, Les Crayères offers chateaustyle living to discerning travelers. Attentive French service, classically appointed rooms and suites and a restaurant whose wine list boasts 600 champagne labels add up to an extraordinary experience.

DISTANCE: 88 MILES In the words of Napoleon: “In victory one deserves champagne; in defeat, one needs it.” If you love champagne, but haven’t been to the historic region where champagne grapes are grown and this incomparable wine is made, we have one question: what are you waiting for? Reims is just 40 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, and neighboring Epernay is barely a stone’s throw beyond. Both are stylish cities filled with glorious chateaus that sit atop miles and miles of underground tunnels filled with—you guessed it—champagne.

Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, also known as the World Wine Guys, are wine, spirits, food and travel writers. When not traversing the globe, they divide

WHERE TO SIP:

their time between their homes in NYC and southern Spain. They are the Entertaining and Lifestyle Editors

Moët & Chandon: (Epernay) Moët & Chandon’s cellars are the largest in the region, comprised of more than 17 miles of bottle-lined tunnels. A tasting of the champagnes of your choice including Moët Imperial, Rosé Imperial and Grand Vintage follows cellar tours.

for Wine Enthusiast magazine and their articles and photographs have appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and Saveur. Mike and Jeff have been guests on Martha Stewart’s Hallmark Channel show, The TODAY Show, and NBC, FOX and CBS. Please visit them on www.worldwineguys.com.

NEY PARIS

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THE

ULTIMATE

AUTOMOTIVE

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ROLLS-ROYCE & BENTLEY LEAD THE WAY

BY DOM MILIANO

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nsiders know that there is luxury—and then there is ultimate luxury. A Rolex is a world-class timepiece, but a Breguet Classique Grande Complication Automatic Tourbillon is just that touch more exceptional. The same goes for fine clothing. The Armani suit you have in the closet for special occasions is surely an example of exquisite Italian fashion, but a bespoke Brioni Vanquish II might be a bit more upscale.

And so it is with fine automobiles. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Audi and several other manufacturers all make wonderful, exciting vehicles. No question. But when you want the ultimate in opulence, two names stand alone: Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Both have produced automobiles carefully assembled by old world craftspeople using the finest materials on earth. Both have decades of experience behind them. You would be hard pressed to discover vehicles built with more attention to detail, comfort and quality than these iconic brands.

While the two marques are as British as a cup of English breakfast tea with a side of scones, they are owned by German companies: Volkswagen (Bentley) and BMW (RollsRoyce). The details of how the complex changes of ownership came about would make a graduate thesis for an MBA. Happily, after the dust settled, Bentley retained the original Crewe factory and Rolls-Royce relocated to Goodwood with both firms keeping their talented craftspeople and, more importantly, their tradition of quality and performance.

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Rolls-Royce, founded by Henry Royce, made its reputation by following his vision of creating: “The best motor car in the world regardless of cost.” W.O. Bentley also had the mission statement: “To build a fast car, a good car, the best in its class.” There are subtle differences in these two approaches, and 100 years later they can still be found in current models.

Rolls-Royce continues to build cars that define luxury, regardless of cost. Similarly, Bentley has continued to incorporate thrilling on-the-road performance into its cars while still delivering high levels of luxury. You can get an insight into each company’s DNA when you realize that Rolls-Royce has a White Glove Chauffeur Training school and Bentley has won the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, most recently in 2003. But enough ancient history. Let’s talk about the cars.

The most iconic of Rolls-Royce vehicles for sale today is the “Signature” design Phantom Series II. The company’s Director of Design, Ian Cameron, said, “We should think of Phantom design as a piece of popular, classical music. Over time this has the possibility of different interpretations without losing the essential melody that we know so well.” I read that to mean that its shape makes it a timeless classic and unmistakably a Rolls-Royce, while the continually updated details have a genuine presence that speaks of both luxury and elegance. Unlike some makers who mistake bling for beauty, Rolls-Royce has successfully mastered the blending of stylistic elements to present an enduring design without crossing over into caricature. You can see this in the grill. It’s impossible to mistake it for that of any other make despite the modern reinterpretation of the car’s timeless design.

The Phantom is available as sedan, extended wheelbase, Drophead Coupe (AKA convertible) and Coupe. In any style, the potential buyer is blessed with every option a discerning customer could want.

From the umbrella built into a compartment inside the doorframe to an interior headliner that shows sparkling fiber-optic dots, nothing is off the table (which, by the way, is another option that fits in the trunk).

Interior and exterior colors are as limitless as the client’s imagination. Non-leather choices can be selected if sitting on animal hides offends one’s sensibilities.

The same applies to wood in the instrument panel.

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Aluminum or other materials are ready substitutes.

Of course, the exterior is magnificent, but the driver and passengers live inside and that is where the Phantom Series II really excites. Every conceivable convenience feature is built in, from a 3D GPS that can find a restaurant, book a table and then guide the driver to its location, to a stunning audio system that allows the listener to have the system play music so it sounds as if the passengers are sitting in the first row of a concert hall.

Behind the wheel, you might wonder if this more than two-and-a-half ton sedan would be a beast to drive.

If you did, you would be wrong! Powered by a silky smooth V12 power plant that generates over 450-hp and delivers 531-lb/ft of torque, zero to 60 happens uneventfully in a whisper under 6 seconds. Think whoosh! Handling too is surprising. No, this isn’t a Porsche, Ferrari or any other sporty car. That’s not why the cognoscenti buy Rolls-Royce cars. This is a vehicle for effortless long-distance cruising. Driving is done in quiet elegance, supreme comfort and, of course, safety.

I had the opportunity to drive a Phantom on twisty mountain roads connected by stretches of lumpy New York State highway. The vehicle impressed me with how easy it was to drive and how comfortable I and my fellow passengers were during the trip.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that all of this elegance comes at a price. Sales histories confirm that very few people ever buy a Rolls-Royce without options, even though the base price is more than $450,000 and climbs from there. Only you can say if this car delivers what you want or need, but if the price doesn’t give you pause, driving one may be all it takes to own one.

Rolls-Royce sells several other models that are equally as exciting and share the same heritage and elegance. My personal favorite is the Wraith, a coupe with a sexy silhouette and 624-hp. This is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built and, despite its more than 5,000-pound curb weight, it scoots to 60 from a dead stop in 4.4 seconds. That’s really getting with the program. As with all other vehicles they offer, RollsRoyce will option the Wraith in any color and interior fabric. Built to be more of an owner-driven vehicle as opposed to a chauffeur-driven one, it is the best

“driver’s car” in the lineup. Again, my all-too-brief time behind the wheel left me searching for a lottery ticket seller and a four-leaf clover. Yeah, it’s that good.

Before we leave Rolls-Royce, you might want to consider their new “drophead” offering called the Rolls-Royce Dawn. The company calls it the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built and who am I to argue. The Dawn represents out-of-the-box thinking in that it is a true four-passenger convertible. Unlike others that are 2+2 designs with the rear accommodations suitable only for brief trips and short adults or children, the Dawn has equal opportunity seating. It offers four very individual, cosseting seats with no compromise in comfort. The company claims the seats have been designed to help emphasize the energetic yet elegant intent and sense of purpose of the car.

“ INTERIOR AND

EXTERIOR COLORS ARE AS LIMITLESS AS THE IMAGINATION OF THE CLIENT...

If ultra luxury is what you’re after, but you don’t want to give up the fun and excitement of spirited driving, Bentley may be a better choice. The first Bentley I ever drove was a Continental GT. The car’s three-ton (not a typo) weight made me suspect that I would be navigating a leviathan, not an exciting GT. However, the 6.0-liter W12 engine (not a type but a unique VW design) was promising 582-hp and 582-lb-ft of treestump-pulling torque that comes on fully at only 1,700 RPM, so maybe I was just being a pessimist. Driving briskly on challenging two-lane back roads in rural Pennsylvania, I discovered that Bentley hadn’t lost their magic touch. The Continental GT’s massive brakes slowed from speed with authority and no drama. Its

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“

Inside, you are not deprived of a single luxury feature.

Click a switch, push a button or twist a knob and you will experience the feeling of quality that, as your Brooklyn grandma would say, “Feels like buttah.”

The instrument panel and dashboard echo the flying wings of the Bentley badge and feature Bentley’s softtouch leather. Touchscreen technology and chromebezel dials grace the cockpit area, again echoing the “wing” buttresses theme.

The Continental GT’s “Cobra” design seats are as comfortable as they look, thanks to the use of new body-supporting materials. Complex foams provide softness at first touch and continue to give excellent support over longer journeys. Exactly what you want in a GT. The seats can be ordered with front-seat ventilation as well as a state-of-the-art massage system boasting 10 individual massage cells. Individual side airbags are provided as standard for all passengers. Front seatbelts feature a new automatic presenter, making buckling up effortless.

Despite the sporting intentions, this Grand Tourer offers

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extraordinary levels of refinement, including advanced noise-suppression technology with special acoustic glazing, under-floor shields and hidden anti-vibration panels throughout the interior.

The Continental model line is also available as a convertible and a V8 convertible. The differences are under the hood, with the V8 model having a smaller but still powerful eight-cylinder motor.

If you want to maintain the fun-to-drive qualities of the Continental, but need five-passenger capacity, Bentley has you covered. The Bentley Mulsanne, named after the famed straightaway at Le Mans, might be for you.

Its 6.75-liter turbo V8 makes 505-hp and an astonishing 752-lb-ft of torque, all capable of propelling this threeton limousine from zero to 60 in a heartbeat more than 5 seconds. A good friend has one of these, and he can’t say enough wonderful things about the driving experience. Comfort, performance and safety are the things he ticks off while we talk. He also praises the carrying capacity since he has a family member who has to travel with a wheelchair. The trunk (he calls it a boot) gobbles it and their luggage up without a hitch.

Stylistically, as with the Roll-Royce vehicles in this report, it has a dramatic and classic shape. You know instantly that, besides being beautiful, it’s also an important and elegant vehicle.

Before we leave Bentley, let me tempt you with a

COURTESY OF MERCEDES-BENZ AND ROLLS-ROYCE

powerful and smooth engine scooted me to 60 from a stop light in less than 4.5 seconds. That’s faster than a lot of lighter sporty cars. Of course, having all-wheel drive helped get the power to the ground, but however that magic happens, it’s still really exciting.

“ YOU KNOW INSTANTLY THAT,

Having driven more than a few Rolls-Royce and Bentley automobiles over my career, I have to say that their reputations for elegance, luxury and comfort are well deserved. The exteriors show the kind of paint finishes I have seen only at world-class Concours d’Elegance events. The interiors caress and comfort unlike those of any other vehicle. The driving dynamics are in a class by themselves, and despite their exotic pedigrees, each is capable of being driven every day and in just about any weather. So, if you want, the best, call your local Bentley or Rolls-Royce dealer. They know how to treat a client, and their cars will, quite simply, amaze you.

BESIDES BEING BEAUTIFUL, IT’S ALSO AN IMPORTANT AND ELEGANT VEHICLE.

“

vehicle that you can’t buy—at least not yet. Unlike Ferrari, which just made news that there would never be an SUV with the Prancing Horse badge on the hood, Bentley has gone ahead and put its iconic badge on a new vehicle called the Bentayga (say Ben-TAY-gah).

This fresh off-road-capable SUV will carry all of the performance and luxury Bentley is known for, but also have the ability to go where no Bentley has ever gone before. It will be powered by an original design 6.0-liter W12 motor that delivers 600-hp and 664-lb/ft of torque. The automaker claims that a top speed of 187 MPH is possible and that the Bentayga can tow almost 8,000 pounds. That, folks, is one heck of a truck!

The first Bentayga rolled off the Crewe assembly line on November 27, 2015, to much fanfare and excitement.

Even the prime minister of Great Britain was on hand to praise the effort and laud the more than 1,500 new jobs this model brought to the UK economy. As I write this in early 2016, delivery to the USA is months away. However, if driving a Bentayga is something that appeals to you, there is a “keep me informed” link on the Bentley Motors website.

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Bathing Bathing in Luxury Luxury

BY NICOLE FONZINO

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M

ore and more homeowners along the Hudson River are taking their bathrooms to the next level, meticulously creating spaces that are not only relaxing havens for them, but also rooms for guests to genuinely marvel at.

Phyllis Harbinger, founder of Design Concepts/ Interiors, LLC, just completed two major bathroom transformations for clients living along the Hudson, projects that she and her team are eager to share. The notable design company was recently awarded the Best of Houzz award, which is presented to only the top 3 percent of design professionals in the industry. Located in Peekskill and Yonkers, NY, the two projects exhibit the evolution of bathrooms from bland, cookie-cutter layouts to extravagant spaces loaded with personality.

Harbinger, whose inspirations include nature and sights seen while traveling, says she tries to mirror the look and feel of her clients’ homes when designing a project. For the Yonkers home, her creativity derived from the client’s love of primitive art and contemporary style juxtaposed throughout the home. “We were inspired by the client’s global style,” says Harbinger. “The juxtaposition of the art and furnishings to the classical architecture provided an excellent jumping-off point for the design.”

Think of the pleasure and satisfaction you as a homeowner could feel by boldly remodeling your bathrooms in ways that allow you to bathe in luxury and experience serious R&R on a regular basis. To gain some insight on how to do this, check out the two homes transformed

by Phyllis Harbinger and her team below.

YONKERS, NY Hall Bath An outdated bathroom and an adjacent smallscale bedroom were combined to transform this hall bath space into a large spa oasis. Crisp

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white trim contrasts with and highlights the cool and relaxing blue-gray walls, while the floor-to-ceiling draperies sparkle and add unexpected glam. A stunning freestanding asymmetrical tub is a work of art. “I am in love with the sculptural quality of the free-standing tub,” says Harbinger.

“It is equally at home with the other art in the space and yet it is the epitome of form and function.” Polished marble sheaths the shower walls and floor while a beautiful weave “carpet” runs the entire length of the space. A beautiful dark-walnut vanity with a contrasting Michelangelo marbletop steals the show. The client’s primitive art and sculpture collected during her travels add the finishing touches to completely pull together this hall bath.

Master Bath This master bathroom went from being boring to beautiful. First, Phyllis and her team specified a square two-person tub and created a much larger integral shower.

To highlight the client’s eclectic treasures and primitive art, they designed a custom display cabinet with LED candles to help set the relaxing mood. This cabinet comes equipped with hidden storage units to keep bottles, bubbles and bath salts hidden so the bathroom always appears pristine and uncluttered. “This bathroom reiterates the client’s love for primitive art on a larger scale. Somehow, because all of the other spaces possess primitive art, the bathrooms integrate and flow in harmony,” says Harbinger.

Lagos azul tiles adorn the shower walls and floors, while a huge slab sits atop the tub.

“Bathe in luxury and experience serious R&R on a regular basis...”

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A coordinating mosaic tile is found on the tub deck face, and a modern vanity fashioned out of sleek walnut has custom-made shelving units and a large mirror.

To bring more natural elements into the room, the team selected a “wood” porcelain tile for the floor, which provides the look of a real wood floor, but with the added durability and long wear afforded by using porcelain tile with staggered tiles to better replicate a wood. Hartmann&Forbes wovengrass roman shades adorn the windows, adding texture and color.

The window is topped with an upholstered ikat fabric and studded with platinum square nail heads set at a diagonal.

PEEKSKILL, NY

COURTESY OF ANASTASSIOS MENTIS

Powder Room When designing the powder room, the team wanted to create a “jewel box” in what was a “builder grade” powder room. A gorgeous pagoda top mirror in silver leaf makes a grand impression in both scale and design on the focal wall. The walls are wrapped in handmade silver leaf paper tinted in aqua to reflect more light in this windowless room.

The vanity here was also custom made and finished in high-gloss black lacquer. The star of the show is, of course, the hand-painted porcelain sink, which bows to the Asian aesthetic that inspired the space. Azul cielo marble tiles continue the color story for the floor.

compact spa experience. The linear quality of the tile design evokes bubbles and suds, and the focal point of the mosaic leaf pattern creates a deco panel on the back shower wall while glass floor tiles and a soothing shade of bluegreen paint are counterbalanced by a pure white custom vanity and bench. The steam shower offers a wonderful bench in ming green.

Harbinger commissioned an artist to create the hand-painted triptych on the vanity wall, called “Sea Foam.” The panels in this spa bath float on the wall in specially designed cleats.

pleasing room. A chromotherapy oval tub creates sculptural impact and comes equipped with grab bars that still give a luxurious look.

The shower and vanity walls are sheathed in a glass and Thasos stick tile mosaic, while the other walls have large-scale Carrera Bella tiles capped with glass liners at chair-rail height. Phyllis and her team went the fun route for the floor by adding a pattern in the stone. The custom vanity that floats on the wall is fabricated of bamboo, as is the coordinating medicine cabinet that brings warmth as well as modernity to the space.

Master Bath Phyllis and her design team did a complete gut renovation of the master bath in this Peekskill home. The client’s ultimate idea of R&R is rejuvenating in a bath, so the team wanted to provide her with a freestanding tub. The original plumbing layout was not ergonomic, so they flipped the fixtures and were able to gain a greater space to establish a more functional and aesthetically

Spa Bath This bathroom is the ultimate in a

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EVENTS

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ANNUAL HOLIDAY EVENT Back in December, HudsonMOD helped Aires Jewelers celebrate their dedicated clientele at their annual holiday event.

Hosted at their luxury showroom in Morris Plains, guests were treated to a flute of Prosecco upon arrival. Throughout the evening, they were served a variety of hors d’oeuvres prepared specially by Culinary Creations of Hillsborough, were entertained by a live jazz trio and had the opportunity to taste cocktails created with Punzoné Vodka or test cigars provided

by Barrister Cigars... all while shopping Aires’ high-end jewelry displays.

2. Guests 3. Ron W. Arends and Justin DePasquale 4. The Aires Jewelers team 5. Michael Foti, Punzoné Vodka 7. Shannon Steitz and Jason Lembo

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COURTESY OF CHARLES PALMINSANO

AIRES JEWELERS’

View more pictures online at hudsonmod.com/a-night-of-italian-luxury

REDEFINING YOUTH

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C O N TAC T SUZ ANNE .H ANE V EL D @AOL .COM OR 973. 521. 26 07 JEUNESSEGLOBAL.COM

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EVENTS

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ROCHE BOBOIS

On February 4, HudsonMOD had the honor of officially welcoming the leader of interior design, Roche Bobois, to Bergen County. The grand opening event, held at their brand-new Paramus showroom, attracted more than 200 guests with many notables from the interior design industry, including celebrity designer Vanessa Deleon and editors from ELLE DĂŠcor, Design NJ, Veranda, House Beautiful and Interior Design magazine. Roche Bobois executives, including Pierre Berardo, 2. Rashell Matos, Cecilia Moles, Maelliz Vallette, Daniel Lombardi, Cindy Susilo, Daphne Menjoulou and Loren Morrissey 3. Pierre Berardo, Ren Miller of Design NJ and Barbara Ostrom 4. The Strong Angels 5. Shannon Stietz, Vanessa Deleon 7. Guests 8. Massimo Cimatti giving a live demonstration of the Mah Jong sofa 9.

Rashell Matos, Guest, Pierre Berardo, Mayor Richard LaBarbiera, Martin Gleize and Julien Bigan

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COURTESY OF J EREMY SMITH

GRAND OPENING EVENT

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View more pictures online at hudsonmod.com/roche-bobois-grand-opening-paramus

General Manager of the North East Network, officially welcomed the storefront to Paramus and held an official ribboncutting ceremony with Mayor Richard LaBarbiera. Throughout the evening, guests ate delectable hors d’oeuvres created

by Culinary Creations, sipped on premium cocktails fashioned with Figenza Vodka, enjoyed a wine and chocolate pairing poured by Sommelier Maria Scillieri and listened to live music played by the electronic violinist group, the String Angels.

2. Shauri Wu, Orane Abezis, Katharina Plath and Emily Schneider 3. Cindy Susilo, Maelliz Vallette and Jennifer Barre 4. Maelliz Vallette, Daphne Menjoulou, Jennifer Barre, Loren Morrissey, Kristen Miller, Madison Kraus, Emily Schneider, Shauri Wu, Cindy Susilo and Katharina Plath 5. Jason Lembo and Daniel Lombardi 7. Guests 9. Massimo Cimatti

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MOD SELECTS

BY NICOLE FONZINO

SOMEONE PASS THE BUBBLY…

WELCOME TO THE NEW AGE

This year, the prominent sparkling wine brand Moët & Chandon celebrated 25 years as the official champagne sponsor for the Golden Globe Awards. As always, the brand was honored with a signature cocktail for the evening. This year’s?

The Moët Ruby Red. Crafted by mixologist Karen Grill, she shares her Wizard of Oz-inspired recipe so everyone can drink like an A-lister.

Say goodbye to traditional, in-person cooking classes and hello to Wolfgang Puck’s millennial solution: his newly launched online cooking school.

This web-based classroom flawlessly blends Puck’s flair for succulent dishes with at-home convenience, a perfect pairing for any busy person who wants to obtain some culinary skills.

With membership costing only $9.95 per month, subscribers to Wolfgang Puck’s online classes will not only partake in a new cooking course each

Recipe: 3

/4 oz. Lemon /4 oz. Tarragon, Raspberry, Citrus Shrub* 1 oz. Vodka 2 1/2 oz. Moët & Chandon Brut

3

Pour first three ingredients over ice, then top it off with the champagne and citrus shrub.

week taught by the master chef himself, but also gain a whole slew of additional membership perks including access to delicious easy-to-follow recipes, personal tips, step-by-step photos and directions, plus a monthly contest for best recipe. To register, visit: www.wolfgangpuckcookingschool.com.

* To make the Citrus Shrub, bring all of the ingredients below to a simmer on stovetop, and then garnish the drink: 2 cups Raspberry Puree 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar 4 cups Cane Sugar 1 Lemon Peel 4 Sprigs of Tarragon

Englewood Cliffs made the cut… the American Cut that is. Known for juicy steaks and a contemporary take on classic American menu items, Chef Marc Forgione is taking his Tribeca-based steakhouse across the Hudson in March.

Forgione is the son of the “Godfather of American Cuisine” and the farm-totable movement starter Larry Forgione; however, he has established quite the name for himself in the industry all on his own by receiving a Michelin star and being dubbed the youngest Iron Chef winner. Last year, Fox News appointed the New York City-based American Cut as the no. 1 steakhouse in the U.S., and it keeps gaining momentum.

With incredibly palatable plates including a tomahawk ribeye chop for two and an American Cut seafood tasting dish, the American Cut restaurant in Englewood Cliffs is on HudsonMOD’s radar as a must-try.

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COURTESY OF WOLFGANG PUCK COOKING SCHOOL

MAKING THE (AMERICAN) CUT…

ULYSSES PHOTOGRAPHY

Creating experiences like no other...

Weddings & Special Events Planning Budgeting Scheduling

Etiquette Rehearsal “Day of”

Planning from beginning to end & every little detail in between...

Christine@cbcevents.com www.cbcevents.com

MARIA PAPP PHOTOGRAPHY

www.creationsbychristineevents.com Special Events

Maria Scillieri Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator mariascillieri@gmail.com | 201.788.5025

Tutored Tastings and Seminars | Wine List Refinements | Wine Dinners | Wine Service | Corporate and Private Wine HUDSONMOD.com SPRINGEvents 2016 73

MOD SELECTS

Matt Reiser knows a thing or two about mixing business with pleasure. He has two loves: photography and luxury vehicles, which is why he established his posh photography business, Fastlane Photography.

Founded at a young age, Reiser has shot various types of luxe autos ranging from exotics to SUVs to rollers. His professionalism and passion for these extravagant autos are what set him apart from other photographers in the business. While he receives fantastic reviews from all of his clients, it’s Reiser’s work that stands as a testament to his business. To check out his photo wizardry, visit www.fastlanephotography.com.

A BOLD CHOICE Roche Bobois, the prominent Parisian furniture company, has been celebrating its iconic Mah Jong sofa collection for over 40 years. Originally designed by Hans Hopfer, Roche Bobois’ newest line of Mah Jongs is crafted with vibrant Missoni Home fabric. These comfortable and effervescent furniture pieces will add a pop of color to any room, making each sofa stand out on its own like a unique piece of artwork.

You can now purchase these conversational pieces at the brand-new Roche Bobois showroom in Paramus, the first New Jersey location to open for the luxury brand. People of the NY/NJ metropolitan area have known and loved Roche Bobois for its lavish Madison Avenue location in the heart of New York City.

The storefront transitioned across the Hudson late last year, giving New Jersey residents the chance to experience Roche Bobois’ lavish showroom on their side of the river.

THE GETAWAY Private islands are gratifying to read about, but experiencing a sequestered getaway firsthand is unsurpassed. Now, through Ted Turner Expeditions, you can gain an insider’s perspective of a coveted private island: St. Phillips Island, to be exact.

Previously owned by the well-known business mogul Ted Turner himself, St. Phillips Island was added to the company’s retreats early this year. Located near Hilton Head off the coast of South Carolina, the luxury six-bedroom home sits on 4,680 acres of untouched private property and uses solar energy. It’s a perfect stay to experience the gorgeous, natural surroundings of an elegant and intriguing island.

A RARE RIDE One thing you can bank on: Mercedes-Benz knows how to celebrate an anniversary in style. This year, the luxury German automaker is honoring the 130th anniversary of the automobile created by Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. The Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC Cabriolet “Edition 130” is an ultra-rare edition with only 130 models being released worldwide.

Owners of the Cabriolet “Edition 130” will get to experience the refined vehicle’s assets including a custom red fabric top, Nappa leather upholstery, a limited edition badge in the center of the wheel, a 5.5-liter V8-biturbo engine with 577 horsepower and the ability to go from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds. The special edition luxury auto was first displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in late January, and will be released to dealerships this spring.

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COURTESY OF ROCHE BOBOIS, FASTLANE PHOTOGRAPHY AND M ERC E DE S -BE N Z

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Staging Glassware Silverware Tables/Linens, etc...

valley tent rental Park Ridge, New Jersey

Visit our website for pictures & pricing

www.ValleyTent.com 201-476-5666

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THE SCENE

Architectural Digest Design Show March 17-20 Piers 92 & 94, New York, NY

Lee Kui Dae Exhibit March 12-April 4 Canfin Gallery - Tarrytown, NY

Inspiration can be found under every pillow and behind every curtain at the fifteenth annual Architectural Digest Design Show. Industry professionals and design enthusiasts alike won’t want to miss this fourday event, featuring thousands of the best design products from more than 400 elite brands. The show will include panels led by industry experts, as well as special daily events such as book signings and culinary demonstrations. For ticket information, visit www.addesignshow.com/ticketsregistration.

A favorite of many collectors, Lee Kui Dae’s reductionist works have a primitive style reminiscent of prehistoric cave paintings, conveying a sense of innocence and purity.

Reflective of the renowned South Korean artist’s spiritual journey, the works are saturated with symbolism and recurring spiritual themes such as the four elements, squares, crosses, fish and birds. Lee received a degree in art from the University of Seoul and moved to France, receiving a second degree from the University of Paris. He is now celebrated as a successful artist with many praising his esoteric explorations.

NJ Wine & Food Festival April 1-3 Crystal Springs Resort Sussex County, NJ How would you enjoy sipping wine and eating delectable dishes among local and national chefs? Well, now you can, at the NJ Wine & Food Festival at Crystal Springs Resort. The weekend-long festival offers guests the opportunity to indulge in different tastings and seminars led by notable chefs and wine producers.

Among the chefs who will be present throughout the weekend are Mark Ladner (Del Posto), Kevin Sippel (Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen), Corey Heyer (Bernards Inn), and many more. Don’t miss your chance to speak and learn from some of the best in the industry. Visit www. crystalgolfresort.com/dine/wine-fest.

NYSPCC’s Annual Spring Luncheon April 12, 12 pm Pierre Hotel, New York, NY Join the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children as it celebrates the fifth annual spring luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. This year, the NYSPCC will welcome notable actress and author of her new memoir Wildflower, Drew Barrymore. Proceeds raised from the luncheon will help children who have suffered child abuse recover and enjoy a better life. To purchase tickets, please visit www.nyspcc.org/ product/2016-spring-luncheon.

Luxury Technology Show March 23, 4-9 pm Metropolitan Pavilion New York, NY

State Theatre 2016 Benefit Gala April 30 Heldrich Hotel, New Brunswick, NJ Join the State Theatre of New Jersey as it celebrates the 2016 Benefit Gala with a special performance by comedian Martin Short. Guests will enjoy a pre-show cocktail reception at the Heldrich Hotel before heading over to State Theatre to see Short’s hilarious performance. Afterwards, guests will return to the Heldrich to participate in auctions and raffles, enjoy live music and indulge in magnificent food and an open bar.

Proceeds raised from this event will benefit art-education programs for nearly 30,000 students. To purchase tickets, please visit www.statetheatre. org/gala.

The Luxury Technology Show is unequaled in its class, showcasing the latest innovations in technology and electronics. Featuring the most illustrious brands, plus prominent buyers, dealers and consumers, this exclusive event produced by RAND Luxury will spotlight the newest advances in home and business electronics, automotive, mobile technology and high-end appliances, to name a few.

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Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend April 23-24, 12-5 pm NY Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY

Dress for Success® Give Confidence, Hope & Style Gala April 7, 6:30 pm The Grand Hyatt, New York, NY

Is there a better way to experience the New York Botanical Garden other than sipping on wine surrounded by vibrant daffodils? The answer is no! Come see over 100,000 daffodil bulbs in full bloom while also enjoying refreshing wine samples from local wineries. Guests of the weekend will also experience a lecture led by winemaking experts, guided tours of the grounds and listen to live music throughout the day. To reserve your tickets, visit www.nybg.org.

Dress for Success, an organization that strvies to better the lives of women worldwide, will celebrate their annual spring gala. Join host Gayle King and women from all industries including fashion, entertainment, philanthropy and more as they come together to celebrate other women making a difference. This year’s honorees includes Talbots and Gloria Carter, who is the co-founder of the Shawn Carter Foundation. To purchase tickets, visit www.dressforsuccess.org.

AROUND THE GLOBE Art Paris Art Fair

Annual Tribeca Film Festival

March 26-29 Paris, France

April 13-24 New York, NY

Monaco Rose Ball

Blessing of the Fleet and Seafood Festival

March 28 Sporting Monte-Carlo, Monaco

April 24 Charleston, South Carolina

Amex World Luxury Expo

BKLYN Designs

March 30-April 1 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

May 6-8 Brooklyn, NY

A Taste of Vail

The 21st Annual St. Jude Open

March 30-April 3 Vail, Colorado

May 16 Potomac Falls, Virginia

Vinitaly

Newport Waterfront Oyster Festival

April 10-13 Verona, Italy

May 21-22 Newport, Rhode Island

COURTESY OF JAYME LAWSBY PHOTOGRAPHY, RANDLUXURY.COM, COURTESY OF THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN AND ILYA SAVENOK.

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THE QUOTE

– Luciano Pavarotti

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Number of lakes that make up the Finger Lakes in New York, the state’s largest wineproducing region

309

2,800

$709 billion

Annual sales in the restaurant industry in 2015

Passports issued in 2015 (NJ)

560,998

Years that Italy has been making and producing wines

1,169,590 Passports issued in 2015 (NY)

ILLUSTRATION

BY ISABELLA BANNERMAN

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Number of big wine regions in Italy: Tre Venezie, Piedmont, Tuscany and Southern

Number of restaurants in New York City that have a Zagat food rating of 25 or higher

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‘‘‘‘

‘‘‘‘

One of the very nicest things about life

is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing

and devote our attention to eating.

Traditional French cuisine with a modern flair...

252 Schraalenburgh Road Closter, NJ 07624 (201) 750-9966 www.harvestbistro.com

Mon. Closed Tues. - Thurs. Noon - 2:30pm / 5:30 - 10:00pm Fri. - Sat. Noon - 2:30pm / 5:30 - 11:00pm Sun. 11:30am - 2:30pm / 5:00 - 9:00pm

RAMSEY LIQUORS Beer || Wine || Spirits 47 W. Main Street Ramsey, NJ 07446 (201) 327-0353 HUDSONMOD.com SPRING 2016

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ENCORE

By Nicole Fonzino

Life & Living’s Joanna Gagis

F

Q: What’s been your favorite segment to film and why?

A: Wow, it’s so hard to choose! I absolutely love when I get to highlight a New Jersey destination that offers a unique experience, like Crystal Springs Golf Resort’s biosphere pool for winter sunbathing, or a wedding at The Venetian, or Grounds for Sculpture’s gorgeous botanical gardens and sculpture. These places really define the character of this state.

Q: Why do you feel that highlighting community service on your segment is so important?

A: Part of the fabric of New Jersey is our deep sense of community. Too often the media portrays us poorly, so it’s incredibly important that we highlight those who are feeding the hungry or supporting the sick. By sharing these examples of service, we’ll hopefully inspire our viewers to get involved.

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Q: What charity sticks in your mind the most?

A: I’m blown away by Oasis in Paterson, an organization that’s breaking the cycle of poverty by educating women.

In addition to offering job-readiness classes, they offer childcare, provide two hot meals a day plus clothing and essentials like diapers, and run after-school and weekend programs. I was so inspired by the personal stories of families whose lives were changed forever that I now serve as an associate board member.

Q: What do you hope people will take away from watching your segment?

A: I hope they learn something they didn’t know and are entertained and inspired in the process. Whether it’s a celebrity designer, a winemaker, yoga instructor or the family of an organ donor, I want our viewers to connect with the stories we tell. I want them to be moved to the point of action.

Q: What does luxury mean to you?

A: With a toddler and baby at home, luxury is a day at the spa! But, luxury also has always meant a vacation in a gorgeous hotel, dining at the best restaurants and exploring a part of this world that I’ve never seen before.

Doing that, to me, is a ‘life well lived.’

COURTESY OF LIFE & LIVING

or Joanna Gagis, a good night’s sleep and a strong cup of coffee are must-haves before filming Life & Living, which airs on NJTV and FiOS1. Raised in NJ, Gagis’ long-standing affinity for the Garden State has helped shape the influential lifestyle segment. A production of Emmy Award– winning anchor Steve Adubato’s Caucus Educational Corporation, Life & Living delves into the unique culture, style, activities and spirit of New Jerseyans.

“We realized we had an opportunity to showcase New Jersey in a whole new way,” says Gagis. “I’m a Jersey girl, so I connect to these stories on a very personal level.”

Besides uncovering distinctive aspects and secrets of many New Jersey destinations including Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township and Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, Gagis interviews notable state celebrities such as Stephen Colbert and Patrick Wilson.

She revels in helping residents enjoy all that New Jersey has to offer. HudsonMOD had the opportunity to speak with her about her electrifying ventures and what she’s learned so far during her time with Life & Living.

VODKA’S NEW Standard

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Unlock the world of Camper & Nicholsons Camper & Nicholsons has an eye for the extraordinary that comes naturally after more than 200 years of serving international royalty and the global elite.

To enter the world of Camper & Nicholsons is to go beyond luxury and experience curated journeys as unique as the individuals we serve.

Unrivalled knowledge. Unbeatable experience.

camperandnicholsons.com #cniyachting

Charter Sale & Purchase New Construction Management Crew Capital Insurance Refit & Repair

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