Iconic Concierge Vancouver Summer 2016 by Iconic Concierge Magazine

SUMMER 2014

publisher’s LETTER

welcome

... to the inaugural edition of ‘iconic concierge.’

vancouver’s very own luxury lifestyle magazine has been waiting on my bucket list for quite some time now. having been involved in marketing, promotion and media pretty much all of my life, running several other publications in BC, and being an automobile enthusiast and afficinado of most anything “lifestyle,” it was a logical step to bring it all together in a magazine. vancouver has recently been crowned “the supercar capital of north america,” and ranked best luxury real estate market in the world. a single city block of Alberni Street will soon be home to more than 20 freestanding luxury brand stores, and with the Diamond Rally and The Luxury & Supercar Weekend we have two of the biggest luxury events in all of Canada right here in Vancouver.

olaf robrecht publisher

‘iconic concierge’ is the first luxury lifestyle magazine for the affluent gentlemen in Vancouver. Filled with the best in luxury cars, travel, jewellery, fashion, fine dining and profile’s of the city’s who’s who, it is the must-read resource for those who live or aspire the life of a luxurista. i hope you enjoy the magazine.

ON THE COVER We picked the perfect day for our photo shoot with Aurora’s Bombardier Challenger 300 and the brand-new McLaren 570S. The plane was actually brought in from Toronto just for taking the picture that you seen on the cover. A big ‘thank you’ to Jeff Kufeldt of Aurora Jet Partners, Wilson Ng of McLaren Vancouver, our amazing photographer Jason Manchester, and the team at Million Air and of YVR. Our cover model, Robbie Dickson, is wearing a T-Shirt by Prada and a Valentino leather jacket, both provided by LEONE Vancouver. Watch: Devon Star Wars, limited edition.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

vol. 1 [2016]

www.iconic-concierge.com

PUBLISHER:

OLAF ROBRECHT olaf@iconic-concierge.com

AUTOMOTIVE EDITOR: FASHION EDITOR: WINE EDITOR: FOOD & BEVERAGE EDITOR:

ROBBIE DICKSON JASON SARAI BARRY MCNABB KEITH TRUSLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

SIMON YANG, ALLIE HENDERSON, ANDRE WETJEN, JAN-CHRISTIAN SORENSEN, DR. CHRISTIAN BRIX

PHOTOGRAPHY:

JASON MANCHESTER, DAVE HAMILTON, VAN DINH, CAITLYN VAN NICE, MAYOWILL PHOTOGRAPHY, NATALIE ROSSITER, KEVIN UY, CHEN PENG, GRAYSON RUFFO, LEILA KWOK

COPY EDITOR:

ANDRE WETJEN

DESIGN/ LAYOUT:

YADA-YADA MEDIA

ADVERTISING SALES:

ALLIE HENDERSON allie@iconic-concierge.com

iconic_concierge Iconic Concierge is published by

Printed in Canada.

All rights reserved. No part of Iconic Concierge Magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. The views expressed in Iconic Concierge are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher or staff. Although all reasonable attempts are made to ensure accuracy, the publishers do not assume any liability for errors or omissions anywhere in the publication or on the website. Iconic Concierge reserves the rights to ads produced for advertisers.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Photo by Scott Adolph of Sculptures of Light Photography Tamo Wood F183 Fazioli $265,998 Tamo Wood Giorgio Furniture at Lloyd Bruce Home in Coal Harbour Dress by Grandi’s Atelier

“The sound of Fazioli is beauty at the highest standard” Pam Zhao - Owner PLY Management

SHOWCASE PIANOS

Vancouver: 1224 West Broadway, Vancouver 604.437.5161 Richmond: #3480 - 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond 604.270.8861 West Vancouver: #102 – 2168 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 604.281.2878 www.showcasepianos.com

dreamT E A M

OLAF ROBRECHT publisher

An entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for new projects he is passionate about, Olaf ran several businesses since he came to Canada 16 years ago. These days, you will find lifestyle and car magazines as well as a design & marketing company connected to his name, although he might be better known for his little collection of spirited automobiles.

ROBBIE DICKSON chief gear head

Born in England, Robbie is a selfstyled entrepreneur with a passion for exotic cars, boats and watches. He owned pretty much every car you can imagine although he still calls a Lotus Elise he once owned his favourite. Tracked extensively, Robbie claims it was “the most affordable fun you can have with your clothes on ...”

JASON MANCHESTER automotive photography

Following many years chasing and photographing maxi yachts around Australia and the U.S.A, Jason Manchester returned to solid ground turning his primary focus to automobiles. He is now found shooting rare classics for international auction houses, current models fresh off the production line for luxury auto dealers, and heavily modified project cars for domestic and overseas print publications.

JASON SARAI

bespoke stylist & fashion editor When Jason found the world of bespoke suiting and styling, he had little choice but to turn it from a passion project into his life’s work with Style by Sarai. He has gone from being fashion advisor for family and friends, to the trusted bespoke stylist for professionals and grooms-to-be, by enhancing their confidence and helping them become their own style icon.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

ALLIE HENDERSON

advertising

Allie is the only Lady in our Gentlemen’s magazine team. The former professional freestyle motocross racer is now a successful entrepreneur, running her own company “Temple Foods” and promoting and coordinating car related events. “These guys simply needed a woman on their team, how else would things happen otherwise?”

BARRY McNABB wine expert

It was a bottle of 1989 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet that changed his life. That was in 1990. The addiction to wine was set. And the journey to know everything and anything about wine. Today, after many travels to all notable wine regions in the world, Barry has a broad knowledge of the nuanced interplay between food and wine.

CRAIG STOWE luxury events

Craig is recognized as Vancouver’s #1 creator and producer of luxury events bringing together affluent buyers, sellers and luxury brands in an engaging business and social setting. He is the president of the Luxury Alliance Group, founder and president of Luxury & Supercar Weekend and the co-founder and president of the Diamond Rally.

KEITH TRUSLER

imbibing authority The Brand Ambassador for The Glenlivet and Aberlour for several years now, Keith is a veteran of the restaurant industry in Vancouver and has extensive experience as a bartender, mixologist and chef. As a Connoisseur of single malt whisky he tirelessly pursues the finest dining and imbibing experiences the city has to offer.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

CONTENTS

/ JUNE 2016 /

COVER

FEATURES

AUTOMOTIVE

Luxury Timepieces

The Ultimate Supercar Charity Challenge Rally

A Matter of Time

The Diamond Rally

A Visit to the Factory

The Pleasures and Mysteries of Smoke

McLaren

Cuban Cigar Culture

An Emphatic Gear Head

Be Your Own Fashion Icon

Robbie Dickson

Art Of Bespoke

Private Aircraft

Why You Should Buy Real Estate in the Okanagan

Wings of Change

COLUMNS

Publisher’s Letter

The Specter Journal You Want This!

The Gentleman

They Should Have Taught You This In School

The Dapper Gent Skin Care Products

Invest In A Lifestyle

A Whistler Mountain Estate

Immerse Yourself in the Mountain Lifestyle

PERSONALITIES

Robbie Dickson

An Emphatic Gear Head

Tom Evans

Aston Martin DB11 Preview

Leone Fashion Show

Cinco De Mayo

ART

Todd Talbot

Great Scot!

The Glenlevit and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar

Bauhaus Restaurant The Art of Fine Dining

The Vancouver Wine Experience Local’s don’t wine about their Wine

Automotive Photography

A Wine Tasting

Vinoteque

Fashion Forward Inspired Paintings

Be Your Own Bartender

Caliden J Robinson

PALATE

Marcel Lech

ICONIC CONCIERGE

2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

Aston Martin DB5 Homage

Dream Wheels

Lamborghini Miura 50th Anniversary

1978 Aston Martin V8 Coupe

WATERCRAFT

SeaRay L650

Vector V40GT

The Next Generation

A Day in the Life of ...

EVENTS

1962 Maserati 3500GT

The Twentieth Century Cocktail

AVIATION

Embraer Phenom 300

DESTINATIONS

Côte d’Azur

Experience the French Riviera

An Okanagan Wine Tour Canada’s #1 Wine Region

Spirit Ridge Resort

A Vineyard Resort in Osoyoos

CONTENTS

52 34 90

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Classic Simplicity

photography by Van Dinh

1962 Maserati 3500GT First presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957 and manufactured between 1957 and 1964, the 3500 GT was the company’s first successful attempt at the Gran Turismo market and series production. Nearly 2,000 3500 GT coupés (1981 being touring coupés, as is the car featured here) and 245 convertibles were built. The stunning and fully restored car featured here is a tribute to one man’s passion for the automobile. Eighteen years of research and meticulous craftsmanship culminated in this work of art. AM 101*1806 was, according to the Maserati Certificate of Origin, completed in September of 1961 in white paint. There is currently no documentation available regarding when it was imported into the United States, but in 1980 the car was in Seattle and had been partially stripped as a donor car for another project. Roland Selby, a mechanical engineer and commercial airline pi-

lot, purchased the car and an extensive supply of spare parts and brought the car to Vancouver. It then sat for eight years as Roland prepared a complete and proper restoration shop, beginning the 10-year process of bringing the 1806 back to life. A meticulous restoration was documented with more than 400 photos of the entire process, including the full rebuilt of the 3.5L Inline-6 engine (DOHC, 12-valve, triple Weber carburetors. 220hp). The car entered its first show in Vancouver in 1998, where it won “Best Debuting Restoration” and was voted the “Show Favourite” by spectators. It has taken top class honours in every show in which it has been judged for prizes except one, in which it was judged against a dozen other first-place winners and took second to a professionally restored boat-tail Auburn. The 1806 was taken to Pebble Beach for the Maserati 100th Anniversary and participated in the Concorso, where the only thing the car was criticized for was an incorrect shift knob which has since been replaced by the correct NOS piece. We had the pleasure of driving this rare beauty, which is now offered for sale at Autoform Vancouver.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

A MATTER OF TIME The amazing watches of SIHH & Baselworld 2016 “A great watch will do more than tell time - it is an annotation of your own personal style.” Baselworld in Switzerland’s watch capital is without a doubt the place to be if you are a collector or connoisseur of timepieces. The annually exhibition showcases almost 2,000 brands on more than 160,000 square metres of space. It is here where wrist trends for the coming years start their journey. It is the most important marketplace for the world’s watch and jewelry industry. This year was the second exhibition, and it was incredible. It took us three full days to see all the new releases and meet numerous brands to get a personal introduction to their new timepieces. We could focus on the most expensive timepieces, the “haute joaillerie” or “high jewelry” — watches so encumbered with jewels that it is often hard to see the timepiece beneath the karats. Take Chopard’s rainbow-inspired “Imperiale Joaillerie” for example, which is covered with 581 sapphires totalling 47.98 karats. And the crown and lug covers are set with amethysts. Oh, it also tells the time...

We could also feature the newest watches coming from the typical giants. Yes, Rolex showed the new steel Daytona with a black Cerachrom bezel, and Omega re-issued one of vintage Omega lovers’ most beloved Speedmaster variations, but you will see and read about these watches everywhere. No, what we would like to show you are unique handcrafted watches, mostly from smaller independent designers or boutique brands, watches that are mechanical masterpieces, with production ranging well below 100 pieces per year. So here it is — our list of some of the most compelling timepieces we saw at Baselworld 2016 ....

MB&F LM PERPETUAL This masterpiece comes with a movement which uses a “mechanical processor” to calculate dates. Limited to 25 pieces in each 18K red gold or platinum. US$145,000 (rose gold) US$176,000 (platinum)

ICONIC CONCIERGE

A MATTER OF TIME CARTIER DRIVE The Cartier Drive (Drive de Cartier) is a vintage automotive inspired wristwatch that is aimed squarely at men. Pictured is the Drive de Cartier Flying Tourbillon in Pink Gold, fitted with the mechanical movement with manual winding, calibre 9452 MC. Certified “Poinçon de Genève”, this watch is assembled and set in the Cartier Fine Watchmaking “Poinçon de Genève” workshops. US$89,500.

HYT SKULL MAORI This watch breaks all the rules, using an exclusive liquid hour indication “capillary” system. The owner has to estimate the minutes depending upon the position of the coloured liquid between two hours.

HAUTLECE VORTEX PRIMARY Limited to only 18 pieces, this multi-coloured and three-dimensional watch is made out of 19 coloured glass structures that allow a view of the complex movement from all sides. In-house automatic calibre HL2.0. US$199,500.

The right eye of the skull indicates the power reserve of the watch, while the left eye is a running seconds indicator. Available in a limited edition of 15 pieces. US$120,000.

DEVON TREAD 1 The debut timepiece from DEVON, the Tread 1, features four internal 2-micron thin belts that spin within the case to display the time. The watch is powered by a lithium polymer rechargeable cell that is charged by wireless induction.

CABESTAN LUNA NERA This amazing watch combines the vertical capstan wheels, chain and fuse, with a glorious moon phase in 3-dimensions. Caliber CAB EC 102L, 46 rubies, 72 hour power reserve. US$206,000.

A revided limited edition version, the STAR WARS (worn by Robbie Dickson on our cover) is the most expensive DEVON to date at US$28,500.

JACOB & CO. ASTRONOMIA SKY The new Astronomia Sky from Jacob & Co is a twin-turbo tourbillon on a double-axis movement. Opposite the tourbillon is the hours and minutes indicator, the other axis is the seconds indicator. The globe at the center of the movement tells you whether it’s day or night. Depending on materials, the price could range from US$540,000 to US$800,000. ICONIC CONCIERGE

RICHARD LANGE JUMPING SECONDS

ROGER DUBUIS EXCALIBUR Roger Dubuis just recently introudced a new version of its iconic model, the Excalibur Automatic Skeleton Carbon, featuring a case that was crafted using a carbon fibre sheet moulding compound (SMC) which is twice as light and twice as hard as steel. The 167-component RD820SQ automatic skeleton calibre movement shows the signature 5-spoke star bridge over the barrel. US$63,100.

In an edition limited to 100 pieces, this watch combines precision with superb legibility. The jumping mechanism is driven by a one-second constant-force escapement that moves the seconds hand in the large seconds circle by exactly 60 jumps per minute. Also, thanks to the ZERO-RESET mechanism, the watch can be quickly and comfortably synchronised with a time signal. Euro 78,800 (~ US$88,800).

RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON SPLIT SECONDS Richard Mille teamed up with “Airbus Corporate Jets” (ACJ) who produce private jetliners. This limited edition Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph shows many Airbus plane-inspired design elements such as the dial that looks like a curved rectangular plane window, Torq set screws and a jet engine-inspired crown. US$ 1,000,000+

BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater is the world’s thinnest minute repeater. Ever. The titanium case is only 6.85mm thick. In-house-made Bulgari caliber BVL 362. Limited to 50 pieces. US$155,000.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

H. MOSER PERPETUAL CALENDAR CONCEPT Schaffenhausen-based luxury watchmaker H. Moser & Cie celebrates the 10th anniversary of the iconic Endeavour Perpetual Calendar with a limited edition timepiece that is simplicity itself: Neither a logo nor index, stripped even of the small seconds dial with an almost invisible indication of the months, this US$66,000 watch (shown here in white gold with a kudu-leather strap) is the ultimate expression of minimalism and purity.

TAG HEUER CARRERA HEUER 02T

HUBLOT LA.FERRARI SAPPHIRE

GREUBEL FORSEY SIGNATURE1

Borrowing the case design of the Carrera Heuer-01, TAG Heuer has placed an automatic chronograph tourbillon in this sporty watch.

In the new LaFerrari Sapphire Hublot the watchmaker showcases their movement that boasts the highest number of components (637) of a Hublot timepiece to date, in a clear sapphire case, allowing it to be viewed at every angle.

The Signature 1 is a beautiful yet simple handwound time-only watch with an open-worked dial that gives an uncluttered view into the movement with its massive, slow-beating balance wheel.

At US$15,950 it currently is quite simply, the most affordable Swiss-made tourbillon chronograph available on the market.

The LaFerrari Sapphire is limited to only 20 pieces and retails for US$ 575,000.

Available in 4 editions: Platinum (11 pieces), White Gold (11 pieces), Rose Gold (11 pieces) and stainless steel (33 pieces). Starting at appr. US$160,000 (stainless steel).

ANGELUS U30 Built like a supercar, the Angelus U30 Tourbillon Rattrapante unites three coveted “haute horlogerie” complications in a contemporary, three-dimensional form: A one-minute tourbillon, a splitseconds column-wheel chronograph and a flyback. US$59,950.

Ulysse Nardin Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon Designed to look like the deck of a wooden schooner with a boom that sweeps across to indicate the minutes of the hour, this watch displays the hours in numerals at 12 o’clock, with a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. 18K white gold, limited to18 pieces. US$280,000.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Pure. Energy. 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder The task faced by the Porsche development team was to create “the gene pool for the Porsche sports cars of the future,” the super sports car for the next decade with a highly efficient and powerful hybrid drive. In 2010, the concept car made its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, where it was met with overwhelming approval. The same year, the Supervisory Board of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG gave the green light for its production development. In late 2013, the first car left the Porsche factory. The 918 Spyder embodies the essence of the Porsche idea: it combines pedigree motor racing technology with excellent everyday utility, and maximum performance with minimum consumption. Designed, developed and produced by Porsche engineers who build race cars, in cooperation with series production specialists, reveals its close links to motorsport. The result: Classic

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photography by Caitlyn Van Nice

Porsche virtues combined with cornerstones for the future. The key technology is a drive concept, which combines a highperformance V8 combustion engine with 447 kW (608 hp) with the efficiency, responsiveness and torque of two electric motors. It has a combined mechanical power output of 210 kW (286 hp). It’s the ideal match. In June 2015 and after 21 months of production, the final Porsche 918 Spyder came off the assembly line in StuttgartZuffenhausen right on schedule. But the legacy of this technology pioneer will reach far beyond its production time. Future generations of sports cars will benefit directly from innovations found in the 918 Spyder. Acceleration: 0-100 km/h - 2.8 s ; 0-300 km/h - 23.0 s Top speed: 340 km/h ; purely electric: 150 km/h Fuel consumption (combined): 3.1-3.0 l/100 km; Electricity consumption 12.7 kWh/100 km

Hideously Ostentatious! The World’s Most Expensive In-Car Clock It is the fastest, most powerful hyper luxury SUV of the 21st century and has actually been giving nightmares to traditional Bentley enthusiasts since 2015. The Bentayga “represents the pursuit of a life outside the ordinary,” and “never settles for second best.” That clearly shows in its options list, featuring the most outrageously expensive factory-offered optional extra ever bolted to a car. And it is — a clock! But not just any clock. It’s a Breitling. But it’s not just any Breitling. “A bespoke mechanical Mulliner Tourbillon by Breitling clock can also be specified,” states Bentley’s media kit. And at almost $200,000 it will cost you almost as much as the car itself. Yes, that is $200,000 on top of the price of the Bentayga. Watch enthusiasts lighten up when the term “Tourbillon” is mentioned. For devotees of complicated timepieces, this ultra-sophisticated mechanism represents a pinnacle of the watchmaking art.

And never before has it been found in an automobile. Beating at 28,800 vph, the one-minute flying tourbillon sits in a titanium housing and has a 50-hour power reserve. But how would you get it wound to top off the power reserve without rolling the car over a few times, you may ask yourself? Well, the mount allows the clock to be rotated by an electric motor — three times every 15 minutes to be exact. This masterpiece is machined in solid white or rose gold, with a choice of either a mother-of-pearl or black ebony face, and decorated with eight sparkling diamond indexes.” And for those who can’t quite bring themselves to spend more on a clock than a car: All Bentley Bentaygas will come with a standard, less exotic, Breitling clock. There’s also a wristbound version of the Mulliner Tourbillon, produced at a rate of just a few units per year. It sells for $175,000. And really, you might as well buy that, too ... ICONIC CONCIERGE

Vertu Breitling With debossed Bentley logo, bespoke Bentley leather and stitching, this “made-to-order” Signature Touch Vertu phone features a 5-foot, 2-inch sapphire screen, a 21MP camera, and runs Android Lollipop 5.1. Starting at around US$10,500.

Veloce Serie Titanio V12 We don’t know how fast you will get your coffee, but these Formula 1 inspired coffee makers are made from race-ready materials like titanium, aluminum and stainless steel. You can choose from several “engines” — all limited editions, with prices around US$16,500 for the top models.

Kormaran K7 This ‘boat’ transforms from a catamaran to a trimaran, from a monohull to a hydrofoil, making it one of the most versatile vessels to ever hit the water. Powered by a 493-hp triple jet drive, it hits speeds up to 44 mph/70 km/h and reaches up to 108 miles (200 km) at that top speed. Expect to pay around US$1.5M.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Montblanc Firenze The “Masters for Meisterstück Firenze” unites the expertise of Montblanc — as creator of exquisite writing instruments — with the city of Florence’s rich artistic traditions in leather manufacturing. The Fountain Pen is encased in brown leather with unique handstitched seams and platinumcoated fittings — and can be yours for C$3,040

911 Soundbar Porsche Design has developed the 911 Soundbar for whom the sound of a high-performance sports car is not enough: a 2.1 virtual surround system subwoofer boost converted from the original rear silencer and twin exhaust from a 911 GT3. 200-watt system performance, DTS TruSurround, Bluetooth. Cost is about US$3,400.

Roland Iten Belt Buckle

B&O BeoLab 90

Designed, developed, and manufactured like a very fine Swiss watch, this R60 Diablo mechanical buckle will take your breath away. Handcrafted in 18-karat red gold with a specially designed setting to hold a rare 60.66-carat fancy cognac diamond that is so clear you can see the mechanics below. The price? We expect it to be in the several million-dollar range.

After three years in the making, the BeoLab 90 features 18 total channels of digital amplification cranking out 8,200 watts. It is fitted with Bang & Olufsen’s new Active Room Compensation technology that makes up for the impact of your room, your furniture, the placement of the loudspeakers, and the location of the listening position, guaranteeing a sensational sound experience. Cost is US$80,000.

Animal Chairs Máximo Riera is the creator behind the amazing Animal Chairs collection that includes the Octopus Chair, a Rhino Chair, the Hippo Chair, The Whale Chair, the Walrus Chair and The Toad Sofa. Maybe there is more. Each limited edition chair is manufactured to order, taking an average of 11weeks to produce. Expect to pay about US$80,000 — $100,000 per chair.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Is it me or does it seem like only like last Tuesday that McLaren came from nowhere and punched us in the face with a gaggle of supercars? - robbie dickson

A VISIT TO THE FACTORY by Robbie Dickson

ICONIC CONCIERGE

“We needed an answer. Which one is the better deal? The McLaren 570S or 650S?”

k, so I know what you’re asking — how can you possibly compare one McLaren model costing $380,200 to a new $220,000 Baby McLaren, which, by the way, is not the itty-bitty, cute ’n’ cuddly wimpy super car we were expecting. Not by a long shot.

More wings than a chicken joint...

Well, I didn’t want this to be like every other car review, where we compare a few cars in the same price bracket and see which car makes your eyes bleed the most — or which make my pants the wettest.

Just beyond lies a dramatic 1969 McLaren M7C with more wings than your local pub’s chicken wing specials. Bruce drove it himself until the guillotine front wing was banned, but I was more interested in the orange wedge parked adjacent. This was the car I came to see — not for the car, but the history and insanity of the race series it drove in — The Can-Am series, Nicknamed the Can-Am-Killer, it was one of the most insane racing series ever devised. McLaren positively dominated it, winning the championship five years running.

I wanted to take a different approach, one that looks at two super cars made by the same company. So, where to start? That was, in fact, the easy part — McLaren.

The series would go on to become, arguably, the greatest form of motor racing the world has ever known. It began in 1966, but by 1974 it was over,

So, to begin with, I decided to visit the McLaren factory and see what all the fuss was about. Ask anyone where the super car capital of the world is located and they’ll likely point you towards Italy. But that’s not the only place where super cars are born. Nor is it — despite the best efforts of Ferrari — home to the bulk of grand prix victories and world championships. Those bragging rights belong to a section of England we call Carbon Fiber Valley. It’s where you’ll find the majority of Formula One teams and suppliers, and at its heart sits the sleepy town of Woking.

Just imagine for a second a racing series where there was no HP limit, hence this 1500HP monster. The series was like something from a Quentin Tarantino movie with similar fatality numbers to match.

With a little more than 60,000 inhabitants, Woking wouldn’t register on most radars. But it blips big on mine, thanks to the McLaren Technology Centre, home to one of the most successful teams in F1 history and a super car manufacturer to rival Italy’s best. It’s one of the great gearhead meccas of the world. Hidden on more than a 100 green acres at the outskirts of Woking lies a space-age complex that could double as a supervillain’s lair in most any fantastical action movie. My journey (and McLaren’s) started with the 1929 Austin 7 in which Bruce McLaren won his first race in 1954 at the tender age of 15. His father bought the car in pieces with plans to sell it, but Bruce convinced him to keep it instead. They built the car together, along with a figure-eight track on which Bruce learned to drive. It was the start of a legendary career as both a driver and constructor of racing cars. Sitting across from the Austin and bookending the other end of McLaren’s history is the MP4-27 Jenson Button drove in 2012. Button won three races that season, his teammate Lewis Hamilton another four, marking the team’s last race wins to date.

Once the Death Races were done, McLaren entered the Marlboro era soon thereafter. The original MP4 — named for the merger of McLaren and Dennis’ Project 4 team — won just one race in ’81, but its influence was far greater. The MP4 pioneered carbon-fibre construction, long before any other team adopted the lightweight material. Though these cars long predate the ban on tobacco advertising, bureaucrats mandated the removal of their Marlboro logos. Now you can begin to see where the technology for the road cars come from, and that’s also what I wanted to see — the factory floor. From the museum we walked through a futuristic hidden tunnel painted floor-to-ceiling in a new colour I just invented called “Star wars white”. Can someone get Benjamin Moore on the phone? All that was missing was a few storm troopers to make me feel like I was in episode 8, but this time with a V8 powered carbon fibre edition R2D2 to keep me safe. At the end of a tunnel appeared another hidden door, which when opened revealed the entire production facility from where we were standing high above the floor. It looked like someone had dropped a box of skittles on a surgical white floor. This was no ordinary automotive production facility, it was something special. There were no robots to be seen, just lots of people dressed in black buzzing around, assembling complete super cars by hand at a rate of one every four hours. This was the first time I got to see the new 570s up close mean the car, not me.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

570S

Engine: 3.8 L twin-turbo M838T E V8 | 562 brake horsepower (419 kW) SSG dual-clutch | Curb weight: 3,200 lb (1,451 kg)

The 570’s Tub

True to the McLaren recipe, the 570S begins with a carbon-fibre passenger cell sandwiched between aluminum substructures like a British chip buttie. Now called MonoCell II, the tub features sills slimmer than the wide, tall rails of the 650s and the P1. That should make it easier to enter and exit the car, playing to the 570S’s intended purpose as a daily driver for those who take their Sunday drives in Gulfstream jets.

Powertrain

Like the pricier 650S, the new 570S derives its name from the output of its 3.8-litre V-8 in metric horsepower. That’s 562 horses to you and I. Torque is rated at 443 pound-feet. The displacement of the twin-turbo engine matches that of the 650S and P1, and power supplied to the rear wheels via the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Since McLaren remains an unwavering advocate for rear-wheel drive, the 570S won’t match the 911 Turbo S’s shocking 2.5-second

ICONIC CONCIERGE

| Transmission: 7-speed Graziano

zero-to-60 time warp. The Brits say their car will rocket to 62 mph in a still-swift 3.2 seconds, but also claim that a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio will give them the edge in any race to tripledigit speeds. Keep your foot on it long enough and the 570S will eventually top 200 mph, perfect for drag racing your Gulfstream Jet on a Sunday morning whilst the neighbours are at church.

So how does it drive then?

My daily driver is a 650S, and yes, I’m a little bitter the 570 looks better and is $150k less, so I expected to notice the difference in the drive — and I did. The 570 is not ridiculously quick. That might sound a bit harsh, but don’t forget I am comparing it to a 650S. The McLaren I have has such abundance of power that it can almost overwhelm you on the road. In the 570S, you can actually keep the pedal pinned for long enough to savor the action — if that’s a good thing. But in a 650S, you tend to back off like your shoe’s on fire to avoid some massive carnage that’s about to unfold.

But ‘not ridiculously quick’ still means it’s quick enough to beat 99 per cent of cars off the green light, which is of course the most important reason to have a fast 0-60 time. On the road, it hurls itself with proper assertion, once you’ve passed 4,000 rpm, and the engine sings to 8,300 rpm (most turbos’ call time at 7,000ish). In that operating range, turbo lag simply isn’t an issue, so the engine always responds proportionally and controllably and you gotta love that turbo wind-up sound. And if you’re on unknown twisty roads, that torque is a gift that keeps on giving.

What does that mean for cornering?

McLaren has deliberately limited grip. A bit. In other words, the rear tires are “only” 285/35 20. And there are no moving aero devices and no extravagant down force or air brake wing. That results in a car with gentle edges to its envelope, giving you loads of warning that grip is running low, and loads of choices about what to do next. This makes the 570 safe to have fun in if your idea of fun is drifting around corners controllably — which it does — or doing figure 8’s in the parking lot — which it also does. McLaren has hydraulic steering too, and the feel is terrific, adding another layer to your confidence. You’ll seldom feel understeer. At root, it’s a balanced chassis with loads of traction. Beyond that, it has clever electronic stability systems, including a new, loose, setting that allows you to — OK, encourages you to — play at lurid oversteer. Where conditions permit, it allows you lay down some rubber in a parking lot near you to mark your territory — not that I would ever do that, of course.

So a daily driver?

I think my 650S is a usable daily driver, and it has been for nearly two years; the 570 is even more so. It’s easier to get in and out of, better on gas — oops, please pretend I didn’t say that — and it has more cargo space, too. But I’m still not bitter, even though I know you’re thinking I’m going to trade in my 650S for the new McLaren. And yes, that would make perfect sense to do so. The 570 is stunning to look at, and if you compare it to the Porsche 911 which it competes with, there is no comparison. This really is the 911 killer I expected it to be — in the looks department at least.

Should you buy the 570 or the 650

If you were to put a professional driver in the 570 and race against me in a 650 on a track, there is no doubt I would be embarrassed and I’d have to claim engine problems for my lack of performance to save face. So the best advice I would have is save the $150,000, buy a membership at a racetrack like Area-27 in the Okanagan, get some good professional racing tuition. I guarantee your newlearned expertise will make you quicker than a 650.

“More is more”

So did I trade in the 650S? Yes, I did. But not for the 570, like any normal person should and would do. Instead, I decided to go the other way and opt for the even more expensive 675LT Spyder, not because the 570 isn’t better value than the 650, but because for me if there is an option to get more power or more insanity into a car, I’ll always opt for more. To me more is more — and I like more.

650S Engine: 3.8 L twin-turbo M838T V8 | 641 bhp (478 kW; 650 PS) - 500 lb·ft (680 N·m) of torque | Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch | Curb weight: 3,148 lb (1,428 kg) (coupe)

ICONIC CONCIERGE

man about town DB11 PREVIEW EVENT ASTON MARTIN VANCOUVER

People invited to the exclusive preview of the new Aston Martin DB11, the most powerful DB model in the company’s history, had a hard time to decide which car is more beautiful - the twin-turbo charged V12, presented in a lustrous Cinnabar Orange, or the classic silver Aston Martin DB5 (which you will find in this edition as well) parked right across from it. “We aspire to build the most beautiful cars in the world, and the DB11 is the best example. An absolute embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that it combines both exceptional design with the latest technology throughout,” said brand ambassador Terence Jenkins. It was a wonderful evening with exquisite hors d’oeuvres, premium wine, and exceptional entertainment by Showcase Pianos.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

photography by Kevin Uy

ICONIC CONCIERGE

2016 Diamond Rally The Ultimate Supercar Charity Challenge Rally So Jeremy Clarkson may have crowned Transfagarasan Road in Romania the best driving road in the world, but that’s only because he has not driven the 122 km from Vancouver to Whistler, or even my personal favourite, Duffy Lake Road, which stretches 99 km from Pemberton to Lillooet. But that’s just fine by me because the last thing we Vancouverites want is a bunch of RVs hogging these magnificent drives and spoiling it for us normal people, who prefer hot and cold running

ICONIC CONCIERGE

water over a box van with windows and a hole in the floor. Luckily for Vancouver car buffs, an event called the Diamond Rally was created to take advantage of such roads and bring together a gaggle of petro-sexuals like me for a day of speed, adrenaline and luxury. The third year anniversary of the Diamond Rally was held May 14, gathering about 180 super cars to take the drive from Vancouver to Whistler — with a stop at Pemberton Airport for some dragracing.  Showing off your prized toy is an important part of owning one, or as I like to call it, doing a spot of community service. Had I seen 180 super cars rip by when I was 10 years old, I’m

pretty sure I would have wet my pants (probably as a 20-year-old, too, come to think of it). And so hundreds of people came out to watch the posers drive by (Also, maybe it was because they enjoy super car N-plate spotting, in which case they were in for a treat.) The Diamond Rally is basically an opportunity for owners to get their prized possessions out of the garage and for once, actually drive them. It’s something a lot of owners don’t actually do often. To make the rally more legit, everyone must raise money for a charity of their choice that also serves as keeping the police off your back — at least that’s the idea. However, a few tickets were handed out for those that got a little too excited. The drive to Whistler, with the mountains on one side of the road and the Pacific Ocean on the other, sets for one incredible scenic drive. And thanks to the Olympics a few years ago, the entire road was re-built, leaving locals with a stunning twisty-turning road all the way to Whistler. Making this drive with 179 other super cars and incredible scenery is a sight hard to beat. I personally have driven the Cannonball Run, Bullrun, Lamborghini Giros eight times, along with a bunch of other rallies. However, this drive really is one of the greatest I have done.

For this year’s rally, I chose the Lamborghini Aventador Roadster. The roadster means the roof fits in the trunk, leaving zero space for luggage — perfect for weekend getaways. (The wife/girlfriend may disagree.) With the roof off, this drive is probably a lot like taking speed and LSD together, without the hangover effects. Either way, I was looking forward to drag-racing on the runway against a friend of mine in his Murcielago — battle of the old vs the new. This was merely the sideshow compared to the race everyone wanted to see — the $1.2 million Porsche 918 vs a modified Datsun (I mean Nissan) GT-R, worth a 10th of the Porsche. I won’t drag out what happened, but basically the GT-R kicked butt, and by quite a bit too, proving the GT-Rs with a little tweaking can still offer super car performance for sports car money. The day ended with dinner in Whistler and sighs of relief that nobody’s car burned down, no cars impounded, but a few bruised egos left on the runway. This rally was a great way to get together with other gear heads and chat about cars, cars and more cars, and make a few side bets on who will win the ego, sorry, drag racing. For more information visit www.DiamondRally.com Words by Robbie Dickson

Photos by William Luk /Mayowill Photography

ICONIC CONCIERGE

From Vancouver with Love

photography by Andre Pinces

Recreating the Bond Car

t’s 1964 and EON productions is ready to release Goldfinger, its third James Bond movie. With a production cost of almost $3 million, failure was not an option. A special worldwide release campaign was in order, spread over four months.

With so many places to promote and premiere the film actor Sean Connery could not cover this global presence alone. The solution? His co-star — and for many of us the secret star of the movie — is the stunning Aston Martin DB5. The vehicle got so popular that the movie company was bombarded with calls for the car to be displayed at their venue. At this time, Aston Martin had only provided two cars. One movie car had prop-style limited working gadgets for closeups and the second was the road car or stunt car. So to keep up with the demand, the stunt car was converted to another gadget car. But more functional. People wanted to see the gadgets in action all the time. They became the most popular cars in the world, touring countries over the next few years promoting the upcoming 1966 007 movie, Thunderball. By this time EON had commissioned two more silver birtch DB5 gadget promotional cars from Aston Martin to cover PR tours in North America until 1968. After this, all four cars were returned to Aston Martin’s factory in Newport Pagnell, where they were stripped from all gadgetry and refurbished for re-sale as demo cars. All for naught, because the gadgets were re-installed later by the new owners.

to the Sunday buffet, where he would spend most of his time checking out the car. His love for cars grew. He restored a 1967 VW Beetle in high school and would learn how to weld and do bodywork. Thirty years later, he decided to re-create his childhood icon. Only three original cars remain in existence today. The original was stolen and never seen again. The others are in Miami, Los Angeles and Netherlands museums, valued at $7-10 million.

One of these cars actually ended up at Frank Baker’s restaurant The Attic right here in Vancouver. This Bond car arrived in Vancouver in December of 1969 to be displayed at Auto-Rama.

To get the feel for it, Olivier started building the largest and most detailed model made, complete with all working gadgets. After about seven months with the scale model, it was time to go full size. Two years later, the DB5/2017R was completed — in all its beauty — but with no engine at this point. However, it did have its working gadgets. The car is still not finished and a work in progress. Make sure to follow Olivier on his Instagram (theQcar) and his website to see the updates.

Olivier Spilborghs, who you will get to know better now, was born the same month and year. The Aston Martin sat in a glass display for the next 13 years, while Olivier was growing up in West Van. His parents would take him and his sister

“I want people to enjoy a part of car history, and this is my way of sharing it,” said Olivier. “You don’t need to be a 007 agent to enjoy this ride — you can just fill his shoes. “And have the best time doing it!”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

www.theQcar.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

the automotive art of

- MARCEL LECH -

ICONIC CONCIERGE

EMPHATIC

ROBBIE DICKSON

GEAR HEAD

IC: Robbie, your business card says “Serial Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Engineer, Emphatic Gear Head.” You have started a number of different companies, including DeBeers Diamonds and Firgelli Automations, and you’re love for expensive sports cars led you to cofound the Diamond Rally, a highly popular event that brings together supercar owners for a tour through the spectacular Canadian countryside. You also co-founded Attivo Designs that makes supercar add-ons. So yes, you seem to be a bit of a gear head, a little eccentric, and I don’t want to say ‘nuts’ but well, yes, looking at your spiky Louboutins... yes. How did you get to where you are today? - and if I need to call security their standing right outside the door. RD: They are actually downstairs checking out the turquoise Lambo some idiot parked in a handicap spot, so you may need to scream pretty loud to get their attention. I was brought up in a very rough part of the UK, during the miners strikes where there was little chance of a job let alone a career. I kept myself busy inventing things out of my technical Lego set and watching my favourite movie repeatedly, “CannonBall Run,” staring a then ultra cool Burt Reynolds. My poster on the bedroom wall of a Lamborghini Countach seemed nothing more than just a fantasy, but I promised myself one day I will have a Lamborghini. It was pretty tough to get out of that place and break away from small town mentality and think big picture, big plans and big business. My school was so rough I remember my teacher running around the class one day with an axe in his hand trying to kill one of the students who was tormenting him, only to lock him in a cupboard for 2hrs and then getting admitted into a mental hospital. The teacher not the student. It was a very rough town to say the least.

IC: So we guess you left school a grade A student, invented some cool things and made millions? RD: Not quite. I quit school at 15, and failed at pretty much everything. No education, no job, no prospects, no Lambo, I was screwed. So with no other options I took an apprenticeship as a machinist for $45 a week (!), for 4 years. After 8 years I could almost make anything I could imagine from milling, turning, welding, forming, you name it. At the time I didn’t know how useful this experience was going to be later, but it was not getting me any closer to my Lambo, so I decided it was time to get serous about my future and created a 5/10/15 year plan where the end goal was a Lambo. IC: You’re a bit obsessed with Lambos, you know there are other supercars out there? Don’t you have a McLaren and Ferrari, too? Ok, so how did you get the damn Lambo? RD: Hey, this is my story! Ok, I made my 5/10/15 year plan and I was so determined that nothing was going to stop me, no lack of education, not the people around me saying it wont happen. Part one of the plan was to get a degree. I enrolled at university to take Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, two degrees in one which took me 4 years to do. Then fast forwarding a bunch of years and jobs, all part of the plan, I ended up at my 10 year plan which was to start making real money by starting a business. It was actually quite easy, I invented some technology and created a company around it. I did very well at it so I decided to do it again. During this time I had owned more than a hundred sports cars, but had never bought a brand new one. Even my first Lambo, a Gallardo, was a few years old. Then one day when I finally was ready and my 15 year goal was achieved, I walked into Lamborghini Vancouver and said I want to buy the first Aventador

photography by Natalie Rossiter

into Vancouver and I want to spec it out and pay cash. They reluctantly agreed. IC: What other ventures have you been part of (as a founder, collaborator, etc.)? RD: With my love for cars came my passion for racing. When I moved to Vancouver I realized we had no real race track, so when I met Bill Drossos who had this crazy dream of building a Formula 1 race track designed by Canadian F1 legend Jacques Villeneuve, a group of fellow gear heads and I created Area27 in BC’s Okangagan wine country. IC: And back to talking about cars again... Anyway - what was the biggest fail you had during your entrepreneurial career? RD: Investing in the wrong people. I invested in one project that didnt go anywhere, not because it was a bad idea but because it was ran by people who were not the right people for the task. I lost a lot of money over it but it made me learn how to invest in other people. IC: If you had to start over, and were NOT allowed to do any ventures that you have already done, what would you do? RD: I’ve always wanted to work behind a bar, I love the social aspect. Maybe one day I’ll buy a bar just so I can do just that. IC: What is the best piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs? RD: To be successful you have to be out there, hit the ground running and if you have a good team around you, and a good idea, and a good portion of luck, you might make something happen. But you certainly can’t guarantee it just by following someone else’s formula. A business is simply an idea to make other people’s lives better, but you won’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over, and never giving up even if you keep falling over.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Photo by Daniel J Collins

Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite car rental company 604 259 6162 | www.seatoskyexotic.com

WHAT’S YOUR PLAN?

Do you have excess retained earnings inside of your corporation?

Challenge:

Do you have a method to get money out of your corporation in a tax-efficient manner?

You’ve worked hard for many years to build a thriving business, and you have accumulated a significant amount of retained earnings. Your corporation now consistently generates more cash than you need on a day-to-day basis. Excess cash sitting in investments inside your corporation is taxed as passive investment income at the highest corporate tax rate. This hinders your growth year after year. You can take the money out as a salary or as a dividend, but there are significant taxes incurred personally as well.

Solution:

Corporate-owned life insurance is an effective tool for dealing with many tax and estate planning challenges, both corporately and personally. There are two major advantages for using this type of solution: It allows for accumulation of cash surrender values within the policy which are exempt from annual taxation, and it pays out a tax-free benefit upon the death of the insured, known as the death benefit.

There are 3 strategies that are typically positioned when implementing a tax-advantaged life insurance policy: Accumulation By distributing a portion of your company’s excess cash from passive investments into tax-advantaged permanent life insurance, growth is no longer eroded by income tax. This creates a tax-sheltered environment for the future growth of your money. Please note: Effective January 1, 2017, new tax rules will potentially limit the maximum amount of tax-exempt savings allowed inside new policies. Therefore, individuals looking into this type of strategy are encouraged to explore this before the end of the 2016 calendar year.

Income Over time, you have the ability to access the policy’s cash value in several ways, including the use of the policy as collateral for a line of credit. In many cases, you are able to use these loan proceeds as an income stream both personally or for your business with minimal tax liabilities.

Legacy Upon death of the insured, the collateral loan will be paid off by the policy’s death benefit. The remaining death benefit (less adjusted cost basis - ACB), is paid to your company’s capital dividend account and in most cases is eligible to be paid as a tax-free dividend to shareholders. This concept is effective in many circumstances, however, may not be for everyone. The information is general in nature and not intended as legal or tax advice. We encourage consultation with your legal, accounting and tax advisors to determine whether this strategy is suitable for you. If deemed suitable, a personalized program can be prepared to align with both your personal and corporate goals. KTJ Financial Solutions is an elite financial planning firm working primarily with professionals and corporate business owners in Vancouver and the surrounding areas. We create comprehensive strategies to enhance our client’s net-worth, minimize taxes, and maximize estate values. This ensures our clients and their families are financially secure for future generations. www.ktjfinancial.com

brad@ktjfinancial.com

jordan@ktjfinancial.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

CUBAN CIGAR CULTURE by Simon Yang

How do I get someone to understand the absolute pleasures and mysteries of smoke, which challenge the palate to find its subtle nuances? I’m often asked by the less enlightened what was the point of smoking a cigar. That question is invariably followed by the more insulting question, “Aren’t you just burning money,” as if bringing tobacco leaves to combustion is the equivalent of lighting up paper currency — though I will admit a rare, collectable Cohiba in hand can sometimes feel like holding a small, perfectly rolled stack of money. I’m usually left dumbfounded and am never quite sure how to handle what in my mind is an absurd question. (That’s because there are no stupid questions, right?) How do I begin to explain the pure joy of bringing flame to that majestic Partagas Lusitania that sat so patiently in my humidor for the last two years?

ICONIC CONCIERGE

How do I show my anticipation for that first, mild vanilla draw to the bittersweet, finger burning last draw? (Bitter sweet referring to my emotional state as opposed to the actual flavours, though I wouldn’t be upset with a bittersweet finish.) How do I get someone to understand the absolute pleasures and myster-

ies of smoke, which challenge the palate to find its subtle nuances? To convey the elation when my nose senses for the first time the orange peel the Partagas Lusitania is famous for? I could go on and on until my mouth is dry, babbling about the finer points of cigar smoking when I would much rather

have my mouth dry because of cigar smoking. Instead, I explain it in terms of time, a subject vastly more complicated, but at the same time much easier to grasp for people who cannot conceptualize the enjoyment of smoke. I explain to them that rolled into each cigar is the ability to slow down time, a quality everyone can appreciate in a world of meetings, emails, layovers, and soccer practice. What happens when you light that Partagas Lusitania? Well, you are making a commitment to yourself of at least two hours to sit down and enjoy that cigar. You are saying to yourself, “I have time for this”, which is an incredibly powerful statement in an increasingly busy world. In my opinion, there is no better way to pass the hours than by watching leaf turn to ash and then to smoke, all in a perfectly straight line that runs down the length of your cigar to mark the passage of time. This is a concept everyone understands. So when I’m picking out a Hoyo Epicure No. 2 for someone, I’m not giving them a creamy, medium bodied Robusto, I’m giving them plenty of time to enjoy themselves.

About the author: Simon Yang is the Manager at “Vancouver Cigar Company,” located inside the Autoform Car Dealership at 1885 Clark Drive. If you love luxury cars and cigars, this is the place to go. Please contact Simon at 1-888-942-4427 for any inquiries.

The Chest for the Best It’s a work of art and elegance, a masterpiece created in a limited edition of just 12 pieces annually. It is the most exclusive and prestigious cigar chest ever to be designed and produced. The $1 Million Imperiali Genève Cigar Chest consists of more than 2,600 parts, of which 300 go into the Swiss Tourbillon Timepiece on top of the case. A nine-digit code is needed to open the Emperor and to gain access to one of the 24 Grand Cru cigars, each aged for 48 months and wrapped in real gold leaf. Inside the chest, a display indicates the power reserve, temperature and humidity; a concealed drawer contains a cutter, lighter and ashtray. The Emperor has the world’s first relative humidity regulation system, guaranteeing a constant humidity level of 70 per cent and a temperature of 16-18 degrees Celsius, regardless of external environmental conditions. These values can be personalized to suit the owner’s wishes. www.imperiali-geneve.com ICONIC CONCIERGE

The Gentleman

They should have taught you this in school....

by Dr. Christian Brix

WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

he impetus behind creating ”The Gentleman” was truly about telling men the truth. The truth about what it means to be a man, but more specifically, a sophisticated man. The aim is to talk about the things our parents probably learned, and their parents definitely learned. Sadly, if you are under 40, you have potentially never heard some of what is coming in future issues, but I promise it will help you bring out your inner James Bond (without the rampant misogyny perhaps). If what follows offends you, it is possible you are holding the wrong magazine. Let’s start with the basics of dating etiquette: Be on time! Keeping a girl waiting so you can make an entrance or because you’re so “busy” is not cool. Trust me, you aren’t that important...show up when you say you “They say will. If you don’t have someone in your life on their death bed or on the verge of delivering a baby, put your phone away. If you pull out your phone to answer a text or take a call, you are showing that she is less important than whomever is on your phone. Someone should smack you. Nothing is more important than her.

Don’t be afraid to touch her. You know where this is going I’m sure. Subtle hand or arm touches are ideal during conversation, and the lower-back hand “guide” through a doorway is always a winner. I know you can keg stand with the best of them, but let’s maybe keep the drinking to a respectable level. Drink what you like, but save the shots for the second date. If there are choices to make with respect to venue, time, activity or anything else, be decisive! If she wants you to decide, do it and be assertive. “I don’t know, what do you want to do?” Even writing that was painful for me. Wishy washy is not attractive.

if you see a guy open a car door for a girl, either the car is new, or the girl is.”

She has already agreed to go out with you. You’re in! Don’t spend the whole time trying to convince her how amazing, rich, strong, “connected,” or smart you are. I know you want her to know, I get it, but do it subtly and quietly. Here is the one thing you must take away from this: She wants you to be interested in her, ask her questions, and listen to her answers. Pay attention to her, and learn about her. That information, if you retain it, will serve you well in the future!

It should go without saying, but don’t forget to open doors, push her chair in, deal with her jacket for her, and make sure she is comfortable. At the end of the night, walk her to her car or her door. If you are parting ways and she has to drive, ask her to call you to let you know she got home safely. Trust me…do it.

Unlike what the movie “Swingers” would have you believe, it is okay to show that you like a girl. You can drop the dismissive “too cool” persona. She wants to know you are thinking about her when she’s not around, and if you want to call the next day....do it! Just don’t tell your buddies. They say if you see a guy open a car door for a girl, either the car is new, or the girl is. Don’t be that guy. The beautiful thing is that everything above can work on the first date, but it can also work on the girl you have been with for 40 years. Chivalry and genuine interest are attractive, and it can only lead to great things either in life or later in the night!

Just so you know, she doesn’t want to hear about your exes. At all. That model you used to date doesn’t impress her. Let it go man. Compliments are a great idea. Just make sure they are not creepy ones about her body. You will want to focus your attention mainly on her eyes. For those who missed that anatomy class in high school, the eyes are above the shoulders.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Dr. Christian Brix Writer – Chiropractor - Broth Baron - Gentleman www.brixfamilychiropractic.com

photography: Jason Manchester model: Jason Sarai location: The Sutton Place Hotel car: 1957 BMW Isetta clothing: Suits by Sarai

845 Burrard Street 604.682.5511 www.suttonplace.com

BMW Isetta

The Isetta is an Italian-designed microcar built under license in a number of different countries. It became famous when BMW made the Isetta its own. They redesigned the powerplant around a BMW one-cylinder, four-stroke, 247 cc motorcycle engine which generated 10 kW (13 hp), and made the Isetta the topselling single-cylinder car in the world, with 161,728 units sold. This fully and correctly restored 1957 model is owned by enthusiast collector David Hogg, Vancouver.

愀渀礀漀渀攀挀愀渀猀攀氀氀礀漀甀愀渀攀眀挀愀爀⸀

䌀漀氀氀攀挀琀漀爀䌀愀爀䌀漀渀猀椀最渀洀攀渀琀 ∠ 匀愀氀攀猀 ∠ 䰀攀愀猀椀渀最愀甀琀漀昀漀爀洀挀漀⸀挀愀㄀⸀㠀㠀㠀⸀㜀㜀㈀⸀㠀㠀㘀㄀

ICONIC CONCIERGE

An Enthusiastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dream

Area 27 Country Club, South Okanagan

ndless asphalt curves along the contours of a desert landscape, cresting high above the valley below and acres of lush vineyards. Days of sunshine, more than anywhere in Canada, beckon you to stay a little longer and do just one more lap.

Imagine a track designed with intention, taking advantage of natural elevation changes and offering 16 corners to tempt, test, and challenge. A track like no other, with the flow of classic Grand Prix circuits and benefits of modern technology.

Five kilometers of adrenaline and discipline. Built on a tradition of excellence, Area 27 is created as the ultimate driving playground. Follow in the tracks of pros: enter a corner, nail the apex, and get on the throttle. From your first time on a circuit to your hundredth, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place for drivers of all levels to improve skills and discover their own legend.

Area 27 - Realize your dream.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE NEXT GENERATION VANCOUVER’S YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

by Allie Henderson photography by Caitlyn Van Nice

TOM EVANS When I got wind that there was a new automotive entrepreneur in town, I took it upon myself to get to know who this guy was. It was a typical rainy Vancouver night when I sat down with Tom Evans at the Pacific Rim. Connecting over a few martinis, I found his soft spoken mannerisms and southern draw made him appear to be more of a Texas boy than a Michigan native. At the age of 26, he had an unwavering confidence to him yet, was incredibly humble. Nothing about him embodying the fact that he was creating one of the most innovative technologies of our time. Tom worked as a paramedic while studying biomedical engineering at Marquette University, with intention of applying to medical school after his degree. While doing emergency relief work after the earthquake in Haiti, he realized that becoming an emergency doctor or paramedic would only allow him to help the people he could physically come into contact with. This limited reach left him with a feeling of dissatisfaction and because of that, Tom aspired to create something that could be used to help the masses.

It has been a few years since Tom started his journey, and his tenacity and ambition has paid off. I can’t disclose which global car company has partnered with him, but I can assure you, you know them. They’ve given him enough funding to not only payback his personal loans, but to support him as he runs multiple engineering teams in Michigan and Vancouver. Marching full speed ahead, you can expect to see his technology in the cars of the future.

Being an engineering student, Tom dedicated his senior year of school focusing on the engineering aspects of medicine. He spent the next couple of years developing a wireless sensor technology to be built into cars that’ll read a persons internal functions, reading everything from heart rate to internal bleeding and much more. The function of this technology (which he envisions being in every car) is to communicate internal statistics of a patient to paramedics/doctors in emergency situations, like a car crash. The health data collected (which is detected while you’re driving) will provide to healthcare professionals at the scene of a crash the insight to exactly what is going on internally for a crash victim, ruling out any need for guessing which procedure to take and in turn, saving lives. This wasn’t an easy journey for Tom. He had no financial backing or career credibility that an investor would look for just a belief that this technology could save lives and an undying ambition to bring it to life. He told me there was an unexplainable amount of stress and pressure he experienced receiving loans from friends and family, which put him personally in debt nearly $1M after graduation. But he believed in his vision, so with the financial backing he did have, he put his head down and got to work.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Dream Wheels The Most Expensive Production Super Cars in the World!

o you have inherited a fortune, you just learned that you won Lotto Max, or you sold your little tech company to Facebook or Google ... in any cases you have lots of ‘moolah’ to burn and you always wanted to play with the likes of Floyd Mayweather or get the attention of a Kardashian. Well, we have an idea - how about a dazzling supercar that throws you back a couple mill?

Iconic Motoring picked our favourite mind-boggling dream machines. All street legal cars that money can buy you in 2016! Ladies and Gentlemen - Let’s start drooling over some of the most gorgeous automobile eye-candy in the world!

1. Bugatti Chiron Fasten your seatbelts! This is the successor to the Bugatti Veyron. An 8.0-liter sixteen-cylinder engine utilizes four turbos to make 1500 hp and 1180 lb-ft of torque. The Chiron will accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in less than 2.5 seconds, 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in under 6.5 seconds and 0–300 km/h (186 mph) in under 13.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 420 km/h (261 mph) for safety reasons.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

They say money canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy happiness, but after viewing this list, you just might beg to differ.

US$

2.6M

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Dream Wheels

US$

1.35M

Hennessey Venom GT & GT Spyder Powered by a twin-turbo 7.0L V8 engine producing 1,451 bhp, the GT is capable of going from 0-60 in less than 2.4 seconds. The open version, the Spyder, just set a world-record for an open sports car with a top speed of 265.6 mph (427.4 km/h).

US$

2.6M US$

Pagani Huayra BC

3.4M W Motors Lykan Hypersport The Lykan Hypersport is powered by a flat 6 twin-turbo engine, which produces 750 horsepower, and takes you from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds with an estimated top speed of 245 mph. It has LED headlights covered entirely in diamonds!

The most technologically advanced Huayra Coupé yet comes with a 6.0 liter, V12 twinturbo charged engine that produces 789 horsepower. All 20 units of the coupé have been sold out, so hurry up and place your order for the BC roadster.

Zenvo TS1 Koenigsegg Regera This limited production supercar uses three electric motors and an internal combustion engine to deliver 1500 hp (over 2000 Nm of torque) directly to the rear wheels – with no gearbox. Top speed: 410 km/h (255 mph).

US$

1.9M Apollo Arrow Once known as Gumpert, Apollo just introduced their 1,000 hp hypercar, the Arrow. It uses a mid-mounted, Audi-sourced, twinturbo 4.0-liter V8 and a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox. According to Apollo the Arrow will sprint from 0-60 in just 2.9 seconds and US$ reaches a top speed of 224 mph.

1.1M 52

ICONIC CONCIERGE

The update to the ST1 is more than a simple name change. The Danish supercar boasts a new 5.9-liter V8 with two superchargers that allows a top speed of 375 km/h. It has been limited to just 15 units. The price? An estimated ...

US$

1.6M

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The iconic Miura turns 50

restoration by Lamborghini PoloStorico, and is presented as a finished project at the Amelia Island concours event (USA) from 10 to 13 March. The Lamborghini Miura SV (Super Veloce), chassis #4846, was the preproduction model for subsequent Miura SV production.

he original Lamborghini Miura SV shown at Geneva motor show in 1971 has been the subject of more than a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva motor show on Bertoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stand (while Lamborghini showed its new Countach), the car was truly a one-off, carrying over parts from the previous Miura S and introducing new features

that would be seen on later SVs. Lamborghini PoloStorico was appointed a year ago to fully restore chassis #4846 to its perfect original state. The subject of exhaustive research, each detail of the Geneva show car has been respected rather than adopting later production SV parts. Shown in metallic green Verde Metallizata with tan leather, the restoration of #4846 by PoloStorico has included a complete restrip of the chassis and engine. Using photos and

“One day I had a bit of an argument with my friend Enzo Ferrari, who reckoned I wasn’t able to drive a Ferrari, only tractors. That’s when I got the idea into my head and told myself – I’ll make the cars myself from now on!” - Ferruccio Lamborghini

other archived historic documentation, every panel on the Miura has been returned to its original lines and angles and, followingthe original production sheet and records held by Automobili Lamborghini, every component restored or replaced. Expert Lamborghini craftsmanship and original Lamborghini parts have been used throughout, from bodywork to repainting the car in its original

color, refurbishing the interior and overhauling the engine. “This is a very important car, not only for its place in history as the Geneva show car and the forerunner of future Miura SV models built, but as the first completed project of Lamborghini PoloStorico,” said Enrico Maffeo, Head of PoloStorico. “We are delighted to be able, with the consent of the owner, to show this car for the first time in its

perfectly restored state, at the important Amelia Island event. “This is the year in which the Lamborghini Miura celebrates its fiftieth anniversary. This car not only illustrates the iconic appeal of the Miura, widely acknowledged as the forerunner of modern super sports models, but is also a perfect example of the expertise available in Lamborghini PoloStorico in providing the most authentic Lamborghini restorations.”

Ferruccio Lamborghini

Mechanic; winemaker; industrialist; entrepreneur Born to grape farmers in the Emilia-Romagna region, Ferruccio Lamborghini founded Lamborghini Trattori, a tractor manufacturing business in 1948. In 1959, he opened an oil heater factory, which he later used to produce air conditioning equipment. His increasing wealth allowed him to purchase exotic cars such as a Mercedes-Benz 300SL, a Jaguar E-Type coupe, and two Maserati 3500GTs. In 1958 he added a Ferrari 250GT to his collection, followed by a 250 SWB Berlinetta and a 250GT 2+2 four-seater. When Lamborghini had recurring clutch problems with the Ferraris, he eventually brought his complaints to Enzo Ferrari. It is said that Ferrari insulted him, effectively stating that a tractor manufacturer was not qualified to criticize Ferraris. Ferruccio Lamborghini with his favourite car - the Miura.

Lamborghini decided to start his own sports car company, an in 1963 Automobili Lamborghini was officially established in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and debuted its first car, the 350 GTV, a two-seater coupe with a V12 engine, the same year.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Shaken, not stirred!

photography by Van Dinh

1978 Aston Martin V8 Coupe Living Daylights.” Which is most likely why the V8 is rarely referred to as a James Bond car. It took the Brits almost 20 years more before building the first true poster-worthy supercar. That just happened to be the Jaguar XJ220 .. but that’s another story.

he Brits knew they sucked at making supercars so instead opted to build “Gentlemen’s sports cars.” Heck, they even called their coupes “saloons!”

Aston Martin attempted to change all this when the company decided to hail the top version of their V8, the “Vantage,” at its 1977 introduction as “Britain’s First Supercar” for its 170 mph (270 km/h) top speed. Not really. Not even with the popular James Bond movies, and unfortunately it was one of the least popular Bond actors, Brit Timothy Dalton, who was driving one of the last versions of the Vantage in 1987s “The

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Aston Martins were never meant to be supercars, even by todays standards you dont really consider the new V8 Vantage a true Supercar. A true Supercar needs to be deafeningly laud, have terrible rear view vision, be uncomfortable to drive, and looks like it was designed by Iron Man on crack. No, Astons have always been designed to be a Gentlemans sports car, a thing of beauty, with stunning lines and styling that will outlive Coco channel. It’s the sort of car you could keep for at least 40 years and be happy about it. The car pictured here was originally delivered to Abu Dhabi, and made its way over London to Vancouver. It got a Tremec 5 Spd. installed by a recognized AM specialist and had the engine brought to Vantage hp specs. We found this beauty at autoform in Vancouver, and with some luck it might still be there. So get on the phone!

artist profile

caliden j robinson Art is surely a word which, today, is a part of a certain lifestyle. People are collecting paintings and sculptures, sometimes photography, as a new asset class for the well-diversified portfolio. It is not our intention to recommend certain art to collect. All we want to do here is to introduce you to interesting Vancouver artists. Such as Caliden J. Robinson. We first saw his artwork at Blue Star Motors

and really liked his unique style. Elegant figures in worlds of neon dreamscapes are the places Caliden Robinson most often takes himself when creating his images. His fashion forward inspired paintings are a blend of edgy sex appeal with an ironic twist on the human condition. “An artist should never take himself too seriously, and true art

should make you look at yourself,” says Caliden. “I draw inspiration from all parts of life and I am a strong believer in the manifest destiny of certain things that cross my path.” Caliden will present his newest solo exhibition this August in Vancouver. For more information please visit: starvinganarchist.tumblr.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

man about town FERRARI-MASERATI & LEONE SUMMER FASHION SHOW photography by Grayson Ruffo

You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss an event presented by an Italian sportscar company and a luxury clothing store. It was an amazing evening that brought a little bit of the old school European glamour to Vancouver when Ferrari-Maserati of Vancouver and Leone presented their Summer Fashion Show. Welcomed by stylish models dressed in the finest luxury designer clothing and posing with the Italian sports cars parked out front, the VIP guests enjoyed some amazing food, wine and champagne, and some great entertainment by Canadian violin sensation Rosemary Siemens, presented by Showcase Pianos. A runway-style fashion show rounded off a wonderful evenig.

1) Amir, Joobin 2)Michael Leksinski, Kyle Cupido, Adam MacFarlane 3) Golnaz Harand, Nima Nayan 4) Nader Navabi, Narges Afshar 5) Zeynec Aumulcan, Jay Sideu, Shaz H. 6) Kenneth Ho, Lillian Lam, Siya Yu, Louisa Chan 7) Ken Woodward, Kevin White

ICONIC CONCIERGE

The

Dapper Gent!

Yaletown

Metrotown

Grooming Products The sharp dressed man uses the right skin care and grooming products. Use the best shaving gel or cream for a smooth shave and reduced irritation. Your beard - it deserves a good oil or balm so the ladies can’t keep their fingers from it. And some good hair styling products will make all the difference. Available at Man Cave Barber Shop.

Old School Razor Set Why not give the good old safety razor a shot? Not only does it look so much more stylish in your bathroom, dermatologists actually recommend to go back to just one blade! Cartridges can take off thin layers of your skin ... which leads to skin irritation. And the lady in your life will melt seeing you dabbing the cream on with the brush, and use a safety - or if you’re bold, a straight razor! Win-win, my friend! Available at Man Cave Barber Shop.

Get yourself a Signature Scent – The Secret Style Weapon. It tells people who you are!

1. Polo Red Intense - An intoxicating blend of red ginger, rich leather, and roasted coffee. | 2. Artisan by John Varvatos - An orange blossom-rich cologne that’s meant to evoke the aroma of pure, fresh, springtime air. | 3. Bleu De Chanel - A tribute to masculine freedom in an aromatic-woody fragrance with a captivating trail. | 4. Italian Bergamont by Ermenegildo Zegna - Blended with lime and sleek wood for a striking culmination. | 5. Aventus by Creed - An amazing fragrance that embodies strong masculinity. Notes include blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and a complement of dry birch.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

by Jason Sarai

ART OF BESPOKE Be Your Own Style Icon.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating bespoke suits that have the ability to act as social armor, empowering our clients to feel strong and confident.â&#x20AC;? Over the years, trends have come and gone, but one thing that has remained is the power of a proper suit. A well fitting suit is the uniform for the professional, the stylish, and the put-together. An ill-fitting suit, on the other hand, can imply exactly the opposite. Hollywood has done its part in highlighting the effect of a good suit. From the suave gentlemen of James Bond, Kingsman, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, to the criminally stylish in The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs, and The Goodfellas. They all mean the same thing: power, class, and sophistication. So what do the gentlemen in these films do when they need a suit that is made especially for their body? A selection of 17 (and growing) world renowned fabric mills to choose from ensures that your suit says exactly what you want it to.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Enter: bespoke. Custom garments can be traced back to the days when clothing would be made to order for British royalty. In time, this has

evolved to encompass suiting, and now “bespoke” is synonymous with the sartorial world. The term “Bespoke” means “to speak for” or, specific to tailoring, “to be ordered to be made.” What this means is that no bespoke suit is started until all of the particulars are settled on. This used to be reserved for the upper echelon of society, where a powerful suit was part of every day life. The mecca of bespoke tailoring is known as Savile Row, in London, England, whose origins date back to the 18th century. Tailors flocked to the area to establish their fashion houses due to the influential and affluent residents, making for ideal clientele. But, as with any industry, increased competition and supply meant that each house had to find a way to tap into a more general market. Meanwhile, their continental cousins in Italy were creating an oasis of their own with their trademark sprezzatura style. This is characterized as a sophisticated nonchalance that belies the thought and effort put into a look. Whether it’s Rome, Milan, or Naples, the less rigid construction and closer cuts typify the easier nature of the Italian lifestyle.

Originating in Britain and Italy, the realm of bespoke suiting has evolved and expanded, reaching all corners of the world. As a result, the influence of these iconic sartorial destinations has spread across the globe, making the Savile Row and sprezzatura experience more accessible than ever. No two people are built exactly the same, and at Style by Sarai, we believe no two Jason Sarai Bespoke suits should be built the same. Each suit is custom made for every individual, using only the measurements and specifications from you, instead of any existing patterns or templates like Made-to-Measure. By taking over 36 measurements, we ensure that the suit leaves no doubt in your mind that it was made specifically for you. But what sets bespoke apart is not only the fit of the suit in the end, but the journey along the way. Taking inspiration from all over the world into account, we tailor each garment not only for your frame, but your personality and lifestyle, making it truly unique to you. Unlike other suiting outlets, our priority is to create an exclusive, personalized, and luxurious encounter. The process is meticulous, ensuring every detail is explicitly chosen by you. With over 17 distinctive books to choose ICONIC CONCIERGE

With over 36 measurements taken by hand, our goal is to create a garment that leaves no doubt that it was made for you.

world-renowned fabrics from, the experience begins with a story. Whether it is for work, weddings, or social wear, every fabric says something different, so we are careful to find the one that is on the exact same page you are. From there, every single facet of the suit is discussed and chosen (lapels, buttons, lining, etc.) to make sure that the final outcome is not only stylish, but also special to the wearer. Once all components are selected, the suit begins its transformation. With cloths arriving from Italy and England from the fabric mills of Ermenegildo Zegna, Scabal, Holland & Sherry, Ariston, Dormeuil, Huddersfield and more, it is tailored and customized right here in Vancouver, Canada. It is ready for a second fitting 5-6 weeks later. At that point, we see if any adjustments need to be done in order to find the ideal fit for each client. So why choose bespoke? Any suit, regardless of the price, is an investment piece. It is a tedious garment to care for. It is a statement of intent. Why not make that statement a personal one? Not only will the fit of the resulting suit be tailor made for your body shape, but every detail will be chosen by you. It is a rewarding process that gives you a distinctive suit to wear proudly, knowing it will not fit anyone like it fits you. A bespoke suit that is made exclusively for you will make it hard to consider purchasing an off-the-rack or made-tomeasure suit or tuxedo. This is evidenced by the number of referrals and returning clients, not only for their sartorial

ICONIC CONCIERGE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;No matter the occasion, each experience is the same: exclusive, luxurious, classic, and bespoke.â&#x20AC;?

needs, but the overall experience. At the end of the road, it is quality of product and interaction that creates trust between our clients and us. Our job as bespoke stylists is not to impose our style, but to act as engineers to create a tangible manifestation of your idea of the perfect suit. In doing so, we create a bond and friendship that enables us to help you become your own style icon.

info@stylebysarai.com

Style by Sarai | Jason Sarai Bespoke 207 West Hastings - Gastown, Vancouver www.stylebysarai.com 778-772-0972

ICONIC CONCIERGE

DAY IN THE LIFE OF ...

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE HAMILTON

T O D D

T A L B O T

TV Host. Entrepreneur. Entertainer. Investor. Traveller. Philanthropist. Personality. Lover. Family Man. Handyman. Funny Guy.

Up and at ’em to get ready for the day — TRX/pilates at a private studio in Lion’s Bay. Yep, that body needs to stay in shape.

next on the agenda and another break is used up to email my lawyer with info to complete our long overdue will, book an electrician for this weekend and line up wood to be delivered from a mill on the Sunshine Coast.

It’s back to the house to load up the car with three to five outfits needed for the shoot — and I’m off for the day.

I check in with my wife Rebecca to see how the morning went and if the kids’ school drop-off went OK.

First I stop at the dry cleaners, drop off shirts and then grab a tall dark roast and a protein box from Starbucks in Caulfield — two sugars and a cream. (I really need to cut back on the sugar.)

There’s just enough time left to grab lunch “to go” with the crew at Brown’s Social House.

6:00 a.m.

7:15 a.m.

I’m listening to CBC and CKNW for today’s news and, of course, the sweet tones of my GPS lady guiding me to my set.

8:30 a.m.

I arrive on the Love it or List it Vancouver set — hair, makeup and wardrobe time in the trailer with my saviour, Kaitlin. The crew is setting up, and Nicki meets me with a toast with avocado and tomato. The director joins me for a quick chat and it’s time to shoot promos for HGTV Asia (in four languages), take photos on set, and post to Instagram and Facebook. Downtime from shooting doesn’t mean I get any breaks. The time is eaten up to post a few clips on Snapchat, and juggling emails and phone calls. (Bet you didn’t know I was a juggler in my spare time!) Then I confirm outdoor play equipment from Jungle Gyms Canada for an area I’m creating for my kids Ashlyn and Kesler, as well as a Four Seasons “Fathers Day” giveaway package for next week. A phone interview with Western Living is

2 p.m.

And then there’s a haircut — definitely need to get rid of some of the grey that’s coming in again. As I’m driving in my F150 (a rolling office/wardrobe), I hear a fascinating interview with Dr. Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze. I pull over to send him an email to see if we can meet and talk about this organization and how I might be able to help.

6:30 p.m.

Meet with Rebecca and the kids and some more family, as well as a French family visiting for my sister’s birthday.

7:30 p.m.

I get a call from Kaitlin, who is out shopping and wants to buy some clothes for me that, unfortunately, I’ll be paying for. I continue to reply to emails and prep for tomorrow. Then I confirm shoot details for a Neighbourhood Eats TV Show episode for the Food Network. We drive home in two cars and break our rule of letting the kids sleep in our bed. We all crash snuggled together with the alarm set for 6 a.m. tomorrow to get on the merry-go-round all over again…

2:30 p.m.

Time to get down to some real business again — the photoshoot — which runs an hour and a half.

4 p.m.

I grab coffee and a chocolate zucchini muffin from JJ Bean, read through the draft script for Friday night’s Heart and Stroke Foundation Gala that I will emcee, make notes and send them in to the producers.

4:30 p.m.

A meeting with Tak and Don from Free Agency Creative to collaborate on our “to be announced” project.

5:30 p.m.

Conference call with Corus Radio to discuss upcoming shows.

Todd Talbot on board the luxurious Sea Ray L650 at the M&P Marine Yacht Centre dock at Coal Harbour. Moncler t-shirt and blazer, Prada belt, Brunelli Cucinelli jeans and shoes. All by LEONE Vancouver.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Yes, business is great. You just bought the penthouse at the PacRim, or the mansion up in the British Properties. Your garage looks like the showroom of a boutique luxury car dealership, the vacation house in Maui just waits for you and the new Sea Ray is moored in Coal Harbour. Life is amazing! If there werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t those hours you waste at the airport whenever you need to head out for business or to get you to the well-deserved vacation. But there is a solution. How about a private jet? OK, maybe the US$10 million for a Phenom 300 is a bit rich, and instead of spending $20 million for the Challenger 300 gracing our cover, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather invest in real estate or other projects. But have you considered fractional ownership or a private jet charter? We sat down with Jeff Kufeldt, vice president of sales for Aurora Jet Partners to learn about this option. The Canadian-owned company operates and manages a diverse fleet of business jets for corporations, individuals, fractional owners and charter clients. They can sell you a share of a jet or even purchase one for you if you want the ultimate travel experience. IC: Jeff, maybe tell us a little bit about Aurora Jet Partners before we get into the details of a jet ownership or fractional ownership. Jeff: Sure. Aurora Jet Partners is a Canadian-owned aviation business with roots going back more than 40 years. Initially launched as Brooker Wheaton Aviation in the early 1970s, the company started with a Cessna sales service and

ICONIC CONCIERGE

WINGS OF CHANGE There’s an increasing recognition of the flexibility, privacy and comfort that only chartered private aircraft can offer.

parts operation, a fuel dealership, and fullservice FBO (Fixed Base Operation). The flying activities initially involved cabin class piston and turboprop twin aircrafts. The first jets were added in 1978. The company at that time was mainly involved with sales, leasing and corporate charters. The business grew through the oil boom of the ’80s and the fleet and client list expanded as well. During this time, the company also began to operate cargo aircraft. In 1990, after the successful sale of Wardair, the Ward family purchased half of the company and the name was changed to Morningstar Air Express. With the added expertise of large Boeing jet operations that came from the new partnership, Morningstar became the exclusive operator of the FedEx Canada fleet. To this day, we operate their entire fleet of Boeing, Cessna, and ATR aircraft, making Aurora one of the largest and most successful aircraft management companies in Canada.

The fractional jet ownership business really took off in 2007. Up to that point, the company had been operating aircraft for small groups of partners and friends around western Canada in a casual sharing arrangement. Morningstar Partners was launched to take the fractional jet experience to the public as there was a clear need for the service. For the next few years the company expanded, adding clients and more and more jets. We drew the attention of Ledcor and in 2011 Opus Aviation (a Ledcor company) merged with Morningstar Partners. The company was re-branded Aurora Jet Partners and we added 2 new permanent bases in Vancouver and Toronto.

few companies that can flex and change with our client’s needs. We don’t lock our clients into life-long deals they can’t get out of. It is not uncommon for one of our clients to start out chartering one trip at a time, then move into a fractional ownership position to take advantage of the higher level of service. In fact, many of our fractional jet clients have gone on to their own jet (sometimes with a partner) to gain the ultimate level of service. Aurora is with them every step of the way. We search the market to find the best jet for their individual need, then conduct an inspection of the aircraft to ensure there are no surprises. We negotiate with the seller, purchase the aircraft, take care of the regulatory work and ultimately import the aircraft.

Today, Aurora Jet Partners operates a fleet of 12 business jets for all kinds of unique users. Some of our jets only have a single owner while some have up to six. This is a specialized business and we are one of

Once we have purchased the jet, we will look after all the details of it’s operation, from pilots, to maintenance, accounting, selling charters, etc. We are really a full service aviation company.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

IC: Jeff, for our cover photo shoot we used the amazing Challenger 300. It seats nine people comfortably, and with its range you can get to Hawaii. But at $20 million, it would put a hefty dent in even our wealthiest readers’ bank account. Jeff: True, and that’s where the fractional ownership comes into play. The truth is, most companies and almost all individuals simply don’t require a full jet to themselves. Modern business jets can easily fly 500-plus hours per year, and most companies and individuals typically only need 75 to 250. So instead of buying a full jet for a client, we often put them on a jet with a partner(s) to share capital and overhead costs. We manage any scheduling conflicts that may arise and even offer the partners access to our fleet of jets when their jet is away on a trip with another owner. We do all the accounting and provide each partner a monthly statement showing their shared and individual expenses. IC: That sounds like a great way to own a jet and save a lot of money. Can you give me an overview of the pros and cons of the main options that you have for clients? Jeff: Full Aircraft Ownership Pros: Obviously, you have 100 per cent control of the jet. This is ultimate freedom and we can take you anywhere in the world with it. Cons: It is expensive. There is a lot of capital required and the overhead costs are all yours. Fractional Jet Ownership Pros: You can purchase only a share of a jet and get many of the benefits of private jet ownership without the expense or responsibility of being the sole owner. For many people, this is the best option. Aurora’s fractional program is designed to be fair and equitable for all partners. In fact, the operational costs are shared by all

ICONIC CONCIERGE

partners based on their proportional use of the fleet. Our clients pay the actual costs of operating the jets plus a simple, single-digit mark-up. There are no hidden fees or fuel surcharges.

owner to a flight for a fractional client to a charter flight. The owner of the jet benefits by not only getting charter revenue, but also by having access to our Canada-wide fleet. It’s a win-win.

Cons: There are limitations on where the jets can travel in the world and there is more notice required to book your flights. However, it’s heaven compared to the airlines.

IC: What are the typical travel distances of your jets? Can they travel overseas?

Charter Pros: This is the easiest way to get into the private jet world. Whether you need to do a business trip or a family holiday, chartering is simple with no ongoing financial commitment. Just tell us where and when you want to travel and with how many people and we will provide a written quote. Cons: There is no guarantee a jet will be available for you when you need one. It is a first-come, first-serve business. There are also restrictions on travelling point to point in the U.S.A. and other places. Aircraft Management Pros: Jet owners can outsource all responsibilities and headaches of operating their own flight department to us for a flat monthly fee. We offer a full suite of services, including human resources, scheduling, maintenance, charter sales, safety management, record keeping and accounting. We even give jet owners access to our fleet of jets if there is down time for maintenance or inspection. Cons: I can’t think of one. IC: Now, let’s say I would be interested in buying a jet, but I know there are times where I would definitely not need it. Could I charter it out to earn some revenue? Jeff: Absolutely. Aurora operates charter flights for our clients while their jets are not in use. In fact, Aurora is typically the biggest charter client as we have a built in requirement for additional aircraft to supplement our fractional jet operations. All the scheduling and dispatch for the entire fleet is handled under one roof, so we can quickly and efficiently switch from a flight for the jet

Jeff: We operate a wide variety of jets. Our smallest jets are Embraer Phenom 100s. They are great for one to two hours away — think Vancouver to Calgary. On the bigger side, we operate Challenger jets that can take you overseas in great comfort. Our largest jets are Bombardier Globals. These jets can go anywhere in the world with one stop. IC: Time is of the essence in most of our lives. Do you offer a concierge service where you would book a luxury car, for example, with a driver pick up at your destination? Jeff: Yes, we offer this service on every flight. We also organize gourmet catering on board the flight if the client wishes. IC: What about the crew, the pilot? If I own a jet, do I have the same pilot and crew all the time? Jeff: Yes, you will typically have two to three pilots assigned exclusively to your aircraft. When we bring in a new jet for a client, we offer the owner a chance to interview prospective pilots before they are hired and trained. This is to ensure the owner feels a level of trust and confidence in the crew. The pilots will get to know the owner’s preferences and always ensure the in-flight experience is what they want. IC: It sounds like the only way to travel. How can people contact you to find out more? They can visit our website at aurorajet.ca or contact me at jeffk@aurorajet.ca.

THE PHENOM 300 UNBOUND BY CONVENTION is capable of flying at 45,000 feet (13,716 meters), powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW535E engines with 3,200 pounds of thrust each.

irst presented in 2009 by the Brazilian manufacturer, the Embraer Phenom 300 quickly became a big competitor in the light jet class, and has built a reputation for excellent performance and low operational costs.

The Phenom 300 was the most-delivered business jet in the world in 2015 for the third consecutive year, with 70 aircraft received by customers around the globe. The Phenom 300 performs among the top light jets, with a high speed cruise of 453 knots and a six-occupant range of 1,971 nautical miles (3,650 km) with NBAA IFR reserves. With the best climb and field performance in its class, the Phenom 300 costs less to operate and maintain than its peers. The aircraft

The Phenom 300 offers a spacious cabin, designed in partnership with BMW Designworks USA, and the largest baggage compartment in its category. The largest windows in the class deliver abundant natural lighting in the cabin as well as in the private lavatory in the back of the aircraft. The comfort of the seats, with recline and full movement capability, is enhanced by the best pressurization among light jets (6,600 ft. maximum cabin altitude). The business jet features distinct temperature zones for pilots and passengers, a wardrobe and refreshment centre, voice and data communications options, and an entertainment system. The pilot-friendly cockpit enables single-pilot operation and offers the advanced Prodigy Touch Flight Deck. The features it carries from a class above include single-point refueling, externally serviced lavatory, and an air stair. A new Embraer Phenom 300 has a list price of US$8.76m. The cost of a used plane ranges between US$7.0m and US$8.7m.

UNBOUND BY CONVENTION ICONIC CONCIERGE

man about town CINCO DE MAYO - FIESTA ON THE DOCK M&P YACHT CENTRE COAL HARBOUR

photography by Chen Peng

On May 5th the M&P Yacht Centre brought a little bit of Mexico to the docks at Coal Harbour. “A Fiesta on the Dock” provided the VIP guests with entertainment, appetizers and refreshments, and gave the perfect opportunity to experience the on-water lifestyle while exploring M&P Marine’s Exclusive Yacht Collection.

5 70

ICONIC CONCIERGE

1) Salvatore, Emma 2) Anna Morozovn, Aya Primbetova, Oksana Suvorou 3) Laura Guzman, Tifa Wang 4) Richard & Lourdes Lai 5) Bob Pappajohn, Ron Price 6) Oksana Suvorou 7) Sejin Cheon

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Get On Board! Be a member of a world record-breaking powerboat team!

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Vector Martini Racing is the only professional powerboat racing team in the world insured to carry VIPs and corporate guests at speeds of up to 100mph.

RACING AT HEART It is the evolution of an icon: The Martini brand is connected like no other to the world of speed. Since 1968, the blue and red racing stripes have been part of numerous high-profile racing series and events, including Formula 1, Sebring or the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, not to forget the many rally events. Martini’s involvement with powerboats started in 1973, when Cesare Fiorio formed and captained the inaugural ‘Dry Martini’ team. He ushered in a new era of professionalism to the sport. As a driver, throttleman and navigator, his career away from careers saw him win 31 races, six European and two powerboat world titles. Fiorio’s wins heralded the start of a long-standing relationship between Martini Racing and powerboat success, a relationship which continues to this day with the latest incarnation; the beauty, vicious power and sleek animalism of the Martini Vector. MARTINI VECTOR The brand is synonymous with success, and history was written once again in 2014, when the Vector team of Peter Dredge and Simon Powell crossed the finish line at 2014’s Cowes Offshore Classic, over four nautical miles ahead of their nearest rival. One can only imagine Fiorio allowing himself a wistful smile, the memories of his team’s victory in the same race 40 years earlier still rich in his mind. On that day in 1974, the Dry Martini hit an average top speed of 66.9mph, a shadow of the 100mph performance of the Vector but a world record at the time. And thus the iconic footsteps of history follow Martini Racing through to the present day. The success, the speed, the life, echoing through decades. THE iRACE PROGRAM The Vector iRace program is unique. Vector Martini Racing is the only professional powerboat racing team in the world insured to carry VIPs and corporate guests at speeds of up to 100mph! So you love speed? You own a nice sportscar, and whenever you can, you try to get on a race track to get your adrenalin cooking? Well, let us tell you, this is a whole different level. Last year,

ICONIC CONCIERGE

we were invited to be a co-pilot in the official Vector Martini powerboat, and it was like nothing we had ever experienced before! 120 mph on the water ... unreal! You, too, can become a certified member of this official world record-breaking powerboat team, and personally experience the total exhilaration of high-speed professional powerboat racing and become part of a very exclusive club. You will be training for and then participating in one ‘leg’ of an official world record attempt! Your traier will be the co-founder, Peter Dredge, who has over 30 years of competitive racing skill and was head of powerboat safety at the RYA for over 14 years. iRACE PRO It get’s better: You may get selected to join the iRace-Pro Team and participate in a stage of either an Official World Endurance Record or a professional Endurance Race from the 2015 program - and become a Certified Member of the Vector Martini Racing Powerboat Team and receive full training and provision of relevant racing and open water boat licences. You’ll also get a personal bespoke NOMEX racing suit, competition helmet and other equipment, and a photographic/video diary of entire event in a presentation format with a framed certificate and confirmation of participation. We got your attention? Believe us - this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All you have to do is to contact Vector Martini Racing at +44 20 7371 8102 or email info@vectorworld.com. Their offical websites are www.vectormartiniracing.com and if you want to learn more about Vector in general, go to www.vectorworld.com.

THE VECTOR V40GT Vector has a long heritage in the design and manufacturing of the world’s most iconic powerboats. Each boat has professional racing DNA, developed for competition and enhanced to meet the demands of the retail market. The racing prototype of the V40 was introduced in 2009, followed by the retail version in 2010. Today, the V40GT is the flagship of the Vector Powerboat range.With its blend of stunning performance, handling and aesthetics, the V40 combines racing exterior with luxury and stylish interior. Cutting-edge carbon fibre and Kevlar construction techniques ensure that the V40GT is capable of comfortably handling speeds well in excess of 100mph. The entry-level engine package produces over twice the horsepower and torque of a contemporary supercar. With the larger engine set-up (2x1350hp), it is over four times more powerful than a McLaren MP4-12C. www.vectorpowerboats.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

THE SEA RAY L650 WHEN STYLE MEETS SUBSTANCE

uxury is more than the sum of aboveaverage parts coming together as a whole. Luxury is an elevated experience so individually tailored that it changes you, it inspires you, and there is nothing more inspirational than the Sea Ray L-Class.

The L650 is style and substance informing each other for the greater good of both. It is luxury built to move you while delivering the heritage and excellence that is Sea Ray in a new class of unparalleled experiences.”

There is no doubt that the L650 represents a new era of yachting for Sea Ray, aiming for the Best in Class in terms of styling, quality, performance and market appeal. The L (for Luxury) 650 is the first Sea Ray to ever be built to a CE Category “A”, Ocean, standard. This rating indicates that the vessel should be able to operate in the sea states with wave heights greater than 13’ (4 m +) and winds greater than Force 8 on the Beaufort scale (35-40 kts). The L650 has an overall length of 65’1” (19.84m), the beam is 17’2” (5.23m). It is powered by a pair of Cat C-18A 1150-hp diesel engines, pushing the boat close to 30 knots, and has a fuel capacity of 1,030 gal. (3,899L). When Bob Pappajohn, President of M&P Yacht Centre invited us for a test-ride out to Bowen Island, he quickly told us that this is “the most impressive yacht” he has introduced to the West Coast. We would expect him to say as much; it is the most luxurious yacht they have had available for sale. And as it turns out, he was right. The speed and power of this yacht are truly amazing design feats. After departing from Coal Harbour and heading out towards the Lions Gate Bridge, we noticed how solid this

ICONIC CONCIERGE

yacht feels, with an incredibly smooth ride. While admiring the view of Stanley Park from our comfortable seating near the helm, we delighted in the 650’s ability to cut through the waves with ease, leaving the city behind. As we explored the Strait of Georgia, cruising past West Vancouver’s Lighthouse Park, we marveled at the exquisite handling and stable ride. Cruising past Passage Island, we scanned the surrounding waters for porpoises and whales. With the Sunroof open and the wind gently touching your skin, experiencing the L650 in motion was a little piece of heaven on earth. Upon docking at Bowen Island, we took the time explore the interior of this beautiful yacht. With an abundance of windows, we were immediately impressed by the natural light pouring through the well-appointed galley, expansive dinette and luxurious salon. The four-stateroom layout with VIP forward, guests to port and starboard, and a full beam master stateroom aft provided a feeling of expansiveness and serenity. No doubt, excellent for people with large families, or for those who enjoy entertaining friends. We loved the bathrooms with their glass bowl sinks and rainfall showers. Fixtures and fittings were all top-of-theline. No detail has been overlooked in either the interior or exterior of this divine yacht. Truly the only part of our entire excursion that was not to our liking, was having to say goodbye at the dock.

Sea Ray L650 Fly The “Fly” adds a European-Style Flying Bridge to the L650. Forward of the port-side helm are convertible chaise loungers which can be made into seats or a sun pad. The aft deck of the flying bridge is a big entertaining area, with a wet bar and u-shaped seating. M&P Yacht Centre 510 Nichola St Vancouver Ph: 604.692.0333

ICONIC CONCIERGE

The Côte d’Azur

“The South of France is more than just a place - it is a vision. A coast that inspired artists such as Picasso and Matisse, attracted royalty for generations and lets celebrities and billionaires flaunt their luxurious lfestyle.”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

he French Riviera is known the world over for being the playground for the rich and famous, a place many celebrities visit frequently, or even own a place here to bask in privacy in the Mediterranean sunshine. Elton John, the famous singer, is one of them. When he visits his mansion on the mountain Mont Boron, he only leaves his home for visiting his favourite antique stores in the Ségurane district or for dinner in his favorite restaurant of old Nice La Petite Maison. When he is not around he would let some of his famous friends, including Liz Hurley or the Beckhams stay at his estate. Who would maybe socialize a bit more with their celebrity neighbours. Bono from U2 owns an Art Deco style villa in Eze-Bord de Mer, Rod Stewart enjoys his vacations at his house in the luxury district of Saint-Paul, and a bit more in land you may run into Mel Gibson. One of the most expensive estates on the French Riviera was bought and renovated by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, who now call Cannes one of their homes away from home. The list goes on and on. Yes, the Riviera attracts the wealthy. There is a Russiona billionaire who spent 150 milion dollars for a villa on the coast, and at times the helicopter traffic in Monaco, Saint Tropez and Cannes is worse than rush hour in Vancouver. If you are planning on travelling to the South of France, here are some tips for you. Although it is hard to find a ‘bad’ place on this coastline, there are some true hightlights you don’t want to miss. First of all - rent a convertible! There are several companies offering luxury and exotic cars. From Ferraris to Lamborghinis, McLarens or Rollys Royce, get a car to enjoy this beautiful part of the world in style! And now follow us to some of the “mustvisit” places on the French Riviera. NICE With the vibrancy of Italy, and the charm of France, Nice is France’s fifth largest city, and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. A fascinating cultural melting pot and a gastronome’s dream. Visit the museums such as the Musée Marc Chagall, the Musée Matisse, or the Musée d’art moderne et d’art contempo-

rain. Explore the alleys in the old part of the city or the squares, such as the Place Garibaldi. Make sure to go to the Nice Observatory on top of Mont Gros or to Mont Boron for some of the best views. ANTIBES This little village further to the West, is known as a port for many of the world’s most expensive superyachts. There are many sandy beaches, and your must visit is Château Grimaldi which owes its name to the Grimaldi family, who ruled Antibes from 1385 to 1608. You will get some of the most amazing views over the surrounding coast and to the mountains in the distance. CANNES Luxury, glamour and glitz - welcome to Cannes! A shopper’s paradise with boutiques by all the famous brands, this is the go-to place for indulgence and pampering. If you love the movies and celebrities, visit Cannes in May for the famous Cannes Film Festival. ST TROPEZ Once a sizzling jet-set favourite that came to life in the 1950s when Brigitte Bardot made it famous, this picturesque seaside resort town is still very popular with the tourists. Have lunch or a coffee at the quai with its line of super yachts, and enjoy the ongoing cruise-by of luxury and super cars. CASSIS A small and lively fishing port on the outskirts of the French Riviera, this is actually a highlight of the South of France. Great restaurants, quirky shops and boutiques, and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who will find some of the most incredible landscapes. VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER One of the most romantic locations on the Riviera. A town with the charm of a small mediterranean village, pebbly beaches and a quiet waterfront. MONACO & MONTE CARLO This tiny but opulent microstate is ruled by the Grimaldi family since the 13th century. Most famous for its casinos, yachtlined harbour and the Formula One Grand Prix, Monte Carlo is abounding in prestigious luxury shops, where you can search for the most famous brands in designer clothing, jewellery and other luxury goods.

The Côte d’Azur Summer is naturally the best (and most touristy) time to enjoy the sun, the beaches and the nightlife. Spring and Fall are best to enjoy a nlooming and beautiful scenery but are affected by rain and sometimes heavy winds. Winter months see little rainfall and never experience harsh, cold, snowy winters. We recommend to visit in May through early July as it will also allow you to enjoy some exciting events such as the Film Festival and the Grand Prix.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Okanagan Wine Tour

IIf you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving it all behind for just a few days to relax and have fun with your friends or family, you will find it all in less than an hour away by plane, or a scenic four-hour drive via the Coquihalla or the Hope-Princeton route. Just a few weeks before this edition went to print, we were invited to an event in the South Okanagan where we would join some fellow automotive connoisseurs to get a first introduction to the new Area 27 racetrack near Oliver. We decided to make it a four-day trip, arriving at Kelowna International Airport at 9 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Thanks to our carry-on luggage, we had no wait-time at all and were welcomed by a concierge from August Exotic Car Rentals, a new rental company that makes sure you will experience the Okanagan Valley in style. Our car, the Aston Martin Vantage Spyder, was already waiting for us and after some paperwork we were ready to go. Leaving the airport,

ICONIC CONCIERGE

we headed north towards Vernon, but left the Highway in Lake Country to go up Okanagan Centre Road towards the lake. You will find some amazing wineries in this area. That includes Ex Nihilo, which now has a nice patio bistro, or Gray Monk Winery, where we decided to have lunch at Grapevine Restaurant. From there, and along Carrs Landing Road, we arrived at one of the newer wineries in the area, 50th Parallel Estate Winery, which has won numerous awards for its Pinot Noir. It was in the early afternoon when we arrived at the luxury European-style Sparkling Hill Resort near Vernon. The Swarovski crystal-infused spa resort overlooks Predator Ridge Golf Course to one side and Okanagan Lake to the other. It offers a 40,000 square-foot state-of-theart wellness facility, and 149 luxury guest rooms and penthouses. On our second day, we followed the high-

way south to Kelowna. We had booked our room at the just-recently renovated Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, which just recently ranked among the Top Waterfront Hotels in Canada. It is in walking distance to all downtown shops, the marina and some of Kelownaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best restaurants. After a stroll along the waterfront, we hopped in the car to have lunch at Summerhill Winery with its iconic Pyramid Winecellar. We had dinner at Old Vines Restaurant & Wine Bar in West Kelowna, which must have the most scenic views of Lake Okanagan. You will find several unique wineries in this area, but should you have cravings for something sweet or savory, we can recommend Carmelis Goat Cheese, where you not only find some amazing cheese, but some delicious homemade goat milk gellato. And, depending on the time of year, you should also check the Kelownaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local

event calendar. There are many outdoor concerts and other events throughout the summer months. We left the hotel early in the morning as our day was packed with stops at wineries in Summerland and Naramata. Lunch was at The Vanilla Pod Restaurant at Poplar Grove Winery, which is known for its tapas-style dishes of international and Mediterranean flavours. Heading further south, make sure to drive along Skaha Lake on the east side. Several wineries, including Painted Rock and Blasted Church Winery, are along this scenic drive. Then you can head into Okanagan Falls. If you love ice cream and fudge, plan at least 30 minutes of waiting time in the line up at Tickleberry’s. From Okanagan Falls you can be in Osoyoos, located at the U.S. border, in less than an hour. It took us three as we decided to stop at several wineries and orchards along the way. We arrived in Osoyoos at Spirit Ridge at Nk’Mip Resort in the late afternoon and were surprised to find quite the car show right in front of the hotel and the wine centre. McLarens, Ferraris, Lamborghinis — Area 27 made sure to make us feel home. Spirit Ridge offers an on-site winery, golf course, dining and a full-service spa. You can even book helicopter-tours. The next day we visited Area 27 — the soon-to-open world-class private motorsport club with a 4.9 km track designed by Canadian racing legend Jacques Villeneuve and built to FIA Level 2 standards. Exciting! We returned our car later in the afternoon and were back home in Vancouver for a late dinner.

THE OKANAGAN VALLEY With over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year the Okanagan Valley is one of the warmest regions in all of Canada and one of the most popular vacation destinations in North America. The region has something for everyone: From numerous orchards, vineyards, fruit stands, farmers markets, and restaurants to spas and wellness centres; a 140km long lake with sandy, lakeside beaches; a variety of golf courses to fit every skill level, hiking, biking and skiing in the winter. For more information visit the website of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Assocation: www.totabc.org

ICONIC CONCIERGE

AN EXPERIENCE IN STYLE Luxury SuperCar Rental in the Okanagan

With a fleet of 6 mouthwatering supercars, including a Ferrari 430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin Vantage, Audi R8 and two AMG-Mercedes, he has the answer to every car enthusiast’s dream list.

“I was always curious why no one had started an exotic car rental business here,” he says, and so with the help of Matt August he started August Exotic Car Tours & Rentals, the Okanagan Valley’s very first luxury car rental company.

“We offer a full Concierge service,” Kristian explains. “We will pick you up at the airport and have all paperwork ready for you. All you have to do is to decide if you want to join a guided tour where you will be able to drive all of our cars, or, if you simply want to rent your dream car for a few hours, a day, or the time of your stay.”

o you have booked a suite at the luxury hotel or spa in the Okanagan, but all they can offer you at the car rental is a mid-size Cadillac or, with some luck, a BMW 3 Series convertible? That’s what Kristian Sharkey thought when he came to Kelowna.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

But be warned: Each car is fitted with a GPS chip that records speeds and other factors, so drive responsibly. You also need to be at least 25 years of age.

SPIRIT RIDGE RESORT A stunning vineyard resort in Osoyoos

he 4.5-star Spirit Ridge at NK’MIP Resort places guests in the heart of Canada’s premiere wine making region. A true oasis it is nestled on the slopes of Anarchist Mountain in the South Okanagan, overlooking Osoyoos Lake, framed by drastic sun-drenched landscapes and surrounded by desert sage and rolling vineyards.

Guests at Spirit Ridge enjoy a full range of world-class services and amenities. The resort is within reach of desert golf, luxurious spa experiences, a winery and a unique cultural opportunity. Designed to accommodate breathtaking views and al fresco luxury, Spirit Ridge graces guests with gourmet kitchens, spacious bedrooms, as well as

balconies and patios perfect for BBQ’s and moonlit cocktails. Beyond the comfort of the suites, the fullservice Spirit Ridge has everything you would need close at hand: MICA RESTAURANT Mica Restaurant features inventive dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients that pair deliciously with the best wines from the South Okanagan. SOLTERRA SPA The Solterra Desert Spa offers rejuvenating treatments ranging from hot stone massage and inspired body wraps to men’s specialty treatments.

PRIVATE BEACH For those looking to take a dip in Lake Osoyoos, Spirit Ridge’s private beach is the place to be with sand, comfortable lounge chairs and a fully licensed beach cantina. NK’MIP CELLARS WINERY Taste distinctive varietals at Nk’Mip Cellars Winery. The winery offers yearround wine tasting, award winning wines, a restaurant with a patio, a wine shop and winery tours. SONORA DUNES GOLF COURSE Sonora Dunes is a 9-hole, par-35 course with impeccably manicured greens and emerald fairways winding throughout

Canada’s only desert. HELICOPTER TOURS Join Okanagan Mountain Helicopter Tours as they fly over Osoyoos Lake to see the splendor of wineries, vineyards, orchards, golf courses, resorts and ecological areas from a birds-eye view. The desert landscape provides unique terrain and wonderful photo opportunities.

1200 Rancher Creek Rd. Osoyoos BC, V0H 1V6 Toll Free: 1.844.755.4622 www.spiritridge.ca

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Stay Young & Healthy

Relax and rejuvenate at Sparkling Hill Resort with one of our weeklong wellness packages. With over 100 treatments offered in our 40,000 sq.ft. European-inspired KurSpa and luxury accommodation, we provide an unforgettable wellness experience. Okanagan Valley, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada

250.275.1556

www.sparklinghill.com

INVEST IN A LIFESTYLE! Why you should buy real estate in the Okanagan Why live in a Vancouver condo when you can purchase an estate in the beautiful Okanagan Valley for the same price? We have been to the Okanagan several times this year. There were wine festivals, the opening ceremonies for new wineries, or invitations to see the upcoming Area 27 Race Track in Oliver. And each and every time when we were meeting people at the hotel or in the restaurant we had the same discussion. “Why live in a Vancouver condo when you can purchase an estate in the beautiful Okanagan Valley for the same price?” We sat down with Amanda Westrheim, president and founder of the Westrheim Group. Bringing over 12 years of experience and career sales of over $100 million, Westrheim is recognized as a top producing agent year after year, and has helped numerous Vancouverites find their dream home in the Kelowna area. “You can buy a waterfront home in Kelowna for the same price as a Vancouver condo,” says Amanda.

best investments for your own personal situation. Amanda says the options are endless for Vancouver property owners thinking of moving to the Okanagan.

To put things in perspective, the price of a house by the lake in the Okanagan is about the same cost as a two-bedroom condo in Vancouver. Got you interested? And if you want some toys — and an investment or two as well — buy a high-end house or luxury condo in Kelowna. Then buy yourself a sports car and a boat. Oh, and there’s still the money that’s left over, so it’s time to check out the

“It can be an investment home until you’re ready to move to the valley — the prices are continuing to climb,” she says. And, if you want it to be a vacation home before making your move, Amanda says the Vancouver-Kelowna commute is an easy one. The city — and most of the Okanagan — is only a 3.5-hour scenic drive away, or one hour by plane to Kelowna International Airport.

3510 Gates Road, West Kelowna 10 acres! 180° Panoramic Views. 3 Beds. 3.5 Baths. Tennis Court. Indoor Pool. 6 Bay Shop w. 3 Vehicle Hoists $1,500,000 Privacy and serenity, just minutes to town! 10 acres ready for your ideas: orchard, vineyard, horses, hobby farm? 4,000+ sq.ft. 3 bedroom + den, 3.5 bath beautifully renovated home. Separate games room with pool table, wet bar, card table - all included! 30’ x 20’ indoor pool and infrared sauna. Access to huge deck to take in the incredible vista, with a sunken hot tub. Outdoor kitchen. ! Double attached garage, plus additional 6 bay shops. Detached 1 bedroom guest house with full kitchen and laundry

ICONIC CONCIERGE

1885 Capistrano Drive, Kelowna 3 Beds 4 Baths 5,284 sf Pool $1,599,950 Luxury with no limits! Dramatic 20 ft ceilings in the foyer w/stunning chandelier. Chef-inspired gourmet kitchen with immense granite island and upscale Dacor appliances. Incredible open entertaining areas throughout both floors featuring a classic European masonry fireplace in the great room. The inviting master bedroom offers a spa-like retreat with marble finishes, heated floors, enormous tiled shower and separate soaker tub. 3 large bedrooms/4 bathrooms, a family room, office, games area w/wet bar, exercise room, theatre and wine room! Hot tub,brand new heated concrete pool! Backyard received $200k+ renovation! Lighting and Audio System throughout.

Amanda offers a “one-stop”, all-inclusive service for clients. That includes finding the property and arranging the financing for you with a mortgage specialist who is part of her team. In other words, Amanda makes it as painless as possible. Here are some facts. At the beginning of this year, Vancouver purchasers surpassed Alberta buyers, who previously dominated out-of-town buyers. Purchasers from the Lower Mainland now buy between 11 per cent and 15 per cent of Okanagan properties, according to Corie Griffiths, manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. Meanwhile, buyers from Alberta dropped to about six per cent from a previous high of 15 to 18 per cent. Amanda says there’s also a rosier picture for Vancouver residents looking to buy their first home. “The rising costs of Vancouver real estate puts younger families out of the market,” she said. “Kelowna and other parts of the Okanagan are good alternatives to the Lower Mainland because, for one thing, Okanagan communities are great places to raise children. “And secondly, remember that Kelowna is labeled a ‘four-season playground’.” Sometimes, she feels like a tourist her-

self. “I enjoy this lifestyle so much,” she continued. “Going to local wine tastings, boating and wakeboarding on the lake in the summertime, snowboarding in the winter — there’s never a shortage of things to do. “I’m reminded every day why I love where I live.” This quality of life cannot be taken for granted, added Amanda. “Once you make up your mind about leaving the hustle and bustle of Vancouver, you’ll be forever happy you’ve traded it in for a more laid-back style of living.” Amanda practises what she preaches. To say she is passionate about the Okanagan lifestyle would be an understatement. She feels a strong connection to the area with deep family roots and a love for everything the valley has to offer. That includes the lush vineyards, the gorgeous lake views and the too-many-tomention amenities available here. “My great grandparents immigrated to Vernon from Europe and built a lakefront cottage that still belongs to my family” she said. “I was born in Vancouver, but we visited the Okanagan Valley often and always looked forward to the trips.” When her parents finally decided they’d had enough of busy Vancouver, there was no question they would be moving to the Okanagan. “I couldn’t have been happier,” said Amanda. “I’ve been proud to call this area home ever since.”

The Westrheim Group Amanda Westrheim REALTOR® & President

Century 21 Assurance Realty 251 Harvey Avenue Kelowna, BC V1Y 6C2

250-863-9230

www.twgkelowna.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

A Whistler Mountain Estate Welcome to Whistlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best kept secret; 6805 Crabapple Drive - a beautifully unique property that has been designed to capture every Whistler experience. Relax by the fire pit on the banks of your private lagoon or launch your canoe down the channel to the River of Golden Dreams and on to Alta Lake. Connect with nature while the trout swim upstream to the peaceful waterfall on the east side of the property. This spectacular, private, one of a kind compound is set behind gates on park like Gated Whistler Cay Estates Property

ICONIC CONCIERGE

7 Beds

7 Baths

2004 Built

4,965 sqft

Lot size: 1.004 acres

$11,995,000

acreage, in a setting that gives you the feeling of complete seclusion, while just minutes removed from the base of both world class mountains.

2 bedroom & 2 bathroom, 1,235 sq/ft guest house with a large and well appointed kitchen, comfortable living room and sleeping for 4.

The Estate property boasts unequaled quality, design, custom details, soaring beams and walls of glass. The architect’s vision was one of intimate and welcoming spaces perfect for family gatherings but combining it with the grandeur a house of this scope deserves.

Other features of the home include plenty of parking with heated garage space for 3 cars, additional port cochere with parking for additional 2, and general parking for 20, a network of walking trails, nine 9 fireplaces (3 set outdoors), private hot tub patio, ample covered outdoor patios complete with gas heaters.

The main home offers 4,365 sq/ft of unparalleled flexibility including; 4 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, a den, massive chef’s kitchen, beautiful and spacious foyer, open concept living room and an additional 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom, 600 sq/ft Nanny’s quarters. The home also includes a detached

Offering just over an acre of sprawling grounds to enjoy with family & friends for years to come this property truly needs to be seen to be believed as words cannot begin to describe this phenomenal piece of paradise.

WHY WHISTLER? Whistler has become a popular getaway no matter the time of year for Vancouverites who are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the City life. Enjoy the unbelievably scenic drive from Vancouver to Whistler on the smooth Sea to Sky highway and go from being in the heart of the Downtown Vancouver action to the peaceful mountain surroundings in just 2 hours. Whistler is waiting for you to come and enjoy the numerous recreation options, world class dining, abundance of shopping and countless outdoor activities for you to really immerse yourself in the Mountain lifestyle.

MAGGI THORNHILL Maggi has sold more than $1.3 billion dollars in real estate, establishing herself as Whistler’s #1 agent for the past decade. She has held the top spot (in total dollars sold) each year for the last 10 years with $190 million in sales. Maggi has changed the face of real estate in Whistler, and is clearly in a league of her own. She credits her success to hard work, extensive networking, having integrity, and putting her client’s interest first. Maggi has a formula for success that is unmatched. Let her put her experience and expertise to work for you! Suite 325 - 2063 Lake Placid Rd. Whistler, BC

c: 604.905.8199

www.maggithornhill.com

ICONIC CONCIERGE

GREAT SCOT!

The Glenlivet and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar’s West Coast-inspired cuisine make for a perfect pair ... By Jan-Christian Sorensen

This is not your father’s Scotch experience. Gone are the days of cigar smoke-choked, wood-paneled dens, full of hearty hail fellows and fingerprint-smudged snifters of tawny spirits. These days, Scotch is striding confidently out of dimly lit back rooms and experiencing a well-deserved resurgence, thanks to inspired new thinking on the fine art of pairing cask-aged single-malts with an array of dishes. Leading the charge is The Glenlivet, the Scottish single-malt that started it all. At Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver in the Sutton Place Hotel, the inimitable Scottish spirit has found its ideal counterpart. Whether it’s Boulevard’s fresh-daily selections of shellfish and seafood, steak or even dessert, Glenlivet provides a perfect pairing opportunity to toast friends and take your palate on a whirlwind tour of the Scottish Highlands. At a recent exclusive tasting at Boulevard, Glenlivet brand ambassador Keith Trusler showcased the celebrated Scotch’s subtle nuances when paired with several of the restaurant’s offering. His underlying message? There’s no need to be in-

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Photography by Leila Kwok

timidated. Keep it simple, yet elegant. Pair Boulevard’s savoury Seafood Chowder — which blends black cod and Sawmill Bay clams with potatoes, fennel pollen, leeks and dill — with a glass of The Glenlivet 15-year-old whisky, which provides a sweet and fruity complement that rests rich and smoky on the palate. For the mussels, which fuses chorizo sofrito, sherry and parsley, The Glenlivet 18-yearold — which is aged in sherry casks — makes for a perfect accompaniment. Boulevard’s grilled and marinated hanger steak and its maple bacon vinaigrette, meanwhile, get an inspired lift via Glenlivet’s 21-year-old varietal. When it comes to oysters, Trusler’s simplicity-forward message rings true. You’ve never had a briny bivalve until you’ve had it with a few generously applied drops of Glenlivet’s Founder’s Reserve, cracked pepper and fresh-squeezed lemon. Beyond appetizers and mains, even Boulevard’s sinful selection of dessert courses can get a helping hand from Glenlivet. The restaurant’s not-to-be-missed Opera Bar — a delicate mélange of chocolate ganache, coffee butter cream and biscuit, hazelnut praline, chocolate glaçage, and coffee ice

cream — hits a high note when paired with Glenlivet’s 21-year-old Scotch. “Whether it’s shellfish and seafood or steak and dessert, Glenlivet’s range of single-malt scotches works beautifully with Boulevard’s cuisine to showcase a wide variety of flavour profiles and tasting notes,” said Trusler. And when in doubt, ask for the advice of your friendly bartender. In Boulevard’s case, that responsibility rests in the trusted hands of beverage director J.S. Dupuis, who is well versed in the Glenlivet vernacular. Whether it’s as a wee dram or in one of Boulevard’s cocktail creations, such as the Bobby Burns — which mingles Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve with Cocchi Americano, Benedictine and lemon zest — there’s never been a better time to savour the intricacies of Scotch.  “When you have a guy like Dupuis on the bar, his knowledge of whisky and cocktails is so extensive, I completely trust my palate with him,” added Trusler. “He knows that it’s not just about pouring drinks — it’s about pairing them. Food and drink pairing is a really amazing journey of exploration to find things that work so well together. “It’s an adventure. Enjoy it.”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

1 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Phone: 1 604 974 1147

www.bauhaus-restaurant.com

the art of fine dining “One of the Best Canadian Restaurants for Business Dinner.” ~ The Altitude Report

auhaus Restaurant opened in Vancouver just under a year ago. Since that time, the Bauhaus name, inspired by Germany’s famous Bauhaus design movement, has become synonymous with fine dining: It has already been recognized as one of Canada’s top restaurants. Behind the restaurant are two German-born talents: film director and producer Uwe Boll and celebrity Chef Stefan Hartmann. Boll originally approached Chef Hartmann when he was running his very successful Michelin-starred restaurant, Hartmann, in Berlin. He pitched the idea of bringing high-end German cuisine to Canada’s west coast. After scouting out a location in Vancouver’s trendy Gastown District, the Bauhaus Restaurant was born.

Chef Stefan Hartmann

Bauhaus Restaurant is honoured to have Michelin Star Chef Stefan Hartmann at the helm. Stefan has won several culinary awards including the Master Chef Award and the Newcomer of the Year Award. In 2010, he was awarded with a prestigious Michelin Star, the ultimate culinary achievement.

“As soon as you enter the Bauhaus Restaurant, you will experience the reason why I became a chef. I grew up in Northern Germany, immersed in its unique style of regional cuisine (quite sweet and rich, but not too heavy). I have always loved food, but after discovering a wide variety of international cuisine, I decided to go back to my roots and focus my craft on German-style food. Today, I am very happy to share my passion for the classic dishes I enjoyed as a child; the dishes I miss most when I am away from home. My à la carte evening menu will use the freshest local produce from British Columbia and my chef’s tasting menu will represent the essence of my culinary craft.”

THE RESTAURANT The building in which Bauhaus Restaurant resides, formerly known as The Boulder Hotel, is one of Vancouver’s most historical treasures. Over the last 100 years, the building has gone through many changes: from its early years as a saloon and bank, to its most recent home to Bonita’s Restaurant. The renovation was led by talented Vancouver designer Andrea Greenway. “Trying to keep as much of the original structure as possible, including the original 1890s brick and marble, as well as the historical Bank Safe, was a real challenge,” says Greenway. “Modernist design can be a bit austere, so I hope that we have created a nice balance of modern and warm.” THE CUISINE When people hear the term “German cuisine,” it usually conjures up images of heavy sausage and Bavarian-style cuisines. However, what Bauhaus offers is contemporary German fare, which rivals other modern cuisines from France or America. Although they still draw inspiration from traditional German recipes, their approach is more refined than simple sausages or schnitzels. At Bauhaus, you will find a one-of-a-kind dining experience, drawing on culinary influences from around the world. Everything, from the flavours to the ingredients, incorporates a traditional German element, but with the style and approach of modern culinary trends. You can expect the unexpected from Chef Harmann’s seasonal tasting menu. Start with King Crab with fennel, vanilla, and lemon, followed closely by Sturgeon with artichoke, red lentils and cilantro. Then, satisfy your taste buds with the Fried Egg Yolk with potato and herb sauce. Moving onto the mains, sample the famed Duck Breast with cauliflower, radishes, and black sausage, as well as the Duck Confit with dandelion, semolina dumpling, and foie gras. (Don’t forget to pair with a great wine, like Torbreck woodcutters shiraz from Australia.) For dessert, we highly recommend the Buttermilk Mousse with strawberry and spruce. Stefan Hartmann has also been hard at work developing a new à la carte menu. For starters, choose from Mackerel with green apple, White Asparagus Soup with lobster, or Backhendle with cucumber and pumpkin seed oil. For the mains, try the Chicken Fricassee with risotto, the Beef Ribeye with tortellini and lemon, or Braised Veal with fried onion purée. For German classics, try the Simmered Flat Iron, the Veal Beuscherl, or the Schinken with white asparagus. Finally, for dessert, try the Rhubarb with honey whiskey, Tiramisu with espresso and amaretto, a Fresh Fruit Sorbet, or our crumbly Quark Cheesecake.

ICONIC CONCIERGE

Richmond Wine Lockers

THE VANCOUVER WINE EXPERIENCE Locals don’t whine about their wine

ancouver wine lovers are in love with their city. We have one of the highest per capita wine consumption populations in North America. The city is blessed to have so many dedicated wine importers who bring us these amazing wines.

let me tell you my story.

Pinot Noir the most. Maybe.

I started my wine journey like most young people,trying cheaper whites like Black Tower and Blue Nun. I also liked a little sparkling wine called Baby Duck. I even put olives in it and that’s pretty crazy.

B.C. products were not on my wine list back then, but they have since improved.

So why is Vancouver such a great city for wine? It’s because so many outstanding wines are available here. Many wine experts work hard to scour the planet for great wines to bring to B.C. Because of them, we are looked upon by the world’s winery owners and as an important marketplace.

I was not a fan of red wines, but then one night a good friend introduced me to a 1988 Robert Monday Reserve Cabernet. The hook was set and I set out on my journey to learn as much as I could about wine.

We have the biggest and longest-running wine festival in North America. Each year, the Vancouver International Wine Festival or VIWF is the hit of the city for one week every spring. There are several other wine festivals throughout the year, offering wine and food tastings as well as seminars. So you love your wine but are a bit helpless where to start with your collection? Well,

by Barry McNabb

ICONIC CONCIERGE

I started in earnest with Cabernet and Shiraz in the late ’80s, early ’90s, along with a little Bordeaux and Spanish wine. Then my taste changed to lighter wines such as Pinot Noir and Barolo. Oh, and Champagne. I always loved Champagne. White wines too, and dessert wines, ports, sherries, and … OK, I love all wines equally, but maybe

My first bottle of 1990 Chateau Latour was $100. That was a lot of money in 1992. Caymus Cabernet was $25. I must have spent $5,000 on 1990 vintages from everywhere in the world. 1990 was a classic vintage everywhere, so it didn’t matter what region you wanted, you were going to get good wine. Then I had buyer’s remorse and took half of it back to the liquor store. Duh! Let me tell you, I made some other wine collector happy that day. However, some very knowledgeable store employees, not only on the tasting side, but also on collecting, helped me out. A lot of us have grown together over the years and look back on the “good old days.” But the truth is, we are in a better wine environment than ever before.   A

lot of the wine prices today from those wineries in 1990 have risen sharply, but there are thousands of new wineries today that didn’t exist back then. The global supply of wines today is 10 times what it was then and there are new wineries opening around the world every day. Here in B.C., there might have been 20 or 30 wineries back then and today there are almost 300. There are thousands of wines available in Vancouver from all over the world that sell for $30 or less.   When you walk into a liquor store these days, the selections seem endless and confusing. Like I said, we’re fortunate to have a lot of talented wine experts at most stores. The global wine market and the Internet have all helped to give us this incredible selection to choose from. The newer wineries are getting to know their vineyards better and new winemaking techniques are helping give us this great diversity. And the old world producers of wine are not resting on their laurels, either. This all combines to make an industry that is always pushing to make better products for us at the most reasonable prices possible.   B.C. wines are a relative baby compared to the wines of France and Italy. A big tip of the hat to all the B.C. pioneers that thought they could grow wine and compete on the global market or even here at home. I know it takes a lot of courage to start your own business, but then you also have to deal with the vagaries of Mother Nature, too. That’s truly challenging.   B.C. winery owners have had to plant what they thought would work, such as Cabernet and Chardonnay. Then they change their minds, pull out vineyards and plant new varieties better suited to our climate and hope for the best. In Europe, they have been growing grapes for thousands of years. They know what grows well in certain locations and have known that for centuries. We’re still getting there, but due to innovation and technology improvements, it won’t take centuries to catch up.   What to do? Buy wine to age or invest or just to drink? There can be a mix of the two, but that takes a lot of dedication. The No. 1 purchaser of wine in the U.S.

is women. This is due to the fact that wine is available at every grocery store in every state. The more attractive labels sell more than the others. When you walk into a liquor store, what do you look at? Shelf talkers are the tasting notes and wine scores you see in front of a line of wines on the store shelf. These can be useful tools once you’ve tried a few different wines and agree with the talker. I have done that myself. I had a good friend who wrote to shelf talkers and I could recognize her writing from her tasting notes. We agreed on lots of wines and therefore I would buy what she recommended and was usually pleased.   I like to keep certain wines for a few years to drink when they are a little older. I would generally keep a new Bordeaux for 10 years, a new California Cabernet for seven years, a new Barolo for 10 years, etc. This was not a result of me wanting to invest in wine but just because I like the taste better. The fact some of these wines have appreciated in value is great, but that’s not what my original intention was. I do look at some wines, however, as purely

The No. 1 purchaser of wine in the U.S. is women. This is due to the fact that wine is available at every grocery store in every state. an investment opportunity. That takes a lot of training and is not always a sure thing — just like any investment. Look for older wines when buying wine to see what they taste like and this will help you realize where a wine might go taste-wise. In the future, I will discuss other topics related to wine in more detail. I hope you all can get out to one of the many wine festivals in the Lower Mainland and look forward to hearing your feedback on anything wine related. I can talk for hours about my passion for all things wine ...

Barry says ... “It has been an incredibly busy year so far. You can find me most days at my Richmond Wine Lockers location, or at the brand new New District wine store in Kerrisdale. We are just on the corner of Dunbar and 41st Ave. If you have any questions, just call me at (604) 657-8560 or email me at bcwinestains@gmail.com. See you soon! Cheers, Barry.”

ICONIC CONCIERGE

VINOTEQUE

by Barry McNabb

2005 CHATEAU MONTROSE

1994 DOMINUS

1986 Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi

2012 Louis Latour CortonCharlemagne Grand Cru

Experiencing water deficit, but benefit from alternative hot days and cool nights, the grape of this year developed lots of concentration. A blend of predominately cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with a touch of cabernet franc and petit verdot, the wine shows amazing dark purple color with full body and powerful structure. On the palate, an explosion of layers of flavors and textures: dark prune, dark cocoa, cassis, black berry, chocolate, liquorice, crushed pepper, bay leaf and moreâ&#x20AC;Ś

Released after the 1992 vintage, this wine is luscious to drink now, but still has lots of potential through cellaring. This is a Bordeaux blend with 72% cabernet sauvignon, balanced with 12% merlot, 11% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot, this wine expresses substantial but supple tannins with layers of plum pie, dried currant, barnyard, leather, wild truffle, cedar and vegetal.

The extended maturing season of the grapes gives this wine a complex and concentrated flavors. Small production from 100% Sangiovese grape varietal, 1986 Brunello is perfect to drink now. Benefiting from aging, this wine is full body with elevated acid and supple tannin. On the palate, layers of spicy cherry, ripe plum, anise, cardamom, sundried tomatoes, wild mushroom and more to explore with long finish.

Carefully hand selected from one of the best vineyard sites of CĂ´te de Beaune, Burgundy, this wine deliberates a bright yellow color with gold-tinted rim. Full body is balanced out with refreshing acidity, rich and creamy sensation on the palate with loads of butter, hazelnut, golden apple, white flowers and honey. A pleasant long finish with hint of vanilla.

Napa Valley, USA Alc. 14% $299.00

Tuscany, Italy Alc. 13% $129.00

Bordeux, France 6l bottle 13% $3,500

Burgundy, France Alc. 13% $268.00

2011 Domaine Bonneau du Martray CortonCharlemagne Grand Cru A Burgundian family-owned winery for over two centuries, produces only two wines, the best of Hills of Corton. With strict yield control and elaborated winemaking practice, this wine deliberates a bright lemon color with gold-tinted rim. Rich and velvet texture on the palate with refreshing acidity. An explosion of white flowers, crushed wet stone, hazelnut, honey, golden apple and aromatic herbs. A pleasing long finish with hint of toasty caramel candy. Burgundy, France Alc. 13% $195.00

ICONIC CONCIERGE

The Twentieth Century Cocktail The first publication of the recipe was in the Café Royal Bar Book of 1937, the year the design for the new futuristic streamlined version of the train was announced.” – Ted Haigh, ‘Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails’, 2009

1 ½ oz. Beefeater London Dry Gin ¾ oz. Lillet Blanc ½ oz. Crème de Cacao white ¾ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon ... and please enjoy responsibly!

ICONIC CONCIERGE