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A TOWN OF IDEAS
You can’t finish a city in a day or a lifetime. All you can do is start. Rome was not built in a day but has actually spanned thousands of years. Seaside, on the other hand, has been continually created for 40 years as of 2023.
—Robert Davis Seaside Founder/Visionary
FROM EVERY POINT OF VIEW, WE NAVIGATE THE REAL ESTATE LANDSCAPE WITH A PERSPECTIVE GAINED THROUGH THE FOUNDERS’ COMBINED 65 YEARS OF REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE. WE ARE GUIDED BY OUR PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE, INTEGRITY, AND EXCELLENCE. WE WILL EMPLOY OUR EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY JEFF LANDRETH, AN AIR FORCE VETERAN, AND SPOUSE, G. GAY LANDRETH. THAT’S THE LA FLORIDA DIFFERENCE.
Cover
The new New Orleans is alive and celebrated at Emeril’s iconic flagship restaurant on Tchoupitoulas Street. The celebrity chef best known for his television cooking shows opened his eponymous restaurant thirty-four years ago. After major interior design and menu renovations, Emeril’s unveiled a new concept in October 2023 with Chef Patron E.J. Lagasse, Emeril’s twenty-one-year-old son, at the helm in the kitchen. E.J. has taken the restaurant to new heights by implementing ideas he and Emeril have had for years. It’s a dining experience for the ages, so check it out on page 28, and don’t miss out the next time you’re in the Big Easy!
Photo by Romney Caruso
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
FEATURE
STOP IN FOR A DRINK AT
THE
AND
AT
PROPER. AFTER YOU SIP CRAFT COCKTAILS AND ENJOY BITES AMONG THE PALM FRONDS AND GORGEOUS DECOR BY KELLY WEARSTLER, IT’S TIME TO EXPLORE THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST!
28 A Culinary Master and His Protégé: Chef E.J. Lagasse Takes the Reins at Emeril’s New Orleans
VOYAGER 27
34 Props to Santa Monica Proper: A Hotel Experience, Southern California Style
41 L’intermission: The Savage Style
42 Respite and Richness: Art Is Alive at the Old No. 77 Hotel
48 Goldfinger Revival Hits the Alps: Andermatt Celebrates Sixty Years of Bond
53 L’intermission: The Mood for Wellness
54 From Paris to Palm Trees: A New French Restaurant in Florida
60 Watersound Club Is on Par: PGA Legend Davis Love III Designs New Course
LE MONDE 65
66 New Lost Ages: A New Album by Tyler Ramsey
69 L’intermission: Find Your Fairway
70 Paradise at The Retreat: The Art of Craftsmanship
74 Drawing from Experience: A Conversation with Joseph A. Miller
80 The Best Seat in the House: Table Five Is All Yours
86 What Is Banana Ball? America’s Pastime Gets a Fast-Paced Facelift
90 Petite pause: Conor McGregor’s Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
LA VITALITÉ 91
92 Unleash Your Strength and Serenity at Sculpt Studio 30A
96 Petite pause: Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston’s Dos Hombres Mezcal
98 Health Tips from 4x4 Mobile Fitness
101 Petite pause: X Games Goes Luxe with New Ticket Packages
102 Let’s Dink! Probing the Past, Present, and Potential of Pickleball
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 108
113 Petite pause: Malbon Golf x New Balance
LA SCÈNE 114
123 Petite pause: Michael Bublé’s Fraser & Thompson North American Whiskey
LAST WORD 125
114 LOGAN LANE, SUITE 4 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA 32459
85 L’intermission: An Adventurous Soul
PALMA,
CHIC HOTEL BAR
LOUNGE
SANTA MONICA
Photo by The Ingalls
CREATIVE TEAM
CEO/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER
GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com
MANAGING EDITOR
KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com
ASSISTANT EDITOR
HAILEY BETHKE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, BENTLEY JACKSON, MJ JACKSON, MYLES MELLOR, ZACH OLSTAD, CAROLYN O’NEIL, SUZANNE POLLAK, ROYCE RUMSEY, COLLEEN SACHS, XENIA TALIOTIS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
ART DIRECTOR
SALLY NEAL Sally@VIEmagazine.com
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR JACK KIRKENDALL J ack@VIEmagazine.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
ANNA SIMPSON
HANNAH VERMILLION
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
LAUREN ATHALIA, MAX BARSNESS, JUSTIN BETTMAN, SARA ESSEX BRADLEY, HUNTER BURGTORF, ROMNEY CARUSO, JACK GARDNER, BRENNA KNEISS, JEFF LANDRETH, GUILLAUME LECHAT, KIM LEUENBERGER, LAYNE LILLIE, KACEY MEINECKE, PARKER J. PFISTER, CARLO PIERONI, MICHAEL POTTS F1, ROMONA ROBBINS, ZEKE RUELAS, ROYCE RUMSEY, ZACK SMITH, LAURA STEFFAN, IDA KRISTIN VOLLUM, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, AUTO-FOCUSED, FOOD STORY MEDIA, THE INGALLS, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK, STM PHOTOGRAPHY
ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
KELLY CURRY Kelly@VIEmagazine.com
DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR MCKENNA MEARS McKenna@VIEmagazine.com
MARKETING COORDINATOR
HAILEY BETHKE
BRAND AMBASSADORS
LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com
MARTA RATA
Marta@VIEmagazine.com
PHOTO BY HUNTER BURGTORF
QUINTESSENTIAL GENTLEMEN
Cooking Up a Family Legacy
Icouldn’t think of a more perfect pair of gentlemen to usher in this issue. Enter Emeril and E.J. Lagasse. This father-and-son duo is forging paths together and separately as they brilliantly pursue their destinies, simultaneously looking forward and backward for inspiration. They are culinary royalty. As food aficionados, entrepreneurs, visionaries, chefs, philanthropists, and businessmen, they are creating and reimagining new dining experiences while paying homage to their history. Please read all about this in VIE editor Jordan Staggs’s tribute article, “A Culinary Master and his Protégé: E.J. Lagasse Takes the Reins at Emeril’s New Orleans.”
VIE has featured more chefs and restaurants this year than ever, and we’re only halfway through. My speculation as to why you see this trend in our pages is twofold. The first reason is the boomerang effect of people returning to gathering and celebrating around the table after the pandemic and the culinary world being more than ready to welcome its patrons back. The second is that VIE debuted its second coffee-table book a few months ago, COOK by VIE: Cocktails. Cuisine. Culture. The book is being met with resounding praise, and we are so grateful. It’s fitting that the author of COOK also penned this issue’s cover article, as she knows the Lagasse story well from working with Emeril through VIE over the years and attending many events and fundraisers where he was featured. We recently had the great pleasure of dining at Emeril’s while on assignment in New Orleans with VIE brand partner Susan Lovelace, and to say we were delighted and privileged to experience this memorable dining event would be an understatement. It’s a new “elevated” level of food that tastes and looks like delicious art, all in a beautiful space that’s alive with the hum of precision.
Emeril has also been my guest on VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul podcast, which I am thrilled to continue hosting as its fourth season just kicked off. You can check out Emeril’s episode on VIE’s YouTube channel and all podcast
platforms, look out for an upcoming episode with Susan Lovelace, and watch or listen to our VIE Book Club podcast hosted by Jordan Staggs.
The ethos of COOK by VIE was to celebrate our area’s food scene and culture, which are unlike anywhere else, set in a beachside hamlet with a plethora of diverse and outstanding restaurants, chefs, and events. We’ve had book signings in our community, where most of the people featured in the book attend, and it has created an intense, organic harmony and camaraderie that we are so pleased to see. We thank everyone involved for sharing their stories in COOK and embracing this tome as their own.
We have been called trend forecasters for many years, and that is a gift publishers need to possess as we want to present stories, ideas, and things people are interested in now—in the present day. Since we have had a successful track record for being current, all we have to say is that food is “in” in a big way this year.
We’ve also had more men grace the covers of VIE this year than ever before, and we’re showing love and admiration to gentlemen from all walks of life. We hope you enjoy a new attitude and skip in our step with this issue. To all our favorite men out there and in VIE, we love and adore you.
To Life!
—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director
Lisa Marie Burwell, Susan Lovelace, Jordan Staggs, and Kelly Curry outside
Emeril’s flagship restaurant in New Orleans
We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: IF YOU HAD ONE BILLBOARD MESSAGE TO SHARE WITH THE MEN IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT SAY?
JACK KIRKENDALL
Assistant Art Directo @jackirkendall
“Showing emotion makes you stronger.”
Many men, including myself, are raised with society telling them showing emotions makes them weak. It is important to break this stigma within yourself! We all have unconscious biases, even when it comes to how we think of ourselves. It’s unhealthy to bottle up your emotions; you rarely hide them when you’re excited or happy, so why should you hide that you’re anxious or sad? It’s also a critical time to discuss this, as last month was June: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month. I love this quote from Olympic athlete Michael Phelps: “Since that day I opened up about my emotions, it’s just been so much easier to live and so much easier to enjoy my life.”
EDDIE SAN JUAN
Operations Manager at E. F. San Juan @eddiesanjuan | @e.f.sanjuan
“Lead with kindness and err on the side of grace.”
You never know when your words or actions will have a profound impact on someone. A simple thank you goes a long way, and a question showing genuine interest in someone can make their week, month, or even their year.
MIKE “MJ” JACKSON
Owner and Fitness Director at Sculpt Studio 30A @mj.yogas30a | @sculptstudio30a
“Strength is in the Stretch.”
My why: True power comes not just from muscle but from having flexibility of the mind and body. Yoga enhances both, encouraging men to stretch beyond their limits and find new strength within. It’s a game changer for anyone looking to build a stronger, more resilient self.
LEAD WITH KINDNESS AND ERR ON THE SIDE OF GRACE.
GERALD F. BURWELL
Cofounder/Publisher @burwell_associates
“Tag. You’re it!”
—JESUS
We humans have somehow forgotten that our chief responsibility in life is to help each other be the best versions of ourselves. History has proven that, as a whole, we cannot avoid behaving badly. So, when I was broached with this question, my thoughts froze. I wondered, Where do I start? What could my billboard say that could possibly have any significance? A few years ago, I had a literal revelation while reading Revelation 19 that gave me a deeper understanding of what it means to be a Christian. I wanted the billboard to convey that revelation. I approached this task from the POV of an ad man, with Jesus as the client. The message had to be brief yet effective, eye-catching, relatable, and thought-provoking. What is Jesus saying through this familiar line from a childhood game? The message can be multifaceted, but primarily, it’s a loving reminder to mankind that, now that He did His part, it is up to each of us to carry on being the best people we can while helping others do the same. Whether you read humor or soberness in the message will greatly depend on your place in life. Either way, He wants your attention!
Under the Sun!
Sharing stories, memories, and laughs is at the heart of everything we do! If you have a fun adventure to share, be sure to tag VIE; we would love to see where 2024 takes our readers. Have a look at some recent experiences and stories below. Until next month, read responsibly!
@trumanthedood I walked the @viemagazine Pink Carpet this week for a fun event @budandalleys in @seasidefl. I knew this was an imPAWtant moment, so I wore my new @thefoggydog bandanna and collar. I made lots of friends, and they all knew my name.
@viespeaks It was a pleasure to interview the incredible Lesly Simon (@leslysimon72) for our first episode of VIE Speaks: Conversations with Heart & Soul Season 4, hosted by @viemagazine CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director @lisamburwell! This dynamic woman has been heavily involved in the Nashville music scene, Gulf Coast real estate, interior design, and much more. She is also a warrior fighting through cancer and living her life to the fullest.
@suzyaccola Where in the world is Janie Blue? From the enchanting canals of Venice, Italy, to the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip, Janie Blue is popping up all over the map. Join author Suzy Accola as she travels through Europe, sharing the adventures of Janie Blue along the way!
@lisamburwell The party of the summer was held, and things are heating up! Bal Harbour Access Pop-Up (@balharbourshops_popup) came to town @grandboulevard in a big way. Guests dressed in white and were excited to be there. Great job, @proffittpr, on creating stellar energy for this jazzy soiree. Check out lots of photos taken by @hunterburgphoto on @viemagazine!
@viebookclub A rooftop dining spot with a book-inspired theme? Sign us up! @fabelmiami is all about crafting your tale through a thoughtful menu of shareable plates, fresh ingredients, and swoon-worthy cocktails! Each course is labeled by chapter, and beverages are categorized by Fabel Tales, Mock Tales, Folk Tales, Fairy Tales, and more! We couldn’t resist the gorgeous Mariposa Immersion, infused with butterfly pea tea and a lemongrass perfume spritz.
@budandalleys Always a great time with the @viemagazine crew! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate COOK by VIE, the luxury magazine’s newest coffee-table book featuring Chef David Bishop, owner Dave Rauschkolb, and more of Northwest Florida’s best chefs, restaurants, and hospitality experts. Last night’s weather, light bites by @budandalleys, bourbon by @paul_sutton_bourbon, and classic @seasidefl summer vibes couldn’t have been more perfect!
LET’S TALK!
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
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Chefs E.J. Lagasse and Emeril Lagasse in the bar area at the newly renovated Emeril’s flagship restaurant in New Orleans, which features a portrait of Emeril by artist Rise Delmar Ochsner
Photo by Laura Steffan
A CULINARY MASTER and His PROTÉGÉ
E.J. LAGASSE TAKES THE REINS AT EMERIL’S NEW ORLEANS
Some dining experiences become world-renowned, whether for excellence, wow factor, style, or location. As we traverse an era in which chefs are celebrities and their kitchens and dining rooms are stages, it’s incredible to watch them perform and then enjoy the final product as an interactive member of the “audience.” What is perhaps even more impressive than creating an unforgettable restaurant is reimagining an iconic one with a well-established reputation. That’s exactly what the team at Emeril’s famous New Orleans flagship has done under the leadership of Chef Patron E.J. Lagasse, the twenty-one-year-old son of Chef Emeril Lagasse.
Approaching Emeril’s restaurant at 800 Tchoupitoulas Street, the painted brick exterior, turquoise awnings, and hand-painted directional mural lead guests to a landmark culinary destination. But for those who visited during the Warehouse District eatery’s first three decades, that destination has undergone a big change since it closed in 2021 during the pandemic and then took a hiatus in the summer of 2023 for renovations. Emeril and E.J. partnered to build a new look, feel, and concept for the restaurant, with much excitement on their end and from the public.
Emeril can’t say enough about how impressed he is with E.J.’s vision and work ethic. E.J.’s passion for cooking formed at a young age when he began helping his dad in the kitchens of Meril in New Orleans and Emeril’s Coastal in Miramar
Beach, Florida. Revamping Emeril’s is a full-circle moment the whole family was excited to unveil when it reopened on October 24, 2023.
“As young as he is, E.J. has really taken over the restaurant and is doing amazing things,” says Emeril. “He and I have two different styles. I’m a little oldschool and a little classic, New American cuisine. He reads my books from cover to cover to make sure he’s doing things correctly from that perspective, but he has unbelievable training. He worked for me starting when he was a young boy. I’ll never forget the time we were having dinner at Daniel Boulud’s Palm Beach restaurant, Café Boulud, and E.J. was about thirteen. He told his mom and I—remember, this was at thirteen—he said, ‘Look, I figured out what I’m going to do.’ Alden and I looked at each other and said, ‘Okay?’ And he said, ‘I’m going to be a chef.’ I said, ‘Woah, wait a minute. You sure about that? I don’t think you know what you’re getting into.’ And he said, ‘I’m going to be a chef.’”
BY JORDAN STAGGS | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EMERIL’S
E.J. kept his promise. A “scholar of food,” he studied under not only his father but also Michelin-awarded chefs, including Daniel Boulud and Eric Ripert. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University (Emeril’s alma mater), he headed South again to tackle the renovation and take the lead at Emeril’s while Emeril himself is busy with many other business endeavors, such as becoming the face of culinary operations for Carnival Cruise Line.
We walked into Emeril’s and were promptly greeted by maitre’d Michael Destin Casey, a native of Florida’s Emerald Coast who spent time at Emeril’s Coastal before making his way to the Big Easy. Casey led us through the shiny new bar area to the dining room while soft hits from the 1960s and ’70s filtered through the speakers. The dining room is a beauty to behold. E.J. worked with designer Charlie Moore for the look and feel.
AS YOUNG AS HE IS, E.J. HAS REALLY TAKEN OVER THE RESTAURANT AND IS DOING AMAZING THINGS “
“It’s an amalgamation of all the things I love about restaurants,” E.J. shares. “The banquettes were inspired by a place in London, the tables from a favorite spot in the Cayman Islands.” He also pointed out there are no sharp edges in the building, creating an artistic and inviting space. There are only round or oval tables, and E.J. revealed that many guests want to measure them, as the ovals are much slimmer than most dining tables but still seat guests comfortably with plenty of space for place settings. Even the edges of the painting at the end of the room are rounded.
Art creates focal points throughout the restaurant, including a portrait of Emeril in the bar and a piece by New Orleans artist Doyle Gertjejansen, fittingly titled Generations, above a spirits-laden sideboard in the dining room.
Above: E.J. and Emeril Lagasse outside the New Orleans flagship
Photo by Romney Caruso
Right: E.J. Lagasse became the chef patron at Emeril’s New Orleans in 2023.
Photo by Zack Smith
Left and opposite: The menu reflects a mix of Emeril’s classics and new seasonal offerings curated by E.J. and his team.
Photos by Food Story Media
But the real work of art is the kitchen itself, which patrons can see clearly through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall in the dining room. E.J., a self-proclaimed “Energizer bunny,” outfitted his stage with state-ofthe-art equipment that’s as beautiful as it is powerful. His team is even more impressive, as a short chat with any of them will reveal each member—front and back of house—is intimately knowledgeable about the menu and restaurant operations.
A short visit to the kitchen revealed it’s just as wellrun as you’d imagine, with each staff member (and there are many of them working in tandem) working diligently but pausing to chime “Welcome, guests!” as you enter. You genuinely feel as though you’ve stepped into a major motion picture. There’s a tiny tasting table where we savored an amuse-bouche of fresh seafood and a shot of gazpacho-esque puree while chatting with E.J. for a few moments before returning to our oval table for the main event.
The star of the show, of course, is the food.
Guests may choose between two seven-course tasting menus with optional wine pairings. Reflecting the duality of the Lagasse chefs, the menus are named The Classics (aka Emeril’s favorites) and The Seasonal (E.J.’s new rotating creations). In April of 2024, The Classics included a revamped version of Emeril’s smoked salmon cheesecake, oyster stew, potato Alexa, Maine lobster gumbo, wagyu and daube glacé, a New Orleans snoball, and banana cream pie.
Our table opted for The Seasonal menu, which included Grand Isle shrimp, crawfish pie, red snapper, sweetbreads, lamb with spring vegetables, the snoball, and a strawberry genoise cake, plus some extra sweets to end the evening. It would be unsurprising if guests needed to order a wheelbarrow to take them away from the table—everything is so good, you don’t want to waste a bite.
The dinner itself is a spectacle as you watch E.J. and the team through that glass wall, creating each dish with precision and professionalism. From the plating to the presentation and explanation by each member of the waitstaff, it’s aweinspiring. Almost everything is sourced from within 150 miles of New Orleans, and Emeril’s takes pride in building relationships with the farmers and purveyors whose products are on the table. One of those, E.J. noted, is the lamb from White Sand Homestead Farm in Poplarville, Mississippi—a small family farm run by another father-son duo, Allen and Aaron Snelling. “Relationships with local farms have been so important to Emeril from the beginning, and we’re always going to honor that,” E.J. says.
E.J.’S PASSION IS EVIDENT IN NOT ONLY THE OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT HE’S CURATED WITH HIS FATHER AND THEIR TEAM BUT ALSO HIS ENTHUSIASM FOR ‘RAISING THE TIDE.’
Each dish reflects not only those local farms but also contemporary New Orleans cuisine, family traditions, and inspirations from E.J.’s favorite places, much like the dining room decor. For example, a small glass crustacean figurine was placed on the table with a sanitary wipe for guests to use after enjoying the shrimp, harking to a similar presentation from Chef Grant Achatz’s famed Chicago restaurant, Alinea.
You might notice the snoball is the only course on both tasting menus, and that’s no accident. “It’s our New Orleans version of a palate cleanser,” our server explained. Patrons can choose from seasonal flavors, which included hibiscus and lemon-lime during our visit, plus the Hansen’s Sno-Bliz classic flavor, sourced from the famed snoball stand that’s been a city staple since 1939.
Since reopening with its new look, feel, and taste last fall, Emeril’s and its young chef patron have gained worldwide attention. A Michelin star rating
could be in the cards soon, and if the restaurant is awarded, it would make E.J. the youngest US chef recipient, alongside Gilles Epie of France and Aiden Byrne of England, who were both awarded at twenty-two.
While he would love to win, of course, awards are not E.J.’s primary objective. He’s working to build on the legacy Emeril started at the restaurant thirty-four years ago: “To take all of these ideas that I know he’s had for a number of years—probably thirty-three—and to take some ideas that I know I’ve had since I was a child and see them come to life in this space, it’s pretty surreal.”
Above: The interior design at Emeril’s is inspired by some of Chef E.J.’s favorite restaurants around the world and the artistic soul of the Big Easy.
Photo by Romney Caruso
Opposite top: The bar at Emeril’s offers a separate food menu and an array of incredible cocktails, wine, and more.
Photos by Food Story Media
Opposite bottom: VIE editors Kelly Curry, Jordan Staggs, and Lisa Marie Burwell with Chef E.J. Lagasse and Susan Lovelace at Emeril’s New Orleans
E.J.’s passion is evident in not only the outstanding restaurant he’s curated with his father and their team but also his enthusiasm for “raising the tide” by bringing other young culinary professionals through his kitchen and placing them in positions among Emeril’s other outlets around the country. This echoes Emeril and Alden Lagasse’s educational mission under the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Emeril shares, “Twenty-two years ago, I said to my wife, ‘We need to inspire children from a culinary arts, educational, and food perspective, and we set our goals to do that. Now, we’re celebrating twenty years of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation and its legacy programs. We have eight school and garden programs; it’s just incredible.”
While the foundation continues to expand and gain support through its many programs and annual fundraisers, such as Carnivale du Vin, the Lagasse family is also undergoing continual career growth. Emeril and E.J. recently celebrated at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Las Vegas, E.J. joined Chef Ryan Ratino at Jônt in Washington, D.C., for an exclusive four-hands collaborative dinner in June, and Emeril will be featured at the sixteenth Ritz-Carlton Cayman Cookout in January 2025, to name a few exciting developments. Meril Lagasse, Emeril’s youngest daughter and the namesake of Meril restaurant in New Orleans, was recently awarded an internship at Domaine Serene Winery. She hopes to work with the Emeril’s team and continue solidifying the restaurant group as a family legacy business.
Describing the experience patrons have at the New Orleans flagship in the simplest terms, E.J. says, “It’s breaking bread in the best way there is. We’ve been here thirty-four years, and my plan is for us to be here another thirty-four.”
We’ll toast to that.
Visit EmerilsRestaurant.com to learn more or book a table, and be sure to follow @emerils, @emeril, and @ejlagasse on Instagram for more updates.
Santa Monica Proper Props to
A Hotel Experience, Southern California Style
By Hailey Bethke
Photography by The Ingalls, courtesy of Santa Monica Proper
There is no better feeling than touching down in a new city and realizing you picked the epicenter of chic design as your landing pad. At Santa Monica Proper in Los Angeles, I was met with a buzz of creative, fresh energy as guests mingled in the lobby bar, weaving in and out of the effortlessly cool design of the foyer. This hotel captures everything I love about LA within the first thirty seconds inside: stylish guests from all walks of life conversing in the stunning seating areas; impeccable Balearic-inspired cuisine gracing the tablescape at Palma, the property’s first-floor restaurant; and the hotel staff greeting travelers with smiles, always down-to-earth and accommodating. A laid-back yet elevated coastal vibe separates the City of Angels from the fast-paced bustle of metros like New York.
Ideally located minutes from the Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica Proper is within walking distance of the beach. It’s only a short drive from the best pockets of LA, West Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Brentwood. Santa Monica Proper is the ultimate destination for your time in Los Angeles, whether stopping for a long weekend, breaking up your international flights through LAX, or driving down the coast to San Diego.
Santa Monica Proper has its largest segment of suites stationed footsteps from the seventh-floor Calabra rooftop bar, workout facilities, and first-floor lobby. Yet the property also boasts a beautifully reimagined 1920s landmark building connected
to the primary hotel by a palm frond-lined walkway, offering a variety of suites and room layouts. Both facets of the hotel offer signature Proper charm and character. For those looking to soak in views of the Pacific Ocean, request a room on the sixth floor. If a noise-free environment is a must, I recommend a room on the third floor facing Seventh Street.
Santa Monica Proper in Southern California offers a bespoke boutique hotel and spa experience.
Below: The staff of Palma bar and lounge at Santa Monica Proper is always ready to greet guests with a drink!
Each of the property’s 267 rooms and suites was curated and styled by internationally renowned LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Arched upholstered headboards maximize comfort for lounging in bed (and capturing that signature “LA cool” Instagram shot), and luxury amenities like Parachute robes, Aesop body care products, cashmere throw blankets, and Bellino and Fili D’oro linens are plentiful. Premium finishes and thoughtful design are the standard here. Fittingly, the hotel has a saying, “Anything less just wouldn’t be Proper.”
Santa Monica Proper’s downstairs restaurant, Palma, constantly flows with creative energy. From 6:00 a.m. corporate hustlers taking business calls with colleagues on the East Coast to late-night revelers toasting with Dom Pérignon, Palma is never short on action or thoughtful service. Unsurprisingly, many of LA’s premier entrepreneurs come here to meet with their teams and dream up new campaigns. The space feels like stepping inside a sophisticated art gallery, complete with vintage decor collected by Wearstler inspired by her global travels. Masterful design choices are softened with curvaceous architectural details and tropical plants.
Each of the property’s 267 rooms and suites was curated and styled by internationally renowned LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler.
A short elevator ride seven floors up will lead you to Calabra restaurant and bar. This rooftop haven offers expansive sunset views of the Westside, perfected by palm tree silhouettes and a wink of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Equally as chic as Palma, Calabra is one of LA’s most “happening” spots on a Friday night. You will surely encounter in-the-know locals from Brentwood and Santa Monica sipping on a tamarind margarita or espresso martini.
Adjacent to the hotel is Surya Spa, headed by world-renowned Ayurvedic doctor Martha Soffer. Surya routinely tends to Hollywood’s most exclusive names, ranging from Kourtney Kardashian to Shailene Woodley, but rest assured that each guest is lovingly embraced by each member of the wellness team. Surya’s century-old wellness offerings range from Abhyanga Massage (a heavenly four-handed massage treatment complete with the finest oils and herbs) to a complete Panchakarma reset, which can last anywhere from three to twenty-eight days with personalized, daily treatments and check-in consultations with Soffer herself.
Santa Monica Proper is the quintessential home base to book for your time in Los Angeles. “
I cannot rave enough about Surya’s transcendent mind-body-soul medicine and lovely team. Their partnership with Santa Monica Proper is perfectly aligned on all fronts, including exemplary service. The hotel also offers a short menu of signature Surya lattes for guests to order as a restorative amenity. Be sure to include a treatment at Surya in your itinerary to show yourself some extra self-love during your time at Santa Monica Proper. It will be well worth it!
Santa Monica Proper is the quintessential home base to book for your time in Los Angeles. If you’re ready to plan your stay, take our advice on where to eat and play before returning to rest your head on one of Santa Monica Proper’s very comfortable pillows. Now, get out there and explore all Southern California has to offer!
To reserve your room at Santa Monica Proper, please visit ProperHotel.com/Santa-Monica and follow along on Instagram @SantaMonicaProper.
A WEEKEND GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES
VENICE BEACH
Stroll down Abbot Kinney and explore the shops before stopping at Gjusta Bakery for coffee and a sweet bite to eat (try the shortbread; you won’t regret it!). Café Gratitude is always a crowd favorite for breakfast or lunch, too.
PACIFIC PALISADES
Drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to the Pacific Palisades! This neighborhood is sweetly situated between the hills and the ocean and is easily one of my favorite places on the West Coast. Be sure to shop in Palisades Village for the Sunday Farmer’s Market to savor vibrant produce and local delicacies. Alo Yoga hosts workout classes on the second floor of their retail store so you can enjoy views of the mountains from your mat. Neighborhood Pilates is another favorite, co-owned by our friends at Daily Drills.
MALIBU
No trip to California is complete without stopping by the iconic Malibu Pier! Lunch at Malibu Farm is a must. The Malibu Country Mart is also full of incredible fashion finds and my favorite açai bowl from SunLife Organics.
SANTA MONICA
You’re going to regret knowing this LA insider information (kidding): Sidecar Doughnuts is located right across the street from Santa Monica Proper, and it has some of the best doughnuts I’ve ever tasted.
BRENTWooD
The Brentwood Country Mart hosts a bespoke offering of the best boutiques, from Clare V. to Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic goop storefront. Farmshop is one of my favorite lunch destinations, complete with a charming market showcasing goods from local farmers and artisans.
The Savage Style
Interior designer Jonathan Savage is the consummate Southern gent by birth, and his energetic personality makes him a sought-after designer regionally and internationally. After gaining a richer knowledge of fine art, sculpture, and antiques at the American University in London, he earned a BFA in interior design from O’More College of Design in Tennessee and went to work in New York City. He now splits time between Palm Beach and Nashville. His first coffee-table interior design book, The Savage Style, will be released in August 2024. “I believe the classical principles of design—balance, harmony, form, proportion, scale, repetition, contrast—are foundational, enduring, and immutable. And I follow them always—even when I break what other people consider to be the rules,” he says.
Interior design by Jonathan Savage, featured in The Savage Style © Gibbs Smith 2024
Photo by Zeke Ruelas
RESPITE RICHNESS&
ART IS ALIVE AT THE OLD NO. 77 HOTEL
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a boutique hotel located in the New Orleans Warehouse District.
hat is a chandlery?” might be one of the first questions someone asks when they see The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery pop up while searching for great New Orleans accommodations. As it turns out, it’s a warehouse for storing goods and equipment, usually for a specific trade. In the case of 77 Tchoupitoulas Street in its early years, the goods were mostly coffee, but the building was home to many items that would be traded among merchants coming in and out of the city’s bustling port. It was later purchased by E.J. Hart & Company, which used the chandlery as a home for everything from canvas and rope for sailing to paper, tobacco, and patent medicines. You can still find coffee in the building, whose address has changed from 77 to 535, but an iced vanilla latté is more likely to be seen than bags of whole beans imported from across the sea.
Just three blocks from the famous French Quarter and steps from incredible dining, art galleries, shopping, and more in the downtown Warehouse District, The Old No. 77 appeals to various needs for those traveling to New Orleans or looking for a fun staycation. Legendary dining options abound within a few blocks, such as Emeril’s Restaurant, Mother’s Restaurant, and Willa Jean, to name a few. But you needn’t venture further than the hotel lobby to find a five-star dining experience, as the hotel is also home to Compère Lapin by Chef Nina Compton.
French for “brother rabbit,” Compère Lapin is a casual fine dining spot nestled within the historic brick building among a curation of comfortable furnishings and lush greenery inside The Old No. 77. Chef Compton and her team strive to create memories for every patron through simple, robust flavors inspired by traditional Caribbean and Creole recipes. Like the stories they hope guests will tell afterward, the menu takes cues from folktales the chef remembers from childhood, featuring a mischievous rabbit named—you guessed it—Compère Lapin. Menu items like jalapeño and scallion hushpuppies with cilantro crema, tuna ceviche, green papaya salad, fried chicken with jerk honey butter and coconut grits, and mango crème brûlée run the gamut on the restaurant’s blend of Southern, Creole, and island-inspired offerings, which are updated weekly. With a motto of “We don’t make food for everyone else, we make food for
you,” this dining hot spot is sure to satisfy and is open nightly for dinner and brunch on Sundays.
The lobby’s coffee bar is open all day for a casual bite or pick-me-up. A newly redecorated lobby lounge beckons guests to sit on plush sofas while they sip, chat, and plan their busy day or evening in NOLA. Coffee-table books, a vintage jukebox, and artwork capture the eyes and relay the city’s spirit.
Right and below right: Compère Lapin at The Old No. 77 Hotel is a casual fine dining restaurant by Chef Nina Compton. Its menu is inspired by a blend of Southern, Caribbean, and Creole recipes.
Great art is a staple at The Old No. 77, evidenced by murals, eclectic decor, and original works hanging throughout the common spaces and guest rooms. The hotel works with a local collective called Where y’Art Works to curate the rotating gallery just off the lobby, where guests can shop original paintings, prints, gifts, and other merchandise. Students from the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA) contribute pieces to the 165 guest rooms, and each room or suite also includes a copy of the school’s creative writing publication, UMBRA.
JUST THREE BLOCKS FROM THE FAMOUS FRENCH QUARTER AND STEPS FROM INCREDIBLE DINING, ART GALLERIES, SHOPPING, AND MORE IN THE DOWNTOWN WAREHOUSE DISTRICT, THE OLD NO. 77 APPEALS TO VARIOUS NEEDS FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO NEW ORLEANS OR LOOKING FOR A FUN STAYCATION. LEGENDARY DINING OPTIONS ABOUND WITHIN A FEW BLOCKS, SUCH AS EMERIL’S RESTAURANT, MOTHER’S RESTAURANT, AND WILLA JEAN, TO NAME A FEW.
An artist-in-residence program is another layer to the hotel’s multifaceted relationship with the creative arts. Each summer, a visiting visual artist stays for a month to explore the city, get inspired, and share their work at The Old No. 77 with a special exhibition. Past residents include Indianapolis-based artist Chase Cannon; Chicago-based creator Kate Lewis, who captured New Orleans magic through large-scale black and white illustrations; and Thomas “TJ” Kiser, who debuted as the first artist in residence in 2016.
When it’s time to retire after a long day (or night) in the Big Easy, slip into your cozy yet spacious accommodations. The industrial-chic guest rooms, loft suites, and studios offer a trendy mix of retro style and modern luxe, reminding visitors of the hotel’s warehouse roots with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows. Just far enough removed from the most vibrant nightlife spots, guests can get a peaceful rest before waking up to hit the ground running. (Did we mention it extends to four-legged guests as well? Check out the VIP-worthy pet package if you’re traveling with furry family members!)
Whether in town for an event or just rollin’ on the river, guests can find a retrochic respite with rich culture at The Old No. 77.
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a member of Benchmark Resorts & Hotels. Visit Old77Hotel.com to learn more or book your stay, and check out the hashtag #love_old77 and their Instagram @old77_hotel to see the latest photos and news.
Inspired by the city around it, The Old No. 77 Hotel celebrates New Orleans culture, food, and art through special events and partnerships with local organizations.
A High T ea with VIE
TUESDAY, JULY 16, 2024
4:00–6:00 P.M. AT THE WHITMAN
BAL HARBOUR SHOPS ACCESS POP-UP GRAND BOULEVARD TOWN CENTER
Curiouser and curiouser! Venture down the rabbit hole with us for a whimsical High Tea extravaganza with VIE magazine at The Whitman, nestled within the fantastical realm of Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-Up. Grab your finest frocks, don your quirkiest hats, and join us for a tea party to remember.
As we explore a luxury wonderland, sip enchanting cocktails and nibble on delectable delights curated by The Whitman. Don’t be late for this very important date! We hope to see you there.
Sincerely, Lisa Marie Burwell & the VIE Team
This is a ticketed event. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of wine on arrival at The Whitman. The High Tea menu is $49 per person and includes tea sandwiches, mini quiches, scones, and petit fours.
RÉPONDEZ S’IL VOUS PLAÎT by making your reservation for The Whitman on July 16 at 4:00 p.m. via the OpenTable app.*
BAL HARBOUR SHOPS ACCESS POP-UP
eight-week pop-up experience at Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, Florida, promises a journey through exquisite fashion, jewelry, and treasures from Tiffany & Co., Balmain,
entry to the
by
Assouline, Dolce
Andermatt Celebrates 60 Years of Bond Story and photography courtesy of Andermatt Swiss Alps
BOND. JAMES BOND.
We can think of no greater film icon to include in VIE’s Gentlemen’s Edition than 007 himself, and this travel-meets-film experience was one for the books as a Swiss village gathered to pay tribute to one of the most celebrated Bond flicks of all.
On the final day of the 2024 Genuss Film Alpen festival this April, Andermatt Swiss Alps commemorated the sixtieth anniversary of the James Bond film Goldfinger with Goldfinger Revival, a stunning light show stunt by visionary Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter.
Above: Cast members of Goldfinger at Hotel Bergidyll in 1964, including stars Sean Connery and Tania Mallet
Left: Gerry Hofstetter’s recreation of James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 projected onto the hills of Andermatt, Switzerland, where Goldfinger was filmed.
Opposite: Hofstetter led the GoldfingerRevival artistic light show project in April 2024 to celebrate the film’s sixtieth anniversary.
Photo by Kim Leuenberger
For Goldfinger Revival, Hofstetter recreated the legendary film sequences from Ian Fleming’s world-famous 1964 film with a large-scale projection onto the snow walls and slopes. The movie was shot in the Urseren Valley and surrounding areas, including the winding roads of the Furka Pass in Andermatt. In this spectacular projection art piece, Hofstetter paid tribute to the iconic chase scene featuring Sean Connery, Tania Mallet, and Bond’s famous modified Aston Martin DB5 spy car.
Hofstetter’s reinterpretation of the five-minute, forty-six-second car chase was an endeavor undertaken together with the people of Andermatt. The original production of these legendary scenes took place in July 1964 and lasted eight days. The film team was supported then by people from the region, tourists, the canton of Uri, the Swiss army, and the Swiss press, who were invited to the shoot. In April 2024, these same scenes were filmed over eight days in the same setting and with the same supporting institutions. Hofstetter integrated images of the film’s Aston Martin into his projections.
“IN THIS SPECTACULAR PROJECTION ART PIECE, HOFSTETTER PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ICONIC CHASE SCENE FEATURING SEAN CONNERY, TANIA MALLET, AND BOND’S FAMOUS MODIFIED ASTON MARTIN DB5 SPY CAR.”
ANDERMATT, NOW A FAVORITE AMONG AFFLUENT TRAVELERS
SEEKING LUXURY IN THE ALPS, OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF ATTRACTIONS AWAY FROM THE PISTES AND MEADOWS.
The celebration of Goldfinger’s sixtieth anniversary will continue throughout 2024 with events, exhibitions, and accommodations specials in Andermatt.
The “60 Years of Goldfinger” gala marked the final day of the inaugural festival in Andermatt on April 20. It featured a film screening and a behind-thescenes documentary about making the Goldfinger Revival light show stunt. Guests were also able to view the original Aston Martin DB5 before attending an after-party at The Chedi Andermatt, a nearby luxury hotel.
Numerous attractions will celebrate Goldfinger’s sixtieth anniversary throughout the year, including an exhibition of the original Aston Martin DB5 on the Gütsch Mountain (2,344 meters above sea
level), an exhibition at The Chedi Andermatt, and an overnight accommodations special available at the Hotel Bergidyll, where the crew of Goldfinger stayed during production.
Andermatt, now a favorite among affluent travelers seeking luxury in the Alps, offers a wide range of attractions away from the pistes and meadows. It comes as no surprise that the famous German scholar and writer Goethe already knew how diverse the Andermatt holiday region was when he said in 1779, “Of all the regions I know, it is my favorite and the most interesting.”
Visit Andermatt-SwissAlps.ch/en to learn more about this alpine destination and its sixtieth anniversary of Goldfinger celebrations.
The Mood for Wellness
“Sporty and Rich began as a mood board for life,” says the brand’s website. Its creator, Emily Oberg, is inspired by images from the past and present that represent a life surrounded by beauty. And she and her team are making a lifestyle out of it. What started as a cozy, athleisure apparel collection has expanded to include a print magazine covering design, love, creativity, and forgotten moments and people. S&R’s collection of sweats, leggings, hats, and more is meant to emphasize longevity over momentary relevance, with a vintage charm that makes you want to wear them forever. The brand also partners with environmental nonprofit organizations to help reduce and offset the damage producing garments can do to our planet.
Photo courtesy of Sporty and Rich
ith the warm glow of gold mirrors, small tables close together inviting lively conversations between patrons, and the lilting melodies of French chansons, it’s a little slice of France right in Florida. Renaissance French Restaurant, brought to life by French owners Natasha and Melvil Arnt, is the realization of their dream to open a French restaurant in the area. Their goal is to offer guests the best of what France has to offer: impeccable service from friendly and knowledgeable servers and perfectly executed dishes made with quality ingredients.
Step into Renaissance French Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and you’re instantly transported to a charming Parisian bistro. The interior, designed
by Melvil, exudes Haussmannian Parisian flair with bright white mouldings, herringbone floors, and elegant decor. While dining, you’ll be charmed by Natasha and Melvil’s warm welcome and attentive service from the impeccably dressed staff. The “art of French living,” or l’art de vivre à la française, is evident in every detail. To reflect their Florida location, the restaurant features lush plants and a playlist with tropical vibes from the French Caribbean islands like Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Barth.
VIE team members had the pleasure of dining at Renaissance and were thrilled to learn the inspiring story behind this quaint and charming spot in Gulf Place that feels just like France. Here’s a glimpse into their journey and what makes Renaissance so special.
By McKenna Mears | Photography by Guillaume Lechat
VIE : What brought you from France to Florida? We’d love to hear more about your journey and learn more about you!
Natasha and Melvil: We were both born and raised in Paris. Natasha is half French and half American. She moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 2012, and Mel moved there in 2015 to start a new life. In 2019, we met and fell in love in Nashville despite both swearing we would never date another French person. Never say never!
Melvil is a self-taught chef, entrepreneur, and sommelier. Melvil always pays homage to France and Europe in each establishment he opens. It seems to be a fact that when you leave your hometown or country, you start appreciating it more. For Natasha, this appreciation was rekindled through her love of French music. Over the last eight years, Natasha has hosted an all-French music radio show on WXNA FM, a popular and beloved station in Nashville. Before meeting, Melvil used to listen to her show. Although we moved away, Natasha continues to work on The French Connection, which airs weekly in Nashville.
While living in Nashville, we visited the 30-A area every year, camping in our Airstream at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. From day one, we fell in love with the area (like everyone here does!) and never stopped dreaming of opening a French restaurant here.
VIE : Can you tell us the story behind the founding of Renaissance French Restaurant? What inspired you to create this unique dining experience?
N & M: We have both worked in the restaurant industry for a while, in nearly every position possible. For years, we dreamed of putting our expertise and love of France to good use by opening something together.
Out of curiosity, we asked our realtor, Rachel Warrell, if she knew of any restaurants for sale in the area. She informed us that there weren’t many on the market, and most were large, multimillion-dollar establishments. We accepted that this might remain just a dream and that we might try again in the distant future.
However, a few days later, our dedicated realtor called us again. She had heard about a space for rent in Gulf Place, and everything about it checked all the boxes for us!
It didn’t take long for us to decide to move forward and take over the space. At Renaissance, we made every decision ourselves—from the decor and playlist to the menu, silverware, tables, chairs, and logo. There were no contractors, interior or graphic designers, consultants, or investors involved. We are proud to say that Renaissance is 100 percent us.
VIE: How did you decide on the name “Renaissance” for your restaurant? Does it hold any special meaning or significance?
N & M: Renaissance means “rebirth” in French. Starting a new life here, in a new environment, with a new restaurant together, it was clear that this was our rebirth. Many others who move here and call 30-A their new home must feel the same way. When you move here, you experience a true rebirth among the gorgeous weather, white sandy beaches, palm trees, stunning architecture, vibrant communities, and welcoming locals. Life has an incredible pace here; everything slows down and becomes much more enjoyable. It feels like life starts anew, this time the way it should be.
The Renaissance is also one of the most remarkable periods in European history, spanning the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries. It was a time when the traditions of the Middle Ages blended with a new modern age of arts and culture, philosophy, politics, and literature, all inspired by the classical ideals of the ancient Greeks and Romans. This era gave France its greatest monarchy, Versailles, opulent kings and queens, gilded buildings and interiors, extraordinary banquets, and grand parties in vast estates. During this time, France was the center of the world.
‘Renaissance’ means ‘rebirth’ in French.
Naming our restaurant “Renaissance” echoes these ideals, putting France back on the map and parallels our rebirth in this wonderful part of America.
VIE : what influenced the design and ambience of Renaissance French Restaurant?
N & M: Mel is both the interior designer and builder. He started working on the space in January 2024, and we were ready to open by early April 2024 as planned. Our concept is “bistro chic.” If you have been to Paris and visited apartments, the design will not be a surprise. For the ambience, Natasha has curated a playlist of over two hundred hours of French music, blending old, traditional classics with cool modern artists. Like in most French bistros, the tables are small and close together. Because of this, we have noticed that people often talk with each other from one table to another. Talk about lively French hospitality—there you go!
VIE : Can you describe the type of cuisine Renaissance offers? What are some signature dishes that guests should not miss?
N & M: You could call it “traditional and elevated French cuisine.” Executive Chef Melvil and our talented chef de cuisine, Dayton Clark, offer mostly traditional French dishes. There are no fusion, modern, conceptual, or innovative dishes here. We focus on family recipes and dishes you can find at French bistros, such as boeuf bourguignon, confit de canard, and steak frites, elevating them with our own touch and fancy French products like truffles,
caviar, and decadent sauces such as foie gras sauce and champagne sauce.
On our current menu, which changes seasonally, we highly recommend our caviar deviled eggs, escargots (of course), and black truffle scallops for appetizers.
For entrees, we suggest our saumon Troisgros. This dish is our twist on a famous recipe from the Troisgros brothers, who earned their first Michelin star in 1955 and maintained three stars for fiftyfive years. It features a flattened, thin salmon fillet that is flash-cooked (somewhere between sashimi and a regular salmon fillet) and served with a sorrel and champagne sauce that people typically lick off the plate!
Another classic is steak frites. Ours features filet mignon instead of ribeye or New York strip. It is super tender and served with confit shallot, herbes de Provence fries, and our best-selling foie gras sauce to accompany your delicious piece of steak.
Our dessert selection rotates, but the crème brûlée will always stay on our menu as it is a must-have for any French dinner.
VIE : How do you source your ingredients, especially for some of the more quintessentially French items on the menu, like truffles and boeuf bourguignon?
N & M: We are proud to work with many local vendors, including Legacy Greens, Water Street Seafood, and The Mushroom and the Leaf.
Our goal this year is to expand the number of local companies we work with and continue sourcing fresh products in line with authentic French restaurateur traditions. This helps us avoid relying on large industrial food distributors and guarantees quality products. (Calling all local farms to contact us!)
We import many items from France, such as escargots (from Burgundy), our cheeses, some desserts, delicious butters, truffles, foie gras, and spices, including herbes de Provence, sel de Guérande, and piment d’Espelette. We also use a lot of French wine and liquors in our cooking, such as Chambord, Noilly Prat Vermouth, and Cognac. Every dish has
something French in it, which we believe is the little touch that makes a big difference. We are true lovers of everything European and proudly serve other European products, such as Spanish octopus, Norwegian salmon, and Italian pasta and olive oil. You will never find Chinese octopus, Indonesian escargots, or shrimp from Thailand in our establishment, even if the pricing is more appealing.
We aim to make a difference by mixing local products with European imports. We are also very proud to use a collection of French kitchen cookware and utensils from beloved brands such as Le Creuset, De Buyer, Laguiole, Opinel, and more. So, you are eating French products and enjoying dishes prepared in French cookware by a French chef. It’s the real deal!
VIE : What do you hope guests take away from their dining experience at Renaissance? Is there a particular feeling or memory you aim to create for them?
N & M: When dining at Renaissance, we hope to take our customers on a trip to France. Maybe it’s a trip they never took, one they reminisce about fondly, or one they wish to take someday. From the moment they open the doors, we want them to feel like they are no longer in the US. With their trust, we will be their tour guides to experience the art of French living.
VIE : Merci, Natasha and Melvil!
At Renaissance, patrons can expect authenticity and quality. With meticulous attention to detail and dedication to crafting an exceptional dining experience, Natasha and Melvil ensure that every visit feels like a journey to France (minus the jet lag!). We eagerly anticipate our next meal there, and we hope you experience the magic of Renaissance French Restaurant for yourself.
Visit RenaissanceFrench.com or follow them on Instagram @renaissancerestaurant30a to learn more.
The SEASIDE® story celebrating the town's entrepreneurial spirit, as told through the perspectives of cofounder/visionary Daryl Rose Davis, VP of The Seaside Style® Erica Pierce, and many more.
WATERSOUND CLUB IS ON
PAR
PGA Legend Davis Love III
Designs New Course
The St. Joe Company is excited to announce the construction of another worldclass Watersound Club golf course. Watersound Club staff are working closely with Love Golf Design founders Davis Love III, Mark Love, and Scot Sherman to bring the new course to life as an additional amenity for Watersound Club members. In homage to the PGA golfer who helped design the new course and the fact that it will be the third championship golf course in the Watersound Club collection, the new course will be named “The Third.”
The Third is designed to comfortably span approximately three hundred acres just north of another Watersound Club golf course, Shark’s Tooth. The generous acreage allowed the design team room to be imaginative in creating a layout to please and challenge golfers of all skill levels.
Love Golf Design and Watersound Club teams selected a unique eighteen-hole, Par 72 design with six sets of tees. This allows golfers to adjust the course distance to play from 4,900 yards to over 7,600 yards on a firm, fast-playing course. The flexibility of play will offer accessibility for the casual golfer, and even the longest tour players will enjoy a challenge while hitting from the back tees.
Watersound Club’s latest championship golf course, The Third, is under development. It was designed by PGA golfer Davis Love III, Mark Love, and Scot Sherman of Love Golf Design.
The Third joins an impressive lineup of exclusive Watersound Club amenities, including Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek golf courses; the member favorite Watersound Beach Club amenities comprising two resort-style pools, two dining venues, and over a mile of beachfront along the Gulf of Mexico; and the newly opened Camp Creek amenities featuring a state-of-the-art wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a sprawling pool complex, three dining venues, and more.
The Third is the latest of several Watersound Club amenity expansion projects launched in response to membership growth and strong demand for golf among members. Watersound Club membership added more than five hundred new members in 2023 and now welcomes over three thousand members from forty states.
The Third has been carefully designed to fit into the surrounding environment just north of Shark’s Tooth, another championship golf course by St. Joe.
Opposite:
“We’re blessed to have an amount of land and resources available that just can’t be found in many other places in the US,” says St. Joe’s senior vice president of hospitality, Patrick Murphy. “We’re committed to using that to our advantage as we continue to add amenities for our Watersound Club members.”
Leading the Love Golf Design team is Davis Love III. He is perhaps best known as a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee who was twice picked to lead America’s Ryder Cup Team. Just as impressive are the twenty-seven completed projects in Love Golf Design’s portfolio, including new designs and renovations. Working to naturally incorporate the mix of upland vegetation and undisturbed wetland areas into the course layout offers an opportunity to top even those previous designs.
Scot Sherman and Davis Love III
“In homage to the PGA golfer who helped design the new course and the fact that it will be the third championship golf course in the Watersound Club collection, the new course will be named ‘The Third.’”
“After exploring the property on our first few visits, we found so many options, it was hard to narrow the new course down to just eighteen holes,” says Davis Love III. “Lead architect Scot Sherman, Mark Love, and I believe the variety of the site lends itself to building a course with a timeless character. We’re pleased to work with a routing that flows across white sandy dunes, with diverse native plant materials, along with beautiful pockets of old-growth cypress and pine trees to frame the golf holes. We are thrilled with how the routing of the golf course is progressing at this point.”
Construction has already begun on The Third, and the company anticipates the course will open for play in 2025. Additionally, St. Joe is in the planning stage of residential homesites near this new golf course.
For more information regarding Watersound Club, visit WatersoundClub.com.
©2024 The St Joe Company. (NYSE: JOE) (“St. Joe”) “St. Joe®,” “JOE®,” the “Taking Flight” Design®, “St. Joe (and Taking Flight Design)®,” “Camp Creek®,” “Watersound Club®,” and “Watersound®” are registered service marks of The St. Joe Company or its affiliates.
Cuvee
amici 30A Italian Kitchen
Canopy Road Café
Goatfeathers
Idyll Hound Proper
Le monde
GOES ROUND AND ROUND
“Few cars embody a design feature distinctive enough that it becomes the name for that feature across the entire automotive industry,” writes photographer Royce Rumsey. “Such is the case with the Lincoln Continental Mk I and its distinctive rear-mounted spare that became known as the ‘Continental Kit,’ regardless of the automotive marque.
Eugene ‘Bob’ Gregoire penned the Lincoln ‘Continental’ in 1939 as a one-off, custom-designed car for Edsel Ford. The design provided an elegant evolution of the initial, more rakish, Lincoln Zephyr design, incorporating a low roofline and sculpted ‘streamline moderne’ themed body form (sans running boards)—borrowing and integrating the best design language statements from Darrin and Buehrig. Per the single-client intent, the resulting Continental became an archetype for the entire personal car genre that followed. Thunderbirds, Rivieras, the Cadillac Seville, the Grand Prix, Studebaker Hawks, and Avantis alike all owe their inspiration to the Lincoln Continental Mk I.”
Learn more and see more photos at RoyceR924.exposure.co/family-affair.
Photo by Royce Rumsey/Auto-Focused
NewLostAges
A NEW ALBUM BY TYLER RAMSEY
BY MCKENNA MEARS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARKER J. PFISTER
began writing the songs for what became New Lost Ages, my latest album, during the latter part of the pandemic,” shares Tyler Ramsey, an American singer-songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina. “I had some generous neighbors who allowed me to stay in their mountainside cabin. It was only a couple of miles from where I live, so I was able to get the space I needed to write while still being only minutes from home in case my family needed me.”
Ramsey’s songwriting process doesn’t rely on a consistent routine. The former lead guitarist for Band of Horses says his only requirement for creating is to detach himself from regular day-to-day life and distractions. With a few days of solitude, he can tune
into his creative voice. This was the case in that small cabin a few years ago when he penned the songs that comprise his fourth solo album, New Lost Ages Amid processing personal challenges and grappling with pandemic-induced isolation, Ramsey poured his soul into ten heartfelt tracks, urging listeners to seek solace in music, nature, and loved ones during life’s chaos and trials. He aims for the album, which blends indie, folk, and rock styles, to serve as a beacon of hope.
“Through the songs of New Lost Ages, I hope those going through hard times can find some comfort, or, perhaps, feel less lonely,” shares Ramsey. “Many of these tracks stem from personal experiences of enduring storms or glimpsing light on the horizon.”
Tamsey has worked with numerous talented artists, and with the release of New Lost Ages, new collaborations are undoubtedly on the horizon. “Although my answer might vary depending on the day,” he muses, “if I had to select three musicians, living or dead, to collaborate on a new project with, I think I would choose U. Srinivas, Philip Glass, and Brad Mehldau. With these three together, I would simply sit back and witness the magic unfold!”
With an exciting lineup of tours ahead, Ramsey’s future is bright. He is gearing up for several extended runs in late summer and fall, with plans to return to the United Kingdom and Europe—a prospect he’s eagerly anticipating. The opportunity to reconnect with fans and explore new cities fills him with excitement for the musical journey ahead.
“If you haven’t already, I encourage you to give New Lost Ages a listen. If you can, take the time to sit down and listen to the entire album,” Ramsey urges. “In our fast-paced lives, we often rush through experiences, including music, without fully savoring them.” He reflects on the recent joy he’s found in intentionally listening to music, noting its transformative power when given the opportunity to transport the listener into the artist’s world. “And if you’re up for it, come join us at one of my upcoming shows! Bring your friends along too—it’s always better to share these experiences with others.”
To listen to Tyler Ramsey’s newest album, New Lost Ages, explore his other music, and follow along with his collaborations, songwriting, and touring updates, visit TylerRamsey.com and follow @tylerramseymusic on Instagram.
‘If you haven’t already, I encourage you to give NewLostAgesa listen. If you can, take the time to sit down and listen to the entire album,’ Ramsey urges. ‘In our fast-paced lives, we often rush through experiences, including music, without fully savoring them.’
Visit Course-Maps.com to see all available products and order yours!
Find Your Fairway
Here’s a perfect gift or home decor idea for our golf-loving buddies! Course Maps makes golf course map prints designed, printed, and framed in the United States. Their custom orders, available for any golf course in the world, are perfect for Father’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or any other gift occasion for the golfer in your life. They offer a variety of styles, formats, and framing options, and the turnaround time on custom orders is only approximately two weeks.
Photo courtesy of Course Maps
Photography by Layne Lillie Photography, courtesy of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty
THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP
By McKenna Mears
RETREAT PARADISEat the N
estled within The Retreat, a serene Gulf-front community in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, this private residence is a testament to impeccable design and craftsmanship.
With architectural expertise from Chris Stoyles of Archiscapes and construction by Gulfview Construction, this coastal dream home features custom millwork, including unique beam layouts and mahogany window casings and doors by E. F. San Juan, that truly sets it apart. E. F. San Juan, a fourth-generation custom moulding, millwork, and cabinetry shop based in Youngstown, Florida, played a pivotal role in turning this home into a true paradise.
E. F. San Juan has been a family-owned and operated business since 1976. Over the years, it has grown from modest beginnings to a state-of-the-art facility featuring the world’s finest woodworking equipment. The company’s ethos is centered on creating unique solutions that reflect the dreams and desires of their clients. Coupled with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, the company continues to set the standard for quality architectural millwork in the markets it serves in the Southeastern Coastal US and beyond.
The Retreat is a ninety-acre community off Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A, known for its pristine beachfront and lush green spaces. Comprising approximately forty-five acres of private homesites and forty-five acres of protected wetlands, The Retreat offers a tranquil escape with a kayak and paddleboard launch, a private beach club, and a guarded gated entry. When St. Joe Land Company first developed the Retreat in 1999, it was dubbed “the last perfect beach” and remains one of the most sought-after locations along the Emerald Coast.
This custom Gulffront residence at The Retreat in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida, was designed by Archiscapes architect Chris Stoyles and built by Gulfview Construction, featuring custom architectural millwork and more by E. F. San Juan.
E.F.
San Juan’s custom millwork in this luxurious private residence was instrumental in achieving a distinctive nautical ambience that complements the stunning surroundings. The home’s vast size presented unique challenges, requiring extensive custom work to maintain a continuous aesthetic in each space. The E. F. San Juan team collaborated closely with Archiscapes and Gulfview Construction to ensure every detail aligned with the original owner’s vision.
The millwork creators’ expertise shines through in the custom beam layouts and rich mahogany elements that permeate the home. The great room, kitchen, gym area, and upper floor feature masterfully designed ceiling beams, adding warmth and dimension to the spaces while complementing the furnishings and custom cabinetry. The inclusion of mahogany window casings and tall mahogany doors throughout the house and entryway enhanced the nautical feel. A custom tongue-and-groove mahogany garage door measuring eighteen feet wide by nine feet tall tied the exterior facade together.
One of the standout features was the use of old-time restoration float glass for the interior transom windows. These specialized panes mimic the feel of looking through an old ship’s windows, further connecting the home to its coastal setting. The E. F. San Juan team’s attention to detail and craftsmanship brought the owner and architect’s vision to life, creating a home that feels as unique as its surroundings.
E. F. San Juan’s work includes custom wood mouldings, paneling, ceiling beam layouts, mahogany window casings, interior and exterior doors, and more.
THE MILLWORK CREATORS’ EXPERTISE SHINES THROUGH IN THE CUSTOM BEAM LAYOUTS AND RICH MAHOGANY ELEMENTS THAT PERMEATE THE HOME.
Unsurprisingly, this 6,080-square-foot abode has become one of The Retreat’s crown jewels. Its grandeur led to a record sale for the community in 2022 when broker Blake Morar of Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty sold the home for $13.2 million.
This dream home at The Retreat is a prime testament to E. F. San Juan’s dedication to quality craftsmanship and remarkable ability to turn a vision into reality. Through its craftsmen’s exquisite custom millwork, E. F. San Juan helped elevate this property to a class of its own, setting it apart as a true masterpiece of coastal living.
To explore more about E. F. San Juan and view additional examples of their custom architectural mouldings, millwork, cabinetry, and other projects, visit EFSanJuan.com or follow @e.f.sanjuan on Instagram.
INTERVIEW BY JACK KIRKENDALL | ART BY JOSEPH A. MILLER
remember being a child looking at the thin paper edge of a page of my copy of Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak,” says Joseph A. Miller, recalling how his journey into the world of art began with a simple childhood fascination. Reflecting on his earliest memories, he says the magic of Sendak’s famous children’s book really impacted his imagination. Supported and nurtured by his family, Miller’s passion for art flourished throughout his educational and professional careers, from his undergraduate education at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania to his master’s of fine art in painting and drawing at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and working with the Security and Art Conservation departments at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This led him to a fulfilling role as a professor at SUNY Buffalo State.
VIE: HAS YOUR CAREER AS A PROFESSOR INFLUENCED HOW YOU APPROACH CREATING ART?
JOSEPH A. MILLER: Yes, because when I’m teaching and demonstrating, I have an audience. There is a performative aspect of teaching studio art that is mutually beneficial to the students and the performer because of the speed at which the
Above: A self-portrait by American artist Joseph A. Miller
Opposite: Characters from Miller’s paintings (clockwise from top left): In the Woods, Shooting Stars, In a Dark Meadow, In the Woods II, Archer, and Golden V
performance must take place. I am forced to take chances, solve visual problems that I would not necessarily create for myself, and work at a faster pace than I would on my own. Teaching, for me, is a symbiotic activity. My students benefit from observing as I make the best of happy accidents, and I get the thrill of helping them learn approaches to creating that might be new to them. Then, back in my studio, on my own, I have a bunch of new tools in my toolbox learned from my classroom demonstrations. For example, recently, after demonstrating my own version of goldleaf gilding for one of my students, I placed a red rose on some gold leaf she had laid down. It was beautiful and reminded me of a Gustav Klimt painting. Now, I’m inspired to do something of my own that combines a figure, a flower, and gold!
VIE: OUT OF ALL THE PLACES YOUR ART HAS BEEN SHOWCASED, WHAT WAS THE MOST REWARDING COLLECTION IT HAS GRACED?
JM: While I have been fortunate to have exhibited my work in many galleries, art centers, and museums across the US and as far away as the Ostrobothnian Museum in
Vaasa, Finland, my most rewarding exhibition was one of my earliest back in December of 1994 at a small business called the Farmer’s Basket in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. I was honored and thrilled that the owners, Mark and Karen Williams, allowed me to showcase one of my first large figurative paintings in a back room among the fruit, vegetables, and Christmas lights. It was a pleasure to eavesdrop on people whispering their thoughts to one another as they stood in front of my painting! I’ll never forget that thrill and how much it meant to me to have that opportunity.
VIE: WHAT INITIALLY INSPIRED YOU TO EXPLORE THE CONTEXT OF POWER, ENCHANTMENT, PLAY, AND VULNERABILITY IN YOUR ART?
JM: Being a child inspired me. I have a vivid memory of what it was like to be young—the wonder and excitement, as well as the curiosity and the fear. For me, those themes are the most natural ones to explore artistically because all those ideas are ever-present in our lives in one way or another.
Joseph A. Miller's journey into the world of art began with a simple childhood fascination.
Memento Mori by Joseph A. Miller
Below: Passage
VIE: IN YOUR ART, HOW CAN LIGHT AND LOCATION ALTER THE INTENDED FINAL FEELING FOR THE VIEWER?
JM: I I enjoy exploring and expressing the effects of light and atmosphere because I am interested in atmospheric perspective and selective focus. We have binocular
vision; we can only focus on a small portion of what is in our field of vision. Everything else is blurry to a varying degree. For example, notice the soft focus on all the features of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Everything comes into focus at her left eye. Vermeer so delicately blurred all her other facial features to highlight and call attention to that eye. If that painting were a song, her left eye would be the lead singer.
Another quality I try to convey in my art is a strong feeling of place, whether observed or invented. To return to the music analogy, I feel that by providing the convincing illusion of a stage, the musicians in my creations are free to occupy that stage and perform in their various roles.
VIE: HOW DOES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHILDHOOD IMPACT YOUR ARTISTIC VISION?
JM: I felt both powerful and vulnerable as a child. Powerful and invincible because so much of life appeared to be in front of me, but vulnerable because I felt small compared to the rest of the universe. As I get older, I feel even smaller in comparison to the enormity of everything. But I feel powerful for different reasons: I feel powerful because of my genuine enjoyment of life and my gratitude for the love of my wonderful wife, Christine, my job teaching at Buffalo State, and my artistic abilities.
VIE: YOU CREATE EMOTIONAL DEPTH AND INTROSPECTION IN THE CHARACTERS PICTURED. HOW DO YOU INFUSE THEM WITH SUCH PERSONALITY?
JM: So much of what I do with my art comes from paying attention to all the things in life I find conducive to artmaking. In other words, as I walk through life, I ask myself, “How could this work in a painting or a drawing?” How does the sky, for example, look different when I face east rather than west in the evening? How can a physical gesture of one of my characters convey a convincing emotion? How can I express humidity, time of day, or the season by the way I depict light and color falling on form? How can I evoke questions from the viewer’s imagination?
VIE: DO YOU FIND IT EASIER TO MAKE THE VIEWER FEEL SOMETHING WHEN THE WORK IS DARK AND HUMID OR BRIGHT AND HOPEFUL?
JM: I am most at home in the dusky evening light, where I can play hide-and-seek in the dark shadows!
Artwork by Joseph A. Miller
Top left: Crossing III
Top right: Procession II Left: Mission
VIE: MANY OF YOUR COMPOSITIONS SUGGEST AN EVENT IS ABOUT TO OCCUR OR HAS RECENTLY HAPPENED. WHILE CREATING THESE WORKS, DO YOU KEEP THE CIRCUMSTANCES OPEN FOR INTERPRETATION OR HAVE A SET IDEA OF THE EVENT? WHAT PRACTICES DO YOU USE TO LET THE AUDIENCE KNOW IF IT IS THE LATTER?
JM: I do my best not to let my audience know. I’m much more interested in presenting visually poetic questions than answers.
VIE: BODIES OF WATER, SUCH AS OCEANS, LAKES, AND STREAMS, ARE COMMON IN YOUR RECENT WORKS. DO THESE LOCALES HAVE SPECIFIC SYMBOLISM?
JM: Yes. I am intrigued by the colorful patterns in water, and I love reflections. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania along the Delaware River near the Delaware Water Gap, which one of my favorite American landscape painters, George Inness, painted several times during the nineteenth century. I learned early on through direct observation that water is not always blue. Water is a mirror that reflects the trees, the clouds, the changing sky, and all the colors of life and death. It reflects the colors of a figure wading knee-deep at the water’s edge. It reflects a crow leaving its footprints in the riverbank mud as it contemplates the catfish just out of reach. It causes me to reflect on all kinds of things.
THANK YOU, JOSEPH!
Joseph A. Miller is an Associate Professor of Art at SUNY Buffalo State, where he has taught drawing and painting since 1997. Miller’s work is in numerous public and private collections. It has been shown internationally in Finland, China, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as well as across the United States from Berkeley, California, to Cambridge, Massachusetts. His work is represented by the Art Dialogue Gallery in Buffalo and the West End Gallery in Corning, New York. You can find more information at ArtDesign.BuffaloState.edu/directory/joseph-miller.
Girl in the Woods by Joseph A. Miller
VIE:
The BEST SEAT in the HOUSE
TABLE FIVE Is ALL YOURS
INTERVIEW BY KELLY CURRY
TABLE FIVE CHEF IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING CLIENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL MEALS.
When hosting a dinner party or other special event in your home, what could be better than bringing in an expert to help with the catering? Chef Phillip McDonald is a seasoned chef and event planner with experience in Northwest Florida, New York City, and beyond. His private dining company, Table Five Chef, is dedicated to providing clients with exceptional meals. He also works with local restaurants on culinary brand consulting, food styling, and menu development. He is one of the creative minds behind Black Bear Bread Co. in Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, and Miramar Beach, Florida, and has been integral in developing Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar in Seaside, Reynard in Brooklyn, and more. Returning to his former love for private events, Chef McDonald unveils the new era of Table Five Private Chef + Catering for the Northwest Florida community around Scenic Highway 30-A and beyond. We caught up with him to chat more about his love for food and creating community around the table.
VIE: Tell us a little about your background. Have you always enjoyed cooking and restaurant life?
Chef Phillip McDonald: I was born and raised in Destin, Florida. I discovered the thrill and passion of cooking when I was twenty-one, on summer break from college. I was hired as a dishwasher at a local fine-dining restaurant and loved the energy of the kitchen. I asked the chef how I could be a chef one day, and he told me, “Start by being a good dishwasher.” And so the journey began.
VIE: How did you decide to make the culinary arts your full-time career?
CPM: It was unexpected, and I fell head over heels in love with cooking and working in really nice, structured, fast-paced kitchens. I decided to quit college immediately because I felt I was wasting my time seeking a major
I had no passion for. The choice was quite simple, and I knew I had to start from the bottom and work my way up the hierarchy. Starting from the bottom was the best way for me because it gave me a foundation of cleanliness and organization.
VIE: What inspires you about food? How does that passion come through in your dishes?
CPM: The seasons inspire me. Local and regional farms, fishermen, cheesemakers, and culinary artisans inspire my approach to cooking. My creativity when writing menus or creating dishes comes from what is available during that particular season. It’s so much fun, and it’s such a true statement when you hear, “If it grows together, it goes together.” The final product when applying this ethos is absolute freshness.
Below and opposite:
Chef Phillip McDonald (right) was chosen as the featured chef for Outstanding in the Field’s 2019 al fresco dinner on the sand at Kaiya Beach Resort along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A. Chef McDonald is pictured here with OITF founder Jim Denevan (left).
Photos by Romona Robbins
Photos courtesy of Table Five Chef
VIE: What is the most challenging part about your business?
CPM: The most challenging part is having to improvise. Sometimes, the homes we cook in have pretty rudimentary stoves and ovens rather than professional-grade equipment. This creates a handicap of sorts that you have to observe when offering certain menus. It’s crucial to be organized and triple-check your equipment list and mise en place. Sometimes, you are cooking off-site away from your commissary kitchen, and if you forget even the most minor thing, it can make your event very difficult or even disastrous. But seeing your clients happy and eating delicious food with their family or friends is so rewarding.
VIE: What did you learn working in some of the best restaurants in New York City, and why did you return home to the beachside hamlet along Scenic Highway 30-A?
CPM: Working and living in NYC as a chef is probably the single most amazing experience of my career. The game is so elevated you have no choice but to leave your comfort zone. You get to work with highly talented people on all sides of the restaurant. It becomes infectious. For me, it was the heartbeat of the city; all the excellent ethnic restaurants, art, and music of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan were inspiring in so many ways. I returned home to apply everything I learned and adopted during my time in the city to our culinary scene here in South Walton, first by revamping Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar menu and then with my creation of Black Bear Bread Co.
VIE: How do you stay current on new culinary trends? The health craze seems to have altered how people eat—what are your thoughts on eating healthy?
CPM: I don’t typically follow trends, per se, but I love seeing how chefs are plating food these days. Again, if you are cooking as much as possible using seasonal and local ingredients and proper foundational techniques, I feel that you are avant-garde. To me, eating healthy is just eating whole foods—nothing processed. Knowing where your food comes from is also an integral part of healthy eating.
CHEF MCDONALD IS GOING BACK TO HIS FORMER LOVE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS. “
VIE: You’ve worked in many restaurant kitchens and been a partner in several restaurants. How does the life of a private chef compare to working in a busy restaurant, and what are some key differences in your daily operations?
CPM: It’s more relaxed being a private chef, and you can really connect with your diners. I love that I get to forge a deeply personal connection with my clients.
VIE: How did you get involved with Outstanding in the Field when the organization hosted a huge outdoor dinner on the sand at Kaiya Beach Resort in 2019? What was the experience like being their featured chef for the evening?
CPM: I was referred to Outstanding in the Field by Theresa Palmer and Jason Romair of Kaiya. That was an amazing experience, and OITF is made up of an amazing team of professionals with the most amazing logistics of any culinary outfit I have ever seen. It was challenging. The standard was to use local sources for almost every ingredient, and this was February on the Gulf Coast! All my farmers and fishermen came through, and we created a menu that was visually appealing and hyperseasonal. What I loved about it was that we served each course family style, which allowed guests to pass the dishes and share, creating a truly intimate experience.
VIE: What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
CPM: I make sourdough pizza in my outdoor pizza oven. I have had the same bread starter for seven years, and it’s super tangy and mature. I make three or four variations of pizza dough using different cooking methods. It’s really fun to make bread and dough using wild yeast. You are essentially using a living bacteria. My kids love it, too!
VIE: Are there any projects or events coming up we should be on the lookout for?
CPM: I am working on a private dinner series for Table Five. In this series, we will create a cool menu at interesting locations using a wood fire and hyperlocal seasonal ingredients. The food will be served at one table, enabling perfect strangers to come together for a meal and make new friends. Using only a wood fire also adds such a culinary romance to the event. We’ll be sharing more on social media when reservations are available.
VIE: Thanks, Chef Phillip. We can’t wait!
Visit Instagram @tablefivechefservices, TableFiveChef.com, or contact Chef Phillip McDonald at (850) 496-5066 and Phillip@tablefivechef.com to learn more or book your next event!
Outstanding in the Field at Kaiya Beach Resort
Photo by Romona Robbins
An Adventurous Soul
In a timeless match, luxury watchmaker Bremont recently appointed world-renowned adventurer, photographer, and award-winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin as a brand ambassador. Bremont is motivated by a relentless determination to create the world’s most capable tool watches worn by those who take uncharted paths. The brand’s mission is to be there at the limits of possibility in adventure and exploration. Epitomizing Bremont’s mantra to “take it further,” Chin embodies the brand’s philosophy, seeking meaningful purpose in all he does.
Acclaimed for his extraordinary expeditions and evocative storytelling, Chin’s partnership with Bremont promises to inspire a new generation of watch enthusiasts and adventurers.
Jimmy Chin joins Bremont’s highly respected roster of ambassadors, who define the brand’s spirit through their tenacious approach to everything they accomplish. Visit Bremont.com to learn more or shop styles, and follow Chin on Instagram @jimmychin.
Photo courtesy of Bremont
Photography courtesy of the Savannah Bananas
ut Cole’s love of the game runs deeper than that of a casual fan. It’s fitting that he’s in the stands at Fenway Park in Boston as he recounts his history as a baseball fan and player—it’s the stadium he dreamed of one day playing in as a pro. “My dad owned South Shore Baseball Club, and I played from when I was five years old. I had a dream of getting drafted by the majors and pitching here at Fenway Park. I loved the game, but I didn’t get the opportunity to play professionally after I tore my shoulder. That setback got me into working behind the scenes in baseball, but then I realized, as a fan, there were opportunities to change the game and make it better. That’s what we’re doing today.”
When he dreamed of making baseball better and more enjoyable for fans, though, Cole likely never imagined he would be doing it while standing in Fenway dressed in a bright yellow tuxedo and bowler hat. Yet that’s how the founder of Banana Ball made around 37,000 fans’ day when the Savannah Bananas faced off against their archrivals, the Party Animals, at the famed Red Sox stadium on June 8. The Bananas, the Party Animals, and the latest team to join the Banana Ball exhibition league, the Firefighters, might not be facing off against MLB teams (usually), but they are selling out every game, going viral online, and changing the way many fans view America’s pastime.
Cole graduated from Wofford College in South Carolina, where he played baseball and developed his own major in leadership. “I wanted to learn about leadership in business, leadership in government, and leadership in baseball and coaching,” he says. “That’s how I’ve gone through my life—with baseball as a guide. And then I started doing my own thing, which led me to start Banana Ball and create the Savannah Bananas.”
Coming up with an entirely new, faster-paced, more entertainment-driven way to play baseball didn’t happen overnight. The Savannah Bananas began as a traditional Coastal Plain League collegiate amateur team in 2015 and remained in the league until 2022, winning three championships.
But something else also happened along the way— Banana Ball was born. The Savannah Bananas began playing exhibition games, with their on- and off-field antics including trick plays, dance numbers, and crowd participation. But even with the between-plays entertainment, many fans would leave the stadium early, just as he noticed they would at almost any college, minor league, or major league game. Cole’s desire to keep fans in their seats until the end of each game led him to think about how he would most like to experience baseball from their perspective.
“I started putting myself in the fans’ shoes,” he says. “I read every book on Walt Disney, P.T. Barnum, and more, and started learning about the greatest companies that cared about customer experience and fans. I realized that even with our games creating so much entertainment, from dancing players to breakdancing coaches, fans were still leaving games early. After watching them leave games at nine o’clock, nine-thirty, I said, ‘Well, there’s a problem with the game. We’ve got to make the game faster and more exciting.’ So that’s when I started writing down, ‘What are the most boring parts of a baseball game, and how do you make it fun?’”
Some examples of those “boring parts” for Cole included mound visits, stepping out, bunting, and walks. He started thinking about ways to eliminate those from the game, changing the rules for his Banana Ball concept to make it the exact opposite in some regards, and adding a two-hour limit to regulation play to help the game move faster and keep fans engaged.
“That’s what we started creating in 2018,” he recalls. “We started testing. How you take a thing from nothing to reality is a series of experimentation—tons of experiments. So, we tested the idea in front of zero fans at Lander University in 2018, and then we tested it in 2020 during COVID with a few fans. We tested again in 2021 on a one-city ‘world tour’—we’re constantly testing the game and seeing how it can improve. Each day, we see more of these games, and we find ways to make them better. It’s a series of ‘plussing’ the experience, a concept we also learned from Walt Disney.”
Of course, changing the rules of baseball was a risky move, even for exhibition games that had no bearing on the actual league standings. “You’re always going to get criticized when you do something different,” Cole admits. “I think, as Jeff Bezos said, you need to be willing to be misunderstood. We were criticized by baseball traditionalists saying, ‘You can’t change the game; this is a great game!’ And it is, but we’re not trying to be the same traditional baseball game. We’re trying to make it more about entertainment. The biggest criticism was about fundamentally changing the rules of the game. Going to a two-hour time limit and letting fans catch foul balls for outs is crazy, but what we learned from our fans is that’s what they want—and that’s what we’re always going to try to do.”
Above, left, and opposite: Banana Ball players are not only good at baseball but also hired for their talent as great entertainers.
Bottom left: Banana Ball founder Jesse Cole in his signature banana-yellow tuxedo among fans
After seeing more and more fans pack the stadium and start following the team’s social media accounts, the Savannah Bananas split from the Coastal Plain League in 2022 to make Banana Ball a full-time gig. But who are the players, and how do their desired skills differ from a top college or pro league recruit?
“We are certainly looking for a different type of candidate and performer to play with us in Banana Ball,” Cole explains. “We aren’t looking for the best baseball players in the world—we’re looking for the greatest Banana Ball players in the world. A great Banana Ball player is someone who is unbelievable at entertainment, unbelievable at being fans-first, engaging with fans, and also has an unbeliev able amount of Banana Ball talent. That means they can do backflip catches and trick plays, they know how to celebrate when they score, they can do bat flips, and as a pitcher, they’re quick-pitching and can do things people have never seen before on a baseball field. That’s what we are looking for in Banana Ball.”
The Savannah Bananas have been lik ened to the Harlem Globetrotters and lauded as “the greatest show in baseball.” Its players have become internet celebri ties thanks to the league’s dedicated social media team recording and sharing their walkouts, dance breaks, celebrations, greatest catches, fan interactions, and just plain ridiculous shenanigans during and outside of games. The Bananas’ TikTok account has over 8.6 million followers and count ing, with its videos regularly racking up millions of views.
The hype is real off the web, too. Savannah Bananas tickets have a waitlist of over two million people. Yes—two million. The Bananas recorded over half a million fans at their Banana Ball World Tour in 2023, which included eighty-seven games in thirty-three cities across the United States.
Even the league’s founder admits the crowd response is bananas! “I don’t think I ever dreamed of creating something like this,” Cole says. “I just dreamed of having fun and creating something I would love that hopefully a lot of fans would love.”
Some initial pushback to the experimental team making its home in Savannah, Georgia, was not unwarranted, Cole admits. “At first—and I don’t blame them—when we came to Savannah, there was a lot of skepticism about who this new team was, especially when we named it the Bananas. People were like, ‘This is an embarrassment to our city. Why are they naming the team something silly?’ But then they started to experience the game, and boy, the community really embraced us and supported us. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they’re proud to have us, and that means a lot. My wife,
Emily, and I, with our entire team, have put so much into that community. We’ve had hundreds of games and invested so much. To have the community we started in, our home, stand behind us means more than I think people even realize.”
Citing some of his greatest inspirations and leadership idols as Walt Disney and P.T. Barnum, Cole says, “They’ve inspired me with vision, promoting, and putting on a great show and experience. One of my favorite quotes from P.T. Barnum is, ‘The noblest art is that of making others happy.’ He was obsessed with bringing together people that many would say were misfits. What we always try to do with the Bananas is bring people together.” He continues, “What’s truly special is we get to interact with our fans before and after the game. To know people are coming from all over the country, calling this a bucketlist trip—people are hugging us, getting emotional about how much this means for their family, and saying it was a core memory—that means more than anything. It’s truly special, and now seeing my family and all our kids being able to experience it is bringing together two worlds.”
Growing the league and learning how to do so responsibly are always on Cole’s mind, he says. In addition to its world tour season games, Banana Ball is hosting its first-ever Bananaland at Sea cruise from Miami to the Bahamas from October 14–18, 2024. The league’s community outreach also expanded recently to include a nonprofit organization, Bananas Foster, which brings families together through Banana Ball and educates people about the foster care system.
“It’s not easy trying to do more and make sure our staff and everyone is taken care of and treated really well,” Cole says. “That is something that we are unbelievably focused on while we grow this, so learning how to scale in the best way possible for not only the fans but also for our people is something I think about daily.”
As for what’s coming up next, he shares, “Just stay tuned— every week, we’re doing something we’ve never done before!”
To learn more, visit TheSavannahBananas.com or follow them on TikTok @thesavbananas and @officialbananaball. You can also follow on Instagram @thesavbananas, @bananaball, and @yellowtuxjesse to see what the hype is about. The best way to get tickets, Cole says, is to join the league’s K Club (the K is for potassium, found in bananas) interest list for a chance to join and be added to the lottery for 2025 and beyond.
—CONOR MCGREGOR
That’s precisely how UFC champion Conor McGregor and his team approached creating Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. It began with a search for a place and people who shared the same passion for Ireland and its whiskey as the professional boxer and businessman. McGregor found this at the oldest whiskey distillery in Ireland, where he worked with his master distiller to create a unique and special blend. Proper No. Twelve offers a single-malt Irish whiskey with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted wood, plus an all-new Irish Apple whiskey with a crisp, tart bite. The spirit’s name pays homage to McGregor’s hometown of Crumlin, Dublin 12. Visit ProperWhiskey.com to learn more or find retailers.
Photo courtesy of Proper No. Twelve
La vitalité
A ZEST FOR LIFE
Bring the beach home with a gorgeous made-to-order surfboard crafted by legendary shaper Gary Linden in partnership with St. Frank, a purveyor of luxury home decor and textiles for the “new bohemian home.” Available in three shapes and over twenty-five patterns, these decorative surfboards are made for the waves or your walls and will surely add a touch of coastal whimsy to any space.
Visit StFrank.com to shop the collection.
Photo courtesy of St. Frank
tep into a world of wellness and wonder at Sculpt Studio, where fitness meets fun in the heart of Northwest Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A (now with a brand new location at The Big Chill). Owned by dynamic duo Mike “MJ” Jackson and Bentley Jackson, this vibrant studio offers a refreshing approach to yoga and strength training, promising an experience that’s as exhilarating as it is empowering.
At Sculpt Studio, every workout is a journey toward strength, length, and power.
With a range of classes and times offered weekly, students can expect more than just a workout; they’ll embark on a transformational experience fueled by energizing music and positive vibes. Pushing limits and unlocking participants’ full potential are the goals MJ and Bentley strive for as coaches.
One of the studio’s standout offerings is Yoga Sculpt, a dynamic fusion of yoga, strength training, and cardio. Led by MJ and the studio’s newest instructor, Lex, Yoga Sculpt redefines traditional yoga by infusing it with the intensity and benefits of a strengthtraining workout. The result is an exhilarating, energizing session that will challenge your body and ignite your spirit.
Picture this: You’re flowing through yoga poses while sculpting your way to strength with light hand weights, all set to the backdrop of invigorating music, sweaty high fives, LED lights, and lush plants. It’s a total workout experience that challenges the body and mind, leaving students feeling empowered and ready to conquer their day and the world.
The magic of Sculpt Studio 30A doesn’t end there. Yoga Flow offers a blissful blend of mobility, flexibility, and mindfulness for those at the beach seeking to unwind or cross-train with athletic recovery. Led by a team of passionate instructors both morning and evening, Yoga Flow sessions are designed to ignite the body, calm the mind, and find balance in our days.
In this rejuvenating practice, participants will tap into their inner strength as they flow seamlessly from one pose to the next. With an emphasis on building core stability, improving functional mobility, and enhancing mental clarity and confidence, Yoga Flow is the perfect complement to any fitness routine and a favorite tool among athletes and gym-goers for recovery and entrepreneurs and WFH’ers who sit at their desks or in the same position often.
Prepare to be challenged, uplifted, and inspired as you connect with your body, breath, and mind in this empowering practice. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the mat, Yoga Flow at Sculpt Studio promises to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Everyone is welcoming, friendly, non-judgmental, and ultimately there for self-improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, yogi, or newcomer to the fitness world, you’ll break both a sweat and a smile at Sculpt Studio. And with a new location at Big Chill 30A (also known as The Hub), there’s even more reason to visit!
Just down the street from its previous location in Seagrove Beach (which suffered rain-damageturned-insurance-mess), this new location offers a convenient and inviting space to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Finish your morning yoga workout with a coffee or smoothie from Nectar at Big Chill, get your nails or hair done at the salons, and shop for your beach day wear, gear, and gifts.
During peak season (April 1 to October 31), outdoor workout classes and kids’ yoga sessions are offered on the Big Chill stage to add a touch of coastal serenity to an already enchanting experience. Private classes are available both in-studio and on the beach, offering the ultimate opportunity for your next beach trip with the besties.
Whether you’re looking to sculpt your body, calm your mind, or simply have a good time and connect with the community, Sculpt Studio 30A has you covered. Make this year your healthiest and happiest one yet!
For more information and to view the class schedule, visit the studio on Instagram and Facebook @sculptstudio30a or SculptStudio30A.com.
Summer i S the perfect time to prioritize your health and well-being! t o help you get S tarted, here are Sculpt Studio 30 a ’ S top eight recommendation S for S taying healthy thi S S ea S on:
prioritize hydration: with the Summer heat in full Swing, Staying hydrated iS key. be Sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, eSpecially before and after your workoutS. we remind our community in a fun, friendly way on Social by Saying #tenSecondchug
make time for Self-care: Schedule your workoutS and prioritize them juSt like you do with important meetingS and appointmentS. you only regret the workoutS you Skip, and inveSting in yourSelf iS the beSt inveStment you can make!
get outSide: take advantage of 30-a’S beautiful SurroundingS by incorporating outdoor activitieS into your routine. whether it’S a morning private beach yoga SeSSion or an afternoon trail walk, nature alwayS rejuvenateS the Soul.
fuel your body with nutritiouS foodS: load up on freSh veggieS, fruitS, and lean proteinS to nouriSh your body from the inSide out and keep you energized throughout the day.
mix up your routine: keep thingS freSh and exciting by trying different claSSeS at Sculpt Studio. from runnerS and avid gym-goerS to pilateS and pickleball loverS, there’S Something for everyone here to enjoy, benefit from, and incorporate into their workout routine.
practice mindfulneSS: take a few momentS each day to pauSe, breathe, and ground yourSelf. whether through yoga, journaling, or Simply enjoying a quiet moment, mindfulneSS and gratitude can help reduce StreSS and promote overall well-being.
liSten to your body: pay attention to how you feel phySically and mentally, and adjuSt your workoutS accordingly. remember that reSt and recovery are vital to prevent injury and promote longevity.
Surround yourSelf with poSitivity: Surround yourSelf with uplifting people and experienceS that bring you joy. at Sculpt Studio 30a, you’ll connect with a community of like-minded individualS on a journey toward better health, happineSS, and Self-improvement.
So why wait? join uS at Sculpt Studio 30a and diScover the ultimate fuSion of fitneSS and fun through the tranSformative power of yoga and Strength training. See you on the mat!
No, this isn’t a promo for a new season of Breaking Bad. But costars Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston are back with a tasty new collaboration that might have mezcal lovers wondering if the on-screen chemistry bros have been experimenting south of the border with agave and spring water. The duo teamed up with third-generation mezcalero Gregorio Velasco to create the symphony of Dos Hombres, a new award-winning artisanal mezcal. Made from high-quality Espadin agave from the hillsides of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, Dos Hombres has a smooth flavor with notes of apple, mango, firewood, and more.
Visit DosHombres.com to learn more, and please drink responsibly.
by Max Barsness
Photo
Enter 4x4 Mobile Fitness, a game-changer in the fitness world. This mobile personal training company comes to your doorstep and brings all the necessary equipment, making exercise as convenient as stepping out your front door.
Founded by a former professional athlete who understands the demands of staying in top shape, 4x4 Mobile Fitness seamlessly integrates into your daily routine, removing barriers to achieving your fitness goals. With personalized training that fits around your schedule, location, and goals, this innovative approach ensures you can stay fit 24-7, 365 days a year, without the usual hassle.
4x4 was founded by former NFL player and Buffalo Bills fullback Zach Olstad to bring the gym and support to you in the comfort of your home, business, or backyard. While 4x4 began in Nashville, it has recently expanded into Atlanta and the 30-A area of Florida. Team VIE has had the pleasure of working out with 30-A 4x4 personal trainer Derek McMahon, and we
know firsthand the importance of finding a trainer who values integrity and understands each client’s goals and needs. With Derek and 4x4, we leave every workout feeling energized and informed about what we’re doing and the benefits it brings. And let’s not forget—we’re also wonderfully sore, a reminder of the hard work and dedication to achieving our fitness goals.
Our time with 4x4 has been transformative in muscle gain and knowledge acquisition. Beyond the joy of pushing our limits and attaining new levels of physical well-being, we’ve also expanded our understanding of the profound benefits of strength training. We sat down with 4x4 Mobile Fitness trainers to delve deeper into their approach to fitness and get some tips on staying fit, healthy, and happy!
4x4 Mobile Fitness director of 30-A area operations and certified personal trainer Derek McMahon with clients in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Photo courtesy of 4x4 Mobile Fitness
Bottom: Members of the VIE team with Derek McMahon
VIE: What makes strength training such an integral part of fitness?
4x4: Strength training is the superhero of workouts! It’s not just about building muscle; it’s about supercharging your metabolism. Every time you lift, you’re not only breaking down muscle fibers but also igniting a metabolic fire that keeps burning long after your workout ends. This magic, known as post-exercise oxygen consumption (PEOC), is the key to the afterburn effect—the continued calorie burn even after you’ve left the gym. And the best part? PEOC can last between 10 to 24 hours! Strength training isn’t just about instant gains; it’s an investment in long-term fat loss and a serious makeover for your metabolism.
VIE: How can individuals optimize post-exercise oxygen consumption (PEOC) through strength training?
4x4: Intensity matters, so challenge yourself. The harder you work, the more significant the afterburn. Keeping your routine varied helps to keep your metabolism guessing. Lastly, don’t skip rest days. They contribute to the afterburn effect by allowing your body to repair and rebuild muscles. So, by focusing on intensity, variety, and adequate rest, individuals can make the most of their strength training sessions.
VIE: What strategies does 4x4 employ to help clients remain committed to their fitness objectives?
4x4: Accountability is vital to achieving your fitness goals, and having a 4x4 trainer by your side takes it to the next level. When you know someone is counting on you to show up for a session, it adds an extra layer of motivation. With 4x4, your trainer shows up at your door, ready to guide you through your workout. This eliminates the temptation to skip the gym and ensures you stay committed to your fitness journey. Having a dedicated trainer invested in your success makes all the difference in staying on track and reaching your goals.
VIE: Apart from physical health, what are some less obvious benefits of maintaining a regular exercise routine?
4x4: Exercise offers a wealth of benefits beyond physical health that can enhance the lives of everyone. Research suggests regular exercise can boost cognitive functions, improving problem-solving, memory, and functional skills. An article in the Harvard Business Review highlighted that individuals who incorporate fitness into their routine experience improved management skills and sharper clarity in decision-making, underscoring how exercise can positively impact various aspects of life beyond the gym.
VIE: We know and love the 4x4 workouts and everything that you’ve done for us. What’s your number one piece of advice for someone looking to start working out?
4x4: Just start. It sounds simple, but taking that initial step toward fitness is often the most challenging. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone returning to exercise after a hiatus, the key is to begin. Don’t overthink it or wait for the perfect moment—just start moving. And if you’re unsure where to begin or need guidance, consider scheduling a risk-free, complimentary
4x4. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the supportive and personalized approach that defines 4x4 Mobile Fitness.
VIE: Thank you!
Visit 4x4Fitness.com or connect with the trainers on Instagram @4x4mobilefitness to learn more or request your complimentary workout to try it for yourself!
Above: Certified personal trainer Lucas Foster with clients in the 30-A area of Florida
Left: 4x4 trainers bring all the equipment to you, handle set up, and break everything down so you can focus on your workout and get on with your day!
Photos courtesy of 4x4 Mobile Fitness
workout with
As BizBash recently reported, nearly a third of millennials and Gen Z travelers want to hit up a sporting event this year as part of the new trend of “bleisure” travel (business plus leisure). Many are taking advantage of the excitement and unique offerings of the X Games, one of the top extreme sports competitions in the world. Presented twice a year by ESPN, X Games now offers luxury ticket options for fans who love skateboarding, BMX, and Moto X but have graduated from their teenage dirtbag era. Fans can sip Pacificos and cocktails in openair lounges, enjoying being close to the action from the comfort of a lounge chair.
Several pass options include the family-friendly Club ’95, VIP passes, and ultra-luxe Owner’s Club. Fans can also add options to experience local Ventura, California, activities like surf lessons and whalewatching, as well as hotel stays at the historic Hotel San Buena.
Learn more or book a ticket at XGames.com.
courtesy of X Games
You might not make it to the top, but if you are doing what you love, there is much more happiness there than being rich or famous.
Photo
—TONY HAWK
BY MCKENNA MEARS
Probingthe Past , Present , andPotenti al o f
It’s America’s fastest-growing sport and isn’t slowing down. Invented by visitors to Bainbridge Island in 1965, pickleball is a fusion of table tennis, badminton, and tennis, spreading like wildfire and sparking a pickle-packed revolution from coast to coast!
n 2023, approximately 13.5 million people took part in the game, nearly a 50-percent increase from 2022. Pickleball’s accessibility makes it appealing to people of all ages, contributing to its widespread popularity. Its inclusive “open-play format” allows participants to engage with a diverse range of players during a session, fostering a sense of community and fun that further enhances its appeal and growth. It isn’t just a game; it’s a social phenomenon that brings people together in the spirit of fun and fitness.
As pickleball fever sweeps the globe, the landscape is dotted with indoor and outdoor courts popping up faster than you can say “pickle!” The excitement is palpable, and as this craze continues, more courts are sure to be on the horizon as cities rush to meet the demand for this rapidly growing activity.
IT ISN’T JUST A GAME; IT’S A SOCIAL PHENOMENON THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER IN THE SPIRIT OF FUN AND FITNESS.
Chicken N Pickle is a growing restaurant chain that features pickleball courts. It was founded in Kansas City and is backed by Chiefs players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Photo by Kacey Meinecke
To celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pickleball items you’ll want to add to your court—er, we mean cart.
From cute matching paddle sets to top-notch pickleball equipment for serious players and even pajamas (in case you eat, drink, and sleep pickleball), we’ve selected some fun products that will have you looking fabulous, help you sharpen your skills, and keep the competitive spirit flowing!
Eat, Sleep, Pickle 1
HISTORIC CHARM, MODERN COMFORT
The Classics Collection – James Bond Destinations coffee-table book by Daniel Pembrey assouline.com – $120
MAN OF DISTINCTION
This collection was curated to celebrate the “man of distinction” in your life. The Gentlemen’s Issue C’est la VIE shopping guide has items embodying sophistication, quality, and timeless appeal. Whether you want to elevate your style or find a piece to refine your beau’s wardrobe, this selection is for you. We’ve handpicked items of elegance, so gifting has never been easier; simply browse this selection of gadgets, grooming essentials, and more. Cheers!
The Malbon x New Balance Heritage collaboration offers 1990s nostalgia to the avid golfer who cares about looking good on and off the green. Malbon Golf, founded in 2017 by Stephen and Erica Malbon, is a lifestyle brand inspired by the game of golf. As it provides quality products, tells stories, and invites customers to join a community of like-minded thinkers, Malbon has also collaborated on capsule collections with other brands aimed at affluent young consumers, such as Wheels Up. The Malbon x New Balance Heritage collection celebrates the look and feel of days gone by with the comfort and performance technology both brands are known for today. The collection features a range of footwear and apparel designed for the golf course but chic enough to venture off the fairways.
Visit MalbonGolf.com to learn more or shop.
It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course.
Photo by Justin Bettman
CARS OF 30A AT CAMP CREEK INN
Cars of 30A, presented by the Camber Agency, returned to Northwest Florida on May 17 & 19, 2024, for its third incredible car show event. Exotics, classics, customs, and more took over the lawns and driveways of the stunning Camp Creek Inn & Golf Course, part of Watersound Club just off Scenic Highway 30-A. Ferrari of Atlanta and Velocity Restorations were on the scene with a gorgeous showcase of vehicles alongside 30-A car aficionados and collectors. Guests mingled and browsed their dream cars while enjoying bites from Camp Creek Inn and sips from Veuve Clicquot, Whispering Angel, and Chandon Sparkling Wines. Visit TheCamberAgency.com/cars-of-30a to learn about future events, and check out founder Davis Brackett on the VIE Book Club podcast!
Photography courtesy of the Camber Agency
Ferrari of Atlanta lineup at Camp Creek Inn
Cars of 30A founder Davis Brackett checking out Shore Thing Cigars
Cars of 30A team
The Garden Spritz by Chandon Sparkling Wines was a hit.
Special Recognition: Transient Entanglement by Yandell Walton
Special Recognition: They the People by Ryan Lewis
Special Recognition: Infinity Whispers by Svitlana Reinish
Curator’s Choice: The Endless Mile by Johannes DeYoung
Best in Show: Arboriform by Peter Clark
Dasha Gor and Marta Rata
DIGITAL GRAFFITI 2024 IN ALYS BEACH, FLORIDA
The Alys Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the 17th Annual Digital Graffiti Festival, which took place May 16–18, 2024, in Alys Beach. Digital Graffiti is one of the world’s largest projection art shows, made distinctive in its use of the white stucco masonry architecture of Alys Beach as a surprisingly dynamic canvas for art, technology, and creative innovation. The intricate detailing of the town’s architecture offers expressions of both aesthetic design and functionality, creating a play between the architectural canvas and the projected artworks, which include the latest in design, animation, projection mapping, generative art, experimental short films, and light-, sound-, and motion-responsive installations.
Photography courtesy of Alys Beach
beyond the walls by Jérémy Oury
FORMULA 1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2024
The Formula One Miami Grand Prix returned May 3–5, 2024, and it was a thrilling high-speed weekend of racing and revelry. The main event featured racers from teams around the globe competing in fifty-seven laps around the Miami International Autodrome. The third annual event in Miami saw McLaren-Mercedes driver Lando Norris dethrone two-time winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT, who took second place. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc came in third place, while F1 fans, Miami locals, and celebrities enjoyed the race and notable events surrounding the weekend.
Photography by Michael Potts F1/Shutterstock
Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr. and his team from Ferrari
Charles Leclerc
Lewis Hamilton
Lando Norris after the big win
Zhou Guanyu
Fashion entrepreneur Egle Ruskyte ready to cheer on her beau, Nico Hulkenberg
Frederic Vasseur, team principal for Scuderia Ferrari
Lando Norris driving for McLaren-Mercedes
Versace by Rothenthal Butterfly Garden Service Plate, 13 inch
Recently, Grammy-winning, multiplatinum superstar Michael Bublé announced the launch of Fraser & Thompson, his new whiskey brand, in partnership with longtime friend and award-winning master distiller and blender Paul Cirka. A project three years in the making, F&T is a North American whiskey—a blend of Canadian whiskey and Bourbon and a first for the whiskey category, brought to market by fast-growing spirits incubator WES Brands. Cirka hand-selected aged liquid to blend into an inviting whiskey with sweet fig and blood orange on the nose and a subtle finish of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of spice.
To learn more or find out where to get your bottle, visit FraserandThompsonWhiskey.com.
Photo courtesy of Fraser & Thompson
BY MYLES MELLOR
Puzzle on previous page
’cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man. “ ”
—ZZ Top
Our Impact Since 2005 (19 Years):
Au revoir!
BEFORE YOU GO . . .
Founded in 2021 from a desire to escape the stress of a Wall Street career, Le Alfré is on a mission to modernize classic menswear. Founders Brandson, Case, and Nick believe men should be able to look and feel good without resorting to stiff collars and restrictive fabric. Adding a little “Alfré” energy to the fashion industry, they toe the line of tradition with a “work hard, play hard” attitude. “We like vintage watches, we like cigars, we like our steak medium-rare, and we like dirty martinis with extra olives on a casual night out,” they share. The brand’s timeless yet comfortable collection exudes that je ne sais quoi that can fit in at the office or on a yacht—because why choose?
Visit LeAlfre.com to learn more and shop the linen summer collection and other products now.
Photo courtesy of Le Alfré
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Text SAFETY to 31279 for surf conditions
DOUBLE RED FLAGS
WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC*
RED FLAG- HIGH HAZARD
High Surf and/or Strong Currents
YELLOW FLAG- MEDIUM HAZARD
Moderate Surf and/or Currents
GREEN FLAG- LOW HAZARD
Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution
PURPLE FLAG- STINGING MARINE LIFE
Man O’ War, Jellyfish, Stingrays
For a complete guide on beach rules, visit BeachSafety.com.
*Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in a $500 fine and criminal charges. Absence of flags does not assure safe waters. Swim at your own risk. For emergencies call or text 911.
YOUR VIEW, OUR PASSION.
E. F. San Juan’s renowned wood millwork creations are complemented by the highest quality windows and doors. Our craftsmen work seamlessly with the most trusted providers of impactrated doors and windows, such as Weather Shield®, to create custom homes that masterfully combine security, beauty, and function.
