AT HOME RESOURCES
Products, services, articles, and related events 2
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Winter / Spring 2015
Photo: David Duncan Livingston Blair Morgan, HOME Showroom
FEATURES WINTER | SPRING 2015
The Magazine for Silicon Valley, the Peninsula + San Francisco
At Home with Blair Morgan 22–27 Levi’s® Stadium Art Collection 28–34 Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa: The Mansion 40–45 The New Bloomingdale’s: High Tech–High Fashion 52–57
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Photo Courtesy: Sports and the Arts Artist: Stanley Silver
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Photo: Michael Wells
Photo: Linda Almini
40 Photo Courtesy: Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
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Winter / Spring 2015
DEPARTMENTS WINTER | SPRING 2015
The Magazine for Silicon Valley, the Peninsula + San Francisco
1–27
At Home
38–39
The Wine Chick
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46+48
Publisher’s Letter 16–17
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Surreal Estate
50–63
20–21, 51, 56–57, 66–67, 72
Business Resources
36–49
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68–73
Calendar
Contributors Wine + Dine
64–67
Auto Resources
Gadgets Winter / Spring 2015
Event Coverage
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Photo: J. Smith
L
ifestyle Resources Magazine kicks off 2015 in celebration of our fifth year of publication. It has been a fantastic experience: sometimes trying, but always rewarding and invigorating. One of the greatest rewards is watching clients regain—and in many cases, surpass—their business expectations over the past few years. Some have created new businesses, expanding on a current industry or stepping into an entirely new market, with the goal of growth, success, and staying relevant in today’s market. And assisting new clients in identifying their market and gaining visibility delivering their brand to our readership has been especially invigorating. There is much to be said about staying strong and visible during both profitable and not-so-profitable times. As always, we thank our supporters and are grateful for the broad selection of topics available for us to cover in and around Silicon Valley.
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In this issue, our cover feature showcases the Levi’s® Stadium Suite Tower and Citrix® Owners Club art collection. Sports and art come together at the new home of the Forty-Niners in Santa Clara, with the collection successfully blending the dynamic motion of sports with timeless images of the region’s history, culture, and landscape. In our At Home article we feature Peninsula designer Blair Morgan at HOME, his design showroom and boutique in Menlo Park; and in “High Tech–High Fashion,” we take a look at the new Bloomingdale’s at the Stanford Mall in Palo Alto. If you have ever imagined what living in a hillside home in Sausalito would be like, a temporary solution is available to satisfy your curiosity. Check into the Alexandrite Suite at The Mansion at Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa. This exquisite residential-style 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space can be yours for a night, a week, or longer. Read about it in our Destination article. Finally, check out one of our new departments, Wearable Tech Gadgets, by Leonel Calara, our graphics designer and go-to tech guy. And remember to check us out online for additional event coverage and happenings. www.lifestyleresourcesmag.com Linda Almini, Founder/Publisher
Winter / Spring 2015
LIFESTYLE RESOURCES The Magazine for Silicon Valley, the Peninsula + San Francisco PUBLISHED BY PHONE ADDRESS
FOUNDER | PUBLISHER WRITER + COPY EDITOR ART DIRECTOR CIRCULATION MANAGED BY
SFMP Media 408.398.1068 Silicon Valley 415.837.8145 San Francisco 88 South 3rd St. Suite 230 San Jose, CA 95113 Linda Almini lindaalmini@aol.com Cindie Farley cindiefarley@gmail.com Leonel Calara nelcalara@gmail.com SFMP Media
LIFESTYLE RESOURCES magazine is published biannually, with 25,000 copies in June and in December. All information and requests including editorial submissions and advertising may be submitted to publisher at lindaalmini@aol.com. Reproduction of contents in part or in whole is prohibited without publisher’s permission.
“Levi’s Stadium” by Stanley Silver
www.lifestyleresourcesmag.com
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COVER IMAGE
Winter / Spring 2015
CONTRIBUTORS
WHERE WE DELIVER Lifestyle Resources Magazine mails to homes in the following areas:
In this issue, Cindie Farley writes about the impressive art collection at the new Levi’s Stadium, which includes original works custom created for the 49ers venue, as well as iconic photography. Shealsowritesaboutdesigner Blair Morgan and how his HOME can inspire you with yours. Cindie, a long-time resident of Pacific Grove, is a freelance writer and editor and teaches digital storytelling. She has worked in educational publishing, with numerous authors on their memoirs, writes feature articles for Coastal Canine magazine, and contributes on a regular basis to Lifestyle Resources as a writer. She is also our copy editor.
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“There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing,” says leonel calara about the visual arts. He was led into his career through a curiosity about illustration and photography. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco and freelancing for years, he has evolved into Art Director for Lifestyle Resources. With an open mind for anything forward-thinking, and an appreciation for everything from the past, Leonel has put together our new department, Wearable Tech Gadgets. See more of Leonel’s work at www.calara.co.
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Winter / Spring 2015
Los Gatos Saratoga Monte Sereno Silver Creek Valley Country Club San Jose Campbell Willow Glen Almaden Cupertino Mountain View Palo Alto Los Altos Menlo Park Atherton San Francisco Pebble Beach We also mail to 1,000 C-Level executives at:
Facebook EBay Apple Netflix Yahoo Visa Cisco Systems Stanford University Microsoft Corp. Google Hewlett-Packard Levi’s Stadium tesla motors, inc. SAP Center Plus many more For a complete list on where to find Lifestyle Resources, call 408.398.1068
CONTRIBUTORS
WHERE TO FIND In addition to in-home distribution and its online presence, Lifestyle Resources is available at:
Santana Row - San Jose America Italiana Windows & Doors - San Jose BAY Club COURTSIDE - Los Gatos Los Gatos Athletic Club Coldwell Banker - Los Gatos Sereno Real Estate - Los Gatos The Pool Guys - Saratoga Bally Fitness - San Jose University Electric Showroom Santa Clara Mezcal Resturant Downtown San Jose tile fantastic - SAN JOSE SERAPI RUGS - LOS GATOS Precision Flooring - san Jose Club Auto Sport - san Jose Scott’s Seafood - San Jose, Mt. View & Palo Alto San Pedro Square - San Jose Reach Fitness - Palo Alto Union Square NewsStand San Francisco Reid - Hillview Airport Palo Alto Airport South County Airport San Jose Aviation Center Architectural Facades - Gilroy SGK Home Solutions - San Jose Draeger’s market - Los Altos Carmel Plaza Carmel-by-the-sea Coldwell Banker - Pebble Beach DACOR DESIGN & CULINARY CENTER SO. SOUTH FRANCISCO Carmel-by-the-sea Newsstands Newsstand Financial District SAN FRANCISCO at Beale & Market St.
Photo: Cristina Taccone Steve Natale is a writer for LIZA ZIMMERMAN has been
examiner.com on vintage automotive subjects, as well as a partner at GM Sports in San Jose, providing parts and restoration for vintage GM cars. Steve is also a contributing writer for Test Drive in Lifestyle Resources. His articles and photographs have been published by many classiccar publications and web sites. Steve has been attending vintage car, airplane, wooden-boat, and motorcyle events for more than 35 years. Check out Steve’s regular column on classic cars at www.examiner.com/ classic-car-in-oakland/steve-natale
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writing and consulting about wine and food for two decades. She has worked for magazines such as Wine Enthusiast, La Cucina Italiana, WhereSF and the Examiner. She focuses on demystifying wine and transforming it into a tool for networking, with a focus on Silicon Valley companies such as Genentech, Roche and IBM. She has visited all the major wine regions and holds the Diploma of Wine & Spirits, the three-year precursor to the Master of Wine. www.lizathewinechick.com
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CUSTOM WINDOWS and DOORS: Wood or Wood Clad, Steel, Cor-Ten, Bronze, Aluminum European In-Swing Tilt and Turn or Out-Swing, Interior Doors, Tuscan Products...and much more!
americaitaliana.com To Visit our Remodeled 3,500 sq.ft. Design Center
Call 408.452.9166 - 275 E.Brokaw Road - San Jose, CA 95112
NARI SILICON VALLEY CHAPTER Event was held at University Electric, 1500 Martin Ave. in Santa Clara. Topic was Advertising for Professional Remodelers. Panelists included Gary Buck of ReachLocal for digital; Kevin Kimerer and Christine Lyles of Comcast Spotlight for TV, digital, and radio; and Linda Almini, Lifestyle Resources Magazine for print and online. Melinda Foster, Board of Directors of NARI, was moderator for the evening’s program. Guests also enjoyed a wonderful southwestern dinner buffet prepared by Elegant Events and Catering, Inc. Event was sponsored by Jenn-Air and hosted by University Electric. Coverage + Photos: Linda Almini
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By Cindie Farley
AT HOME
WITH BLAIR MORGAN 22
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Winter / Spring 2015
Photo: Linda Almini
There’s a section of Santa Cruz Avenue that has long been known as the Menlo Park Design District. Blair Morgan describes it as a “small-town environment with world-class services.” Which is precisely why he knew that was where he wanted to make his HOME. Winter / Spring 2015
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Photos: David Duncan Livingston
M
organ, who grew up in Texas and moved to Park City, Utah, so he could be a ski bum, would “decorate in the morning and ski in the afternoon.” Armed with degrees from the University of Utah in both business management and interior design, he clearly wasn’t cut out to be a complete ski bum and ended up forming Morgan Design Group. That was in 1993. The business evolved and Morgan himself ultimately outgrew the ski-resort environment. Drawn to California’s warmth and culture, he moved to the Bay Area in 1996, where his first project was in Menlo Park.
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It wasn’t until some years later, after a highly successful design career, that Morgan found himself back in Menlo Park. He had semi-retired and moved to his home in Palm Springs in 2010, following the economic downturn. But he kept his finger on the pulse of the Bay Area via the Design Center in San Francisco, and by 2012, he was ready to return. He started scouting the perfect location to open a “creative outlet” in the form of a furnishings boutique—one that would not only be a complement to his studio, but also be a community resource for high-quality unique items that are also priced fairly.
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In November of 2012, Morgan opened HOME at 789 Santa Cruz Avenue. It was an address he had coveted and given up on several years earlier during his search, but it fortuitously became available in the eleventh hour of negotiations on other spaces. “It was exactly where we wanted to be,” he says. “We love the building, the location, and the people of the area.” The address feels like home. And HOME is home to Morgan Design Group as well as its retail storefront. MDG now has a team of seven, all of whom work collaboratively in every aspect of the business. It’s “all hands
on deck all the time,” Morgan says. He doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge his “incredible staff,” who make a huge difference in the entire design process for all involved. “The synergy, the followup,” he adds. “We’re like a family.” An important function of HOME is as a showcase for what the design group does. Clients who find it more difficult to visualize how their home might be transformed can come in and immerse themselves in all the various design components and also experience firsthand, and in advance, who the design team is. This gives the client confidence, and that is a priority with Morgan.
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Photos: David Duncan Livingston
A final aspect of HOME is that it allows MDG to educate the community about the design elements of various products, from materials used to level of quality and how to select what will stand the test of time. As part of HOME’s Beautiful Things series, events are held periodically throughout the year, with experts invited to speak about such topics as how Persian rugs are made or the latest look in wall coverings. MDG provides complete interior design services for both residential and commercial properties, from simple consultations to new-construction desig n management. The g roup’s projects extend throughout California
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and the west coast to Hawaii, and have even included a color consultation for a castle in England. All are equally memorable, and Morgan enjoys the challenge of creating a unique look tailored to the individual, be it traditional, contemporary, or anything in between. Among MDG’s recent commercial projects is the clubhouse at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach. While the course itself was completely renovated, MDG cleared out the entire interior of the clubhouse and transformed it into a modernized gentlemen’s club, and also gave the pro shop a rustic feel with rich, dark wood décor.
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Part of Morgan’s design philosophy is that there should always be an element of discovery, a bit of surprise, something to celebrate. This is highlighted in his use of unique accents and focal points: an origami-inspired chandelier in a mountain retreat; an old-surfboard design in a vintage Hawaiian kitchen; or an indoor chair that looks like a modern-art hammock. For all his success over the years, Morgan has come to realize that it’s the emotional reaction, the sense of gratitude, from his clients that truly shows him the value in what he does: helping people create the home of their dreams and having them be so moved by its
beauty. “It’s quite satisfying,” he says, “when grown men you’ve been working with on a business level are running through the house, excited like a little boy.” Morgan counts his love of travel right up there with design, and the two are interconnected. The irony, he says, is that he’s so busy he doesn’t often have the time to travel. Yet it is the one thing that truly helps him recharge. He’s inspired by the architecture, artifacts, textures, and art in all cultures, and returns from his travels more inspired and motivated than ever, frequently with furnishings for clients or HOME. And he always remembers how good it feels to come home.
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By Cindie Farley
Photo Courtesy: Sports and the Arts
LEVI’S STADIUM ®
A R T CO L L E C T I O N 28
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“Ft. Point” by Stanley Silver
“Sports, art, anything that allows somebody to be who they really are and to flourish in that, is a beautiful thing.” Those are the words of one of the artists in the permanent collection at the new Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara. Jenny Kompolt, whose resume includes Creative Director for Netflix and Marketing Partner at eBay, hit on some key elements. And in the case of Levi’s Stadium, sports and art have come together to flourish in the beautiful new venue. Winter / Spring 2015
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“Golden Gate Bridge” by Frank Ryan
The collaboration came to be when Tracie Speca-Ventura, founder of Sports & The Arts (SATA), met San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York at the opening of the new Yankee Stadium in 2009, where SATA had curated the stadium’s collection of art and photography. From that introduction to what Tracie’s organization had done in New York, the 49ers executive team concluded that they wanted to bring the walls of their own new stadium to life in a similar manner. Levi’s Stadium, with a seating capacity of 68,500, opened in August and is a work of art in itself. Its open design uniquely allows for enjoyable views of the surrounding landscape as well as to the field itself. It is the first stadium to achieve LEED Gold Certification, boasting a 27,000 square-foot solar
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terrace growing 15 local plants atop its suite tower, as well as three solar bridges that connect the main parking area to the stadium. And a live dashboard showing the dynamic green features of the stadium’s daily operations is available for guest viewing. To further highlight the stadium’s sustainability commitment, 100 percent of the wood used in the Citrix® Owners Club is reclaimed from a hangar at Moffett Field. Being in the heart of Silicon Valley demands cutting-edge technology, and the stadium fills the bill with Wi-Fi throughout, along with IPTV, mobile connectivity, and over 13,000 square feet of HD video boards. The 20,000-square-foot 49ers Museum, which includes 11 unique exhibition spaces and galleries on two levels,
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“The Catch” by Liz Walsh
celebrates the team’s past, present, and future. The museum also offers handson learning experiences for grades K–8, using the STEM concepts. And then there are the diverse and provocative images that greet guests in the exclusive areas surrounding the stadium’s 170 luxury suites, as well as in the Citrix Owners Club. These are the works of the premier artists in the impressive new Levi’s Stadium art collection. Over 200 original pieces comprise the collection of museum-quality artwork in a variety of mediums. An equally impressive aspect to the collection is the photography. Over 500 images have been pulled together from the 49ers archives and the club’s esteemed team photographers, as well as from outside historical sources.
SATA’s Speca-Ventura, who has an extensive background curating and coordinating sports-related art exhibitions and fundraising events, worked with architects, contractors, and interior designers to develop an intimate gallery atmosphere for the art collection. As SATA’s creative director, Camille Speca researched and developed the photography portion of the collection. Her interest in history is instrumental in how she develops the content and graphic treatment of each regional installation. The Levi’s Stadium art collection, as curated by SATA, is designed to create an “experience” for viewers by the way it celebrates not only the legendary 49ers, but also the vibrant culture of the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Larger-than-life portraits, reflective
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“Niners Take on Johnny Unitas at Kezar” by Tom Mosser
landscapes, and nostalgic slices of life come together in unexpected ways to delight and engage viewers. All of the artwork is custom created for Levi’s Stadium, and Speca-Ventura says that pushing the limits of size in the pieces pushes the artists to think outside the box. Most works take a year to complete. In keeping with the 49er organization’s vision, the collection is a fully integrated visual experience that will always remain fresh by growing and evolving. The 23 original artists selected—20 of whom are from California—are primarily those established in their careers. A “peppering” of up-and-coming artists is added to the collection for a well-rounded stable capable of creating a “tapestry of artworks that tell a story.”
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Among the collection’s seasoned artists is the iconic Bart Forbes, whose career has spanned over 45 years. As both an illustrator and fine artist, his work has appeared in many periodicals, from TIME to Sports Illustrated, and he has an impressive roster of corporate clients, including the NFL. His sport art has covered everything from the Kentucky Derby to the Indianapolis 500 to the Olympics. In 1986 he was named Sport Artist of the Year and is in the American Sport Art Museum’s Hall of Fame. Stanley Silver is another notable artist with an impressive resume. His long list of special projects includes the 49ers 50th Anniversary, and his work was named the “official art” of the 2000 World Series and the 2001 NHL All-Star Game. Collectors include George
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“Agricultural Triptych” by Jenny Kompolt
Clooney, Willie Mays, and Jerry Rice. Silver is a master of the unforgiving art of watercolor, and he uses it with oils to intensify the dramatic quality of his work. One of the local talents with a familiar last name in the sports world is Liz Walsh. The daughter of legendary 49ers coach Bill Walsh wanted to be an artist at an early age and went on to receive an MFA in painting from the California College of Arts and Crafts in San Francisco. Now, as a multimedia artist, Walsh hopes her work will evoke viewers’ emotions or a sense of nostalgia. Tom Mosser calls himself an “ultimate utility painter” and has been painting football players since he was a boy. The Penn State graduate works in all fine art media, using both hands at once in an “ambidextrous impressionist” style.
He creates larger-than-life images and completed one of the largest free-form murals in the country in Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. To see him working on a mural is like watching a maestro conduct a symphony; it appears confusing but is precisely planned and perfected to produce an awe-inspiring work to experience. Mosser has been awarded four national sports awards for his portraits. A native of the Bay Area for over 40 years, Jenny Kompolt is an assemblage artist and designer. In addition to her time at eBay and Netflix, she had her own graphic design and promotional firm, as well as an online auction agency that raised over $22 million for charity. You might say that repurposing is her purpose. Industrial cast-offs, found
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“Sonoma” by Nick Brown
objects, and damaged antiques are the stuff her artistic dreams are made of, transformed into unique works of art that reveal themselves in surprising ways. Also in the stadium’s original stable of artists is Nick Brown from the Central Valley. The 49ers were his team from the start and he never dreamed he’d be connected to them through his art. He captures the diverse landscapes of the outlying areas and transforms the simplicity of an old water tower into a thing of beauty. And Kate Paulson Salenfriend, a third-generation Californian who is influenced by Gustav Klimt and inspired by nature, had her first painting acquired by the Getty Family Trust. Infusing the collection with the true-
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to-life action of the 49ers are the iconic photographic images. Terrell Lloyd is the current team photographer and has been with the organization for over 15 years, using his leading-edge expertise to capture unforgettable moments. Michael Zagaris has a 41-year history with the 49ers and is still shooting for them, as well as for the Oakland A’s. His photos have appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The Levi’s Stadium art collection is the “crowning glory” of collaborations in Speca-Ventura’s words. “It was a privilege to work with the York family and the entire 49er organization,” she says. “We hit it out of the park on this one!” Or maybe that should be through the goalpost—during the Super Bowl.
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WINE+DINE RESOURCES
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Winter / Spring 2015
By Liza B. Zimmerman
WINTER WINES Hearty Reds to Warm the Palate and the Soul with a short skip and We are lucky in the a hop of a direct flight Bay Area, and particufrom San Francisco to larly in Silicon Valley, the Pasco airport). that winters are mild. Even though we hardly get the snow that I Pinot Primer grew up with in New Some of my favorite York City, it is still nice Pinot Noirs have a to snuggle at home or smokiness and good build a fire and enjoy acidity, as well as some intense and balanced tannin and Photo: Cristina Taccone structured reds. alcohol levels. Sonoma Some of my favorites for cooler– Coast and Peay Vineyards are both great weather drinking include Pinot Noirs labels. Toulouse Vineyards in Anderson and Rhône blends to sip on their own and Valley is a total find with a charming tastspicy Iberian varietals to enjoy with food. ing room and can easily be fit into a long My three favorite California regions for weekend trip to Mendocino. Andrew Pinots are Anderson Valley to the north Rich based in Oregon also produces of San Francisco, Sonoma County, and beautiful wines. several regions of the Central Coast. What is beautiful about Pinot Noirs is Oregon makes some pretty stupendous their flexibility in terms of pairings (yes, Pinots as well, and let’s not forget the you can have fish and they can have meat classics of Burgundy. and everyone will be really happy). GenRhône blends are coming out of erally they have soft and subtle tannins places as diverse as the Napa Valley and aren’t produced with overly aggresand Paso Robles. Washington is also sive oak so they are delicious to enjoy making a number of standout wines on their own and with food. Do them from the eastern part of the state in the the justice of serving them in a nice, Walla Walla Valley (which is accessible big glass to let them evolve once open.
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Winter / Spring 2015
Photo: Buty Vineyeards by Nina Buty
If they are not too old, opening them an hour or two before you serve them is not a bad idea either. They are also best served around 60 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit, not boiling hot. French Blends and Other Southern European Finds
The Rhône Rangers, or wines made from grapes traditionally found in that region of Southern France, already have such a good reputation that there’s an annual tasting dedicated to them and held at Fort Mason. The focus is primarily on California wines, but there are a handful of Washington wineries generally pouring as well.
These wines are made from traditional blends of Syrah and Grenache, as well as many other varietals. One of my favorites is L’Aventure’s GSM (short for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre) blend from Paso Robles. Buty’s Rhône blends out of Walla Walla are also hard to top. I have always loved Portuguese wines, particularly over the last decade as great producers from the Douro continue to make stupendous wines from grapes that once were used exclusively for Port production. Lodi’s Harmony Wynelands’ Alicante Bouschet is spicy and so food friendly. Long story short is that we are lucky enough to live in a bountiful region for delicious and diverse hearty winter wines.
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THE MANSION AT CASA MADRONA HOTEL & SPA BY LINDA ALMINI Photos: Courtesy Case Madrona Hotel & Spa
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge sits the quaint town of Sausalito—an affluent and artistic tourist destination, home to just over 7,000 residents.
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Winter / Spring 2015
ALEXANDRITE SUITE
P
erched on a hillside in Marin panoramic bay views. Ample indoor livCounty and adjacent to the Golden ing space of 3,500 square feet seamlessly Gate National Recreation Area, the connects to the 1,500 square feet of outpicturesque community is a true gem in door entertaining and relaxing areas— and continues the visual expansion, the San Francisco Bay Area. Speaking of gems, there is a new one delivering incredible views of the in town. Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa has San Francisco skyline, Richardson Bay, recently completed the renovation of and the yacht harbors of Sausalito. Upon entering the suite, the bright, its historic Mansion. Built as a private residence in 1885, The Mansion (which fresh openness gives a great sense of is the original part of the Casa Madrona purity and calm, uniquely blending Hotel) operated as a bed-and-breakfast waterfront living with a residential for the past 40 years. The complete reno- setting. The interior appears to have few boundaries as vation includes you move through The Mansion’s the expansive living 11 rooms and and dining spaces, upper hillside gourmet kitchen, cottages, as well and master suite. as its meeting and Floor-to-ceiling event space. The glass-panel doors gem of the renofold back so there is vation is the new Junto Conference Space nothing to impair Alexandrite Suite and 1,700-square-foot Junto event space. the views while either open or closed, The Alexandrite Suite, named after and there is an overall sense of being the rare gemstone acclaimed for its abil- outdoors throughout the suite. Clean ity to dispel negative energy and absorb lines, beautifully appointed décor, and positive vibes from its surroundings, breathtaking views provide the setting is a 5,000-square-foot, two-bedroom that holds this jewel known as the Alexsuite, with an additional half bath, a andrite Suite. The design team, a collaboration private office, and a private fitness center including treadmill, elliptical, yoga of Taal Safdie and Ricardo Rabines of supplies, free weights and a 50-inch flat Safdie Rabines Architects, Christopher panel television. The gourmet kitchen O’Connor Design, and TruexCullins includes chef options and a fully stocked Interiors, worked collectively to wine bar with special-reserve Napa preserve some of the historic allure of and Sonoma wines. A stunning white The Mansion. The team retained much dining table seats 10 and showcases the of the original crown molding and
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Winter / Spring 2015
Alexandrite Suite
refreshed the original banister on the staircase leading to the nine guestrooms on the second and third floors above the Alexandrite Suite. Various woods, as well as zinc, marble, and granite have also been incorporated to update and modernize the interior and exterior spaces. The outdoor space includes a two-tiered deck with an outdoor bar, barbeque area, hot tub, and seating, with the lower
deck offering additional lounge seating wrapped around a large fire pit. Beyond the aesthetics, the comfort, and the views—and in contrast to the history of The Mansion—the advanced technolog y is bar none and a key element in enriching the accommodations in the Alexandrite Suite. The massive nine-panel Samsung media wall is a showstopper, perfect for life-size HD
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Alexandrite Suite
viewing, multipoint video conferencing, internet connectivity, and multiviewing capabilities. With portable Control4 touchscreens, guests are able to control the entire Alexandrite Suite, including indoor temperatures, lighting, sound, window coverings, televisions, fireplaces, the media wall, and the hot tub. Sleek electronics incorporated into the dĂŠcor include McIntosh LED amplifiers, Wisdom speakers, a pop-up television
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in the footboard of the bed in the master suite and a stealth LCD screen hidden within the master bath mirror. The Junto event space, named after Benjamin Franklin’s club for mutual improvement, was designed as a place to encourage collaboration toward positive outcomes. The space includes a 1,100-square-foot boardroom with cutting-edge technology, as well as a 600-square-foot deck. The meeting
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Alexandrite Suite
room can accommodate 80 guests seated and up to 125 reception style, and the deck is ideal as a cocktail reception space or for breakout sessions. The combination makes this a smart choice for business executives, corporate functions, or weddings—or the ultimate luxury vacation experience for large gatherings of family or friends. There are several other unique features within the Alexandrite Suite, but
those details are reserved only for guests upon arrival. From its attention to detail to its expansive design, The Mansion has a “wow factor” that can only be truly experienced in person. The Alexandrite Suite may be occupied for $10,000 per night, with a varied pricing structure to obtain additional suites or a full buyout of the entire Mansion. To learn more details on the property, visit www.casamadrona.com
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINTER | SPRING 2015 San Jose Museum of Art City Limits, City Life Exhibit: Early twentieth-century artists depict the physical and social realities that can accompany urban density. December 13th 2014 - June 14, 2015 110 South Market St., San Jose www.sjmusart.org 2015 SILICON VALLEY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW January 8th - 11th, 2015 San Jose McEnery Convention Center 150 West San Carlos St., San Jose www.motortrendautoshows.com/sanjose SAN FRANCISCO BOAT SHOW | PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE® January 22nd - 25th, 2015 Pier 48 & McCovey Cove @ AT&T Park San Francisco www.sfboatshow.com AT&T PEBBLE BEACH NATIONAL PRO-AM February 9th - 15th, 2015 Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach www.pebblebeach.com Ballet San Jose – Bodies of Technology
March 27th - 29th, 2015 California Theatre 345 South First St., San Jose www.balletsj.org
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS WINTER | SPRING 2015 8TH ANNUAL PEBBLE BEACH FOOD & WINE April 9th - 12th, 2015 The Inn at Spanish Bay and various locations throughout Pebble Beach www.pbfw.com
San Francisco Ballet – Shostakovich Trilogy
April 8th - 19th, 2015 War Memorial Opera House 301 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco www.sfballet.org
Photo: Robert Shomler
Kenny Chesney with Jason Aldean
May 2nd, 2015 Levi’s Stadium 4900 Centennial Blvd., Santa Clara www.levisstadium.com Ballet San Jose – Cinderella
May 8th - 10th, 2015 Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose www.balletsj.org
Photo: Robert Shomler
NEIL DIAMOND May 12th, 2015 SAP Center (formerly HP Pavilion) 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose www.sapcenter.com
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BUSINESS RESOURCES
Photo: Linda Almini
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NORM MINETA An exclusive speakers series and community event featured San Jose native Norman Mineta. The former mayor of San Jose, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation spoke on “Being Asian in America—My Story, Your Inspiration: a Journey From Internment Camp to Hall of Congress!” Secretary Mineta spoke with great eloquence, sharing compelling stories, from being removed from his home as a child during World War II, to the fateful day of September 11, 2001 when he issued an order to ground all civilian aircraft traffic for the first time in U.S. history. Secretary Mineta is a true American hero. Event was presented by AREAA Silicon Valley and the AREAA Foundation.
Allen Okamoto, Norm Mineta
Coverage: Linda Almini Evan Huynh, Norm Mineta, Atsuko Yuee
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BY LINDA ALMINI
Photos: Michael Wells
The New Bloomingdale’s High Tech – High Fashion
The new Bloomingdale’s at Stanford Mall in Palo Alto opened in grand splendor on October 10, 2014, as part of the mall’s multi-phase renovation on the northeast side. The three-level marvel, totaling 125,000 square feet, houses a broad selection of fashion for men, women, and children, as well as a home collection including selections from kitchen to bedding and much in between.
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Along with the traditional brands one may expect to find at Bloomingdale’s, the retailer has added more than 100 new brands within their 68 designer shops. Bloomingdale’s, a classic retailer founded in 1872, has blended high fashion with high tech—fitting for today’s customers and the Silicon Valley region. A s the first f u l ly mobi le Bloomingdale’s store, all selling associates will be equipped with mobile devices allowing them to better assist customers with instant access to product availability information, along with the ability to call, email, and text with customers. This also allows associates to complete transactions via mobile point-of-sale to streamline the purchase process.
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Other tech highlights include smart fitting rooms. Rooms are equipped with wall-mounted tablets allowing customers the option to look up product information, select an alternate color or size, and even read reviews on a particular designer. With a tap to the tablet, a customer may reach a sales professional without having to leave the dressing area. Mirrors with touch-screen lighting provide a most favorable environment in which to try on clothing, giving one a true sense of bright, medium, and low lighting conditions. Tablets are also available throughout the departments, allowing customers to browse for product, scan items for more information, and even share their favorites with friends or their sales associate. In some cases, customers can get a sneak
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peek at new styles coming to the store for the following season. The buy-online, pick-up-in-store feature also allows shoppers located within a 15-mile radius of the store to select merchandise on bloomingdales.com and have the product delivered within a five-hour window. Efficiency and convenience are paramount in the upgraded client services. Technology aside, the aesthetics of the new store are striking. The exterior is undeniably eye-catching with its sleek white panels and the Bloomingdale’s name prominently displayed–in true fashion with Bloomingdale’s black-andwhite tile flooring. Craftsman-style paneling upon entering is blended with a generous mix of modern touches and embellishments. The openness of
the store is an equal and integral part of the design, with a third of the building in penetrating natural light, bringing the outdoors in and engaging shoppers with the surrounding landscape of the Stanford Palo Alto area. Take note of the visual tribute to the local California redwood forest created by artist Ysabel Lemay. Lemay spent over 250 hours photographing the redwoods to compose the two paintings in her mural, The Cathedral, showcased in the finejewelry department on the main level. There truly is much for all to enjoy and experience in the new Bloomingdale’s. Store design by Jack Hruska, executive vice president of creative services. For more information visit www.bloomingdales.com.
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BLOOMINGDALE’S AUTISM RESEARCH Bloomingdale’s Stanford hosted a private cocktail gala in partnership with The Bay Area Autism Consortium in October during the opening of its new store. Ticket prices were $200 to $500 each, with 100 percent of the ticket sales utilized to create a new fund at BAAC to support collaborative autism research projects between scientists at local research institutions, including Stanford University, UCSF, Children’s Health Council and Kaiser. An additional 10 percent of sales at Bloomingdale’s the same evening were donated to BAAC. Guests enjoyed wonderful food, wine, the experience of the new Bloomingdale’s and a performance by singer-songwriter Alexa Ray Joel. For more photos of this event go to lifestyleresourcesmag.com. Coverage & Photos: Linda Almini
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Christopher Silva, Anne Keating and Tony Spring
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Alexa Ray Joel
Georgie Gleim Raj Mathai and Douglas Goldman
Alexa Ray Joel Ross and Eve Jaffe
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We arab le Te c h
GADGETS
1 4
2 3
1. APPLE WATCH: 38mm 18-karat rose gold case with rose-gray modern buckle. 2. MICROSOFT BAND: Achieve wellness goals by tracking heart rate, steps, total calories burned, and sleep time and quality. 3. GARMIN APPROACH S6: Train your golf swing with SwingTempo, TempoTraining and SwingStrength™. 4. PANERAI LUMINOR 1950 CHRONO MONOPULSANTE LEFT-HANDED 8 DAYS TITANIO: Analog watchmaking virtuosity made with the crown rarely placed on the left.
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415-720-9551 Dan@DanPowersPhoto.com www.vimeo.com/dpowers/albums
AUTO
RESOURCES
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Photo: Leonel Calara
TEST DRIVE
The Maserati Ghibli: La Dolce Vita
BY Steve Natale
W
hen one pulls up in a Maserati, it makes a statement. A Maserati owner is someone who demands a product that is unique yet classy. Someone who prefers a car that is powerful but not too flashy. And, most of all, someone who has a passion for fine automobiles that only the Italians can satisfy. Maseratis have always been exclusive and expensive, out of reach to most people. The introduction of the new Ghibli model as a more moderately priced car (base price $66,900) makes it more accessible to more buyers. Now, for the price of a fully loaded pickup truck, you can drive a new Maserati. The Ghibli name may be new to some, but it actually dates back to 1967.
Back then it was a sleek coupe. Maserati debuted its first 4-door car, the Quattroporte, in 1963. The Quattroporte is still in production as the company’s top-ofthe-line sedan. Sleek, elegant, and aggressively styled, the new Ghibli is gorgeous. Sliding behind the wheel, you feel safe, comfortable, and in control with the sure-footed suspension and nimble steering. The 3.0-liter, 345-hp V-6 engine is mated to a smooth 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that always seems to have a gear to downshift into, regardless of speed. Rapid acceleration (0–60 in 5.5 seconds, top speed 165) is enhanced by a dramatic exhaust note that beckons the driver for more. Driving a Maserati is la dolce vita.
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DANVILLE CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE FOUNDATION Hosting its 10th year in September, the foundation raised over $580,000 to benefit Parkinson’s research and patient care. Held in the historical town of Danville, the annual event drew collectors and automotive enthusiasts from near and far. The selection of autos ranged from vintage to current models and everything in between. Coverage & Photos: Linda Almini
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Myles Kitchen, Jim Edlund
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PORSCHE ROADSHOW The San Francisco leg of Porsche’s Roadshow in early November gave participants the chance to experience the performance potential from a Boxster GTS to the 911 Turbo around Thunderhill Raceway’s newest track section. Coverage & Photos: Leonel Calara
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LIFESTYLE RESOURCES MAGAZINE PRESENTS
SURREAL ESTATE
In this section, “Surreal Estate,” Lifestyle Resources showcases some of California’s finest real estate available for the purchase of your primary or second home. California has much to offer. Enter. 68
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Vivian Soliemani Design (VSD) Grand Opening and Partnership with Synoptic Real Estate Group The partnership blends design with real estate services. Vivian, an award-winning interior designer and the founding principal of VSD, worked for many years with Bethe Cohen Design Associates. She is now focused on the concept of creating a one-stop comprehensive experience with her new design team at VSD, which is located at 634 N. Santa Cruz Ave. in Los Gatos. Coverage + Photos: Linda Almini
Lilian Soliemani, Louise Crawford, Fabi Soliemani, Jasmine Savra, Vivian Soliemani
Betty Pourshahbazi, Mariam Benjamin, Evet Sahakian
Farzin Sanjideh, Bita Dabir, Lilian Soliemani
Chris Blackwell, Carla Mullins, Noel Cross
Vivian Soliemani, Nicole Derner, Adriana Porter