Greater Palm Springs May 2017 by Locale Magazine

#62

S T Y LE ///B E AU T Y EDI T I ON

MICHAEL COSTELLO

SPLISH SPLASH

FIVE MUSTHAVES FOR THIS YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SPLASH HOUSE

DESERT DECADES

FINDING THE VINTAGE HOT-SPOTS IN PALM SPRINGS

JUST EAT IT BRING YOUR

APPETITE TO THE GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK FOR A 10-DAY CULINARY QUEST

A-DOORABLE

THE BUBBLE GUM PINK DOOR THAT BARBIE WISHES SHE HAD

MOJAVE ROCK RANCH

ALIVE ON ARRIVAL MAY 20 3-6PM L O C A L E I S S U E R E L E A S E PA R T Y RSVP

www.aliveonarrival.eventbrite.com

A R R I V E PA L M S P R I N G S

1551 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY MICHAEL COSTELLO

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Contributor Call Out PHOTO BY:

BRADLEY BLACKBURN bradleyblackburn.com @bradleyblackburn_com Cover Story - The Magic Behind the Science Mojave Rock Ranch 2015 Sunfair Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 DATE TAKEN: MARCH 25, 2017

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MICHAEL COSTELLO www.shopcostello.com @michaelcostello Photoshoot Location: MOJAVE ROCK RANCH 2015 Sunfair Rd Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Home Provided By: HÔM SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 111 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.537.2911 www.homgroup.com LISTING AGENT: Marc Lange | BRE #01407481

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THE TEAM ERIK HALE Publisher + Founder erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e ASHLEY SMITH COO/Co-Founder ashley@localemagazine.com | @ashleyelainexo REILLY KAVANAUGH Art Director reilly@localemagazine.com | @localereilly | @reillyek EDITORIAL TAMARA PHILIPS Editor tamara@localemagazine.com | @candid.california JORDAN LIGONS Editor jordan@localemagazine.com | @justjayyL CHELSEA RAINERI Editor chelsea@localemagazine.com | @chelsearaineri CHARLOTTE FARRELL Editor charlotte@localemagazine.com | @charlottefarrell RANDI SLUSHER Photoshoot Coordinator randi@localemagazine.com | @randi.slusher SALES & MARKETING MIKE TODD SMITH Sr. Market Manager mts@localemagazine.com | @miketoddsmith JASON KOSKY Sr. Market Manager jason@localemagazine.com | @locale_jason BLAINE MULLIGAN Market Manager blaine@localemagazine.com | @localeblainemulligan JAMES ULRICH Market Manager james@localemagazine.com | @j_bubbs JOEL THOMPSON Market Manager joel@localemagazine.com | @joelclaythompson BRIANNA ROMANO Partnerships + Marketing Director brianna@localemagazine.com | @briannabanawna FINANCE VALERIE KERR Accountant accounting@localemagazine.com DISTRIBUTION RICK RAMIREZ & ROBERT JONES

THE CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ASHLEE POLAREK inspirationfromexploration.wordpress.com | @thegreatbigwonder ASHLEY RUIZ thatlawriter.com | @ashleysitasays CARLI CRITCHFIELD @gnarlycarli DR. PAULA TRIMBLE-FAMILETTI drtrimble-familetti.com ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING literarilyemc.com | @el2aine ELENA KHURY khuryskravings.wordpress.com | @khuryskravings ERICA JOHNSON onmogul.com/erica-johnson-85 | @ericabjohnson & @phitn52 GABRIELLE ABENOJA @gabbyface_ KARLI KARANDOS karlirosetravel.wordpress.com | @karankar KELLY EMMER kellyemmerphotography.com MATTHEW BURKE @matthewcraigburke | MIMI DANG NICOLE HAKIM sultanvilebetranger.tumblr.com | @nikkicola24 QUINTAN VALLES @qvalles PHOTOGRAPHERS ADAM GENTRY gentryimages.com | @adamgentry ANDREA DOMJAN andreadomjanphotography.com | @andrea_domjan_photography BIANCA SIMONIAN biancasimonian.com | @bianca_sphotography BRADLEY BLACKBURN bradleyblackburn.com | @bradleyblackburn_com DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS nobleandrews.com | @nobleandrews GEORGE DUCHANNES duchannes.com | @georgeduchannes HILARY PETERS hilarypetersphotography.com | @h.p.photo JANE CHOUTEAU janechouteau.com | MATHEW MARTINEZ @2mb_imagery SAL CAVAZOS scavazos05.wixsite.com/salcavazos | @s_cavazos ZOË MICHELLE zoe-michelle.com | @z0emichelle FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T S NEIL COHEN neilcohenstyle.com | @neilcohenstyle BEAUTY STYLISTS ALEX SEXTON | BRIAN KELLER theblondedoor.com | @keller_ps HEATHER BALAAM hbmua.com | @hb.makeupartist ROCHELLE RANDALL thepopularmovement.com | @rochellerandall *For full information on our contributors go to www.localemagazine.com/about LO CA L E M AG A Z I N E 2755 Bristol St Ste 295, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949.436.8910 • www.localemagazine.com @localemagazine • #localemagazine

All rights reserved © 2017, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without express written prior permission of the copyright owner.

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ph: 949.436.8910 | fax: 949.682.4807 info@localemagazine.com Locale Magazine is printed by SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING 13650 Gramercy Pl, Gardena, CA 90249 | 310.323.0112 | www.southwestoffset.com

COVER

Photographed By: Bradley Blackburn, bradleyblackburn.com | @bradleyblackburn_com Model: Michael Costello, www.shopcostello.com | @michaelcostello Styled By: Neil Cohen, neilcohenstyle.com | @neilcohenstyle Location: Mojave Rock Ranch, 2015 Sunfair Rd, Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Home Provided By: HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty, 111 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 | 760.537.2911 | www.homgroup.com Listing Agent: Marc Lange | BRE # 01407481 Shirt Provided By: J.Crew, www.jcrew.com Jeans Provided By: Topman, www.us.topman.com

MAKING THE ISSUE Having just wrapped up El Paseo Fashion Week in Palm Desert, Michael Costello and his Administrative Assistant, Jesse Castell, joined us at Mojave Rock Ranch just outside of Joshua Tree. The two strolled in wearing casual active wear but Costello was also wearing a black felt hat that he handmade and shaped himself. “It was crazy hard and took forever, but I love it,” said Costello. As soon as Costello arrived, he greeted everyone on the team and started documenting the amazing home we were shooting at on social media. The home was a creative’s paradise, with artifacts from all over the world everywhere you looked. Plus, you can’t beat the 360 degree view of the Mojave Desert and snow covered mountain tops. “We kept the equipment at a minimum intentionally to capture the natural light of the desert,” said photographer Bradley Blackburn. While Costello is known for only wearing black, he loved the colorful wardrobe pulled by celebrity stylist Neil Cohen. “I can’t believe I got Michael Costello to wear color!” said Cohen. Costello even took a few of the pieces home with him once we wrapped. “Michael was fun and we can see why clients choose his clothes. Not only for the fabulous styling, but also his inclusive nature and fun personality,” said Blackburn post-shoot.

A NOTE FROM OUR

PUBLISHER

"But if fashion were easy, wouldn’t everybody look great?" —Tim Gunn, “Project Runway” Fashion has always seemed easy to me. All of my black t-shirts seem to perfectly match my black Levi's. A much more sophisticated version of fashion comes just as easy to our cover feature—Palm Springs native and fashion designer, Michael Costello. ‘Easy’ probably isn’t the correct word. Things always seem to come easiest to those who work hard. Costello taught himself to sew, opened his first boutique and was featured in Vogue all while he was still a teenager. Costello also loves black clothes. For our feature story in Joshua Tree we were able to coax him into some brighter colors. Our STYLE///BEAUTY issue is packed to the purse strings with content. Fashion is nothing if not trendy, but the real trick is to be on the forefront of a trend. There is a swing in popularity toward brightly colored makeup that

we cover in Poppin' Pantones (p. 73), making everything that’s old, new again as we scavenge the best local vintage shops in Desert Decades (p. 85) and our take on the hottest bridal themes in our Bridal Guide (p. 53)...our favorite is Beach Bride, shhhhh. We also question a bevy of local fashion influencers for their take on what’s next in our Style/Beauty Experts (p. 35). In case you aren’t into STYLE///BEAUTY we did not leave you out. This issue is filled with food and travel as well. We give you a comprehensive list of where to eat during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week (p. 99) and where to find the best bloody marys in Southern California (p. 92). We also take you on amazing summer vacations in South Africa (p. 132) and Las Vegas (p. 142).

P.S. It has been a year now that we have been making this Greater Palm Springs edition. We are so grateful to each and every reader for the kindness and loyalty you have shown in our first year. We hope you can join us on May 20 to celebrate the launch of the issue at our Alive on Arrival party, poolside at ARRIVE Palm Springs from 3-6 p.m., with a special appearance by Michael Costello.

ERIK HALE

PUBLISHER + FOUNDER erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e

Photograph By: Jared Schlachet & Joe Magnani of JSquared Photography

LOCALE MAGAZINE

TA BL E CO NTEN T S of

M AY 2 0 1 7

THIS ISSUE: STYLE/BEAUTY

Splash House Essentials

Coolest Places to Shop

SPLISH SPLASH

SHOP HERE FOR THE #SWAG

Five Must-Haves for This Year’s Splash House

Some of the Coolest Places to Shop in Southern California

42 Cover Story

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SCIENCE

Michael Costello Unravels His Love of Aesthetics and What it's Like to Live a Life of Fashion

That's What She Said

Style/Beauty Experts

DESERT DECADES

TRENDY TENDENCIES

Finding the Vintage Hot-Spots in Palm Springs

These Style and Beauty Experts are Passionate About Their Trade

Bridal Guide

MY BIG FAT SOCAL WEDDING

Tips, Tricks and Inspo to Make Your SoCal Wedding Planning Seamless

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Fashion Spread

POPPIN’ PANTONES

Show Your True Colors With Sephora’s Color Poppin’ Products

Leeds & Son 70th Anniversary

A PLATINUM ANNIVERSARY FOR A DESERT DIAMOND Leeds & Son Celebrates 70 Years of Fine Jewelry

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TA BL E CO NTEN T S of

M AY 2 0 1 7

LOCALENDAR

GO/DO

20 Events to Spring To

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

Where to be Monday-Sunday

Summer Michelada

INSTA-STYLE

Trendsetting Instagrams We Love

EAT/DRINK

111

142

Do Expert

Away Feature

A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

FRESH SQUEEZED FUN

Meet Seven Young Influencers Who Have Made Their Passions a Reality

A METHOD TO MICHELADA MADNESS

Celebrate This Cinco de Mayo With a Modelo Michelada at Red O Taste of Mexico

Spend Your Vegas Vacay at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

92 Bomb Bloodies

Meals Deconstructed

BUON APPETITO

Experience Chef Arturo Casillasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Fresh Approach to a Classic Dish

ABSOBLOODYLUTELY

126

Humanitarian Profile

SENSE-ATIONAL COOKING

How People With Reduced Vision Manage the Kitchen

HOME/AWAY

148

Bacon, Burgers and Celery Topped Goodness

Setting the Table

SHARING IS CARING

Chef Jose Reynaldo Encourages Sharing at SHARE Small Plate Bistro

108 Local Sound

GET ON THE BUS, GUS

Jump on Board the 111 Music Festival

Eat Feature

JUST EAT IT

Bring Your Appetite to The Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week for a 10-Day Culinary Quest

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132

Escape: South Africa

INTO THE WILD

Experience a Luxurious Adventure to South Africa

152

Su Casa

MODERN MUSE

Welcome Home to Your Palm Springs Paradise

140 #ThatPinkDoor

A-DOOR-ABLE

The Bubble Gum Pink Door That Barbie Wishes She Had

LOCALENDAR 20 Events to Spring To WRITTEN BY: MIMI DANG

LOCALE LAUNCH PARTY May 20

PALM SPRINGS VINTAGE MARKET May 7

¢ LOCALE will be launching

the Greater Palm Springs May issue at ARRIVE in Palm Springs. Come for a night to remember and celebrate the new issue with a cocktail in hand. With amenities including a beautiful pool, ARRIVE is the perfect spot to enjoy your evening. www.aliveonarrival.eventbrite.com

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WOMEN’S GOLF DAY AT INDIAN WELLS COUNTRY CLUB June 6

4TH OF JULY AT POWER BASEBALL'S STADIUM July 4 ¢ Come celebrate an all

¢ Women’s Golf Day is a one day, four-hour event that celebrates girls and women in playing golf. Their mission is to empower and support women, as well as teach them the game of golf, the rules, the lingo and skills that will last a lifetime. The most important lesson? To have fun and make new friends! www.womensgolfday.com

BLACKLIGHT RUN May 13 ¢ This will be the brightest and most fun 5K you’ve ever experienced! Doesn’t matter if you run, walk or dance, the only thing that matters is that you’re having fun. You’ll find multiple Blacklight Zones with glow powder throughout the course, so you’ll never have a shortage of neon! Race begins at 7:30 p.m.! www.blacklightrun.com/indioca 16 LOCALE MAGAZINE

American 4th of July at the Palm Springs Stadium. The POWER goes against So. Nevada Coyotes at 6:05 p.m., and after the gates to the stadium will open for a firework extravaganza. Come early to get the the best seats in the house! palmspringspowerbaseball.com

LITTLE CHEFS AT THE CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM Every Thursday ¢ Little Chefs teaches kids easy hands-on cooking essentials like measuring, counting and following directions. The class will unveil your child’s creativity and help inspire them to become confident chefs, inside and outside the kitchen! www.cdmod.org

PALM DESERT FIRST WEEKEND May 4-May 7 ¢ Discover new things to

do in Palm Desert at First Weekend. Enjoy the featured event in May, the Grand Finale Weekend of Concerts, with live entertainment planned each day. Ongoing events include Cruise Night, El Paseo Art Walk, Street Fair, dining specials, yoga, and more. Check online to see more details of participants, locations and times! www.pdfirstweekend.com

SINGING BOWL SOUND MEDITATION May 7

¢ The history of sound therapy

through Tibetan Singing Bowls dates back centuries. When the bowls are struck by a wooden mallet, it generates a powerful sound that ripples outward and bathes your entire body with pure sonic energy. The harmonic tones promote a deep sense of relaxation, as it creates balance in the mind and body. The Singing Bowl Meditation is $20 at Bikram Yoga Plus Coachella Valley. Remember to bring a mat, pillow and a light blanket! www.byuvpd.com

¢ Whether you are looking for vintage or midcentury modern pieces, the Palm Springs Vintage Market is the place to find one-of-a-kind pieces! With cacti and palm trees as your backdrop, this outdoor market delivers a unique experience for treasure hunting! Admission is $5 and parking is free. palmspringsvintagemarket.com

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY Starting May 1 ¢ Purchase the Summer Pass for the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to receive unlimited tram rides through Aug. 31, free parking, 10 percent off

at Peaks Restaurant and Pines Café, and 10 percent off additional admissions. The price is $80 for adults and $40 for children ages three to 12. www.pstramway.com

FREE FILMS ON THE GREAT LAWN AT SUNNYLANDS May 12, May 19, May 26 ¢ In partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Society, three classic coming of age films will be playing at the Great Lawn at Sunnylands. The films include Stand by Me (May 12), Now and Then (May 19) and The Sandlot (May 26). Make it a picnic and pack a light meal, and bring a blanket and some lawn chairs. Leave fido and the booze at home though, as those are not permitted. Gates open at 7:30 p.m., film begins at 8 p.m.! www.sunnylands.org

GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK June 2-June 11

SUNDAY FARMERS’ MARKET IN OLD TOWN LA QUINTA Every Sunday ¢ The Cultural Center’s mission

with the Farmers’ Market is to provide the community with fresh and local produce with at least 50 percent of their vendors being 100 percent organic. You’ll be able to shop for fruits, veggies, and herbs, as well as eggs, meats, breads and nuts. Be sure to bring your own reusable grocery bag too! The Farmers’ Market runs every Sunday on Main Street from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. www.certifiedfarmersmarkets.org

¢ As Father’s Day approaches, take your dad to experience world class golfing at Classic Club Golf! The 18-hole course was built by Arnold Palmer and is set up for seasoned golfers, yet fair for decent strikers too. With panoramic views of the San Bernardino Mountains, a rolling terrain, 30 acres of water features, 14 bridges, as well as a plethora of pine trees, this will be an unforgettable experience for Father’s Day!

¢ Treat the mothers in your life right by taking her to a hip, yet casual brunch at Jake’s! Order their bloody mary, which has horseradish infused vodka—it’s feisty punch will kick start your Mother’s Day for sure! Their brunch menu has a variety of options, ranging from fresh and filling, like the Caprese Frittata, to hearty with their Lobster Roll.

¢ The Palm Springs Air Museum commemorates our veterans for their brave and heroic roles in World War II with a symbolic flower drop from a B-52 bomber. The flower drop includes over 3,000 red and white carnations. There will be food vendors and a beer garden for adults 21 and older, as well as rides in a C-47! The drop is scheduled for 1 p.m.

www.jakespalmsprings.com

www.palmspringsairmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL SHORTFEST June 20-June 26

SPLASH HOUSE POOL PARTY June 9-11 & August 11-13

FATHER’S DAY AT CLASSIC CLUB GOLF June 18

www.classicclubgolf.com

THE SAGUARO ART EXHIBITION OPENING June 8 ¢ The Saguaro will be

housing a new exhibition of original artworks from The Palm Springs Art Museum Artist Council this summer! The displayed art will be for sale and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Palm Springs Art Museum. The exhibit will be free and open to the public.

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT JAKE’S PALM SPRINGS May 14

¢ This will be The

International ShortFest’s 23rd year, and still maintains being the largest showing of short films in North America! The ShortFest will have more than 300 short films from all over the world, along with an exciting lineup of seminars and presentations! Tickets are now available for the public.

MEMORIAL DAY FLOWER DROP May 29

CHRIS ROCK AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT CASINO June 9 ¢ Chris Rock returns to the stage to do a highly anticipated stand up show that is sure to be hilarious. His long and successful career in both film and television, makes this a show you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets online. Show begins at 8 p.m.

¢ Greater Palm Springs

Restaurant Week makes it easy for you to sample all the good eats from Palm Springs to Indio. A perfectly seared steak or perhaps the Tower of Eggplant? Restaurant Week allows you to explore and find new places to dine, so the choice is yours! dineGPS.com

NEW EXHIBITION AT PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN CENTER March 11-June 26 ¢ Coinciding with the inaugural presentation of Desert X, the international art biennial in the Coachella Valley, the museum presents On the Grid: a look at settlement patterns in the high desert, an exhibition focused around Lay of My Land, a major sculptural work by the Joshua Tree-based artist Andrea Zittel. Admission to the A+D Center is free! www.psmuseum.org

www.visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

¢ Splash House comes back to the desert to celebrate its fifth year at three resorts: The Renaissance, Riviera, and Saguaro. Combining poolside fashion and electronic music, Splash House has brought in the likes of Flume, Odesza and Kygo. Guests must be 21 and older and tickets can be purchased online. www.splashhouse.com

www.psfilmfest.org/2017shortfest

www.thesaguaro.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 17

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

PASSING THE BARRE Nancy Meisler Feels the Burn After an Active Week in the Desert

EXPERT: Nancy Meisler CREDENTIALS: Owner, Pure Barre Palm Desert

MONDAY ¢ Kicking off a busy work week at Pure Barre with Sam and the 6 a.m. warriors! This low impact, high intensity workout defines the physique, strengthens the core, and increases flexibility and balance. Warning: It’s addicting! purebarre.com/ca-palmdesert TUESDAY ¢ Heading to Whole Foods Market for a quick, healthy lunch break and a chat with our catering friends who provided the delicious snacks for the studio’s anniversary celebration. wholefoodsmarket.com WEDNESDAY

¢ Frequent walks in the

desert sand with my white goldendoodle, Lola, lead to gray paws and a dirty face! Time for a visit to Uptown Dog Grooming for a bath and a little pampering with Adriana. She even gets to choose her own cubby! uptowndoggrooming.com THURSDAY ¢ Time for a weekly check in with Mitchell’s Place, a nonprofit comprehensive treatment center for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder named in honor of my son, Mitchell. As cofounder and member of its Board of Directors, Mitchell’s

PURE BARRE PALM DESERT 72-624 El Paseo, Ste C5 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.836.0333 www.purebarre.com/ca-palmdesert

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Place balances out my professional life and keeps me mindful of the importance of serving one’s community. mitchells-place.com FRIDAY ¢ A busy day for checking inventory and displaying all the great spring and summer activewear styles in the studio. All this fashion makes me think about accessorizing, so I go visit my friends at Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers to admire their exquisite jewelry collections! leedsandson.com SATURDAY ¢ I like to wind down on the weekend—shop, take a road trip to the coast, catch up on my reading (mysteries and thrillers are my favorite). I’ll end the evening with friends at Mitch’s on El Paseo for sushi (try the El Paseo (MK) Roll) and wine. mitchsonelpaseo.com SUNDAY ¢ Always a treat to sleep in and have a leisurely breakfast before heading to the studio for morning classes. Looking forward to talking to my staff and clients about the week ahead. As we say at Pure Barre: Eat, Sleep, Barre, Repeat…

“Frequent walks in the desert sand with my white goldendoodle, Lola, lead to gray paws and a dirty face! Time for a visit to Uptown Dog Grooming for a bath and a little pampering with Adriana.”

Photographed By: Jane Chouteau

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

QUITE THE SPECTACLE Steven Niezgoda of Panache Optical Gallery Dishes on Fun Spots for a Night Out

EXPERT: Steven Niezgoda CREDENTIALS: Owner of Panache Optical Gallery

MONDAY ¢ Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar is my standby and, for those in the know, an all you can eat menu is available upon request. After dining I typically dedicate my time at home doing laps in the pool. okurasushi.com TUESDAY ¢ On any given day, I like to attend local art events that inspire the creativity found in many of our custom frame designs. When I’m not creating at work for a client, a charitable cause, or our showroom, I’m enjoying a relaxing night out. Since my partner and I work seven days a week, downtime in the evenings is especially important to us. WEDNESDAY ¢ After dining, sometimes at Mister Parker’s, I like to walk the grounds at The Parker and sip cocktails with friends around an open fire. theparkerpalmsprings.com THURSDAY ¢ Village Fest at 4 p.m. is a perfect time to find early

parking behind Panache Optical Gallery and shop our extensive selection of eyewear before the festivities begin. villagefest.org FRIDAY ¢ Find me fine dining at Le Vallauris, Copley’s, or Dish. levallauris.com copleyspalmsprings.com dishcreativecuisine.com SATURDAY ¢ Disco ‘LIZ’ Nightclub at Oscar’s Café & Bar is a fun place to take my mind off work and unwind, or I’ll go for a quiet night out at The New York Company Restaurant to enjoy a live piano performance. oscarspalmsprings.com thenycps.com SUNDAY ¢ You may find me at The Tropicale for happy hour with friends, and then later attending the Judy Show at the Purple Room to support the local talent and Owner, Michael Holmes. thetropicale.com purpleroompalmsprings.com

“On any given day, I like to attend local art events that inspire the creativity found in many of our custom frame designs.”

PANACHE OPTICAL GALLERY 285 S Palm Canyon Dr, Ste D2 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.7284 www.panacheog.com

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Photographed By: George Duchannes

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

RISE AND SHINE Erin Scott Shares Her Favorite Palm Desert Meeting and Hangout Spots

EXPERT: Erin Scott CREDENTIALS: Marketing & PR Manager of The Living Desert

MONDAY ¢ To start my week off with a jolt, I swing by IW Coffee and indulge on their classic cappuccino and out-of-thisworld homemade scones with fresh berry jam. TUESDAY ¢ To reconnect with friends, we’ll meet at Piero’s PizzaVino on El Paseo. The bar features happy hour prices all night and provides an intimate place to wine and dine. Inside Scoop: get the Brussel Sprouts—they are amazing! ppizzavino.com WEDNESDAY ¢ I’ll call this ‘Wild Wednesday’ at The Living Desert—an ideal day would include a morning hike on the zoo’s trails, giraffe feeding, butterfly encounters, photographing the gardens and watching the cheetahs run! livingdesert.org THURSDAY

¢ I like to schedule breakfast

meetings, and my favorite place is Wilma & Frieda. This lovely café features amazing food, great coffees and a friendly hometown vibe. The Marion Blackberry Vanilla Custard French Toast is a favorite choice! wilmafrieda.com

FRIDAY ¢ To unwind from the week, my husband and I will meet with friends at Mr. Lyons for dinner, then head into their speakeasy, Seymour’s, for a late night. Craft cocktails, a killer wine list and wonderful food complete this classic Palm Springs hangout. mrlyonsps.com SATURDAY ¢ My favorite Saturday starts with a rockin’ Vinyasa Flow at Yoga Central taught by the one-and-only April Jones, followed by a stop at Fresh Juice Bar to help fuel the rest of my morning and afternoon. yogacentrallaquinta.com freshjuicebar.com SUNDAY ¢ My husband and I will start the day with a dogfriendly hike, like The Cross Hike/Homestead Trail in Palm Desert, and then follow it up with a Sunday Funday brunch at the Vue Grille & Bar in Indian Wells. vuegrilleandbar.com

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDEN 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.5694 www.livingdesert.org

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Photographed By: George Duchannes

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

THE END 55872 Twentynine Palms Highway Yucca Valley, CA 92284 760.418.5536 www.theendyuccavalley.tumblr.com

FREE SPIRIT

A Yucca Valley Local Shares Under the Radar Spots for Vintage Finds

EXPERT: Kime Buzzelli-Hosford CREDENTIALS: Owner of The End

MONDAY ¢ I love starting my day by grabbing coffee at Frontier Cafe. They also make a delicious Breakfast Salad; sounds weird but it's tasty and healthy. At night I go to Pappy & Harriet’s saloon in Pioneertown. They have the best local open mic and amazing barbecue. cafefrontier.com pappyandharriets.com TUESDAY

¢ I go to the Beauty Bubble

Salon and Museum to get my hair colored by Emily who is a true artist with fun colors. The owner, Jeff Hafler, has filled the dreamy space with fun retro pics and candy colored hair dryers. Think ‘John Waters happy place.’ WEDNESDAY ¢ I’ll venture to Joshua Tree to the Grateful Desert Herb Shoppe & EcoMarket to get my favorite soaps and tinctures. Next door at The Natural Sisters Cafe I am always tempted to order a homemade mixed berry slice of pie. Incredible and vegan! Early evening Instant Karma Yoga has a yoga class with crystal bowl sound bath! gratefuldesert.com thenaturalsisterscafe.com THURSDAY ¢ I always go to La Copine to meet my local pals for our own breakfast club. Everything is made from scratch and tastes out of this world. I adore the Smoke & Hash dish and the

Coconut Rice Pudding is to die for. Weekends often have an hour wait. Then I love to look at new and used records at Hoodoo and chat with Owner, Scott. lacopinekitchen.com vinylhunt.com/stores/2606 FRIDAY

¢ Breakfast at Cali Greens

for gluten free pancakes with berries, then I’ll head to Morongo Valley to Cactus Mart for succulent plants,cacti and gifts. At night, friends often meet at the Joshua Tree Saloon for a fun night of karaoke or go to Twentynine Palms in the warmer months to go and see a drive-in movie at Smith's Ranch. cactusmart.com 29drive-in.com SATURDAY

¢ I like to go to the local Sky

Village Swap Meet to find treasures. Built inside an old drive-in movie theater, it boasts a Crystal Cave, stained glass old western structures, Dakota Bob's Western Wear, and a country cafe. skyvillageswapmeet.com SUNDAY ¢ I'm at C&S Coffee Shop, a family run restaurant that has been here forever. It’s a local favorite for french toast or an avocado swiss omelet with their homemade salsa. Nearby is Route 62 Vintage Marketplace, which has incredible vintage home decor and art from midcentury to rustic finds.

Photographed By: Bianca Simonian

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IN STA- STYLE Trendsetting Instagrams We

JEREMY SCOTT @itsjeremyscott

OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS @rancholaspalmas

SPLASH HOUSE @splashhouse

VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS @palmspringsoasis

LEEDS & SON @leedsandson

KELLY GOLIGHTLY @kellygolightly

PALMS SPRINGS ART MUSEUM @psartmuseum

FASHION WEEK EL PASEO @fashionweekelpaseo

GRAYSE @mkgrayse

F O LLO W LO CA LE M AG A Z I N E O N I N STAG R A M @localemagazine â&#x20AC;¢ #localemagazine

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From the Pages Of LOCALE ORANGE COUNTY

Photoshoot Location RED O TASTE OF MEXICO 143 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.718.0300 www.redorestaurant.com

A METHOD TO

MICHELADA MADNESS Celebrate This Cinco de Mayo With a Modelo Michelada at Red O Taste of Mexico WRITTEN BY: ELENA KHURY PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MATHEW MARTINEZ

Looking for where to spend Thirsty Thursday this Cinco de Mayo? Red O Taste of Mexico at Fashion Island Newport Beach is the place to be! With amazing Mexican cocktails and great food specials, Red O has what you need to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Our personal favorite is the Modelo Michelada. If you have never tried this drink before, just imagine a Mexican bloody mary with an ice cold cerveza (beer). A michelada’s flavor reflects the true origin of its name, mi chela helada, means "my cold beer." It’s a fun drink that starts with authentic Mexican beer—like Modelo Especial—mixed with salt,

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lime, ice, and a mixer of your choice. Heat things up with your favorite spices, add any garnish you can imagine, and enjoy! This Cinco de Mayo at Red O Taste of Mexico, celebrate with live music and food and drink specials all night including $5 beer, $5 Modelo Micheladas, and $10 Cabo Wabo Margaritas. Live music will include classic rock in the bar and lounge, and a DJ featuring tropical beats in the outdoor pavilion. Also, enjoy complimentary Cabo Wabo shot girls and a Grand Marnier bar. Join the party at Red O Taste of Mexico this Cinco de Mayo; you won’t want to miss out on all the fun!

HOW TO MAKE A RED O TASTE OF MEXICO MICHELADA Ingredients: • 12 oz. Modelo Especial • 3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice • 1/4 oz. Bloody Mary Seasoning mix • 1/4 oz. Worcestershire Sauce • 1/4 oz. Tomato Juice • Dash of Tapatio • Salt • Pepper • Lime • Ice

PHOTO BY: ZoÃ« Michelle

STYLE

///BEAUTY

MAY 2017

COOLEST PLACES TO SHOP Make Sure to Shop at One of These Top SoCal Destinations

STYLE/BEAUTY EXPERTS Seven Influential Style and Beauty Experts Talk Trends

COVER STORY Michael Costello Reveals the Science and Magic Behind Fashion

BRIDAL GUIDE Your Complete SoCal Bridal Guide

FASHION SPREAD 42 Sephora Products to Add Some Color Into Your Makeup Routine

SPLASH HOUSE ESSENTIALS From Swimsuits to Fun Pool Accessories, We Got You Covered

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID Desert Decades

Finding the Vintage Hot-Spots in Palm Springs

THE FINE ART OF DESIGN 73717 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.565.7388 www.thefineartofdesign.com

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID Great Vintage Finds in Greater Palm Springs

LEEDS & SON 70TH ANNIVERSARY Leeds & Son Fine Jewelry Kicks Off Platinum Year

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STYLE/BEAUTY

SHOP HERE FOR THE #SWAG Some of the Coolest Places to Shop in Southern California

Greater Palm Springs GRAYSE

WRITTEN BY: TAMARA PHILIPS Shopping is more than a hobby or a weekend activity to pass the time— it’s an experience. Whether you’re browsing through racks or on a mission for one specific item, you’re sure to stop and take in all of the details of a store if it’s decorated seamlessly or has an impeccable display. Here are some of the coolest places to shop in Southern California to really gain that blissful shopping experience.

Greater Palm Springs TRINA TURK

Greater Palm Springs THE FRIPPERY

73130 El Paseo, Ste H, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.3303 | www.mkgrayse.com

891 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.2856 | www.trinaturk.com

664 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.5365 | www.thefrippery.com

San Diego

Los Angeles

RANDOMS BOUTIQUE

GOLD LEAF

FLOWERBOY PROJECT

2225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 619.738.8120 | www.goldleafsouthpark.com

824 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA, 90291 310.452.3900 | www.flowerboyproject.com

Los Angeles

Orange County

GUM TREE SHOP & CAFE

238 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310.376.8744 | www.gumtreela.com

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SEPHORA

3333 Bristol St, Ste 1001, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.429.9130 | www.sephora.com

ON QUE STYLE

2900 East Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.717.7795 | www.onquestyle.com

PHOTOS - GRAYSE: GREGG FELSEN

1114 N Coast Hwy 101, Ste 1, Encinitas, CA 92024 760.419.9217 | www.randomsboutique.bigcartel.com

THE FINE ART OF DESIGN 73717 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 | 760.565.7388 | www.thefineartofdesign.com

PHOTO BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

STYLE/BEAUTY EXPERTS

TRENDY TENDENCIES THESE STYLE AND BEAUTY EXPERTS ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR TRADE WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER & ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GENTRY, JANE CHOUTEAU & BIANCA SIMONIAN

CONVERSATIONS OF STYLE AND BEAUTY ARE CAPTIVATING AND ENTICING TOPICS AS THEY CARRY DEEP MEANING FOR PEOPLE WORLDWIDE. TO SOME, STYLE IS A MINDSET; TO OTHERS A PHYSICAL WARDROBE STITCHED TO PERFECTION, MEANT FOR MANY TO ENJOY. BEAUTY, ON THE OTHER HAND, HAS A NATURE ALL ITS OWN, FROM INNER FEELINGS AND PERSONALITIES TO OUTWARD PROJECTIONS THAT THE EYE EASILY RECOGNIZES. IN THIS ISSUE, WE CAUGHT UP WITH SEVERAL FASCINATING WOMEN DEEMED EXPERTS IN THEIR OWN RIGHT. THEY SHARED EVERYTHING FROM HOW THEY LAUNCHED THEIR CAREERS TO WHAT STYLE AND BEAUTY MEANS TO THEM.

“I decided on handbags and accessories and that is where my travel experience helped me. I discovered so many emerging designers from around the world that complemented the special ZENSE sense of style.” —Penny Gundry

Penny Gundry OWNER OF ZENSE Q: Your store has a pretty unique name! How did you come up with ZENSE? Penny Gundry: Creating a name for my boutique was a challenge since I wanted the store to have an Asian sensibility. One evening, my husband and I shared a bottle of wine (red wine, of course, per Dr. Gundry) and we played with the word ZEN and suddenly, ZENSE appeared. It had good mouth feel, just like the wine we were drinking. Of course, once I opened ZENSE, customers wanted to know what the word meant so I had to create a definition which was incorporated into our marketing: ZENSE (zen(t)s. noun) the Eastern practice of integrating the five senses to achieve ultimate harmony and fulfillment.

ZENSE 73255 El Paseo, Ste 20 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.0789 www.zensecollection.com

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Q: To what do you owe your store success over the years? PG: My step daughter, Melissa, is my store manager and is really responsible for the current success of ZENSE. She is my greatest joy and the person I look forward to seeing the most when going to work. Over the course of the 15 years ZENSE has been open, we have developed many strong friendships with our loyal customer base and it is such a pleasure to have them enjoy the store year after year.

Q: What would you say has been one of your biggest accomplishments? PG: Being voted one of GPS's favorite females influencers has been quite an honor. It is a confirmation that the styles, attitudes and design, which I make available at ZENSE and which are a reflection of me, resonate strongly among so many discerning women and men within our community. Q: You were originally pursuing an interior design degree. How did it lead to the creation of ZENSE? PG: After graduating, I realized I had made a grave mistake and did not want to spend a year with a client deciding which shade of white paint to use in the interior of a home. So, the question became: what to do with the degree I had worked so hard to obtain? At that time, I had zero retail experience, but I had a concept of what the ideal shopping experience would consist of and I saw an opportunity to use my skills in the design and merchandising of a storefront. Upon completion of construction, the real challenge was: What sort of merchandise should I fill the shelves with? I decided on handbags and accessories and that is where my travel experience helped me. I discovered so many emerging designers from around the world that complemented the special ZENSE sense of style.

WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

Q: You seem to do quite a bit of traveling. Do you have any favorite or inspirational stores? PG: My favorite boutique in NYC was HANS Koch on Prince Street. He and his business partner, Reggie, created handmade handbags out of gorgeous German leathers in about 500-square-feet of space. The showroom was in the front of the store and the design and manufacturing area was in the rear. The designs and colors that Hans created were a perfect complement to ZENSE. Unfortunately, Hans and Reggie retired and his sort of boutique is a dying breed in big cities. I always enjoy the gift store at the Museum of Arts and Design at 2 Columbus Circle [in NYC]. It presents a very nice selection of new innovative talent in the jewelry world.

Q: Are you ever faced with uncomfortable decision-making? How do you handle it? PG: When faced with conflict, my modus operandi has always been to walk away from it. As a business owner, this approach is not realistic and I have had to find a balance. Now, I am more willing to listen to the points of view of all parties involved. If it comes to an impasse and all sides have a valid point, I apply the baseball rule and the tie goes to the runner or in other words, the customer.

“Indulge in the surrounding natural beauty and dedicate time to the most important person— yourself.” —Monica Donato

Sofia Enriquez ARTIST FEATURED AT THE FINE ART OF DESIGN Q: Are you a born and raised local? What made you want to pursue an artistic career? Sofia Enriquez: I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley. I lived in Los Angeles for four years to attend Otis College of Art and Design. I decided to move back to the desert and create art here because there was more room here. Q: Has art always been your career of choice? What passions have piqued your interest since the beginning? SE: Fashion and art have always been my biggest passions. I originally went to Otis for fashion design, but I was more interested in repurposing thrift clothes and painting at a large scale than pattern making. I focused more on illustration and painting during college, but once I graduated I combined them both by painting on vintage clothing.

WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

Q: They say it’s challenging to have a profitable business during the summer months here, and as you know many businesses close. What has been your philosophy of success for harder times? SE: I just keep painting. It's down time for a lot of people, but a great time to go out and explore to stay inspired. Honestly, it never really feels like work, it's more like, 'me time.' Q: The Coachella Valley is a small, family-like community. Do you utilize any type of community-outreach or partnership to not only help your business thrive, but other local businesses as well? SE: I work a lot of the Coachella Valley Art Scene non-profit events because it's the kind of organization that helps other artists find a space to create. CVAS uses art as a tool to activate spaces and all kinds of people, and I've done a lot of murals on their behalf and have had opportunities to showcase my art. Q: What motivates you to come to work every morning? Are there a variety of inspirations? SE: Seeing something new is my biggest motivation. I have experienced art everyday. Sometimes it's my personal work, a student's work, a masterpiece, or something floating around online. My eyes crave change so I have to search for it or make it.

Monica Donato SPA DIRECTOR, OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS Q: Are you a born and raised local? If not, what made you want to go into business in this specific area? Monica Donato: I am proud to have been raised in the Palm Springs area. The desert is such a tranquil and healing environment, which created a perfect foundation for my passion in wellness. Q: Has this always been your career of choice? If so, what is your main passion that has piqued your interest since the beginning? MD: I was fortunate enough to 'fall into' the wellness industry early in my career. Natural healing practices have always been an influence in my life. I was always inspired and amazed at the passion and energy that therapists and estheticians provided to their guests, in addition to the natural healing that can be received through massage therapy and relaxation.

Q: Who are your role models? SE: My mom and my aunt. Neither of them are artists, but I admire their work ethic and how they build trusting relationships with the people they work with. My aunt came to the US and found a job as a seamstress, though she had never sewn a day in her life. She learned as she went, and built strong personal relationships with her clients since she dressed so many of them. Now, after 20 years, she's one of the most trusted seamstresses in the valley.

Q: It has been said to be challenging to have a profitable business during the summer months here, and as you know many businesses close. What has been your philosophy of success for those harder times? MD: We are proud to be in a beautiful resort environment that stays busy year round! Our marketing does tend to change based on the type of guests visiting our resort (business guests

THE FINE ART OF DESIGN 73717 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.565.7388 | www.thefineartofdesign.com

OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS 41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.568.2727 | www.spalaspalmas.com

versus leisure) as well as using creative spa specials to entice guests to try a spa experience while they are here. We love to focus on our local guests and spa members and offer exclusive pricing during the slower months. Q: What motivates you to come to work every morning? Are there a variety of inspirations? MD: Working in a spa environment and coming to work with some of the most talented and passionate team members is what motivates me to be at work. I have sincere appreciation for all the benefits we provide our guests daily and the sense of relaxation that our spa is able to provide. Q: If you had to sum up what beauty and/or style meant to you personally, what would you say? MD: Beauty and style is all about individual expression and self-acceptance. We work very hard to help bring this out in our guests who enjoy salon services. We take the time to personalize the experience and help create and accentuate everyone’s natural inner beauty. Q: Finish this sentence. You aren’t a true Greater Palm Springs local until you... MD: Indulge in the surrounding natural beauty and dedicate time to the most important person—yourself.

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“Today, there’s a vast span between low priced merchandise and designer, and there’s very little in-between. That’s one of the emphases of our brand. We love to help our ladies get dressed up and celebrate and party.” —Kelly Gray

Kelly Gray CO-FOUNDER AND CO-OWNER OF GRAYSE CLOTHING Q: Why are you passionate about the fashion industry? Kelly Gray: I think it’s in my blood. I was raised in the fashion industry. It’s in my DNA. I don’t think I had a choice. The passion has always been there since I was a child.

Q: What is the highest compliment you could receive? KG: ‘My husband or boyfriend told me how beautiful I looked last night wearing Grayse.’

Q: What inspires your designs? KG: Having our own retail stores, I get to connect with the customers directly. Sometimes the chemistry between myself and the customer translates into ideas for designs. I would say it’s the fusion of that combined with my travels. I love to spend time in trendy hotels where the sharp designs inspire my creative eye.

Q: I understand you work with your mother. What’s that like? KG: Our creative energy today is probably better than it ever was, and our look is completely different. We have a lot of strong differences and lot of strong connections, and the dichotomy and the diversity is what makes the product fluid and unique.

Q: What materials do you enjoy working with the best? KG: We use a high quality Italian modal. It took us a long time to research and develop this fabric. It wears beautifully, it takes our sequins and stones beautifully, and you can hand wash it. We also work with an American ponte that is the base of a lot of our collections. It’s exceptional quality and woven specifically for our brand.

Q: How has your background in modeling shaped the way you run your business? KG: It’s helped me to have a strong eye for art direction and to be able to translate our designs to print or to social media. It’s given me experience with the camera on the other side.

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GRAYSE CLOTHING 73130 El Paseo, Ste H Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.3303 Photoshoot Location: Fashion Island 427 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.759.9800 www.shop.mkgrayse.com

WRITTEN BY: ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GENTRY

Q: What sets Grayse Clothing apart? KG: Uniqueness of design, glamorous style, and exceptional quality; the contrast of edgy glamor. Today, there’s a vast span between low priced merchandise and designer, and there’s very little in-between. That’s one of the emphases of our brand. We love to help our ladies get dressed up and celebrate and party.

Q: What has surprised you the most about maintaining your own brand? KG: How many people we dress for weddings; bridesmaids and mothers. We have a small bridal collection, but it’s surprised me how few places there are for mothers to shop. We started focusing on cocktail and evening and when you translate that to pastels, it takes on a bridal formality. There’s no greater honor than dressing a wedding party, it’s a niche business that I hadn’t planned for.

LIVE WELL CLINIC 78900 Avenue 47, Ste 102 La Quinta, CA 92253 760.771.5970 www.livewellclinic.org

“Naturopathic medicine is not something everyone understands when they first come in, and we love being able to share what we do with our patients so they feel welcome and understood. We are a team in their overall journey.”—Dr. Sonja Fung

Dr. Sonja Fung OWNER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR, LIVE WELL CLINIC

WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the Live Well Clinic and what you do? Sonja Fung: Live Well Clinic is a primary care holistic family practice. Like a typical family clinic, we see a bit of everything from digestive issues to hormone balancing, pain management, and cancer, but with a more holistic perspective. As a Naturopathic doctor, my passion involves finding and treating what I would call the ‘root cause’ of the symptoms in question, which will ideally give the patient a more complete and tailored care. We counsel patients on nutrition and movement, and utilize supplements, injectable B vitamins, and IV nutrient therapy on a daily basis. Q: Were you born and raised in the Greater Palm Springs area? SF: I am definitely a transplant like a lot of people here. I am originally from Portland, Oregon and grew up in the Bay Area. I did my undergrad at UCLA, and went back to Portland for naturopathic medical school. I am a huge lover of the sun, and one of my mentors recommended this area to me. I came out here to visit, and instantly fell in love with the area. This was about eight years ago. Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your journey in the Live Well Clinic? SF: The clinic opened eight years ago in a much smaller space, which it outgrew in three years. We are now in a space triple the size and are able to use our space to partner with other health-focused life coaches, personal trainers, and health practitioners. I have a fantastic associate naturopathic doctor and office staff that work hard for the health of our wonderful patients. Naturopathic medicine is not something everyone understands when they first come in, and we love being able to share what we do with our patients so they feel welcome and understood. We are a team in their overall journey. Q: How have you built your business within the community? SF: I think naturopathic medicine is something

relatively new to the area, so the marketing and educating the community have been really important in our success. Our patients come in with the mindset that we have a different, more encompassing perspective and treatment for their health, and I think that is our biggest strength and what makes us unique. Our time spent marketing within community outreach, newsletters and articles, social media, different chambers of commerce, and of course, word of mouth, have been part of the bigger picture in our growth and success. Q: What motivates you to come to work every morning? Are there a variety of inspirations? SF: Definitely without a doubt, my patients inspire me to come to work every morning. I became a doctor to share my passion as a healer. I love working with patients and working to find an overall solution to assist with their health and wellness, whatever that may mean for them. We really work to tailor our solutions to each individual, and I feel our patients appreciate that. Q: Who are your role models? SF: I have different role models for different times and aspects of my life. I have had many inspirational professors and mentors who have helped me along the way with advice on how a business should be run. My family has been a huge part of my life, and they have helped me work through difficult situations in the past. The last one I have to mention is Dr. Paul Anderson. I have known him for about a decade and he was one of my professors in medical school. To this day, he mentors my practice and me. I know he is always a phone call or email away if I need him, which is a wonderful support system to have. Q: Finish this sentence. You aren’t a true Greater Palm Springs Local until you… SF: Have been through a summer season out here! I love the heat, but having come from a cold and damp environment, the difference is shocking. It’s definitely something you have to get accustomed to.

Stephanie Granik SPA DIRECTOR, MIRAMONTE INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA Q: Are you a born and raised local? Stephanie Granik: I was born and raised in Palm Desert. We live in paradise here and I am blessed to raise my children here with my amazing family around me. Q: Has a career as a spa director always been your career of choice? If not, what made you want to move into this career? SG: I was in property management for a very long time, but knew I wanted to be a part of an industry where I could make an inspiring difference in the lives of others. I have been a part of the wellness industry for 12 years now and I love that every day I still get up so excited and am passionate about what I do. I am inspired daily and get the opportunity to inspire those around me as well. Q: What motivates you to come to work every morning? Are there a variety of inspirations? SG: Cherish each day…and live life to its fullest. Mind over matter and positivity is everything in life. My children are my inspiration, and anytime we can give back to the community or a family in need in any way, we do. The smallest random act of kindness can move mountains for a family or individual, as we never know what they are going through. It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of life, as we are all human, yet we all have so much to be beyond grateful for. I wake every day with gratitude regardless of what is ahead. Q: If you had to sum up what beauty meant to you personally, what would you say? SG: Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin and knowing who you are. I love that in this industry we get to touch the lives of a human every single day. Everyone is going through something, so I feel very humbled to work in an industry where we can truly change their entire day through an amazing spa treatment, a spiritual yoga practice or sage burning ritual, and a warm, big smile. Q: Who are your role models? SG: Definitely my family. It is so nice everyone lives so close and we can spend time with and support one another in our endeavors. Q: Finish this sentence. You aren’t a true Greater Palm Springs local until you... SG: Take a moment to breathe in our fresh air, enjoy our gorgeous hiking trails, and indulge in anything that brings out inner peace, happiness, and relaxation during your visit to sunny Palm Springs. MIRAMONTE INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA 45000 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.341.2200 | www.miramonteresort.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 39

Linda McConnelee & Sunrise Loveland ESTHETICIANS, TWO BUNCH PALMS Q: Are you a born and raised local? If not, what made you want to go into business in this specific area? Linda McConnelee: I’m not a born and raised local, I fell in love with the Palm Springs area 35 years ago. I moved from Orange County to Palm Springs that same year in 1981. I began my career in 1984 when I discovered Two Bunch Palms and fell in love with its magical charm. Sunrise Loveland: I grew up in southwestern Michigan and went to school in the San Francisco area. Before I came to the desert, I worked at the Calistoga Mineral Water Spa area in the wine country. I started working at Two Bunch Palms in 1989 and have always been lucky enough to live in an area where there were mineral springs, therefore I became interested in the healing arts. Q: Has this current career always been your career of choice? If not, what made you want to move into your current career? LM: The beauty industry has been my career of choice after working at Two Bunch Palms for the first year. I began as a receptionist in the spa and started to notice the calm, happy, and glowing faces as they checked out of the spa. It was then that I decided to go to school to acquire my esthetician license and in 1988 I returned to Two Bunch Palms to perform facials. SL: My current career of choice came later in life. I have enjoyed being an esthetician and massage therapist for 30 years. My first influence was at the age of 17 while reading a teen magazine about how to do self-massage on the face. Sometime later, I received a practical massage from my twin sister while she was attending massage school and I was hooked. I knew right then this was my next step in life.

TWO BUNCH PALMS 67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 760.676.5000 www.twobunchpalms.com 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: What motivates you to come to work every morning? Are there a variety of things that inspire you? LM: The guests that are attracted to our extremely beautiful, unpretentious resort are the most gracious, happy, and appreciative people I’ve ever met. Also the resort grounds are so peaceful, tranquil, and lovely that I can’t imagine working anywhere else. SL: I love the interaction between me and my clients. Hearing how they feel about their skin and themselves enables me to formulate a way to improve on any skin issues they may be facing. I enjoy helping my clients achieve more radiant, glowing skin so that they feel great about how they look. Q: You both are being featured as a style and beauty experts! If you had to sum up what beauty and/or style meant to you personally, what would you say? LM: Beauty and style to me means enhancing your natural beauty and creating what feels good to you, for only then will your true beauty and natural glow shine through on the outside. Having a professional will help to achieve that glow when using the appropriate products for the individual. SL: Outer beauty is all about inner beauty. Having a sense of feeling good about yourself makes you shine! Searching out tools for building self-confidence and selfawareness can support you in creating that special you. We are each unique, so create your own style! Q: Who are your role models? LM: I would have to say that my fellow employees at Two Bunch Palms are the most hard working, gifted, and dedicated people I know. I’ve never seen such a collection of gifted healing hands in one place. The 'Healers of Two Bunch Palms' are the true heart and soul of the resort! SL: Raquel Welch has always been my role model because of her yoga practices and her classic beauty. Q: Finish this sentence. You aren’t a true Greater Palm Springs local until you… LM: Find your better self at Two Bunch Palms! SL: Visited Two Bunch Palms and splashed in the mineral waters.

“I never compromise on quality of products and I always have the customer’s best interests at heart. I am always mindful of the guests’ lifestyle and what works best for them.”—Linda McConnelee

WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER |PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BIANCA SIMONIAN

Q: They say it’s challenging to have a profitable business during the summer months here, and as you know many businesses close. What has been your philosophy of success for harder times? LM: I never compromise on quality of products and I always have the customer’s best interests at heart. I am always mindful of the guests’ lifestyle and what works best for them. Most of all, honesty and respect is key, because skin can be a personal and private issue. I strive for integrity at all times. SL: The summers are hot but we still have many locals who need our services year round. Two Bunch Palms has amazing local summer specials that help keep us busy and build up a solid return client base. Also, I find Los Angeles people want to escape the June gloom that sometimes carries over into July and August, making the mineral water and sun a feature attraction that keeps them coming back.

Q: The Coachella Valley is a small, familylike community. Do you utilize any type of community-outreach or partnership to not only help your business thrive, but other local businesses as well? LM: The resort is always looking for ways to give back to the community by participating in fundraising events. These events are a great way to introduce people to our little oasis in the desert and to shine a light on our award-winning hot mineral waters here in the city of Desert Hot Springs.

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE SCIENCE M I C H A E L C O S T E L L O UNRAVELS HIS LOVE OF AESTHETICS AND WHAT IT'S LIKE TO L I V E A L I F E O F FA S H I O N

WRITTEN BY: QUINTAN VALLES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN STYLED BY: NEIL COHEN

Michael Costello has come a long way since his boyhood days of getting in trouble for taking his sister’s clothes apart to see how they were made. Yes, long before he received a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, this ultra-talented fashion fiend was just a local Palm Springs prodigy, dissecting clothes bought from vintage stores and composing symphonies of design at his shop on 286 N Palm Canyon Drive. Today, we know Costello as the successful “Project Runway” alum whose much talked about creations, like Beyoncé’s elegant white lace Grammy dress, are sought after by celebrities and fashionistas alike. If only Costello’s sister knew what the destruction of her wardrobe by her pesky brother would lead to.

SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Gitman Brothers Elizabeth & Prince Palm Springs www.gitman.com

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BLAZER PROVIDED BY: Tallia www.talliaorange.com T-SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert www.saksfifthavenue.com NECKLACE PROVIDED BY: Topman www.us.topman.com

Costello’s affinity for shapes, colors, and fabrics have been an interwoven part of his identity for as long as he can remember. “Fashion has always been something that I loved,” says Costello. “I’ve been sewing since a very young age. I’ve really been cutting pieces apart since I was a baby. I loved designing dresses, sketching, and playing with colors.” This Mozart of materials could not imagine a life outside of fashion designing. “I didn’t choose to get into the fashion industry,” says Costello. “It’s just something I was very keen to; I loved it. And eventually what started out with just paper, pencil, and passion turned into more.” With a powerful case of fashion fever and an eye for design, Costello spent the early days of his career in Palm Springs honing his skills at his father’s dress shop. “Growing up in Palm Springs was fun,” remembers Costello. “It had its ups and downs. I opened my store when I was 16 years old and became a businessman. My dad found the spot on 286 N Palm Canyon Drive, and we decided to put a dress shop there and see how it worked out. That store gained so much attention and kind of made me the person I am today.” Costello recalls notable faces like Brooke Shields, Faye Dunaway, Florence Henderson, Rod Stewart, and Barry Manilow stopping by to admire his creations.

“I REALIZED I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING ELSE WITH MY LIFE; I NEEDED TO TAKE EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE BEEN THROUGH IN THE LAST 15 YEARS AND TRY TO MAKE IT ON THIS ‘PROJECT RUNWAY’ SHOW SO I CAN GET NATIONAL RECOGNITION AND CATAPULT MY CAREER TO A NEW LEVEL.” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

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Costello’s endeavors in making cuttingedge couture took place before the advent of social media. This means Costello spent the early years of his career doing things the old-fashioned way (no pun intended). He networked with celebrities at red carpet events and worked through countless middlemen like agents and PR companies to try and get his pieces worn by famous faces. “That took time and it was very difficult,” recalls Costello. “It was always a struggle, it was never easy. Now, people can open up an Instagram page and reach out to celebrities to try and dress them. But back then, everything was very hard and I got sick of that,” says Costello. “I realized I needed to do something else with my life; I needed to take everything that I have been through in the last 15 years and try to make it on this ‘Project Runway’ show so I can get national recognition and catapult my career to a new level.” Not only was “Project Runway” a phenomenal success for Costello’s career, but he also returned for the show’s all-star season and even as a judge. Costello remembers the intense preparation he took for the show and how it shaped him as an artist. “I stayed up for about four or five days making a portfolio with no sleep and just living off of passion and the hope that it would work out,” says Costello. “‘Project Runway’ is a fantastic show; it is an intense pressure cooker. It’s an

experience that forces you to push your own creativity and work outside your normal methods of how you do things. It pushes you to challenge yourself and to become competitive. Doing the show made me realize that I am a competitor and I like it.” We like it too, and Costello’s style continues to unfold in ways that are keeping red carpet celebrities and the fashion police wanting more. But even after his fabulous success on “Project Runway,” Costello doesn’t kick up his feet, no doubt fitted in a spiffy pair of shoes, to relax. He is constantly looking forward to the next project and fearlessly taking on the challenges of being a powerful fashion mogul. “I never stopped working after ‘Project Runway.’ Many things have progressed and improved along the way,” says Costello. “Every day you’re faced with new challenges. In our workroom, sometimes we have people who want dresses that are almost impossible to do. Sometimes I feel like I’m still living the ‘Project Runway’ days when we get a call from a PR company that asks, ‘Can you make Maren Morris’ Grammy dress and her performance piece? But we need everything by Thursday.’” Despite the stresses of demand, Costello manages to keep a sense of humor. “A funny thing I always say is, ‘If God [had] hired me, he would have had the world done by Thursday,’” laughs Costello. Today, Costello describes his style as “sexy, sophisticated and effortless.” While the finished product may have a carefree effortless look, we know that Costello and his team put an immense amount of care and effort into each garment. Costello explains the process of creating his unique style in terms that shape him as a true style engineer. “It becomes almost like a science,” explains Costello. “It becomes like a language that only you can speak with the fabric. Only a designer can see it sometimes.” This science of swag is forward thinking as Costello and his team stay on their toes. “We still live those ‘Project Runway’ days in the workroom and it pushes us to the boundaries of fashion and manipulate the fabrics to do things that they shouldn’t do, but still look effortless.”

“ [ G A G A ] G AV E M E T H E B I G G E S T H U G A N D S A I D , ‘ I H AV E T O T E L L Y O U , Y O U R C L O T H E S M A K E M E F E E L L I K E T H E P E R S O N I WA N T T O B E , ’ A N D I S A I D , ‘ W O W, Y O U J U S T G AV E M E G O O S E B U M P S . ’ ” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Gitman Brothers Elizabeth & Prince Palm Springs www.gitman.com

TIMELESS STYLE “I think glasses are never going to go out of style, especially aviators and vintage style glasses. Or a fantastic watch with a nice leather band and great pair of dark denim jeans with a few rips and tears. Jeans are a part of our life; a great pair of fitted jeans almost defines who we are. You can dress them up or down. A fantastic jacket, either vintage or brand new, will never go out of style; you can wear it with anything.”

SUMMER MUST HAVES For Women: “I’m really into ruffles right now, really beautiful prints and chiffon. If you can get a flowy printed chiffon dress or if you can find a really cool lacey crochet very transparent dress, that is great. An oversized sun hat is also a great item, and every woman needs a fantastic pair of sunglasses. It's up to you to style those together with your cool tote bag and your platforms, you’ll be set for the summer.”

FAVORITE PALM SPRINGS HANGOUTS • Lulu California Bistro • VillageFest on Thursdays • The Shops on El Paseo • “And most importantly, 286 N Palm Canyon Drive—where I started from, every time I get into town and see my old location, it brings back so many memories.”

For Men: “I think a really nice light colored denim shirt is cool for the summer time. I’m also trying to embrace color. I’m getting more creative with prints on button down shirts, like a nice buttoned down collared shirt with short sleeves and a fantastic print.”

“THERE’S MAGIC IN THE DRESSES.”—MICHAEL COSTELLO

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TUXEDO PROVIDED BY: J.Hilburn www.jhilburn.com T-SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert www.saksfifthavenue.com

“IT BECOMES ALMOST LIKE A SCIENCE. IT BECOMES LIKE A LANGUAGE THAT ONLY YOU CAN SPEAK WITH THE FABRIC. ONLY A DESIGNER CAN SEE IT SOMETIMES.” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

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Costello showcased some exciting get-ups at this year’s Fashion Week El Paseo. This weeklong glamour showdown in the desert features some of the hottest looks from the top designers in the nation. Costello decided to use this opportunity to let his creative flag fly. “This time I just wanted to deliver a show. I didn’t really care if any of the pieces were too see-through or not wearable. I just wanted to make pieces for fun and for the audience to enjoy, just to have fun with fashion,” he says. Moving away from practicality, Costello used fashion week to remind the world that he is not just a businessman, or just a fashion designer, he is truly an artist, an architect of aesthetics. “I believe that fashion has come to a place where sometimes you forget how to design and how to be creative because you’re in a business where you have to make clothes that are sellable and sustainable in order to make money. So, I just wanted to show a collection that was full of creativity, whimsy, fun, and excitement, I didn’t really care if they were wearable.”

If you missed Fashion Week this year, but still want to get a glimpse of some whimsical threads Costello-style, then just turn on Netflix and check out Lady Gaga’s killer looks on “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Not only did Costello’s work, along with costume designer Lou Eyrich, win the show an Emmy for outstanding costumes, Lady Gaga herself gave Costello some mic-drop worthy words of praise when meeting Costello at an Alexander Wang afterparty. “[Gaga] gave me the biggest hug,” recalls Costello. “And said ‘I have to tell you, your clothes make me feel like the person I want to be,’ and I said, ‘Wow, you just gave me goose bumps.’” We would get goose bumps too if one of the most daring fashionistas of the entertainment industry said our clothes help shape her identity. We just hope the person Lady Gaga wants to be isn’t like her character on “American Horror Story”—yikes! It seems right now, all eyes are on Costello in the fashion world, but we wanted to know where such an inspiring artist looks to find his inspiration. Costello filled us in on some of his top fashion faves. “The number one person who is my absolute favorite is definitely Diane von Furstenberg. I’ve always appreciated what she did with fashion in the early 70s,” Costello says. “I wasn’t born in the 70s, but I feel like I know them because of my passion for that era of fashion. She invented the wrap dress and she’s just the queen of effortless style. I don’t feel like I copy her looks or what she does, but I feel like we share the same aesthetic and we both design for the same girl and we have something very similar to offer her.”

Costello hopes to transform that girl with his designs. Although he has a scientific approach to his craft, he doesn’t deny that something inexplicable happens when women wear his dresses; there is a touch of magic involved in the science. “I love when I have a client come in and she has a whole idea of what she wants to look like. And then I look at her, grab a piece and make her try it on, and she’s instantly shocked because it's something that she never thought would have worked out or something she never would have tried on. I want her to feel sexy, sophisticated, and effortless. Whenever a woman comes to us and she tries something on, whether it’s a jumpsuit or a mermaid gown, they all feel magical. That’s what I want women to take away when they wear our pieces. You almost open up a new person in them and it’s a magical experience, there’s magic in the dresses.” There’s magic in the dresses and there is magic in the streets as Costello’s artistic genius has earned him a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which was sponsored by Dr. Bruce Chisholm and his wife, Keturah Chisholm. But Costello, being the suave gentleman that he is, does not take this honor for granted as he dedicates the star to his father, George, and thinks of the star as a permanent shout-out to his parents and others who have helped make him the success he is today. “I was overwhelmed with joy because I grew up in Palm Springs and never thought that one day I would have my own [star],” says Costello. “It made me think about my mom and dad who loved Palm Springs and worked so hard for us to build a home and family in this city. For me, it's an honor and privilege and a reminder of where it all started and the people that care the most about me.” It warms our hot desert hearts to know that behind each of those fresh Costello threads are strong ties to family and our beloved Palm Springs. We like knowing that Costello’s name is now a proud embellishment on our city streets and the world of high fashion. So, whether he is making magic happen in the workroom or brushing shoulders with A-list celebrities wearing his designs, Michael Costello is not going to take a break anytime soon but is always looking for his next project and keeping busy. “I still don’t feel like I’ve made it,” says Costello. “There’s so many wonderful things that have happened to me in my life that I sometimes forget to be thankful for because I’m already working on the next project.” And so we eagerly wait for that next project. We wait to see what lucky face will be turning heads as she struts down the runway or red carpet in the newest Costello masterpiece; a tailored blend of science and magic.

“ I WA S O V E R W H E L M E D W I T H J O Y B E C A U S E I G R E W U P I N PA L M S P R I N G S A N D N E V E R T H O U G H T T H AT O N E D AY I W O U L D H AV E M Y O W N [ S TA R ] . ” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

(left) SHIRT PROVIDED BY: J.Crew www.jcrew.com JEANS PROVIDED BY: Topman www.us.topman.com

(right) SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Michael Bastian Gray Label Nordstrom www.michaelbastiannyc.com JEANS PROVIDED BY: Topman www.us.topman.com

“I STAYED UP FOR ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE DAYS MAKING A PORTFOLIO WITH NO SLEEP AND JUST LIVING OFF OF PASSION AND THE HOPE THAT IT WOULD WORK OUT.” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

“ P R O J E C T R U N WAY P U S H E S Y O U T O C H A L L E N G E Y O U R S E L F AND TO BECOME COMPETITIVE. DOING THE SHOW MADE ME R E A L I Z E T H AT I A M A C O M P E T I T O R A N D I L I K E I T. ” —MICHAEL COSTELLO

LOCALE MAGAZINE 51

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

BIG FAT

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WRITTEN BY: ASHLEY RUIZ, ELENA KHURY, ERICA JOHNSON, KARLI KARANDOS, & RANDI SLUSHER

SoCal

WEDDING TIPS, TRICKS AND INSPO TO MAKE YOUR SoCal WEDDING PLANNING SEAMLESS

Photos - Jesi Haack Design: Ryan Ray

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

MAKEUP

Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrientrich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish that lasts an amazing 12 hours. SEPHORA, Tarte Blush sephora.com

HONEYMOON

At The Shore Club, the only limit is your imagination. Defined by a spirit of relaxed luxury, refreshing adventure, healthy indulgence, and exclusive accessibility, it’s a place where you can do exactly what you desire. The Shore Club Turks and Caicos theshoreclubtc.com

RING

Alber Rezko Jewelry Designs uses innovative techniques and profound elements when designing engagement rings. Alber Rezko Jewelry alberrezko.com

Breezy & BEACHY Where the Sand Meets the Sea is Your Comfort Zone

VENUE

If you are looking for the perfect beachfront wedding venue, look no further than Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica. The Pacific Terrace venue provides the best location to say “I Do.” Shutters on the Beach shuttersonthebeach.com

Written By: Elena Khury DECOR

We are loving bright, fun pops of color for beach weddings. It is all about fresh color and brightness. Jesi Haack Design jesihaackdesign.com

GOWN

For the bride who prefers turquoise to diamonds, wildflowers to roses, or braids to formal up-do’s, designer Claire Pettibone has created Romantique— perfect for the beach bride. Claire Pettibone clairepettibone.com

CAKE

Their pastry chefs will work with the couple to create any cake they want. It can be any flavor, any number of layers and they can decorate it however the couple wants. Ritz Carlton ritzcarlton.com/ en/hotels/ california/lagunaniguel

“JUST MARRIED” CONVERTIBLE CAR

Looking for the perfect car to drive off after you say “I Do”? Look no further than Hoehn Motor Cars. They will get you in the perfect convertible car to drive off to your future in style. Hoehn Motor Cars hoehnmotors.com

FLOWERS

Theresa Anderson founded this floral hotspot in 2012. These elegant yet simple arrangements are a beautiful touch to any wedding. Petals and Pop petalsandpop.com

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

FLOWERS

HAIR STYLIST TIPS

The talented designers at Bloomers La Jolla can bring the Boho aesthetic to your ceremony with just the right mix of flowers, colors and textures. Favorite flower suggestions for the Boho Bride are Astilbe, a beautiful lacey looking wildflower that adds a delicate touch of timeless elegance to a bouquet or boutonnière. Bloomers La Jolla bloomersflowerslajolla.com

HONEYMOON

Whether you enjoy gorgeous scenery, secluded walks on the beach or a little adventure in the mountains, Catalina will fill your days with fun and your nights with romance. Santa Catalina Island Company will create a custom package and ensure that your Honeymoon is truly unforgettable. Santa Catalina Island Company visitcatalinaisland.com

Ibrahim (Brian) Kudsi:

Owner of Kud’Ci Salon, Corona Del Mar Brian’s Top 5 Tips for Today’s Bride: 1. Choose a stylist that you can trust and feel comfortable with 2. Don't make any drastic changes to your hair or hair color just before your wedding day 3. Work with your stylist on reaching all your hair goals prior to the big day

RING

Any combination of custom finishes and gemstones are available to create your timeless masterpiece. Traditional Jewelers traditionaljewelers.com

4. Wear a button-up top to ensure your style stays in tact while you get ready

Boho CHIC

5. Relax and enjoy your special day! Kud’Ci Salon 949.675.5053

Key Rustic Elements for the Perfect Bohemian Bride Written By: Erica Johnson

INVITES

Invitations for your shower, engagement party, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and ceremony can be customized to fit your style and the venue you have picked for that special day. Where’s The Party? wheresthepartyoc.com

DECOR

Make your ceremony truly spectacular with special pieces such as wicker peacock chairs, Moroccan furniture, tapestries and Persian rugs. Pow Wow Design Coordination Studios powwowdesignstudio.com

GOWN

Pastry Chef, Albert Gonzalez, can create a custom wedding cake prepared on-site. The personal attention that owner Willie Rhine offers in planning each event creates an experience that is authentic, leaving guests with the feeling that every detail was created just for them. Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge eight4nine.com

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VENUE

Able to accommodate groups up to 160 attendees, Solterra features rustic Mediterranean cuisine to pair with their award winning selection of wines. Solterra Winery solterrawinery.com

Photos - Pow Wow Design Coordination Studios: Logan Cole

CAKE

Tara Lauren Spring 2017 "Seafarer Collection” features textured Battenburg lace, soft touches of color, billowy crepe de chine, as well as modern cuts and silhouettes to capture a dreamy but chic wedding look. Tara Lauren tara-lauren.com

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

VENUE

There is no better place for the alternative bride to say, "I do," than in the midst of the Santa Rosa Mountains, surrounded by lush valleys and free-roaming giraffes! Living Desert Zoo livingdesert.org

DESSERT

From the classic ooey-gooey cookies stuffed with strawberry ice cream to more exotic flavors like the pear gorgonzola with orange marmalade, the dessert table may attract more attention than the giraffes. Chunk-N-Chip chunknchip.com

HAIR STYLIST TIPS

JUMPSUIT

Skip the ultra traditional wedding dress and go with the Bella Jumpsuit in Ivory. Stone Cold Fox thestonecoldfox.com

Lauren Scaccia,

DECOR

Continue the theme with colorful plates, knotted brass flatware, and textured goblets to complete the look. Soiree 8 Rentals soiree8.com

Co-Owner of Toni & Guy Fashion Island, Newport Beach

Dare to be DIFFERENT

Lauren’s Top 5 Tips for Today’s Bride: 1. Find pics of what you'd like for your hair and makeup as well as what you don't like. Having some images prepared for your stylist and makeup artist will really assist in getting great conversation going to get your desired look right.

As an Alternative Bride, Your Options are Endless Written By: Ashley Ruiz

2. Always book a consultation for hair and makeup. It's important for your big day and even better to have time to try a look or two if you're unsure.

FLOWERS

Combining her love of books and pretty things, the alternative bride will carry a custom-made bouquet of paper roses. With Love & Petals etsy.com/shop/withloveandpetals

INVITES

Twinkle & Toast's custom stationery creates meaningful wedding stationery for inspired couples. For an alternative bride, check out cactus design to match your zoo venue. Twinkle & Toast twinkleandtoast.com

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HONEYMOON

Honeymooners will gape at the blooming cherry blossoms, hike Mt. Fuji and soak in rejuvenating hot springs. Tokyo, Japan japan-guide.com

4. Bring or have an idea of your jewelry, including any accessories you're planning on wearing in your hair. 5. Listen to what your stylist recommends. Some find it helpful to have second day hair in order to manipulate texture better and will let you know, based on your particular hair type. Toni & Guy toniguy.com/hairsalons/newport-beachca/fashion-island

Photos - Toni & Guy: Taylor Lewis | With Love & Petals: Photography West Ca

3. Bring pictures of your dress and share what weather you're expecting so your stylist can make recommendations for you. High winds or high heat, even a high neckline can make an impact on whether or not hair goes up or stays down.

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

VENUE

Nothing says romance more than saying ‘I Do’ surrounded by fresh roses, lush trees, and a beautiful lake. Avenue of the Arts Hotel avenueoftheartshotel.com

MAKEUP

Add a pop of color to your lips so you’ll look fab when your new hubby leans in for a kiss. Adding a lip stain, like this one from SEPHORA, is an easy way to incorporate your color palette for a complete, glamorous look. SEPHORA Cream Lip Stain, $18 sephora.com

RING

Be bold or be different with any of the stunning rings that Winston’s Jewelers carries. Winston’s Jewelers winstonscrownjewelers.com

Glitz & GLAM For the Bride That Won’t Shy From the Limelight Written By: Randi Slusher

HAIR STYLIST TIPS

GOWN

Look stunning in this “Antara” gown from Pronovias’ 2017 Bridal Collection. Available in off white or optical white, this beaded dream of a wedding dress is perfect for you, Glam Bride. Bohimi bohimi.com

“JUST MARRIED” CONVERTIBLE CAR

DETAILS

Upgrade your wedding invites and dinner menus with a little laser-cut accent. Darla Marie Designs darlamariedesigns.com

A Mercedes represents the ultimate in luxury. Show off your ritzy side by driving off in the “Just Married” C300 C-Cabriolet Mercedes from Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach. Fletcher Jones Mercedes fjmercedes.com

Stroll Monaco City hand in hand and take in the breathtaking palaces and botanical gardens on almost every corner. Admire the luxurious and grandeur architecture of Monte Carlo, Monaco. Monte Carlo visitmonaco.com

Oscar’s Top Tips: 1. Know a direction you want to move toward, but be open to professional opinion. Your hairdresser wants you to have what you want, but also has experience with a variety of face shapes and hair textures. You may be surprised how much you like other suggestions.

Every glam bride needs some sequins in her life! What better place for them than the sweetheart table? With delicate florals as an accent, this dreamy setup is perfect for the glitter lover. Pure Lavish Events eventsbypurelavish.com

3. If you are receiving any color services prior to your big day, remember to do so approximately two weeks in advance. This gives you and your colorist time to really nail your color and make any needed changes to suit the needs of your final style. Color should be placed to complement or accentuate your final style. The Studio O thestudioo.com

Photos - The Studio O: Wil Cohen

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DECOR

HONEYMOON

Owner and Stylist of The Studio O, Long Beach

2. Wear a button-down shirt. The last thing any bride, or hairdresser, for that matter, wants is the final hair design being battered and deflated by removing a blouse over one’s head.

CAKE

Your wedding cake is the first thing people see when they enter your reception. Wow your guests with an over the top, four-tier wedding cake with cascading flowers. Colette's Catering colettesevents.com

Oscar Vasquez:

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

WEDDING PLANNER TIPS

Wedding Party ESSENTIALS For Your Besties Standing Next to You When You Say, “I Do” Written By: Karli Karandos

MAID FOR EACH OTHER

BRIDESMAID DRESS At Vow to be Chic, they make finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses a piece of (wedding) cake by offering a wide ranging selection of different styles, colors, cuts, and more. The best part? You can rent them!

THE WELL-GRO OMED GRO OM

SUIT Mares Menswear offers custom tailored suits and a selection of exclusive brands, so you can look like a million bucks on the big day without having to spend a fortune.

Krystel Tien

Lead Stylist, Creative Director, and Founder of Couture Events coutureeventsca.com Establish your values and priorities first! Before you do anything else, sit down with your fiancé and discuss what is most important to you not just for the wedding, but in life, then use these things to set the values for your big day. When you are stuck on something in the planning process, refer back to your values and you will find the answer.

Mares Menswear maresmenswear.com

Vow to be Chic vowtobechic.com

Jessica Sukert CEO of Jessica Lauren Events jessicalauren.events

Don't be afraid to be bold with patterns and colors! Throw in an emerald green or a fun stripe to change things up.

BRIDESMAID GIFT A perfect gift for your bridesmaids is something they can enjoy long after the wedding festivities are over, and what better gift than a divine piece of Roberto Coin jewelry? The timeless designs will surely bring out the beauty in every member of your bridal party. Roberto Coin us.robertocoin.com

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE GET IN WITH GRAYSE Looking for a dress for the fabulous mother of the bride? Look no further than Grayse's Crystal Illusion dress, which is designed specifically for women who love quality, luxury, and style. Grayse shop.mkgrayse.com 62 LOCALE MAGAZINE

GROOMSMEN GIFT Give your groomsmen a gift they can drink and toast to such a memorable occasion! William Grant Glenfiddich whisky is the World’s Most Awarded single malt Scotch. William Grant & Sons williamgrant.com

Aubrey Huffman + Kenzie Swift Founders of Details, Darling detailsdarling.com

BOW TIE Keep your groomsmen looking dapper with a unique bowtie from Lord Wallington, where craftsmanship and pride in aesthetic converge to make unforgettable accessories. Lord Wallington lordwallington.com

Finding a venue is the most difficult part of planning because couples become very eager to find their ideal spot right away. Don't get overwhelmed in the beginning and don't make decisions too quickly. Be patient, take the process slowly, ask for venue recommendations from others and all the right pieces will fall into place.

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

Places to PROPOSE

These top Southern California locations are prime spots to pop the question. From seaside views to a desert escape, it won’t be hard to say, ‘Yes’ after being wined and dined at one of these places.

SURF & SAND RESORT

SILVER TRUMPET

RED O TASTE OF MEXICO

1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 877.741.5908 www.surfandsandresort.com

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa 3350 Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.442.8593 www.silvertrumpetrestaurant.com

143 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.718.0300 www.redorestaurant.com

THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES

WATER GRILL

HERMOSA BEACH PIER

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037 858.453.4420 www.lodgetorreypines.com

3300 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949.208.7060 www.watergrill.com

1 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 www.hermosabch.org

RED HERRING

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

PEAKS RESTAURANT

1661 Colorado Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90041 323.739.0004 www.redherringla.com

849 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 www.eight4nine.com

1 Tramway Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.4537 www.pstramway.com

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Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

THE 4C’S

The globally accepted standard for describing diamonds is via the “4Cʼs,” which were created by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). They stand for cut, color, clarity and, of course, carat.

Cut:

Carat MAGIC

Find the Jewels That Match You and Your Future Spouse

BRETT STEIN

STORE DIRECTOR OF LEEDS & SON FINE JEWELERS Q: What’s your favorite part about helping a couple pick out jewelry? Brett Stein: My favorite part about helping a couple pick out their jewelry is getting to know the couple and hearing their stories. In my profession, I have the privilege to share in their experience. I get to learn about how they met, how they fell in love and some of their plans for their future together. It’s a very special experience.

Q: What small details make jewelry from Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers one-of-a-kind? BS: It’s not just the jewelry that make Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers the best place to buy, it’s the experience. With over 70 years in business, Leeds & Son is known for our great jewelry and watches, integrity and family. When you buy from Leeds & Son, you become a part of our family and can buy with confidence that you will own a truly exceptional piece.

Q: How do you help women decide which engagement ring is the right one for them? BS: It’s about helping the woman find the right engagement ring for her lifestyle. So we go through a series of questions getting to know her. Is she active? Does she work with her hands? Does she prefer a certain color metal or shape of stone? We take all of these answers into consideration as we help her find her perfect engagement ring.

Q: Finally, what’s one pro tip? BS: Always buy GIA certified diamonds. When shopping for a diamond, it’s easy to be lured by discount pricing, ‘the deal’ or flashy advertisements. The way to ensure you are getting the your diamond for the BEST price is to only shop diamonds that are GIA Certified. This grading report holds a universal standard of evaluating your diamond that will make it easier for you to shop around for the best price with true comparison or apples to apples.

The better the cut, the more the sparkle. Therefore, making this the most important of the 4Cs.

Color:

Colors are categorized by the 23-letter grade scale, as seen by the naked eye. In its purest form, referred to as a “D” color, a diamond is colorless. Of course, this is rare as traces of yellow or brown are usually present. There are ways of getting around imperfect colors, however. PRO TIP: A slightly yellow diamond pairs best with a yellow gold band. This will actually brighten up the diamond and make it appear more white. In this case, you’d want to steer clear of white gold or platinum.

Clarity:

These are the hardto-see imperfections in diamonds, better known as inclusions. Experts at Blue Nile suggest maximizing budget by choosing an “eye-clean diamond,” which refers to grades VVSI (Very Very Slightly Included) to SI1 (Slightly Included). With a diamond of such qualities, inclusions aren’t visible without a loupe.

Carat:

Leeds & Son 73-670 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.568.5266 | www.leedsandson.com 66 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Shoppers typically gear to a one to two carat diamond, but stores like Winston’s Crown Jewelers carry up to 30 carat rings for a Kylie Jenner or Mariah Carey-style bling.

Written By: Ashley Ruiz

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE

WHAT'S IN A WEDDING?

Here's the Scoop on Most Recent Wedding Statistics

Months is the average length of engagement *According to The Knot

So CLASSIC

Go With a Unique, Handcrafted Setting to Make a Statement

OWNER OF RUTHLESS FINE JEWELLERY

Q: How do you feel about ring trends? RD: It’s not for everybody. I always recommend not getting caught up in the detail of a trend. You never know if in 10 years it will be noticeable. An engagement ring should be classic, timeless and a symbol of love that will last forever—that will never go out of style! Q: Any common mistakes to avoid? RD: First of all, to all gentlemen out there, don't go alone and buy what you think she likes. Most likely you don't know what

is the average wedding cost

*According to The Knot, in 2016

$1,564 is the average wedding dress cost

RUTH DRESSER,

Q: How do you start the ring selection process after you first meet a couple? Ruth Dresser: Couples in love buy with their heart! And it is very simple; I start with the normal questions about her lifestyle without being nosey. For example, if she is a nurse she will pick the bezel set. If she is into fashion, the bigger the better! Her eyes glow when she sees the one! And it's done!

$35,329

*According to The Knot, in 2016

she likes! Ring shopping can be a daunting task. So ask friends around or find a way to ask her without her knowing (she might get a hint). Remember, her ring is going to be with her forever, so it needs to be memorable, and please know her right size! Never, never get a larger size. Q: What small details make a ring one-of-a-kind? RD: We are a part of people’s most intimate moments so, connecting both rings with a special mark is our specialty. At Ruthless Fine Jewellery, we take pride in making people happy. I always put diamonds inside both rings—her and his. I explain the connection since the two small diamonds always came from the same rough stone. Q: Finally, can you share one fine jewelry pro tip? RD: Always get what your eyes and heart desire and make sure all the diamonds are conflict free!

78%

of weddings take place from May to October *According to The Knot

81%

of brides take their spouse’s last name *According to The Knot

47% of brides do a bouquet toss

*According to The WeddingWire

Ruthless Fine Jewellery 73111 El Paseo, Ste 106 A Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.776.0033 | www.ruthlessjewellery.com 68 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Locale Magazine BRIDAL GUIDE WHAT'S IN A WEDDING?

Here's the Scoop on Most Recent Wedding Statistics

124

is the average number of wedding guests *According to WeddingWire

One-of-a-Kind Go With a Unique Setting to Make a Statement

ALAN LEMMERMAN,

*According to WeddingWire

OWNER OF NATHAN ALAN JEWELERS Q: How do you start the engagement ring selection process with the future groom? Alan Lemmerman: Meeting with a future groom or future couple is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. I have four kids, three of whom are married, and all of my kids have had their close friends come into my store to see me about engagement rings and wedding bands. I love their trust in me and I totally enjoy helping them find the perfect ring. I realize that typically this is one of the more important purchases the groom will make in his life. Therefore, I take this process very seriously and I want to make sure the groom knows he is in good hands. I actually try to put myself in my customer's shoes to see the potential purchase from their unique perspective. Listening and taking direction from the customer is key! Sometimes I see a future groom who is walking into a jewelry store for the first time, and sometimes I have a groom-to-be who has been to many. It is always an investigative process of finding out the needs of the customer at that moment of time and building on that encounter. At times the future groom has been given a few ring ideas from his bride-to-be. He may even have pictures of styles that are her favorites. Talking with the future groom or couple helps to tell me a story about their engagement ring desires, which helps to narrow down the selection process for them. Often that means that we customize different design details from multiple rings to come up with the perfect engagement ring. On the other hand, if the groom is just beginning his research, I feel it is important to provide him with an overview of diamond

50%

of couples wedding prep from a smartphone or tablet device

knowledge. We have created an excellent brochure that illustrates the 4 Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in diamonds: carat, color, cut, and clarity that he can take with him. I enjoy helping the customer simplify the process, one step at a time, by giving the groom confidence with knowledge and providing ring options that are in sync with his desires. Finally and importantly, I like to make sure the process is enjoyable, fun, and memorable for all. Q: What small details at Nathan Alan Jewelers make your rings one-of-a-kind? AL: The uniqueness of Nathan Alan comes from our ability to make custom engagement rings and fine jewelry while closely collaborating with our customers to determine every detail that will be in the finished piece. It could be a very simple solitaire design where shape, scale and proportion are critical, or a very detail driven design with different setting styles and a lot of different sizes and shapes of diamonds included. We are very fortunate to have elite craftsmen who utilize their special skills to create one-of-a-kind rings at the highest level of quality. Q: What sets Nathan Alan Jewelers apart? AL: Throughout my 40 years in the jewelry business, I have strived to continuously improve the quality of our products. At the end of the day, the customers we serve at Nathan Alan enjoy the face to face relationship, they are able to see the quality and uniqueness in our designs, and appreciate our ability to deliver high quality and customized jewelry at an extremely competitive price.

years old is the average age of a bride *According to WeddingWire

years old is the average age of a groom *According to WeddingWire

$71

is the average price per head for catering *According to the Knot, 2016

64%

of couples created a wedding hashtag

*According to the Knot, 2016

Nathan Alan Jewelers South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.545.8337 | www.nathanalanjewelers.com 70 LOCALE MAGAZINE

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6. 4.

1. Colorful Eyeshadow $10 2. The Painter: Airbrush Sponge $12 3. Classic Double Ended - Shape & Highlight #204 $28 4. V for V.O.L.U.M.E. Mascara $10 5. Cream Lip Stain $7 6. Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray $16 7. Contour Inner Rim Gel Eyeline $8 8. Instant Eye Makeup Remover $10 9. Hand Mask, Formulation Aloe Vera - Ultra-moisturizing & Beautifying $6 74 LOCALE MAGAZINE

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8. 1. Orchid Eye Mask $5 2. Total Age Defy Night Moisture Cream $34 3. V for V.O.L.U.M.E Mascara $10 4. Strays Away Set of 4 Mini Tweezers $10 5. Orchid Face Mask $6 9. 10.

6. The Perfectionist: Airbrush Sponge $12 7. PRO Brow Brush $18 8. Flirty To Intense Purple Colorful 5 Eyeshadow Palette $25 9. Classic Double Ended Shadow & Crease #205 $20 10. Classic Double Ended Shape & Highlight #204 $28

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1. Classic Double Ended - Shape & Highlight #204 $28 2. Whipped Cream Body Moisturizer, Limited Edition $25 3. Classic Double Ended - Shadow & Crease #205 $20 4. Strays Away Set of 4 Mini Tweezers $10 5. Tangerine Lip Balm & Scrub $6 6. Contour Palette $28 7. Beauty Amplifier Set and Refresh Spray $16 8. Hand Mask, Formulation Argan Anti-aging & Evenness $6 9. Classic Double Ended - Filler & Spoolie #208 $14 78 LOCALE MAGAZINE

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7. The Sculptor Airbrush Sponge $12 8. Rose Lip Balm & Scrub $6 9. Show Curl XL Lash Curler $16 10. The Painter Airbrush Sponge $15 11. Beauty Amplifier Perfecting & Smoothing Eye Primer $14

3. 5.

12. Pearl Face Mask $6

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STYLE/BEAUTY

Splish Splash 5 Must-Haves for This Year’s Splash House 1

WRITTEN BY: KELLY EMMER

Our Goldenvoice festivals have come to an end, but our season is only getting hotter in the valley! As temperatures creep over 100, you find yourself poolside, in need of some attention-grabbing accessories. We caught up with designers Trina Turk, Mr. Turk, Jonathan Adler and Diane’s Beachwear to highlight their hottest Palm Springs Splash House pool party must-haves.

FLOAT ON Diane’s Beachwear

SNAP THIS Diane’s Beachwear

> You’ll be the life of the party with the Sunnylife inflatable flamingo drink holder ($18). This unique inflatable will hold up to four drinks for you and your friends, ensuring you won’t need to leave the pool for a refill anytime soon! Grab a few to accommodate an entire Splash House soiree! dianesbeachwear.com

> A great party involves wonderful memories! There is no better way to capture great memories poolside than with the Sunnylife Avalon Underwater Camera ($20). This camera can be submerged up to two meters and uses 35mm film (not included), perfect for capturing your Splash House underwater dance party with friends. dianesbeachwear.com

2 SHARP SHORTS Mr. Turk > Mr. Turk swimwear has perfect eye-catching desert patterns for men enjoying the Splash House pool party. The Zuma Beach board short ($168) has a front tie and desert pattern in strong blue and yellow hues. The safari board short ($178), interprets the spirit of the island with a multitude of colorful options for those interested in variety for the party! mrturk.com

4 DRY OFF Jonathan Adler > No swimmer or sunbathing partygoer should ever be without the Jonathan Adler Honeycomb beach towel ($98). The towel comes in a variety of bright, bold mosaic patterns sure to be a showstopper at any party. There are so many different color and pattern options with this cotton towel, you can perfectly accessorize with your new Trina or Mr. Turk swimwear! jonathanadler.com

5 SUIT UP Trina Turk > Trina Turk swimwear highlights bikinis, perfect for lounging poolside. This bralette bikini top ($80) is perfect for the sporty swimmer with all-around coverage and a tie cross back. The batik-style is perfect for warm California days, and the matching California Hipster bottom ($72), brings a new meaning to fashionable swimming and sunbathing. trinaturk.com

This is definitely an eyecatcher for any party!

*All prices are MSRP

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T H AT ' S W H AT S H E S A I D

Desert DECADES

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: The Fine Art of Design | www.thefineartofdesign.com

Finding the VINTAGE HOT-SPOTS in Palm Springs

Photoshoot Location: THE FINE ART OF DESIGN 73717 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260

WRITTEN BY: CARLI CRITCHFIELD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ZOÃ&#x2039; MICHELLE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY: BRIAN KELLER MODEL: KAYLEE NICOLE OF BRAND MODEL & TALENT AGENCY, www.brandtalent.net

With spring peaking, the weather getting hotter, and the sun staying out longer, a new spring wardrobe and some redecorating are in order. What better place to shop than the coolest vintage stores in Greater Palm Springs? We visited seven different shops in the area and found some of the best!

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: The Fine Art of Design www.thefineartofdesign.com

“With spring peaking, the weather getting hotter, and the sun staying out longer, a new spring wardrobe and some redecorating are in order.” ETSY SHOPS • Who doesn’t love the convenience of shopping on Etsy? The Frippery and Wonderama both have Etsy stores so you can shop their collections from the comfort of your own home.

The Fine Art of Design 73717 Highway 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.565.7388 www.thefineartofdesign.com

The Fine Art of Design might just be the coolest consignment and vintage shop I have ever walked into. This gem will have you feeling like you stepped into the world of Alice in Wonderland. The selection of vintage designers includes Alexander McQueen, Henri Bendel, and Yves Saint Laurent to name a few. It’s recommended to book an appointment to shop the collection. 86 LOCALE MAGAZINE

WE ARE FAMILY • Nicolas Delgado, owner of The Fine Art of Design, isn’t the first of his family to open a hot-spot in Palm Springs. As part of the family behind the delicious Mexican restaurant, Las Casuelas, Delgado took a different path in opening up his boutique.

Hedge

68-929 Perez Rd, Ste F Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.770.0090 www.hedgepalmsprings.com

If you’re looking for unique furniture and artwork, Hedge is where you’ll want to make your next stop. The storefront looks like an art gallery and as you walk in, you’ll be greeted with gallery-worthy pieces. Located in a strip mall with other fellow vintage stores, Hedge can’t help but stand out among the rest.

“Walking into Mitchells is like taking a step into the past—the colorful clothes will make you feel like you were transported into the 1970s.”

Mitchells

106 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.864.1515 www.mitchellsps.com

Walking into Mitchells is like taking a step into the past—the colorful clothes will make you feel like you were transported into the 1970s. The store is reminiscent of something you’d find on Hollywood Boulevard, with red accents and black floors; it’s a fun place to spend an hour of your afternoon.

Iconic Atomic

1103 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.0777 www.iconicatomic.com

Iconic Atomic carries colorful vintage clothes that come in various prints, as well as accessories for your wardrobe and home. This spot screams ‘cool,’ and will have you living their mantra of “Dress Iconic. Live Iconic. Love Atomic.”

Route 66 West

465 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.6669

Route 66 West is full of vintage jewelry. All the pieces are fun and won’t go unnoticed when wearing. Looking at the storefront, you might not realize what gems await inside, but one glance of their selection will have you swooning.

The Frippery

664 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.5365 www.thefrippery.com

The Frippery is where all your vintage boho dreams come true. With styles that include everything from what you would wear poolside to your best Coachella look, the store is full of bright colors and patterns. The Frippery truly encompasses the Palm Springs style.

SPACES

68-929 Perez Rd, Ste K Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.770.5333

Looking for that perfect piece to complete a room? Look no further than SPACES. With a little bit of everything, SPACES’ collection ranges from mid-century to current contemporary. With so many great pieces, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for. Don’t just take my word for it, their Yelp reviews boast five stars on every post. LOCALE MAGAZINE 87

STYLE/BEAUTY

A PLATINUM Anniversary for a Desert Diamond

Leeds & Son Celebrates 70 Years of Fine Jewelry

“Every day I feel lucky because I love fine jewelry and watches, and I made it my vocation.”—Terry Weiner

WRITTEN BY: ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING

At the Leeds & Son showroom, Coachella Valley residents mingle with jewelry enthusiasts from Europe and Asia. The famous jewelry company is entering its 70th year of business and it’s not hard to see why. Leeds & Son has spent those 70 years dedicating themselves to the people they serve, the community they’re a part of, and the quality of fine jewelry and watches that they produce. The honor of this platinum level anniversary could not have been bestowed on a more fitting location, and the celebration will surely be one to remember. Leeds & Son began in 1947 as a small store in downtown Indio, owned by Edward and Eleanore Weiner. Edward started as a dam worker, while Eleanore sold jewelry to the workmen. Over the years, the company grew steadily to become a popular locale in the Indio community. In 1976, Edward and Eleanore’s son Terry Weiner purchased the company and expanded it even further along with the support of his sister, Riki Stein, and her son Brett. In those years, Leeds & Son built a firm foundation in the community and perhaps this personal touch is the secret to their longstanding success. “We have a strong commitment to the valley, both in civic involvement and also charitable giving,” says Terry Weiner. “We are not here to sell an item, we are here to build relationships.” These relationships are undoubtedly rooted in Weiner’s deep and passionate love for his trade. “I have always had a keen sense of beauty… anything that calls for the use of hand craftsmanship and quality,” says Wiener. “Every day I feel lucky because I

love fine jewelry and watches, and I made it my vocation.” This passion is clearly evident in every one of the transactions made at Leeds & Son, turning customers into repeat customers, along with their children and their children’s children. Today, Leeds & Son is based in El Paseo and has become a destination shopping experience, sharing this personal passion with not only devoted residents, but also customers from around the globe. They feature brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Mikimoto. Their showroom even hosts their own world class repair and manufacturing facility right on campus to give customers the prompt and convenient care they need. Starting from Eleanore’s passion, Leeds & Son has grown to become a strong pillar in the community, and a rare diamond among jewelry stores. To commemorate this 70th anniversary, Leeds & Son will be presenting an exclusive new Jewel Box. A celebration will be held in November at the new clubhouse at BIGHORN Golf Club, and if the event is anywhere near as dazzling as the jewelry, it’s sure to be spectacular. This year, Leeds & Son will also be launching a new line of gifts specifically designed for corporations to give to employees and clients, as well as expanding their online options. Leeds & Son is always looking for ways to form meaningful connections between people through the art of jewelry, even beyond their showroom. This thoughtful anniversary simply embodies the heart that has kept Leeds & Son strong for 70 years and many more to come.

“We have a strong commitment to the valley, both in civic involvement and also charitable giving. We are not here to sell an item, we are here to build relationships.”—Terry Weiner

LEEDS & SON FINE JEWELERS 73-670 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.568.5266 www.leedsandson.com 88 LOCALE MAGAZINE

WORLD TRAVELER • Terry Weiner is passionate about traveling for his job. He lives in Italy for about a third of the year and loves scouring the world for new products and partnerships. “I use my time in the summer to work closely with designers in Vicência and Milan creating unique and high quality jewelry for our clients,” says Weiner.

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND • On top of great service is of course, fantastic quality. Leeds & Son only sell diamonds with certificates from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or the American Gem Society (AGS), both of which are top gem certification laboratories.

Alicia Ad - Don Diego's of Indian Wells

E AT 99

///DRINK

EAT FEATURE Just Eat It

Bring Your Appetite to Greater Palm Springs’ Restaurant Week for a 10-day Culinary Quest

MAY 2017

BOMB BLOODIES Clink With Eight of SoCal’s Best Bloody Marys

MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Lulu California Bistro’s Fresh Take on Chicken Florentine

EAT FEATURE Spend 10 Days Tasting the Desert’s Top Cuisine

DRAUGHTSMAN AT ARRIVE PALM SPRINGS 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.507.1644 draughtsmanpalmsprings.com

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EAT/DRINK

LOS ANGELES

ABSO-BLOODY-LUTELY Bacon, Burgers and Celery Topped Goodness WRITTEN BY: ASHLEE POLAREK PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

Sunday Bloody Sunday Ò The Sunday Bloody Sunday at Rock and Brews is a classic hit. Garnished with savory bacon, celery sticks, lemon and lime, three olives, pickled okra, and a deliciously spiced rim, this bloody mary will have you wanting to rock and roll all night. Rock and Brews rockandbrews.com

A loaded bloody mary is the perfect addition to your Sunday brunch— especially photo-worthy when it’s stacked as high as your face! Whether you’re looking for a bomb bloody in your own backyard or you’re wanting to explore a bit, we’ve got you covered with some of the best bloodies in Southern California. PALM SPRINGS BLT Mary

Franken Mary

Ò House-made bloody mary mix and homemade bacon infused vodka sends the BLT Mary at Jake’s right to the top. This meal in a cup is garnished with a skewer of crispy applewood bacon, fresh lettuce, tomato and a perfect piece of toast. Great for curing a hangover or starting the day off with bacon boozy goodness.

Ò This 32-ounce behemoth truly is a meal in a cup. The homemade bloody mary mix is garnished with crisp celery stalks, asparagus, a Slim Jim, a melty cheeseburger slider, a shrimp skewer, two chicken wings, bacon, two cheese sticks, and a garnish kabab made up of fresh lemon, lime and orange wedges, olive, onion and cherry.

Jake’s Palm Springs jakespalmsprings.com

Sloan’s Restaurant sloansrestaurant.com

Photoshoot Location SLOAN'S RESTAURANT 81539 Highway 111 Indio, CA 92201 760.347.3923 sloansrestaurant.com

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Mama Betty’s Bloody Mary

Ramos House Bloody Mary

Ò Inspired by Grandma Betty, Mamma Betty’s Bloody Mary features a spicy habanero infused vodka, made in-house, and a refreshing and flavorful homemade bloody mary mix. To avoid the usual, The Bellwether garnishes their bloody with a mini BLT, a peperoncini, a cornichon and bacon salt around the rim.

Ò The stacked-to-the top Ramos House Bloody Mary has been around for 19 years. Created as a cure for a New Year’s Eve hangover, this delectable drink is one for the books. Made with soju and house crafted mary mix, the unique drink is topped with a Scotch quail egg, pickled string beans and a crab claw.

The Bellwether thebellwetherla.com

Ramos House Cafe ramoshouse.com

ORANGE COUNTY

SAN DIEGO COUNTY

Buddy’s Bloody Mary

Jurassic Pork Bloody Mary

Ò A bloody mary of massive proportions, Buddy’s Bloody at Lighthouse Bayview Cafe is fresh and filling. The 32-ounce bloody is made up of a homemade mix, and is garnished with fresh lemon and lime, pickled asparagus, crisp celery, crumbly gorgonzola, a green olive, salami, a cherry tomato and a pickled pearl onion plus a chili salted rim. The enormous drink lives up to the man (Buddy) it was inspired by. Lighthouse Bayview Cafe lighthousenb.com

Franken Mary • Celery stalks • Asparagus • Slim Jim • Cheeseburger Slider • Shrimp Skewer • Chicken Wings • Bacon • Cheese Sticks • Garnish kabab made up of fresh lemon, lime and orange wedges, olive, onion and cherry

Ò The Jurassic Pork Bloody Mary from Breakfast Republic is garnished with thick cut bacon, celery, olives, a tangy lemon wedge, and a cornichon. The mouth watering Jurassic Pork bacon, a crowd favorite at the restaurant, is marinated in brown sugar and paprika, delivering balanced spicy and sweet flavor that perfectly tops the brilliantly colored bloody. Breakfast Republic in Encinitas breakfastrepublic.com BBQ Bloody Mary Ò Jalapeño infused vodka, house made mary mix and barbecue sauce are what makes the base of this unique bloody mary delicious. On top you’ll find a two- to three-boned cut of smoked pork baby back ribs, a green olive, fresh celery stick, house pickled okra and green beans, and a brisket rub rimmed glass, sure to have you licking your fingers asking for seconds. That Boy Good Southern BBQ Joint thatboygoodbbq.com

M EALS DECONSTRUCTED

Buon

APPETITO EXPERIENCE CHEF ARTURO CASILLASâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FRESH APPROACH TO A CLASSIC DISH

WRITTEN BY: QUINTAN VALLES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BIANCA SIMONIAN

LULU CALIFORNIA BISTRO 200 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.5858 www.lulupalmsprings.com

Sunny Palm Springs is known for its blend of modern culture with vintage California vibes. On the bustling corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road sits Lulu California Bistro, a place that not only captures the unique essence of Palm Springs, but also seems to have written the book on California chic. Set like a white pearl with pastel colored accents, Lulu’s curb appeal is a visual testament to the fanciful yet elegant vibe that is experienced within its walls.

From the desserts to the dressings, nothing is store-bought, we make everything here fresh every day.” —Arturo Casillas

he open interior of Lulu is filled with the hum of guests’ lively chatter underneath the rich, nostalgia inducing voices of Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles playing overhead. But what makes Lulu special is not just the fresh décor of shimmering chandeliers and pearlescent tiled walls, but the fresh and decadent meals being created by Executive Chef Arturo Casillas and his highly skilled crew. One customer favorite has captured our attention for reasons that become evident after taking the first tender bite. That flavorful favorite is the Chicken Florentine. This classic dish has been mastered by Lulu thanks to the artisanal mind of Chef Arturo and the amount of finesse he applies to all his cooking endeavors. Made with a sumptuous combination of chicken breast, spinach, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, goat cheese, salt and pepper, the Chicken Florentine is a culinary adventure from start to finish. With a calm and deliberate dexterity, Chef Arturo butterflies the chicken breast,

96 LOCALE MAGAZINE

seasons it with salt and pepper then stuffs it with a spinach mix that includes mushrooms, Julienne sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese. He then ties a butcher’s string around the chicken breast to keep all the goodies inside and carries it like a carefully wrapped present over to the stove to be sautéed. Once the meal is plated, Chef Arturo adds beautifully blanched veggies and a dollop of cloud-like mashed potatoes on the side to create a crunchy element with a hearty, satisfying starch. Each savory bite is filled with notes of sautéed mushrooms and the perfectly seasoned chicken breast is unbelievably tender. The flavors are so complex you may find yourself slowing down to appreciate the flavorful nuances found in the fresh and earthy qualities of the spinach punctuated by a spark of bright acidity from the sun dried tomatoes. The sharpness of the goat cheese is complemented by subtle vegetal flavors provided by the blanched broccoli and carrots. When the elements are forked together, they create a full range of textures that are as complex as the flavors.

Q&A With Executive Chef Arturo Casillas

3 1 6 2

7 5 8

CHICKEN FLORENTINE Ingredients: 1. Tomatoes 2. Goat Cheese 3. Spinach 4. Chicken 5. Salt 6. Julienne Sun-Dried 7. Pepper 8. Mushrooms Sides: Mashed Potatoes Carrots Broccolini

Q: What makes your restaurant stand apart from others in Palm Springs? Arturo Casillas: We have a huge menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we make everything from scratch. From the desserts to the dressings, we make everything here fresh every day. We get fresh produce, fish, and meat delivered to us six to seven days a week with much of the produce coming from local farms in the Coachella Valley. Q: What brought you to Palm Springs? AC: I came here from Mexico in 1987 and started as a dishwasher at a very good restaurant. I learned to cook from some very good chefs and Jerry gave me the opportunity to be a chef here at Lulu. To date, I’ve been working 17 years for Jerry and Barbara Keller.

FAN FAVORITE Customers rave about the Flourless Triple Chocolate Cake, so don’t worry, it won’t be one of the rotating menu items anytime soon.

Q: Do you have any other interests or hobbies aside from cooking? AC: Yes, I love to play soccer with my sons! I also like to try other restaurants on my days off to see what other people are doing and how we can improve.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT California Eggs Benedict and a Lobster Eggs Benedict are coming soon to the menu!

What makes Lulu special is not just the fresh décor of shimmering chandeliers and pearlescent tiled walls, but the fresh and decadent meals being created by Executive Chef Arturo Casillas and his highly skilled crew.”

Q: Tell us about some of your favorite menu items. What would be an ideal meal for a first time visitor? AC: The prime rib and the barbecue ribs are the best. They are great pieces of meat and I really like their flavor. It's my own recipe, they are sweet but not too sweet and after they are cooked, you don’t even need a knife. Start that with the Oysters Rockefeller made with spinach, garlic butter, and breadcrumbs, then finish with the Flourless Triple Chocolate Cake. The chocolate cake is one of the most popular desserts and it's one of my personal favorites. Q: What new and exciting menu items can we expect to see in Lulu’s future? AC: You’re going to see a California Eggs Benedict and a Lobster Eggs Benedict. We are also working on some other new items. We change the menu for each new season, but it is hard to take some items out because they're so popular! LOCALE MAGAZINE 97

E AT F E AT U R E :

JUST it EAT G R E AT E R PA L M S P R I N G S R E S TA U R A N T W E E K

BRING YOUR APPETITE TO THE GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK FOR A 10-DAY CULINARY QUEST

WRITTEN BY: QUINTAN VALLES AND MATTHEW BURKE DRAUGHTSMAN AT ARRIVE PALM SPRINGS 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.507.1644 draughtsmanpalmsprings.com

Vue Grille & Bar at Indian Wells Golf Resort

ATTENTION ALL FOODIES!

TIP

Book Reservations in Advance

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what’s the deal? Can’t-Miss Lunch Specials of the Week

Ok, now who doesn’t love a good lunch special? Perhaps payday hasn’t arrived yet or you just begrudgingly handed over a good chunk of your hard earned cash to pay the bills. We don’t think that means you shouldn’t be able to eat a fabulous meal during Restaurant Week and the hot spots on this list don’t think so either and are offering killer meals at a thrifty price, just $15 to $25! Now you can fill that belly without emptying your wallet. And if it is payday, go ahead and treat a friend. You can be lunch besties, because that’s totally a thing. Blue Coyote Bar & Grill Palm Springs

La Rue Bistro La Quinta

Alicante Palm Springs

bluecoyotegrill.com

laruewinebar.com

alicanteps.com

State Fare Bar + Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage

Café des Beaux-Arts Palm Desert

Mélange at The Chateau at Lake La Quinta La Quinta

Koutouki Greek Estiatorio Palm Desert

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/ california/rancho-mirage/ dining/state-fare-bar-andkitchen

thechateaulakelaquinta. com/dining

koutoukigreek.com

cafedesbeauxarts.com

Escena Lounge & Grill Palm Springs Jake’s Palm Springs

Rockwood Grill at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Palm Desert

jakespalmsprings.com

marriott.com

King’s Highway at Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs

Schnitzelhau Palm Desert Palm Desert

acehotel.com/palmsprings/ kings-highway

schnitzelhouse-palmdesert. com

escenagolf.com/dine

Palm Greens Palm Springs

Vue Grille & Bar at Indian Wells Golf Resort Indian Wells

palmgreenscafe.com

vuegrilleandbar.com

Si Bon Belgian Bistro Rancho Mirage

Pho 533 Palm Springs

sibon-sogood.com

pho533palmsprings.com

Zin American Bistro Palm Springs pszin.com

Photos - Jake's: Bianca Simonian

It’s that wonderfully delicious time of year again—the GREATER PALM SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK is set to run from June 2-11. We hope you’re as excited as we are and plan on hitting the streets of Coachella Valley with some hungry buddies, your foodie families or a date that really knows how to put it away. This is a great opportunity to discover new flavors or relish in some familiar ones at a few of the tastiest restaurants in the oasis. So put on those stretchy pants and allow us, as well as your grumbly tummy, to guide you on this sweet and savory adventure.

Reservations aren’t required, but the more popular places book up quickly. Reserve early by booking through the visitgreaterpalmsprings. com/restaurantweek website using OpenTable.

NEW

fresh meat New Restaurants to Try This Year

Speaking of discovering new flavors, here is a list of the fresh meat (pun totally intended) that will be dazzling your taste buds this year. These Restaurant Week newbies have a lot to prove as they stand next to well-known and respected eateries that have become local institutions. After checking out what these new and exciting restaurants have to offer, we think they will fit right in with all the other tried and true favorites while bringing unique and fresh experiences to the table.

Draughtsman at ARRIVE Palm Springs

TIP

Score points on OpenTable

Draughtsman at ARRIVE Palm Springs

Fox and Fiddle California Rancho Mirage foxandfiddle.com

Il Giardino Ristorante Italiano Palm Springs ilgiardinopalmsprings.com

jusTapas Palm Springs justapas.com

La Brasserie Bistro & Bar La Quinta labrasserielaquinta.com

Le Vallauris Palm Springs levallauris.com

The Kitchen at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs Palm Springs hrhpalmsprings.com/ restaurant .htm

Mod Cafe Palm Springs mymodcafe.com

Moxie Palm Springs Palm Springs moxiepalmsprings.com

Pomme Frite Palm Springs pomme-frite.com

Rick’s Desert Grill Palm Springs ricksgrill.biz

Draughtsman at ARRIVE Palm Springs Palm Springs draughtsmanpalmsprings. com

Q: What are you looking forward to most about Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week? Carmen Shaw: We are looking forward to showcasing what Fox and Fiddle represents! Elevated pub food and hand crafted cocktails in a modern gastropub setting. It will be exciting to join the community in such a great event. Q: Any special dishes you are planning to showcase that week? CS: The Scotch Egg for sure! One of the most popular items on our menu. Most people are intrigued by how it is made and at first bite it becomes something you will need to come back for! A scotch egg is a soft boiled egg wrapped in sausage and deep fried to perfection! All that placed over house made ketchup makes for the perfect combination of texture and abundant flavors. Q: What are your favorite dishes/drinks that you serve at Fox and Fiddle? CS: Picking a favorite dish or drink is like picking a favorite child. You love them all equally in different ways. However, with that said, I would order the Cubano Sandwich with the Cucumber Chai Tea Lemonade cocktail any day! Who doesn't love a house roasted pork, perfectly spiced and dressed sandwich with a cool cucumber cocktail? Q: What Palm Springs Restaurants do you like to visit on your days off? CS: We are big fans of Eight4Nine! We always try to sneak down to Palm Springs from Rancho Mirage to get cocktails and food there.

bernies.club

Café Europa Palm Springs cafeeuropapalmsprings.com

Cantala at Riviera Palm Springs Palm Springs

thebigrockpub.com

rivierapalmsprings.com

Acqua California Bistro Rancho Mirage

Daily Grill Palm Desert

acquaranchomirage.com

dailygrill.com/locations/ daily-grill-palm-desertcalifornia

thebrokenyolkcafe.com

Q&A With Carmen Shaw, Creative Director of Fox and Fiddle California

Bernie's Lounge and Supper Club Rancho Mirage

The Big Rock Pub Indio

Broken Yolk Café Palm Springs

If you plan to be a Restaurant Week regular, we recommended starting an OpenTable account. You can make your reservations, but you also earn points for each restaurant where you dine. The points can be redeemed for gift certificates. OpenTable is easy so collect points by booking online for Restaurant Week.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

“Picking a favorite dish or drink is like picking a favorite child. You love them all equally in different ways.” —Carmen Shaw LOCALE MAGAZINE 101

10 days in palm desert How to Spend Your Restaurant Week in Palm Desert

Now if you find yourself in Palm Desert during Restaurant Week and all the mouth-watering choices are too overwhelming, have no fear because we have taken the honor of listing musttry restaurants for each day. So allow us to guide you through the 10 days of finger-licking goodness at some choice spots that we think are worthy of a whole day. So whether it’s Friyay, Humpday, Sunday Funday, or the dreaded Mundane Monday, it’s all gravy as far as this list is concerned… Mmmmmm, gravy.

E AT E X P E R T

THAT'S AMORE

CHEF'S TABLE

Pizzeria Villagio Italian Kitchen’s Executive Chef Jose Montez’s Top 5 Most Popular Dishes

Short Ribs

Barramundi

Villagio Lasagna

New Yorker Pizza

Spaghetti Carbonara

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant

Friday: Castelli’s Ristorante Italian 73098 Hwy 111 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.3365 castellis.cc

74040 Hwy 111 Ste E Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.1818 chezpierrebistro.com

Sunday: Cuistot French 72595 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.340.1000 cuistotrestaurant.com

Monday: Kaiser Grille Palm Desert American 74040 Hwy 111 Ste G Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.779.9888 kaisergrillepalmdesert.com

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72-624 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.773.9441 ledonnecucina.com

Wednesday: Morton’s The Steakhouse American 74-880 Country Club Dr Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.340.6865 mortons.com/palmdesert

Thursday: Pacifica Seafood Restaurant Seafood 73505 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.674.8666 pacificaseafoodrestaurant. com

Friday: Sullivan’s Steakhouse American 73505 El Paseo Ste 2600

Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.341.3560 sullivanssteakhouse.com/ palm-desert

Saturday: The Grill At Shadow Ridge at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Golf Club American 9003 Shadow Ridge Rd Palm Desert, CA 92211 760.674.2626 marriott.com/hotels/travel/ ctdsr-marriotts-shadowridge-i-the-villages

Sunday: Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store at The Gardens on El Paseo American/Hawaiian 73-595 El Paseo 2200 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.836.0188 tommybahama.com/ restaurants/palm-desert

TIP

WP Kitchen + Bar Burger

Aged White Cheddar Cheese Smoked Onion Marmalade Bacon Aioli Lettuce Tomato Brioche Bun

Brick Chicken Calabrese

Marinated Jidori Chicken Blistered Tomato Cipollini Onion Roasted Potato Calabrian Chili

Roasted Mushroom Pizza

Truffle Crème Fraiche Taleggio Cheese Leek Roasted Mushrooms Parmesan Cheese

Pan-Seared Salmon Pearl Pasta Roasted Tomato Chickpeas Kalamata Olive Tapenade Fennel

Pork Wiener Schnitzel

Austrian Potato Salad Cucumber and Dill Salad Arugula Mustard Sauce

Orecchiette

Broccolini Fennel Sausage Roasted Tomato Parmesan Cheese White Wine Butter Sauce Olive Oil

Sign up for the DineGPS Newsletter You will be alerted to the date when reservations open up and also stay in-the-know about restaurants and food happenings for Restaurant Week and beyond.

WP Kitchen + Bar American 73-130 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.568.2700 www.wolfgangpuck.com/dining/wp-kitchen-barpalm-desert-ca

Photos - Pacifica Seafood Restaurant & WP Kitchen + Bar: Andrea Domjan

Saturday: Chez Pierre Bistro French

Tuesday: Le Donne Cucina Italiana Italian

Pizzeria Villagio Italian Kitchen Italian 37029 Cook St Palm Desert, CA 92211 760.779.5050 pizzeriavillagio.com

WP Kitchen + Bar’s Executive Chef Erik Dandee’s Favorite Dishes:

Essense at Two Bunch Palms

TIP

Check Menus Check out the Restaurant Week menus from participating restaurants on the website in advance. Many restaurants offer optional wine or beverage pairings and supplemental items on their Restaurant Week menu.

WORTHY CONTENDERS City by City Honorable Mentions

CATHEDRAL CITY

AJ’s on the Green and Splash! Bar ajsonthegreen.com

Piazza Trilussa Ristorante

TIP

Solano’s Bistro

city spotlight: la quinta

Taste This Town During GPS Restaurant Week We hope you will spend some time during Restaurant Week in the beautiful and tasty city of La Quinta. When you find yourself strolling down the streets of this artsy town make sure you bring your appetite along with you as some of the best spots to chow down can be found here. Choose from options like the fresh and elegant Solano’s Bistro where you can satisfy your craving for pasta and seafood with their Brown Butter Lobster Ravioli. Or stop by the chic and delicious Cork & Fork for some exciting entrees like the Seared Scallops paired with a full bodied red wine. Just be aware that after exploring the flavors of La Quinta you may not want to leave; good thing there’s a little resort you may have heard of nearby.

Research Social Media DineGPS is the handle for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat and LinkedIn. Follow for up to the minute info, tips, and pics of hot spots during Restaurant Week.

trilussarestaurant.com

Bontá Restaurant & Bar bontarestaurant.com

RANCHO MIRAGE

Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine catalanrestaurant.com

Las Casuelas Nuevas lascasuelasnuevas.com

Roy’s Restaurant

roysrestaurant.com/locations/ca/rancho-mirage

Wally’s Desert Turtle wallysdesertturtle.com

Waters Café at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa hotwatercasino.com/waters-cafe

INDIO

Chop House at Jackalope Ranch thejackaloperanch.com/chop-house

INDIAN WELLS The Nest

gotothenest.com

Vicky’s of Santa Fe vickysofsantafe.com

Solano’s Bistro

solanosbistro.com

DESERT HOT SPRINGS

Essense at Two Bunch Palms

Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill

twobunchpalms.com/cuisine

stuftpizzabarandgrill.com

PALM SPRINGS

The Grill on Main

L’Olivo Italian Bistro

Photos - Solano's Bistro: Julie Jones

thegrillonmainlq.com

visitpalmsprings.com/overview/restaurant/l-olivoitalian-bistro/15425

Cork & Fork

Solstice Restaurant at V Palm Springs

corkandforkwinebar.com

La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill & Bar

vpalmsprings.com/sipdine/solstice

La Quinta Cliffhouse Grill & Bar

laquintacliffhouse.com

Lavender Bistro

lavenderbistro.com

LG’s Prime Steakhouse lgsprimesteakhouse.com

PS UNDERGROUND psunderground.com

ThreeSixty North Bar & Grill

Now you can fill that belly without emptying your wallet. And if it is payday, go ahead and treat a friend. You can be lunch besties, because that’s totally a thing.

threesixtynorthbarandgrill.com

PALM DESERT

Backstreet Bistro

backstreet-bistro.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 103

The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino

Reservoir at ARRIVE Palm Springs

TIP

Tell Them You’re Here for Restaurant Week

best of the best

These Hot Spots are Worthy of Some LOCALE Trophies Palm Springs is one big adult playground and should be treated as such. The desert oasis is home to top-notch hotels, extravagant casinos and resorts. Oh, and not to mention some of the best restaurants and eats you can find. Whether you’re here for a bachelorette party or to melt under the sun at a popular music festival, you won’t find a shortage of places to chow down on some grade-A grub. Although the desert is known to play tricks on one’s mind, these award-winning restaurants are no mirage.

avalon-hotel.com/palmsprings/dining/chi-chi

dish Creative Cuisine Best Amuse Bouche dishcreativecuisine.com

Lulu California Bistro Best Four-Course Meal Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge

Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge Best Ambiance eight4nine.com

Watercress Vietnamese Bistro Best Noodle Soup watercressvietnamesebistropalmsprings.com

Peaks Restaurant at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Best View pstramway.com/dining

Reservoir at ARRIVE Palm Springs Best Breakfast Options reservoirpalmsprings.com 104 LOCALE MAGAZINE

TIP

Have an Open Mind and Try New Dishes

Chi Chi at Avalon Hotel and Bungalows Best Salads

lulupalmsprings.com

Ask for the Restaurant Week menu. Let them know if you’re new to their restaurant or returning and tell them you’re here for Restaurant Week. Oftentimes, it’s the only way they can tell if Restaurant Week is a success.

Peaks Restaurant at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The experience varies dramatically from restaurant to restaurant; for example, some restaurants offer multiple course options while others offer tapas or small plates. Some restaurants offer their signature dish while others offer less expensive items. Each restaurant may select to showcase their menu items in different ways during Restaurant Week—have an open mind, try new dishes and have fun.

HIGH STEAKS Hit These Places for a Dinner Well Done

Best Bite: Prime Dry-Aged Ribeye Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Rancho Mirage flemingssteakhouse.com

Best Bite: Slow Roasted Prime Rib LG’s Prime Steakhouse Palm Springs lgsprimesteakhouse.com

Best Bite: Prime Rib Dinner Mr. Lyons Steakhouse Palm Springs mrlyonsps.com

Best Bite: Filet Mignon Ruth’s Chris Steak House Palm Desert ruthschris.com

Best Bite: Wagyu Ribeye The Steakhouse at Spa Resort Casino Palm Springs sparesortcasino.com/steakhouse

Best Bite: Surf & Turf The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa Rancho Mirage hotwatercasino.com/steakhouse

The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino • Resort • Spa

Photos - The Grove Artisan Kitchen Miramonte Resort & Spa: Bianca Simonian

The Grove Artisan Kitchen at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa

dishes to drool over Bite Into These Delicious Desert Dreams

Too many choices can result in a state of panic. That dreaded moment when the server strolls over with paper and pen in hand, and you can’t decide between wheat or white bread. Here’s a nifty list of popular dishes from even more popular restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for shrimp fajitas or a pot roast, Palm Springs has what you are craving.

TIP

Bring Friends and Stay the Week

suite & savory Must-Try Restaurants Inside Top-Notch Hotels

There are almost too many reasons to visit Greater Palm Springs. One of those reasons are the luxury resort hotels, which can be very exhausting—you know, the therapeutic day spas, superb customer service, and delicious craft cocktails by the pool. All of this in the middle of the desert can really work up an appetite. Luckily, these ravishing dwellings offer gourmet eats that may or may not have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). Along with these top hotels in the greater Palm Springs area are some of the city’s top restaurants as well.

Melvyn’s Restaurant Ingleside Inn Palm Springs inglesideinn.com

bluEmber Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage

rivierapalmsprings.com/ dine/cantala

The Grove Artisan Kitchen Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa Indian Wells

Mikado Japanese Steakhouse JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Palm Desert

miramonteresort.com/ palm-springs-resorts/groveartisan-kitchen

marriott.com/hotels/travel/ ctdca-jw-marriott-desertsprings-resort-and-spa

SO⋅PA L’Horizon Resort & Spa Palm Springs

Lantana Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa Indian Wells

Purple Palm Restaurant & Bar Colony Palms Hotel Palm Springs

lhorizonpalmsprings.com

indianwells.regency.hyatt.com

colonypalmhotel.com/dining

SHARE Small Plate Bistro Hyatt Palm Springs Palm Springs

Mister Parker’s The Parker Palm Springs Palm Springs

pinziminipalmsprings.com

Europa Restaurant Villa Royale Inn Palm Springs villaroyale.com/dining

palmsprings.hyatt.com

theparkerpalmsprings.com/ dine/mister-parkers.php

copleyspalmsprings.com

Johannes Popular Dish: Wiener Schnitzel Classic or Organic Chicken Wiener johannesrestaurants.com

Le Paon Contemporary French Cuisine Popular Dish: Filet Mignon lepaonfrenchcuisine.com

Kaiser Grille Popular Dish: Kaiser Signature Prime Rib kaisergrille.com

Workshop Kitchen + Bar Popular Dish: Black Cod

Spencer’s Restaurant Popular Dish: Maine Lobster Benedict spencersrestaurant.com

The Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Seas Lounge® Popular Dish: Crispy Boneless Southern Fried Chicken thetropicale.com

Trio Restaurant Popular Dish: Yankee Pot Roast triopalmsprings.com

Michael Holmes’ Purple Room Popular Dish: New Zealand Rack of Lamb purpleroompalmsprings.com

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill Popular Dish: Cioppino

Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill Popular Dish: Sizzling Shrimp Fajitas

sammygsrestaurant.com

rioazulpalmsprings.com

workshoppalmsprings.com

Cantala Riviera Palm Springs Palm Springs

omnihotels.com

Pinzimini The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa Rancho Mirage

With more than 100 restaurants participating this year, it’s a great opportunity to bring friends and stay the week. Use special deals from event partners Enterprise RentA-Car and Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa and make it a foodie getaway!

Copley’s on Palm Canyon Popular Dish: Pan Roasted Australian Barramundi

Workshop Kitchen + Bar LOCALE MAGAZINE 105

PHOTO BY: Damien Noble Andrews

GO ///DO

MAY 2017

108

LOCAL SOUND Get Moving With the 111 Music Festival

111

DO EXPERT These Young Do Experts are Killing it at Life

126

HUMANITARIAN PROFILE Braille Institute Brightens Lives of Students and Volunteers

111

DO EXPERT A Child Shall Lead Them

Meet Seven Young Influencers Who Have Made Their Passions a Reality

ANTHONY SLOSAR Youngest Person to Climb Mt. Whitney Photoshoot Location: ARROYO TRAIL 17261 El Vuelo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

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GO/DO

GET ON THE BUS, GUS Jump on Board the 111 Music Festival WRITTEN BY: GABRIELLE ABENOJA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BIANCA SIMONIAN

The Plan: Grab your slightly beatup backpack, pull your flowy-laceCoachella-music-fest outfit on, make sure your Instax is prepped with extra film, and jump on the Soundbus. From that point, take a seat, enjoy the lineup of local art and music, and ride the line - all the way to Palm Springs. Twenty-nine miles, 38 musical acts, $1 entry— this is our kind of scene. Cruisin’ from Coachella to Palm Springs, the 111 Music Festival is truly taking the magic of a road trip and putting a soundtrack to it. Interactive and entertaining, the mobile music festival showcases local art, music, and culture while riding down the beautiful Highway 111 (hence the name). With each bus stop down the dusty desert highway, the Soundbus reinvents itself with a new lineup of artists as they pile in, make themselves at home, and groove to the next stopping point. What started as the lovechild between The Coachella Valley Art Scene and SunLine, 111 Music Festival grew into a passion of the community. “This past year was our 3rd year! It's amazing how time travels so fast. The idea came to be in spirit of serving The CVAS's mission to cultivate a creative community by providing platforms for emerging artists in the Coachella Valley,” said Founder and Executive Director of The Coachella Valley Art Scene Sarah Scheideman. The inspiration came to Scheideman when she visited her younger brother in Portland, Oregon. While riding the MAX Line, there was a guitarist performing on the train. Scheideman thought, ‘Why can’t that happen with all different types of local musicians along the

Coachella Valley's Sunbus 111 Line?’ After she returned from her trip her business partner, Ian Cush, called SunLine Transit Agency with the concept and the rest was history! Building rider awareness, educating the community, and providing an overall amazing atmosphere where the community gathers and thrives - this is what defines 111 Music Festival. “Buses, by nature, group people together. They are the function of a healthy city. Our goal is to remind people that it’s not all about the destination, it’s the journey too. We hope festival attendees walk away with a better understanding of how our public transportation system operates and a wider knowledge of our local music scene,” said Sheideman. The mobile music festival travels from Coachella to Palm Springs, and plays music that ranges from hip-hop to folk offering a different music style for everyone. Exclusively featuring artists local to the Coachella-Palm Springs scene, 111 Music Festival boasts music from every genre. From rap and blues to DJ beats, there is a journey catered for every musical taste. Coachella Valley based rap artist Million Essex is one of the talented artists to be featured in the upcoming lineup. “Million Essex is an emerging hip-hop artist that has exciting energy and positive attitude towards making art. He is a great artist to feature on 111 Music Festival because he's always game! Hip hop on a bus traveling from Palm Desert to Palm Springs?! Not a problem for Million,” said Scheideman. An up-and-coming rap artist using his talents for spoken word and dope beats to rapidly make his way to the top of the local Coachella music scene? We’ll take a ticket.

NOT A TRACE ] No need to worry about leaving a footprint on this trip. The SunLine buses are clean fuel only, either using CNG Hydrogen or Fuel Cell buses. 111 MUSIC FESTIVAL www.111musicfestival.com MILLION & ALBERTINI Million Essex @millionsworld Nicolas Albertini @sarzog Photoshoot Location: THE SAGUARO PALM SPRINGS 1800 E Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264

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PARTY ON ] With seven straight hours of various music styles lined up, there won’t be a moment of boredom on this bus ride.

A CHILD DO EXPERT

SHALL LEAD

THEM

MEET 7 YOUNG INFLUENCERS WHO HAVE MADE THEIR PASSIONS A REALITY WRITTEN BY: NICOLE HAKIM PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS AND JANE CHOUTEAU

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever heard the phrase that the youth are the future, then you should know that it is entirely true. With their boundless imaginations and endless motivation, they do whatever they can to make their dreams come true and help others in the process. Whether they are trying to clean up the environment, flying across the map, guiding people to a healthier lifestyle, creating a new useful invention, working with a team to score a win, climbing a mountain or using their skills as a chef to help kids find light in the darkness, each one of our determined young Do Experts are on his or her way to show others just how far one can go, if they only put their best foot forward.

111

“IT’S A DIRTY JOB, BUT SOMEBODY HAS TO DO IT.” — VA N I S BUCKHOLZ

VANIS BUCKHOLZ

CREATOR OF MY RECYCLER AGE: 14

The earth is a beautiful place, but unfortunately, not many are committed to preserving its beauty. Meet Vanis Buckholz, the creator of My ReCycler, which aims to clean up streets, beaches, parks and much more by picking up trash and recycling it. In his seventh year of business, Vanis has collected over 75,000 pounds of trash and has joined the Project Hope Alliance, a charity that helps homeless children in Orange County. With his involvement, he has not only helped the environment, but also the people who call the earth their home. Seeing someone so young take care of the environment is truly inspiring, and as Vanis says, “It’s a dirty job, but somebody has to do it.” 112 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: What inspired you to get into recycling? Vanis Buckholz: It was for an Earth Day project in elementary school. I picked recycling because it seemed like a smart thing to do. Once I started, I thought we should keep doing it. When I realized we could make money doing it, we started the business. My grandpa always told me to start a business, so I did. Q: How did you come up with the name “My ReCycler?” VB: I started my business on my scooter and then on my bike; that’s how I got to all my customers. The name matches what I actually do: I recycle and I ride my bike. Q: Were there ever times of struggle? How did you push forward? VB: Yes, because it grew so fast, it was

hard to keep everything organized. I just focused on what I had to do. I took care of my commitments and stayed organized. Q: What plans do you have for your business in the future? VB: I want to grow it as big as I can and add other services. I’d like to get my own recycling yard and hire others to join it. Q: How does it feel to be considered one of Orange County’s most influential “Game Changers?” VB: Wow! It’s shocking. I’ve been doing this for half of my life, so it’s nothing unusual. It’s still really cool. Q: What is one of your biggest achievements while in business? VB: That would probably be helping other kids.

I’D LIKE TO GET MY OWN RECYCLING YARD AND HIRE OTHERS TO JOIN IT.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

— VA N I S B U C K H O L Z

A PIECE OF ADVICE

Buckholz says the most important thing for people to help is to do something.

STAY ACTIVE

When he’s not recycling, Buckholz likes to spend time sports car racing with his dad, hanging out with his friends, surfing, skateboarding, go-kart racing and playing basketball, volleyball and golf.

MY RECYCLER www.myrecycler.org Photoshoot Location: ORANGE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER 1601 E Edinger Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705 LOCALE MAGAZINE 113

“THE FACT THAT I CAN SHOW THEM A DIFFERENT OPPORTUNITY AT LIFE BRINGS SATISFACTION TO MINE. I WISH TO SHOW MANY KIDS IN THE UNITED STATES THE SAME THING.” —ISAIAH COOPER

ISAIAH COOPER

YOUNGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN TO FLY ACROSS THE US AGE: 17

To many, the idea of flying can be quite scary. To others, it’s merely a way to get from one place to another. To Compton-native Isaiah Cooper, flying is a sense of freedom and accomplishment. At the age of only 16, Cooper achieved a milestone last July, as he became one of the youngest people to fly across the United States. The 8,000-mile flight took two weeks, and though this is quite an accomplishment, Cooper is far from finished. He hopes to take his passion to the next level and become the youngest person to fly around the globe. 114 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: When did you want to become a pilot? Isaiah Cooper: I was a young kid, and I wanted to do it as a hobby. I was five or six years old at the time.

The fact that I can show them a different opportunity at life brings satisfaction to mine. I wish to show many kids in the United States the same thing.

Q: It sounds really scary! How do you keep calm and push forward? IC: I don’t really have moments of doubt. I’ve been in an accident before, so I’m ready for what flying brings.

Q: What advice do you have for kids on how to follow their dreams? IC: Stay focused, stay positive, stay around positive people who want to encourage you, and put your best foot forward in school. Everything you learn in school will help you in real life.

Q: Have you flown any of your family? IC: No. I don’t have a license yet, and on top of that, most of them are scared of planes, so it’s going to be hard. Q: Have you met any young children inspired by your adventures? How does it make you feel? IC: Oh, yes. Some will contact me online or through social media. I’ll sign autographs and take photos. I love inspiring them.

Q: How did it feel when you were flying 8,000 miles around the US? IC: I loved it. It’s a sense of freedom you won’t get from driving a car. I love flying through the clouds; it’s so exciting. Q: What do you have planned for the future? IC: I would actually like to open my own organization. Hopefully I can make it so kids can get the same chance I did.

IT’S A SENSE OF FREEDOM YOU WON’T GET FROM DRIVING A CAR. I LOVE FLYING THROUGH THE CLOUDS; IT’S SO EXCITING.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

— I S A I A H C OO P E R

BALLIN’

When he’s not flying, Cooper also enjoys playing baseball and basketball.

DREAM FLIGHT

Cooper says his dream flight destination is Jamaica.

Photoshoot Location: COMPTON AIRPORT 901 W Alondra Blvd Compton, CA 90220 LOCALE MAGAZINE 115

“I’VE HAD LEUKEMIA THREE TIMES...I FOUND THE FOOD NETWORK AND ALL THE COOKING SHOWS, AND I FELL IN LOVE WITH FOOD.” — JAC K WITH ERSPOON

JACK WITHERSPOON

CHEF, LEUKEMIA SURVIVOR AND AUTHOR OF “TWIST IT UP” AGE: 17

Diagnosed with leukemia at age two, Jack Witherspoon has relapsed twice at age six and 11, and has even gone through a bone marrow transplant. However, Witherspoon has moved past the darkness by finding solace in cooking. With a cookbook, a visit to the “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, and a charity that raised over $150,000 for pediatric leukemia research, Witherspoon has achieved so much by age 16.

Q: What inspired you to start cooking? Jack Witherspoon: I’ve had leukemia three times. It was during my first relapse when I was six, and I was in the hospital a lot. I found the Food Network and all the cooking shows, and I fell in love with food. I got my mom to write down recipes, and when I got home, I’d make some of them.

Children, where I was treated for my first two bouts of leukemia. It’s called the Jack Witherspoon Foundation. Proceeds from my book also go to that foundation. I was also Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Boy of the Year in 2015. I’ve raised a lot of money for a lot of different charities, but they’re all for leukemia research.

Q: How did you stay positive during difficult times? JW: It really hit me when I was six because I had friends and school. All those things were just taken away when I was under treatment. The cooking was the bright light that kept me positive in the midst of everything. I really needed something to get my mind off everything that was going on, and cooking kept my mind off all that.

Q: What do you think is one of your biggest achievements in the culinary world? JW: My cookbook is one of my biggest achievements. It was a lot of hard work, and it was my first big project. I was 11 when it was published, and as it was going to print, I had a relapse with leukemia, so my book launch was postponed.

Q: What is the first dish you ever made? JW: I started off just helping my mom, but the first dish I really ever made was a five-cheese mac and cheese I saw on “Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels.” The night after I got home, my mom and I made it. It was really cool, making something by myself and having people eat it and enjoy it. It’s a really good feeling. Q: Which recipe in “Twist it Up” is your favorite? JW: It’s 60 of my favorite recipes, so it’s kind of hard to choose, but I’ve got to say either my spaghetti carbonara—it’s easy, it’s fast and it’s really good— or my shepherd’s pie, which has a little bit of sentimental value because I made it on the “Tonight Show,” and I got to cook it with Jay Leno. Q: Tell me about your charity. When did it start and what have you done to raise money? JW: I have my own endowment at Miller’s

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Q: Which chefs inspire you the most? JW: I got to say Bobby Flay, Rachael Ray, all those Food Network chefs inspire me to keep cooking, but now, as I’m getting older, I’m watching more Gordon Ramsay; he really knows his stuff. Q: Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to learn how to cook? JW: You want to keep it simple in the beginning and work your way up. I started off helping, learning everything I could, and watching videos. Practice really makes perfect. Q: What do you have planned for the future? JW: I’m going to be making my own business. It’s going to be a cookie company called “Sconies.” It’s a cross between a cookie and a scone. We’re hoping to launch with three different varieties like vanilla bean, chocolate chip and lemon zest.

THE COOKING WAS THE BRIGHT LIGHT THAT KEPT ME POSITIVE IN THE MIDST OF EVERYTHING. I REALLY NEEDED SOMETHING TO GET MY MIND OFF EVERYTHING THAT WAS GOING ON, AND COOKING KEPT MY MIND OFF ALL THAT.”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

— JAC K W I T H E R S P OO N

COOKING UP A STORM

Witherspoon says one of the most fulfilling things is inspiring kids in the hospital by doing cooking demos.

ACROSS THE BOARD

When he’s not cooking, Witherspoon likes to hang out with friends, skateboard, snowboard, and surf. Photoshoot Location: PRIMO ITALIA 24590 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 310.378.4288 www.eatprimo.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 117

“FOR ME, I NOTICED HOW YOGA HELPED ME WITH SCHOOL AND RELAXATION. IT INSPIRED ME TO HELP OTHERS BECAUSE IT HELPED ME.” — JAYS E A D E VO E

JAYSEA DEVOE

YOUNGEST CERTIFIED SUP YOGA INSTRUCTOR, FOUNDER OF SEAVIBES AGE: 15

Jaysea Devoe has loved yoga from a young age—when other forms of sport didn’t work for her—and has found a sense of happiness within the practice. However, as relaxed as yoga makes her, merely practicing isn’t enough. Devoe is also a certified yoga instructor, and she is only 14 years old. Teaching at the Yoga Bergamot every Wednesday night, Devoe shows that her young age doesn’t matter because she is able to share the passion and relaxation that yoga brings her to her students.

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Q: How did you get into the yoga hype? Jaysea Devoe: I was about eight years old. I had been taking kids’ classes at a dance studio that offered yoga one or two times a week. I loved it. I tried all different sports, but none really worked, and yoga just stuck with me. I took the training when I was 12.

incense and music on. When the students show up and line up their mats, I welcome them and introduce myself to new students. I start off slowly with one pose for a few minutes to reflect on our bodies. We pick up the pace in the middle with sequences that build up, and at the end of class, I bring the sequences down to reflect.

Q: What inspired you to become a yoga instructor? JD: For me, I noticed how yoga helped me with school and relaxation. It inspired me to help others because it helped me.

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to try yoga? JD: I hear students say they can’t do yoga because they’re not flexible. Yoga is meant for working on flexibility. If you haven’t started yoga, go to a local studio and take a few classes. Go for a few days a week and build it up, and see if you notice any differences in your mind and body.

Q: How does doing yoga and helping others make you feel? JD: Yoga is such an important thing that everyone should practice. Being able to help others make their bodies healthy makes me happy. It empowers me to help others. Q: Walk us through a typical class when you’re instructing. JD: Normally, I go in and teach at Yoga Bergamot. I teach on Wednesdays, and I put

Q: What are some of your biggest achievements in the yoga field? JD: For me, it’s my clothing and jewelry line called SeaVibes. We have a little shop where I teach. It gets me into a new thing while incorporating yoga.

BEING ABLE TO HELP OTHERS MAKE THEIR BODIES HEALTHY MAKES ME HAPPY. IT EMPOWERS ME TO HELP OTHERS.” — JAYS E A D E VO E

WATER BABY

When Devoe isn’t doing yoga, she likes to surf and paddleboard.

WORLD TRAVELER

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

As an instructor, she wants to share her love for yoga around the world, and explore new cultures as she does so.

SEAVIBES YOGA www.seavibesyoga.com @seavibesyoga Photoshoot Location: PONTO BEACH TOWER 21 Carlsbad Blvd Encinitas, CA 92024 www.californiabeaches.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 119

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

“I’VE ALWAYS WANTED A SKATEBOARD I COULD FIT IN MY LOCKER AND BACKPACK, SO I DECIDED TO JUST START MAKING ONE.” —CARSON K RO P F L

CARSON KROPFL

CREATOR OF THE LOCKER BOARD SKATEBOARDS AGE: 11

Nothing can extinguish a child’s imagination, especially if he has an idea that he’s passionate about. In order to pay for his surf contests and lessons, he started the Locker Board—instead of doing chores. They are made with recycled skateboard decks, and when Vans learned of Kropfl’s ideas, he was set up with a monthly recycling program at two stores in So Cal where he is given donated skateboard decks to upcycle into Locker Boards. This year, Carson will be a mentor at the Independent Youth Teen Network, and he is also donating $1 for every Locker Board he sells to the Tony Hawk Foundation. 120 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: What is the Locker Board and how did you think of it? Carson Kropfl: Locker Boards are recycled skateboard decks that I’ve reshaped to fit inside backpacks and lockers. I put new tracks and wheels on them and sell them for $69. I’ve always wanted a skateboard I could fit in my locker and backpack, so I decided to just start making one. Q: Any notable people who have a Locker Board? CK: We sent out [a board to Barron Trump], and it’s in the White House, but we haven’t heard anything quite yet. Q: How many Locker Boards have you sold? CK: To date, I’ve sold 151. We’ve been selling them for three-and-a-half months. Q: Who was the first person to get their very own Locker Board, besides yourself? CK: It was Oct. 25th—I put the boards out

there on Oct. 29th—and two of my friends came over and bought one. Q: Do you have any other inventions you’ve done? CK: A while ago, we started a company called Streetubez. It’s like tarp surfing, and that’s when you get a big tarp, and then you set it down and take one corner and pull it. The wind takes you like a wave, and you skate through it. The tarp is a triangle and is made out of parachute material, and you skate on the streets. It’s super easy and fun to ride. We did a Kickstarter. We didn’t make it, but we’re going to start it up again. Q: Do you have any advice for kids who want to invent? CK: You just have to push through and work as hard as you can. Then you’ll have time to play. Work hard, shred hard!

WORK HARD, SHRED HARD!” — C A R S O N K RO P F L

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

When he’s not inventing, Kropfl enjoys playing with his friends, biking, skateboarding and surfing.

BIEBER FEVER

Kropfl says he’d think Justin Bieber—who skates a lot in Venice Beach—would enjoy his own Locker Board.

LOCKER BOARD SKATEBOARDS 949.554.4448 www.lockerboard.net Photoshoot Location: SAN CLEMENTE, CA LOCALE MAGAZINE 121

“[THE HIKE] TOOK ABOUT 22 HOURS. THAT WAS WITH NO SLEEP, JUST SOME ONE-MINUTE CATNAPS; THOSE ONLY FELT LIKE A SECOND.” —ANTHONY S LO S A R

ANTHONY SLOSAR

YOUNGEST PERSON TO CLIMB MT. WHITNEY AGE: 7

Whether one is an experienced hiker or just starting out, climbing a mountain at any stage of life is a long, difficult, and impressive feat. It’s even more impressive when you’re only six years old and have already climbed a mountain that is over 14,000 feet, and that is what Anthony Slosar did last August. Coming from a family of hikers, Slosar made history with his father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Even when his mother and siblings had to turn back halfway through the climb—because of altitude sickness—Slosar wasn’t about to give up. He continued on with the 22-hour journey and came back with a heightened sense of confidence and achievement. 122 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: What inspired you to climb Mt. Whitney? Anthony Slosar: My original reason was because my brother, Jackson, did it a couple of years ago, but I wasn’t allowed to. When I got to the top, I asked my dad if I could watch Captain America: Civil War, since I was already there. I only watched about 10 minutes of it, though. Q: How long did it take to complete the climb? AS: It took about 22 hours. That was with no sleep, just some one-minute catnaps; those only felt like a second. When you get to the top, the oxygen gets thin, and you’re already tired, so it was rough. The craziest part was when my mom turned around, she wanted me to go with her, but I didn’t want to quit!

Q: Did you ever feel like giving up? AS: There is a spot—a portal—at Mt. Whitney where some had to quit because we didn’t have any camping gear. Quitting wasn’t an option! When I finished the climb, I had no idea how much there would be left when I had to go back down. It was good for my self-esteem because it made me extra confident! My dad had a backpack, and if I wanted to stop, he was ready to cut holes in it so he could carry me, but I didn’t want that! When it turned dark, I couldn’t believe we were still going; I thought they were elves in the forest as we walked back, and I was scared, but I wouldn’t stop! Q: Do you have advice for anyone wanting to climb mountains? AS: Don’t quit!

THE CRAZIEST PART WAS WHEN MY MOM TURNED AROUND, SHE WANTED ME TO GO WITH HER, BUT I DIDN’T WANT TO QUIT!”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS

— A N T H O N Y S LO S A R

FAMILY AND FOOTBALL

If Slosar could hike with anyone, he would hike with his mom, dad, siblings and Tom Brady!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Slosar also likes to play soccer, ride his bike, swim, fish, camp and play with his siblings.

Photoshoot Location: ARROYO TRAIL 17261 El Vuelo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 LOCALE MAGAZINE 123

“MY DAD WAS A GOALIE, AND HE WANTED ME TO TRY IT, AND EVER SINCE THEN, I WAS IN LOVE AND JUST KEPT PLAYING.” — E L I NA L I N N E R

ELINA LINNER

GLOBAL HANDBALL PRODIGY AGE: 19

Handball—a sport that contains two teams that throw a ball from outside a goal zone, hoping to get the ball past the goalkeeper. Hailing from Sweden, Elina Linner has brought her love for the sport to the United States. With hopes of joining the US Olympic team, Linner puts everything she has in the game and credits her coach, Juliano de Oliveira, who is always there to support her as she makes her dreams come true.

Q: When did you fall in love with handball? Elina Linner: When I was eight years old, I started playing. My dad was a goalie, and he wanted me to try it, and ever since then, I was in love and just kept playing. Q: What do you do to shake any nerves before a big match? EL: I usually start talking to my dad to help me get motivated. I also put headphones in and listen to music to just forget about it. Q: Which handball players do you admire and look up to? EL: Elizabeth Hartnett who plays for the US National Team; she’s one of my closest friends. Q: What do you feel is your biggest achievement in handball?

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EL: That would probably be when I played in the national team in Auburn, and when I played in Brazil against other national teams. Q: What do you hope to do with handball? EL: For the USA Olympic team, beach handball will be in 2024, and I’m training for that. It has been one of my biggest dreams since I was little. I told my mom she’d one day see me play handball on TV. Q: What’s next for you and handball? EL: Next year is the Pan American Championship for beach handball. If my team places high enough, we will be in the World Championships. Then, we will try to qualify for the Olympics!

IT HAS BEEN ONE OF MY BIGGEST DREAMS SINCE I WAS LITTLE. I TOLD MY MOM SHE’D ONE DAY SEE ME PLAY HANDBALL ON TV.” — E L I NA L I N N E R

MULTIFACETED

Besides sports, Linner is also interested in real estate and has an internship.

SWEDISH LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JANE CHOUTEAU

If she could play handball with anyone, Linner would play with a Swedish player named Isabelle Gullden.

Photoshoot Location: RONALD REAGAN ELEMENTARY 79800 Liberty Dr Palm Desert, CA 92211 LOCALE MAGAZINE 125

Photoshoot Location: BRAILLE INSTITUTE 70251 Ramon Rd Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.321.1111 www.brailleinstitute.org 126 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Humanitarian Profile

Sense-ational Cooking How People With Reduced Vision Manage the Kitchen

WRITTEN BY: DR. PAULA TRIMBLE-FAMILETTI PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HILARY PETERS

“Honey, in alphabetical order I am blind, crazy, crippled, and deaf but I haven’t lost my smile. I love this place! I would come here every day if I could,” one of the students, Charlesetta, says laughing. “I like this cooking class because we get to eat what we make. I don’t have to bring my own lunch. This place is a haven. We help each other and learn skills to be more independent.” The six Braille Institute locations serve 75,000 people each year. Some are bused from Yucca Valley, Desert Hot Springs, Redlands, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Moreno Valley, Banning/Beaumont and Hemet. All services are free to the students—including the popular cooking class.

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elice Chiapperini, field services manager at the Braille Institute, is very proud of the newly remodeled kitchen. It is actually two kitchens. On one side the appliances are gas, and students who have gas appliances in their homes work there. The other side is electric. The counters are bright white to contrast food and anything else set on the counters. In the center of the kitchen is a big, bright white teaching counter. Margaret Blomberg, a retired fourth grade teacher and the instructor for the cooking class said, “This building was constructed in 1989 and we really needed a new kitchen. They brought us in and asked us what we needed and we got the ideal kitchen. It is bright and beautiful with a big teaching counter. I have granite at home and things just get lost on it.

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I’ve been here for six years and teaching for three,” she says. “As soon as I walked in the door I knew I was home. This place is full of friendly, loving people. I started as a student and asked if I could help out. When I finished the first semester, my name was on the list next to ‘cooking class’ and I have been teaching the class ever since. It really is the blind leading the blind.” As the students arrive, Blomberg greets them enthusiastically, “Today we are going to make a bacon, lettuce and tomato salad.” The lesson begins with Blomberg and the students deciding the best way to cook the bacon, boil the pasta, chop the tomato and onion, tear the lettuce and measure the salad dressing. “We match talents and skills to create classes around particular abilities. One lady loves to do dishes, so she teaches us all her tricks for doing the dishes,” says Blomberg. The students share devices they have brought to make cooking easier and safer. One woman

“Honey, in alphabetical order I am blind, crazy, crippled, and deaf but I haven’t lost my smile.” —Charlesetta, a Braille Institute student Give Back: Volunteers are always welcome at Braille Institute. Many of the volunteers are students themselves.

“As soon as I walked in the door I knew I was home. This place is full of friendly, loving people.”—Margaret Blomberg has a kitchen glove made of stainless steel thread, which she wears while she chops the tomatoes. The knife will not cut the threads. Another has a glove that reaches her elbow so she will not burn her arm on the oven rack when taking the bacon out of the hot oven. A third woman pulled out a rectangular, plastic box with a metal grid on the top. She placed the onion on the grid, closed the lid and presto, a chopped onion. If someone is not comfortable using a sharp knife, there is a drawer full of special “lettuce” knives which will cut vegetables but will not cut a hand. The measuring cups are marked with velcro dots. The numerator is on the underside of the cup and the denominator is on the handle. For instance, a quarter cup has one dot on the cup and four dots on the handle. Braille Institute was founded in 1919 in the Los Angeles home of Montana cowboy J. Robert Atkinson with the financial help of Mary and

John Longyear. Atkinson lost his sight from an accidental gunshot wound and learned to read braille and transcribe print into braille. In 1973, the Rancho Mirage Regional center opened. This is truly a remarkable place, and not just because of the wide variety of classes and services. Some of the classes, like the cooking class, life skills class, and sensory awareness class, help students learn to live with vision loss. Other enrichment classes offer woodworking, piano, art, crochet, line dancing, and more. This is a remarkable place because of the people who come here and the feelings they express about their experiences with each other. In the words of 93-year-old Alice, “People need to know this is a good safe place to come. It is a blessing to be here. I have gout in both ankles but I didn’t want to miss my class. How long can I wait at my age? You would be surprised what people who can’t see can do. I would do anything for [this place].”

Recipe for the BLT Salad: Bacon arranged on cookie sheets and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes Romaine lettuce chopped or torn Tomatoes chopped Red onion chopped Bow tie pasta 1 cup of ranch and 1/2 cup of zesty Italian salad dressing

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PHOTO BY: Sal Cavazos

HOME

///AWAY MAY 2017

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ESCAPE: SOUTH AFRICA How to Explore South Africa in Luxury

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#THATPINKDOOR Snap a Pic With This Iconic Door

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AWAY FEATURE What Happens in Vegas Stays at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

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SETTING THE TABLE Share Your Food at SHARE Small Plate Bistro

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SU CASA Buy Your Piece of Palm Springs Paradise With This Property

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#THATPINKDOOR A-door-able

The Bubble Gum Pink Door That Barbie Wishes She Had

1100 E Sierra Way Palm Springs, CA 92264 @thatpinkdoor

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NAC HELICOPTERS E Pier Rd, V & A Waterfront Cape Town, 8001 South Africa www.nachelicopterscapetown.com

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into the

WILD

EXPERIENCE A LUXURIOUS ADVENTURE TO SOUTH AFRICA WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNA ROMANO

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THE VINEYARD HOTEL Colinton Rd Newlands, Cape Town 7700 South Africa www.vineyard.co.za

I was both excited and nervous to be traveling as just two girls in a foreign country not particularly known for its safety, but I was confident once I got there that my fears would ease. I have always been the first one to say yes to any adventure, but a sense of anxiety rushed over me as I walked through the sliding glass doors into the airport. People asked, “WHY SOUTH AFRICA?” so many times I lost count, I don’t think many people seemed to know that you could have a luxury girls getaway there, little did we know we were about to blow everyone’s minds, and our own. My friend Andrea and I met when she was an exchange student from Maryland at my high school. We both got kicked out of class for not doing our homework and had to sit outside—we've been friends ever since. I spent the next month or so driving her around Southern California trying to give her every experience I could possibly give her. We would see each other every few years, but this time, instead of visiting each other in Orange County or New York, I suggested we pull out our bucket lists. South Africa was on both of ours, so we booked a flight that week. We arrived in Cape Town after a fivehour flight to meet Andrea in New York, a five-hour layover, a 15-hour flight to Johannesburg that ended in us giving some “good samaritan” $20 for helping us find our next terminal (Lesson #1Bring smaller bills for tipping or don’t let anyone help you in the airport unless you want to pay for it.) and a two-hour flight to Cape Town. Luckily, we slept for the majority of the flight, so arriving at 1 p.m. was an easy transition with no jet lag. We picked up our rental car and blasted “Circle of Life” from the Lion King with no shame, as I began learning to drive on the left side of the road and the right side of the car. 134 LOCALE MAGAZINE

cape town

T H E VI N E YA R D H O TEL

A short 20-minute drive later, we arrived at The Vineyard Hotel, a seven-acre riverside garden estate on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain about 15 minutes outside of the city. We checked in and made our way into our suite, where we plopped our bags down in the living room and booked it straight for the patio with the most awe striking view of Table Mountain overlooking their lush garden. We quickly decided we needed to explore and followed the pathway through the gardens back to the pool where we spent the rest of the day laying out and drinking cosmos and mojitos.You could literally

just spend your entire trip at The Vineyard Hotel enjoying their amazing dining options, amenities, and property. During our stay, we took advantage of their fully stocked gym. With floor to ceiling windows looking out at Table Mountain, running on a treadmill isn’t so bad. I have never been as enthusiastic about making sure we did not miss breakfast as I was here, we started every morning with their complimentary continental breakfast at The Square Restaurant, and ended almost every night at the Garden Lounge chatting with locals and fellow travelers.

4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE VINEYARD HOTEL ¢ A tortoise lives on site. We found this out after running into him in the garden. ¢ Their riverside garden overlooking Table Mountain is so beautiful and peaceful, you will want to walk around the property every day. ¢ They have five options for food and drink on the property. We tried and loved them all, including room service, but especially loved the hospitality at the Garden Lounge (Say ‘hi’ to our favorite bartender, Boyce!) and Myoga, an independently owned Japanese-inspired restaurant. ¢ Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, health and fitness center, and Angsana Spa.

EXPLORING CAPE TOWN STREETS ¢ Bree Street - hipster trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes ¢ Kloof Rd. - fashion boutiques, art galleries, interior design shops, and restaurants ¢ Long Street - best known for nightlife

NAC HELICOPTERS We booked a helicopter tour with NAC Helicopters, who are a well-known spot for offering a variety of chartered and private helicopter rides in Cape Town. They are right near the V & A Waterfront, an iconic landmark in Cape Town where there are a number of shops and restaurants. We spent the day wandering around The Watershed, an indoor market on the waterfront, then arrived to pre-flight champagne before we hopped in the helicopter for a 15-minute private tour. Cape Town is one of the coolest cities to see from above. If you can take a helicopter tour anywhere in the world, this would be at the top of my list.

TABLE MOUNTAIN

#VIEWS We took The Hopper Tour which included views of: ¢ City Bowl ¢ Sea Point ¢ Camps Bay ¢ Green Point ¢ Clifton ¢ Twelve Apostles

NAC HELICOPTERS E Pier Rd, V & A Waterfront Cape Town, 8001 South Africa www.nachelicopterscapetown.com

CABLEWAY WONDERS OF THE WORLD The Table Mountain Cableway is one of three rotating trams in the world—the others are in Switzerland and in Palm Springs!

TOUR THE TOWNSHIP ¢ We took a tour of the township with a friend. Although there are many tours available to visit the townships, you do not want to go without a guide as it can be a little dangerous, but the locals are extremely friendly and are excited to have visitors. We had lunch at a Braai where we had Sheep’s Rib and a Castle, a well known South African beer, for lunch.

GO WITH UBER ¢ Having a car in Cape Town was one of the best things we could have done. We felt completely safe driving around during the day, but at night it is dangerous to drive, so you can Uber everywhere once it gets dark, which is the safest option.

Our next adventure was Table Mountain. It’s possible to hike up the mountain, but we took a cable car up to the top, where we prepared to rappel down the mountain with Abseil Africa. The instructors put us in harnesses and gave us a brief tutorial on how to run the ropes and descend safely. If you are afraid of heights like me, you’re going to have to be ready to conquer your fears. As I made my way to the edge of the rock to begin rappelling down, I refused to look backwards for fear that I would not go through with it. Two people can descend at a time, while two instructors lead from the top and one from the bottom. As we stepped off the top of the mountain at 3,558 feet above sea level, adrenaline pumped through us for the three minute descent. We were glad we filmed the entire thing because we felt, after watching the footage, we may have blacked out during the adventure.

BO KAAP ¢ Bo Kaap, a Muslim neighborhood of brightly painted houses, is home to Cape Town’s first mosque, and is one of the most photographed parts of Cape Town.

DO SOMETHING WITH A LOCAL! ¢ A friend of mine in the states made the connection with a local in Cape Town. Ryan, or ‘Menno’ as everyone calls him, had us meet him at a local bar that was attached to a hostel called Yours Truly, where locals and fellow travelers congregate. This became our favorite place for late night pizza and beer. The next night, he made us dinner with three of his roommates at their house and we taught them how to play Heads Up!

ABSEIL AFRICA 297 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa www.abseilafrica.co.za LOCALE MAGAZINE 135

stellenbosch

The next day we made our way an hour outside of Cape Town to STELLENBOSCH, a small university town in South Africa’s Western Cape province, surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands. It’s the kind of place where the city has it’s own free Wi-Fi network.

CLOS MALVERNE On our second day in Stellenbosch, we woke up to the best weather we had the entire time we were in South Africa. It was a perfect day to do some wine tasting. We hopped in our shuttle and made our way to Clos Malverne, a family-owned wine estate about four miles from the center of Stellenbosch in The Devon Valley. We arrived to a warm welcome from Clos Malverne’s Communications Manager Erich Zeelie, who took us on a tour of the wine farm and taught us a little bit about the winemaking process and the history of the wine farm. We walked out into the 66-acre vineyard that lays in a valley where the early morning mist keeps the grapes cool in the summer and the slopes of the valley allow for the perfect amount of sunlight, creating ideal conditions for the grapes to ripen.

OUD E WERF H O TEL 4 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT OUDE WERF HOTEL: On-Call Spa Services ¢ In-room spa services are available, you just need to book 24 hours in advance. We both got massages and opted to have them outside on our patio.

Oude Werf is an intimate 58-room hotel blending contemporary comfort and periodinspired ambiance. It is the perfect place to stay because it is right in the middle of the town and walking distance from the main street in Stellenbosch lined with cafes, artisan shops, and of course wine bars. We stayed in one of their Luxury Suites, which had its own private lawn with chairs to lay out on in the sun overlooking their courtyard and pool. We spent our first day sunbathing on our patio sipping on rosé and snacking on a fruit plate.

Friendly Staff ¢ After a long day out, the manager sent us up a bottle of champagne to end the day. I also thought I lost my jacket at one point and he even went to my car for me to look for it. They also booked our shuttle service and made reservations at a local restaurant for us. Their customer service is unparalleled. Pool & Lounging Patio ¢ Seriously! We loved that patio. Central to the City ¢ You are walking distance from pretty much everything. 136 LOCALE MAGAZINE

ICE CREAM & WINE TASTINGS ¢ This was the first wine estate in Stellenbosch to offer a unique tasting experience in the form of an ice cream and wine pairing. It has since become one of their signature pairings with seasonal, handmade delicacies.

STAY & PLAY ¢ Clos Malverne has three luxurious guest rooms; two family cottages and a private pool as well as an onsite spa.

OUDE WERF HOTEL 30 Church St Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa www.oudewerfhotel.co.za

As the wine business becomes more industrialized, Clos Malverne keeps it old school, which is part of their charm. They are one the few wineries left in the world that uses a basket press, which is the oldest method of pressing grapes. The winery also uses the method of open fermentation in a cement tank (called a ‘kuip’), where the grapes are crushed, and their grape skin caps are pushed down by hand. They can crush 400 tons of grapes and yield up to 350 tons a year, where the wine is then stored in French and American oak casks to mature. Sustainability is an important focus of the winemaking industry in South Africa. There is even a labeling system that ensures that the wine you are buying has met their standards for sustainability, called “Integrity & Sustainability Certification.” Clos Malverne complies with this system and also does their part growing many of their own organic vegetable and herbs without pesticides and herbicides. All the organic waste from the restaurant is used as compost for the garden, reducing their carbon footprint and creating more employment opportunities. The staff is also able to take home any vegetables that have been picked and left over for the day. The view from the dining terrace is unbeatable. The patio completely opens up and overlooks the vineyard on a backdrop of miles of rolling hills and mountains in the distance. We sat down for a fourcourse meal and wine pairing that was the best we had on our entire trip—which was no surprise, seeing as Executive Chef Nadia Louw Smith hides away with a bottle of Ellie somewhere on the property seasonally to come up with an amazing and innovative new menu. Her menus have inspired a kind of cult following, where people come back seasonally to get their fix.

CLOS MALVERNE Devon Valley Rd Stellenbosch, 7600 South Africa www.closmalverne.co.za

Q&A WITH

EMILE KOTZE OF BRAVO’S “BELOW DECK” & DREAM CREATOR AT AFRICAN TRAVEL KID

R O A DT RI PPI NG the cape penninsula

Q: What inspired you to start a travel company and what is your vision behind it? Emile Kotze: I left South Africa. I traveled, worked on Yachts and then was approached to be part of a TV show called “Below Deck.” I suddenly got a burst of followers on social media, especially on Instagram, where I posted photos of my travel adventures followed with the hashtag #africantravelkid as my signature. I received DMs where I was frequently asked how I had so much fun. I really do love being outdoors and having adventures in nature, it recharges me. On a trip to the wild coast of South Africa, I was walking on a deserted beach where I had a euphoric moment where I realized I should show people how to have fun, awesome adventures and do it for a living as it is a passion of mine. I wanted to show Americans that they can come to explore Africa in an easy way with me. I have done it on yachts and I have studied business. It was destined to be. My vision is to show people from all over the beauty of the outdoors, to show them how much energy and positivity it generates, show them how beautiful life is, and that the spirit of the African child is within all of us.

Feeling refreshed after a relaxing two days, we headed back to Cape Town where we met up with Emile Kotze, owner of African Travel Kid, who was about to take us on a day long road trip. We knew Emile from the Bravo show “Below Deck,” and had heard that he started a travel company that was focused on giving you a more personalized experience, rather than some big tour group, so we were excited when he agreed to take us on a roadtrip for the day. We gave him an idea of what was on our list of things to see and he took the lead from there. We became quick friends as he is extremely personable and a fun person to travel with. Our favorites were driving through Chapman’s Peak, a well-known drive that's reminiscent of driving PCH in Northern California, Boulder’s Beach, a sheltered cove known for its African penguins, and we ended our day with some seafood at Kalky's Fish & Chips in Kalk Bay, a well known local spot for a huge plate of seafood.

Q: What is your favorite trip out of the trips you offer? EK: Well, each trip I offer out of the five different trips is unique in their own way. I offer half day trips, full day trips, three-day trips, week trips, and two-week trips. All the trips are bespoke and customizable. I use my experience I have gained from the yachting industry to meet the needs of all guests on the trip. If I have to choose one, I must say the two-week trip from Cape Town up to the Garden Route must be my utmost favorite.

INSTAGRAM WORTHY: ¢ Hout Bay ¢ Chapman’s Peak Cape Point ¢ Boulders Beach ¢ Simon’s Town ¢ Kalk Bay ¢ St. James Beach ¢ Muizenberg Beach ¢ Simons Town

Q: If you could take anyone to one place in all of South Africa where would it be? EK: That would be the whole of South Africa! [laughs] But, a place to see before you die has to be Storms River Mouth; it is magical. Q: What do you see as the biggest difference between your experience in America versus South Africa? EK: America is way more humanized and developed all over, whereas South Africa has some room to go, and as a result, it is more wild west in South Africa; there are a lot of natural spots to explore. Q: Which would you choose plane, train, or automobile? EK: Depends on the situation. I don’t mind, but overall, the good old automobile, as it is, very convenient. AFRICAN TRAVEL KID Emile Kotze | @emile_kotze | www.AfricanTravelKid.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 137

SHARK DIVING IN GANSBAAI The next morning we left at 4 a.m. to go shark diving in Gansbaai. We stepped outside and it was raining. We were a little worried because the trip we had originally booked got postponed because of weather, and we were about to drive two hours for something that could have been canceled, but that’s what an adventure is about, right? I drove two hours in the rain, on pitch black mountain roads. To this day I am not sure if it was dumb or brave but I’m alive to tell the story. After a brief safety overview, we set out to sea on ‘White Shark,’ a 12-meter long sea-cabin cruiser that has been custom built to the specifications required and is the most recent boat built in the shark cage diving industry. After a 15-minute boat ride, we arrived at ‘Shark Alley,’ a channel of ocean so frequented by great white sharks it received this nickname. Andrea and I immediately got sea sick once the anchor dropped. The crew began to set up the cage and throw out a large frozen fish head on a line to attract the sharks, and we waited.

cape town

MA NNABAY THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT MANNABAY

Food & Drink ¢ Local beverages and house wines are complimentary for guests. The complimentary breakfast includes a small buffet and a choice of hot breakfasts to order. Afternoon high tea includes a variety of decadent sweet and savory treats, a glass of Graham Beck rosé, Methodé Cap Classique, tea, coffee, and juices. Transportation ¢ Complimentary airport transfer, and oncall chauffeur to dinner, GPS navigation devices for guests to use in their rental vehicles, free parking in their gated lot, and you’re given a gate remote for easy access. Facilities & Extras ¢ Swimming pool, laundry, gym with a steam room, Wi-Fi, media center with flat-screen TV and full entertainment center in each room with a variety of satellite channels and an extensive selection of movies and music available, rooftop bar area, and fire pit. 138 LOCALE MAGAZINE

We came back to Cape Town and checked into our next hotel tucked away in a residential neighborhood on the other side of Table Mountain. MannaBay is a luxury boutique hotel with only eight rooms and sleeps only 16 guests to create a more exclusive and intimate setting. You could potentially rent out the entire hotel for a private function, and they do so frequently. The eclectic design, contemporary art, and a panoramic view of the entire city are just the beginning of why this is an ideal place to stay in Cape Town. Each room has its own theme, as well as extra-length king size beds that can be made into twins. They have over 3,000 books in the rooms and in their floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the lounge. As you walk up the marble staircase with floor-to-ceiling windows, you are surrounded by art. MannaBay is focused on celebrating

South African artists, and uses their walls to showcase the creations of the country’s well established artists, giving each area of the hotel its eclectic feel. The thing that really puts MannaBay over the top is that the staff is extremely attentive and friendly. They have a 24-hour butler service, and really go out of their way to make you feel at home, which I think is important when you are staying in such a small space. They put a high priority on personalizing your stay there. We had missed high tea on the day of our arrival, but they went out of the way to put together an entire spread for us to snack on while we lounged in one of the common areas. We had also told the staff that we would be leaving at 4 a.m. to go shark diving. As we walked down the stairs they had a bag of snacks and juice ready to take on our drive. It’s the little things.

MANNABAY 8 Bridle Rd, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa www.mannabay.com

FAVORITE NIGHT ¢ We spent one night in playing scrabble with a bottle of wine in our room.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE ¢ White Shark Diving Co. runs an internship program for biology students and shark enthusiasts who are interested in getting involved in some shark conservation and research. www.sharkcagediving. co.za/volunteerprogramme

We didn’t have to wait very long before two sharks arrived. The great white shark is a surface feeder, so you don’t need to be very far down to see them. You only need the provided wetsuit and snorkeling gear; no dive gear is required. The crew stands above the cage as you bob up and down, as they shout to dunk back down and slide your feet under a bar to keep you down. They even have a videographer there to capture the whole experience for you. The water is very cold, but is easily ignored with all the excitement around. There is some controversy with the ethics of shark cage diving, but Gansbaai is known for their strong conservation principles, and White Shark Diving Co. is a founding member of the Great White Protection Foundation and has been a leading voice in the call for operators to collaborate in protecting the dwindling number of sharks and other marine species off the South African coastline. T IP ¢ You can have a car service drive you or have the diving company set up transportation. If you choose to drive, make sure you know the local emergency numbers in case you get a flat tire or something goes wrong.

WHITE SHARK DIVING CO. 9 Kusfront, Van Dyks Bay, 7220, South Africa www.sharkcagediving.co.za

Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in South Africa.

SAFARI in kruger national park We flew from Cape Town back to Johannesburg to Skukuza to get to Kruger National Park. The flight from Johannesburg to Skukuza is only an hour on a very small passenger plane. We were picked up from the airport and drove about 40 minutes to Rhino Post Safari Lodge, a luxury safari lodge with eight suites inside Kruger National Park. Each suite is built out of stone, wood, and thatch, has an outdoor shower, bed with mosquito nets, and has a large private patio looking over the Mutlumuvi Riverbed. All accommodations, game drives, food, and drink, except for alcohol, are included. Each day we woke up at 6 a.m., and went for a morning game drive. We spent the afternoons drinking wine on the patio watching animals crossing into our camp. A family of elephants walked through our camp to drink from a watering hole that sits in front of the viewing deck and a leopard crossed through at night. In the late

afternoon we would head out on another game drive, and would stop at sunset to get out of the truck for some wine and snacks. We would continue the drive into the dark, then head back for dinner with everyone staying at the camp. I would say to anyone, if a safari is not on your bucket list, that needs to change right now. It is such an amazing adrenaline pumping experience. When our guide Joey found out there were wild dogs near us while talking to another guide through a radio, he basically floored it to get over to them. One night we were driving down a road back to our camp when a rhino and her baby were crossing the road. We had scared her and she began charging at us. Joey quickly whipped the truck into reverse and yelled at her to stop. She stopped then tried a second time before finally letting us pass.

There are only about 450-500 wild dogs in the entire park, which is about 7,523 square miles. *Our game driver, Joey, told us that we must be good luck charms because every time we took a drive, we would see the Big 5 which includes the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. The phrase itself was coined by African hunters and refers to the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

RHINO POST SAFARI LODGE Kruger National Park, South Africa www.rhinopost.co.za LOCALE MAGAZINE 139

HOME/AWAY

A-DOOR-ABLE The Bubble Gum Pink Door That Barbie Wishes She Had WRITTEN BY: ASHLEE POLAREK PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SAL CAVAZOS

‘That Pink Door,’ is a bubble gum pink, Instagram famous door that would make Barbie herself jealous. The pink door is a focal point on a midcentury modern home in the Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs. The door has become something of a media sensation in the last few years and has quickly built a following on Instagram and even Pinterest. Visitors and locals alike stop by the house for quick photoshoots or to capture a perfect outfit of the day in front of the door.

The house was originally designed by Colombia native and successful interior designer and photographer Moises Esquenazi. According to The Desert Sun, Esquenazi owned the home from 2004 to 2008. During that time Esquenazi and his partner Bryan Graybill renovated the midcentury

modern home and the pink door was born, thanks to Graybill’s mother who loved the color. Although Esquenazi no longer owns the home, the new owners decided to keep the pink door and established an Instagram page dedicated to their home’s unique exterior. The Instagram account @thatpinkdoor has more than 1,000 followers and the hashtag #thatpinkdoor has been used almost 3,000 times. The bright white exterior of the house contrasts perfectly with the 10-foot bubble gum pink door and the green landscaping. The pink doesn't stop at the threshold, even the tile in the pool is made up of a beautiful collection of bright and pastel pinks. That pink door is a must see if in the area. Be sure to snap a photo or just appreciate the unique door that brightens the neighborhood.

MODERNISM WEEK This year, Modernism Week featured a self guided tour all about the doors of Palm Springs, where guests learn about the history of the homes, including this iconic door.

SAY I DO The current homeowners had their wedding photos taken in front of their bright door.

“

The door has become something of a media sensation in the last few years and has quickly built a following on Instagram and even Pinterest.”

1100 E Sierra Way Palm Springs, CA 92264 @thatpinkdoor

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FRESH Squeezed Fun SPEND YOUR VEGAS VACAY AT THE DOWNTOWN GRAND HOTEL & CASINO WRITTEN BY: ERIK HALE

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DOWNTOWN GRAND HOTEL & CASINO 206 N 3rd St Las Vegas, NV 89101 702.719.5100 www.downtowngrand.com

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Do you remember your first trip to Las Vegas? 144

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What stood out to you? For me, it was the bright lights and neon signs, 99 cent biscuits and gravy breakfasts, slot machines, and room prices that my parents could afford. My first trip to Las Vegas was with my parents nearly 30 years ago, when I was only 16. I remember my dad driving down Fremont Street while my brother and I fought for space on the backseat window to smash our faces against and stare up at the neon lights. Las Vegas has changed so much since then. The light bulbs were replaced with LEDs, the giant neon signs were retired to a graveyard, the 99 cent breakfasts gave way to

$700 bottle service and for a clean room you might have to dip into your 401(k). The Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is the newest hotel in Downtown Las Vegas and everything about it reminds me of that first trip. The neon signs have been restored to their previous glory and now grace the skies of East Fremont Street nearby. There’s amazing comfort food options (from a celebrity chef) that won’t break the bank and clean, modern rooms that leave money in your checking account to spend on more important things—like slot machines.

LIFE IS GRAND

7 Events to Guarantee You’ll Have a Grand ‘Ol Time

Biscuits & Jam Sessions Presented by Gibson

Monday nights at Freedom Beat from 10 p.m.-1 a.m., anyone can grab a guitar and hit the stage and grab $1 beers and $10 biscuit specials.

Mob Museum

About 350,000 people per year visit this museum that chronicles the history of mob and gangster life in Las Vegas—a must stop when staying at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino.

Life is Beautiful Music Festival

The festival returns to Downtown Las Vegas for the fourth time Sept. 22-24. The festival covers 18 square blocks of the downtown area featuring headline acts across multiple stages, massive art installations, and enough food options to call this a ‘foodie festival.’ The Downtown Grand is walking distance from the festival's entrance.

Albumpolooza

On select Saturdays, come listen to unique live concerts where the band plays iconic albums in sequence. Next up is the greatest hits from The Eagles on April 8 at 9 p.m.

Our 3 favorite drinks at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

Fremont Street East

With a dozen cool new bars and restaurants bathed in the glow of resurrected neon signs, this five-minute walk will take you back 50 years.

SCOTT COMMINGS

EXECUTIVE CHEF OF FREEDOM BEAT The restaurant is part roadhouse, part culinary road trip. They boast great live music, jam sessions, classic American food offerings, and a distinctive selection of craft beers and cocktails. Home to amazing biscuits, Chicken Fried Bacon, Pot Roast Sandwiches, delicious burgers, and, of course, the winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 12, Chef Scott Commings. Q: You were the winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 12. Can you describe Gordon Ramsey in a few words? Scott Commings: Gordon Ramsay is an incredible individual. The poise and determination and sheer perfection he carries with him is truly inspirational. Phenomenal character in every aspect. Q: You were praised as an artist on the show for your plating skills. How important is presentation to a meal in your opinion? SC: We first eat with our eyes. It is first important to put out an incredible product, but a close second is putting out a product that looks above and beyond expectation. Q: What menu items did you create for the Downtown Grand that best reflect your style? SC: I truly put my heart and taste buds into everything I create, I am proud of how we cut zero corners in the way in which we construct each dish. Q: What menu item have you created that you could easily eat every day for the rest of your life? SC: I have to admit the chicken wings are a true pleasure. We put a lot of time into putting out a spectacular product; from the 24-hour brine to the slow smoke, and then the tang of the sauce; everything comes together fantastically! I can't help but say I would gladly eat them every day.

Fremont Street

Georgia Mule from Freedom Beat:

Green Iguana from Citrus Grand Pool Deck:

Tito’s Vodka, Georgia Peach Syrup, Lime, Ginger Beer, Peach Slice $12

Kimo Sabe Mezcal Joven, Midori Melon Liqueur, Fresh Lime Sour, Fresh Honeydew Juice $10

Salted Caramel Martini from Triple George Grill: RumChata, Caramel Vodka, Sea Salt $11

This might still be the best place to people watch in the entire city. In 1995, the sky was covered with a digital screen that you can now zip line across.

Totally Radical

The music video for U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” featuring Bono,The Edge, and the rest of the band walking the streets and talking to tourists was filmed in Downtown Las Vegas in 1987.

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CITRUS GRAND POOL DECK The Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino is home to Downtown Las Vegas’ premier and the coolest rooftop pool and party. You won’t find your typical eardrum popping EDM here, rather the vibe is chill and energetic. Imagine private cabanas, cocktails made with fresh ingredients growing right on the roof in garden boxes, and an all new menu created by Chef Scott Commings (the winner of “Hell’s Kitchen” from Season 12). The infinity pool, set against the backdrop of classic Las Vegas, has sunshine all day as the pool is never shaded. CITRUS SUMMER SERIES: ALWAYS FREE AND NEVER A COVER Thursday Night: R&B/Old School Friday Night: Dance Party Saturday Night: Rock Sunday: Latin Monday-Wednesday Nights: Night Swim

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Triple George Grill

EASY STREET

YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK FOR AN ENTIRE DAY WITHOUT LEAVING 3RD STREET Two Martini Lunch Are you looking for a thick cut steak and a martini for lunch? Triple George Grill is routinely awarded as the Best Power Lunch restaurant in Las Vegas. The San Francisco inspired restaurant features classic steaks, seafood, chops, and salads and is a Downtown Las Vegas institution. With one of the few patio dining options in downtown, it might be the best place to dine alone and people watch. Nothing Good Happens After 2 a.m., Thank Goodness If you’re craving a Mai Tai with four pieces of fruit and an umbrella you have come to the wrong place. If you enjoy raising your voice without being shushed, dancing on the bar, appreciate a mustached bartender that has no problem putting you in your place — then welcome to Hogs & Heifers. Act Like You’ve Been Here Before How you start and end your nights in Vegas probably couldn’t look more different. You might hang your head out of a limo sunroof, dance with the security guard, or walk home carrying your shoes; but there are ways to start your night classy. Have your crew meet at Sidebar at 11 p.m. for some pre-party cocktails and take photos with your shoes on.

Reasons You May Never Have to Leave Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino

KEVIN GLASS

GENERAL MANAGER OF DOWNTOWN GRAND HOTEL & CASINO Q: Why should someone stay in Downtown versus the Strip? Kevin Glass: Downtown has experienced a renaissance these past years and it has never been better. It’s more relaxed, fun, and experiential than the Strip, and it is a much better value and better gaming odds. From Fremont Street, to the Mob Museum, to great new restaurants and bars on Fremont Street East, a guest could come Downtown and never have to get in a cab. They can walk everywhere and be surrounded by classic architecture, great neon, and a real energy you don’t get on the Strip.

#DiveIn

Q: Why should they stay at the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino? KG: At the Downtown Grand we have created a full Las Vegas resort experience without the hassle of the Strip. From the Citrus Grand Pool Deck where guests can lounge and play day and night, to our 24/7 restaurant, Freedom Beat, to our great new rooms, the Downtown Grand is definitely one of the values in Las Vegas. Besides what’s in the hotel, we also have 3rd Street, a unique place to party, eat, and drink, featuring Triple George Grill, an amazing steak/chop/ seafood restaurant; the famed Hogs & Heifers (best biker bar in the country); Sidebar featuring classic, sophisticated cocktails and Pizza Rock, which is definitely the best pizza in town! Honestly, if you are staying at the Grand, you really don’t ever have to leave, but we encourage guests to set out and explore the entire Downtown Las Vegas area — it’s vibrant, fun, and original.

#Can'tLiveWithout

#FloatAway

Cheese Cures Hangovers You will thank us later for saving your life. When you wake up with a head full of wasps and your stomach is doing flip flops, stumble over to Pizza Rock and order the Detroit Red Top. A rectangular pizza cooked in a blue steel pan from Detroit with ingredients like Wisconsin brick cheese and butter toasted cheese corners, topped with garlic, two racing stripes of marinara, Pecorino Romano, and oregano.

Instagram Photos That Will Make You Hate That You’re Not at Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino Right Now

Q: Why is Vegas so expensive now? KG: It is really all about supply and demand and the demand for Las Vegas is high. That being said, the value is always better in Downtown Las Vegas. We are able to offer a complete Las Vegas resort experience at a much lower cost than the bigger Strip resorts. If you ask me, for the money and experience, Downtown Las Vegas is the place to be right now.

#OmNomNom

Calories don’t count in Vegas. Freedom Beat offers a $20 all you can eat brunch with Red, White & Blue Velvet Waffles, Fried Chicken Biscuits, and Cast Iron Baked Monkey Bread. Add bottomless mimosas for $10 more, because why not?

Happy hour at Freedom Beat is not only from 2-5 p.m., but also from 2-5 a.m. Only in Las Vegas.

Boutiquefeeling, modern rooms that will make you want to stay in bed and order room service.

Live music every Friday and Saturday night from 11 p.m.-2 a.m. inside the Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino at The Red Velvet Lounge.

Take a Culinary Road Trip on the first Wednesday of each month with Chef Scott Commings. Chef Scott takes 25 guests on a dining road trip featuring the foods and vibes of a different state or city at only $35 for this intimate, chef hosted event.

Free admission and no cover to The Citrus Pool Deck. There are no buildings blocking your tan lines so you can sun your buns all day.

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S E T T I N G the TA B L E

Sharing is Caring CHEF JOSE REYNALDO ENCOURAGES SHARING AT S H A R E S M A L L P L AT E B I S T R O

WRITTEN BY: CARLI CRITCHFIELD & JORDAN LIGONS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BIANCA SIMONIAN

SHARE Small Plate Bistro at the Hyatt Palm Springs is where you’ll want to go for just that! Chef Jose Reynaldo says it’s a place where guests are encouraged to share not only their plates, but their experiences! The ambiance of the restaurant is elegant and inviting. The fireplace wall offers a cozy feeling to its guests, while the food and drinks will leave your taste buds happy. Stop into SHARE for either a celebratory weekend dinner or on a day when you want to lay low—both are perfect for a relaxing meal with great eats and drinks.

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This is a place where people who stay here are looking to explore new things, to eat, and taste something extraordinary.” —Chef Jose Reynaldo

SHARE SMALL PLATE BISTRO Hyatt Palm Springs 285 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.9000 www.palmsprings.hyatt.com

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Seared Scallops Ò Lemon Cream Ò Risotto

Ò Braised Red Cabbage Ò Basil Oil

Loaded Potato Skins Ò Chorizo

Ò Black Beans Ò Cheddar

Ò Grilled Chicken Ò Vin Blanc

Ò Parmesan

Ò Caramelized Onion Ò Applewood Smoked Bacon

Ò Jack and Cheddar

Grilled Brie Ò Apricot

Ò Black Fig Chutney Ò Walnuts

Ò Baguette

Shrimp Cocktail Shooters Ò Tomato

Ò Clam Juice

The dishes and cocktails served will leave your taste buds happy. The guests are lively and the ambiance gives you the sense that you can let go and relax. With various wines and cocktails to choose from, SHARE is a one-of-a-kind destination for happy hour and appetizers with friends and family.

With decedent, diverse dishes like Chef Reynaldo’s Grilled Brie and BBQ Chicken Pizzetta, this table setting makes for a perfect way

to feast on the area’s top-notch dining. While sipping slow on their specialty Cabernet Sauvignon, visitors will tour their culinary cravings with hot plates (almost) too pretty to savor. If you’ve decided to stay the night at the Hyatt and crave a late bite, there’s no need to leave the comfort of your room. Just order room service and the food from SHARE will be delivered right to your door. There, you could enjoy the meal from your balcony while taking in the breathtaking city lights of Palm Springs.

Ò Cucumber Ò Pico

Ò Avocado

Italian Meatballs

Ò Braised Cabbage Ò Grilled Onions

Ò Marinara Sauce Ò Chipotle Aioli

BBQ Chicken Pizzetta Ò Flat Bread

Ò Cream Sauce Ò BBQ Sauce Ò Cilantro

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AN EVENING OUT

Ò Ask to be seated outside to enjoy the nice weather and desert views from their heated, outdoor patio. What goes better with shareable plates and cocktails than great friends and beautiful landscape?

WINE-O

Ò Enjoy the occasional glass of wine...or two. SHARE Small Plate Bistro offers guests an extensive wine list of over 40 different wines to enjoy with their delectable menu.

INTERVIEW WITH CHEF JOSE REYNALDO Q: What are your goals when it comes to the ambiance of SHARE? Jose Reynaldo: We want people to undo their neckties and feel like they are in a place where they can relax, make a connection and socialize. A real kick your feet up type of vibe. Energy level is on high volume at happy hour time, we can hear people cheering about their favorite sport at the bar or laughing about something that they did during the day in Palm Springs while enjoying their food and beverages at SHARE. For the staff, it really puts a smile on our face when we can hear our guests talking and having a great time. Q: What do you find is the most popular drink? JR: California wines are the most popular; the Cabernet Sauvignon of The Hess Collection from Allomi Vineyard is a well-preferred wine. The wine list is always fairly popular and ordered off of. The Caribbean Rum Punch is a drink that a lot of our guests like too! It's a perfect choice on a hot day by the pool and it’s definitely a drink that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Q: How would you describe the menu at SHARE? JR: I personally like to describe it as its name: shareable. We will be making our menu of food items that friends can share around the table, but at the same time adding a touch of sophistication and being composed of different sources. SHARE is the place for people to share experiences of life and laughter. Most of the dishes are small plates and a tapas-style type of dining. We always use fresh ingredients that reflect the season and local flavors so our menu does change depending on the season, which I think keeps our guests happy and on their toes.

Q: What is your personal favorite dish to make off the menu? JR: The Truffled Mushroom Risotto with grilled asparagus is just as amazing to make as well as to eat. The rich flavors of the truffle mixed with the freshness of the grilled asparagus makes a perfect combination. Q: Are there going to be any new menu items that guests can look forward to? JR: Our new menu for SHARE will be coming soon. Guests can expect food items to be paired with our wines. We want to include cheese and wine flights for extra-added fun to the menu. There will also be different, new selected beers for the guests to try. The new menu is going to encompass more of our vision of a shareable menu. Like I said before, this is a place for our diners to come and make conversation over great food and drinks and I think the new menu will achieve that even more so than ours does now. Q: What would you say is the perfect pairing of appetizers and cocktails? JR: The new BBQ Chicken Pizzetta goes really well with the ‘Sea Glass’ Sauvignon Blanc and the Loaded Potato Skins with the “Seeker” Riesling. Q: What do you love about being the chef at the Hyatt Palm Springs? JR: I love the freedom that they give me. I am able to be as creative as I want, which is crucial in doing what I love. I’m getting all the support that I need and this place is not just a hotel, this is a place where people who stay here are looking to explore new things, to eat, and taste something extraordinary. LOCALE MAGAZINE 151

SU CASA

Modern Muse WELCOME HOME TO YOUR PALM SPRINGS PARADISE

WRITTEN BY: KARLI KARANDOS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: HÔM SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Palm Springs has become known as an oasis in the middle of the Southern California desert. Away from the coast, it requires those visiting to retreat inland and experience one of the most reliably sunny and hot climates around. Some come for the weekend, staying for only a few days. Yet, Palm Springs carries a level of sophistication and relaxation that cannot be found in Vegas, in Los Angeles, or in any of the nearby cities. This midcentury architecture resort town getaway, like something straight from a postcard, has long been a destination for vacationers near and far, as well as Hollywood celebrities trying to escape their bustling city. What could be more appealing than staying at a resort in Palm Springs? Well, having your very own home there, of course! See why this property located at 665 Camino Norte in Palm Springs is like having your own private resort!

HÔM SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Ste 101, Palm Springs, CA 92264 www.homgroup.com/Palm-Springs LISTING AGENTS: Alan Bloom | BRE# 01469766 abloom@homgroup.com | 760.668.4401 Jeff Blacker | BRE# 01711459 jblacker@homgroup.com | 760.408.5075

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665 Camino Norte Palm Springs, CA 92262

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With desert landscapes in the distance, the hot California sunshine beaming down, and mountain vistas that will take your breath away, what more could one need or want?

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This midcentury architecture resort town getaway, like something straight from a postcard, has long been a destination for vacationers near and far, or even Hollywood celebrities trying to escape their bustling city.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

The Vista Las Palmas neighborhood in Palm Springs is one of the most iconic in the area. Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, and Dinah Shore are just a few of Hollywood’s best to have resided in Vista Las Palmas, making it a historical symbol of midcentury Modernism and desert retreat.

ECOFRIENDLY

The 665 Camino Norte property has a home water filtration system! The property features a 19-kilowatt homeowned solar energy generator.

he over 4,000-square-foot property located in Palm Springs features an open floor plan designed for entertaining. It features six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Both master suites contain a fireplace, polished concrete floors, imported wallpaper from Germany, and Trina Turk bedding. Several of the bathrooms feature Hansgrohe shower fixtures and faucets, as well as Carrara marble tile flooring. The property has more than enough room to host guests comfortably and was designed with that intention in mind. The midcentury design is clean, crisp, and modern, displaying white flooring, furniture, and fixtures with bright color accents of orange and turquoise. The kitchen and living area are adjoined, creating an open and laid-back environment. The kitchen features Terrazzo tiled floors, Viking oven and stove, 48-inch built-in KitchenAid refrigerator, Bosch microwave, two KitchenAid dishwashers, Kohler sinks, walk-in pantry, an ice maker, and a KitchenAid trash compactor. The kitchen also dawns Carrara marble countertops and sleek, modern cabinets! This modern decor continues into the living area, where unique lighting fixtures hang

from the ceiling and fun accent pieces, like a faux fur plush pillow, are thrown in. In addition to the indoor dining room, there is also an accompanying outdoor kitchen and dining area that is perfect for having a barbecue by the pool. The outdoor dining and lounge area features a kitchen with bar and built-in grill. The countertops are Carrara marble, as indoors, and cabinets are sleek and sophisticated. The backsplash in the kitchen was custom designed by Fireclay Tile, and the passthru windows between the indoor and outdoor kitchens make prepping food and entertaining guests easy and effortless. Wood paneling and pops of color in the decor create a fun and friendly vibe, which is characteristic of its Southern California modernist style. The transition from indoor to outdoor is smooth and seamless, utilizing large glass windows and doors, concrete surfaces, Terrazzo tiling, and wooden beams. Guests are sure to enjoy themselves, especially with a newly constructed lap pool and spa! The pool area features multiple lounge chairs with modern printed design, bringing the orange and turquoise colors from indoor to outdoor. The pool itself includes

a lap lane for those who wish to use it. An umbrella area, dining table area, and outdoor lounge area with a fire pit create endless opportunities for comfort and enjoyment outdoors underneath the Palm Springs sun and sunset. Additionally, the outdoor area of this property comes with a putting green and a private lot that has been walled, gated, and hedged for security. Perhaps the most noteworthy addition to the outdoor area is its “Barbie” concrete flooring where 600 pounds of glitter have been mixed in with the concrete to create a floor that sparkles underneath the Palm Springs sun. After all the fun in the sun has subsided, cozy up indoors and enjoy one of seven HD televisions with surround sound and Ubiquiti Wi-Fi repeaters for a fast and efficient internet connection throughout the entire home. Imagine spending time in Palm Springs at your own property, living life at your own pace. With desert landscapes in the distance, the hot California sunshine beaming down, and mountain vistas that will take your breath away, what more could one need or want? The property at 665 Camino Norte comes equipped with everything needed for relaxation, enjoyment, and entertainment. And, most importantly, it could be yours. LOCALE MAGAZINE 155

T H A N K YO U TO OUR PARTNERS 4G Hotels Acqua California Bistro ARRIVE Palm Springs Augustine Casino Catalina Express City of La Quinta | JNS Media Classic Club Constellation Brands Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge First Weekends Grayse Hyatt Palm Springs Indian Wells Golf Resort JONES AGENCY, PALM SPRINGS KBC by Benjamin Sullivan Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers Live Well Clinic Lulu California Bistro Mares Menswear of El Paseo Miramonte Resort & Spa OnTable Media Palm Springs Art Museum Pendry San Diego Pure Barre Palm Desert Renova Energy | Renova Solar Rosanna Inc. | Avenue of the Arts SilverRock Resort Taste of Tennis Taubman Properties | The Gardens on El Paseo and El Paseo Village The City of Indioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fantasia Comic Con The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens The Shops on El Paseo The Venue Sushi Bar & Sake Lounge William Grant & Sons Wilma & Frieda Zense on El Paseo

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