Luxe Beat Magazine August 2015 by Luxe Beat Magazine

AUGUST 2015

Raffles Dubai: Luxury Fit for a Pharoah Shopping in Cesky Krumlov Robert De Niroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VDKA 6100 Cocktails

Celebrity Designer

Jonathan Rachman

Contents 12

46 66

Travel

New Disney Bungalows offer Polynesian Perfection

American Craft Beer, It’s Shandy Season Summer Cocktails With A Twist from Robert De Niro

Vendanges in Bordeaux: Picking with a Purpose

Historic Hotels of Norway: Tradition, Style and Leisure

A Room With a View: Carmel’s Tickle Pink Inn

Raffles Dubai: Luxury Fit for a Pharoah

Best Shopping in Cesky Krumlov

Beauty

The Highlands Aboard the Royal Scotsman

Put a Pin in it! Experience La Dolce Vita at the Pace of a Paddle Stroke

My Continuing Love affair with Viking River Cruises

Tour, Dine or Stay at Nottoway Plantation

Epicure

Supersmile

Design 66

Luxury Designer Jonathan Rachman

Luxury Delights at Terranea

Crop yield estimation software could save agriculture millions

Andrew Morgan Brings Style into the Bedroom

Exallo – In Wood We Trust

Technology 75

Reserve Essential Dining Concierge App for Elite Travelers

3 New Summer Tech Gadgets

Business 78

Global Etiquette – Cell Phone Usage

How To Navigate Today’s Entrepreneurial Landmines Without An MBA

SHERRIE WILKOLASKI Editor-in-Chief and Managing Partner

MARALYN D. HILL Executive Editor

BENJAMIN BENNETT Creative Director

LILLIAN AFRICANO Editor

NINA AFRICANO Editor

JESSICA O’HEHIR Production Editor

LEAH WALKER Editor-At-Large

DALE SANDERS Senior Travel & Lifestyle Editor/ Director of Photography

KATHY WANAMAKER Advertising Sales

COURTNEY LOWDEN Fashion Editor-At-Large

CONTRIBUTORS

COLUMNS Global Etiquette Maralyn D. Hill

Put a Pin in it! Debbie Stone

Luxe Layovers Susan Lanier-Graham

Quality Business Tom Raffio

Ann Yungmeyer Debbie Stone Debi Lander Fredric Hamber Glenn Harris Jack Baldwin Janice Nieder Jessica O’Hehir

Jill Weinlein Judith Glynn Lisa Collins-Haynes Michael Cervin M’Liss Hinshaw Intern Kaitlyn Phillips

Luxe Beat Magazine is published in English. Our audience is a global market with global contributors. Each writes, using the form of English with which they are familiar. So you’ll see US, UK, AUS, CAN, versions, etc. We hope this eliminates any confusion on spelling.

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Editor’s Letter EXOTIC LUXURY is the focus of

the August 2015 edition of Luxe Beat Magazine. We are thrilled to have interior designer Johnathan Rachman on the cover this issue. This San Francisco interior designer shares his tips on design and how a chance encounter changed his career forever.

What do you consider exotic? Is is something unfamiliar, something from a foreign land? We have a little bit of both in this issue. If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Judith Glynn takes our readers on a tour of

Cesky Krumlov. Netherlands fashion designer Gary Symor’s line “Floating Attraction” is showcased by fashion photographer Herman Chow. Experience La Dolce Vita at the Pace of a Paddle Stroke and discover Disney’s new bungalows, offering a look at Polynesian perfection. There is so much to discover! Enjoy this last month of summer with a cocktail inspired by Robert De Niro’s new line of vodka. Luxury is exotic.

Sherrie Wilkolaski Editor-in-Chief

Letters To The Editor Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

Samantha L. Boston, MA

Jamie S. Leicester, England

As an avid collector of fine art, I truly appreciated Linda Cordair’s article, The Art of Living Well. The sentiment that ‘you should spend less time worrying about what you know about art, and more time finding art that makes you happy’ is one that everyone should take to heart. Thank you for such a thoughtful article!

Dear Samantha,

Dear Jamie,

Elliott M. Tampa, FL

The images in Paris Attitude by Leah Walker are captured beautifully. Do all of the contributors at Luxe Beat Magazine submit their own photos, or is there professional photography involved?

Leah Walker is a wonderful writer and photographer. The photographs you see in our articles are taken by the writer, unless otherwise noted. Our graphic designer, Benjamin Bennett does an incredible job blending the text and images to create a luxurious layout that really helps tell the story. Thank you for reading! Sherrie Wilkolaski Editor-in-Chief

I really enjoyed reading the interview with July’s Featured Contributor, Dana Rebmann. It’s great to get to know a bit more about Luxe Beat Magazine’s writers!

Thank you for recognizing our featured contributors! It is important to us that we acknowledge our incredible team of writers. When we do an interview, we never know what we’re going to discover. Sherrie Wilkolaski Editor-in-Chief

Dear Editor,

Dear Elliott,

Thank you for pointing out that important sentence in Linda Cordair’s article. We appreciate you taking the time to read Luxe Beat in such depth! Sherrie Wilkolaski Editor-in-Chief

Dear Readers, We were happy to receive some letters to the editor this month and hope more of you will continue to write to make comments or ask questions Please send Letters to the Editor to LuxeBeatMag@gmail.com Subject: Letter to Editor 7

Vendanges in Bordeaux Picking with a Purpose

By Leah Walker

y alarm shakes me from my sleep, and from my kingsize bed at Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière, I see the darkened Eiffel Tower. The hundreds of Justin Bieber fans who clogged Fouquet’s entrance and the Avenue George V the day before have disappeared. At 5:30 a.m., Paris is still in a slumber. Haussmann buildings are dark and streets are essentially deserted. Early morning in Paris is special, and something I don’t see nearly enough. The halls at Gare Montparnasse are all but empty, a far cry from the madness that will ensue in a few hours. Coffee and croissant lines move quickly and announcements can actually be heard. A small crowd gathers around the massive departure board waiting for tracks to be announced. I scan the board for train #8461 to Bordeaux. It’s harvest season, and I’m going to the famed French wine country, along with employees of Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière, for vendanges. Not just about Merlot and Malbec, this three-day trip has a mission. Fouquet’s has created a charitable sustainability development project, along with Marie-Laure Lurton, the owner of three châteaux in the Médoc area of Bordeaux: Château La Tour de Bessan in the Margaux Appellation, Château de Villegeorge

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in the Haut-Médoc appellation and Château Duplessis in the Moulis en Médoc appellation. Since 2009, the collaboration between these two respected French brands has raised approximately €271,000 that have benefited the Bordeaux region. In the beginning, the project resulted in the reforestation of 40 hectares in the municipalities of Gabardon. Trees were planted to offset the impact of a large solar plant located in Bordeaux. This environmental effort is a natural extension of Fouquet’s business practices. With ‘Dignified Luxury’ as their motto, Fouquet’s is the first hotel in Europe to be Leading Green certified for incorporating sustainable practices into their hotel and restaurants. From solid waste recycling to energy-saving elements to Fair Trade products, the hotel

proves that luxury can have a conscience. On this Friday morning, a party of twenty is southbound out of Paris. It’s an eclectic mix of Fouquet’s employees that includes everyone from managers to maids. My French is terrible, but I can sense the excitement on the train. It’s an honor and privilege to be chosen to participate in vendanges, and one look at the itinerary tells me why. The trip isn’t just about picking grapes for charity. There are also plenty of wine and gastronomic experiences thrown in for good measure. It’s just one of the many reasons why I love France. There’s no such thing as all work and no play, especially when it comes to vin and culinary. Three hours by train and two more

by bus and we arrive at Château de Buros in Escalans, an area known for Armagnac and which feels like the rural West Texas of my childhood. I climb onto a flatbed trailer attached to an old tractor. Behind the wheel is Mr. Barrère, the mayor of Escalans. He takes us to a brush-covered labyrinth used to lure and capture palombe on their yearly pilgrimage to Africa. With ropes, pulleys and nets, catching the birds is about tradition rather than food. Then it’s on to the mayor’s farm for an introduction to courses Landaises, a mix of gymnastics and bull fighting. Specific to the region, it combines artistry and athleticism rather than

bloodshed. I’m shown a part of France I never imagined existed. A fog covers Médoc, and there is a chill in the early-morning air. Clad in hot pink polo shirts especially designed for vendanges, the group boards the bus bound for Château La Tour de Bessan. The fruit is ripe, and we have a field to pick. Just as in previous years, Marie-Laure Lurton takes the sustainably-grown grapes gathered by Fouquet’s for fermentation, maturation and bottling. In the spring, those bottles are auctioned off at Fouquet’s in Paris. This year, as in last, the money raised from the auction will not go

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to planting trees, but rather invested into a child-focused community center that serves the 27 towns of the Communaute de Communes des Landes d’Armagnac. (We toured the much-needed facility the day before.) Armed with aprons, baskets and razor-sharp clippers, we take to the field. The more ambitious men strap hulking green plastic containers to their backs. Row by row, we work with precision to relieve the Merlot grapes from their vines. Once our baskets are full, we dump the grapes into buckets. Like turtles, the men slowly climb the ladders and empty

the bulging buckets into a mechanical sorter hitched to a tractor. It’s a process that will be repeated dozens of times over several hours. It’s backbreaking labor, especially with the warm sun beating down, but the exuberance of the group has only slightly faded with the morning’s cool breeze. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, and it is being relished. The culmination of a food-, workand wine-filled weekend is a Saturday night gala dinner. Dressed in attire fitting the occasion, we gather one last time to celebrate a job well done. Kisses and gratitude

are exchanged, while various vintages of Ms. Lurton’s wines are savored. I look around the room and, for a second, try to decipher the French being spoken, before breaking into a broad smile. This is a unique opportunity, and one that’s not lost on me. I’ve gotten to experience vendanges in one of the most respected wine regions in the world, alongside the staff of Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière, a storied French luxury brand. I’ve peeked into the culture and traditions of southwest France and developed a dangerous taste for Armagnac. Most important, I’ve had a small hand in helping a

community and that warms me more than any Bordeaux Merlot. Several months later, I receive a DVD, a video compilation of the time in Bordeaux. I’m reminded of the renowned pastry chef and young sommelier who worked beside me, as well as the eccentric mayor of Escalans in his sheepskin vest. My mouth waters just thinking of MarieLaure Lurton’s wine, and I long for the fall landscape of Medoc. I learn that the fruits of our labor raised €43,000 at the Fouquet’s auction, confirming that the ability to give back is one of the greatest luxuries of all.

Historic Hotels of Norway

Tradition Style and Leisure By Ann Yungmeyer 12

Travel Storfjord views

Fjords

orway’s world famous fjords and more than 15,000 miles of coastline make travel by cruise ship one of the most popular ways to visit the maritime country. But a land-based trip, following the National Tourist Routes and staying in Norway’s historic hotels, is another great way to experience the stunning scenery, as well as the vibrant Norwegian culture and local cuisine. A select group of hotels belong to Norway’s association De Historiske, characterized by their history, atmospheric charm and gastronomy. From country manors and estates to a walled fortress and a warehouse, the varied properties have been transformed into first-rate boutique hotels with modern amenities and an emphasis on authentic cuisine. Many of the historic properties offer leisure activities, including hiking trails, biking and kayaking. Combining air travel, ferryboat rides and a driving tour, my springtime trip took me to several outstanding historic hotels between Oslo in southeastern Norway and the west coast fjord town of Ålesund. All offer unique experiences and the chance to discover Norway’s fascinating heritage and outdoor culture.

Near Oslo, Losby Gods is an 1850s manor house built as a hunting lodge during the heyday of Norway’s timber trade. The cozy lounges in the original house reflect the period styles, and a large added wing houses modern guest rooms. The property and its picturesque surroundings offer a choice of recreational activities including golf, hiking and cycling. The golf facility includes an 18-hole course and a special 9-hole course for soccer golf, played with a soccer ball. Bikes are available for guests to enjoy miles of trails through the forest and beautiful lake region.

Norwegian kings have stayed there. High on a hilltop near the Swedish border, the fortress was converted in 2013 to a design hotel with conference facilities and spacious rooms overlooking Norway’s longest river, Glomma. Inside the ramparts, a small museum depicts the history of Norway’s armed forces, and a restaurant serves four-and fivecourse dinners in the former commander’s residence. Wine tasting is offered in the catacombs for small groups, and golf can be arranged at nearby Kongsvinger, on one of Norway’s top golf courses. In winter, the course offers lighted cross-

Losby is renowned for its wine cellar and offers wine and craft beer tastings, as well as tastings of Aquavit, the national liqueur distilled from potatoes and infused with herbs such as caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise, fennel and citrus zest. My favorite was Losby Manor’s private label, Hunter’s Aquavit, produced since 2011.

BELOW Captain at 62 Nord

I slept like royalty at Königs Winger , a one-of-a-kind accommodation. The 1700s walled fortress played a strategic role in Norway’s history for 330 years, and since the mid17th century, 11 of the last 13

RIGHT Historic Hotels

country ski trails. One of the most charming, rustic lodgings with 1700s farm buildings is Røisheim Hotell near the Jotunheimen National Park and the town of Lom, a convenient stop between East and West Norway. Guests can choose to stay in the original lodge, the converted storehouse or a cozy stable room; the inn’s historic dining room is known throughout the area for its traditional regional cuisine. A pleasant hiking path leads up the wooded hillside behind the property,

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and the trailhead to Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen, is nearby. Lom is home to one of Norway’s largest wooden stave churches, built around 1160. Representative of Norway’s Viking history, the Lom stave church is still in use and open for tours.

Konigs Winger RIGHT Losby Gods

Hotel Union Oye

Hotel Brosundet is on the main canal in Ålesund, the Art Nouveau town which was rebuilt in characteristic architectural style following a catastrophic town fire in 1904. Originally a codfish-drying warehouse, Brosundet features gigantic wood beams and exposed brick walls, reflecting its history while highlighting contemporary style. Brosundet ceased operation as a fish warehouse in the 1980s and became a guest hotel in 2006, and today the design hotel is well known for serving some of Norway’s best seafood at its Restaurant MAKI. Oddly, the hotel has a refreshing aroma that permeates the building – not fishy, but a wonderful wood scent. Dubbed “adventure capital of the fjords,” Ålesund makes a good base for excursions by bus, ferry or small cruise boat. Just across the canal from Hotel Brosundet, the adventure outfitter 62° Nord offers a variety of outings, including a wildlife sea safari by high-speed inflatable boat and small craft cruises through the magnificent Hjorundfjord, along with fishing, kayaking and bicycles for hire. From Ålesund, I traveled by cruise boat to two of my favorite hotels that feature exquisite fjord views. Hotel Union Øye, tucked in a storybook setting near NorangsFjord, has welcomed guests since 1891, including notables King Wilhelm II, playwright Henrik Ibsen and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Each individually appointed room, beautifully restored in period décor, is named for a famous guest. The petite hamlet of Øye invites a stroll, and marked hiking trails lead from the valley into the highlands. For a daylong endeavor, the towering

Roishem cabin

mountain behind the inn, Slogen, is a strenuous climb that affords mountaintop views across the rugged landscape. On an adjacent fjord, the Storfjord Hotel sits on a hilltop with a Hotel Roishem dining

panorama of Storfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps. The original log house, of traditional Norwegian style with grass-sod roof, became a hotel in 2007 and expanded to include larger dining areas and two new buildings handcrafted in the old

style –with sheep’s wool placed in the gaps between logs for insulation. The meaning of “room with a view” is well defined here, as many of the rooms feature private porches, and throughout my stay, I was spellbound – gazing across verdant hills against

the backdrop of steep, snow-capped mountains plunging into cobalt glacier waters. With hiking paths, kayaking, candlelit dining and inviting resting spots, Storfjord Hotel is an idyllic retreat to relax and recharge. MS Henrik Ibsen

Travel Hotel Brosundet

In addition to the more than 40 historic hotels, Norwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s De Historiske association includes some historic waterfront restaurants and ships. The M/S Henrik Ibsen, built in 1907 and reconditioned in luxurious style in 2010, offers dining and a cultural, historical day-trip cruise along the scenic Telemark Canal, not far from Oslo. Osloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic gem, the medieval Akershus Fortress, houses the newly opened Festningen Restaurant, perched on the old ramparts with views of Oslofjord. The chic but informal brasserie features a creative menu of NeoNordic cuisine with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and a wide selection of wines. Combining a storied past and contemporary flair, De Historiske properties give a nod to Norwegian heritage; and for travelers, either by land or sea, the historic hotels make a great stay. In Norway, the water is never far away. Losby Gods biking

Www.VisitNorway.com

Raffles Dubai Luxury Fit for a Pharoah

By Glenn Harris

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ubai is an amazing city with so much to see and do. In the center of it all, near to the beaches and top shopping malls, is the area known as WAFI where you’ll find an icon of architecture and hospitality, the Raffles Dubai. This stunning Egyptian pyramid is as much a landmark as it is a hotel. Everything about this place is gargantuan, from the lobby, the rooms, and all of the venues which are grand in size and décor. The tastefully Egyptian esthetic melds with modern interiors and you’ll find delightful art pieces throughout the property and in each room. As you enter the property, you’ll find Rolls Royces, Bentleys, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, many with plates from nearby Arab countries. Inside you will be immediately struck by the grandeur of the lobby with its five story atrium and tall granite columns with the Egyptian etchings. Raffles Dubai is a marvel fit for the Pharaohs, with exquisite stained glass, intricate mosaics, carvings and sculptures at every turn. The main influences of the interior decorations comes a blend of Middle Eastern and Asian designs with emphasis on the four elements of life: earth, air, fire and water. There is a lovely lobby reception and coffee area with tourists and locals sitting closing business deals or friends meeting up for a chat. After a quick check in I was escorted to my room by the bellman. As the doors opened, I was immediately impressed. The room was attractively decorated with earth tones with dark woods and crimson pops of color. Like the hotel, the rooms are massive and are 70 square meters for the standard room which is the size of most hotel suites.

The amazing pool at Raffles Dubai ABOVE-RIGHT The Glass Dome and Wafi Mall ABOVE-MIDDLE The wow factor pool at Raffles Dubai RIGHT Raffles pool golden columns

An impressive beginning, the Dubai Raffles lobby

Moroccan, Tunisian and Turkish suites

Travel Wafi Mall

I was greeted by a plate of treats and a personal card from the General Manager Ayman Gharib, which I thought was a nice touch. The sitting area is comfortably designed with large couches, a desk and entertainment area. The rooms are very high tech with an interactive entertainment system and smart device gadgets to control music and TV. Just beyond the sitting area is a large terrace with a spacious sitting area that overlooked the Dubai skyline. At night I enjoyed sitting on the terrace with a glass of wine. The bathrooms are as spectacular as the rooms, with huge soaking bathroom tub, separate rain shower with sitting area so that you can just relax and let the refreshing shower smoothly away your worry and stress. For those looking to spread out even more, there are various suites designed for those who want to “live large.” These are themed for various countries, from Morocco to Turkey. Truly amazing rooms fit for a sultan with ornate décor, large dining areas, entertainment spaces and wraparound balconies overlooking the Dubai skyline. After a relaxing bath and refreshing nap, I decided to get out and explore a bit. The WAFI area of Dubai is a multi-faceted village within a city with unique Egyptian architecture design. There is a mix of retail, entertainment, dining, health and leisure and residential facilities. WAFI is renowned for its haute couture, the range of fashion, jewelry, gifts, home and interior accessories. A key element of this area is the WAFI Mall which is connected by a corridor to the hotel. It has some of Dubai’s best luxury shopping, with over 350 shops, more than 30 restaurants and its own leisure complex.

Moroccan, Tunisian and Turkish suites

After a stroll around the mall, I went back to the hotel. The sun was starting to dip so I decided to take a quick splash in the pool. I’ve been to a lot of hotel pools but this one was really unique. Sitting high about the ground below, the pool welcomed sun-worshiping guests. This pool was clearly a work of art and the designer put just as much emphasis on designing this area as much as the rest of the resort. On one side of the oval shaped pool there are massive shiny gold columns

with Roman numerals in front of a stairway into the pool. Next to that there is a pool bar where guest sipped on frosty umbrella adorned libations. There are water spouts over the bar. Couples, friends and families lounged around the pool sun bathing as attendants checked in offering drinks, snacks and towels. Later in the day, I decided to see what other surprises the hotel had to offer. I had a chance to delight in the Fashion Tea that they have each day at 4 p.m. What theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created is something truly unique and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tea with a fashion theme. The service begins with trays of scones, tea sandwiches and then culminates with the tower of sweets. The deserts are fashioned like shoes and handbags, and they are 100% fun for all. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect place to take tea for ladies getting together to share the latest gossip or anyone who can appreciate

Travel The Fashion Tea scones

this creative masterpiece by Raffles Executive Pastry Chef Roland Eitzinger who has combined the love of food with art. Raffles Dubai truly exceeds the expectations of even the most well-heeled traveler. After a deep and thoroughly peaceful sleep on the comfy king size bed it was time to rise and shine and have a quick workout. There is a comprehensive gym with every machine that the fit guest could desire. Then it was off to Delicious tea sandwiches

breakfast at the main restaurant, Azur. It was another feast-like spread with livarious cooking stations and a really imaginative offering of dishes, from waffles to curry dishes. My favorites were the omelet made to my order and the fresh fruit. The property offers many dining options, from French to Japanese. For entertainment they have their Crossroads Cocktail Bar with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for

conversations with friends over drinks. There is also one of Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular night clubs, People by Crystal, which hosts Dubaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most glamorous party-goers. The Raffles Dubai is impressive from start to finish. Fantastic location, services that set a new standard and accommodations and amenities with every bell and whistle. For those looking for a great place to enjoy Dubai, the Raffles Dubai is a magnificent choice.

The Highlands

Aboard the Royal Scotsman 24

Travel Royal Scotsman train. Photo courtesy of Belmond

he Scottish Highlands are a literary landscape full of tales of bravery and bravado, which I had been longing to visit. But since I lack the bravery and bravado to drive a rental car on the left side of the road, I needed another option. That’s how I found myself aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman for a five-day luxury train trip through the land of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. The ninecar passenger train holds just 36 passengers, and is part of the old Orient Express group. (The Orient Express company, which includes hotels and river cruises, recently renamed itself Belmond.) It’s no secret that we at Luxe Beat are fans of The Balmoral Hotel, but the place is a perfect spot for a pre-departure stay, as it is located directly above Waverly Station and the hotel staff coordinates perfectly with the train crew to ensure seamless arrangements, such as transferring luggage from your room right down to the train. The Balmoral’s Hotel’s SCOTCH bar designed by Olga Polizzi, has some 400 Scotch whiskys on offer and a tasting experience is a must-do during your visit. Shortly after boarding, our group of two dozen were crossing the Firth of Forth when a copious afternoon tea was laid out: heaps of salmon sandwiches and pastries. As we traveled north, my fellow passengers gathered in the observation lounge to watch the passing landscape. Crossing over the Tay, Scotland’s longest river, I thought, We’re drinking tea while crossing the Tay! My journey on the Royal Scotsman was full of such once-in-a-lifetime moments, sensory and cultural stimuli of all sorts. At Rothiemurchus Estate, I shot clay pigeons during a light rainfall before being received by the Countess of Dysart (who prefers, I had been told, to be called Philippa). So Philippa it was when she and I had a friendly chat in the mudroom of the big house, where I was hanging my coat as she dashed in from the rain, bright and energetic as can be.

By Fredric Hamber

Another morning, as the only taker for a proffered early-hour guided hike from the village Kyle of Lochalsh to the Isle of Skye, I gazed from atop the bridge at a lighthouse designed by Robert Louis Stevenson’s father and uncle. Three hours later, at the Glen Ord

A Highlander escorts us aboard

Cabin aboard the Royal Scotsman Photo Courtesy of Belmond

Travel distillery, I was encouraged to sniff the inside of a sherry cask and then a bourbon cask, the better to understand the difference in aging processes among the distillery’s various Singleton products.

Rothiemurchus Estate

Yes, it was a fun and busy week. We passed lochs and glens and kyles and fields of strawberry and heather. I felt compelled to ask our guide to point out the precise moment when we crossed from the Scottish Midlands into the Highlands, and she did. The train travels on shared national railway lines, and then at night the conductor pulls to a siding so passengers get a peaceful night’s rest. Options for daytime activities include golf, fishing, walks and castle visits. A highlight of our trip was the 16th-century Ballindalloch Castle, ancestral home of the Macpherson-Grants, who still live there. But they’re not the only old family on the property: the Ballindalloch Aberdeen Angus cattle are acknowledged to be the oldest Angus herd in the world, directly descended from the native cattle of northeastern Scotland.

A morning’s shoot

A visit to Glen Ord

The clock at The Balmoral Hotel

A couple of nights on board are designated formal, with black tie for men (kilts are encouraged). The food is worthy of dress up; there are Michelin-starred chefs in Scotland whose careers have included a stint aboard the Royal Scotsman. On my way to bed one night I peeked into the darkened galley car to see sheets of dough that had been rolled out and left to rise overnight before being baked into breakfast pastries. But my breakfast treat was a kipper, which I’d never tasted before. Kippers make an appearance at breakfast in just about every 19th-century English novel I’ve ever read, but the diminutivesounding name always made me assume a kipper was a little thing like a sardine. It’s actually a whole smoked herring—and delicious— served grilled with a dab of butter. Among my fellow travelers were Woodside residents Klaus and Hella Honeker. Since Klaus is a vintage train buff, this was the couple’s fourth trip aboard a luxury train, and he called it “by far the most comfortable, best-organized and friendliest journey yet. One evening we had a visitor on board: a Highlander in full regalia who posed as a comrade of Andrew de Moray and William Wallace at the

Ballindalloch Castle

Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. (His distinguished military service appeared to span several centuries.) He entertained us with some historical lore and then invited questions. “What’s in the sporran?” someone asked, referring to the pouch hanging from the front of his kilt. “Oats,” he replied. The old highlanders were lean and mean, and often a handful of oats was an afternoon’s sustenance. We all contemplated that as we sipped our after-dinner coffee and passed around a plate of chocolates. This story originally appeared in different format in the Nob Hill Gazette. Fredric’s stay was hosted by Belmond, but as always his thoughts and opinions are his own.

My Continuing Love affair with Viking River Cruises By Janice Nieder

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e: “I’ll take ‘Unforgettable Vacations’ for $2000 please, Alex.”

Alex Trebek: “And the clue is: This cruise line recently received its 9th win as the Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising by the prestigious travel industry publication, TRAVELAGE WEST; was awarded ‘Best Luxury River Cruise Company’ by Luxury Travel Advisor in their annual Awards of Excellence; and was declared ‘Best River Cruise Line’ in 2014 by Cruise Critic’s discerning international team of editors.” Me: Frantically pushing my little button thingy as I excitedly exclaim: “Having just returned from a fantastic cruise with them, I so have this one! What is Viking River Cruises?” And here is why:

Decompressing down the Danube on our four country itinerary

The journey my best friend Joan and I took was the Danube Waltz, a seven-night cruise on the new Viking Gullveig from Budapest, Hungary to Passau, Germany, with four additional stops in Austria and one in Bratislava, Slovakia. The ship sails mainly at night so you’re able to spend all day, and often a full evening in port, offering ample time to see the sights.

Budapest, Hungary

So my bad! If someone had only told me beforehand how much fun this captivating Hungarian capital is (light years removed from the cold war Communist city it once was) I would have definitely signed up for the two-night, Viking pre-tour package here. Clean, safe, hip, easy, breathtakingly beautiful, this breakout city has done an admirable “spring-cleaning “ job by meshing all the good stuff from yesteryear with some exciting revitalizations. Viking’s informative city tour covered all the major highlights of both the Buda and Pest sides, so you’ll have a better understanding of the unique layout of the city before striking out on your own. It’s quite easy once you realize that the “main drag” here, the River Danube, flows north to south, with Buda on the west bank and Pest on the hilly east bank. While strolling through Pest’s unique neighborhoods, you’ll find palatial Ottoman-era hotels, Neo-Baroque palaces and historical beauties such as the Szechenyi Spa, (this popular thermal bath recently celebrated its 100th birthday) and an abundance of

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elegant historical coffee houses rubbing elbows with “ruin “ bars. You can easily spend an afternoon at the historic Central Market, built in 1897 and still one of the grandest European food halls, watching housewives haggle over prices as they sniff the piles of paprika, sample a smoky sausage or stock up at the strudel stand on poppy-seed and cabbage strudels. Head down to the basement level to find an amazing pickle parlor, AKA the Smily shop. End the day with a tasty break at one of the many famous coffee houses, such as Auguszt cukrászda (opened in 1870) for a slice of their famed Dobos — a seven-layer Hungarian sponge cake layered with chocolate butter-cream and topped with caramel.

The second night, after a wonderful, traditional Hungarian dinner onboard, there was an announcement inviting all guests to the top deck as the ship left port. We quickly discovered why Budapest has earned the nickname as “Paris of the East” as we gazed, awestruck, at the beautiful evening lights, which magically illuminated the stunning Art Nouveau buildings overlooking the Danube River. With typical Viking generosity, flutes of champagne were passed which added to our viewing pleasure. Inside tip: There are two appealing optional excursions offered at the same time, so you’ll have to choose between a rejuvenating Budapest Spa experience or a fascinating walking tour of the old Jewish Quarter,

which includes a visit to the Dohany Street Synagogue, arguably the largest synagogue in the world. If you are feeling jet-lagged from the flight, I’d suggest doing the spa so that you’re refreshed for the active week ahead.

As we wove our way back to the ship, we passed a lively looking restaurant and decided to pop in to try their national dish, bryndzové halušky, airy potato gnocchi topped with sheep cheese and bacon, that puts our mac and cheese to shame.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Vienna, Austria

We had zero expectations about Bratislava since about the only thing we kept hearing about it was: “Bratislava is the only national capital that borders two other countries, Austria and Hungary” -to which I thought, “Big whoop!” Surprise! We adored this appealing town, with its medieval Town Hall, picturesque Gothic cathedrals and towers and lovingly restored baroque city palaces. The Old Town main street, Michalska Ulica, was bustling with both tourists and locals taking advantage of the many art galleries, antique stores and eateries. After taking us to the major sites, our guide led us to an intersection to point out his favorite bit of local color, Rubberneck, a bronze statue sticking out of a manhole! Rubberneck has already lost his head twice due to careless drivers, so city officials decided to help him by putting up a warning sign. Inside Tip: We jumped ship for an enlightening wine tasting at the Grand Cru Wine Gallery. If you’re like us and know next to nothing about Slovakian wines, let Martin Pagac, the knowledgeable young owner, assist you. He poured us one amazing wine after another, many sourced from local wineries that sell only to him.

Vienna, once the centre of the powerful Habsburg monarchy, still exudes imperial glamour. On our city tour we drove by some outrageously opulent buildings, including the world-famous Opera House, St. Stephan’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace, as well as the Ringstrasse, which encircles the medieval Inner City. On your own you can explore the eclectic museums clustered in The Museums Quartier or peek into the stables of the 440-year-old Spanish Riding School, famous for their snowy white Lipizzaner stallion ballet. Definitely sign up for the evening Mozart and Strauss Concert, where the illustrious Vienna Residence Orchestra (Rudolf Nureyev was once a guest director here) performs selections by Mozart and Strauss, accompanied by singers and dancers in period costumes. Inside tip: If you’re here on a Sunday, as we were, note that ALL shops (except restaurants and cafes) are closed on Sunday. So it’s a good idea to sign up for the optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Experience the life of a Habsburg as you tour the sumptuous “Versailles of Vienna,” erected in 1778 and graced by a number of formal gardens, Grecian

statuary, the world’s oldest zoo and Roman ruins.

Dürnstein & Melk, Austria

Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned here in 1192 following an altercation with Leopold V.

The picturesque walled-town of Dürnstein is located in the heart of the Wachau wine-growing region. The terraced hills are filled with apricots orchards, which is why Dürnstein’s cobblestone streets are lined with charming shops selling a wide variety of apricot-based products ranging from mouthwatering apricot dumplings, flakey apricot strudel, and chocolate covered ‘cots, as well a variety of succulent apricot liquors and brandy.

On the afternoon’s agenda there was a visit to the beautifully restored, 900-year-old abbey at Melk, a Benedictine monastery that began life as Leopold II’s castle. Visit the incredible library (still active), which holds over 70,000 books, mostly from the 9th-15th centuries, including a 1200 year old manuscript. The abbey’s church is a shimmering rainbow of red, orange and gold, with a magnificent carved pulpit and amazing ceiling frescoes.

Inside Tip: Since you don’t have much time in Durnstein, my suggestion would be to dart into the Bäckerei (Bakery) Schmidl and order some hot-fromthe-oven Wachau Laberl, locally revered crusty rolls invented by Rudolf Schmidl in 1905. Tell them you’ll pick them up in 30 minutes (and don’t forget to add a jar of their homemade apricot preserves) after you hoof it up to the top of the hill for incredible views from the ruins of Kuenringerburg Castle.

Unfortunately I missed this visit because I twisted my ankle as I raced down the hill at Dürnstein to pick up my pastries. I have to admit I was quite happy to spend a couple hours lounging in the sun on the top deck of the ship, as the solicitous staff sweetly tended to me with ice packs, a cheese plate and numerous glasses of wine.

Linz & Salzburg

Our next pit stop was Linz, although our real destination was the Old

Town of Salzburg, another UNESCO Cultural Heritage site. Salzburg is wildly popular to music lovers since not only is it Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birthplace but The Sound of Music was also filmed here. For much of the scenic 90-minute drive, Joan and I took turns belting out, what we felt was a lovely round of “Doe, a Deer” and “My Favorite Things,” but for some reason we only elicited groans from the other passengers.

lovely medieval town, aka the “Gate to the Black Sea,” is uniquely situated at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. The walking tour showstopper here is the magnificent Cathedral of St. Steven with its three characteristic, green onion-domed towers. If you’re lucky you might hear a concert played on the 17,000-pipe organ, considered the largest cathedral organ in the world.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own after the informative walking tour. Stop into see Mozart’s birthplace (the memorabilia here includes his first violin, given to him at the age of six) which is on Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s renowned shopping street. The cobble-stone alleyways are filled with unique boutiques, from trendy jewelry stores to pricey designer lederhosen shops.

To burn off some of yesterday’s Mozartkugel, you can make the steep climb (it takes about 30 minutes) to the hilltop fortress Veste Oberhaus, built in 1219 in order to control commerce across the rivers. Your reward will be an extraordinary view of Passau and the three rivers.

Beer lovers might want to experience “the art of beer at the highest level” made in the brewing coppers at Brewery Stiegl-Brauwelt, founded in 1492. Just think, if Columbus had only stopped to ask for directions, he could have claimed it! Inside tip: For a wonderful alfresco lunch, head to Triangel, which serves local specialties made with a lighter hand. Before getting back on the bus, pop into one of the gorgeous candy shops and buy a few bags of Mozartkugel, (Mozart Balls) a beloved chocolate, pistachio and marzipan confection invented by the Salzburg confectioner Paul Fürst in 1890.

Passau, Germany

Dating back to the 8th century this

Afterwards visit the Glass Museum to see the world’s largest Bohemian glass collection--we’re talking over 30,000 pieces! Then head next door to the Hotel Wilder Mann, which opened in 1844. If they’re not busy, ask to take a peek at one of the historical suites to see the original nuptial bed of the Bavarian King Ludwig II or the bedroom of Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Inside tip: Stop in at the family-run, Marmeladen-haus to sample the farm-fresh jams, chutneys and mustards available in dozens of unique flavors. The small jars make great gifties to bring home, even though I ended up keeping them all after tasting the scrumptious amaretto-cherry and gingerbread elder preserves!

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Our home away from home: the elegant Viking Longship Gullveig

The Gullveig is comfy, cosmopolitan and ever so convenient. (Just about everything I look for in a man.) The first thing you notice is how sparkling clean it is. Then you’re struck by the brightness, with floor-to ceiling windows providing unobstructed views of the riverscape. Viking’s streamlined longships are all cut from just about the same high-quality cloth. No matter which vessel you’re on, you can bank on the fact that your sophisticated stateroom will be airy and generously sized (most have verandas and French balconies) with hotel-style beds, a private bathroom filled with a generous supply of L’Occitane products, plush robe and slippers, roomy closets and plenty of storage space. Other features include a sun deck with 360-degree views, an organic herb garden, complimentary Wi-Fi, a putting green, walking track and a helpie/selfie cookie and espresso bar. The colors may vary a bit among the different ships, but you will always receive Viking’s world-class, hospitable service. Everyone onboard kept commenting on “how warm and friendly the entire staff is,” which seems to be a Viking trademark.

A personal shout-out to just a few of our favorite staffers: J-Co, our cabin attendant who thoroughly spoiled us with all sorts of extras, like our daily delivery of assorted berries, once we mentioned how much we enjoyed them. Zsuasanna, the world’s sweetest concierge, who never once rolled her eyes at us, even though we bugged her non-stop about making reservations and mapping out our walks, yet she never answered our heartfelt “thank you” with anything less than a sincere “my pleasure.”

Evening activities usually consisted of live music, such as a colorful Slovakian evening of folk singing and dancing or a compilation of melodies from The Sound of Music performed by a Salzburgian ensemble (and no, they did not invite Joan and me to sing!).

But the person I would most love to clone and bring home with me is Viking’s Program Director, Debra, who was unfailingly gracious, competent and willing to go the extra mile(s). She patiently took care of a huge problem I had with the airlines -- even though it had nothing to do with Viking. She stops just short of perfection, since even though she has a wonderful sense of humor, she tells some really pitiful jokes, so please send her some new ones -- although I heard that her Movie Quote Quiz Night was a total blast!

Meals kicked off with an early riser’s breakfast or a full breakfast buffet between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m., When I asked the omelet chef, Ed, if he could make me a fat-free version using only egg-whites and veggies (which was my one nod to healthy eating for the day), he happily created an endless variety of egg masterpieces for the rest of the week. The buffet lunch included a soup and sandwich bar, pasta, a variety of salads and desserts and was available in both the main dining room or alfresco on the Aquavit Terrace.

You’ll receive this same level of professional excellence during the daily shore excursions, informative lectures and cooking classes. I can’t wait to try the Austrian apple strudel recipe from our demo.

The slightly more formal, multicourse dinner, where fresh flowers graced the crispy white tablecloths, was served around 7:00 to 9:00 pm. We loved the open-seating format, so we could chat up a bunch of different travelers (the

However, after a full day of sightseeing, Joan and I were usually so pooped we wanted nothing more than to retire to our comfy beds and see what towel-art surprise J-Co had left for us.

overwhelming majority were repeat customers, which says a lot) or keep to ourselves if we wished. The chefs are all Swiss-trained, so you’re assured of gourmet cuisine with a welcome focus on regional specialties, such as assorted German sausages (hot off the barby) pretzels and mustard, Austrian tortes, local beers and liquors. After a late night in Vienna we were welcomed back to the ship with a steaming mug of hot goulash! Hot beverages, complimentary wines and beer, both local and imported, accompany meals. Or, you can spring for the Silver Spirits beverage package, which covers unlimited premium wines, beers, espresso drinks and some tasty cocktails. Now the only problem I’m left with is which Viking Cruise to pick next: Wine tasting along Portugal’s River of Gold, The Imperial Jewels of China, which includes a visit to Xian’s Terra Cotta Army, a Magnificent Mekong itinerary which covers Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh -- or, who can resist the lure of the exotic Myanmar Explorer? I know I can’t.

If You Go

Still on the fence? This short video might help you decide! Viking River Cruises tel. 800/304-9616 FREE www.vikingrivercruises.com

Tour Dine or Stay at Nottoway Plantation By Debi Lander

lantations were a way of life in the South before the Civil War. While tobacco was profitable and cotton was king, in Louisiana they grew sugar. A strip in south Louisiana along the Mississippi River, from New Orleans north to Baton Rouge, had the highest concentration of millionaires in America. These owners used the Mississippi River to export their product abroad. I recently stopped by Nottoway, one of the grand old southern estates, a former sugarcane plantation called the White Castle. The location later became known as White Castle, Louisiana. It’s the largest surviving antebellum home in the South with stately live oaks dripping Spanish moss and boxwood gardens. It immediately brought the song “Summertime” to mind. The destination offers visitors a glance into the affluent lifestyle during

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pre-Civil War times, and should they desire (and pay for overnight lodging) they may experience that themselves. John Hampden Randolph was one of the wealthiest planters from Louisiana. He married Emily Jane Liddell in 1837 and went on to have eleven children. Randolph moved his family to southern Louisiana in 1842 after purchasing a 1,650-acre cotton plantation He soon converted the land to sugar production and constructed a steam-powered sugar mill that tripled his earnings. Within

ten years, he had increased his holdings to 7,116 acres. Randolph owned 176 slaves making him one of the largest slaveholders in the South. In 1855, he purchased an additional 1,000 acres for building an impressive estate. The Nottoway Plantation Greek Revival/ Italianate Style mansion was completed in 1859 at an estimated cost of $80,000. Slaves baked handmade bricks in kilns used to construct the massive

structure. Over 40 carpenters, brick masons, and plumbers labored on the project while living in tents. The finished development included a variety of other buildings such as slave quarters, a schoolhouse, greenhouse and stables. Soon after completion, the Civil War erupted. Randolph did not support secession, but once the war began, he backed it financially. He sent his three sons to fight for the Confederacy, losing his oldest son at the Battle of Vicksburg. As the

war continued, Randolph took 200 slaves to Texas to grow cotton. He left his wife and the youngest children at Nottoway with hopes that their presence would save it from destruction. The plan worked â&#x20AC;&#x201D; both Union and Confederate troops occupied the farming grounds, but Nottoway survived the War with only a single grapeshot to the far left column. That shot finally fell out in 1971. After the war and emancipation, John Randolph contracted 53 of his

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Photos by Darren Setlow

Travel former slaves to continue as paid workers. When he returned to Nottoway, most came along with him. However, producing sugar had become less profitable and by 1875, the plantation was reduced to 800 acres. John Randolph died at Nottoway on September 8, 1883 leaving the property to his wife.

Touring Nottoway

Today the 35-acres of Nottoway are opening for touring, dining and overnight lodging. Most visitors are stunned when they first glance at the Big House; it’s massive. The house has 64-rooms and six interior stairways within a 53,000 squarefoot structure. During the antebellum period, Nottoway led the times with indoor carpeting, gas lighting, running water, a bowling alley and an elaborate servant call bell system. The front of the house faces the levee and Mississippi River. Years earlier, a horse and carriage path approached the house. Today, visitors enter on the second-floor after climbing the twin spiral staircase. I found it easy to envision a greeting party waving to arriving guests from this entrance balcony or the one on the third floor. When the front door opened for my group, a guide in a white hoopskirted dress stepped out to meet us and begin the tour. She explained that the central hall runs the length of the house, some 40 feet long and 12 feet wide. Large crystal and brass chandeliers hang from the 15.5-foot-high ceilings, and family portraits grace the walls. To the right of the entrance hall rests the impressive White Ballroom, reportedly John Randolph’s favorite room in the house. Randolph had it painted entirely white, including the flooring, to show off the natural beauty of his seven daughters, six of whom married there. The room is beyond stunning, with white floor-to-ceiling silk drapes, white upholstered furniture and two fireplaces with hand-carved rococo white marble mantles. Certainly one of the most memorable rooms I’ve ever walked around. The visit continued into the lavish dining room and upstairs to the family quarters. No doubt Mr. Randolph was out to impress; you see and feel the immense wealth of this family and their home through the original and antique furnishings, musical

instruments, art and decorations. Visitors find the first-floor basement transformed into a restaurant and a small museum. Historically the space held the laundry, dairy, wine cellar and servants quarters, as well as a 10-pin bowling alley. While I enjoyed peeking at the high-society life of Antebellum days, I do feel Nottoway needs to speak to the life of the slaves who kept the plantation running. Perhaps they will add this element to their tour in the future.

in spotless chambers of the big house with antique beds and authentic furniture and accessories. Private baths feature modern basins and fixtures, chosen to blend in with the original designs. I would truly love to experience a night in the mansion and stroll the grounds in the evening and early morning. Must be quite a step back in time!

For an authentic taste of plantation life, guests can stay overnight at Nottoway. The house serves as an inn and is a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Choose between the renovated historic Mansion rooms and the deluxe hotel rooms of the Cottages and Carriage House.

Although the Cottages and Carriage House resemble typical plantation buildings, they are modern luxury hotel rooms with plush beds, deluxe private baths, wireless Internet access and flat-screen TVs. Each cottage has two individual units with a single covered porch and oversize rocking chairs; the Carriage House rooms overlook the plantation grounds or sugarcane fields. Resort amenities include casual and fine dining restaurants, an outdoor pool, tennis courts and an on-site salon and spa. Many brides choose to marry and hold receptions at the resort.

Nottoway’s historic rooms allow you to sleep as the Randolph family did,

Disclosure: Many thanks to Travel South for my visit to Nottoway.

Stay at Nottoway

New Disney Bungalows Offer Polynesian Perfection By Debi Lander

taying in a Disney Hotel or Resort provides one of the best perks of a memorable visit to the Magic Kingdom. Now, one of Disney World’s original and most beloved properties, the tropical Polynesian Village Resort, has undergone a fabulous make-over. Anyone who enjoyed the resort in past will find the improved version even better. Disney’s 20 new luxury bungalows at the Polynesian have become the Disney bungalow kitchen

choicest place to stay in Orlando. Think Bora Bora meets Disney World. The individual lodges hover over the water of the Seven Sea Lagoon and command prime views of Cinderella’s Castle and the nightly fireworks show. While I assume the fish I saw swimming in the lake were real, you can never be sure when Disney Imagineers are fooling you. Each two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow incorporates authentic South Pacific styling and provides

privacy for up to eight guests. You’ll find a full kitchen with coffee maker, microwave, toaster, stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher and volcanic rock-inspired countertops. The comfy high-beamed living room sneaks in a queen-size sleeper sofa, one pull-down bunk-size bed and glass doors that open up to the back deck with a side extension that incorporates two hanging wicker chairs. I’d call it the ideal environment to kick back in from

a long day at the theme park. The master bedroom contains a king-size bed and enormous (and gorgeous) bathroom with a very cool in-mirror TV. Where else but Disney could you look up while brushing your teeth and watch Frozen’s Elsa and Anna dance on the mirror? The second bedroom presents a queen-size bed plus a pull-down bunk-size bed. The additional bathroom is separated into two sections so one can act as a powder room and the other a full tub/shower and vanity facility.

The resort’s re-imagined look also included the lobby of the Great Ceremonial House with a large welcoming Tiki statue. Designers also renovated the main swimming pool. As with all Disney properties, informal and fancier restaurants are available onsite. A long running favorite, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show, will continue to enchant family members with luau cuisine and authentic Polynesian dancing. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, based on the character from the Jungle Cruise, opened with instant success. You’ll likely have to wait for a table or sit on the adjoining outdoor patio. The themed lounge serves handcrafted Tiki cocktails in

PHOTOGRAPHY: ©MATT STROSHANE

The back deck is my favorite spot with tropical hanging lanterns that span the space. The best part: a plunge pool. Yes, your very own little pool to sit in, rest those tired feet and watch the kingdom go by. When it’s fireworks time, the patio speakers are designed to play the soundtrack in sync with the Magic Kingdom Show.

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Disney Bora Bora Bungalow

souvenir mugs, as well as small plate snacks. The bewitching specialty of the house, the flaming Uh-Oa cocktail, slides down very easily. However, beware: The Tiki Goddess of disaster looks down upon those who guzzle in the Grotto. The resort longhouses have an additional new 350 deluxe studio rooms, some not yet completed. The rooms can sleep up to five with a queen bed, pullout sofa bed, and fold-down twin bed. A kitchenette with mini-fridge and microwave is handy and saves time for breakfasts and quick meals. The resort also includes traditional hotel rooms with island-themed decor. The studios and bungalows are part of the vacation-ownership program, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a member of the Disney Vacation Club to book them. Before making reservations, however, beware of the nightly rates on the bungalows. For those who can afford the Disney vacation, may all your wishes come true. Disclosure: Debi Lander was hosted overnight by Disney World at their Coolest Summer Ever Premiere.

Disney Bungalow Master Bathroom

A Room With a View Carmel’s Tickle Pink Inn By Michael Cervin was a nauseating saturation of pink everywhere, from sheets to towels to even the pens. “When in doubt, pink,” says Gurries who assumed control from his pink-loving uncle in 1989. “The name does conjure up perhaps a risqué place, but it really works and it’s a name you don’t forget,” he says.

In the 1950s the senator’s home was razed and commercial lodging was built on the site. “My grandfather owned paper on the Highlands Inn next door (now a Hyatt property) and originally built the Tickle Pink Inn as an addition to the neighboring Highlands Inn,” says Tickle Pink Inn owner Al Gurries. But that deal fell through and the place was reinvented as the Tickle Pink Inn, the only family-owned lodging south of Carmel and north of Big Sur. The Inn has always been a source for rejuvenation and retreat from a busy world, and after new upgrades to this AAA Four Diamond property, it’s better than ever.

The selling points of being here are summed up in two words: view and retreat. You can not talk about the inn without mentioning what is arguably its best feature; the views are insane: uninterrupted ocean, rugged cliffs with trees clinging to the steep hillsides in defiance of gravity and aggregate rocks dotting the surf.

First off, let’s dispense with the obvious pink and tickle references; it’s all been done before. Wisely, the Inn begged off its former kitschy pink theme and, yes, at one point it

Each of the 35 rooms has views, some with balconies 25 feet long and glass windows and slider doors to match. Yet the inn, basically three levels cut into the side of the hill, still has a retro feel, what with the painted cinder block walkways and strategically placed round windows. True, Carmel has more lodgings, though they either have no view or provide merely corridor views to the coast. “We are not a traveling inn nor

a business inn; we are a destination,” Gurries says. “It doesn’t satisfy everyone, but those that get it love that getaway aspect.” It’s prudent to mention that there are no elevators; therefore some stair climbing might be necessary unless you stay on the top level, accessed by the parking lot.

Every guest receives a bottle of sparkling wine, a small box of chocolates, two Champagne glasses and a rose to tie it all together upon arriving. There are woodburning fireplaces and deep whirlpool tubs in the higher end rooms, in-room coffee that succeeds in that there is a canister of coffee you can measure out, not a pre-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TICKLE PINK INN

dward Tickle loved his wife, Bess. It turns out that Bess Tickle loved her husband, but she also loved pink flowers. The California State senator who served the state in the 1930s and 1940s and his wife built a home south of Carmel; a stone cottage with the moniker of Tickle Pink.

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your heart level and get you past some charming and architecturally diverse homes, past trees with Spanish moss hanging from them like mini curtains to the sea.

packaged plastic pouch of predetermined coffee that may or may not suit your needs. In-room massage is available, from Monterey-based massage practitioners, as well as free Wi-Fi, Iphone docking stations and loofah sponges. The evening wine and cheese reception in the Terrace Lounge, overlooking the Kashmir blue of the Pacific, features three main cheeses: Port Salut, goat cheese and cambozola, along with the ubiquitous cubed cheddar, pepper Jack and Swiss. The wines are predominately local, Chateau Julien being a favorite here. Red, white and rosé wines accompany non-alcoholic sparkling cider, as well as coffee and tea. Couples meander in, select their beverages and snacks, then huddle together on the glassed-in deck, urgently awaiting the sunset over Yankee Point. There are intimate conversations as the amber hues of the setting sun paint their wine glasses with the fading rays of sunshine. “We try and achieve the perfect property for a romantic rendezvous,” says Gurries. The lounge with its rustic wood chairs

and tables pulls in the suggestion of the surrounding trees, and with heaters mounted along the deck you can linger awhile on cool evenings. From there dinner can be had by driving to Carmel about four miles upcoast, since the Inn does not have a restaurant. However, they do offer full room service from the neighboring Highlands Inn, some 100 feet away. After dinner you may choose to utilize your spa tub, should your room have one. If not, there is the outdoor hot tub. Basking in the water with the stars splayed out above, you look straight onto two cypress trees, the ocean as a backdrop, the distant sounds of the crashing surf a delicate punctuation to quiet conversation.

caps, illuminating the rocks and hillsides as the landscape comes alive. Though you can take a stroll along Highway 1, it’s really not advisable as the traffic on the narrow and winding road can be lightening fast. Instead, you can get a brisk walk and additional views if you head further up Highlands Drive. It’s not a steep incline but will raise

But the beauty of the Tickle Pink Inn is that should you choose a romantic weekend, you never have to leave your room, what with the views and everything brought to you. It can be your retreat away from the hectic pace of life. Yes, it’s a small boutique hotel, and if you’re into bold and modern this is not for you. And this is the success of the Tickle Pink. It’s not geared for high-strung workahololics who need a disturbingly cluttered schedule. It is made for those who have anchored down, the ideal spot to isolate yourself, rejuvenate and gain perspective. It is not about being seen, but being unseen, unavailable and unconcerned. And after staying here you will feel refreshed, emboldened and yes you’ll be tickled...well, you know. 155 Highlands Dr., Carmel, 800635-4774, www.ticklepinkinn.com

In the morning breakfast is at your disposal. It can be delivered to your room, or you can head back to the lounge and choose from yogurt and granola, egg dishes, ham, blueberry scones, assorted juices and coffee and tea and enjoy the repast from the decks. The benefit to being up early is that you can sit and watch the morning sun slowly creep over the white

Best Shopping in Cesky Krumlov

PHOTO CREDIT: JUDITH GLYNN

By Judith Glynn

Art

hopping is a favorite pastime for many travelers but what to buand where to buy with confidence can be problematic. From major cities to small villages, it helps when a local shares shopping tips. “If people want to buy amber in Cesky Krumlov, I tell them to forget it unless they know what they’re doing,” said tour guide Oldřiška Baloušková. She and I were strolling the 13th century town located in Czech Republic’s Southern Bohemia region and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In centuries past the region was on the amber trade route, which explains its tourist presence today. Many shops displayed the gleaming yellow-to-copper-colored fossilized resin fashioned into beautiful jewelry to tempt buyers. “Usually amber sold here is by people from other countries. Some of it is good and some not so good,” Oldřiška continued.

the shop gives non-EU-country customers a Tax Free Shopping form for a tax refund when leaving the EU.

Handbags Extraordinaire

Bambas is a family-owned business that experimented with a new art form in 1990 that involved imported Italian leather and handbags. Today, there are 12 Czech regional artists who handpaint each handbag, wallet and small leather good for an unequaled and trademarked fashion statement. The main shop (Latrán 15) is small, with stone walls and a cave-like feel. Gleaming glass showcases display one-of-a-kind handbags hand-painted with bright colors. There’s no design theme per year, just a natural evolution of what customers want, such as specific animals or designs personally submitted. Quality is superb and some customers remark that their purchases have maintained their new appearance for ten years or more.

I was curious about who owned the shops in her hometown and asked her as we continued down a hilly, cobblestone path not suited for those with walking difficulties.

Bambas exports to other Czech Republic areas and has a website for sales. Handbags begin around $140 for a small one and can rise to $600 or more.

“Most stores in the town center are not Czech-owned. The rents are too high. Owners come from the former Yugoslavia and some are from Bulgaria. The Vietnamese owners are the descendants of family members brought here by the Communists as laborers before 1989. They stayed on to own stores and raise families,” Oldřiška said.

According to Oldřiška, Czech Republic church attendance hovers around four percent. Fairy tales are more interesting than religion, which explains the popularity of puppets and marionettes. Devils and witches don’t represent evil; instead, they have playful, trickster and satirical characteristics.

“So what do you suggest a visitor buy that’s an authentic shopping reminder of Cesky Krumlov?” I asked. Oldřiška’s list varied from jewelry to pencils to marionettes and more. She didn’t suggest glass items, a Czech Republic shopping mainstay. Better choices are in Prague.

Jewelry à la Czech

Garnet is a deep red stone, while moldavite is olive green. Both are mined in Czech Republic, fashioned into jewelry and sold throughout the country. Oldřiška advises the best shop for both is Granát Turnov, located across from the castle entrance. It’s a factory shop selling its own products for a lesser price than sold in someone else’s shop, not to be confused with factory-outlet shopping where prices are heavily discounted. There’s a wide selection of items set in 14 karat gold and sterling silver. Non-English-speaking staff. For purchases over 2.001 CZK,

TOP Each gingerbread item is handpainted at Cesky Pernik. Older women do the traditional designs; younger women contemporary designs ABOVE Thousands of crafted pencils in all sizes and colors, plus first-class stationery at Koh-i-noor Hardtmuth

Marionettes Rule

While marionettes and puppets are sold throughout the country, there are two special Cesky Krumlov places to purchase them. The Marionet Muzeum (Latrán 6) is a branch of Prague’s National Marionette Theatre and housed in the former Church of St Jošt. It showcases puppet theatres of yesteryear and a gift shop. Fairytale House (Radniční, 29) is owned by the town’s former mayor. Expect to pay 6,000 CZK and more for hand-carved marionettes made locally from linden wood. The craftsmen hail from Moravia and Prague. While the marionettes are usable, most people purchase them for decorative purposes (professional puppet theatre marionettes cost around 40,000 CZK). There’s a delightful museum on the second floor.

Yummy Gingerbread and Decadent Chocolate

Whiffs of freshly baked Old Bohemian gingerbread fill the air at Cesky Pernik (Latrán 54). The ancient recipe

LEFT One of many marionettes found at Fairytale House FAR BOTTOM-LEFT Designs and size vary for these beautiful handbags found at Bambas, truly a collector’s item BOTTOM-LEFT A small sampling found at Granát Turnov, the recommended shop to purchase garnet and moldavite jewelry

consists of flour, honey and herbs (no eggs). Hand-crafted, fruitwood molds used to bake the gingerbread reflect the social and religious life of the 16th and 17th centuries. The shop borrowed the original molds from a local museum to replicate designs. Gingerbread can be eaten immediately (shelf life is around six months) or saved for Christmas and other decorative purposes. All items are hand-painted; older Czech women paint traditional designs while younger women capture contemporary themes. Stop into Bon Bon (Latrán 20) for a chocolate boost. Best sellers are dark chocolate, chocolate with chili and marzipan candies. The shop’s factory is located in Tabor, a Southern Bohemia town with a chocolate museum. Devotees of hot chocolate can purchase a small cup (50 CZK) of dark chocolate some describe as a melted chocolate bar. The thick, intense-flavored liquid has also been compared to drinking pudding.

Pencil Perfect

Pencils may not top a shopper’s list but they are a must-buy in Cesky Krumlov. For Sudoku and crossword players who use a Sudoku pencil, that exclusive item is made by Koh-i-noor Hardtmuth, a world leader for 210 years in the production and distribution of first-rate stationery and classic wooden pencils. Their adorable shop (Kostelní 169) is steps from the Vltava River. A popular item is the hand-made pencil holder that resembles a porcupine with pencils as quills.

If You Go

An excellent place to stay, complemented by the onsite Le Jardin gourmet restaurant, is Hotel Bellevue. Contact Cesky Krumlov official tourist office for information. My excellent and personable guide, Oldřiška Baloušková, can be reached at oldriskab@gmail.com or (420)737920901.

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Experience La Dolce Vita at the Pace of a Paddle Stroke By Debbie Stone

h, Italy! Images of famed masterpieces, majestic churches and revered historical sights immediately come to mind. Not to mention the food, glorious food, and wine that seems to run like water in this fabled destination. Most people pinpoint a few notable cities when they talk about Italy, primarily the well-known, “must-see” triad of Rome, Florence and Venice. Such places are typically on every traveler’s bucket list and often serve

as representative of the country as a whole. After touring these locales, many travelers feel they have seen Italy and opt to move on to the next European hot spot on their agenda. Years ago, when I first went to Italy, I dashed madly from town to town, crossing off sights at rapid speed, then proudly announcing my feat to others. I had “done” Italy...or so I thought. Subsequent trips to this magical destination later in my life fortunately proved this assumption

wrong. The truth is that one can’t truly appreciate Italy as viewed solely via some frenetic whirlwind city tour. Italy demands time – time to slow down and engage your senses, and to fully indulge in La Dolce Vita. Walking and cycling through a country are wonderful ways to relax the pace of travel, and I have enjoyed both these styles in the past. On my most recent trip to Italy, however, I decided to join a kayak expedition in

order to see the country from a different perspective, one paddle stroke at a time. My eleven-day kayaking adventure with award-winning Tofino Expeditions focused on Cinque Terre and Sardinia, two of the most beautiful areas in Italy that also happen to be world class paddling destinations. The trip began and ended in Genova, the capital city of the Liguria region, which is situated around the northwestern coast of the

Travel Europe. Narrow streets and ancient alleyways called “caruggi” create a labyrinth for visitors to navigate. Wandering through this maze, you’ll stumble upon one historically highlighted building after another, as the city is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hillsides surrounding the town are dotted with grand villas, while down on the restored waterfront is the site of one of the largest aquariums in Europe, as well as a maritime museum that chronicles Genoa’s history as a sea power. Our group was fortunate to get an insider’s tour of the city with a true local, who just happened to be the fearless leader of our kayak expedition. Though Enrico (picture a gregarious Italian Sean Penn, who is passionate about life, Italy, and kayaking) provided much information and background about his hometown, he never bored us with too many details – allowing us to take in the sights and smells of Genoa on our own, up close and personal. This included visits to off-the-beatenpath medieval cloisters, stone churches, and hidden courtyards adorned with sculptures and mosaics. And of course, we stopped along the way for the proverbial cup of espresso and scoop of gelato at some of Enrico’s favorite haunts.

country. Known as the City of the Sea, due to it being a strategic port on the Mediterranean, Genova is rich in art and history; with a past that dates back 1,000 years. For this reason, some have deemed it the “City of Culture” or the “City of Art.” The town’s exceptional cultural heritage is displayed in its many museums, opulent palaces, and Romanesque and Baroque churches within the Porto Antico – the largest medieval historic center in all of

Paddling began in earnest on the second day of the trip once we arrived at Cinque Terre National Park. Located along the Riviera coastline, nestled between Genoa and Pisa, Cinque Terre is made up of the five villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Suspended between sea and land on sheer cliffs, these towns are known for their perfect mix of old world charm and breathtaking views. The landscape consists of rocky coastline, dry-laid stonewalls, terraced vineyards, winding paths, and enchanting beaches. Lemon trees (with lemons the size of enlarged baseballs) compete with splashy magenta bougainvillea, providing a brilliant contrast of hues and scents. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks further enlivens the senses. Corniglia has the highest elevation – at 330 feet above sea level – and is reached by a series of steep stone steps that seem to go on forever. These were especially daunting after kayaking all day, and mandated the requisite gelato as a reward for effort. Manarola, one of the oldest villages, makes you feel like you’ve just walked into an Impressionist

painting due to its colorful houses. Vernazza is a pedestrian-only town, which boasts the 14th century Ligerian Gothic style Santa Margherita d’Antichia Church, while Monterosso al Mare is a bustling beach community with numerous restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Riomaggiore is famous for its wine, as well as for being an ideal place to catch a stunning sunset while dining on some of the best seafood in Italy (at the harbor side restaurant of Luca Giaccio). A young, rising-star chef, Giaccio is devoted to the most fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and classical Ligurian cuisine. Though Cinque Terre is known as a hiker’s paradise where travelers can walk on clearly marked paths that span the various villages, it’s also nirvana for kayakers. Paddling from one town to the next provides

a unique perspective of the dramatic scenery on this rugged portion of the coast. From the water, the villages look precariously perched upon the impressive cliffs. Over the centuries, people carefully built terraces on the steep landscape right up to edges of these cliffs. It’s hard to imagine a more inhospitable place to settle, especially if you’re a farmer arriving by sea to this new land. The distances between villages are not extreme, making them relatively easy to navigate by kayak. Although we occasionally shared the water with ferries and a few motorboats, we rarely saw other kayaks. Whenever we arrived at one of the towns, everyone on the shore would watch us with great interest, even taking pictures of us in paparazzi fashion. We seemed an oddity, viewed with enormous fascination.

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This surprised me, as Italy is a Mediterranean country with plenty of gorgeous sea to make any kayaking endeavor a dream. The fact is that most visitors don’t equate the sport with the destination, although awareness is gradually increasing in recent years. There is something very Zen-like about paddling, though I never would have made such a claim prior to this trip. In my limited sea kayaking experience, I only knew soreness and fatigue. With Enrique’s expert coaching, my skills improved tremendously over time. As I was in a tandem kayak, my improvement was much appreciated by my more proficient partner. Simple advice such as lengthening the arm when initiating a stroke allowed me to

understand the concept of the paddle being an extension of the arm and how crucial it is for stroke efficiency. Another tip – remain upright and plant your bottom on the seat, while focusing on moving the torso from side to side – was important to my comprehending core dynamics and its crucial role in powering the boat. When it came to turns, the most important rule – look where you want to go – became my mantra. My improvement was gradual, but steady. Each day, I felt more confident and in control of the boat. There was a rhythm to paddling, and I finally arrived at that Zen state – where going through each of the three stages in a stroke (catch the water, bury the paddle, and exit) became second nature. I was working

with the water, not against it; and it was an exhilarating and empowering experience. My partner and I worked together in sync, like a well-oiled machine. I like to think that we were ‘a thing of beauty’, gliding across the water. It’s hard to describe the water, as it takes on so many different colors depending on location, time of day, and weather conditions. Our group would often discuss the colors of the sea, and everyone had their own labels for it. The adjectives ranged from emerald green and aquamarine, to milky turquoise and azure. When the wind blew, the sea darkened to an almost cobalt tone. In certain places, where jellyfish were in abundance, their bright iridescent hues added to the chroma potpourri.

The second half of the trip took place around the island of Sardinia, which we reached following a brief stopover in Pisa and an overnight ferry ride from Livorno. Our base was Via del Centro B&B on the island of La Maddalena. This is one of the many islands in the Archipelago of La Maddalena, which is about two kilometers from the northeastern shore of Sardinia. Although we had stayed in several quaint inns and boutique hotels during our stay, Via del Centro proved to be the most memorable property for our group. Located right in the middle of town, it gave us prime accessibility to shops, restaurants, and the waterfront. It was spacious and very clean, but it was the innkeepers that made the place so special. Charming Fabrizio and his lovely girlfriend

Jessica ran the place, and they were exceptionally hospitable and kind – going out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. They joined us for dinner most nights and enjoyed talking to us about their town and laid back island lifestyle. If I could have bottled up their élan, I would have brought it back with me. Each day, we explored the sparsely inhabited La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, with its crystal clear water, surreal rock formations and picture perfect coves. The rocks often took on recognizable shapes such as animals or humans, even Disney characters. Some, like Octopus Rock, had been previously identified and named accordingly. Wild and relatively untouched, this area is regarded by those in the know as one of the Mediterranean’s best kayaking playgrounds. We visited isolated islands, swam and

snorkeled in the warm turquoise sea, and picnicked at unspoiled beaches reached only via the water. Enrique would lie out the booty for the day’s lunch, and we would devour the fresh vegetables and fruit, meats and cheeses, and crusty bread with relish. Then we blissfully relaxed, our hunger sated, in the idyllic environment of sun-drenched beaches and dazzling sea. One of the days we went inland on Sardinia for a look at the island’s verdant and hilly countryside. It also served as an opportunity to gain insight into the vibrant culture of the region. Historical sites dot the landscape, depicting the various invasions over the centuries. The mesh of different influences can still be seen today in the island’s archaeology and architecture. Roman remains exist, along with the conical towers of the Nuraghi (which date

back to the Bronze Age), and are considered a symbol of Sardinia. More than 7,000 of these ancient edifices have been found over the years, though archaeologists believe there are nearly 10,000 in existence. Food was an integral part of the trip, and Enrique and his convivial assistant Daniele took their mission seriously when it came to introducing us to the numerous regional specialties; from fried anchovies and octopus salad to chickpea focaccia, Sardinian cracker bread and seabream ravioli with clams. Each meal was a farm-and-sea-to-table gastronomic

feast for the senses, accompanied by local wines, and ending with a shot of limoncello or mirto – a special liqueur made from berries. As for the gelato, I aimed at trying a new flavor each day – for research purposes, of course! All were deliciously creamy and flavorful, but the winner was a heavenly concoction of ricotta and figs. Everyone in the group ate with gusto; after all, we were expending much energy kayaking each day and believed we were totally justified in our hearty consumption. When we saw the satisfied smiles on the faces of the chefs upon noting our “buona forchetta” – or good

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appetite â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we felt we had done our part in showing our appreciation for their sumptuous cuisine. Traveling through Italy on the seat of a kayak allowed me the opportunity to experience the beauty of this country at a pace that kept me fully engaged in the moment. It was a unique way to rediscover this enchanting destination, while providing the chance to participate in a challenging â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yet highly rewarding â&#x20AC;&#x201C; activity. Tofino Expeditions is a top-ranked international sea kayak outfitter, committed to wilderness ethics, as well as to the quality of their adventures. The company features a range of kayaking trips worldwide designed to meet the needs and desires of both novice and experienced kayakers. For more information, visit www.tofino.com.

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Discovering your family history is a journey home. Meander into the past and find the place where your ancestors lived. Search your family tree, through the generations. Meet distant cousins who share your great-great-grandfather. You’ll feel a new, deeper sense of belonging when you experience your heritage firsthand. Andrew McCarthy and 25 other powerful writers, including Pico Iyer, Joyce Maynard, and Diane Johnson, share their poignant insights into the meaning of home and their journey to find it. Home isn’t only the place to return after a journey . . . it can also be the journey itself.

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Luxury Delights at Terranea By Jill Weinlein

itting out on my balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean, I heard seals barking nearby. Along the cliffs of Palos Verdes a bevy of marine wildlife reside in the bucolic setting. Before dinner, I took a stroll and saw about twenty sea lions basking in the sun on rocks near the shore line. Continuing my stroll I was startled to see the spray of water coming from the blowholes of two humpback whales swimming near land. It was quite a magnificent sight to see these enormous

mammals so close to the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. A staff member told me that there was a deep channel running next to the resort. Mother whales like to swim with their babies close to land to protect them from sharks and other predators. After my close encounter, I went back to my spacious room for a quick soak in the bathtub before getting ready for Terranea’s Chef’s Table Dinner.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean at sunset while sipping a Justin Sauvignon Blanc wine and nibbling on truffle tater tots sprinkled with foie gras at the elegant Terranea Resort is an excellent way to start the summer.

I dined with 12 other guests on the patio of one of Terranea’s luxurious villas next to the golf course. Sitting on white chairs at a communal table on the bluff on the Palos Verdes Peninsula was an intimate and interactive dining experience.

During Terranea’s fifth anniversary, Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra cooks with other chefs at the resort to offer guests an elegant culinary evening and help local charities in Southern California.

The theme, Spring’s Bounty, began with a cocktail or glass of Justin wine from the Paso Robles region to pair with hors d’oeuvres. Chef David Tarrin prepared Japanese confit of chicken Yakitori; pepper-crusted toro Nicoise with olive tapenade and

Epicure a crisp sunchoke. My favorites were the deviled baby quail eggs. In addition to the exquisite truffle tater tots, there were plates of lumpia of Kobe beef and langoustine with a sweet chili garlic sauce. My cool glass of Justin Sauvignon Blanc offered an essence of apple and lemon pie. Executive Chef Bernard Ibarra prepared the first course of smoked spring lamb tartlet and a small glass of first-crop snap-pea chilled soup. “When I think of a protein for Spring, I think of lamb,” Bernard said. It was served as a Napoleon with smoked lamb layered with a crispy pastry dough, similar to

a Greek phylo, yet more dense. He layered fennel grown on the property, house-crafted goat cheese and an exotic carrot top chimchurri. It was exquisite in presentation and flavor profile. There was also a demitasse cup of pureed snap peas just picked in the morning with apple mint and lavender. On top was a beautifully designed house-made cumin yogurt lassi. The snap peas were blanched and blended, offering an earthy flavor profile. The herbs were harvested from the garden behind Terranea’s fine dining restaurant mar’sel. Chef Bernard likes to make his own

sea salt to sprinkle on his dishes. He also is known to pick the pink peppercorn berries from the trees around the property and grind them to dash onto his creations. This dish was paired with a glass of oaky Justin Chardonnay. Before arriving at Terranea, Chef Ibarra was a talented chef working in Las Vegas. After a while the bright lights, glitzy guests and desert air got to him, and he packed his bags and headed to the Pacific Ocean to be the new Executive Chef at the picturesque Terranea Resort. He enjoys bringing garden-to-table produce into his dishes by planting seeds and watching vegetables and

herbs grow before he harvests them for his signature dishes. He uses land on the Terranea property and plots at Jim York’s Catalina Garden. “I get very happy when I harvest vegetables,” said Bernard. This dish was followed by swordfish paillard prepared by Terranea chef Andrew Vaughan. With the ocean coming back with many species of fish during spring and summer, swordfish is coming up from Baja. “Swordfish is a beautiful fish that is full of life,” said Bernard. Chef Vaughn made a swordfish paillard and veal sweet breads that looked like a frittata with roasted artichoke hearts and baby artichokes, favas, kale and a lemon caper brown butter drizzle. It was paired with a glass of Justin Justification. We finished the meal with a sweeter Justin Obtuse paired with Executive Pastry Chef Pierino Jermonti’s dazzling Meyer lemon panna cotta with candied pineapple and sea salt roasted pistachios. While passing around plates of handmade chocolates we learned that Terranea employees gave $37,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help them fight blood cancers. What a sweet ending to a decadent dinner. Tickets for this special multi-course dinner paired with wines are $225 per person and must be purchased in advance. Guests who purchase two tickets will receive a complimentary ocean view room for the night of the event. Guests must be 21+ years to attend. Upcoming Chef’s Table Dinner Series include Thursday, August 13 with a Honey Bee theme. Summerland Winery will enlighten guests with their wines and pours with each course. Proceeds from this dinner will benefit the American Red Cross. On October 29th the wine harvest theme offer dishes from the wine regions paired with Catalina View wines. This dinner’s proceeds will go to Meals On Wheels. The last dinner of 2015 is on Thursday, December 3, offering winter harvest traditions. Margerum Wines from Santa Barbara will pour some of their signature favorites. Proceeds will be benefit City of Hope. To learn more, go to www.terrenea.com. 100 Terranea Way, (310)265-2800.

Crop yield estimation software could save agriculture millions By Jack Baldwin Article originally published via The Lead and with permission.

stimating grape yields is a headache for the wine industry – but now there’s an app for that.

Seer Insights is a startup created by three students as part of the University of Adelaide’s Tech eChallenge. On top of juggling lectures, study and coursework, the 20 year olds are building a business around an evolving suite of software called GrapeBrain. “We’re interested in agriculture. The team is passionate about the way food is produced particularly,” says team member Liam Ellul, who has a background in commerce and law. “I think food production is going to be an issue coming up in our lifetimes and we’ll get a lot of benefit and enjoyment being involved with a business that helps lower food prices by creating efficiency and production,” he says. GrapeBrain started out as something very different. In the early stages of development the team was looking at general crop monitoring for agriculture using drones. “We saw there was a lot of buzz around drones. Our first idea was strapping a torn apart smart phone on to a UAV glider, just to take it out and show we were keen. From there

we realised it didn’t have to be drone hardware. It could be satellite hardware, even software,” Ellul explains. Seer also consists of Petros Bakopoulos, specialising in finance, and Harry Lucas, the technical lead on the project who is responsible for the code that GrapeBrain runs on. It became apparent that they had to concentrate and being based near the Barossa in South Australia, one Liam Ellul, Harry Lucas and Petros Bakopoulos from Seer Insights.

of the world’s great wine regions, it was logical to pick vineyards for their system. “The winemakers basically said, look, you can throw as many drones as you want out there, but what we’ll pay you to do is estimate yield,” Lucas says. GrapeBrain is a complex suite of software that takes a number of metrics and spits out a yield result based on those inputs.

“Without giving away the golden goose, the approach that we’ve developed has come about reading research papers and also talking to the practical realities of industry,” says Ellul, who during gaps in his study drives into the Barossa wine region to quiz grape growers about their wants and needs. “Our software, we’d take it in, get feedback, take it back and work on it,” he says. “It turned out it wasn’t just a problem that could be solved

Wine

by an app. You needed a whole platform behind it.”

big and do the best possible,” Lucas says.

The value of an accurate yield prediction can’t be understated. It has implications all along the supply chain – in the case of viticulture, everything from transport and processing of the grapes, to wine sales, to packing, to shipping can be streamlined and improved.

“This is why we think building a commercial business around it is one of the most important points. If you just throw some software out there, that’s been done before. It may help people, but if you’re continually adding value, that represents a lot more for the industry.

The team is aiming to get their yield prediction to an accuracy of within 10%. That’s a bold aim when there are currently no standard procedures in the industry. According to Seer Insights, prediction accuracy varies widely between growers.

“If we can continue to add value afterwards, then it’s not just streamlining processes for an industry – there can be entirely new processes developed out of this.”

“It can be as bad as 50% off,” Ellul says. “The benefit of this software for wineries is they have peace of mind that this is a set in stone procedure that will give them and their growers a reliable outcome.” Seer Insights’ wants to establish an industry standardisation that will add value to the entire wine industry. “We’re talking 10% on an organisational scale here. It’s a lofty goal but I think it’s better to dream

Some of the wineries that Seer Insights have consulted with have outlined the difficulties of moving to a more mathematically based prediction process from ‘intuitive’ approaches – essentially guesstimating grape weight on the vine. “It’s a huge logistical challenge to implement it, let alone sustain it. Any organisation could do this in house, but the value in our business is that they don’t have to maintain the systems, they don’t have to worry about updating it,” Ellul says.

“It’s good for competition as well. By having a commercially viable product that’s available to the broad market, you’re really democratising the use of technology. By distributing it evenly for everyone you can improve the sum of all the components of the industry – you’re not getting this skewed power dynamic.” Lucas says the team has not forgotten their original target market – agriculture in general. “There’s a lot of similar paradigms between crops,” he says. “There are differences between viticulture and agriculture, but although sugar cane might be very different to predicting the yield for grapes, the processes that you put in place to do that are fundamentally the same.” With an ever evolving product, the individual bits of data they’re gathering can be pulled together to give a wider outlook for the agriculture industry. “There’s a lesser known term than big data – little data,” says Lucas. “It doesn’t sound as flashy but you can apply the concepts of big data to small amounts of data at a time. The cool thing about little data is that,

when you get enough, you have big data.” Ellul, Lucas and Bakopoulos are currently riding on a wave of support and interest from research and industry bodies in South Australia. “Adelaide is fantastic at the moment,” Ellul says. “There’s a big move for progressive thinking and the encouragement of innovation and growth of the technology space. “South Australia is probably the best place in the world for us to be doing this in viticulture too. Our wine industry is second to none. It’s world class.” The team use the South Australian wine industry as their testing and launch market, which will help them later in the year when they visit the United States as the prize for winning the Tech eChallenge. “The Barossa is one of the greatest wine regions in the world,” says Lucas. “If you can go to the Napa Valley in America and say, look, the Barossa growers are using this, maybe you guys could try as well – that’s what we’re looking to do.”

‘FIND THE RIGHT PLAYERS FOR THE RIGHT POSITIONS’

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It’s Shandy Season

hile last summer was a record-setting high season for French Provencal rose, all signs seem to point to a new European invasion this year; The shandy is having its moment. Hailing from 17th century Europe, a shandy traditionally consists of beer mixed with equal parts lemonade, ginger beer or citrus soda. Originally known as the “Rich Man’s Shandy Gaff,” a mixture of champagne and ale, the drink evolved due to the vast majority of the general public who didn’t have the means to spend for champagne, instead replacing it with ginger beer or lemonade. While shandies and radlers have remained a public house novelty to date in Europe, stateside, the time is nigh for mainstream American acceptance. Vermont-based Traveler Beer Company is now bridging the transatlantic gap to reengineer the Old World beverage for this side of the pond — with a decidedly American craft twist. Inspired by the old European pub classic, The Traveler Beer Company takes the traditional shandy and infuses it with American craftbeer innovation and passion. Rather than mixing ale with a citrus flavored

soda or lemonade, Traveler’s craft American wheat beers are actually made with real fruit or fruit juices, such as lemon and grapefruit, making for a refreshingly approachable and sessionable craftbeer. Rather than making Labor Day the last call for shandy-drinking season, The Traveler Beer Company releases a variety for all seasons. Jack-O Traveler, made with real pumpkin, hits shelves in the fall, and Jolly Traveler, with pomegranate, orange peel and holiday spice, hits in November, just in time for winter entertaining. www. travelerbeer.com/

Cocktails

Summer Cocktails with a Twist from Robert De Niro

Afternoon Delight 1½oz VDKA 6100 1oz fresh pineapple juice ½oz fresh lemon juice ¾oz simple syrup 2 sprigs muddled tarragon Glassware: Rocks or Martini Garnish: Tarragon sprig or Edible flower Preparation: Build in shaker, add ice, shake, strain and garnish

Inspiration for the perfect summer cocktail can be found everywhere in warmer months, but the right spirits to add can be a conundrum. Consider VDKA 6100, co-created by Hollywood tastemaker Robert De Niro, your solution! Launched in 2014, VDKA 6100 is a premium vodka brand. Clean, light, exceptionally smooth taste with hints of floral and citrus notes, VDKA 6100 is a remarkably silky liquid that is free of gluten, sugar, and lactose for an unparalleled luxury drinking experience. Easy to mix, with a clean finish, VDKA 6100's taste is unsurpassed.

Capsicum Red Eye

Dark Sparrow

Passion Grog

1½oz VDKA 6100 1oz red bell pepper juice 2 pinch lemon pepper 2 pinch salt 5 drops celery bitters (need to try with celery salt) ½oz orange juice 3 leaves muddled basil 2oz Tecate beer

1½oz VDKA 6100 1½oz chardonnay ¾oz fresh squeezed lemon juice ¾oz simple syrup 8 muddled red seedless grapes

2oz VDKA 6100 ¾oz Orgeat ½oz passion fruit puree ½oz orange juice 2 dashes peychaud’s 1oz soda Glassware: Rocks Garnish: Mint Sprig Preparation: Combine all ingredients except the soda, add ice, shake, strain, top with soda and garnish

CREDIT HERE

Glassware: Martini Garnish: Basil leaf and lemon pepper rim Preparation: Combine all ingredients except the beer, add ice, shake, strain and garnish.

Glassware: Rocks or wine glass Preparation: In a shaker muddle grapes, add ingredients, add ice, shake and pour contents of shaker into a rocks or wine glass.

COMING SOON

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Health

Supersmile By Jessica O’Hehir

et’s be honest; we all want a beautiful smile. Scouring the earth in search of the perfect system to aid you in your quest has come to an end; we’ve found it for you! Supersmile® is a collection of clinically proven, premium whitening, breath freshening and cavity-fighting products that are designed to deliver the safest and most effective oral care system. Enjoy! Dr. Smigel has created the first whitening toothpaste for patients with bonded teeth, veneers, caps,

crowns and dentures – who complained of staining due to the materials’ porosity in the mid 1980’s. His toothpaste proved to keep their smiles white, strong, and healthy between visits. His wife, Lucia Smigel, CEO of the company, helped him to develop the company and brand to where it is today with retailers nationwide and as the #1-recommended tooth whitening system and oral care products. Dr. Smigel really has pioneered the industry and is credited for inventing aesthetic dentistry.

Supersmile Crystal Collection Toothbrush Pink Diamond – $15

The Supersmile® Crystal Collection features a slim, lengthened Lucite handle, ergonomically shaped with a series of indentations to guide hand-positioning to the ADArecommended 45° brushing angle, as well as five tufted rows of soft, rounded nylon bristles. These elements of unique and improved design yield the softest, most thorough brushing experience yet. Gently massaging the gums and cleaning teeth, the Collection reaches delicately beneath the gum-line (the sulcus) where plaque accumulates and causes decay. A flat bottom also enables each brush to stand upright for hygienic drying.

Supersmile Professional Whitening System – $36

This advanced combination of the Professional Whitening Toothpaste and Professional Whitening Accelerator safely whitens surface and intrinsic stains for whiter and brighter teeth. Strengthens and protects for healthy teeth and gums. The combination of the Calprox in our Toothpaste and the peroxide in our Accelerator removes stains above and beneath the enamel for deeper whitening. Our proprietary formula maintains and enhances the vibrancy of

professionally bleached teeth and removes coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine and other stains. It restores bonding, caps, veneers, and dentures to their original whiteness.

Supersmile Quikee – $18

This on-the-go instant stain removing formula with Calprox guarantees whiter teeth and fresher breath without brushing or rinsing. It removes stains such as heavy coffee, tobacco, and red wine, while key whitening ingredients work together to whiten teeth and promote long-lasting fresh breath. Conveniently packaged for whitening and freshening when you don’t have time to brush. Quick dissolve formula means no need to rinse.

Supersmile Single-Dose Powdered Mouthrinse – $16 This Powdered Whitening Rinse with Calprox safely removes stains, freshens breath, and eliminates bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis. The formula maintains and enhances the vibrancy of professionally bleached teeth, and restores bonding, caps, veneers and dentures to their original whiteness. For more information about Supersmile®, go to Supersmile. com.

Design

Luxury Designer Jonathan Rachman By Sherrie Wilkolaski

onathan Rachman is an internationally-acclaimed designer, soon to open an eponymous store of custom made goods, J. Rachman, in San Francisco, recently featured on HGTV, ELLE DECORATION and C MAGAZINE. He is about to open a store in San Francisco which will showcase many of his customdesigned goods in addition to serve as a showroom for my design business. In addition to designing, he is the editor-in-chief of a little magazine called DiSini DiSana, which means “here and there” in Indonesian, he says, “my heart is here and there all the time.” In recent interview with Luxe Beat Magazine, he shared with me he thoughts on design and told me about how one chance meeting, changed his design career forever. Here is the interview: Sherrie Wilkolaski: Residential vs. hospitality. Which type of design work do you prefer? Jonathan Rachman: I truly have no preference between the two. What I do prefer is to work on a project where the client and I speak the same ‘language’ - appreciate the same style and design intent for the specific project. When this happens, so does magic! The project naturally takes on its own fabulous course, which will ultimately show in the final work.

SW: How did you get into the business, particularly...working with celebrities? JR: I never intended to be an interior designer - I was once your typical corporate “soldier”. I left everything behind and opened a floral shop in a tiny neighborhood in San Francisco. Low and behold, Marc Jacobs and his creative team walked in and hired me on the spot to do their store floral arrangements, which ultimately lead to clients like Sarah Jessica Parker, Oprah and the like... later I did event designed including the 60th United Nations anniversary celebration and few other high profile events.

property’s nature and location: a beach house in Bali must have a different decor from a pied-à-terre in Manhattan or from a mansion in a traditional setting. The same can be said about a hospitality work: a boutique hotel in an urban setting should read differently than a commercial business hotel. To understand your scopes and agree on them with your clients is the first rule of business.

SW: When you are designing, how do you draw the line between your personal style and the taste of a client? JR: It goes back to the foundation of a solid understanding of the intention of why they are awarding me with the design work: for what type of property, the function of the property, who will be using the property and ultimately to interpret

We were also the preferred purveyor for The Four Seasons Hotel. Because of all of that exposure and my storefront, clients saw my aesthetic and design style and learned what I was all about. Because I never went to a formal design school (except in fashion,) I have always designed intuitively: from the heart. I break rules and simply follow my gut instinct and taste. SW: Design is interpretive, how do you ensure a positive outcome at the completion of a project? JR: It is absolutely essential that you know your client, be it an individual, couple, family or a company, very well, in their intent of the space, home or property. To know the “why” is as important as to fully understand their style. You must also have a solid understanding of the type of

the sum of all of this knowledge into a style which you deem to be most appropriate. My taste should guide each specific design work: and that’s why our clients award us the project - they see that our taste is the right one for them. My personal style must remain discreet, unless of course, it happens to be the appropriate style for the assigned project, which at times may happen. SW: You are known for your “collections” what does that mean? JR: I collect objects from all over the world which speak to me emotionally. I collect all kinds of artifacts, furniture, objet

de curiosité, art etc. At times, they remind me of my childhood, others simply remind me of the rich history of architecture, the object itself and world history. I believe in the ‘Venn diagram’. Some people share my passion in collections and will appreciate my collections, simply for the sake of appreciation or to incorporate them into their space, as I am a firm believer that a home should be ‘collected’ not designed, which translate to a curated home which is much superior to a home that’s simply designed with this week’s fashion. SW: What does luxury mean to you, when it comes to design?

Design that, to be with the love of my life in this experience and find the cherished object was like discovering the ultimate truffle! SW: How would you describe your design style? JR: Thoughtful elegance: timeless interiors - interpretations of clients’ personal styles and collections. Seamlessly blending the past and the present. My aesthetic is part classical, part contemporary.

Churchill

SW: Do you have a favorite color palette? JR: Because of my belief in customizing each vignette, each room and space and each project, I don’t have a favorite color palette: I believe there is no ugly color, there is simply inappropriate application. Each year, while I don’t subscribe to the color trend, I do have fave colors. I like what I called ‘ugly beautiful’ color: an odd color that belongs to several families of colors. Is it blue? Is it green? Is it gray? You can’t pinpoint the exact color, yet, it

is intensely beautiful. This year, I love C2 paint: Churchill C2-730 and Topiary C2-696 and from Benjamin Moore: Deep Jungle: 595 and Gonola Ride 602. SW: What is one piece of furniture no room should be without? JR: For a home, your most precious heirloom or a piece of furniture that is rich in history, be it your families or the world’s. SW: Have you thought about writing a book? JR: In fact, I am currently writing a book: a memoir about my late sister, she was my angel on earth, and now she truly is my angel. I am in two design books written by Maria Spassov, titled, CELEBRITY DESIGNERS: 50 Interviews on Design, Architecture, and Life available on Amazon.com and hardcopy is out early 2016. To learn more about Jonathan Rachman to go www. jonathanrachman.com/.

Gondola Ride

Deep Jungle JR: It translates the same way with what luxury is in life - in general: being able to afford what you like, anytime, anyplace and be content with it, which does not necessarily have to be dripping in monetary value. It is more a state of mind. For example, to convert your formal dining room, instead to a library for your collection of fashion drawings and vintage bags, simply because you want to and are able to. I think that’s luxury! SW: What do you consider the three most important elements in the design process? JR: 1. Being able to communicate your

ideas as well as understanding the scope: which is intrinsic to the communication 2. Being able to visualize, conceptualize and implement your design: which is technical and industry knowledge 3. Editing skill is a must: knowing when more truly is more vs. less is more and vice versa. SW: What is your favorite memory of your time spent in the flea markets of Paris? JR: To simply wander and discover. To quote Forrest Gump with a tweak: “the flea market is like a box of chocolate, you’ll never know what you’re gonna get,” and on top of

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Design

Andrew Morgan Brings Style into the Bedroom

etting a good night sleep is one of life’s luxuries. Tempur-Pedic has launched a new home collection designed by Andrew Morgan. The luxury market has always been a focus of this former fashion designer. Before he launched his namesake company in 2000, he spent 18 years as a clothing designer for Bergdorf Goodman, Burberry and other sources of style. That expertise informed his interior designs, luxury hospitality line and Tempur-Pedic’s versatile collection. Consumers can transform their

Tempur-Pedic® beds, starting with lavish slipcovers and layering pieces in a variety of chic patterns, colors and textures, to experience their bed at its absolute best. With 10 choices of luxe knit fabrics in patterns and textures ranging from houndstooth, chenille, tweed and herringbone, the Tempur-Pedic Home Collection – made in the USA – makes it simple for home décor lovers to mix and match stylish materials to create their own customized bed. “We’re merging customized style and personalized comfort to offer a unique bedroom environment, while

helping consumers achieve their best night’s sleep,” said Dan Fine, Vice President, Direct to Consumer for Tempur-Pedic. “Consumers get to be their own stylist and pick and choose luxury pieces to dress their TempurPedic beds to fit their individual styles and change as often as they would like.” Created with exquisite materials and American workmanship, the TempurPedic Home Collection is crafted for sustainability and performance, and made in the USA. Additionally, these luxurious knits are machine washable and will stay looking beautiful wash

after wash. The Tempur-Pedic Home Collection includes: · Decorative pillows, starting at $139 · Luxury throws, starting at $399 · Nine-inch foundation slip covers, starting at $549 · Luxury blankets, starting at $599 · Custom headboard slip covers, starting at $629 TEMPUR® material responds to your body’s unique shape, weight and temperature, automatically adapting to support your body. Tempur-Pedic mattresses adapt to the curves of your body, supporting you evenly. Heavier areas, like your shoulders and hips, sink in further, while lighter areas sink in less. Even support allows for better alignment, so your body can more fully relax – and you experience deeper sleep. Ninety-four percent of TempurPedic owners love their mattresses. The Tempur-Pedic Home Collection by Andrew Morgan is exclusively available for purchase at www.tempurpedic.com/ andrewmorgan.

Exallo In Wood We Trust

’ve never claimed to be a fashionista. In fact, I know very little about fashion, and don’t really care about trends or what’s in and what’s out. I usually dress for comfort and what makes me feel good. However, one thing is very clear...I know what I like and what I don’t like. When I ran across Exallo, I stopped in my tracks! Exallo, meaning “wood in different ways” in Greek, is home to the sexiest little hand-carved bow ties you’ll ever need in your arsenal of accessories. The concept is the

brainchild of brothers Leonidas and Harry Souras, who hail from the foothills of Mount Olympus in Greece. After they graduated from university (Leonidas with a degree in Interior Design and Harry with a degree in Mathematics), there was a natural regression to their roots. They come from a long line of wood workers, so the art of working with wooden textiles comes as second nature for them both. The brothers say, “The Exallo product and production process combines technology and design,

with excellent skills in crafts, in order to provide customers a timeless piece of art. Each stage of production, from design, processing of materials, and up to the final touch, is handcrafted in our own laboratory. Nature inspires us and we turn our textiles into unique aesthetic creations.” Another added bonus worth mentioning is their ability to reduce waste by reusing the useless dead Mediterranean wood from old furniture. They re-purpose, recycle, and recreate a high-end product; it’s hard to believe the end-result had such

By Lisa Collins-Haynes humble beginnings. Each Exallo product enables anyone wishing to acquire an attractive, gorgeous, handmade creation, unique by its nature, an opportunity to shop online from a wide variety of selections. Each bow tie is paired with a classic piece of fabric to complete the perfect fine finish to suit an elegant clientele. When I received the wooden bow tie in the mail, I immediately noticed the handsome packaging and the aromatics of the freshly carved

Fashion

piece. The package also included a protective cloth pouch to prevent dust and other undesirable elements from damaging the bow tie, and a round silver tin of scented polishing wax. What I liked most about Exallo is the glossy, refined finish, and versatility. It just has that look that you want to touch, want to handle, want to know how it feels. Wood isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t typically transformed to be so different, yet still solidly innate. They look great in a formal setting for a nice dinner, or even as part of a bridal party. If a more casual look is in order, you can feel free to accessorize the wooden bow tie with nice fitted jeans and a long sleeve button-down. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great personal purchase, but would make a wonderful gift for the special guy in your life. Both big and small, as Exallo products now come in adult and children sizes. Learn more about Exallo on www.exallo.gr.

Technology

Reserve Your On-call Dining Concierge App H

ollywood celebrities are using it. Actors Jared Leto and Jon Favreau have invested in it. Reserve is the hottest new restaurant app, that offers a luxury reservation service for diners. Whether you’re new to a city, or just staying for a few nights on business, Reserve acts as your on-call dining concierge. With just a few taps, Reserve enables a seamless experience, from getting the table you want to paying effortlessly at the end of the meal so you can head to what’s next. Reserve has partnered with 200 of the country’s best names in food and hospitality, including James Beard Award-winning chefs and Michelinstarred restaurants in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston and Chicago. Reserve is the first company to come out of Expa, the startup studio led by the co-founders of Uber and Foursquare; and boasts many celebrity investors such as Will.i.am, and actors Jared Leto and Jon Favreau. Reserve, one of the latest must-have dining concierge apps for elite travelers.

Technology

3 New Summer Tech Gadgets T

his summer don’t let technology interfere with your vacation plans. There are three new products on the market that are sure to give you an edge, giving you more time to lounge on the beach, or sip cocktails by the pool!

GearPower 12k

The new GearPower 12k is the mobile charger you need for your busy life. Now you can charge your smartphone at the beach, and Dual Charging allows simultaneous charging of tablets and smartphones. It has enough power to fully recharge devices such as the iPhone® 6 more than six times! MSRP: $99.95

TuneTap

Let party guests contribute/play music tracks with the TuneTap during Summer BBQs and pool parties, or annual holiday soirees. MSRP: $49.95 Play your favorite music and movie audio wirelessly from your Bluetoothenabled smartphone or tablet on your home A/V receiver or stereo.

KeyShair Bluetooth Keyboard/ Mouse Interface

The accessible KeyShair Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse Interface is ideal for multitasking professionals. MSRP: $49.95 Share your computer’s keyboard and mouse with your mobile device or tablet, with up to four Bluetooth enabled mobile devices for faster emailing, texting, etc.

Global Etiquette

Cell Phone Usage By Maralyn D. Hill

Travel

n today’s world, cell phones have become more and more prevalent. They provide many benefits but also include some challenges and aggravations. I think most of us are taken in by the convenience and do not think about the difficulties they cause unless they affect us.

may be the best solution.

July was National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, an event founded by author and etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore in 2002 with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings.

Keep your cool

To avoid offending others, Whitmore offered the following advice in honor of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month:

Always use your wireless phone’s silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundings.

Be all there

When you’re in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off

Keep it private

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You never know who may be in hearing range. Don’t display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.

Learn to vibe

Avoid “cell yell:” Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless

phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don’t recognize how distracting they can be to others.

Follow the rules

Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.

Excuse yourself

If you are expecting a call that can’t be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.

Focus on driving

Always practice wireless responsibility while driving. Don’t make or answer calls while in heavy traffic or in hazardous driving conditions. Place calls when your

vehicle is not moving, and use a hands-free device to help focus attention on safety. Always make safety your most important call. And always check the laws of your particular state. It seems to be a frequent occurrence for someone’s phone to ring at a function. I have attempted to develop the habit to set my phone to vibrate when I’m in a meeting or dinner. If I’m expecting an important call, I do say so, and watch for it, but do not take other calls. When it comes, I excuse myself to leave the room. I would guess that many of us have witnessed or been guilty of many of the comments that Whitmore makes. Besides being rude, they are not good business. If you think of how many conversations you’ve overheard that you should not have, or meetings where you’ve missed a good portion due to a call, you’ll get the point.

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Business

How To Navigate Today’s Entrepreneurial Landmines Without An MBA The ‘Meat & Potatoes’ Approach To Efficiency And Success, From A Veteran Businessman

teve Jobs. Bill Gates. Richard Branson. Marc Zuckerberg. Ted Turner. They are just some of the world’s business giants who’ve never earned a college degree. “Higher education certainly has its benefits; but based on experience, the data that’s out there and what others have told me, there can be better ways of preparing for a life in business than beginning one’s earning years tens of thousands of dollars in debt from college,” says Ed Basler, a veteran entrepreneur and CEO of E.J. Basler Co. “Hard work, working smart, listening and abiding in the examples of those who’ve been successful are the keys to success in business. College doesn’t necessarily impart those attributes to students. The price of an MBA is certain, but its value is not.” Nearly 70 percent of seniors who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges in 2013 had student loan debt, which averaged $28,400 per borrower, according to The Institute for College Access and Success. If a costly college degree doesn’t necessarily deliver the goods on what works in business, then what does? Basler, author of “The Meat & Potatoes Guide to Business Survival: A Handbook for Non-MBA’s & College Dropouts,” briefly explains key principles.

Respect the power of your vision

It may sound hokey to some, but not to dreamers like Walt Disney – another giant who succeeded without a degree. In fact, those

who criticize the dreams of visionaries are those who’ve either failed or never dared to dream in the first place. To put it simply, big vision = big results; small vision = small results; no vision = no results. Never mind the naysayers. Listen to those who have something to say, including those who fully support your dream, and those who offer constructive criticism. Talk it out with anyone who’ll listen. Be open to improvement.

Fly with eagles

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Join your industry’s trade association. It is a wealth of ideas, information and networking opportunities. Meet the leaders in your fields. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and find a seasoned experienced mentor. They can be found.

Never pay retail

In some ways, a college degree is retail. There’s no guarantee that you’ll get the expected result, such as a good job, but you certainly pay a financial price. In business, frugality pays. The easiest and most frequently cited price is usually one that can be improved. You can buy office furniture at a store, or you can cut those prices by half or more by going to an auction. Always be on the lookout for a more costefficient way.

Use a checklist

No, this is not an app or a new way of thinking about business. Instead, it’s an old, tried, tested and true way of accounting for the most important things that need to be done. As the leader of your business, you need it, but you should also encourage everyone under you to keep a list, too. If something is worth doing at work, then it’s worth the extra daily reminder. Put the

most important item at the top and then check it off once done. This lets you know with certainty that the task has been accomplished and clearly indicates what’s needed next.

Deadlines orient your attention to goals with each passing hour What if President John F. Kennedy did not announce his ambitious deadline on May 25, 1961, to safely send a man to the moon by the end of the 1960s? We may never have made it. Ambitious deadlines foster excitement for accomplishment. Our attention as human beings is prone to wandering. Deadlines guide us back to our ambition.

provides precision-machined parts and solutions to companies worldwide. He is a sought-after motivational speaker and president of Fresh Eyes Coaching, a firm that helps small businesses identify profit opportunities and obstacles. Ed and his wife, Cathi, also founded and ran a nationally recognized not-forprofit youth organization for 15 years. He is the author of “The Meat & Potatoes Guide to Business Survival: A Handbook for NonMBA’s & College Dropouts.” www.ejbasler.com

There’s no end to improvement There’s no end to improvement. Everything you are currently doing can be improved. Ignore this at your own peril. Your competition believes this and is ready to pass you up the moment you become complacent and settle for the status quo. If you are not growing in innovation, quality, and customer service, you may soon find yourself out of business.

Ed Basler is a longtime entrepreneur and CEO of E.J. Basler Co., which

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