Metrosource October/November 2016 by Metrosource

october/november 2016

METROSOURCE

october/november 2016

Our ultimate Groomin u g ide Michelin stars Feast your eyes

Wanda sykes

inciting a laugh riot

indulgence

mugs & kisses Come in-store to get your free stuff and start your married life together.

CUT COUPON ALONG DOTTED LINE

come get your free stuff today! Bring this ad into your local store to get your free stuff * and the undivided attention of an expert registry consultant. *while supplies last

444100247338

appointment info: DATE STORE LOCATION

TIME

CONTENTS

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 | VOLUME 27, NO. 5

Hang on to your hat; here comes Kate Winslet in The Dressmaker.

Slovenia

28 GROOMING GUIDE

from scrubs to serums,

shampoos to sunscreens, we put together a line-up of some of our favorite products available today to help keep your grooming game on point.

34 wanda sykes

38 MICHELIN STARS

42 private jet set

it’s hard to believe but

WE TALK TO THE EXPERTS

EXPLORE ART IN SOME OF

the outspoken (and out) comic once had a very different life — married to a man and working for the government. She shares the story of her surprising journey.

at Michelin about what makes cuisine worthy of stars and head to a legendary culinary destination in Germany’s Black Forest to sample some of its most stellar dishes.

Asia’s most vibrant cities. Fly to foodie destinations all over the world. Have an adventure in Antarctica. We profile some of the most expensive travel itineraries on earth.

DEPARTMENTS

culture

7 Metroscope Visit Versailles, witness Nick Jonas’ hazing days, and join Adam Lambert to do the “Time Warp” again. All that and more...in scope!

15 Music Babs makes movie magic, Garbage goes classic and Fantasia gets so emotional.

17 tech Welcome to the world of touch-screen tippling.

18 SCREEN Meet Kate Winslet as a sassy seamstress and Cary Grant’s favorite costumer.

26 books cover photo by ROGER ERICKSON

Cars with curves, a Mexican modernist and Bon Jovi’s party planner.

Body 21 metro hiv What happens when a lifealtering treatment has unexpected consequences?

48 HEALTH Tips on getting fit and daring to dance from some of Broadway’s best.

views 32 diary Wade saves his pennies but learns to splurge to give his dad a thrill.

52 POV Lawrence learns to stop fretting about experiencing the finer things. 56 LAST CALL Meet Joan Rivers protégé and Aussie comedy wunderkind Joel Creasey.

“I was flipping through the channels and came upon a rerun of Hart to Hart. As a convertible raced down the highway in the credits, my father smiled. ‘I should have bought that car,’ Dad said.” —wade rouse froM “joy ride” in DIARY

photos: (previous page) from the dressmaker, courtesy broad green pictures. (this page) © monica buck from designing life’s celebrations by dejuan stroud, rizzoli new york, 2016.

the INDULGENCE issue

Photographer: Kevin McDermott

LOOK THE BEST YOU CAN

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s award winning Lqd hydrate and Lqd shave now available in the USA, exclusively at Bloomingdales.

publisher’s letter

Checking Off that Bucket List It’s always been a dream of mine to attend an Olympic games, and I was finally able to check that item off my bucket list this past summer. In fact, when Rio de Janiero was awarded the games in 2006, I immediately called my lifelong Brazilian friend Marco to ask him to save a room for me. Rio is a city where the people know how to indulge. I’ve visited Marco there a number of times — for Carnival, New Year’s and other occasions — and experienced the infectious Brazilian spirit. You’re surrounded by the world’s most beautiful scenery, including those spectacular granite cliffs rising straight out of the ocean. The food is delectable, alive with tropical fruit as colorful as the culture that created it. The beaches are also incredible, and the importance of the local beach culture means you see gorgeous bodies almost anywhere there’s sand. It gives South Beach a run for its money and beats LA hands down. All the panic about crime, disorganization and Zika I had heard about in advance of leaving turned out to be just hype. I found the transportation convenient, the venues clean, the infrastructure impressive, and as for mosquitos: I didn’t see a single one. So much had been built and renovated by the city for the games. The buildings along Olympic Boulevard were painted bright with colorful new murals. It seemed everywhere we turned, there was something worth snapping a picture of: from intricate sand sculptures to Rio 2016 signs (pictured). Though I don’t watch sports regularly, there’s something different about the Olympics that’s always kept me glued to the screen, and it’s even better in person. One particularly memorable event was men’s synchronized diving; even a rainy day could not dim our excitement as we cheered the U.S. winning silver. Part of what made it so special was the fun of rooting for our U.S. team, but it was also the combined energy of the cheering fans from all over the world that helped make it so amazing. It’s easy to think of the summer games as something that just shows up in our living rooms every four years, but it’s hard to describe how great it feels to actually be there. If you ever get the chance to attend, jump at it. It’s an indulgence I wouldn’t have missed. ■

Story Time

Lady Gaga in AHS: Hotel

1. The families that slay together in Murder House. 2. The secrets hidden behind the walls of Asylum. 3. The wicked witches in Coven. 4. The twisted outsiders from Freak Show. 5. The bloodthirsty immortals of Hotel. You can share your favorite by commenting at metrosource.com, liking us at facebook.com/metrosource or tweeting to us @MetrosourceMag with the hashtag #MetroStoryTime.

lady gaga BY Frank Ockenfels/FX.

Now that the shrouded-in-mystery sixth season of American Horror Story has arrived, we want to know which previous season of the spooky series gave you the best shivers?

editor’s letter

Where’s My Wonderland? A few years ago, my fiancé Justin and I decided to get out

of town for a snowy long weekend. Our destination was Lake Placid, scene of the 1980 Winter Olympics. I pictured us getting bundled up to play in a winter wonderland then heading inside to snuggle and sip hot cocoa. I even considered trying to ski for the first time, even though I generally have the coordination of a newborn giraffe, even on flat, ice-free surfaces. We arrived at our accommodations: a cluster of buildings designed to feel like little log cabins, complete with rustic homemade quilts and woodsy Adirondack furniture. We decided to celebrate our arrival with slices of a local specialty, Meyer Lemon Pie: a lemon custard pie topped with slices of lemon (rind and all) that had been soaked in sugar water until they could be eaten as easily as apples. The result was a tongue-tingling combination of sweet and tart so good, we couldn’t resist buying a whole pie — ostensibly to bring back to NYC. Soon after, I fell asleep picturing the hours of snowy fun that lay ahead. It turned out we had a very different kind of weekend in store. Rather than the temperature plummetting the previous night (as tends to happen in January), it had risen — and would continue to rise, making its way to a snow-obliterating 60 degrees. Apparently local skiing conditions were already less than ideal from the fairly warm and dry winter we’d been having; so there’d be no first trip to the bunny slope for me. We had also hoped to try some sliding about in big rubber tubes, but were told that area had basically turned into a mudslide. Justin suggested we visit the Olympic Museum to snap photos from atop the picturesque ski jump. I pointed out that without any snow, they would look like we were posing over a giant gutter. Increasingly frustrated with our lack of options, I headed out to the porch with a book. At the time, I was reading Guts, actress Kristen Johnston’s very funny memoir about how years of abusing pain medication came to a head when her stomach ruptured while she was in London. She was rushed to a hospital where she was stuck spending months recovering from life-saving surgery — far from her home, friends and family — with little to do but reflect (hilariously) on the decisions that had landed her there. Surely, I reasoned, if she could face such dire circumstances with good humor, I could make the best out of my melted pudding pop of a weekend. As the warm weather wound on, we began to figure out ways to enjoy the place, sans snow. Since the hiking trails had been reduced to mud, we headed into town to visit the quaint little shops there. I had initially laughed at the fact that the proprietors of the cabins had advertised their lending library of films (on VHS, no less!), but we soon found ourselves hosting a classic film festival for two, catching up on cinema we’d never quite gotten around to like Arsenic and Old Lace. And then there was that pie: Over the course of the weekend, we ate one piece after another until the entire thing was gone. And by “we,” I mostly mean me. Our much-hoped-for winter chill finally began to creep back into the air — just as we were finally packing to head home. My first instinct was to curse our bad luck for inadvertently choosing the two warmest days of the season to “go play in the snow.” But as we settled in for the drive back, I realized that the utter disruption of our itinerary had led to indulgence of a different kind — the freedom to kick back and accomplish little more than eating pie. I had eaten so much pie, in fact, that I soon started wondering if I’d burned a hole in my guts like poor Kristen Johnston; apparently there are limits to the amount lemon rind that the human body can comfortably process. And thus our weekend ended with a final lesson: Don’t try to make up for something that’s missing with too much of a good thing. comment on this letter at metrosource.com.

publisher Rob Davis editor-in-chief Paul Hagen creative director Gayle Van Wely associate editor Kevin Phinney SEnior Designer Jayson Mena copy editor Kevin Phinney proofreader Barbara Mele Contributing writers Mathew Gross,

Jeffrey James Keyes, Scott A. Kramer, Christopher Lisotta, Terence O’Brien, Kevin Phinney, Jonathan Roche, Eric Rosen, Wade Rouse, Jeff Simmons, Mark A. Thompson, Megan Venzin

associate publisher Evelyn Vayner account manager Don Alderson

Office Manager Luswin Cote

For national advertising inquiries, call 212-691-5127. Subscriptions - One year (six issues): $19.95; 12 issues: $34.95. Direct editorial inquiries and subscription orders to the NY office. For local advertising contact the local sales office.

Metrosource Publishing Inc. Metrosource LA Inc. 111 West 19th Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10011 646-892-2060 Or contact us on the web at www.metrosource.com. Reproduction of any article, listing or advertisement without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. The people, businesses and organizations appearing in Metrosource are supportive of the gay community. Mention of any person, business or organization is not a reflection of their sexual orientation. © 2016 Metrosource Publishing Incorporated. All rights reserved. Metrosource is a registered trademark of Metrosource Publishing Incorporated. Printed in the United States.

MetroScope

1} can’t miss

Time Warp

Adam Lambert photo: Fox Network

when the rocky horror picture

Show premiered in 1975, few could have imagined the incredible cult status it would attain. But its celebration of gender-bending, sexual freedom and over-the-top camp earned it a special place in the hearts of outsiders, and midnight screenings became a cinema staple — constantly welcoming new generations of fans into its fabulously freaky world. Now Fox is celebrating an incredible 40 years of the film playing in theaters by bringing Brad, Janet, Rocky and the whole singing, dancing crew to life in an all-new production set to air October 20 — just in time to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. The amazing cast includes pop stars (Adam Lambert as Eddie, pictured), theatrical royalty (Ben Vereen as Dr. Scott) and glamorous trans icon Laverne Cox in the role of a lifetime as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Tim Curry (star of the original) will even make an appearance as the narrator. This is one time warp we can’t wait to do again. fox.com

IN SCOPE: SHAMeLESS  nick jonas  versailles  halloween  white party  colton haynes  drake  More… metrosource.com

october/november 2016

2 } tour thing

hearT to heart it’s easy to see why it has been

Ian Gallagher has gone from enlisted to institutionalized.

close-up anyway. cwtv.com

3} the tv set

Two of a kind? it might be shocking to Those

who grew up in the era when gay people were mostly invisible on television, but by GLAAD’s count, there were nearly 250 LGBT characters among last season’s major shows. One example of this turnaround is the fact that fall will see the return of two shows about Chicago families prominently featuring a gay son. Despite these similarities, the shows are starkly different. Shameless, returning to Showtime October 2, follows the perpetually destitute Gallagher family, whose son Ian (pictured) was committed to treat severe bipolar disorder after a series of run-ins with the law last season. Meanwhile, the lovable Real O’Neals return to ABC October 11, with their son Kenny still very much the family pride and joy. For better or worse, they’re anything but invisible. sho.com and abc.com

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

drake: dana edelson/nbc/shameless photo: Brian bowen smith/ artisinal salt photo/hamptons Salt/ Versailles image/Ovation tv

Drake takes Vegas — live this September or on TV in October.

impossible to get tickets to the 2016 iHeartRadio musical Festival this September 23 and 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. With a line-up that includes U2, Drake (pictured), Britney Spears, Billy Idol, Sia, Ariana Grande, Usher, Sting and more, it would be a shock if the shows hadn’t sold out. However, if you’re not one of the lucky ticket holders, don’t despair. The CW is giving music lovers a chance to catch up with some of the stadium-slaying performances with a special two-night TV event of its own on October 6 and 7. It may not be quite as exciting as being there, but Drake looks better in

4} EAT UP

a fair shake salt: you might take it for

granted, but not all salt is created equal. That’s especially true at the Hamptons Salt company, where they craft many unusual varieties. If you’re seeking a host gift for someone entertaining you during the upcoming holidays, consider one of their salt collections, designed to suit a variety of tastes. Amateur mixologists might like “The Bartender” with Jalapeno, Lime and Lemon salts sure to make for flavorful rims. “The Flavor Seeker“ will help home cooks add flair with salt varieties such as Black Truffle, Garlic, Ghost Pepper, Smoked Hickory, and Rosemary. And travelers may be curious to taste the difference between Himalayan Pink, Bali Pyramid, Cyprus Flake and Himalayan Black salts in “The Globe Trotter.” Explore a world of flavors at hamptonssalt.com.

Varieties from Espresso to Smoked Chardonnay Oak make meals really worth their salt.

Versailles exposes one of the world’s most esteemed edifices as a gilded cage.

5} power splurge

court summons you

might

call

the

palace

at Versailles history’s ultimate splurge, and on October 1 an epic costume drama about its origins makes its U.S. premiere on the Ovation network (after becoming a hit in France, Canada and Britain). The year is 1667 and the King Louis XIV has commissioned the building of the most beautiful palace in all of Europe — in a Machiavellian political move that will allow him to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. As members of the French nobility begin to see Versailles as a sort of well-appointed prison, the royal court becomes a seething mass of secrets, lies and political maneuvering. ovationtv.com/versailles metrosource.com

october/november 2016

WHAT IS ODEFSEY®? ODEFSEY is a 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. It can either be used in people who are starting HIV-1 treatment, have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, and have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL; or in people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. These include having an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/mL) for 6 months or more on their current HIV-1 treatment. ODEFSEY combines 3 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day with a meal. ODEFSEY is a complete HIV-1 treatment and should not be used with other HIV-1 medicines. ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 infection or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking ODEFSEY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body ﬂuids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body ﬂuids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ODEFSEY?

ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects: • Buildup of an acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. • Serious liver problems. The liver may become large and fatty. Symptoms of liver problems include your skin or the white part of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; loss of appetite; light-colored bowel movements (stools); nausea; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. • You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or serious liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time. In some cases, lactic acidosis and serious liver problems have led to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of these conditions.

• Worsening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY

is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking ODEFSEY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take ODEFSEY?

Do not take ODEFSEY if you take: • Certain prescription medicines for other conditions. It is important to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY. Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. • The herbal supplement St. John’s wort. • Any other medicines to treat HIV-1 infection.

What are the other possible side effects of ODEFSEY?

Serious side effects of ODEFSEY may also include: • Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Skin rash is a common side effect of ODEFSEY. Call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, as some rashes and allergic reactions may need to be treated in a hospital. Stop taking ODEFSEY and get medical help right away if you get a rash with any of the following symptoms: fever, skin blisters, mouth sores, redness or swelling of the eyes (conjunctivitis), swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, pain on the right side of the stomach (abdominal) area, and/or dark “tea-colored” urine. • Depression or mood changes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you: feel sad or hopeless, feel anxious or restless, have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself. • Changes in liver enzymes. People who have had hepatitis B or C or who have certain liver enzyme changes may have a higher risk for new or worse liver problems while taking ODEFSEY. Liver problems can also happen in people who have not had liver disease. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your liver enzymes before and during treatment with ODEFSEY. • Changes in body fat, which can happen in people taking HIV-1 medicines. • Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking ODEFSEY. • Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking ODEFSEY if you develop new or worse kidney problems. • Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ODEFSEY?

• All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare

provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, mental health (depression or suicidal thoughts), or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. • All the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how ODEFSEY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take ODEFSEY with all of your other medicines. • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ODEFSEY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking ODEFSEY. • If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Ask your healthcare provider if ODEFSEY is right for you, and visit ODEFSEY.com to learn more. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about ODEFSEY including important warnings on the following page.

ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

SHOW YOUR

RADIANCE

ODEFSEY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day HIV-1 treatment for people 12 years and older who are either new to treatment and have less than 100,000 copies/mL of virus in their blood or people whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with ODEFSEY.

IMPORTANT FACTS This is only a brief summary of important information about ODEFSEY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(oh-DEF-see) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ODEFSEY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF ODEFSEY

ODEFSEY may cause serious side effects, including:

ODEFSEY can cause serious side effects, including:

•

Buildup of lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: feeling very weak or tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea or vomiting, feeling cold (especially in your arms and legs), feeling dizzy or lightheaded, and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Severe liver problems, which in some cases can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark “tea-colored” urine; loss of appetite; light-colored bowel movements (stools); nausea; and/ or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area. Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. ODEFSEY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking ODEFSEY. Do not stop taking ODEFSEY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female, very overweight, or have been taking ODEFSEY or a similar medicine for a long time.

•

• • • • • • •

Those in the “Most Important Information About ODEFSEY” section. Severe skin rash and allergic reactions. Depression or mood changes. Changes in liver enzymes. Changes in body fat. Changes in your immune system. New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Bone problems.

The most common side effects of rilpivirine, one of the medicines in ODEFSEY, are depression, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and headache. The most common side effect of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide, two of the medicines in ODEFSEY, is nausea. These are not all the possible side effects of ODEFSEY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking ODEFSEY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with ODEFSEY.

BEFORE TAKING ODEFSEY

ABOUT ODEFSEY •

•

ODEFSEY is a prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before and who have an amount of HIV-1 in their blood (“viral load”) that is no more than 100,000 copies/mL. ODEFSEY can also be used to replace current HIV-1 medicines for some people who have an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies/ mL), have been on the same HIV-1 medicines for at least 6 months, have never failed HIV-1 treatment, and whose healthcare provider determines that they meet certain other requirements. ODEFSEY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

Do NOT take ODEFSEY if you: • Take a medicine that contains: carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Epitol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®, Tegretol-XR®, Teril®), dexamethasone (Ozurdex®, Maxidex®, Decadron®, Baycadron™), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant®), esomeprazole (Nexium®, Vimovo®), lansoprazole (Prevacid®), omeprazole (Prilosec®, Zegerid®), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®), pantoprazole sodium (Protonix®), phenobarbital (Luminal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®, Dilantin-125®, Phenytek®), rabeprazole (Aciphex®), rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifamate®, Rifater®, Rimactane®), or rifapentine (Priftin®). •

Take the herbal supplement St. John’s wort.

•

Take any other HIV-1 medicines at the same time.

Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, mental health (depression or suicidal thoughts), or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical condition. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with ODEFSEY.

HOW TO TAKE ODEFSEY • •

ODEFSEY is a complete 1-pill, once-a-day HIV-1 medicine. Take ODEFSEY with a meal.

GET MORE INFORMATION •

• •

This is only a brief summary of important information about ODEFSEY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. Go to ODEFSEY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit ODEFSEY.com for program information.

ODEFSEY, the ODEFSEY Logo, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: March 2016 © 2016 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. ODEC0026 06/16

6} circuit shakers happy days

Gay Days Anaheim September 30 – October 2 It feels like a small world when

Anaheim transforms for the Gay Days weekend. RuPaul’s Drag Race favorite Trixie Mattel and DJ Ray Rhodes will kick off the party at Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen; Alan Cumming will discuss his life and career in a down to Earth fireside chat at Disney’s Grand Californian; and Leslie Jordan will bust out his new show Straight Outta Chattanooga! gaydaysanaheim.com Black & Blue Festival October 5 – 11 The BBCM Foundation marks 26

years of Black & Blue events in Montreal this year, with the main event (the legendary Black & Blue party) in a brand new venue. The gay benefit dance festival draws tens of thousands to Montreal each fall. bbcm.org Halloween New Orleans October 27 - 30 PROVIDING FUNDING FOR PROJECT

Lazarus (which helps with AIDS), Halloween’s epic (and this year, Pirate-themed) parties will include the Lazarus Ball at il Mercato, HNOGlow Neon Party at The Civic Theatre, The Main Event at the Contemporary Arts Center, and The Queens’ Tea at the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. halloweenneworleans.com White Party Miami November 23-28 this year’s White Party kicks off

with the Bailo White Heat Party on Wednesday. Then, top DJd will spin for revelers in pools and out on the dancefloors at events including Papa, White Dreams, Muscle Beach and Noche Blanca. whiteparty.org

In case you have been wondering who wrote the book of love...

7} INK SPOTTED

love notes sometimes ALL it takes to turn

around a rough day is a few kind words, but we can’t always be sure we’re around when our loved ones will need them. So equip someone special with Love Is All You Need. The collection aims to celebrate “love in all its glorious diversity.” It includes quotations from great writers (Gore Vidal, Oscar Wilde), visual artists (Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh) and even people you might not expect to find in a quote book (Jennifer Aniston, Cher). So go ahead and share some love because, as Audrey Hepburn said, “The best thing to hold on to in life is each other.” andrewsmcmeel.com

8} LOOK OUT

HAYNES HIS WAY Colton Haynes first caught our

eyes posing in Bruce Weber photo shoots for Abercrombie & Fitch and then again on series such as ABC’s The Gates and MTV’s Teen Wolf. Earlier this year, the actor both publicly came out of the closet and also openly addressed his long term struggle with intense anxiety (which was somewhat aggravated by the media response to his coming out). After taking some time off to recover, Haynes is slated to return to the popular superhero series Arrow, playing the character of Roy Harper — a petty thief turned to sidekick to the series’ titular vigilante — for several episodes during the upcoming season. coltonhaynes.com Metroscope text by Paul Hagen and Jeffrey James Keyes.

Colton Haynes is making a post-coming out comeback on Arrow.

9} SCREEN IT

GOT YOUR GOAT

In Goat, a pair of blood brothers aspire to also be frat brothers.

Sure, it’s eye-catching, but is it art? A shiny new exhibition at LACMA lets you decide.

controversial. Those who’ve never suffered their myriad tests of submission are often mystified why young people would submit to such torture, though some Greek system enthusiasts swear by it as the ultimate bonding experience. Now, the film Goat (in theaters and On Demand September 23) seeks to tear away the veil of mystery, revealing a practice fuelled by alcohol, drugs, violence and no small amount of homoeroticism. Nick Jonas and James Franco are featured among a decidedly attractive cast, but watching these young people pushed to their limits may prove more scary than sexy. facebook.com/goatmovie

10} ART BEAT

A CERTAIN RING THERE’S NO DENYING THAT JEWELRY can be beautiful, but is it art? That’s one of the questions posed by the new exhibition Beyond Bling: Jewelry from the Lois Boardman Collection. It will showcase extraordinary pieces of contemporary studio jewelry from three continents. The 50 featured works include ethereal pieces, such as the Venus Fly Trap like curves of the “Loperenias Brooch” (pictured, far left) by Mirjam Hiller. Others are more brutalist, such as the “Smoky Quartz on Countersink Nail Ring” by Bernhard Schobinger (also ictured). The exhibition will explore the use of nontraditional materials and techniques, the way jewelry can communicate personal or political messages, and the medium’s potential to shock and delight. lacma.org

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

METROSOURCE.COM

PREVIOUS PAGE: COLTON HAYNES/MATIEU YOUNG/CW NETWORK; THIS PAGE: GOAT/PARAMOUNT PICTURES/ HILLER BROOCH AND SCHOBINGER RING COURTESY MUSEUM ASSOCIATES/LACMA

FRATERNITY HAZINGS ARE DECIDEDLY

music

The Sound of Being Redefined Barbra Streisand reclaims theater classics with friends, Garbage gets back to their roots, and Fantasia reveals herself after a roller coaster ride. by matt gross Fantasia The Definition Of... (19 Entertainment / RCA Records) photo courtesy rca records

The former American Idol champion returns with the most honest release of her COMPLICATed career.

Fantasia has been grappling with various personal challenges during the last few years, and The Definition Of... tackles her pain head on, while simultaneously offering messages of hope, freedom and empowerment. On the album’s lead single (and video), “Sleeping with the One I Love,” the Grammy Award-winning vocalist delves into her romantic life and its roller coaster of highs and lows. Elsewhere, notably on “No Time For It,” her lyrics revolve around blocking out life’s drama in order to focus on success. Featuring collaborations with acclaimed soul songtress Stacy Barthe, gospel great Tye Tribbett and R&B titans including R. Kelly and Brian Kennedy, The Definition Of... is a well-rounded, intimate and inspiring record from start to finish. For the latest info on Fantasia, join her six million fans at facebook.com/fantasia. metrosource.com

october/november 2016

music

Barbra Streisand Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway (Columbia Records) FEATURING musical pairings with Such Hollywood mega-stars as Alec Baldwin, Jamie Foxx, Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway (among many

others), the legendary performer’s latest release is nothing short of magical. Babs’ Broadway recordings include the cast albums featuring her Tonynominated turns in 1962’s I Can Get It For You Wholesale and 1964’s Funny Girl. Additionally, she has released Great White Way-inspired collections such as 1985’s The Broadway Album and 1993’s Back to Broadway. Nevertheless, Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway shines beautifully on its own. Highlights include“Loving You”from Steven Sondheim’s Passion sung with Patrick Wilson,“Take Me to the World”from Sondheim’s originally-writtenfor-TV musical Evening Primrose duetted with Antonio Banderas, and “Anything You Can Do” from the classic Annie Get Your Gun performed with Melissa McCarthy. Fans who purchase the album at Target will also be treated to four exclusive bonus tracks. Get more info at barbrastreisand.com.

Garbage Strange Little Birds (STUNVOLUME) albums from the ‘70s and ‘80s as inspiration, the band has crafted a sixth album that is deliciously fierce. Some 21 years after their groundbreaking self-titled debut, lead singer Shirley Manson sees parallels between that album and Strange Little Birds.“To me, this record, funnily enough, has the most to do with the first record [more] than any of the previous records,” Manson has said. “It’s getting back to that beginner’s headspace.” This may be due in part to the fact that the band had no one to answer to, as they recorded it on their own label. The finest (albeit most somber) moment of Strange Little Birds arrives on “Even Though Our Love is Doomed,” a musical cousin to their celebrated James Bond theme song, “The World is Not Enough.” Fans of their more readily recognized guitar-driven sound should check out “Empty,” “Sometimes” and “Magnetized.” Follow Garbage on Instagram@Garbage for photos from their world tour.

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

top photo courtesy columbia records bottom photo by joseph cultice

Using recent fan letters and favorite childhood

Tech

Indulgence with a Twist Could you soon be ordering mixed drinks with the touch of a button — in your own kitchen? by Terence O’Brien

photo Courtesy somabar.

a new KIND of tech product will soon be competing

for space on your kitchen counter. Bucking the trend for artisanal, hand-crafted drinks lovingly prepared by mustachioed mixologists in suspenders, Somabar promises precisely prepared cocktails in your home ordered from your smartphone: No velvet ropes. No last call. No kidding. Somabar is the robotic bartender that promises to take the hassle and guesswork out of making mixed drinks. It’s bit larger than a Keurig, but similarly dispenses beverages in about 5 seconds with the touch of a button. The brain of Somabar is in its app, which has over 300 cocktails to choose from; you can also create customized recipes to upload and share. Select your desired drink, strength, and amount in the app and the Somabar machine dispenses it. Not sure what you’re in the mood for? Somabar can make recommendations based on the ingredients you have loaded. You load alcohols and mixers using six Soma Pods (which are designed to be easily swapped out in case you are mixing a variety of cocktails). There’s also a separate chamber for bitters, and a water storage

tank that clears the system, ensuring your whiskey sour doesn’t taste like the last tippler’s Appletini. That water tank also cleans the internal parts, so the only thing you need to wash are the Soma Pods themselves (which are dishwasher safe). Though it can’t make every drink (absent from its current menu are classics such as the Bloody Mary), and you’ll have to add the garnishes yourself, it’s still remarkably versatile. Like many of today’s new tech products, Somabar comes to the retail market via Kickstarter, where inventors post ideas and visitors contribute to make them happen. Having raised over $300,000, this is one of the more successful products funded through the site. However, like many such products, there’s a significant time between the funding campaign and the finished product. So, though you can pre-order your Somabar now, it may not arrive until 2017. Somabar retails for $429 as compared to $180 for the Ultimate Keurig brewer, but it’s certain to be a fun gadget to show off at parties — not to mention taking care of the work of mixing while you mingle. See the Somabar in action at somabarkickstarter.com. ■ metrosource.com October/November 2016

screen

Going Home Again Veep gets evicted from the White House, Ryan Murphy takes American Horror Story back to its roots, and Kate Winslet plays a woman making over her hometown, one gown at a time. by Jonathan roche THE DRESSMAKER Kate Winslet stars as the titular dressmaker in this bawdy Australian tale about rediscovering one’s past and then burning it to the ground.

Winslet plays Tilly Dunnage, who returns to the one-horse town she left as a child. She’s now a world-class dressmaker who lives by the motto that clothes can make the man (or the woman). She quickly cleans up her batty old mum — played by the great Judy Davis — and begins dressing the neglected women of this dusty little town as if they were movie stars. In the process, she also manages to shake up the town’s elite, who mysteriously still look down on her for a dreadful past event that she seems unable to fully remember. Jocelyn Moorhouse directs a film that’s at first light-hearted and vibrant — reminiscent of the work of fellow Aussies like Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom or P.J. Hogan’s Muriel’s Wedding — which eventually devolves into a slower and more dramatic conclusion. THE WORD: The film as a whole is buoyed by Liam Hemsworth looking very handsome; Hugo Weaving as the town’s cross-dressing, fashion-loving cop; a parade of truly exquisite evening gowns; and enlivened most of all by Judy Davis’s acting — which is seldom seen on the big screen these days but still remains sublime. where to watch: In Theaters

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: HOTEL

Kate Winslet Photo: Broad Green Pictures/ American Horror Story Photo By Frank OCKENFEls/FX; Narcos photo/Netflix

Five seasons in, American Horror Story still knows how to get THE blood PUMPING, even without Jessica Lange. the series returns to its

“haunted” roots from season one, but this time the scene is a haunted hotel, where a motley assortment of humans, ghosts and vampires find refuge, incarceration and (just maybe) salvation. AHS’s great power as a show is creating portraits of outsiders with lives (and deaths) so extreme that evermore-marginalized characters may take center stage. This season includes Kathy Bates embodying the painful invisibility of a woman of a certain age, the exceptional Dennis O’Hare as a woman trapped in a man’s body, and Matt Bomer (pictured) — for whom betrayal is a way of life and death. The cherry on top of creator Ryan Murphy’s bloody sundae is Lady Gaga, displaying considerable acting ability as a queenly vampire, appropriately collecting little monsters. THE WORD: Once you’ve finished your stay in Hotel, AHS’ next season debuts on FX as of September 14. WHERE to watch: Home Video

NARCOS (SEASON 1) nowadays, Pablo Escobar is probably equally

famous as infamous. The Columbian drug lord’s story has become as inextricably woven into our collective memory of the 1980s as cocaine itself, and he has surely earned his place among the pantheon of the great criminals. Despite furious efforts on behalf of the U.S. military, it still took years to bring him down. Had he been the insider that he always yearned to be (rather than an outsider branded as a criminal), he would almost certainly still be in power today. With Narcos, Netflix brings this story to life with great intimacy and fidelity. Then again — considering all the drugs, violence and lust for power — they didn’t need to embellish to make this series pop. THE WORD: While actors Boyd Holbrook (pictured) and Pedro Pascal make studly heroes, Wagner Moura steals the show as Escobar himself; he’ll be back when the second season of the series premieres this fall. where to watch: Home Video

VEEP (season 5) as long-suffering POLITICO Selina Meyer, Julia

WOMEN HE’S UNDRESSED how refreshing to see the vibrant showman-

ship of Australian films like Priscilla, Queen of the Desert captured in a documentary. This is especially appropriate considering the subject: Orry-Kelly was costume designer who made his way from Down Under to Hollywood and ended up working on such legendary films as 42nd Street, Casablanca, Arsenic and Old Lace, An American in Paris, Oklahoma!, Some like It Hot, and Auntie Mame among his 300-plus credits. If that doesn’t impress you, he also took home three Oscars and Cary Grant (allegedly the pair were lovers for years). There are plenty more famous names dropped throughout the film, over the course of which director Gillian Armstrong finds playful and inventive ways to tell the story — including incorporating language from Orry-Kelly’s own memoir, which was just published last year. THE WORD: A delightful and overdue film about an extraordinary life in pictures. WHERE to watch: Home Video

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

“VEEP” Photo courtesy lacey terrell; Hollywood Glory days photo courtesy of wolfe video

Louis-Dreyfus seems doomed by the very title of her series to forever have the presidency just out of reach. Nevertheless, Season Five sees Selena at her most conniving and hilarious as she continues her struggle to stay atop a very muddy Capitol Hill — taking repeated tumbles thanks to twists of fate and the foibles of her silly staff. Highlights from the season include Hugh Laurie returning as a political rival; Jonah (perhaps the show’s least likeable character) being groomed for Congress; a surprisingly hilarious funeral for Selina’s mother; and the coming out of Selina’s dowdy daughter Catherine. Catherine also spends the season filming a behind-the-scenes documentary about her mother’s administration, which culminates in a memorable climax for this sharp, often unconventional series. THE WORD: America’s most scathing political comedy is also, likely, its most accurate. WHERE to watch: Home Video

Metrohiv

My Community and My Family We talk to an activist whose drive to raise awareness has personal roots that stem from the epidemic’s early issues. by scott kramer, LCSW-R

Will Harrell as an infant with his Dad

as our hiv heroes series continues, we talk to ac-

tivist Will Harrell. Some of his motivation to raise funds and awareness for HIV-related causes comes from being part of the gay community, but some comes from being affected by HIV in a different way. “My dad, Bob Harrell, was an awesome dad,” remembers Harrell. “He had hemophilia, which is a blood clotting disorder. He didn’t let hemophilia stop him and was very active in my life: running my Cub Scout troop, timing my swim team events, helping me with school work and just being very handson.” Harrell recalls his Dad “was limited physically, due to damage to his joints” from years of bleeding as a child, but that he found ways to remain active. Bob went through painful and lengthy treatments to control his hemophilia bleeds until the advent of Factor 8, a treatment made up of plasma from thousands of donors. Factor 8 quickly revolutionized the lives of people living with hemophilia. However, it was not screened for HIV early on, and when Bob was treated for a brain hemorrhage in the winter of 1988, he also emerged from treatment positive for HIV. Bob Harrell died on Memorial Day, 1991. “Being a gay man, I realized this was something that is constantly hitting both my community and

my family,” Harrell says. “I came to realize if I could share my story, I could take something that for years caused me anger and fear and turn that into empowerment — both for myself and for others.” About 21 years ago, Harrell began performing in drag as Candy Samples at an AIDS benefit drag pageant in Atlanta. “I was just 19 at the time and some friends from my community theater talked me into participating,” he remembers. “Well, I did and I won the crown!” “The first real taste of using my talents, being a drag queen to help raise money really came seven or eight years ago when I started my Sunday Services show in New Orleans during Southern Decadence,” says Harrell. The show started out as a “miniconcert in a small bar for about 50 people and has grown to a full-on 90-minute show of my original music, stories of my life,” he says, “including my father’s experience — to packed venues all around the French Quarter.” This year his performances will benefit New Orleans AIDS Task Force’s Food For Friends program (noaidstaskforce.org) .   Today, Harrell is an activist both in and out of drag. “But folks seem to gravitate and really shell out donations when Candy is involved,” Harrell explains. “So I do find myself in drag quite a lot — rallying the troops, using my music shows to really push the importance of doing work in the community, talking about testing, knowing one’s status. Also, just to give a simple message about loving yourself and getting away from fear.” Harrell’s other efforts include starting an AIDS Walk Team (that raised $47,002 in 2016 alone) and being hands-on as a crew member for the Braking AIDS Ride (brakingaidsride.org) which benefits Housing Works (housingworks.org). Harrell’s great hope is to see an end to the stigma surrounding HIV. “I used to let fear rule my life. It doesn’t anymore. I have set that free,” he says. “I’ve come to terms with my father’s passing and embrace his life and use his story to help other people.” ■ metrosource.com

october/november 2016

CARLOS herrera: The ARCHITECTURE OF LIGHT, LINES AND LUXURY By Carlos Herrera | Rizzoli; $75

This is the first English book on the work of architect

Carlos Herrera, who has designed around the world but is best known for pieces in Mexico and Central America. Showcasing projects from beach houses to museums, this book (beautifully photographed by Allan Fis) captures Herrera’s knack for creating light-filled spaces with modern lines that integrate seamlessly into nature.

Fine Lines Take a closer look at buildings by a modern Mexican master, parties with floral flair, and vehicles that became synonymous with Italian luxury. BY Paul Hagen BELLISSIMA!

By Ken Gross et al. | Skira Rizzoli in Association with the Frist Center for the Visual Arts; $45 Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini — they’re the names that meant the height of

driving luxury during the post WW-II era. Built with the curves and power of Italian screen sirens of the era (like Sophia Loren), these vehicles came to symbolize speed, style and privelege during the 20th century Italian Automotive Renaissance, and today they remain some of the most highly valued vintage automobiles in existence.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

metrosource.com

DESIGNING LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS By DeJuan Stroud | Rizzoli; $50

If you dream of being A host who throws picture

perfect parties, take a tip from DeJuan Stroud, planner of elegant weddings, celeb events and movie premieres. Here, he offers suggestions for 17 celebrations (from a Venetian-inspired birthday dinner to a gracious garden luncheon) — featuring eye-catching tabletops (like the one above) and how-to instructions for floral projects sure to impress. There’s also an introduction by Dorothea and Jon Bon Jovi attesting to the joys of working with Stroud and hailing his rise from humble beginnings as a New Jersey florist.

photos © Designing Life’s Celebrations by Dejuan Stroud, Rizzoli New York, 2016. Photographs © Monica Buck. © Carlos Herrera: The Architecture of Lines, Light, and Luxury, Rizzoli New York, 2016. © BELLISSIMA! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945 to 1975, Skira Rizzoli, 2016

books

I LOST MY HEART THERE

traveler review

alina4u, Georgia

Old San Juan The pretty houses, the narrow winding, slopy cobbled streets, the plazas here and there, those wrought iron balcony rails and that smattering of colors - and I haven’t even counted the historical places, lovely eateries, nice cafes, wonderful local vibes… You can’t miss Old San Juan, and once you are there and back, YOU CANNOT STOP MISSING IT :) Old San Juan is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a five star world class attraction. Live your own five star vacation story.

VISIT SEEPUERTORICO.COM AND BOOK YOUR VACATION TODAY.

See Puerto Rico

@PRTourismCo

Photo: Nilka Gissell, nilkagissell.com

SeePuertoRico

Gone are the days when a quick shower and a dollop of pomade were enough to get a man ready to

face the day. And over the past decade in particular, the landscape of manscaping has grown exponentially. Some have even called this a “Golden Age” in men’s grooming. So we decided to put that notion to the test by sampling a dizzying variety of products to find the best of the best of what’s currently on the market. For each category, from scrubs to sunscreens, we’ve outlined in detail why our particular favorites came out on top. We’ve also included suggestions for additional options we’ve tried and trusted. Even if you’re loyal to the products now on your shelf, it’s always worth experimenting to find something even more effective. After you see what we’ve put together here, you can also head to metrosource.com for even more to keep you smiling every time you face the mirror. (– By Jeffrey James Keyes)

photo courtesy istock.com/caracterdesign

2016 ultimate grooming guide

Face Wash

Shower Gel

Eye Cream

Serum

Malin + Goetz

Billy Jealousy

PC4MEN

IXXI

Grapefruit Face Cleanser

Gold Standard All Over Wash

Nighttime Repair

Elixir Serum Aqua Essential

This product was specially created

Having just hit the market this year, the

Nothing makes a man look more

You might be wondering: why use a

to address the dry, sensitive skin of

Gold Standard All Over Wash is one

world-weary than bags or circles un-

face serum? Well, by leaving out many

Malin+Goetz co-founder Matthew

of the most recent additions to the

der his eyes. Fight back with this non-

of the ingredients found in heavier

Malin. Its plant-based technology of-

sophisticated but edgy Billy Jealously

greasy formula that strengthens skin

face creams, these lighweight moistur-

fers an optimal cleanse, while also

line. The “all over wash” helps elimi-

and fights multiple signs of aging. The

izers can penetrate deeper into your

hydrating and soothing. The foam-

nate dirt and sweat from head to toe.

formula combines Camellia oleifera,

dermis to deliver much higher concen-

ing gel blends natural grapefruit ex-

While gentle cucumber & papaya ex-

Chamomilla recutita flower extract,

trations of their active ingredients. The

tract with amino acid-based cleansing

tracts and Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Ac-

green tea, licorice root, vitamin E, shea

24-hour nonstop skin replenishment in

agents to also help restore skins’ pH

ids work together to cleanse, exfoliate,

butter, pomegranate extract and more

Elixir Serum Aqua Essential helps leave

balance. It’s very much in line with

and polish the body via a rich, pearles-

to help keep your eye areas tight. And

skin feeling supple and youthful. Its

the company’s focus on easy-to-use

cent gel, we enjoyed the fragrant and

since the PC4MEN line is designed free

active combination of sodium hyaluro-

gentle treatments that work without

refreshing light rosemary aroma. As

of fragrances, artificial dyes and other

nate, maritime pine, and water trefoil

harsh ingredients, irritants, or unnec-

an added bonus, it does triple-duty —

irritants that can lead to redness and

extract work together to smooth lines

essary detergents, colorants or syn-

also functioning as shampoo and face

rough skin, you don’t have to worry

and wrinkles and to deliver moisture

thetic fragrances. ($32)

wash if you’re trying to pack light for a

about waking up to a nightmare. ($27)

where it’s needed most. ($72)

weekend getaway. ($36)

Notable Mention: Kiehl’s Eye Alert &

Notable Mention: Clarins Men Anti-

Face Wash, Cetaphil Men Daily Face

Notable Mention: Baxter of California Notable Mention: Blue Lagoon Iceland

Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Lab

Fatigue Serum, DTRT Bright Idea Se-

Wash, Clinique For Men Face Wash,

Algae & Mineral Shower Gel, Dr. Bron-

Series ‘MAX LS’ Age-Less Power Lifting

rum, Jack Black Protein Booster Skin

Kiehl’s Men’s Oil Eliminator Deep

ner’s Magic Soaps Pure-Castile Pep-

Cream, La Mer ‘The Eye Concentrate’,

Serum, Kiehl’s Age Defender Power

Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash, S.W.

permint Liquid Soap, Molton Brown

L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic

Serum, S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Oil Se-

Basics of Brooklyn Cleanser

London ‘Water Mint’ Body Wash

Eye Roll-On, & Talika Eye Dream

rum, Talika Photo-Hydra Serum

metrosource.com

october/november 2016

ultimate Grooming guide

Masks Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque We encounter plenty of pollutants and environmental agents that leave skins tired and damaged each day. One solution (quite literally) is this invigorating mask, formulated with cranberry extract and micronized cranberry seeds to provide an antioxidant-packed gentle exfoliant — blended with anti-inflammatory turmeric extract — to make your face glow like you just spent your day at the spa. ($32)

Notable Mention: Talika Bio Enzymes Mask Hydrating, Blue Lagoon Iceland Algae Mask, Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask, Tom Ford Intensive Purifying Mud Mask

Sunscreen

TONERS

Aruba Aloe

SWBasics

Very Water Resistant Sunscreen

Toner

With over a century of delivering

Toners are meant to be used after

Mother Nature’s original burn treat-

cleansing to restore pH balance, since

ment, Aruba Aloe knows a thing or

certain cleansers raise the skin’s natu-

two about taking care of skin. Since

ral pH to unhealthy levels. S.W. Basics

this “very water resistant” blend is

goes the natural route with this toner

made with 100% pure aloe and nour-

that helps even skin tones and neutral-

ishing Vitamin E, it doesn’t leave you

izes pH, and does it all with a mix of

THE ULTIMATE SET

feeling sticky after an application,

just five ingredients: organic raw apple

Lqd

but what it will do is offer ample sun

cider vinegar, water, witch hazel, clary

Essential Gift Pack

protection, whether you plan to take

sage and sandalwood essential oils.

Nothing says you care like premium grooming products from Lqd, which was devel-

on the ocean waves or prefer to hang

This product highlights S.W. Basics’

oped to stand up to Australia’s harshest climates. The Essential Gift Pack includes

poolside at a backyard BBQ. ($19)

commitment to simplicity: Why complicate things with chemicals when

their signature face wash, face scrub, face shave, face calm, and face hydrate.

Together, they remove excess oil and toxins, rejuvenate skin, provide a smoother

Notable Mention: Burt’s Bees Baby

shave, remove redness after shaving, and deliver much-needed moisture. Gift it to

Bee Sunscreen Stick, Kiehl’s Facial

the man in your life who deserves a skin care upgrade, or help someone struggling

Fuel Sunscreen, Neutrogena CoolDry

Notable Mention: Aesop B & Tea

with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea, dermatitis, eczema or keratosis. ($230)

Sport, Soleil Toujours SPF 30 Mineral

Balancing Toner, DTRT So Fine Toner,

Based Sunscreen Continuous Mist

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Cucumber Herbal

Notable Mention: Kiehl’s Men’s Starter Kit, Malin+Goetz 1 oz Essential Kit, PC-

Broad Spectrum, Shiseido Ultimate

Alcohol-Free Toner, Shiseido Men Ton-

4Men Men’s Anti-Aging Skin Care Set, Aesop ‘Delphinus’ Skin Care Kit

Sun Protection Lotion

ing Lotion

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

nature does the job so well? ($22)

BREAKOUTS

Shampoo

MOISTURIZER

FACE Scrub

Lqd

Molton Brown London Thickening

Talika

Montez Renault

Blemish Control

Shampoo with Ginger Extract

Photo-Hydra Day Moisturizer

Jojoba Soothing Scrub

Tired of heading out into the world

Molton Brown — London’s Bath, Body

Originally developed from plant ex-

A good scrub is a men’s skincare es-

with patches of painful, uneven skin?

& Beauty Connoisseurs — are staples

tracts and creams meant to treat sol-

sential. Whether you shave daily or

Whether you’re battling whiteheads,

among five-star accommodations, and

diers’ burns, Talika has since become

every once in a while, a pre-shave fa-

blackheads or pimples, Lqd’s Blem-

their thickening, revitalizing shampoo

a cosmetics pioneer. Their Photo-Hydra

cial scrub is wise protection to prepare

ish Control is an excellent weapon in

is blended with ginger extract to volu-

Day moisturizer provides skin with op-

skin for the razor. This Jojoba Soothing

the battle against breakouts. Unlike

mize fine hair. Not looking to add hair

timized hydration while also protecting

Scrub is a paraben-free exfoliator that

other brands that use harsher ben-

heft to your look? If you’re already

it from further water loss. Moisture-

cleanses and nourishes with jojoba,

zoyl peroxide, Lqd’s Blemish Control

blessed with thick locks, try Molton

maintaining hyaluronic acid combines

argan oil, panthenol, silk amino, plus

uses salicylic acid to combat bacteria

Brown London Daily Shampoo with

with lipopeptides and mango butter

both aloe vera and green tea extracts.

and niacinamide, which works as an

Black Tea Extract which nourishes the

(rich in Vitamin A, C and E) to make

After using, you’ll feel your skin tin-

anti-inflamatory and helps to reduce

scalp and alleviates the build-up of ex-

the product even more effective. One

gling as vitamins E, C, B3, B5 and B6

oil production while cleaning out and

cess oils. ($30)

or two pumps in the morning provides

bond with your complexion — along

hydrating action all day long, while the

with a teeming multitude of antioxi-

Notable Mention: Aveda Men Pure-

active ingredients also work in combi-

dant benefits. ($25)

Performance Shampoo, Billy Jealousy

nation to energize skin cells. ($49)

minimizing pore size for a fresher, healthier appearance. ($60)

Notable Mention: Neutrogena Men

Fuzzy Logic Strengthening Shampoo,

Skin Clearing Acne Wash, Malin+Goetz

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Olive Fruit Oil Nour-

Notable Mention: Dr. Jart+ Black Label

Notable Mention: Billy Jealousy Adrenaline Junkie, Clinique For Men Char-

Acne Treatment, Garnier Men’s Acno

ishing Shampoo, Malin+Goetz Pepper-

Detox BB Cream, Kiehl’s Oil Elminator,

coal Face Wash, Molton Brown Deep

Fight Wash, Lab Series Power Pore

mint Shampoo, Redken For Men Go

Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moistur-

Clean Face Scrub, Tom Ford For Men

Anti-Shine & Pore Treatment for Men

Clean Daily Shampoo

izer, Samurai Energizing Face Balm

Exfoliating Energy Scrub, Zirh Scrub

DIARY

Joy Ride BY WADE ROUSE

After a lifetime of saving as if disaster was just around the corner, Wade finally splurges on a dream car and gives his father the ride of his life. My father had a strict nightly routine when I was

growing up: He would get home from work, pop a beer, read the financial section of the paper, curse at the news, and then watch his favorite TV shows. Among his favorites was the mystery series Hart to Hart. It revolved around a jet-setting couple who always seemed to be stumbling onto murders to solve. My father loved “whodunnits” as he called them, but Hart to Hart also indulged his passion for cars — as the Harts tooled around Southern California in expensive convertibles. “Now that’s a beautiful car,” my dad would say, his eyes wide with admiration as he downed a beer.“V-8, top down, hair in the wind … “ Then he would sigh and say: “Someday... ” My father was a Depression-era kid who believed that financial ruin was perpetually imminent; so saving your money (and never spending an unnecessary dime) was the only route to safety. He could have afforded more. He worked hard, made decent money and had invested since he was a young man. Yet we kept on saving — by having only one TV in the house, no air conditioning, no family vacations. For years, my mother begged him to buy a new washer and dryer. Instead, he attempted to patch up ours with duct tape and shoving towels underneath to catch the leaks. As for cars, my father drove a pickup truck so rusted there were holes in the floorboard. I soon found myself following in his footsteps. During high school and college I handed over my paychecks to Dad to be invested. While other kids were splurging on cars and clothes and travel, I took the bus. Eventually, I bought an old Mercury Cougar, which I drove until it caught fire. Then I bought a used Toyota Corolla. But something changed for me as I grew older and built a life with Gary. He’d been the opposite of me growing up — indulging whether he could afford it or not. Over the course of our 20-year relationship, I taught him to save more, and he taught me to splurge a little. “You’ve saved for decades,” Gary said to me when we first contemplated buying the vacation cottage in Michigan that would ultimately become our home, where I’d launch my writing career and the place where we’d change our lives.“You can’t end up like Mr. Potter, counting your

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

metrosource.com

pennies and trying to take it to the grave,” he cautioned, referencing the old miser from It’s a Wonderful Life. “Save your money, but live your money, too,” Gary advised. So we did buy that cottage. We also began to take my parents on the kinds of vacations they always wanted but never would have taken on their own. After my mother died, I was visiting my father (who was by that point struggling with dementia). I was flipping through the channels and came upon a rerun of Hart to Hart. As a convertible raced down the highway in the opening credits, my father smiled. “I should have bought that car,” Dad said.“And now it’s too late.” I rushed out of the room to hide my tears. Later that year, when it came time to trade in our own old car for a newer one, Gary texted me a photo of a red Thunderbird convertible — a 50th anniversary collector’s edition. It was not what the kind of car we had planned to buy nor did it have the kind of price we wanted to pay. “Want it?” Gary texted. I thought of my dad, my childhood, the Harts. “Yes,” I texted back without hesitation. I drove that convertible 10 hours to see my father, and I will never forget his reaction when we wheeled him out to see it. His eyes grew misty; his cheeks quivered. We somehow got him into the car and drove him around his hometown — the top down, gunning the engine, his now-wispy hair flapping in the wind, a huge smile on his face. He was finally living in the moment instead of worrying about the future. As I drove home, that happy image of my father filled my mind. It confirmed for me that, though we may often feel short on money, life is also short. Sometimes you just have to go for that topdown convertible and enjoy the ride. ■ You can learn more about Wade’s writing — including his debut novel The Charm Bracelet, which is now available under the pen name Viola Shipman — at waderouse.com.

have you ever splurged on a purchase that changed your worldview? share your story with us at metrosource.com.

WHO SHOULD GET TESTED FOR HIV? EVERYONE.

S wanda

ykes reinvented “Saying those things No One Else would dare to Say” made her a star. But to find her voice, sykes had to abandon everything ELSE she once thought of as normal. By Kevin Phinney

A funny thing happened to Wanda Sykes on the way to the life she

was supposed to lead. The daughter of a mom in banking and a Washington D.C Army colonel, she graduated from Virginia’s Hampton University in 1986 and took a job at the National Security Agency (yes, that NSA). By 1991, she’d met and married her husband, Dave. To anyone on the outside looking in, it was a picture-perfect existence, except that Sykes couldn’t shake either of her passions –– for stand-up or women. So in carefully measured steps, she began to change. Everything. Now Sykes is perched among the top tier of American comics working today, but she’ll be quick to tell you: It’s been a trip. Sykes and I catch up after her night on stage at a Connecticut resort called Foxwoods. Sykes fans appeared en masse to eat, gamble and

spend 90 minutes with one of the sharpest minds in the business. But even when she’s not on the road performing, Sykes is a very busy woman. At home, she and Alex, her wife of ten years, are raising two pre-teen twins. In movie theaters currently, Sykes is the voice of Granny, an aging ground sloth in the latest installment of the animated Ice Age series. On TV, she’s about to debut a brand new special for Epix called What Happened...Ms. Sykes? In person, Sykes radiates the calm of a zen master; she projects peace and control like she invented them. But pacing back and forth across the Foxwoods stage, she confesses that in reality, that’s often anything but the case. There’s no private time with the wife now that they have kids, she grumbles. On top of that, Sykes recalls the recent moment when she glanced across the kitchen after making breakfast for her blue-eyed blond kids and French wife.“Damn,”Sykes says, shaking her head in disbelief.“I’m a black woman working for white people.”The audience roars. When Sykes speaks about her work, it’s with complete conviction.“This is what I’ve always wanted to do,” she tells me. “Stand-up is my day job and everything else — film, TV and voice over work — is just an extenstion of being the best live comedian I can be. If I’m not out touring, it’s because I’ve got a TV or film project going. But for me, being in front of an audience by yourself is the purest form of getting your ideas our there and having total freedom.” Even when things were going well in her previous life, Sykes knew innately that something was missing.“I wanted to be a stand-up before I went to work at the NSA,” she recalls, “I just never persued it until after my time there.” She’d simply done what was expected of her. “That was the move I was supposed to make, you know? You grow up in DC, you go to school there, and then the next thing, you’re a contractor or you work directly for the government. And after five or six years of doing that, I thought, ‘This is not what I’m here to do in life.’ So I started moonlighting, doing stand-up.”Once she’d built up enough comedy cred, she made a quick exit from the NSA. CLIMBING THE LADDER As far back as she can recall, Sykes remembers wanting to do what she saw performers on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In and The Flip Wilson Show do: be funny. But rather than comics like Henny Youngman and Rodney Dangerfield, who told jokes in the old vaudeville vein, she gravitated toward counterculture

October/november 2016

metrosource.com

comedians like Alan King and Richard Pryor. “We always watched a lot of comedy in my house,”Sykes recalls. “I remember that Jackie ‘Moms’ Mabley made a big impression on me, but they all did: George Carlin and especially Richard Pryor. He talked about his life, and he was so much more personal.” Sykes considers each of those icons inspirational. “I think we all start out doing our impression of what we believe a stand-up comic should be,” she says. “Once you get some experience and find your own voice, that’s when things start to take off.” In 1997, Sykes went to work on the writing staff of The Chris Rock Show; two years later, she took home an Emmy for her efforts. Still she was not quite yet herself, although she and Dave had divorced, and Sykes had scrambled out of the comedy trenches to headline status. Soon after, she agreed to take the stage at a rally promoting same-sex marriage and for the first time publicly declare herself as lesbian. “Nobody advised me not to come out,”Sykes says. “The people I talked to would say, ‘When it’s time, you’ll know it; you dont’ have to make some big statement. I was at a rally against Prop 8, and I was asked to speak, and so I did.” Her comedy act followed suit.“I’d be lying if i said I didn’t think about how much of my life to bring onto the stage,” Sykes confides. “I’m a black gay woman. So from my perspective, I’m very much aware of things that affect the black community, women and gay people. All of those things are part of me.” That means when a candidate says something on the campaign trail that makes her crazy, she’ll talk about it, but she has a cardinal rule: “It’s my job to make people laugh,” she says. “So if I’m gonna address something, I want to make sure it’s funny. I’ve backed off from things that sounded preachy rather than funny, but that’s only because I didn’t think the joke was there yet.” “I’m not someone like Ann Coulter who can just stand up, run my mouth and say crap,” she explains. “Black Lives Matter: I didn’t do a joke about that the other night. You can be angry and be funny, but having the joke is the important thing. If I can’t make a joke, I won’t do it. I don’t feel a joke in it yet, because the situation is just so ridiculous right now.” A WORKING MAMMO While waiting for the right joke, Sykes devotes herself to family. It took her parents time to acclimate to having a gay daughter, but they’ve come to embrace their grand-

photos by Roger Erickson

kids and that those kids have two moms. “My parents accepting me has come over time,” she says.“Everything starts with the fact that they love me, and I love them. It took me over 40 years to accept myself. I didn’t expect that they were going to get there overnight.” Being a mom who juggles a hectic touring and shooting schedule is challenging, Sykes admits, but worth the effort so far. “I do have to say to myself every once in a while: ‘Don’t beat yourself up. You’re allowed to have a career and go out and enjoy your work.’ If I was a surgeon, I’d still be away for a lot of the time. It’s what I’m supposed to do. At home, I do try to stay present and focused on my family. But even away, with Skype and things like that, I can watch my kids do their homework. It’s all a balance, and I try to maintain that the best I can.” Slowly but surely, twins Olivia and Lucas have come to understand that“Mammo,”as they call her, is famous.“Oh, they know a little bit,” she laughs.“They are aware. It started when we’d be out and hear: ‘Hey Wanda! Love you Wanda!’ I remember walking my kids around Georgetown, and somebody slowed down their car and rolled down the window and said, ‘Wanda Sykes! What’s going on? How you doing, Wanda Skyes?!’ And for the rest of the day my son Lucas was saying, ‘Wanda Sykes!’ They know that I do shows, and I think they’ve seen me on TV a couple of times. I took them to see the new Ice Age movie, and they think it’s cool.” WHAT HAPPENED? Sykes has another baby on the way –– this one her upcoming Epix special, now deep in edits. She explains that it’s been seven years since her last major TV special in part because the last proved a tough act to follow. “I’ma Be Me was so tight and funny and honest and personal, I got nervous thinking about it,” she says.“I don’t know if I’ll be able to top that, equal it, or do a little bit better. But this is where I am now.” She knows that because she’s an out black lesbian, eyes will be on her — including those of women’s advocates, gay rights groups and civil rights supporters — who can be quick to criticize whether she’s representing them in the myriad ways they’d prefer. “I get that sometimes from the gay community,” Sykes confides.“When I first came out, I had a meetand-greet backstage, and people would say, ‘I’m shocked you didn’t do more material on gay rights,’ when I just did 40 minutes of material on my wife and

family. How much more gay do you want me to be?” Sykes hopes what viewers will finally see is less about pandering to anyone and more about her evolution as a comic. “I want it to show that I love what I do; I work hard at what I do; and I try to say something, and hopefully make people think a little, too. It is our job as people to try to be authentic and be your true self and not be afraid to embrace being different.” She pauses, adding, “Unless you’re a serial killer or something. Don’t be yourself then. How about you fixing that first?” ■ What Happened ... Ms. Sykes? will make its world premiere Friday, October 21 at 10pm ET/PT on EPIX. metrosource.com

october/november 2016

michelin stars of the forest visit a remote region of germany renowned for its culinary pedigree and explore what it takes to earn michelin’s stellar accolades. by Mark A. Thompson

Published since 1900, the Michelin Guide is the oldest hotel and restaurant guide in

Europe. In 1926, Michelin awarded its first stars to restaurants of note, modifying its methodology in 1931 to the current three-star classification – in which one star represents“a very good restaurant in its category,” two stars indicates “excellent cooking, worth a detour,” and three stars stands for “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” Right now, there are only 124 three-star restaurants on the face of the Earth. “The Michelin star is and always has been a difficult distinction to obtain,” explains Michael Ellis, the managing director of Michelin Guides.“To award a star, inspectors look for quality of the cuisine. We used to say that ‘stars are on the plate,’ since they used to judge only the food.” Conversely, today’s inspectors evaluate five criteria during their meals: According to Ellis, they review the quality and freshness of the ingredients; the mastery of cooking technique, the harmony and flavors of the cuisine, the expression of the chef’s personality in the dishes; regularity through the menu throughout the year; and finally, value for money.” Michelin’s representatives are rigorous when deciding who will receive or retain their stars.“Our inspectors have used many resources to identify restaurants with the potential to be included. These sources include existing guides and articles in the press and information

Michelin-starred Baiersbronn chefs Harald Wohlfahrt, Claus-Peter Lumpp, and Jörg Sackmann

A trio of amuse-gueules at Schwarzwaldstube

from local contacts during their inspection tours. As [Michelin inspectors] are anonymous, they tend to get very good local information [which] can come from hotel and restaurant employees, as well as local bakeries, butcher shops and wine merchants.” Their process is designed to ensure fairness. “The decision to award one, two, or three stars is always made unanimously by the entire inspection team,” states Ellis.“Our decisions reflect a team decision and not the experience of one particular inspector. Michelin inspectors will return until we are all comfortable with the decision that is to be made.” One place they have agreed upon is a tiny town located deep in Germany’s Black Forest, which has more stars than the entirety of the Czech Republic and Poland combined: Baiersbronn.

lost) they began renting rooms as well. Meanwhile, in neighboring Mitteltal, a farmer’s daughter named Hermine Bareiss leased an inn to cook for French lumberjacks and eventually opened her own hotel in 1951. Not to be outdone, six years later the Finkbeiners opened the first hotel in the Black Forest that offered both bathrooms and balconies. The competition was on: Finkbeiner versus Bareiss in a battle for the hospitality crown.

WHY BAIERSBRONN? Though it’s a small community of nine villages with just 14,500 people, Baiersbronn (pictured, opposite) possesses the highest density of Michelin stars in the world. The surrounding landscape of the Black Forest is like something out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale: expanses of dense silver fir forests fed by bubbling brooks and punctuated by quaint hamlets. The region has long been known for forestry, glassmaking and cuckoo clocks, but it was only in the late 20th century that it gained a cuisine reputation. That’s primarily due to a triumvirate of world-class restaurants with a total of eight Michelin stars: 3-star Schwarzwaldstube at Traube Tonbach (traube-tonbach.de), 3-star Restaurant Bareiss at Hotel Bareiss (bareiss. com), and 2-star Schlossberg Restaurant at Hotel Sackmann (hotel-sackmann.de). “It is indeed amazing that such a small town should be blessed with two 3-star restaurants and one 2-star restaurant,”Ellis muses.“Surely there are several factors at play here. First, this is a region which has traditionally offered excellent cuisine and which is notably close to the French border. Also, the restaurants in question are situated in resort hotels, which are among the most luxurious in Germany and whose philosophy has always been to serve food of a high quality. This in turn has led to a powerful synergy between the three hotels, with their highly-talented chefs and experienced teams.” Meanwhile, the social backstory — which includes competing hotelier families — reads like a pitch for the next Ryan Murphy TV series: Through eight generations (since 1789), the Finkbeiner family has entertained guests in the tiny town of Tonbach — first feeding them at a bakery and tavern; then (when in 1920, a lost professor from Heidelberg wandered in,

schwarzwaldstube Michelin took notice of the area with the opening of Schwarzwaldstube at the Finkbeiners’Traube Tonbach in 1977, an occasion that beckoned acclaimed French chefs to this remote part of the Black Forest. Harald Wohlfahrt became head chef here in 1980 and by 1992, the restaurant had garned its coveted third Michelin star. According to the current founding family member in residence, Sebastian Finkbeiner, “the addition of Michelin stars emphasized the hotel’s focus on fine dining. There was already very good cuisine in place, but of course the stars took the hotel’s reputation to an international level.” Some chefs buckle under the pressure to keep their stars; others, like Wohlfart, dare to grasp for even loftier culinary heights. It’s a testament to artistry and discipline that the acclaimed chef has retained three stars for over two decades. Finkbeiner attests, “Chef Wohlfahrt became a role model for younger chefs.” Small wonder. Alumni of Wohlfahrt’s kitchen now hold more than 60 Michelin stars between them. metrosource.com

October/November 2016

(left) Bauernstube at Traube Tonback has served Black Forest specialties for more than 200 years. (below) Lake char on cucumber risotto by Chef Harald Wohlfahrt

Overlooking the forest foothills, the 11-table Schwartzwaldstube seats 35 in sheer elegance, where dining equates with vibrant flavors and seasonal cuisine. A trio of amuse-gueules whet the palate for a meal that reflects the chef’s eye for detail and balance. Pan-fried langoustine paired with artichoke coulis and maple lime syrup evoke the brightness of spring. Served with crayfish, a chilled bouillon of vine tomato and basil foam calls to mind the best tomato to ever find a tongue. More intense flavors arrive in Ricard-flambéed pineapple and fennel confit drizzled with dill oil. For dessert, granité of cucumber and iced yogurt melds with tarragon meringue, dotted with raspberry kernels like an herbal garden in full bloom. It’s no surprise that some 80 percent of guests at Traube Tonbach have visited the resort more than three times. Thus, management constantly reinvents the expansive property to offer returning guests something new in each subsequent visit. Dining options include four restaurants (among them, Bauernstube, (pictured, above) and a traditional hikers’ lodge that serves raclette and fondue. There’s also an outdoor saltwater pool and an ice igloo. Finkbeiner says the stars provide employees “stimulus to prove that they can do better every day. This is not only true of the gastronomy staff: everyone within the hotel wants to be a part of the success and is, therefore, willing to contribute to the success.” Restaurant Bareiss Across the valley, Restaurant Bareiss opened in 1982; within a year Chef Claus-Peter Lumpp earned his first Michelin star, a second sin 1984 and a third in 2007). A protégé of Chef Alain Ducasse, Lumpp debuted

october/novemeber 2016

metrosource.com

in the kitchens of the Bareiss as an apprentice — as part of Germany’s “dual-training system” which alternates rigorous education with firsthand experience. Head chef since 1992, Lumpp’s plates are presented in a room as breathtaking as his cuisine. Suffused by candlelight amidst a profusion of fresh flowers, the eight-table restaurant seems to shimmer beneath a crystal chandelier. The amuse-bouche arrives at the table along with a crisp, dry muscatel recommended by sommelier Jürgen Fendt, who possesses a gift for choosing wines to pair with Lumpp’s cuisine. Five variations on langoustine showcase the breadth of skill at Lumpp’s command: raw and marinated with sansho, the crustacean is crowned with imperial caviar. There is also sautéed langoustine and a langoustine ragout with black Lombardy rice; and then there’s a flamed langoustine with avocado and coconut. Similarly, Lumpp reinvigorates his sea bass with culinary wizardy: first pan-fried with wild garlic; secondly, poached in olive oil; and at last, served raw with artichoke salad. A trio of strawberry variations (pictured, opposite) includes strawberry cream with crisped rice, a vacherin of coconut and strawberry, and green tea lychee granité with strawberries. A post-meal trolley of treats and sweets is accompanied by a magnificent two-drawer chest of artisanal chocolates made expressly for Bareiss. And even then, there’s more: pralines and fruit jellies and petits fours — if you dare.

opposite page: bauerstube and char ©TraubeTonbach. this page: traube tornbach and strawberry trio ©mrny. bowl of sugar ©Traube Tonbach.

Trio of Strawberry Variations

“Bowl of Sugar”

The addition of the restaurant’s third star in 2007 was a “very emotional moment for us,” recalls Uta Schlagenhauf, Director of Press and Public Relations for the Bareiss. “We worked a long time for this third star” with Chef Lumpp and his team “always offering the best products for cooking alongside the best service.” Upon receipt of the star, Restaurant Bareiss became fully booked with a nine-month wait for a table.“For three stars in the Guide Michelin,” says Schlagenhauf,“guests arrive from all over the world.” According to Schlagenhauf, the restaurant’s accolades complemented the ongoing development of the hotel. An elegant country house atmosphere pervades the Bareiss. Guests choose between three restaurants, which include an original 19th-century farmhouse with various rooms serving breakfast buffets, cake buffets and midnight snacks. Fortunately, such gastronomic indulgence coexists with the hotel’s focus on health and well-being; guests may offset caloric indulgences in the expansive pool or on the region’s 300 miles of hiking trails punctuated by five glacial lakes. the black forest Black Forest National Park was established under the motto: “Let Nature Be.” Human interaction is guided to minimize interruption: trees grow, animals run free. Humans observe. Located at an elevation of 2,300 feet, Sattelei is a traditional hiking hut that was rebuilt in 2011 and is now operated by Bareiss. After a leisurely stroll up the valley — where you’ll see wild garlic, forget-me-nots, woodland strawberries, poppies, lilies of the valley and more — Sattelei offers Black Forest hospitality from two lounges and a sunny garden (not to mention a cheesecake so light it practically defies gravity). Patrick Schreib, Director of Baiersbronn Tourism, explains,“Alongside nature, gastronomy is one of the foundations of tourism [here]. The fact that there are eight Michelin stars attracts worldwide attention to this small village. In Baiersbronn, there is a special understanding of

quality due to the fact that so many chefs trained at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants.” Apart from the spectacular scenery and gourmet cuisine, it’s the exemplary level of service that lingers after visits to Traube Tonbach and the Bareiss. Guests in both hotels are seated at tables with place cards bearing their names. Each has a staff-to-guest ratio of better than one to one.“The Bareiss is a family-run business with a very big heart for its guests,” states Schlagenhauf. That heart is reflected in details like the glass of champagne welcoming you to your room delivered on a silver tray; petits fours that come with turndown service; a pot of coffee delivered in the morning and Herr Hermann Bareiss himself greeting guests each evening. Meanwhile, guests departing Traube Tonbach receive a gift bag of invigorating tea, appropriately dubbed “Happy Herbs.” Beyond the cuisine and service, perhaps what speaks most emphatically to the quality of both properties is that members of their founding families still patrol the grounds like goodwill ambassadors. Their goal to each represent the best that Black Forest hospitality has to offer has resulted in an ongoing tradition of excellence. And, according to Michelin, they’ve got the stars to prove it. ■

There’s an old saying: “Travel is the only thing you CAN buy that

when money is no object, you can do some truly grand globetrotting. Prepare to be awed by these six over-the-top trips you can take in the coming year. By eric Rosen

CelebratE Human Ingenuity National Geographic is renowned for covering destinations and cultures in the farthest reaches of the world, and this time, you can come, too. Just a year from now (October 22-November 9, 2017), join them for a one-time only traveling celebration of human creativity, history and technology. The journey begins in Silicon Valley with a welcome reception hosted by the Editors-in-Chief of both National Geographic and The Wall Street Journal, where you can hobnob with leaders from the tech industry. The next day, jet to Kyoto, which you’ll explore with a WSJ editor who‘ll offer

PHOTO COURTESY THE ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH.

The Private Jet Set

makes you richer.” As new luxury resorts open around the world and airlines bling out their first class cabins with intentionally ostentatious amenities, there are more ways than ever to gift yourself an extravagant vacation. But which splurges are worth the expense? We went in search of once-in-a-lifetime trips you could take this coming year and discovered itineraries that include jaunts through world capitals, reservations at renowned restaurants and opportunities to lay your eyes on rarely seen animals or closely guarded works of art. The price tags may be steep, but you’re sure to come home from trips like these feeling truly enriched.

PHOTO COURTESY AND BEYOND.

a wealth of knowledge about the historic city before heading to accomodations in its fabulous new Ritz-Carlton. In Singapore, you’ll stay at the historic Fullerton Hotel and spend quality time with National Geographic Traveler‘s Editor-in-Chief. Get his perspective on the city’s cutting edge “Smart Nation” development program and savor a smart cocktail at the decadent Marina Bay Sands. There’s more in store in Jaipur — as a National Geographic Explorerin-Residence (yes, that’s a real job) and WSJ ‘s India Bureau Chief will show off the city’s treasures — including the awe-inspiring Palace of the Winds and massive Amber Fort. You’ll see the Seychelles with another Explorer-in-Residence who will lead you on a guided dive — and also explain how conservationists are using satellite imaging to help restore the environment there. Then it’s on to Rwanda and rare mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Now, a choice — to experience the beauty of Jerusalem or Dubai — before reconvening for a final stop in Barcelona, where more luminaries from National Geographic and WSJ will enlighten you about the city’s storied past and current status as a hub for tech startups, and share a gala farewell dinner at El Palace Hotel featuring performances from local artists. ($81,950 per person, nationalgeographicexpeditions.com)

culinary discoveries For those with adventurous palates, Four Seasons Private Jet Journeys has recruited Danish Chef René Redzepi to curate a 2017 journey of Culinary Discoveries. During this foodie foray, you’ll fly aboard the Four Seasons’ private Boeing 757, where the staff includes a concierge, an executive chef, a private physician and a photographer. The first destination is Seoul, South Korea, for a private dinner at the home of Chef Jong Kuk Lee, where you’ll get to sample his fresh, farm-to-table cuisine. From there, it’s off to Tokyo, where Chef Namae Shinobu will lead a day of foraging in the nearby countryside before a private dinner at his restaurant, Michelin-starred L’Effervescence. Your visit to the Hong Kong will include trips to local markets, cooking classes with hotel chefs and a sumptuous meal at its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Caprice. Next up: explore the flavors of Thailand in Chiang Mai, where you’ll meet up with Redzepi’s culinary colleague Chef Garima Arora, explore a sustainable farm known as “the Royal Project,” take an elephant trek to a local village, and experience unique Thai flavors in a “Not Your Average Curry” dinner. In India, you’ll make a brief stop in Mumbai, where Arora will offer hands-on lessons in preparing Indian street food delicacies so

Island Escape

island escape

Culinary Discoveries

you can bring the exotic flavors back to your own kitchen. From there, it’s on to Florence for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Firenze — plus a visit to a wine estate, private tours of the city’s spectacular museums, and dinner at Damiano Donati in Lucca. Then it’s off to Lisbon’s Hotel Ritz, where Chef Nuno Mendes will take guests on a

october/november 2016

metrosource.com

Looking to really get away from it all? The luxury outfitters Ker & Downey offer 11 days to recharge at some of the Indian Ocean’s most exclusive Island Resorts.Your first escape destination is the Maldives, where a private speedboat will ferry you to the One&Only Reethi Rah Resort, which is on its own island overlooking an aquamarine lagoon with a vibrant coral reef. Head underwater in their state-of-the-art dive center, relax in the spa, lounge on a dozen beaches and then head back to your overwater villa, where you can take a dip any time of the day or night. The pampering continues in Dubai at the One&Only The Palm, an Andalusian-inspired resort on a private peninsula. If you care to take a break from utter relaxation, you can enjoy a day exploring the city before embarking on a picturesque evening cruise along the Dubai Creek. You’ll make like royalty on North Island in the Seychelles — where Prince William and Kate honeymooned. The tiny island resort has just 11 villas. Inside each villa, you’ll find a private plunge pool, Balinese-inspired baths, and billowing white cotton canopy beds. Head outside the explore the island (each villa comes with a pair of mountain bikes and an ATV to get you going) or enjoy sailing, kayaking, or deep-sea fishing. You can even toast your getaway for two with a romantic private picnic on one of several nearby islands. (Price available by request, kerdowney.com)

TOP IMAGE PHOTO COURTESY KER AND DOWNEY. BELOW COURTESY OF THE FOUR SEASONS CULINARY

culinary journey through the city and an evening on the town — along with dinner at chef José Avillez’s two-Michelin-star restaurant, Belcanto. You’ll head to Redzepi’s home turf, Copenhagen, where the chef will lead a foraging walk, prepare aperitifs on the beach and you’ll enjoy the new Nordic cuisine at his much-buzzed-over restaurant Noma. The final few days will be spent at Paris’s Hotel George V, with tours of markets and food-halls, cooking classes, and a dinner at newly minted Michelin three-star restaurant, Le Cinq. The deliciousness commences May 27 – June 14, 2017. ($135,000 per person, privatejet.fourseasons.com)

Antarctica

CENTER IMAGE PHOTO COURTESY BLACK TOMATO. PHOTO THIS PAGE COURTESY OF AND BEYOND

asian art Even fine art enthusiasts who have visited each gallery and meandered through every museum known to man will find something new February 19 - March 5, 2017 — on a very special tour of Asia’s Contemporary Art Capitals with Remote Lands and the Peninsula Hotel group. You’ll begin in Bangkok with a visit to the YenakArt Villa, where you will be treated to a private lunch with some of the city’s leading contemporary art gallery owners and tour the city from above by helicopter. Move on to Hong Kong to see the private studio of Portuguese artist João Vasco Paiva before an exclusive visit to the private collection of awardwinning architect and artist William Lim. Shanghai’s surprises will include a singular opportunity to see the private art collection of worldrenowned art dealer and collector Pearl Lam — in her own apartment. In Beijing, your artistic encounters will include spending a morning with goundbreaking Chinese street artist Zhang Dali, followed by lunch with the founding family of the legendary Guardian Auction House. You can also take a break from art — to hike a section of the Great Wall or participate in Tai Chi classes at the Temple of Heaven. The final stop is Tokyo, where you’ll get an insider’s look at the Mori Art Museum from its director, Funion Nagjo, and a rare chance to view the private collection of renowned collector Takeo Obayashi before saying sayonara. (Starts at at $26,888 per person, remotelands.com)

ANTARCTIC adventure Sometimes indulgence means roughing it — just to be able to claim that you’ve left tracks where few human feet have ever fallen. For the most fearless of adventurers, Black Tomato has assembled an unprecedented 18-day expedition to the coldest continent. First, you fly into Chile (in January or February for ideal weather conditions). From there, the sojourn continues to Antarctica, where you’ll land on an ice runway just 10 degrees from the South Pole. Enjoy a sce-

Private Jet Safari

nic flight to view the continent’s majestic mountain ranges, but remain alert when it comes time for your guides to provide survival instruction, including crevasse-crossing, supply sled-hauling, and cross-country skiing. You’ll need them because you’re in for several days of trekking past dramatic ice fields and towering rock formations — even high-speed snow-kiting across ice caps. At night, you’ll bed down in specially carved ice dens and doze off to the panorama of the Aurora Australis glowing in the southern sky. The trip ends with a few more days of hunting for fossils and meteorites while making the final push back to the Patriot Hills Base Camp. (Starts at $102,000 per person, blacktomato.com)

Private Jet Safari If you’ve always wanted to experience the excitement of going on safari, but it seemed too lacking in luxury, andBeyond is launching a new series of private jet expeditions across the continent this year. Its most expansive — Africa and Beyond — includes stops in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. Along the way, you’ll be treated to a private gorilla-trekking experience and photography tutorial in Rwanda. In Tanzania, the host of the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries, Jonathan Scott, will lead you on safari through Serengeti National Park. You’ll head to the ultra-luxurious Matesi River Lodge to enjoy the Zambezi river by day and a special stargazing expedition after nightfall. Botswana brings a helicopter excursion over the animal-dense Okavango Delta. In South Africa, you’ll join conservationists to track rare rhinos while staying at the Phinda Private Game Reserve. The final stop is Cape Town, where you’ll get a private tour of Robben Island, with its profusion of seals and penguins. And — if you dare — you can go Great White shark cage diving with noted documentarian and shark expert Chris Fallows. ($116,500 per person, andbeyond.com). ■ metrosource.com

october/november 2016

Metrohiv

Exhibiting AIDS: A Cultural Awakening “The only way art lives is through the experience

of the observer. The reality of art begins with the eyes of the beholder, through imagination, invention and confrontation.”These words by artist and activist Keith Haring (who died in 1990 of AIDS-related complications at the age of 31) illustrate the impact of art on our lives: it can offers a mirror of our minds, portraits of our past, or glimpses into society’s ills. All of this is on display in Art AIDS America, a traveling exhibition that examines the deep, ongoing influence of the AIDS crisis on American art and culture. At the Bronx Museum of the Arts through October, the exhibition presents a window into both the pain and promise of those affected by HIV and AIDS. “I have seen so much art and [so many] exhibitions,” said Sergio Bessa, Bronx Museum Director of Curatorial and Education Programs. “But it felt important to him to have the museum take on “organizing an exhibition to look at the kind of artwork we are representing: art in response to the epidemic.” “The AIDS epidemic is such a huge topic, and can clearly be approached in very different ways,” he ex-

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016 metrosource.com

plains.“This exhibition is a first attempt; I hope it will not be the last.” Organized by Washington’s Tacoma Art Museum in partnership with The Bronx Museum, the exhibition features more than 125 multi-media works spanning from the early onset of AIDS to the present from artists including Haring, Robert Mapplethorpe, Annie Leibovitz, Félix González-Torres, and Derek Jackson. The art addresses AIDS’ impact on politics, medicine, culture, and society. It tells stories of resilience and beauty, and of communities that formed to demand action in the face of a devastating disease. “We have moved really far away from the early years of AIDS, but the threat is still here,” Bessa said. He also noted that“the AIDS epidemic has to be seen in the context of the global village, because we are all interconnected.” Appropriately, Bessa’s words call to mind yet another quote from Haring: “Art is nothing if you don’t reach every segment of the people.” This exhibition will next reach out to Chicago, where it opens at Chicago’s Alphawood Gallery on December 1. ■

photo of “Eternal Lovers” by Tino Rodriguez. courtesy the bronx museum.

By Jeff Simmons

health

Body by Broadway if you’ve ever had the opportunity to attend

Broadway Bares — the annual event at which nearly 200 of the Great White Way’s best dancers show off their assets to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS — you know the dance community keeps themselves in peak (and peekable) condition. “The best thing about performing in Broadway Bares is dancing around naked in public without the fear of getting arrested,” says dancer David Schepis. “Supporting a good cause and helping those in need comes in a very, very close second, though.” We talked to some of these powerhouse performers after they participated in the most revealing event of the theater year about how they prepare to bare and what tips they can share with people looking to achieve a Broadway-worthy body or even just dabble in dance class. PREPARE TO BARE For Jon Cooper, who’s been dancing for 20 years, one of the keys to being prepared for Bares is keeping his

October/November 2016

metrosource.com

training consistent thoughout the year. His mantra?“I don’t believe in swim suit season,“ he says. However, in addition to regular workouts, he preps by staggering exercises through the day that use his own body for resistance. “I usually do pushups in the morning and after breakfast,” says Cooper. He’ll even put a workout inside a workout: “I do them between sets.” Alfie Parker Jr., who’s been dancing for 18 years and part of Bares cast for seven, says that being performance-ready is all about being prepared. “You’re always training; the only reason why you aren’t is because you’re injured,”he explains.“Don’t give yourself excuses.” Brandon Leffler shared a tip he learned while preparing for the recent Bares benefit.“I always try to start my workout with legs,” he says, explaining, “I have been told that releases natural growth hormones that make your whole workout more productive.” Dancer Judah Frank, who’s been part of Bares for the past two years, emphasizes the importance of getting ample time to bounce back. “My body responds

pHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY, courtesy broadway bares.

Talking to some of the stage’s hottest dancers about staying fit, getting into dance class and taking it all off. by JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

better when I take at least two rest/recovery days,” he says. “I’ve also learned that eating well and finding the right times to fuel are super-important.” EATING The dancers are unanimous in their opinion about regulating caloric intake — with a little room for individual expression. “For my body, eating clean is the best,” Parker states. “Vegetables, lean meats, not a lot of bread — a little sweet here and there.” Cooper also believes in moderation. “I won’t set an unrealistic goal like not drinking [over] a four-day weekend. The only thing I really avoid is fake food like Taco Bell, and I don’t drink soda.” Adriana James, who’s attended ballet class since the ripe old age of two, still craves sugar. But, she says, ”If I reduce it for a few weeks, I can see huge results.” Discipline does have its rewards, however. “I never tell myself I can’t have something,” she says. “But I will wait for the proper time to have it.” IN THE GYM Since dancers are required to display varied strengths and abilities, it follows that they need to vary their workout routines. In addition to the dance classes, Cooper tries to make time for workout classes like flybarre, cardiotap, bootcamps, and yoga. Parker, Jr. and Schepis both recommend heating things up in yoga class. “It’s a pretty torturous practice, but nothing says you’ve worked hard like wringing a liter of sweat out of your yoga mat after class,” says Schepis.

Meanwhile, Frank likes to flip out — literally. He comes from a competitive gymnastics background, and often visits the gym revisiting old routines. “Nothing,”he says,“compares to the feeling of flying.” Frank also finds definition can come from the funniest things: “I’m a fan of laughing ‘til it hurts. Check your abs after a laughing fit — you won’t regret it.” TIPS FOR NEWBIES If you haven’t taken a dance class (in a long time or ever), the idea of signing up for one might seem daunting but it shouldn’t. “Dance classes make your body move and I support anyone who gets in there and moves for the entirety of a class,” says James. She cautions against the assumption that you’ll be out of place because you’re not a pro. “We all know you’re a newbie, and the dance community supports you! Get in there and try it! We love it and hope you will too.” She recommends beginner jazz or hip-hop classes when starting out. Cooper also suggests that Zumba, beginner ballet, contact improvisation, or beginner modern class for those easing in. “Anything with ‘basic’ or ‘beginner’ in the title is a green light,” he says. “If you are completely lost in a class, at least you tried something new and sweat it out and made a new friend or two.” And it’s okay to dance like no one’s looking, says Frank. “No one is watching you. We’re judging ourselves and making sexy model faces in the mirror,” he says. “Just dance your heart out and try not to smack anyone in the genitals.” ■

SAVE UP TO 41% OFF THE COVER PRICE Yes! I want all the fabulous that’s fit to print! Please send me 6 issues (one year) for just $19.95.* (a savings of 33%) Please send me 12 issues for $34.95.* (a savings of 41%)

Please check the edition that you want:

NY Edition

LA Edition

National Edition

Name______________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________ City________________________________ State____________Zip____________ Email______________________________ Payment enclosed Bill me * Add $2.50 per issue for foreign mailing, including Canada. Credit Card #______________________________________Exp. date_________ Complete this form and send with check or M.O. to: Metrosource, 137 West 19th St., 2nd Fl, New York, 10011 or go to metrosource.com METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

health

Marathon Management more than practice to get you across the 26-mile mark. We’ve assembled a few handy training tips to get you ready to hit your stride with confidence. SHOES WISELY: You’ll need sneakers that offer support but are also lightweight and comfortable enough to go the distance. Protect your feet by using Friction Block on areas where you tend to develop blisters. TAKE TIME: Give yourself plenty of time to fully prepare. Even advanced runners should start building up 15 weeks before the big day. Less experienced runners should allow as many as 30 weeks. know where: Do you want to go epic? The world’s largest marathons are NYC (50,000 finishers), Chicago (40,500 finishers), and Paris (38,500 finishers). Looking for something more intimate? The Avenue of the Giants in Eureka, CA (500 finishers) winds through redwood forests, while in Jackson Hole (300 finishers), they traces Wyoming’s Grand Teton peaks. Carb Up: Carbs are crucial to supporting yourself through an intensive running program. Some runners opt for gel carbs, energy drinks or other supplements

October/November 2016

metrosource.com

but you can always go old fashioned: When else is eating a big bowl of pasta the healthy choice? DISTANCE YOURSELF: Work your way up to longer runs during the week. One strategy is to go on shorter runs (before or after work) three days a week — increasing your distance to build endurance with each day; then schedule longer runs on Saturday and Sunday. SpeeD TRACER: Play with increasing your speed for a distance and then slowing down for about 5-10 minutes. This will boost your cardiovascular stamina and give you strength to go far. Don’t be afraid of walking parts of your course, especially when starting out. BREAK UP: Take scheduled days of the week off to make sure your body spends time in recovery. Want to stay busy during your down time? Yoga, weight conditioning, or even such varieties as cardio, cycling and swimming can keep you active in a different way. THINK DRINK: Be sure to get some water in before your run and replenish along the way. Some runners keep hydration belts; some plan routes along water fountains; others hide water bottles along their course. Be smart — dehydration can really cramp your style. ■

photos courtesy istock.com/ mapodile

if a Marathon is on your bucket list, it will take

Omega Tartare By Gayle Van Wely A dish needn’t be unhealthy to be indulgent. case in point: a dish That comes to mind when I think of

“Indulgence” is tartare – that wonderfully tantalizing combination of fresh meat or fish complemented by tongue-tingling seasonings and the creaminess of egg. Sounds like a heart attack on a plate, right? It doesn’t have to be. This salmon tartare is one of those perfect little indulgences that’s deliciously craveable but light enough to leave you feeling energized. It’s got health benefits, too. Salmon is a great source of protein and loaded with heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids; it’s also noted for reducing cholesterol levels and also home to many essential nutrients, including niacin, phosphorus, vitamin B6, choline, pantothenic acid, biotin, and potassium. The dish also offers alkaline-enhancing cucumber (which helps fight acidity in the body) and dulse seaweed (with great-for-your-bones calcium, magnesium and iron). Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy and makes a guest-wowing appetizer. Before you give it a spin, head to metrosource.com, where you’ll find additional tips and tricks to prepare this dish with pizazz.

photo by gayle van wely

ingredients 1/2 lbs skinless king salmon 1 Tbsp chopped chives 1/2 tsp grated ginger 1 Tbsp dulse seaweed flakes 1/4 lemon + grated rind 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced 1 tsp rice wine vinegar 1 Tbsp yuzu oil (olive oil/yuzu juice) 2 scallions sliced diagonally 2 Tbsp salmon caviar purple radish micro greens

preparation Place salmon in the freezer 15 minutes before slicing into cubes of about 1/8 of an inch. In a bowl, mix the grated ginger, lemon, rice wine vinegar, yuzu olive oil and chives, then mix the salmon into this vinaigrette. Place the mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the cucumber slices and scallions. In the center of each plate, lay about six cucumber slices in a circle, slightly overlapping. Sprinkle with a pinch of dulse seaweed flakes. With a ring mold, spoon tartare and gently press to flatten the top loosely. Place scallion slice in the center to create a ledge to hold the salmon caviar and spoon it on. Scatter a few of the radish micro greens around the tartare and a couple on the top. Spoon 4 to 5 drops of aioli (see recipe at metrosource.com) around the plate. Enjoy! metrosource.com

october/november 2016

POV

By Lawrence Ferber

Attitude Adjustment Lawrence has a habit of complaining about experiences others would love to have — until life hands him a startling reminder to enjoy every minute. i once had an experience that would drive oyster

lovers wild: I was on a boat excursion in the cool clear waters of Grebbestad, Sweden — which are apparently an ideal environment for wild oysters, langoustines and other succulent shellfish. I was there on this “oyster safari” as a journalist to learn about and consume some of the world’s most sought-after seafood. My guide fished out a cluster of oysters (not to mention a sassy little crab who reminded me of Lady Gaga), and showed me how to pry one open, detatch the meat, add a squirt of lemon and slurp it down. Yuck! What an ingrate, right? But I hate oysters. It doesn’t matter how high quality they are. It doesn’t matter to me that they’re served in the world’s finest seafood restaurants with outstanding sauces and garnishes. I just can’t get past their texture and briny flavor. The guide watched me wince as I swallowed. He offered me another.“We have a Japanese breed you might like better: it’s creamy!” he volunteered enthusiastically. I politely declined. I tend to run into these kinds of situations fairly frequently when writing about travel. The job allows me to partake in experiences billed as the world’s most indulgent; many of them feel that way to me, too. But sometimes — due to my own personal tastes or simply because I’ve already had too much of a good thing — they don’t feel quite so luxurious. And that’s how I would end up complaining about things that other people consider dreams come true: there’s actually inconvenience involved when taking a 10-day cruise to Alaska, monotony in touring yet another castle, and it turns out you’re not always in the mood for foie gras at Jean-Georges. One of my best friends and partners in crime, Lewis, actually started scolding me when he’d catch me being less than grateful for the opportunities life offered. He’d remind me that negativity can be contagious. And when I moaned about things like having to stay overnight at a five-star resort while waiting for a connecting flight in the morning, he’d straight up demand that I quit bitching. However, a few years ago something happened that

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

metrosource.com

helped me change the way I approach these situations. In April of 2014, while I happened to be visiting his home city of San Francisco, I woke up to the news that Lewis had suddenly and inexplicably passed away. I almost couldn’t believe it, in part because we were the exactly the same age. I thought of all the things we enjoyed together — from campy pop music to kitschy Japenese accessories — stuff that some people consider obnoxious but we had found delightful. Losing him became a constant reminder to make the most of life while I’m living, to try to find the joy in experiences, to stop grumbling so much. That doesn’t mean I’ve suddenly learned to love everything. I still have a fear of heights; so you won’t catch me ziplining or taking on any open air high-altitude adventures. But I am more likely to take chances on a variety of new experiences to try and find what’s rewarding about situations that don’t initially appear to be my cup of tea. I decided to check out “Scenic Rush,” an experience that offers drivers an opportunity to get behind the wheel of premium Fast and Furious-worthy vehicles like Ferrari F430 Spiders and Porsche 911 Turbos on British Columbia’s beautiful Sea-to-Sky Highway. There was a time I might have kvetched — about how nerve-wracking it is to be able to crumple or crash several-hundred-thousand dollars worth of automobile or that the opportunity was wasted on me (a guy who rents compact cars for road trips or, better still, takes the train). Instead, I chose sit back and enjoy the ride — in part because there are drivers out there who would love, just for a moment, to have a foot on that pedal. And also because Lewis would want me to. ■ Ferber is co-writer of the film BearCity and author of its novelization. He also contributes to CondeNastTraveler.com and Fodors.com. Follow him on Twitter @LawrenceFerber.

have you ever found yourself trying hard to enjoy an experience that others would describe as a treat? share your story with us at metrosource.com.

Go Digital.

ipad icon flavicon.com

Now you can take Metrosource with you â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on your iPhone, iPAd, Amazon Kindle or Android device. Download the Metrosource app today for free to get all the benefits of Metrosource wherever you go.

we've got all the fabulous that fits â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on the page, at metrosource.com, on facebook, on twitter @Metrosourcemag and now, on your tablet or smartphone.

Metrohiv

When Celebs Come Out... How not to put your foot in your mouth when public figures reveal their HIV status. By scott a. kramer, lcsw-R

it’s a strange phenomenon: when people discuss

RECONSIDER ANGER

celebrities who contracted HIV early in the epidemic — Rock Hudson, Greg Louganis, Keith Haring, Pedro Zamora, Freddie Mercury — it is often a done with a degree of compassion. Conversely, the public conversation surrounding more recently diagnosed celebrities has been marked by irrational anger and toxic judgments. After Charlie Sheen revealed his diagnosis, Jenny McCarthy publicly freaked out, as though Sheen had been dishonest with her. But it turned out they’d played love interests years before Sheen’s diagnosis, and she could not have contracted HIV from their onscreen kissing anyway. Meanwhile, when Danny Pintauro appeared on The View after his diagnosis, Candace Cameron Bure aggressively grilled the actor: “Do you take responsibility for your actions, for being promiscuous, going into a lifestyle of having heightened sex?” And Raven-Symoné asked Pintauro’s partner uncomfortable questions about their sex life. So how can we all talk about diagnosed celebrities in a way that respects not only them but also other people living with HIV?

Some people get angry as though celebs (with all their privilege), ought to know better. But most people have the same knowledge stars do about protecting themselves, and there are still tens of thousands of new HIV cases each year. Consider this: you might actually just be upset to be reminded we’re all vulnerable.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2016

metrosource.com

Before speculating about whether celebs contracted HIV through reckless behavior, consider that the audience for your comments (especially on social media) may include other people living with HIV who will receive the message that if they reveal their status, others will assume the worst about them.

don’t avoid it altogether Being respectful doesn’t mean being silent.Yes, it’s insensitive to speculate or spread misinformation. But when celebrities reveal they’re living with HIV, it’s an opportunity to discuss everything from how not talking perpetuated the HIV epidemic to the importance of new treatments and prevention efforts. ■

photo courtesy istock.com/ SolStock/ OJO_Images

REMEMBER YOUR AUDIENCE

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

LAST CALL

A Sassy Friend Who Won’t Shut Up Aussie comedian Joel Creasey dishes close encounters with Carrie Fisher and Joan Rivers and reveals the iconic musical role he’d do anything to play. By Jeffrey James Keyes

Welcome back to the States! I’m like a rash. I keep coming back. Could you describe your act to a stranger? It’s ... Like being at a dinner party with a sassy friend who won’t shut up. I’m not the sort of comedian who’s going to pick on the audience or get anyone to come up on stage... I’m going to tell stories about celebrities I’ve run into and ridiculous things that have happened to me. You started doing stand-up very young, right? I started when I was about 15 or 16 in Perth,

and because the legal drinking age at any comedy club was 18, I had to bring my parents to chaperone me for the first three years of my career. It was very rock ‘n’ roll of me. That was pretty cool of them. They’re almost a little too supportive. I have to be like,“Okay, you can’t come to every gig, you guys.” They’re both performers. They actually properly met when they were extras on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back . Oh my God, I love that! Crazy, right? I totally come from a show biz background. They’re both actors, and then my dad went on to model ... and my mom was an actress in musicals on the West End. It’s a very performance/jazz-handsy family. I just saw you and Carrie Fisher in a photo online. Did you tell her about your parents when you met? Of course I told her the story and shared a photo, and she was just gorgeous and cheeky. I actually interviewed her and properly slurred the whole thing I was so nervous. And then, of course, my Dad goes,“Did she remember me?” No Dad, she didn’t remember you, the extra in a sea of millions of Star Wars extras! Let’s talk Joan Rivers. I’ve toured with some pretty huge comedians; ... if anyone could have gotten away with acting like a diva it would have been Joan [but] of all of them, she was the most humble, down to Earth, chill, lovely, giving person. It came about purely by chance: the people that produce me also produced her. They showed her a clip of me, and she was like “Yeah, we’ve got to have him.” She really liked my stand-up, and I kept working with her. She was just absolutely gorgeous and a great role model. I feel like every time I smash a celebrity onstage, I do it for her!

What was coming out like for you? I told my parents when I was fifteen, and my mom said, “Okay, cool. We’re going to have pasta for dinner.”And I said,“Well clearly, since I’m gay, I can’t have carbs anymore.” [laughs] I went to a private boys school and graduated in 2007 when I was seventeen. I think it’s a sign of the times that none of the other boys had a problem with it. Have you had any issues being openly gay on stage? Of course I’ve had the odd homophobic heckle here and there and was chased out of a town once, but I’ve never really had too much hate on stage. I saw this d**khead across the room muttering things under his breath once, but as long as I can’t hear it, I don’t mind. Who would you pick to hang out with late at night? Hillary Clinton. If I took her to a club out in Melbourne, and if she knew nobody would be around, I would be like, “You can be who you are.” I think she would get out on the dance floor and just go wild. I would probably be the one to say, “It’s late. Let’s go home.” And she’d be like,“No! Let’s stay out and get crazy!” What’s on your playlist right now? The Off-Broadway cast recording of Heathers, kid you not. I got it recently and can’t stop listening to it. Otherwise it’s very musical theater heavy. If you could do a musical, what would you do? Let’s be real, I would have a sex change and be Elphaba in Wicked. It breaks my heart that I’m male and can’t sing. ■

creasey talks sailing, snapchat and more as our conversation with him continues on the free metrosource app and metrosource.com.

PHOTO BY ED PURNOMO.

After a decade on on stage and TV, Joel Creasey is the toast of Sydney. Now he’s taking international comedy circuits by storm. We caught up with him during his recent U.S. tour to discuss being an openly gay comic, working with Joan Rivers, and why he might not be here if it weren’t for Star Wars.

last call extra

As our conversation continues, Creasey shares his stage superstitions and something everyone should travel with. BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES How did you get into comedy? Well I thought I was going to be a very serious Shakespearean actor. [laughs] Didn’t we all? Then I discovered there aren’t many roles for camp, limpwristed, blonde boys at fifteen — so the other option was comedy. One of my teachers told me I was funny. I told her I was going to go to University and study foreign affairs, and she told me I should just be telling jokes for a living. ... So I said screw going to college, and that’s just what I did. I entered a stand up competition and the rest is history. How do American audiences differ from Aussie audiences? In particular, audiences in the States are enthusiastic — when you walk out, the people are automatically on your side. In Australia, they’re not on your side until you’ve won them over. They’ll be like,“You think you’re funny? Make me laugh!”It’s a bit more of a battle.

PHOTO BY ED PURNOMO.

Gay comedians have come a long way in the past decade. Have you noticed the shift? Absolutely, and it’s actually starting to get to a point where I’m like,“Hey! That’s enough! There’s too many of us now!” I’m trying to have them all killed. [laughs]. I think gay people translate into comedy well because laughter is a great defense mechanism; it’s mine anyways. If s**t happens to me, I try to have a laugh. In school, I always had to laugh off my sexuality as a way around it, and that gave me great mileage. It’s like I already had a five minute stand up routine prepared. Do you have a pre-show ritual? I’ve never written a set list. I’m actually writing an autobiography right now, and it’s killing me because I don’t like writing everything out. For me it’s a bunch of dinner party stories: I jumble everything around in my head and work out how I’m going to tell them. My manager thinks I’m one of the most chill comedians he’s ever worked with. I actually eat right before I go out on stage. I’m such a pig. A lot of people can’t eat before performing, and I’m backstage, waiting in the wings, munching on a bowl of pasta. The only weird thing I have is this need to wear something on my left hand — be it a ring or a watch. I don’t know why, but I just don’t like going out on stage without something on my left hand.

What do you think would happen if you went on without something on your left hand? I don’t know. You know those chain emails you get where it’s like: “If you don’t forward this to twenty people your mother is going to get murdered”? That’s what I feel about it. If I don’t wear something on my left hand, the show will be fine, but Australia will get blown up — or something like that. What can you tell me about the shows you did in Australia to support the Orlando shooting victims? We wanted to do something beyond changing our

quite possible I’m the first gay person someone’s seen in some of these places. I hope I’m bridging the gap in that way. Sometimes the gay community thinks I’m a bit too commercial or mainstream because I’m on a television show or hosting a commercial reality show. I like to think I’m just a gay man doing a job. What’s one thing people might not know about you? I used to sail and am mad about boating. I have my boating license; so I can sail and drive motor and regular yachts. It’s my one manly trait. Impressive. If we ever got stranded on a boat together, I would know what to do. What’s one thing you have to bring with you on the road? My manager ... if you don’t travel with one, you should. He’s very straight acting. Well, he’s straight: a 55-yearold father of two. he’s been my manager forever and is always stuck with me in gay clubs all over the world. He embraces it — a big, deep voiced Aussie guy, who travels with me everywhere. His name is Andrew, right? Yes, Andrew is in this season. Everybody needs to travel with an Andrew. I might start selling merchandise that says that.

How do you relate to audiences as a gay man? My audiences are always a really good mix of people. I actually have a lot of straight people and families who come to my shows, and I really like that. I like making being gay a norm. I don’t think I get out onstage and talk about being gay. When a straight comedian goes out onstage, you wouldn’t say, “Oh there’s a straight comedian doing his straight jokes.” So I just talk about my boyfriends and breakups just like anyone else would. I do get out into a lot of rural parts, and it’s

You should: keychains, coffee mugs... Completely. Where can we find information about you? I’m new to SnapChat and SnapChatting a lot. I don’t really think my content is good, but if you want to find me at any point of the day you can find me there. Otherwise I’m on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. I’m on all of them but usually get on very late. I never think they’ll last. I remember when Lady Gaga came out and I was like, what’s her name: Lady Gaga? Oh please... I’m very much like that with social media, too. “That won’t take off!” And then I’m reluctantly signing up. SnapChat is a really good way of showing off without showing off, you know what I mean? Like you can say, “Look at how fabulous my day is!” even when it’s not. When are you back in the States? I’m always up to come back to the States. I might marry somebody and get my green card, then you’ll never be able to get rid of me. ■

PHOTO BY ED PURNOMO.

profile pictures to a rainbow or showing our social media support for Orlando. We wanted the people of Orlando to really know they weren’t alone — that all the way down in Australia, people were on their side. Just the idea that a group of people all the way on the other side of the world were thinking of them and raising money to help. Chrissie Swan, a really good friend of mine — and basically the Oprah of Australia — and I were chatting and decided to put together a show. We ended up doing one in Melbourne and another in Sydney. In total we raised about $150,000.

West Hollywood, California

Sizzling Summers Since 1963

1200 ALTA LOMA ROAD

WEST HOLLYWOOD

CALIFORNIA

90069

800.858.9758

SUNSETMARQUIS.COM