South Florida Opulence Summer 2016 by Adriana Naylor

SUMMER 2016

A Wondrous Summer

SCINTILLATING TRAVEL ADVENTURES, FOOD TREKKING, STAYCATIONS & ARTISTRY

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Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

People Place

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE WHO MAKE THE

Opulence

Int er nat ional

Re a l ty

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demanding

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No Fees + No Competition + No Hard Feelings For market stats and luxury listings in South Florida, please visit our newly re-designed website oirfl.com

Opulence congratulates this quarter’s Top Producers CHRIS SOARES • TOMI ROSE • GIANCARLO BUTRON M A R I A N N A D U B I N S K Y • PA M E L A D I A Z - D E - L E O N

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2060 N B AY S H ORE D R , M IA M I, F L 3 3 1 3 7 • 3 0 5 . 6 1 5 . 1 3 7 6

E L E M E N TA L , A F I N E A RT D I V I S I O N O F

THE

info@elementalfineart.com

rkenstone www.iRocks.com

elementalfineart.com

Main Image - Natural and cut aquamarine crystals Close-up images of fine crystals - Kunzite, Pyrite-Replaced Fossil, Azurite, Gold, Aquamarine - Joe Budd Photos

LUXURY

INTERIORS BY PERLA LICHI

www.perlalichi.com

FL ID #00001727 IB#26001492

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ASTONISHING

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For ultra-secure, private storage and moving services, trust RoboVault. Our facility offers flawless protection for all your collectibles, from vehicles to wine. Our highly-trained fine art and antique handlers can be trusted with anything from a favorite painting to your entire household. Whether you want to store a piece of jewelry or move a priceless piece of art, you’ll have peace of mind.

PACKING • CRATING • SHIPPING • MOVING • STORAGE • SECURITY For more information or to request a complimentary on-site estimate, call 954-766-9997 or visit RoboVault.com

N O EL I A C H ASK I EL B ER G I S S E L L I N G

South Florida Luxury “To be successful, attitude and ability are equally

important. My goal is to continue to work harder than anyone else. You can trust I will deliver.” Downtown, Miami Beach & Brickell Information deemed reliable but is not warranted. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2016 Opulence International Realty

BATH CLUB • SOLD

APOGEE SOUTH BEACH • SOLD

MEI • SOLD

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE • SOLD

NOELIA CHASKIELBERG, SALES ASSOCIATE

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2 0 6 0 N B AY S H O R E D R I V E , M I A M I , F L 3 3 1 3 7

305.978.3481 I nchaskielberg@oirfl.com

A Balinese

M A ST E R P I E C E 5745 SW 94

S T R E E T, P I N E C R E S T, F L 3 3 1 5 6

Chic design and modern craftsmanship come together like never before in this lush, two-acre estate. As you approach the main entrance, the dual archway leads to a striking centerpiece and the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unique feature, an open-air atrium of reflecting water loggias and floating limestone pathways. This Zen space will be sure to leave a lasting impression.

Spotlight A C O L L E C T O R ’ S PA R A D I S E From the road, the dramatic royal palm and oak tree-lined driveway hints at the magnificence that’s to come. Exotic car enthusiasts will revel, as they notice the drive-up offers a generous amount of parking, including three, dual-car covered terraces,

and

six,

two-sided

car

garages with direct access to the home.

Roughly

estimating

about

25 luxury cars, a sprinter van and a tour bus could comfortably fit in this ultra-private gated estate.

Residence Features

This home features an enormous great room,

dining

room,

powder

room,

family room, and breakfast area, which

FINISHES + AMENITIES

are all connected by a sizable kitchen –

9 Bedrooms (3 Masters)

a chef’s dream come true. All common

10 Full Bathrooms

areas

are

spread

throughout

two

stories, accessible by both stairway and

2 Half Bathrooms

elevator.

Mahogany & Marble Floors + Limestone Accents

Discover a hidden paradise within a

Chef’s Kitchen

short walking distance. The full acre

Lavish Pool + Hot Tub

backyard showcases a luxury resort style

Patio + Summer Kitchen

infinity-edge pool and an ultra-modern

Barbeque + Teppanyaki Grill

hot tub. Inlaid stone grass walkways sideline this area and lead to an open

Close to several A+ Schools Offered at $8.345M unfurnished or $8.595M furnished

expanse, where endless possibilities take hold of the imagination.

TOMI ROSE

MARIANNA DUBINSKY

Senior Vice President

Luxury Sales Realtor®

Sports & Ent. Division

(786) 229-1949 trose @ oirfl.com

(305) 432-7555 mdubinsky @ oirfl.com

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2 0 6 0 N BAY S H ORE D R , M I AMI , F L 3 3 1 3 7

M I A M I

R E A L

E S T A T E ’ S

Digital Domineer Meet Chr is Soares, t he m a n w h o is sin g le h a n d e d ly d om in a t in g Sout h Flor ida’s onl ine p re -con stru ct ion se a rch re su l ts.

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for

South

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ge n e r a t e d e n o u g h q ual i f i ed l ead s t o re s u l t i n a m ul t i -mi l l i on d ol l ar t r a n s a c t i o n a t P o r s he Tower, a t r ue t e s t a m e n t t o t he s i g ni f i cance of h i s o n l i n e e ff o r ts . Licensed

since

1999,

and

c u m l a u de gr a duat e i n L aw and Ac c o u n t i n g, Ch r i s Soares comb i nes his

e du c a t i o n

and

i nt er nat i onal

re a l e s t a t e e x pe r t i s e wi t h hi s l ove f o r t e c h n o l o gy t o s t and out i n a c o m pe t i t i v e m a rk et p l ace. Cont act him

t o da y

s ee

your

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l i s t i n gs c l i m b t o t he t op .

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

CHRIS SOARES 2 0 6 0 N BAY S HO R E D R M IA M I, F L 3 3 1 3 7

(305) 439-0926

chris@investinmiami.com

miami.com

I N TRO DUC IN G

Dysis Homes at Bay Harbor Islands 9 3 5 2 & 9 3 5 4 B AY H A R B O R T E R R A C E

Artist conceptual rendering. Information deemed reliable but is not warranted. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. ÂŠ 2016 Opulence International Realty

Six exclusive smart technology townhomes starting at $999,000 Developed by CWV Group, committed to the highest quality standards, excellence and outstanding design for 14 years

R E S I D E N C E F E AT U R E S

FINISHES

4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Two parking spaces

Quartz counter tops

Double stainless steel sinks

3 levels with 2,500 sq ft

Private rooftop terrace

European-style kitchen

Quality textured stucco walls

PAMELA DIAZ-DE-LEON New Development Specialist

305.720.8439

pdiaz @ oirfl.com

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2 0 6 0 N B AY S H O R E D R I V E , M I A M I , F L 3 3 1 3 7

Call today For the latest Miami luxury developments by the star architects Lord Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Herzog & de Meuron, Rem Koolhaas, Richard Meier, Cesar Pelli, Renzo Piano, Hani Rashid and many more.

Discover Miami

THE CITY OF THE FUTURE Miami’s development scene has been on the rise for the past several years. What’s on the horizon is sure to forever change the way the world looks at our metropolis.

Brickell City Centre The $1.05B massive development, spanning 7 acres and 4 city blocks, brings luxury living, retail shopping and commercial class A ofﬁces all in one central hub.

Starting at $490k

One Thousand Museum

Turnberry Ocean Club

Missoni Baia

Elysee Miami

1000 Museum creates a 6-star lifestyle with an exceptional residential tower including 83 private residences.

Soaring 54 stories high with 154 large residences, Turnberry brings clean, shaped structures to warm, inviting spaces.

An exclusive collection of 146 residences, Missoni embraces the timeless appeal of waterfront living on Biscayne Bay.

Elysee maintains the intimacy and sophistication of living in a luxury boutique style building in East Edgewater.

Starting at $1.9m

Starting at $1.6m

Starting at $5.5m

Starting at $3m

GIANCARLO BUTRON Realtor Associate

786.316.2292

gbutron@oirfl.com

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2 0 6 0 N B AY S H O R E D R I V E , M I A M I , F L 3 3 1 3 7

UNDER CONSTRUCTION Private elevator entry Flow-through design with panoramic windows Fully-finished oversized residences from 3,100 sf Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances Terraces with summer kitchens Developed by Group P6 Estimated completion by 2017

PRICED FROM $1.4M

For more information on this development, please call

305.615.1376

327 Royal Palm

25 contemporary luxury condominiums in Boca Raton

Las Olas

RIVER HOUSE

3 3 3 L A S O L A S W AY | F T. L A U D E R D A L E 3 bedrooms 2 bathroooms 2,129 sf

Residence Features

LISTING PRICE: $1,099,500

World class fitness center

Marble floors in all rooms

Granite countertops

Tropical pool deck with cabanas

Gourmet kitchen

24-hour valet

Stainless steel appliances

For more information on this listing, please call

305.615.1376

Opulence I N T E R N AT I O N A L

R E A LT Y

2 0 6 0 N B AY S H O R E D R I V E , M I A M I , F L 3 3 1 3 7

Regional no fleur di lis

128

46 T o p F E AT U R E S

Finding Shangri-la

Discover the luxe ultra-private island, Parrot Cay, in the Turks & Caicos

SUMMER 2016

ON THE COVER... In this issue, you'll find enticing reads on all things summer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; global travel, staycations, food trekking, caviar bars, anti-aging, fabulous fashions and fragrances, color-splash interiors, and much more. Special thanks to OYOBox for stylizing our dazzling 'blue-shades' cover image (check out the super luxe eyewear cases in Gadgets on page 32) or visit www.oyobox.com.

A Wondrous summer

SCINTILLATING TRAVEL ADVENTURES, FOOD TREKKING, STAYCATIONS & ARTISTRY

TAKE A LOOK AT ME NOW

Legendary drummer-singer Phil Collins thwarts retirement for the comeback of a lifetime

100

Bugatti Chiron:

Comet on Wheels

Rise of The Caviar Bar

Where to find the finest caviar in Palm Beach and Miami

Summer 2016

Opulence

Regional no fleur di lis

46 Food Trekking

74 April in Perú…

Six sumptuous experiences to spice up your summer travels

50 What’s for Dinner? Dishing with Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation

52 Barcelonian Gastronomy at its Best KLIMA Restaurant and Bar’s culinary concept inspired by contemporary gastronomy in Spain

Oh What Have you done to my Heart? A travel adventure through Lima and Paracas

78 High Spirited Pisco Portón and the Peruvian cellar master behind it

94 Proactive Anti-Aging With Stem Cell Immunotherapy

97 Choose Your Color Fantasy Master designer Perla Lichi offers advice on choosing the right shades for the right person

56 KHOFFNER’S “Made-In-Exile” Beer Rauf Khoffner, exiled from Turkey, brings his family’s historic German beer recipes to a new brewery in Florida

60 When In New York this Summer…

102 Celebrating 90 Years of Coveted Opulence Discover the summer staycation of a lifetime at Boca Raton Resort & Club

SPiN with Susan Sarandon & Nosh with Scott Conant

62 Homage to America’s Pioneering Cookware Shopkeeper: Chuck Williams Friends and colleagues of Chuck Williams, founder of Williams-Sonoma, on how he changed the face of American home cooking forever

65 Coffee and Chocolate With a Side of Volcano in Nicaragua

68 Transylvania Rail Tour A breathtaking railroad journey through the Romanian principality of Transylvania

Opulence

Summer 2016

108 Sprouting Project on Amelia Island Chef Daven Wardynski offers greenhouse-grown herbs and honey he harvests on the enchanting island

WELCOME TO

uberge is truly a treasured destination, located directly on the white sand beach of the Atlantic and offering an unparalleled standard in luxury living. From sunrise to sunset, Auberge offers the best in premium beachfront living. Spend mornings pampered at our state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, mid-day lounging in poolside perfection and evenings enjoying delicious bites at our James Beard award-winning restaurants. EXCEPTIONAL BUYING OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE SOUTH TOWER North Tower over 90% sold. 2200 North Ocean Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

(954) 908-2085

AubergeBeach.com

Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. This Condominium is developed by PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC (“Developer”) and this offering is made only by the Developer’s Prospectus for the Condominium. Developer, has a licensed right to use the trade names, marks, and logos of: The Related Group, Fortune International Group, The Fairwinds Group, and Auberge Resorts, LLC. Auberge Resorts LLC and its affiliates (the “Auberge Group”) are not related to, affiliated or associated with, or a partner in the business of the Developer. No representation, warranty or guarantee is made or implied by the Auberge Group with respect to any statement or information made or provided about the Condominium. Neither the Auberge Group, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents has or will have any responsibility or liability arising out of, or related to, this publication or the transactions contemplated by this publication, including any liability or responsibility for any statement or information made or contained in this publication. Auberge® is the registered trademark of Auberge Resorts, LLC and used by license agreement. In the event the Auberge® license should lapse, this Condominium and any hotel affiliated with this Condominium will not be permitted to use the name Auberge®. The managing entities, hotels, brands, artwork, designers, contributing artists, interior designers, fitness facilities, amenities, services, and restaurants proposed are subject to change at the Developer’s discretion. The Developer is not incorporated in, located in, nor a resident of, New York. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units in New York or to residents of New York, or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Any art depicted may be exchanged for comparable art at the Developer’s discretion. Consult the Prospectus for all terms, conditions, specifications, and Unit dimensions. Reproduction for private or commercial use is not authorized. 2016 ® PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC, unless otherwise noted, with all rights reserved.

Regional no fleur di lis

141 features (continued)

136 Paper Carver The amazing artistry of Canadian paper sculptor Calvin Nicholls

144 Fine Art Conservator vs. Restorer For fine art collectors, knowing the difference is priceless

148 Catherine de Medici’s Priceless Valois Tapestries

112 The Sky Suite Getaway The oceanfront Pelican Grand Sky Suite Penthouse in Fort Lauderdale is a romantic summer haven for two

116 Summer Amplified with Hard Rockin’ Rhythm & Motion

120 Sand Dollar Dreams in Sea Island Nestled along the Georgia shore sits a sanctuary where luxury meets southern charm

126 Visionnaire Trendsets At Salone Internazionale del Mobile

128 On the Rocks Professional mountain guide Ben Adkison travels the globe capturing breathtaking and liferisking-photography

134 Putting Fine Minerals on the Map The nation’s newest museum of natural history, the Perot Museum in Dallas, presents minerals and crystals simultaneously as science and art

Opulence

Summer 2016

departments Gadgets

Calendar of Events

34,36

Dining Guide

58-59

Fashion

Summer Scents for Her and Him

(Breathable) Art in the Landscape

110

Real Estate

124

Art

141

Literature

152

Condo Law

154

Making Cents

158

Social Living

160

editor’s letter

The Little Known History of Vacations Your perspective on getting away for leisure likely depends on which side of the pond you live. They say Europeans work to go on vacation, but Americans go on vacation so they can go back to work. Americans work 50 percent more than residents in France, Germany, Italy – and 36 other countries for that matter. In Europe, with ardent workers’ unions, about six weeks of paid vacation proves typical, but most Americans earn 10 vacation days (and more than half of them go unused). Some say the birth of the American vacation came in 1869. After the Civil War, when most people considered rural wilderness a drudge, a Boston pastor by the name of William H.H. Murray wrote a guidebook on visiting the Adirondack Mountains. He

HORIZON PUBLISHING Executive PUBLISHER & Owner Geoff Hammond, CEO Jayne Hammond, President Associate PUBLISHER David Hammond EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Jay editor@southfloridaopulence.com SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Adriana Naylor artdirector@southfloridaopulence.com 954-331-3912 PR AND MARKETING MANAGER Chantal Forster marketingmanager@southfloridaopulence.com 954-331-3390 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Michael Jay michaeljay@southfloridaopulence.com 954-593-5060

declared hiking, fishing and canoe paddling with Mother Nature was rejuvenating. ‘What?! That’s ridiculous,’ some thought. Yet others took Murray’s heed, resulting that summer in what the press dubbed “Murray’s Rush,” a mad dash of adventure seekers heading to the Adirondacks. Ole’ Murray’s advice didn’t exactly conquer workaholism here in the states. Still more Americans should take the advice of Kellogg School of Management Professor Adam Galinsky, who says unplugging from your everyday environment can make you more creative. It helps you gain new perspectives – and he has science to prove it. Vacationing abroad, he says, immerses you in other cultures, where you witness different ways of doing things and get a better sense of self. Even something as simple as eating at foreign restaurants requires one to slow down, study the menu, under-

Contributing Writers: John D. Adams Claudia Alfonso Carol Antman Michael Berkman Roberto C. Blanch Stephanie Bonilla Jana Soeldner Danger Hope Gainer Ben Howkins Cara & Ryan Jay Steven Joseph Dale King & Julia Hebert Dr. Robert Lavinsky Gordon Lewis

Joseph Love Kristen Mager Jill Patterson Ava Roosevelt Todd R. Sciore Alex Starace Suzanne Stewart Susan Ungaro Carleton Varney Adriana Villasuso Kelly Villasuso Mary & Hugh Williamson Gina Woods

stand what dishes and ingredients are customary, and to observe the eating habits of others. Breaking bread together on vacation is as universal – and calming – as the smiles shared. And speaking of great dining while on vacation, I’m excited to say Opulence is now a proud corporate member of the greatest culinary philanthropy in the United States – the James Beard Foundation. We’re thrilled to have as our newest guest columnist the esteemed president of JBF, Susan Ungaro. Don’t miss Susan’s “What’s For Dinner? ” column on page 50, in which she reviews highlights of the 30th Anniversary of JBF and some of 2016’s most applauded winning chefs and restaurants of the coveted annual James Beard Awards. In this travel edition of Opulence, we introduce you to intriguing travel destinations, both domestic and international, with great places to dine, adventure, relax, reflect

Photographers Ben Adkison Natasha Kertes Douglas Lance Silvia Pangaro PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw General Counsel Barry Weiss bweiss@csiinternational.com South Florida Opulence Magazine is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 6, No. 2, Summer 2016 (ISSN # 2157-5274)

and rejuvenate. I trust you’ll take this issue with you on vacation! Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change of address, contact the subscription department, (954) 308-4300 Ext. 4312, Fax: (954) 331-6028. Horizon Publishing, LLC, its affiliates and contributing writers have exercised due care in compiling the information contained herein, but with the possibility of human or mechanical error, cannot assume liability for the accuracy of this data. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

Robin Jay Editor in Chief

Opulence

Summer 2016

AMPLIFY YOUR VACATION

1 S e m i n o l e W a y, H o l l y w o o d , F L SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com

Gadgets

Automatic Star Aligning Telescope

This is the telescope that automatically aligns itself to any celestial body you select within its vast database. Unlike other telescopes that require you to input data such as time, date, or ZIP code for initial setup, this one performs all the work for you with its handheld controller. It uses a GPS module to gather the date, time, and location automatically, then orients itself relative to the night sky. $349.95. www.hammacher.com

Artisan Canoe Paddles

These handmade, hand-painted wooden canoe paddles feature an elegantly traditional blade shape that looks graceful in and out of the water. Each paddle is a laminated combination of western red cedar, aspen and black walnut, and finished with a durable varnish dip, for a gorgeous piece that will last a lifetime. $180. sanborncanoe.com.

The ultimate robotic lawn mower

Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for intricate cuts and navigating narrow passages. User-friendly control panel with fully automated mowing system & programmable timer. Built-in rain sensor stops operation during rain and re-starts when grass is no longer wet. Equipped with an anti-theft system using a security PIN. $999.96 (currently out of stock, check back soon). www.worx.com

OYOBox The perfect decorative yet purposeful staple for any shelf. OYOBox is a stylish, sleek home for your prescription glasses and designer shades. Households can have up to 10 pairs of glasses, and the protective cases for these pieces of eyewear are a huge waste of space. OYOBox makes it easy for you to shop your collection of eyewear and interact with it as you please. $250. www.oyobox.com 32

Opulence

Summer 2016

F LO R I DA R E S I D E N T S SPECIAL OFFER 30% off best available room rates. Late check out, complimentary parking and discounted rates for golf and spa. Kids Eat Free & Golf Free! Rates from $129 per night.*

NEW YORK | CENTRAL PARK & SOHO

CHICAGO

LAS VEGAS

WAIKIKI

MIAMI

TORONTO

PANAMA

IRELAND | DOONBEG

SCOTLAND | TURNBERRY

Estate Collection WINERY | CHARLOTTESVILLE SCOTLAND | ABERDEEN Coming soon WASHINGTON D.C. VANCOUVER RIO DE JANEIRO BALI LIDO U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT “BEST MIAMI HOTELS” 800.713.6725

TRUMPNATIONALDORAL.COM OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

*Offer is valid through 9/6/2016. Rate is based on availability and certain restrictions apply; excludes resort fee and taxes. Kids ages 6 & under eat free and 15 & under golf free with paying adult. For more information, call or visit resort website.

Upcoming Events June

July

9-26

2-3

Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Slow Burn Theater Company

American Airlines Arena

Heathers The Musical

This hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new musical relives the greatest teen comedy of all time. It is the story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid at school. www.browardcenter.org

Justin Bieber The Purpose Tour

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

JUNE 15-19

July

14-17

FUNKSHION SWIM: Fashion Week Miami Beach Swim

.All the major labels come out to play and young up-and-coming designers vie for a spot to get their suits into the eyes of the fashion elite. Nearly fifty designers show off their latest and greatest in the Mercedes-Benz tents alone. Across the city dozens of designers participate in satellite events that are organized by independent organizations. miamiandbeaches.com/event/funkshion-swimfashion-week-miami-beach-swim/26430

With back-to-back worldwide smash hit singles including “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean?” global superstar Justin Bieber is bringing his 50+ city PURPOSE WORLD TOUR to Miami. www.aaarena Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers. www.browardcenter.org

JULY 7 CIRKOPOLIS

Adrienne Arsht Center

Maks & Val: Our Way

Cyndi Lauper

Mizner Park Amphitheater

Kravis Center for The Performing Arts

A Grammy, Emmy and Tony award winning artist with 30 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million, Cyndi Lauper has the heart and soul to keep fans compelled. Lauper recently became a New York Times Best Selling author with – Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir – and wrote the original score for the Tony award winning best musical Kinky Boots.

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Summer 2016

A heart-pumping show that dazzles all! Cirkopolis is a feast for the senses combining the worlds of circus, dance and theater, original music and video projections, 11acrobats and multidisciplinary artists!

Miami Spice is a mouth-watering restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. During August 1 – September 30, restaurants offer threecourse meals featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs at reduced prices: Lunch $23 and Dinner $39.

August

July

11 Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, the hottest stars of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, are bringing to life the show they have dreamed about since childhood, combining a narrative of their life story, with the world-class dancing, creativity and passion they are known for. www.kravis.org

1-9/30 Miami Spice

June

August-SEPTEMBER

2017 MLB All-Star Game Team Sports The City of Miami will become a firsttime host of the Midsummer Classic, when the 88th All-Star Game is played at Marlins Park on Tuesday, July 11, 2017. www.marlins.com

Ray LaMontagne: The Ouroboros Tour 2016

Fillmore Miami Beach Ray LaMontagne returns to the intimate Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Ray’s critically acclaimed Grammy award winning album God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Digital Album chart. www.fillmoremb.com

PURE SPIRIT PRISTINE NEWFOUNDLAND WATER

HERKIMER DIAMOND FILTERED

NATURALLY SMOOTH

Use your head...drink responsibly crystalheadvodka.com ©2015 Crystal Head and the Crystal Head bottle design are registered trademarks of Globeﬁll Inc. Product of Canada. Vodka distilled from grain. 40% alc./vol.

Upcoming Events

BROADWAY 2016/17 SEASON August

Broward Center FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Seal

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

JUNE 6-21,2016 October 7-9, 2016 JUNE 15-19, 2016

December 13-25 2016

Singer-songwriter and actor Seal is coming to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for a one-night only show. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

February 22-march 5, 2017 January 10-22, 2017 March 21- April 2, 2017

2016

Wine Down Wednesdays

Sorrisi Every Wednesday. All night at Sorrisi Wine Bar. Enjoy specially-priced small bites paired with fine wines.

April 25- May 7, 2017

May 19-21, 2017 JunE 13, 2017

Adrienne Arsht Center

2016

Ladies Night

Legends Lounge

Nov. 29-December 4, 2016 OCTOBER 11-16, 2016 December 27-January 1, 2017

Every Thursday beginning January 2016. Enjoy champagne specials, live entertainment and luxury brand giveaways.

MARCH 3-5, 2017

May 9-14, 2017

February 14-19, 2017 April 4-9, 2017

Opulence

Summer 2016

Events

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event@bigchefonline.com

954.965.2480 x 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF LITTLE DREAMS FOUNDATION

Opulence

Summer 2016

A Legend

Take a Look at Me Now Legendary drummer-singer Phil Collins thwarts retirement for the comeback of a lifetime By Steven Joseph

Can you feel it in the air tonight? Phil Collins is coming out of retirement! But for a man who has sold over 100 million records both as a solo artist and as a member of the group Genesis, so little is known about him. His lyrics have run the gamut from love songs and doo-wop covers to more politicized topics and social issues such as homelessness and poverty. But much of his professional and personal life has remained unknown despite his superstar status through the last four decades. In a recent press conference at the Seminole Hollywood Hard Rock Casino, Collins announced his return to music. Phil has been absent from music for several years now, having lost his ability to hold drumsticks after an undiagnosed nerve problem affecting his hands. “A couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have said I was interested in doing any more shows,” says Phil. “I just wanted to be with my family.” But at Phil’s recent performance at the Fillmore Miami in support of his Little Dreams Foundation, Phil was joined onstage by his son Nic, a drummer and member of the band What You Know. Nic sat behind the kit for several of Phil’s hits, including “In The Air Tonight,” sending the crowd into a frenzy when he played the iconic drum solo halfway through. “Now that we’re all living together, and with them encouraging me, I’m getting the feel like I might want to do something. They’re all enthusiastic about me doing some shows.”

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by the success in his adult life, Phil became one of the foremost private collectors of Alamo memorabilia, eventually donating his artifacts to the Alamo for a museum on-site. In secondary school, Phil was a member of several local bands, idolizing Beatle Ringo Starr and big band drummer Buddy Rich. His foundation strives to pair underprivileged children who are gifted in art, music, and sports with financial support and mentoring from professionals in the field. When asked if he had any mentors growing up, however, Phil cites a much less formal source, “My mom was very supportive, she bought my band a van that we could drive around in.” Phil bounced around several bands in the late 60s and early 70s before eventually landing an audition for the band Genesis. After lead singer Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975 to pursue a solo career, the band tried out several singers before letting Collins take over vocal duties. Collins’ ascent to lead vocals directly coincided with the band’s commercial success. But despite his foundation including athletic children in its scope of work, Phil never fancied himself an athlete. “I played rugby at school, but I didn’t see the magic of diving at people’s feet in the snow.” Still, Phil maintains both a strong connection both to sports and to Miami. His song, “In The Air Tonight” was used as the entrance music for the Miami Heat starting with LeBron James’ arrival here in 2012. “I spoke to (Heat in-house DJ and Little Dreams Foundation benefactor) DJ Irie the other day and they still use it,” Phil recalls with pride. “It’s been a monster as far as being used in different places. Football players warm up to it, boxers come out in to the ring to it.” Phil has always identified himself as a “drummer who does a little bit of singing,” despite his success as a solo artist, and indeed his introduction to music came via a toy drum set he was given as a young boy in west London. Playing along to the music on television and the radio, Phil began to play drums by feel, never actually learning to read music. The toy set eventually gave way to a makeshift kit and before long he was studying under masters Lloyd Ryan and Frank King. Phil also began acting in his teens, playing The Artful Dodger in a London production of Oliver. Phil also started singing as a young boy, performing “Davy Crockett” at a talent show. “I saw Disney’s ‘King of the Wild Frontier’ as a boy and something about it just resonated with me,” said Phil. Aided

In an equally exciting press release by Penguin/Random House Publishing, a “warts and all” autobiography will be released in the fall, finally giving fans the long-awaited “behind the music” access they’ve clamored for all these years. Collins’ former band Genesis spawned the successful solo careers of both Gabriel and Collins, as well as bass player Mike Rutherford’s band Mike + The Mechanics, but the band itself didn’t create a platinum-selling album until well into its second decade. With such a wealth of talent in its lineup, the mystery of the band’s delayed success will finally be solved. One thing’s for sure, Phil’s success definitely wasn’t “Against All Odds” or a “Misunderstanding.” To fans, the historic comeback of their beloved Phil Collins is what I’ve been waiting for all my life, oh Lord!

To fans, the historic comeback of their

beloved Phil Collins is what I’ve been

Playing along to the music waiting for all my on television and the radio, life, oh Lord! Phil began to play drums by feel, never actually learning to read music. 40

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O P E N S E VE N DAY S A W E E K NE W LU NC H ME NU O N S AT U R DAY S

#KUROH A RDROC K HOLLYWO O D, FL · SEMI N OLEHA RDROC K HO L LY WO O D. C O M · 9 54-58 5-53 3 3

he spread of Greek

civilization and their worship of Dionysus,

Vibrant Greek Wines with Ancient Origins By Robin Jay 42

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God of Wine, spread Dionysian cults throughout the Mediterranean during the period of 1600 BC to the year 1. Hippocrates used wine for medicinal purposes and readily prescribed it.

The origins of wine-making in Greece go back 6,500 years, and evidence suggesting wine production confirms that Greece is home to the second oldest known grape wine remnants discovered in the world. Opulence sampled Greek wine selections, with three particular recommendations ideal for summer pours: Malagousia originated in the region of Nafpaktos in western Greece. The winemaker, Ktima Gerovassiliou, was the first to begin experimenting with the nearly extinct Malagousia grape. It is an especially aromatic grape leading to elegant full-bodied wines, with medium acidity and exciting aromas of exotic fruits, citrus, jasmine and mint. “What I love about winemaking is the constant struggle and effort to accomplish the impossible, a perfect wine, fascinates me,” said Gerovassiliou. Food Pairing: Shellfish, grilled seafood, light sauced pasta dishes and fresh vegetable salads. Areti White, produced by domaine Biblia Chora on the slopes of Mount Pangeon at Kokkinochori, Kavala, is 100 percent Assyrtiko composition. It was first cultivated on the island of Santorini and maintains its acidity as it ripens. It yields a bone-dry wine with lemon blossom citrus aromas mixed with an earthy, mineral aftertaste due to the volcanic soil. “From the creation of the grape, its evolution in the vineyard, the procedure till the harvest, the harvest, the winemaking, the first wine,

bottling, all this is the love of my life,” said Vassilis Tsaktsarlis. Food Pairing: Fresh oysters, mariniere mussels, pan seared scallops, fish with lemon, olive oil and capers. Mantinia is a white wine made with a 100 percent Moschofilero varietal composition in the Mantinia appellation at the Ktima Tselepos estate in Tegea, Arcadia in the Peloponnese, which lies at an altitude of 750 meters and boasts sandy clay soil. Mantinia’s tasting notes offer exceptional freshness and lively acidity, citrus fruits and lemon flower. “When you work with wine, you have to have passion, and fantasies about the future,” said Yiannis Tselepos. “I adore the unique way my daily work intertwines with nature. Each vintage is magical.” Food Pairing: Shellfish, grilled flakey fish and summer salads.

For information on where to locate these fine Greek wines in the United States, visit cavaspiliadis.com.

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Opulence

Rise of The

Caviar Bar

ttempting to enlighten the Opulence audience about the culinary merits of caviar would be like asking Christian Dior to shorten your skirt. Yet, for newcomers to the exclusive world of caviar, you might be interested to know that sturgeon is one of the most ancient freshwater fish living today – dating back some 200 million years. It can take a female “sea dinosaur” sturgeon, depending on the species, from five to 20 years to produce the roe for caviar. It’s a daunting statistic and a cause célèbre of its exuberant price.

The Caviar Trio There are three traditional types of caviar. The scarcest is Beluga, followed by Osetra and then by Sevruga. Beluga, from the Huso huso sturgeon, is mostly found in the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest saltwater lake, adjacent to Iran and Russia. It can bring $35,000 a pound, but because Beluga caviar is critically

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Summer 2016

By Ava Roosevelt

It can take a female sturgeon five to 20 years to produce the roe for caviar. Beluga caviar (banned in the U.S. because the fish is endangered) can bring $35,000 a pound overseas.

endangered, the United States has banned its importation. Osetra and Sevruga are available in the states. The eggs range in color from almost black to light gray, with the lighter colors being the most valuable because they come from the oldest sturgeon. Caviar’s timeless culinary elegance has graced the tables of royalties and well-todo-connoisseurs for centuries, but a hot trend in South Florida — caviar bars — promises to allow the experience without the need for sporting a tux or ball gown.

Where To Go in Palm Beach On the coconut isle of Palm Beach, one of the most in-demand caviars is Black River Caviar from Uruguay. No surprise, it can be purchased at Mary Mahoney’s store of luxuries on Worth Avenue, known for its quest to offer only the best in crystal, china, silver – and, now, Black River Caviar.

Caviar Russe- Miami

“We originally imported fertilized roe into Uruguay from Russia,” said Graham C. Gaspard of Black River Caviar. “Ours is the only sturgeon facility pioneering a completely unique and sustainable process awarded a top ‘green’ rating by the Marine Conservation Institute because it emulates the surgeons’ natural habitat. The Black River is a freshwater lake that corresponds very closely to the Caspian Sea, with its slow and natural current and a ‘raceways system,’ which is a perfect simulation of the river delta and its rapids. It guarantees naturally oxygenated water, simulating the female fishes’ natural journey up the river. The continuous exercise allows them to mature in a fashion which ensures a quality akin to their wild counterparts.”

New Michelin-Star Caviar Bar in Miami Celebrated Caviar Russe, the long revered Michelin-Star caviar bar in New York and one of the largest importers of caviar in the United States, has recently opened in Miami at the Four Seasons Hotel. “We decided upon Miami because our clientele is so international (Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Russia, China), with 2nd and 3rd homes right here in Miami. To us, Miami felt right at home,” said Ilya Panchernikov, Managing Director of Caviar Russe in Miami. “Fine caviar has been historically coveted for its rarity. Flavor, texture, grain size and color are all factors that contribute to value of the most expensive gourmet food. Having complete integration of our caviar helps us control exactly what we believe to be the ‘Caviar Russe Standard.’ We are in control at every point of production. Our goal has always been quality! This has helped us achieve the recognition as the leading caviar supplier to the

gourmet industry and private clientele. Following the same principles and hiring the best people has led to our Michelin-Star restaurant.” The experts at Caviar Russe are traditionalists, but at the same time, they push the boundaries of culinary imagination with caviar. Traditional caviar service will include toast points, crepe blini, and Yukon gold potato, creme fraiche and chive. Mother-of-pearl utensils are used in order to avoid any sort of oxidizing reaction between the flavor and metal. “We offer over 15 different varieties of caviar, and this can be intimidating,” said Panchernikov. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Our staff will educate you on all facets of the caviar world from taste, texture and portion size for any event you want to host. The single most important tip is to always purchase caviar from a reputable dealer.” Opulence asked Panchernikov to recommend her favorite “must-try” dishes that one should taste on their inaugural visit to Caviar Russe. “There are so many to choose from but here are my top favorites: Bluefin Toro tartare with Osetra Caviar; Uni with Dashi Gelee and Osetra Caviar (also a NY classic); Hamachi with hearts of palm and smoked spices; Agave Soy Black Cod with Watermelon Radish; and lastly a signature of Caviar Russe Miami: Caviar Caesar Salad, handsdown amazing!”

Summer 2016

Opulence

Food Tr ek kin g by Kelly Villasuso

Six Sumptuous Experiences to Spice Up Your Travels

t takes more than just an inspiring destination to get 51 million American leisure travelers to pack a suitcase, according to the World Food Travel Association — the leading authority on food and drink tourism. It takes the prospect of sensoryenriching, knowledge-enhancing food and drink experiences at — or in the vicinity of — said inspiring destination. In the world of food and drink travel, it is no longer simply about “location, location, location”; it just begins there.

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A glut of delicious gastronomic experiences are at-the-ready for the adventurous and discerning food trekker — from conventional to gourmet or exotic; from pre-planned to fully customizable — regardless of longitude. The world is (somewhat overwhelmingly) your proverbial oyster, so Opulence handpicked six sumptuous experiences to spice up your travels.

Plaza de Armas de Lima, Perú

Eight-Day Peruvian National-Treasure Trek Peruvian cuisine has been gaining international popularity since the early 2000s, fueling culinary tourism to Perú among both food trekkers and renowned chefs. Indulge in the bountiful, indigenous ingredients of some of the country’s national treasures: ceviche, Seafood ceviche, a national dish Pachamanca from the Andean pisco, and pachamanca. Traverse Perú on an eight-day, tried-and- of Perú region consists of meats, including guinea pig, potato, corn and true luxury trek through Lima, Pisco, Paracas, Cachiccata, and Cusco broad beans with Taste Vacations. Savor the artistry of global culinary masters and local artisans while immersing yourself in the culture and land- See “April in Paris Perú” on page 74 to experience a more custommarks of the “land of abundance.” ized approach to touring the coastal region of Perú, including Lima Learn more: www.tastevacations.com/peru-food and Paracas.

Valley in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Rainforest–Sensuous Sojourn Your senses — and your intellect — will be heightened with a half-day sojourn at Villa Vanilla Plantation in the Central Pacific rainforest east of Quepos, Costa Rica. Engage in sensory therapy as you smell, taste, and touch some of the world’s most intoxicating and expensive flavors: vanilla, true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, allspice, turmeric, and black pepper. A meandering tour of the organically farmed plantation, led by manager Henry Karczynski, is as stimulating to the mind as it is to the

Vanilla bean plant

Tumeric is a spice and antioxidant that supports your body’s immune system

senses, bested only by the in-house pastry chef’s epicurean delights in the “Flavors of the World” tasting. Learn more: www.rainforestspices.com Summer 2016

Opulence

Historic parliament building in the city center of Victoria, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

A Gourmet Foray into Canada’s “Garden City,” Victoria If Canada does not come to mind when seeking out gastronomic adventures, you should think again — particularly about Victoria, capital of British Columbia. At the southern end of Vancouver Island, Victoria is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, making it a rich cultural experience and a melting pot of flavors for culinary explorers. Unravel the intricacies of local traditions and dishes, taste the accomplishments of top artisans-of-fare, and reveal the viticulturist in you at some of Vancouver Island’s

Salmon from British Columbia

Afternoon tea at the Butchart Gardens

wineries with Edible Destinations by Epitourean. Under their tutelage, the culinary treats and cultural riches of the Garden City will have you singing “Oh Canada”! Learn more: www.epitourean.com/master/607/Grand-Victoria Culinary-Retreat

Grand Canyon National Park

Canyons, Cowboys, and Kickin’ Cuisine in the Wild West

Prepping chilies in Arizona

Neither pup tents nor pop-up trailers are necessary for this adventure into America’s “wild west.” All you need is Black Tomato’s itinerary in hand and your wanderlust to experience the jaw-dropping grandeur of the Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Sedona, and Tucson. From a private picnic inside the canyon and a romantic dinner overlooking it at historic El Tovar, and a fish-for-your-lunch 48

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Grilled chicken breast spiced with chili peppers and rosemary

expedition on the lake followed by a peaceful stay at a desert retreat; to a private barbecue under the stars at a real dude ranch, your inner gastro-cowboy (or girl) will surely be delighted. Yeehaw! Learn more: www.blacktomato.com/destinations/usa/canyons-andcowboys-in-the-wild-wild-west

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall in Mumbai, India

A Life-Changing Journey through India, One Exotic Taste at a Time Craving something more exotic … more immersive? Epicurious Travels will lead you on a 14-day, well-appointed journey through India, fulfilling your every desire. The journey will balance the heady, bustling thrill of Delhi and Mumbai, with the slightly less intense yet equally enticing cities of Lucknow, Agra, Rajasthan, Jaipur, Ranthambore, and Shahpura Bagh. Your thirst for distinct flavors, smells, and sights will be sated as you indulge on korma and kababs in Lucknow, scrumptious home cooking during your luxury homestay in Shahpura Bagh, a delicious lassi in Jaipur, and

Indian, Rajasthani, Gujarati Curd Curry in a copper bowl

Indian colored spices at local market

a picnic en route to Ranthambore, to name a few delights. A true highlight: lodging at Aman-i-Khas safari camp on the edge of Ranthambore National. Learn more: www.epicurioustravels.com.au/journeys/tasting-indiawith-christine-manfield

Railay beach in Krabi, Thailand

An 11-Day Discovery: Culinary Traditions and Ingenuity in the Land of Smiles With a history dating back 40,000 years, Thailand — the Land of Smiles — has had plenty of time to perfect its culinary traditions. North, south, east, or west, you will experience the mastery such a rich history creates in both its diverse Thai cuisines and in its architectural grandeurs. Your journey, with the guidance of Zicasso, will allow you to experience special tasting and cooking classes, shop in the local market with an acclaimed chef, learn to cook — and sample — Royal Thai Cuisine, tour a

Royal Thai Cuisine

Fish curry

cashew nut factory, and dine in some of the country’s most luxurious and, at times, ingenious restaurants, such as three-Michelin-star Alzamendi at Iniala. Your unforgettable passage through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khum Lanna, and Phuket will leave you with a grateful palate and, of course, a smile. Learn more: www.zicasso.com/luxury-vacation-thailand-tours/tastethailand-culinary-tour Summer 2016

Opulence

dishing with the James Beard Foundation President

“what’s for dinner?” By Susan Ungaro restaurateurs, and others, feasted on some delicious bites from James Beard Award winners from previous years. The dishes were inspired by—what else—their favorite television food moments, and included Aaron Franklin’s barbecued brisket inspired by The Flintstones, Naomi Pomeroy’s Pork Meatloaf with Caramelized Pineapple Gastrique inspired by Sam the Butcher of The Brady Bunch, and Jonathon Sawyer’s Wild Ohio Game Crépinette inspired by Daryl Dixon of The Walking Dead.

Speaking of our Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, we are also especially proud of our newest cookbook, James Beard’s All-American Eats: Recipes and Stories from Our Best-Loved Local Restaurants. With 75 great recipes, it’s hard to choose one for you to try but since Chicago was home to our James Beard Awards for the second year now, I thought we’d share the recipe of Lemon Chicken from America’s Classics Award-winning restaurant Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap. It’s a favorite of mine.

Susan Ungaro

“

What’s on TV tonight?” and “What’s for dinner?” are probably the most frequently repeated questions many of us ask ourselves every day.

As we mark the 30th anniversary of our Foundation, we can’t help but think of the role television has played in fostering our love for food, especially since James Beard himself was one of America’s first food television stars. His pioneering 1946 show, I Love to Eat, paved the way for all the chefs and personalities who have been teaching America how to cook on TV ever since. Of course, sitcoms and dramas also whet our appetites, with food playing silly and sentimental roles in the on-screen lives of our favorite characters. That’s why this year’s James Beard Awards celebrated the role of food throughout television history. Chef Carla Hall was our host this year at Lyric Opera in Chicago for an exciting evening that celebrated the best of the best in our food world. Some of the night’s big winners were Outstanding Chef winner Suzanne Goin of Luques in Los Angeles, Outstanding Restaurant winner Alinea in Chicago, Best New Restaurant Shaya in New Orleans, and Rising Star Chef of the Year winner Daniela Soto-Innes of NYC’s Cosme. After all the awards were announced, attendees, including chefs, food writers,

South Florida OPULENCE

Summer 2016

James Beard’s All-American Eats: Recipes and Stories from Our BestLoved Local Restaurants is available wherever fine books are sold, and on our website at jamesbeard.org/cookbook.

Lemon Chicken Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, Chicago 1 small (3-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces 4 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt Serves 4 to 6

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup olive oil 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 lemon, cut in half

• Preheat the broiler to high. Place the rack 3 to 4 inches from the heat source. • Pat the chicken pieces dry and put them in a medium bowl. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper and toss to combine. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down in a broiler pan and drizzle with the olive oil and vegetable oil. Squeeze the juice from both lemon halves over the chicken. Place the lemon halves in the pan with the chicken. • Put the pan under the broiler and cook the chicken on one side for 20 to 25 minutes. Turn the pieces over and cook until the other side is golden and crisp, about 10 minutes. Do not overcook. Discard the lemon halves. Transfer the chicken to a platter and top with sauce from the broiler pan.

BARCELONIAN GASTRONOMY AT ITS BEST

Klima Restaurant and Bar's progressive culinary concept is inspired by contemporary gastronomy in Spain.

BY ROBIN JAY

Owners Yago Giner (left) and Pablo Fernández-Valdés

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Summer 2016

f this is the largest close-up photo of fresh tuna you’ve ever seen in your life, then mission accomplished – to prove that a picture is indeed worth 1,000 words and that the “Tuna Crudo” dish at Klima is the freshest I’ve ever savored. Ever.

Holy smokes. The dining experience at Klima was, with certainty, one of the finest my husband and I have ever had. Each dish was more flavorful than the next – using the freshest local ingredients, spices, simple yet unique recipes – served in a modern, welcoming, art-filled ambience, with sincere, exceptional service – from the son of one of the founding owners no less. It was as if we were being served at someone’s home.

The Culinary Vision Klima delivers an eclectic menu of seasonal fish, seafood, meats and pasta dishes conceived using a contemporary approach to western Mediterranean cuisine. It’s the impressive culinary vision that exemplifies the Barcelonian roots of founder Pablo FernándezValdés and Yago Giner. Besides the Tuna Toast, some of my favorites from Klima’s tapas and raw bar include 5 Jotas Iberian Ham, and “Josper“ Spanish Octopus. Josper refers to the Josper Oven – a unique charcoal filled oven from Spain that is especially created to grill meats evenly and with a perfect tenderness, resulting in a taste similar to that of an outdoor barbecue. It is only one of two currently being used in South Florida.

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When visiting, do be sure to try the Fennel Carpaccio salad (the curly greens were so unique I was compelled to ask the chef how he cut them – I’m not going to ruin the surprise here…you must go for yourself and find out). And don’t miss the Kumamoto Oysters garnished with ceviche/ponzu sauce and salmon roe. The Idiazabal Cheese Ravioli, a new signature dish, was tender and decadent, yet not too heavy. The Pluma Ibérica melted in my mouth. Our culinary journey didn’t end there. The resident pastry chef whipped up some amazing confections, including the Nutella Brownie, Torrija caramelized brioche with Greek Yogurt ice cream, and Passion Fruit Crema. Our meal was completed with a regional Spanish cheese board (considered the only cheese selection of its kind in Miami) that included Manchego, La Peral Blue, Payoyo and Idiazabal selections. For an after-dinner cocktail, visit the outdoor pérgola (veranda), which offers a subtropical oasis of foliage, potted plants and soft lighting, creating a harmonious contrast between the indoor and outdoor seating areas. It’s a nice way to wind down after the elaborate meal. Klima Restaurant and Bar is located at 210 23rd Street, Miami Beach.

Photo top: KLIMA roast beef Photo bottom: Fennel Carpaccio Photo right: Klima interior/exterior

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Summer 2016

White fish ceviche

PLANKTON – SPICE OF THE SEA FROM SPAIN – IS THE LATEST DELICACY AT KLIMA

Plankton is a microscopic “Spice of the Sea” used by only a select few of today’s most creative chefs as a way to embellish the flavor of the ocean in a variety of seafood dishes. Phytoplankton comes as a freeze-dried green powder from an aquaculture farm in Spain. Just a tiny pinch brings a burst of ocean aroma. Klima uses phytoplankton as an ingredient to cook its Sea Bass, Hamachi (yellow tail) Tiradito and Clam dishes. When cooking the Sea Bass, the fish is marinated with the phytoplankton (mixed with oil and water) for six hours before being

Clams with plankton

placed in to a vacuum-sealed bag. It is then boiled in water at no more than 62 degrees for 20 minutes using the “Sous Vide” cooking technique traditionally adopted in Spain – using low temperatures. The Sea Bass is then put in to the oven for one minute and removed before an additional coating of the phytoplankton mix is brushed on to give it a shiny glaze. For the Hamachi and Clam dishes, the phytoplankton ingredient is added to the plates as a final garnish to bring out a bold and distinctive ocean flavor.

Hamachi with plankton

Sea Bass with plankton Summer 2016

Opulence

KHOFFNER’S “Made-In-Exile”Beer

Rauf Khoffner, exiled from Turkey, brings his family's historic German beer recipes to a new brewery in Florida By Cara & Ryan Jay

Recently exiled from his Turkish home for not transforming his brewery into a yogurt factory, Rauf Khoffner was raised with a family-instilled passion for beer making. Now he’s drafting up impressive flights of old-world-recipe German pilsners and helles bocks, as well as some specialty brews – right here in Fort Lauderdale.

“I remember spending my childhood in the brewery, playing hide and seek amongst the big oak barrels with friends,” Rauf said. “I helped my father and the brewery staff with everything I could, from unloading the grain trucks and milling the grain to washing the equipment. I was fascinated with every aspect of making beer.

The Intriguing Story

“As a teenager, I read every book I could get about beer, and I still wanted to learn more. I realized it was my calling, but I also wanted to receive a formal education. My father reminded me that I was receiving the best education learning from him the same way he had learned from his father who started brewing beers in 1915. It’s in my blood.

Rauf Khoffner was raised in Antalya, a small Turkish town on the Mediterranean Sea, where he spent his youth getting an expert’s education in all-things-beer from his father and grandfather. Rauf’s beer-making heritage dates back to the early 1900s when his grandfather was a brewer in a small town outside of Munich, Germany. In the 1930s, with the rise of Hitler’s regime, Rauf’s grandfather moved his family from the unsafe turmoil in Germany and continued to perfect his love of brewing in Turkey. There, he passed down his knowledge of the craft to his son and grandson.

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“Beer is one of the world’s oldest beverages. You can’t brew it without knowing the science of beer. I read a lot of books about microbiology and, for a few hours each week during our family picnics, my father would quiz me on the subject.”

Rauf, the BusinessMinded Son Unlike his family members who had always worked for large beer manufacturers, Rauf yearned to open his very own brewery. “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, and I wanted to establish my own brewery to honor my grandfather Karl Hoffner. And so I opened the Khoffner Brewery. We were the only craft brewery in Turkey offering high-quality and traditional beers. Our beers were very popular with tourists and community members. My mother was positive, but my father was skeptical at first. He was a very loyal employee and he didn’t understand why I would want to risk everything without knowing the outcome.” In Antalya, Khoffner Brewery grew into a tremendous success. But in recent years, with the Turkish government insisting today’s generation needn’t be in the business of making beer, Rauf was faced with an ulti-

matum: Use your beer vats to make yogurt or leave. He was mandated to discontinue brewing in 2013 when his license was revoked. The original Khoffner locations still operate today, but only as bars, serving up imported beers. But that didn’t stop Rauf’s determination to continue making his own brews.

The Move to Florida

Khoffner’s is number three in the growing brewery scene in the area. But Khoffner‘s is unlike any brewery this side of the Atlantic. Rauf’s flavor profiles mirror those of the traditional brews in Germany, or London, or wherever their origin may be, and he’s hitting the mark every time. “The German Beer Purity Law is the name for a series of regulations in Germany limiting the ingredients in the production of beer to only water, barley, hops and, of course, yeast. I feel it’s my responsibility to honor my family’s tradition of using this law

Rauf Khoffner, brewmaster at Khoffner Brewery in Fort Lauderdale, proudly displays his craft beer selection. for my German recipes, such as our pilsner and helles bock. But when I’m not brewing traditional German beers [like our oatmeal coffee stout], I remain true to my German roots of producing balanced, smooth and drinkable beers with only authentic and high-quality ingredients. I also like to replicate water columns from around the world to give my beers an authentic flavor and stay true to the beer’s origin, using and reviving recipes dating back more than 100 years.” Khoffner Brewery in Fort Lauderdale has only been opened a few months, but the response has been tremendous. Every even-

ing his pub space is packed as guests enjoy Rauf’s beers and watching him through plate glass as he scurries around the brewery taking care of his brewmaster duties. StarChefs recently awarded Khoffner’s as a rising star in South Florida. The beers are available from Delray to the Keys. Or, enjoy them at the Khoffner Brewery, 1110 NE 8th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. On Sundays, the brewery hosts potlucks, at which they grill traditional German sausages and guests bring dishes to share. Come and share a toast with Rauf himself. For details, visit www. http://khoffner.us or call (754) 701-8851.

After teaming with longtime friend and a local Florida lawyer/entrepreneur, Evan Kagan, Rauf knew it was destiny to open his next Khoffner’s in Fort Lauderdale. “My family and I enjoy living in South Florida. I am very thankful that I’m able to continue pursuing my passion here in the United States,” Rauf said.

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IZZY’S: IT’S ABOUT SHUCKING TIME! By Gina Woods

The only New England-inspired concept restaurant in South Beach, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster – by esteemed chef/restaurateur Jamies Derosa – is now open at 423 Washington Avenue. “We wanted to bring a taste of New England to Miami,” said Derosa. “My wife, Amy, is from Rhode Island where seafood is a part of everyday life. We treat our guests with fresh oysters from New England, lobster from Maine (don’t miss our lobster rolls!), steamers from Rhode Island and, of course, an amazing clam chowda,’ thin, light but very flavorful.”

Oyster Bar Dreams Izzy’s Fish & Oyster is the namesake of Derosa’s young daughter Isabela. When she was 6 weeks old, the family drove from Florida up the coast to New England – a trip that inspired their dream to open an oyster bar in Miami Beach. “I want our guests to feel as if they’re transported to the Cape or Vineyard for the summer,” said Derosa. “When you walk in, you shouldn’t feel as if you’re in Miami Beach, but instead like you’re visiting your favorite lobster shack or oyster bar from a more simple time period in Nantucket.” Does little Izzy like to eat at Izzy’s? You betcha. “She loves the whoopie pies,” Derosa said.”Izzy has many food allergies – peanuts, soy, dairy; so she loves ceviche, vegetables, shrimp and chicken nuggets that we prepare allergy friendly. We enjoy having children and families here. We even bring Izzy’s old coloring books, crayons, markers and Play-Doh so everyone feels right at home.”

Izzy's Bloody Mary “I can personally attest to that,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief of Opulence. “We brought our family to Izzy’s to celebrate my husband’s birthday. Our 9-year-old son had so much fun dressing his oysters with marinades that he asked if he could have more for dessert – and whether he, too, could have his next birthday party here. That says volumes!” The menu design at Izzy’s is a culmination of Chef de Cuisine, William Crandall and Derosa. Together, they spent months on research, testing and traveling through Boston and Maine for inspiration. “During one of our trips through Maine, we fell in love with the Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. They had an amazing rhubarb pie, and since we’re familiar with strawberry season in Miami, we had to have this as part of our menu. It’s a simple pie, with fresh pie dough, beautiful Florida strawberries and softly whipped cream.” “Don’t let the simple description fool you,” said Jay. “The whimsical-looking homemade miniature pies were decadently prepared with fresh, tiny wild strawberries and the flakiest of pastry crusts – phenomenal.”

The New England Look The petit, airy 40-seat interior space welcomes with grey stone-tiled floors, antique tin and reclaimed wood ceilings, metal mesh suggestive of lobster traps, plush leather banquettes and even fish-shaped ceramic water pitchers that gurgle to surprise guests when servers pour their drinking water. Two oversized windows illuminate the sweeping mural by Claudio Picasso featuring an octopus that drifts across the white-washed brick walls. A gleaming raw bar harboring the fresh catches of the day also echoes the sounds of oysters being shucked and prepared in that moment. If you haven’t yet visited Izzy’s, it’s about ‘shucking time’ that you stop by! 58

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TRAYMORE— Tre delicieux!

A celebration of fresh seafood at the historic luxe Metropolitan Hotel in South Beach By Gina Woods

The Traymore Restaurant and Bar at Metropolitan by COMO, re-imagined by Italian designer Paola Navone, sets the standard for sophisticated, approachable dining in South Florida South Florida with Executive Chef Juan Loaisiga. Located at 2445 Collins Avenue, The Traymore occupies an authentic pre-war Art Deco building, originally designed in 1939 by celebrated American-born architect, Albert Anis. Originally named The Traymore hotel, The Miami Design Preservation League listed it as an historic landmark after it served as a hospital during the Second World War. The Traymore offers American seafood showcasing seasonal dishes freshly harvested from local Florida waters. Signature dishes include Grilled Jumbo Octopus, Fragrant Seafood Stew and Whole Roasted Market Fish. “This is a hidden gem for those in-the-know,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief of Opulence. “The seafood platter offers oysters, clams, mussels, ceviche and lobster on a silver tureen of shaved ice. The yellowtail snapper with caper sauce was superb. For dessert, try the orange chocolate texture – once awarded best dessert in South Beach. It’s delightful with a glass of Hungarian Royal Tokaji.”

Grilled Jumbo Octopus

For reservations, call 305-695-3600. Photos left to right: Orange chocolate texture; Seared spicy salmon; Seared prawns with organic carrot and baby bean salad

A TOAST TO MIAMI'S

ONLY GIN BAR!

The Traymore Gin Bar offers a unique gin cocktail menu of innovative creations carefully crafted using a combination from the bar’s eclectic collection of more than 40 domestic and international brands from around the world. The signature cocktail menu includes:  “ Traymore 1939” (Noilet’s Gin, Rosemary Syrup, Orange Curacao, Grapefruit, Pomegranate)  “Singapore Sling” (Miami Style) (Gordon’s Gin, Benedictine, Cointreau, Cherry, Pineapple) “Blood Orange Beluga” (Beluga Vodka, Aperol, Orange, Orange Bitters) “Sleeping Volcano” (Jose Cuervo Tequila, Habanero, Syrup, Lime, Cucumber, Canton, Cilantro)  “Caipirinha by COMO.”

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When in New York This Summer

SPiN with SARANDON in THE FLATIRON DistricT

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By Alex Starace

Is this the new ping-pong? Susan Sarandon thinks so. Inspired by attending private pingpong parties in Tribeca lofts, she opened SPiN, a ping-pong social club in New York’s Flatiron District in 2009. The idea: create an inviting place for people to relax, have fun and bond over a cocktail and a game that’s surprisingly addictive. Sarandon’s SPiN franchise takes care of the problems most would have hosting a ping-pong soirée at home. There’s plenty of space for playing and lounging, and no one has to chase down errant shots. Instead, under-the-radar staff members breeze past, picking up balls rattling around the floor with a special hopper, while players can just grab another ball out of the always-full baskets by the courts. Attendees don’t have to play ping-pong to enjoy the club, but if they do play, they don’t feel like the party’s crowding in on their game. Cheers to Susan Sarandon for putting a new “SPiN” on ping-pong!

Nosh with Conant IN NoMad by Adriana Villasuso

s a Food Network junkie and a big Scott Conant fan, in particular, I was really excited (possibly excessively so) when I learned he was launching his first new venture, Impero Caffè … and even more so that I would get to dine in one of its 73 coveted seats. Impero is Conant’s first new restaurant stateside since leaving Scarpetta and, based on what I was blessed to taste, his empire (Impero) is not just striking back, it is taking prisoners. Located in New York City’s NoMad neighborhood in the INNSIDE New York NoMad Hotel development, Impero was a welcome respite from the busy streets outside. The high ceilings gave the place an airy feel and right away made me feel like I could take my time — not a feeling you get often in Manhattan, but one that worked really well with the soulful Italian cuisine and the refined hospitality. From my first bite of Burrata & Salsa Verde with its vibrant colors and mad flavor, straight

through to the luscious Salted Caramel & Gianduja Crumble Budino, I wanted for nothing … but more! Throw in the melt-in-yourmouth Roasted Chicken in a decadent rich fegato sauce, the cut-it-with-a-fork Braised Short Rib with spaetzle, and the not-to-bemissed Conant-classic Pasta al Pomodoro with his signature ragu, Impero Caffè is sure to have a cultlike following. If the food does not lull you into a state of bliss, the twinkling lights from the candles set throughout the space just might … so start trying now to secure your dinner reservation. Don’t get me wrong, though, lunching on the Impero Burger or Porchetta Sandwich will surely give you that “Oh thank goodness he is back” feeling too. Impero Caffè 132 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001 917.409.5171 www.imperorestaurants.com

Braised Short Rib with spaetzle and baby vegetables Pasta al Pomodoro with chef’s signature ragu

Burrata & Salsa Verde with fava beans and peas

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Homage to Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pioneering Cookware Shopkeeper:

Chuck Williams By Jana Soeldner Danger

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A heartfelt look at how centenarian Chuck Williams, founder of WilliamsSonoma, changed the face of American home cooking forever.

ames West will never forget the first time he walked into the Williams-Sonoma store in San Francisco during the early 1970s. He was stunned by its perfect simplicity. A placemat, napkin and flatware made up the minimalist setting for a clean-lined butcher-block table. Artfully placed French decanters and classic Virginia glassware suggested a fresh, creative way of entertaining at home. “I had never seen anything like it before,” he said. “It was unique. It represented a whole new sort of lifestyle.” Soon after, West became a close friend of owner Chuck Williams, founder of WilliamsSonoma, the company that transformed the way America cooks. At a time when most Americans stocked their kitchens with Pyrex and aluminum and few knew the difference between pans for soufflé and quiche, Williams introduced them to high quality French porcelain, tin lined copper cookware that he discovered on annual trips to Europe. He chose tools, utensils and tableware found in French restaurants and bistros rather than home kitchens, brought them back to his California shop and taught people how to use them. Home cooks who walked past the store’s enchanting window displays could rarely resist going inside. “It was a new style of dining and entertaining at home,” West said. “It intrigued a lot of people.” Williams used merchandising techniques ahead of their time. “Chuck was very particular about how he displayed things in his store,” said Pat Connolly, who joined the company thirty-seven years ago and became a close

friend of Williams and now serves as Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer. “Chuck was the most creative and disciplined merchant that I have ever met. Williams-Sonoma was defined by what Chuck selected, but also by what he didn’t sell. Many have tried to copy WilliamsSonoma over the years, quickly trying to offer what they saw new in the stores or catalogs, but they never took the time to think ‘what isn’t Williams-Sonoma offering that we are’. Chuck’s discipline of what not to sell was a hallmark of his genius.”

Talent, Creativity, Discipline The story of Chuck Williams is one of talent, creativity and discipline. Born in 1915 in Jacksonville, Florida, Williams learned to cook from his grandmother. When the Great Depression hit and his father’s business failed, the family moved to California. World War II came along and Williams volunteered as an airplane mechanic. After the war, he became a residential building contractor, a far cry from his later success in the culinary world. His love affair with French cookware began on his first trip to Paris in May 1953. He immediately became enchanted with the City of Light – and its cuisine. On his first morning, he purchased some croissants, the first he had ever tasted, at a small bakery and ate them at a sidewalk table in the spring sunshine. He quickly discovered the Les Halles food market and E. Dehillerin, a huge store that carried a vast array of mysterious cooking tools used in French restaurants. Always curious, he would visit the kitchens of small bistros where he ate, watching how chefs used the unfamiliar utensils.

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“Chuck was always thinking about the customer and the customer’s experience. It’s the most authentic thing about Chuck and what set him apart,” Jean Armstrong, VP of Brand Marketing. Jean has been with the brand for 30 years and was a close friend of Chuck.

Starting with Hardware In the mid 1950s, Williams bought a hardware store in Sonoma, but he quickly became bored with nuts, bolts and tools and began converting his inventory to cookware. To make his shop stand out, he installed an eye-catching décor featuring yellow walls, black and white flooring and glossy white shelving. It opened as Williams-Sonoma in 1956. It wasn’t long before customers who lived in San Francisco began urging him to move his shop to their city, and in the spring of 1958, he found a building there. He decorated the new shop with the same yellow walls and white shelving as the Sonoma shop, but chose to use all black flooring so he could avoid the constant cleaning required by white tiles. Then in June, shortly before the store was to open, Williams was struck by the plague of the 1950s: polio. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer any paralysis and recuperated over the summer. Ready to get back to work at last, he finished stocking the store and finally opened it. About a year later, 20-year-old Wade Bentson came in looking for a job. “I had an interest in cooking and also in retail and merchandising,” he said. “I was an easy fit for the business.” Bentson became Williams’ first employee, and before long he began accompanying his employer on buying trips to Europe. “It was like a treasure hunt,” he remembered. “There was so much to find. And when we found something, it was totally exciting.”

Effortless Cook For years, Bentson shared Sunday dinner with his employer and friend. “I loved watching him cook and serve a meal,” he recalled. “He made it seem effortless, but it was always perfect and always delicious.” Connolly recalled that Williams preferred simple recipes. “He wanted people to be able to make them at home, and he wanted people to be confident in their own kitchens.”

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Williams loved to entertain, and hosted culinary legends like Julia Child and James Beard at his table. They became his close friends. During the Christmas season, James Beard would come in to tend shop and greet customers at Williams-Sonoma because Chuck was busy in the basement, beautifully gift-wrapping hundreds of customer parcels with such meticulous folds that he didn’t need tape. In 1972, Williams-Sonoma put out its first catalog. It was an instant success. “Chuck wanted it to show end results,” Connolly recalled. “You couldn’t just show a French Bundt pan; you also had to show the cake it produced and include a simple recipe for readers. He felt that if home cooks had the right equipment, they would get good results.” That same year, Williams-Sonoma incorporated and opened additional locations in Beverly Hills, Palo Alto and Costa Mesa. In 1978, Williams sold the majority interest in his company, but remained extremely active in it. “He was there 24/7 and he still did all the merchandising for the catalog,” Bentson said.

Cookbooks The company published its first cookbook in 1986, and through the end of 2015, tens of millions of copies have been printed representing over 200 titles. Until the past few years, Chuck served as editor for all of them. During the course of his long life – Williams died last year a few months after his 100th birthday – he received many honors, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the James Beard Foundation and induction into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame. But it was his personality that people loved most. “He was a very caring person,” Bentson said. “He was very generous, and the most faithful of friends. And he loved Williams-Sonoma.” “His legacy lives on today in the hearts and minds of all our associates,” said Williams-Sonoma brand president Janet Hayes. “We’re committed to honoring Chuck’s values, which have always set this company apart.”

Coffee AND CHOCOLATE with a side of VOLCANO IN NICARAGUA By Stephanie Bonilla

Have you ever looked down at your cup o’ Joe and wondered how this magical elixir was created? Or have you pondered how cocoa beans get transformed into chocolate? Well, if you travel to Nicaragua you can definitely learn how—you’ll just have to hike up a volcano to find out.

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Volcano Sledding in Nicaragua: A Thrill Like No Other

Imagine hiking up an active volcano with a wooden board strapped to your back as you ascend over 2,000 ft. of loose rock. Doesn’t sound like much fun. But what if after reaching the top of the black mountain, you were able to sit on that little piece of plywood and race down one of Earth’s most spectacular formations at speeds reaching up to 60 mph? Well, that changes everything.

the need for speed Cerro Negro, a newborn in geological terms, is located in Leon, Nicaragua, and is the youngest volcano in all of Central America. Its 23 eruptions have paved the ideal terrain for volcano boarding, which has been around for more than a decade thanks to creator Daryn Webb whose first descent down the soot-colored mountain was on a mini fridge from a hotel bar, then a mattress and later, a front door. Though it appears that none of those vessels proved sturdy enough for his high-velocity plummets, Webb fearlessly persisted until finding the best mode of transportation for his wild pastime: a wooden board with a metallic sheet underneath it. Since then, thousands of adrenaline junkies have traveled to Nicaragua to fulfill the ultimate dream of replacing water and snow with basalt—the latter less forgiving if you fall. And the fact that Nicaragua is the only place in the world where adventurers can hike up an active volcano only to valiantly plunge down its sultry, steep slope gives this emerging sport an exclusivity incomparable to any other. So much so that CNN ranked volcano boarding number two on its “50 fun but terrifying experiences” list, losing out to being a jet fighter pilot for a day.

Photography on this page by Ben adkison

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conquering the black hill Should the intense hike, exhilarating ride down or bragging rights be insufficient for you to risk the possibility of your perfectly tanned face having an abrasive encounter with igneous rock, the dreamy views awaiting you at the “launch zone” of the ridge might. From the top of The Black Hill you’ll be able to see the beautiful city of Leon, bordering the glimmering Pacific. Moreover, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stare directly into an active volcano’s crater while touching the blistering bedrock beneath your feet – although the right to boast will likely be enough.

Coffee with a side of volcano Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is home to Mombacho, one of Nicaragua’s most popular basaltic pyramids. Located only 10 km from the country’s famous colonial city of Granada and at 1344 meters in height, it’s home to several exotic animals, plants and coffee plantations. Café Las Flores is one of Nicaragua’s finest coffee companies. Its plantation, Hacienda El Progreso, is located on the slopes of the majestic Mombacho, making it one of the premiere eco-tourist destinations. If you’re up for a hike and aren’t afraid of Nicaragua’s relentless heat, the coffee tour of the hacienda will give you an unforgettable hands-on experience. During the two-hour tour, your tour guide will teach you the history of Nicaragua’s coffee industry. Beginning with roaming around rows of trees that showcase the cherries that are handpicked and later turned into the caffeinated beverage, participants of the tour are taught how to process, dry, roast and brew the magical beans. Besides seeing the labor that goes into making a good cup of coffee, the tour highlights their company’s nature-friendly agricultural practices and how that in turn positively impacts the local community. If you have extra time, you can enjoy a delicious lunch right on the plantation, which offers authentic Nicaraguan cuisine. For dessert you can cool off and re-energize by ordering a FLOR DE CAÑA RUM INFUSED GOURMET iced coffee, one of the company’s most popular signature blends. And if that first sip of coffee gave you a much-needed energy boost, you can opt to continue up the volcano up until you reach the famous Cloud Forest and thank the coffee Gods for your cafecito from the clouds.

Spa treatments with a side of chocolate For any chocolate lover, a chocolate themed hotel is something out of dreams. Luckily for them, Granada, Nicaragua, has made their dreams a reality. Mansion de Chocolate is a boutique hotel housed in the largest surviving colonial mansion of Granada, located smack in the center of the city. Some of the perks of staying there include a 60-foot swimming pool, five beautiful gardens and, most importantly, a chocolate museum and spa. The ChocoMuseo allows chocolate fiends to learn the history of cocoa while crafting their very own chocolate drinks and chocolate bars—all from scratch. Should drinking chocolate not be enough, chocoholics can overdose on cocoa by indulging in chocolate spa treatments. A choco facial promises a smooth face through the use of cacao-based formulas, while a choco mani/pedi allows you to literally have chocolate at your fingertips. Whatever your preference is, you can almost guarantee you’ll be sugared out when you’re done with your stay. This is proof that despite its appearance of having so little, Nicaragua offers so much.

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T ransyl v ania A breathtaking railroad journey to the Romanian principality of Transylvania By Jana Soeldner Danger

travel adventure by train can be a magical experience. Although many Americans think of railways as transportation for those who can’t afford to fly, the train actually has a number of advantages. And many Europeans consider trains to be the best way to travel.

Why? You don’t need a reservation, so you can arrive at the station just before the train leaves and buy your ticket then. Before you board, there are no lengthy check-in procedures or security screenings. No worries about the weight or number of suitcases, either. And on most European trains, you can bring your own wine or beer. Then, instead of landing at an airport far outside the city you are visiting and needing to catch a cab or rent a car, the train will often take you straight into the middle of town. Convinced? Then all aboard! Settle back into your comfortable seat while the engine begins to chug, wheels start to turn on the track and the whistle wails. Let’s take a journey to the Romanian principality of Transylvania, an area that many Americans may not think about when deciding to visit Europe. Yet it offers breathtaking scenery, fascinating historical sites, theaters and museums. And, of course, it is home to the Dracula legend.

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R A I L T O U R

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Sibiu The train is slowing at the station in Sibiu, one of the most important cultural centers and most visited areas in Romania. Start in Upper Town, an area organized around three city squares. It is the site of many points of interest, including the Brukenthal Palace, one of the most important baroque monuments in the country; the Council Tower, a fortification from the 13th century; the Jesuit Church; and Liar’s Bridge, the first Romanian bridge to be cast in iron. Two- and three-story houses sport tall attics with tiny windows known as the eyes of the city. Leading to Lower Town is the Passage of Stairs, one of the most picturesque of several routes linking Sibiu’s two areas.

Streets here are long and wide by medieval standards, but architecture is rustic. Lower Town was developed around the city’s earliest fortifications, but most were lost during the 19th century so today, only four towers still exist. Lower Town also has the city’s oldest church, dating back to 1292. Before leaving Sibiu, catch a play at one of its live theaters. Kids will love the Gong, which specializes in puppetry and mime. For adults, there’s the Radu Stanca National Theatre, which dates back to 1787 and attracts some of the best known directors in the country. Sibiu also has its own philharmonic orchestra, which presents weekly classical music concerts.

Panorama over the Sibiu city, taken at 1300 m height, Romania. Magura peak, Cindrel mountains, Sibiu county, Romania.

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Brasov Next stop, Brasov, (pictured at right) where every spring thousands of Romanians march through town and gather at Solomon’s Rocks for a community picnic and sing-along. The festival celebrates the one day a year when, during medieval times, Romanians could enter the Saxon city without paying a toll. Brasov is home to several historic churches, including the Weavers Bastion, which exhibits documents from the Middle Ages, Turkish weapons decorated with Arabic inscriptions, artisan tools, and an elaborate scale model of the city circa 1600. If time permits, consider taking a 30-minute bus ride to Poiana Brasov. With an elevation of 3,300 feet, it boasts a ski resort and a panoramic view of Brasov and the Bucegi Mountains.

Brasov cityscape with black cathedral and mountains in background in Romania

Bran Now the train is pulling into Bran, where you can shiver over the idea of vampires as you explore Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. The edifice is just one of several locations linked to the blood-sucking legend, and the first documented mention of the castle dates back to the 1300s. In 1920, it became a royal residence and a favorite retreat of the queen. At the foot of the hill on which the castle stands, you can visit a museum park with cottages and barns like those in which medieval peasants lived.

Sighisoara Now the train arrives in Sighisoara (image on next page), a picturesque city of fortified walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and authentic medieval architecture in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. It is also the birthplace of Vlad Dracul, the historical figure on whom author Bram Stoker probably based his fictional character Dracula. Once the home of Transylvanian rulers, the city consists of two sections: the Citadel and Lower Town. The Citadel, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stronghold constructed by Saxons at the top of a hill. It guarded Lower Town, which is located in the Tanaya Mare River Valley. In the Citadel, houses that were once lived in by medieval craftsmen are still inhabited. One of the city’s notable landmarks is

The Bran Castle and Bran city, Transylvania

the clock tower, built in the second half of the 14th century as the main gateway into the Citadel, as well as a meeting place for the town council. Climb the Covered Staircase, which is topped by a wooden roof and leads to the Church on the Hill, where you can view ancient frescoes. At the Weapons Museum, you’ll see medieval instruments of war like swords and arrows.

Bucharest Your final stop: Bucharest (image page 73), Romania’s capital and largest city, which carries the nickname “Little Paris.” Stroll Calea Vicortiei, the city’s oldest and perhaps most charming street, built in 1692 and originally lined with oak beams. Along the way, you’ll see the Cantacuzino Palace, constructed between 1898 and Summer 2016

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City center, Sighisoara fortress, Transylvania, Romania 1900 in French style as the home of Grigore Cantacuzino, one of Romania’s prime ministers and richest citizens. Also in the area is Revolution Square, where Communist politician Nicolae Ceausescu spent his final moments in power before an angry crowd turned on him.

Take time also to visit the Arch of Triumph, an 85-foot-tall structure built originally of wood in 1922 to honor WWI Romanian soldiers and finished in granite in 1936. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the interior staircase.

Royal Tokaji – A Transylvanian Classic Lost & Found Hungary’s Tokaji wines have always had a powerful yet mysterious reputation. One reason was the exotic location of the tiny picturesque vineyards, sheltered from cold easterly winds by Russia’s Carpathian Mountains. As Michael Broadbent said in his “Great Vintage Wine Book”: “Perhaps the most remote and strange of all the great classic wines, Tokaji …was surely conceived by the romantic imagination of some Transylvanian god.” The greatest reverence has always been reserved for Tokaji’s unique Aszú wines. These refreshing, yet sweet vintages, produced in limited quantities, were

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Your journey has ended, but there are many other places to explore through the magic and romance of trains. Note: For information on this and other European train tours, visit Railbookers America at www.railbookers.com or call 888-829-3040.

By Ben Howkins

always scarce, produced against the odds during the region’s frequent invasions. Sweetness and richness are signs of wealth. Tokaji Aszú was simply the world’s first great sweet wine. Tokaji bottles were always expensive and brought up from the cellars for grand occasions. But for the last half century, Tokaji Aszú has lain out of reach behind the Iron Curtain. It was not until 1994, when the first vintages of private production, a Tokaji renaissance, reached the West. Today, Tokaji Aszús still come in the familiar slopeshouldered, 500ml bottles, as they have for the last 400 years. The colour is a clear, golden amber; the bouquet is full of honey, fat apricots and orange peel.

Essencia is the richest and rarest of all Hungarian Tokaji wines. Typically, this free run juice takes six to eight years to complete its fermentation to less than 3 percent alcohol. Essencia 2000 is presented in numbered bottles in a brass hinged wooden box complete with a traditional crystal spoon. $799. For details, visit www.royal-tokaji.com.

George Enescu National Museum in the city center of Bucharest, Romania Summer 2016

Opulence

April in Paris Perú … Oh What Have You Done to My Heart?

By Kelly Villasuso

A romantic, cultural, delicious, humorous – and highly adventurous – personal tour of Lima and Paracas

yricist Edgar Yipsel “Yip” Harburg wrote those words to describe the romance of springtime in Paris in his hit song “April in Paris” back in 1932. His words transcend time and place, and are actually befitting of any season in the passionate, prideful, progressing nation of Perú today. Although April, it happened to be autumn when I touched down south of the equator for a five-day, five-night experience in the coastal region of Perú. With a mandate to enlighten travelers on the luxurious and exciting adventures in Perú beyond Machu Picchu, I went with some apprehensions. When multiple vaccines are required in order to travel safely, and bug spray with Deet is a requisite toiletry, luxury is not usually the first word that comes to mind. So nothing could have prepared me for the warmth of this country and its people’s embrace, and the luxury and adventure I found therein. What began as an interesting assignment became a whirlwind romance with Lima, Paracas, and the Ica Valley, filled with luxury, passion, and adventure (as well as a small dose of trepidation).

Lima, Perú: Panoramic view of the main square of the city

Opulence

Summer 2016

Lima: Bright Lights, Insanely Big City Making our evening descent, the lights of Lima sparkled like jewels becoming the City of Kings, welcoming me into the 27th most populous city in the world. The sea of people just outside of customs was a harbinger of the masses I would encounter en route to our hotel at 12 a.m. and throughout my stay in Lima. The nearly 10 million residents seemed to all be out — walking, waiting in bus queues, and careening through the streets in one of the oh-so-very-many aggressively driven private microbuses or combis (thank you, private Tikariy driver). The colors, the lights, the people — all in perpetual motion — made me feel as if I had landed inside a kaleidoscope. A Pisco sour was very much in demand, as well as some ceviche, in the Westin Lima and then it was off to my bed.

Hitting the Circuits At 10 a.m., my Tikariy driver and a highly educated, incredibly patriotic tour guide arrived — my first of many enjoyable experiences with this tour

company and my first of many such passionate and patriotic encounters with Peruvians, in general. The unbridled love of the history of country, religion, and coffee kept us impressively well-informed and moving as fast as Lima traffic would allow, energized by the Tostadoria Bisetti café. Government Palace and Plaza de Armas. The history-steeped chapels and catacombs of Iglesia de San Francisco. Barranco, the Puente de Los Suspiros (the Bridge of Sighs), and Artesanías Las Pallas for authentic indigenous arts. Miraflores and lunch at one of Perú’s 50 best restaurants in the world, Maido. My six-hour Lima city circuit ended too soon and left me wanting more. At 4:30 p.m., I donned my swimsuit and set out for the European Water Circuit in South America’s largest spa, the 20,000-squarefoot Heavenly Spa by Westin — my “razón número dos” for choosing this hotel. I quickly discovered that rest and relaxation were not the intent of this particular water

treatment, as I had assumed. Rather, the intent was to vigorously awaken my unsuspecting circulatory system with steam, waterfalls, and pulsating jets in every direction — and I do mean every direction — while being transitioned from the hot to the very, very cold. Now very much awake, I was ready to take on Maras Restaurant — my “razón número uno” for staying at the Westin Lima — because anytime I can dine with a chef whose resume includes the likes of El Bulli in Spain and Antica Osteria del Teatro in Italy, I am all in. Olive oil meets dry ice, anyone? That was a smoky cloud of deliciousness, as was the tuna tiradito with a chili sauce and the grilled duck foie gras marinated in my-soon-to-be-favorite pisco mosto verde. After dinner, we returned to artsy Barranco to take in the romantic Peruvian nightlife and stroll the Bajada de Baños.

Heavenly Spa by Westin

Amazonian tiradito at Maras Westin, Lima

Maras Restaurant- Terrace

“The lights of Lima sparkled like jewels becoming the City of Kings, welcoming me into the 27th most populous city in the world. ” — Kelly Villasuso Summer 2016

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Hotel Paracas: An Opulent Bubble

the world. I left feeling like a noodle in Chifa Tallarin Saltado.

My Tikariy driver was waiting for me at 10 a.m. to start the three-plus hour drive to Paracas. At two different times on Pan Americana highway, we were ushered to the side of the road by the local police only to be waved on once the proper papers were presented by our driver. According to him, tourists can end up paying upward of $100 when stopped (again, thank you, Tikariy).

After a much-needed catnap in a cabana by the main pool, it was time to dress up and experience my first sunset overlooking the ocean from the expansive patio or the open-air lounge. Once the sun had completed its final act, it was off to dinner at Ballestas Restaurant, the hotel’s fine-dining option. As with Chalana, I was overwhelmed with the gracious hospitality of Chef Rivadeneyra and every member of his staff, as well as with the exquisite gourmet cuisine, including his signature Costa Sur. Pastry Chef Jair Flores also created an edible masterpiece, a “living dessert,” which started with a pisco-clean piece of glass and then took shape piece-by-delicious-piece: geoglyphs made of cocoa powder and powdered sugar, the constellations made from a variety of sauces, and bite-size pastries and sorbets representing the many indigenous flavors of Perú. This stunning display was then enhanced with a dry-ice fog emerging from a chocolate bowl in the center, temporarily shrouding the edible land of abundance. A true extravaganza!

Just shy of 1:30 p.m., we arrived at Hotel Paracas and I immediately felt I had arrived at a “luxurious Peruvian oasis” and I would be happy in this exclusive, opulent bubble. While my luggage was taken to my breathtaking, ocean-facing villa with a private plunge pool by the ever-attentive staff, I meandered the lush, flower-speckled grounds out to the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant, Chalana. I feasted on stunning ceviche, causas, and tiradito masterfully crafted by Executive Chef Franco Rivadeneyra. Lulled into a state of sated serenity, it was perfect timing to experience The Spa at Paracas and its signature 90-minute massage. From the luxuriously comfortable setting to the highly skilled therapists, I found The Spa at Paracas could easily compete with some of the finest spas in

Grilled octopus at Ballestas

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Poolside at Hotel Paracas

Adventures Outside the Bubble As promised in the brochure, ‘the spectacle of nature unfolded’ for me daily in the ‘Rains of Sand,’ so there was no real need to leave my bubble. However, I am so glad I did because the amazing adventures right outside the gate would have been a shame to miss, as would the people I encountered along the way.

Causas with octopus and shrimp at Chalana

On morning of day three, I was whisked across the Pacific in a large Tikariy speedboat to experience the mysterious, prehistoric El Candelabro geoglyph and the Islas Ballestas, a small group of islands serving as a national ecological sanctuary for sea lions, Humboldt penguins, and guanay guano birds, among others. The opportunity to see these creatures comfortably ensconced in their protected habitat was beautiful. If you go, heed the warnings and postpone breakfast until returning to shore because if the occasional rough seas don’t get you, the smell of the guano just might. Later that day, my Tikariy driver and, yes, another passionate tour guide arrived to introduce me to the wonders of Paracas National Reserve and educate me on the ancient indigenous Paracas culture at the Muséo Sitio de Julio C. Tello. The hues of the breathtaking desert and seascapes had me in complete awe, only to be bested by the depth of knowledge this young woman possessed about the rich history of her people and her land. Do history lessons begin in utero in Perú? Day four and my final full day in Paracas became the most fulfilling and exhilarating day of the trip: sunrise kayaking across Paracas Bay, an education in pisco

from the Master Cellar of Pisco Portón, and desert off-roading with a Dakar race driver. With fog still resting on the bay, I set out at 6 a.m. with Inti Kayak’s co-owner, Luis Vereau, to experience the peace and tranquility of the protected waters of the Reserve at dawn. Vereau’s company is the only licensed ecotourism outfit at the buffering zone of the Reserve and is home to their scallop farming business, eco-lodge (the only one in Paracas), restaurant and kayak tours. The hospitality, not to mention the views, was more than worth the 5 a.m. wake-up call. (lvereau@ true-Perú.net) By 11 a.m. I was off to Hacienda la Caravedo to spend the better part of the day with Pisco Portón’s Master Distiller, Johnny Schuler. Suffice it to say I am a pisco convert. Read the full story, High Spirited: Pisco Portón and the Master Behind It, on page 78 of this issue. After a sleepy hour ride back to Hotel Paracas, I had only moments to change into “off-roading attire” and embark on an adventure that was completely out of character for me (hello trepidation) yet in the end was incredibly exhilarating. Buck-

led into the backseat of the modified SUV, the Tikariy-hired-driver skillfully turned the Ica Desert into an hour-and-a-halflong roller coaster ride, complete with hair-raising drops, gut-wrenching turns, and well-timed stops to take in the gorgeous scenery (and catch my breath). This is an adventure I may not repeat, however would not have missed for the world.

All Good Things… On day five, I return to Lima for a private tour of the collections of Muséo Larco (Lesson learned: Leave a day for this museum alone) before joining the masses on the road back to the airport. My whirlwind romance with the culture and people of Paracas, Ica Valley, and Lima was at an end, but forever in my heart. ¡Gracias, Perú!

Getting There JetBlue now offers daily flights to and from Lima out of Ft. Lauderdale — Hollywood International Airport. Recommendation: Pay the slightly higher charge for the Even More Space seats — minimal impact on the wallet, maximum impact on comfort.

The ‘Desert Adventure’ available through Hotel Paracas can include an exciting off-road sand dune excursion in the Ica Desert and a romantic tent-covered evening dinner. Summer 2016

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High Spirited Pisco Portón and the Master Behind It by Kelly Villasuso

fter an hour-long ride from Paracas, the rutted gravel road jostles us up to our destination — the mecca of pisco … Hacienda la Caravedo in the Ica Valley. The ochre-colored entry with its centuries-old gate — or portón — is opened to us, slowly revealing the oldest distillery in the Americas. As the driver came to a stop, we were mesmerized by the smoky tones of the Andes foothills forming a backdrop to the brilliant hues of the Quebranta, Torentel, Italia, and Albilla vines immediately before us. The juxtaposition of the breathtaking clay and wood distillery circa 1684 with the gleaming glass and steel of the high-tech distillery is awe inspiring. Our meditation, although significant, is only momentary, though, because we are quickly

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The entry to the oldest distillery in the Americas is this centuries-old gate (or portón in Spanish) approached by an imposing figure with a rich, booming voice saying “Welcome to Hacienda la Caravedo and Pisco Portón, the passion of my life!” Our greeting is from none other than Johnny Schuler, Master Distiller at Pisco Portón.

And thus began a three-hour experience with this robust, complex spirit …

The Best Spirit in the World As we meander toward the historic distillery that operates 24/7, I told Schuler I could

for Perú and its national spirit is contagious. Clearly the Peruvian Congress agrees since it awarded him with the Medal of Honor for recognition of all that Schuler has done to promote pisco and uphold Peruvian culture and tradition.

Go for the Pisco, Stay for the Spirit

The juxtaposition of the clay and wood distillery circa 1684 with the gleaming glass and steel of the high-tech distillery is awe inspiring. clearly see why he chose Hacienda la Caravedo to be the home of Pisco Portón. The setting was absolutely stunning. He enthusiastically responded, “I am a traditionalist. This is my baby. I fell in love with the history, the traditions, the authenticity the Hacienda offered us… the opportunity to create pisco just as it was done centuries ago. It was love at first sight.” Founders — and Houston natives — Bill and Brent Kallop share Schuler’s passion for preserving the heritage of Peruvian pisco while integrating cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies, and it is apparent at every turn. For instance, short of stomping the grapes with their feet, the men working the original distillery were doing it “old school” with the grape screw press, copper falcas (or old style stills), and gravitational pull. As he guides us toward the “new” distillery, Schuler beams, pointing out that “the beautiful fountain [before us] is not just for aesthetics … it’s our clever way of cooling off the water from the distillation process. But it puts on quite a show, doesn’t it?” Indeed, it did! It is this careful balance of — and respect for — old and new that Schuler feels is one of the main factors setting Pisco Portón above all others. Schuler confides, “It is my responsibility to carefully blend ‘mano and techno.’ I cannot distance myself from the original DNA of pisco … what pisco means to Perú and how it was made by our ancestors.”

pisco-making process in action (and tasting pisco from the stainless steel tanks along the way), Schuler asked if I would like to know the other factors that make Pisco Portón “the very best.” A rhetorical question, of course! He exuberantly confides that it comes down to honoring the importance of maceration and to being a purist. “Maceration is a step that many distillers skip over. We don’t cut corners at Pisco Portón. We need the aromatics that lie between the skin and the fruit, so we need the fruit intact. That is why we religiously macerate,” exudes Schuler. “We also do not add a thing to our pisco – no additives, no preservatives … absolutely NO wood. We even clean the bottles with pisco before filling them. That’s how maniac I am about my product.” A purist through and through.

Schuler has done an excellent job evangelizing fellow drinkers to pisco in the United States, propelling this country to the number two spot on the global importer charts. He laughingly shares, “I frequently tell people ‘Stop drinking vodka and start drinking pisco. You’ll live longer.’” Clearly, we are “drinking the Kool-Aid” from this 70-yearold pisco preacher since U.S. sales of Pisco Portón increased 59 percent between 2012 and 2014. It won’t be hard to find yourself a Portón Pisco Punch or a Pisco Sour stateside. However, if the opportunity presents itself, it is well worth a visit to the Ica Valley in Perú to experience the passion and pride of Pisco Portón Master Distiller firsthand. Go for the pisco, stay for the spirit… Schuler, a self-proclaimed autodidact, has also added on a boutique hotel, a restaurant, and a show with dancing Peruvian Paso horses at Hacienda la Caravedo. www.piscoporton.com tours@lacaravedo.com Lima: +511 711 7800

According to our gregarious guide, “Pisco Portón is the best spirit in the world.” According to this author, Schuler gives his Pisco Portón a run for its money as the “best Portón Pisco Punch spirit.” His passion 1 (750ml) bottle of Portón 12.75 oz. simple syrup 8.5 oz. fresh pineapple juice 8.5 oz. fresh lime juice Directions: Mix all ingredients in punch bowl or beverage dispenser. Serve in rocks glasses filled with ice. Garnish with pineapple chunks, strawberries and mint.

As we make our way through the impressive modern distillery watching the high-tech Summer 2016

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Mandarin Oriental. Perfect for a luxury break.

The only triple Five-Star hotel in Florida 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL 33131 +1 (305) 913 8383 mandarinoriental.com/miami

La Marvelous i Authentic Peruvian Cuisine Stateside by Kelly Villasuso

n the last decade or so, Perú has been on the tip of the international gastronomic world’s tongue more frequently than you can say, “dame cebiche, por favor.” Credit for this notoriety has been donned upon chefs like Gaston Acurio who have dedicated themselves to taking Perú on the road.

Cebiche Barrio

Cebiche Sampler

Frequently called the ambassador of Peruvian cuisine, Chef Gaston Acurio set out to share the unfathomable biodiversity of his country — 90 different microclimates equal a multitude of potatoes, corn, fruit and seafood for your dining pleasure — and to elevate its cuisine through passion and pride, one palate at a time.

Authenticity Confirmed FirstHand After recently visiting Perú and experiencing both its traditional and its more nouveau cuisines, I can honestly say Acurio is spot-on with delivering an authentic Peruvian experience stateside at La Mar in Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The beautiful Biscayne Bay backdrop and its organic, contemporary design harken back to dining in Lima and along the coast. However, it was more than the setting that created a bona fide Peruvian experience at La Mar — it was the authenticity found in the passion and patriotism of each person encountered during dinner there. From the masterful Chef Diego Oka and the knowledgeable Sommelier Fernando Samudio, to the dedicated and proficient Ed Rivero, the love of their country’s history, cuisine, and appellations permeated each sip and every bite … and it didn’t involve a plane ticket!

Menu Must-Tries The Cebiche Sampler won the cultural trifecta, fusing the ethnic diversity of Perú in the criollo, the chifa, and the traditional cebiche, while the Cebiche Barrio also came out a winner with the rocoto pepper leche de tigre marinade. Chef Oka’s artistry in the Nikkei causa was made all the more enjoyable with the history lesson on the origins of the dish from Señor Rivero. The Chaufa Aeropuerto transports you to El Barrio Chino while the Conchitas serves up the Peruvian coast in each delicate lomo saltado sauce-covered scallop. Along the way be sure to partake in the national drink of Perú, the Pisco sour, as La Mar does not miss the mark on this national treasure, or allow Sommelier Samudio to introduce you to surprisingly delicious Peruvian wines. If you save room for dessert, be sure to try the inventive Mascarpone, Maiz Morado y Frutos Rojos.

Chaufa Aeropuerto Cebiche Clasico

¡Buen provecho!

Pisco Sours and a Chilcano Cocktail Summer 2016

Opulence

Finding Shangri-la IN THE CARIBBEAN SEA

By Robin Jay

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Summer 2016

ythical utopia ‘Shangri-La’’ was a fictitious isolated paradise untouched by the outside world described in Lost Horizon by British novelist James Hilton in 1993. But recently I discovered a very real heaven-on-earth utopia that Hilton would surely have agreed exemplifies his Shangri-La vision: Parrot Cay by COMO – a largely undeveloped 1000-acre private island resort serenely tucked in the Caribbean Sea in the Turks and Caicos.

Let the Adventure Begin It was a misty Friday morning on May 6 as we boarded a 70-minute flight from Miami to Providenciales, the main island in the Turks and Caicos (TCI), which is one of 8 principal islands and 40 small cays. The TCI name stems from indigenous ‘Turk’s’ head cactus and ‘Caicos,’ meaning ‘string of islands.’ Depending on which history book you reference, either Christopher Columbus or Ponce de Leon discovered the islands in 1592. In 1766, the Bahamas colonized the TCI, which Jamaica later annexed in 1874, before England sanctioned them a British Crown Colony in the 1970s. Upon arriving in Providenciales, a guide whisked us off to a pier for a 35-minute speedboat ride to Parrot Cay, which COMO transformed into an inhabited resort island in 1998. The sea – a mesmerizing vivid turquoise hue – held our gaze all the way! Approaching Parrot Cay, we could see waving hands and smiles of the crew waiting to greet us. Ningsih, a charming Balinese lady, introduced herself as our butler. We climbed aboard her golf cart, the only form of guest transportation on the island other than bicycles.

Parrot Cay – a mystical, remote earthly paradise in the

In a maze of cactus and thickly entwined scrub, Ningsih deftly scooted us along a four-foot-wide path, weaving us through banana and coconut plantations toward our destination. She explained that Parrot Cay is a green, self-sustaining municipality, generating its own electricity and freshwater resources. The resort itself is made up of a principal building set back from the beach. Here you’ll find reception, concierge, the resort shop, bar, Terrace restaurant, and library with Internet access, a pool table and private veranda. Separate structures include the Shambhala Retreat Spa and yoga pavilions (see page 87).

Turks and Caicos

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Lotus Restaurant

Wagyu Beef Burger

Big Salad

Our accommodations resided apart from the main building. Ningsih taxied us up a hill, shrouded by lush fauna on a path lined with fire-lit tiki torches. She brought the golf cart to a halt in front of a glorious weatheredwood-clad, three-bedroom beach villa – our home for the next four days. Incidentally, it’s the same villa Bruce Willis – the first private home owner on Parrot Cay – stayed in while he was building his own beach mansion. As we entered our villa, an aroma of eucalyptus oil invigorated our senses and an iced bottle of champagne implored ‘let’s celebrate.’ The interior aesthetic offered an inviting, contemporary look with a colonial style finish with neutral sun-bleached oak floors, white tongue-and-groove vaulted beam ceilings, teak furnishings, pale Caicos stone with soft white cottons covering chairs and couches, candles and orchids,

Grilled native lobster with crunchy plantains

and four-poster beds with white-netting drapes overlooking glass doors that opened toward the ocean. We felt as if we were sleeping in a fairy tale. Our ‘backyard’ comprised a private beach paradise, just steps from our personal plunge pool, cabana, several outdoor Balinese daybeds (enough for a nap in a different place every day of our stay!), baby-powder-soft sand and a stunning oceanfront view with a seemingly endless horizon. Pinch me, I must be dreaming. At Parrot Cay, guests may visit one of two restaurants – an Asian-influenced Lotus Restaurant or the Italian inspired Terrace in the main hotel building. On Friday night, a soft rain blanketed the island, so we chose to dine in our villa. The heavenly ‘Shambhala’ menu offered fresh, healthy options. We enjoyed west-coast oysters,

Fresh cut pineapple with coconut sorbet

grilled chicken and spicy vegetables, and steamed sea bass. First glance of our dishes took our breath away because they appeared ‘technicolor’ vivid from their freshness and innovative cooking techniques. Ningsih concluded our meal with a delightfully frothy cappuccino she expertly crafted in our villa’s kitchen. On Saturday morning, we awoke to Ningsih bringing us a lavish breakfast of nut muesli with fresh berries and almond milk, along with fresh juices and fruit. At 9 a.m., she drove us to the COMO Shambhala Retreat spa for our morning massage. Buapan, my Thai therapist, instinctively knew every pressure point on my body that begged for relief. Divine! Back at the villa, we had time for a wondrous walk on the velvety white sand beach while collecting seashells like excited Summer 2016

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Terrace Restaurant

young children. Later, Ningsih served lunch beneath the thatched-roof Lotus Restaurant overlooking the main resort’s infinity pool and beach, where guests may enjoy non-motorized watercraft, like canoes and stand-up paddleboards. My favorite lunch dishes were the Shambhala Maki Sushi, prepared with ground raw walnuts instead of rice, and the cold watermelon and basil soup – mmm! We next ventured one mile south to Rocky Point, where Parrot Cay Estates by COMO is located, encompassing the largest villas owned by private individuals but let and managed by the hotel. We

Wok fried mussels with chili coconut 86

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toured ‘The Sanctuary’ owned by fashion designer Donna Karan, which includes a main house with three bedrooms and two four-bedroom guesthouses that visitors can rent together or separately. We also toured a pristine three-house compound called ‘Love Pumpkin,’ decorated with all things ‘Bali’ by owners Allan and Melissa Geller. (Be sure to look for a special feature story about ‘Love Pumpkin’ in the fall edition of Opulence – and discover the Geller’s compelling story you won’t soon forget!) Sunday was a most magnificent Mother’s Day in the company of Mother Nature.

We lounged all day seaside in the sun, not a care in the world. That evening, we enjoyed fine dining at the main building’s Terrace Restaurant with Sheila Ali, Executive Assistant at COMO. We feasted on butternut squash soup, grilled prawns, succulent lamb chops and coconut ice cream made from coconuts harvested on the island’s plantation. We were delighted to learn the Shambhala menu is available at any COMO property – of which there is one in Miami Beach at the Metropolitan Hotel. Now, we can enjoy Maki Sushi anytime. But rest assured Parrot Cay – we’ll be back!

Whole roast sea bass with sweet sour grapes Red snapper with puree and salad

Shambhala Retreat Spa at Parrot Cay By ClaudiA Alfonso

Closer Look at Natural Medicine

ncient Tibetan and Hindu texts describe a mythical village called ‘Shambhala,’ with healing teachings predating Buddhist and Hindu religions. Buddhists described Shambhala as a pure land of peace that’s as spiritual as it is geographic. Not until the 20th century did westerners gain awareness of Tibet and its ancient traditions – but today, growing fascination and understanding of natural medicine has compelled more westerners to integrate many of its practices – like yoga – into mainstream culture.

inner peace & well-being On the quiet, east side of the Parrot Cay, you will find the spa, which overlooks mangroves and wetlands rich with birdlife. The award-winning Shambhala Retreat offers yoga, Pilates and related treatments. The spa’s structures incorporate nature so that guests feel connected with Mother Nature. It’s a supremely peaceful location, with views over the North Caicos channel. Facilities include a large infinity pool, a yoga room aired by natural breezes, and nine treatment rooms. The holistic centre includes an outdoor women's Jacuzzi garden, and two yoga and Pilates studios guests can utilize with one-on-one tuition (specialist equipment includes a rope wall, yoga props, the ‘Reformer’ and ‘Wunda Chair’). For couples'

treatments, there are two double massage rooms and Japanese baths.

and my records were kept at the spa for any

natural medicine

One year after my last Ayurvedic consulta-

My personal journey into natural medicine started two years ago when I first visited Parrot Cay. I booked a consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor who introduced me to the world of Ayurvedic medicine. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines ‘Ayurveda’ as a combination of the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). It is one of the oldest medicine systems in the world, many practices of which predate written records and were handed down by word of mouth.

tion, I made an appointment for a Shirodhara

Key concepts of Ayurvedic medicine include universal interconnectedness (among people, their health, and the universe), the body’s constitution (prakriti), and life forces (dosha), which are often compared to the biologic humors of the ancient Greek system. Ayurvedic physicians prescribe individualized treatments, including compounds of herbs or proprietary ingredients, and diet, exercise and lifestyle advice. At Parrot Cay, my Ayurvedic doctor explained these elements determine a mix of physical, emotional and mental characteristics that maintain balance in my biological mechanism. The doctor presented me with a questionnaire to determine my dosha numbers

future treatments.

treatment. The name comes from the Sanskrit words ‘shiras’(head) and ‘dhara’(flow). The stunning treatment room, designed with a distinctive dark wood with an irresistible Indonesian feel, featured earthy aromas and enchanting trees peeking through the window. My treatment consisted of a gentle neck and shoulder massage, and gentle strokes on my head. The therapist poured warm oil – prepared according to my doshas – over my forehead for relaxation and mental clarity, synchronizing any misaligned alpha brain waves. After a soothing period with oil aromas, I relaxed in an adjacent steam room and then enjoyed a full body exfoliation with a spice and herb concoction prepared based on my doshas, which I rinsed off under a tranquil outdoor shower. During my time at Parrot Cay, I learned how important it is to keep mind and soul in alignment to regenerate old cells. A clear mind is not only beneficial to one’s everyday living, but also to rejuvenate from the inside out. Following my treatment, I felt relaxed and fully reinvigorated. I can hardly wait to visit again next year!

Summer 2016

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Murano at Portofino Miami Beach, Florida

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In Goddess We Trust By Hope Gainer

Ema Savahl’s wildly popular crocodile artwork pattern on her dresses came as a direct derivative of her visiting the Temple of Sobek and Isis. According to Ema, “The Sobek God heals the female body by eating away the fear . The Goddess Isis represents the new female energy, which has gone through the well of Sobek and now is free and carrying the codes of human awakening.”

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Ema’s inspirations often come from heavenly places. Her “In Goddess We Trust” Collection came to her while on a Nile River journey. Ema joined a “tribe” of like-minded ethereal experts to connect with another dimension during a cycle of two full moons in the Middle East. The collective consciousness of the tribe chanted while visiting the Temple of Isis and the Temple of Sobek – the ancient Egyptian God of the Nile. He was depicted as man with the head of a crocodile, a symbol of the Pharaoh’s power and a protective deity. Isis was the ancient Egyptian Goddess of love, motherhood, magic and fertility. Her name literally means Queen of the Throne.

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The “coding” embedded in the work in the Ema Savahl Couture carries this new energy. Ema said, “By wearing my crocodile dresses, women release all their ancient fears that belonged to ancient bodies and become the Goddess they were meant to be”.

Ema Savahl can be ordered online at www.emasavahl.com Clothing: Ema Savahl Hair and Makeup: Marisol Moyse Jewelry: Lea Terni Model: Dusica Savic Photography: Natasha Kertes

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Classic Mediterranean Sea Island Cottage features 6 BR, 7BA & 2 HB with dramatic front entry to 2 1/2 story great room.

Randall Moody & Page Aiken DeLoach Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty 2901 Frederica Road, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 R: 912.230.4653 I P: 404.754.2030 randall.moody@sothebysrealty.com page.aiken@sothebysrealty.com www.siluxury.com

anti-aging

By Dale King and Julia Hebert

Proactive Anti-Aging With Stem Cell Immunotherapy “A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to replicate itself and turn into another type of cell. Most people think all stem cells are embryonic. Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj

opular anti-aging methods don’t always help to minimize detrimental effects of advancing maturity. “Taking antioxidants to ward off disease is a good start, but ingesting too many can compromise your health,” said Dr. Dipnarine Maharaj, M.D., MB, ChB, FRCP (Glasgow), FRCP (Edinburgh), FACP, founder and medical director of the South Florida Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Institute in Boynton Beach, Florida. “Even too much exercise can prove harmful; moderation is important.” Over-the-counter serums and anti-wrinkle creams may seem effective, but only to a point. “And plastic surgery provides only a temporary fix; plumping treatments using injections from one’s own fat cells have a built-in damaging element. Cells sourced from fat are already inflamed, and inflammation is a major contributor to the aging process,” Dr. Maharaj said.

An Immune System Tune-Up So what’s left to reset biological clocks? “I have developed a method to achieve successful aging by using a person’s own adult stem cells,” said Dr. Maharaj. “Our goal is to reach age 100-plus with no major health issues.” Imagine the human body as a car. “You can focus on the exterior, keeping it polished and shiny, or you can concentrate on the most important part, the engine. Without a working engine, the car does not function. The immune system is the engine that drives the body’s health and wellness,” said Dr. Maharaj, 94

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A little known fact is that embryonic stem cells have no current practical clinical applications.” — Dipnarine Maharaj, M.D.

The Role of Stem Cells A specialist in oncology/hematology and bone marrow transplantation, Dr. Maharaj strongly advocates for the stem cell collection process. “Storing these cells by freezing them in a cryobank is probably the most proactive health-related decision anyone can make to ensure successful aging,” he said. Anyone can take advantage of this immunotherapy. Dr. Maharaj points out how a tested patient’s immune system ranked “low” in nearly every category. “This person has cancer,” he said. But no dread tinges the doctor’s optimistic tone. The test result “is an example of a person who fits the high-risk profile. We target treatment to boost immune function and slow accelerated aging.” For 30-plus years, Dr. Maharaj has performed stem cell/ bone marrow transplants for patients with blood disorders, leukemia and other cancers. “Once reintroduced into a healthchallenged body, stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop and grow into many different specialized cell types. They circulate through our blood to repair tissue and organ damage.”

a pioneer in stem cell and transplant therapy. To measure how well a person’s immune system is functioning, Dr. Maharaj uses a sophisticated blood test to examine innate and adaptive parts of the body’s protection system which includes more than 100 cellular markers. The process examines areas that standard blood tests do not and creates an Immune Risk Profile (IRP) that can range from zero – no imminent likelihood of disease – through mild, moderate and severe. “A person with a severe risk probably already has a disease, with the onset possibly occurring as many as 20 years ago,” said Dr. Maharaj. Those with a clean IRP have a healthy immune system, at least for now. We collect the patient’s adult stem cells for storage in case they are ever needed to restore health.

Dr. Maharaj also performs a ‘root cause analysis’ to point out possible causes for the weakened immune system. Once the deficiencies are corrected, the procedure continues with the gathering and storage of adult stem cells. Then he prescribes a maintenance plan to keep the immune system on track. “The era of quick fixes and patchwork medicine is gone,” he said. “Patients are savvier than ever. They want solutions that address the root of their problems with a focus on proactive measures to safeguard their health and longevity. The best tool a person can have in their anti-aging toolbox is a healthy immune system.” Dr. Maharaj can be contacted at 561-752-5522 or info@bmscti.org.

Summer Scents

For Her For Him

Royal Princess Oud is a magnificent woody floral with Iris at the heart and oud at the base. Available on www.creedboutique.com and select retailers. Eau de Parfum 250ml. $670

Hanae Mori. The Limited Edition Butterfly bottle - a treasure of fragrance that lifts the heart like the exquisite creature that is its namesake. Available at www.hanaemoriparfums.com. Eau de Parfum 100 ml. $175

Carven L’Absolu. Capture the essence of the Carven woman: chic, cool and captivating. L’Absolu is available at Saks Fifth Avenue. 100ml EDP Natural Spray. $120

HM. Created from more than 50 essences, HM, Hanae Mori’s first fragrance for men, was a collaborative creative effort with her two sons, Akira and Kei, for its debut in 1998. HM is available at select retailers and www. hanaemoriparfums.com. Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz. $107

Erolfa Marine/Fresh. This nostalgia-filled fragrance is a universal ode to Creed family memories of sailing the Mediterranean: sparkling seas, salty air and citrus-scented breezes.

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Bubbles of blues and greens, carried from the rug and up the walls, are bold and playful, yet not overwhelming. Photo by Butch Delatina

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A splash of bold color enhances a white lacquered spiral staircase. Photo by Butch Delatina

Choose Your Color Fantasy

Master designer Perla Lichi offers advice on choosing the right shades for the right person By John D. Adams

Full view of boy’s room. Photo by Butch Delatina

Color is life. It lifts us up, makes us take notice of the vibrant existence all around us. But admiring pigments in the natural world is not the same thing as living with color in our own private environments. Some people choose to embrace colorful interior design while others may prefer a more sedate environment. It can be a daunting choice. That’s where master interior designer Perla Lichi comes in. As a design professional, it is her job, and her pleasure, to help navigate the often uncertain waters of living with color. We sat down with Perla to examine several of her projects to better understand how color can be introduced in a variety of ways.

Just a splash “I’m a technicolor person,” enthused Perla. “Even before I realized what color theory was, I had been attracted to vibrant, full-throated color. I think most people are, but they may not realize it.” It’s a very personal choice – living with color. And Perla embraces the opportunity to help others become comfortable with just the right amount of color. Take a look at the photo above. This female client desired a vibrant atmosphere but was unsure about how much color she wanted to use. “We chose to introduce her to a dramatic splash of color while still retaining neutral architectural elements like the white lacquered spiral staircase,” explained Perla. It is a perfect way to embrace color but not feel beholden to it. “We had an ideal space right under the staircase to create an intimate bar area. She wanted a dramatic splash, and she got it with hot pinks, purples and fuchsia fabrics and accessories.” In this way, the client gets her desired burst without overwhelming the space. And by creating Summer 2016

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a color story through fabrics and accessories, she can more easily change or adapt the space as desired. “If she ever gets tired of those colors, the chairs, area rug and bar stools can always be removed and she can reinvent the space with any other hue that strikes her fancy.”

Not too hot, not too cold. Just right For clients desiring more than just a hint of color, Perla offered the ingenious solution of festooning a child’s bedroom walls, floor and fabrics with literal bubbles of blues and greens. But it is not a saturation. Generous use of a neutral background allows for just the right amount of impact. “This is

The bright touch of pink highlights walls, draperies and upholstery. Photo by Naim Chidiac a small boy’s room so we worked with cooler colors. It’s bold and playful yet not overwhelming,” she said. “And since the room has 12-foot-high ceilings, I wanted to find a way of bringing down the scale of the room. That’s why we decided to carry the bubble theme up from the rug and onto the walls. The color choices are purposely more timeless and can grow along with the boy.”

Bold and beautiful When you’re talking about saturating a space with color, you’re squarely in Perla’s own wheelhouse. For a green powder room and for a living area burgeoning with pinks and purples Perla went all out with color throughout the spaces. “These rooms are for people who love and never tire of color,” said Perla. “We used color in combination with the foreground and the background.”

For the powder room, Perla worked with golds and greens. “Instead of color being introduced through furnishings or accessories, here we use the background as the primary color focus. The hand painted striated pattern is important because it breaks up the color and lends movement to the relatively small space. The vanity is stainless steel and glass, which in themselves is pretty neutral. But the colors are reflected through the mirror and fixtures, saturating the room.” For the vibrant living space, Perla created pink medallions on the walls which are then carried to the drapes and fabrics. “When using color everywhere, I usually start with the sofa fabrics, then work my way through the room. I can then control the colors that I put in the rug. Your color choices are unlimited so why not match them with the colors of the room?” In the final analysis, there are bold people who want to use lots of color and that is great as long as you can balance it. If you are more timid, use color in select places in small amounts. This allows you to introduce living with color. “It’s all about living the color fantasy of your dreams. I’m here to help make that dream a reality.” See more of Perla’s work online at: www.perlalichi.com

For this white lacquered chair, Perla chose a variety of peacock colors: lime greens, turquoises and blues. An accent pillow in oranges and yellows strikes a surprising balance. If you look closely at the print, you will still find the green and turquoise … just enough to tie everything together. Photo by Naim Chidiac 98

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A hand-painted striated wall pattern lends movement in the relatively small space of this gold-and-green powder room. Photo by Barry Grossman

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Bugatti Chiron

Comet on WHEELS BY STephanie bonilla

Mauricio Parlato, Chief Operating Officer for Bugatti, North America

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n a fascinating paradox, if you were to Google the word “Chiron” you would receive two search results: the definition for a comet with a unique orbit and images of Bugatti’s newest model. Though this celestial object is not typically synonymous with automobiles, Bugatti’s latest model definitely fits the description. With astounding speeds maxing out at 261 mph, a distinc-

tive design and bright LED lights, Bugatti’s hypercar is fast, sleek and illuminating— much like a comet. The Chiron, which recently revealed itself in the Geneva International Motor Show, has finally made its way to the United States. Now Mauricio Parlato, Bugatti’s new Chief Operating Officer for North America, has the task of catching the eyes of those elite

With astounding speeds maxing out at 261 mph, a distinctive design and bright LED lights, Bugatti’s hypercar is fast, sleek and illuminating— much like a comet. the switch to a competitor? Maybe he was saving the best for last. Though Parlato hasn’t necessarily said that was his reasoning for leaving, he has admitted that Bugatti’s new Chiron is his favorite model thus far. A self-proclaimed car lover since he was a child, he compares driving a Bugatti to what he imagines piloting a jet must feel like. And he should know. He’s driven some of the most coveted luxury sports cars in the world. “The difference between a Ferrari and a Bugatti, for example, is that a Ferrari is a racing car that was put on the street. Though Ferrari and Bugatti both have beautiful and powerful cars, the Bugatti concept is different: It’s a streetcar conceived to be driven on the road, while still capable of being converted into a jet,” says Parlato. All in max security, of course. “The Chiron was created with different modes to protect the driver, allowing them to exploit the vehicle’s power whilst still maintaining safety. You can drive to a social event just like you can go out to a track and race it.” If its diversity isn’t enough of a selling point for car aficionados, the fact that the Chiron is

said to be the fastest car in the world might be. Surpassing its predecessor, the Veyron, the Chiron can go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds—all thanks to its 1,500 horsepower. “Art, shape, design and technology make up our brand’s DNA,” says Parlato. “The Chiron was specifically designed with speed in mind, including a spoiler that serves as a tail that moves up and down (just like a jet’s), helping the car accelerate to its full power.” But buying a Chiron is not easy—even for customers who have millions to spend on a car. Bugatti has already sold one-third of its total production during a “silent launch,” earmarking the sports car for an exclusive few that got first dibs on purchasing the car. And it’s no surprise. The Chiron undoubtedly trumps all of its competitors—including the Veyron, a member of its own family—with its outstanding engineering and revolutionary design. Not only did Bugatti consider the engine and the exterior aesthetics when designing the 1995 kg mass of carbon fiber, they paid just as much attention to the interior. With soft leather, shiny aluminum dials and a gleaming analog speedometer adorning the inside, we wouldn’t be surprised if diamond chips were what made up the mirrors. Carstruck yet? If buying the Chiron is difficult, spotting one will be even harder. Just like a comet, the sighting of a Chiron will be few and far between. Having produced only 500 models for the entire world, it is highly unlikely that one will fly by you. But if you’re lucky enough to spot one, make sure you make a wish. It is likely that owning a Bugatti will be one of them.

few who could afford the car’s lavish €2.4 million price tag—though it won’t be too hard. Putting aside that the brand’s loyal followership happens to be an exclusive group of millionaires and billionaires, Parlato has rubbed elbows with the affluent for years. Prior to joining the Bugatti brand, Parlato served as the CEO for Lotus and also belonged to the Ferrari and Maserati group for over 20 years. So why did he make Summer 2016

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Celebrating 90 Years of Coveted

Opulence Discover the summer staycation of a lifetime exclusive to members and hotel guests of Boca Raton Resort & Club By DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

ociety architect Addison Cairns Mizner still stands watch over his legacy of affluent designs that remains the standard of the South Florida building trade. An 11-foot-tall statue of the artisan – a draftsman’s pencil in one hand, his constant monkey companion on his shoulder – gazes southward from atop a 65-foot-tall pedestal at Mizner Boulevard and South Federal Highway in Boca Raton. Slightly southeast and over his left shoulder is the gem of Mizner’s clearly discernable Mediterranean Revival construction style, the Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. A pink paradise of worldly delights, it is home to an array of leisure opportunities for the well-to-do.

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The Resort transformed Boca Raton – a town better known for beans than beaches in the 1920s – into a pleasure dome for tourists of means. Known by locals as “the Hotel” or “the Resort,” the club pays homage this year to the 90th anniversary of the famed hostelry that has accumulated dozens of awards and “Family Life” magazine’s “25 Family Destinations.” The first structure completed on the 356-acre property was the “Cloister,” Mizner’s original structure. The pink complex encourages visitors to view its hidden gardens, archways, ornate columns, fountains and wooden-beam ceilings.

Over the years and with different owners, the Resort has expanded and contemporized while retaining Mizner’s design dream. Retail shops and themed restaurants serving specialized selections were added. Mizner’s Monkey Bar, a libation location on the west end of the Cloister, honors Mizner’s simian buddy, Johnny Brown. Today, the tourist Mecca also boasts the Yacht Club, the Tower, the Boca Beach Club across the Intracoastal Waterway (reopened in 2009 after a $120 million renovation); the Bungalows, Boca Country Club, conference facilities, two 18-hole golf courses, a world-class spa,

seven pools, a marina and a half mile of private beach with watersports and boating availabilities. Open only to members and guests, the Resort is a perfect “staycation” location for nearby Floridians and an excellent travel destination for all. Visitors this year can take part in anniversary-oriented events and activities. As is the custom, all guests are assigned a personal concierge to make sure every request is fulfilled. Opulence Magazine will, in the next few pages, be your guide to some of the lavish experiences awaiting you at the big, pink house that Addison Mizner built.

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where to play

and swim

and sport So much to see and do — where do you begin?! The Resort’s Family Fun staff plans more than 150 adult and children’s activities monthly. Mizner’s “Quest Club” is a one-of-a-kind, family-oriented program that includes a daily supervised camp, recreational sports deck, rooftop garden with interactive stations, and an arcade. Families can enjoy the golf academy, tennis clinic and beach activities, along with the Surf Boca surf school, dual-side FlowRider and fitness centers. The marina is home to deep-sea fishing, catamaran trips and boat races, too.

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where to relax

Relaxation is job one for many visitors at the Resort. The half-mile stretch of private beach is perfect for catching some rays. Visitors can swim in the Atlantic Ocean or any of the seven pools. If you’re inclined to use the fitness center, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at the Waldorf Astoria Spa. (In order to access the steam room or sauna, you must have a spa treatment booked.) Opulence Magazine Editor-in-Chief Robin Jay offered this assessment after spending time at the Waldorf Astoria Spa: “The ritual bath is an amazing experience that starts in a eucalyptus inhalation room, followed by a glorious soak in a mango-salted drawn bath with velvety mounds of bubbles and a tray with apricot body scrub, loofa and grapefruit sorbet (for eating!). Then it’s on to an invigorating cylindrical Swedish shower with hundreds of horizontal jets, followed by a soak in a single-person climb-down plunge pool and overhead deluge for the shoulders, finishing with a leisurely soak in the candle-lit Jacuzzi. Ahhhhhh!”

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where to luncheon

Looking to lunch? Try visiting acclaimed Japanese sushi master Masaharu Morimoto of “Iron Chef” fame in his dining spot at the Resort. Designed by French architect/artist Thierry Despont, it has four chef stations and seating for 32, with décor inspired by colors of the ocean. Come in via Palm Court for sushi, sashimi and maki, along with soups, salads, hot and cold entrees and specialty beverages.

afternoon sweet tooth?

Satisfy an afternoon sweet tooth craving at Serendipity. An outpost of the famed, New York City restaurant Serendipity 3, this hip, family destination offers delights, such as “frrrozen” hot chocolate, deli sandwiches, fresh baked goods, Starbucks coffee, ice cream and graband-go items.

where to indulge Bar Luna has debuted “Mangiare,” a new Italian menu featuring artisanal charcuterie selections from Chicago’s West Loop Salumi, Italian-style cured salamis, such as Finocchiona (fennel pollen salame), Chorizo, Coppa, Speck Alta Adige and Prosciutto di San Daniele. “As a child, I spent summers in Italy with my grandparents where I learned the old-world way of making cured meats,” said Salumiere Greg Laketek, who returned to Italy as an adult and trained under the famed Massimo Spigaroli. (Look for a full interview with Greg in the fall issue of Opulence.) 106

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where to fine dine Tuscan style Whatever is new under the Tuscan sun is likely available at Lucca Trattoria, one of the fine-dining options at the Resort. With its openarched kitchen, hand-blown Murano chandeliers and creative Tuscan cuisine, this Mediterranean-themed restaurant has an awardwinning wine list and menu. At the helm is Chef Adam Pile whose farm-to-table approach to cooking with local ingredients goes back to his childhood in rural Pennsylvania. “I grew up trout fishing, work-

ing with my grandparents in the garden, canning foods, picking wild strawberries, shelling beans, trading sweet corn and raising livestock,” he said. “I still have my Grandmother’s handwritten recipes and her Betty Crocker Cookbook. At Lucca, we aim for that same ‘home cooked with love’ feel.” Lucca favorites include Lamb “Osso Bucco,” Veal Scaloppine Marsala, Black Angus strip steak and local Snapper. Wood-grilled pizza is also available.

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Amelia Island S P R O U TI N G P R O J E C T O N

Omniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Chef Daven Wardynski offers greenhouse-grown herbs and spices and honey he harvests on the enchanting island By Carol Antman

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xecutive Chef Daven Wardynski grew up digging it. Not the soul music pouring out of nearby Motown. Soybeans. “From the age of 11 or so I had a hoe in my hand. From there you gain a deeper appreciation and affection for the food, how it benefits the community; how it is the community.” It was a soulful experience, one he’s passing onto his daughters today. They are his only helpers in the expansive aquaponic greenhouse he oversees at Omni Resort’s Amelia Island Plantation which provides produce for 10 menus in the resort. The little girls love to help. Sometimes they even name the plants. Recently Zoë tasted a leaf from a tray of growing greens and was puzzled. Slowly her expression changed from confusion to conclusion: “Dad, that tastes like salad,” she excitedly

said. “That’s because it is,” he replied. “So now at 5 years old she understands that food grows. It doesn’t come from a bag at Walmart.” He came in October 2012 with ideas to “reimagine” the resort’s menus and a passion project sketched on a cocktail napkin. “Not only am I growing some of the food that we use in our restaurants — I am trying to produce food with a soul,” he says. Commercial shrimping began nearby so a “Floribbean” cuisine features fresh seafood and the chef’s signature shrimp and grits. Beachside there are spicy Caribbean influences under the palm trees: coconut, mango slaw. Even the pizza joint has a sense of place. Its dough is made with water sourced from the ocean. His legacy to Omni Amelia Island Plantation is the Sprouting Project. Inspired by his

vague sketch, it’s become the chef’s playground. Honeybees seemed like a good idea until there were 1.3 million. “Where are we going to put all of this honey?!” A TV special about root cellars gave him an idea. “I want a cave!” So he built a “hobbit hole” for fermentation and gatherings. Chickens and goats are next. Tours of the project are offered every Saturday. Just-picked harvests are celebrated at intimate greenhouse dinners monthly. It’s clearly Daven’s favorite event. “That’s where you let a chef be a chef. It’s great to stand right there to represent the ingredients. Our challenge is to change what your food experience can be in a resort.” It’s dining rooted in reverence for the ingredients; it’s soulful. The Sprouting Project hosts featured dinners monthly. Guests enjoy a true farm-to-table experience with access to the “Chef’s Playground.” $55 per guest. For reservations, go to www.sproutingproject.com.

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(Breathable) Art in the Landscape By Mary and Hugh Williamson

here are few among us that do not feel energized after a walk in the woods, a stroll through the garden or even a round of golf. Demonstrated scientific findings support the

“getting back to nature” health and well-being trends. However, there are many of us who believe that if it is free, it is worthless. “Bathing in the Forest”, or the Japanese study of “Shinrin-Yoku” disputes this in a way that we all can test, whether you have a massive landscape, or a condominium patio or balcony.

A little history The therapeutic effects of nature, on any scale, have been discussed and debated for decades in this country and for centuries in Asian schools. Nature as a “healer” has been recognized from the “healing gardens” of the Middle Ages, to Florence Nightingale’s findings in 1860, to the more recent attempts starting in the 1970s to hasten the healing of emotional depression and stress. Tuberculosis treatment facilities in the 1930s traditionally incorporated “nature atriums”, and some were even located in forests. There was a sound reason for this.

A little science Phytoncides are produced by plants and trees. These substances protect the plants themselves from harmful insects and germs as well. And there is a real benefit to humans breathing in a forest! These phytoncides have antifungal and antibacterial qualities that help humans fight disease. This is one of life’s few winwin-win scenarios… free, beautiful and beneficial! There is also ongoing research being conducted to explore the possibility that these seemingly magical substances can fight cancer. Mary and Hugh Williamson reside in Bluffton, South Carolina, where their environment includes cultivated gardens adjacent to their nature preserve.

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When you combine this captivating possibility with the visual enjoyment of wind-swept plantings, the gurgle of water, the soothing sounds of wildlife, the soft or vibrant colors of flowers and the fresh green of grasses, it is no wonder that nature can lower stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate. “Forest bathing” can also improve mood, hasten recovery from surgery, heighten both energy levels and the ability to focus. The enjoyment of swaying plants, dappled light and fragrant blooms can be sweet medicine. There is now a pronounced forest therapy movement to enlighten followers regarding the organic compounds that bolster the body’s natural killer (NK) cells that fight catastrophic illness and boost immune functioning.

A glamorous application A “Forest Bathing Trip” in Japan is leisurely, and combines aromatherapy, relaxation, recreation and the resuscitating inhalation of those tree-derived compounds that reduce stress and perhaps provide untold benefits. If a Shinrin-Yoku trip to Japan is not in your schedule, and the South Florida lifestyle is too good to leave, keep a portion of your landscape as nature intended …

Let us go now into the forest. Trees will pass by your face, and I will stop and offer you to them, but they cannot bend down. The night watches over its creatures, except for the pine trees that never change: the old wounded springs that spring blessed gum, eternal afternoons. If they could, the trees would lift you and carry you from valley to valley, and you would pass from arm to arm, a child running from father to father. — Pine Forest, Gabriela Mistral

It started 300 million years ago The history of Florida’s flora at the end of the Carboniferous period is fascinating, with the prehistoric process that witnessed the advancing and waning glaciers that affected sea level changes. Those changes eventually caused our beautiful peninsula to emerge. Seeds sent on the wind and through (literally) birds from the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies found a home here. We now see species of pines, cypress and juniper conifers (gymnosperms) that grace our area, offering precious, inhalable phytoncides! Incorporate them in your landscape or patio plantings, and take a deep breath! A simple corner of your landscape or patio planted with pine, grasses and wildflowers, combined with a bubbling water feature can provide a healing, energizing and revitalizing moment in your day. See the Shinrin-Yoku Organization for further studies.

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The Sky Suite Getaway The exclusive oceanfront Pelican Grand Sky Suite Penthouse in Fort Lauderdale is a romantic summer haven for two. BY GINA WOODS

or a spellbinding bird’s-eye view of the yachting capital of the world, the Sky Suite penthouse at Pelican Grand Beach Resort overlooks 500 feet of pristine Fort Lauderdale oceanfront in an unrivaled 12th-floor private couple’s retreat.

On the weekend we visited Pelican Grand, arriving from suburbia just 20 minutes north, we felt as if we were worlds away. Upon checking in, the manager escorted us to our private elevator. Within moments, the elevator doors opened directly into the luxurious dining room of the breathtaking penthouse. Instantly, we were swept away by the inviting, opulent home away from home. French doors beckoned us into the living room, which opened onto an expansive private balcony with a glassed rail and a seemingly endless view of the azure sea. Nearly as large as the interior, the balcony was decorated with multiple chaise lounges, an outdoor dining table, a Jacuzzi tub and an outdoor shower. Back inside, the eco-contemporary appointed penthouse presented a lovely master bedroom with an enormous en suite bathroom

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featuring a state-of-the-art marble steam shower (larger than most people’s closets). It had two rain showerheads and multicolored lights that danced in sync with the classical music playing from the embedded stereo system. The kitchen-nook within the living room included a wet bar, stocked Nespresso amenities, soft drinks and juices – all the comforts of home. Basking in the glow of an extensive multimillion dollar re-imagination – Pelican Grand combines Old Florida grandeur with seaside elegance. From watching the stunning sunrise on our private balcony to floating down Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river, to enjoying culinary creations seaside at Ocean2000 Restaurant, and indulging in personalized pampering at the all new PURE Spa (turn the page to read more), the property – especially the Sky Suite Penthouse – is an authentic jewel of the beach. Pelican Grand Beach Resort is located at 2000 North Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. For reservations, call 954-568-9431 or visit www.pelicanbeach.com. (Continued on page 114)

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(Continued from page 113)

Pure Spa, Pure Ahhhhhh… Just one floor below our 12th-floor Sky Suite at Pelican Grand resides the environmentally friendly PURE Spa. Guests enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean in a luxury spa cocreated by industry veteran and Spa Director, George Powell-Lopez, whose vision brings the exotic Scandinavian feeling of well-being to South Florida. The nearly 3,000 sq. ft. spa offers a relaxation room with hanging chairs, two oceanfront manicure/pedicure stations and locker rooms, in addition to an outdoor shower - all touting unobstructed oceanfront views. Whitewashed

wooden floors, green accented walls with wooded boxed décor and floor-to-ceiling glass windows throughout complete the well-appointed Swedish style. With a mantra as wholesome as “You Are Beautiful,” PURE Spa provides an assortment of signature treatments including PURE You, where no two treatments are alike as the therapist and guest work together to personalize the service performed - whether it be a massage, body scrub or facial. The spa also offers roof-top yoga along with a delectable variety of massage therapy, facials and skin care essentials, body treatments, nail care, waxing and makeup services including the Royal Bathing Ritual. When you visit PURE Spa, be sure to request your esthetician use products by Maria Åkerberg. I loved them – and Pelican Grand is the only spa in the United States to carry Maria’s full line of 100 percent organic, pharmaceutical grade skincare and makeup. 114

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Executive Chef Michael Bloise

Seaside Dining at Ocean2000 If you’ve never truly dined just steps from the ocean’s tide, then you must visit Ocean2000 at Pelican Grand for an unforgettable romantic evening. Our table rested on a private platform inches from the sand. This signature waterfront restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Michael Bloise, offers an emphasis on organic ingredients and regionally influenced fare, blending local produce and character into a refined menu ranging from fresh, locally sourced seafood to the finest grass-fed Florida beef, and most everything in between. Chef Bloise stopped by to say hello. He has an impressive heritage that he proudly reflects in his menu. Originally from Tampa, with a mother from Vietnam and a father from Italy, Bloise learned to cook as a boy with his Italian grandmother. “I designed the menu to combine the sensible freshness of local ingredients (like my mother does in her Vietnamese dishes), along with hearty dishes cooked with passion (like my Italian grandmother taught me),” said Bloise, whose American-with-a-twist menu is meant to be served family style and shared. For reservations, call (201) 730-4888.

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SUMMER AMPLIFIEd in tampa

WITH HARD ROCKIN’ RHYTHM & MOTION By Robin Jay

veryone on the East Coast of South Florida knows the entertainment mecca where rock royalty lives is Hard Rock Live and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. What you may not know is that just four hours away, a summer rockin’ vacation more Zeppelin than Zen awaits at sister property Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa. When you check in for the Sound of Your Stay Program, you won’t be handed a chocolate chip cookie. That’s sissy stuff. Rather, agents will greet your inner rock star with a choice of 18 different world-class Fender Stratocasters, as well as a pair of SOUL headphones by Ludacris, a Fender Mustang Floor multieffect pedal and a tailor-made soundtrack for your own private in-room jam session! My boys chose the standard left-handed Stratocaster midnight wine rosewood guitar. I’ve never seen them more excited. After you get your in-room rock on, take your stage cue and head down to the Rock Spa for some “Rhythm & Motion,” the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilizing amplified vibrations, pressures and patterns as the foundation of its treatments. This groundbreaking experience will take you on a rhythmic ‘Synchronicity’ massage journey that starts with an overhead sound bubble, enveloping you with soothing tempos. Beats are synchronized to vibrations within the massage table that quickly send you into dreamland. After the Rock Spa, head into the modern casino featuring 24/7 high-energy gaming action, including high-stakes table games, thousands of slot machines and a new smoke-free area offering 250 popular games. Then relax in the luxurious outdoor pool, complete with underwater speakers, a pool bar and poolside chickee cabanas. (Continued on page 118)

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AMPLIFIED PACKAGE

The Amplified Package is available at all 23 Hard Rock Hotels worldwide, with these complimentary inclusions: n Feder ® guitar pre-reserved and ready

to play in your guest room n VIP Memorabilia Property Tour n Limited edition “I Got Plugged In @ Hard Rock Hotels”

hat and pin And these optional inclusions: n Rhythm & Motion Spa Treatment n Tickets to local music events n Tickets to local events & attractions n To book your Amplified Package, go to

www.hardrockhotels.com/amplified.htm

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(Continued from page 116)

Memorabilia Tour at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa By Joseph Love Enjoy some of the rock star fun facts discussed on the VIBE Tour. • Buddy Holly who early in his career opened for Elvis Presley was wildly successful and influential to the early rock ’n’ roll movement. His early death is immortalized by singer Don McLean in “The Day the Music Died.” • John Lennon and his new bride protested for peace with a bed on his honeymoon. The sign that hung behind him shows how rock ’n’ roll became part of a changing culture. • Mountain and Jerry Garcia had great influence in music during this time. Guitars from each band are proudly on display during this tour where the Vibe Manager discusses how each band had a different influence on rock ‘n’ roll after Woodstock. · During the 1970s music became more theatrical and colorful with two uniquely different bands. KISS burst on to the music landscape with loud explosions and over the top makeup, while the Jacksons brought Motown sound to the masses with dazzling costumes and choreography.

COUNCIL OAK Steaks & Seafood

fter an action-filled day enjoying the amenities at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, you’ll no doubt have an avid appetite. For an innovative and sophisticated finedining experience, visit Council Oak Steaks & Seafood. The name stems from the iconic, ancestral oak tree, which is still in existence (in Hollywood), and is where tribe leaders gathered to discuss tribe affairs. Council Oak offers the finest 100 percent USDA prime steaks – dry-aged 21 to 28 days – and cut to order in their on-site butcher shop. I had the pleasure of trying the evening special by Chef de Cuisine Dave Puatu – a 60-day dry aged New York Strip, which was prepared and seasoned perfectly rare with 118

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an amazing Pittsburgh style crust and rich au poivre sauce. If you’d like to add a bit of surf to your turf, the seafood here is brought in daily from local fishermen, and live Maine lobsters from their custom-made saltwater tanks are available with each course. Patrick House, Assistant General Manager/Wine Sommelier, precisely paired with an awardwinning wine. Save room for a one-of-a-kind homemade dessert. We tried the famous Council Oak 151 Volcano, flambéed tableside. It was as much fun to watch being prepared as it was delicious to eat. After dinner, relax for a bit in the Council Oak Lounge, where you’ll enjoy live entertainment and specialty cocktails.

Marc Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grey Salt F

or an innovative Mediterranean meal in a modern and welcoming venue with a vibrant open kitchen, lemon-jar vases and whitewashed wood panels, visit Grey Salt by Chef Marc Murphy at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. The menu takes inspiration from Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood, highlighting items that trace back to his French heritage and Italian roots. With locally sourced fresh seafood, the menu also features artisanal flatbread, handmade pastas as well as rotisserie and grilled meats. Some of our favorite dishes included the kale salad with marcona almonds, goat feta and lemon vinaigrette; the spicy lamb and tzatziki grilled flatbread; the succulent roasted duck; the roasted chicken (which requires a threeday marinating preparation process); and the grilled pineapple with mascarpone, Moroccan honey and pistachios. Pablo, the wine and spirits manager at Grey Salt, was superb! He paired our courses with excellent Mediterranean-region wines and then spoiled us with house-made limoncello and fine port during dessert. Outstanding!

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Sand Dollar Dreams in

Sea Island BY KRISTEN MAGER

Nestled along the silky Georgia shore sits a sweet sanctuary, Sea Island, where luxury meets southern charm. Equally spaced between Jacksonville and Savannah, Sea Island is one of four barrier islands that make up the Golden Isles of Georgia. Beautiful backdrop to about 600 private cottages and worldclass resorts like The Cloister, the coastal paradise promises gems at every salty footprint along the way. For natives and jetsetters alike, this five-mile long, quarter-mile wide slice of heaven has been the picture-perfect canvas for memories and traditions since the late 1920s.

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Rick and Marie Wackenhut of Palm Beach, Florida, have been seasonal residents since 2003, after falling in love with the island’s charm and rich amenities. “Sea Island’s as elegant and opulent as they come,” said Marie. ”And you don’t have to leave for anything. Everywhere you turn, there are treasures — from the driftwood in the sand to the fourstory tranquil grotto in the spa. It’s really quite charming.”

Rich with nature Like the picturesque island itself, the one-way ride in and out is simply breathtaking. A cruise over the causeway from St. Simons Island reveals spectacular green marshlands, which are unspoiled and pristine. “The island has allowed for development over the years but let nature be the priority,” said Page Aiken, a seventh-generation native and associate broker of Sotheby's International Realty.

Hotel makes history Before the 1920s, Sea Island was largely uninhabited until Ohio native Howard Coffin had the idea to turn it into a beach resort. Coffin recruited Addison Mizner, one of Palm Beach’s renowned architects, to design the Mediterranean-style Cloister hotel, which opened in October 1928. That year, Coffin brought in his cousin Alfred W. Jones to run the resort. In 2010, Sea Island Acquisition, LLC, obtained all of the assets of Sea Island Company. For generations, The Cloister

has been the heart of the island, bringing families and friends together for meals, activities, and special celebrations. It underwent an extensive renovation in 2006 and is the only hotel in the world to have received the Forbes Five-Star Award for eight years in a row. The resort’s Lodge, the Georgian Room restaurant, and the full-service spa have also received the prestigious Forbes award. Before long, Sea Island evolved into a premier meeting destination for dignitaries and presidents. In fact, President Bush hosted the 30th G8 Summit at Sea Island in June 2004, and the leaders of the world’s major industrial democracies converged on the relaxed, exclusive Georgian island.

Activities for all ages From ocean kayaking to horse-riding on the beach to bagpiper harmonies at sunset, Sea Island offers endless activities to appeal to everyone from the casual sports enthusiast to the socialite. The 65,000-square-foot Cloister Spa features 23 treatment rooms and a delicious menu of body treatments and fitness classes, including cycling classes and yoga. Palm trees and water features create a tranquil waiting area or grotto that puts you into the heart of nature. “A walk through the indoor garden transitions you from the busyness of life to a world of mindfulness and meditation,” said Marie.

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“We designated each room as a land Marco Polo would’ve explored and what artifacts he would’ve found.” – Marie Wackenhut

Those looking to soak in some vitamin D and relax can head over to the Beach Club, located near The Cloister. Private cabanas and poolside service make for a pampering retreat where you’ll find three pools and a splash pad for the little ones. A movie theater and ice cream parlor are sweet perks. And then there’s Camp Cloister, which spoils with fun and educational activities for kids ages 3 to 14.

Golf and gaming galore One of the biggest draws to Sea Island is the second-to-none golf experience. The isle’s golf club ranks fourth of the 75 best Golf Resorts in the U.S. and features three spectacular 18-hole championship courses. “Professional golf has had a significant impact on the visibility of Sea Island," says Page. “The island hosts a PGA event each year and developed a world-class teaching facility that's attracted many young golf pros. One of the game’s top teachers, Davis Love Jr., started the Sea Island teaching program in the late 70s. His son, Davis Love III, Zach Johnson, and Jonathan Byrd all play here." The resort offers a full-service tennis program and is one of the only resorts in the U.S. to offer squash facilities with two international softball courts and one North American hardball doubles court. The Sea Island Shooting School also ranks among the nation’s best.

Glorious cottage life Unlike most communities where the homes are sequential, Sea Island requires a treasure map of sorts to find your way. Every cottage is numbered by the order in which it was built—whether it’s along the main stretch or off a feeder path lined in live oaks and moss. It’s just one of many carefully thought out touches that truly make the island magical. It also shows the lineage of residents, which was important to founders.

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After the Wackenhuts bought cottage #302 in 2003, they embarked on decorating it in a Marco Polo theme that carries throughout. The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom classic Mediterranean cottage features high volume ceilings, a barrel-style roof, and glorious poolside lanai with fireplace. “We designated each room as a land Marco Polo would've explored and what artifacts he would've found," said Marie. “Some are exotic, some are unique. We used our own experience and then we did a lot of research on the Silk Road, where ancient merchants like Marco Polo embarked for good trade and fortune. It was very fun to do and we enjoy taking our friends on an adventure through our home.” As you enter the home, an Imperial Chinese living room greets you. With banked glass and arched walls, the home's hub is where ocean breezes drift in, creating an airy, heavenly space. The dining room flows into the living room and represents India. An expansive gourmet kitchen houses a large island, where the couple enjoys hosting cooking demonstrations while friends gather around the bar. A British-Empire-style family room sits off of the kitchen, and Rick’s office is encased in beautiful cherry wood. The Wackenhuts also added a comfortable media room upstairs with reclining, lush chairs. "Comfortable living areas and the way the house flows bring family and guests together and is a reflection of the heart and soul of Sea Island," said Page. To learn more about Sea Island, visit seaisland.com. See additional Wackenhut home photos at right (some exterior photos are general island images).

Nestled along the silky Georgia shore sits a sweet sanctuary, Sea Island, where luxury meets southern charm.

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Good News for Mother Nature:

South Florida Is Finally Going Green By Jill Patterson

Almost 300 people a day move to the Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beaches South Florida area. That’s about a half a million people in the last five years. As we are growing and developing, what are we doing to protect the natural beauty that surrounds us, which unarguably is South Florida’s greatest asset?

Jason Biondi is Opulence International Realty's Sustainability Expert. He is currently working with sales agent Pamela Diaz-DeLeon to aid developers on Green initiatives in the design phase of new developments. Go to www.oirfl.com/sustainability.com to learn more. 124

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Meet the Green LEED Guru ason Biondi has been responsible for the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of many buildings in South Florida since 2006. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Jason studied at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability. In 2009, Jason founded the Energy Cost Solutions Group, a business which promotes high performance, sustainable, new construction and existing buildings through energy savings, minimizing environmental impacts of construction, best practices for operations and maintenance, and improving indoor environmental conditions. Jason is extremely busy working with South Florida developers to help them fulfill their sustainability needs and new requirements. In April, Miami Beach just passed an ordinance requiring all new buildings over 7,000sf to be LEED Gold. But Jason is also a licensed realtor with Opulence International Realty because he believes that when people better understand the impacts of the built environment on occupant health, lifestyle and business, they are more informed and make wiser real estate decisions. OIR’s Broker, Jill Patterson, sat down with Jason to talk about sustainability in South Florida. OIR: What are some benefits to owners who consider sustainability in their homes or businesses, and in their real estate decisions? JB: The idea is that you can create a place that considers both the health of the people inside of it and the health of the environment around it, as well as a sense of community. If you can bake those elements into a real estate deal, you get much further down the road toward your goals for investment, happiness and quality of life than if these ideas are an afterthought. The amount of time people spend indoors has increased tremendously, so when we’re creating that environment, we need think about the things that make people feel good and want to stay there; a beautiful view, a work of art. We ask what inspires people and encourages healthier activities. Then, there are basic things we examine, like air quality, exposure to chemicals, building orientation, and the types of materials and design aesthetics that are used. In addition, we look at the quality of the drinking water, as well as the control you have over your comfort. Can you create different atmospheres inside the building that resemble the course of the sun through the sky or the natural circadian rhythms that are tied to your health and wellness.

ergy savings is difficult. Two, because we’re a fairly transient community, and to really get into sustainability, it helps to have a sense of place. Finally, speculative development creates another layer of challenges. On the positive side is the public. They’re starting to understand the nomenclature of green building, the criteria that make buildings better and more valuable, as well as the impacts buildings have on people and nature. There’s a lot of great designers and contractors in South Florida, so that makes it exciting because there’s not really one right way to do it. Sustainability is intended to engage innovation and creativity. Ten years ago, nobody in South Florida had mandatory green building ordinances. Now many municipalities have adopted green building ordinances, Miami 21 being the most robust, and now Miami Beach has just signed on. OIR: What can homeowners do to conserve energy and live healthier? JB: Heaps of stuff. The first thing you can do is compost and recycle. You basically just need three bins in your house: One for compost, one for recycling, one for waste, and that will dramatically reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill. Air filtration: Changing your air filters to MERV 13 or higher (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) helps filter out bacteria, mold, heavy hitters for illness. Install a water filter or get your water tested. Home Depot will send a sample of water, sink or fridge, for testing and then send you a free report on how healthy or unhealthy your water is. Then you can decide whether you want to use a reverse osmosis water filter. Another big area is the proper flow of storm water and sustainable landscaping. We live in a swampy, salty, hot kind of place, but now we’re learning to embrace all that instead of trying to change the environment to accommodate us. The fact is, access to information is greater than ever, people are smarter than ever, we are growing faster than ever, and that makes for exciting opportunities for innovation.

[

OIR is now a paperless and plastic-less green office.

]

OIR: Why has South Florida lagged behind the rest of the world in its attention to sustainability? JB: I think there are three main reasons. One, because energy is cheap, so simple payback on en-

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Visionnaire Trendsets At

Salone Internazionale del Mobile By Robin Jay

he biggest date on the world’s furniture calendar falls in April, marking the start of the annual Salone Internazionale del Mobile, a week packed with events, exhibitions and presentations, where the crème de la crème on the international furniture design and manufacturing scene come together, according to Eleonore Cavalli, art director and communications head of Visionnaire which has set the bar at Salone del Mobile since 1961. According to Roberto Snaidero, President of the Salone del Mobile, Milano, the strong international importance of exports today was confirmed by the majority of attendees coming from abroad; Italy’s prime minister Matteo Renzi was in attendance of this year's fair, marking the significance of the annual exhibit.

The Vision Behind Visionnaire “My grandfather Vittorio was a clever and innovative man who 126

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survived WWII after being imprisoned by British soldiers in India for years,” Eleonore said. “He was an ingenious and dedicated man with a strong work ethic, always looking for ways to make life more enjoyable. He was an inventor of many winning technical solutions for sofas and beds, including the Lungarno internal structure.” In 1959, Vittorio and Pompeo Cavalli in Zola Predosa started a company that developed expanded padded products for car seats. Together, they conceived the idea to use the materials to create construction systems for furniture. “The idea to explore different uses of polyurethane was revolutionary, yet in some ways very easy,” said Eleonore, who is also an architect. “ The country was ‘booming’ after the end of World War II. The reconstruction of several cities destroyed by bombs, along with strong economic development, pushed my grandparents to create new business opportunities. Hundreds

The Galloway sofa and chaise lounge, designed by Maurizio Manzoni and Roberto Tapinassi, in iroko natural wood and stainless steel arms details, a real passe-partout for relaxing 'en plein air,' on the beach, in the countryside or in the city.

of new houses needed to be built and furnished, and the polyurethane was the perfect material that could explore new shapes, function and needs of this Italian social revolution.” Eleonore’s father, Luigi, expanded the company internationally in the 1970s and has made it the company it is today. “I have great admiration for my father; he is the most honest man I know,” said Eleonore.

World-Class Flair This world-class luxury Italian furniture monobrand, known for its unique designs and aristocratic flair, sets Visionnaire apart from other furniture makers in Italy. “It is precisely our cosmopolitan approach that led the brand to expand worldwide,” Eleonore said. “It offers flexibility, expert Italian craftsmanship, bespoke luxury design to the most exacting customers, from residential to hotels and other contract projects.”

This year, Visionnaire’s Hall 3 display was all about American Déco style. The Yacht Collection showcased daybeds, sofas, tables and chairs manufactured with UV ray resistant, waterproof materials for use in high humidity. “This is essentially outdoor furniture made for heavy duty environments, enhanced with precious details that can also be transformed into elegant indoor furniture.” For more information about the firm’s latest furniture collections, visit the Miami showroom at 2063 Biscayne Blvd. Miami or call 786-577-4370 www.visionnaire-home.com

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ave you ever wondered what it would be like to dangle thousands of feet in the air over a mountain face? Can you imagine emerging after four months of near total darkness to encounter the immense beauty and horror of Antarctica? Adventure photographer and professional mountain guide, Ben Adkison, lives these fantasies every day. He has climbed some of the highest mountains in the world and explored remote sections of Patagonia. He has slept under the desert skies of the Southwest U.S. He has even spent a cold and dark winter in Antarctica. Fortunately for us, he always brings along his camera.

Living the moment Adkison’s pictures allow us to see corners of the world we would likely never experience. His bone-deep love and lifelong appreciation of the natural world is dynamically aligned with his agility as a professional photographer and mountain guide. “This is what I feel most comfortable doing,” said Adkison. “Most of the time, I prefer to sleep in a tent than any other place. It’s what’s ingrained in me. When I was a kid, most summer nights I’d pull my mattress out onto the balcony and sleep under the stars. I still prefer it that way.” He grew up with a camera in one hand, while the other explored the flora, fauna and mountain ranges of Montana. “I picked up my first SLR camera when I was 12,” said Adkison. “It seemed like a natural complement to being in the outdoors. I was surrounded by beautiful things, and photography was a way to remember them. Now it is more than that: It is a way to create moments but also a way to create a moment using light beyond what your eye can see. It’s how I make art.” These unique experiences and skills give Adkison an edge in capturing hard-to-get images in the world’s harshest environments. “I’m in these unique places doing unique things. Not many people have the skills to stay alive in those places and take photos at the same time. It’s usually one or the other. So I have been able to combine my skills to create images that I hope excite and inspire others.” See more of Ben Adkison’s work at: www.benadkisonphotography.com www.facebook.com/benadkisonphotography All photography on pages 128-133 by Ben Adkison

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American Southwest “I’d wanted to visit these Northern Arizona canyons my whole life… But you had to go on a tour, which is hard to do when you want to take photos. On a photo tour, our Navajo guide holds back the crowds and you have about a minute to take photos. They throw the sand up in the air so I was able to capture the light beams.” Continued on page 130

ON THE ROCKS n Professional mountain guide Ben Adkison travels the globe capturing breathtaking and life-risking photography

By John D. Adams

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Colorado “Mountain Trip is a company I do a lot of work for around the world. This is my boss traversing Telluride’s Via Ferrata (iron road). You clip into these metal cables and climb around the route. I’ve become more interested in adventure sports photography, so this was a really fun photo shoot.”

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Antarctica “In May, the darkness finally sets in. There isn’t much light left during the day, and the wonders of the night (or day, depending on how you look at it) really start to show themselves. This is by far my favorite and most popular photo from the thousands upon thousands of images I took during my 410 days in Antarctica.” Summer 2016

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Grand Canyon â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad used to write hiking books for the Southwest United States, including hiking the Grand Canyon. After he died, I started to revise and update his books. I took this series of pictures while on one of those excursions.â&#x20AC;?

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Antarctica “September. After the long, dark Antarctic winter, the days are finally full of light, and the continent comes alive again.” As the sun finally rose after 4 months of darkness, Adkison captured this incredible example of the beauty, and ferocity, of nature. This “sea” of frozen starfish is a phenomenon never seen before or since.

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By Dr. Robert Lavinsky

Putting Fine Minerals on the Map The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas can be counted among other great U.S. science museums, like the Smithsonian Dr. Robert Lavinsky

Each mineral case has a high-tech, touch-display tablet next to it, which shows photos and information for each specimen and can be customized and changed easily as the specimens are rotated.

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allas is the largest metroplex in central Texas, but it is blessed with absolutely nothing mineralogical in the ground except gas and oil. But now, the Perot Museum in Dallas is the nation’s newest museum of natural history, where minerals and crystals of the highest caliber are presented simultaneously as science and art. The museum is named after computer-industry businessman Ross Perot and his wife Margot in recognition of their children’s contributions to fund the building, and of Perot’s contribution to the computer technology industry in Texas. The museum’s goal is all about inspiring curiosity in the next generation.

A Closer Look The Perot Museum represents a new experiment in museum building in several ways. Firstly, it was built only with private money, no public money or debt of any kind. Newly opened on December 1, 2012, the 180,000 square-foot museum is a remarkable building that integrates sustainability, technology and nature in its design by Pritzker Prize Laureate Thom Mayne. Another innovation at the Perot, largely with a push from me in the formation stages, the museum developed a unique model: It called on the large Dallas private collecting community to participate in loans of extraordinary specimens for a public display. This allowed the museum to present a world-class collection from opening day. The minerals are rotated periodically, keeping the displays dynamic and exciting while providing the public with access to some of the best specimens from the local collector group that might never be seen otherwise. It is hoped that in the future some of those specimens and collections might be donated and given a permanent home. The museum displays the stunning mineral specimens in gallery cases suitable for the finest art, in a darkened hall that more resembles an art gallery than a traditional, perhaps boring, old museum. The effect is to see these specimens we love as true treasures, displayed and presented as if they were valuable works of sculpture instead of as mere “rocks on a shelf.”

Tourmaline with Quartz, Brazil, 35 cm tall, Lavinsky collection

In the minerals hall are numerous engaging activities using computer simulations and videos to learn about what makes a mineral, how crystals grow, and what causes color and form in minerals. We have created a crystal and gems hall in Dallas that can be counted among other great U.S. museums of science, such as the Smithsonian, American Museum, and Houston Museum.

The Lyda Hill Gems and Minerals Hall The minerals hall itself is lavishly built due to a generous $15 million donation from mineral collector Lyda Hill of Dallas. Another 20 collectors contributed specimens for display. Highlights include a re-created pocket approximately 5 feet tall of gem tourmaline and quartz crystals from Brazil, as well as the largest crystallized gold specimen ever found in North America, from the 16-to-1 Mine in the Northern California gold district. Near the entrance is one of the 10 must-see items in the museum: a large, rich purple amethyst geode from Uruguay, nicknamed “Grape Jelly,” measuring nearly 6 feet tall and massing thousands of kilos. It is attached to a series of hydraulic wheels and levered so perfectly on them that, even at 2 years old, my son could turn the wheel in front and watch these giant geode halves open and close.

With our flagship new Perot Museum, crystals in Dallas are getting long-overdue recognition, and with their innovative and artistic displays, the museum is putting minerals on the map in a way that has never been accomplished before. To plan a summer visit, go to www.perotmuseum.org. Summer 2016

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BY ROBIN JAY

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The amazing artistry of Canadian paper sculptor

amping, hunting, hiking, canoeing, skiing and snowshoeing dominated Calvin Nicholls’ life in Canada well into his 20s. His family camped for weeks every summer when he was a boy, the memories of which gave him a keen interest in observing the habits and behaviors of various forms of wildlife.

“I applied these skills at an advertising agency for a short time, but quickly ventured out on my own seeking the adventures I witnessed in the small businesses operated by my extended family while growing up,” he said. “In 1983, I hired paper sculpture artist Jonathan Milne to add his unique flair to a menu design for a well known Toronto restaurant. The project was a big success, and from that point, I could not resist the allure of the art form. It took me back to a class in art school in which we considered the possibilities of paper as a medium. Never expecting back then that paper would reach out to me again, I was hooked as I experimented with

“Building blinds in my bow-hunting days allowed close encounters with deer, foxes and a myriad of other animals that wandered under the tree stand or past the ground blind. Although proficient with the bow, I chose the camera when the big moments arose, opting to record the moment without realizing that these would become the reference for my future artwork,” Calvin told Opulence.

The Journey to Becoming a Sculptor of Paper The graphic design program at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, provided Calvin insights into balance and flow, positive and negative space and mostly of communicating. Summer 2016

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Greater Bird of Paradise

tools and papers, eager to provide my own take on this technique and to offer it to my design clients.” Calvin said his portfolio evolved gradually, directing him to birds. “A corporate client requested an eagle-like bird, and as I cut my first feathers, images from my miles and miles of hiking the rural and forested areas around home as a boy rushed to mind. Soaring hawks, game birds, swallows that lined the hydro wires, and waterfowl exploding off the pond became potential subjects. “The layering of feathers was such a natural fit for the art form and it felt good developing my own direction out of respect for the paper artists who came before me. It was this ‘dovetailing’ of my interests in wildlife and the outdoors that propelled me into experimenting with feathers and, gradually, fur. Animals I was familiar with or fascinated by became easy subjects to get lost in as I spoke to biologists and sifted through my 35mm slide archives.”

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As Calvin gained confidence in his fine-art skill of paper sculpturing, he turned his attention in 1990 to testing interest in his work at art shows and galleries in the hope of creating another revenue stream to augment his design business. “It flourished and my years of sketching, carving, model making and photography combined in what has become a most unexpected and satisfying art adventure,” Calvin said.

The Magic Behind Calvin’s Paper Artistry “People might be surprised that the development of the drawings and idea take as long or longer than the sculpture itself,” Calvin explained. “Every sculpture begins the same way. An idea or inspiration in the field

or studio gets me out taking photographs and sketching. Discussions with photographers and biologists bring another level of understanding of species that I’ve observed for years or of those I have only seen in captivity or on video. Either way, I attempt to gain an understanding of the subject before any sketching begins.

The cutting and tooling process is indeed cathartic, but also very physical. I have accumulated a large collection of handles and blades to provide variety in the working position and grip. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never tense really. I simply enjoy it and time d-i-s-a-p-p-e-a-r-s.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Calvin Nicholls

Boreal Owl

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harnessing the light that the necessary highlights and shadows are created. The two-dimensional result of my photographs comes after hours of lighting and test shots. I love watching the light play over the surface. It never ceases to amaze me how that subtle transition of highlight to shadow even such reduced overall depth can create such a powerful illusion of full form.”

PRESERVING THE ART

“This is an aspect that is most misunderstood,” Calvin said. “The sculptures are incredibly strong. The thousands of glue joints combine for an overall strength that defies the perception of the base material. Many of the handmade papers I use are in fact almost impossible to rip. All possess archival qualities, first from being acid free due to the nature of the manufacturing process, and secondly from being resistant to airborne acids in everyday life.”

The Reward

“At play I tinker and create. Each and every connection that results from this art form enriches my life. I am so grateful for the doors that have opened for me and, thankfully, I had just enough confidence to walk through. As I learned so early in my journey, art communicates. To enjoy the process and to see it bring joy to others sometimes seems to be the greatest gift of all.” To see more paper sculptures by Calvin Nicholls, visit www.calvinnicholls.com

WB4 Buffalo

“I go to great lengths to finalize my drawings, which I trace so as to allow constant attention to the glued-down parts vs. the desired effect established in the final drawing. Understanding the form of every component and how to capture it in low-relief is a challenge. Often the sculpting process feels like – no, IS – the reward for all of the hard work done in preparing for each and every cut. “Simplifying the planes of the body is critical as I seek to facilitate paper as my medium. Complex curves are possible, but with limits, so planning the scores, folds, cuts and curls offer the best opportunity of a reasonable representation of my subject. Archival papers of varying thicknesses are used to depict flowing hair and structure while assuring generations of viewing due the inherent resistance to airborne acids that would discolor acidic everyday papers. “Specifying paper for my graphic design projects over the years gave me an introduction to the finest mills in the world. Many of the papers I use now are handmade by artisans in Europe, Japan and North America. “Detail decisions in the final drawings are kept close at hand as I cut and assemble the often tiny bits into a robust body-form that has established the topography of the piece. I catch myself every once in a while placing an individual hair with tweezers (something I vowed I would never do), but more often strands of hair are grouped where possible as the flow of the surface texture allows.”

The Unique Use of Light Calvin continued, “Working in modeling lights, I watch the light play over the surface of the paper, and it’s during this attempt at 140

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Hummingbird

renChmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Homage to

Picasso BY JOHN D. ADAMS

French-American painter

Eric Demarchelier mounts his first Picasso-inspired exhibition Summer 2016

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ince 1973, Paris’ historic exhibition hall and museum, the Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées, has mounted an evolving and elegant “Picasso Mania” exhibition. To date, more than 20 group and solo exhibitions have focused on the posterity of Pablo Picasso’s oeuvre. The artist’s great stylistic phases and emblematic works are placed alongside contemporary creations by such noted artists as Warhol, Basquiat, Lichtenstein, Hockney, Jasper Johns, Koon, Richard Prince and others. For French-American restauranteur and painter Eric Demarchelier, a visit to the ongoing exhibition became surprisingly life changing. “I have a restaurant in New York where I will often hang my paintings, so after seeing the Picasso Mania exhibition I thought: ‘I’m going to do that, too!’ I was only going to do one piece and put it in the restaurant, but it was so complex and interesting and fun for me to emulate Picasso that I quickly realized I couldn’t stop with just one painting.” Before he knew it, Demarchelier had more than a dozen pieces that pay tribute to some of Picasso’s most famous paintings from “Dora Maar” to “Toreador.”“I had accumulated enough to have a full exhibition at my restaurant in the Upper East Side of New York,” said Demarchelier. “Once this happened, I noticed the collection started to receive incredible feedback from my customers, so I decided to take the show on the road.”

Dora Maar

“I have a restaurant in New York where I will often hang my paintings, so after seeing the Picasso Mania exhibition I thought: ‘I’m going to do that, too!’”

In April, Demarchelier traveled to Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel to present his 2016 collection of 14 oils on canvas at Bahía, the resort’s renovated poolside restaurant and lounge. “I love Miami and because I travel here often, I decided to share my Picassoinspired works in South Florida. After the art exhibition at the Four Seasons, my collection moved to Palmeiras Beach Club inside Grove Isle. My paintings will be showcased at Grove Isle for two months (through June). I’m beyond excited to see how the public views my work and what sort of feedback I’ll hear from attendees. I’ve been painting for many years, but this is the first time I actually exhibit my work with a series of public events.” Toreador 142

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– Eric Demarchelier

Portrait of la Pisseuse

Recipe for realization Until recently, Demarchelier has been primarily known as a worldclass chef and restauranteur. Since opening “Demarchelier” in New York City in 1978, he has worked to bring a little piece of France to the Big Apple. “Every meal that leaves our kitchen expresses the soul of authentic French bistro fair,” he said. But many patrons may not have realized that their convivial host was also a prolific painter. Trained by St. Petersburg master painter Leonid Gervis, Demarchelier has been avidly creating art for more than 25 years. His breadth of work has been truly astounding due to his adept hand at creating a range of complex and engaging abstract styles. Demarchelier merges formalistic opposites of color, shape, texture, and form to evoke the perceptual field. “I have played with all sorts of genres and periods. I’ll paint in a style for a year or so, but then I’m ready to challenge myself to try something else. I hadn’t decided to have a career as an artist. I did it for myself, and now it has become something greater than I had expected. I was so very proud to get this show in Miami, now I’m interested in really developing a reputation as an artist and am excited to see how the future unfolds. Maybe one of my pieces will make it to Paris one day.” To see more of Eric Demarchelier’s work, visit www.ericdemarchelierart.com

Marie Therese Summer 2016

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Why

A FINE ART CONSERVATOR – NOT JUST A RESTORER? For fine art collectors, knowing the difference is priceless By Gordon Lewis

In the 1960s, art restoration underwent a seismic shift from an obscure craft to a science-supported academic profession, focusing on conservation (preservation) combined with restoration skills. Traditionally, restorers learned their trade through apprenticeship. However, today’s conservator has a master’s or Ph.D. in conservation science. Only a handful of master degree programs is available in major universities, 144

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and even fewer offer a doctorate. Harvard offers an abbreviated 10-month certificate program. These advanced degree programs focus on chemistry, diagnostics, and restoration technology and technique. This is particularly important in today’s evolving world where contemporary artists are using materials never even contemplated by traditional artists.

While contemporary media and techniques pose challenges for conservators, unfortunately, there are some pieces that cannot be successfully conserved or restored. Recently we saw a contemporary painting on which the Chinese artist had applied paint so thickly that, while it cured on the surface, it formed a crust which prevented the massive amounts below it from hardening, causing the paint layer to slide off its surface. We talked with Christie’s in London (who have sold several of the artist’s works, and their first words were, “Is it sliding off the canvas?”) There are some problems with no solutions.

A Steady Hand & Chemistry Required There are many restorers with admirable hand skills. However, lacking a mastery of chemistry with its vital understanding of the potentially devastating interaction of materials can leave the artwork aesthetically beautiful and fatally flawed or damaged. We had a highly valuable contemporary painting brought to us when the owner noticed a problem with a previous restoration; a varnish-like surface coating was erupting into small craters. Scientific analysis showed the coating to be polyurethane rather than picture varnish. It chemically cross-linked (a process in which two materials become irreversibly bonded together) with the painting below it, and could not be removed without also removing the paint layer. The picture is ruined and worthless. The collector had chosen a restorer rather than a conservator because of cost. Today, a grad student passes through a rigorous series of academics, apprenticeships and graduate fellowships to become fully qualified. A baccalaureate is required in art history, chemistry or studio art, and several years’ apprenticeship to an established conservator. Next is application to a degree program. There are four in the United States, accepting five to seven students per year; the competition is ferocious. In the New York University program’s first year, seven students were selected from 3,000 applicants. After obtaining a master’s or Ph.D., there follows another four+ years as a graduate fellow in a museum or academically oriented setting. The investment is 13-15 years to become a fully qualified conservator, as compared to several months to a year to become a restorer.

Choose Carefully Tools of an art conservator

Choosing a conservator is like choosing a doctor. Too many collectors make the mistake of selecting on price rather than expertise. Like doctors, conservators have varying skill levels, and, like doctors,

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sophisticated vacuum hot tables for paintings treatment and special lights with adjustable wavelengths (mimicking any lighting condition) for exacting retouching.

Conservators at The Fine Arts Conservancy restoring a damaged Gerhard Richter the best are generally more expensive, but there is a greater confidence in their ability. Most conservators today are members of the AIC (American Institute of Conservation); those who have undergone successful peer review of their knowledge, education and skills are awarded the designation of ‘Professional Associate.’ Unfortunately, the AIC Professional Associate designation, while increasing the collector’s chances of selecting a highly skilled conservator, does not ensure it. For example, the accredited fine art appraiser on our staff was commissioned to value a wonderful Americana painting recently restored by another Professional Associate conservator. Unfortunately, the restoration was highly visible. Americana experts asked if we had performed the restoration; fortunately it was not our work. The value of the picture was diminished by the unsatisfactory restoration. Some may feel that appraisal and conservation under the same roof may lead to a conflict of interest; indeed, in unethical hands, it could. For ethical reasons, there are occasions to decline one of the two. However, the AIC Code of Ethics recognizes members may be academically trained and accredited appraisers.

one of four in the country (National Gallery of Art, Metropolitan Museum, Getty) with an electronic imaging microscope. Originally developed for vascular surgery, it is unparalleled for precision restoration of paintings, paper and objects. There are sealed vaults to kill mold with hydroxyls (a non-chemical process, harmless to paintings, paper and objects) and large chambers lined with UV lights, which harmlessly clean paper in liquid baths using selective wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation. Excitingly, there is a new gel technique for cleaning paper without water. Then, there are

Conservation implies ‘saving,’ and trained conservators are skilled in both preserving an artwork and restoring it as much as possible, to the condition in which one expects to find it today. Not necessarily to its original condition. There are several keys to top-quality conservation and restoration. First, from an ethical and mechanical standpoint, the restoration must be reversible; from the standpoint of connoisseurship, “the condition in which one expects to find it today” cannot be overstated. The art cannot look restored to the point that it visibly stands out from other works of its age. There are varying standards in this: It is desirable for an Impressionist picture to be clean, but have a very slight glow of aging varnish, where a French academic painting (of the period preceding Impressionism) should be completely clean, sparkling, and flawless. These are a few of the many varying standards regarding how museums and collectors expect to see a specific school of painting, or a specific painter’s work; your conservator must be an expert in them. For more information about The Fine Arts Conservancy or to reach Gordon Lewis, visit www.art-conservation.org.

Tools of the Conservator Conservators, have a number of advanced scientific instruments to assist in diagnosis and treatment. For years, conservators have used microscopes, but now our laboratory is 146

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To ensure precision restoration, conservators use advanced electronic laboratory microscopes

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FĂŞte aux Tuileries en l'honneur des ambassadeurs polonais (Polish Ambassadors). Brussels tapestry, unidentified atelier, c. 1576. Wool, silk, silver and silver gilt (gold-plated silver), 388 x 480 cm. Photo: Scala/Art Resource, New York. 148

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Restoration of

Catherine de Mediciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Priceless

Valois Tapestries By Jana Soeldner Danger

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“

The eight sixteenth-century tapestries representing Historians believe Catherine commissioned the tapestries to Catherine de Medici and her family observing courtly present to her granddaughter, Christina of Lorraine, as a dowry festivities, collectively known as The Valois Tapestries, are when the girl married the Grand Duke Ferdinando de Medici, amongst the most important Renaissance tapestries surviving said Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, president of Friends of the today,” said Elizabeth Cleland, Associate Curator, Department of Uffizi in Florence. It is fortunate that the tapestries were taken to European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Mu- Italy, because it prevented them from almost certain destruction seum of Art, New York. “Probably springing from the imagination during the violence of the French Revolution, she added. “France of the celebrated court artist at Fontainebleau, Antoine Caron, lost so much art during the revolution. But because these had the tapestries were certainly created in Brussels, the most ad- gone to Florence, they were protected.” mired weaving center in the sixteenth century. Their designs enThe Friends joy a cleverly playful spatial complexity, uniting distant panoraFriends of the Uffizi Gallery is a support group organized in 1993 mas with figures so close to the picture plane, and so carefully following a terrorist bombing that damaged the gallery and observed, that they seem to inhabit the actual rather than the some of its precious artworks, Contessa Rimbotti said. The goal woven realm. In these tapestries, the subtle twist of a head or of the group, as well as a Palm Beach-based sister organization sight-line of a glance, balances the bombast of spectacle viewed in the U.S. established in 2006, is to restore and maintain the from afar. In their subject matter, The Valois Tapestries capture museum’s artistic heritage. Although the current project is the pageantry and excess of the French court; amongst the prorestoration of The Valois Tapestries, past tagonists depicted is a veritable portrait have included several of the gal“The Renaissance projects gallery of the royal family of France. Their lery’s marble statues, said Diann Scaramonumental scale (each piece over 14 was the birth of villi, chair of Friends of the Uffizi Gallery square metres) epitomizes this monuAdvisory Board. mental art form at its most audacious. Woour culture. The The Valois Tapestries hung continuously ven only once, this is the unique edition of this extraordinary series.” Medicis were pa- for almost a hundred years – first in the Crocetta Palace and then in the Uffizi. But Catherine de Medici they have not been in public view since She was married at the age of 14 to a man trons of the arts 1987, when they were removed from the who largely ignored her, instead showerback in the 1300s, gallery, carefully rolled up and placed in ing favors and attention on his mistress. protective storage. As a result of that marriage, however, she and today, patrons The restoration of one of the tapestries, became queen of France during a time of the Bayonne Joust, is already complete. complex political alliances. And after her of the arts in It depicts Catherine watching the jousthusband died of complications from a Palm Beach are ing competition from a balcony with her jousting match, she wore widows’ weeds daughter Elizabeth. Work on three others for the rest of her life. continuing the is under way, and four are still waiting. Infertility plagued her for years, but eventuMedicis’ legacy.” History and Beauty ally she gave birth to 10 children. Three of The tapestries are important for both their them became kings who reigned in an era – Lisa Marie Browne, executive director beauty and their historical value, said of civil and religious warfare. They looked to of Friends of the Uffizi Gallery Contessa Rimbotti, who once gave tours her for policy and decision-making, giving her enormous political power. But it also earned her blame for ruth- in the corridor where they hung. “Our culture has its roots in the less persecutions carried out during those reigns, including a week- Renaissance, and they tell its story,” she said. “We see in them the fashion and dress of the period and what court behavior was like. long slaughter of thousands of Huguenots, or French protestants. They’re a very important part of history.”

A Fascinating Figure

Catherine de Medici is a fascinating historical figure, and a celebrated and precious tapestry series, part of the Uffizi Gallery collection in Florence, Italy, which offers a glimpse of the world in which she lived. The eight Valois Tapestries, woven with wool, silk, silver and silver gilt (gold-plated silver) threads, depict feasts Catherine held at her French court between the years of 1564 and 1573 when the Renaissance was in full bloom, as well as other entertainment festivities. In seven of the eight tapestries, Catherine is shown in her black mourning gowns. 150

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Lisa Marie Browne, executive director of Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, agreed. “The Valois Tapestries and the Medici collection in total are important to all of humanity,” she said. “The Renaissance was the birth of our culture. The Medicis were patrons of the arts back in the 1300s, and today, patrons of the arts in Palm Beach are continuing the Medicis’ legacy.”

A Meticulous Process As restorers clean the tapestries, the brilliant colors that were muted by light and dirt once again become apparent. “I was

Attaque de Vue devant le château de Fontainebleau (Fontainebleau) Brussels tapestry, unidentified atelier, c. 1576. Wool, silk, silver and silver gilt (gold-plated silver), 404x344 cm. Photo: Scala/Art Resource, New York astonished at their vividness,” Contessa Rimbotti said. Restoring the tapestries is a painstaking and complicated process, partly because the different dyes used on the threads react differently to products and methods, Contessa Rimbotti said. The work begins with a careful vacuuming.

“Then the tapestry is put on a table,” Contessa Rimbotti continued. “The restorers sit next to each other, and each one works on just 30 centimeters of the material using a cotton ball soaked in a special liquid. Then the liquid is blotted with absorbent paper. It’s a very long job that takes months.”

The art captures the human spirit, Contessa Rimbotti said. “When we see the people in the tapestries, the dress is different, but they are our past, and we come from them. We are a continuum, and we are all part of the culture of the Renaissance.”

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Remembering MGM’s Movie Boss Van Johnson Hollywood’s Golden Boy Next Door by Carleton Varney

ollywood stars of the 40s and 50s are still big names to some of us and to those of us who are Turner Classic Movie (TCM) fans. For me, the TCM channel is my lifeline to real Hollywood glamour. I love to hear Robert Osborne chat about Olivia de Havilland, Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Ava Gardner, Errol Flynn, Ida Lupino, and Jane Wyman (remember, she was once married to President Ronald Reagan!) Yes, TCM daily features those brilliant starts from MGM, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Warner Brothers and RKO. These studios housed, educated, and supervised the lives of its actors and actresses – in what was then called ‘the stable.’ Seven-year contracts were made with the stars, and stars 152

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were wise to follow up on what the studio master had to say. Jack Warner kept his stable of stars at Warner Brothers under watch, and sometimes under lock and key. Stars had to follow the strict rules of the studio, including the morale contract. At MGM, Louis B. Mayer orchestrated his studio, saying if and when he used a star to perform in whatever movie he chose. There could be no question of not complying, otherwise suspension clauses went into effect.

Meet Van Johnson All the studios had their boss men, and MGM had Van Johnson, their boy next door and contract player (nay- star!). From Newport, Rhode Island, he became the top of the box office

There was a personal side to Van Johnson that few knew. Of course, there was always a bit of under-the-radar chat about his sexual preferences. Following direction of the studio, Van married Evie Abbot Wynn, a close friend and wife of the actor Keenan Wynn. Van and Evie were married 21 years, and from their union a daughter Schuyler was born. Schuyler was a devoted daughter to her father, even at an early age practicing movie lines with her dad. Daddy Van was a voracious reader and always gifted his daughter books, volumes of wisdom.

Van Johnson and Carleton Varney in the mid 1940s. He was MGM’s big money maker. The publicity department at MGM saw to it that stories about Van always appeared on the covers of such magazines as Photoplay or Silver Screen. Van was hot property and was considered golden, truly part of Hollywood’s Golden Years.

I met Van Johnson in the mid 60s, not during the golden years but after he had departed the Hollywood scene for New York penthouse living. This was also after his divorce from wife Evie and his separation from his daughter Schuyler. A separation that would last right up to his death at age 92 in Tappan Zee Manor in upstate New York where he had lived for a few years. It was in the 70s that Van and I became friends. I had been introduced to him by Joan Crawford, for whom I had decorated two homes in New York, and Van having seen the apartments asked to meet with me regarding some decorating for him in his New York City 54th Street penthouse. Happily I began working with Van and did so until he departed the city for his assisted living facility. Van, the star, loved Broadway and truly enjoyed performing live on stage. He was a vivacious, fun-loving, happy soul who related well to the audience. He loved the band, the laughter and the applause of the people he loved. Having grown up in a New England harbor town of Newport, as I had in Nahant, Massachusetts, Van and I had very much in common. He loved New England style and color. He wore red socks day and night, and I do the same now to keep his memory alive.

Schuyler Pays Homage To Her Father To continue the Van Johnson spirit, I with his daughter Schuyler (a lady whom he adored even though she and dad did not touch base, mainly due to Van’s ex-wife Evie’s insistence), and Shannongrove Press have published a book, Van Johnson’s Hollywood with pictures by Evie Wynn Johnson and memories by Schuyler Johnson. The book features the family album with candid photographs that are a must for fans of the Golden Years of Hollywood to enjoy. You will find Van with a plethora of his co-stars, as well as pictures of Schuyler growing up in Hollywood and Switzerland. The book features the family album with candid photographs that are a must for fans of the Golden Years of Hollywood to enjoy.

Much has been written about the Golden Years of the silver screen, and there is much more to come!

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condo law

By Roberto C. Blanch

Responding to Special Accommodation Requests

rom time to time practically all community associations receive requests from individuals for exceptions to pet restrictions, parking space assignments, community architectural rules or other special accommodations. In an effort to avoid discrimination complaints or Fair Housing Act violation claims, associations should establish appropriate procedures to address such requests.

Roberto C. Blanch

Associations may not be able to arbitrarily deny or simply delay considering the request to the next board meeting. The process for evaluating the request should include an opportunity to seek and obtain corroborating information from the appropriate professionals or providers involved in treating the disabled individual seeking the accommodation. The association should further be able to conduct a meaningful review of the information provided to determine that the accommodation requested is reasonable and necessary to afford the qualified disabled individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the unit in which the individual resides. Qualified legal counsel may assist condominium and HOA stakeholders to understand the fair housing laws, recent developments in case law, the groups of protected individuals and the latest trends in fair housing complaints against associations. Through the use of effective legal representation, community association managers and directors should familiarize themselves with the type of information they are entitled to request in connection with a requested accommodation. Community association directors, management and legal representatives should aim to create policies and procedures establishing a fair and consistent process to properly respond to requests for reasonable accommodations while protecting the ability for the association to enforce the provisions of its governing documents. By working with experienced and qualified legal counsel, association boards are able to effectively consider the important factors in making decisions pertaining to requests for reasonable accommodations while avoiding the potential for mistakes which may prove to be costly to the association. Roberto C. Blanch is a partner at the South Florida law firm of Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel, and has focused on community association law since 2001. The law firm focuses on community association law, represents more than 800 community associations in Florida, and maintains offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. www.srhl-law.com, www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, 305-442-3334.

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financial education

By Steven Joseph & Michael Berkman

Making Cents A look at the cutting-edge Student Managed Investment Fund at the University of Miami Business School of Administration

mirrors what happens at established investment firms whereby individual stock decisions impact the overall value of the fund, and become part of the fund’s permanent performance record," Coe said.

“

I often interview young adults seeking jobs for an analyst role and find that prospective candidates with hands-on, real-life investment experience have a big advantage,” said Mark Coe, managing member of Coe Capital Management, who provided a significant donation to start the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) at the University of Miami Business School of Administration. Coe’s daughter, Breana, graduated from UM in 2015. The proud father was looking for a way to give back to the university, while simultaneously better preparing today’s financial analyst graduates with the experience and knowledge to succeed in the real world. Coe conferred with UM’s endowment office, and after learning the university didn’t have a program aimed at giving upper-classmen the exposure to the real-world investment experience he so highly coveted in his applicants, he set about designing and implementing a program at the Miami campus. The class is a two-year program for the students who are divided into teams covering different industry groups that determine how the funds are invested. Miami’s SMIF uses real money with real accountability. "Unlike typical courses where students simply strive for their own grade, this program challenges students to make investment decisions that have real financial consequences. The class experience

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Business School of Administration Director of Development David Zelenka said, “This program teaches valuable practical experience and client services for money management, that provides unique training not found in other programs.”

Meet the Team Professors Andrea Heuson and Brian Barrett have been part of the program since its inception in 2012. Max Yaras, a senior student in the program, describes the two professors as two sides of the same coin. “Dr. Heuson always says, ‘Evaluation is an Art, not a Science.’ Whereas, Dr. Barrett is much more technically inclined, and has a macro (a computer program that follows a set of instructions based on specific inputs) for everything.” The class is only open to upperclassmen and MBAs. It researches real companies. “Each team of students chooses a company within their industry group to research and present as an investment idea and then the class votes on what gets bought or sold,” said Coe, who along with other prominent business leaders sits in on the class presentations, critiquing the data presented and providing feedback and analysis. “Over the last few years, the students have really built a nice diversified portfolio.”

How it Works Dividends paid to the fund have helped the program acquire Brefing.com software for the class and has sent students to the Global Asset Management Education

(G.A.M.E.) Conference in New York. Because the fund is part of the University of Miami’s Endowment, profits are tax-free. The program brings in successful CEOs and other higher-level executives to make presentations to the class. The students’ exposure to other successful businesspeople has benefits that extend beyond the classroom. In the last several months, the school has had visits from Robert Sanchez, CEO of Ryder, and Jose Mas, CEO of MasTec, which co-sponsored a recent reception at UM for students and community leaders. The SMIF program has had its fair share of success stories. Some students have landed internships and jobs with Coe, as well as other nationally-known investment groups such as Raymond James, Citi Bank and JP Morgan. Another invaluable lesson in the class is humility. Yaras added, “The visiting CEOs are all geniuses, top of their field, and they talk about the biggest mistakes they’ve made and reflect back. It’s very tough for a type-A personality to move forward knowing they could be wrong – and it’s an invaluable message for students to learn.” Coe added, “The students are learning that businesses are dynamic, and they’re following business news closely, paying attention to issues like mergers and e-commerce. This is not just a class, this is real money – and real experience.” For more information on the SMIF program and potentially becoming a donor or guest speaker, contact David Zelenka, Director of Development of the University of Miami’s School of Administration, at DZelenka@bus. miami.edu

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University of Miami Student Managed Investment Fund

Mark Coe of Coe Capital Management and Gene Anderson, Dean of the UM School of Business

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Breana Coe (former student of the SMIF) and Andrea Heuson (Professor of Finance, UM)

David Zalenka (Director of Development, UM School of Business), Nelson Fondeca (partner at Medina Capital) and Mark Coe

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