{Cincinnati’s Finest}
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Nov/Dec 2019 five dollars
REAL ESTATE
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2805 Ambleside Place | Hyde Park | $1,445,000
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1737 E. McMillan Street | E Walnut Hills | $1,648,000
2738 Bake Place | E. Walnut Hills | $1,469,200
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513.533.DIGS (3447) info@digs-home.com 513.321.3108 | DIGS@comey.com *Services that require a real estate license are provided through Comey & Shepherd Realtors.
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Sometimes the best way to visualize your next kitchen is to touch, hear, and taste i
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JULIE K. BACK is
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SIBCY CLINE IS PROUD TO CONGRATULATE JULIE K. BACK
#1 AGENT in OHIO • 2017, 2018, 2019 #1 AGENT at SIBCY CLINE • 2012–2019 #1 AGENT in CINCINNATI • 2015–2018 JULIE K. BACK, THE PROVEN LEADER • 513 607-3850 • www.sibcycline.com/jback
Pam Sibcy, Julie K. Back, Rob Sibcy and Robin Sibcy Sheakley. MLS Greater Cincy compilation of broker members (01/01/15–10/01/19). CABR® Circle of Excellence 2015–19. Ohio Realtors® President’s Sales Club 2019.
Merry Christmas! Visit Online @Tonysofcincinnati to take advantage of our gift card promotion. tonysofcincinnati.com
LEXINGTON 859.955.TONY(8669)
CINCINNATI 513.677.TONY(8669)
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Some will drive it, all will feel it. The first-ever Audi Q8 is here. A presence that’s impossible to ignore. With class-leading acceleration, all-wheel steering, and 335hp — the rules of performance have officially been ratified.
Audi Cincinnati East 8639 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45255 513-388-3700 Audi of America, Inc. defines the competitive segment as the 2019 Audi Q8, 2019 BMW X6 xDrive35i, and 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 43 Coupe. “Audi,” all model names, and the four rings logo are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. ©2019 Audi of America, Inc.
Celebrate in our Loveland Private Dining Room or ask about Full Service Catering! Contact our Catering & Event Coordinators at (513) 239.5028
{Cincinnati’s Finest}
Nov/Dec 2019
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Made-To-Measure-Up Nicole+Felicia F/W 2019. Image courtesy of Nicole+Felicia.
Nov/Dec 2019
five dollars
on the cover: Monteverdi Tuscany
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There’s No Business Like Show(room) Business
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A Legend Reborn
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Of Note... Campaign Issue
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More than Meets the Eye
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Modern Marvel
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Master Sommelier Brings Boutique Wine to Your Doorstep
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Most Wanted
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Bibliotaph... Town and Country
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Made-To-Measure-Up
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Holiday Blues
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Crowd Pleaser
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Enamored of Enamel
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The Greatest Snow on Earth
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Monteverdi Tuscany
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Steak and Chops Redux
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Nov/Dec 2019
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Delft Blue Bespoke timepiece from Holthinrichs Watches with a dial made out of cold-enamel (price upon request; holthinrichswatches.com)
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Sophisticated Society
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Zoofari 2019
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SPCA ‘Wags to Riches’
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RIDE Cincinnati
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Lighthouse Youth and Family Services Fall Event
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JDRF Bourbon & BowTie Bash
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Dress for Success Fashion Show
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DIGS ‘SHINDIG’
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David A. Millett Grand Opening to Support SCPA
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DBL Law Women of Excellence Event
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California Closets Showroom Opening
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Brighton Center’s Wine Over Water
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Stepping Stones ‘BLOOM’ Gala
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Bethesda Foundation Gourmet Melodies
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Matthew Millett ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Bridget Williams CONTRIBUTORS Writers Sheree Allgood Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Scott Harper Amelia Jeffers Austin Pembroke Lisa Stephenson Powell Photographers DeShon Von Able Tony Bailey Mark Byron Tyrone Daniels Andrew Kung Ryan Kurtz David Long Mary Strubbe Michael Wilson Advertising Director Paul Palmer ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 513.205.3300 ______________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Greg Butrum - General Counsel Jason Yann - Art Director
Are you a tastemaker? Surround Yourself with Cincinnati’s Finest Ad reservations call 513.205.3300
Sophisticated Living is published bimonthly by Millett Media, LLC, and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All rights reserved. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC, and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission. Annual subscriptions are $25 in the U.S., $30 outside. Single copies are $5 at select fine retailers. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living Cincinnati, 1301 Edwards Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45208, or call 513.205.3300.
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Located inside of Carew Tower, LE LIEU is downtown Cincinnati's premier womenswear destination, offering a boutique shopping experience coupled with unparalleled personal styling services.
From the Editor-In-Chief
As we head into the end of the year many significant changes take place. The days shorten, the temperature drops, and the leaves transition. We have learned over time to embrace these changes and adapt our own lifestyles. We wear warmer clothes, spend more time inside, and find ourselves drinking such winter staples as cocoa, or, if at the right holiday party, glug. We eat heavier meals, bundle up, and learn to cope with the climate. We adapt. We make subtle lifestyle changes that after years of practice become second nature, a welcomed change. For with these changes come also many missed traditions, well looked for past times, and an opportunity to reminisce on past years of hope, struggle, joy, friends, and family. Traditions embedded in family heritage. At the same time, we learn new traditions, make new friends, and embrace the changes of time. Traditions, both old and new, liven the spirit, and warm hearts, minds, bodies, and stomachs. While I have picked up a thing or two in the kitchen over the years, there is something to be said for new special recipes. One more recent recipe I have been able to enjoy over the last few years comes from my fiancé Lane’s family’s kitchen, is Santa Fe Soup. Easy to make, the key is in the length of time you can keep it on low/simmering in the crockpot, for the longer it simmers the more the flavors meld together and develop. This recipe is sure to warm any stomach and I hope you will consider on a cold winters’ night to come. I hope you enjoy as much as I have over the last few years, and continue to remember your own past as we look to closing, and ultimately beginning a new year to come; new traditions, new friends, and new recipes! Lane’s Santa Fe Soup: Ingredients: 2 lbs shredded chicken or ground beef 1 oz. package Ranch style dressing mix 2- 1 oz. packages of Taco seasoning mix 1 onion chopped 1- 16 oz. can black beans 1- 16 oz. can kidney beans 1- 16 oz. can pinto beans 1- 16 oz. can diced tomatoes with chilies 1- 16 oz. can tomato wedges 2- 16 oz. cans white/golden corn mix 2 Cups water Garnish: sour cream (we now use Greek yogurt, try it in this and you won’t know a difference!), shredded cheese, sliced green onions Cook meat and onion together until meat is browned. Stir in Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning. Mix well. Add in remaining ingredients with juices from all. Add water. Simmer 2 hours. ENJOY!
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Photography by George Paxton
F U RN IT U RE , C ABI N ET RY & A RCHI T EC T U RA L I N T ERI O RS 21 W hi t ney Drive , Mil ford OH 4515 0
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513-760-53 4 9
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www. t hev colle c t ive . com / s l
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THERE’S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW(ROOM) BUSINESS David Millett transformed a forlorn warehouse into a haven for art and interior design aficionados. Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung In spite of formidable obstacles, the moment interior designer David Millett walked into a dilapidated warehouse space on Dana Avenue, he knew it would make a great showroom. The ability to see the potential in the big picture with laser-focus is part of the secret sauce that has made David Millett a significant player in Greater Cincinnati’s interior design scene for more than four decades. Nearly a century old and formerly home to an office furniture store and an ice house before that, the building needed considerable work to bring it up to current building codes before David and his team could even begin conceptualizing the showroom space. “There wasn’t a sprinkler system, and segments of pipes for the heating and air had been stolen over the years,” he said. The finished building, which encompasses 48,000-square-feet on four floors, is four times larger than David’s former showroom in Oakley. Walking through the main door, you’re likely to encounter the affable Martha, David’s wife and business partner, behind the reception desk, and her sunny disposition is an ideal companion for the light and airy environs. The luxury of floor space allows for two showrooms on the first floor, each with a distinct point of view, likened to selecting bourbon versus bubbles. David remarked that while someone may come in with a predetermined notion of their preferred style, after browsing for a while, they may find that their tastes are broader than they thought.
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The “champagne side” is the largest of the two and boasts 17-foot ceilings as well as the signature shimmer found to varying degrees in many of David’s residential installations. Divided into a series of 20’x40’ spaces with a cohesive living room, dining area, and bedroom, David explained that “conceptually we wanted to create vignettes that allowed customers to consider a whole house concept.” A multitude of brands are represented, including Thayer Coggin, Marge Carson, American Leather, Theodore Alexander, and Bernhardt to name a few, but pieces from high-style brand Caracole predominate. Appearing modern at first glance mainly due to finishes in Florentine silver and gold, upon closer inspection of the Caracole furniture, one can discern timeless design cues culled from the age of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern. Highlighting the adaptability of the case goods on display, David has designed vignettes in color schemes that range from ethereal to earthy. “The ‘softer’ finishes are foreign to a lot of people, but seeing them here in a variety of settings makes it much easier for customers to conceptualize them in their own home,” he explained. David added that while pieces are available to purchase from the showroom floor, nearly everything on display can be ordered in custom finishes.
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Dominating one wall in the “traditional” showroom is a huge tropicalinspired mural painted in San Francisco that David had in storage for 14 years. The lower ceiling height in this area is conducive to the cozier feel of the abundant warm wood tones. Antiques and reproduction pieces with intricate carving, tufted leather upholstery, and dramatic botanical artwork conjure images of a stately study. David said that eventually, the space will be home to a selection of 100 chandeliers of varying styles. A veritable art gallery disguised as a furniture showroom, there is an impressive collection of art for sale, including original paintings created by Cincinnati artists Carol MacConnell, Beverly Erschell, Stephen Jenkins, Nelle Ferrara, Ann Harrod, Josie Gearhart, David Mueller, Donna Talerico, and Lynn Rose Phillips. The diversity of their perspectives is easily appreciated in this setting, which enables the onlooker to readily imagine how a particular artwork would translate to their own home. An oversized giclée of a painting David created during his art school years anchors a masculine vignette on the contemporary side of the showroom. Also sprinkled throughout the rooms are whimsical pieces of art glass representing all colors of the rainbow. Bathed in natural light, the second and third floors are home to additional sales floor space as well as an extensive fabric, wallpaper and flooring resource library, design offices, and client meeting space. A large bar nestled into one corner of the mezzanine hints at planned events to come, including wine tastings, lunch and learn seminars, and a host site for non-profit and community events. While it has been several weeks since the showroom’s grand opening, David’s infectious enthusiasm shows no sign of waning. “It’s just so pleasant being here,” he said. “We are thrilled to have a hand in revitalizing this part of the city.” sl The David A. Millett showroom is located at 2200 Dana Avenue in Cincinnati. For more information, call 513.489.3887 or visit DavidAMillett.com.
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A LEGEND REBORN
Opened in the late 1800s as a haven for well-heeled Brits, following a $160 million renovation, the historic Britannia Hotel in Trondheim, Norway is poised to define Norwegian hospitality for luxury travelers well into the next century. Written by Bridget Williams Warm and fuzzy feelings distilled from childhood memories can sometimes percolate in the subconscious and impact our lives years later, as the re-opening of the Britannia Hotel in Trondheim, Norway attests. At the tender age of 14, Trondheim native Odd Reitan, now a self-made billionaire, resolved to one day own the world's most northerly "palace" hotel, first opened in 1870. Reitan has remarked fondly of being warmly welcomed into the grand confines of the hotel's glass-domed Palmehaven dining hall on special occasions as a young boy. As a present-day visitor, it is easy to imagine Reitan as a wide-eyed boy surveying the voluminous space, first unveiled in 1918 as a magical touch of the tropics in this most non-tropical of places. After acquiring the Britannia, Reitan knew that too much nostalgia could be stifling. The multi-year, $160 million renovation he orchestrated preserved the hotel's most significant historical attributes while adding amenities to lure the next generation of tastemakers with an eye for luxury. Commanding a city block in the center of this pristine city, located just 60 miles south of the Arctic Circle, the juxtaposition
of old and new is apparent as soon as you enter the Britannia's lobby. Awash in Italian marble, dotted with gleaming crystal chandeliers, and featuring art by contemporary Scandinavian artists, the dÊcor strikes just the right balance between masculine and feminine. It reminded me of a finely tailored gray pinstriped suit dressed with a pink silk pocket square. Just past a dramatically scaled staircase that conjures many a moment of grand arrival over the years is a bank of high-tech elevators that transport guests quickly and quietly between floors. Colors of the carpet runners that line corridor on each floor dissolve from grey to blush and cream, reminding me of the way the sun gradually dissipates the marine layer. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, each of the 257 rooms and suites boast Carrara marble bathrooms and handmade beds by renowned Swedish company Hästens, the latter of which speaks to the hotel's no-expense-spared attention to detail. The bed in my two-floor suite provided a sleep so deep I awoke with the folds of my luxurious pillowcase imprinted upon my cheek.
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Junior Suite Photo by Wil Lee-Wright.
Britannia Bar Photo by James Eric Hensley.
Standing on the balcony of my room, I was able to detect the subtle scent of the briny Norwegian Sea that wafts over the rooftops of this fjord town. By a lucky coincidence, my visit coincided with Syttende Mai, or Norwegian Constitution Day (May 17), so from morning until night, I was treated to an endless parade of parades. Similar to 4th of July but dressier, the holiday was wonderfully devoid of any shows of military force or political grandstanding (except for the Star Wars club marching in stormtrooper garb). Everyone was attired in traditional dress or their Sunday best, singing, waving flags, and eating copious amounts of ice cream. I truly believed that this might be the happiest place on earth that day. Of the eight Michelin-starred restaurants in Norway, two are in Trondheim: Fagn and Credo. Britannia's Executive Chef Christopher Davidsen, a 2017 Bocuse d'Or silver medalist, has his eyes on a star for Speilsalen, the most elevated among the six restaurants and bars at the Britannia. An immersive experience 34 slmag.net
Signature Suite Bath
View from the chambre séparée at Speilsalen
for the senses, patrons are treated to multi-course meals that are planned, prepared, plated, and presented with expert precision. A former ballroom, the dining room is outfitted with original scenic wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and a pair of glass greenhouselike chambre séparée that accommodate up to 12 guests each. Befitting each course is custom Christofle china adorned with patterns culled from the hotel's archives. "My philosophy is to use high technique with local ingredients and a twist of flavors from around the world," said Davidsen of the menu at Speilsalen. Like the Britannia's owner, nostalgia informs the cuisine, allowing Davidsen to take favorite ingredients and treasured dining experiences from his childhood and reinterpret them as culinary fine art. Four-time Norwegian wine sommelier champion Henrik Dahl Jahnsen oversees the wine pairings. "When our doors open, the curtain goes up, and the show can begin," Davidsen remarked.
Britannia Spa
The event space at Terna Brygge, located on the island of Sula.
Palmehaven Photo by Wil Lee-Wright
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Head bartender Øyvind Lindgjerde spent three months devising the cocktail menu for the Britannia Bar. Photo by Lars Petter Pettersen.
Reneé Fagerhøi, chef/owner of Bula restaurant
Traditional attire is popular on Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day.
With a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, the hotel's Vinbaren is heaven on earth for oenophiles. Descending into the cellar via a stairwell lined with mirrors, reminded me of images of Coco Chanel's Paris apartment. The wine list includes both established and emerging regions, and Jahnsen said their aim is that each guest can find a bottle from "home." The house vintage Champagne from Maison Ayala is exclusive to the Britannia and pays homage to a partnership that spans more than a century. As a self-professed cocktail connoisseur, I was partial to the fanfare at the chic Britannia Bar, where the sometimes weird and always wonderful cocktail menu literally encompasses smoke and mirrors. Head bartender Øyvind Lindgjerde spent three months devising the cocktail menu, even building a bar in his home to use as a laboratory. The bar's inventory includes 25 types of aquavit, a flavored spirit produced in Nordic countries since the 15th century. Wellness facilities include a massive fitness room, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa. The latter encompasses five treatment rooms, snow-bathing, an ice bath, several types of 36 slmag.net
Fresh-from-the-sea fare at Terna Brygge.
saunas, and a whirlpool positioned under a ceiling designed to replicate the Northern Lights. Trondheim is a very walkable city, and during the summer months, explorations on foot can stretch into the wee hours under the midnight sun. After a sublimely satiating feast at Speilsalen, rather than head to bed on a full stomach, I changed into my walking clothes and set out to explore the city. I began my trek with a stop at the exquisite and ancient Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world before moving on to admire the colorful buildings lining the canals. By the time I reached the top of a nearvertical street that is home to the world's only bicycle lift, I was nearly breathless. Near the top was my final destination: a large park surrounding the Kristiansten Fortress. By the time I arrived, it was approaching the midnight hour; yet the light was as bright as the spirits of those gathered here to walk their dog, listen to music, picnic, or just soak up the sweeping views of the city and the sea. It was one of those magical travel moments I won't soon forget.
Wharf buildings along the river Nidelven in Trondheim
The island of Sula is home to 60 year-round residents.
Also memorable were meals at Bula Bistro (bulabistro.no) and Rom & Kjøkken (toromogkjokken.no). With a red bandana tied around her head like a modern-day Rosie the Riveter, Reneé Fagerhøi, the chef/owner of Bula, turns out food as lively colorful as her personality. Growing up on what she describes as a "biodynamic commune with no TV," Fagerhøi said that after becoming a chef, she appreciated the cooking skills picked up as a child. Her ten-course tasting menus are designed to "reflect what's happening in the world," and might encompass everything from pig ears to scallops. "It can be anything as long as it's delicious," she explained. Outside the city limits, some 5,000 islands beckon. Zipping along the water at up to 67 knots (78mph) aboard an open-air Rigid Inflatable Boat operated by Fjordrafting (fjordrafting.no) was my favorite mode of transport. The jostling and jumping, particularly in areas where the waters were a little choppier, is best described like riding a wooden rollercoaster. For a more sedate sailing, book a fishing or island-hopping tour with Wold KystTransport (woldkysttransport.no/en/). The company owns a spectacular renovated farmhouse, constructed in 1929, on the
The Nidaros Cathedral is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world.
island of Bogøya, that is available to rent. With just 16 residents on the island, staying here is the epitome of getting away from it all. Slightly more populated, but still only home to 60 hearty souls year-round, Sula is the largest island in the region. The lightkeepers house is available to rent from a couple who also operates a small café with offerings made from ingredients foraged on the island's scrubby, windswept hillsides (sulakultur. com). Surprisingly upscale for such a remote place is Terna Brygge (ternabrygge.no), a seasonal restaurant and event space. If you are longing for langoustine or any of the sea's delicacies, don't miss the "Everything on the Table" spread put on by Ansnes Brygger Restaurant on the island of Ansnes (ansnesbrygger.com). Exactly as it sounds, copious amounts of seafood are accompanied by beer brewed next door. In a country where it's nearly night for four months out of the year, this feast was yet another reminder that Norwegians certainly know how to make hay while the sun shines. Rooms at the Britannia Hotel start at $250/night and include breakfast at Palmehaven. For more information or reservations, visit Britannia.no/en. sl
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Of Note... Campaign Issue
Compiled by Colin Dennis
Clockwise from top left: Large Navy Carlyle Campaign Dresser from AVE Home ($3,033; avehome.com). Duncan Hughes for Dowel Furniture Bar Cart ($2,300; dowelfurniturecompany. com). Jonathan Charles Campaign-Style Flip-Top Desk ($3,150; jonathancharles.com). Theodore Alexander Delight Campaign Desk ($3,150; theodorealexander.com). Theadore Alexander Officer's Chest ($3,300; theodorealexander.com). Matthiessen Folding Bench from Richard Wrightman (price upon request; richardwrightman.com). The Officer's Field Set by Richard Wightman was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Gurkha soldiers’ service to the British Crown (price upon request; richardwrightman.com). Opposite page: Jacques Column Table Lamp from Jonathan Adler ($795; jonathanadler.com). Barnett Wheeled Bookcase from Sweetpea & Willow ($1,093; sweetpeaandwillow.com). Jonathan Charles Campaign-Style Screen in Santos Rosewood ($3,350; jonathancharles.com). Dunlin Campaign Safari Chair in teak ($698; dunlin.com/au).
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MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
With a focus on elevated dining experiences and a commitment to promoting Bahamian culture and protecting the oceans, iconic Atlantis, Paradise Island continues to reinvent itself as the Bahamas’ top oceanfront destination resort. Written by Caylee Matthews
It happens every time. About 15 minutes after taking off from Miami International Airport en route to the Bahamas, a ripple of oohs and aahs begins to cascade down the aisles. "Look at that water…so blue!" Like moths to a flame, all eyes are glued to the windows. It is a sight that continues to enchant, no matter how many times you've been privileged to see it. It had been decades since my last visit to Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and I arrived with a little skepticism packed in with my swimsuit. However, any preconceived notions I had were quickly dispelled by the resort's upscale offerings, which make it possible to "stay small" within this behemoth property. There are five distinct lodging options at Atlantis, with The Reef and The Cove occupying the top spots in terms of luxury and amenities. Perfect for upscale family travel, The Reef is fresh off of a complete room renovation. Its studio rooms, one-to-three bedroom 40 slmag.net
suites, and two-and-three bedroom penthouses offer homelike amenities such as a kitchen and separate living area. Moving from the hustle and bustle of the iconic Royal Towers and into The Cove, it's easy to feel like you've entered a cocoon of tranquility. The over-the-top theatrical décor of The Royal gives way to The Cove's chic, soaring open-air lobby designed to frame the ocean view. The sound of water slipping over sleek square marble fountains and bubbling in the koi ponds that flank the central passageway helps to soothe the senses. Guests of The Cove have exclusive access to the 9,000-squarefoot adults-only Cove Pool, where you can sip a cocktail while a DJ sets the mood with music. For the ultimate beach day, book one of 20 spacious beachfront cabanas that sport fun and fresh interior design by Lulu De Kwiatkowski, founder of the lifestyle brand LULU DK.
View of The Cove from the balcony of a suite at The Reef
The adults-only Cove Pool
Dolphin Cay
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Beach cabanas at the Cove Pool boast interiors by LULU DK.
Sunset view of the marina from Café Martinique.
When Atlantis opened two decades ago, food and dining weren't at the forefront. Over time, the resort whipped up a magic sauce of celebrity chefs culled from around the globe. Upping the ante even more, they added up-and-coming Bahamian chefs and culinary innovators, thereby solidifying its reputation as a foodiefriendly destination. Today, there are 40 restaurants and lounges on the property, including celebrity chef collaborations with José Andrés (Fish by José Andrés), Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu), Todd English (Olives), and Angelo Elia (Casa D'Angelo). Far from being cookie-cutter, each of these establishments offers a uniquely Bahamian twist on their signature fare. Opened in February 2019, Café Martinique in the bustling Marina Village is Atlantis' newest and its only upscale dining concept to feature a seasonal, plant-forward menu. Head Chef Alessio Pitzalis is a native of Sardinia and a locavore at heart. He deftly combines Mediterranean-inspired flavors with Bahamian ingredients procured through relationships with local producers 42 slmag.net
Fish by José Andrés
Studio room at The Reef
and farmers, as well as foraging for the island's most exclusive bounty. The Café's 300-label wine vault boasts sought-after vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Napa Valley. On the casual dining side, Bahamian Julie Lightbourn opened a second location of Sip Sip, her landmark Harbour Island Restaurant, at The Cove. Her award-winning Lobster Quesadilla is legendary, and the Grouper Reuben (exclusive to The Cove) is a legend-inwaiting. McKenzies started out serving covetable conch dishes from a ramshackle stall under the bridge to Paradise Island. A bonafide destination, management at Atlantis helped McKenzies' proprietors open a second conch stand in Marina Village. Sun & Ice, created by Bahamian chef, photographer, and author Wayne Moncur, employs a farm-to-table philosophy for its ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets. Just as the food scene has evolved, so has the resort's commitment to making a positive impact on both the Bahamian culture and the ocean environment. Following hurricane Dorian, the resort pledged $3million for relief efforts. This gift is in addition
Bahamian chef Julie Lightbourn (right) shows off her award-winning lobster quesadilla.
The Leap of Faith waterslide at the Aquaventure waterpark.
to a partnership with chef JosĂŠ AndrĂŠs and his World Central Kitchen team that involves assembling meals in Atlantis' kitchens for delivery to those in need on Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. The Atlantis Blue Project Foundation is the resort's nonprofit organization dedicated to saving sea species and their habitats. Guests can have a direct hand in conservation through activities such as the Sea Turtle Release Experience. The adventure begins beneath the resort, where you get a behind-the-scenes understanding of the resources needed to care for the resort's 50,000 marine animals. It's here where you meet and name the juvenile sea turtle that will be released. From there, it's a short and scenic boat ride to the release spot at Green Cay. It's an immensely pleasurable experience to snorkel alongside your turtle in the open ocean at the moment moments it is released into its new home. You can also get up close and personal with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay. The 14-acre marine mammal habitat includes an education center and an animal-rescue rehabilitation hospital
Atlantis' Sea Turtle Release Experience provides a unique swim-along opportunity.
whose first residents were 17 rescue dolphins from Hurricane Katrina. Creative and interactive activities available at Dolphin Cay ensure that the health and safety of the dolphins are paramount. Other resort amenities include its famous 141-acre Aquaventure waterpark, the 30,000 square-foot Mandara Spa and fitness center, Atlantis Kids Adventures for children ages 3-12 and CRUSH teen club. Tom Weiskopf designed the resort's awardwinning oceanfront18-hole golf course. Even with more activities to do than there are hours in a day, one could argue that five miles of white-sand beaches are Atlantis' most enviable amenity. Nearly every corner of the resort provides views of rhythmic waves that beckon you to the crystal blue waters. It is an old-as-time siren song and one that is nearly impossible to refute. For more information, including rates, special offers, and reservations at The Reef or The Cove at Atlantis, visit atlantisbahamas.com. sl
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MODERN MARVEL
Taycan, the first all-electric sports car, marks a new era for Porsche in the field of e-mobility. Written by Andre James / Photography courtesy of Porsche USA "Hey Porsche" is a song released by the rapper Nelly in 2013. It is also the casual command used to control many aspects of the 2020 Porsche Taycan. It is one of the numerous ways the brand's first allelectric sports car differentiates itself in the burgeoning e-mobility field. Porsche invested some six billion euros for the launch of the Taycan, demonstrating the company's commitment to electric mobility. Even before its simultaneous three-continent debut on September 4th, more than 20,000 Porsche enthusiasts around the globe made a down payment to join the ranks of prospective buyers. Moments after the reveal, a production Taycan set off from Niagara Falls on a 408-mile "real world" road trip to New York City. After traveling 250 miles, and with 39 miles of range remaining, the Taycan stopped for a top-up charge at an Electrify America charging station in Bloomsburg, PA. A two-minute charge, which brought the battery up from 14 percent to 85 percent, was enough to power the sedan for the remaining 158-miles into New York City. Taycan buyers get three years of free charging at the 300 Electrify America stations currently operating in the United States. 44 slmag.net
Recognizable as part of the Porsche family in general and the Panamera in particular, Michael Mauer, Head of Style for Porsche, said that the Taycan is unique in terms of its proportions. "With a brand that is as strong as Porsche, it would not be a good idea to ignore all of the brand's characteristic design elements," he explained. The design team mated the brand's most familiar design cues with features unique to the Taycan to craft a unique brand expression. Selecting a name for a vehicle without a predecessor presented an exciting challenge for the Taycan development team. "A name for a car is ultimately an emotional decision—but one that should be based on facts and arguments. That requires a systematic approach and a lot of attention to detail," said Michael Reichart, project manager for the Taycan naming project. The Taycan moniker made the cut following a year-and-a-half of small-to-large focus groups around the globe, along with linguist and legal reviews. Composed of two terms of Turkish origin, Taycan roughly translates to "soul of a spirited young horse."
The innovative chassis systems include adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology including PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) electronic damper control, as well as the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport (PDCC Sport) electromechanical roll stabilization system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus). Capable of generating more than 750 horsepower, and with a top speed of 155 mph, the Taycan Turbo S clocks the zero to 60 mph sprint in 2.8 seconds; the 670 horsepower Taycan Turbo comes in under 3.5 seconds. The Turbo S has a range around 260 miles, while the Turbo's range is up to 280 miles on a single charge. For many, the familiar throaty rumble of a Porsche serves as its acoustic calling card and is an attribute noticeably absent in an electric vehicle. To compensate, the company offers "Porsche Electric Sport Sound" as a $500 standalone option on the Turbo model, and as standard on the top-of-the-line Turbo S. While the soundtrack is definitely dissimilar from its petrol-powered siblings, one could argue
that it is better than silence for those who desire an auditory indicator for all of that horsepower. Inside the cabin of the four-door sports car, there's a reduction in the number of classic hardware controls such as switches and buttons in favor of touch operation or the "Hey Porsche" voice control function. Standout material options include sustainably tanned Club Leather OLEA, which uses olive leaves in the tanning process; eco-friendly Race-Tex, a high-quality microfiber material partially made of recycled polyester fibers; and a floor covering made from Econyl, which uses recycled fishing nets in its manufacture. "We promised a true Porsche for the age of electromobility – a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done. Now we are delivering on this promise," said Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG – Research and Development. Pricing for the 2020 Porsche Taycan stars at $152,250. First deliveries are expected in December. sl slmag.net
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MASTER SOMMELIER BRINGS BOUTIQUE WINE TO YOUR DOORSTEP Written by Neil Charles
To be anointed with the title Master Sommelier (MS) is to be recognized as a wine professional occupying a position in the very highest echelon of the trade. Of the hundreds who aspire to the qualification every year, fewer than five percent eventually acquire the honor, an epic achievement that can take many years of dedicated study to realize. Although the idea of becoming a sommelier and drinking great wine every day sounds romantic and wildly appealing, the fact is that the sommelier’s job is essentially to sell wine while providing a uniquely positive experience for the client at the same time. Wine is about pleasure, or at least it should be, and a sommelier’s primary objective is to lead a guest to a rarefied realm of pleasure while making a profit for his or her employer. At a busy upscale restaurant, sommeliers may get to spend just a few minutes with a guest, during which time they need to take stock of the person’s preferences and find their comfort zone before guiding them towards two or three compelling options that will appeal on every level. “Just because we know a lot about wine doesn’t mean we have the same tastes as somebody else,” says Master Sommelier Ian Cauble. “People drink what gives them pleasure, and our job as wine professionals is to bring things that make people happier.” All this requires a host of skills, some of which are inherited, some of which are acquired. Of the former, elevated intelligence, patience, and an ability to read minds are useful traits; a comprehensive knowledge of the subject ranging from vintages, grapes and regions, to winemaking, pairings, and trends, accounts for much of the rest. Although crucial to the process, the most visible aspect of being a sommelier -- that is, the service itself -represents only the tip of the iceberg. For Cauble, the stressful process of becoming a member (one of only 269 in the world) of the ultra-exclusive Court of Master Sommeliers was complicated by the fact that he was one of a handful of candidates followed for almost a year by film cameras that unflinchingly recorded the extraordinary pressure that such an undertaking can inflict. The entire process can be witnessed in the excellent award-winning 2012 documentary “SOMM”, which has become a Netflix hit. In spite of the added anxiety of a hovering film crew, “it was an honor to share my story with the world,” says Cauble. “Although at times, it added a lot of pressure to know that at the end of the movie people would find out if I had either failed 46 slmag.net
or succeeded.” The outcome has been well-known for years now, but the documentary still makes for thrilling viewing. Growing up in Huntington Beach and studying at Sonoma State University, Cauble caught the food and wine bug early on. After a lengthy period of travel around North Africa and Europe, culminating in a lengthy stay in Portugal, he landed a job at a well-known wine merchant in Beverly Hills. The next stop was Las Vegas, home to the highest concentration of Master Sommeliers anywhere. It was here that he began his studies in earnest and, having been crowned Best Young Sommelier in the World in 2011, went on to pass the MS the following year. Five years ago, Cauble and his business partners created a new direct-to-consumer wine retail company, SommSelect, geared towards hunting down unique, often small-production wines seldom, if ever, seen in even high-end wine stores. Operating from a warehouse in Napa, SommSelect offers two new wines a day and three different membership levels that encourage wine lovers to expand their horizons. “A lot of people come home on a Friday night, and open the same wine they’ve been drinking for months,” he says. “We offer them the opportunity to try something different, and provide them with the expert and informed opinion of a Master Sommelier.” To that end, each email offering comes with a comprehensive account of the wine’s origins, its story and taste profile, as well as a detailed recipe for a compatible dish, providing customers all the facts they need to make a well-informed purchase. The memberships, which include a blind tasting option, allow aspiring oenophiles to engage in the tasting and analytical processes key to becoming a master. With so many retail outlets going the corporate route, pushing more or less identical lineups of predictable, mass-produced wines, SommSelect forges a refreshingly independent path: selections are based entirely on Cauble’s and his team’s personal assessments of a wine’s quality, and there are many surprises. With an eye on consumers at all levels, SommSelect keeps its prices fair by importing directly and offers extremely attractive shipping and storage options. While SommSelect doesn’t promise to make you an instant wine expert, it is as close as we have come to having a personal sommelier. We can thoroughly recommend dipping into some of their offerings for a taste of what the pros are drinking. You just might find some new Friday night favorites. sl For more information visit www.SommSelect.com.
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MOST WANTED
Members of the Sophisticated Living team share their dream gifts to give or receive this season.
Being able to fully disconnect is the ultimate luxury for me. This burly and self-sufficient expedition vehicle from EarthRoamer would give me the freedom to travel where I want without the need for propane, a noisy generator, or water, sewer or electrical hookups. Built-to-order in Colorado, the top-of-the-line $1.5 million EarthRoamer XV-HD includes a full bathroom with a separate shower, washer/dryer, a full kitchen, Bose Surround Sound entertainment, and even in-floor radiant heating. For more information, visit earthroamer.com. Eric Williams, CEO of Sophisticated Living Media
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You can't buy time, but owning a private jet sure can help you save it! I want to add this Cessna CJ3+ to my holiday wish list. With a nine-passenger capacity, each of my daughters could invite a friend, cousin or their grandparents (pets too!) to join us on our next vacation. Contact Doug McCollum at SpiritJets for the purchase price and operating costs: 636.530.7616, dmccollum@spiritjets.com. Carrie Edelstein, Editor-In-Chief, St. Louis edition
Below: It's no secret that I can manage quite nicely in the kitchen with just a microwave and a drawer full of protein bars. However, in an effort to earn some culinary clout, I recently started working with Century Entertainment and Furnishings (centuryliving.com) on plans for a new modern kitchen in my 150-year-old house. I have been coveting this La Cornue Grand Palais 180 range in British Racing Green (from $59,100) ever since I spied it a few years ago in the window of the company’s showroom on the Rue de Bourgogne in Paris. More information and a list of distributors can be found at lacornueusa.com. Photo by Nathan Kirkman. Bridget Williams, President of Sophisticated Living Media and Editor-In-Chief of the Louisville and Lexington editions
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Considering how important a good night's sleep is, the gift to give and to receive this holiday season is the Hästens 2000T series mattress. It is the legendary manufacturer's first three-part bed, and however you turn, it always feels like you are floating. I have been through so many different brands and styles in my quest to find the ultimate in sleep comfort, and when I discovered this cloudlike respite, I knew I had found my forever bed. For more information, visit chicagoluxurybeds.com. Alison Victoria, publisher, Las Vegas and Chicago editions.
I spend a lot of time cooped up inside working on the computer, and I’m also father to three young boys, so free time is a rare luxury for me. Biking, particularly the off-the-beaten-path variety, has always been one of my passions. I’d be just excited as my sons on Christmas morning if I were to find this $7,000 Santa Cruz Tallboy X01 with a top-of-the-line carbon frame under the tree (santacruzbicycles.com). Jason Yann, Art Director for Sophisticated Living Media
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This holiday season, I'd love to help my wife Jen channel her inner Kardashian with a pair of Porsche Design limited edition P8478 aviator sunglasses ($750), in this year's Color of the Year, a gold hue that would look great with her hair. And for me, well, I'd love the Porsche men's P8478 limited edition polarized sunglasses in black ($635), though if I'm honest, a pair of Reading Tool P8801 readers ($280) are probably more my speed (and just might up my cool factor in staff meetings). For more information, visit Porsche-design.us. Jeffrey Cohen, Editor-In-Chief, Indianapolis edition
Are you listening Santa? Blue is my favorite color, and these stunning earrings are the perfect blend of understated sophistication with a pop of sparkle and glamour. Exclusive to the Diamond Cellar, these 18K white gold, diamond and tanzanite earrings (61.92 carats in total) retail for $53,650. For more information visit diamondcellar. com. Amelia Jeffers, Publisher & Editor-InChief, Columbus edition
I’m not normally a whisky drinker, but I do covet luxury spirits of all types. And this year, the gift of a liquid asset feels just so right. On my wish list is a $2,500 dram of Glenfiddich 50-year-old, available in one of my favorite spaces in Las Vegas, The Talon Club, The Cosmopolitan’s high-limit gaming lounge. Just 50 bottles of this are released every year for 10 years, and only a handful are available domestically. The vessel is a work of art, made of twocolored glass and outfitted in a hand-stitched leather-bound case. Offering its players every type of food and beverage imaginable, I once even had a pizza delivered to the Talon Club from the resort’s “secret pizza” parlor. Let me tell you, nothing goes better with a prestigious sip than a gooey cheese pizza. Melinda Sheckells, Editor-in-Chief, Chicago and Las Vegas editions
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Bibliotaph... Town and Country
Compiled by Victoria Chase For author Nathanael Johnson, what started as a father-and-daughter nature hunt during daily walks in their San Francisco neighborhood turned into an in-depth quest to discover the secrets of the flora and fauna in the larger urban jungle. His resulting narrative provides an interesting perspective for rediscovering the natural world all around us. Nathanael Johnson—Unseen City: The Majesty of Pigeons, the Discreet Charm of Snails & Other Wonders of the Urban Wilderness—hardcover, 256 pages, Random House (randomhouse.com)
Canadian photographer Ian Brown spent twelve years traveling eighty thousand miles across the United States in an old truck to document what the idea of the "American dream" looks like to a diverse crosssection of the population. Each of the 175 portraits in the book are accompanied by handwritten notes from each subject that tell, in their own words, what the American dream means to them. Available in April, 2020. Ian Brown—American Dreams: Portraits and Stories of a Country—hardcover, 368 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com) A valuable resource for architects, engineers, and designers, this stunning compendium details hundreds of building façades in contemporary architecture, using photography and engaging text to examine the aesthetic and functional properties of each. Oscar Riera Ojeda—FAÇADES: A Visual Compendium of Modern Architectural Styles—hardcover, 448 pages, Prestel Publishing (penguinrandomhouse.com)
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The son of Swedish immigrants who settled in New Jersey, Harrie T. Lindeberg (1880–1959), went on to become the standard-bearer of the American Country House Era. More than 200 photographs richly illustrate Lindeberg's penchant for melding Scandinavian, European, and American architectural traditions into residences that have stood the test of time. Peter Pennoyer and Anne Walker— Harrie T. Lindeberg and the American Country House—hardcover, 256 pages, The Monacelli Press (monacellipress.com)
bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books Credited with paving the way for a neighborhoodtransforming brownstone revival when it was first published in 1972, this reissue provides updated and expanded text and new color photography, ensuring that it will remain the go-to guide for brownstone architecture and interiors. Charles Lockwood, Patrick W. Ciccone, Jonathan D. Taylor—Bricks & Brownstone: The New York Row House—hardcover, 352 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)
Inspired by the flavors, ingredients, and flair of Mexico City, chef, restaurateur, and culinary pacesetter Gabriela Cámara shares 150 fresh-first and vegetable-forward recipes for simple, authentic and sophisticated contemporary Mexican cuisine. Gabriela Cámara and Malena Watrous—My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions—hardcover, 368 pages, Lorena Jones Books (crownpublishing.com) Welcoming readers into their homes in Hudson Valley and New England, authors and tastemakers Joan Osofsky and Abby Adams partner with culinary stars to provide a guidebook for inspired seasonal soirees. Joan Osofsky and Abby Adams—Entertaining in the Country: Love Where You Eat: Festive Table Settings, Favorite Recipes and Design Inspiration— hardcover, 192 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)
Classically trained chef, journalist, and founder of the popular cooking school at Maine's Salt Water Farm, Annemarie Ahearn shares recipes, ageold cooking techniques, and tips on tools to help the reader find fulfillment and confidence in the kitchen. Available in April, 2020. Annemarie Ahearn—Modern Country Cooking: Kitchen Skills and Seasonal Recipes from Salt Water Farm—hardcover, 264 pages, Roost Books (roostbooks.com)
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MADE-TO-MEASURE UP Nicole + Felicia
Written by Victoria Chase Some would say that Taiwanese sisters Nicole and Felicia Chang were born to be fashion designers. Their family's Taipei-based wedding gown manufacturing business supplies dresses for high-end brands including Elie Saab, Pronovias, Viktor & Rolf, and Demetrios, among others. Nicole and Felicia grew up surrounded by fantastical fashion, and in the process, absorbed everything from fit to fabrics. Today, even before reaching their thirtieth birthdays, the sisters are making their mark in the competitive world of luxury bridal and evening wear. Heeding their father's advice, before joining the family business, the sisters broadened their horizons by attending college at the University of California at Berkley. Nicole studied political economy, while Felicia focused on environmental economics and city planning. After graduation, both girls felt the pull of their family tradition and returned to Taiwan to launch their eponymous brand in 2015. Initially catering to Asian consumers with a perspective that both celebrated their culture's aesthetic and capitalized 54 slmag.net
on a rabid consumer need for what's new and next, Nicole + Felicia set out to offer a viable alternative to historic and largely European brands. Working in the familiar realm of bridal and then expanding into evening wear, a cadre of young, talented designers work as a team to carry out Nicole and Felicia's vision for a given season. Nicole+Felicia gowns represent a wide array of flattering silhouettes rendered in luxury fabrics and bold colors. Strategically placing their dare-to-be-different designs on key celebrities in Asia allowed the brand to quickly garner positive press and inquiries from potential customers around the globe. Targeting their made-to-measure designs to strong, confident, and independent women, the sisters say they want to inspire their clients to invest in pieces that are timeless, rather than just being influenced by trends. Wearing a Nicole + Felicia dress, they add, is for the woman who wants to be the benchmark. sl
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HOLIDAY BLUES Beguiling bijoux for making spirits bright
Compiled By Bridget Williams
Clockwise from top left: Anaya Celeste Dark Lotus 18K white gold, abalone, diamond, and tanzanite Ring (price upon request; ananya.com). BQ Jewelry sapphire and platinum earrings (price upon request; baiyangjewelry.com). Adam Foster Fine Jewelry lapis necklace (price upon request; fosterjewelry.com). CIRARI 18K yellow gold ring with turquoise, brown diamonds, and white agate ($3,290; cirari.com). John Hardy Naga sterling silver cufflinks with blue sapphires ($495; johnhardy.com). Marco Bicego Paradise iolite and blue topaz three-strand bracelet ($2,400; us.marcobicego.com). Tamara Comolli Mikado Flamenco earrings with Swiss topaz ($3,300; tamaracomolli.com). Carrell Soleil sapphire and diamond ring ($9,900; carelle.com).
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Clockwise from top left: Anne Sisteron diamond Lapis Star necklace ($865; annesisteron.com). Are Vartanian 18K white gold, paraiba tourmaline, and white diamond necklace ($1,000,000; aravartanian.com). Giovanni Ferraris sapphire and diamond earrings (price upon request; ferraris.it/en/). Graziela titanium, emerald and diamond earrings (price upon request; grazielagems.com). Reinstein Ross 20K peach gold Sunflower Vine bangle with blue sapphires ($27,000; reinsteinross.com). Assael aquamarine, black jade, and South Sea pearl earrings (price upon request; assael.com).
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CROWD PLEASER
With three rows of seating, BMW’s X7 transports your troupe in luxury. Written by Andre James / Photography courtesy of BMW USA Part of the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment, BMW's longanticipated X7 three-row crossover is the latest and largest model in the BMW X line-up and represents the carmaker's ongoing model offensive in this niche. The SAV's commanding presence, when viewed from the front, comes courtesy of the largest kidney grill ever for a BMW. The generous width of the car is further accentuated by slim twin headlights with striking blue x-shaped elements. Rear doors are longer than those at the front, which speak to the spaciousness inside. This design element, combined with ample ground clearance, makes getting in and out a breeze. At the rear, the space between the LED taillights in bridged by a chrome bar, a design cue borrowed from the BMW 7 Series sedan. The electric twosection split tailgate offers hands-free operation with the optional Comfort Access Package. The Design Pure Excellence equipment line, the M Sport package and BMW individual options offer a dizzying array of 58 slmag.net
customization options for customers looking to create a truly personal expression in terms of appearance and performance. Accents in matte aluminum or high-gloss chrome, XL wheels, six colors of Vernasca leather, and oversized intakes are but a few of the alternatives that can be opted for on the outside. Inside the elegantly appointed cabin, three rows of seats can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. Two individual seats with space between them can be specified for the middle row as an option, a first for an SAV. Drivers of the X7 can control various seating positions throughout the vehicle using a control panel integrated within the driver's door. Adding to the feeling of spaciousness is the standard electrically-operated panoramic glass roof that extends to the third row. At night, the Sky Lounge spreads LED light across the glass roof to mimic a starry sky. Customers can create their desired ambiance throughout the cabin by selecting from six lighting hues and a variety of settings via the iDrive control system.
The standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a Control Display and a fully digital instrument cluster. Intuitively grouped in the center console are the iDrive Controller, the gear selector, the start/stop button, the Driving Experience Control switch, and buttons regulating the air suspension and optional off-road modes. Luxe glass applications are an available option for selected controls. "Hey BMW" is the casual prompt to summon the digital helper as part of the standard BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. For those desiring to be on a first-name basis with their digital PA, the driver also has the option of giving the system a name of their choosing. Over time, the PA learns the driver's routines, preferences, and habits and can subsequently apply them in the appropriate context. Saying "Hey BMW, I'm cold," will prompt the PA to spring into action and adjust the temperature accordingly. For getting even cozier with the car, there's a Caring Car function. It offers a choice of four in-car experiences that encompass functions such as seat massage, fragrance, and music to suit the
driver's current mood. Also of note is the Digital Key function, which allows the car to be locked and unlocked using a smartphone, thereby dispensing with the need for a conventional car key. The trio of turbo-charged engine variants benefit from the latest generation BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive and newly developed, precisely tuned chassis technology. There’s a twin-turbo 456-hp 4.4-liter V-8 in the X7 xDrive50i and a 335-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine in the X7 xDrive40i. The 4.4-liter Turbo V8 with an M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology package in the X7 M50i enables the 0 to 60mph sprint in 4.5 seconds. All three engines boast an eightspeed Steptronic transmission with a wider gear ratio and new control electronics that help to increase the drive system's overall efficiency. A pillow-like ride comes courtesy of its two-axle air suspension with automatic self-leveling. Built at the BMW Plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, pricing for the BMW X7 starts at $74,895. sl slmag.net
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ENAMORED OF ENAMEL First crafted in Cyprus around the 13th century BC, enamel endures in popularity for fine jewelry and watch artisans. Compiled by Bridget Williams
Clockwise from top left: Jaipur Bougainvillea plique-à-jour enamel and emerald ring from Alice Cicolini ($6,845; alicecicolini.com). 14K yellow gold and enamel Amour band from Alison Lou ($950; alisonlou.com). 18K yellow gold Russell kyanite and French enamel medallion ring from Sig Ward Jewelry ($4,840; sigwardjewelry.com). Swallow one-ear gemstone and enamel earring from Lydia Courteille ($8,285; lydiacourteille.com). Course Correction 18K and Champlevé enamel ring from Foundrae (price upon request; foundrae. com). Daya Bee drop enamel earrings from Jennifer Behr ($282; jenniferbehr.com). Sterling silver and enamel Geometrica bracelet by Belle Etoile ($495; belleetoilejewelry.com). Andy Lif Jewelry plique-à-jour enamel and diamond hoop earrings (price upon request; andylifjewelry.com). Majesty earrings from Aisha Baker with blue enamel, diamonds and round citrine (price upon request; aishabaker.com). Holly Dyment 18K yellow gold Monday diamond, pearl, and enamel ring ($6,791; hollydyment.com).
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Clockwise from top left: “Tanzanite – Silver” from Lundis Bleus with central dial accented by tanzanite blue vitreous grand feu enamel ($3,836; lundis-bleus.com). The reverse face of Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso Tribute Enamel Alfons Mucha features an enameled miniature of a painting (price upon request; jaeger-lecoultre.com). 18K yellow gold Twinkle Star enamel necklace with diamonds from Colette ($4,376; colettejewelry.com). 14K gold Lift the Veil medallion charm from Lulu Frost ($895; lulufrost.com). The Vulcain Art of Enamel limited edition timepiece with cloisonné dial (price upon request; vulcan-watches.ch/en/). Breguet Classique 5177 with grand feu blue enamel dial ($23,700; breguet.com). Roxanne Assoulin Alphabet Soup enamel stretch bracelets ($425 as shown; roxanneassoulin.com).
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THE GREATEST SNOW ON EARTH Utah offers a host of new and below-the-radar options for those in pursuit of perfect powder and smaller crowds. Written by Caylee Matthews Even in this era of Instagram travel, where a post of a picturesque spot prompts the masses to overrun a given location, there are still fairly undiscovered places where you can pursue your passion. For skiers, Brian Head Resort in Southern Utah remains one of those places. When compared with other ski destinations, Utah boasts impressive numbers for those seeking pristine powder and smaller crowds, including 500” of annual snowfall and nearly one-third less volume on their lifts and runs that resorts in neighboring states. Here’s our quick guide to planning your Utah ski getaway in both well-known and off-the-beaten-path locations: VAIL RESORTS New for the 2019-20 season, Vail resorts launched the Epic Day Pass (starting at $106), which allows guests to ski for up to 50 percent off the lift ticket window prices. 62 slmag.net
For guests looking to ski more days in the 2019-20 season, the Epic Pass and Epic Local Pass (launching at $939), provides unlimited, unrestricted access to all of Vail Resorts’ owned and operated properties and additional access to partner resorts around the world. To refuel after a day on the slopes, be sure to check out the flown-in-fresh oysters and lobster rolls at Rime Seafood and Raw Bar (rimerawbar.com), located at the top of Mountaineer Express lift. High West Distillery’s Nelson Cottage offers one-seating-anight dinners with expert whiskey pairings from the world’s only ski-in/ski-out distillery (highwest.com). PARK CITY AREA With 7,300-acres, 41 lifts, and seven terrain parks, Park City Mountain Resort is the largest resort in the
Riders on the Giant Steps Express are treated to expansive views that include the red rock formations of Ashdown Gorge Wilderness Area and Cedar Breaks National Monument. Photo by Mike Saemisch.
United States and offers a plethora of dining and lodging options. The winter ski season is expected to commence on November 22nd and close on April 12th. APEX RESIDENCES PARK CITY (apexparkcity.com) Park City’s newest private residences are nestled at the highest elevation in Canyons Village at Park City Mountain and offer unparalleled access to the largest mountain resort in the country. A ski bridge and trails that run through the community offer a true ski-in, ski-out experience. Three distinct home styles, designed to bring the outdoors in, will fuse modern architecture and sophisticated alpine charm. A neighborhood slope-side clubhouse encompasses a state-of-the-art fitness center, games room, outdoor swimming pools, a steam room, sauna, and spa treatment rooms.
LIFT (liftparkcity.com) Featuring the space and refinement of a single-family home, the convenience and amenities of a boutique hotel, and the intimacy of a private club, Lift Park City, which opened this past summer, offers a vibrant pedestrian neighborhood of new residences, shops, and restaurants. In addition to a selection of exclusive penthouses and spacious four-bedroom homes, Lift has adjacent access to the mountain resort’s soon-to-debut high-speed chairlift and a luxe pool deck overlooking the Retreat ski-home trail. SOUTHERN UTAH Known year-round for the scenic natural wonders found in Zion National Park and Cedar Breaks National Monument, Southern Utah is also home to a pair of high-elevation ski areas with big-time powder and little-town crowds.
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Brian Head Ski Resort Photo by Jay Dash. Brian Head Ski Resort
EAGLE POINT (eaglepointresort.com) Located 17 scenic miles from Beaver, this independently-owned ski resort encompasses 650 skiable acres high in the Tushar Mountains. Lauded for being extremely family-friendly, the heart of the village offers plenty of ski-in/ski-out lodging. With an average of 400-inches of snow each season, the remarkably varied terrain across 40 runs can amply occupy beginners to experts. A professionally-designed terrain park integrates natural and human-made features. Operating dates for the 2019-20 winter season are December 20th through April 12th. BRIAN HEAD RESORT (brianhead.com) First opened in the winter of 1964-1965, this family-operated resort is nestled within Cedar Breaks National Monument and enjoys 360-inches of snowfall annually. Just 3.5 hours by car from both Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, dates for the upcoming winter season are anticipated to be November 15th through April 12th. Being further afoot means that it often gets bypassed for closer peaks, but going the extra distance is worth it for nearly empty powder runs. Boasting an annual snowfall of over 360” and Utah’s highest base elevation, two connected mountains 64 slmag.net
(Giant Steps and Navajo) offer 71 runs and eight chair lifts. For the ultimate off-piste experience, Snowbird’s Powderbird helicopter provides access to pristine backcountry skiing. Lodging options range from moderately-priced hotel rooms to more upscale condominiums and rental homes. The boutique Compass Rose Lodge in Huntsville (compassroselodge.com) boasts a private observatory. Don’t miss the Kansas City-style pork ribs and the festive atmosphere at The Last Chair Saloon in the town of Brian’s Head, the highest city in Utah. Fun add-on activities include snowmobiling through Cedar Breaks National Monument to explore snow-dusted red rock hoodoos and wine tasting at IG Winery, Utah’s premier winery in nearby Cedar City. SUNDANCE For those who live the mantra “Sleep, Eat, Ski,” check-in to Sundance Mountain Resort (sundanceresort.com) and work up an appetite on the slopes at Red Mountain Resort. For dinner, head to the highly-rated Tree Room, followed by a nightcap at Owl Bar, where Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid famously plotted their schemes. sl
The Spa at 21c introduces...
Unwrap, unwind, and settle into a new approach to self-care with the help of The Spa at 21c Cincinnati. Rolling out this fall, their spa membership makes it easy to commit to being the best version of yourself every season, every month, and every day of the year in an easy to follow routine. Coined The Serene Routine, The Spa at 21c believes that self-care should not be limited to sporadic and often last minute appointments, so the team responded with a way to integrate the spa into guests’ lifestyles. It’s a routine you’ll actually want to follow — no hassle, and no added stress. This membership introduces multiple ephemeral touchpoints to inspire wellness and beauty, even at home. The Serene Routine begins with a customized box and a corresponding service, with a bevy of surprising goodies. True to the concierge service you expect from a world class hotel, the team at The Spa at 21c will lead you through every step of the process.
Wellness is just a phone call away. > Contact The Spa at 21c to take your self-care routine to new heights at 513.578.6603.
609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 513.578.6603 | 21cCincinnati.com
Upon arrival, the spa experience starts in the firstfloor reception area, where you’re invited to enjoy 21c’s current exhibit Dress Up, Speak Up: Regalia and Resistance (open through July 2020), featuring works by Bisa Butler, Nick Cave, Jody Paulsen, Berni Searle, and Kehinde Wiley — the artist commissioned to paint Barack Obama’s Presidential Portrait. After viewing some of the city’s most important contemporary art, you’re whisked away to the full-service spa on the 10th floor. You’ll find yourself in a whole new realm of paradise, led by Senior Director of Spa and Wellness, Natasha Burns and her devoted staff. The team is dedicated to delivering top-of-the-line body treatment plans using the best skincare products and regimens. Each season’s box offers a correlating spa service such as a mask, facial, or peel to repair and prepare your skin for whatever the coming months might throw at you. Detox after summer with the help of a renewing body mask and wrap service, relax and reset after the holidays with an AromaTouch treatment, and kickstart a spring glow with an Alpha Beta or Lactic Facial Peel. The services don’t stop there. The Serene Routine can be personally customized to fit your skin’s needs and includes 21% off all spa services (*all the time), private access to the Cocktail Terrace during spa and terrace business hours, 21% off food and (non-alcoholic) beverages at 21c’s award-winning restaurant Metropole, and 21% off hotel rooms (based on availability).
MONTEVERDI TUSCANY
The International Destination for Sophisticated Cincinnatians Monteverdi Tuscany is a rare boutique hotel centrally located between Rome and Florence, Italy, featuring stunning panoramic views of the Tuscany of your dreams: rolling hills of green and gold grain, vineyards, olive and cypress trees, poppies and sunflowers, all set in a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned worldwide for its scenic splendor. The Monteverdi Hotel is the creation of Cincinnati attorney, Michael L. Cioffi, the grandson of Italian immigrants, who fell in love with Italy, and Tuscany in particular, on a post-college tour after having studied the Great Books and the Italian Renaissance at the University of Notre Dame. His passion for Tuscany was reignited in 2003 when he discovered Castiglioncello del Trinoro, the medieval town that Monteverdi now occupies. At that time, Castiglioncello was deteriorating and in danger of slipping out of history. Inspired by the history and beauty of the region, Cioffi fell in love with Bella Italia and became obsessed with preserving the historic village. Throughout the restoration of Castiglioncello del Trinoro, Michael Cioffi and famed Italian designer Ilaria Miani drew their inspiration from the landscape of Tuscany and the color palette of old Renaissance masters like Giotto, Signorelli, Michelangelo 68 slmag.net
and Botticelli. Acclaimed for her talent and taste as a passionate restorer of Italian homes and hamlets from Rome to Venice, Miani assisted Cioffi in bringing to life his aesthetic vision for Monteverdi – a vision that is uniquely beautiful in the world. Guiding the project was a strict adherence to authenticity and avoidance of fake restoration techniques, which too often turn medieval villages into tourist clichés. Miani and Cioffi worked with local artisans to rebuild the village over the course of a decade, using ancient stone-working techniques that are on the verge of extinction. Proudly, the walls of Monteverdi now stand re-constructed with indigenous materials – stone, wood, and metal – reclaimed from centuries of Tuscan history – woven with rich memories of villagers. Bespoke furnishings, accessories and original artwork by many of the leading contemporary artists working today make each room totally unique and different from the other. “My vision for Monteverdi,” Cioffi explains, “was to create a place unlike any other – a place of incomparable beauty, stunning architecture and design, all further complemented by the cultural amenities of the visual arts, music, culture and the culinary arts. A place that ignites the physical senses, spirit and mind.”
Castiglioncello del Trinoro, home of Monteverdi Tuscany
The Monteverdi Lobby Lounge and Terrace Bar
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Luxury View Suite
Open year round, the property is not confined within a single building but instead is infused into the bones of an idyllic, medieval village. With luxuriously modern hotel rooms and suites, and a collection of elegantly appointed private villas tucked in among authentic and fastidiously maintained buildings, Monteverdi is perfect for sophisticated travelers who appreciate attention to every detail. It is ideal for discriminating families, weddings and honeymoons, and groups of traveling friends. When Ashley Robertson and Austin Heidt enlisted Cincinnati’s most coveted wedding and event designer, Dora Manuel of the award-winning Viva Bella Events, to discover the perfect site in Italy to host the wedding of their dreams, Monteverdi topped their list. Ashley cited Monteverdi’s beauty as the primary reason for wanting to get married at Monteverdi: “Upon seeing Monteverdi in person, there was no other choice. The magnificent landscape of the countryside with rolling golden hills are magical. Monteverdi is effortlessly beautiful. Its charm, intimacy and luxurious feel is everything we wanted for our special day.” Dora had similar sentiments after seeing Monteverdi with Ashley for the first time in 2019: “Monteverdi was love at first sight! Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful but the Tuscan 70 slmag.net
property boasts so many unique locations to help bring to life Ashley’s vision for her wedding weekend. The impeccable service of Monteverdi also ensures a flawlessly executed event.” In addition to its stunning scenery, Monteverdi boasts an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant, a Culinary Academy, a piano lounge and terrace bar, a separate enoteca and Library Bar, outdoor swimming pool and indoor heated spa pool, a holistic spa, yoga studio, a modern gym, an art gallery, and a beautifully restored 700-year-old church that serves as Monteverdi’s performing arts venue. The cuisine at Monteverdi reflects Executive Chef Giancarla Bodoni’s steadfast commitment to a “zero kilometer” philosophy. Everchanging menus incorporate the season’s freshest produce sourced daily from Monteverdi’s gardens and Tuscany’s finest organic farms. Chef Bodoni came to Monteverdi three years ago after more than two decades at the helm of her celebrated Miami restaurant, Escopazzo, the first certified organic Italian restaurant in the United States. She has been named “Best Organic Chef ” by the Miami New Times, a “Critic’s Choice” honoree by Food & Wine, and under her direction, Monteverdi’s fine dining restaurant Oreade has garnered Mr & Mrs Smith’s prestigious “Best Hotel Restaurant” award in 2015.
Village Suite
Monteverdi’s Zero-edge Infinity Pool
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Lobby of the Spa at Monteverdi
Underground heated pool and water circuit treatment at the Monteverdi Spa
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Chiesa di Sant’ Andrea
Monteverdi is now home to a state-of-the-art Culinary Academy, also under the direction of Chef Bodoni. This remarkable culinary center is appropriately located in the same stone building that once housed the village school. Today, it sets the backdrop for Bodoni’s private cooking classes featuring Tuscan cuisine tailormade to accommodate the tastes of visitors and guests. The Spa at Monteverdi, one of the property’s most spectacular amenities, offers a wide range of facial and body treatments featuring luxury spa products. Strikingly renovated, the Spa now includes an underground heated pool evocative of ancient Roman baths, a sensory shower, and a cold plunge pool. Other amenities at the Spa at Monteverdi include a heated room custom-made for Hammam Treatments, a relaxation lounge with views of the Tuscan hills, an herbal tea bar, and Monteverdi’s signature outdoor matching travertine soaking tubs, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an intoxicating blend of sights, smells, and sounds.
The name “Monteverdi” is a carefully chosen homage to Claudio Monteverdi, the 16th century Italian humanist, composer and father of the modern opera. Monteverdi proudly includes a number of fine arts performances and exhibition spaces, including the meticulously restored 14th century Sant’Andrea church and the Monteverdi Lounge, which hosts musicians across various genres. The Monteverdi Art Gallery features art exhibitions by leading international contemporary artists, while Monteverdi’s Artists and Scholars in Residence programs bring internationally acclaimed artists, musicians, and thinkers to Monteverdi to share and create work. In summing up his experience at Monteverdi, Jim Stengel, former Global Marketing Officer of Procter & Gamble and President of the Jim Stengel Company, said “Monteverdi is simply magical. Just go. You will be renewed in every possible way. It is unique, one of the most special places we have ever been. Our only regret is we didn’t stay longer.” sl slmag.net
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STEAK AND CHOPS REDUX Losanti Reimagines the Brilliance of Dining Written by Sheree Allgood / Photography by Andrew Kung Photography
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I originally began this article with the usual amalgam of pleasantries I align for our fair city’s extraordinary restaurants. You and I and the whole of the Queen City have truly been blessed by the gastro gods‌our Olympus is diminished when an old standby is shuttered, but the mount is shored and elevated when another brilliant chef hangs a shingle and we are thrust into a new realm of scrumptious victuals. Well, move over Zeus, because Losanti has arrived to summit our culinary mountain. This dazzling, delicious, colossal dining experience is sure to catapult your palate to divinely curated cuisine.
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Vodka Spaghetti, Calabrian Chili, and Garlic
It is no small coincidence that OTR’s newest gem is so highly regarded. Losanti’s pedigree is the brainchild of the talented team of Chef Anthony Sitek and wife Haley Sitek, the dynamic culinary superheroes that brought us Crown Republic Gastropub. Through Losanti, they have introduced what is bound to be the zenith of Cincinnati’s Arts District restaurant bounty. Having refurbished the location of Anchor, Losanti’s upscale digs exude warm hospitality that embraces you like a longlost friend, and the décor is a stylish mix of rustic Kentucky barn wood, exposed brick and burnished steel industrial influences. The dining spaces are intimate but relaxed, and a huge mural of … who is that? Greta Garbo? Marlene Dietrich? … pays homage to our city’s visual appetites ala Blink. (We found out during our meal that in fact the mural is of many actresses from the golden age of motion pictures, shades and shadows bringing forth an evolution of past beauties). The raison d’etre of Losanti is to revive the chop and steak houses of the 1920s and ’30s. And while we have a number of exceptional establishments that serve delicious cuts of meat, Losanti is different on a number of levels, first with Chef Sitek hand-cutting his beef each and every morning. These beautiful cuts are served by the ounce to ensure the customer is getting the very best flavor. The second is the sense of community, gracious hospitality and genuine welcome the staff and owners convey. They want you to love Losanti as much as they very obviously do.
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Prime NY Strip with House-Cut Fries
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Wedge Salad with Crispy Pancetta, Iceberg, Gorgonzola Dolce, Pickled Onions, 6 Minute Egg
House Made Focaccia with Roasted Tomato, Basil, and Parmesan
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Private dining nook
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Chef/Owner Anthony Sitek
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But I have gotten ahead of myself, and I need to begin where we all begin in our culinary entrance…the universal cocktail. Losanti has the cocktail concoction in spades. They have resurrected the exquisite magic of the pre-prohibition recipes that even George Remus would envy, down to serving many of their scrumptious cocktails in sexy last-century coupes. The Sage Gimlet is exceptional, with gin, green chartreuse, lemon, and herbaceous sage, while a personal favorite was the Cincy Fizz, with rum, port, lemon and egg white. This fizzy, frothy, fresh combination is simply delightful and will be my choice on my next visit. The Mezcal Last Word was fabulously smoky and smooth at the same time, the perfect combination of mezcal, green chartreuse, maraschino and lime. The Perfect Manhattan is just as advertised, with Bulleit rye, dry vermouth, Campano Antica and bitters. I will need to return many times to partake of the Old Fashion and Martini selection which looks most inviting to the connoisseur of the superior cocktail or those, like me, seeking a fun boozy mouthful. It is important to note that Chef Sitek hails from New Jersey, and like many who hail from the Garden State has a bit (if not more) of a flair for the Italian. Which is a godsend to all who visit this establishment. Losanti’s menu is rife with brilliant dishes which reflect his most delicious heritage. The Starters selections, for example, offers the most extraordinary Focaccia…fluffy and fresh with roasted tomato, yummy fresh basil, and parmesan. Other starters include oysters, clams casino, slow-roasted giant meatballs, and a delectable mussels in saffron cream with roasted tomatoes, arugula and ciabatta. Our group also shared an exquisite Wedge Salad, which was more a gorgeously presented deconstructed wedge, consisting of the most scrumptious pancetta, fresh crispy iceberg, delicious gorgonzola dolce, pickled onions and 6-minute egg, every little bite a savory, heavenly taste. Chef Sitek has incorporated some exceptional pastas into the menu at Losanti. The Bolognese, served on rigatoni with parm is a popular dish, as is the Vodka spaghetti with Calabrian chili and garlic. The Gnocchi Al Forno is incomparable. Seriously. I have had incredible gnocchi from Firenze to Trieste to Philly and Little Italy and even attempted it in my own humble homestead, but this is the BEST. EVER. Truffle powder and truffle oil, pancetta and flash fried sage send my mouth into overload even as I type. Go there NOW and order this manna. The Entrees are incredible. As described above, the Sitek’s have embraced the Steak and Chop House concept with panache yet concentrate on flavors that enhance and complement the food, not run over its essence. The three hand cut steaks offered are a Prime Filet, Prime Ribeye, and a New York Strip, each served with a roasted head of garlic and a grilled lemon. A squirt of lemon and a squeeze of the roasted garlic on the meat is fantastic. Even more fantastic and for a pittance more, add the port butter or the housemade bearnaise as an accompaniment. The sliver of delicious butter is outstanding with the meat, and the bearnaise is perfection, a homemade treat with whipped fresh tarragon and an enticing splash of Losanti’s homemade tabasco sauce.
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Triple Chocolate Cake
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Sage Gimlet and Cincy Fizz
Do not overlook the Frenched Pork Chop. This double cut beauty is brined for 48 hours, served perfectly tender and juicy medium rare, and accompanied with braised kale, carrots and a delectable apple mostarda which exquisitely pairs with the delicate pork. Other entrées include Chicken Paillard, with greens, parmesan and chard lemon, a Pan Roasted Salmon with ceci bean succotash, and the Losanti Burger with a pancetta aioli, lettuce, tomato, balsamic onion, on brioche and fries. There are also amazing sides to share, including a Truffle Mac & Cheese, Creamed or Braised Kale, Charred Broccoli with pancetta aioli, Sweet Corn with chili, lime and parmesan, and my personal favorite, the totally unique Charred Onion Mash. We finished our meal with a most enticing and delicious treat: Kentucky Butter Cake with Salted Carmel Gelato. Understand that the desserts at Losanti are meant to share, and this exceptional skillet cake was substantial but oh sooo good. It was crispy sweet on the outside, and tender fluffy like angel food on the inside. There are also chocolate dessert delicacies offered as well as a selection of gelato, which rotate and vary. The great beauty of Losanti is that the entire experience feels like family: there is great conviviality upon entering, a genuine hearty welcome. The staff and the owners are keen to give their guests a full dining experience. There is a sense of community that completes the dynamic of superb food selection. Everything works in perfect, detailed synchronicity…the friendly vibe and the incomparable food will have you enchanted. sl Losanti is located at 1401 Race Street and is OTR’s only steak and chop establishment. Lunch to be served Tuesday – Saturday. At publication, hours were not yet available. Dinner served Tuesday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Brunch to be served Saturday & Sunday. At publication, hours were not yet available. For reservations, visit LosantiOTR.com
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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
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Lighthouse Youth Services Holiday Gift Drive Cancer Family Care’s 40th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction Most Valuable Kids Holiday Food Gift Card Drive CancerFree Kids ‘Celebration of Champions Gala’ 6PM. Manor House Mason. A Zinzinnati Holiday. Krohn Conservatory. https://www.cincinnatiparks.com/krohn/ Party in the House Gala, Design Challenge & Fundraiser Matthew 25 Ministries Hunger 5k. CABVI Dining in the Dark at Jack Casino Event Center 24th Star Award Gala for Ohio Cancer Research. Hilton Netherland Plaza. Ohiocancer.org Keep Cincinnati Beautiful ‘Cincy Block Party’. Benken Florist. 7-11PM. https://www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org/how-to-help/events/cincyblockparty.html PNC Festival of Lights. Cincinnati Zoo Leukemia & Lymphona Society Annual Taste of the World Gala. Newport Aquarium. 7:30-11. Easterseals Brighter Futures Celebration. Jack Casino, 5:30-9. https://www.easterseals.com/gc/get-involved/events/brighter-futures-celebration.html United Way Community United Celebration 2019. Memorial Hall. 5:30-7:30. 110th Annual Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race Brighton Center’s Junior Board Friendsgiving. New Riff Distillery. 6-10PM. https://www.brightoncenter.com/friendsgiving ArtWorks Fall Fundraiser. Music Hall, 6PM. Artworkscincinnati.org Cincinnati Opera: Love Letter to Patty. Hilton Netherland Plaza. The Point/Arc 49th Annual Joy to the World
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Rotary Foundation Christmas Party. Roselawn-Condon School GCNKAA Holiday Cheers for Outreach. Kenwood Country Club Matthew 25 Ministries Family Holiday Bash Talbert House Annual “Home for the Holiday” Fundraiser. 20th Century Theater. 7-11PM Cure Starts Now: SantaCon. Jack Casino and Downtown Cincinnati
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Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra 125th Anniversary Gala. Music Hall, 7PM. https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/tickets-and-events/special-events/ Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship Fund Annual Fundraising Concert. Special Guest Artist Terrance Wilson. SCPA. https://www.bcbscholarship.org UC College-Conservatory of Music Annual Moveable Feast. School for Creative & Performing Arts: Future of the Arts Gala. Music Hall.
LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS FROM THE MID $500’S
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ZOOFARI 2019
A Masquerade Ball, presented by Western & Southern Financial Group and Fort Washington Investment Advisors took place Friday, September 13 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. and was chaired by Lisa and Tim Massa. This sold out event hosted 2,700 guests and grossed over one million dollars to support Zoo initiatives, including the care and sustenance of more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species, ground-breaking conservation efforts and educational outreach programs that reach more than 330,000 students annually. 4
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1) Kimberly & John Hoffert 2) Wayne & Sherri Hach 3) Patti Bailey 4) Jackie Oney, Becky Gaible & Melissa Newman 5) Sue Buller, Natalie Buller, Montana & Cory Ehmaschwender, Karen Fisher, Tim & Cheryl Hastings 6) John Huhon, Sandra Grass with Thane & Kathleen Maynard 7) Jonathan & Megan Grainger with Kimberly & Joe Rippe 8) Laura & Joe Haas, Ashley & Rich Klaserner, Roy & Tish Dorey 9) Alexander, Taylor, Anne, Craig & Avery Maier
Inside America’s Test Kitchen with
Bridget Lancaster & Julia Collin Davison A FUNdraiser in support of CET Thursday, November 21, 2019 12:00 pm & 5:30 pm Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 3520 Central Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45223 See a cooking demo with Chefs Bridget and Julia, hosts of America’s Test Kitchen. Eat, drink and enjoy a wonderful gift to take home to remember the day. All food will be prepared by culinary students from Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College using recipes from America’s Test Kitchen cookbooks. Visit CETconnect.org/atk for details for the 12:00 pm or 5:30 pm event, or call (513) 345-6582. Ticket Sales end November 15, 2019 Seating is limited.
www.CETconnect.org/atk
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SPCA ‘WAGS TO RICHES’
SPCA Cincinnati’s fundraiser, Wags To Riches, Western Gaming Night, was at the home of Joe and Lorraine Mayernik on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Funds were raised on this evening for SPCA’s kennel expansion project… and a couple of adoptable pets found their furever homes!
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1) Guests Enjoying the Festivities 2) Rick & Diane Corman with Mike Zicka 3) Judy Recker & Tim Allred, with Tom Waller 4) Jake White, President & CE0, SPCA Cincinnati 5) SPCA Staff with adoptable cats 6) Joe & Lorraine Mayernik 7) SPCA Staff with adoptable dog 8) Amy Meyer & Greg Johnson 9) Rosemary Zicka and dog Rosemary adopted at the Wags To Riches event
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Where music was meant to be heard, not seen… Call us today to find out why, and how we can help you with your dream home; old or new!
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RIDE CINCINNATI 2019
The 13th annual Ride Cincinnati event brought together more than 500 participants for a weekend of fundraising and celebration. Riders were treated to a special kickoff party at The Top of the Park at The Phelps with live music, food and drinks, followed by the Sunday ride and after party at Yeatman’s Cove. Distances ranged from 8 to 100 miles and every rider-raised dollar goes to local cancer research.
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Images from the supports of RIDE Cincinnati 2019
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LIGHTHOUSE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES FALL EVENT
Supporters of Lighthouse Youth & Family Services raised more than $74,000 for services for young people and families during its annual Fall Event. Jane and Robert Bohinski hosted the September fundraiser at their historic Lilybanks house in Hyde Park. Guests toured the home and enjoyed lunch by the bite donated by local caterers and restaurants. Guests also enjoyed shopping at a variety of boutiques, each of which contributed a portion of the day’s sales to Lighthouse.
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1) Barbara Bennie, Jean Macejko, Nancy Shepardson& Chris Ryan 2) Lisa Brandt, Jan Timmel & Elizabeth Burroughs 3) Kristy Verticchio, Beth Wilson & Tenney Verkamp 4) Nancy Aichholz, Elizabeth Callan & Christine Kommer 5) Mary Wahl, Susanna Goering, Shayne Byer & Melissa Lauer 6) Karen Abel & Allison Kahn 7) Amy Peterson, Pam Hoynes, Lauren Bergstrom, Kelly Larsen & Molly Lampe 8) Jen Murphy, Erica Pontius & Kristie Sheanshang 9) Nicole Russell & Robyn Wenzke 10) Fran Unger & Nancy Apfel 11) Lilybanks
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JDRF BOURBON & BOWTIE BASH
On Saturday, October 19, JDRF hosted its 6th annual Bourbon & BowTie Bash, billed as the hottest party in Cincinnati, and set a new fundraising record of $350,000 raised for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. With nearly 2,000 guests, the sold out event featured 10 bourbon tastings and food and cocktails from over 25 of the area’s best-loved bars and restaurants. Local 12’s Bob Herzog served as emcee and auctioneer, and the evening’s Fund a Cure programming featured the story of Caroline (Callie) Boyce-Jones, who was diagnosed with T1D four years ago at the age of 25. Contrary to what many people think, T1D is not just a disease that impacts children, and it can strike anyone at any age and at any time. T1D is an autoimmune disease that has no association with dietary or lifestyle choices.
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1) Celebrity Judges Molly Wellmann, Griffin Ross & Todd Cranes 2) Catherine Manabat (Best Bartender Winner) 3) BowTie Barons & Baronesses 4) Emcee Bob Herzog with JDRF Executive Director Melissa Newman
Photography by Tony Bailey
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DRESS FOR SUCCESS FASHION SHOW
The Fashion Show supporting Dress for Success Cincinnati took place at JACK Cincinnati Casino on September 12, 2019. The event raised more than $300,000 as 800 guests attended to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success Cincinnati and honor the 18,000+ women who have been helped since its founding in 1999. Mary Ivers, founder of Dress for Success Cincinnati, was Honorary Chair of The Fashion Show. 6 4
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1) Nicole Jones, Linda Pohlgeers & Heather Crabbe 2) Sherie Marek, Anita Minturn & Lyla Knudson 3) Yvonne Rewwer & Suzi Lenhart 4) Allison Herriott, Elizabeth Glotfelty & Lauren Tubesing 5) Roxana King, Digi Schueler & Alice Rogers Uhl 6) Everett Fitzhula, Christiaan Minella, Justin Vaive & Jesse Schultz 7) Sara Kratzer, Claire Mello, Cathleen Bunker & Vicky Jackson 8) Marty & Jamie Humes with Jan Bartel 9) Mary Ann Vincent, Patti Dunham & Jennifer Homer 10) Cyndi Stewart & Yanling Tang 11) Jordan Weiter, Cheslie Kryst & Alice Magoto 12) Kelly Burr & Paula Schum
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DIGS ‘SHINDIG’
DIGS |Real Estate|Design|Construction| hosted its 16th annual SHINDIG brunch/open house during the 53rd annual Hyde Park Art Show. Family, friends and clients mingled with children, dogs and yummy eats from The Echo. A diggable good time was, as always, had by all.
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1) Martin Hart, Lisa Murtha, Mark & Bridget Morse 2) Joan Keating & Tim Fogarty 3) SHINDIG ‘19 Cupcake House 4) Dick Duvall & David Wellinghoff 5) Them & Beth Mariner, Dick & Kit Duval, Joyce Elkus, John Harrison & Zac Greenberg 6) Debbie Ackerman, Dianne & David Rosenberg, Lucy Hodgson, Peter Koenig & Dee Hildebrandt 7) Tom Sapinsley, Deni Tato, Dan Schimberg & Mariza Cohen 8) Kim & Drew Myers, Melissa & Mick Homan, David Wellinghoff & Stella 9) Valerie Newell & Tim Smith 10) Peter Schwartz & Dianne Dunkleman 11) Amy Tobin & Ann Lafferty
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DAVID A. MILLETT GRAND OPENING TO SUPPORT SCPA October 10th marked the Grand Opening of the David A. Millett Inc. new 48,000 sq. ft. furniture showroom. The evening event hosted guests to food, drinks, and performances by School for Creative & Performing Arts students. A donation of all items sold through the month of October was donated to the School’s Fund to help continue the mission of academic and artistic excellence at the SCPA.
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1) An SCPA Student Performer 2) John & Hank Rosenthal, Martha Millett, Tayler Fulmer 3) Carol Williams, Matthew Millett & Flash Williams 4) Mackenzie Davis with Lane Satterthwaite 5) Patsy & Robert Pike with Peggy Greenberg 6) Don Justice, David Millett & Paul Kitzmiller 7) Chef Ed Smain, Nancy & Charlie Weaver, Fran & Clay Stinnett, Connie & Ken Maccarone 8) Sally & Bob Sumersal 9) Pam & Gerald Coffey with Cora Keen 10) John & Paul Kitzmiller with Barb Squeri 11) Showroom Exterior Was Illuminated for the BLINK Weekend 12) Thea & John Morris Russell
Photography by Tony Bailey
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DBL LAW WOMEN OF EXCELLENCE EVENT
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Held September 13, 2019 at the private Fort Mitchell, KY residence of DBL Law Managing Partner Bob Hoffer and wife Diane, nearly 200 guests enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet and outdoor cocktail service. They represented current and prospective DBL Law clients from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Louisville, as well as nonprofit executives from organizations supported by DBL Law. Complimentary spa-type services were available, including makeup; hairstyling; mini-manicures; personal styling; chair massage and reflexology, and Botox as well as private intuitive readings.
1) Erin Shaughnessy, Ann Bertram, Olivia Keller, Katherine Simone & Liz Godshau 2) Erin Shaughnessy, Olivia Keller, Danyel Rickman, Katie Tranter & Kayla Campbell 3) Kelly Holden, Angie Gates, Rebecca Sheehan, Olivia Keller & Katie Tranter 4) Ellie Houston, Lisa Trey, Cathy Stickels, Betsy Weber & Emily Hanna 5) Emily Hanna, Diane Hoffer & Ellie Houston 6) Megan Desola & Caroline Weltmeer 7) Tina Steinnecker & Rusty Sheehan 8) Dianne Samwary & Angie Gates 9) Michele Stoffer, Emily Moran & Cindy Mustard
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Photography by Tony Bailey
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CALIFORNIA CLOSETS SHOWROOM OPENING
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California Closets had its grand opening of its new three-story flagship showroom this past August. The oneof-a-kind showroom offers immersive, exclusive experiences for customers, including 3D design renderings and a virtual technology tool, as well as private conference rooms and a podcast studio open to the professional community. Marcus Hall, Partner of the company’s franchise location, shares that this space is a gift to the entire community, “We want this showroom to not only set the new bar for how customers design their homes and offices, but to be a hub where the Cincinnati community can collaborate and grow.”
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1) Kathy Bertini & Krista Heinrich 2) Diane & Zach Hendershot 3) Carly Saluga, Brad Runevitch & Meredith Meyer 4) Marcus Hall, Anissa Zajac, Rachel Ranek & Eric Farrell 5) Colton Lefevre, Mike Lantz & Brian Otovle 6) Charile Meyer, Kim Kaplan & Hannah Zarkowskyj 7) Lauralee Kavanaugh with Lisa Jones 8) Ann & David Kelly with Dan & Emma Zieverink 9) Danielle Gleason & Caittin Bitts 10) Bev Sadler & John Payor
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BRIGHTON CENTER’S WINE OVER WATER
Brighton Center’s Wine Over Water event which was held on Saturday, September 7 on the Purple People Bridge was a huge success raising $45,000 to support their mission of helping individuals and families reach self-sufficiency. The crowd of 900 enjoyed wine, beer, bourbon, and food tastings while enjoying live music by the Night Owls. Brighton Center appreciates the support of all of the vendors, especially Dep’s Fine Wine & Spirits who led the VIP experience, along with all of the sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who made the event possible. Special thanks to BB&T who was the Presenting Sponsor and to Jason and Maria Wessel, event co-chairs.
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1) Becky Timberlake & Dr. Heidi Murley 2) Carla Essen & Laura Koehler 3) Alison Cehan & Micah McFadden 4) Ken & Tammy Weidinger 5) Jordan & Tina Geisler 6) Scott & Laura Arentsen with Matt & Stach Koenig 7) Wendy Ray with Trish & Carly Sullivan 8) Valentina Moreno-Cheek with Adrienna & Dr. Brent Williams 9) Rob & Anita Bernardo 10) Peggy & Steve Harper
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STEPPING STONES ‘BLOOM’ GALA
Stepping Stones celebrated the agency’s 15th annual ‘BLOOM’ gala on September 7th netting more than $246,00 to support programming for Cincinnati-area individuals with disabilities. Ellen Grossi served as this year’s Bloom chair, while Anne Shanahan was the event’s host/hostess chair with presenting sponsor Huntington Bank. More than 400 guests enjoyed the evening at the Greenacres Arts Center which included and exclusive “Art from the Heart” auction hosted by Eisele Gallery, live music, and tapas from more than 20 local restaurants and caterers.
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1) Charlie & Whitney Eckert 2) Guests mingle at Stepping Stones’ Bloom tented garden party at Greenacres Arts Center 3) Dr. Terrence & Jessica Poole 4) Ellen Grossi with Anne Shanahan 5) Stepping Stones Executive Director Chris Adams and daughter, Emma 6) Local dance band Stays in Vegas entertain the crowd at Stepping Stones’ 15th annual Bloom Gala
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Photography by Tony Bailey
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BETHESDA FOUNDATION GOURMET MELODIES
On August 10th, The Bethesda Foundation hosted Gourmet Melodies to benefit Hospice of Cincinnati. Nearly 500 guests enjoyed gourmet bites, fine wine & craft beer, and live music. Over $105,000 in net revenue was raised to ensure Hospice of Cincinnati can continue to create the best possible and most meaningful advanced illness and end-of-life experience for all who need care and support in or community. 6 4
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1) Ariel & Stephen Kappa 2) Julie & Will Jones with Jens & Dede Person 3) Leah Lamb, Brittany Leek & Tina Johnson 4) Steven & Sue Grendel 5) Angelo Dejesus, Bruce & Patti Cormler 6) Tim & Suzanne Byrns with Julie & John Ward 7) Chris & Andy Swallow, Tony Glassmeyer, Kristy Kerth, Lori Asmus, Jen Beck & Ashlie Lyons 8) Nancy & Bob Mitchell with Mary Jo & Scott Philhower 9) Bob Hull with Patrica Ashworth 10) Andrew Kleiman, Barbara Rose, Gary Strain, Paul Myers, John & Vicky Ott 11) Melissa & Frank Su
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