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{Indianapolis’ Finest}
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on the cover: Cocktail creation is an intentional process for Vlad Novikov, director of cocktails and culture at The Peninsula Chicago’s rooftop lounge, Z Bar. Creator of the innovative and extensive cocktail menu at Z Bar, Novikov is guided by restraint and a desire for elegance when crafting cocktails, and adds that each component of the blend should work together to provide a total sensory experience. For more information, visit peninsula.com.
In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world's first cultured pearls. Since then, Mikimoto has constantly endeavored to update the tradition of beauty by capturing the inherent allure of pearls. With a timeless quality, and a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, Mikimoto is always appropriate, and always in style. This 18K white gold triple strand Akoya pearl and diamond necklace features 9x7 mm A Akoya pearls and 144 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 2.44 ctw. Available at Reis-Nichols Jewelers. For more information, visit reisnichols.com.
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From the Editor-in-Chief
As I write this, it’s early August and while our children are supposed to go back to school in just a few weeks, things still feel uncertain. We all desperately want life to get back to normal, but Covid rates are spiking in areas that have already started school. The kids, for their part, seem more than ready to get back to a routine, and ditch e-learning. I don’t think I’ve ever known them, or their parents, for that matter, as eager to get back into the classroom. I have to hand it to our kids, they’ve been surprisingly resilient during this crazy time. From e-learning to canceled sports events, birthday and graduation parties, so many rites of passage have been put on hold, but they’ve managed to roll with the changes and keep a positive attitude. Our daughter, 15 and a sophomore, weathered the disappointment of having her entire freshman tennis season canceled, and our son, age 13, continued his virtual preparation for his bar mitzvah, while watching the planned date fade away on the calendar. In addition, he navigated the stresses of switching to a new school without actual school to attend, which made making new friends doubly hard. As this “Groundhog Day” of a summer progressed, with one week running into the next, we tried to make it feel normal. Our son spent much of the summer at his grandmother’s lake house in Michigan, becoming quite adept at piloting a boat. Although we obviously missed him, we’re proud of his new skills and love it that he had fun. Our daughter threw herself into her social life, hanging out with her girlfriends as well as her first boyfriend, a milestone that her mother and I experienced with a gamut of emotions and many questions. We navigated new territory as parents the night they stopped making TikToks long enough to join us for dinner in the garden, our daughter suddenly part of a couple instead of our little girl. While Covid put a massive damper on travel for just about everyone, we still managed to take a few trips as things loosened up. We flew for the first time since December, visiting Palm Beach, which provided a welcome respite. A drive to charming Mackinac Island yielded lots of wonderful family time and great memories, but ended with a (literal) bang as we blew a tire on the way home and wound up spending the night at a roadside hotel, trying to find someone to service our car and having to rent a cargo van for the drive back home. A “last blast of summer” trip to Chicago provided a nice change of scenery, though the lack of traffic on Michigan Avenue was a reminder of current times. You can read my account of our trip on page 88. Our visit to the Apple Store, although fun from an architectural standpoint, turned out to be unnecessary when our son’s school director informed me that, no, a brand new MacBook was not exactly essential equipment for the upcoming school year. Sadly, the store was looted repeatedly several days after our return. Back home again, with the kids sleeping their mornings away, occasional family games of golf or visits to the pool, and of course, the kids’ seemingly endless orders for food delivery, it almost felt normal, and yet it wasn’t. The ever-present masks, the constant warnings on the news, the uncertainty of the coming months make me wonder, as my children look back on this experience that we’re still in the midst of, how it all will affect them down the road. One thing is clear, they’ve certainly gotten a lesson in resiliency, and I hope that will serve them well their entire lives - to know that life can, and does, go on, even in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.
Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net
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Sunrise on Isabela Island
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Experience a different kind of island time with Classic Journeys’ Multi-Sport Island-Based Trip in the Galápagos Islands Written by Bridget Williams The first tourists arrived in the Galápagos Islands via cruise ship in 1934, initiating a travel trend that has persisted for decades until operators like Classic Journeys chose to defy the status quo and offer island-based tours of the islands. "It really comes down to the amount of quality time you get to spend engaged in activities, and shuttling back-and-forth to your boat really cuts into that," explained Edward Piegza, who founded Classic Journeys 25 years ago. He added that his company has "kissed a lot of frogs" to assemble island-based tours that use the luxury of time to go beyond where boat tourists tread. I unwrapped the gift of surplus seconds on my second day in the Galápagos. Rising before the crack of dawn at my oceanfront hotel on Isabela Island, I set out to do some solo exploring with a run along the beach and into the national park. Even before the first boat-based tourists were loading into inflatable boats for transport to shore, I was hurdling the island's famous giant tortoises. These
behemoths, the longest-lived of all vertebrates, appeared unphased by my presence as they languidly chewed tiny green "poisoned" apples along an aptly named tortuga allée. At this early hour, the humidity hung on my shoulders like a weighted blanket, and I was relieved that the sound of bird calls and the rhythmic beating of waves on the beach was enough to mask my labored breathing. By the time our scheduled itinerary kicked off at 9 am, I was elated that I'd already enjoyed my fair share of awe-inducing moments. Within the first few hours on a Classic Journeys-led trip, it's easy to see why the company was named the World's Best Tour Operator in 2019, by the readers of Travel + Leisure (the second time in the past five years). The secret sauce ladled over its diverse menu of tours around the globe includes heavy hyper-local involvement, which Piegza likens to applying the farm-to-table concept to travel. From native guides to locally-owned hotels and restaurants, guests receive a comprehensive cultural immersion at every step.
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Hotel Iguana on Isabela Island
Our Galรกpagos adventure commenced at Seymour Airport on arid Baltra Island, home to a United States Army Air Force base during World War II. Sebastian, our primary guide for the trip, awaited us. The Quito, Ecuador native said he fell in love with guiding at age 17 and feels lucky to have spent the past two decades doing what he loves. Attentive and affable, we knew right away that we were in good hands. A short, scenic small craft flight took us to Isabela Island, where we met another Sebastian, one of the island's 2,000 residents. He introduced us to his infectious and endearing enthusiasm with a booming "Hello my beautiful travelers!" as soon as we deplaned. Ninety-seven percent of the Galรกpagos is a national park, and humans have only been living on its five habitable islands since the beginning of the 19th century. On Isabela, buildings reflect island life where resources are scarce (there's no fresh water), and the most is made of what's available. Just outside the heart of town, Iguana Crossing, our home base for the first part of our trip, is a familyowned and eco-friendly beachfront hotel that provides quick access to the aforementioned national park trail. Classic Journeys offers several versions of their island-based Galรกpagos trips, from a five-day multi-sport jaunt to a nine-day culture and walking tour that includes a stop at Machu Picchu. 34 slmag.net
Angermeyer Waterfront Inn.
What I loved most about my small-group multi-sport adventure was the ability to actively explore both above and below the water. From coming face-to-face with a sea lion in the water near Santa Fe Island (who let us know quite emphatically that we were getting a little too close to his pup), to hiking 11 miles round-trip to the top of the six-mile-wide crater of Volcan Sierra Negra (one of the most active calderas on the planet), the itinerary accommodated our group's varied interests and physical abilities. During the volcano hike, where we observed boat-based tourists turning around at the half-way mark due to time constraints, we stopped periodically to taste wild plants and admire a landscape that went from a scrubby beach, up to a lush jungle, and topped out with at a vast lunar-like lava field. As someone who has set off on more than one outdoor adventure woefully underprepared, I appreciated that the guides think of (and carry) everything, from bottled water to fresh aloe vera. Adventures in the field are supplemented by opportunities to discuss local culture, politics, and quality of life with our guide and fellow guests. Before a dinner at Iguana Crossing, we enjoyed a ceviche-making demonstration and learned that Ecuadorans garnish the traditional Latin American dish with popcorn.
The affable Adriano Cabrera demonstrates how donkey power, elbow grease, and ingenuity are employed to produce everything from coffee to moonshine at El Trapiche.
A giant tortoise at the El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz Island.
Snorkeling, exploring, and a barbecue on the boat at Santa Fe Island.
Ceviche at Hotel Iguana
Catch of the day on Santa Cruz.
Guide Sebastian explaining the topography of the Sierra Negra shield volcano, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Galรกpagos.
Food stalls on Santa Cruz Island.
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Blue-footed boobies are one of three booby species found on the Galรกpagos Islands.
A marine iguana on Santa Fe Island.
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A pink-hued lake in the national park on Isabela Island.
Options to extend your adventures in Ecuador can include a visit to La Danesa, a working dairy, cacao farm and upscale hacienda about an hour drive from Guayaquil.
We island-hopped from Isabela to Santa Cruz via private boat. The two-hour ride was quite scenic and relatively smooth, which was a great relief for someone like me who is prone to seasickness. Unique lodging continued at the Angermeyer Waterfront Hotel, accessible via a five-minute water taxi from Santa Cruz across Puerto Ayora Bay. While there are a host of upscale lodging options in this high cotton district, only Angermeyer can lay claim to being operated by the first person born on nearby Baltra Island. Teppy Angermeyer's family relocated to the island from Germany in the 1940s to escape the war. "There was literally nothing here," he said while recounting the realities of a subsistence existence. Today Teppy's father's boat is permanently "docked" on the hillside, where it's now into a one-ofa-kind suite. My favorite spot on the property was a 1960s era grotto, where groovy vibes are served up alongside a hearty breakfast buffet. At the El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz, we walked alongside giant tortoises, who generally went about chomping grass as if we weren't there. Far lusher that Isabela, the fertile volcanic soils are ideal for growing coffee and sugarcane. Stopping at El Trapiche, an agritourism destination, it's hard not to be smitten by the charm of farmer Adriano Cabrera. He demonstrated how donkey power, elbow grease, and ingenuity are employed to produce everything from coffee to moonshine. Picking up a few bags of coffee beans allowed me to recount this exceptional experience with my morning cup of joe long after returning home.
While the Galรกpagos is a protected ecological wonder, it is not entirely immune from destructive practices, as we learned during a snorkeling trip around Santa Fe Island. En route, our eagleeyed captain spotted something bobbing in the water and quickly realized it was a sea turtle entangled in an illegal dragnet. The crew promptly sprang into action, and in a whirl of activity that had all of our hearts pumping, gingerly freed the traumatized turtle who swiftly swam away. The boat captain (yet another Sebastian), whose family once fished these waters for a living, estimated that the turtle might have spent months in this precarious position based on the net's condition. "Because of guests like those from Classic Journeys who want to really experience the wildlife in these waters, the octopus I used to catch and sell to a restaurant is now my business partner," he explained. "I can take people to snorkel to his hidden places, and he reveals himself to us." Following the afternoon's excitement, we enjoyed a barbeque lunch on the boat, taking time to wade into the azure waters and onto dry land to ogle a species of iguana unique to this island. Reflecting on the adrenaline-packed day, which came at the end of our trip, Piegza said, "I have the best job in the world, creating trips of a lifetime, and Classic Journeys has the wherewithal to make that statement more than just a tagline." sl For more information about Classic Journeys, visit classicjourneys.com.
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FAUX REAL Co-founders Chloe Mendel and Gustave Maisonrouge
Founded by Chloe Mendel, daughter of designer Gilles Mendel, and Gustave Maisonrouge, Maison Atia is the first luxury faux fur brand dedicated to making a difference. Written by Bridget Williams Maison Atia uses traditional fur ateliers and techniques to create carefully crafted and timeless pieces that push the boundaries of faux fur. Combining a modern aesthetic and sensibility with six-generations of fur heritage craftsmanship, Maison Atia offers a genuinely luxurious alternative to fur coats and accessories. Cognizant of the impact of fashion on the environment, the brand has pledged to be socially responsible and engaged by aiming to be zero-waste from the outset. They use leftover fabrics from coat production to create chic accessories and recycle what’s unused with FabScrap. In 2019, Maison Atis launched its first fully sustainable capsule collection for babies and toddlers using Kobra fabric, one-hundred-percent made from plants and recycled water bottles.
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The company’s pledge to give back goes beyond the environment. A partnership with PAWS CHICAGO, a no-kill shelter, resulted in a #BuyACoatSaveAPuppy campaign. Each coat sold provides transportation for a homeless pet from a high-kill shelter to PAWS CHICAGO. For its Fall 2020 collection, the brand continued to expand beyond its core offerings, while looking to the past for inspiration. MA by Maison Atia is a vibrant and colorful capsule line incorporating the Koba fabric from their baby collection. They also introduced Pink Label, their first hand-embroidered limited edition collection. “We are only creating three pieces of each design to truly make it special and exclusive,” said Gustave Maisonrouge, co-founder and President. Chloe Mendel, co-founder and Creative Director, explained the collection’s background story. “When I think of the 70s, I think of a time where fashion was full of life, integrating individuality and freedom of expression. This season you will find vibrant colors continuing in the theme of pop art inspired by Robert Indiana weaving throughout the collection and bringing modernity to our animal print wonderland. I imagine these coats inside the incredible closet of Diana Vreeland. This season is all about celebrating the fashion icon inside every woman.” sl Maison Atia is available at maisonatia.com and select retail partners.
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Bibliotaph... New & Notable
Compiled by Victoria Chase
An examination of the substantial role that Chicago played in the development of the modern single-family home in the twentieth century. Susan Benjamin and Michelangelo Sabatino—Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 19291975—hardcover, 296 pages, Monacelli Press (moncellipress.com) Notable for his elegant, sophisticated rooms that combine sumptuous fabrics, well-selected antiques, and contemporary comfort, interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth shares his design process through some of his most recent work. Matthew Patrick Smyth, Wendy Goodman (foreword), Judith Nasatir (text)—Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus On Interiors—hardcover, 256 pages, The Monacelli Press A celebration of the scenic route, this book presents 200 once-in-alifetime adventures both near and far. Whether your passions lie on foot, in the saddle, behind the wheel, or at the helm, there’s an itinerary for everyone. Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down And See The World—hardcover, 320 pages, DK Eyewitness Travel (dk.com) Rookwood Pottery was arguably the most famous company making art pottery in the United States in the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century. Published to coincide with the company’s 140th anniversary, author and historian Bob Batchelor tells the compelling story of this artisanal ceramics company, still operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley from its founding to present day. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator interviews, stories of Rookwood's avid collectors, as well as never-before-seen images and documents from the company's historic archives. Bob Batchelor— ROOKWOOD: The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon—hardcover, 240 pages, Rockport Publishers (quarto.com)
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books This entertaining book reveals the identities and lives of some of the most famous characters populating art history. Based on art scholarship but written for the casual observer, these intriguing tales shed new light on familiar masterpieces. Michele Robecchi and Francesca Bonazzoli—Portraits Unmasked: The Stories Behind the Faces—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)
Photographer Lorenz Andreas Fischer has traveled to the Alps for years, and this photo book brings together his impressions, showing us the startling beauty of the Alpine mountains. Lorenz Andreas Fischer—THE ALPS: High Mountains in Motion—hardcover, 288 pages, teNeues (teneues.com)
As of press time, the college football season was a maybe. If it happens, this book, offering tailgating tips and tricks from James Beard Award winner John Currence will take your tailgate to the next level If it doesn’t, you’ll have plenty of practice for 2021. John Currence—Tailgreat: How to Crush It At Tailgating—hardcover, 256 pages, Ten Speed Press (penguinrandomhouse.com)
Organized by season and encompassing more than twenty celebrations, iconic tastemaker Aerin Lauder reveals how to bring beauty, style, and joy into everything from milestone events to everyday meals. Available in October. Aerin Lauder— Entertaining Beautifully—hardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com) This is the first book dedicated to photographer Ernst Haas’s color photographs of New York City in the 1950s and 60s. Born in Vienna, Haas moved to NYC in 1951 and used his trained eye and Kodachrome film to capture the city’s palpable energy. Phillip Prodger and Alex Haas (foreword)—Ernst Haas: New York in Color, 1952-1962—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)
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DIVINE BY DESIGN The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Written by Bridget Williams Fuzzy-headed and bleary-eyed from jet-lag and with daylight still hours away in this Nordic nation, I felt like I'd stumbled into a futuristic utopian society focused on wellness as I crossed the threshold of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Staring out a tall window behind the reception desk, I surveyed frothy, milky blue water covered with a gauzy layer of steam that lapped at the lowslung brutalist-style concrete building whose designed mimicked the surrounding vast lunar-like landscape devoid of trees. Guests shuffled by in fluffy robes, a look of complete contentment on their faces, while a New-Agey soundtrack
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sprinkled with lyrics sung in a language imperceptible from my own kept the sounds of the whistling winter winds at bay. One of a bevy of rosy-cheeked hosts appeared with a pot of tea, and I could feel my senses awaken with every sip. I knew that this was going to be a stopover like no other. Begun in the 1960s and taking off in the early aughts, Icelandair's layover program allows travelers to book a three-day stopover in the country on the way to or from major European cities for less than merely booking a fare with a transfer in Reykjavik Airport.
The architecture takes advantage of the lagoon’s natural beauty while minimizing the building’s impact on its surroundings.
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Fire Room in the Retreat spa Mineral scrub as part of The Retreat Spa Ritual
It takes just over twenty minutes to go from airport to awe. Fortified by the tea and armed with my rubber room key bracelet, I opened the door to my Moss Junior Suite and knew this was as close as I'd ever get to feeling like a Bond girl. With an expertly executed lighting scheme comprising small light points only where necessary, my guestroom was a modern minimalist's dream. The entrance door perfectly aligned with the floor to ceiling windows looking out to an expansive moss-covered lava field as well as a twisting tributary of the UNESCO Global Geopark. Black plaster walls, nubby putty-colored upholstery, and a mossy green coverlet on the bed carried through on the inside-out theme. Austere but not soulless, the environs invite a measure of introspection and conjure up feelings of inner strength. A selection of natural Blue Lagoon skincare products created from the bioactive elements of geothermal seawater, silica, algae, and minerals was arrayed on the vanity, inside the walk-in shower tricked out with an Axor brushed black chrome shower system, and on the rim of the deep soaking tub positioned in front of the window. While smart technology is integrated within the rooms, 46 slmag.net
The perforated pattern of a wall in the Retreat Spa is designed to recall the aerated surface of the solidified igneous rock. Guided yoga is offered each morning
TVs are not, and thoughtful touches like throws made from Icelandic wool soften the contemporary edges. Opened in 2018, the 62-suite Retreat is literally built into and around the contours of the famous 800-year-old lava fields that serve as the Blue Lagoon’s basin. Guests are privy to 10,000-square-feet of crowd-free soaking in the geothermal, antibacterial, and silica-rich waters, purported to improve psoriasis and eczema and prevent premature aging. Having been to the public area just a few months prior and experiencing the often raucous, selfie-centric crowd, having the lagoon nearly all to myself felt like a dream. Using nature as a guide, a cinematic sense of drama pervades. Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, the Retreat's architect, slept in the lava fields to work out the ideal site placement. Restaurants use custom ebony dinnerware from Royal Crown Derby and Villeroy & Boch. In the corridor that leads to the subterranean spa, amber light filters through the perforated porous material of the walls to create an incandescent lava effect. Doors boasting the heft of a bank vault slide open to reveal myriad treasures contained on the other side.
Lagoon suite
The reception desk in the lobby is carved from lava rock quarried on site. Varying textures and tones of the exposed concrete walls evoke white silica or grey lava. Photo by Giorgio Possenti.
Private lagoon reserved for Retreat guests. Photos by Giorgio Possenti.
Moss Junior Suite. Furnishings by B&B Italia.
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The underground Wine Cellar is carved in situ from multi-hued lava spewed forth from an eruption in 1226
Cell phones are prohibited in the cavernous 44,000-squarefoot spa facility, which was staffed by an army of Alexander SkarsgĂĽrd-lookalike attendants. Just past the reception desk is a dine-in-your-robe restaurant serving up hearty and healthy cuisine with a side of unobstructed lagoon views. There are several indulgent relaxation rooms, including a windowless one with a cozy fireplace, and another with fun hanging Nest chairs facing the lagoon. Plunge pools, a steam room, a sauna, and a unique lava spring are all part of this adult playground. I kicked off my spa experience with an in-water massage, an awkward dance that was part disorientation, and part relaxation thanks to Mother Nature. Suspended on a float with ear warmers blocking outside noise, the tepid towels covering body parts 48 slmag.net
not submerged in the warm waters stood in sharp contrast to the icy raindrops that needled my face. Despite the challenging conditions, my therapist did an outstanding job, and we shared a few genuine laughs along the way. The algae found in the Blue Lagoon's seawater is so unique that it's patented, and the spa's self-guided multi-step Blue Lagoon Ritual incorporates products made from the algae for exclusive use in the spa. I can say I indulged in the treatment each day to reap the skinsoothing and smoothing benefits. Be sure to stop by the Retreat's gift shop before you leave to pick up Blue Lagoon skincare products only available to guests. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it. Dining is just as dreamy as the design. Breakfast is served in a sunken lounge area defined by a large expanse of floor-to-ceiling
The Chef ’s Table in Moss Restaurant is made from lava rock quarried on site.
Private lagoon for guests of the Retreat
windows overlooking the lagoon. So cool is the 60-seat Moss Restaurant that it has its own channel on Spotify. We indulged in a stunningly plated multi-course menu that celebrated the diversity of Icelandic cuisine. A Chef's Table within Moss offers an intimate seven-course gourmet journey served on a table made of lava rock quarried on site. Oenophiles won't want to miss taking a trip underground to the Wine Cellar, carved in situ from multi-hued lava spewed forth from an eruption in 1226. Old World wines with a heavy concentration on French varietals anchor the expansive list, but there is also an exciting lineup of New World producers from the Americas and Australia. As tempting as it was to soak in the lagoon all day, my pruned skin begged for some dry-land activity. On property,
The lobby lounge.
The lava field around the Retreat at Blue Lagoon primarily consists of a single flow from the year 1226. Photo by Giorgio Possenti.
there is a well-equipped fitness room, morning yoga, and guided hikes. The number of endeavors you can engage in off-property is limited only by the available time. Hosts can arrange excursions, including driving an ATV across black sand beaches and around extinct volcanoes, touring the Reykjanes Peninsula in a chauffeurdriven luxury sedan, or taking a speedier tour of the highlights via helicopter. If you hope to spy the Northern Lights, you can let the hosts know to alert you should they make an appearance. Demonstrating the power of good design that makes this natural wonder even more wonderful, the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is apropos for both a layover or a longer linger. sl Rooms at The Retreat begin at $1,264/night. For more information or reservations, visit bluelagoon.com/accommodation/retreat-hotel.
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Of Note... Behind Closed Doors
Compiled by Colin Dennis
This page, clockwise from top left: Edmondson cabinet from Arteriors ($8,840; arteriorshome.com). Piccadilly cabinet from Boca do Lobo (price upon request; bocadolobo.com). Tesaurus cabinets by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto are available in three different heights and widths with two or four doors, with drawers and flap doors (bebitalia.com). Jonathan Adler Crawford cabinet ($4,950; jonathanadler.com). Ash Ornithological Sketch cabinet from Mineheart ($4,307; mineheart.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Round rattan cabinet from Audenza ($275; audenza.com). Mogg Ritratti cabinet designed by Marzia & Leo Dainelli and made in Italy ($4,500; artemest.com). Sir Ladybug small cabinet by Wonderbold ($3,150; wonderbold.com). Gus Modern Elora cabinet in Chiffon ($1,196; gusmodern.com). Blackland cabinet by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair (hickorychair.com).
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Complete Mercedes-AMG Black Series model lineup
BACK IN BLACK The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series boasts the most potent AMG V8 series engine. Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Mercedes-AMG
For those who desire the ultimate in AMG performance, few models can match the exclusivity, rarity, and track-optimized performance of the AMG Black Series models. AMG's most extroverted sibling, since 2006, the Black Series is noted for being uncompromisingly sporty. The expressive design reflects the most direct technology transfer from motorsport to series production. Black Series models are exclusive automotive rarities. While street-legal, these cars appeal to collectors looking to put them through their fast paces on racetracks. Thus far, only five unique models have worn the distinctive Black Series badge. These include the SLK 55 Black Series, the CLK 63 Black Series, the SL 65 Black Series, the C 63 Black Series, and the SLS AMG Black Series. Debuting this past July, the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series features the most potent Mercedes-AMG V8 series engine of all time. 52 slmag.net
"The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and continues a tradition established in 2006. The sixth iteration of its kind is another AMG milestone and impressive proof of the incredible development expertise in Affalterbach. I am proud of the team who have created this unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute peak of our successful GT family. The performance, appearance, and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are second to none. This project was a fantastic end to my work at AMG, for which I am truly thankful," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Although the new GT Black Series engine is based on the AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo with dry-sump lubrication, it has been given a new internal code of M178 LS2, due to its numerous modifications. It achieves 720 HP at 6,700-6,900 rpm
and delivers a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft at 2,000-6,000 rpm. By comparison, the GT-R comes with an impressive 585 HP. The Black Series shoots from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.1 seconds and 124 mph in under nine seconds. The top speed is 202 MPH. Power transfers to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution, as is the case for all AMG GT 2-door models. It has been specially modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque of 590 lb-ft. The previous limits governing shift performance and response time have been extended, making them more suitable for racetracks. These modifications contribute to new and unique characteristics. Not only are the accelerator and engine response more agile - the drive programs, start-up characteristics, and gear changes
are, too. Increased starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and high-performance tires fit for the racetrack make the Race Start function even more impressive. The similarity to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is visually and technically more substantial than ever. A significantly larger radiator air inlet stems directly from the AMG GT3 racing car. The new carbon-fiber hood has two large exhaust air outlets made from black finished carbon-fiber surfaces. The new rear bumper characterizes the rearview with a large diffuser, two rounded twintailpipe trims on the outside left and right, side wheel arch ventilation, and an innovative rear spoiler design. Getting your hands on the most powerful, technologically advanced, and fastest front-engined supercar produced by AMG comes at a cost, $391,500 to be exact. sl
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CUFF ENOUGH Statement bracelets that stand on their own Compiled by Bridget Williams
Clockwise from top left: Aida Bergsen 18K yellow gold Medusa cuff (aidabergsen.com). Treillage South Sea Keshi Pearl cuff from Assael (assael.com). 14K yellow gold Sea of Stars cuff with diamonds from Marrow Fine ($3,200; marrowfine.com) . Cyclone cuff from Elizabeth Garvin Fine ($10,350; elizabethgarvinfine.com). Star 18K white gold and diamond cuff from Colette ($34,010; colettejewelry.com). John Hardy Lahar cuff with diamonds ($4,900; johnhardy.com). Bespoke cuff from Parulina Couture Fine Jewelry (parulina.com).
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Clockwise from top left: Tempo hand-painted Italian enamel over sterling silver bracelet ($550; belleetoilejewelry.com). Vintage cuff from Jill Heller Jewelry (jillhellerjewelry.com). Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold and diamond Triple Flower cuff from the Petali Collection ($6,400; us.marcobicego.com). Curve bracelet in 18K yellow gold and sterling from Georg Jensen ($4,750; georgjensen. com). Anaconda Mosaic Collection cuff from Vendorafa (vendorafa.net). Lalaounis cuff bracelet (lalaounis.com). From Stephen Silver, an 18K white gold hinged cuff bracelet with a 91.89 carat cushion-cut aquamarine and 7.07 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds ($95,000; shsilver.com). Cadar Python 18K cuff bracelet ($28,000; cadar.com). Philip Crangi & Co wide Diamondback Pyramid cuff in forged brass with diamonds ($1,450; philipcrangiandco.com).
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LAURA CATENA Argentina’s Wonder Woman Written by Bonnie Graves
It’s rare and kind of cool when a woman becomes virtually synonymous with a given wine region; in an industr y traditionally dominated by men, these female leaders in positions of visibility help to encourage a rising generation of women in the field. In the Champagne region of France, business-savvy women like the widows Clicquot and Laurent-Perrier normalized women in decision-making roles in the 19th century. Today that tradition continues with women running several of the top grande marque houses. Argentina also has a wonder woman, but instead of a widowed dowager inheriting her husband’s business interests, this one is a practicing medical doctor with an impressive educational background all her own. Laura Catena may have been born into one of Argentina’s most storied wine-producing families, but her energy and her vision have revitalized the family business in a truly impressive way. Currently serving as Managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata, Laura also manages her own winery in Mendoza called Luca while somehow working part-time as a pediatrician in San Francisco. That’s quite a commute for a busy mother of three! 56 slmag.net
The Catena wines are in many ways emblematic of the history of Argentina’s wine industry and its early dependence on immigrant labor. Because so much of the vineyard work was undertaken by Spaniards and Italians with a healthy daily consumption habit consistent with their homelands, Argentine wine production initially was more about quantity than quality. Frankly, it was anonymous wine sold in bulk, and that’s a reputation that is hard to shake once entrenched in consumers’ minds. (See that more recent cautionary yellow tale that helped drive Australia’s mono-variety shiraz boom down deep into the discount racks.) Founded by Laura’s great-grandfather Nicola Catena, an immigrant from the Marche region of Italy, Catena Zapata’s first vineyard was planted near Luján in the Mendoza Valley in 1902. Malbec, known then as la uva francesa, was popularized by Michel Aimé Pouget, who touted the grape’s prodigiousness on the vine. Production among these early industrial “smokestack” wineries in the region ramped up, and by just 1915, Argentina had already become the 6th largest producer of wine in the world. It would fall to Laura’s dad, Nicolás Catena, the grandson of Nicola, to change Catena from a forgettable volume player to a brand that has firmly established Argentina as a fine wine player.
Like Laura, Nicolás also completed some of his education in the US with graduate work at Columbia and at the University of Chicago in Applied Economics. The legendary “Judgement of Paris” tasting in 1976, combined with a fortuitous visit to Mondavi’s property in the 1980s, convinced Nicolás that Catena could be transformed, a conviction that quickly became a passion. He hired top names like José Galante, Guy Ruhland, and Paul Hobbs, visionary winemakers who brought a new sensibility to both vineyard management practices and to winemaking techniques. The shift from high-yield to better-yield began, and when Laura officially joined the family business in 1995, the time was right to take Catena into yet another period of expansion and improvement. Essential to Catena’s next-gen push is Laura’s scientific/ medical background. What for many winemakers remained anecdotal or accidental – the notion of “terroir” - was quantified by Laura’s research into the soils and microclimates of her family’s holdings. Loosely put, terroir is the concept of place speaking through a wine, e.g., the ability to discern site-specific aromas and textures based on a wine’s place of origin.
It’s the polar opposite of manufactured wine, and Laura’s success in founding the Catena Institute has helped to legitimize terroir by grounding it firmly in science. A joint partnership between UC Davis and the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, the Catena Institute continues to conduct world-class research into the complex relationship between farming grapes and bottling juice. I met with Laura over lunch a few years back. As a high-energy, bilingual wine enthusiast myself, I came away duly impressed by her enthusiasm and seemingly limitless energy. Recent adventures for Laura have included conducting a tasting of five benchmark Catena wines on the Great Wall of China and hosting a UC Davis lecture entitled “How Science Can Preserve the Ancient Art of Winemaking,” a hot topic that allows both natural, low-intervention wine enthusiasts and more clinically-controlled winemakers to understand each other’s interdependence. And I imagine she has more than a few Zoom meetings scheduled in 2020, too. For anyone interested in top-tier malbec, the flagship red variety of Argentina, the wines of Catena are a must. Their suite of wines, in general, are now unequivocally worldclass. Bodega Zapata Catena and Luca wines are widely available online or at your local retailer throughout the US. www.catenawines.com sl
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DOG TIRED
While chances are our pets are happy with all of the extra time we’ve been spending at home, all of the additional attention (and walks!) can be exhausting. Our selection of pet beds allows you to pamper your best friend without compromising style. Compiled by Claire Williams
This page, clockwise from top left: Club Nine Pets Orthopedic Mid-Century Dog Chaise from Ruff Houzin (from $287; ruffhouzin.com). Charley Chau Deeply Dishy dog bed in leaf velour ($150; charleychau.com). Loue dog bed from Labbvenn (from $475; labbvenn.com). High-loft pillow Lettino dog bed in crisply tailored Festival linen from Sferra (from $245; sferra.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Luke pet bed in Anthracite from Labbvenn ($200; labbvenn.com). Large Riviera rattan dog bed from Serena & Lily ($548; serenaandlily.com). A completely custom 60-bottle wine rack with built-in dog bed and personalized wine barrel plaque from Rockstar Puppy Boutique ($2,999; rockstarpuppyboutique. com). Custom Double Doggie Den from B & B Kustom Kennels ($2,099 as shown; bbkustomkennels.com).
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2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch™ off-road package.
BRONCO IS BACK!
Ford announces a new family of Built Wild™ SUVs, US off-road driving schools, and a unique community for owner and enthusiast engagement. Written by Andre James
The story of Bronco—from the birth of the iconic SUV during World War II, its life until it was canceled in 1996 (including a notorious police chase in 1994), and the efforts of dedicated Ford employees to bring back a family of Bronco vehicles this year— has created quite a buzz in the motoring world. “The Bronco is on a very short list of American vehicles that provide a true lens through which you can view the changes in the fabric of America,” said Ford Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby. Ford’s off-road SUV expertise traces back to World War II when the automaker was part of a government competition to build rugged carry-all utilities for GIs in the battlefield. Ford’s entry was called the GP, for General Purpose. More than 270,000 Ford GPs were built for Allied forces. GIs returning home bought Army surplus GPs, but they were too small and uncomfortable for civilian life, according to Ford research from the early 1960s, so Ford developed a more refined, yet durable off-road vehicle to meet this need – Bronco. The original Bronco was nicknamed G.O.A.T. by Donald Frey, the Ford product manager who championed both Mustang and Bronco nameplates and challenged engineering teams to deliver “go anywhere roadability.” As an agile, sports-oriented offroad 4x4, Ford dubbed the original 1966 Bronco “a completely 60 slmag.net
new line of sports-utility vehicles” at its reveal Aug. 11, 1965 – the first reference to “SUVs” from an American manufacturer. Early Broncos had a rugged body-on-frame design with short front and rear overhangs, high ground clearance, and a short wheelbase for maximum off-road capability. Bronco’s toughness and agility at high-speed enabled off-road racers like Rod Hall and Larry Minor to capture an overall win at the grueling 1969 Baja 1000 – a victory that no other production 4x4 has replicated in 50 years. Bronco holds a special place in popular culture and has been featured in more than 1,200 films and 200 songs. Since Ford ended production in 1996, Bronco SUVs have continued to grow in popularity with collectors and enthusiasts. With the January 2017 announcement of the return of Ford Bronco, valuations have skyrocketed, according to Barrett-Jackson, with the average first-generation Bronco sale price nearly doubling from $39,763 to $74,820 in just more than three years. Hagerty valuation guide ranks 1966-77 Broncos as among the highest vehicle price increases of all collectible SUVs over the past three years – a 75.8 percent gain. Ford took the wraps off the new Bronco during an event broadcast across Disney network channels, including National Geographic and ESPN. The lineup includes a Bronco two-door, a
The instrument panel is inspired by the firstgeneration Bronco, with intuitive, clearly visible LED gauges and controls in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco four-door.
The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section. Roof panels on both two- and fourdoor models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night.
first-ever Bronco four-door model, and an all-new rugged, small SUV, the Bronco Sport. Bronco will be the only domestic brand of SUVs with standard 4x4, a base setup, and advanced 4x4. More than 200 factory-backed aftermarket accessories provide infinite opportunities for maximum personalization, enabling dealers to offer outfitting-ondemand for each customer’s individual adventure needs. “Bronco gave rise to the fun and versatile off-road SUV in 1966, becoming the first enjoyable sport utility vehicle for those who wanted to live, work and play outdoors,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “Like the original, the all-new Bronco family is engineered to take you to epic places, with the capability to deliver confidence on any terrain.” Bronco’s advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps are powered by class-exclusive trail content from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra® Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides, and FunTreks trail guides. “The trail mapping system available on Bronco is truly a game-changer in the off-road community,” said Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager. To coincide with the launch, Ford has introduced new owner experiences, including Bronco Off-Roadeos. Opening next year, these off-roading and outdoor adventure playgrounds will suit all skill levels and are designed to inspire Bronco owners to get out in the
Bronco two-door in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat and Bronco fourdoor in Cactus Gray.
Bronco Sport
wild for years to come. Current and future Bronco owners and offroad fans and outdoor enthusiasts will be able to connect via Bronco Nation (www.thebronconation.com). This independent online community elevates the excitement of owning an all-new Bronco or Bronco Sport. Ford is ramping up all-new Bronco merchandise, too. From Bronco gear to remote control cars, Ford-licensed Bronco merchandise is available at Amazon.com/fordbronco. Enthusiasts can shop for gifts, novelties, collectibles, and apparel. A portion of Bronco merchandise proceeds will be donated to the Bronco brand’s stewardship efforts. “Bronco delivers on the common thread desired by enthusiasts – authenticity,” said Mark Grueber, Ford U.S. consumer marketing manager. “Building Bronco as Ford’s distinct outdoor brand includes a unique network of experiences, community, and engagement that extends far beyond ownership of Bronco and Bronco Sport models.” The 2021 Bronco two-door and four-door models will be built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. MSRP for the base two-door Bronco is $29,995, including $1,495 destination and delivery. Reservations for Bronco two- and fourdoor models can be made for $100 at ford.com. sl
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LAPIS OF LUXURY
Contemporary pieces celebrating the deep-blue metamorphic rock coveted since ancient times Compiled by Lionel Haff
Clockwise from top left this page: Rush Jewelry Design Icon Victoire matte lapis necklace ($4,700; rushjewelrydesign.com). Retrouvai Signature Compass pendant with lapis and emerald ($2,090; retrouvai.com). Emerald Cut Munchkin Blueberry Glazed earrings from Bondeye Jewelry ($1,115; bondeyejewelry.com). Jenny Dee Jewelry Taygeta lapis and diamond ring ($1,680; jennydeejewelry.com). Pamela Love Multi Paillette band with sapphires, white diamonds and lapis cabochons ($3,600; pamelalove.com).
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Clockwise from top left this page: Picchiotti Xpandable lapis and diamond bracelet (picchiotti.it). Arman Sarkisyan Peace on Earth ring in 22K gold with Lapis, sapphire, diamonds and oxidized silver ($6,160; armansarkisyan.com). Mini Mobile earrings in white gold with lapis and diamonds (from $2,080; colettejewelry.com). Lapis and diamond 18K gold Ladder earrings from Karma el Khalil (karmaelkhalil.com). Melis Goral Deep Sea lapis and diamond pendant ($1,136; melisgoral.com).
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WHAT A STUD! Little earrings that make a big statement Compiled by Claire Williams
Clockwise from top left this page: Andrew Glassford Sleeping Beauty earrings with turquoise, tourmaline and multi spinel (andrewglassfordjewels.com). Ananya Lotus stud earrings with tsavorite ($2,564; 1stdibs.com). Picchiotti Classics Buff-Topped ruby earrings (picchiotti.it/ENG). Karma el Khalil 18K yellow gold Hedgehog studs (karmaelkhalil.com). Origami stud earrings from Walters Faith (waltersfaith.com). Ruby Strawberry stud earrings from Sorellina ($590; sorellinanewyork.com). Milamore baguette diamond studs ($1,250l en.milamorejewelry.com). Mary MacGill Shark Tooth studs ($425; marymacgill.com). Nouvel Heritage Star studs ($1,200; nouvelheritage.com). Brent Neale gold shell earrings with sapphires ($14,500; brentneale.com). Broken Arrow stud earrings with diamonds from Established Jewelry ($2,475; establishedjewelry.com). Nak Armstrong Portrait earrings with green tourmaline, blue zircon and diamonds ($3,600; nakarmstrong.com).
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TRANSITIONAL | TRADITIONAL | CONTEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL DESIGN | COMMERCIAL DESIGN
Linda A. Mordoh, Owner
Rosemary Peters | Jim Anderson Lily Lusk | Michael Pheffer, ASID 41 S. Rangeline Rd. | Carmel, IN 46032 317.848.0020 www.SavvyDecor.com
BRILLIANT CONVERSION A wrecked building finds its ultimate purpose Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Adam Gibson Over the course of the past decade or so, here at Sophisticated Living Indianapolis we have featured many wonderful homes, including a loft conversion or two whose unique challenges always ensure that we will be both delighted and thrilled by their outcomes. Nothing in our experience had prepared us for this issue’s featured residence, however: a truly spectacular renovation that melds the old, the new and repurposed objets trouvés into a seamless expression of one couple’s unique sensibilities on a scale that is, frankly, breathtaking. Occupying not one, but two expansive century-plus-old buildings on a previously commercial stretch of North Alabama Street, the home is the project of former TWG Development CEO Joe Whitsett and his wife Julie, who share many years’ experience renovating and repurposing rundown schools, churches and office buildings into affordable housing for seniors and families. When 66 slmag.net
Joe retired from TWG, the couple were living on a large lot in a quiet residential neighborhood off 56th Street but found themselves drawn to a life downtown closer to friends and restaurants. “When we were looking at properties, all I knew was that if we moved downtown, we would have to find some green space,” explains Julie. Having been in the past the home to a tailor, a high-end auto supply and repair shop, then finally a taxi service, the property the couple finally chose had lain empty since the 1980s. When Joe first walked into the building, it was with a weed eater in hand, cutting a path for himself through vegetation and trees that had grown up through the floors. With green space in short supply on the near northside, the couple decided to create their own by demolishing all but two walls of the southerly building, removing the concrete floor and installing a beautiful and relaxing garden complete with covered patio and plate glass windows overlooking the street.
Designer Dianne Wright
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The exuberant "Parrots" by artist Hunt Slonem is a vibrant focal point
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The enclosed garden has an English countryside feel
The exterior was mostly Joe’s project, while Julie dedicated herself to reimagining the interior with the help of Carmel-based designer Dianne Wright of Coats Wright Art & Design. “I had always shied away from designers, as I didn’t want my home to look like anyone else’s,” she continues. “I wanted the home to be an expression of myself, but needed someone to edit and help get me there. I was introduced to Dianne by a friend and we formed a great relationship.” When she first saw the building, the designer realized that this was probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with clients who not only had such a clear vision but also had access to the resources needed to realize that vision. There were no windows
or doors to speak of; the entire project had to be imagined from the ground up. “I was onboard immediately,” she recalls. “As a designer, it’s not important to have my stamp on a project. It’s their home, and I want it to look collected and to represent what is interesting to them. I don’t want someone to look at the home and recognize this as a Dianne Wright project. It’s not about me.” Wright advised the couple to “shop at home” initially, picking through their extensive accumulation of years’ worth of fixtures and furnishings from the various churches and schools they had renovated before resorting to purchasing anything new. “There’s no challenge in just designing everything and buying it at the store,” she says. “It’s just not interesting.”
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An open floor plan with skylights allows natural light to flood the interior
A repurposed trailer tucked away in the garden is used as a private home office
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Designer Wright stands at the end of a hallway flanked by salvaged doors
A view through the house into the garden
An understated entry with an almost-hidden door hints at the intriguing interior
The covered patio provides the perfect spot for al fresco dining
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Rough-hewn furnishings add warmth and natural texture to the industrial structure
The massive kitchen is meant for entertaining
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Another outdoor living space, this one features a fireplace
The co-proprietor of an art gallery at the Indiana Design Center, Wright believes that art should provide the foundation for design. “I start with art,” she says. “The colors in a piece of art will inform the color palette in a room. If you don’t have an art collection, then I suggest you begin with neutral tones.” Fortunately, this exquisite home features no shortage of artwork, ranging from examples by celebrated local artists to original (and restored) graffiti in the garage. It is probably no exaggeration to state that the average family abode would fit comfortably into the vast open-plan living area of this extraordinary edifice. With original concrete floors and towering brick walls left intact wherever possible, the commercial roots of the home are readily apparent. The old roof (or whatever remained of it) has been replaced with contemporary steel construction, equipped with 48 solar panels that easily power the HVAC during the summer months. Strategically placed skylights and enormous sliding glass doors bathe the living spaces in natural light. Hosting fundraisers and even weddings, the space can accommodate hundreds of guests,
so furnishings and fixtures are appropriately gargantuan: a marbletopped hotel check-in counter serves as a bar, while the dining table is from a school in Massachusetts. A table in the living area used to be a bowling alley floor. An entire church pew provides seating in the hallway, and school fixtures abound, from a steel commissary sink and countertop in the catering kitchen to institutional lamps, to school lockers with their peculiar hinges. Custom cabinetry by Conceptual Kitchens & Millwork ensures the kitchen has abundant storage that blends seamlessly into the open-concept design. Our collective mind boggles as we tour the property, such is the wit and creativity expressed at every turn. You could very likely host a performance of The Ring Cycle under the fireplace hood. It is clear that the owners have had a thoroughly good time bringing together so many disparate elements to create such an inspiring and unique whole, one of those rare examples of the final results meeting or even exceeding the clients’ specifications. In a word, it’s brilliant. sl
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Pictured: Works by Hunt Slonem
Indiana Design Center
200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 122 Carmel, IN 46032
Gallery: (317) 569-5980 Cell: (317) 902-5744 Dwright@coatswrightdesign.com
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317.846.2090 | ConceptualKitchens.com
RETURN OF THE BIVALVE Blupoint Oyster House is back
Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Adam Gibson Recently I came across a review I had written about Ambrosia and its bar, Blu Point, back in 2002. Observing what was self-evident back then and even more obvious today, I mentioned that: “what impresses me most about Ambrosia is that it doesn’t try to push the culinary envelope; instead, it functions within a well-defined zone of comfort, where quality and reliability are the key. So much restaurant dining these days walks the line between kabuki and low comedy that it’s refreshing to eat somewhere where you can be certain the food you order will arrive at the table hot, in a timely fashion and with the minimum of histrionics.” If there is one thing that has remained largely unchanged in the Indy dining scene over the past two decades, it is the consistency of the force of nature that is Gino Pizzi. He has opened, operated, closed and sold more one-off restaurants than seems reasonably possible. He has trained and nurtured legions of front- and backof-house staff who have gone on to pursue successful careers of their own in fine dining. As trends have come and gone, as they inevitably do, Pizzi has remained focused and unwavering in his quiet pursuit of quality and consistency, like the racing driver who puts in the steady laps while others crash and burn all around.
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Linguine in clam sauce
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Gino Pizzi
When it debuted on Westfield Boulevard in the heart of Broad Ripple back in 1982, Blu Point was one of the first oyster bars in town, predating the Majestic and The Keystone Grill by several years. Well-received but short-lived, perhaps because the locals at the time did not appreciate the slippery bivalves as much as the proprietor, before too long Blu Point had become Ambrosia’s bar, with a reduced emphasis on seafood. Since relocating Ambrosia to its present spot at College and Kessler four years ago, Gino long harbored the desire to reopen Blu Point as a standalone restaurant, a goal he finally achieved just as Covid-19 was bringing the restaurant business to a grinding halt. “I've always known my dad is talented at what he does,” says his daughter Francesca, who along with her sister Anna has become a key figure in the Pizzi family business. “But witnessing him open a brand-new restaurant in the middle of a pandemic took it to another level. I'm always blown away by the way his mind works when it comes to everything related to running a restaurant.” Now open for reduced-capacity dining plus a few choice seats on the expansive patio, the new Blupoint Oyster House (Blupoint is now one word instead of two) has been greeted enthusiastically by old and new customers alike, some of whom even remember the original location. Son-in-law Daniel Cage, who recently purchased Ambrosia with wife Anna, puts his finger on the eternal appeal of Gino’s restaurants: “As Gino mentored me in this business, I quickly realized why he was not only able to provide a wonderful dining experience to his guests, but why he was able earn people’s loyalty for over 40 years,” he explains. “ It’s because he loves to build relationships with his guests.” Situated on the ground floor of the new MK apartment building at 5858 N. College, the restaurant boasts a spectacular design featuring lots of deep blue, evocative of the food’s aquatic origins, highlighted by touches of gold, and promises to entice and enthrall a whole new generation of diners.
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The dining room has a nautical feel
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Recently, we sat down on a balmy July evening for a leisurely bite with Gino to sample his new menu and check out the surroundings. The oysters this evening, in spite of an absence of an R in the month, are from the icy waters of New Brunswick, and are spectacular - briny and redolent of fresh cucumber. “When we opened the original Blu Point, we had five types of oyster available to us,” Gino explains. “Before Covid, we had over a hundred. Now we are back to five. But that will change again.” Ever the optimist, Gino notes that “before we opened this place, I had no idea who my chef was going to be. But I knew who my clients would be.” Trusting his own taste and judgement has served him well in the past, and it looks set to serve him well this time around. As we enjoy perfectly chilled bottles of Vermentino from Sardegna (“what else would you drink?”), he admires the surroundings, clearly enjoying this latest chapter in his life. “When I sold Ambrosia, I knew that I couldn’t just play golf and not work. So I planned a forty-seat restaurant even before this building came along.” As if to underscore the classic simplicity of his concept, a dish of perfectly charred octopus arrives with a delicate lemon vinaigrette. If it were not for the total absence of water, we could have been in Liguria.
Salmon Tartare
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Gambas al Ajilo
Fresh seafood is flown in daily
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Squid Ink Tonnarelli
Tuna Tartare
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Grilled octopus features a lemon-chili vinaigrette
More delicious fish arrives: a tuna tartare, a cioppino, recently renamed the Fisherman’s Stew; some seared day-boat scallops. All the dishes are simple, expressive of their ingredients and carefully prepared. We talk about our favorite dining experiences elsewhere; it is clear that Gino’s inspiration comes from far and wide, but it is here, right in this restaurant right at this time, that he seems truly the happiest. He has plans for future locations, to be announced later, that will take the Blupoint concept to a broader market. We do not dare ask the obvious question, but Gino provides the answer without hesitation. “Of course I could stop,” he suggests with his trademark twinkle. “But if I did, would I stop as a person?” We briefly ponder this imponderable question, order another bottle of wine and dig into some more oysters. Some stones are best left unturned. sl For more information and reservations, visit blupointindy.com
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WE MEET AGAIN The Peninsula Chicago reopens Written by Jeffrey Cohen
The rooftop terrace at The Peninsula's Z Bar
When in mid-July I received the press release from my friend Susan Ellefson, director of brand marketing and communications at The Peninsula Chicago, announcing the hotel's post-quarantine reopening, my wife and I jumped at the opportunity to take our kids to one of our favorite establishments for a quick jaunt before they started back at school. The previous week, we had been forced to leave one of our cars in northern Michigan after a rather spectacular tire episode on the way back from the Grand Hotel (full story to follow in the November/December issue), so it was with a degree of trepidation that we hit the road for Chicago. Amazingly, the roads were practically empty and we arrived at The Peninsula with plenty of time to spare. The hotel staff greeted us like long-lost friends (even our kids, who had not stayed at the hotel before, were welcomed warmly by name as we entered -- impressive customer service indeed), and we were personally escorted to our stunning suite of rooms that actually seemed larger than an entire floor of our house. To mark the reopening, on July 23 the hotel launched the “We Meet Again” package, a celebration of “The Seven Loves of The Peninsula Chicago” that allows guests to rediscover the exceptional cuisine, culture, and community in the city. As part of the package, guests can choose one experience from a variety of activities, including dim sum classes, a scavenger hunt, and even volunteering at Lakeview Pantry, one of Chicago’s largest and longest-operating food pantries. We were disappointed to learn that the volunteer opportunities are possible only on Saturdays and thus we couldn’t participate on this trip, but were able to sample the other experiences, ensuring a busy few days. A nice feature of the “We Meet Again” package is that guests can request their arrival and departure times for early check-ins and late check-outs, so we knew we’d have plenty of time to fit everything in.
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The Peninsula’s Shanghai Terrace
First off, however, it was an agreeable lunch at The Lobby, where we enjoyed a poke bowl, Caesar salad and a couple of signature chicken sandwiches, and had the great pleasure of meeting the very talented executive chef Baasim Zafar, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. Then it was outdoors for our first activity, the scavenger hunt. Designed to test one’s local knowledge and educate at the same time, it was also a stark reminder of the realities of the pandemic, as we wandered around a sparsely populated Michigan Avenue that would under normal circumstances have been abuzz with shoppers and tourists. Returning to The Peninsula for a quick change into business casual, we all headed to the celebrated Z Bar, which opens at 5 p.m., and where children can stay until six before they turn into pumpkins. Here we participated in the “Craft Cocktail Experience”; my wife sampled the most expensive drink on the 90 slmag.net
list, the Manhattan Royale, created with WhistlePig 18-year-old rye whiskey, gold leaf and truffle bitters, and the children tried a couple of mocktails, while I gravitated towards a refreshing Elderflower Collins. While the grown-ups decided on another cocktail, the kids visited the hotel’s indoor half-Olympic size swimming pool, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping views of Chicago’s breathtaking skyline. Dinner our first evening was a spectacular feast of dim sum at Shanghai Terrace. Voted the number-one "Chinese Restaurant in Chicago" by Zagat Survey, Shanghai Terrace offers a 1930s supper club décor where Chef de Cuisine Elmo Han presents a magnificent blend of traditional dishes and creative rendition of classics. The highlight of the evening was the perfect Peking Duck, a first for the children, impeccably presented with its ethereally crisp skin and delicate pancakes.
Z Bar is known for its extensive menu of craft cocktails
The patio at RL Restaurant
A peek inside the new Krigler boutique at The Peninsula
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The Peninsula at night
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The adults-only infinity pool
The Z Bar rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Michigan Avenue, especially after dark
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Maria Zec, regional vice president and general manager of The Peninsula Chicago, was the inspiration for Z Bar’s name.
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Chicago's First Lady Cruises architectural tour is a must, and is even more magical at night
The following morning, after an enjoyable breakfast at The Lobby, I made sure to take full advantage of the hotel’s beautifully appointed fitness center, while my wife paid a visit to The Spa at The Peninsula, where the “Love of Wellness” offers guests a generous discount off spa products as well as fitness apparel and other merchandise. Later, my wife and daughter spent a few hours shopping, exploring the hotel’s exclusive new Krigler fragrance boutique and then venturing out onto Michigan Avenue, while my son and I took part in another of the “Loves”, this one tailormade for us – the “Love of Transportation.” This involved a private tour of The Peninsula’s impressive collection of vintage cars and a photo opportunity in a classic Packard. From there, we strolled to the Norman Foster-designed Apple Store to resolve some of my son’s computer issues, then reconvened with the girls for an al fresco lunch at RL Restaurant, where we enjoyed a delightful bottle of Pierre Sparr Crémant Rosé and an assortment of light but delectable dishes from the elevated menu, including a fine gazpacho and a lobster roll worthy of Cape Cod. In the evening, it was back to Z Bar for perhaps the highlight of our stay, and another 'experience': this time the “Love of Entertainment”, where Vlad Novikov, director of cocktails and culture, taught us to make two of their standouts, his version of an Old Fashioned and the Z. Vlad shared many interesting and useful
insights about the culture of the cocktail, including a few pointers as to how they should best be enjoyed. The biggest takeaway for me was that we should be using the best possible ingredients; you can avoid a lot of grief that way. Not to mention spend a lot more money. After our cocktail experience, the hotel’s delightful chauffeur, Kendall Mallory, bundled us into an immaculate Peninsula-green BMW 7-series for the short ride to Chicago's First Lady Cruises water architectural tour. The kids’ jaws dropped at the sight of the Willis Tower from the water, especially as we could see the glass platforms on the 103rd floor, where my daughter and I had once stood, instantly bringing back an attack of vertigo even though I was at water level. Following our rather hurried tutorial at Z Bar earlier in the evening, it was there once more that my wife and I repaired for a more leisurely nightcap prior to turning in for our last night. A relaxing breakfast the next morning was again at The Lobby, where I deviated from my usual continental fare, opting for a more robust eggs Benedict to carry me through the drive home. We lingered over the meal, reluctant to take our departure, but given that The Peninsula Chicago is a luxurious escape only a few hours away from home, we have little doubt that we will meet again before too very long, pandemics and blowouts notwithstanding. sl For more information, visit peninsula.com
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SOPHISTICATED WEDDINGS Photos by Jessica Strickland
Katie Rappaport and James Strickland were married on June 6, 2020 at the Williams Creek home of the bride’s parents. Thanks to the pandemic, it was not the wedding ceremony the two had planned, which was to be held at Newfields with hundreds of guests. Instead, having left Brooklyn, New York, where Katie is a creative director for Conde Nast, and James, a former Naval pilot, is an investment banker with RBC Capital Markets, on March 17 to quarantine with Katie’s parents in Indianapolis, it soon became clear that the big wedding of their dreams was not to be. Deciding to honor their original date, they assembled their respective immediate families (Katie grew up in Indianapolis and James in Tallahassee, Florida) for a backyard ceremony at the home of Katie’s parents. Having to forgo her original Monique Lhuillier wedding gown because the manufacturer was shut down due to the pandemic, Katie ordered a white dress online while friends back in Brooklyn mailed James a suit and tie, since they’d 96 slmag.net
left most of their clothing at home. Her wedding shoes, however, were the ones she had always planned to wear -- a pair of classic Salvatore Ferragamo block heels in honor of her grandmother, who wore the brand of shoes exclusively. “Whenever I looked down at my feet,” says Katie, “I was reminded of a fierce female from Bensonhurst, New York, who met an Indianapolis man and moved here for good.” After the ceremony, Katie and James jumped on bikes for a “Just Married” celebratory tour around the Williams Creek neighborhood, with neighbors cheering, offering champagne toasts and throwing flower petals. Adds Katie, “These months back in Indianapolis have given us such an appreciation for this place. Who knows, we might just move here in the future. But in this current world, we've learned...it's good not to plan too far in advance... things just might not go according to plan but in the end, they always have the opportunity to end up better than we imagined.”
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SOPHISTICATED WEDDINGS John Dehr and Brian Skillman. Photos by Jessica Photography.
Constancia (Pappas) and Brian Baranyi.Photos by Jessica Photography.
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{Indianapolis’ Finest}
{Indianapolis’ Finest}
July/August 2020
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Best of
SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
While we wait for life to get back to normal and social events to resume, Sophisticated Living is highlighting “Best of…” photos from annual events over the years. Let’s reminisce and celebrate the parties, people and most importantly, philanthropy that made these gatherings great.
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U.S. Open, New York, usopen.org Kentucky Derby, Louisville, kentuckyderby.com Formula 1 Grand Prix Italy, Monza, italy-grand-prix.com Berlin Art Week, Berlin, berlinartweek.de New York Fashion Week, New York, cfda.com Indy Jazz Fest, Indianapolis, indyjazzfest.net Ryder Cup, Kohler, Wisconsin, rydercup.com Paris Fashion Week, Paris, fhcm.paris
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IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix - Race 1, Indianapolis, indycar.com Preakness Stakes, Baltimore, preakness.com Monument Circle Art Fair, Indianapolis,monumentcircleart.com IndyCar Harvest Grand Prix - Race 2, Indianapolis, indycar.com Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Chantilly, France, billetterie.france-galop.com NYC Wine & Food Festival, New York, nycwff.org Newport Beach Wine & Food, Newport, newportwineandfood.com Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, Hilton Head Island, hhiconcours.com
Have an event you’d like Sophisticated Living to cover? Please email jennifer@slmag.net at least one month prior.
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BEST OF CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The annual gala at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel has grown over the past decade into one of the most anticipated and successful arts fundraisers in central Indiana. Known in recent years as the Songbook Celebration, presented by Krieg DeVault, the black-tie event brings hundreds of supporters to the Palladium for an evening of cocktails, a multi-course dinner, a live auction, world-class performers and celebrity guests, and festive after-parties. Last year’s gala, featuring a performance by Dionne Warwick and the Great American Songbook Hall of Fame induction of songwriter Paul Williams, netted over $300,000 to support the Center’s arts and education programming. This year’s planned 10th Anniversary Gala with headliner Straight No Chaser has been rescheduled to Sept 17, 2021.
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Photos submitted by the Center for the Performing Arts
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1) Kristin Chenoweth 2) Anne Poindexter, Miss Moonbeam, Brian Poindexter 3) Troy Thomas Jr. and Cool City Band 4) Jeff McDermott 5) Liza Minnelli 6) Randi and Mark Roger, Jeff and Shari Worrell 7) Jim Brainard, Frank and Katrina Basile 8) Michael Feinstein, Storm Large 9) Shirley Jones, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole 10) Ginny and Jim Purvis
Sign up for the Sophisticated Scoop to stay in the know about Indianapolis’ Finest
Please email scoop@slmag.net to get more Sophisticated Living every other week.
Interested in reaching Indianapolis’ consumers with the most discriminating tastes? Contact us today for opportunities. Rosalyn Bruinsma 317.385.0552 | rosalyn@slmag.net
Photos submitted by ICWF
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BEST OF INDIANA CHILDREN’S WISH FUND
Indiana Children’s Wish Fund’s mission is simple- to grant wishes to Indiana children between the ages of 3-18 who suffer from a life-threatening or terminal illness. In order to fulfill our mission, we host several fundraisers throughout the year. From Republic Airways Pulling for Wishes, to our Portrait of Wishes Gala, from Indiana Wish Golf Classic to Christmas in the Kitchen, there is something for everyone. These events allow us to grant very special wishes for very special children. A wish is powerful; it delivers hope and provides strength for our wish kids and families when they are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. Although 2020 has caused a shift in our event schedule, we are hopeful that we can resume our events in the near future.
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1) LH and Dianne Bayley, Phil Gumpert 2) Bill and Linda Bannister, Phil and Judy Gumpert 3) John Dick, Johnny Watts, LG Edwards, Kit Hansard, Greg Wafford 4) Joe Melilo 5) Kerri and David Charles 6) Karen and Brian Morris 7) Jerilyn Cherry Bass, J'Lynn Cooper 8) Cammy Blackman, Kurt Cohen, Brian Morris
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BEST OF CAROLINE SYMMES CANCER ENDOWMENT
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Over the last six years, the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment has held The Pink Balloon, a fundraising gala for pediatric cancer research at Riley Children’s Health. What began as a backyard event at the Symmes’ family home has grown into a very special evening, and one that our many donors look forward to. Planned for August 2020 at the Palladium, we, like most other organizations, have had to postpone this year’s event. While it looks like the world has stopped in the face of this pandemic, cancer never does -- but neither does research. The Pink Balloon will be back next year, bigger and better than ever, and our support to Dr. Jamie Renbarger and her team at Riley Children’s Health will never stop. See you in 2021! 5 3
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1) Phoebe Aaron, Lillian Greenlee 2) Amanda Clark, Emily Rockwood, Angela and Eddie White, Tom McCullough, Charlotte anf Forrest Lucas, Michelle McCullough 3) Audrey Surina, Joey Mervis, Avery Smith 4) David Symmes, David Chalfie, Mark Demerly, Libby Symmes 5) Davis Symmes, Eddie White 6) Kevin and Christine Daviduke, David and Cindy Halt, Laura and Eric Halt 7) Hayley Gosnell, Keneisha Still, Megan Long, Khloe Young, Sophie Sinder 8) Laura Koke, Tom and Roxanne McGettigan, Kevin Koke 9) Lillian Millspaugh, Emma Vermillion, Delaney Moore, Sawyer Hussain 10) Walter and Kelle Knabe, Melissa and David DeHaven
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BEST OF NOBLE
In 1997, the Noble Auxiliary hosted its inaugural Noble Evening in the Garden fundraising event. A preview gala to the Indiana Flower and Patio Show, this formal event features house favorites from central Indiana’s finest restaurants, a variety of adult beverages, live music, other entertainment, an extensive silent auction and more—all set within gorgeous landscaped gardens. This event has grown bigger and better each year, raising over $2 million to benefit Noble, a not-for-profit that helps over 3,300 children and adults with disabilities like Down syndrome and autism live their best lives. Special guests at these events have ranged from Indianapolis Colts players to elected officials, with B105.7 anchor Bernie Eagan graciously serving as our emcee. We’ve already begun planning our 25th annual event, to be held Friday, March 12, 2021 from 7–11 pm at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.mynoblelife.org. Must be at least 21 to attend; black tie optional. See you then!
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1) Jake Brothers, Carlos Freitas, Zach Fisher, Ryan Evans, Stu Flannery 2) Joni Clark, Alana Shone 3) Sarah Fisher, Stephanie Arnold 4) Katie Wales Knapp, Megan Wales Simpson, Ric and Shirley Altstadt, Sue and Bill Wales 5) Lacey Emery, Jason Young 6) Kim and Marissa Manlove 7) Kathy and John Durkott 8) Henie and the Loops 9) Sally Reed-Crawford, Cecelia Coverdale 10) Karen and Tom Tatham 11) Georgia Buchanan, Bryan Hadin 12) John Bolt, Elizabeth Souza 130 Julia Huffman, Dana Foreman 14) Carole Collins, Cynthia Robinson 15) Brett and Hollie Hoy 16) Anne Harrington, Katie Cortelyou 17) Andy and Maureen Akins, Kurt Wanninger
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BEST OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NETWORK FOUNDATION
Since the advent of Community Health Network Foundation’s The Giving Gig, generous Hoosiers have gathered each February at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott to support cancer patients in need. Guests have enjoyed opportunities to bid on silent and live auction items, participate in bourbon pulls and mystery box sales and have experienced unforgettable performances from performing artists like Diana Ross, Reba McEntire, Chicago, Aretha Franklin and more. In recent years, the event has been presented by Alderson Commercial Group and hosted by WTHR’s Andrea Morehead. In total, guests and sponsors of The Giving Gig have contributed more than $10 million in support of Community’s Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, which helps cancer patients access healthy food, transportation to treatment, life-saving medicine and more.
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1) Diana Ross 2) Josef Newgarden, Sarah Fisher, Winnie and Greg Ballard 3) Archie Allen, Andrea Morehead 4) Frank and Linda Hancock, Allison and Tom Melangton 5) Chicago 6) Cindy and Paul Skjodt, Steve and Beth Mast 7) Tony and Kelli Alderson, Rob Lukemeyer, Cathy and Kurt Meyer 8) Doug and Beth Boles 9) Reba McEntire 10) Bryan Mills, Joyce Irwin, Joe Hogsett 11) Aretha Franklin 12) Sumeeta and Sumeet Bhatia 13) Maggie Lewis, Nichole Wilson 14) Eric and Janet Holcomb
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BEST OF AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
The Evening of Promise gala is focused on lung cancer research and awareness, benefiting the American Lung Association in Indiana and raising $3.8 million for lung health education, lung disease research, support, programs, services and advocacy. Throughout the years, we have had the privilege of honoring progressive corporate partners that value lung health and air quality, in addition to some of the brightest minds making strides in the research and treatment of lung diseases. Typically held in November, the 2021 event will be Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Marriott Downtown Indianapolis. A few favorite guests include Hanley Wheeler, senior vice president of field operations at CVS Health, after CVS made the decision to remove cigarettes from their stores and lung cancer survivors, and Christy Fischer and Gregg Baumbaugh.
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1) Kirsten Eamon-Shine, Ben Shine 2) Elliott From 3) Gregg and Betsy Baumbaugh 4) Sarah and Tim Schluge 5) Joy Kleinmaier 6) Susan Shelley, Kristin Day 7) The Flying Toasters
