Sophisticated Living Chicago January/February 2018

on the cover:

19 ADORING DIOR

Dior opens its doors at the corner of Rush and Walton streets—and leaves us breathless

20 SOPHISTICATED DEFINED

Designer Jonathan Simkhai talks about his spring/summer 2018 collection, guilty pleasures and empowering women through effortless fashion

23 OPEN HOUSE

The Publishing House, the West Loop’s first bed-and-breakfast, stuns with outside-the-box decor and homespun hospitality

29 FAMILY SPIRIT

From discovering the Cowboy Junkies to creating an award-winning spirits company with Parce Rum, Jim Powers is one of Chicago’s most interesting characters

33 SHAKEN AND STIRRED

The new V8 variant of Aston Martin’s DB11 is put through its paces in sunny Southern California

38 IT’S GOOD TO BE THE FAN

Golf’s unofficial fifth major, THE PLAYERS Championship, turns spectating into a spectacularly good time

42 BIBLIOTAPH

From epic powder trails to high-altitude cuisine, it’s all here across our curated list of tomes for snowphiles

44 LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW, LET IT GLOW

Let there be light! As long as it’s in the form of a personality-packed chandelier or lamp that’s anything but boring

46 SORRENTO SERENADE

Ten trendsetting Chicagoans inspire us with their new year’s resolutions for self-improvement and giving back 19

Living la dolce vita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy

Micro “Heart” pearls embroidered handbag in smooth calfskin, $6,800, at Dior, 312.651.4415.

{Chicago’s

Jan/Feb 2018

52

CURATING A LIFESTYLE

Folk art, quilts and furniture, oh my! The 2018 Heart of Tennessee Antique Show beckons the best treasure hunters

54 FAR EAST MOVEMENT

Eastern influences we love from Desigual, L’Objet, Buddha Mama and more

58

ADDING BY SUBTRACTION

The Range Rover Velar turns heads—and puts performance in the driver’s seat

60 NO SHELL UNTURNED

Zen design and divine beaches satisfy the senses at Baoase, Curaçao’s only five-star resort

66 SOPHISTICATED SOURCE

Eight pages of the season’s chicest fashion, art and interior design trends

76 THE TEN

Our fave Chicagoans to keep a close eye on in 2018 put their hopes and dreams into action

88 TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

Refined Italian dishes and American steakhouse classics— and three floors of epic river views—have people getting in line for Gibsons Italia

96 CHANCES ARE

Cara, the organization devoted to helping people affected by poverty secure quality jobs, empowers Chicagoans with opportunity

98 CALENDAR

SL’s not-to-miss list of events for giving back and good times

99 SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Chicago’s coolest parties, from philanthropy to fashion

Throwback libations, primo pastas and killer views are just a taste of what’s on the menu at Gibsons Italia, the latest restaurant from Gibsons Restaurant Group. (Shown here: Certified Australian grass-fed New York strip) Photo by Kailley Lindman

PUBLISHER

Alison Victoria

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bridget Daley

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Elise Hofer Shaw

DIRECTORS OF LUXURY BRANDS

Justine Hausner

Mandy Laneve

ART DIRECTOR

Jason Yann

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Hilary Boyajian

Ruth Crnkovich

Colin Dennis

Scott Harper

Anita Heriot

Joel Hoglund

Andre James

Amelia Jeffers

Tina Kourasis

Matt Lee

Caylee Matthews

Sally Meyer

Taylor Morgan

Alexandra Sabbag

Bridget Williams

Photographers

James Gustin for Fig Media

Joshua Haines

Sean Henderson

Kailley Lindman

Maypole Studios

Maria Ponce

Ben Ritter

Anthony Tahlier

ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 937.672.6448

SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA

Eric Williams - CEO

Bridget Williams - President

Image

As an interior designer, I pour through magazines for ideas and inspiration. They are often the first place I learn about products I want to incorporate in a project or a trend I want to work into a home. I love everything about the medium: the touch, the look, the gloss, the matte, the production… and the simple fact that a magazine is tangible and can be dog-eared or have its pages torn out and taped to a vision board. I love holding them; I love buying them at the airport; I love gifting them; I love everything about magazines. And now, I love that I get to help bring one to life in my new role as owner and publisher of Sophisticated Living Chicago.

As I write my inaugural note, I am beyond proud and humbled to announce my ownership of a magazine whose cover I had always dreamed I would grace one day. I’m even more honored to share the reigns of this celebrated publication with a powerhouse duo of women who edit the copy and direct the creative. It goes without saying that strength comes in numbers, and the talented team at this publication is second to none. I’ve always believed in surrounding myself with people whose gifts and aptitude make me better, smarter and more, well, sophisticated—and this crew has all these qualities in spades.

I’m also excited to announce some initiatives that will bolster our brand and elevate the SL experience this year. We will continue to create cutting-edge content, but we will be delivering it through new platforms, including an expanded digital footprint in addition to the printed magazine, as well as through custom-curated events to celebrate the release dates for each and every issue. And be sure to check out our revamped social media channels and our new website launching later this year (slmagchicago.com) that will be a go-to source for all things Chicago—the city that’s always been my home, even when I’ve been away!

Throughout my career as a designer, it has always been my goal to bring a level of “sophisticated living” to every project I am a part of. Whether it was while I was the host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers for nine seasons, when I was designing restaurants and hotels, or working on my latest show, Windy City Flip (airing on HGTV in July!), I have hoped to inspire others the way I am inspired when I read this magazine. So, as we turn the page on last year, I can’t help but think about just how many pages I’ve turned over the years, and how many pinch-me moments I’ve had of late. I’m thrilled to begin this new adventure with all of you. Here’s to a new year filled with health, happiness and your vision boards becoming a reality!

Alison Victoria Owner & Publisher alison@slmag.net

Portrait by Maria Ponce

From the Creative Director

This is my first note as creative director for Sophisticated Living Chicago magazine—and I couldn’t be more excited to flex my muscles in my new role. All eyes and ears have been patiently awaiting this issue as we reveal our new owner and publisher. If you follow me on Instagram @84rockwell, you’ve no doubt noticed that I’ve been leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for months, strategically teasing the announcement. And now, as the buzz surrounding the mag builds, we can finally take a deep breath and shout from the rooftops that our new team is assembled and ready to take on Chicago.

It is with great pleasure and pride that I can now introduce our readers to my dear friend Alison Victoria, our rockstar publisher moving forward. As the host of HGTV’s Windy City Flip and the principal of Alison Victoria Interiors, Alison needs no introduction: her resume and reputation as a smart and savvy businesswoman precede her.

Rewind back to five months ago when Alison and I were out having a late-summer dinner in the Gold Coast. The conversation was convivial as usual and we were chatting about all of the cool things coming together in our lives and all of the exciting moments on the horizon. The talk steered to my company 84Rockwell, and how I felt that it was time to give some much-needed attention to the belt bags brand I started four years ago. At the time, I was a person divided between two passion projects: 84R and Sophisticated Living. And as I sat and explained to Alison my steadfast love for SL and how much I wanted to grow the magazine, she listened intently—a true testament to the type of person and friend that she is. She could tell I needed someone to come on board to take the magazine to the next level. A week later, we were hatching our plans to play to our strengths by bringing Alison on board as publisher, shifting my role to creative director and keeping Elise Hofer Shaw right where she is as our stellar editor-in-chief.

Elise has been by my side since I took over the magazine two years ago. She is no doubt the best EIC in town and a person whom I am lucky to call a loyal and loving friend. And now, with Alison at the helm, it’s the perfect marriage of three hardworking women who are dedicated to turning out magazines that tell the stories of Chicago’s most interesting and influential people and businesses. And Alison has already set in motion some truly exciting things for our readers and partners, including a new website, all-new digital content and insider events that will all be rolled out this year. I can’t wait to watch this little firecracker set this city on fire.

As for me, I now get to focus on what I love most about this magazine. I get to create insanely beautiful content with impactful imagery, starting with this issue’s cover story, “The Ten.” Team SL scoured the city to find 10 talented, trendsetting Chicagoans you need to know now. A few are familiar faces; others are rising stars to watch. I describe this feature as I would myself: mysterious with a little bit of an edge and a whole lot of class. Read on and decide for yourself. And keep your eyes peeled for more killer content in 2018.

Bridget Daley Creative Director daley@slmag.net

Portrait by Kapow Headshots Makeup by Shannon O’Brien

I have been in the business of making beautiful magazines for 18 years now. There’s so much that I love about the process: the excitement of chasing a deadline, the focus it takes to construct the arc of an issue like an architect, the challenge of putting together the puzzle that is the perfect construction of words and tone for each piece. And, admittedly, I like the feeling of having a tangible product that I can hold in my hands and say, “I made this.”

Like a proud parent, I get to watch this brainchild grow and evolve. And now our Sophisticated Living Chicago family has expanded, too. With Publisher Alison Victoria at the helm building new platforms and partnerships, Creative Director Bridget Daley bringing in exclusive content and conceptualizing on set, and myself as chief scribe, we’ve formed an allfemale, all-star team to make magazines that reflect the full and purposeful lives we aspire to live in the city we call home.

Take, for example, this issue’s piece on the three Chicago-area brothers who, along with a friend from Medellín, are behind the award-winning spirits brand Parce Rum (“Family Spirit”). The guys, simply put, were quite taken with Colombia during their travels and, inspired by its beauty and the warmth and hospitality of its people, decided to build a business that would carry on the country’s time-honored tradition of celebrating life with a few fingers of fine rum among friends. (In Colombia, “parce” is a term used in casual parlance meaning “good friend.”) Aside from getting some of the best aged sipping rums around, with each bottle you purchase, Parce plants a tree to protect biodiversity and prevent deforestation in Colombia. Now that’s something to raise a glass to!

Also running in this issue is a story on the West Loop’s first designer bed-and-breakfast, The Publishing House, and the cool couple behind it that put a lot of sweat equity and love into making their dream a reality (“Open House”). Owners Kimberly Lowery and Shawn Uldridge (and their two pugs, Angus and Louie) spent three years converting the old Museum of Holography building on Washington Street—the former home of the Free Methodist Publishing House—into an 11-room B&B that’s at once cosmopolitan and cozy, artful and approachable. (Of note: The Publishing House has a killer library full of old editions so guests can pluck a tome at their leisure. I recommend settling in by the cement-faced fireplace for some downtime—and a French press coffee and one of Kimberly’s homemade scones.)

We hope you enjoy this issue of SL, and that one of your new year’s resolutions is to support some of Chicago’s grassroots businesses like Parce Rum and The Publishing House that are putting positivity and beauty back into the community. Imagine all the good we can do when we work hard, play to our strengths and pay it forward.

Elise Hofer Shaw

Portrait by Sean Henderson

EDWARD

FOUNDER, TECH FIRM, 38, SINGLE

WANTS: Smart Home with a Hip Vibe

HOME: Relocating from NYC to West Loop Loft

DRIVES: 2017 Audi A3 Sportback E-Tron

DRINKS: Yuengling Lager

TIMEPIECE: Tag Heuer Connected

HOT PURSUIT: Marathons

YOU NEED DESIGN SOLUTIONS AND A TRUSTED PROJECT MANAGER (relax, we got it)

“INTRODUCING OUR LIVABLELUXE ™ STYLE FOR MEN WITH DISCRIMINATING TASTE. INTERIOR DESIGN THAT IS RELAXED YET POLISHED, COMFORTABLE AND REFINED — CUSTOM TAILORED FOR A HOME THAT SUITS YOUR PERSONALITY.”

“It’s incredibly refreshing to see a privately owned, design-forward bed-and-breakfast open in the West Loop, especially from two entrepreneurs who are pursuing a lifelong dream to do so,” says Hilary Boyajian, who penned this issue’s piece on The Publishing House (“Open House”). “I love having the option to support a local business and experience the unique aesthetic that comes from a vision filled with so much heart and soul. The downstairs wine bar, The Press Room, has become a new favorite as well. It’s the perfect neighborhood spot.”

“Gibsons Italia can turn any night of the week into a ‘night out,’” says Joel Hoglund, who wrote this issue’s feature on the new, multilevel hot spot from Gibsons Restaurant Group (“Take Me to the River”). “It’s rare to visit a large, high-end restaurant and see every table having a blast, but the top-notch food from Executive Chef José Sosa and killer atmosphere— with a gorgeous view of the river—is a winning combination that seems to guarantee everyone a good time. Try the risotto with baby leeks and seared Viking Village sea scallops. It doesn’t disappoint.”

For this issue’s Sophisticated Defined column, contributing writer Tina Kourasis interviewed New York designer Jonathan Simkhai—and got the skinny on his spring/summer 2018 collection. “What makes Jonathan Simkhai’s designs so special is that he always has the active, modern woman in mind,” says Kourasis, who owns the luxury women’s clothing boutique VMR on Oak Street. “Yet form is equally as important as function. His use of handembroidery, pearls and other embellishments balance versatility and sensuousness.”

For this issue’s story on Jim Powers, who founded Parce Rum with his brothers, writer Matt Lee met the longtime Chicagoan, for, naturally, a drink—or, rather, re-met him (“Family Spirit”). “I had a sort of flashback to many years ago when I wrote more about music,” says Lee. “Besides being a founder of Parce, Jim was the visionary behind local record label Minty Fresh—and the man who brought us the Cowboy Junkies and the Cardigans and I remembered working with them often He’s a fascinating, great guy with an amazing story ” Lee plans on celebrating publication of the story with an 8-year on the rocks and “Sweet Jane” on the Echo.

“I have always been a firm believer in second chances,” says Alexandra Sabbag, who wrote this issue’s charity profile on Cara, the Chicago organization devoted to helping people affected by poverty build the skills and confidence needed to get good jobs (“Chances Are”) “I love that Cara’s mission isn’t just about the jobs, but also about instilling people with a sense of hope and empowerment, and the bounce of a new beginning ”

“It was a joy to shoot so many strong, unique personalities for this story, ” says contributing photographer Anthony Tahlier, who shot 10 talented and inspiring Chicagoans for this issue’s cover feature, “The Ten.” “For being such a diverse group of people in their respective fields—and in life—all were extremely likable and, more specifically to my job, full of personality. Everyone was super-comfortable in front of the camera and easy to work with. It was the perfect way to break in my new studio in Pilsen.”

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ADORING DIOR

Dior’s new Gold Coast boutique pushes the boundaries of Chicago’s shopping axis.

By Elise Hofer Shaw

Over the last few years, fashion houses like Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, Carolina Herrera and Lanvin have invested in storefronts on Oak Street, putting the “chic” back into Chicago’s most beloved retail row. Sadly, it had felt somewhat sleepy following 2008. And now, thanks to the likes of Marc Jacobs and Saint Laurent steering shoppers around the corner to Rush Street, the iconic rue has doglegged, expanding its territory and luring other luxury brands off the traditional stretch.

The newest kid on the block, Dior, opened at the corner of Rush and Walton streets with a private party on November 10, unveiling a multidimensional retail space that features two selling floors devoted to the Parisian fashion brand’s wide range of luxury products across all women’s categories, including ready-to-wear, bags, accessories, shoes, fine jewelry and timepieces.

The boutique’s modern concept was inspired by Dior’s Peter Marino-designed flagship on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, beginning with its transparent, frit-glass facade. But before you cross the threshold, beneath its glass canopy and illuminated signage, make sure to take a moment to spy the store’s crowning jewel: a Dior star affixed to the top of the building as a beacon of good luck from Monsieur Dior.

Inside on the first floor, clients will find a selection of Dior’s signature handbags, such as the iconic Lady Dior and new satchels from the current Cruise 2018 collection, displayed on polished blade shelves, complemented by an assortment of small leather goods and accessories (think chapeaus and silk scarves). The floating stairs at the back of the room lead to a dedicated shoe space on the second-floor landing, which is followed by the ready-to-wear lounge, where seating designed by Hamilton Conte, a console designed by Malherbe Edition and commissioned artwork by Julie Gauthron add to the contemporary-glam ambience.

“Women are often defined by others. Now, we have to define ourselves and what we want,” says Artistic Director Maria Grazia Chiuri of the brand’s emboldened ambitions. “If you think about the past, women have had fashion imposed on them, mostly by men. Now, a new generation want to express themselves in their own way.” Adding that, “When you are a woman making clothes for women, then fashion is not just about how you look. It is about how you feel and how you think.” sl Dior, 931 N. Rush St., 312.651.4415. dior.com

Looks and accessories from Dior’s Cruise 2018 collection

Dior’s new Chicago boutique at Rush and Walton streets

‘La Muse de Tim’ by artist Julie Gauthron. The piece was commissioned by Dior exclusively for the Chicago boutique.

Sophisticated Defined

Jonathan Simkhai understands the fashionably empowered woman. “What’s most important to me is to create a collection that captures the ease and effortlessness women require to feel beautiful,” says the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund-winning designer from his studio in New York. “My intention [for spring/summer 2018] was to bring to life a collection that feels ethereal, yet has an innate energy. The result has a foundation in classic American activewear, but focuses on fabrics and silhouettes that feel relevant to modern femininity.”

For Simkhai, who also has a collab with luxury activewear brand Carbon38, capturing the right equilibrium between versatility and sensuousness is key. “I find the concept of whimsical sportswear to be alluring—using silhouettes that allow for free

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

I’m an early riser, so I like to energize my day by hitting the gym or taking a SoulCycle class.

What is one thing that you can’t live without?

The love and support of my family. And the Ginger Fireball from Juice Press.

What is your favorite piece in your closet?

My black-and-white Nike Dunks.

What is the most elegant gift to give or receive?

No one has ever been disappointed to receive white roses and a bottle of Champagne.

Who or what inspires you?

I love modern art and architecture. Recently, I fell in love with photographer Ward Roberts’ Court series, with their pastel hues and dreamlike spaces.

Who is your muse?

I’m always inspired by strong and powerful women. I love fashion director Tiffany Hsu [@handinfire]. Her taste level and art direction are always impeccable.

Who is the most sophisticated person of all time? Michelle Obama.

What is your proudest career moment?

Winning the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2015.

Who is your dream client?

Robin Wright.

What are you reading right now? Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.

Cocktail of choice?

Chili martini.

Coffee or tea?

Definitely, coffee.

Guilty pleasure?

An afternoon Chardonnay.

By Tina Kourasis / Portrait by Ben Ritter

movement and flow around the body; fabrics that are airy and bohemian, but also crisp.” His latest designs, inspired by the work of photographer Ward Roberts, blend romanticism with a downtown attitude, all in a gentle color palette of soft blushes, placid blues, creamy ecrus and warm bronzes. “To marry two contrasting elements into a single cohesive look is what fascinates me the most—denim that is shredded, then embroidered to look like mechanical macramé or woven silk plisse that wraps around the torso like cotton shirting,” adds Simkhai, who counts models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner, as well as fashion-loving stars Blake Lively and Diane Kruger, as devoted fans. “After all, surprises are some of life’s greatest pleasures.” jonathansimkhai.com sl

Favorite country to visit? Israel.

Most sophisticated city? Paris, of course!

The place you go for utter peace?

My kitchen.

Name your top three vacation must-haves. Ray-Ban sunglasses, my iPhone on vibrate and Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate for those long flights.

Most sophisticated structure or building? I wish I could live in Neuendorf House by John Pawson.

Where is your favorite place to go when you come to Chicago? 3 Arts Club Café and Soho House Chicago.

No one should ever wear… Something they are not comfortable in.

Everyone should own… A modern lace blouse.

Most universally flattering color… Navy blue, so much more interesting than black but just as sophisticated.

Current must-haves from your collection?

I love the bronze macramé dress from my spring runway show. Also, a pair of button-down jeans makes any outfit look effortlessly cool.

Describe your line in three words. Powerful, romantic, modern.

How do you define ‘sophistication’? Confidence and ease.

JONATHAN SIMKHAI

Looks from the Jonathan Simkhai spring/summer 2018 collection

OPEN HOUSE

The Publishing House, the West Loop’s industrial-loft-style bed-and-breakfast, gives new meaning to modern hospitality.

By Hilary Boyajian / Photography by Maypole Studios and Joshua Haines

Take a stroll down May Street, just north of Washington Boulevard, and something unexpected is sure to catch your eye: a hot-pink, scripted neon sign that reads ‘bnb’ posted above an electric-blue door. Here lives The Publishing House, the first (and only) boutique bed-and-breakfast in the West Loop, housed in a building that’s rich with Chicago history—and for visitors, a novel hospitality option among the upswing of swank hotels starting to dot Lake and Randolph streets.

Built in 1909, the building was originally occupied by the Free Methodist Publishing House before the Museum of Holography took it over in the mid 1970s. The museum shuttered in 2009, but its rare collection of 3-D holograms was saved by an anonymous buyer. The building remained unoccupied until 2014, when Shawn Uldridge and Kimberly Lowery purchased the property—all 18,000 square feet—for $2.35 million.

“It had always been a dream of mine to open a B and B ever since I stayed at one in Bar Harbor, Maine, when I was 19 years old,” says Lowery, who grew up in Sheboygan, Wis. “I loved the hospitality and the personal service they gave me. It felt like home.” Little did she know what love and luck had in store. Lowery and Melbourneborn Uldridge first met while backpacking across Australia in 2000. Serendipitously, the two met up again in 2008, and married that same year. Their marriage, as it turns out, was also a union of talents: Uldridge bringing to the table a finance background from years at the Sydney-based firm William Shaw Securities. Lowery having logged design time as the owner of a vintage furniture store in Melbourne before spending one year as a front desk agent at Soho House Chicago. Add in their shared affinity for collecting art and a passion for food, and the foundation for a future business was in place. And Chicago, where Lowery had put down roots, proved to be the perfect location.

The entrance on May Street is marked by a bright blue door and a custom neon sign.

Preserving their building’s historic facade, the couple spent three years perfecting the three-story space with help from Nushu Architecture and Vero Design + Build. The vision? To create a space that feels like an elevated home—“Somewhere between a luxury hotel and a traditional B and B,” says Lowery—where comfort is intertwined with artisanal style. To that end, Lowery and Uldridge enlisted Nicole Alexander of Siren Betty Design, the mind behind chic Chicago spaces like Giant restaurant and events space Morgan Mfg. “We focused on preserving the history of the building, exposing the steel beams and brick throughout, to reveal the raw, natural beauty of the space while staying true to the industrial style of old Chicago architecture.”

Complete with 11 en suite rooms of various sizes, a streetlevel lobby, a second-floor library, and a massive great room on the third floor for dining and lounging by a double-sided fireplace, The Publishing House quietly opened in June of 2017. At its heart, the owners’ dream gourmet kitchen (think aqua-toned, Shaker-style cabinets, quartz Avenza countertops from Difiniti and a massive, marble-based island with a walnut waterfall top and built-in bookshelves). And, in addition to being

a home away from home for visiting guests, the B and B is also home for Lowery and Uldridge, who moved into a tucked-away unit at the back with their two pugs, Angus and Louie.

Siren Betty led the charge in terms of the B and B’s interior design, peppering in a mix of modern and midcentury furniture finds, as well as objets d’art from thrift stores and flea markets. “They wanted guests to feel at home but with the experience of an edgy hotel stay,” says Alexander, who is particularly proud of their collaboration for the sun-drenched common room. Here, lofted ceilings, exposed-brick walls and refinished original wood floors serve as the bones. At the center, the cement-faced fireplace splits the room into two distinct lounges. The first is anchored by a Young Chang grand piano that was a welcoming gift from a gracious neighbor in the West Loop and is appointed with an aquamarine leather couch by Gus*, vintage art deco leather club chairs and a Turkish rug sourced from an antique vendor on eBay. The second hangout space gets its personality from an Iranian rug from the 1930s, a velour camel-colored couch also by Gus*, a midcentury oak coffee table, an antelope torchiere lamp and an oversize painting by British artist Steve Kirby.

In the living room, midcentury modern and art deco elements come together harmoniously. (Couch by Gus*, lights by Wayward Machine Co)

Also on the third floor is a self-service butler’s pantry––stocked with water, organic tea, French press coffee and homespun sweets courtesy of Lowery—and a pretty powder room boasting banana leaf wallpaper from Designer Wallcoverings and a collection of antique crystal liquor decanters found in Round Top, Texas. But the pièce d’résistance is an exquisite wall mural entitled Wind by Japanese street artist Hiroyasu Tsuri (aka TwoOne), whom the couple met in Melbourne in 2011. Its subject, a giant black-and-white duck mid-flight (in honor of Uldridge’s favorite meal: the Peking duck from Silks restaurant in Melbourne), spans a two-story wall that drops into an open staircase leading to the second-floor library and rooms.

In a nod to the building’s former life as a publishing house, each guest room is named after notable authors who have written books based in Chicago (Saul Bellow, Sandra Cisneros and Upton Sinclair, for example). The Sinclair room, a 450-square-foot corner suite offering a downtown skyline view of the Willis Tower, is home to a 1950s seafoam-green desk that Alexander sourced from the Brimfield

Flea Market in Massachusetts, an autumn orange area rug, and a mounted taxidermy ram’s head—and a stack of vintage Upton Sinclair novels, natch. Appropriate to a loft conversion, the bedroom and bathroom are cleverly separated by the headboard wall, where hardwood paneling (salvaged from the building and retrofitted by Vero), textured wallpaper by Anaglypta and modern matte black sconces reside. On the flip side, the bathroom features a private throne room, a large open shower with a freestanding claw-foot tub (an eBay find that was refinished by Lombard-based Perfection Tub & Tile), geometric-patterned ceramic tile from Chicago’s The Tile Gallery and an indulgent array of Malin + Goetz products that beg for a sea-salt bath before bed.

Waking up may be a challenge thanks to the cloud-like GhostBed mattresses, but the aroma of fresh-ground coffee (Uldridge’s secret blend of light- and dark-roasted beans from Sparrow Coffee Roastery) will help—that and the promise of a gourmet, home-cooked breakfast. “We are passionate about the relationship between people and food, and breakfast is by far our

Antique

Mural by Japanese street artist Hiroyashi Tsuri (aka Twoone)

favorite meal,” says Uldridge, who admits to drawing inspiration from Australian cafes. “Aussies take breakfast very seriously, and that cafe culture is one of the things we miss most about living there.” In the kitchen, Lowery is the baker and Uldridge is the “egg man.” If you’re lucky, the Jackaroo will be on the menu, a savory layering of sweet and smoky baked beans, wilted spinach, and bacon served with fried eggs atop a thick slice of sourdough toast. The seasonal menu is always changing, but Lowery’s Aebleskiver Danish pancake balls are a standout for sweet tooths. They’re stuffed with her mom’s homemade cherry-rhubarb jam (the rhubarb grows in her family’s backyard in Wisconsin) and finished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and even the presentation on vintage floral plates is ambrosial.

The spread continues with an array of milk and cereal, fresh fruit and warm apple-cinnamon-pecan muffins presented on a vintage turquoise sideboard from the late 1970s––a find from South Loop Lofts that Alexander had refinished in a high-lacquer car paint. Breakfast is enjoyed around an immense, 14-seat dining table that was fabricated by local builder SmartMouth

Designs using reclaimed timber from the original publishing house. Black bentwood cafe dining chairs from Chicago-based Waco Manufacturing flank the table, while leather-and-steel seats from Industry West add character at the ends. Above, a geometric brass pendant light with frosted-glass globes, custom-designed by Chicago’s Wayward Machine Co., warms the space, bringing Siren Betty’s urban-chic aesthetic full circle.

“We hope that we can become a destination for visiting friends and family of West Loop residents who may not have the extra room to house guests in their apartments,” says Uldridge, who also anticipates big business from full bookouts for weddings and corporate groups, and teases future plans for a communal roof space and organic garden. But for now, the couple is content opening their home to clients and acquaintances that share their love for design and honestto-goodness hospitality. “You have to live on-site to run a B and B, but who wouldn’t want to reside in this space?” says Lowery. “It’s awesome.” sl

The Publishing House, 108 N. May St., 312.554.5857. publishinghousebnb.com

A custom concrete fireplace defines two hangout areas on the common level.

The Bellow room

The stunning kitchen is the result of a collaboration between the architects at Nushu and the designers at Siren Betty. (Construction by Vero, fabrication by Goddard Manufacturing & Design)

Sketches by owners Shawn Uldridge and Kimberly Lowery. The couple taught figure drawing classes for two years when they lived in Melbourne.

Parce’s 12-year rum won “Best Rum,” “Best Aged Rum” and “Best of Show Aged White Spirits” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Photo by Greg Birman

FAMILY SPIRIT

From records to rum, from Chicago to Colombia, Jim Powers parlays his passion into a spirits business that’s all in the family.

By Matt Lee

There are two questions Jim Powers asks when deciding whether or not to take on a project. The first is, “Am I passionate about it?” The second? “Do I think enough other people will love it to make a living out of it?”

“You have to answer yes to both questions,” says Powers, sipping slowly on a few fingers of 12-year rum at the bar at Soho House Chicago, revealing his characteristic good-natured enthusiasm for a passion project. “If only you love it, but the rest of the public won’t love it, then it’s a hobby. If I can answer yes to both of those questions, though, I’m in.”

Chicagoans who keep up on this city’s vital dining and spirits scene might assume Powers is riffing on his success with his and his brothers’ much-buzzed-about, award-winning rum company, Parce (parcerum.com)—the rum of choice at some of Chicago’s most discerning restaurants and cocktail lounges, including Elske and Avec. The criteria, however, at this point in the conversation, is actually in reference to the first act of

Powers’ career, as an A&R rep and the founder of Chicago’s Minty Fresh records. In that life, he was the visionary who discovered and signed artists like the Cowboy Junkies, the Cardigans and Veruca Salt. He also worked with Liz Phair early in her career, among other influential indie rock bands that made up the fabric of alternative music in the ’90s.

“I was 28 and single in 1990, so I had the time to fully immerse myself in the music being created around me,” reminisces Powers. “In a way, a great song has ultimately been transcendent for me in some fashion, and these bands had that effect on me.” Of course, access to some of music’s biggest talents was pretty great, too. “Yeah, my wife and I spent our first wedding anniversary in a teepee at Neil Young’s ranch with Patti Smith, members of Crazy Horse and David Bowie,” says Powers, clearly having a hard time choosing just one rock ’n’ roll anecdote to share. “Remind me to tell you that whole story off the record the next time we get a drink.” Fair enough.

On this particular night, however, at 55, Powers is admittedly a bit road-weary after a long return flight from China, where he was attending the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, introducing Parce to Asian distributors. It’s fair to say that the Iowan-turned-Chicagoan’s litmus test for getting involved with an endeavor, whether records or rum, is still the same—and continues to serve him well. “I’ve never been a five- or 10-year-plan type of guy,” he says before, a few seconds later, backtracking with a bit of a laugh. “Well, I am now, because we have investors.”

In one sense, the curious case of Jim Powers’ career started back at the University of Iowa, where he studied journalism, but found himself spending more time playing guitar in bands than concentrating on a future as a scribe. Gravitating toward the development side of music after graduation in 1984, he signed the Cowboy Junkies three weeks into a job at Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG) in New York. (At the time, BMG was the world’s largest independent music publisher after acquiring RCA

Records and its associated labels in 1987.) In search of a life that didn’t have him on the road nine months out of the year, Powers relocated to Chicago and founded Minty Fresh in 1993. Today, he says, the label’s primary business is licensing music to TV and film, where there’s still revenue available. “If Grey’s Anatomy wants a deep indie track from our stable of artists for an episode, that’s us,” says Powers, who has also licensed songs to series including The Sopranos and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, as well as one of Apple’s global campaigns.

Although the record business has changed dramatically over the years, it wasn’t necessarily the need for a new venture that led Powers to Parce. Instead, it was another passion, or rather passions. Though the ins and outs of the story are fascinating enough to fill a book—like the time the rural policia made the brothers trade a pig for a permit to produce a video for Parce (true story)—the nickel version is that Powers’ younger brother, Patrick, was living in Medellín, Colombia, after having fallen in love with the country (and one of its

Each drop of Parce Rum is aged in former bourbon barrels for years, giving Parce its award-winning, uniquely dry finish.

Photo by Felipe Ruiz

Parce plants a native species tree in Colombia for every bottle of 8-year-old and 12-year-old rum sold. Shown here: The Quindío region of Colombia

Photo by Felipe Ruiz

Overlooking Colombia’s Rio Cauca Valley, the birthplace of Parce Rum

Photo by Johnathan Crawford

Parce Rum’s founders (from left) Jim Powers, Jaime Uribe, Patrick Powers and Brian Powers in Medellín, Colombia

Photo by Felipe Ruiz

natives, his now wife, Andrea) while on business there for the family company, Powerseal Pipeline Products. Then, in 2010, after losing their father, Edward, to skin cancer, the brothers Powers gathered on the deck of Patrick’s house overlooking the Rio Cauca Valley for a little soul-searching. Their father’s wish was that they would one day found a business together—and right then and there, something just clicked.

“It was stunning,” Powers says, recalling the view. “We were talking about how passionate we were about Colombia, and we started feeding each other’s excitement. Before you knew it, we were thinking about what we needed to do. What [business venture] could we do to embody the culture, but was also something we could all get excited about? We were drinking rum, and we thought, ‘We can all can get excited about good spirits.’ That’s how we found ourselves on this path.”

The journey from aha moment to creating an awardwinning, internationally distributed spirit has been somewhat long and winding. Ultimately, Powers founded the company

in 2011 with his brothers Patrick and Brian and their longtime friend Jaime Uribe, with yet two more Powers siblings—Sean and Catherine—and their mother, Mary Powers, choosing to become investors. Navigating Colombian import-and-export regulations, creating blends all parties felt excited about, and defining a brand that would responsibly and respectfully exemplify the spirit of the culture they had fallen in love with took three years from brainchild to bottle. But taking their time to get it right and keeping all eyes on their true north has paid off in dividends: Parce has received six top honors at San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition, including Best Rum, Best Aged Rum and Best of Show Aged White Spirit. It has also been awarded a score of 92 from the Beverage Tasting Institute, signifying a rating of “outstanding.” The bourbonbarrel aged rum, currently produced in 3-, 8- and 12-year batches, is sold around the world in countries such as South Korea, China, Canada, Peru, Costa Rica and Colombia, with more on the way.

Jim Powers

The Powers brothers, founders of Parce Rum, relaxing with friends in Marsella, Colombia

Photo by Greg Birman

Parce is blended and bottled near the town of Salento in the Colombian Department of Quindío.

Photo by Felipe Ruiz

The success is definitely the direct result of the brothers sticking to their guns on a variety of fronts, from finding the exact right family of master blenders in Colombia to guaranteeing that every drop of the spirits they make are aged to the year on the label. This is far from standard in the industry due to commonly accepted solera practices, in which makers replace small amounts of evaporated aging spirits with newer batches. At Parce, however, a barrel of 8-year rum, for example, is topped off only from another barrel of 8-year rum. And, as if producing some of the best aged sipping rums around wasn’t enough, for every bottle sold, Parce plants a tree to protect biodiversity and prevent deforestation in Colombia. “It was really important for us to have a social component,” says Powers, who credits the Toms shoes model of giving back as big inspiration. “We’ve been working with a village near Medellín called Santuario that had been over-forested and have planted about 15,000 trees so far.”

Parce, which is local slang for “good friend,” is introducing the world to a coveted Colombian offering at a pivotal time. Deeply complex, rum is increasingly being tagged as one of the world’s more under-appreciated spirits. “We’re the premium

whiskey drinker’s rum,” says Powers. “We have a drier finish; we’re not too sweet. We’re not your spring break memories of rum. As someone who loves a single-malt scotch, we’re shooting for that level of complexity and finish. Rum is going to have its time, and it’s fun to be a part of it.”

Parce’s recently released 3-year, he says, is the obvious mixer, and is a refreshing substitute in traditionally whiskey-based cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. The 8-year is the whiskey aficionado’s spirit, best sipped straight-up, neat or on the rocks. “And the 12-year, to me, it’s like a cognac,” says Powers. “It’s a touch softer and sweeter. It’s for after dinner and cocktails, when just a few people end up coming back to your house and everyone else is gone.”

At this trajectory, the sky is the limit for Parce. And it likely won’t be long before Chicagoans are arguing over whether Powers is the guy who discovered the Cowboy Junkies and founded Minty Fresh or the guy who developed Parce Rum with his brothers. For Powers, who primarily listens to jazz with his 16-year-old son these days, it’s all music to his ears. “The advantage of having your own business,” he says, “is that you get to believe in what you’re doing.” sl

Favored by top mixologists, Parce Rum can be found at many of Chicago’s finest restaurants and cocktail lounges.

Photo by Jim Powers

One of the keys to Parce’s success is its versatility. Try Parce Rum in your favorite whiskey or bourbon cocktail instead of its usual spirit.

Photo by Jim Powers

At 86 proof, Parce’s new 3-year-old aged rum is specially blended for craft cocktails.

Photo by Jack Schneider

SHAKEN AND STIRRED

SoCal provides the ultimate opportunity to experience the new power plant in Aston Martin’s acclaimed DB11

Written by Andre James

When James Bond is in a bind, more often than not he has relied on an Aston Martin to make his getaway. The quintessential Bond car, the 1963 DB5, debuted in Goldfinger (1964), came back the next year in Thunderball (1965), and made a triumphant return for both Casino Royale (2006) and Skyfall (2012); a testament to the lasting appeal of such a beautifully designed automobile. While other brands have found their way into 007’s repertoire from timeto-time, it is the Aston Martin to which he is inextricably linked.

After spending a few days in sunny Southern California putting the new V8 variant of Aston Martin’s DB11 through its paces, I’d suggest that Mr. Bond add the luxury grand tourer to his stable for those days when he’s not thwarting the sinister plans of a multinational terrorist organization, but still wants to get back and forth to the grocery in suitable style.

Embarking from our home base at Rancho Valencia Resort, we warmed up by meandering past the polo fields and horse

ranches of the San Dieguito Valley on our way to one of the country’s most scenic stretches of pavement: the Pacific Coast Highway. Being driven to distraction takes on a whole new meaning when you are behind the wheel of such an achingly beautiful coupe.

As many Americans will concur, everything sounds better conveyed with a British accent, including the sound of the DB11’s AMG engine (Daimler AG, Mercedes’ parent company, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, owns five percent of Aston Martin). The engineering team at Aston Martin tailored the V8 engine perfectly for its application in the DB11, including new ECU software, reprogrammed throttle mapping, and bespoke air intake, exhaust and wet sump lubrication systems, so that the sounds emanating from the engine are the sweet midrange and high tones recognizable as an Aston, rather than the bass tones associated with AMG.

Producing 503BHP and 498 pound-feet of torque, 4.0-liter twinturbocharged V8 engine is able to propel the DB11 from 0-62mph in just 4.0-sec before topping out at 187mph (nearly identical with the V12). Modifications to the engine have resulted in a noticeable weight reduction over the V12, an optimized center of gravity, and greater mass centered within the wheelbase, all of which serve to enhance the GT’s feel of sporty agility and improve fuel efficiency. Cruising along at various speeds, the throttle response was immediate, gear shifts were expeditious, and in the Sport+ mode we were able to revel in the lovely engine sounds while the car remained in the lowest gear possible for extended periods. In spite of the sportiness, this is a car that still provides the comfortable ride indicative of a true grand tourer.

Aston Martin Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj, commented: “As an engineer I find the DB11 a fascinating car. One with great depth of character and ability. I’m particularly proud that this car is the first to receive an engine supplied by our technical partner, Mercedes-AMG. Not least because thanks to the nature of our relationship with AMG, we have been given complete freedom to tailor this exceptional power unit so that it meets the particular needs and demands of an Aston Martin.”

There are subtle visual differences between the V12 and V8 variants: a unique alloy wheel finish, dark headlamp bezels, and

a pair of bonnet vents instead of the quartet featured on the V12. These vents come in a choice of black or titanium-finish mesh, again different from that fitted to the twelve-cylinder variant. Inside, both V8 and V12 customers have the same standard equipment levels and the same dizzying array of color and trim options. One can also elect to enhance the specification of their car via the same Option Packs and Designer Specification packages offered for the V12, plus a suite of Q by Aston Martin Collection options.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr. Andy Palmer said of the V8-engined DB11: “The DB11 is the most complete and sophisticated car Aston Martin has ever made. Now, with this new V8 engine option we have broadened its appeal by offering a car that will bring the DB11 to more customers around the world while still blessed with the exceptional performance and memorable character that sets Aston Martin apart from its rivals. Having driven the car during its development phase, it is not just the engine that has changed the character of the car, but also the resulting dynamic changes to create a remarkable GT car with its own distinct personality from the V12.”

The V8-powered DB11 is on sale now with a recommended retail price from $198,995. sl

IT’S GOOD TO BE THE FAN From food trucks to luxe wine lounges, THE PLAYERS Championship is golf’s coolest party.

Written by Elise Hofer Shaw

On May 9, 2017, more than 30,000 golf fans and their families gathered excitedly on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., for THE PLAYERS Championship’s Military Appreciation Ceremony. After standing for the National Anthem and a flyover by the 125th Fighter Wing of the Florida Air National Guard, a kickoff concert by Grammy Award-nominated and American Music Award-winning country crooner Sam Hunt set the tone for golf’s unofficial fifth major that’s earned a reputation for being a cool experiential party—less golf clap and more thunderous applause.

There literally isn’t a bad seat (or standing space) anywhere at TPC Sawgrass, and that’s the sheer genius of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. When the course debuted in 1982, it was unique in the world of golf, having been exquisitely built by Pete and Alice Dye with the spectator in mind. In many ways, it was way ahead of its time, and improvements since have raised the bar on the PGA TOUR’s fan experience. In fact, consistent mounding renovations have been ongoing since 2006 and, in 2016, THE PLAYERS enhanced viewing with new mounds on 11 green, 12 tee, 15 green and a lowered mound on 4 tee. Better

still, the hospitality venues on the infamously challenging 17th hole became two-storied, creating yet another level of ticketed hospitality spaces for prime player viewing.

As for the party scene, well, that’s evolved, too. In 2017, trend-forward food and beverage options abounded, and all with distinctive vibes. The Wine Lounge presented by William Hill Estate on 8 green had a Napa Valley-tasting-room feel for sophisticated palates, whereas the Blue Room VIP Lounge presented by Michelob ULTRA brought more of a nightclub energy with live DJ sets. A similar spectrum existed for dining: Located behind 11 green and 12 tee, Taste of JAX offered family-friendly flavors from four local Floridian restaurants (think Southern fusion and street fare), while Wine & Dine on 9 featured gourmet small plates prepared by Matthew Medure, one of Northeast Florida’s most renowned chefs. And then there was Trucks on 10, where five different food trucks convened for samplings of everything from brick-oven pizza to smokehouse-style ribs; Tacos on 12, for local restaurant Taco Lu’s tasty tacos; and even a smoothies station behind 17 green. But for a truly first-class experience all the way, THE PLAYERS Club access was the hot ticket.

Dustin Johnson teeing off on the 17th hole during the third round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at Sawgrass (May 13, 2017).

THE PLAYERS Club is a highend, all-inclusive experience with

private space on-site in the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse (shown here), on 17 tee and 18 green.

The Wine Lounge presented by William Hill Estate

Grammy Award-nominee Sam Hunt preforming at the 2017 Military Appreciation Day ceremony.

During the tournament, the back lawn of the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse is reserved for THE PLAYERS Club ticket holders.

Fresh-rolled sushi is available daily in THE PLAYERS Club.

Premium cocktails, including the signature Sawgrass Splash, are served throughout the course.

At last year’s championship, as the young South Korean Si Woo Kim shot 69 on the final day for 10-under 278 to win by three over Louis Oosthuizen and Ian Poulter, the crowd erupted from the most famous finishing stretch in golf: the Island Green 17th and the daunting par-4 18th. But if you were fortunate enough to have a PLAYERS Club ticket, vantages from private venues boasted the best views of the action. “THE PLAYERS continues to grow in stature for both our players and our fans. We strive to make our Stadium Pass the best value in golf, but in the past we lacked an ultra-high-end experience,” says Jared Rice, executive director of THE PLAYERS. “Two years ago we developed THE PLAYERS Club, an all-inclusive experience inside the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass as well as private venues exclusively for THE PLAYERS Club ticket holders on 17 tee and 18 green. Since its inception, THE PLAYERS Club has become extremely popular for businesses development and those seeking a best-in-class experience.

“THE PLAYERS Club combines spectacular on-course views of golf and exceptional customer service,” adds Rice. “Clients have access to delicious food, prepared by award-winning chefs, top-shelf

beverages and customizable RFID [radio frequency identification] tickets. The RFID tickets provide THE PLAYERS Club staff with information on each guest’s favorite foods and beverage items, as well as their favorite PGA TOUR players, allowing our team the opportunity to tailor the experience for every guest in the Club.”

THE PLAYERS Club tickets cost $5,000 per person and are purchased on a weekly ticket basis—each weekly ticket consisting of individually issued tickets by tournament day and including a ticket Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets can be transferred each day to another individual.

The best part about having THE PLAYERS Club access? Aside from being able to mingle with competitors in the tournament and their families? You can feel really good about shelling out $5K for the royal treatment: Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $92 million since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977, including a record $8.7 million generated in 2017 and a goal to generate $50 million for youth-related charities by 2021. sl

For more on THE PLAYERS Championship 2018 (May 8-13) and the surrounding area, visit theplayers.com or floridashistoriccoast.com. For THE PLAYERS Club 2018 tickets, visit pgatour.com/theplayersclub.

Si Woo Kim of Korea teeing off on the 18th hole during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship (May 14, 2017)

Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR

MAKING THE MOST OF THE HISTORIC COAST

After four days of championship golf—or for a fun break from the action—head down A1A to St. Augustine for some Spanish colonial charm. Here, tips on where to eat, stay and play in the oldest city on Florida’s Historic Coast.

STAY AWHILE With its wrought-iron finishes, fountains and period details, The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens blends contemporary luxuries and amenities with quaint touches and the personal service of a bed-and-breakfast. thecollectorinn.com

LOCAL FLAVOR Billed as “innovative Southern fare for omnivores, herbivores and locavores,” The Floridian’s menu stars include Creole comfort foods and vibrant bowls like the Elton Salad (all-natural grilled chicken or the local fresh catch with roasted sweet potatoes, shredded carrots and sweet onions, zesty cabbage slaw, green beans and green-tomato salsa served over local lettuces and topped with a fried green tomato). thefloridianstaug.com

IN GOOD SPIRITS Housed in a beautifully restored historic Ice Plant, St. Augustine Distillery’s handcrafted, small-batch spirits capture the taste and flavors of Florida. Whet your whistle with a Florida Mule and stay for a bite at the Ice Plant Bar. staugustinedistillery.com

KEEPIN’ IT COOL No stroll through downtown St. Augustine is complete without popping into The Hyppo for one of its all-natural, gourmet ice pops. As the seasons change, so do the flavors, but all are made with fresh fruits, herbs and spices. Try the Strawberry Datil pop that gets its kick from the small hot pepper that’s indigenous to the area. thehyppo.com

HISTORY CLASS A tour of the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, the Castillo de San Marcos, is a must. The large Spanish stone fortress was built more than 315 years ago to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. It’s a National Monument and the oldest structure in St. Augustine—and the weaponry demonstrations are wicked cool. visitstaugustine.com

St. Augustine Distillery is where in-the-kmow locals go for super premium, small batch spirits

Gourmet, all-natural ice pops from The Hyppo

Peeking into The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens in St. Augustine.

Bibliotaph... Snow Business

Compiled

by Victoria Chase

French photographer Laurent Baheux utilizes stunning black-and-white images to depict the world's most beautiful icy landscapes and the animals that inhabit them. Laurent Baheux - Ice is Black - hardcover, 192 pages, teNeues (teneues.com)

Focusing on destination ski resorts in New England, the Rocky Mountains, the Far West, and southern Canada, this book examines the architecture of recreational skiing from the 1930s to 1990, showing how small, family-operated businesses evolved into the massive, theme-oriented, multipurpose ski establishments of today. Margaret Supplee Smith - American Ski Resort - Architecture, Style, Experience - hardcover, 352 pages, University of Oklahoma Press (oupress.com)

Author Gabriella Le Breton has skied at more than 130 resorts around the globe. She takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the sport of skiing, from its founders and superstars and their equipment, to its influence on design and entertainment. Gabriella Le Breton - The Stylish Life: Skiinghardcover, 176 pages, teNeues (teneues.com)

Powder is the definitive guide to the best and most feared ski and snowboard runs on the planet, from classic runs in Chamoix, Whistler and Jackson Hole to more exotic locales like the Himalayas, the Altas Mountains and Sochi. Patrick Thorne - Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planethardcover, 224 pages, Quercus (quercusbooks.co.uk)

bib 'li'

o

'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches or hoards books

Detailed, in-depth chapters cover more than 100 seasonal recipes for cold-weather cocktails. Stepby-step photos explain essential techniques like muddling, prepping garnishes and making ice molds. Maria Del Mar Sacasa - Winter Cocktails: Mulled Ciders, Hot Toddies, Punches, Pitchers, and Cocktail Party Snacks - hardcover, 160 pages, Random House (penguinrandomhouse.com)

A comprehensive look at snowboarding in the late 80s and early 90s, this book uses work from the best photographers of the era to document the lifestlye, fashion, and feats of athleticism that defined the decade. Alex DiamondSnow Beach: Snowboarding Style 86-96 - Hardcover, 176 pages, powerHouse Books (powerhousebooks.com)

A 2016 James Beard Award nominee, 2016 International Association of Culinary Professionals nominee for Best International Cookbook, and 2016 Arts of Eating Prize longlist finalist, this cookbook explores the rich cultural history and culinary traditions of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Dare Goldstein - Fire + Ice: Classic Nordic Cooking - hardcover, 304 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com)

Jeff Curtes is one of the world's most prolific snowboarding photographers, spending 20 years as Burton Snowboards' principal photographer. Curtes' compositions emphasize the lone individual soaring across awe-inspiring landscapes in an almost surreal and sometimes abstract figure/ground/sky relationship. Jeff Curtes, with introduction by Jake Burton - Chasing Epic: The Snowboard Photographs of Jeff Curtes - hardcover, 96 pages, Ammo Books (ammobooks.com)

With 125 recipes ranked by difficulty, 50 full-color photographs, and highaltitude cooking tips, this book is your go-to guide for making easy, satisfying and comforting winter meals, whether you're hitting the slopes or just dreaming of days in the lodge. Tina Anderson and Sarah Pinneo - The Ski House Cookbook: Warm Winter Dishes for Cold Weather Fun - hardcover, 192 pages, Clarkson Potter (crownpublishing.com)

Compiled by Colin Dennis

Clockwise from top left: Preserved rose petal lamp ($550; rosemarie-schulz.eu), Crafted from non-flammable synthetic paper, the birds on Moooi's Perch Tree chandelier are illuminated by an LED light source ($28,630; moooi.com), Stray Dog Designs Serena chandelier in Bahaman Sea Blue ($1,200; straydogdesigns.com), Pakai table lamp from L'Objet ($750; l-objet.com), Herman Miller Nelson Pear Lotus Floor Lamp ($670; store.hermanmiller.com), Worlds Away Bridget green table lamp ($450; worlds' away.com), Pacific Beach table lamp from Bradburn Home ($685; bradburnhome.com), Besselink & Jones library light in distressed brass from Tod Carson Antiques and Lighting (price upon request; todcarson.com).

available in chrome, satin

or

and as a chandelier,

table

Clockwise from top left: Innermost Beads Octo pendant light ($1,839; designmyworld.net), Uplight Group’s Metal Lux honors Murano’s craftsmen with its collection of chandeliers that have the same traditional lines and curves – but instead of glass, they’ve used metal. DEDALO is

gold

white

sconce or

lamp (price upon request; uplightgroup.com), Vixen jewelry chain chandelier from Corbett Lighting ($2,481; corbettlighting.com), Crafted of fiberglass with three projectors, the Acacia sculptural lamp by Albino Miranda is 15-feet-tall (price upon request; albinomiranda.pt).

SORRENTO SERENADE

Living La Dolce Vita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria

Written by Bridget Williams

Nearly everyone can cite an experience so sublime they are certain the vivid vignette will be permanently etched into their memory, and serve to warm the cockles of the heart whenever something triggers its happy resurgence. Forevermore, the bellowing chorus of O Sole Mio will bring forth goosebumps along with the remembrance of a magical early summer evening at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy.

From our balcony of the Caruso Suite (named in honor of famed Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, who spent the last days of his life there in the spring of 1921), we admired the Gulf of Sorrento and beyond to the Bay of Naples, set ablaze from yet another spectacular sunset. Below us on the celebrated Vittoria Terrace–dramatically perched on the cliff’s edge, so that nothing stands between you and endless vistas of sea and sky–welldressed guests noshed canapés and sipped apéritifs. Suddenly, the clinking of glasses and the sullen siren-song of seagulls was usurped by the sound of music: the aforementioned and muchbeloved Neapolitan song, originally penned in 1898. At the urging of Guido Fiorentino, the hotel’s fifth-generation president, Marco Gargano, the front office manager, moved us to tears with his powerful rendition, which drew thunderous applause from everyone on the terrace, who were visibly craning their necks to discern the origin of the dulcet tones.

Since 1834, the Fiorentino family has been providing oncein-a-lifetime experiences in what is (in my humble opinion) one of the most magical regions in Italy. There is a distinct sense of arrival once you leave the bustling city center at Piazza Tasso in Sorrento (as much a living and breathing city as tourist destination), and pass through the Art Nouveau entrance gate. A long allée of trees, some with sinewy branches drooping from their burden of ripe citrus fruits, terminates at the stately hotel.

Surrounded by five-acres of lushly manicured gardens, the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria is comprised of a trio of distinct interconnected buildings resting atop Roman ruins (purported to be a villa belonging to Emperor Augustus). The hotel’s original building, Vittoria, was constructed in 1834 to accommodate Grand Tour travelers; it was the first modern hotel in the area and offered private bathrooms, a link to the harbor via a funicular railway created in a Roman tunnel, and electric lighting. Constructed in the second half of the 19th century and calling to mind a Swiss chalet, the design of the La Favorita building is an homage to Princess Maria Sofia of Wittelsbach, who married Francesco II of Borbone in 1858. It became known as Favorita after Maria Sofia’s sister, Elisabeth, the Empress of Austria (better known as Sissi), deemed it her favorite wing of the hotel.

The ruins of a Roman pool are visible near the present day version at Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

The three-building layout of the hotel is most discernable from the water.

Photo by Bridget Williams

Inside, public and private spaces demonstrate the familiar hallmarks of opulent elegance common among beloved grand hotels throughout Europe: wood parquet and gleaming marble floors; paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries; fine furnishings from the Louis XVI, Arts and Crafts, Victorian and Biedermeier eras; finely executed frescoes and friezes; and ornate tapestries. The air may seem rarified, but the aura is much more relaxed. In the Art Nouveau-style Winter Garden for instance, you can sit on chairs designed by famed Italian architect Ernesto Basile (1857-1932). The same chairs can be found on display in the Musée D’Orsay in Paris, where they most definitely may not be sat upon.

My room, No. 114, boasted a massive terrace with balustrade overlooking the water. Hand-painted walls and a perfect hodgepodge of antique furnishings lent the impression that I was lodging at the home of an affluent, eclectic nonna rather than a hotel, which is a purposeful intent. “When guests arrive, there is a strong feeling of being welcomed into a family home, because we treat each salon and bedroom as if it were a room in a house,” said Fiorentino, an affable and approachable host who took the reins of the family business in 2010. Since then, he has set forth on an ambitious plan to further elevate the property’s stature by obtaining a Michelin star, adding a new poolside restaurant and champagne bar, reducing the number of hotel rooms from 97 to 84, adding

serviced garden apartments for extended stays, and converting a 19th century greenhouse on property to La Serra Spa.

Of the 84 rooms, 42 are suites, with six of those being oneof-a-kind accommodations. The Caruso Suite has been maintained in the style of the 1920s, and retains Caruso’s piano, photographs and writing board. Other suites are either named for famous guests–Princess Margaret, Luciano Pavarotti and Italian singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla–or have had famous guests (Sophia Loren stayed in the Aurora Junior Suite in 1984 while filming Qualcosa di Biondo).

While posh enough for a princess, the true heart and soul of the property is its top-notch staff. Serving as a figurehead of sorts is head concierge Antonio Galano, who, although he doesn’t look it, has been employed by the hotel for forty years. His friendly “ciao bella” sendoff as I left for my excursions each day never failed to put a little extra pep in my step.

The dining experience at Excelsior Vittoria is a thing of beauty, beginning with breakfast, which is served American buffet-style beneath a 19th century frescoed ceiling, which makes you feel as though you are dining in the nave of a basilica. You can enjoy pizza perfection poolside at The Orangerie bar and restaurant (open April-October). At night, the spot transforms into a chic tapas-style dining concept with specialty cocktails and an energetic soundtrack.

Deluxe Suite

The Winter Garden

The Vittoria building

Art Nouveau entrance gates Sunset on the Vittoria Terrace

Well-preserved frescos in the Villa of the Mysteries, Pompeii

A monumental bronze by Igor Mitoraj on display among the ruins in Pompeii

Maria Grazia restaurant in Nerano

Positano

At Terrazza Bosquet, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant (awarded in 2014), the service is as polished as the gleaming harlequin-tiled marble floors. A prime example of their ability to elevate the expected to the extraordinary is the “white glove” bread service. Resembling a giant jewelry box on wheels, the mirrored lid of the bread box is opened to reveal an arrangement to rival a still-life masterpiece. There is a discernable playfulness interwoven throughout the tasting menu, featuring dishes with names like La Dolce Vita (marinated local fish with a vegetable bouquet) and Childhood Memories (a confection of chocolate sponge cake, orange cremoso and fleur de sel inspired by the chef’s favorite childhood dessert).

Each kitchen on property utilizes produce and citrus fruit grown on-site, and the harvest from the garden’s grove of olive trees allows for production of a proprietary olive oil. Perfect wine pairings are culled from a tufa stone cellar with a 9,500-bottle capacity; an opening in the cellar floor that is covered with Plexiglass provides a peek down into an ancient Roman well.

Sorrento is an ideal base from which to explore the region’s many sights: bucolic countryside to the south, the Amalfi Coast to the east, Pompeii and Naples to the north, and Capri offshore. The hotel’s concierge team is constantly striving to be innovators in providing unique experiences. A newly added tour of Naples, based on the books of Elena Ferrante, brings the pages of her hugely popular novels to life. Pompeii is a history and architecture buff’s dream; the scale of the ruins, the brilliant frescoes, mosaic masterpieces and bodies frozen in casts of ash are indelible sights.

Skip the traffic along the circuitous and clogged two-lane road that lines the Amalfi coastline and explore by water; the hotel

maintains several motorboats for private charter to engage in sightseeing, diving and snorkeling activities. Having experienced the crush of tourists inching up and down the narrow corridors in Positano, I much prefer the placid way the terraced buildings appear from the water. Be sure to stop for lunch at Maria Grazia in Nerano (a smaller and less touristy town than Positano); it has been one of Guido Fiorentino’s favorite restaurants since childhood. Extolled for their pasta with zucchini, Maria Grazia’s house-made limoncello is among the best I’ve sampled. If summer had a flavor, it would be their dessert of freshly-picked wild strawberries simply dressed with a dollop of whipped cream.

Exploring Sorrento is as easy as ducking into the narrow cobblestone alleyways that splay off of Centro Storico (historic center) in search of souvenir treasures, most notably examples of marquetry the town is known for. Other sites of interest include the Museum Correale di Terranova for a rich assortment of 16th-19th century Neapolitan art and crafts; the Musei Bottega della Tarsia Lignea, an 18th century palace with frescoes and a collection of marquetry and art representative of the era; and, Basilica di Sant’ Antionio, the oldest church in town, dating to the 11th century. There are also a number of hiking trails on Mount Faito, which rewards trekkers with spectacular views of the surrounding area.

The fact that the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria has been family owned from its inception imparts a special sense of place to what is already a very special place. Having your name added to their registry places you among the ranks of an esteemed list of guests who have reveled in the mystique of this historic hotel for more than 180 years. sl

Vittoria breakfast room

Curating a Lifestyle: Destination Nashville

Written by Amelia Jeffers

Folk art, quilts, furniture, original painted surfaces, rich patina… if any of these things make you weak in the knees, then you are certain to fall in love at the 2018 Heart of Tennessee Antique Show, to be held from February 14 – 16, 2018 at the Wilson County Exposition Center in Lebanon, Tennessee, located just half an hour outside of Nashville. The Nashville area has long been a destination for history buffs and antique lovers with its museums, historic distilleries, rich musical heritage, and varied cityscape. There is something for everyone in this diverse region, including a burgeoning culinary scene, a plethora of local shops, and plenty of treasures to discover. The Nashville region’s central location and mild weather make it an ideal location to peruse hundreds of finds hailing from California to Maine.

The 2018 Heart of Tennessee Antique Show brings together 54 exhibitors from over 20 states and Canada, and features an outstanding array of Americana, from jewelry to furniture and everything in-between. While only in its third year, this show has been growing rapidly under the careful guidance of organizer Kathy Bovard, who has transformed it

from a simple show to a must-attend event that kicks off with an opening night including a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres for visitors to enjoy as they mingle with and peruse the offerings of exhibitors from across the country.

Fresh from the Winter Antiques Show, Los Angeles-based Americana dealers American Garage will be exhibiting their carefully curated selection of dynamic folk art, including original trade signs. For paint enthusiasts, Jewett-Berdan Antiques from Maine will satisfy your craving for original painted surfaces in addition to fine folk art, textiles, and paintings. Midwesterners Tim and Charline Chambers of Missouri Plain Folk will be on hand to tempt you with their fresh folk finds, including an array of painted game boards (if you really want to be inspired, make sure to add their book, The Art Of The Game: A Collection Of Vintage Game Boards, to your 2018 reading list), finely woven baskets, painted signs, and folk art staples including firkins, mortars and pestles, and pantry boxes.

The Heart of Tennessee Antique Show is the newest jewel in the trifecta of antique shows occurring in the Nashville

Photo courtesy Jon Jenkins, The Nashville Show

area during the second week in February, including the now venerable Nashville Show, held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds (formerly the Tailgate-Music Valley Antique Show, tailgateantiqueshow.com), with a more than 30-year history delighting Americana collectors. Among the 140 exhibitors who will be on hand include Ted and Jennifer Fuehr of American Spirit Antiques, specializing in antique American furniture, folk art, leather bound books, and a fine assortment of decorative arts including boxes, ceramics, and glassware. Stephen Score, Inc. of Boston, MA specializes in 18th through early 20th century American Folk Art, offering original yet freshly contemporary paintings, furniture, sculpture, and textiles. The Nashville Show also boasts a Vintage Marketplace, showcasing contemporary artisans breathing new life into historical forms and designs and will be held from February 15-18, 2018.

In Nashville’s spirit of abundance, collectors will delight in a third event, the Fiddlers Antiques Show, held at the Fiddler’s Inn, across from the Opryland Hotel in Nashville

(fiddlersantiquesshow.com/). The event features more than 50 exhibitors with a vast selection of Americana, including country, primitives, folk art, and traditional furniture and accessories, in addition to fine art, textiles, jewelry, collectibles, vintage goods, and more. Individual hotel rooms are transformed into antique suites, creating an immersive shopping experience. The Fiddler’s Antiques Show will be held from February 14-17, 2018, and is just a 15-minute drive to the Nashville Show and a 34-minute drive via I-40W to the Heart of Tennessee Antique Show.

As the glimmer of the holidays begins to fade and winter’s chill seems unending, let the warm glow of Nashville’s soulful heart usher you into a new year as over 200 dealers descend upon this remarkable region to create a collector’s dream come true. In 2018, resolve to savor the details, connect with your passions, and surround yourself with beauty – there’s no better place to begin than Nashville. sl

Amelia Jeffers is an nationally-known auctioneer and appraiser who has worked in the fine art, antiques and bespoke collectibles market for over 20 years.

Far East Movement

Clockwise from top left: 1.State Makal pump ($118; nordstrom.com), John Hardy men's Naga bracelet ($1,495; johnhardy.com), Marta Dress from Cinq à Sept ($465; cinqasept. nyc), Lydia Courteille koi earrings with rubies, yellow and blue sapphires, tsavorites, ice jade and hauynites (price upon request; lydiacourteille.com), Toile Indienne Mughal Florals Lattice silk cushion (toileindienne.com), Wendy Yue Haute Joaillerie ring (price upon request; wendyyue.com), Vince Camuto Savilla pump ($99; vincecamuto.com), Alex Solider Festive Drops earrings ($690; alexsoldier.com), Tamara Comolli Candy chandelier earrings in 18K gold with precious stones ($7,390; tamaracomolli.com), To commemorate the 10th anniversary of its Ginza boutique, this past October Breguet unveiled the first piece of a 10-piece series created for the Japan market. The Breguet 5176 "Ginza Anniversary" is presented in a 38mm diameter white gold case, blue "Grand Feu" enamel dial with platinum-coated numerals and rhodium-plated hands (price upon request; breguet.com), Lele Curio hand-painted silk jewelry box (lalacurio.com). Opposite page: Desigual spring/summer 2018 looks from New York Fashion Week (desigual.com).

Clockwise from top left: Covet Amadeo Fleurier 39 "Blue Burdocks" Grand Feu Enamel (price upon request; bovet.com), Rare Gems of India carved jade, diamond and black onyx tassel necklace ($9,860; raregemsofindia.com), 18K white gold, sapphire and carved jade ring ($5,200; raregemsofindia.com), Noudar white gold and diamond earrings (price upon request; noudar.com), Louise et Cie Anyi mule ($110; louiseetcie.com), White jade and diamond earrings from the Echo collection by Karma El Khalil (price upon request; karmaelkhalil.com), Buddha Mama 20K Happy Buddha pendant with sustainably sourced rubies ($4,500; buddhamama.com), Koko python bag from Doris Dorothea with removable shoulder strap ($925; dorisdorothea.com), Orient candle from L'Objet ($145; l-objet.com), Creed Asian Green Tea perfume, 3.3oz ($315; creedboutique.com), Cirri 18K gold and diamond ring (price upon request; cirari.com), Michael Aram Butterfly Ginkgo cuff ($1,875; michaelaram.com). Opposite page: Desigual spring/summer 2018 looks from New York Fashion Week (desigual.com).

ADDING BY SUBTRACTION

The Range Rover Velar was designed and engineered with an unwavering belief that less is more

Written by Andre James

The original Range Rover was launched in 1970; 47 years later, the Velar, the fourth member of the Range Rover family, was unveiled. Derived from the Latin ‘velare’ meaning to veil or cover, the inspiration of the moniker dates back to the first Range Rover prototypes kept under wraps in the 1960s. “We call the Velar the avant-garde Range Rover,” said Land Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern. “It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.”

Created as a clean sheet utilizing Jaguar Land Rover's lightweight aluminum architecture, the mid-size SUV is designed to bridge the gap between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport. The Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach in its design; a continuous waistline rises through to the taut tapered lines of the rear, and a generous 113.15-inch wheelbase contributes significantly to both its elegant design and spacious interior. Pivotal to the contemporary design of the Velar are the full LED headlights (the slenderest ever to appear on a production Land Rover), flush deployable door handles, and

available Burnished Copper detailing on the hood vents, front bumper blades, and fender vents.

The spirit of reductionism also applies to the interior, which serves to create a streamlined sanctuary optimized for both operator and occupants. Integral to the enhanced driving experience is a suite of consumer technologies that work in tandem to function as a built- in technology butler. The nexus of the suite is an all-new, cutting-edge infotainment system called InControl Touch Pro Duo, featuring two 10-inch screens integrated seamlessly behind hidden-until-lit surfaces.

Advanced consumer technology is also reflected in the use of trend setting materials in the cabin, such as an optional sustainable, premium textile seat material as an alternative to leather. The Dapple Grey material was developed together with Kvadrat, a leading manufacturer of high-quality design textiles in Europe, and is complemented with Suedecloth inserts available in Ebony or Light Oyster.

Exceptional performance is delivered via three available diesel and gasoline powertrains, all matched to a smooth-shifting

ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift controls and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.

Offered for the first time on a Land Rover model is a fourcylinder Ingenium diesel engine that delivers high levels of torque from low engine speeds to ensure excellent on-demand responsiveness and acceleration. The model’s fuel efficiency leader, acceleration from 0-60mph takes 8.4 seconds.

The Velar represents one of the first applications for the new Jaguar Land Rover 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine, designed with an integrated exhaust manifold and a twinscroll turbocharger to deliver smooth, refined performance. This 247HP variant makes the 0-60mph sprint in 6.4 seconds.

An even more powerful, 380HP supercharged V6 gasoline engine combines sports car performance with a unique soundtrack and enables the Velar to accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in only 5.3 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

The Range Rover Velar and Velar R-Dynamic range is comprised of four selectively available specifications including Standard, S, SE or HSE, with three powertrain options depending

on trim. Customers can also specify Black and Premium Exterior Packs for an even more distinguished appearance.

Most exclusive of all will be the Velar First Edition. Limited to approximately 500 units in the U.S. and available for one model year only, the Velar First Edition is powered solely by the 380HP 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine and features a wealth of extra features as standard, including a full extended leather interior, as well as a copper weave carbon fiber trim finisher to complement the perforated Windsor leather seats finished in two tone Light Oyster/Ebony, a 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System, and special 22-inch Split-Spoke wheels with diamond-turned finish. First Edition models are available exclusively in one of three colors; Corris Grey, Silicon Silver, or Flux Silver– a unique added cost satin finish exclusive to the First Edition, which will be meticulously hand-sprayed at Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations’ Oxford Road Technical Centre in the UK.

“Velar is now the compelling, stand-out design in its class, showcasing perfectly optimized volume, powerful, taut surfaces and a stunning silhouette,” said McGovern.

Pricing for the Velar begins at $49,900 (landroverusa.com). sl

NO SHELL UNTURNED

Exploring all that the island of Curaçao has to offer

Written by Caylee Matthews

Curaçao rewards the curious. Located in the Dutch Antilles, it is the largest and most rugged of the ‘ABC islands’ (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao). Some of its gems, such as the famed UNESCOprotected, pastel-hued colonial buildings that line the waterfront in its capital city of Willemstad, are easy to come by. Discovering others is a bit like hunting for treasure in an off-the-beaten-path antique store. If you are willing to put in the effort, there are scores of interesting personalities and places to be found.

Tucked rather nondescript along a residential street just a five-minute drive from Willemstad, Baoase, the island’s only five-star resort, fits the theme of finding the extraordinary in the unexpected. Originally built by Ad Van Der Valk as a show of affection for his wife Bibi Rutten (the name ‘Baoase’ is a Dutch play on words to mean ‘B and A’s oasis’), the couple decided relatively quickly that the site was too special to be limited to a few get-togethers for family and friends throughout the year. They increased the number of guest accommodations to 23 luxury suites and villas and built an island to serve as a surf break, which created a tranquil private lagoon for swimming.

Jesse Zahn-Van der Valk, Ad’s daughter who now serves as Baoase’s co-general manager with her husband Jesse, said she and her siblings were initially skeptical of their father’s plans. “We called him the ‘cowboy of the Caribbean’ and thought he’d be better off throwing money into the ocean,” she said with a laugh. Possessing an ideal blend of genuine warmth with a perfectionist’s eye, Jesse has her sights squarely focused on catapulting Baoase into the ranks of the world’s top beachfront resorts.

There is a discernable Balinese influence throughout the entirety of the property. Several guest rooms are oriented around a meandering freeform infinity pool; the remainder are free-standing oceanfront villas with private plunge pools. The lushly landscaped grounds are dotted with Asian art. Our beachfront pool suite presented an eclectic mix of old-meets-new: tall carved Balinese painted panels and doors with a lovely patina adorning the walls near the entry and bathroom were intriguingly juxtaposed with electric blue LED accent lighting on the ceiling above the bed. Both the shower and stone soaking tub were located in a walled courtyard; a covered patio with dining table and wet bar adjacent to the private plunge pool was an ideal site for a romantic multicourse hot stone dinner one evening.

Beachfront pool suite at Baoase

Grote Knip Beach Klein Knip Beach

The lagoon at Baoase

Beachfront Pool Suite outdoor bath

Interior of a Beachfront Pool Suite

Lounge chairs and cabanas dot the white sand crescentshaped beach that rings the lagoon. Beach butlers are on hand to bring refreshments or assist with complimentary watersports and snorkeling gear. Spa services are available in a private beach gazebo or in-room.

Serving three meals daily, Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant is under the direction of Chef Rene Koop. Reflecting the property’s Far East bent, the menu is a melding of primarily French and Asian traditions, with a sprinkling of influences from other international cuisines. At dinner, both a la carte and chef’s tasting menus are offered; Sundays are designated as Asian Night, with fresh sushi and Asian bites. For an extra-special dining experience, book a private candlelit dinner in a beachfront gazebo.

Renting a car is a must to fully explore everything the island has to offer. In nearby Willemstad, top sights include the floating Queen Emma Bridge that connects the Punda and Otrobanda neighborhoods. Near the waterfront, the 19th century Rif Fort is now a shopping center. Vendors sail 42 miles from Venezuela to hawk produce and fish at the floating market. Sanctioned street art is prevalent and adds to the colorful cityscape. Grab a drink at Luke’s Bar (curacaotodo.com), the first establishment solely

dedicated to craft cocktails, before heading to dinner and latenight dancing in the trendy Pietermaai Smal historic district.

Further afoot, one of my favorite unexpected stops was a curious medicinal garden carefully cultivated in the arid environs by Dinah Veeris. Discouraged to see that herbal traditions were slowly disappearing on the island, she left her teaching job in the 1980s and devoted herself to herbal medicine, learning all that she could about local remedies and buying a one-acre parcel that is now home to 300 different plant species. The property was opened to the public in 1991 as Den Paradera, which means “the place where you feel at home.”

Dinah, whose smooth skin and enviable cheekbones belie her 70-somethingness, is now a highly sought-after expert who maintains a rigorous schedule of speaking engagements around the globe, so it is a treat if you’re lucky enough to get a tour of the garden with her. A modern-day medicine woman, as we walked, she plucked off a leaf here or a twig there, while relaying stories of treating asthma or a toothache. Most interesting was her method of reviving ailing plants: she removes them from the earth and places them in a special hammock, where she will rock them while singing songs purported to nurse them back to health (dinahveeris.com).

The UNESCO-protected waterfront in Willemstad

Deconstructed gazpacho at Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant Dinah Veeris demonstrating the medicinal power of plants

Upscale beachgoers congregate at Jan Thiel Beach, which offers four beachfront restaurants, beach tennis, scuba outfitters, shopping, and a lively nightlife scene (janthielbeach.com). Further afoot on the undeveloped western windward coast are the picturesque Grote Knip and smaller Klein Knip public beaches. Popular with locals, children often line the rocky cliffs that protect the coves, goading one another to take the plunge into the azure waters. There are scores of other beaches dotting the island, varying in terrain, size and available facilities, allowing you to spend a day scouting out your favorite.

Also located on the island’s western side (about 40 minutes from Willemstad) is Christoffel Park, Curaçao’s largest national park (christoffelpark.org). Created by the government’s purchase of three former plantations, the site is home to wild orchids and other plant and animal species (such as the endangered Curaçao whitetailed deer) rarely seen elsewhere on the island. There are eight hiking trails, including one that leads to the summit of Christoffel Mountain. Topping out at 1,230 feet, it is the island’s highest point (allow a minimum of two hours and bring plenty of water).

Adjoining Christoffel Park, Shete Boka National Park (shetebokapark.org) is named for the dramatic coves sculpted in the limestone by the pounding surf along this six-mile stretch of rugged coastline. Hiking along the trail that follows the cliff line from Boka Tabla to Boka Pistol, the rocky landscape feels almost lunar, with the exception of powerful waves that make a thundering sound as they continue their work. There are various access points to explore caves and quiet inlets, the latter serving as sea-turtle nesting grounds.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, Karakter Restaurant in the Coral Estates neighborhood (karaktercuracao.com), Landhuis Daniel, located in one of the oldest plantation houses of Curaçao (landhuisdaniel.com), and Jaanchies Restaurant (in operation for 60 years and the best place to try iguana), are all worthwhile stops for lunch or dinner.

My stay on Curaçao was unlike any other island sojourn in recent memory. From the polished perfection of a private toes-inthe-sand dinner at Baoase, to sharing the sea and sand with locals at primitive Jeremi beach, our dedication to leaving no shell unturned allowed us to experience much of what the island has to offer. sl

Beach butler at Baoase

Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant

Shete Boka National Park

Sophisticated Source

Fashion-forward finds for upping your style game i .

by Elise Hofer Shaw

IN THE BAG Twist PM in silver epi leather with chevron pattern, $3,750, and Petite Malle in silver epi leather with chevron pattern, $5,750, both at Louis Vuitton, 312.944.2010.

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

Clockwise from top left: The Great American Issue print, $150-$675 unframed, by Andrea Mary Marshall at ArtStar, artstar com

Earrings from the 1980s, $185, by Richard Kerr at Ladybug Vintage, ladybugvintage com Rose et la Roue round sunglasses, $695, by Anna-Karin Karlsson at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Leopard-appliqué cotton sweatshirt, $430, by Vivetta at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. African Leather eau de parfum (6.8 oz.), $520, by Memo Paris at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Caiman calf-hair clutch, $1,140, by Tomasini at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. On the model at right: Leopard denim jacket, $550, by Marcelo Burlon at VMR, 312.649.6673. Full looks are available at marceloburlon.eu. Beatrice leopard/Maiolica printed canvas tote bag, $1,675, by Dolce & Gabbana at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Hermitage tile by Martyn Lawrence Bullard in Leopard (available in 10”x10” and 20”x20” field tiles), price upon request, at Ann Sacks in LuxeHome at theMART, 312.923.0919. Mirror B leopard-print calf-hair belt, $450, by Bally at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Fiorucci book (Rizzoli), $45, at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Camel-black treated leopard printed lamb leather oversized jacket with contrast red nappa leather piping and embroidered “Spiritismo” appliqué on the back, $6,700, at Gucci, 312.664.5504.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

MBRACE wing chair designed by Sebastian Herkner in Pepper, $2,840 (plus $1,520 for the full cushion), at DEDON in the Design Center at theMART, 312.982.7555.

GO WEST Clockwise from top left: Tuxedo box minaudière with turquoise-hued studs, $4,990, by Saint Laurent at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Bull skull sculpture, $139, at Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design locations, 800.WITH.AN.E. Lismore star paperweight, $65, by Waterford Crystal at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Necklace from the 1970s, $525, by Castlecliff at Ladybug Vintage, ladybugvintage.com. Gabby Supercharged fringe belt bag in black Italian pebble leather with gold hardware, $295, by 84Rockwell, 84rockwell.com. Tehora embellished leather belt, $495, by Isabel Marant at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Energy bracelets, starting at $34 each, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Paloma Nano tote bag, $1,850, by Christian Louboutin at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Blockpoint hand-painted leather pillow, $275, by AVO at Norcross and Scott, 773.564.9533. Leo print, $150-$575 unframed, by Susan Friedman at ArtStar, artstar.com. Cotton dress, $4,600, straw embroidered hat with glass pearls, turquoise and red jasper resin, $1,250, and Wildior calfskin sandals, $1,190, all at Dior, 312.651.4415. Coach 1941 suede Western shirt, $2,000, and embellished pin-tuck dress, $1,400. Similar styles available at Coach, 312.587.3167. Nomad Deluxe book (Assouline), $85, by Herbert Ypma at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Metal-tipped haircalf ankle boots, $1,995, by Calvin Klein 205W39NYC at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Marigold crescent incense burner, $130, by MQuan Studio at Norcross and Scott, 773.564.9533.

Canfield over-ear headphones in Gloss Black, $650, at Shinola Chicago stores, shinola.com.

WORKING GIRL Clockwise from top left: Contemporary Painting of a Woman oil on canvas, $3,500 (48”x48”x2”), by Kajohnjit Yanaphan at The Golden Triangle, 312.755.1266. Yves Saint Laurent book, $75, by Farid Chenoune and Florence Müller at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Sella bag in leather and calf-hair, $2,600, at Tod’s, 312.943.0070. Beya loafer (18mm), $475, by Nicholas Kirkwood at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. Stretch suiting tailored jacket with slit details, $1,200, by Adeam at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. Classic cashmere sleeveless crewneck with gathering at the neckline, over layer with beaded fringe detail and blouson bracelet sleeves in pearl blue, $1,895, at Marlowe, 312.988.9398. Vintage oyster perpetual date watch, $5,280, by Rolex at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Grey crocodile rectangular box, $250, by L’Objet at Elements, 312.642.6574. Oh de Christofle stainless steel ashtray, $125, at Christofle, 312.619.3700. Mosaic-embossed leather pencil cup, $78, at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Mesh aviator metal optical frames, $390, by Grey Ant at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Cassina Lady Divano sofa, $5,450, by Marco Zanuso at Luminaire, 312.664.9582. Coat with plume-sleeve detail, $2,730, nylon stockings, $210, and bicolor slingback pump (65mm), $990, all by Prada at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. Telis blazer, $990, and Trevi trouser, $595, both by Isabel Marant at VMR, 312.649.6673.

WHITE OUT White top, price upon request, by Zimmermann at VMR, 312.649.6673. Full look available at us.zimmermannwear.com.

GOOD SPORTClockwise from top left: Mahonia ultra-lightweight pullover jacket featuring “postcards” sketches by Jean-Philippe Delhomme in black and white, $1,695, at Moncler, 312.361.8573. Intarsia effect crewneck sweater with sketches by Jean-Philippe Delhomme. Similar styles priced upon request at Moncler, 312.361.8573. Frame bag by Konstantin Grcic, $320, at Maharam, maharam.com. Women’s Burton premium warmest mitt, $140, at Burton, 773.697.3055. Big Bastard 90L roller bag in black camo, $299, by Douchebags, douchebags.com. Range snowboard, $499, by Weston Snowboards, westonsnowboards.com. Supertonic women’s skis, $699, by Faction, us.factionskis.com. Women’s Cryos Expedition GTX parka, $800, at The North Face Chicago stores, thenorthface.com. The Explorer backpack in black camo, $299, by Douchebags, douchebags.com. Women’s Cryos hikers, $450, at The North Face Chicago stores, thenorthface.com. Ski-II sunglasses, $400, by Carrera at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Progressor C goggle, $159, by Adidas, adidas.com.

Ten Chicagoans to know, love and follow in 2018.

By Bridget Daley / Photography by Anthony Tahlier

Ashley Walter Pettit

Certified holistic nutritionist, personal trainer, fitness chef, on-air healthy living expert and the founder of LIVING with Ashley (livingwithashley.com) // @living_withashley

“My new year’s resolutions start with developing an even closer relationship with Chicago—attending more events, meeting new people, expanding socially and professionally in all ways. I want to date my town!” says Ashley Walter Pettit, 36, whose wellness company provides thousands with dynamic nutrition and fitness resources to improve your health from the inside out. (We’re obsessed with her foolproof, 21-day plan called “Tell Fat to Eff Off”). “Personally, I plan to continue to work on my confidence as a woman, a business owner and as someone who is sometimes too sensitive. I want to own all that I am and make no apologies for being true to myself. And, most importantly, I want to spend as much time as possible with my 3-year-old daughter, Reese. Mommy-and-me time is a priority I will always put first.”

J. Ivy

Award-winning performance poet, recording artist, songwriter, author and actor (j-ivy.com) // @j_ivy

“I’m really excited about 2018 and what it has to offer. To be on point, I want to be better at the things I’m great at and correct the things I’m bad at. I want to eat better, workout more, write more, read more, stay conscious of helping others, see more of the world and spread genuine love every day,” says J. Ivy, 41, the South Sider whose resume includes more than a few impressive collaborations and appearances (he was featured on three seasons of HBO’s Def Poetry, performed a poem alongside Jay-Z on Kanye West’s Grammy-winning album The College Dropout, and narrated the documentary Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ, which snagged an NAACP Image Award, to name just a few highlights).

“Consistency is key. You can be passionate, but being mindful to maintain the pace you set at the beginning of the race is something I’m working on now and want to continue throughout the year and beyond. With each choice, I want to be honest with myself and make great decisions. But most of all I want to raise my vibration and smile!”

Naomi Beckwith

Marilyn and Larry Fields Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (mcachicago.org) // @mcachicago

“I never make personal resolutions for the new year. I’m not saying that I’m perfect, but I just think one should correct issues as they arise, not on a turn-of-the-year schedule,” says Naomi Beckwith, 41, who is excited about opening the first major survey of African-American artist Howardena Pindell next month (Howardena Pindell: What Remains to Be Seen, Feb. 24-May 20 at the MCA). “But if I could work on anything right now, it would be to get my desk in order and stay on top of the multiple projects I’ve committed to—exhibitions, trustee work for community arts organizations and women’s groups, professional development for curators, writing, diversity work, making sure I spend time with family… As for the city, I’d like to work on seeing more public art and monuments that recognize the amazing contributions that women have made to Chicago and the world.”

Miranda Rae Mayo

Chicago Fire actor, singer/songwriter and human rights and mindfulness advocate  @msmayoalldayo

“I am inviting myself into a practice of fierce, committed authenticity in 2018,” says Miranda Rae Mayo, 27, who has a new song called “Be Alright” with singer/songwriter Lauren Bennett, as well as her first independently released EP, which both are being released early this year. “I plan to play a more prominent role in educating children in mindfulness practices with community groups like Holistic Life Foundation, I Grow Chicago and Bodhi Spiritual Center, sharing the authenticity of my experience along the way. I think there’s a lot of power in transparency and vulnerability. It’s crazy difficult, but the hope is that others will feel encouraged to be their most authentic selves and then turn around and empower their communities to do the same. It’s a daily practice—we’ll see how it goes!”

Hair and makeup by Base Salon, basesalonchicago.com

Kamau Murray

Executive director, XS Tennis and Education Foundation (xstennis.org) and coach to 2017 US Open Champion Sloane Stephens @kamaumurray

“My first new year’s resolution is to be more present in every single activity and every single moment,” says Kamau Murray, the man behind the XS Tennis and Education Foundation, the organization that’s on a mission to provide Chicago’s underserved youth with an enriching after-school safe haven and athletic/academic pathway to college (he’s also responsible for the $16.9 million mega XS Tennis Village in Washington Park). “For the past three years, I have been on the go constantly—traveling to tournaments, going from meeting to meeting, and juggling multiple projects and family responsibilities. I don’t want to being moving too fast and find myself doing one task while thinking about the next one. My second new year’s resolution is to be even more passionate. There are truly only a few priorities that are meaningful to me. I want to narrow my focus to these few priorities and be even more passionate about them.”

Sonat Birnecker Hart

Co-founder and president of KOVAL Distillery (koval-distillery.com), co-founder and president of Kothe Distilling Technologies (kothe-distilling.com), president of the Jewish Diplomatic Corps of the World Jewish Congress (worldjewishcongress.org) // @sonatdistills

“As a manufacturer, my goal is always to demonstrate how Chicago stands for the highest quality and finest design, while being a bastion of economic opportunity for start-ups like mine,” says Sonat Birnecker Hart, 44, who, with her husband Robert, left academia in 2008 (she has a PhD in German Cultural History) to make whiskey in Chicago with KOVAL. “‘Made in Chicago’ is on every bottle we produce, and I intend to both personally, and in spirit, deliver this message to the world. I also hope that Chicago will continue to gain greater recognition, and momentum, as a world leader on a variety of issues, including climate change, for which it has already set the stage in hosting the recent North American Climate Summit. My personal goals for 2018 are to continue to grow KOVAL, to give back to our community and recognize—every day—that the journey is the goal, and in turn, live each day to the fullest.”

Christopher Alexander Kent

Founder and principal designer of Gold Coast-based studio CAK (studiocak.com) // @studiocak

“My goal for 2018 is to strive to learn something new every day,” says Christopher Alexander Kent, 33, who is currently busy with a gut-renovation of a pied-à-terre in the Palmolive Building (think Parisian flair in the form of beaucoup color and texture mixed with classic Art Deco details). “Learning deepens our character and fuels innovation. I want to serve as an inspiration for others, and be known more for being a good person than for any accolades I may receive for my work. This year, I want to donate more time and energy to organizations that give back within Chicago’s design community. I want to be a support to those without a voice and a mentor to those who are trying to better themselves. I know firsthand how creativity can feed the soul. Let’s achieve harmony through design and change the world one room at a time.”

Sarah Grueneberg

Chef/partner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio (monteverdechicago.com),

James Beard Award-winning chef (Best Chef: Great Lakes, 2017), runner-up  Iron Chef Gauntlet and Top Chef: Texas @chefsarahjayne

“We have an awesome team [at Monteverde] and execute some fun programs, such as our made-to-order pastas and our ongoing sustainable composting, that I’m proud to continue,” says Grueneberg, 36, before teasing a 2018 TV project that’s, for now, very hush-hush. “As for my resolutions, professionally, I want to inspire our team to make healthier, delicious staff meals at work so we can all benefit from an overall healthier environment. And I’ll be heading back to Italy early this year to tour the southeast coast—Abruzzo, Puglia and Molise—to learn their traditional pastas. I’ve had most of my training in the northern regions and these areas make up much of the cucina povera cuisine. I know it will give me tons of inspiration for the restaurant. As for Chicago, I would love to see the city add composting pickup services for everyone—each residential and business address! There is so much good that can be done with compost.”

Lauren McGrady

Owner of RIDER for Life boutique in the West Loop and principal designer at RIDER by Design (shoprider.us) // @ridershop

“Professionally I am trying to focus on being an excellent leader and teammate,” says Lauren McGrady, 33, who, in addition to running her Lake Street shop for women’s fashion, art, interior design goodies and apothecary curios, keeps busy consulting on residential design projects for some pretty cool Chicagoans (including actress and friend Sophia Bush). “Growing a business from seed to um… What is the largest tree in the whole world? A sequoia? Well, let’s just say I am forever thankful to have an outstanding group of friends, family, mentors and customers to grow alongside. Personally, I’m working on self-care, taking chances and being okay with outside voices while trusting the grit that got me this far. My continued hope for Chicago would be for the West Loop and Fulton Market areas to maintain their authenticity and charm alongside the massive changes that are happening. This area is full of insanely delicious, beautifully designed restaurants—WonFun, I love you!— owned and operated by Chicago restaurateurs. It would be wonderful to see the retail scene follow suit.”

Kiki Luthringshausen

Marketing/branding executive, networker, ideator, momager and partner of Spoonfed Agency (bespoonfed.com) // @spoonfedagency

“In life, if you don’t risk anything, you risk everything,” says Kiki Luthringshausen, 46, whose boutique marketing firm boasts big clients including chefs Giuseppe Tentori and Rodelio Aglibot. “That’s my motto in business and in life. In 2018, my goal is to continue growing and expanding Spoodfed’s national client base. Outside of the office, I’m an advocate for arts education. Students who receive more arts education do better on standardized tests, have better social skills and are more motivated. In Chicago, arts programs are being slashed because schools don’t have the funds to run them. I’ve started working with Ingenuity [ingenuity-inc. org], the nonprofit committed to supporting CPS schools and teachers in expanding arts for students. As a Chicagoan, I want to see CPS thrive. As a mother to two artists, I couldn’t be more passionate about making sure young, creative minds have the resources they need to reach their potential.”

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER

Gibsons Italia—the venerable restaurant group’s first downtown opening in more than a decade—marries refined Italian dishes and American steakhouse classics with a prime river view.

By Joel Hoglund / Photography by Kailley Lindman

It’s a cold Monday night and it’s been a long day. But when my cab pulls up alongside a glassy new high-rise at the edge of the river, where only a few years ago squatted a parking lot, suddenly my dinner date and I are wide awake and ready for action.

And that’s just what we get as soon as we set foot inside Gibsons Italia, the swanky new sibling to the iconic original Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on Rush Street. In the small groundfloor lobby of the multi-level space, sharply suited men and impeccably styled women cluster around a prominent political candidate on their way up to a fundraiser in the rooftop private event space, which comes complete with a white marble bar, fireplace and retractable roof. In the kinetic second-floor bar and lounge, the after-work crowd noshes cheerily on filet mignon sliders and colossal prawns as servers shuttle trays loaded with classic Manhattans and Old Fashioneds between the high-top tables. The place is hopping. “Like the original Gibsons, the bar at Gibsons Italia is really lively, social and fun,” says Liz Lombardo Stark, director of PR and marketing at Gibsons Restaurant Group. “It’s a hallmark of what we do.” (And she should know—as daughter of Gibsons founder Steve Lombardo, Liz grew up immersed in the family business.)

This seems like the place to be, and we’re almost hesitant to head one floor up to the dining room—but, remarkably, that space is no less lively, no less fun. From the four-top of businessmen swapping knee-slappers, to the date-night couple consumed by throw-your-head-back laughter, to the long table of girlfriends toasting a birthday with a round of Coffee Spritzes—an unforgettable mix of Averna amaro, Mars Iwai whisky, La Colombe Cold Brew coffee, egg white and prosecco—the conviviality is palpable.

A steakhouse at heart, Gibsons Italia also offers dishes with an Italian accent. Don’t miss the double-baked potato with ricotta and freshly shaved Burgundy black truffles.

Inspired by mid-century Milan, the space is more modern than the lived-in look at the original Gibsons, with colorful pops of abstract art, gray saddle-stitched leather booths and chairs modeled off of Enzo Ferrari’s own office chair. Architect Mark Knauer wisely tiered the space to give every table a prime view through the full-height glass to the glowing buildings lining the river. “We were definitely influenced by the location,” says Lombardo Stark. “The spectacular view of the city skyline and the Chicago River is the star of the show.”

That is, until the food starts to arrive.

As the antique pasta tools decorating the walls remind us, Gibsons Italia is about more than just steak. “Since we know steak and we know Italian [Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar is a part of Gibsons Restaurant Group] it felt like a natural fit to combine them into a modern Italian steakhouse,” says Lombardo Stark. Longtime Quartino chef John Coletta conceived the menu of

Italian dishes mingled with American steakhouse classics, now run by executive chef José Sosa, a 10-year vet of the Gibsons Group. That means a meal that starts off with a selection of pristine crudo, antipasti ranging from comforting red-sauced meatballs to an artful crab and avocado parfait, and insalate like the Italian Grain Bowl, a hearty mound of arugula, farro, barley, lentils, black-eyed beans, borlotti beans and avocado.

Then comes the pasta, which sets a new gold standard— literally. “Gibsons Italia’s pastas, made daily in-house with authentic Italian stone-ground Senatore Cappelli flour, are unique in that they’re extruded through custom-made gold dies instead of through industrial Teflon, stainless steel or bronze dies,” says Sosa. “This type of processing gives the pasta a unique consistency. Gold, a softer metal, stresses the pasta less, giving it a rough-textured surface to which sauce clings rather than slipping off.”

The lounge at Gibsons Italia is a cozy spot to enjoy masterfully mixed cocktails by the fire.

PLT panini with butcher’s cut pancetta, Crema di Provolone DOP, giardiniera Romana, tomato, curly endive and Italian sea-salt ciabatta

Oven-roasted vegetable bruschetta with cauliflower puree, market vegetables, upland cress and EVOO

Coffee Spritz cocktail (Averna, Mars Iwai Whisky, La Colombe Cold Brew, Demerara sugar, egg white and Prosecco)

The rooftop, which is available for private receptions and cocktail parties, has comfortable lounge seating with spectacular views of the city and the Chicago River.

“We were very purposeful on each level to highlight the view,” says Lombardo Stark.

Crabmeat and avocado parfait with mango, bell peppers and cognac mayonnaise

Bigeye tuna crudo with oyster crema, cucumber and crispy sunchoke chips

The 190-seat dining room boasts spacious booths, gray leather chairs and stadiumstyle seating so that everyone can enjoy unobstructed views of the city skyline and river.

Manhattan with Knob Creek Rye, Carpano Antica and barrel-aged bitters

Housemade goldextruded caserecce pasta with asparagus, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Corso ricotta

We can taste the difference in the linguine, dressed in a light but flavorful pinot blanco sauce with clams and hits of Calabrian chili, and the vibrant caserecce, super-fresh and loaded with sliced asparagus and gobs of ricotta. Both are respectably healthy preludes to a sublime platter of risotto. This creamy, can’t-miss indulgence is made with Acquerello seven-year-aged rice, laced with baby leeks and topped with five plump seared Viking Village sea scallops. Risotto rice and scallops both can be notoriously challenging to get just right, but Sosa’s kitchen proves its mettle with both cooked to absolute perfection.

This might feel like the crescendo at any other Italian restaurant, but going to a Gibsons without eating a steak would be like going to Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel. “Gibsons Italia is a steakhouse at heart, and we’re incredibly proud of our beef program,” says Lombardo Stark. “We’re the first and only group in the country to have our own USDA certification for our beef.” There are seven different cuts of Gibsons USDA Prime Angus on offer, ranging from the luscious filet mignon that we handily split—with a side of decadent duck foie gras butter, natch—to a 32 oz. dry-aged long-bone rib eye.

And there are some surprises as well. “For the first time at a Gibsons restaurant, Gibsons Italia offers the best international beef,” says Sosa, “including Gibsons Certified Australian grass-fed beef and Japanese Kobe A5 sirloin cut to order.” Sosa also swaps the

traditional steakhouse sides for more modern offerings like a grilled romanesco with roasted cherry tomatoes and egg salsa, flash-fried shishito peppers with balsamic ristretto, and a tantalizing doublebaked potato with ricotta and Burgundy black truffles. Sheer bliss.

After such extravagances, the relatively restrained dessert menu— no big-as-your-head slices of cake, the customary capper to a meal at the original Gibsons—is more than welcome. “We wanted to give customers the opportunity to sample and experience a variety of desserts—the different inspirations, flavors and contrasting textures,” says Sosa. That led to more sophisticated offerings like the extra virgin olive oil cake with strawberry white chocolate salsa and balsamic, Meyer lemon torta with Italian meringue and raspberries, and pineapple carpaccio with Meyer lemon sorbetto. They’re refreshing, surprisingly summery sweets that, together with the upbeat atmosphere and the warm hospitality from our team of white-jacketed servers, almost make me forget about the cold waiting outside.

Soaking in the scene from this prime riverfront perch over the last sips of Chianti, I’m imagining what a blockbuster the expansive outdoor terraces will be once they’re open for seating. “We can’t wait for our customers to experience Gibsons Italia in the spring and summer seasons,” says Lombardo Stark. “We plan to take full advantage of the view in the warmer months!”

So do we. sl

Gibsons Italia, 233 N. Canal St., 312.414.1100. gibsonsitalia.com

A sampling of USDA Gibsons Prime Angus and Australian grass-fed steaks

The Art of Seating is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, in collaboration with the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen Ph.D. Foundation and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C.

TOP PHOTO: Designed by Harry Bertoia (1915-1978) Manufactured by Knoll Associates, New York City, NY Large Diamond Lounge Chair, c. 1952 | LOWER LEFT PHOTO: Design and Manufacture Attributed to Pottier & Stymus and Company (Est. 1859), New York, NY, Egyptian Revival Side Chair, c. 1875 | LOWER CENTER PHOTO: Designed by Warren McArthur Jr. (1885-1961) Manufactured by Warren McArthur Corp., Rome, NY, Sling Seat Lounge Chair, c. 1935 | LOWER RIGHT PHOTO: Designed by Thomas Ustick Walter (1804-1887) Manufactured by Hammitt Desk Manufacturing Company, Philadelphia, PA, House of Representatives Chamber Arm Chair, 1857

Photos by Michael Koryta and Andrew VanStyn, Director of Acquisitions, Conservation and Photography

In 2017, the Chicago Tribune calculated that 12.4 percent of metro Chicago’s population—nearly 1.2 million people—live below the poverty line. On paper, “poverty” defines a household with an income of less than $25,000 annually (for a family of four). In reality, it’s like being caught in the eye of a storm, trapped in a pattern of precarious housing and never knowing where your next meal is coming from. And when hunger and homelessness become a way of life, begetting hopelessness and depleted feelings of selfworth, it’s hard to see a way out.

For the rest of society, the key to understanding poverty is understanding that it’s far from black-and-white—there’s no one impetus that equates to all. Some individuals are raised in generational poverty, a social misfortune that’s a challenging cycle to break. Others, when faced with financial hardships, turn to illegal activities as a means to put food on the table for their families (for example, selling drugs or gang-related activity). The good news is that Cara (carachicago. org) does not discriminate when it comes to throwing out a lifeline.

“The Gaelic word for friend is cara,” says Maria Kim, president and CEO of the Chicago-based organization that’s devoted to helping people affected by poverty—and often facing the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness and incarceration—get and keep quality jobs while, more importantly, rebuilding hope, self-esteem and opportunities for themselves and their families. “When Cara accepts a participant, we make them a serious promise: If they keep showing up and working hard, they will find a job.”

Here’s how it works: Step one is the application process. The majority of program applicants come from Cara’s vast network of referral partners—174 in total last year, most are organized Chicagoland shelters and rehab facilities—who initially determine when someone is “Cara-ready.” Notable partners include Illinois Department of Human Services, The Salvation Army and Pacific Garden Mission. Other applicants find Cara through its admissions

CHANCES ARE

Cara creates a pathway out of poverty by empowering those in need with the skills and self-worth to find transformational employment.

By Alexandra Sabbag

hotline, mobile recruitment team and sometimes, quite simply, by walking into one of Cara’s two Chicago locations—downtown and Bronzeville—and asking for help. (On average, participants are about 40 years old, roughly 50 percent are female and, perhaps surprising to some, nearly 70 percent have graduated high school.) Cara’s only requirements? A clear desire to get back to work and the ambition to go through the program.

Step two consists of Cara’s “boot camp” components— Recruitment (assuring participants are committed to the program), Training and Coaching (building workplace competencies and professionalism, alongside other skills like digital literacy and industry credentials), Transitional Jobs (putting the skills of the classroom to meaningful practice on the job), Placement (placing participants in quality jobs at companies that offer a competitive combo of wages and benefits), and Retention and Advancement (supporting participants along their career path to ensure they are best positioned for long-term success). “Our process is more rigorous than others so that our participants are more successful than others,” says Kim, adding that simulated workplace training is a big part of it. “The goal is to give them the traction they need to not only re-enter the workforce, but also the skills needed to achieve real, lasting success in life and work. Inevitably, stuff will happen while you are at work— coworker confrontations, human resources issues—and our program is designed to practice how to navigate through it all.”

The numbers are proof that the program is indeed working: Since the organization’s inception in 1991, Cara has helped more than 5,800 Chicagoans find placements at more than 8,700 quality jobs with Chicago-area companies. This past year, more than 130 companies hired Cara participants, including ABM, Hilton Hotels, Whole Foods Market, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Eataly and Northwestern Medicine, to name just a few. On average, Cara serves 1,000 people per year and places more than 600 individuals annually into gainful employment (read: jobs that are conducive to forward

Since 1991, Cara has helped more than 5,800 Chicagoans get placed into more than 8,700 quality jobs with Chicago-area companies.

and upward momentum within a self-actualized career journey and through which an individual can derive a sense of purpose and growth). Of those placed into permanent employment, Cara boasts a more than 70 percent retention rate for one year on the job, outpacing the national employment rate by 20 percent. What’s more? In a typical year, 50 percent of those placed in permanent or long-term positions receive benefits of some kind and collect, on average, $12.07 per hour.

Cara’s success rate has a lot to do with its emphasis on realworld experience. To that end, the organization owns and operates two social enterprises to offer temporary employment and build participants’ resumes: The first is called Cleanslate, an exterior maintenance business. The second, Cara Connects, is an alternative staffing company. Combined with the support of Chicago’s philanthropic-minded corporate community, Cara does everything it can to stack the resources in its participants’ favor. “In most cases, our corporate sponsors are a trifecta partner,” says Kim. “Meaning they not only give financially, but also serve as an employer and participate in the boot camp process, providing valuable job training skills.”

West Loop real estate powerhouse Sterling Bay is one such corporation. Forming an integrated, almost decade-long relationship, Sterling Bay’s Managing Principal Andy Gloor serves on Cara’s board of directors. Sterling Bay is a regular supporter and sponsor at Cara events, even hosting an annual fundraiser for Cara (the 5Kto1K in the Fulton Market district), and they serve as a hiring partner as well. “Sterling Bay has had the opportunity to put more than 250 people to work since the inception of our partnership,” says Gloor. “Cara is making a measurable difference in the lives of so many Chicagoans, and it’s an honor to be a part of that.”

But for far too many, stigmas are still a big hurdle. “There is a common misconception that homeless people don’t want to work or that low-income individuals are lazy,” says Kim. According to a Huffington Post article entitled “Homelessness Myth #1: Get a Job!” it’s important to remember that many homeless people are in fact

employed with one or two jobs that, combined, don’t pay enough to make ends meet. Oftentimes for those without jobs at all, the holdup isn’t a lack of effort, but rather a lack of resources to tend to basic needs like hygiene, healthy sleep and work-appropriate attire. For Cara, treating the human spirit by making its participants feel human again is an important part of the program.

Take, for example, a Cara graduate who was 30 years old when she entered the program. Originally from Brazil, she had been a victim of domestic violence for five years before being recommended for Cara by a friend. “I was told repeatedly that I had no worth and that I was stupid because I could barely speak English,” she says. “My fears were overshadowing my confidence. But when I found Cara, their belief that I could accomplish something great inspired me to do just that. For me, the definition of ‘Cara’ is ‘saving lives.’”

With palpable momentum, Cara continues to inspire much hope. The organization’s annual signature event, the Cara Gala, will be held on Friday, April 27, at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. Co-hosted for the second consecutive year by Alexi Giannoulias (former Illinois treasurer and now senior director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management), the event will welcome more than 400 Cara advocates from myriad Chicago industries to help support future programming and, according to Kim, expansion plans. “We’re opening up new on-ramps to our work in Chicago and exploring ways to take what we do on the road,” she says, “particularly in Rust Belt cities that are struggling to alleviate poverty and in need of a sustainable workforce solution. There is much work to be done, and the opportunity for hundreds of people placed in great jobs to become thousands.” sl

For tickets and to inquire about sponsorship for the Cara Gala, visit carachicago org/events.

Every morning at Cara begins with Motivations, a set time for participants, staff and guests to share their stories of struggles and successes. Photo by Alyssa Schukar Photography

Currently at work beautifying 33 Chicago neighborhoods and suburban communities, Cleanslate provides transitional employment and valuable job skills to Cara participants. Photo by Matt Kosterman

January SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

14 Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, banchetawards.com

19 Eisenopoly benefitting the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation, eisenbergfoundation.org

27-28 Randolph Street Market (shop vendors of vintage, antique, indie designer and global goods), randolphstreetmarket.com

28 d’Vine Affair benefitting the Self-Sufficiency Programs of Catholic Charities, catholiccharities.net

The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design Feb. 10 – Aug. 11, 2018

This new exhibit at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum features 37 exceptional examples of American chairs created between 1810 and 2010. Designed for form and function, each of the works of art acts as a window into our national history, culture and social trends. The exhibition features chairs by designers George Hunzinger, the Herter Brothers, the Stickley Brothers, Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Isamu Noguchi and Frank Gehry, among others. driehausmuseum.org

2 Grand Chefs Experience benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cffgrandchefs.com

8 Chicago Architecture Foundation’s Meet Your City 2018 Gala, architecture.org/gala

10 Wilmot Mountain’s 80th Anniversary Party (with fireworks at 10PM), wilmotmountain.com

10 Giordano Dance Chicago Legacy Ball, giordanodance.org

24 Annual gala benefitting the Junior League of Chicago, jlchicago.org

24-25 Randolph Street Market (shop vendors of vintage, antique, indie designer and global goods), randolphstreetmarket.com

February March

From left: Sling Seat lounge chair, c. 1935, designed by Warren McArthur Jr. (photo by Michael Koryta and Andrew VanStyn) and blue chair, 2004, designed and manufactured by Vivian Beer (photo by Douglas J. Eng)

by Barry Brecheisen

BARNEYS NEW YORK EVENING FOR CRF

Barneys New York on Oak Street hosted its sixth annual cocktail party for Children’s Research Fund (CRF). Karina and Jason Heinrich, Nancy and Phillip Resnick, and Amy and Jason Williams, along with Barneys’ Creative Ambassador-at-Large Simon Doonan, co-hosted the fashionable evening. Designer Maria Cornejo, shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood, jeweler Yves Spinelli and skincare guru Mila Moursi were all present to help support CRF and research conducted at the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. To date, CRF has raised more than $100 million to advance medical research. –Elise Hofer Shaw

Photos

for

1) Laura Silva, Kyle DeSantos and Nancy Cordin 2) Debby and Kitsy Ritter with Yves Spinelli 3) Elsa Silva, Mitchell Hatcher, Nicole Josz and Ana Silva Ernst 4) Ashley and Nancy Resnick

5) Michelle Dermenjian and Natasha Zivak 6) Stephanie Applebaum and Alex Jacobson 7) Maria Cornejo and Karina Heinrich 8) Simon Doonan and Shane Massel

GLOW BENEFIT EVENING

The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center welcomed nearly 400 guests to the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing for its inaugural benefit, GLOW. Music was the highlight of the evening, which began with cocktails in Terzo Piano to the sounds of pianist Patrick Donley. Griffin Court was the setting for the dinner, where composer and pianist Eric Genuis performed. Later, guests toured the gallery’s European Modern Collections and enjoyed dancing to music spun by DJ Madrid. GLOW helped the Woman’s Board to achieve its goal of raising $450,000 to develop and implement Rush’s School-Based Mental Health Program. –Sally Meyer

by

Photos

Rush Photo Group

1) Lisa Coolidge Roberts 2) Diane Dean Muccia, Anita Holcomb, Kay Krehbiel and Audrey Tuggle 3) Erica and Jacqueline Sandner with Gwen Solberg

Cassie Buccelatto and Carrie Portland

Mindy Kelly

DJ Madrid

Pamela Fitzgerald and Debra Beck

Suzanne Nelson

DESIGN CHICAGO PANEL AT POGGENPOHL

During Design Chicago—the Midwest’s largest residential design conference, held at theMART and featuring two days of events for kitchen, bath and home furnishings—the Poggenpohl showroom at LuxeHome hosted a lively panel discussion entitled Designing and Defining Your Luxury Brand. Moderated by Sophisticated Living Editor-In-Chief Elise Hofer Shaw, it featured panelists Alison Victoria (SL mag publisher and host of HGTV’s Windy City Flip), Jay Riordan (owner and president of Riordan Signature Homes) and Dawn McKenna (of the Dawn McKenna Group, the No. 1 real estate broker in Illinois) spoke about building their signature brands and fielded conversationsparking questions from guests. –Taylor Morgan

Photos by James Gustin for Fig Media

1) Rachel Sotoloff and Bridget Daley 2) Justine Hausner, SL magazine Editor-In-Chief Elise Hofer Shaw, Jaime Laurita and Rachel De Marte 3) Dawn McKenna, Jay Riordan and Alison Victoria 4) Karen Iantorno, Lauren Walz and Caitlin Smith 5) Shannon Steele and Karla Ortiz 6) Anne Schweitzer and Heather Seidelman

Sophisticated

Hofer Shaw

at Poggenpohl

AN EVENING WITH MISSONI AT NEIMAN MARCUS

Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue welcomed Angela Missoni to the store for a celebration in honor of her 20th anniversary as creative director. Models mingled through the crowd showcasing the 2018 spring/resort collection while guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres from Mariposa restaurant and pours of prosecco. Angela also presented an exclusive capsule collection created from the Missoni archives. Later, Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing spoke to the intimate crowd before Angela shared the story of how her parents met and started their eponymous label. –EHS

by

Photos

Sebastian Biedron

1) Julie Chez and Marlena Begier 2) Angela Missoni with models showcasing the Spring 2018 collection 3) Cindy Polayes and Susie MacKenzie 4) Ken Downing (Neiman Marcus Vice President and Fashion Director) and Wendy Krimins (Neiman Marcus Vice President and General Manager of the Michigan Avenue store) 5) Cecil Booth and Anna Marevska 6) Amy Nelson with daughter Lydia Nelson 7) Models wearing Missoni

JENNIFER FISHER TRUNK SHOW

Sophisticated Living magazine Creative Director Bridget Daley and VMR boutique owner Tina Kourasis welcomed more than 30 guests for an afternoon of shopping with New York jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher. Friends and fans of the brand sipped on Champagne and enjoyed light bites from Boutique Bites while shopping the autumn/ winter 2017 and fine jewelry collections. Fisher helped guests trying on her latest pieces—we’re obsessed with the gold Samira hoops!—and personalized necklaces with custom name plates and diamond-studded charms. –SM

Photos by Anthony Tahlier

1) Maggie Thaxton, Jennifer Fisher and Sarah Boudreau-Romano 2) Ashley Petit and Sarah Raskey 3) Hilary Boyajian and Mark Gill 4) Elise Hofer Shaw and Brooke Rusnak

5) Bridget Daley and Francine Turk 6) Hoop earrings by Jennifer Fisher Jewelry 7) Mika Stambaugh, Jennifer Fisher and Courtney Wright

A NIGHT OF CULINARY STARS

During the James Beard Foundation’s fifth annual Taste America weekend, Chicago’s most celebrated chefs gathered at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel for A Night of Culinary Stars, an exclusive dining event benefitting the James Beard Foundation’s mission and programs. The evening began with a reception featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from local chefs and restaurateurs, including Sandra Holl (Floriole Bakery), Nicole Pederson (Found, The Barn), Jenner Tomaska (Next) and Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia, Proxi). Later, guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner prepared by top chefs Michael Voltaggio and Stephanie Izard, host chef Frank Mnuk and pastry chef Mari Katsumura. –TM

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Photos

Jeff Schear

1) Gina Thomas and Ashley Brandon 2) Jack Schwartz and Kelly Garland 3) Billy Lawless, Ryan O’Donnell and Chris Thompson 4) Mari Katsumura, Susan Ungaro, Stephanie Izard and Frank Mnuk 5) Cara Zizzo, Fabio Viviani and Stephanie Sallah 6) Sam Toia, Susan Ungaro, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Kevin Boehm 7) Sarah and Jeff Mauro 8) Michael Voltaggio 9) Seared Diver Scallop with Jamaican Jerk Spice, Guanciale, Autumn Apples, Crispy Rice, and Pigeon Peas from Stephanie Izard