{Lexington’s Finest}
May/June 2014 five dollars
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1501 Lakewood Dr $3,700,000 One of a kind custom home w/ cove lighting & private yard Becky Mobley 859.321.0819
3105 Warrenwood Wynd $2,695,000 Contemporary with generous rooms & pool Becky Mobley 859.321.0819
1617 Harmony Hall $2,675,000 Exquisite, interior details, inground pool, on private street Becky Mobley 859.321.0819
3140 Warrenwood Wynd $995,000 Exceptional 6BR/4.5BA on large lot Rick Queen 859.221.3616
609 W Short St $925,000 Over 5000sq.ft, 1/3 acre gated Jim 859.619.9993 Jimmy 859.221.2575
Lake Cumberland $795,000 Phenomenal Lake Front! 9BR/11BA on 7 acres Pepper Woolwine 859.327.1896
2117 Winning Colors Lane $789,000 Walnut Grove Estates Immaculate! Over 5500sq.ft Patrice Perlman 859.338.6067
900 Inverness Road $789,000 Spacious ranch on 47 acres of bliss, with in-ground pool Becky Mobley 859.321.0819
2308 The Woods Ln $569,000 Exceptional & Spacious Living Myra Wathen 859.361.4593 Mary Dorval 859.494.3029
536 Clinton Road $595,000 Outstanding Renovation 4BR/3BA on large 1/3 acre lot Steven Wathen 859.621.3313
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3404 Pinas Bay Drive $329,000 Contemporary 4BR/3.5BA with updates, on large wooded lot Rick Queen 859.221.3616
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{Lexington’s Finest}
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May/June 2014
May/June 2014
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five dollars
on the cover: Photo by Spencer Murphy (UK), a fnalist in the Campaign section for Te Sony World Photography Awards, profled in the March/April issue of Sophisticated Living.
Watch List Jaeger-LeCoultre Heritage, Circa 1930. Ultra-thin “Knife” watch
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33
RdV Vineyards
34
Curating a Lifestyle:
Instant Ancestors
36
Worth the Wait
40
Bibliotaph
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Of Note… Mommy Dearest
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Of Note… Daddy Dearest
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Off The Wall: Tommy Ingberg
48
Watch List
54
Beachy Keen
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19th Annual Amelia Island
Concours d’Elegance
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Horse Drawn
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On a Roll
CHARITY REGISTER from the publishers of
THE PREMIER GUIDE FOR INFLUENCING SOPHISTICATED GIVING IN LEXINGTON.
Reserve your space today by contacting Bridget Williams at bridget@slmag.net.
May/June 2014
54
Beachy Keen An oceanfront slave hut, built around 1850, near the Pelelmeer salt fats on the island of Bonaire. Photo by Bridget Williams.
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Society Calendar
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Farmland Conservation Auction
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Sweet Dreams Gala
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Preview Party
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Tiffany at the Guggenheim
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Rodes Centennial Celebration
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Scott Harper Amelia Jefers Jef Jefers Austin Pembroke Photographers Tony Bailey Alexandra Eye Allie Filley Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton Michael Parker ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams VICE PRESIDENT Michele Beam ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jamie Leveridge
Are you a tastemaker? Sophisticated Living is now ofering franchise opportunities in select US and international markets. To learn more call 502-582-6563 or eric@slmag.net
Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.
SLMAG.NET
Sophisticated Living - Now In Five Cities
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May/June 2014 five dollars
May/June 2014 five dollars
Louisville, KY
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{Cincinnati’s Finest}
Lexington, KY
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{Indianapolis’ Finest}
May/June 2014
May/June 2014
five dollars
Cincinnati, OH
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{Lexington’s Finest}
{Louisville’s Finest}
five dollars
Indianapolis, IN
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{St. Louis' Finest}
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May/June 2014 five dollars
St. Louis, MO
From the Editor-In-Chief
Rosemary K. Reckers (March 27, 1921 - April 4, 2014) Small in stature yet strong and stalwart, you lived your life in quiet service to your family and your faith. Today, just hearing a single note from Benny Goodman transports me back to a simpler place in time when the dulcet sounds of big band music coming from your HiFi served as the soundtrack for frequent family gatherings at the place you’d called home since you were a toddler. Wasn’t it just yesterday that we clamored for frst dibs on a hot potato pancake during a Friday Lenten dinner or went for seconds (and in my case thirds) of your legendary Tanksgiving stufng? As the year’s marched on, your omnipresence in so many aspects of my life makes it that much harder to accept that you’re gone. To this day, whenever I happen to come across your wedding photo, I stop and admire the lithe and elegant young woman smiling back at me. Years after you’d become a widow way too young, I remember how you chuckled as I recounted a determined yet futile attempt to wrangle myself into your delicate silk gown in advance of my own wedding, trying to convince myself that my athletic proportions were somehow compatible with the garment’s impossibly small waistline and narrow back. I was your frst granddaughter, and it flled me with immense joy when you held my daughter - the frst of your 14 great grand children - for the frst time. Hindsight makes me regretful of the multitude of questions I’d always wanted to ask but never got around to: What was it like living through the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars? What did you think of Grandpa the frst time you met? What was my mom like as a teenager? Did you have a bucket list? Any regrets? With the sudden notice of your passing so soon after your 93rd birthday, I’m left to cherish the memory of the last time I saw you in person. Tat night, as I was leaving, you gave me a big hug and said in a chipper voice, “I am so happy to see you; I didn’t think I’d get to see you again before I died.” You’d always been there, so I naively assumed there would always be a next time. I love you and miss you immensely. Until we meet again, give my best to Grandpa.
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief
bridget@slmag.net
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From the Associate Publisher
And they’re of! It’s Derby time - one of my favorite weekends of the year! It has been a long winter and fnally we are starting to enjoy the onset of spring. Yes, like many ladies I look forward not only to a weekend full of great horse racing but also dressing up in Derby attire. I am sure that I am not alone when I say that the outft is a quintessential part of the day. Te Derby’s most famous accessory, the hat, must coordinate with the shoes, bag, and dress! Not an easy feat to pull of, but when put together properly can make for a real crowd pleaser. Speaking of crowd pleasers and sharp dressers, what a perfect segue to introduce MJ and Tom Rogers, owners of downtown Lexington’s Clawdaddy’s, which we are so excited to feature in this edition. Clawdaddy’s ofers fresh shellfsh, shipped directly from Maine twice a week, with no fllers and fne attention to all the details that go into their perfectly crafted lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls. Might be a great way to cater a Derby party this year! Just sayin’... So, whether you are at Churchill Downs or at a derby party in your own neck of the woods, let’s raise our julep cups for a classic day that shines a bright light on the Commonwealth of Kentucky and signifes the start of sunnier days ahead.
Jamie Leveridge, Associate Publisher jamie@slmag.net
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An exhibition of recent works by renowned Southern artist
Stephen Scott Young on view at Cross Gate Gallery from May 22 to June 8, 2014
Stephen Scott Young Dressed for School, Watercolor, 22” x 12 1/2”
Stephen Scott Young was recently profled in Garden & Gun
This will be Scott Young’s frst exhibition in Kentucky and is organized by Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington and Morris & Whiteside Gallery of South Carolina. CROSS GATE GALLERY 509 E. Main Street, Lexington, KY 40508
MORRIS & WHITESIDE GALLERIES 220 Cordillo Parkway Hilton Head, SC 29928
859-421-3436 | info@crossgategallery.com | crossgategallery.com
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Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery shares the dream with you, educating guests on the importance of organic farming for the conservation of land and ocean, green manufacturing and the production of spirits.
RdV Vineyards
Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier
I have had the good fortune of trying many great wines from around the world. I have also had quite a few wines from areas in the United States that I was wildly surprised could actually produce high quality wine. Although wine is now made in all 50 states, California, Washington State, Oregon and New York are considered the leaders in terms of quality in the USA. Perhaps the first great surprise to me was Gruet Winery. Gruet makes quality, sparkling wines from the most unlikely place: New Mexico. I certainly have had surprising wines from Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Texas, as well as surprising bad wines from many other states. Last year I had the chance to try a Nebbiolo from the Barboursville Winery in Virginia. Nebbiolo is the grape of Piedmont, Italy, and it reaches its pinnacle in the great wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Nebbiolo is rarely seen outside of Italy, moreover in Virginia, but the wine was very good. Barboursville made me think about Monticello, Thomas Jeferson’s estate where he attempted to grow grapes in Virginia to no avail. He hoped to produce wines like the great Châteaux of Bordeaux where he traveled when he was the Minister to France. It seems that Virginia is accomplishing his goal today. I say this not based on the delicious wine from Barboursville, but rather the amazing wines I have tried from RdV Vineyards. Dutch-born Rutger de Vink joined the US Marines after college and was a venture capitalist before settling on his dream life in the world of wine. He started his eponymous winery in 2004 with a location as improbable as the winemaker himself. As hard as it may seem to believe, both have turned out to be top notch. Like Tomas Jeferson more than 200 years ago, de Vink went to Bordeaux and tried their great wines. He did stages at several of the great Châteaux and interned at a Virginia winery; emulating them was the goal at RdV. Te frst vintages of Rendezvous and Lost Mountain were 2008, and having tried his current releases of 2010, I would say he is achieving his goal in a New World way. While I did not try the wines blind, it would be inconceivable to easily diferentiate them from a top class Napa or Sonoma Cabernet or a Merlot blend. Te wines are not inexpensive, but with the
investment he has made in talent, vineyards, and hard work, how could they be? RdV makes wine in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Delaplane, Virginia. It seems de Vink has used every available resource to produce exceptional wines. He uses new French oak barrels; he hired Eric Boissenot, the famous Bordeaux oenologist as a consultant; and, he chose the vineyard site for its thin, gravelly, granite soils, which are key attributes necessary for proper draining in the rainy climate of Virginia. He planted 6.5 hectares with the Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, which he utilizes to make two wines: one is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant and the other is Merlot dominant. Rendezvous 2010 Virginia 44% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Purple in color, dry and full-bodied with the favors of vanilla, mocha, black plum, and red cherries. Richly textured for such a full wine, with frst-class integrated oak and delicious baking spices. Very drinkable now but will improve with a few years in the bottle. Te more approachable of the two wines. Pair with a veal chop or pork chops with a savory mushroom sauce. Lost Mountain 2010, Virginia 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. Posh, dry, and full bodied with more tannic structure then the Rendezvous. The color is opaque purple. It is a pervasively favored wine that exudes currant, cassis, espresso, sweet tobacco, chocolate, and baking spices, all in a powerful, yet velvety structure. Te more age worthy of the two RdV wines. Drink now, but I hypothesize it will improve with fve-plusyears in the bottle. Pair with a well-marbled grilled steak or roasted rack of lamb. sl A Certifed Wine Educator, Scott is one of 135 professionals in North America and 211 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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Curating a Lifestyle: Instant Ancestors
1
Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers
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1) Tis handsome gentleman was portrayed in the painterly and romantic style indicative of major urban centers in the early 19th century. His pleasing look appealed to bidders, resulting in a selling price at Garth's of $645. 2) From a collector outside Chicago who referred to the subject as a “naval ofcer,” this painting was immediately identifed by the specialists at Garth's as acclaimed War of 1812 hero, Oliver Hazard Perry. With heated bidding, the portrait sold at Garth's for $7,900. 3) A copy of a Gilbert Stuart work, this portrait of John Adams by Eunice Makepeace Towle has the remnants of artist’s notes on the back that indicate it was painted in 1840. Tis nice work sold at Garth’s for $4,700.
Before photography, portrait paintings provided an opportunity to preserve – for future generations – a visual image of an individual. A snapshot in time, portraits dating as far back as ancient Egypt have been invaluable to historians and archaeologists hoping to piece together an understanding of our earliest beginnings. In some ways, portraits have helped to shape history as well. Consider the most famous paintings of George Washington: without the inspired realism of Gilbert Stuart, how would an entire country remember their founding father? Immortalized through Stuart's brush (and recreated by innumerable others), Washington's face is among the most recognized in the world today. Generations of artists in the United States have, since the beginning, documented the important and everyday characters of our nation. American portrait painters in the 18th and 19th centuries operated within two basic camps: trained artists who catered to aristocracy in major cities and (largely untrained) itinerant painters who traveled the countryside trading their craft for room and board. Trained artists learned the works of their earlier European counterparts, relying on etchings and prints that had made their way across the Atlantic as well as the guidance of seasoned instructors. Te most fortunate had opportunities to travel abroad, returning with the latest and greatest techniques. Teir paintings refect a softened but studied reality, relying on dark backgrounds and painterly strokes to imply luminescence, lending an air of reverence to the subject. Successful artists in major cities were commissioned to memorialize the most important families and civic leaders of the time. While itinerant artists lacked sophisticated influence or instruction, they gained commissions through self-taught skills, colloquial interpretation and simple materials that sought to assuage the aspirations of their rural clientele. Also referred to as
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“folk artists,” a disjointed network of itinerant artists during this period developed a uniquely American folk style: subjects were depicted in a fat, almost cartoonish caricature with bright and (sometimes) elaborate backdrops ofering insight into fashions of the day; the addition of accoutrement illustrated interests, loves and family history; and, works were often created on wood panel because it was accessible and afordable. Many members of the antiques trade and collecting community refer to antique portraits as “instant ancestors.” In many ways, this comedic description reflects the relatively unknown history of most sitters (and artists). Portrait paintings are widely available at antiques auctions, shows and shops at afordable prices. Of course, works by acclaimed artists command a regular, almost “blue book” price, and paintings of famous Americans (even when copied by an “unknown”) generally sell at prices higher than those achieved by anonymous artists and subjects. Other factors affecting value include the attractiveness of the subject, the addition of jewelry and elaborate dress and furnishings, and inclusion of pets or children. Logically, the mood of a sitter can also dramatically infuence price, with the dourest faces struggling for buyers and joyous expressions commanding stronger interest. Portrait paintings ofer an air of sophistication and reverence for any room. At once interesting and reassuring, the strong jaw, piercing eyes or soft smile of a sitter from long ago evokes a sentiment of longevity and connectedness to our collective past – leaving your visitors wondering about their own history... as well as yours. sl
Amelia and Jef Jefers are the co-owners of Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers, an international frm located outside Columbus, Ohio.
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1) Tis portrait of Henry Burroughs in stylish garb by Henry Williams sold for $3,900 at Garth’s. 2) Fifteen-year-old Edwin Holbrook holds his three-year-old sister, Ellen in this wonderful double portrait by Isaac Wetherbee. Te pair sold at Garth’s for $4,700. 3) Selling in at Garth's in May 2014, this important portrait of Kentucky statesman Henry Clay is beautifully painted. Having descended in the Frick family, it is expected to sell for $10,000 - $15,000. 4) A bit folksier than his counterpart shown here, this attractive young sea captain holds his telescope in hand. Accoutrement add value to early painting – in this case, a selling price at Garth's of $1,760.
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Worth the Wait
With the release of its 4C sports car, Alfa Romeo makes a triumphant return to the US market Written by Bridget Williams Alfa Romeo couldn't have wished for a better start to 2014: its 4C claimed the “Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013” title at the 29th International Automobile Festival in France, and scooped the top spot in the “Importers” sports car category in the “Best Cars 2014” awards presented by the German magazine Auto Motor and Sport. In both cases, the accolades were decided by a public vote. Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built by Maserati in Modena, the mid-engine Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a new, all-aluminum 240hp, 1750 Turbo petrol engine and features Alfa Romeo’s latest-generation ALFA TCT transmission and Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector with a new “Race” mode. The 0-62 mph sprint takes just 4.5 seconds and top speed is 160 mph, but thanks to lightweight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the official combined-cycle fuel economy fgure is 41.5 mpg and its CO2 emissions are just 157g/ km. Music to all motoring enthusiasts’ ears, the sound of the engine has been emphasized with low frequencies to amplify the classic roar of the exhaust. Configured with a pair of bucket seats, the compact dimensions of the 4C make it truly unique among its 36 slmag.net
competitors: just under 12-feet long, 79 inches wide, 46.5-inches high, and with a wheelbase of less than 7.8 feet. With a dry weight of 1,973 pounds; a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution; track-honed double-wishbone suspension and Brembo brakes, the Alfa Romeo 4C is capable of generating 1.1g of lateral acceleration and an excess of 1.2g of deceleration force. Te unassisted steering is progressive, direct and engineered to convey as much feedback and feel as possible. A steering ratio of 16:2 allows for 90% of bends to be taken without removing your hands from the steering wheel. Development of the 4C’s exterior was characterized from the start by the need to enhance the style of the car and the technical characteristics, both from a dynamic and aerodynamic point of view. Surfaces were treated as sculpture and engineers worked side by side with the designers to carve all the innovative aerodynamic solutions out of it. Te result of this teamwork led to a car that conveys pure sports style through a union of technology and beauty, which has always been a hallmark for any Alfa Romeo sports car. Additionally, every structural element has been conceived for maximum dynamic efciency, and to help create the downforce needed to ensure maximum grip under fast cornering.
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From the energy-charged rear volume and the two side air intakes spring the two long muscles which lend speed and dynamism to the side, generating the necessary volume at the front end to house the headlights; on the central part, a pair of robust ribs runs along the bonnet, tracing an unmistakable “V” and coming to their natural conclusion around the shield. This, together with the two side intakes, forms the famous 'Trefoil', a distinguishing trait of all Alfa Romeo models. Te entire tail section, starting from the rear upper profile and the lower profle, is characterized by a large “difuser” with aerodynamic spoiler and air outlets that was subjected to extensive wind tunnel testing to ensure the best possible aerodynamic performance. Reflecting the spirit of the car and the Alfa heritage, the available exterior color range is limited to red, white, black and grey. Special attention has been paid to technology with the introduction of three-layer colors. Te well-known Competizione Red remains the essence of the Alfa Romeo spirit with its depth, shine and iridescence that shapes the volumes of the car. Defnition of the interior took on particular importance when configuring the carbon fiber 'monocoque' cell. This veritable 'monolithic core' led to a rational organization of the main construction elements in keeping with the principle of integrating parts and optimizing weights. Initially focused on arranging controls and instruments so they are turned toward
the driver, this approach actually simplified construction in terms of assembly processes and separation into subassemblies when industrializing the project. The climate control system ducts are integrated with the entire dashboard block, which contains a supporting 'technical spider' structure inside the mold. Consisting of a thermoformed shell like those found on limited-edition supercars, the dashboard is designed to make using functions simple and reaches its zenith in the concept of extreme driverorientation, thanks to digital instruments and gearshift controls located on the appropriately shaped steering wheel. Te cockpit, which is reminiscent of the world of motorcycle racing and racecars, brings together all information necessary to drive and control the car. The interior space is minimal and largely dark black, embellished only by a few metal details with an aluminum effect. The real protagonist is carbon, which is found both inside and outside the car in an aesthetic continuum that conveys technicality and lightness at the same time. A harmonious melding of technology, dynamism, lightness, efficiency, and Italian style define the Alfa Romeo 4C, an uncompromising though accessible sports car that ofers precision, agility, and great performance. In short, it is a car to drive and enjoy both on the road and on the track. Te frst Alfa 4Cs to be sent to the U.S. market by mid-2014 and are expected to have an estimated MSRP of $54,000. sl
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Bibliotaph
Sitting at the pinnacle of horticultural perfection, the estate-sized gardens hailing from a variety of climates that are profled in this book are among the most covetable in the world. Luxury Private Gardens, Hardcover, 220 pages, teNeues (teneues.com). Cover photo Š Roland Bauer.
A visually rich guide to creating outdoor spaces of your dreams, from a humble kitchen cutting garden to an ornate parterre. Topics covered include mood, spatial planning, plant materials, decorative accessories and hardscaping. Sally Coulthard - Gardenalia: Creating the Stylish Garden - Hardcover, 224 Pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).
Written by Alain Baraton, whose role as gardener-in-chief at Versailles Palace has allowed him to live on the grounds since 1982, this memoir details his passionate connection to the gardens, orchards, and felds of the 2,100-acre property along with anecdotes of overzealous visitors he's encountered over the years. Alain Baraton - Te Gardener of Versailles: My Life in the World's Grandest Garden - Hardcover, 296 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).
Illinois native Michael Devine studied art history at the Ecole du Louvre, French at the Sorbonne and the culinary arts at the Ritz Escofer. As a result, Parisian fair abounds in his frst book, which combines two of his passions: cooking and gardening. Michael Devine (author/ photographer), Charlotte Moss (foreword), John Gruen (photographer) - An Invitation to the Garden: Seasonal Entertaining Outdoors - Hardcover, 192 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books For 15 years, Sarah Raven has been leading cooking, fower arranging and gardening courses at a school she founded at her farm in East Sussex, England. Tis experience has resulted in a hefty book of 400 recipes, accompanied by photography that centers on utilizing seasonal ingredients. Sarah Raven (author), Jonathan Buckley (Photographer) - Fresh from the Garden: Food to Share with Family and Friends - Hardcover, 464 pages, Universe (rizzoliusa.com).
Anyone who loves nature will be instantly transported to an alphabetical landscape where everything from azaleas to zinnias bloom all year long via gorgeously rendered full-color and pen-and-ink representations. Robert Zakanitch - A Garden of Ordinary Miracles: An Alphabet Book - Hardcover, 64 pages, Universe (rizzoliusa.com).
Former model, fashion designer, fxture on international best dressed lists, and an overall arbiter of style and good taste, Carolyne Roehm turned her discerning eye and photographer's lens on her personal gardens to highlight the beauty of blooms throughout the growing season. Carolyne Roehm - Flowers - Hardcover, 288 pages, Potter Style (carolyneroehm.com).
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Of Note... Mommy Dearest 1
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1) Amethyst Lipstick art glass sculpture, 8.5"Hx2.5"W ($150) by ร sa Jungnelius for Kosta Boda (kostaboda.us). 2) Te embossed green shagreen heart box ($130) is handmade in Vietnam for Aerin (aerin.com). 3) Te print on the silk robe ($487.50) was created by Hovey Design for kumi kookoon (kumikookoon.com). 4) Prada Nylon Baby Bag ($1,230) from Saks Fifth Avenue (saks.com). 5) English-style garden apron ($70) from RedEnvelope (redenvelope.com). 6) Kapuskasing Tennis Tote ($725), from PARK Accessories (parkaccessories. com). 7) Artisan-made 13-inch multi-colored PillowBall ($325) from Andrew Yes (andrewyes.com). 8) Bond No. 9 New York Swarovski All-Stars Quartet To Go ($700) from Saks Fifth Avenue (saks.com). 9) 32 squares of six dark and two milk Grand Cru chocolates are included in the 32 squares Gift Box ($24.99) from Valrhona (valrhona-chocolate.com). 10) Carmen Object & Bookend ($375/pair) from Lunares (lunares.net). 11) For the mom with a wicked sense of humor: needlepoint throw pillow ($165) from Jonathan Adler (jonathanadler.com). 12) Blossoming of Life fgurine on base (11x13.75", $3,300) by Marco Antonio Noguerรณn for Lladrรณ (lladro.com). 13) Boomerang Rocker from Hancock & Moore is shown with Biscay Aqua abstract print embossed leather on the exterior (to the trade; hancockandmoore.com). 14) From Vetro Vero, each hand-blown 'Fiore' vase ($330$650), available in 11 colors, is accented with a thick glass band decorated with 24K gold leaf (vetrovero.com).
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1) State inspired cufinks ($150-$250) by Jackie Kaufman (custommade.com). 2) David Oscarson Les Quatre Couleurs fountain pen ($5,400) in translucent azure blue, ruby red and opaque black hard enamel (davidoscarson.com for retailers). 3) Kilian Musk Oud 1.7oz refllable spray ($395) from Saks Fifth Avenue (saks.com). 4) Jil Sander grained Italian leather briefcase ($2,060) from Saks Fifth Avenue (saks.com). 5) Big Blue Leather Head football by Paul Cunningham ($135) for Bespoke Global (bespokeglobal.com). 6) Tod's Ferrari Driving Shoes in Suede ($565; store.ferrari.com). 7) Chess King ($620) from Herend (herendusa.com). 8) Gift box from Mantry, an American Artisan Food-of-the-Month Club based in New York City (mantry.com). 9) Louis Vuitton tailor-made carbon fber luggage set (price upon request) for the BMW i8 (bmwusa.com). 10) Te silver jug, glasses and ice-cube dish that comprise "Bar Set" 2013 by Tomas Alonso have a corrugated base to correspond to the groves on the tray. Available from Stillfried Wien (stillfried.com). 11) Richmond armchair from Bentley Home (bentleymotors.com)
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Of Te Wall: Tommy Ingberg Photos courtesy of the Saatchi Art
"Army" limited edition photograph.
Born in Sweden in 1980, some of Tommy Ingberg’s earliest memories involve sketching and a fascination with cameras. His frst “real camera”, a Praktica with two lenses, no autofocus and faulty metering, provided him the freedom to experiment with various aspects of photocomposition. Trough endless hours of trial and error, Ingberg became quite adept technically, but readily admitted that a dearth of self-confdence left him lacking on the artistic side. “I did not do what I wanted to, but what I thought you ‘should’ do,” he said. In the same vain of doing what was expected, he put photography on the backburner in his early adult life while he earned a degree in computer science and then went to work as computer engineer, a job for which he felt little passion. After hitting an emotional rock bottom, Ingberg rediscovered his connection to art and what it meant to him. “I stopped trying to make what I thought was ‘art’ or ‘good photography’ to others and made pictures just for me, because I needed to,” he explained. Today, Ingberg works with photography and digital image editing, creating minimalistic and self-refecting surreal photomontages dealing with human nature, feelings and thoughts. Working in an environment free from any self-imposed artistic constraints has resulted in Ingberg creating body of work that has been lauded on a global scale, including awards and honorable mentions from competitions such as the 46 slmag.net
"Stone Part One" limited edition photograph.
International Photography Awards (profled in the March/April issue of Sophisticated Living), Prix De La Photographie Paris, and the Sony World Photography Awards. In 2012 he won the prestigious Lumen Prize, which recognizes the world’s best fne art created digitally by emerging and established artists. Reality Rearranged, Ingberg’s latest series, examines his perception of reality via surrealism. “During the two-and-a-half years I have worked on the series I have used my own inner life, thoughts and feelings as seeds to my pictures. In that sense the work is very personal, almost like a visual diary,” he said. Rebecca Wilson, Chief Curator of Saatchi Art, who recently selected Ingberg as a Saatchi Art One-To-Watch artist commented, “In the last two years, Ingberg has received international recognition for his surreal photographs, which he says try ‘to explain something abstract like a feeling or a thought, expressing the subconscious with a picture.'" After years of living without purpose, Ingberg is grateful for rediscovering himself through art. “In this work I found something I loved doing and something I could be proud of,” he stated. “I found a purpose, and with that purpose a way to start climbing upwards out of the hole I spent so much time digging. It has not gone straight up, and it has not been an easy journey, life seldom is, but I’ve kept on climbing.” Tommy Ingberg’s limited edition photographs are available for purchase at saatchiart.com/tommyingberg. sl
"Tink" limited edition photograph. slmag.net
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Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Galapagos Islands” ($11,100, iwc.com).
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1) Van Cleef & Arpels Limited Edition Lady Arpels Zodiac Virgo Extraordinary Dial (vancleefarpels.com). 2) Richard Mille RM 50-01 G Sensor Lotus F1 Team Romain Grosjean (price upon request; richardmille.com). 3) Piaget Rose Passion watch (price upon request; piaget.com). 4) Breitling Transocean Chronograph in rose gold ($15,000; breitling.com). 5) Tonda Pomellato from Parmigiani Fleurier (price upon request; pomellato.com). 6) Rolex Oyster 42mm yellow gold Sky-Dweller (price upon request; rolex.com).
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1) India Manuscript from the Métiers d’Arts Fabuleux Ornaments collection by Vacheron Constantin (price upon request; vacheron-constantin.com). 2) Jaeger Le Coultre Grande Reverso Ultra Tin Tribute to 1931 ($8,150; jaeger-lecoultre.com). 3) Classic Fusion Tourbillon Night Out 2014 from Hublot ($87,000; hublot.com). 4) Montre Panthère Ajourée de Cartier (price upon request; cartier.us). 5) Longines Hydro Conquest ($1,450; longines.com). 6) Baume & Mercier Clifton 30mm (price upon request; baume-et-mercier.com)
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Ralph Lauren Stirrup Petite-Link timepiece in white gold with a full-pavĂŠ diamond setting on both the case and bracelet (price upon request; ralphlaurenwatches.com).
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Bovet by Pininfarina "Sergio" split-second chronograph (price upon request; bovet.com).
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1) Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 ExoTourbillon Rattrapante (price upon request; montblanc.com). 2) Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art Mécaniques Ajourées watch (price upon request; vacheron-constantin.com) 3) Te Hommage Automatic in pink gold with diamonds from Roger Dubuis (price upon request; rogerdubuis.com). 4) A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase (price upon request; alange-soehne.com). 5) Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer ($1,095; hamiltonwatch.com). 6) Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Power Reserve Automatic Bronzo (price upon request; panerai.com).
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Originally constructed in the 1850s, restored slave huts can be found at two places near the salt fats of Pekelmeer on the island of Bonaire.
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Discovering all that glitters above and below the water Written by Bridget Williams Tis is a tale of two distinct island destinations: one that appeals to glitterati who prefer their toes in the sand and bottle service at the ready, and the other for adventure seekers that still like luxury but prefer tank service and the riches found under the sea.
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Aerial view of Gustavia, the main town and capital of the island of Saint Barthélemy. Photo by Laurent Benoît.
ST. BARTH En route to Le Sereno Hotel on the island of Saint Barthélemy, my husband and I learned that Victoria’s Secret houses its models at the luxury property during its catalog shoots. He immediately set about hoping - fervently praying was more like it - the place would be crawling with bombshells. As it is hard enough to don a bikini under normal circumstances, and absolutely unfathomable in the presence of the genetically gifted, I planted myself squarely on the opposing end of his wish and hoped the only delicate shells I’d encounter were of the sea variety. St. Barth’s infamous small airport, with a single short airstrip located at the base of a downward slope that terminates directly on the beach, is unable to accommodate large commercial aircraft, meaning the majority of visitors (i.e. those without their own mega yacht) arrive via St. Maarten and then either take a 15 minute fight on a prop plane or a 45-minute high speed ferry ride. Be advised the latter option is defnitely not advisable for those prone to seasickness! Less than 10,000 fortunate souls are year-round residents of this eight-square-mile-speck of steeply peaked land ringed by white sands and protected, shallow reefs easily visible under azure waters. As an overseas collective of France, the language, cuisine, and culture are distinctly French, lending a unique twist on a typical Caribbean sojourn. English is widely spoken, 56 slmag.net
though at some establishments it can be quite rudimentary, which, at least for me, makes the destination seem that much more exotic and endearing. Le Sereno is situated on the Grand-cul-de-sac, one of 22 public beaches on St. Barth. Located on the windward side of the island, the long crescent-shaped beach borders a shallow, protected bay that is popular among kitesurfers and windsurfers. Boasting enviable privacy for those desiring to be near the action without being in the midst of it at all times, the 36 suites and three four-bedroom villas that comprise the hotel hug the steep hillside that terminates at the tranquil bay. Te purposefully restrained interiors in all public and private spaces were orchestrated by Frenchman Christian Liaigre, an A-list interior designer on a global scale who recently opened his frst U.S. outpost – a fagship in an Upper East Side townhouse in New York. His notable clients include Karl Lagerfeld, Larry Gagosian, and Rupert Murdoch. Our room, a Grand Suite Plage, was a large, terraced space with a four-poster bed overlooking the bay on the upper level and a comfortable sitting area oriented to the water two steps down from the sleeping level. Te efect of looking through an expanse of white – on the walls, the vaulted ceiling, the bed canopy and linens - to the terrace, the mosaic blues of the bay, and variegated greens of the enveloping hillsides beyond was quite spectacular.
Yatchs in Gustavia harbor. Photo by Laurent BenoĂŽt.
Le Sereno Restaurant
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Te Spa at Le Sereno boasts the island’s only true waterfront treatment cabana.
Te absence of visual clutter – i.e. no art on the walls, no rugs atop the wide plank hardwood floors or fussy window treatments - helps mitigate any lingering mental muddle that would otherwise impede a speedy adoption of a vacation state of mind. While Liaigre’s soulful scheme is an exercise in purposeful and exquisite restraint, it is not completely devoid of fourish: opening the doors to a large lime-washed armoire reveals an interior of cherry red. Terraced on the hillside above the guest suites, a trio of villas, completed in 2010 and each offering more than 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, appeal to those seeking the ultimate in privacy and oceanfront luxury. With interiors as striking as the panoramic views, the villas boast four en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private pool with expansive terraces, landscaped gardens, a pair of rental cars, and personal butler service. A nice option for guests needing more than the standard suite but less than one of the hillside villas is the Villa Du Pecheur, a 900 square-foot room boasting an ultra private oceanfront pool and garden and can be interconnected with adjoining rooms at either end. 58 slmag.net
Debuting at the height of the winter 2013 season, the 100-seat open-air Le Sereno Restaurant is the latest dining destination by celebrated husband and wife restaurateurs Jonas and Alexandra Millan, who are well known for their St. Barth restaurant, Bonito, and Miami’s James Beard Award-winning restaurant, Juvia. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, patrons can expect a culinary journey that refects the island’s bounty of fresh seafood as well as the diversity of its cosmopolitan clientele. From a Yuzu Hollandaise Benedict at breakfast to an Open Face Tuna Steak Sandwich with caramelized onions at lunch to an assortment of charcoal skewers “a la robata” including baby lobster, octopus, and beef tenderloin at dinner, Le Sereno Restaurant has quickly established itself as a destination in its own right. Te Spa at Le Sereno is the island’s newest, full-service luxury spa that utilizes products made on the island from natural ingredients by Ligne St Barth and boasts the island’s only true waterfront treatment cabana, stealthily nestled among the waterfront suites. No typical piped-in flute music was needed during my 60-minute St. Barth Chill Out massage, as the sounds of the wind rustling in the palm trees,
Grand Suite Plage.
View of the Grand-cul-de-sac from the sitting area in a Grand Suite Plage.
Each of the three 7,000-squarefoot villas at Le Sereno ofer panoramic views from all rooms.
the clinking of warm clam shells used for portions of the massage and the undulating waves were enough to induce a deep state of relaxation. I knew that my sunset treatment was coming to a regrettable end when a chorus of crickets joined nature’s symphony. STAY // Le Sereno Hotel (lesereno.com) SEE// Governeur Beach – Postcard perfect with white sands and crystal waters, it’s little wonder that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich paid a reported $90 million for a 70-acre estate that abuts the beach. Grand Fond Beach – The rocky and remote coastline ringed by jagged peaks dotted by cacti is unique to the island. Popular among surfers and body boarders, it is also ideal for shell hunters. Saline Beach – Tackle the short hike along a rocky path and over a sand dune to reach Saline Beach and you’ll be rewarded with a magnifcent view. While au naturel sunbathing is ofcially forbidden on the island, rumor has it that this marquee beach is favored among those who eschew tan lines. DRINK & DINE // Dõ Brazil (dobrazil.com). – Dine with your toes in the sand at this bistro and bar on Shell Beach owned by former tennis star Yannick Noah. L’Isoletta Pizza (lisolettastbarth.com) – By the
slice or by the pie, this “Roman style’ pizzeria in Gustavia was so superb we ate there twice during our short stay! Le Select – Urban legend has it that this popular laidback burger joint in Gustavia was the inspiration for Jimmy Bufet’s ‘Cheeseburger in Paradise’. Le Ti (letistbarth.com) – Le Sereno Manager Sammy Ghachem says the raucous, but far from raunchy cabaret nightclub is a must visit. Make your way past the heavy red velvet curtains and into a cabinet of curiosities where you’ll likely be dancing on the tables with the entertainers by the end of evening (or early morning ). L’Esprit – Open for lunch and dinner, the chic spot is owned by Chef Jean-Claude Dufour, formerly of the Eden Rock Hotel. M&P – Short for Meat & Potatoes, this dinner only steakhouse on the road to Saline Beach hosts a burger party on Tursday nights. Nikki Beach (nikkibeach.com/stbarth) – A daytime hotspot on St. Jean beach for limelight seekers, a magnum order is delivered via a quad runner outftted with sparklers (and a gaggle of beautiful young ladies trailing not too far behind). SHOP // There are some 200 boutiques on the island. While the usual luxury outposts like Hermès, Cartier, and Chanel are here, you’ll score the most interesting fnds at shops that are hidden down side alleys and up above street level in Gustavia. slmag.net
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BONAIRE Considered one of the best places to dive in the world, the tiny island of Bonaire, a special municipality within the country of the Netherlands, is located 50 miles north of Venezuela and in proximity to the islands of Aruba and Curaçao. While its airport can accommodate larger aircraft, a lack of major chain hotels means that many US visitors fly into Curaçao and transfer to Bonaire via turboprop on Insel Air. With a varied ecosystem encompassing sand dunes, beach areas, mangroves, dry forest, and saliñas (salt marshes), the entire northwest part of the island is given over to the Washington Slagbaai National Park. Within the preserve is the island’s highest point - Brandaris (784 feet)- that offers panoramic views. At the opposite end of the island, the tallest peaks are manmade pyramids of salt that are part of the Pekelmeer salt beds and home to one of the hemisphere’s largest populations of famingos. Lac Bay on the eastern side of the island has given rise to a number of world champion windsurfers, while Atlantis Beach on the western part of the island is the designated kite surfng area. Ringing the island is a coral reef with numerous access points; the entire coastline, an area of 6,672 acres, was declared a National Marine Park in 1979. Finding a shore diving or snorkeling site is as easy as looking for one of 60 bright yellow 60 slmag.net
painted rocks with names like Oil Slick Leap, 1000 Steps (there’s only 72 in actuality), and Alice in Wonderland. Situated on four beachfront acres just 10 minutes from the airport, and directly across from Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited 1,500-acre island with 20+ diving and snorkeling sites, is Harbour Village, the island’s only full-service luxury resort. An idyllic, laid-back retreat, the hotel is ideal for divers and their non-diving companions, who can enjoy a full complement of services, including a spa, two swimming pools, a white-sand beach (a rarity on the island), a First Class 5 Star PADI dive and water sports center, ftness center, a tennis facility, and La Balandra Beach Bar & Restaurant. A short walk from the hotel is a paved promenade that runs along the ocean into the capital city and main port of Kralendijk. With just 14 guest rooms and 16 suites, the resort can be completely booked (as it was during our recent visit) and you’ll still often have the beach all to yourself. Te only exception is early evening, where guests gather en masse with drinks in hand to toast day’s end and watch as the sun gets smaller and smaller until it disappears behind Klein Bonaire. An army of attendants tends to the manicured grounds, lush with tropical foliage and fowers. Te most spacious suites (9691292 square feet) are those that face the ocean. Ranging from one to two bedrooms, each suite is outftted with Caribbean and
With just 14 guest rooms and 16 suites, Harbour Village can be completely booked and you’ll still often have their white sand beach - one of only a handful to be found on Bonaire - all to yourself.
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Harbour Village is the only full-service luxury resort on Bonaire.
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plantation colonial-inspired décor, teak furniture, European tiled floors and bathrooms, claw foot or oversized soaking tub and separate shower, and a private lanai or terrace. Beachfront premier suites include fully equipped kitchens with Bosch appliances. Te expansive spa facility is home to massage, facial, and salon treatment rooms, a ftness center with a full lineup of cardio and weight training machines, and the ultra-private Spa Cascade pool. Tough plans are in the works to expand, at present, all of the spa treatments are administered by an army of one. While this may seem strange, I’ve been to spas both near and far with a lot more bells and whistles whose therapists were much less adept. Operated by Mark and Muriel, a husband and wife team of expats from Minnesota, Great Adventures Bonaire, the onsite PADI 5 Star Resort facility, ofers diving instruction and equipment, boat dive services, snorkeling equipment, and sea kayaks. As a frst time diver, Mark made sure that my resort course experience went off without a hitch. Near the end of our dive, which took place in the waters adjacent to the resort, we were able to explore a shipwreck some 40 feet below the surface. Even if you aren’t interested in diving, be sure to pick up some snorkeling gear, as it is possible to see a dozen or more diferent species of fsh just steps from the comfort of your beach hammock. Serving breakfast and an all-day club menu until 10pm, the architecture of La Balandra restaurant was designed to resemble an antique Spanish ship, with the main dining area positioned on a jetty over the water; at night schools of fish, both large
and small, congregate around the lights at the end of the pier, creating quite a popular show for diners. Our favorites included the grilled shrimp gazpacho at lunch and a grilled Caribbean lobster tail at dinner. To make sure you get the most of your Bonaire visit, be sure to consult with the most helpful front-of-the-house staf, all of whom serve as concierge and are ideal for discovering hidden gems you might otherwise miss. STAY // Harbour Village Beach Club (harbourvillage.com). PLAY // Bonaire Kite School (bonairekiteschool.com) – Owner Lars van der Laan has thousands of teaching hours under his belt. Bonaire Windsurf Place (bonairewindsurfplace.com) – Even if you aren’t interested in taking a lesson, it’s worth a visit to watch the parade of colorful sails as they zigzag across the tranquil cerulean waters. SEE // Cadushy Distillery (cadushy.com) – Located in the historic town of Rincon, the small distillery produces the world’s only liqueur made from the island’s abundant cacti. Owners Eric & Jolande Gietman, who came to the island on their honeymoon and ended up making it their permanent home, possess a contagious enthusiasm for their unique craf. Salt Lake / Pekelmeer – Located in an area devoid of development except for gleaming white pyramids of drying salt rising from pink salt pools. Two sets of oceanfront slave huts, built around 1850, are architecturally striking and serve as grim reminders of the island’s history as a plantation belonging to the Dutch West Indies Company. sl
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19T Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Neil Rashba
Te manicured fairways of Te Golf Club of Amelia Island drew 330 of the world’s finest automobiles and motorcycles along with approximately 29,000 spectators as part of the 19th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. A 1937 Horch 853 and 1958 Scarab garnered the coveted Best of Show honors: the Concours d’Elegance award and the Concours de Sport award respectively. “Both cars are excellent examples of unique pedigree and provenance and are well deserving of their awards,” said Bill Warner, Chairman and Founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. “We worked hard to bring the best in automotive elegance and sport to this year’s event, and judging by our winners and the crowd I think we achieved our goal.” Owned by Bob and Anne Brockinton Lee of Sparks, Nevada, the fully restored 1937 Horch 853 is one of only two Horchs ever to have been bodied by coachbuilder Voll & Ruhrbeck, which 64 slmag.net
created custom coachwork for Bugatti, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz and Cord, among others. Te Revs Institute for Automotive Research of Naples, Florida presented the 1958 Scarab on behalf of its owner Miles C. Collier. The car was built by Troutman and Barnes for Lance Reventlow in an attempt to contest the road courses of America against the great European marques such as Ferrari and Maserati. Reventlow originally tried an Ofenhauser engine, designed to run on alcohol, in this car, but it was never successful running on gasoline as required by the sports car ruling body. Te car was then ftted with a small block Chevrolet V-8, which proved to be ideal for the American road and airport circuits of the late 1950s and early-1960s. Te 20th annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance will be held March 13-15, 2015. Since its inception, the show’s Foundation has donated over $2.25 million to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, Inc. and other charities on Florida’s First Coast. sl
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Horse Drawn Interior designer Tomas Birkman turns to the homeowners’ personal and professional pursuits for inspiration in the renovation of their 19th century home Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung Located in the Historic Western Suburb, this brick Greek Revival home was built in the 1840s by Lexington architect Cincinnatus Shyrock, often referred to alongside John McMurtr as two of Lexington’s fnest architects. Positioned prominently on the façade is a plaque awarded by The Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation. Its presence is signifcant on several levels, considering the sorry state of the property prior to renovation as well as the level of attention to detail by interior designer Thomas Birkman, who worked collaboratively with Greg Martelli of Fox Hill Company to safeguard and highlight as many of the home’s original attributes as possible while accommodating the needs of an active young family. Last updated in the 1980s, the 3,200-square-foot property appealed to the current homeowners for its convenient location as well as the potential presented by details such as poplar
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and brick foors, several freplaces, an original cherry stair rail, stained glass and pegged doors. Te renovation was extensive, encompassing the kitchen and baths and adding a spacious family room at the rear of the home. A defining feature of the foyer is the original cherry stair rail. Further down the hall and adjacent to the dining room, the corridor transitions to a cozy bar area. Panels of foxed mirrors on the wall above a marble-topped bar designed by Birkman and built by Fox Hill add to the illusion that the piece is much older. A custom corner seat upholstered in chocolate-colored velvet provides a cozy spot for drinks à deux. Te hallway terminates at a powder room whose walls are decorated with Fornasetti’s ‘Acquario’ wallpaper in a Deep Sea Blue colorway. Adding additional dramatic fourish is the coordinating high gloss blue paint on the trimwork and ceiling.
During the renovation the entry to the living room was widened, allowing one to be immediately captivated by a collection of whimsical pen and ink and watercolor caricatures and cartoons by legendary artist Pierre Bellocq “Peb� that cover the upper half of the freplace wall.
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Decorative painter Kim Comstock artfully interpreted the oversized foral print of the Manuel Canovas drapery in the living room onto the walls of the dining room. Te oversized wood fred pizza oven in the kitchen is visible through the doorway on the left. Stark carpet and Visual Comfort chandelier.
During the renovation the entry to the living room was widened, allowing one to be immediately captivated by a collection of whimsical pen and ink and watercolor caricatures and cartoons by legendary artist Pierre Bellocq “Peb� that cover the upper half of the wall on one side of the living room. The light blue and cream color palette in the space provides a tranquil backdrop for the burst of color provided by the orderly art assemblage. Anchoring the space is a handsome Mahler sofa from Ebanista, one of the first pieces acquired for the project and whose hand-carved wood
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frame imbues the new piece with instant antiquity apropos to the historic environs. Decorative painter Kim Comstock artfully interpreted the oversized floral print of the Manuel Canovas drapery in the living room onto the walls of the dining room. Both rooms also share the same Visual Comfort beaded chandeliers. Above the freplace is a charcoal drawing sourced from Crossgate Gallery of a room in Highclere Castle, better known as Downton Abbey. On the opposite wall is a large oil of a Clumber spaniel Birkman acquired from Calumet Farm.
Te bar was designed by Birkman and built by Fox Hill Company. Foxed mirror panels imbue the installation with instant antiquity.
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Filling the wall between a pair of windows in the family room is a recently acquired set of 18th century French farrier prints. Birkman had bases made for the pair of Louis Vuitton trunks that allow them to function as end tables. Horse bits in shadow boxes hang on the wall near the casual dining area with banquette seating.
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Walls in the frst foor powder room are decorated with Fornasetti’s ‘Acquario’ wallpaper in a Deep Sea Blue colorway. Te console sink is from the Inigo collection by Michael S. Smith for Kallista.
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Hanging above the mantle in the den is an equestrian oil painting by Valerie Hinz from Crossgate Gallery.
SeServing as the focal point of the renovated kitchen is a large wood fred pizza oven with a forged iron door handle fashioned into the shape of a horse’s head. A mobile island with a butcher block top provides fexible prep space. All ft and finishes are top notch, from the Shaws Original apron front sink to the Wolf six-burner gas range. A pair of brick foored rooms emanates from the kitchen; the den is original, while the family room is a recent addition, evidenced in part by its heated floor. Filling a long wall between a pair of windows in the family room is a recently acquired set of 18th century
French farrier prints. Underneath are a pair of Louis Vuitton trunks resting on bases designed by Birkman that allow them to function as end tables. Te natural woven sisal shades dressing the windows are consistent with those found throughout the home. Horse bits in shadow boxes hang on the wall near the casual dining area with banquette seating, which is illuminated by a forged iron chandelier. Rough-hewn ceiling beams define the cozy den. Built-in cabinetry painted a rich crimson hue surrounds the brick hearth. Hanging above the mantle is an equestrian oil painting by Valerie Hinz from Crossgate Gallery.
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A silk Hermès scarf fashioned into a pillow cover on the bed served as the inspiration for the design of the master bedroom.
Te same Stark carpet found in the living room also runs the staircase. At its frst terminus, light streams in through an original stained glass window, casting colorful shadows on the opposing wall. From this landing the stairs split: stairs to the right access a sitting area and the guest bedrooms and baths; stairs to the left lead to a small sitting area and the master suite. A silk Hermès scarf fashioned into a pillow cover on the bed served as the inspiration for the design of the master bedroom. Birkman utilized the iconic brand’s orange and chocolate brown color scheme throughout the room, including
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the custom orange leather cushions on a pair of antique stools that are positioned at the foot of armchairs sporting Hermès accent pillows. Adorning each of the walls is a framed Hermès scarf. It took a small army to transport the oversized armoire to the left of the freplace up the stairs; the interior of the piece can be easily confgured for storage or as a media cabinet. “This project is the perfect representation of the ideal outcome that results from having the client turn over the reins and letting us do what we do best,” said Birkman. sl
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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNIT Y
ON A ROLL Unique in the Bluegrass, Clawdaddy’s puts its own spin on a Northeast staple Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung
Lexington may be nearly 600-miles from the Atlantic Ocean, but after one bite of a Maine Lobster roll from Clawdaddy’s, your taste buds will have you believing that it’s as close as the Kentucky River. A concept certainly unique to Lexington and perhaps the entire Commonwealth, MJ and Tom Rogers opened the casual gourmet spot on North Broadway in the heart of downtown Lexington in June of 2013. Having relocated to the Bluegrass from New York state 12 years ago, they brought with them years of restaurant experience, including operating an upscale French bistro in Greenwich, CT, as well as a taste for the lobster rolls that are so ubiquitous throughout the Northeast.
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Anyone who has experienced a “typical” lobster roll establishment along the eastern seaboard knows that the rolls are often served alongside a healthy dose of kitsch. Tom and MJ wanted to put a fresher spin on the concept, beginning with the interior design of Clawdaddy’s, where there’s nary a fsherman’s net or lobster trap in sight. Entirely their vision, the compact gourmet casual spot feels light and airy, with walls clad in beadboard and cherry yellow metal Tolix-style chairs and gunmetal and shiny red stools surrounding stainless steel tables. Te succinct menu is displayed in a chalkboard-style fashion above the order counter. Te Rogers knew they were taking a calculated risk with Clawdaddy’s, but they believed that their frm commitment to quality would quickly win over any skeptics. “Among the foodie community in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, the lobster roll is a well accepted food genre,” explained Tom. “It is defnitely more of a novelty in this part of the country.” With its counter-style ordering and expedient service, at frst glance Clawdaddy’s may seem like a fast food operation, but the gourmet casual oferings are certainly worth stopping and savoring, particularly when paired with the restaurant’s available selection of beer and wine, available by the glass or bottle. Depending on demand, fresh seafood is fown in from the Northeast two-to-four times a week. Te menu is simple and relies on very high quality ingredients in lieu of heavy sauces or fllers. Take the shrimp roll: having been accustomed to one in which the shrimp are swimming in a sea of fllers, including mayonnaise and celery, I was taken aback after I was presented with Clawdaddy’s version, which strips away all of the cost-cutting extras. Simple and delicious, a halved and toasted brioche roll is swiped with a thin layer of mayo, topped with a generous portion of shrimp that’s seasoned with Clawdaddy’s proprietary spice blend and topped with a drizzling of drawn butter. As a gauge of heartiness, Tom explained that one pound of shrimp is needed for every four rolls.
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In addition to shrimp, crab, and lobster rolls, lobster bisque is ofered daily, along with a seasonally derived soup du jour – such as hearty chowder in the colder months and a shrimp gazpacho in the warmer ones. Available side dishes include homemade cole slaw and Cape Cod chips. In their frst year of business, Clawdaddy’s rotating selection of seasonal specials has included lobster macaroni and cheese, potpies, and lobster guacamole. “We’re always trying to come up with inventive ways to use our core products,” said Tom, adding that plans for fresh summer salad selections are in the works. With the exception of the brioche rolls themselves, which are custom made for the restaurant by Sunrise Bakery, everything is made from scratch onsite, so indulging in dessert – a whoopie or mulberry pie - is a must. In addition to citing his favorable record of converting cynics into repeat customers, Tom also singled out Clawdaddy’s catering operation as another burgeoning segment of his business plan. “While we all love Kentucky ham and biscuits, corporate and private event planners realize that sometimes it’s a nice change of pace to step outside traditional Southern fare,” he remarked. Te early success of Clawdaddy’s has made Tom optimistic about opening additional outlets in Lexington and possibly beyond. “We think this is a concept that has great legs,” he said. sl Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, Clawdaddy’s is located at 128 North Broadway. For more information, call 258.CLAW or visit clawdaddys.net.
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Society
May 1 2 3 4 5 8 16 17 17-18 17-18 31
2014 Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction and Derby Gala, Donamire Farm; lexingtonfoundation.org Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com Derby Weekend-Oaks Day, 9am-6pm, Keeneland; keeneland.com Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, 12-5pm, Morlan Gallery, Transylvania University Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour, 8pm, Rupp Arena; ticketmaster.com Oaks Day Festival, 9am-4:30pm, Buffalo Trace, 502.696.5930 Art Rhapsody presented by Bluegrass Youth Ballet; lexingtonoperahouse.com Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com Derby Day at Keeneland, 9am-6pm; keeneland.com The Great Cake Race, 3pm, Keeneland; sweetblessingscakes.org Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer starring John Malkovich, 7:30pm, Norton Center; nortoncenter.com 3rd Annual Chrysalis House Mother’s Day Luncheon, 11:30-1pm, Chrysalis Community Center; chrysalishouse.org 34th Annual Taste of the Bluegrass benefting God’s Pantry Food Bank, Keene Barn; godspantryfoodbank.org Celebrating the Bluegrass, 5:30pm, Keeneland; wclex.org Preakness Day Simulcast, Keeneland; keeneland.com R.J. Corman 5k Run/Walk for the Chrysalis House, 9am; cormanracesforchrysalis.com Sleeping Beauty presented by Kentucky Ballet Theatre; lexingtonoperahouse.com Bike MS: Bluegrass, Bikes & Bourbon; bikekyw.nationalmssociety.org Walk MS Lexington, 10am, RJ Corman; walkkyw.nationalmssociety.org
June 1
Tunes in the Vines Series, 2-4pm, Equus Run Vineyard’s Event Barn; equusrunvineyards.com
Artful Sunday, 2-3pm, University of Kentucky Art Museum; uky.edu/artmusuem
3
Pyramid Society Egyptian Arabian Event, The Kentucky Horse Park; pyramid society.org
5-8
Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville; gavvf.org
6
Fair Trade Festival and 27 Hour Triathlon, 6-9am, Spindletop Hall, tri4freedom.org
KET’s 26th Annual Summer Celebration, Donamire Farm; ket.org
6-8
Dance Trance Festival, Morton Middle School; www.Itda.ws
7
Share your Spare 5K, 8:30-10:30am, Coldstream Research Park; runsignup.com
Belmont Stakes Simulcast, Keeneland; keeneland.com
20
Concours Preview Party and Maserati Mingle, 5:30-9pm, Courthouse Square; keenelandconcours.com
27&28
15th Annual Freedom Festival Celebration; woodfordhumane.org
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FARMLAND CONSERVATION AUCTION
Photography by Andrew Kung
Boasting rare and exceptional items and unique experiences available to the highest bidder, the 14th annual Farmland Conservation Celebration & Auction, held at Fasig-Tipton, was another resounding success. Proceeds from the event will allow the Bluegrass Conservancy to add to the more than 20,000 acres it has already preserved throughout the Bluegrass for future generations.
Linda Helton, Suzanne & Jim Elliott
Lindsey Lemaster, Boo Hardy, Maegan Nicholson
Natalie Henton, Freya Kelly, Megan Bell
Billy Van Pelt, Patricia Burgess, Elizabeth Woodward
Keith & Leesa Moorman
Joe Miller, Laura Watson
Joanne Hilliard, Helen Alexander, Mary Ann Huber
Mariah Smock, Neil & Ginny Howard, Andy Howard
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Tyler Jones, Kristin Baehler, Lauren Bell
SWEET DREAMS GALA
Held at RJ Corman, the Dream Factory’s annual black tie optional gala featured live entertainment from Burning Las Vegas and dinner catered by South Van Events. Proceeds from the event allow the organization to make dreams come true for local children with critical and severe chronic illnesses.
Photography by Andrew Kung
Justin Greet, Wade Vaughn, Nikki Paley, Brad Paley
Lynzee McCullah, Marci Shutt, Katie Hayes, Katie Saylor
Jamie & Lindsey Brodsky, George Tacker III & Paloma Tacker
Ginny & Pat McGregor
Vince & Jackie Lemieux, Steven Singleton
Missy Ward, Carol Russell
Aaron & Mandie Van Wormer
Parker Deppen, Chase Deppen
Don Evans, DeAnn Stephens
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Ashley Greathouse, Chastity Jacobs
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PREVIEW PARTY
Te Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation hosted a Preview Party to kick of the 29th year of its Antiques & Garden Show, held at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. Te 2014 rendition included more than 80 exhibitors, a vintage car show and keynote speakers Tomas Jayne, Renny Reynolds and P. Allen Smith.
Photography by Andrew Kung Photography
Anne & Mike Baker
Lee & Julie Wilburn
Barbara Hulette, Marji Hines
Gretchen & Andrew Brown
Rock Shermer, Linda Roach
Kerry Cauthen, John Rhorer
Jana Joseph, Vicki Tobin
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Laurence Vanmeter, Julia Beach
TIFFANY AT THE GUGGENHEIM
Celebrating with all the glamour of its great heritage, Tifany & Co. unveiled its 2014 Blue Book at an event that transformed the Guggenheim Museum into a Photo by pantheon of colors that flled the museum’s soaring rotunda. Te approximately Mike Coppola & Neilson Barnard/ 300 guests, including Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth, Katie Holmes, Hilary Rhoda Getty Images for Tifany & Co. and Jessica Jofe stepped into an atmosphere sparkling with gems of pure, saturated color—vibrant blue and green, sunny yellow, fiery red, pink and purple— handcrafted in designs as diverse and exuberant as nature itself.
Kelly Framel
Alexi Ashe, Seth Meyers, Ariel Ashe
Sean Avery & Hilary Rhoda
Frederic Cumenal, President of Tifany & Co., Katie Holmes, Jessica Biel, Michael Kowalski, Chairman of Tifany & Co., Kate Bosworth
Nora Zehetner
Katie Holmes, Francesca Amftheatrof
Michael Polish & Kate Bosworth
Constance Jablonski
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RODES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Photography Andrew Kung
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Rodes For Him & For Her, one of the largest high-fashion apparel retailers in the Commonwealth, celebrated its 100th anniversary in a big way with an allday celebration that began with a presentation of a proclamation from Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer followed by a ladies fashion presentation and catered lunch by chef Dean Corbett, and ending with a lively cocktail party complete with live music and a magician.
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OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER DATE
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oyster perpetual and submariner are trademarks.