Sophisticated Living Nashville March/April 2023

3805 GREEN HILLS VILLAGE DRIVE, NASHVILLE, TN 37 215

THE IDEAL PLACE TO CALL HOME

Located in the picturesque hills of College Grove, this remarkable Willow Branch home offers all that you could dream of. Boasting hardwood floors and an open floorplan, you will be enchanted by the designer wallpaper and lavish Chef’s kitchen with a huge island. The main level features a primary bedroom as well as private office space - plus an extra bonus room upstairs. Step outside onto the covered back porch for breathtaking views of tree-lined common greenspace, which offer wonderful privacy in addition to your fenced in backyard featuring an outdoor fireplace that is perfect for entertaining!

4 Beds / 4 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath | 3,363 SF 7021 Vineyard Valley Drive, College Grove, TN

List Price: $1,039,900

Represented by Mona Wilson, 615.400.0708

BEAUTY IN TOLLGATE VILLAGE

Fabulous one owner estate home in Tollgate Village overlooking an expansive green space and just around the corner from all neighborhood amenities. Three bedrooms on the main level with two upstairs. Welcoming family room with fireplace and built-ins, brick accent wall, beautiful cabinetry and more. The outdoor space is not typical for Tollgate with its spacious covered and screened porch that opens to a large fenced-in patio area that includes a firepit for your smores! Perfect home for entertaining!

5 Beds / 3 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath | 4,764 SF 3432 Colebrook Drive, Thompsons Station, TN

List Price: $1,149,999

Represented by Mona Wilson, 615.400.0708

FOREST HILLS BEAUTY

Discover the perfect retreat in Forest Hills. Conveniently located near Oak Hill and Green Hills, this private ranch boasts a side-entry garage, two fireplaces to cozy up by, an updated kitchen with top-of-the line Subzero refrigeration and reverse osmosis water purification. Step out into the sunroom featuring a wet bar that opens onto the covered patio - designed for flexible indoor/outdoor entertaining overlooking an expansive fenced yard enveloped in lush vegetation which offers serene privacy three quarters of the year. Enjoy full peace of mind knowing both HVACs were recently installed (within 2 years) with 10-year warranties, and the metal roof is only 2 years old.

3 Beds / 2 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath | 2,400 SF 4901 Roselawn Circle, Nashville, TN

List Price: $1,200,000 | Co-Listed with Chris Grimes

Represented by Donna Tisdale, 615.202.8799

COLLEGE GROVE, TN

FOREST HILLS, TN

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A Love Letter to Italy

Authentic fine Italian cuisine presented by Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano

48 Arm Candy

Kid Kudi wearing pieces from Louis Vuitton’s new unisex LV Volt collection (us.louisvuitton.com). Image courtesy of Louis Vuitton.

MINT JULEP

STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

SIMPLE SYRUP

FRESH MINT LEAVES

CRAFTED CAREFULLY. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

WE CREATE LUXURY TRAVEL EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE BORDERS OF YOUR IMAGINATION. THROUGH OUR UNIQUE PROCESS, WE EXPLORE EVERYTHING FROM YOUR DEEPEST PASSIONS TO YOUR MOST SIMPLE REQUESTS.

INSTA: CWLUXURYTRAVEL1

PUBLISHER

Dave Mahanes

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

Melissa Mahanes

Copy Editor

Brit Hoyt

CONTRIBUTORS Writers

Victoria Chase

Colin Dennis

Chloe Gellar

Andre James

Charlie Mahanes

Dave Mahanes

Melissa Mahanes

Kari Sims Vaughn

Bridget Williams

Features Editor

Carolyn Smith Bryant

Travel Editor

Christy Waller

Photographers

Charlie Mahanes

Melissa Mahanes

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CONTACT US

Melissa: 615.308.9294 / melissa@slmag.net

Dave: 615.495.4250 / dave@slmag.net

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SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA

Eric Williams, CEO

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Jason Yann, Art Director

I want to share a special place that has been a big part of the Mahanes family’s life for the last 28 years Lull and Kevin McGrath’s farm, Northwood. When I first met my wife, Melissa, in 1991, her parents lived in a lovely colonial white clapboard house built in 1856 in Greenwich, Connecticut. Greenwich is a beautiful, tony town just a 45-minute train ride from New York City. I was quite fond of their home there. When Kevin retired in 1995, he and Lull began looking for a home in the country that suited their sporty nature. When they found the farm that would become Northwood (a nod to their move north and Lull’s Norwegian heritage) in Salisbury, Connecticut, Melissa and I weren’t sure what to think. The farm was now a two-and-a-half-hour drive for us. The house’s original part was built in 1841 and was the guest house of a larger estate. The house had been rented out for several years and needed a ton of tender loving care. The property was extremely overgrown. However, Kevin had a grand vision to convert this 143-acre property into a gentleman’s farm and convinced Lull to take on the challenge. Lull, an interior designer, has poured her heart into making Northwood their dream home for 25 years, lovingly stenciling floors, painting walls and cabinets, antiquing, and planting beautiful perennials around the property.

Salisbury is a quaint New England town with a Norman Rockwell vibe. In fact, Norman Rockwell lived 45 minutes north in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The McGraths hired an architect who redesigned a much more cohesive replacement for the previous addition. The galley kitchen opens to the family room with a fireplace and attached outdoor stone patio with a spectacular view, a great spot for cocktails and family dinners. The second floor has the primary bedroom with a vaulted ceiling and its own fireplace. The kitchen of the original house was converted into a mudroom, filled with trophies from Kevin’s many hunting trips for foxes, ducks, and deer.

They also built a separate barn with stalls for his horses, a garage, and one for his big green John Deere tractor. He religiously mowed all the fields, cleared logging trails and the farm road. To make Northwood an actual working farm, part of the land is leased to local cattle farmers. When he was little, Jack loved to visit and name the cows each season. There are always lots of rides around in their Kawasaki Mule. Eventually, Kevin built the pool he always wanted, perched up on the hill above the house and barn with a spectacular view of the foothills of the Berkshires. The four grandchildren always enjoy the freedom they have in the pool house with a sleeping loft and TV. Melissa and I have had so many wonderful times there over the years. We always spend Christmas there, which most often is a white one. During the holidays, we would have a hunt for chukkers or pheasants with Kevin’s bird dogs, Blitz and Rocket. We have seen our kids grow up there. On the wall at the top of the basement stairs are marks in pencil with dates and heights documenting my two sons and two nephews’ growth from babies into adults. My sister-in-law, Brit, had her wedding reception in a big white tent pitched on the lawn. She and her husband, Peter, moved to Sharon, Connecticut, just down the road from Northwood in 2006. Presently, they are building a new home on the edge of the property. As I write this, Melissa and I are at Northwood on a surprise visit to celebrate Peter’s 50th birthday. Right now, it is snowing big, white flakes, and we are cozy in front of a roaring fire. Sadly, Kevin passed away over four years ago, but his vision and legacy live on in every corner, which continues to create cherished family memories.

-Edgar

BRANDON MAXWELL

THE GOAL FOR ME HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO START A YOUNG, TRUE AMERICAN LUXURY BRAND THAT LIVES ON.

Brandon Maxwell began his fashion journey as a child playing under the racks of his grandmother's clothing store in Longview, Texas. This experience laid the foundation for a career in photography and fashion styling; eventually leading Brandon to his eponymous brand which launched in 2015 with a focus on craftsmanship and tailoring in New York City.

Today, Maxwell is best known for red-carpet gow ns and award-winning runway creations. Dressing everyone from Oscar-nominated actresses to heads of state, he believes that everyone should have access to smart, well-made clothing that makes them feel their best.

SYMPHONY FASHION SHOW APRIL 25TH

PRESENTED BY GUS MAYER FEATURING THE FALL 2023 COLLECTION FROM BRANDON MAXWELL │ Doors open at 6pm - Fashion Show starts at 7:30pm

RUNWAY REVEAL

Carolyn Smith Bryant talks to Brandon Maxwell about his creative process and plans for the Symphony Fashion Show

Interview by Carolyn Smith Bryant / Photos courtesy of Brandon Maxwell Studio

Carolyn Smith Bryant: I’m sure I speak for many when I say it’s thrilling to have a designer who has dressed two first ladies, a royal, Oprah, Grammy award-winning recording artists, and dozens of Hollywood A-listers previewing a brand-new collection in our city! What made you say yes to the partnership with the Nashville Symphony? How often do you get to Nashville? What are you most excited about experiencing while here?

Brandon Maxwell: I’ve always had a deep love for Nashville. I’ve spent a lot of time in Nashville because my brother Ben lived here for a while. The energy of the city is incredible, plus the music history, delicious food, and the warmth of the people, it’s a hard place to forget. I thought the city and Gus Mayer was the perfect place to bring my FW23 Collection. There is a market for luxury fashion here and I wanted to expand our reach beyond New York, LA, and Texas.

CSB: We know that you got your start marrying music with fashion as a stylist to the brilliantly talented Lady Gaga. As a Southerner, hailing from east Texas, are you a country music fan? Which Nashville recording artist(s) do you or would you like to dress?

BM: I’m a huge country music fan! I’d really dress everyone. Country music stars like Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton, Lainey Wilson, and Ashley McBryde are the soundtrack to my life at any given moment.

CSB: All your collections are stunning, but Spring/Summer 2023, out now, is just gorgeous. It’s luxe, ethereal, versatile, crossgenerational. Would you agree that women of all ages could dress beautifully within that collection? Is that a hallmark of all your designs? And speaking of generational, you dedicated a recent collection to your sweet grandmother. How is she?

BM: I dedicated the FW22 show to my grandmother who has been a huge force in my life. She’s doing well, thank you for asking. I grew up in a clothing store around women of all ages. For me, it makes sense to create collections that resonate with women in every stage of their lives. It’s an ageless offering.

CSB: You and I actually grew up in a similar way with our grandmothers as fashion conduits and inspirations. Your mamaw managed a boutique where you spent a lot of time. Mine managed our family’s custom tailoring shop in which I draped fabric scraps on mannequins. If you could craft a message to all families about the power of giving freedom and support, what would it be?

BM: I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the love and support of my family. Their early acceptance of me as a creative person kept me uplifted and created a foundation of love from which I create.

CSB: When starting a collection, do you start with a theme, emotion, fabric, or pantone?

BM: Quite often I start with a color or fabric that I love and want to build from. I suppose I am always conveying a feeling when I start collections this way. Depending on where I am in my life the feeling could produce a multitude of concepts.

SCB: Congratulations on your new position as creative director for Walmart! It was heartwarming to learn that you have always wanted to “dress America.” Does this include designing for all body sizes and shapes? Will it include a men’s line? Is there something in it for your dog Stella and other fur babies?

BM: Working with Walmart has always been a dream of mine. I believe that people all over America should have access to beautiful well-made clothes. I design for all women, not one body type or economic background. I have done menswear before in my collections back in 2019. Currently, I oversee men’s, women’s, and children’s collections for Free Assembly at Walmart. Maybe we’ll add pieces for the pups!

CSB: Your role as a judge on Project Runway is near and dear to you. What kind of emotional journeys does a show like that take you on?

BM: I always say that I feel closer in life to the contestants of Project Runway in terms of my career timeline. Some of them have been working in fashion for 5+ years. I understand the challenges they are experiencing being a relatively young brand. I want the best for all of them, so of course it’s an emotional journey!

CSB: Project Runway has also highlighted your love of “the reveal.” Did that start with your spectacular partnership with Gaga on her epic 4-in-1 2019 Met Gala look and red-carpet show? Did you know that every time you say “reveal” on Project Runway, audiences are taking a chug of their favorite festive beverage? Please explain how important you believe the element of drama is, and how exactly you achieve that?

BM: I had no idea there were drinking games around me saying “reveal”. How fun! I don’t know if the reveal is necessarily important, it’s just a fun moment that happens after hours of filming and I’m always the one to call it out.

CSB: Nashville is a town that likes to give back, as you know from your participation in the Symphony Fashion Show. In looking at your many charitable endeavors, I see that you have forged a close bond with Houston’s inimitable Lynn Wyatt. I know this town is already falling in love with you, so this is formal notice that Houston and Mrs. Wyatt will have to share you with us. Please let our readership know what causes are near and dear to your heart.

BM: I care deeply about education, as I have gleaned so much from the teachers and schools I have attended. I currently work with the Texas Cultural Trust and the University of Texas on a one-year merit, and need-based award for students pursuing higher education in fashion. This scholarship seeks to provide high-quality educational opportunities and is aligned with my commitment to diversifying the fashion industry. Love, togetherness, and community are truly the most fashionable things. I’ve gotten a chance to meet some of these scholarship winners and they inspired me with their drive and curiosity.

CSB: Aside from what we have already discussed, you’ve photographed and directed short films, garnered more media value than Tom Ford or Ralph Lauren, have your clothing in the world’s top retail outlets, and have won every prestigious design award including the 2020 AAFA Designer of the Year, and you’re not even forty! It seems like your biggest job is creating new dreams while scaling up carefully. Can you share what’s next for Brandon Maxwell the line and the man?

BM: Wow, thank you! I’m so grateful for all that I’ve accomplished in my life and my career. I’m never sure what will come next, but I do continue to dream big for myself and for the company. We’d love to open stand-alone stores and expand internationally. The brand has evolved and grown so much in the last two years. The next step for me is to continue to nurture and build the brand.

CSB: Brandon, thank you for your time—we look forward to seeing you at the Symphony Fashion Show at the Schermerhorn on April 25th. sl

WHAT A CONCEPT!

Fox Restaurant Concepts flexes its culinary talents in four delicious ways

Written by Dave Mahanes / Photos courtesy of Fox Restaurant Concepts

Over the last 2 years, Fox Restaurant Concepts, based in Phoenix, Arizona, has invaded the Nashville culinary scene in a big way. Fox Restaurant Concepts has 11 different bar and restaurant concepts with over 60 locations across the country. Of these, Nashville has the Twelve Thirty Club, Blanco Cocina + Cantina, Pushing Daisies, and most recently Doughbird. Sam Fox, twelvetime nominee for the James Beard Award and co-founder of True Foods Kitchen, is the architect behind these concepts. Melissa and I have had the pleasure of experiencing all four of these wonder concepts, and I’d to like to share these experiences with you.

In our November/December 2021 issue, I gave a detailed overview and review of the Twelve Thirty Club, a multi-level dining, music, and cocktail venue dubbed as “Chic Honky Tonk.” On the first level is Honky Tonk, offering new American dishes and bar food, local brews, rocking entertainment, and rolling good times. The mezzanine is home to Honorary Member, a members-only swanky 50-seat craft cocktail lounge with designer drinks, small bites, and a luscious vibe. The third floor houses the Rooftop Bar and The Supper Club, which offers a high-end culinary experience coupled with first-class music entertainment.

Pushing Daisies

Melissa and I recently revisited the Twelve Thirty Supper Club. Once again, it was truly a fine dining experience with a super-hot band playing rock, R&B and jazz favorites. We began with the chilled lobster tail served with remoulade sauce. For a main course, I enjoyed the Chilean Sea Bass with a roasted artichoke-meuniere sauce with capers accompanied by grilled jumbo asparagus with sea salt and lemon. Melissa savored a medium rare petite filet topped with Sam’s famous garlic butter noodles. Melissa finished off the evening with an expresso martini— the best of both worlds. Two new seasonal entrées added to the menu were maple braised short rib served with brussels sprouts, glazed carrot, whipped potato and pine nut gremolata as well as butternut squash ravioli presented with oyster mushrooms, brussels leaves, toasted hazelnut and brown butter emulsion. Seasonal side dishes to pair with their steaks include roasted sweet potato with pomegranate and smoked walnut honey as well as crispy brussels sprouts with soy caramel. The Twelve Thirty Supper Club is definitely worth visiting.

Melissa and I had the pleasure of attending the media kickoff party for Pushing Daisies, a margarita speakeasy (the Spanish word for daisies is margarita). The entrance to Pushing Daisies brings you down a long staircase that you would think leads to the parking but instead leads to the front door of the establishment. Pushing Daisies is below street level running beneath 5th and Broadway from the Apple Store to Hattie B’s. It is a luxury underground lair with low

ceilings with exposed pipes, sexy low lighting, booths, and a stage for singer-songwriter performances or a DJ. It is a perfect venue for that after dinner drink after fine dining at the Twelve Thirty Supper Club or escaping the sticky floored honkytonks of Lower Broad. This cocktail lounge features more than forty different margaritas and a wide-ranging list of over 100 tequilas and agave-based spirits. Of course, they have a deep backbar of other spirits as well for someone like me who likes a Woodford on the rocks. They offer Barrio Punch which is a mix between Mexican street punch and margarita that serves 8 to 12 as well as their daily deal called “the bargain basement shot.” If you want to play bigshot, go for the VIP bottle service in the banquets. This place is cool!

A while ago, Melissa and I caught a bite with friends at Blanco Cocina + Cantina after seeing Blue Oyster Cult and Zac Malloy on the rooftop stage of 5th and Broadway. Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a Sonoran Mexican cuisine-based restaurant featuring Cheese Crisps (Mexican Pizza) and Chimichangas with exotic fillings such as braised chicken or short rib macha. Sam Fox grew up in Tucson, Arizona, which is famous for Sonoran Mexican fare. Other menu items include watermelon ceviche with pomegranate seeds, jalapeno spiked Hamachi, tacos on hand-made tortillas, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. If you are thirsty and want to party, try the frozen palomas or the jalapeno and pineapple margarita with chile verde liqueur and habanero bitters. Muy bueno!

Blanco Cocina + CantinaBlanco Cocina + Cantina

Blanco Cocina + Cantina

Fox Restaurant Concepts’ most recent addition to the Nashville dining community is Doughbird in the former location of California Pizza Kitchen in Green Hills. With a large bar in the center, the atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed. The bar offers imaginative craft cocktails along with a well-curated beer and wine list. Doughbird specializes in chicken dishes and pizza with delicious dipping sauces like lemon and garlic, spicy buffalo, umami, buttermilk ranch, chipotle barbeque, honey mustard and chicken gravy. Chicken dishes include wings, tenders, and rotisserie while the pizza can be hand stretched or Detroit style crust. In addition, the menu offers something for everyone including grilled Chilean salmon, slow roasted prime rib, chicken Bolognese, caramelized cauliflower, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Melissa and I dined there when it first opened a few weeks ago. I kicked off the meal with the avocado salad with mixed greens, glazed bacon, gorgonzola, tomato, and ranch dressing. Melissa ordered the chicken Bolognese served with parmesan, Italian oregano, and cheese toast. It was truly a wonderful

twist on an Italian classic. For my main course, I enjoyed the copper hat pizza, Detroit style, with prosciutto, goat cheese, medjool date, salted pistachios, and arugula. Melissa and I liked Doughbird so much that we took our son, Jack, there the next day for lunch where we had the best chicken tenders we ever tasted.

The Fox Restaurant Concepts has brought some outstanding and original dining and cocktail establishments to the Nashville dining scene. Now if I can only talk them into bringing their excellent burger bar concept, Zinburger, to Nashville! sl

The Twelve Thirty Club / 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 / (629) 236-0001 thetwelvethirtyclub.com / Monday-Thursday 11:00am-11:00pm, Friday 11:00am-1:00am, Saturday 10:00am-1:00am, Sunday 10:00am-11:00pm

Blanco / 530 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 / (629) 216-2510 / blancotacostequila.com

Sunday-Wednesday 11:00am-10:00pm, Thursday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm

Pushing Daisies / 570 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 / (615) 988-5055 / drinkdaisies.com

Wednesday 5:00pm-12:00am, Thursday 5:00pm-2:00am, Friday-Saturday 12:00pm-2:00am, Sunday 12:00pm-12:00am, Closed Monday and Tuesday

Doughbird / 4031 Hillsboro Pike, Unit 901 Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 988-5008 / eatdoughbird.com / Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:00am-10:00pm

Doughbird

FRENCH DRESSING

Written by Bridget Williams

St. Barths…St. Bart…St. Barts... However you choose to spell it, the tiny volcanic island, encircled by shallow reefs, is endowed with an embarrassment of riches, from its abundant natural beauty to the bounty of billionaire's bodacious yachts docked in and around Gustavia's harbor during the winter months. With no shortage of sprawling villas and upscale resorts catering to the glitterati, luxury is a given. Seeking to differentiate itself, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa and its sister brand, Le Barth Villa Rentals, sets a high bar for an island idyll that pairs sumptuousness with sustainability. Going green, they say, is the new gold standard. "The hospitality industry is normalizing 'green' so that it's no longer a trend but necessary and logical," remarked Michael Martinez, Le Barthélemy's Director of Food and Beverage, during a sustainable cooking class conducted around the island of the kitchen at Le Barthélemy's oceanfront Villa Aqua.

The dramatic air arrival is part of the St. Barths' experience, highly recommended over the ferry from nearby St. Maarten, a voyage known to make even a seasoned seafarer queasy. Traveling aboard Tradewind Aviation's Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for the 45-minute flight from San Juan to one of the smallest airports in the world includes a steep descent between hills before stopping on a 2,100-foot

runway with a 2-degree downslope that terminates in the Caribbean. As many as 100 private jets a day arrive during peak season. From there, it's a short chauffeured ride to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, opened in 2016 and nestled in the arc of St. Barths' Grand Cul-de-Sac beach, a pretty lagoon with white sand beaches and calm, shallow water courtesy of an offshore coral reef that keeps roiling waves at bay. It's a setting that Sebastian Maingourd, Regional General Manager of Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, says "creates a secluded privacy that encapsulates our ethos of using nature as our muse to cultivate the deepest sense of relaxation. The island's buzz in Gustavia and St. Jean is set apart, yet easily accessible so guests can enjoy the best of both worlds."

Apropos for an island full of beautiful people, an army of impeccably attired attendants were waiting as our car arrived, making the check-in process seamless and quick and immediately exemplifying what the property calls their "human-centered, couture hospitality." Not wanting to miss our first sunset, we sent our bags to our rooms and headed for the Amis St. Barth bar, where we had difficulty selecting a celebratory cocktail from an innovative lineup that included ingredients such as bergamot, gingerbread syrup, and lemon foam.

Sipping and surveying the alfresco environment of the common areas, I noted that the familiar motifs of island décor are both understated and deliberate and accentuated by whimsical touches, such as birdcage chairs in the reception area. Vibrant pops of color that call to mind the sea, sun, and blue skies contrast with natural textures of rattan, terracotta, wood, and stone.

Forty-four rooms and suites populate two-story buildings whose steeply pitched rooflines mirror the contours of the surrounding landscape. Guests can opt for ocean, garden, or lake views, with many first-floor ocean-view rooms boasting heated private plunge pools. Those needing more elbow room can book a three-bedroom suite or one of two on-site oceanfront six-bedroom villas, each with a 55-foot swimming pool.

Le Barthélemy's villa rental company has access to 250 of the most luxurious properties on the island combined with 24/7 concierge services, and all the amenities of being a guest at a hotel voted the #1 Resort in St Barths, the #1 Best Resort in the Caribbean and among the Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2022. Your budget is the only limit on their a la carte menu of experiences.

"Our portfolio of villas spans every nook and cranny across the island so guests can choose the qualities that matter most to

them – whether it's beachfront access or a panoramic birds-eye view, the layouts and amenities are virtually infinite," said Guillaume Bichot, General Manager of Le Barth Villa Rentals. "Beyond having their own private space, Le Barth Villa Rentals go above and beyond to allow guests the same exclusive access to Le Barthélemy's luxury resort amenities— including a guaranteed lounge chair on the resort's spectacular beach – at no additional cost."

My second-floor Le Barth Ocean room boasted a soaring vaulted ceiling and a large terrace with a retractable screen that invited the sound of the waves in and kept pesky bugs out. As part of the brand's commitment to sustainability, supreme cotton sheets in guest rooms are made of traceable organically grown cotton, and sixty percent of all in-room amenities come from ethical and environmentally friendly labels.

Familiarizing myself with the graciously proportioned room and admiring the bulbous blown glass pendant lighting on one side of the bed, I was thrilled to find a box of truffles and a bottle of the house champagne - Leclerc Briant – a pioneer in biodynamic bubbly, on ice in a custom branded box. There's also a "champagne please" button on the in-room phone should you find your well has run dry. Le Barthélemy's owners purchased Leclerc Briant, founded in 1872 on a single plot in Epernay, France, in 2012.

Living room in the Jocapana villa

Primary bedroom in Blanc Bleu Living room in the Ixfalia villa

At evening view at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, looking across the extended pyramid skylight of the subterranean La Spa to the oceanfront inifinity pool.

Reflective of UNESCO's 2010 declaration of the "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" as a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the hotel's recently revamped Amis St. Barth restaurant is now a dining destination in its own right. Here, executive chef Vincent Gomis' dishes, such as black truffle lobster piemontaise, stuffed squid, and chicken breast with a flavorful olive crust, are infused with the flavors of the South of France and the Mediterranean basin. In addition, Le Barthélemy's affable advanced sommelier, hailing from a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, offers expert pairing advice and is available to lead guests through an hour-long immersion covering a trio of different wines. Impress your friends by polishing your bartending skills during cocktail master class led Amis St Barths' mixology bartender Thursday through Monday.

Chef Gomis, who grew up among a family of chefs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, followed his passions to the hilltop French culinary town of Carcassonne at the young age of 15. He went on to work at one of Paris' most revered restaurants, Epicure at Le Bristol, alongside triple Michelin-starred French Chef Eric Fréchon. The kitchen at Amis is a family affair, as Gomis' wife Marie Cécile, whom he met at Le Bristol, is the sous-chef.

Gomis is committed to getting the kitchen close to zero waste and sourcing seasonal ingredients, citing sustainably harvested local mahi-mahi and spices from neighboring Guadeloupe as examples. "As a chef, I want to be able to make every product special," he said during our intimate cooking class, where he shared that overlooked vegetable peels are part of his unique sauces and dressings and that the kitchen composts non-edible food waste.

As if one was remiss in noticing the scores of pretty people partaking of the toes-in-the-sand lunch at Amis St. Barth, the owner of the on-site boutique regularly uses the boardwalk lining the al fresco dining area as a runway for long-legged models to showcase her collection of unique clothing, swimsuits, and accessories.

Innovative and upscale dining isn't limited to the confines of the restaurant. As part of their bespoke guest experiences, we booked a day aboard Le Barthélemy's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Departing directly from the hotel, we explored quiet coves, admired dramatic cliffside villas, and indulged in a picnic lunch of grilled octopus and Niçoise salad (and bubbly, of course), among other delicacies. The sky is the limit regarding Amis St. Barths' range of customized dining experiences; we enjoyed a multi-course bohemian beachfront feast illuminated with candlelight and laughter.

Interior of Amis St. Barth restaurant

A picnic lunch on board the hotel's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Chef Vincent Gomis

Alfresco lunch at Amis St. Barth restaurant

One of Le Barthélemy's most unique aspects is the comprehensive offerings at its subterranean Le Spa, whose common area sits beneath a skylight reminiscent of the Louvre's famous pyramid. Notably, Le Spa has the distinction of being the only Caribbean hotel utilizing La Mer products. A nod to Sweden's control of St. Barths from 1784-1878, the spa's Nordic baths comprise a trio of Red Cedar plunge pools ranging from horribly cold to hot. The self-guided journey is invigorating and endorphin-boosting. Treatment rooms feature ceilings animated with a cosmography of fiber optic lighting that induces a dreamlike state even before the treatment commences. An indulgent facial incorporating La Mer's Miracle Broth, derived from highly regenerating Giant Sea Kelp, left my skin noticeably glowy for days.

Le Spa's newest offerings— Janzu and Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing—are unique-to-the-island offerings aimed at holistic well-being. During Janzu, a trained expert utilizes the weightlessness of water and the deep state of relaxation it encourages to guide guests through a series of rhythmic movements inspired by ancient Shamanic regression techniques. Paired with Janzu or a stand-alone experience, singing bowls are

placed on top of the water during Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing, allowing the sound to transmit deep vibrational frequencies 4x faster than through air, creating a profound vibrational effect on the internal organs and energy system. Guests can experience these treatments in the Nature's Reserve in front of the hotel when the ocean is calm, in private plunge pools, the hotel's oceanfront infinity pool, or villa pools.

An all-encompassing destination, the on-site watersports program means that days are amply occupied by snorkeling or paddling in the lagoon, where you're nearly guaranteed to spot a sea turtle. In addition, the surrounding reefs are undergoing active restoration partly due to the hotel's partnership with Coral Restoration St. Barth.

After dinner, Le Barthélemy's rooftop bar, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, cheekily named after the manager's reaction following the 2017 hurricane when he surveyed the space and found it nearly unscathed among the wreckage, is the place for inventive cocktails, live music, and buzzy DJ sets. "We've created a vacation experience that nurtures and reinvigorates the mind, body, and soul," said Maingourd. sl

For more information, visit www.lebarthelemyhotel.com or connect with them on social media @lebarthelemy, @amis_stbarth, and @lebarth_villas.

Entryway at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Couple's treament room at Le Spa

Nordic baths at Le Spa

F1 RETURNS TO LAS VEGAS

Written by Bridget Williams

If you’ve ever been in the back seat of an Uber as it inched its way through the seemingly ceaseless traffic on the Las Vegas strip, it would seem hard to believe that in November of this year, a select few drivers will have the privilege of racing down the garishly grand boulevard in excess of 200 MPH as part of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and related events on November 16-19. The event marks the first time the unmistakable shrill whine of an F1 engine operating at max capacity will quicken pulses in Sin City in nearly four decades.

In 1981 and 1982, the F1 world championship was decided by the Caesar’s Palace Grand Prix and staged on a temporary anticlockwise street circuit curiously squeezed between concrete barriers in a coiled snake configuration within the Caesar’s Palace parking lot. Australian driver Alan Jones, driving for Williams-Ford won the 75-lap race in 1981, with Michele Alboreto taking the checkered flag the following year in a Terrell-Ford. The 1982 race marked the end of famed driver Mario Andretti’s F1 career. However, he would return to the site to race after F1 dropped Vegas from

its calendar and the circuit was reconfigured into a modified oval for Indy Car. In 1984, the last year of parking lot racing in Vegas, Andretti was crowned the Indy Car series champion.

The 2023 track design is 3.8 miles long from start to finish, with top speeds estimated to be over 212mph. Held on the evening of November 19 under lights in the heart of Las Vegas, the typical strip energy will be amplified with additional off-track entertainment before the drivers take on 50 race laps designed with three main straights and 17 corners. Drivers will zoom past iconic locations including Caesar’s Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian.

If attendance at kickoff events this past November is any indication, demand for tickets will far exceed the 100,000+ official spectator capacity. “Taking over the sports and entertainment capital of the world for almost an entire week is going to be a game changer for Formula 1 and has the potential to set the benchmark for all global sports and entertainment events in the future,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will take over the strip with racing and scores of off-track entertainment from November 16-18

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes driving on track during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 launch party on November 05, 2022 on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Ticket prices will start at $500. Premium seating experiences include:

• Paddock Club

Enjoy the epitome of Las Vegas hospitality from the best seats in the house. The Paddock Club sits on a newly- purchased 39-acre parcel of land adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard, serving as the central point of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

• Wynn Grid Club

Located inside the Paddock Club with a theme heartening back to the 1920s, the Gatsby-esque setting will offer the most indulgent and glamorous vantage point to watch the race.

• Skyboxes

Situated above the premium start/finish grandstand featuring excellent views of the start/finish and the pre- and post-race festivities.

• Suites

These private suites feature elevated views of the race action as the cars head into the Koval straightaway.

Through an initiative with the Las Vegas Grand Prix Foundation, in just 24 hours this past August, F1 fans interested in securing a spot in line for tickets donated enough funds to provide one million free meals to the local Las Vegas community. “While we are confident in the positive economic impact the Grand Prix will bring to the greater Las Vegas area, we are focused on making a difference for those most in need,” said Grand Prix’s CEO Renee Wilm." We are in Las Vegas for the long term and look forward to contributing to the community in many ways over the coming years. One million free meals is just the beginning.”

Charitable contributions will also benefit Green Our Planet, which assists “farmpreneur” and school garden programs at Clark County Schools and the Just One project to grow its no-cost Community Markets.

“A ticket to the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the hottest ticket in global sport,” said Domenicali. For more information, visit formula1.com/en/racing/2023/Las_Vegas.html. sl

Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, Steven Sisolak, Governor of Nevada, Jim Gibson, Clark County Commission Chair and pose for a photograph after painting the start line during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 launch party on November 05, 2022 on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Clive Mason - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

PAVÉ THE WAY

Meaning “pavement” in French, stones in a pavé setting create an unbroken line of continuous sparkle.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Louis Vuitton LV Volt One Pendant necklace ($6,000; uslouisvuitton.com) | Loree Rodkin Love pendant with black and gray pavé-set diamonds ($15,000; loreerodkin.com) | Ritique Orchid pendant necklace ($3,290; ritique.com) | Halo bangle from Georg Jensen x Sophie Bille Brahe ($11,000; georgjensen.com) | Misahara Icy chain bracelet ($12,100; misahara.com) | Walters Faith Lytton rose gold and pavé diamond bombe bracelet ($49,500; waltersfaith.com) | Rush Jewelry Design signature cleaved diamond ring ($4,600; rushjewelrydesign.com) | Lydia Courteille Paris bespoke diamond ring (lydiacourteille.com/en) | ITA Jewelry Acu pavé pinky ring ($3,200; itajewelry.com) | Pavé diamond ring with fancy pink diamonds set in rose gold from Albarre Jewelry in St. Louis (price upon request; albarre.com) | Rainbow K Handcuff ring ($4,000; rainbowkjewelry.com) | Brent Neale initial diamond pavé signet ring ($14,500; brentneale.com) | Ali Weiss square pavé diamond signet ring ($1,450; aliweissjewelry.com) | Ginette NY black diamond disc ring ($3,360; ginette-ny.com) Harvey Owen Hex necklace ($44,265; harveyowen.com) | Rae locket with pavé diamonds on 30" chain from Monica Rich Kosann ($5,230). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and monicarichkosann.com. | Medium Infinity necklace from Phillips House ($1,999). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, phillipshouse.com. | Kwiat Swirl drop earrings ($7,300). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and kwiat.com. | Vhernier Aladino full pavé earclips (vhernier.com) | Azlee pavé and baguette diamond hoops ($7,290; azleejewelry.com) | Pomellato 18K rose gold Fantina earrings with pavé diamond accents ($13,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond

WILD AND WONDERFUL

at Mahali Mzuri.

"Hello lady...Are you awake?"

Written by Bridget Williams

Under any other circumstances, hearing an unfamiliar man's voice call out in the pre-dawn darkness to rouse me from sleep would have sounded an immediate alarm. But here, following my first night at Mahali Mzuri, during which I listened intently to an intermittent cacophony of animal noises so close I was certain that the Great Migration was taking place outside my tent, the endearingly low-tech wake-up call put a smile on my face as my brain navigated the fuzzy boundary delineating dreamland and reality.

Opened in 2013 and part of Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of luxury properties operating under the Virgin Limited Edition umbrella, Mahali Mzuri is one of just five safari camps in Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy, part of the larger Maasai Mara ecosystem. The result of a comprehensive and collaborative effort to provide a mutually beneficial arrangement for wildlife and the Maasai pastoralist community, there are only 94 beds allowed within its 33,000 protected acres, meaning that visitors get incomparable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.

The five camps located in the conservancy make monthly rental payments to local tribes and donate $5 per night per guest to The Maa Trust (themaatrust.org), a research-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Maasai women,

youth, and children for the long-term sustainable conservation of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Mahali Mzuri takes its philanthropy a step further by supporting a local primary school. A visit here is a humbling experience, particularly when considering what conditions were like before the recent renovations. Resort guests can have a donation to the school added to their folio at checkout or request the school's wish list before their stay as part of their "Pack for a Purpose" program. Visits can also be arranged to the Maa Trust's beading shop and a local village, where 100% of the tour costs are donated back to the community.

At Mahali Mzuri, which means 'beautiful place' in Swahili, accommodations encompass 12 tented suites that cantilever over a valley bisected by something more precious than gold in this parched region: the Olkuroto River. Technically glamping, the spacious tented suites are far from roughing it. Outside, the colors of the canvas blend with the local stone and indigenous red oat grass. Inside, interior designer Yvonne Golds of Real Studio worked closely with Kenyan designers and artisans to source local fabrics, furniture, and artwork. A generous overhanging roof creates an oasis of shade on the tent's large terrace and makes an ideal spot for afternoon yoga during the time in-between game drives. It was surreal to come up from a downward dog to see a giraffe nibbling the treetops below my tent.

Culture, philanthropy, and camaraderie enhance the safari experience

Dinner under the starts at Mahali Mzuri

Mahali Mzuri's inifinity pool is nestled beneath the camp into a natural alcove of boulders.

Interior of a guest tent.

With only 94 beds in the 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, vistors get incomporable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.

A lionness en route to chasing down her breakfast

When it's dark, guests must have a Maasai tribe member escort them from their tent to and from the common areas. One evening I asked my guide if he ever spots animals close to the walkway; a quick flick of his flashlight to the right illuminated a massive water buffalo chomping on grass. Smiling from ear to ear after seeing my surprise, he said, "No fences here."

Splitting the camp in two is a common area comprised of tents for dining and lounging and a large deck with ample seating for savoring the view. This centralized setup brings guests together at various points throughout the day to swap stories of what they'd seen and experienced, creating charming camp camaraderie. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the food is outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soup of the day – cold at lunch and hot at dinner. In-camp meals are complemented by experiences like campfire cocktails and a lavish buffet BBQ dinner in the bush. At the lounge tent, bartender Raymond serves up craft cocktails with Swahili names inspired by the animals and the landscape. My favorite was the "Dawa," an easily replicable chilled version of the hot toddy made with vodka, lime, and honey.

There are two game drives each day. The first departs just as the colors of the sky turn from bruised to blush. When asked what was on the itinerary, Jackson, our guide, responded, "a game drive

is like fishing…let us see what nature will provide us." Nature felt particularly peacocky on our inaugural morning drive, with the opening hours unfolding like the acts of a dramatic stage play. Fifteen minutes after leaving camp, we spotted a trio of impossibly cute lion cubs from the Iseketa pride languidly sunbathing atop a rock when the lionesses suddenly sprang into action. Jackson told us to hold on and gave chase in our 4x4 vehicle. Soon we were witnessing the lionesses taking down a trio of wildebeests a few hundred feet from our vehicle—close enough to hear flesh tearing and the lionesses' guttural grumbles of satisfaction.

Initially unsure of how we'd feel about a front-row seat to such a "circle of life" moment, in short order, our group acted like Romans watching a battle in the Coliseum and calling for more. Jackson soothed our sad feelings for the doomed quadrupeds after telling us that the Swahili term for the wildebeest is sifuri ubongo, translated as "zero brains." However, our bloodthirst was tested on a subsequent outing when a tiny leopard cub came dangerously close to being a hyena's lunch. Moments like this, and seeing a doe-eyed Jackal, who could have been ripped from the pages of a Disney storybook, carrying the head of a baby gazelle in its mouth, gave me a whole new perspective on life and the fact that my worries seem trivial when compared with constantly worrying about being eaten!

Maasai guide Jackson provding a warm welcome before a sunrise game drive.

Adumu, the Maasai jumping dance

A mother elephant and her offspring, the littlest just weeks old.

Picnic lunch in the bush.

A tense moment as a young lion eyes a water buffalo grazing beneath the pride in close proximity to our 4x4.

Raymond serves craft cocktails with Swahili names inspired by the landscape.

It was candy that drew Jackson, who grew up on the main road leading into the conservancy, to become a guide. Noticing that "little white jeeps" always had an ample supply of candy, he and his friends would run alongside, yelling, "give me sweets" (something we also heard at the primary school). "I told my friends I wanted to be a driver because I was sure I'd get lots of candy," he laughed. With fifteen years of experience, Jackson explained that becoming a guide is more than just learning to drive; he holds a specialty certification from the Koiyaki Guiding School. Book smarts and natural curiosity combine to make Jackson a wealth of knowledge about wildlife and the region's 43 distinct tribes. I quickly filled a notebook with his anecdotes, from Maasai burial practices to how fences and elephants have accelerated deforestation.

During our conversations with Jackson, it was interesting to learn how the culture of the Maasai continues to evolve as tourism improves their quality of life. Programs like Lighting Up Africa, which brings renewable, off-grid energy to remote communities, allow for access to the internet and the outside world, but traditions persist. For example, while the iPhone in his pocket signals success, Jackson said the measure of his personal wealth remains based on the number of cows in his herd.

Constantly scanning the horizon, eagle-eyed Jackson always spotted the next frame of our highlight reel from far away and jokingly referred to our many erroneous sightings as "ATLs," or

"animal-looking things." Unlike the Maasai Mara, where vehicles are limited to designated roadways, guides in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy are free to go off-road in a respectful pursuit of wildlife, who generally seemed unbothered by our presence, as long as we kept all of our extremities in the vehicle. Jackson said that while it would be common to have 20 vehicles crowded around a sighting in the Maasai Mara, in Olare, only five can congregate.

Like the wildlife who seek shade to sleep away the heat of the day, the afternoons at Mahali Mzuri are all about relaxation. Some guests retreat to the infinity pool, nestled into a natural alcove of grey boulders, or to the spa, located in a secluded spot close to the valley floor.

Making an appointment at the latter was a no-brainer following a blissful neck and shoulder massage offered during check-in, an amenity I'd choose over a welcome cocktail any day.

After dinner each evening, I'd settle into bed, grateful for the thoughtful addition of a hot water bottle under the sheets to avert the evening chill (along with one waiting in my seat in the 4x4 each morning). I was excited to drift off to sleep, not only because I was physically spent following the fullness of the day's itinerary but also because I knew my dreams would be splendidly saturated with the colors and culture of Kenya. sl

Rates at Mahali Mzuri start from $1,700 per person/night. For more information and reservations, visit virginlimitededition.com/en/mahali-mzuri.

Picnic lunch in the bush.

ARM CANDY

Daniel Craig wearing the 42MM Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition during a November 2022 black tie gala in London marking sixty years of James Bond ($9,200). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and omegawatches.com. | Bell & Ross Cyber Skull Bronze with BR-CAL.210 calibre, By turning the crown, the jaw of the skull comes alive. Limited edition of 500 pieces ($11,400). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and bellross.com. | Longines Dolcevita L5.512.4.92.2 with orange lacquered dial ($1,350). Available through Davis Jewelers in in Louisville, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and longines.com. | Anya Taylor-Joy wearing Jaeger-LeCouture’s Rendez-Vous Dazzling Shooting Star. The blue aventurine dial is surrounded by a ring of claw-set diamonds ($84,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in This page, clockwise from top left: Picchiotti reversible Xpandable diamond, coral and white ceramic bracelet ($36,700). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and picchiotti.it. | John Hardy Classic Chain pull through bracelet in a variety of birthstones (from $895). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and johnhardy.com. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and nouvelheritage.com. | Arnold & Son drew on the year of the Water Rabbit to inspire the latest version of its Perpetual Moon ($61,800; arnoldandson.com) | Extensible 5ct rainbow sapphire stretch bracelet in 18k yellow gold ($9,400). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and extendluxury.com. | L’Atelier Nawbar Pillar diamond bangle ($4,500; lateliernawbar.com) | Sloane Street turquoise and diamond bracelet ($4,215). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville; Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and sloanest.com. | Gemstone bangles from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis (from $1,600; albarre.com) | Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold Paradise mixed gemstone three strand bracelet ($3,630). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St Louis and at us.marcobicego.com. | Bea

Bongiasca x ANANYA Fine Jewelry Rainbow Chakra bracelet ($6,380; ananyaxbea.com) | Valery Brenda Shea heart charm bracelet ($5,950; valerybrinda.com)

OLD WORLD, NEW TRICKS

Germany's Oberhofer winery works with some of the oldest vines in the world using the newest know-how.

Written by Claire Williams / Images courtesy of Oberhofer Winery

Looking out over the 62 acres of vines on the Oberhofer winery, you can see the terracotta-tiled roofs of the village of Edesheim and the local church's steeple. Piercing the horizon are the Haardt mountains, which protect the town from the frigid and wet weather blowing in from the Atlantic, giving this region the aptly named title "The Tuscany of Germany." Edesheim sits in the Pfalz region of Germany, also known as "the Palatinate," in southwest Germany just north of France's Alsace region and only an hour south of Frankfurt.

The Haardt mountains make it one of the warmer and drier areas in Germany, allowing almonds, figs, and lemons to grow here alongside wine grapes in villages whose home call to mind the structure of a cuckoo clock. With a favorable microclimate and extra sunny days compared to the rest of the country, the only thing brighter than the sun is the contagious smiles of the Oberhofer family.

The Oberhofer family first started making wine in 1754 in Alto Adige, Italy. Some 250 years later, after emigrating to Germany, Stefan and Heidi Oberhofer built the foundation for their own winery by merging their parents' vineyards on the Southern Wine Route to establish the Oberhofer winery in Edesheim. One could say the Oberhofers are one of the original "nepo babies" of the wine world. Now their children have a hand in the business (literally),

with their son Pascal as the resident winemaker at just 29 years old and their two other children helping out as well.

Contrary to most well-established and revered family wineries in the Old World, the Oberhofers don't believe in old practices and outdated traditions but instead evolving their winery for the modern age. Stefan and Heidi give their son creative freedom to try new techniques and styles of wine. Just 15 years ago, the Oberhofers switched to strictly organic winegrowing, way before "organic" became the buzzword it is today, and were leading the charge on organic viticulture in Germany.

One of the easiest ways to understand their approach is through one of the winemakers' favorite quotes from an unknown source: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." At its roots, organic winegrowing is about preserving biodiversity in vineyards and maintaining soil life so that the terroir of winegrowing areas doesn't deteriorate to a point where the cultivation of vines will no longer be possible.

The youngest of the Oberhofer children, Marlene, explains her family’s philosophy by saying, "The more you take care of your soil, you have more healthy vines and powerful grapes, and the less you have to 'add' anything during the winemaking process to compensate mistakes and illness from the grapes." Therefore, they don't use chemicals or pesticides and co-cultivate

Winemaker Pascal Oberhofer

various other plants within the vineyard's rows, which naturally adds nutrients to the soil and strengthens the vines.

The Oberhofer's production is primarily white grapes: Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer Just under forty percent of their grapes are red: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The climate, reminiscent of Northern Italy, makes their wines fresh and balanced, perfect for those who enjoy nice acidity and fruit components in their wine. Their Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of exotic fruits balanced with vegetal aromas. Their Riesling, susceptible to the soil and climate, thrives in this region with cool nights and warm days, resulting in notes of crisp apple, citrus fruit, honey, and minerality, all balanced by fresh acidity.

While the Oberhofers fully embrace modern methods, they're also proud to have the oldest vine in the world, known as "The Eldest ."Church documents record an unknown winegrower planted vines during the Thirty Years' War in the early-to mid17th century in "Rhodter Rosengarten ."Despite being one the most destructive and protracted conflicts in European history, four hundred of those ancient vines still exist today, growing in the rich limestone marl soil and producing a small yield of Gewürztraminer grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested, and after fermentation, wine from "The Eldest" is aged in oak barrels,

followed by a gentle filtration and another three months of aging in complete darkness. Due to the fragility and small yield of the vine, the only way to taste this vieille vigne is to get your hands on one of the 300 bottles produced in those years when yields allow cultivation.

The Oberhofer's have taken place in national and international competitions, such as AWC Vienna and the Meininger's International Spirits Award, where they have won both silver and gold, along with three different design awards for the packaging of their Eldest wine. Looking to the future, the Oberhofers want to continue their objective of growing their vines harmoniously with nature rather than fighting against it. Reminiscent of looking out across the Oberhofer vineyards, their bottles have a design that is a kaleidoscope of colors, different for each vintage. Marlene says, "The design of the labels reminds us of the many elements that make this genuine natural product possible: The family farm. The ecological care of soil and vines. The care of the harvest. The artisanal winemaking in the cellar. The patience during storage. The joy of the product. The harmony between the generations and how every single point works together,". The Oberhofers have found a balance between their vines and nature, work and family, the past and the future, to create a truly exceptional wine domain. sl

Marlene Oberhofer with her father Stefan

BOTTLED IN BOND

Written by Bridget Williams

January 15th marked 110 years since Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed a partnership leading to the creation of the first Aston Martin car, rising from humble beginnings in a small workshop in Henniker Mews, London, and becoming one of the world's most renowned automotive marques. To commemorate the milestone, Aston Martin commissioned a series of photographs bringing together two of its iconic models—the record-breaking 1923 racer Razor Blade alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar—highlighting the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and applying engineering from Grand Prix racing to the road.

One of the earliest cars to be designed explicitly with aerodynamics in mind and propelled by an Aston Martin Grand Prix specification engine, the trailblazing Razor Blade took numerous class records at Brooklands in 1923, a year on from Aston Martin's Grand Prix debut with TT1 – the car nicknamed 'Green Pea'. A century later, the era-defining Valkyrie embodies Aston Martin's role as an innovator with its high-performance models that modern Formula One engineering to the road.

2023 is already turning out to be a monumental year for the brand, which recently sent out a sweet swan song for its DBS with the unleashing of the DBS 770 Ultimate. Long associated with cars of exquisite style and intoxicating performance, since 2018, the DBS nameplate has stood at the pinnacle of Aston Martin's series production range: a Twin-Turbo V12 powerhouse endowed with ferocious power and unmatched style.

The DB moniker, named for English industrialist David Brown, came about after he acquired the company in 1947. While not an official DB model, the 2-Liter Sport, Based on Aston Martin's Atom concept car, is the first model to be produced under Brown's leadership and became known as the DB1. It secured a spot in the annals of racing with a decisive victory in its debut outing, the 1948 Spa 24 Hours.

A highly-collectible variant of Aston Martin's flagship Super GT, extensive design and engineering enhancements combine to make the DBS 770 Ultimate the fastest and most powerful production model in Aston Martin's history. Available in both Coupe and Volante variants, the DBS770 Ultimate is limited to 300 Coupes and 199 Volantes, all of which are spoken for.

Aston Martin, the marque of choice for James Bond, opens up a year-long celebration of its 110th anniversary.

DBS 770 Ultimate features a ferocious iteration of Aston Martin's quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 engine. Developing 770PS at 6500rpm and a colossal 900Nm of torque from just 1800rpm to 5000rpm, it propels the hypercar to a top speed of 211mph. The engine benefits from both modified air and ignition pathways that provide a seven-percent increase in maximum turbo boost pressure. Precise tuning of power and torque curves gives the driver a sense of boundless performance, with an intoxicating blend of exceptional response, outstanding in-gear acceleration, and the authentic V12 soundtrack.

Aston Martin Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli, said of the DSB 770 Ultimate: "When an iconic model generation reaches the end of production, it is important to mark the occasion with something special. In the case of the DBS 770 Ultimate, we have spared nothing in ensuring the final version of our current series production flagship is the best ever in every respect. Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, thanks to a comprehensive suite of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension, and underbody structure; it is also the best to drive."

Later this year, Aston Martin will unveil the first of its highly anticipated next generation of sports cars, teased via prototype as a more aggressive successor of the DB11, which will further enhance Aston Martin's focus on ultra-luxury, high-performance, and driving intensity. The milestone will also take center stage of this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 7-9), Goodwood Festival of Speed (April 15-16), Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (August 20th), and other significant events as part of a global marketing campaign entitled 'Intensity: 110 Years in the Making'. Amedeo Felisa, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: "In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford came together with a shared vision of racing cars and using learnings from the racetrack to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. One hundred ten years and little over 110,000 cars later, that spirit continues. Our 110th year promises to be just as exciting as our first, as we turn a new chapter in Aston Martin history with the launch of our next generation of sports cars and the reveal of an extraordinary special model later this year that will celebrate this unique milestone." sl

Bibliotaph...

Compiled by Victoria Chase

The story of bestselling food writer Nigel Slater’s life via 150 easy recipes based on his childhood food memories and culinary inspirations, interspersed with reflective personal essays. Nigel Slater—A Cook’s Book—hardcover, 512 pages, Ten Speed Press

In her first book, interior designer Betsy Wentz shares 12 fabulous family homes filled with exciting mixes of color and pattern. Betsy Wentz—Design Happy: Colorful Homes for the Modern Family— hardcover, 224 pages; gibbs-smith.com

Just in time for March madness, David Hollander, JD, an ssistant dean and clinical professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University, provides a thought-provoking exploration of how basketball—and the values rooted in the game— can solve today’s most pressing issues. David Hollander—How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Guiding Principles for Reimagining What’s Possible—hardcover, 320 pages, Harmony Press

Alex Prud’homme, coauthor of Julia Child’s memoir, My Life in France, invites readers into the White House kitchen to reveal the sometimes curious tastes of twenty-six of America’s most influential presidents, how their meals were prepared and by whom, and the ways their choices affected food policy around the world. Alex Prud’homme— Dinner With the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House— Hardcover, 512 pages, Knopf Publishing

From Jeff Benedict, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tiger Woods and The Dynasty, this is the definitive biography of basketball legend LeBron James. Jeff Benedict—LeBron— hardcover, 576 pages, Avid Reader Press

or hoards books

Until recently, the “Big Five” referred to the five big-game animals that were most difficult for colonial hunters to shoot and kill. For this book, wildlife photographer Graeme Green received feedback from 50,000 participants around the world who voted for the five animals they most wanted to photograph: the elephant, polar bear, tiger, lion, and gorilla. The resulting book brings together the world’s greatest wildlife photographers, conservationists, and advocates in a mission to not only celebrate the natural beauty of the animal world, but to raise awareness of the crucial issues facing these magnificent creatures. Available April 4. Graeme Green—The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project for Endangered Species—hardcover, 272 pages, Earth Aware Editions.

Using the science of neuroaesthetics, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. Available March 21. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross—Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us—hardcover, 304 pages, Random House Publishing

John Whelan and Oskar Proctor traveled throughout Europe visiting ateliers, some established during the Renaissance, where European artists work and teach their crafts. The profiles of these decorative arts workshops detail how artisans continue to maintain the highest centuries-old standards of workmanship and creativity. John Whelan (writer), Oskar Proctor (photographer)—Ateliers of Europe— hardcover, 288 pages, Prestel

'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches

Aerial photography of quintessentially Californian homes by renowned architects that emphasize the indoor-outdoor relationship and an intensive attention of landscaping. Available in May. Eva Hagberg—A View from the Top: The Viewpoint Collection—hardcover, ORO Editions; oroeditions.com.

THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL

What’s new and notable for the home inside and out.

Tradeshows and markets have come roaring back across the globe in 2023, with companies using events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), and Maison & Objet/Paris Design Week to launch products aimed at both the trade and consumers. We’ve run the gamut of exhibitors, sorting through offerings ranging from wacky to wonderful, to share a few of our new favorite things.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Opposite page: Recently launched products from Castro Interiors include the Harp chair, Elea dining table and Teardrop suspension lamp (castrointeriors.com) This page, clockwise from top left: Jomo Tariku Ashanti stool/end table (jomofurniture.com) | Extruded Ribbon Console (2022) by Marc Newson and presented by Gagosian as part of Paris Design Week, is a work carved from a single piece of Azul Macaubas marble (marc-newson.com).| Designed by art director Antonio Citterio, and presented at Maison&Objet in Paris, Maxalto’s Lilum is designed specifically for convivial and intimate interactions (maxalto.com).| Tokasu is L’Objet’s newest collection, handmade and inspired by the Japanese technique of indigo dyeing ($325-$475; l-objet.com) | ISLABLANCA outdoor chair from GANDIABLASCO | Spinni is Division Twelve’s first product launch of 2023 and the brand’s first design collaboration with Canadian designer Thom Fougere. Available in 20+ powder-coated colors (division12.com) | The new Nooch modular outdoor seating system by Piero Lissoni for B& B Italia (bebitalia.com)

This page, clockwise from top left: A first for the brand, True Residential recently launched a 36” refrigerator with bottom freezer, available in both sold and glass door options and in several colors, including the company’s newest hue, Bluestone (true-residential.com) | Perlick debuted their brand-new Tobin Ellis Signature Series limited edition mobile bar, designed for homeowners to take entertaining to the next level. The ultimate bartending cockpit on wheels, it features luxury finishes such as eco-friendly “Toffee Crocodile” recycled leather on the exterior of the unit and a chic offwhite “Vanilla Sugar” solid surface bar top, and storage for everything from liquor bottles and garnishes to glassware and ice (perlick.com) | Forza’s 48-inch professional range top features eight full brass burners and is equipped with Forza’s continuous Infinito Grate System, the industry’s largest continuous usable cooking surface. Its fastback porcelain trim provides a seamless integration into a kitchen island while increasing the usable cooking surface even further for maximum efficiency ($4,199; forzacucina.com). | Fulgor Milano’s 48” Sofia professional induction range is now available for purchase in North America. Handcrafted in Italy and available with or without a griddle, the range’s premium technology delivers precise and responsive induction power using professional-style control knobs one might expect on a gas range. Available in six matte and glossy colors (fuller-milano.com). Opposite page: Häcker Kitchens, a leading German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry recently introduced AV 6023 GL, an elaborately manufactured grooved front system available in oak, walnut and black oak. The intensity of the production process requires 129 square feet of veneer to create about 10 square feet of grooved front (hackerkitchens.us). | At KBIS Perlick launched their brand new Marine and Coastal Grade Undercounter Refrigeration with Perlick Armor, the first and only all-stainless marine-grade undercounted refrigeration line available today (perlick.com). | L’Atelier Paris has the ability to make an entire range that is electric or induction, without losing the perks of gas stoves. The double induction burner set consists of two 3.5 KW induction burners that excel in speed, control, safety, and energy efficiency. Other than the fun factor of cooking on an open flame, everything else is there for induction stoves (leatelierparis.com) | Skynest is Flos’ newest pendant made in collaboration with Marcel Wanders Studio. LED strips pass through recycled (and recyclable!) woven polyester fabric tubes creating a basket-like pattern. Micro-connectors keep each piece in place and make it possible for the pendant to easily be fully disassembled for repairs, replacements, and proper recycling. Available in four colors ($4,345; flos.com). | Users of the Miele CM6 MilkPerfection Coffee System can customize everything from the quantities of water, milk and even froth to suit their preferences. Further settings, such as the quantity of ground coffee or water, water temperature and pre-brewing option, can be stored (subject to the model) in four or eight custom user profiles ($2,799; mieleusa.com) | Top Knobs newly expanded range of more than 30 finish options aim to transform cabinetry and furniture into conversation pieces (priced from $9.90-$189.20; topknobs. com) | Kohler started its 150th year by showcasing its lineup of smart products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Among these was their Anthem Smart Showering Valves and Controls that can simultaneously deliver different temperatures, pressures, and spray settings for each water outlet with the touch of a button. Anthem digital smart showering systems control up to six water outlets and display how much water was used after each shower to help inform people about their consumption. Starting at $560 for valves and controls. Shown with Statement Showing Collection (kohler.com). | Robam R-Max-A678S range hood ($1,549; robamliving.com)

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Native Trail’s 48” Topanga Series vanity ($4,950) is crafted of solid walnut and offers full-extension drawers and soft-close doors. (nativetrailshome.com)

| FORIÙ matte ceramic rectangular basin and top with freestanding frame from Simas (simas.it/en) | Graham and Brown’s new Grizedale Dawn mural is inspired by Lakeland woodland often found in the UK ($7.50/foot; grahambrown.com) | Wabi bed by Alain Gilles for SABA ITALIA (sabaitalia.com). | Available in three widths, Primo II from Heat & Glo can seamlessly integrate into nearly any interior, with finishing materials able to be placed right up to the fireplace opening (starting at $10,912; heatnglo.com)This page, clockwise from top left: Pieces from Houston designer Benjamin Johnston’s debut furniture line for Chaddock, include the Titus cocktail table, Rocco stools, Ugo accent table, Terzo end table, Giacomo sofa, Dario dining chair and Benito drink table (chaddockhome.com). | The recipient of CES 2023 Innovation Awards in two categories, LG Electronics 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M (model M3), is the world's first consumer TV with Zero Connect1 technology, a wireless solution capable of real-time video and audio transmission at up to 4K 120Hz. The M3 and its integrated bracket sit flush against the wall with no visible gap, presenting a chic, art gallery aesthetic that augments the TV's self-lit picture quality (lg.com).| Untethered is a new print from Phillip Jeffries, inspired by abstract expressionism (phillipjeffries.com).

CONFESSIONS OF A FINE ART PUBLISHER

Written by Robert Lococo / Photography of artworks by Paul Takeuchi courtesy of Lococo Fine Art Publisher

As auctions in the worlds of contemporary art and modern masters reach new heights of popularity and prices, it's starting to become hard for people - even those of means - to get into that market. However, I would argue that the most exciting part of the art world is one that has been around for centuries—prints—or more accurately described as the multiples market, as each image is typically printed in an edition of six to 100, giving more than one buyer a chance to own a piece of history.

For someone interested in owning an original Andy Warhol, prices run in the millions, with the most recent selling for $195 million in 2022. Even Warhol prints that sold for a few thousand dollars 20 years ago are fetching hundreds of thousands. For example, an edition print of Queen Elizabeth II fetched $855,600 at an auction this past November. But fear not, as there are still many opportunities to buy exceptional works that will appreciate over time as you appreciate them today on your wall.

The print market has been growing forever. Pieter Bruegel was making multiples during the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance. Rembrandt didn't carve the copper used to make his prints. Instead, there were master printers that worked with him under his supervision. As time passed, the print process changed from woodcut to lithography to silkscreen and digital printing. Many artists can work in any of these mediums and prefer to switch around from time to time.

Suppose you're a new collector. Where you start all depends on your financial ability. The fact is that most people buy art to decorate their homes. They want a picture that's 36 by 72 inches over the sofa. So when they're coming in, they're just thinking about what will look best. While this is a perfectly fine approach, considering that you can still buy a print in the $5,000 range from blue-chip artists like Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, or Jasper Johns, my decision would be based on more than just what matches the sofa.

For example, when we publish a print with Ugo Rondinone or Alex Katz, those prints go up in value as they sell out. And many of those prints are auctioned at Sotheby's and Christie's. So, that print in your living room has the potential to sell for more than you paid for it. In the meantime, even if you made your money back, you got to live with something beautiful for five years. Meanwhile, that sofa you were hoping to match likely didn't appreciate over the same period.

As a fine art publisher, I represent a group of 30 or so artists, and that artwork works together. Because of my design background, I have an innate sense of what will sell, and then I'll put the money into it. We finance our projects up front, and the artist is paid in full rather than as it sells, which is unique in the industry. If I believe in a project, I will go for it.

Some prints can take a year or longer from the artist's preliminary work to screen printing, proofing, and the final product. We don't do huge editions. It could be as small as six for

Donald Sultan, 2020. Poppies series. Large prints on 4-ply museum board.

a sculpture or as big as 100 to 150 for a print. If it's a real piece of 'candy,' meaning it's easy for people to digest, we'll print up to 150.

We recently did a portfolio by Alex Katz called Ada. It has ten prints in the portfolio. Eight of the prints are terrific. Two of the prints are tough, meaning that in my opinion, they might not be suitable for everyone. However, people who really know and follow Katz's work are the ones that will like them.

We like to publish a group of prints because often, like with the Ada prints, it's a canned exhibition for dealers worldwide. We're doing shows with this group of prints right now at galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Cologne, and Frankfurt, and because this is a brand-new release, we're just getting started. They'll be fighting for those prints before all those shows are over. In between these major projects, we'll maybe do a pair of prints, some woodcuts, linocuts, and a few digital prints, and then we'll go back to a silkscreen.

Sometimes an artist will give you a print that is a tough sell, but I never say no. That's the nature of the business. You take it, do it, and make the artist happy, then you're on to the next thing. If you're demanding and are slow at paying, artists can be hard to get on the phone. But, if you pay them fast to make a friend, have a good personal relationship, and don't complain, then you're okay.

Sometimes the prints are numbered, and sometimes it says AP for artist proof, which is exactly like the edition. In my opinion, having an artist proof instead of the main edition isn't a greater value because when these prints are made, you can't tell the first from the last.

Etchings can be a different story because they ink a plate each pass in an etching. So what happens with the etching at the beginning is that the plates are often darker. Then, as you go through the edition, the prints get lighter. A real pro etching collector who collects Picasso etchings from an edition of 50 usually wants to buy 24, 25, or 26 in that edition because they feel like that's its heart.

There are also monoprints, meaning an edition of one. For example, we did a woodcut project called Grace with Alex Katz of 50 prints. Katz added more cuts as the edition was printed, so each edition of 50 was slightly different. While these are not considered monoprints, if Katz were to take just one of these and add a colored background, then it would become a monoprint, and its uniqueness would make it more valuable.

When we had them, the Reigning Queen prints from Andy Warhol sold for $5,000 a piece and were tough to sell. The last one most recently sold for $450,000. Why? When it comes to buying prints from younger or older artists, it depends on how the artist has set up their estate. In the case of Andy Warhol, when he died, his career wasn't at the top but fluttering in the middle. So, for the first year after his death, his estate didn't sell anything, opting to figure out what they had in inventory, and then decide to whom they would sell. There were 4,000 prints in the estate, and they released them gradually. The Warhol Foundation spent 25 years selling prints, raising prices until they sold out, and never selling any themselves at auction.

Kenny Scharf, Paradis Perdu, 2022, Archival pigment inks with high gloss varnish and diamond , 42x54”. Photo by Paul Takeuchi

Most museums aren't focused on editions; they want originals. One exception is the Albertina Museum in Vienna, primarily a print museum. Next month the entire museum will be given over to Alex Katz prints with the publication of a new catalog raisonné. Based on the requests we're getting, European dealers are capitalizing on this spotlight by showing Katz's work over the next 90 days. So, for Katz, who was often underrated, the value of his work continues to rise.

Some of the new hot artists are doing prints and objects, but it's not the easiest thing to get a publisher. They may self-publish, but the headache of logistics and red tape often leads them to give up some money to have somebody with a good reputation take care of it. Unfortunately, many dealers and publishers like to short-change artists, which is a bad idea because you're not going to be rich on two extra prints. So when we're splitting prints with artists, the artist always gets the extra if it's an odd number.

Only a few artists make sculptures in editions. Some, like Donald Sultan, have a terrific print and multiples market. Many people aren't familiar with his work but fall in love with it when they see it. It works in both traditional and contemporary interiors. You look at it and smile, and you don't have to think any further.

David Salle is one of the 80's boys becoming very popular again, along with Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring’s roommate. While everyone doesn't like contemporary art, that market is becoming more significant daily. Check out one of the big art shows in Venice, New York, Miami, or even Chicago for proof. If you don't get tickets early, you may not get in.

While our business primarily sells to dealers, please call us if you have any questions. Check out our website (lococofineart. com), and if you are interested in one of our new editions, put your name on the waiting list before it sells out. But most of all, enjoy the process of collecting. sl

Alex Katz, Straw Hat Vivien, 2021, silkscreen print, 79 x 44”

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

David Salle, Over Under (Red), 2021, Archival pigment inks with hand-varnish.

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

Ugo Rondinone, Sun 6, 2019, silkscreen print on museum board

Photo by Paul Takeuchi

Reset. Refresh. Renew.

There’s no place more beautiful than Cheekwood in the spring as more than 250,000 blooming bulbs spill from our gardens, creating a color experience you won’t forget.

March 11 – April 9

Reserve tickets at cheekwood.org.

CHEEKWOOD IN BLOOM

Presented by Cheekwood is funded in part by

SOUTHERN BELL(E)

Serenity, Wellness, and Southern Charm in the historic City of Savannah

Written by Melissa Mahanes /

On a shaded street lined with mature live oaks draped in Spanish moss stands Bellwether House, a luxury hotel living inside a historic 15-room bed & breakfast at the heart of Savannah’s downtown. Housed in a spectacular pair of adjoining townhomes, Bellwether House was initially built in 1876 for New England businessmen Henry Dresser and Samuel Palmer. Throughout its storied history, the gracious home has served as a haven for southern hospitality. Bellwether Hospitality purchased and elegantly restored the beloved space to offer modern luxuries providing all the comforts of home while allowing guests to partake in the leisurely pace of a bygone era.

The largest continuous porch in Savannah invites guests to enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or a refreshing craft cocktail amidst the shade of the quiet neighborhood. Plush, contemporary furnishings and décor in the living and dining rooms meld seamlessly with the fine art collection, ranging from classic to modern paintings and prints, including pieces from Picasso and Dali. At the back of the home, the spacious alabaster-bricked courtyard, patio, and covered veranda

host alfresco breakfasts, special event dinners, evening cocktail hours, outdoor yoga and meditation, and intimate weddings.

The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed yet still maintain the original unique character of the historic home while offering luxurious comforts. Each room has posh linens atop memory foam mattresses, Google Hubs, smart TVs, and sustainable bath products. Suites include seating areas, spacious desks, stunning clawfoot tubs in select rooms, and large wardrobes.

Guests are welcomed each morning in the Dining Room from 8:00am to noon with a full brunch menu featuring Indian-inspired dishes steeped in southern cooking traditions with unique flavor profiles. Standout dishes such as Syrniki—a fluffy pancake mixed with cottage cheese and topped with pineapple chutney, Chantilly cream, and pecans—or Grilled Shrimp with Carolina Gold Grits entice guests to try a bit of everything. In addition, on-site baristas brew delicious coffees throughout the day and craft cocktails in the afternoon and evening.

Photos courtesy of Bellwether House

Afternoon tea from 3:00-5:00pm in the sunny dining room is included daily in the Bellwether House experience. Housemade pastries, tea sandwiches, and scones sit atop graceful crane tea tiers alongside a selection of hot and cold tea options or a glass of wine if you are so inclined. Also, a daily tradition, guests gather at the back courtyard for a champagne sabering. As the sun sets, Bellwether House sabers a bottle and encourages guests to mingle with one another.

Cultivating a spirit of mindfulness, Bellwether partners with local yoga instructors to offer complimentary yoga classes each Thursday and Saturday at 9:15am. Yoga is available on all other days by request. The Greenhouse Spa is small but mighty in offering a full menu of massages for both individuals and couples.

The spa also houses an insulated copper soaking tub filled with salted water from a 250-million-year-old ocean bed 1500 ft below the Earth’s surface. The water is heated perfectly to 102ºF, the exact temperature needed to promote the relaxation of muscles and encourage the creation of heat-shock proteins within the body that increase cellular health and restoration.

The Bellwether team prides itself on creating a Savannah experience based on individual preferences. Before each stay, the Bellwether concierge connects with guests and provides as much or as little support as desired—aiding in booking special arrangements, local dining, historic tours, unique experiences, and discovering local secrets. Folklore Restaurant and Yaupon Tea and Apothecary are perfect examples of their suggestions (see p. 73 to read about Yaupon)

Ryan Whyte-Buck

Located a few blocks from the Bellwether House, Folklore is retelling time-honored food traditions from across the world through the lens of the American South. Chef Ryan Whyte-Buck has crafted a menu of humble yet refined dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients bringing something comforting and familiar. The incredibly friendly staff enticed us with options like a delectable Pimento Goat Cheese plate with honeycomb, pickled apricots, okra, and rosemary ash, accompanied by black sesame lavash. A juicy Hangar Steak with potato gratin and white kimchi was an inspired twist on meat and potatoes. The menu includes Pork Roast and Cracklin’ Pork Belly with a Sesame-Tamari Glaze and Smoked Fried Chicken with Honeydew and Chili Vinegar—both delicious flavor combinations. For dessert, we particularly enjoyed the Pistachio and Ginger Cake, iced with buttercream, and served with sugar berries and a Passionfruit Coulis.

Paintings commissioned by Chef Ryan’s wife hang along a textured Fornasetti wallpaper backdrop of storm clouds. Eight cozy high-backed stools flank the impressive bar with an exclusive food menu, an enviable list of imported fortified wines, and one-of-akind artisan cocktails, including barrel-aged offerings. A special collaboration with Elsewhere Brewing has Folklore bartenders pouring brews developed by Chef Ryan. As a bonus, the Calamity takeout window on the side of the building offers craft coffee in the morning, Asian street eats in the evening, and specialty soft serve all day long.

Bellwether House and Folklore made our excursion to Savannah two places that we dream of returning to soon to revisit their incredibly special southern hospitality. sl

V.I.P. (VERY IMPORTANT PLANT)

Rediscovering Yaupon: “North America’s forgotten medicinal plant”

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos Courtesy Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary

Yaupon is a species of holly native to the southeastern United States. It is known as the only native North American plant containing caffeine. Yaupon has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries, and its leaves and stems can be brewed into a tea-like beverage. Early settlers and Native American tribes across the American Southeast consumed this tea as a ceremonial beverage and stimulant. The plant is also used in some types of traditional crafts and has become a popular ornamental shrub in gardens. Yaupon is found in swamps, woodlands, and coastal areas from Virginia to Texas.

Yaupon promotes whole-body wellness both internally and externally. It was traditionally used in balms and salves to heal

wounds and nourish the skin. In addition, the plant contains antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that are great for cleansing, brightening, and rejuvenating the skin. When consumed as a beverage, you get the same stimulation as tea or coffee, but with less of a crash at the end.

We were introduced to Yaupon on our recent trip to Savannah when we met Lou Thomann through mutual friends Jim Berkeley and Mara Papatheodorou. Lou was an ex-rice trader and historic building restorer in Savannah and never expected to find himself advocating the health benefits of a Native American medicinal plant. But looking back, when Yaupon came into his life, it was serendipitous.

As a young boy in New England, Lou was always passionate about native cultures. He remembers reading Native American stories that had been passed down for generations. When Lou discovered the Yaupon tree and its story many years later, his long-dormant passion was reignited, and his Yaupon mission was born. Lou has become an expert on all the benefits of Yaupon and passionately believes that Yaupon will become an essential medicinal plant once again.

In the fall of 2010, Lou and some family and friends took a weekend trip to nearby Ossabaw Island. They were introduced to the Yaupon tree by UGA naturalist John “Crawfish” Crawford. Crawford explained that the native inhabitants of the island had harvested the leaves of the Yaupon to make a tea that they called “The Black Drink” for thousands of years. He also shared the Native American medicinal uses of the plant and its popularity throughout the colonial period.

That day, Yaupon leaves were picked, roasted, and brewed so the group could enjoy the tea after dinner by the fire. After drinking the tea, Lou felt amazing. The brew’s clean, full-bodied taste and fascinating history intrigued him.

When he returned to the mainland, he began tirelessly researching Yaupon Holly. His findings unveiled the intriguing untold American history of Yaupon Tea and the astounding health attributes of this plant. After months of picking excursions in the woods, late-night brewing sessions, and countless hours studying scientific reports and historical accounts, Lou began hand-packing tea bags in his kitchen for friends to try. The results were encouraging. Soon, people everywhere asked him for more of his native drink. Lou recognized that Yaupon would be his next mission-based endeavor.

After three years of traveling to trade shows, meeting with university professors, and scouting out the best locations to sustainably harvest Yaupon, Lou launched The Yaupon Tea Company (now Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary) and the ASI “The Purifier” line of products. He began bottling and packaging his handcrafted tea, embracing this historic plant as a true national treasure.

Since then, the company’s goal has been to encourage Americans to reconnect with the ancient wisdom surrounding Yaupon Holly

and to taste and experience all the health benefits of this native tea. Lou has developed a special connection to this plant and believes he is responsible for reintroducing Yaupon to the contemporary world transparently and authentically. Lou’s mission also includes recruiting and educating farmers interested in growing Yaupon.

In the six years that followed, Lou sold the tea at farmer’s markets and festivals, talking with customers and educating them on the health benefits of Yaupon. There were also trips to Trade Shows (Fancy Foods, Expo East & Expo West, Europe’s Biofac), and the company began wholesaling the tea to retailers.

Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary is pioneering Yaupon research at Temples Farm in Metter, Georgia, through a Small Business Innovation Grant (Phase II SBIR-USDA), experimenting with cultivation under different fertilization protocols, soil types, and shade conditions. In addition, their research explores the health benefits and photochemistry of the Yaupon plant. During this time, Lou achieved some key “Yaupon firsts” milestones:

• Took the first ready-to-drink Yaupon Tea to the market

• Received the first USDA grants to promote Yaupon Tea

• Received the first SBIR research-based grants

• Started the first dedicated Yaupon farm, focused on perfecting techniques for growing and processing Yaupon

• Established their position as the first national distributor of any Yaupon product

All the products use organic, wild-crafted Yaupon grown on the business’s own farms, carefully paired with other medicinal plants that synergize well with Yaupon. The Yaupon line of internal and external health, beauty, and skin care products are all-natural and centered around clean beauty. They offer teas that boost your immune system, improve your cognitive functioning, aid your digestive system, and help women with menstrual pain. They also sell traditional Yaupon tea for people who want to enjoy the pure taste of Yaupon without any added ingredients.

If you want to order Yaupon products from Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary, visit their charming Savannah store or order online at yauponteahouse.com. You will feel tea-rrific after you try Yaupon! sl

Yaupon Teahouse and Apothecary / 349 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 (912) 200-4783 / yauponteahouse.com

COUNTRY CLASSIC

Nashville designer Brad Ramsey personalizes a new Franklin farmhouse

Written by Melissa Mahanes with Erinn Cortez / Photos by Paige Rumore

After being referred by an existing longtime client, Brad Ramsey was tasked with reimagining this former horse farm into a sophisticated farmhouse for a growing blended family of seven in Franklin, Tennessee. The newly constructed home was completed in 2021 and is over 7,000 square feet. The home features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half baths with multiple rooms for the family’s entertainment, including a bonus room, library, and outdoor kitchen. Ramsey has brought a sense of flow and consistency throughout the home. The homeowners had many ideas and inspirations, and Brad helped steer the process so the house would feel layered, interesting,

comfortable, and unified. As a result, the interiors are timeless transitional while incorporating natural, rustic elements.

The home’s exterior plays an integral role in the inspiration for the interior. The front porch features flagstone flooring, cedar columns, batten siding, and a bed swing. The home’s main floor features 12-foot ceilings, and to maintain a warm, inviting feeling throughout, attractive millwork and trim details were installed. The dining room is the jewel of the house, with rich, blue grasscloth from Pacific Designs and a stunning chandelier. Heirloom artwork hung in the formal dining room is an added personal touch.

The expansive kitchen is situated just off the main living room, complete with a breakfast area that overlooks the great outdoors. Hudson Valley pendants and Bernhardt seating counter stools were selected for the kitchen. The table and custom dining seating are from Bernhardt and Vanguard Furniture, respectively, with sconces and the center fixtures from Visual Comfort.

The prep kitchen was intended to feel classic and unfussy. Charcoal cabinets, white subway tile, a farmhouse sink, pullout produce baskets, and wood accent shelving are all true to the farmhouse feel. The space was meant to complement the more formal gray kitchen without feeling out of place. The homeowner wanted a useful room where she could pot plants, can vegetables, store produce, and have a coffee station. The dark blue

laundry/craft room is just a fun deviation from the neutral colors throughout the rest of the home. The goal was to make this space a little cheerier. Whimsical café curtains and burlap wallpaper on the ceiling make the room textural and enjoyable to spend time in while doing laundry or projects.

The primary bedroom’s palette is muted and serene. Special attention was paid to enhancing the natural light pouring into the room. The chandelier from Visual Comfort adds hand-forged iron elements to the room but with feminine curves. Masculine elements like painted brick, iron, and wood are balanced with softer textures and layers to make the room feel perfectly romantic. The bed is a custom Bernhardt upholstered bed with simple tufting and curved wood details.

The primary bathroom was designed to be a beautiful marble space so they would feel like they were on vacation every day. The Hudson Valley chandelier mimics the feel of falling water and is the showstopper in the space. The addition of shiplap to the ceiling brings back some farmhouse elements.

The upstairs study is the homeowner’s favorite space and the most significant success. The design team had custom cabinetry built on two walls, one flanking the fireplace and the other a functional desk area. They incorporated lots of filing, a printer pullout, and a paper shredder into the cabinetry, yet it still feels like a library, not an office. Brad also added wire mesh in front of the cabinetry on the desk side so that the books and materials behind the mesh did not have to be decorative but could genuinely be functional and still look tailored and tidy.

The cabinetry color—Chelsea Grey from Benjamin Moore— covers the walls, crown molding, and baseboards and unifies the walls and cabinetry. The custom mesh and hardware were sourced from Armac Martin Hardware in Birmingham, England. The library ladder was custom designed and stained to match the hardwood floors.

The outdoor space is long and narrow, so the design team thoughtfully maximized the usable space to accommodate the large family. The design team created pockets of hangout spots to be together—the bar area by the grill seats five, and the dining table seats eight. In addition, there is a covered screened porch and a firepit area. The outdoor area is perfect for entertaining and being together, yet intimate enough if the two homeowners want to enjoy the space alone. Ramsey and his team have accomplished their mission to create a stunning blend of classic and casual. sl

SIT. STAY. PLAY.

Berry Hill has a new boutique hotel with five-star accommodations for your four-legged friends

Written by Melissa Mahanes with Grace Burke / Photos Courtesy of Yardstick

Yardstick is bringing a boutique dog hotel to the Berry Hill neighborhood. The smaller-by-design concept aims to reimagine dog hospitality by offering more personalized care in a stress-free, elevated environment. Yardstick boasts well-trained Hosts committed to delivering the calmest and safest boarding environment in the industry, on-site overnight supervision, a high staff-to-dog ratio, premium air quality controls, and local veterinary partnerships.

Yardstick offers Nighttime (boarding), Daytime (small group daycare), and Bathtime services. Nighttime guests stay in spacious suites purpose-built to minimize sound and can indulge in treats and toys from a curated room service menu. Daytime guests enjoy one of three playrooms, split by dog size, allowing for safer and more intimate playgroups. Each playroom is outfitted with specialty-canine padded flooring with access to outdoor yards. Daytime guests also have a chance to recharge with scheduled downtime in sofa lounges. Available

to Daytime and Nighttime and guests, Bathtime services include bath and brush treatments, dental chews, nail and ear care.

“We can’t wait to introduce Yardstick to Nashville this winter and welcome the city’s beloved dogs,” says Dave Atkins, Co-Founder & CEO. “Our amazing team is committed to safe and personalized care, and we hope to bring peace of mind to our pet parents while they are traveling or having getaways of their own.”

A talented group of Nashville-based design teams, including Mesa custom furniture, Bark & Burl Woodworks, Fortify Signage, and DWC Construction, have brought to life the elevated concept of top New York architectural design agency Bolt Design Group. The space will make you and your four-legged friends feel at home as soon as you walk in! sl

Yardstick / 2605 Grissom Drive, Nashville, TN 37204 / (615) 203-8287 www.yardstick.dog

AN EXCITING TURN IN FRANKLIN

Turner Theater in the Factory at Franklin will become a centerpiece for the arts

Written by Melissa Mahanes with Chad Schmidt / Photos Courtesy of Studio Tenn

Studio Tenn, Franklin’s professional theater company, has announced that its new, permanent performance home will be in The Factory at Franklin and named the Turner Theater.

Construction on the multimillion-dollar project has started, with a target completion date of August 2023. Studio Tenn’s 2023-24 season begins in October. It will be the first time in the organization’s 14-year history that all of a season’s performances will occur in one location.

“This project has been years in development, halted by the pandemic and revived with guidance and partnership of Holladay Properties and so many other community leaders and Studio Tenn supporters,” said Tony McAlister, chairman of Studio Tenn’s board of directors. “A permanent, purpose-built theater is something we—and Franklin and arts enthusiasts throughout the region—have dreamt about for a long time. “We are incredibly proud of what we are creating and what it will mean to our community.”

The project is made possible by a surge of support from the Middle Tennessee area, particularly with significant donations from philanthropists Cal Turner, Calvin and Marilyn LeHew, and many

others. The theater will be named Turner Theater in honor of Turner, the theater’s stunning lobby will be named in honor of the LeHews, and the Mezzanine named for supporters Trish and Jim Munro.

The theater will have a prominent box office and lobby area and includes dressing rooms, spacious aisles, gathering areas, and a balcony. Turner Theater will seat 329 patrons, with adjustable seating based on the performance or event, permanent lighting, and a professional-grade sound system. It will provide a comfortable, immersive, interactive experience for patrons and performers alike.

“Culture builds community, which is why we’re investing in a performance space that is worthy of the immense talent that Studio Tenn attracts to Williamson County,” said Allen Arender, Partner & Senior Vice President of Development for Holladay Properties. “Hosting Broadway-level performances and special events throughout the year will bolster The Factory’s reputation as an iconic destination where the arts come to life.” sl

Turner Theater in the Factory / 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064 studiotenn.org / Facebook: studiotenntheatrecompany / Instagram: @studiotenn

Smoke on the Mountain (see p. 88)

Clay Classic & Crawfish Boil

PRESENTED BY THE TENNESSEE TITANS

BENEFITING THE NASHVILLE DOLPHINS

FRIDAY, MAY 5TH, 2023

NASHVILLE GUN CLUB

1100 COUNTY HOSPITAL ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37218

CHECK-IN: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM |

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

CRAWFISH DINNER 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Ticket Options:

$100 Crawfish Boil Ticket for non-shooters

Includes:

All-you-can eat crawfish

Cinco De Mayo Specials

Bottomless beverages

O.H. Ingram River Aged

Whiskey tasting

$300 Individual Clay Shooter & Crawfish Boil

Includes: 50 sporting clays

Gun, eye, and ear protection

Top shooter prize

All-you-can eat crawfish

Cinco De Mayo Specials

Bottomless beverages

O.H. Ingram River Aged

Whis key tasting

Includes: 50 sporting clays

Guns, eye and ear protection

Top shooter prize

Top team prize

All-you-can eat crawfish

Cinco De Mayo Specials

Bottomless beverages

O.H. Ingram River Aged

Whiskey tasting

Live Music By: The Northern Lights | Online Auction with a $25,000 matching grant from the Carolyn Smith Foundation

$1500 Clay Shoot & Crawfish Boil for a Team o f Five TO

FRIENDS & Fashion 2023

SPECIAL THANKS

SUPPORTED BY

FASHIONS PROVIDED BY and The Friends Shop

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

March

16 IL DIVO with Steven LaBrie at Ryman Auditorium at 7:30pm

18 BUDDY GUY with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm

23-26, Studio Tenn presents SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN at the Historic Sanctuary of Franklin First United Methodist Church

3/30-4/2 at 7:00pm with matinees at 2:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets: studiotenn.org

25-26 JO KOY at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm (3/25) and 7:30pm (3/26)

30 LEWIS CAPALDI at Opry House at 8:00pm

31 KANE BROWN at Bridgestone Arena at 7:00pm

31 FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES’ 80th Anniversary “80s Prom” at Honey Alexander Center at 7:00pm

April

1 TPAC GALA at Four Seasons Nashville at 6:00pm

3 FRIENDS AND FASHION at Music City Center 10:00am-Pre-event shopping and auction / 11:30am-1:00pm - Luncheon and fashion show / Tickets: childrenshospitalvanderbilt.org

Co-chairs Kathy Dorr, Sarah Gardner and Mary Wilson (see p. 87)

5 CALL OF THE WILD DINNER at Nashville Zoo

7-9/17 BEATRIX POTTER: DRAWN TO NATURE at Frist Museum

8 AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS at TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater at 7:00pm

8 EGGSTRAVAGANZOO at Nashville Zoo (Early Riser access available at nashvillezoo.org)

13-5/21 HIP HOP CINDERELLA at Nashville Children’s Theatre (various times)

14-15 LADY A at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm

15 FRIST GALA at Frist Museum, Co-chairs: Delphine Damon and Cathy Grier

15 NATE BARGATZE: FROM OLD HICKORY TO BROADWAY at Bridgestone Arena at 7:00pm

15 LUKE COMBS at Nissan Stadium at 5:45pm

16 NEW EDITION: LEGACY TOUR at Bridgestone Arena at 7:00pm

19 LEANNE MORGAN at Opry House at 7:30pm

20 GO RED FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON benefiting American Heart Association at Schermerhorn Symphony Center

20 RALLY ON THE RUNWAY supporting Rally Foundation at Marathon Music Works at 6:00pm Corporate Chairman: Blair Durham / Honorary Chairs: Clarke and Kevin Byard / Tickets: rallyontherunway.org/nashville

20-22 TABLAO FLAMENCO at TPAC’S Johnson Theater at 7:30pm (4/20) and 8:00pm (4/21 & 22)

21 RECLAIMING LIVES LUNCHEON benefiting Centerstone at Four Seasons Nashville at 11:00am

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Henry Cloud / Tickets: centerstone.org/reclaiming-lives-luncheon

21 DAVID SPADE at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm

22 ONE NIGHT ONLY GALA benefiting Studio Tenn Theatre Company at Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin at 7:00pm

22 FORTUNE FEIMSTER at Ryman Auditorium at 7:00pm

21-23 Nashville Ballet’s NEW IN NASHVILLE at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall at 7:00pm (4/21 & 22) and 2:00pm (4/23)

21-23 Nashville Opera’s PIRATES OF PENZANCE at TPAC’s Polk Theater at 7:30pm (4/21 and 4/22) and 3:00pm (4/23)

22-23 MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

26 SAFE CITY Breakfast at Fat Bottom Brewery benefiting Sexual Assault Center (see p. 90)

26 A LITTLE NIGHT OF MUSIC at Grand Ole Opry House benefiting PENCIL

28 11th ANNUAL ROCK THE HOUSE at City Winery at 6:00pm benefiting C. Wright Pinson Hospitality House

Tickets: www.hhhnashville.org

28 SIPS FOR SPECIES at Nashville Zoo / Tickets: nashvillezoo.org (on sale March 15)

29 THE SHELTER DINNER at Historic Shelters benefiting Friends of Warner Parks (reservations available at warnerparks.org)

May

1 CREATIVETS Golf Tournament at Old Hickory Country Club

4 WARNER PARKS SPRING LUNCHEON at Warner Park Nature Center at 11:00am

Co-chairs: Cathy Grier and Whitney Topping / Tickets: warnerparks.org (on sale March 20)

4-9/3 Carmen Herrera: Estructuras at Cheekwood

4-10/27 Bruce Munro: Light at Cheekwood

4 JANET JACKSON: TOGETHER AGAIN TOUR at Bridgestone Arena at 8:00pm

5 10th ANNUAL BOOTS & BUBBLES CLAY CLASSIC AND CRAWFISH BOIL presented by The Tennessee Titans benefiting Nashville Dolphins at Nashville Gun Club / Tickets: nashvilledolphins.org (see p. 86)

5-7 TENNESSEE CRAFT SPRING CRAFT FAIR at Centennial Park

5-7 TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR at Nissan Stadium

5-7 TREVOR NOAH at Ryman Auditorium

5-14 Nashville Ballet’s THE SLEEPING BEAUTY at Studio A at the Martin Center

8 16th ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at 11:30am at THE GROVE (College Grove, TN) benefiting C. Wright Pinson Hospitality House / Tickets: www.hhhnashville.org

8-10 JOHN MELLENCAMP at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm

13 IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE at Percy Warner Park (see inside back cover)

Tablao Flamenco

Tablao Flamenco

Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Aladdin, the North American tour, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book and additional lyrics by Chad Beguelin, starring: Adi Roy (Aladdin), Marcus M. Martin (Genie), Senzel Ahmady (Jasmine), Jake Letts (Babkak), Colt Prattes (Kassim), Ben Chavez (Omar), Anand Nagraj (Jafar), Aaron Choi (Iago) and Sorab Wadia (Sultan) directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw

“What Were You Wearing?”

Survivor Outfit Display

Exhibit Viewing Hours: April 26-27th, 11am-8pm Located at Fat Bottom Brewing in Nashville, TN Exhibit is free and open to the public.

Hosted by Sexual Assault Center

Inspired by the the work of Dr. Mary Simmerling, Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert (University of Arkansas), and Ms. Jen Brockman (University of Kansas), Sexual Assault Center will be honoring Sexual Assault Awareness Month with this two-day exhibit that will feature the clothing, stories, and voices of local survivors.

The Installation asks participants to understand that it was never about the clothing. If only ending sexual violence was as easy as changing our clothes. The exhibit requires all of us to examine what enables us as individuals and a society to ask, “what were you wearing?” in the first place.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Daily Family Foundation

Lorraine & Jeffery McGuire

Kim Carpenter Drake, Social Impact Consulting

Margaret J. Levine ML Business Partners, LLC

Mitigating

Your Security Risks

EVENING OF PROMISE

The Blake McMeans Foundation hosted their annual Evening of Promise at Marathon Music Works. Co-chairs Alison Schaufele, Stephanie Greenfield and Heather Traylor with Blake McMeans treated guests to an evening of cocktails and dinner and a live auction to raise funds. (January 28)

BALLET BALL PATRON PARTY

The Ballet Ball Patron Party was held at The Four Seasons, which clearly reinforced the Ball’s theme of “The Seasons of Dance”. Co-chairs Meera Ballal and Catherine Grace mingled with Patrons and introduced the Patron Party Hosts Rhea Heath and Holly Hayes. It was a terrific teaser for Ballet Ball on March 4. (January 18)

Photos by Gabrielle Von HeyKing

Evening of Promise 1) Karly Hart, Rebecca Rutledge, Caroline Sloan, Lindsay Hundley, Robby & Aimee Davis, Lindsey Hundley 2) Aprill Tate, Ashley Goodner, Allyn Hinton, Audrey Douglas 3) Sgt. Kasey Fitts of the Tennessee DARE Officers Association, Blake McMeans, Deputy Amy Harris of the Sumner County Sheriff’s Office 4) Co-chairs Allison Schaufele, Stephanie Greenfield, Heather Traylor, Blake McMeans 5) Patti and Will David Coleman, Katie Robinson, Jill and Daniel Talbert Ballet Ball Patron Party 1) Viva La Strings 2) Nick Mullikin, Paul Vasterling 3) Rhea Heath, Holly Hayes 4) Guests mingle at Four Seasons 5) Co-chairs Meera Ballal, Catherine Grace

Photos courtesy Blake McMeans Foundation

SWAN BALL KICKOFF & JEWELRY REVEAL

Back-to-back evenings were held at the homes of Kim and Jeff Leeper and Jennie Garth and Rob Lowe to unveil the plans for the Swan Ball and to reveal the Ball’s jeweler, Verdura Belperron. Ball Chairs Elizabeth Dingess and Ashley Rosen revealed that their Swan Award recipient is Tooty Bradford. Auction Co-Chairs Natalie Clements, Delia Darst and Amy Keith, and Jewelry Co-chairs Mamie Murphy and Graham Meadors modeled stunning jewelry available for sale to benefit Cheekwood. (January 31 & February 1)

Photos by Melissa Mahanes

1) Patti Smallwood, Ashley Rosen 2) Auction Co-chair Natalie Clements 3) Crews Johnston, Susan Quaedvlieg 4) Halle Jones, Jennie Garth Lowe 5) Katie and Charlie Gibson 6) Jewelry Hosts Jennie Garth and Rob Lowe 7) Kickoff Hosts Jeff and Kim Leeper 8) Mamie Murphy, Jim Haag, Graham Meadors 9) Auction Co-Chairs Amy Keith, Delia Darst, Jennie Garth Lowe 10) Julie Haley, Nancy Cheadle 11) Jewelry Co-Chairs Mamie Murphy, Graham Meadors 12) Swan Ball Co-chairs Elizabeth Dingess, Ashley Rosen

PAIRINGS

Nashville Wine Auction’s Pairings: Where the Stars Align was a sold out event was hosted at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel with a 5-course meal with featured chefs paired with fantastic wines from esteemed vintners, chaired by Dana Stoller and John Navin. Nashville Wine Auction remains focused on its mission of uniting the wine community to fund the fight against cancer, which all of us cherish and support. (February 25)

RED CROSS LUNCH + LEARN

Katie Crumbo and Joanne Sowell hosted members of the Tiffany Society at a Lunch and Learn at the Red Cross Headquarters. Attendees learned Disaster Action Team Auxiliary Training for the Red Cross’s crucial Home Fire Response program and how they respond to home fires in the Nashville area. (January 31)

Photos by Melissa Mahanes

Pairings 1) DJ McKerr & Alexandra Moresco 2) NWA Pairings-Auction 3) Todd Henry and Christi Throneberry Henry 4) President & CEO Loren Chumley & Pairings Chairs Dana Stoller and John Navin 5) Chris and Andrea Diamantis 6) Scott Peterson, Breauna Kanzler (Kanzler Vineyards) & Co-chair John Navin 7) Ivy Manfredi, Haley Schoch, Margo Kaestner Red Cross Lunch + Learn 1) Barbara Bovender, Louise Bairnsfather 2) Red Cross Dir of Development Leigh Elliott, Red Cross Philanthropy Officer Gina Haining 3) Tiffany Circle 4) Cheryl Reed Sullivan, Rebecca Merkh 5) Co-host Joanne Sowell, Leisa Gill 6) Rebecca Merkh, Cheryl Reed Sullivan, Maxine Majors, Co-host Katie Crumbo

BUBBLES EXCLUSIVE

Ben Powell of Fable Lounge hosted a Champagne Tasting with multi-course pairings. Guests enjoyed the musical stylings of Frank Sinatra courtesy of Daniel “The Voice” Tackett. Sparkling wines and champagne education was provided by sommelier Justin Branim. Look at fablelounge.com for similar fascinating and delicious events. (February 9)

LA BELLA NOTTE

La Bella Notte: La Primavera was held at the Grand Hyatt Nashville’s Summit Ballroom. The evening of song and fine dining was co-chaired by Sharon and Todd Sandahl. Sharon showed off her floral arranging prowess by organizing a team to arrange them on site. A wonderful meal, successful auction and delightful entertainment made for a beautiful night indeed! (February 4)

Photos by Mike Powell/Biography

Photography

Photos by Terry Wyatt

Bubbles Exclusive 1) Champagne Tasters 2) Ben Powell 3) Entertainer Daniel Tackett 4) Sommelier Justin Branim 5) Champagne Tasters La Bella Notte 1) Julie and John Schneider 2) Kim Hewell, Norm Scarborough 3) Luis and Viviana Fernandez 4) Rachel and Russell Swanson 5) Frances Sandahl, Co-chairs Sharon and Todd Sandahl, Charles Sandahl 6) Nancy and Mark Peacock

STUDIO TENN

Studio Tenn, Franklin’s professional theater company, made a major announcement at McGavock’s Coffee Bar and Provisions about their new permanent home at The Factory. The state-ofthe art space should be open in time for Studio Tenn’s 2023-2024 season, beginning in October. (March 1)

SEE YOU ME

Photographer Emily Dorio and model Karen Elson are debuting an exhibit at the Parthenon called SEE YOU ME, a collection of large format photographs, super 8 footage and mixed media sculpture, that was on special display from Feb. 24-26 for their personal friends, art lovers and supporters of Centennial Park Conservancy. After cocktails in The Parthenon in front of Athena, guests enjoyed a conversation with the collaborators by Libby Calloway. (February 23)

Photos by Daniel Meigs

Studio Tenn 1) Lynne McAlister, Trish Munro 2) Ethan and Marguerite Ward, Catherine Birdsong, Tony McAlister 3) Larry and Candie Westbrook, Trish Munro, Studio TENN Board Chair Tony McAlister 4) Will Lowery, Adam Sansiveri, Kendall Brown See You Me 1) Nancy Peterson Hearn, CPC Sr Dir of Donor Engagement Wendy Buntin 2) CPC President John Tuminello 3) Jodi Hess, Josephine VanDevender, Ann Patchett 4) CPC VP of Development and Parks Partnerships Justin Tam, Laura and Charlie Niewold 5) CPC Founding President Sylvia Rapoport, Moderator Libby Calloway 6) Josephine Darwin, CPC Board Chair Neil Krugman and Lee Pratt 7) Karen Elson, Emily Dorio

Photos by Melissa Mahanes

CIGAR HERO

Tim Ozgener relaunches his eponymous cigar company to rave reviews

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos courtesy of Ozgener Family Cigars

Tim Ozgener is well known around Nashville for being the Co-Founder and President of OZ Arts—Nashville’s contemporary performing and visual arts center. Before OZ Arts, CAO International occupied the warehouse space on Cockrill Bend and introduced its signature cigar line of CAO Cigars in 1994. CAO Cigars were distributed in over 60 countries when it was sold in 2007 to Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

The new iteration, Ozgener Family Cigars, was founded in 2022 to carry on the Ozgener family’s legacy and to pay homage to the family’s rich Armenian, Turkish, and American history. It is built around the powerful message of overcoming obstacles through love, shared values, and humanity.

Ozgener Family Cigars debuted its core product at the Premium Cigar Association 2022 Convention and International Trade Show in July 2022 to significant fanfare. Ozgener Family Cigars was recognized as 2022 Company of the Year by Halfwheel, the leading cigar blog for cigar news and reviews, as one of three notable contenders that “pulled away from the rest.” The blog hailed Ozgener as an industry veteran influenced by his Nashville roots and long history in the industry.

“I am proud to represent Nashville, a city that has been an amazing community for my family and supported us and our businesses for decades,” said Ozgener. “My family’s reputation started with premium cigars and has grown with the establishment of the nonprofit OZ Arts Nashville as a destination for

Contemporary Performing Arts. I’m delighted that my passion for creating items and experiences that bring joy to peoples’ lives also carries on our family’s legacy.”

The brand’s first regular production cigar is the Bosphorus, which showcases the Turkish heritage of the Ozgener family. The cigar is named for the Bosphorus Strait that runs through Istanbul and separates Europe from Asia. Ozgener’s mother is Turkish, and his father was Armenian. Their unlikely union underscores the brand’s powerful message of harmony. Pi Synesthesia, the brand’s second blend, celebrates an art series completed by his late father, that uses the mathematical pi as inspiration for art and highlighting the beautifully complex relationship between his parents.

Cigar Aficionado recently featured the Bosphorus line in its prominent vertical brand testing, which reviews the newest releases in the cigar industry. According to the magazine, “the new blend performed extremely well with all four sizes rating over 90 points.” The B52 and B55 blends earned the highest ratings, scoring 93 points each. The B50 blend was close behind, scoring 92 points, and the B54 blend earned 90 points. In addition, the magazine celebrated the B52 blend as “nearly flawless in appearance.” High ratings for newly launched lines are uncommon, further underscoring the premium quality of the brand’s cigars. Run out and stock your humidor with Ozgener Family Cigar’s new offerings! sl

Ozgener Family Cigars are available at fine cigar retailers in Nashville and online. Instagram: @ozgenerfamilycigars