{Cincinnati’s Finest}
slmag.net
Nov/Dec 2010
five dollars
Crafting exceptional cabinets for nearly 20 years.
502-253-1355 • Mikeswoodworkinginc.com
Fincastle
Prospect KY • 81 Acre Estate Bordering Harrods Creek Main House • Pool / Pool House • Guest House For Information Contact Marilyn Hoffman, Hoffman International Properties 859-523-2812, 214-698-1736, 203-622-3939 | MagnificentProperties.com
look what’s new
Hyde Park Lumber’s
Design Center 513-271-1500 | www.hydeparklumber.com
Nov/Dec 2010
{Cincinnati’s Finest}
24 on the cover:
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Nov/Dec 2010
The Fast Growing Power of Slow
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History in the Making
24
The Fast Growing Power of Slow
33
Almost French
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Beyond the Bottle: Savoring Sonoma County
42
Amarone
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Share the Road: Aston Martin Rapide
50
Artist Encounter: Elena Dorfman
52
Of Note…Gifted
58
From Ski to Shining Sea
70
Bloom for Stepping Stones
72
ShinDig VII
73
Football 101
74
A Gourmet Sensation
75
Grand Opening Celebration
76
Business Hall of Fame
78
Wild About Wine
79
Saks Ladies Day
80
Soul of the City Soiree
five dollars
58
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“Michelle” merino polka dot scarf ($63.80) and zip neck sweater ($151.80) (nevedesigns.com).
Old Mongolian Cabinet FROM
MERRIDIAN
The ancient Mongolians were fiercely independent people. Show your design independence with this hand painted, antique Mongolian cabinet. The faded floral motifs hearken back to the natural landscape that was so much a part of this nomadic peoples’ history, and now it can be a part of yours.
The Vestige Collection: A Piece of History for Your Home
12130 Royal Point Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Just off Fields Ertel Road west of Kohl’s. 513-583-1234 www.merridian.com
From the Editor-In-Chief At some point in time, nearly all parents have chided their child or children for watching too much television. My tipping point usually comes when I find myself able to recite the dialogue from a given iCarly episode, at which point I realize that if the nuances of this tween show are too familiar to me, I certainly need to redirect my daughter’s attention to something I’ve deemed at least slightly more enlightening. In our house, the tables turn in this scenario just one day each year: December 24th. On this day, and often on more than one occasion, someone will be moved to invoke Charlie Brown and his infamous cry of “Good grief!” followed by “I can’t believe you’re watching it again!” “It” is A Christmas Story, the comedy classic from 1983, and I never seem to tire of it as it loops on TBS for a solid 24 hours. Certainly I could satiate my yearning for Christmas nostalgia any time the mood strikes by buying the DVD, but as someone who grew up marking the change of seasons by welcoming the network airing of particular TV specials and movies like an old friend, on-demand, commercial-free viewing would be nothing short of sacrilege. The return of Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments served to remind me that Lent (and what I perceived as the unjust torture of giving up candy for four long weeks) would soon be coming to an end, leaving me as exuberant as Julie Andrews in the hills of Austria in The Sound of Music, which also made its annual appearance around the same time. Thanks to Charles M. Schulz and the Peanuts gang, I hardly needed to consult a calendar, as Halloween and Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the Great Pumpkin and the sparse Charlie Brown Christmas tree as touchstones for the season. Fittingly, in this month’s issue, we highlight Charlie Brown, his cohorts and their creator within our travel feature: Beyond the Bottle: Savoring Sonoma County. As you’ll read, we learned that in addition to world-class wines and cuisine, there are infinite things for travelers of all ages to discover in Sonoma. I’m pictured here with Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis at Football 101, a fundraising event for his Marvin Lewis Community Fund (marvinlewis.org). Although Riverfront Stadium is long gone, standing on the turf at Paul Brown Stadium I felt my extremities go numb as I reminisced about a Bengals game I attended with my dad as a young girl on January 10, 1982. Now known as the Freezer Bowl, the temperature with the wind chill was a bone chilling -59°F, and believe me, it felt every bit that frigid. To make matters worse, my faithfully frugal father (which I think has something to do with his growing up with 12 siblings), parked on the Covington side of the river “to avoid the traffic”. When, around the third quarter, I reached the point where dumping the hot chocolate down my back rather than drinking it was sounding like a good idea, I convinced my dad that I really couldn’t feel my feet and needed to leave. The walk back to the car across the bridge was brutal – I felt like there was a pair of concrete blocks where my feet should be. Having had 28 years to thaw out and reflect on the experience, I wouldn’t change a thing (except donning one of the beautiful and cozy ski jackets found in From Ski to Shining Sea beginning on pages 58). Bragging rights last a lifetime! From all of us at Sophisticated Living, we wish you peace and prosperity during this season of thanks and celebration and throughout the New Year. Bridget Williams, Editor-in-Chief
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Properties for Rent Greenbriar Sporting Club
• Architectural design features an open floor plan with classic oak hardwoods and beautiful tile flooring throughout. • An absolutely stunning kitchen features a convenient center island, Kohler fixtures, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, “Under Cabinet Lighting” and of course, granite countertops. • Take in year-round views of the Alleghny Mountains and Howard’s Creek from the rocking-chair front porch or the peaceful, screened-inback porch. • Sturdy construction is highlighted by Western Red Cedar siding complimented by a classic shake roof.
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reath taking mountain and water views only steps away from fishing and the Greenbrier resort. An adorable 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bathroom Howard’s Creek hideaway with plenty of room and convenient access to all the services and amenities offered by the Greenbrier Resort, The Greenbrier Sporting Club is a private, residential sporting community and club on the 6,500-acre grounds of the legendary Greenbrier.
• Enjoy fishing mere steps away from your new home in Howard’s Creek or take a short walk to the Greenbrier resort for a full range of activities and amenities at America’s oldest private club. • Spacious home featuring 3,165 square feet built on a large lot, 0.578 acres.
A
nything but ordinary, it’s spectacular! Enjoy entertaining family and friends in this custom 5BR/5.5BA, with granite countertops, custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, open floor plan, spacious rooms, tiled baths, 2 covered decks, exterior stone fireplace, 2 full kitchens, 2 living areas, 2 master suites, single car garage, view of Trillium’s 7th fairway, and much more. Membership is an appurtenance to the property.
Design Elements Stacked Stone Fireplaces Hardwood Flooring Stainless Steel Appliances Granite Countertops & Custom Cabinetry Large Covered Decks Exterior Fireplace Large Master Suite Trillium Links & Lake Club Amenities Direct Lake Access/Boats/Boat Docks Landings Restaurant and Pavilion & The Clubhouse 18-Hole Championship Golf Course Tennis, Fitness Center, & Spa at Apple Orchard Park Outdoor Pool/Hot Tub Hiking/Mountain Biking/Horseback Riding Camp Trillium & Adventure Club
Trillium For more Information Contact Jgarlington@mac.com
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton Jen Dotson ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann
even more of the luxury lifestyle slmag.net
CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Bob Beggs Kirby Camm Matthew Boone Gardiner Scott Harper Rex Lyons Alice Gray Stites Steve Wilson Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton Allison O’Daniel Director of Photography Eric Williams Advertising Sales Office 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ Publisher Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.
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Moloney Smith Interior Design Susan Moloney www.moloneysmith.com
In the living room, in addition to the decorated large Christmas tree, the original stone mantel is decorated with greenery, old mercury glass and purple ribbon to complement the decor of the room. The brightly colored painting over the mantle is a recent addition.
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History in the Making
Feelings of nostalgia are easily conjured surrounded by family and friends in a festively attired historic home Written by Rex Lyons Photography by Eric Williams
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Christmas and the Holidays mean so many distinctive things to different people. Christmas is a time of celebrations, decorations, gifts, food, family, and traditions. When all of these are combined the result can be magical, as is the case with the lively homeowner of this historic home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house was built in 1913 to replace a residence that had burned in the 1890’s. The limestone building is an excellent example of the popular Arts and Crafts style. Near the end of the last century a major addition at the rear of the house added a master bedroom wing, a gallery, and a generously proportioned great room. The current homeowner purchased the house in 2000 and has continued a program of additions and improvements. Recently she added the stylish pool and pool house. The columned pergola connecting the main house to the pool house was designed to match the one surrounding the rear courtyard of the residence. Christmas is a special time at the residence. With four children, their spouses, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild all calling at one time or another, the home is a busy place. The whole house is decked and be-decked for the holidays. Numerous trees are placed throughout the house and every room has some special touch for the season. In the front hallway are giant pinecones with bunches of hydrangea and silk ribbon to garland the stairway and over 16 slmag.net
doors. The colors of the decorations complement beautifully the subtle shades of the antique pettipoint upholstery on the Louis XV sofa. Above the sofa hang a pair of antique Venetian glass wall sconce. Light from the Palladian window on the stair landing highlights the colors of the hydrangeas. In the living room, in addition to the decorated large Christmas tree, the original stone mantel is decorated with greenery, old mercury glass and purple ribbon to complement the decor of the room. The brightly colored painting over the mantle is a recent addition. The homeowner likes to keep changing and revolving artwork to spark new life and feeling into a room. Off the living room is what once was an open porch. This is now enclosed and is used as a comfortable office and sitting room. Directly across the main hallway from the living room is the spacious light filled dining room. Displayed on broad windowsills and in cabinets is part of the owner’s extensive collection of antique and contemporary Venetian glass. In one corner a Chinese Chippendale style cabinet displays china and glass. Across from the front triple window, the homeowner had built into an existing alcove, a breakfront china cabinet for serving and to display more of her collection. Next to it hangs a large European oil painting that was retired from its original position over the living room mantel. Behind the stair hall is a long window filled gallery that overlooks the courtyard and garden. In one corner of
The great room is filled with deep comfortable sofas and chairs. Antique family furniture and items more recently collected are used together to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
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Displayed on broad windowsills and in cabinets in the dining room is part of the owner’s extensive collection of antique and contemporary Venetian glass.
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In one corner of the gallery is a Christmas tree ornamented all in shades of red that the homeowner purchased fully decorated. The space, as well as being a display place for art, serves as a connector between the master bedroom wing, the front hall and the large great room.
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In the front hallway are giant pinecones with bunches of hydrangea and silk ribbon to garland the stairway and over doors.
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In the foyer, a pair of antique Venetian glass wall sconces hangs above the Louis XV sofa with antique pettipoint.
the gallery is a Christmas tree decorated all in shades of red that the homeowner purchased fully decorated. Seeing it in the store she knew at a glance that it would be the perfect item for that particular spot. The gallery as well as being a display place for art, serves as a connector between the master bedroom wing, the front hall and the large great room. The great room is filled with deep comfortable sofas and chairs. Adjoining the pool, pool terrace, and pergola, the room also overlooks the rear gardens. Another large decorated tree is featured here. In the great room as well as throughout the rest of the house antique family furniture as well as items more recently collected are used together to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Each room is so carefully planned that they work perfectly for both large and small groups. It can handle dinner for four as invitingly as it can accommodate a party for 150. Recent changes to the kitchen, including two dishwashers an additional oven and warming drawer as well as a larger center island have made significant entertaining even more convenient The large Victorian oak
table at one end of the kitchen belonged to the homeowner’s mother. Used with the table are a set of Victorian pressed back chairs and an antique French oak sideboard. Christmas Eve is a special time for the entire extended family. That is the time when the whole family gathers together to celebrate. Under the large tree in the great room are placed in individual stacks all of the presents for the children. They take turns opening their gifts while the adults watch and admire. After the last gift is opened, dinner is served for everyone. At the end of dinner, while the children all gather in the great room to play with the new treasures the adults assemble in the living room where their gifts have been placed under that tree. There, at the opposite end of the house, in relative peace the adults have after dinner drinks and open their presents. This past Christmas was made uniquely special when the homeowner and her fiancÊ were able to announce to the entire family their engagement. Yet another very special moment for a home that has seen so many exceptional events over the past 96 years and no doubt will see many more in the future. sl
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The Fast Growing Power of Slow
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Carlo Petrini founded Slow Food in the mid-1980s to stem what he saw as an alarming disappearance of traditional and artisanal foods as culinary staples of Italian daily life. Today, as a major organizing force in opposing the homogenization of taste and culture, the movement boasts more than 80,000 supporters in 150 countries around the world, with the United States having the second highest number of members behind Italy. Brown Forman’s Executive Chef Mark Williams co-founded the first Kentucky chapter of Slow Food USA with former Brown Forman Senior Vice President Lois Mateus Peters in 2006. Since that time, he has served as the official cheerleader for the local movement, organizing events and getting the word out largely via e-mail to the 2,000 individuals on his mailing list. “In relatively short order our society went from eating local and knowing what was in our food to eating mostly imported food and not knowing what is in it, and that has become more and more alarming to people,” he said. Slow Food advocates “slow money” (buying local), “slow gardening” (using heirloom seeds), and “slow arts and crafts” (using organic cotton or wool from an endangered species of sheep, for example).
The Slow Food Movement Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Eric Williams
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Williams is quick to point out that the movement is geared towards the general public, not chefs. “Chefs are lousy joiners but great participants, and the great chefs in our community are largely on the bandwagon,” he said. The rising demand for eating local has made these chefs’ establishments bastions of the Slow Food philosophy. “The experience of eating local creates a sense of place that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” he added. One of the biggest challenges to the Slow Food movement is an acute shortage of local foodstuffs. According to data supplied by the EPA, of the 285,000,000 people living in the United States, less than one percent claim farming as an occupation (and about two percent actually live on farms). Even more alarming is the fact that as the U.S. farm population has dwindled, the average age of farmers continues to rise, with approximately 40 percent of farmers in this country aged 55 years old or older (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Without taking quick steps to encourage more young people to choose farming, Williams stated, it will be cost prohibitive for many to buy local, as demand will continue to outpace supply. 26 slmag.net
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Recently appointed a Regional Governor of Slow Food U.S.A., Williams’ will pass on the duties of sustaining and growing the chapter he founded to entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Wilson (owner of 21c Museum Hotel) and Maggie Barrett (a fourth generation owner of Foxhollow Farm). To celebrate Williams’ contributions and to properly usher in a new era of leadership, Wilson and his wife Laura Lee Brown hosted a dinner celebrating local farmers and benefitting Slow Food Bluegrass at their 1,019-acre Woodland Farm, home to the Kentucky Bison Company. Prepared in concert by Proof on Main Chef Michael Paley (who in 2007 laid the foundation in Kentucky for a national movement championed by Food and Wine magazine dubbed “Grow for Good Farm and Table”) and private Chef Nancy Schoenhoff, participating farmers included Barr
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Slow Food Cincinnati allows members and supporters to espouse Slow Food principles by hosting special events and classes throughout the year. Fermenting and canning classes, an “Autumn Blossom” organic dinner at Blue Sky Farm in Villa Hills, a Farmers’ Fair, building an edible garden at Anderson High School as part of the Slow Food Day of Service, and special dinners with local chefs are just a sampling of recent events. Artisanal bread baking and cheese making are on tap for the coming months. Fo r m o re i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t Sl ow Fo o d Bl u e g r a s s , v i s i t slowfoodcincinnati.blogspot.com. sl
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ALMOST FRENCH One country’s influence on antiques Written by Kirby Camm, Bittners France has played an important role as a cultural center for centuries, with Paris serving as its epicenter. From cuisine and fashion to architecture, literature and art, just to name a few, French culture has had far-reaching influence on many different levels for numerous countries. While this influence is widely known, one aspect of French cultural influences that is not widely discussed or given much thought is antique furniture. For an extended period of time, many countries wanted to be French, and one way they could accomplish this was by emulating French furniture styles or giving a French interpretation to a pre-existing style of the period. A fine example of French furniture influence are Buckingham Palace’s staterooms for the British monarchy in London, England, which display a combination of very fine French and English furniture. The English furniture appears French, although it was English-made. The French influence on antique furniture started, in my opinion, in the mid-17th century, continued throughout the 18th century and declined in the mid- to late-19th century. Almost all European countries were influenced by French furniture styles during this time period. Even American furniture was influenced by France after the beginning of the 19th century. But it is important to note that most countries did an interpretation of French design rather than just completely copying French styles. The illustrated late English Regency mahogany chest, circa 1835, is a prime example of English Regency furniture influenced by the French Empire period. At first glance it looks very French. This chest has a French Empire form and feel about it, and several design features echo French style. For instance, the freestanding columns with an ormolu band at the top and bottom of the columns are French influenced, as well as the ormolu medallions over the two columns and the ormolu
wreath with extended branches of leaves over the center drawer pulls. The center of drawer hardware pulls is never seen on large English chests, but this type of brass hardware drawer pull is often seen on French and Continental chests. Only after closer examination of this chest can you determine that it is English-made. The chest’s mahogany wood top with wide inlaid mahogany cross-banding on the edge is entirely English and not French. The dovetails on this chest are typical of English style, as well as the construction of the drawers. One other telltale sign is how the chest back is made. It is done in the typical English construction of the period and differs from its French equivalent. Outside of their obvious beauty, a fact that makes these French-influenced pieces even more desirable is that they are somewhat scarce in today’s antique marketplace. sl
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Beyond the Bottle
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Savoring Sonoma County
Written by Bridget Williams
Every fall I hear people mention that they are headed to Napa Valley “for the harvest.” What, I wondered, was their role? Were they stepping off the plane with pruners in hand, ready to release the succulent bunches from their vines, or pulverizing the berries with their feet in giant vats a la “I Love Lucy”? Neither, as I discovered during a recent visit to neighboring Sonoma, during which I learned that a whole vineyard can be harvested within hours and most vineyards do not even permit casual visitors to wander amongst the acres of vines. Still, there is a certain palpable energy to be savored. “Just because you can’t put on a helmet and walk onto the field, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the game,” said Matthew Weese, cellar master at Mauritson Wines, located in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. A “Vineyard Adventures” initiative recently launched by the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission does allow interested visitors to take a self-guided tour at four wineries in Sonoma County without the need for a reservation. At Mauritson Winery, one of the first to sign on to the pilot project (five more are scheduled to begin offering tours following the 2010 harvest), Soho and Chelsea, a mother-daughter pair of docile yellow Labradors, greet guests at the entrance to the tasting room. “There is no other region in the United States that permits visitors to
take self-guided tours through the vineyards,” said Larry Levine, vice president of marketing and communications of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. After obtaining our laminated map, we casually strolled through the vineyard, where large numbers on placards at various stopping points corresponded with descriptions on the map that detailed various aspects of the vineyard, from grape varietals and soil types to irrigation and the like. A tasting of Mauritson’s flagship Dry Creek Zinfandel followed (the region is often noted as producing the best zinfandel in the world). Be sure to pick up a bottle or two of their Alexander Valley Chardonnay, which is barrel fermented in oak and only available through the tasting room at the winery. After a tasting, I would also highly recommend grabbing a gourmet sandwich just down the street at the “kitschy-chic” Dry Creek General Store, where you might run into owner Gina Gallo. With one million acres, Sonoma County is vast and getting lost is not necessarily a hopeless proposition; on more than one occasion we were too busy craning our necks to take in the scenery and missed a turn as we traversed the twisty-turning roads. While there are a plethora of outstanding lodging options, three in particular offer unique twists on the Sonoma experience: the Gaige House, the Kenwood Inn & Spa, and The Farmhouse.
Dry Creek General Store
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Savoring Sonoma County
I could feel my blood pressure lower as soon as the keys to my creekside suite at the Gaige House were in my possession. Located in Glen Ellen, the property has just 23 rooms, from king and queen accommodations in the main house to stand-alone Zen suites with interior glass atriums and granite soaking tubs. Wedged between the swimming pool and a trickling creek, our Asian-inspired suite boasted a wisteria-covered porch and completely private outdoor lounge area. The interior was configured like a studio apartment, complete with a wet bar and refrigerator for chilling wine, a small dining table, living area
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with a gas fireplace, a king-sized bed with a skylight above, and a very large bathroom with separate soaking tub and shower. The historic main home serves as a gathering spot for the daily continental breakfast and an evening wine and cheese reception, after which a basket of flashlights is placed near the front door should you wish to walk to one of several outstanding restaurants just down the street, including The Girl and the Fig, where we enjoyed an outstanding meal. Massage services are available and can be provided in a third floor treatment spa loft, in-room or in a tented site near the creek.
Just a short distance away from the Gaige House and directly on the Sonoma Highway, the Kenwood Inn & Spa offers a completely different interpretation of the Sonoma aesthetic. The Mediterranean-style villa, spread over 2.5 acres, boasts three lush courtyards, an exquisite saline swimming pool, fountains, a serene pond, meticulously landscaped flora, and abundant ivy cascading up, down and around the Inn. Private guestroom entrances lead into each of the ultra-private 29 rooms and suites outfitted with one-of-a-kind furnishings crafted in Italy especially for the Inn.
An on-site spa is consistently ranked among the best in the country by national travel magazines and highlights the organic products of ARCONA. It is also the first spa in the country to adopt the age-old European tradition of vinotherapy, which harnesses the healing power of grapes. Executive Chef Andrea Di Loreto is at the helm in the dining room, which is operated for guests only and offers a complimentary two-course breakfast and a rustic Italian a la carte dinner menu of appetizers, salads, and entrees with high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and farmers’ markets.
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Savoring Sonoma County
Located in the Russian River Valley, the Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant is owned by Catherine and Joe Bartolomei, a brother and sister team of fifth generation Russian River farmers. “People are so isolated in their daily pursuits, and we wanted to create a haven in the ‘real Russian River wine country’ that allows them to come and feel a part of something from a bygone era,” said Catherine. A small cottage serves as the reception and guest services hub. Inside, a series of shelves display a self-serve assortment of organic, locally-made body scrubs and herbal olive oil soaps for in-room use, as well as make-your-own Italian sodas and apothecary jars filled with old fashioned sweets and the makings for s’mores. Executive Chef Steve Litke is the reason Catherine and Joe initially sought to purchase the property. Although
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its predecessor was an “icky restaurant with a disgruntled housekeeper serving as waiter” according to Catherine, she was astounded by the food and asked to meet the chef. During the course of their conversation she learned that the property was for sale. “We’ve built an entire business around the quality of his food – the most ridiculous business plan you can imagine, but business has far exceeded our expectations.” The owners provide Litke with six weeks of professional development leave per year to further hone his craft. In the main dining room of the clapboard house, a mural painted on canvas and upholstered around the room near the ceiling recreates scenes from family photographs beginning in the 1920s. Roaming about is Sonoma County’s only Master Sommelier, Geoff Kruth. In addition to a top-notch
selection of regional standouts, the restaurant maintains a nice selection of non-local wines at the request of their many local patrons. Service befits food of its caliber. My favorites include the delicate ravioli stuffed with sweet corn filling and fresh shaved black summer truffle and black trumpet mushroom-encrusted pork tenderloin. The newly constructed “barn,” built on the site of the property’s original barn, is decidedly contemporary but with touches that nod to its agrarian roots. Inside, the walls are studio white; a sliding barn door separates the bedroom and living area. Upholstery is organic linen and flax. Reclaimed matte-finish marble is found in the bathroom. “We wanted the look to be humble but sophisticated,” said Catherine.
While the 1800 grape growers spread across 13 distinct viticulture areas in Sonoma offer plenty of activities for oenophiles, there are infinite possibilities for engaging in activities that fall outside the realm of winemaking, such as an afternoon at Safari West. A labor of love for Peter Lang, whose passion for African hoofstock was inspired by travels with his father, film and television director Otto Lang, the 400-acre property, certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, provides up close and personal visits with more than 800 mammals, birds and reptiles. Tours in the open-air “safari” vehicles bounce around on uneven terrain; children, in particular, love the bench seats located above the driver, where they can see eye to eye with a curious giraffe. Those interested in fully embracing the safari experience can stay in one of 31 well-equipped tented cabins.
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Savoring Sonoma County
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In nearby Santa Rosa, the nearly 30,000-square-foot Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center is also worthy of a special trip. Using whimsical, contemporary architecture befitting the beloved cartoonist and his characters, a visit is like a trip down memory lane. Opened to the public in 2002, the museum is near Schulz’s original studio (which has been carefully transported in its entirety to the museum’s second floor), and across the street from Snoopy’s Home Ice, a skating arena where Schulz spent a great deal of time during the last 30 years of his life. In addition to a plethora of Peanuts strips, there is original art by artists worldwide, such as the Morphing Snoopy bas-relief sculpture designed by Japanese artist Yoshiteru Otani. After working up a hearty appetite ice-skating, we headed over to Syrah Bistro for dinner. Located near the Railroad Square historic district, the spot is a favorite of locals who adore Chef/owner Josh Silvers’ Cal-French bistro fare served in a high-ceilinged dining room accentuated by plastered walls and rustic accoutrements. The open kitchen makes the 10-table space feel much larger. Table attendants are attentive and possess an intimate knowledge of the locally sourced ingredients and their methods of preparation. Beginning with a simple amuse-bouche of a watermelon cube, topped with a similarly sized piece of goat cheese and skewered with a sprig of local micro basil and a taste of balsamic, followed by a fragrant chilled corn soup with chives and candied bacon, a perfectly grilled filet mignon "Mirepoix" and “Something Sweet from Andy,” the dessert du jour, our meal was memorable from start to finish.
On our way to Bodega Bay the following morning, we made a pit stop at Osmosis Day Spa, another favorite of locals and travelers in the know. The six-acre property is a haven of tranquility and boasts the only cedar enzyme bath in North America. Guests recline in wooden tubs and are then enveloped up to their chins in a proprietary mix of finely ground cedar milled from fallen trees in Oregon, rice bran, and 600 different plant enzymes imported from Japan and heated through natural fermentation. The majority of guests follow their 20-minute soak with a massage or a walk through the meditation garden, stopping at a temple overlooking a small pond built to mimic the shape of the Chinese character that represents love and peace. On your way out, be sure to pick up their divinely scented ginger/jasmine body wash and lotion. Known for whale watching and the site where Hitchcock’s classic film “The Birds” was filmed in the early 1960s, picturesque Bodega Bay is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. A good bit of memorabilia can be found at The Tides Wharf. While there is a restaurant there, I would bypass it in favor of a cup of clam chowder and crab sandwich to go from the tiny Spud Point Crab Company, which consistently wins “Best Of ” contests both locally and nationally. Just down the road is Bodega Head, a magnificent craggy cliff that overlooks the Pacific and is popular with whale watchers throughout the year. We laid out a picnic spread featuring Sonoma’s bounty close enough to the cliff’s edge so that, with wine glass in hand, we were able to marvel at a whale’s aquatic acrobatics and relax to the rhythm of the crashing waves. sl
Dry Creek General Store - 3495 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA, 95448; 707.433.4171; drycreekgeneralstore1881.com; Gaige House - 13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, CA, 95442; 707.935.0237; gaige.com; The Girl & The Fig - 110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, 95476; 707.938.3634; thegirlandthefig.com; Kenwood Inn -10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA, 95452; 707.833.1293; kenwoodinn.com; Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant -7871 River Road, Forestville, CA, 95436; 707.887.3300; farmhouseinn.com; Safari West Wildlife Preserve & African Tent Camp - 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA, 95404; 707.579.2551; safariwest.com; Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center - 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA, 95403; 707.579.4452; schulzmuseum.org; Syrah Bistro - 205 5th St., Santa Rosa, CA; 707.568.4002; syrahbistro.com; Osmosis Day Spa -209 Bohemian Hwy., Freestone, CA, 95472; 707.823.8231; osmosis.com; Spud Point Crab Company -1860 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, 707.875.9472; spubpointcrab.com
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Amarone
Written by Scott Harper, MS
Located in northeast Italy is the state of Veneto, home to Amarone. Of Italy’s 20 regions, Veneto produces the most wine, one-fifth of the total wine production of Italy, which is the largest wine producer on earth. Many of its wines are massproduced inexpensive wines made in quantity not high quality. But that has changed in the last decade, although, the high quality of Amarone has long been the exception. Amarone Della Valpolicella, or as it is most commonly called Amarone, is considered one of the top wines of Italy. It is the flagship wine of the region of Veneto and has recently been acknowledged as one of Italy’s top wines by receiving the highest legal quality designation, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). It joins such wines as Barolo and Brunello Di Montalcino at the top of Italian wine hierarchy. The wine area within Veneto where Amarone is made is called Valpolicella, which is quite near the beautiful old-world town of Verona. The best Valpolicella comes from the historic and original part of the zone now called Classico. Verona is noted for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a magnificent central
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square called Piazza Bra and a century’s old Roman arena. The balcony of Romeo and Juliet still stands today, and the Roman Arena, which is smaller than it famous counterpart in Rome, the Coliseum, is still used for concerts and other public events. The Piazza Bra is a great place to have lunch, people watch or enjoy an espresso to help fuel your short trip to Valpolicella. The different wines from Valpolicella are: Valpolicella, Valpolicella Superiore, Valpolicella Ripasso, Amarone Della Valpolicella and Reciotto Della Valpolicella. All of these wines are made from grapes that you would rarely find anywhere besides Veneto, which is quite unique in the world of international grape varieties and winemaking. The number one grape is a grape called Corvina; it represents the majority of most blends with the balance being comprised of Rodinella and Molinari. Corvina is considered the finest grape of Veneto and naturally high in acidity. Valpolicella is made like other red table wines. Valpolicella Superiore experiences longer ageing and slightly higher alcohol. The real story is the unique production method of Amarone,
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Remo Farina 2005 Wine making in the family dates back to the 16th century with the Farina winery making wine since the early 19th century. This estate is now run by cousins Alessandro and Pietro Farina with other family members. Intermingling of cherry, strawberry, baking spice, earth, almond and light oak, this is a richly textured, concentrated wine that is full-bodied with an alcohol of 15 percent.
Many Amarone della Valpolicella Classicos sport brilliant old world labels like this one that make you think of Italy.
which represents about 20 percent of Valpolicella’s total production, and how it influences Valpolicella Ripasso. Amarone grapes are harvested ripe and then dried for around three months in special lofts called fruttai. These lofts have been modernized and are equipped with ventilators and de-humidifiers to discourage mold and other issues when drying grapes. During the drying period, which is from roughly October to February, the grapes loose 35 to 40 percent of their original weight, which concentrates the sugar, extract and decreases the amount of water in the wine. The resulting grapes ferment to dryness and achieve alcohol levels of 14 to 16 percent. If the grapes are dried for an additional month or so and are not fermented to dryness, the sweet wine Reciotto Della Valpolicella is made. Amarone is then aged for a minimum of two years in either old Slovenian barrels or new French oak, depending on the winemaker’s choice, to add further spice characteristics and texture or is aged four years to be labeled “riserva.” This process, which is called passito, adds to the expense but also adds a unique taste impression or illusion of sweetness because of the
Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Luigi Righetti “Capitel de’ Roari” 2006 Fourth generation winemaker Gian Maria Righetti carries on the tradition of this family run estate since 1909. In local dialect, “Capitel de’ Roari” means many oaks, which is a reflection of the Righetti’s knowledge of their land. Ripe red cherry, baked strawberry, minerals, light oak, spice, almond and mocha all come together in this velvety textured, full-bodied wine with 14.5 percent alcohol.
big concentration of alcohol and glycerin. Looking at the color can be deceiving as it is not an opaque purple wine but rather garnet/ruby colored, so it appears to be a lighter-style wine. But with a sip, it explodes into a full-bodied, full-flavored mouthful. Flavors of bitter almond and cherry are packed with ripe fruit and spices, warm and velvety. While Amarone drinks really well early on, it also is very age-worthy; I have had several examples of 20-year-old Amarone that were still absolutely delicious. The Italians, never ones to waste, make use of the un-pressed grape skins of Amarone to re-ferment Valpolicella. This re-passing, or in Italian “Ripasso,” makes Valpolicella Ripasso, a delicious halfway point between Valpolicella and Amarone. sl
Scott is General Manager of the Bristol Bar & GrilleJeffersonville and is Wine Director/Sommelier for the 5 Bristol Bar & Grille’s in Louisville and Indiana. He teaches wine through Bellarmine University. Scott is a Master Sommelier and a Certified Wine Educator.
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Share the Road
Aston Martin’s supremely elegant Rapide provides sports car performance for four
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There is little doubt that a country estate with a miles-long paved drive would be a fitting prerequisite for ownership of an Aston Martin Rapide. Not, as one would surmise, to fulfill the genteel persona the storied British brand (and its perdurable association with 007) conjures, but rather to be able, on a daily basis, to listen to the heavenly tones of the V12 engine as one puts the gearbox through its paces via the steering column-mounted magnesium paddles. Such a spine-tingling experience was recently mine during a test drive over Bluegrass country roads as part of a road rally to Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown. First shown in 2006 in concept form at the Detroit Auto Show, the four-door Rapide project received an immediate green light from Aston Martin’s new shareholders in mid-
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2007, following the sale of the marque by the Ford Motor Company. The Rapide is the first four-door Aston Martin since the Lagonda, which was produced from 1976 to 1989. In a little over two years, Aston Martin’s design and engineering team has delivered a new car from the ground up. Able to accommodate four adults, Rapide has been developed from the “V/H Architecture” platform, which already forms the backbone to Aston Martin’s critically acclaimed line-up: the DBS, DB9 and Vantage. “With Rapide, the entire family can enjoy their Aston Martin together in unison, in an invigorating yet comfortable environment, sitting low, with plenty of visibility from every seat and with new levels of comfort, refinement and entertainment,” said Chief Executive Dr. Ulrich Bez.
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Aesthetically distinctive and commanding of attention, the shape of the Rapide is at once muscular and graceful, like an assassin in a bespoke suit. During our test drive, in the middle of a caravan with classic and contemporary cars in a wide range of makes and models, it was the Rapide that garnered the most double takes. Director of Design Marek Reichman, who led the in-house design team which penned the Rapide, aptly summed up the look by saying, “The new double grill gives more presence on the road, while the iconic signature side strake has been lengthened through to the rear doors to enhance its lateral proportions in a subtle, yet elegant way. The car’s purity makes it look right from every angle.” With simplicity and purity as paramount in the design process, all accoutrements are thoughtful and contribute to the essence of a superior driving experience for all occupants. For instance, “swan wing” doors open up and out at 12 degrees, thereby avoiding scuffs and scratches when parked next to a raised walkway, while serving the dual purpose of allowing easier access to the front and rear cabin. The back windows automatically retract all the way down when the rear doors are opened as the laminated side glass rises into the window seal when the car is driven at speed to cancel out wind noise. The front and rear window choreography has been designed to permit the absence of a visible B-pillar to declutter the curve line of the doors from front to back, creating a
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seamless glass-to-glass window frame. The wing mirrors have been specifically designed to emerge from the door giving the driver optimum visibility through the front corner glass. Good looks aside, the Rapide delivers effortless power and torque, via a hand-built, front mid-mounted 6.0 litre V12 engine, producing 470 horsepower. While I did not come to my test drive armed with a stopwatch, stated performance of zero to 60 mph time in 5.0 seconds is on target. Despite being more than a foot longer than its sibling, the DB9, the Rapide weighs just over 500 pounds more, due to the use of lightweight materials that provide the outstanding structural rigidity needed for the longer wheelbase. The standard six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission has been calibrated to ensure that the additional weight of Rapide has had a minimal impact on fuel economy, emissions and performance. While we punched the accelerator as each open straightaway presented itself just to hear the full range of engine notes (bringing toothy grins and audible shouts from everyone), handling around the occasional hard bend was just as impressive and felt more like a two-seater sports car than a sedan capable of carrying four. The Rapide’s weight balance is near perfect at: 49:51, contributing to its outstanding dynamics. All of us concurred in acknowledging a change of stiffness when the suspension was set to sport mode.
Inside the cabin, the look of sports car performance is paired with the finest materials and the highest levels of craftsmanship. At 5’6” and of average build, I was comfortable in the doubledstitched leather sports seats, both at the helm and as a backseat passenger (although I would definitely call “shotgun” if I was any taller). Heated and optional cooled seats feature two centrallymounted rotational dials, one at the front and one at the rear – placed within a center console that spans the length of the cockpit – to offer individual fingertip control to all passengers. If the Rapide is called into duty for carpool, large storage binnacles set between both the front and rear seats provide ample space to store CDs and games and keep valuables from view. The kiddos will love the optional Aston Martin rear entertainment system, which consists of two LCD screens seamlessly integrated into the back of the front seat headrests that can be operated independently. A six-DVD changer is integrated into the boot compartment, and sound is delivered via wireless headphones or through the standard audio system. Among the standard equipment is a 1000 W BeoSound Rapide bespoke Bang & Olufsen sound system. After the system is activated, a pair of acoustic lenses rises silently from
the dashboard. The speaker grills are formed from a single piece of aluminum and integrate seamlessly into Rapide’s interior, dispersing sound equally to all passengers. A microphone located behind the rear-view mirror continually monitors ambient noise to adjust volume settings to compensate. A revised Bluetooth™ microphone is located above the driver’s and front passenger’s head, improving sound pick-up to give crystal clear conversations. We were able to sync our iPhone and place calls within minutes. The trunk compartment provides ample storage space; the rear seatbacks effortlessly fold flat at the touch of a button to increase the total luggage to 31.3 cubic feet of boot space. The boot space is hand-trimmed with a carpet floor and four iridium-anodized runners and tread plates. A divider can be raised or lowered to create a separate area accessible from the back seats should rear passengers require access to their luggage during the journey (a feature that quickly became one of my favorites during the ride home when I couldn’t resist sampling from the stash of bourbon balls acquired at Heaven Hill). Base price of the Aston Martin Rapide is $199,950 (astonmartin.com). sl
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Artist Encounter: Elena Dorfman
Years ago while traveling in San Francisco I visited a gallery that was purportedly exhibiting slick, sexy images of idealized young women. The minute I walked through the door, I could see the enticing images printed on large shiny pieces of aluminum. I slowly walked down the long gallery, gazing into one mesmerizing scene after another. Some included several characters, some were very tight close-ups, but they all sucked me into that wonderful space where you connect with an artist through his or her work, but you cannot explain why...yet. There was a young sailor carrying his bride through a bedroom door; an older sad man melting into another woman’s bosom and yet another man sitting on a couch, watching television while holding the hand of his girlfriend. I was awestruck by these photographs but... “Wait a minute,” I asked myself, “Is that a seam in her lip? Why is her ankle twisted in that way?” I’d been had. I was embarrassed! Gazing, as I had, into these picture I had implicated myself in some sort of voyeuristic fantasy. I’d been caught! These were fake women, silicon sex dolls, and thus began my relationship with the artist, Elena Dorfman. Ever since that initial encounter in 2005, Laura Lee and I have loved and collected the work of Elena as well as established a friendship with her. We began by hanging the doll series, Still Lovers, in Proof on Main for the grand opening of 21c Museum Hotel. Wow! Silicone sex dolls were something new
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Written by Steve Wilson
to Louisville and a few eyebrows were raised. Our journey of collecting and exhibiting Elena’s work had begun. Elena’s career has evolved through penetrating, multifaceted explorations into worlds that are marginalized or flourishing below the surface of the mainstream. Following Still Lovers, we presented a subsequent series entitled, Fandomania, featuring young subjects all of whom assume alternative personas related to Japanese cartoons, video games or anime. Think of the portrait photographer Richard Avedon meeting Takashi Murakami at a costume party in Anaheim, California, with over 50,000 kids jostling for attention and you may have a clue as to how these photos were captured! Most of these pictures were made at six conventions of this sort over the course of one year. Shot in situ before a black drop, the vulnerable waifs with their stringy hair and blemishes are matched by precocious twenty year olds confident in their alter egos prancing around in the most outlandish, homemade costumes imaginable. These, too, were compelling to us, and we shared them with the public as well. The struggles artists face in their search to find new subject matter are well documented in the history of art. Being such close friends with Elena by now, we have a new appreciated for the angst artists sometimes feel trying to make the “right” decision about the next body of work to be tackled. At least, to date anyway, Elena hasn’t cut off an ear. During one of these periods of periods of anxiety, Elena visited us several times in Louisville and began to hang out in our community, befriending other artists
and absorbing the vibe of this place. She came out to our farm one day, and we learned that she’d grown up as a competitive horse rider. I put her on one of my horses and off she went riding with Louisville painter, Gaela Erwin. I think that ride inspired the next work that was so popular at 21c. Soon after, we met in New York, and she presented me with an intriguing proposal. She wanted to bridge from human to animal and also from still to moving pictures, this time focusing on the world of the horse and racing culture, something we know a little about here in Kentucky. It seemed like a perfect match. Out of this working collaboration, came her most ambitious body of work to date, The Pleasure Park. Elena returned to our farm and stayed in our guest house while she researched horse culture, preparing for a series of film shoots that she would direct throughout the course of the next year. While filming the horses, Elena discovered the jockeys. She began to share with me her still images of the riders in studio, sometimes nude, their bodies scarred and disfigured from accidents which reignited her passion for portraiture. Let’s face it, the world of riding is its own distinct subculture, and something about the contrast of the thoroughbred’s sinewy bodies and the musculature of the riders really inspired her to do some beautiful work. She and I began an electronic volley via our blackberry device, whereby Elena would share images, and we formed this conspiracy of encouragement and mutual respect. The results, I think, speak for themselves. We hung ten of the horse portraits
in Proof to coincide with the 2009 Kentucky Derby, and to mark the 2010 Derby, we projected her three-channel video on racing in the video gallery at 21c. Elena took an obvious icon and showed it to us through a completely different aesthetic. Last year, we invited Elena to join us for our bi-annual summer trip to a fishing camp in Canada where Laura Lee has been going since her early childhood. While there, we all had the extraordinary experience of watching baby eaglets take their maiden flights and during the evenings we spent many hours in competitive matches of pingpong and irritating episodes of charades. That week, Elena began a portrait series of our friends and family, including my grandchildren. Watching her prepare for each photo, picking the right setting and the right light was yet another interesting way to get to know her and understand her intensity. But better yet, the soft sweet photos she produced of my favorite people reminded me that we can never know everything about anyone, especially an artist. And I don’t think artists ever know the depths of their own creativity, but being in on the search… is a great honor. sl
Steve Wilson is a philanthropist and arts patron who seeks to engage the public with contemporary art in new ways.
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Of note... Gifted
de Grisogono bag comprised of a hard round body- the exterior in "scroll printed" laser treated leather. A coordinating colored scarf serves as a handle. Available in black, white, purple, orange, pink and green. Price upon request (degrisogono.com). 52 slmag.net
Measuring an impressive 70" high and 31" wide, 'Ethel' by John Petry was inspired by his early memories of watching TV during the 1950s, when housewives would clean house in very nice dresses. The blouse is made of bottle caps, while the skirt is fashioned from numbers used by gas stations for displaying prices. Price upon request. Available through the Miller Gallery in Cincinnati (millergallery.com).
Made from 10oz London Tan leahter, the No. 18 Backpack ($500) from Vancouver based Palmer & Sons was conceived based on 1940s war time equipment. The 120 hand-set solid brass rivets are an example of the fine handiwork completed by the father/son artisan team (palmerandsons.ca).
A pink silk organza gown, covered with soft, cascading rose petals from Zang Toi's Spring 2011 collection (houseoftoi.com)
right, The adorable Caroline Mini bag in pink crocodile leather from Chopard is the ideal companion for intimate dinners. In addition to a make-up set, it has space for a notebook for jotting down the next date with your Valentine. In a playful allusion to the brand’s signature symbols, the clasp is a tiny heart housing moving diamonds. (chopard.com)
far right, ‘Bree’ shopper ($1,995) from Jimmy Choo (nordstrom.com).
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Of note... Gifted left, The Happy Sport Chrono from Chopard. The delightfully feminine pink alligator leather strap daintily highlights the mother-of-pearl dial enhanced by five moving brilliant-cut diamonds. (chopard.com) center, Milus ZETIOS Regulator is available in 18K red or in stainless steel. The regulator indication is housed by the 42-mm diameter case. The flattened outer bezel is complemented by subtly rounded details. The protected crown at 3 o’clock is decorated with a relief in the shape of the Milus symbol. Special connecting elements join the case to a strap of finest alligator leather and ensure pleasant wearing comfort. (milus.com) right, Topping the pyramid of Blancpain's Basel 2010 new releases is the Carrousel RÊpÊtition Minutes Le Brassus. This grand complication, for the first time in watchmaking history, combines a flying one-minute carrousel and a cathedral gong minute repeater. (blancpain.com) Carbon fiber flag clock in chrome ($450) from Chelsea Clock features a 4.5-inch face, sport hand, a precision etched dial and enameled nautical flags representing numerals one through 12 (chelseaclock.com).
A bevy of blue and pink sapphires escort diamonds in magnifying the beauty of Calibre 101 from Jaeger-Le Coultre. The gems arranged in graded shades of color express delicate artistry calling for a broad range of precious stones required to create such a flowing merge of hues, an effect further accentuated by the extreme suppleness of the watch gently embracing the wrist. Symbolizing a blend of rigorous technical expertise and sensual aesthetics, it vividly embodies the patience and talent of craftsmen at the peak of their art (www.jaegerlecoultre.com/eu/en).
An engineer-turnedartist, Doug James has re d i re c t e d h i s p e n c h a n t for helping others develop efficient manufacturing procecces for his own benefit by developing unique furnishings and objects for the home. "Man About Time" is a unique prototype f a s h i o n e d f ro m h a n d s c l u p t e d polyester resin with an opaque stain lacquer finish over aluminum armature and measuring 18" high, 9" wide, and 6" deep. Price upon request (studiodoug.com).
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The new MINI Scooter E Concept was unveiled earlier this year - almost ten years to the day since the new MINI was first shown at the Paris Motor Show. Three deign versions are available. Distinctive features include the circular central instrument cluster, the iconic speedometer, the visually prominent indicator lamps in the style of the classic Mini and the chrome trims on the bodywork. The MINI Scooter E Concept is driven by a built-in rear wheel electric motor which is powered by a compact lithium-ion battery. MSRP is projected to be around $6,000 (miniusa.com).
Chopard Classic Racing black resin fountain pen with pink gold trims. Also available in roller, ball point or pencil pen. (chopard.com) A highly regarded collector car, the Porsche 356 Speedster was the company's first production automobile, built from 1948 - 1965. With just half of the total production of 76,000 still around, the Beck 356 Speedster is considered the gold standard for Porsche Speedster and Spyder replicas. The deluxe pre-assembled body package starts at $19,500 (www.beckspeedster.com).
To mark Gucci's 90th anniversary in 2011, Gucci and Riva, in collaboration with Officina Italiana Design are offering an exclusive made to order yacht "Aquariva by Gucci," a model customized by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini. The Aquariva by Gucci will be exclusively available on a made-toorder basis through Riva's dealer network (riva-yacht.com).
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Of note... Gifted Sous Bois Dinner Plates #4, #5 and #6 by Albert Pinto ($178.00). Available through Dolfinger's in Louisville, L.V. Harkness & Co. in Lexington and Goldsmith Cardel in Cincinnati (devinecorp.net).
Chambery black centerpiece bowl ($998) from the Varga Museum limited edition collection. 10" diameter. Available through Dolfinger's in Louisville, L.V. Harkness & Co. in Lexington and Goldsmith Cardel in Cincinnati (devinecorp.net).
Handmade by Matthew Richard in Portland, Oregon, this tabletop mobile ($385) can rotate 360 degrees (dwr.com).
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Designed by Carlo Alessi in 1935, the Alessi Ottagonale Coffee Service Collection from Design WIthin Reach ($865 for the set) is crated from 18/10 stainless steel with Bakelite handle and knob. (dwr.com)
Emerald cut diamond ring surrounded by rubies. Available from St. John and Myers in Lexington, KY (stjohnandmyers.com).
'Lola' pave diamond heart necklace on chain ($4,800) by Judith Ripka. 18kt yellow gold chain with full cut, round brilliant pave diamond heart and diamond varrels accents. Available from Koerbers in New Albany, IN; Saks Fifth Avenue in Cincinnati or at judithripka.com.
Stuart Weitzman 'Jazziest' ($498) gold extreme platform ankle wrap with Swarovski crystal detail. Available at www. stuartweitzman.com and Stuart Weitzman stores nationwide.
Roberto Coin CapriPlus collection. Bangles from top: 18K yellow gold with light and dark cognac diamonds ($24,000); 18K gold plated silver with reclaimed ebony wiid and cognac diamonds ($4,500); 18K rose gold with amethyst ($11,800); 18K yellow gold with white diamonds ($13,500); Ruthenium treated silver with blue topaz ($2,400). Earrings ($5,000) in 18K yellow gold with white diamonds. Ring ($4,400) in 18K yellow gold with white diamonds. Available in Lexington from Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers or Neiman Marcus (robertocoin.com).
de Grisogono cufflinks in blackened white gold set with 40 white diamonds of 0.10 carat, 4 rubies of 1.00 carat and 216 rubies of 5.00 carats. (degrisogono.com)
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From Ski to Shining Sea
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From Ski to Shining Sea
sources Page 58 Pilot hat and Haruki down jacket from the Kjus Spirit Collection (kjus.com). Page 59 True Religion Swimwear Page 60 Top Left: "Annika" 100% ultra-fine merino Nordic zip neck sweater (nevedeisgns.com) Top Right: "Amo Neve" long sleeve crew neck (nevedesigns.com) Bottom Left: "Josie" hat in alpine and "Lexi" merino zip neck sweater in sapphire (nevedesigns.com) Right Top: All Mountain Skis from Heidiskis (approx. $1,500 USD) are handmade in Switzerland (heidiskis.com). Right Bottom: Leighton jacket ($299.50) in Peridot from Obermeyer (obermeyer.com). Page 61 Top Left: Gottex Top right: Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Bottom Left: Victorio Lucchino Bottom Right: Milly by Michelle Smith Page 62 Top Left: Haruto down jacket from the Kjus Spirit Collection (kjus.com). Top right: Monterossa Jacket ($700) from Spyder (spyder.com). Photo courtesy of Spyder. Bottom Left: Unisex Kjus beanie, Cube jacket & Stealth glove from Kjus (kjus.com). Bottom Right: Raptor jacket ($360) from Obermeyer (obermeyer.com). Page 63 Top Left: Swell Suits Right: Francis Montesinos Bottom Left: Olasul This Page Top: On her: "Elin" zip neck sweater ($162.80) in snow. On him: "Gordon" merino zip neck sweater ($162.80) in charcoal (nevedesigns.com) Bottom: Obermeyer Girls Kismet jacket ($125) in Marshmallow, Karma jacket in Candy Pink ($129.50), Nirvana jacket ($119.50) in Marshmallow Stripe print (obermeyer.com). 64 slmag.net
Visit the Keeneland Shop’s newest location – The Lexus Store of Lexington. Shop online anytime at keenelandshop.com
The mellower side of Jack.
Drinking responsibly is the calling card of a gentleman. Come visit us at www.gentlemanjack.com. GENTLEMAN JACK is a registered trademark. ©2008 Jack Daniel’s. Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 Proof). Distilled and Bottled by Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg (POP. 361), Tennessee.
BROWN JORDAN find inspiration at brownjordan.com Day Lily II design: John Caldwell
Consistency Counts Strength on its own can be impressive. When consistency is added, that’s when it becomes real. At Northwestern Mutual, we’ve been able to deliver real strength for over 150 years. Northwestern Mutual paid more dividends than any company in the industry for the past 12 years.
Nothwestern Mutual Put our strength to work for you. Contact us to learn how.
The Kelley Financial Group 3805 Edwards Rd Ste 200 Cincinnati (513) 366 - 3600 nmfn.com/kelleyfinancial 05-3001 The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, The Kelley Financial Group. Shawn F Kelley is a General Agent of Northwestern Mutual (life and disability insurance, annuities) and a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative of Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (securities), a subsidiary of Northwestern Mutual, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and member FINRA and SIPC. The dividend scale and the underlying interest rates are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Future dividends are not guaranteed. A.M. Best Company, 2009; limited 68 slmag.net to ordinary and group life insurance dividends.
Presented by
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Society
Signature Chefs Auction to benefit March of Dimes,, 5:30pm, Newport Syndicate, ldarnell@marchofdimes.com Salute to YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Gala, 6pm Bank of Kentucky Center, tmiles@cincinnatiymca.org 5th Annual Patty Brisben Foundation Gala, 7:30pm, Nada Restaurant, 513.697.5934 Star of Excellence & Awards Gala for St. Aloysius Orphanage, 6:30pm, Millennium Hotel, 513-242-7613 ext. 23 A Cupcake Affair with Kenyan Flair, 7pm, Peterloon Estate, (513) 791-7600 5th Annual Starry, Starry Night Gala for Hospice of the Bluegrass, Drees Pavillion Ballroom, 859.441.6332 Horsing Around Under a Harvest Moon, 6:30pm, Greenacres Arts Center, EqCtrMgr@green-acres.org Angels to the Homeless Gala to benefit The Drop Inn Center, 7pm, Vergin Bell Event Center, 513.721.0643 7th annual Taste of the World Wine & Beer Festival to benefit to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 7:30pm, Newport Aquarium, 513-361-2100 31st Annual Wine Tasting & Auction to benefit Cancer Family Care, 6pm, The Manor House, 513-458-3582 3rd annual Evening of Hope to benefit the Wellness Community, Bell Event Center, (513) 791-4060 24th Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon, 11am, Club Lounge East – Paul Brown Stadium, 513.533.9300 Big Brothers/Big Sisters 100 Year Anniversary Celebration, Mayerson JCC, 513.761.3200 Beaujolais Nouveau Gala, 6:30pm, Maketewah Country Club, eacc@europe-cincinnati.com Secret ArtWorks 2010, 6pm, Westin Hotel, Grand Ballroom, secret@artworkscincinnati.org Opera Ball, A Night Under the Tsars, 6pm, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, tluby@cincinnatiopera.org 101st Thanksgiving Day Race 10k, 9am, Paul Brown Stadium, thanksgivingdayrace.com
December 3 4 9 12 17 31
ArtAbility to benefit Starfire, 7pm, Country Club Contemporary Art Gallery, Rachel@starfirecouncil.org Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, 10am, Northern Kentucky Convention Center The Nutcracker Ballet & (Root)Beer, 5:15, Cincinnati Ballet Center, 513-621-5282 Mannheim Steamroller, 4pm, Aronoff Center, (513) 721-3344 Merchants of Main Street Final Friday, 6pm, 12th to Liberty Streets downtown CSO New Year’s Eve Concert & Ball, 7:30pm, Music Hall, 513.381.3300
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Bloom for Stepping Stones
Now in its sixth year, Bloom is the major fundraiser for Stepping Stones Center, a 47-year-old United Way partner agency serving children and adults with disabilities. The tented garden party featured live music, food from an array of fine restaurants, Bloom cocktails, live and silent auction and entertainment with an island beat by The Ark Band, an Ohio-based reggae band. Honorary chair Kay Pettengill of Indian Hill was honored for her longstanding support of the Stepping Stones Center.
Gisela and Watter Gildemeister, Gail and Fred Fischer
Photography by Tony Bailey
Lisa Pettengill, Jeff March
Kate Laden, Rachel Hamilton
Kay Pettengill, Maarie Hoppel-Tate
Janet Davis, Barbara Fitch
Susie Bortz, Dick and Kit Duval, Neil Bortz
Connie and David Laug, Kit Duvall
Jennifer Fowler, Kyle Pohlman
Chip, Kay and Lisa Pettengill
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Find more photos at slmag.net.
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Shindig VII
Lori Wellinghoff and her team at DIGS hosted their seventh annual SHINDIG to coincide with the Hyde Park Art Show. The tented brunch was held at their Edwards Road office.
Nancy Ross Bobinson, Margo Heubi, Liz Heubi
Vicky and John Ott
Lori Wellinghoff, Rona Peerless, Nancy Osky
Jim and Kim Dechert, Annette Askam, Tom Allison
Hank and Paula Grulee, Jennifer Gibson
Stoli
Rick Vogel, Nancy Steman
Judy Williams, Lori Wellinghoff
Diane Dunkleman, Debbie Ackerman
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Photography by Tony Bailey
Find more photos at slmag.net.
Football 101
Photography by Tony Bailey
Kim Henn was presented with the Pink Football Award as “Survivor of the Year” by the Marvin Lewis Community Fund and the Cincinnati Bengals as part of the Fund’s annual fall fundraiser, Football 101. NBC sideline reporter Andrea Kremer served as special guest during the event, during which head coach Marvin Lewis and members of the Bengals’ coaching staff explained the rules and nuances of football, including on-field drills and chalk talk in the locker room to the more than 450 ladies in attendance.
Jen Domenick, Erin DeBow, Jennifer Brenner, Anya Bird
Sherry Bowers, Michelle Jackson & Joy Harris with Who Dey
Barbara Smith, Missee McGuire
Marvin Lewis, Patty Brisben, Barbara Dundee
Barbara Dundee, Andrea Kremer, Marvin Lewis, Kim Henn
Amy Isenogle, Karen Naber, Peggy Isenogle, Hanna Vankuiken
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A Gourmet Sensation
For the past 20 years every September, some 1,000 people descend on the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason for a gourmet dinner-by-the-bite prepared by acclaimed chefs from near and far. Proceeds from the event benefit Hospice of Cincinnati.
John and Jan Cataline, Bonnie and Pat Walsh
Photography by Tony Bailey
Robin and Mark Volkman
Tiffany Hall, Joe Cionni
Chris and Linda Jmison
Tracy Bellman, Eleni Mendez
Gary and Pam Van Hart, Rakesh and Marcia Ram
Stuart Donovah, Lynn Rogers, Mark and Pessy Ertel
John Prout, Anita Minturn, Tina and George Feghali
Marcia and William Andrew
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Grand Opening Celebration
Photography by Tony Bailey
Merridian Home Furnishings, a Louisville, KY‐based retailer of unique, handmade furniture and accessories from around the world, held a grand opening reception for its 34,000 square foot store in Cincinnati, just of Fields Ertel Road. Merridian offers a blend of unique furnishings—reclaimed, refurbished and antique—from around the globe, as well as fresh styles exclusively designed by Merridian.
Candy Ryan, Litsa Barder
Joe Bissmeyer, Monica Riney
Merry Dougherty, Carol Beard, Jane Vernon Harter
Brenda Groeschen, Kelly Day, Beth Bissmeyer
Michele Nichols, Julie Ulliman
Kari Anderson, Ryan Walker, Maggie Cutrer, Jeff Fisher
Mike Frye, Chris and Sara Schoeny
Stella Strong, Charlotte Rugani, Chad Gilpin, Rose Hartsock
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Business Hall of Fame
Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, Inc., in cooperation with Cincinnati Museum Center, established the Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame to honor past and present business leaders for their business achievements and their quality of life in the Greater Cincinnati community. This year, Wayne Carlisle, A.G. Lafley and Jeff Wyler were honored along with the posthumous induction of William E. Anderson and Myers Y. Cooper.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Bob Taft, West Shell
Patrick, Jutta & AG Lafley
Rob & Amy Carlisle, Bill Butler
Keith Hunter, Naimah Spencer, Rob Milton
Donald & Sharon Weston
Fran and Wayne Carlisle
Linda & Jeff Wyler, Tom & Jenny Williams
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Sherry and Myron Hyghes
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Personalized Design. Amazingly Affordable.
Chris’s Custom Cabinets Louisville Showroom 12200 Shelbyville Rd Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 244-1796
Bardstown Showroom 3460 E. John Rowan Blvd Bardstown, KY 40004 (502) 348-3689
Nashville Showroom 618 Grassmere Park Nashville, TN 37211 (615) 385-4044
www.chrisscustomcabinets.com
Wild About Wine
Photography by Tony Bailey
Bolla Soave, Bolla Amarone and Fontana Frascati wines were complemented by light appetizers from varied cuisines and entertainment by the No Name Band and Shane Smith as part of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s popular “Wild About Wine” event to benefit Saving Species with Science.
Robin and Chuck Kling, Michele Barnett, Frank Liebgott
Ann and Pete Gruber
Sarah Fox, Tracy Gotherman
Elizabeth Kelly
Holly and Annie Oblineer
Cortnee Kelly, Della Freeman, Ashlei Miller
Karen Sponsler, Kevin Bowling
Sherry and George Parsons
Katherine Casper, Baxter Sanders, Sarah Keller-Weir
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SAKS Ladies Day
Photography by Tony Bailey
Candy Martin, Wayne Diers
Saks Fifth Avenue presented a runway show of fall fashions featuring Lafayette 148 New York as part of Ladies Day at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters.
Lin Flower Evans, Karen Radachi
Brigid Paley, Donna Spencer, Muffy Herman, Doane Weidman, Jerlyn Mapes
Karen Gorman, Beth Dewalt, Susan Miller
Heidi Perry, Randi Potasky
Becky Czachor, Cheryl Page, Mavreen Gearhart
Collee Muscatello, Jane Silvers, Jenn Egan
Margy Clark, Karen Hastings, Kinn Valenti, Lorraine Jones
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Soul of the City Soiree
Presented by the Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Association as a benefit for Our Daily Bread, the event, held at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse, concluded with a post-fireworks concert by the Tennessee-based Jimmy Church Band.
Mike O’Brien, Ruthie Keith, Pamela Carothers, Eizabeth Ogle
Photography by Tony Bailey
Luann Albert, Duane Hickerson
Nancy and Mark Kleespies
Jared Wendling, Kelly Byrnes
Lisa Schaad, Ian Griffin
Barry & Lesa Bostic, Stu & Beth Williams
Ron Felder, Yvonne and Oscar Robertson, Dean Gregory
Mary Dawson Watson and Morgan Watson
Evan Andrews, Talor Metcalfe, Terry Andrews
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spirit,
Unbridled
i n d e e d.
Enjoy your bourbon responsibly. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2008.
Interior Design...Furniture Showrooms Rookwood Commons 513.731.3333
7885 East Kemper Rd. 513.489.3887
www.davidamillett.com
