JULIE K. BACK IS UNMATCHED WITH INDIAN HILL
5775 DRAKE ROAD – LISTED & SOLD
7440 GIVEN ROAD – LISTED & SOLD
“I always feel that, behind the loupe, I’m in this secret world that the public doesn’t get to see. Maintaining these machines, it’s kind of like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain...”
- Matt Schloemer, Watchmaker
PHOTO & FILM
The Cincinnati Watch Doctor
RICHTER & PHILLIPS PRESENTS BEHIND THE JEWELER
In an era where true craftsmanship feels like a rarity, Cincinnati is fortunate to have a steward of history in its midst: Matt Schloemer, affectionately known as the Cincinnati Watch Doc. Matt’s work is more than repairing watches; it’s about preserving the stories they carry.
“When someone hands me their watch, they’re entrusting me with a piece of their life,” Matt reflects. Whether it’s a cherished heirloom passed down through generations or a sleek modern piece in need of care, every timepiece that crosses his bench holds a connection to its owner’s most meaningful moments.
Richter & Phillips is proud to support Matt’s passion and expertise, offering Cincinnati a truly exceptional watch repair service. His dedication is a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving what matters most— craftsmanship, history, and the memories we hold dear. In his workshop, surrounded by the soothing rhythm of ticking movements, Matt breathes new life into watches. With every gear perfectly balanced and each spring meticulously adjusted, his hands transform mechanisms into enduring legacies. It’s a delicate art, requiring not just technical precision but also a profound respect for the personal stories these timepieces represent.
Now, Matt’s work takes center stage in the third installment of Richter & Phillips’ Behind the Jeweler series. This inspiring short film invites viewers to step into Matt’s world—a world where patience and passion collide to celebrate the timeless beauty of watchmaking. Through intimate storytelling and mesmerizing visuals, the film offers a rare glimpse into the delicate dance of preserving history, one tick at a time.
Watching Matt at work reminds us that some things are worth keeping—not just for their function, but for the meaning they hold. Don’t miss the chance to experience Matt’s story and share in his passion. It’s a journey that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the moments—and the memories—that connect us all.
WATCH THE FILM
Behind the Jeweler: The Watchmaker
BEAUTIFUL GARAGE INTERIORS
Rooted
Rockpile Ridge Vineyards Photo by Rachid Dahnoun
From
Happy New Year! As we have been putting this January February issue together, we are in the thick of the Holiday season. Gearing up for all the ‘fun’ that comes with spending time with family and friends and eventually, reflecting on the past year. During this time, it feels like things are moving really fast, the days come quick, and the way that Christmas and New Year’s Day fall, the weeks go by extra quick. Then, we hit January and there is a little lull to come. This is the time that I always take a deep breath and then jump right into things! I push for a resurgence of energy and excitement for the year to come. Reflection on what I want to accomplish, and set some goals that I hope will push me through the start of the year.
If you haven’t noticed from the last few issues, we have been really working on some additional local content and features. This particular issue I was keen to connect with a lot of our local partners and put together some fresh ideas for the new year. We have some fresh European fashion trends for women curated from our friends at Chez Renee Boutique in Madeira on page 67. Then we dive into some interior design trends curated by all of our amazing design partners starting on page 76. In between is a really fun article on a local boutique auction house, Riverfront Auctions, which I have gotten to know recently and really like their fresh approach on research and service provided to their auction clients (as well as items to purchase). To wrap up our design section, we had a wonderful penthouse remodel done by David A. Millett interior design group that was showcasing some of the new trends in design they have been working on (page 82).
Coming off the Holidays we also start with a little local section on some new wedding trends in rings, dresses, and a few local articles with some of our wedding experts, just in case you or a loved one had a special occasion happen or happening on the horizon.
Lastly, we stepped inside the recently redone restaurant, The Birch in Terrace Park. A multi-purpose operation, the team offers a curated selection of wine options for purchase and consumption, but also a fabulous farm to table seasonal menu of food selections. Aaron Tritsch and her team are doing a fabulous job, and we highly recommend paying them a visit for brunch, lunch, and especially dinner.
I hope you enjoy all of these features as well as our fabulous wine, travel, and fashion articles throughout.
what impacts/creates the diamonds sparkle.
• Color can be more of a personal preference. The grading scale starts at D. A high-quality diamond will be in the colorless or near colorless range.
• Clarity can be very important, but that depends on the shape of the diamond. For example, a stone with a step cut, like an emerald cut, will matter more (recommended VVS or VS), but if you are looking at a round, the inclusions will be more masked with an excellent cut stone, making the clarity less important (usually VS-SI is great for still having a high-quality stone)
• Carat is a weight not a size. It isn’t always reflective of sizesome diamond cuts require more depth in the way that they are cut, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a large size. We recommend coming into a store and trying on rings to find the size that works best for your lifestyle.
2. Set Your Budget: Decide what matters most to you (size, sparkle, or clarity) and allocate your budget accordingly. Remember that a higher-quality diamond in a slightly smaller size often has more brilliance and value. Solitaire is still king because it allows our clients to put their budget towards maximizing their quality of their center stone.
3. Always Ask for Cer tification: Choose a diamond certified by a reputable lab, we really recommend GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Certification ensures the diamond’s authenticity and provides a detailed report on its quality.
4. S ee the Diamond in Person: Whenever possible, view the diamond in natural light to assess its sparkle, color, and overall appeal. It’s best to not shop online as online retailers do not stay up to date with the changes in market pricing. If shopping online, work with a reputable retailer that offers high-quality videos, images, and return policies.
Notes and commentary by
Sara Ritze from Richter & Phillips Jewelers
From Richter & Phillips Jewelers, by Classique Creations, this dainty bubble-style mounting, featuring elegant single-prong (shared-prong) settings, is a modern favorite with a sleek and feminine appeal. The oval stones add a flattering sense of length, offering a fresh twist on the classic pavé band.
From Richter & Phillips Jewelers, by Classique Creations, the three-stone design is often underrated, but it’s a standout choice for those looking to make a statement. While it’s in the same style family as the classic solitaire, it offers greater dimension and brilliance. Pear-shaped side stones are especially popular, adding a romantic silhouette that feels timeless yet distinctive. This design pairs beautifully with any center cut diamond.
From Richter & Phillips Jewelers, by Martin Flyer, hidden halo keeps the classic solitaire silhouette. Center the stone in white metal —either platinum or white gold. Choosing white metal for your prongs ensures your diamond appears brighter and more vibrant by reducing any warmth in the stone.
From Richter & Phillips Jewelers, by Classique Creations, the round diamond is a timeless classic, celebrated for its incredible versatility and ability to pair beautifully with a variety of side stones. This piece takes it to the next level with a bold ballerina-style halo that creates a stunning, eye-catching design.
From Welling & Co. Jewelers 14K White Gold Round Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
From Welling & Co. Jewelers a custom 18k White Gold Diamond Mens Wedding Band
From Welling & Co. Jewelers a Custom 14k yellow gold 2 stone diamond and sapphire engagement ring
From Welling & Co. Jewelers14K White-Yellow Gold Hidden Halo Oval Diamond Engagement Ring
CREATING TIMELESS MEMORIE S: NATALIA | EVENTS + DESIGN MAKES AN ART OF CELEBRATION
Weddings are a beautiful and significant life milestone. Throughout a couple's season of wedding planning, they celebrate their love for each other, their families, and new paths ahead. When a couple partners with a professional full-service wedding planner, the process of planning the wedding is joyful from start to finish! Budgeting is established and maintained, and planning and design decisions are effortless and creative. So after months of planning, when the couple's wedding day finally arrives, the couple can be entirely present with their friends and family and focused on the most important detail of the day: each other.
NATALIA | Events + Design transforms the wedding planning journey into something extraordinary. Led by Natalie Rice, the team combines sophisticated expertise with genuine care, ensuring each couple's vision comes to life in a way that is perfect for them.
Take Camille and Philip's recent celebration, for instance. This California couple chose to host their wedding in the bride’s hometown, bringing together guests from across the globe at the charming Meshewa House at Turner Farms, located in historic Indian Hill. Under perfect autumn skies, every detail told their unique story: a romantic sailcloth tent swaying gently in the breeze, delicate arrangements of tulips and hydrangeas, and thoughtful touches like embroidered French blue linens and milk glass china adding personality to each table setting.
They aren’t the only couple grateful for NATALIA | Events + Design. One couple said, “Choosing Natalie and her team as our wedding planners was undoubtedly the best decision we could have made. The planning process, which often feels overwhelming, was made effortless and enjoyable thanks to Natalie and her team's exceptional organizational skills and clear communication.”
This peace of mind is exactly what couples need most on their wedding day. The impact of this careful attention extends beyond the couple to their families. "We really couldn't believe how gorgeous everything was when it all came together," says Missy K., mother of a bride. "On my daughter's wedding day we did not worry about one thing. We were able to enjoy the entire day."
NATALIA | Events + Design understands that a truly memorable wedding balances beautiful aesthetics with meaningful moments. At Camille and Philip's celebration, this showed in personal touches like their champagne tower pour and their choice of a beloved Cincinnati classic, The Bonbonnerie's rich and decadent opera cream cake.
The approach to luxury wedding planning is refreshingly clear: share a common goal with clients in creating beautiful and memorable events through professional expertise and creative vision. It's about making each wedding unique to the couple while ensuring the planning process itself becomes part of the joyful journey.
As toasts rang throughout Camille and Philip's wedding reception, the true success of NATALIA | Events + Design work became clear. The team had created an experience where the couple and their guests could fully immerse themselves in the celebration of love, family, and new beginnings. After all, isn't that what a wedding should be about?
NATALIA | Events + Design is a boutique event planner in southwest Ohio specializing in luxury event planning and design. Please inquire about your upcoming event at nataliaeventdesign.com.
Elizabeth gown from Nardos Design’s SS25 collection (nardosdesign.com)
Emery gown from RIVINI by Rita Vinieris’ SS25 collection (ritavinieris.com/rivini)
Eli gown from Vera Wang Bride for Pronovias (verawangbride.com)
Look 9 from Reem Acra’s SS25 collection (reemacra.com)
Portia gown with re-embroidered lace long sleeve bodice on Chantilly lace with box pleated ballgown skirt from Sassi Holford Bridal (sassiholford.com)
Nelli gown from Ines Di Santo Couture FW25 (inesdisanto.com/pages/fall-25-couture-collection)
Emilia gown from Lihi Hod Bridal’s FW25 Dreams collection (lihihod.com/dreams-2025)
From Nardos Design’s FW25 collection, a moonstone hand-embroidered gown featuring intricate beadwork and a high-neck topper (nardosdesigns.com)
Photo by Hamoon Photography
Beauty Flourishes Naturally at Rowe Woods
Nestled within more than 1,000 acres of breathtaking forests, Cincinnati Nature Center features two historic estates, creating the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration!
For more information or to schedule a venue tour, please call (513) 965-3346 or visit us at www.cincynature.org.
P hoto by Grace Rose Photography
Photo by Brad Gillespie Photography
FLEXIBILITY is the ULTIMATE LUXURY
At Regent Seven Seas Cruises, we believe flexibility is the ultimate luxury. That’s why we offer two all-inclusive fare options for guests to enjoy
The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience® in a way that caters to
Guests can now choose from an inclusions which extends their journey beyond the sailing to include roundtrip flights, customizable to preferred air class and a new private
ROOTED
Photographer Andy Katz and his son, winemaker Jesse Katz, embrace l'art de vivre through unique expressions of their craft.
"It's a keeper!" globetrotting photographer Andy Katz said he'd exclaim when he was confident he'd captured "the shot." During a recent conversation amid the Farrow Ranch vineyard in California's Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, he joked that the phrase also applies to the day his son Jesse was born. Well before Jesse marked his first trip around the sun, he accompanied his father on an assignment in Japan, the first of many adventures, which included a near-death experience with a charging rhino in Africa and quite a bit of time galivanting through some of the world's most famous vineyards. The latter imprinted upon young Jesse a fascination with wine and, more importantly, the soil that imparts "good juice" with its unique characteristics.
As an eight-year-old, Andy recalls flipping through a book of black-and-white portraits by Yousuf Karsh and deciding at that moment that he wanted to be a photographer. In the 1960s, an early assignment sent him around the globe without a clear itinerary and per diem that today would barely cover your morning latte. Listening to Andy tell it, the adventure seems both intoxicating and wholly unfathomable in today's hyper-connected world. His skill as a raconteur is as evocative as his photography, an oeuvre encompassing
more than 14 coffee table books (a dozen of which are devoted to wine), record albums cover for the likes of the Doobie Brothers and Dan Fogelberg, and features in museums and galleries worldwide. In 2005, he became Sony's First Artisan of Imagery. "Beauty is everywhere; you just have to wait for the right light," said Andy.
Similarly, Jesse recalls being laser-focused on becoming a winemaker, a fascination stretching back to an idyllic childhood sprinting through and occasionally sleeping amid vineyards in Europe and South America. Seeing a vineyard through his father's expertly focused lens and later being offered a taste of wine from the same site gifted him a unique ability to communicate terroir.
After graduating from CSU-Fresno, Jesse worked in the cellar and vineyards at Bodega Noemia in Patagonia, Argentina, whose oldest malbec vines were planted in the 1930s. Their lowtech approach to the craft included destemming grapes by hand and stomping them à la I Love Lucy. Jesse went on to apprentice at Bordeaux's Pétrus and Napa's Screaming Eagle before becoming America's youngest head winemaker at 25 with Lancaster Estate and Roth Winery in Sonoma County, where he was given the opportunity to design a winery from the ground up.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Aperture Cellars
Aperture Estate Vineyard
Photo by Andy Katz
Jesse launched Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com) in 2009, initially purchasing top-tier grapes from the hills of Sonoma. In 2012, he also created a cult wine project called Devil Proof, focusing on single-site, dry-farmed malbec and malbec blends. After nearly instant and ongoing acclaim for his releases, in 2016, Jesse decided to build his own winery, selecting Sonoma's top AVA's for what he saw as its potential to be a vaunted cabernet region but in slightly cooler areas for the varietal. An ulcer-inducing bank loan enabled the purchase of a 75-acre vineyard and another 40 acres for the winery complex and estate vineyard (including a block of vines planted in 1912) located 10 minutes outside the charming town of Healdsburg.
Touring the 24,000-square-foot winery complex with Jesse and Hillary Sjolund, Aperture and Devil Proof's Director of Winemaking, I was struck by its lab-like cleanliness and eyepopping array of high-tech tools (one of the most advanced in the United States). Starting with a very advanced de-stemmer, the grapes move on to an optical sorter that captures a whopping 1200 photos-per-second of the grapes while infrared technology identifies fruit that's been sunburned or otherwise damaged and kicks it out so that only the best grapes make the journey to the fermentation tanks via a pump that's so gentle it is the same type used to relocate fish from one pond to another in nurseries. The tricked-out tanks boast automated pump-overs, temperature
control, and oxygen injection, all of which can be controlled via laptop or smartphone. In addition to creating wines with finesse and mouthfeel, the big-ticket investment in technology has been offset by reduced staff overhead and significant savings on water usage (ninety-eight percent of the water used by the winery is recycled for use in irrigation and landscaping).
While the technology minimizes human error and increases efficiency, it's still up to the winemaker's expertise to create something special with the raw materials. "It's our purpose to express the uniqueness of each vineyard in the glass," said Hillary. Jesse singled out Aperture's ability to do automatic pumpovers, which has taken their creativity to another level because the frequency (as much as one minute every hour for the first five days) would have been impossible to do manually. "We are textural winemakers," said Jesse, adding that he and Hillary are constant collaborators, tasting daily and making subtle tweaks to get the desired outcomes.
Over a few days, what I found endearing about Jesse was his quiet confidence and lack of wine snobbery. Speaking to our small group with widely varying wine expertise, he could switch on a dime from drilling down into the minutia of soil types to using a sports metaphor to help explain Aperture's approach, remarking, "It's no different than training at an optimal level to get each muscle fiber to fire optimally."
Aperture’s tasting room at dusk
Photo by Rachid Dahnoun
The architecture of Aperture’s production winery is designed to complement the tasting room.
Photo by Adam Potts
Aperture’s architecturally stunning tasting room was designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Photo by Aubrie Pick
Aperture tasting room
Photo by Aubrie Pick
Today, Aperture's vineyard holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. Jesse first visited one of these, Farrow Ranch, a decade before purchasing it as he was invited to dinner there by a family friend. Accessed at the end of a narrow dirt road, the Farrow home sat at the bottom of a bowl-like valley where the open trellis system of vines gave way to dense forest.
Walking the site, Jesse recognized a block of dry-farmed malbec thriving in volcanic soil. The site is the source of Devil Proof's Farrow Ranch Malbec; Jesse's malbec, now grown on three distinct sites, has garnered the lion's share of his 19 100-point scores from five different wine critics. I am by no means an oenophile, but even as an amateur, my first sip of Devil Proof was eye-popping for its nuanced layers of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel.
The Devil Proof moniker and the unique black-and-white image on the label derive from a father-and-son trip to Cuba, where Andy captured the now iconic photograph of a Cuban woman languidly smoking a cigar. Jesse recounts being told by the locals, "'If you live well and drink well, the devil can't get ya.' Like, you're devil-proof." Only around 1,000 cases of Devil Proof are made in the years the crop is deemed worthy, and the bottles
are quickly snapped up by those who sign up for an allocation notice at devilproofvineyards.com. Sold in sets of three, the presentation case is designed to mimic a cigar box Jesse had as a child and used to store his prized collection of coins picked up around the world.
"Jesse can recall the contours of a vineyard like a parent knows their child's face," said Andy. At Farrow Ranch alone, Jesse has dug 86 soil pits to create a detailed soil map that helps guide decisionmaking. Working with his mentor and consulting viticulturist Phil Freese, Jesse utilizes technology in the vineyards, employing NDVI imagery analysis to measure plant vigor and biomass vine by vine and taking appropriate actions to strengthen crops, ward off diseases, or determine watering and fertilization schedules.
While I can appreciate a good vintage, I love the why behind a wine even more, and Aperture is Jesse's heartwarming homage to his father and their enduring bond. The centerpiece of the guest experience is an architecturally stunning tasting room designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Inside the tasting room, the walls are adorned with Andy's large
Winemaker Jesse Katz walking between rows of grapevines at Farrow Ranch.
Photo by Rachid Dahnoun
Winemaker Jesse Katz with his team in the Aperture tasting room enjoying the fruits of their labor.
Photo by Aubrie Pick
Winemaker Jesse Katz
Photo by Rachel Weill
format photos. The winery frequently holds immersive sensory experiences with local chefs that transcend the act of sipping by celebrating the delicious bounty of Sonoma County.
Jesse is a consulting winemaker for a handful of handpicked clients, including the Montage Healdsburg (montage. com/Healdsburg), a luxury resort that opened in January 2021. Before they broke ground on a single guest room on the 258acre property, Katz "cherry-picked" 15.5 acres to plant vineyards bearing malbec, merlot, petite verdot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc grapes that are used to create private label releases. Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of super-high-density vine plantings. These vines are carefully tended to by hand as heavy machinery would disrupt the resort's bucolic atmosphere. "From the outset, we were aligned in our desire to do nothing but the best, and the ownership listened to all of my crazy ideas," Jesse recounted.
In 2024, the Montage Healdsburg launched Surveyor, their private estate-bottled wine. The inaugural release, available exclusively to guests and residents of Montage Healdsburg
(montageresidenceshealdsburg.com), consists of a 2021 cabernet sauvignon and a 2021 sauvignon blanc, both harvested from Montage Healdsburg's estate vineyard and bottled at Aperture.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in Sonoma's wine culture during harvest, book a facial or body scrub at the Montage's 11,500-square-foot spa and try to resist the temptation to taste tantalizingly aromatic products made from grape skins and seeds.
One can draw parallels between photography and winemaking: a dedication to the craft, a pursuit of excellence, tempered hubris and obsession, and heaps of patience. Both Andy and Jesse lean into technology as a tool to augment their skills rather than as a crutch to mask shortcomings. Jesse said that his dad doesn't own Photoshop in the same way he hasn't acidified, fined, or filtered any of his red wines. Continuing that train of thought, Andy quickly jumps in, adding, "You can't do anything good by taking shortcuts" and "You can't rely on your last success for lasting happiness." However, as a proud father, he also emphatically proclaims that Jesse can make good wine in his sleep. And, after spending a few days with both Andy and Jesse, I'm reminded that healthy roots are essential to more than just winemaking. sl
Rockpile Ridge Vineyards
Photo by Rachid Dahnoun
Aperture’s Soil and Site Series wines
Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of superhigh-density vine plantings laid out by Jesse Katz.
Photo by Christian Horan Photography
Compiled by Bridget Williams
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS
A few of our favorite men’s jewelry pieces, from classically elegant to edgy
Lagos diamond tag amulet ($1,990). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and lagos.com. Chopard Ice Cube pendant in ethical rose gold ($6,460). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and chopard.com. Effy Jewelry men’s 925 sterling silver blue sapphire pendant ($1,256; effyjewelry.com). Walters Faith Quentin black gold and black diamond band ($4,890; waltersfaith.com). Michael M Tetra diamond band ($4,350). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and michaelm.com. Krik Kara Scroll Wheat engraved wedding band ($3,890). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and kirkkara.com. David Yurman Streamline two-row band ring in titanium with black diamonds ($1,950). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Pamela Love’s Alev bracelet ($240), is part of a collaborative collection with Turquoise Mountain to create a series of handcrafted jewelry made by Afghan artisans (pamelalove.com). Patcharavipa Allumette bracelet ($5,850; patcharavipa.com). Grown Brilliance Cuban link bracelet ($2,225; grownbrilliance.com). Chris Ploof Designs Damascus cuff (chrisploof.com). Verraggio two-tone gold and diamond bracelet. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Seal & Scribe hand engraved cufflinks ($5,000; sealandscribe.com). Aurelia Demark single Lion cufflink ($185; aureliademark.com). LÖF Fritz bangle ($5,000; lofjewellery.com). Luis Morais gold Maille bracelet
Opposite page: Pieces from VRAM’s new men’s jewelry collection, priced from $1,300 (vramjewelry.com)
STORMING THE CASTLES
An alternative to day-tripping, AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa offers a more leisurely and luxurious way to experience a storybook Bavarian village with two castles.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos of AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa by Wolfgang Stahr
Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle (hohenschwangau.de/en) and a small portion of Neuschwanstein Castle (neuschwanstein.de/englisch/ tourist), built by the famously eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria between the years of 1869 and 1884. Most visitors make a quick in-and-out stop in the village, which is a shame as they miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of this little hamlet after the castles close and the crowds disperse.
In the shadow of the castles and enveloped by the Allgäu Alps on the banks of Lake Alpsee, the 4-star AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa (ameroncollection.com/en/neuschwansteinalpsee-resort-spa), part of the Althoff Hotels family, is a full-service resort opened in 2019. The sprawling property represents a
masterclass in seamlessly integrating old and new. A trio of listed historic buildings — Alpenrose, Jägerhaus, and Schlosshotel Lisl—are joined by the newly built Galeria and Seehaus wings to comprise 136 rooms and junior suites, conference and event facilities, an extensive spa and fitness center overlooking the lake, several restaurants, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings (the former site of a grand hotel). The rhythm of the disparate elements comes together in an aesthetic harmony that the Europeans know how to intuitively orchestrate flawlessly.
The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks. At the center of the sprawling space, a seating area with plush velvet upholstery welcomes guests to relax in front of the fireplace. In keeping with the AMERON brand's commitment to uniqueness, guest rooms in each building present distinct personalities. Guests lodged in the listed historic buildings experience romantic, fairy-tale interiors complete with canopied beds, period-correct antiques, print-on-print wallpaper, and ornate drapery.
Beer garden of the Schloss BräustüberlHohenschwangau Castle
4
elements spa pool with waterfall and view of the Alpsee
Deluxe room
Jägerhaus room
Lisl Restaurant
Lisl Terrace
The transition from old to new takes place via underground passageways and glass-covered pathways, AMERON's interpretation of a wormhole. In contrast to the fussiness of a bygone era, the clean lines of the new resort buildings would undoubtedly appease the aesthetics of legendary avant-garde German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. Here, the guest rooms bend towards the tenets of Bauhaus interior design: functionality, simplicity, and craftsmanship.
Continuity of contrasts extends to the culinary offerings with a host of unique gastronomic concepts. Seasonally inspired contemporary Bavarian alpine cuisine procured from local producers is available at Lisl Restaurant, serving a buffet-style breakfast and fine dining in the evening.
Schloss Bräustüber delivers an authentic German beer garden experience with meats, sausages, and cheeses originating from regional butchers and cheesemakers. Go all-in on authenticity by washing down your brezel with a freshly tapped pilsner from the town's King Ludwig Brewery. Fun fact: The first Oktoberfest in Munich on October 12, 1810, commemorated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I, the grandfather of Ludwig II) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
Open seasonally, the terrace of Alpenrose am Se is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail or a signature "King Ludwig
Glace Royale" sweet treat while surveying the glassy waters of Lake Alpsee. Ludwig Bar is a comfortable gathering place for a regionally inspired craft cocktail or light meal that combines international influence with regional ingredients and specialties.
After a day of exploring castles or hiking the trails accessed via cable car atop Tegelberg mountain (tegelbergbahn.de/en), the resort's 4 Elements spa complex, encompassing an indoor pool, Finnish and bio-saunas, experiential showers, ice fountain, quiet lounge areas, and a well-equipped fitness center, is an ideal place to unwind. Face and body treatments incorporate proprietary ARAMO ELIXIR anti-aging products.
An ideal visual representation of words like "idyllic" and "picturesque," it's easy to see why the region was the chosen home of Bavarian kings. While Hohenschwangau Castle was merely the summer residence of Maximillian II (and much smaller inside that it appears from its hilltop perch), his son Ludwig II, whose known eccentricities are still fascinating today, created his fantasy vision of an impenetrable year-round fortress based on Christian kingship in the Middle Ages as his power and relevance as a monarch crumbled beneath him. History lovers will relish in the luxury of time afforded by a stay at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa to do a deep dive into the short but fascinating history of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe. sl
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Photo by Bridget Williams
The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks
Lisl Restaurant
Compiled by Bridget Williams
BETTER TOGETHER
Fine jewelry that’s twice as nice with a two-stone design.
Akaila Reid stud earrings ($1,900; akailareid.com). Alison Lou Jewelry Double Cocktail drop earrings ($3,750; alisonlou.com). Marie Mas Aura ring ($4,937; mariemas.com/en-us). Mara Hotung Jewels peridot and tourmaline ring ($9,786; gemvoyager.com). Tanya Farah Jasmine Bloom bypass hoop earrings ($7,600; tanyafarah.com). Guita M lapis lazuli and opal drop earrings ($6,000; guitam-jewelry.com). MATEO pearl and diamond cluster drop earrings ($9,880; mateonewyork.com). Jacquie Aiche pavé diamond teardrop + baguette pink tourmaline open ring ($12,100; jacquieaiche.com). Clara Chehab Sienne Elemental stud earrings ($1,890; clarachehab.com). İTÄ Txirimiri Danza ring ($4,500; Opposite page: "In Reverse" sunstone & Tahitian natural color cultured pearl earrings from Assael ($44,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael. com. Boochier Jewelers Lucky Pup necklace with diamond and sapphire accents ($3,590; boochier.com). Jonne Amaya ear climber ($1,200; jonneamaya.coom). Aurelia Demark small Fleur Toi Et Moi ring ($4,285; aureliademark.com). Mason and Brooks Fine Jewelry Tortuga pendant ($2,050; masonandbrooks.com). Suzanne Kalan one-of-a-kind Toi et Moi emerald and double baguette diamond ring ($12, 800; suzannekalan.com).
ALWAYS EN VOGUE
For over a century, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has remained at the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Paris.
Written by Bridget Williams
One can imagine the spirits of past Paris' haute couturiers as gossamer threads, gently tugging at the hearts and pocketbooks of contemporary fashionistas, drawing them en masse to the storied hôtel particuliers lining Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. From the balcony of my Prestige Suite in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-Athenee), I sipped a latte from a delicate bespoke Jaune de Chrome porcelain teacup while my eyes slowly surveyed the scene like an iPhone camera’s Pano mode.
The early morning sun casts a painterly, dappled glow, making it easy to see why the City of Lights has seduced creative types for centuries. I first focus on the Eiffel Tower, its steel skeleton serving as a backdrop for the legendary hotel's iconic red awnings and window boxes laden with similarly hued geraniums from spring until late summer. My gaze casts down to the lobby's revolving door, where the omnipresent assemblage of some of the world's most covetable supercars attracts a similarly perennial gaggle of oglers. Craning my neck a bit, I can see eager early risers already queuing outside Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne), keen to be first in the door to soak up the fashionable fantasy offered by the ethereal five-floor showroom, Christian Dior's first boutique, which reopened in 2022 after two years of construction.
Sufficiently caffeinated, I head back into the opulence of my temporary abode, opulently outfitted in a manner that fully bolsters the Francophile fantasy, with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings punctuated with French marquetry and ormolu selected by designer Marie-José Pommereau.
Next, I head off to the gym, part of the world's first Diorbranded spa when it opened in 2008, where I almost felt bad for sweating on the supremely chic Dior-branded yoga mats, thinking they'd look just as good mounted on the wall as art. The recently refreshed labyrinth-like spa, which reopened in 2023 in a soothing cream and taupe colorway with discreet gold accents, now boasts larger treatment rooms, including one for couples and a designated beauty room for hair and makeup services. The Dior Light Suite features a light therapy booth, the first in Europe, which employs LED lights scattered across the ceiling to harness the sun's power to influence the body's circadian and chronobiological rhythms response to help fight stress, combat jet lag and increase energy.
My last stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée was close to 15 years ago. Upon entering the circular lobby, the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers emanating from arrangements in cone-shaped vessels affixed to the marble columns created a moment of déjà vu and a pleasant realization that while much has changed, what makes the property iconic hasn't. I like to imagine that Christian Dior would feel the same. Long before the Dior name became synonymous with luxury fashion, he was purported to have strolled along Avenue Montaigne, stopping in front of Hôtel Plaza Athénée and pledging to himself that when he launched his own house, it would be located on this celebrated stretch of pavement. In fact, Dior presented his inaugural collection at the Hôtel in 1947.
Photo by Eric Laignel
Lobby of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Photo by Francis Amiand
La Galerie at Hôtel Plaza Athénée
Photo by Mark Read
There are two distinct personalities within the eight-floor hotel. Floors one through six are outfitted in Haussmannian style. In September, the property revealed 49 renovated rooms by acclaimed French interior design firm Moinard Bétaille on its fifth and sixth floors, including the legendary Royal Suite. Designed to resemble true Parisian apartments, each room and suite offer a different layout, ensuring no two rooms are alike. Six new color palettes have been designed to bring a touch of freshness and softness to the property amidst its 18th-century backdrop. The Virginia creeper plant that adorns the façade of the hotel's iconic interior courtyard –La Cour Jardin – appears throughout the design, from moldings and mosaics to the embroidery of cushions, carpets and moiré silks.
In contrast, guestrooms on floors seven and eight were created from reconfigured staff quarters fifty years ago in a distinct Art Deco style and refreshed during COVID by Parisian duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. Blond and whited solid oak is punctuated with pops of "Plaza Red." Each guest room is uniquely sized, so furniture is similarly styled but bespoke to remain proportionally pleasing. A curated selection of coffee table books and framed fashion photos from vaunted photographers lend an apartment-like feeling to the intimately sized rooms. Luxurious grey-white marble bathrooms with graphic veining are an amenity shared with the more traditional accommodations.
Arguably, the most exciting change in recent years has occurred in the culinary sector. The COVID closure of 2020 prompted management to rethink their entire food and beverage program. After a 22-year run with Alain Ducasse at the helm in the kitchen, Hôtel Plaza Athénée created waves when they decided to roll the dice
on Jean Imbert, a 42-year-old Top Chef France winner who'd yet to earn a star. Given Imbert's experience working at hotspots in Miami and St. Tropez and celebrity clientele that includes Pharrell and Beyoncé, Justine Klar, Communications Manager at Plaza Athénée, said that in addition to Imbert's culinary prowess, hotel management appreciated the chef's VIP connections in the influencer age.
Rather than follow in the footsteps of Ducasse, Imbert chose to boldly forge his own path, working in a methodical fashion to completely overhaul all the restaurants, most dramatically the gastronomic one, which was reborn in an avant-garde style as Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. The theatrically designed experience begins with the decor. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to dine at the Court of Versailles, reserve one of the 16 coveted seats at the room's central marble table, where you will experience traditional cuisine served with succinct choreography. Guests are privy to ample interaction with chef Imbert, who purposefully leaves a little ambiguity on the menu descriptions for an element of surprise.
The Plaza Athénée's garden restaurant menu is now appropriately veggie-forward with a Mediterranean bent. Throughout the year, the space evolves to host seasonal events championed by chef Imbert, including an open-air summer cinema series with a corresponding menu inspired by a given film. In winter, an alpine chalet with a long table for 20 is erected alongside the garden's La Cour Jardin ice rink, where a lucky few can partake of fondue and Champagne. Fans of Emily in Paris will recognize the scene from the Agence Grateau holiday party in the second part of Season 4, proof positive that the quest for relevancy never rests.
Haute Couture Suite
Photo by Mark Read
La Cour Jardin
Photo by Mark Read
The theatrically designed experience at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée begins with the decor.
An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris.
Living room in a newly renovated Art Deco-inspired duplex suite.
Photo by Mark Read
The Dior-branded spa reopened in 2023 after a refurbishment.
Photo by Matthieu Salvaing
View from the balcony of a Prestige Suite
Photo by Francis Amiand
Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Le Meurice
Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Le Meurice
The Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí in Le Meurice.
Photo by Bridget Williams
An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel
Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris. The décor, which includes a chandelier classified as a monument by the French government, derives inspiration from the liner SS Normandie. We spent a lingering lunch surrounded by the power suit set, sampling cuisine with a pronounced sense of tradition, including Imbert's "My Grandmother's Terrine. I indulged in beef tartare, prepared tableside, accompanied by Pont Neuf potatoes, thick-cut fries that get their moniker from the city's oldest bridge, where pommes frites were once sold.
For generations, La Galerie, open from breakfast until late night, has served as the hotel's beating heart and is where the pulse of fashion week is taken outside the runway. However, I preferred the quiet of the afternoon, where the leisurely lull is accompanied by a harpist.
Time didn't permit a nightcap at Le Bar, but a daytime peek inside, revealing original wood paneling contrasted with a contemporary haute couture-inspired lighting installation and a bar resembling an ice sculpture, was enough to envision why there's almost always a line to get in on the weekends. The allure is long-standing: Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by the space. A partnership with Dom Perignon provides guests access to rare bottles, which Klar described as "the price of a little apartment in Paris." During the day, Terrace Montaigne restaurant in front of Le Bar is the place to be for people watching and partaking of a new seafood, oyster bar and Champagne experience.
As part of The Dorchester Collection, guests of Hôtel Plaza Athénée gain entrée into an exclusive array of distinct properties lined by an unwavering commitment to quality at all touchpoints. Equally iconic, the Plaza's Parisian sister, Le Meurice (dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-Meurice), was the city's first palace hotel when it opened opposite the Tuilleries gardens in the 1st arrondissement. The opulent décor is wonderfully eccentric; over the years, architect Jean-Loup Roubert, interior designer Charles Jouffre, designer Philippe Starck, and his daughter, visual artist Ara Starck, have lent their unique perspective to interiors that deftly meld classical and contemporary styles.
A gastronomic tour de force, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse bears 2 Michelin stars for haute cuisine inspired by authentic dishes served in a dining room reminiscent of the sumptuous Salon de la Paix at the Palace of Versailles. I was equally enamored of the dramatic and lively Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí, a fitting backdrop for a celebration of local and seasonal French cuisine.
Although it's often said that "what's old is new again," the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has never fallen out of fashion, drawing in a steady stream of luminaries like moths to a flame since it opened in 1913. Never willing to rest on its gilded laurels in a quest to meet its motto as "The palace of tomorrow," Hôtel Plaza Athénée continually reinvests in enhancing the guest experience and elevating the property's online allure with a savviness that would make Emily Cooper proud. sl
Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by Le Bar at Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
Photo by Tina Hillier
Of Note... New Year, New You
Compiled by Colin Dennis
can positively impact sleep quality by helping regulate body temperature, promoting relaxation through comfort, and signaling to the brain that it's time to wind down, ultimately leading to easier sleep onset and better sleep quality. Opting for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or silk is generally recommended over synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture. Dandy paisley silk pajamas from Yves Delorme ($795; usa.yvesdelorme.com).
Pajamas
Countless studies have shown that a sauna’s dry heat promotes sweating, improves circulation and cardiovascular health, and enhances relaxation, which may translate to better sleep. From ThermaSol, the Ventura indoor sauna cabin features curved, waterfall-like benches and a veneered ash interior. A silk-printed glass wall allows natural light to filter through (thermasol.com).
The SOPHIA Fitness Mobile Set from PENT is designed to seamlessly blend style and functionality. Built to order, the setup can encompass dumbbells, kettlebells, compact fitness accessories, exercise mats, and fitness balls ($11,885; pentfitness.com).
Real-time health data is always in reach with the Samsung Galaxy ring (shown in titanium silver). A trio of sensors offer a discreet way to monitor health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels ($399; samsung.com).
It may seem that a soak in frigid water may not be good for you. Still, studies have shown otherwise, with benefits from reducing inflammation to improving mood. Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro ($9,699; sunhomesaunas.com).
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light thought to stimulate energy production in the cells and reduce inflammation. From Mito Red, the patent-pending MitoADAPT™ Mega 3.0 Series with dual chip multi-wavelength design provides eleven different possible modes, allowing users to determine which combinations of wavelengths are having the most significant impact on helping them reach their goals ($4,999; mitoredlight.com).
Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that resveratrol, wine’s “super ingredient,” may lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain power. Combine the benefits of both at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, the luxury boutique hotel by Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, and her daughter, Ana Lovagilo Balbo. Their new Wine Immersion Program offers a complete sensory journey through a comprehensive exploration of Mendoza’s rich wine culture through the legacy and insights of the Susana Balbo family. From private winemaking expeditions—featuring behind-thescenes visits to some of the region’s top wineries—to in-suite wine-based wellness treatments, tastings in the hotel’s intimate tasting room, and an aromatic evening turn-down service in iconic wine egg tub, every detail is designed to celebrate the finest of Mendoza’s wine world within SB Winemaker’s House’s elegant setting (rates start at $1,663 per night base on double occupancy; susanabalbohotels.com).
Fitness boxing is a high-intensity workout that engages the aerobic and anaerobic systems, torching as many as 800 calories an hour, depending on intensity. Modest Vintage Player limited edition floral leather heavy punching bag ($399), strap-up boxing gloves ($135), and hand wraps ($35; modestvintageplayer.com).
SB Winemaker's House & Spa
A symbol of wealth and status in ancient times, ear cuffs have newfound popularity, and the genderless jewelry is perfect for those who don’t want the long-term commitment of a piercing. Compiled by Bridget Williams
CUFFING SZN
This page, clockwise from top left: Mazarin Eboris ear cllip ($1,320; mazarin-paris.com). Tiffany T1 ear cuff in rose gold with diamonds ($9,000; tiffany.com). Guzema Chainfall ear cuff ($1,450; guzema.com). Patcharavipa Lune Sucré ear cuff ($5,240; patcharavipa.com). MACADAM Quadra open enamel ear cuff ($3,750; voilamacadam.com). Jacquie Aiche Sophia teardrop shaker ear cuff ($4,125; jacquieaiche.com). De Beers white gold Dewdrop ear cuff ($2,100; debeers.com). Bondeye Jewelry Wave ear cuff ($600; bondeyejewelry.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 diamond ear cuff ($1,600; typejewelry.com). Anita Ko Cosmo ear cuff ($7,875; anitako.com). Nouvel Heritage VENDÔME double pearl ear cuff ($1,700). Available through ReisNichols in Indianapolis, Ylang-Ylang in St. Louis and us.nouvelheritage.com. Ippolita single pavé Squiggle ear cuff ($1,395). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and ippolita.com. State Property Arcan Markeli triple ear cuff (thisisstateproperty.com). Shahla Karimi Le Corbusier Puff Set double ear cuff ($1,360; shahlakarimi.com).
GOING FOR THE GOLD
A
two-week adventure through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of luxurious.
By Christy Marshall / Photography courtesy of Luxury Gold
I am a tour newbie.
Once decades ago, while living outside Glasgow, I schlepped to Paris with a slew of Scottish schoolteachers. They brought their own tea and marmalade. They got cranky. Frequently. The hotel was old... and cold. It was one of those okay-but-not-sogreat experiences. Except for a spectacular safari in Kenya, I've sidestepped group outings ever since.
Little did I know what an incredible difference tapping a company like Luxury Gold makes. The trip, titled "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," involved visiting nine cities in two countries over 13 days.
It's not for the faint of heart.
But then again, when Luxury Gold is at the helm, stamina, not bravado, is the key. Several of the 22 others on this jaunt already knew. One couple was on their fifth Luxury Gold tour. Others had already taken the company's trips to Italy, Croatia, Poland, England, and Scotland. Before we packed our bags to go home, some signed up for a trip to Egypt.
But then again, what's not to love? You travel first class, you stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge.
Luxury Gold’s parent, The Travel Corporation, was founded in 1920 by hotelier and restauranteur, the late Stanley Tollman, and his wife, Bea, then living in the fishing village of Paternoster, South Africa. Last July, Travel Corporation, which now holds more than
40 travel and tourism brands and hotels, was purchased by Apollo Funds of New York.
The tour stands apart from others because of all the posh details: Being picked up by a driver in a black town car to go to the airport, then from the airport to the hotel and at the end, back to the airport and from the airport to my St. Louis bungalow. It's the luxury of having every reservation made, every room ready, of never hauling my luggage a step further than my hotel room door. No lines. Anywhere. Having proud local citizens give us either bus or walking tours (or a combination of both) at every destination. It's the ease of boarding a Mercedes version of a Greyhound bus, flitting you from one province, city, site, or even restaurant to the next.
At a time when international travel can be an unpleasant mixture of annoying and exhausting, all those little things add up to a lot.
The Luxury Gold approach offers total immersion into the country and its culture. The kingpin of the trip is the guide or concierge, the magician who eases away any and all rough edges, never fusses, never gets rattled, keeps a sharp eye out for pickpockets, and both entertains and educates. For us, her name was Sonia Santos. With an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the regions, she kept us enthralled hour after literal hour with history, data, statistics, anecdotes, local eccentricities, and even gossip. I now know the average alcohol consumption, cigarette users, and age longevity for Spaniards. She educated us on all things both Spanish and Portuguese. A guide for the past 28 years, Sonia spent five years at the university earning her tourism degree.
A woman dancing flamenco in Seville’s Plaza de España. Photo by S. Kuder.
Madrid, Spain
Image by Sergio Martínez
Ruins of the Roman theater in Mérida, Spain at sunset
Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry.
Paella in Valencia, Spain
The Coach Museum in Lisbon, Portugal
Photo by Zoran Karapancev
Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain
The lobby of the Hotel Colón Gran Meliá in Seville
The Luxury Gold goal is "to take you on a silver tray to the best places we can," Sonia said. The trip started in Barcelona. There, we explored all things Gaudi and toured the spiral-laden Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a Gaudi-inspired plan now (theoretically) being executed by (living) architects.
Next, we bussed to Valencia after stopping for a seven-course lunch at the Michelin-starred L'Antic Moli restaurant in La Galera, where we also consumed (a considerable amount of) locally harvested wine. One of the highlights of the drive through Valencia's Ciutat de les Arts Y De Las Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), a collection of stunning buildings including the L'Oceanogràfic (the aquarium), The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), Hemisferic (planetarium/IMAX theater), Museu de les Cièscience Principe Felipe (science museum), L'Agora (covered event space) designed by Félix Candela and Santiago Calatrava, the same architect who created the Oculus at Ground Zero in New York City.
In Granada, a guide led us patiently through the Alhambra Palace, built by the Moors in the 13th century. That night, we stayed at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a palace-turned-hotel that was truly palatial with its marble floors and wood-carved ceilings (all making it feel a bit like living in the Alhambra). With no rest for the weary, we were up and out the following morning to travel to Córdoba (where we walked through Mezquita and the Jewish Quarter) and then on to Seville, affectionately referred to as
the "Soul of Spain." That city may have been my absolute favorite. Aside from the gorgeous hotel, the Colón Gran Meliá, we spent hours exploring — and learning by doing. There was the flamenco lesson before sitting down for a performance by the professionals. The next day, we trekked to the local market (Mercado de Abastos), where we made the best paella I've ever eaten (and where the chef warned us against ever, ever adding chorizo to the dish).
On the eighth day, we crossed the border into Portugal. En route, we stopped for lunch to hear a performance of local men in a group singing Cante Alentejano. This genre of traditional twopart singing, originating in southern Portugal, has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Once in Lisbon (Sonia's hometown), we stayed at the Pousada de Lisboa and explored the city. A not-to-be-missed attraction was the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum), which made me roll my eyes when I first read it. Foolish me. It was spectacular. Who knew coaches could be so intricately made, ostentatious, beautiful, and uncomfortable? But as wonderful as it was to see them, they came in a strong second to the Pastel de Nata. This Portuguese egg-yolk custard tart dates to before the 18th century and is basically a crème brûlée in a puff pastry made from a recipe held fast to the heart by the monks living atop a nearby hill. Afterward, we explored the National Palace of Queluz and headed out on our own to shop and dine.
Constructed on a plateau that overlooks the city of Granada, Spain, the Alhambra palace and fortress was built largely between 1238 and 1358.
The city of the Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain.
Photo by Melinda Nagy
At the São João Evangelista Church in Évora, the walls are covered with polychrome tiles from the seventeenth century. Photo by Hector Christiaen
Before ending our trip to Madrid, we stopped at Évora (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explored the town, toured the cathedral, and tasted Portuguese wines at the Herdade de Calada vineyard. We shopped and shopped, buying cork (purses, shoes, bottle stoppers), espadrilles, tiles, and jewelry, among other native wares. We spent the night in the simply spectacular Convento do Espinheiro, a 14th-century monastery and convent reborn as a gorgeous hotel that opened in the early 2000s.
Back on the bus, we stopped at Mérida to tour the Roman ruins before motoring on. From our base in Madrid at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, we had two days to explore, walk through the city, tour the Prado Museum, explore the maze-like Old Town, and do more shopping, eating, and learning.
By the time we were done, we had traveled 1,700 miles on the bus. In a casual survey, everyone agreed that this trip (an $8,000plus investment) was worth every penny. Universal praise came for the hotels, the bus, and the various events, but especially for Sonia. Aside from her incredible knowledge, she always treated us with gifts. With a mischievous grin, she'd announce, "I have a little surprise for you," and follow it up with chocolate treats on the bus and local pastries. There was the night we met for champagne before dinner. There was Café Carajillo, a coffee drink with brandy
at one of the gas stops. She texted us her favorite sangria recipe. And then later for gazpacho. She led us to the Lisbon marketplace to join the locals for shots of cherry liqueur.
When one young couple from Perth asked to go to a vineyard to buy a bottle of the rare Spanish sherry PX (Petro Ximénez), Sonia made it happen, and they returned ecstatic with two — circa 1931. The simple fact that a hat owned by one of the women on the tour, which was lost at one site and still made its way back to her, is proof positive of Sonia's skills. As one earlier tour member mentioned, she felt protected with Sonia in charge. "She's like a German shepherd," the woman said. For a group with an age range spanning early 50s to mid-70s, the notion of someone else being totally in control and casting an ever-vigilant protective eye had a luxurious ring to it.
Built into the delight of the trip was the process of total strangers (from Australia, Canada, New York, California, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas) almost instantly morphing into an ad hoc group of friends. Every single person was funny, kind, welcoming, smart, interesting, and primed for an adventure.
"I know that I'm doing a good job when you are mingling," Sophia said. "You started as strangers — and you end as a family."
And I know now that group travel, with the right company in charge, is as good as gold. sl For more information visit luxurygold.com.
The wine cellar at Convento de Espinheiro hotel in Evora, Portugal
ROCK & ROLLS
Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage and a heavy foot on accelerating bespoke customization.
Written by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce
No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. As finely tailored as a Savile Row suit, throughout 2024, the British marque has paraded a bevy of its latest bespoke creations to events around the globe, most recently the Las Vegas Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The resort owns the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms in North America, with 10 extended-wheelbase Phantoms specifically designed for the resort to chauffeur its highest caliber guests.
Sophisticated Living was invited to be among a select group of media to experience a condensed version of Rolls-Royce's "White Glove" training program for the finest chauffeur education in driving and etiquette before getting behind the wheel of some of their latest creations in nearby Red Rock Canyon and the Vegas strip.
The tradition of having specially trained chauffeurs pilot RollsRoyce goes back nearly a century ago, when tycoons and maharajahs, who imported the cars from England, requested the company provide training for everything from personal presentation to the 'champagne stop,' a unique braking technique that halts the vehicle with such smoothness that nary a drop of bubbly is spilled by the passengers. While it's a bit of an anomaly in an era of autonomous cars, as we all know, one of the most self-indulgent ways to enjoy a RollsRoyce is from the backseat (and a full twenty percent of the 6,000 Rolls-Royce cars delivered annually are strictly chauffeur driven).
Witty Englishman Andi McCann leads the White Glove training program. After a brief history lesson, McCann provided
an abbreviated version of the invitation-only course Rolls-Royce offers to those who drive their VIP clientele, demonstrating how to move with grace and precision even before the engine starts. "Striving for perfection is a basic component of luxury," remarked McCann. "Everything you do must be sharp, effortless, professional, and safe." In short, we learned that a professionally trained Rolls-Royce chauffeur knows everything from the preferred elevation of their clients' headrests to knowing whether to use the vintage or non-vintage champagne setting in the backseat Coolbox.
After two hours of classwork, I found myself behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore. This one-of-one commission made its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, this past August. If the attention-grabbing yellow paint job wasn't arresting enough, the bonnet boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect. Keeping McCann's guidance top-of-mind, I ease myself behind the wheel, taking notice of the interior, a combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow on the seats, the Starlight doors, and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The SPIRIT operating system, an advanced digital interface that allows for extensive personalization within the car's interior, allowed the dials to complement the motor car's yellow colorway. I relax into the seat, gently grasp the wheel at 9- and 3-o'clock, and glide away, instantly acknowledging that even those who choose to be driven shouldn't deny themselves the pleasure of piloting this beauty for themselves on occasion.
Brener Green Spectre
Rolls-Royce chauffeur instructor Andi McCann providing White Glove instruction in the Red Rock Canyon. Turchese Blue Spectre
The bonnet of the Spectre Semaphore boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect.
Having familiarized myself with the nuances of the Spectre, it was time to try my skills with the Cullinan Black Badge Series II, the next iteration of the luxury SUV that brings the marque's hallmark "magic carpet ride" to any terrain. The acceleration of the 592 horsepower V12 is effortless and quiet, with the selfleveling air suspension constantly adjusting to road conditions to provide a remarkably smooth ride. The uniquely patterned cabin seating, mated to the Twilight Purple bespoke paint job, features a glass dashboard panel that uses backlighting through tiny pinpricks to create an ambient effect and a small vitrine with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy.
It is hard to imagine that Rolls-Royce could improve the legendary ride and comfort of its decadent automobiles, but the age of electric vehicles has done just that. The Spectre BEV exhibits a level of smoothness that flattened the legendary Red Rock roads, and the electric motor's instant torque leaves you wanting more. After all, who wouldn't want the finest, smoothest, and quietest automobile to also whisk you away at near sports car acceleration? Rolls has once again reset the standard for luxury automobiles.
Arrayed on the green of the Wynn Golf Club Like a peacock fanning out its train, Rolls-Royce's candy-colored lineup for the Las Vegas Concours also included a Brener Green Spectre, an Emerald Cullinan, and a Turchese Blue Spectre. The diversity of the display comes on the heels of the brand opening Private Office New York this past September in the Meatpacking District. It's the latest creative outpost in a network that already includes Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, and the 'original' Private Office at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. Available by appointment, it allows North American clients to interact directly with a US-based designer and specialist client experience manager. "Our investment in this office is in response to the steadily increasing engagement we see from our North American clients in this region, constantly challenging our designers to create and develop even more exciting and ambitious commissions," said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“If you’re on time, you are late,” McCann stressed during our briefing. Staying ahead of the game has made Rolls-Royce a benchmark for luxury vehicles since Charles Rolls and Henry Royce established the brand in 1904. sl
Twilight Purple Cullinan II
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Fashion Trends
Our partners at Chez Renee Boutique in Madeira shared the fashion trends they are excited about for the spring. While choosing our wonderful fashion selections from shows we visited in New York denim is a hot item for spring. The hot colors were green and blue for the spring summer season. Clog and shoes with wooden soles are making a comeback in 2025. Finally cut out dresses were also a big deal at the shows we visited.
Green outfit by Hannoh From Italy
Cut out dress by Miin From Turkey
Two toned denim by Rundholz from Germany
Denim pant and shirt by Plu from Germany Trippen shoes from Germany
Photography by George Paxton.
Riverfront Auctions Brings Cincinnati’s Art to the World HIDDEN TREASURES
Written by Lindsey Himmler / Photography by Hailey Bollinger
A century-old letter from Rookwood Pottery’s founder, Maria Longworth Storer. An Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Brooch. A cabinet that once sat in the chateau of Henry II.
These historic one-of-a-kind pieces are just some of the treasures that have been curated by Riverfront Auctions, Cincinnati’s newest premier auction house. Whether it’s finding the perfect piece or selling a loved family heirloom, Riverfront Auctions is passionate about using its deep historical knowledge and passion for art to connect with collectors all over the world.
“Cincinnati is a great art town,” says Michael Muth, who co-founded Riverfront Auctions. “Most people don’t realize how rich the art history is here. It was even called the ‘Paris of the West’ in the 19th century.”
Muth grew up watching his father work with storied auction houses in Europe, and as a history buff himself, he began to collect anything that fascinated him, including uniforms and armor. As time passed, he connected with fellow art and history lovers, and by 2021, Riverfront Auctions was formed.
What sets Riverfront apart is their dedication to research and storytelling. Each piece that comes through their doors isn’t just an object—it’s a chapter of history waiting to be shared. The team includes artists and art scholars, and they approach each item with enthusiasm and expertise, thoroughly researching its background and provenance. This often means connecting with historians and museums around the world.
For example, the team recently acquired a Robert S. Duncanson oil painting, a notable painter from the 19th Century. While originally from Detroit, Duncanson found his way to Cincinnati which was a center for the arts and a hub of abolition. He became part of a growing network of Black artists. Duncanson’s landscapes are part of the entry hall of the Taft Museum of Art, and his works are found in museums across the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Riverfront Auctions was able to connect with the Brooklyn Museum of Art and meet with two of its curators, who studied the piece, “Wilderness Idyll,” and shared their ideas about Duncanson’s work. The painting’s consignor not only has a beautiful, historically significant piece, but also the thoughtful work that went into researching it.
There have been many other fascinating pieces, such as a discovery of original pages from a 1493 edition of the “Nuremberg Chronicles” or a cache of letters and deeds that are part of Cincinnati’s rich brewing history, including original documents about prohibition.
Located in Indian Hill, Riverfront has deep ties to Cincinnati. They have a special affinity for local artists, from Charley Harper to Frank Duveneck to Rookwood Pottery. The company maintains strong connections with local institutions like the Indian Hill Historical Society. But while many items from their collections originate from Cincinnati estates, the pieces themselves come from around the world, and their inventory spans centuries, from 16th-century prints to mid-century modern furniture.
The Riverfront Auction team
Top: Robert Duncanson (American, 1821-1872) “Wilderness Idyll” ca. 1868 Bottom Left: Frank Duveneck (American, 1848-1929) “Sir Goshorn” ca. 1890s
Bottom right: James. W. Godward (British, 1861-1922) “A ROMAN GIRL: A REVERIE” ca. 1906 a. Hammer: $535,000 + buyer’s premium
Top: Original Painting by Cincinnati painter, Paul Chidlaw Bottom Left: An Edwardian Platinum 18K Diamond and Pearl Brooch a. Hammer: $1,400 + buyer’s premium
Bottom right: “Melencolia I” Engraving after Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528)
ca. 16th century a. Hammer: $1,700 + buyer’s premium
The chance to showcase Cincinnati’s art and history with the world is an important part of Riverfront’s mission. Their pieces have been sent to private collections and museums all over the globe.
“Technology has democratized the industry,” says President David Schlosser. “Someone can search for anything from Van Gogh to antique books, and our items appear alongside those at Christie’s or Sotheby’s.”
This global reach, combined with their white-glove service and client-friendly fee structure, allows them to achieve the best results for their consignors.
Unlike larger auction houses that might focus solely on highvalue transactions, Riverfront Auctions is willing to help clients explore various options, including museum donations or private sales. Their process is straightforward and transparent, typically completing the entire cycle— from acquisition to sale—within three to six months, notably faster than industry standards.
Riverfront Auctions is also making fine art more accessible to everyday collectors. While they handle significant pieces, they also offer more affordable options, such as historical prints from as far back as the 1600s, some priced around $100. “We’re making some of these unique, historical pieces available to
anybody,” Schlosser notes. “They’re not mass-produced, but they’re at a reasonable price point.”
The team stays connected with the community through regular events, including their annual presence at the Hunter Trials, an equestrian event in Indian Hill that’s been running for almost a century. They’ve hosted events at venues like the Old Little Red Schoolhouse and the Queen City Club, often featuring local mixologist Molly Wellman, creating opportunities for clients, designers, and art enthusiasts to gather and appreciate their latest acquisitions.
In an age of mass-produced décor, there’s a renewed interest in pieces with history and character. “American primitive is becoming really popular,” notes Maiana Wells, head of operations and a decorative art specialist. “These pieces can be maintained and remain in families, offering something truly unique in your home.”
Whether you’re a serious collector or simply someone who appreciates the stories behind beautiful things, Riverfront’s doors – and their expertise – are open. In a world of mass-produced furniture and machine-made art, they’re offering something increasingly rare: pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind treasures. sl
Visit Riverfront Auctions at riverfrontauctions.com to find your next treasure.
Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print by Utagawa Hiroshige III titled “A Boy Feeding Doves at Shinmei, Kanda Temple” ca. 1868 & Charles Cobelle (French, 1902-1994) “La Seine”
FINDING YOUR OWN UNIQUE TREASURES FOR YOUR HOME
An informal guide by Dani Hunter of Riverfront Auctions
Step 1: Do your research! Negotiating while market-blind can be daunting to say the least. Look up antiques, find what you like, and start comparing prices. Or ask a dealer like Riverfront Auctions. There is a plethora of information online to reference that can help you start your search.
Step 2: Set a budget. Know what you can and can’t spend. If you’re comfortable with financing, that can be an option. A dealer should respect your budget if you’re on the hunt for something special and can guide you.
Step 3: Think about repurposing an item. If you’ve found something you love, but you don’t really foresee yourself capitalizing on its intended use, think about other ways that you could use it. A beautiful cabinet door could become a shelf, a magazine rack can become a planter, or you can turn an old suitcase into a coffee table!
Step 4: Be patient—you’re treasure hunting! You might not find exactly what you’re looking for immediately, but don’t give up. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something even better! It’s all part of the fun. So make sure you’re having fun!
Carl Heldt (American, 1925-2021) “This Day” Oil on Board ca. 1970s
Design Trends
From Apollo Draperies: Performance fabrics have long transformed outdoor living spaces, but now we’re seeing them revolutionize interiors, too. “Sunbrella has perfected this transition with soft, premium textiles that bring their legendary durability indoors,” says Ryan Engdahl, owner of Apollo Draperies, Cincinnati’s exclusive dealer of the new Sunbrella line. “At Apollo, we’ve built our reputation on custom window treatments and outdoor shade solutions—this collection pairs the two with beauty, longevity, and the added benefit of motorization,” Engdahl notes, adding that motorization is increasingly popular for both interior and exterior applications, offering seamless control.
From David A. Millett Inc.: Grey was such a popular background over the last few years, however taupe shades allow more flexibility with other neutral shades and still works together with both grey and brown items. We’ve been using a lot of taupe and beige shades in our designs. Taupe and beige tones blend well with greys, but also brown and natural woods and finishes. Working as backgrounds like walls and large upholstery items like sofas and sectionals, taupe and beige work with all colors to allow art and accent fabrics to pop in designs.
From The Rug Gallery: We are seeing earthy color palettes with personality! Color trends in 2025 embrace nature-inspired tones, like olive green, muted terracotta, warm beige, soft clay and understated neutrals with depth. The magic of these nature-inspired tones lies in their restraint. They don’t overwhelm; they integrate. A rug in these colors becomes a connection to the natural world, a subtle backdrop that allows your living space to breathe and evolve.
Design Trends
From The V Collective: A prominent trend in design today is the “natural” or “minimalist aesthetic” highlighting wood’s natural color and grain pattern. Frequently teamed with painted or white cabinets, the warmth of the natural wood brings interest to simple form and function. The cabinet door styles that accentuate the grain have clean lines and uncomplicated style. It’s design purpose is to create a light and airy feel to a space. Adding a bit of drama can be achieved when working with dark and light woods together. Walnut and quarter sawn white oak along with strategic black accents in hardware, hood and stove brings depth to the design.
From The Rug Gallery: We are seeing trends in unconventional rug shapes. Breaking free from traditional rectangles, 2025 includes oval rugs, asymmetrical designs, irregular outlines, and organic shapes that challenge conventional layouts. “Non-traditional rug shapes break away from predictable designs, adding movement and interest to a room,” explains Barbie Presnell from The
From David A. Millett Inc.: We’ve seen a lot of interest and use of rich saturated colors and jeweled tones in accents recently. Warm and deep emerald greens, ruby reds, amethyst purples and sapphire blues. These pops of colors all work well together or individually based off of client’s preference. Mixing accent fabrics together of finding patterns incorporating all of the tones, are perfect for accent pillows or statement furniture pieces.
Rug Gallery.
Design Trends
From Winding Lane Interiors: We are thrilled by the continued expansion and evolution of performance fabrics! From velvets to linens to cottons to mohair, the section of available performance fabrics truly is phenomenal. Since we work hard to make all of our clients’ spaces not only beautiful and stylish but also comfortable and long-lasting, this development has enabled our designs to be even more colorful and interesting, while also being family, pet, and party friendly! Julie Anne Baur of Winding Lane Interiors is at High Point Market in October sitting on a outdoor sofa by The MT Company which was upholstered in a beautiful high-performance UV protected fabric that looked and felt like a regular indoor fabric!
From Winding Lane Interiors: Cordless lighting has come a long way! We are now seeing an ever-expanding array of highquality options including larger lamps, sconces, picture lights and more. There are times where running electricity to add sconces to a wall is either impossible or cost prohibitive. Similarly, having a variety of both task lighting and ambient lighting, such as table lamps, can be difficult if there is not an outlet nearby or if a sofa or chair is not up against a wall. Stylish quality cordless lighting can help solve a lot of these design dilemmas, and to our delight we saw a lot of it at High Point Market in NC this October. At the Visual Comfort showroom, we were delighted to see that these classic wall sconces by Thomas O’Brien now come in a cordless option! The rechargeable batteries are easy to swap out and are shown at the bottom of the image.
PENTHOUSE PERFECTION
Interior designer David Millett reimagines a penthouse unit at the Kenwood by Senior Star for long-time clients with a penchant for collecting objects d’art.
Written by Matthew Millett / Photos by Hailey Bollinger
When a unique opportunity opened up for one of the penthouse units at the Kenwood by Senior Star, long-time clients called on the help and eye of interior designer David Millett to transform the unit into a space they would enjoy. “The original unit felt basic and outdated. We didn’t like the floors or kitchen, and I felt certain elements could easily be added, that would help enhance the feeling of the spaces,” says David. Upon reassuring the clients, the design and remodel began.
The homeowners brought with them a curated collection of fine art, colored glass and accessories, cut glass, as well as one-ofa-kind glass perfume bottles and miniature antique silver boxes. David took special care to ensure the new furniture and design helped enhance these personal and prized collections.
The process started with a new faux wood floor and a color palette of neutral taupe shades, which helped define the unit’s color scheme. “Taupe shades offer richness and warmth, are still very elegant, and can blend traditional elements with new stylized furniture pieces,” explained David. The taupe tapestry is woven more lightly and brightly in the bedrooms, with medium tones
in the great room and warmer, darker shades in the combination television/den/bar room. A deft application of metallic hues adds a subtle sheen to the monochromatic background.
Upon entering the unit, one quickly notes the client’s art collection. A scarcity of wall space due to an abundance of windows in the 11th-floor unit called for judicious distribution of the paintings. An intriguing period horse and buggy winter scene draws the eye to the middle of the room, while a cellist painting surmounts the fireplace, and a scene of children with sailboats hangs on the opposite wall. Millett and his team added molding to the windows to match the fireplace and built-in areas but left the windows free of drapery coverings to enhance the panoramic views.
“Lighting is a home’s jewelry,” says David, singling out a beautiful crystal chandelier that elegantly dangles above a 60” round dining table. Next to the dining area is a sitting area oriented to a fireplace reframed in Taj Mahal quartzite stone to match the nearby kitchen countertops and backsplashes. Built-ins are wallpapered in a patterned silver and gold leaf design and carried above the fireplace mantel.
The sitting room sofa has a uniquely designed back with wood legs ‘rising’ up its back, adding interest as one sits in the dining space. The wood tones are mimicked on the frames of taupe zebra-patterned chairs.
Millett added a soft, slight curve to the top of the kitchen counter to better incorporate stools for sitting. New kitchen cabinets are designed with extra storage to meet the owner’s needs. David retrofitted a nook area beyond to act as an elegant butler’s pantry with additional cabinets overhead and eight drawers for supplies. Adding a mirrored backsplash and a counter area to house a cut glass collection and custom hardware elevates this
hardworking pantry into the realm of fine furniture. A small dinette table and four chairs do double duty as an everyday dining area and occasional working space.
The color scheme warms in the den, where David designed a wet bar with hidden pullout refrigerator drawers and an ice maker. A display ledge allows an artful array of bottles to decorate the counter. Glass-doored cabinets provide display space for lively art glass.
A large television would not fit over the hearth, so with only one wall remaining, David situated a curved sofa so the homeowners could enjoy the television, fireplace wall, and view from the balcony simultaneously.
While some interior designers have the luxury of starting with a clean slate, most projects mandate incorporating preexisting pieces. In this home, David repurposed the client’s office rug, a pair of chairs from the previous living room, and scores of accessories, seamlessly blending them with new furnishings. The fireplace was refaced in the same leathered granite as the wet bar, while on either side, the built-ins are wallpapered in a grass cloth, which picks up the motion and tones from the granite.
The guest bedroom offered a multi-purpose opportunity. While low on extra space, built-ins and cabinets surround the room and allow for added storage. A stylized wallpaper adds depth to the rest of the background, while a small bed nestles between a pair of cabinets. With some silver accents, the clients’ arty accessories are on display here, accentuated by touches of teal blue in a window seat, rugs, and art.
The clients’ bespoke perfume bottle collection are highlighted in a pair of existing champagne-colored silver-leaf display cabinets in the master bedroom. David selected a coordinating dresser to complete the wall. A lighter shade to blend with the champagne tones is used as the background to help the colored glass and artwork pop on the cool background. The primary bathroom is outfitted in similar lighter tones and a lighter motif to match the bedroom.
Fresh off the renovation, the clients’ remarked that they are enamored of all the living spaces. While all the rooms blend cohesively throughout, the subtle differences between each room and the nuance of lighter and darker tones allow them to utilize each space daily. “Reimagining the art and collections in a new space was the best part of this project,” commented David. “Adding richness and warmth to each element was important to create a background to ensure the clients’ items would be displayed and enjoyed for years to come.”
A Terrace Park Restaurant Blossoms Again WELCOME BACK TO THE BIRCH
Written by Lindsey Himmler / Photography by Hailey Bollinger
Behind an unassuming green door in Terrace Park lies The Birch, a beloved restaurant with a story rooted in community.
Over a year ago, a fire forced its closure, but now the neighborhood staple is back and better than ever thanks to its dedicated team and supportive community. Led by Chef Aaron Owen and Sous Chef Marc Eddington, along with General Manager Jamie Murzynowski, The Birch is eager to share its farmto-table food and warm neighborhood feel once again. Wrapped in greenery and centered around a large but cozy courtyard with its namesake in the center, The Birch is a neighborhood sanctuary and community hub.
“From the moment you are greeted at the door to the time you enjoy your final sweet treat, we strive to give you the best possible experience,” Murzynowski says.
Husband and wife duo, Brett and Aaron Tritsch, opened The Birch in 2017 but the historic building has been owned by the Tritsch family since 1979. Its past as a roadside inn is evident in the long row of doors in the back, and inside, the building is cozy and warmly lit, with plenty of seating at the bar and tables throughout the large open space. There’s a fireplace at one end, and a charming boutique wine room with an impressive selection of over 150
bottles just beyond it. There’s even a private dining space that wouldn’t be out of place at any fine dining restaurant in the city. Just outside there is a large courtyard with the restaurant’s namesake in the center, the perfect place to catch up with friends.
But the real star here is the food. Chef Owen’s culinary philosophy is to bridge the gap between fine dining and farm-totable cooking. The team works closely with local farmers to bring fresh, seasonal ingredients to the menu. “We’re really big on finding creative ways to use our ingredients,” Chef Owen says. “We spend a lot of time going to farms and getting local products.”
That means that the menu is frequently changing, with daily features and specials that mean there’s always something new to sample. Wednesdays are “Adult Noodle Night,” a playful interpretation where the culinary team crafts unique pasta dishes. Thursdays showcase a collaboration with Turner Farms, where the team receives a “mystery bag” of farm-fresh ingredients and builds the evening’s specials around whatever surprises arrive that week.
As part of its reimagined vision, The Birch has expanded its dining hours and offerings. In addition to serving dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays from 4:30 until closing, The Birch is now open for brunch and lunch!
Sous Chef Marc Eddington, owner/operator Aaron Tritsch, Chef Aaron Owen, GM Jamie Murzynowski
Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Shrimp ‘n Grits
Bistecca
Tuscan Eggs Benedict and Chorizo Hash
Autumn Salad
We stopped by for brunch to try out some of the latest culinary delights from the team. The brunch and lunch menu has something for everyone, from soups and salads to shared plates to sandwiches and breakfast items. (There’s even a Kid’s Menu for pickier eaters.)
We started with the Autumn Salad, which really exemplified Chef Owen’s blend of fine dining with great taste. It looked beautiful, with fresh greens, feta, pomegranate seeds and pickled squash. The blend of flavors with the brown butter pepitas and mustard vinaigrette was perfectly balanced. The pomegranate seeds really brighten up the more earthy flavors. When Chef Owen said they only used the best feta, it was easy to believe.
Another standout dish was the popular potato hash. With fingerling potatoes, local chorizo, pickled peppers, kale, crema and a perfectly fried egg, it looked good enough to take a photo. It was another excellent blend of flavors with a slightly spicy kick. It felt like elegant comfort food, with a hearty serving that’s perfect for brunch.
The Tuscan Eggs Benedict was a special nod to Chef Owen’s Jewish and Italian grandmothers, with a family recipe for the biscuit. A poached egg with prosciutto was surrounded by a
smoked hollandaise sauce that was just a beautiful color and added an element of heat. The arugula was so fresh it seemed it had been pulled out of a garden right before I arrived.
The cocktail list is fun and seasonal, and includes nonalcoholic offerings as well. Murzynowski previously worked in New York making cocktail menus and her experience shows in the offerings. The team brings in wine experts once a month and searches out the flavors and spirits that customers really want. While you can’t go wrong with anything from their selection, the staff can help find the perfect pairing.
“All of our servers are trained in wine service,” Murzynowski says. “You won’t find our wine at just any store.”
The Birch really is a one-of-a-kind spot. It feels upscale but with no pretension, and its food is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s no surprise perhaps that the community loves it as much as the team loves the community. It’s clear that The Birch really is back and Terrace Park is lucky to have it. sl
SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
January
14 Dragonfly Foundation, Winter Golf Classic. 9:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Bonus Golf, Miamitown.
19 Benjamin Carlson-Scholarship Foundation, Benefit Concrt. 3PM. School for Creative & Performing Ar ts.
20 National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Annual King Legacy Celebration. 8AM.
22 Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, Impact Breakfast. Mayerson JCC. 8AM.
24 SCPA Future of The Arts Gala. Music Hall
24 UC College-Conser vatory of Music, Moveable Feast. CCM Village. 6:30PM
February
1 Good Samaritan Foundation, 40th Annual Gala, Ruby Jubilee. Music Hall Ballroom.
4 Stepping Stones Annuarl Open Your Heart Dinner. Stone Creek.
18 Mardi Grad for Homeless Children. Northern Kentucky Convention Center. 6:30PM.
20 Queen City Book Banks Gala for Literacy. Hard Rock Casino. 5PM.
22 Human Rights Campaign, Greater Cincinnati Dinner. Hard Rock Casino. 5PM
March
1 American Hear t Association, Heart Ball. Sharonville Convention Center. 6PM.
1 Ohio Vally Voices, Annual Gala. Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. 6PM. 6-8 Cincinnati International Wine Festival. Freestore Foodbank
STEPPING STONES SPORTING CLAYS EVENT
Stepping Stones hosted its 8th annual Sporting Clays Tournament on October 18, at the Sycamore Pheasant Club in Loveland. The event raised a net total of more than $112,562 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Attendees hit the course for a clay shoot featuring 75 targets and a flurry game. Supporters raised money for the organization by participating in a ra¬ffle and a live auction with premier packages. Mike Haehnle, Graham Vollmer, Jack Burchenal and Brandon Meek representing Foundation Risk Partners won the team competition. Wayne McDonough was the winning individual shooter. Platinum sponsors from the event included PLK Communities and the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation. Gold Sponsors included Johnson Investment Counsel and the Wyler Family Foundation. Guests enjoyed a pig roast dinner provided by SugarCreek and Julie & John Richardson
1) Rob Zesch, Chris Dalambakis & Keith Lang 2) Wayne McDonough – Individual winner of the day 3) Co-Chairs Peter Borchers & Brian Folke kick off the day and welcome everyone 4) Brian Folke and Peter Borchers (event co-chairs) 5) John Gartner, Lee Workum, Mark Birk, Mike Castrucci & Jerome Fix
1st Place Team - Brandon Meek, Jack Burchenal, Mike Haehnle (Graham Vollmer not pictured) 7) Ian Sheckels, Graeme Daley, Rachel Esposito & Jennifer Acres
Rekindle hope.
We’ll light the way.
As one of the nation’s leading mental health centers, we understand your journey is deeply personal. Bringing together unparalleled expertise, profound insights, and a peoplefirst approach, we provide life-changing care and support, infusing every interaction with the underlying belief that lasting well-being is possible. We see beyond diagnoses — we see you.
Children • Adolescents • Adults
A BRIGHTER FUTURE
Lindner Center of Hope Lights The Way.
By Lindsey Himmler
For 16 years, Lindner Center of Hope has been a beacon for people struggling with mental health. Now that light is about to shine even brighter thanks to a $30 million ‘Transforming Hope” campaign— and with $27 million already raised through generous community donors, the transformation is already beginning.
This past summer, the Lindner Center rebranded to illustrate its dedication to treating individuals with empathy and excellence. The new colors and flame design symbolize a desire to illuminate the journey toward mental wellness. It’s the perfect complement to the Center’s upcoming expansion.
“We want to create spaces where people can attend to their mental health like any other part of their health,” says Michael Groat, Ph.D., who recently accepted the position of Interim CEO as well as continuing his position as Chief Clinical Officer.
Lindner Center’s approach to mental health care is remarkably comprehensive. Its team offers a full continuum of care from age two to older adults. Offering inpatient and residential treatment for adults, telehealth appointments and in-person outpatient care, Lindner Center’s expert team serves patients in nearly every demographic and with a wide range of mental health needs.
Over 80 providers in multiple disciplines provide outpatient treatment and treatment across the continuum. For adolescents struggling with mental health, there’s a partial hospitalization program offering day treatment in a group setting. Adults and adolescents facing treatment-resistant conditions can access innovative therapies like ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) or TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) in the Center’s neuromodulation suite.
For adults who need more intensive care and assessment, the Lindner Center of Hope has Williams House and Sibcy House, residential treatment centers that offer stabilizing evaluation and diagnostic services in a warm, supportive environment. There are also day treatment and evening programs so that anyone can find the support they need no matter their schedule.
The need for mental health services has only increased over the years. Patients come from every state and dozens of countries seeking the unique blend of expertise and compassionate care that’s become the Lindner Center’s hallmark.
“Mental health can be very complex,” Dr. Groat explains. “Someone might come to us with anxiety and depression, but they might also be dealing with an eating disorder or substance use. We’re set up to address all of those needs under one roof.”
The campus expansion will include a four-story medical office building to house more staff and increasing residential housing to treat more patients. The new space will also feature thoughtful additions like dedicated areas for community education, enhanced facilities for innovative treatments, and wellness elements including outdoor walking paths, a yoga studio, and a demonstration kitchen.
“Mental healthcare does not have to be a scary experience,” Dr. Groat says. “There’s a place in Cincinnati where you’re going to be treated with respect and dignity. We’re changing what mental healthcare looks like.” sl
If you’d like to support the “Transforming Hope” campaign, visit lindnercenterofhope.org/donate. The Lindner Center of Hope is located at 4075 Old Western Row Road, Mason, OH, 45040.
PEOPLE WORKING COOPERATIVELY TOOLBELT BALL
People Working Cooperatively (PWC) celebrated its annual fundraiser, ToolBelt Ball presented by Macy’s, on September 28th at the Manor House in Mason, OH. The event raised more than $390,000 in support of PWC’s Modifications for Mobility program, which helps keep low-income, elderly, and disabled homeowners safe and healthy in their homes.
by
1) ToolBelt Ball Co-Chairs Tim and Dianne Tepe 2) Auctioneer Susan Johnson
3) Counsel Member Victoria Parks and Judge Tyrone Yates 4) George Glover with Russel & Julia Hairston 5) Jock Pitts, PWC President
6) Lisa Coors, Kris Bellush, Jeanne Houck, Michell Borchardt & Leticia Martinez 7) Nina Creech, with PWC clients Simeon and Valerie, and Sara Bourgeois
Photos
David Bailey
NEW LIFE FURNITURE BANK’S PARTY IN THE HOUSE GALA
New Life Furniture Bank celebrated its annual Party in the House Gala on Nov. 1st. Designers across Cincinnati came together to showcase how donated furniture can be repurposed, while raising awareness to local homelessness and new home furniture needs. The event drew over 300 guests at Memorial Hall and raised nearly $100k! Funds raised will be used to help outfit new housing for at risk tri state families.
1) Beau and Barbie Presnell, Amy Schoetker, Erin Reed & Christine Masur 2) Julie Anne Bar, Mark and Barb Vanderlaan & Alisa Culyer
3) Christine Kommer & Sara Walker 4) Gina Hemenway from Mercy Health 5) A packed house at Memorial Hall
6) Tom and Jo Potvin, WLWT’s Sheree Paolello, Kyle Sticklen, Ann Lafferty & Kevin Tolan 7) Ann Linck, Christie Crawford & Kent Shaw 8) Deborah Gear, David Bonner, Sohi Lefkowitz, Dianna Hooker, Anne Starr & Jeff Geoberti 9) Juwana Glover, Heather Voit, Dana Saxton & Jessica Mays
THE SCIENCE OF SKINCARE
By Lindsey Himmler
Cincinnati winters can be harsh on skin, thanks to our dark skies, cold temperatures, and dry indoor heating. But while we await warmer temperatures and sunshine, your skin can get a muchneeded glow right now at Kuy Plastic Surgery Swiss Medi-Spa with their innovative skincare treatments such as microneedling.
Led by Dr. Daniel G. Kuy, the practice has established a reputation for excellent care, pioneering treatments, and impressive results. The entire team works together to customize treatment for each person. “What sets us apart is our comprehensive approach and medical supervision,” explains Ashleigh Biggs-McGee, an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner who has over 10 years of experience in aesthetics. “We’re not just performing a standard treatment. We’re customizing it based on each patient’s specific needs and skin concerns.”
Kuy Plastic Surgery Swiss Medi-Spa currently offers four methods of microneedling.
Medical microneedling is a non-surgical procedure that uses a device to create tiny channels in the skin, stimulating collagen
Ashleigh Biggs-McGee NP, Dr. Daniel Kuy MD and Lindsey Erickson NP
production. This treatment is ideal for acne scarring, fine lines, and overall skin texture. It provides excellent results for many patients, though multiple treatments are recommended for optimum results.
For enhanced results, Radiofrequency microneedling combines traditional microneedling with heat energy, penetrating deeper into the skin for enhanced tightening effects. It gives more dramatic results while still requiring minimal downtime.
The practice offers two advanced rejuvenation options: PlateletRich Plasma (PRP) and nanofat microneedling. PRP harnesses growth factors from the patient’s blood to accelerate healing and collagen production. Nanofat microneedling utilizes processed adipose tissue, rich in stem cells and growth factors, to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
“We’re seeing excellent results with scarring, whether from acne or surgery,” says Lindsay Erickson, a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience. “The treatments can be effective on both face and body.”
One of the newest skincare treatments from Kuy Plastic Surgery Swiss Medi-Spa is an exosome serum from Elevai.
Exosomes are tiny particles derived from stem cells that have growth factors that support skin health. The Elevai serum is derived from human umbilical stem cells, and is a powerful healing agent. When added to microneedling services, it can enhance results, especially for conditions like rosacea.
For best results, treatments are typically recommended quarterly, with package options available. Microneedling can also be combined with other treatments like Botox if desired.
While there are many places that offer microneedling, for the best results, it’s important to go to the right provider. “These advanced treatments aren’t just about the device,” Dr. Kuy says. “They’re about understanding how the skin responds and adapting accordingly. That’s where experience and medical supervision make the difference in achieving optimal results.” sl
Ready to transform your skin? Schedule a consultation with Kuy Plastic Surgery’s at drkuy.com.
Ashleigh Biggs-McGee NP performs a Medical Microneedling Treatment
Ashleigh Biggs-McGee NP, performs a RF Radio Frequency Treatment
MARGARET MARY HEALTH FOUNDATION (MMHF)
“OFF
TO THE RACES” GALA
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Margaret Mary Health Foundation (MMHF) raised $1 million at its “Off to the Races” gala held September 28 at Walhill Farm in Batesville. All donations will support the construction of Margaret Mary Health’s new hospital currently being built at the Six Pine Ranch campus. With 500 people in attendance, the event featured a wonderful premium experience and horse racing game, cocktail hour, dinner, paddle raiser and live and silent auctions. A special thanks to Bruns-Gutzwiller and Danis Construction, our Title Sponsors, for their continued support of Margaret Mary Health Foundation. “We are so excited about the evening’s success – the generosity and excitement in the room was palpable, and we are so grateful,” said Jonathon Maple, MMHF Executive Director.
Amanda & Dr. Frank Fiorito work the crowd at the Premium Experience 2) Gala Committee Members Susan Dreyer & Geralyn Litzinger join Kasi Christin, Foundation Marketing Coordinator 3) Celeste Cutter & Brad Weberding 4) Patti Schwettman, Connor Dickey, Maggie Schwettman & Tom Schwettman 5)
CAM GALA: A BLACK & WHITE DANCE
Guests joined the Cincinnati Art Museum for its sold out Black & White Dance gala on Friday, November 1 and experienced an enchanting night filled with cocktails, captivating entertainment, a gourmet seated dinner, and delightful surprises. This year’s event celebrated art, culture, and community while supporting vital programs fostering creativity and lifelong learning. Special thanks to co-chairs Tracy Hartmann and Jutta Lafley and sponsors.
1) Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati Art Museum Louis and Louise Dieterle Nippert Director Cameron Kitchin, Cincinnati Art Museum President of the Board of Trustees Bruce Petrie 2) Gala co-chairs Tracy Hartmann & Jutta Lafley 3) Larry & Rhonda Sheakley 4) Revolution Dance Company 5) Chandra & Mel Gravely 6) Mikayla Tepe, Taylor Maier, Allison Kropp, Shannon Sibcy, Brad Hawse, Lea & Drew Lachey 7) Shawn & Bridget Calton, with Joshua & Logan Schafer-Bickett 8) Zaq
& Carol Edmondson 9) Michael Thomspon & Veronica Pugh
CANCER FAMILY CARE ANNUAL WINE TASTING & AUCTION
Cancer Family Care’s 45th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction was a great success, raising a record high of more than $420,000. Celebrating the incredible honorees, Kathee Van Kirk and Hugo Tostado, the evening was full of laughter, fun, great food, amazing bourbons and of course - extraordinary wines! Because of our generous supporters, CFC has been able to hire additional therapists to meet the ever-increasing needs of cancer patients and their loved ones. Thank you to all our sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and auction donors who made this wonderful evening possible!
1) Abby Bickley, Dr. Agit Gubbi & Michelle Pittman 2) Ann Speed, Tom Morand with Brittany & Sean Speed 3) Sara Vance Waddell & Debbie Sebastian 4) Jill Settlemyre with honorees, Kathee Van Kirk & Hugo Tostado 5) Paul Wordeman, Irwin Weinberg & Shannon Read 6) Jean Haynes, George Elliott, Susan Verschoor & Jeane Elliott 7) Isla Vogelpohl, Margarita Bahri-Keeton, Lauren Thaman & Janet Reynolds 8) Rick & Karen Blatt, Hugo Tostado & Mary Horn 9) Holly Morgan, Earl Grimes, Clayton Morgan, Katie & Gregg Collett 10) Auctioneer Gene Steiner
CABVI’S DINING IN THE DARK GALA
CABVI’s 8th Annual Dining in the Dark – A Night of Pure Imagination, took place with generous, enthusiastic support from the community, raising nearly $260,000 to help individuals adapt to vision loss! CABVI honored this year’s Barney H. Kroger Humanitarian Award winner, The Zeta Sigma Chapter of Delta Gamma at NKU. CABVI client, Beverly Pearson, shared her story of how CABVI’s services have helped her achieve professional success. Guests learned about the daily challenges faced by individuals with vision loss by eating dinner under the blindfold. All proceeds support CABVI’s mission of empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with opportunities to be independent. Special thanks to our Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
1) CABVI Volunteer Mike Bressler experiencing the blindfolded dinner 2) Emcee Q102’s Natalie Jones talking to CABVI Board Member Dan Staley in the crowd 3) CABVI President/ CEO Teri Shirk and CABVI Board Chair Tim Smith
CABVI Board Chair Tim Smith with wife Paula Toti and friend Chris Dacey 5) CABVI client Beverly Pearson
shot in the photobooth 8) Jon Jon Curl of Kiss 107.1 with the group of IHeart Radio ticket winners 9) Emcees Natalie Jones of Q102 and Anna Marie of B105 hand out raffle prizes
BRIGHTON CENTER’S FRIENDSGIVING
Brighton Center’s Junior Board hosted its signature event, FriendsGiving, on Thursday, November 7, to kick off the holiday season. The event took place at the Newport Car Barn and featured catering by Brighton Center’s CENTER TABLE, Catering with a Purpose, and music by DJ Butler. The night included a special Bourbon tasting provided by New Riff Distilling, several fun games, and a silent auction. Funds raised throughout the evening benefit individuals and families in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati who are working towards self-sufficiency. Brighton Center’s Junior Board is a group of civic-minded young professionals in the region who seek to improve their communities while making personal and career connections. Through fundraising and volunteer events, Junior Board members are empowered to lead and grow professionally.
1) KeyShawn (Junior Board Member) and his wife Micaela Brown 2) Drew Bamberger (Junior Board Member) & Tom Stoll (Brighton Center Board Member)
3) Junior Board Co-Chairs Laura Farmwald & Christina Bryant 4) Carrie Glandorf (Junior Board Member), Kelsey Flannery (Junior Board Member) & Laura Farmwald (Junior Board Co-Chair) 5) Members of Brighton Center’s Junior Board 6) Justin Vanderglas (Brighton Center Board Member), Lauren Copeland (Brighton Center Senior Director), Tom Stoll (Brighton Center Board Member & Ellen Bates (Brighton Center Vice President) 7) Mollie Lewis (Junior Board)
Photos by David Bailey
BLOC MINISTRIES GALA
BLOC Ministries celebrated 25 years of service to Cincinnati at their annual gala in October. The event was held at Horses on the Hill, BLOC’s equine therapy barn located in the heart of Price Hill. To learn more about what BLOC is doing right here in our community, visit OneBLOC.org.
1) Ken & Vicki Jones with Barb & Tony Maas 2) Victor & Raizza Martinez with Sean Brown 3) LeBron Seay & Cietay Mayfield 4) Carol Schmidter, Carolyn Moore & Carol Pearce
Entertainment by the bank Wake the Baby 6) LeAnn Sanson & Nikki Rader
