Sophisticated Living St. Louis Nov/Dec 2020 by Sophisticated Living Magazine

{St. Louis' Finest}

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Nov/Dec 2020 five dollars

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{St. Louis' Finest}

Nov/Dec 2020

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Nov/Dec 2020

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on the cover: Our graceful ballerina in révérence bids adieu to 2020, a year like no other. May 2021 be a time of coming together in kindness, hope, and gratefulness.

38 The Gift of Time

Franck Muller Long Island timepiece with diamond-accented case and black alligator strap (price upon request; franckmuller.com)

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Chesterfield Husband and Wife Savor Kentucky Derby Win

The Finishing Touches

Book Binding

Recent Books Published by Local Authors Celebrate St. Louis

The Eye of the Tiger

Sun, Sand and Solace

The Gift of Time

Bibliotaph...

Sip, Savor & Celebrate

Falling in Love with Maine

Of Note... Sectionals for a Crew or a Socially-distant Two

Ushering in an Era of Audaciousness

Engaging Alternatives

Après Ski

The Future is Electric

Some Like It Hot

A Concrete Idea

Love Endures in 2020

The Next Generation of Pets Is in Good Hands

Turning Point

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Nov/Dec 2020

46 Falling in Love with Maine View from Star Island in Isles of Shoals.

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Sophisticated Society

St. Louis County Library Foundation

Ranken Jordanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 17th Annual Tee It Up for the Kids Golf Tournament

The Buddy Fund

Glennon Gallop

Metro Theater Company

Pedal the Cause

St. Louis Press Club and Neiman Marcus Beauty Buzz

The Next Step

Stifel Client Appreciation Golf

What I Love Right Now

From the Publisher I stared at the screen of my computer thinking about what I wanted to say for the final issue of the year. And for days, I just stared. This year I lost my father and father-in-law 30 days apart, I haven’t been able to see my kids as often as I would like, business is tough, and I have stayed isolated longer than any other time in my life. But for some reason, I still feel grateful and hopeful. The magazine is doing better now than before the pandemic as people stay home, travel less, and read more. Plus we have doubled down and improved our digital version, published more blog content, and re-started our newsletter Sophisticated Scoop. So while I thought by now I would be happy to put 2020 behind me, I don’t have the foggiest idea what 2021 will bring. Instead of trying to forget 2020, I thought I would try to reflect on some of the positive things that happened, reflect on what they taught me, and recognize that things may not get any better soon. I have remained Covid free. While some people seem like they are indifferent to contracting it, I don’t think it would be smart for me or my family. So it has taken a lot of willpower to stay isolated, wear a mask, and avoid the temptation to travel, eat out, and congregate with friends. I sailed more. As soon as I realized I was going to spend months at home and isolated, I decided that the pandemic is the best excuse to spend more time on our sailboat in Rhode Island. I was able to get my work done and no one really noticed I was gone. And there were fewer inexperienced boaters on the water! I visited Maine. As you will discover in the pages to follow, I sailed to Maine this August which has long been on my bucket list. I knew it would be beautiful, but truthfully, I always wanted to go to a place where a 2-pound lobster was $10. I found both. The landscape and climate were unbeatable, the navigation was challenging, and my comfort level dealing with fog was finally overcome...kind of. I ate home more. It kills me to watch our restaurant community struggle (at best), but I have prepared more meals in the last six months than in the last six years. My grocery bill went up, but my restaurant bill went down. And my cooking skills have improved. I have made sushi, poached fish, shucked oysters, made pasta from scratch; and that was just last week. I have slowed down this year and watched more sunsets. As I stay at home more often (actually a lot), I find that by slowing down, my stress level has gone down too. I am still stressed by the pandemic and everything that goes with it, but I am finding more time to take walks, watch the sunset, ride my bike more and drive my car less. I talked with my mother daily. I was always pretty good about calling my mother, but like many sons, I did it once a week. Now with my father gone, I call every day. Not much changes day-to-day, but we have had more time to get to know each other again. I know about all of her aches and pains, her visits to her doctors, news of her friends and neighbors, and what’s on sale at Costco. I kinda like it. My son got engaged to a great person. Both of my boys have dated their first sweetheart for many years. So I knew they were one and done. While my dad always asked when they were going to get married – especially because he wanted to be there – I didn’t pry too much. I figured there was plenty of time for that. But when my youngest told us he was ready, we were so thrilled. The icing on the cake is that she comes from a great family and we have already become close friends. Who can ask for anything more? I’ve spent a lot of time with my dog. Charlie is a 10-year-old chocolate Lab and the best dog I have ever had. We spend more time together in the morning, take longer walks, nap in the late afternoon, and spoon at bedtime. My wife’s not so crazy about all of the affection I show Charlie, but I truly enjoy all the quality time we have spent together. The way she looks at me melts my heart. Or is that the food in my hand she is looking at? While my income and net worth are way down, all in all, 2020 has had some redeeming qualities. I am not hoping for things to stay the same, but if they do, I have many activities I plan on doing which will make me equally grateful in 2021. So as we head into the holiday season, I want you to know how grateful I am for you. You have written to me more often, praised our work, and in some cases disagreed with our perspective. I love hearing from you. But you have stood with us as we stand together to battle what I am sure will be one of the most memorable years in our lifetimes. Stay healthy, stay strong, and stay calm.

Craig M. Kaminer, Publisher craig@slmag.net

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CHESTERFIELD HUSBAND AND WIFE SAVOR KENTUCKY DERBY WIN Written by Lou Ann Wilcox

A Chesterfield couple, Dr. Cynthia Fleck and her husband Randall Barker, were thrilled when their horse, Authentic, won this year’s 146th Kentucky Derby on the 5th of September. Trained by the famed Bob Baffert and ridden by world-renowned jockey John Velasquez, Authentic was a gift from Randall to Cynthia on their wedding anniversary. According to Fleck, they own a “major share of Authentic along with three other major shareholders” versus a smaller syndicated share.

Authentic lost “by a neck” in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore on October 3rd. Next up for the Thoroughbred is The Breeder’s Cup at Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky, on the 6th and 7th of November. Authentic, a bay colt, was born in 2017. His Sire is the legendary stud Into Mischief of Spendthrift Farms. His Dam is Flawless of Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds. Authentic also shows up in the great Secretariat’s fifth generation. sl

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PUBLISHER Craig Kaminer

Located in The Village at Schneithorst’s at the corner of Clayton Rd. and Lindbergh Blvd. Book your blowout at drybar.com or on the Drybar app.

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Cortney Vaughn EDITOR Lou Ann Wilcox ______________________________________________ CONTRIBUTORS Writers Karen Palmer Bland Rob Levy Jessen O’Brien Ted Wight Bridget Williams Photographers Alise O’Brien Lou Bopp Advertising Design Donna Shelton SophisticatedStLouis.com Carrie Edelstein ________________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Greg Butrum - General Counsel Jason Yann - Art Director Sophisticated Living® is published by High Net Worth Media, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of High Net Worth Media, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Telephone 314-82-SLMAG.

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Jackie Saccoccio, Red Night, 2019, oil on linen, 79 x 65 inches

JACKIE SACCOCCIO

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November 8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;February 28, 2021 Through transformative moments in its history, German artists produced insightful and thought-provoking images that continue to have a lasting impact. Organized chronologically, Storm of Progress explores key events and ideas through the lens of our exceptional collection, highlighting German art from Romanticism to the fall of the Berlin Wall while drawing connections across time. Free, but tickets are required and are limited. For information and safety protocols, visit slam.org. #STLArtMuseum

#Stormof Progress

Organized by the Saint Louis Art Museum with support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, German (active Switzerland), 1880â&#x20AC;&#x201C;1938; View from the Window (detail), 1914; oil on canvas; 47 1/2 x 35 3/4 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Bequest of Morton D. May 902:1983

A delicate Gracie wallpaper acts as the dining roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artwork.

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THE FINISHING TOUCHES Written by Jessen O’Brien / Photography by Alise O’Brien

Interior designers often have to part with a project before it’s fully finished — artwork not yet hung, accessories searching for a home. But recently, Kelly Johnson of Kelly Johnson Design, had the rare joy of seeing a project all the way through to the very end. In fact, Johnson is still working with the homeowner to perfect those critical final details. “We are going down to every finishing touch — what’s on every table, what’s on every wall — and getting it just right,” says Johnson. “That’s very special because it doesn’t happen all the time; but when it does, the outcome is just fantastic. It’s the last five percent of a project that makes it really spectacular.” Getting to that final five percent requires patience, trust, and, in the case of this Ladue home, timing. “We had bought a house in Arizona and had to furnish it, and we had just bought a house in Clayton three years before — and we had remodeled it,” says the homeowner, whose husband wanted to move out of their Clayton residence and into a home with more space. She agreed on two conditions: they build the house from the ground up and hire an interior designer to take care of everything. It’s that first condition that led them to Johnson. The homeowners contacted her husband’s company, Johnson Development, looking for a lot. Her husband, Roger, then introduced them to Kelly. “I liked the idea of a husbandand-wife team,” says the homeowner. “They were really great — they got along, they listened to us, and we listened to them.”

Kelly and Roger aren’t a built-in deal — Johnson notes that only about a fifth of her current projects are with her husband — but they love working together when the opportunity arises. “It’s a bonus for the client since we’re basically talking shop three meals a day, so there’s no miscommunication,” says Johnson. Another benefit is that the pair often works with the same vendors, which means that everyone is very familiar with each other. Johnson’s a big believer in the value of assembling the full team as soon as possible. “I always tell prospective clients the sooner they can put together the builder, architect, and designer, the better the end result,” she says. “Everyone has different gifts they bring to the table. And it can save a lot of changes.” Johnson toured the homeowners’ Clayton home to get a feel for their lifestyle and their taste. Right away, she noticed that they were drawn to crisp, high-contrast neutrals. Her goal became to create a softer, more tranquil version of what they already liked, while still finding ways to create moments of drama. Take the dining room. Despite being rendered almost entirely in warm whites, with touches of gold, it’s a showstopper thanks to the chandelier — four tiers of champagne-colored discs — and an exquisite Gracie wallpaper whose hand-painted trees shimmer in and out of view depending upon the light and the angle.

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Visitors often ask if the Zinsser painting was commissioned for the living room.

The family often gathers in the outdoor room which was an addition to the home.

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Minimalist glass fireplace screens — like the one in the great room — were designed for three of the home’s fireplaces.

Johnson worked with Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath on the kitchen.

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Antique glass lines the wall above the sink to accommodate the powder roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circular window.

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The feminine study is one of the homeowner’s favorite rooms.

“I came into [Johnson’s] office and this wallpaper was hanging there. I said, ‘Wow, that’s cool — who’s it for?’ And she said, ‘We were hoping for you!’” recalls the homeowner. Because the wallpaper is so delicate, they waited to install it until the subcontractors were done and the house was nearly complete. The result was worth the effort. The dining room is the first room people see when they walk inside, so Johnson knew it had to be strong enough to set the tone for the rest of the house. “It was just a natural fit from the get-go,” recalls Johnson. “The homeowners were fantastic to work with — very open-minded and willing to consider concepts and ideas that they would never have come up with on their own. A good client will hire the people that they deem to be the right fit for them and then they will trust them to do what they do best.” The most challenging room to design was the living room. “You can see a lot of the house when you’re there,” says Johnson. “And I’m big on flow. Not that every room has to match, but we 18 slmag.net

had to design it in such a way that it was going to connect the mood of the dining room to the mood of the great room.” Johnson collaborated with Morgan Brown, a member of her design team, and together they landed on a color palette that could help bridge the two and developed a layout that makes the most of the room’s triple-barrel-vaulted ceilings. But there was one element that they knew right from the beginning would be critical to finishing the room: a large-scale artwork for the back wall. The right piece would take more than a year to find. Eventually, Johnson connected with Bridget Melloy, the senior director of Projects + Gallery. Melloy sent them a portfolio that included a striking red John Zinsser painting. “The second she showed it to me, I knew it was absolutely perfect in scale, in color, in mood — everything,” says Johnson. “When they carried it into the room, all of our mouths dropped. It’s like the painting was made for the room, or the room was made for the painting. It just makes the space.”

A fireplace screen of gold, curved branches adds glamour to the master bedroom.

Through the living room lies the great room, where another standout piece of art — this time, a black-and-white abstract work by St. Louis painter Ted Collier — hangs over the fireplace. To its left, Johnson designed a paneling system using cabinetry to give a plain sidewall architectural interest. A caramel-colored sofa provides one of the room’s only touches of color; behind it, a light fixture shaped like an urchin hovers over the breakfast table. “The lighting throughout the home was chosen for its artistic credence. It makes a statement,” says Johnson. “We love that fixture because it eats up a lot of volume without being heavy and you can still see through it — it’s not cutting out your view of the wonderful outdoor space.” A dressy powder room decked in a Scalamandre wallpaper and the homeowner’s two favorite rooms — the kitchen (developed with Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath) and the study — help round out the first floor. The former is bright, spacious, and has a fun surprise in store for those who look up. “One of the things I love most in

my house is the wallpapered ceiling in the kitchen. A lot of people comment on it,” says the homeowner, who also enjoys showing off the study. The space is pretty and feminine, with a white floral wallpaper, soft silk rug, and custom-built grey lacquer desk. She tells visitors, “It’s my study — not my husband’s.” Johnson incorporated bits of black into almost every room to create a consistent flow throughout the house. The one exception is the master bedroom, where she swapped the black for a peacock blue, which appears in two chairs and a painting by New Orleansbased artist Mallory Page. “That room is so soft and subtle — there’s a champagne silk wall covering and another silk rug in golden tones on the floor,” says Johnson. “I felt that the black was going to be too harsh in that room, so the peacock was a way to tone it down a little.” As is the case with so many of the home’s finishing touches, the homeowner originally wasn’t sure about the blue. “‘Just trust me,’ [Johnson] said,” she recalls. “And I’m glad I did. I love our house; there’s not a thing I would change.” sl

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BOOK BINDING The Resilience of St. Louis Independent Bookstores Written by Rob Levy

The COVID-19 crisis has made things tough for the already hardscrabble life of locally owned businesses. This is especially true for independent bookstores like The Book House, Left Bank Books, Main Street Books, The Novel Neighbor, and Subterranean Books, each of whose tenacity and resourcefulness are helping St. Louisans get their read on. When the lockdown hit, these stores quickly turned the page on old business models and utilized new technologies to engage customers in a world without foot traffic. Now, as businesses continue to reopen with restrictions, these devotees of the written word are again writing their own chapters as they seek new ways to interface with consumers. After reopening to foot traffic in May, Main Street Books in St. Charles is still getting its legs back as it adapts to an evolving retail landscape. Co-owner Emily Hall Schroen described how the pandemic affected her business. “Bookselling is a very hands-on craft and when you remove the in-person element of getting the right book into the patron’s hand it then becomes very impersonal. That is not how bookselling was meant to exist. It is harder for us to sell our favorites or promote that independent bookstore experience.” Commenting on the challenges bookstores like hers are facing, Schroen cited how supply chain issues, diminished revenue from author events, the lack of school visits and reopening with limited capacity have hurt the bottom line. “It is really difficult to operate a business when every single thing about your industry is constantly changing. However, I think all of us have been very smart and very clever. We are all operating in a completely different way and trying new things. We’ve had to invent a new business model from scratch.” A fixture in the Central West End since 1969, Left Bank has faced the pandemic with activism and determination. As part of their commitment to community involvement and social justice, they recently became the nation’s first independent bookstore to implement an e-commerce system that accepts preferred names rather than official legal names, a move aimed at helping transgender patrons checkout with their post-transition identity. While their doors just recently reopened to foot traffic, Left Bank Books remains passionately engaged with their supporters virtually via author events, social media posts, a ramped-up store newsletter, and a recently launched YouTube channel. Co-owner Jarek Steele addressed how the pandemic changed store operations. “We’ve had to reimagine what a bookstore is several times over and also reevaluate our business model. Although this has been a very stressful time, it has forced us to really look at what was working and not do things because that is the way we’ve always done them. We had to come up with a different way and that was kind of cool.” Steele also touched on the types of books that have become popular during the pandemic. “Fiction always outsells everything, but I think in this particular moment people are buying books about racial injustice and politics that they normally wouldn’t because they are waking up to something they didn’t necessarily know. They are educating themselves which is a beautiful and wonderful thing.”

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He also shared his thoughts on how the store was prepared for the economic fallout from the pandemic. “I think we are uniquely positioned because we operate with not very much money all the time and we’ve become really good at doing a lot with not very much. We also have a long view because we’ve been here 51 years and have gone through a lot. I think that positions us pretty well. We were doing a dress rehearsal for this for a long time without realizing it.” Despite successfully pivoting to new methodologies, things got dicey after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. While it was a scary moment for the store, which immediately shut down and had staff tested, it also was one that exemplified the solidarity amongst local independent bookstores. Hearing of Left Bank’s misfortune of not being able to host Independent Bookstore Day, Holland Saltsman of The Novel Neighbor volunteered to sell their books in her store that day to help Left Bank when they were in a bind. Steele commented, “It was really touching and really spoke to the different ways that bookstores in St. Louis are working together. The notion that the better one of us does helps makes it better for all of us is really true.” As the virus splintered existing business practices, The Novel Neighbor (nestled in the heart of Webster Groves) initially experienced a rough ride as the lockdown forced owner Holland Saltsman to lay off staff and shift to curbside pickup. After grinding it out during the first weeks of the COVID-19 crisis her store expanded instore services between June and August and eventually returned to normal business hours within the last month. Saltsman admits that the road back has been difficult. “While our book sales are pretty steady, not having events has hurt us the most. We are still trying to figure out and recoup all of the stuff that made us the Novel Neighbor and find new revenue streams to make up the difference.” Joining other independent bookstore store owners that pivoted to new ways of doing things, the Novel Neighbor found itself working to improve their website. “When we closed we were fortunate that we had an online bookselling platform. It was clunky but people could order books. Looking at our website, we quickly realized that it was very event focused with things like book-themed birthday parties, summer camps, and in-store classes. So now, having lost all of our income from that programming, we decided to overhaul the site. It was one of the first things that we did.” They also changed things up by presenting virtual events, introducing a subscription service and creating “Mystery Boxes” whereby customers spending a set amount of money receive a box of books and other goodies. “That has been a game changer for us,” said Saltsman. “The feedback we get from people receiving them has been terrific. We also have gotten into personalized shopping over the phone and using the FaceTime app which has also helped develop new revenue streams.” With change happening so rapidly, local store owners have stuck together, maintaining regular contact to share experiences, brainstorm, collaborate, and share their passion for books. As Saltsman notes, the solidarity between these independent business owners has helped them weather the pandemic. “We touch base with each other regularly and I think we are lucky in that we all have a strong community following. Everyone is very concerned about all of us staying, which is a great position to be in.” Looking ahead, each of these owners view the coming months to be crucial to their survival. As Schroen points out, the fourth quarter of 2020 is vital for the success of small businesses, especially independently owned bookshops. “Small businesses are in danger and there is no way to sugarcoat that. The really important thing is that people need to internalize that if they do not support their local businesses and instead go for the ease of purchase from an online retailer or chain, the businesses they love will not survive.” sl

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RECENT BOOKS PUBLISHED BY LOCAL AUTHORS CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS As a result of staycations and generally sticking closer to home for the past six months, many of us developed a new interest in and appreciation for St. Louis. Several unique books by local authors were published this fall celebrating the city’s rich history, architecture, products, and trivia. Any of these books would be a welcome gift this holiday season. All books can be purchased locally or shipped from ReedyPress.com. St. Louis Fire Stations by Robert Pauly with Dennis Maag (a portion of the proceeds from book sales benefit Backstoppers) A history book unlike any other, St. Louis Fire Stations is filled with rare and never-before-seen photos, detailing each St. Louis Fire Department station from the early 1800s to those operated today. Accompanying the images of fire stations are photos of firefighters and firefighting apparatus along with detailed historical accounts of each station, as well as the equipment and personnel assigned to them. St. Louis Fire Stations is the life-long work of noted St. Louis Fire Department historian and St. Louis Fire Department Museum curator, Robert Pauly. Following his more than 160 black and white photos is a full-color section of photos by long-time firefighter and fire apparatus photographer Dennis J. Maag.

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Candy Men by Patrick Murphy The sweet smell of licorice and the giant candy bar painted on the factory wall at the Eads Bridge remain locked into the collective memory of generations of St. Louisans. Candy Men: The Story of Switzer’s Licorice tells the story of how two Irish-American families began a candy company in the kitchen of a tenement in St. Louis’s Irish neighborhood and showed the world that the American Dream could be built upon a foundation of candy. In a story that passes through three generations, the Murphys and the Switzers dedicated themselves to keeping the dream alive until it was ended by forces beyond their control. In an unlikely turn of events, the story continues today with a fresh twist and a renewed life of its own. Oldest St. Louis by NiNi Harris St. Louis has thrived for more than 250 years—from its beginnings as a French settlement in 1764 to its rapid growth in the mid1800s to the modern metropolis we know today. While many great structures have been lost or demolished, much of this history still lives on. Within the pages of Oldest St. Louis, get to know the history of the Mound City’s most iconic buildings and the stories that bring their walls to life. Included are some of the businesses and buildings from the city’s inception through the turn of the 20th

century such as the Eugene Field House (1854), Bissell Mansion (1820s), and homes in the historic Carondelet neighborhood. St. Louis in Watercolor: Living History in the Gateway City by Jennifer Grotpeter and illustrated by Marilynne Bradley Artist Marilynne Bradley has spent half a century capturing and immortalizing St. Louis landmarks in the vibrant pigments of watercolor. This collection of local scenes, beautifully captured in paint, documents the pleasures of the good life in St. Louis - the applause of a good play, the sounds of music, the satisfaction of a gourmet meal, the cheers of a crowd at a sporting event, and the beauty of St. Louis’s unique architecture. Writer Jennifer Grotpeter documents the essence of the image and connects the reader with the culture of St. Louis. Only in St. Louis! A Collection of the Area’s Most Incredible, Strange and Inspiring Stories by Charlie Brennan The author, host of “The Charlie Brennan Show” on KMOX radio, and provocateur of “Donnybrook” on KETC-TV, curates these and other stories for the first time in one volume. Brennan shares the most incredible, strange, and inspiring stories he has come across in his three decades talking about the Gateway City.

Readers will learn, for example, about a St. Louis woman who woke up when she heard an intruder…who turned out to be a national celebrity. Other stories explain why Supreme Court Justices laughed aloud while hearing a St. Louis case and why former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner listed his name and address in the phone book. Do you know which St. Louis barista became a billionaire or about the man who was attacked by a shark in downtown St. Louis? You get the drift. The Hill: An Iconic Italian American Neighborhood by LynnMarie Alexander A fourth-generation Italian American living in her great grandparents’ home offers insight to the immigrant experience in this charming book. Enticing vignettes paired with rich history and iconic photos prepare readers for a visit to The Hill, a St. Louis attraction second only to the Arch. Visitors muse how a 50-square block neighborhood manages to keep its ethnic identity, spiritual anchor, and protective sense of community decades after their immigrant parents and grandparents made their new home in America. Today, third and fourth generation young professional families are choosing to raise their children on The Hill. Take a walk down the streets of an iconic Italian-American neighborhood.

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Make 2021 your healthiest year yet. Right now, you’re thinking a lot about your well-being. So are we. PALM’s team of medical and wellness experts provides personalized recommendations to ensure you get results. There’s no better gift than feeling your best, and no better time than now.

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THE EYE OF THE TIGER

Tiger’s Eye jewelry that celebrates a demi-fine gemstone prized since ancient times Compiled by Claire Williams

Clockwise from top left this page: Andrew Glassford Jewels tiger’s eye and chalcedony earrings (price upon request; andrewglassfordjewels.com). Tiger’s eye pendant from LALAoUNIS (lalaounis.com). Tiger’s eye Cage Star pendant necklace from Colette ($2,245; colettejewelry.com). Rush Jewelry Design tiger’s eye Draper charm ($2,100; rushjewelrydesign.com). Harwell Godfrey tiger’s eye, turquoise, and diamond earrings (price upon request; harwellgodfrey.com). David Yurman Petrvs horse signet ring in 18K yellow gold with tiger’s eye ($5,100; davidyurman.com). Men’s tiger’s eye bracelet from Ben Bridge ($169; benbridge.com). Coffee Crumble tiger’s eye ring from Bondeye Jewelry ($360; bondeyejewelry.com). Tiger’s eye Chakra bracelet from Ananya (price upon request; ananya.com). Tiger’s eye Lollipop ring from Retrouvai (price upon request; retrouvai.com). Tiger’s eye and diamond skull ring from Lydia Courteille (price upon request; lydiacourteille.com).

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Palm Beach

SUN, SAND AND SOLACE With stringent safety protocols in place, the Dutch island of Aruba and Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino make a "new normal" vacation possible. Written by Bridget Williams

There are approximately 45,0000 tropical islands (12-acres or larger) in the world, but only one—Aruba—lays claim to being "One Happy Island." Goodness knows I was in dire need of a dose of happiness as I set off for this tropical paradise amid a pandemic. While some raised their eyebrows in response to learning of my travel plans, others expressed their desire for "the good old days" that involved unfettered travel. At the time of my trip at the end of July, only 28 countries in the world were welcoming visitors bearing a United States passport. While I knew there were risks, I was confident in my ability to mitigate them, confidence further bolstered by Aruba's proactive efforts to keep COVID offshore. In the end, I decided that it was my responsibility as a journalist to experience international travel during a pandemic first-hand, as we all need to learn how to function as normally and as safely possible as we tiptoe around this invisible foe. Prior to arrival, we were required to complete an online Embarkation/Disembarkation Card that included, among other items, providing proof of a negative PCR COVID test taken within 72 hours of our arrival and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance (for current regulations, visit aruba.com/us/ traveler-health-requirements). 34 slmag.net

Tourism as a major segment of Aruba's economy didn't take off until the 1950s when a large oil refinery that had been the island's main source of employment closed up shop. Aruba's first multi-story hotel, The Caribbean Hotel, opened with great fanfare in 1959. Designed by prolific architect Morris Lapidus, who defined the "Miami Modern" hotel era of the 1950s and 1960s and whose CV also includes the Fontainebleau, Americana, and Eden Roc hotels, the resort rises from what is arguably the choicest piece of beachfront real estate on the island—Palm Beach. The 357-room resort began flying the Hilton flag in 2016 and immediately set about a year-long multi-milliondollar renovation. Today, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino continues to be Aruba's hospitality standard-bearer, which adds additional peace-of-mind in the COVID era. At the time of our visit, the hotel was operating at twenty-percent capacity. Aruba, which typically hosts fifty-thousand tourists on any given day in July, only had seven-thousand. Clearly, social distancing was never a problem. A sense of history at the Hilton Aruba pervades, from the vintage photographs scattered throughout to a surprisingly large number of employees who've worked at the resort for decades.

Early in the 18th century, a small group of Catholic natives settled an area to the northeast of the town of Noord. They would gather to pray high on a hill overlooking the north shore, and in 1750, Aruba’s first Roman Catholic church—the Alto Vista Chapel—was built.

ATV Tour of Aruba’s undeveloped north coast.

For the scores of guests who've been coming year-after-year, this creates a feeling of familiarity that can turn a standard vacation into something more akin to a joyful family reunion. The 15-acre property boasts lush gardens that separate the hotel from the beach. A walking path winds down from the openair lobby, past the Mira Solo lobby bar, and the bird garden (don't be surprised if a member of the flock squawks out “hello'” as you pass), and around a pair of large zero-entry pools, before joining a public walking path that extends 2.5-miles along the beach. We set up camp at the ocean's edge, allowing the gentle rustling of the palm leaves that formed the roof of our 'palapa' to lull us into a state of relaxation. There are six onsite dining options, and at each, like the rest of the resort, there are protocols in place to protect guests and staff. Sunset Grille, a modern steakhouse under the operation of affable Executive Chef Matt Boland, sits at the dining options' pinnacle. Originally from New York, Boland has lived on Aruba for three decades and is an outstanding advocate for his craft and the island. If you ask nicely, he may share his favorite site for swimming with green turtles. Just as entertaining at Chef Boland was our server Juan who possesses one of the most infectious laughs I've heard in a

long time. At the Hilton Aruba, we quickly learned that the staff's genuine hospitality creates the most memorable experiences. Positioned at the top of a cascading waterfall and a prime spot for watching the sunset, the Mira Solo Bar is ideal for light bites and a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Rising from the center of the bar is a lighted sculpture that mimics a Divi-Divi tree. Distinctively shaped to grow in the direction of the prevailing winds, the ubiquitous trees are associated with tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity. Ordering an Aruba Ariba, the island's signature drink is a must. It was created at the hotel by Juan "Jockey" Tromp during a mixology contest in 1963. The drink’s refreshing fruitiness belies some serious punch, so imbibers beware! I was a fan of the Aruban Spice and Everything Nice cocktail that had a buttery complexity courtesy of a dash of local pica di papaya hot sauce. The lunch-only Gilligan's Seafood Shack, positioned between the beach palapas and the pool, offers generous portions. A similar menu is available from the comfort of your lounge chair by the water as well. The loveliest ladies served us an afternoon espresso each day at Oscar's Market, a grab-and-go option for lighter fare and snacks.

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Eagle Beach

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The California Lighthouse was named after the steamship California, which wrecked nearby on September 23, 198

The most memorable meal has to be the one that's customcrafted for guests through the Sunset Concierge program. Guests are served a bespoke five-course at their choice location, either on the property or off. We chose to supper a short stroll from our room and with our toes in the sand at the water's edge. For quite some time, our rapt gaze fixated on a sailboat that appeared almost if it were on cue, and became perfectly silhouetted in the center of the sun as it slowly slipped into the infinite horizon. To our delight, Juan was our concierge for the evening. He perfectly paced the meal, prepared to our specifications, and far exceeded our expectations. On property, activities include watersports, a kid's club, a daily complimentary Wellness Journey either on land or sea and the Eforea Spa. The spa had just reopened at the time of our visit, and it was here where COVID precautions were most apparent and disruptive (for obvious reasons) of the typical spa experience. Even without the use of locker and relaxation rooms, and wearing a mask throughout our massage, the staff went above and beyond to make the treatment as relaxing as possible. Normally open twentyfour hours a day, the sprawling fitness center that is part of the spa complex has limited hours and is kept as clean as a whistle. Similarly stringent protocols are in place in the resort's casino, which is the only one on the island to offer poker tables with glass partitions separating each person around the table. Just across the street from the hotel are scores of shops and restaurants catering to tourists. While it was closed during our

Supper in the sand arranged by the Sunset Concierge.

visit, Papiamento Restaurant (papiamentoaruba.com) came highly recommended for its commitment to serving authentic local cuisine in a 126-year-old Aruban "cunucu" house and gardens. While Palm Beach is the island's social hub, it's worthwhile to engage De Palm Tours (depalmtours.com) to arrange for rental of a UTV for a self-guided tour of Aruba's rugged northeast side. Using intuition and dumb luck to navigate the dirt roads, we encountered rock arches, secret swimming holes, and hardscrabble watering holes seemingly cobbled together with jetsam and flotsam. After making a few inadvertent circles and accidentally coming too close for comfort (on my end) to a cliff's edge, we followed the advice of Lilian Polsbroek, Hilton Aruba's Senior Sales Manager, to head in the direction the Divi-Divi trees were growing. Sure enough, they pointed us in the right direction, and we were soon back in civilization. For a less bumpy adventure, take a short walk down the beach to the pier where Red Sails Sports offers snorkeling trips, stopping at the SS Antilla, the largest shipwreck dive in the Caribbean. The behemoth cargo ship, scuttled in 1940, now serves as an ideal host for tube sponges, coral formations, tropical fish, shrimp, lobsters, and orange anemones. Despite the hoop-hopping required to visit Aruba, and the voluntary two-weeks of self-quarantine upon our return, I will say that once we arrived at the Hilton Aruba, it was easy to escape into island time and a vacation state of mind for a few delightful days. sl For more information about the Hilton Aruba Resort & Casino, visit hiltonaruba.com.

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THE

GIFTOF TIME

An expression of personality and possessing the potential for permanence as a functional family heirloom are two of the many reasons why timepieces make the best gifts.

Compiled by Lionel Haff

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This page, clockwise from top left: Carl F. Bucherer Adamavi AutoDate with a 31mm nude dial ($2,850; carl-f-bucherer.com). Reine de Naples ladies wristwatch from Breguet with bezel and dial flange set with 117 diamonds ($36,100; breguet.com). 2020 Tudor Royal 28mm with steel case and diamond-set dial ($3,925; tudorwatch.com). The 18ct yellow gold 42mm Oyster Perpetual SkyDweller from Rolex is fitted with a high-performance Oysterflex bracelet for the first time ($40,000; rolex.com). With its open architecture, the 42mm Patek Philippe 5303R Grand Complications is a timepiece created for connoisseurs (price upon request; patek.com). Opera ladies timepiece from Buccellati with yellow gold, white gold, diamonds and mother-of-pearl ($55,000; us.buccellati.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Longines Symphonette (from $1,575; longines.com). The unisex TOM FORD N.001 offers interchangeable bracelets in leather and a trio of metal finishes. The pull-through design allows the wearer to easily make the switch from leather strap to metal bracelet, and vice versa (pricing for the bracelets from $820; tomford.com). Tiffany 1837 Makers 22mm square watch in stainless steel with a black leather strap ($2,700; tiffany.com). Arnold & Son 45mm Globetrotter Night ($18,128; arnoldandson.com).

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This page, clockwise from top left: Franck Muller Vanguard Racing Skeleton V crafted with carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum ($24,720; franckmuller.com). U23 Cosmopolitan luxury 42mm timepiece by Angelus is comprised of titanium and the highest quality Carbon Thin Ply (CTP) material. A flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock offers enhanced timekeeping, offsetting the effects of gravity ($43,000; angelus-watches.com). A partnership between the Italian tailoring atelier Kiton and Chopard has resulted in the the L.U.C. XP IL Sarton Kiton timepiece. The ultra-thin watch with a steel dial and cashmere strap lined with alligator leather is limited to 100 pieces ($10,800; chopard.com/us). Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Orange, limited to 350 pieces ($3,900; bellross.com). De Bethune DB28 GS watch in titanium with a black rubber strap ($80,000; shsilver.com). The design of Reservoir’s Battlefield Collection celebrates WWII all-terrain vehicles, a symbol of tenacity, durability and ingenuity ($3,900; reservoir-watch.com). A unisex design, the Breitling Endurance Pro combines an ultra-lightweight 44 millimeter Breitlight case and a thermo-compensated SuperQuartz movement ten times more accurate than conventional quartz ($3,000; breitling.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Lady Gaga wearing the Black Bay 32 from Tudor ($4,000; tudorwatch.com). Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin wearing a Longines MS Conquest VHP Classic (from $950; longines.com). Photo courtesy of Longines. German dressage rider Sönke Rothenberger wearing a Longines Master Collection timepiece (from $1,850; longines.com). Image courtesy of Longines. Reservoir Hydrosphere Blackfin diving watch ($4,300; reservoir-watch.com).

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Bibliotaph...

Compiled by Victoria Chase The rules, traditions, and customs of table setting and entertaining, à la bohemian. Amanda Bernardi—The Modern Bohemian Table: Gathering with Friends and Entertaining in Style—hardcover, 208 pages, Paige Tate & Co. (paigetate.com) Historian Adrian Tinniswood takes readers on a glorious journey through the golden age of the country house party, with snippets on the revelries of guests from Nancy Astor to Winston Churchill. Adrian Tinniswood— The House Party: A Short History of Leisure, Pleasure and the Country House Weekend—hardcover, 144 pages, Faber & Faber (faber.co.uk) Sharing a meal is one of life's greatest pleasures and a powerful and intimate way to create community. When you’re feeding a crowd, this book of big-batch recipes from notable chefs fits the bill. Leslie Jonath and 18 Reasons—Feed Your People: Big-Batch, Big-Hearted Cooking and Recipes to Gather Around—hardcover, 320 pages, powerHouse Books (powerhousebooks.com)

Take your taco Tuesday up a notch, with recipes for tantalizing tacos and equally inventive tequila-inspired cocktails. Katherine Cobbs—Tequila & Tacos: A Guide to Spirited Pairings—paper over board, 176 pages, Tiller Press (simonandschuster.com)

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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books In her first book, noted L.A. hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran shares her secrets for planning and giving brilliantly executed parties at home. Lavishly photographed, the eight fetes features range from a California pool party to a festive Christmas brunch. Stephanie Booth Shafran—You’re Invited: Classic, Elegant Entertaining— hardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)

Sustenance for hunker-downers needn’t be limited to packaged snacks, as this book attests. Katherine Bebo—Binge-Watching Eats: Themed snacks for your next binge watch—paper over board, 160 pages, Ryland Peters & Small (rylandpeters.com)

Each of the nutritious, alcohol-free beverage recipes in this book were designed with minimally added sugar and allnatural ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. Available in May 2021. Diana Licalzi & Kerry Benson— Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion—hardcover, 144 pages, Blue Star Press (bluestarpress.com) Serve up fictional fare from legendary literary meals for your real-life holiday celebrations. Alison Walsh—A Literary Holiday Cookbook: Festive Meals for the Snow Queen, Gandalf, Sherlock, Scrooge, and Book Lovers Everywhere—hardcover, 272 pages, Skyhorse Publishing (skyhorsepublishing.com) The only official Disney guide to creating magical events that draw on 90 years of Disney inspiration. Amy Croushorn—Entertaining with Disney: Exceptional Events From Mickey Mouse to Moana!—hardcover, 192 pages, Insight Editions (insighteditions.com)

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Sip, Savor & Celebrate Gifts for Gourmands Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: A gold medal winner in the World Spirits Competition, the Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita from On the Rocks uses a flavor combination of pineapple, triple sec, plata tequila and jalapeño to create the perfect drink for those who like it hot (from $11.99; ontherockscocktails.com). The high-performance Saeco Xelsis Espresso Machine features an advanced touch-screen display that offers 15 different coffee drink selections, and stores drink preferences for up to eight different users ($1,999; usa.phillips.com). Bluegrass Soy Sauce with bourbon barrel stave chopsticks ($18; bourbonbarrelfoods.com). SMEG x Dolce&Gabbana Sicily is my Love stand mixer ($1,500; smegusa.com). Aged in ex-bourbon barrels for 40-44 months in an underground cellar, Cincoro Extra Añejo offers an exceptionally long finish, akin to the complexity of a fine Cognac. The ultimate tequila for the person who has it all ($1,600; cincoro.com).

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This page, clockwise from top left: Previously only available to fine restaurants nationwide, Black Hawk Farms is now making a selection of their American Wagyu cuts available to the home chef through their online shop. Based in Princeton, KY, Black Hawk Farms is one of the only farms in the country to utilize vertically integrated production techniques to nurture its cattle from seed-to-slaughter (blackhawkmeats.com/shop). Silver has the highest heat conductivity of ANY element and the solid silver cookware from Duparquet offers a high-performance pan of unparalleled beauty. Made to order (from $2,600; duparquet.com). Photo by Pat Piasecki. Riedel’s Cornetto decanter, originally introduced in 2004, has been reimagined with the launch of the Cornetto Confetti Collection, featuring hand-blown bands of color pulled throughout the decanter in vibrant hues of either orange (shown) or green ($299; riedel.com). Widely known as “Napa’s first cult Cabernet,” the 2017 vintage of Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to put a smile on your favorite oenophile’s face ($145; bvwines. com). The Spice Up The Holidays spice box collection is from Healthy On You, a black woman-owned business created by certified health coach Samantha Binkley ($49.95; healthyonyou.com). Society Limonta Matte Maya placemat ($65), Onda plate ($70), Buto flat-bottom dish ($70) and Nap Viky and Nap Los napkins ($40/each; societylimonta.com). Small-batch Casa Dragones tequila has been called a “Tastemaker’s Top Tequila” by Forbes Magazine. This gift set includes a 750ml bottle of Joven tequila with two glasses ($275; casadragones.com). A paprika base dry rub with a hint of smoke and a spicy kick of cayenne and traditional Perini Ranch flavors ($13.50; periniranch.com).

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Our sailboat Va Bene in Five Islands.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH MAINE Written and photographed by Craig Kaminer

Since 2016, I have been lucky enough to sail over 8,000 miles in and around New England, down the entire East Coast, through the Bahamas, around Key West to Tampa Bay, and back again. My wife Debbie and I, and on occasion, our sons and friends, traveled offshore and via the Intracoastal Waterway, frequently stopping to look around and walk our now 10-year-old chocolate lab, Charlie. But some days, we sailed around the clock to get to an important port before the weather changed, where we would wait until Mother Nature returned to a more moderate and predictable pattern. While each port we've visited has been unique in its own way, perhaps our recent trip to Maine this past summer was the most memorable. I had seen pictures of the great towns, the lobstermen, rocky coastlines, and fog in every imaginable book and website I consulted. Still, nothing prepared me for the Maine experience, even my enthusiastic friends and colleagues who have summered here for years. Sailing from Newport, Rhode Island to Sorrento, Maine, (across the bay from Bar Harbor) required a flexible itinerary, patience, and a minimum of two weeks. And, even then, it would have been better to explore this under-appreciated jewel for a month or more. So, amid the pandemic, which afforded us the 46 slmag.net

flexibility to be away from St. Louis for almost four weeks, we set out to discover what the fuss was all about Down East. After a few quick stopovers at ports in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, we sailed to Portland, Maine. While it's worthy of an even longer stay, we stopped for two nights at Fore Points Marina (forepointsmarina.com) as we awaited friends from New York to join us. Portland is vibrant with excellent craft breweries, seafood joints, galleries, great shopping, and museums that appeal to its hip community of residents and visitors. Mega-yachts, including the 312-foot Kismet at the end of our pier, share dock space with transient yachtsmen and smaller craft. We had the best lobster rolls ever (at Highroller; highrollerlobster.com), amazingly fresh oysters farmed the same day from nearby coves, and a great dinner at Scales (scalesrestaurant.com). At the crack of dawn, we woke to walk Charlie and hit the fog-filled open water to Rockland. The coastline was exquisite, but it was only visible for half of the day. The balance of the sail, we were socked in with fog, fog horns, and surprising blips on the radar that, out of nowhere, heralded vessels on a collision course. A severe weather forecast ended the day early. Fortunately,

Charlie posing on the rock bar that joins two islands.

College roommates Nancy Lane and Debbie Kaminer practicing yoga in Boothbay Harbor.

Drone photo of Sorrento Harbor.

the storm passed quickly, and the sun came out by dinner, so we ventured back into town on our dinghy for a special meal at Hill's Seafood Company (hillsseafoodco.com). Rockland turned out to be a great stopover, albeit not as hip as Portland or as quaint as some of the places we stopped in the days to come. Still, we found some outstanding restaurants, a handful of worthy galleries, a boardwalk for a late-night stroll, and some of the cheapest diesel fuel on earth (under $2 per gallon). As we pulled into Boothbay Harbor, a small picturesque town reminiscent of Charlevoix, Michigan, the scenery started to appear what we'd imagined Maine would look like: boulders on the shoreline, tall pine trees, lobster pots socially distanced no more than six feet apart, stunning homesteads passed down from generation to generation and friendly people with thick New England accents. We had a relaxing lunch overlooking the harbor (Fisherman's Wharf Inn; fishermanswharfinn.com), shopped the town, hiked to the other shore, and picked up eight freshly steamed lobsters for $40. From Boothbay, we sailed to our target destination of Sorrento just across the bay from Bar Harbor. We added Sorrento to our itinerary at the behest of our friend Steve Dwyre and his sailing companion Cindy Cady. They live there in a 100-year-

old waterfront home overseeing his 46-foot Oyster sloop named Willow. For years, Steve has urged us to visit, and we were pleased that the town was more beautiful than he said it would be. We found the town's only rental mooring, and for $25 a night, we moored in a well-protected harbor just a short dinghy ride to the town dock. We quickly discovered that Mainers prefer row bows to inflatable dinghies, and most docks are crammed with them. It makes for a nice picture, and while it seems impractical to us, we rowed when we could to feel local and get some exercise. Steve and Cindy have been cruising continuously since 2016, filling their passport with stops in numerous ports of call. Karl Gerchow and Conner Esworthy, a young couple they met in Honduras this past winter when the pandemic forced them to stay put, were also staying with them. Karl and Conner met while working in finance at JPMorgan in New York City, and soon realized they shared a dream of buying a sailboat and enjoying a liveaboard lifestyle. I'm sure their friends and family all thought they were crazy (especially with their Ivy League educations on sabbatical), but they have been sailing for three-and-a-half years and seem happier than most.

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Thank you lobster dinner for Steve and Cindy.

View from Star Island in Isles of Shoals.

For four days, Steve's house became a sort of sailor's halfway house. We told stories, sat by a fire (yes, it was that cold at night), learned to crochet, painted rocks, watched movies, cooked dinner, drank wine, and discussed our upcoming sailing plans. Since then, we have stayed in touch with Karl and Conner, adding them to our growing list of sailor friends who understand us better than some of our land-bound acquaintances do. On one of our days in Sorrento, we visited Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor was great, but a little too commercial and not exactly what we were looking for. Acadia was beautiful and the perfect place to hike, take photos and clear our heads with brisk fresh air. We hiked around Jordan's Pond, which I was promised would be an easy two-to-three mile jaunt that ended up being closer to six. My hips were stiff, my muscles a little sore, but I am delighted to have done it. I am sure I would say the same thing if I did an Ironman. Another day we hunted sea glass and heart-shaped rocks on a rock bar connecting two small islands. It's the perfect spot to hang out until high tide gradually separates the pair of islands. Soaring bald eagles, ospreys, and harbor seals made the afternoon magical, even though I thought Steve said we were boating to a bar for drinks. There was bar (a rock bar), and we did have drinks, but it proved I need to be a more careful listener. That night, Debbie and I cooked a "thank you" dinner consisting of lobsters, fresh corn, asparagus, and a locally baked blueberry pie. 48 slmag.net

The harbor shop in North Haven sells everything from fuel to lobsters.

Conner Esworthy and Karl Gerchow in Maine on their 3 1/2 year sailing sabbatical.

We pulled out of Sorrento Harbor on Saturday morning, planning to reach Camden by evening. The winds grew throughout the day with 35-knot gusts blowing straight at our bow. Rather than fight the aggressive conditions, we altered our course and pulled into North Haven. Much to our surprise, we found one of the best-curated shops we have seen in some time (The North Haven Gift Shop, located Main Street; northhavengiftshop.com) and walked a couple of miles before returning to Va Bene. Due to the howling winds, we decided to fix dinner on board, stream the latest Yellowstone episode, write in our journals, and get a good night's rest. Our next stop was a little town called Five Islands, so named because it is literally surrounded by five small islands on Sheepscot Bay's edge. It was as pretty as a postcard, with the main attraction being a lobster shack (Five Islands Lobster Co.; fiveislandslobster.com), which boasts some of the state's best coldwater lobsters. When you are called to the counter by one of the family members (in this case, it was a boy around 12 years old), you told him how big of a lobster you wanted, and he fetched one that had been caught earlier in the day, weighed it and charged accordingly. A duo of two-plus-pound lobster dinners rang up less than $50. The people we met at the socially distanced family-style tables were just as incredible. We continued to Isles of Shoals, an off-the-coast of Portsmouth grouping of three islands jointly owned by New Hampshire and Maine. In good years it is home to seasonal

Sunset after severe weather in Rockland.

Jordan's Pond in Acadia National Park.

residents, students, and volunteers who reside there studying art, history, sustainability, spirituality, and yoga. We did check out Star Island, which looked the most inhabited, but found a "closed for the season, no trespassing" sign. Charlie had to go, so we trespassed for a few minutes, saw the ancient grave sites of 10 or so people who chose to be buried there over the few hundred years it was semi-occupied, and headed back to the boat for cocktails and dinner. From Isles of Shoals, we sailed most of the day in the rain to Provincetown (aka PTown) again, where we finally got a reservation in one of the top-rated restaurants (The Mews; mewsptown.com) according to TripAdvisor. We'd been on the lookout for whales all day and finally witnessed two massive Humpback whales breach and put on a show for tourists gawking on the nearby whale watching tours. Upon arrival in PTown, we suited up to take Charlie for a walk and check out a few of the stores we had missed on our earlier visit. With the foul weather, an irritable outboard engine, and two forgotten face masks, we returned to Va Bene, doffed our raingear, took much needed hot showers, and made our own five-star meal. The sun was out the next morning, so we spent some time in Provincetown before heading around the outside of Cape Cod to Nantucket. It was another long, wet day of sailing, but by the time we arrived near sunset in Nantucket, the skies had cleared, and the charm of Nantucket welcomed us. We were retrieved at the town

Overlooking Cuttyhunk Harbor.

dock by friends who had rented a house there through September. We enjoyed cocktails, a hot shower, and putting on "real" clothes for a fabulous meal at Queequeg's (queequegsnantucket.com). An additional day of life on land allowed us to enjoy the beaches, lunch in town, a couple of great book shops, and a harbor full of mega yachts and best-in-class sailboats which can entertain an old salty dog like me for a week or more. There aren't many places like Nantucket, which combine a whaling town's authenticity, a retreat for the well-heeled and well-traveled, and the yachtsman. Unfortunately, the diesel was $5 per gallon here. Perfection has its price. On Saturday, we woke up early to a strong, steady wind which sailed us at least 7.5 knots to our home port of Portsmouth, Rhode Island (just four miles inland of Newport, Rhode Island) in record time and not having to use any of the expensive diesel I filled up on just in case. We tied Va Bene up for the first time in two-plus weeks, hosed her off, and for the next couple of days, restored her to her pristine condition before driving home to St. Louis so I could get back to work and write this story. Rocky coastlines, lobster pots and boats, fog, rain, and windy conditions make Maine a challenging place to sail. Still, it is one of the most magical places we have ever been to. I am not sure when we will return, but Maine will always be close to the top of the list from now on, and if you ever want to come aboard, please let me know. sl

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Of Note... Sectionals for a crew or a socially-distant two

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: Ben Soleimani Cyrus sectional ($4,450; bensoleimani.com). Riviera sectional designed by Suzanne Tucker for Michael Taylor Designs (michaeltaylorcollections.com). Lampert sectional from Jonathan Adler ($5,790; jonathanadler.com). Sand sofa from LAGO (lago.it/en). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Astaire sectional from Room & Board ($4,450; roomandboard.com). Apollo by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maxalto collection (bebitalia.com). Bend-Sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia (price upon request; bebitalia.com). The N701 is a modular seating collection designed by Jacques Deneef for Ethnicraft (pieces from $689; ethnicraft.com). Gus Modern Mix Modular four-piece wedge section in cognac vegan appleskin leather (pieces from $1,595; gusmodern.com). Gus Modern Silverlake sectional ($4,590; gusmodern.com).

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USHERING IN AN ERA OF AUDACIOUSNESS The Maserati MC20 Written by Andre James

It happened this past September in Modena, the heart of Italy's Motor Valley and the Trident brand's home for eight decades. Parked drive-in theatre-style before a monumental stage surmounted by an equally large LED screen were 44 Maserati cars from all eras. Behind them, bleacher seating held socially distanced VIPs and media from all around the world. All had gathered for a world premiere, live-streamed, with simultaneous mirror events in New York and Tokyo. Live drummers ushered in a spectacular fastpaced multimedia show that shared Maserati's contemporary vision before unveiling its MC20 supercar. The MC20 appeared on stage first as a hologram. When the real thing arrived, its butterfly doors opened, and Maserati Reference Driver Andrea Bertolini emerged, an apropos pilot for a supercar stunner entirely made in Italy, including the engine. A real head-turner, the MC20's body envelops a sporty soul with a Formula 1-derived 630-horsepower V6 Nettuna engine with the new patented Maserati Twin Combustion technology. It delivers 0-60mph acceleration in under 2.9-seconds and boasts a top speed above 200mph. Maserati had not built its own engines since 1998. Employing a system known as Virtual Vehicle Dynamics Development allowed ninety-seven percent of the car's development to be virtual, reducing delivery times and lowering costs. The MC20 spent more than two-thousand working hours in the Dallara Wind Tunnel to refine its aerodynamics. Except for a discreet rear spoiler, there are no conspicuous aerodynamic appendages. Air vents on the bonnets and the side are virtually invisible when viewed from some angles. Also highlighting the 52 slmag.net

aerodynamics are the butterfly doors. Opened via push-button from the inside, they enable easier access to and from the cabin while showing off the carbon fiber cockpit. Inside the driver-focused cabin, functionality and visibility are paramount. Laid out like the cockpit of a racing car, black materials and dark upholstery prevent windscreen reflections. Inspired by a luxury timepiece, the driving mode selector is mechanical and precise. The MC20's thick steering wheel is the only first new-generation Maserati to have an ignition button. A simple turn of the selector activates one of the MC20's five driving modes. CORSA mode offers the most extreme experience, with less-active traction control, and stability control with high thresholds for the most challenging handling. The new generation two-screen Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) multimedia system allows for full personalization to the driver's user preferences and offers extreme connectivity to the car via Maserati Connect. Racing has always been in Maserati's blood, and the MC20 is the brand's siren song for those who pine to drive an Italian supercar with thrilling performances and elegant lines on the road. At the Modena launch, Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO commented, "For our Brand, this is a time to build: the time to be forward-looking and construct our future. We are laying the foundation stone of our tomorrow, and we are doing it together, guided by our passion, unique in our design, and innovative by nature." The MC20 will be available in the fall of 2021, with pricing starting at $210,000. sl

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ENGAGING ALTERNATIVES Non-traditional engagement rings for saying ‘I do!’ differently Compiled by Bridget Williams

Clockwise from top left: Mindi Mond platinum ring with a spiked baguette center diamond flanked by emerald-cut diamonds (price upon request; mindimondny.com). VanLeles London one-of-akind Legends of Africa Octahedron ring with diamonds and Zambian-sourced emeralds ($36,703; vanleles.com). Brent Neale one-of-a-kind Moi Et Toi ring with a pair of 2ct diamonds surrounded by sapphires, emeralds, and rubies (price upon request; brentneale.com). Diamond halo ring by Stephen Silver set with a 5.36-carat cushion-cut Ceylon sapphire ($52,900; shsilver.com). Cadar Tu Trio engagement ring in 18k gold with diamonds. Solitaire sold separately ($9,250; cadar.com). Cathy Waterman recycled platinum pave frame ring with ethically sourced emerald and diamonds (price upon request; cathywaterman.com). Taken gold band from Established Jewelry ($2,640; establishedjewelry.com). Nam Cho platinum ring with white diamonds and white sapphires ($8,770; namcho.com). Solitaire from Dreamboule’s ‘Free and Fun’ collection in 18k rose gold with diamonds and black volcanic stone (price upon request; dreamboule.com).

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Clockwise from top left: Nora Kogan Elise ring with emerald-cut diamond in a matte satin gold setting ($5,225; norakogan.com). Picchiotti Classics Imperial Collection white gold, diamond, and ruby ring (price upon request; picchiotti.it/ENG). De Cosmi 18K yellow gold and rough diamond ring (price upon request; decosmi.com). Custom engagement ring by Harwell Godfrey (price upon request; harwellgodfrey.com). Emily Kuvin 14k diamond Three Dot ring ($1,870; emilykuvin.com). Jemma Wynne bespoke ring with baguette cut diamond (price upon request; jemmawynne.com). Fantazia by Aisha Baker in 18k yellow gold with diamonds and white quartz ($10,800; aishabaker.com). Anna Sheffeld Bea Three Stone ring with black diamond (from $25,300; annasheffield.com). Ascension Illusion diamond ring from Graziela ($7,500; grazielagems.com). Maya Gemstones Perfect Ring in yellow gold with 1ct Maya-cut diamond (price upon request; mayagemstones.com).

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Rehearsal Hall at Utah's Sundance Mountain Resort

APRÈS SKI Written by Bonnie Graves

For some that ski, the slopes and the snow are enough; what you eat afterwards (or, before, in the case of Sundance’s awardwinning brunch) is an afterthought. Increasingly though, ski resorts across the American West are realizing that their success is as much about amenities like fine dining as it is about pure powder. While there will always be those skiers who are happy enough with a quick tuna sandwich or a burger, perhaps wolfed down with some lukewarm hot chocolate or bad beer, many others now expect better food and then some. Voted the #1 Ski Resort in North America in Conde Nast’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards, Sundance may not be such a secret anymore. When Redford bought the land surrounding Utah’s majestic Mount Timpanogos in 1969, he envisioned a place where art, nature and community could coexist. He may not have imagined the juggernaut that has become the Sundance Film Festival. Much of that January glamour actually happens across the hill in Park City, where resorts like Deer Valley have dominated Utah’s ski industry. Quietly, the original Sundance Mountain Resort remains nestled at the base of the ‘sleeping maiden Utahna’ 56 slmag.net

and its winning combination of culture and cuisine makes it a standout. For wine enthusiasts, the list at the Tree Room restaurant – named for the belovedly stubborn tree that has grown in the center of the dining room for nearly 50 years – offers Utah’s best selections. While Mormon prohibitions against alcohol remain an issue in nearby Provo, Sundance is a welcome haven of fermented grape juice. Sundance’s proprietary label series has attracted fine wineries like Honig, Sokol-Blosser, Altamura, Selby and others. And no visit to Sundance is complete without a post-ski cocktail at the famous Owl Bar, where the bullet-riddled bar and the “Butch Cassidy” memorabilia bring an authentic cowboy vibe. Lastly, Sundance’s more casual restaurant, The Foundry Grill, offers a Sunday Brunch that is without compare. Be sure to make a reservation and to starve yourselves the night before, or you’ll fail to do justice to its jawdropping array of both savory and sweet brunch options. Heading north to Montana, another ski area is fast becoming a dining destination. Located halfway between West Yellowstone and Bozeman, Rainbow Ranch Lodge and the Big Sky Resort ski area have steadily drawn attention and celebrity investment.

Duck at the Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe's flagship restaurant Manzanita

Whether the likes of Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake and Tom Brady genuinely appreciate the world-class ski runs or merely enjoy the solitude remains to be seen. Rainbow Ranch Lodge is kind of a next-gen Sun Valley. It’s still small enough to feel personal yet, like Sundance, it offers extraordinary food and wine experiences for its guests. A new winter menu greets skiers with appetizers like venison tartare with fermented Japanese plums and a curried squash tart made with local Montana honey. Entrées include seasonally appropriate game like elk made into a savory ragoût or fresh, wild-caught halibut that is flown in from Alaska twice weekly. And don’t miss the opportunity for an intimate wine dinner in Rainbow Lodge’s Bacchus Room, where a best-instate collection of over 5000 selections is available for every palate. While not an unknown brand by any means, the Ritz-Carlton on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore is taking luxurious cuisine to the next level. Blessed with a mid-mountain location that offers unparalleled ski-in / ski-out access to the Northstar slopes, the Ritz at Lake Tahoe offers multiple dining outlets for everything from high-end business dinners to family-friendly dining. A favorite is Manzanita

Restaurant, its flagship at the resort; Manzanita’s “California Mountain Cuisine” weaves seasonal produce and meats with alpine aesthetics into a restaurant that helped the Ritz earn the first ever AAA 5-Star rating in the Tahoe area. It sets the standard for fine dining in the region. More casual options include Café Blue and the comfy Living Room Lounge. Family members of all ages can enjoy either s’mores or Champagne by the numerous fire pits and, the in-room dining – while not inexpensive – echoes the Ritz’ commitment to being the best-in-class among California ski resorts. Whether one chooses to load up with a luxury brunch before hitting the slopes or instead opts for a hot shower followed by an epic dinner, these three ski resorts and others are acknowledging the industry’s need for better food and wine options. Each of these three resorts is now again open for business and has taken extraordinary steps to safeguard their guests during the pandemic, e.g., enhanced cleaning protocols, socially distant dining and mask mandates. And, after a long period of pandemic dormancy, we all could certainly use a little something luxurious to look forward to on our winter calendars. sl

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THE FUTURE IS ELECTRIC LYRIQ, Cadillac's first all-electric vehicle, ushers in a new era in luxury, technology, and zero-tailpipe-emissions performance. Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Cadillac In 2019, Cadillac announced it would spearhead General Motors' shift to an all-electric future. After GM announced their new Ultium batteries in early 2020, Cadillac hit the accelerator in August, unveiling the LYRIQ show car, a fully electric luxury crossover. "LYRIQ was conceived to make every journey exhilarating and leverages more than a century of innovation to drive the brand into a new era while rewarding passengers with a more personal, connected and immersive experience," said Jamie Brewer, Cadillac LYRIQ chief engineer. "To do this, we developed an architecture specifically for EVs. It is not only an exceptional EV but first and foremost a Cadillac." Within the LYRIQ, the Ultium battery system (with 300+ miles of range on a full charge) is a structural element of the architecture, integrated to improve ride and handling and safety. The lower center of gravity and near 50/50 weight distribution enabled by the battery pack placement results in a sporty, responsive vehicle offering spirited driving. A distinctive "black crystal" grille in the front is one of the LYRIQ's most unique and expressive design elements on the outside. The LYRIQ is driven primarily by the rear wheels, with a performance all-wheel-drive option available. The drive motor placement at the rear of the vehicle contributes a noticeable feeling of balance and agility while enabling the system to channel more 58 slmag.net

torque to the pavement without wheelspin for zippy acceleration and confident cornering capability. The unique driving experience will begin upon approaching the vehicle. Once LYRIQ recognizes the driver, they are "greeted" with a choreographed lighting sequence, while the seats, mirror, and climate system make adjustments in preparation for the journey. Inside the cabin, a 33-inch-diagonal advanced LED display artfully integrates a single, large screen that spans the driver's viewing area and incorporates driver information details, infotainment controls, and camera views. Other technology of note includes easy monitoring of the battery and charging; a new dual-plane augmented reality-enhanced head-up display; the latest version of Super Cruise; supervised remote parking that can help the LYRIQ park itself whether the drive is inside or outside of the vehicle; new active road noise cancellation technology; and, an exclusive partnership with AKG to offer a state-of-the-art 19-speaker sound system. "The LYRIQ represents the next iteration of the iconic brand's styling, enabled by electrification, as only Cadillac can express," said Andrew Smith, executive director, Global Cadillac Design. "Inside and out, LYRIQ is a thoughtful integration of design and technology and is intended to make every drive an occasion." The Cadillac LYRIQ is scheduled to go on sale in late 2022 as a 2023 model. sl

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Resortwear to inspire, even if your holiday vacay is only a vacation state of mind. Compiled by Bridget Williams

SOME LIKE HOT

This page, Free Will swimsuit from Castamira ($215; castamira.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Aqua Blu Odyssey swim shorts ($72; aquablu.com.au). Strelitzia Butterfly swimsuit ($125; lagottaswimwear.com). Montce Oxana Kim bikini top ($122) and Oxana Tamarindo bikini bottom ($102; montce.com). Retro sunglasses and glasses from Uncommon James x DIFF Eyewear collaboration ($85; uncommonjames.com). La Gotta CBD-based sun care line (lagottaswimwear.com). Montce Pampas Floral one-piece ($198; montce.com). Ilia Black White bugs from La Gotta ($130; lagottaswimwear.com). Sensi Studio lampshade caladohat with frayed brim ($67; sensistudio.com). Katie one-piece swimsuit in green papaya from Hermoza ($158; thehermoza.com).

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This page, Sensi Studio balloon sleeve maxi dress with hand embroidery in 100% Peruvian pima cotton voile ($186), Lady Ibiza hat with medium twist band ($108), and mini frayed basket bucket bag ($246; sensistudio.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Kayla gingham bikini top ($152) and tennis skirt from Montce ($182; montce.com). Daisy beaded sunglass.mask chain from Soraya Hennessy ($120; sorayahennessy.com). Saltwater Knot bandeau ($80) and Hilary high waist bottom ($68; pqswim.com). Paper London Martha and Frankie dresses in organic cotton ($380 & $419; paperlondon.com). Bali top ($98) and Venice banded bottom ($98) from Shore (shorebrand.com). Paper London Coconut swimsuit ($251; paperlondon.com). NOA 18K gold-filled shell bracelet ($95; noajewelry.com). PQ Swim Capri embroidered tunic ($124; pqswim.com). Hermoza Jirau basket bag ($200; thehermoza.com).

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A CONCRETE IDEA

Going beyond grey, Kast Concrete Basins’ product line is available in a rainbow of colors. Written by Bridget Williams

Switzerland native Tim Bayes says he first became enamored with the “fascinating and unique” properties of malleable concrete while studying at the University of Westminster in London. “It starts out life as a liquid and combines the organic characteristics of natural stone with the ability to be cast into any shape. It also has a contemporary context that other stone materials don’t have,” he explained. He founded Lowinfo in 1998, which allowed him to design and fabricate a range of concrete furniture and interior surfaces. Realizing a gap in the market, Bayes further honed his craft, establishing Kast Concrete Basins in 2013 in Nottingham, England. This first-ofits-kind niche brand specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing washbasins and sinks in a spectrum of styles. Going far beyond the standard grey that typically comes to mind when thinking of concrete, Kast basins are available in a 64 slmag.net

rainbow of colors, from cheery to calming. Equally at home in traditional and contemporary interiors, Bayes points out that “many of my design values align with modernism, with an emphasis on functional design and clean lines.” Kast’s factory is also its design studio, and Bayes asserts that continuous experimentation leads to generating ideas and solving problems. “I believe a tacit knowledge of materials and physical making skills underpin and elevate the design process. Any design that we conceive can be tested, refined, and made right here,” he elucidated. While his company has had to put plans for a public launch of new collections on hold, Bayes remains optimistic. “The pandemic has been difficult in many ways, but it has allowed us as a team more time for thought, reflection, and planning.” And, he added, “Washing our hands has never been so important.” sl kastconcretebasins.com

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LOVE ENDURES IN 2020 Written by Lou Ann Wilcox

Jonathan Katz and Al Schmidt, Graduate Gemologists at Simons Jewelers in Clayton, can attest to that. Over the past six months, Simons has not seen a downturn in business. “In fact, we have seen an uptick in couples ready to pull the trigger and in jewelry sales overall,” says Katz. “Many relationships intensified during quarantine. Couples are still falling in love and expressing that love through jewelry.” With the holidays approaching, typically a time for marriage proposals, Sophisticated Living contacted these pros to talk about evolving trends in engagement ring styles, settings and stones. “Five years ago, halos were popular,” says Schmidt. “Now, we are seeing more simple, classic shapes – thin, delicate bands with a focus on the center stone. If there are side stones, they are small and not in the style of an anniversary band. While we are seeing more ovals, the round, brilliant-cut diamond remains king.” “We see a good amount of colored gemstones,” he adds. “Color is fun because we don’t see it all the time and many brides like color because they want their ring to be unique. White gold and platinum are always popular choices and we are now seeing a bit more yellow gold.” 66 slmag.net

According to Schmidt, due to social media, customers are more educated and knowledgeable about what they want. “They are more savvy and very informed. Social media has hugely influenced the types of stones and settings couples want.” Katz notes, “Social media has made the world a small place. As a result, information on trends in every aspect of fashion and luxury goods are widely disseminated and are not confined to one area of the country. People are able to access a variety of resources to help them decide which style or setting they like best. I would say that there are no styles per se that are indigenous to one area of the country versus another. In addition to all of this, we source our jewelry from all over the world, so the manufacturers that we deal with are not regional, but rather international.” “We love transforming heirloom pieces into something new,” says Katz. Oftentimes, people have old jewelry that has sentimental value but is not current in terms of style. We have helped many people transform “dated” jewelry into new beloved pieces. Even though the finished piece of jewelry looks different, it still retains the sentimental value of the heirloom. And who

wants to leave jewelry in a drawer when it can be turned into something that can be worn and loved?” “For wedding bands, we are not seeing significant changes or new trends,” says Schmidt. “Plain bands remain the most popular for men. Tungsten rings, for example, are not huge sellers for Simons.” Katz notes that they rarely sell sets anymore, that is, an engagement with a matching wedding band. “We recommend the prospective bride wear her engagement ring for a time and then decide on the wedding band based on her lifestyle and what look she might want. For example, some women like stacking bands or something with high contrast to the engagement ring.” When it comes to purchasing trends, Katz and Schmidt observe that very rarely does the prospective groom purchase the stone and setting alone. The partner is usually involved. “The process seems to be that couples start out by shopping together so the groom has an understanding of what the bride loves. Our job is to listen to the description of the vision and then help them customize the look to fulfill their vision,” explains Katz. ”We love it when the fiancée comes

back in after the purchase to gush about her ring and how much she loves it. It is great to be part of that.” Fellas - it pays to listen and maybe to follow your girlfriend’s Pinterest account. “A lot of guys don’t realize that their girlfriends are always dropping hints,” says Katz. “So our advice for guys is to listen. Their girlfriend is probably making remarks about her friends’ rings, styles and shapes she prefers, and letting him know exactly what she wants. Let’s be frank - when picking out a ring style what really matters is what she likes. It is a common occurrence for women to come in and browse - for their engagement ring or any type of jewelry. We keep wish lists in the store. At the very least we do a lot of listening.” For couples who might be shopping in coming months, Simons has adapted and evolved how jewelry is purchased in the age of social distancing. “We’re leveraging technology to make it fun and intimate,” Schmidt says. “Besides in person consultation and sales, we are publishing a new catalog. Customers can view jewelry on our website and Facebook page. We have the capability to do virtual appointments and we offer live messaging from our website.” sl

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K E L LY J O H N S O N D E S I G N

Celebrate more time at home.

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THE NEXT GENERATION OF PETS IS IN GOOD HANDS Interview by Craig Kaminer / Quotes by Reed Howlett / Photo by Lou Bopp

Recently, I sat down with Reed Howlett, the CEO of Freely Pet, one of the newest St. Louis pet food companies to launch here, to get his take on the changing pet food industry, how millennials are changing pet care as we know it, and why Freely has a team of certified pet nutritionists just a chat away to help pet parents better manage their pet’s nutrition and wellbeing. What is Freely doing to help pet parents raise healthier pets? “Many things. First, we want to keep pet food simple and it’s gotten confusing. There’s no one right way to feed dogs and cats. Experts will tell you to choose complete and balanced food and choose one that’s appropriate for all life stages. But within those parameters, there’s ample room for a variety of foods. I think the key is educating pet parents who want to do the right thing to keep it simple but allow them to tailor feeding so that they feel they’re making a difference overall for their pet. To keep things simple, we started with the lowest common denominator, which is dry and wet diets. They make up the preponderance of the category. We wanted to get that right because that’s where we feel there is the greatest opportunity to cut through the clutter. That’s what most people feed today and where the majority of the confusion lies.” How are millennials changing the pet parenting landscape? “I think one way is that millennial pet parents want to know what their pet is doing at all times. They seek a connection through social media with other parts of their lives and their pets are no different. We see lots of pets at work now, obviously, which is for emotional support, 70 slmag.net

but also because pet parents want to know that their pet is being well taken care of day in and day out. And if they can’t physically be with their pet at work, they’ll set up cameras at home to watch what that pet is doing. Or they’ll put that pet in daycare where they have cameras and they know what it is doing.” How is Freely helping millennials be better pet parents? “We’re trying to provide answers, understanding, and access to information about nutrition that pet parents crave, because they’re that involved in all aspects of their pets’ lives. When it comes to nutrition, a lot of millennial and Gen Z pet parents want to know more. They need to have more confidence in the products because this is a big deal for them. And, that attitude is born of the sense of emotional connection and desire to be deeply involved with their pet. I think millennial pet parents are very ingredient focused and they want to know why each ingredient is in there. They want to know where the ingredients are sourced. They ultimately want to know that we’ve got a quality system that ensures that every batch of food is up to spec. And so there’s a level of interest in ensuring that Freely as a company is transparent about all aspects from sourcing through production. That’s why our approach is ‘we’ll tell you anything.’” What are some of Freely’s most unique products? “We started by identifying the biggest problem that needs to be solved within the pet food category - and it’s not choice. If you go into a Petco or PetSmart and you look around, the problem is not a lack of choice. The problem is that pet owners feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to navigate the category. The pet parent that we are thinking of

is the one who’s looking for the combination of a product solution combined with a service solution. What do I mean by that? Well, on the product side, we’re not going to try to be everything to everyone. We have 44 sellable products. That’s it. They’re all limited ingredient diets. And, they’re going to have a really simple to read and understand package. We’ve got a vegetarian diet in both a dry and wet formulation. There’s a great deal of demand for those and not many options. We also have a 50/50 mix of our turkey diet and our vegetarian blend in a dry food we call Flexitarian. It is an option that I think is very appealing to those who still want to feed some animal protein, but again, be mindful of planetary health and animal welfare. So, we really try to be thoughtful about those options that the millennial consumer in particular would be looking for. And we all know about the growing popularity of bone broth as a human food. Our bone broths are made for us by a company which makes bone broths for people so you can rest assured your pet is getting a very high quality product. And they are selling very well.” Why did you invest in the Freely Nutrition Center at this stage of your business? “We can help you with the product and now we can also help you on the service side by answering your questions. And by the way, this is not just for millennials or GenZ. It’s also for GenXers and Boomers who have pets in very large numbers. If you go to retirement communities or retirement towns in this country, and you look at all of the people in their 60s and 70s with pets today, it’s extraordinary. There are massive numbers, but again, everybody ultimately is asking, ‘how can I know I’m doing the right thing?’

We’re here to simplify that through product and through service. If you have any nutritional questions, just chat with Freely free of charge at freelypet.com.” At a time when service has all but vanished, what does the future of service look like in the pet food industry? “I believe that the next big thing within the pet industry, and I don’t just mean food, I mean the whole pet ecosystem in the US and and beyond, is going to be about service. If you look at a lot of these breakthrough brands, they are service brands now, not just product brands. And again, as the category moves online, sales are increasingly online and include knowledge, service, expertise, and consultation. Imagine if you will, having a nutritional coach who would travel the full journey with you from the time you get that puppy or adopt that dog in concert with your vet. Now imagine too that you also have somebody who is an expert in the way to best exercise given breeds? Imagine if you had somebody who is an expert in how to best train given breeds? We are capable of serving up a solution set to a pet parent that is about an overall strategy for pet parenthood. We, as the food brand, take a leadership position because obviously nutrition is so central to a pet’s wellness overall. We think there’s an opportunity to expand out in that way. We’re not there today, but we actually think that pet parents are going to be looking for that level of solution in the not too distant future.” sl Reed Howlett is the CEO and founder of Freely Pet, LLC, a premium pet food brand based in Brentwood, Missouri, whose purpose is to simplify the pet food category and enable pet parents to nourish their pets with confidence and ease. Freely offers premium limited ingredient diet dog and cat food, as well as a Nutrition Center staffed with highly skilled pet nutrition experts ready to help pet parents via phone, live chat, or email.

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TURNING POINT Opinions from the St. Louis Community One of the things I love most about jazz is the democracy on the stage when jazz musicians perform. While you’re onstage, everyone’s voice is equal. Even if you are the leader of the group, the bass player, pianist, drummer, or any other musician onstage can move the music in a different direction and that is an appreciated and accepted part of the jazz genre. This feeling between jazz musicians during a session or performance is a key part of what local and national artists are missing right now. When you’re together on stage or during rehearsal, something you hear from your bandmates can influence your playing in ways you never expected. Listening is one of the most important lessons that we teach young musicians. To be the best they can be, they must learn from, listen to, and appreciate the sounds, voices, and influences of the musicians around them. If you are so concerned with what you are doing that you stop paying attention to what is going on around you, you will never create anything great. The best performances happen when everyone is engaged in the musical conversation, and everyone’s voice is listened to and valued, whether your name is on the marquee or not. Recent events in the non-musical world have made me reflect on the phenomenon of jazz and what makes it work. Shortly after the killing of George Floyd, it became apparent that as a jazz organization, we weren’t listening to all the voices in our band, our community. Younger musicians, especially Black and brown musicians, in our St. Louis community were not feeling heard or represented by our organization. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, many organizations and companies put out official statements, ranging from bold declarations that affirmed a commitment to Black Lives Matter to politically safe sentences which stood for nothing at all. Around the country, larger organizations were navigating these waters with their marketing budgets, large platforms, and massive audiences, but at Jazz St. Louis, we were navigating what to say and whether a statement from us would even affect this national conversation. The young musicians in our community lifted their voices to us and let us know that our voice mattered too. This was a conversation about the perverse and corrupt systems that have set back whole groups in our community from having the same opportunities as the white and the wealthy. Our community’s young musicians looked to us to stand with them in saying that Black Lives Matter in a clear and unambiguous way, and fortunately for us, we listened to what they were saying. By listening to the voices around us, our song got better. The process for us to come up with an organizational statement wasn’t quick. We took the time to consider what we would say and 72 slmag.net

how we would say it, and we realized that we needed to listen to all of the voices in our own organization, the ones whom we share the stage with every day. We wanted to make sure that the statement that we released represented the whole organization, both the staff and the board of directors. As we met with the team to review the statement, I was impressed by the careful and deliberate thought and discussion among everyone involved. We not only heard opinions, but we heard personal stories about the impact racism had on our people, our community. Great insights came from team members of all levels and their voices moved the conversation in new directions because of the value we gave to everyone’s perspective. We took our own advice. We listened. Was the final outcome, the Jazz St. Louis statement made in May 2020, perfect? Did it cover everything we wanted it to cover? Did it have an action plan for how exactly we would be better and listen more? No. It wasn’t perfect. But along the way, we learned that our local musicians depend on us to use our platform for the betterment of all, and specifically to represent those Black and brown artists that are unrepresented at every decision-making table in our country. That’s why one of the most positive results of this process was not making a statement that was perfect or Earth-shattering, but it was that our dialogue and listening with young musicians in our community continues to grow and deepen. We have been able to help many of them share their musical talents through our Season of Stream series of streamed concerts. We have begun sharing their voices and sharing our connections to help them find work during these trying times. It is a good start and a reminder that we need to be active and intentional in seeking out voices in our community and giving them a stage and a platform to be heard. As an organization, we have a lot of work to do. The impact of systemic racism on our society is profound and runs deep. Even an artform like jazz, that was created primarily by Black musicians, is not immune to the crippling effect of racism. The roots and broad appeal of jazz can bring diverse audiences together, but if we don’t listen to those diverse voices, both on and off stage, it is all for naught. Just like a group coming together to perform, it is not only what you play, but how you engage with those around you.

GeneDobbsBradford Gene Dobbs Bradford President & CEO Jazz St. Louis

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10218 Bach Blvd | St. Louis, MO 63132 | 314-991-1600 | www.callahan-customs.com @callahancustomhomes

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

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CATERING

Moving Forward

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DINING

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ENTERTAINING

With so many fundraisers, galas, events and concerts canceled or postponed, many organizations and artists are still determining new dates to schedule. Here are a few we have been following. – SL

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St. Louis Closet Company Toys for Tots Drop through November 30 29th Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival (virtual) through November 22 SLAM Exhibit: Storm of Progress: German Art after 1800 from the St. Louis Art Museum through February 28 Missouri Botanical Gardens Garden Glow through January 2 15th Annual CUREiosity Angels’ Arms Virtual Stepping Out for the Angels SLAM Exhibit: Buzz Spector: Alterations though May 31 Tilles Park Winter Wonderland through January 2 Contemporary Art Museum’s Black Friday Ball

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Contemporary Art Museum’s First Friday Stray Rescue of St. Louis’ Hope for the Holiday Virtual Gala Laumeier Coffee + Conversation Pop-Up Holiday Shop

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY FOUNDATION

The St. Louis County Library Foundation made the tough decision, three months shy of their sit-down gala, to switch gears to a week-long digital campaign. Fund the Need Week ran from August 29-September 4 in support of educational resources at St. Louis County Library. The campaign featured celebrity support from former St. Louisans Jon Hamm, Beau Willimon and Curtis Sittenfeld. Donors purchased seats to an exclusive Zoom call with bestselling author Chris Bohjalian. JoAnn Sandifer won the Golden Raffle, which included seven nights of luxury accommodations at Hammock Cove Resort & Spa Antigua. Board member and sponsors Gerry and Judy Jehling hosted a zoom party which included Foundation goodies for guests to enjoy while giving. The Foundation was able to raise more than $175,000 to purchase Wi-Fi Hotspots, Chromebooks, tutoring, learning pads, and books to help kids learn during this pandemic and beyond.

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RANKEN JORDAN’S 17TH ANNUAL TEE IT UP FOR THE KIDS 5 GOLF TOURNAMENT

In Memory of Phillip W. Mull, Jr., Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital hosted the socially distanced 2020 Annual Golf Tournament on August 31st to raise funds to support Care Beyond the Bedside. Ranken Jordan specializes in caring for children and families who face complicated medical diagnoses, helping them transition from hospital to home. In May of 2011, Ranken Jordan began hosting the Learn to Play Golf program for patients and community members as part of their Care Beyond the Bedside model. It is a one-of-a-kind program that provides children who may typically be excluded from participating in golf due to physical or mental challenges a chance to play as part of therapy and healing. To learn more or support Ranken Jordan, visit www.rankenjordan.org. 3

Library 1) Jon Hamm 2) Beau Willimon 3) Curtis Sittenfeld 4) Gerry and Judy Jehling Ranken Jordan 1) Demitiri 2) Lindsey Conner, Kasey Sinclair, Erin Risk, Jake Risk & Jillian Hausmann 3) Joe Hunsicker 4) David Groetecke 5) Steve Hunsicker

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the life and work of British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen

4739 McPherson Avenue barrettbarrera.com

TWO EXHIBITION

a fashion and photography exhibition

TWO LOCATIONS

4568 Manchester Avenue projects-exhibitions.com

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THE BUDDY FUND

The Buddy Fund’s mission is to “change life through sports” and their annual golf tournament continues to be their biggest annual fundraiser. This year, over 200 golfers and 20+ volunteers spent a beautiful day at the Norman K. Probstein Golf course at Forest Park, with all COVID19 safety procedures in place. This year’s presenting sponsor was UMB along with over 300 other business and personal sponsors, donors and benefactors, to support this tournament and online auction. The event raised over $254,000. Special guests and speakers included Jackie Joyner Kersee, Tom Ackerman, Sgt. Officer Jenifer Williams and Officer Ashley Meyer from the St. Louis County Police Athletic League. The Buddy Fund provides sports equipment to help redirect the lives of at-risk kids including boys and girls clubs, police athletic leagues, homes for kids, community centers, and after school programs.

5 GLENNON GALLOP

2020 marked the 8th year for the annual Glennon Gallop charity polo match, presented by T. Danis Charitable Trust to support the Danis Pediatric Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. In this virtual year of not being able to gather at the polo field, supporters were given the opportunity to purchase a patio polo package of fine wines, bourbon, and chocolates to be enjoyed at home parties during a live virtual program shown on Saturday, September 19. Danis Pediatrics at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon sees over 22,000 patients a year with 80 percent of patient families living at or below the federal poverty level. Your support is needed now more than ever, so please visit glennon.org/gallop for more information on how you can make a difference today. Save the date for next year’s Glennon Gallop — Saturday, September 18, 2021! 2

Buddy Fund 1) Thomas Wesolowski, Nate Kulla, Jordan Stretch & Corey LeSure 2) Officer Ashley Meyer, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Sgt. Officer Jenifer Williams. 3) Cale Prokopf, Tim Murch & George W. Kriegshauser 4) Jonathan Babcock, Christian Aragona, Anita Aragona & Kyle Pickett Glennon Gallop 1) Gregg Hollabaugh, Laura Hollabaugh, Andy Vien, Sam Vince, Chris Vince, Alex Roedner, Maddie Roedner 2) Chris & Lauren Pronger 3) Michael & Claire Todorovich

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Photos 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 by Tim Parker

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PEDAL THE CAUSE

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For the past 10 years on the last weekend of September, St. Louisans on a mission to create a world without cancer have gathered to celebrate Pedal the Cause. Like most large-scale events, 2020 looked different. On September 26 and 27, over 3,000 adults and 300 kids completed a physical challenge on their own centered around biking, running, walking and spinning, while raising money to fund innovative cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Participants stayed connected through a livestream inspirational program and various interactive opportunities throughout the weekend. This maintained Pedal the Cause’s hallmark community feel with small team gatherings across the metropolitan region. Pedal the Cause 2020 has proven to be not just a success but a seminal moment in our history where we can proudly say we donated millions of dollars to fund cancer research that is improving and saving lives. Pedal the Cause has donated $29,077,611 since 2010, funding 156 cancer research projects. This year’s virtual event will add to that grand total, when the final donation amount is announced to the community at the Check Presentation Celebration Livestream on November 19, 2020.

1) Caroline & Sophia Mamah 2) Julie Pepper, Merle Fox & Lisa Cohen 3) Jonah, Stacy & Aaron Abeles 4) David Drier 5) Teri Griege 6) David Peckinpaugh 7) Lizzie Berman 8) Shreya Shah & Neha Mehta-Shah 9) James Hill 10) Joe Berger 11) Brian & Mignonne Ashworth 12) Joanna Haydon & Anna Prosser 13) Leisa Zigman

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Photos by Diane Anderson

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ST. LOUIS PRESS CLUB AND NEIMAN MARCUS BEAUTY BUZZ

More than 100 guests attended the 2020 St. Louis Press Club and Neiman Marcus “Beauty Buzz” fund-raiser on September 12. The virtual special event “Bright Eyed and Ready to Face the Day” raised over $11,000 for journalism scholarships for area students. Those who tuned in received make-up and skin care tips to help everyone look radiant behind their facial masks from Neiman Marcus beauty experts representing Bobbie Brown, Chantecaille, and La Mer. News anchor and reporter Jasmine Huda of KTVI Fox 2 was the show’s emcee. with co-chairs Phyllis Langsdorf and Miran Halen. The St. Louis Press Club has awarded close to $600,000 in scholarships to journalism and media students over the last 36 years.

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1) Phyllis Langsdorf & Miran Helen 2) Kedra Tolson 3) Neiman Marcus Beauty Expert 4) Miran Halen, William Greenblatt & Jasmine Huda 5) Carol Voss 6) Nanci Bobrow 7) Fran Zamler

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THE NEXT STEP

The Next Step’s first-ever virtual fundraising event raised more than $215,000 on Saturday, September 26. The funds raised support the organization’s mission: to provide tuition assistance to individuals active in a 12-step recovery program from alcohol or substance abuse who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing an academic or vocational education. The live-streamed event, produced by StoryTrack, featured inspiring stories from successful recipients and supporters of the organization as well as a virtual Fund a Future. To learn more about The Next Step and to watch the virtual event, visit www.thenextstepstl.org

1) Darcy Glidewell 2) Darcy Glidewell & Adam Jokish 3) Amy Parrish & Brian McGinnis 4) Lori Dowd 5) Lori Dowd, Joe Guerra, Sherry LeBlanc, Darcy Glidewell & Adam Jokisch

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Photos by Diane Anderson

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STIFEL CLIENT APPRECIATION GOLF

Clients and employees of Stifel Financial Corp. braved the chilly weather on October 5 at Bellerive Country Club for golf followed by a reception - modified to incorporate the best health and safety practices. Hosted by Ron Kruszewski, chairman and CEO, the event has been held for more than 20 years to thank the valued clients of Stifel. “I believe the Stifel golf outing brought together some of our best clients on the best course with the best format. I want to thank our clients and partners who joined us on this fun day.”

1) Joe Dively, Ron Kruszewski, Jeff Ludwig, Jim Ryan 2) Al Hrabosky, Wayne Gretzky, Keith Tkachuk, Kelly Chase 3) Brian Schwarze, Scott Schulte, Chip Smith 4) Kevin Maxin, Steve O’Loughlin, Jim Marischen, Daniel Fort 5) Matt Morris, Bobby Slavin 6) Eric Lemke, Troy Dumlao, Patrick Koster, Kit Stolen 7) Chris Pronger, Andy Frost 8) Rick Murphy, Jim Zemlyak, Scott Engelbrecht, Jack Abels 9) Chris Zimmerman, Peter Czajkowski, Bob O’Loughlin, Scott Carothers

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What I Love Right Now With over 13 years of experience assisting both buyers and sellers and successfully navigating the St. Louis luxury market, Julie Lane has discreetly worked with some of the most prominent families in the St. Louis area. She is a proud supporter of all things St. Louis and loves to frequent locally owned businesses. She, her husband Rich and their two daughters have called Ladue home for the last 18 years and have curated quite a list of local favorites. THE INSPIRED HOME Artwork is paramount to a home’s personality. If you have not checked out St. Louis native Ted Collier’s work, you are truly missing out. We have had the opportunity to transform our home with some of his work. It has made all of the difference. His art is all over the world, yet he chooses to make our city his home and give back to the community, along with his talented wife Katie (owner of the yummy Katie’s Pizza and Osteria). @tedcollier.art BEST IN THE MIDWEST Truffles. Sourcing ingredients from local Midwest farmers, Truffles is the master at pairing these with their house-made cheeses and pasta. We love Truffles because of its neighborhood feel from Aleks to Duke, ready to greet us like old friends every time. @trufflesstl TWIGS AND MOSS Excuse me while I straighten my halo. Owner Resito Pecson created these unique halos and they are selling fast. We use them both inside and outside of our home. They illuminate any table or planter. The glow is gorgeous and no one else has them. No one! Perfect for the holidays! @twigsandmoss A SNO BALLS CHANCE IN STL The Parkmoor reopened in July to hungry crowds who could not wait to savor the reimagined menu featuring the Kingburger, famous onion rings and of course my personal favorite, the New Orleans style Sno Balls. They have now added the ‘adult’ Sno Ball and I highly recommend it. It is never too cold for one! @theparkmoor 88 slmag.net

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Of course I love a good house design project. Reinventing and updating your home space is good for the soul. Carolyn Peterson is one of the best designers with a unique talent for the application of color, pattern, texture, scale, and a fluent understanding of the principles of design. Her aesthetic is second to none. @cpetersondesign

WEALTH IS ABOUT MORE THAN MONEY.

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PRIVATE BANKING | WEALTH PLANNING | INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”) uses the marketing name PNC Wealth Management® to provide investment consulting and wealth management, fiduciary services, FDICinsured banking products and services, and lending of funds to individual clients through PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank”), which is a Member FDIC, and to provide specific fiduciary and agency services through PNC Delaware Trust Company or PNC Ohio Trust Company. PNC does not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice unless, with respect to tax advice, PNC Bank has entered into a written tax services agreement. PNC Bank is not registered as a municipal advisor under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. “PNC Bank” and “PNC Wealth Management” are registered marks of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Investments: Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value. ©2020 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. INV WM PDF 0720-0173-1691002

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Sophisticated Living St. Louis Nov/Dec 2020

Articles inside

CHESTERFIELD HUSBAND AND WIFE SAVOR KENTUCKY DERBY WIN

What I Love Right Now

Sophisticated Society, Presented by Butler's Pantry

TURNING POINT

THE NEXT GENERATION OF PETS IS IN GOOD HANDS

LOVE ENDURES IN 2020

RECENT BOOKS PUBLISHED BY LOCAL AUTHORS CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS

BOOK BINDING

From the Publisher

THE FINISHING TOUCHES