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A New Generation of Audi
There is no purer form of luxury and style than the Audi e-tron lineup. Harnessing the latest technology for day-to-day functionality without sacrificing performance, this lineup not only elevates your drive — it electrifies it.
Audi Louisville
4730 Bowling Blvd. Louisville, KY 40207
Sales : (502) 894-3427 | audilouisville.com
Louisville
July/August 2024
Championship Returns to Louisville’s Valhalla for its 106th Edition
Gut Health Starts With the Food You Eat
Sophisticated Stars
The Back Story
Weddings
Europe’s Next Top Model
Photos by Nick Dimbleby, courtesy of Morgan Motor Company
Louisville: Lihi Hod "Flair" gown from the S/S 25 Collection. Photo courtesy Lihi Hod. Lexington: Bella Belle’s Champagne Era collection wedding shoes (bellabelleshoes.com).
Photo by Laura Gordon, courtesy of Bella Belle.
Move-in ready Stratton Hammon design
577 Upland Road
Offered for $525,000
JOANNE J OWEN | 502.648.5330
Contemporary penthouse overlooking the Ohio River and Marina
5447 Harbortown Circle
Offered for $940,500
BREANA OWENS | 502.965.8325
Enchanting Tudor Cottage in desirable Riedlonn
447 University Avenue Sold for $695,000
LISTED BY BROOKE MILLER | 502.608.4557 SOLD BY EMMY KUPPER | 502.689.1926
Sprawling brick ranch in Rolling Fields
435 Club Lane Sold for $775,000
LISTED BY THE KIDWELLS | 502.417.4350 SOLD BY CLAYTON GENTILE | 502.386.6660
While flipping through any Town & Country magazine from the past few decades, I can almost guarantee you'll find at least one mention of Jackie O or one of Truman Capote's "Swans," a group of ladies considered the oldguard notions of class and society. Mrs. Kennedy Onassis left us in 1994, while C.Z. Guest, the last of the gaggle, died in 2003. I was thinking about these women, lauded and pedestaled for their impeccable manners, timeless style, and exceptional taste, during a recent sojourn at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (dorchestercollection.com/paris/ hotel-plaza-athenee), located on the storied Avenue de Montaigne, the heart of haute couture in Paris.
In the corridor leading to Le Relais Plaza, the palace hotel's esteemed classic brasserie, replete with original decorations from the Art Deco era, is a series of framed photographs autographed by famous guests. Notable for its size and prominent placement in the gallery's center is Jackie O, surrounded by sirens including Marlene Dietrich and Lauren Bacall. Among those still with us today, actor Penelope Cruz was the only woman whose face would be largely familiar stateside (Brittany Spears has stayed at the hotel, but she didn't make the wall as far as I could tell). This left me wondering: in an era of fickle fast fashion and fleeting 15 minutes of fame, who will be the enduring icons of this era?
Every day, my inbox is flooded by emails regarding what's "in" and "out," and even these can be contradictory. Skinny jeans are supposedly passé, but it didn't seem that way in Europe, and I can’t imagine ever forgoing mine. One email said that wearing ankle socks is a surefire way to tell me apart from Gen Z, who champion crew socks. However, I'd argue that my gray hairs and smile lines do enough to differentiate the age gap.
One trend that seems universal among all ages is a permanent shift towards casualness. It's no longer about conforming to rigid dress codes but expressing oneself through personal style. Lunching at Parisian power spot Le Relais Plaza, we were surprised to see the suit set sans tie. Leisure has not signaled the decline of luxury: at the stunning new Dior flagship at 30 Avenue Montaigne, you can pick up a pair of $5,700 men's sneakers clad in crocodile to carry you in chic comfort.
In addition to wisdom, age can impart an acceptance of individuality, ideally expressed by the avant-garde attitude of the late Iris Apfel, noted for her singularly unique style. While not one to shy away from jumping aboard a given fashion bandwagon—jelly bracelets and lace in the 80s during my early Madonna era and fully embracing mid-90s grunge—in my fiftieth decade, I keep my eye on trends as a fashion fangirl but ultimately choose to wear what makes me feel my best, whether it's au courant or not. And, more often than not, said ensembles are a riot of color and have some type of flourishment such as puffy sleeves, ruffles, voluminosity, and the like (think the antithesis of NYC's predominance of black from head to toe).
An affinity for the outrageous is among the traits I’ve passed on to my daughter, which came in handy during her recent MSc graduation ceremony at the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon, France. Her joie de vivre, manifested in fashion, made her instantly identifiable among the ebony tide arrayed on stage, courtesy of the layers of hot pink tulle spilling out from beneath the hem of her robe. If that adage that you dress for the life you want rings true, her future will be luminous.
Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net
@SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET
CHEVRON COLLECTION
MAKING RIGHT-SIZED JUST RIGHT
Interior designer Amy Cimba of Bittners helps a long-time client lend a strong feeling of familiarity in a new home.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Robert Burge
The decision to downsize is often fraught with tough choices. "Stuff" can be laden with sentimentality, and deciding what stays and what goes likely involves multiple twisting trips down memory lane. For one fortunate homeowner, the daunting process was dialed down with the assistance of Amy Cimba, interior designer and Vice President at Bittners (bittners.com).
Cimba assumed the design mantle following the retirement of Patrick Welsh, who orchestrated the interiors of the homeowners' previous residence—a classically proportioned Stratton Hammon home in a marquee neighborhood (and featured on the cover of Sophisticated Living's January/February 2009 issue). She employed her keen eye to imbue the homeowners' present garden home with the same level of gracious elegance, albeit in a smaller package. "The attention to detail is a real nod to antiquity," remarked Cimba.
Chosen design elements and a concerted effort to refine the color scheme harmoniously meld with a collection of acquired and inherited antiques and family treasures that tell the story of a life well and fully lived. "I just love the mix," said the wife. Then, as of now, the wife has stayed true to brown as her "signature color." Tall ceilings and a floor plan with ample proportions provide breathing room for the strategically placed and meticulously organized collection.
The foyer is defined by toile wallpaper, which continues into the first and second-floor corridors. The wife jokingly refers to the subject in "Girl with Nest," by English painter John Hoppner RA (1758 –1810), as "Scarlett Johansen". The upholstery color on a nearby settee, a piece selected decades ago by Bittners' designer Patrick Welsh, hearkens to the eggs depicted in the artwork. A glass finial crowning the newel post at the base of the stairs speaks to the attention paid to even the most minor details.
In a scene reminiscent of Sophisticated Living’s Jan/Feb 2009 issue cover, a portrait of the homeowners’ daughter by John Michael Carter surmounts the fireplace in the living room.
The foyer is defined by toile wallpaper, which continues into the first and second-floor corridors. The gracious space incorporates pieces from the homeowners’ antique collection, including a Georgian chest and a gilt wood chandelier.
The Bittners’ woodworking shop created the heirloom quality Sheraton-style pedestal dining table for the homeowners many years ago. Overhead is a Swedish-style crystal and gilt brass chandelier. Chinese Rose Medallion porcelain is displayed on the Sheraton-style sideboard. The abstract painting is by Tamar Kander.
pagoda-style
A
lantern, lively patterned fabric on the seats of the Chinoiserie-style dining chairs, accent pillows, and armchair, along with pops of blue add a touch of whimsy to the light-filled family room.
Proof that quality and good taste are timeless, the armchairs, sofa and ottoman are carryovers from the homeowners previous Stratton Hammon-designed residence. Cimba had the latter two reupholstered in more ethereal hues.
Architectural details, including decorative trim above the door and built-ins on either side of the fireplace, make the living room an ideal display space. Cimba added decorative tape trim to update a pair of ticking stripe chairs. Above the hearth is a portrait by John Michael Carter of the homeowners’ daughter as a young girl. Pointing out a few examples scattered around the room, Cimba remarked that the wife is "a needle pointing phenom" and added that her creations make the home come alive during Christmas.
The home is the kind of place where the layers reveal themselves the longer you linger. On my second pass though the light-filled family room, I noticed that the base of a lamp placed beneath a gilt wood starburst mirror is comprised of blue agate slices. The space is more casual but still playfully elegant with brick walls painted white, chinoiserie accents and pops of blue.
A vintage pine manel surrounds the kitchen's hearth, crowned by a collection of perennially popular qinghua porcelain. To get the layout of the tiled backsplash just right, Cimba laid all the handmade tiles on the floor to make it easier to eliminate those whose colors were deemed "too rusty." While the wife is partial to a white kitchen, she said she doesn't like "white white," so Cimba worked hard to find the perfect complex cream hue to paint the cabinetry.
Cimba referred to the installation of a grand mirror in the powder room as a "team effort." The wife said it was a worthy endeavor because of the feeling of spaciousness it adds to the compact space, dressed in Schumacher - Acanthus Stripe sisal wallpaper. The light fixture was acquired from Charleston. Cimba chose the PHYLRICH faucet "to add some serious drama."
An heirloom of more recent provenance, the Bittners-made dining table with banded inlay is a non-negotiable piece that has moved from home to home. "I advise young clients to invest in one great piece a year to create their own eventual heirlooms," said Cimba. Juxtaposed against the room's traditional casegoods is an abstract painting by Tamar Kander surmounting a sideboard topped with an ornate silver English tea and coffee set.
An armoire in the primary bedroom was acquired in Atlanta, where a men's clothing store borrowed it from a local antique shop to merchandise its products. The tall, upholstered headboard with nailhead trim fits perfectly between two windows. Across the hall, a four-poster bed and coordinating Leontine Linens shower curtain and towels lend a fanciful touch to a guest suite.
Through careful collaboration, Cimba has shown that even a downsized home can be where your heart and stuff are. sl
A Familiar
Face in First
Britain’s Oliver Townend secured a fourth victory at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™.
Photos by Tony Bailey
Colloquially speaking, it’s easy to imagine that British eventing rider Oliver Townend MBE, the World #1 ranked rider, was chuffed to emerge victorious in his 100th CCI5*-L competition, marking his eighth CCI5*-L win and fourth at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Townend and his mare, Cooley Rosalent (a 10-year-old gray Irish Sport Horse owned by Paul and Diana Ridgeon), claimed top honors following their doubleclear show jumping round, finishing with a score of 31.8. “I’m still in shock. This is just the most special event in the world and a special day in all our lives,” remarked Townend at a press conference following the win.
Townend has had Cooley Rosalent in his barn since she was four years old. He was so smitten with her that he initially bought her himself, something he doesn’t typically do, before selling her to Paul Ridgeon, who was looking to add to his string.
“She’s tough, and she definitely knows her job,” Townend said of Cooley Rosalent. “She’s not merry, but she knows what she wants. She’s a very different personality to [my other horse] Ballaghmor Class. She’s pretty feisty and needs managing that way, but it feels like she loves her job in all three phases and that there are no chinks in the armor and no weaknesses. Any mistakes are greenness or lack of experience. She’s one of the best horses I’ve ever ridden.”
Fellow Brits Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (33.8) and Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Loir (35.6), who were in first and second, respectively, coming into the final phase, both dropped rails to fall
below Townend in the final standings. “It’s exciting coming up to an Olympic year to have put ourselves in a great position. So, onwards and upwards,” said McEwen of his performance with the 13-yearold bay Warmblood gelding, owned by James and Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston.
Townend’s win gives him the second leg of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which awards a $350,000 cash prize to the rider who can win Badminton, Burghley, and Kentucky in succession, but not necessarily in that order. A title claimed by only two riders, 2024 marked the third time Townend won two legs without clinching the third as he did not contest the MARS Badminton Horse Trials due to his horse, Ballaghmor Class, suffering from a poorly timed abscess.
American Will Coleman and his new mount Diabolo, a 12-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Diabolo Group, landed the top spot on the podium for the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S. The pair went into the show-jumping phase in second place and set themselves up for the win with a clear round. Coleman was favored to take the top spot coming into the class, but not with Diabolo; his top contender, Chin Tonic HS, had to withdraw before the start of the competition. “I have a lot of belief in the horse’s talent, and I’ve been patiently biding my time until he was ready to show it to the rest of the world,” said Coleman of Diabolo. “He has a long way to go, but I’m really keen on him and really excited about him.”
The USA’s Philip Dutton was given a Kentucky Cup for his 50th completion at K3DE. The award for the highest-placed youngest rider was given to Germany’s Calvin Böckmann. HansenHotopp earned the James C. Wofford “On the Rise” Award as the highest-placing first-time CCI5*-L competitor.
Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE) and organized by Equestrian Events, Inc., is one of only seven annual Five Star three-day events worldwide. Along with thrilling competition in the CCI5*-L, the Cosequin® Lexington 4*, and Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix presented by
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, the nearly 90,000 spectators in attendance also enjoyed a Defender off-road driving experience, tailgating, and diverse shopping and hospitality experiences.
After the event, EEI donated $75,000 to 17 charities, including Central Kentucky Riding for Hope; The Nest – Center for Women, Children, and Families; the University of Kentucky Equestrian Team; and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope. “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding tradition of giving back to the local and equestrian communities,” said Erin Woodall, Executive Director of EEI. “We are grateful for the work they do and are honored to be able to support their efforts.” sl
CONCORSO D’ELEGANZA VILLA D’ESTE
Motoring Magic on the Shores of Lake Como
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy BMW Group Classic
Raindrops sparkled like diamonds as their descent from heavento-earth was interrupted by a bounce off the highly polished chrome bumpers of some of the world's most coveted automobiles arrayed in the gardens of Villa d'Este in Tivoli, Italy, for the annual Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
While an intermittent drizzle on the private Saturday afternoon garden party exhibition forced owners of open-top cars to employ creative umbrella placement to protect their precious interiors, it didn't dampen the spirits of the soignée attendees who were there to ogle marvels of mobility in all their beguiling diversity.
As presenting sponsor, BMW Group Classic kicked off the festivities by unveiling its 20th BMW Art Car designed by Julie Mehretu, an Ethiopian American artist known for large-scale, multi-media works serving as a visual articulation of contemporary experience. Later that evening, two world premieres were held: the BMW Concept Skytop, influenced by predecessors BMW Z8 and BMW 503, and the BMW R 20 concept, a homage to the Big Boxer Roadster by BMW Motorrad. Co-sponsor Rolls Royce toasted its 120th anniversary with a historic class at the Concourso and a Royce Cullinan Series II display.
Laurence Basse
Best In Show went to
The People’s Choice award went to a 1995 McLaren F1. Photo by Gudrun Muschalla
Alpine Alpenglow.
Photo by Hardy Mutschler
Photo by Hardy Mutschler
Maserati A6GCS Spider Frua 1955.
Photo by Hardy Mutschler
Fireworks over Lake Como at Villa d’Este
Photo by Hardy Mutschler
1957 Ferrari 155 S. Photo by Hardy Mutschler
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II.
Photo by Hardy Mutschler
The prestigious Best in Show award was bestowed upon an 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300, a stunning piece of automotive history owned by the HM Collection from Belgium. This Grand Prix car, styled in the coachwork design of a spider by Figoni from the 1930s, stood out among the impressive lineup of automobiles. The 12,000 attendees at Sunday's public portion of the event—the Coppa d'Oro Villa d'Este —were met with sunny skies for the exhibition, parade of cars, and presentation of winners by Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of A. Lange und
Söhne added to the winner's prestige by gifting them a bespoke model of the 1815 Chronograph in white gold. The People's Choice award went to a 1995 McLaren F1 owned by Tony Vassilopoulos from Great Britain.
The event concluded with Käs, on behalf of BMW Group Classic, presenting a € 50,000 contribution to Matteo Monti, the Mayor of Cernobbio. This significant donation, reflecting a portion of the ticket sales and an additional contribution by BMW Group Classic, is earmarked for a local children's charity, furthering the event's impact beyond the world of luxury cars. sl See additional event images on Sophisticated Living's website: slmag.net/motoring.
The public exhibition was held at the park of Villa Erba. Photo by Gudrun Muschalla
BMW Concept Skytop. Photo by Enes Kucevic Photography
20th BMW Art Car designed by Julie Mehret. Photo by Hardy Mutschler
Experiences matterHERE.
Celebrate Summer at America’s Most Beloved Resort.
There’s always something magical in the air at The Omni Homestead Resort, a place that inspires timeless memories of summer. Enjoy the carefree pleasure of playing croquet all day. Explore more on horseback or through an enriching falconry class. Retreat to the expansive spa complex, take the waters at the historic Warms Springs Pools, or make a splash at our Allegheny Springs water park. A leisurely lunch or a round with friends on one of our championship golf courses is a reminder of how getting away can bring you together.
Plan the Grand American Vacation and save 50% on a four-night package including daily buffet breakfasts and complimentary passes to 10+ outdoor experiences. Located within driving distance from the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest and with non-stop service to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport from cities across the country, America’s first resort—one of the nation’s most beloved destinations—always feels close to home.
GOING THE DISTANCE
Compiled by Bridget Williams
This page, clockwise from top left: Assael 62.5” Akoya pearl and sardinian coral tassel lariat necklace (assael.com). Suzanne Kalan 36” mini tennis necklace ($92,000; suzannekalan.com). GURHAN Rain 49” gold and gemstone necklace ($9,595). Available through Elleard B. Heffern in St. Louis, and gurhan.com. Milamore Diamond Duo chain ($16,700; milamorejewelry.com). Moritz Glik men’s Hiroki necklace with black and white diamonds in a white sapphire Kaleidoscope Shaker™ ($24,950; mortizglik.com). Tamara Comolli Signature Wave earrings ($5,100). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and us.tamaracomolli.com. Yoko London Sleek pearl and diamond earrings ($1,509; yokolondon.com). Jade Ruzzo Harbour ear jackets in conch + tourmaline ($4,800; jaderuzzo.com). NeverNoT Hide N Seek Ready 2 Discover earrings ($10, 578; nevernot.co.uk). David Yurman pearl and pavé two row drop earrings ($2,400). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Luvente Bold Pear dangle earrings ($17,000). Available through the Richter & Phillips Co. in Cincinnati and luvente.com. Ali Weiss gold hoops with 5 drop diamond chains ($2,550; aliweissjewelry.com). Lydia Courteille Rosa Del Inca pendant (price upon request; lydiacourteille.com). Mattia Cielo 18 row bracelet with diamonds (price upon request; mattiacielo.com). Buddha Mama shaker bracelet (buddhamama.com). Asherali Marcia interchangeable earring (asherali-paris.com). Marco Bicego Petali earrings (from $7,550). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and us.marcobicego.com. Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Kinraden Other Blooms necklace ($706; kinraden.com). Lugano flexible green diamond and opal titanium ring (price upon request; luganodiamonds.com).
SINGING THE BLUES
Play the role of a pampered castaway during a stay at Caerula Mar Club on remote Andros Island in the Bahamas.
Written by Bridget Williams
What is it about certain shades of cerulean waters in the Caribbean that tickle the senses, causing us to stare into them, unblinking as if Medusa herself stood before us? Do the fortunate few who traverse these sandy shores daily live in a perpetual state of enchantment? I pondered these questions during a recent scenic one-hour Maker's Air flight (makersair.com/bahamas-flights), which operates daily from Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport to Congo Town, a small fishing village on South Andros in the Bahamas just minutes away to idyllic Caerula Mar Club, the first luxury resort on this island.
Looking down from above as Florida's greenish waters gradually morphed into myriad shades of blue, I experienced what I have since learned is called "Blue Mind," a phrase coined by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols and the title of his book. Backed by a healthy body of research, Nichols writes, "When we get near, in, on, or underwater, it moves us into this blue mind state, which turns out is a place that's very good for creativity and
connection and collaboration. Being calm, being curious, and even being courageous, it's a place of contentment."
I can only surmise that Bryan and Sarah Baeumler were experiencing a "Blue Mind" state when they acquired the 10-acre oceanfront property on the largest island of the Bahama archipelago. HGTV devotees will undoubtedly recognize the resort's name from the show Renovation Island, which ran for five seasons starting in 2020 and followed the Canadian couple and their four children as they renovated a dilapidated 1960s-era resort that had been on the market for a decade on the very undeveloped island, approximately 200 miles from the Florida coast.
It's not hard for visitors today to see how the couple—longtime fixtures on both the HGTV and DIY networks—who visited the island on a lark in 2017 as part of a day trip fell under the spell of the property's potential. Taking $24 million and giving plenty of drama for their HGTV audience, Caerula Mar
Club opened in February 2020 with five private villas and 18 Clubhouse suites.
During our three-night visit in late winter, we stayed in one of the two-bedroom, one-bath villas, thoughtfully spread out among the palm tree-dotted oceanfront lawn for optimal privacy. Boasting traditional island architecture, including a generous wrap-around front porch and a cathedral ceiling in the main bedroom, the mid-century-inspired interiors, and gilded gold touches, including Kelly Wearstler Strada sconces above the mini bar and sculptural bamboo-shaped drawer pulls in the closet, artfully resist going full-on beachy and instead rely on a palette of muted sand colors with pops of blue and large framed black and white nature photographs to communicate a subtle sense of place (a notable exception being the cutest sea urchin lamp on the nightstand in between twin beds in the secondary bedroom).
The bathroom was enormous, with dual vanities, a separate water closet, and a shower so large that it took several steps to get
from the wonderfully scented lavender and tea tree bath products packaged in environmentally friendly large bottles (big bonus points from me!) and back to the dual showerheads.
From the moment we boarded our flight in Ft. Lauderdale, Caerula regulars surrounded us; in fact, it seemed that we were the only newbies on the property during our stay. While the maximum capacity is 60 guests, occupancy typically runs in the upper 40s, so faces quickly become familiar. Our fellow guests were a chatty and friendly lot, and it was clear that in the four years since it's been open, Caerula Mar has helped forge more than a few long-term friendships. The familial atmosphere is fostered by on-property managers Margaret and Ron Gratzinger, South Carolina natives who embarked on remote resort management as a second career and managed the property in the early 2000s under its previous ownership. The return rate is also buoyed by a ten-percent discount if you rebook your next visit prior to departing.
Photo by William Torrillo
There is a trio of on-property restaurants: Switcha, a café and smoothie bar; Driffs Bar and Lounge, situated between the pool and the ocean; and Lusca (named after the mythical sea monster said to inhabit the island's blue holes), serving breakfast and dinner with a menu that changes daily, particularly welcome for extended stay guests on an island with limited outside dining options. Working in tandem, Carlos Alvarez, who worked his way up the ladder to become Executive Chef, and Executive Sous Chef Janet Hoediono, who spent last year's off-season in Peru to glean culinary inspiration, use a global lens to create dishes teeming with local ingredients and Caribbean flavors. Guests can choose to dine à la carte or opt for a three-meal dining plan for $155 per person, per day.
Many guests relished in the resort's remoteness and were amply preoccupied in the pursuit of idyll, reading and lounging
by the pool, and occasionally taking to the wide, white sand beach for a long stroll or to avail themselves of gratis kayaks or paddleboards. However, if, like me, you're not able to sit still for long, you can do as we did and make use of the yoga and fitness rooms, pickleball court, and bicycles, the latter of which allowed us to explore the natural wonders of this subtropical island with ten distinct vegetation zones.
Birders will appreciate that Andros' long-term bird counts record more than 200 endemic and North American birds, including the critically endangered Bahama Oriole. Phytophiles can look for more than 50 species of wild orchids. Geologists and adventurers can admire the highest concentration of blue holes found anywhere in the world: 178 inland and 50 oceanic.
Using a map provided by the concierge, our short bike ride took us to the 40,000-acre Blue Hole Natural Park. Too nervous about
Lobby reception lounge
Villa photo by William TorrilloPhoto by Matthew Cottrell
Driffs beach bar photo by William Torrillo
Pink Sands villa bedroom
jumping from the limestone cliffs into the blue abyss, we opted to hike the rim of several freshwater basins, where the surface of pockmarked rocks was as pointy as the peaks of properly whipped egg whites.
I was similarly timid the following day when our half-day "Ocean Adventure" reef fishing and snorkeling trip took us to a large oceanic blue hole. As a writer and someone who gets the heebiejeebies during shallow water snorkeling, it wasn't hard for me to breathe life into what I read about the Lusca, described as a predatory sea creature up to 250 feet long with the head and torso of a Great White and an octopus' tentacled tail. Luckily, Andros' barrier reef, the third largest in the world, runs the entire length of the island and supports a tremendous variety of hard and soft coral gardens and exotic reef fish, which took my mind off mythical menaces.
If you'd like to go deeper, Caerula Mar offers Discover SCUBA and certification classes with advance notice. The resort
is also working on a coral gardening and reef restoration program that guests can participate in to help combat the effects of global warming, ocean acidification, and overfishing.
Other water-based activities include half- and full-day bonefishing excursions (Andros is known as the "bonefishing capital of the world"), private boat charters, sunset cruises, and guided mangrove kayaking. After your adventuring, you can recharge with a relaxing facial or massage in Caerula Mar's beachfront spa cottage.
During our daily exploration by land and sea, I marveled that large, sparsely populated pieces of paradise still exist in such a connected and seemingly oversaturated world. And, by doing my best to forgo my phone, I came to appreciate a new perspective on experiencing the blues. sl
For more information visit caerulamar.com.
Burton, our boat captain and life-long Andros resident making reef fishing look easy.
One of Andros’ 178 inland blue holes.
A pickleball court is among the active on-site amenities.
Photo by William Torrillo
This past spring, the eyes of the interior design world were focused on Milan for the 62nd edition of Salone del Mobile, the cornerstone of Milan Design Week. The largest of its kind, Salone drew a record crowd of more than 360,000 attendees (nearly half from abroad), who were looking to glimpse a future of home living as imagined by 1,950 exhibitors representing 35 countries. This year included a particular focus on EuroCucina / FTK, Technology For the Kitchen and International Bathroom Exhibition biennials. Outside the sprawling Fiera Milano convention complex, fringe events at design districts across Milan, known as fuorisalone, hosted various events, including talks, tours, workshops, exhibitions, open showrooms, and pop-ups. While it’s never easy to play favorites, we tasked members of our editorial team with submitting a few of their favorites to share with you. sl
Salone Standouts
Written and compiled by Bridget Williams
This page: Snairdero Elementi at EuroCucina (snaidero.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The freestanding modules of the VIPP V3 modular kitchen at EuroCucina are wrapped in naturally anodized aluminium with vertically extruded profiles curving around the edges (vipp.com/en/kitchens/v3-kitchen). Fringes armchair from Munna Design (munnadesign.com) and Embrade side table from Ginger & Jagger (gingerandjagger.com). Kartell A.I. lounge chair designed by Philippe Starck and American firm Autodesk using artificial intelligence. Planet floor lamps, and Undique Mas side table (kartell.com). Stilo is the new project that Scavolini unveiled at EuroCucina (scavolini.com). Bentley Home Wilton desk and Bollington office chair (luxurylivinggroup.com). Ernest modular sofa & coffee tables at the Polioform stand (polioform.it/en-us). The LUNE vanity unit by Emanuel Gargano for Terzofoco was named one of top 10 products at the Salone Internazionale del Bagno (terzofoco.it/en). Poltronova Ultrafragola mirror/lamp (poltronova.it). ImperfettoLab ÒRGHEN table and Equilibria chairs (imperfettolab.com).
This page: Bloom 3 pendant handmade by Studio Umut Yamac in London (umutyamac.com). Random Clouds by Chia-Ling Yee for Lodes is available in seven color schemes and can be configured into clusters of 7, 14, 19, or 23 lights (lodes.com). Ginger & Jagger Geode console (gingerandjagger. com). Barnaba Fornasetti with Poltrona Frau’s Vanity Fair XC armchair reinterpreted by Fornasetti with the design silk screened onto leather. Limited edition of 50 pieces (poltronafrau.com/us/en). Llama bar cabinet from Kenneth Cobonpue features two compartments that opens on each side, built-in wine glass holders abd finely sanded wooden table top (kennethcobonpue.com). BELLY liquor cabinet by Studio Roderick Vos available in red, yellow & blue (roderickvos.nl). Etro Home Interiors Quiltana armchair with floral Gobelin fabric, selected from the Etro archives (etro.com). Gianfranco Ferré Home Brygge chair (gianfrancoferrehome.com). Omoi armchair from B&B Itali (bebitalia.com) Opposite page, clockwise from top left: LIBRA vase from Studio Umut Yamac (umutyamac.com). Moooi 500 Tube Light by BCXSY & Carbon bar stool (moooi.com). Minotti Vivienne armchair (minotti.com). Rimadesio Rialto bar cabinet in Taiga ebony-stained wood on the exterior and natural wood interior. Photo by Josh Wong (rimadesio.it/en/). Ceramica Cielo Itaca basins in Talpa finish (ceramicacielo.us/ en). La Michetta modular sofa blocks from Meritalia (meritalia.it/en/). FAS Pendezza ping pong table made entirely of glass available in white, black or transparent. Eliminating the game net allows it to be used as a sleek dining or meeting table (faspendezza.net). Aurena ceramic vanity designed by Antonio Citterio for Duravit with integrated dividers (duravit.com). Arclinea Proxima kitchen, designed by Antonio Citterio. Shown with Hortus, a piece of furniture characterized by the double large coplanar doors and designed for growing aromatic herbs and small vegetables. Hortus represents the integration in the Arclinea design of the domestic version of a hydroponic cultivation controlled by a software, Studio Pepe Visionnaire capsule collection (studiopepe.info) which offers the possibility of always having fresh and organic products for the table (arclinea.com/en/journal/proxima.html).
GIULIO THE TRUFFLE HUNTER & THE ELUSIVE WHITE TRUFFLE
Written by photographed by Craig Kaminer
In the United States, truffles fetch spectacular prices at restaurants, and it's not uncommon to pay $100 or more to add shaved truffles to everything from pasta to pizza. But in Italy, truffles are found virtually everywhere during the various truffle seasons – if you know where to look – and can be added to almost any dish at local restaurants for just $10 or $20.
Don't get me wrong; a large white truffle weighing two pounds has sold in recent years for more than $100,000, but that is a rarity. If the price of adding truffles to your dinner aligns with the cost of a three-course dinner, pass. You are being gouged.
This past fall, my wife and I spent a month living as locals in Florence, Italy, and we discovered truffle hunter Giulio Benuzzi at the recommendation of our Airbnb host, Sophia. Before booking the experience, I carefully researched truffle hunters to see what would work best for my wife, me, and our three adult kids. Some truffle hunters were highly rated, but it took a half day to get to them, and they insisted we stay overnight at their bed and breakfast. Closer ones were too expensive and would fill most of the day.
On the other hand, Giulio was based in Bagno a Ripoli, a 15-minute cab ride from the center of Florence, and we could hunt for truffles and then have a truffle lunch before departing for an entire afternoon back in Florence. At $200-$250 per person, the experience wasn't inexpensive. Still, considering the total experience, including lunch, wine, and the truffles we took home, it was worth it and an unforgettable part of our trip. Giulio is a charming guy, full of stories and life experiences (he is a sailor, like me), and we have since become friends, catching up every month or so. As I discovered, everyone needs a truffle hunter friend!
Our short taxi ride from Florence to the hills overlooking the city brought us to Giulio's home, which he uses to educate, entertain, and nourish his guests. We knew we had arrived when we discovered the Giulio the Truffle Hunter sign at the end of his driveway and heard his team of extremely excited truffle dogs, the Lagotto Romagnolos he has raised since pups. As we learned later, the dogs know there will be a truffle hunt when new guests are at the house, and they like nothing more than to hunt for truffles.
The truffle experience took place in three parts, beginning with learning everything you ever wanted to know about truffles in a classroom-like setting, followed by the hunt, just a short walk from Giulio's home, and ending with an expertly prepared three-course lunch.
While we admittedly thought we would spend the entire time hunting for truffles, Giulio, a member of both the Tuscan truffle association (Associazione Tartufai delle Colline della Bassa Valdelsa) and the Florentine chapter of Slow Food, first educated us about the different truffle types, their seasonality, what makes a good truffle, and how to know if those offered at a restaurant are worth the price.
Of course, my kids gave me a look like they wanted to get out of there and search for truffles right away, but in hindsight, the classroom experience was invaluable.
What we thought we knew was not the case. We learned there are five types of edible truffles, part of the fungi kingdom, that grow year-round underground. Giulio shared that touch,
rather than smell or color, determines a truffle's freshness. Tuscany hosts various truffle species, each with unique characteristics and culinary uses. The white truffle, or "Tuscan White Gold," is among the world's most prized and expensive. Its distinct aroma, reminiscent of garlic and honey, enhances the flavor of dishes without overpowering them. Black truffles, with their earthy and robust flavor, are used in various dishes, from pasta to risotto, to add depth and complexity. Other varieties, like the summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) and the burgundy truffle (Tuber uncinatum), contribute to the diverse and rich tapestry of flavors that characterize the region's gastronomy.
Truffle hunting is not just a matter of luck; it requires skill, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land. Truffle hunters often rely on intuition, reading the terrain and understanding the subtle signs pointing to the presence of truffles. They look for specific types of soil, certain trees, and even the behavior of their canine companions, whose excitement and focused attention signal a potential find.
The dogs play a crucial role in the truffle hunt's success. Trained from an early age, they learn to associate the distinctive scent of truffles with rewards, usually in the form of treats. As the dog picks up the scent, it becomes a game of teamwork and communication between the hunter and their four-legged companion.
The thrill of the hunt lies in the uncertainty of what lies beneath the soil. A subtle dig or scrape reveals the hidden truffle, and the moment of discovery is met with excitement and satisfaction. It's a dance between nature, tradition, and the joy of uncovering a culinary gem.
With the coursework complete, Giulio led us on a short walk to the woods with his top dogs, Tina and Maga, leading the way. When the dogs found a truffle, they would point, and if Giulio or one of us didn't intervene, they would start digging for it. The goal is to uncover the truffle, which is usually less than 12 inches under the surface, growing close to the roots of a tree and often near other truffles. If given the chance, Tina and Maga would dig up the truffles and eat them, so Giulio rewards them with truffleflavored treats to keep them interested and on the scent.
(it looks like a small harpoon used for whaling) to properly unearth the truffle, check its freshness, and store it in his pouch for safekeeping on the walk back to his home. Our hunt occurred in mid-October, and our catch was mainly the less aromatic variety of black truffles. We each kept the ones we found and used them over the next few days on scrambled eggs, charcuterie items, and, of course, with prosciutto and parmesan cheese. Giulio found a good-sized white truffle, which he used in preparing our post-hunt meal.
Little did we know that Giulio is an accomplished chef. He masterfully incorporated black and white truffles into traditional recipes, letting the truffles' natural flavors shine. One iconic Tuscan dish that showcases truffles at their best is the classic tagliolini al tartufo bianco, a simple yet luxurious pasta dish. The delicate, thin strands of pasta are dressed in a light butter or olive oil sauce, allowing the aroma and flavor of the white truffle to take center stage.
While the truffles were the main draw, Giulio, quite a character, was a close second. Following the opening of his bed and breakfast
When the dogs started digging, Giulio used his truffle tool
Is that a Leica?
specializing in food and wine experiences in 1996, he often gets credit for introducing a new format that helps international tourists better understand the art of wine and food in Italy. A chance meeting with a truffle hunter in 1999 ignited Giulio's passion for the fungus, leading him to prepare for and pass the exam necessary to obtain an Italian truffle license in 2003.
In 2015, Airbnb selected Giulio as the Italian experience ambassador for the launch of its online catalog. The following year, Giulio began collaborating with various US television and reality TV producers as the character Giulio the Truffle Hunter on "The Bachelor USA," "The Pack" on Amazon Prime, and for the Italian guide in the two episodes of "Don't Be Late For a Party" on Bravo, among others. A true Renaissance man, Giulio's love for truffles led him to create art, poems, and music with truffles as the star. For nearly a decade, he has been hosting a truffle dinner where, together with his band, they tell the story of truffles in music. sl
If you are heading to Florence, I encourage you to call ahead and set up a truffle hunt. I am confident Giulio will treat you like family, and he has told me that he would offer a ten percent discount to anyone who mentions this story. For more information, visit giuliothetrufflehunter.com.
Leica, the legendary German camera company with a cult-like following, sent me their Q2 ultra-portable full-sensor camera for my trip to Italy. While I usually shoot a Canon DSLR, I thought it would be too bulky, so the Q2 was the perfect travel companion. As soon as I met Giulio the Truffle Hunter, he commented on the Leica which earned me instant credibility as a photographer, and food writer.
The Q2 was easy to carry, easy to shoot, and the large RAW files (47.3 megapixels, 4K video and ISO to 50,000) were just what I needed for my stories. It took just a couple of minutes to figure out the functions, and, truthfully if you know your way around a camera, no user manual was needed. I also discovered a Leica store in Paris and Florence where serious photographers were more than helpful with any questions I had.
Like many amateurs and pros alike, I have been shooting more and more photos with my iPhone over the past few years. The Q2 far outperformed my phone’s photo capabilities, and the Leica FOTOS app was simple to use to add all of my shots to my phone libraries and to share with friends and family via social media along the way.
As cameras continually upgrade their technology, it's easy to feel that yours is becoming obsolete. Not with Leica. They hold their value, people hold onto them for years and often pass them down to a younger generation of enthusiasts, and chances are your best shots will be taken by a Leica. sl
ORANGE
Louis Vuitton Deep Time Seeds ring (price upon request; us.louisvuitton.com). Basak Baykal Signature Basak necklace (price upon request; basakbaykal. co.uk). Bee Goddess Queen Bee sapphire ring ($12,390; beegoddess.com). Anthony Lent fire opal Muse Dream ring ($89,000; anthonylent.com). Boochier Gumball Slinkee coral and pink opal earrings ($13,560; boochier.com). Aurelia Denmark Clementine necklace ($3,345) with large coral heart pendant ($765; aureliademark.com). Andrew Geoghegan Chocolate Box Truffle cocktail ring (andrewgeoghegan.com). Fred Leighton signed topaz and diamond cocktail ring (price upon request; fredleighton.com). Seal & Scribe The Travelers ring ($3,495; sealandscribe. com). Aisha Baker 3.60CT citrine (price upon request; aishabaker.com). The Majesty earrings with 5 Nouvel Heritage garnet stud earrings ($1,800). Available through. Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and us.nouvelheritage.com. Saule Lucia earrings ($220; saulelabel.com). Cicada Jewelry earrings (price upon request; cicadajewelry.com). Bleecker & Prince Enchanted Donut ($1,340; bleeckerandprince.com). Alina Abegg Signature Alien ring with orange moonstone and diamonds ($16,234; alinaabegg.com). Brent Neale Believe signet ring with carnelian ($7,800; brentneale.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: La Grande Classique de Longines ($3,650). Available through Richters & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and longines.com. Emily P. Wheeler Anna necklace ($4,200; emilypwheeler.com). Clara Chebab rough imperial topaz, garnet and diamond necklace ($6,915; clarachehab.com). Lionheart charm. Albarre Jewelry fire opal ring ($1,050; albarre.com). Assael dendritic agate, coral, red clam natural saltwater pearl, & yellow diamond brooch ($64,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael.com.
EUROPE'S NEXT TOP MODEL
The barchetta design of Midsummer, borne from a Morgan & Pininfarina collaboration, celebrates an iconic European body style and demonstrates the flexibility of the timeless Morgan silhouette.
Written by Andre James / Photos by Nick Dimbleby, courtesy of Morgan Motor Company
A tribute to the art of bespoke motor vehicles, the Midsummer model is a testament to the more than two centuries of combined coachbuilding experience between Morgan Motor Company (morgan-motor.com) and Pininfarina (pininfarina.it). This limited edition, a Morgan special project, showcases the finely honed skills of artisans who meticulously hand-formed every element of the distinctive body based on Morgan's latest CX-Generation Bonded Aluminum Platform.
"Midsummer is dedicated to enthusiastic individuals who will enjoy an unconventional, sensory, and analog driving experience. By identifying and reinterpreting Morgan's admired ideals, Midsummer turns our legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic," said Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Motor Company.
Midsummer's delicate yet exaggerated proportions imbue an eccentric elegance reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs and evocative of an era of late 30s and early 40s automotive design. New surfacing, particularly noticeable on the front and rear wings, gives a subtle preview of the evolving Morgan design language. Midsummer also introduces a shoulder line to Morgan's instantly recognizable side profile, made possible by introducing exposed wooden structures, one of the defining elements of a barchetta, a class of open-top, two-seat sports cars. Hand-formed stainless steel lower sills provide a conclusion for the wings, along with a sense of volume and an 'undercut,' a feature inspired by early Pininfarina designs.
New signature headlight units – finished with silver inserts –flank the horseshoe grille with a half-moon shape at the top of the stone guard, which helps direct airflow within the grille aperture. A longer rear tail is reminiscent of iconic Pininfarina designs of
the early 20th century, while the cockpit view of the long bonnet leads eyes to the wing tops and the placement of the front wheels. Pininfarina has reinterpreted Morgan's iconic louvers stamped lengthways into each bonnet with a series of hand-formed 'piano keys' positioned widthways along the scuttle section of each bonnet and functioning to facilitate airflow in the engine compartment.
Midsummer's barchetta style provided an opportunity to utilize sustainably sourced teak to create a shoulder line, accentuating the cockpit's perimeter and visibly showcasing Morgan's craftspeople's skill. This application pays homage to Morgan's long-established relationship with wood, a fundamental desire Pininfarina expressed at the project's earliest stages.
"The design of the Midsummer is the product of an immersive journey between two brands, building on the essence of Morgan's DNA, encompassing its centenary heritage, company culture, and a remarkable community of passionate devotees. This endeavor was also a rare and unique opportunity to investigate our own past with the fresh eyes of a new generation of designers and to rediscover our company's very origins in coachbuilding," said Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer, Pininfarina.
Embarking on a journey of exclusivity, only 50 Midsummer models will be crafted, each one a testament to the unique vision of its owner and a true one-off masterpiece. These limited editions have already found their discerning owners during exclusive preview sessions. Production, commencing in 2024 (Morgan's 115th year), at the company's facility in Malvern, Worcestershire, in the UK, will culminate in 2025. The Midsummer will make its public debut at the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, an annual event held in July at the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. sl
PREEMINENT IN PREMIUM
BMW announces refreshed design details and updates to the 2025 BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe
Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of BMW
Enhancements to the new BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe related to aesthetics, driving experience, electrification, and digitalization aim to build upon the brand’s status as an innovator in the premium midsize class.
On the exterior, there’s a fresh take on the BMW kidney grille, which is now finished in matte chrome and has a fully enclosed upper section. Below this is a black high-gloss surface topped by a matte-silver honeycomb pattern. The air intakes on the combustion-engine versions of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe have a mesh structure whose surfaces are now finished in matte Quartz Silver. The slim headlights have been visually and functionally upgraded, including a Welcome Light animation.
The M Sport package for the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe includes a diffuser element in the lower section of the rear bumper, finished in black high gloss. The exhaust tailpipes integrated into the rear apron on the left and right of the combustion-engined models have grown a half inch in diameter. Customers can order 19-inch M Aero bi-color wheels on cars specified with the M Sport Package. Also new are 20-inch BMW Individual Aero bi-color wheels in double-spoke design, available on M440i and 430i models.
Most notable inside the cabin is what’s missing: the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect reduces the number of buttons and controls. The system’s QuickSelect feature allows the driver to navigate to functions directly from the newly arranged home screen without entering submenus.
The company says that voice control using the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be even more interactive and intuitive. The latest version of BMW Maps will give BMW i4
drivers access – both from the vehicle and via the My BMW App – to improved functions that enable charging-optimized route planning over long journeys.
Sport seats in perforated Sensatec are standard, while Vernasca leather trim with decorative quilting is available in five colors, including the new standard bi-color black with red highlight. Also standard is a two-spoke steering wheel with a polygonal rim and illuminated multifunction buttons. The M Sport Package brings an M leather steering wheel with tricolor stitching in a three-spoke design with a flat-bottomed rim.
New interior trim elements include M Fine Brushed Aluminum and new Fineline Light open-pored and Grey Blue Ash open-pored fine wood trim variants. The Sensatec upholstery covering the instrument panel boasts a smoother, more refined surface that extends to the upper portion of all four door panels. Customers can now specify a Galvanic finish for the gear selector, BMW iDrive Controller, and Start/Stop button on the center console.
Powerful and efficient, the 3-liter, 6-cylinder combustion engines with 48V mild hybrid technology in the 2025 M440i Gran Coupe models can provide an 11 hp boost to the 375 hp TwinPower Turbo engine. The engine pairs with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission to propel the BMW M440i Gran Coupe from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.7 seconds, or an estimated 4.3 seconds when fitted with xDrive intelligent allwheel drive. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
At press time, BMW had yet to release pricing for the BMW i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe, which is scheduled to begin production in July. sl
TINY BUT MIGHTY
If you're a foodie and history buff, head straight to Rhode Island. The Ocean State won't disappoint.
Written by Christy Marshall
After being banished in 1636 from the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Salem by its Puritanical leaders, Roger Williams bought land from the Narragansett people and founded the Providence Plantations (which turned into the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and then the State of Rhode Island) as a haven for religious freedom — for people, he said, were "distressed of conscience."
Before long, the area had become home to religious and political dissenters, as well as some social outcasts. It was dubbed "Rogue Island."
There is nothing rogue about Rhode Island now.
In terms of area, the state is the nation's smallest. It could fit comfortably into the Grand Canyon with about 700 square miles to spare. The state is 48 miles long and 37 miles wide, comprising six areas: Block Island, South County, Blackstone Valley, Warwick, Providence, and Newport. The top of Rhode Island borders Massachusetts to its north and east and Connecticut to the west. Eastern Rhode Island contains the lowlands of the Narragansett Bay, and Western Rhode Island forms part of the New England upland.
The state sparkles from the T.F. Green Airport in Providence (with its fresh flowers in the ladies' room) to the magnificent
mansions on its coast. Picking Warwick as a first stop, the Hotel NYLO is a lovely tribute to industrial chic. From there, make a quick jaunt to the famed Victorian mansions of Newport.
The state has a new marketing motto: "Come for the food. Stay for the stories." It's apt. Rhode Island abounds in both culinary delights and history.
Castle Hill Inn (castlehillinn.com) in Newport is a great place to start on both counts. Established in 1875, the "summer house" was originally commissioned by Alexander Agassiz, a marine biologist and naturalist at Harvard University and a man who made a fortune in copper mining. During World War II, the mansion was used as an impromptu base for naval officers. Later, it became a summer hotel. Following winterization, it started running year-round. Today, Castle Hill is owned by its employees and retains its old-world charm and elegance. On the culinary side, I must recommend the Truffled Onion Dip with house-fried kettle chips, the Arancini, and "Cornbread's" Clam Chowder for your lunch order at The Lawn. If the weather is amenable, take a break sitting on one of the ubiquitous Adirondack chairs and watch the boats sail by.
Castle Hill Inn in Newport was built in 1875 by Alexander Agassiz as a summer residence.
Photo by Alex Paul.
Located on a spit of land between the Atlantic Ocean and a pond, this Weekapaug Inn dates back to 1939.
Shepherd's Run in South Kingstown was constructed in 1933 as a summer residence. The 36-acre property now holds a boutique hotel and its own winery and spa.
Rhode Island boasts dishes unique to the state. There's the "Stuffie," a clam stuffed with bread. Coffee Milk: coffee syrup served in milk (and the official state drink). The "Saugy Dog": a hot dog with a touch of spice (which originated in 1869). The state also boasts an International Food Trail featuring restaurants in 10 Rhode Island towns with menus from 40 different countries.
You might want to start that trek in Central Falls at Tuxpan Taqueria, a 2024 James Beard finalist for Best New Restaurant. The chef and owner, Diego Alcantar, named it after his hometown in Mexico. The restaurant is minute, and the food is spectacular. His mother helps in the kitchen, and as she said, "The food is love." It's a must-stop.
In Chepachet, make reservations at the Portuguese restaurant, Assado's Kitchen + Bar, and order the Quahogs Recheados, the Portuguese take on the "Stuffie."
On the history and food side, slip into The Guild Brewing Co., a pub/restaurant/event space set along the Providence River in Pawtucket, the home of the American Industrial Revolution. Located in the former Haskell Manufacturing Nut and Bolt factory, the Guild's owners kept as many elements of the original building as possible, right down to the beams and crank windows. Be sure to sample some of The Guild's own brews.
As for the stories and aside from the magnificent Gilded Age mansions of the Vanderbilts, Astors, and their ilk, slip into the St. Ann's Arts & Cultural Center (stannsartsandculturalcenter.org) in Woonsocket to see the nation's most extensive collection of fresco paintings. The church was built in 1918 as one of the country's eight French Canadian parishes. A Central Falls fresco artist, Guido Nigari, came and spent two years painting the frescos. Locals were paid 25 cents and a peanut butter sandwich to sit and be painted into the scenes.
All the delectable dishes and forays into the country's past certainly warrant a visit. But for me, I'd beat a fast path for a stay at one (or both) of the Ocean House Collection's Rhode Island holdings.
Let's start at The Weekapaug Inn in Westerly (weekapaughinn. com). The Inn welcomes you just as if you were walking into a very affluent friend's warm and beautifully decorated home. Inside the front foyer is the Hunter Lending Closet. A trove of classic Hunter boots awaits guests ready to wander the hills or, on a wet and windy day, saunter down the beach. It is the only U.S. hotel to pair with the famous British bootery.
The foyer walls are cloaked in hand-painted scenes of shorebirds. The murals were painted in 2012 by Sonja Vaccari, a local artist, and Kathy Metcalf, the wife of co-owner Lang Wheeler, apprenticed on the job.
"Our art is a little different here," said Dan Abrashoff, the general manager of the Weekapaug Inn. "You'll see Audubon prints throughout the Inn. Those are all the birds that call the pond home. So they either migrate through here or they live here."
Now in its 125th year, the original 1899 building was destroyed in the epic hurricane of 1938. However, they salvaged as much of the original structure and furniture as possible and used it the following year to rebuild the current Weekapaug Inn in its new location.
In 2007, the Inn partially closed only to be revived three years later when Weekapaug resident Lang Wheeler joined Watch Hill resident Chuck Royce to take over and make the hotel part of the Ocean House Collection and one of 580 Relais and Châteaux hotel properties.
The Inn has 24 rooms, three Fenway suites, two Carriage House suites, and four Signature suites. For those curious about the surroundings and its native inhabitants, a full-time naturalist
Today the Weekapaug is part of the Ocean House Collection and is one of Relais and Châteaux 580-hotel properties.
is on Weekapaug's staff. In the summer, barbecues are held on Thursday nights, and lobster boils on Sundays. Fresh-baked pizzas are served on the beach. The chef sources ingredients grown on the grounds and from nearby purveyors. The Inn is also renowned for its Sunday Family Dinners, a three-course family-style menu. The Inn has morning yoga, fine food, welcoming vignettes in the common spaces with jigsaw puzzles to board games, card games, reading nooks. It's what everyone dreams of as the perfect home away from home.
But as lovely as Weekapaug Inn is—and it really is—the jewel in the OHC crown is Ocean House in nearby Watch Hill.
Ocean House is the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in Rhode Island. It is set on 13 acres with a 650foot private beach. The hotel's Ocean & Harvest Spa and COAST restaurant are also Forbes Five-Star rated, making Ocean House one of only 14 Five-Star resorts in the world to have the designation. And, as a bonus for all the Swifties out there, you can see Taylor Swift's house just down the beach.
The yellow-and-white Victorian mansion on the Atlantic opened in 1868, just after the Civil War. But time took its toll, and in 2003, the Ocean House was declared beyond feasible repair and shuttered. More than 5,000 salvageable artifacts and furnishing elements were spared. Under the auspices of Wheeler and Royce, the original building was replicated, complete with all the resort's 247 windows in their original positions and opened in 2004. It holds 49 guestrooms, 20 signature suites, and a slew of cottages available to rent.
The hotel is beautifully designed and appropriately grand. But there's more to it than fine dining and high-end amenities. The spa is the ultimate sea of serenity.
My favorite find among the treasures stashed in the Ocean House is a vast collection of work created by Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic Madeline series. The assemblage is the largest private collection on permanent public display in the world. Curated by Hilary Hatfield, the collection is owned by Deborah and Charles Royce, the inn's proprietors.
Among the sketches from the original books and 21 of Bemelmans' drawings titled "Farewell to the Ritz" (Bemelmans' former employer), there hang two oversized paintings commissioned for the children's dining room on Aristotle Onassis' yacht, the Christina O. There are also frescos taken from a bar Bemelman owned in Paris.
"Ludwig Bemelmans was an iconic, prolific, and witty artist and writer who continues to appeal to people of all ages," said Deborah Royce when the gallery opened. "Many of his works portray all levels of society with humorous 'behind the scenes' glimpses of café and hotel life. Naturally, these playful pieces fit perfectly into our hotel setting."
Another lovely spot to stop and stay is Shepherd's Run (shepherds.run) in South Kingstown. The Norman Romanesque building was constructed in 1933 as yet another summer residence. The small hotel (26 rooms), located on 36 acres, has its own winery and spa, BODY + MIND. But then again, Rhode Island is overrun with wonderful spots to see.
There probably isn't a terrible time to visit, but according to Daniel Abrashoff of Weekapaug Inn, Rhode Island is "magical" in the fall. The summers are beautiful, but everywhere is packed with people who have fled New York, New Jersey, and places beyond.
Irrespective of when you go, leave yourself plenty of time to explore the entirety of the Ocean State. Enjoy every bite; visit every town.
Rhode Island may be tiny, but it's magnificently mighty. sl
The first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes FiveStar hotel in Rhode Island, Ocean House is perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill.
Bridget Williams
Mira Zwillinger
“Milli,” “Olly,” and “Jolli” (mirazwillinger.com)
Madam Burcu
Morilee “Phaedra” (morilee.com)
Katy Corso (katycorso.com/en)
(yolancris.com)
“Persephone” (inesdisanto.com)
WORLD-CLASS CITIES
ARE
OFTEN MEASURED
VITALITY
BY THE ECONOMIC
OF THEIR DOWNTOWN, characterized by a diverse cultural and commercial landscape, thriving real estate, desirable schools and a central business district buzzing with activity. Over my lifetime, downtown Louisville has evolved from a hub of locally grown companies in the 1980s and 90s to a center focused on amenities like the Bourbon Trail, museums and sports complexes. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisville was bustling with energy and development.
Today, the downtown and business landscape in Louisville and similar-sized cities has shifted. Many local companies have been sold or merged with out-of-town entities, turning former local corporate headquarters into high-vacancy rental office towers. Additionally, a significant portion of the workforce has transitioned to remote work, changing the dynamics of the downtown area.
Louisville, like many cities, has seen a transfer of wealth and intellectual talent to cities where corporate headquarters have moved. This shift impacts philanthropic donations and job opportunities, as larger cities attract young professionals seeking employment. The challenge now is to reclaim and reinvigorate our downtown, ensuring it remains a vibrant center for the community.
To address these changes, Louisville must think big and bold. Independence Bank supports the plan by Mayor Greenberg, Louisville Downtown Partnership, and Greater Louisville Inc., which aims to enrich and revitalize the city by tackling crime, homelessness and creating a welcoming environment. This plan leverages Louisville’s strengths, including its medical district, higher education and innovation district, arts community, enhanced residential living, the Bourbon Trail and tourism. Initiatives like relocating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and
potentially repurposing vacant office towers for Jefferson County Public Schools headquarters are steps in this direction.
Looking ahead, Louisville should consider even bolder ideas, such as converting downtown office towers into educational districts for high school STEAM and magnet programs.
Attracting college graduates back to Louisville could be achieved by creating professional jobs that accommodate semiremote work and offering tax incentives to reduce student loans.
It is crucial to act now, support local leaders and collaborate on innovative solutions. Independence Bank is committed to investing in Louisville, believing that positive change begins with small, bold ideas that can grow and drive the city’s economy forward.
Louis R. Straub, II President Loan Officer
Independence Bank
BIOPHILIC LEADS 2024 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS
Written by Kristen Pawlak
Biophilic design, where nature and natural elements take center stage in our homes and workplaces, is a leading interior ornamentation trend. It's about connecting people and nature within the home environment. Biophilic design elements play a therapeutic role, as they are thought of as calming, uplifting, and anxiety-reducing. Designs should include elements that mimic natural occurrences by bringing nature into the home.
The basic premise of biophilic design is utilizing inspiration from the outdoors as a gigantic mood board that allows you to select from a multitude of colors, materials, shapes, and patterns. Think lush plants, warm wood, cool stone, and water and light features. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also has been proven to boost moods, increase productivity, and reduce stress levels.
Biophilic design is based on the growing appreciation for nature and its calming influence on our lives. People are seeking more comfort and coziness at home in the form of painted nooks, moody
wallpaper, warm wood tones, and rich, colorful upholstery. There is a rise of soft, warm nuances that are spirit-lifting and dopamineenhancing. We want spaces that bring nostalgic moments to mind, fond recollections from our past that elicit a sense of coziness, comfort, and longing.
We are seeing a cheerful bouquet of colors, and this trend will continue. Blues and greens, of course, are obvious colors for connecting with nature. Pink and yellow undertones add to those two popular colors. Earthy or nature-inspired hues are predominant right now to achieve a calming, relaxed, and welcoming interior. Classic floral and lattice patterns are mingled with textural solids and delicate small-scale patterns for ease of layering.
Intricate details enhance a room and make it utterly unique and interesting. They are indicators of quality, identity, functionality, and care. Like jewelry for your wardrobe, these particulars are the final piece of a room's design.
Texture is also used to add dimensionality to a design. In fabrics, for instance, we see mohair and mixed-yarn bouclé utilized to add a softer personality. There is also continued interest in chenille and shearling.
Current trends regarding metals are leaning more toward burnished bronze and brown-based metals versus yellow or silverbased metals. Ironworks have a more hand-forged look. For stone, consumers want a more honed feeling with softer raw edges. Raised grains and wire-bushed looks remain popular for wood, which creates a sense of being close to the material.
This year, designers and homeowners are leaning toward furniture and home elements that embrace soft lines. Spaces continue to have curvilinear shapes and a cocooning environment. In a turbulent world, we look for our homes as our safe haven or
refuge. Cozy, comfortable living rooms or family rooms are on trend. Curved lines represent the calming fluid movement of water.
Yes, farmhouse design is still popular. Today's farmhouse design takes this comfortable and relaxed trend and adds modern touches, such as smooth lines, glossy accents, and neutral color schemes. It's less rustic and more sophisticated and uses contemporary design elements like stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and sleek lighting. It is often characterized by using natural materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, as well as vintage and distressed furniture.
The key to these trends is focusing on calm, comfort, and connection. sl
Kristen Pawlak is the owner of KP Designs - Decorating Den Interiors.
PGA Championship Returns to Louisville’s Valhalla for its 106th Edition
Xander Schauffele secures his first major
Photos by Tony Bailey
One can surmise that David Novak, Junior Bridgeman, Chester Musselman, and Jimmy Kirchdorfer breathed a collective sigh of relief (and hopefully took a vacation!) following the conclusion of the 106th PGA Championship, the fourth time Valhalla hosted one of golf’s four major championships, and the first since the foursome took ownership from the PGA in June 2022. Players and fans were quick to notice the changes, beginning with retired racehorses grazing in a pasture at the entrance, handsome stackedstone walls along the winding drive leading up to the renovated clubhouse, and tweaks to the 7,609-yard, par-71 Jack Nicklausdesigned course to make it play more in the links style of the British Isles. Zeon Zoysiagrass replaced bentgrass in the fairways, requiring less water and fewer chemicals and providing a faster and firmer playing surface.
Interest and anticipation were high in the months leading up to the event, with the PGA reporting that the corporate hospitality build for the tournament was the biggest in the history of the PGA Championship. The event drew 99 of the top 100 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, joined by several of the top players from LIV Golf.
Xander Schauffele’s précis going into the event included a burgeoning trophy case complete with an Olympic gold medal and Ryder Cup appearances. However, one accolade had proven elusive for the 30-year-old: his first major. That changed on his final round when his seventh birdie of the afternoon, up the hill on 18 from 6 feet 2 inches, tipped into the hole and cinched his grip on the Wanamaker Trophy (until it has to be returned to tournament organizers for the 2025 event). He bested longdriving Bryson DeChambeau (frequently referred to as a “mad scientist” of golf for wielding a custom set of 3D printed irons from Avoda Golf) by one shot and notching an all-time major championship scoring record of 21-under 263. Schauffele’s wireto-wire win was a dramatic change of events from the prior week, which saw him lose a 54-hole lead to Rory McIlroy at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte.
“I kept telling myself I needed to earn this and be in the moment,” said an emotional Schauffele at a press conference following the win. “This is awesome. When I break it down, I’m real proud of how I handled certain moments on the course today, different from the past.” sl
DESTINY, MANIFESTED
The restoration of the Gaffney House into a luxury rental and event venue represents the realization of a long-held dream for Dr. Galen Weiss.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Tony Bailey
For as long as he can remember, Dr. Galen Weiss, an avid boater, recalls observing the gradual decay of a riverfront home with views of downtown Louisville as he sailed up and down the Ohio. Erected between 1910 and 1928 by Louisville architect James J. Gaffney, whose other notable projects include St. James Church on Bardstown Road and the Waverly Hills Sanitarium, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home remained vacant for over 40 years. Despite many rumors about why the house sat empty, it was owned by two sisters who had good intentions of renovating it. Weiss defied the naysayers by taking ownership in 2020, a reward for his persistent prodding of the owners and a willingness to wade through copious layers of red tape.
The home was far from habitable, with shattered windows, walls marred by graffiti, shards of glass and litter scattered across the mosaic tile floors, and a partially collapsed roof. However, just like the seed that had found its way into the ruin and sprouted green leaves amidst the pile of decay in what had been a first-floor kitchen, Weiss' determination mirrored this resilience as he strived to see his vision for rehabilitating the property take root.
"After purchasing the home and seeing its shape, I initially thought it would need to be demolished," remarked Weiss. "But, after removing the debris and cleaning the rooms to reveal historic
tiles, bricks, columns, and ceiling details, I knew that this beautiful relic had to be preserved and made available to be viewed and appreciated by the public." Weiss believed the ideal path was to restore as many original details as possible while thoughtfully adding modern, comfortable amenities to make the property ideally suited for short-term rentals, weddings, reunions, parties, corporate events, photoshoots, and special occasion dinners.
Gaffney's design style has been referred to as a "Frankenstein approach," and nowhere more pronounced than in his private residence, where he drew inspiration across antiquity, spanning the PreColumbian era to the Arts and Craft movement, whose peak popularity aligned with Gaffney's active years as an architect. After Gaffney sold the single-family residence in 1939, it was converted into a duplex.
Following months of cleanup and research, including delving into the archives at the Filson Historical Society, Weiss gleaned in-depth insight about every aspect of the property, down to the original blueprints and supplier of building materials (the Brazil Clay Company in Brazil, IN). A website dedicated to the home— thegaffneyhouse.com—is a treasure trove of information, including historical photos. The house is presently on the National Park Service historic registry, and Weiss is in the process of obtaining local landmark designation.
The Gaffney House's historical significance and floodplain location meant that Weiss, general contractor Wilkinson Builders, and Work A+D—the firm he selected to help him tread the muddled waters of preservation and modernization—had to consult with multiple stakeholders, including the Army Corps of Engineers and the City of Louisville. Having purchased the property with the intent to offer it as a luxury rental, it made sense to keep the duplex floor plan. Weiss took great pains to ensure that as many original details as possible were preserved, even in some instances when the design team advised otherwise.
The entire project, spanning four years, included the addition of an event lawn and riverfront park area for up to 20 vehicles. A riot of color abundant with natural materials, including stone, stucco, glass, and terracotta, each room's unique architectural details vie with one another in their audacity to defy convention. "I had envisioned a certain look for the house and exterior grounds, and it still amazes me how well Wilkinson Builders, Work Architect + Design, and Bowling Nursery and their crews were able to make this vision a reality," said Weiss.
On the main level, the living and dining rooms and bedrooms are adorned with original moldings on vaulted and cathedral ceilings that were repaired and refreshed by BJB Restoration. Varying widely in their patterns, the jewel tones of the original tile and concrete floors are back to peak prismatic. In the dining room, the "summer" tile was missing from a series embedded into a wall depicting the four seasons. Weiss tapped Barry Motes, a professor of art and art department head at Jefferson Community & Technical College, to create a new tile that would keep with the spirit of the others.
Each level of the 3,456 square-foot home boasts two en suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and living and dining areas. Channeling the spirit of the architect, Weiss and the design team opted for unique accouterment in rooms where the tile is not original, such as the glass mosaic selected for the massive walk-in shower that's part of the" Colonel Sanders" suite.
Quirky and whimsical light fixtures, such as an owl in flight atop a clear bubbled glass pendant located in a cathedral-like sitting room complete with stained glass windows, enhance the home's unconventionality. While Weiss left most of the design decisions to the professionals, he did have fun sourcing unique accents, such as vintage art, a stereo console, and funky mid-century lamps with fringed velvet shades at places like the Fleur de Flea.
At the back of the home, restored first and second-floor balconies with chromatic floors and a lower-level terrace provide panoramic views of Downtown Louisville, the Ohio River, and Six Mile Island. A newly built boat dock allows overnight guests or those hosting special events at the site to incorporate watercraft into their event plans. Despite the house being situated right on River Road, it is surprisingly quiet and peaceful when enjoying the outdoor spaces. Weiss says guests have reported the river views, sounds, and breezes as "refreshingly soothing and uplifting."
With the hard work fading into the rearview, Weiss' affinity for the project remains just as ardent. "Even after enduring this long process and dealing with the many frustrating speed bumps along the way, I am still surprised and astonished every time I walk through the home's unique rooms and tend to the grounds," he commented. sl
"I DO'S" FOR A FEW
With its landscaped riverfront event lawn, complete with an elevated band platform and integrated puck lighting, a newly constructed boat dock, four-bedroom suites spread across two floors, and three levels of outdoor entertaining space, The Gaffney House is an ideal location to take the micro wedding trend to the max.
This page, top: Cake stand and wedding invitation from Cartwheels; cakeflowers from Spirea Floral. Middle: Photo album on bed fromCartwheels Papers & Gifts. Bottom: Roberto Coin VenetianPrincess diamond bracelet and 2.10ct two-stone lab growndiamond engagement ring from Davis Jewelers.
Opposite page, bottom left: Wool Serapi rug from Anabel’s Oriental Rugs. Bouquet from Spireal Floral. David Yurman Cairo Collection woven bracelet and David Yurman Cable Collection bracelet, & Roberto Coin Venetian Princess bracelet from Davis Jewelers. Bottom right: Noam Carver wedding band, David Yurman Cairo Collection woven bracelet and David Yurman Cable Collection bracelet from Davis Jewelers.
Sources:
Anabel's Oriental Rugs - 3740 Frankfort Avenue in Louisville - anabelsorientalrugs.com
Cartwheels Paper & Gifts - 3919 Chenoweth Square in Louisville - @cartwheelspapersandgifts Davis Jewelers – 9901 Forest Green Boulevard in Louisville - davisjewelers.com Spirea Floral – spireafloral.com
BETTER GUT HEALTH STARTS WITH THE FOOD YOU EAT
Living the Paleo-Mediterranean Way
By Terri Paige, CEO Medical Transformation Center
Let me know if any of these sound familiar: sluggishness, brain fog, poor cognition, allergies, skin conditions, premature aging and skin sagging, depression, anxiety, and severe autoimmune diseases.
What if I told you nutrition and, by extension, your gut health could be a serious contributing factor to all of these?
Gut health is a primary contributor to feeling good and aging optimally. Your gut microbiome requires a delicate balance to keep opportunistic entities at bay. Otherwise, the protective barrier within your GI system is weakened. A weakened system allows fragments from big proteins like gluten and dairy and toxins to leak into your body. When this happens, your immune system goes on alert, triggered by these foreign elements in the body. Your immune system's primary response is inflammation, which can become chronic. Gut dysbiosis can compromise your ability to generate neurotransmitters and thus regulate your emotions. It also makes you vulnerable to premature aging. This doesn't even include the plethora of gastrointestinal issues that can result, such as diverticulitis, IBS, and more.
Your GI tract can be compromised by:
• Antibiotics that kill healthy bacteria in your gut
• Steroids and other medications
• Diets that push you into high acidity - like those with excess animal protein for your needs or a surplus of carbs and sugars, especially refined and highly processed foods or too many fruits.
• Diets high in processed and genetically modified foods (GMO)
• Stress Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and overall healthy GI tract means making good food choices. Yet, finding a healthy eating plan can be confusing, given all the conflicting information and fad diets out there.
Based on decades in patient care and experience in the latest innovations and insights from cellular and regenerative medicine, I've found that the Paleo-Mediterranean approach to eating provides the nutrients, healthy fats, fiber, and essential proteins most bodies need.
PALEO-MEDITERRANEAN WAY | The overarching focus of Paleo-Med eating is choosing as many non-GMO, organic, antibiotic, steroid, and hormone-free foods as possible. Paleo-Mediterranean eating is a combination of the Paleo and Mediterranean approaches to eating and includes fresh seasonal vegetables, some fruits, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, and occasionally red meat. Healthy fats like olive oil, coconut, olives, and avocado are part of the plan, as is the abundant use of anti-inflammatory herbs and spices.
Grains are limited as they are inflammatory by nature. You can have 1-2 servings of brown rice, paleo pasta, gluten-free oats, and legumes weekly. Processed and fast foods, refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners are discouraged. You can indulge in dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), tea, and coffee, as well as lowsugar, clean wines, and clear spirits.
REAPING THE BENEFITS | The Paleo-Mediterranean eating plan can help balance hormones, control inflammation, prevent autoimmune responses, and improve overall health and optimal aging. It assists in maintaining low insulin levels while improving blood sugar regulation, making it an excellent resource for weight loss and weight maintenance. The healthy fats and abundant use of herbs and spices make food more satisfying, help keep you full longer, and curb cravings.
Paleo-Med is a heart-healthy way of eating that optimizes cognition and brain function. Nutrient-rich herbs and spices help
balance oxidative stress in the body. Plus, good fats like avocado, coconut, nuts, fatty fish, and olives promote healthy hair, skin, and nails as well as hormone production. It's important to remember that you can begin implementing changes before you're experiencing health issues or crises. Taking a proactive approach to your wellness helps head off more serious medical issues down the road, and nutrition is an integral component. So, whether you want to combat aging, gut issues, specific health concerns, or simply to prevent these the best you can, here are a few foundational tips to begin your journey. Quick Start Guide:
• Choose non-GMO, antibiotic-free, organic foods. As clean as you can get them.
• Select low glycemic index (GI) fruits like berries, green apples, lemons, and limes.
• Eat goat or sheep dairy products, not cow dairy.
• Sweet potatoes are a healthy source of carbs.
• Make sure gluten-free crackers and cookies are also paleo. Paleo foods use flour from nuts, root vegetables, and coconut, giving them a lower GI.
• Any of your favorite recipes can be easily adapted to be Paleo-Med.
• Don't forget this is not just a "diet" but a way of life. Sleep, movement, stress management, hydration, and other factors are just as important to your success in realizing the benefits.
PACKING THE PANTRY | Summer is a wonderful time to start eating Paleo-Mediterranean food, as organic produce is readily
available at local farmer's markets and grocery stores. I like to shop the perimeter of the store first, gathering seasonal vegetables, low-GI fruits, and high-quality proteins. However, stocking your pantry with longer shelf-life items is also essential so you can easily create enticing meals. Below are some staples you'll want to have on hand:
• Organic eggs
• Jovial brown rice pasta
• Banza Gluten Free Chickpea pasta
• Pecorino Romano cheese
• Cassava or almond flour
• Bob's Red Mill Paleo flour
• Califia Farms oat milk
• Organic pasta sauce
• Organic white and red wine
• High-quality olive oil
• Artichoke hearts
• Capers
• Arrowroot or tapioca flour
• Enjoy Life chocolate chips, allergy-free
• Wasa gluten-free flatbread
Changing habits takes work. Paleo-Mediterranean is a lifestyle, not a fad diet or short-term eating plan; it's a healthy, sustainable way of life. The Paleo-Mediterranean lifestyle allows room for flexibility and emphasizes process over perfection, with some wiggle room for treats now and then. sl
Paige is CEO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with her husband, Dr. Carl Paige. Under Terri's leadership, the Kentucky-based MTC has become a regional innovation hub, advancing optimal health through cellular medicine and helping the body heal itself. Working from a state-of-the-art medical center in Louisville, MTC offers regenerative approaches to healthy aging, optimization, longevity, and restorative care. Terri is a Fellow of the International Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute and a regular speaker at Institute symposiums; a Certified Lifestyle Coach through the American Academy of Anti-aging, Regenerative and Functional Medicine in conjunction with the Metabolic Medical Institute; and a Certified Professional Performance Coach through SourcePoint Training, for more information visit medicaltransformationcenter.com.
Terri
SOPHISTICATED STARS
Happy Birthday Cancer and Leo! This Fourth of July, we have an exciting new moon in Cancer that will arrive just in time to set off fireworks shortly after the holiday on July 5th. To find out how you might be spending the start of the summer, check out your July and August Sophisticated Stars! Didn’t see your sign? Head to slmag.net/louisville to read more. All jewelry shown available through Davis Jewelers (davisjewelers.com)
CANCER
June 21st – July 22nd
The new moon in Cancer on July 5th has your name on it! Utilize this new moon to initiate any changes in your life you've been dreaming up. The new moon in Leo on August 4th represents a fresh income-earning opportunity or the opportunity to make more money in your current role. The full moon in Capricorn on July 21st may help you initiate a relationship change. You may get engaged, married, or set a new goal with a partner. If you're not seeing eye to eye with a partner or no longer feeling the connection, you may decide that a different path works best. No matter how things work out, dear Cancer, it appears it will be for your long-term benefit.
LEO
July 23rd – August 22nd
To gear up for birthday season, the new moon in Cancer on July 5th will usher in a time of divine healing and renewal. You'll venture into unknown territory for wellness and healing. Welcome to Wellness Journey 101. You may take up yoga, attend a spiritual retreat, tackle something like Hard 75, or perhaps a dry July and August. Your annual birthday present from the Universe will be evident at the new moon in Leo on August 4th. Use the new moon for anything you'd like to manifest, dear Leo, but act within ten days of the Leo new moon.
VIRGO
August 23rd - September 22nd Virgo, the new moon in Cancer on July 5th beckons you to increase your social circle. You'll enjoy a packed and fun social calendar that brings together old and new social connections and friends. On the new moon in Leo on August 4th, you'll embark on a wellness journey that may include Pilates, meditation, or delightful juice fast to realize your inner and outer glow. These actions will prepare you for a glorious birthday month as we enter Virgo season.
LIBRA
September 23rd - October 22nd
Libra, the new moon in Cancer on July 5th echoes the beat of big career success you've been putting in the works for some time. This new moon falls on the holiday, so you'll mix business with pleasure — something Libra does exceptionally well. Initiate your best career chess moves within ten days of this new moon. You may hear news from actions you've already taken; however, acting at the new moon is best for the most robust results. The full moon in Capricorn on July 21st may see you close on a new home, property, or other family goal. The new moon in Leo on August 4th will introduce Libra to new connections and friendships that will stand the test of time.
Owen Halo Heart cancer pendant (harveyowen.com)
Il Leone cigar band from Sorellina ($4,800; sorellinanyc.com)
Ruby is July’s birthstone. David Yurman Cable Flex bracelet with rubies ($2,300). Available through Davis Jewelers (davisjewelers.com).
Lion Fantasy signet ring ($3,300; retrouvai.com)
Sophisticated Stars Astrologist Joy Yascone Elms MA is the author and founder of The Power of Divine Timing; an annual sign by sign guide based on astrological timing helping readers to find and nurture their blessings and starve their challenges! Joy also offers Divine Timing coaching programs that help clients stay accountable to manifesting their goals and dreams based on their personal divine timing. Visit www. thepowerofdivinetiming.com for more info or email Joy at thepowerofdivinetiming@gmail.com.
Harvey
Retrouvai
Peridot is August’s birthstone. Marco Bicego Jaipur color peridot earrings ($1,390). Available through Davis Jewelers (davisjewelers.com).
THE BACK STORY
As Relax The Back Franchisees, Jen and Mark Marshall are on a mission to heal what ails you.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Relax The
If necessity is the mother of invention, it’s also a catalyst for change, as Jen and Mark Marshall discovered over a decade ago. The pair, who both as physician assistants, met at university and were wellestablished in their respective careers in Hickory, NC—Mark in spine surgery and Jen in orthopaedics—when Mark’s occupational injury forced the couple to make a crossroads decision that would impact not only their professional future but that of a family that now included three children. “Once you’ve been at the ‘top of the mountain’ career-wise, it was certainly hard to look elsewhere,” Jen reminisced.
Jen, a fan of pointing out that “if nothing changes, nothing changes,” is innately curious and has an insatiable quest for knowledge, which propelled her to investigate businesses operating on a franchise model. She discovered a kindred mission with Relax The Back, founded in 1984 by an osteopathic physician who wanted to help people source and acquire self-care products to help alleviate neck and back pain. “It allowed us to stay on the continuum of patient care using a different prescription pad,” explained Jen.
Due to existing pre-existing franchises, the North Carolina natives began looking outside their home state before settling on Louisville and opening their store in February 2015. Today, they are the only Relax The Back store in Kentucky; the next closest
is in Nashville. Jen said she’s had customers drive three hours just to be fitted for a custom car seat insert. Their in-house delivery team handles setup and customer education and offers a wide delivery radius.
Jen passionately advocates rethinking how we outfit our homes and offices. “I truly believe that our furniture is injuring us,” she said, pointing out that features such as low backs, deep seats, and excessive cushioning can contribute to misalignment. “We take great care to ensure that the clothes we buy fit us correctly; why don’t we do the same with our furniture?” she questioned, highlighting the importance of ergonomic furniture in maintaining back health. Jen said that while they have “traditional” furniture in their living and family rooms, each space is outfitted with zero gravity reclining chairs, individually sized for Goldilocks’-approved comfort. They are where they spend their extended time watching TV, reading, and relaxing.
Furniture fitting is often even worse when it comes to our work environment, particularly following the rush to establish work-fromhome setups during the pandemic. Jen points out that desks designed for the masses accommodate the 95th percentile (the standard desk height of 30” is best suited to someone who is 6’3”), so the vast
Back Louisville
majority of users will be physically able to fit underneath. This creates a vast gulf between fitting and a proper fit, as the shorter user is forced to work in an awkward posture or modify the workstation; not good if you fall below or above “the norm.” “We often and erroneously accept that office deskwork is uncomfortable, and it doesn’t have to be that way,” she said. While Jen and her staff are willing and able to craft a custom ergonomically correct office setup from the ground up, she knows that’s not always an option space or budget-wise and is ready to offer options for all scenarios.
In my case, I am not quite ready for a home office redo, but my back and shoulders were not happy with my current WFH setup. Jen advised that I add a lumbar support pillow to my existing office chair, a tilting footrest under my desk, and a redo of how my computer is situated on my desk to maximize proper positioning. When I do upgrade, I have my eye on their Anthros office chair with a two-part customizable back support to encourage good posture.
When I stopped by their store in the Paddock Shops, I learned that the subject Jen is most passionate about is sleep, which research overwhelmingly shows is critical to our overall physical and mental well-being. A customer came in looking for a new pillow and following a series of questions aimed at getting to the root of the problem (and
hearkening back to Jen’s days as a physician assistant) and trying out several pillows while reclined on a mattress whose firmness mirrored the one in their home, they walked out with a $200 loaner pillow to try for a few days. “Most people don’t need a new pillow; they need better sleep,” she said, explaining that simply buying the most expensive mattress is no guarantee that your sleep will improve.
All consultants in any Relax The Back location are trained in spinal health, anatomy, ergonomics, and sleep hygiene. Their comprehensive pillow and mattress fitting program assesses your sleep habits, body type, and any discomforts essential for couples with different sleeping styles or health concerns. “Sleep is not just a loss of consciousness,” she said. “Attaining good quality sleep is a lifestyle commitment and the closest thing to a fountain of youth,” a sentiment echoed by scores of physicians and researchers.
A healthy back is the key to a more enjoyable and productive life at work, play, and home. “Having back issues is like driving a car that’s out of alignment; it affects absolutely everything,” Jen emphasized, adding, “Expensive tires are always cheaper than bodywork - on both you and your car.” sl
Jen and Mark Marshall
WEDDINGS
ALYX VINIERIS GIANCOLA + SIMON GOODWIN
On May 12th, Alyx Vinieris Giancola, the daughter of bridal designer Rita Vinieris, married Simon Goodwin at Hazel Gap, a historic and lovingly restored brick barn venue on the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, UK. The site provided the perfect backdrop for the predominantly black and white color palette, a theme Rita described as "modern, chic, and ethereal in a minimalist way." The florals were a mix of greenery with whimsical wildflowers in keeping with the chosen coloration. Altogether, Alyx wore three different Rita Vinieris gowns throughout the celebration, progressing from ivory to black as the festivities progressed.
Alyx's journey through the day was reflected in her attire. Her ceremony dress was a hand-painted floral tulle corset ball gown in shades of ivory with hints of pale green and pale pink. The custom extended-length veil was hand-painted with the bride
and groom's initials and the wedding date. The reception dress was an Alençon lace corset fit and flare gown that Rita characterizes as "diaphanous". The bride's final ensemble, donned for cutting the cake, was a black strapless gown with a voluminous layered tulle skirt that transformed into a short party dress, symbolizing the evening's exuberant joy.
We asked Rita, a seasoned bridal designer who recently launched her 2025 collection and is celebrating her 30th year in the industry, to share the unique experience of designing her daughter's bridal looks. "It was surreal! The most important thing for me was to ensure that Alyx made her own decision on her wedding dress… in this case dresses…. without any outside influences from anyone when she was trying them on," she explained. "It was truly a beautiful thing to see my own daughter fall in love with not one but a few of my designs."
Photos by Rebecca Rees
July SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
8-13 Lexington Junior League Horse Show; lexington.jl.org/annual-events/horse-show
12-14 BreyerFest, KY Horse Park; kyhorsepark.com
20 Woodford Humane Summer Gala, 6pm, Marriott Griffin Gate Resort; e.givesmart.com/events/CR9
20 NATAS - Ohio Valley Chapter Emmy Gala, 5pm, Central Bank Center; ohiovalleyemmy.org/emmy-awards-gala
27 Shepherd’s House Run for Recovery 5k, Keeneland; shepherdshouseinc.com/run-for-recovery
27 Hats Off Day, 1pm, KY Horse Park; kyhorsepark.com/event/hats-off-day-rood-riddle-kentucky-grand-prix
August
1-3 International Gay Polo Tournament KY Horse Park; kyhorsepark.com/event/international-gay-polo-tournament
16 Mission Health Lexington Swing For Health Golf Scramble; missionhealthlex.org/events
17 BIA Cares Funding Hope, The Mane on Main; .biacentralky.com/bia-cares-funding-hope.html
24 A Night for the Nest, 7pm, La Brasa; thenestlexington.org/event
24 11th Annual Cathy’s Fund Charity Benefit, University of Kentucky Club; ukmarkey.org/event/11th-annual-cathys-fund-charity-benefit
September
5-6 Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup & Evening in the Gardens; ukmarkey.org/event/the-bluegrass-international-cup-2
24 Walk to Defeat ALS, 9am, KY Horse Park
25-29 The Lugano Diamonds Spilt Rock Fall 1 CSI 3*, KY Horse Park; splitrockjumpingtour.com
by
Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Connie Appelman, Janice Towles, Susan & Wes Martin 2) Alfred & Angela Coleman 3) Martin & Brandy Ashford 4) Whitney & Stephen Moffett 5) Lee & Derrick Ramsey 6) Lonnie & Vickie Greene, Carla Mack 7) Chris Hoskins, Naomi Hurdle 8) Shania Rayford, Maya Monk, Martina Barksdale, Ivy Barksdale 9) Jesse Carpenter, Corey Carpenter, Brian Burton, co-founders of Old Hillside Bourbon Company
LEGACY BALL
Presented by the Legacy Equine Academy and held at Fasig Tipton, the Legacy Ball honored trailblazing Black horsemen while raising funds to uplift the next generation via scholarships to promising minority students who are pursuing a career in the equine industry.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
1) Kim Smith, Phil Gough, Shellie May 2) Molly & John Dabney 3) Marshall & Brittany Haydon, Jessie & Bart Mattingly 4) Jane & Kevin Wolfe
5) Jennie Hurst, Kirstin Brown, Donna Grigsby 6) Brian & Courtney Queen 7) Greg & Tonya Harrington 8) Janice & Joseph Smith 9) Steven & Samantha Sewell
LCF WINE AUCTION & ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The beguiling aroma of fresh blooms greeted guests at The Apiary, lavishly decorated for the Lexington Cancer Foundation’s annual Wine Auction & Derby Gala, which doubled as a 20th anniversary celebration. This year’s featured vintner was Amanda Harlan Maltas of Harlan Estate. To commemorate two decades of service, Brenda Rice, the LCF’s Founder and President, published a commemorative book with cover art by John Morris as a gift for gala attendees. The event raised more than $1million to further the organization’s mission of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families.
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1) Kristie Martin, Brenda Rice, Tami Broadrick 2) Kristen Winchell, Jenn Falcone 3) Joe & Aarin Lakofka 4) Debbie O’Connor, Mackenzie Huston 5) Jamie Worley, Tonya Gabbert, Leah Adkins 6) Chevas & Brandi Sparks 7) Julie & Brad Boucher 8) Sissy Walters, Deirdre Lyons, Connie Jennings 9) Julian & Sissy VanWinkle, Emily & Taylor Franklin 10) Ron Broadrick, Danny & Brittany Persaad, Tami Broadrick, Gretchen & James Barlow
Field Ladd, Whitney Lawson
Claudia & Kelly Healy 13) Lisa & Ryan Adkinson
Photos
Daniel Roberts
Photos by Daniel Roberts
1) Julia Curry,Katie Landon,David Norman,Alex Maddox, Crystal Trimble 2) Kristen Harlow, Avery Carter, Dawn Harlow 3) Will Sullivan, Dustin Miller, Alex Carlton, Destyn Carlton, Wendy Carlton 4) Jackie & Shelby McCuddy 5) Pete, Ginger & Caroline Dannemiller, Mike & Allison McClintick, 6) Di & Rod Boyer 7) Bayne Froney, Evan Leake 8) Tye Chastain 9) Travis & Sarah Jarrells
Presented by Quantrell Subaru at the Kentucky Horse Park, proceeds from the annual Taste of the Bluegrass event benefit God’s Pantry Food Bank.
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W.I.S.H. LUNCH
Presented by Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, the Women Inspiring Strength and Hope (W.I.S.H) luncheon promoted an initiative to give women in Lexington a special opportunity to provide hope, strength and joy to local children facing critical illnesses. The incredible generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local Kentucky wish kids.
Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Mette Daily, Jane Warner, Amanda Ferguson 2) Mandi Custer, Judy Kingsland, Lucy Leith 3) Katie Applewhite, Carla Brown, Faith Hacker, Cathy May, Sandy Allnutt, Kearney Canter 4) Morgan Wilson, Jill Barnett 5) Kim King, Katie Feola, Sandy Allnutt, Leah Taylor 6) Kiley Heil, Erin Quire, Maria Quinton, Brandy Scott, Jen Greener 7) Ellie Sutherland, Jessie Sutherland 8) Rachel Harper, Sarah Harper, Tracy Simmons 9) Kearney Canter, Erin Hughes
RESTORING HOPE GALA
Held at the Kentucky Castle, proceeds from the event benefit Still Waters Center, which holistically cares for and provides sexual assault exams to survivors by forensically trained and licensed nurses in a safe, comfortable, and peaceful environment.
Photos
1) Cody Davidson, Allie Williams 2) Elizabeth Wyndham, Jillian Hall 3) Emilee & Michael Evans 4) Kayla & Kagan Walker 5) Olivia & Josh Brock 6) Brittany & Greg Goins
by Daniel
THE MARKEY CALCUTTA DINNER
This 20th annual event, held at Castle & Key Distillery, takes place the Saturday prior to the Markey Golf Classic. Proceeds from both events benefit the UK Markey Cancer Foundation, which supports Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-Designated cancer center.
Photos
Roberts
1) Alicia & Jerry Leslie, Joe & Jen Bennett 2) Gavin O’Connor, Chris McGrath 3) Neil & Sherri Mosley, Megan & JJ Housley 4) Pat & Mark Gooch
5) Rob & Sandra Hoenscheid 6) Mike Delzotti, Jack Pittard 7) Rachel Rudman, Vicki Oliver 8) Jacob & Jenna Cassady 9) Denise & Brian Wood
HUMANKINDNESS GALA
Humankindness Gala 1) Wayne & Rhonda McMaster 2) Dr. Tony Houston, Dr. Steve & Ashley Behnke 3) Gretchen King, Amanda Jumper 4) Laura & Bob Babbage
5) Jeff & Jackie Maynard Blue Jeans, Boots & Bulls 1) Chuck & Tonya Skeens 2) Brad & Bobbi Lynn Durr 3) Zach Whitson, Kelly White, Annie Lubicky
4) John Nicholson, Maidson Ripley, Darren Ripley 5) Haegan Frame, Laura Miller, Darcy Ripley-Frame
BLUE JEANS, BOOTS & BULLS
This second annual Derby eve event, founded by Darren Ripley and hosted by Barn Door Grill and Blue Grass Stockyards, benefits the neonatal intensive care unit at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
Presented by the Saint Joseph Health Foundation, the Humankindness Gala recognized the importance of the arts in healing.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
