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A SEASON TO CELEBRATE Inspiration for Fall Gatherings
Written by Bridget Williams
“Every good thing in life is a cause for celebration,” writes Kelsey Barnard Clark in the Introduction of her new book, Southern GetTogethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings. As the chiming of the school bell signals that summer is over and sweater weather is nigh, our thoughts turn to America’s favorite season, statistically speaking: Fall. Shorter days bring to mind campfires and candlelight, an ideal time to gather friends and family before the frequently frenetic holiday pace sets in. In her forthcoming book, Swing By! Entertaining Recipes & The New Art of Gathering, Chef Stephanie Nass, founder of culinary lifestyle brand Chefanie (chefanie.com), writes, “In the same way that a painting is drafted and planned, a spectacular dinner party is the result of methodical organization.”
The magnificent library at Oxmoor Farm provided an ideal backdrop for such an expertly organized gathering, a rehearsal
dinner with a tablescape and décor designed by Douglas Riddle, President of Bittners. Riddle’s involvement continues a legacy at Oxmoor that began in the late 1800s with the venerable design firm’s founder, Gustave Bittner, creating large walnut bookcases found in an older part of the home. Bittners was later chosen to create the library’s handsome rolling ladder.
“Like other art forms, a dinner party offers sensory pleasure, comedic relief, beauty, reflection, and inspiration,” says Nass. Clark concurs, emphasizing that an aura of effortlessness should always factor into the mix. “I come alive at the thought of gathering friends or family around the table; of making a gettogether feel special but never precious; of achieving a sense of ease, while always conveying the feeling that I went the extra mile.” sl
SERVES 4 TO 6
8 large eggs
½ cup [120 ml] heavy cream or whole milk
1 cup [140 g] diced onion
1 Tbsp kosher salt
8 to 10 turns freshly ground black pepper
Add-ins (recipes follow)
2 Tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter
• In a medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add the heavy cream or milk, onion, salt, and pepper and mix to combine. Add add-ins for any frittata version you desire (variations follow).
• Set the broiler to high.
• In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil or butter. Drop a bit of egg mixture into the pan and if it sizzles, the pan is ready. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula. Swirl the pan to distribute the egg mixture evenly. Shake the pan gently, tilting it slightly with one hand while lifting the edges of the frittata with a spatula in your other hand to let the eggs run underneath during the first few minutes of cooking. Once a few layers of egg have cooked, turn the heat to low, cover (use a pizza pan if you don’t have a lid that fits your skillet), and cook for 10 minutes, occasionally shaking the pan gently. Uncover the pan and place it under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool for at least 5 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve. Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frittata, Three Ways
From Southern Get-Togethers by Kelsey Barnard Clark
Photo by Antonis Achilleos, courtesy of Chronicle Books.
No. One - Mushroom, Goat Cheese, and Spinach Frittata
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 cups [120 g] sliced mushrooms (I love wild, but get whatever looks good to you)
4 cups [80 g] packed baby spinach
1 cup [200 g] chopped tomatoes
4 oz [115 g] goat cheese, crumbled
1 bunch fresh basil, leaves finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
• In a medium sauté pan over high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and sear for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, or until slightly crispy and golden. Add the mushrooms, along with the spinach, tomatoes, goat cheese, basil, and oregano to the frittata base and cook the frittata as directed.
No. Two - Tomato, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Frittata
2 cups [400 g] chopped tomatoes
4 to 6 oz [115 to 170 g] prosciutto or cooked bacon, chopped
2 cups [160 g] shredded mozzarella
• Add the tomatoes, prosciutto or bacon, and mozzarella to the frittata base and cook the frittata as directed.
No. Three - Summer Squash and Gruyère Frittata
4 cups [320 g] zucchini and squash noodles
1 tsp kosher salt
8 oz [230 g] grated Gruyère cheese
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
2 oz [55 g] grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup [15 g] panko
• In a large bowl, toss the zucchini and squash noodles with the salt. Let stand at roomtemperature for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. Drain the noodles, pressing with your hands to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
• Add the zucchini and squash noodles, Gruyère, and red pepper flakes to the frittata base. Cook the frittata as directed on the stove, then sprinkle with the Parmesan and panko and finish cooking under the broiler.
Excerpted from Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings
by Kelsey Barnard Clark, © 2024. Published by Chronicle Books. Photographs © Antonis Achilleos
Honey Pie
From Swing By! By Stephanie Nass
by Stockton Johnson, Courtesy of Rizzoli
This is an all-American take on a classic honey dessert. You can make the pie crust from scratch or use store-bought. It’s a lovely recipe for Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving, or any time you want a simple sweet.
SERVES 8
C R U S T
2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 sticks (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and frozen, plus more for pan
¼ cup ice water
F I L L I N G
1 ¾ cups honey
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter
8 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons kosher salt
For the crust (if making from scratch):
• Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor and mix until combined. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 10 seconds. Drizzle the ice water evenly over the mixture. Pulse until the dough just begins to come together (it should not be wet or sticky).
• If the dough is too dry, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse.
• Shape the dough into a large disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
For the filling:
• Warm the honey in a medium saucepan over low heat until it loosens and becomes more liquid. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Set aside for 3 to 5 minutes.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Slowly pour the honey mixture into the bowl and mix until incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until cooled, up to 1 hour.
Assemble the pie:
• Grease a 9-inch pie plate. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a ¼-inch thickness. Drape the dough into the prepared pie plate. Trim the overhang. Prick the bottom of the dough with a fork. Refrigerate 30 to 60 minutes.
• Arrange one oven rack in the center and one rack in the bottom third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake the crust on the center rack for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment with beans or pie weights and bake until the crust is golden brown, about 10 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes.
• Stir the cooled filling and pour it into the cooled crust. Bake on the bottom rack until the center is set, 30 to 35 minutes.
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CEO/PUBLISHER Eric
Dr. Shiao Woo is one of the good ones. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him well over a decade ago, shortly after he'd been lured to Louisville by Steve Bass to lead the CyberKnife program at the Brown Cancer Center. It was quite a score for the city as Shiao had been a tenured professor at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. As he said during a recent retirement party, Shiao made it clear that he was a package deal and sought assurance from Steve that his husband John would be just as warmly welcomed. It took me about 30 seconds with the duo to fall under the spell of their vastly different but equally infectious personalities, which converge in a shared zest for life. In short, I've always had a memorable time when they were on the guest list.
Shiao is undoubtedly a gifted physician who assumed the position of Professor and Chairman of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2010. Still, his genuine compassion and calling to help others set him apart. On more than one occasion, I've watched Shiao patiently listen at a party as someone solicited medical advice for a loved one. He and John (who calls himself a "philanthropreneur") are fixtures at charity events and have self-funded and founded numerous charitable organizations and civic causes, from providing hot, healthy meals to seniors to the Noir Black Chamber of Commerce, which is dedicated to business education, professional skills development, and trauma therapy education specifically for Black youth.
A five-decade medical career can be grueling, and Shiao shared that being exceptionally disciplined was crucial to his success. He recounted that he'd start every day in the same fashion: creating a thorough "to-do" list that he stored in his "on-board computer," aka his head, methodically checking off the tasks, and carrying over anything that remained to the top of the list for the following day. Now that his daily docket is substantially shorter, Shiao said his regimentation can turn to things he didn't have as much time for before, such as polishing off his impressive skills as a concert pianist.
I was thrilled to learn that he and John, who'd discussed moving back to Houston, have put those plans on hold. While the decision was partly due to science and Shiao's analysis of increasingly adverse weather patterns in Texas, a human element also came into play. "After 14 years, we have developed so many good friends here that Louisville is home too," he said.
Thank you, Shiao, for all that you've done for Louisville! We are lucky to have you (and John).
Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net
@SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET
With my fiancé Matthew and Shiao at his retirement party
Shiao with Steve Bass and John Yarmuth at the opening of the Cyberknife facility
John, my daughter Claire, and Shiao with me at the 2016 Wrapped in Red Gala
CHEVRON COLLECTION
et Fils Caen
a
THE THIRD TIME IS JUST AS CHARMING
Bittners Interior Designer Ron Wolz leads his third renovation of the last residence designed by architect Stratton Hammon.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Robert Burge
From 1930 onwards, Stratton Hammon (March 6, 1904 –October 22, 1997), Kentucky's 35th registered architect, is credited with designing 100 Louisville-area homes in his signature Colonial Revival style. Said to have drafted his first house at age 16, his work was briefly interrupted during World War II, during which Hammon participated in the Normandy
Invasion in June 1944 and served as one of the "Monuments Men." He was recognized by the French government for his valor with the Croix de Guerre and appointment to the Order of the Legion of Honor. Evidence of the prolific architect's enduring appeal is that when a home he designed hits the market, it's typically mentioned in the opening line of the listing.
Brunschwig
Stone wallcovering makes
subtle statement in the foyer. The Oushak rug beneath the center hall table is from Anabel's Oriental Rugs.
A Bittners-made table is centered in a dramatic breakfast room addition designed by architect Tim Winters.
Wolz refers to the design of the living room as "relevant and happy." An Oriental rug from Anabel's Oriental Rugs was repurposed for the upholstery on the bench in front of the fireplace.
Such was the case for Hammon's last commission, built in 1991 and nestled amid ten leafy acres at the terminus of a private river bluff lane. Its present owners weren't even considering a move when the home was listed for sale in 2022. "Once we saw it, I said I didn't care how it looked on the inside; we had to buy it," remarked the husband. Even though it's a little over three decades old, the exterior presents distinguishing architectural features of a classic home, such as Flemish bond brickwork, second-floor Juliet balconies, and French drains.
Lovingly looked after by its previous owners, interior designer Ron Wolz of Bittners has had the distinct pleasure of shepherding three design updates, all of which maintain the spirit of Hammon's design while reflecting the needs of its stewards. "Architecture makes a difference, with good bones being integral to designing a great house," said Wolz. He added that the home's latest iteration is a "continuation of quality." The homeowners noted Wolz's enduring signature style, surmising
he'd been behind the previous design. They said it seemed fitting that he should lead the renovation and redesign.
Thoughtful interior design can transcend decades, evidenced by what remained from previous renovations, including the Brunschwig et Fils Caen Stone wallcovering in the foyer (highlighting the curved staircase, a Hammon hallmark, further accentuated by a cherry handrail and spindles) and the dining room's silk drapery with tassel detail and whimsical handpainted mural by Louisville artist Clare Hirn. The subdued pattern of the foyer's wallpaper provides a neutral backdrop for an animated Oushak rug from Anabel's Oriental Rugs placed beneath a center hall table and a colorful abstract painting of a forest scene hung at the midway point of the stairs.
Many of the upholstered pieces and case goods were sourced from the Bittners showroom, but the couple also went hunting for antiques in New Orleans. "Ron is so good about bringing in our treasures," the wife remarked.
Louisville artist Clare Hirn created the dining room's whimsical handpainted mural.
What had been a formal living room was converted into a study with the bookcases, walls, and trim painted a subtly shiny shade of hunter green. Wolz choose to go forgo a full-on lacquer finish, remarking that "The luster casts the most romantic glow at night". A partial reinterpretation of the living room in their previous home, the space pays homage to the couples love of and involvement with horseracing.
Wolz refers to the design of the living room as "relevant and happy." The vibrant drapery fabric in shades of blue and green, chosen by the wife from a dozen fabric samples, and the bedrock of the room's color scheme, leans heavily on hues from the views outside the bayed window wells on either side of the fireplace. Full of pattern and grounded by neutral walls, the room is a hushed reflection of the wife's love of color—lively without being overly loud.
Pegged hardwood floors define the kitchen and adjacent breakfast room, dramatically set beneath a cupola supported by columns, a design detail orchestrated by another acclaimed Louisville architect, Tim Winters. Wolz worked with Katie Reece, a cabinetry
designer at Century Entertainment and Furnishings, to redesign the kitchen, a process that the husband, who loves to cook, was keen to be involved with. The white cabinetry feels even more ethereal when surrounded by light blue walls. The substantial reclaimed wood Bittners-made table with butterfly joints placed atop an oil-cloth rug transitioned from their previous residence.
The parade of patterns and colors continues in each of the four second-floor bedroom suites. A bright yellow stripe adds panache to the light blue drapery in the primary bedroom. The salmony shade of the walls in the primary bath casts a flattering, rosy glow. An artisanal glass Talia chandelier from Visual Comfort in a guest bedroom recalls the artistry of a stunning piece of art glass by the late Stephen Rolfe Powell on display downstairs in the living room.
While the third time has been just as charming as the first, Wolz remains enormously grateful for the continued opportunity to be part of the story. "The home is just as lovely as the people who've lived in it," he said. sl
What had been used as a formal living room was converted into a study with the bookcases, walls, and trim painted a subtly shiny shade of hunter green.
SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS
Situated at the gateway to the Bavarian Alps, Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt is a luxurious home for visitors to the "Hamptons of Germany."
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy Althoff Hotels
I could nearly hear the gears grinding as my brain began firing on all cylinders to etch a core memory as I walked along the shore of Lake Tegernsee in Rottach-Egern, about 31 miles north of Munich, Germany, this past spring. With rising temperatures signaling that winter's icy grip had finally loosened but still cool enough that a confectionery dusting of snow still clung to the highest alpine peaks, people (and their four-legged friends) were out in droves, strolling, sipping, paddling, dining, and smiling as they basked in the warmth of the sun's pinky promise that summer was rounding the corner.
With stringent building codes creating a cohesive Bavarian storybook scene, complete with folksy painted shutters and murals on the whitewashed building exteriors, a town center chock-full of upscale shopping and dining, a plethora of luxury cars lining the streets, and some of the priciest real estate in the country, this area is frequently called "The Hamptons of Germany." My steps were made even springier knowing that my accommodations—a dreamy two-
story lakefront Maisonette Suite in an iconic 5-star hotel—meant I could play this glorious day on repeat for the duration of my stay.
I must admit that my fellow travelers and I giggled like elementary schoolers when we pulled up to the hotel and spied the signage with the hotel's full name—Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt— although I am confident we weren't the first or the last Americans to do so. Überfahrt, we learned, means "crossing," a nod to the resort's location at the narrowest part of the lake, which has made it a vital boat crossing from the 15th century onward. At over 200 feet deep, the four-mile-long Lake Tegernsee, one of the cleanest in Bavaria, is a remnant of a long-gone Ice Age glacier. Its crystal-clear water (due in part to a ban on motorized watercraft) is fed by five rivers and morphs into a beguiling shade of "Tiffany Blue" during summer. Although the lake doesn't freeze over in winter, the water temperature rarely eclipses the seventy-degree mark, making a dip particularly refreshing in summer.
Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt is situated directly on Lake Tegernsee. At over 200 feet deep, the four-mile-long lake, one of the cleanest in Bavaria, is a remnant of a long-gone Ice Age glacier.
The Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt, a sprawling resort embraced by the lake on two sides and with mountain views all around, has proudly flown the Althoff flag for the past 15 years. The Althoff Hotel group, a Cologne-based business founded in the mid1980s by self-made hoteliers Thomas H. Althoff and his wife Elke Diefenbach-Althoff, is known for its three-pillar corporate philosophy that reflects the founders' passions: fine dining, architecture and interior accoutrements, and service.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted beneath a glass portico that melds into a green roof, a dramatic installation that preserves unobstructed lake views from inside the lobby. Public spaces, including five restaurants and the 176 rooms and suites, display ethereal elegance with a calming and quiet color palette enlivened through tactile details.
My third-floor, two-story suite was a stunner. Piped-in classical music in the vestibule made me feel like I was being welcomed like royalty. A first floor living room opened to a large terrace overlooking the lake and the nearby church of St. Lawrence, whose pointed belltower dominates the cityscape and provides a lovely soundtrack throughout the day. At the top of the stairs in my room, an enclosed solarium (ideal for sunrise yoga), provided access to another walled terrace with enchanting Bavarian Alps views and an alfresco dining area, making it easy to enjoy the crisp mountain air without lacing up your hiking boots. A highlight of the sprawling
bathroom, outfitted in Rojo Alicante marble, was the Swarovski "starry sky" light installation above the tub that reminded me of the starlight headliner in a Rolls-Royce.
During my visit, the hotel had just ended a ten-year run with a 3 Michelin-starred chef at the helm of its fine dining offering, Restaurant Überfahrt. Before the announcement that Cornelia Fischer, a native of Lower Franconia, would take the helm as Executive Chef, Restaurant Überfahrt hosted a series of pop-up dinners with prominent-starred German chefs. The restaurant's interior was enchanting, with sumptuous channel upholstered walls in deer leather (from which the finest Lederhosen are crafted) and dreamscape-like black and white Lake Tegernsee photographs.
Charismatic and prominent German celebrity chef Alexander Hermann was in the kitchen during our visit, serving a menu highlighting the "greatest hits" from his restaurants, including two Michelin-starred Aura by Alexander Herrmann & Tobias Bätz. Amply demonstrating his made-for-television looks and personality, Hermann had the German clientele enrapt when he emerged from the kitchen to describe each course. If this was just a placeholder experience, I can only imagine the fine dining fête that Fischer, who honed her skills at some of the finest restaurants in Germany and Switzerland and was named "Female Chef of the Year 2024" by Schlemmer Atlas, a preeminent German gourmet guide, will provide.
The focal point of Restaurant Bayernstube is a blue-and-white tiled kachelöfen, a type of masonry heater used in this area for centuries.
A locally sourced in-suite snack, including Herzoglich Bayerisches beer, brewed on the shores of Lake Tegernsee since Benedictine monks founded the distillery in 1050.
You can bring a taste of Tegernsee home by attending a class in the hotel's "Genusswerkstatt," an on-site cooking school.
Fine dining is a cornerstone of the Althoff Hotel experience.
We traveled to Germany in style and comfort, departing from NYC's JFK airport aboard Condor's new A330neo. While the aircraft's planet-friendliness, cabin quietness, and Condor's top-drawer lie-flat Business Class experience are undoubtedly attention-grabbing, it's their fleet's lively and colorful beach umbrella-style striped paint job that turns heads on the runway. I arrived rested, well-fed, and ready to commence an ambitious itinerary (condor.com)
A horse-drawn carriage through the surrounding area with champagne in hand is an elegantly easy way to enjoy the landscape.
Photo of a lakeview room by Jannis Hagels.
A Spa Suite
Memorable dining moments aren't limited to the fine dining restaurant, as I learned at breakfast on my first full day. The buffetstyle spread, complete with live cooking stations, was a sight to behold. And, since I've convinced myself that calories consumed in Europe are calculated differently from those stateside, I dove head-first into a late lunch replete with authentic Italian cuisine at Il Barcaiolo (awarded 2 toques from French restaurant guide Gault et Millau). The chef, who hails from Lake Como, travels to Italy twice a month to source staples for the kitchen, and it shows.
I also went all-in for an authentic Bavarian feast at Restaurant Bayernstube, donning a dirndl I procured from a shop in the town center earlier that day. The focal point of the dining room is a blue-and-white tiled kachelöfen, a type of masonry heater used in this area for centuries. We washed down our "Bavarian mezé" of 12 vegetable side dishes accompanied by meat and cheese fondue with Herzoglich Bayerisches beer, brewed on the shores of Lake Tegernsee since Benedictine monks founded the distillery in 1050.
You can bring a taste of Tegernsee home by attending a class in the hotel's "Genusswerkstatt," a cooking school that’s operates from a freestanding contemporary glass box with a rustic interior and topof-the-line GAGGENAU appliances.
Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt's spa and fitness offerings are comprehensive. The 28m indoor pool is a piscine palace outfitted with enough marble to rival a Roman bath. Elke Diefenbach-Althoff devised the holistic treatments for the 4 elements spa, which are carried out in spacious, light-filled, garden-facing rooms.
As the gateway to the Alps, the area is a haven for hikers, including hut-to-hut hikes. The Tegernseer Hütte trek, a nearly 6-mile route with 2,900 feet of elevation gain, is considered the pinnacle experience—and not for the faint of heart). An easier option for chasing a mountain high is the Wallbergbahn gondola. In winter, the lift provides access to Germany's longest and most challenging natural sledding run. A horse-drawn carriage through the surrounding area with champagne in hand is an elegantly easy way to enjoy the landscape. With such an expansive playground at your fingertips, recreation opportunities are limited only by guests' imagination. While Easter through October is considered high season, a robust schedule of annual events makes the area ideal for a visit any time of year. A complete calendar of area events can be found at tegernsee.com/en/events. So, whether you choose winter schussing or summer sipping at the Althoff Seehotel Überfahrt's lakefront Dom Pérignon bar, a haute Heidi experience awaits sl For more information visit althoffcollection.com/en/althoff-seehotel-ueberfahrt/the-hotel.
The balcony of the Maisonette Suite provides an unobstructed view of the storybook setting.
Compiled by Bridget Williams
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ON CLOUD WINE
Perched high above Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Grange Estate is the famed wine region’s newest luxury lodging option.
Written by Bridget Williams
Already an early riser, on the first morning of my trip to Oregon's Willamette Valley, I was surprised to see dawn's first light peeking through the drapery in my suite at Grange Estate, a charming nine-room inn that opened in late June. Always down to catch the sunrise, I decamped to the sectional in the living room, where I sat gob-smacked for the next twenty minutes as the sun slowly emerged from behind the Cascade Range, illuminating the snowcapped peak of Mount Hood.
A primo location nearly 1,000 feet above 100 acres of vineyards is just one of the many covetable attributes of Dundee Hill's newest lodging option, available exclusively to members of the Foley Food & Wine Society (free to join at foleyfoodandwinesociety.com). As a "serial acquirer," billionaire businessman Bill Foley's foray into the wine world began in 1996 when he and his wife Carol purchased 1,000 acres in Santa Barbara County, California, and established Foley Family Wines. Since then, the industry dabblers have become dominant, acquiring more than 20 prestige wineries from the West
Coast to New Zealand and quickly closing in on a company goal of reaching a cumulative volume of 2 million cases.
Also under the Foley Entertainment Group umbrella is a growing portfolio of hotels and restaurants, including Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg, CA; Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, CA; Hotel Californian and Blackbird restaurant in Santa Barbara, CA; Whitefish Mountain in Whitefish, MT; Wharekauhau Country Estate in Palliser Bay, New Zealand; and MacArthur Place in Sonoma, CA. Members of the company's Food & Wine Society can use loyalty points to access exclusive experiences and special events.
Grange Estate shares the hilltop with a handsome multipurpose building in the same architectural style, which houses the tasting room for The Four Graces Winery, Anthology tasting experience, and multiple private event spaces. It is also home to the well-established and Tuscan-inspired Black Walnut Inn & Vineyard, whose breakfast room, gym, and public spaces are available to guests of Grange Estate.
Sunrise view from the Jory Suite Photo by Bridget Williams
The Four Graces tasting room shares the space with the open kitchen of Anthology restaurant.
Games and books are available for guests’ use in the first floor gathering area of The Grange Estate.
Living room in the Jory Suite
Photo by Aubrie LaGault
A hand-crafted black walnut headboard is a focal point of the Aeolus room.
Photo by Aubrie LeGault
Second-floor Laurelwood Suite
Photo by Aubrie LeGault
Photo by Aubrie LeGault
Designed by Portland-based architecture firm Urban Patterns and boasting a modern farmhouse vibe, each of Grange Estate's guestrooms presents a unique melding of contemporary styling, artisan-made furniture, artwork with a sense of place, and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The cumulative effect creates a homelike appeal, beginning in the first-floor common area with its plethora of intentional coffee table books, board games, and seating areas that inspire an atmosphere of conviviality.
If your stay occurs Thursday through Sunday, don't miss the communal culinary extravaganza offered twice nightly at Anthology. We were offered a glass of Foley Family Brut, made following the Méthode Champenoise, at arrival. As a warmup to Executive Chef Chase Williams' hyper-seasonal menu, a server presented a silver tray laden with carrots appearing as if they'd been dipped in white chocolate. The deceptively simple presentation belied a complex layering of ingredients that packed a punch. We couldn't wait for the eight courses comprising the "Gather & Preserve" menu to follow. With just 14 seats and an open kitchen, Anthology is the realization of the affable Williams' long-held dream. The James Beardnominated chef, who joined the Black Walnut team in 2018, works
in tandem with long-time collaborator Zack Ehrlich. They take turns explaining each dish, accompanied by a hand-drawn menu card created by Williams. At the end of the meal, the cards are gathered into a little folio that becomes a unique keepsake of the evening.
The duo changes the menu at Anthology every two months. Perfectly paced and expertly accompanied by wines culled from the Foley portfolio and beyond, course after beautiful course showcased what happens when culinary prowess intersects with fond childhood memories. While my husband gushed over the "Cherries and Duck," I was partial to "Farmer's Choice." A throwback to the first item Chef Chase put on the breakfast menu at Black Walnut, I found it hard to believe that so much flavor—truffled bearnaise, maple lardon bacon, Fresno chili, and chives— could be so harmoniously contained within the confines of a hollowed out eggshell. Every detail, from river rock vessels sourced in Denmark to substantial wineglass bowls seeming to defy physics perched atop delicate, slim stems, contributed to the specialness of the evening, making it much more than just a meal.
Outside of Anthology, guests of Grange Estate, Black Walnut, and The Four Graces can experience Williams and Ehrlich's cuisine.
Breakfast room at The Grange Estate
A walk-behind waterfall on the Trail of Ten Falls in Silver Falls State Park
Photo by Bridget Williams
Pinot tasting in the private tasting room at The Four Graces
Photo by Aubrie LeGault Farmer’s Choice at Anthology
Our farm-fresh breakfast each morning provided an ideal way to fortify ourselves for busy days spent hiking and wine tasting. In the Four Graces tasting room, akin to a modern cathedral for oenophiles, the Sip & Savor Experience offers a generous board of seasonal bites to explore The Four Graces' Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs. While you're there, check out the covetable walnut wine shelving in the private tasting room, a stunning handmade table of locally sourced black walnut surrounded by refurbished chairs from Princeton Law School in a "crow's nest" event room, and a wine wall that serves as a "greatest hits" display from the entirety of the Foley portfolio.
The Dundee Hills AVA is regarded as the epicenter of Oregon Pinot Noir. It's one of 12 American Viticultural Areas in the Willamette Valley, boasting over 900 wineries. Our summertime visit was perfectly (or imperfectly) timed with an extreme heatwave, meaning that we couldn't use Grange Estate's cozy fire pits and woolen blankets, and making tasting copious amounts of pinot less palatable. However, we're not that easily discouraged, so in addition to our tasting at The Four Graces, we made time to visit a few of our favorite winemakers, including the living room tasting room in the home of Scott and Denise Flora
at Native Flora (nativeflora.com); the "urban" tasting room at Purple Hands (purplehandswine.com) and the iconic Red Barn tasting room at Arterberry Maresh (mareshredbarn.com).
We headed a little over an hour west to Cannon Beach to find respite from the heat. After a long and slightly chilly stroll on the broad four-mile-long beach, which took us past the iconic Haystack Rock where Tufted Puffins were nesting, we perused the art galleries and farmer's market in the small beachfront town before tackling the Clatsop Loop Trail in Ecola State Park. Further south, Depoe Bay is a hotspot for whale watching, with a designated Whale Watching Center equipped with binoculars and volunteers on hand to answer questions. Also roughly an hour away southeast of Dundee is Silver Falls State Park, Oregon's largest state park. At just under nine miles, its Trail of Ten Falls passes ten waterfalls, four of which you can walk behind. Every direction we traveled offered super scenic drives (and ample roadside stands to pick up seasonal produce, including hazelnuts, marionberries, and lavender ), making Grange Estate an ideal homebase for exploring Oregon's diverse landscapes. sl
For more information about The Grange Dundee Hills visit foleywinesdundeehills.com.
Executive Chef Chase Williams
Photo by Aubrie LeGault
Chef Zack Ehrlich. Photo by Aubrie LeGault
Part of the landscaping crew at Native Flora
Photo by Bridget Williams
You can pick your own bouquet at Wayward Winds lavender farm in the Dundee Hills.
Photo by Bridget Williams
FALL BACK
New timepieces to mark the end of Daylight Saving Time in style
Compiled by Bridget Williams
This page, clockwise from top left: Breitling Chronomat B01 42 a limited-edition with a Rouleaux-inspired rubber strap and new green colorway created in collaboration with NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo ($8,550). Available through Richter & Phillips in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and breitling.com. The Ferragamo Crystal ($1,150; ferragamo.com). Versace Reve ($1,250; Versace.com). Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller 42mm in 18ct Everose gold with calibre 9002 movement ($54,000). Available through Richters & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and rolex.com. Louis Vuitton Escale, Automatic, 40.5mm, in platinum with diamonds ($178,000; us.louisvuitton.com). Hublot Square Bang Unico All Black Diamonds ($31,800). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and hublot.com. The Master Lighter Franck Muller & S.T. Dupont is the result of more than two years of development (price upon request; franckmuller.com). Yvonne Léon's Bague L’Horloge merges the delicate beauty of fine jewelry with the precision and functionality of high-quality watchmaking ($20,775; yvonneleon.com/en). Bell & Ross BR03 Diver Full Lum with a 54 hour power reserve and a dial cocered entirely in Super-LumiNova ($5,400). The OMEGA Seamaster 41mm Aqua Terra ($6,300). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and omegawatches.com. SINTESI, the brand collection from Pininfarina Hybrid Smartwatches by Globics ($500; pininfarina-hybridwatchbyglobics.com). Opposite page: Hungarian model and Longines ambassador Barbara Palvin wearing the new 34mm CONQUEST with a snailed pastel-blue sunray dial and stainless steel case and strap ($2.075). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and longines.com. Image courtesy of Longines.
LE ROYAL TREATMENT
It’s easy to adjust to palace life at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris
"These days, you eat with your phone first," said pastry chef and entrepreneur Yazid Ichemrahen during a tasting of his sweetest hits at Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris, where he was recently tapped to lead the pastry and dessert program. With 1.6 million Instagram followers, the thirty-something, who, at the tender age of 22, became the youngest chef to be named a World Pastry Champion, knows a thing or two about appealing visuals, backed up by a unique approach that's lighter on sugar and heavy on raw ingredients. "By adhering to a single rule—no more than three ingredients and three textures in any single dessert—a recipe for happiness emerges," said Ichemrahen.
Under Ichemrahen's direction, the dessert course at each of Le Royal Monceau's dining outposts becomes an event, with a member of the pastry team finishing off creations tableside. This elevation brings the last course up to par with first impressions
upon entering the whimsical and wonderful Palace Hotel, located in Paris' 8th arrondissement. While just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe, the hotel feels worlds away within a chic residential area notable for the charming Parc Monceau (established three years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence).
Terrifically theatrical and taking cues from the 1940s and onwards, the Philippe Starck-orchestrated interiors in public spaces and the 149 guestrooms and suites are heavily focused on contemporary art and mirrored surfaces, with generous helpings of crystal, application of grand scale, and the unexpected, such as the trippy floor-to-ceiling stripes in the guest room corridors. A product of the roaring Twenties, Le Royal Monceau retains the vanguard spirit of the era, with halls once roamed by Josephine Baker and Ernest Hemingway reimagined by Starck, a Parisian native, through a lens of contemporary joie de vivre.
Il Carpaccio’s main dining room, set within a greenhouse space framed by a manicured garden, is a feast for the senses even before the first plate arrives. Photo by The Travel Buds.
Presidential Suite
Photo by Vincent Leroux
Photo by Patrick Locqueneux
Prestique Suite
Photo by Patrick Locqueneux
Presidential Suite.
Photo by Zoe Fidji
Royal Monceau Suite bathroom
Photo by Patrick Locqueneux
Ray Charles Suite
Photo by Patrick Locqueneux
Pastry chef and entrepreneur Yazid Ichemrahen in the hotel’s smoking room
Le Bar Long Photo by The Travel Buds
Dome pendant lights, nearly the diameter of the round tables below, ring the perimeter of Matsuhisa Paris, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's first Matsuhisa restaurant in France.
Chefs Oliver Piras & Alessandra Del Favero of the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio
Photo by The Travel Buds
The lobby's monumental staircase, with walls sheathed in mirrors, is reminiscent of Coco Chanel's famed escalier connecting her second-floor apartment at 31 Rue Cambon with her boutique below. An installation of massive crystal chandeliers, part of the hotel's inventory since it opened and hung at varying heights, amplifies the drama. The first time I took the stairs up to my room, I was caught off guard by Russian artist Nikolay Polissky's installation of 15 life-sized wooden elk and deer arrayed on the first landing.
Views from the dormer windows of my 7th-floor junior suite framed what I fancied as my ideal dream apartment, complete with a terrace, on the same floor in a Hausmann building across the street. My suite's interior was a beguiling mix of blonde wood paneling, camel-colored leather furniture, and otherworldly blown glass sconces and table lamps (including one with a purposely off-kilter shade that I tried to straighten more than once). While Versailles has its Hall of Mirrors, I enjoyed the funhouse effect created by a fully mirrored closet and bathroom. Perfect natural light projectors, leaning floor mirrors at either end of the room concealed televisions. Hung next to the bed in every room is a copy of a different love letter culled from the hundreds Jean Cocteau wrote to his beloved Jeannot (Jean Marais).
Hoping to refresh my jet-lagged complexion, I headed straight to the Clarins & myBlend Spa shortly after check-in for ninety minutes of pure bliss via a myBlend facial. The indulgent treatment included donning a MyLedMask (which, showing my age, made me think of Billy Joel's The Stranger album cover). I returned to the spa facilities several times during my stay to sweat it out in the hammam, sauna, and sprawling fitness center, spread out over four rooms and encompassing a private Thai Boxing
studio and one room entirely dedicated to Pilates with the latest Reformer and Cadillac machines.
The hotel's Le Bar Long is the spot for an elevated apéro among the local chic set. Starck conceived the illuminated long bar to switch up the repetitive face-to-face layout between patrons and a bartender moving behind a bar. A nearby smoking room, dramatically rendered in red from floor to ceiling, is said to represent Starck's vision of hell (which is far chicer than I would have imagined).
While it may be in the city's heart, Le Royal Monceau's culinary program pulls from a global playbook, partnering with some of the world's most famous chefs for its fine dining experiences. Matsuhisa Paris is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's first Matsuhisa restaurant in France. In the high-ceilinged space, dome pendant lights, nearly the diameter of the round tables below, ring the perimeter. Stéphane Calais' fresco mural, Jardin à la Française, adorns the ceiling. During breakfast, the same space becomes La Cuisine, where chef Norihisa Semboshi presides over a sumptuous breakfast buffet that takes it up a notch during Royal Sunday Brunch, an impressive display of global cuisine and French supremacy in the pastry arts.
It's hard to imagine the painstaking hours it took for craftsman Thomas Boog to create the fresco of hand-glued shells on the walls within Il Carpaccio. The main dining room, set within a greenhouse space framed by a manicured garden, is a feast for the senses even before the first plate arrives. Within six months of reopening in 2022, the restaurant, a collaboration with the three-star Da Vittorio in Lombardy, Italy, and chefs Oliver Piras and Alessandra Del Favero, received a Michelin Star. Put your experience in the hands of the chef and sommelier for their six-course tasting menu and thank me later.
The Philippe Starck-orchestrated interiors in public spaces and the 149 guestrooms and suites are heavily focused on the unexpected, such as the trippy floor-to-ceiling stripes in the guest room corridors.
and inspiration for
My visit this past spring was a tad too early to enjoy the leafy respite offered by the courtyard of La Terrasse, where tables from Matsuhisa Paris and Il Carpaccio spill out into the garden. At the center, a clear-bottomed cocktail pool provides a glimpse of swimmers in the subterranean spa pool, one of the largest indoor pools in the city.
In a city with no shortage of luxury hotels, Le Royal Monceau differentiates itself from its peers with scores of unique guest experiences. Paramount among these is a dedicated, in-house Art Concierge, a world first in a luxury hotel, who can devise custom art-centric itineraries and tailored visits of the hotel's private collection, comprised of more than 300 pieces.
Rain scuttled plans for "Fleur Royale," a plein-air watercolor experience with Mireille Blanc and Eva Nielsen, professional artists and instructors at the Académie des Beaux-arts, so the concierge pivoted and moved us as close to the outdoors as possible without getting wet: the dining room at Il Carpaccio. Despite none of us in our group having an artistic background, supportive guidance from the instructors and a bit of liquid encouragement had us creating mini masterpieces that became a highly personal souvenir.
A port tasting with Italian-born sommelier Gabriele Del Carlo in the living room of the Ray Charles suite is one of many unique
food and beverage experiences available to Le Royal Monceau guests. Charles and Arlette Kotchounian, his French paramour photographer, were Le Royal Monceau regulars. Kotchounian's photographs of the couple during their visits add an aura of intimacy to the suite, a repository for Paris' only in-suite Pleyel grand piano (a professional pianist can be booked upon request).
Del Carlo, named Italy's best sommelier in 2011 and 2017, has facilitated a $1 million investment in expanding the wine list since his arrival. His focus on Vintage Port is unique in the city; Le Royal Monceau is the only hotel offering Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port by the glass, an experience Del Carlo likens to being able to buy a single pour of Burgundy's Romanée-Conti.
During a dessert demonstration with Ichemrahen, a trio of simple but very high-quality ingredients, including chocolate sourced from Vietnam, seemed to magically coalesce into the most decadent mousse. As Ichemrahen deftly turned the spatula, we gleaned some insight into why this contemporary culinary luminary finds a kindred spirit in a nearly one-hundred-year-old palace hotel: "We have a similar mindset, focused on luxury and forward-thinking," he said. sl
For more information about Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris visit leroyalmonceau.com.
Stéphane Calais' fresque mural, Jardin à la Française, adorns the ceiling in the dining room of Matsuhisa Paris.
Photo by Bridget Williams
Beef carpaccio with black trufle is a signature dish at Il Carpaccio.
Photo by The Travel Buds
Tools
“Fleur Royale," a plein-air watercolor experience
DO / Before a special night out, take a short stroll across the street from the Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris to Patrick & Marcel Coiffure (6 Rue Dupont des Loges) for a "brushing," the French term for a blowout. The fabulously coiffed duo recently posted their red-carpet pics from the Cannes Film Festival on their Instagram account, @patrickandmarcel.
EAT / For an authentic French brasserie experience without pretense, head to Le Bon Georges in the 9th arrondissement (lebongeorges.paris)
Maxim's de Paris, founded in 1893, enjoyed a long run at the pinnacle of fashionable restaurants. When I last visited in 2016, the shine on its famous Art Deco interiors has dimmed, with unenthusiastic staff delivering an expensively underwhelming experience. The landmark's new owners unveiled a refreshed Maxim’s earlier this year, and its new hauteness lived up to the hype, with palpable energy, a preponderance of leggy models seated around the tables, live music, and solid classic French cuisine. (restaurant-maxims.com)
SEE / Surrealism: The Centenary Exhibition – Center Pompidou
The centenary exhibition, centering around poet André Breton's Manifesto of Surrealism , published in 1924 and on loan from the Bibliothèque nationale de France, brings together works by Surrealism's leading artists, such as Salvador Dali, René Magritte, Dorothea Tanning, Tatsuo Ikeda, Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, Helen Lundeberg, and Joan Miro. (centrepompidou.fr/en/)
Desserts at each of Le Royal Monceau’s dining outlets are finished tableside by a member of the pastry team.
Photo by Bridget Williams
A port tasting with Italianborn sommelier Gabriele Del Carlo in the living room of the Ray Charles suite is one of many unique food and beverage experiences available to Le Royal Monceau guests.
Le Bon Georges offers an authentic brasserie experience without pretense.
Photo by Bridget Williams
HIP TO BE
SQUARE
Compiled by Bridget Williams
This page, clockwise from top left: Ashaha Ghilas ring ($6,638; ashaha.com). David Yurman Sculpted Cable Square Locket ($1,975). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Assael Dendritic agate, natural pearl, coral and garnet brooch. Inquire at Diamond Cellar in Columbus & Nashville and assael.com. Susana Martins The Cube Ring in Carmine ($3,663; susanamartins.com). Nouvel Heritage Dinner Date Mood Ring ($2,650). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang Jewelers in St. Louis and us.nouvelheritage.com. Ritique by Ritika Atwal Emerald & Diamond Line Drop Earrings ($9,290; ritique.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Frame Pendant from Bondeye Jewelry ($490; bondeyejewelry.com). Ray Griffiths Crownwork Square Link Bracelet ($7,645; raygriffiths.com). Lugano rough cut diamond and ceramic hoop earrings (luganodiamonds.com). Ojal Ring from Modern Moghul ($5,400; modernmoghul.com). Bellari Anastasia Collection bangle ($11,695), Available through Richter & Phillips in Cincinnati and bellarriconcierge.com. IVI Los Angeles Mini Aurelia Hoops ($360; ivilosangeles.com). Sig Ward moonstone, tanzanite and amethyst ring ($3,750; sigwardjewelry.com). EF Collection Celebration Bracelet ($5,195). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and efcollection.com. Shy Creation Diamond Baguette Stud Earring ($1,080). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and shycreation.com.
A SHORE THING
provided
for over a century.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Passalacqua and Villa Sola Cabiati
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo has
luxurious la dolce vita on Lake Como
Third-generation hotelier Valentina De Santis is not in the business of making her guests cry. Still, it occasionally happens, recalls Gregory Bradelle, Manager of Passalacqua, the crown jewel of the De Santis' family holdings on Lake Como. During a recent visit, he recounted that several guests, upon the stunning setting of the
Bellini Suite (the largest on the lake at 2,600 square feet), have been brought to tears by its grandeur. In response, Valentina, whose sunny disposition elicits the sun's gravitational pull, making you want to remain in her orbit to bask in her innate gioia di vivere as long as possible, threw her head back in laughter.
Lake Como is a dreamy destination on its own, and embellishing the fantasy is all in a day's work for a woman who fondly remembers childhood summers spent as a real-life Eloise in the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the first hotel on Lake Como and one of its most legendary. As an only child, Valentina says she regarded the hotel as her personal castle, with her reigning (and running the halls) as its princess. This past spring, the princess of pop, Taylor Swift, made another of the DeSantis' properties —Villa Sola Cabiati—"Insta famous" when she and Travis Kelce stayed at the exquisitely restored 12-bedroom, 16th-century lakefront villa, which typically rents for $21,000 /night.
While her welcoming hospitality is innate and effortless, Valentina's attention to detail is quite intentional and calculated, down to the staff's Lega tennis shoes emblazed with the hotel's logo—in orange at Grand Hotel Tremezzo and yellow at Pasqualina.
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo—situated across the lake from the boutique-lined cobblestone streets of Bellagio, the snow-capped peaks
of the Grigne Mountains, and right next door to the splendiferous gardens of Villa Carlotta—is my embodiment of a postcard-perfect version of a Lake Como holiday. My lakefront accommodation, suitable for a baroness, was outfitted with fine antiques—heavy on marquetry and ormolu, along with lush fabrics with a nice hand and substantial trim—personally selected by Valentina and her parents. The overall effect projects a playful attitude and a feminine touch. Fabulously fussy, the De Santis' have created a dreamscape with a unique sense of place that even a modernist like me appreciates for its craftsmanship and enduring appeal.
Each morning, after heading downstairs for an early Americano and a selection of cheese and charcuterie from the elegant breakfast buffet spread complete with polished silver serving pieces, I spent time on my lakefront balcony, where the elevated perch provided a cinematic-like view of the vignette below: smartly attired staff delivering an Aperol Spritz to guests lounging on orange and white beanbags arrayed around the deck of the floating pool;
Park View Prestige Room
Park View Prestique Room at Grand Hotel Tremezzo
A second-floor salon at Villa Sola Cabiati
an iconic and alluring Riva Aquariva, with a gleaming mahogany deck and retro baby blue leather trim, bobbing near mooring poles dressed in a coordinating color scheme; and, patrons parked on orange-cushioned seats savoring fresh seafood in the alfresco setting of Giacomo Al Lago, an outpost of the Giacomo Milano, founded by Giacomo Bulleri in 1958. In short, an ideal idyll.
It's a delicate dance for a century-old hotel to remain simultaneously relevant and true to its roots, and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo does it with aplomb. My last visit was nearly a decade ago. I was thrilled to see things that I loved, starting with the superbly hospitable staff, along with a self-service candy station arrayed on a marble-topped credenza at the terminus of the grand staircase, a steep hiking trail leading to a fantastic viewpoint behind the hotel, and the jewel-toned upholstery in the Salon Musica remained. At the same time, ongoing tweaks and enhancements to guestrooms, amenities, and restaurants create a renewed sense of interest and excitement even for clients who've been returning for decades.
A collection of 18th-century buildings, once part of a tiny village, sit adjacent to the 85-room hotel and have been thoughtfully retrofitted for modern purposes. These include the T Spa, complete with a Turkish bath and a lakeview sauna, a supremely equipped fourstory fitness center, and a wine cellar with a barrel-vaulted ceiling that hosts sommelier-guided tastings from 300-plus labels on offer. We enjoyed an exploration of Nebbiolo, a full-bodied wine rarely grown outside its primary production area in Piedmont, Italy.
A well-curated gift shop highlights pieces from the De Santis' Sense of Lake collection. A project borne out of the second COVID lockdown, Valentina said it provided an outlet to connect with guests through collaborations with brands they admire to create everything from custom-scented candles and toiletries to silk dresses, hats, and swim trunks. Announced in early summer, a partnership with London-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead resulted in a limited-edition vacation-wear capsule collection in prints inspired by Lake Como's elegant surroundings and verdant landscape.
At T Pizza, a casual poolside woodfired pizza spot surrounded by lush gardens, you can make your own from scratch under the direction of a master pizzaiolo.
Risotti topped with saffron and a square of edible gold at La Terrazza, the only restaurant in the world offering the most famous dishes by Gualtiero Marchesi (1930-2017), regarded as the founder of new Italian Cuisine, and the first chef in Italy to ever gain three Michelin stars.
The lakefront amenities include a restaurant, floating pool and beach.
Photo by Julius Hirtzberger
You can venture out with a capitain in one of the hotel’s fleet of vintage speedboats.
The T-Spa lounge is housed in an 18th-century villa, complete with original floor mosaics and frescoes.
There are five restaurants on the property. Should you not be able to tear yourself away from the hotel's luxury confines during your stay, the diversity of the dining program allows for buon gusto from early morning to late-night digestifs in the T Bar. At T Pizza, a casual poolside woodfired pizza spot surrounded by lush gardens, you can make your own from scratch under the direction of a master pizzaiolo. Leave the cooking to the experts at La Terrazza, the only restaurant in the world offering the most famous dishes by Gualtiero Marchesi (1930-2017), regarded as the founder of new Italian Cuisine, and the first chef in Italy to ever gain three Michelin stars. Grand Hotel Tremezzo's Executive Chef, Osvaldo Presazz, is uniquely endowed to carry on the culinary maestro's legacy, having worked side-by-side with him. Don't miss Dripping di Pesce, an edible tribute to Jackson Pollock, and the ahh-inducing Riso, ro e zafferano, topped with saffron and a square of edible gold (those who order the iconic dish receive a gold-leaf-embellished certificate at the meal's conclusion).
And, while a luxury lockdown is certainly tempting, it would be a shame not to explore the area. The best way to enjoy Como is by water, and the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's marina keeps a fleet of vintage speedboats for guest charter. Accessorize with oversized sunglasses and a silk headscarf to feel like Sophia Loren while cruising around. Como has historically been a significant producer of silk; a public ferry runs throughout the day and evening to Bellagio, where there's a plethora of silk purveyors. Grab a sunset aperitif at Hotel du Lac's rooftop bar before returning.
Located on the tip of a small, wooded peninsula, Villa Barbienello, made even more famous by appearances in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones (including a kissing scene between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala), is a gardener's paradise. With a history dating back to a Franciscan monastery in the 13th century, it was most recently owned by Count Guido Monzino, a businessman, antiquities and antiques collector and explorer, who donated the property to the National Trust of Italy after his death. Navigating the throngs of would-be influencers and Star Wars devotees recreating "the kiss" can be challenging; booking an interior tour through the Hotel's concierge provides a fascinating glimpse into the eccentric life of Monzino, a man who dedicated an entire floor to showcase his explorations, which included leading the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest.
Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's next-door neighbor, is 14th century villa-turned art and house museum and botanical garden with 20 acres of formal gardens, including 150 varieties of azalea, a citrus tree allée, exotic plants, and water features. If you're looking for a longer walk, jump onto the Lake Como Greenway, a six-mile path that passes through seven different towns and along ancient Roman roads, historic churches, and stunning viewpoints. By water or walking, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo provides a luxurious home base for exploring this magical destination. sl
For more information visit: grandhoteltremezzo.com/en/; passalacqua.it/en/; senseoflake.com.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo boasts five parklike acres of gardens, complete with olive and palm groves.
Bibliotaph...
Compiled by Victoria Chase
A popular wine columnist uncorks the basics in this vibrant, accessible, and empowering guide to tasting, choosing, pairing, and serving every kind of wine. Charlotte Kristensen—Wine Taste Pair Pour: Grow Your Knowledge with Every Glass—hardcover, 224 pages, Prestel
You’re invited to pull up a chair to a year of meals, friends, and fun with the Partons, as Dolly and her sister (and favorite cook) Rachel share beloved, crowd-pleasing recipes and family stories. Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George—Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals, A Lifetime of Family, Friends, and Food—hardcover, 272 pages, Ten Speed Press
Discover the oldest, most authentic cuisine in the world in this unique cookbook that explores the basis of all cuisines in the Middle East. Matay de Mayee—The Oldest Kitchen in the World: 4,000 years of Middle Eastern Cooking Passed Down through Generations— hardcover, 224 pages, Tra Publishing
Discover the art of effortless entertaining with 17 seasonal gatherings made simple, stylish, and soulful, complete with 18 recipes and fabulous decor tips. Available in October. Lorna Gross—Entertaining by Design: A Guide to Creating Meaningful Gatherings— Hardcover, 256 Pages, The Collective Book Studio
Award-winning interiors blogger Abi Dare of These Four Walls reveals a softer, more relaxed approach to minimalism that will enhance your wellbeing and simplify your home. Abi Dare—The Soft Minimalist Home: Calm, cozy decor for real lives and spaces— Hardcover, 208 pages, Ryland Peters & Small
bib
[bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who caches or hoards books
This is a collection of Indian philosopher, speaker, writer, and spiritual figure Jiddu Krishnamurti’s previously unpublished speeches and informal talks where he discusses war, politics and global tensions. Jiddu Krishnamurti—How to Find Peace: Living in a Challenging World—hardcover, 160 pages, Watkins Publishing
Van Gogh’s sublime artistry comes alive in this luxuriously packaged volume that features a canvas cover, impeccable reproductions of all the major works, and 48 extra pages on 6 fold-out spreads. Anne Sefrioui— Van Gogh: The Bigger Picture—hardcover, 176 pages, Prestel
Embrace the transformative power of kindness through stories of more than one hundred GOOD PEOPLE, brought to you by Upworthy, the beloved social media platform where millions find inspiration, joy, and daily affirmation. Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell—Upworthy-GOOD PEOPLE: Stories from the Best of Humanity— hardcover, 320 pages, National Geographic
An expressive book of prose and photographs that reveals the powerful ways our everyday places support our shared belonging. Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani—The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places—hardcover, 288 pages, The MIT Press
The first book dedicated to the contemporary Diné artist DY Begay, a fifth-generation weaver, featuring 80 stunning tapestries and essays exploring her life and legacy. Edited by Cécile R. Ganteaume and Jennifer McLerran Contributions by DY Begay, America Meredith and Jennifer Nez Denetdale— Sublime Light: Tapestry Art of DY Begay—hardcover, 272 pages, Smithsonian Books
An invitation to explore the life-giving lessons we can learn from the Earth, featuring stunning photography and reflections from an acclaimed visual artist. Stephen Proctor—Wild Wonder: What Nature Teaches Us About Slowing Down and Living Well—hardcover, 192 pages, Ink & Willow
I DIDN'T KNOW I MARRIED A POP ARTIST
By Carol Middlekauff
When I married Chuck Middlekauff in 1972, I didn't know he would be a red-hot pop artist. He didn't know it either.
I did know we were both green-eyed left-handers, and I did know we would have the same initials. But I didn't know his heroes were the cowboys in the "Westerns" he watched as a kid—and later the Beatles and Beach Boys. I didn't know he would spend a good part of his hours cruising in—or lying under—old cars. I didn't know he played guitar. I didn't know he would be a weightlifter, that he would spend time in jail, or that he had a serious case of "road rash."
I did know that, after four Navy years, while he mastered drafting school, he was the part-time mail clerk at the insurance company where I was a file clerk. And I did know I fell madly in love with him when our fingers touched as he handed me the mail.
Five months later, we declared our vows. And I began to know about the rest.
Chuck did spend some years as a draftsman. Then, struggling to find a better career path at Metropolitan State College in Denver, he took an elective drawing course. Encouraged by collecting a few "perfect tens" his professor said he never gave, Chuck declared a
major in fine art. Although he discovered he could draw and paint, I heard him grumble at his graduation, "How will I get a real job with this B.A. in Fine Art?"
I agreed he should enroll at the Colorado Institute of Art, where he aced the International Design Conference poster competition in Aspen and graduated with honors. Then, expecting his imaginative portfolio to earn him a spot at a top advertising agency, designing Coca-Cola campaigns and other fun stuff, instead, he discovered that those "real jobs" mostly meant executing others' ideas. He loved/hated it for four years in Denver and Los Angeles and eventually threw in the towel to take a crack at real art.
Sorting out what he would paint meant spending a few years relentlessly examining art and artists and narrowing it down to watercolors and acrylics. His subjects? Cowboys, the West, and the all-American kitsch he grew up with.
Since 1992, Chuck's distinctive pop art interpretations of the West (which regularly reflect his affinity for juxtaposition, advertising concepts, and inspirations from the likes of Andy Warhol, Billy Schenck, Nelson Boren, and Jackson Pollack) have
appeared in the finest Western galleries in America. These days, you'll find his work in Mountain Trails Galleries (Jackson Hole, Wyo., Bozeman, Mont., and Park City, Utah.) and Sorrel Sky Galleries (Durango, Colo., and Santa Fe, N.M.).
But what about the old cars, weights, travel, guitar, and jail? I'm getting to that.
His first old car was a yellow and white 1959 Nash Metropolitan. That's right, the tiny bathtub toy of a car that found fame in the 50's song "Beep, Beep." Then, it was a series of C3 Corvettes. His current classic is a 1973 Corvette Stingray. I mostly see the bright yellow tail end of it driving away for the day. Or his feet sticking out from under it. When I ask about the grease under his fingernails, he says, "Oh, that'll come off when I wash my hair." And it does.
Chuck's electric guitar is a "Brown Sunburst" Fender. Once in a while, he gets it out and plays 50s and 60s rock-and-roll songs (some from his time in a high school garage band and others he's picked out by ear from old records). Those same tunes usually fill the studio, intensifying his energy while he's painting.
At 76, he still lifts those weights. When he's not applying acrylics directly on canvas, those iron plates also come in handy for pressing the paper of his watercolor paintings onto canvases (with glue between and then varnish protection—no frames, no glass).
And what about jail? He wasn't sentenced to jail, but we both regularly share the forgiveness of Jesus behind those walls with the Bill Glass prison ministries.
His "road rash" means we've driven close to two million miles crisscrossing America in a various Oldsmobile or Buick. He's still stuffing cars with paintings to deliver to galleries and collectors' homes (he loves meeting his collectors), traveling to prison events, and just for fun, so we're on the road a lot.
And sometimes Chuck even paints. Fifty-two years later, I still don't know everything about this husband of mine. sl
Read more about the artist at chuckmiddlekauff.com.
Paintings, left-right, top-bottom: The FAB FIVE - 40" x 50" - Acrylic on Canvas ($6,000). Think Different - 40" x 30" - Acrylic on Canvas ($3,850). Cutie Pie - 40" x 30" - Mixed Media on Paper Mounted on Canvas ($3,850). Happy Hour - 48" x 36" - Mixed Media on Canvas ($5,000.00). The Wild and Wacky West Road Trip - 48" x 72" - Acrylic on Canvas ($10,250.00). Chuck's paintings are available through Mountain Trails Gallery in Jackson Hole (mtntrails.net) or Sorrel Sky Galleries in Durango, New York, and Santa Fe (sorrelsky.com).
A NEW CHAPTER
The Bizzarrini ‘Giotto’
Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Bizzarrini
In 1964, automotive engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, who initially made his name as controller of experimental, Sports, and GT car development at Ferrari, founded his eponymous firm in Livorno, Italy. Approximately 133 examples of the brand's first car, the 5300GT, were produced across the Strada, America, and Corsa editions. In the summer of 1965, the Corsa edition of the 5300GT won its class at the 24hrs of Le Mans, after which Giotto drove the vehicle back to his home in Italy. While he professed a passion for automotive engineering and building, Giotto admitted he was less interested in the business side. After producing six different models, the company shuttered in 1969. The Bizzarrini brand and its intellectual property bounced between a series of owners until a new Bizzzarini company was formed in 2020 as a subsidiary of Pegasus Brands and supported by Alroumi Group Holdings and its CEO Rezam M. Al-Roumi, who, along with a group of investors, purchased a majority stake in Aston Martin Lagonda in 2007.
"As custodian of this remarkable brand, I am committed to returning Bizzarrini to its rightful place within the luxury automotive sector and creating new opportunities to engage and delight our discerning clients," said Al-Roumi.
Bizzarrini was reintroduced to the world in 2022 with the 5300 GT Corsa Revival. Its newest launch is the Giotto, a limitedrun super sports car named after the company's founder. Early in his career, automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro contributed to the design of the Bizzarrini 5300 GT, and he was selected, along with his son Fabrizio, to create the design of the first entirely new Bizzarrini model. "Designed for purpose and incorporating active
aerodynamic technologies, we have created something that is both recognizably Bizzarrini and totally relevant for an entirely new era of this cherished Italian brand," said Giugiaro.
Classic low-slung supercar proportions of the bespoke carbon fiber body are seamlessly blended with core elements of Bizzarrini's signature design DNA. The prominent dual bonnet-mounted vents of original Bizzarrinis have evolved into a new frontal visual character for the Giotto, incorporating ultra-slimline LED headlights. As they end in the center of the bonnet, they cradle a prominent centermounted Bizzarrini badge, just as it was framed on the 5300 GT. Being rear-mid-engined, the predatory stance of The Giotto is a visual representation of the power delivered through its rear wheels.
Among his accomplishments, Giotto Bizzarrini was heralded for his work in building the Lamborghini V12 engine, first used on Lamborghini's debut model, the 350 GT. His V12 engine proved such a compelling design that aspects of this power unit were used by Lamborghini right up until 2010, so naturally, Bizzarrini's work on the Lamborghini V12 provides inspiration for the Giotto's naturally aspirated V12 produced in partnership with Cosworth, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Development of the powertrain and all engineering aspects of the Giotto will be overseen by Bizzarrini CTO Chris Porritt, who has led engineering divisions at Aston Martin, Tesla, and Rimac.
In line with the company's original plan, Porritt will lead on-road testing of the Giotto in late 2024. "We have a clear vision for the Giotto, driven not by lap times or acceleration records but in the emotional engagement of both the driver and the passenger," said Porritt. sl
ATTRACTING TALENT, REVITALIZING DOWNTOWN AMID LOUISVILLE’S CORPORATE CONSOLIDATION.
WORLD-CLASS
CITIES ARE OFTEN MEASURED BY THE ECONOMIC VITALITY 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
HIGH-LOW HARMONY
Interior designer Christopher Welsh accommodates the needs of an active young family by elevating their traditional home with both haute and hardworking elements.
By Bridget Williams / Photos by Kate Leichhardt
Local lore and the author of a book on the subject attribute the architecture of this very traditional Glenview home to Stratton Hammon, although they haven't been able to get their hands on the paperwork to prove it. Interior designer Christopher Welsh concurs, saying it feels like a Stratton Hammon house in many ways. "It started as a relatively small house with clearly delineated public and private spaces, a Hammon signature," he explained. Welsh's clients, a young, very active family with three school-age daughters, two dogs, three cats, and two ferrets, had renovated and added onto the house considerably before the homeowners retained him.
Welsh recounted meeting the owners when they were seated next to each other at a black-tie gala, a strategic move by another of his clients. "Chris' flexibility when it comes to design appealed to me," said the wife. "He brought a unique perspective with ideas that suited our style."
When Welsh started working with the homeowners, the living room was being used solely as a playroom, with not even a chair for an adult to sit down in, and the rest of the house was furnished with pieces accumulated over the years that presented no particular design viewpoint. His job was to bring more sophistication to the house, make the rooms feel coherent, and still make the whole place feel comfortable for kids and pets.
The wife's one request for the living room was that it feel like a nice space where she could sit down with friends for a glass of wine,
a pseudo lounge space. At the same time, the public spaces had to function so that their daughters would want to host friends as they're quickly entering their teenage years. "This house is very much a gathering space, dare I say a 'party house' for both adults and young people," remarked Welsh. For instance, he pointed out that messy crafting projects frequently consume the dining room table. " I love to see it happening as it's wonderful having rooms used and enjoyed, even if not for their original intention."
In the entry hall, the ceiling fixture is from Urban Electric in Charleston, and the leopard wallpaper is from Schumacher. While they appear antique, a pair of concave chests are newly built pieces from Modern History, based on an old Swedish piece. The very glam 1950s lamps were a Chairish find from a dealer in Belgium; the handpainted Greek key detail on the shades is an homage to the family's recent trip to Greece. An exuberant hand-knotted rug is a custom design made by Tamarian. Welsh worked with Carpet Specialists to choose the colors, all of which have found their way into various rooms throughout the home. The mid-century benches are another Chairish find; Welsh explained they were in terrible shape when they arrived, with corroded brass plate over iron. He had them stripped and coated in automotive paint to appear brand new. The butterfly prints over the benches are from Trowbridge in London, while the paired mirrors were custom-made at a local frame shop.
An exuberant hand-knotted rug in the entry hall is a custom design made by Tamarian. Welsh worked with Carpet Specialists to choose the colors, all of which have found their way into various rooms throughout the home.
Welsh had his longtime High Point upholstery workroom create the sectional in the living room. The nail trim pattern around the bottom is based on a design he spied years ago at the Soho Grand in New York.
A mid-century bench in the entry is a Chairish find. The butterfly print hails from Trowbridge in London.
The wood piece over the mantle in the living room is a continuous piece of wood bent into shape while wet. It was purchased by the homeowners at the St. James Art Fair.
The family room's sectional and swivel chairs, all made in High Point, provide ample seating for a cozy TV-watching session. Vanguard's faux bois iron coffee table adds a touch of nature to the space
A set of napkin rings with peacock feathers inspired the dining room's design, anchored by Cole & Son wallpaper. The walnut mirror above the fireplace was made by made by Keith Fritz, a furniture maker based in Ferdinand, Indiana.
Formal in name only, the living room's previous 1970s white marble fireplace surround is now a limestone slab. The mossy green on the fireplace wall is an inviting interruption from the relaxing neutral camel color on the remaining walls. The side panels at the windows are a Sanderson Garden maize pattern with a Charlotte Moss tape trim down the edges. David Searfoss, a furniture maker who lives in Crescent Hill, made the walnut Parson's-style card table. The card table chairs are from Lee Industries and have cut velvet upholstery from Schumacher. Welsh had his longtime High Point upholstery workroom create the sectional sofa. He added the nail trim pattern around the bottom based on a design he spied years ago at the Soho Grand in New York. "I'd filed it away in my mind until the right opportunity presented itself," Welsh said. The wall lights were custom-made from antique parts in a workshop in Nashville, and they have custom fabric shades. The triptych over the sofa is from Trowbridge, and the stone slices are petrified wood from around the world...a unique Mother's Day gift from husband
to wife. The sofa pillows run the gamut from Etsy finds to custommade, with fabrics from Etro, Pindler, and Kravet.
A set of napkin rings with peacock feathers inspired the dining room's design, a style summons initiated by the wife. "I must admit that I'd never done a theme room outside of a nursery, but I delivered!" Welsh said with a laugh. Friends of the homeowners have remarked that the Cole & Son peacock wallpaper evokes a 1920s Paris aura, the kind of backdrop that conjures images of multi-hyphenate chanteuse Josephine Baker crooning away. Welsh highlighted the wife's excellent taste in antiques in completing the look. "Antique pieces lend a presence that an all 'out of the box' design can't deliver," Welsh stressed. A fabulous walnut mirror made by Keith Fritz, a furniture maker based in Ferdinand, Indiana, presides over the fireplace. The fireplace, which was white marble when Welsh arrived on the scene, was redone in a Jeffrey Court tile with an undulated handmade surface.
Surmounting the 19th-century stone topped console table, is an artwork by the late Louisville artist Stephen Irwin.
: The large abstract pointillist painting over the Woodbridge cabinet is by Louisville-based artist Uhma Janus, who hails originally from Mexico.
In a guest bedroom, the drapery fabric is Schumacher, the table lamp is Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort, and the abstract pencil drawing over the bed is by Louisville-based artist Theresa Carpenter Beames.
Designed for comfort and relaxation, the open-concept family room adjacent to the kitchen is perennially busy. When the clients moved in, the space was part of the primary bedroom, and when the walls came down during renovation, they uncovered an original stone fireplace, which they retained. The family room's sectional and swivel chairs, all made in High Point, provide ample seating for a cozy TV-watching session. Vanguard's faux bois iron coffee table adds a touch of nature to the space. The custom console table from Tritter Feefer in Georgia and the cabinet from Woodbridge provide storage and display space. The lamps made by Lostine add a warm glow to the room, perfect for a relaxing evening.
Welsh recounted that his clients requested a tranquil primary bedroom for the two of them (and, more often than not, their very devoted dogs). The bespoke four-post bed is made of ebonized
walnut by David Iatesta Studio in Los Angeles, while the nightstands were custom-made by David Searfoss and painted oxblood red. Drapery fabric hails from Ferrick Mason, just down the road in Versailles. An iron bench from Woodland sports pet-friendly pleather upholstery from Anzea. A classic Fornasetti cloud pattern wallpaper from Cole & Son draws the eye to the ceiling. The pillows are all custom, and the chartreuse bed throw is from Anchal. This local nonprofit uses design and collaboration to provide economic opportunities for marginalized women to empower themselves. The upholstery on an accent chair is an antique Japanese silk obi Welsh picked up at a vintage store on Bardstown Road several years ago.
"We can't have a touch-me-not household," said the wife, who added that although the home is a constant hive of activity, it stands up to the wear and tear with stylish aplomb. sl
In the primary bedroom, the collage giclée over the bespoke four-post bed by David Iatesta Studio in Los Angeles is by New York City-based artist Jibade-Khalil Huffman.
IS PREVENTATIVE AND PROACTIVE CARE THE SECRET TO FUNCTION AT YOUR PEAK?
By Dr. Carl Paige, CMO & Co-founder, Medical Transformation Center
What if your medical care focused on heading health problems off at the pass before they developed into fullblown or irreversible disorders and chronic diseases? Wouldn't this not only maintain your current level of cognitive and physical functioning but also increase your chances of enhancing it and aging optimally?
While mainstream medical care is often focused on crises, preventative and proactive care are garnering increasing attention for their ability to increase cognitive and physical performance and provide a myriad of other health benefits. This type of care also boasts financial advantages, as less money is spent on serious medical issues.
But what exactly is preventative and proactive care? What does it look like during doctor's visits, and what does it require?
Comparing Proactive and Reactive Care / Proactive care involves taking the necessary steps to promote peak health and well-being. It includes regular check-ups, preventive screenings, working toward a healthy lifestyle, and following a personalized optimal eating plan. This approach can help to prevent health problems from worsening or occurring in the first place.
Conversely, reactive care occurs in response to an existing health problem or condition. It involves addressing the symptoms or consequences of an illness or injury after it has already occurred. Reactive care may include treatment with medication, surgery, or other interventions to manage or cure the condition. It can also include diet, lifestyle, and movement modifications.
We want to emphasize that reactive care can be part of the solution. At Medical Transformation Center (MTC), we have our original roots in traditional allopathic medicine, and those are tools we absolutely use. Most of the time, though, our team relies on newer advances in medical science like regenerative, cellular, and antiaging medicine; nutritional and metabolic medicine; or upgrades in genomics and epigenetic analysis - using a personalized and integrative approach to medicine.
We educate our patients on treatments available in time-tested methods (like functional and integrative medicines) and the most recent clinical advances (like those found in cellular and regenerative medicine).
Lifestyle Changes Are Key / Regardless of your current health status, you need to focus on your lifestyle. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, lifestyle changes can offer better results than pharmaceuticals for preventing and treating some chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. In our practice, we repeatedly see diet and lifestyle modifications as integral factors in helping our patients achieve better health and longevity. Helping our patients understand why lifestyle and diet are so crucial has made a huge difference in their ability to implement the recommendations we offer sustainably.
Finding exactly what's going on with a patient - on a cellular or even subcellular level - and how that plays out throughout systems and overall health helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific health goals, needs, and concerns. There are a few essential aspects we use with every patient who is seeking proactive care:
• Regenerative therapies to support cells to function optimally and encourage the body to heal itself.
• Genetic testing and advanced diagnostics to understand predispositions and current health situations. For instance, we can identify whether you have a predisposition to a particular condition, or we work together to discover a tough-to-determine diagnosis.
• Comprehensive, individualized plans, including exercise, meal, and lifestyle recommendations.
• Looking at your health with a whole-person, interconnected lens.
Carl Paige, MD, is CMO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with his wife, Terri Paige. After 25-plus years in traditional practice, he recognized the substantial need for a more proactive approach. He began exploring cellular medicine, which strengthens and optimizes individual cells to support the whole body from its most basic unit up. The Kentucky-based MTC is now a respected regional hub in integrative cellular and regenerative medicine. Continuing to pioneer research-based techniques and advances in his field, Dr. Paige is an original member of the Scientific Research and Performance Institute (SSRP), where, when not practicing at MTC, he now trains other physicians on applications of cellular medicine in healthcare. Dr. Paige is a respected, leading voice on groundbreaking treatment modalities and research-based cellular medicine techniques and advances. With over four decades of practice, Paige offers the latest in healthy aging and optimization and targeted health solutions to injury, surgery, and other medical conditions. Grounded in experience and vast training, he looks at each patient individually and holistically, considering lifestyle, genetics, environment, and more to determine the best, most personalized way to maximize overall wellness and boost longevity and health span. Learn more at medicaltransformationcenter.com.
What is the MTC Approach? / After over a decade of experience offering patients a proactive model as part of our integrative regenerative and cellular approach, we have seen the significant difference it can make in people's lives. For those with existing conditions or concerns, we explore the root(s) of the problem and seek to give your body what it needs to support itself using its own mechanisms for homeostasis and recovery. Once this happens, we can then work to prevent symptoms from worsening again.
To help those looking to optimize their health, we deliver forward-thinking treatments for healthy aging, cognitive and physical performance, longevity, and restorative care. Regardless of why you're coming to see us, we begin the process via in-depth diagnostics and inquiry to create a customized plan for you. With our unique approach to treating patients, we can address existing issues and help prevent future problems by strengthening your body and improving overall health.
Want to learn more about MTC's proactive and preventative approach to aging? We invite you to attend our 2nd Annual Age Smart Fest on Thursday, September 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at MTC, 13111 Eastpoint Park Blvd., Louisville. Explore a variety of vendor booths, talk to health specialists about how to age optimally from a functional and aesthetic perspective, and demo regenerative devices… all while you enjoy natural food and drink, music, free giveaways, and more!
Growing Our Practice: Meet Dr. Alexa Davis / While attending the Age Smart Fest, you'll have the opportunity to meet a new face in our practice who has a rich history with MTC. Before earning the title of Medical Doctor, Alexa Black (now Davis) was introduced to MTC as a college student. When Alexa started developing stomach issues while attending the University of South Carolina, her mom, Vicki Black, sought a non-conventional approach for her daughter. Her research led to MTC. Alexa worked with MTC to improve her diet and nutrition, reduce anxiety using stress management techniques, and diagnose and treat the root cause of her issues.
She was so impressed with the care she received that she reached out to MTC during her residency at the University of Louisville about doing an elective rotation at the Center. All of Alexa's other rotations were based in traditional allopathic medicine. Soon into her rotation at MTC, she felt a strong pull to work in a setting that incorporated a functional medicine paradigm in its toolkit alongside allopathic and other advanced branches of medicine.
The newly married Dr. Davis is the perfect addition to our team and will provide patients with an educated, passionate resource. You'll hear more from her in one of our upcoming columns.
Dr. Alexa Davis
WALLPAPER
It Sets the Theme for Your Room
Written by Kristen Pawlak, DDCD, Interior Designer/Owner, KP Designs
Interior designers often discuss the value of a room's "statement piece," an item that becomes the focus of the design. It draws your guests' eyes when they walk into a room, sets the tone for your space, and often tells a story. However, it doesn't have to be a piece of furniture or an accessory. Why not make a wall a statement piece?
This brings us to wallpaper. While it's been with us since the 16th century, it has evolved. Patterns have become larger, bolder, and more eye-catching than ever before. All-encompassing wall murals are more readily available and can deliver a huge "wow" factor. We can add texture with wallpaper, either faux texture with patterns of bricks or stone or actual texture with grass cloth, glass beads, flock, and the like.
Much curiosity has been expressed on the Internet about the hidden meanings of the wallpaper used in the opening credits of HBO's "The White Lotus." Many have even asked where to buy it (sorry, it was a made-for-TV creation). Whether spurred by the TV show or not, there is a renewed interest in wallpaper.
Writer Kim Cook calls "The White Lotus" wallpaper "a surreal example of a current trend in décor —wallpapers that combine art and narrative qualities to set the mood of a room. Some take us to wild places in nature, others to wild worlds born in artists' imaginations. They go way beyond your nice stripe or simple floral. They tell a story."
With wallpaper back in a big way, I am pleased to share my advice on Do's and Don'ts.
Do's
• Consider the room's purpose. When selecting wallpaper, keep the function of the room in mind. For example, serene patterns may be more suitable for bedrooms, while vibrant patterns might work in living areas.
• Start with an accent wall. If you're unsure about using wallpaper extensively, begin with an accent wall. This can be a great way to add a focal point to a room without overwhelming the space.
• Remember the fifth wall. Wallpaper on the ceiling can creatively add drama and interest to a room.
• Test a sample. Obtain a sample piece of the wallpaper to place on the wall to see how it looks under different light conditions.
• Discuss the Style. Think about the overall style you want to achieve in the room. Whether you prefer modern, traditional, minimalist, bohemian, or something else, ensure the wallpaper will align with that style.
• Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper. This is particularly important if you design a children's room that you will want to change as they grow.
• Seek advice. Selecting the right wallpaper for your space can be an exciting but daunting task. Professional advice can be very useful— the designers at KP Designs are experts with wallpaper!
Don'ts
• Avoid overusing bold patterns. Yes, they can make a statement, but they can also create visual chaos and overwhelm the space.
• Don't focus so much on the walls that you ignore the furniture. Your wallpaper should complement, not clash. Consider how the patterns and colors interact with each other.
• Don't be too trendy. Consider the long game and avoid something that will quickly look outdated.
• Avoid DIY if unsure: Installing wallpaper can be challenging, especially for large areas or intricate patterns. A professional can ensure a neat and smooth installation—all wallpaper projects carried out with KP Designs include expert installation.
Wallpaper is a significant design element that can transform your space into a beautiful and inspiring environment. sl
Kristen Pawlak is the owner of KP DesignsDecorating Den Interiors. For more information, visit kristenpawlak.decoratingden.com. Contact Kristen at 502.245.0052 or by email at kpdesigns@decoratingden.com.
Photo by Justin Van Leeuwen
by Joy Yascone Elms, MA
thepowerofdivingtiming.com
Happy Birthday Virgo and Libra!
Happy Fall and Happy Birthday, Virgo & Libra! September and October are busy with planetary action, with the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th and the new moon solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd. The full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces in September represents culmination and fulfillment, while the Libra new moon eclipse will bring exciting, life-changing energy. To discover how the eclipses will affect your stars, Check out your September and October Sophisticated Stars!
AureliaDemarkVirgopendant, ($1,395)
Nicole Rose Jewelry malachite Libra necklace
Aries March 21st -April 19th
Aries, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th will ask you to focus on committing to a spiritual and wellness path. Secret VIPs in your corner will reveal themselves. Secrets may come to light as well. Dreams and mysticism offer enlightenment, and the veil between heaven and Earth is thin At the solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd, a relationship will become more permanent through engagement, marriage, or a seal-the-deal business arrangement.
Taurus April 20th –May 20th
Taurus, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces, brings a humanitarian or social goal to fruition. A good friend
may also move away at this time and be dearly missed At the solar eclipse in Libra, you'll start an invigorating new fitness and nutrition plan. Your waistline goals will come to fruition over the upcoming weeks and months while you see improvement in your energy and mental well-being. You may start a new job or employment opportunity, complete an exciting work goal, or hire new employees who prove to be an incredible new addition to your business.
Gemini May 21st – June 20th
Gemini, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th, shares its starlight to bring excellent career news You'll win the promotion, contract, and the client More love and romance may be introduced to your life at the new moon solar eclipse in Libra on
on October 2nd You mayalso find out you're expecting or hear excellent news regarding your children If you don't have childbearing goals or don't have children, look to news regarding an exciting creative project or endeavor
Cancer June 21st –July 22nd
Cancer, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces may see you celebrating reaching an educational goal, relocating overseas, or another goal involving immigration. Instead, you may plan a trip to France or Barcelona or a safari to Africa, and you can culminate your plans at this eclipse. At the solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd, you'll make an exciting move regarding property. You may purchase or sell a property or decide to build.
Leo July 23rd – August 22nd
Leo, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th will influence your financial outlook. The big financial deal you've been anticipating could present itself now. At the new moon solar eclipse in Libra on October 7th, you'll purchase a new car or celebrate news of your published manuscript. You may also celebrate amazing sibling news at this time
Virgo August 23rdSeptember 22nd
Happy Birthday Virgo, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces may see Virgo deepening a commitment in marriage or business. You may get engaged or married at this time or have a change in relationship status. News should be upbeat Virgo, and work in your
favor. If you are single, you may meet someone who wants a serious committed partnership, or if you are in an unhealthy relationship you may look at your options
It’s up to you. Then at the new moon solar eclipse in Libra October 2nd, you’ll welcome a new and exciting role or income earning opportunity that is life changing!
Libra September 23rdOctober 22nd
Libra, the new moon solar eclipse in your sign on October 2nd is a beautiful gift from the Universe. This new moon will see at least one heartfelt dream coming true that will remake your world in a gloriously happy way. At the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th you'll close on a job opportunity and embrace your new role You may also leave one opportunity to welcome another The
Universe may beckon you at this time to commit to a wellness routine for body, mind, and spiritual wellness.
Scorpio October 23rdNovember 21st
The full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th may lead to a romantic interlude, news that you are expecting, or both! You may finalize an adoption at this time or an exciting creative project. The new moon solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd asks you to start a new wellness journey This will be fun and life-changing, emphasizing spiritual and physical wellbeing.
Sagittarius November 22nd December 21st
Sagittarius, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th sees you moving or making an exciting
investment in real estate Instead, you may move your parents in with you or to a lovely retirement community. This full moon lunar eclipse may also signal a realization of a family goal At the solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd, you'll be invited to make at least one social goal come true You'll finally get that coveted invite to the ball, which could prove to be lifechanging.
Capricorn December 22nd -January 19th
Capricorn, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th may see you celebrating sibling news. This full moon may result in closing a big contract and/or purchasing a new vehicle. Capricorn, your favorite moment will be at the new moon solar eclipse in Libra, when you'll receive lifechanging career news! You'll see a dream career goal come to fruition that is right on time!
Aquarius January 20th – February 18th
Aquarius, the full moon lunar eclipse in Pisces on September 17th, may see you leaving one financial opportunity for another At the new moon solar eclipse in Libra on October 2nd, you may take on a new educational opportunity, relocate overseas, or finally publish your manuscript.
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September SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
5-6
6-8
Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup & Evening in the Gardens; ukmarkey.org/event/the-bluegrass-international-cup-2
Georgetown Festival of the Horse, 100 East Main St.; festivalofthehorse.org
6 Wine & Fries for RMHC of the Bluegrass, 5:30pm,The Melodeon; rmhclexington.com/get-involved/savethedates/wineandfries24
8 Sistah LaLa & Friends, 3pm, Ashland; henryclayestate.com
12 RCHF Charity Gala, 6pm,The Carrick House; bluegrassrealtors.com/rchf-foundation/charitygala
12 Harvest for Foodchain, 6:30pm, 21C Hotel; foodchainlex.org
14
Bluegrass Choral Music Festival; finearts.uky.edu/singletary-center/events
19 Great Friends Celebration Gala, 6:30pm, 195 Life Lane
20 Clays to Raise for Habitat for Humanity of Jessamine & Garrard Counties,
21 Lexington African American Sports Hall of Fame, 6pm, Central Bank Center; laashof.com
October
2-5 Kentucky Fall Classic, KY Horse Park; kentuckyfallclassic.com
2 Refuge for Women Changed Gala, 6:30pm, Limestone Hall; refugeforwomen.org
4-26 Keeneland Fall Meet; keeneland.com
4 Bourbon on the Banks VIP Reception, 5pm; Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History; bourbononthebaks.com
4-5 Bourbon on the Banks, Frankfort; bourbononthebanks.com
5 Lexington Philharmonic – Titans, 7:30pm, Singletary Center for the Arts; lexphil.org
11 The Fall Meet Gala, 5:30pm, Hill ‘N’ Dale Farm at Xalapa; egendsofbourboncountyfestival.com/the-fall-meet-gala
18 McDazzle Gala & Auction, 5:30pm, Central Bank Center; rmhclexington.com/get-involved/savethedates/mcdazzle2024
19 Colors of Promise Pink Out Gala, 7pm, Lyric Theatre; colorsofpromiselexky.org
20 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 1:30pm, KY Horse Park
20 Halloween & Thriller Parade, 7pm, Main Street between Quality St. and Mill St.; lexingtonky.gov/thriller
ASHLAND LAWN PARTY
Sponsored by ALLTECH, Russel Capital Management, and the Milly Ann & John Stewart Charitable Fund at BGCF, this 27th annual event helps to fund maintenance and preservation of the Henry Clay house and grounds.
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Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Candace James, Lauren Murphy, Kait Saier, Peggy Trafton 2) Jim Clark, Beth Thornier, Shelly Fortune 3) Frank & Theresa Dawahare 4) Richard Getty, Courtney Hamelton 5) Jim & Becky Cleveland 6) Kim Dixon, Jason DeRouchey 7) Tasha Soward, Nathan Zamarron 8) Will & Alyssa Schmidt, Jared & Ellen Bickel, Greg Jenkins 9) John Winn Miller & Margo Miller
NIGHT OF THE STARS
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope’s signature fundraising event, the 21st annual Night of the Stars, was held at FasigTipton. Proceeds from this annual gala help the nonprofit continue to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities through the healing power of horses.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
1) Maddie Stone, Lori Donaldson, Molly Spalding 2) Scott & Lanae Pierce 3) Brynna Bailey with Fancy, Ariel Baldon with Sheba 4) Edward Clark, Lauren Alexandra, Ken Donworth 5) Lori Grether & Carl Grether, Danielle Chesney 6) Kendall & Michael Norris
7) Susan & Mark Bunning 8) Claire Hillebrand, Woodford Lankford, Samantha Hill 9) Helen Brown, Claire Foster
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Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Kathleen Logsdon, Carrie Cardwell, Marylyn Bramblage, Sue True, Phil Logsdon, 2) James Agee, Cam & Janet Cantrill, Julie Green, Alex Cantrill 3) Alex Raynor, Marques Cox, Daveren Rayner, Josh Kattas, Dylan Ray, Anthony Brown-Stephens 4) Pat & Scott Clap 5) The team from Commonwealth Hand & Physical Therapy 6) Erin Miller, Kristen Young, Amber Rose, Maddi Ward, Alex Leet, Karen Miller 7) Shannon & Richard Bailey 8) Madison Ward, Anthony Patrick 9) Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins, Connie Morse
FOR PETS’ SAKE
The sold-out inaugural Party 4 Paws was held at the Queenslake Farm in Georgetown to benefit the Scott County Humane Society.
Photos by Tony Bailey
1) Patti Bulluck 2) Peter Masson 3) Tracie & Michael Capozzio 4) Barbara & Michael Gehrig 5) Michelle Cannon, Greg Hamm 6) Amy & Steve Plaster 7) Terri & Andy Biggers 8) Laurie & Kenny Nusbacher 9) Beth Hery
MASERATI MINGLE
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Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Scott Stollenwerk, Jay Zwischenberger, Tony Dehner, Chris Cashen 2) Jim Levensen, Jeff Phillips, Waren Anderson 3) Donald & Mandy Lathan 4) Arnessa & Justin Raybould, Nate White 5) Sydney Sayasane, Joe Mitchell 6) Tom Abell, Dan & Lambsy Graves 7) Tom & Connie Jones, Jesse Eads 8) Connie & Tom Jones
The preview show for the Keeneland Concours was held at the Summit at Fritz Farm. The event included a handpicked display of more than 40 rare, exotic, classic, and collectible vehicles.
Lex Studios owner Misdee Wrigley Miller hosted a launch party to celebrate the opening of its 50,000-square-foot production facility in the former Woodhill Cinemas.
Offering three soundstages, well-equipped green rooms, numerous office spaces, dining areas for 150-plus, parking for over 100, and production support, the facility represents a stride toward building a new industry in Kentucky.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
1) Phil Jun, Colin Doherty 2) Mike Wilson, Amanda Bledsoe 3) James Miller, Joe Livecchi, Former KY Gov. Steve Beshear, Misdee Wrigley Miller 4) Leigh Jordan, Tamara Schneider
5) Dwight Turner, Aimee & Mike Dirksen 6) Ross Breitenbach, Thom Oliphant 7) Bradley Marlow, Michelle Wilson 8) Misdee Wrigley Miller, Debra Locker Griffin 9) Parker &
Wilmes
KET SUMMER CELEBRATION
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Photos
Daniel Roberts
1) Bobbie Owen, Michele Ripley 2) Mike & Kim Mesmer 3) Suzi & Jerry Gerichs 4) Jeff & Lauren Clark 5) Kenny & Crystal Staley 6) Kaylee Hilpp, Jennifer Gow
7) Phyliss & Doug Alexander 8) Lisa Dollins & Billie Dollins 9) Anthony Houston, Madison Buecker, Avery Houston, Rebecca Houston 10) Alicia, David & Julia McCorvey 11) Jeremy Elkins, Rose French 12) Samantha Goette, Emily Wilder 13) Ryan Watts, Ashli Watts, Amy Wickliffe 14) Benjamin & Brittany Caudill 15) Mara Maybry, Melissa Mattox 16) Barry Stumbo, Michele Ripley, Randy & Sharon Michael, Mike & Judy Cooper 17) Kacie Miller, Chelsea Compton, James Lawrence, Heather Ebel
Bravo! Broadway was the theme for KET’s annual Summer Celebration event at Donamire Farm. Dr. Everett and Alicia McCorvey served as the event’s Honorary Chairs.
Photos by Daniel Roberts
1) Chris & Tara Russell 2) Glenda McCoy, Tricia Potts, Blossom Riffe 3) Connie & Tom Jones 4) Camille Clemons, Shelby Benson 5) Rob Mudd, Kate Waller
6) Roy & Fran Reasor, Cathy & Mike Francisto 7) Don & Mandy Latham 8) Wendy Bernard, Taft McKinstry 9) Jeff Bernard, Doug Rood, Chris Parr
HANGAR BASH
Presented by Blue Grass Motorsport and held at Triton Airways, Keeneland Concours d’Elegance Hangar Bash guests sipped craft cocktails while ogling vintage aircraft and exotic automobiles.
