{St. Louis' Finest}
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Mar/Apr 2020 five dollars
Mitchell Wall
architecture and design
WWW.MITCHELLWALL.COM | 314.576.5888 | 2 THE PINES COURT, ST. LOUIS, MO 63141
Jackie Saccoccio, Portrait (Hysteria), 2017, oil and mica on linen, 79 x 79 inches
Philip Slein Gallery 4735 McPherson Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63108 p 314.361.2617 f 314.361.8051 www.philipsleingallery.com
{St. Louis' Finest}
Mar/Apr 2020
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on the cover: A look inside Rizzoli’s “Garden Design Master Class: 100 Lessons from The World’s Finest Designers on the Art of the Garden.” Photography by Michael Stavaridis.
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Il Pavone armchair designed by Los Angeles-based artist and designer Marc Ange for Visionnaire. Photo by Andrea Ansalone
Mar/Apr 2020
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A Fresh Start
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Sophisticated Pets
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Talking Shop with Adam Novik – St. Louis’ New Car Guy
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Magic Kingdom
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Of Note... Animal Instinct
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A Slice of Swiss
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The Vines That Bind
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Bibliotaph... Hedge Fun
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Over the Moon(stone)
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Of Note... Raising Cane
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Making Waves
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Organic Chemistry
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BuzzWorthy
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Sophisticated Scene
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Start Up, Stand Out and Stay!
Mar/Apr 2020
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Luxury awaits at the spa inside The Dolder Grand in Switzerland. Photo by Victoria DiPlacido.
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Sophisticated ophisticated Society
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eiled Prophet Ball Veiled
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rategy Across The Board Strategy
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D’s Trivia Night CID’s
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elebrating Sophisticated Giving Celebrating
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easures In Paradise Treasures
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elebration Of Good Living Celebration
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ning In The Dark Dining
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he Guiding Principles: 10 Things The et Schnitker Can’t Live Without Bret
Visit our new kitchen and bath showroom, now open in Maryland Heights.
Chesterfield 633 Spirit of St. Louis Blvd. 636.519.1611 Maryland Heights 11585 Lackland Road 314.677.6713 beckallencabinetry.com
From the Editor-in-Chief
Spring is in the air, and although the calendar marks January 1 as the beginning of a new year, Mother Nature acknowledges it with the first bloom. Witnessing green spears of foliage shoot up from the ground is my favorite part of being a homeowner. I often stop in my driveway as I pull into the garage to snap pictures each day on my iPhone to reflect on the magical blooming process. If you don’t stop to see it, it’s so fast you could miss it. But without water and underground sprinklers we all have become accustomed to, there would be no greenery. Sure, there are the dull hues of cacti in deserts, armed with spikes to keep what little air, water and dignity they have protected. They are nature’s example of true fighters, and a call to us as humans to try to fathom how millions of Earth’s inhabitants can live without the fresh, clean water we take for granted. I remember being in a village in Tangier, seeing a young boy running barefoot through a marketplace with a huge jug. I followed him to a small faucet coming out of a wall protected by tents. He clearly was filling up for the day, and I wondered how far back he would have to carry the jug. Sometimes it’s only when you get out and see the rest of the world that one is able to return home with a new perspective and appreciation for life and what we take for granted. Bret Schnitker has traveled to more than 60 countries in his role as CEO of Stars Design Group. In our 10 Things feature on page 80, he lists water as one essential he can’t live without, and it’s specifically the water in Ethiopia that is his favorite. That’s one of the many places in Africa’s Horn I first think of when it comes to water shortages, poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water. Yet somewhere among those conditions, there is pristine water. Travel north and it’s unreal how in places like Switzerland, one would struggle to find a spot that is anything but breathtaking as Michael John details his picturesque stops on page 40. When we visited last year, my dad rented one of those fabulous European vans with a middle seat up front. We let our daughters alternate who had the turn sitting with Grandma and Grandpa for a front row view of the ascent into the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps, and the roller coaster descent back down toward dynamic waterfalls and springs. We still talk about how amazing it was that a) we didn’t crash and b) you can drive from snow to water in so many places in the world! For our cover, when I saw this perfect merging of water and greenery– even though it’s a “water installation” as many designers would call it – I felt it spoke about the simplicity of Mother Nature, and what is so precious aesthetically, emotionally and realistically. More stunning gardens like these can be found in a brand new book from Rizzoli, featured in our bibliotaph section: “Garden Design Master Class: 100 Lessons from The World’s Finest Designers on the Art of the Garden.” So if you see me parked in my driveway snapping pictures, now you know it’s because there is so much more I see than just a spear popping through the ground. Slow down and appreciate the cycle of blooms. We’d love to see how your garden grows this spring– tag us in your posts @sophisticatedlivingmag.
Carrie Edelstein Editor-in-Chief carrie@slmag.net
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Photography by: Matt Marcinkowski
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CONTRIBUTORS Writers Neil Charles Scott Harper Amelia Jeffers Bridget Williams Photographers David Anderson Diane Anderson Tony Bailey Kevin Brackett Jeannie Casey Adam Gibson Suzy Gorman Chad Henle Garrett King Andrew Kung Angela Lamb Alise O’Brien Matt Marcincowski In Loving Memory John Isaacs Leonard Kaminer ________________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Greg Butrum - General Counsel Jason Yann - Art Director
Associate Publisher 314.827.5624 cortney@slmag.net
Sophisticated Living® is published by High Net Worth Media, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of High Net Worth Media, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Telephone 314-82-SLMAG.
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What I Love Right Now All the things SL Mag Associate Publisher Cortney Vaughn is coveting right now THINGS THAT MAKE ME GO BOOM For me, Boom Pilates (and their pink Cadillac) is everything. g The small, upbeat classes provide a perfect workout worko to elongate g and tone your body while increasing strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to recommit to that New Year’s resolution by honoring your body! @boompilates ON MY BODY Yes – St. Louis native Devon Windsor is a true bombshell. But did you know she also has a swimsuit line? Her resort collection has every piece you need for the perfect spring break. This suit @devonwindsor (and its detachable sleeves) is screaming my name. @devonwindso FOR MY HOME One staple for me is always fresh flowers. They add life to any room and brighten any mood. I love Rose Box because their flowers last at least 365 days. Pardon?! Plus the simplistic acrylic case also doubles as a jewelry box below- making it the perfect accompaniment to any bedside table. @rose.box.nyc FACE FORWARD It’s tough to keep a sun-kissed glow year-round. So I mix three drops of Tan-Luxe Face with my daily moisturizer to get the most natural bronze glow possible. It builds on your natural skin tone so it’s great to use no matter the season. @tan_luxe BAG LADY Are you looking for the perfect excuse to get your hands on this superchic beach bag? At Olivela, every single purchase you make supports a cause that matters. The Eugenia Kim clutch provides nine days of school to children in need of an education. Now that’s a movement I can get behind! @olivela Cortney Vaughn Associate Publisher cortney@slmag.net
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Spotlighting St. Louis’ most influential design professionals and the showroom partner that makes their work shine.
11660 Page Service Drive | Saint Louis, MO 63146 | 314.993.5020 | kdrshowrooms.com
KDR is the top resource for St. Louis’ best designers,
The living room is not the forgotten room anymore, but rather the place to actually live. The little details of this massive two-story room draw the eye straight from the entryway. To make it a room for all seasons, I used custom-panel draperies made from Romo fabrics and Samuel & Sons Trim. The sofa is upholstered in the cut velvet Jane Churchill Fabric, and the Century sofa is upholstered in a Kravet tweed, accented with embroidered Jane Churchill pillows. The antique side tables with the John Richard lamps are truly amazing! – Maggie Jewell, MKS DESIGNS
@mksdesigns
helping them exceed expectations for their clients.
The foyer makes a bold statement with black finishes and metallic accents. Upon entry, one can tell the homeowner often enjoys the tranquil essence of scented candles, fresh flowers and music.
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A FRESH START Written By Carrie Edelstein / Photography By Alise O’Brien
We’ve told the stories of empty nesters downsizing, individuals building dream homes and condominiums small and large, and families moving a life of early childhood memories into a more elegant space for the high school years. But this time, we found a couple wanting a fresh start for a new lease on life. After a recent health scare, they wanted an oasis. The homeowners found what started as a spec home smack dab in the middle of where their two grown children live– one home to the left and one home to the right, although several miles in between. They wanted to “downsize, not downgrade” they said, from the family homes where they raised the kids. Yet in doing so, they also wanted to expand their living quarters to include a vacation condo in Florida and a “sanctuary for him” on a farm a bit farther from the metropolitan area. Now onto the “sanctuary for her.” The homeowner was attracted to the vibrancy and lively styles she saw in some of the work by April Jensen of ADJ Interiors. When she inquired about the firm stepping in to start from the ground up, Meagan Cooperman was available for a whole home project. Ironically,
over the course of the year it took to create “the fresh start,” Meagan also welcomed her first child. “I came in to make this builder-grade home one of a kind. The homeowner wanted it to be extremely special in every little space,” says Cooperman. Her first task was to quickly make some minor architectural changes as the spec build started, like moving doors and opening up windows. The homeowner wanted everything new to which Cooperman delightfully embarked on what she says was truly “a labor of love.” “I wanted to walk in my front door and just have this sense of calm come over me. We’re at a point in our lives where we just want to play and relax and not have so much responsibility,” the homeowner says. She says she gave Cooperman a list of her favorite colors – and the rest was a beautiful collaboration. “She really took the perspective of ‘this is going to be my house, I’ve done the family thing, I’ve done my husband’s style, I’ve been more traditional, but this is going to be more for me,’” says Cooperman. The goal was to have less space, but to use it at full capacity, and in a more functional and practical approach to daily living. slmag.net
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The outdoor living space – a three-season room – is used as the dining room.
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Designer Meagan Cooperman gave the room a feeling of peace and romanticism with soft textures and quiet colors.
The foyer invites a dramatic and bold look into the home with black statement doors, Phillip Jeffries metallic grass cloth wallpaper and an upholstered table by Vanguard Furniture. More durable vinyl wallpaper is used in the laundry room which connects to a mud room, complete with cubbies and a special welcome space for the dogs of the house. A guest suite is just off the entryway and a long hallway leads to the great room and kitchen. There are elements of drama, like the massive light fixture from Fine Art Lamps, touches of black that are softened with smaller, more refined accessories in the great room. The zen-like and luxurious vibe is accomplished with a single paint usage: “Creamy” by Sherwin-Williams. Stationary drapery hangs to the sides of the doors leading to the indoor/outdoor living space to also provide a sense of softness. The brick fireplace is a handmade tile from Fireclay, and also offers a hint of ice which is picked up in the fabrics on the couch and pillows along with pastels and even black and white. A mix of Romo pillows and custom-made Chanel-inspired pillows blend well atop the couch outfitted in Kravet performance fabrics Cooperman selected through KDR Designer Showrooms. The artwork is from a family member, floated in an acrylic box with a white frame around it. 20 slmag.net
Hardwood floors continue into the kitchen where the style transitions into bold tones with softer finishes. “We did a rich stained island and table,” says Cooperman, adding “the countertops are quartzite with several shades of grey and blue with hints of black.” Creamy cabinets by Beck/Allen Cabinetry conceal a Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigeration unit with freezer drawers just beneath the double doors. China is on display in glass cabinets in what Cooperman describes as an “open-style” butler’s pantry. A Calacatta marble backsplash by Waterworks through Immerse is installed in a chevron pattern above the Wolf range. “It’s all the bells and whistles but it’s very streamlined. There’s no clutter. Everything has a place and it’s very useable for the homeowner’s lifestyle,” says Cooperman. The stools come from an online vendor called Modshop, which remind the homeowners of their nearby country club they like to enjoy. The glass doors in the great room lead to the outdoor living space which is considered a three-season room. “Instead of using what was planned as a dining room in a conventional way, we switched it up and made it their cozy comfy den. It even has two modern Hancock and Moore recliners, a TV and a card table,”
Cooperman explains. The homeowner calls them the “upscale Edith and Archie Bunker recliners.” Cooperman selected Cowtan & Tout’s line of indoor/outdoor textiles from KDR, choosing a higher-quality brand to create a more serene look. All of the furniture and the area rug is indoor/ outdoor grade. The Made Goods cocktail table is a concrete piece painted flat white. The homeowner chose two driftwood pieces with test tube vases to set atop the wooden dining table. She often changes out the fresh flowers in those vases she says to “make it more organic in there.” A pair of living moss arrangements by John Richard hang on the walls and accentuate the fresh florals. In the master bedroom, those stationary drapes are seen again to add a little soothing and softness without actually having a function like the silhouette shades do. Cooperman says, “Our drapery work room pleats them just like on a normal drapery but then they are mounted onto a wooden board. It’s custom drapery without custom hardware.” Cooperman uses this cascading fabric to create a clean look without hardware to intrude onto the wallpaper. “It just kind of adds calm this way.” The wallpaper was the final selection in the bedroom that Cooperman found, creating dramatic contrast to the creams
and light blues already in the room. It’s actually a dark navy. Shimmers of gold are picked up in the chaise– a place the homeowner describes as “romantic, quiet and peaceful”– which is a lovely medley of pale blue and some metallic velvet striping. The Lillian August stools at the foot of the bed are upholstered and coordinate with the mirrored Caracole nightstands and ivory dresser. Double doors lead to the master bathroom where another piece of artwork the homeowner selected was mounted on the tile wall. Cooperman hand chose the 24x24 tile slabs of porcelain so “nothing is too uniform and to achieve a more natural, marble look.” The top deck of the bathtub and vanities are quartzite. “We used the same wood and stain finish from the vanity cabinets to frame a mirror to size and mount a fixture onto the mirror to create a more custom look.” Another set of double doors lead into the walk-in closet. “It still feels really grand even though it’s on a smaller scale,” reflects Cooperman of the one level living space that accommodates the empty nester lifestyle. She adds, “You can downsize and not have to spare yourself an ounce of luxury.” The homeowner would concur, adding that Cooperman turned a feeling– to want a fresh perspective and be zen – into a style. sl slmag.net
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COMING SOON
A Game Changer for the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis By Carrie Edelstein
The Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis is adding a Topgolf Swing Suite to the lobby level on the eighth floor. The new entertainment concept will feature two simulator bays and virtual games including the popular Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more. The suite will be outfitted with comfortable lounge seating, and food and beverage be g service overseen by James Beard Award-winning Chef Gerard Craft of Cinder House Restaurant and Bar. “We are thrilled to expand our entertainment offerings offe g in on-property with the only Topgolf Swing Suite available availa ages can Downtown St. Louis. Guests, locals and groups of all ag games with participate in team building events, a fun date night or game friends,” says General Manager Alper Oztok. The suite is being installed where Oztok’s office was. It will open the first week of April. Up to eight people can play, pla eat, to drink and hang out in each bay. The space will be available availa birthday and rent for business and social gatherings, including birthda bachelorette/bachelor parties, team building events, corporate corp meetings and more. “We are proud to team up with Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis that will to provide a new kind of interactive social experience tha entertain visitors of all ages and skill levels in Downtown St. Louis,” 24 slmag.net
says Topgolf Swing Suite President Ron Powers. “Powered by industry-leading Full Swing simulators, games are designed for both non-golfers and golfers alike, so everyone can have a great time.” In addition to this new feature, the Four Seasons’ first floor arrival lobby will also be getting a makeover. Both renovations are bbeingg led by local design g team S. Aleksandr Malinich, Co-Founder aand Design g Principal of R|5 DESIGN AGENCY (a subsidiaryy sl ccompany p y of CASCO Corporation). p
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Houdini Strauss, as captured by Alise O’Brien, sitting atop his preferred couch straight from the set of The Ten Commandments.
SOPHISTICAT D P TS Feline Edition Written by Carrie Edelstein Feline repawter at large Houdini Strauss has been wallowing in his sorrow over the box office bombing of “Cats” the movie. He meows, “There are no jokes about James Corden’s portrayal of my species. He was brilliant. And if I could don high heels like Taylor Swift did as she dangled from a chandelier singing ‘Macavity,’ I would learn human speak just to attempt to perform as eloquently as she did.” While the rest of us might not agree with our favorite feline repawter– perhaps mom, Mary Strauss included– there is no doubt the Broadway version of CATS is a classic, and not to be missed at least once in a lifetime. The record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Llyod Webber will return to the Fabulous Fox April 7-19, 2020. No amount of hissing will change the fact that the once longest running show on Broadway has been seen in more than 30 countries and translated and performed in 15 languages. In addition to “Macavity,” one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, and in Webber’s repertoire, is “Memory.” The show has won seven Tony Awards® including best musical. Being the sleuth he is, Houdini uncovered two fun facts about the show: the original “Old Deuteronomy” lives right here in St. Louis. While Houdini would like to report he visits often, Ken Page does not go around his Central West End neighborhood still acting like a cat. But Judy Cullen, the Executive Director of the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, will definitely be taking in a performance or two of CATS at The Fox. After all, she was the stage manager for the show from 1986-1990. She says, “I left Lindenwood thinking I’d only miss one semester because 28 slmag.net
realistically how long could a show run where people dress up like animals? Turns out it runs forever.” We are purring. She adds, “The show is such phenom, big glitzy production numbers with show stopping choreography, dazzling special effects and haunting music. ‘Memory’ is the big hit song and it aptly leaves lasting memories. Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber told me he originally pictured CATS as an intimate chamber piece but once the designers weighed in it mushroomed into a huge event. He found his second wife Sarah Brightman on the show, and future ‘Christine’ in PHANTOM.” Cullen also met her husband on the show– he ran the light boards and she says, “We teased that he had to marry me because he got used to taking my cues in the dark (stage managers call the light cues).” For the newbies– or kitties– to the phenom, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Houdini and his mom will be seeing the show for their 11th time when it returns to The Fox. Strauss first saw CATS in England and says, “CATS was extraordinary because it was completely different from anything I’d ever seen before.” As for Houdini’s “memories” of some of his nine lives, he encourages readers to visit his first home before he became a Jellicle Cat.* He was rescued from the Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption Center where a host of cats await adoption if one is so inspired by the show to become a cat’s “furever” home! sl *A Jellicle Cat is a house cat full of magic and music to share with the rest of the world. Good thing Houdini can’t read because he’d find out they are also fictional, as created by T.S. Eliot
Brandon Michael Nase as “Old Deuteronomy” and the North American Tour Company of CATS. Photo by Matthew Murphy
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TALKING SHOP WITH ADAM NOVIK – ST. LOUIS’ NEW CAR GUY By Johnny Fugitt
Adam Novik loved cars as a child growing up in Chesterfield, but he never expected his professional career to follow this road. Starting as a porter who detailed and delivered cars, and later holding dealership positions including sales manager, e-commerce manager and finance manager, Novik’s variety of experiences provided a holistic view of the car buying process and helped him identify a customer’s pain point. This led to the creation of Tailored Auto. Dealerships require long hours from staff, a challenge for Novik, his wife and their three kids, two of whom have autism. “At my level of work, with the hours I was working, I realized what I was missing because of inefficient processes,” he says. Sensing the true value of family time, Novik created a service to save car buyers six, ten, twelve (or even more) hours in the car buying process while, at the same time, delivering cost savings as he negotiates on the behalf of buyers. “If I’m giving them back that six hours and then they get to spend their Saturday at their kid’s sports tournament or just have family time, that’s really what I’m all about,” says Novik. “Giving people time back so that they can spend it how they see fit, and for me that’s family.” The pain point for car buyers needs no explanation. “It takes more than 13 hours for the average consumer to buy a car, and despite this investment of time, most consumers are not sure if they got a fair deal, purchased the right options, or should have leased versus paid cash or financed a purchase.” After more than 15 years on the other side of these timeconsuming and frustrating transactions, Novik finally had enough with processes stuck in the 90’s. “There’s no reason to spend six hours buying anything,” says Novik. “I tell people, if you went on Amazon and had to hit the ‘Buy it Now’ button for six straight hours, would you keep doing it? No, obviously not.” Disruption in transportation, like in so many aspects of life today, is often focused on technology. From ridesharing to hourly rentals to autonomous vehicles to online buy-and-deliver startups, there are numerous efforts to revolutionize the way we move from A to B. But vehicle sales still follow the traditional relationship-driven, communications-heavy process at familyowned dealerships. Tailored Auto’s personal service approach solves a problem technology has yet to conquer. 30 slmag.net
For some clients, Tailored Auto simply reduces the hours of locating the right vehicle, haggling over price and preparing paperwork. These time and cost savings are not to be minimized. But for other clients, Tailored Auto also helps decide what the right vehicle is for the client. A conversation with Novik could save the car buyer many hours spent researching safety ratings, values and features or avoid the costly mistake of purchasing a vehicle that doesn’t align with the buyer’s needs. As purchasing a new car is not something most of us do often, the expertise provided by the Tailored Auto team eliminates much of the anxiety surrounding the process as well. So what is this car guy’s dream ride? One might imagine it to be something luxurious and rare. It’s not. Maybe you expect it to be a supercar pushing speed records. Nope. Perhaps a classic Corvette, Thunderbird or Bel Air? Wrong again. Novik’s dream car shouldn’t come as a surprise given his passion for helping client’s find and purchase the best vehicle to meet their needs as quickly and painlessly as possible. “I’m not emotional about cars,” says Novik. “I drive my dream car, actually, which is a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. It gives me all of the options and all of the comforts and luxuries of a car that’s $20,000 more.” Novik goes on to explain how the warranty, maintenance costs and versatility of the vehicle perfectly matches what he needs in a vehicle. “It’s my dream car because it makes sense logically and it makes sense to my pocketbook. And it’s a great car!” The rational and reasonable vehicle makes sense for Novik as he picked the vehicle that perfectly aligns with his values. This is the service he provides to customers as well. Tailored Auto will certainly help clients pick out a high-end luxury sedan or bright red sports car if one of those makes sense for the buyer, but, instead of simply speeding up the process to own the flashiest or fastest vehicle on the lot, Novik also wants to help people find the right car for their values, needs and stage of life. Tailored Auto does all of this for a flat fee of $600. While he works solely on the buyer’s behalf, Novick maintains relationships with dealers as he brings them new business and doesn’t waste anyone’s time. Some say time is the one thing we can not buy. Tailored Auto may not give you more time in this world, but they will help you spend 6-12 hours in a more useful, enjoyable and rewarding way. sl Listen to “The New Car Negotiator” hosted by Adam Novik every Sunday at 11 AM on KTRS The BIG 550. Or you can learn more on his website tailoredauto.com.
MEE T S T. LOUIS' NE W C AR NEGOTIATOR We make car buying or leasing simple - because we do it for you. The average consumer spends over 13 hours buying a car - from online research to time spent at the dealer. When you work with Tailored Auto, we give you back this time. And our knowledge and experience guide the process as we pursue better deals for our clients.
Adam Novik, Founder Tailored Auto TailoredAuto.com
View of the AmaLyra, docked in Les Andelys, from a medieval castle.
MAGIC KINGDOM
It's a small world after all when traveling with Adventures by Disney. Written and photographed by Bridget Williams While there is something to be said for the adrenaline rush that can come from inserting oneself into slightly contentious situations in far-flung places, it is not the ideal experience most are looking for in a holiday. Increasingly I've heard of acquaintances who have canceled travel plans based on threats both real and purported. Language barriers, dietary restrictions, physical limitations, and a general fear of the unknown all have the potential to prompt would-be globetrotters to restrict their adventuring to more familiar places that don't require a passport. Enter Adventures by Disney (ABD). Founded in 2005 with just a pair of US destinations, today, this luxury tour arm of the Walt Disney Company now offers full-service trips on six continents. "We're all about creating exceptional experiences for families and couples that go beyond the parks to bring the magic into the larger world," said Yolanda Cade, who directs public relations for Adventures by Disney. A growing number of partnerships, including one with National Geographic
Expeditions, means that Disney's legendary customer service and attention to detail are attainable at every imaginable destination. Curious about experiencing the Disney difference, we joined one of two adult-exclusive Seine River Cruise departures offered in 2019 as part of Adventures by Disney's growing roster of adultonly vacations. For its European river cruises, ABD has partnered with luxury operator AmaWaterways—the first cruise line to be offered membership into the private and prestigious La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomic society—to ensure guests have a topnotch, ship-shape experience. A care package arrived a few weeks before we set off for France. Along with logoed travel bags of various sizes, there was a spiral-bound, purse-sized travel guide outlining the complete itinerary, along with background information on each destination, a comprehensive packing guide, and answers to frequently asked questions. The latter is a prime example of ABD's ability to stay one step ahead in anticipating guests' needs. slmag.net
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Rouen is one of Normandy's most engaging and historically rich destinations.
Claude Monet's house in Giverny
Claude Monet's garden in Giverny
During adults-only trips, don't look for Mickey and Minnie to show up at breakfast (which was a relief for me as a non-dyedin-the-wool Disney person). There is a concerted effort to make the destination the star. Still, there was a palpable Disney presence, most notably among fellow travelers. Identifiable by varying degrees of Disney garb, their enthusiasm was infectious as they gushed about their past experiences on Disney-led trips and crushed less ardent devotees during trivia and name-that-tune contests. Amply taking the places of costumed critters are the charming, colorful characters that comprise the Disney Adventure Guides. As many as four-thousand applications culled from around the globe are screened to fill less than a dozen trip leader positions. Often young enough to be the children or even grandchildren of guests on board, our Adventure Guides were poised, patient, and possessed leadership, storytelling, and service skills way beyond their years. "Our goal is to make the trip worry-free so guests can immerse themselves in the culture, and Disney allows us the freedom to think outside-the-box to surprise guests," said Adventure Guide Veronika. Our 10-day adventure commenced with an optional two-night Paris Escape before seven nights aboard the AmaLyra. Whether on ship or shore, each day's "Daily Adventurer" provided a detailed look 34 slmag.net
at what to expect, along with destination information, emergency phone numbers, and the theme of the daily photo contest, an exercise many tackled with the aplomb of a pro athlete. There are certainly plenty of tour operators that can take you to the beaches of Normandy or Monet's garden in Giverny, and this is where the Disney difference is most palpable. At Normandy, our guide for the day was none other than Dr. Jean-Pierre Benamou, OBE, founder of the D-Day Academy. His knowledge of and reverence for the sacrifices made on that hallowed ground was genuinely soul-stirring. One of many tearful moments that day occurred when Dr. Benamou spied a WWII veteran. "I owe you my life‌I may not have been here without your service," he said as he gave the man a warm embrace. Disney guests who lost a relative during D-Day were invited to participate in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. After taking a moment to compose ourselves, we were chauffeured to the beaches in meticulously restored WWII-era military vehicles. Standing on the rocky coastline while Dr. Benamou's colleagues held up photos of fallen soldiers on the very same spot was a powerful reminder of why these brave souls are considered the Greatest Generation.
A member of the D-Day Academy shared poignant photos during a visit to the beaches of Normandy.
Porte d'Aval arch in the town of Étretat.
Left: Construction on Rouen's famous cathedral began in the 12th century. Below: The harbor in Honfleur is lined with townhouses that date back to the 16th century.
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An exclusive afternoon at the Château de Bizy in Vernon included oldfashioned carnival games, tour guides attired in period costumes, and ample time to explore the vast gardens.
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Vincent van Gogh's final resting place in Auvers-sur-Oise.
Walking in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise.
Experts in less somber subjects—from champagne to castles—greeted us at other stops, which included a mix of planned excursions and free time. In Vernon, we were first through the gates at Monet's garden, allowing us time to appreciate the beauty and serenity of the space before the packed tour buses started rolling in. Later that day, after bobbing for apples and playing traditional French lawn games at the grand Château de Bizy, we were free to enjoy the peace and quiet found in roaming the vast gardens. In Rouen, we walked in the footsteps of Joan of Arc. Climbing a creaky staircase in Auvers-sur-Oise lead to a sparse room in the boarding house where Vincent Van Gogh took his last breath. The steep climb to the ruins of a medieval castle constructed by Richard the Lionheart didn't leave me breathless, but the sweeping views of Les Andelys did, along with the steep drops along the cliff line in the seaside town of Étretat. Back on the boat each day by the late afternoon, we were enticed by a cocktail du jour, to attend a pre-dinner briefing in the lounge. Our troop of six perennially perky Adventure Guides doled out accolades and coveted collectible pins to repeat guests and those celebrating milestones and accomplishments before sharing information about the next day's adventures. A hub of activity, the lounge was the site of cooking demonstrations, post-dinner entertainment and dancing, and talks on culture and history.
Caramels are a speciality in Honfleur, a town situated on an estuary where the Seine meets the English Channel.
Gourmet macaroons by Yannick Lefort were sampled during a walking tour of the SaintGermain-des-Près area.
Dining was a delight, with meals featuring both familiar and foreign specialties. Those with dietary restrictions were amply accommodated. Guests have the option of reserving a space for dinner at the Chef's Table, an intimate glass-walled dining room at the ship's stern where a six-course pre-fixe dinner is mated with elevated French wine pairings. Most mornings, as dawn began to break, I pulled back the curtains in my stateroom to watch the boat glide past charming towns. The shoreline was a marvelous milieu of mostly modest cottages and the occasional grand château with a manicured lawn that lapped at the water's edge. It's safe to say that I wasn't the only one prompted by the idyllic scenery to wonder about what it would be like to move to the French countryside. Disney magic extended to the final moments of our voyage, where our return to Paris was timed to coincide with the hourly evening illumination of the Eiffel Tower. Getting us as close to the iconic monument as possible prompted everyone on the top deck to duck as we passed beneath Pont Mirabeau. The boat paused in a picturesque spot just before the quarter-scale replica of the Statue of Liberty that resides on the Île aux Cygnes. It was a special moment where the lights from the Eiffel Tower seemed to meld into the effervescent bubbles raised high in unison to toast the conclusion of a memorable adventure. sl For more information visit adventuresbydisney.com.
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Of Note... Animal Instinct
Compiled by Colin Dennis
Clockwise from top left: X-Bench in ScalamandrĂŠ Desert Cheetah upholstery from The Inside ($329; ($32 TheInside.com). Il Pavone armchair designed g by Los Angeles-based g artist and designer g Marcc Ange for Visionnaire. Photo by Andrea Ansalone (price upon request; visionnaire-home.com). Haute House Peacock cube ottoman ($650; hautehousehome.com). Seletti Wears Toiletpaper Snakes armchair ($1,350; seletti.us/shop/). Renovatio chair from Hancock & Moore (to the trade; hancockandmoore.com). Bronze fawn leg side table from Global Views (to the trade; globalviews.com).
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Clockwise from top left: The Tiger rug from Mineheart ($968; mineheart.com). Monkey table lamp with blue velvet shade from Audenza ($150; audenza.com). Cheval wall sconce from Jonathan Adler ($695; jonathanadler.com). Antelope AX carpet in Cocoa from STARK (starkcarpet.com). Falcon tub chair from Egg Designs ($3,295; eggdesigns.com). Pet Light Purr from Moooi ($523; moooi.com). Limited-edition Dove commemorative sculpture from Michael Aram ($350; michaelaram.com).
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Matterhorn
A SLICE OF SWISS Written by Michael John
When the SwissAir flight pulled away from the jet bridge at exactly its scheduled departure time, it was a subtle yet significant indication of the experience that would unfold over the next seven days in Switzerland—absolute precision. Soon after the wheels went up, the multilingual SwissAir staff ’s seamless and stealthy service began. In anticipation of a full itinerary, I took advantage of the lay-flat business class arrangements and prioritized rest for the flight, after dinner and a glass or two of Swiss wine, of course. Upon touching down in this modest and peaceful country, the first stop was the train station in Zürich (Hauptbahnhof ) for a rail trip to the quaint alpine town of Zermatt. Shortly after connections in Bern and Visp, the remarkable efficiency of the Swiss, specifically the train system, became readily apparent. For travelers who appreciate reliable schedules and impeccable timekeeping, it’s difficult to imagine a more dependable mode of transport. Winding through the picturesque countryside, the panoramic glass windows of the clean and quiet first-class cabin afforded unobstructed views of naturally made wonders and impressive feats of human engineering. Upon disembarking in Zermatt, the mountain air was brisk and the golden sun warm. The scene could easily have been a movie set, but this was simply the center of the historic mountaineering town. 40 slmag.net
A tuxedoed chauffer and his beautifully adorned horse and carriage guided a memorable ascension up main street, Bahnhofstrasse, on the way to the iconic Mont Cervin Palace. Shoppers entering and exiting celebrated Swiss boutiques stopped and stared at this special ride. Perhaps it was because of the stylish chariot or because the only other vehicles traveling Zermatt are zeroemission custom-built miniature electric vans assembled nearby. A few moments later the almost-cinematic experience ended upon arrival at the hotel where the director of sales and unofficial town historian, Petra Ellmeier, staged a grand welcome. As I was ushered passed the enchanting fireplace that warmed the discerningly appointed lobby I arrived to my authentic chalet-style suite. The balcony doors were opened so I could behold the breathtaking Matterhorn. This sun-drenched peak pierced the sky, dwarfing dozens of rooftops between my balcony and the hillside. Departing this inviting vista, I strolled the tight cobblestone streets, starting in the old village where 16th century structures built from stone and larch wood timbers were tightly packed together. Every turn gave way to a new vantage point of the glorious Matterhorn, and each bend served up a surprise shot of floral landscapes bursting with color. The civic pride runs deep (or high) in Zermatt, as does a sense of community and stewardship to the planet—each palpable in the random encounters with the guide’s neighbors and friends. As the sun fell behind the mountainside, the chill induced a quick end to the tour.
Mount Cervin Palace
Mount Cervin Palace
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Beau Rivage
The warmth of the fire and the rustic refinement of the Mont Cervin Palace awaited. I was ready for a comforting and well-constructed meal and the Grill was superb - the selection of Swiss wines excellent and the wood-fired meats perfect. Maybe it was the long day of travel or Zermatt’s mile-high elevation (5,310 feet above sea level), but the cozy suite beckoned. I ended this surreal day beside a fire crackling, with the moon illuminating this wondrous gem of the Alps. At dawn the beauty of the Matterhorn transformed into a glowing pyramidal peak, as two of its faces caught the sun’s rays before any other corner of this picturesque town. With a long train ride down the mountain and no margin for error in Swiss rail schedules, I made haste to the main station for the next stop, Lausanne. Speeding toward Lake Geneva’s second-largest city provided a visual and unexpected lesson in Swiss winemaking. The train raced along the terraced vineyards of nearby Lavaux, one of only a few UNESCO world heritage vineyards on the planet. For about 20 miles along the lake’s shores, a unique varietal of Chasselas grape grows and is still harvested by hand. This local wine was about to become far more prevalent on the trip. A short taxi ride from Lausanne Station, the Beau-Rivage Palace in Ouchy is a remarkable example of Art Nouveau and Neo-Baroque architectural styles. The historic landmark rose prominently from the manicured grounds amid rare species of flora and fauna. Pauline Lioté, public relations and partnership coordinator, provided a brief reception in the grand lobby. 42 slmag.net
Highly sought lunch reservations awaited, but a tastefully styled suite made it nearly impossible to depart. The inspired and newly renovated room had a palette of calming blues and greens, the mirrored walls reflected the lake beyond a private patio and the upholstered headboard topped a cloud of alluring white linens. The elevator to ground level, one floor below the famed rotundas, led to a veritable hall of fame with images of dignitaries and celebrities who have stayed in this storied place. Café Beau Rivage was another master class in refinement. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed the natural beauty beyond the glass and complemented the enveloping bespoke décor. The coveted corner booth provided a perfect view of the dining room and deftly designed space. Nothing disappointed from that moment on—the baguette, wine, rockfish soup, fresh caught perch. Everything was delectable, down to a signature tart. In the afternoon, the tranquil lakefront path enticed me and I strolled along the water’s edge past charming cottages, striking estates and the rousing Olympic Museum. After only hours in this town and a short hike across the gorgeous grounds of the Capitale Olympique—I knew why the International Olympic Committee has called Lausanne home for more than 100 years. I later meandered the halls and common areas of this Grande Dame hotel on the way to dinner at L´Accademia, an Italiancentric offering just a few steps away at a sister hotel. After I enjoyed inventive takes on classic pasta dishes, I finished the evening with a nightcap at the prestigious BAR.
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Baur au Lac
Early-morning coffee on the breathtaking waterfront balcony and pampering at the hotel’s Spa Cinque Monde greeted the new day. After a relaxing treatment I set off to explore life in the center of town and experience luxury at a different grand hotel, Lausanne Palace, and never lost view of the lake. I made a point to lunch at the bustling Brasserie Grande Chêne, which was reminiscent of a historic Parisian power spot. The green chairs and white tablecloths set against the dark mahogany wood paired perfectly with brass accents. Over Dover sole, pomme frites and more delicious wine from Lavaux, Odile Vogel-Reynaud, director of sales and marketing at Sandoz Foundation Hotels, offered a peek at the famed Coco Chanel suite, overlooking the town with unobstructed views of the water. With Swiss efficiency, after staring at the next destination across the shores of Lake Geneva, a plush railcar whisked me to Zurich. A cobblestone road brimming with boutiques led to the Widder Hotel. This extraordinary enclave was an unexpected departure from previous accommodations: a collection of nine medieval homes combined, restored and reimagined as a modern refuge of historic luxury. This unique lobby and the inviting library showcased a blending of new materials with salvaged architectural elements. 44 slmag.net
The suite exuded more of the same contrasts. Original timber beams topped modern amenities, and vintage wall coverings countered plush leather and state-of-the-art technology. Wood inlay trompe l’oeil detailed doors adorned a maze of hallways back to the lobby. Different species of wood or various types of stone transitioned from one structure to another. This was a technique the architect deployed to distinguished each home. I learned later the ambitious project lasted a decade and required more than 1,000 conservation experts to complete. Surrounding church bells occasionally punctured the silence of the early morning. Next on the agenda was a half-day excursion to a hillside resort on the edge of the Adlisberg forest— the magical Dolder Grand Hotel. The impressive castle-like destination hotel is perched above the waterfront cityscape, and Anna Siroka, director of marketing, awaited at the front entry. The epitome of hospitality since 1899, the Dolder Grand Hotel’s rich history, beautiful natural surroundings and purposeful past were present in each detail. From the iconic architecture to the impressive modern art collection accentuating it, the hotel is an unrivaled oasis. Every aspect of the building was thoughtful,
Widder Hotel
Dolder Grand
Widder Hotel
and each element felt measured. This gorgeous sanctuary was carefully restored in 2008 to achieve today’s highest standards. The Saltz restaurant’s creative cuisine has been honored with 14 GaultMillau points. The space, designed by Rolf Sachs, emanates a unique atmosphere full of color and clean lines. The bright blue banquettes and the punching red neon light installation directed attention to grand windows with views of a sprawling landscape beyond. Siroka recommended her favorites from the menu and recounted the rich history of this hillside treasure. The cauliflower froth soup and patiently cooked black cod were delightful. Precisely chilled Swiss wines were refreshing. No trip to the Dolder Grand is complete without a visit to the 43,000-square-foot spa, boasting an aqua zone, with a swimming pool, mixed sauna, steam bath, spa, whirlpool terrace, samarium, library, fitness area and relaxation room. After a 60-minute organic facial and a tote full of Amala products, I began to make my way back down the road to Zurich. Baur au Lac Hotel, the next and final stop of the trip, is just off the water’s edge, where main street, Baunhofstrasse, meets Lake Geneva. This 175-year-old palace sparkled in the sun and
its private gardens dazzled against quiet canals, producing an atmosphere that seemed miles away from Zurich’s busier districts, while sitting merely steps from it all. Le Hall is the renowned and romantic social epicenter of this building. The glass dome and indoor foliage added to the idyllic space for libations and conversation. Three hours disappeared over canapés and tea, then hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Afternoon turned to evening, and I prepared for one last slice of Switzerland. The eponymous Baur’s is the town’s newest hot spot. This scene maker certainly did not disappoint, and the kitchen turned out hit after hit. The only thing as enjoyable as the food was the engaging company, Christiane Lanz, head of corporate office for Swiss Deluxe Hotel and of course two (alright, maybe three) chilled glasses of that crisp Swiss wine. Satisfied on several levels, I retired to the room for one last night along the shores of Lake Geneva. The morning came sooner than I would have preferred, but with more memories (and meals) than most could possibly imagine, I made my way from Le Terrace for coffee and croissants to Zurich’s main station for one final, impeccably timed train ride. This time it would be to the airport. sl slmag.net
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THE VINES THAT BIND The legendary legacy of Grgich Hills is a family affair. Written by Chloe Gellar / Photos courtesy of Grgich Hills Estate If not for a lone reporter who turned up to the now-legendary "Judgement of Paris" in 1976, Miljenko "Mike" Grgich's career might have taken a very different trajectory. The resulting article in Time Magazine by rookie reporter George Taber detailed how wine from two California upstarts—a 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay made by Grgich, and Warren Winiarski's 1973 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon—bested France's finest wines. Awarded 132 points by the vaunted French judges, Grgich's Chardonnay earned the highest total score of any of the wines, red or white, in the tasting. It wasn't until a reporter from the New York Times called Grgich for a follow-up story did he learn of his remarkable achievement. The victory was the culmination of Grgich's indefatigable work ethic and constant quest for knowledge to improve his craft. The youngest of 11 children, Mike was born in Desne, Croatia in 1923, becoming part of a family with a long legacy of growing grapes and making wine. He recounts that his first taste of wine came around the age of two-and-a-half, when his mother weaned him from breastmilk to a combination of water and wine, a common practice in areas where water was often scarce and its potability questionable. 46 slmag.net
While studying enology and viticulture at the University of Zagreb in communist-controlled Croatia, Mike had a professor remark in confidence that California was a winemaker's paradise. Inspired by this vision and knowing that he could not realize his potential as a winemaker under communist rule, Mike took $32 he'd saved up over a decade and had a cobbler make a false bottom for his shoes to prevent the foreign currency from being confiscated at the border. He arrived in Canada in 1954 and made it to the Napa Valley four years later with just a single small suitcase filled with agriculture and winemaking books. A symbol of his impact on the world of wine, Mike's portmanteau went on to be part of an exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution. Taking his father's advice to heart that knowledge is more valuable than property, as soon as he arrived in Napa, Mike sought out the most respected winemakers of the era. His mentors included Lee Stewart, founder of Souverain Winery, and legendary Russian winemaker André Tchelistcheff. Mike made his first Cabernet for Robert Mondavi in 1969 and joined Chateau Montelena as a winemaker and limited partner in 1972.
Miljenko "Mike" Grgich, Violet Grgich, and Ivo Jeramaz
Riding the fortuitous headwind provided by the historic win at the Paris tarting, Grgich partnered with Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee Company to break ground on Grgich Hills Cellars on July 4, 1977. Mike specifically chose that date as a celebration of freedom, independence, and his realization of the American Dream. Proving that he wasn't a one-hit-wonder as a winemaker, Mike's first bottling under the Grgich label, a 1977 Chardonnay, bested 221 entrants from around the world at 1980's "Great Chicago Chardonnay Showdown." In 2007 Grgich Hills became entirely estate grown and changed its name to Grgich Hills Estate. Today, there are five distinct vineyards spread out over 366 acres. The winery is solarpowered, and the vineyards are certified organic. This is a point of pride for Mike, his daughter Violet, who serves as president of the family business, and Mike's nephew and winemaker Ivo Jeramaz, who came to Napa from Croatia in 1986. Both Violet and Ivo worked their way up the ladder of responsibility—Violet starting on the bottling line and Ivo washing barrels—to attain their respective leadership roles in the family business.
Continuing the Grgich legacy is of paramount importance to the family, and Ivo continues the Old World-style and foodfriendly approach to winemaking implemented by Mike. At Grgich Hills, the grape grower is also the winemaker. This intimate level of ground-to-glass involvement is crucial to Ivo, who says that it is the quality of the vineyard that ultimately determines the quality of the wine. "There is only so much you can do in the cellar," he explained. Grgich Hills wines are characterized by no malolactic fermentation, which imparts bright acidity that provides structure and stimulates the palate. Provenance plays a role in the enduring popularity of Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, which is widely accessible, along with their Zinfandel, Fume Blanc, and Cabernet. However, a visit to their Rutherford tasting room is a must to sample Miljenko's Selections and their Legacy bottlings. Memorable among the latter is a Paris Tasting Commemorative Chardonnay, which showcases the Wente clone, Grgich Hill's oldest block of Chardonnay, planted in 1989. Its vibrancy is a taste of history in a glass. sl slmag.net
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Bibliotaph... Hedge Fun
Compiled by Victoria Chase Capitalizing on current trends to live smaller and with less stuff, garden designer Isa Hendry Eaton and lifestyle writer Jennifer Blaise Kramer outline sound design principles demonstrating how to create a compact yet elegant and exciting outdoor living space for entertaining or relaxing. Isa Hendry Eaton and Jennifer Blaise Kramer—Small Garden Style: A Design Guide for Outdoor Rooms and Containers— hardcover, 192 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com) This hefty, large-format tome features more than 550 detailed quill-pen illustrations of 212 tree species, each drawn to a scale of 1:100. First published in 1982, and out of print for two decades, this is the first English-language edition of a study by Italian architects Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi that took more than twenty years to complete. Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi—The Architecture of Trees— hardcover, 424 pages, Princeton Architectural Press (papress.com) A passionate edible gardener and locavore advocate, Jack Staub takes readers on an intimate tour of more than twenty stunning private gardens in Virginia, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Jack Staub (writer) and Rob Cardillo (photographer)— Private Edens: Beautiful Country Gardens— hardcover, 256 pages, Gibbs Smith (gibbs-smith.com)
The thirty gardens profiled encompass everything from grandiose displays at Versailles to a tiny terrace in the Marais. Zahid Sardar (writer) and Marion Brenner (photographer)—In & Out Paris: Gardens of Secret Delights—hardcover, 264 pages, Gibbs Smith (gibbs-smith.com)
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books Editor Carl Dellatore's compilation of essays by foremost garden designers working in the present era presents a comprehensive education on all facets of creating a garden. Ample photography accompanying each designer's article makes this an impactful visual reference book. Carl Dellatore (editor)—Garden Design Master Class: 100 Lessons from The World's Finest Designers on the Art of the Garden—hardcover, 288 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)
Designed by Michael Van Valkenburg, the intimate walled Monk's Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston is notable for its meandering paths through a dreamlike woodland. In his own words, the prominent landscape architect shares the background of the Monk's Garden, focusing on the experimental nature of the design, along with the uniqueness of working on a small scale within a broader historical and cultural context. Michael Van Valkenburg— Designing A Garden—hardcover, 208 pages, The Monacelli Press (monacellipress.com)
A testament to his global popularity, books by Israeli author Meir Shalev are published in more than twentyfive languages. In this colorfully illustrated book, Shalev shares his deep appreciation for his beloved garden, situated on the perimeter of Israel's Jezreel Valley, which he writes is, "neither neatly organized nor well kept." Meir Shalev—My Wild Garden: Notes from a Writer's Eden— hardcover, 304 pages, Schrocken Press, (penguinrandomhouse.com) In addition to commissions from some of the world's most famous fashion houses and well-known brands in tech and spirits, Olaf Hajek's illustrations have also appeared in The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, GQ, and Architectural Digest, among others. Here he lends his formidable talents to educating children about the health benefits of flowers. Christine Paxmann (writer), Olaf Hajek (illustrator)—Flower Power: The Magic of Nature's Healers— hardcover, 40 pages, Prestel Junior (penguinrandomhouse.com) Bestselling author, flower farmer, and floral designer Erin Benzakein offers advice on every phase of working with cut flowers plucked from your own garden or purchased at the market. The twenty-five how-to projects encompass everything from eye-popping centerpieces to festive wreaths. Erin Benzakein, Chris Benzakein, Jill Jorgensen, and Julie Chai—Floret Farm's A Year In Flowers: Designing Gorgeous Arrangements for Every Season—hardcover, 312 pages, Chronicle Books (chroniclebooks.com)
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OVER THE MOON(stone) Compiled by Bridget Williams
Boasting an internal structure that scatters light as strikes it (an optical phenomenon known as adularescence), it is not hard to fathom why Hindu mythology refers to moonstone as solidified moonbeams. Because of its lunar link, lore and legend have long ascribed moonstone with many helpful and healing attributes. Whether you are looking for a celestial boost or simply prefer the stone's ethereal aesthetic, these of-the-moment moonstone adornments certainly fit the bill. 50 slmag.net
Clockwise from f topp left f opposite pp page: p g Pamela P Zamore sterlingg silver Lotus us necklace with moonstone m ($145; pamelazamore.com). Kassandra Nicholson Jewelry moonstone pendant ($910; kassandranicholson.com). Adel Chefridi rectangle g moonstone pendant nt in 18K yellow gold ($5,185; chefridi.com). Elizabeth Locke "Farnese" link necklace ($17,575) and cerulean Venetian glass intaglio and moonstone pendant ($6,200; elizabethlocke.com). Ara Vartanian moonstone and diamond ring ($5,700; aravartanian.com). Mary MacGill one-of-a-kind moonstone "Form" cuff ($2,100; marymacgill.com). Rush Jewelry Designs "Draper" ring with moonstone and lapis in 18K yellow gold ($6,750; rushjewelrydesign.com). LMJ "My Colorful Legacy" pearl and moonstone open ring in 14K yellow gold-plated sterling silver ($369; luvmyjewelry.com). David Yurman Solari 18K gold bead bracelet with white moonstone ($1,350; davidyurman.com). Rush Jewelry Design "Kinetic" moonstone earrings ($4,200; rushjewelrydesign.com). Diamond and moonstone "Gala" chandelier earrings from Mindi Mond New York (price upon request; mindimondny.com). Brent Neale earrings with malachite "vase" and amethyst, citrine, natural red coral, mother-of-pearl, and moonstone "flowers" ($12,150; brentneale.com) Opposite page: Omi PrivĂŠ moonstone, aquamarine, and diamond ring ($14,000; omiprive.com).
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Of Note... Raising Cane Ca
C Compiled l d by b Colin l Denniss
Clockwise from top left: Sunnylands Palm wallpaper in Onyx from Wallshoppe ($149/roll; wallshoppe.com). Evers woven sea grass pendant from Arteriors ($780; arteriorshome.com). Boffi LUI 5/A caned armchair with gold leaf ($6,848; 1stdibs.com). Beauvier French cane bed from Frontgate (from $2,399; frontgate.com). Cane I Join You dining chair from Caracole ($866; caracole.com). AERIN cane coaster set ($250; aerin.com).
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Interior designer Bobby Berk with pieces from his collection for A.R.T. Furniture. Woven cane detailing is found on the Moller dining chairs and the Bauer cabinet. (arthomefurnishings.com)
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MAKING WAVES Fisker debuts its Ocean all-electric SUV Written by Andre James “Our mission is to become the number-one e-mobility service provider on Earth, featuring the world’s most desirable and sustainable vehicles while shaking up the old automotive industry model,” said Henrik Fisker, chairman and CEO of Fisker Inc. The California-based automotive company made a splash with the world debut of their Ocean all-electric SUV at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Paying homage to the brand’s roots, Fisker exhibited the Ocean’s California Mode, a standard feature across all option packages except for the base model. With the touch of a button, nine glass windows/panels lower to create an airy feeling while maintaining the full “roll cage” safety structure around passengers. The Ocean’s standard four-wheel drive configuration will deliver an output of more than 225 kilowatts (300+ horsepower), with an ultra-high performance version targeting the zero-to -60 mph sprint in less than three seconds. The +80 kWh capacity battery provides a range of up to 300 miles. Electrify America’s 150 kW chargers can charge capable vehicles up to 20 miles per minute. A full-length solar roof supports the car’s electric power source; the company reports that solar energy could contribute as many as 1,000 free miles annually. Inside the cabin, a state-of-the-art heads-up display integrated into the windshield accompanies a sizeable 16-inch 54 slmag.net
center touch screen and a 9.8-inch cluster screen. Sustainable features include carpeting made from abandoned fishing net waste and vegan and eco-suede surfaces. The company has pledged to utilize discarded rubber waste generated during tire manufacturing to prevent it from being sent to landfills. The Fisker mobile app and website are central to the company’s interaction with consumers. A $250 reservation covers either the full purchase option or the flexible lease program. In advance of the first high-volume deliveries projected for 2022, customers will receive exclusive invites to Fisker experience centers and test-drives. Multiple industry firsts have arrived with the Fisker app to create an innovative customer experience, from a flexible lease program, maintenance and repair on demand, insurance purchase to simplified finance options. Fisker says that in the future, the mobile app platform may also include mobility options like green ride-hailing, carpooling, and vehicle sharing. “As the world’s first all-digital car company, we’re humbled and delighted at the overwhelmingly positive response to the Fisker Ocean,” remarked Fisker. “In addition, we look forward to sharing more developments on the Fisker Ocean with the world soon, including the first public footage of the full production-intent prototype’s road tests – showcasing the durability and readiness of the vehicle’s fully-engineered platform.” sl For more information, visit fiskerinc.com.
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ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
Like bears to honey, we’re sweet on these ďŹ ne jewelry and accessory pieces that draw insp inspiration from the natural world. Compiled by Bridget Williams
Clockwise from top left this page: Ruchi New York Butterfly brooch set with slice diamonds and round diamonds (price upon request; ruchinewyork.com). Sylva & Cie 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby earrings ($5,250; sylvacie.com). 18K Resting Bee ring from Temple St. Clair ($1,950; templestclair.com). Tabbah Reptilia two-finger rose gold and diamond ring (price upon request; tabbah.com). Edward Avedis leaf earrings (price upon request; edwardavedis.com).
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Clockwise from top left this page: Pamela Love Aegean pendant necklace ($210; pamelalove.com). Van Cleef & Arpels Lucky Animals Lion clip ($8,050; vancleefarpels.com). Laura Caspi articulated Lobster necklace with black diamonds ($1,475; lauracaspi.com). Bibi van der Velden Bear necklace carved from 60,000-year-old mammoth tusk ($4,133; bibivandervelden.com). Kassandra Nicholson Jewelry Wave pendant in 14K yellow gold ($620; kassandranicholson.com). Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon – Four Seasons, Summer (price upon request; vacheron-constantin.com). Monkeydeo sardonyx shell cameo earrings with tsavorites from AMEDEO ($7,500; amedeo. shop/). From Piaget, this limited-edition timepiece with diamond bezel and cloisonnÊ enamel dial, commemorates the Year of the Rat (piaget.com). Nicole Rose Jewelry baguette and round diamond Large Flower earrings ($5,995; nicolerosejewelry.com).
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BUZZWORTHY
What caught our eye at the Consumer Electronics Show Compiled by Andre James and Bridget Williams
LIFX filament bulb
One of the largest gatherings for those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this past January drew more than 4,500 exhibiting companies and 175,000 attendees, representing 160 countries. First held in New York City in 1967, some 700,000 products have been launched at the show in the ensuing decades. From the VCR in 1970 to this year, where Tokyo debuted plans for a "Woven City" at the base of Mount Fuji, technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed. With 2.9-million-square-feet of companies vying for our attention, for our CES roundup, we eschewed the outlandish in favor of technology most likely to make it into daily life.
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Crescent speaker
CookingPal Julia
WHAT'S COOKING CookingPal Julia is an intelligent autonomous cooking system. Its voice-enabled tablet suggests meals and provides step-by-step recipe guidance and works in tandem with a Smart Kitchen Appliance that handles every element of prepping a meal, from chopping and kneading to stirring and steaming. It even cleans up after itself! With a built-in camera and AI food recognition capabilities, it can suggest what to make based on what you have. Available in late 2020, Julia is expected to retail for under $1,000 (cookingpal.com). The Kitchen Hub from GE Appliances is a first-of-itskind, over-the-range interactive smart kitchen and ventilation system. The second-generation iteration includes a built-in microwave with a camera inside that syncs with AI computer vision cooking technology, to create a cutting-edge digital cooking experience. Available in late 2020, pricing is yet to be announced (geappliances.com). Drinking beverages from plastic bottles uses up to 32 times more greenhouse gas emissions than drinking from your tap. Designed to eliminate single-use plastic bottles, the Rocean One is a stylish countertop device that filters, flavors,
GE Appliances Kitchen Hub
and carbonates water directly from the tap. You can sign up for the waitlist at rocean.com. For Weber's debut at CES, the barbecue grill brand showcased its Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub. This firstof-its-kind grilling assistant sends notifications directly to a smartphone on everything from grill set up, to when food is ready to flip, serve, and eat ($130; weber.com) SOUND DECISIONS Upstart Cleer Audio is challenging the notion of boxy sounders with its Crescent range, an array of eight custom 40mm full-range drivers, and two 3.3" subwoofers (cleeraudio.com). Altec Lansing unveiled new speaker models for its line of Everything-Proof Bluetooth speakers. "Play Your Way" technology allows users to play the device vertically, for true 360 omnidirectional sound, or horizontally, for front-facing stereo sound (from $40; alteclansing.com). AfterShokz showcased bone conduction headphones. Their military-grade technology keeps the eardrum open to ambient noise, giving the wearer situational awareness that traditional headphones lack (from $80; aftershokz.com). slmag.net
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zLight
FIT BITS Technology is often blamed for making us sedentary. At CES, it had big plans to get us to move more and keep us apprised of our health stats with noninvasive wearable tech. Circular is a lightweight, seamless, and comfortable hybrid smart ring with interchangeable shells that uses cross-correlation, precise captors, and machine learning for laboratory-level accuracy. It has six features, an artificial assistant and an intuitive mobile app that analyzes users' day and night data for personalized wellness suggestions. Amazfit HomeStudio is a connected fitness treadmill mated with a 43" HD screen (called the GLASS), and surround-sound JBL speakers to provide an immersive and highly personal boutique fitness experience. Amazfit HomeStudio utilizes AI-powered computer vision to detect and help correct form (pricing yet to be announced; en.amazfit.com). Withings ScanWatch is the world's first clinically validated hybrid smartwatch to detect both risks of AFib and sleep apnea – all from the wrist (from $249; withings.com). Tonal is a sleekly designed, at-home workout machine that combines cutting edge tech with personalized, expert-led fitness programs. Tonal's AI. Coach software is intuitive and learns from users to adapt guidance in real-time and provide a highlypersonalized workout ($2,995; Tonal.com). 60 slmag.net
Power Plate demoed their new Power Plate MOVE. This lightweight and portable vibration trainer boasts a large platform area and six variable frequency modes to accommodate exercises from weight training to HIIT workouts ($2,995; powerplate.com). The Muse S meditation headband utilizes passive advanced signal processing used by neuroscience researchers to interpret mental activity. Working in tandem with the Muse Meditation app, once you've finished your session, you can access real-time data to track your progress ($210; choosemuse.com). SEE THE LIGHT Developed by Mark Zuckerberg for his wife, the zLight functions as a sleep box that emits a faint light at a set time to let you know whether it's time to get up or fall back asleep. zLight can also be used as an audio sound system, a minimalistic wireless charger, and an environment controller with temperature, humidity, and CO2 sensors to guarantee top air quality in any bedroom. (preorder at indiegogo.com). The Nanoleaf Learning Series includes hexagon-shaped Unified Light Panels, the first-ever modular smart lights with shape interconnectivity. Available in summer 2020 (nanoleaf.me) LIFX Filament represents the growing trend towards vintage Edison-type smart lights. Available in smoky, amber and clear glass versions, the bulbs support all voice assistants, cloud connectivity and remote on/off and dimming functionality (lifx.com).
Tonal
Muse S Withings ScanWatch
Power Plate MOVE Circular
Amazfit HomeStudio
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Manta5 Hydrofoil eBike LG Signature OLED 8K TV
InFocus 4K HDR smart TV
SpotOn
Y-Brush The W81 series from Skyworth
Samsung Sero
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Opte
Brunswick SLX-R 400e Outboard
SEA WORTHY Brunswick unveiled its SLX-R 400e Outboard. The "e" designates a first-of-its-kind boat electrification feature—the Fathom e-Power system. Developed by Brunswick, the high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack with an intuitive power management system is capable of powering all of the boat's accessory systems to enjoy a longer, quieter, and more eco-friendly day on the water. The Manta5 Hydrofoil eBike replicates the intuitive cycling experience on water using carbon fiber foils (the wings) and a fully waterproof eBike battery and motor. With variable pedal assist, cyclists can reach speeds of up to 12 mph ($7,495; manta5.com) Waydoo took the wraps off of its updated e-Foil "flying surfboard." The carbon-fiber Waydoo Flyer has a 6,000W battery that gives users a steady ride of up to 75 minutes on a full charge and a top speed of 28mph. It's controlled by a wireless Bluetooth hand-held controller with five-speed and proficiency modes ($6,495; waydootech.com). DOGGONE SMART SpotOn Virtual Fence gives dogs the freedom to be dogs and owners the peace of mind to let them. The only genuinely wireless containment solution, SpotOn replaces buried wires and base stations with GPS technology. Simply use the collar to walk a perimeter anywhere, creating an instant containment area. SpotOn's satellite tracking notifies owners via the phone app when a dog leaves the area and allows them to locate their dog in realtime with turn-by-turn directions (spotoncollar.com). ABOUT FACE Opte from P&G Ventures scans, detects, and corrects hyper-pigmentation with precision application of an Optimizing Serum that reduces the appearance of spots over time. Join the waitlist at opteskin.com.
IONIQ showcased the first smart skincare sprayer. Using magnetic skin technology, users can spray skincare products, such as sunscreen, onto their whole body without the need to rub-it-in. The product is scheduled to launch in June 2020 (ioniqskin.com) Y-Brush, an auto-cleaning electronic toothbrush, claims to simultaneously deep-clean all of your teeth in just 10 seconds using sonic vibration technology (from $125; us.y-brush.com). WATCH LIST The W81 series from Skyworth, China's leading TV brand, created quite a stir with their paper-thin OLED TV (4.6mm at its slimmest point) in 65" and 77". The screen seamlessly attaches to the wall with help from a powerful magnetic fixture and an invisible wall mount for added stability (from $3,599; skyworthusa.com) Infinity announced a new line of InFocus 4K HDR smart TV with a slim, frameless infinity screen. They will be available in retail stores across the US in March (infocustvs.com). Eight of the 13 TVs on display at the LG booth were Real 8K TV models. A new Filmmaker Mode disables certain postprocessing effects while preserving correct aspect ratios, colors and frame rates to faithfully replicate the original vision of the director (lg.com). Samsung growing its portfolio of Lifestyle TVs with an expanded rollout of The Sero. The Sero, which means “vertical” in Korean, has the ability to pivot between horizontal and vertical orientations – just like a smartphone or tablet. Following its initial rollout in South Korea last year, Samsung is set to expand The Sero’s availability to several global markets in 2020 (Samsung.com). slmag.net
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Lingolet
Toto Flotation Tub
Dux Element
NOT LOST IN TRANSLATION The Lingolet One is an industry-first smart translation device offering both AI-based machine translation between 12 languages in near real-time with 97% accuracy and on-demand human interpretation service (starting at $59 on amazon.com) CONNECTED DISCONNECTION TOTO's Flotation Tub simulates zero gravity by eliminating the mechanical energy/ load on joints. The experience is enhanced by specialized massage jets that produce a therapeutic flow of warm air bubbles ($18,799; totousa.com). Swedish luxury bedmaker DUX launched its new Element bed. Its DUX Smart Module encompasses an integrated 64 slmag.net
WineStation Cellar
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled speaker that is Amazon Alexa compatible. Users can tap into their home's IoT system to play music and make other adjustments to create an optimal sleep environment (duxiana.com). SOMETHING TO WINE ABOUT Designed for the serious wine enthusiast and collection, the WineStation Cellar combined the powerful WineStation Intelligent Dispensing System with a high capacity wine cooler, allowing collectors to keep their stored wines in pristine condition for years to come. Able to store up to 80 bottles in a temperature-controlled environment, an argon gas preservation system can keep open bottles fresh for 60 days inside the unit and 14 days outside (napatechnology.com). sl
SOPHISTICATED SCENE Photo/Story By Carrie Edelstein
Our SL team is fortunate enough to travel all around the world. With just a few days out of the office and packed itineraries at the most luxurious destinations, it’s only natural to simply want to go back for more! Our Louisville team recently enjoyed experiencing The Reef at Atlantis in the Bahamas for our November/December issue. And just a few weeks ago, I returned to one of my family’s favorite vacation spots, this time discovering a few more special places I never knew existed around the property. Among those was “Sacred Space,” a sculpture series on the beach just near The Cove at Atlantis. It’s a peaceful and inviting section, tucked in an alcove within a peninsula that is the rresort’s Robert most coveted portion of the exquisite turquoise water. R Merlin of SmartFlyer sends many of his clients to that very spot. p luxurious “The Cove gives you the best of Atlantis,” he says. “It’s a lux masses private sanctuary where you can escape away from the m while at the same time giving you access to everything that makes Caribbean.” This Atlantis one of the most fun destinations in the Caribbean. was perhaps our best stay by the way as Rob managed to gget us upgraded into “The Indigo Suite,” where our balcony provided prov a looked out view of the tranquil ocean waters, and our windows looke over Dolphin Cay and Nassau’s Harbor. monitors I learned about “Sacred Space” in the elevator mo sculptures) that when my daughter asked to see “the ladies” (the sculptures Renowned were displayed in the repeating video of the property. Reno debuted this Bahamian artist and sculptor Antonius Roberts debute dancingg art installation about two years ago. Each of the seven da women was sculpted using local Madeira trees. Over time, many
guests have built cairns– stacks of stones– in the space, perhaps as a memorial, a tribute to the fine memories created in the Caribbean or a salute to the Bahamian heritage. Roberts says he created the space to be “a specific, historical memorial to reflect and embody my personal philosophy about art and how it can be used interactively. It also embraces my profound interest in the conservation, preservation and transformation of our environment, and the 700 islands of the Bahamas.” If you head to Atlantis and are considering attempting the mind-blowing waterslide– a near vertical drop mind blowing “Leap of Faith” waterslide perhaps first to help iinto a tank of sharks– p p visit “Sacred Space” p p yyou stay ggrounded in your intentions! sll
{St. Louis' Finest}
Have you visited one of the places we’ve featured? Send us your travel pictures and tag your favorite destinations on social @sophisticatedlivingmag.
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five dollars
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START UP, STAND OUT AND STAY! Why St. Louis is MADE to Keep the Transplants Written By Julie Lane / Photo By Suzy Gorman I am a proud St Louis “transplant.” My husband, Rich, and I moved here from the South Loop in Chicago in 2000 for his first job right out of DePaul University. As anyone will tell you, Chicago is a great town. Our friends and colleagues were supportive of the move, but seemed worried as if we were going to live in the middle of nowhere. They’d say things like, “Sure, you can get a ‘mansion’ for almost nothing, but where do you go for culture?” “What about for entertainment?” “Is there even good food there?” They seemed “optimistically” concerned for us. They had no idea what St Louis has to offer to the locals, the visitors and the ever growing number of transplants like us: The Saint Louis Art Museum, the Cardinals (11-time World Series Champs, something hard to admit for Cubs fans who can only boast three titles), the St. Louis Blues (yep, we are Stanley Cup Champions too), Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University, any restaurant Gerard Craft opens, The Pageant, the St Louis Zoo, The Muny, Forest Park (fun facts: it’s larger than Central Park, and played host to the 1904 World’s Fair), Enterprise, Centene, World Wide Technology, Express Scripts, Square, the Danforth Center …and the list goes on and on and continues to gain accolades from national rankings and publications. As a Realtor, I find most clients, even some lifelong St. Louisans, are unaware of all the great opportunities our city has to offer. Through the years, I have met so many incredible individuals along my path from business owners to artists to professional athletes. Each client has a unique story of why he or she has chosen to make St Louis a place to call home. I met Chrissy [Christine Taylor] and Lee Broughton on a late summer day in 2009. I was just starting my career as a Realtor when they asked me to show them homes in St Louis. Chrissy was born and raised in St Louis while Lee was from the UK. They were moving here from the UK, for their positions with Enterprise Holdings and were anxious to find their St Louis home. As a Realtor, I have the privilege of meeting people that grew up in St Louis as well as those from all over the world. Chrissy and Lee represented both. I quickly learned I had a common bond with the Broughton’s: we share an affinity for St Louis. Afterall, her family chose long ago to headquarter Enterprise Holdings in St Louis and have always donated generously to the city, from Forest Park Forever to securing the new MLS Team. Lee, a “transplant” like myself, is also very pro St Louis. Where else can you take in a world class art exhibit, a Blues or Cardinals game, attend a concert or send your kids to the best public and private schools in the country all within a 15-minute car ride? It’s unfathomable how so many others know so little about this vibrant gem of a city! Fast forward a few years, Lee has stepped away from his position as Vice President of Global Brand Marketing at Enterprise Holdings and founded Broughton Brand Company in 2018. One of his first projects was uncovering an authentic narrative that would help
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the St. Louis region better attract and retain talent and investment. Lee explains, “We listened to people across the region share their personal stories and their feelings about St. Louis and what makes it a great place live and work. And we also listened as they shared their concerns about this place they love.” The stories Broughton’s team heard from natives, transplants and “boomerangs” all had a common theme: that St. Louis is big enough to offer plenty of opportunities for all kinds of people to start up businesses and careers; that our small town vibe makes it easy to connect with mentors and support systems that can help you stand out and make an impact; and that our affordable cost of living combined with world-class arts and culture allow you to stay right here and enjoy it all. He points to the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in the Grand Center Arts District – the first freestanding building by world renowned architect Tadao Ando in the US – as just one of many creative institutions that hosts public programs for all. “People close to the urban core were eager to talk about the renaissance they were seeing in the city, and that was the inspiration for #STLMade.” Broughton describes #STLMade as a social movement working to elevate perceptions of St. Louis from the inside out. #STLMade insists that we can acknowledge our challenges and our achievements by shining a light on the people and ideas that are moving St. Louis forward. TheSTL.com is full of stories about tenacious, creative, big-hearted people who are collaborating in ways big and small to make St. Louis a place that’s creating more opportunities for all. According to Broughton, “[Until now] there has been no cohesive narrative. No consistency in how we talk about living and working in St.Louis.” START UP, STAND OUT AND STAY gives us a very simple framework for personalizing our shared experience.” Broughton feels that now is the time we all need to tell our own St Louis story. “So many great things are happening in St Louis. Over $10 billion is being invested to revitalize our urban core, the Blues won the Stanley Cup, a majority-female ownership team brought us an MLS team, our art scene is dynamic, Bayer has relocated here,” Brougton says. And on 314 Day (March 14th), Broughton promises a big announcement surrounding our new MLS team. I am very positive about St Lo Louis. When I welcome new transplants llike k myself to St. Louis, Rich and I are pro d proud to say that this is where we chose to “START UP, STAND OUT AND STA STAY.”” ho Maybe that’s your story too. If it is, I hope you also feel that you made a great cho choice.
Lee Broughton is a board member of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, which is located in the Grand Center Arts District.
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Introducing Chef Vince Bommarito’s
Wine Cellar
Featuring Custom Selections - Request For Your Next Celebration
314.664.7680
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B U T LE R S P A N T R Y C O M
SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
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A Charm Against All That, projects-gallery.com “The Office! A Musical Parody,” grandcenter.org Art In Bloom, slam.org Bolero, slso.org Marygrove’s BLOOM, marygrovechildren.org A Mighty Night, mightyoakes.org A Fetching Affair, duodogs.org Chris Tucker, stifeltheatre.com Opening Reception for Terry Adkins: Resounding, Pulitzer Table for Four, BGCSTL.org “The Bachelor” Live On Stage, fabulousfox.com Kandace Springs, jazzstl.org March Madness, enterprisecenter.com Billie Eilish, enterprisecenter.com Ranken Jordan BEYOND Gala, Rankenjordan.org/beyond Feast Your Eyes: Little Fox, camstl.org
April 3 3 4 7-19 10 11 11 11 11 15 16 18 22-23 21 23 24 25 25 25 27
Students of the Year Grand Finale, LLS.org/gateway The Veterans Memorial Benefit, thesheldon.org Pearl Jam, enterprisecenter.com “Cats,” fabulousfox.com Create: CAM’s 2020 Gala, camstl.org DIAVOLO, Architecture in Motion®, dancestlouis.org Hunt for a Cure, LLS.org/gateway NF, thechaifetzarena.com “The Color Purple,” stifeltheatre.com Table Tops Spring Event, support.stlouischildrens.org Hope In A Handbag, foster-adopt.org An Enchanted Evening In The Garden, stlouisballet.org Veronica Swift, jazzstl.org Jason Alexander, slso.org 16th Annual Evening Of Hope, hopehappens.org COCAcabana, cocastl.org Friends Of The Club’s Casino Night, BGCSTL.org Hollywood Trivia Night, STLFoodbank.org Laura’s Run 4 Kids, thelittlebitfoundation.org Jim Hart Golf Tournament, Sunnyhillinc.org
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SpiritJets offers Turn-Key Ownership with Return Revenue — Doug McCollum
OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2008 Hawker 850XP| 2009 Hawker 900XP L DG200 | 2006 CJ2+ L D | 2016 Citation CJ3+ | 2001 Gulfstream RECENT
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If you are thinking of purchasing a private Jet or considering the sale of your existing one, let our many years of Operational experience work for you. In addition to Sales and Acquisitions we offer “Turn-key Management” programs to offset some fixed expenses. For a private and discreet discussion of options, call Doug McCollum at 636-530-7616 or dmccollum@spiritjets.com SpiritJets, Spirit of St. Louis Airport, 18260 Edison Ave, Suite A, Chesterfield, MO 63005
www.spiritjets.com
Photos By Diane Anderson
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The Saint Louis Chess Club and the World Chess Hall of Fame held their annual gala at the Chase Park Plaza. “Strategy Across the Board” was dedicated to advancing St. Louis through the artistic, cultural and educational value of chess.
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Lily Shelton Baur, daughter of Andrew and Jennifer Baur of Ladue, was crowned “Queen of Love and Beauty” at the 135th Veiled Prophet Ball. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch. More than 2,000 guests were in attendance.
Strategy Across The Board 1) Kelly Mindel, Blandon Gasparovich 2) Michelle and Steven Burghart 3) Alicia Christopher, Tim Hanser, Alice Behan 4) Beau Herndon, Audra Noyes, Emily and Bob Koplar, Maria Kerford 5) Alex and Maria Kerford Veiled Prophet Ball 1)Bob, Claire and Julie Burmeister 2) Ulrike Schlafly, Jeff and Lotta Fox 3) Lynn Ann Vogel, Nancy Schnuck Diemer, Jennifer Ernst 4) Alicia Christopher, Tim Hanser, Alice Behan 5) Tyler, Jonathan, Jennifer, Sharon and Jack Williams
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Photos By Diane Anderson
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“Dress as Your Favorite Destination” was the theme at the 18th annual trivia night fundraiser for the Central Institute for the Deaf. Nearly 500 guests attended the event hosted by the CID Young Professionals.
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1) Joshua and Kelsey Bodie 2) Danny and Kate Kolta 3) Angela and Bryan Smith 4) Lee Schaefer, Dave and Jill Wenzel, Rene Comerford, Veronique Orlet, Jennifer and John Durante 5) Andrea Osman, Sheldon and Ellen Menezes, Patty Weisensee 6) Jeremiah and Amy Knackstedt 7) Abby and Mike Zoia 8) Kim Readmond, Robin Feder, Lesley Heine
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Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ
Locating Hidden Assets in Divorce
In a divorce, courts require parties to identify all marital assets and debts. The exact way in which this takes place can vary. However, most courts require parties to disclose their assets and debts in financial statements early in the case. Discovery usually takes place to various degrees in a divorce as well. There could be interrogatories and requests for production propounded related to marital assets and debt. Depositions often take place. The lawyers may also issue subpoenas. However, some parties may, unfortunately, decide to hide marital assets in a divorce. They might hide assets with the illicit motive that if the court does not discover them, they will get to retain it. This leads many to wonder how they can find and identify hidden assets that are out there. The facts can vary in every case, but below are some common ways:
1. Bank records can sometimes identify hidden assets. Bank statements can show money coming in and being paid from various sources that do not add up, including cash deposits and withdrawals. They can also show evidence of hidden bank accounts where one is transferring or depositing money. 2. Tax returns can be useful in many cases in locating hidden assets. Many of the schedules that are part of the tax returns can identify the existence of assets that were not disclosed. 3. Social media is becoming more prominent in locating hidden assets. Parties may post photos of assets like boats, vacation properties or jewelry. They also might make posts about these hidden assets. 4. Electronic evidence such as email and text message evidence might be revealing. Parties might have emails where they get monthly statements that involve the hidden assets. They also
might have electronic evidence on their devices regarding the purchase itself, including purchase agreements, sales information and statements relating to what they still owe on a note. 5. Private investigators can sometimes help to locate hidden assets. They might be able to take photos and videos of properties, vehicles, boats and other hidden assets. 6. Credit card statements can often be invaluable. Credit cards are sometimes the way they purchase these assets. Their spouse might not even know the credit card exists. When one has credit card debt their spouse does not know about, or other obligations, this can be problematic. When a party has hidden debt their spouse did not know about, this can be upsetting.
In the end, parties should be above-board and honest about their marital assets and debt. If the family court judge discovers that a party is being dishonest, this can be very damaging to their credibility. It can also result in a court setting aside a completed divorce to deal with the hidden assets. Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.
Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life™
Multiple locations in the St. Louis Metro Area, including in Clayton, Arnold Ellisville, St. Charles and Downtown St. Louis (by appointment only)
WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM • 855-805-0595
The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Kirk Stange is responsible for the content. Principal place of business 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Illinois nor The Missouri/Illinois Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.
Photos By Diane Anderson
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It was a sophisticated evening at a Dielmann Sotheby’s listing in Clayton as guests mingled and celebrated the launch of Sophisticated Giving. The annual charity register features dozens of nonprofit organizations, introducing potential donors to businesses making a world of difference.
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1) Marcella McDonnell-Stevens, Lisa Mastorakos 2) Debbie Kaminer, Ted Wight, Cortney Vaughn 3) Carrie and Matt Embleton 4) April Jensen, Meagan Cooperman 5) Rose Hanley, Craig Kaminer, Judy Kramer 6) Jen Drury, Ryan Falk 7) Luke Mraz, Kevin Wendel, Gabriela Inderwies, Robert Snarenberg 8) Ryan Brennell, Matt Brinkmann 9) Kelly Johnson, Morgan Brown
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The annual “Treasures in Paradise” gala to benefit World Pediatric Project was held at the end of January at Old Warson Country Club. Michelle and Joe Buck served as auctioneers before Joe headed off to call the Superbowl in Miami.
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1) Liz and Tim Collins 2) Lou and Amy Fehr 3) Carmen Lita, Paul Montello 4) Lauren and Chris Pronger 5) Ken and Melissa Cella, Rachelle and Ed Holt 6) Cindy and Pam Bunte 7) Carl and Gabriella Bolm 8) Lydia Bledsoe, Marlene Wilson, Denise Rallo 9) Penny Pennington, Mike Fidler 10) Kim and Joe Koenig
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CELEBRATION OF GOOD LIVING
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Representatives from the luxurious Belmond properties, trains and river cruises joined SmartFlyer agents and their clients to celebrate good living. Guests mingled with general managers from the Orient Express, luxurious safari resorts in South Africa and other representatives from Asia, Europe, South America and the U.S. The event was held at Westwood Country Club.
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1) Anna Petrenko, k Erika k Toro 2)) Valerie l Hoff ffman, Katie McLaughlin, ghl Adam d and d Ellen ll Zucker, k Amyy L Lescher h 3)) Rob b Merlin, l Michael h l Holtz, l Annette Kishon-Pines, h Andrea d Filippi l pp 4) Hadley, Laura and Gussie Tarrasch 5) Alexandra Kalwerisky, Ellen Soule, Alissa Deul, Stacey Goltermann, Aisling Leonard, Kelly Hummert, Brooke Meek 6) Javier Carlavilla, Stewart Shaw, Thomas Alerink, Pascal Deyrolle, Alonso Loque
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Photos By David Anderson
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DINING IN THE DARK
The Foundation Fighting Blindness held its annual Dining in the Dark gala at the Ritz-Carlton St. Louis in Clayton. Honorary Chair Ryan O’Reilly played The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” with a 16-year-old who is battling retinal disease. 7
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1) John and Karen Krause, Dan and Tracy Jasper 2) Holly Magrie, Ryan O’Reilly, Sarah Busse, Rachel Sullivan 3) Patrick Stifter, Kyler Farnan, Adam Greene, Kevin Su, Brendan Mulqueeny 4) Michelle Sherod, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Latrice Sales 5) Leisa Zigman, Chris Zimmerman, Emily Burch 6) Pam and Craig Toder 7) Casey and Jeff Evans 8) Dan and Holly Buck 9) Leslie, Bob, Paige, Jill and Jack Morris 10) John Hogan, John Mozeliak, Brad Bauer
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The Guiding Principles: 10 Things Bret Schnitker Can’t Live Without Written by Carrie Edelstein / Photography by Matt Marcincowski
He’s the CEO and President of Stars Design Group, a company that has been designing and manufacturing apparel for more than 20 years, right here in St. Louis. It’s a career that has taken Bret Schnitker to more than 60 countries, and he’s still passionate about what he does, even mentoring some of St. Louis’ rising stars. “The clothing or accessories that catch my attention today are from new and upcoming young designers finding unique niches and statements in our modern culture. It is incredibly challenging to make your mark in the apparel world these days, and many don’t survive. Supporting this next generation and their drive is significant.” That includes embracing technology. Less than two years ago, the company renovated a building on Gravois in Historic Soulard to create a state-of-the-art headquarters where clients from all over come to design and create clothing lines. The team uses Israelibased technology to offer clients a 3D look at exactly how a design and fabric will perform– something Schnitker says “only 2% of the industry is doing right now.” It’s not necessarily “things” that Schnitker can’t live without– rather the guiding principles that we could all take inspiration from and consider where each item ranks in our own lives. 1. Faith. “I believe entirely in God as our creator. There is clear evidence that without divine intervention in my life and career, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 2. Family – his wife, Kelly, and his three sons Bret, Dylan and Wes. 3. Air. “This is a given requirement for life, but if given a choice of air to breathe consistently, my preference would be the Northern California Coastal Air. It reminds me of living there for most of my childhood – life was idyllic, and the Pacific ocean has always inspiring.” 4. Food. “With my global experience, ‘the world has been my oyster.’” His favorite? A restaurant called Baan Rim Paa in Patong, Thailand. “It’s a treehouse over the ocean serving the best Thai cuisine.” If you can’t make it there, Schnitker recommends Indo, Everest, Mai Lee and Sen Thai, all local.
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5. Water. Schnitker says, “As Americans, our choices are endless, but I recall feeling the most satiated with mineral water out of Ethiopia, where I was stationed for about three years, called Ambo. This water is naturally carbonated and comes from a spring in Central Ethiopia. Stories have it that the last emperor of Ethiopia used to travel there to drink it for its therapeutic properties.” 6. Shelter. “We are fortunate to have both a beautiful home and office that are extensions of our personal experience and outlets for our creativity. My favorite places overseas are the Intercontinental Sun in Danang, Vietnam, Leela Palace in Bangalore, India, Rajvillas in Jaipur India, and Intercontinental Wonderland in Shanghai China. The places are incredible landmarks and the people are so kind and caring.” 7. Clothing. Schnitker is partial to John Varvatos and Adriano Goldschmied and might someday create his own line. 8. Human Relationship. “Long after the things I’ve purchased lose their meaning, the friendships cultivated around the world will still be there. This place we live on seems so small, but the diversity of people and culture is the spice of life. The vast majority of people around the globe all want peace and to develop cross-cultural relationships that help secure stable and safe environments to raise their families.” 9. Communication. “We live in a more interconnected world than ever before, and for sure, life would be so different without my Apple cell phone and a robust global wireless package.” 10. Mobility. Schnitker says, “I would hope as long as I physically can, I would be traveling. I have so many more places to see and experience, so my passport and great airlines to take me to destinations remain highly relevant. My two most favorites are Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways. Incredible care and comfort on really long hauls make a big difference on how I hit the ground running when visiting our offices or partners overseas.” sl
Ready-to-crack eggs she can reach in and grab. Butter chilled with precision for the best chocolate chip cookies ever.
Because even the littlest helper should be able to feel like a sous chef.
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