PRIME Living's 2015 Wedding & Entertaining Issue

THE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF TEXAS

beauty

MUST-HAVES NEW FOR SPRING

haute

ACTIVEWEAR BURBERRY, VALENTINO, GIANNI BINI + MORE

NAPA MARCH/APRIL 2015 } $5.95 US

nuptials DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF A DESTINATION WEDDING AT ONE OF THE MOST SOUGHT AFTER VENUES

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Your Destination Wedding is Our Expertise.

O

ur commitment is to thrill you with every

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Your satisfaction is our number one priority, not just because it’s our job, but because we care.

We choose only the freshest, highest quality flowers and our shop has a professional, caring staff to serve all your floral needs.

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features

Napa

Destination PLAN YOUR WEDDING FOR THE HEART OF WINE COUNTRY

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37 Texas, Texas, How Does 68 Rock ’n’ Rollin Your Garden Grow Around The Globe FABULOUS FLORAL HABITATS TO DELIGHT AND INSPIRE

INTIMATE LIVE MUSIC VENUES AROUND THE WORLD

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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64

50 18

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alsoinside

Futuristic Lighting

9 • COCKTAILS & CONVERSATION • KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW Talking Points • Style • In the Mix • My Life Nostalgia • Bucket List • Wealth • Design 43 • C ONNOISSEUR • PRIME’S GUIDE TO DISCERNING TASTE Table Talk • Uncorked • Main Dish • Bragging Bites • Entertain

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55 • T HE GENTLEMEN’S ROOM • FOR THE MAN WHO COMMANDS THE VERY BEST Man Cave • Driver’s Seat • Cigar Notes • High Tech • Outdoors • Style

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Stylish Activewear

63 • ESCAPE • GREETINGS FROM

DESTINATIONS NEAR AND FAR

Enlightened Explorer • Point of Interest 73 • L IVE WELL • FEEL GOOD, LOOK GOOD, BE GOOD Health Buzz • Feel Good • Focus & Function • Look Good • Be Good

60

4

Workout Must-Haves PRIME-LIVING.COM

48

Tuna Tacos with a Twist

Spring 2015 E A R T H E N . S AC R E D. S I M P L I C I T Y.

HOUSTON | SAN ANTONIO | DALLAS | NASHVILLE | NEW YORK www.ElaineTurner.com

publisher’s note

T

In my day, a destination wedding meant having the ceremony at a church across town.

here’s lots of buzz in the world of weddings this spring over the new wedding show that’s launching this year—“Your Wedding Experience” presented

by David Tutera. He is known as a wedding planner guru who creates fashionista brides and he’s bringing his event to Texas this August (yourweddingexperience.com.) We caught up with Tutera to get his thoughts on destination weddings in “Destination Napa” (page 22) and wasn’t surprised at all that he mentioned Napa as one of his favorite destination wedding locations. In my day, a destination wedding meant having the ceremony at a church across town—I’ll take Napa as a destination any day and for any reason. And for those who are looking for a unique twist on a wedding shower theme, don’t miss “Head in The Clouds” (page 52). You’ll never look at white hydrangeas the same way again.

I find it humorous that we are bombarded with advertisements for activewear during the month of January when the weather in Texas is miserable. Yet, come spring—perfect outdoor weather—all of the really cool, new fitness products and clothing are rarely still available. So, we made it our mission to locate some great activewear items that are still available and share them in “Style” (pages 12 and 60). And just in time because my walking shoes need replacing and I’ve requested an early Mother’s Day gift—a Swarovski Shine by Misfit. #MommaLovesBling. If you’re going to be outdoors you’ll want to grab your video camera, which is why it’s a great time to check out our pro action video recommendations in “The Choice is Yours” (page 58).

We are thrilled to once again be partnering with so many wonderful nonprofits around Texas in an effort to assist in furthering their causes. On behalf of the nonprofit organizations whose ads you’ll see in this issue, myself and our PRIME Living family, we ask for your consideration and support.

Warm Texas regards,

kdean@prime-living.com

THE LUXURY

LIFESTYLE

MAGAZINE

Napa Nuptials—discover the magic of a Napa style destination wedding (page 22).

Photographer is Rebecca Gosselin Photography. Venue is Beaulieu Garden. Floral arrangements by Flowers by Nino.

NEW FOR SPRING

uteEWEAR haTIV AC

INO, BURBERRY, VALENT MORE GIANNI BINI +

NAPAtials

nup

MAGIC OF A DISCOVER THEWEDDING AT DESTINATIONMOST SOUGHT ONE OF THE S AFTER VENUE

Haute Activewear (page 12). Beauty must-haves (pages 76 and 77).

COMING UP...

Travel with us to some of the most luxurious places for rest and relaxation. Plus, we’re exploring the world of teas.

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PUBLISHER Terry Dean

tdean@prime-living.com

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN LuckyYou! Creative Erin Loukili, Jaclyn Threadgill erin@luckyyoucreative.com

Tom Kircher

tkircher@srgserv.com

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jennifer Dean Stavert jend@prime-living.com

MARKETING ASSISTANT Winona Vo wvo@srgserv.com

CIRCULATION/ DISTRIBUTION Brian Stavert

bstavert@prime-living.com

CONTACT 311 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77498 281.277.2333 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES editor@prime-living.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertise@prime-living.com

ON THE COVER

MU

} $5.95 US

kdean@prime-living.com

OF TEXAS

ty beau ST-HAVES

MARCH/APRIL 2015

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Karyn Dean

PRIME-LIVING.COM

CHECK OUT… Find bonus content from each issue plus much more on prime-living.com

SUBSCRIBE AT prime-living.com ©2015 Prime Living Magazine is a publication of SRG Services, Inc., published bi-monthly. Copies are mailed and handdelivered to households and businesses throughout Texas. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position of the publication.

COURTESY OF REBECCA GOSSELIN PHOTOGRAPHY

cocktails & conversation

cocktails & conversation THE PRIME LIVING GUIDE TO KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW

inside:

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• • • • • • • •

TALKING POINTS WHAT’S TRENDING STYLE READY, SET, GO! IN THE MIX POMTIKI SMASH MY LIFE GLASS ARTIST NOSTALGIA VINTAGE SHAVE BUCKET LIST HIT THE ROAD WEALTH MAPPING THE FUTURE DESIGN SPRING FORWARD MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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cocktails & conversation

TALKING POINTS

>> FOR THE HIGH-TECH HOME DECORATOR

IGOO SMARTLAMP he IGOO smartlamp might be

T >> FOR THE BOUTIQUE SHOPPER

FOUND ocated in a newly renovated bungalow in downtown Austin,

the start of the home lighting revolution. Glare from indoor lighting can irritate the eyes and unchangeable light color does not adapt to the seasonal change nor does it provide holiday ambience by having special effects.

This smartlamp answers these lighting challenges with its eight categories of “lightsongs,” including living, sleeping, dining, education, partying, romance, music and phototherapy and 19 subcategories that satisfy most life situations. igoo.com #MoveOverEdison

L

FOUND is a purveyor of beautiful, high-quality clothing and accessories. Driven by the belief that a woman should look forward to getting dressed, FOUND carries lines that truly inspire—timeless fashion with an unexpected twist. Brimming with apparel, jewelry and accessories from such prominent designers as Diane Von Furstenberg, Rachel Zoe and Nicole Miller, to name a few. foundaustin.com #ItsNotShopping #ItsRetailTherapy

>> FOR THE TEXAS WHISKY CONNOISSEUR

CROWN ROYAL SINGLE BARREL WHISKY

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>> FOR THE BUCKET LIST ACHIEVER

WORLD VIEW eservations are now available for a voyage with World View

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which brings you the opportunity of a lifetime with the same ease as traveling via commercial airline. Voyagers board a fully pressurized space capsule for a gentle ascent to 20 miles above the earth. After a one- to two-hour float during which you can gasp at infinity through dual-pane viewports that offer 360-degree vistas—and share the experience in real-time with loved ones thanks to in-flight Internet access—there is a gentle glide back to the earth below. worldviewexperience.com #HopeToRunIntoGeorgeClooneyAndSandraBullock

RITA QUINN | IGOO | WORLD VIEW EXPERIENCE

E

xclusive to Texas consumers is the opportunity to savor the newest member of the Crown Royal portfolio, the unique Coffey Rye whisky, bottled straight from the barrel.

Each bottle produced from the barrel liquid will feature a personalized medallion denoting the retail location to commemorate the purchase. Texas whisky adorers can take home a piece of Crown Royal history in the form of this special rye liquid. diageo.com #TexasRoyalty

TALKING POINTS

cocktails & conversation

>> FOR THE DOWNTON ABBEY FAN CLUB

COUNTESS OF GRANTHAM COLLECTION

D

ownton Abbey Wines expanded its portfolio with the Countess of Grantham Collection. Included are a cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, inspired from Lady Cora Crawley, the thoroughly modern, American-born wife of British aristocrat Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. Bold-flavored and fruit forward, the new wines are the perfect counterpart to Downton Abbey Wines’ more classically reserved Bordeaux offerings. downtonabbeywine.com #WhyLimitHappyToAnHour

>> FOR THE PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER

THE CAMERA LENS TRAVEL MUG

>> FOR THE FITNESS CLASS ENTHUSIAST

CLASSPASS FITNESS PLATFORM

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CLASSPASS | KIMBERLY PARK FOR LUCCHESE | WHATONEARTHCATALOG.COM

apture your coffee with the perfect shot.

Boldly display your photo fanaticism by using this quirky new mug. The Camera Lens Travel Mug looks and feels exactly like a real camera lens.

The mug boasts a stainless steel lining and a screw-top lid making it ideal for use as a travel mug without losing any of the design flair. whatonearthcatalog.com #NewMeaningToMugShot

ith locations in Austin, Dallas and Houston, ClassPass is a one-stop clearinghouse for the most coveted workout classes. Members can access the best boutique fitness classes including cycling, Pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts and more. It’s your ticket into every coveted fitness and health studio with just one click. classpass.com #ThisMightWorkOut

>> FOR THE LUXURY RODEO APPAREL SEEKER

LUCCHESE merican luxury bootmaker

A

Lucchese opened its second Texas store at Houston’s Highland Village.

“With Houston being an epicenter of the boot-wearing population worldwide, the city is a perfect fit for Lucchese,” Jay Hamby, director of retail sales says. The Highland Village store will feature the Lucchese Collection, exclusive merchandise available only at the company’s stores, select retailers and website at lucchese.com. lucchese.com #thesebootsweremadeforwalking

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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STYLE

READY, Set Activewear must-haves for spring.

GO! Swarovski Shine

by Misfit available on misfit.com

Slater Athletic Leggings

by Gianni Bini available on dillards.com

Hatha Flow Jacket by lucy available on lucy.com

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Women’s Gel-Noosa Tri 9 Running Shoes

by ASICS available on dillards.com

MISFIT.COM | NEIMAN MARCUS | LUCY.COM | DILLARDS

Rectangular Acetate Sunglasses

by Burberry available on neimanmarcus.com

STYLE

Psychedelic Camouflage Sneaker

by Valentino available on neimanmarcus.com

cocktails & conversation

Big Logo Tote

by Under Armour available on dillards.com

Cat-Eye Sunglasses

by Tory Burch available on neimanmarcus.com

Taylor Jacket

by Gianni Bini available on dillards.com

NEIMAN MARCUS | DILLARDS | LUCY.COM

Pashli Zip Backpack by 3.1 Phillip Lim available on neimanmarcus.com

Hatha Headband by lucy available on lucy.com

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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cocktails & conversation

IN THE MIX

POMTIKI SMASH Courtesy of POM Wonderful

2 ounces POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice

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2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice PRIME-LIVING.COM

1-1/2 ounces Captain Morgan Rum

1/2 ounce Torani Almond (Orgeat) Syrup

CAPTAIN MORGAN RUM COMPANY | POM WONDERFUL | TORANI

Assemble all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker glass and shake well with ice. Strain into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig. Serve and enjoy!

MY LIFE

cocktails & conversation

glass artist CARLYN RAY

Story | ABBY WILSON

M

JEN WHITE

I love a challenge.

How can I make a 250 pound piece look weightless?

uch like her career, Carlyn Ray’s glass art is a fusion of opposites.

Her installations combine the fierce, natural energy of molten sand and the controlled, precise application of power.

Ray’s life has always been filled with art and physical activity. The art came from her mother owning an art gallery and Ray easily found her way into a number of sports, which eventually led to attending the College of William & Mary on a volleyball scholarship. Inspired after she took her first flame-working class, Ray found a way to forge the discipline, teamwork and strength she learned as an athlete with her love of glass and delicate beauty.

That balance of abilities followed her around the world as she sought to hone her talents.

From factory art studios in New Zealand to Dale Chihuly’s school in Seattle to living out of her car and sometimes working for free, Ray relentlessly blazed a path in one of the most aggressive and costly crafts in the world.

“One wrong move and the whole piece is ruined,” Ray says about the exactitude required by her medium. “If I hadn’t played sports, I would have never learned to perform under this kind of pressure.”

The finesse of glasswork as well as her skills in metalwork and bronze casting require Ray to be in top form both mentally and physically. “I do yoga and meditation every morning. To conceptualize a project, I really have to empty my mind first.”

Ray spends most of her days engrossed in executing commissioned, custom installations.

After collaborating with a client on a vision for a piece, Ray and her team begin the process of creating their next favorite work of art. With boundless imagination, they can create anything from massive chandeliers to innovative, intricate glass weavings.

Although she loves all of her projects, Ray says her favorite project is always the one she’s currently working on. “I love a challenge.

How can I make a 250-pound piece look weightless? Every piece pushes the boundaries and expands what I can accomplish.”

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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cocktails & conversation

NOSTALGIA

Vintage

SHAVE Story | BRUCE FARR

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of newspapers and some dog-eared Field & Stream magazines.

Wearing crisp white jackets that buttoned up tightly under their necks, the barbers worked quickly and carefully, scissoring away six weeks’ worth of wild growth. The stiff, paper collars they wrapped around your neck as they readied you for the cape. A snip here, a trim there, along with a bit of conversation about last night’s ballgame or how neighbor Smith crashed his truck into a ditch and had to hoof it back home. And then the pièce de résistance: a slathering of heated shaving cream behind your ears and on your neckline, the prelude to the delicate scrape of the straight razor as it traced an exacting line you got to admire afterward, when the barber gave you a mirror so you could appraise his handiwork.

Finally, a bracing splash of bay rum, a quick dust-off with a soft-bristled barber’s brush and you were on your way.

Thankfully, no tradition this meaningful and memorable can vanish entirely. Over the past several years, classic barbershops are finding their way back to towns and cities all across the country. Chicago’s Belmont Barbershop, for one, recreates the experience for its customers, offering them, as their website notes, “. . . the simple beauty of a regular barbershop.” And, in Nashville, with the shop, “Trim,” the owner has taken the concept one step further, offering a traditional haircutting experience to both men and women.

Barbershops’ comeback is a very welcome sign for those of us yearning to once again say aloud, “Just a little off the top and keep the sideburns short, please.”

DID YOU KNOW? Barbering and barbershops aren’t a modern idea. In fact, the practice of barbershops dates back to ancient Rome. Much like they have been in our time, ancient Roman barbershops were very popular centers for daily news and gossip. A morning visit to the “tonsor” became a part of a Roman man’s daily routine, and a young man’s first shave, called a “tonsura,” was an essential part of his coming-of-age ceremony.

TRIM CLASSIC BARBER

A

mong the many hallowed traditions to have fallen by the wayside in these modern times is the Saturday morning haircut at a classic American barbershop.

And, like so many aspects of our lives that we once took for granted but now sorely miss, barbershops have left a practical and cultural void in the 21st century.

So ingrained were these institutions in the American experience that Norman Rockwell immortalized them in several illustrations, one of which graced the January 1946 cover of another bygone American tradition, The Saturday Evening Post.

Where did it go, this delightful male ritual that seemed, for more than a century, to help define who we were as a nation? (Ladies, of course, had their own, similar experience in local hair salons, but that tradition seems to live on with a constancy that, for some reason, men’s barbershops have not managed to follow.)

With little effort, many of us can rekindle that glorious rite: the red, white and blueswirled barber pole marking the entrance to the welcoming shop. Inside, a couple of gleaming, throne-like chairs that swiveled grandly before a broad mirror. The sharp, spicy aromas of bay rum and talcum powder.

The long leather razor strops suspended from the chair sides. And, on the opposite wall, the waiting area, with a few chairs and a pile

NOSTALGIA

cocktails & conversation

BARBERSHOP

POP

QUIZ! Know your Classic Barbershop Trivia!

1 3

According to historical records, when did barbering and barbershops first come into existence?

Of the following celebrities, who worked as a barber earlier in his career?

A. A.D. 470

B. Harrison Ford

B. the 1100s C. 3500 B.C. D. 1549

A. Danny DeVito C. Henry “The Fonz” Winkler D. Tom Selleck

4

Know your Men’s Hairstyles!

Everybody knows the standards like “buzz cut,” “butch” and “afro,” but can you pick out the three imposters listed among the actual names of haircuts below?

A. bowl cut B. duck’s ass C. drop curl

2

Among the following films, which had memorable scenes set in a barbershop?

D. high and tight

A. From the Greek word “balleka,” which means to cut, or trim.

A. “High Plains Drifter,” starring Clint Eastwood

G. frozen frizz

B. From the Latin word “barbra” which means beard.

B. “Get Shorty,” starring John Travolta

I. pompadour

C. From an ancient African tribal cleansing ritual called a “barusun.”

C. “The Untouchables,” starring Robert DeNiro

K. rattail

D. “Sweeney Todd,” starring Johnny Depp

M. shape-up

D. From the original Jewish “berberum,” which means to shed or rid one’s self of impurities.

E. liberty spikes F. mohawk H. mop-top J. quiff L. undercut N. sheboygan ANSWERS Trivia Answers: 1-C; 2-B; 3-A; 4. All of them.

Hairstyles Answers: C, G and N

Which is the actual derivation of the word “barber?”

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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BUCKET LIST

Road Hit the

Story | HALEY SHAPLEY

E

very well-rounded bucket list includes a few good road trips. While you’re likely to have traveled some of the greats—Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway—there are lesserknown drives that are equally worthy of a few tanks of gas.

TRAVEL THE COUNTRY’S LONELIEST ROAD

When Life magazine dubbed U.S. Route 50 through Nevada the loneliest road in America in the 1980s, it didn’t mean it as a compliment. Instead of ignoring the article, the Nevada Commission on Tourism capitalized on it, creating a passport of sorts for travelers to get stamped along the way. At the end, passport holders can collect a certificate that attests to the fact that they survived the country’s loneliest road.

The former Pony Express route spends 400 miles in Nevada, a journey through desert landscapes punctuated by mountain ranges. Highlights along the way include Virginia City, a former boomtown where Mark Twain was once a reporter; Grimes Point Archaeological Area, containing petroglyphs that are thousands of years old; and Sand Mountain, a 600-foot-tall, 2-mile-long dune blown together by the sand from the beaches of a prehistoric sea that long ago covered the state. The old mining town Eureka is worth a stop for its well-preserved buildings (thanks to brick construction), including an opera house from the 1880s and a newspaper office turned museum that still has its original pressroom equipment.

Cap the trip in Ely with a ride on the Nevada Northern Railway, the best example of a standard-gauge short-line left in North America.

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ROAD TRIP TIP You’ll probably hear this along the way, but it bears repeating: Keep your tank filled and a supply of food and water, because it really can be lonely out there—service stations are spread farther apart than you’re likely accustomed to.

BUCKET LIST

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DRIVE THROUGH MICHIGAN’S UPPER PENINSULA TO SEE 5 WATERFALLS

Running 15 miles from Bessemer to the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest, the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway is a pleasant, two-lane road that meanders past oldgrowth hemlocks, undulating hills and photo-worthy wetlands. In the distance, catch a glimpse of the Porcupine Mountains. Toward the northern end of the heavily wooded roadway, five waterfalls compete for attention: Great Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone and Rainbow. Take the time to visit them all and then contemplate your favorite over a picnic lunch—it isn’t easy to choose!

In this area, many opt to trade in four wheels for two feet, at least temporarily, and hike a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail, which spans seven states. Along this particular stretch, bald eagles have been known to nest.

ROAD TRIP TIP There’s a sight for every season. In the spring, songbird viewing is at its peak. Summer offers plenty of recreational opportunities on the water.

During autumn, the foliage turns brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow and copper. For more time to take in the views in solitude, winter is optimal.

CRUISE AMERICA’S FIRST SCENIC HIGHWAY

When Samuel C. Lancaster was tasked as the engineer for the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon, he knew he had a challenging yet special project on his hands. “Instinctively there came a prayer… that we might have sense enough to do the thing in the right way… so as not to mar what God had put there,” Lancaster said. From 1913 to 1922 that feat was accomplished when Lancaster expertly blended the road into its environs and allowed automobile drivers—a small percentage of the population at the time—to see the Columbia River Gorge in a way they never could before.

A hundred years later, the drive is no less magical. Running from Troutdale to The Dalles, the 70-mile byway takes travelers past flowing waterfalls, sweeping panoramas, hiking trails of all degrees of difficulty, 150 rare plant species—16 of which can only be found there and, of course, the towering cliffs that make up the Gorge. Stop at the Vista House at Crown Point for your fill of both beauty (unbelievable views) and history (the photogenic gray sandstone building is a National Historic Landmark).

ROSS REINHOLD, SUPERIORTRAILS.COM

ROAD TRIP TIP The tallest waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls, is a must-see. Walk to the Benson Footbridge above the lower section to listen to the roar of 620 feet of cascading water. If you want to stay nearby, Multnomah Falls Lodge is a lovely place to spend the night.

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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WEALTH

Mapping

Future of your Business the

MIKE SONNIER, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND PRIVATE CLIENT ADVISOR, U.S. TRUST

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR SMALL-BUSINESS OWNERS TO HAVE A SUCCESSION PLAN? Small-business owners love what they do and plan to work until they are physically unable to. Yet when the time does come to retire, after putting their time, energy and talent into growing their business, owners must feel confident that they are leaving their life’s work in capable hands. According to a recent study, more than half of small-business owners with a succession plan intend to sell or transfer to a family member, 23 percent plan to transfer to a non-family member and only 11 percent plan to dissolve the business.

Advanced planning can help to determine which decision is right for both the owner and business, as well as help to ensure a smooth transition and a successful outcome.

IN ADDITION TO WHO WILL TAKE OVER THE BUSINESS, WHAT ELSE MUST SMALLBUSINESS OWNERS CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING FOR THEIR COMPANY’S SUCCESSION? Business owners need to determine their cash flow needs in retirement and how they will fund their future lifestyle. If the owner and their spouse are dependent on cash flows from the business to fund their future lifestyle, their business succession plan must take this into consideration.

As a small-business owner, when it comes time to start thinking about a succession plan, it can be hard to tackle the necessary questions.

You built your business based on goals and personal objectives, so your succession plan must align with those interests. For example, are you looking to exit your business in a time when the company needs capital? Or do you think that the sale or transfer of the business might change the future growth of the company? Think about who will be taking over the business and how you would like them to manage your legacy.

Further, consider whether you would like a semi-working retirement or one of travel and relaxation. A successful business succession plan aligns your personal and financial goals with your estate- and income tax-planning considerations. A well-thought-out plan should also ensure that the foundational principles of the business and reputation of the founder will continue with the successor.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO SELL OR TRANSFER A BUSINESS? When it comes to selling a company, timing is of the utmost importance. You must consider both the current financial status of your company and factors that are impacting its value. Ask yourself if you are looking to exit at a time when the company needs capital or during a period of growth. Consider factors like the economy, market conditions or other

influences. If these external influences are devaluing the company, it may be better to wait until conditions are more favorable1.

HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE A BUSINESS’ SALE VALUE? Small-business owners often determine their business’ value based on its financial revenue, profits and net cash flow, return on capital and recent sales of similar businesses. It is crucial to also consider your business’ intellectual property, contacts and other tangible and intangible assets. Lastly, consider your business’ brand and the quality of its products and services. You should engage a qualified business appraiser to value the business. This will be important if you plan to transfer the business to family members or third parties.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PASSING A BUSINESS ALONG TO A FAMILY MEMBER? When transferring a business to family members, the owner needs to carefully evaluate the roles of the family members in the business.

Some children may have an active role while others do not. Careful planning needs to be done to ensure that the children in the business and those not in the business are treated appropriately. For children that will be involved in the business, getting them trained early on and evaluating whether they have the skills to assume management of the business is crucial.

A family member’s previous experience with the business can help ensure a smooth transition as they are more knowledgeable about the business and better aligned with its corporate culture. Additionally, as small businesses so often depend on strong personal relationships, a family member can help to ease customers’ concerns over the transition.

Developing a plan to transfer the business to children becomes critical in reducing gift and estate taxes. One should consider the state and federal gift and estate tax laws in evaluating which business transfer options are appropriate for your situation. Transferring the business at its lowest value to family members can help reduce potential estate taxes.

This content represents thoughts of the author and does not necessarily represent the position of Bank of America or U.S. Trust.

Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, investment manager and insurance agent for final recommendations and before changing or implementing any financial, tax or estate planning strategy.

U.S. Trust operates through Bank of America, N.A. and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. © 2015 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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DESIGN

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SPRING

FORWARD

I

f you’re lucky enough to have a sunroom or screened-in porch, consider a refresh this spring. Old school wicker and rattan designs are popular again and can even have a modern feel if you choose more simplelined furnishings. Pick outdoor fabrics in bright fresh hues of hibiscus, lemon and lime for a playful feel.

Take every opportunity to turn off the HVAC system, throw open your doors and windows (preferably those with screens), let the fresh air in and clean out all of those germs of the cold and flu season. Lift those shades, blinds and shutters, and let the sun shine in; it will lift your mood and vitamin D levels. Hit up your local nursery for orchids, ferns, succulents and lilies to bring some green into your rooms. Also consider the way art or fabrics can transport you to another landscape. A Texas wildflower painting or a fresh English garden rose wallpaper can invigorate and transport you.

5 SPRING SPRUCE UPS For those with a black thumb, consider a spectacular porcelain hollyhock in an antique pot or a succulent made from seashells.

Preserved boxwoods topiaries look sculptural in front of a window or flanking a door, and you can’t kill them!

Consider a traditional floral chintz pillow to liven up your living room.

Art can bring in any landscape you’re pining for, or a stunning floral still life for a never-ending bouquet.

FROMENTAL

Try a sweet, floral scented candle to bring the garden inside. My favorites are Orange Blossom by Joe Malone and Bamboo by Nest.

Nature inspired hand-painted wallpaper brings the outdoors inside.

LINDSEY HEROD Lindsey Herod heads up a Houston outpost of Palm Beachand New York based- Kemble Interiors, Inc. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in architecture and Pratt Institute with a master’s in interior design.

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Napa

Destination

Photography | REBECCA GOSSELIN PHOTOGRAPHY

The ideal wedding destination whether you simply love wine or appreciate the breathtaking views.

According to celebrity wedding planner and bridal fashion designer, David Tutera, the average wedding lasts only about five hours which doesn’t give the bride and groom much time with their guests.

“Having a destination wedding is the most magical way you can have it. It provides an opportunity to spend more time with family and friends, much like a mini vacation,” Tutera says.

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For the invitations, pull inspiration from the destination and the overall setting of the wedding. Napa Valley is perfect for a rustic inspired elegant affair.

Invitation

Custom laser cut cork tags by Sofia Invitations and Prints sofiainvitations.com

Gifts

Custom wedding invitations by Wedding Paper Divas weddingpaperdivas.com

JEFF STAVERT | WINE OPENER COURTESY OF MEADOWOOD NAPA VALLEY

Welcome bags are an excellent way to greet guests upon arrival and show off the locale. Include a welcome note, an itinerary, snacks and any additional essentials. Be sure to share some of the bride and groom's favorite items from the area.

Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige available in 187ML making this perfect for favors—proving that great things come in small packages!

Tote bag featuring a map with custom icons that represent the bride and groom's favorite places and establishments. maptote.com

Hand-crafted soaps made in Napa Valley. napasoap.com

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Lodging

SILVERADO RESORT AND SPA is located on 1,200 acres in the heart of Napa Valley, within minutes of over 400 wineries. Rest assured that guests will be well taken care of, with access to the full service spa, two 18-hole PGA championship golf courses, 10 swimming pools, hiking and biking trails. silveradoresort.com

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SILVERADO RESORT AND SPA

Give guests options for lodging keeping in mind its proximity to the wedding activities and venue as well as shopping, dining and sightseeing locations.

Napa Valley has a taste for everyone—offering world class resorts and luxurious private rentals.

MICHAEL BRADY

BELLE VUE PRIVATE ESTATE RENTAL offers a tranquil setting on a wooded 1.8 acre hillside and a truly unsurpassed view.

The stunning 5 bedrooms and 6.5 baths are the perfect accommodations for creating lasting memories with close family and friends. From inside the home or on its many decks, the vista spans the valley floor, encompassing vineyards, wineries and Mount Saint Helena. sainthelenarental.com

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Experience

Plan activities that create special memories and experiences of a lifetime.

There are endless things to do in the Napa Valley.

BELL WINE CELLARS’ SENSORY TASTING BELL’s experts will guide guests through a blind tasting while they learn how to enjoy wine to the fullest. Through this interactive experience guests will fine-tune their palate and sense of smell. bellwine.com

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DOMAINE CARNEROS | BELL WINE CELLARS | SILVERADO RESORT & SPA

DOMAINE CARNEROS’ ENERGY PACKED PAIRING Recharge with an inspiring half-day experience where guests begin the day with alfresco yoga, a “juice bar” and a custom farm-to-fork lunch. domainecarneros.com

HALL WINES

HALL Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc.

Wood grilled Creekstone Farms’ petite filet mignon with roasted garlic whipped potatoes, broccolini and peppercorn sauce.

Use wine glasses to create customized place settings.

HALL RUTHERFORD CHANDELIER ROOM End a day of wine tasting with a customized catered event at Hall Rutherford in the magnificent Chandelier Room which is located in their wine cave. Tra Vigne Restaurant—a local favorite known for their delightful fusion of rustic Italian and Napa Valley cuisines—will create a menu of delectable dishes that pair perfectly with Hall wines. hallwines.com travignerestaurant.com

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Venue

Choices abound when selecting a venue for a destination wedding. From hundreds of wineries to countless private estates, Napa Valley yields one-of-akind settings ideal for exchanging vows. The enchanting grounds and romantic ambience of Beaulieu Garden make it one of the most sought after wedding venues.

BEAULIEU GARDEN is a private, familyowned estate and one of the oldest wine producing vineyards in the Napa Valley. The quarter mile drive leading into the estate is lined with magnificent sycamore trees providing an elegant canopy entrance.

From the sunken garden with a stone pool of lilies to an immense sycamore arbor, the possibilities for a magical event are limited only to your imagination. This exclusive venue is managed by Paula LeDuc Fine Catering.

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Reception

Guests will enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautifully manicured gardens to the al fresco dining area at Beaulieu Garden for the reception.

PAULA LEDUC FINE CATERING

has established itself as one of the most respected and coveted caterers. They believe the very best food is organic, local and sustainable. Innovation has always been at the core of Paula’s vision for her company and her team pushes the boundaries of what is possible, creating a unique and unforgettable event for each client and their guests. From a festive picnic in a park to a timeless black tie affair, they can transform an ordinary site into the extraordinary. Their passion, talent and creativity are the right ingredients for creating a world class event personalized to the bride and groom. paulaleduc.com

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Potato crusted rosie organic chicken croquette drizzled with truffle honey.

Bananas foster station— rum bananas sautéed to order, served with vanilla bean ice cream.

Baby carrots roasted with orange oil.

Roasted New York strip with arugula and horseradish cream.

Corn smoked Sonoma game hen over roasted corn and topped with melted leeks.

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Wines to Celebrate Life’s occasions are meant to be celebrated with great people, great food and of course, great wine.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite wine selections—perfect for any venue or celebration.

FOLIO Fine Wine Partners

Established in California in the late 1970s, Mumm Napa follows traditional wine making techniques of its French heritage to create the finest, hand-crafted sparkling wines. mummnapa.com

Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon -----------

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, Mumm Napa Brut Rosé, Mumm Napa Cuvée M, Mumm Napa Blanc de Blancs -----------

Hall Wines

Under the artisanship of winemaker Steve Leveque, HALL wines continue to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking. hallwines.com Hall Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mumm Napa

Napa Valley native and Oberon winemaker, Tony Coltrin knows where to source quality fruit in the valley and understands the region's uniqueness for growing classic Bordeaux varieties. oberonwines.com

PRIME-LIVING.COM

Cakebread Cellars

Since its founding in 1973 by Jack and Dolores, Cakebread Cellars is renowned for its world-class vineyards, warm

hospitality and unmatched wines. cakebread.com Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc, Cakebread Chardonnay Napa Valley, Cakebread Pinot Noir Two Creeks -----------

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Washington state's founding winery featuring award-winning wines, Chateau Ste. Michelle combines Old World winemaking traditions with New World innovation. ste-michelle.com Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling, Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend

Blue lake green beans.

Brentwood corn cakes garnished with housemade crème fraîche, sweet corn and chives.

Grand Chandelier Wedding Cake Stand by Opulent Treasures. opulenttreasures.com

Compressed watermelon lime, chile, sesame, salt.

FOR MORE IDEAS AND EXPERT WEDDING TIPS SEE PRIME LIVING’S “LUXURY DESTINATION WEDDINGS” DIGITAL GUIDE ON prime-living.com

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GARDEN

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GARDENS OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS CREATED FOR BEAUTY AND INSPIRATION

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t’s true that New Jersey is officially The Garden State, but with these four (and many other) gorgeous public gardens beckoning visitors in all of Texas’s four corners, can’t we claim the title, too? Do yourself a favor and make it a priority to visit one or more of these fabulous floral habitats and get inspired to create your own earthly delight.

DUTCH TREAT

If you’re in Dallas this spring and looking for a welcome burst of color after a relatively drab winter season, look no further than the amazing Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Located about five miles east of downtown Dallas on the shores of White Rock Lake, the 66-acre display garden is owned by the Dallas Parks & Recreation Department and privately managed and maintained.

Visitors to the Arboretum will learn that its gardens comprise two former luxury estates—the Alexander Camp House and the DeGoyer estate, both of which are still maintained on the

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property and open to visitors.

The facility opened its doors for the first time as the Dallas Arboretum in the mid-1980s.

Since then, the park has increased its appeal and its attendance considerably, carefully designing and cultivating 19 distinct gardens, all of them seamlessly interconnected along easily walkable (and handicapped-accessible) paths. In 2014, the park and its attractions were host to nearly a million visitors. “You can get lost in all the spaces, nooks and crannies,” said Dave Forehand, vice president of gardens and visitor services for the Arboretum.

Every spring, from early March through mid-April, the Dallas Blooms Festival is one of the Arboretum’s signature annual events, when tens of thousands of blooming Dutch bulbs show off their phenomenal colors. “There are so many tulips, you would think you were in Holland,”

Forehand says. In addition to numerous varieties of tulips, other species on display for the springtime event include Dutch irises, daffodils, and hyacinths… “all the bulbs you can imagine would be on the list if you were ordering from a Dutch bulb supplier, which is what we do.”

ON YOUR OWN Thinking of going Dutch in your own garden? Forehand recommends planting varieties of tulip bulbs that are “early season, mid-season and late season” to maximize the overall bloom time. Add to them clustered plantings of early-blooming hyacinths and some crocus bulbs for a delightful combination of Dutch-inspired plantings. “There’s even a variety of tulip called species tulips, which are the bulbs that all the Dutch tulips started from that are quite hardy and will even rebloom for home gardeners,” Forehand says. “They tend to be pink, yellow and orange and bloom really beautifully year after year if you maintain them properly.” dallasarboretum.org

DALLAS ARBORETUM

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center TEXAS FLORAL FINERY

Complemented by a stunning blend of different architectural styles, the facility offers numerous walking trails along which visitors can enjoy unique native plant gardens that demonstrate the sustainable use and conservation of wildflowers, plants and landscapes. The newest garden, the 4.5-acre Luci and Ian Family Garden, offers dramatic native plantings combined with whimsical features designed by one of the nation’s leading landscape architects.

What unifies the entire center is the facility cultivates plant species that grow naturally in Texas, but, given Texas’s vastness, that specification offers the Wildflower Center’s horticulturists plenty of latitude.

“Because we’re such a large state, there’s no one particular Texasstyle garden,” DeLong-Amaya explains. “East, west, north or south, the types of plant species are quite diverse.”

With the home gardenerlandscaper in mind, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers homeowner demonstration gardens to help Texas residents plan and maintain several garden types. “One of them is a naturalistic garden,” DeLong-Amaya shares, adding that, to incorporate plant species native to their region, homeowners “should take a walk through natural environments nearby them to see what plants grow under a variety of conditions—sunny, shady, which ones grow well together, et cetera.”

For naturalistic plant species in central Texas, DeLong-Amaya suggests “Bluebonnets, Indian blanket, evening primrose and mealy blue sage. They’re plants that you would see in open meadows, here in central Texas,” wildflower.org

LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

If wildflowers are your fancy, then the beautiful, 279-acre Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is your perfect cup of tea.

The center was founded 32 years ago by the former first lady and her close friend, actress Helen Hayes. It was Mrs. Johnson’s vision to create a sanctuary where native American plant species and natural landscapes could be protected and preserved. In fact, part of the Center’s mission is to become the premier resource for native plant information in North America through continued growth of a service called the Native Plant Information Network.

The Center began its life as a research facility, according to Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the director of horticulture for the center. “One of Ms. Johnson’s main goals was to conduct research on different native plant species and what makes them grow and thrive,” she said.

ON YOUR OWN

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ON YOUR OWN Texans who want to add an element of Japanese horticulture to their residential gardens can do so with a little thoughtful planning and some elbow grease, Huddleston says.

“Water features and koi ponds can be replicated in home gardens, but plant materials are also important,” he advises. “We cultivate a number of different holly varieties and boxwoods.

Here we use what are called Encore azaleas, but there are others as well.”

A SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES Gracing Fort Worth as they have for the past 80 years, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens are in fact Texas’s oldest public gardens. By all accounts, the lovely, 110-acre oasis located in the city’s cultural district is also one of the state’s most popular sites of its kind. An estimated 700,000 visitors enjoyed the Gardens’ spacious, 110-acre park last year.

One reason for its popularity: the park consists of more than 25 themed gardens—all of them beautiful—but the park claims its Rose Garden and Japanese Garden as its showpieces.

Opened in 1973, the park’s Japanese Garden is a 7.5-acre strolling garden. Built on the site of an old stone quarry, the lush

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space offers serpentine strolling paths that meander around and over three large water pools designed on three different levels, with authentic Japanese crossing bridges spanning the pools.

Visitors are invited to linger on the bridges to view thousands of brilliant-colored koi—Japanese carp—that glide gracefully through the pools.

“We also have a Japanese teahouse over the lower pool that we open twice a year during our spring and fall festival,” Steve Huddleston, the Gardens’ senior horticulturist, says. “The ladies from the local Japanese societies perform tea ceremonies there.”

The garden features more than 1,000 species of plants that are native to Japan.

For trees, in addition to Japanese maples, he recommends bald cypress and flowering redbuds, peach trees, flowering crabapple and, of course, cherry trees, for which Japan is renowned. “And for turf, what we use are called Zoysia grasses, which are thick, beautifully cushiony grasses.” fwbg.org

Other attractions include a pavilion that overlooks the entire Japanese Garden, offering spectacular views. “It’s the most beautiful and serene garden any time of the year, but the most color occurs the weekend after Thanksgiving when the Japanese maples reach their peak fall foliage,” Huddleston says.

KEN NICKLE | PETE VOLLENWEIDER

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

“Proper soil preparation is critical,” Huddleston says.

“You must have amended soils for these plants to grow well here in Texas.”

Tyler Rose Garden

TYLER CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Works Project Administration architectural design motif, with many original fountains and EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES other features also incorporating invited to enjoy the garden’s many that style.

If you are a lover of roses (and Although the Rose Festival other features—its meditation who isn’t?) then, this October, is a major draw for the garden, area with its numerous reflecting you should make plans to visit Stephanie Rollings, director of pools and fountains and a large, the northeast Texas city of Tyler parks and recreation for the city rustic gazebo. “This is a popular to take in its marvelous annual location for special photographic of Tyler, says that the gardens Texas Rose Festival. A Lone Star are a year-round attraction. “The opportunities and weddings, state tradition since 1933, the roses actually bloom twice a family gatherings and other Rose Festival—which is held on year, and there’s a lot of activities the sumptuous grounds of the 14- special occasions,” Conley says. year-round that attract visitors Interestingly, the Rose acre Tyler Rose Garden—is rich here in addition to the Rose Garden is based on a 1938 in heritage and offers a number Festival,” she explains. of enchanting ceremonial events. U.S. government-funded Amid nearly 40,000 blooming roses in the garden, guests enjoy ON YOUR OWN the coronation ceremony of the One of the numerous areas of interest at the Tyler Rose Garden Texas Rose Queen, a rose show, is the David Austin English Rose Garden. Established in 2003, the Queen’s Tea ceremony and the garden contains roses bred by famed English rose breeder the annual Rose Parade, among David Austin. Called David Austin Roses, they are available to many other celebratory events. home gardeners and are bred by crossing old garden roses with Holli Conley, assistant vice more modern roses to achieve the superb fragrance, delicacy president of marketing with the and charm of the old-style blooms combined with the wide color Tyler Convention & Visitors range of modern roses. parksandrec.cityoftyler.org Bureau, explains that, in addition to the roses, visitors are also

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A P R I L 2 4 - 2 6 , 2 015

learn learn

TASTE taste TASTE

Featuring:

HUGH ACHESON JAMIE BISSONNETTE & KEN ORINGER RICHARD BLAIS TYSON COLE JASON DADY GRAHAM ELLIOT BRYCE GILMORE ANTONIA LOFASO JENN LOUIS TIM LOVE TONY MANTUANO PAUL QUI CHRIS SHEPHERD LEVON WALLACE JONATHAN WAXMAN TANDY WILSON ANDREW ZIMMERN and many more!

experience experience

BUY TICKETS AT austinfoodwine.com

connoisseur

BRENLEE MCKNIGHT

THE PRIME LIVING GUIDE TO DISCERNING TASTE

inside: Lemon Curd Tart with Italian Meringue

44 47 48 50 52

• • • • •

TABLE TALK DINING NEWS UNCORKED A WEE DRAM OF PRICELESS MAIN DISH ART OF DINING BRAGGING BITES KISS MY SHRIMP & GRITS ENTERTAIN HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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connoisseur

>> FOR THE ITALIANO CRAVING

TABLE TALK

MORE THAN A PIZZA PIE {AUSTIN}

Vegas import Due Forni Pizza & Wine is baking up more than pizza pies. Entrees like succulent spring lamb chops with seasonal vegetables and crisp polenta croutons are raising the bar on this neighborhood newcomer— providing something for every person and occasion. The menu includes a mozzarella bar that comes with homemade pesto and a vast wine list with a preservation bar.

Due Forni recently fired up brunch with traditional and not-so-traditional options—think breakfast pizza with bacon, egg and house-made sausage, frittata with cremini mushrooms and truffle cream, steak and eggs with Tuscan potato, or s’mores calzone. Sweet stuff. dueforni.com >> FOR THE ALFRESCO STARVED

JUST WHAT THE DR. ORDERED {HOUSTON}

Breezy, Austin-born Doc’s Motorworks has revved into H-town and we’re happy to report that it looks and feels very similar to the original divey open-air garage, a popular S. Congress, ATX, hangout. Cop a picnic table or belly up to the bar for Texas faves like the Sancha Angus beef burger with chorizo, Jack cheese, guacamole and pico served with sweet potato fries or one of the other 15—count ’em, 15—irresistible burger combos. Fish tacos, pork enchiladas, Frito Pie Grande and chicken fried chicken round out the rib-sticking menu choices plus dozens of Texas brews on tap! eatdrinkdocs.com

>> FOR THE THAI TASTER

PACKED WITH FLAVOR

>> FOR THE WORLD TRAVELER

MODERN FLAVORS FROM SPAIN {HOUSTON} After much anticipation, BCN Taste & Tradition has opened in Montrose by Barcelona-born chef Luis Roger and owner Ignacio Torras. Roger, who trained at famed El Bulli, brings the authentic taste of modern Spain to this artful and serene two-story restaurant fashioned with Miró and Picasso art. Expect seafood delicacies flown in fresh from Spain in addition to the prized jamón Iberico (cured prosciutto). Thoughtfully composed plates like grilled tuna medallions with demi-glaze and cherries, watermelon and burrata salad, or free-range pork cheeks in merlot ragout with wild prawns are just a few complex dishes that make choosing difficult. bcnhouston.com

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DUE FORNI | KELLI ELIZABETH | PAKPAO | BCN TASTE & TRADITION

{DALLAS} Authentic high-end Thai food and exotic cocktails are the main game at Pakpao, a casual Asian concept by celeb-chef Jet Tila from L.A. But there’s a more humble side: Soulful soups like Tom Kha Gai chicken coconut soup or the Duck Noodle soup will take the chill off any spring evening.

The vibe here is equally Zen-like with cushy green booths and walls of contemporary white bamboo graphics. Don’t miss the green papaya salad, short ribs with Massman curry or crispy tamarind duck. Word is out that more area locations are planned. Stay tuned! pakpaothai.com

connoisseur TABLE TALK

SIDE SIPS EVENTS YOU CAN’T MISS CARDINALE TASTING EXPERIENCE

>> FOR THE DISCERNING DINER

LET’S DO LUNCH {DALLAS}

Trio of Eggplant with peanut, masala and okra is just one of the many intriguing choices on the new prix fixe three- or four-course lunch menu at Oak located in the Dallas Design District. Start with smoked salmon deviled eggs and salmon roe or red lentil dip and Indian naan bread, followed by salads like baby greens with Manchego, almond and golden raisin vinaigrette. Segue to mains of pappardelle chicken confit and sauce blanquette or the aforementioned vegetarian eggplant. Smoked Pecan Bar accompanied with crisp apple and butter pecan ice cream will compete for the final selection. Shunning sweets? Order the artisan cheese plate—one of the best in Dallas. oakdallas.com

>> FOR THE HONEY LOVER

APIS RESTAURANT AND APIARY | OAK | PAPPAS MEAT CO.

BEE UNIQUE

{AUSTIN} Inspired by the honeybee and its bounty, Apis Restaurant and Apiary will open soon in Austin’s Hill Country. A lifelong dream for executive chef and owner Taylor Hall, Apis will serve locally sourced contemporary American cuisine complemented by honey yielded from 20 on-premise beehives.

Overseen by Hall and his team, the docile breed of bees also will help pollinate the restaurant’s garden. Situated on six beautiful acres overlooking the Pedernales River, the restaurant will offer residents and visitors a unique dining experience for special occasions and every day dining.

“Sourcing locally and using the freshest, seasonal ingredients whenever possible has always been a given for me,” said Hall. Look for an ever-changing seasonal menu that might include Apis honey-glazed duck breast with beets, faro and rose, or Columbia River Steelhead Trout with sunchokes, fennel and Meyer lemon. apisrestaurant.com

For a new and unforgettable wine tasting experience, reserve at Cardinale Estate, an ultra premium Napa Valley winery specializing solely in cabernet sauvignon. The elegant stone winery sports a telescope for the incredible views of the mountains north and west from the terrace.

Wines are barreled in 100 percent new French oak for extensive aging resulting in big yet elegant wines that have received high ratings from Robert M. Parker, Jr. Several options are available for visitors including personalized tastings and tours. cardinale.com

AUSTIN FOOD + WINE FESTIVAL

>> FOR THE MEAT UP

PAPPAS BRO. WITH A TWIST {HOUSTON}

Pappas Meat Co., off I-10 east, is the newest concept from the successful Houston Pappas family and this one has southern flair. The menu offers something for everyone including high-quality steaks, chops, and sides such as fried green tomatoes in a more casual setting than the upscale Pappas Bros. Steakhouse.

Expect to see a few classic dishes from some of their other concepts like the soulful gumbo from Pappadeaux and the excellent Caesar salad from Pappas Seafood along with newbies like Uncle Pete’s Pot Roast over giant biscuits. pappas.com ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN BIO Robin Barr Sussman is a Houston-based freelance writer who specializes in food, wine and travel. Her work has appeared in Texas Monthly, My Table, and Private Clubs magazine.

There’s still time to snag tickets to the Austin Food + Wine Festival, April 24-26. Get prepped for hands-on grilling demos, libations, tastings and more from the world’s rising cultural and culinary city. Texas talent like chef Tim Love, Tyson Cole and Houston’s Justin Yu share the limelight with national celeb chefs and wine editor Ray Isle of Food & Wine. Sommeliers, winemakers and mixologists from across the nation tout recipes, tips and sips. Party on! austinfoodandwinefestival.com

RELAIS & CHATEAUX GOURMETFEST

The inaugural GourmetFest, March 5-8, brings a bounty of prestigious chefs, wineries and luxury brands from around the world to beautiful Carmel-by-the Sea. Over the course of four days, experience a range of events in one location including intimate dinners crafted by Michelin star chefs served with the best wines in the world. gourmetfestcarmel.com

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connoisseur UNCORKED

Priceless

A WEE DRAM OF “

i

t’s an acquired taste.”

That’s what my father told me every time during my childhood when I tasted the Scotch he was sipping and made a screwedup face to express my disgust. When you’re a child, there are a lot of acquired tastes, from Brussels sprouts to wine to beer. As the years passed, I acquired nearly all of them. Except Scotch. So I really do wish my father had lived long enough to hear about my adventures sipping 50-year-old single-malt whisky from Scotland priced at $38,000 a bottle.

Now that’s what I’d call an “acquired taste.”

The opportunity arose thanks to Cullen’s

PAIRING RECOMMENDATION

COURTESY OF THE BALVENIE

Courtesy of The Balvenie Brand Ambassador Jonathan Wingo

These two jewels are very old whiskies but also very potent—both are natural strength. Tun 1401 has a nice deep, rich spiciness and will cut through any heavy protein like steak. Tun 1509 is very bright and creamy. It will work well with a creamy pasta dish or sauce.

American Grille, a mammoth and glitzy restaurant, nightclub and event space on the outskirts of Houston. The folks there, led by Ryan Roberts of General Motors, Co. wearing a kilt, invited me to a 12-person dinner with a gracefully accented Scotsman named David Stewart, the longest serving “malt master” in the history of Scotch whisky. Stewart had been brand new to the Balvenie Distilling Co. a half-century ago, when the whisky we were tasting (only a few drops, mind you, as part of a dinner of somewhat younger Scotches, costing $2,900 per person) was set aside to age in oak barrels.

I was more than a little intrigued to find out that more than $50,000 worth of Balvenie’s finest was poured out for our table of 12 during the dinner—including not just the much-ballyhooed Fifty from 1963. These included whiskys (the Scots spell their favorite word without the common “e,” just to be ornery, I suppose) aged 30 and 40 years, plus a couple of delicious extras called Tun 1401 and Tun 1509.

I did enjoy my efforts learning about Scotch. And I now do believe in the basic concept of a Scotch dinner. Like wine and beer, Scotch is willing and able to “dance” with the flavors of food, rather than—like

drinks at a cocktail dinner—stand on the sidelines and scream “Me, me, me!” Many of the pairings were fascinating, with the smokekissed flavor of toasted oak and the refined sizzle of alcohol making something wonderful happen in my mouth. I really could sip on this stuff by a fireplace on a chilly night, just like I love to do with anejo tequilas, small-batch bourbons, very old Caribbean rums and, perhaps my favorite, cognacs and armagnacs. The next time I’m offered a taste of whisky from Scotland, I’ll know how to spell it and how to drink it—thanks to lessons from David Stewart of the Balvenie.

Everybody asks me: Was the taste inside that bottle worth $38,000? Well, not to me personally, since I couldn’t drive it or live in it.

But as I remembered all my screwed-up faces looking up at my dad and then knowing I’d finally acquired a taste for one of his favorite things—that moment poured me a “wee dram” of priceless.

JOHN DeMERS John DeMers is the author of 52 published books and host of the Delicious Mischief radio show heard weekly in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. He divides his time between Houston and Marfa.

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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connoisseur MAIN DISH

chef Greg Martin

the art of

DINING Story | ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN Photography | BRENLEE MCKNIGHT

f

or too many years, the arts and crafts bungalow built by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano stood empty on The Menil Collection campus in Houston’s Museum District. It is now alive and cooking again as Bistro Menil.

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Longtime Texas chef Greg Martin, for years at Café Annie and other ventures with the Schiller Del Grande group, recently had been traveling the world and dreaming of his next big thing. Bistro Menil was it.

After a comprehensive search by the museum board, they agreed Martin was the perfect fit.

With his partner Paul Garcia, Ph.D., Martin has created a museum-worthy bistro serving European fare with flair, one where you can hit the marble and walnut-trimmed bar for a sip from “green” cask wines and nosh on warm Brie with fig preserves, or linger in the streamlined dining room in a plush gray banquette.

No design detail has been left unturned in the sophisticated space, from the graceful branching bubble lighting by local artist Lindsey Adelman to the slick European style tableware and serving vessels, and the wooden tabletops crafted by Garcia himself. Large bistro-style chalkboard menus adorn one wall—replicas of drawings found in a paper shop from a village in Provence during one of Martin’s trips to Europe.

The vast menu is just as thoughtfully composed with something for everyone at accessible prices. Several dishes wowed in their humble simplicity.

Who knew bland zucchini could be transformed into a luscious salad of cool lemony ribbons tossed with browned pancetta and a sprinkle of Parmesan? Or that ho-hum eggplant coated in rice flour and fried could be more ethereal and tastier than a french fry? Its addicting creamy-briny anchovy aioli dip doesn’t hurt either. No wonder that dish is the most popular lunch side in southern Spain.

Puffy charred pizzas—cooked in only 3 minutes in the hightech convection oven—are judiciously layered with just a few prime ingredients such as melty Manchego over light—spicy— tomato sauce and thick tangy

swaths of Spanish jamón. The flavorful dough is light and crispy due to the extra step of tempering twice. A spicy Spanish grenache to sip makes a heavenly match, suggested by talented wine director Sean Essex, who has curated a savvy European and California-heavy list. Bistro dishes like asparagus and goat cheese crepes with fresh herbs, petite quiche Lorraine, or tuna nicoise with Spanish potato salad, beg to be paired with one of the many palate-pleasing wines like Cotes du Rhone rosé, Spanish Albariño, or an exclusive pinot grigio from Tuscany.

Elaborate entrees worthy of attention include whole Costa Brava snapper with lump crabmeat and roasted artichokes, a true delicacy, or the surprisingly popular duck confit with crispy skin and pink peppercorn butter.

Sweet grilled sea scallops ride on a colorful sleigh of risotto primavera, a treatment that changes seasonally. Carnivores relish the luxe cocoa nib and black peppercorn beef filet, a nod to Martin’s Café Annie days, or the meaty Greek style lamb chops served with cooling cucumber and crème fraiche.

Martin recently added tuna tartare tacos to the spring menu.

It’s a light and easy out-of-hand food made with fried wonton wrappers and microgreens, so it has a Texas twist.

Open all day with a weekend brunch, the bistro is ideal for dropping by for a pick-meup from the espresso bar or for something sweet like rich housemade gelato. Martin’s lemon curd tartlet is perfection.

With its beautifully piped Italian meringue, a buttery homemade crust and an intense lippuckering finish, it’s the pièce de résistance. bistro menil at the menil collection 1513 w. alabama houston (713) 904-3537 bistromenil.com

connoisseur MAIN DISH

TUNA TACOS

Le Turkey Burger

Yield 14-16 tacos

Eggplant Fries with Anchovy Aioli

Ingredients ½ pound tuna loin, minced 1 package pot sticker wrappers 2 scallions, chopped 1 tablespoon wasabi mayonnaise 1 tablespoon tamari 1 package spicy sprouts extra-virgin olive oil cooking spray

Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette Asparagus and Local Goat Cheese Crepes

BISTRO MENIL

Lemon Curd Tart with Italian Meringue

Seared Sea Scallops

Cold Poached Tuna with Haricot Verts and White Beans

Preparation Combine tuna, scallions, wasabi mayonnaise and tamari then refrigerate.

Preheat oven to 350F. Holding a wrapper flat in one hand, spray lightly with cooking spray. Place wrapper evenly over taco shell baking rack, 2 per tine, repeat until rack is full.

Starting at the top of each wrapper, using your index fingers gently press the wrapper against the rack thereby removing most of the air bubbles (some bubbles are acceptable as they provide character to the “taco” shell).

Place back in the oven for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.

Remove rack from oven and allow shells to cool on rack.

Both tuna mixture and shells can be prepared in advance.

Fill each shell with 2 tablespoons of mixture and garnish with spicy sprouts.

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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connoisseur BRAGGING BITES

kiss my

SHRIMP & GRITS w hat was once humble lowcountry comfort food served for breakfast or brunch has been elevated to gourmet status and is especially hot in Texas right now.

Prefer shrimp and grits Cajun style, spicy jalapeno cheese grits piled with plump shrimp, savory bacon and scallions or a saucier rendition flavored with andouille sausage, tomato broth and microgreens? Tuck into this Southern showdown!

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KNOXY

Story | ROBIN BARR SUSSMAN

connoisseur BRAGGING BITES

EPICUREAN DELIGHT

KNOXY | CAROLINE BARRERA | LUCILLE’S

Executive chef Thomas Riordan of Trace in the W Hotel is really hamming it up with his Gulf shrimp and grits, housemade andouille sausage, spicy bacon and ham jus.

It all starts with the grits. “Heritage grits from Homestead Gristmill in Waco are special,” Riordan says. “Because of singlestep process of grinding with natural granite stones, the grits have a coarse, complex texture rather than ordinary soft, mushy grits.” He promises that everything is made from scratch and with great care including jus made from ham smoked in-house, which adds a savory depth of flavor. The grits taste creamy with a natural nutty corn flavor, providing the perfect foil for luscious gravy swimming around the bowl.

TRACE AUSTIN 200 LAVACA STREET TRACEAUSTIN.COM

MAXED OUT

Count on hip surroundings, good wines and large portions of full-flavored comfort fare at Max’s wine dives around Texas by the Houston-based Lasco Group. The peppery fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy plate (with Champagne!) is the bomb, but the shrimp and grits are a house favorite for good reason. Rich jalapeno cheese stone grits give this a tangy, peppery base, which is topped with large seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, scallions and fresh parsley. All of this awesomeness, composed by executive chef Stefon Rishel, is sided with a spicy butter broth, a garnish of sour cream to cool things off and the crowning glory: a poached egg.

Praise be, you won’t have to eat for days.

MAX’S WINE DIVE FORT WORTH 2421 W. 7TH STREET #109 MAXSWINEDIVE.COM

SOULFUL SUPPER

Innovative takes on Southern classic recipes, including the chef ’s great grandmother’s famed chili biscuits, set chef-owner Chris Williams’s menu apart from Southern culinary wannabes. His generous platter at Lucille’s in the Museum District is actually more shrimp than grits. Fine by us—we like the plump, pearly white crustaceans.

The stone grits are cooked low and slow with a little butter for a creamy and thick consistency and then accented with morsels of tender andouille sausage, sweet cherry tomatoes and snappy microgreens. A base of tomato and sherry give the broth a light vibrant kick, instead of a heavy gravy texture. This leaves you just enough room to try one of those famous biscuits!

LUCILLE’S HOUSTON 5512 LA BRANCH STREET LUCILLESHOUSTON.COM

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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connoisseur

ENTERTAIN

head

IN THE

CLOUDS

WHITE ON WHITE White furniture and dishes are perfect for a cloud-themed shower.

a

Styling | GRIT+GOLD

Photography | NBARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY

bridal shower is a great way for the women in a bride’s life to celebrate her. Create a feeling of floating on a cloud—a theme that is both whimsical and romantic. Incorporate all things heavenly from a hanging floral cloud that floats above the table to a powdered sugar dusted croquembouche cake and “love” floats.

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connoisseur

ENTERTAIN

FLOATING FLORALS Hang white hydrangeas from the ceiling to create the illusion of clouds.

FLOAT AROUND Let guests create their own version of a “love float” with pink champagne or lemonade. Include vanilla ice cream, chocolate-covered cherries, raspberries and whipped cream.

THE GOODS STYLING Grit + Gold

HEAVENLY HONEY A parting gift of local honey is a sweet way to say “Thank you!”

gritandgoldweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPHY nbarrett Photography

nbarrettphotography.com

VENUE The Nuvo Room nuvoroom.com

CATERING Culinary Arts

culinaryartcatering.com

RENTALS Period Charm

periodcharmrentals.com

FLOWERS Bows & Arrows

bowsandarrowsflowers.com

COTTONY CLOUDS Cotton balls make great cloudlike corsages for the bride and her special guests.

BAKERY Layered Bake Shop

layeredbakeshop.com

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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ASIF, LLC Presents

Charity Golf Tournament at

TOUR 18

America’s Greatest Eighteen Holes Monday | April 13, 2015

Benefitting

Addi’s Faith Foundation

F un di ng Research | Fighting C anc er | Finding Hope

Shotgun Start 1:30PM | Entry: $150 Individual or $500 Foursome To register and for more information: Addishack.org

PHOTO COURTESY EMMA WILLIS

GENTLEMEN’S ROOM

FOR THE MAN WHO COMMANDS THE VERY BEST

inside:

56 57 58 59 60

• • • • •

DRIVER’S SEAT HOW SWEDE IT IS CIGAR NOTES WORTH WAITING FOR HIGH TECH THE CHOICE IS YOURS GREAT OUTDOORS PADDLE POWER STYLE WORKOUT MUST-HAVES MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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GENTLEMEN’S ROOM DRIVER'S SEAT

Swede itis

how O

nce upon a time, thanks to boxes-on-wheels like the classic 144 and 244, Volvo jumped out in front of the competition and owned the conversation about auto safety in the United States. But safety doesn’t always speak loudly to eager car buyers, unless or until said drivers have had enough miles under their belt to appreciate that being able to walk away from a serious accident is no accident. For consumers who haven’t arrived at this realization, “practical” plus “safe” too often equals “boring.”

Behold the XC60 T6 R-Design, slayer of stereotypes.

The five-passenger crossover, and Volvo’s top selling model, is a deliciously balanced driving machine that blends comfort,

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safety—keep coming.

All Platinum XC60s include Volvo’s technology package.

In addition to adaptive cruise control that helps in bumperto-bumper traffic, a radar and camera help prevent—or at least lessen—collisions with bicyclists or pedestrians (as long as they’re at least 2.5 feet tall).

Once the camera confirms that a vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian are approaching, it locks in on the object. If the situation becomes critical, the Volvo’s full braking power is automatically activated.

Depending on the speed traveled and how close the object is, the crossover will slow or come to a complete stop—it’s just the ticket for mobile device addicts who walk around with their eyes glued to their screens.

JEFF YIP Jeff Yip’s work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury News, Houston Chronicle and the New York Times, as well as consumer and trade magazines. He’s a second-generation car guy who still has the 1969 Chevy his dad loved.

VOLVO

performance seats up front, unique 20-inch alloy wheels, a tasteful, leather-covered racingtype steering wheel, moonroof— in short, all the features one demands in a premium European sedan. China’s Geely Holding Group acquired Volvo Cars in 2010 from the Ford Motor Co., but Volvo’s executive leadership has remained in Gothenburg, utility, performance and cuttingSweden. A Platinum package edge technology and safety tops the XC60 lineup, taking the systems in a sophisticated, crisply MSRP from $46,650 to $50,700. styled, solid body that’s easy on The $4,100 upcharge turns the eyes and passengers in general. the XC60 into a rolling suite of And when we say performance, technology. We’re not just talking we’re not kidding. Pop the hood cosmetic apps like “themes,”—a and you’ll find a massive 3.0-liter trio of driver-selectable inline six good for 325 horses instrument panel “wallpaper” and 354 lb-ft. of torque. That available in red (performance), muscle-car-like output is courtesy gray (eco) or blue (elegant). The of a twin-scroll turbocharger active high-beam headlights, for and, crucially, tuning tweaks by example, automatically adjust Polestar, Volvo’s racing partner. their coverage so cars being The results are sublime. Whether followed or vehicles approaching it’s a trek to Big Bend or Bed, head-on are not blinded. While Bath & Beyond, the journey will power/retractable mirrors, electric certainly not be boring. But it folding rear headrests, upgraded also won’t beat you up.

Harman Kardon sound system A boatload of goodies is and accent lighting are nice to standard on the R-Design, have, the innovations—both including supportive, sculpted practical and geared toward

Gush over a Volvo and you’ll likely raise a few eyebrows among drivers of a certain age. After all, the 87-year-old Swedish brand built its reputation on practical, sturdy modes of transportation.

GENTLEMEN’S ROOM CIGAR NOTES

worth

Waiting for The Fuente Fuente Opus X is refined, rare and very special. It represents Arturo Fuente Cigar Company’s journey from humble beginnings to worldwide dominance.

A

round 1912, Arturo Fuente started making cigars in the back of his house in West Tampa, Florida, and over the last 100 years the Fuente name has become synonymous with excellent cigars.

The company is family-owned—Arturo’s son Carlos Sr., as well as his son, Carlos Jr., are still running the operation.

In the mid-1990s it was said that cigar wrapper tobacco couldn’t be grown in the Dominican Republic. Carlos Fuente Sr. and Jr. accepted the challenge and grew some wrapper tobacco. Not only was this the first wrapper grown in the Dominican Republic, but also it was of exceptional quality. The cigar is a Dominican puro, made entirely of tobacco from the Fuente’s farms in the Dominican Republic, including the wrapper leaf grown at Chateau de la Fuente.

Initially the Opus X was only available on the East Coast, which made them very desirable west of the Mississippi. The distribution still remains limited. Authorized dealers will get a box here, a box there;

whatever they order they don’t necessarily receive, and these still sell for a hefty markup due to their rarity. The Fuente Fuente size is a classic corona Gorda, measuring 5 5/8” x 46. The Opus line smokes best with some age as they tend to be very strong when young.

I smoked one that was at least 10 years of age and it smoked exceptionally well. It had a sweet leather flavor and had a perfect burn and draw. Fuente Fuente Opus X cigars can be very strong and aggressive when young, but some patient humidor time really benefits this cigar. This is certainly a cigar that anyone passionate about cigars should experience.

The Fuente family also operates The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation in association with the J.C. Newman Family, which benefits children in the Dominican Republic. cf-cf.org

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: Dominican Republic Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic

CRAIG VANDERSLICE Craig Vanderslice has been smoking cigars for nearly 20 years, and for the last five years has written about them on his website cigarcraig.com.

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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GENTLEMEN’S ROOM HIGH TECH

the choice is yours ION AIR PRO The newest edition to new iON’s Air Pro series offers simple, onetouch and full 1080p HD video resolution. iON cameras take a different form factor than that of GoPro, as these devices are bulletshaped—all the better to sit closer and lower on your helmet.

It is completely waterproof without requiring any additional housing. Like the company’s other cameras it is compatible with iON’s accessory Wi-Fi PODZ and the new iON app 2.0 for iOS and Android. This enables use of a smartphone or tablet to control camera functions and settings, view live streaming video and replay or immediately upload footage to Facebook, Twitter or YouTube or share it via email. $99 ioncamera.com

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SONY ACTION CAM AS100V Opting for a shotgun-style design rather than the boxy form of the GoPro, Sony’s Action Cam AS100V is easy to hold and splash proof without needing any extra case or protection. The f/2.8 Zeiss Tessar lens offers a spectacular 170-degree field of view. Behind the lens sits a 13.5MP Exmor R sensor that’s capable of capturing 12-megapixel stills in photo mode.

Connectivity is provided via NFC for one-tap setup with Android phones. The built-in GPS tracks location data, which can then be overlaid on videos using the PlayMemories Home software. Battery life is great, with the Sony outperforming the GoPro Hero 3+ at the default bitrate. The GoPro managed 1 hour 59 minutes while the Sony lasted 2 hours 17 minutes. $299 store.sony.com

CONTOUR ROAM3 Contour’s third version of its camera allows it to be taken almost anywhere. Like the iON Air Pro it is bullet-shaped for low-profile video action. You can take the Roam3 underwater to about 33 feet without a special waterproof housing.

The lens rotates 270 degrees—180 degrees to the left and 90 degrees to the right—which gives more positioning options without the need to mess with settings or flip the video with editing software. My favorite feature is the laser level. Because the Roam3 has no screen or built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device, the laser helps you set up your shot. Just push the status button on the back, and it kicks on for 15 seconds.

The Roam3 gives you two options for mounting: you can use the sliding rail mounts or take advantage of the tripod mount in the bottom. The 1080p video is recorded at a variable bit rate between 14 and 16Mbps, which is good for its price range, and it results in better detail than you’d get from lower-end models. $199 contour.com

APPS FOR FILM EDITING Once you shoot all that cool video, make sure you make it exciting and appealing for others to watch. Here are some of the best video editing apps available.

IMOVIE

This benchmark video app makes it super easy to splice together your footage. You can also use it to add titles, music, voiceovers and photos to your work of art.

VIDEOSHOW

There are some unusually precise editing features available in this app such as the ability to specify a particular section of a song for a backing track. I also like the freedom you get with the size, style and positioning of titles, and the sprinkling of color effects.

VIDTRIM

This app works well with single clips from your device or elsewhere. You can trim footage, add music and retro or psychedelic effects and export the result as an MP4.

MICHAEL GARFIELD Known as “The High-Tech Texan®” to audiences nationwide, Michael hosts technology and issue-oriented talk radio shows six days a week on The 9-5-0. See what he’s up to at HighTechTexan.com.

SONY ELECTRONICS | CONTOUR, LLC | ION AIR PRO

W

hen an industry leader owns most of its market share, the brand can become the product. Such has been the case with Band-Aid, Rollerblade, Kleenex and other products that almost define their own categories. The GoPro video camera is another such “category killer,” and consumers forget there are other options to capture action video without shelling out top dollar for the big dog.

GENTLEMEN’S ROOM OUTDOORS

paddle power It’s awkward the first time for most everybody, but people who do it often improve quickly.

No, not that.

S

tand-up paddle boarding, barely 70 years old and perhaps younger depending on the story you buy, has potential through this decade to grow faster than any other sport. The upsurge, which started in 2013 with more firsttime participants than any other outdoor pursuit, is attributable in great part to rapid-fire evolution of the equipment and blossoming interest in exercise alternatives to the gym and jogging trail.

By appearance, the boards weren’t much more than overgrown surfboards until a handful of years ago. They’ve morphed recently into efficient exercise machines—combining balance, upper body, lower body and cardio workouts into a single package—and stable fishing platforms.

Standard-issue paddle boards are longer and wider than most surfboards and, not surprisingly to anyone with a lick of balance,

remarkably solid underfoot. A fall or two is inevitable for beginners, but most anyone who can ride a skateboard or avoid turning ankles on ice skates probably can master— loosely—the paddleboard.

The platforms become increasingly steady underfoot but aren’t the most maneuverable of watercraft. Actually, they’re nearer the other end of that spectrum. Rather than turn on a dime, they’re better suited to long, purposeful glides especially in small, clean surf. Regarding agility, paddle boards are to surfboards what tankers are to runabouts.

Paddle boarding as exercise is more inspired when that crackof-dawn “stroll” ends in a great fishing spot. The thick, wide boards deliver anglers to water reachable otherwise only by kayaks or on foot—except where mud bottom nixes that option— and lets them stand at full height, all the better to see cruising fish

before the fish see them.

Paddle boards designed specifically for fishing offer a variety of options, too, such as ice chests, rod holders, electronics and a variety of leaning posts for added stability while stalking big fish.

“I haven’t seen many of them on the water yet, but I know they’ll be here soon,” said captain Scott Null, a marsh-fishing guide based in Galveston. “Kayaks were the same way, and now they’re everywhere. There’s just so much shallow, fishy water to explore along the coast, and paddle boards are a great way to work it.”

Those “fishy” conditions exist in freshwater and saltwater. The boards are more common to coastal communities for now, especially in south Texas and along both coasts of southern Florida, but they’re finding their way also onto lakes and reservoirs—anywhere that water lovers want to enjoy a totalbody workout and maybe catch a few fish along the way.

THE PRICE TO PADDLE

Good news is that paddle boarders have more choices in boards, paddles and accessories than ever.

Bad news is that none of that gear is free.

A barebones, entry-level board can run anywhere from $400-$2,400.

Paddles, when they’re not included in the package, vary in price from $50 to nearly $300. (You can get a trolling motor and battery for that, but don’t.)

For exercise, that’s all you need. Hard-core anglers might add any number of items, some more necessary than others. Good news about paddleboards as opposed to boats is that you never have to add gas or oil to a board, and you don’t suddenly hear from threedozen lost friends when you buy one.

DOUG PIKE Doug Pike has traveled the world to satisfy his passion for the outdoors.

During his career, he has won 100-plus state and national awards for writing, broadcast and photography.

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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WORKOUT MUST-HAVES

UP24 Fitness Wristband

by Jawbone available on nordstrom.com

For the active man.

Wiki Wiki PolarizedPlus Aviator 59mm Sunglasses

by Maui Jim available on nordstrom.com

Start PM

by Louis Vuitton available at Louis Vuitton Houston Galleria or louisvuitton.com

Vibe Band VB10

by Lenovo available on lenovo.com Vívoactive

by Garmin available on garmin.com

Leather Gym Bag

by Polo Ralph Lauren available on nordstrom.com

Garmin Signature Series

by Garmin available on garmin.com

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QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

by Bose available on nordstrom.com

JAWBONE | LENOVO | NORDSTROM | GARMIN | LOUIS VUITTON

GENTLEMEN’S ROOM STYLE

KEELS & WHEELS CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE

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escape

escape GREETINGS FROM DESTINATIONS NEAR AND FAR

inside:

64 • ENLIGHTENED EXPLORER TRAVEL BUZZ 66 • POINT OF INTEREST WINE GARDEN 68 • FEATURE ROCK N ROLLIN AROUND THE GLOBE

MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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escape enlightened explorer

>> FOR THE LUXE OUTDOORSPERSON

GRAND EXPERIENCE

>> FOR THE SUN SEEKER

TROPICAL PERFECTION

Enjoy a completely worry-free vacation by the sea on the idyllic island of Virgin Gorda, third largest of the British Virgin Islands. At Villa Aquamare, three luxury villas provide a tranquil and elegant Caribbean oasis on a half-mile of private coastline. A resident concierge takes care of every detail, from grocery shopping to booking massage therapists, boat captains and nannies.

Aquamare’s villas have a feeling of openness that mimics the surrounding sea— interiors feature 30-foot vaulted wood ceilings, spacious private balconies adjoining each room, fully equipped gourmet kitchens and marble baths with separate outdoor shower rooms. If rented together, villas can accommodate up to 36 guests for a special event.

Virgin Gorda’s 8.5 square miles are home to pristine white sand beaches, lush mountains, live coral reefs and quiet coves. Visit The Baths, where massive granite boulders are scattered along the ocean’s edge, for a unique above-water or underwater experience, exploring sheltered rock pools and secret grottos. villaaquamare.com

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>> FOR THE JET-SETTER

CARBON-FRIENDLY FLYING

Travelers conscious of their carbon footprint will appreciate new developments in the aviation industry. Biofuels, considered by many to be the best option for cleaner, greener flying, are finally coming into their own. Made from substances like plants, cooking oils and other waste products, biofuels represent a sustainable source of fuel, as well as a way to mitigate the effects of volatile price swings of conventional fuels.

In December, Boeing conducted the world’s first flight using “green diesel,” a readily available biofuel already used in ground transportation. Data suggests that green diesel can reduce carbon emissions by 50 to 90 percent compared to fossil fuel. Airlines like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, Lufthansa, Norwegian Airlines, Finnair and SAS Scandinavian Airlines are already operating commercial flights partially powered by biofuels, and others, including Southwest Airlines, plan to offer biofuel-powered flights as early as 2016.

THE GRAND AMERICA | BOEING | VILLA AQUAMARE | VIRGIN GORDA BVI

Salt Lake City offers a unique crossroads for nature lovers, a setting where the best in city life goes hand in hand with the best of the great outdoors. Mountains and wilderness areas surround Utah’s lively capital, making Salt Lake an ideal base camp from which to explore the state’s awe-inspiring geology, rivers, lakes and national parks, as well as museums, restaurants and other urban attractions.

Return to luxury after a day spent adventuring—located in the heart of the city’s culture-rich downtown, The Grand America Hotel lives up to its name. The hotel’s 775 luxury rooms and suites, each individually decorated and equipped with handcrafted furniture, spacious marble bathrooms and fine fabrics, look out on stunning mountain and skyline views from step-out balconies. Sunday brunch at The Grand’s Garden Café, not to be missed, is famously delicious. grandamerica.com

enlightened explorer

escape

>> FOR THE BUSINESS OR LEISURE TRAVELER

URBAN GLAMOUR

Even in Chicago’s urban landscape, home to some of the most notable architectural landmarks in the United States, The Godfrey Hotel Chicago stands out from the crowd. The new 221-room boutique hotel is the city’s first staggered steel truss building. Though one of a kind, The Godfrey’s sleek, Cubist-influenced exterior is in harmony with its River North location, a downtown area known for its contemporary art scene and trendsetting design.

Hotel guests enjoy amenities like an on-site spa and 24-hour fitness center, but the icing on the cake is on the fourth floor. The popular I|O Urban Roofscape features more than 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, along with panoramic views of Chicago’s southern skyline; a retractable roof makes it the perfect place for a cocktail year-round.

This spring, The Godfrey Hotel will open a restaurant on the ground floor, partnering with New York-based LDV Hospitality, which operates upscale venues nationwide, including Scarpetta, American Cut and Barchetta. godfreyhotelchicago.com

PAPADAKIS PHOTOGRAPHY AND MARION KRAUS PHOTOGRAPHY | SUN VALLEY RESORT | MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

>> FOR THE GREEN-MINDED GOLFER

PLAY IN MONTEREY

Pebble Beach, California, is a golfer’s dream. In addition to the worldfamous Pebble Beach Golf Links, “golf ’s greatest ZIP code” boasts many other top-notch courses. Add Poppy Hills, a unique course winding through the beautiful Del Monte Forest, to your list of mustplays on this scenic slice of the Monterey Peninsula.

Radically redesigned by Robert Trent Jones II, Poppy Hills reopened in April 2014. Proper drainage and water conservation were the primary motivators (the course now irrigates exclusively with recycled water), but many other improvements were made. The rough is gone. The entire course has been sand capped, every tee and bunker rebuilt for optimal play and all greens reseeded with bentgrass, among other modifications. The result? A firm, fast and fun course that perfectly complements the natural woodland setting.

Whether playing or just dropping by to dine, don’t miss restaurant Porter’s in the Forest, which offers a one-of-a-kind, farm-to-table twist on traditional club fare. poppyhillsgolf.com

>> FOR THE MOUNTAIN LOVER

ALPINE ESCAPE

Founded in 1936 in the snow-capped mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, Sun Valley Resort was America’s first destination ski resort. This alpine escape is a good place to visit any time of year, however—after the snow melts, the romantic atmosphere and opportunity for active adventure remain. Warm-weather activities range from hiking, mountain biking and golf to shopping, sport shooting and decadent dining.

The 79-year-old Sun Valley Lodge will reopen in June after extensive renovations. The lodge’s iconic façade has been preserved, but the interiors have been lavishly reimagined; many have doubled in size and now feature fireplaces, expansive bathrooms and other modern comforts. The redesign also includes the addition of an outdoor pool and a 20,000-square-foot spa, which offers 15 treatment rooms, steam and sauna, a world-class fitness center and yoga studio and an array of wellness treatments. sunvalley.com KATHRYN HUNTER Kathryn Hunter is an Austin-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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escape point of interest

Story | JESSICA MEBANE

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t’s hard not to wax hyperbolic when discussing the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). Everything may be bigger in Texas, but when it comes to rodeos, Space City elevates the stakes on that somewhat trite but true axiom to astronomical levels. For example: millions of dollars are raised by the Show’s educational fund for agricultural scholarship (and education period), some of the best live acts working in music from all genres vie for their chance to perform in front of up to 70,000 fans each night, and events like Rodeo Uncorked! show off Houston’s seriously sophisticated palate and taste levels in wines and gourmet foods.

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HERCULEAN TASK

There are more than 31,000 volunteers on 108 committees working tirelessly to bring the entire HLSR to life, and the Rodeo Uncorked! events are no exception. Four committees with 1,000 volunteers strive to bring the spirit of excellence of this wine competition and subsequent wine auction into fruition, which has grown in scope and influence throughout its 12-year history to become one of the top five wine events in the world. Some 15,000 wine bottles are submitted, sorted by a painstakingly thorough process into 2,578 entries, 43 of which include Texas wineries.

DELECTABLE REWARD

So after the two-day judging process is concluded and results are tabulated, winning bottles of the 2015 HLSR International Wine Competition are announced. This year’s Grand Champion Best of Show, Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection cabernet sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2010, is

just one of the truly outstanding selections, which also includes a Top Texas winner, Driftwood Estate Winery Longhorn Red, Texas 2012. Some of the other winners from the nine categories will be featured in the Champion Wine Garden at Carruth Plaza in NRG park, where live music and tempting menus will provide a welcome respite from the raucous Rodeo hustle and bustle. Wine Garden Chairman J.W. Daubert has noticed an interesting phenomenon grow around his event. “Some folks might not even make it to the Rodeo itself because the Champion Wine Garden has become so popular, and I think that’s a greater reflection of Houston itself, where a high-powered energy executive and nine-tofiver can mingle and enjoy the same wines, food and great music, shoulder-to-shoulder,” he said. “For me, the Rodeo is a melting pot, and during this timeframe, Houston really shows its friendly, big-town side.”

Maybe you’re not a world-class oenophile, but Executive Director of Agricultural Competition and Exhibits Allyson Tjoelker urges all Rodeo enthusiasts not to miss some of the other great HLSR events, such as AGventure, set up in Hall A of NRG Center. “This is a great live animal exhibit where children and adults alike can learn more about where your food comes from.

We’re also excited about the Celebrity Longhorn Event, with 30 loosepen longhorn steers going up for auction by celebrity auctioneer R.C. Slocum. And it’s hard to beat the HLSR’s School Art Program, which has been in place for more than 50 years, with competitions, auctions and special gallery events that all align with the Show’s mission to support education of Texas youth.” rodeohouston.com

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

wine garden

WHEN YOU GO

escape

ROCK

ROLLIN AROUND THE N

GLOBE

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Story | GINNY ELLSWORTH MCCORD

ome of the best places to hear live music turn out to be the most intimate venues that also provide a place to lay your head down after getting your music fix. Although some of the world’s greatest musicians call America home, we ventured out to discover the best places around the globe to catch a great live music show.

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escape

Hotel Pelirocco

SIMON GREEN | HOTEL PELIROCCO

Brighton, U.K. Just south of London within walking distance of Regency Square sits Hotel Pelirocco in all its quirky glory. Famous for having themed rooms, it is known as “the original rock ’n ’roll boutique hotel.”

Housed within is the Hotel Bar, a pub-ish venue that hosts some of Brighton’s most talented singers and songwriters. The bands you’ll hear in this intimate space can be just as unique as the room you stay in—but don’t let that deter you from the experience. The music you hear might be tomorrow’s charttoppers, like in the case of Scissor Sisters, who were nominated for a Grammy last year.

Embracing all things rock, Hotel Pelirocco doesn’t stop at just live music. The hotel’s radio show is broadcast twice a week and features punk rock, soul and stories of notable hotel guests.

A favorite room for music lovers and hotel guests is “Pretty Vacant,” which is dedicated to the Sex Pistols and Punk Rock—and it features an ocean view from the top of the building. Interesting bands and quirky rooms make Hotel Pelirocco the perfect stop on the map of the pop cultural traveler. No matter what a night in the Hotel Bar might bring, it has been said the hotel’s breakfast is worth waking up for.

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Annandale Hotel About three miles west of Sydney’s business district is a little suburb called Annandale. You might think at first that proximity would make the Annandale Hotel prime real estate for business travelers. Well that might be so, but the Dale, as locals call it, is actually one of Sydney’s longest running rock ’n ’roll venues.

The intimate stage with low ceilings brings the crowd close enough to reach out and touch the big names that take up the microphone. The Dale’s fans were rocked when Oscars Hotel Group purchased the space and closed it for renovation at the end of 2013.

Groupies feared that the bigwigs would taint the experience of the legendary space, but since its reopening in August 2014, it is getting rave reviews.

In addition to bringing in rock acts four nights a week, the improved Annandale Hotel is quickly becoming famed for its food and drink scene. The bar offers a trendy new menu, complete with classic handcrafted cocktails. Wok’N’Roll in the back of the pub serves Thai dishes from a “build your own” menu, and and the new space has a casual coffee bar for those looking to chill and caffeinate.

Although you cannot rest your head at the Dale, the venue is steeped in Sydney music history, and its musical focus is shifting to include folk-pop and blues artists.

At Annandale Hotel, you might just catch the next big act before they hit the limelight.

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ANNANDALE HOTEL

Sydney, Australia

escape

Hard Rock Resort

HARD ROCK RESORT | ALL INCLUSIVE COLLECTION

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

On the eastern point of the Dominican Republic’s sugar-sand beaches, you’ll find tucked among several resorts a place where music is not just an event, it is an atmosphere—welcome to the Hard Rock.

As you walk in, you’ll be greeted with a glass of Champagne and treated like a rock star as you step into the enormous lobby featuring David Garibaldi’s depictions of some of the biggest names in rock. On a trek through halls decked with legendary musical memorabilia to your luxury suite, you’ll pass several of the resort’s venues that host acts from Enrique Iglesias to country music up-and-comer Canaan Smith.

The Moon Lounge provides an intimate setting for live music three nights a week. Stocked with a full bar, the lounge has sofas and cocktail tables in the back, leaving plenty of room up front for fans to gather near the stage.

Although, the Moon Lounge isn’t the only place on the property to catch a great act. Hard Rock Punta Cana plans out music experiences for its guests. It is not uncommon to catch a band jamming by the pool or near the coral-speckled sands of the beach.

Whatever great name you go to experience, be sure to take a memorabilia tour of the property while you are there, and glean the rich history of music legends from around the globe.

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The WorkFaith Connection invites you to be our guest as we

Celebrate New Life

SpringChicks LUNCHEON

MARCH 31, 2015 11:00am - 1:00pm

River Oaks Country Club 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, Texas 77019

2015 Spring Chicks Chairs:

Claudine Hartland, Monica Hartland Blaisdell and Sarah Hartland

Be encouraged by Debbie Stuart’s message of God’s faithfulness and transforming power!

Be surprised as our 2015 Spring Chick is revealed!

GATHER SOME “CHICKS” TO JOIN YOU FOR LUNCH!

RSVP at www.workfaithconnection.org or contact Micah Wesley at 713.936.5759

The WorkFaith Connection The WorkFaith Connection is a Christ-centered, non-profit that helps people in transition build a new life through work and faith.

vitamins HEALTHY LIVING

live well

BUDGET

LOW CARB relax CARDIOVASCULAR

CONCIERGE MEDICINE

FITNESS health ACTIVE AGING

yoga

FLEXIBILdance ITY

organic

FIRMNESS

PREVENTION

BURN CALORIES

nourish zumba live well MARRIAGE ALLERGIES

BEAUTY BLISS

ENDURANCE VITAMIN D

GUILT FREE

HYDRATE

THE PRIME LIVING GUIDE TO BETTER HEALTH

inside:

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• • • • •

SOOTHING MASSAGE

HEALTH BUZZ WHAT’S NEW FEEL GOOD CHA CHA CHA CHIA BEAUTY BUZZ PRIME FINDS LOOK GOOD BABYFACE BEAUTY A-PEEL BE GOOD PROCESS PRAISE MARCH/APRIL • 2015

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H E A LT H B U Z Z

Story | SALLY J. CLASEN

TEST YOUR NUTRITIONAL IQ

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FIT FUEL FOR BOOMERS

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any things change after age 50—especially your diet and exercise needs. Next Avenue, a PBS website that focuses on helping fiftysomethings navigate the second half of life, recommends the following eating and drinking strategies to get the most from your 30- to 60-minute workout: • Increase protein: Aging adults need more protein to preserve muscle and promote bone health.

• Reduce carbs: Our need for carbs pre- and post-workout decreases the older we get.

• Drink plenty of fluids: The body’s fluid-balance mechanism is less effective as we age, making it necessary to hydrate. Push the fluids before and after a workout to replace fluids lost during sweat.

• Boost omega-3s: Polyunsaturated fats found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines are considered heart-healthy foods, and they also are linked to muscle building, an important post-50 concern.

• Take multivitamins: Calorie consumption wanes as we age, which means important vitamins are not being consumed, particularly vitamin B, a riboflavin believed to be an essential building block during exercise. nextavenue.org

TRENDING HEALTH TERMS

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ccording to Reader’s Digest, we have a few new health-related words to become familiar with. Do you ever feel “hanger?” It’s when you’re hungry and get mood swings due to a drop in blood sugar. Or how about “ingredient anxiety?” This describes the scary feeling toward ingredients you want to avoid in products. Check out rd.com for other trending health terms such as “tight pants syndrome,” “surgeon enthusiasm,” and “coregasm.”

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o you think you are a nutritional smarty pants? Test your food intellect with WebMd’s Nutritional IQ quiz at webmd.com/diet/rm-quiznutrition-iq. You’ll be challenged on a range of nutrition subjects with questions such as, “What’s the recommended intake of protein from seafood?” and “What food is the single largest source of saturated fat in the American diet?”

The 15-question, multiplechoice quiz provides a detailed explanation following each completed question. Good luck!

MARCH: NATIONAL COLORECTAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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arch is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder for you to schedule a colorectal cancer screening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer (cancer of the rectum and colon) is the second-leading cause of cancer among men and women in the United States. If you’re older than age 50, it’s recommended to get screened for the disease, which is highly preventable. Screening tests help prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths), so they can be removed as well as detecting the cancer in the early stage when treatment can be most effective. To view a list of screening options, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

FISH: THE ANTI-CANCER DINNER

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he benefits of a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish, as a way to reduce cancer risks have been hotly debated, but a recent review of studies published in “Nutrition and Cancer: An International Journal” suggests that the right kinds of fatty fish, in the right quantity, and prepared the right way, can in fact help prevent the body’s development of adenocarcinomas, a common type of cancerous tumor. The researchers point out several studies that demonstrate the ability of omega-3 fatty acids to decrease the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), an enzyme which contributes to the genesis and progression of adenocarcinomas.

The comprehensive scientific review boosts the idea that consuming fish can be a preventive anti-cancer measure specifically against adenocarcinomas cancers including the breast, prostate, pancreas, colon and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.

FEEL GOOD

CHA CHA CHA

chia

Story | ANGELA AMBROSE

“Chia Seeds are so nutrientdense, portable and easy to use,” says Davis, who sells chia seed You might recognize them from the drinks, snacks and whole seeds.

Chia Pet plant novelties of the ‘70s, Unlike flaxseed, which must be milled to reap their health but chia seeds have developed a new benefits, chia seeds can be eaten reputation as a superfood. whole or ground without losing nutritional value. Their mild flavor lets them blend well with any food or drink. Sprinkle them on salads marathon, Chandra Davis started acked inside the and cereals; mix them into yogurt, consuming chia seeds and noticed little chia seed omelets and casseroles; or add improvements in her endurance, is a nutritional them to baked goods. recovery time and hydration. powerhouse of omega-3 fatty Chia seeds help you stay “It was the first food that I ever acids, antioxidants, fiber and hydrated. When added to liquids, consumed where I physically felt protein. The use of chia seeds they soak up water and create for food and medicinal purposes better after about three or four days,” says Davis, co-founder of Go a gel consistency that adds a dates back to the ancient unique texture to smoothies, Chia! Superfoods. “It was giving Aztec and Mayan cultures, but fruit juices and puddings while my body the nutrients it needed.” only recently have Americans helping you stay hydrated.

Because chia seeds are loaded discovered their nutritional Chia seeds’ high level of with protein, fiber and healthy benefits. Chia seeds have the antioxidants reduces free radical fats, your body processes them highest level of omega-3 fatty damage to the body, which more slowly, preventing spikes in acids of any plant source, as might lower your risk of diseases. your blood sugar level and giving well as a balanced amount of Antioxidants also act as a natural omega-6 fatty acids. Consuming you more sustained energy and a preservative, giving chia seeds feeling of being full longer. Chia these healthy fats may help reduce inflammation and the risk seeds are also an excellent source of a long shelf life without any deterioration in nutritional calcium, magnesium and boron, of heart disease. which supports good bone health. quality or flavor.

While training for a

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live well

DID YOU KNOW ?

Chia seed oil helps hydrate and brighten your skin and strengthen your hair, according to Kelley Walker, co-founder of The Chia People. She recently introduced Chia Derm+ serum made with 100 percent chia seed oil. “It’s a superfood for your skin,” Walker says.

“I slather it on from my hair to my toes.” She recommends using it on everything from cracked heels and scars to eczema and psoriasis.

Research published in the May 2010 “Annals of Dermatology” showed that chia seed oil improved dry, cracked skin in patients with severe pruritus.

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FOCUS & FUNCTION

PRIME finds HOT NEW SPRING PRODUCTS

GARDEN ESCAPE 6-COLOUR EYE PALETTE WET & DRY

YES TO TOMATOES CONCEALER STICK

available at Target and yestocarrots.com {FOCUS} A natural concealer with acnefighting benefits. {FUNCTION} Formulated with a powerful blend of fruit extracts to help keep skin balanced and clear. A triple blemish threat—it treats, covers and reduces redness.

Free of petroleum, parabens and SLS, naturally.

available on clarins.com

CHIC BUDS CLUTCHETTE POWER

{FOCUS} New, just in time for spring. A smoothing, longlasting eye palette with various finishes.

{FUNCTION} Hues of pink, pearly white, spring greens and {FOCUS} Inside each Clutchette is a lightweight, ultrathin battery intense taupe. Limited edition. to recharge smart phones and USB devices. available on chicbuds.com

{FUNCTION} With built-in USB cords, it provides most smart phones with a full charge. Stylish enough to be carried alone and small enough to throw into a bigger purse or bag.

SILK’N PEDI

available at silkn.com {FOCUS} A callus remover that helps to achieve smooth, touchable feet. {FUNCTION} This portable and compact tool provides desired results in minutes.

FIND MORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS ON prime-living.com

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JANE IREDALE JUST KISSED LIP AND CHEEK STAIN IN FOREVER PEACH available at janeiredale.com {FOCUS} A multipurpose lip and cheek stain. {FUNCTION} A long-lasting, all natural stain that adjusts to an individual’s own chemistry. Olive butter, avocado butter and wild rose wax soothe and soften lips while rose flower wax and beeswax nourish and moisturize.

BELLATORRA UPLIFTING ACTIVATING MIST available at bellatorra.com

{FOCUS} A natural alternative to going under the needle providing immediate lifting effects. {FUNCTION} Formulated with a copper-rich ingredient that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also protects from free radical damage and soothes irritated skin, revealing a youngerlooking complexion.

YES TO CARROTS | CHIC BUDS | SILKN.COM | CLARINS | JANE IREDALE | BELLATORRA

live well

LOOK GOOD

live well

Babyface BEAUTY A-PEEL Story | JESSICA MEBANE

Chemical peels might be the new star on everyone’s beauty to-do list, but before you try your hand at this sort of DIY facial rejuvenation, let’s review some basic details.

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here once chemical peels were offered primarily as a spa service administered by a licensed esthetician, chemical peel systems are now popping up at a dizzying rate, and it’s hard for the casual consumer to know what works best.

Depending upon whether you’re trying to smooth old acne scars, reduce fine lines, sun damage and freckles, or just turn up the volume on your skin’s overall glow, different products have specific ingredients to produce distinctly varied results. Also, remember that babyface skin really is as delicate as any newborn, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen.

PADDING RESULTS TO WIN Peter Thomas Roth UnWrinkle Peel Pads offer a streamlined approach to the chemical peel, with a proprietary blend of alpha, beta and gamma exfoliators “which are designed to work alone to exfoliate the skin for the superior glow of a professional facial peel.” Keeping in mind that chemical peels stimulate the skin’s collagen and elastin—aka the twin-power engines of brighter, small-pored skin—the Un-Wrinkle Pads can be used daily on your face, hands and décolleté, in conjunction with the recommended UnWrinkle Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30. peterthomasroth.com

BRUSH OFF THE DECADES Switzerland’s La Prairie has been setting standards for luxury anti-aging products since 1978 and now offers a Cellular 3-Minute Peel, which “serves as a ‘booster’ working to uncover renewed, refreshed and vibrant skin.” In addition to the peel product fortified with the crucial, professional AHAs and BHAs that speed the new skin cells to the surface, La Prairie includes a salon-type brush applicator to rid skin of debris without irritation. laprairie.com

the skin to exfoliate old skin cells.

Then apply the same amount of Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel over the crystals (you’ll feel a momentary warm sensation), leave on for three minutes, and then rinse off to reveal brighter, tighter skin. sephora.com

3 MINUTES, 2 STEPS, 1 NEW YOU The folks at Philosophy believe that “peels are a requirement of great-looking skin,” and toward that end offer a two-step, Microdelivery Dual Phase Peel product that will help you get your glow on after just one application. Start off with a clean, dry face and apply approximately 1 teaspoon of the Vitamin C/ Peptide Resurfacing Crystals product, and massage gently into

LA PRAIRIE | PHILOSOPHY | PETER THOMAS ROTH

NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL

Maybe you’ve been apprehensive about chemical peels after seeing a few celeb Instagram photos of puffy, distended skin turned an angry shade of lobster red, and with good reason.

We asked Emily Collins, licensed esthetician and manager of Ritual Salon + Spa in Austin, about chemical peels and she offered this advice: “Basically, there are three acid ingredients that any peel may have which stimulate skin’s surface renewal. Glycolic Acid is great for general, overall anti-aging and softening of the skin. If you want to reduce sun damage, splotches or have dark-complected skin, then lactic acid is the ingredient to look for because it has the fattiest structure, and works slowly but evenly. If you’re trying to reduce the appearance of acne, salicylic acid is the ingredient which works the fastest and penetrates the deepest to smooth over scarred skin tissue.” Ask your doctor if you have any confusion about what your skin type requires, and most of all, don’t forget your protective creams.

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BE GOOD

PROCESS PRAISE REPLACING ‘ENTITLEMENT’ IN PRAISE AND CREATING SELF-RESPECT No matter where you are, if little ones are around, it won’t take long before you’ll hear, “You’re so smart,” “You’re so pretty,” or “You’re the best on the team.”

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t’s normal to think your child or grandchild is brilliant, better looking and more capable than any other child; however that attitude taken to the extreme can aid in creating a society of children who feel entitled.

Would you be surprised to learn that the majority of freshman college students score high on narcissism? What did we expect? These children have been raised with being praised for their every action and that praise has instilled an attitude of entitlement. Children actually believe they deserve a high paying job, a beautiful home and exotic trips.

When you talk to them in-depth and ask them how they plan to acquire these privileges, they have no plan other than knowing their parents had it, so they will, too.

A much wiser approach is something we call “process praise,” which means you begin to notice and comment on the strategy the child used to figure something out. You focus less on natural talents and more on effort. You teach them that Praise doesn’t build confidence; the brain, just like their other in fact, too much praise makes muscles, can grow, which helps a child less motivated to take the child understand that the risks and try new things. If you more effort they make, the more continually tell a child how well success they will likely see. This they spell, they expect and are helps children understand that motivated to get more praise challenges are good, and the for spelling. Forget the other brain can learn new ways of subjects, or sports, because they doing things. get praised for spelling well. This Here are three suggestions for narrows the child’s world and starting a plan of process praise: they don’t branch out or build Don’t praise as much as you confidence by trying new things may have in the past and, when and failing at some. you do, begin with praising effort

or attempts at trying new things.

Telling a child you like the way they tried something new is going to be more helpful to them than praising something they are already good at.

Praise their strategy, or thinking. “Wow, you really had to use out-of-the-box thinking to come up with that plan.”

Never lie to them or tell them they are good at something they are not. Children know the truth…if you say it’s a good job and it isn’t, they will stop trusting you or believing you.

Children get discouraged and when parents give blanket praise such as, “You’re so smart” or “You’re such a good pitcher,” children begin to think, “This is what I am,” or “This is what I do.” A child can be smart, musical, compassionate and so much more. When parents teach children to accept challenges, try new things and risk not being the best, they challenge them to grow and exercise their brain. Everyone has natural talents and weaknesses. The key is to help a child feel confident enough in their strengths to risk appearing weak in areas that need more strengthening.

Let’s bring back good oldfashioned effort and teach our children the value of working toward their dreams.

MARY JO RAPINI Mary Jo Rapini is a Houston-based psychotherapist specializing in sex and relationships. In addition to being a speaker, author and TV personality, she shares her expert advice Tuesday mornings on Mix 96.5 and Friday mornings on Fox 26 Houston. For information, visit maryjorapini.com.

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Chaired by Robin Klaes and Tany Jeter Klaes Tuesday, March 3, 2015 11:30 AM River Oaks Country Club

honoring Ginger Bertrand • Liz Glanville • Heather Holmes Kathleen Jennings • Anna McLean Sheila Partin • Michelle Smith • Kim Sterling Laura Sweeney • Keely Thorne

parting

stopFLOWERS smell AND

THE

Move over bluebonnet, there’s another blue flower that loves our Texas climate too! Blue Curls aka Fiddlenecks aka Caterpillars.

This spring we encourage you to stop and smell the flowers. Find these beautiful buds plus many more at the Lady Bird Johnson

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Wildflower Center in Austin. wildflower.org PRIME-LIVING.COM

LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

SHOT

A Prime Location Meeting in Minneapolis? Traveling to the Twin Cities for fun? Stay at the award-winning Commons Hotel, featuring 304 guestrooms and suites conveniently located next to downtown Minneapolis.

Dine at The Beacon Public House and enjoy farm-to-table fresh, locally inspired menus. Boasting 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, Commons Hotel is the smart choice for events and meetings. No matter what brings you to Minneapolis, Commons Hotel is the smart choice.

Visit www.commonshotel.com for special packages and rates

commonshotel.com | 800.822.6757 615 Washington Avenue S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55414

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