The Luxury Lifestyle Magazine of Texas
bond
destination Channel your inner secret agent and jet off to exotic locations worthy of 007
Dream Weaver One woman’s quest to bring hope to Afghan women
The Game for Her Ladies rule at the country’s top golf destinations
What a Rush Test your limits with adrenaline-fueled adventures
presents —
ASID show
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door . Online at ASIDtgcc.org
May 11-27 22 Ivy Bend . Sugar Land, 77479 Wednesdays-Fridays 10am-3pm Saturdays 10am-5pm Sundays Noon-5pm
VistaFontana
Experience the Old World splendor of a luxurious Tuscan-style villa by Teramor Homes
May 11-27 during the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID Texas Gulf Coast) Show Home Tour, which showcases top design trends and innovations by Houston’s leading designers in one of the nation’s top communities.
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Luxurious Waterside Living in Fort Bend
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Williams Trace
Home tour
From US-59 in Sugar Land take Hwy 6 south 3 miles . 281.499.8700 showcase near university blvd and lJ Parkway In compliance with the Internal Revenue Code sections 6113 and 6710 and related rules and regulations, all advertising and promotional materials for the Show House will include express and conspicuous statement that “Contributions or gifts to the Texas Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and/or the 2013 ASID TGCC Show House are not tax deductible.�
The Gold standard of Excellence for Private jet Travel.
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Simplicity | Fle xibility | Peace of Mind A portion of each sale is donated to the United Way of Greater Houston.
features
weaving ea g
HOPE 22 One woman’s quest to change the world one patient step at a time
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destination bond
After 50 years of 007, the films—and all their exotic locations—remain legendary
58
fore the ladies
Female-friendly courses go above and beyond with more than just golf
may/june • 2013
3
alsoinside
12
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Karyn Dean
9 • cocktails & conversation • Where to Go, What to Do Buzz • Prime Finds • Winged Wonders • My Life Bonding Agent • To the Extreme • Lighten Up
kdean@prime-living.com
Publisher Terry Dean
tdean@prime-living.com
39 • connoisseur • PL’s Guide to Discerning Taste Table Talk • Past, Future, All Present • Best in Show Salad de la Mer • Cinco Style
Managing Editor Michelle Jacoby
mjacoby@prime-living.com
51 • the gentlemen’s room • For the man who commands the very best Grape Escape • Luxury Made Over Financing the Passion for Travel • Dads & Grads • San Antonio Swings 64 • escape • Greetings from destinations near and far Enlightened Explorer • Canyon Lake 69 • live well • Feel Good, Look Good Here Comes the Sun • Health Buzz • Prime Time The Need for Intimacy • Sprains & Strains
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Editorial Assistant Ginny McCord gmccord@srgserv.com
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director of marketing Jennifer Dean Circulation/ Distribution Brian Stavert
bstavert@prime-living.com
Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon
list
www.luckyyoucreative.com
jend@prime-living.com
76 • prime list • Events, Galas and Fundraisers PRIME Living March/April Preview Party • Keels & Wheels Uncorked
the
Art Direction & Design LuckyYou! Creative Erin Loukili Misty Voitovski
Contact 311 Julie Rivers Drive Sugar Land, Texas 77498 281.277.2333
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Editorial Inquiries editor@prime-living.com Advertising Inquiries advertise@prime-living.com subscribe AT www.prime-living.com
78 The Luxury
LifesTyLe
Magazine
of Texas
bond
destination inner secret Channel your off to exotic agent and jet y of 007 locations worth
on the cover Weaver Dream quest to bring
One woman’s women hope to Afghan
e for Her’s The Gam rule at the country Ladies
ions top golf destinat
What a Rush
with Test your limits res d adventu adrenaline-fuele
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©2013 Prime Living Magazine is a publication of SRG Services, Inc., published bi-monthly. Copies are mailed and hand-delivered to households and businesses throughout the greater Houston area. 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.
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Whether you’re dreaming of living out your 007 secret agent fantasy or simply looking for an exotic escape, Prime Living’s annual travel issue is guaranteed to satisfy your wanderlust in style.
800-442-7149 ExploreBranson.com FEATURING OVER 100 LIVE SHOWS • SILVER DOLLAR CITY • TITANIC MUSEUM • THREE PRISTINE LAKES BRANSON LANDING • FISHING • BOATING • MUSEUMS • SPAS • GOLF • ZIP LINES OUTLET SHOPPING • DINING • RESORTS • HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
publisher’s note
Spies, espionage,
secret agents—these werewords used,sometimes
romantically,
coming up Looking to tempt your taste buds with some of the finest culinary offerings in Texas? Get the dish in our annual Food & Wine issue.
code decoded Throughout Prime Living, you’ll find QR codes, designed to heighten your reading experience. Here’s how to use them: 1. From your mobile phone, download any free QR code scanning app. 2. Scan codes, like the one below, for fun surprises and special offers. Happy Scanning!
Joanne Herring & Karyn Dean U.S. Trust/ARZU STUDIO HOPE Exhibition • 01.28.13
in books
and movies.
G
iven the current tension between North Korea and South Korea, I’m reminded that as a kid, we knew little about the inner workings of government during times of national threats. Spies, espionage, secret agents—these were words used, sometimes romantically, in books and movies. Especially James Bond movies. We recently saw JB, as I affectionately refer to him, in “Skyfall.” It was bittersweet, but I dare not say more! Who doesn’t remember “Moonraker” and the famous scene with Jaws vs. 007 duking it out on the cable car headed to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro? If you’re a fan of 007, then you’ll love reminiscing about the exotic destinations that only JB could get to in “Destination Bond” (page 26). Test your secret agent 007 trivia knowledge in “Bonding Agent” (page 16) and, for those who want to dress the part, our resident style expert Roseann Rogers has some great recommendations in “Prime Finds” (page 12). Our feature profile in this issue is about Connie Duckworth and the amazing things she is accomplishing through ARZU Studio Hope, an organization that empowers women through economic sustainability. Read all about it in “Weaving Hope” (page 22). I attended a private event earlier this year hosted by U.S. Trust to hear Connie and Karen Hughes speak about ARZU as they showcased some of the rugs from their Masters Collection. As I told Joanne Herring after the event, Connie had me at, “they need help.” A big “thank you” to both Scott Summerall and Samantha Kennedy for introducing us to Connie and her mission! Learn what’s “hot” from Tina Kuhlmann with Primrose Designs (primerosedi.com) when it comes to lighting and chandeliers in “Lighten Up” (page 20). A special thanks to Kaydean Bott, Vanguard Studio in Austin, for supplying us with some amazing photos of unusual places in the home to hang a chandelier…like over a pool! And while you’re thinking about how you can integrate a chandelier into your space, be sure to check out our recommendations for your man cave or “wine cave” in this case in “Grape Escape” (page 52). Who knew wine collecting could be so high tech? Thanks to Joseph Kline and Curtis Dahl, who educated us on what’s new in the man cave/wine cave world. With summer approaching, this is the time of year we begin to think about venturing outdoors and down to the Gulf for some great seafood. However, great seafood—especially crab—can be found throughout Texas. See our picks for some of the best crab salad in “Salad de la Mer” (page 46). And what would May be without an ice-cold, salt-rimmed glass filled to the top with your favorite margarita to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Kimberly Park and her team pulled together some great suggestions for how to celebrate your May 5th in “Cinco Style” (page 48). Viva la margarita, I always say! Happy Mother’s and Father’s days, everyone! kdean@prime-living.com P.S. For more food and drink recipes and suggestions, see our bonus content online at prime-living.com.
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I chose the MD Anderson close to me
- Gary Truver, Jr.
When I had cancer, the world’s leading care was right here. My team of experts focused only on me and my cancer. They guided me through advanced MD Anderson treatment options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, clinical trials and support services. They customized a plan just for me. Three months after I completed treatment, my mom was also diagnosed with cancer. MD Anderson was there for both of us. Having MD Anderson in our community kept me close to my wife and three boys, and my mom close to her grandsons. I chose the MD Anderson close to me. Find Your MD Anderson today.
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cocktails & conversation
cocktails & conversation the prime living guide to what's happening now
inside:
10 14 15 16 18 20
• • • • • •
The Buzz | What's New Point of Interest | Winged Wonders My Life | Golf Ball Diver Nostalgia | Bonding Agent Bucket List | To the Extreme Design | Lighten Up may/june • 2013
9
buzz
soul O F >> for the philanthropist
feed your
n May 18, Whole Foods Market and the Houston Food Bank will come together to present the ninth annual Empty Bowls Houston fundraiser. For a minimum donation of $25, attendees will enjoy a lunch of soup and bread served in a bowl made and donated by a local artist. With more than 1,000 bowls to choose from, attendees will have a lasting reminder of the Houston community’s fight against hunger. The event will be held at Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, 4848 Main, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. houstonfoodbank.org
>> for the book lover
a devil is waiting
jack higgins
orty years ago, working at my first newspaper, I reviewed a new novel by Jack Higgins, the first time I ever thought about fiction in print. Today, amazingly, I’m still thinking about fiction in print. And even more amazingly, he’s still writing it. According to the copyright notices, this fellow’s real name is Harry Patterson. And, in addition to growing up around gunplay and bombs in Belfast, his dust jacket bio says he’s lived a writer’s resume that’s too good to be true: spending time in the Royal Horseguards in Eastern Europe before serving as “a circus roustabout, a factory worker, a truck driver, and a laborer, before entering college at age twenty-seven.” Today, this Patterson guy (not to be confused with James Patterson, who already publishes enough new books each year) has a Ph.D., it says. Jack Higgins has written successfully about Nazis during World War II (“The Eagle Has Landed”) and about American Mafiosi of the same period (“Luciano’s Luck”). But after many bestsellers that became big-budget films, he’s found his fascination (and happily his very bad bad guys) among the jihadists gathered around al Qaeda. His new thriller, “A Devil Is Waiting,” deals with the latest efforts by that terrorist group to destroy Western civilization after the killing of Osama bin Laden. It’s up to Higgins’ oh-so-Irish-actor-turned-terrorist-turned-hero Sean Dillon to, as it he does in book after book, fight fire with fire. Now that Higgins has his recurring cast of characters, the individual books are a little hard to tell apart. I am glad he finds many of his titles (like this one) in evocative Irish proverbs, with no small amount of witty, profane Irish and Cockney blather along the way. Most of all, he has an unflinching grasp of the good, which is eternally pitted against the evil. And these days, he finds more than enough of that in the headlines to keep him from digging too far back into history. – John DeMers
>> for the couch potato
guy of all W
trades
hen it comes to furniture design, Christopher Guy Harrison is all about versatility. The designer’s repertoire includes everything from seating and tables, to cabinets and bedroom furnishings, to decorative accents and lighting. Born in Britain, raised in Spain and France, and now residing in Singapore, Harrison’s international background is reflected in his distinctive designs that have graced the homes of Hollywood celebrities, as well as luxury hotels and resorts around the globe. With the U.S. flagship showroom in West Hollywood, Calif., Christopher Guy also has showrooms in London at Harrods, Singapore, and China. The company recently opened showrooms at the Las Vegas Design Center and the New York Design Center. Christopher Guy designs are available in Houston at Noel Furniture, 2727 Southwest Freeway, and Dallas at J. Douglas Design, 3301 Oak Lawn Ave. christopherguy.com
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Penguin Group | Christopher Guy | Houston Food Bank
cocktails & conversation.
buzz
cocktails & conversation
>> for the Beach Bum
glowing
revue T
he summer season officially kicks off May 17-18 when Galveston Island hosts the fifth annual Galveston Island Beach Revue. Each year, the island presents this summer celebration, complete with parades, family events, bathing suit contest, music and entertainment. New this
retail relocation Candace Dobson, Islander By Choice LLC | Annie Allbritton | Phoenix Entertainment
>> for the clothes hound
year is a Friday night parade to kick off the weekend celebration, and as a baseball game on closing night. The weekend’s main event is crowd-favorite Bathing Beauties Contest. This year’s event features 40 contestants dressed in retro swimwear reminiscent of the classic pinup styles worn by the likes of Esther Williams, Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. The celebration caps off with “Game Day at the Galvez,” presented by the Hotel Galvez & Spa. Watch the Houston Babies take on the Katy Combines in this period baseball game, complete with authentic rules, equipment and team uniforms. Then end the evening with live music by Austin’s own The Bellfuries. galvestonbeachrevue.com
nights
>> for the arts enthusiast
star-ry
H
ouston boutiques are on the move this spring. Casa de Novia Bridal Couture and Atrium Ready to Wear have moved to the River Oaks Shopping Center, near the América’s Restaurant at the corner of Shepherd and West Gray. Joining them is newcomer Annie Allbritton Clothing & Boutique, a shop offering unique women’s apparel and adornments. Owner Annie Odum opened the boutique in March, after several years managing a specialty retail business in the Dallas area. 2015-A W. Gray. 713-5212900, annieallbritton.com
E
arly summer in Houston is the perfect time to catch an outdoor show…especially when it’s Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” the outrageous musical comedy inspired by Python’s classic film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Presented by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS), the show features music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Eric Idle and John Du Prez. This irreverent parody of the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table has received three Tony Awards, including Best Musical. TUTS will present the musical from May 14-26 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby. 713-558-8887, tuts.com
may/june • 2013
11
style
prime finds
The latest and greatest on the season’s fashion front
get your
n celebration of 50 years of our favorite secret agent, you too can dress the Bond part with 007-inspired looks. Tom Ford’s eyewear, for instance, will help you channel your secret agent with the slick, stylish and oh-so sexy “William” aviators for men, and the “Nakita” women’s sunglasses for all you wanna-be Bond girls. You can also play the “official” spy part with Prada’s black large leather brief caring case with flap and buckles. All products are available at Neiman Marcus. neimanmarcus.com
I
all about
b&w F
t’s unanimous: Summer 2013 is all about black and white, literally from head to toe. From skirts and shirts, to bags and bracelets, you’ll see black and white stripes, polka dots and patterns everywhere. Top designers like Dolce & Gabbana will feature black heavily paired with white, while Michael Kors uses a splash of color. Want to add a little oomph to your black-and-white look? Try this fabulous cuff on for size and accessorize. Available at A Bientot, 2501 River Oaks Blvd. 713-523-3997, shopabientot.com
ADLER
amed accessory designer Jonathan Adler has more than 20 stores worldwide and has now set up shop at the ever-so-popular hot spot, West Ave. The boutique marks Adler’s third in Texas; Dallas and Austin locations opened last year. The Houston location features “a gift bar” with variety of offerings and a defined room of vignettes created to allow clients to be able to envision how pieces may work in their own home. 2800 Kirby Dr. jonathanadler.com
Roseann Rogers Known as Houston’s "Buzz Lady" for her years on TV, Roseann Rogers has been on top of the Houston fashion, social and entertainment scene for 17 years. She is a regular contributor to Prime Living, a public relations and business development director, licensed real estate agent and active philanthropist.
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prime-living.com
Get in step with the latest looks at these upcoming trunk shows
Houston Neiman Marcus, Galleria May 2 Stephanie Anne
BOnd on I
summer of
in style May 2-3 Rubin Singer May 3-4 Linda Bergman May 6-8 Oscar de la Renta May 8 Stephen Dweck
May 11 Konstantino May 16-17 Escada May 20-21 Rena Lange May 31 Dominique Cohen June 1 Jamie Wolf June 5 Lagos
May 9 David Yurman
June 6 David Yurman
May 10 Lagos
June 7 Armenta
June 8 John Hardy
Tootsies (Houston) May 2-5 Lela Rose
May 9-10 Jill Reno
May 6-12 Ashley Pittman
May 14-15 Corneila Guest
May 8-9 Marchesa
Dallas Neiman Marcus, Northpark May 2 Armenta May 3 Ippolita May 7 Stephen Dweck May 8 John Hardy May 9 Konstantino May 10 Jude Frances May 10-11 Boucheron
May 16 Elizabeth Locke May 21-22 Escada May 23-24 Dena Kemp June 6 Dominique Cohen June 7 David Yurman June 8 John Hardy
Tootsies (Dallas) May 2 Finley
May 10-11 Marchesa
Events subject to change.
Presmer | Prada | Tom Ford | Jonathan Adler
cocktails & conversation.
L
5 QUESTIONS WITH ELAINE TURNER
uxury accessories designer Elaine Turner believes in giving back, having fun, connecting to people and always looking and feeling glamorous. Get to know the Texas-based designer and see where she draws her creative inspiration. Q: WHERE DID YOUR INTEREST IN DESIGN COmE FROm?
RICE VILLAGE, CITYCENTRE & THE WOODLANDS
Growing up, our family vacations were in the Caribbean and my mother’s home is a very colonial tropical environment. I was inspired by the surroundings of crystal clear water and white sand, and I became enamored with the luxurious interior design of the resorts we stayed in. I became obsessed with all things tortoise, raffia and bamboo, and the picture rounded out at that moment of, I really want to be able to design and create these products that are a reflection of my experiences and my dreams of the Caribbean as a child.
Q: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TODAY?
All my collections start with color and then prints, art and architecture, but the big one is travel. I approach things through my heart, so when I travel what resonates with me is the people and merging with that culture. I am also inspired by modernizing classic nostalgic shapes.
Q: WHAT IS THE “ELAINE TURNER DREAm ExPERIENCE”? When a woman walks into an Elaine Turner store, I want her to feel like she’s experiencing something on an emotional level and let the reality of everyday life go. An Elaine Turner boutique is like a candy store where a woman can engage in all these beautiful accessories and that’s how she can update her look.
Q: WHAT IS THE mESSAGE YOU WANT TO CONVEY TO WOmEN WHO SHOP THE ELAINE TURNER BRAND?
Ultimately, my goal is for women who acquire my products to feel like that product incorporates into her everyday life, bringing her a sense of joy, fantasy and escapism, but all the while, being very tangible and functional for her.
RICE VILLAGE FLAGSHIP BOUTIQUE 2439 University Blvd.| Houston, TX 77005 ET2@ElaineTurner.com | 713.255.0052
CITYCENTRE BOUTIQUE
800 Town & Country Blvd.| Houston, TX 77024 ET3@ElaineTurner.com | 713.255.9095
THE WOODLANDS BOUTIQUE
9595 Six Pines Drive | The Woodlands, Texas 77380 ET6@ElaineTurner.com | 832.585.0805
www.ElaineTurner.com
cocktails & conversation.
point of interest
butterfly FAQs
Story | Holly Beretto
W
hen you think of butterflies and where they’re most abundant, warm and tropical places—like California, Hawaii and Mexico—usually come to mind. But you may be surprised to learn that more species of butterflies can be found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, located in the southernmost tip of Texas, than anywhere else in the United States. While this area has long been a favorite of bird enthusiasts, it has recently begun to be recognized for the quantity and diversity of butterflies found only here. Because of this, the North American Butterfly Association, headquartered in Morristown, N.J., opened the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. The flagship project is a 100-acre wildlife center and native species botanical garden that contains trails for exploring, observation areas, educational exhibits and a plant nursery. Of the 700-plus known species of butterflies
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prime-living.com
in the U.S., more than 300 of them may be seen in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and more than 200 species have been documented at the center. Visitors to the center are introduced to a variety of native plant species, purposefully selected to provide feeding and breeding habitat for butterflies, caterpillars and birds. These host plants attract butterflies in search of sustenance and serve to support the center’s mission of “growing connections” between people, plants and butterflies that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. In addition to the evergrowing gardens and trails, the property also boasts a birding area and the new Visitor’s Pavilion, designed by Wendy Evans Joseph, principal architect of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and the Women’s Museum in Dallas. Fundraising for the next phase of development, the Texas Butterfly Gardens, is currently underway, with the goal of showcasing the
country’s largest native plant botanical garden at this worldclass facility. Open seven days a week, visitors can enjoy the grounds year-round. However, peak butterfly migration season usually runs late October through December. This time of year provides great opportunities to see butterflies in flight all around the center. For this reason, the National Butterfly Center hosts contests and special events, such as the annual Texas Butterfly Festival and the Rio Grande Prix of Butterflying ‘Big Day’ Species Count. In the fall, the center also hosts the North American Butterfly photo contest. Events are open to everyone interested in learning more about butterflies and wildlife conservation. national butterfly center 3333 butterfly park dr., mission 956-583-5400 nationalbutterfly center.org
There are approximately 20,000 species of butterflies in the world, with about 725 species in North America.
How long does a butterfly live?
An adult butterfly has an average lifespan of one month. The smallest butterflies may live only a week, while larger ones— like Monarchs—can live up to nine months.
What is the origin of the word “butterfly?”
While no one really knows the origin of the word, it’s believed to have come from the butter-yellow color of common European butterflies called sulphurs.
What do butterflies eat?
Most adult butterflies drink nectar from flowers with their tongues, which function like straws. A minority of them never visit flowers, however, instead eating tree sap and other organic material.
Do butterflies have a sense of smell? Yes, they have chemoreceptors at the ends of their antennas and on the bottoms of their “feet.”
Source: North American Butterfly Association
National Butterfly Center
winged wonders
How many kinds of butterflies are there?
my life
cocktails & conversation
it's a crazy thing to do, but i've enjoyed it.
i don't plan on stopping any time soon.
golf ball
diver steve helms
G
Story | holly beretto
Photography | Dan price
rowing up in Rhode Island, Steve Helms was always around the water—and around the golf course. His family’s home was on the 11th tee of a Portsmouth course and as a kid, he’d hunt through the bushes for lost balls, then wash and sell them to golfers passing by the backyard. Little did he know it would become a career. “I’m the guy who puts on scuba gear and gets into the water and goes after the balls,” he says, putting what he does in the simplest of terms. In more in-depth words, he works with 200 golf courses and a small army of contractors across the country (mostly in Central Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, as well as Ohio and Maryland, among others) to get into lakes and water features, find errant balls, wash and refurbish them, and then sell them to retail vendors, individuals and golf courses. He retrieves more than 2.5 million golf balls every year and says it’s a green business, combining both recycling and working to cut down on pollution. Traveling around in a motor home with his wife, this self-proclaimed former cubicle employee says he’s found all manner of interesting things: golf clubs, weed whackers, leaf blowers, even cell phones and glasses. One of his most exciting finds was a rare two-toned PING golf ball in black and silver, which he later sold on eBay to a collector in England. “This business keeps me in shape,” says the 54-year-old, who estimates he’s out diving four or five days a week. “I love the water and I’ve always been athletic and this combines those things. It’s a crazy thing to do, but I’ve enjoyed it. I don’t plan on stopping any time soon.”
may/june • 2013
15
cocktails & conversation.
nostalgia
Bonding Story | Bruce Farr
“Bond. James Bond.” Arguably, the most famous introduction uttered in moviedom, these three words opened up an entire universe of cinematic action, adventure, sex and mayhem for generations of moviegoers.
T
he introduction was uttered, of course, by the incomparable British secret agent James Bond. Known also by his code name “007,” no one could argue that Bond’s thrilling exploits have become the stuff of cinematic legend. And, as if to prove the point, the big-screen franchise that has thrilled audiences for 50 years continues to pack movie houses with new generations of Bond fans the world over. Through the decades, Bond’s portrayers have come and gone repeatedly, with varying degrees of popularity. Some diehard
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prime-living.com
Agent
fans proclaim that no actor could embody the essence of 007 with more pluck, aplomb and downright sexiness than the original Bond of filmdom, Sean Connery. It was the Scottish leading man who opened the Bond brigade in 1962 with the megahit “Dr. No.” For the record, there have been six cinematic Bonds who appeared in 23 Bond films. They are (in order): Connery, George
Did you know? Looks-wise, there’s been plenty of variation from the original James Bond, Sean Connery, to the present one, Daniel Craig. But how did Bond’s creator Ian Fleming actually envision him as appearing? The answer is surprising: Fleming described the ideal Bond as resembling 1950s-era American singer and songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. Perhaps best known for penning the hit song “Stardust,” Carmichael is actually mentioned as a Bond lookalike by Fleming in at least two of his Bond books.
Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and, most recently, Daniel Craig. Bond was the brainchild of British author and journalist Ian Fleming, who reportedly based his protagonist on some of his fellow officers in the British Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War. In Fleming’s vision of him, Bond was an amalgam of several romantic types: part commando, part impeccably mannered officer, and in large part swoon-inducing ladies’ man. Surprising to some, between 1952 and his death in 1964, Fleming penned only 12 Bond adventure novels and two collections of related short stories. The most recent Bond film treatments were actually done by screenwriters seeking to carry on the Fleming/Bond style and tradition. The films were originally brought to the big screen by producer Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli, who later handed the reins to his daughter, Barbara. She continues today to head up the production company responsible for the James Bond movies. In its entirety, the series of James Bond films is reported to have generated some of the largest box-office returns in movie history, to date, more than $5 billion.
007 trivia 1
In “Goldfinger” and “Thunderball,” James Bond drives a sports car that has since become widely associated with the secret agent. The car was a: A. BMW 750 il B. Porsche 911 C. Sunbeam Alpine D. Aston Martin DB5 E. Ferrari Testarossa
2
Pick the one leading lady in the following list who was not a “Bond girl” featured in a James Bond film. A. Vesper Lynd B. Poison Ivy C. Jinx D. Pussy Galore E. Anya Amasova
3
In a famous line from one of the Bond movies, 007 orders a martini in this manner: A. “Shaken, and not stirred.” B. “On the rocks, with two olives.” C. “Hold the Vermouth . . . right between your legs.” D. “Straight up and dirty.” E. “Icy as the Queen in the House of Commons.”
cocktails & conversation
nostalgia
Who’s that Villain?
Match the Bond bad guy or girl on the left with the movie he or she appeared in on the right. Villain
Movie
Rosa Klebb
“You Only Live Twice”
Ernst Stavro Blofield
“Casino Royale”
Hugo Drax
“A View to a Kill”
Max Zorin
“From Russia with Love”
General Orlov
“Moonraker”
Le Chiffre
“Octopussy”
Name that (Bond) Tune!
Of the theme songs that have been played over the Bond films’ opening sequences, four have been nominated for Academy Awards, with one winning song of the year. Circle the four songs. “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey “Nobody Does it Better” by Carly Simon “You Only Live Twice” by Nancy Sinatra “Goldeneye” by Tina Turner “For Your Eyes Only” by Sheena Easton “A View to a Kill (Dance into the Fire)” by Duran Duran “Thunderball” by Tom Jones “Skyfall” by Adele “Tomorrow Never Dies” by Sheryl Crow
Name that (Bond) Tune Answers: “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney from the film of the same name. “Nobody Does it Better” by Carly Simon from “The Spy who Loved Me.” “For Your Eyes Only” by Sheena Easton from the film of the same name. “Skyfall” by Adele from the movie of the same name, won an Oscar for “Best Original Song” at the 2012 Academy Awards. Who's that Villain? Answers: Rosa Klebb, “From Russia With Love.” Ernst Stavro Blofeld, “You Only Live Twice” (also appeared in “From Russia With Love” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”). Hugo Drax, “Moonraker.” Max Zorin, “A View to a Kill.” General Orlov, “Octopussy.” Le Chiffre, “Casino Royale.”. 007 Trivia Answers: 1. D. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is a classic and, for 007, was equipped with radar, machine guns, oil slick dispensers, smoke screens, a bulletproof windshield and Bond’s famous passenger ejector seat. 2. B. As portrayed by Uma Thurman, “Poison Ivy” actually appeared as a character in the 1997 film “Batman and Robin.” 3. A. Sean Connery uttered the line in 1964’s “Goldfinger.” may/june • 2013
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cocktails & conversation.
bucket list
Whether you’re powered by wind or by your own two feet, these adrenaline-pumping experiences will test your mettle.
Story | Jake Poinier
extreme
Chairmen of the Kiteboard The sport of kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, came of age in Hawaii not quite two decades ago, but the major strides in user-friendly gear in the past three or four years have turned it into a worldwide phenomenon. “It used to be considered an extreme sport that crossed over from windsurfers, waterskiers and wakeboarders, but now many people are coming to it as their first ocean sport,” says David Dorn, co-founder of Hawaii’s Action Sports Maui. Getting started can be as simple as a threehour Discover Kiteboarding introduction, or as rigorous as a 15-hour, five-day course with options including semi-private and family lessons, as well as camps. The lagoon
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area inside the reef offers a good practice area with mild conditions, where instructors go over the technical aspects that will get you up and riding before heading into the more challenging open water. Best of all, Action Sports Maui is one of about 140 IKO Affiliated Kite Centers around the world. “It’s really evolved into a destination sport, and with locations in Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as the U.S., IKO is the world’s largest kiteboarding network,” Dorn says. “Our goal is to make people independent so they can participate safely, and when they get certified, they can even rent gear with minimal investment.” actionsportsmaui.com
before you go Aspiring kiteboarders must know how to swim, be comfortable in ocean conditions and have a reasonable level of fitness and strength. Many IKO instructors have taken specialty courses for teaching people with disabilities, so call ahead to find out if they can accommodate your needs.
Action Sports Maui
to the
bucket list
cocktails & conversation
A Mighty Wind
Seaworthy, ocean-going sailboat? Check. Unflappable captain and crew? Check. Life raft and requisite safety equipment? Check. GPS and backup? Check. Pilot charts? Check. Doing an Atlantic crossing is on the bucket list of many a sailor, and the good news is that technology has made the trek more accessible than ever. “It’s a piece of cake compared to what it was,” says Steve Colgate, former Olympic and America’s Cup sailor, and founder of Fort Myers, Fla.-based Offshore Sailing School. “You don’t have to know celestial navigation if you’ve got backup GPS. Dead reckoning, carefully done, can be amazingly accurate and your landfall will probably be within a few miles of where you hope to be.” Colgate, who has raced across the Atlantic six times, emphasizes the importance of a solid, well-equipped craft as well as experienced crew members equal to the task.
“You never know what you’re going to run into with ocean and wind conditions,” he says. Which way should you go? Following the Columbus route, east to west, offers trade winds, warm weather, and a Caribbean landfall, while west to east means following the Gulf Stream north to Europe. “Ireland isn’t bad, but sailing north of Scotland to get to Sweden can be pretty chilly,” Colgate says. “I’ve never been colder in my life.” offshoresailing.com
Kristin Wilson | WCC/Jamesmitchell.eu
Going the Distance
So you’ve completed your first half or full marathon, and you want to take it up another level? Running a 50- or 100-mile ultramarathon will put you to the test, but be forewarned that it requires a different mindset and training methodology from road racing. “You usually think of the logical progression as 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon, and even a 50k,” says Ian Torrence, assistant coach and the “ultramarathon guru” at Flagstaff, Ariz.-based McMillan Running Co. Torrence is also a legend in the trail/ultra community, having finished 171 ultras (24 of which were 100mile races) and winning 51 of them. “But because most ultras are on trails, they’re really different sports,” he continues. “Road races are much faster—you’re running for a time, and maybe focused on your performance measured in seconds. For a trail 100 miler, you have 30 hours to complete the event, the aid stations are farther apart, there’s variable terrain and there’s walking
before you go Many first-time transatlantic sailors choose to participate in the World Cruising Club’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which annually attracts more than 200 boats and 1,200 people to make the 2,800 nautical mile trek from Gran Canaria off the northwest coast of Africa to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
involved. It’s a different animal.” Torrence says the trick to the 100 miles is nutrition and pacing yourself realistically— not going out too fast, even though you feel strong. “Someone with marathon experience can do 100 miles, but you need to dial back the pace and fuel your body correctly,” he says. mcmillanrunning.com
before you go An ultramarathon-specific training program, preferably with coaching, is a must before tackling the century mark. Completing a supported 50mile race about two months before your event is an excellent way to practice your pacing and dial in your nutrition and equipment.
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cocktails & conversation.
design
lightenup Chandeliers are no longer just for dining rooms or lofty foyers. Today, these beautiful, often extravagant, hanging works of glass and art come in a wide array of sizes, styles, colors and designs.
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handeliers are being used to create a statement in almost every room in the home, from kitchens and bathrooms, to bedrooms and closets. According to Tina Kuhlmann, founder of San Diego, Calif.-based Primrose Designs, “It’s not just your mom’s chandelier in the dining room anymore.” What’s trending
This year, trends in lighting utilize and incorporate chandeliers in traditional and non-traditional ways. Chandeliers have become quite popular as kitchen, bathroom and laundry room lighting. The idea of hanging a chandelier in a kitchen or bathroom may
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sound a bit over the top. But think about it: You spend more time in your kitchen and bathroom than your dining room. Why not dress up the space with some dramatic lighting? These symbols of elegance are a great way to add character and appeal to your special spaces. “A chandelier gives texture, shape, pattern and color to the space,” Kuhlmann says, pointing out their variety and personality. One approach to create stunning shapes and patterns on walls and ceilings is to place several chandeliers down a long hallway. Then step back, turn the lights on and admire! Also popular this year is re-doing chandeliers by either adding decorative touches or removing the glass and adding lampshades.
design
cocktails & conversation
consider your options
Vanguard Studio | Tie Dunham | Cole Hairston
Top choice
Many chandeliers feature colored crystals, beautiful glass orbs, hammered metals or other unique details. Some are so colorful and ornate that they are a work of art by themselves and can serve as the room’s design centerpiece. Chandeliers today can have feathers, beaded fringe, Venetian crystal and silk shades. Most of the time, chandeliers are sold without the shades and are often used that way. Adding or changing shades gives you a totally different appearance and reinvents the piece. There are several things to consider when deciding what kind of chandelier to use in a space. “It’s important that we make it look intentional. The scale needs to be right and you must make sure there is functional lighting. Think of it more as a lamp than a source of good working light,” says Kuhlmann. Whether you want a beautiful antique, an edgy contemporary piece, or something arty and colorful, you will find thousands of chandeliers to choose from.
• The size of the chandelier should be relative to the space to make it look intentional. • Select materials that will complement your current design. • Consider using LED lamps for energy savings. • The material the chandelier is made from should complement the space. • Decide whether the chandelier is the main source of lighting or just for decoration. Keep in mind that spaces in which they are used still need functional lighting of some kind.
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weaving ea g
HOPE
ARZU Studio Hope | Sgt. Heidi Agostini, USMC
Story | Bruce Farr
Connie Duckworth and ARZU are changing the world one patient step at a time. may/june • 2013
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mom with a mission
Despite the demands of being a mother of four school-age children, Duckworth wasn't about to join the soccer mom ranks after retiring from her position as managing director with Goldman-Sachs (she was the first female to achieve that title). Shortly afterward, she got a call from a friend who told her that she was about to be tapped for a bipartisan commission called the U.S.Afghan Women’s Council. The Council is a public-private partnership, created in 2002 by Presidents George W. Bush and Hamid Karzai. It serves to connect the U.S. and Afghan governments, the private sector, academia and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement initiatives in support of Afghan women and children. “It intrigued me,” Duckworth says of her appointment. “I had been following the Taliban abuse of women in the general press, so I had an interest in it. But it was going over for that first trip in January of ’03, and seeing the conditions for women and the scope of the need that really captured my heart.” The difference between Duckworth and millions of others who have been touched by the awful plight of Middle Eastern women,
The ARZU Master’s Collection
The once unlikely prospect of having a famous architect design a rug for your home or business has become a distinct reality, thanks to ARZU Project Hope’s inspirational new Master’s Collection of fine rug designs. Giants of modern architecture including Frank Gehry, Stanley Tigerman, Michael Graves, Robert A.M. Stern, Zaha Hadid and Margaret McCurry have joined ARZU’s cause by creating 10 modern rugs in varying size and color schemes. Each piece represents a limited edition, custom order, numbered work. These designers’ inspired works are woven into area rugs by the ARZU female weavers in Bamyan Province, Afghanistan. According to Connie Duckworth, ARZU chairman and CEO, the collection represents the pinnacle of what ARZU has attempted to achieve. “It’s an amazing marriage of design and skill,” says Duckworth. “The fact that little ARZU, working with highly skilled weavers in the middle of nowhere in Afghanistan, can create and execute on designs by some of the most famous names in the world is, well…to us, it’s a real milestone.” arzustudiohope.org
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however, is that she acted on her passion. On the way back to the airport in Kabul, Duckworth recalls stopping at a bombed-out cinderblock structure that belonged to the Soviets during their occupation. “It was January and freezing,” she recalls. “There were dozens of widows and their children huddled there, living in this ‘shelter,’ and you looked at these beautiful children and realized that for a quirk of where you happen to have been born, they could be your kids. That was the hook for me. I came back and said, ‘OK, I’m going to do something.’” What she did was to head home and flip through her Rolodex, and begin to phone friends and friends of friends, reaching out to them for advice on everything from how run a nonprofit to rug-making design ideas. “I really think it was this collective wisdom that allowed ARZU to take its first baby steps from ‘idea’ to execution,” Duckworth notes. In 2004, after a year of research and red tape, Duckworth founded ARZU Studio Hope, an organization that she likes to refer to as “a social business enterprise.” Technically, it’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, built on a model that’s deceptively simple and yet—considering its base in one of the world’s most precarious trouble spots—is actually quite complex and fragile.
private sector inspiration
The idea for ARZU, Duckworth says, sprang directly from her private sector business experience. She formed a theory that she successfully put to the test following her first trips to the Middle East. “When I saw Afghanistan for the first time, I really saw the immediate need [for jobs],” she explains. “I firmly believe that the starting point for poverty alleviation is gainful employment, because, with that, people have the means to acquire the basic needs of life— food, water, shelter, clothing—and once they satisfy those basic needs, they can then pursue higher-order needs: education, personal enrichment, all those other sorts of things.” Duckworth brought to bear another professionally inspired mantra in her early ARZU planning. “I have this personal motto, which is, ‘she who writes the check controls the agenda,’” she states. “If women earn a paycheck in any culture, their status in that culture changes, because money talks— again—in any culture.” ARZU opted for rug weaving via a process of elimination, because it happened to be one of the only products that Duckworth rightly surmised could get up and running immediately in Afghanistan. Warravaged as the country is, and with a devastating lack of infrastructure, other manufacturing ideas would have been seriously hampered.
Sgt. Heidi Agostini, USMC
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everal years ago, when retired business executive Connie Duckworth rolled up her sleeves to found a trailblazing women’s rug-weaving collective in Afghanistan, she freely admitted that she knew little about Afghanistan, less about rugs and almost nothing about international development. Never mind those trifling details, however. Since then, ARZU Studio Hope has taken hundreds of Afghan women out of the impoverished ranks and helped restore their strength, dignity and livelihoods. Now, nearly a decade later, Duckworth is chairman and chief executive officer of ARZU, which, in the native Dari language, means “hope.” She’s molded this collective of more than 300 Afghan female weavers (and 400 support workers) in dozens of tribal villages to become a highly-praised, international nonprofit that’s winning hearts and minds around the world, largely as a model for how to rebuild war-ravaged countries’ economies. “But how?” one might wonder. As Duckworth describes it: “In a slow, patient build.”
Developing and supporting women in business is absolutely key to greater acceptance of women in public life and the continued economic development and stability of Afghanistan. By empowering these women through economic sustainability, ARZU and partners like U.S. Trust are helping change the world one beautiful rug at a time. – Karen Hughes, Worldwide Vice Chair of Burson-Marsteller and former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
ARZU began with just 30 weavers and now employs a total of 700 workers who produce a fascinating array of more than 300 styles. Among them are centuries-old tribal patterns, traditional floral patterns and a line of modern and contemporary prints. One of the reasons for the collective’s success, Duckworth feels, is the fact that ARZU is operated exclusively by Afghans. “We decided—in what was mostly a gut decision—to go with an all-local Afghan team from day one,” she explains. “It was difficult because, in a country that’s been at war as long as Afghanistan, it’s hard to find workers with a sufficient ‘business context’ to run a business successfully. It takes extensive, hands-on daily training.”
corporations and individuals here in the United States, and then have the funding from those sales go back to pay for those social programs,” Duckworth explains. ARZU products are moved through distribution networks and exported through regular channels. “With no marketing, advertising or PR budget, we’ve had to use social media, word of mouth and other means to market our product,” she explains. “But we’ve gotten traction through some of the design The main Afghan ARZU facility is situated in a very rural section awards we’ve won.” of the country, which is yet another reason Duckworth says the Duckworth describes how the product distribution got started with enterprise has been successful. “We made a decision to move ARZU out of mainstream cities and the residential design community, and now operates with a small but prestigious group of high-end distributors. into the rural provinces,” she explains. “Kabul is an example of what “The real breakthrough with us that we’ve been working on for happens when the fire hose of international funding is fully turned on, there’s a lot of corruption. It creates very weird labor dynamics, and it’s the last three years has been the commercial market—commercial design firms that work with ‘socially responsible’ businesses around a ‘wild west’ kind of atmosphere. While it may have been logistically the country. This is about ‘conscious consumerism,’ that is, buying more difficult to establish our footprint in a province, it’s actually product with a purpose,” she emphasizes. much easier to make it work there.” “It’s important to remember that ARZU is a prototype, a ‘learning Not only are the Afghan women who work under ARZU’s banner laboratory,’” Duckworth continues. “What we’re trying to prove is paid a fair wage, they’re also provided assistance with healthcare, a workable, scalable model in what is ranked as the worst country education and other life-supporting programs. in the world to be a woman. If we can do it here, then that model is “Our idea was to link the workmanship of the women weaving replicable anywhere.” these beautiful artisan rugs, with selling them to socially responsible
ARZU Studio Hope | Sgt. Heidi Agostini, USMC
‘conscious consumerism’
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destination
bond
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james bond.
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Story | Dave O. Dodge
After 50 years of 007, the films—and all their exotic locations—remain legendary.
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ocho rios
Jamaica Movie Bond
“Dr. No.” Sean Connery
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Dolphin Cove | Draft FCB | Jim Smith | Mystic Mountain
eleased in 1962, “Dr. No” was the first of the Bond films, introducing Scottish-born actor Sean Connery—who went on to reprise the role six more times—to the big screen. The film, whose screenplay was adapted from Ian Fleming’s sixth novel in the James Bond series, was partly set and filmed in Jamaica, the author’s home at the time. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, a white bikini-clad Ursula Andress emerges out of the ocean onto the shores of Laughing Waters Beach, located on the northwest coast of the island near Dunn’s River Falls. Today, the beach is a favorite spot not only with 007 enthusiasts, but also boaters, snorkelers and sun worshippers. For a truly authentic Bond experience, check into GoldenEye, a 52acre resort perched on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Oracabessa Bay on the north coast of Jamaica. Once home to Fleming himself—and also the location where he wrote all 12 James Bond novels—it is now owned by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records. The resort features guest suites and lagoon cottages, but for diehard Bond fans, the Fleming Villa is the ultimate experience at GoldenEye. Complete with a private beach, pool, gardens and dedicated staff, you’ll enjoy a getaway fit for James Bond himself. This boutique resort has undergone massive renovations and offers a five-star retreat at the Fields Spa, along with many dining options on property. Try beachfront service at the Bizot Bar. Or, for the secret agent in you, dine at The Gazebo, a tree house-like eatery serving international fare overlooking Low Cay Beach.
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Christian Horan
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Hotel Eiger Murren
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Schilthorn
switzerland “On Her Majesty’s
Movie
Bond
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Secret Service” George Lazenby
Schilthornbahn AG
ith only one Bond film to his credit, George Lazenby skied his way into movie history with his role as the secret agent in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The first scene in the film shows Bond climbing the stairs of a mountain retreat in Switzerland, where much of the film was shot. The mountain retreat was actually Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant located atop the Schilthorn, a 9,744-foot summit in the Bernese Alps. When you visit this mountaintop today, your inner James Bond will emerge as you’re whisked to the summit in 32 minutes by cable car, a favorite mode of transport by 007. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Eiger and Jungfrau, just two of the peaks of nearly 200 visible mountains in this range. Stay at base camp in Murren, an authentic Swiss village with world-class lodgings. The Hotel Eiger is a family-run, four-star chalet that is open year-round and offers a variety of accommodations from family suites to superior rooms. Executive chef Pascal Cueni serves up classical Swiss food made with local fresh products at the three restaurants on site. And, after a day on the slopes, recharge your body in the sauna or in the Jacuzzi surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Even secret agents need a day of rest.
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Rio de janeiro
BRAZIL “Moonraker” Roger Moore
Movie Bond
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Brazilian Tourism Board | Manoela Gentil
t seems Bond is always taking to the mountains and it’s no different with Roger Moore, 007 No. 3, who played the secret agent in “Moonraker.” At the end of the movie, the British agent finds himself floating in a space station still being pursued by the evil hoodlum Jaws. Since we can’t visit space just yet (Mr. Branson, please hurry up with Virgin Galactic), we can head south of the border to Rio de Janeiro, where Sugarloaf Mountain rises 1,299 feet from the shores along the Atlantic Ocean. For more than 100 years, millions of visitors have been transported to the peak of its summit in a glass-walled cable car, now made famous by the teeth-clenching fight scene between Bond and Jaws. When visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, the place to stay is Copacabana Palace, the landmark hotel of the Orient Express collection. This exclusive property is the place to lay your head down after a day of soaking up the Brazilian sun. Opened in 1923, the hotel’s classical architecture will have you longing for a bygone era of style and sophistication. Its 216 rooms, suites and penthouses feature period furniture and original art, while its restaurants and bars serve classic Brazilian and northern Italian cuisine.
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Stephen Fink, FL Keys News Bureau
key west
florida Movie Bond
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“License to Kill” Timothy Dalton
PierHouse | Andy Newman, FL Keys News Bureau | Bob Krist, FL Keys News Bureau
hile exotic, international destinations are signature in any James Bond film, the secret agent has made many visits to the United States over the years. Take, for instance, “License to Kill” starring Welsh actor Timothy Dalton as 007. The film was shot in the Florida Keys (with scenes also shot in Mexico) and Key West, including a high-speed chase and crash along the Seven Mile Bridge, located just north of the island, and a location shoot at the Ernest Hemingway home in downtown Key West. One of the most famous scenes shot in the Keys, however, was the opening scene in which Bond makes a dramatic entrance to a friend’s wedding by parachuting in from a helicopter. The church, Mary’s Star of the Sea Church, still stands today. For your perfect stay in Key West, head to Duval Street and go straight to the end where the Pierhouse Resort and Caribbean Spa awaits. Located just steps from the ocean, this five-star property has been welcoming guests for nearly 40 years, this resort was the first of its kind on the island, offering an exclusive and a private setting in the heart of Old Town. While you’re there, check out the Chart Room Bar, an eclectic watering hole where you can get your martini shaken, not stirred.
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istanbul
turkey “Skyfall” Daniel Craig
Movie Bond
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kyfall,” the latest installment in the Bond film series, features Daniel Craig as Bond. With his blue eyes, blond locks and abs that go on for days, this agent has his own secret gadget: sex appeal. Skyfall is Bond’s childhood home in Scotland, where the crescendo of the plot takes place. But along the way, the movie locations pile up like the crashed vehicles from the film’s many chase scenes. The walled city of Istanbul is a must-see on everyone’s bucket list, Bond fan or not. In this ancient city, Bond jumps from rooftops to railway beds on a growling motorcycle, to eventually crossing the Varda Viaduct outside the city atop a fast moving train. These action scenes, which created some of the best movie stunts to date, also tore through the most popular market in the city, the Grand Bazaar. With 60 streets and 5,000 shops, it is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Anywhere from 250,000 to 400,000 visitors shop the bazaar daily, all in search of the perfect piece of jewelry, beautiful hand-painted ceramics, intricately designed carpets and embroideries, and more. While Istanbul is steeped in history with a blend of Christian and Muslim influences, not all is old in this exotic city. Expected to open this year is the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ first property in Turkey. At 13 stories—six of which will be underground to protect the historic façade—the hotel will be the second-tallest building on the coast.
Turkish Culture & Tourist Office of New York
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connoisseur
the prime living guide to discerning taste
inside:
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• • • • •
Table Talk | Dining News Main Dish | Past, Future, All Present Uncorked | Best in Show Bragging Bites | Salad de la Mer Entertain | Cinco Style
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connoisseur table talk
>> For the trend seeker
branching out
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ranch Water Tavern—known for baconwrapped shrimp and grits, smoked pork chop, and nationally buzzed sticky toffee pudding cake with pistachio ice cream—has been sold and renamed The Federal Grill. New owner, Matt Brice of Bistro des Amis in the Rice Village, has kept much of the original Branch Water menu, like the Saturday chicken pot pie, and also added stylish choices like the towering sesame-crusted eggplant Napoleon with cucumber salad, a mouth-melting prime filet mignon, and truffle mac ’n cheese. In addition to “old-school service” in the restaurant, expect new bar menus and more seating in the lounge, plus wider artisan beer, bourbon flights and wines by the glass. 510 Shepherd Dr. 713-863-7777, thefederalgrill.com
Hello & Goodbye
The latest restaurants to join and leave the Houston dining scene
Openings
• Taco USA, The Woodlands • Reginelli’s Pizzeria, Memorial • El Tiempo, Navigation
Closings • Le Peep on Farnham
• Napa Grille Wine Bar, Sugar Land • Roots Juice Bar, Montrose • Sam’s Boat, Stafford • Sophia, Montrose • Thelma’s Barbecue
>> For the Biscuit lover
>> For the svelte gourmand
always in season
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easons 52, a national fresh grill and wine bar concept new to Houston, is inspired by the seasons and the fresh appeal of the farmer’s market produce 52 weeks a year. Get this: Its menu has no dish over 475 calories. Even the desserts— called Mini Indulgences and served in shot glasses— offer decadence sans guilt. Culinary director Clifford Pleau spotlights healthful and low-oil dishes served in appropriate portion sizes cooked with wood-fire grill, brick oven and vegetable caramelization methods. Highlights include cedar plank grilled salmon and asparagus; chipotle shrimp flatbread; grilled lamb chops with red wine glaze; and Maui tuna crunch salad. 4410 Westheimer. 713-621-5452, seasons52.com
Jamtastic!
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erfect for brunch, office meetings, client gifts or family gatherings, BRC Gastropub has rolled out a Big Bad Ass Biscuit box carefully packed with a dozen (plus) warm cheddar biscuits. The mega kit offers fruit jam, spicy-sweet bacon jam, and smoked salted butter in large mason jars to slather over the homemade biscuits, plus a gallon of fresh squeezed orange or apple cider to drink. Available for pick-up with 24 hours notice, $45. 519 Shepherd Dr. 713-861-2233, brcgastropub.com
New at the W
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ustin native and former charcuterie purveyor chef Lawrence Kocurek is the new chef de cuisine for TRACE Restaurant, W Hotel Austin. Kocurek joins a talented culinary team including executive pastry chef and recent James Beard Award nominee Janina O’Leary, and executive chef Nadine Thomas. Guests can expect a revamped menu reflective of Kocurek’s French culinary training and commitment to locally sourced ingredients. traceaustin.com
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Only Texas Star
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he Inn at Dos Brisas in Washington (Texas, that is) has once again received the prestigious Forbes FiveStar restaurant award. The restaurant remains the only establishment in Texas with this distinction for the fifth consecutive year. The Inn at Dos Brisas is a member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux worldwide community of inns, hotels and resorts. dosbrisas.com
Kimberly Park | Seasons 52 | BRC Gastropub
texas bits & bites :: Foodies news around the state
connoisseur table talk
>> For the seafood fan
Side Sips Wine events you won’t want to miss
shell game
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nner loop, Galleria area Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette is scheduled to open this summer by executive chef Lance Fegen and restaurateur Lee Ellis, who own the popular Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar in The Heights. Look for a similar seafood-centric menu with oysters on the half shell fresh from the east, west and Gulf coasts; seafood gumbo; braised pork belly salad with fried green tomatoes; plus Texas favorites like burgers and tuna salad melt, in addition to some new choices. Ellis also is working on a fun newbie in The Heights called Lee’s Fried Chicken & Donuts which will offer a drive thru window. 4224 San Felipe. 713-802-0533, libertykitchenoysterbar.com
>> For the carnivore
steak
out
Liberty Kitchen & Oyster Bar | La Casa Del Caballa: K.C. Taffinder | Philippe's
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an’t decide between a premium steak and Mexican food? La Casa Del Caballo, a new Saltillo-style Mexican Steakhouse in Montrose, makes it easy. Mexico native Carlos Abedrop and his wife Vanessa, a Houston native, have replicated the popular menu, service and ambiance of their original steakhouse in Saltillo, Mexico. Expect a handsome interior with dark woods accented with hammered metal, red and black leather chairs, and banquette seating, and an inviting bar covered in thick stitched leather. Northern Mexico Saltillo-style steaks mean huge slabs of hand-cut Angus beef gently seasoned and roasted over a woodfired grill. Wood-grilled fish, chicken, pork, lamb and veal also are offered, along with time-honored family recipes. Think simple sides of Mexican beans, kitchen-made salsas, five-pepper sauce enchiladas or stewed pork tacos. Homey desserts include flourless pecan cake, rich flan, and decadent rum cake, each served with a small bowl of the Abedrop family rice pudding. 322 Westheimer. 832-6236467, lacasadelcaballo.com
>> For the home entertainer
catering to you
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xecutive chef Philippe Schmit of Philippe’s recently introduced a new box-lunch takeaway program for togo customers. Expect four menu items that include a beautiful sliced grilled chicken salad and a monstrous croque monsieur sandwich. He’s also launched a private catering operation, a boutique dining service where he works with clients to create culinary experiences as lavish as they like. Oui! 1800 Post Oak. 713-439-1000, philippehouston.com robin barr sussman 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.
Food & Wine magazine rolls out the red carpet June 14-16 for the Aspen Food & Wine Classic. This majestic mountain resort village is the stage for the world’s best chefs and wine luminaries, who come to inspire an epicurean audience numbering in the thousands. From a sushi rolling party to preparing the perfect Sicilian summer supper, anticipate dozens of stellar cooking demos presented by celebrity chefs like Food Network’s Tyler Florence, Jacques Pepin and Texas grillmeister Tim Love. The event also includes grand tastings showcasing 300-plus top wineries and seminars by Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson and Food & Wine executive wine editor Ray Isle. foodandwine.com/classic If Mother Nature were a winemaker, she would live in Alexander Valley in Sonoma, Calif., where the annual Taste of Alexander Valley weekend returns, May 17-19. Wineries along the stunning 22-mile rolling valley open their doors to guests for special tastings, food pairings from area chefs, and live entertainment. Here’s your chance to mingle with winemakers, winery principals and vineyard owners in this premier international tourist destination! tastealexandervalley.org The Annual Wine & Food Week presented by H-E-B in The Woodlands takes place June 3-9. Expect more than 40 events featuring over 500 wines, 50 restaurants, and legendary wine producers and personalities from across the country. Included are wine education classes, chef demos, cookbook author events, live and silent auctions, and wine-and-dine experiences. The week culminates in the signature event on Saturday evening, The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting. wineandfoodweek.com.
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connoisseur main dish
past, future
all present Story | Holly Beretto Photography | Brenlee McKnight
There’s something about a place that pays homage to its past, especially in a city that’s forever ripping down the old and re-inventing itself with the new. Not that there’s anything wrong with re-invention. Aging pop stars have been known to do it, so have politicians, both with varying levels of success.
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But knowing where you come from and being proud of it is a tremendous asset, especially when you’re making great food. That’s why Damian’s Cucina Italiana, that 30-year-old eatery in Midtown is such a joy. Here, you’ll find a homey, traditional feel, served with tremendously fine food. It’s the kind of place that’s loud and loving, with family pictures all over the yellow walls and a story behind every dish. Order a Negroni, that staple Italian cocktail of gin, vermouth and Compari to set the mood. If you want something a little more summery, go for the Bellini, a blend of sparkling wine and peach. Either way is a perfect preview of what’s to come. All the Italians I know love passing around dishes to their tablemates, encouraging diners to try this or eat that. There’s no better way to achieve this than with Damian’s antipasto, a daily changing assortment of meats, cheese and vegetables. It’s a starter just made for sharing. So is the Asparagus Mike Wells, named for one of Damian's regulars. Sharing may not be an option given this Parmesan-crusted and lightly toasted ensemble topped with crabmeat is so good. It’s one of those items that’s been on the menu for nearly as long as the restaurant’s been open. The Insulate Naparst is a joyfully light presentation of cold seafood tossed with onions, tomato and ricotta cheese, with beautiful bursts of lemon and olive oil. You’ll feel a little like an insider, yourself, ordering that. It’s hard to imagine anything more traditionally Italian than lasagna, and Damian’s lasagna Bolognese arrives gorgeously
gooey layers of ground veal around mozzarella, ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a spicy Pomodoro sauce. The dish is absolutely not diet food—and absolutely not to be missed. If you want something less dense and belt busting, my money’s on the Snapper Nino Junior, on the menu since day one. The red snapper is grilled and topped with shrimp, tomatoes, mint and a basil buerre blanc that makes for a stunning explosion of Italian flavor with a Gulf Coast twist. All this year, Damian’s is celebrating its 30 years in Houston with monthly specials. In June, you can opt for the fried chicken, a summer treat and family recipe. Cap off your meal with Ciliegia Cassata Sicilia, an inspired creation of ricotta cheesecake layered with Luxardo cherries. The filling feels similar to the consistency you find in a cannoli, and the cake is layered like a lasagna, with a sweet/tart flavor all its own. Or, you can end on a more traditional note, with tiramisu, never, ever a bad idea. “We all love what we do here,” says Damian’s general manager Johnny B. Mandola, whose family, a sprawling mass of Mandolas and Buteras, with fingers in dozens of Houston’s restaurants over the years, founded the place. “That’s the secret to our longevity. We’re passionate about what we do. And we treat everyone here like family.” Stop in and see for yourself how wonderful that feels. damian’s cucina italiana 3011 smith st. 713-522-0439 damians.com
connoisseur main dish
Asparagus Mike Wells 4 asparagus stalks, cooked and cooled 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 eggs 3 cups Parmesan cheese, grated 1 fluid oz. clarified butter 1/2 tsp. garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp. shallot, chopped Pinch lemon zest 1/2 fluid oz. chicken or veal stock
Asparagus Mike Wells Insalata Mona Lisa
Infusione di Ciocclato
1/2 fluid oz. white wine 1/2 fluid oz. lemon juice 3/4 oz. butter, cold 3 oz. roma tomato, diced Pinch basil, chopped 4 oz. jumbo lump crabmeat Salt and pepper, to taste
Heat oil in skillet to 325 degrees. Take asparagus, coat in flour, then egg, then flour again, then egg again, then Parmesan cheese. Fry until golden brown. While the asparagus is frying, start the sauce. Heat clarified butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot and lemon zest. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then add stock, wine and lemon juice. When liquids have reduced, add crabmeat, diced tomato, then cold butter, basil and salt, and pepper to taste. When the sauce has a creamy consistency, remove from heat and top the asparagus.
Lasagna Bolognese
Involtini di Maiale
Insalata Naparst
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connoisseur
BEST IN
uncorked
Show
Story | John DeMers
Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino
K
evin Zraly worked as a wine guy at Windows on the World atop New York’s World Trade Center from the day the restaurant opened in 1976 until the terrible moment on 9/11 when the towers came thundering down. When I interviewed Zraly during a recent wine tasting event in Houston, in February, he preferred to talk less about those years and more about his favorite wine from Italy: Brunello di Montalcino. As the author of the “Windows on the World Complete Wine Course” and the upcoming memoir “A Glass Half Full: A Cellarmaster’s Journey Through Wine and Life,” Zraly is a good guy to have liking your wine. And as I learned, “liking” is putting it mildly. “Tuscany is the region and Montalcino is the village,” Zraly explains. “It’s near Siena and not far from another great Tuscan wine region, Chianti. As with Chianti, the grape is sangiovese, except that by Italian law,
Montalcino is the only place that can call the grape brunello. “Don’t get me wrong, Chianti is a great bottle of wine. But the highest level of Italian wine and the highest level of Tuscan wine is Brunello di Montalcino. It’s great with food, flavorful when young and it definitely will age. It is one of the best wines in the world, one of my three favorites.” If you go back to the 14th century, brunello— a diminutive of the male name Bruno, meaning brown—was simply a name used to identify the red wines from Montalcino. Tradition became legislation as the centuries went by, with nobody knowing for sure that brunello and sangiovese was the same grape until 1879. Any wine sold as Brunello di Montalcino has to be 100 percent sangiovese, with no pesky cabernets, merlots or other Bordeauxstyle blending grapes allowed. As late as the 1960s, there were only 11 producers around that single medieval village. Now there are
Kevin Zraly
more than 200—mostly smalltime farmers and family estates—together turning out nearly 330,000 cases per year. The fact that this year’s Brunello show came only to New York City—where Zraly teaches his wine course at the Marriott Marquis on Times Square—and to Houston (its first visit to Texas) says a mouthful. “What’s happening here in Houston is amazing when it comes to wine drinking and fine dining,” offers Zraly. “And everybody knows it.”
John DeMers Covering food and wine for more than 25 years, John DeMers hosts “Delicious Mischief” on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. He recently released Follow the Smoke: 14,783 Miles of Great Texas Barbecue.
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connoisseur Bragging Bites
salad de la mer Story | Robin Barr Sussman
Sweet, pristinely white lump crabmeat, plucked fresh from the sea, takes salad over the top for the ultimate in summer dining. Whether crowning fried green tomatoes, nestled among deviled eggs and smoky-crisp bacon in a Cobb, or swathed in piquantcreamy Louie dressing, these luscious crab salad contenders from Texas restaurants deserve bragging rights!
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connoisseur Bragging Bites
Southern Star
You wouldn’t expect to see a lump crabmeat salad on Lambert’s contemporary barbecue-heavy menu, but this one is right on cue. It stars southern fried green tomatoes fried crunchy with a delicate batter and retro fave house-made Green Goddess dressing. The chilled crab salad is laced with diced red onions and poised on a bed of slightly spicy Japanese mizuna greens, while the dressing—glowing green, tangy and bursting with parsley freshness—swims on the plate around the fried tomatoes. Crispy, silky, tart and savory, this salad is a balanced and refreshing treat. Lambert’s • 401 W. Second St., Austin 512-494-1500 • lambertsaustin.com
Steakhouse Classic
Sophisticated Sullivan’s doesn’t mess around with exotic or prissy ingredients getting right to the point with its crab salad in a classic Louie dressing, which hails from the seafood houses of San Francisco around the 1900s. It is addicting for its combination of mayo, chili sauce, lemons, scallion and Worcestershire. At Sullivan’s, baby greens are tossed with sweet cherry tomatoes, garnished with boiled egg and studded with notably fresh jumbo lump crabmeat and that killer crab Louie dressing. Heavier appetites might consider the Steakhouse Salad with a sliced tenderloin filet atop salad greens, crispy potatoes, tomatoes, fried onions and rich, chunky blue cheese dressing, but then you’d miss Louie. Lunch menu only for both. Sullivan’s Steakhouse• 300 Colorado St., Austin 512-495-6504 • sullivanssteakhouse.com
Casey Dunn | Jack Opatrny | Brenlee McKnight
Gulf Coast Gem
Restaurateur Ouisie Jones must love crabmeat because it is peppered all over the menu at her newest restaurant, The Bird & The Bear. Ladies who lunch and men with big bear appetites both dig into her awesome lunch time Texas Crab Cobb salad. Here’s why: The platter starts with a bed of arugula, red tip lettuce and shredded cabbage. On top of that are composed sections of red peppers and cherry tomatoes, crisp crumbled bacon, chilled jumbo lump crabmeat, divine deviled eggs topped with capers, buttery crostini, and amazing spicy avocado chutney. On the side, comes sassy remoulade sauce, the ideal dressing for seafood. Also on the lunch menu: A “Not Entirely Classic Caesar Salad” in a creamy but not-so-garlicky dressing with jumbo lump crab on top for a unique twist. The Bird and the Bear • 2810 Westheimer, houston 713-528-2473 • thebirdandthebearbistro.com
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connoisseur
entertain
cinco
Styling | Dragana Harris, Kimberly Park & Debora Smail Photography | Kimberly Park & Debora Smail
style Spice things up this month by throwing your own Cinco de Mayo party. Break out the beers, mix the margs and trick out the tacos for one fiesta you’ll always remember.
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the essentials
Stock up on all things Cinco, including chips and dips, Mexican pralines, sodas and, of course, a sombrero.
Full Bloom
connoisseur
entertain
Bring beautiful splashes of color to your table with simple flower arrangements of Gerber daisies.
Una cerveza, por favor!
No Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without, you guessed it, an ice-cold beer.
The Goods Food & Beverage Fajitas, mini crispy pork tacos, bacon-wrapped shrimp and margarita shooters courtesy of Molina’s Cantina. Three Houston-area locations, molinascantina.com
DIY
Build the perfect fajita creation with a combination of chicken and beef, and all the fresh fixins.
sip-sticks
Invite guests pucker up and enjoy a bevy of cool, colorful drinks with festive straws at the ready.
finger foods
Margarita shooters and miniature crispy pork tacos make for the perfect pairing.
surf & turf
Who doesn’t love a good bacon-wrapped shrimp? These beauties are stuffed with fresh jalapenos and Chihuahua cheese, grilled and served with garlic butter.
Sodas Jarritos Mexicanflavored soda available at Fiesta Mart. fiestamart.com Invitations Invitations by Events, 1966 W. Gray. 713-520-5700, eventsgifts.com Tableware Shot glasses from Crate & Barrel, crateandbarrel.com; straws from KuhlLinscomb, kuhl-linscomb.com; shrimp plate from Anthropologie, anthropologie.com
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18th AnnuAl
Keels & Wheels ConCours D’ elegAnCe
lAKeWooD yACht CluB | seABrooK, tX | hoMe oF Keels & Wheels
MAy 4-5, 2013 WorKIng on our $2nD MIllIon For ChArIty the 18th Annual Keels & Wheels Concours d’elegance will be honoring stutZ as the automotive marque and will be featuring Blonde decked and yellow Jacket Boats. tickets are $25 in advance online and $35 at the gate (Kids 10 & under are free). For entry or additional event information, please call 713-521-0105 or go to www.keels-wheels.com.
gentlemen’s room
For the man who commands the very best
inside: TPC San Antonio
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• • • • •
Man Cave | Grape Escape Driver's Seat | Luxury Made Over Wealth | Passion for Travel High-Tech | Dads & Grads Great Outdoors | San Antonio Swings may/june • 2013
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gentlemen’s room man cave
grapeescape Story | Jake Poinier
W
hile gadgets and entertainment are often the primary components of a man-cave environment, a wine cellar lends itself to a more sophisticated and understated approach—while letting the wines be the star of the show.
“Wine cellars tend to be low frills,” says Joseph Kline, co-founder of 2013 Best of Houzz-winning Joseph & Curtis Custom Wine Cellars & Humidors in Mountainside, N.J. “When it comes to amenities, a tasting table is a great feature to have. You want to make sure you’ve got a cooling and humidity control system that’s stable and sized properly for the space. And lighting is critically important, whether you’re talking about coved or barrel ceilings, display rows of bottles, or lighting in the floor to show off the racks.” Kline, who has participated with business partner Curtis Dahl on two projects for the DIY Network’s “Man Cave” show, says a
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majority of their projects are male-driven. A professional chef with a run-of-the-mill kitchen wanted a full commercial layout adjacent to his cellar, while a motorcycle enthusiast wanted rare chopper parts on the wall. Several projects have included sophisticated smoke removal systems to enable enjoyment of stogies alongside a glass of grape. One of Kline’s favorite recent builds included a Soho-style bar with a glass-walled wine cellar behind it. Inside, the owner installed lockers with mesh fronts—so that wine-enthusiast friends could store their own bottles for when they’d come over to watch games.
“Talk about a good friend to have!” says Kline. Despite the name, wine cellars don’t have to be located in the basement. “There’s definitely a trend to having your wine cellar on the main living level of the home,” Kline says. “It provides an absolutely beautiful backdrop and moves people through the house. Wine cellars aren’t just about storage. They are lifestyle rooms, whether it’s built to be a man cave or otherwise.” jake poinier Phoenix-based contributing writer Jake Poinier built a tree house for his then-toddler son back in 1999, but it was far too small to evolve into a proper man cave.
Q&A: 3 To Ask
gentlemen’s room man cave
1
How do you see using the room? Is it for storage, a destination, or a little of both?
Even if you don’t have the space for a full party in your wine cellar, it can still be a great place to kick off the evening. So consider devoting a little more space than your initial instinct.
2
How many bottles do you think you want?
With the Internet, there are so many easy ways to buy wine that space needs can ramp up quickly. As with the size of the room, it’s a matter of anticipating future usage. Kline recommends going 20 percent higher than the number of bottles you think you want.
3
How are you going to track your wines?
Today’s bar-code cellar management systems are a must, particularly when it comes to collections of 500 or more bottles. Not only will the system tell you what’s coming in and out of inventory, it also will alert you when a given wine is approaching its peak.
Joseph & Curtis | eSommelier
the essentials The wine inventory system eSommelier uses bar codes to help you keep track of which wines you have and where they are located. eSommelier recently released an iPad version of the system making it even more convenient for use in your private cellar. esommelier.com
What would a man-cave-slash-wine-cellar be without a humidor? Joseph & Curtis
offers a number of options, from desktop humidors to humidor tables that allow proper cigar storage while putting your collection on display. josephandcurtis.com For the ultimate in wine coolers, Vinotemp offers a wide variety of sizes and features. While they are often used for storing reds
at a proper temperature, they are a great option to keep white wines organized and chilled. vinotemp.com
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gentlemen’s room driver's seat
luxurymade over Story | jeff yip
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spring roundup at Texas Motor Speedway. It’s that unforgiving test ground where the GS can safely show its mettle, delivering breathtaking performance and devouring straightaways and curves with ease. Credit Lexus engineers, who kept the exterior dimensions virtually the same, but armed the GS with a stiffer chassis, wider-tracked suspension, robust tires and brakes and trimming component weight in the right places. The 2013 GS 350 empowers the driver with a quicker-shifting six-speed transmission (an automatic is the only offering) that’s in sync with the throttle
for satisfying downshift blips. But to literally put your finger on the key to extracting every last bit of sporting flavor from the GS, look no further than the center console, where you’ll find the drivemode-selector. This dial offers “ECO” for maximum comfort and fuel economy (19/28 city/ highway mpg, according to the EPA) while Sport S mode reprograms throttle and transmission settings for dancing canyon roads. If you’ve wisely stepped up and selected the Luxury or F Sport package, you’ll find the Sport S+ mode that tells the adaptive suspension and steering systems you have a serious need for speed.
The well-appointed 2013 GS, which starts at $47,250, is (gasp!) finally a worthy competitor to that perennial luxuryperformance sedan benchmark, BMW’s 5 Series. It’s also available in all-wheel-drive and hybrid versions (the latter has a gorgeous bamboo steering wheel rim), but the sweetheart is clearly the GS 350, in base or F Sport trim. Trust us, owners need to treat themselves and the GS to some track time once in awhile. It’s only there that they’ll discover that Lexus can deliver performance beyond appliancelike reliability. 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.
Lexus
L
uxury and Lexus have become synonymous. But let’s be frank: Among some auto enthusiasts, the brand’s image has all the flair of a grayflannel suit. So consider yourself warned: The 2013 GS 350 flat-out shatters the button-down image Toyota’s concierge-class marque has so carefully cultivated over the last 23 years—but only if you know which knobs to twist. Stereotype-busting’s often a good thing and the fourthgeneration GS is no exception. Equipped smartly, this rearwheel-driver plants the pilot in the seat with impressive authority, thanks to 306 horses on tap from its eager 3.5-liter V6. We were privileged to have ample opportunities to wring out the GS at track sessions at its introduction and at the Texas Auto Writers Association
gentlemen’s room wealth
financingthe
passion for travel
Story | Mike Sonnier, Managing Director & Private Client Advisor, U.S. Trust, Houston
W
ith summer vacation right around the corner, many are finalizing plans and firming up travel arrangements to travel abroad, go sailing or spend time relaxing on the beach. But what if you had the option to own a plane, yacht or vacation home this year? For some travelers, investing in a plane, yacht or vacation home would improve the overall vacation experience and can serve as a personal measure of ROI as such ownership may fulfill a life-long goal while enhancing one’s passion for travel. There are several important implications to keep in mind when making an investment decision in such highly specialized assets, specifically when considering options for financing. Whatever the circumstances, crafting a thoughtful plan is important when one is ready to take the next step in financing a plane, yacht or vacation home. The plan should be precisely structured with focus and understanding of interest rate alternatives, monthly or quarterly payments, and competitive amortization schedules.
Aviation Financing
For aircraft, it is dually important to determine the type of plane and avenue of financing that best suits the investor’s needs. Credit solutions could include progress payment construction loans for new jets that can convert to tax leases or permanent loans, and interest rate swaps for aircraft financing to hedge some or all of the exposure to interest rate risk.1 Deciding which type of ownership structure is most beneficial to an investor’s financial plan is critical and can be daunting, as both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations can impact the final decision. Tax implications of owning an aircraft are another important consideration. To help ensure that maximum tax benefits of ownership flow through to the appropriate individual or shareholder, an aviation finance specialist can
assist in understanding FAA and IRS guidelines for ownership and operation of an aircraft. These specialists also work with tax advisors to evaluate tax lease financing as a viable option to traditional debt financing. With a large supply of aircraft currently on the market, making an informed purchase decision can be challenging. Whether evaluating the purchase of a new or pre-owned aircraft, or a refinance or refitting of an existing aircraft, review current market information on values and available aircraft—from single-engine turboprops to long-range jets.
Marine Financing
For sea lovers, a yacht is an extraordinary purchase—one that requires considerable expertise in both the acquisition and financing processes. Whether searching for the right craft, constructing a new one or having a current yacht refitted, an appropriate credit solution aligned with a structure of ownership and cash flow should be examined. Just as a yacht reflects the owner’s lifestyle, so should its financing structure. Give thought on how to structure credit with an advisor, including repayment options, loan terms and amortization schedules. Alternatives can be simple or more sophisticated, such as incorporating an interest rate swap as a risk management strategy or implementing a currency hedging strategy for a foreign construction project.2 Many of our clients at U.S. Trust choose to register their yachts in a foreign jurisdiction. The reasons are many and include tax considerations, crew hiring and estate planning issues. Our goal is to help ensure that they have all of the information to make the decision that best fits their individual needs. When it comes to building a custom yacht versus buying a completed yacht, construction projects require an added level of expertise and knowledge of working with clients, shipyards,
surveyors and brokers. Thoroughly consider the significant amount of planning and funds required to construct a yacht.
Vacation Home Financing
For investors who travel to a specific destination annually or throughout the year, a vacation home may be an ideal investment. With attractive prices and historically low interest rates, homebuyers are slowly beginning to return to the residential real estate market for second homes. 3 While it seems the timing may be right for the purchase of a vacation home, the plan to do so can be complex. The most effective mortgage solutions require more than low rates and bargain house prices and the financing plan needs to take into account an investor’s economic situation and wealth management objectives in detail. Further discussion around how long an investor intends to own the property and how it fits into estate planning should be a part of the overall wealth management strategy conversation as well, focusing on multiple dimensions of the purchase. As the summer in Texas approaches in full speed and with blazing heat, consider indulging in the passion for travel this year, but only if it fits into your long-term financial plan. 1 http://www.ustrust.com, Customized Aviation Financing, U.S. Trust 2 http://www.ustrust.com, Customized Marine Financing, U.S. Trust 3 U.S. Trust Capital Acumen, Issue 22 2012, Purchasing a Second Home The U.S. Trust 2012 “Insights on Wealth and Worth” survey is based on a nationwide survey of 642 high net worth and ultra high net worth adults with at least $3 million in investable assets, not including the value of their primary residence. Among respondents, 37 percent have between $3 and $5 million in investable assets, 31 percent have between $5 and $10 million and 32 percent have $10 million or more. The survey was conducted online by the independent research firm Phoenix Marketing International in March of 2012. Asset information was self-reported by the respondent. Verification for respondent qualification occurred at the panel company, using algorithms in place to ensure consistency of information provided, and was confirmed with questions from the survey itself. All data have been tested for statistical significance at the 95 percent confidence level.
This article is designed to provide general information about ideas and strategies. It is for discussion purposes only since the availability and effectiveness of any strategy is dependent upon your individual facts and circumstances. 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. Credit and collateral subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Programs, rates, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. 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. Investment products are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed and may lose value.
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gentlemen’s room high tech
dads&Grads Story | Michael Garfield
HT’s app list
Sound Bar City Are they happy with their flat-panel TV except for the rotten built-in speakers? A ZVOX Z-Base Sound Bar Home Theater system offers a fast, neat fix. Built into a slim box that fits under the TV are multiple amps and high-quality drivers, including a down-firing subwoofer. I put a ZVOX 580 ($499) under a 42-inch ViewSonic and I swear it made the TV seem much bigger. Not just boosting screen height by 3-1/2 inches, but also pumping up the explosive drama of action flicks. The 580 features a hand-built cabinet with beautiful hand-lacquered, high-gloss end panels. Its lowprofile design blends perfectly with flat-panel TVs. Most people don’t even notice the ZVOX 580—until they hear it. zvoxaudio.com Wireless Speaker Is dad still listening to the FM radio with little earbuds? How nice it would be for him to listen to music anywhere around the house without wiring cumbersome speakers through walls and ceilings? Help him step into the now with the Logitech UE Air Speaker ($399), which uses Apple’s AirPlay to effortlessly stream audio from any iOS device on your home’s Wi-Fi network. The sleek, curved unit with minimal controls makes for a simple set up with custom-tune acoustics for an incredible sound. You or dad can take turns playing DJ from an iPad or iPhone by streaming their tunes with no pairing needed. There’s even a hideaway drawer to reveal the Apple Dock Connector to charge your device when it is low on power. logitech.com
Michael Garfield Known as “The High-Tech Texan®” to audiences nationwide, Michael hosts technology and issueoriented talk radio shows six days a week on The 9-5-0. See what he’s up to at HighTechTexan.com.
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Check out these apps which are perfect for both fathers and graduates. GolfCard Classic This app keeps track of scores and analyzes trends in a golfer’s game by comparing it to previous rounds. Find local greens with the GPS range finder and track ball distance, too.
GrillTime BBQ Recipes and Timer Master your grilling with an app that has multiple timers and a reminder alert of when to flip and turn burgers, steaks, chicken and other foods. It can run in the background, so you can listen to music and still be alerted on when the perfect food time is reached.
Hundred PushUps Challenge dad to increase his upper body strength with the six-week training program found in Hundred Pushups. Follow and chart exercises and pushup repetitions as they get higher as the weeks pass. For a full-body workout, encourage him to try the Two Hundred Situps, Two Hundred Squats and Twenty Chinup applications.
ZVox Audio | Logitech
I
remember graduating from college and using my gift money for my first big technology purchase. That stereo system, complete with turntable and a tape-to-tape cassette deck, produced the best sound I had ever heard. Fast forward two-and-a-half decades later and that sound seems poor next to my mp3 player. Now that I’m a dad I expect a lot more sound, video and “oomph” with my gifts. Here are some suggestions for your favorite dads and graduates this year.
gentlemen’s room outdoors
San Antonio
swings
Story | doug pike
T
PC San Antonio features 36 championship holes that fit perfectly as pieces of a 2,800-acre jigsaw puzzle on which people play golf daily for fun and twice annually for millions of dollars. One of only three golf facilities in the nation that host both PGA Tour (Valero Texas Open) and Champions Tour (AT&T Championship) events, TPC San Antonio leads with its outstanding courses and follows luxuriously with the 1,002-room
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort | TPC San Antonio
plan ahead Whatever the size of your group, there are specials that bundle golf and accommodations in a place where the two come together exquisitely. In addition to golf and a pillow, you can arrange for spa treatments, make dinner reservations and otherwise streamline your stay before you even leave home. And, At TPC San Antonio’s website, golfers can “live chat” anytime with golf-package specialists.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort. It’s difficult, actually, to separate the two entities. Green turf and trees, pale sand and meandering creeks are visible from hundreds of the guest rooms, and the magnificent hotel can’t be missed from anywhere on the courses. Opened early in 2010, TPC San Antonio features the architecture of Pete Dye and Greg Norman, each of whom carved unique courses from their respective pieces of Texas’ Hill Country. The AT&T Oaks course is Norman’s doing and, from its championship tees, commands perfection from the best players in the world. (Unless your business card says, “PGA Tour Player” beneath your name, select a more appropriate tee than the rear set.) Dye’s AT&T Canyons is gentler, compared to Norman’s work, yet every bit as beautiful and enjoyable for golfers who count every shot and for those who do not. I have seen both golf courses in full tournament condition and months removed from their events, and it was difficult to
Membership has its privileges TPC San Antonio has a nonresident membership package that makes sense for anyone who loves the game and spends more than a few weekends annually in the Hill Country.
distinguish a difference no matter the month or season. TPC San Antonio is maintained yeararound to exceptional standards, and that quality seems somehow to lift the games of those who play here. Worth noting in an increasingly eco-friendly world, the thirsts of both layouts through Texas summers are quenched by a closed-loop irrigation system that protects the underground aquifer and has earned TPC San Antonio entry into the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary System. From inception, the facility’s designers aimed to achieve minimal encroachment on native flora and fauna—and hit all their marks. (Check bunkers on morning rounds for animal tracks; you’ll see plenty.) What you won’t see at TPC
Members get preferred tee times, enjoy unlimited practice, can send as many as four guests daily to enjoy the courses, and get access to other TPC facilities nationwide. For information, go to tpcsanantonio.com
San Antonio, except during tournaments, is crowds. Tee times are generously spaced so that groups can better enjoy the experience. Keep pace, the starter will advise, but don’t hesitate to pause and admire something that catches your eye. Between rounds, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort offers six restaurants, a 24,000-square foot spa, and a sixacre water park, all of which are available exclusively to members and guests of the resort. Eat. Relax. Rest. Then make your way back to the first tee. 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.
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fore the Story | kathryn hunter
Once dubbed the “gentleman’s game,� golf is seeing a surge in female players. To accommodate ladies on the links, many golf resorts are going above and beyond to welcome them on the course.
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The Boulders Resort Situated in the scenic Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Ariz., just
The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
north of Scottsdale, The Boulders Resort has long been acknowledged as one of the most female-friendly golf resorts in the country. With its two Jay Moorish-designed championship courses, popular female-only golf clinics and beautiful weather, The Boulders makes for an idyllic golf getaway. Both the North Course and South Course, known for challenging play, are surrounded by native vegetation and ancient boulder formations, with sweeping panoramic views of the desert landscape. A dramatic rock outcropping shelters the green on the South Course’s signature fifth hole, famous for its unrivaled vistas and unforgiving rough. Three sets of tees have slope and course ratings for women. The Boulders Academy offers a wide selection of educational programs, including private, one-on-one instruction with talented LPGA instructors, as well as specialized fitness classes for golfers such as Golf Yoga. The Fore Ladies Program for new golfers, designed for groups of two to four participants, provides an introduction to the game in a fun and unintimidating environment, blending three days of instruction with social activities. Many of The Boulders’ spacious guest casitas and villas, elegantly appointed, feature private patios or decks overlooking the golf course or desert. Other on-site attractions include the resort’s seven restaurants, which specialize in innovative Southwestern cuisine, and the full-service Waldorf Astoria Spa. To achieve the perfect balance of rest and recreation, combine golf, dining and spa services with one of The Boulders’ “Girlfriend Getaway” packages. theboulders.com
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Play Like a Pro Could your game use a little work? Check out these golf clinics, where you’ll learn to swing with the best of them in no time. Golf Academy at The Greenbrier Approximately 40 percent of the students at The Greenbrier’s prominent Golf Academy are women, with the number continuing to rise. White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. 855-453-4858, greenbrier.com
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club The teaching staff at the Pine Needles Golf Club includes a number of accomplished female golfers, such as lodge owner Peggy Kirk Bell, former professional golfer, author and award-winning instructor. Southern Pines, N.C. 910-692-7111, pineneedles-midpines.com
Treetops Resort Ladies Golf Academy
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island Resort A little slice of seaside heaven on Georgia’s southeastern coast, Sea Island Resort is a
relaxed and welcoming setting where women can follow up a day on the course with invigorating spa treatments and five-star luxury accommodation. Sea Island’s three championship courses, steeped in tradition, offer tee boxes for a wide range of skill levels, as well as scenic and varied terrain. Suitable for beginners, the par-72 Plantation Course boasts forests of towering live oaks, spectacular ocean views, expansive fairways, and a clear line of sight between holes. The par-70 Seaside Course is a true links-style course, linking the sea to the land, with a picturesque mix of marshes, dunes and coastline. Here, strong ocean winds challenge your long game, but the course presents only one forced-carry water hazard, located on the signature thirteenth hole. The par-72 Retreat Course, designed by Davis Love III and his brother Mark Love, features wide fairways and large greens, simplifying your short game. In addition to being home to three of the nation’s top golf courses and providing services like high-end equipment rental and a celebrated caddie program, Sea Island Resort is also known for its Golf Learning Center. The program employs four of the top 20 golf instructors in the U.S., including PGA- and LPGA-certified instructor Gale Peterson. Widely acclaimed by both her pupils and the press, Peterson has more than 30 years of experience working with players at every level, from beginner to pro. seaisland.com
The Treetops’ four-day, women-only clinics are open to beginners and seasoned players, focusing on the short game and full swing. Gaylord, Mich. 866-348-5249, treetops.com
The School of Golf Exclusively for Women Located at Sycuan Golf Resort, the School of Golf Exclusively for Women is taught by LPGA instructors, and sessions have a maximum student to teacher ratio of 5:1. El Cajon, Calif. 800-457-5568, sycuanresort.com
Bird Golf Academy Women-only golf schools from Bird Golf Academy are available at a variety of locations around the country and are customizable for any individual or group. 877-424-7346, birdgolf.com
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Barton Creek Resort & Spa Tucked among 4,000 acres of Hill Country greenbelt, Barton Creek
Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Resort & Spa in Austin is another top pick for women who golf and want an inviting locale to lower their handicap. Heralded as the No. 1 golf resort in Texas, Barton Creek’s amenities include four championship golf courses, two restaurants, a Callaway Performance Center, a selection of boutiques and pro shops, and the Three Springs Spa. Though only a short drive to Austin’s bustling downtown, the surroundings are unexpectedly serene. The four distinct golf courses showcase the area’s natural beauty, and beginners and scratch players alike often stop to admire the cliff-lined fairways, waterfalls, native plants and abundant wildlife found on the greens. Barton Creek’s courses—Fazio Foothills, Fazio Canyons, Crenshaw Cliffside and Palmer Lakeside—are named for their architects, who are among the most prestigious in their field. All courses are Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, reflecting the resort’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Barton Creek Resort & Spa offers a number of programs designed specifically for women. The “Gals Golf Getaway Package,” ensuring an exciting itinerary, includes resort accommodations, a welcome reception, two spa services, daily breakfast, wine tasting, nine holes of golf per night of stay on any course, complimentary club rentals, and champagne and strawberries delivered to the guest room on the day of arrival. The “Ladies Only Two-Day School,” which emphasizes the unique priorities of women’s play, provides an intimate and personalized environment in which to learn all aspects of the game. bartoncreek.com
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Never stop learning. Never stop growing. Never stop, period.
Welcome to a new day.
Come discover a community where you never stop growing. Our residents fall in love with where they live. And how they live.
Located in Richmond just off US 59 Call 877-256-0272 for directions
Del Webb Sweetgrass offers an unparalleled active adult lifestyle designed just for you! But don’t take our word for it, nothing showcases the Del Webb lifestyle better than a personal visit, so come out and join us!
For more information visit delwebb.com/sweetgrass
At least one resident must be 55 years of age or better, a limited number of residents may be younger and no one under 19 years of age. Some residents may be younger than 55. Community Association fees required. Complete offering terms for the homeowner’s association is in an offering plan available from sponsor. Void where prohibited. Prices reflect base prices and are subject to change without notice. Lot premiums may apply. Details available upon request. Photography is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be an actual representation of a specific community, neighborhood, or any completed improvements being offered. Š2012 Pulte Home Corporation.
escape enlightened explorer
>> for the active adventurer
yoga safaris A
frica is one of the world’s most exotic and beautiful continents, a place teeming with wildlife and adventure. Join a tailor-made yoga safari from &Beyond, focusing on the yoga discipline of your choice, to experience practice and meditation in the South African bush. Led by internationally qualified instructors, yoga safaris are held at &Beyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve, an area famous for its wild game viewing. Phinda is home to six exclusive lodges located in a variety of rare and diverse habitats, from dry sand forests to open wetlands and secluded mountaintops. andbeyond.com
>> for the world explorer
>> for the master griller
Nicaragua's
Lessons in BBQ
T
hough its namesake is the Mayan word for “secret,” worldclass beach resort Mukul, opened in February, is putting Nicaragua on the map for luxury travelers. The country’s first luxury boutique hotel and spa features 37 spacious rooms, each with an ocean view, pool and private staff. Resort amenities include four miles of white sand beach, more than 7 miles of nature trails through lush coastal forest, Spa Mukul, Mukul Beach Club and the 18hole Guacalito Golf Course. Mukul is the creation of the Pellas, a prominent local family whose presence in Nicaragua extends back 135 years. Focusing on sustainable architecture and business practices that benefit the surrounding community, Mukul offers a secluded sanctuary where guests can enjoy complete relaxation while also connecting with Nicaragua’s vibrant land and culture. mukulresort.com
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his June, learn the art of the grill at The Broadmoor’s annual BBQ University. Steven Raichlen, author of eight best-selling barbecue books and host of PBS shows “Primal Grill” and “Barbecue University,” will lead sessions June 5-8 and June 9-12. Featuring hands-on instruction and unbeatable eating, the BBQ University Package includes luxury accommodation for three nights and three days, a welcoming “meat”and greet, and a daily continental breakfast and barbecue luncheon. Afternoons and evenings are free to explore the resort’s other attractions and activities. Opened in 1918, The Broadmoor is a five-star, five-diamond resort in Colorado Springs, Colo. Offering a stunning mountainous backdrop, 300 days of sunshine a year, 54 holes of championship golf, a popular day spa, and a wealth of shopping and programs for all ages and interests, The Broadmoor is a favorite summer getaway. broadmoor.com
The Broadmoor | Mic Click Photography | &Beyond | Mukul
new geM
enlightened explorer
escape
>> for the wine & nature lovers
naturally napa
N
apa Valley, Calif., is regarded as one of the most enticing wine regions in the world, but the appeal doesn’t stop there. The area is also famous for its spectacular natural beauty. Just outside the town of Calistoga, soak in the picturesque surroundings at Calistoga Ranch, a private mixed-use community of 48 freestanding guest lodges and 23 owners’ lodges situated on 157 green, oaklined acres. The naturally inspired architecture of the guest lodges, rustic yet refined, reflects the landscape, featuring wide cedar decks, polished wood and floorto-ceiling windows. Embrace Napa’s best during your stay: swim in an outdoor pool overlooking the landscape, go for a hike, tour the on-site vineyard and mountain wine cave, or indulge in healing mineral water treatments at The Bathhouse Spa. calistogaranch.com
>> for the sun seeker
Coastal paradise
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nce the site of the Hacienda Hotel, which hosted celebrities like John Wayne, Bing Crosby and Raquel Welch, today Hacienda Cabo San Lucas offers spacious suites, residences, and villas available for vacation rental or sale. Just a stone’s throw from Cabo’s city center, the resort provides easy access to the best of sunny Baja del Sur, Mexico—stunning beaches, luxe accommodation, fine dining, golf, spa treatments, shopping, fishing, and underwater adventures like snorkeling and scuba diving. Nearby, the famous rock formations of Land’s End are one of the area’s top attractions. haciendacaboresort.com >> for the business traveler
>> for the beach aficionado
Calistoga Ranch | Sanderling Resort | Hacienda Cabo San Lucas | Briggs & Riley
tech: on-the-go outer Banks
W
hether you’re taking your laptop on a family vacation or a business trip, the @Work business case collection from Briggs & Riley Travelware will bring greater peace of mind to your journey. Made of lightweight, durable ballistic nylon fabric, the bags are built for rigorous use, with a modern, upscale tech aesthetic. The new spring design features an RFID-blocking pocket for identify theft protection, privacy protection panels to conceal personal belongings and clothing when opening the case in work environments, and fleece interiors. The collection includes 16 versatile pieces, ranging from $129 to $479. briggs-riley.com
Escape W
atch the sun rise in rainbow hues over the ocean from the comfort of a lounge chair or your private balcony. Dine on fresh, local seafood and grass-fed prime steaks. Walk barefoot along the beach or splash in the surf. The Sanderling Resort, set along 16 acres encircled by the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound near Duck, N.C., is a not-to-miss Outer Banks destination. Last winter, Sanderling underwent a multi-million dollar transformation, emerging in the spring with a new look while retaining the same singular sense of casual sophistication. Freshly renovated buildings and restaurants welcome visitors to open and relaxing spaces, and a family friendly resort pool and two adult-only tranquility pools offer new venues for fun in the water. sanderling-resort.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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see & do
I
n the heart of the Hill Country, you’ll find the “water recreation capitol of the world,” but you might be surprised to learn that Canyon Lake is more than just a place to splash around. In 1966, Lone Star Beer stocked Canyon Lake with 10,000 rainbow trout. Because of the cool water temperatures, the breed has lived on, making the lake one of the few places in Texas to find them. The area just below the damn is a popular place to fly fish. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, Reelfly Fishing Adventures can guide you to the best spots on the lake. On a beautiful day, you may find the lake’s sparkling water speckled with sails coming from yacht clubs in the area. The Lake Canyon Yacht Club provides sailing amenities, lessons for those who want to learn, and hosts the popular Wurstfest Regatta each November. A number of bed and breakfasts offer visitors a place to relax. Choose a room at Canyon Lake
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Ranch, or enjoy a massage or rejuvenating body scrub at their day spa. Sip a glass of wine while overlooking the lake from a luxurious perch at Lakehouse Bed & Breakfast, a Mediterraneanstyle haven. Innkeeper Justin Robinson will even pack a gourmet picnic basket and set up a day of wine tasting for you at the local Dry Comal Creek Vineyards. Whether you spend the day relaxing shore side or out on the water, several area restaurants come with high recommendations. Catch the sunset from the lakeside deck of Baja BBQ Shack, where you can choose from a menu of seafood or any kind of barbecue you can dream up. For a more elegant atmosphere, head to Silver Sage Grille for some upscale creations of chef Robin Jehl. As the community around Canyon Lake continues to grow, the “water recreation capitol of the world” proves to have a little something for everyone.
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards Known as one of Texas’ wine pioneers, this vineyard offers wine made 100 percent from the Black Spanish grape. Guests can take a tour, sip selections in the tasting room, or expand their wine knowledge at Dry Comal Creek’s Winery U. 1741 Herberlin Road, New Braunfels 830-885-4076 drycomalcreek.com Canyon Lake Gorge Formed by an overflowing dam from the flood of 2002, the gorge is now managed by The Gorge Preservation Society. Visitors can join a public guided tour or request a customized tour for a group. 2075 FM 2673, Canyon Lake 830-964-5424 canyongorge.org
Lakehouse Bed & Breakfast | Kathy White | Dr. B.G. Horner | Ray Leubner
canyon
Texas Trail Riding Co. Owner Kathy White provides guided horse rides of Old Hancock Trail for novice or experienced riders. Guests can pack a picnic and stop to explore natural wonders around the lake. Views are spectacular during wildflower season! 102 Hancock Road, Canyon Lake 210-269-7736 texastrailrideingco.com
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
Feel Good | here comes the sun Health Buzz | What's New Look Good | prime time Be Good | the need for intimacy His & Hers | sprains & strains
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feel Good
sun
here comes the Story | Angela ambrose
m
elanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer, caused primarily from ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure or indoor tanning. About 9,500 Americans are expected to die this year from melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society. One or more blistering sunburns before the age of 18 more than doubles your risk of developing melanoma later on. People who have relatives with a history of the disease or who have lighter skin are also at greater risk. If you are lightskinned, your risk of melanoma is 10 times higher than for African Americans. “Malignant melanomas account for only 4 percent of all skin cancers, but they are the most serious type of skin cancer because they can become
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invasive and spread to the lymph nodes, as well as metastasize to other distant body sites,” says Dr. Sherry Ingraham, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in Houston. Ingraham recommends using the ABCDE warning signs to identify lesions that could be melanoma. A stands for asymmetry, which means one half of the mole does not match the other half. B refers to the border of the mole. An irregular or poorly defined border deserves a closer look. C stands for colors that are varied. D refers to diameter. Moles that are greater than 6 mm (0.24 in.), or the size of a pencil eraser, are more likely to be melanoma. E stands for an evolving or changing lesion. To detect melanomas early on, examine your body monthly for any new or changing moles and have your doctor
perform a yearly skin exam. A dermatologist should carefully examine a mole that is changing in size, shape or color or starts to bleed or itch. Treatment of melanomas includes surgically removing the lesion and the surrounding tissue. If the melanoma has grown deep into the skin or spread to other parts of the body, more advanced treatment is required such as removal of the lymph nodes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. “If melanomas are caught early and they have not spread to other areas, in most cases, they are curable,” Ingraham says. To reduce your risk of skin cancer, limit your sun exposure when the sun’s rays are strongest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When you are out in the sun, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of
30 or higher to exposed skin, and reapply it every couple hours. Wearing sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses provides an additional layer of protection. For more ways to improve your skin's health, Ingraham also suggests taking a multivitamin and consuming foods or drinks high in antioxidants, especially berries, pomegranate juice and green tea.
burn notice
Using tanning booths and sunlamps increases your risk of melanoma by 75 percent, and the risk increases with each use, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Each year, nearly 28 million Americans tan indoors and about 70 percent of them are white females from 16 to 29 years old.
H e a l t h B u zz
eat like a
e
ating olive oil and nuts daily as part of a Mediterranean-style diet reduces the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues by 30 percent, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. The study involved about 7,500 people in Spain between the ages of 55 and 80 who were at high risk for heart disease. Participants were placed on one of two diets: Mediterranean diet including at least 4 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil per day (about one liter per week); Mediterranean diet including more than 1 ounce of walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts daily. There was also a control group instructed to eat a low-fat diet made up of fruits, vegetables, bread, pasta, fish and low-fat dairy foods. The study was projected to last five years, but was stopped a few months early because the Mediterranean diet demonstrated such overwhelming health
greek
benefits over the low-fat diet that the researchers felt it was unethical to keep the control group on the low-fat diet. The Mediterranean diet, typically eaten in southern coastal regions of Europe, includes generous helpings of fruit, vegetables, beans, olive oil and nuts, as well as moderate amounts of poultry, fish and red wine with meals. Very limited amounts of red meat, dairy or sweets are consumed. This latest study adds to a large body of research that suggests a Mediterranean diet helps promote cardiovascular health. Because it includes a wide variety of food choices, participants were more likely to stick with this diet than the more restrictive low-fat diet.
Let’s Do
m
live well
lunch ALL
aking lunch the biggest meal of your day may help you lose more weight and shed those pounds more quickly, according to research published in the International Journal of Obesity. Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital followed 420 overweight participants in a 20-week weight loss program and found that those who ate 40 percent of their calories before 3 p.m. lost considerably more weight and at a much faster rate than lateeaters, who ate their main meal after 3 p.m. The study also showed that late-eaters were less sensitive to insulin, which may increase their risk of diabetes.
diabetes and the brain
p
eople with Type 2 diabetes have a 50 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a University of Pittsburgh study. Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, and this study is the first to directly show that insulin resistance occurs in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s. Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, costing the nation $245 billion in 2012—a 41 percent increase since 2007, according to a separate study commissioned by the American Diabetes Association. Health complications from diabetes include blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart disease and stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that people with diabetes have twice the risk of dying compared to people of similar age without diabetes.
smiles t
he simple act of smiling lowers stress levels, independent of how you’re feeling, say researchers from the University of Kansas. Smiling, even when forced, lowered participants’ heart rates and made them feel more relaxed.
angela ambrose Angela Ambrose has been a writer for more than 20 years, working for Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as national magazines, newspapers and websites. She is also a nationally certified group fitness instructor and a registered yoga teacher.
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Look Good
prime Story | jessica mebane
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Don’t Shine on Me When you’re 17 and fresh off the tennis court, that dewy pink sheen on your face is called a “healthy glow.” When you’re heading into the 10th hour of the workday and trying to figure out why the lighting in the washroom makes you look like a sweaty fugitive, that’s oily skin. Applying a thin layer of primer in the morning to a clean face actually creates a barrier between foundation and skin that eliminates the appearance of oily shine altogether, without making you look chalky like pressed or loose powder sometimes can. This is especially helpful for photos, so prime that face before you step out to brave the paparazzi or just survive the
prime-living.com
moves
time
s the adage goes, less is more. But if you want your makeup to look perfectly immaculate all day—even on the muggiest of Texas summer afternoons—more is more. When it comes to your makeup arsenal, foundation is fine, powder is passable, but giving good face begins with a flawless canvass. And nothing helps you achieve that level of perfection like primer. This product also seals off your pores against oily shine, smoothes over blemishes and skin imperfections, and makes your foundation stay on better and longer.
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family portrait portion of your cousin’s kid’s wedding. Most primers also have SPF protection against UVA/UVB sun damage, as well as vitamin and lipid ingredients that can reduce the appearance of fine lines. And because they contain skin protecting and improving elements, you can wear primer alone without the foundation, or apply after your morning moisturizer. Remember that a little goes a long way, so apply this with a light hand. Try an oil-free primer for acne-prone skin, and if you have latex allergies, be sure to avoid primers with silicone ingredients.
But if you want to keep it casual, there are also clear, colorless primers that are great for moisturizing your skin for that incandescent look, and also great at filling in small lines.
Staying Power Because these primers are formulated with ingredients that reduce shine and the appearance of large pores that contribute to makeup creases, your makeup lasts past the first furnace blast of Texas heat that assails you when you step outside, and gives you that “done” look preferred by professional makeup artists. Apply the primer after you’re certain your moisturizer has been absorbed into the skin (about 5 Color vs. Clear minutes), and make sure your Available in shades as numerous as their foundation counterparts, face is dry. You can apply it with your fingers, but you will primers help camouflage skin definitely achieve a smoother imperfections or age spots. Remember to match the color of look if you use a sponge. This your face and neck area for a truly will also help prevent your makeup from smudging during smooth and flawless appearance, because great makeup doesn’t end the day or after meals. So don’t be intimidated by the at your chin. thought of adding another layer For ruddy or irritated skin of makeup to your look. And types, there are primers with if you want to take it slow, you a slight green cast to offset the can try primers just for specific redness. You can choose from areas, like eye shadow primer a veritable rainbow of shades depending on the problem you’re for creases, or lipstick primer to prevent feathering. This is trying to address, whether it’s one small item that can really a blue or lavender tint to offset pack some star power into your sallow skin, or yellow to disguise summer makeup palette. dark under-eye shadows.
Looking for a good primer? Here are a few that will help you give good face all summer long. Try Sephora’s Perfecting Ultra Smoothing Primer, which, according to the manufacturer, is infused with peptides to help smooth skin texture. And for those with sensitive skin, this product does not contain parabens or fragrance. sephora.com Only a makeup maverick like Greek-Australian Napoleon Perdis can issue an edict like, “Not to prime is a crime!” and make you believe it. His Napoleon Auto Pilot PreFoundation Primer has chamomile, yarrow extract and Vitamin E that hydrates all skin types. napoleonperdis.com Chantecaille’s Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Primer is a great choice among colorless primers, with its oil-free formulation that’s both water and humidity-resistant to give you all-day makeup perfection. This primer also has cherry blossom, lemon balm, and white tea extracts loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. chantecaille.com
Be good
live well
the need for Story | Mary Jo Rapini
t
intimacy
he biggest discrepancy between men and women is the way they look at relationships. Women need a relationship to have sex. Men need sex to have a relationship. That says everything. Men could do without the relationship if they just had sex most of the time. Women think they could do without sex if they had a great relationship. The reality is they can’t, nor should they. Women’s ambiguous feelings toward sex and relationships tend to initiate most of the conflict within the relationship and marriage. It’s not that women don’t want sex; it’s simply that they want the relationship more. Men can’t understand this and instead go to great lengths to “trick” the system. But the system is set in place and the only one who gets tricked is the man and the person he is in a relationship with. Typically when men marry, they feel a sense of accomplishment. They found someone to share their life with, help them face their battles and be their sexual companion. Women want all of this…and more. They want a relationship. They want to share their lives with their partner and feel connected. Women achieve this connection by talking in an intimate setting. Men talk about this need to talk and may joke about it. But they really don’t understand the importance of it until they are in their mid-40s. Up until that time, it seems unnecessary to many men, and they draw no correlation between their ability to communicate with their wives and the frequency of sex they engage in. They should. Men are making a huge mistake if they tease or belittle this need for closeness that women have. Women cannot fight the need, and the majority of affairs women have are
due to their finding another partner who addresses their need for verbal closeness. It’s not right, but it happens, and it happens much more frequently than the men to whom they are married could ever imagine. Cheating is never an acceptable solution to any problem, but not understanding why cheating occurs makes you more vulnerable to it happening. If you are a man, don’t assume that once you marry, your emotional work is done. If you are a woman, talk to your partner and tell them directly what you need. They cannot guess, nor should they. If you can’t admit to what you need to feel sexual with them, or connected with them, then seek counseling. So how do couples make sure they emotionally connect in a world where both people are working, traveling or have kids to take care of? It’s not that difficult, but the need for an emotional and sexual connection has to be valued. These suggestions will help bring more intimacy into your relationship: Couples who talk about their sex life have a more intimate closeness and engage in sex more frequently. Set aside 10 minutes each day to be together, hold hands and talk. One of the biggest problems with sex is talking about it. Suffering in silence is not recommended, nor is blaming or shaming. If you feel “dead” or “numb” when you make love, that is a problem. Go to your physician and ask for a referral to a physician that specializes in sexual dysfunction. If the feelings are more due to conflict in your relationship, begin with a counselor. When you notice distance in your relationship, confront it directly. Passively
waiting for it to “blow over” is being neglectful of the most important relationship in your life. No relationship or marriage just ends. There are warning signs. A fever means you are getting sick; withdrawal means someone is unhappy in the relationship. Frequency of intercourse is a matter of personal preference. As a general rule, once a week is a good place to begin. Many of my patients have gone for a year without sex; this is too long. It isn’t healthy physically or emotionally for either partner. Intercourse is only one type of sex; there are unlimited ways to show physical and emotional intimacy. Many influences in our lives dictate our comfort with our sexuality. Talking about these influences and encouraging your partner to trust you with their feelings are integral parts of a healthy marriage. Feeling ashamed or embarrassed about your sexuality and blaming your partner because they enjoy their sexuality is self righteous and demeaning. When one partner is unhappy with the frequency of sex in their marriage, the worst thing you can say is, “I’m going to leave and find it elsewhere.” The best thing you can do as a couple is to address the issue together. Go to the physician and counselor together.
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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his & hers
sprains & strains Story | jessica mebane
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ge is just a state of mind, but nothing puts you in a state of abject misery like nursing an ankle sprain or tendon strain. And if the pain lingers too long you begin to feel just plain old and worn down. Men and women suffer the same soft tissue injuries, whether it’s from overdoing it at exercise or just wrenching a shoulder from cleanjerking the groceries out of the trunk, but how we manage our pain is the difference between a quick bounce-back or slow crash and burn. Dr. Nancy J. Eisen, D.O. of Austin Diagnostic Clinic, has some sound advice to keep you clicking down the fast lane of life, and a few precautions for when your body seems to be headed for the breakdown lane.
injury When the fluid sac (bursa) betwixt bone and tendon swells and creates pressure and irritation. Usually in the shoulder, elbow, hip or knee.
treatment Bursitis
Rest and anti-inflammatory meds, and (for long-term benefits) flexibility and balance training like yoga. In addition, there are better joint replacement options available now, and at earlier ages of patients.
Dr. Eisen: “There some great steroidal injections that can really help with the inflamed area, as well as the prophylactic use of ibuprofen or analgesic pain relievers (aspirin, acetaminophen). Know what your kidney health is though, if you continue to use these medicines habitually.” When the tendons connected to your muscles experience repetitive stress, resulting in muscle swells that feel painful and hot. Think Nolan Ryan’s right shoulder after nine innings against the Braves.
Tendonitis
Avoid “boomeritis” or the urge to take your new favorite athletic activity to the Nth degree.
Dr. Eisen: “This generation of Texans has really taken to exercise, and are running and cycling more than any other generation before. But be smart about your limitations. Remember too, that inflammation just means your body is beginning its job of healing.”
Inflammation of the thick ligaments at the bottom (sole) of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis
Get X-rays to check for stress fractures. Your doctor will also take a look at how you stand and walk. Buy shoes with some arch support and, for more severe pain, your physician may recommend foot braces, sleeves or boots.
Dr. Eisen: “This is actually more prevalent in the women I see in my practice, and shoes are usually the culprit. Not heels, surprisingly, but the ballerina flats, flip-flops and other archless footwear. Even going barefoot can contribute to heel pain. Men don’t present this as much because they’re wearing actual shoes and sneakers with arch support.” Your joints are all connected by ligaments, which can be stretched or even torn from injuries, sports or otherwise.
Sprain
RICE, RICE, baby: Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the best remedies for sprains. If you’ve really done a number on yourself, bracing or splints might be necessary.
Dr. Eisen: “You always hear about the importance of warming up before you exercise. What really counts in the fight against muscle trauma is stretching your muscles after workouts. So much of the next-day pain you feel is from your muscles sort of seizing or feeling frozen up from not stretching out immediately afterwards.” Your bones are supported by a tendon/muscle combo that can also be stretched or torn, resulting in a strain.
strain
Men most commonly strain their lower back or hamstring muscles, while women suffer more neck and shoulder tendon injuries. The treatments for strains is the same as sprains (RICE).
Dr. Eisen: “Women have way more instances of neck and shoulder strains. For the first problem, I like to remind women about posture, posture, posture. It may sound schoolmarmish, but keeping the chin up and shoulders back really keeps the strained neck at bay. And for whatever reason, women hold their stress in their neck and shoulders. Unfortunately, the shoulder strains we as women experience later on stems from the indignities of gravity on our breasts. So make sure you have the right bra, try yoga and get massages to alleviate the pain.”
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thursday
05.16.13 WORTHAM
event chair Jo Furr
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artistic chair Stanton Welch
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honoring FRANKIE ANN HOLMES, MD PHYSICIAN HONOREE MARGARET ALKEK WILLIAMS ARTS ADVOCATE HONOREE
CENTER BROWN THEATER
8:00 P.M.
CURTAIN TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT: WWW.PINKRIBBONS.ORG TICKET PRICES START AT $25 PERFORMANCES BY
MARGO HILLIARD ALFORD, MD, MPH SURVIVOR HONOREE SOFTLAYER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. CORPORATE HONOREE
BENEFITING
PRIME Living March/April Preview Party
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Private Luxury Property of John Daugherty Realtors • 3.13.13
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PRIME Living kicked off its annual “Design Issue” at one of Houston’s most unique and exquisite homes, where guests enjoyed an evening of fine food and drink. Eleven XI entertained the crowd with their bartending skills, while Texas Silver Star Whiskey delighted everyone with their signature mint julep. Costa Brava wined and dined guests with a salmon and wine pairing, and Molina’s spiced things up with an array of light bites. Hawthorn’s chef Riccardo Palazzo-Giorgio chatted with guests as he prepared scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, and Ooh La La Dessert Boutique satiated everyone’s sweet cravings. Guests participated in a derby hat contest with prizes from M Penner. Prime Living writers Mary Jo Rapini, John DeMers, Holly Beretto were in attendance, as well as Roseann Rogers, who was also one of the evening’s host. Photography | Silahis Loyola
get on the list at primelist@prime-living.com
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may/june • 2013
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Keels & Wheels Uncorked
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the Wynden - Houston • 3.21.13
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At the 4th Annual Keels and Wheels Uncorked event, honoree and sportscaster Bob Allen, emcee Sam Malone and 150 guests helped raise more than $26,000 for the Boys & Girls Harbor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children and families in crisis. Guests enjoyed both live and silent auctions while noshing on custom hors d’oeuvres, each made to complement a classic car on display and paired with a premium wine. Chefs from Carmelo’s Ristorante Italiano, Ristorante Cavour, Masraff’s, Mark’s American Cuisine, and Triniti were spotlighted for their creativity. Photography | Leroy Gibbins & Wirdin.cc
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1 Sam Malone and Bob Allen 2 Mayor of Seabrook Glenn Royal and Diane Royal 3 Bob Fuller 4 Richard and Irina Mitchell 5 Olga and Miguel Grillo 6 Brenda Carroll and Kelly Halbach 7 Denis DeBakey and Laboune Cox 8 Kim Padgett and Bob Allen 9 Nelda and Jim Blair
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Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon river oaks country club - Houston • 3.26.13
The 14th year of the annual Hats Off to Mothers Luncheon proved to be yet another successful one as the event raised $155,000 for Easter Seals Greater Houston. Sleek, whimsical, feathered and colorful hats dotted the banquet room filled with nearly 400 guests, who came together to honor 10 Houston-area mothers for their contributions to their families and the community. The event is the largest fundraiser for Easter Seals Greater Houston, which provides programs that serve individuals with disabilities and their families.
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Photography | Roswitha Vogler
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1 The Honorees 2 Elizabeth Weiss and Lacey Dalcour 3 Kaylin Constantiner and Karina Barbieri 4 Julie Brown and Judy Nyquist 5 Gina Bhatia and Carolyn Farb 6 Anne Kushwaha, Angie Hollaway, Gina Bhatia and Mary D'Andrea 7 Crystal Pomero-Mueller, Cyndi Blau, Stephanie Johnson and Carmen Whidden 8 Elisabeth Stein and Bruce Padilla 9 Cyndy Garza-Roberts and Linda Kuykendall
may/june • 2013
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In the world of golf ball diving, no one does it better than Steve Helms. who gives new life to more than 2.5 million golf balls a year. Photography | Dan Price
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