LUXURY IN B A L A N C E™ ™
ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT ABOUNDS IN PALM SPRINGS
Cover
Reliving Shakespeare THE BARD IN THE MODERN ERA
+
Comforts & joy
WINTER 2016
GREAT GIFTING TO DELIGHT EVERYONE ON YOUR WISH LIST
EXOTIC PLACES TO TRAVEL
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
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table of contents
TOC
24
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
67
BASK BEYOND
26
MASTHEAD
76
FASHION
28
CONTRIBUTORS
31
IN THE GLOW
88
BASK @ HOME
34
HOLIDAY GIFTING
121
FACES + PLACES
129
BASK TABLE
134
LOOKING BACK
A Merry Exchange Wondrous gifts for everyone’s wish list
51
22
MASTERS OF TRADE
baskmagazine.com
Shining Bright Timeless elegance to weather all seasons
PUBLISHER'S LETTER
Gifts and Gratitude
N
Pub Note
ow that Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas holiday and New Year’s festivities are fast approaching, is it time to slow down yet? Running the publishing race all year long brings me to this time when I make the conscious decision to allow myself to slow down a bit and be present for my family and friends. At the end of each year, I run a slow movie in my head, going over the big strides, accomplishments and goals our team has continuously worked so hard for. I can honestly say that with bask’s amazing team of writers, designers, and all of our wonderful contributors, I’ve never been disappointed! They never cease to amaze me, so of course, a huge thank you to each and every one who works so hard to create nothing less than a stellar publication. With this winter issue, we are excited to announce that we have expanded our Orange County distribution farther up the
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coast beyond Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast and Dana Point to include our sister community Huntington Beach. bask is now being distributed to some of Huntington’s most prestigious neighborhoods, such as The Peninsula, The Bluffs, Seacliff on the Greens and Huntington Harbour oceanfront homes. You might notice that the spots featured in this issue’s fashion pages (page 76) look a little familiar. It’s because bask was fortunate enough to be able to shoot on-site at Pacific City, Huntington Beach’s newest shopping destination. There, we found amazing fashion boutiques like Kin and West of Camden. And you certainly can’t miss the fine restaurants that we all fell in love with such as Saint Marc, Ola, and Old Crow. Coffee anyone? You can’t top Portola for a fabulous cup of joe. If you haven’t visited this beautiful shopping destination, please take the whole family. We promise you won’t be disappointed; neither will your furry family members—they are dog-friendly! As there is so much exciting and new to do in HB, be sure to stop by the newly opened Paséa Hotel & Spa next to Pacific City. It’s simply fabulous, and your four-legged friends are welcome there as well. For those who were unable to attend the inaugural Breitling Air show with the United States Air Force Flight Squadron— featuring the Thunderbirds and the Breitling Jet Team—this fall, it was a spectacular show along the coast of Huntington’s gorgeous beaches (page 125). Mark your calendars to attend next year’s event coming October, 2017. The annual show is a must-see, and certain to take your breath away. So my friends, all this wraps up another year; and with it comes the promise and gift of tomorrow, the hope for a prosperous and healthy new year and gratitude for our families, friends and all we have in this gorgeous environment we live in. Thank you for your continued support of bask Magazine. Wishing you a fabulous holiday with all your loved ones. See you again next year.
JOLIE ADAMS, Publisher jolie@baskmagazine.com
swell eats!
O C E A N F R O N T S H O P P I N G , D I N I N G & E N T E R TA I N M E N T
THE AMERICAN DREAM
A style that's new...surrounded by blue Sand at your feet...cool places to eat Out 'til two...so much to do... take me to the city
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POPBAR PORTOLA COFFEE LAB
Pacific City
AT&T
Backhouse Yakitori+Sushi
Barnabas Clothing Co. Bluegold
The Bungalow
Crazy Shirts
Drybar
Free People
M.A.C.
CherryHills Market
Equinox
KIN
Lemonade
Old Crow Smokehouse Sephora
Sunglass Resort
LUSH
Ola Mexican Kitchen The Plantation
Saint Marc Pub-Cafe
Simmzy’s
Surfing Supply
Tommy Bahama Urban Outfitters
Linksoul
Philz Coffee
Rudy’s Barbershop
H&M
Holly and Hudson
Molly Brown’s Swimwear
Seafolly
Francesca’s
Gelateria Zomolo
Heirlooms & Hardware Irene’s Story
B. Candy
Smocking Birds Tankfarm & Co.
Top Dog Barkery
Ways & Means Oyster House
The Wearhouse Boutique
West Of Camden
LUXURY IN B A L A N C E™ ™
Publisher
JOLIE ADAMS
jolie@baskmagazine.com
Editor in Chief
AMY ADAMS
amy@baskmagazine.com
Contributing Writers
DANIELLE ACCOVELLI, WENDY BOWMAN, BETH FHANER, SUSAN IRBY, MICHELLE LYN, ANNE MACK, JENN THORNTON
Photographer
TONY FLOREZ
Associate Publisher
LINDA MCCALL
Masthead Sales and Marketing Manager
CHERELLE REAVES-BERR ARD
Senior Account Manager STEVE TOLIN IT Director BR ANDON GILBERT Vice President, Distribution WES ADAMS Vice President, Operations JOANNE WATANABE President
PAULA ANSARA-WILHELM paula@baskmagazine.com
Visit baskmagazine.com for online coverage of special events throughout Southern California For advertising inquiries, please call 714-345-0222 or contact us at info@baskmagazine.com © Copyright 2016 by SPI Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. BASK, BASK MAGAZINE and LUXURY IN BALANCE are registered trademarks of SPI Media, LLC, 1400 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 BASK MAGAZINE is printed in the USA on recycled paper with soy-based inks using a printer that meets all Federal Resource Conservation Act Standards and is a certified member of the Forest Stewardship Council.
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CONTRIBUTORS
JENN THORNTON writer In this issue’s “Looking Back” section, Jenn Thornton pays tribute to one of the most, if not the most, famous names in literature— William Shakespeare. “I’m not sure that anyone can really speak to the creative genius of Shakespeare; four centuries after his death, his words are still relevant to the human condition. I think that speaks for itself. But certainly, no writer, I believe, has ever meant more to literature,” she says. Jenn’s top three favorite Shakespearean plays: Macbeth, Hamlet, and King Lear.
BETH FHANER writer SUSAN IRBY writer A true Orange County gem, Sapphire Laguna serves delicious, globally-inspired cuisine sure to please all palates. In “Global Cuisine, Coastal Chef,” Susan Irby sits down with the resto’s chef Azmin to discuss what makes his dishes truly unique. “Chef Azmin embraces spices and is not afraid to use them. In fact, he thrives off of using spices in everything from cocktails to dessert. He enjoys transcending traditional flavors through his spice creations,” she says. Susan’s top three winter comfort meals: Ribollita, a Tuscan bean and vegetable soup; her father’s homemade chili and buttermilk cornbread; and her mother’s beef stew with carrots and parsnips.
Contributors
MICHELLE LYN writer Making her way through three of India’s most sought-after destinations, Michelle Lyn gives an intimate look into the culturally rich and visually stunning nation. “India is a vibrant melting pot of color, culture and cuisine. From multi-hued saris to spices and flowers at the market, color is everywhere, as are the sounds of people, horns, animals and music,” she says. “Everywhere you turn, there is a new adventure to discover.” Michelle’s top three spots to experience culture in India: Dehli, Agra and Kerala.
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If trying to find the perfect locale for a quick winter getaway, look no further than Palm Springs. In “Palm Springs Paradise,” Beth Fhaner delves into some of the destination’s most sought-after sights and marquee events. “For relaxation and renewal, there’s no better destination. Plus, there are several high-profile events scheduled during the winter season, including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, which is a mustsee for film buffs,” she says. Beth’s top three favorite things to do in Palm Springs: spend a day at the spa, lounge by the pool and play tennis.
DANIELLE ACCOVELLI writer ANNE MACK stylist Just because winter is in full swing doesn’t mean your sense of fashion has to hibernate. In bask’s Style Pages, Anne Mack previews some of the season’s emerging trends. “I see classic denim being reinvented this winter in a big way. Top designers are incorporating denim into tailored pieces and denim designs are embellished with decorative hardware and embroideries,” she says. Anne’s top three favorite winter trends: printed or embroidered florals, lace, and velvet.
With winter upon us, it seems as if Orange County is brimming with a bevy of events to make the season even more festive, which Danielle Accovelli details in bask’s Calendar. “One of my favorite things about spending the holidays in Southern California is all the unique activities and events on offer. Over the years, they have made for some long-standing holiday traditions and cherished memories,” she says. Danielle’s top three favorite Orange County holiday traditions: seeing The Nutcracker, the Fashion Island tree-lighting ceremony, and the Balboa Island boat parade.
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IN THE GLOW
Style for everyday life AS TOLD TO ANNE MACK
In The Glow - Intro
Rebecca Taylor arrives at her namesake store in Fashion Island, Newport Beach on a sunny afternoon to her adoring admirers. She graciously chats with visitors about her work, her family, and even shares pictures of her dog, Chewbacca. Most women sport designs from Taylor’s past collections or her newest La Vie line—confirmation of the designer’s relevance and relatability to OC women. Debuting to rave reviews at this year’s New York Fashion Week, La Vie consists of t-shirts, blouses, jeans and jackets. Some are simple and classic, others more intricately fashioned with patchwork combining multiple textures and fabrics. Taylor works with her own print designer to create her signature and exclusive looks for La Vie, ranging from $95 to $395.
Before heading home to New York, where her biggest fans, her three young children, await her return, Taylor takes time to chat with bask about her latest venture.
Rebecca Taylor La Vie Cotton Stripe Pullover $295, at RebeccaTaylor.com
Congratulations on the successful launch of La Vie. What prompted you to start the collection, separate from your already established brand. Well, it’s something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while. When Rebecca Taylor first started a long time ago, there were aspects of classic Rebecca Taylor, like striped sweaters, Victorian blouses, cargo pants… quintessential pieces to how I dress. Through the years, the Rebecca Taylor woman evolved to be more polished and more occasion-driven. I felt that it was time for La Vie, seeing as how casually women are dressing now and how popular denim is becoming again. I have always been a fan of Rebecca Taylor’s modern, romantic and feminine undertones. What characteristics can we expect from La Vie? La Vie is designed to be true to its name [“life” in French]. It’s for everyday. It’s for going to yoga, for picking up the kids from school, going on a date with your husband. It is clothes you live in. What feelings do you hope to evoke in the women who wear this collection? So many women are critical of their own bodies, and I want to tell women that ‘you’re amazing, you’re a woman, you’ve had babies, it’s normal.’ Women are so complicated when it comes to denim. It’s probably the second most difficult thing to get women into next to swimsuits. However, if I got a woman into a pair of jeans, she’d buy it on the spot. The look on their faces is like clothing Prozac. They felt so good about themselves. That’s my mission. baskmagazine.com
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STYLE
HANDBAG Brunello Cucinelli Shearling Monili Wrap Tote $3,095, at BrunelloCucinelli.com
COAT Aella Convertible Coat in Plaid $375, at Aella.co
FRAGRANCE House of Creed Aventus for Her $405 (2.5oz.), at CreedBoutique.com
JEWELRY Bellabeat Leaf Urban Wearable Technology in Silver or Rose Gold $139, at BellaBeat.com
Change of Season Now that the holiday hustle is behind us, it’s time to shift focus. A brand new year requires renewed enthusiasm. Whether it’s going away for a long weekend, getting a beauty makeover, or carving out some alone time at home, tending to oneself is good for the soul. So live a little, perhaps a lot. Indulge yourself in all that warms you this winter and beyond.
Style - Her PANTS Rebecca Taylor Clemence Jeans $195, at RebeccaTaylor.com
SWEATER TSE Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Instarsia Colorblock Wave $525, at TSECashmere.com
SHOES Cole Haan StudioGrand Sneaker in Black Floral Embossed Neoprene, $230, and Stagedoor Studio Bag in Black $300, at ColeHaan.com
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DRESS Jonathan Simkhai Bubble Embroidery Tee Dress $995, at JonathanSimkhai.com
photos (previous page) courtesy of Rebecca Taylor (this page, clockwise from top left) courtesy of Brunello Cucinelli, Bellabeat, House of Creed, Jonathan Simkhai, Cole Haan, Rebecca Taylor, Aella and TSE
WRITTEN BY ANNE MACK
.
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GIFTING
Golden Glamour For her entrée into the Orange County retail scene, designer Clare Vivier tapped Lido Marina Village for her Clare V. boutique, a chic space she designed as a showcase for her cult accessories collection, from totes and sacs to a seasonal rotation of curated merch, including must-haves for men, travel totems and assorted CV faves, all coveted for the line’s classic shapes, au courant details and Parisian allure. With legions of brand followers all celebrating the shop’s arrival—and a season of social engagements ahead—the line’s Margot Flat Clutch in Gold Glitter is simply made for a soirée. Clare V. stores and ClareV.com J.T.
Clare V. Margot Flat Clutch in Gold Glitter, $215
In Short
Gift Guide Eberjey Gisele Short PJ Set in Cabernet, $102
With its first West Coast boutique at Lido Marina Village opening with a late-summer bash of bubbles, bites and all things beautiful, international brand Eberjey is putting on quite a peepshow for its new collections of sleepwear, loungewear, accessories and more. Take the Gisele Short PJ Set in color-of-the-moment cabernet. Infinitely giftable and ultra-wearable, this simple but sexy pair plays right into the Eberjey ethos—less is definitely more—on thoughtful display at the brand’s light-as-air feeling Lido locale. Arrayed throughout the clean, modern, feminine space is the beloved brand’s must-shop miscellany: lovingly racked delicates, chic accessories and presents with panache. Eberjey.com J.T.
Limited Edition Photos (clockwise from top left) Clare V. products courtesy of Clare V.; Eberjey storefront courtesy of John Watkins; TOMS courtesy of TOMS
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The Hill-Side Grey Herringbone Tweed Men’s Mateo Chukka Boots, $129
Tis the season of giving—and giving back. Fab collab TOMS and Brooklyn menswear brand The Hill-Side are doing just that, joining forces to create a new limited edition collection tailor-made for suave SoCal dressing. Quality pieces in shades of gray and indigo include footwear (Grey Herringbone Tweed Mateo Chukka Boots and Paseo sneakers for both men and boys); sunglasses (a half-tone floral motif on a tortoise frame); and a capsule of natty neckties, bowties, scarves and pocket squares. In the spirit of the season, TOMS will help a person in need with every product purchased. Absolutely fine and dandy. From $39-$239; TOMS.com, TheHill-Side.com J.T.
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GIFTING
YES: Transform Your Life With Color By Number By Trey Speegle
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Gift Guide
Personal Touch
A
dorn beautifully wrapped presents, family photos, favorite wines and other such fare with a lovely and thoughtful touch this season. Three Designing Women’s custom stamps and embossers allow one to embellish gifts with an artful design or monogram—a nice alternative to printable labels. With an array of classic and on-trend designs available in multiple colors and customizable with your name, address, monogram, or cherished quote, these award-winning products make the joy of giving extra special. Designs are available online at retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Barnes & Noble and Paper Source. $29-$49 for stamps and $35-$59 for embossers; ThreeDesigningWomen.com B.F.
Photos (from left) courtesy of Regan Arts and Three Designing Women
Conceptual paint-by-number pop artist Trey Speegle, known for his collaborations with the likes of Anthropologie and Stella McCartney, lends his brushstrokes of genius to this vibrant, riotous take on the adult coloring book trend. Stimulating the senses with a bevy of inspiring scenes to make readers “embrace creative anarchy,” the book includes a foldout color palette and inspiration from Speegle’s own work. Color us thrilled. $12.99; ReaganArts.com J.T.
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GIFTING
Handy Candy Swirling pink sapphires intertwined with diamonds offset a South Sea Golden Pearl in this 18k yellow gold ring from the Tiffany 2016 Masterpieces Collection. Design director Francesca Amfitheatrof pays homage to Tiffany’s original design director with bold colors and a playful aesthetic to give a touch of elegance to your most casual look or whimsy to your most sophisticated. Price upon request; Tiffany.com V.F.
Tee Time
S
eeking a special gift for that golfer on your list? If so, Monarch Beach Resort is offering an exceptional package that will thrill anyone who wants to hit the links at this par-70 championship course boasting a stunning ocean view and an unending variety of play. The “Day at Monarch Beach Golf Links” package includes unlimited golf for the day, and the use of Golf Boards and FLEX Set Premium Club Rentals, in addition to a delicious lunch at Monarch Cafe. To book, call Director of Golf, Eric, at 949.248.3021. $145 per person; MonarchBeachGolf.com B.F.
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Pure Bliss Why not lavish a loved one with some pampering this holiday season? The Spa at Pelican Hill offers personal spa experiences that restore and rejuvenate one’s mind, body and spirit in a serene setting. We recommend seasonal treatments such as the Pomegranate Body Gelato that combines fresh pomegranate and pure botanicals for a scrub and moisturizing wrap, or the Pumpkin Spice Facial that reduces fine lines and promotes smoother, younger looking skin. For that special celebration, Holiday Bubbles & Blowouts features a shampoo and style in the luxurious Spa Salon, complete with a chilled glass of Italian Prosecco. Prices vary; PelicanHill.com B.F.
Photos (clockwise from top left) courtesy of Tiffany & Co., Pelican Hill and Monarch Beach Resort
Gift Guide
GIFTING
Geometric Jewels A flash of sparkle to accentuate each gesture, the geometric design and classic combination of yellow gold and diamond make the X Cuff Bracelet the perfect delicate statement piece. With a founder from South Africa and a father-and-son team running the show, genuine passion for diamonds and design shines through each Liberty Diamonds piece. $1800; LibertyDiamonds.com V.F.
A Taste of Two Countries Gift Guide
Cozy Coasters
Blue Baubles
There are statement pieces, and then there are these stunning rings begging for a second look. Eye-catching in the best way, each is set in 18k white gold with the center gem surrounded by pave set diamonds. In varying shades of blue, a brilliant tanzanite on the left and a deep sapphire on the right, either ring is a perfectly suited present to mark a special occasion in a one-of-a-kind way. Price upon request, SwissWatchGallery.com V.F.
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Photos (clockwise from top left) courtesy Assouline, Liberty Diamonds, Jonathan Adler and Tony Florez
La Cucina Di Luca Fantin by Bulgari, from Assouline, features an elegant collection of 32 recipes from the eponymous head chef of Il Ristorante Luca Fantin in Tokyo. At the Bulgari Ginza Tower, the brand’s flagship location, shoppers can savor Fantin’s delectable fare, where he blends traditional ingredients from his Italian homeland with fresh Japanese meats, fish and vegetables. Complete with 90 photographs and the chef ’s inspirations for each dish, this exquisite volume allows readers to discover the ingredients behind his celebrated cuisine, including homemade tagliatelle with lobster and squid ink gnocchi. Especially noteworthy, Fantin is currently the only chef in Japan with a Michelin star and, in 2015, was named the “Best Italian Chef in the World.” $150; Assouline.com B.F.
A
dd a touch of playfulness to your cocktails or coffee with these charming Jonathan Adler Marseilles coasters. The black, white and gold color scheme keeps them sophisticated, while the wink and mustache will keep you smiling. Inspired by French ‘50s faces, these subtle characters are a fun accent for the holiday season and beyond. $68; Jonathan Adler.com V.F.
Couture Flowers
MUSIC + ART
Frida Kahlo, by Guillermo Kahlo, 1932
BOWERS MUSEUM
George Nelson Associates, Inc. (Irving Harper) (American, 1916-2015); Marshmallow, 1956; Sofa
Calendar
ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART
POP ART DESIGN January 7 - April 2
Adding a pop of color to Orange County’s art scene, this most influential exhibition examines the inspirations and crossreferences between art and design that continue to shape our society today. The expansive, brilliantly showcased display features works from artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and Ed Ruscha juxtaposed with creations by designers like Charles Eames, George Nelson and Achille Castiglioni.
FRIDA KAHLO - HER PHOTOS
February 25 - June 25
Behold an intimate glance into the life of one of the world’s most beloved artists, Frida Kahlo. Throughout her time, the artist meticulously collected over 6,000 photographs of loved ones and scenes of Mexican culture that had been locked away in her family home, Casa Azul, for more than 50 years. Now, 214 of these coveted photos, most of which are the first and only prints made of the originals, will come to Bowers Museum in a wholly enriching showcase.
Verner Panton; Heart-Shaped Cone Chair / K3, 1959 Swivel chair, Gebrüder Nehl, Germany Frida Kahlo after an operation, by Antonio Kahlo, 1946
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Photos (from left to right) courtesy of Vitra Design Museum (sofa) and Collection Vitra Design Museum © Panton Design, Basel (chair); Frida Kahlo, by Guillermo Kahlo, 1932 ©Frida Kahlo Museum; Frida Kahlo after an operation, by Antonio Kahlo, 1946 ©Frida Kahlo Museum; Ken Howard; Sushi Roku; and Dana Point Festival of Whales.
CALENDAR
+ THEATER
WRITTEN BY DANIELLE ACCOVELLI
DANA POINT
FESTIVAL OF WHALES
March 4-5, 11-12 Each spring, the majestic California gray whales make their annual migration along the west coast to Baja, creating a breathtaking display of natural beauty. So coveted is this event that whale admirers from across the globe flock to Dana Point just to experience the sight; and they are certainly welcomed in grand fashion. The Festival of Whales includes an opening day parade, street fair, arts and crafts shows and much more.
Calendar LOS ANGELES OPERA
SALOME
February 18 - March 19
A production that created quite a sensation when it was first staged during LA Opera’s 1986 inaugural season, Salome once again returns to the theater’s stages for a spectacular orchestral showpiece. Adapted from Oscar Wilde’s scandalous play, this seductively beautiful tapestry of the subconscious follows the princess Salome as she vies for the affection of her stepfather’s prisoner, John the Baptist. Renowned soprano Patricia Racette returns as the title character, entrancing audiences with her deep, soulful melodies, while Tomas Tomasson puts on a captivating performance as the doomed prophet. Accompanied by an epic score from Richard Strauss, the show promises and evening not soon forgotten.
Fresh creations from Sushi Roku
ORANGE COUNTY
RESTAURANT WEEK
March 5-11 Gear up for the most delicious week in Orange County! Sip and savor your way through some of the 100 restaurants that are participating in this true culinary extravaganza. There is something to please all palates too. On the menu is everything from family-friendly locales to more intimate settings ideal for a date night or girls’ night out. All will dish up a tantalizing selection of must-try favorites.
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CULTURE
Encore, Encore! Segerstrom Center for the Arts raises the curtain on its 30th anniversary season WRITTEN BY BETH FHANER
A
Segerstrom
s Orange County’s performing arts powerhouse, Segerstrom Center for the Arts (SCFTA) has brought world-class theater, dance, music and arts education to the local region since opening in 1986. Previously known as the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom kicked off its 30th anniversary season in September with an impressive lineup of performances that will continue throughout the holiday season and into the new year. Balletomanes won’t want to miss The Nutcracker, as performed by American Ballet Theatre (ABT) December 9-18. Principal dancers Misty Copeland and Herman Cornejo will lead the opening night cast of The Nutcracker, with the Pacific Symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s dazzling score. The long creative partnership between SCFTA and ABT has brought the dance company to the Center since its beginning and, in March 2017, it will return with the world premiere of a new production of Whipped Cream, choreographed by ABT Artist in Residence Alexei Ratmansky. The brand new show will commemorate the Center’s 30th anniversary and mark ABT’s 25th engagement there. Another holiday highlight, ELF: The Musical, takes the stage through January 1, 2017, with the modern-day Christmas classic— based on the 2003 hit film—making its Center premiere. Additional 44
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festive-season shows include The Klezmatics; Fiesta Navidad with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano; The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays with the Pacific Symphony; and Tis the Season! with the Pacific Chorale. Forthcoming in the new year is the 20th anniversary tour of the original rock musical RENT ( January 6-8), as well as Matilda: The Musical, with performances scheduled from January 17-29. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, the latter show has won 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards. For dance enthusiasts, the Center presents the debut of the Israel-based Batsheva Dance Company February 8. The renowned contemporary troupe will perform Decadance 2017, a repertory program of its celebrated works. Other upcoming highpoints include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, which makes its first appearance in OC for a February 28-March 5 run, and Finding Neverland, Broadway’s hit musical that tells the story behind playwright J. M. Barrie’s beloved character Peter Pan. Segerstrom Center for the Arts has much more in store for its 2017 season, and as the acclaimed arts institution honors its 30th year, expect innovative and inspiring programming for decades to come. SCFTA.org
(clockwise from top left) Matilda The Musical; Elf The Musical; and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder. Photos courtesy of Joan Marcus.
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SEASON’S READINGS
Spirit yourself away with these gorgeous, giftable new books bound for anyone’s wish list
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THE ART OF THE HOLLYWOOD BACKDROP
by Richard M. Isackes and Karen L. Maness Worthy of its own Oscar, this rapturous monograph about fi lm’s long-overlooked scenic arts—and artists—is truly enchanting. Included are 300 richly illustrated pages featuring the lush, hand-painted backdrops for cinematic epics such as The Wizard of Oz, Cleopatra and The Sound of Music. Brimming with panoramas that pop off the page and transport readers to fantastical and fantasized-about places, this gaze-allday collection is a vibrant reminder of Hollywood’s golden age. $100, ReganArts.com
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THE FOREST FEAST GATHERINGS: SIMPLE VEGETARIAN MENUS FOR HOSTING FRIENDS & FAMILY
VICTORIA: THE QUEEN
by Erin Gleeson
by Julia Baird
The third book in the Forest Feast series arrives just in time for the holidays, with food photographer and stylist Erin Gleeson once again on her game from the confines of her cabin in Northern California. With 100 veggie-centric recipes featuring seasonal ingredients and simple prep steps, this guide to the casually curated get-together is one to savor. The complete bill of fare includes recipes for everything—drinks to dessert. It even makes room for easilydone décor that will inspire you to pull out your party dress. $35, AbramsBooks.com
Th is sweeping biography of Britain’s long-reigning monarch reveals her to be not only a sovereign who reveled in the power her position afforded her for more than six decades, but a woman of intense passion too. Pulling discoveries from unpublished papers, New York Times columnist Julia Baird examines Queen Victoria’s enormous reach as a ruler, wife and working mother. Included are insights about the queen’s relationship with her servant, John Brown. The result is, appropriately, a crowning achievement: an exhaustive yet fast-moving tribute to a woman still courting favor. $35, PenguinRandomHouse.com
photos courtesy of Abrams, Clarkson Potter, Crown Archetype, Penguin Random House, Regan Arts and Rizzoli New York
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WRITTEN BY JENN THORNTON
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FOOTNOTES FROM THE WORLD’S GREATEST BOOKSTORES: TRUE TALES AND LOST MOMENTS FROM BOOK BUYERS, BOOKSELLERS, AND BOOK LOVERS
by Marina Abramović
by Bob Eckstein Led by the guiding principle that bookstores are the beating heart of their communities, this love letter to the beloved cultural institution includes a trove of untold stories from some of the most revered bookstores in the world, along with shop-specific illustrations and asides. It also features a who’s who of the lit clique: the late David Bowie, Diane Keaton, Ann Patchett, David Eggers, Patti Smith and more. All makes for an eccentric confessional that speaks volumes about our relationship to books. $22, ClarksonPotter.com
WALK THROUGH WALLS: A MEMOIR
COOKING SCHOOL: MASTERING CLASSIC AND MODERN FRENCH CUISINE by Alain Ducasse A chef with more Michelin stars than most, celebrated Alain Ducasse opens his kitchen with nearly 200 recipes from classic French cuisine and other traditions in his new cookbook as classroom. Arranged in order of difficulty, the book lays out the basics then gradually calls for more chops. Recipes—from risotto to rack of lamb— are arrayed in the order a student is likely to encounter them in culinary school. With 600-plus pages and a whopping 6,000 color photographs illustrating Ducasse’s step-by-step approach, this compendium is a case study in the culinary arts. $55, RizzoliUSA.com
In her stirring new memoir, Marina Abramović expands her repertoire as a provocative performance artist with a stirring thinkpiece that follows her from her youth in Yugoslavia to her career as an acclaimed international artist known for pushing the limits with her work. Much focus is given to her 12-year collaboration with her fellow artist and former lover Ulay. Th rough it all, Abramović tells of an uncompromising quest for artistic honesty, an effort that her memoir continues with the qualities that mark her role as an influencer: candidness and vulnerability. $28, PenguinRandomHouse.com
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GETAWAY
Palm Springs Paradise Getaway - Palm Springs
The popular desert playground promises a glamorous—and event-filled—getaway for winter WRITTEN BY BETH FHANER
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ith its lush palm trees, endless sunshine, sparkling pools and sophisticated vibe, Palm Springs is especially alluring this time of year. The winter months present an ideal time to visit the Coachella Valley, not only for relaxation and renewal, but also for the area’s marquee events, including the prestigious Palm Springs International Film Festival, Modernism Week and the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, among others. Visitors who book a stay at L’Horizon Resort and Spa will find a boutique property that evokes the romance of Hollywood’s golden age. Set upon three acres of manicured desert grounds, backdropped by the stunning San Jacinto Mountains, the resort’s accommodations emulate luxurious private residences with hand-selected finishes. Additionally, guests can revel in an extraordinary culinary experience at SO.PA (short for South Palm), an al fresco restaurant sporting a new menu that features the tantalizing creations of Michelin-starred executive chef, Chris Anderson. At the Jonathan Adler-designed Parker Palm Springs, guests can
enjoy extreme privacy at this secluded property, featuring eclectic furnishings, hammocks hanging from palm trees, red-clay tennis courts, petanque courts, a croquet lawn and three saline pools. For those seeking to completely de-stress, a visit to the Parker’s lush spa is highly recommended, followed by refreshing beverages at the on-site lemonade bar, indulgent comfort food at five-star diner Norma’s, or elegant bistro fare at Mister Parker’s. For travelers who wish to stay further outside of Palm Springs proper, posh resorts like La Quinta Resort & Club and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, respectively, offer unforgettable escapes. Since 1926, legendary La Quinta Resort has served as a retreat for Hollywood’s elite with its Spanish-style casitas, suites and villas located on 45 beautifully maintained acres; the property also includes 41 pools and five unique golf courses. Perched atop a 650-foot bluff within the Santa Rosa Mountain range, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers sweeping views of the valley and an ultra-luxurious desert experience—an infinity adult pool, the Club
“The winter months present an ideal time to visit the Coachella Valley, not only for relaxation and renewal, but also for the area’s marquee events.”
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(from far left) View from Palm Springs Aerial Tramway; L’Horizon Resort & Spa; Spa Outdoors; The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage; Avalon Hotel; and Palm Springs Aerial Tram.
Lounge, and the ultimate in pampering at the serene, stand-alone spa, where guests can create their own custom-made body scrubs and body butter. For fine dining, the swanky Edge Steakhouse features a classic steakhouse menu with modern twists, complemented by a first-rate wine list. The desert’s vibrant culinary scene offers endless options for noshing in a trendy locale. Palm Springs boasts an array of buzz-worthy spots to grab a bite, including Workshop Kitchen + Bar in the heart of the city’s Uptown Design District. Located in a retrofitted 90-year-old movie theater, Workshop features a James Beard Award-winning restaurant design, farm-to-table New American cuisine and a classic cocktail bar. The ultra-popular Cheeky’s is the place for a casual breakfast (don’t miss the five-piece bacon flight), and Birba, its sister restaurant next door, is a modern Italian spot that serves delicious pizza and small plates. Last autumn, the team behind Cheeky’s and Birba also opened Mr. Lyons, a contemporary steakhouse catering to sophisticated foodies with its dark woods, green velvet, classic Manhattans, and martinis. Eight4Nine, dish-Creative Cuisine and Spencer’s Restaurant are among other favorite eateries in Palm Springs. With a multitude of signature events held year-round in the Coachella Valley, the winter season draws crowds for a diverse range of activities. Approximately 135,000 cineastes will flock to the desert for the 28th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (January 2-16), one of the largest and most esteemed film festivals in North America. Enthusiasts of midcentury modern design will revel in the era’s best at the popular Modernism Week (February 16-26), and avid tennis fans will cheer on their favorite players at the BNP Paribas Open (March 6-19). While Palm Springs provides a casually elegant escape during any season, this stylish desert destination shines as a wonderland… all winter long. VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com
photos courtesy of Chris Miller, Greater Palm Springs CVB and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Getaway - Palm Springs
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Tony Florez
capturing Southern California’s
MASTERS of TRADE D E S I G N + B U I L D | H E A LT H + W E L L N E S S | B U S I N E S S | C H E F S + R E S TAU R A N T S
Sushi Roku Newport Beach
Masters Intro
A Restaurant
Chef Jonathan Blackford
Ninety years after its genesis as iconic Newport Beach culinary concept The Arches, A Restaurant is honoring its past while staying on the cutting edge.
At the forefront of A’s continually updated menu is chef Jonathan Blackford, with whom bask chatted about his affinity for chefdriven concepts and the most important lessons he’s learned in his cooking career.
What drew you to cooking? My second cooking job was probably where I started to really enjoy the feeling of the rush. There was something about the whole environment that drew me in. The stress, pressure, heat, yelling, controlled chaos—it all gave me a feeling that not everyone could do this. The feeling after doing 300 covers [meals served to diners] and not making any mistakes was like nothing else I’d ever experienced, that’s what drew me in.
A Restaurant
What or who is your biggest influence in the kitchen? Marco Pierre White for a long time was probably my biggest influence, I have probably read The Devil in the Kitchen 10 times.
A’s menu changes four times a year. What inspires you when you’re updating it? I try to keep up with new items being produced—new meats, new cuts of meats, and new trends. I rely heavily on my purveyors to constantly keep me up to date with all the new things hitting the markets. I also like to try new and progressive restaurants to see what other people are doing and trying. What is your favorite meal when someone else is cooking? Grilling on a charcoal grill, I don’t care what it is.
A RESTAURANT 3334 West Coast Hwy. Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.650.6505 ARestaurantNB.com
What sets A apart from other steakhouses? First thing is how often we change the menu and the fact that we are not tied in to only using American-influenced food. We have Spanish, Mediterranean, Japanese, Mexican, French and more influences. Second, I believe that there isn’t one line of steaks where all the
cuts taste great. We hand-pick each steak we use, from New York’s Akaushi beef to 1855 filets and using Japanese A5. Which items on the menu are most popular, and what draws diners to them? All of the steaks for sure (because that’s what we are known for), and the spicy tuna appetizer we sell a ton of as well. What is your favorite dish on the menu at A? My favorite appetizer on the menu is the Veal Breast Pierogi with house sauerkraut and chanterelles, and entrée is the pork chop. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your cooking career? That you don’t fully understand a recipe until you know how to fix it or what’s missing from it. Understanding why you do each step is just as important as knowing how to do each step. What do you look for when going out to eat? A chef-driven concept where they create things with produce. My wife loves veggies, and I eat a lot of protein at work, so we try to find places with a good mix of vegetable dishes and meat dishes. What are you most proud of in A’s development since you took on the executive chef role? I’m very proud of how the food has progressed over the years. We constantly try to improve with new techniques, methods, equipment, ingredients, etc. I never want someone to say that our food is dated. What do you think is the most exciting new culinary trend? That people are now searching out chef-driven concepts and eating less at chains. What do you have planned for your future with A? Keep striving to do our best. We want to continue growing and providing the best products we can. Keep improving.
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | JONATHAN BLACKFORD + BASK
photos (left) by Tony Florez and (right) Mark Brandes
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We constantly try to improve with new techniques, methods, equipment, ingredients... I never want someone to say that our food is dated.
A Restaurant
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CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | PHILIP CARTER + BASK
Aliso Viejo Country Club Having studied cooking and worked in restaurants in the south of France before owning his own restaurants throughout Southern California, chef Philip Carter has a unique eye for keeping a wide variety of customers happy with a range of dishes. Here, he talks to bask about the importance of humility and his vision for reinventing the stereotypical country club menu. What drew you to cooking at Aliso Viejo Country Club after stints in many other Southern California restaurants, including your own? I had always wanted to work in a country club, and it was a random conversation with another parent at my daughter’s school that got me the interview here at Aliso Viejo Country Club. While owning my own restaurants was a wonderful experience, the very long hours and being away from family was not worth it to me. I always had a goal of owning my own restaurants and did it; I learned a lot in that process, which I know makes me a better chef and businessman today.
hours are normal in the one-, two-, and three-star Michelin restaurants in France. The chefs I’ve worked for taught me to love my food; it takes quality ingredients, time, and patience to create incredible dishes.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your cooking career? To be humble. I am not the greatest chef in the world and there is always someone who can teach me something new every day.
What do you look for when going out to eat? Customer service and good food. I can’t stand horrible customer service; I worry about the other people eating in the restaurant who are getting the same bad service and it ruins what might have been a great meal for me.
Aliso Viejo Country Club
How does its Southern California location affect the menu at Aliso Viejo Country Club? At this club, I am able to show my expertise in the culinary field. The diverse membership and the private events give me the opportunity to prepare a wide variety of cuisines. We will have a high-end wine dinner on a Friday night with foie gras, pesto-crusted Alaskan halibut, and an Indian wedding on Saturday with all the food prepared here in our kitchen. How is your cooking style influenced by your time studying and working in the south of France? What I learned in France in the ‘90s has influenced pretty much everything that I do in this industry. Hard work and long
What experience do you want diners to have at Aliso Viejo Country Club? I would love our members here at Aliso to leave every day with a smile on their face because of their experience in our dining room.
What ingredient can you not live without? Garlic. What is your favorite dish to cook when you’re off-duty? Slow oven-roasted baby-back ribs with a seven spice barbecue sauce.
What do you think is the most exciting new culinary trend? It’s not new, but coming back is fried chicken. Chefs are finding new ways to spice it up, and with all the different flours, such as banana flour, brown rice flour, almond flour and many other varieties, it’s giving chefs the opportunity to expand on a classic dish.
What do you have planned for your future with Aliso Viejo Country Club? We are going to reinvent ourselves here at the club. The typical country club is burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and a special prime rib night. We here at Aliso Viejo Country Club are offering pasta night with chefs cooking right in front of you; gastropub night with a wide variety of new and exciting items such as slow roasted pulled pork sandwiches, chicken pot pie, and prime New York steak salad; and we offer a Friday night all-you-can-eat buffet, which features a carving station with items such as grilled lamb chops, whole cedar plank salmon, prime rib and pork loin stuffed with brie, spinach, and cranberries.
ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB 33 Santa Barbara Dr., Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 ~ 949.598.9200 | ClubCorp.com
Aliso Viejo Country Club
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The chefs I’ve worked for taught me to love my food; it takes quality ingredients, time, and patience to create incredible dishes.
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Harvest retesting, I’ve gotten to the point where I can conceptualize a dish, write it down on paper, give it to a cook, and have the final dish need only minor adjustments to be exactly where it needs to be. What drew you to the Harvest concept? The property really speaks for itself. From the moment I pulled up the drive and saw the sun coming up over the canyon, I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
Embracing the concept of “California Comfort” cuisine, chef Charles Imbelli brings a wealth of experience in kitchens from coast to coast to the new Harvest Restaurant and Bar at The Ranch in Laguna Beach. Having started cooking professionally at age 14, we talked with the chef to learn how his evolving cooking style led him to Harvest and his vision for the restaurant’s new diners.
You began your cooking career with an apprenticeship at age 14—what drew you to cooking at such a young age? As long as I can remember, I wanted to be in the kitchen, helping my mother prepare food. I loved everything about it—the smells, the sounds, the books, the equipment. So when I was 14, my father convinced a local Italian deli to let me work for a summer making fresh mozzarella cheese, and when I was 17 or 18 and just finishing high school, I went back to the same deli and got a job, before moving to Washington State and continuing to work in kitchens.
How has your work testing recipes with renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson at New York’s Red Rooster affected your recipe creation today? I think that kind of focused work has been the most helpful as far as being able to come up with recipes that are easy to follow for even the most inexperienced cooks. Because I spent so much time testing and
With Harvest’s recent opening, what impression do you hope to create? I want people to create sense memories with the dishes we’re putting on our menu—to be filled with a strong sense of place, and to always associate the flavors of our menu items with the place itself. What were your top considerations when creating Harvest’s menu? The food here has to be fairly approachable—it is a ranch, after all, but at the same time our dishes still need to feel fresh and exciting. I’m calling the style of cuisine ‘California Comfort,’ and I think that is very apparent when you’re dining here.
Harvest
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your cooking career? That the impossible only seems that way until you actually do it. What is your personal favorite item on the menu? Right now it’s the Harvest Burger. It’s a dish that I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to feature, because it really straddles that line between being familiar and surprising. The flavors all make a lot of sense together, but the hot pink ‘special sauce’ really shocks—until you taste it. How does the Harvest Garden influence the menu? Currently we are in the process of replanting the
garden for the season, and when it grows into the point of really producing, I plan on creating specials based on whatever is at its peak of freshness. Eventually, we’re going to have a garden salad on the menu that is sourced exclusively from our little plot.
Who or what inspires you most when cooking? My cooking is the sum of everyone I’ve ever worked for, but my friend and mentor Ken Addington, who was the chef at Five Leaves in New York, and consulted on the Ace Hotel menus in both L.A. and Palm Springs, has been a huge influence over the last few years. David Waltuck taught me how to take things to the very edge of flavorful, to the point where it’s almost too seasoned, and then pull back just enough. Marcus taught me about a panoply of African spices, and what makes a good pickle. Danny Meyer taught me the value of hospitality above all else. Mostly I like to start with a single ingredient and then brainstorm flavor pairings in a stream of consciousness, until the final dish just feels right. What is your favorite meal to cook when you’re off-duty? The dish that takes me right back to my parents’ kitchen in the Bronx—penne with a simple red sauce, loads of Parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil. How has your experience in the restaurant industry differed from NY to CA? The biggest difference is that the seasons blend into each other a lot more here, so seasonal cooking is much more subtle. New York food is all about building layers of flavor and, at least in the wintertime, about braising everything. California tends to be a subtler cuisine, more ingredient driven, so I’ve had to adjust to that a bit. What ingredient can you not live without? Butter.
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | CHARLES IMBELLI + BASK
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From the moment I pulled up the drive and saw the sun coming up over the canyon, I knew that this was where I wanted to be.
Harvest
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HARVEST 31106 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 ~ 949.499.2271 | TheRanchLB.com
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern feeling ‘chain-like.’ In terms of décor, there are common elements that each location has, like our ‘FAMOUS’ sign, custom chandeliers, raw wood tables, and polished concrete floors, but each physical space has its own shape and personality that set it apart from the others.
Chef and owner of Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, a popular Southern California restaurant specializing in artisanal American food, David Wilhelm brings experience in upscale restaurants to create a place that is both welcoming and hyper-focused on delivering quality meals. When bask chatted with Wilhelm, he revealed his lifelong love for the restaurant industry and the importance of butter in every kitchen. JFAT has quickly grown to five locations— what has that process been like? We actually opened our first location in San Diego in May of 2010, so our expansion has been a little more deliberate than it might seem. I kicked the tires and made several tweaks to the concept for two years before opening the new prototype in Dana Point. The greater success we had in Dana Point led us to expand our new version into the L.A. and Brea locations. What experience do you want diners to have at JFAT, and does each location have its own personality or do you aim for the same ambiance? I tell our staff that you need to approach each shift as though you were hosting a dinner party in your home. If you can embrace this mindset you will do anything and everything to provide your guests with every level of hospitality. Certainly the goal is to provide the same level of food, service, and ambiance in each location without it
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time in the restaurant industry? Perseverance. Even when things are going smoothly, there are so many details you need to keep tabs on that it can sometimes seem overwhelming, but if you have the passion for the business it will drive you to always keep striving to be better.
What ingredient can you not live without? That’s an interesting question, but if I had to have only a single ingredient, it would be the one that enhances almost every dish: butter, especially a European-style like Plugra. As an example, one of the simplest but most flavorful and delicious dishes I’ve ever had was in the oldest restaurant in Florence, Trattoria Sostanza. They are famous for a dish called pollo al burro. It is simply two chicken breasts baked in a cast iron skillet with whole butter. It is seasoned with salt and pepper and finished with a squeeze of lemon, and it is like no other chicken dish I have ever had. Like the saying goes, butter makes everything better…or is it bacon?
that the oceans can continue to feed the world without aqua-farming. Operationally, we use green certified soaps and cleaning chemicals, and all our paper goods are made from recycled products. We use low-flow faucets, on-demand tankless water heaters, and variable hood fans that sense the level of BTU’s [units that measure the heat given off by a stove’s gas burner] and adjust fan speed and electrical consumption accordingly. We also separate all food waste so that it can be composted. With your experience in so many restaurants, many self-founded, what drew you to the JFAT concept? I think I was just looking to create something that was simple and satisfying to a wide variety of diners. Many of my past restaurants attracted lots of foodies, but I wanted to create something that had broad appeal and offered the kind of food that you could eat week in and week out. If you look at the crosscut of people that dine at JFAT, I think we’ve been successful at doing just that. Also, I wanted a place that was just plain fun to hang out in.
Jimmy’s Famous
How does your green philosophy influence the menu and operation of JFAT? One of the big menu influences would be our partnership with the Long Beach Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program, which means we only offer seafood and shellfish species that are responsibly harvested, renewable, or aquafarmed. Early on, aqua-farming had a bad reputation because many of these early sea farmers were not very green in their approach, often raising species in less than pristine conditions. That’s changed now due to pressure to improve aqua-culture techniques. Despite all our natural coastal fishing, the U.S. still imports a whopping 90 percent of all its seafood. There is no way
What drew you to the restaurant industry to begin with? When I was in college, I worked summers in Manhattan waiting tables, bartending, and working as a captain, back when tableside service was still in vogue (around the time color TV was invented). I was immediately fascinated by everything about restaurants…the food, the people (staff and guests) and the social scene. After college, there was no doubt that I wanted a career in the restaurant business. It was only after years of working for others that I began to want to create something that had my own style and signature.
What do you see for the future of JFAT? The next step for JFAT is the opening of our Santa Monica location in early 2017, which I’m very excited about. It’s a great location on Ocean Avenue a couple blocks from the pier. After that, the plan is to continue to look for new Southern California sites and then eventually take the JFAT brand to other states.
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | DAVID WILHELM + BASK
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Jimmy’s Famous
One of the big menu influences would be our partnership with the Long Beach Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program, which means we only offer seafood and shellfish species that are responsibly harvested, renewable, or aqua-farmed.
JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA ~ 949.388.8900 | J-FAT.com
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Sushi Roku
Executive chef of Sushi Roku, Shin Toyoda, has been with the restaurant for over 20 years.
What is your favorite dish to cook when you’re off-duty? Pasta, pizza, stew or bread. Something easy to go with a good wine at home.
What is your favorite meal when someone else is cooking? Japanese-style course meal. Starting with an appetizer, salad, or soup, then moving on to the main courses followed by a dessert.
What do you think is the most exciting new culinary trend? There are so many choices here. I feel that healthy choices in culinary are on the rise— anywhere from Ayurveda, which is apple cider vinegar, to kombuchas in cocktails, to playing with Omega-3’s, to pressed juice, to Middle Eastern fusion foods, to goat cheeses used in main courses and appetizers, to noodles being used all around. Every type of noodle will be seen in all culinary coming up. What sets Sushi Roku apart from other sushi restaurants? This is like asking what the difference is between a professional chef and your everyday, at-home cook. The everyday, athome cook will open up their refrigerator
and look to see what they have to eat and try to stick to a few recipes they are accustomed to without paying attention to minor details that go into making a culinary masterpiece. At Sushi Roku, we are like a traditional Japanese restaurant with a new twist. We are traditional in the sense that we make our culinary masterpieces based upon the changing of the seasons. Like the seasons changing, our tastes change the same way. Our twist on the masterpieces come with paying attention to all the details, big and small, from what type of plate we use, to what color the fish is and how it will taste and amaze your taste buds with some zest or tang, or another flavor that will pair with that particular season. From the idea, to concept, to shopping for our fish in the fish markets, to the presentation of our works of art, every detail is thought over and planned out before we present our guests with our final creation.
Sushi Roku
What experience do you want diners to have at Sushi Roku? I would like every one of my guests to enjoy a trio of things. I feel satisfied when my guests have the opportunity to actually taste our works of art, to know what a delicious piece of tuna tastes like and how it differs from other flavors like sea bream or A-5 Wagyu steak. At the same time, I want my guests to feel real Japanese Omotenashi, which is Japanese hospitality, like they are more than just guests in the restaurant, that they are more like family to us. And last but
not least, to enjoy the modern, upbeat atmosphere we are trying to create, which brings everyone together to enjoy an important part of Japanese culture. How does each location of Sushi Roku where you’ve worked differ? This one is hard to answer. I would say that all the Sushi Roku’s are like a box of crayons. They are all made and work the same way, but each one is unique and different in its own way. Even with the individuality of each one, without the other, you would not be able to complete your picture. What do you see for your future with Sushi Roku? Omakase! Which means leave the choices up to your chef. I have my trust in Sushi Roku. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your cooking career? I have learned that there are four major components in seeing your culinary career move up. They are hospitality: make sure you stay hospitable to everyone you meet; impression: from the first to last, always make a good impression; inspiration: always keep your inspiration to move forward; and passion: love what you do and do your best at it. What are you most proud of in your 20 years with Sushi Roku? The opportunity to share my knowledge of Japanese cuisine, the people that I have met, and all the smiles I have seen after they have tried my food.
photo (left) by Tony Florez
He’s perfected the art of making every guest feel perfectly at home while simultaneously surprising and delighting their palates with authentic, innovative Japanese cuisine. Here, he tells bask about the importance of Omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality, and the rise of health food trends.
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | SHIN TOYODA + BASK
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Our twist on the masterpieces come with paying attention to all the details, big and small, from what type of plate we use, to what color the fish is and how it will taste...
Sushi Roku
”
SUSHI ROKU Fashion Island 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 ~ 949.706.3622 | InnovativeDining.com
Waterline Whipping up California-fresh meals at the aptly named seafront restaurant Waterline, located in Balboa Bay Resort, chef Rachel Haggstrom has a knack for creating inventive dishes with seasonal ingredients in her signature farm-to-table style. Here, she dishes to bask about her favorite meal of the day and how she wants to both surprise and soothe diners.
What experience do you want diners to have at Waterline? I hope that guests leave here feeling spoiled and well taken care of. I hope they feel even surprised at having such a wonderful experience in Waterline. Waterline is not just a hotel restaurant; it’s a calm and refreshing environment on the water that I find soothing. I hope that when guests experience the food they are visually intrigued and find complete satisfaction and even elements of surprise in the tastes and textures. I even want them to be surprised by having such a wonderful experience in a hotel and leave planning their next visit to us.
Waterline
WATERLINE 1221 West Coast Hwy. Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.645.5000 MeritageCollection.com
What are you most proud of in Waterline’s development in the years you’ve been there? My staff. The cooks have really blossomed and grown together as a team. Seeing them develop their skills and get excited about new dishes is very fulfilling. What do you hope to accomplish in the future at Waterline? A waiting list for reservations. How often do you change the menu, and what influences new items? We change the menu quarterly with the seasons, with a few tweaks along the way. Influences come from a variety of factors, an ingredient or a technique, mood. Who or what do you draw culinary inspiration from? It comes from everywhere; you never know what will happen or what memory will inspire you.
What’s your favorite item on the menu? Right now, it’s the John Dory [oyster tartar, crispy salsify, creamy cauliflower, winter truffle, white wine butter sauce].
If you had to pick breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, which is your favorite and why? I have learned to love cooking breakfast on the line; it’s fast and fun. Desserts I have always enjoyed (because I like to eat them), but now dessert allows me another avenue for creativity. But dinner is where my passion lies and in it I find true fulfillment.
What’s your favorite meal when you’re not the one cooking? It doesn’t matter what it is, anything that someone else makes for me that comes from the heart.
What do you think is the most exciting new culinary trend? Instagram and digital marketing.
How did farm-to-table become your signature style, and what appeals to you about it? Eating from the garden is how I grew up; I didn’t know any different until I was older and moved out.
What’s the greatest challenge you face at Waterline? Getting the word out that Waterline is open to the public. There is still a misconception that we are a part of the Balboa Bay Club or members only; we welcome everyone at Waterline.
photo (left) by Tony Florez
Chef Rachel Haggstrom
How does Waterline’s California location influence your culinary choices? Fortunately, California provides a wide variety of things to work with. We use a lot of nuts, citrus, avocados, strawberries, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables that are staples in California cuisine. Waterline also fits nicely with California cuisine, as it is light and fresh by nature, which suites the oceanfront seafood restaurant well.
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | RACHEL HAGGSTROM + BASK
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Waterline is not just a hotel restaurant; it’s a calm and refreshing environment on the water that I find soothing.
Waterline
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The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Raised in the Alsace region of France, chef Yvon Goetz brings a classic French sensibility to The Winery kitchen.
What do you think is the most exciting new culinary trend? I really like that chefs are growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. It’s nice to be able to source hyper-locally and foods just taste better with fresh ingredients.
How is The Winery’s menu influenced by your upbringing in France? From an early age, I was taught to respect fruits and vegetables, and to grow my own at home. Today, I use the best possible quality ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables. I also learned to make everything from scratch—jams, canned fruits, Cornichons, crème fraiche, fromage blanc, homemade schnapps, charcuterie, breads, pastries, the list goes on and on and on. Today, I take great pride in running a scratch kitchen that focuses on making those ingredients that are unique to The Winery.
How does the restaurant industry differ from Europe in the states? I believe the main difference is the professionalism, the passion, and respect for the industry. It comes from years of tradition in the kitchen and front of the house. Not only in a restaurant, but also at home. When attending Culinary School in Strasbourg, the rules were very strict— similar to being in the military!
His emphasis—quality ingredients and making everything from scratch—was brought on by his early years, which taught him that fresh and homemade is always better. bask caught up with Goetz to chat about his favorite after-school snack turned standout menu item and his go-to wine for celebrations.
What distinguishes the Newport and Tustin restaurants, and how do you decide which menu items are best suited to each? The menus are very similar at each location, but with our Newport Beach location on the waterfront, I put a little more emphasis on seafood. We take our guests’ lead when making decisions on menu offerings and it seems that the location influences tastes.
The Winery
Talk a little more about how your early years cooking with your grandmother in Alsace influenced your cooking style. My style is classically French, which is a direct result of my early ‘apprenticeship’ with my grandmother! She made everything from scratch the classic way, from sauces and stews, to homemade pastas! And everything was always so delicious. That’s where the love of cooking started. What is the most popular item on the menu, and why do you think diners are drawn to it? Guests love the Zinfandel-braised bone-in Short Ribs on our menu! I think it’s the type of gourmet ‘comfort food’ diners are drawn to because of how rich and warming it can be. It has been on our menu since day one and I don’t think it will ever come off !
What is your personal favorite menu item? YG’s Alsatian Pizza, by far. It’s a dish I grew up with in Alsace—my grandparents made it for me as a snack after school. It’s unique in flavor and my guests will agree, it’s a must-try dish at The Winery.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your cooking career? Make it nice, or make it twice!
What do you look for when going out to eat? Eating out is part of my job. I love to try different places and see what’s new and where the trends are headed.
What ingredient can you not live without? It’s hard to pick one. Of course, salt and pepper, but as a fresh ingredient I would say mushrooms. When I was younger, I would pick my own Chanterelle, morels, black trumpets, and oyster mushroom in the forests of Alsace. What is your favorite wine for special occasions? I am a Champagne guy! Bubbles go with everything and at any time. Veuve Clicquot Rose is one of my favorites. What do you have planned for your future with The Winery? We are always looking to expand our footprint and enter into new markets that make sense for our brand. I am confident that we have built a brand that is exciting and appealing to a wide variety of tastes, so don’t be surprised if you hear about plans for The Winery number three soon!
THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR The District 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782 ~ 949.258.7600 | 3131 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, CA 92663 ~ 949.999.6622 TheWineryRestaurant.net
CHEFS & RESTAURANTS | YVON GOETZ + BASK
photos (bottom left) by Tony Florez and courtesy of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
“
Chef Yvon Goetz
I take great pride in running a scratch kitchen that focuses on making those ingredients that are unique to The Winery.
The Winery
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“You’ve got to see our new ® Performance Salon, there is nothing like it anywhere”
Fletcher Jones 2016 AMG GT S I want to personally thank all of my clients who bought a car from me last year. I believe Fletcher Jones provides the best possible Mercedes-Benz ownership experience anywhere. That’s why we offer our exclusive Preferred Ownership benefits with complimentary Airport Shuttle Service and Parking, Car Washes, Mercedes-Benz loaner cars, and a world class resort inspired facility that is second to none. -James Sullivan Fletcher Jones Motorcars Business Relationship Manager
BASK BEYOND
Feature Well - Intro
The historic abbey at Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine dates from 1146 and includes a restored chapel, 30 guest rooms and a contemporary spa. Photo courtesy of AbadĂa Retuerta LeDomaine.
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Well - Spain
On Sacred Ground
A converted monastery in the heart of Spain’s wine country offers a relaxing retreat like no other WRITTEN BY MICHELLE LYN
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABADÍA RETUERTA LEDOMAINE
Well - Spain
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n the heart of Spain, multiple winemaking appellations abound. On a recent visit to the area, I ventured into Valladolid in search of fine wine on the banks of the Duero River, yet what I found was something so much greater. The only hotel in Spain to offer full butler service, Abadía Retuerta LeDomaine caught my attention when researching properties in the region. Managed by Relais & Châteaux, I knew that top-notch service was a given, but what I didn’t anticipate was how ethereal the experience would actually be. A converted 12th-century monastery, LeDomaine is now a
vineyard estate surrounding the Monastery of Santa Maria de Retuerta, and a historical heritage site that thoughtfully blends antiquated architecture with modern amenities. Twenty-five minutes outside of Valladolid, the experience begins when we pull off the highway, drive through rows of vineyards and journey to the end of a gravel driveway. More than ready to get out of the car after the trip south from Basque Country, my two children are giddy at the prospect of staying in a “castle,” which is precisely what LeDomaine appears to be.
Well - Spain
(previous page) View of the resort from the vineyards at sunset. (this page, clockwise from top left) Hallway leading to the Refectorio restaurant; the entrance to Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine; Refectorio restaurant; the indoor pool at Santuario LeDomaine Spa; outdoor reflection pool.
WELLNESS
B
efore we even exit the car, the managing director and another gentleman carrying a tray of chilled mosto, a grape juice produced on the property, greets us. There are warm welcomes all around, with staff instantly wishing my son a happy birthday, which I mentioned in passing when making my reservation. Quickly ushered inside the air-conditioned foyer, we’re given an overview of the property and a list of trails to explore as the kids sit in front of a two-foot tall candy jar, mouths agape. Our personal butler delivers us to our exquisite two-bedroom suite overlooking the vineyards. The children adore their room, complete with a birthday card, balloons and small gifts laid out for my son. Given a mobile phone to use at all times during our stay on the property, we are informed that with the touch of a button, our butler will avail himself to fulfill any need. After settling in, we head outside for an afternoon walk on paths that run along a canal lining the property. The sound of birds, insects and running water fill the air as we trail deeper into nature, pausing only to lob the occasional pinecone into the river. Following sunset, we make our way to Refectorio, the Michelin-starred restaurant at LeDomaine. Stunning vaulted ceilings, gothic architecture and original fresco paintings set the tone for a once in a lifetime dinner. A 10-course tasting menu with highlights ranging from Gillardeau oysters with horseradish cream and seaweed to glazed sweetbreads with black truffle and noisette cauliflower cream, paired with a global selection of wines. The sommelier’s obvious standout is the Abadía Retuerta Touriga Nacional, which can’t be poured fast enough. Candelabras light the dining hall, staff outnumber guests three to one and the subtle backbeat of lounge music all combine to create an elegantly relaxed dining experience. The next morning, white-glove service is applied once again during breakfast in the same space. Immediately, staff emerges with personalized paper place mats with each of my children’s names printed on them and a gift wrapped in signature LeDomaine paper, tied in a ribbon. Much to my amusement,
“Stunning vaulted ceilings, Well gothic architecture and original fresco paintings set the tone for a once in a lifetime dinner.”
my daughter rips the package open and delights in the most thoughtfully gifted set of jumbo crayons she has ever received from a restaurant. Attentive details like these are the hallmark of the Relais & Châteaux brand, making luxury a family affair. Following breakfast, I descend on Santuario LeDomaine Spa for an appointment with the spa sommelier. The former stables of the monastery were converted into this jaw-dropping, 5,000-squarefoot spa that boasts indoor and outdoor pools, a hydrotherapy pool, a relaxation area and scented experience showers. Wrapped in the plushest of robes, my sommelier leads me to a seated area and wheels over a cart laden with three bottles of wine produced by onsite winery Abadía Retuerta, carafes of oil and paper to take notes. She proceeds to explain the unique vinotherapy ritual of tasting wines to determine what profile of oils I might enjoy best during my massage. The first wine is the white Blanco de Guarda, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes enriched with a hint of Verdejo. The LeDomaine White Blend oil was created with the nutritious and healing properties of almond oil, combined with the highly restorative benefits of apricot nut oil, perfect for the most delicate and sensitive skins. With the addition of essential Yuzu oil, this blend provides balance, well-being and emotional stimulation.
Spain
Next comes the Selección Especial, a red wine produced from the best grapes from each of the property’s vineyards, combining the richness of a Tempranillo with the elegance of a Cabernet Sauvignon and the strength of a Syrah. To pair, the Selección Especial Blend oil was created entirely from the vegetable oils of almond, macadamia nut, calendula and the essential oil of cedar, resulting in a nutritious oil rich in vitamins to regenerate and soothe the skin, perfect for those who suffer from high stress. And finally, my third wine is the Pago Valdebellón, a Cabernet Sauvignon. An intense dark red, this wine is surprisingly delicate with an air of spices, exotic fruit and mineral aromas. The invigorating Valdebellón Blend oil was created from almond oil and essential oil of thyme, ideal for those suffering from exhaustion and fatigue. Once I select my preferred oil, my treatment begins with soaking my feet in copper bowls, where they are hand washed, just as the feet of the monks who visited before me had been washed. I’m then offered a crystal to hold in my palm during the massage, with the intention of activating its natural healing properties throughout my treatment, which is so tranquil it nearly puts me to sleep. Whether you have two or five days, it’s easy to pamper yourself at this medieval gem: either with five-star spa treatments, leisurely lunches at Vinoteca (the casual restaurant serving traditional tapas), private tours through the vineyards, meditation and yoga in the candlelit yoga studio, nature strolls and lounging poolside. It is, after all, a place where time stands still. LeDomaine.es
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the golden triangle A vibrant journey through three majestic destinations in Northern India WRITTEN BY MICHELLE LYN PHOTOS COURTESY OF OBEROI HOTELS & PETE SANTA MARIA
I
f you’ve never been to India, imagine a sensorial overload. Vibrant colors, horns honking, animals in the streets, motorbikes whizzing past you on all sides, scents of street food in the air and the occasional elephant are all commonplace. A country of more than one billion people, India certainly has its fair share of economic challenges, yet there’s an underlying beauty that resides within its soul. Visible through the sights, sounds, smells and people, India is worth the lengthy journey it takes to discover it. The country’s Golden Triangle is particularly popular with tourists as a circuit that connects the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in Northern India, namely because of the triangular shape these locations form on a map. Here, the best of each city.
Beyond India
Beyond India
BEYOND
DELHI
With approximately 25 million residents, Delhi is one of the most populous cities in the world. Luxury hotels abound, and the Taj Palace is a great base when exploring Delhi for the first time. Set on six lush acres in the prestigious Diplomatic Enclave, this hotel is removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing for the perfect respite after long days spent discovering Delhi. TajHotels.com Book a walking tour of Old Delhi with Dhruv Gupta, the founder of Old Delhi Bazaar Walk and Haveli Visit. This affable travel industry vet has reliable guides, or friends, as he calls them, who take you offthe-beaten-path for street food in Chandni Chowk and other routes less traveled, ending up in his Haveli (home), a restored private mansion where you are served a traditional Indian meal. MasterjiKeeHaveli.com A chic spot to find gifts is Fabindia, a 50-year-old lifestyle store that features products derived from traditional crafts sourced from villages across India. Though the majority of products are textile-based, they also include home furnishings, jewelry, clothing and an organic line of artisanal food items. FabIndia.com After a busy day of exploring Delhi, treat yourself to dinner at what is touted as the best restaurant in India: Indian Accent. Chef Manish Mehrotra’s contemporary Indian menu combines fresh seasonal produce with unusual ingredients from around the world. Start with the Tandoori Bacon Prawns and take advantage of the bread service by sampling traditional Indian breads like roti, naan and paratha. IndianAccent.com
Beyond India
AGRA The road to Agra is a long, eye-opening one,
but upon arrival, behold one of the seven wonders of the modern world—the Taj Mahal. Hire a private driver for the smooth, four-hour journey on the newly completed
“Imagine a sensorial overload: vibrant colors, horns honking, animals in the streets, motorbikes whizzing past, scents of street food in the air and the occasional elephant.”
Yamuna Expressway that connects Delhi and Agra. Check into the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel in Agra and head straight to the Lounge in preparation for your first look at the iconic marble mausoleum that is the Taj Mahal. Brightly lit from above by a crystal chandelier hanging from a gold domed ceiling, the Lounge is decorated with handpicked brass figurines that sit on ornate gold fretwork shelves, sparkling mirrors and wood washed in a vibrant turquoise. OberoiHotels.com The property is also the perfect place to plan your visit to the Taj Mahal, as it is less than 2000 feet from the monument. Built as a memorial of Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this majestic and breathtaking work of art is best seen in the early hours of dawn or at sunset. (The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.) Two other lesser-known but still noteworthy sights in Agra are Akbar’s Tomb, a stunning creation of red sandstone with a crown of white marble, and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, said to be Agra’s hidden gem, with stonework and inlay work similar to the Taj Mahal, also referenced as the “Baby Taj.” TajMahal.gov.in
How to get there
Fly British Airways nonstop to London from Los Angeles or San Diego and catch a connecting flight straight to Delhi. BA.com
When to go
Winter is the best time to visit India, as it’s the end of monsoon season when temperatures are most comfortable.
After a day of sightseeing, indulge in a three-hour spa treatment back at the Oberoi, inspired by the Ayurvedic principles of health and well-being. Called the “Spirit of Ayurveda,” the experience combines a series of traditional Indian therapies that start with a massage, followed by a hot herbal pouch massage and a Shiirodhara therapy, in which a fine steady stream of warm oil flows onto the third eye to clear the mind and sooth the senses.
JAIPUR
Four hours from Agra (five from Delhi, depending on your itinerary), Jaipur—also called the “Pink City Getting around of India” for the color of the stone used in the construction of Any luxury hotel can every building within its historic center—is contained by three arrange a private driver gates facing east, west and north. between cities. IndiGo is Another five-star property, The Oberoi Rajvilas is a good home a good option for a lowbase to explore Jaipur’s many shops hawking traditional fabrics cost airline within India. GoIndiGo.in with block printing from vegetable dyes. OberoiHotels.com Where to spend your rupees? Two shops certainly: Anokhi, a haven for high-quality hand block prints where you can pick up a traditional quilted bedspread and jewelry hand made by local artisans, and Hot Pink. A whitewashed bungalow located in the garden at Narain Niwas Palace, Hot Pink is where the best of Indian contemporary textile design and fashion come together. Housing work by designers like Abraham and Thakore as well as Manish Arora, this concept store is full of whimsy and color.Anokhi.com, HotPinkIndia.com And finally, make your way to Rambagh Palace, where camels and elephants may very well greet you when arriving for dinner on the Verandah cafe. Sunset is swoon-worthy as you take in a folk show with dancers and peacocks sharing the stage on the Rambagh Lawns, and the Maharajaappointed palm reader reads your future over dessert. TajHotels.com Traversing the globe to experience India may take awhile, but the memories will certainly leave an indelible impression. Allow enough time in each city to fully immerse yourself in the culture, and when in doubt, ask the locals for recommendations on their favorite sites. But above all, enjoy the journey!
Beyond India
(previous page) Tourists flock to the Taj Mahal. (clockwise from bottom left) Entrance to The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra; entrance to The Oberoi Rajvilas; aerial view of the grounds at The Oberoi Amarvilas with the Taj Mahal in the distance; and The Lobby at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur.
shining bright Fashion
A BOUNDLESS ARRAY OF BEACHSIDE BEAUTY PHOTOGRAPHER TONY FLOREZ MODEL LISA HERRINGTON PRODUCER JOLIE ADAMS DESIGN AMY ADAMS STYLISTS AMY ADAMS & JOLIE ADAMS HAIR & MAKEUP KATHLEEN BROWN BUTTERFLI ME MAKEUP & LASH STUDIO FASHIONS KIN PACIFIC CITY HUNTINGTON BEACH, WINSTON’S CROWN JEWELERS NEWPORT BEACH, ON QUE STYLE CORONA DEL MAR LOCATION PACIFIC CITY HUNTINTON BEACH
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Home - 7 Troon
ROYAL HAWAIIAN
Home - 7 Troon
On a bluff overlooking Newport Beach, this grand yet casually elegant Hawaiian Ranch-style custom estate epitomizes the quintessential SoCal lifestyle WRITTEN BY WENDY BOWMAN
PRESENTED BY MARK TODD, SURTERRE PROPERTIES
Home - 7 Troon
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ecluded behind the private gates of One Ford Road, this tranquil single-story residence captures the soul and spirit of a tropical resort-style estate. But behind the understated façade is, in fact, an unrivaled 10,000-square-foot trophy compound. Upon entry through a courtyard with a rock wall waterfall into a refined foyer, this home emits a sense of boundless warmth and timeless style. The excellent flow of space leads to an open floor plan that flows into a lavish backyard with breathtaking views spanning from Fashion Island to Palos Verdes. “What you see is not what you get; there is so much more,” says Mark Todd of Surterre Properties, who is listing the luxurious property for $12.85 million. “I love the fact that it has all of these floor-to-ceiling pocket doors and gives you an incredible open-air feeling; it feels like a Hawaiian resort. I also love the volume of the rooms and how everything soars. It’s the best entertainer’s home in the city. With 12 refrigerators in the home, pool house and casita, you should never go thirsty for a beverage.” Situated in the East Bluff Harbor View area of Newport Beach, the home was constructed in 2005 by noted Newport Beach builder Bruce Rielly as his personal residence. No expense was spared in the development process, with highlights including soaring, 14-to-18-foot rough-hewn beam ceilings throughout; custom furnishings (available with the sale); sliding pocket doors that open to extensive grounds; and
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a motor court with parking for six cars that could be easily expanded to host more. From the street, a welcoming walkway and gated entrance lures one past pristine landscaping and into a sandstone-lined courtyard with a cozy sitting area and relaxing waterfall feature. Then, an attractive 10-foot-tall wood and glass front door introduces the home’s towering grand hall foyer. This is where it gets really interesting…: once inside, the options include taking the exquisite mahogany hardwood path either left or right to uncover a maze of rooms such as an office with dual desk areas and built-in bookshelves and a formal living room sporting an attractive fireplace. Traverse further into the luxe labyrinth to discover a professional-grade kitchen, delightful billiard room and more. As for the home’s sleeping quarters, its original seven bedrooms have been reconfigured to suit the current owner, with a duo of secondary bedrooms combined to create dual master suites on either side of the home. The first master features an entry foyer, ocean-view sitting area and backyard access, along with a sizeable bath boasting his-and-her walk-in closets; a dressing area; water closet highlighted by a bidet; multi-head shower room; spa tub, dual vanities; and 90-degree mirrors. eanwhile, the second master also offers a walk-in closet, ensuite bath and sitting area. Yet other dreamy sleep options include the charming casita (accessible just off the front courtyard via stylish French pocket
Home - 7 Troon
HOME
“I love the fact that it has all of these floor-to-ceiling pocket doors and gives you an incredible open-air feeling; it feels like a Hawaiian resort.” - Mark Todd, Surterre Properties
doors with a refrigerator, built-in desk and bookshelves, as well as a bath with a shower and walk-in closet) and the housekeeping quarters across the hall from a laundry room with dual washers and driers and a partial kitchen. The popular “Bunk Room” also offers a set of twin-over-twin stacked bunk beds. As for living space, the lanai-adjacent family room features custom furnishings and lighting, an attractive fireplace, a large flat-screen TV and a built-in curio cabinet. Among the home’s most show-stopping features, however, is the nearby chef ’s kitchen, which is outfitted with a breakfast bar that seats six; a spacious island; high-end KitchenAid appliances (including an eight-burner cooktop, double oven, microwave and two dishwashers); four refrigerated drawers; a built-in refrigerator and freezer; and ample storage space. There even are two walk-in pantries (one a butler’s pantry with a wine cooler and refrigerator, the other for storage). Meanwhile, the neighboring formal dining room sports a large custom circular table and floor-toceiling pocket doors, while the sunken formal living room off of the grand hallway provides a fireplace and tall flat walls ideal for showcasing art. Perhaps the estate’s most outstanding draw is its numerous outdoor entertaining spaces filtered throughout the expansive 30,000-square-foot lot. Among them are a sandstone lanai with several seating areas, ceiling fans, commercial-grade heaters and a fire pit; a putting green yard surrounded by a glass fence; plentiful palm trees; and yet another waterfall feature. The backyard also offers gated access to a dog run on one side and a secret garden on the other (rife with citrus trees, herb and vegetable plants, and more than enough space for screening an outdoor movie). The pièce de résistance is the swimming area. Here, one finds a sparkling basin replete with a sitting ledge; rigging for a volleyball
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net; a shallow children’s pool; and an elevated spa with a cascading waterfall and a prime vantage point to view all the surrounding area has to offer. Alongside the water, a covered kitchen cabana features a wet bar and built-in barbecue with a rotisserie, smoker and grill, while the adjacent pool house comes equipped with a lounge area; walk-in bar with dual dishwashers and refrigerators, an ice maker and a wine cooler; bath; and accordion-style doors that open up completely to let the outdoors in. Rounding out the home’s entertainment profile is an indoor billiard room complete with four flat-screen TVs and a fully equipped walk-in bar. And, upping the ultimate lifestyle quotient even more, residents of One Ford Road also are privy to a “Disney-like” neighborhood including two Olympic-sized pools; a
Home - 7 Troon
fitness center; children’s playground; professional putting green; basketball court; volleyball park; croquet lawn; and more. There’s also convenient entrée to nearby attractions, such as Fashion Island, Balboa Island and Corona del Mar State Beach, along with the top-ranked public and private schools in the Newport Mesa School District. And lest one think that this home is not fully entrenched in the 21st century, the property also showcases the latest in smart-home technology—including a Control4 system that operates climate, media, lighting and security. This amazing turnkey property’s all ready for a new owner to come in and just sit back, relax, have a cup of coffee, and listen to the peaceful waterfalls while taking in the glorious views and breeze. Just one word: Aloha!
This grand yet casually elegant Hawaiian Ranchstyle custom home features a spacious family room that opens to the lanai and is outfitted with custom furnishings and lighting, a fireplace, flat-screen TV and built-in curio cabinet; dual master suites on either side of the home; a sunken formal living room with cozy fireplace; and a showstopping kitchen offering an island with seating for six and a wealth of commercialgrade appliances.
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The well-rounded home comes with access to numerous amenities in the One Ford Road neighborhood, including a professional putting green, fitness center and children’s playground, along with a formal dining room sporting a large custom circular table and floorto-ceiling pocket doors and a billiard room complete with four flat-screen TVs and a fully equipped walk-in bar.
Home - 7 Troon
Lugato/bask
luxury in balance
baskmagazine.com DOWNLOAD THE ISSUE AT ISSUU.COM T R AV E L + D I N I N G | H E A L T H + W E L L N E S S | P E O P L E + E V E N T S A RT + C U L T U R E | FA S H I O N T R E N D S | D E S I G N + D E C O R
PROGRESS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH A
CHANGE
FOR THE BETTER Surterre
ROBERT PFEIF
Broker Associate, CRS
T 949.720.8300
pfeif@surterreproperties.com w w w. p f e i f g r o u p . c o m BRE#01292044
SURTERRE IS PROUD TO WELCOME ROBERT PFEIF TO OUR TEAM. A true leader in his industry, Robert Pfeif is a real estate professional who takes great pride in offering dedicated, personalized service to each and every client. His focus to consistently earn the trust of his valued clientele has been critical to his success and is of the utmost importance to him.
Surterre Properties® BRE#01778230
Surterre
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INTERNATIONAL NETWORK T H AT S PA N S T H E W O R L D
with its LuxuryRealEstate.com partnership that results in a network of over 130,000 sales associates in offices in over 39 countries around
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THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
Surterre
CONTEMPORARY
CAMEO SHORES | CORONA DEL MAR With mesmerizing views of Santa Catalina Island, the Newport Harbor jetty, and beyond to the Palos Verdes Peninsula, this home showcases a contemporary flair along with an abundance of opulent amenities, including six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and sliding pocket doors leading out to a view deck with a pool, spa, and fire feature. Offered for $12,995,000 | w w w.L o v e C a m e o S h o re s.c om
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THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
Surterre
w w w. S u m m e r Ly n n e P e r r y. co m
SUMMER LYNNE PERRY Broker Associate, LCDM
C 949.375.9074
sperry@surterreproperties.com BRE#01882790 Surterre PropertiesÂŽ, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
Surterre
NEWLY REMODELED
C RY S TA L C O V E | N E W P O R T C O A S T Enjoy relaxing ocean breezes and views of the Pacific from this beautifully remodeled home in the gated community of Crystal Cove. This three bedroom abode includes a luxurious master suite with private balcony. Crystal Cove residents enjoy many amenities including the Canyon Club and beach access. Offered for $3,195,000
w w w. S u m m e r Ly n n e P e r r y. co m
SUMMER LYNNE PERRY Broker Associate, LCDM
C 949.375.9074
sperry@surterreproperties.com BRE#01882790 Surterre PropertiesÂŽ, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
Surterre BREATHTAKING VIEWS LAGUNA BEACH
With ocean and Catalina Island views, this humble three bedroom, three bathroom retreat proposes a unique opportunity as a rental income property and/or a fantastic personal residence. With a new one million-dollar price adjustment, 596 Allview Terrace is ready to welcome you home. Offered for $2,700,000
JOANNA GANZ The SUMMER PERRY Group
C 949.278.1504
jganz@surterreproperties.com w w w. J o a n n a G a n z . c o m BRE#01871446 Surterre PropertiesÂŽ, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
SOLD | CORONA DEL MAR
SOLD | CORONA DEL MAR
$9,250,000
$4,640,000*
**
Surterre
SOLD | CORONA DEL MAR
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
$4,432,000
$4,030,000**
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
SOLD | LAGUNA BEACH
$3,795,000**
$3,325,000*
**
BRE#01778230
THE SUMMER PERRY GROUP
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
SOLD | LAGUNA BEACH
$2,900,000*
$2,770,000**
$2,685,000*
Surterre SOLD | CORONA DEL MAR
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
$2,515,000
$2,150,000
$1,650,000*
SOLD | VILLA PARK
SOLD | COSTA MESA
SOLD | LAGUNA WOODS
$1,425,000
$925,000
$290,000*
***
*
*
*
w w w. S u m m e r Ly n n e P e r r y. co m
SUMMER LYNNE PERRY
JOANNA GANZ
JESSIE HOLECHEK
Broker Associate, LCDM
The SUMMER PERRY Group
The SUMMER PERRY Group
C 949.375.9074
C 949.278.1504
C 949.315.1529
sperry@surterreproperties.com
jganz@surterreproperties.com
jholechek@surterreproperties.com
BRE#01882790
BRE#01871446
BRE#01990301
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. *Represented Buyer **Represented Seller
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
PELICAN HILL | NEWPORT COAST
LEMON HEIGHTS | NORTH TUSTIN
Offered for $8,999,999 | w w w.9 S e a S h e ll.c o m
Offered for $2,999,000 | w w w.2092LowerLake. com
Surterre
SHADY CANYON® | IRVINE
PELICAN HILL | NEWPORT COAST
Offered for $6,500,000 | w w w.N in e t y C a n y o n C re e k .c om
Offered for $9,900,000 | w w w.10Prem ierePoi nt. com
w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
OVER $355 MILLION SOLD IN 2015
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
CRYSTAL COVE CUSTOMS | NEWPORT COAST
PENINSULA POINT | NEWPORT BEACH
Offered for $15,995,000 | w w w.2 2 D e e p S e a .c o m
Offered for $14,995,000 | w w w.1752EastO ceanfront. com
Surterre
CRYSTAL COVE CUSTOMS | NEWPORT COAST
PELICAN HILL | NEWPORT COAST
Offered for $11,900,000 | w w w.N in e H ig h Wa t e r.co m
Offered for $23,000,000 | w w w.12Fair wayPoi nt. com
w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
REX MCKOWN
MARCY WEINSTEIN
McKown | Weinstein | Associates
McKown | Weinstein | Associates
C 949.689.5018
C 949.689.3550
rmckown@surterreproperties.com
mweinstein@surterreproperties.com
BRE#01275953
BRE#01094198
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
SHADY CANYON® | IRVINE
BALBOA PENINSULA | NEWPORT BEACH
Offered for $8,995,000 | w w w.4 7 G o ld e n E a g le .co m
Offered for $3,250,000 | w w w.208For t yThi rd. com
Surterre
PELICAN HILL | NEWPORT COAST
LEMON HEIGHTS | NORTH TUSTIN
Offered for $20,900,000 | w w w.3 R im R id g e .c o m
Offered for $13,990,000 | w w w.2122LowerLake. com
w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
Representing the 2015 Highest Sales Price in the Following Communities* Pelican Crest | Pelican Hill | Crystal Cove Custom Homes | Crystal Cove Semi-Custom Homes Crystal Cove Non-Custom Homes | Lots/Land Sites | Shady Canyon
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
PELICAN CREST | NEWPORT COAST
CRYSTAL COVE CUSTOMS | NEWPORT COAST
Offered for $29,900,000 | w w w.1 P e lica n C re st .c o m
Offered for $23,000,000 | w w w.11ClearWater. com
Surterre
PELICAN CREST | NEWPORT COAST
CRYSTAL COVE CUSTOMS | NEWPORT COAST
Offered for $16,998,000 | w w w.1 1 P e lic a n V is t a .c o m
Offered for $13,500,000 | w w w.29H ighWater. com
w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
REX MCKOWN
MARCY WEINSTEIN
McKown | Weinstein | Associates
McKown | Weinstein | Associates
C 949.689.5018
C 949.689.3550
rmckown@surterreproperties.com
mweinstein@surterreproperties.com
BRE#01275953
BRE#01094198
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
RITZ COVE | DANA POINT | Offered for $3,995,000 | w w w.85Rit zCove.c om
Surterre
LANTERN BAY ESTATES | DANA POINT | Offered for $3,900,000 | w w w.34282ShoreLant er n.c om w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
TAD BALTZER McKown | Weinstein | Associates
C 949.554.4140
tbaltzer@surterreproperties.com BRE#01490536 Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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MCKOWN | WEINSTEIN | ASSOCIATES
BALBOA PENINSULA | NEWPORT BEACH | Offered for $7,500,000 | w w w.4311Seas hore.c om
Surterre
CRYSTAL COVE | NEWPORT COAST | Offered for $7,988,000 | w w w.6G ondolier s Bluff .c om w w w. N ew p o r t C o a s t P r o p e r t i e s . co m
ROB SMITH McKown | Weinstein | Associates
C 949.697.8855
rsmith@surterreproperties.com BRE#01113111 Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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CHRIS VALLI & ASSOCIATES
Surterre
ONE-OF-A-KIND PRIVATE PENINSULA LAGUNA BEACH
Perched atop its own private peninsula above the Pacific Ocean is this one-of-a-kind Mediterranean-style estate that embodies luxurious beach living with its unique location and 300-degree panoramic white-water and beach views. The Landmark home sits adjacent to Table Rock Beach, one of Laguna Beach’s most prized locales, and affords complete privacy to its owners and guests. Price Upon Request | ww w.3 1 7 2 1 S e a c liff D r iv e .c o m
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CHRIS VALLI & ASSOCIATES
Surterre
CHRIS VALLI Chris Valli & Associates
C 714.883.4397
chrisvalli@surterreproperties.com BRE#00604151 Surterre PropertiesÂŽ, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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JACQUELINE THOMPSON GROUP
Surterre
ARTFUL LIVING
SHADY CANYON | IRVINE Among the West Coast’s premier estates, and constructed by the renowned design team of Fari, 76 Golden Eagle defines artful living. Atop a hill on one of the largest and most private lots in Shady Canyon® spanning nearly one acre, the 180-degree sight lines look out over the best of all worlds—golf course, city lights, and mountains. Delivering interior luxuries enhanced by custom Ebanista furnishings, quality artisanal touches range from extensive millwork to barrel-vaulted ceilings and exquisite stonework. Stately palms frame the estate’s impressive entry, while courtyards, loggias, emerald lawns, and an oversized infinity pool with spa celebrate the outdoors. Featuring six bedrooms and eight-and-one-half baths and designed on three levels, the ingenious layout offers a chef’s kitchen opening to the family room, suite of formal rooms all seamlessly connected, dedicated executive wing with dual offices, hotel-inspired guest suites, and bedroom wing that enjoys its own large bonus room. Price Upon Request | ww w.7 6 G o ld e n E a g le .co m
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JACQUELINE THOMPSON GROUP
Surterre BEAUTIFUL ESTATE SHADY CANYON | IRVINE
Beautiful Shady Canyon® custom estate perched on a private, elevated lot featuring a refreshing layout that is enriched by expansive rooms framed in beautiful architectural detail. This six bedroom, six-and-one-half bath residence enjoys fabulous spaces for modern living, including a spacious foyer and central courtyard, large formal living room, gourmet kitchen with butler’s pantry, great room, and show-stopping built-in wine storage and tasting area. Price Upon Request | w w w.46CopperCreek. com
w w w. J a c q u e li n eT h o m p s o n G r o u p . co m
RANKED #71 OF AGENTS NATIONWIDE by the Wall Street Journal
*
Nearly $800 Million Sold Since 2008
JACQUELINE THOMPSON 经验丰富的房产经纪为您服务
C 949.326.3392
jthompson@surterreproperties.com BRE#01476106
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.*2016 Individuals by Transaction Volume
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FRANK HUFNAGEL & HEIDI CLEVELAND
Surterre
OCEANFRONT IN LAGUNA VILLAGE LAGUNA BEACH
Rare opportunity to own a Laguna Beach oceanfront compound in the heart of the Village. This unique property includes two separate parcels with a combined lot size of over 10,000 square feet at Thalia Street Beach. Enjoy oceanfront living at its finest at this unique property in an ideal location. Offered for $5,900,000 | w w w.8 4 5 sC o a s t H w y.c o m
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FRANK HUFNAGEL & HEIDI CLEVELAND
PANORAMIC VIEWS LAGUNA BEACH
Panoramic Catalina Island, coastline, and city lights views provide the backdrop for this impeccably remodeled four bedroom home in North Laguna Beach. Conveniently located close to some of Laguna’s most coveted beaches, shops, and restaurants, this is a serene oasis where views, privacy, and luxury abound. The open living and dining area includes beamed ceilings, gorgeous stone fireplace, and sweeping coastline and ocean views. Offered for $3,395,000 | w w w.3 20Caj on. com
Surterre
w w w. L a g u n a B e a c h R e a l E s t a t eTe a m . co m
FRANK HUFNAGEL C 949.444.8718
MICHAEL GOSSELIN T 949.464.3210
HEIDI CLEVELAND C 949.371.4333
frank@surterreproperties.com
mgosselin@surterreproperties.com
hcleveland@surterreproperties.com
BRE#01763124
BRE#00630696
BRE#01956319
Surterre PropertiesÂŽ, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy.
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WHITE | HUNT | DUFFY
Surterre EXCLUSIVE HOMESITES C RY S TA L C O V E | N E W P O R T C O A S T
Put simply, life in Crystal Cove rises above. It is both literally and figuratively an elevated experience. Perched atop a lush hillside overlooking the serene canyon and the expanse of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by permanent open space, including Crystal Cove State Park, the community has a natural vantage point matched only by its elevated lifestyle. Within the guard-gated community are private parks and the Canyon Club with clubhouse, Junior Olympic pool, and tennis courts. Enticing and inviting, the promise is of experiences that see beyond aspirations and accomplishments to worlds of possibility and reward, asking the question, “What would it be like to live in such a luxurious place?”
CUSTOM HOMESITES From the Mid $3 Millions to Over $7 Million
|
Averaging Half an Acre
|
For more information, please call 949.720.2683
w w w.C r y s t a l - C ove . co m
MAUREEN WHITE
STACY HUNT
JANE DUFFY
BRE#00430565
BRE#01259457
BRE#01072027
mwhite@surterreproperties.com
shunt@surterreproperties.com
jduffy@surterreproperties.com
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Surterre Properties, Seller’s Agent California BRE#01778230
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RICK & GIA IN ESCROW NEWPORT COAST Offered for $6,850,000* Live the good life at this exquisite Crystal Cove estate in Newport Coast, where panoramic white-water ocean views provide a spectacular backdrop. Approximately 4,938 square feet, the four bed, four-and-one-half bath villa presents a guest suite/bonus room with separate entrance, loggia, and luxurious pool and spa.
IN ESCROW NEWPORT BEACH
Surterre
Offered for $4,195,000* Featuring a prime location in Newport Beach’s exclusive new Meridian enclave at Fashion Island®, this luxe penthouse welcomes panoramic ocean, Back Bay, city lights, golf course, and mountain views from its coveted corner setting. Boasting approximately 2,693 square feet, it was crafted in 2014 and hosts two bedrooms, an office, three baths, a corner view deck, chic kitchen, and countless custom upgrades.
Smart Strategies | Exceptional Results
RICK LANGEVIN C 949.933.2777
GIA LANGEVIN-DALMACIO C 949.678.6952
rlangevin@surterreproperties.com w w w. R i c k L a n g ev i n . c o m
glangevin@surterreproperties.com w w w.G i a L a n g ev i n - D a l m a c i o . c o m
BRE#00777918
BRE#01423922
Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. *Representing Seller
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DOUG DUNLAP
SOLD | SAN CLEMENTE | 252 Ave Vista Del Oceano | $3,400,000**
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH | 1612 Antigua Way | $1,950,000**
Surterre
SOLD | LAGUNA BEACH | 1015 Tia Juana Street | $1,850,000**
SOLD | LAGUNA BEACH | 920 Quivera Street | $1,675,000**
SOLD | LAGUNA NIGUEL | 30816 Belle Maison | $1,295,000**
SOLD | DANA POINT | 23812 Cassandra Bay | $1,225,000**
SOLD | DANA POINT
SOLD | NEWPORT BEACH
SOLD | SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
24172 Vista D Oro | $2,050,000*
303 Enero | $1,475,000*
26532 Via La Jolla | $1,240,000*
w w w. D u n l a p C o a s t a l P r o p e r t i e s . co m
DOUG DUNLAP C 949.922.0250
ddunlap@surterreproperties.com BRE#00482174 Surterre Properties®, Inc. does not guarantee accuracy of all data, including all measurements and calculations of area. Information is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by Broker or Agent of MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. *Represented Buyer **Represented Seller
FACES + PLACES
FP - Festival
photographs by Scott Smeltzer
LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Nancy Wilson, Norman Bain, Mae DelaBarre Mary Westbrook, Debra Gunn-Downing Kina Korta, Deya Requenes Event Decor Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Gloria Zigner Jennifer Gordon, Rena Puebla
The Children’s Hour As the stars sparkled overhead in a cloudless sky, and a cool Southern California breeze wafted through the air, over 450 guests made their way to South Coast Plaza’s Garden Terrace for the Festival of Children Opening Night Party. There, in honor of this year’s “Love in any Language” theme, trays topped with glasses of bubbly and a specially-made French cocktail whirled around the room as those in attendance savored a delectable selection of international cuisine from Italy, Greece and Argentina. Once the evening’s program began, all were immediately enthralled, as the Festival of Children Foundation’s annual FRED Award was presented to 13-year-old Jessica Carscadden, who shared the story of how she created the “We Care Bears” organization, which supplies stuffed animals to children in difficult situations. Inspired by her words, the audience was reminded of the evening’s true intent—to bring together the community and raise awareness for children in need across the nation. That’s love in any language.
FACES + PLACES
FP - Priceless
Glimmers of Hope It was an afternoon of elegance and education as over 350 guests gathered at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach for Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice’s annual Priceless Luncheon to End Human Trafficking. Attendees mingled while enjoying sumptuous specialty cocktails and small bites before entering the grand ballroom for a compelling and memorable reception. Priceless Luncheon Chair Jasmine Shodja took to the stage, kicking off the program with a heartfelt thanks to all the community members present in support of the University’s efforts to end human trafficking, before turning the mic over to keynote speaker Ernie Allen. Touching the hearts of all in the room, Allen gave an open, honest, and moving look into the world of modern day slavery and child exploitation. As the afternoon came to a close, both business and individuals alike were honored with Diamond Awards, including former KAB, KTLA and KOCE anchor Ed Arnold, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. As always, this most glistening affair was a shining success.
photos courtesy of Anne Chatillon
LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Sandra Morgan, Ernie Allen, Jasmine Shodja Phil Liberatore, Lisa Liberatore, Ed Royce Jan Landstrom, Priscilla Santos Event Awards Ed & Dixie Arnold Maria D. Hernandez, Sandra Morgan, Michael J. Beals
FACES + PLACES
FP - PSO
photographs by Nick Koon Photography
LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Carl St. Clair, Susan St. Clair, Michele Forsyte, John Forsyte David & Suzanne Chonette Jim & Sheila Peterson Ernie & Donn Schroeder Ling & Charlie Zhang Tom Rogers, Sally Anderson, Lynn Freeman, Doug Freeman
In Perfect Harmony It was a black and white affair as The Westin South Coast Plaza welcomed over 210 guests dressed to the nines for the Pacific Symphony’s 2016-17 Classical Opening Night Celebration and Concert. After strolling down the pristine red carpet, guests socialized as trays of cocktails and hors d’ouevres swirled about. As night began to fall, the soirée moved indoors to the grand ballroom, adorned in elegant black and white detail, where a lavish three-course meal awaited. Symphony President John Forsyte kicked-off the festivities, welcoming guests and offering a word of appreciation to the Symphony’s musicians, before Musical Director Carl St. Clair took to the stage to offer an enthralling overview of the season ahead. However, the evening truly hit a high note during the Pacific Symphony’s concert at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, with the orchestra enchanting the audience with its lush, symphonic sounds. In keeping with the tempo of the evening, all were welcomed back to the Westin’s poolside Terrace Pavilion to enjoy champagne and a host of decadent desserts. As always, a most harmonious celebration.
FACES + PLACES
FP - Miracles
photos courtesy of Lisa Renee Photography
Truly Miraculous Like a cool, welcoming breeze signaling the change in season, a certain magic floated through the air as over 500 philanthropists, community leaders and supporters gathered at the Monarch Beach Resort for Miracles for Kids’ annual Night of Miracles Gala. The enchanting evening began with a lavish cocktail reception where guests mingled and sipped on fine wines and spirits. The festivities then moved into the elegantly decked ballroom where those in attendance savored a sumptuous meal and participated in a thrilling live auction before Eran Raven of The Mentalist and NBC’s Phenomenon entranced the crowd with a spellbinding performance. As the night came to a close, Miracles for Kids supporter and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Skip Martin debuted his original song, “Make a Miracle,” inspired by a Miracles for Kids client. Talk about beautiful music.
LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Ken Gerdau, Bob Ravzar, Curtis Green Autumn Strier, Jason Pendergist Michael & Dara Kalish Dan & Christine Charlier Janet & Carl Nolet Amy Stewart, Paula Ansara-Wilhelm Skip Martin and Kids
FACES + PLACES
FP - Swiss Watch
photographs by Anne Chatillon & Tony Florez
A Diamond Breitling Affair LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Michael Modro, Keren Zuniga Hratch Torossian, Vache Torossian, Kelly Ordos, Leyla Finkle, Breitling Jet Team Tatiana Mandelli, Leo Da Cruz, Xandra Laskowski, Kristi Ritoch Leyla Finkle, Kent Cameron, Sally Cameron Ronnie Lane, Natalie Lane, Lonnie Anderson, Pat Anderson Lonnie Anderson, Danielle Hahn Sandi Hinter, Kimberly Smith, Xandra Laskowski
The Shops at Mission Viejo were abuzz with fine jewelry connoisseurs and partygoers alike as Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers hosted the Breitling Jet Team on the last stop of their American Tour. During this top-gun soirĂŠe, guests sipped on savory cocktails and chatted with some of the pilots, as several new Breitling watches were unveiled, including the US Limited Edition Super Avenger black steel and B55 Connected watch. For lovers of diamonds and other precious stones, these stunners positively lit up the runway with a breathtaking display of handcrafted bracelets, necklaces and colored gems. Meanwhile, the ladies in attendance were bedazzled by these custom creations and the opportunity to see some fabulous new styles for any occasion and take home one-of-a-kind jewels designed by Hratch Torossian. It was, appropriately, an event just as radiant as the precious jewels it displayed.
FACES + PLACES
1.
FP - Winery
photos courtesy of Carla Rhea Photography
Sip, Swirl, Savor On a quiet sunny afternoon, more than 300 guests made their way to the Marconi Automotive Museum for The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s 8th annual Sunday in the Vineyard fundraiser benefitting the Marconi Foundation for Kids and The Pasticos Foundation. Amid a stunning collection of rare and vintage automobiles, those in attendance chatted and mingled while sampling some of the 80-plus wines present for the tasting, many of which were rare finds from boutique wineries across the globe. To accompany the wine selection, a host of savory trays brimming hors d’ oeuvres expertly prepared by The Winery’s executive chef and partner, Yvon Goetz, swirled around the room. The festivities then moved to the runway, where a striking show hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue captivated all with the season’s best styles. Ending the afternoon on a high note, a thrilling live auction saw guests bid on a host of exquisite prizes before they slowly trickled out of the ballroom, savoring each moment they could spare for a most worthy cause.
LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Linda Clow, JC Clow, Susan Williamson, Priscilla Marconi, Dick Marconi Yvon Goetz, Carine Thacker Saks Runway Show Megan Singer, Robert Burns Katherine Meredith, Susan Williamson Brittany Brierly, JC Clow
FACES + PLACES
FP - Olive Crest
photographs by Anne Chatillon
Power Lunch LEFT to RIGHT + TOP to BOTTOM: Tim Bauer, Grace Cross, Debbi Hensling Scott Ashford, Angelina, Aubrey Ashford Kerri Dunkelberger, Randy Rider Donald Verleur, Dennis Kuhl, Lois Verleur, Dr. Donald Verleur, Rhonda Tagge Christine Kelleher, Kylie Schuyler, Marianne Payne Candace Cox, Heidi Lynn, Christie Frazier, Debbi Hensling, Karyn Shelly, Kylie Schuyler
On a sunny afternoon under a bright, cloudless blue sky, over 340 guests flocked to the Westin South Coast Plaza for Olive Crest’s annual “Power of One” luncheon. Held in celebration of National Adoption Month and benefitting abused and neglected children and families in crisis, the heartfelt ceremony began by honoring four outstanding supporters of the organization: The Safe Families for Children Council; Girl Scout Grace Cross; Chairman of Angels Baseball Dennis Kuhl; and Orange County Director of Children and Family Services Gary Taylor. As guests continued to enjoy their sumptuous meals, Hall of Fame inspirational speaker and best-selling author Patrick Combs took to the stage, mesmerizing all with his personal stories of learning the importance of family and helping others. It was a wonderful reminder of Olive Crest’s tireless efforts to transform the lives of at-risk children and their families. Powerful, indeed.
Roberta Curlender NEWPORT BEACH 714.310.7388 rcurlender@firstam.com
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BASK TABLE
Table - Intro
Bruschetta from the newly re-opened Ti Amo in Laguna Beach. Photo courtesy of JC Creative, Inc.
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Fall in love all over again
Table - Ti Amo
Imbibe romance with gourmet Italian cuisine and an inviting ambience at Ti Amo Laguna WRITTEN BY SUSAN IRBY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JC CREATIVE, INC.
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he sounds of Dean Martin waft through the air—mingled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Classic Italian wines await beside a cozy fireplace. After a two-year closure, Ti Amo Laguna Beach owner Victoria Scala re-opened the former historic home-turned-restaurant with a refreshed romantic interior and an exceptional menu helmed by general manager and executive chef, Massimo Ghalami. Sharing an equal enthusiasm for greeting guests at the front of the house and for creating palate-wowing dishes, Ghalami notes, “I love people. Cooking food is a passion that brings people together, making everything worthwhile.” Helming the restaurant’s self-proclaimed “scratch kitchen,” Ghalami and his team produce everything in-house. Make sure to ask for the “off-the-menu” Octopus Carpaccio with lemon vinaigrette, grape tomato, shaved celery and arugula. Among other house specialties: Housemade Fettuccine with eggplant, fresh tomatoes, caramelized onion, garlic and fresh basil; and fresh fish selections like Halibut with lobster ravioli, spinach and saffron in a white wine butter sauce. For dessert, the Apple Tarte Tatin is served with vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce.
With its recently refreshed interior and exceptional menu, Ti Amo will make you fall in love with classic Italian fare all over again. TI AMO 31727 Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.499.5350 TiAmoLaguna.com 130
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Table - Durban Room
The Durban Room
A new “speakeasy” experience lands in Laguna Beach WRITTEN BY BETH FHANER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DURBAN ROOM
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ucked beneath Mozambique Steakhouse, The Durban Room—a sophisticated speakeasy featuring an OldWorld, African vibe—is offering diners a new experience to savor. Warm and inviting, the newly revamped space features rich burgundy walls, dark woods and a cozy fireplace, in addition to a baby grand piano. “Laguna really hasn’t had a classic, super-sophisticated, old-school lounge since French 75 closed its doors,” says Mozambique owner Ivan Spiers. “So, we renovated The Durban Room to look and feel like a first-class hideaway.” Open weekly from 5pm to close, patrons have access to the full Mozambique cocktail, wine and dinner menus, as well as appetizers and shared plates. Favorites on the dinner menu include the 20-ounce New Zealand Rack of Lamb and the Chilean Seabass, a 10-ounce filet seasoned with Moroccan spices and served atop pesto-infused mashed potatoes. Along with its high-end cognacs, whiskeys and wines, well-known pianists and jazz/blues singers provide top-tier entertainment too, making The Durban Room the hottest new enclave in town. 1740 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949.715.7777 ~ MozambiqueOC.com
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Global Cuisine, Coastal Chef
Chef Azmin Ghahreman celebrates 10 years of sparkling success at Sapphire Laguna WRITTEN BY SUSAN IRBY
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANNE WATSON & SAPPHIRE LAGUNA
Table - Sapphire
orn in Iran and raised in Geneva, Switzerland, it is easy to understand how chef Azmin Ghahreman was drawn to what he defines as “global cuisine.” However, his very first job was actually in coastal engineering. But, “I quickly learned that engineering was not for me,” he shares. “I sought a coast of a different kind, the one found through food.”
While obtaining his degree in French cuisine from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, chef Ghahreman received some keen advice from one of his mentors: work for hotel groups that would allow him to travel, work hard and learn the backwards and forwards of running a restaurant. Here, the chef shares a few highlights from his culinary journey, which 10 years ago this February, led to the opening of his highly praised Sapphire Laguna restaurant. After culinary school, did you heed the advice of your mentor? I did! My first job was with the Las Vegas Hilton, where I learned to respect the code—the kitchen code, which is like a military code. And, I learned to respect quality versus quantity.
Having worked with major luxury hotel groups around the world, including Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Paris, and our own Monarch Beach, what element bonds all of these experiences together? Spices. From saffron to cumin to cinnamon… I have a special affinity for spices that has become the essence of my global cuisine. Respecting the spices and not being afraid to use them in non-traditional ways elevates my cuisine.
Have you been surprised by the success of Sapphire Laguna? The vision I had in opening my own restaurant has delivered above and beyond. What began as a restaurant and pantry has grown to touch so many lives through Sapphire at School, Sapphire at Catering; we now have a Corporate Dining Program and I have enjoyed partnering with Crystal Cruises. In the beginning, the volume was so unexpected. It is a dream come true and what is so special is that nearly 50-percent of my employees have been with me since day one.
You have such a rich and vast culinary history. What is one of your most memorable experiences? I have cooked for Bill Clinton, the Kingdom of Malaysia, the Sultan of Brunei and the International Olympic Committee, but one of my most memorable dinners was for President George W. Bush at the St. Regis Monarch Beach in 2001. His team had me wait for him. They would not tell me anything that he wanted until the very last minute. One of the Secret Service came down and said the President would like Pork Fried Rice and he stood right next to me the entire time to monitor every ingredient, every step. If I went to the walk-in, he followed me, every step. And, did the president like it? Yes, very much so!
What are the special plans for Sapphire’s 10-year Anniversary celebration? We will be highlighting some of the best and most popular dishes and cocktails throughout the last 10 years… dishes that celebrate the different world cuisines. And, we will have a few special surprises for our guests.
1200 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949.715.9888 ~ SapphireLLC.com 132
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Classic, Elegant Comfort Cuisine Selanne Steak Tavern elevates the traditional steakhouse and neighborhood bar WRITTEN BY SUSAN IRBY
Table B - Selanne
rick pathways, wooden doors and the timeless well that sits on the property of the former 1934 home that now hosts Selanne Steak Tavern evokes the feeling of an Old-World watering hole. Yet, beyond the front door, is light and alluring décor befitting a modern-day steakhouse named for its co-owner and former Anaheim Ducks hockey legend, Teemu Selanne.
(above) Chef Joshua Severson; photo courtesy of Selanne Steak Tavern. (right) Co-Owner Teemu Selanne; photo courtesy of Gina Cioli/I-5 Studio. Food photos courtesy of Susan Irby.
Spearheading the award-winning restaurant is Executive Chef Joshua Severson, formerly of both the St. Regis Monarch Beach and Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Las Vegas. Of his approach to cuisine, chef Severson says, “Keep it simple and flavorful.” Showcasing the finest in simplicity and flavor, menu highlights include the 38-ounce Lord Stanley Cut, a tomahawk steak for two heralding hockey’s Lord Stanley (namesake of the Stanley Cup); the delectable Wagyu Steak Tartare, Pacific Diver Scallops, and Skuna Bay Salmon; the pasta-less Scarlet Beet Ravioli; and the Selanne Mac and Cheese made with a five-cheese fondue and brioche crumb. Dessert selections feature the famed Apple Cinnamon Monkey Bread, along with the Chef ’s Daily Feature based on seasonal ingredients. There’s also a full bar with artisanal cocktails such as the Smoked Old Fashioned, craft beer and an extensive wine list. 1464 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.715.9881 ~ SelanneSteakTavern.com
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LOOKING BACK
Looking Back
Renaissance Man
Four-hundred years after the death of Shakespeare, the Bard is still speaking our language WRITTEN BY JENN THORNTON
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illiam Shakespeare—the most hallowed name in the English language, a great deal for which he’s profoundly responsible—transcends time. Four centuries after his death, by virtue of his work, Shakespeare has what few else can claim in a rapidly changing age: relevancy. Credit creative liberties. Borrowing from the Bard is something of a cottage industry. Even before anointing LinManuel Miranda the toast of Broadway for his much hipper Hamilton, we’d shown Shakespeare what might be considered an uncommon tolerance for adaptations of his vast oeuvre, giving an audience to the great, the unlikely and the highly improbable (like the Beatles 134
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performing a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on TV). Plausible performances saw Denzel Washington suit up as Brutus for a modern-day Julius Caesar and Rita Moreno level everyone opposite her in West Side Story (the beloved retelling of Romeo and Juliet as scored by Leonard Bernstein). As a litmus test of greatness, Hamlet runs the table, recruiting the likes of thespians Laurence Olivier, Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Rylance to play the Dane. In applauding the bravura performances of Shakespeare’s works, we applaud humanity itself—the one relatable thing behind the sea of “thee,” “thou,” and “thy.” Poetry and plays that touch the deepest reaches of
the human soul are why Shakespeare still matters, his frequent themes of love, ambition and betrayal calling and connecting us to a time that has proven itself for all time. It is why we continually sit through so many known outcomes. Why we’ve watched Misty Copeland dance Juliet knowing full well the character’s fate, and why we’ve listened to Ian McKellen rap the Bard’s eighteenth sonnet, starting with “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?” When it comes to Shakespeare, “too much of a good thing” just doesn’t come into play—unless, of course, it’s As You Like It. Photo courtesy of Shakespeare’s England (Shakespeares-England.co.uk)
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Swiss Watch
DRIVE DE CARTIER MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904 MC THE DRIVE DE CARTIER COLLECTION IS ELEGANCE REDEFINED. THE SLEEK LINES OF THIS CUSHION-SHAPED WATCH CREATE A TRULY STYLISH PIECE, BROUGHT TO LIFE BY THE MAISON MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1904 MC. ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE.