Upscale Living Magazine - Issue 24

U PSCALE Issue 24 upscalelivingmag.com

Living

Experience The Difference www.upscalelivingmag.com

™

CONTENT

Arts & Entertainment 32 The Andrea Bocelli Foundation

Automobile

29 Better Cars Service Center—Where you get

Excellence!

Fashion

30 Zac Posen—The Men Behind The Brand 34 Stylish Fashion Setter

Jewelry & Timepieces 33 Style—Luxury & Elegant Accessories

Home Décor & Architecture 24 Home Trends

Real Estate

22 Turquoise Place—Elegance, Luxury & Beauty 42 Del Mar Development—Spotlight on

Villas Del Mar

Wines, Spirits & Cigars

46 Private Dining in the Purple—Fine Wine

meets Fine Dine in NYC

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FEATURE

12 Home Beautiful

Exhilarating Wheels

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CONTRIBUTORS

EMMA DANCE

Emma has been a journalist for almost eight years and is currently based in the beautiful city of Bath in the UK. Her main passions in life are luxury travel, gourmet food and fine wines and spirits, and sharing her discoveries through her writing. She has travelled extensively across the globe, as well as within the UK, visiting around 20 countries in the past three years alone.

Emma’s work has been published in regional publications in the UK, as well as on numerous websites. She also has a thriving blog which attracts an international audience. In her spare time Emma enjoys cooking and planning her next adventures. She lives with her partner.

KASEY GRENON

Kasey Grenon is a fresh face with an appetite to perform. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College, Grenon has received the tools she needs to succeed in the media.

Her training began at a very young age when she was selected to represent her peers for Radio Disney in Boston as their “Kid Correspondence”. She also became host of the nationally syndicated talk show “Kasey’s Korner” for six years. These experiences streamlined Grenon’s aspirations to be in the broadcast industry. Most recently, Grenon joined the Upscale Living Magazine family as our Multimedia Correspondent. Her fresh outlook and knack for knowing our reader’s interests will sure make her an asset to our team.

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KAREN H. BERLINER Karen Holly Berliner is a seasoned freelance journalist with a true love and flare for luxury food, wine and travel writing.

Her passion for journalism coupled with her appreciation and driving interest in food and luxury travel, coupled with an insatiable wanderlust to boot, inspires her to explore this big world and bring back her finds to the local reader. Her work has been featured prior in English Magazine, Simply The Best Magazine, Downtown NYC Magazine, Singular Magazine, Los Angeles, Westchester Magazine, Bergen County Magazine, New Jersey Life, Edible East End (The Hampton’s), Social Life (The Hampton’s), No. 3 Magazine, NYC, Ocean Style, Gladys national glossy magazine, Haute Living and the NY Journal News among other publications. She offers expertise in niche travel markets such as getaways, luxury resorts, cultural itineraries, spa finds and culinary & wine treasures. From local spa escapes to 5 Star Caribbean Resorts and Hotels, native New Yorker Karen Berliner will happily share her luxury travel experiences with you. “Let me describe your paradise” she urges her readers, old and new.

KATHRYN J. ADAMS Kathryn is our Copy Editor for Upscale Living Magazine and edits websites as well. She has been involved in the fashion industry for twenty years as a model, writer, and assists in the photography shoots. She enjoys working with people and spends her time between Nantucket and Cape Cod.

RAY CHATELIN

Chatelin has won awards for travel journalism, screenwriting and classical music criticism. He has authored or co-authored 14 travel books and his work has appeared in a variety of major magazines, newspapers, and websites including National Geographic Traveler, LA Times, Musical America, San Diego Union, Hemispheres, Christian Science Monitor, and Traveling Times Publications, among others. His real passion is in golfing the world’s great courses.

NATALIE KING

Natalie graduated cum laude from Umass Boston. Her interests include Fashion, Interior Design and travel. An appreciation of design is a reflection of her families love of renovation and restoration projects. Beginning her career as a model, Natalie has continued her relationship with photographers, and now collaborates as an art director on editorials to showcase luxury residences, resorts and fashion.

She divides her time between Boston and her families country home in North Carolina, where they currently renovate a 19th century southern plantation. For this issue, Natalie has worked with custom home builder Cindy Stumpo, Pauli and Uribe Architects of Boston, designer Michael De Paulo, the Mandarin Oriental Boston and Cambridge Beaches Resort in Bermuda.

Natalie.king@upscalelivingmag. com

NEIL MACMILLAN

Neil is a New York based freelance writer where he resides with his wife Peggy and two cats.

Neil is a Civil War re-enactor (Union Infantry) and a Navy veteran of the Gulf War.

UPSCALE Living

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ADMS PUBLISHING GROUP, LLC

P u b l i s h e r / E d i t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alina R. Cabral V P o f S a l e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Murowski C o p y E d i t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathryn Adams Sales Executives ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Rich Murowski Diane Dorval Ann Bailey Laurel M.

Contributing Writers ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................ ............................................................................

Ray Chatelin Paul Kandarian Kay Fernandez Linda Chappetier

D e s i g n & Tr a v e l E d i t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie King Tr a v e l P h o t o g r a p h e r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fran Grenon M u l t i m e d i a C o r r e s p o n d e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kasey Grenon

ART & DESIGN D e s i g n S t u d i o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A.R.C. Design A r t D i r e c t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alina R. Cabral Graphic Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jacklyn Dana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael V. W e b D e v e l o p m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A.R.C. Designs

Upscale Living Magazine™ is published four times a year by ADMS Publishing Group, LLC. Upscale Living Magazine™ is distributed via direct mail to private homes, selected newsstands nationwide, hotels, country clubs, private jets and other targeted locations frequented by our discerning audience. Complimentary issues are distributed at selected high profile events. Upscale Living Magazine™ and ADMS Publishing Group, LLC © 2009 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication, by any means, without written permission from the Publisher is prohibited.

Advertising Inquiries: advertise@upscalelivingmag.com Promotion Inquiries: promotions@upscalelivingmag.com Partnership Inquiries: partnerships@upscalelivingmag.com Miscellaneous Information: info@upscalelivingmag.com Subscribe to our digital magazine: subscription@upscalelivingmag.com

HOME AN ELEGANT & SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR IN RUSSIA’S COUNTRY HOME

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Helene Benhamous.

F

rom owning a high-end fashion label in the 80’s to a gallery and antique store in Paris - Helene Benhamou’s inspirations and creations are effortlessly vibrant and unique.

Twenty years later, Helene and HB Interior have

created the most sophisticated and elegant spaces in London, Paris, Monte Carlo, Riyadh, Singapore and Sydney to name a few with the latest-completed one on the outskirts of Moscow.

HB Interior was hired to design not only the interior for this unique Russian country home based outside of Moscow, but the kitchen and bathroom design as well as the joinery, window treatments, linen, artwork sourcing and accessories. Because of the beautiful elaborate architecture, the client wanted to extend that aesthetic throughout which can easily be seen by the use of bronze and rich wooden floors to compliment the rich coloured fabrics. High-end French furniture companies made every piece of furniture and chandelier in the home which are all highlighted by the rich selection of fabrics and custom accessories in each room.

Helene Benhamou, together with her daughter Adriana Weiss head an international design team which works on luxury properties all over the world.

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| By Rebecca Presley

Invest In Beauty —Turquoise Place is the premier condominium development on the Alabama Gulf Coast. Situated on 13.75 acres of Orange Beach’s most sought after real estate, its two imposing towers, encased in shimmering turquoise glass, open onto pristine white sand and offer sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico’s sparkling emerald water.

Invest In Luxury — No other resort property on Orange Beach can match the elegant design of our exclusive vacation condominiums, and our spacious, three-to-six bedroom units feature the finest amenities found anywhere on the island.

Floor-to-ceiling double-paned windows provide panoramic views of the Gulf Coast waters, and each unit boasts a private balcony with a Jacuzzi hot tub and outdoor kitchen. Every upscale 22

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feature, from the high-end finishes to the wet bars with wine coolers to the romantic fireplaces, has been meticulously considered to accommodate the most discerning resident with a level of luxury reserved for the world’s most exclusive resorts.

Invest In Elegance — The amenities offered at Turquoise Place help satiate every indulgence and cater to multiple interests. Residents may unwind by one of our many indoor and outdoor saltwater swimming pools, or lazy river, after exercising in our state-of-the art, Gulf-front fitness centers or competing on one of our impeccably maintained tennis courts. Worries melt away in our many steam rooms or saunas, and the pampering is unparalleled through our world-class spa treatments. Here, every need is cared for; every desire is met.

Invest With Confidence — Our upscale condominiums are in constant demand, and command some of the highest resale values on the island. Call 877.917.3760, or visit SpectrumRealtyAL.com, today to learn how to improve your portfolio by adding a little slice of paradise.

..............................................................................

Tel. 877.917.3760 SpectrumRealtyAL.com 26350 Perdido Beach Blvd Orange Beach, AL 36561

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GARCIA IMPORTED TILE Where quality and client satisfaction is our Priority!

We travel anywhere in MA, RI, CT & NH www.garciatile.com

32 Weir Street, Taunton, MA 02780 - (508) 824-2868 | Fairhaven Office: 410 Main Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 - (508) 991-4455

TRENDS

Made in one of the last glass workshops in the United Kingdom, these decorative lighting fixtures by Rothschild and Bickers are inspired by both the past and the future. The striking combination of glass and fabric shown in the Tassel Light designs pictured above would look great in traditional, transitional and modern interiors.

Similarly versatile is the Vintage Light with its generous fringe. The Opulent Optic, shown here in brown and smoky purple, has an Eastern flavour that conjures up images of the Chinese den.

Finally, the Black Noveau has an open frill and comes with a chrome-topped bulb, so you can appreciate its form from underneath too.

Corset armchair—Classically referenced modern designer armchair. Upholstered open back cocktail armchair with simple and clever shapes that fits perfectly in any interior. Corset armchair was considered by Finchaton as one of the best armchairs in 2008. Price @ 1,600₏

Limited edition Boca De Lobo Millionaire Safe has a mahogany structure and has been fitted with drawers inside that can also be locked up. This gold-plated, brasscovered 19th century safe was originally used by banks to prevent thieves from stealing from them during the gold rush of 1849, as is evident from the dents it bears from thwarted efforts to try and break it open.

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Better Cars Service Center When you expect excellence!

B

etter Cars Service Center was estab-

James had been servicing for more than 18 years,

Better Cars Service Center is honored to have

lished by James & Margaret Cruz

asked him to consider working on their BMW’s

customers who have continued to use their

on November 1991. To know Better

and Lexus, James was eager to accept the growth

services since day of inception, more than twenty

Cars, is to know James & Margaret.

and new facet of his business.

years ago.

Better Cars Center started out as a small family

After talking it over with his family of techni-

“We are thankful to our customers and tech

business, which was strictly a Mercedes-Benz

cians: Gyorgy Pszota and Mark Burgess, and parts

team families. James added “With their confidence

Repair Center. Working exclusively on Mercedes-

manager, Ron D. Smith, who each have been with

in allowing Better Cars Service Center serve their

Benz Automobiles, James has enjoyed keeping his

James since the late-90’s, James decided it was a

needs. We just celebrated our 20th year in busi-

customers Mercedes in like new condition, caring

good idea to move forward, obtaining all the diag-

ness, and we are looking forward to many more”.

for each, as if they were his own vehicle. James

nostic equipment, and technical training needed

says, “Many of our customers are like family mem-

for the team, enabling them with the knowledge

bers. We are not only watching Better Cars grow,

to work on these additionally exquisite vehicles.

but also watching each other’s families grow”.

And so BMW and Lexus were added to the fam-

James received his Masters Degree in Automotive

ily of Better Cars Service Center offering the same

Excellence in Los Angeles, California.

dedication, serviced and repair they provide to

When many of their customers families, that

Mercedes-Benz.

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FASHION

Zac Posen The Men Behind The Brand

R

aised in the SoHo neighborhood of lower Manhattan, Zac Posen’s love of fashion began as a child, when he would steal yarmulkes from his grandparents’ synagogue to make ball dresses for dolls.

Posen

attended various private schools and in his sophomore

year he was interned with fashion designer Nicole Miller. At 18, he was accepted into the womenswear degree program at London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at the University of the Arts London, and in 2001, Posen constructed a gown entirely made from thin leather strips and dress-maker hooks and eyes that was displayed by the Victoria and Albert Museum and featured in their “Curvaceous” exhibition.

Upon his graduation from London’s Central St Martins in 2001, Posen returned to New York and now produces three collections a year out of his Tribeca studio. He continues to receive awards and accolades, most notably the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s 2004 Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Womenswear. Posen’s strong feminine aesthetic has become a favorite of style leaders including Natalie Portman, Rihanna, Kate Winslet, Claire Danes, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Mischa Barton, Beyoncé Knowles, and many others.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The

Andrea Bocelli FOUNDATION

G

irard-Perregaux was proud to partner up with the Andrea Bocelli, the world’s highest selling solo artist in the history of classical music, in the launch of his new foundation, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation.

The foundation was launched at a fundraising event produced

by Studiomusica and Jo Champa presented by the Grammy Museum Foundation and held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles seeking to raise funds and awareness for its efforts to fight poverty around the world and to help people overcome barriers caused by illness, discomfort or disability.

“We are very proud and excited to join forces with Andrea Bocelli in the launch of his new foundation”, says CEO of Sowind (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) Michele Sofisti.

“His accomplishments as an artist and philanthropist are an inspiration to all of us and we are happy to support him in this new pursuit”.

“I feel very strongly about helping people make the most of the world that we live in”, says Andrea Bocelli. “I was born with poor eyesight and became completely blind at the age of twelve. Overcoming blindness and dealing with its consequences has taught me about the nature of externally imposed limits, and has encouraged me to think about how to help and support others facing barriers in their lives. Every human being has the right to be happy, fulfilled and to live a flourishing and meaningful life. I want to help those who face barriers in achieving their life’s potential”.

In addition, Bocelli presented the first foundation award presentation of a Girard-Perregaux ww.tc Shadow timepiece to iconic music recorder and producer Quincy Jones for his worldwide philanthropic efforts. Andrea Bocelli also wore his Girard-Perregaux 1966 small second watch for the evening.

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STYLE

Dress by Zac Posen • Dolce & Gabbana bag • Ti Sento Milano Diamonds & Pearl Ring • Jean Patou Perfume

Photographer: Eniko Szucs http://enikoszucs.com/ Fashion Editor: Cameron K. Carpenter http://cargocollective.com/cameronkcarpenter/ Makeup: Jennifer Nam http://jennifernam.tumblr.com/ Model : Marina P. at Red Model Management Hair Stylist: Nicholas Shatarah Fashion Assistant: Rossi Martini

Special Thanks to the staff of Natuzzi Furniture Showroom store for the gracious use of their space. Please visit: http://www.natuzzi.com

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Marina wears a beautiful Reem Acra sequined dress, accessorizing it with no other than Andy Gotz white lace agate necklace & earrings. A Paola Dangond clutch and Carlos Miele heels completes the look for a festive night on the town.

The “forever classic look” that showcases elegance. Here, Marina wears a vest by Carlo Carrizosa, Huy Vo Atelier skirt and Zac Posen heels with Swarovski crystal. A Gestuz purse and an Ellen Christine Millinery hat completes the look.

Ready to meet a lover, or perhaps going to a friend’s gathering .... this beautiful model wears a Blanc de Chine jacket and pants, a Hariri & Hariri for Atelier Swarovski cuff and belt, a Wolford camisol, Furla heels and a Pour La Victoire clutch.... Could this be?... Would this be the right encounter? Whatever awaits her, she is sure to face it with class!

A Celestino Couture dress, Ralph Lauren Vintage poncho and a gorgeous Melvin bullett wave cuff screams femininity.

Wearing a VivienneTam jacket, Carol Christian Poell detachable shirt collar with a Custo Barcelona slip dress and Sergio Rossi boots, this amazing model makes the perfect statement...

“Here I am and loving it”

Wearing a Huy Vo Atelier dress, Marina embraces herself in delicate femininity catching the eye of anyone who sees her.

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REAL ESTATE

Spotlight on Villas Del Mar

L

ocated on the stunning coastline of Los Cabos, Mexico, where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez, lies an unparalleled travel destination; Del Mar Development. Since 1995, the founders of Del Mar Development have been successfully building residential communities that set the standard for luxury real estate in Mexico.

As the area’s most prized collection of beach front and ocean-view residences and home sites, Del Mar Development features three communities built with master craftsmanship–including it’s first creation, Villas Del Mar, Del Mar’s premier luxury community. Over the past 15 years, Villas Del Mar has grown from only six villas into a tight knit community of world-class homes.

Constructed of the finest materials and sited for both privacy and direct ocean views, Villas Del Mar homes feature innovative planning and design elements. Within the gates of the Villas Del Mar community are developer homes currently for sale including Casita 11 and Estate Villa 493; nestled along a two-mile stretch of pristine beach complemented by outdoor living for both day and night.

Casita 11: (4 bedroom/4 bath home) Casita 11, a $4.5 million ultra private and fully furnished home with 3,500 square-feet of interior A/C space and 2,000 square feet of exterior deck space. The main house of Casita 11 features three bedrooms and three baths, including a suite on the upper level with its own private entrance, bath and ocean view terrace. With a romantic flair, the fourth bedroom is a private Honeymoon Suite built into the hillside and surrounded by lush gardens – this is a special feature unique to Casita 11.

Gorgeous wood-framed windows surround the ocean view suite on all three sides, welcoming the fresh sea breezes. The Honeymoon Suite features elegant Bali style furnishings, a spacious bath and a wet bar.

This elegantly furnished home showcases a lofty great room with a gourmet kitchen, dining area and living room with glass pocket doors that disappear into the walls unveiling a spacious ocean-view pool terrace. Seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor space, Casita 11 takes full advantage of the temperate Los Cabos climate.

Estate Villa 493: (5 bedrooms/5.5 bath home) Within the community of Villas Del Mar resides Estate Villa 493, spanning 4,882 sq. ft. of interior A/C space and 1,200 sq. ft. of covered and open terrace. This fully furnished home is complete with unobstructed views of the beach, the Sea of Cortez, and the rocky point of Palmilla Sur. This villa encompasses three master suites with an additional two guest bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. Unique to Estate Villa 493, is a one-room Casita featuring a full bath and a kitchenette.

The living area opens onto a spacious covered terrace, leading to the outdoor heated infinity pool and hot tub.

Perfect for family meals, the updated, professional kitchen provides top-of-the-line appliances and granite finishing. This developer home is for sale for $5.5 million and comes with a one-year developer warranty.

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Amenities: Worry-free ownership and relaxing vacation experiences are the top priority of Del Mar’s superlative property management team and full-time staff of nearly 200. The amenities available to Del Mar homeowners rival some of the best resorts in the world. An on-site concierge service includes private butler and personal chef service, attending to residents’ every need. Additional amenities available to residents include access to the luxurious fitness center Club Espiritu and Club Ninety Six, a beach club with an ocean view restaurant.

Club Ninety Six Mexico’s best-kept secret, this private beach club is exclusively for use by Del Mar Development homeowners and guests. Club Ninety Six offers beach access to some of the best swimming and fishing in Los Cabos, all in a luxurious, family-friendly setting. The Club also features sea views, infinity edged pools, a members-only wine cellar, fine dining or casual poolside food and beverage service and a comfortable bar lounge. Additionally, members and guests can enjoy the Club’s private 50-foot sailing catamaran which can set sail right from in front of the club as well as endless beach activities including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and more.

Club Espiritu Club Espiritu is Del Mar Development’s private 10,000-square foot fitness complex, complete with handcrafted chandeliers and cushioned, shockabsorbing floors. This hillside retreat boasts 360 degree views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Complete with state-of-the-art equipment, including Spinning and Pilates Studios, an outdoor Yoga Pavilion, 25-meter lap pool, steam, sauna and massage rooms, Club Espiritu goes far beyond your expectations for luxury and functionality.

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YOUR PORTAL TO THE WORLD OF LUXURY w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m

774.271.0365

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CULINARY

Private Dining in the Purple Fine wine meets fine dine in NYC | By Karen Holly Berliner

O

enophilia (eh-no-fill-ee-uh), derived from the Greek language, is the love (philia) of wine (oinos). Ipso facto, an oenophile is a lover of wine. It stands to reason that wine lovers are often foodies too, for what is wine if not paired with its culinary counterparts, from the quintessential savory wine and cheese to the chocolate confection accompaniment?

And what better way to enjoy these two passions then to be hugged by their sights and aromas merged into one grand dining experience, the crème de la crème of private meals, designed for a sit down with old friends, an intimate party or sometimes, just like that – -Enter the growing trend of wine cellar dining; the perfect union between wine and food; comfort and hospitality.

In this mode of dining, there’s something for every gourmand, whether you’re looking for a casual gathering, a fancy feast from an A-list chef or just the opportunity to dine in one of the city’s most acclaimed cellars. The ambiance with wall-to-wall

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wine racks flowing from floor to ceiling creates an atmosphere designed to wake the senses and evoking the sensation of being whisked away to Europe sans the travel.

In that spirit, Upscale Magazine brings you some of New York City›s hottest private dining cellars.

From full-fledged intimate spaces to rustic hidden underground treasures, you can sniff, sip, nibble and taste everything from top-shelf wines to signature desserts.

Of Mystery, Intrigue and Bubbly- The 21 Club During the height of the Prohibition Era way back in 1932, ten federal agents knocked on the door of the most famous speakeasy in New York, namely the ‘21’. Jimmy the doorman, seeing that a raid was about to ensue, activates a secret alarm thus alerting the management and moments later, the “feds” burst in, and ransack the building looking for “booze”. After hours of searching the premises, they leave defeated, without finding the 2,000 cases of liquor hidden downstairs.

Years later, the great mystery as to why the agents never found the liquor is revealed -’21’s

secret Wine Cellar. One of the most elaborately disguised vaults in New York City, ‘21’s cellar was built to be invisible. Today, while the uproar has long subsided, guests can visit this very same space for intimate dinners behind a two ton brick wall that swings open to reveal an elegant dining room amidst a legendary collection of vintage wines. For dinner parties, the 21 Club offers a sumptuous 7-course chef ’s tasting menu paired with wines that have been handpicked under sommelier Philip Pratt, who has earned a Wine Spectator Grand Award. Headed by well established and talented Executive Chef John Greeley, this dining spot offers some of the best cuisine in New York.

Start with one of their choice caviars such as the Royal Sterling paired with a glass of Prosecco.

Absolutely decadent.

In addition to housing the restaurant’s collection of vintage wines and rare liquors, ‘21’ also stores the private collections of some of the restaurant’s most famous patrons, both past and present, including Presidents Gerald Ford and Richard

( Continues on Page 49 )

(Continues from Page 48) Nixon, Elizabeth Taylor, Hugh Carey, Aristotle Onassis; even notorious Rat Packer Sammy Davis Jr. Deliciously scandalous, I’d say.

Swoon at Aretsky’s Patroon Opened in 1996 by iconic restaurateur Ken Aretsky, this dining spot offers some of the city’s finest American food, thanks to Executive Chef Bill Peet who serves a satisfying menu of classic cuisine, some of his signatures being Warmed Duck Salad” with watercress, frisée and poached egg in honey-whole grain mustard vinaigrette or their unrivaled “28-Day Dry Aged Sirloin” served with Béarnaise or Bordelaise sauce.

All considered, the piece de resistance can be found beyond the food.

Take the secret elevator downstairs to their wine cellar. The dark wood interior and dim lighting add to the cellar’s comfortable ambiance and retro appeal, much like an old fashioned speakeasy.

Here the dining table seats up to 12 and is sur-

Now prepare to be awe stricken.

The Wine Room named for its floor-to ceiling display of their magnificent wine selection is lightly veiled with glass walls and while airy still allows for complete privacy. Executive Chef Ben Pollinger uses both bold flavors and simple preparations alike with compliments of homemade breads, condiments and smoke cured fish created and presented under his direction. Sommeliers are on hand to recommend from their list of more than 500 curated wines. A particularly special private dinner menu choices is their roast natural Amish chicken with braised swiss chard, shoestring potatoes and roasted garlic jus. The espresso profiterole with condensed milk sauce for dessert is to die for.

Just perfect for this season.

Salut at the Bottega Del Vino Bottega’s attractive decor and chalet-style interior mimic their sister restaurant Antica Bottega Del Vino located in Verona, Italy. All of the restaurant’s furnishings are imported directly from Italy

rounded by a wine collection that spans the globe, such as their 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau du Beaucastel or a 2007 Pinot Noir, Beaux Frères’, Oregon’s Willamette Valley. All of their private dinner menus include a Chef ’s selection of hors d’oeuvres and a sommelier that is available to make recommendations and wine pairings for each course.

After your dining tryst, make sure to tour all of the fabulous nooks and crannies of this restaurant.

Check out the displays throughout of first-rate photography collections showcasing works by Hiro, Saul Leiter and Matthew Pillsbury to name a few. Ride the elevator up to the 2nd floor and take in The Humidor Room, featuring walls lined with Spanish cedar and mirrors, the Airplane Room, named for walls decorated with aviationthemed photos, The Sporting Room, home to vintage photos of sporting events including Babe Ruth’s Last Appearance in a Yankee Uniform at Yankee Stadium and The Match Room, featuring an entrance lined by vintage cigar boxes.

The main dining room is wonderful too or the outdoor rooftop bar, where you can sip mixology delights till the wee hours.

Ships and Cellars Ahoy! Oceana Restaurant The new Oceana 2.0, located on the ground floor of the McGraw Hill building in midtown greets you with modern aquatic themed ambiance; a fresh white marble bar area over an array of the freshest catch on mountains of crushed ice. Enter the dining room and continue the mood, itself appointed with blue-and-white pillows on the banquettes, aquamarine lobster tanks and rows of gargantuan white-linen lampshades.

including the 100-year old aged wood pillars, marble tops, and etched copper and antique chandeliers, all of these making for the charm and character.

Located one level below the restaurant and much like a medieval underground saloon complete with arches and red brick ceilings, the private wine cellar space here houses this restaurant’s famous selections of wines within its dark wood walls. Headed

by Executive Chef John Greeley, the food here has the reputation of being some of the best cuisine in New York. The wine list matches formidably, under sommelier Philip Pratt, who has enjoyed the accolade of achieving the Wine Spectator Grand Award, with 1,300 selections and 21 wines by the glass.

Try the Tuscan style shrimp stew with tomato and bean sauce or the Beef Carpaccio with mushroom and white truffle oil. The grilled lamb chop in a sweet red wine drizzle or the roasted veal tenderloin in a creamy black truffle sauce are seasonal hits!

The Charming Il Bucco In lower Manhattan, a charming ambiance awaits you ala kerosene lamps, chandeliers, candles and loads of antiques.

This rustic Italian dining spot was formerly an antique furniture shop that converted seamlessly, maintaining its eclectic vibe with mixed wood tables and pots and pans hanging from the ceiling.

Located down a flight of stairs off the main dining room, their wine cellar is a hidden gem. It’s full of rustic, old world charm with small brick caves containing select boutique wines and a seated prix fixe dinner for about 20 guests. The warm roulade

of rabbit, wild mushrooms, prosciutto, pistachio and baby kale is a hearty seasonal choice.

Needless to say, the complimentary wine list is sublime.

Wölffer Estate Winery, The Hamptons Situated atop the picturesque and lush vineyards by east and the sprawling Hamptons landscape by west, this winery is one of the most stylish on Long Island. With a purely European ambiance, complete with a Tuscan-style building, ochre walls, a lavish tasting room with imported stain glass doors, an expansive portico and a the state-of – the-art winery, Wölffer wines are created right on the premises so you can sip first hand. Start with a private winery and vineyard tour, and then settle in for an intimate dinner Hampton’s style, in their wine cellar. Afterwards, count the endless rows of vines in the vineyard and the twinkling stars in the sky.

After all, sometimes don’t you just want to be swept off your feet?

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Upscale Living Magazine |

Issue 24