Magazine
HOLIDAY EDITION
GEMS OF WISDOM HOW TO BUY JEWELRY A SEASON TO SHINE COSMETIC SPARKLERS CULTURE UNWRAPPED GIFT IDEAS FOR ARTS LOVERS SPREADING SUNSHINE GIFTS FROM SOUTH FLORIDA TIED UP IN DRIVEN CARS AS GIFTS CELEBRATION LIBATION WHAT TO TOAST WITH NOW PLUS SHOPS YOU’LL LOVE, ONLINE
Wear it Well The season’s most fashionable cocktail dresses, gowns
SARA MIQUE
We’ve been shopping, and we’ve brought back the hot list for the holidays. Fashion and Style Director Elyse Ranart and Fashion Editor Rod Stafford Hagwood report in this 16-page special section. Plus log on to www.cityandshore.com/ holiday for dozens more stores from Aventura and Bal Harbour, through Broward to Boca Raton and Palm Beach – for the ultimate South Florida shopping trip; and for our personal shoppers’ suggestions for distinctive gift ideas for making holiday shopping easy.
ZOLA KELLER
CONTENTS
JONIE SABO
Neiman Marcus Fort Lauderdale “Gold dresses [such as the Marchesa ball gown on the cover] are one of the hottest and biggest trends of the year and one reason is because people love shimmer and shine. Tastefully designed metallic dresses are the perfect epitome of Hollywood glamour, of fame and fortune. If you wear a metallic dress, then you are well aware that you are bound to make a statement.”
2 HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS 4 TIME WILL TELL 6 NATURAL SELECTION 6 CULTURE UNWRAPPED 9 GEMS OF WISDOM 9 THE SHINING SEASON 10 SPREADING SUNSHINE 12 TIED UP IN DRIVEN 14 CELEBRATION LIBATION
TAKE OUR HOLIDAY LIST OF SHOPS ALONG WITH YOU: LOG ON TO WWW.CITYANDSHORE.COM/Holiday
VENEXIANA
Strapless tulle ball gown by Marchesa, price available upon request, from Neiman Marcus, The Galleria, 2442 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-566-6666; Town Center at Boca Raton, 5860 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-417-5151; and 151 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561-805-6150. Also in North MiamiDade County at Bal Harbour Shops.
CYNTHIA ROWLEY
ON THE COVER
HERVE LEGER
CONTRIBUTORS
Doreen Christensen (“Season to Shine”) writes the Sun Sentinel’s Pretty Good Idea: Beauty Tips & Trends column. Her blog is linked at www.cityandshore.com. Elizabeth Rahe ("Culture Unwrapped'' and "Spreading Sunshine'') is contributing editor of City & Shore Magazine. Dave Wieczorek ("Tied up in Driven") is a contributor to City & Shore Magazine. Bob Hosmon ("Celebration Libation") writes about wine & spirits for City & Shore Magazine.
ZOLA KELLER
from Zola Keller, Fort Lauderdale “Whether you are looking for a cocktail dress or a gown, the color gold is the key color this holiday season. Gold makes a bold statement but also has a warm glow which works perfectly for any occasion.”
JOAN LAMONICA
Sara Mique, Coconut Creek “The variation of silver shades are endless and all women can find a version that is flattering. Silver is sophisticated and easy to accessorize. It goes with most jewelry and it’s almost impossible not to find silver shoes in a style suitable for any age or size.’’
ELIE TAHARI
Rod Stafford Hagwood (“Gems of Wisdom'') is the Sun Sentinel’s fashion editor.
MARCHESA
Elyse Ranart ("Holiday Ornaments,” "Time Will Tell'' and "Natural Selection," a conversation with Nancy Gonzalez) is Fashion & Style Director of City & Shore Magazine, the Sun Sentinel’s bimonthly lifestyle and fashion magazine.
Magazine
Publishing and Editorial
Mark Gauert Editor & Publisher
Lori Jacoby Associate Publisher
Anderson Greene Art Director/ Designer
Elyse Ranart Fashion and Style Director
Advertising
Valerie Chocron Holly Svekis Account Executives Production
VENEXIANA
Ben Crandell Doreen Christensen Rod Stafford Hagwood John Tanasychuk Writers in print and at www.cityandshore.com
BADGLEY MISCHKA
ZAC POSEN
Elizabeth Rahe Contributing Editor
Slade Wentworth Production Manager Christine Palermo-Wallach Print Production Manager VENEXIANA
Shawn T. Lee Senior Prepress Operations Manager Anna Pizzoferrato Creative Designer Barry Monroe Operations Manager Distribution
Fernando Alonso Manager City & Shore Magazine's special Holiday edition is published by the Sun Sentinel Co., 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Copyright © 2011 by the Sun Sentinel Co. Material may not be reproduced without written permission.
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City & Shore Magazine
HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS While color abounds for holiday dressing, gold is this season’s key hue for cocktail and evening wear – followed by her softer sister, silver, for a more subtle but sophisticated statement. BY ELYSE RANART
Continue The Legend. Experience The Taste. The velvety smoothness of this premium Tuscan spring water was a treasure of the Italian Renaissance. Today, its legacy continues as the premier companion to the finest food and wine in the world.
A History of Good Taste Since 1564.
www.facebook.com/acquapanna Š2011 NestlÊ Waters North America Inc.
eye on style
①
③
④ ② 1. Tortoise Show Stopper Glitz Watch by Michael Kors, in rose golden stainless steel with pave crystal bezel and tortoise bracelet strap, $275, from Neiman Marcus, Town Center at Boca Raton, 5860 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561-417-5151.
⑦ ⑤
2. Two-tone Imperiale by Chopard, in 18-kt. rose gold and stainless steel with mother of pearl center and amethyst crown, $8,440, from JR Dunn Jewelers, Lighthouse Point, www.jrdunn.com. 3. Zodiac Diver Series, a high-performance timepiece with custom-made rubber strap featuring a two-tongue diver buckle for easy handling, $795, from Matthew’s Jewelers, Plantation, www.matthewsjewelers.com. 4. IWC Ingenieur Automatic Mission Earth Edition, stainless steel on blue rubber strap, retail $8,200, from Weston Jewelers, www.westonjewelers.com.
⑥
5. Black Sea diving timekeeper by Ulysse Nardin, with specially treated stainless-steel case, red luminescent hands for better visibility and 42-hour power reserve indicator, is water-resistant up to 200 meters and individually numbered; $9,900, from Ulysse Nardin boutique, Town Center at Boca Raton, www.ulysse-nardin.com. 6. Cruise Ceramic, 40-mm chronograph by TechnoMarine, in solid rose gold with diamonds, diamond indexes on dial and black ceramic wrist, $4,150, from Levinson Jewelers, Fort Lauderdale, www.levinsonjewelers.com. 7. Pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date GMT Master, with black dial and two-tone stainless steel wrist, completely reconditioned, price available upon request, from Beverly’s Jewelers, Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, www.bevjewelers.com.
⑧
⑨
TIME
8. Opus 11 by Harry Winston, with 18-kt. white-gold case, sapphire crystal and black alligator strap (limited series of 111 pieces), $229,600, from King Jewelers, Aventura. An extraordinary timepiece, which takes the watchmaker four to five weeks to assemble, watch a video to appreciate its 566 movements at City & Shore’s online video companion, www.cityandshore.com. King Jewelers, Aventura, www.kings1912.com. 9. Ladies pre-owned Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust, 18-kt. yellow gold masterpiece, mother-of-pearl face, diamond bezel, numbers and bracelet, price available upon request, from Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Fort Lauderdale, www.daouds.com.
WILL TELL From divas to divers - and everyone else on a holiday gift list - the watch has become a style statement, not just a way to tell time BY ELYSE RANART
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City & Shore Magazine
Sawgrass Mills gives you more of what you love for less than you’d expect with more than 350 retailers like Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Adolfo Dominguez Outlet, Calvin Klein Company Store, Elie Tahari Outlet, Furla Outlet, Kate Spade, Movado Company Store, St. John Company Store, Theory Outlet, Tommy Bahama Outlet, and more. High style. Low Prices. Everyday. Use the new shopping bag storage and shipping service for more hands-free shopping and carefree delivery.
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eye on style
Natural Selection
“Nature is my best accomplice,” celebrated handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez says, “and my source of inspiration is life.” BY ELYSE RANART Designer Nancy Gonzalez draws inspiration from her native Colombia to create handbags that celebrate the country’s natural beauty and rich culture. Her creativity and craftsmanship have made her one of the most celebrated handbag designers in the world. Her accolades include being awarded Brand of The Year by the Accessories Council, and being featured in the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I sat down to talk with her before her appearance and trunk show 1-4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Neiman Marcus Boca Raton about inspirations, both past and present. ER: You have said that your designs are meant to ‘create an emotional relationship between your clients and their bags.’ How so? NG: I love color and I focus very closely on the inside of my bags, which are features for which the clients’ response is very personal and intimate. ER: If a woman wants to add one handbag to her collection this season, which one should it be and why? NG: With the holidays coming up, a bag in a rich metallic crocodile is just perfect. It will bring you joy every time you wear it. ER: I know you draw inspiration from your Colombian roots, but how did you actually get started in the handbag business? NG: I was looking for something that came from inside, that made me feel complete, something in which I could explore and develop my personal skills and at the same time express my creativity. I launched Nancy Gonzalez in 1998, with a collection of handbags for Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. ER: How has using a team of local artisans shaped both your designs, as well as your destiny, as a force for social change in your country? NG: I have always believed in learning from the past, enjoying the present and being very excited about the future. New generations are the future. By providing day care for my employees’ children under 5 years of age I am investing in the future. I pride myself in making my artisans the patient inventors of a new know how. ER: You are known for your innovative use of precious skins, but can you tell me what is unique about the way you use them, compared with other handbag designers who use them as well? NG: I like to push the boundaries of what we can do with precious skins. We are currently using laser cutting to create more advanced patterns and designs, and every season I create new bags that incorporate weaved crocodile or weave python. If you think of exotic skins like fabric, the possibilities are endless.
Culture UNWRAPPED
Gift ideas for the arts lovers on your list From theater tickets to museum memberships to studio classes to gift-shop treasures, there are so many ways to give the gift of the arts for the holidays. Such cultured presents offer a dual advantage – delighting the recipient and supporting the arts organization. Check out our Arts Guide (www.cityandshore.com ) for ideas on tickets and subscriptions. Visit museum gift shops or shop online for finds that offer a special sense of place and history. Following are a few of the riches we found at several South Florida museums: BY ELIZABETH RAHE
Frederic and Evelyn’s artwork The Bartletts’ paintings – including Dancers, oil on canvas by Frederic Bartlett – are available in fine Giclee prints, either on watercolor paper or canvas (rolled or stretched/varnished ). Prices range from $50 $1,000, depending on the medium and size.
Keith Haring baby designs Haring’s iconic radiant heart and other colorful, pop-art designs adorn a baby onesie, bib and totebag. Cotton onesie with back pockets, $12.95. PVC & BPA-free waterproof bib, $6.95. Totebag with padded liner and four interior pockets, $35.
Boca Raton Museum of Art 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, 561-392-2500, www.bocamuseum.org
Evening gown vase Beautifully crafted in blue porcelain with a white dragonfly design, this object of art doubles as a vase, $55.
Handmade Brazilian accessories One-of-a-kind accessories, including this Pebble Necklace, $270, and Carmen Miranda bag, $425, are handcrafted in resin in vibrant, layered colors by Brazilian artisans in an eco-friendly process.
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Bonnet House: A Legacy of Artistry and Elegance This new coffee-table book by Kent Planck, $18, is a beautiful tribute to the historic Fort Lauderdale Beach-side home of Frederic and Evelyn Bartlett as well as the couple’s artistic legacy.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 900 N. Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, 954-563-5393, www.bonnethouse.org
Glass lamp finials Lampwork glass finials, $48, are created by American artisans, and each one is unique.
The Norton Museum of Art 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 561-832-5196, www.norton.org
For that special someone in your life... The Galleria 954.565.4246 • Next to Coach™
Free Gift with Purchase • December 5TH–25TH Receive a free PANDORA holiday ornament (a $30 US retail value) with your purchase of $125 or more of PANDORA jewelry.* *Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.
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4400 n. Federal highway, Boca raton, Florida 33431 (1/4 mile south of yamato road on the east side) (561) 368-1454 â–ź (888) 755-tIMe www.jewelsintime.com not an authorized agent, representative or affiliate of any watch appearing in this advertisement. all watch names, dials & designs appearing in this advertisement are registered trademarks in the u.S.a.
ask rod
GEMS OF WISDOM
A few words of advice to consider before – not after – buying jewelry BY ROD STAFFORD HAGWOOD
Q.
I am about to take the plunge and buy some major jewelry for my wife. Any tips or suggestions?
A.
First of all, I am so relieved you asked me first. It’s so much easier than fixing a bauble faux pas after the fact. Here is my checklist for the five things you must do before buying bright shiny things: Vintage Diamond Duette pin in platinum from King Jewelers, Aventura
1.
Buying online is tricky if you don’t know the website extremely well, so go to a reputable brick-and-mortar jeweler. It is perfectly OK to ask for references. If there is a long-time retailer near you, ask around the neighborhood.
3.
Before you do anything, you need to pay attention to what she already has in her jewelry wardrobe. If she’s always wearing yellow gold, then don’t buy her platinum. Does she favor small, delicate pieces or does she prefer larger accessories? Do a little detective work. Chances are she has shared what styles she favors with her friends, sister or mom while flipping through a magazine. All of these people are just busting to tell you what to do.
2.
If you insist on shopping online, do a background check with members or look at customer surveys. Look for mentions in the press. Check the policies of the vendor, particularly regarding returns. Call the call center and see what they have to say. Are they helpful? Are they knowledgeable?
4.
Cuff by Pamela Huizenga, available at Daoud's Fine Jewelry, Fort Lauderdale
Become familiar with the four C’s: cut, carat, color and clarity. And then ask for the lab reports that come with the diamond, like from the Gemological Institute of America. The American Gem Society also has information.
Platinum natural fancy color and white diamond band, Levinson Jewelers, Fort Lauderdale
5.
If you’re not looking for something as serious as a major diamond or stunning gems, then maybe look at charm bracelets or lockets for that personal flavor without the sticker shock.
18-kt. white gold and black diamond ring from King Jewelers, Aventura
Send questions to Rod Hagwood c/o fashionguy@sun-sentinel.com
SEASON to SHINE
Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour
Light up the night – and the season – with these holiday beauty sparklers
BY DOREEN CHRISTENSEN As the season starts to twinkle and shine, so should you. Get your glitz and glam on with these precious picks that will take you right through the New Year. Cheers!
Oribe 24-K Gold Pomade
St. Nick will surely have a twinkle in his eye when he spots your sleek and sexy goldie locks. Add a dab of this precious pomade, which contains high-brilliance minerals, and your ’do will dazzle with gleaming, golden highlights. $49 at Neiman Marcus and Oribe.com
Chanel’s 2011 Holiday Collection features the überfestive shade Famous. It is one of the most beautiful reds we’ve encountered. Created by the Chanel’s makeup guru Peter Philips, the color is divine, and the texture is sublime. Available for $20 at Chanel counters in South Florida department stores.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer Holiday Collection These fab four limited-edition shades from the celebrity manicurist are a big party in a bottle. The gigantic glitzy glitter – in iridescent icicle, groovy graphite, risque red or gossimer gold – is suspended in clear gloss, which will look amazing wrapped around a frosty martini glass or champagne flute. Available for $18 at Neiman Marcus, South Florida GBS Beauty stores and at GBSBeauty.com.
Lancôme Color Design Eye Brightening All-inOne 5 Shadow & Liner
Jimmy Choo Parfum
Jimmy Choo switches from soles to sultry scents here. This limited-edition parfum is a more concentrated version of the brand’s signature scent, created by Tamara Mellon; it is available exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores for $150. It has intoxicating notes of tiger orchid, toffee and patchouli, poured into a beautiful silver and Venetian-glass flagon.
This five-star palette in Golden Frenzy is everything you’ll need to shine – and create dramatic, smoky eye looks – throughout the season. These shadows glide on like silk and the compact even contains helpful directions on what shadows go where for a professional look. We especially appreciate that the super-sparkly Highlighter Illuminator and the Black Liner Contour didn’t smudge and lasted the full eight-hours, as promised. $48 at Lancôme counters in South Florida department stores.
La Mer The Body Refiner
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, meet your new BFF. The Body Refiner, $110 at Bloomingdale’s Boca Raton, contains 1.75 cts. of diamond dust and sea quartz to exfoliate, polish and smooth away your roughest spots. The posh polisher’s creamy base also contains sea mud to purify and detoxify skin. Gently massage all over the body, rinse and watch your now soft, touchable skin sparkle with diamond dust. The Body Refiner also is available at select Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stores. Doreen Christensen can be reached at 954-356-4807 or dchristensen@tribune.com. Follow her on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas City & Shore Magazine
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SPREADING
SUNSHINE GIFTS THAT CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S NATURAL ASSETS AND ARTISTRY
Sending a gift that reflects Florida roots does not always mean citrus fruit shipments and souvenir T-shirts. The themes of sun, sea and subtropical fun offer myriad options for holiday giving. Florida artisans broaden the selection, with home-grown creations sure to share the warmth. BY ELIZABETH RAHE
Cookie-cutter creations
Sharmila Melwani started baking to make favors for her daughter’s birthday, and now she turns out 5,000 to 25,000 cookies a month from her Davie commercial kitchen, shipping to Whole Foods Market and around the world. Individual 4- to 5-inch cookies, including these sea-creature treats, range from $3.25-$4.75 each, with holiday gift collections from $55-$62. Cookies By Shar, 11870 W. State Road 84, Suite C8, Davie, 954-689-2205, www.cookiesbyshar.com.
Fitness on board
The Indo Board Balance Trainer, developed by Melbourne surfer Hunter Joslin to train surfers on land, offers a unique way to work on core fitness, balance, coordination and leg strength. The goal is to ride the 30-by-18-inch board balancing on a 6.5-inch roller without letting the edges touch the ground. Various styles with a demo DVD, $120. Ron Jon Surf Shop, Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise, 954-846-1880, www.ronjonsurfshop.com. (Bamboo Beach model, shown, $135, at www.indoboard.com.)
Enlightened turtle
The Twilight Turtle, $32.95, from Flora Ottimer Children’s Boutique, transforms a child’s bedroom ceiling into a starry night sky. The shell lights up in three colors, and a book tells about the constellations. Flora Ottimer, which opened on Las Olas in 1945, has a new address just down the boulevard. Flora Ottimer Children’s Boutique, 1034 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-463-2292, www.floraottimer.com.
Celestial accessories
Give the sun and the moon with David Oscarson Celestial Collection pens and cufflinks from Levinson Jewelers. Crafted in sterling silver or sterling silver with gold plating, they feature intricate guilloche engraving and multiple layers of hand-applied hard enamel, available in several colors. Fountain pen, $4,900, roller-ball pen, $4,700, cufflinks $1,800. Levinson Jewelers, 888 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-462-8880, www.levinsonjewelers.com.
Gemstone artistry
Native Floridian Pamela Huizenga draws inspiration from the beauty and imperfection of gemstones for her creations, available at Daoud’s Fine Jewelry in Fort Lauderdale. Her one-of-a-kind jewelry includes a hot pink tourmaline bracelet, $17,300, and earrings, $6,800, both with natural black rose cut diamonds set in 18-kt. gold. Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, 2473 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954-565-2734, www.daouds.com.
Solar power
The sun comes crafted in 18-kt. yellow gold and steel in Bulgari’s Tondo Sun Pendant from Weston Jewelers, $1,850. Weston Jewelers, 1728 Main St., Weston, 954-389-7990, www.westonjewelers.com.
Menorah with a twist
When a client wanted a menorah that used neither flame nor electricity, Ocala artist Terry Andrews created this copper and fused-glass version with nine glass pegs that are replaced with glass flames for each night of Hanukkah. The 14-by-14-inch piece is $245. (See his works Jan. 7-8 at Las Olas Art Fair, Fort Lauderdale, and Jan. 21-22 at Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts; www.artfestival.com.) Waters Edge Studios, Ocala, 352-620-0011, www.watersedgestudios.com.
Tropical pottery
Beach-side living inspires “beachware” pottery from Palm Beach native Susan Painter. She recently added intriguing abstract designs to her collection, including this 16-inch platter she calls Jungalaya, $95. (Catch Painter Jan. 21-22 at the Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts, www.artfestival.com.) Susan Painter, Loxahatchee, 561-793-7935, www.susanpainterpottery. com and Facebook at Susan Painter Pottery.
Forever flowering
Always in bloom, this sterling silver floral pendant and necklace from Beverly’s Jewelers is embellished with ombre blue Swarovski crystal elements, $255. Beverly’s Jewelers, 3600 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 954485-6262; The Shops of Pembroke Gardens, Pembroke Pines, 954435-9900; 6280 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, 954-491-8702; www.bevjewelers.com.
Landscape escapes
Known for her lush tropical landscape paintings, April W. Davis of Jupiter often works in large scale – including a 9-by-7-foot cityscape of Las Olas Boulevard hanging in Fort Lauderdale’s Riverside Hotel. She also offers signed, limitededition Giclee reproductions, gallery wrapped on canvas in various sizes, including The Courtship, 24-by-18 inches, $180. (See her artwork Jan. 7-8 at the Las Olas Art Fair, Fort Lauderdale, and Jan. 14-15 at Boca Fest, Boca Raton; www.artfestival.com.) April W. Davis Gallery, 1630 N. U.S. Highway 1, Suite C, Jupiter, 561-401-9818, www.aprilwdavis.com.
Winged treasures
Regular visitors to our gardens, the butterfly and dragonfly inspire glittering lapel art in these exclusive Private Florida Collection pieces from King Jewelers. Butterfly Motif Pin with 26.50 ct. total weight rose-cut diamonds set in 18-kt. white gold; Dragonfly Motif Pin with 7.15 ct. total weight round brilliant diamonds set in platinum. Prices upon request. King Jewelers, 18265 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, 305-935-4900, www.kings1912.com. 10
City & Shore Magazine
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Holidays On The Waterfront
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Lincoln MKZ
TIED UP IN DRIVEN
Fisker Karma
IN SOUTH FLORIDA, A CAR IS NOT AS RARE A GIFT AS YOU MIGHT THINK BY DAVE WIECZOREK
Be
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Lamborghini
honest now, during holidays past haven’t you thought of buying your significant other something unique? Maybe that diamond-studded thong for $122,000, or maybe Neiman Marcus’ Limited Edition Fighter Motorcycle for $110,000? Perhaps his or her tastes are more sentimental or sweet so you settled on the jewel-eyed Steiff teddy bear for $84,000 or Michel Cluizel’s chocolate set for a mere $895. For the right person, those may be appealing gifts. But a can’tmiss-who’d-return-this-gift gift? Well, now we’re talking about the dream wish of every luxury-car loving South Floridian. What he or she wants to see tied up in a ribbon parked in the driveway is a spankingnew Land Rover Evoque or BMW 128i convertible or a Lamborghini Aventador or an Audi A6 or a Hyundai Genesis or a Rolls-Royce Ghost or a Lincoln MKZ – or just about any other magic carpet on wheels that says: I’m special – and so is my ride! Just why do we dream this gift-giving dream? Because, as Arthur Dieche, sales director for Vista BMW of Coconut Creek, says: “In South Florida we live in fantasyland.” Receiving a new car as a holiday present may be a dream, but it is hardly an unfulfilled fantasy. CNW Marketing Research estimated that nearly 15,000 new cars were purchased as gifts in the United States during the 2010 holiday season and given to loved ones – husbands, wives, sons, daughters and significant others. Hundreds of lucky South Floridians were counted among that number and will be again in 2012. Dieche projects Vista gift sales this holiday season at a dozen or more, with women just as likely to buy for men as men for women. Erik Day, chief financial officer for the Warren Henry Automotive Group, estimates that at least 30 cars will be purchased from the company’s various dealerships – from Jaguar to Infinity and Land Rover to Fisker Karma, which Day describes as the “eco sexy plug-in hybrid.” “There’s the old adage that it’s better to give than to receive, and that’s even more special during the holidays,” Day says. “There’s magic in that.” Such generosity might be even more magical in shaky economic times. “Sometimes,” Dieche says, “you’ll hear someone tell a significant other: ‘This has been a tough year, so you’re getting a used car for your birthday, anniversary and the holidays all wrapped in.’ And then he or she wakes up Christmas morning and there’s a new BMW sitting in the garage.” If most South Florida auto dealers are like Vista, that new car will be delivered with a big bow – gratis. “We don’t like to throw in the bow because some of them cost up to $150,” Dieche says, “but if a customer asks, we never say no.” To be sure, the price tags on these beribboned holiday packages can be eye-popping. But then you can’t drive a fruit cake. So if you find yourself looking for the ultimate gift in the showroom of, say, Vista BMW or Lamborghini Palm Beach or Prestige Audi in North Miami Beach, or wherever, keep in mind this Chinese proverb: A true gift is one for which nothing is expected in return. Of course, a ride in the passenger seat on New Year’s day would be welcome thanks. Neiman Marcus’ Limited Edition Fighter Motorcycle
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CELEBRATION LIBATION FROM THE THANKSGIVING FEAST TO THE NEW YEAR TOAST, WINE COMPLEMENTS THE SEASON BY BOB HOSMON
We
are now in the season of celebration, a time for family and friends, for remembering and rejoicing and for dining and giving. It’s also a time when many choose to serve wine at the table or bring a bottle to the party. Holiday dinners typically have an abundance of flavors, which make it difficult to settle on one wine with the meal. Some opt for red syrah, cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir, and any of these would be fine, for example, with a turkey. My personal choice for the red wine is an all-American zinfandel. Well-made zinfandel is rich enough to handle many of the flavors from Thanksgiving on through the season, yet smooth enough to please most palates. My favorite producer is Ravenswood, and for such a special occasion, I’d serve one of their single-vineyard reds, such as Belloni, Big River, Dickerson or Old Hill. To suit other tastes, you might also have a chilled white or dry rosé on hand to serve as an aperitif as well as with the meal. I like the Dry Creek Vineyard Fumé Blanc as a white option and the Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare in the rosé role. I’d also include California-made Terra d’Oro Port as the dessert wine to serve with the pumpkin and pecan pies. You can serve these wines with most Christmas or New Year’s dinners, even if the bird is goose or duck; either repeat them or opt for the same types of wines but from different producers. If you plan to serve kosher wine for Hanukkah and want to avoid a brand that tastes like a liquid lollipop, opt for a premium dry varietal (cab, sauvignon blanc, merlot, etc.) made by California-based Hagafen Cellars or Israel-based Galil Mountains or Yarden. Once the food and wine pairings are covered, there are a few other wine-related considerations for the holidays:
● If you’re entertaining, make it easy on yourself and your budget by stocking up on 3-liter bags of wine in boxes with self-closing spouts. I would not have suggested this
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as recently as a year ago, but I’ve sampled bag-in-a-box wines that I like, including Silver Birch Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and Bodegas Osborne Seven from Spain. The price is right ($24 for each), and guests can serve themselves, leaving you free to do other things. (If your guests like spirits, give them the option of tasting Bacardi Oakheart, a premium spiced rum; Hard Rock Vodka; or South Florida-based SX Liquor’s new SXchachacha tequila, infused with honey and Mexican lemons - all recently introduced to the American market.) ● Gifting wine is a possibility for the holidays, but I’d advise against it unless you know the recipient’s tastes. The wrong bottle of wine tends to wind up in the re-gifting closet. However, if you want to give someone you know a special wine, look for Trefethen Harmony Chardonnay, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (the '08 FAY and S.L.V. cabs are good choices for anyone on your list who has been particularly good this year); Rubicon Estate, Frank Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sullivan Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon or Staglin Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s also the option of any premium Burgundian wine produced by Joseph Drouhin. ● All good things must come to an end, and so it is with the holiday season, but not before some champagne is poured and sipped on New Year’s Eve. Gloria Ferrer, J Vineyards & Winery, and Schramsberg are three home-grown sparklers that can brighten up any occasion. If you prefer something with a French accent, choose Bollinger, Krug, Moët & Chandon, PiperHeidsieck Rare or Ruinart.
Whatever libations you choose, have a very merry, very happy holiday season! May we all have a New Year that is filled with things that give us more reasons to celebrate!
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