No. 028 | July 2025

DIGEST

DRAX ISSUE 28

JULY 2025

THE LITE ISSUE

LE 14 JUILLET // CAJUN SHRIMP, CORN AND PEACH SALAD

The Italian Slow Beauty Brand

Now Available at Wellness+ Studio www.wellnessplusstudio.com | 646.398.8080 980 Madison Avenue, Suite 203, New York, NY 10075

WWW.WAITBOTANICAMENTE.SHOP

DIGEST

DRAX CONTENTS

ISSUE 28

JULY 2025

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FROM THE EDITOR

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STORIES

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The Paris Opera House - A New Angle?

05

Why WA:IT to change your skincare routine?

07

A Brief Story of Le 14 Juillet

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CAJUN SHRIMP, CORN AND PEACH SALAD

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FROM THE EDITOR

Summer is a time when it seems like the world slows down.

I, myself, feel transformed into a turtle.

This issue shares a few stories and a fantastic new summer recipe as we navigate the summer seas, blissfully floating as the waves push us where we need to go.

With this issue we remind you that it’s okay to take it slow, that rest is sometimes just as productive as work. Mrs. is relaxing on the farm, enjoying the scenery, the company of her loving staff and the critters inhabiting the quiet and peaceful Burr Hall Farm landscape.

Thank you for being here, even in moments of transition and a mindful reduction of speed. Until next time!

Eleonora Fogg EDITOR-IN-CHIEF eleonora@svvl.net

Publisher

Editor-In-Chief

Michael Ennis

Eleonora Fogg

Drax Digest is published monthly by Drax Publishing, LLC. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your ideas for future issues at eleonora@svvl.net!

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DRAX PRODUCTIONS The Paris Opera House - A New Angle?

The Paris Opera House—formally known as the Palais Garnier—is one of the most iconic buildings in Paris and a symbol of opulence, artistic achievement, and architectural grandeur. Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III in the mid-19th century, it has played a central role in French cultural life for over 150 years. It also gained worldwide fame as the setting of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera, which continues to captivate audiences through its many adaptations.

The Opera House was commissioned as part of Napoleon III’s grand redesign of Paris under Baron Haussmann. In 1860, a competition was held to choose an architect for the new opera house. Out of 171 entrants, a relatively unknown 35-year-old architect named Charles Garnier was selected. Garnier’s design was bold, eclectic, and richly ornamented, embodying the opulent tastes of the Second Empire.

Construction began in 1861, but progress was slow due to a combination of setbacks: In 1862, workers discovered an underground spring, requiring complex engineering to build a watertight foundation (this subterranean “lake” later inspired the setting for The Phantom of the Opera).

Political turmoil—including the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) and the fall of the Second Empire—further delayed the project.

After nearly 15 years of work, the Palais Garnier was finally inaugurated on January 5, 1875.

The Palais Garnier served as the home of the Paris Opera until 1989, when the modern Opéra Bastille was opened. Today, it primarily hosts ballet performances and is part of the Opéra National de Paris. Beyond its artistic contributions, the building is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of French elegance and artistic ambition.

The Paris Opera House remains one of the most beautiful and historically rich opera houses in the world. It is not only a monument to the artistic aspirations of 19th-century France but also a living institution that continues to celebrate and preserve the performing arts.

Drax Productions may be drawing inspiration from this famed element of the opera scene. So stay tuned!

WELLNESS+ STUDIO Why WA:IT to change your skincare routine?

Need to reduce plastic and chemicals in your personal care products in the spirit of Plastic Free July? WA:IT may be the perfect solution, and it’s available at Wellness+ Studio!

WA:IT is a holistic, luxury, slow beauty and wellness brand that harmoniously blends Japanese mindfulness with Italian craftsmanship. Their packaging consists primarily of metal, glass, wood, and cardboard, with minimal use of plastic. Their formulas are carefully crafted with natural ingredients, designed to enhance your self-care without compromising your health.

From perfumes and body care to incense and candles, WA:IT takes pride in helping you craft your wellness rituals. Stop by Wellness+ Studio to indulge in a sensory sampling of WA:IT’s products and take that first step towards cleansing your routine of plastic pollution.

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BREAD STORY

A Brief Story of Le 14 Juillet Enough is enough! Parisians have been angry for too long already. Starvation and despair of seeing the increase in bread prices fueled people's anger.

Their mission is to bring down the regime and for that they need gunpowder. They have heard it can be found at the Bastille, an austere medieval fortress transformed into a state prison located East of Paris. But in order to invade it, you need weapons!

Without hesitation, early morning of July 14, 1789, 863 valiant men entered the Invalids and stole 32,000 rifles. Armed to the teeth, "Les Vainqueurs (winners) de la Bastille", rushed and brought it down after terrible fights of heavy fire.

The French Revolution is on the move, the king will be beheaded and in France, the Republic will be born. Several hundred years later July 14 is a day of celebration, where French soldiers parade with their finest uniforms and medals.

The march is colorful, and you will certainly spot blue helmets, French army alpine hunters' white outfits, and the shiny red firefighters' helmets among many others.

Later at nightfall, if you look up you will see the colors of the fireworks. From the Eiffel Tower to the small remote town of France, every Frenchman will be able to admire the synchronic work of the pyrotechnicians until the grande finale. Le jour de la Bastille will always remind us of liberation or as Victor Hugo calls it: "the awakening of freedom."

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MARK TULLY Photography

NYC native photographer with over 27 years of experience in fashion, video, and still life. mark@marktully.com | 646.334.7379

Cajun Shrimp, Corn and Peach Salad Recipe by Christopher Varroux-Renaud Makes 4 Servings

Ingrédients: FOR THE SALAD: 1 lb. raw shrimp, cleaned 2 peaches 1 avocado, sliced 1 bag of arugula 2 cobs of corn Feta Cherry tomatoes, halved 2 TB Cajun spices Salt to taste FOR THE DRESSING: 4 TB olive oil 2 TB lime juice 1 TB pine nuts 1 TB honey (preferably from Burr Hall Farm) 1 clove of garlic Basil leaves Salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with a splash of olive oil, spices, salt, lime juice, and zest, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. On a grill or a cast-iron pan over high heat, sear the shrimp until fully cooked. Add the corn and cook until it is nicely charred. Then, add the peaches, cut into slices, and repeat the process. Set aside.

3. Combine all the dressing elements with the help of a hand blender. Set aside.

4. In a salad bowl, add the arugula followed by the charred corn, peaches, avocado, and tomatoes.

Top with the shrimp and feta, drizzle with the dressing, and toss to combine. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

5. Enjoy :)

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NOW AVAILABLE AT WELLNESS+ STUDIO - WWW.WELLNESSPLUSSTUDIO.COM