Bubba Watson | Fall 2022 | Inaugural Issue

WATSON

YAMRON JEWELERS ESTABLISHED A STANDARD

OF EXCELLENCE OVER HALF A CENTURY AGO THROUGH AN UNWAVERING DEVOTION TO EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE & A DECISION TO REPRESENT ONLY THE FINEST TIMEPIECES & EXTRAORDINARY JEWELS.

WATERSIDE SHOPS

5555 Tamiami Trail N #11, Naples Fl 34108 239-592-7707

PARADISE IS CALLING. PACK LIGHT. COVEATLANTIS.COM/HL.

PARADISE IS CALLING. PACK LIGHT.

“Crafting seamlessly designed and sophisticated celebrations”

PUBLISHERS

Kamal Hotchandani kamal@hauteliving.com

Seth Semilof ssemilof@hauteliving.com

Danny Govberg

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Laura Schre er laura@hauteliving.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, NAPLES

Anna Catherine Block anna@hauteliving.com

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

April Donelson april@hauteliving.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF LUXURY PARTNERSHIPS

Lauren Mosseri lauren@hauteliving.com

FASHION DIRECTOR

Adrienne Faurote adrienne@hauteliving.com

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN

Maholi Aagaard maholi@hauteliving.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle Restante michelle@hauteliving.com

CONTRIBUTOR

Tim Lappen

HAUTE BEAUTY EDITOR

Brooke Klaiman brooke@hauteliving.com

HAUTE DESIGN & HAUTE LAWYER EDITOR

Gabriel Pessoa gabriel@hauteliving.com

HAUTE RESIDENCE EDITOR

Mary Gibson mary@hauteliving.com

VICE PRESIDENT OF NETWORK PARTNERSHIPS

Andrea Gutierrez andrea@hauteliving.com

NATIONAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Madison Kamora madison@hauteliving.com

ONBOARDING/SOCIAL STRATEGIST COORDINATOR

Gina Ellis gina@hauteliving.com

SUBSCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES subscriptions@hauteliving.com

TO THE COMMUNITY, FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND BUSINESSES OF NAPLES:

We’re here to support and strengthen each and every one of you. We know the character of the people and the love you all share for this community, and we know Naples will build back strong. Naples has the ability and strength to overcome tragedy. The people of Naples have the ability to overcome this as a community. Naples is a place of pride and generosity, which is why we’re choosing to bring our publication to this beautiful, genuine, heartfelt city. We understand the timing of this hurricane was uncontrollable, and as we continue to grow our brand in Naples, we want to ensure that we’re respectful of the community members and the recent events that have occurred. We have strong, supportive partners who are all doing the same. Countless people have communicated the need to move forward as we navigate this rebuilding process; we hope that seeing your local businesses featured in our publication will be a reminder of the beauty and excellence that exists here. In times where we may not have access to the internet, we hope that being able to have an authentic paper publication in your homes brings you joy as you turn the pages and see your fellow residents and business owners inside. We’re honored to feature Bubba Watson on our frst cover, which we previously shot at his Florida home prior to Hurricane Ian. Bubba is a man of faith, a man who gives back, a man who overcame his own demons and came out stronger for it. It was a fated decision that we had someone of his character as our inaugural cover star, and we’re certain that he, too, shares a commitment to seeing Naples and the surrounding communities rebuilt. We look forward to our future here. Additionally, we have partnered with GEM — Global Empowerment Mission — with the objective to deliver the most amount of aid to the most amount of people in need in the shortest amount of time. GEM is the ofcial partner of Miami-Dade County and works directly with the Florida Division of Emergency Management supporting local shelters. GEM is on the ground at Next Level Church in Fort Myers providing aid to those in need all over Southwest Florida. We look forward to our future here.

Kamal Hotchandani Seth Semilof

Wildly Di erent Ahead of the Herd.

&

64 HAUTE TRAVEL

The best of Naples

74 HAUTE FASHION

The pre-fall edit and trunk triumphs from Louis Vuitton, and a summertime sneak peek at Fendi’s new collection in marvelous Mykonos

88 HAUTE JOAILLERIE

Ti any & Co.’s BOTANICA: Blue Book 2022 collection is in full bloom, plus the best new baubles and gorgeous diamonds by the score

102 HAUTE BEAUTY

Stress Test 101 with Dr.

Ryan Houk of Naples Heart Rhythm Specialist

106 HAUTE RESIDENCE

Catching up with Naples top real estate agents: Karen Van Arsdale, Dante Disabato, and John O’Neill

112 HAUTE SCENE

The best events in Naples

(CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) THE RITZ CARLTON TIBURON , VACHERON CONSTANTIN, VALUA VITALY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HAUTE

HAUTE BEAUTY

PRIVATE

Life is

SWEET

BUBBA WATSON IS FINDING THE BEAUTY IN SIMPLICITY AS HE PREPARES FOR HIS NEW JOURNEY IN THE LIV LEAGUE.

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER PHOTOGRAPHY NICK GARCIA GROOMING BIANCA SMITH SHOT ON LOCATION AT CHÂTEAU DE MOUGEY IN PENSACOLA, FL

B

ubba Watson is distraught. Although the two-time Masters champion has been completely chill for the duration of our shoot in his hometown of Pensacola, Florida, the minute our chat ends, his calm dissolves — with reason. He’s just discovered that the neighborhood ice cream truck has come and gone, and that his friends, who were waiting outside, did not help a brother out.

“You could have texted me!” he moans woefully as Gabe Sauer, his caddie, taunts him with images of his (now long gone) chocolate and vanilla swirl. Business partner and best friend of 30+ years, Randall Wells, doesn’t faunt his personal soft serve indulgence — only owning up to it when asked directly like a real BFF would. “We did,” he says mildly. “Someone didn’t check his phone.”

Watson accordingly hams up his sadness, lamenting the ice cream lost. And yet, underneath, there’s a tinge of genuine disappointment, which I completely understand given that the reason we missed Mister Softee is, ironically, because we’ve just spent the last fve minutes delving into his deep and abiding lifetime love of sugar.

“At least you own a candy store,” I remind him gently, and am rewarded with a small smile.

The sun has come out from behind the clouds once again. (Which is, incidentally, a metaphor for much more than the mercurial local weather). Watson knows that, in under 10 minutes, he could be walking into Bubba’s Sweet Spot, indulging in all the ice cream his heart desires, as well as chick-o-sticks, birthday cake fudge, and bottle caps galore.

Unsurprisingly, of all the local businesses he owns (which include a Chevrolet dealership, the Pensacola Golf Center, and the Minor League baseball team the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, of which he is a co-owner), this is his favorite venture: it satiates his sense of childlike wonder along with his sweet tooth.

“When I go to [Bubba’s Sweet Spot] I get as giddy as my kids. I try to play it cool, but I’m excited,” he admits, noting, “They have free samples available on the counter, and every time I go, I say the same thing to the workers: ‘Hey, can I try these samples?’ My wife gets so mad. She’s like, ‘You own the store, why do you always have to say that every time we come in?’ and I’m like, Because it’s fun for me! Whenever I’m there, I feel like a kid again. Candy makes me feel that way, too.”

Maybe it’s because sugar is his only vice (he does not nor has he ever consumed alcohol or smoked anything other than the occasional candy cigarette), but there’s something about the 43-year-old golfer that seems perpetually youthful. When he changes out of his collegiate comfort arrival outft — a long-sleeved, hooded gray Linksoul shirt and board shorts — into two suits his wife picked out for the shoot, the way he uncomfortably tugs at his collar, coupled with his newly-shorn hair and stubble-free cheeks, somehow endearingly reminds me of grade school picture day.

[What does not: three Richard Mille timepieces with a collective value that tops $2 million, inclusive of his new, self-named, bubblegum-pink-and-white-striped Manual Winding Tourbillon Bubba Watson RM 38-02, and a collector’s treasure trove of Air Jordans, such as his Jordan 1 Retro High Travis Scott editions.]

But although there may be childlike elements to his existence, Watson is most defnitely an adult, and one who has made the welfare of children a priority throughout his life, at that. Call them his kindred spirits.

Which brings us, in a circuitous way, to the subject du jour: Naples. The selftitled “Golf Capital of the World,” which has the second most holes per capita, and the most holes of any city in Florida, is an important part of our conversation — this being our inaugural issue, and all.

His favorite memory of playing in said city specifcally pertains to children, as it happens, while playing in his second of six QBE “Shark” Shootouts (an event named for and a course designed by current LIV League President, Greg Norman) at the Ritz-Carlton Tiburón Golf Resort back in 2010. While a torn meniscus, ensuing rehab, and his decision to join LIV now precludes him from playing in the PGA Tour event, Watson will always have a soft spot for Naples. After all, it was, most notably, where he frst became “Bubba Claus.” (Yes, you read that right. “Bubba Claus” — as in, Bubba Watson, wearing a Santa suit, doing what he does best: playing golf and giving back. Don’t know it? You should, especially because it’s also the title of a now-viral rap song.) Even so, I ask him to take me back in time. He obliges, recalling the moment when he and fellow pro Rickie Fowler decided to spread some seasonal joy.

The two had gone to Walmart and picked up a twinning pair of Santa Claus suits just because. “We weren’t playing very well when we warmed up that morning, and [continued to not play well the rest of the day: we tied for last place that year],” Watson remembers of his then 32-year-old self. “But on the 18th hole, we decided to put the suits on anyway to cheer ourselves up. We passed out candy canes to kids, throwing them out like we were in a parade. It’s truly my fondest memory, because that’s where I had the idea of becoming Bubba Claus, giving stuf away on Christmas and on the 12 days leading up to it, and we’ve done it every year since [in conjunction with the Bubba Watson Foundation].”

And so, Naples is a place he’ll happily return to time and time again, and not just because he has fond memories of days past, either. “There are many things I love about Naples. When I think about [that city], I think about cars, boats, and golf: all of which I love. The boats I mean aren’t like the kind I have [he owns two small blue motorboats], but yachts, which to me are like private, foating houses. I think of Mercedes, Lamborghinis, BMWs, Ferraris, Bentleys. And when it comes to golf, it’s like you can almost play a new course every day for six months. That’s what it feels like, at least. Any time I go down there, I know there’s going to be sunny weather, golf, and great places to eat. Plus, it’s in Florida — and as everyone knows, I’m a sucker for Florida.” (Sidebar: When Watson says he’s a sucker for great places to eat, what he really means is that he’s a creature of habit and tends to consistently stick to one spot in each city, and in Naples, that spot is True Food Kitchen — a restaurant he claims to eat at so often that the servers don’t even need to take his order).

He has two additional must-dos when visiting the coastal Floridian city: daily frozen yogurt outings, a mandatory need (see: sweet tooth, above), and, believe it or not, mini golf. In Naples, his go-to is the Coral Cay Adventure Park, though he touts nearby Madeira Beach’s Smugglers Cove Adventure Park and Fort Myers’ Congo River Golf, with its live alligator feedings, as other supreme picks.

I know that when I ask him if he always wins it’s a stupid question, but I thought he might give it up to his kids to boost their self-esteem, or occasionally let Angie, his wife of 18 years, take home the putt-putt champion title. But he admits that when he plays, it’s predominantly with his pals, or other pros, like Fowler. Here, the “Do you win?” question is a no-brainer.

“I don’t want to ever have a doubt that I’m not ready.”

“Well yeah,” he says (like duh, obviously!), “but now, it’s a real competition.” He adds, “Some guys will even want to bring their own putter, their actual club, and I’m like, no way! You’ve got to use what they have. You don’t get to bring in your own putter… this is real putt-putt!”

I’d have suggested he start a mini-golf league, but after two seemingly stupid questions, I wouldn’t dare. Plus, as mentioned, Watson already has a new league. He made the announcement that he’d decided to part ways with PGA and get ready for LIV two days before our interview.

Prior to our chat, he had said that the rationale behind his decision for joining LIV was that his “wife loved it.” I ask for clarifcation.

He responds, “It’s funny you brought that up, because she asked me that same question last night. I told her that I don’t ever read articles about myself or the family, because what you read on the internet is not always true. I don’t know if you know that?” he jokes, adding, “So yeah, I worded it a little wrong. I said that she loved the idea, but I should have said that she liked the idea. Word choice can change the meaning of something fast. But [my wife] was an athlete: she played four years of professional basketball overseas in Turkey, France, and in Italy, too, as well as one year in Charlotte with the WNBA. She’s cultured, has experienced diferent cultures. So when I went to Saudi Arabia earlier this year, and they pitched the idea to me, I was like, man, I just don’t know. I’m really liking the PGA Tour; I’m really good on it, good on the PGA Tour. I’ve had a blast for the last 16 years.”

But then: “I started digging into the concept of the franchises, owning a team. Me, as a kid from Bagdad, Florida, I didn’t grow up with much money, and now you’re telling me I have a chance to be part of this organization that’s like baseball, or football, or basketball — now golf is going to try to do this. And then I thought, to bring it back: helping. I want to help kids. And so when I think about the money, and how I can use it to support a community — the better I do, the more impact I can have, such as helping kids around Pensacola with our Junior Golf Program. We’ve been wanting to build a village in Guatemala. There are a lot of things that LIV Golf gives me the opportunity to do, and more time to do it with only 14 events. So we put a lot of thought into it, a lot of prayer, a lot of asking around, and it just makes sense for us.”

He says that with more time and extra money, he and his wife will be able to do more, and more good along with it. She wants to coach basketball at a local Christian school that their children will attend, and he, in turn, wants to support up-and-coming junior golfers.

“We can go bigger picture,” he declares. “Hopefully I can infuence three golfers that are younger than me, help them on the course and in life, and then we can start inviting junior golfers to more events, and let them interact with us, see things, and give them hopes and dreams like I had. I watched my greats, and then somehow became one of those guys.” He cites Payne Stewart, who passed away in a plane crash in 1999, and Tiger Woods, who won the Masters the same year he himself graduated from high school (1997) as among his heroes.

Essentially, LIV allows him the chance to fully realize many dreams at once — to have a career like his heroes, sure, but to also become a hero himself, in a sense. “LIV Golf gives me opportunities to do things that I’ve never dreamed I’d be able to do or have a chance to do. And there was a lot going into it, not just money, that impacted my decision; I’ve been blessed my whole life on that front, so there’s a lot more to it, I promise you; a lot more the public doesn’t know because it hasn’t come out yet, about franchising and what that means. We’re going to start having teams like the New York Yankees or the New York Mets, the Denver Broncos. Hopefully it’s going to start being like that, and if it doesn’t, at least I tried. I tried something of the wall, and I tried to be part of something great.”

In golf terminology, Watson is saying this: joining LIV might be akin to taking a mulligan. But it could also be a unicorn. Either way, he’s giving it his best shot.

“LIV Golf gives me opportunities to do things that I’ve never dreamed I’d be able to do or have a chance to do.”

Gerry Lester Watson Jr. — best known as Bubba Watson — is a real trooper. His bum leg, shod in a full-length brace, is stif, but he gamely walks up and down stairs during our cover shoot (which he would prefer to call a “capture” — “shoot” being too negative), easily noting, “It’s OK. I need to work it out.”

Watson broke the news of his knee injury in May, but it’s kept him sidelined much longer than he imagined. That said, he’s been putting in the work to let the healing begin, and he’s hopeful that, come this month, he’ll be in fghting form to hit the green once again. In truth, a January start is more likely.

“As we sit here today, [nine weeks post-surgery, my injury] is healed up everything that I’ve had surgically repaired or messed with. I lost a lot of quad muscle and scar tissue as well, so now we’re just trying to get it to bend, but mentally I want to be one hundred percent. I want to trust the leg before I start twisting and turning. I don’t want to ever have a doubt that I’m not ready. October to November is about six months after the surgery. When I get there, I know I’ll be ready,” he says.

One of the biggest downsides to his injury is that, for a while, he couldn’t tuck his kids, Caleb, 10, and Dakota, 8, into bed, therefore disrupting their nightly routine. He says goodnight to his daughter frst, and then his son; his wife does the same, separately. But for the frst month, there could be no weight bearing on the injury; he couldn’t let it touch the ground. If he did walk, it was in a brace that kept his leg straight, and then, with crutches. But on the fip side, while there might have been slightly too much Netfix and Amazon Prime, he was able to watch a plethora of programs with his kids in bed beside him. They were able to watch a lot of baseball, play a lot of games, and, most importantly, spend a lot of time with their dad. All the same, he’s relieved to fnally be mobile. “Now that dad can walk around, life is much easier now,” he notes.

In more ways than one, it would appear. Last fall, Watson released his memoir Up and Down: Victories and Struggles in the Course of Life, surprising the nation by sharing the truth: that, while he was still the golf prodigy from the Gulf Coast — a big-hitting left-hander who preferred to play with a pink driver, a 12-time PGA Tour winner who also competed in the Olympics and eventually became the number two golfer in the world — he was also the guy who almost let the game he loved break him. His fame came at a price: Watson felt that he was never quite good enough, and the constant social criticism from fans and critics alike began to take a toll. So he wrote a book as his catharsis, opening up about his debilitating anxiety attacks and feelings of inadequacy, and how his faith in God, the love of his wife, and getting the heck of the internet saved him.

“I wrote a book on my mental problems, so there’s a book out there that talks about my issues,” he says now. “It was about my life, about winning the Masters in 2012, about my kids, and my parents; about how we look forward and backward. It was also about my downfall: how I started letting the internet, social media, world ranking, tour rankings, the FedEx Cup, trying to make the Olympics in ’16, start dictating my life, my worth, my worth in life. Even though I was helping people, had some cool businesses, was making money, had my own [branded Richard Mille] watch, there was still stuf dictating my life, a dark space in my head. So I wrote a book to get stuf of my chest.

“And I’ll let you in on a secret,” he confdes. “The frst chapter [highlights] my low point. I dropped down to 162 pounds. The doctor kept saying, ‘Bubba, there’s nothing wrong with you.’ I was like, ‘Look, man, I went from 195 pounds to 162 pounds — there’s something wrong with me.’ They kept telling me everything was great. But then we found out that anxiety and stress was eating me up inside. And I’ll never forget this: I dropped to my knees and said, God, help me. I know there’s something wrong. If this is the end, just take me. I don’t want to be here, I don’t want my family to see me like this.”

But he did get up, and remembered that he had a person who loved him unconditionally, his “soulmate,” a woman he would move mountains for. Angie, a 6’3” Canadian former basketball player, told him she couldn’t have children on their very frst date, and even despite his own yearning for a family, he knew instantly that

not only was she the one, but that he would happily adopt (which they did); that he would give up everything for her [including, but not limited to, another great love of his life — a lime green Lamborghini that he rewarded himself with after fnally getting his degree from the University of Georgia in 2008, seven years after dropping out to play golf. He drove said whip for three glorious months before his wife asked him to give it up, as it was far too recognizable in their small coastal city. Thus, his personal collection currently includes a Jeep Wrangler, a Chevrolet Suburban, and a Chevrolet Tahoe, which he drives his squad in to our shoot, with the new GMC Hummer EV on its way]. He got her name tattooed on his ring fnger, because wearing a ring while playing golf is impossible, and he wanted the world to know, always and forever, that they belonged to one another. And so, he fnally let her see the part of himself that he had been hiding, the part that he perceived then to be weak.

“I remember she was in the kitchen, and I walked in there, said I’m sorry, and then just told her everything: what I was afraid of, that I didn’t want to be famous, I didn’t want to do this, I didn’t want to do that. I said that I just wanted to be a dad, I just wanted to be a husband, I just wanted to play golf,” he recalls.

In the end, it was his saving grace. “I was afraid to communicate that I wasn’t this great public fgure, that I wasn’t the person the world had built me up to be. When you get married, that should be the greatest moment, because now you have somebody beside you, to ride with you, to love you, to care about you, to be there for you. I had that, but I was too scared to admit I needed help. Angie knows me better than anybody, but it was only when I started really communicating with her that I felt free. Writing that book freed me, too, where it was fnally like, You know what? I’m just going to tell the world I’m not this great celebrity or whatever you want to call yourself — I’m just a guy trying to make it through life, and life can be hard.”

Here, Watson tears up, and it’s not the frst time during our chat that he does so, either. Now that he’s admitted the truth, to himself and to others, now that he’s discovered just how beautiful self-acceptance and self-love can be, he fnally realizes that there is nothing wrong with showing emotion, or asking for help, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. Now that he’s freed himself from the opinion of faceless internet folk (and he has: he never even checks his email anymore, never mind the World Wide Web), he’s also found there’s actually more time to dedicate to the most important things in life: his family, his friends, and Pensacola — the shiny “big city” he dreamed of living in as a kid growing up in the 1,500-person-town of Bagdad 20 miles to the north.

“As a kid, I had so many dreams. I wanted to be a professional golfer, I wanted to own a team. I never had a dream of being in the Olympics, but then out of nowhere in 2016, golf was back in the Olympics and I made the team. I bought the candy shop because I like candy. My right-hand man Randall, his college job was at the driving range, and someone was going to let it go, so we bought it, and we just love it. It’s not about money for me; it’s about doing things that I want to do because I like them, because they’re fun. But mostly I do them because I want to help others.”

This is an important subject to him, and as such, it elicits an emotional response. As his eyes well up, he explains, “Golf has always taught me to give back, and I want to help, especially here in my hometown where I was born and raised. My wife and I left for many years, but when we moved back in 2015, I said I wanted to be part of the city. I didn’t want to just be a guy that foats.”

He pauses. “I know I’m like a broken record, but when I think about my life — that the highest-end watch you can possibly get has my name on it; that I’ve won the Masters; all of the cars and houses I’ve bought; where I grew up; where I come from; the two parents that I had; my beautiful wife of 18 years; two beautiful kids — I know I’m blessed. So why would I not want to help other people, and at the same time, have fun with it?”

And now I finally understand why Bubba Watson owns a candy store, and why he’s addicted to sugar. Because no matter how tough life gets — for himself or for others — it’s a constant and tangible reminder that there will be sweetness once again.

ROSES A BED OF

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAMPTON WATER

J

esse Bongiovi was in college at Notre Dame, but he wasn’t into the typical keg party, frat boy experience. As a native summertime resident of the Hamptons, he and his college roommate, Ali Thomas, prided themselves on drinking more wine than spirits. “We very quickly fell into the old Hamptons saying of, ‘People drink more rosé than they drink water.’ And we were doing that, I think, by the truckload. The running joke was that we weren’t drinking rosé; we were drinking Hampton water. That just turned into a pet name between me and my buddies. We were buying giant bottles and going to the Surf Lodges of the world, calling everything we were drinking Hampton water.”

His dad, Grammy winning musician Jon Bongiovi (otherwise known as a dude you might not have heard of, otherwise known as, ahem, Jon Bon Jovi), too, has been a longtime rosé enthusiast. Which is how Jesse’s own love of the pink stuf blossomed.

“He always had it around the house — it was his drink of choice. He always jokingly would call rosé ‘pink juice.’ And one night — it was more like 2 a.m. — he ofered us a glass of ‘pink juice.’ Me and [Ali] started making fun of it. We were literally like, ‘Come on, you’re in the Hamptons, you don’t call it that, you call it Hampton water, because when you drink with us, that’s what we call it.’ He kind of lit up and started laughing. And we were joking about he’s like, ‘Oh, man, Hampton water. That’s so funny.’ But then we looked at each other and were like, ‘People out here would really love it, wouldn’t they?’ Everyone looked at one another and were like, ‘How hard could it actually be?’”

The next day, he bugged his dad about the idea. Jon’s reaction was pretty clear. He essentially said, “Put it in a bottle. Take those college degrees and use them. You’re in business school. Leave me alone. If you’re serious about it, do something about it.’ And so Jesse and Ali went back to school, fnished their senior years and spent the next six months proving that their short-lived fantasy could be a reality, wandering in and out of liquor stores doing “research” and realizing just how very little they actually knew about the wine game.

As their knowledge grew, so did their certainty that they needed something youthful yet with credibility, something fun yet attainable, but something in a classic French style with a rich taste, like it was worth much more than it actually was. “We realized that we could fnd a happy medium, that we could create a high-quality product that was approachable, fun, and accessible, but also had that aspirational piece of the Hamptons.”

They took their plan back to Bongiovi, the elder, who fell in love with it all over again — and helped by reaching out to his contacts to make sure the family business was an unqualifed success. “You know, my dad will famously brag that the reason the East Hampton liquor stores carry rosé in the frst place is that, while touring in Europe, he would discover great brands, then come back to the Hamptons. He’s defnitely responsible for growing the trend here.”

And Bon Jovi agrees. “I like to say that I’m basically the Easter Bunny. Ali and Jesse do most of the day-to-day, and I am simply there as a resource. I try to provide as much wisdom as I can and the guys have learned incredibly quickly what needs to be done so that we can have a successful business.”

Though Jesse and Ali might bear the brunt of the work, methinks it was a true family collaboration that spurred the growth of Hampton Water, which, since its 2018 launch and with the help of renowned winemaker Gérard Bertrand of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, has become the highest rated rosés, earning 90-plus point ratings four years in a row from Wine Spectator.

Jesse is still marveling at the brand’s seemingly overnight success. “The critical acclaim has been crazy; the growth has been crazy. We feel like we’re holding on to a rocket ship most days.”

So hold on to your hats and buckle your seat belts, friends, because Jon and Jesse are about to take Haute Living readers on the wild ride that is Hampton Water’s meteoric success story. Cue “Shooting Star” accordingly.

Haute Wine & Spirits: Correct me if I’m wrong, but hasn’t rosé traditionally been described as a summertime drink?

JESSE BONGIOVI: I agree with you. I think that maybe 6 or 7 years ago it was really only from Memorial Day to Labor Day that people were drinking rosé, but we’re seeing the category not only continue to expand as an ofering, but the season is also getting longer and longer once new vintages show up. February, March, people really start bringing it into stores. We’ve really seen that it’s extended well into November because people are starting to drink it with turkey on Thanksgiving and as a starter wine during Christmas. I certainly have drank it for many years around New Year’s. But again, that was going back to going down to the Caribbean for Christmas and for New Year’s, going to the south of France in the summer with my family.

HW&S: Jon, do you feel that this is something that should be drunk year-round? When you drink it, what does it evoke for you personally?

JON BON JOVI: Hampton Water is defnitely something that you can drink all year-round. For me, there’s always been a great opportunity for the rosé market to continue to expand. I certainly drink it most in warm climates, but that’s not to say that you can’t enjoy it during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Personally, it’s really about who you’re drinking it with, creating memories and having a good time. That’s why rosé is so easy, it’s so accessible, and it’s always something that you can enjoy no matter what the occasion.

HW&S: Jesse, what is your earliest wine memory?

JB: I had my frst drink at 11 years old. I mean just kidding, I had my frst drink at 21. But seriously, when I was younger, we’d have holidays in the Caribbean, and down in St. Barths, the legal drinking age is 18. In places like Nikki Beach, you would see people getting giant bottles of these rosés and like I said, my dad’s drink of choice was rosé, and he’d let me have a glass at lunch.

HW&S: You sound like a rosé purist, so what’s your take on frosé?

JBJ: I say, why not? However you like to drink it is how we think you should. Frosé is great. I personally love to put a couple of ice cubes in mine to keep it extra cold, but we’ve gone as far as creating some amazing cocktails with the help of the USBG so I say whatever foats your boat.

HW&S: Jesse, do you agree?

JB: We’ve really tried to lean into the fact that we don’t really look at ourselves in the same way that so many other traditionally French wine brands do. For us, rosé works great in cocktails. We have an unbelievable spicy margarita

with a rosé foater on it. It’s great, but we have a lot of other excellent cocktail recipes, too. Rosé, for us, is something that is super versatile; you can drink it with anything. When it comes to the frosé craze, I think that people are looking for lower ALC cocktail alternatives that rosé lends itself to beautifully, but I’m a mimosa drinker. If you said that to a well-to-do champagne maker, they’d be like ‘How dare you?’ But if you said that to the average twentysomething having brunch in Manhattan, they go, ‘We’re getting a tower of them.’ So that’s why I believe there’s so much more room for the rosé world, and we’re trying to be really cutting-edge in that space.

HW&S: I love that you drink mimosas! But by that same token, rosé in the past was generally consumed more so by women than men. Do you fnd that’s the case nowadays?

JB: Because it’s pink, it has skewed more female in the past, but we always joke that real men drink pink. [That being said], in Europe and certainly in the Hamptons and in New York more generally, I think that that stereotype is going away.

HW&S: Where do you plan on taking the brand next?

JBJ: Our plan is to continue to grow it. There’s still so much opportunity in the rosé business. The East Coast has been drinking rosé for a long time, from New York to Florida, even the Caribbean. People are familiar with diferent types of rosés, specifcally French ones, so for us the opportunity on the East Coast is to open people’s eyes to the Languedoc and show of our award-winning style of rosé. In other parts of the country, places like Chicago and Dallas, the rosé wave is just now getting there. We think that we can be one of the frst rosés people try or if we’re lucky the very frst one people really like! That’s where we think that we have the most opportunity and that’s where we intend to grow the brand.

HW&S: Do you think at any point in time that you’re going to expand into other things? I mean, even though you have a French rosé, you’re Italian. It would make sense.

JB: I think that there is. We’ve talked about it from the very beginning and we continue to talk about. There’s a lot of room left to grow, but right now we want to really focus on being a master of one before we try to be a jack of all trades. Before we expand and distract ourselves, we want to make sure that Hampton Water is everywhere, so maybe in 3, 4, or 5 years we’ll be like, ‘Okay, we’ve reached this mountaintop, and now we want to have that second option, so we’re going to get selfsh and try to sell yet another thing.’

HW&S: Did you apply the same strategy for success to Hampton Water that you’ve employed throughout your musical career? How, if so?

JBJ: For me, it’s really always been about work ethic. I’m a frm believer in the fact that if you put in the hours and you believe in what you’re doing, you can achieve your goals. We knew that when we came up with the concept for Hampton Water it was going to be something that was totally new to us. But I also knew that if we took the time to make it the best it could be, and that we weren’t afraid to work incredibly hard, that we would have the opportunity to be successful. We still have a long way to go, but much like in the music business, we collaborated with the best and we created a product that we fnd people really do enjoy.

HW&S: Jesse, where do you think the brand is going?

JB: It’s going, and going… where it will stop, nobody knows! We hope up, and to have doubled our business every year. We started of with distribution in 13 states, and now we’re in all 50 states and 50 countries.

HW&S: What’s next in terms of Hampton Water? Expansion into other territories?

A diferent varietal? Or are you stopping with rosé?

JBJ: The intention is to continue to grow the business. With the waves still growing across the middle of the country, we still have a long way to go. When you look at places in Europe, they drink rosé during lunch. We know that that wave is still coming to this country in markets like Nevada. We’re doing a great job, but it’s obviously a rosé market. Warm weather, great restaurants, fun parties… to us, it’s a no-brainer. We also want to create excitement and provide people with the opportunity to enjoy a great glass of rosé.

PHOTO

“I’M A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE FACT THAT IF YOU PUT IN THE HOURS AND YOU BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU’RE DOING, YOU CAN ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.”

– JON BON JOVI

“WE FEEL LIKE WE’RE HOLDING ON TO A ROCKET SHIP MOST DAYS.”

– JESSE BONGIOVI

PHOTOS

OF HAMPTON WATER

HW&S: What do you think is the greatest lesson your dad has ever taught you, and how do you apply it to Hampton Water?

JB: There are certainly countless lessons. My dad has obviously had a very long career, and no matter what feld it is, if you’ve kept the same job for 40 years, you must have been pretty good at it. He’s certainly passed along many lessons to me, but I would say the most important one has probably been to be patient. Being the young businessperson that I am, I am often expressing a desire to rush to do things. But my dad’s advice has always been, ‘You can’t take it back. You tell someone go, you put something out, you say something, you do something, you make an agreement with something — you can’t go back. There’s no putting the toothpaste back in the tube, so make sure that when you are overwhelmed, when you are rushing to do something, when you’re trying to hurry up to get something done, don’t be afraid to say, I need 24 hours. I need another 30 minutes. I need one more look at that before we go out.’ I don’t always follow it, unfortunately, but I’m constantly working on it.

HW&S: What do you think the greatest piece of business advice you gave to Jesse was?

JBJ: I simply tell him to take his time and work hard. At the end of the day hard work pays of and I think that’s what we’re seeing happen with Hampton Water. The guys travel like crazy, they’re constantly circling the globe because they believe in what they’re doing and so do I. To me the cornerstone of any good idea is whether you are willing to put in the time to make sure that your dream comes true.

HW&S: Jesse, which of your dad’s songs was the soundtrack to your summer while drinking rosé?

JB: I would say that the song that goes great with rosé is “Bed of Roses,” of course.

HW&S: Jon, what to you is the greatest luxury in life and why?

JBJ: For me, it’s about spending time with friends and family. I spent most of my life traveling. It’s really about spending time with those that I care the most about.

Far right, Gérard Bertrand

COURTESY

MICHAEL

COMFORT AND CULTURE IN THE HEART OF NAPLES

TONY RIDGWAY AND SUKIE HONEYCUTT, LOCAL LEGENDS IN FOOD AND WINE, CREATE COMFORT AND CULTURE.

B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

“That is why they come back, we have created a place where people want to be. They love that this is a family business and that there are members of the sta that have been here 10, 20, 30 years, and in this business, that is truly unheard of. It’s a testament to the culture that we have established over the years.”

TONY’S OFF THIRD — THE LOCAL STAPLE FOR NAPLES RESIDENTS IS in the heart of Olde Naples, just of Third Street South. Something always drew me to its quaint courtyard, beautiful stone fountain, outdoor seating, and cozy outdoor bar. Having grown up around architecture and history in the suburb of Lake Forest, just outside of Chicago, my natural draw to Naples’ Third Street South was immediately obvious. I frequently take my daughter to Tony’s for cofee in the mornings, where she plays near the fountain that anchors the courtyard in between Ridgway Bar & Grill and Tony’s Of Third. Here’s how I quickly became familiar with the sophisticated wine list that Sukie Honeycutt, co-owner and wine director at Tony’s, stocks the shelves with: the second I saw a personal favorite and one of the world’s greatest wine estates, John Benson’s Far Niente, on the shelf, I knew I had to learn more. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tony Ridgway, executive chef and coowner of Tony’s Of Third and Ridgway Bar & Grill, as well as Sukie, who oversees all their relationships with their vintners. This is a perfect story of how one side of the business complements the other.

Haute Living: Are you a Naples, Florida native? And if not, how many years have you been in the community?

Sukie Honeycutt: I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I lived there for 18 years, then I moved to Connecticut for 10 years and came to Naples at 29 years old.

HL: You own four restaurants in Naples. How did you get started, and what was your frst location?

Tony Ridgway: My parents moved to Naples in 1962 to join my Aunt Rosemary Robinson, my mother’s sister, in business. Rosemary Robinson was a well-known interior designer. She was across the street on Third. You see the white building

with blue shutters, that was built for Rosemary. The Fleischmann family that owns many buildings along Third Street asked Rosemary to bring her existing business to Naples and built that building specifcally for her interior design business. My mother and aunt were in business in that location [until] 1994. Aunt Rosemary met a man named ‘Junkie’ (Julius was his real name) — he earned the nickname through a propensity towards collecting; that’s where he got ‘Junkie’ from. He built the building for her. This is when I came to Naples. Before this, I went to St. James in Hagerstown, then I attended Kenyon College in Ohio. The Fleischmann family were developers, world travelers and really sophisticated people that took an interest in Third Street. They started acquiring and developing land here. They, to this day, still own a number of properties along Third Street and throughout Naples.

I opened my frst restaurant in 1971 at the age of 27, when I got out of the Air Force. It was called The Wurst Place. It was originally owned by a couple from Milwaukee. I bought the business from them and revamped the menus, took a little bit of time to get it redesigned, and reopened it [on] October 4, 1971. We still have the bratwurst, the chicken and grapes salad, and [other food from Wurst Place] on the menu here. It was a great place to begin.

In 1972, I opened the Chef’s Garden, which was super unique in the fact that Naples had been a place of steak, steak and more steak. All the country clubs were the same way with their menus: all about steak. All about steak, Chef’s Garden had a creative menu, which was what became popular for our guests. We then saw an interest in the decor. The original colors of the Chef’s Garden were pink and green — very Naples! I will never forget where I came up with the colors for Chef’s Garden; I was in Florence, Italy, with my aunt, looking over the city, [and] I noticed the color of the table cloths at the restaurant we were sitting at. They were a beautiful house and garden color — perfect for a Chef’s Garden.

HL: I noticed you carry Far Niente. I am a huge Far Niente fan. Tell me about the vineyard and why you choose this wine to put in your shop.

SH & TR: John Benson, the founder of Far Niente, took one of the oldest buildings in Napa Valley and turned it into a vineyard which is still there to this day. It was founded in 1885, abandoned during Prohibition in 1919, then properly restored by Gil Nickel in 1979. Such a cool story. We actually have hosted two dinners at Far Niente, back in the 1980s, for Gil Nickel, and his wife, Beth, who has now taken over the vineyard. We have hosted a dinner with Jack Stewart at Silverado Vineyard, as well as a dinner at Sterling Vineyards!

HL: Sukie, were you really on the cover of Rolling Stone? What was that for?

SH: I was in the music business before I got into the restaurant and wine industry — I was a recording artist for Motown. We were discovered by Andrew Loog Oldham; he was the producer of the Rolling Stones. He was their manager for eight years. We were performing on West Port Connecticut Green, just across from the main Westport movie theater. Andrew heard us on his way to buy tickets to a movie with a friend. He told his friend, ‘I’m not going to this movie, I’m going to listen to this band.’ After one song, he asked us if we would be interested in signing a recording contract with him. We were signed on the spot and went on to produce three albums for Motown.

HL: What is the main comparison between Tony’s and Sukie’s Wine Shop?

SH: That’s an interesting question. Sukie’s Wine Shop has a very small wine selection, with only 175 wines. Tony’s Of Third has over 1000 wines. When we opened up Sukie’s Wine Shop, I took the best wines from Tony’s and [sold] them [there].

HL: Tony, I am obsessed with the olives from Ridgway Bar & Grill’s dinner menu that you serve in the courtyard. Can you tell us how those are made?

TR: We make them uncured and unbrined, we always leave the pits in as added value for taste, [then we add] olive oil, salt and pepper, and garlic. (Castelvetrano olives - sautéed in oil, garlic and chili peppers).

HL: To what do you owe your long-term success and sustainability?

TR: We became friends with a lot of the people we frst became associated with. I like the word ‘friends,’ because we deal with our friends at all of our restaurants. At Tony’s, personal relationships are the key to our success. Priorities are also key. We make everything from scratch and in-house as much as possible. That takes more time and costs more, but the quality and freshness are really important, and that’s why we do it. Our business is a place where people are comfortable. We may not be as fashy and shiny as some other restaurants here in Naples, but we are a place where people come because they are comfortable. That is why they come back — we have created a place where people want to be. They love that this is a family business and that there are members of the staf that have been here 10, 20, 30 years, and in this business, that is truly unheard of. It’s a testament to the culture that we have established over the years.

NAPLES WINTER WINE FESTIVAL HAS NOW SALUTED LEGENDARY Bordeaux Estate Owner Philippe Sereys de Rothschild as the honored vintner for 2023.

Bordeaux Estate owner Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Chairman and CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, has been selected as honored vintner of the 23rd annual Naples Winter Wine Festival. The event announced its new dates for February 3-5, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort here in Naples. Philippe is the son of Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and is now the head of the family company, which has expanded exponentially since he took on his current role. Rothschild will be recognized for his tremendous contributions to the wine industry, setting the stage for a one of a kind weekend of wine and culinary experiences. Rothschild has assisted in curating said experiences, alongside an impressive line-up of internationally acclaimed vintners, chefs, and sommeliers from more than half-adozen countries.

“I am truly delighted to be recognized as this year’s honored vintner,” said Rothschild. “The Naples Winter Wine Festival has evolved into one of the premier charity wine auctions around the world, and I look forward to participating in the success of this iconic event.” Rothschild is the owner, alongside his siblings Camille Sereys de Rothschild and Julien de Beaumarchais de Rothschild, of two other classifed growths at Pauillac in the Medoc: Château d’Armailhac and Château Clerc Milon, and he plays a leading role in the creation of Barons de Rothschild Champagnes. He also chairs the company that oversees the business, representing family shareholders. In memory of his mother, Philippe also serves as the President of the Philippine de Rothschild Corporate Foundation.

NCEF also recently announced that nationally acclaimed, newly Michelinstarred, James Beard Award winning chef, John Tesar — a former Bravo Top Chef contestant — will be celebrated as Chef de Cuisine at this year’s festival. A visionary chef renowned for his bold and daring moves, Tesar specializes in modern American cuisine prepared with authentic European techniques. He is the founder of the Michelin Star Knife & Spoon at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, as well as the critically acclaimed Knife Steakhouse concept in Dallas, and Outer Reef, a seafood restaurant in Dana Point, California.

As the Festival’s Chef De Cuisine, Tesar will be recognized for his classically trained approach and his reinvention of the class steakhouse dining experience.

“The Naples Winter Wine Festival has built a reputation as one of the world’s premier charity wine auctions, attracting some of the very best chefs and vintners from all regions of the globe,” Tesar said. “I am astounded at the impact they have had on underprivileged and at-risk children in the community and I am sincerely honored to have been selected as the 2023 Chef de Cuisine.”

A native New Yorker, Tesar launched his career with a summer job in a Hamptons pub. He later received training from Paris’ La Varenne École de Cuisine, working at Westhampton’s Club Pierre for six years until ultimately purchasing it. Tesar furthered his craft during the 1990s at several iconic New York City restaurants, including the Supper Club, where he worked alongside celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, before joining Chef Rick Moonen in Las Vegas at RM Seafood.

Chef de Cuisine John Tesar

Honored Vintner Philippe Sereys de Rothschild

THE HAND ARTIST’S

FRANK VERPOORTEN CURATES A SELECTION OF WORK FROM THE WILLIAM LOUIS-DREYFUS FOUNDATION FOR A SPECTACULAR EXHIBITION AT NAPLES ART.

B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

NAPLES ART FEATURES A BEAUTIFUL SURVEY OF WORKS IN DIFFERENT media and scale from The William Louis-Dreyfus Foundation. Amassed over a period of more than ffty years and including artists from diferent continents, The William Louis-Dreyfus collection is a true testament to one visionary’s intuition, curiosity, and passion for collecting on the utmost personal level.

The Artist’s Hand presents a compelling look into the idiosyncrasy of this particular collection and showcases the techniques and vantage points of the artists Louis-Dreyfus collected. With an open mind, he expressed an endless intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn. The collector’s pursuit was an ongoing visual art education always fueled by passion. He made no distinction between high and low art, which he confated freely.

I had the opportunity to walk through this exhibition with Naples Art Executive Director and Chief Curator, Frank Verpoorten, for whom the installation represents the pursuit of a passion project he long wished to realize. He went into detail about his early interest in and personal fascination with the collection and his friendship with William Louis-Dreyfus, whose original, non-prejudiced, and even contrarian approach to collecting he admires. He explained that, long before it was fashionable within the art historical community to give any attention to artists who are self-taught, either by necessity or choice, William Louis-Dreyfus passionately collected their work. Artists such as Nellie Mae Rowe, Bill Traylor, Purvis Young, Willie Young, Thornton Dial, and James Castle are all represented in depth in the collection. They were considered outsiders until prominent museums

and other collectors took an interest in their work and re-considered their place in the art historical canon.

The William Louis-Dreyfus collection counts more than three thousand works by roughly two hundred artists. The holdings are international in scope and are outstanding for their stylistic variety. Frank Verpoorten selected work by seventy artists that he believes illustrates some important threads that underline the cohesiveness of the collection.

Notable among the earliest acquisitions Louis-Dreyfus made are works by two infuential modern artists, Wassily Kandinsky and Jean Dubufet, who are represented in the exhibition at Naples Art, and give an art historical meaning and intellectual framework to the collection.

Frank remembers William as charismatic, witty, and disarming in his ways. He touches specifcally on the long-lasting relationships that the collector made with the artists in his collection. He was able to help sustain the careers of artists through through art patronage. Speaking of William’s decision to set up an endowment to support the activities of the Harlem Children’s Zone, Verpoorten says, “There is no gesture more ftting to come full circle for William, and it was the fnal, unconventional move of one of the most anti-establishment art collectors I have known.”

The Artist’s Hand is on view at Naples Art through October 30. Naples Art 585 Park Street. 34102

ANTONIO SEGUI, TORINO 1916, 1972

DANNIELLE TEGEDER, SECRET MIDNIGHT SUN UNIVERSE PLAN WITH CHEMICAL SILVER SUSPENDED CLASSIFICATION OF COLOR AND SHAPE LANGUAGE, 2011-2014

BILL RAUHAUSER, BILLIARDS - ROXY BARBERSHOP, 1970S

Sushi & Seafood

The Gulf of Mexico is fantastic for fresh catch tastings. Naples has award winning spots that source these catches daily. Here are the top seafood places to try in Naples!

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

USS NEMO

Welcome aboard the USS NEMO, the premier destination for high-end seafood in Southwest Florida. Its unique ambiance makes USS NEMO a top-rated seafood restaurant in Naples year after year. Their signature dish is the Miso Broiled Sea Bass, cooked in a citrus-ginger butter sauce and paired with steamed rice or potato puree, asparagus, and carrot tempura. The most popular appetizer is either the Tuna Tataki or Grilled Octopus Pizza. Other mouthwatering options on the dinner menu include: sautéed wild halibut, prime tuna, blackened tandoori swordfish, and grilled salmon.

USS NEMO 3745 Tamiami Trail N 34103

RITZ-CARLTON’S DUSK

One of the most sophisticated sushi restaurants in Naples, The RitzCarlton’s Dusk is an avant-garde go-to for some of Naples’ freshest seafood. The atmosphere is designed to give o a simple and sleek vibe with a beachy bar and lounge feel. With views overlooking the Gulf, you’ll be sure to enjoy the sushi and fresh seafood. Start o at the bar with an Orange Blossom, consisting of St. Augustine Vodka, strawberry puree, fresh orange, lime juice, and orange blossom honey. Next, order fresh-caught sashimi options including: hamachi, unagi, maguro, and ebi. Finish with the #1 sushi roll on the menu, The Rainbow Roll. Wrapped-to-perfection fresh, spicy tuna, with cucumber, salmon, tuna, hamachi and ebi.

Dusk 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd 34108

THE CLAW BAR

Bellasera’s The Claw Bar sums up everything from parts to people. Their culture can be summed up in one phrase: “Gracious Hospitality.” Pop in for daily Happy Hour and order a Claw Bar fav, the Sea BLT Salad, known for its fresh seafood pairings: chilled lobster, shrimp, & crab salad, Boston lettuce, roasted tomato, bacon, and smoked tomato vinaigrette. Dinner options are endless with multiple options of overflowing seafood towers. Pop in for dinner on the patio with pool views and beams of light from the sunset, and start your meal with the Tuna Crudo. This fresh tuna is paired with dashi mayo, ponzu, scallions, pickled Fresno chiles and cucumber. Complete your meal with The Low Rise Tower, which is perfect for a small group to share. The Low Rise consists of the day’s fresh catches: crab, lobster, shrimp, oysters and caviar paired with an assortment of crackers and a trio of sauces!

The Claw Bar 221 Ninth St 34102

+Inside The Raw Bar With Chef Carlos

The Claw Bar head chef, Carlos Ríos Babilonia, dives into detail on farm-to-table, The Raw Bar & his aspirations within Hotel Bellasera.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Haute Living: How long have you been involved in the hospitality industry?

Chef Carlos Ríos Babilonia: My father studied hotel and restaurant hospitality, as well as culinary arts. I remember him coming home with his books and I loved to look up recipes and talk to him about them. I come from a Puerto Rican family that loves to get together to cook every weekend, and I was always amazed by the tradition. I was always in the kitchen cooking with my mom, grandma, and my dad from a very early age, and I used to always tell everyone I wanted to become a chef.

HL: Where did you become familiar with the farm-to-table concept?

CRB: After culinary school, I did an internship with Chef Jeremy Cruz. At the time, he was the executive chef [at] Villa Montaña. There, I got a glimpse of the farm-to-table concept, and became familiarized with seafood as well. Then I kept working in diferent fne and casual restaurants, where we used local farmers and fshermen and made their ingredients the star of our dishes.

HL: What is your favorite dish to prepare for your guests?

CRB: I love to work The Raw Bar section of our kitchen. Every seafood tower and platter [is] unique, and they have their own

character depending on what our guest orders. They are fun to make, challenging, and the plate-up is kind of artistic in its own way.

HL: What do you spend your time doing when you aren’t in the kitchen at Claw Bar?

CRB: When I’m not working in the restaurant, I’m spending my time with my family. I have a 3- year-old boy and an 8-month-old daughter.

HL: How long have you been in Naples and what made you come to this area?

CRB: I’ve been living in Naples for around 4 years and 7 months. We moved here after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. My wife had family in Naples, so we decided to move here with their help.

HL: If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?

CRB: I enjoy eating dinner with my family, especially my wife. She is picky and I like to challenge her to try new things!

HL: Do you see yourself staying in Naples as you grow older? What is your favorite thing about living here?

CRB: I don’t know if I will live here all my life, but I have become used to Naples and I really like it. It reminds me of my old town in Puerto Rico where it is calm, chill, and people are very nice!.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK KELLER

“I love to work The Raw Bar section of our kitchen. Every seafood tower and platter [is] unique; they have their own character depending on what our guest orders.”

Live Long Campiello

An exclusive interview with Campiello Naples Chef Chase Barrett and his decade long tenure with D’Amico & Partners.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Chase Barrett is the Chef of D’Amico & Partner’s Campiello in Naples, Florida. Chase has been an employee of the company for nearly 10 years, and is a graduate of The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, where he majored in Culinary Arts. After graduation, Chase worked in cities such as Pittsburgh and Chattanooga before moving to Naples. This is where he honed his culinary skills, working with Chefs like Derek Stevens of Union Standard, Justin Severino of Morcilla, and Daniel Lindley at Alleia. We had the opportunity to speak about his hospitality experience and dream job at Campiello. A restaurant which features a rustic contemporary menu, including savory meats cooked over open fre, pizzas from a woodburning oven, and a modern interpretation of traditional Italian dishes. Each month, the nuances of regional Italian cooking are presented with Campiello’s regional “Tour di Italia,” a changing menu developed to honor the depth and breadth of the cuisine.

Haute Living: What are your inspirations for Campiello?

Chef Chase Barrett: At Campiello, we try to pull inspiration from traditional Italian dishes while putting our own contemporary touch on it. We design our menu to be seasonal, while using as many local ingredients as possible.

HL: How did you become head chef at Campiello?

CB: I have only ever wanted to work for the best. Moving to Naples, I found the best was D’Amico and Partners. Campiello’s had the reputation for being the best Italian restaurant in the city. After working for the company for almost 10 years and opening multiple properties, I was asked to be the Executive Chef of Campiello. How could I say no? For the caliber of a restaurant that Campiello is, this was a dream come true!

HL: What is your favorite dish to prepare for guests?

CB: My favorite dishes that I like to make are dishes that we do not

have on the menu. We get guests that ask for certain Italian dishes that we might not have at the time. But to prepare these dishes for them and showcase our talents is what gets me motivated!

HL: What other culinary positions have you had besides Campiello?

CB: [I] began my culinary career in Pittsburgh. I worked at Eleven for Derek Steven, working under many talented and successful sous chefs. After that, I moved to Chattanooga and worked for James Beard Nominated Chef, Daniel Lindley, at Alleia.

HL: What is your favorite thing about Naples?

CB: The city is so clean and beautiful. The locals are very welcoming and humble. It’s a simple life in Naples!

HL: Where did you do your culinary training?

CB: I studied culinary arts at The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute. Most importantly, [I trained by] working in well-rounded kitchens and working for great chefs.

PHOTO

“Campiello had the reputation for being the best Italian restaurant in the city. After working for the company for almost 10 years and opening multiple properties, I was asked to be the Executive Chef of Campiello, Naples.”

Chef Darren Veilleux - Best “Chef In Naples”

Executive Chef Darren Veilleux sheds light on his journey to Sails, his awards, hobbies and love for the hospitality industry.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Haute Living: Where are you originally from?

Chef Darren Veilleux: I am originally from Winslow, Maine. I was there for 15 years before going to school.

HL: How did you get into the culinary industry?

CDV: When I was in school I wasn’t sure what exactly I wanted to do. It was the end of high school for me and I was deciding where to go to college. I wasn’t sure if I wanted a local school or not, but I got a kick start fguring out exactly where I wanted to be. This is when I quickly learned about school, what suits me best. That’s how I realized exactly where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do!

HL: What inspired you to become a chef?

CDV: Cooking with my Grandma. For her, baking and cooking is a big hobby. She’s still alive today and loves to make desserts. Just doing basic cookies with her, I was young and it was fun but I wasn’t sure at that exact time that I wanted to do it professionally.

HL: What are your grandmother’s roots?

CDV: My Grandma is French Canadian.

HL: What brought you to Naples, Florida?

CDV: Sails opening up brought me to Naples! Prior Head Chef Jacob Juzinski and I worked together in Rhode Island, where I went to school. Jacob asked me to join Sails’ opening team. In the beginning I said no way, and then I called him a week later and said let’s do it! I sold basically everything I had in my apartment and drove my car across the country to do Sails. Sails was under construction at the time I had arrived, so there wasn’t much to be done in the kitchen at frst. I was given a few odd jobs, which I took on each and every time. This building needed new crown molding so I assisted there, when shipments would arrive I would help unpack the boxes and assist in any way I possibly could. I even would make runs all the way to the Miami airport when supplies and shipments arrived there. Whatever needed to be done, it was me.

HL: Why did you choose to chef at Sails?

CDV: Jacob Jasinski. He really sold the restaurant to me. There was nothing to go of of, nothing was published or written about Sails just yet, he sold me the story of everything being ‘Sail’ related and that this was the next spot for me to be.

HL: Who was your mentor?

CDV: My mentor was Thomas Delle Donne. I learned so much after graduating school, and honestly, it was truly about the connections I made. You know, you can only learn so much in school. Learning from Thomas, he was a great friend, great teacher, and great mentor all around. He truly showed me how to be better and not settle for anything less than greatness.

HL: When you aren’t working, where do you spend your free time?

CDV: I like to go to Miami. Or just go to the beach and just relax outside of work. I like exploring new restaurants and to walk around the city, exploring by myself — whether that be exploring the menus at new restaurants, sitting at the bar, meeting someone new — it’s really, really fun for me to explore.

HL: How old are you?

CDV: I am 29, I turn 30 in August.

HL: What other restaurants do you like to frequent in Naples?

CDV: Continental is my favorite restaurant. I love Bar Tulia, that’s about it. LowBrow Pizza would be third. If you like beer, you’d like [LowBrow]. It’s cool because they support a lot of craft breweries. Love their beer and pizza.

HL: How do you create the menu?

CDV: We focus as much on seasonality as possible, we want to showcase seasons as much as possible. We source the product and what best showcases it. We never hide the product, or anything we are using for that matter — just simple favors that elevate each and every dish, big or small. For example: the North halibut during summertime. Just by adding a little bit of summer-ness to it, we are able to let the fsh speak for itself and highlight the freshness of it, especially in the summer season.

HL: What is your favorite item on the menu?

CDV: The new halibut dish, actually! It is a new addition. [It’s seasonal, so] it won’t be on the menu forever. However, my ultimate favorite dish is the tagliatelle. It has roasted mushrooms, as well as Sun Chip puree, which adds sweetness and honey that you normally don’t get from a root vegetable. It’s absolutely delicious. We also make fresh pasta every day, [and] they all go together really nicely with a Piave cheese, which is a young parmesan. It was one of the frst dishes I created as sous chef. It’s still really great to this day, I love making it.

HL: What has been your most rewarding experience at Sails?

CDV: I just received the best chef in Naples! So that was really huge. I came down here as a sous chef and thought it was just going to be me and the executive chef at the time, Jacob. I had just left a position where I had to work really hard and grow. I wanted to be the top and [the] best that I could be. Never settle for greatness. Originally, there were four sous chefs and I was one of them, when I had thought it was just me and another [person]. Honestly, working hard at Sails, all the odd jobs for the opening, just putting in all the hard work has really paid of and that is how I was able to achieve [what I have] so far. Next is to get a Michelin to Naples, and then we will get awarded a Michelin Star!.

+

The Rustic Approach In Naples

Chef Vincenzo Betulia Of The French, Osteria Tulia, And Bar Tulia Ushers In All Things Hospitality.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Chef Vincenzo Betulia sheds light on his cooking philosophy and inspiration within his three Naples restaurants: The French, Osteria Tulia, and Bar Tulia — all in the heart of Naples on Famous Fifth Avenue.

Haute Living: How long have you been involved in the hospitality industry?

Chef Vincenzo Betulia: I have been in the restaurant industry for 32 years now. I started at 14 years old and primarily had a focus on the back of house. I did work in front of house as a busser and host to help out. I have always been attracted to the hustle and bustle of the kitchen; it’s a passion business and it’s all touch and feel. There is a strong energy I feel when I’m cooking and it’s all from the soul. Sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes it’s hard. Like an artist.

HL: Where did the concept for Bar Tulia come from and when?

CVB: After we opened Osteria Tulia, the space next door came available, and since we own the building, I wanted to present Naples with another concept that hadn’t been introduced. I created a gastrobar — very popular in Europe, where it’s a small restaurant with focus on small plates and drinks/cocktails. The concept was just gaining steam in the big cities (NYC/LA), so when I saw the vanilla shell of a long narrow space, I immediately saw the warm, raw feel of a place in Milan, Rome, or London, or even Soho in NYC.

HL: Who inspired you to become a chef and why?

CVB: Well, I was raised in a household where my mother and grandmother cooked everything by hand and we rarely went out to

dinner. The food at home was far better than any restaurant. Sicilians in the Midwest harvesting, canning, making most everything from scratch... so this is what I am used to. I was already working in the business when I got a prep cook position at Ristorante Bartolotta in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just as they frst opened. This is where my eyes were opened to the art of cuisine and working beside passionate people. The major inspiration came from my mentors: brothers Chef Paul Bartolotta and Joe Bartolotta. Paul is a two-time James Beard Award Winner, cooking for the best chefs of the world, like Paul Bocuse, Pierre Troigros, and Valentino Marcattilii. To this day, I look up to Paul for [his help shaping] my mind regarding cuisine and being a chef.

HL: What are you most excited for when you walk in the door at Bar Tulia?

CVB: Love all my restaurants. Each one has its own personality, its own life and own feel. Bar Tulia is awesome in its own right because of its narrow and tight space. If 10 people are in there it feels like a lot of people. That is what creates the buzz — the sound of people talking, the sound of the plates and the glass clinking, the music playing, etc. It’s most exciting when it’s standing room only. Everyone is having a great time, the disco ball is spinning and the atmosphere is unmatched in town.

HL: Who or what can you thank for where you are standing today?

CVB: I can start with my parents for supporting me from day one and keeping me grounded and focused during my early years. My mentors, Paul and Joe Bartolotta, for enlightening my culinary path and pulling the passion of cuisine out of me. Richard and Larry D’Amico for giving me a shot at Campiello Naples when I moved down here. I spent many years on their stage. My business partners for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be my own boss, and my wife and three boys for being by my side during this whole journey once I moved to Florida. I alone do [not] make the restaurants successful. It’s my incredible campagna family of nearly 400 individuals that make the restaurants a success. It’s their hard work, dedication and passion that make my restaurants diferent from all the others in town.

HL: What would you say is the most popular plate for Fifth Avenue customers and Mercato customers?

CVB: We have many dishes that our guests have chosen to be our signature dishes. At Tulia Osteria, our pasta dishes (really what we’re known for) have been on the menu from day one. The Garganelli with Lamb Neck is a favorite. People also love the Sugo Tortellini with Short Ribs, and The Foie Gras Emulsion & Marsala. At Bar Tulia: the Modena Pizza, Pig Ears, Prosciutto & Melon, and Pig Macs & Oysters sell all day long. At Mercato: the Meatballs, Beet Salad, Risotto with Seafood, Cannelloni, Steak Frites, etc... We change the menu seasonally, so at times we pull of items that are out of season and it upsets guests. But as a chef, we need to continue to be engaged in creativity and cook with what’s in season.

“I have always been attracted to the hustle and bustle of the kitchen. It’s a passion business and it’s all touch and feel.”

Haute

A New Frontier +

Jacob & Co., Bucherer Blue, & Sotheby’s launch the first triple axis tourbillon into space.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

JACOB & CO., BUCHERER BLUE, AND SOTHEBY’S HAVE GONE ABOVE AND beyond — quite literally — into space. The extraordinary timepiece, the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Bucherer Blue, makes history as the frst triple axis tourbillon to travel into space before it heads to a charitable auction this summer.

“The Astronomia Tourbillon is truly a unique, groundbreaking timepiece that elevates the art of watchmaking above the earth — above time,” says Jacob Arabo, founder and chairman of Jacob & Co. “So the very idea of sending this special piece into space, as you can imagine, was very exciting. It is only ftting that the Astronomia Bucherer Blue revolves around the earth. The watch had the same viewpoint on us as we usually have on it. This role reversal is typical of how I envision the creation of timepieces.”

On April 8, astronaut, impact investor, and philanthropist Eytan Stibbe took the timepiece to the International Space Station (ISS). According to Stibbe, the timepiece continued to accurately display the time during the launch and return to earth, enduring extremely high G-forces and micro-gravity while in space — an impressive feat for the timepiece. It spent 17 days, 97 minutes in space, traveling over an astonishing 7 million miles before returning to earth on April 25.

Now the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Bucherer Blue is ready for another journey: A public exhibition tour in Manhattan, frst stopping at the Bucherer 1888 TimeMachine, then moving to the exhibition at Sotheby’s New York galleries, and fnally heading to the auction block on a single-lot dedicated live auction on July 26th.

“Sotheby’s has been a pioneer at bringing together the world of space and watch collecting, ofering some of the rarest examples in each category,” notes Josh Pullan, the head of Sotheby’s global luxury division. “We’re thrilled to be part of this journey, which marks the frst haute horological tourbillon to travel into orbit. The shared spirit of innovation brought Jacob & Co, Bucherer, and Sotheby’s together for this project, and we are honored that the auction of this special timepiece will also beneft charity.”

Every Second Counts +

Patek Philippe unveils the 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph, its ultra-precise new timepiece.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

WHILE PATEK PHILIPPE HAD QUITE AN EXCITING YEAR AT Watches and Wonders, debuting 12 new timepieces, the brand has launched yet another 2022 model: the Ref. 5470P-001 1/10th Second Monopusher Chronograph. The new timepiece is the brand’s frst-ever wrist chronograph that measures and displays 1/10th of a second.

To accomplish this mechanical feat, Patek adapted the CH 29- 535 PS caliber, which was developed in 2009 as the frst classically built chronograph movement entirely designed and produced in Patek’s workshops, warranting six patents. This timepiece boasts an astounding 31 patents, seven of which are exclusive to this reference.

For the new precision model, the frequency has increased from 4- to 5-Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour, or 10 steps per second), which allows the measurement of tenths of a second. The movement developers also created a patented system of concentric seconds and fractions of a second

indication to ensure fast and efcient reading of measured times. The Monopusher chronograph features two central hands: One that allows the seconds to be read in the traditional sense, and the another that revolves around the dial in 12 seconds, covering 12 sectors, each subdivided into 10 sections corresponding to tenths of a second.

To maintain the utmost precision, Patek used its Oscillomax® ensemble developed by the Patek Philippe advanced research department for the frst time in its current collection. The high-tech regulator mechanism has three innovative components that rely on all advantages of the Silinvar® technology.

The innovative technical achievements are housed in a sporty platinum case with a deep blue lacquer dial with white gold Breguet numerals. As a nod to classic nautical design, the timepiece is ftted with a navy calfskin leather strap complemented with red stitching.

PATEK PHILIPPE

Forward Thinking+

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

Hublot makes history by releasing the limited-edition Big Bang Unico Essential Grey.

HUBLOT HAS LONG BEEN KNOWN FOR ITS DESIGN INNOVATION in pushing beyond the boundaries of high watchmaking and redefning contemporary trends. This summer the brand makes history with the introduction of a watch that is exclusive to e-commerce worldwide: the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey. “For the frst time, [we] have imagined and designed the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey limited edition solely to be sold online,” reveals Ricardo Guadalupe, the CEO of Hublot. “In doing so, we wanted to emphasize how central e-commerce has become to our thinking. Our fans, collectors, and potential clients now have an equal chance to obtain this magnifcent and rare new model.”

At the pulse of the rapidly evolving intersection of luxury, e-commerce, and cryptocurrency, the new watch is limited to just 200 pieces on the Hublot website, giving clients the rare opportunity to shop using select cryptocurrencies with BitPay.

The sleek new grey design is distinct with a monochromatic and satin-fnished look as the 42mm case has a satin fnish that extends to the bezel, hands, and dial in lightweight titanium. At the heart of the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey beats the manufacture HUB1280 a columnwheel chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve. And, of

course, it wouldn’t be a proper Hublot masterpiece without the patented One Click system that ofers the versatility of changing between the two straps: one grey lined rubber strap and one with a Swiss Velcro fastening.

An ultramodern addition to the Big Bang Unico collection and an accomplishment in innovation, the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey further solidifes Hublot’s position at the forefront of technology and high watchmaking.

Beyond the Naked Eye +

Vacheron Constantin premieres The Anatomy of Beauty by Louie Schwartzberg, a film that highlights the maison’s new Overseas Skeleton timepieces.

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

THE ART OF HIGH WATCHMAKING DEMANDS EXTREME precision, a rare skill acquired over many years of tutorship, and a genuine passion for the intricacies of timepieces. The Anatomy of Beauty, a short flm helmed by director, producer, and cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg, explores the complex, synergistic relationship between high watchmaking and nature, a theme that has long been at the core of Vacheron Constantin’s DNA.

Featuring Schwartzberg’s critically acclaimed time-lapse cinematography, the film underscores the parallels between the beauty found in nature and the beauty found in the details of the maison’s intricate watchmaking processes. For Alexander Schmiedt, president of the Americas for Vacheron Constantin, the collaboration with Schwartzberg perfectly depicted the essence of Vacheron Constantin. “He comes from a different angle,” notes Schmiedt about Schwartzberg’s cinematography style. “His unique cinematography captures parallels between the many unseen mysteries to be discovered in our natural world and the almost invisible tiny details of our

handcrafted timepieces that together create a beautiful whole.”

The film also highlights Vacheron Constantin’s new Overseas Skeleton timepieces that debuted earlier this year in Geneva: the Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar in 18-karat pink gold and the Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton, available in both 18-karat pink gold and Grade 5 titanium. “The Skeleton Tourbillon is the perfect match,” explains Schmiedt when speaking about the film. “The beauty of the watch is decided on 1/10 of a millimeter. It is something you cannot see with the naked eye. You cannot rationally see it, but you feel when something is [mechanically] off. [These watches] embody the theme perfectly as it is the anatomy of a movement that creates something beautiful.” Both timepieces expose the incredible detailing and time that goes into the skeletonization as each component is reworked and finished by hand.

As Schwartzberg aptly describes it, “Beauty is nature’s design of maximizing the fow of energy. Seeing the interior of a Vacheron Constantin watch is like watching perpetual energy.”

OF STEFANIE KEENAN AND PRESLEY ANN/GETTY IMAGES

Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing +

BY TIM LAPPEN

CADILLAC — THE NAME CARRIES GREAT MEANING.

It may surprise you to know that Antoine de La Mothe Cadillac, a French coastal trader, founded the site that later became Detroit in 1701 and provided the name recognition for the motor company that was formed some two centuries later. Cadillac, the company, had its start when Henry Ford dissolved his frst motor car company (to resolve a dispute with early investors) and the people charged with selling parts and other items left over decided to buy it all and start their own company, Cadillac, in 1902.

What Cadillac means these days depends on a few factors but mostly it’s defned by the generation you belong to. If you (and your parents) were born before the mid-1940s, it no doubt means a motor car par excellence. It was the aspirational vehicle of that generation and it had amazing creature comforts and features. Many members of the next generation saw Cadillac as their father’s (or grandfather’s) car, having no performance cred and simply being recognized for being large, luxurious, and grand. (It may also have been the frst time the moniker luxobarge was used.) But the current generation of car buyers have met an entirely new Cadillac, starting with the CTS-V models of 2004 to 2019, which eventually included a two-door coupe, a fourdoor sedan and a wagon, all of which basically performed like “Cadillac Corvettes,” which wasn’t surprising given that they had similar engines to the most powerful Corvettes. With big V8s that in the early years pumped out 400 hp but in the later years upped the ante considerably to 640 supercharged horsepower, they were the luxury hot rods of their time.

Personally, I was surprised to see the CTS-Vs end production but into the gap left by their departure has stepped a very worthy successor, the subject of this story. The 2022 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing is the ultimate of Cadillac performance cars. Not only did Caddy go all-in with the power (now an eye-popping 668 hp) but it is ofered with the choice of an automatic transmission or a six-speed stick. Let that sink in for a minute — Cadillac, 668 hp, 659 lb-ft of torque — sixspeed trans… oh, and 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph.

All 250 of these BMW-, Mercedes- and Audi-fghters were spoken for in a couple of minutes after online reservations commenced and the story is that 2023’s model year will have a similar limited production run. And that was before people were able to experience just how special this car is. With a custom,

tuned suspension, the purpose-built interior of a performance car, a great exhaust note, and amazing responsiveness, I found the car a joy to drive . . . and to hear. What is it about a big V8 and a stick shift transmission that makes one pine for an In-N-Out double-double with cheese and grilled onions? Is there any car more American than a performance sedan with more power than some countries once had? Does it make sense? Of course not, but is it fun? Abso-caddy-lutely.

“My” Blackwing (for a week) was a beautiful Electric Blue with options galore. Starting with carbon ceramic cross-drilled rotors ($9,000); blue brake calipers, leather seats with custom quilting and even carbon fber seat backs ($6,090); and a carbon fber package for exterior bits here and there ($4,100); plus a few other goodies, the sticker on mine was $108,115. But with a base of $83,995, the price-per-smile and thrills-per-dollar are very, very reasonable.

Haute

MOVES

FAITHFUL READERS MAY RECALL THAT I AM A BIG FAN OF THE MCLAREN brand. I’ve driven most of their automotive oferings and they all gave me the feeling that they are way faster than the specs indicate.

McLaren categorizes their cars in one of three groups: “GT,” “Supercar,” or “Ultimate,” and the 765LT Spider is the top Supercar ofered. Others in that category include the new Artura hybrid, the 720S Coupe and Spider and 765 Coupe. The Spider moniker identifes it as a drop-top version, as opposed to the hard-top coupe (convertibles used to have an umbrella-like top with eight stays, which some people thought looked like the insect).

As one might expect, the numbers 765 have a meaning behind them — the engine produces 765ps (about 755 hp) and 800Nm (590 lb.-ft.) of torque. McLaren also planned to create only 765 examples of this limited-production run. The LT stands for “long tail” because McLaren discovered that having a longer body, especially behind the rear wheels, adds to high-speed stability.

Firing up the 765LT is a great experience in and of itself. The sound is an instant awakening (of the motor and of the neighbors) but it’s a sound that’s on its way out (to the dismay — or joy — of some, depending upon their persuasions). I love the sound and it is not rivaled by the electric hum or audio system-enhanced growl that e-cars create. It’s destined to be a part of history, much like the whinny of a horse. But, at least for today, those of us needing that aural fx can get it, and then some, from the 765 cars. The sounds at start-up and idle of the mid-engine twin-turbo V-8 are well surpassed by the roar emanating from the high-mounted exhaust pipes on full acceleration, but the car accelerates so quickly, I half expect the sound to reach observers long after the car has passed by: 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) takes just 2.8 seconds and, more incredibly, 0 – 200 km/h (124mph) fies by in only 7.2 seconds, not much longer than many muscle cars in the 1960s could rip of 0-60 mph.

When I get into a McLaren, I generally feel a range of emotions: excitement for what’s to come; pride for accomplishing the limbo-like movements that get me ensconced without head injury; and the realization that they tailor-made the suit a little too small for my girth (note to self: Am I the target demographic for this car?). Yet once in place, with seat belt fastened and mirrors adjusted, I feel like the 765LT is made for me.

McLaren has upgraded its center stack so a touch screen replaces the earlier manual controls. Even though the high-end Bowers & Wilkins sound system is transcendant, I prefer the melodies created by hydrocarbon explosions. McLaren also has added items that have been de rigueur on many street cars for years — parking sensors, 360-degree view cameras and even a nose-lift system (something about asphalt rhinoplasty on a $9,410 carbon fber difuser, even if it’s a slight scrape, is terribly grating). And especially on a drop-top, to have a glass roof panel on which the opacity can be adjusted by dialing the darkness was a real treat. The 765’s father may have been a full-on race car, but its mother gave it good breeding and taught it fne manners.

The price of the 765LT Spider starts at $382,500 but mine (for about 72 hours) was a beautiful dark purple Amethyst Black ($9,400 option), was very well-equipped at $507,420. This included an enthusiast’s wish list of such items as carbon fber addons inside and out (totaling about $62,000); electrochromic roof ($9,090); track brake upgrade ($18,030); and many other upgrades that, in sum, made the car both an incredible performer and fat-out gorgeous.

Try as I might, I had to give the 765LT back sooner than I would have liked but I found that living with it, albeit for a short time, was very enjoyable. It was my daily driver and worked well for every run I made, whether to the market (though storage space is limited) or to the always-enjoyable canyons. The supercar moniker is well-deserved!

Audi R8 V10 Spider +

BY TIM LAPPEN

BOND. JAMES BOND. SHORT, SWEET, CLEAR, CONCISE. TWO WORDS, ONE used twice, to convey every supervillain’s worst nightmare (even if they don’t know it on frst meeting).

The 2022 Audi R8 V10 performance Spyder RWD, on the other hand, uses a lot of characters but it nonetheless packs more than may be initially apparent. (NOW do you see where this Bond thing is going?) And, just to be clear, Audi does not capitalize the “p” in “performance” — maybe they thought that it would be bragging.

This version of the vaunted R8 is diferent as it’s not a “Quattro” version — only the rear wheels receive the power this time. Many sporting drivers prefer a rear-wheeldrive (“RWD”) car as it’s easier to have a controlled power slide when only the rear of the car breaks out on acceleration. It’s ftted with the same naturally aspirated (no turbo) fuel-injected 5.2-liter V10 motor (with 40 valves!) but it’s tuned to provide 562 hp, no doubt because it doesn’t have four wheels to grab hold when the throttle is punched and doesn’t need as much power to run a drivetrain that’s not a Quattro. But with 406 lb-ft of torque and a great seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (paddle shifted, at the driver’s option), it’s good for a 3.7-second run from 0-60 mph and a top speed of 203 mph. Not bad for a drop-top!

To me, the proof is in the driving and I loved my time with this car. It has a few choices of sounds (I prefer the Dynamic with the Performance mode) and, with an 8,700 rpm redline, it loves to sing without pestering everyone in the Zip code. It’s a highly

responsive car that can be a cruiser with the punch of a few buttons. The controls are clear and very easy to understand and the ones used regularly (like temperature changes, fan speed adjustment, etc.) are front and center. The infotainment also is clear and intuitive and allows for several driver-selected options depending upon what one wants most to focus on.

The convertible top is well designed, allowing for opening or closing operation in only 20 seconds at speeds below 31 mph. It’s an “acoustic top,” too, so when it’s up and all three windows are closed (there is a small vertical window at the back of the cabin), the interior is very quiet. With the top down and the windows lowered, it’s not all that windy, either, and even the coldest nights are tamed by the terrifc heater and the heated seats (a must-have in a convertible).

The base price on the Spyder RWD is $160,000 but, luckily for me, the option-picker blessed me with the Carbon Exterior Package (carbon accents in several places — $4,800), the Premium Package (special B&O sound system, beautiful leather accents — $4,500), the Sport Exhaust Package (choice of sounds, diferent exhaust pipes and tips, and special steering wheel — $3,600) and a few more goodies, which brought the price of “my” ride to $189,690.

Is it worth it? I sure think so as you get a great design, terrifc performance, fexibility in how aggressive or laid-back you want your ride to be at any given moment and the convenience of a quick-change convertible top. I’m sold.

Ultimate Garages Gives Back

NAPLES IS KNOWN FOR MANY THINGS: WEATHER, WHITE SAND BEACHES, quality of life, philanthropy, and people. However, it’s also known for its automobiles. James Buonavolanta, a local cardiologist and car enthusiast, understands the love and interest people have for their cars, the need to protect them, and the associated lifestyle around them, which is why he created Ultimate Garages. Whether you are looking for state of the art car storage, car wash and detailing services, a unique event venue, automotive concierge services, a social car country club, or fundraising charity events, Ultimate Garages is the place for just that. The frst location opened in Naples three years ago and was immediately infuential to the local community.

Ultimate Garages covers over 80,000 square feet of state-of-the-art, climate controlled car storage, with onsite staf, daily vehicle checks, hurricane rating, outlets for battery tenders, and of course, high level security.

The unique design of Ultimate Garages has led to the creation of the Ultimate Garages Club — the frst automotive country club in Naples, limited to 200 members. Members are granted entry into the upscale VIP lounge presented by Porsche Naples, ofered

priority invitations to rallies and events, and have access to the concierge program. Everyone will enjoy the gated courtyard where Ultimate Garages Club Members, family, friends, and guests can gather for car-themed events like Cars and Cofee, drive-in movie nights, cook-outs in the courtyard, wine, dinner, and more!

If you ask Dr. Buonavolonta where he sees continued success, he’ll tell you one thing: It’s all based on the principle of giving back. Ultimate Garages and its important partners, members, and friends, have raised almost $500,000 for local children’s charities within a brief two-year period. Ultimate Garages holds fundraising events to assist children’s charities like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Salvation Army Fran Cohen Youth Center, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Camelot Community Care. Otherwise, Dr. B. loves practicing cardiology and can be found volunteering at the Neighborhood Health Clinic, providing cardiology care for low-income and uninsured adults. He’s also a member of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army in Naples, which serves all of Collier County.

3101 Terrace Ave. 34104

the best of naples +

HOW TO HAVE A HAUTE EXPERIENCE IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER CITIES .

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Naples, Florida — also known as the Paradise Coast — lines the Gulf of Mexico’s white sand beaches alongside Olde Naples’ Gulfshore Boulevard and Port Royal’s Gordon Drive. This city is an iconic, one-of-akind destination for some of the world’s richest and most famous people. A uent, but not flashy, Naples is home to the iconic and historic Third Street South, famous 5th Avenue, exquisite estates, upscale resorts, and some of the most beautiful golf courses in Southwest Florida. Naples is known for its philanthropic community life, hosting the largest wine auction in the world, Naples Wine Festival, which recently raised $25 million in one evening for NCEF, Naples Children & Education Foundation. Cars on 5th, a Naples automotive experience with over 200 specialty cars, raised $1.2 million last year to benefit St. Matthew’s House, and Naples philanthropically grosses numbers in the tens of millions yearly.

We are here to help you navigate the best of the best of this Dolce Far Niente, one-of-a-kind city.

Haute

TRAVEL

EVOLUTION OF AN ICON

The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort Marks its Milestone Transformation, Soon to be Naples Hautest Destination.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, an iconic resort known for its pristine white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, has always been the haute spot of Vanderbilt Beach. The resort has o cially marked a major milestone in its dramatic transformation and renovation, due for unveiling in December, 2022. An icon on Florida’s Gulf Coast for over 35 years, the hotel is set to remaster its legacy. The Ritz-Carlton is the perfect place to hit the spa or lay out at the pool or sunny beach, and will soon have a whole new look. The remodeling and expansion will o er more than just new suites — the resort is revamping its inventory to include a fresh set of 474 guest-rooms and more than 90 elegant multi-room suites. In addition to the new tower, The Ritz-Carlton will debut a full renovation of all resort accommodations, including an expansive club lounge featuring stunning ocean views, as well as three new culinary and beverage hospitality concepts, a fully renovated spa experience, and new bungalows and cabanas that complement the resort’s three new pool areas.

The Ritz-Carlton delights sophisticated travelers with an array of exceptional and pampering amenities. The Forbes Five Star Hotel and AAA Five Diamond Resort features a variety of exquisite dining experiences, a 51,000 square foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, and the ultimate family favorite for environmental conservation, Ritz Kids. As the ‘Evolution of an Icon’ comprehensive transformation nears completion and the dazzling new Lobby Bar comes to fruition, the Ritz-Carlton is excited to also welcome floor-to-ceiling ocean views to the Ritz-Carlton club lounge. Architect Cooper Carry and design firm Parker Torres Design have created interiors reflecting a cohesive aesthetic throughout

the expansion, with sophisticated touches of gold and marble complemented by hues of creams, blues, greens, and grays. Soft wood and woven wicker furnishings exude casual elegance for a timeless design that honors the resort’s legacy.

Guests will journey from the lobby up the grand staircase to a sophisticated setting on the mezzanine level, a treasured destination for luxury gatherings and celebrations. A striking sculptural light installation is sure to capture attention and admiration as it floats above the Lobby Bar. The resort’s world class sushi restaurant, DUSK, and its outdoor terrace will also receive a complete transformation. For those dreaming of an iconic pool experience, the Ritz-Carlton promises just that, with a completely innovative new pool with private poolside cabanas. This transformation of The Ritz-Carlton will uphold its standard and legacy of world-class amenities and extraordinary guest services.

The Ritz-Carlton, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd. 34108

THE CLUB ROOM

Campiello Debuts its Newest Venture in Naples:

ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Richard D’Amico of D’Amico Restaurant Group has showcased his personal style with Campiello Naples’ newest addition, The Club Room. The Club Room showcases a reclaimed bar and wood ceiling, and every piece of furniture is handpicked by Richard himself, who has a unique perspective and a keen eye for style. The Club Room’s interior design reads as a funky jazz lounge with beautiful ambiance and energy. Richard’s impeccable style fits this Italian property that o ers beautiful cuisine, invented cocktails and commissioned, handmade art created by Mr. D’Amico’s wife, Amy Brazil D’Amico.

5 COCKTAILS ON 5TH AVE

Here are 5 cocktails in the heart of 5th Avenue you must indulge in for happy hour, dinner, or a date night.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

DEL MAR NAPLES - 5TH AVENUE MARGARITA

Del Mar serves its classic 5th Avenue Margarita all day, every day. Mixed and curated with Herradura reposado, tropical orange, peach, and poblano, and topped with citrus salt, lemon, lime, and orange peels.

The combination of peach and poblano provides zest and a hint of spice, and when you take a sip, you’re sure to taste sweetness right o the rim. The 5th Avenue Margarita is the perfect happy hour cocktail for anyone with exotic taste.

494 Fifth Ave. S 34102

BAR TULIA - ESPRESSO MARTINI

The Espresso Martini at Bar Tulia is a cold, ca einated drink made with espresso, co ee liqueur, and vodka. It’s not a true martini, as it contains cocoa beans and chocolate powder rather than gin or vermouth, but it is a tried-and-true favorite among the Bar Tulia crowd.

462 Fifth Ave S. 34102

MOLTO TRATTORIA - MOLTO MOJITO

Looking for a refreshing mojito? Try the Molto Mojito at Molto Trattoria. The Molto Mojito is the epitome of a refreshing cocktail, stripped down to the bare essentials of Bacardi rum, peach puree, lime juice, agave syrup, mint leaves, and soda water. It’s sweet, acidic, minty, and sparkling all at once — the perfect drink to cure hot-weather-induced pangs of thirst.

368 Fifth Ave S. 34102

THE FRENCH - FROSÉ

Frosé is Rosé de Provence, vodka, and rose water. That’s as close to the recipe as anyone will ever get! It’s not a cocktail original to The French, but through the love of Notorious Pink Rosé, Frosé was born. Notorious Pink is a special cuvée made from grenache, the leading grape varietal of Domaine la Colombette in the south of France.

365 Fifth Ave S. 34102

SAILS RESTAURANT - 44 NORTH MARTINI

Martini hour at the Marble Bar is served daily from 4:30-5:30pm. The most popular order is the 44 North Martini, which is served in a chilled 10oz martini glass. Guests will also love the Broker’s Gin Martini. Both are shaken or stirred according to guest preference.

301 Fifth Ave S. 34102

EXTRAVAGANTLY RENOVATED

Yamron Jewelers Celebrates 50 Years Of Business With An Extravagant Renovation.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Yamron Jewelers, the luxury watch retailer, fine jewelry store, and prestigious staple of Southwest Florida, is celebrating 50 years with a beautifully remodeled boutique in Naples.

Yamron Jewelers showcases high-quality jewelry and exclusive timepieces, while emphasizing admiration for the community and a passion for outstanding client service. “We are extremely proud and honored to present our newly remodeled location that offers a unique in-store experience with unwavering customer service,” says Benjamin Kendall, President of Yamron.

By remodeling the boutique into a modern yet elegant space, Yamron has created an upscale experience for every client who walks in. The renovation features an entry that draws customers into gleaming showcases, artistic lighting, and luxurious materials, with no detail overlooked. Every feature of the space has been strategically designed and executed with precision and perfection.

Yamron is the only authorized Patek Philippe boutique retailer on the west coast of Florida, and watch connoisseurs will love the private VIP viewing room and concierge experience. Yamron also features other luxury watch brands, including Ulysse Nardin, Breitling, and Bvlgari. Collectors will enjoy one-of-a-kind creations and collections from several internationally recognized designers, as well as an on-site gemologist with a team that can source any size, quality, and shape!

Yamron represents the Naples community with service and devotion to excellence in luxury jewelry, and has distinguished itself among a community of tradition and craftsmanship. “We believe Naples is one of the most unique places in the world, with some of the nicest, most pleasant people to work with,” says Kendall. “We couldn’t imagine doing business anywhere else.” Yamron is looking forward to continuing its unwavering commitment to exceptional service, and its decision to represent only the finest timepieces and extraordinary jewels.

Brands currently represented at Yamron include collections from Rahaminov, Seaman Schepps, Vhernier, Roberto Coin, and more. The store is located in the exquisite Waterside Shops in Naples. 5555 Tamiami Trail N #11. 34108

PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAMRON JEWELERS

SPA SERIES

Naples Grande Beach Resort Debuts New Spa Menu Featuring Self-Guided Services

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

The Spa at Naples Grande is expanding its non-traditional spa menu with an array of touchless services implementing new technologies to better the minds and souls of hotel guests. The Spa at Naples Grande Beach Resort has o cially debuted its new non-traditional spa menu with the expansion of self-guided treatments. A one-of-a-kind sanctuary, The Spa at Naples Grande is now the only spa in Naples/Southwest Florida to provide guests with touchless services dedicated to refreshing the mind, body, and soul.

In addition to its current and non-traditional treatments such as the Salt Floatation Bath Therapy and an Infrared sauna, The Spa at Naples Grande now o ers an array of technically-advanced treatments with the launch of NuCalm, Avacen, and a Cryolift Pro machine. Along with the full spa menu, these new services allow guests to destress, detox, and rejuvenate from head to toe, and from the comfort of their preferred location. Whether within The Spa, poolside, or their own rooms, guests can now enjoy select spa services across all of Naples Grande Beach Resort.

In touch with the times, the new and enhanced spa menu now includes services that are self-guided and do not require the touch of a masseuse or esthetician. Such treatments include NuCalm, the world’s first and only patented neuroscience technology app, clinically proven to lower stress and improve quality of sleep. O ered to all hotel guests, regardless of age, NuCalm technology mimics the body’s natural progression of tiring the brain down to sleep through applied neuropsychobiology and neuroinformatics, leaving guests to feel centered, present, and in control.

Guests can also experience Avacen, a muscle-relaxing device used to increase microcirculation by applying thermotherapy and negative pressure to either hands’ palm that systemically treats the entire body. This service allows guests a deep cleanse of their immune system by eliminating toxins and improving circulation at the same time, reducing body aging.

Naples Grande Beach Resort 475 Seagate Dr. 34103

WHERE TO PLAY

TIBURÓN PRIVATE RESIDENCES & GOLF

Discover acre upon acre of (lush) green at The Ritz-Carlton Tiburón Golf Course. Tiburón o ers an extraordinary golf experience, inspiring players of all levels, and features two 18-hole, Greg-Normandesigned golf courses: The Gold and The Black. Tiburón is home to the LPGA Tour’s CME Group Tour Championship and the PGA Tour QBE Shootout, and is consistently rated among the Top 20 Golf Facilities in Florida.

2620 Tiburón Drive. 34109

NAPLES GRANDE GOLF CLUB

Ranked one of America’s Top 100 Resort Courses, Naples Grande Golf Club is a highly acclaimed, ReesJones-designed private course located a short drive from downtown Naples. Rees Jones, Naples’ renowned golf architect, designed a par-72 championship course that proves both interesting and challenging for all players that come through. This demanding course promises an exhilarating experience on each hole played. With extraordinary elevations and unique water features that expertly incorporate indigenous Florida foliage, this course o ers stunning fairways for year-round play for Premier Club members and guests of Naples Grande Beach Resort. Also on-site is a True Spec club fitting studio o ering high-end club fitting services.

475 Seagate Drive. 34103

LAPLAYA GOLF CLUB

LaPlaya Golf Club opened in January 2002 as a totally new 18-hole championship course layout, artfully designed by Bob Cupp. The course is a 6,902 yard, par-72 golf course with five sets of tees to meet every golfer’s ability. LaPlaya was built out with a natural look, indigenous landscaping, rolling fairways, and water features, all of which make make it fun but also challenging to play. LaPlaya Golf Club is sta ed by an on-site team of teaching professionals, and was named a Silver Medal Resort in 2016. Be sure to stop by and check out their membership program, which includes access to events, lessons, and more!

333 Palm River Blvd. 34110

PHOTOS

We are approaching the precious time when high summer comes to an end and fall begins to set in. Louis Vuitton’s Pre-Fall 2022 Collection plays to the transitional time by introducing e ortless wardrobe essentials that adhere to the house codes — like the Damier motif and monogram moments — designed to prep for the season ahead.

FASHION & CREATIVE DIRECTION ADRIENNE FAUROTE PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTINE HAHN STYLING RYAN YOUNG

HAIR LEVI MONARCH/KRAMER + FRAMER USING R+CO BLEU MAKEUP ANDREW COLVIN/SAINT LUKE USING ILIA MODEL GEORGIA MOOT/MUSE NYC

PHOTO ASSISTANTS IAN RUTTER, TAYLOR SCHANTZ STYLIST ASSISTANTS EMILY DRAKE

SHOT ON LOCATION AT ROCKY’S HOUSE, NEW YORK ALL CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES BY LOUIS VUITTON

Embodying the essence of travel innovation that the Louis Vuitton trunk has defined, the maison introduces a new Rolling Luggage series with the launch of Pégase. As the third collaboration between industrial designer Marc Newson and Louis Vuitton, the new luggage is simultaneously chic and durable as Newson designed with functionality and the art of packing in mind. On the outside, the Pégase comes in the maison’s heritage prints Monogram, Monogram Eclipse, Damier Graphite, and Taiga leather — and on the interior, the shell engineering ensures that the luggage is lightweight and built to withstand the trials of traveling.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON

FALLING FOR GUCCI

BY ADRIENNE FAUROTE

NICKY

Nicky Zimmermann brings her Australian roots to Waterside Shops.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Haute Living: Why Naples Florida?

Nicky Zimmermann: The lifestyle in Naples really fits nicely with our brand and aesthetic. We also have some great clients who have homes in Naples and are great supporters of our brand in other stores around the world.

HL: Do you plan to visit the Naples store in the near future?

NZ: I’m hoping to come later in the year. My team and I are currently working hard on our Spring 2023 Collection which will be shown in Paris in October.

HL: How did you come up with the neighborhood vibe for this store?

NZ: We have worked with our store designers, Studio McQualter, for a long time and we approach each store with a view of bringing something new and fresh to the space so that no two stores are the same. For the space in Naples, I think we’ve created something really unique – it’s fresh and fun and has so many great pieces of art and furniture that suit the location but brings a little something of Australia as well.

HL: What was your creative direction for the stunning new boutique here?

NZ: We thought it would be great to incorporate a bit of a summer vacation theme into the Naples store – so it felt simple, cool and had a sense of journey. It was important to us that the store fit naturally into the neighbourhood but that it also had little Australian touches.

HL: Studio McQualter did a phenomenal design job on this location, have you used them for any of your other locations and what is next for your Miami DD location?

NZ: Thank you – they really have done a great job and we love the space! We’ve worked together for many years and collaborating with their team to bring our brand to life in-store is such an enjoyable part of what we do. Our Miami Design District and Tampa stores have recently opened and are wonderful spaces too.

HL: The boutique’s artwork highlights one of those aspects of Australian roots through your artwork. How did you curate this selection of artists for the Naples location?

NZ: The team spends a lot of time thinking about the art, it’s something that has really become the core of our store spaces. In Naples, there’s artwork by Australian artists such as Bridie Gillman, Emily Ferretti, and Amy French who I just love. I love the green store front too; it just feels very Zimmermann.

HL: What is the inspiration behind your Fall / Winter 22-23 collection?

NZ: For our Fall 2022 collection, we found inspiration in the stars. There’s always been something so fun and intriguing to me about pop astrology and the idea that our personalities are infuenced by our birth signs. We worked with artist Anita Inverarity on twelve key prints that represent each sign of the zodiac and have incorporated these across a variety of looks across the collection. We wanted it all to feel eclectic and fun. We picked up the symbols and icons of the zodiac in our detailing and fnishes and there’s a conscious clash of fabric textures in each look. It’s a collection that’s high on fner details. Maybe that’s a bit of the Virgo in me coming through!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICKY ZIMMERMANN

ZIMMERMANN

HL: Who is your style icon?

NZ: I don’t really have a style icon. I take style inspiration from so many people in all walks of life and eras.

HL: What roles do you and your sister share within the brand and operations?

NZ: It’s great working with family because we can be so honest and transparent with each other without taking anything to heart. Simone and I have had some pretty funny sisterly fghts in the studio over the years-everyone freaks out a bit, but then we just end up laughing and moving on. I’m the Creative Director and Simone is our COO, so we both handle diferent parts of the business. We both trust each other’s abilities and judgment, and that is what has made it easy working with one another. Simone and I have worked together for over 30 years, and she has always been a constant,

stable fgure in the business. We feel incredibly lucky to have done what we have done together.

HL: Do you specifically pick the pieces for each store or do the managers do the buying?

NZ: We try to bring an assortment that is not only what we know clients are after, but pieces that are also a bit unexpected. A lot of women may have only shopped with us online or are seeing our collections for the frst time, so we want to take people on a journey and bring them something fresh and new.

HL: What is the standout element to your brand?

NZ: For me, it’s the optimistic attitude of our brand and the association with good times in people’s lives, whether that’s a special occasion or a great holiday.

Ti

Ti

BLOSSOMS RARE

This

Ti any & Co. bracelet in platinum with aquamarines and diamonds from the 2022

Ti any Blue Book Collection, price upon request

Ti any & Co. ring in platinum with an aquamarine and diamonds from the 2022

Ti any Blue Book Collection, price upon request

Ti any & Co. earrings in white gold with aquamarines and diamonds, price upon request

Ti any & Co. necklace in platinum with aquamarines and diamonds from the 2022 Ti any Blue Book Collection, price upon request

Ti any & Co. earrings in platinum with

and

any Blue Book Collection, price upon request

Ti any & Co. necklace in platinum with

and

from the

any Blue Book Collection, price upon request

Schlumberger®

Fendi SHIRT, DENIM & SHOES: Louis Vuitton

Ti any & Co. earrings in platinum with unenhanced sapphires and diamonds, price upon request

Ti any & Co. brooch in yellow gold with fancy intense yellow diamonds and enamel, price upon request

Ti any & Co. earrings in white gold with aquamarines and diamonds, price upon request

Ti any & Co. necklace in platinum and gold with a green cuprian elbaite, tourmaline, and diamonds, price upon request

SHIRT & SHORTS: Christian Dior

Ti any & Co. brooch in yellow gold and platinum with purple sapphires and diamonds, price upon request

Ti any & Co. earrings in platinum and yellow gold with diamonds, price upon request

FINER THINGS

There is nothing quite like Paris in July. It is the time of year when haute couture and high jewelry collections make their runway appearance with often lavish, rare designs born of exceptional artistry and impeccable craftsmanship. From Bvlgari and Van Cleef to Dior and De Beers, a dazzling new season of high jewelry is upon us — and we’re spotlighting these peerless precious pieces.

1. Louis Vuitton Spirit High Jewelry Grace earrings in 18k white gold, tsavorites, and diamonds, price upon request; available at select Louis Vuitton stores, louisvuitton.com, and 866.884.8866. 2. Chanel High Jewelry Allure Celeste necklace in 18k white gold, diamonds, and sapphire (sapphire is not included once the bracelet is detached), price upon request; available at select CHANEL boutiques nationwide and 800.550.0005. 3. Messika Paris Akh-Ba-Ka necklace, price upon request; messika.com. 4. Piaget High Jewelry Collection Solstice Precious Adornment ring, price upon request; piaget.com. 5. Van Cleef & Arpels “Entrelacs Mystérieux” bracelet from the “Legend of Diamonds” collection featuring sapphires and diamonds set in 18K white and rose gold, price upon request; available at Van Cleef & Arpels, vancleefarpels.com, and 877.826.25333. 6. Pomellato La Gioia di Pomellato

High Jewelry Collection Cascade Gris earrings with grey spinels and diamonds set in titanium and 18k rose gold, price upon request; available at select Pomellato boutiques nationwide. 7. Gucci Solitaire Ouroboros ring in 18k white gold with yellow beryl and diamonds from the Hortus Deliciarum Gucci High Jewelry collection, price upon request; gucci.com. 8. Bvlgari Eden the Garden of Wonders High Jewelry Serpenti necklace in platinum with 1 pear vivid blue “cornflower” sapphire, 26 marquise diamonds, 131 fancy shape diamonds, 1 round brilliant-cut diamond and pavé-set diamonds, price upon request; 800.285.4274. 9. Buccellati

Pentagramma bracelet in white gold set with diamonds, $225,000; buccellati.com.

DIAMOND DREAMS

Louis Vuitton explores the transcendence of diamonds through the new Fine Jewelry collection, LV Diamonds. Designed by the artistic director for watches and jewelry Francesca Amfitheatrof, the new collection marries Vuitton’s design codes with the timelessness and purity of diamonds. From the reinterpretation of the renowned monogram flower motif — a symbol of eternity — with the LV Monogram Star diamond to Art Deco–style rings and earrings with pavé diamonds inspired by GastonLouis Vuitton’s suitcases of the 1920s and 1930s, the new fine jewelry line is the diamond collection of our forever dreams.

Louis Vuitton LV Diamond campaign featuring Anna Ewers

ROBERT PROCOP DIVES DEEP INTO SAPPHIRES

Fascinating and brilliant stone discoveries for Robert Procop create one of a kind pieces that are carried locally at Yamron Jewelers.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

Haute Living: At Robert Procop, you specialize in some of the most unique sapphires. Where are most of the sapphires sourced from?

Robert Procop: There are sapphire mines in Australia, Southeast Africa, Thailand, the Northeastern United States, Sri Lanka, Burma/Myanmar, Ethiopia, and Madagascar. Some of the most interesting new mines found in Ethiopia and Madagascar are those that produce natural color-change sapphires. Stones mined from those areas display amazing colors, from blue to green. Other fascinating discoveries come from the El Dorado Bar Mine, located in Montana. In the past, stones were mined that had natural pastel colors. Today, deeper digs reveal some brilliant, well-saturated specimens of blues and greens and even ruby!

HL: Tell me a little bit about the jewelry design making process and what it looks like for Robert Procop.

RP: My creative process always starts with the natural gems that we discover. All of our jewels are, for the most part, one-of-a-kind. The few exceptions include jewelry from our American Glamour Collection, simply because of the large demand placed on this line.

I always start with the faceting of a color gem to enhance its brilliance and to eliminate any flaws. This brings the gem to great clarity. Each finished, faceted gemstone has a unique personality, based on its color, brilliance, and the way it reflects light, producing its own unique sparkle. I then sketch the many possible designs that will bring out its unique personality. I also explore adding colored stones to further enhance the beauty of the gem. Inevitably, a final sketch is born from my ideas.

HL: What kind of gems work well together, and which ones do not?

RP: Sapphires and diamonds work well together. [They] are discovered in almost every color possible. A blue sapphire will work well with a pink sapphire. Pink sapphires work well with pink diamonds. From there, the combination is endless. The fine gemstones — ruby, diamond, emerald, and sapphire — work well together. These fine gems, however, do not work well with semi-precious gems, such as amethyst and topaz.

HL: What are some of the colors of the season? Do you see these changing with time, or do they remain tried and true?

RP: I never look to the seasons for directions. My dictates come from the rare treasures that I find. A flawless ruby, even if found today, or a sapphire with a rare natural color [like orange or pink] will never go out of style. They are timeless and chic.

HL: I understand minerals are a huge part of the business, and you are able to look at the gem to understand its history.

RP: We study minerals and elements to learn about the molecular structure of a gem. I collect mineral specimens to study the region from which they were discovered.

HL: Having a passion for and major involvement in philanthropy, tell us a little more about the charitable organizations that you work with today.

RP: For the last 30 years, I’ve focused on two areas: building shelters for battered women and their children with an organization called The Los Angeles House of Ruth, and building schools for children in areas of conflict in partnership with the EPCC — The Education Partnership for Children of Conflict.

HL: For you and your team, what roles are most crucial for creating a seamless design?

RP: It is essential that my team of artisan master craftsmen fabricate and execute the finest details of my most intricate designs down to the most microscopic details.

HL: How do you know when a jewelry piece is done, overdone, or underdone?

RP: I follow every piece through to its final stage. Any corrections are usually done at an early stage. I know and can visualize the look and outcome of a piece long before it reaches its final phase of completion. As it transitions through the process, I see its beauty as it is revealed.

HL: Beyond the basics, what are some other techniques you use to evoke an emotional response from every piece?

RP: We have formulated complicated micro-engineering techniques through advanced technology in tooling and microscopic detailing. Today, we can make a finer piece technically than has ever been made before.

“A FLAWLESS RUBY, EVEN IF FOUND TODAY, OR A SAPPHIRE WITH A RARE NATURAL COLOR [LIKE ORANGE OR PINK] WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE. THEY ARE TIMELESS AND CHIC.”

Robert Procop platinum diamond sapphire & emerald kryptonite earrings

Haute

Salon of Naples

Jamie Caruso Salon Lusso Founder/CEO

Jamie Caruso is the Founder and CEO of Salon Lusso of Naples. Graduating at the top of her class in cosmetology, she continued her education at the Vidal Sassoon Academy and then at Wella Studios in NYC and LA. Prior to moving to Naples, Jamie spent a decade honing her craft, becoming a master stylist at a premiere salon in New Jersey. Jamie has a passion for all things luxury, whether it be fashion, hair, or the beauty industry. Her journey inspired her to brand her salon “Lusso,” which means luxury in Italian. Her dream coming to Naples was to bring a prestigious salon experience to her clients. Jamie is a perfectionist who specializes in precision cutting and innovative coloring, and has the unique ability to visualize a suitable goal for every client’s needs. In life, business, and behind the chair, Jamie prides herself on quality and believes it’s the key to success.

Erica Current is the founder and CEO of The Skin Room, Naples’ premier skin care destination. Erica has built her business from the ground up by working with her clients to deeply understand their skincare concerns and long-term goals. After earning a bachelor’s degree in science, Erica furthered her education and studied Advanced Facial Aesthetics. From general skin health and anti-aging to scarring and pigmentation, Erica combines her passion for science with her extensive knowledge and specialized training to deliver life-changing results.

Erica Current The Skin Room, USA Founder/CEO

SKIN ROOM

Stress Test 101 +

Your guide to less stress.

BY BROOKE KLAIMAN

You just got the news that your distant cousin had a heart attack. Thankfully, they’re okay and on the mend, but that doesn’t stop your mind from going a mile a minute. Are the odds in your favor, or are you next to experience a life-threatening heart attack? With nervousness, you book an appointment with your local cardiologist...

Here’s what Haute MD expert, Dr. Ryan Houk of Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists a stress test. To learn about what a stress test entails and if any preparation is needed, Haute Beauty expert (and wife of Dr. Houk), Dr. Deborah Houk, provides everything you need to know in order to help you stress less.

Haute Living: What is a stress test?

Dr. Ryan Houk: A stress test is when you’d either be put on a treadmill or given medicine that allows your cardiologist to assess your blood flow and determine if there are blockages in the coronary arteries of your heart.

HL: When is a stress test needed?

RH: A stress test is needed for anyone with concerning symptoms that might be cardiovascular in nature, whether it be chest pain, shortness of breath, increased fatigue, or other cardiac symptoms. For these patients, they should talk to their doctor as soon as possible because, likely, a stress test is needed.

For someone who isn’t having symptoms but wants to be preventative and is interested in assessing their risk for a heart attack, there’s a test we offer called

a calcium score. The calcium score is a CT scan that quantifies the amount of cholesterol that’s formed plaque in your coronary arteries. If your calcium score is elevated, your doctor may recommend stress testing, as well as initiate medicines to reduce your cholesterol.

HL: How do you prepare for a stress test?

RH: The biggest thing to remember is, if it’s a pharmacologic test, you shouldn’t have caffeine for 24 hours before the test. If it’s a treadmill test and you’re on a beta blocker, generally, you’re advised not to take your beta blocker on the morning of the test so that your results aren’t compromised. When scheduling your stress test, our staff will review everything you need to prepare for the procedure and answer any questions you may have.

PHOTO

RYAN HOUK

ANDREJ HICIL/

HL: What happens in a stress test?

RH: There are a lot of different types of stress tests out there, and each has its own protocols. Generally, there are two main types of stress that we use; either (1) treadmill exercise stress or (2) pharmacological stress using medicines to augment blood flow to the heart. We can either do an EKG treadmill test alone, or we can combine different stress modalities with varying types of imaging, which can include nuclear imaging or using an ultrasound of the heart. These different imaging modalities look at either the blood flow to the heart with stress, or look at the heart as it moves and contracts to assess for blockages in the arteries.

For an idea of what happens in a stress test, with the exercise stress tests, the patient is put on a treadmill and hooked up to an EKG machine while they exercise. The cardiologist then reviews the EKG images to see how the heart reacts to the exercise. Cardiologists often increase the sensitivity of this test by also doing an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of your heart) to see how the walls of the heart are moving in response to stress.

In our Naples office, in addition to standard stress tests, we also offer Cardiac PET, a more advanced type of stress test. Cardiac PET is the most accurate non-invasive nuclear stress test of the heart. It provides extremely high-quality images with only a fraction of the radiation exposure that traditional nuclear stress tests would incur. The test is quick and easy to complete in roughly 30 minutes, unlike other standard nuclear stress testing protocols, which can take up to 3 hours. Prognostically, someone with a normal cardiac PET has a less than 1% cardiac event rate per year, meaning a less than 1% risk of having a heart attack.

HL: What does failing a stress test mean for you?

RH: If you fail a stress test, the most common next step is to get a cardiac catheterization, which is an invasive procedure where the cardiologist directly images the coronary arteries for blockages. However, there are certain select situations where your cardiologist may recommend more conservative management. Typically, this is done for someone who is at higher risk for invasive procedures or who is either minimally symptomatic or has low-risk findings on stress testing.

The bottom line is that you need to talk to your cardiologist about what your stress test results mean for you, as the results will be used to help your doctor manage your treatment.

If you are interested in learning more information about Cardiac PET stress tests, calcium scores, or stress tests in general, book an appointment today at Naples Heart Rhythm Specialists.

730 Goodlette-Frank Rd N. 34102

HauteRESIDENCE

HauteLiving sat down with some of the top real estate agents in Naples to hear more about what to expect from the city in the spaces of shopping, art, culture, and fine dining, as well as the reason they call Naples home.

BY ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

expert in luxury properties along the Gulf Coast, Karen, a full time Naples resident since

began her real estate career over forty years ago. Karen’s primary focus

is to provide her clients market knowledge to better help them in the purchase or sale of their home. She has sold over 4 billion in residential sales, establishing herself as one of the top real estate professionals in the United States. With decades of experience in every tier of the Naples market, Karen ranks in the top 25 percent among the Wall Street Journal’s and Real Trends’ Annual Report of the Top 250 realtors in the United States.

Karen was inducted into the Sotheby’s International Global Partnership in 2012, a dynamic and prestigious global network, solely comprised of the fnest Sotheby’s International Realty real estate experts in key markets worldwide. Karen’s team of licensed sales associates, Kim Spink and Nina Van Arsdale provide many years of experience in real estate, legal and marketing to support and complement her business.

Karen is an avid tennis player and is an art enthusiast. She is committed to supporting the Humane Society and supports the works of the Naples branch of the Everglades Foundation & Audubon Society.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREN VAN ARSDALE

“Everyone can have a plan, the key to success in my mind is execution.”

PHOTOS COURTESY

DANTE

TRUST AND LOYALTY MATTER

Naples’ Dante DiSabato is conquering the real estate industry one step at a time.

B Y ANNA CATHERINE BLOCK

“I love the ability to find something, then rehab it or build it from the ground up and be creative. And then to be able to sell it to someone you don’t even know, it’s such a great feeling.”

Haute Living: How long have you been in the real estate game?

Dante DiSabato: Since 2009. My father told me to go get my license. He’s been in real estate since he was 19 and I started at 22 years old, coming from Columbus, Ohio. I had been coming down here to Naples since ‘99, and my dad has had a presence here since ‘05 permanently.

HL: What are your two biggest accomplishments in Naples? Which would you want to talk about further, and why?

DD: That’s a tough question. Honestly, I don’t know; I’ve sold a billion dollars in real estate at 36. There is still a long way to go. Not many people can say that at my age. I am very happy. The business relationships that I have created over the last few years is a business accomplishment in itself. Everyone and anyone I have worked with are like family. I have created this family. I am very family-oriented and used that to build relationships with my clients and those people that go beyond the workspace for me. These are genuine relationships I have built with people that I will maintain for the rest of my life. Honestly, I don’t know how to write a resume. “Your biggest weakness is you care too much about your job.” I really care about my clients. I have your best interest in mind. If I was blessed with one thing, it’s the ability to build a relationship with someone so fast that if they like you they will build a relationship with you and do business with you. Trust and loyalty matters.

HL: How do you balance your listings and remain consistent throughout each year as you continue to grow? What’s the key to your success?

DD: I stay active, I stay consistent. I continuously network with past, present and future buyers. The more people I talk to the more opportunities I get. Then it just comes down to executing all those

opportunities, which creates success. Everyone can have a plan, the key to success in my mind is execution.

HL: You recently were recognized with The RealTrends Emerging Leader award. Tell me more about this recognition.

DD: I was honored to be named one of just 55 up-and-coming leaders in the US who are making a major impact on the real estate community at large. As a single agent, I sold more than $260 million last year, and over $500 million in just over the past two years. That puts you on people’s radar.

HL: What is your biggest sale and how was this achieved?

DD: Unlisted, $40 million in Port Royal. That buyer had just purchased the home next door for $29.25 million and decided to control both. Again, this is networking and having clients become family.

HL: You are consistently conquering the real estate industry in Naples. What do you want to accomplish in terms of owning the development side of the business?

DD: Well, when it comes to development, this is something I have been learning since I was very young. Coming from an Italian family, you are being taught to start a business at a very young age. I started with my dad, learning all the aspects of the business — attending meetings, zoning, showings, etc. I honed my skills for sales and marketing from all this exposure. We have developed over 65 homes in Naples over the last 10 years. I have been lucky and fortunate to be able to design, build and sell homes that my father and I have created. I love the ability to fnd something, rehab it, build it from the ground up, be creative through a creative process and sell it to someone you don’t even know who really appreciates it. It’s such a great feeling.

CHICAGO REAL ESTATE AGENT, JOHN O’NEILL, MAKES NAPLES HIS FULL-TIME HOME

“When you parlay our relationships with our colleagues in Chicago after hundreds of successful transactions, and combine that with the incredible national reach of Compass, I believe we are positioned very well and our reach will be a great benefit to our sellers.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERIK KELLER

As Director of Luxury Sales for the O’Neill Residential team at national leading brokerage Compass, John O’Neill works with buyers, sellers and investors, all of whom trust him to guide them through every step of the real estate process. He ensures all objectives are exceeded, thanks to his expansive network, unparalleled client service, and proven marketing strategies.

2021 was a record year, and John’s average transaction price was one of the highest in his ofce. His professional accomplishments started almost the moment he began his career — in fact, John was able to break into the luxury market despite being signifcantly younger than his colleagues. Since then, he’s been consistently ranked as one of the top brokers for nearly a decade. One of John’s specialties is in development and design of new construction for both buyers and investors looking for prime land and renovation opportunities. He advises them throughout the process: both underwriting the project from his experience in fnance and explaining the vision for the exact property that they could build and sell at a proft.

In terms of a marketing strategy, John’s team has a heavy interest in technology and social media exposure. He believes it’s the best way to market directly to their target audience. Combining his fnance and development background with a love of being around people has allowed John to leverage a strong knowledge of the best buying and selling strategies. John and his listings have been featured in numerous top media outlets, from Architectural Digest to Crain’s Chicago Business.

John and his wife, Jessica, who herself is a broker associate and the director of operations, were married at La Playa Resort just last year. After years of being part-time residents, they decided to relocate full-time to focus on the Naples luxury market. John specializes in second homes and relocation and will be utilizing their extensive Chicago/Midwest referral network. “When you parlay our relationships with our colleagues in Chicago after hundreds of successful transactions, and combine that with the incredible national reach of Compass, I believe we are positioned very well and our reach will be a great beneft to our sellers.”

BSWANKY

OF

21 FERRARI OF NAPLES HOSTED AN EXCLUSIVE FEMALE EMPOWERMENT

luncheon with some of the most powerful women in the area, as well as a guest appearance and presentation from Gretchen Bauer of BSWANKY. The event’s focus was on female empowerment, and although the exotic car industry is mostly made up of male owners, Ferrari of Naples wants to continue promoting women, especially in the luxury car industry. Parallel highlights of the event included donated champagne from Jane’s Cafe on 3rd, catering from the Four Seasons and an array of desserts from famed chocolatier Norman Love. Guests were invited to the unveiling of three personalized BSWANKY handbags that were inspired by Ferrari, and were given a BSWANKY wristlet as a tribute for attendance. Female attendees were also treated to a talk with Gretchen Bauer, the Founder of BSWANKY handbags. Her story was truly a testament to empowering women from all over the world. Previously an interior designer by trade, Bauer created her company with a mission of making luxury bags in a comfortable, dignified work environment for her hard-working, women-driven staff. BSWANKY’s mission is to become a luxury handbag design house that becomes synonymous with “true iconic works of art.” By retaining the timeless traditions of bespoke craftsmanship, BSWANKY delivers style and performance while fearlessly marrying rare and exotic materials. BSWANKY’s focus is strictly on quality and unique personal customer experience. “There are many parallels between Ferrari and BSWANKY, like ultra-personalization and creating an unmatched client experience,” says Ashley Zorn, the Marketing Manager at Ferrari of Naples. Some notable women that are currently carrying BSWANKY today include: Faith Hill, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Sara Blakely of SPANX, Tiffany Cuban, Cynthia Marshall, Jill Goodacre, Demi Tebow, Molly McNearny, and more.

COURTESY OF ALESSIA MARCIN

NAPLES MOTORSPORTS HAS OVER 20+ YEARS IN BUSINESS. They are one of the top exotic and high-line dealers in the USA. On display, you’ll find models from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, Maserati and more! They are a franchise dealer for brands like Lotus, Alfa Romeo, Backdraft Racing, Karma, Remounts, Morgan and Bender Haul. Haute living attended Cars and Coffee on September 3rd where qualified attendees got to enjoy Thrill Test Drives on Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio. Alfa Romeo brand manager, Matthew Duron, educated and highlighted guests on all features and history of this famous F1 racing brand that produces an everyday sport drive vehicle for all drivers. Cars and Coffee is held the first Saturday of every month.

For more information visit their website at: Naplesmotorsports.com and see their instagram for live footage @naplesmotorsportsfl

CARS AND COFFEE: ITALIAN EDITION THRILL DRIVE

Naples MotorSports hosts their biggest Cars and Co ee Event yet with 300+ attendees.

1

Hosted: September 3rd 9-12pm

1.The Elite Club Naples - Owners Magdalena & Nazir Basat.

PHOTOS COURTESY

NAPLES MOTOR SPORTS

THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION WELCOMED 42 WOMEN TO their first-ever Women • Leadership • Luncheon, Lunch en Blanc at Continental Naples.

The event recognized these women for their leadership and impact in our community, and introduced ways to help create a greater future for Immokalee’s youth. The Immokalee Foundation is making plans to host this event

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMARA

HAVEN’S 7TH ANNUAL PARTY WITH A PURPOSE WAS HELD on Friday, September 9th at BURN by Rocky Patel, and featured a 70’s disco theme. The event welcomed young professionals to an evening of fundraising and channeling their inner disco queen and king. Over $31,000 was raised, and with all proceeds directly benefitting the children and teens of Southwest Florida who depend on Youth Haven for home, hope, and healing.

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

over 50 years of combined industry experience, to handle your project with the utmost professionalism. For development projects, please email us at contact@tayberry.group to set up an appointment to discuss. Additionally, brokerages or title companies looking for a land surveying partner reach out to us directly, to set up a time to discuss opportunities. Otherwise, feel free to go to our custom site www.Tayberry.Group/place-order and start working with us today!

A TAILORED SERVICE,

you are a Realtor, title company, attorney, builder, or homeowner the Tayberry Group is equipped to serve you.

reasonable pricing, industry grade technology, and industry benchmark turnaround time, our team can handle

and all of your land survey

company works throughout all of Southwest Florida, from Naples all the way to Orlando. However, our main office is in Cape Coral.

specialize in Boundary/Mortgage Surveys for closings. Currently our turnaround time is 3-4 weeks, which is around 2x faster than our competitors.

Flying Private Between NY and South Florida Made Accessible

can now reach your

Just attentive service and your spacious

a private

With no middle seat to be seen,

best seat

Arrive 30 minutes before your

ACCESSIBLE

the QR Code