JULY - AUGUST 2022

S A N F R A N C I S C O | S I L I C O N VA L L E Y | M A R I N | N A PA | N O R T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A

J U LY/A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

LUXURY LIFESTYLE WITH PURPOSE

$20.00

LEADERS & LEGENDS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JOHN LEGEND HIS LIFE, LOVES, AND LEGACY

WHERE THE BEST OF BROADWAY MEETS THE BEST OF WINE COUNTRY

641 MAIN STREET, ST. HELENA, CA 94574

WWW.BROADWAYANDVINE.ORG

JULY 11 JELANI REMY

AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LION KING

LANCE HORNE

NATALIE TENENBAUM

EMMY AWARD WINNING COMPOSER AND MUSIC DIRECTOR

DAVID BYRNE'S: AMERICAN UTOPIA MEAN GIRLS MJ: THE MUSICAL

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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS

AUGUST 10

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SEPT 20 CIARA RENÉE

ABBY MUELLER

WAITRESS FROZEN PIPPIN BIG FISH

SIX: THE MUSICAL BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

KINKY BOOTS

California Lifestyle Collection Rare Belvedere Waterfront Residence with Stunning Views of Golden Gate Bridge and City

445BelvedereAve.com 4 Beds | 5 Baths | 1 Half-Bath | ±8,131 sq. ft Featured in Architectural Digest, this world-class residence showcases panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the entire city skyline of San Francisco, and Sausalito. This magnificent masterpiece in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious location is comprised of a ±8,131 sq .ft. home on a ±0.67 acre lot, featuring 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. This architectural work of art was designed by architect Charles Gwathmey, with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level floor plan. The primarily vertical organization of this house takes advantage of its sloped site on the southern coast of Belvedere Island. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached one bedroom, one bath guesthouse and a spacious wine cellar. The remaining levels of the main house are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outwards towards the Bay. The house’s compact organization within the precinct formed by

Offered at $31,000,000 the retaining walls ensures privacy. An interior circular stair winds around an elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel-vaulted ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects towards the Bay to extend the space into the landscape. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, a study and a two-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool, whose “infinity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the Bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank, Bubinga wood and cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray stained cedar, with a curved standing seam zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors and decks are teak, all terraces are beige/gray flamed limestone pavers and the retaining walls are painted warm white stucco.

More photos and information can be found at: 445BelvedereAve.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Magnificent Belvedere Island Italianate Villa

8 Beds | 6 Baths | 2 Half-Bath This iconic appx. 7,695 sq. ft. mansion featuring eight bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths is one of the most admired homes on Belvedere Island for its styling, magnificent gardens, spectacular pool, and panoramic views overlooking Tiburon Hills, Corinthian Island, Angel Island, East Bay, Bay Bridge, and beautiful Belvedere Cove reminiscent of Portofino, Italy. Located on the desirable, warm side of the island with allday sun and sheltered from the wind, this classic residence was renovated in recent years, featuring a beautiful custom-designed kitchen with Italian marble countertops and a breakfast area with a balcony to enjoy the views and for al fresco dining. The eight bedrooms mostly open onto balconies with expansive bay views. A generously sized master suite with his/her dressing and sitting areas includes a kitchenette/coffee bar, closets, a luxurious bathroom with a steam shower, and a sunroom. The

Belvedere, California

Offered at $10,495,000 lower level includes an exercise room with a full bath and sauna, wine cellar, and two spacious storage rooms. There is a security system and a two-car garage, plus an adjacent one-car carport. Across the street-tostreet lot are extensive brick terraces with elegant balustrades, lush gardens, and water features. Three separate entrances and multiple living spaces create a perfect floor plan setup for an au pair unit and an in-law unit. Easy walking distance to the San Francisco Yacht Club, Corinthian Yacht Club, downtown Tiburon restaurants such as Malibu Farm and Michael Mina’s Bungalow Kitchen, and ferry services to San Francisco and Angel Island. Offered as a newly certified historic property, this magnificent home provides a very substantial property tax reduction to the next owner and comes with an assumable mortgage. Details and photos at www.308GoldenGate.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Magnificent Belvedere Island Italianate Villa

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

Belvedere, California

California Lifestyle Collection Serene Wine Country Estate on 2 Adjacent 6± Acre Parcels

6 Beds | 8 Baths | 6,800± sq. ft.

This enchanting, gated estate in St. Helena offers resort-like living, privacy, and the best of Wine Country at your door. Located next to the renowned Meadowood Resort, the residence is located on two legally separate parcels totaling 12.13± acres on an undulating knoll with sprawling grounds and mature gardens in a park-like oasis. Approached through a Mediterranean-inspired central courtyard with fountain, the grand yet understated 6,800± sq. ft. home combines contemporary design with timeless California architecture. The residence is an entertainer’s dream, featuring six bedrooms, seven and one-half baths, stately living and dining rooms with soaring vaulted ceilings, and a true gourmet chef’s kitchen that has been graced by the likes of Thomas Keller and other culinary masters.

The primary bedroom rivals that of a five-star hotel suite, featuring dramatic vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, lounge area, walk-in closets and a spa-worthy bathroom complete with both indoor and outdoor showers. Adjacent to the main living areas are expansive Ironwood decks, terraces, and an outdoor dining pavilion with a modern twist on the classic California barn silhouette.

Beyond is a 55-foot infinity edge swimming pool with spa and a cascading

$11,888,000 stone waterfall façade best viewed from the two private ensuite Casitas nearby. Additional highlights include a home gym/guest house, a 1,300-bottle wine vault, boccie court, built-in children’s bunk room, meandering garden pathways, vegetables gardens, a twelve-car motor court, and custom lighting throughout. The second parcel has a separate APN and is suitable for a private residence or guest house compound.

Located approximately 1.6 miles to the center of downtown St. Helena bustling with restaurants, art galleries, wineries, boutiques and more, this serene Wine Country estate offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the most discerning of buyers.

1250-1210 Oakwood Lane, St. Helena, CA $11,888,000 = Entire Estate (Home + 6.1 Acre adjacent Lot at 1210 Oakwood Lane) $9,995,000 = Home Only $1,995,000 = Adjacent 6.1± Acre lot without the home

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

PUBLISHER’S Letter WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL LEGENDS AND LEADERS ISSUE! OUR COVER story profiles John Legend, the singer, composer, and creator of LVE, a premier wine collection resulting from his collaboration with the equally legendary winemaker, JeanCharles Boisset. Formerly a management consultant at the prestigious Boston Consulting Group, Legend showcases his ability and commitment to excellence for both music and wine with his passion to provide beauty and love to make the world a better place and to empower people to make changes in their lives and serve their communities. This touching, exclusive interview offers us insight into John Legend beyond the musical performances we adore.

We also profiled Robin Nielsen, the female entrepreneur, builder, and founder/CEO of Mavericks Builders; philanthropists John and Marcia Goldman; six successful, bay area women in the wine business; and the extraordinary work that Meta brand and marketing whiz Eric Topa has done for the AAPI community.

OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com www.HauteLivingSF.com Text 415.720.5915

We are so excited to report many events in this issue that were cancelled or conducted virtually over the last two years during COVID-19 are now back and live this year.

Please don’t miss the articles on the BottleRock concert, the Mondavi Winery’s Dinner in the Vines, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction, San Francisco Opera Guild’s annual fundraising fashion show with Carolina Herrera, luncheon at Neiman Marcus, ZooFest’s An Evening at The Oasis, the Presidio Performing Arts Foundation’s gala and performance of The Little Lantern Ballet, plus the newly established Olivia Decker Power of Music Series concert with Nia Imani Franklin on the top floor of the SalesForce Tower, produced by Festival Napa Valley.

As we enter summer vacation time, we introduce you to a local getaway at the Cottage Inn and Spa in the heart of Sonoma and the Fairmont Hotel Orchid on Hui Holokai Lagoon at Kohala Coast of Hawai’i.

We also present you the Food Network’s star chef, Tyler Florence, and his fine dining establishment, Miller & Lux, which exudes throwback glamour at Thrive City to accompany events at Chase Center. As always, we also have great articles on fine dining, shopping, luxury cars, beauty, health and wellness, and our calendar of upcoming events. We hope you enjoy reading this issue, whether at home or while you vacation and relax poolside at a resort.

I wish you an enjoyable and healthy summer,

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PUBLISHER Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresa Rodriguez Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com ART DIRECTOR Krisha Chhaganlal Krisha@HauteLivingSF.com DIGITAL EDITOR Laurie Jo Miller Farr Laurie@HauteLivingSF.com COPY EDITOR Karen M. Smith henhousepublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Boden, Noël Burgess, Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Becca Hensley, Steph Keay, Fran Endicott Miller, Robert Richards, Sharon Seto, and Carolyne Zinko.

ABOUT TOWN AMBASSADOR Aubrey Brewster HEALTH AND WELLNESS AMBASSADOR Lydia Graham LUXURY AUTO AMBASSADOR Tim Lappen TL@JMBM.com SUBSCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com AD SALES REPRESENTATIVE Cindy Pelland Cindy@HauteLivingSF.com ACCOUNTING Sarah Trissel Sarah@HauteLivingSF.com LEGAL Carl Lippenberger Carl@lippenbergerlaw.com

Haute Living San Francisco Visit us at www.HauteLivingSF.com

Follow us @HauteLivingSF for your guide to all things haute

TABLE of CONTENTS

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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HAUTE CALENDAR

LEADERS AND LEGENDS: ENVIRONMENT HERO 46

Chateau Montelena uncorks a celebration of 50 years of award-winning winemaking stewardship.

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From solar protection to an outfit’s crowning glory, find your next hat here.

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HAUTE KITCHEN 22

Chef Jason Halverson welcomes you to The Vault where every dinner is a special occasion.

Step back into the glory days of the steakhouse at Miller & Lux.

Raising money and the RPM at the Napa 750 Road Rally.

LEADERS AND LEGENDS: PHILANTHROPY 36

HAUTE HOTEL

Take your family away from it all—but keep the luxury—at the Fairmont Orchid.

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Close to everything you want, but secluded and private: Cottage Inn & Spa delivers the best of both.

The EPACENTER makes creative dreams come true for youth in East Palo Alto.

LEADERS AND LEGENDS: INCLUSIVITY 40

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From Midwest to maestro, John Legend brings focus and undeterred excellence to music and his new endeavor, wine.

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LEADERS AND LEGENDS: CHARITY 32

Restoring the land to its original vigor supports a business catering to a love of the outdoors.

COVER STORY 58

HAUTE CUISINE 28

Brand and marketing whiz Eric Toda advocates for the AAPI community.

LEADERS AND LEGENDS: STEWARDS OF THE LAND

HAUTE SHOPPING 20

Cover Story

LEADERS AND LEGENDS: RACIAL JUSTICE

HAUTE WINE 16

Builder Robin Nielsen combines sustainable design with cutting-edge architecture.

Six bay area women make wine and leave their marks, inspiring inclusivity in the industry.

ON THE COVER JOHN LEGEND WITH LVE RED BLEND PHOTO BY ALEX RUBIN

Haute Living, San Francisco | www.HauteLivingSF.com

Leaders and Legends: Environment Hero

TABLE of CONTENTS HAUTE SCENE

Haute Cuisine

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Neiman Marcus celebrates Haute Living’s travel issue in grand style.

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Fifty years and $1.7 million justify OLE Health’s music-filled gala in support of community health.

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The iconic Helgi Tomasson bids San Francisco Ballet goodbye after 37 years.

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Attendees see and are seen at the SF Opera Guild Fashion Show with haute couture in mind to raise funds for bay area schools.

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Fine dining and a live auction support the feathered and furred residents of the San Francisco Zoo.

80 Haute What’s the word for Italian art you can wear? Prada.

Travel

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DANNIJO launches its first boutique in San Francisco, partnered by Blake Charles.

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The jet set celebrate the launch of Aero at Alexis and Trevor Trainer’s private residence

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Celebrity guests enjoy fine dining and Mondavi wines at Dinner in the Vines.

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From iconic musicians to up-and-comers, the BottleRock music festival drums up an awesome lineup.

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The Little Lantern Ballet showcases multicultural grace and beauty at the Presidio’s Art Foundation’s annual spring gala.

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Spirited bidders at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction raise over $445,000 in competition to buy rare wines.

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Nia Imani Franklin’s voice soars sky high in the SalesForce Tower at the Olivia Decker Power of Music program.

HAUTE EVENT

HAUTE BEAUTY

Haute SCENE

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Discover the benefits of face yoga with holistic skin therapist Jenny McAteer.

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Men and women get real skincare through Reålea Skincare’s spagyric alchemy.

WINE COUNTRY 96

The 16th Festival Napa Valley resonates with the sounds of America in film and music in support of area educational programs.

HAUTE RESIDENCE

100 This Tuscan-inspired estate offers palatial living amid productive vines.

HAUTE AUTO

104 Tim Lappen compares American and German muscle and finds both

offer the speed and refinement that make driving a pleasure.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR

108 Lydia interviews renowned physician and author Dr. Sara Gottfried

about her new book.

110 Quintessential city boy Aubrey discovers luxurious country living and

dining in the wilds of Napa Valley.

9 Leaders and Legends: Charity

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S Letter THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, I’VE HAD THE HONOR OF spending time with some of the most successful and influential people on the planet. So, when I was invited to meet John Legend, I was thrilled by the opportunity; but in all honesty, I didn’t expect to be so emotionally inspired and amazed by his steadfast purpose to bring beauty and love to everyone he meets. John Legend is indeed a legend—not because of his incredible music career—but because of how he has made it his mission to make the world a better place for the less fortunate and those who need a voice.

This Legends and Leaders issue has always been my favorite issue to produce. Our writers find the most remarkable people to interview.

These individuals have contributed to our community in ways that strengthen and build our society. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German poet, playwright, novelist, and scientist, said, “A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.” Even hundreds of years later, his quote remains valid. Our leaders and legends bring us together with a common goal of serving a great good.

To me, that is truly motivating.

There are many more encouraging stories in this issue, and we hope that you, too, will be inspired by the work these incredible individuals are doing to make our city, communities, and world a better place for all of us. Reading these articles, I am hopeful that our future is not as bleak as it might seem right now. Slivers of hope shine through the great works that each of these featured leaders and legends are doing. May their ethos, passions, and purpose inspire you, as they have inspired us.

With optimism for a brighter future,

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PHOTO CREDIT: ©VINCENT GOTTI, HAIR AND MAKE UP BY NELLIE MUGANDA

TERESA RODRIGUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Haute Living San Francisco Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com www.HauteLivingSF.com

In this issue, Steph Keay sits down with John and Marcia Goldman, the founders of the EPACENTER in East Palo Alto. The EPACENTER is a wonderful community center that gives at-risk youth a safe place to go, grow, and learn. Next, Noël Burgess introduces us to six bay area women inspiring inclusivity through their successful careers in the wine industry. Then, Becca Hensley writes about builder Robin Nielsen who has been at the forefront of sustainable building design. She assisted former Mayor Gavin Newsome in drafting the clean environmental building codes that have helped our city become a leader in green technology.

Finally, Fran Miller shares the extraordinary work that Meta brand and marketing whiz Eric Topa has done for the AAPI community. Through his passion and life story, he is empowering the AAPI community with his leadership skills.

SAN FRANCISCO’S Contributors CAROLYNE ZINKO

Carolyne Zinko has long kept her antennae on the high life. She is the former editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Silicon Valley magazine and, before that, was a San Francisco Chronicle reporter for 22 years, writing about everything from crime and court hearings to largerthan-life personalities and philanthropic leaders. As a freelance writer, she’s interested in lifestyle, travel, and the arts. When not in front of a keyboard (rare) or playing Wordle on her phone, she can be found tending the garden of the Menlo Park home where she lives with her husband, Dan Dieguez.

NOËL BURGESS

Noël Burgess is an East Coaster living in Northern California wine country. His goal is to promote diversity and inclusion in wine, food, and travel with a focus on the places, the products, and most importantly, the people! Noël’s work can be found in VinePair, Wine Enthusiast, Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, San Francisco Magazine, and many other media platforms. Follow him on Instagram @mrnoelburgess and at noelburgess.com.

SHARON SETO

A graduate of Golden Gate University and serial entrepreneur, Sharon loves the excitement and creativity of the business world and its people. Her addiction to business ventures began with the acquisition of the El Cid Building, site of the famous SF Jazz Mural. She has served as a board member, fundraiser, and event chair for nonprofit organizations, including the SF Symphony Board of Governors, City College of San Francisco Foundation Board, Red Cross Board, National Colorectal Cancer Alliance Board, SF Ballet, and Dress for Success.

BECCA HENSLEY

A bon vivant journalist who believes travel is the ultimate celebration of life awash with lessons waiting to be learned, widely-published, Texas-based Becca Hensley is travel editor for New Orleans Bride and editor-at-large for Insider’s Guide to Spas. In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.

STEPH KEAY

Steph Keay is a Canadian freelance and technical writer currently based in Silicon Valley. After completing her Bachelor of Commerce in her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, she spent a summer in Croatia assisting The Yacht Week with events management on the islands of Hvar and Vis. Formerly in PR/marketing, she has also placed stories for a variety of clients—including tech leaders, international artists, and acclaimed actors and musicians—with ABC, FOX, NBC, San Francisco Chronicle, The Mercury News, American Way, and others.

In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring, photography, and travel— all of which she documents on on her website, StephKeay.com.

LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen and dedicated urbanite who loves walkable cities. As a San Francisco-based travel writer, she enjoys views from its crazy, signature hills following half-a-lifetime promoting her two hometowns—a couple of oh-so-flat places: New York City and London. Laurie’s byline is found in USA Today, CBS, Where Traveler, Haute Living, Epicure, Fast Company, Napa Valley Life Magazine, Food & Travel Magazine, Eater, Google Touring Bird, and other major media titles. She was awarded Yahoo Contributor of the Year and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.

FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

Fran Endicott Miller is a luxury-focused freelance feature writer for a variety of lifestyle publications and websites, editor-at-large for JustLuxe.com, and California editor for luxury travel concierge service Essentialist. Prior, she held positions in the fields of politics, television, and professional sports. She is proud to have established the Golden State Warriors’ first community relations department and programs. When not traveling, she can be found walking her Northern California neighborhood with her beloved golden retrievers, Reggie and Nate.

JENNIFER BODEN

Jennifer is a freelance wine, food, and travel writer based in beautiful Sonoma County and has an extensive career in journalism.

She contributes to KRON 4 News San Francisco, ABC 10News San Diego, and others. Prior to her writing career, she worked for several network affiliates as a news anchor and executive producer.

She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Events CALENDAR

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

Sundays at 2 p.m. through Aug. 14 Stern Grove Festival Beloved since 1938, the annual outdoor music event fills summer Sundays with a program of 10 free concerts set in the natural eucalyptus amphitheater at Sigmund Stern Grove. Sterngrove.org Through Aug. 14 de Young | The Obama Portraits Tour Unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in 2018, the nationwide tour of the official portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. deyoung.famsf.org/exhibitions/Obama-portraits-tour Throughout July and August San Francisco Giants | Oracle Park and Oakland Athletics | Coliseum There’s plenty of summertime action on the diamonds.

The SF Giants play 14 home games in July and 13 games in August, while the Oakland A’s host nine games in July and 15 games in August. Postgame Fireworks Night is July 1 at Oracle Park and on the Fourth of July at the Coliseum. mlb.com/giants and mlb.com/athletics

4 Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July | Half Moon Bay Main Street fills with whimsical floats, marching bands, horses, classically cool cars, decorated trikes and bikes, youth sports teams, dance and theatre troupes, Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy,” American Legion Color Guard, local dignitaries and celebrities for the 51st annual parade. 12 p.m. start. July4th. miramarevents.com “Barack Obama” by Kehinde Wiley

The calendar tells us it’s the height of summer, even when the fog tells us otherwise.

Never mind, one can always find sunshine somewhere in the Bay Area—and plenty of wonderful events to enjoy. Haute Living, San Francisco is a proud media sponsor of the 16th Festival Napa Valley, “The Best 10 Days of Summer,” an annual event that plays a vital part in building a healthy, vibrant community.

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9, 14 & 23 SFJAZZ and Stanford Live Second annual series of evening concerts at historic Frost Amphitheater: a tribute to Linda Ronstadt by Tony nominee Anne Hampton Callaway accompanied

by Stanford Symphony Orchestra (July 9), GRAMMY winner esperanza spalding (July 14), and a doublebill by GRAMMY winning artists Eddie Palmieri and Arturo Sandoval (July 23). sfjazz.org/stanford-live-sfjazzpresent-summer22

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL PORTRAIT

JULY

Events CALENDAR

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF FESTIAL NAPA VALLEY; COURTESY OF MIRAMAR EVENTS; © KIM CARROLL

Festival Napa Valley

15 - 24 Festival Napa Valley In its 16th season, “The Best 10 Days of Summer” opens with Carlo Ponti conducting Leonard Bernstein’s overture to Candide, performed by Festival Orchestra Napa. Vintner’s luncheons, patron dinners, wine tastings, young artists concerts, arts galas, opera, ballet, jazz, fashion show, Festival Live! ... and more.

Haute Living, San Francisco is a proud media sponsor. festivalnapavalley.org

30 - 31 Orchids in the Park | San Francisco Orchid Society Why wait until February for the 70th Pacific Orchid Expo? Orchid lovers mark their calendars for the summer plant sale at the San Francisco County Fair Building, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. both days. orchidsanfrancisco.org

Half Moon Bay Fourth of July

24 San Francisco Marathon The crack of dawn start is 5:40 a.m. at Embarcadero and Mission for the 45th edition of the San Francisco Marathon. Note: The last northbound runner must get on the Golden Gate Bridge by 7:40 a.m. The east sidewalk reopens at 8:30 a.m. and the west bike path reopens for the general public by 10:00 a.m. thesfmarathon.com/full-marathon 29 Elusa Winery and TRUSS Restaurant + Bar Winemaker Jonathan Walden begins the evening with a walk in the vineyard and barrel tastings. Dinner follows in the distinctive Tank Room, a multicourse menu from the TRUSS culinary team with pairings from Elusa Winery’s small lot, hand-crafted vintage wines. trussrestaurantandbar.com

Elusa Winery

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Events CALENDAR

BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR

AUGUST 6-7 29th Art in the Gardens | Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens A Summer Soirée (Aug. 5), live music on the Event Lawn, food and drinks, arts and crafts workshops, art sale, and featured local artist Button Quinn. gardenbythesea.org/ calendar/art-in-the-gardens-2022 9 - 10 43rd Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival The popular street festival showcases distinctive works of artists and craftspeople from around the U.S. alongside live music, select vintages from local wineries, a wide variety of food, and a kid zone. Opening night concert 5 - 7 p.m. bit.ly/38X3FvU

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12 - 13 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert | Davies Symphony Hall The official film concert series is touring major cities worldwide, bringing an experience of the big screen high definition projection accompanied by a full symphony orchestra performing the live musical score.

Harrypotterinconcert.com 13 Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner | Frank Family Vineyards As the sun sets behind the Mayacamas Mountains, there’s live music, bubbles, and hors d’oeuvres prior to a family-style dinner on the front lawn, all paired with Lewis Vineyard Chardonnay and other favorites. frankfamilyvineyards.com/events/chardonnay-lobsterdinner

Funerary mask of Wendjebauendjed Egyptian

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF BROADWAY SF; COURTESY OF FINE ARTS MUSEUMS OF SAN FRANCISCO

Harry Potter Celebration

Events CALENDAR 12 - 14 32nd San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Celebrating jazz since 1986, this year sees 100 acts across 10 stages with acclaimed headliners Ledisi, Lee Fields & The Expressions, Durand Jones & The Indications, Stanley Clarke, and others. Main outdoor stage for the 3-day festival is Plaza de Cesar. sanjosejazz.org 12 - 21 Monterey Car Week Said to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile, this 10-day event attracts enthusiasts to collectors for 30 signature car events, including a road tour, rally, car shows, debuts, races, auctions, arts, and lectures. seemonterey.com/ events/sporting/concours 13 - 14 47th Fine Art in the Park | Los Altos More than 100 juried California artists displaying paintings, sculptures, textiles, wood and glass work, and jewelry for sale over two days in an open-air setting. New wine and beer garden plus music and food under the redwoods at Lincoln Park, Los Altos. rotaryartshow.com

PHOTO CREDITS: © PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS; COURTESY OF BROADWAY SF; COURTESY OF FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS

14 The Big Picnic | Stern Grove Festival Phil Lesh & Friends headlines a free lunchtime concert and annual fundraiser for the Stern Grove Festival. This performance marks the first time a member of the Grateful Dead has performed a free show in San Francisco in over 50 years. Reserve tables available starting Aug. 2. Sterngrove.org 14 - 17 Taste Our Terroir | Livermore Valley Wine Country Livermore Valley wineries offer 13 events throughout four days in the region’s premier wine and food event: a winemaker dinner in an olive orchid, an electric bike tour, a wine and food pairing competition, and much more. LVwine. org 16 - Sept. 11 Oklahoma! | Golden Gate Theatre Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical reimagined for the 21st century is the Tony Award® winner for Best Revival of a Musical. Direct from an acclaimed run on Broadway, this Daniel Fish production is “funny and sexy, provocative and probing.” oklahomabroadway.com 20 Merola Grand Finale | War Memorial Opera House A triumphant end to a transformative 2022 season, the evening features 31 Merolini young artists of the summer program in a dazzling array of opera’s most brilliant works.

Conducted by Maestro Patrick Furrer and directed by 2022 Merola Stage Director Matthew J. Schulz. sfopera.com/aboutus/merola-opera-program/merola-grand-finale

Pebble Beach Concours

20 - Feb. 12, 2023 Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs | de Young Museum Walk among towering statues and immerse yourself in 21st century technology that tells the stories. This state-of-the-art exhibition features items from the New Kingdom—Egypt’s golden age of the 19th Dynasty. The greatest collection of Ramses II objects and Egyptian jewelry ever to travel to the United States. deyoung.famsf.org/exhibitions/ramses-greatand-gold-pharaohs

27 - 28 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Three hundred curated fine art and contemporary craft displays, 60 Italian street painters, sidewalk piano virtuosos, kids’ art studio, stage and street entertainment, gourmet food, fine wines, and microbrews. University Avenue, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. both days. paloaltochamber.com/festival-of-the-arts

21 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Automotive excellence on display as 200 rare and antique automobiles adorn the hallowed fairway at the 18th hole.

Competing for best of show in a one-of-a-kind beauty contest, this is the culmination of Monterey Car Week, a tradition since 1950. Pebblebeachconcours.net 26 18th Annual Flower Power Silent Auction and Luncheon | The Salvation Army Benefiting San Francisco children served by the charity’s after-school and back-to-school programs in neighborhoods across the city. Silent auction and floral design show, featuring designer John James and Juliette Goodrich, KPIX 5, as emcee at the in-person event. Fairmont Hotel, 12 - 2 p.m. sanfrancisco.salvationarmy.org/san_francisco/flower-power 27 Napa Nola | Charles Krug Winery Summer Sessions New Orleans comes to Napa Valley, a mini-festival of celebrated NOLA musicians paired with classic Creole and Cajun grub. The lineup features Rebirth Brass Band, Raw Oyster Cult (formerly The Radiators), Leo Nocentelli (The Meters), Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (Wild Magnolias), John “Papa” Gros, and DJ Harry Duncan. 12 - 5 p.m. bluenotenapa.com

OKLAHOMA!

Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner, Frank Family Vineyards

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HAUTE WINE

CHATEAU MONTELENA Celebrating 50 years under the creative stewardship of the Barrett Family

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS

"

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PHOTO COURTESY OF POTION ADAPTOGENIC BREWS PHOTO CREDIT: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

WHEN WE FIRST SAW THE GHOST WINERY IN 1972, the vineyards were neglected, the cellar floor was dirt, and there was no equipment to speak of. Nevertheless, we had a vision and recruited the right people throughout the years to build Montelena into what it is today," Bo Barrett shares as he leads us through the wine caves he built throughout the years.

We meander through over a kilometer of caves as Barrett shares the intrepid stories that make this winery and his life so unique. "When we ran out of money, the cave just stopped, so we had to deal with it until we had enough money to start digging again. When that happens, you get very creative." Bo laughs as he takes a sip of the 50th Anniversary Chardonnay created especially for this year's celebrations.

To truly appreciate the history of Chateau Montelena, let's step back in time. The story begins in 1882, when San Francisco entrepreneur A.L. Tubbs bought 254 acres of rugged land to build a winery. He planted the first vineyards

Three of the pours we enjoyed at Chateau Montelena

HAUTE WINE

and built the famous château. By 1896, A.L. Tubbs Winery was one of the largest in Napa Valley and thrived before Prohibition. In 1933, Chapin Tubbs revived the winery and increased production over the next decade. Unfortunately, in 1945, Tubbs could not continue making wine, so he sold the vineyards and shut down operations.

In 1958, the property was sold to Yort and Jeanie Frank, a Chinese couple who immigrated to the U.S. before WWII and converted the defunct winery into their residence.

Yort excavated a lake below the château and landscaped the grounds to reflect his homeland. He named the area "Jade Lake," a tribute to Jeanie's nickname. Jade Lake is still there, flourishing with wildlife and lush foliage.

Chardonnay block at Chateau Montelena

PHOTO CREDITS: © NOËL BURGESS; COURTESY OF CARMELCALIFORNIA.COM; © NOËL BURGESS

In 1972, Jim Barrett, Bo's father, purchased the estate. Jim recognized the potential in the exceptional property and replanted the vineyard. Four years later, Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world by winning the Judgment of Paris in 1976. Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay was selected as the top-ranking wine in a blind tasting of four white Burgundies and six California Chardonnays at this pivotal event. The win was a coup for Napa Valley winemakers and a victory for Californian wines. The triumph inspired a movie titled Bottle Shock, based on the incredible events that led up to Chateau Montelena's win.

Marilyn Tam, Kevin Barrett, Bo Barrett, and Heidi Barrett

Old vine Zinfandel at Chateau Montelena

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HAUTE WINE

Chateau Montelena’s Winemaker, Matt Crafton

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Bo Barrett

“The past 50 years have been truly remarkable for Chateau Montelena.

We look forward to the next 50 and the incredible wines that will be produced on this magical plot of land hidden in the grassy enclaves of Calistoga.”

PHOTO CREDIT: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

"Bottle Shock is not a documentary; it’s a fanciful embellishment upon the spirit of the times and the creativity of the times, and that, I think, was accurate," shares Barrett.

Today, Chateau Montelena is honored on the National Register of Historic Places and stands as a quality icon, consistently producing some of California's most refined and sought-after wines.

Matt Crafton, Chateau Montelena's winemaker, is a spry young man with a clear future vision. He is successfully merging Old World traditions with leading-edge innovations.

"We aim to express a wine of place and vintage. The goal is to paint with all the colors of the year, with the character of our vineyard as the common thread connecting past vintages. At the winery, we've invested in modern equipment that gives us the flexibility to adapt or change course at a moment's notice. As we experience the expression of the fruit, we can fine-tune or even make radical changes in the cellar to showcase the vintage's potential. Creativity and curiosity are encouraged and shared as we're empowered to try new ideas."

The past 50 years have been truly remarkable for Chateau Montelena. We look forward to the next 50 and the incredible wines that will be produced on this magical plot of land hidden in the grassy enclaves of Calistoga.

HAUTE WINE This year the winery celebrates 50 years of excellence in winemaking with a few opportunities for the public to experience this golden milestone.

50th Anniversary Chardonnay Chateau Montelena’s 50th Anniversary Chardonnay is a limited-production release, previously available through pre-sale as a member exclusive. This special Chardonnay pays homage to their 1973 Chardonnay which won the Judgment of Paris, as it's crafted as a blend of the three original vineyards from the legendary vintage.

This release is offered as a 3-pack set in 750-milliliter bottles, designed with special packaging as a tribute to the original label and hand-waxed finishing. There are also a few hidden details on the label, such as colorful fireworks that appear in the sky behind the château once the bottle is chilled.

Although this wine quickly sold out in pre-sale, keep an eye out for limited-edition releases from Montelena in the future.

Pouring some Chateau Montelena magic

A Celebration of 50 Years

Legendary vintages from Chateau Montelena

Guests can also take part in the golden anniversary celebration with a new tasting experience offered only in 2022. This unique experience will fully immerse you in the wines, history, and future of Chateau Montelena.

Your experience will include a private tour (luxury transportation included) hosted by a Montelena guide, showcasing handpicked Montelena wines and vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Tour and tasting will begin in the Oak Knoll District at the John Muir Hanna vineyard, one of the original vineyards composing the historic 1973 Chardonnay. The second stop will be a gourmet, curated lunch with wine pairings. The third stop will be at Montelena's Davies vineyard in Calistoga for a tour and tasting of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel wines. The final stop will be at the Montelena Estate, where guests will experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the cellar, caves, grounds, and vineyard—the cellar and caves are usually not accessible to the public.

A final tasting will be held inside the château, opening to a private balcony overlooking the estate and Jade Lake. Tasting will begin with a collection of library Chardonnay wines and will continue with select vintages of estate Cabernet Sauvignon across all five decades of Barrett ownership, hand-selected by CEO and owner Bo Barrett. Crafted bites from a local Calistoga partner will accompany each wine, and guests will each receive a keepsake, limited-edition Riedel glass etched exclusively to celebrate Chateau Montelena's 50th anniversary and the opportunity to purchase rare library wines on the day of tasting. Price: $1,000 per person.

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HAUTE SHOPPING

CROWN YOURSELF Tip Your Hat with These Six Stylish Head Accessories

BY BECCA HENSLEY

TO QUOTE IRISH HAUTE COUTURE MILLINER Philip Anthony Treacy OBE (often described as the greatest living milliner): “How a hat makes you feel is what a hat’s all about.” To whit, while hats can shield you from the sun, complete your outfit, or keep your head warm (or cool), they most of all bespeak your stylish soul. Here’s to donning more hats, preferably at rakish angles.

“Hatpreneur” (and model) Kai Lassen has lived around the world. She brings her savoir faire to her custom hats (also sold as ready to wear online and at trunk shows). The Kelly, made with rabbit fur felt in sky blue, is a wide brimmed fedora stitched with wildflower embroidery. $545 kailassen.com

2.

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Based in the hip mountain town of Boulder, Colorado where the sun shines almost every day, woman-owned Wallaroo Hat Company remains at the forefront of design innovation, intent on providing stylish ways to protect the face from harmful rays. The St. Lucia, made with UPF 50+ fabric and enhanced by a 4-inch brim, is packable and versatile. It comes in a navy combo or mixed beige. $59 wallaroohats.com

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF WALLAROO HAT COMPANY; COURTESY OF KAI LASSEN; COURTESY OF WALLAROO HAT COMPANY

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3.

HAUTE SHOPPING

Celebrity milliner Christine A. Moore presents her stunningly theatrical chapeaux in the Bay Area at the Berkeley Hat Company (berkeleyhat.com), but she works from her studio (Christine A. Moore Millinery) in Midtown Manhattan’s fashion district. She has created hats for the likes of LeAnn Rimes and Mary J. Blige. Inspired by Christine’s background in costume design, the Antonella, a captivating cross between a hat and a fascinator, is hand-dyed and hand-blocked with large, flowing horsehair bows. $835 www.camhats.com

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF BERKELEY HAT COMPANY; COURTESY O FLEA STYLE; COURTESY OF SINGITA; COURTESY OF DULUTH TRADING CO.

4.

5.

Drenched in history, Mule Alley, a restored destination ensconced within the Fort Worth Stockyards, brims with curiosities and collectables— many with western flair. At Flea Style, one of its defining unique boutiques, shoppers can indulge in an experiential hat bar, complete with an in-house hat maker. One-of-a-kind hat creations rule the day— as in the Maia Hat with its wide brim, feathers, and vintage baubles. $168 fleastyle.com

6.

From Best Made, a timeless American brand now part of the Duluth Trading Co., the Stetson Burnet Hat reflects classic western style with its soft rabbit fur felt and “cattleman” crown, a unique shape in the history of cowboy chic. Look for the hand-braided horsehair hat band accent! Stetson, which continues to craft hats by way of its storied, historic technique, was founded in 1865 by John B. Stetson. $149 duluthtrading.com

Last year, Singita, one of the world’s most renowned conservation and eco-tourism brands and the creators of some of Africa’s best safari lodges, launched the Singita Boutique & Gallery.

Conveying various objets d’art and practical gifts for travelers, most created in collaboration with local craftspeople, the store sells a variety of hats. Array yourself with the Singita Panama Hat, hand-woven from papa toquilla, a palm leaf fiber in Ecuador. $93 singitastores.com 21

HAUTE KITCHEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH SHARON SETO

BY SHARON SETO | PHOTOS BY ROBERT B RICHARDS

A

NYTHING IS POPSICLE DURING SUMMER! ALTHOUGH we are still dealing with remnants of the pandemic, summer magically dispels that! When The Vault Steakhouse opened, I found myself going back time and again with family and friends because of its delicious food and exceptional service. Recently, I had the utmost pleasure to meet the wizard behind The Vault, who turned out to be a really cool guy: executive chef and partner Jason Halverson. Although Chef Halverson describes himself as a “fun guy,” when it comes to food, he brings serious eats to the table.

Under his belt—or, should we say, under his chef’s coat—includes working with some of the best chefs in some of San Francisco’s most revered kitchens.

At Roland Passot at La Folie, one of the historic 4-star restaurants in San Francisco, Halverson developed a strong foundation in French/California cuisine, while understanding the needs and tastes of his guests in the charming Russian Hill neighborhood.

As an up-and-coming talent ascending the ranks of San Francisco’s culinary scene, Chef Halverson was offered the opportunity to

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work with Chris L’Hommedieu at the Westin St. Francis on Union Square at Michael Mina. Halverson was an integral team member contributing to the restaurant’s garnering two Michelin stars. As his career progressed, he moved on in 2010 to open Michael Mina at 252 California Street and continued to grow his talent and skills under Ron Siegel, ultimately becoming Siegel’s executive sous chef before leaving to start Hi Neighbor with a young, dynamic crew of other Mina Group alumnae, including Ryan Cole and Tai Ricci.

Rooted in the culture and discipline of these award-winning kitchens with an appreciation for simply prepared, Californiacentric cuisine, Halverson strives to provide consistently craveworthy food in an environment that matches his personality, which he describes simply as fun. He currently brings this energy and delectable cuisine to the kitchens at Stones Throw, Corridor, and Trestle, a 2-time Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient and San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 restaurant. These restaurants center on going back to dining basics by offering great value, high quality food, a convivial atmosphere, and an elevated level of service.

Halverson was named Eater’s Best Chef in San Francisco for 2015.

HAUTE KITCHEN

HL: If you make a meal to impress, what would you make and for whom?

JH: The people I love cooking for most are friends and family, even if I’m trying to impress. What’s common is preparing what I enjoy eating. I’d start with the simplest preparation of oysters, and, if we’re feeling bougie or I really need to impress, we’re having some caviar. It doesn’t stop there: meat and potatoes make people weirdly happy, and I’m all for people’s happiness.

Slow-roasted prime rib or a beautifully roasted rack of lamb with a simple preparation of potatoes, crushed and seasoned with extra virgin olive oil, sel gris, and chives.

HL: Share a chef "secret" for home cooks.

JH: Use an acid when seasoning your food. Most home cooks will season their food with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices, but generally forget acid. Vinegar, citrus, wine, and some alcohol will help the seasoning process and make the flavors of your food stand out. A little goes a long way, but finding that balance in acid always makes food pop. On suitable dishes, it makes me salivate, wanting another bite.

Also, don’t be afraid of using more oil and butter than what seems “normal.” Adding just a little more oil to a pan to cook or finish a sauce or adding just a little more butter than what you expected can help with the quality of your dishes.

HL: What are your five top ingredients to cook a great steak?

JH: Five? When cooking a great steak, quality of ingredients and simplicity in preparation reign supreme. Pick your favorite cut— mine is ribeye—and find the best quality you can. I prefer a thicker cut which gives me a little more time to get a nice sear on my steak. I also make sure I have a very hot pan. At home, I have my go-to cast iron pan: once it gets hot, it stays hot. I use a nice, coarse salt and a thick grind of black pepper (season liberally). Also, after I get a nice sear on my steak, I do like to baste the meat using a nice butter and a few aromatics, like garlic, shallot, and thyme.

HL: Who are the guinea pig taste testers for your new creations and why?

JH: The guinea pigs are usually my chef team or trusted members of the staff. They do a great job of giving feedback. They take everything into account, focusing a lot on the seasoning, textures, and if it solves what we’re trying to accomplish.

They’re way more critical than anyone else can be, so when it’s good, it can feel like the highest of achievements, and when it’s bad … utterly disheartening.

FAVORITE MOTTO

“More butter!

Everything tastes a little better with more butter.

The same applies to cheese..”

— JA S O N H A LV E RS O N

HL: Any future aspirations?

JH: One big aspiration is to open more restaurants and give our talented staff an outlet to grow. I can’t begin to describe how fortunate we are to have amazing people in our company, and I want them to be able to grow with us to be their most successful selves.

HL: What are the top three restaurants you enjoy on your days off?

JH: That’s such a hard question to answer: there are so many great restaurants; but restaurants that I consistently enjoy in San Francisco on my days off are the following: 1. Monsieur Benjamin. I love everything about the food: it’s what I like to eat, and the service there is top-notch. It’s comforting and exciting, all at the same time.

2. Cotogna. There are not enough good words to describe Cotogna.

3. El Burrito Express. My favorite taqueria: this is controversial in the Bay Area, but I’m willing to get into a verbal altercation over this statement.

4. House of Prime Rib. Bonus! No explanation is needed.

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HAUTE KITCHEN

Shellfish Tower

Serves 6-8 Recipe courtesy of The Vault Steakhouse INGREDIENTS • 18 each West Coast oysters or choose your favorite raw oyster • 18 each prawns, poached and peeled • 2 pounds Dungeness crab legs • 2 each 1.5-pound lobsters, steamed • 18 each pink bay scallops, shucked and cleaned Boozy Cocktail Sauce • 1 cup ketchup • 2 tablespoon lemon juice • 2 tablespoon minced shallots • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • ¼ cup prepared horseradish • 1 teaspoon Tabasco Dijonnaise • ½ cup Dijon mustard • ½ cup crème fraiche • ¼ cup aioli or mayonnaise • 1 pinch kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS: To make the cocktail sauce 1. Combine ketchup, lemon juice, minced shallots, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a mixing bowl. Mix well.

2. Add half of each: prepared horseradish and Tabasco.

Mix well. Taste, and if more spice is desired, add the remaining horseradish and Tabasco.

3. Store in an air-tight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

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To make the dijonaise 1. Combine Dijon mustard, crème fraîche, and aioli in a mixing bowl and mix well. Season with kosher salt.

2. Refrigerate in an air-tight container. Serve chilled.

To make the red wine mignonette 1. Combine the red wine vinegar, minced shallot, black pepper, and tarragon in a bowl. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.

2. Just before serving, add the Sprite.

Assembly 1. Place your prepared sauces into sauce ramekins.

2. Arrange the prepared shellfish over iced trays.

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

Red Wine & Tarragon Mignonette • ¼ cup minced shallots • ½ cup red wine vinegar • 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper • 1 sprig tarragon • ¼ cup Sprite

HAUTE KITCHEN

Herb Roasted Prime Rib Serves 8-10 Recipe courtesy of The Vault Steakhouse Ask your butcher to help you prepare your prime rib. If you ask nicely, they’ll often “French” the roast, which is cleaning the bones to be slightly exposed, offering your guests a great presentation. The butcher will also truss the roast, helping hold the roast together in a uniform shape and size, which is great for presentation, but more important for the meat to cook through consistently.

INGREDIENTS • 11 pounds bone-in prime rib, tied (ask your butcher) • 3 pounds soft butter • ½ cup minced shallot • ¼ cup minced garlic • ¼ cup picked thyme • ¼ cup minced rosemary • ¼ cup kosher salt • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

Horseradish Cream • 1 cup crème fraîche • ½ cup aioli or mayonnaise • ½ cup prepared horseradish • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon kosher salt • 1 pinch ground white pepper Red Wine Jus • 1 pound beef trim, medium dice • 2 tablespoon canola oil • 1 cup medium diced carrot • 1 cup medium diced celery • 2 cups medium diced onion • 2 cups red wine • ½ bunch thyme • 2 sprigs parsley • 1 head of garlic, split in half • 1 tablespoon black peppercorn • 2 quarts veal demi-glacé

INSTRUCTIONS: To make the herb roasted prime rib 1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Combine the butter, minced herbs, shallot, garlic, salt, and pepper into a mixing bowl and mix well. Rub the herb butter all over the trussed prime rib. Place the roast onto a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.

3. Place the roast into the hot oven, using the heat to sear the outside. Allow cooking at this high temperature for about 12-15 minutes. Lower the temperature down to 300 degree Fahrenheit and cook until the internal temperature reaches 122 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately 110 to 125 minutes.

4. Once the internal temperature has been reached, pull the roast out of the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 20 to 25 minutes before serving.

To make horseradish cream 1. Combine all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and stir, mixing all the ingredients together well.

2. Chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to come together.

To make the red wine jus 1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the oil and beef trim. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to brown on all sides in the pan. Once the beef is brown, add in the diced mirepoix, allowing it to brown as well.

2. Once vegetables are brown, add in the wine and allow to come to a boil. Once the liquid comes to a boil, add in the remainder of your ingredients, allow it to come to a boil, and lower the heat to medium-low.

3. Let the sauce cook for about 45 minutes, skimming off any impurities that rise to the top.

4. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve and reserve the sauce until ready to use.

Assembly: 1. Bring your red wine jus back to a boil.

2. Cut the strings off your prime rib. Using a large knife, cut the meat off the bone. Slice the beef into its desired thickness. (I’m a huge fan of the thin slice, English cut.)

3. Serve with hot jus and horseradish cream.

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HAUTE KITCHEN

“In life, you’re put into situations that you can control and situations you cannot control. Make the best of the things you can control and try not to worry about the ones that you can't. Hopefully, all the things in your control keep you out of situations that you cannot.”

— JA S O N H A LV E RS O N

Olive Oil Crushed Potatoes Serves 6 Recipe courtesy of The Vault Steakhouse This is an easy preparation of potatoes that always seems to please. A great recipe when entertaining. Sel gris is a coarse salt that adds texture to this dish, but if it’s not available, choose another coarse salt like sea salt or Maldon salt. Another trick to these potatoes is that, instead of crushing them with a fork, you can also push the cooked potatoes through a cooling rack and then begin the seasoning process.

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INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cook the potatoes in a large pot, starting with cold, salted water.

Over high heat, bring the potatoes to a boil. Once cooked through (a knife should easily pierce and release the potato), strain the water.

2. While the potatoes are hot, place them in a large bowl and lightly crush them with a large fork. While crushing, slowly add the olive oil. Season with the sel gris.

3. Once the potatoes are seasoned with olive oil and salt, finish the mixture with the minced shallots and chives.

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

INGREDIENTS • 3 pounds fingerling potatoes • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil • 4 tablespoons minced shallots • ¼ cup minced chives • Sel gris to taste

HAUTE KITCHEN

Black Truff le Mac & Cheese Serves 6 Recipe courtesy of The Vault Steakhouse This is a classic dish that uses great pasta, some beautiful cheese, and truffle (black or white) to make an out-of-this-world dish. To make it extra decadent, add freshly cooked lobster meat.

INGREDIENTS • 1 pound fresh conchigliette (small shell) pasta Cheese sauce • ½ cup unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon minced garlic • 4 tablespoons minced shallots • ½ cup all-purpose flour • 4 cups whole milk • ¾ cup finely shredded sharp white cheddar, preferably Fiscalini • ½ cup finely shredded fontina cheese • ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons finely chopped black truffles, preferably fresh • 1 tablespoon black truffle oil • 2 tablespoons finely minced chives

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

Breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • 1 tablespoon black truffle butter • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1 cup fresh, untoasted breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons finely minced chives INSTRUCTIONS: To make the cheese sauce 1. In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.

2. Add the garlic and shallots and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until soft, about 3 minutes.

3. Add the flour and stir to combine.

4. Reduce heat to low and cook the flour mixture for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Whisk in the milk, stirring well to ensure there are no lumps of flour.

6. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the milk starts to thicken, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.

7. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheeses.

8. Continue to stir until the cheeses are fully melted.

9. Keep warm.

To make the breadcrumbs 1. In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter and the truffle butter.

2. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic.

3. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, stirring frequently.

4. Add the breadcrumbs and toast in the butter until golden brown, stirring frequently, about 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Add the chives and stir to combine.

6. Keep warm.

Assembly 1. Cook the pasta to al dente in a large pot of boiling, salted water.

2. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

3. Add the chopped black truffles, truffle oil, and minced chives. Mix well.

4. Divide the macaroni and cheese between six warm bowls and top liberally with the warm toasted breadcrumbs.

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HAUTE CUISINE

Tomahawk ribeye at Miller & Lux

H OM E CO U RT ADVANTAG E:

TYLER FLORENCE’S MILLER & LUX The Food Network star’s Thrive City fine dining restaurant exudes throwback glamour that guests find irresistible.

BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY JASON PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

I

T’S EARLY FRIDAY EVENING PRIOR TO A GOLDEN STATE Warriors playoff game and Thrive City’s Miller & Lux is hopping.

Proprietor Tyler Florence, author of 16 cookbooks and longtime star of the Food Network, greets his Warrior logo-donned guests as if they are entering his home. Warm and charming, Florence’s hospitality is genuine, as are his culinary skills which he demonstrates tableside while making an incredibly delicious and entirely curated Caesar salad for which the restaurant is well known. Each ingredient has a backstory which Florence describes in detail as he mixes the dressing and scissor cuts purple Romaine lettuce leaves from a single stalk, grown specifically for the restaurant and for this salad at Sonoma Hills Farm in Petaluma by the former garden manager of The French Laundry.

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Tyler Florence

HAUTE CUISINE

“We are striving to make the best Caesar salad in the world,” said Florence as he topped the offering with a Spanish anchovy.

The theatrical aspect of the preparation (which includes a twist of pepper from a cartoon-like, 4-foot pepper mill) adds to the salad’s allure, as does the bespoke salad cart from which it is made. Florence commissioned a Hollywood prop builder to create a series of these carts for Miller & Lux. In addition to the salad cart, the restaurant features a champagne/sparkling wine cart, a dessert cart, and a Dover sole cart. This “there for the taking” impression in which items are enticingly wheeled past patrons is very much a part of the restaurant’s appeal. It creates a party-like vibe where Florence serves as congenial host as often as his hectic travel and production schedule allow. Whenever he is in town, the Corte Madera resident can be found helming the Miller & Lux kitchen.

Miller & Lux, his second San Francisco eatery (his other is Wayfare Tavern), is the successful result of a deliberate vision. A lifelong fan of the steakhouse genre, Florence seeks to recreate for guests the sense of “special occasion” wonder he felt as a youth when visiting his local steakhouse in South Carolina. “I loved the ceremony of it all,” said Florence. “The restaurant would display a tray of different cuts, and you’d make your choice. It always felt super impressive.”

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT RICHARDS

Miller & Lux dining room

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Caesar salad preparation

HAUTE CUISINE Located on Terry A. Francois Boulevard, Florence’s brick and mortar ode to his youth finds itself closely associated with the city’s glittering entertainment complex. Also open for lunch, its tables are booked weeks prior to scheduled basketball games and concerts, where diners are delighted with the reasonably priced valet parking, the secret back entrance to Chase Center, and the ability to store leftovers with the restaurant for post-event pick-up. Miller & Lux is also developing a singular reputation as a stand-alone hot spot beyond its Chase Center magnetism. The bespoke cocktails, luxurious Ken Fulk-designed interiors, Sinatra-esque playlist, and large bay front windows make this sumptuous steakhouse (and its intimate lower level bar) a destination wherein to see and be seen, Warrior game or not. Bonus: the food is spectacularly delicious.

Named for two butchers known as the “Cattle Kings of California” who at the turn of the 20th century owned a butcher shop in this same Thrive City site, Miller & Lux exudes throwback, mid-century glamour inspired by legendary Hollywood hangout Chasen’s. Leather banquettes and circular booths line the perfectly illuminated, honeyand caramel-hued dining room. Tables are custom cut and padded, draped with high thread count tablecloths, each ironed before every seating. The silverware is bespoke, the haute quotient is high, and the menu of decadent offerings more than meets any expectations that this posh environment might arouse. The dishes are recognizable, but their carefully curated and sourced ingredients and creative preparation make them best in class. Starters, in addition to the classic Caesar, include caviar doughnuts, crème fraîche-filled bits of goodness topped with Kaluga caviar. Humble deviled eggs are elevated with a touch of truffle. The artful spinach and artichoke dip bears no resemblance to what one might consider the standard, and that’s a wonderful thing.

A raw bar highlight is the plateau de fruits de mer, offering a generous sampling of blue fin tuna tartare imported from Hawaii, perfectly blanched and succulent shrimp from Louisiana, a light and fresh scallop crudo, and a dozen Humboldt Bay oysters. And though the French Dover sole, finished tableside on its bespoke cart, is enticing, as are the chicken Milanese and the seared Ōra King salmon, this is, after all, a beef house, and to deny oneself would be a shame. Florence sources the best; he is perpetually seeking the most outstanding grass-fed, grain-finished beef, for which he then adds 45-day dry aging to develop what he calls the “salami aroma.” The restaurant’s selections include a 10-ounce filet mignon, a 20-ounce New York strip, a 46-ounce tomahawk ribeye, a 40-ounce Holstein bone-in porterhouse, a 6-ounce Wagyu filet mignon, and an impressive, 52-ounce, Instagram-worthy Wagyu tomahawk—each served with a choice of sauces: green peppercorn, bordelaise, fresh tarragon, béarnaise, or creamed horseradish. Finish off any of the dishes with a shave of Burgundy summer truffles.

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Truffle deviled egg

Plateau de mer

HAUTE CUISINE

“For me, when you walk into a great restaurant, it needs to check three boxes.

The ambiance needs to be spectacular, the service needs to be top notch, and the food needs to be amazing.”

— TYLER FLORENCE

Florence prepares French Dover sole

Greyhound’s Tooth cocktail

Karla Marro, formerly of two Michelin-starred Acquarello, is Miller & Lux’s pastry chef. Save room for her incredibly unique dessert creations, each presented tableside in a delectable display of culinary decadence. Marro’s offerings are not always a “what you see is what you get” proposition. The perfect, chocolate-dipped strawberry and the brightly hued mango are beautiful illusions, each containing tasty surprises.

Just as Miller & Lux’s ambiance is classic, so too are its curated cocktails, each made with seasonal ingredients and artisanal spirits from around the world. An extensive wine list featuring some of the best local and European labels provides innumerable choices; and if a favorite is not spotted, ask the sommelier what he/she secretly might have stashed away. Miller & Lux always aims to please.

“For me, when you walk into a great restaurant, it needs to check three boxes,” said Florence. “The ambiance needs to be spectacular, the service needs to be top notch, and the food needs to be amazing.”

By his own standards, or by any standard for that matter, Miller & Lux undoubtedly qualifies.

Miller & Lux glows in the shadow of Chase Center

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CHARITY

ROAD WARRIORS Napa 750 car rally raises over $150,000 for St. Helena Hospital

R

ICK KAUFMAN UNLEASHES THE POWER OF HIS 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 on a country road winding through the serene rolling hills through Guerneville. The engine hums as he takes the next turn. He downshifts and starts sharing the story of his love of cars and supporting his community.

"I created the Napa Valley 750 to reciprocate with my fellow car guy/gal buddies across the land who consistently invite me to rallies across the country. For over 20 years, my fellow motorheads have been incredibly hospitable; I had no way to reciprocate. Every time I flew home from an out-of-town rally, I found myself elated from the trip and even more excited about returning home to Northern California and Napa Valley specifically. My family has been in Napa County for

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nearly 50 years, and the magic of Napa is something special all should see. That is to say, driving Colorado 62 from Montrose to Telluride is stunning, passing the amber colors of aspen raining down. Utah Route 128 down to Moab is epic. I think Enzo Ferrari designed the Columbo V12 to be heard echoing upon the cliffs. Montana 191 from Big Sky to Bozeman along the Gallatin River is what dreams are made of, like U.S. 193 in Arizona's Monument Valley. However, the food and wine in those places aren't the same as in Napa Valley. So, I figured if we could combine our amazing, scenic byways with the finest food and wine experiences in wine country, it’d be even better.

It'd give me a chance to invite folks to come to see for themselves what 'California Dreams' really means."

PHOTO CREDITS: ROBERT B RICHARDS

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS

CHARITY

HL: How did your love affair with cars start?

RK: In 1985, Aaron Hagar and I were stuffing Kleenex into the bow of his 1959 Alfa, attempting to keep the rain out as we drove home from boarding school. It worked enough to get us back to Mill Valley from Pebble Beach. Then, in 1995, Barry Singh asked me to go to the Virginia City Hill Climb—a whole new level of psychological and mechanical perseverance against the elements.

In his M5, we drove from UC Davis to Carson City, ate steak at Adele's, and staggered across U.S. 395 to the Hardman House, a modest motel with plastic-wrapped soap bars almost as old as Barry. Breakfast at Heidi's back across U.S. 395 was the first time I risked my life jaywalking for mediocre coffee and pancakes. We spent the day watching Ferrari after Ferrari, and the occasional Cobra or Mustang, snake up the hill from Silver City to Virginia City: 5.2 miles, 21 turns, and 1,200 feet of elevation. It was hot. It smelled of gasoline and oil. Egos were left at home. It would not be the last time we had a quick coffee and pancakes early before gasoline and slithering roads.

In 2003, the Gumball 3000. Sometimes it's good to learn what not to do. Harry Matthews, thank God, started the Peak to Peak in 2004. What a must-do every year! Colorado has so many wonderful people and places to see. The roads are stunning and the scenery incredible. Ferraris, Fords, Porsches, Lotuses, Morgans, and more—driving there has been lifesaving. The Winklers have made sure that tradition carries on.

Aaron Hagar and I decided we needed such a thing here. The winery in Grand Junction was not exactly the fertile slopes of St. Helena. So, with these great people, cars, scenery, and experiences, it became clear that it was time to do a rally here in California and share the beauty of California's wine country with fellow car enthusiasts.

HL: When was the first Napa Valley 750, The Wine Country Road Rally?

RK: 2020 was the first Napa Valley 750, The Wine Country Road Rally. Through the pandemic and chaos, the April event moved to August, with its heat, social distancing, empty roads, and emptier wineries. Critical highways were closed for resurfacing during the lockdown; it seemed maybe it was not meant to be. Perseverance, it turns out, is not just an essential homemaker's or businessperson's attribute, but also a rally's essential ingredient. The 2020 Napa Valley 750 lost only a radiator, tire, and door handle. We managed to bring together those people, places, and machines and raised money for charities along the way.

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CHARITY While the warm sun sets across the vineyards at Harvest Inn (the official sponsor of the Napa 750), guests gather for a delicious, multicourse dinner paired with festive Rombauer wines, and we take a moment to talk with Aaron Hagar—yes, Sammy Hagar's son.

"Rick Kaufman and I have been talking about doing a rally for as long as I can remember. We grew up together since we were young teenagers in the 1980s and have been sharing car experiences our entire life. I used to shuttle him back and forth in my 1958 Alfa Romeo from our Monterey school back to Marin before he could drive. I'm a few years older than Rick, so I was ahead in the game. His father used to have me drive his classic cars between homes before Rick could drive them. It's wonderful that Rick has acquired almost all the vehicles in his father’s collection and continues to preserve, drive, and share the experiences with his children.

“With that, we eventually organized our passions and created the Napa Valley 750 to celebrate everything that has culminated through our relationships, desires, business, and every ounce of passion in life. I was more on the racetrack, and Rick has spent the last 30-plus years doing car rallies all over the country. So, he had the experience of organizing one. I've always been a creative collaborator, including the art for the rally and the auction which has substantially contributed to the funding we can give the St. Helena Memorial Hospital Foundation every year. It's an honor to be able to make an impact and give back to those in need and do it locally. There is much to celebrate in wine country, and I don’t think we’ve missed any detail in showcasing its abundance of joy and beauty with the Napa Valley 750. We will strive to evolve it and keep the rally luxurious but visceral in its driving experience, something those classic cars are so very good at providing."

About the Napa Valley 750: The Wine Country Road Rally The Napa Valley 750: The Wine Country Road Rally is an annual charity tour for sports and race cars of distinction manufactured in 1972 or earlier. The event was founded in 2020 by Napa automotive enthusiast Rick Kaufman and his lifelong friend, Aaron Hagar. As the vineyards break bud and the spring growing season begins, approximately 25 vintage cars are driven in a relaxed, non-competitive event, wandering some 750 miles through Northern California’s wine country over four days. The rally is a pleasure drive; spectators are invited to see the cars and meet their owners. In addition, participants enjoy the region’s scenic roads by day and winemaker dinners at some of the world's finest wineries.

The tour attracts entrants from around the USA and always includes several 1950s and 1960s cars. In any given year, makes include Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, Shelby, Morgan, and Lancia. The Napa Valley 750 has generated well over $150,000 for the Saint Helena Hospital Foundation.

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PHILANTHROPY

A DREAM COME TRUE John and Marcia Goldman asked the youth of East Palo Alto to let their imaginations run wild, then made their ideas a reality.

BY STEPH KEAY

The brand new youth creative development center in East Palo Alto

A

lbert Einstein once said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” I was reminded of this recently when I caught up with my 7-year-old niece after two long years. She had composed no fewer than three original songs, drew spitting images of cartoon characters on her iPad, and proudly shared the groundwork for a business she had started with her classmates—complete with business cards. “She could rule the 36

world someday,” I thought to myself.

Given the tools and space to express themselves, kids can astound with their boundless imagination. What could we learn from the youth of today if we listened more? What if we gave them questions and asked them to find solutions? What if we put real decision-making power into their hands? One Bay Area couple wondered the same.

Atherton philanthropists John and Marcia Goldman originally established their foundation in 1997 to involve their children in giving. Having spent time in East Palo Alto—John a lifeguard and Marcia a swim instructor working with children with disabilities—the couple of more than 40 years were also set on making underserved youth in the San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties one of their priorities.

“After the dot-com boom, there was a perception that poverty didn’t exist on the peninsula,” said John. “But because of our personal involvement in communities like East Menlo Park and East Palo Alto, we knew that wasn’t true.” In communities such as East Palo Alto, the median income is still less than half that of neighboring Palo Alto.

PHOTO CREDIT: © COURTESY OF THE JOHN & MARCIA GOLDMAN FOUNDATION

Dance instructor Cassi Coleman tours the new building

PHILANTHROPY The area was known for having the highest homicide rate in the country just 30 years ago. Despite that, East Palo Alto was on the mend. In the late 2000s, the Goldmans hoped an investment in the community would drive even more positive change for generations to come. That begged the question as to what the best way was to help.

For the answer, John and Marcia took a surprising route: asking the local youth themselves. “Who knows better what’s best for a community than the people who benefit directly?” said John. Marcia. He explained that they asked their executive director—who worked closely with the youth of East Palo Alto on several of the foundation’s grants—to ask youth what they would want if there weren’t any limitations.

After two years of discussion, outreach, debate, and decision-making, the Goldmans had their answer: an arts and music center specifically for East Palo Alto youth.

This would fill a much-needed gap in the area for quality arts instruction, critical to developing minds: students who take four years of arts and music classes average almost 100 points better on their SAT scores, and students in under-resourced neighborhoods who study the arts are five times less likely to drop out of school.

They are also more than twice as likely

PHOTO CREDIT:© VINCENT GOTTI

Chef Alaun Grimaud teaches a culinary arts class in EPACENTER's restaurant-grade kitchen

Students let loose in EPACENTER's professional dance studio

to attend college. Youth were asked to present their findings to the Goldmans, not knowing they were the ones who originally posed the question. “After we introduced ourselves and they made their presentation, we said we would make this happen. The amazement, joy, and tears on their faces spoke more than words ever could,” said Marcia.

Now, those young people’s dreams are a reality in the form of a staggering, creative youth development center named EPACENTER. The 25,000-square-foot building encompasses a professional recording studio, art gallery, makerspace, restaurant-grade kitchen, dance studio, theater, flexible workspaces, and more, as well as free programming, job training and workforce development programs, and support to help youth develop the socioemotional skills needed to thrive. Free for local youth ages six to 18, EPACENTER’s arts classes include voice, painting, drumming, piano, ukulele, guitar, digital art, photography, cartooning, yoga, acting, screenwriting, culinary arts, and more. All are led by professional instructors, such as master percussionist James Henry and acclaimed chef Alaun Grimaud. Meanwhile, EPACENTER’s paid internships allow teens to learn skills in photography, visual art, digital design, fashion, and public art.

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HAUTE PROFILE

Students and staff enjoy EPACENTER's outdoor amphitheater

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confidence, and fearlessness are unintended outcomes that we didn’t really expect. And they have a tremendous sense of ownership for EPACENTER.” In addition to the idea of an arts center itself, youth were also involved with selecting the executive director and architect for the project and determining its programming.

“They even insisted that the building be designated LEED Platinum, because they wanted EPACENTER to be sustainable in every possible way,” said John. Marcia added that the youth also came up with the name for the center—a reflection of the rich cultural energy of their community and the power and potential in its young people.

“EPACENTER is such an important addition to East Palo Alto because it will open doors

Instructor George Montes de Oca, Jr. teaches a skateboard design and riding class

PHOTO CREDIT: © AGENCY MOANALANI JEFFREY

After the John & Marcia Goldman Foundation first highlighted the need for the center in 2009, it enlisted participants in a youth action research project which evolved into a youth action team that guided the planning process. The center broke ground in 2018, and the Youth Advisory Council was formed the following year to continue managing the center’s building and development.

East Palo Alto resident Staci Edwards, a member of EPACENTER’s Youth Advisory Council, first heard about the project when she was only 10 years old. “The fact that this was a youth-led project is amazing to me,” she says. “Usually, people will donate money to a community and tell the community exactly what to do with it. It is not often that you’ll hear about real community members— especially the youth—organizing, designing, and managing a project this large.”

It's indeed rare that a foundation eschews the donor-driven model of philanthropy, but the Goldmans were committed to pursuing this route because they felt they didn’t have the deep understanding and appreciation of what was most important to those who lived there. “It’s like the old saying—we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason,” said John. They also discovered that putting this kind of power into youths’ hands had other unexpected benefits. “These young people are empowered and responsible,” said Marcia. “Leadership development, self-

and many opportunities … especially for our youth,” said Keitlan Wallace, a dancer who became involved with EPACENTER as a high school junior. “I hope that the world sees that, even coming from a rough and a less privileged neighborhood, we can move on and become big and succeed in life.

I hope they can see the talents we have within our youth—how we also dream of becoming the next best actor or the world's greatest dancer.”

Edwards, now a student at the University of San Francisco, is also thrilled that youth in her community have a place that belongs to them and that they don’t have to go outside the city to be in a safe environment where they can creatively express themselves.

Ethan Avena is one such example: he is a student of the Tinsley Program, a voluntary transfer program where students living in the Ravenswood School District attend school in the Palo Alto Unified School District. The program was established in hopes of reducing the racial isolation of students of color and to improve the educational achievement of Ravenswood students. However, the massive income gap between Avena and his wealthy classmates from Palo Alto was still palpable. “Most of [them] take classes that are expensive, and my parents can’t sign me up,” he said. “But EPACENTER is giving me the opportunity

PHILANTHROPY

PHOTO CREDIT: © COURTESY OF THE JOHN & MARCIA GOLDMAN FOUNDATION PHOTO CREDIT: © ALIQUE

Marcia and John Goldman with their Yorkie, Lola

to take classes I enjoy—like ukulele classes, photography, [and] digital art.” Avena’s younger sister is enrolled in ballet classes.

“Without EPACENTER, there is no way me and my sister would have the opportunity to [try] things we love to do.”

EPACENTER envisions a future where all young people in and of East Palo Alto will have the opportunity to become creative innovators and enjoy economic and social success in their community, resulting in a stronger and more vibrant city. “Because the youth in the city constantly grow up hearing of the city’s troubled past, EPACENTER aids in shifting their perspective,” said Edwards. “[They] absolutely need a place where they can feel safe, protected, and looked after.

They should feel like their needs are being met and that people care about their future in the city.”

Located on the corner of Bay Street and Pulgas Avenue, EPACENTER is designed for longevity and resilience with adaptive spaces that can evolve with the organization.

What’s next is up to the youth, along with the support of the community. “The opportunities go far beyond creativity and design; it is about job skills, mental health and well-being, expression, and engagement,” says John. The Goldmans hope that Silicon Valley will make EPACENTER their priority and invite community members to tour the building and meet some of the students who are so passionate about learning—and

Coleman teaches a ballet class at EPACENTER

witness the center as a beacon of hope for these inspiring young people. “[EPACENTER] is home,” says Wallace.

“It's our comfort zone, our escape place. It's a place where [we] can grow and develop without being judged—a place where we can proudly say we are from East Palo Alto.”

Now that the center has finally opened for in-person classes, students can be found strumming ukuleles in its classrooms, practicing pliés in the dance studio, or simply enjoying the sunshine while working on art projects in the outdoor amphitheater. When Avena finally saw the completed center for the very first time, he says he thought to himself: “I belong here.”

“EPACENTER is home. It's our comfort zone, our escape place.

It's a place where we can grow and develop without being judged—a place where we can proudly say we are from East Palo Alto.”

— KEITL AN WALL ACE

Rafael Soto-Ramos, Jennifer Mancia, EPACENTER Executive Director Nadine Rambeau, Jennifer Lyons, Marcia and John Goldman, Jules Thomas, Melanie Resendiz, and Rene Alcaraz at EPACENTER's groundbreaking in 2018

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HAUTE PROFILE

WOMEN IN WINE Six bay area she-roes drop gems of inspiration

BY NOËL BURGESS

T

HE PRESENCE OF WOMEN IN THE CALIFORNIA wine industry is steadily evolving, as seen by the increase in the percentage of female winemakers, growing from 9.8 percent in 2010 to 14 percent in 2020.

However, there is room for growth, considering 60 percent of wine consumers in the U.S. are women. Furthermore, half of the graduates of the viticulture and enology program at the University of California-Davis, one of the top wine programs in the country, are also women. In contrast, the data on ownership and executive roles for females in the wine industry are so low it may have you reaching for a glass of wine to cope. We do have a few outliers like Laura Díaz Muñoz, general manager and winemaker for Ehlers Estate, or Robin and Andréa McBride, the first African American sister duo to found a wine company. Still, it’s not enough.

In celebration of “she-roes” in our community who are making incredible contributions and substantial differences in the lives of others, Haute Living, San Francisco asked a few local northern Californian leaders to share their perspectives—to serve as blueprints for future generations and continue the progress of women in the industry. Some on this list have attained legendary status, while others are approaching rapidly. They have one main thing in common besides their gender identity: a passion for inclusion.

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HAUTE PROFILE

THEODORA LEE A.K.A. THEO-PATRA

Owner and Vintner, Theopolis Vineyards Yorkville, CA Theodora Lee, a San Francisco law firm senior partner and trial lawyer, is the founder and owner of Theopolis Vineyards. Her passion for wine began upon her arrival to San Francisco from Texas in 1987, primarily due to the influence of her law firm mentors, many of whom owned vineyards. This led Lee to take several viticulture classes at UC Davis before deciding to develop her own vineyard. In 2001, Lee purchased sheep land in the Yorkville Highlands of Anderson Valley and began developing her vineyard. Finally in 2003, Lee planted her vineyard, adopted her Greek name from pledging Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and established Theopolis Vineyards.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it in your work?

TL: For me, inclusivity means having a seat and a voice at the table. It means promoting a work environment that encourages employee input, teamwork, and development and endorses the skills, experience, and talent of all employees. As a small winery, we do not have many employees. My wine daughter, Ashanti Brown, who is our wine club and customer experience manager, is an African American woman. My vineyard foreperson is a Hispanic woman, and she has a crew of mostly women vineyard workers.

To ensure equality and inclusivity for future generations, I created the Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund for the department of viticulture and enology at UC Davis. The Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund provides one scholarship up to $10,000 each year to students interested in viticulture and enology and related research or managing a vineyard, with a preference for women of color. I am happy to report that the first recipient, Iona Joseph, will be graduating in the class of 2022 with a major in viticulture and enology, and she will also obtain a graduate degree following graduation.

HL: In your opinion, where were women in the industry when you first started and where are they now?

TL: In 2003, when I established Theopolis Vineyards, I knew very few women in the wine business. Those women who were in the business were either as partners with their husbands or in a family business. While the number of women-owned wineries has definitely increased since 2003, it is still a small percentage.

However, I am encouraged by the significant increase in the number of women executives in the industry, wine makers, sommeliers, wine educators, etc. I truly believe that the industry is making a concerted effort to promote equality and inclusion and has made significant progress since 2003.

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HAUTE PROFILE

MARYAM AHMED

Owner of Maryam + Company and Co-Founder of the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum Napa, CA Maryam Ahmed is the owner of Napa-based Maryam + Company and a co-founder of the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum.

She works at the intersection of sommeliers, chefs, activists, sustainability experts, media, and organizations focused on diversity and sustainability to design impactful educational programs and to execute strategic projects in the food and wine world. In 2022, Maryam + Company launched Field Blends, an immersive food and wine travel experience focused on bridging a gap between industry and consumer knowledge as well as opening up conversations about wine, food, land, labor, and agriculture.

Ahmed is a cast member on James Beard Award nominated SOMM TV and a partner at PLAYTE Kitchen.

HL: What woman and/or women have inspired you the most in your career?

MA: At any given moment in my career, the women who have inspired me most have been my peers—women who are unafraid to be in the arena or who challenge the status quo in the wine world. Julia Coney, Elaine Chukan Brown, Dr. Akilah Cadet, and Erica Duecy have not only inspired me, but they have also remained invested in my growth and purpose. As far as aspirations, Jancis Robinson, Issa Rae, Mindy Kaling, and Oprah keep me humble.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it in your work?

MA: To me, inclusivity means welcoming, understanding, and celebrating individuality. It inherently means richer conversation and a more creative environment, especially when inclusivity and equity are accomplished simultaneously. I work with wine businesses and organizations that have a demonstrated commitment to diversity and sustainability, so inclusivity is a tenet of Maryam + Company.

In 2020, I co-founded the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum which brings together leaders of organizations committed to diversity and equity in the wine industry to collaborate. In partnership with Dr. Akilah Cadet, founder of Change Cadet, the forum also offers workshops to anyone in the wine industry who wants to learn about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a setting that understands the nuances of the beverage community.

HL: In your opinion, where were women in the industry when you first started and where are they now?

MA: I think women have more visibility in the industry than when I started my career in 2011. Visibility shouldn't be confused with equity, though. We still have work to do when it comes to 42

equal pay and access to leadership positions (where real change becomes possible), especially for women with intersectionality beyond gender.

HAUTE PROFILE

ANA DIOGO-DRAPER

Director of Winemaking, Artesa Vineyards and Winery Napa, CA Artesa’s winemaking team is led by Ana Diogo-Draper, director of winemaking. Born and raised in Portugal, Diogo-Draper moved to California in 2005 to join the team at Rutherford Hill Winery. She joined Artesa Vineyards & Winery in 2013 and was promoted to director of winemaking in 2015. Known for her collaborative approach, Diogo-Draper thrives in the fast-paced winery environment and excels at diverse roles ranging from laboratory analysis and quality control assurance to creative applications such as sensory analysis and blending. Diogo-Draper credits her professional success to a passion for agriculture and winemaking, nurtured from a young age in Portugal when she first planted vines with family and neighbors immersed in the European tradition of wine appreciation. DiogoDraper holds a Bachelor of Arts in agricultural engineering from the University of Évora, situated in the middle of Portugal’s historic cork industry. Fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, Diogo-Draper brings an international perspective to the Artesa winemaking team.

HL: In your opinion, where were women in the industry when you first started and where are they now?

AD: One of the reasons I decided to be part of the California wine industry, back in 2005, was the sense of opportunity for women in this business, particularly when compared to Portugal and the south of Europe overall. Presently, I do see an increase in the number of women working in wine. However, the vast majority are engaged in entry and mid-level positions. This means our numbers are there, but we are still lacking tremendously in representation and leadership positions.

I would also love to see the term “woman winemaker” being dropped once and for all. We are winemakers, period, no matter our gender.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it in your work?

AD: For me, inclusivity means that every person, no matter what their background, must have a seat at the table, encouraged to lead the conversation and having their opinions heard and validated.

We are a culturally diverse team, owned by a Spanish company, so inclusivity is at the core of who we are and how we choose to lead our business. I try to build a culture of inclusivity in the production team by listening to everyone’s opinion, understanding their mindset, and incorporating their ideas and thoughts in our operations and daily routines. It is very important to me that everyone on the team knows that their beliefs and concerns are valid

and make a difference to the quality of the wine we are producing, while allowing for career advancement and opportunities for equity within the company.

HL: What advice would you give to up-and-coming women in the industry?

AD: If being a winemaker is your dream, my advice is to persevere, set your eyes on the goal, and never give up. It is not an easy, straightforward path; it takes time, dedication, and passion for the craft. And work a harvest before you commit to this line: harvest season will be part of your life for the next 20 to 30 years, so you have to love it!

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HAUTE PROFILE

MONICA LOPEZ

Co-Owner and General Manager, Bacchus Landing Healdsburg, CA

Monica Lopez is co-owner and general manager of Bacchus Landing, overseeing all aspects of hospitality, events, community programming, and interior design at the curated wine collective in the heart of Healdsburg, California. Monica brings her family’s deepseated passion for hosting friends and family to life for her guests, welcoming locals and tourists alike to spend a day at Bacchus Landing and enjoy the best of Healdsburg wine, food, and culture.

Monica earned a Bachelor of Science in international business with a minor in Spanish from Wagner College. After working for several years in media planning and advertising, Monica decided it was time to come home to Sonoma County, where she and her brother, Francisco, grew up. Upon her return, Monica and Francisco co-founded Aldina Vineyards, a family wine business dedicated to their hard-working, entrepreneurial parents, Dina and Al Lopez.

HL: What woman and/or women have inspired you the most in your career?

ML: My mother, Dina. As an entrepreneur, her work ethic and passion are immeasurable, while somehow always keeping her family at the forefront. She has really been a true mentor in terms of being a business owner in a male dominated industry and still was able to help guide me to become the mother I am.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your work?

ML: Inclusivity to me means that any person, regardless of race, color, gender, ability, or age, has the same opportunity as myself and any person next to them. As a Latina woman, it is important to me to work and give other Latinx individuals the opportunity to participate and grow in an industry where, in previous generations, they were only seen as the workforce in the vineyards.

HL: What advice would you give to up-and-coming women in the industry?

ML: Be authentic and inclusive by trying to help other women and BIPOC as they continue moving up in the industry. In an industry that is not always diverse, oftentimes I am the only brown person in the room, which is still a very scary and uneasy feeling. I'm sure this is true for both sides.

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PHILANA BOUVIER

President, Demeine Estates St. Helena, CA

Philana Bouvier is the president of Demeine Estates. She provides leadership and vision in creating a best-in-class sales and marketing organization. Demeine Estates serves and supports a dynamic and growing portfolio of the Lawrence family and managing partner Carlton McCoy, Jr.owned fine wine estates and import supplier partners. The collection includes Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Stony Hill, Brendel, Ink Grade, and Champagne Legras & Haas. Upon her arrival to Demeine Estates in April 2021, Philana Bouvier established her reputation as an inspiring, engaging leader in the wholesale community, building, elevating, and innovating the wine and spirits industry. Throughout her career, she saw a lack of career resources for women and made it her mission to use her leadership to not only create a path for women, but a movement to foster empowerment and elevate the role of women in the industry.

HL: In your opinion, where were women in the industry when you first started and where are they now?

PB: There are definitely more opportunities for women in the alcohol industry, but there is still much more to do. By that, I mean creating opportunities for women to network with each other through mentorship and providing a real path to the C-suite. We need to see more women in leadership roles. My favorite quote is by Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough, and my answer is when there are nine.”

HL: What woman and/or women have inspired you the most in your career?

PB: I’m always inspired by the women I work with, because they’re whom I also spend the most time with. Today, the women at Demeine Estates, Lawrence Wine Estates, and each of our estate properties are my heroes. Our incredible women leaders inspire me every day and I’m honored I have the opportunity to work with them, and have their friendships.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it in your work?

PB: Inclusivity means carving out a seat at the table. It isn’t just about welcoming women, but creating a space where they can actually have a voice and promote each other’s strengths. When women come together, it is so powerful how much you can achieve and accomplish.

If you put your differences and ego aside for the greater good, it is unmatched what women can do. We are truly stronger together.

HAUTE PROFILE

IMANE HANINE

Distribution Sales Manager, Martha Stoumen Wines Sebastopol, CA Imane Hanine is a first generation American, a New Yorker, and a rare “Swiss army knife” of the wine industry. Her present sojourn began after graduating from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in geography and urban studies. For over 15 years, she’s woven her passions for environmental and social sustainability into her journey through the world of farming, food, and beverage.

From a leadership role at New York’s Corkbuzz Wine Studio to a comprehensive apprenticeship in the vineyards and winery at Matthiasson Family Vineyards, she has built a dynamic, widereaching community rooted in responsibility and equity.

Imane currently serves as the distribution sales manager for Martha Stoumen Wines, a trailblazing, natural winery focused on shifting the tides of the California wine industry. She is an aspiring vigneronne and writer living out her untamed dreams in Northern California.

HL: What woman and/or women have inspired you the most in your career?

IH: I am fortunate to have received guidance, tutelage, employment, friendship, and sisterhood from women throughout my life, in and out of my career, many of whom are very much so present figures in my life today. Frankly, it isn’t necessary to name them, because they know who they are; but, it’s important to note they represent all facets of the industry. Each of these women— mothers, farmers, winemakers, beverage directors and sommeliers, fellow servers, and bartenders—has served as radical models of unapologetic integrity, tender honesty, and gritty courage. The source of their inspiration has little to do with what they have accomplished in their careers but how they carry themselves with grace, honor, and leadership by example.

HL: What does inclusivity mean to you? How do you incorporate it in your work?

IH: Inclusivity should be inherent in our industry. I daresay you will meet few wine professionals who do not mention the convivial, bonding nature of the work that we are privileged to do. We love to gather at the table. However, when you look to your left and you look to your right only to witness the same faces, you start to wonder where the “cool kid” sign-up sheet is.

Early on, I learned the hard way that relationships and real-time visits to wine regions are the coveted “golden ticket” in the wine industry. Few books can offer the intimate depth of knowledge that gathering anecdotes, tasting barrel samples, walking the vineyard rows, and literally and figuratively trailing those who have paved the way before you can. Access to experience, knowledge, and

wisdom directly from producers in the industry is one of the most valuable assets a wine professional can possess. As a connector, a local community builder, a mentor, a colleague, an employee, and a wine enthusiast, I have nurtured a widely cast web that has no basis in gatekeeping. Making meaningful introductions that allows others to more readily access nourishing experiences is woven into the fabric of my work.

HL: In your opinion, where were women in the industry when you first started and where are they now?

IH: That is difficult to qualify or quantify, because the wine industry was and still is a fundamentally competitive space with an overarching scarcity of women and women of color in leadership, sales management, and production roles. Women are no less qualified or different in maneuvering significantly fewer pathways towards them. What is evident then is that we were and are rarely chosen.

There is much to accomplish in the realm of equal pay and leadership positions within each facet of the industry, including viticulture, sales, entrepreneurship, winemaking, and beyond.

However, there is so much more hope of an inclusive industry beyond gender today than when I began. The momentum behind the inclusion, ascension, and acknowledgement of my fellow women of color has been profoundly rewarding.

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HAUTE PROFILE

THE BOSS BUILDER This female entrepreneur is making a greener world

PHOTO CREDIT: © ALIQUE PHOTO CREDIT: ©

BY BECCA HENSLEY | PHOTOS BY VINCENT GOTTI

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PHOTO CREDIT:© VINCENT GOTTI

OBIN NIELSEN, FOUNDER AND CEO of Mavericks Builders, grew up in a construction family. While still in her teens, she started building skateboard ramps and tree houses, a hobby that used both her exceptional math skills and artistic talents.

Nielsen took an interest in model homes in college, always imagining how she'd alter the lesser-priced ones to look more expensive.

Before long, she was flipping houses. "We used to do a lot of big remodels, and I love being able to fuse the old building style with newer modern design," she said. At the forefront of sustainable construction, her green-conscious company has moved from the Mission District and is now headquartered in Napa. With work that has been published in magazines and shown on television (Discovery Channel's The Worlds’ Greenest Homes, House Hunters on Vacation, and more), she played a paramount role in helping to establish the LEED for Homes guidelines. Back at a time when this certification only applied to commercial structures, Nielsen was leading the charge.

During this same time, she worked on the Green Building Task Force with then San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and with San Francisco’s city planning and building department to revise building codes to include new green building practices.

Some of the new codes incorporate alternative energy saving systems into homes, such as adding rainwater and gray water systems to homes to allow for water recycling and reuse and to extend planting areas in front of San Franciscan homes.

"We understand that the impact buildings have on the environment begins with the way we build and the products we use," she explains.

"That is why, as dedicated green builders, we use practices and products that reduce waste, conserve energy, and create healthy spaces with a minimal environmental footprint." Of her day-today work, from matching a client’s budget for their dream home to building a house in a way that has never been done before, Nielsen says simply: “It feels like magic. I continue to learn new things with each project.”

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Mavericks Builders has recently expanded into the Napa Valley, working both there and in San Francisco. After two decades, they've created a legacy of hundreds of stunning, multi-milliondollar homes.

Nielsen began building several homes in the Napa area in early 2020, and she found the change exciting. "The Napa Valley style of building is different than San Francisco's," she points out, adding that she loves working in both areas. Nielsen relishes Napa's spaciousness. "We have lots of room to stage our materials and park our trucks.” Unlike the city, where homes are built upward, the Napa projects can spread out more to match the landscape.

"We see a lot of modern farmhouse homes, which are beautiful and fit the surroundings," she notes. Wherever she builds, Robin cherishes the projects where she can drive by and say, "We built that."

She acknowledges the work that pushes boundaries creatively and design-wise is the most satisfying: “I like building things that have not been done before, especially projects where I know we have exceeded our best efforts to reduce waste. I take delight in working with clients in incorporating as many sustainable products as possible and creating a home that is healthier to occupy.”

When asked about being the only woman on the job site, Nielsen says she barely notices until someone mentions it. Her trick is to surround herself with the right people with whom she can establish mutual respect. "I have found that guys will listen as long you are knowledgeable." Known for her sustainably built, contemporarily designed, high-end custom homes, Robin utilizes a wide-reaching team of trusted employees, subcontractors, and vendors—many of whom she has worked with for decades.

Nielsen’s passion for building sustainable homes is more than just a business practice. It stems from her desire to lead a completely sustainable way of life. She has passed this ethos on to her daughter, Devyn, who continues to inspire Nielsen in her quest to make the world more sustainable. Devyn, now a 22-year-old college student 48

and organic gardener, often spent her afterschool time on various job sites with her mom. To this day, she claims that these memories are some of the best from her childhood. “I love it when she takes her friends on tours around the city to show them projects we have built,” says Nielsen.

Another way Nielsen contributes to sustainability is by practicing a vegan lifestyle. She has been vegan since long before most people even knew what a vegan lifestyle was. For her, it is a way to live her core values each and every day. Being vegan helps her take responsibility for and reduce her own carbon footprint while honoring her love of animals. “I choose a vegan lifestyle because it’s good for me, the animals, and the environment. And just like choosing a more sustainable way to build, I have chosen to live a more sustainable lifestyle," she says. “Considering that globally, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all the world’s transportation systems combined, it is an easy choice for me.”

Since moving to Napa, Nielsen has found an additional way to be more sustainable through organic gardening. She avoids using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, while growing fresh veggies and herbs that complement her vegan cooking. “I have taken to gardening and find it relaxing and enjoyable. Somehow, the food tastes better when you grow it yourself!”

In the end, though, Nielsen never stops thinking about what's new in the building world and staying abreast of it. "I like to keep updated and study trends in real estate, design, and the latest green building products," she says, quoting a statistic that trumpets the green building market as one of the fastest-growing worldwide. As she tells her clients, green building results in increased property values, the materials last longer, and they require less maintenance because she is using better quality products. “It is exciting to see how what is new one day becomes common practice shortly after. It’s my goal to use that knowledge to ensure my clients have amazing homes. That’s why we do this.”

HAUTE PROFILE

Sustainable homes use less energy, are more valuable because they last longer, and are healthier to live in. To achieve a sustainable home, Robin suggests that you: Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping

•

Install double-paned windows

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Use water-saving plumbing fixtures

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Use recycled materials (concrete, roofing, flooring, steel, etc.)

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Use materials that prevent offgassing and keep inside air both clean and healthy

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Use only Energy Star® rated appliances and fixtures

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For landscaping, use indigenous plants that are low maintenance and require less water

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Take advantage of natural light

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Buy locally whenever possible.

PHOTO CREDIT: © PHOTO CREDIT: © ALIQUE

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HAUTE PROFILE

EMPOWERING THE AAPI COMMUNITY: ERIC TODA After struggling with his ethnicity, highly respected brand and marketing whiz Eric Toda finds new purpose in advocating for the A API community.

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ROWING UP IN THE SUBURBAN enclave of Moraga, California, Eric Toda found few who looked like him. He also found out at a very early age how cruel kids can be. On the playground, fellow students pulled back their eyes and teased him with exaggerated accents. They were repulsed by the traditional Asian meals he brought for lunch. He once asked a girl to the homecoming dance, only to be told, “I don’t like Asians.” His public school American history books did not include details about the internment camps where 50

the government banished his grandparents.

Nor were there details of the history of Asian American labor. His classmates reasoned that if he wasn’t represented in American history, then he must not be American. He started to hate himself, wishing he were someone else.

Though these experiences occurred many years ago, they continue to resonate, motivating Toda’s pursuit of racial justice.

Today, as global head of social marketing at Meta, Toda has claimed an international role as a positive voice for the empowerment

of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. The former marketing and branding director for companies such as Nike, Snapchat, and Airbnb (among others) recently launched Meta Prosper, the first program of its kind designed to provide training, education resources, and business support to the AAPI small business community. Toda also serves on the boards of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, The Asian American Foundation (TAAF), and Leading Asian Americans to Unite for Change (LAAUNCH).

PHOTO CREDIT: © NATE FONG PHOTOGRAPHY

BY FRAN ENDICOTT MILLER

HAUTE PROFILE

PHOTO CREDIT: © NATE FONG PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric Toda

HL: What was Meta’s response or direction for you when you started speaking out about AAPI issues?

ET: At the height of the violence and attacks on the AAPI community in 2020 and into 2021, I struggled deeply because it reminded me so much of what happened to my grandfather. I spoke to the leaders with whom I work, saying I needed to do something. But when I was asked by an editor at Adweek to pen a feature about Asian hate targeted to the marketing

and advertising industry, I initially said no. I was taught to keep my head down. This behavior is called being the “model minority,” meaning to work hard but strive to be invisible. I felt I couldn’t write something: it wasn’t my place and who was I to speak out? But the leaders with whom I work (non-Asian, white, and Black) said if not me then who? A close friend at Meta, Jed Clevenger, saw me struggle with what was happening to my community, and he saw me struggle with what, if anything, I should do. He sent me this: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error

and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

(Theodore Roosevelt, April 23, 1910) So I entered the arena and wrote my Adweek piece: “My People are Dying in Silence—And I’m Here With a Megaphone.” It continues to be the highest read op-ed in Adweek’s history, and something that changed my DNA forever. Since then, I have been supported as a strong voice for the community, and I’m proud to be among the many great leaders at Meta advocating for change in culture and society.

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HAUTE PROFILE that penalized him for being Japanese, despite being born in California, being a law abiding citizen, and not being able to speak Japanese. “Because I’m American,” he said, just as his father was, just as my father is, and just as I am. When people ask me where I’m from or my country of origin, the answer is easy: the United States of America.

And my entire fight carries what my grandfather wanted for his family and what he would want for my family: that whoever is reading this, when you close your eyes and think of Americans, you think of us.

HL: Your good friends while growing up were proud in claiming they did not see you differently than themselves.

At what point did you realize that they meant well, but that they didn’t “get it?”

ET: You surround yourself with people who are more understanding, even if they say things like “I don’t see you as an Asian person; you’re a white person like me.” You feel like you did it; you assimilated with someone who doesn’t point out your differences, who sees you for you, and years later, you realize even that wasn’t the right approach. It took meeting my wife, who is white, to be proud of who I am, an Asian American.

Growing up in Seattle, she was surrounded by different people. When I met her, she celebrated my being Asian and made me proud to be who I was. In turn, my drive to assimilate diminished each year we were together to the point where it was no longer an issue. My beautiful wife, with all the perspective in the world, gave me the confidence to be me.

PHOTO CREDIT: © NATE FONG PHOTOGRAPHY

HL: Tell us more about your grandfather.

How did his stories affect you?

ET: I was 14 when I visited my grandfather in the hospital after he was targeted in a racially motivated attack. He was badly bruised, beaten, and left for dead.

He told me that “this is what happens in this country.” He told me how his family’s farm in Watsonville was seized by the U.S. government after Pearl Harbor. His family was sent to the internment camps in Utah and Arizona, and ultimately not let back into the state until after the war ended. He told me how he enlisted to fight for the United States Army alongside the same soldiers who took his family from their farm, put them in camps, and pointed guns at them.

I asked him why he would even consider fighting for the same country

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PHOTO CREDIT: ELYSSA TODA

HAUTE PROFILE

PHOTO CREDITS: © ELYSSA TODA; © ADRIANA KLAS PHOTOGRAPHY

Ezra Toda watching his dad Eric on TV

HL: Why did you feel it necessary to speak out publicly and what instigated your activism?

ET: Simple, not many people were speaking out at the time. Many were silent, especially in the business world which employs a tremendous amount of Asian American leaders. Many operated within Eric, Elyssa, Ezra, and Harper Toda our own community, not outside of it, to advocate for it. That’s what I hoped to accomplish—to bring more than just CNN, and CNBC, among many others. called Meta Prosper. Meta Prosper is the ourselves into the conversation and to I’ve twice spoken in front of Congress, first of its kind and designed to bring exercise what I was uniquely capable and in front of the President of the United training in Chinese, Hindi, Tagalog, of doing because I’m from Moraga and States in the White House. But the most Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese; bring white allyship into the fold. Then meaningful interview I ever did was my education resources; and business I strove to bring Black allyship into first on-air live interview on KTVU with support to the AAPI small business the fold, and ultimately anyone who Heather Holmes, during which my wife community so they can scale and reach would listen. got a picture of my son watching me new growth opportunities.

There is a behavior that plagues live on TV, not talking about my job, my Keep in mind that this is a community minority communities, and that’s sticking awards, my accolades, etc., but talking still struggling, not just because of the to ourselves. Being from Moraga, and not about people who look like him, fighting pandemic, but because of the rhetoric, having an “ourselves,” you are forced to for them. It was then that I realized, if the attacks, and violence: a community assimilate, to meld, and to expand into only thing he and his sister remember for generations that has been invisible. other communities for the literal feeling about me is just being a businessman Meta Prosper is designed not just to of belonging. I used this knowledge and or a marketer, then I didn’t do a great support their ambitions, but hopefully behavior to extend my message far past job with the rest of my life. I want them to provide visibility and amplification so the walls of our community, because I’ve to remember me for this: the fight, the they can grow and … well … prosper. I’m never just stuck to my own. advocacy, and, hopefully, the change I proud to be the head of Meta Prosper, a HL: Where and with whom have you was able to cause. It’s still my favorite program close to my heart and one we appeared publicly to discuss AAPI picture to this day. designed with the vision to make a big issues?

HL: Please tell us about the initiative you impact.

ET: Too many to count, and it’s hard to recently introduced, Meta Prosper. HL: What are your ultimate goals in believe no one is sick of me yet! I did an What does it entail and what was serving the AAPI community?

Instagram live with actor Henry Golding, your role in shaping the program?

ET: That, when you close your eyes and hear then a big media sprint on NBC, WGN, ET: Meta launched a new program to support the word “American,” you see us—you CBS, KTVU, ABC, Wall Street Journal, the AAPI small business community see my kids.

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Locker room

WING & BARREL RANCH Where stewardship of the land and habitat come first

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS

W

hen long-time friends Mike Sutsos, Sr., and Darius Anderson purchased a 1,000-acre hay ranch in the heart of Sonoma wine country, they saw an opportunity to create the most ecologically sound, hospitality-driven private outdoor sporting club in the U.S. Wing & Barrel Ranch, less than an hour from the Golden Gate Bridge, is intended as an oasis where members, and at times their guests, can enjoy the Sonoma countryside.

To achieve their ethos of honoring the natural beauty of Sonoma County, the club adopted a vigorous program focused on local land stewardship and habitat restoration that promotes native plant and animal species prosperity and conservation.

Wing & Barrel Ranch’s ultimate goal is to lead the sporting industry in sustainable, 54

Wing & Barrel Ranch—members open house

forward-thinking land management practices in an outdoor sports setting. They are in a unique geographical position, enabling them to set an example for others to follow, because their acreage is situated between multiple public properties of high ecological value. The land is intentionally managed to prioritize ecological health while balancing the ecological, recreational, and agricultural concerns necessary for the club to function.

Point Blue Conservation Science provides advice and guidance to the club on issues of habitat connectivity and climate change resiliency. Considering the opportunity to link up with adjacent properties and connect numerous wildlife corridors in the greater San Pablo Bay, Wing & Barrel Ranch could not ask for a better partner. Together they have piloted re-vegetation practices

to dramatically increase native plant species and diversity and ensure ecological resiliency in future climate conditions. In the future, they will expand these programs to other natural spaces around California.

PHOTO CREDIT: © ROBERT B RICHARDS; WING & BARREL RANCH

Clubhouse lounge

HAUTE PROFILE The arms vault at Wing & Barrel Ranch

Shot gun life

Nice grouping

While taking in the views of Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo, the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountain ranges, it is easy to understand the deep appreciation of nature underlying the founders’ sustainable vision for the club. The rugged landscape is dotted not only with hay fields and vineyards, but also with natural history that can sometimes be erased or forgotten. With the foresight and diligent, hard work of the people at Wing & Barrel Ranch, many generations to come will have a place to discover and remember this amazing land we call home.

Wing & Barrel Ranch prides itself on offering exclusive experiences for its members. Recently, Wing & Barrel hosted the Van Winkle family (of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon) for a weekend of hunting, sporting clays, and a grand finale dinner.

Getting a lesson

Additional guest chefs include Rogelio Garcia (Michelin-starred California chef and Top Chef alumna), Chris Cosentino, Tyler Florence, Charlie Palmer, Matt McCallister, and Laura Cole.

The ranch has a wide variety of programming for members planned for the coming weeks, including many fit for the whole family. In July, Wing & Barrel will offer an outdoor adventure camp where kids can learn survivor skills and build a love for the great outdoors. Activities will include flag raising, scavenger hunts, fishing, arts and crafts, archery, marksmanship, shotgun and hunting craft, first aid, dog training, storytelling, and more.

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TAHOE CITY

LAKEFRONT ESTATE Greystone Tahoe is one of the most impressive estates in Tahoe City, with a grand main house built from reclaimed cobblestones, a historic cabin, and a lakeside bungalow set amidst landscaped grounds and forest.

LOCATION: Nestled amidst mature cedar and sugar pine trees in a bucolic setting on the shores of Lake Tahoe, Greystone Tahoe is a sprawling family estate that offers a private retreat rich in historic character. There are three dwellings—the main house, a picturesque cabin, and lakeside bungalow—spread out across 1.4 acres of landscaped grounds, which together create one of the most impressive estates in Tahoe City.

MAIN HOUSE: The entrance to the estate winds through the manicured grounds and forest leads to the six-bedroom, 8,168-square-foot main house. Built in 1998, the grandly curved proportions of the primary home evoke a historical grandness that comes from the reclaimed cobblestones used to craft the walls.

These richly patinated stones—from which Greystone Tahoe takes its name—were initially transported from Europe in the ballast of ships and later used to pave the streets of San Francisco. In their new setting, they evoke a magical character that speaks to the surrounding natural beauty.

DAVID GEMME GEMME GROUP SIERRA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

The timber-clad interior of the main house is a celebration of Tahoe vernacular—think soaring cathedral ceilings, enormous picture windows, flagstone floors, and finely crafted timber details.

Designed to entertain large groups of family and friends, this estate is an entertainer’s palace with an expansive great room with a cobblestone fireplace, a fully equipped gym, a game room, and a pool. The stately home split layout home allows maximum privacy with two wings connected by a log stairway and breezeway. The dramatic master suite features vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and four elegant additional suites for guests are located on one wing.

The youth bunk room in the adjacent wing makes it seem like the kids are on vacation every day. As an added plus, the interior spills seamlessly out to a large deck that overlooks the treetops and provides glimpses of the lake, with a stair that winds through the forest to the shore and a private jetty.

HISTORIC CABIN: Adding to the historical character of the estate is a quaint, four-bedroom cabin, which is thought to have been built in the 1940s before being reclaimed, restored, and relocated to its present location. Offering the ultimate seclusion for guests or visiting family, the 1,455-square-foot, four bedrooms, two baths cabin boasts pine paneling to the walls and ceilings and distressed virgin grain fir floors, with a deck overlooking the rolling lawns.

THE BUNGALOW: One of the highlights of the estate is, of course, its lakeside location—and the property capitalizes on this with 50 feet of private sandy shoreline, its own pier, two buoys, and a 6,000lb boat lift. Overlooking the pier is a 351 square-foot lakeside bungalow with a kitchenette and full bath, offering a getaway for guests or convenient amenities for those enjoying the lake.

M: + 1 530.277.8881 E: DAVID@GEMMEGROUP.COM WWW.GREYSTONETAHOE.INFO

CA BRE #01371048 NV DRE #0179228

TAHOE CITY

Main House

Main House

Historic Cabin

Bungalow

Main House

Historic Cabin

LIVING IN TAHOE CITY: While Greystone Tahoe offers uncompromised seclusion, the estate is within easy walking or cycling distance from Northstar, Downtown Tahoe City, and the marina is just a short boat ride away. Enjoy dining at some of the city’s best restaurants—such as the waterfront Christy Hill Lakeside Bistro or the sophisticated Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique—followed by a short stroll home, or play a round of golf at Tahoe City Golf Course.

In the winter months, the world-class ski resorts of Palisades Tahoe and Alpine Meadows are just a ten-minute drive away.

DAVID GEMME GEMME GROUP SIERRA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Greystone Tahoe offers the opportunity to own a retreat that will charm and entertain for generations to come.

740 WEST LAKE BOULEVARD, TAHOE CITY, CALIFORNIA. LISTED AT $26,000,000.

M: + 1 530.277.8881 E: DAVID@GEMMEGROUP.COM WWW.GREYSTONETAHOE.INFO

CA BRE #01371048 NV DRE #0179228

PHOTO CREDIT: © ALEX RUBIN

COVER STORY

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JOHN LEGEND COVER STORY

His life, loves, and legacy

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ

It was a sultry night at Jean-Charles Boisset's home atop Wappo Hill in Napa.

Gliding throughout the expansive space, friendly, well-dressed staff poured a selection of John Legend's LVE wines paired with delicious amuse-bouche. The celebratory evening brought together leaders in the realms of wine, music, and technology, specifically the culmination of the years Boisset and Legend have worked together to create Legend's LVE, a premier wine collection.

Legend Vineyard Exclusive was a dream long in the making for the musician.

As with his music, Legend searched for the right collaborator, a vintner whose pursuit of the perfect blend and standards of excellence equaled his own. Raymond Vineyards was the perfect match with roots deep in the Napa Valley and awardwinning wines known for beautiful balance, finesse, and power.

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COVER STORY Along with making award-winning wines, Boisset and Legend work as brand ambassadors with LG Signature in creating the perfect wine cellar to store their fine wines. It might seem off-brand for a mega-star and international wine czar to partner with an appliance company, but knowing both men's drive for excellence, it all made sense. The LG Signature Wine Cellar was created to mimic wine caves.

Wine caves, usually carved from the earth, provide the ideal environment for the critical process of aging wine. In the caves, the air has the perfect amount of moisture, the space is very still, and the temperature is always constant. To create an environment like that was a challenging task. With humidity control, minimal vibration, and UV light protection, the LG Wine Cellar captured the needs both men saw as vital to wine storage. For John Legend, this technology was one way he could expand his influence in the wine industry.

Throughout his life, Legend has excelled at many things beyond music. Born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, John is the eldest of four children. Music was always a big part of his childhood. His father was a drummer. His mother sang and

his membership with the Onyx Senior Honor Society and the Sphinx Senior Society. He was introduced to Lauryn Hill during this time, and Hill hired him to play piano on "Everything Is Everything." In 1999, he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis on African American literature.

While becoming a musician was his top priority, after graduating Legend worked as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). At the time, Boston Consulting Group was considered one of the “Big Three” of the world's three most prominent and prestigious management consulting firms. The other two were Bain & Company and McKinsey & Company. His appointment as a management consultant for such a prestigious firm showcases Legend's abilities and commitment to excellence.

During his time as a management consultant, Legend produced and recorded his own music. A year later, he released two independent albums: his self-titled demo (2000) and Live at Jimmy's Uptown (2001). In 2001, Legend was introduced to Kanye West. However, Def poet J. Ivy

directed the church choir while his grandmother played the organ. Dedicated to education, his mother home-schooled her children through grammar school.

With focus and singularity of propose, John Legend won a Black History Month essay competition titled "How Do You Intend to Make Black History?" He wrote that he intended to become a successful musician. Legend was offered admittance into Harvard University and scholarships to Georgetown University and Morehouse College. While all those appealed, Legend chose to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

He was the president and musical director of the a cappella group, the Counterparts, at university. He received critical acclaim for his lead vocals on their recording of Joan Osborne's "One of Us." The song made it on the track list of 1998 Best of Collegiate a Cappella compilation CD. In addition, Legend's academic achievements garnered 60

christened Legend with his stage name. John Legend was born December 28, 1978, as John Roger Stephens. In 2009, the New York Times reported that J. Ivy stated, "I heard your music, and it reminds me of that music from the old school. You sound like one of the legends. As a matter of fact, that's what I'm going to call you from now on! I'm going to call you John Legend." After J. Ivy continued to call him by the new moniker of "John Legend," others quickly caught on, including Kanye West. Despite his reluctance to adopt a stage name, the young singer-songwriter eventually announced his new stage name as John Legend.

As guests mingled around Boisett’s massive indoor pool, Legend and I stepped outside, where we chatted about his loves, life, and legacy. His broad smile surprised me, and his genuine interest in our conversation was incredibly refreshing. I could feel his thoughtfulness in every word he spoke. True to his nature, John is indeed a legend.

PHOTO CREDITS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) © ERIC RYAN ANDERSON; © ALEX RUBIN; © NATASHA BELIKOVE

“You sound like one of the legends. As a matter of fact, that's what I'm going to call you from now on! I'm going to call you John Legend.”

COVER STORY

Barrel tasting with John Legend and Jean-Charles Boisset

LVE sparkling Rosé at Bigger Love Tour

61 John Legend at LG Signature event at Wappo Hill, Napa

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COVER STORY HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO X JOHN LEGEND HL: When did you know that you wanted to play the piano?

JL: I started playing when I was three. We had a piano in our house. My grandmother was our church organist and pianist.

And so, I grew up around many people who made music, and I loved it and wanted to do it as soon as anybody would let me, as soon as my little fingers would be big enough to stretch along the keys.

“I realize how much I loved the process of blending wines trying to create these beautiful experiences for people, and it's become a real passion project for me.”

—

JOHN LEGEND

HL: How did you find the right team to make your wines?

JL: I was looking into collaborating with a winemaker with whom we could do something together as a joint venture.

We were introduced to Jean-Charles Boisset and the team at Raymond Vineyards and Boisset Wines. We hit it off immediately, came up to his house, went to Raymond Vineyards, and spent a lot of time with them.

We decided we should create something new together, so we created LVE. We've done it all together. We blended the wines together with their team. We created the branding, everything together, and it's been such a fun, collaborative process. I've learned so much. I realize how much I loved the process of blending wines trying to create these beautiful experiences for people, and it's become a real passion project for me.

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HL: How would you describe the process?

JL: I love the whole process idea of writing incredible music and creating wine. I think winemaking and music-making are both very collaborative for me. So, for me, they're both all about finding good partners to work with. I found that in my music career, and I found that with, of course, Jean-Charles on the team here at Boisset. And then I think it's very iterative, and it's about balance. So, when I’m thinking about making music, we talk about a lot of back and forth: "Is there too much of this, too much of that? How do we find that perfect balance for everything to blend together?" The chef is trying to find that umami feeling, and then the winemakers are trying to find that similar feeling in the music. We're trying to find that feeling where everything feels like it's in balance: not too much of this, not too much of that. And you realize it's a tasting and blending process and iterative process. Then we use that for all my loves, whether it's music, wine, or making good food.

And I love it.

HL: Let's talk about your legacy. What would you want to be remembered for?

JL: The wine, the music, the life. I want to be remembered for making life more beautiful and more loving. And you notice a lot of what I do makes things more beautiful. We talk about love, and I talk about it when I speak at graduations, and, yeah, it's in the name of my wine. It's in the name of a lot of my music. I feel like if we make the world more loving and beautiful, it's a good legacy to have.

PHOTO CREDITS: © ERIC RYAN ANDERSON

HL: How did you know that you wanted to make wine?

JL: It started to develop over time. You know, I had my own personal love for wine. As I started to travel the world as an artist and have these amazing experiences, wine was such an integral part of so many of them. Whether it was musical experiences, romantic experiences, travel, and culinary experiences, wine was an important part. Then I started to learn from my fans how integral my music and wine were to each other, so I realized that, you know, there's a connection here: let's do something to make the connection more explicit.

So, we started talking about it.

COVER STORY

La Vie by LVE French Rosé cans

HL: If you could give some sage advice to others trying to figure out their legacy, what would you tell them?

JL: I think everyone has to discover their passions, what is authentic to themselves, what's true to them. And if they're an artist, I believe that the most effective art is the art that beautifully communicates that truth. And so, you know, I'm on The Voice and I coach new artists all the time. And I talk to them about, first of all, figuring out who they are and who they want to be in the world, what they want to say and what unique perspective they have to offer. Then they dig into that and to try to be the best that they can be. I love that.

HL: There are many winery winemakers and people in the industry. Why Jean-Charles Boisset?

JL: We just hit it off, you know. John-Charles is amazing and, of course, he has all these highly rated wines. He's extremely well connected in the business. He grew up making wine, and he's married to a Titan of Napa winemaking. He is the epitome of someone who knows what's going on and how to make great wine. He has all the relationships to get the best grapes around the world. And, you know, what better partner could we have?

PHOTO CREDITS: © COLTON WRIGHT; © ALEX RUBIN; © COLTON WRIGHT

HL: On a personal level, is there a book that influenced your life?

JL: You know, thinking about how to make the world a better place, books like Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. I care a lot about criminal justice reform. So, I've read a lot about that kind of thing. And, yeah, I think Just Mercy would be a good one.

LVE French Rosé

HL: What specific charities or foundations you have put your heart into that you would love to share?

JL: Well, we have our own work that we do, so I have an organization called Human Level, which is all about empowering people in their local communities to make changes in their local communities through local government. We do a lot of other work helping kids have access to better schools, making sure that voting rights and women’s rights are being protected, so there's all sorts of things that I donate to and support. I'm also on the NAACP Legal Defense Fund board, which is all about fighting for the rights of marginalized people, particularly minority groups.

HL: Any regrets?

JL: [Laughing.] Not really. I mean, I'm really grateful for my life. I'm really grateful for my career and for my personal life. I don't really spend much time thinking about regrets.

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HAUTE HOTEL

Aerial view of Fairmont Orchid, a 32-acre oceanfront property on the Kohala Coast on Hawai'i Island

Say aloha to the perfect multi-generational destination

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ

E

verything was still and silent, except for the wooden oars piercing the clear Hawaiian water with a calming "swoosh." It was only 6:30 a.m., but there was a sunrise we were paddling out to greet and honor, so time was of the essence. A Hui Holokai ambassador from Fairmont Orchid, donned with

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ceremonial puka shells and carrying a sacred conch shell, led us to a calm spot in the ocean, hundreds of yards from the crashing waves. Our wa'a (canoe) gently swayed with the water, and we listened to our host share with us the epic voyages of the Polynesians and the significance of Maunakea to the Hawaiians.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAIRMONT ORCHIRD

FAMILY FUN AT FAIRMONT ORCHID

HAUTE HOTEL

Maunakea is a dormant volcano on the island of Hawai’i. At 13,803 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in the state of Hawai’i and the second-highest peak of any island on Earth. On this extraordinary morning, we watch as the sun rises above Maunakea’s dramatic peak and ushers in a new day filled with possibilities. As sunbeams streams across the volcano down to the ocean and finally on us, our host blows the conch shell and recites an ancient Hawaiian 'oli (chant) welcoming the new day and giving thanks for the opportunity of another rotation around lā (the sun).

After the profound morning, we paddle back to the sheltered Hui Holokai lagoon at Fairmont Orchid. The crystal clear lagoon is an incredibly special body of water. Shallow, calm, and protected from the ocean’s strong waves, it is a perfect place for children to wade and families to snorkel. At the Hui Holokai Beach Shack, you can rent snorkel gear, paddle boards, and cabañas for the day. Other activities offered include

lei making, fishing, and basket weaving. For more adventurous families, they have archeological hikes to the nearby petroglyph fields through ancient lava shelter caves and man-made fishponds stocked with seafood once restricted only to the ali’i (Hawaiian royalty). They also offer daily tours of the black volcanic tidal pools where you learn about the fragile ecosystem and the animals who live in it.

If you want to connect with the ’āina (land) and listen to stories of the plants and people that make Hawai’i Island special, then sign up for the Ulu Pono Garden Experience. The property's director of Hawaiian culture, Ka'iulani Blankenfeld, guides you to the chef's garden, a lush landscape filled with native plants and trees. There, you get to harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, while tasting handpicked delicacies and learning about the importance of particular plants in the Hawaiian culture and the culinary world. You also receive a special gift from the chef after your experience.

69 Dive into the property’s 10,000 sq. ft. free-form pool

HAUTE HOTEL

View of Fairmont Orchird from the beach

After a fun-filled day of swimming and adventure, nothing could be better than an early evening of champagne and caviar. Why not indulge in expertly crafted caviar bites paired with specialty Collet Champagne cocktails at the Pau Hana Champagne Bar? Pau Hana's dedicated al fresco lounge space, perched along the knoll just above Pauoa Bay, treats you a spectacular, front row seat to panoramic ocean vistas.

Sip signature cocktails featuring Collet Champagne, paired with a delicious selection of smoked trout and paddlefish roe, and watch the sun slip over the Kohala Coast. Two popular signature cocktails include the Queen Bee, which is infused with a rare kiawe honey made on-site, and the Bellini in Bloom, made with seasonal farmer's market fruit puree. Pau Hana Champagne Bar is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from 5 p.m. through sunset.

Fall in love with Fairmont Orchid's award-winning Spa Without Walls. The spa is hidden behind a peaceful tropical island setting with babbling streams and relaxing waterfalls.

70 Dive into the property’s 10,000 sq. ft. free-form pool

Champagne and caviar

If your idea of paradise includes relaxing body treatments, you will fall in love with their award-winning Spa Without Walls. The spa is hidden behind a peaceful tropical island setting with babbling streams and relaxing waterfalls. You will find balance and bliss with calming sounds of water, exotic floral aromas, and rand the refreshing. Hawaiians believe the ’āina (land) has a powerful mana (energy). They tap into that mana, traditional wisdom, and ageold Hawaiian healing arts. You may choose from outdoor or indoor venues, including in-spa dining. Ocean winds and lapping waves set the tone for the signature ali’i (royal) offering. The treatment combines a detoxifying body treatment with a neck and shoulder massage. Soothe and moisturize with a restorative wrap of algae, lavender, and organic aloe vera. Get a dewy glow with their papaya enzyme body mask, release tension with professional reflexology, or treat yourself to a facial, manicure, or pedicure. They source local products with antioxidant-rich botanicals, such as passionfruit, coconut oil, Kona coffee, matcha green tea, Hawaiian sea salt, and volcanic lava rocks.

HAUTE HOTEL To top off a perfect day, enjoy dinner at Brown's Beach House. Fairmont Orchid's AAA 4-diamond restaurant is famous for unrivaled regional Hawaiian regional cuisine and a spectacular oceanfront setting. Their innovative dishes draw from the simple, pure flavors of locally grown produce and a diverse variety of fresh seafood. Some favorites include the Kona prawns with Waimea tomatoes, citrus, garlic, cilantro, grilled house ciabatta, and the miso sake clams served with pork belly and shimeji mushroom, bok choy, and crispy garlic.

Sunrise canoe adventure with the Hui Holokai Beach Ambassadors

HAUTE HOTEL

Sunset at the property’s private Pauoa Bay

Every night, live Hawaiian music fills the warm night air, serenading your dinner at Brown's.

Fairmont Orchid resort is the ideal destination for family vacations with 32 oceanfront acres of lush tropical gardens filled with fragrant plumeria, gardenia, and pikake; cascading waterfalls; and a tranquil white sand beach and lagoon. There is truly something for everyone. The kiddos will stay active at the 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool. With poolside service, no one will go hungry. In addition, their six restaurants provide a plethora of dining options serving topnotch global cuisine. Also on the property is world class golf, a fitness center, and a 10-court tennis pavilion.

It can be tricky to find a place that the whole family will enjoy, but that's what makes Fairmont Orchid so unique. It caters to all types of families and their multitude of needs.

So, Dad can play golf, Mom can enjoy a day at the spa, and the kids can splash around the pools or in the lagoon while Grandma reads a juicy novel and sips piña coladas. When night falls, the family can meet at one of the many restaurants or enjoy room service. The options are truly endless.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARZA BLANCA RESORT & SPA LOS CABOS

Director of Hawaiian Culture, Ka'iulani Blankenfeld, harvests fruits, vegetables and herbs in the chef’s garden

71 Miso sake clams with pork belly, shimeji mushrooms, and bok choy at Brown’s Beach House

HAUTE HOTEL

COTTAGE INN AND SPA Lounging in the heart of Sonoma

BY ROBERT B. RICHARDS

Cool spaces

Arroyo Suite

I

Take a seat on the patio

PHOTO CREDIT: © ROBERT B RICHARDS; COURTESY OF COTTAGE INN & SPA

T’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION. FOR A TRAVELER, I can think of no truer axiom, especially when it comes to hotels. We want to stay close to the food, the shopping, and the fun. For proof, look no further than the Cottage Inn and Spa in Sonoma, California.

Located a stone’s throw from Sonoma Plaza where the town’s old-fashioned charm and colonial past are on full display, the Cottage Inn and Spa provides easy access to the lively hub of everyday Sonoma life. The plaza is home to city hall, the town park, and the surrounding blocks overflowing with everything we look for in a getaway destination, including dozens of world class eateries, tasting rooms, and shops ready to explore.

The Cottage Inn and Spa lounges in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Just a block away from the historic Sonoma Plaza, the inn offers a restful place to recalibrate and recharge just steps away from the heart of the city. A comfortable oasis, the boutique hotel offers nine suites complemented by a tranquil spa. Guests are encouraged to wander the manicured grounds which include a stunning

Arroyo Suite private lounging

72 Arroyo seating space

HAUTE HOTEL

Atrium courtyard

PHOTO CREDIT: © ROBERT B RICHARDS; COURTESY OF COTTAGE INN & SPA

Cottage Inn and Spa Photo

Cottage Inn sleek design

Santorini-inspired interior courtyard featuring a glowing firepit and fountain. Vines cover the whitewashed walls and pair with Zen bamboo gardens to create the perfect atmosphere for a much-needed getaway.

The Mediterranean-inspired Cottage Inn and Spa was designed and built by Robert Behrans in the 1990s. Behrens was an accomplished public artist with noteworthy projects across the country, including the Solar Borealis Gateway at the Fairbanks International Airport in Alaska, Neptune’s Gate at the entry of Lafayette Place in New Orleans, and a series of fanciful cooling shelters at Cherry Creek State Recreation Area in Denver.

The Cottage Inn and Spa features nine newly refurbished suites. Each includes free Wi-Fi, excellent concierge services, luxurious linens, fresh robes, and the use of private courtyards plus the fire-fountain. They even deliver fresh pastries and coffee to your private gate each morning.

One of our favorites, the Alta Suite, is perched on the second floor and provides beautiful views of the nearby Sonoma Mountains. The most secluded

and luxurious suite on property, the 750-square-foot roost has a California king bed, soaring ceilings, double jacuzzi tub, a single stand-up shower, and a gas fireplace.

The North Suite is the crown jewel of the property at 820 square feet. This architectural gem offers a cathedral ceiling and skylight along with a full gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances, gas fireplace, wine refrigerator, California king bed, and small private back patio.

The cozy day spa offers several individualized massage and therapeutic treatments for either couples or single travelers. Their diverse list of spa treatments includes reflexology, Reiki, a “Cocoa Butter Bliss” body wrap, and several forms of massage such as deep tissue aromatherapy massage, prenatal massage, and a Swedish aromatherapy massage. The spa is open daily to both guests and non-guests alike from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To book an appointment, please call 707996-0719.

For more information or to book a room for your next visit to Sonoma, visit the property’s website at www.cottageinnandspa.com.

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HAUTE SCENE

Ciji Jeffires, Tyler Hinsley, Alex Evans, Leticia Avendano, Michelle Keene, and Katie Calhoun

Simon Khurin, Vasily Vein, Regina Khurin, Sergey Sharapov

HAUTE LIVING LAUNCH PARTY

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO | PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Day trips and bucket list excursions are back in vogue this summer as we make up for lost time. Neiman Marcus provided a welcome escape, minus the planning, packing, and luggage, by offering up its fifth floor private room for a wine tasting party to celebrate Haute Living’s May-June 2022 travel issue. Mark Sullivan, the luxury store’s vice president and market general manager, knows that savvy San Franciscans want experiences that provide not just entertainment, but enrichment, too.

“At Haute Living parties, I can always count on running into some of my favorite people, as well as meeting interesting new ones,” said former TV news anchor Carolyn Tyler, now a member of the Jason Gan, Rosalyn Chen, Lynn Chang, and Elaine Mellis

Suzette Clark and Kate Baxter

Bip Apollo and Joel Goodrich

Belinda Leong and Vera Waller

Mark Calvano and Mark Sullivan

John Harrington and Sayan Gomel

Haute Living, San Francisco Publisher Olivia Hsu Decker and Roger Huldi

San Francisco Film Commission. For proof, look no further than the attendees whose ranks included angel investor Suzette Clark, documentary filmmaker Kate Baxter, street muralist Bip Apollo, chefs Belinda Leong and Vera Waller, and Roger Huldi, the general manager of the St. Regis San Francisco.

As guests networked, they enjoyed chic sips from a half-dozen exceptional wineries on hand. “Good wine,” noted Apollo, “is good art.” Corks were popped by Aldina Vineyard (Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon); Chalk Hill Estate Winery (Chardonnay); Krupp Brothers (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah); Lunasa Wines (Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon); Rombauer Vineyards (Sauvignon Blanc and its Proprietor Selection Chardonnay, a level up from the familiar blue-and-yellow label Chardonnay); and Sosie Wines sparkling rosé. Meanwhile, waiters passed chic bites of foie gras, salmon, and tiny dessert cakes to showcase the culinary talents of Erik Harrelson, executive chef at the Rotunda.

Bottom line? It was an evening to savor.

Dr. Carolyn Chang and Jorge Maumer

Christine Chan and Kelvin Yee with Francisco Lopez of Aldina Vineyards

Robert Saenz, Heide Betz, Vincent Gotti, Stephanie Ng, and Sharon Seto

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Gary Love and Carolyn Tyler

Noel Burgess and Sonia Sparks

Farah Makras, Rada Katz, and Sonya Molodetskaya

HAUTE SCENE

The OLE Health 50th Anniversary Gala at Quintessa Estate in Rutherford, Napa Valley.

Guests toast the OLE Health 50th Anniversary Gala

OLE HEALTH CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Over $1.7 million raised to support Community Health Center

BY JENNIFER BODEN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLE HEALTH

Quintessa Estate proprietor Augustin Huneeus

Brandt and Nicole Mori and Will and Amanda Phelps

The evening was warm, the bidding hot, and the band on fire at OLE Health’s 50th anniversary gala celebration held Saturday, May 14, at the stunning Quintessa Estate in Rutherford.

Wine country vintners, growers, community dignitaries, and supporters of OLE Health showed up in force to raise over $1.7 million through a lively auction and fund-a-need conducted by renowned auctioneer Fritz Hatten.

After a welcoming reception with cocktails provided by Meadowood and sit-down feast paired with Quintessa wines, the energetic Ozomatli took to the stage with an infectious mix of Latin, hip hop, R&B, and rock music that propelled the crowd to dance the night away as a full moon rose over the vineyards surrounding Dragon’s Lake tucked behind the winery.

The celebration spanned four days with a Visionaries Luncheon hosted by Darioush Winery on Thursday; Vintners Dinners at Dalle Valle, Cliff Lede, and Burgess on Friday; and concluded Sunday with the Family Fiesta presented by Kaiser Permanente at the CIA at COPIA, with live music, lawn games, face painting, and creative food pairings with beverages donated by Jackson Family Wines and Hanabi Beer.

OLE Health is the region’s only federally qualified health center, providing care to over 40,000 patients annually.

Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi of Darioush Winery and Shari and Garen Staglin of Staglin Family Vineyard

Vintners Elaine and Rick Jones, Jones Family Vineyards

The energetic band, Ozomatli, performs at the OLE Health 50th Anniversary Gala

OLE Health Foundation Board Chair, vintner Darioush Khaledi of Darioush Winery, kicks off the live auction at the OLE Health 50th Anniversary Gala

HAUTE SCENE

Pascal Molat, Sarah Van Patten, and Yuri Possokhov

Kay Mazzo, Helgi Tomasson, Marlene Tomasson, and Albert Bellas

Helgi Tomasson surrounded by company dancers

HELGI TOMASSON A Celebration

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO | PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Benjamin Freemantle, Sunnie Evers, and Tom Horn

Yurie Pascarella, John Neumeier, Yuan Yuan Tan, Carl Pascarella, and Dede Wilsey

Goodbyes are emotional, and Helgi Tomasson’s exit after 37 years as artistic director of the San Francisco Ballet was no exception.

Friends, fans, and colleagues past and present from around the globe gathered for a gala dinner and performance in his honor at the War Memorial Opera House in April. “He is a trailblazer who elevated the quality of dance and strict classical training—it’s a world renowned company now,” said event chairwoman Yurie Pascarella. In brief remarks, the famously reticent Tomasson, a native of Iceland who rose to fame dancing with the New York City Ballet and retired from the stage to lead and choreograph in San Francisco, humbly told the crowd, “Chance nothing, gain nothing—remember, that’s my motto.” In fall, the English National Ballet’s Tamara Rojo steps into his shoes, but Tomasson knows that leaving the spotlight doesn’t erase history. “After the curtain came down, he told us, ‘You will always be a dancer,’” said corps de ballet member Elizabeth Mateer. “It was powerful.”

Stanton Welch, Virginia Long, and Mikko Nissinen

Yuan Yuan Tan

SunMin Lee, Diego Cruz, and Dores Andre

HAUTE SCENE

A runway look

Aquila Farrell and Lisa Zabelle

Riccardo Benavides, Maryam Muduroglu, and Komal Shah

Roman Gronkowski and Wes Gordon

SA N FR A N C I S CO O PE R A G U I L D A N D N E I M A N M A RC US PR ES E N T

CAROLINA HERRERA FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO | PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

A look with a flowing train

Guests applauding Gordon

Afie Royo and Haute Living, San Francisco Publisher Olivia Hsu Decker

“I really think San Francisco is the best-dressed city in America,” Wes Gordon, the creative director for Carolina Herrera, told 245 fashionistas at Neiman Marcus Union Square. It was a warm way to compliment the women who waited for two pandemic years for the 2020 San Francisco Opera Guild fashion show fundraising luncheon (tickets $500 and up) to take place.

Was it worth sitting tight? The strong showing—philanthropists Lisa Goldman, Sara Abbasi, Komal Shah, Christine Suppes, Barbara Brown, and many more—proved the answer was yes.

“I’ve never seen such dedication and determination,” Gordon said of efforts by Opera Guild President Maryam Muduroglu and event co-chairs Lisa Zabelle and Roman Gronkowski to keep the momentum going. After lunch by McCalls at tables set by Riccardo Benavides, a live auction raised even more funds for the Guild’s music education program in Bay Area schools. The event was capped by visual dessert: the runway show with confections from the pre-fall and fall 2022 collections in lime green, marigold, tomato red, and a grape-hued purple.

Sarah Abbasi and Bahya Murad

Mary Beth Shimmon and Sonya Molodetskaya

A Carolina Herrera gown

Krista Giovara and Barbara Brown

Dr. Carolyn Chang, Lisa Goldman, and Allison Speer

HAUTE SCENE

Tanya Peterson, Sarah Gammill, and Lindsay McNulty

Tim Wu, Lesley Canfield, and Brad Canfield

The Family Stone performs

A N E V E N I N G AT T H E OA S I S

ZOOFEST 2022

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO | PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

4. Rosemary Baker and David Jochim

Brenda Jewett, Lee Gregory, and Daru Kawalkowski

After two years of virtual events, party animals—and zoo animals—were out in full force at An Evening at the Oasis: ZooFest 2022. Co-chairs Lesley and Brad Canfield oversaw an evening that raised $500,000 for 400 guests—Ed and Lynn Poole, Rosemary Baker and David Jochim, Brenda Jewett, and Daru Kawalkowski among them—starting with cocktails in Moroccaninspired tents, a dinner by McCalls in a bigger tent, and a live auction led by the zoo’s executive director, Tanya Peterson.

Feeding sessions with giraffes and penguins were popular, but the night’s highest bid of $26,000 came from Peninsula real estate developer John McNellis for naming rights for a trio of Mexican gray wolves. The evening ended with dancing to music

by The Family Stone. Urban dweller Justin Stevens, attending with Emily Allan, enjoyed an escape from the concrete jungle, however brief. “It warms the heart,” he said, “to coexist with animals you don’t see that often.”

Toni Krajcar, Silva Bidanian, Luciana Piccolo, and Steve Krajcar

Ed and Lynn Poole

Heidi Racherla and Sangam Racherla

HAUTE SCENE

Veronica Levy

Jennifer Walske, Stefanie Tsen Ward, and Sonya Molodetskaya

Faith Wheeler and Kelly Sparks

PRADA PRANCES INTO NEIMAN MARCUS Make way for an Italian art installation that you can wear

BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY | NATALIE SCHRIK

Arcola Moore

Aubrey Brewster, Kelly Sparks, Faith Wheeler, and Mark Sullivan

Lisa Zabelle

Lucky us! Prada launched its much-anticipated Prada Tropico exhibition at Neiman Marcus. San Francisco’s fashion icons and style leaders were treated to a preview of the collection with a scrumptious brunch in the Rotunda. Guests included the always-in-fashion Molodetskaya and our own man-about-town, Aubrey Brewster. Instagram sensation Veronica Levy showed up on point in green, sporting her famous smile. Philanthropist and society gal pal Lisa Zabelle was pretty in pink and Prada.

Prada Tropico will be at Neiman Marcus from May 19 to June 8. The installation’s pièce de résistance is a vibrant green tree donned in colorful Prada hats. Delicious handbags, whimsical shoes, and Prada’s tropical pieces decorate the exhibition.

Guests swooned over the raffia handbags that were built with 100 percent recycled plastics, but looked like they were made from palm trees.

Betty Yu and Emily Hu

Jennifer Walske

Alison Speer and Carolyn Chang

Kelly Sparks

Komal Shah and Mark Sullivan

Reny Huelskamp, Hannah McKinley, Danielle Snyder Shorenstein, Roz Volckmann, and Courtney Lopez

Alana Paskett and Amit Patel

Sobia Shaikh and Vanessa Getty

ALL-STAR LINEUP CELEBRATES NEW BOUTIQUE Danielle Snyder Shorenstein and Blake McCall celebrate the opening of the DANNIJO x Blake Charles pop-up on Maiden Lane

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Becky Heldfond, Rhetta Nadas, and Lindsey Fisher

Bella Hunter

Blake McCall and Danielle Snyder Shorenstein

DANIELLE SNYDER SHORENSTEIN AND BLAKE MCCALL, with hosts Vanessa Getty, Christina Iguodala, and Alexis Pence, commemorated the opening at the DANNIJO x Blake Charles pop-up on Maiden Lane. This launch marks the first retail location for DANNIJO in San Francisco in partnership with the iconic Blake Charles salon. The celebration brought together San Francisco’s social, tech, and premier athletic set to toast this new shopping destination on the most coveted and charming walking street in San Francisco. Guests included Hunter Pence, Margot Kerr, Zaza and Tika Pachulia, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Kendall Kerr, Brandon Shorenstein, Sandra Shorenstein, Katie Traina, Bella Hunter, Kaitlyn Krieger, Mary Beth Shimmon, Maca Huneeus, Emily Holt, Sobia Shaikh, Summer Tompkins Walker, Alison Sonsini, Lindsey Fisher, Claudia Mata Gladish, Amit Patel, Alexandria Marchetti, Max Boyer Glynn, Hannah McKinley, Lance Lin, Pia Cohler, Casey Severance McDevitt, and more. Many of the attending who’s-who wore DANNIJO fashions.

Catherine Drybrough, Darby Gaynor Glickman, and Casey Severance McDevitt

Emily Holt and Kaitlyn Krieger

Maca Huneeus and Mary Beth Shimmon

Isaad Shaikh and Manuela Huneeus

Hunter Pence and Alexis Pence

HAUTE LIVING

Alexis Levitt, Allison Speer, and Suzanne Levitt

Uma Subramanian, Alexis Traina, and Trevor Traina

Trevor Traina and Dick Costolo

COME FLY WITH ME Alexis and Trevor Traina host an intimate soiree to celebrate Areo’s semi-private jet service in San Francisco

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Alexis Traina, Liza Zanze, and Chris Zanze

Holly Peterson and Rip Gerber

Jack Krawczyk and Lauren Lyon

THE FORMER AMBASSADOR TO AUSTRIA, TREVOR Traina, and his always-glamorous wife, Alexis, opened their stunning home in Pacific Heights to a few globe-trotting guests who appreciate the finer things in life—including flying in well-appointed jets from private terminals. Aero is a semi-private jet service redefining air travel. They pride themselves on their meticulously designed jets with luxurious seating and attentive staff. Former CEO of Twitter Dick Costolo and Lorin Costolo were in attendance, along with private pilot Bert Inch and his lovely wife, Jane.

Also enjoying the evening’s festivities were Todd Zabelle, Suzanne and Carson Levit, Max and Louise Armour, and Nadir and Sobia Shikh. While guests enjoyed caviar by Nosh and Whispering Angel Rose, CEO Uma Subramanian shared her vision of a new, better way of traveling in with ease. Public relations icon Allison Speer beautifully curated the celebration.

Jane Inch and Bert Inch

Max Armour, Louise Armour, and Ben Klein

Suzanne Levitt and Alexis Levitt

Trinity White

Sobia Shaikh and Nadir Shaikh

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HAUTE EVENTS

Robert Mondavi Winery's Dinner in the Vines

Chef Elliot Bell

Carmelo Anthony

Robert Mondavi Winery wine

ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY'S DINNER IN THE VINES Notable musicians, artists, and chefs in attendance

BY JENNIFER BODEN | PHOTOS BY TIM HOGAN

All dishes paired with delicious Robert Mondavi Winery wines.

Some of the notable guests included: Carmelo Anthony, NBA All-Star; Lorine Chia, singer/ songwriter; Maggi Simpkins, multi-disciplinary artist and jewelry designer; Joe Sasto, awardwinning chef; Noz Nozawa, celebrated interior designer; and Brandee Younger, Grammy nominated harpist.

Following a sparkling wine reception, tours of Robert Mondavi Winery’s cellar, and remarks by Robert Hanson, president of Wine & Spirits at Constellation Brands, Larry Fitzgibbon, founder of Tastemade, and Jim Denevan, founder of Outstanding in the Field, guests embarked on a sunset walk through the celebrated To Kalon Vineyard and were seated for dinner at a beautifully set, long table among the vines.

Chef Joe Sasto

Noz Nozawa and Brandee Younger

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PHOTOS BY © TATYANA FILATOVA

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n partnership with Tastemade, a James Beard award-winning media company, and Outstanding in the Field, known as “a roving restaurant without walls,” Robert Mondavi Winery hosted Dinner in the Vines on May 14.

The event was an homage to the legacy of Robert Mondavi himself, bringing together some of the creators and dreamers of today to celebrate his pioneering spirit and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience surrounded by the iconic vines of To Kalon Vineyard, all the while sipping on some of the finest wines in the world.

Dinner included a delicious poppy seed vinaigrette salad with Silverado trail cherries and avocado; Napa Valley Angus Steak; asparagus, wood-fired nantes carrots and California Meyer lemon pound cake with Meadowood farms rhubarb and vanilla scented cream cheese.

HAUTE EVENT EVENTS

Host – Liam Mayclem toasting with Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, E-40, Matt Horn, and Too $hort

Monkey Shoulder cocktail being made

WINE GLASSES IN THE AIR FOR BOTTLEROCK 2022 Napa Valley music festival returns to Memorial Day weekend

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BY NOËL BURGESS

OES IT FEEL LIKE WE JUST CELEBRATED BOTTLEROCK 2021? You’re not entirely wrong. With COVID-19 safety restrictions postponing last year’s festival to Labor Day weekend, we geared up for BottleRock 2022 a mere eight months later. This year the famed festival returned to Memorial Day weekend with an all-star lineup of music, wine, spirits, and food.

The energy was different as the weekend kicked off on Friday, May 27. Perhaps it was the mid-70s sunshine, the height of pandemic uncertainty (though not the pandemic itself) appearing to be behind us, or just the smile on every passing face. Whatever the reason, there was much to celebrate in downtown Napa, California.

84 Kirk Hammett of Metallica unleashes on the Jam Cellars Main Stage

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY/LATITUDE 38

P!nk soaring over the crowd

PHOTO CREDITS: COURTESY OF BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY/LATITUDE 38

Performances from headliners Metallica, Twenty One Pilots, and P!nk were a welcomed representation of different genders, generations, and genres. On Friday night, Metallica showed the audience why they have been around for four decades, playing classics like “Fade to Black” and “Enter Sandman.” Twenty One Pilots provided some the biggest surprises on Saturday night: after they played favorites like “Heathen” and “Stressed Out,” they lit an actual campfire on stage. They then took seats around the fire and to play acoustic versions of “I Can See Clearly Now,” “Kiss from a Rose,” “Careless Whisper,” and “My Girl.” Closing out the weekend was P!nk, returning from a 3-year break from performing. She didn’t figuratively—or literally—miss a beat, given her hiatus. “Get this Party Started” and “Just Like a Pill” started off the show, but P!nk rose above expectations with a high-flying performance above the Sunday night crowd. She attached the harness and performed “So What” to remind fans that she hasn’t lost her acrobatic singing skills. Other great performances by Kygo, Chvrches, Skip Marley, Ron Artis II, Pitbull, and super group Mount Westmore made up of rap legends Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Too $hort, and E-40 rounded out the festival’s lineup.

What would a festival in wine country be without some of the biggest wineries pairing their vino with great performances? For the sixth year in a row, Jam Cellars, the presenting sponsor of BottleRock Napa Valley, was back with two venues. First, the “JamPad” stage hosted artists for more intimate performances, while still providing a direct view of the headliners rocking the main stage. New this year was the second venue, the “Butter Cabana,” which was offering not only the new Butter Cab and Butter Bubbles, but also a place to meet with a few up-and-coming artists. Some of wine country’s best vintners were pouring, including Mumm Napa, Robert Mondavi, JustPink!, Schramsberg Vineyards, Flora Springs, Foley Johnson Winery, Bonita Bonita, Smith Devereux, and many more.

There were also new activations like Monkey Shoulder’s Whisky Secret Speakeasy. Festival-goers could access the Monkey Shoulder party through a secret porta-potty door that transported lucky patrons right into a fun speakeasy where they were served a few delicious cocktails while dancing the day away. The Food, wine, and music combined on the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage for arguably the best performances of the day. Emmy Award winning TV personality and KCBS “Foodie Chap” Liam Mayclem hosted some of the world’s most celebrated culinary talents, such as Matt Horn, Aarón Sánchez, and Michael Mina, teamed with musicians and celebrities like Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson, Tiffani Thiessen, P!nk, Twenty One Pilots, Luke Combs, E-40 and Too $hort (of Mount Westmore), and Warren G. We will have to wait a full year this time for the next BottleRock, so mark your calendars now for May 26-28, 2023!

HAUTE EVENTS

Kygo dropping beats at BottleRock

Saint Jhn & Ghetto Gastro on the Culinary Stage

85 Snoop representing for Mt. Westmore

HAUTE EVENT

Mark Sullivan, Emcee

The Little Lantern Presidio Dance Theater celebrates their youth with colorful gala and performance

BY ROBERT B RICHARDS | PHOTOS BY DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY

Hanna Persky, Sherene Melania, Pernella Sommerville, and Clara Shayevich

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Suzie Palliat, Nahid Aria, and Mary Steiner

Sherene Melania, Lee Gregory, Clara Shayevich, Lily Samii, and Nazan Orr

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n 2006, Presidio Dance Theatre’s artistic director, Sherene Melania, read a copy of The Little Lantern. She immediately fell in love with the story. The tale explores the ways in which collaboration—despite gender, social standing, or pre-existing borders—can transcend difficult circumstances to establish a sense of unity. Melania’s vision was to create a ballet theatre production that would expose audiences to the rich cultural traditions of the Middle East, generating an awareness and appreciation of our mutual humanity.

So, on a warm San Francisco night, over 400 guests gathered to watch the breathtaking performance of an encore presentation of The Little Lantern Ballet, featuring an international cast of 95 dancers, including guest artists from the Middle and Near East, Ukraine, Russia, and two Assyrian heritage ballerinas.

The Presidio Performing Arts Foundation’s annual spring gala continued with a lively dinner for 150 guests catered by McCalls.

Narsai and Venus Davis generously donated all the premier wines served during the reception, dinner, and dessert.

The evening celebrated the Presidio Dance Theatre’s 2022 Humanitarian Awardee, Roselyne C. Swig. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Cissie Swig was unable to attend the dinner in person, but she delivered a moving and heartfelt video message commending Melania and the board for their extraordinary signature productions, community engagement including the popular DanceOut! program, and humanitarian and social justice work. The festive evening continued with Mark Sullivan of Neiman Marcus debuting in his role as star auctioneer and successfully prompting patrons to open their wallets for lunch with former Mayor Willie Brown, an exclusive wine tasting soiree for eight of your besties, and an all-inclusive theater box experience at the state-of-the art Chase Center Stadium.

Co-chair Farah Makras shared, "I am proud to be part of this amazing organization that unites communities through the universal power of dance and their ability to create cultural change, global dialogue, and human connection through the artistry of dance."

Haley Book, Hanna Persky, and Matisse Love

Jon Finck and Lee Gregory

Heide Betz and Aubrey Brewster

Mark Sullivan and Carolyn Chang

Sherene Melania and Shauna Marshall

Victor Makras, Farah Makras, and Willie Brown

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Auctioneer John Curley, SCV Executive Director Mike Haney, SCV Managing Director of Auctions Dana Macaulay, and Emcee Liam Mayclem

Auctioneer John Curley energizes SoCoBA wine trade

SONOMA COUNTY BARREL AUCTION RAISES OVER $445K Proceeds will support efforts to grow the Sonoma wine brand around the world.

Congressman Mike Thompson with Lifetime Achievement Award recipient David Ramey and Congressman Jared Huffman

BY JENNIFER BODEN | PHOTOS BY BOB MCCLENAHAN

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his year’s Sonoma County Barrel Auction (SoCoBA) raised more than $445,000 to support the Sonoma County Vintners’ (SCV) efforts to boost the region’s wine community. Held on May 6 at MacMurray Estate Vineyards near Santa Rosa, bidders competed for some of the world’s rarest wines.

As always, the bidding was quite spirited, with the largest bids coming in for Silver Oak’s The Big 4 Cabernet Sauvignon at $30,000; Williams Selyem’s 2021 Neighborhoods Pinot Noir at $27,000; and Kosta Browne’s Pacific Cuvée Pinot Noir at $18,500.

In addition to the auction, SCV honored several icons and innovators.

Audrey Sterling, who cofounded Iron Horse, was recognized as an icon. Randy Ullom, winemaster and senior vice president at KendallJackson, was recognized as an icon for being a pioneer in the California Chardonnay movement.

The Benziger family were named as innovators for their early adoption of certified biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming methods.

88 The bidding was fast and fierce at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction in May.

PHOTOS BY © TATYANA FILATOVA

Honoring the Icons

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Wine trade buyers were thrilled to be back live and in person at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction.

Ames Morison of Medlock Ames was also honored for his efforts to support organic farming and land preservation.

David Ramey accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award and a congressional proclamation recognizing his achievements from Congressmen Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman for his contributions to new winemaking techniques.

“Everyone who attended SoCoBA was very excited to see the auction being held in person again,” said the SCV’s executive director, Michael Haney. “Our trade buyers and participating vintners brought an amazing energy to the day.”

The event drew guests from across the country and around the globe, including a trade group from Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

“The diversity of places, climates, grapes, and styles is much wider than expected and really deserves a deep dive,” said Norwegian sommelier Francesco Marzola. Marzola and 400-plus attendees had a chance to taste each of the auction lots during the preview event held at Bacchus Landing in beautiful Healdsburg.

Sonoma County winemakers connect with trade buyers at SoCoBA

Auction preview attendees tasting wines with Donald Patz of Maritana Vineyards and Isis Daniel the Millennial Somm

PHOTOS BY © TATYANA FILATOVA

Harmon Guest House Between events, I was fortunate to recharge at Harmon Guest House in Healdsburg, a modern retreat just a block from the historic plaza.

In addition to being a perfect home base for Healdsburg events, it’s within walking distance or an easy drive from dozens of acclaimed restaurants, tasting rooms, and renowned local wineries. The hotel boasts an open-air rooftop which offers an ideal setting to relax and unwind while enjoying stunning views, a bite to eat, and a glass of wine.

Refreshed and ready for more, it was back to the event to taste “never before, never again” wines showcasing the spectacular diversity of Sonoma County’s wine region.

The 2023 Sonoma Country Barrel Auction will be held on May 4 and 5.

Sonoma County Barrel Auction

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HAUTE EVENT EVENTS

Opera singer Nia Imani Franklin, accompanied by pianist Matt Smart

OLIVIA DECKER POWER of MUSIC SERIES Presents Nia Imani Franklin AT TOP OF SALESFORCE TOWER

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O REACH FOR NEW HEIGHTS, THE TOP OF THE Salesforce Tower is the place to be. The ’Ohana Floor, elevation 1,070 feet, is where opera singer Nia Imani Franklin gave a sparkling recital on a recent Sunday afternoon as part of Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. “We’ve got great music and I think the setting’s OK,” quipped the festival’s president and CEO, Rick Walker, as he explained that San Francisco Mayor London Breed helped secure the exclusive venue with a few well-placed phone calls.

Franklin, a 28-year-old soprano, is a woman of many talents. Crowned Miss America in 2019, she’s also a conductor and composer, who in 2021 was the festival’s composer-in-residence and earned its Khaledi Prize for excellence and innovation in classical music. Her program of original compositions and selections from Gershwin,

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Puccini, and Weill was the main bill of fare, but the menu also included expansive views, the room’s famed vertical living plant columns, finger foods, and wines by Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards.

Attendees included billionaire philanthropist and composer Gordon Getty; David Stull, president of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music; and new festival board member Romana Bracco. Olivia Decker, who sang opera in her girlhood, is a festival devotee. “It’s just the most beautiful thing: the food, the wine, the beautiful weather in July, and the charity,” she said, referring to the event’s dual function as a fundraiser for the arts in Napa County public schools.

Athena Blackburn, a founding festival member, is devoted to rising artists, stating, “Nia is one of the most beautiful, accomplished, and talented young women we have ever gotten to know at the festival, and very down-to-earth.”

PHOTO CREDITS: PHOTO OF DARU KAWALKOWSKI AND ROMANA BRACCO BY CAROLYNE ZINKO; ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY DAVID ORTEGA/CHROME VISUAL CO.

BY CAROLYNE ZINKO

HAUTE HAUTEEVENTS EVENTS

Timothy and Athena Blackburn

Daru Kawalkowski and Romana Bracco

Robert Posthuma and Jag Soni

PHOTOS BY © ROBERT RICHARDS

Malin Giddings and Richard Hechler

The view from the top

Rick Walker, David Stull, Gordon Getty, and Job Maarse

Karen Lum, Irene Cheung, and Ric von Hurst

Giovanni Zara, Bip Apollo, and Mauro Aprile Zanetti

Paul Schweibinz and Neev Schweibinz

Parker Coomans, Kari Coomans, and Emily Grunt

PHOTOS BY © ROBERT RICHARDS

Dena Grunt and Emily Grunt

91 Olivia Hsu Decker, Navid Armstrong, Krisha Chhaganlal, and Joel Goodrich

The audience in rapt attention

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Jenny McAteer

SAY NAMASTE This holistic skin therapist talks face yoga

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OU GO TO THE YOGA STUDIO, MAT IN HAND, FOR your body—and soul. But have you ever thought about what yoga could do for your face? Not only has Jenny McAteer thought about it, she’s mastered it. A trained esthetician and massage therapist with a specialty in holistic health, McAteer holds advanced certification in sculptural face lifting. She’s one of only a handful of therapists in the United States with that capability. Her techniques, which she dubs Yoga for the Face, work instantly to tone, lift, and brighten. See the results for yourself when you try them during McAteer’s twice monthly Zoom Face Yoga classes, hosted by San Francisco’s own Rae Studios.

As the studio’s exclusive face yoga instructor, Jenny has built a burgeoning community of face yogis. It’s also possible to experience her astonishing beauty rituals at her Woodland Hills (Los Angeles) clinic, You Are Beautiful Skin Therapy, where she leads private sessions and performs result-driven facials. We followed McAteer’s instructions and contorted our expressions to find out more about yoga for the face.

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HL: You believe our skin mirrors our well-being and health.

Please explain.

JM: The skin is a direct reflection of our overall health and wellness. When we take care of our internal health through good nutrition and use products that feed the skin in the most natural way, this results in healthy, glowing skin. The skin is a major organ of elimination, and when we consume foods and use products that are potentially toxic to the body, it can show in our skin. This is why I am drawn to a holistic approach that addresses the overall health of our bodies, minds, and spirits.

HL: Your techniques and exercises can help tone and lift the face. How does this work?

JM: At my studio, the sculptural face lifting treatment is my most requested facial. This face massage treatment lifts, strengthens, and tones facial contours by massaging both the internal and external muscles of the face. It releases

PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF JENNY MCATEER

BY BECCA HENSLEY

HAUTE BEAUTY tension in the deeper muscles of the neck and face, rehydrates facial fascia, and encourages better lymphatic drainage for an overall healthy glow and more lifted appearance. This treatment also provides relief for jaw tension and TMJ. HL: You offer something called a qi beauty treatment—what is that?

JM: I am one of the first therapists to offer this facial here in Los Angeles. It’s quite new to the United States. We use 24 karat gold, sphere-shaped magnets which are placed on the face to form a matrix that activates cellular activity. It brings fresh nutrients to the surface. The skin appears visually improved with long lasting results and no downtime. Qi beauty perfectly complements my massage-focused facial treatments, and my clients are loving the results. Combined with a consistent home care routine of whole plant skincare and face yoga, clients will receive optimal results.

HL: We’re curious. How did you find this career path?

JM: After being in the beauty and wellness industry for more than 15 years, I felt it time to branch out with my career and develop the treatments that I had learned from experience were the most beneficial to our skin’s health. I wanted to share and incorporate the treatments that truly worked for me, those that could bring long-term results, and that would support ageing vibrantly, but naturally. I love this career and take great joy in supporting my clients. I want them to feel and look their best in the healthiest way possible.

Important websites: youarebeautifulskintherapy.com raestudios-sf.com/post/jenny-mcateer naturabrasil.fr/en-us/brands/chronos

HL: What's one face yoga asana or exercise we can all do in front of the mirror?

JM: Stretching out the neck daily is my number one tip for all clients, no matter their age. We live in a world where we are spending a lot of hours looking down at our phones. This causes neck tension and prohibits optimal circulation and lymphatic drainage for the face. To prevent a double chin, get a tighter jawline, and have skin that glows, take care of your neck!

PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF NEBYLYFT

HL: How long does it take to get results from doing face yoga regularly?

JM: Like any form of exercise, consistency is what brings results.

Just as your body needs regular exercise to stay toned and firm, the 57 muscles in the face and neck also need to be exercised.

As they become stronger through face yoga exercises, your face will feel and look more lifted. The skin attached to the facial muscles will be firmer, therefore reducing lines and wrinkles. I recommend integrating a 10-minute face yoga practice into your daily skincare routine.

HL: You are a fan of Natura's Chronos serum; how does it work well in conjunction with face yoga?

JM: Chronos Aqua Plumping Bio-Hydrating Serum allows for optimal hydration. One of the standout ingredients in the Chronos line is called fevillea. This is an exclusive ingredient from Brazil, which contains a high content of fatty acids. It stimulates the skin’s natural production of hyaluronic acid.

Face yoga opens up circulation and releases facial tension.

Combine this with Chronos Serum for hugely beautiful results.

MUST-HAVE ANTI-AGING DEVICE FOR YOUR FACE Nebulyft NI Multipolar Micro-RF Anti-Aging Device It has a big name, but this remarkable skin tightening machine is easy to use and takes just 10 minutes a day. Harnessing the power of titanium-gold electrodes, this science-backed device firms the skin and stimulates collagen production naturally. Erase lines, reduce pore size—even stretch marks—with regular use. $799 nebulyft.com/products

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HAUTE BEAUTY

The Flagship Five by Reålea

REÅLEA SKINCARE Men and women discover natural, alchemical skin care

BY ROBERT B. RICHARDS

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skin using traditional laboratory practices. Each product is handcrafted and stored in small batches using a series of proprietary processes that ensure freshness and efficacy over time. As proof, every product comes with a signed seal indicating batch number, product number, and date of production. The result is Reålea’s current product line called “The Flagship Five.”

Realea balms and butters

PHOTO CREDITS:© BIRDHILL STUDIO

From work outdoors to weekends at the beach, the blazing sun and harsh elements take a toll on the skin. While women are more likely to understand it’s essential to care for their skin, more and more men are discovering the need to follow a skin care regimen. But with most skin care products and brands geared towards women, where do men go to find products that meet their needs? Luckily, Reålea Skincare offers elegant and highly effective, therapeutic skin care products formulated for men as well as women. Founded by a historian with a background in centuries-old systems of medicine and healing, Reålea combines ancient, alchemical secrets and processes with modern science and technology to create truly unique, artisan products.

While their products are designed to be unisex—as much about health and wellness as about beauty and cosmetics— Reålea takes into consideration the particular skin dynamics of men and gears their formulas accordingly. They employ the sophisticated methods of spagyric alchemy to isolate and refine each plant's bioactive components to maximize benefits to the

HAUTE BEAUTY AURORA is a profoundly healing and transformative beauty balm. A rich, golden concentrate of nature’s best sources of nourishment for skin, it provides a base that gives your skin all the building blocks it needs to regenerate and express its natural health. Ingredients include egg yolk oil (a natural source of retinol), calendula, frankincense, sea buckthorn, rose, sal butter, tamanu oil, and alchemical preparations of gold and zinc.

To learn more about Reålea Skincare and their unique line of alchemical skincare products, visit realea.com.

MERIDIEM is a long-lasting, whipped butter for the whole body, using a unique blend of luxurious oils that absorb easily to provide a shield of nourishing, tonifying, and calming botanicals. Its unique and uplifting fragrance acts upon the mind and the body while promoting the health of your skin.

Ingredients include sal butter, egg yolk oil, rosehip seed oil, geranium, and galbanum, potentiated with the alchemical oil of gold.

TENEBRIS is a flowering alpine forest of wild medicinal herbs in a jar. Verdant and mysterious, it gently penetrates deeply into muscles and connective tissue to soothe aches, reduce inflammation, ease tension, and stimulate circulation and healing. Ingredients include black cumin seed oil, gotu kola, camphor, lemon balm, and alchemical oil of silver.

ASTRUM is a light yet potent facial serum. Nutrient-dense and fast-absorbing for a soft, dewy complexion, it’s excellent for sensitive skin. It’s formulated with an extraordinary blend of some of the most prized and precious ingredients in the skincare canon—prickly pear cactus seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, squalane, helichrysum, and champak— with an enlightening and sophisticated floral-forward fragrance.

Reålea founders Nick Grossenbacher and Crispin Clarke

PHOTO CREDITS: © ROBERT B RICHARDS

IMBER is a tonifying and uplifting facial mist containing hydrosols distilled from fresh lemon balm, neroli, and the highest grades of frankincense and myrrh. It is potentiated with the alchemical oil of gold and colloidal silver.

Later this year, Reålea will expand their current product line by adding a couple of new unisex products: a facial cleanser using the proprietary alchemical technology perfected during the development of the Flagship Five and an all-natural, fragranceneutral balm for daily nourishment and deep repair. They will also release the first of their products formulated specifically for use by men, which will be a regal beard butter that nourishes and conditions facial hair and the underlying skin, with a fragrance inspired by ancient temple rites.

Ancient tools of alchemy

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Festival Napa Valley's GET READY FOR

Summer Season, July 9-24, 2022

This summer Napa Valley has something truly special in store for all of us, Festival Napa Valley!

Gala at Nickel & Nickel Winery.

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Opening Night.

PHOTO CREDIT: © DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY; © DAVID ORTEGA; COURTESY OF FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY

BY JENNIFER BODEN

WINE COUNTRY CELEBRATING ITS 16TH YEAR, THE INTERNATIONALLY renowned music, dance, and cultural arts festival being held July 9 to 24 has a wide array of programs, including symphony, opera, dance, chamber music, jazz, visual arts, concerts for children, and, of course, wine tastings.

If you’re longing for music and wine in picturesque wine country, Festival Napa Valley is the perfect date or friend night and family day trip.

World Class Performers and Emerging Talent at Festival Napa Valley 2022

There’s nothing like music and the cultural arts to help people transcend the present. Festival Napa Valley’s 2022 lineup of world class performers and emerging talent offer something to enjoy for everyone.

“We are dedicating the 2022 season to the sounds of America,” says Robin Baggett, chairman of the Festival’s board of directors. “From Copland and Bernstein to jazz, swing, Broadway, bluegrass, and country, this is the music that celebrates our common heritage.”

Among the elite performers scheduled to appear this year are Trisha Yearwood, headlining the annual Arts for All Gala, and Festival performances by Joshua Bell, Larisa Martínez, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Tessa Lark, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Nia Imani Franklin, a Tchaikovsky to Rolling Stones dance gala, Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and more.

With a long-standing promise to make the arts accessible to all, Festival tickets are amazingly affordable: evening performances, held July 15-24, are only $35; and, all daytime small ensemble concerts, presented July 9-23, are free, including the daily Festival Live! series at CIA at COPIA, the popular Bouchaine Young Artist Series, and the family-friendly Novack Concerts for Kids.

To the delight of anyone over 21, Festival Napa Valley’s Taste of Napa returns on July 16. This one-day celebration of wine and food will take place at the Meritage in Napa. With more than 70 local wineries, restaurants, and culinary artisans, ticket holders can sample and sip the day away, while listening to live music by many local Napa favorites.

PHOTO CREDIT: © DAVID ORTEGA

Cultural Arts for a Cause

Taste of Napa at the Meritage

Festival Napa Valley is more than a festival. Patrons play an important role in fulfilling the event’s commitment to arts education, supporting educational programs for schools and other youth programs, as well as supporting scholarships for emerging young professional artists.

Among the programs are the Blackburn Music Academy—the Festival’s immersive summer conservatory for emerging professional instrumentalists—and the Manetti Shrem Opera Program—a comprehensive vocal arts celebration, including a summer conservatory that offers advanced study and performance opportunities for rising opera singers. This year’s event also celebrates the second year of its partnership with the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, with Frost faculty and students playing a lead role in the Festival’s academy, symphonic, and chamber music programs.

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Festival

NAPA VALLEY 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

JULY 15 Opening night at Charles Krug will kick off the festival with conductor Carlo Ponti

leading Festival Orchestra Napa, performing Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov’s Prayer for Ukraine, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and Daniel Brewbaker’s Cello Concerto with soloist Sophia Bacelar.

JULY 16 World premiere of Polaris: A Juneteenth anthem by prizewinning composer Nia

Imani Franklin features the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, led by Francisco J. Núñez.

The concert also features soprano Mikayla Sager, tenor Mario Chang, baritone Lester Lynch, and Gordon Getty’s Young America.

JULY 16 Taste of Napa: Festival Napa Valley’s signature celebration of food, wine, and music

returns to the Meritage Resort and Spa with more than 70 participating wineries, craft breweries, and food purveyors.

JULY 20 Tchaikovsky in America: Enjoy music commemorating Tchaikovsky’s 1891 visit to

the U.S. for the opening of Carnegie Hall, with conductor Constantine Orbelian leading Festival innovation and excellence in classical music.

JULY 22 The Manetti Shrem Opera: Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore will be a gift to opera and

non-opera lovers, directed by Jean-Romain Vesperini with Gemma New conducting Festival

Orchestra Napa, sopranos Andriana Chuchman and Mikayla Sager, tenor Mario Chang, with participants from the Manetti Shrem Summer Vocal Conservatory.

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PHOTO CREDIT: COURTESY OF FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY; © DREW ALTIZER PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY; © DAVID ORTEGA

Orchestra Napa and violinist Tessa Lark, recipient of the Festival’s 2022 Khaledi Prize for

WINE COUNTRY

Dinner at Raymond Vineyards.

Tessa Lark.

Festival Napa Valley is more than a festival.

Patrons play an important role in fulfilling the event’s commitment to arts education, supporting educational programs for schools and other youth programs

Young People's Chorus of NYC

Inspiring, Enjoyable, and Affordable

Performances are held outdoors on the Festival Napa Valley Stage at Charles Krug in St. Helena, the Jackson Family Wines Amphitheater at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, and at wineries, estates, and other venues throughout Napa Valley. Concert tickets are priced from free to $35.

A limited number of “Patron Passes” are available, providing access to special events, including vintner’s luncheons, patron dinners, and the Arts for All Gala.

Patron Passes for Taste of Napa are available for $150 and $295 for the reserve lounge.

To view the full schedule and purchase tickets and passes, visit FestivalNapaValley.org.

Finale at Alpha Omega Winery

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HAUTE RESIDENCE

Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate, St. Helena, California | Napa Valley

BY OLIVIA DECKER

GATED, PRIVATE, AND PICTURESQUE, THIS TUSCANInspired estate offers approximately 10,000 square feet of luxury living space on 42.2 acres. It is perched on a promontory with panoramic views of vineyards, lush gardens, and Napa Valley. The custom-built main residence and guest house boast high-end finishes and soaring cathedral ceilings. The stately home showcases grand proportions and scale with seven bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a wine cellar with tasting room, and a grand motor court. An entertainer's paradise, the estate features a variety of entertaining areas on the spacious terrace, including an 80-foot swimming pool, outdoor kitchen with pizza oven, and poolside dining bar, plus meandering 100

gardens, koi ponds, a helicopter landing spot, awardwinning vineyards, stone-terraced vegetable garden, and flower gardens covering the sprawling grounds. In addition, the estate has a self-sustaining water source—a rarity in Napa Valley.

The property includes two legal parcels: 2900 Spring Mountain Road consists of the main house, a guest house, a poolside guest house, a tasting room, and gardens on 14.94 acres. The adjacent lot at 2910 Spring Mountain Road consists of 27.26 acres with six acres of vineyards, all with stunning panoramic views of vineyards, a lake-size reservoir, and the iconic Spring Mountain Winery below.

HAUTE RESIDENCE

The 6-acre vineyard on the larger lot has high-quality vines which, due to their close spacing, produce bountiful yields comparable to twice the acreage. There are also an additional four acres that can be planted. Sale of the property also includes Juslyn Vineyards Wine. The business holds approximately $6.5 million in wine inventory at retail price (three vintages in bottles and casks) and expects an estimated $1.8 million for the 2022 crop. Included are its wholesale distribution network;

current compliance licensing in several legal shipping states; WineDirect, an integrated, backend CRM system; vineyard equipment; goodwill (marketplace reputation, wine reviews, etc.); an existing relationship with custom crush winery Bin to Bottle which processes the grapes and manages day-to-day winemaking under the direction of their excellent winemaker; bonded warehouse and fulfillment center contracts; and a potential legal tasting room as a micro-winery.

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This is an unprecedented opportunity to own a vineyard estate with breathtaking views and to enjoy a quintessential Napa Valley lifestyle. Experience the world class wine country living at this Spring Mountain location just a few minutes' drive to vibrant downtown St. Helena with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and

dozens of wineries nearby. The property is offered for $35,000,000 for both parcels (the 2900 and 2910 Spring Mountain Road package) or $17,500,000 for each parcel separately.

Details and photos on www.SpringMountainEstateNapaValley.com 103

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Auto

AUDI R8 V10 PERFORMANCE SPIDER Autobahn Stormer

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OND. JAMES BOND. SHORT, SWEET, CLEAR, CONCISE. Two words, one used twice; it’s every supervillain’s worst nightmare (even if they don’t know it at first). The 2022 Audi R8 V10 performance Spyder RWD, on the other hand, uses several characters, but it nonetheless packs more than may be initially apparent. (See where this Bond thing is going?) And just to be clear, Audi does not capitalize the “p” in “performance.” Maybe they didn’t want to brag. (The only purpose in that affectation is to drive proofreaders crazy!)

This version of the vaunted R8 is different, as it’s not a “Quattro” version: only the rear wheels receive the power in this model. Many

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sporting drivers prefer a rear-wheel drive (“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 fitted with the same naturally aspirated (no turbo), fuel-injected 5.2-liter V10 motor (with 40 valves!) and tuned to provide 562 horsepower (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 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque and a great 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox (paddle shifted at the driver’s option), it’s good for a 3.7-second run from 0 to 60 miles per hour (mph) and a top speed of 203 mph. Not bad for a drop-top!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AUDI OF AMERICA

BY TIM LAPPEN

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Auto

TIM LAPPEN A lifelong petrol-holic, mechanic (cars, motorcycles, boats), and automotive journalist since penning a column for his high school newspaper, internationally recognized attorney Tim Lappen is a partner at a major Los Angeles-based law firm, where he chairs the firm’s Family Office Group and its Luxury Home Group and is, of course, a member of its Motor Vehicle Group. He can be reached at tlappen@gmail.com or visit LifeInTheFastLane.org

The proof is in the driving, and I loved my time with this car. It has a few choices of sounds (my preference is the “Dynamic” with the performance mode). With an 8,700 revolutions per minute (rpm) redline, it sings without deafening everyone in your ZIP code. This highly responsive car can be a cruiser with the punch of a few buttons. The controls are clear and extremely easy to understand, and the ones used regularly (like temperature changes, fan speed adjustment, etc.) are front and center. The infotainment center is clear and intuitive and allows for several driver- or passengerselected options.

The well-designed convertible top opens or closes in only 20 seconds at speeds below 31 mph. It’s an “acoustic top,” too, which means that when it’s up and all three windows are closed (there is a small vertical window at the back of the cabin), the interior remains

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 terrific 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 Bang & Olufsen sound system, beautiful leather accents: $4,500); the Sport Exhaust Package (choice of sounds, different 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 brilliant design, terrific performance, flexibility in how aggressive or laid-back you want your ride to be at any given moment, and the convenience of a quickchange convertible top. I’m sold.

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HAUTE AMBASSADOR Auto

CADILLAC CT5 V-SERIES BLACKWING Serious American muscle in a very stylish package

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ADILLAC: 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. Interestingly, Cadillac, the company, had its start when Henry Ford dissolved his first 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 defined by your generation. 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 106

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 first 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 2-door coupe, a 4-door sedan, and a wagon, all of which basically performed like “Cadillac Corvettes,” which wasn’t surprising given that they had engines similar to the most powerful Vettes. 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.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CADILLAC

BY TIM LAPPEN

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Auto

Personally, I was surprised to see the CTS-Vs end production, but into the gap left by their departure has stepped a 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 offered with the choice of an automatic transmission or a 6-speed stick. Let that sink in for a minute—Cadillac, 668 hp, 659 lb-ft of torque, 6-speed trans … oh, and 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph.

All 250 of these BMW-, Mercedes- and Audi-fighters were spoken for within a couple of minutes after online reservations commenced.

The story is that 2023’s model year will have a similarly 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 fiber seat backs ($6,090); and a carbon fiber 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 priceper-smile and thrills-per-dollar are very, very reasonable.

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HAUTE AMBASSADOR Health & Wellness

WOMEN, FOOD, AND HORMONES: DR. SARA GOTTFRIED’S NEWEST BOOK

BY LYDIA GRAHAM

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HIS ONE IS FOR THE LADIES. SORRY, GENTS, but we have our unique issues.

Recently, at a retreat hosted by Blue Wave Medicine (www.BlueWaveMedicine.com), I had the opportunity to meet New York Times bestselling author and speaker, Berkeley resident, and physician Sara Gottfried. She recently just published her fifth book, WOMEN, FOOD AND HORMONES: A 4-Week Plan to Achieve Hormonal Balance, Lose Weight and Feel Like Yourself Again. This book is a must-read for any woman wanting to shed those extra pounds, balance hormones, achieve metabolic flexibility, and enjoy greater mental acuity. Just about all of us fit into at least one of those buckets.

This is not your usual lose-weight-and-optimize-yournutrition light read though, and that is exactly what I love about it. Frankly, it is one of the most useful and comprehensive women’s health books I have read (and I have read a lot of them) and not for those who just want to dabble. This book is as Dr. Gottfried puts it: “My interest is in transformation and that takes a personal commitment and investment.”

The Jet Lag App®

Dr. Gottfried speaks from the heart as well as experience. She herself struggled on a long difficult journey of metabolic inflexibility and unwanted weight fluctuation, particularly after having children, so it was a puzzle she needed to solve for her own health. And she did. Through perseverance, research, testing, and refining treatment for herself as well as for thousands of patients over the years, she developed the “Gottfried Protocol” outlined in this book.

Most current weight loss strategies and their success have been validated and studied on men. However, women’s bodies are different for all the obvious reasons, and our delicate hormone balance (which, to make things even more complicated, changes throughout our lifespan), in particular, adds an additional layer of complexity unknown to men. In the last few years, we have heard much about the wonders of the keto diet. Yet, sometimes it seems to work better for men than for women—the keto paradox. There are myriad reasons for this, you will learn.

The Gottfried Protocol is a 4-week, science-based approach to women’s health, weight loss, and achieving metabolic flexibility designed to side-step the keto

PHOTO CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK

Lydia is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned many health and wellnessrelated companies, products, technologies and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on life sciences, aging and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several recognized national brands.

She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of agerelated disease for today’s and future generations. It is the only independent research organization globally dedicated to extending the healthy years of life. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25.

To support Buck’s mission, please visit www.buckinstitute.org.

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Health & Wellness paradox with a program tailor-made for a woman’s body. It embraces eating for your hormones. For those fortunate women already satisfied with your weight, the book still offers plenty to learn and apply. Plus, you might better understand your hormones, as these are described in-depth.

Achieving metabolic flexibility is important for everyone for health and immunity. “Only 12 percent of Americans are metabolically flexible,” says Gottfried, meaning they can switch from burning carbs to burning fats as our ancestors did when they were hunter-gatherers. Most people with weight challenges have metabolic issues. Even thin people can have pre-diabetes (one in three U.S. adults) and metabolic inflexibility and not know it. “Women have adverse effects at a lower glucose threshold than men,” adds Gottfried. It is never too late to make significant changes or turnarounds, regardless of weight or age. In fact, says Gottfried, “changes in insulin can be made in 72 hours.”

The protocol consists of four phases: preparation, implementation, transition, and integration. Gottfried walks us through each phase step-by-step. Overall, the protocol focuses on three key tenets tailored for women: detoxification, nutritional (modified) ketosis, and intermittent fasting with added recommendations for hydration and exercise. There are plenty of insights that facilitate personalization. For example, on body type she explains the science behind each phase as well as surprise facts about common mistakes people make on keto, such as how too much fat or too much protein can cause inflammation and much more.

Case studies and inspiration appear along the way. Dr. Gottfried details how to track data-driven metrics and identifies devices to measure your progress and provide feedback, such as testing your carb tolerance for certain foods by wearing a continuous glucose monitor to measure your glucose ketone index (GKI)—one of the best biomarkers of your metabolic state and the single most helpful for weight loss. She also offers suggestions on important supplements to consider, resources to explore, easy-to-follow prepared meal plans, and plenty of delicious recipes she has created and tested.

Of course, always consult with your own personal physician before starting any program.

Before beginning the protocol, Dr. Gottfried recommends reading chapters one through six to understand the macros, then going back to begin the program at chapter five. She suggests writing a personal values statement at the outset regarding goals, hormones, and weight. At the end, to sustain your success she helps you ease into mixing keto with a low carb Mediterranean diet (based on the personal carb threshold

you identified during the transition phase).

Dr. Gottfried practices precision medicine and talks about a nutrient-dense diet. The same could be said of her writing in this book—precise and nutrient-dense with much evidencebased specificity. Her attention to so many details, while concurrently giving us an optimal big picture vision to strive for, seems to come from an authentic place of self-compassion and compassion for others on this journey. She has given us a treasure trove of in-depth, hard-earned knowledge, and we are the lucky beneficiaries. Dr. Gottfried believes “to your hormones, food is information, and we can use food to communicate with our hormones in the way we desire. The key is to begin with food, because what you eat is the backbone of every hormone you make.”

WOMEN, FOOD, AND HORMONES is a guidebook for a woman’s optimal health that I will keep on my bookshelf and refer to many times over. Thank you, Dr. Gottfried, for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us who choose to listen. It will make a difference.

SARA GOTTFRIED, MD Sara Gottfried, MD, is a board-certified physician who graduated from Harvard and MIT. She practices evidencebased integrative, precision, and functional medicine. She is clinical assistant professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and director of precision medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She has written four New York Times bestselling books, including WOMEN, FOOD, AND HORMONES. Learn more at SaraGottfriedMD.com

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HAUTE AMBASSADOR Events About Town

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The Estate Yountville – Vintage House

AUBREY ABOUT TOWN Wine Country, Yountville Edition

BY AUBREY BREWSTER

s a kid growing up in an urban environment and as a native San Franciscan, I have always prided myself as being a “city boy.” Whether it be London or Paris, I’m rarely seen exploring outside the comforts of the hustle and bustle of the asphalt jungle. Leaving the comfort of all the amenities of city life for the countryside seemed, I don’t know, fruitless. Why? What’s the point? I mean, what would I wear? Does Valentino even make overalls? The closest thing I even have to a pair of boots is an old pair of orange vintage Givenchy high-top kicks, and I’d die before I tracked those bad boys through the mud!

I can’t help but think of Eva Gabor’s character, socialite Lisa Douglas, being “allergic to smelling hay” as put by her hubby, Oliver (Eddie Albert), a high-powered New York lawyer longing for a “simpler way of life” and uprooting them from penthouse living on Park Avenue to barn living in the rural small town of Green Acres (Green Acres, MGM Television, 1965-1971).

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Hotel Villagio at The Estate Yountville

One of my closest friends, Sonya Molodetskaya, more-or-less has traded in city life for wine country living in Napa—but somehow, she’s done it with her same chic designer glamour I (or we all) have come to know of her and embracing it with a wine country sentiment that has left me questioning my own reserve and hesitation. So, when the opportunity arose to spend some time up in wine country for this article, I was ready (and willing) to pack up the new country threads and go. And now I can’t wait to go back.

For the last couple years or so, Molodetskaya has been trying to get me up to her beautiful home in Napa. I brushed off the idea, but guess what ... now she won’t be able to get rid of me! Hey, Sonya, if you’re reading this, get the guest room ready!

The Vintage House at The Estate Yountville Just steps down the road from the charming town of Yountville’s famed and iconic French Laundry restaurant, The Estate Yountville sits on a 22-acre “village within a village,” boasting two luxury hotel resorts, Hotel Villagio, an oh-so-social destination, and the chic and tranquil Vintage House (where we called home). Upon entering the Vintage House, guests are encouraged to help themselves to the endless complimentary sparkling wine bar featuring bubbles from JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset located in the posh lobby.

We stayed in one of Vintage House’s exclusive and very private bungalows, featuring a grand working fireplace (which we cozied up to), a 2-person waterfall shower (with perfect water pressure, mind you), and a private entrance from the main road (Washington

PHOTO CREDIT: © ALIQUE PHOTO CREDIT: © AUBREY BREWSTER; COURTESY ESTATE YOUNTVILLE

Aubrey Brewster, a bon vivant and man-about-town, is a. product of his environment.

His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle modelturned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that Brewster followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com).

He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward.

Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.

PHOTO © VINCENT AUBREY BREWSTER; PHOTO CREDIT: CREDIT:© GOTTI COURTESY ESTATE YOUNTVILLE

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Events About Town Street). In the room, we were surprised by a lovely note from management and a complimentary bottle of JCB sparkling wine with a generous basket of snacks. I later found out that his generous surprise is given to all guests upon checking in, Hot air balloon views at The Estate making everyone feel like a VIP. We found that to be a classy and delightful touch.

A cornucopia of a feast is served in the chic lobby between 7 and 10 a.m. Everything you could possibly want to fuel your day is there, from traditional American and European-style hot and cold breakfast fare to delectable pastries from the famed Bouchon Bakery delivered fresh from their location directly across the street.

Yes, Bouchon Bakery is directly across the street from Vintage House! And did I mention that breakfast is on the house?

For a relaxing respite during my stay, I indulged myself with the The pool at Vintage House at The Estate Yountville oh-so-relaxing and much-needed 50-minute wellness massage at The Spa at The Estate. My massage therapist, Ignacio, put me at didn’t have time to take the trip, but we heard it was magical and ease with the perfect amount of pressure, followed by hot then cold life-altering. stones soothing away those knots. He was so attentive and in-tune.

The weather in Yountville is gorgeous year-round, with I only wished I had more time for the 90-minute session. The Spa temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to 80s with warm nights is located at the end of the property adjacent to the Hotel Villagio. during our stay. Yountville is a walking town; however, The Estate The Spa has all the amenities of a world class spa, with separate offers complimentary rides in one of their white, open-air golf carts areas for men and women. The glass enclosed wooden sauna is everywhere on the property as well as to most of the restaurants on gorgeous, with plenty of room to sprawl before and after your spa Washington Street. The hotel’s portmen are knowledgeable of the service. To set the mood, margaritas and snacks are served in the area and quite entertaining. So, if you need a quick lift to Bottega, serene men’s lounge. The private deck outside is the perfect spot to Coqueta, RH, French Laundry, or any nearby restaurant, tasting relax and take in the Yountville sun after your massage. room, or retailer, they are more than happy to give you a ride. When Behind Vintage House’s main building is the pool, surrounded you are ready to return to The Estate, just call the concierge to by plush lounge chairs and perfect for working on that tan. For dispatch for a pickup. They seem to love to drive the carts and are touring the wine country, there’s a hot air balloon. The launch pad always enthusiastic to do so! is located on the property adjacent to the parking lot. Sadly, we The service at The Estate Yountville is perfection with staff par excellence, and we cannot wait to stay there again very soon!

Yountville is home to some of the most celebrated restaurants in the wine country, and three of them are located on The Estate Yountville’s 22-acre property.

With no traffic, we made good time on the road and arrived for check-in at The Estate an hour and a half early, so we decided to grab a bite to eat. We had dinner reservations at 7 p.m., so we just wanted something light to tide us over the next four hours. The valet who parked

Aubrey Brewster in a open-air golf cart at The Estate Yountville

The Men’s glass-enclosed sauna at The Spa at The Estate Yountville

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HAUTE AMBASSADOR Events About Town

Hestan Vineyards wine and Ruffoni Historia by Hestan Cookware

Lunch at Bottega After a marvelous lunch of Spanish tapas at Coqueta the day before, we were excited to lunch at Bottega. The afternoon was beautiful, the perfect weather for dining al fresco.

Our helpful server suggested just the right gustatory introduction to Bottega. I had the day’s special, starting with the special antipasti ahi tuna crudo served on a block of pink Himalayan salt—hands down, my new favorite way to have crudo. It was scrumptious and worth the visit just for that. The asparagus risotto with seared sea scallops was incredible. Ed enjoyed the braised short rib with polenta. I wished I’d sneaked a bite, but when I tried, it was gone!

In Ed’s language, me not Braised short rib at Bottega being allowed to taste something from his plate means it was divine. If that wasn’t decadent enough, management sent out a delectable dolce assortment, including their signature tiramisù alla “tra vigne” (devil’s food cake with layers of mascarpone mousse with a cocoadusted milk chocolate shell), the vanilla panna cotta with huckleberry “conserva” and candied orange zest, plus the sinful zeppole, chestnut cream112

Hestan Vineyards tasting salon

filled Italian donuts over apple butter. All I could say was “damn!”

When on retreat for a lazy day at The Estate Yountville, Bottega could easily become your haunt when you don’t feel like going far from your room!

Hestan Vineyards Tasting Salon Located directly across the road from The Estate, the Hestan Vineyards tasting salon boasts some of the finest wines in Napa, with their top-seller, Stephanie, named after the founders’ daughter (a celebrated harpist). The wine consists mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, and Malbec. A golden harp adorns the bottle as an homage to Stephanie’s angelic music. They also have varieties named for their sons, Vincent and Christopher.

The name “Hestan” is a playful merging of the founders’ first names, Helen and Stanley Cheng. In addition to wine, the family manufactures exquisite cookware under the Hestan brand, including top-of-the-line professional cookware in partnership with French Laundry’s culinary icon, founder Thomas Keller, labeled Thomas Keller Insignia. Ed couldn’t help but take home several bottles of both the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. He wasn’t the only one to take home a souvenir of our visit. I took home a set of six mini-individual cassoulet pans (I’ll be ordering another six as soon as they’re back in stock) and an 11-inch “copperbond” skillet which is now my favorite everyday frypan.

A Hestan-inspired dinner party is in the works, featuring their beloved wine in my coq au vin or duck cassoulet served in those charming pots, another reason for a pilgrimage back to their tasting room for more wine!

COURTESY HESTAN VINEYARDS; PHOTO CREDIT: © AUBREY BREWSTER

our car suggested we share some small plates of Spanish tapas at Coqueta Napa Valley (Gruppo Chiarello), operated by famed celebrity chef and restauranter, Michael Chiarello. It’s located at the end of the property. (Three eateries on The Estate property are owned by Gruppo Chiarello: Ottimo, Coqueta, and Bottega.) He said he’d be more than happy to give us a lift in one of the golf carts, so without hesitation, we jumped in and our days of feasting in Yountville began!

RH Restaurant – Yountville Just a stone’s throw from The Estate and about an 8-minute walk (or a quick and festive ride in a golf cart) is the RH Yountville (Restoration Hardware). This chic, fashionable spot is gorgeous.

Guests dine under beautiful indoor olive trees and elegant crystal chandeliers (or outdoors on hot days) with Old-World-meetsmodern-glamour surroundings.

The cuisine is classic with modern wine country sentiments. To begin, we shared the perfectly poached shrimp cocktail (served with lemon, dijonnaise, and classic cocktail sauce) and the addicting crispy artichokes (with crisp roasted potato and rosemary aioli). Ed also ordered the Caesar salad. The crispy artichokes could very well be the reason for a trip back! To follow, I had the lobster roll.

My word, it was incredible! A generous serving of lobster tail and claw meat was tossed in drawn butter and mayonnaise and Old Bay Seasoning and served in a rich brioche roll. Ed thought his broiled salmon was the best he’s had in a very long time.

The young hostess was a real joy, full of tips on the most photographic spots in the restaurant and more than happy to show me around. Our server was an absolute delight and very attentive.

Ed requested that his Caesar be chopped (old-school). The food runner returned to our table with the salad (still whole) in hand and barked, “We don’t do that!” The manager and our server later refuted that statement. Her salty vibe won’t keep us from coming back to this gem in Yountville’s crown! And we intend to, soon!

HAUTE AMBASSADOR Events About Town

The lobster roll at RH Restaurant

PHOTO CREDIT: © AUBREY BREWSTER; © MARIANA CALDERON; PHOTO CREDIT: © ALIQUE

The Restaurant at North Block This cute, casual, eclectic eatery at the North Block Hotel is located next door to RH Yountville Restaurant on Washington Street. The menu is inspired by their wood-fired oven and North Block Restaurant seasonal ingredients with a true wine country sentiment.

Shared starters are the way to go and are served accordingly. To start, we had Wood-fired oven at North Block Restaurant the corn fritters (with roasted jalapeño aioli) and topped with (optional) trout roe.

Whenever I can add caviar, I will! Ed enjoyed the roasted halibut (served with heirloom carrots and green carrot pistou). The table across from us were having the NB Burger, so I had to follow suit. With a Polynesian twist, the burger was served on a pineapple milk bun with caramelized onions, Nueski’s bacon, white cheddar, and a side of fries.

Their signature crusty sourdough bread (baked in the wood-fired oven), served with zesty Achadinha Creamery cultured butter for the table, accompanied our meal. The manager suggested the cheesecake, and we were happy she did!

Ambiance in the dining room at RH Restaurant in Yountville

113 The cheesecake at North Block Restaurant

Nothing Compares.

PA R A D I S E I S L A N D, B A H A M A S

M A R S H H A R B O U R , A B AC O, B A H A M A S

Villa Tarka, Ocean Club Estates

Villa Tatutina

12 BR | 20,000 sf | 1.5 Acres | $19,900,000

10 BR | 10,000 sf | 1.25 Acres | $10,500,000

Magnificent, Custom-Designed, 246’ Beach. Exclusive Golf Community.

Turn-Key Estate, Boater’s Paradise, 130’ dock slip, boat lift, 152’ on harbour.

Property ID 46451

Property ID 49197

G eorge.Da m ianos @ S I R baham as.co m

+1 .24 2 .4 24.9699

L a n a .Ra d e m a ke r @ S IRba h a m a s.com

+1 . 242 .457.0 40 6

M i t zi .Pea rce @S IRba h a m a s.co m

+1 . 242 . 557. 5438

PA R A D I S E I S L A N D, B A H A M A S

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

62 Ocean Club Estates

La Mouette & Petite Mouette

7 BR | 7/1 BA | 15,214 sf | $8,550,000

6 BR | 6/1 BA | 4,500 sf | $3,900,000

Outdoor Kitchen + Cinema. Golf Community. Access to two Resorts.

Beachfront Villa + Cottage. Picturesque views, Infinity Pool, 0.11 Acres.

Property ID 85711

Property ID 48593

Christopher.A nse l l @ S I R baham as.co m

+1 .24 2 .4 27.0 0 8 2

Sa m i ra .Co l e by @ S IRba h a m a s.co m

+1 . 242 . 376.6 24 8

BAHAMAS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY | WINDSOR BUSINESS PARK • NASSAU, BAHAMAS | +1.242.322.2305 | SIRBAHAMAS.COM |

Crypto Certified

Agent

REAL ESTATE AND CRYPTO The world of cryptocurrency is a mystery to most of us. However, this digital currency is growing and here to stay.

With many forms of crypto, there are a few that are well established and credible enough to be used for real estate purchases. Approved crypto can be converted to cash during a transaction, after which the deed and all related property information are recorded on the supporting blockchain for immutable security.

Want to know more? Give me a call!

TRINKIE WATSON NV & CA BROKER | CIPS | CLHMS | CRS | LTG | GRI NV BS.1022 | CA 00326518

800 783 0722 twatson@chaseinternational.com LakeTahoeLuxuryEstates.com Tahoe City office: 531 North Lake Boulevard

T H E L E ADE R IN LUXU RY RE AL E STAT E

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Represented Seller: Meeks Bay, CA, sold for $33,000,000

VIS IT: CH AS E INT E RNAT I ONAL.COM

THE 2022 LUXURY REAL ESTATE COLLECTION E N JOY V IR T UAL TOURS OF SOME O F T H E M OST BEA U T I F U L P ROP ERT I ES I N T H E MA G I C A L C I TY -B Y -TH E -B A Y W W W. J O E LG O O D R I C H .CO M

ICONIC PACIFIC HEIGHTS GOLDEN GATE AND BAY VIEW MANSION | $17,500,000

EXQUISITE PARISIAN-STYLE VILLA WITH SWEEPING BAY AND PARK VIEWS | $14,500,000

STUNNING COMPOUND WITH SPECTACULAR SKYLINE VIEWS | $11,000,000

GRAND-SCALE BUENA VISTA PARK MANSION WITH SKYLINE AND BAY VIEWS | $9,975,000

STARCHITECT-DESIGNED RESORT-LIKE SONOMA ESTATE & VINEYARD | $8,800,000

STUNNING PARK AVENUE-STYLE GOLDEN GATE TO BAY BRIDGE VIEW CO-OP ATOP RUSSIAN HILL | $4,895,000

STUNNING RUSSIAN HILL BAY VIEW CONDOMINIUM WITH HUGE TERRACED OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES | $3,950,000

SUPER-STYLISH RUSSIAN HILL CO-OP WITH SPECTACULAR GOLDEN GATE AND BAY VIEWS $3,895,000

MANHATTAN-STYLE VIEWS FROM A HIGH FLOOR AT SOUTH BEACH’S LUMINA $3,685,000

SUPER-SOPHISTICATED LUXURY RESIDENCE IN A PREMIERE NOB HILL DOORMAN BUILDING $2,950,000

DRAMATIC GOLDEN GATE VIEWS FROM A PREMIERE NOB HILL DOORMAN HIGH-RISE $2,850,000

W W W. J O E LG O O D R I CH .CO M | 415 . 3 0 8 . 818 4 | J O E L @ J O E LG O O D R I CH .CO M CALRE # 010 2 870 2

©2022 COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COLDWELL BANKER® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK LICENSED TO COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPANY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. EACH COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE OFFICE IS OWNED BY A SUBSIDIARY OF NRT LLC. REAL ESTATE AGENTS AFFILIATED WITH COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SALES ASSOCIATES AND ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC, COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE OR NRT LLC. CALBRE LICENSE #01908304.

California Lifestyle Collection Belvedere Grand View Estate

Belvedere Grand View Estate

bar, wine cellar and deck with panoramic views. The dining room is next to the spacious open plan kitchen/family room/breakfast nook with fireplace and wall337 Belvedere: $31,000,000 | 333 Belvedere: $8,500,000 to-wall glass doors to view decks and a second family room/office with half bath around the corner. The kitchen with enormous center island is equipped with top An approximately 11,200 square foot home with stunning views from the Bay of the line appliances fit for a Michelin Star chef.

Bridge to San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito, on appx. 1.2 Master suite features sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San acre lush garden double lot, this resort-like magnificent view estate is truly a Francisco, a fireplace, a deck and an opulent bathroom of exquisite marble. one-of-a-kind property on the prestigious Belvedere Island. Incredible scale Three other en-suite bedrooms complete this floor. A separate guest floor with and unrivaled opportunity, in one of the most exceptional settings in Northern two bedroom en-suite sharing a living room with wet bar and a private view deck.

California, overlooking San Francisco Bay with breathtaking panoramic views.

Sweeping entertainer’s decks and walls of glass that bring phenomenal views The estate’s resort-like luxurious amenities are as impressive as the residence, to the forefront of the living experience, all in a beautiful and private resort-like offering the versatility to retreat in serenity or entertain elaborate and lavish events, featuring the indoor pool on the garden level with steam room, sauna, setting. spa, an exercise nook, an entertaining kitchen, dining, bar, two bathrooms, wallRebuilt in 2008, this gated contemporary style home offers 6 bedrooms, 10 to-wall glass doors opening onto a spacious deck with a hot tub and outdoor bathrooms, a 60 foot indoor pool and entertainment area with multiple decks dining overlooking the exquisite gardens, various terraces with seating areas and to enjoy world class views, with elevator and walkways connecting the levels and endless views. Ample parking within the gate, plus three-car garage. uniting the indoor with the fabulous gardens and sculptures.

This is a perfect home to enjoy luxurious gardens, breathtaking views and resortDouble doors open into a light-infused, two-story atrium entrance of the home’s like amenities in the most exclusive Belvedere location. incredible floor-to-ceiling window walls, flooding the space in natural light and For photos and details, please visit: immersing guests in breathtaking views. Office nook with a fireplace, majestic BelvedereGrandEstate.com formal living room with soaring high ceilings, wall of glass windows, fireplace, wet

Olivia Hsu Decker

SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

Direct Line 415.720.5915

Olivia @ SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

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Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Belvedere, California

Olivia Hsu Decker

SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

Direct Line 415.720.5915

Olivia @ SanFranciscoFineHomes.com

|

Lic.# 00712080

California Lifestyle Collection Stunning World-Class Wine Country Retreat

5 Beds | 6 Baths | ±2,500 sq. ft. Interior | ±61 Acres This stunning world-class retreat is the epitome of the indoor-outdoor Napa Valley lifestyle. Designed by award-winning architect Howard Backen with sliding doors and screens that open completely to the surrounding gardens and views beyond, this residence and separate two-bedroom guest house are arranged as three separate zinc-roofed pavilions floating above semi-enclosed porches, a magnificent pool, and the surrounding landscaped gardens.

Featuring extraordinary materials and workmanship, brilliant designs and soaring high ceilings, this private compound is designed to capture magnificent views of nature. Sited at the edge of a ravine, this home is oriented to frame and command views across neighboring vineyards and a watershed of the Napa River. Inside the main pavilion, the boundaries between living room, kitchen, dining room and the surrounding terraces are blurred. The combination of openness and grand scale permits the home to feel at once expansive and yet comfortable for intimate entertaining. Radiant heating under the polished concrete floors provides year-round comfort. The flexible

Napa, California

$11,888,000 $13,500,000

architectural layers of sliding glass, shutters, and screens serve to effortlessly control light, space, and temperature. Whether the walls of windows are open or closed, the calming architecture frames the natural and designed landscape.

Spread across ±61 acres of grounds, amenities include infinity-edge pool, spacious lawn, bocce court, two hot-tubs, olive grove, organic garden, stocked lake, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen with refrigerator, barbecue, and pizza oven.

The basement level features a large wine cellar as well as a gym, powder room, and catering kitchen. A separate machine building houses a backup generator and well equipment including reverse-osmosis water filter. This sublime place represents an artistic departure from the conventional and is one that truly must be experienced—it is one that might inspire great thoughts and play gracious host to many extraordinary events to come!

SodaCanyonEstate.com

More photos and information can be found at: SodaCanyonEstate.com

Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080

You are invited to THE

18TH ANNUAL

Flower Power

Luncheon & Silent Auction AUGUST 26TH, 2022

[\ FAIRMONT HOTEL 950 Mason St., San Francisco, CA 94108 FRIDAY,AUGUST 26TH, 2022

[\ Join us for fabulous food, views of The City and a highly anticipated silent auction at The Salvation Army’s 18th Annual Flower Power.

Featuring floral designer John James and emceed by KPIX 5’s Juliette Goodrich, the luncheon benefits The Salvation Army’s back-to-school and after-school programs in neighborhoods across The City, including the Tenderloin, Chinatown, SOMA and the Avenues.

INDIVIDUAL TICKET: $200

Register at FlowerPowerSF.org

For more information, contact Madison Barton 415-553-3546 or madison.barton@usw.salvationarmy.org

FEATURED PERFORMANCES Arts for All Gala featuring Trisha Yearwood Carlo Ponti conducts Dvořák’s New World Symphony Young People’s Chorus of NYC Bouchaine Young Artist Series Festival Live! Concert Series Ansel Adams: America with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet Tchaikovsky in America Constantine Oberlian conducts Tessa Lark Festival Opera: L’elisir d’amore starring Andriana Chuchman and Mario Chang A Night at the Ballet: From Tchaikovsky to The Rolling Stones Voice and the Violin Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez

Paired with food and wine events, fashion, legendary vintner hospitality, and more!

Larisa Martínez & Joshua Bella — photo by Shervin Lainez

SEASON 16 | JULY 15–24, 2022 Blending the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley with the very finest performing arts.

707.346.5052 | @napafest | festivalnapavalley.org/hlsf

2022 Media Partner