Live Beautifully
FROM VISION TO VIEW
Two Decades of Expertise In Iconic Coachella Valley Real Estate
FIND YOUR SPACE
At PS Properties, we realize a singular truth connects everyone: we all want our own space. People want to call the Coachella Valley home for a range of undeniable reasons, and we take great pride in guiding that journey, with unrivaled dedication, from start to finish.
COMMITTED TO YOU
THE ART OF PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Personalized service may seem like a lost art, but it has always been a cornerstone of who we are at PS Properties. Clients work with us directly, not anyone in our place, for every listing and at every showing. Your space is personal and so is our service.
We marvel at the architectural diversity and unique design elements across the Coachella Valley, but more than anything, we’re committed to our clients and their homes. Whether we’re listing a lavish estate or a bespoke condo, we lead with a unique blend of authenticity and respect, because it’s what you deserve.
Patrick V. Jordan DRE
C. Stewart Smith DRE
Call for details.
Historic Abernathy Residence | A landmark Palm Springs estate in the heart of The Movie Colony. A crown jewel of mid-century modernism. $10,500,000.
THE ITALIAN SENSE OF BEAUTY
Kitchens, living, closets and bathrooms
Poetica design Vuesse
I’M SO GRATEFUL
Renee M. Dee Publisher
And just like that, it’s the holidays and my favorite time of the year to celebrate with family and friends. I love Thanksgiving the most, as the practice of gratitude resonates with me. I start my day with my gratitude journal…Yes, I still do this! It’s a peaceful feeling to reflect on all the big and little things for which I am grateful. I also believe that keeping them top of mind attracts more of what you want in your life.
What are you grateful for this year? Here’s mine!
• My Son: His energy, constant flow of big ideas and entrepreneurial spirit amaze and challenge me. Like he says, “I don’t know where I get this.” (wink.)
• My Family: Outside my little unit of my son and a dog named Blu, I have my mom and sisters with their growing families in town, and it’s truly a gift to have family nearby.
• My Friends: This list is a mighty crew that I consider even closer than family; some near, some far; some new, some old.
• My Team: Nothing great ever happens without a great team. For that, I am so grateful for team ICONIC’s achievements and dedication! Thank you, Nakayla, Madeleine, Amalie, Meg, Dorothy, Lucia, Erin and Dianne!
• The Design Community: This year, we celebrated with a record-breaking audience at the ICONIC Design Awards in Scottsdale, we’ve honored four years of Top Designers in Orange County and met the best of the best in Palm Desert/Palm Springs. Being a part of these design communities feels like home to me, and I’ve never been more impressed by the designers, architects and builders we get to work with. Thank you for your support of our ICONIC mission.
• My Travel: I’ve enjoyed ICONIC Travel this year and am back on track to Living Beautifully. These trips were rewards for some hard work over the years and were immeasurably fun because I traveled with dear friends.
• My Health: My most precious asset.
• My Next Chapter: Seven years after launching ICONIC LIFE, it’s time to put this growing media company into the hands of someone with the runway and resources to take my vision for what ICONIC LIFE will be and turn it into reality. It’s also time for me to work on new ventures with a new leader, my son Spencer. This is a special time for which I am so grateful to be able to build something with him. I won’t be far away, as ICONIC LIFE will always be a part of me, and the friends I have made along the way are lifelong friends.
The following letter will be written by our new owner, President & CEO, Tracy Thomas II. I have enormous respect for what he will build next, and I trust him because we share the values that the ICONIC LIFE brand stands for. Plus, I count him as one of my new friends, and we’re having fun on this journey. He, his wife Erica and their growing family will lead the ICONIC charge, and I couldn’t be more grateful for such a perfect person to show up, invest in and take the reins at ICONIC LIFE. The best is yet to come.
I am so grateful for all of you, and wish you the happiest of holidays this year.
With Gratitude,
Photo by Chris Loomis
Nakayla Shakespeare Editor-in-Chief
nakayla@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag
SEASON OF GRATITUDE
As the holiday season begins, work takes a backseat to the more important things in life: family, friends and quality time with those you love. This time of year is so special because it reminds us of the why behind our work. It also reminds us to pause and reflect on all the things for which we should be grateful.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you, with us being newer to Palm Desert, your support for what we are doing here at ICONIC LIFE is paramount. As we continue to strengthen our relationship with the desert, I can’t wait to see all that we will achieve.
Lastly, I am thankful for the amazing people that I get to spend every day with at ICONIC LIFE. I am so grateful for my loving fiancé, my family and friends that I get to spend the holidays with. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families. Cheers to all the amazing things we’ve accomplished this year, and I look forward to all that 2026 has in store.
If you have any editorial ideas, we are always looking for stories in the desert to feature. Feel free to email me at nakayla@iconiclife.com
Yours truly,
We are proud to announce that ICONIC LIFE took home three Eddies for our Longevity issue, the ICONIC Estates Russ Lyon Podcast and our ICONIC Estates YouTube series. Thank you for helping us make all that we do here possible.
by Erika
Photo
Kapin
Photography
RENEE
NAKAYLA
MEG
DOROTHY
ERIN
MADELEINE
AMALIE
NANCY
MARK
Product: Geometric
Lilac
Fluted
Designer:
Tristan Gary Designs
Photographer: Kara Mercer
Sofia
CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
Cassia
ON
POINTE
Your curated list of glamorous statement shoes for the holidays.
BALMAIN
Sync
Pump. ($1,850) via Bottega Veneta.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Nadira Green Satin Jewel Buckle Pump. ($1,315) via Manolo Blahnik.
RENE CAOVILLA
Margot Red Velvet Sandal 120. ($1,800) via Rene Caovilla.
Patent Leather Stilettos. ($1,295) via Balmain.
Silk Ankle-Tie
Ballerina Pumps. ($1,095) via Neiman Marcus.
MUST HAVES
By Amalie Rhebeck
Bicos
HERMÈS
Iskender Wine Decanter. ($1,840) via Hermès.
BOHEMIA CRYSTAL
Bohemia Royal Crystal Wine Decanter. ($450) via MASU.
SAVOR THE SILHOUETTE
Crafted decanters elevate the wine and the table.
BACCARAT
Mille Nuits Decanter. ($1,150) via Baccarat.
Mélodie Hand-Blown Crystal Wine Decanter. ($745) via Abask.
CRISTALLERIE DE MONTBRONN
VISTA ALEGRE
Wine Decanter. ($140) via Neiman Marcus.
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GAME. PADEL. SET.
The world’s fastest-growing racket sport lands in Palm Springs, merging competition and camaraderie in a high-energy club experience at WynPadel.
By Amalie Rhebeck
Move over, pickleball. There’s a new king of the court: padel. Considered the fastest-growing sport in the world, it remains elusive in the U.S., reserved for private courts and luxury fitness centers.
Padel, which originated in Mexico in the 1960s, combines elements of badminton, tennis and squash. It is a fast-paced game played in doubles, allowing players to hit the ball off the walls, making it both strategic and exciting.
The sport has been popular in European countries like Spain, Portugal and Sweden, as well as throughout Latin America, for years. On the contrary, padel has remained under the radar in the U.S., carrying an “if-you-know-you-know” air of exclusivity— until now.
WynPadel, created by WynTennis Academy, has brought the padel experience to the desert— launching the first official padel club in Coachella Valley at the Parker Palm Springs hotel.
“The desert area is an ideal destination for vacationers; this makes introducing padel a straightforward decision,” says Caerwyn Evans, owner and director of WynTennis and WynPadel. “The Parker Palm Springs hotel, with its ICONIC status, is the perfect setting for a new padel club. Its reputation aligns seamlessly with the lifestyle and atmosphere that padel represents.”
WynPadel isn’t just about the game, it’s about community, wellness and connection. Members can book courts, enjoy one-on-one
coaching, or join clinics and competitions. After a match, players can unwind with a cold plunge or sauna session, offered by the Palm Springs Yacht Club.
“The hotel provides us the opportunity to bring groups of people to the desert for these experiences. Additionally, we have a weekly schedule available to local members as we [offer] memberships to desert area residents, who can join vacationers for all avenues of play,” Evans says.
Looking ahead, WynTennis and WynPadel have plans to expand club operations to The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in early 2026. Evans says resort settings naturally complement this up-and-coming sport’s social energy.
“Although the clientele at each resort varies, there is a broad interest in padel from tennis and pickleball enthusiasts, including high-profile individuals like celebrities,” he explains. “The sport is particularly wellsuited for social networking events, making both resorts ideal venues to accommodate the diverse range of players we aim to attract for club membership.”
In its purest form, WynPadel is more than just the originating padel club in Coachella Valley; it is a hub for the padel community that is taking root and flourishing in Palm Desert.
As demand for this up-and-coming sport grows in the U.S., WynPadel’s model is ushering in a new era of the sport, emphasizing the community that can develop from exceptional play and luxurious amenities.
NO QUIET SPACES
When the desert landscape becomes your most demanding design collaborator, the result is a home that honors both spectacular views and family living.
By Sam Micatrotto Photography by Karyn Millet
Framed by the dramatic Santa Rosa Mountains, this 7,500-square-foot residence was designed to feel both striking and livable. The clients came with a straightforward yet complex vision: They wanted a home that was expansive yet inviting, contemporary yet warm. For interior designer Wendi Young, principal of Wendi Young Design, the challenge was translating these seemingly contradictory desires into a cohesive living environment. Through what she describes as a symbiotic collaboration,
Young created something that exceeded expectations while honoring both the desert setting and the family’s lifestyle needs.
“This project was truly a team effort,” Young points out. “The architect was very good at communicating his vision and allowing the rest of us to support that vision in our own way with our individual expertise. Since the client had experienced the construction process many times, that too made the current process very collaborative.”
ARCHITECT Brock J. Payton Architecture. INTERIOR DESIGN Wendi Young Design. BUILDER Jeha Construction. FLOORING & STONE MSI Surfaces. WINDOWS Loewen Windows.
A CLIENT’S VISION REIMAGINED
The homeowners came to the project with clear priorities. “The client wanted a warm, light-filled contemporary home with wide open spaces for family and friends to gather,” Young notes. “They also brought furnishings from their previous life on the East Coast and an impressive art collection they had amassed over the years. Since they were moving from a traditional-style home in Virginia, we needed to reimagine a few of their original pieces to blend with the new contemporary aesthetic.”
The designer has mastered the challenge of creating warmth within contemporary architecture throughout her career. This balance is not simply a design strategy but a guiding principle for Young. “Creating a warm, inviting living environment has always been a design ethos I follow, no matter the style or aesthetic,” she says. “In this home, we scaled the furnishings to fill the space, used textured fabrics and finishes and added earthy materials with an ethnic influence to juxtapose the contemporary details used by the architect.”
MAKING LARGE FEEL LIVABLE
With such a generous scale, one obstacle was ensuring that the vast rooms did not feel sparse or too overwhelming. Young’s solution was to work in harmony with the size of the architecture rather than against it. “I find homes of this scale feel more inviting with large-scale furniture and plenty of upholstered pieces,” she explains. “We also fill the room and add layers of accessories unless we intentionally want a space to feel spare or evocative.”
In practice, this meant incorporating a combination of custom furniture, richly textured textiles and carefully placed details that soften the architectural precision. The result is a sense of intimacy within grandeur, where each room invites use rather than admiration from a distance.
This approach to scale also informed Young’s color and materials strategy. Although the overall palette leans toward neutral, her understanding of visual rhythm and energy
ensured that the interiors are far from muted. Black marble accents, most notably in the bar, introduce a striking counterpoint. “We used a bold statement to instill a little energy shift … in areas we wanted to create a little more drama, excitement, or produce that ‘wow’ moment,” Young remarks. “That same bar designed with a cream-colored stone and light metal finishes would have been pretty but quiet, and neither the clients nor the architect wanted quiet.”
This practice of including strategic drama extends beyond materials to custom details throughout. “All the architectural details and almost all of the furnishings were custom-made for this home,” Young notes.
Highlights include a custom pool table, shuffleboard table and many Gregorius Pineo and Holly Hunt furnishings.
Lighting, too, was treated with bespoke care. “When selecting lighting for a project, especially one as open as this home, I spent a lot of time making sure they all speak nicely to one another. I strive to create a rhythm with size, scale, material and style from one room to the next.”
A DIALOGUE WITH THE DESERT
The desert doesn’t just provide a backdrop; it becomes a design partner, and Young ensured it had a voice in every decision.
“Both the landscape and the natural light
were dominant considerations and influenced every choice we made,” she recounts. “The view from this location was spectacular, and we didn’t want anything to detract from it, neither architecturally nor decoratively. The color palette, material selections and furnishings were selected specifically to enhance the view.”
To further integrate indoors and outdoors, the architect designed a series of pivot and pocket doors that dissolve boundaries. Young’s interior choices reinforced this seamless connection. “The floor-to-ceiling wall of pivot doors to the interior courtyard and pocket doors to the backyard and golf course open the entire space. Using the same limestone paving material both inside and outside further blurs the boundary between the two.”
A TESTAMENT TO COLLABORATION
The project’s success stems from what Young thinks is often the most challenging aspect of custom home design. “Designing custom homes is fraught with them,” she admits, referring to the inevitable obstacles. “It helps when you have a good team and a great client to collectively find solutions.” The result is a home that exceeds the client’s original vision, proving that the most successful designs emerge not from individual brilliance but from genuine collaboration. Ultimately, this shared vision resulted in a residence that feels both monumental and intimate, contemporary and timeless, and a true sanctuary that honors its desert setting.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
The Palm Springs International Film Festival—a cinematic legacy in the desert.
By Bailey Badillo
Photo
It’s always exciting to have an event that feels grand in scale and deeply personal while contributing to a great cause, and The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) is precisely that. Each January, the festival draws Hollywood royalty, acclaimed international filmmakers, industry insiders, critics and passionate movie lovers to the desert. Against a backdrop of Mid-Century Modern glamour and sun-washed mountains, Palm Springs becomes a stage where cinema and community meet in perfect harmony.
A FESTIVAL WITH VISION
The festival is the brainchild of former Mayor Sonny Bono, whose goal was to put Palm Springs on the map as a tourist destination. It took a year of gathering major sponsors—American Airlines, Metropolitan Theatres, Wells Fargo Bank and celebrities alike—to make it happen. The first festival, which launched in 1990, was a significant success. Nearly four decades later, PSIFF spans almost two weeks and fills theaters across the city with screenings of international features and documentaries alongside Hollywood blockbusters.
AN ICONIC EVENT
The festival’s appeal lies not only in discovery but also in glamour. Its Awards Gala includes some of Hollywood’s most celebrated names, including Nicole Kidman, Adrien Brody, Angelina Jolie and Ariana Grande. It’s also a chance to see films before they become major blockbusters, and many of these screenings have received Oscar nominations.
The Awards Gala is considered one of the most glamorous nights of the year. Stars walk the red carpet before being honored for their artistry, with categories ranging from International Star to Rising Star.
MORE THAN FILM
This international film festival is more than screenings and red carpets; it’s also about raising the next generation of filmmakers
and artists. Produced by the non-profit organization Palm Springs International Film Society, the event helps fund educational programs and student screenings. These initiatives bring the power of film into classrooms, provide opportunities for young filmmakers and ensure that the arts remain accessible across the Coachella Valley.
Another key philosophy is making the festival available to all. Organizations like the Auen Foundation have helped expand volunteer opportunities and provide tickets for seniors and community groups, keeping the festival rooted in inclusivity. Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts further support programming and workshops, strengthening the festival’s role as a platform for local and international voices and showing it’s truly a community coming together to create something remarkable every year.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026
The 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival is scheduled for Jan. 2-12, 2026.
The Film Awards gala will take place on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. Screenings begin on opening night, followed by a full slate of programming and conclude with Best of Fest presentations on January 12.
New in 2026, the festival organizers announced Kering as the presenting sponsor of the Film Awards. Its Women In Motion program will introduce two “Talking Pictures” events during the opening weekend, bringing conversations about filmmaking and women’s voices in cinema to audiences. Festival passes and Film Awards gala tables are currently on sale.
A CELEBRATION THAT LASTS
What truly makes the PSIFF ICONIC is that it embraces both prestige and discovery while ensuring the legacy is passed on to aspiring filmmakers for generations. It welcomes global voices while remaining firmly rooted in the glamour of Palm Springs. Every January, the festival reminds us that film has the power to inspire, challenge and connect.
Setting the
TABLE
Three incredible designers set holidayinspired tables that are nothing short of ICONIC.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Photography by Mark Sacro
The holiday season is magical. Store shelves are filled with beautiful decorations and gifts to give, festive songs and hymns are sung by choirs and joy seems to permeate the air. Perhaps the most meaningful gift of this time of year is the company we keep with loved ones. For many, the tradition of gathering around the table to enjoy a meal forged from the fruits of love and labor is practiced during the holidays. It’s a tradition I hold in high importance.
We wanted to celebrate that tradition by asking three talented interior designers to create exquisite holiday tablescapes. The goal was to inspire you, the reader, and to celebrate the beauty of coming together to enjoy a meal. Each designer implemented their personal flair, showcasing what the holidays look like for them through high-end design. So, get inspired, take in the beauty of design interpretation, and embrace this time of year, which unites us.
Patrick Dragonette
DRAGONETTE LIMITED
Inspired by whimsy, Patrick Dragonette, owner of Dragonette Ltd., designed a maximalist tablescape that commands attention and tells a story of eclecticism. Beautiful china by Fitz and Floyd and Jean Cocteau adorns the table, adding visual interest. “I love the china that I used,” Dragonette says. “I used china with five different patterns for this tablescape because to me, variety is much more interesting than a table with matching china.”
Leopard print accents, Gio Ponti Diamond flatware and a stunning flower display add to the opulence of Dragonette’s design. Sentimental holiday decor is thoughtfully placed throughout the design. “I was going through our Christmas decorations that we have at the office and found a small box of pinecone elf ornaments that were from the 1960s but never used; they were reminiscent of my childhood,” Dragonette shares.
Dragonette’s take on the holiday tablescape encourages fun and sparks conversation with its eye-catching, jewel-tone color palette, formal plate settings and a mix of modern and nostalgic decor.
Hosting dinner parties is not a new feat for Dragonette. “ In the Marrakesh community [in the summer] we have a supper club, so every Sunday we gather together at someone’s house for dinner, potluck style… I love it and I think the experience is really important. Friends appreciate the effort that is put in… People need to stop and appreciate the beauty of the world, and one of the ways to do that is to set a beautiful table.”
PATRICK’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY
“My mom would always work very hard to make the holidays important and special… One year, I remember getting ice skates, and the wrapping that the gift was in was beautiful; it was winter-themed Barbie and Ken coloring pages, and she colored the images in and wrapped our gifts in that paper.”
Robin Weller
ROBIN WELLER DESIGN
Interior designer Robin Weller, founder of Robin Weller Design centered her tablescape design around her newly renovated home in Palm Desert. “My home has a lot of neutrals, blush tones and earth tones. I would describe it as soft contemporary,” Weller explains. “For the tablescape, we opted for jewel tones because red and green don’t work with my house.”
Metallic elements and jewel tones, such as gold chargers, gold-accented plates and silverware and eggplant-colored glasses, add an element of grandeur. Meanwhile, geometric stone napkin holders anchor the table, connecting it to the surrounding desert landscape. Partners such as Lotus Garden, who contributed to the stunning floral display, and Bliss Home, where she purchased the linens, chargers and plates, helped to tie the tablescape together, creating a finished product that is pristine and ICONIC.
“Working with John from Lotus Garden was so easy,” Weller says. “ It was really fun to collaborate on a floral design that still feels festive, but is not so traditional looking.”
For Weller, designing a tablescape goes deeper than putting something beautiful together for people to look at. “ I think it’s part of the tradition,” Weller says. “It’s really important to have that time together around the table… My four grown children can’t wait to come home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They love having our traditional meals around the dining room table…We really value those times when we’re together.”
“We have spent many Thanksgivings in the desert at Big Horn. I think my fondest memories are from our time with my parents and my children. The weather is always beautiful and the time together as a family either playing tennis, pickleball or golf is always treasured. It is one of the main reasons I purchased my home in Big Horn last year. I look forward to creating more memories with my children and their children over the years to come!”
ROBIN’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY
Laurie Moulton LOLO INTERIORS
Working out of her ICONIC showroom, Lolo Interiors, founder Laurie Moulton was inspired by the bonds forged during Thanksgiving. “It’s my favorite holiday because of the connections you build with people you love during that time, whether it’s your friends and family, or new people you’re inviting into your life who might not have plans for Thanksgiving,” Moulton says. “It seems to be the holiday where you can really connect on a human level.”
Moulton’s tablescape promotes intimacy, with the goal of bringing people together through effortless conversation. Her four-seated design utilizes organic materials such as a stone-base table with an iron top and eclectic ceramics. Candlelight sets the mood while a vintage pot serves as the focal point.
Moulton sourced four different upholstered chairs around the table to add variety while also mimicking the reality of putting together a tablescape for multiple people at home, “The whole idea is to bring in that sense of pulling chairs from different rooms of your house,” she says.
The tablescape Moulton designed is reflective of her everyday design aesthetic. “Everything that we do in our design is based on biophilic design principles,” Moulton says. “I create a story and pull everything together based on the narrative I’ve come up with. For this project, I was able to pull everything from my shop. I wanted to put something together to reflect how I would celebrate at my home, hosting with my family and friends.”
LAURIE’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY MEMORY
“My favorite holiday memory is Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ house. I love this memory because you have your extended family, cousins and friends in one room. It’s truly about that connection and getting to know people; my grandma would always make it very intimate; it was an environment that made you feel at ease.”
Take a Cowboy-
Saddle up for a stylish Western escape this autumn—from luxury dude ranches in Arizona to secluded mountain lodges in Montana, these cowboycations are redefining outdoor adventure.
By Amalie Rhebeck
As the weather is cooling down and the leaves are beginning to change colors, what better way to reconnect with nature than a classic cowboy-cation? You can experience all of the rejuvenation and excitement of a getaway, but with a Western twist, and these are some of the top places to rope, ride and relax across the U.S.
TUCSON, ARIZONA
Tanque Verde Ranch, located in Tucson, Arizona, is the perfect getaway for aspiring cowboys and foodies alike. Nestled amongst the saguaros of the Sonoran Desert, this ranch offers guests luxe accommodations, including casitas. During the day, guests can spend their time going on Jeep adventures, riding horses, penning, mountain biking, playing pickleball or just taking a relaxing dip in the pool.
Cowboy- cation
If you’re looking for a more secluded escape, then the HomeExchange Collection is for you. A member-only community, this program offers home exchanges that give travelers the freedom to book luxury residences across the world. These are three of their top Western estates:
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
This beautiful home, just minutes from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, boasts four large bedrooms with space for up to 14 guests. The property, which spans more than two acres, offers breathtaking views of the valley and is frequented by wildlife such as moose and elk. With premium amenities like a large game room and a luxe hot tub, this property is suited for guests year-round.
SEDONA, ARIZONA
Situated amongst the ICONIC red rocks of Sedona, Casa Manzanita is a desert retreat that combines wellness and adventure. The five-bedroom home has beautiful views, a jacuzzi, an infrared sauna, a cold plunge, a game room and a gym. The residence is just walking distance from Uptown Sedona, and guests also have close access to hiking trails and horseback riding.
BRIDGER VISTA LODGE, MONTANA
Nothing says cowboy-cation like a custom log cabin, and this Bridger Vista Lodge combines rustic charm with luxury finishes. Complete with heated floors, a slipper tub with champagne bubbles, a wood-burning fireplace and a hot tub, this log cabin has all of the ingredients for a positively relaxing stay. Only a mile from Bridger Bowl Ski Area, this cabin also offers guests close-up access to hiking, skiing and wildlife watching.
Whether you’re riding amongst the saguaros on horseback or unwinding in a relaxing jacuzzi in the pines, experiencing the enchantment of the wild West is a wonderful way to welcome autumn. With breathtaking views, crisp air and cozy accommodations, these cowboy-cations are the perfect blend of relaxing and adventurous.
Refreshed Retreat
A Rancho Mirage estate gets a modern makeover.
By Nora Burba Trulsson
Photography by Erica Mendenhall Photography
In Rancho Mirage, a luxurious 8.5-acre property boasts views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, its own three-hole golf course, a sunken tennis court, a lavish pool and a private lake with waterfalls and an island. The 10,000-squarefoot-plus home is a study in modern California design, with seven bedrooms, a nightclub-inspired bar, a screening room, and, in addition to the main kitchen, a butler’s pantry and catering kitchen to make cooking for a crowd easy. It recently sold for $16 million, and the transaction is said to be Rancho Mirage’s largest residential sale of 2025 and the highest-priced home ever recorded in Rancho Mirage.
Credit for the home’s appeal goes to designer Elyssa Contardo, who updated the property inside and out, emphasizing its resort-style setting and infusing the house with a sleek, European aesthetic. “This project was a true down-to-the-studs renovation,” says Contardo, who has studios in Palm Desert and Park City, Utah. “The vision was a balance of comfort and contemporary style, layered with a modern European ambiance and gathering spaces throughout.”
INTERIOR DESIGN Elyssa Contardo Designs. ARCHITECT Elyssa Contardo Designs.
CABINETRY Classic Cupboards.
TILE Topstone. LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Elyssa Contardo Designs. PLANTS Proseed.
BUILDER Hudson Construction.
POOL Melos Pools & Outdoors. WINDOWS AND SHADES Desert Window Coverings.
Embarking on an 18-month redo with Palm Desert-based Hudson Construction, Contardo evaluated the circa 1990 house, which had a vaguely Mediterranean architectural motif featuring a red tile roof, French doors, mullioned windows and plenty of arches and columns inside. “The goal was to reimagine the home with a crisp, streamlined aesthetic—creating a cleaner, more cohesive vision that feels both fresh and timeless,” she says of the home’s dated look. “We raised the ceiling height in some sections, repainted, replaced all the windows and used gray slate as the new roof material.”
Inside, the designer opened the “choppy” floor plan, creating more connectivity between the public spaces and enlarging one of the home’s two primary suites. “The original library became the office, and we changed the dining room into a lounge with a bar and wine room,” says Contardo of other changes to the layout.
With a backdrop of light oak flooring, pale walls, marble accents and minimalist millwork, the designer chose furnishings with long, low, lean lines in neutral hues, allowing garden views and artwork to bring in the brighter colors. For the great room, she fashioned two symmetrical seating areas to anchor the expansive space, with one side facing a see-through fireplace—clad in Pietra gray marble—that is aligned to the new dining room on the other side. The opposite great room seating area is a lighter version, with cream-colored sofas and a glossy coffee table. Contardo designed the custom light fixture in a series of swooping curves to connect the two seating areas and make the two living areas feel whole.
Off the great room, the lounge is a magnet for entertaining, with an angled bar and an eye-catching glass wine room. “We envisioned a striking bar designed for entertaining—one that would be both unforgettable and boldly unexpected, so there’s dramatic lighting and reflective surfaces,” Contardo explains. “She designed the ceiling with dark-gray mirrored panels, interspersed with LED strips, giving the room more impact. On the walls, oak paneling is done in “Whipped Honey” from Tinted Finishes, the designer’s own line of wood stains.
Contardo specified a charcoal-stained table for the dining room, long enough to seat 12 and designed the custom blownglass fixture that delicately dangles above. In the kitchen, the designer collaborated with Classic Cupboards; the look is spare and open, with a mix of wood and lacquer cabinetry. “The goal was for the island to read like a single, sculpted block of marble,” she says. “To complete the look, I added a four-sided waterfall and cladded the drawers in marble as well.” To keep messes out of the main kitchen, there’s a butler’s pantry and a catering kitchen, equipped with multiple dishwashers to handle large events.
In the larger of the two primary suites, Contardo designed a floating headboard wall, adding a sense of privacy to the spacious bedroom. The wall illuminates its two columns with pink LED lighting and features a series of teardrop-shaped pendants as bedside lights. For the primary bath, bookmatched Calacatta marble creates a backdrop for a soaking tub and is used for the vanities. “This has a calm, spa look,” Contardo notes. “The design includes an open shelf, perfect for displaying rolled towels.”
Outdoors, she turned her attention to the landscape. The pool, which was designed by Contardo and won a Pinnacle Award last year, was reconfigured from an arched shape to a mirror-like rectangle with the help of contractor Melo’s Pools and Outdoors. A fire element surrounds the water, and a large shade pavilion was added for outdoor lounging and dining. Contardo scraped the lake’s island of its bulky rock surface, replacing it with sand to make a smooth landing spot for the paddleboat as it cruises across the turtle-and-fish-filled waters. The sunken tennis court was given a fresh coat of paint in an earthy hue, and new plantings added yet another layer of privacy to the gracious estate.
Contardo’s touch clearly elevated the Rancho Mirage home, creating a refreshed, modern and inviting retreat. “I’ve been in the luxury high-end residential design business for 17 years,” says Contardo, summarizing her approach. “I do like a tailored, refined look, but my job is to understand my clients and elevate their style, and take the design to the next level.”
A NIGHT AT THE JUICE JOINT
The holiday photoshoot that reimagines the Gatsby Era.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Photography by Mark Sacro
This holiday season, we invite you to step back in time to the heyday of speakeasies, when indulging in a cocktail was taboo, but the thing to do, if you knew the right places. Feathers, furs and friskiness defined this time period. We wanted to convey a risqué ambiance that would mimic the feeling of going to a speakeasy during the holidays for a glamorous, secret soiree. To do this, we conducted this shoot at the popular Scottsdale speakeasy, Tell Your Friends, a location we feel perfectly encapsulates opulence and grandeur utilizing vintage fashion by the ICONIC Fashion by Robert Black.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renee Dee. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nakayla Shakespeare. PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Sacro. HAIR & MAKEUP Melissa Evans. MODEL Shea, Ford Robert Black. LOCATION Tell Your Friends. WARDROBE Fashion by Robert Black. ICONIC TEAM Amalie Rhebeck, Madeleine Perich.
Louis Marino black dress via Fashion by Robert Black. Bracelets via Fashion by Robert Black. Scarlet House of Toi stiletto via Zang Toi. Jack McConnell hat via Fashion by Robert Black.
EMPRESS OF THE BLUES
Bob Mackie gold dress via Fashion by Robert Black.
DOLLED UP
Victor Costa black-and-white dress via Fashion by Robert Black. Crystal necklace via Fashion by Robert Black.
SNAKE EYES
Louis Marino black dress via Fashion by Robert Black. Bracelets via Fashion by Robert Black. Scarlet House of Toi stiletto via Zang Toi. Jack McConnell hat via Fashion by Robert Black.
DAPPER DARLING
Brown mink coat via Fashion by Robert Black. Emerald necklace via Fashion by Robert Black.
8BALL
Black sequin set via Fashion by Robert Black. Daniel Storto gloves via Fashion by Robert Black.
full FOCUS
The art and ambition of Jesse Katz’s Aperture Cellars.
By Fran Miller
Not every winemaker receives bespoke wine requests from Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel—or crafts custom bottlings for Tony Hawk, Von Miller, Ellen DeGeneres and the Lakers organization. But Jesse Katz isn’t your average vintner.
As founder of Aperture Cellars, the award-winning winery in Healdsburg, Calif., Jesse has quietly developed a reputation as the go-to winemaker for athletes, actors and high-profile entertainers. His polished, age-worthy wines now appear at celebrity weddings, star-studded galas and private dinners from Napa to New York. Yet, despite his high-profile clientele and multiple 100point scores, Jesse quickly redirects attention back to the vines and the deeper inspiration behind the bottle.
“Each wine and each client is different,” says Jesse. “Everything I do is custom. A wine I make for a wedding celebration compared to one that will be gifted after winning a Super Bowl, or made to raise money for a charity, all have a different intention and a time it will be enjoyed.” That intentionality is part of what he hopes will make the wines meaningful not only in the moment, but “for decades to come.”
Founded in 2009, Aperture Cellars represents the culmination of Jesse’s far-reaching experiences and artistic upbringing. The son of acclaimed photographer Andy Katz, Jesse grew up traveling the world’s great wine regions, from Bordeaux to Mendoza, as his father captured vineyard life through a lens. Those formative adventures helped shape Jesse’s global palate and sparked his fascination with terroir, balance and sensory storytelling.
That dual devotion to craft and composition is evident across the entire Aperture experience. Each label features a photograph taken by Andy. Every wine is made with an eye toward structure and longevity. Even the winery’s stunning design—a soaring 24,000-square-foot production facility and adjoining 4,000-squarefoot hospitality center—is inspired by the physical aperture of a camera, with dramatic skylights and lens-like forms drawing natural light deep into the space.
“I think the story starts with the label but continues into the bottle,” Jesse notes. “Like any great collaboration or work of art, small, intentional details that unfold with time are the ones that grow on you and evoke a real connection.”
The estate vineyard sits on 40 acres just outside downtown Healdsburg, on historic Ponzo Ranch land first planted in 1912. Acquired by Jesse in 2016, it now forms the heart of Aperture’s portfolio, which includes Bordeauxstyle reds, single-vineyard cabernets, a barrel-fermented sauvignon blanc and a delicate new chenin blanc. Sourced from more than 200 acres of cool-climate sites across Sonoma, Aperture wines are defined by freshness, layered complexity and Jesse’s insistence on precision farming. His flagship cabernet sauvignon has earned some of the highest scores in Alexander Valley history—including the first perfect 100-point rating ever awarded to a cabernet from the region. The same goes for his malbec-focused label, Devil Proof, which holds the
distinction of being the highest-rated California malbec among top critics.
Though much of Jesse’s technique comes from experience (he’s completed more than 25 harvests across the globe), his resume reads like a who’s who of elite winemaking. He trained at Château Pétrus in Bordeaux, Viña Cobos and Bodega Noemia in Argentina, and served on the winemaking teams at Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle and Robert Foley. In 2010, he became the youngest head winemaker in the U.S. at Lancaster Estate, where he helped build the Roth winery from the ground up and grew the brand by more than 800 percent, all while earning consistent 90+ scores from Wine Advocate and inclusion on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.
“I have not made the best wine of my career yet,” says Jesse. “I continue to obsess with fine-tuning my craft with every vintage … I think, and hope, that I get better each year.”
For him, progress is less about accolades and more about capturing “a sense of place and time in every bottle in the most expressive and focused way.”
Guests can experience Aperture wines firsthand at the estate’s tasting room, where Andy’s globe-spanning photography adds a visual throughline to the wine flights. Seated tastings are available by appointment, including the
“I HAVE NOT MADE THE BEST WINE OF MY CAREER YET. I CONTINUE TO OBSESS WITH FINE-TUNING MY CRAFT WITH EVERY VINTAGE… I THINK, AND HOPE, THAT I GET BETTER EACH YEAR.”
Soil Series Experience, which explores the full Aperture range, and the Site Series, which focuses on single-vineyard bottlings. A private tasting option allows for a more tailored exploration of limited releases in a floor-to-ceiling glass room overlooking the Russian River Valley. Jesse plans to expand the tastings further to include food pairings and collaborations with renowned Healdsburg chefs such as Kyle Connaughton (SingleThread), Dustin Valette (Valette) and Peter Seghesio (Journeyman Meat Co.) to deepen the guest experience through Sonoma’s broader culinary and creative culture.
The sense of connection extends beyond the glass. Jesse is a committed philanthropist, raising more than $7 million for charities and
non-profits through wine donations, custom experiences and fundraising auctions. He recently joined the board of SommFoundation, which supports education and mentorship in the wine and spirits industry.
For all the buzz around his celebrity collaborations and dozens of 100-point scores, Jesse remains rooted in the quiet rigor of winemaking. He’s more interested in soil maps than red carpets, and more likely to cite volcanic minerals than magazine mentions. Still, there’s something undeniably cinematic about his trajectory: a young winemaker shaped by world travels, grounded in Sonoma soil, and producing wines that command both attention and acclaim.
of The BARCEL Beauty
ONA
Three days isn’t enough for all this ICONIC city has to offer.
By Renee Dee
Ilove visiting the ICONIC cities of the world. I traveled to Spain this summer for a friend’s birthday celebration and extended my trip to enjoy some of the ICONIC sites of Spain. The trip started in Ronda and Marbella, and I added stops in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, to which I embarked on a massive train journey. My theme was to savor the historical sites, the local food and the ICONIC landmarks of these cities.
Focusing on the last three extraordinary days of my trip (and three days were not enough to savor this city), I made the Nobu Hotel Barcelona my home—a haven of elevated minimalism perched high above the Catalan capital. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views that stretched toward the shimmering Mediterranean sea, this hotel became the elegant base for my deep dive into the soul of the city.
Nobu’s signature approach of refined service and quiet luxury set the perfect tone for the trip.
This stay also coincided with Nobu Barcelona’s exciting new partnership with Trent, the Barcelona-based fashion rental platform redefining sustainable luxury. With just a quick QR scan in my suite, I could browse beautifully curated, high-end pieces from independent designers and have them delivered within the hour. I really should have taken this more into consideration when over-packing for my trip! It’s important to dress stylishly on property with its elegant international guests, whether for rooftop cocktails on the highest terrace in Barcelona or dinner at Nobu’s ICONIC sushi bar overlooking the Spanish skyline.
I really appreciate companies that work to do better for our planet, and Nobu has made respectable strides. In March 2025, the hotel earned the prestigious BREEAM “Excellent” certification with a score of 78.79 percent, making it Spain’s highest-rated BREEAM hotel. This globally respected sustainability standard recognizes the hotel’s commitment to energy efficiency, health and well-being through extensive
renovations and smart building systems. Plus, 78 percent of procurement is now sourced from local Catalan suppliers and 93 percent from Spanish suppliers. Bravo.
The true essence of my stay was a pilgrimage through Barcelona’s architectural heart, led by a private guide, Anna, who brought the story of Antoni Gaudí vividly to life. Over two days, we traced his genius across the city—past undulating façades, intricate wrought-iron balconies and interiors that felt less designed than grown. We explored his remarkable residences, apartments and a restaurant, each one infused with his organic forms and vibrant ceramic mosaics that seemed to pulse with movement.
Our architectural journey began with Casa Batlló, Gaudí’s fantastical reinterpretation of a bourgeois home on Passeig de Gràcia, where its undulating façade, shimmering mosaics and bone-like balconies make it feel alive. Just a few blocks away, Casa Milà, better known as La Pedrera, revealed its
Photo courtesy of Nobu Hotel Barcelona
sculpted stone exterior and wrought-iron balconies—an architectural wave frozen in time.
We ventured to the Palau Güell, Gaudí’s early masterpiece near La Rambla, where his genius for light, ironwork and space was evident in the elegant urban palace designed for his patron, Eusebi Güell. And, of course, we wandered through the dreamlike landscape of Park Güell. This public park feels more like stepping into a storybook, with its serpentine benches, colorful ceramic mosaics and sweeping views over Barcelona.
Gaudí’s influence extends beyond buildings; his distinctive work is also celebrated through performances at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage concert hall where his contemporaries in the Modernisme movement flourished, and where his architectural language still resonates as part of Barcelona’s cultural stage.
by
The journey culminated at La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s magnum opus and,
without question, the most breathtaking work of architecture I have ever encountered. Approaching it feels almost reverent. Its towers rise like a forest of stone, each sculpted spire telling a biblical story. Inside, the scale is transcendent—the nave ceiling soars nearly 150 feet, its vaults supported by branching columns designed to mimic trees. As sunlight streams through the kaleidoscope of stained-glass windows, the entire interior becomes a living canvas of shifting colors, evoking both a cathedral and an enchanted woodland.
Gaudí, a deeply spiritual man, determined the height of the tallest tower—the Tower of Jesus Christ, still under construction—to be 170 meters, just one meter shorter than Montjuïc, Barcelona’s highest natural point. He believed no human creation should surpass the work of God, a poetic testament to his humility and vision. Even after more than a century, the basilica remains a work in progress, a living monument to devotion, innovation and the blending of the divine with the natural world.
I know Gaudi’s work is highly admired by leading Arizona architect Mark Candelaria, and I couldn’t stop myself from reaching out while I was in the cathedral. “How did they build this?” was my repetitive question. It’s simply mind-boggling.
Between these architectural marvels, we also experienced another Spanish art form: Jamón Ibérico. We visited four of Barcelona’s top jamonerías, savoring the nuanced flavors of this national treasure— nutty, silky, deeply savory. Each slice told its own story, the result of centuries-old techniques and the meticulous care of artisans.
We learned about the history of Jamón Ibérico, whose birthplace lies in the Dehesa, the oak-studded pastures of southwestern Spain. Here, in regions like Extremadura, Salamanca and Andalusia, Iberian pigs roam freely, feasting on acorns that infuse the ham with its nutty depth and silky texture. Among these regions, the town of Jabugo in Andalusia is often referred to as the spiritual home of Jamón Ibérico, with its famed Denominación de Origen Protegida (protected designation of origin) ensuring quality as revered as that of Champagne in France.
Photo courtesy of Nobu Hotel Barcelona
Jamming on Jamon
JAMONARIUM
Passeig de Sant Joan 181, Gràcia
Known for more than 25 years of experience and a strong selection of Spanish and Iberian gourmet products.
MONIBERIC
Carrer de Mallorca 160, L’Eixample
A family-run shop with more than 40 years of tradition and a wide range of Iberian hams.
RESERVA IBÉRICA
Rambla de Catalunya 61, Eixample
A gourmet ham boutique also located inside La Boquería market, focused solely on topquality Iberian ham.
JAMÓN JAMÓN
Carrer d’Europa 23, Les Corts
Specializes in sausages and hams, with two locations including this one in Les Corts.
To taste jamón here was to savor not just flavor, but centuries of tradition and terroir.
Because I love walking on trips so much, I asked ChatGPT to put together a two-day walking tour that included the top four jamonarias interspersed throughout our architectural tour. It was an excellent way to see a lot efficiently.
On my final night, I concluded our journey most unforgettably—with a tasting menu at Cinc Sentits, the acclaimed
two-Michelin-star restaurant helmed by Chef Jordi Artal. The experience was not merely a meal; it was a narrative. Each course traced the arc of the chef’s culinary journey, rooted in recipes and vegetables from his family’s farm. From the first delicate amuse-bouche to the final, elegant dessert, the menu unfolded like chapters of a personal story—intimate, expressive and deeply tied to place.
The evening began with a welcome snack served in an intimate anteroom, where we
Photo courtesy of Nobu Hotel Barcelona
stood around a sculpted tree-trunk table as the culinary team set the stage with a narrative about Chef Jordi Artal’s childhood in Catalonia and the family traditions that shaped his cuisine. From there, we were led into the dining room for an 11-course tasting menu that unfolded like a beautifully composed memoir in flavors. Each dish offered a glimpse into the landscape and seasons of Spain—oysters crowned with caviar, delicate scallops kissed with Jamón Ibérico and turbot layered with earthy porcini mushrooms.
A refined partridge course paid homage to rustic game traditions, while vibrant citrus, saffron and violet desserts brought a fragrant crescendo to the experience. One of the most memorable moments was the signature “Cinc Sentits shot,” a whimsical blend of maple syrup, cava sabayon, sea salt and fresh cream—a single sip designed to awaken all five senses. Every course was a masterclass in balance, restraint and storytelling, capturing the spirit of modern Catalan cuisine with elegance and emotion.
The service was restrained and refined and spoiler alert…the napkin folding that happens when one leaves the table is a performance in itself.
As I departed Barcelona, I carried with me not just memories but a profound sense of inspiration. My stay at Nobu Hotel Barcelona was the luxurious thread that connected architecture, cuisine, fashion and culture into one seamless, unforgettable tapestry. Barcelona revealed itself as a city where creativity and innovation are celebrated.
Bon
James Beard Award-winning Chef Christopher Gross shares ICONIC appetizers to enjoy this holiday season.
Bon Appétit
By Masada Siegel
Chef Christopher Gross is the type of person you want as a guest at your holiday party. The James Beard Award winner has cooked for three U.S. presidents and worked alongside culinary legends like Jacques Pépin, Julia Child and Martha Stewart. He’s a world traveler, charismatic and has plenty of great stories.
For those fortunate enough to secure his services as a private chef, it’s the ultimate luxury. For the rest of us, Chef Gross offers something equally valuable: the secrets to hosting a holiday dinner party, along with tips and tricks for elevating your cooking by making appetizers with ease.
Chef Gross’s culinary journey spans continents as he has trained in London and Paris. These influences have infused his cooking with a cosmopolitan flair that sets him apart in America’s culinary landscape.
Christopher’s restaurant at the Wrigley Mansion earned a 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. It was also awarded the Arizona Republic’s five-star rating as Phoenix’s most innovative and enticing dining experience for its sumptuous tasting menu.
Gross believes food is a medium for connecting with people and for creating a spectacular dinner party experience. The host, he notes, should focus on the personal touch.
One of the best ways to do this is to be organized and prepared. Chef Gross stressed the importance of doing as much as possible before your holiday party so that you can focus on your guests.
“You can precook everything because at most parties, the food is room temperature,” Gross points out. “There are so many easy recipes for parties, such as brioche sliders, which can be made ahead of time and served on a nice platter with caviar.”
Chef Gross is a massive fan of the thermal circulator. This electric device heats and circulates water in a container to maintain a precise and consistent temperature, resulting in a simplified cooking experience.
“You never want to be sweating in the kitchen before your guests arrive,” he says. “One way to avoid this is by using the thermal circulator. The one I like is the Joule Turbo Sous Vide. It is the way to cook filets easily and efficiently.”
The Joule Turbo Sous Vide is used by submerging vacuum-sealed food in a temperature-controlled water bath, which results in tender, consistently cooked and flavorful results without overcooking.
For those who are hosting for the first time, Gross advises, “Be patient, and write out the planning of everything so you are organized. Most importantly, taste everything. No one wants to sit down at the dinner table and wonder why people aren’t smiling when they have the first bite of their meal.”
Holiday entertaining requires effort, so Chef Gross leaves hosts with this essential advice: “Taste and adjust your seasoning, give yourself extra time so you’re not rushed, and invest in the best ingredients you can afford. Those three things will elevate any dish.”
CHEF’S
TIP
“Bake the shells ahead and keep them in an airtight container for up to two days. Just rewarm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to crisp them up before filling. For a festive touch, top with roasted red pepper, a sprig of thyme, or a drop of fig jam.”
EASY VOL - AU - VENT PUFF PASTRY BITES WITH WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE
These little golden puff pastry shells — known in France as vol-au-vents — are airy, crisp and make the perfect hors d’oeuvres. They look impressive, yet they’re incredibly simple to make at home. Filled with whipped goat cheese and a drizzle of honey or herbs, they strike that balance between savory and elegant that always disappears fast at parties.
INGREDIENTS
1 package frozen puff pastry sheets
1 egg (beaten)
6 ounces soft goat cheese
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Honey (for garnishing, optional)
1 pinch salt and pepper
DIRECTIONS
Let the puff pastry thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours, or on the counter for about 30 to 40 minutes, until it’s pliable but still cold.
Lightly flour your surface and lay the pastry sheet down.
Use a 1½–2-inch (4–5 cm) round cutter to cut circles. For vol-au-vent shells: cut half of the circles whole and cut a smaller hole in the center of the other half (these are the “rings”).
Place a “ring” on top of each full circle, using a little egg wash to help them stick. Brush the tops (not edges) with egg wash for a golden finish.
Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until puffed and golden. Don’t open the oven for the first 10 minutes — that’s when the magic puff happens.
Let cool slightly. If the center’s puff is too high, gently press them down with a spoon to create a cavity.
Fill with whipped goat cheese (see below).
WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE FILLING
In a small bowl, whisk or beat together: 6 ounces goat cheese
2 tablespoons cream or milk
OPTIONAL: drizzle of honey or pinch of herbs (thyme, chive, or rosemary)
Mix until light and fluffy. Spoon or pipe into the pastry shells just before serving.
Photo by Madeleine Perich
FROM THE CHEF
“This gratin is pure comfort — butter, cream and potatoes doing what they do best. It’s a dish that makes people lean in, take a slow bite and smile. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday table, it never fails.”
CREAMY FRENCH POTATO GRATIN (GRATIN DAUPHINOIS)
There’s a reason the French have been making this dish for centuries. Thin layers of tender potatoes slowly baked in cream and butter until golden and soft — it’s rich, comforting and quietly elegant. The kind of side that turns a simple roast into a Sunday feast.
INGREDIENTS
4 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick
2 cups heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced (or rubbed inside the dish)
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (optional but classic) Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly butter a small baking dish or casserole. Rub the inside with a cut clove of garlic for a delicate aroma.
Arrange half of the potatoes evenly in the dish. Season with salt, pepper and a touch of nutmeg. Dot with half the butter. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and butter.
Gently pour the cream over the potatoes until just covered.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Let it sit for five to 10 minutes before serving so the cream thickens slightly and the flavors settle.
CHEF’S TIPS
Warm the cream gently with garlic and a pinch of nutmeg before pouring it over the potatoes for a deeper flavor.
Sprinkle a little grated Gruyère or Parmesan in the last 10 minutes for a bubbling, caramelized top.
Use a mandoline or steady hand for evenly thin slices — it ensures even cooking and that signature silky texture.
Photo by Madeleine Perich
The Art of Après
At The Little Nell, après-ski isn’t just a pastime, it’s a tradition of indulgence, elegance and effortless mountain glamour.
By Amalie Rhebeck
The Little Nell has been the hotspot of aprés-ski in Aspen for decades. The ICONIC hotel, nestled against Aspen Mountain, has been a winter escape for the wealthy and glamorous since it opened its doors in 1989. Still the only place with ski-in and ski-out access to the mountain, it stands as a beacon of the true Aspen experience that visitors from around the world travel to.
When it comes to luxe aprés-ski, guests don’t need to travel far. The Wine Bar at The Little Nell, formerly Chair 9, is a cozy retreat offering award-winning sips and quality company. Guests come to unwind, socialize and enjoy the nightly DJ who spins music and curates a laid-back vibe.
The Nest, tucked away on the patio of the hotel’s elevated Element 47 restaurant, is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor aprés. With fire pits to accompany outdoor seating, it’s easy to stay warm and enjoy the stunning Aspen views— cocktail in hand.
Arguably, the most ICONIC dining experience still steeped in the glamorous traditions of aprés is The Little Nell’s Ajax Tavern. The relaxed environment, friendly atmosphere and hearty meals are a welcome comfort after a long day on the slopes.
In an age of fast-paced living, The Little Nell remains a timeless getaway where the lavish and sophisticated spirit of aprés lives on.
Top left photo by Jeremy Swanson. Top right photo by Shawn O‘Connor.
