John Eric Home - February 2014

JOHNERICHOME

®

Magazine

Real Estate and Lifestyle Magazine February 2014, Volume 20 DC | VA | MD

The World Converges in Washington, DC Shaking Up Charleston, South Carolina Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras

Kimberly Allen-Mills COVER STORY

Capturing the World One Image at a Time

CES 2014: Hot and Fun Tech from the Innovation Strip Day-Tripping to Design Shops

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

johneric.com John Eric Home 1

®

WASHINGTON | VIRGINIA | MARYLAND

John Eric 1206 30th Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 C: 703.798.0097 | O: 202.333.1212 | E: john@johneric.com | www.johneric.com

LUXURY WE HAVE OUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OF THE DC REAL ESTATE MARKET.

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

速

CONTENTS

10 COVER STORY Kimberly Allen-Mills shares her experience as a top photojournalist

24 DESTINATIONS Dancing our way to Charleston, South Carolina

68 | MIXOLOGY

NEXT MONTH

Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras cocktails to celebrate in style

John Eric Home celebrates the arts featuring a Q&A session with Mera Rubell, one of America’s top collectors.

76 | MONEY & FINANCE Castles and Moats Part 8 - Reviewing the components of personal wealth protection

96 | THE SCOOP News from around Washington, Arlington, Northern Virginia and Montgomery County

104 | VINEYARD All about Champagne

Also, make sure not to miss a special Expressions feature focusing on the Washington Project for the Arts and the organization’s annual gala.

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FOODIE

TECH

Cook your Valentine a memorable dinner of chocolate soufflé, winter kale salad and cassoulet

CES 2014: Hot and fun tech from the innovation strip

80 PREMIUM LISTINGS John’s current inventory of spectacular properties in all price points.

46 HOME TRENDS Make a personal connection to your space

108 | WOMEN’S STYLIST

54 TRENDING A day trip to the top design shops in the Washington area

Fashionistas grab your new bags of the spring season

62 | MEN’S STYLIST Pastels and gray suits to dominate our city’s sidewalks in spring

CONTRIB FOODIE

HOME TRENDS

MIXOLOGY

MONEY & FINANCE

Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, a native Arizonan, has been in the Capitol area for over 12 years. Through educational scholarships provided by The Careers Through Culinary Arts Program, Jocko was educated at the London Cordon Bleu and The Culinary Institute of America. In late 2004, he completed a certificate program from The Guild of Professional English Butlers.

Working in the homes of celebrities, politicians, CEO’s and American elite, Jocko combines a flair for the creative in his cooking. “I live for fresh, delicious, colorful and hearty cooking.

Shopping local, mindful of organics, is essential.” He currently resides in Silver Spring where he is employed as an estate manager, cooking Kosher daily.

David Brown acquired his affinity for style and design at an early age.

Growing up in a neighboring small West Virginia town, he visited his extended family in Chevy Chase every opportunity he got. His inquisitive ambition soon allowed him to be exposed to the Washington culture and arts scene. After graduating from WV Wesleyan in 1994, he made Washington, DC, his home for 13 years, with a brief interim in New York as an Assistant Buyer for Bloomingdale’s. During his time in Washington, David became a pioneer of design in some of DC and Virginia’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods.

He also added Stark Carpet & Old World Weavers, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn and Bloomingdale’s to his repertoire. In 2006, David made a move south making Palm Beach, Coral Gables, and Naples, Florida, his home. As an executive with Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton & Valentino, he has been fortunate to travel extensively across the United States and Europe through his work. David’s eclectic style and appreciation for architecture is reflected in his work thanks to his unique cultural perspective gained through his travels. When asked what is the most important element in a client’s home, the response is always the same, “It’s the little things that mean the most to the client. They have a personal connection, and you make it work.

It is the personality and heart of the home.”

Luca Giovannini and Charles M. Tappan, Jr., form the team that creates our mixology section. Luca discovered his passion for food and drink in his hometown in the north of Italy. After working in Europe, he landed in Washington and perfected his skill of combining European and American styles of drink. Charles is a founding member of Veneràte Group LLC. He launched the company, leaving a career in capital markets, to elevate cocktail culture through creativity, classical knowledge, craft dedication and teaching.

Marc Schliefer has been in the financial planning business since 1978, when he joined Equity Planning Institute, Inc. He became President of Equity Planning Institute, Inc. in 1996. With over 33 years of practicing financial planning, Marc has worked mainly on individual financial planning and counsels clients on all aspects of their financial life. Marc was a frequent guest on the WRC radio program, “Your Money Show,” and has written many articles for local associations.

He has conducted Financial Planning seminars for companies and government agencies and has been quoted in the The Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

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BUTORS TECH

TRENDING

VINEYARD

Kristina Messner-Chalf is a writer and award-winning communications professional who works with clients in an array of technology markets, from emerging technology to consumer electronics, government IT, defense and homeland security. As Senior Vice President of Public Relations and Social Media for Focused Image, a leading branding firm based in Falls Church, VA, she supports top federal contractors, fast-growing private companies, associations and nonprofits. Each issue, Kristina will share insights on some of the latest and most fascinating technology products and trends that are changing our world.

Sherry Moeller, co-founder and principal of MoKi Media, was a previous editor in chief of Capitol File magazine/Niche Media covering politicians, celebrities, fashion, travel, hospitality and lifestyle in Washington, DC and around the country. As an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years experience in the magazine, newspaper and online media industries, Sherry was also editorial director at Washington Spaces/GWPI, a subsidiary of The Washington Post, and real estate/ homes editor at The Gazette/PostNewsweek. She now specializes in public relations for interior design, architecture and hospitality clients, among other luxury brands. Sherry has a BS in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park.

David-Michael Shott has resided in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for over a decade. A creative and energetic leader, he has always embraced innovation while seeking new business opportunities.

The Local Vine Cellar signifies a culmination of David’s extensive experience in myriad fields ranging from radiation oncology to real estate development and investment. He was a co-partner of a successful restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland, which gave him the opportunity to develop and refine his palate and passion for wine. A lover of port and Italian reds, he believes wine should be enjoyable and accessible to all, regardless of knowledge or expertise.

With a background in Economics and GIS, John Gjika is a thoughtful entrepreneur who values a good bottle of Amarone and believes wine is as good for the mind and building communities. An Albanian native who grew up in Portland, Maine, John always offers an independent-minded approach and has a soft spot for anything Mediterranean.

John Eric Home would like to introduce our readers to the contributors who provide both informative and interesting articles to the magazine on a monthly basis. These are the voices that bring to you the most current trends within their individual industries. We would like to thank our contributors for providing their insight to the magazine and its readers.

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JOHNERIC

Residents of Washington, DC — where the world converges — are most fortunate to have diverse neighbors from vibrant cultures and all walks of life who choose — just as I have — to make their home in this most exciting and diverse region. It is the people who truly make a city a home.

In that vein, this month’s cover story features one of our unique neighbors, top photojournalist Kimberly Allen-Mills, who observes, “If there is a single thread that runs through all of my life experience, it is a passion to understand people,” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

For this month’s issue, our contributors bring our readers features about hearth and home to enrich people’s lives, from the classic French comfort foods, cassoulet and chocolate soufflé, in “Foodie,” with Cordon Bleu chef Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, to our destination of Charleston, South Carolina, with its warm and welcoming residents and elegant, historic homes.

Interior Design Guru, David Brown, notes “the people in our lives make us feel secure and relaxed,” and in “Home Trends,” he guides us on how our interior living spaces can make us feel the same way, while MoKi Media’s Sherry Moeller takes us to meet interior designer Victoria Sanchez and other fascinating neighbors whose distinctive approaches to life and design invite us to explore.

Of course, “Mixology” sets the tone with cocktails steeped in flavor and in history, and “Vineyard” highlights Champagne houses which value terroir above all — a wine makers’ version of home. Kristina Messner-Chalf takes us to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where new innovations will soon be coming to a home near you.

As we kick off the busy spring season — one of the Washington, DC, area’s most beautiful — it is a great time to make new friendships and renew old ones. It is people which make the rich tapestry of life so vital and enthralling. And, I, for one, plan to celebrate in style with all of the wonderful people in my life.

Best, John Eric Publisher, Principal and Realtor

JOHNERICHOME

™

Magazine

Publisher JOHN ERIC Managing Editor ANGELA CASEY Senior Editors-at-Large LK & ANDREA SATURNO-SANJANA Creative Director HILLARY BROADWATER Photography AM & SEAN SHANAHAN

CONTACT EDITORIAL e-mail | angela@johneric.com ADVERTISING phone | 703.798.0097 ONLINE www.johneric.com facebook | johnericwdc twitter | thejohneric

JE JOHN ERIC WA S H I N G T O N , D . C . a lifestyle company

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Kimberly Allen-Mills

Capturing the World One Image at a Time

Photographs are more than images created by seamlessly joined pixels or lifted from film that mark important moments in life. They are our connection to the world around us. Each day, thousands of photographs are taken illustrating family vacations, dinners with friends and, of course, the ubiquitous “selfie.” Photographs can be taken by oneself and shared via social media. Or, they can be taken by professional photographers and placed in cherished albums. They are used as screensavers and adorn nightstands. They are viewed through countless pages of magazines and splashed on billboards. Newspapers hire photojournalists specifically for this purpose to illustrate to us and connect us with the world in which we live. It is a dangerous job — often times fraught with peril. It is a difficult job to painstakingly capture the moment perfectly for the ages. It is a rewarding job to understand the significance of the shot taken. No one understands the job better than Kimberly Allen-Mills. Allen-Mills has shot for many internationally acclaimed broadsheets — The Sunday Times of London and The Independent to name but two.

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“I HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO IMAGES FOR THEIR ABILITY TO IMMEDIATELY DELIVER A MESSAGE.” Images are powerful. Some of have spawned revolutions, while others have promoted peace. Many have captured flawless beauty, while others demonstrate raw ugliness. While the viewer of the image concentrates on the subject, often times, what is left unregarded is the man or woman who has risked life (and sometimes limb) to bring the shot to the page. And, sometimes, life behind the lens is as interesting a subject as that which is being recorded through the lens.

“We were in Kashmir,” begins Allen-Mills, “covering demonstrations against India. All of the journalists were staying together in one place, and we heard a story about a group of demonstrators that had been fired upon. One demonstrator had pretended to be dead and survived and had been able to get to us to tell his story. Very early the next morning, we were woken up by officers banging on our doors in the hotel, telling us to get up and outside to a bus. They were trying to confiscate any film, pulling it out from the canister to expose it. We were put on the bus, driven to a plane waiting on the tarmac at the airport and sent back to New Delhi. I just remember the fear in the faces of the young army officers carrying their guns while they were getting us on the bus — fear, guns and confusion are a very scary mixture.”

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A good photojournalist understands that capturing an image is not just about the subject itself. It is about the use of cameras and other equipment, the creativity of thought in finding the right story to tell and the skills in bringing that story to life in two-dimensional form. It is an inherent love and, from a young age, Allen-Mills nurtured it.

“For as long as I can remember,” she says, “I have been drawn to images for their ability to immediately deliver a message without words and transport you to another place.

I am a visual learner and rely heavily on images for my information. I bought my first camera by selling seeds around my neighborhood when I was twelve years old. It was a Brownie Instamatic, and I think that I still have it in a box somewhere. My high school had been newly built and they included a darkroom — I took photography class and spent hours in it. I built pinhole cameras and was fascinated by the process of capturing an image, even without a lens, and I still love watching a black-andwhite image appear, as if by magic, in the developer tray.”

Allen-Mills concentrated on her journey as photojournalist shortly after meeting the man who would become her husband.

After graduating from Emerson College and the University of Massachusetts, she studied, worked and acted at HB Studio, a professional acting studio in Greenwich Village, New York. The director of the studio introduced her to a British journalist and it was Kismet.

“I had not been able to do a lot of photography since I moved to New York to act,” she says, “but his interest in

photography brought me back to it. I took several professional photography courses at the International Center for Photography in New York and, early in 1986, a former journalist colleague of his asked him to join a new newspaper that was created called The Independent. He agreed to join and to establish the South African bureau, and we arrived in Johannesburg just after the South African regime cracked down on the anti-apartheid movement. A state of emergency had been declared, and more than 25,000 people were arrested.”

After three years covering the rule of apartheid in South Africa, the team moved through the world covering the hottest stories of the time. They moved to India and joined The Sunday Times of London, then lived in Berlin where they covered the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reconstruction of Germany and Europe. In 1992 Paris called and then New York in 1995. After moving back to Paris again in 1998, Allen Mills would eventually return to the United States in 2002, settling in the Washington, DC, area, with her two daughters.

Throughout this era, Allen-Mills captured not only photographs for the world to see but, also, personal experiences that she would carry for life. Some illustrate the beauty and grace of the human spirit during times of tumult and grief, while others exemplify the adage “life goes on” even when living under extraordinary duress.

“There was a township of people that had been forced out of their homes and were living in a squatter camp on a strip of land between two highways,” says Allen-Mills, “they had been

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told to leave and had fled before the bulldozers razed their homes to the ground. They were being moved into one of the new “homelands” in order to strip them of their South African citizenship. They had taken what they could carry — many of them had full households with beautiful antique dining sets, china tea sets, silver — and had built a camp of shelters made of plastic sheeting, salvaged wood, pieces of highway signs. In one of these plastic bag huts, we listened to a woman tell us what had happened to her. As she spoke, she opened a Marks & Spencer Christmas cake and served it to us on beautiful china plates. I don’t know for what special occasion she had been saving that cake but I have never felt such gracious hospitality.

In Israel during the first Gulf War, Scud missiles were fired and the threat was that they would have gas attached to them.

Everyone had a gas mask, and when the sirens would go off, people would put their masks on and continue what they were doing. In the restaurants, guests would finish their meal and their wine with their gas masks on.”

One story that Allen-Mills covered extensively was what transpired in Tiananmen Square in June 1989. After images of the student protestors beamed across the planet, she shot and spoke with everyday Chinese in the streets, paying close attention to their stories, the official line and the international responses. Here, she also got to partake in another interesting

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experience that would create a lifetime memory.

“In 1989, we were in Beijing for three months to cover the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests, which resulted in military suppression and the deaths of hundreds, if not thousands, of civilian protestors. We had two televisions in the hotel room, one on a Western news station and one on a Chinese news station, showing the same images but with two opposite explanations. The story being told there was that the students in the square had become violent and attacked the police — they had mothers of soldiers crying and statements from alleged witnesses — it was frightening to watch government misinformation in action. We spoke with some Chinese citizens in a park that was noted in the guide books as a good place to meet with Chinese students who were learning English, and they were all convinced that the reports about what happened in the square were totally fabricated by the Western media. All the while we were speaking with them, there were men with black armbands walking through the crowd, listening.

As a journalist, many times you are going into an area when everyone else is rushing to leave. That was very noticeable in China after Tiananmen Square. All of the tourists had left so we saw the Great Wall and the Forbidden City completely empty.

There was a very popular shooting range outside of the city where you received what looked like a restaurant menu with

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every type of weapon imaginable listed — hand guns, mortars, ground-to-air missile launchers. You simply checked off what weapon you wanted to try, and they would set you up. Because there were no other customers, they let us try everything, and we spent a day blowing up stacks of bricks on the hillside.”

Of course, the casual viewer of a striking image does not often think of the journalist shooting the photograph. For a good photojournalist, this is an intentional act and carries through to subject itself.

Allen-Mills says, “You try and disappear and make them forget that you are there so that you get the reality and not what they think they should show for the camera. If you can achieve that, you can watch what is happening and try and feel the rhythm of what is happening so that you can capture those moments of truth.”

This is special to Allen-Mills and what she enjoys most.

“Being able to be a witness to people’s lives, being invited to see and hear people’s stories, many times at the most critical or catastrophic times of their lives, and then being able to retell their story to a wider audience in order to hopefully help or have some positive influence on the outcome. With photographs — when you see an image — you see the faces, the body language and the look in the eyes of the people. It is easier to immediately feel what they are experiencing, to empathize, and harder to forget, to move on, to not be moved in some way.”

From the thousands of images that Allen-Mills has shot, many stand out for her as personal achievements. She does have a favorite. She also has a fascinating anecdote from her life as a photojournalist.

“Even though it is a very sad and disheartening story, my favorite image is of the mother in India whose daughter was killed. In the face of unimaginable grief, anger and despair, she remained strong and continued to fight for justice for her daughter.

When we first moved to South Africa, we were invited to a New Years Eve party at the home of a journalist in Soweto.

We had to hide in the back seat of his car to get in and out because, as white people, we were not supposed to be in the townships. It was a wonderful evening full of music, dancing, food and drink. In the midst of the celebration, a young businessman told us his story of two months before, having been dragged out of his car and beaten unconscious while his fiancée was put into the trunk and the car lit on fire by a group of white youths who assumed he had stolen the car — it was a BMW. At the end of the night, as we were driven out of Soweto, we passed an abandoned check point that the comrades had set up and the tires were still burning. We were lucky.”

The life of a photojournalist is both exciting and fulfilling.

While shooting in dangerous locations, shots of adrenaline invade the system and the personal anecdotes and stories

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provide entryways into the human condition, but, it is never predictable.

“There can be a lot of ‘hurry up and wait’ sometimes, depending on what type of story you are covering. But, sometimes you walk in and just start shooting images.

Sometimes, you need to wait and watch to understand what is happening and what is important and how you can capture it.”

These days, Allen Mills has taken a break from roaming the world looking for the pinnacle shots. She spends time with her daughters, who have taken on their mother’s interest in creative fields. Allen Mills enthusiastically declares, “I am very proud of my two beautiful daughters — one who is pursuing photography and the other who is pursuing theatre. I am glad that they share my love of these two art forms.” She works downtown for an international hotel chain where she remains exposed to myriad global citizens, many of who have emigrated from regions in which she has lived or covered.

With so many facets of her life, Allen Mills is equally proud of its constant theme. “If there is a single thread that runs through all of my life experience it is a passion to understand people, their lives and struggles and to try and help by getting their stories out to a broader audience.”

Such is the role of a great photojournalist.

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Images: 1. Page 19, Mother in India: This image is of a mother whose daughter, the beauty of the village, had caught the eye of one of the government officials. When the girl spurned his advances, he raped, murdered and left her on the ground in the middle of the village. Everyone knew that the official had committed this heinous crime, but no one would arrest or charge him.

2. Page 16, Bhopal India: In December 1984 there was a deadly gas leak at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal which rolled through the shanty town were the workers lived and killed thousands of people, many in their sleep. Survivors and family members who still live there are dealing with the serious health issues caused by exposure to the gas. We met an 11-year-old boy who had to have an emergency heart and lung operation after the gas leak in order to save his life.

3. Page 20, In the townships, there was suffering but there was also such life and a sense of humor in the face of violence and oppression. In Muncieville, the township where Archbishop Desmond Tutu grew up, boys played with an old gun they had found.

4. Page 15, A group of people had been forced out of their homes and were living in a squatter camp on a strip of land between two highways – they had been told to leave and had fled before the bull dozers razed their homes to the ground – and were being moved into the Ciskei, one of the new “homelands” in order to strip them of their South African citizenship.

5. Page 17, In Beijing, men were posted throughout the city with black armbands, waiting for people to report the names of anyone who had been in the square that night.

A state-of-emergency had been declared including a ban on taking photographs. All photojournalists had resorted to taking shots through van windows. We encountered an informant in front of a fast food restaurant. By acting like a tourist excited to find a Kentucky Fried Chicken, I was able to take this photograph.

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R I L L

A R C H I T E C T S

www. Rill Architects.com 301-656-4166

INC.

We take a holistic and comprehensive approach to your finances.

We listen to our clients and understand their unique financial situation and develop customized strategies for them.

For a free initial consultation, call or email.

MARC SCHLIEFER, CFP速 Marc S. Schliefer, CFP速 Equity Planning Inc. 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 900 Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 301-652-8702 Fax: 301-652-9066 www.equityplanning.com marcs@equityplanning.com www.linkedin.com/in/marcschliefer/

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through U.S. Financial Advisors, a Registered Investment Advisor. U.S. Financial Advisors and U.S. Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

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DESTINATIONS 24

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CHARLESTON

South Carolina

The Charleston is a dance named for the harbor city of Charleston, South Carolina. The rhythm was popularized in mainstream dance music by a 1923 tune called “The Charleston� by composer/pianist James P. Johnson. Much like the dance which bears its name, this city is packed full of frenetic energy. It is overloaded with interesting sights to see, things to do and places to visit. In a dazed and crazed adventure, this month we travel to South Carolina and Charleston to explore the city’s pizzazz, liveliness and its universal appeal.

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The Charleston dance has a rich history. And, like the dance, this town is steeped in dedication to its past through a plethora of monuments, museums, houses and former plantations. For history buffs, days are filled touring centuries old sites from the eras of Colonial America and the Antebellum South.

A visit to the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon is on our list of sights to see. During Charles Town’s Golden Age (1760’s and 1770’s), the British built this Palladian-styled building, and it quickly grew to become the commercial, political, and social center of Charles Town. It was also the site of historic gatherings instrumental in leading to US independence. During the Revolutionary War, the Old Exchange was used as a British prison for American patriots, and it is considered one of the three most historically significant Colonial buildings in the United States. Daily tours are offered to the public that explore the Exchange’s significance and prominence.

Another nod to colonial times is the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. It is the location where English settlers established the first permanent European colony in Carolina.

This 664-acre historic treasure boasts a replica 17th-Century tall ship, functional cannons, a zoo, and an award-winning museum.

Children spend hours amused by all that is on display.

Of course, the city is packed with historic homes, and next on our tour is the Middleton Place House Museum. Built in 1755, the museum showcases artifacts and pieces from generations of the Middleton family — rice barons who shaped the history of the United States from the founding of Charleston to the Civil War. Guided tours describe the amazing collection of original Middleton family portraits, furniture, silver, jewelry and documents.

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After exploring Charleston’s Colonial Era sites — similar to the quick pace of the dance — we shift to the city’s Antebellum and Civil War periods. Of course, a stop at Fort Sumter National Monument is a must.

Fort Sumter, the site where the Civil War began, is an island fort accessible by a quick cruise. At the fort, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its harbor. To visit the fort, we depart from the Visitor Education Facility at Liberty Square, making sure to allow extra time to visit the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. This state-of-the-art facility serves as an interpretive education center and provides the history and significance of Fort Sumter. Exhibits provide an overview of the events leading up to the Civil War. It is open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm, and admission is free.

Plantations are found throughout the Charleston area and, perhaps, one of the most interesting ones to visit is the next stop on our tour — the Charleston Tea Plantation. It is a one-ofa-kind experience. A free factory tour is available, and visitors learn how tea is grown and made into the world’s second most consumed beverage. Keeping with the tea theme, we next head to the Firefly Distillery. This is South Carolina’s first and largest distillery and is home to Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka. This, the original sweet tea vodka, is a local favorite. Tastings are available.

As the dance twists and turns while retaining its vibrant character, so does the city itself as we venture through the historic center’s streets. They ooze with history and diversity.

Charleston’s Museum Mile is a mile-long corridor stretching along Meeting Street from the Charleston Visitor Center to the Nathaniel Russell House. This area offers visitors the most comprehensive array of historical and cultural attractions downtown. Museums and houses, galleries and tea shops abound on tree-lined streets, while horse-drawn carriages offer visitors a glimpse into erstwhile methods of transportation in the city.

The museum of note on our tour is the Gibbes Museum of Art. It is a jewel and features stories of the South Carolina Lowcountry as seen through painting, miniature portraiture, sculpture and photography. Both locals and visitors enjoy the collections that are on display.

Just as we become accustomed to the movements of the historic center, the dance changes into a more relaxed groove.

The city itself, not to disappoint, does the same, while we shift gears and discover its bountiful nature.

This city is verdant and gentile and provides spectacular views. No trip to Charleston is complete without a stop at White Point Gardens, known popularly as Battery Park.

This peaceful park offers unprecedented views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter, while a look back across the street promises fantastic images of beautiful Charleston mansions. Enormous oak trees provide serene shade to the park, and a display of weapons and cannons used in the Civil War make for an educational stop for children. During the early 18th Century, the park was used as the home of the gallows, where Stede Bonnet — the “gentleman pirate” — and dozens of others were hanged. But, by 1837, the land was in use as a public garden. Weddings and other special events are frequently held at the beautiful, massive white gazebo in the center of the park. It is a beautiful place to sit and take in the charm of Charleston.

There is one tree in Charleston that every visitor must seek and this is the next stop on our tour. The Angel Oak, a live oak tree estimated to be 1,400 years old, is owned and operated by the City of Charleston Department of Parks. Oaks are not

particularly tall, but have wide spreading canopies. Only in the very oldest of specimens do you find massive limbs resting on the ground, as do the limbs of the Angel Oak. It stands 65-feet high and provides a 17,000-square-foot area of shade. Its beauty is stupendous.

As Charleston is a harbor city, beaches and forests surround it. The Francis Marion National Forest is a 250-thousand-acre forest located in the Coastal Plains north of Charleston. The forest offers a wide variety of recreational activities including picnicking and camping, boat ramps, fishing ponds, rifle ranges, hiking, horse and motorcycle trails. It is a great place to hike and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The Charleston twists and turns. High energy and character emanate from its core. It is historic and proud and entertaining and fun. It is a perfect namesake.

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Charleston Restaurants Husk 76 Queen Street 843.577.2500 Husk is a celebration of the South, using only ingredients sourced from Southern farmers and purveyors. Adjacent to the restaurant space holds the bar at Husk, where a progressive wine list, Southern beers, and handcrafted cocktails are also available.

McCrady’s 2 Unity Alley 843.577.0025 McCrady’s has been a downtown destination for generations.

The elegant setting showcases Chef Sean Brock’s pursuit of the finest products available, many of which come from the Lowcountry. McCrady’s offers Modern American cuisine, an award-winning wine cellar and impeccable Four-Diamond service.

Magnolias 185 East Bay Street 843.577.7771 Magnolias ignited a culinary renaissance when it opened in 1990. Led by executive chef Donald Drake, Magnolias remains a forerunner in upscale Southern cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and cooking techniques with a modern flair.

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Republic Garden & Lounge 462 King Street 843.724.7400 Republic Garden & Lounge offers exquisite small plates and contemporary bar fare. Sip innovative cocktails or choose from extensive wine and champagne offerings.

Charleston Hotels The Vendue 19 Vendue Range 843.577.7970 www.thevendue.com The Vendue is comprised of two charming boutique hotels located in Charleston’s French Quarter, and housed in a collection of warehouse buildings dating back to 1780. Its central location, just steps from many of the city’s unparalleled galleries and attractions, is perfect for exploring Charleston’s rich history.

Francis Marion Hotel 387 King Street 843.722.0600 www.francismarionhotel.com Historic Charleston’s landmark hotel since 1924. Francis MArion Hotel has been completely restored with an elegantly appointed marble lobby, crown moldings and intricate wrought iron.

Across from Marion Square. 235 guest rooms and suites offer spectacular views of Charleston’s harbor. The hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Charleston Place Hotel 205 Meeting Street 843.722.4900 www.charlestonplace.com This is historic Charleston’s premier hotel, walking distance from historic homes, museums and churches. The hotel offers world-class luxurious accommodations including a full-service European Spa, “The Club” private concierge level, rooftop pool, award-winning dining, and an exclusive collection of boutiques in the heart of downtown.

Beaches of Charleston Folly Beach Folly Beach, also known as “The Edge of America,” is a barrier island located 15 minutes from downtown Charleston. The Folly Beach County Park is located at the east end of the island and includes outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas and more.

Folly Beach is the home historical and cultural sites, a maritime forest and Morris Island Lighthouse.

Seabrook Island Seabrook Island, 22 miles south of Charleston, is a private community with access limited to property owners and guests of the resort or rental agencies. A visit to Seabrook Island is an experience that will last a lifetime.

Kiawah Island This 10-mile stretch of undisturbed Atlantic beach is located 21 miles from the City of Charleston. Public access to the beach is available at Beachwalker County Park, located on the west end of the island. The island is a source of natural beauty and was named by the Travel Channel as one of the nation’s “Top Ten” beaches.

Isle of Palms The Isle of Palms is located 12 miles from Charleston and offers myriad activities. The County Park has beautiful ocean frontage with lifeguards on duty seasonally along a beachfrontdesignated swimming area. There is also a beautiful familyoriented park located directly on the beach.

John Eric Home 31

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速

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F     

| February 2014

  

RO CKVI LLE P I KE • N O RT H BET H ES DA , M D

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• W W W. G P REP.O RG

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FOODIE 36

| February 2014

Winter Kale Salad Cassoulet Chocolate Soufflé Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, Personal Chef

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Winter Kale Salad

with Grapefruit, Avocado and Red Onion

2

large bunches of curly kale, stems removed and cut into

bite size pieces

2 tbsp avocado oil 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp

lemon zest

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced ¼ cup green olives, chopped 1

avocado, peeled and cut into medium dices

2

grapefruits

3 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds

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| February 2014

Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo

Preparation Place the kale in a large bowl and drizzle with the oil, sprinkle with salt, and add the zest, cayenne pepper and lemon juice. Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until the leaves are soft and coated in the oil.

Slice off the top and bottom of each grapefruit. Run the knife down the sides of each grapefruit removing the peel and pith. Using a paring knife, cut the fruit segments apart from in between the membranes. Cut sections into bite-size pieces.

Stir the grapefruit, onion, avocado and olives into the kale. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.

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Cassoulet 1 lb.

dried great northern beans

10 tbsp duck fat or olive oil 16

cloves garlic, smashed

2

onions, chopped

2

carrots, chopped

2

large ham hocks

1 lb

pork shoulder, cut into 1” cubes

1/2 lb pancetta, cubed 4

sprigs oregano

4

sprigs thyme

3

bay leaves

1 cup whole peeled

canned tomatoes

1 cup white wine 2 cups chicken broth 4

confit duck legs

1 lb

spicy pork sausages

2 cups bread crumbs

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| February 2014

Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo

Preparation Soak beans in a 4-qt. bowl in 7 1/2 cups water overnight.

Heat 2 tbsp. duck fat in a 6-qt. pot over medium-high heat. Add half the garlic, onions, and carrots and cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ham hocks along with beans and their water and boil. Reduce heat and simmer beans until tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Transfer ham hocks to a plate; let cool. Pull off meat; discard skin, bone, and gristle. Chop meat; add to beans. Set aside.

Heat 2 tbsp. duck fat in a 5-qt. Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add pork and brown for 8 minutes. Add pancetta; cook for 5 minutes. Add remaining garlic, onions, and carrots; cook until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Tie together oregano, thyme, and bay leaves with twine; add to pan with tomatoes; cook until liquid thickens, 8–10 minutes. Add wine; reduce by half. Add broth; boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, uncovered, until liquid has thickened, about 1 hour.

Discard herbs; set Dutch oven aside.

Meanwhile, sear duck legs in 2 tbsp. duck fat in a 12” skillet over medium-high heat for 8 minutes; transfer to a plate. Brown sausages in the fat, about 8 minutes.

Cut sausages into 1/2” slices. Pull duck meat off bones. Discard fat and bones. Stir duck and sausages into pork stew.

Heat oven to 300˚F. Mix beans and pork stew in a 4-qt. earthenware casserole.

Cover with bread crumbs; drizzle with remaining duck fat. Bake, uncovered, for 3 hours. Raise oven temperature to 500˚F; cook cassoulet until crust is golden, about 5 minutes.

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Chocolate Soufflé with Salted Caramel Sauce

Souffle 3 tbs

milk

5 1/2 tbsp sugar, plus additional for dusting soufflé dish 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2

egg yolks

3

egg whites

Confectioners’ sugar Salted Caramel Sauce

42

¾ cup

granulated sugar

1 tbsp

light corn syrup

¾ cup

heavy cream

1 tbsp

unsalted butter

½ tbsp

flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)

| February 2014

Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo

Preparation: Soufflé Preheat oven to 375° F. Place milk and 4 tbsp. sugar in a small saucepan and stir over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves, about 45 seconds. Stir in chocolate and cook until melted, 1–2 minutes. Transfer to a non-reactive bowl (glass or stainless steel), cool for 5 minutes, then beat in egg yolks.

Beat egg whites in a non-reactive bowl until foamy, then sprinkle in remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.

Butter a small soufflé dish (2 1/2’’ deep, 6’’ diameter; soufflé will not rise in a larger dish), then dust lightly with sugar. Gently mix one-third of the egg whites into chocolate mixture, then fold in remaining whites, one-third at a time. Do not overmix. Spoon batter into dish.

Make sure oven rack is low enough to allow soufflé room to rise as much as 2’’ above the dish. Bake until puffed, about 25 minutes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately. (Soufflé will begin to deflate after about 2 minutes.)

Preparation: Salted Caramel Sauce Bring granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tbsp. water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil, swirling pan occasionally, until mixture turns a deep amber color, 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and gradually add cream (mixture will bubble vigorously). Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in butter and salt. Let cool slightly before serving with cake.

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To browse through our Buyer’s Guides or to request additional information regarding these guides, visit www.johneric.com

HOMETRENDS 46

| February 2014

I

I would like for you to take a moment and think about the people that mean the most to you in your life. How do they make you feel? Can you describe the safe feeling you get when you are surrounded by them? Maybe you have been on a special journey together and hold a special bond? Perhaps their sense of humor makes you smile and feel special? All these questions are simple and define the unique people in your life. These are the personalities and images you have in your life for one reason or another. They are cherished with the memories they evoke. Why shouldn’t your home make you feel the same way?

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If you haven’t noticed lately, the word “personalization” is popping up everywhere.

Luggage companies are hot stamping luggage tags with your initials, handbags are adding personalized stripes and letters, bedding and towels are now on trend to be monogrammed and the cyclical phenomena continues. Everyone wants to have their opportunity to get to know you and allow you to make your “mark” with them.

What specifically does it mean to personalize? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary — Personalize — is to make personal or individual. It specifically defines marking the property of a particular person. It sounds quite easy to make something your own, doesn’t it? But, have you really made decisions in your home that define your family’s personality and lifestyle?

Just as the people in our lives make us feel secure and relaxed, our homes must do the same. There are many ways to make certain that your home conveys your family’s sense of style but also reflects sophistication. Some solutions are cost effective while some require an investment that will in the long term make a significant impact in your life.

Selecting the best furniture for your space, lifestyle and family is one of the easiest ways to break down barriers and create an inviting space. It is also the one that requires the most thought. A few years ago, I decided that it was time to invest in a custom sofa. I looked at several sofa design styles and quickly identified that I wanted to go a new direction with our aesthetic. The research was soon complete, and I opted for a more modern, simplified sofa design. The back was straight and low while the fabric was a golden honey texture with dense shallow cushions. The new sofa was quite a departure from our regular fluffy down, slipcovered sofa wrapped in linen. But, we were ready for a new “in-style” trend.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, the sofa was delivered. After a few days we noticed something just was not right. Did I ask the right questions when we picked out this sofa? Why was the sofa so challenging to get up from?

Was it tall enough for a couple that towered over 6 feet? Was the seat cushion deep enough to accommodate our long upper legs? It was beautiful, but not comfortable, and a costly decision in many ways. Needless to say, the fabulous sofa quickly found itself down the hallway in our guest bedroom.

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COLLEC 50

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CT I O N S John Eric Home 51

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We learned an expensive lesson but soon found a sofa that addressed the needs of our pet-friendly family. It is taller, deeper, lofty and slip covered in a more-defined-yet-tailored appearance. It is easy to maintianby tossing the slipcovered pieces into the washer after a romp from our four-legged friend.

As you see, we have bonded with our sofa, and it easily identifies with who we are and how we live our lives. I like to think there are several parallels between the sofa and my family. Like the linen that covers the frame, we are all pressed and formal when we need to be but softer and more casual as time prolongs.

The soft, encompassing down provides energy and warmth to what would normally be a cold and stiff structure similar to the heart and soul of my family.

I encourage you to look at the key pieces of your furniture and see what is the personal connection and do they identify with you and your needs…not just aesthetically.

The easiest and least expensive way to personalize or connect with your home is through accessories. Are there things in your home that you have collected on a unique trip or perhaps that were passed down from a family member? Do you have a little something in your bookcase that makes you smile every time you see? Find the things that evoke emotion in your life. I have never been a proponent of personal photos but many people are. Instead, I tend to focus on finding objects or things that remind of the people in my life.

For example, I had a great aunt that I was fortunate to have shared so much time with over my life. At one point she bestowed upon me this small, fragile, acrylic penguin. My style does not reflect a penguin, nor is black and white a key design element in my home. But, this little guy everyday reminds me of independence, strength, inquisitive ideas and many more characteristics that defined my aunt. The little penguin has made itself onto my coffee table where he is nestled next to a sphere and stack of books. The books are unique coffee table books that relate to interests in my life. I like to change the stack of books based on the “pop” of color on the cover. Sometimes, I choose to coordinate the books with flowers that sit in a small crystal vase across the room. The vase was handcrafted at a glass factory where both my grandfathers were trained early in life as glass craftsman. The flowers that I chose always have a significant meaning ranging from peonies that evoke memories of my grandmother’s garden and Koi pond or tulips that remind me of the White House lawn. It is quite easy. You don’t have to have tons of objects, but make certain the ones you have count.

Lastly, I leave you with words of advice. Make certain your personalization remains edited with focus. If you try too hard, the statement will be diluted, and the room will appear cluttered. The pieces you have should evoke interest and provoke conversation. The emotional connection and story that accompanies each piece will be enough for it to stand on its own. Whether you decide to make big changes through additions of furniture or add subtle accessories, adding the personal element is what makes your home a home.

A DAY TRIP TO THE

TOP DESIGN SHOPS IN THE WASHINGTON, DC, AREA

54

| February 2014

Here’s a look inside some of the best showrooms for furnishings, accessories, and design inspiration.

Whether looking for a custom sofa or chair, side table or armoire, that perfect lamp or if you

just want to stroll through some of the area’s finest design boutiques, here’s a list of must-stop shops. Several of the area’s leading interior designers have recently opened stores filled with their favorite finds, often used in their residential designs as well as their own homes. From vintage to modern to contemporary, each showroom is inviting and accessible with interior or kitchen design services on site.

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Lori Graham Home includes an array of vintage and custom pieces from around the world. Photo by Geoffrey Hodgdon

LORI GRAHAM HOME When Lori Graham opened Lori Graham Home in 2012, she had a vision for the glamorous 14th Street space: “Incorporate what I love — art, which is what I usually start with when designing spaces; vintage finds, curated by Sixteen Fifty Nine by MRJ; and custom pieces, from my own LG Place line and others such as LA-based Shine by S.H.O. and London-based Ochre.” The result is a go-to spot for design lovers near and far and the local design community, which has embraced the Logan Circle area as its own.

Inspired by art, Graham, who studied economics in London and law at Georgetown before opening her design firm, Lori Graham Design, suggests looking for artwork that has instant appeal. Expand an art collection over the years, while also mixing and matching modern and vintage furnishings and accessories, as well as custom and retail pieces to have a space that represents personal taste. Adding high contrast paint, especially rich charcoal gray, is among Graham’s current favorite tips.

There’s always something new at Lori Graham Home such as the Cast Bar Cart made of recycled cast and sheet aluminum with wood handle and brass accents, Ochre’s Seed Cloud Chandelier, LG Place’s Camus Sofa redesigned for smaller spaces, and Little World Design’s Black Mica Sculpture.

OTHER STOPS ON OR NEAR 14TH STREET, NW, WASHINGTON, DC: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Timothy Paul

56

| February 2014

Bedding + Home, And Beige, Room & Board, Miss Pixie’s Furnishings & Whatnot. Several showrooms formerly in the Washington Design Center are moving to Franklin Court in Logan’s Circle this year.

BOFFI-MAXALTO Boffi and Maxalto joined forces in the Georgetown showroom last year to create a lifestyle concept featuring Boffi’s technically superior and streamlined kitchens, bathrooms and wardrobes, along with Maxalto’s comprehensive line of interior furnishings. Providing high quality and innovation, the Boffi-Maxalto showroom is a one-stop shop for homeowners, architects, and designers looking for the latest in state-of-theart interiors.

“We’re a full-service showroom with an internationallytrained architect and interior designer, who consult with customers on floor plans, provide site visits and supervise the in-house installation team,” says Julia Walter, Boffi’s showroom manager. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Piero Lissoni, the showroom is situated in an historic building with brick walls, soaring ceilings, and large windows including oversized skylights.

“Kitchen cabinets with aluminum fronts in two finish colors are among the 2014 kitchen trends,” Walter says.

Natural stone counters and smart organization solutions including pot and lid holders are also among the latest musthaves. In the bath, reclaimed woods, such as pine, will be

Lori Graham offers her LG Place custom line of furnishings in Lori Graham Home. Lori Graham Design’s studio is also in this John Eric Home 57 location. Photo by Geoffrey Hodgdon

Maxalto’s Bergère2014 Chair in the Febo Collection.

58 | February

Victoria at Home not only includes Victoria Sanchez’s newly opened design boutique on the main floor, but also her design studio on the second floor. Photo by Gregory Tinius

among the many sleek new finishes and products introduced this year.

From Maxalto, with designs coordinated by Antonio Citterio, the Febo Collection is new and exciting, says Brian Fell, Maxalto’s showroom manager. “The minimal, soft collection, which has expanded since 2008, is distinguished by precious materials and refined details,” Fell says. With its impressive formal elegance designed for residential use, it has also found a place in the Hotel Aman Canal Grande in Venice.

OTHER STOPS IN GEORGETOWN: CB2, Janus et Cie, Archer, Restoration Hardware

collections of antiques, art, decorative pillows, and more on the shop’s main floor with the upper level used as her interior design studio.

OTHER STOPS IN OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA AND VIRGINIA: Stuart Nordin Home & Design, Lauren Liess & Co. ADDITIONAL STOPS IN MARYLAND: Regan & Meaghan, Tone On Tone, Random Harvest

VICTORIA AT HOME When Victoria Sanchez started her interior design career 30 years ago, she always knew she wanted to open a shop in Old Town Alexandria. With residential and commercial projects in the Washington, DC, area, Sanchez took the leap in late 2013 with the opening of Victoria at Home on King Street. Now the items she often incorporates into her design projects are available to purchase.

Among the shop’s brands are textiles by Schumacher and Brunschwig & Fils, furnishings by Amy Howard Home, and accessories by Dana Gibson. Sanchez displays curated

John Eric Home 59

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60

| February 2014

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John Eric Home 61

STYLIST MENS

Men! Hold onto your shirt tails - it is all about pastels this spring season! It’s also about keeping it simple and clean‌

When the weather warms up, be prepared to see gray and chalky colors invading the sidewalks. This

season, is about wearing bubble gum pink shirts, light gray suits and print ties.

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64

2014 S

| February 2014

STYLE

John Eric Home 65

Solid colors look sharp in shirts, and they will dominate. Forget about the classic white dress shirt and wear a pale green instead — or pink or yellow. Leave your jacket in the office at lunch and flaunt the trend with rolled up sleeves and a fun tie.

The pale gray suit is a must for the season. It provides the canvas for the popping pastel colors. Whether tailored or offthe-rack, choose the color that best reflects your personality — one that allows the new palette of shirts in your closet to shine.

To pair with the solid colors of your shirt and suit — choose a fun print tie to complement your outfit, one that pops and sets off your look. Go big or go small, but don‘t go home. This season it is all about teasing springtime life out of the drab and cold winter season.

This season, don’t miss the chance to celebrate the simplicity of gray and pastels. And, look cool while you are doing it.

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| February 2014

MIXOLOGY The Rose Cocktail

Vieux CarrĂŠ Winter Wine

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THE ROSE COCKTAIL As Shakespeare writes, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Like the rose, a cocktail by another name is still an object of beauty when made right, and a true tragedy when made improperly. The Rose Cocktail (invented in 1920 at the Chatham Hotel, Paris, France) is one of classic culture’s true beauties. The Rose Cocktail warms and deslights the soul — even more than the flower itself delights the eye. The dry vermouth is sharp; however, the Kirschwasser is a perfect starting complement. No sweetness is brought, but floral notes perfectly meld together with the herbaceous and wine notes from the vermouth. Much like the way a good sherry goes with ham, the dry of the vermouth is a match made in heaven for the raw power and cherry notes coming from the Kirschwasser. Finally, after the fortified wine becomes more fortified by mixing brandy, a little bit of softness completes the course of the cocktail. The thick texture, and rich natural sweetness of the raspberries (cooked down in sugar) add an unmistakable je ne sais quoi and elevate a natural beauty into a timeless classic. Make sure to give this cocktail a strong shake during preparation, putting on a show as great as its taste. This February — the month of valentines and countless special events — impress that someone, not with a bouquet of flowers, but with a Rose that will truly leave them breathless.

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| February 2014

GLASSWARE Cordial Glass

INGREDIENTS 2 oz French Dry Vermouth 1 oz Kirschwasser (Unaged Cherry Brandy) 1 tsp Raspberry Syrup Garnish: Cherry

DIRECTIONS Build ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake the cocktail to a slow 13 count and strain into a chilled cordial glass. Serve and enjoy!

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VIEUX CARRÉ Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Martedi Grasso, Carnival. No matter how it’s called, it’s a day to join the celebration.

A great festivity needs a great cocktail, and there is no better way to get a grand gala into full gear, than utilizing a great New Orleans classic. The Vieux Carré is a true definition of a classic cocktail: rich, vibrant, bold, powerful, and addictive. The spice of American rye, the stated elegance of French Cognac, the herbaceous sweetness of the Benedictine and the Rouge Vermouth — they all bring something different to the table. Tied together, with a bow of bitters, the light touches of 4 dashes elevate and accentuate the flavors of the spirits to create a drink worthy of a New Orleans party. Upon the initial taste, the cocktail starts soft but doesn’t stay that way for long. The sweetness of the Benedictine and the Vermouth make sure the flavors of the cocktail pick up on the tip of your tongue. The rich notes of the cognac give way to the earthy spice of the rye, just as every flavor and essence begins to build in the center.

The sweet spot, right where the notes of the cocktail are the most intense, give way to the bitters, developing a long and delightful finish marking upon the palette an unmistakable statement. When a February evening kicks into high gear — and it will —make sure to celebrate it in style. The Vieux Carré will never fail to stand out in a crowd, just like Fat Tuesday will never fail to stand out in the year.

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| February 2014

GLASSWARE Rocks Glass

INGREDIENTS 1 oz Rye 1 oz Cognac 1 oz.Sweet Vermouth ½ tsp Benedictine 2 dashes Angostura Bitters 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters Garnish: Lemon Twist

DIRECTIONS Combine ingredients into a shaker. Shake vigorously until desired dilution is achieved and garnish. Serve and enjoy! *Note: The Vieux Carré is one of the few alcoholic cocktails that needs to be shaken. The high alcohol content and the thickness of the

John Eric Home 7

Benedictine benefit from the extra dilution and mixture achieved from shaking versus a very long time spent stirring.

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WINTER WINE 2014 is the winter of the Polar Vortex, and February looks to provide no escape to the bone chilling effects of the weather outside. Stay inside and combat the cold with a warming cocktail replicating the notes of rich Italian red wine. The Chianti Vinegar, Sugar and Tart Cherry Juice mix together to form a shrub (syrup made with vinegar) that replicates the comforting notes of dark winter fruit found in Chianti. The sour and tartness of the shrub provide a perfect launching point for the cocktail, which transitions to the sweetness brought out by the corn content in one of the world’s greatest spirits — Bourbon. Flavors of caramel, vanilla, baking spice and fruit given to the Bourbon by its aging create a perfect companion. The Amaro Bassano Nardini (sometimes referred to as Amaro Bartolo Nardini) with its perfect balance of bitterness, strikes out with experiences of bitter orange, peppermint, and gentian root to further embolden the cocktail’s vibrancy. Finally, a bit of sparkling effervescence with apple adds depth and texture to the point of perfection. Sweet and spicy, mixed with bitter and bold, mimics the layers of flavor found in Italian wine. The Winter Wine is the perfect way to fight frightening February temperatures and enjoy a warm hearth of decadent dusk.

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| February 2014

GLASSWARE Cocktail Glass

INGREDIENTS 1 ½ oz Bourbon ¾ oz *Chianti Shrub ¼ oz Amaro Bassano Nardini ¾ oz Martinelies Apple Cider Garnish: Apple Slice

DIRECTIONS Combine all ingredients, except the apple cider, into a mixing glass and stir 30-40 times. Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass, top with the cider, garnish and serve.

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| February 2014

MOATS

and

MONEY AND FINANCE 76

CASTLES Protecting Your Assets and Wealth PART VIII

Over the past several months, we have examined nine protection areas of each person’s financial life. This is the Moat component to your wealth. If there are gaping holes in your protection component, it doesn’t matter how well your growth and savings do, because you and your family could possibly lose them if the protection component of your wealth is not properly in place.

This month, we will review the nine components of protection and provide an overview of each. By doing this, we will have a review of what each component should have and discuss the general thoughts of having each component protected.

The components are as follows: > Vehicle Insurance > Property Insurance > Liability Insurance > Disability Insurance > Medical Insurance > Government Plans > Wills and Documents > Trusts and Ownership > Life Insurance

The first plan to discuss is Vehicle Insurance. It is most important to have enough liability, property damage and personal injury protection on your car insurance. You should review your policies with your agent at least annually to make sure that you have the proper amounts of coverage for your vehicles. You should also look at high deductibles; your rates go up based on the amount of claims that you submit, not necessarily the dollar amount of the claims. You want to avoid putting in small claim amounts.

Next is Property Insurance. You want to make sure that you

have enough coverage to replace your property and enough liability coverage to protect you and your family if someone gets hurt on your property. It is important to have guaranteed replacement cost coverage to rebuild your property if it is destroyed. You should constantly update the amount needed and verify that it is enough with your insurance carrier.

Liability Insurance should provide at least one times your net worth in liability coverage. You should consider a liability limit of at least $1 million for an umbrella policy.

On Disability Insurance you should get as much as you can qualify for. If you work for a company and they have group disability, you should get the maximum and pay for it with after tax dollars or get taxed on the premium if that is an option.

The reason for this is because the benefit is tax free. If you are purchasing a private disability plan, make sure that the definition of disability is one that says you are disabled if you cannot perform the substantial and material duties of your occupation, and one that has a cost of living option.

Medical Insurance, make sure that you have coverage and if you have HSA coverage or MSA plans, make sure that your medical plan is eligible.

Government Plans, make sure that you run your social security statement (www.ssi.gov) to verify that they are crediting you with the proper amount that you withheld. You can verify that by reviewing your W-2 and make sure that the amount of your social security wages that you paid social security taxes on were credited. There is a three-year time frame to correct any errors. In addition, if you should make sure that any government benefits that you pay into are verified so you can make sure that when you collect on them, the amounts that you are collecting on are verified.

Wills and Documents, if you do not have a Will, Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Advanced Medical Directives you

John Eric Home 77

need to set these up to protect yourself and your heirs. You protect yourself with the powers of attorney and living will; you protect your beneficiaries with the will. These items are very important, and need to be reviewed frequently because life changes and people change. You want to make sure that all of the players that you pick now are going to be the same next year, if not you need to change them in your documents.

You may also want to look at other estate planning issues and you may need a Living Trust, Irrevocable Trust and other planning tools. It would be a great idea to speak with an estate lawyer. I am happy to refer you to one who could help you.

Trusts and Ownership, you may want to look at trust and how you own your assets. By doing these things the proper way with the help of an attorney that specializes in these things, you can protect your assets from creditors. You need to have this in place prior to an act happening where your assets can be at risk. I can refer you to a competent attorney to help you with this type of planning.

Life Insurance, in addition to providing a death benefit for your family or business, life insurance has many other uses.

There are disability benefits, creditor benefits, asset protection benefits in most states. I can help you analyze what type of policy is best for you in your current situation. If you need to ask any questions regarding that please call me at 301-652-8702 or email me at marcs@equityplanning.com .

Next month, we will begin to look at Castle strategies, reviewing the savings components drawer-by-drawer over the next several months.

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Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through US Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor. US Financial Advisors and Equity Planning are separate entities from LPL Financial.

V E N E R Ă T E

Where the

cocktail b e c o m e s art, and art be com e s an

experience

www.veneratedc.com | 202.403.2292

PRE MIUM LISTINGS

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Imagine the very best of everything presented in one setting.

These exclusive listing pages bring you a sample of John Eric’s luxury properties that are currently on the market, under contract or have been recently sold. They illustrate the range of exceptional listings that John represents. No one understands luxury real estate like John Eric.

Whether you are a buyer, a seller or someone who is interested in the current market, we invite you to peruse these pages and contact John Eric with any luxury property questions.

To browse through our luxury listings or to request additional information regarding these properties, visit www.johneric.com

ELEGANT AND MODERN Walking down mature tree-lined sidewalks to the neighborhood parks, playgrounds and nearby shopping contributes to the small-town feel of Lyon Village, one of Arlington’s most sought after residential communities. Frank Lyon purchased this land, formerly Robert Cruit’s 19th Century weekend and holiday estate and dairy farm, and established Lyon Village, a true community that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1923. Colonial, Tudor and Classical Revival styles are among the distinctive homes within the neighborhood, which embraces the custom brick home at 1839 North Herndon Street as one of its own.

Built by BCN Homes for its exacting owner in 2007, this stately Colonial brings the best of the best to this historic community. Starting with a classic center hall floor plan on four levels, the approximately 6,400-square-foot home is upgraded and customized both inside and out. From the Crestron full home Audio/Video System spanning 14 rooms to the custom wainscoting and built-ins to the hand-selected tiles and lower level HD projection TV, the residence offers top-of-the-line finishes around every turn.

The gourmet kitchen outfitted with Sub-Zero, Wolf and Miele appliances and adjacent pantries with additional refrigeration and dishwashing capabilities create a first floor flow suited to both intimate affairs or large-scale dinner parties.

An outdoor kitchen and stone-walled patio offer additional space to cook and entertain, while the central study with floorto-ceiling built-ins offers a secluded place to work at home as well as additional gathering space when needed. Formal living and dining rooms with custom moldings, built-ins and low-volt accent lighting flank the foyer where the gracious staircase leads to the upper levels.

$2,695,000

1839 North Herndon Arlington, Virginia

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With five bedrooms and four full baths on the upper two levels, there is ample space and privacy for out-of-town guests. The master suite to the right of the upper hallway offers an entry alcove and arched doorway to the bedroom where the dressing room with its granite island, mirrored armoires and custom shelving provides an opulent place to prepare for the day.

The sitting room niche includes a marble fireplace and built-ins, while the master bathroom is decked out with custom travertine limestone slabs and counters, spacious glass-enclosed steam shower with body jets, frosted water closet, jetted tub with lights, heated floor, and refrigerator between the vanities. The ability to enjoy any audio source in the shower, bath, dressing room, or entire master suite reinforces the spa experience as well as your morning preparations.

The second floor laundry room is central to this floor’s additional three bedrooms and two full bathrooms including one with a floating vanity and blue glass tiles. An open, carpeted playroom or guest living space with triple dormers at the top of the third floor staircase leads to a white-tiled full bathroom and neighboring bright bedroom.

The fully-finished lower level begins with a tiled mudroom with built-in cubbies and handy tiled area for rinsing your boots or the dogs after an outdoor adventure. The billiards room with TV opens right into another family room, this one featuring a hidden, dropdown projection HD TV with 100-inch screen, powerful surround sound theater audio, stone fireplace, built-ins, and granite wet bar with another wine and beverage refrigerator, icemaker, and dishwasher drawers. Here the floor is heated as well to provide yearround comfort. There is a sixth bedroom and fifth full bathroom on this level to serve as an au pair or additional guest suite.

Regularly named one of the great Washington, DC, neighborhoods by The Washington Post, Washingtonian and Arlington Magazine, Lyon Village continues to charm homeowners with its small town feel despite being one of the most close-in neighborhoods in the city. All residents belong to the Lyon Village Citizen’s Association, which, in addition to owning a rentable community house used for meetings and parties, brings neighbors together with regular holiday parties, kids’ events, and community gatherings.

Adjacent to the community house is a state-of-the-art playground with summer water feature along with lighted tennis and basketball courts, all just three blocks from the home’s front door. This close-knit community affords easy access to Interstate 66 and Spout Run, but is even more well known for its impressive walkability score and ready walking distance to the Clarendon Metro stop and dozens of neighborhood shops and restaurants, including Whole Foods, Starbucks, an Apple Store, Crate & Barrel, and many more.

For those who want proximity to all that DC and Clarendon have to offer without sacrificing the luxury and amenities of a large, open, custom-built house, this home truly provides the opportunity to have it all.

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1839 North Herndon Arlington, Virginia

OFFERED AT $2,695,000

• Miele Dishwasher with

NOTABLE FEATURES

Exterior • Four Sides of Brick • Stone Accents • Solid Wood Front Door with Sidelights • Brick Paver Driveway • Operational Timberlane Wood

Shutters with Hand-Forged Iron

Hinges and Shutter Dogs

• Two-Car Garage with Separate

Garden Equipment and Workshop

Storage Room

• Flagstone Patio with Stone Wall,

Outdoor Kitchen, and Weather

proof Speakers

Main Level • Crestron Whole House Audio/Video

System with Touch Panels and

Customizable Audio Delivery

• 10-Foot Ceilings with Custom

Two- and Three-Piece Moldings

• Plantation Shutters • Hardwood Flooring • Custom Lighting With Smart Dimmers • Solid Wood Doors • Hand-Forged S.A. Baxter Hardware Custom White Kitchen includes: • Wolf Dual-Fuel Double-Oven 48”

Range with Four Burners, Griddle

and Grill

Custom Panel

• KitchenAid Built-In Under Counter Microwave

• Custom Raised Breakfast Bar with

Solid Wood Island Counter

• Built-in Desk with Hutch • Lab Black Granite Counters • Ann Sacks Subway Tile Backsplash • Instant Hot and Cold Filtered Water • Dual-Zone Sub-Zero Wine &

Beverage Refrigerator in

Custom Pantry

• Fisher & Paykel Dishwasher

Drawers in Butler’s Pantry with

Blue Pearl Granite Counter

• Marvel Icemaker in Butler’s Pantry • Light-Filled Breakfast Room

with Window Seat and Storage

• Foyer with Custom Wainscoting, Columns to Living Room and Closets Flanking Library’s Double Doors • Living Room with Custom Built-Ins and Marble Fireplace • Formal Dining Room with Elegant Chandelier in Coffered Ceiling, Wall Sconces and Custom Wainscoting • Study with Floor-to-Ceiling Built-Ins, Granite-Topped Desk and Pocket Doors to the Living Room • Open Concept Family Room Adjacent to the Kitchen with Custom Built-Ins and Stone Fireplace • Half Bath with Kohler Fixtures

• Commercial-Grade Hood • Sub-Zero Refrigerator with

Custom Panel

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Second Level

Third Level

Master Suite includes:

• Large Playroom or Guest Living

• Arched Doorways

Room with Carpet, Three Dormers

• Daylight Sitting Room with Marble

and Ceiling Fan

Fireplace and Built-ins • Custom Granite-Topped Island,

• A Fifth Bedroom with Large Storage Closets

Built-ins and Full-Length Mirrors in

• A Fourth Full Bathroom

Master Closet

Lower Level

• Master Bath with Travertine Limestone, Steam Shower with Six Body Sprays and Three Shower Heads,

• Tiled Flooring Throughout with Heated Basement Floor • Granite Wet Bar with Sub-Zero

Dual Temperature Controls, Seat-

Wine & Beverage Refrigerator, Sub-

ing, Bisazza Glass Mosaic Tile, and

Zero Icemaker, and Fisher & Paykel

Marine-Grade Speaker, Separate

Dishwasher Drawers with Custom

Jetted Tub with Lights, Heated

Panels

Floor, Frosted Glass-Enclosed

• Second Family Room with Stone

Water Closet, and Refrigerator

Fireplace, Custom Built-Ins and

Between Vanities

Hidden HD Projector TV with 100-

• Three Additional Bedrooms with Large Closets • Two Additional Full Bathrooms one

Inch Dropdown Screen • Billiards Room with TV • A Sixth Bedroom with Carpet

with a Floating Vanity and Bisazza

• A Fifth Full Bathroom

Blue Glass Mosaic Tiles

• Mudroom with Custom Cubbies,

• Laundry Room with Front-Loading Maytag Washer and Dryer and Laundry Sink

Coat Storage and Tiled Mini-Shower for Pets or Muddy Boots • Audio-Visual Equipment Closet

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WATERFRONT Welcome to the Seanile Estate! This stunning custom built, Cape style home with gorgeous stone accents is set in the sought-after community of Kinsale, Virginia. The Seanile Estate was specifically designed to take full advantage of its prime location with direct water access and views of the peninsula while keeping with the tradition, casual elegance and exceptional charm of this small, friendly, beach town located on Virginia’s scenic, celebrated and picturesque Northern Neck.

Virginia’s Northern Neck is ideally located between Washington and Richmond and provides an exceptional location and setting for a weekend home. One can enjoy the great outdoors and water activities with direct access to the Potomac River, its tributaries and the Chesapeake Bay. This home rejuvenates and relaxes your soul from the moment you arrive and truly allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Arriving at the property, you are greeted by the welcoming Seanile Estate sign. Driving down the private road toward this exquisite home, you are treated immediately to spectacular water views and a home that sits perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Also included on this expansive, 9.8 acre property are the Boat House and Dock, the Crab House Entertainment Pavilion and an auxiliary boat/car garage and guest house that all combined, make this home a very unique offering.

The private road is in a natural state, which is by design.

As the road ends you are greeted by a circular driveway which leads perfectly to the front of the estate. Walking down the landscaped front entry path, you climb a few steps and arrive at a spacious, deep front porch. The front porch provides a subtle and immediate reminder you have arrived at a place of rest and relaxation. Entering the front door, you are greeted by stunning water views, a two story foyer with a lovely chandelier and a graceful staircase.

It’s natural for one to immediately walk into the living room and onto the rear deck to absorb the beautiful, sweeping views of the water. This home was built to take full advantage of the water views. The main level of this home is open and inviting.

This home was not built with the formality of a traditional home with dedicated and defined rooms. Instead, many of the rooms could do double duty, depending upon the owner’s whim and the size of the party.

$1,395,000

824 Skipjack Road Kinsale, Virginia

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824 Skipjack Road Kinsale, Virginia

The 2,000 square foot guesthouse is truly a home away from home. With water views, a full kitchen stocked with brand new appliances, one and a half baths and a washer and dryer, your guests will enjoy all of the comforts of being in their own space, while sharing the delightful experience of Seanile with you and yours. This guest home boasts one bedroom with a large walk-in closet and a den, which can also serve as a sleeping room.

Only when you turn back toward the main home and gaze across this property with 960 feet of waterfront views can you truly appreciate the uniqueness of the Seanile Estate. With every amenity you can imagine throughout the main house and those thoughtful details carried throughout every outbuilding on the property, this is sure to be a place you’ll want to call home. Imagine a life in this picturesque town of Kinsale, Virginia – and make it yours.

OFFERED AT $1,395,000 NOTABLE FEATURES • Style: Colonial with Craftsman

• Wheel Chair Accessible First Floor

Influence

• Capella Wood Floors: Random

• Sq. Footage: 6,000 (Estimated)

Plank

• Bedrooms: 5 – Main House

• Caesar Stone Kitchen Counters

• Baths: 5 ½ - Main House

• Granite Countertop Island

• Water Frontage: 900 linear feet

• Stainless Steel Commercial Grade

• 180 Degree Water Views

• Drawer Dishwasher with two units

Throughout Home

Hood & Range

• Entire Property Secured with Alarm

• Walk-In Pantry

• Climate Controlled 150 Bottle Wine

and Camera System

• Circle Driveway

Closet

• 1000 sq. ft. Three Car Garage

• Mudroom

• Full Attic

• First Floor Laundry Room with

• Fruit trees: Apple, Pear, Persimmon

• Four Season Sun Room

and Pomegranate

Italian Tile

• Grape Vines

• 2000 sq. ft Guest House

• Japanese Maple & Dogwood Trees

• 960 sq. feet Drive Through Garage

• 8 foot Deep Front Porch

• 2000 sq foot workshop

• 16 x 40 Deck on the Rear\

• 12 x 34 foot Green House

• Vaulted Ceilings Throughout

• 100 ft. Dock

• Doors: Pella & Anderson

• Outdoor Pavilion 60 x 30 feet

• Windows: Anderson B- Grade

• 33 x 100 ft. Dog Kennel

• Lighting: Hinkley

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A MONUMENT VIEW Location of a lifetime best describes the quiet and intimate setting of the Residences of Memorial Overlook. Nestled behind the US Marine Corp War Memorial “Iwo Jima Park” in Rosslyn and overlooking everything but the details, this premier penthouse condo has picturesque vistas of the Potomac River, the Washington Monuments, the Kennedy Center and the US Capitol.

Memorial Overlook is an exclusive condominium that offers the convenience of urban living plus a sophisticated lifestyle. From the balcony/terrace, enjoy the bells of the Carillion Tower, watch planes soar at Reagan National Airport or the helicopters hover over the White House while still maintaining close proximity to the nation’s foremost cultural and educational centers, the downtown business district and Metro.

$1,400,000

1201 N NASH STREET, #PH 2 Arlington, Virginia

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1201 N NASH STREET, #PH 2 Arlington, Virginia

This pristine condo combines classical finishes with modern conveniences in an open floor plan with many custom upgrades. The spacious, top floor unit faces east and is filled with light in the day and has mesmerizing, sparkling city views at night. The two bedrooms with den/library, two-anda-half baths floor plan with its state-of the art lighting and chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining. The generous room sizes, high ceilings, wide crown molding, marble and hardwood floors throughout, built-in sound system, spacious closets as well as the many building amenities grant comfortable living.

The luxurious Residences at Memorial Overlook feature the finest materials and superior attention to detail. There is an immediate feeling of entering someone’s home when guests are greeted by friendly and accommodating staff. A well-equipped Fitness Center with two televisions is open 24 hours, and the large, attractive Club Room with kitchen adds convenience for owners and their guests. This penthouse unit also comes with two garage spaces and two good-sized storage spaces. The feeling of privacy while having close access to downtown Washington, the splendid views and the elegantly appointed penthouse unit with balcony/terrace make this a stunning offering.

OFFERED AT $1,400,000 NOTABLE FEATURES • Penthouse Unit • Expansive Living Room • Breathtaking Views • Gourmet Kitchen • Fitness Center • Club Room • Two Garage Spaces • Balcony/Terrace

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THE SCOOP

DC METRO NEWS YOU CAN USE!

News is sourced from John Eric’s website, www.johneric.com

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Loads of snow in DC meant the first organized snowball fight of the season. The Washington DC Snowball Fight Association held a “battle” at 6:30 p.m. on January 21 at Dupont Circle. (Post) It didn’t take the City Lights of China Restaurant very long to find a new home. The restaurant opened its new location at 4953 Bethesda Ave. - not far from its prior location at 4820 Bethesda Ave. City Lights was at that spot for a decade before its lease came to an end last June. In its place quickly came ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, the fast casual chain and Chipotle spin-off. (BN) Heiner Contemporary, a Georgetown gallery that opened in 2011, has closed its doors. Art dealer Margaret Heiner is moving her practice to Connecticut. (WCP) Residents, drivers, buses and businesses along H Street and Benning Road, NE had a chance to interact with the streetcar in late January. The streetcar ran along the Hopscotch Bridge for testing. (dcist)

On January 24, The Hill Center hosted the first of their Friday night Hitchcock series with Rope. Rope is based on the notorious Leopold-Loeb Case of the 1920s and stars Jimmy Stewart. The Hill Center’s series is called The Dark Side of Hitchcock: Four Nights of Daring and Suspenseful Films before Psycho. (THIH)

In just a few months, workers in the District earning the minimum wage will see a bit more in their paychecks. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray will sign into law a tiered increase in the city’s minimum wage. The District of Columbia’s current minimum wage is $8.25.

The measure will raise the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour on July 1, 2014, to $10.50 on July 1, 2015, and to $11.50 on July 1, 2016.

(WBJ)

The preeminent real estate project in the nation’s capital will not be home to one of the country’s preeminent retailers, Apple.

Hines Interests, the Houston developer behind the $1 billion downtown CityCenterDC project, said that Apple has pulled out of negotiations to open a store there, a setback to plans to make the development a destination for high-end retail. (Post)

You no longer have to head to Metro Center to try one of Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken’s famous crème brûlée doughnuts.

The carryout shop has launched a food truck serving Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee and doughnuts. The truck will roam just in Arlington to start but plans to eventually expand to DC (Y&H)

For Black History Month, Montgomery Parks will open up Josiah Henson Park (11420 Old Georgetown Rd.) for free guided tours each Saturday in February. Henson, who was the inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe’s landmark novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” was a slave on the former Isaac Riley plantation in North Bethesda. (Montgomery Parks) Flight Wine Bar opened in Chinatown with dishes that bring together culinary influences from New England and the Mediterranean/northern Africa. Chef Bradley Curtis grew up in Maine and began his culinary career in a Moroccan restaurant before graduating on to places like Zaytinya, DGS Delicatessen, and Graffiato. (WCP) Research from the University of Michigan suggests that DC is becoming increasingly car-free. The city is tied with New York for 3rd in Car-Free households. (DC Streets Blog) American Airlines and US Airways are dropping nonstop service to 17 cities — including Detroit, San Diego, Minneapolis, Myrtle Beach and Nassau, Bahamas — from Reagan National Airport.

The move is part of a deal with the government that was struck in order to win approval for the merger of the two airlines. (AP) Kenny Rittenhouse, one of the area’s finest trumpeters, played two sets at Blues Alley on January 23. Vocalist Darden Purcell was a featured guest. (dcist)

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For the second year in a row, the National Park Service is using the practice of bringing in sharpshooters to kill deer in Rock Creek Park in an effort to thin the local herd and allow park vegetation a chance to regrow. The lethal method of controlling the deer population continues to draw strong criticism from some local residents and from groups such as the Humane Society, but the Park Service isn’t budging. (WAMU)

Ted Leonsis, former AOL executive and majority owner of the Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics basketball teams, said recently that he would like to build a new practice facility for the teams near to the arena where they play, the Verizon Center. Shortly thereafter Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) said he would “love” to have such a facility in the District, particularly if it were sometimes open to the community. Leonsis hasn’t said a lot about what type of complex he envisions, other than that he would like it to be near the Verizon Center, accessible to public transit and potentially similar to the Kettler Capitals Iceplex in Ballston, where the Washington Capitals (another Leonsis team) practice. (Post)

Restaurateur Mark Bucher has opened the second location of his Cleveland Park steak frîtes restaurant Medium Rare on Barracks Row. The new spot has the same menu as the original spot, which means for $19.50 you get bread, a mixed green salad, and culotte steak with “secret sauce” and fries. (WCP) The developer of a seven-story, 120-unit apartment building less than 1,000 feet from the Bethesda Metro submitted its plans to the Montgomery County Planning Department. At a required pre-submittal community meeting, it was clear some nearby residents still opposed the 4831 West Lane project.

But, DC-based developer SJG won support from the County Council in a separate and lengthy rezoning process, largely because of the site’s proximity to Metro. (BN) On January 7, drivers parking in Arlington got a reprieve.

Because the frigid temperatures were a danger to enforcement workers and because the weather caused an increase in meter malfunctions, meters were not enforced. The colder weather and freezing precipitation led to a higher than usual number of malfunctions on the multi-space meters that dispense tickets.

(AN)

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CES 2014:

TECH

Hot and Fun Tech from the Innovation Strip

Every year, thousands of people make a techno-pilgrimage to Las Vegas in the first week of January to see the most amazing innovations from around the world at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Presented by the Consumer Electronics Association, which is headquartered Arlington, Va., the tradeshow this year was its largest ever, attracting more than 3,200 exhibitors and over 152,000 professionals, including more than 35,000 attendees from overseas. John Eric Home was there to check it out.

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BEST OF SHOW While it was yet another circus of electronics manufacturers and a must-see show for technology pros or enthusiasts, the biggest newsmakers this year included few surprises. Perhaps one of the biggest news items was a little temper tantrum thrown

by Transformer’s film director Michael Bay, who left reporters bewildered by abruptly exiting a Samsung press conference about their new curved HDTVs. The good news for Samsung is that the unexpected faux pas ended up probably generating more press for them even if Mr. Bay and his teleprompter operator had gone into a song and dance rather than a meltdown.

The fact that this kind of event became the second largest news story of the show is somewhat telling of the quantity of other revolutionary tech headlines available. But no matter, CES still served up a delish array of dazzling tech feats in every category of tech imaginable, and there were fun and interesting displays to be found in every corner.

The biggest innovations were clustered around common annual themes, such as the death defying hew heights and forms of TV’s, advancements over last year’s best laptops and smart phones, and huge new variations in wearable devices — including more options in watches, gaming headsets, glasses and fitness trackers. There were also a billion new ways to dress up or accessorize every and any gadget, and a few new smart appliances got a little smarter.

Some of the biggest ahh-factor, crowd-pleasing moments came from the car manufacturers, who unveiled concepts for a future of driverless vehicles – aka Minority Report style.

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INNOVATION ROUNDUP Here’s a round up of some of the hottest show innovations featured in major categories, as well as a few fun or unusual ones that stuck out from the crowd: • Samsung’s largest ever bendable TV screen – bendable screens have been seen before, but Samsung definitely put a new twist – literally – on the usual “I’ve got the biggest screen” competition among TV manufacturers with this new innovation. It introduces a large new form factor and dimension for the future of home entertainment, which is rapidly changing to become more flexible, and to some degree, is still undefined. Where it ends up may be well beyond any screen whatsoever.

• ZTE Projector Hotspot – and speaking of beyond a screen, this cool device may become a must-have for busy professionals who travel. It combines a mobile hotspot, projector, and touchscreen Android device all in one, delivering 4G Internet speeds for up to 8 devices connected over Wi-Fi. That’s more than enough for your own office party. And here’s the best bonus – the ZTE will project your images and video onto walls by just connecting with your Bluetooth.

• Driverless Cars – Anyone who enjoys driving but would rather read a book or do their nails – things like that – when the action gets boring, such as during long highway drives or when you’re about to crash, may like the concept of the future that Audi and BMW let guests test-drive at CES. Car companies promise its not trying to take away driver control, but rather add to the experience of driving by giving more options for assistance. So, get ready, they predict its about 10 years away.

• Pharaoh Bluetooth speaker by Tosa – Amidst the masses of new wireless and Bluetooth speaker options displayed at CES, this one stood out as the most original – and seemed almost like a celebration of Vegas. It featured a golden pharaoh’s face, with a full head and eyes that actually followed me around the edge of the booth. It was hilarious, yet creepy, like something out of a Gene Wilder movie. A close second for me in the unusual Bluetooth speaker category was one that looked just like a white and pink polka dotted women’s clutch purse, which is part of the AR for Her line coming out this spring from Acoustic Research.

• Hot Shot – If you love basketball or know someone who does, you need to check out the 94Fifty smart basketball from InfoMotion Sports Technologies. It will help train players how to perfect their shots with smart technology that connects with your tablet or smart phone. ($299, www.Apple.com).

• Best Ball – If you love taking pictures and crave more options in panorama viewing, then there’s a ball for you. Making a debut at CES was the Panono, a spherical device containing 36 integrated photographic lenses, all packaged together in a form that you can actually throw. As the ball flies through the air, it captures amazing panoramic images of the view. It sounds to me kind of like having the camera from the top of the Google Map truck in the palm of your hand. What awesome crazy trouble might people get into with this? ($549, www.shop.panono. com)

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All About Champagne For lacy, effervescent moments, Prosecco has its special place. Sparkling Vouvray is certainly distinguished, and we recently enjoyed a superb crémant de Bourgogne. But when talking about sparkling wine, let’s be honest: There is Champagne and there is everything else.

Champagne — from the eponymous region, as opposed to pretenders who bottle so-called Champagne elsewhere — represents only 10 percent of worldwide production of sparkling wine. Because of some distinctive geographical and geological characteristics of the region, blending is often essential. For starters, there is the climate — cool and relatively wet for a wine-growing region. Then there is the soil, which in many places barely covers the chalky bedrock. That gives Champagnes their steely sophistication, while other sparkling wines are fruitier and flabbier. Even within Champagne, however, there are variations.

The Côte des Blancs, south of Épernay, has the chalkiest soil; chardonnay thrives there. The area known as the Montagne de Reims favors pinot noir, which is also grown in a southerly Champagne outcrop, the Côte des Bar. In the Vallée de la Marne, which stretches westward toward Paris, where there is more clay and sand in the soil, Champagne’s least appreciated variety, pinot meunier, holds sway.

For some champagne houses, the main goal of blending is to eliminate variations, as well as any character. Here in the District, and across the country, shelves of many grocery stores are filled with depressing examples of these Champagnes, often offered as two-for-one specials this time of year. This month, we are featuring cellar masters who use blending to make Champagnes that are greater than the sum of their parts, even while retaining some of the character of the individual terroirs.

Made from organically grown grapes from the Côte des Bars, Charles Dufour’s Extra Brut champagne is made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a touch of Pinot Blanc. And did we mention it’s sulfite free? Clean and clear as a bell, the nose offers ripe orchard fruits such as pear and apple, with a mellow, stony underpinning.

Similarly unique, the Laherte-Freres Prestige Millesimé 2005 is elaborated with the best years of Laherte-Freres’ yield in a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, which come from their oldest plots.

For this winery, 2005 also marked the first year it began producing champagne organically and biodynamically, excluding any chemical pesticides or herbicides and expanding its parcels.

Finally, Larmandier Bernier’s exquisite 2006 Extra Brut Grand Cru emerges from a parcel of 48-70 year-old vines in Cramant, one of Champagne’s premier villages. It is the only wine here vinified and aged exclusively in oak. Dried pears, hazelnuts, spices and dried flowers are given an additional measure of weight and volume by the old vines and aging in oak.

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CHARLES DUFOUR ‘BULLES DE COMPTOIR #2’ EXTRA BRUT With almonds, brioche and spice, it is fairly rich yet the acidity is keeps it in check. This was the first vintage for Dufour, and it is commendable effort.

CHAMPAGNE LAHERTE-FRERES MILLESIMÉ 2005 Complex, well-balanced nose with real depth. Any champagne lover would be intrigued by this.

CHAMPAGNE LARMANDIERBERNIER EXTRA-BRUT GRAND CRU ‘VIEILLES VIGNES DE CRAMANT’ 2006 Shows rich texture and a striking clarity of flavor, expanding with subtle dimension and graceful, elegantly fragrant length.

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STYLIST WOMEN Radiant Orchid was all the buzz on the spring fashion scene. But, on the runways, bags were the loudest accessory. Cross-body bags, clutch bags, shoulder bags and satchels lit the scene as models stomped down catwalks strutting both couture and off-the-rack designer lines.

What were they showcasing? Feathers, mixed leathers, beading, paint, and calf hair. Colors spanning the rainbow and patterns that caught every spectator’s eye. No material was too bold and no combination too daring. All meant to entice fashionistas with panache and purpose.

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HAND

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BAGS

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Which bag should you choose to update your spring wardrobe?

This season is about the tassel. On the bag’s body, on its zip and attached to its handles. Long and short. Elegant and outrageous. Many designers incorporated this element into totes, evening and shoulder bags which run the gamut. With many to choose from - you can’t go wrong.

Colors and patterns dominated the runways. From a paint splatter dazzler from Chanel to an intricate design showed by Tods, the colors are captivating. If an original Chanel or Tod’s is out of your reach, don’t worry. You can easily find myriad colorful bags to choose from in your budget.

Most interesting in spring bag trends were the unexpected combinations. From hair and alligator (Marc Jacobs) to wood and metallics (Furla), designers have not just left the box but moved into a new universe of pairings. Take a risk and add a bag that is unusual and eye-catching.

While the options are endless, the best way to choose a bag is to go with what marks your personality. This season abounds with a lot of fresh ideas from designers to choose from. Pick the one that best represents your life, your style and sport it with confidence and flair.

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