John Eric Home - January 2014

JOHNERICHOME

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Magazine

Real Estate and Lifestyle Magazine January 2014, Volume 19 DC | VA | MD

Meet the Modern Kitchen: 2014 Trends Margaret Boozer and Red Dirt Studios Recipes for Winter Cabbage, Braised Beef Short Ribs and Spiced Cherry-Apple Crisp Await

Barry Dixon

COVER STORY

Designing for Washington and Beyond

Ingenious Gadgets for Those on the Go A Worthy Wine Region Finds Its Moment Radiant Orchid: the Hot Color of the New Year

JE JOHN ERIC R E A L E S TAT E

johneric.com John Eric Home 1

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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

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CONTENTS

10 DESTINATIONS

COVER STORY

Los Angeles: SoCal is calling

Barry Dixon: Designing for Washington and Beyond

72 | MIXOLOGY

NEXT MONTH

Charles Tappan and Luca Giovaninni share post holiday cocktails to keep all in good spirits.

Our Cover Story is a fascinating profile piece on Kimberly Messner AllenMills, an award-winning photojournalist who brings the world to our readers through her images. And, John Eric Home launches our new feature “Trends” which is headed by Sherry Moeller. Each month, Sherry will bring to our readers the latest happenings in the design world in retail spaces, showroom openings and new products.

80 | MONEY & FINANCE Castles and Moats Part 7: Life insurance and protecting your assets

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

108 | VINEYARD California’s Paso Robles: A worthy wine region finds its moment

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104 TECH Travel Tech: Ingenious gadgets for on the go

40 FOODIE Joaquin Fajardo brings our readers amazing recipes for Winter Cabbage with Beans, Braised Beef Short Ribs, and Spiced Cherry-Apple Crisp

34 EXPRESSIONS Margaret Boozer and Red Dirt Studios

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

50 HOME TRENDS Incorporating texture into the fabric of your home

112 | WOMEN’S STYLIST

58 KITCHEN TRENDS Meet the Modern Kitchen: 2014 Trends

Radiant Orchid: The hot color of the new year

66 | MEN’S STYLIST Staples and trends of the new year

CONTRIB EXPRESSIONS

FOODIE

HOME TRENDS

MIXOLOGY

Kim Ward has worked in a variety of roles and for different organizations in the visual arts, from the Corcoran Museum of Art, as the Executive Director of the Washington Project for the Arts, to various advisory roles with the Arlington Commission for the Arts.

She chaired the Arlington County Public Art Committee for five years.

Kim serves as an arts consultant in the region.

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 allowed him to quickly 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 Moet Hennessey 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 of 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.

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BUTORS MONEY & FINANCE

STYLIST

TECH

VINEYARD

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 Wall Street Journal and USA Today.

James Cornwell’s experience in fashion is vast. He boasts an impressive client portfolio, including Neiman Marcus, Mango, Bloomingdales, Sabring Soto (HGTV), Will Thomas (Fox 5), Angie Goff (News 9), Arch Campbell, Ted Koppel, Ryan Zimmerman (Nationals), Santino Quaranta (DC United) and Brian Orakpo (Washington Redskins). He has worked with Instyle Magazine, Washington Life Magazine, Today’s Health and Wellness, Jaci Reid, Ford Models, Elite, Next, T.H.E., Americas Next Top Model-Smart Water, Adeler Jewelers and JJ Singh Designs. James is, also, proprietor of Cornwell Styling, the Art Director for PR at Partners and Tim Coburn Photography, Co-Host of Fashion BS and Stylist and Art Director for Washington Life Magazine fashion shoots.

Kristina 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.

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 independentlyminded 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

Happy New Year! The New Year is a time for new beginnings. Resolutions are made and goals are set.

At John Eric Home, we welcome 2014 with enthusiasm, determination and excitement. Our goals for 2014 are straight forward; we strive to continue to bring our readers insightful and entertaining articles and we hope to raise the bar with our reporting and monthly columns.

In this regard, we are pleased to welcome new contributing editors to our pages. First up is David Brown, our new “Home Trends” editor. David has been an executive with Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton (LVMH) and Valentino and has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. David’s eclectic style and his appreciation for architecture are reflected in his work and we are excited to read about his insights in the “Home Trends” pages.

Also, this month we introduce our newly revamped “Foodie” section of the magazine. We have moved the recipes out of Washington DC kitchens and into the hands of Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo. Jocko is a personal chef and has worked in the homes of celebrities, politicians and Fortune 500 CEO’s. We hope our readers are pleased with this new incarnation of “Foodie” and continue to enjoy trying their hands with the recipes showcased.

We have also reworked the magazine by making a few changes in our layout and look. Our table of contents is now much more inviting and user friendly. We also have made changes to the “DC Scoop” section as well. Hopefully, it’s easier to read and enjoy.

For this month’ cover story, we feature Barry Dixon. Barry is not just a leading designer in the Washington area; he is well known not only for his work in homes in the United States, but also around the world. This is an intimate look at Barry’s work and his life here in Washington and the things that have shaped him into the person he is today. Our second feature focuses on kitchen trends for 2014. Sherry Moeller shares with us some styles and products that are making waves and changing our kitchens for the better. If you’re just redecorating or are planning to remodel your kitchen, this is a section is a must read.

Our “Stylist” sections are intense with the hottest color at the moment, Radiant Orchid. James Cornwell gives you the scoop on spring’s “it” color. Kristi Messner, our “Tech” editor, turns to travel and writes on offerings of cool gadgets for those on-the-move.

Speaking of travel, if you’re planning a trip, there’s no better place to be in January or, for that matter, all of winter, than Southern California. In this month’s “Destinations,” we head to sunny Los Angeles to explore the City of Angeles.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our readers, both old and new, that have perused through the pages and read our magazines throughout the past year. We wish you a Happy New Year. We hope 2014 is filled with happiness, good health and prosperity.

Best, John Eric Publisher, Principal and Realtor

JOHNERICHOME

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Magazine

Publisher JOHN ERIC Managing Editor ANGELA CASEY Senior Editor-at-Large LK 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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Barry Dixon

Designing for Washington and Beyond

A house is not just a structure, it is a home. It is the anchor of our families and a place to share with friends. It is the foundation of our hopes, our plans and, at times, our defeats. It is the nexus of our lives, sometimes our work and most certainly our comforts. It is the calling card of our own personal tastes. Our homes hold histories intertwined with furniture and small mementoes from travels. They hold a newly forming history through modern gadgets and design. Balancing all elements can be a monumental task. Luckily, for those of us in the Washington region, a prolific figure in American home design lives in the neighborhood. His name is Barry Dixon. He has been featured in local, national and international magazines and newspapers. His face has lit up television screens and his work is always in high demand.

And, he has sat down with John Eric Home and allowed us to explore both his personal and professional stories.

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“FOR MY COLORS, MY FABRICS, MY PAINT COLORS AND ALL OF MY CREATIONS, I DRAW GREATLY FROM THE NATURAL WORLD AROUND ME” “I had a very wise Dad!” exclaims Barry Dixon. “After earning my first degree at Ole Miss, I was bound for law school at Tulane.

My Dad sat me down and asked, ‘Son, are you sure you are doing the right thing?’ He believed that I should be an architect or a designer and he re-routed me away from the security of a law degree and into a less secure future in the arts. This was a pivotal moment in my life, pointing me in the right direction that enriches my soul and not just my bank account.”

Because of the redirection, Dixon has soared into the realms of superstardom in design. After earning his degree in Art History and Design at the University of Mississippi, Dixon accepted a position with a design firm in Jackson, Mississippi, before making his big move to the District in 1984. He worked for a several different companies, among them, Bob Walker Interiors, whose clients included local and national celebrities. Some of these celebrities included Ambassador Robert Strauss, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Valenti, Kitty Carlisle, Governor and Mrs. Brown and many other notables of the time.

“The exposure of working with such high-powered people,” says Dixon, “taught me how to make presentations as well as make friends in the sophisticated DC design scene. I also worked with Arlene Critzos of Annapolis-based Interior Concepts

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and gained good, practical experience working on deadlines and within budgets.”

In 1993, Dixon started his own company - Barry Dixon, Inc. and began specializing in high-end residential and commercial interiors across the United States and for international clients including some in Moscow, Beijing and the Caribbean. With these projects, he gathered accolades form regional, national and international organizations and media. Dixon has been featured on Good Morning America, including a week-long series where he decorated a living room live on television and in numerous publications, including Veranda, Traditional Home, Southern Accents and House Beautiful.

Show houses fall straight into Dixon’s wheelhouse. “I am a veteran of show houses,” he says, “which includes the entire Southern Accents ‘Capital Design House’ and the entire 2007 Southern Accents Show House at Homestead Preserve. I have done a suite for client and ABC news anchor Diane Sawyer in the Traditional Home’s ‘Built for Women Show House.’ In the fall of 2009, I was design chair of the first carbon-neutral show house on the East Coast and those efforts showcased in the March 2010 issue of Traditional Home.

That really helped me launch my name and branding.

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As my company and my brand progressed, I was named in Metropolitan Home’s Design 100 in their June 2008 issue. Then, a paramount event happened when I partnered with J. Lambeth to create my first furniture collection with Tomlinson - a partnership that is still going strong.”

Since then, Dixon has developed fabric, trim and paint lines.

He also launched a second collection with internationally-known Arteriors and earned distinction as their largest selling licensed collection. .

“With these partnerships,” says Dixon, “I’ve been able to render out my creativity in showrooms nationwide.”

Of course, each of these partnerships and lines rely on great creativity. Interior design relies heavily on this attribute.

Dixon is known throughout his industry for his sense of relevance and elegance. He is inspired by countless influences to create his signature styles.

“Our interiors are inspired by the continuum of design and our products and pieces represent myriad influences and aesthetics. We pull our favorites from history and layer them thoroughly to create a timeless, modern style, often interwoven by organic elements of the natural world around us that we find constantly inspiring. For my colors, my fabrics, my paint colors and all of my creations, I draw greatly from the natural world around me, most especially from my farm in Warrenton, Virginia.

The elements of earth, air, fire and water…the DNA of the natural world.”

Also influencing Dixon is a unique childhood, growing up as a citizen of the world. “I spent much of my childhood abroad.

My father, a metallurgist for an international company based in Germany, moved my family to exotic cities all over the world, elements of which are reflected in my work today. Living in India, Korea, New Caledonia and South Africa, where I graduated from high school, gave me a global perspective and laid the foundation for my future. We had designers that worked on our various homes, so I was introduced and influenced by architecture, art and antiquities at an early age on many continents. This had a profound effect on my design brain and is an element I bring to work on our projects.”

And, it is the creative aspect that Dixon most enjoys about his work. His eyes capture color and design in a most interesting way.

“For my new color palette with C2 paint, the eggs of my hen became a color. It is the process of creation - whether it is for a product, fabric, color or fixture or an entire realm for one of our clients.

Something that I am very proud of and committed to both now and through the duration of my career is working with an eye on the environment. For example, C2 Paint is an ecoconscious company that is cooperatively owned and creates a low VOC formula that is earth and family-friendly. I’ve been a spokesman for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. The natural world inspires me and whatever I can do to preserve and protect it - I will.”

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BARRY

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DIXON

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And, how does one of America’s prolific designers set about designing his own home? Using the same methodology he uses to create amazing rooms in the houses of his clients.

“My home in Warrenton, Elway Hall, is 110 years old and teams with design inspirations. It’s rich history, its complex layers of architectural ornament, the views through its many oversized windows - all these influenced the selections of colors and furniture of art and arrangement, that became my home in the end.”

Dixon made his home in the Washington area and it is his touchstone. “Washington means home. I am a proud and patriotic American who is honored to live my life in the capital of this great country.”

Living in the region has, also, drawn political celebrities into his web of design. “As a result of living in the Washington region, I have had the privilege of working on projects for notable leaders including Senator Mark R. Warner of Virginia, Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe of Virginia, Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee and the DCbased offices of Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi.”

The state of design is ever-changing. It’s metamorphosis is constant. In the Washington area design is an important element in the fabric of the city. Much has changed over the past several decades in the capital in terms of how design is perceived and implemented.

“Sophisticated,” says Dixon, “21st Century DC is a sophisticated realm for design. So many clients with elevated tastes and sensibilities. Washington is not the same place I came to in the ‘80s. It’s more stylish now and urbane. They are individuals not following trends but setting them.”

Barry Dixon does not only design for the Washington area.

He is an integral part of the city’s scene and donates his valuable time and keen creative skills to various DC institutional events.

“I serve as an Advisory Board member of CharityWorks, founded by Leah Gansler. This organization raises funds and distributes grants to non-profits serving children, families and those who serve in our nation’s Armed Forces. With my good friend Mark Lowham, Managing Partner at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, I co-chaired the annual CharityWorks Dream Ball - an event dear to my heart. This may be the 6th time chairing the Ball!”

Dixon also participates in the Georgetown Jingle, an event that raises funds for the pediatric oncology programs directed

by Dr. Aziza Shad of Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year, at the 8th Jingle, he decorated the Center’s tree, displayed at the Four Seasons hotel, with a theme of Venetian fantasy. His father was a supporter of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, serving as a model for Dixon’s engagement in the fight against cancer.

Last spring, he supported The Philips Collection Gala, which honored the Year of Italian Culture 2013 and he collaborates with his partners from Fortuny to support the museum’s arts education programs. Dixon, also, works with the AST Partnership for a Brighter Tomorrow in support of the arts and has served as a Design Chair of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) in conjunction with Architectural Digest and Arteriors.

Living in a whirlwind of design, receiving honors for creativity, expanding the perimeters of design, being interviewed by media outlets throughout the country, participating in charitable events

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and having your work clamored after must be an extraordinary ride on life‘s rollercoaster. Must it not?

“It’s not so glamorous!” exclaims Dixon. “It’s hard work with a smile while crunching through construction sites to scout out the new footprint of a home. It’s boarding very, very early morning flights, many sleepless nights and battling I-66 traffic to meet with clients in their homes, where our work is done.

We are lucky to be passionate about what we do, so while it is all hard work - 12 hours, sometimes 15, 16 or 17 in one day - it passes very quickly. We take such great pride in what we do, how we do it and whom we do it for, that it transcends the grind of the normal day.”

Relaxing after hectic days is an important part of recharging creative batteries. Barry Dixon has his favorite way of unwinding.

“To curl up with my partner, Will Thomas, Fox 5 Anchor of News Edge 11, and the apple-of-our-eyes, Ellie, our wire-hair terrier, with a roaring fire, a golden-era romantic comedy on the tv, a glass of single malt scotch and no place to go anytime soon!”

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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 22

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LOS ANGELES

CALIFORNIA SoCal is calling

Los Angeles. The City of Angels. Tinseltown. L.A. La-La-Land. The Entertainment Capital of the World. This city has more monikers than any other in The United States. Its diverse personality inherently drives these nicknames as Los Angeles conjures something different for everyone who lives or visits here. Regardless of the title you use for America’s second largest city - to Southern California we head in this month’s Destinations to visit this fascinating place.

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Los Angeles is drenched in sunshine with a climate that is conducive to easy living through most of the year. The high temperatures are never too high and the lows are rarely something to complain about. Palm trees sway in breezes and the blues from ocean waves glitter not to distant from the city. Freeways are packed with Los Angeleans cruising to their homes, work and favorite spots in the area. Bentleys cruise through downtown city streets and paparazzi stalk potted plants in attempts to snap winning photos of celebrities. But, while many think of Hollywood or Rodeo Drive when citing sites in Los Angeles, the city has so much to offer that is not filmindustry related. And, that is what we shall explore.

Along with the film industry, Los Angeles is also toted as a sports city and venues like Dodger Stadium and the Staples Center are perennial favorites. The Dodgers and the Lakers draw crowds not only comprised of locals but, also, from other areas throughout the United States. And, the city also holds loads of nature, culture and history which is found throughout the streets in the museums and centers of its perimeter.

One such place is Runyon Canyon, which is a favorite hiking spot of L.A. locals. It’s dog friendly and has a beautiful view of the city. Here, you find scores of people walking dogs, running and working out. There are many different terrains and it is very much an L.A. spot.

For those interested in natural history, as opposed to being in the natural environment of the great outdoors - a visit to the world renowned La Brea Tar Pits is a must. The oozing pits spread throughout Hancock Park hold the skeletal remains of animals such as the American Lion, a Saber Tooth Tiger and,

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of course, Zed, an almost fully intact Mammoth skeleton. If you choose to make a stop at this site, be sure to visit the Page Museum. It is a wonderful resource to learn about the history of the tar pits, the animals contained within and on its grounds are life-sized models of pre-historic animals that were found in or near the pits.

Also, a unique museum to visit is the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Although, few people know of it, it is a local treasure. Contrary to its name, dinosaur exhibits aren’t on display in the galleries here. Rather, it is an institute more akin to an Olde Curiosity Shop. The museum contains an unusual collection of exhibits and objects with varying and uncertain degrees of authenticity. From collections and information on bees to the Stink Ant of Cameroon, many exhibits feature natural history themes. In 2005, the museum opened its Tula Tea Room, a Russian-style tea room where Georgian tea, cookies, and crackers are served to patrons. This room is a miniature reconstruction of the study of Tsar Nicolas II from the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia.

If the history of the American West appeals to you, make sure to stop by the Autry National Center. Located in Griffith Park, it is a wonderful stop and is right across from the Los Angeles Zoo. A perfect double-bill for those traveling with children.

Also, for those with young ones, a stop at the Watts Towers is a treat. The site consists of nine towers constructed of structural steel and covered with mortar containing mosaic glass, seashells, pottery and tile. The Los Angeles City Cultural Affairs Department, through the Watts Towers Arts Center, provides diverse cultural enrichment programming for teachers and school children.

As Los Angeles is the center of the global entertainment industry, the city is jammed with sites which display this prominence. As importantly, the city holds a trove of resources to find the rare and sought-after films and recordings.

One such resource is Cinefile Video. Cinefile took over the programming of The Silent Movie Theater and turned it into a mecca for locals. They stock over 40,000 films and visitors have a wide variety of rental and purchase options. And, if music is your thing, drop by Record Surplus. It is a great place to find rare records at a low price. From old movie soundtracks to old stand-up comedy albums to new releases, this shop has it all.

Another great place to find the exotic and sought-after is the Los Angeles Farmers Market. It is an ideal spot for dining adventures for large groups or small. The Original Farmers Market features an open-air setting with dozens of restaurants and specialty grocers offering cuisine from around the world.

Also, a spot that is growing in popularity is the Helms Bakery District. This former bakery complex is now a beehive of cool design stores for home furnishings, Arcana Books, and a number of quality restaurants. Father’s Office is found here, with an assortment of microbrews and a house burger that is a local favorite. Helms is also the home of the monthly Culver City Art Walk.

Los Angeles and its environs are also known as a shopping paradise and one of the most famous drives in the world is found in this area. That, of course, being Rodeo Drive. The thoroughfare is simply beautiful. The shops are expensive and as a result, the architecture and displays of each store are fantastic to behold. It’s like nowhere else and is wonderful to see - if not shop, down the row of its glamorous doors.

Mulholland Drive, the critically-acclaimed movie, is named after another world-renowned drive in the area. However, Mulholland Highway is a fantastic drive in its own right. For an afternoon of fantastic views, jump in a car and hit-the-road. The highway starts in Calabasas and winds all the way up into the Santa Monica Mountains, going on for miles before abruptly ending at Leo Carillo State Beach. Nature, again, greets the spectator for miles and miles of splendor.

Of course, there are the celebrity house tours found in Los Angeles - but, there is so much more to the city. Natural parks, historical sites, local haunts and hidden gems are found within its borders. So, explore Los Angeles and create your own moniker for this dazzling city.

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Celebrities Favorite Spots in the City Andrew Zimmern is a two-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer and teacher. These are his picks for LA‘s best restaurants.

Korean BBQ LA’s Koreatown is one of the best places on earth to stuff yourself to the gills. I love the interactive nature of Koreanstyle ‘cue — your group sits at a big table with a charcoal grill centerpiece. The staff helps ensure meats, veggies and whatever else you order are cooked to perfection. And then there is the huge array of banchan, or sides, like kimchi and other delightful pickles.

Dan Tana’s This classic Italian steak joint oozes old Hollywood. Red and white checkered tablecloths, big leather booths, veal chops bigger than your face. It’s a total scene (they have a dish named in honor of George Clooney… a purported regular), and that’s a big part of what I love about Dan Tana’s.

Nobu Los Angeles Breathtaking sushi, amazing people-watching, stellar service.

If I had a money tree growing in my backyard, I’d eat at Nobu nightly.

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Something Wolfgang Puck Thirty years after opening Spago, Puck still has it. If you’re looking to try some of his famed food, your options are seemingly endless. A few I love: Chinois on Main, set on Santa Monica’s main drag, hasn’t changed much since opening in 1983, and I’m still delighted by it. Steak lovers must check out CUT. If Downtown LA is your thing, grab a bite (or just a drink) at WP24—a stunning space towering 24 stories above the city skyline. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the flagship Spago Beverly Hills, which Puck recently renovated.

Son of a Gun Restaurant Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the duo behind the popular meat-centric Animal (another one of my favorites), bring LA gourmands a piece of their Floridian roots with the seafoodstudded menu at Son of a Gun. Exquisite raw dishes and the delicate lobster roll with lemon aioli and shrimp toast sandwich are the seafood stars of the menu, but I’d make a trip to the West Coast just for the fried chicken sandwich.

Pizzeria Mozza I’m a pizza guy, and the pies Nancy Silverton sends out of her kitchen are amazing. Her Neapolitan-style creations are topped with all sorts of fresh, simple ingredients like speck, bufala mozzarella, olive tapenade and oregano… but I am a sucker for the classic Margherita.

David Greenwald is a Los Angeles journalist who contributes to Billboard, Rolling Stone and MTV. These are his picks for the best spots in L.A. to discover new music.

The L.A. Fort The latest hub for the L.A. underground scene, the D.I.T. (doit-together) venue is hidden in a downtown warehouse. With backing from the folks behind the FMLY collective, the Fort’s played host to up-and-coming local acts from Spaceships to Francisco the Man. Largo at the Coronet Whoever the name on the bill is that night -- Jon Brion, Andrew Bird, Eddie Izzard -- you never know who’ll show up on stage at Largo. But with a strict no-phones policy and a devoted word-of-mouth audience, it’s always a show to remember, no hashtags necessary.

The Echo When indie rock’s most acclaimed bands come through L.A., the Echo’s usually their first stop. Not one to ignore the eastside scene, the venue -- alongside its big brother, the Echoplex -has helped blow up homegrown rockers from Foster the People to Electric Guest in recent years.

Origami Vinyl Before another busy night at the Echo, stop next door at one of Echo Park’s best record shops for some new wax and weekly free shows in the upstairs loft. The store even has a record label of its own, with releases from groups such as Summer Darling.

Silverlake Lounge If standing close enough to see (and smell) a band sweat is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at the Silverlake Lounge.

The tiny venue offers everything from speaker-frying punk to intricate folk -- plus the chance to buy the band a beer after. Or a fusion burrito down the block.

Rob Lowe The “Parks and Rec” show-stealer loves Los Angeles - “literally.” Here he tells us where to find great custard pie, how to travel in style, and who the real celebs are in this town.

Little Dume I love surfing at Little Dume in Malibu. I grew up on that beach, and it is a mecca for surfing. It’s also a de facto high school reunion, which can be both amazing and horrifying. In the summer, I get over there a lot because that’s when it breaks. I’m probably there once a week if I’m not working.

The Apple Pan The burgers there are excellent, but for me it’s all about the pies. My grandfather ran a restaurant that served hamburgers and pies in Sidney, Ohio for 50 or 60 years, so I have a real affinity for burgers and pies. The banana cream pie and the chocolate custard pie at the Apple Pan may be my favorite things about L.A., period.

Lakers Games I’m a lifetime Laker fan. I had season seats for ten years and floor seats during the Magic Era, which was spectacular. When I think of Los Angeles, it’s the number one thing I think of in terms of the identity of the city. The world sees Hollywood as the identity of this city, but to live in L.A., we all know there aren’t any bigger stars than the Lakers.

Avalon on Catalina Island It’s a 22-mile stretch, and it feels like you’re back 22 decades. You could not feel more removed from L.A. than being in Avalon - it’s a complete other world. I like the casino that they built there. I saw one of the great concerts of my life at that casino: Crosby Stills and Nash.

It was amazing.

Union Station Take the Coast Starlight up the coast. It’s absolutely brilliant. I’ve taken it to San Francisco, but someday I’d like to take it all the way to Vancouver. It’s one of the last great American named trains that’s still around and as good as it ever was. Get a sleeper car - that’s the ticket. Unfortunately it’s not cheap, but it is amazing.

Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles Whenever I go to a black tie event around Staples Center, I always, always finish at Roscoe’s. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten at Roscoe’s when I wasn’t in a tuxedo.

As Published by LA Magazine - Zimmern (4/10/13); Greenwald (1/9/13); Lowe (8/20/13)

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HOTELS Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills 310-275-5200 fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire Beverly Hills is both a mecca for international shoppers and a quiet residential enclave favored by Hollywood’s elite. Enjoy easy access from the hotel in Beverly Hills to a host of LA sights, with an idyllic Southern California climate year round.

This property features amazing 24-hour room service, fantastic pools and gorgeous lobby bars.

Chateau Marmont 8221 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood 323-656-1010 chateaumarmont.com The rooms might not be incredibly fancy or spacious, but that’s part of its charm. Night owls will love Bar Marmont for its craft cocktails, celeb clientele and maybe some famous ghost sightings.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles 506 S Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 213-624-1011 www.millenniumhotels.com/usa/millenniumbiltmorelosangeles The Millennium Biltmore Hotel has been a choice for celebrities, presidents and dignitaries for nearly 90 years. It is situated at the heart of L.A’s vibrant cultural district. The hotel is just steps away from major attractions, such as L.A. Live, the Ahmanson Theatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Dodger Stadium.

RESTAURANTS Ink 8360 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles Ink is a no-fuss kind of place; but you’ll want to leave the picky eaters in your family at home. Voltaggio draws from all of LA’s diverse influences, creating what he calls “modern LA cuisine.”

Spicy Thai dish are alongside traditional American ones wed with giant squid spaghetti with squash, hazelnut-ink pesto and piment d’espilette.

Red Medicine 8400 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills Jordan Kahn is a visionary, drawing inspiration from late night meals at Vietnamese restaurants. Kahn uses lots of fragrant, traditional ingredients like mint, cilantro, Thai chili and lime. His reinterpretation of these dishes is simply amazing.

Beso 6350 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Eva Longoria’s restaurant is an upscale Mexican spot with a nightclub atmosphere. Be sure to try the “Tequila Spa” is you stop by.

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EXPRESSIONS 34

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MARGARET BOOZER and Red Dirt Studios

Being born and raised in Alabama, as I was, you are surrounded by red clay. It is the soil of cotton, peanuts, pecan trees, and very little else. It stains your hands, feet, carpet and rugs. Southerners rail against their red dirt, removing it or adding minerals and chemicals to break it up and make it arable. Adding insult to injury, in the hot summer sun, it dries into something as hard as a rock.

dirt drawings, gold puddle

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Vertical Ravine (Rammed Earth Series), 2012

Blue Rift

Over a decade ago, I discovered Margaret Boozer’s work and could not believe this Alabama artist had figured out how to make incredibly beautiful installations and artwork from this cursed soil. Not only has she conquered the red dirt of Alabama, she has circled the globe, collecting dirt from the earth wherever she travels, ramming it, pouring it, painting with it and creating mysterious and beautiful works that show how earth matters.

She received a BFA in sculpture from Auburn University and an MFA in ceramics from New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Her work is included in the collection of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, The Museum of the City of New York, The US Department of State, The Wilson Building Public Art collection and in many private collections.

Boozer taught for ten years at the Corcoran College of Art and Design before founding Red Dirt Studio in Mt. Rainier, MD where she directs a ceramics and sculpture seminar. Yet, the Red Dirt Studio is far more than a studio, as described by Margaret: “Red Dirt Studio is a graduate program with no grades.

It’s a sculpture studio with a taste for ceramics. It’s a collective work environment with shared resources. It’s a critique group. It’s a business-of-art incubator. It’s an exhibition space, a site for visiting artist workshops and an opportunity to create artistic events. At its core, Red Dirt is about what can happen with the coming-together of talented, smart and curious people, working toward greater accomplishment in their professional practice. It’s about drawing on the resources of artistic community, and at the same time giving back.”

Margaret Boozer

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Gold Bank (Rammed Earth Series), 2012

Many talented ceramicists and sculptors call Red Dirt Studio their home, and it is one of the best places to see the latest cutting edge work being created in the greater DC area.

I recently visited her in the studio to catch up and see images of her recent commissions and installation. She had just returned from installing a large piece at a spa in Arizona and has been collaborating with a well-known designer on pieces for his new DC store. Other projects include a commissioned installation at the US Embassy in Djibouti and writing a chapter for U. S. Geologic Survey’s Soil and Culture. Recent exhibitions include Swept Away: Dust, Ashes and Dirt at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York. She is especially proud of receiving the 2012 Arts Excellence Award from the Prince Georges Arts and Humanities Council at their inaugural Arts Gala Awards.

Visit Margaret virtually http://www.margaretboozer.com/index. html or stop by the Red Dirt Studio at their next opening, it will be an art experience like no other.

dirt drawings, detail red puddle

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PHOTO BY TIM COBURN

Follow me on Twitter @cornwellstyling jamescornwell.com 540-905.1515 John Eric Home 39

FOODIE 40

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Winter Cabbage with Beans Braised Beef Short Ribs Spiced Cherry-Apple Crisp Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo, Personal Chef

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Winter Cabbage with Beans, Coconut and Coriander Dried Haricot Beans

1 pound

Napa Cabbage

1 head

Onions

2 medium

Vegetable or Peanut Oil

2 Tbs

Garlic

3 cloves

Green Cardamom Pods

8 each

Mustard Seeds

1 Tsp

Cumin Seeds

1 Tsp

Ground Turmeric

2 Tsp

Chiles

3 small, hot

Plum Tomatoes, chopped 2, 14-ounce cans

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Sugar

a pinch

Coconut Milk

1 cup

Fresh Cilantro

1 large handful

Lime

2 each

Kale Greens

1 bunch

| January 2014

Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko� Fajardo

Preparation Soak the dried beans in cold water overnight. The next day, boil the beans until tender in deep unsalted water. Drain and set aside. (If you are using canned beans, rinse them under cold running water, then set aside).

Peel the onions, cut them in half and slice thinly. Add to the oil in a large, deep pan and let them soften, coloring lightly, over moderate heat. Peel and chop the garlic and add to the onions.

Crack-open the cardamom pods and extract the tiny seeds. Crush these coarsely, using a pestle and mortar or a heavy rolling pin, then stir them into the softening onions. Crush the coriander seeds and then the mustard, and add them to the onions with the whole cumin seeds, ground turmeric, a generous seasoning of salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, for at least five minutes, so that the spices toast in the heat.

Seed and finely chop the chiles and add, with the chopped tomatoes, 1他 cup of water and a pinch of sugar, followed by the cooked beans. Simmer gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, cover partially with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes.

Mix the coconut milk into the sauce, simmer for a further five minutes, then add the cilantro leaves and the lime juice. When the curry is almost ready, shred a bunch of greens and cabbage finely, steam briefly and add them to the curry.

Serve beneath lightly salted cod or salmon for a delicious appetizer on a cold evening or lunch on a crisp afternoon.

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Braised Beef Short Ribs

with Potato Puree, Swiss Chard and Horseradish Cream Ribs Beef Short Ribs 6 each - 14-16 oz. each (ask for 3-bone center cut) Thyme Leaves 1 Tbs Thyme Sprigs 4 each Black Pepper 1 Tbs Pearl Onions 3 dozen Extra-Virgin Olive Oil ½ cup Onion, diced 1 cup Carrot, diced 1/3 cup Celery, diced 1/3 cup Bay leaves 2 each Balsamic Vinegar 2 Tbs Port Wine 1 ½ cups Hearty Red Wine 2 ½ cups Beef or Veal Stock 6 cups Flat Leaf Parsley 4 sprigs Swiss Chard 2 bunches Kosher salt and black pepper Potato Puree Russet Potatoes 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes 1 ½ pounds Heavy Cream ¾ cup Whole Milk ¾ cup Butter, unsalted 8 oz.

Kosher Salt Horseradish Cream Crème Fraiche Horseradish Kosher Salt

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¾ cup 1 Tbs

Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo

Preparation Short Ribs Season the short ribs with 1 tablespoon thyme and cracked pepper. Use your hands to coat the meat well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove ribs from refrigerator, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Toss pearl onions with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon thyme, ¾ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes or until tender. When they have cooled, slip off the skins with your fingers and set aside. Turn the oven down to 325 degrees.

Heat a large sauté pan over high heat for 3 minutes. Pour in 3 tablespoons olive oil, and wait a minute or two, until the pan is very hot and almost smoking. Place the short ribs in the pan and sear until they are nicely browned on all three meaty sides. It will take at least 15 minutes. When the ribs are nicely browned, transfer them to a braising pan, lying flat, bones up, in one layer.

Turn the heat down to medium, and add the diced onion, carrot, celery, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Cook 6-8 minutes, until the vegetables just begin to caramelize. Add the balsamic vinegar, port and red wine. Turn up heat to high to reduce liquid by half.

Add the stock and bring to a boil. The stock mixture should almost cover the ribs. Tuck the parsley sprigs in and around the meat. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and a tight-fitting lid if you have one. Braise in the oven for about 3 hours.

Let the ribs rest 10 minutes in their juices, and then transfer them back to a baking sheet. Turn the oven up to 400 degrees and place the short ribs in the oven for 10-15 minutes, to brown.

Strain the broth into a saucepan, pressing down on the vegetables to extract all juices. Skim the fat from the sauce and, if the broth seems thin, reduce it over medium-high heat to thicken slightly.

Heat a large sauté pan over high heat for 2 minutes. Tear Swiss chard into large pieces. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil to the pan, and stir in the cooked pearl onions.

Add half the Swiss chard, and cook a minute or two, stirring the greens in the oil to help them wilt. Add a splash of water and the second half of the greens. Season with a heaping ¼ teaspoon salt and pinch of ground black pepper. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until greens are tender.

Place the Swiss chard on a large warm platter, and arrange the short ribs on top. Spoon lots of braising juices over the ribs. Serve the hot potato puree and horseradish cream on the side.

Potato Puree Place the potatoes, whole and unpeeled, in a large saucepot. Add 2 tablespoons salt and fill the pot with cold water. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat, turn down the heat to low, and simmer about 45 minutes, until tender.

When the potatoes are cooked through, strain them, and set them aside to cool for 10 minutes or so. Heat the cream and milk together in a saucepan, then turn off the heat. When the potatoes have cooled, peel them and pass them through a food mill or potato ricer. Put the ‘riced’ potatoes in a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat them over medium heat a few minutes, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, to dry them out a little. Add the butter slowly, stirring constantly. Season with 2 ½ teaspoons salt.

When all the butter has been incorporated, slowly stir in the warm cream mixture until you have a smooth puree. Taste for seasoning.

Horseradish Cream Combine the crème fraiche and horseradish in a small bowl. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Taste for balance and seasoning.

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Spiced Cherry-Apple Crisp Honeycrisp or Gala Apples 6 each Dried Cherries 1 cup Light Molasses 1 ½ cups Bourbon 3 Tbs Nutmeg 1 Tsp Cinnamon 1 Tsp Cloves ½ Tsp Ginger ½ Tsp Fresh Ginger ½ Tsp Orange Zest 1 Tbs Plain Oats 1 ½ cups Butter 4 Tbs, melted Egg Whites 2 each Granulated Sugar 2/3 cup Salt ¼ Tsp Baking Powder ¼ Tsp

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Recipe provided by Joaquin “Jocko” Fajardo

Preparation Peel, core and dice the apples and toss with the cherries, molasses, bourbon and spices. Mix together the fresh ginger, zest, oats, butter, egg whites, granulated sugar and salt. Put the apple mixture into a buttered 8x10 or 9x9-inch baking dish. Top with the oat mixture and bake 40-50 minutes in a moderate oven (350 degrees). Cool slightly and serve warm.

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HOMETRENDS 50

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W

What are the elements you think of immediately when you imagine yourself enveloped in a perfectly tranquil and inviting space? Of course, you envision beautifully crafted furniture and personal accessories. Perhaps, the warm lighting and colors you envision embrace you.

But, there is one element that all great designers use effortlessly in a room. It is that special something that adds depth and value to a room emphasizing color and pattern. Texture.

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As we welcome in 2014, many of us begin new resolutions and start to “spring forward� in our thinking. Many homeowners decide that it is the right time to change the dynamics of their home. Spring seems like it is right around the corner and the immediate reaction is to introduce a new color or, maybe, even change up the patterns in your pillows. Both color and pattern added to your home stimulate the eyes and mind, but, adding texture to your space soothes your senses and stimulates your touch. Refined and smooth textures are perfect for traditional rooms, while contemporary rooms require more surface texture to add interest. It is the effortless process of incorporating things such as wood and textiles, layered lighting and plants.

As with everything in design, the key to success is creating a harmonious balance. Without enough texture, a space can feel cold and sterile. Too much texture can create chaos in a space and dilute the effect. Make certain you blend textures of similar character to establish a soothing and peaceful scheme. Repeat texture to add balance. If you have a vintage leather club chair in your study, a great complement would be to accessorize with leather bound books. If you are looking for a big impact, try creating your own paradox. Introduce a smooth and sleek texture to a rough and nubby one. Perhaps a weathered wooden chair next to a sophisticated set of metal nesting tables or soft bold striped drapery panels adjacent to a tailored upholstered sofa. These all create a sense of balance while transforming a space.

Texture is often the last thought when it comes to decorating your home.

There are many ways of adding texture that are not complicated. It is easy to add visual interest and depth by simply enhancing elements that already exist or make small changes and add inexpensive accessories. Walls are a logical solution and sometimes make the strongest impact. Create a focal wall within your room by adding wood paneling. The grain and texture of the wood adds warmth to your home. Perhaps add a grass cloth wall covering to introduce more natural elements.

We must not forget the ceiling. It is the fifth wall in your home. Paint the ceiling an interesting color to give the room a textured feel. Try using complementary colors or shades like a lighter gray ceiling with medium gray walls (a lighter shade ceiling can often make it feel higher) or go bold with a color that contrasts the walls. Lastly, add crown molding as an architectural element. The molding is a timeless way to add subtle, yet interesting, texture to your walls.

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TEXT

TURE

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Introducing a new rug texture can warm up hard tile floors. Adding a natural sisal rug bound in a contrasting color for impact can instantly define a space and add a layered effect to any room. Layering textiles in pillows, tapestries, linen bedding and throws are also an easy quick solution to update your room and add unique and inviting textures.

The most inexpensive way to add texture is to look to the “great outdoors”.

Adding fresh curly willow bark in tall stems will make dramatic and bold statements. Indoor trees bring organic texture while the leaves offer a variety of texture ranging from smooth and shiny to spiky. Large pieces of reclaimed driftwood, antlers, stones and even shells all provide natural organic interest. And, don’t forget the books. A visit to local vintage shops can provide amazing bound books printed on beautiful crafted natural paper. Remember, it is all about finding an interesting balance.

Finally, it is crucial to make certain you have the right lighting. Layering in lighting schemes can play a crucial role in adding textural surface to a room. Some materials and objects reflect light while others can create visually interesting shadows. General lighting is important but mood lighting is necessary to give a room a sophisticated and inviting look. Make sure you add that special light to a dark corner to create a sense of texture and depth.

As the snow starts to melt this month and the sun cascades through your plantation shutters, consider layering a little extra depth to your space and partner with texture. It is the fundamental element that will enhance your environment and create a personal touch. Adding texture to your home is a simple and crucial way to subtly create an atmosphere that both you and your family can appreciate and enjoy from winter to spring.

The

MODERN KITCHEN 2014 Trends in the Evolving Hub of the Home

by Sherry Moeller

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Aidan Design collaborated with Rill Architects on this kitchen design for a whole house renovation in Bethesda, Maryland where the kitchen island countertops include quartz, wood and stainless. Photo by Robert Radifera

Everything and the kitchen sink are considered when designing today’s kitchen. From varying shades of gray for kitchen cabinets to wood-look porcelain for the floor to subway tile backsplashes, the details that make a modern kitchen are front and center in home design.

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Aidan Design created a new kitchen for a recent DC Design House, www.dcdesignhouse.com, using gray as the focal cabinetry color with wall cabinets in an espresso finish.

Photo by Robert Radifera

THE CABINETS “Dove White,” which is a lighter gray, and darker shades of gray are here to stay in kitchen cabinetry options. Today’s cabinets are sleeker, often in the flat panel or Shaker styles, which complement the clean lines of appliances and lighting.

Nadia Subaran, co-owner of Aidan Design in Bethesda, Maryland, (www.aidandesign.com) uses gray often in her kitchen designs. Offering Wood-Mode and Brookhaven cabinetry, Subaran considers gray to be part of the classic color palette.

“New textured laminates, rift cut veneers, and painted grays from mushrooms and oysters to deep charcoals and slates are popular for kitchen cabinetry,” she says. Polished nickel and chrome hardware selections have been favorites, but, according to Subaran, “Now there is a re-emergence of brass in soft finishes, either brushed or antiqued.”

THE ISLAND Single, often oversized countertops are the norm in today’s modern kitchen. A smooth transition from cook prep space to workstation for homework or electronics is preferred along the central island. Cooktops have moved back to the perimeter of the kitchen, leaving the island free and clear for gatherings with family and guests.

“An unobstructed connection to a breakfast or family room allows the cook to interact with family and friends while preparing the meal,” says Jim Rill, principal of Rill Architects(www.rillarchitects.com).

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The island is often finished in a different color cabinet to complement the perimeter cabinets and draw the eye to the center of the space.

THE PANTRY In the restoration and renovation of Evermay, a historic home in Georgetown now used as the headquarters for the S&R Foundation, Rill along with Rill Architects’ Richard Rossi redesigned the kitchen to function as a catering hub with links to two butler’s pantries. One is used for refrigeration and the other as the connection between the formal dining room, the backyard patios and the kitchen.

“Pantries, whether used as a butler’s or storage pantry, work well when they’re tucked away and provide auxiliary china and stemware storage as well as a beverage service island with icemaker and separate refrigeration,” says Rill.

THE COUNTER The options in natural and manmade countertop finishes are endless, from quartz to soapstone to cement. “Countertops are hotter than ever with so many choices on the market,” says Subaran, who also adds that the engineered stone options are getting better and better. “In natural stone, there is increased interest in quartzites that have the look of marbles but with the properties of granite.”

Rill Architects designed this kitchen in historic Evermay to serve as a dream catering kitchen with cabinetry and counters in varying finishes and connections to prep pantries.

Photo by Greg Hadley John Eric Home 61

By including rows of unobstructed counters, the Rill Architects galley-style butler’s pantry at Evermay provides an assembly line for staff serving sit-down dinners or as a buffet island for informal gatherings. Photo by Greg Hadley 62 | January 2014

The new Italian ceramic tile showroom in Rockville, Maryland, Italo Ceramica, offers approximately 500 display panels and 3D design software to aid in the selection process of ceramic and porcelain tiles, which include the exclusive Versace line.

Photo by Ben Droz.

THE TILES Subway tile backsplashes are a staple in the modern kitchen with wood-look porcelain tiles becoming a favorite flooring option. In glass or ceramic and sometimes with mosaic tile accents, subway tiles are available in just about every color imaginable, with the timeless white kitchens often accompanied by white subway tile backsplashes.

With hardwood flooring prevalent throughout most new homes and also added during renovations, hardwoods have had mixed reviews as an option for the kitchen floor. New porcelain tiles are gaining momentum as the floor of choice with the wood-look option offering a clever transition from other rooms into the cooking hub. Porcelain is becoming a new line of defense as far as durability, maintenance and appearance in the kitchen.

“We’ve brought our unique tile collections popular in Europe to the American market,” says Paul Abbott, general manager of Italo Ceramica in Rockville, Maryland, (www.italoceramica. com) the first US showroom for this Italian brand. What Abbott has seen in Europe for some time is now making its way to the American market to complement the modern, sleeker kitchen designs.

THE APPLIANCES Stainless steel appliances are here to stay with white returning as a possible option. Many appliance lines offer stainless steel as a standard finish, with some charging extra for stainless, which is offered in a smudge-free finish. While black appliances had a short run recently, white appliances can provide a clean, almost invisible look when paired with white cabinetry.

When it comes to mechanics, a homeowner will have to spend some time deciding on whether or not that commercial grade range, six-burner cooktop and extra deep refrigerator are needed and worth the extra expense. Induction ovens are a viable cooking option offering time and energy savings.

“Appliances, a critical part of any kitchen design, have also taken on a big role in shaping and supporting our lifestyles,” says Subaran. “Modular refrigerator, induction and steam cooking have become an integral part of the conversation and education when working with homeowners on kitchen designs.”

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| January 2014

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John Eric Home 65

STYLIST MENS Welcome to 2014!

What are you wearing this year? Will it be the new trending color Radiant Orchid? Or the same old flannel that you rocked all fall? Whatever it is, I hope you wear it well. Radiant Orchid is a beautiful purple. It has undertones of pink and fuchsia. While it sounds like a girly color, it will make its way into men’s clothing in a very fashionable and wearable way. Look out for this color trend in patterns, socks, shirts, and on hats.

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STYLE

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Trends come and go but there are always sure fire ways to stay hip. Dress for your body. Nothing too baggy and not too many patterns together. A good tailor is a man’s best friend. They can make your clothes look like they were custom made for you. So, if you don’t have a tailor, run out and find the nearest on to you.

A staple everyman should have in their closet is a dark suit that fits well. If you don’t already have one, then 2014 is the time to make that happen. Beyond all the amazing sales that are happening and the great deals you can get, suits are looking sharp and fitting well right off the rack. Ready to wear for men has improved so much and that’s because men are becoming more fashionable. Even if you don’t like to admit that you enjoy seeing what’s hot for the season, it’s easy to find in any magazine, store window, or a Google search.

The next idea for 2014 is mixing patterns. This trend is getting hotter and people are really getting bold with mixing patterns.

I love seeing plaid with stripes, stripes with paisley, and tone on tone is super sexy. Just don’t go too far with the patterns, a head to toe plaid suit may look cool on the runway, but you are a sure bet to be on the worst dressed list if you wear this out in public!

Happy New Year to you, yours, and stay Fabulous!

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MIXOLOGY The Corpse Reviver #2

Clear Fortune La Dea Pianto (The Crying Goddess)

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THE CORPSE REVIVER #2 The great classic morning drink. The Corpse Reviver is a cocktail that has stood the ages as the quintessential choice for clearing a previous night’s “Fog”. Sweetness, tartness, and bitterness, layer upon each other to make this cocktail the perfect wake up for 2014. The initial jolt, hits like a lightning bolt and kick starts an overcast morning with notes of wood that traverse across the palette from the pine flavors of the gin, juniper berries and Absinthe. Warming orange, citrus, and sweetness follow next. The richness of the Cointreau is an excellent transition, adding a little comfort and ease to help balance the overall power of the cocktail. The Cointreau is followed by the semi-sweet, semi-bitter, semi-floral wine aperitif Cocchi Americano. The tonic like fortified wine not only helps to settle the stomach but also assists to clear the head, just like it was a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down. Finally, the bold and sour notes of the lemon juice come into play. The strong acidity from the citrus is the most important factor in balancing out the other flavors and it also ensures that the drink has a long and delightful finish.

It is perfect for sipping and clearing sinuses in order to perk up the New Year. Lastly, the drink comes full circle with the strong, bitter, woodsy, and warming notes of the absinthe. The Corpse Reviver #2 brings closure to 2013 and opens the door to a new 2014 and beyond.

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GLASSWARE Chilled Cocktail Glass

INGREDIENTS 1 oz. Plymouth Gin 1 oz. Cointreau 1 oz. Cocchi Americano 1 oz. Lemon Juice 1 to 3 drops of Absinthe Garnish: Cherry

DIRECTIONS Drop a few drops of absinthe into a chilled cocktail glass and set the glass aside. Combine the rest of the ingredients into a shaker and shake to a slow 13 count. Pour the absinthe out of the cocktail glass and strain the drink into the now coated glass. Garnish, serve and enjoy!

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CLEAR FORTUNE The story starts with views from the Alps. Looking down from Monte Bianco, the highest mountain in the European Union, the world stands before your eyes.

The land and everything it holds stretches out almost as far as the eye can see. At the point where land ends, the horizon takes over and showcases the sea, the sun, and stars beyond the sky, and day turns to a clear night, shimmering from the reflective the vibrancy of the world.

The world is exciting, and the bounty

seems to be endless. The Clear Fortune is a cocktail designed for the celebration of the world and fortune that waits. The drink starts with sweet flavors, orange and maraschino cherry liqueurs form a delightful and decadent foundation. Next, the Italian Aperitif Cardamaro helps to add lightness, balance and depth, lifting the potent sweetness with a little bite from the seasoning of its artichoke relatives. Floral support comes from the peach bitters, further accentuating an already exciting bouquet of flavors. To top it all off, sparkling wine, the eternal sign of a celebration, brings crispness and beauty to the cocktail. A drinker’s drink and celebrator’s centerpiece, the Clear Fortune, is imbibed for the excitement of standing on that mountaintop, overlooking the world and celebrating the clarity of the view and fortune to come.

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GLASSWARE Champagne Flute

INGREDIENTS 1 oz. Cardamaro* ¼ oz. Luxardo Triple Sec ½ oz. Luxardo Maraschino 1 Dash of Peach Bitters 4 oz. Prosseco Garnish: Rough Cut Sugar Cube

DIRECTIONS Combine Ingredients into a mixing glass. Stir 5-10 times to chill and strain into a champagne flute.

Add sugar cube for garnish and

presentation.

John Eric Home 7 *Note: if Cardamaro is too difficult to find, an available substitute aperitif such as Lillet Rose or Cocchi Americano Rossa can be used.

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LA DEA PIANTO (THE CRYING GODDESS)

In Greek mythology, the Goddess Demeter sets the seasons in motion aligned with the time spent with her daughter Persephone. Because she ate pomegranates while in the land of the dead, every year Persephone must return to the underworld and spend months away from her mother. During her mourning, Demeter covers the earth with winter while mankind waits for Persephone’s return and the future of warmer days. In North America, the harshness of January’s winter coincides with the birth of a New Year. To help survive the cold, La Dea Pianto is the perfect light and refreshing elixir to warm the bones. The Absolut Elyx is a great base. Copper pot distilled, the vodka is smooth and easy, the exact opposite of winter. The wine style reduction utilizes pomegranate and grape juice. The richness of the reduction continues the cocktail’s flavor by adding warming winter notes, essences that work next to the fireplace just as well as the start to a stirring January night out. Mineral water is added to finish the cocktail. The flavors of stone bring clean and distinct notes, reminiscent of the hard unbending winter, yet at the same time the earthy feeling of the growing season to come. In the end, every year, Demeter still sheds her tears and winter still comes. But, La Dea Pianto is the perfect way to prepare for January’s winter, and set up the New Year for success with excitement and entertainment.

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GLASSWARE Collins

INGREDIENTS 1 ½ oz. Absolut Elyx 1 oz. Wine Style reduction 1.5 oz. Mineral Water Garnish: Orange Peel

Wine Style Reduction: ½ cup Pomegranate Juice ½ cup White Grape Juice 1 Cinnamon stick ¼ cup sugar Zest of 1 lemon 2 small splashes of powdered all spice Bring to a boil, cover and set to simmer and reduce for 15-20 minutes.

DIRECTIONS Build in glass over ice. After Adding mineral water, give a quick rough stir (move the spoon up and down while stirring) or swizzle (place a bar spoon or swizzle stick in the center of the cocktail and rotate back and forth between the palms of both hands) to mix ingredients.

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MOATS

and

MONEY AND FINANCE 80

CASTLES Protecting Your Assets and Wealth PART VII

Last month, we examined various types of ownership arrangements for assets. In this month’s issue, we will discuss life insurance and the various ways it can be employed to protect your assets and replace your income. In my experience, there is a lot of confusion surrounding life insurance and the different opinions available. My goal is to explain the variations in a way that resonates with you. Please keep in mind that you should discuss your particular life insurance needs with a financial professional. His/her key role will be to help you determine how much insurance your family (or business) requires, and then which type of insurance may most appropriately address your insurance needs.

The most widely advertised type of life insurance is term life. Term life is usually set up as pure insurance protection – it usually does not build up any cash value. The rate you pay is often locked in for the term of the policy, usually between 10 and 30 years. Initially, the cost is the cheapest during the guaranteed period. An example would be a preferred (healthy) 4o-year old male nonsmoker who would obtain a 20-year $1 Million term policy and pay $865 per year for 20 years. If this person continued to pay his premiums and passed away within the 20-year term, his beneficiaries would receive the $1,000,000 as a death benefit. If the person lived past the 20th year and he determined that he still needed insurance coverage, the cost of the policy would increase to more than $10,000 that 21st year, and escalate substantially each year after. This example illustrates that past the initial term, renewing term coverage is often very cost prohibitive. If the insured man was still insurable (from a risk/health perspective) and he still desired coverage, he could apply for a new term policy at his new age of 60, but it would be substantially more expensive than when he was 40 because his life expectancy is now 20 years less. This new policy may only be a 10 year term given his age; it is difficult to find 20 year term policies after age 60.

One important feature of term insurance is that term policies are convertible to whole life or universal life (permanent coverage) for a time period without additional medical exams.

This may be ideal for younger families who cannot afford permanent coverage now but value the option to convert to permanent coverage in the future, or for people whose health status or insurance needs have changed. Some term policies also offer a disability waiver of premium option that allows you to have the insurance carrier waive your premium if you were to become disabled. In short, the ideal candidate for term life insurance is someone whose insurance need is strictly temporary, or for someone with a more limited budget. The major advantage of term insurance is that it is lower cost for the duration of the term. The major disadvantage is that less than 5% of term life insurance policies ever pay a death benefit; more than 95% of people survived the term. Here, the good news is that you lived; the bad news is that you paid for something you didn’t use.

The next category of life insurance is permanent life insurance. As the name suggests, as long as you pay your premium for the specified duration (sometimes for the rest of your life), your insurance remains in effect. Unlike term insurance, there isn’t a question of IF the policy will pay a death benefit, but WHEN. This category includes whole life, universal life, variable universal life insurance, and variations in between. Let’s delve deeper into the major types:

Whole life insurance offers policy holders a level payment feature. Depending on the policy, you can be required to pay until a certain age like 75, or for the rest of your life up until age 100. In addition to the level and predictable premiums, the most attractive feature of a whole life policy is the guaranteed cash value that it builds up over the life of the policy, which you can access while you are living. Unlike a retirement account, you do not have to wait until age 59 ½ - if the cash is there, it is yours to

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withdraw or borrow from. In addition, many whole life policies pay dividends that can be used by the policy owner to do one of several things. They can purchase more insurance to increase the death benefit, they can help offset the premium, and they can earn additional interest in the cash value portion of the policy. You can actually withdraw the dividends from the policy without borrowing them. In most states the cash value is protected from creditors (I can provide a list of creditor rules state by state, feel free to email me about that). You can also add the disability waiver of premium to a whole life policy and the insurance company will waive the premium if you become disabled.

Whole life can be used as an accumulation tool, where the cash value can be accessed in a tax-free manner if you have a cash need. You can be somewhat flexible in paying back your policy loans, but you do not want to have a heavily-loaned policy lapse, because that can result in an unfavorable tax consequence. The biggest drawback of whole life insurance is the cost – it is usually the most costly of the policies. However, if your insurance need is permanent and you desire a way to build tax-advantaged savings that aren’t limited to retirement plan thresholds and aren’t subject to the bumps of the stock market, its cash value feature may be appealing for a portion of your total wealth portfolio.

Universal life is another type of permanent coverage, but its terms for premium payment are often more flexible.

Sometimes the flexibility can be dangerous. You want to make sure that the policy can sustain any flexibility that you use it for.

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Some policies have lapsed because they became too flexible and there was no cash value remaining to pay for the policy. If closely monitored and adjusted as internal and external factors change, universal insurance can be a terrific way of obtaining permanent insurance coverage.

In summary, I recommend that you review the timeframe that you need coverage and explore the various insurance options that are available for you before you make a decision.

And be sure to consult a financial professional who can provide you the information necessary to make the best decision for you, and act as an advocate for you to the insurance company.

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 N. 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 offers an additional space to cook and entertain, while the central study with floor-to-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.

$2,825,000

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 and Washingtonian and Arlington magazines, 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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John Eric Home 87

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1839 North Herndon Arlington, Virginia

OFFERED AT $2,825,000

• 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

John Eric Home 89

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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 water front 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

John Eric Home 95

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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 Iwo Jima Memorial 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 U.S. Capitol.

Memorial Overlook is an exclusive condominium that offers the convenience of urban living plus a sophisticated life style. 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.

$1,649,000

1201 N NASH STREET, #PH 2 Arlington, Virginia

John Eric Home 97

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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 $1,649,000 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

John Eric Home 101

Getting to Baltimore on a weekend just got a little easier. After the state invested $46 million into weekend train service, for $7, you can now hop on a MARC train on the weekend. Robert Smith, who is with the Maryland Transit Administration, says it was a smart investment. A weekend train ticket to BWI Airport is $6. (WAMU) According to the Washington Post, D.C. Council member David Catania (I-At Large), who is well-known to voters after winning five straight citywide elections, has said that there was “an extraordinarily high probability” that he would challenge Gray if the mayor emerged as the Democratic nominee. (Post)

The Japanese delicacy of tora-fugu, a species of blowfish with deadly poison in its organs, recently returned to the menus at Kaz Sushi Bistro and Sushi Taro. At Kaz, chef/owner Kaz Okochi prepares a five-course fugu feast for $150 per person. A limited number of reservations for groups of two or four are available.

Meanwhile, Sushi Taro offers an 11-part fugu tasting (with nonfugu dishes thrown in) for $138 with a two-order minimum. Some fugu dishes—including sashimi, a rice porridge soup, and grilled fugu fin in hot sake—are also available a la carte. The menu is available most days of the week through February. (Y&H)

WC Smith has announced that it has finalized $87 million in financing for the Whole Foods-anchored mixed-use building at 800 New Jersey Ave. SE. The loan will be provided through Atlanta-based SunTrust Bank, with portions syndicated to still-tobe determined WC Smith “relationship banks,” the D.C. developer said. (WBJ)

“Jumbotrons” will now be allowed on commercial buildings in mixed-use districts near Metro stations. The Arlington County Board unanimously approved the measure, which would allow developers to build large media screens if approved through the site plan or use permit process. (AN) Last January, the District Department of Transportation replaced two lanes on Wisconsin Avenue in Glover Park with a painted median in turn lane to calm traffic. But due to pressure from residents and local elected officials, DDOT ended their yearlong trial and returned the street to six lanes. DDOT created the median between 35th and Garfield streets NW to draw attention to the commercial strip and give pedestrians a safer way to cross the street. (Greater Greater Washington) How did Washington Google in 2013? Mostly like everybody else, according to the search giant’s year-end “Zeitgeist” list of the most popular seaches executed by its users in DC. Just like the rest of the United States, Google’s DC users are celebrity- and event-obsessed, hooked on information about new electronic devices, and more than a little curious about twerking. After twerking, Washingtonians were most curious about ricin, hopefully a harmless credit to the finale of Breaking Bad, in which Walter White offs one of his enemies with the poisonous substance. Google users here also wanted to be educated about Obamacare, Easter, and even hummus. (Washingtonian) The super grilled cheese has arrived to the West End. Logan Circle’s Stoney’s opened its second, more modern location at 2101 L St. NW. The menu is 80-85 percent the same as the other location, including burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. Among the new items: Sriracha honey lime wings, Baja fish tacos, some additional grilled cheeses, plus steaks to appeal to the neighborhood’s business crowd. (Y&H)

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Diego Rivera Mexican painter Diego Rivera painted Vladimir Lenin into “Man at the Crossroads,” his 1930 mural commissioned for New York’s Rockefeller Center. The building’s managers banned Rivera from the mural site and his unfinished work was eventually destroyed, never to be displayed publicly. In a new exhibit, the Mexican Cultural Institute tells the mural’s story with images, documents, and letters—fragments of a mural whose detractors probably did not foresee how significant it would become. The exhibit is on view Mondays to Fridays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. to March 15, 2014, at the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, 2829 16th St. NW. Free. (Washingtonian) It’s no surprise that real estate closer to Metro stops is more valuable, but what may be surprising is for how high a price such properties can be sold. Looking at the five stations along the Orange Line’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor — which is deemed one of the hot areas for development — researchers found that properties one-twentieth of a mile from a station (264 feet) can fetch more than a 30 percent premium over those just a quarter mile away. (Washington Post)

Metro’s planners have begun suggesting that the region add ten new stations and create four “super stations” by adding capacity and connections around the two Farragut Square stations, Union Station, the Capitol South station and the Pentagon station. The 10 new stations have not been named.

But going clockwise from Rosslyn, they look something like Rosslyn II, Georgetown University, Georgetown, West End, Thomas Circle, Mount Vernon Triangle, Capitol Hill North, Navy Yard II, Waterfront II and Potomac Park. The actual locations have not been decided, but the idea is to have them built by 2040. The $26 billion figure probably will change as the planning staff refines plans and costs. (Post) Reagan National has been noted as one of the scariest airports in which to land. Pilots flying into the airport have to dodge several no-fly zones located over our nation’s capital just to land. Most of central Washington is prohibited airspace up to 18,000 feet so pilots are forced to follow the Potomac River in the “River Visual” approach, according to the FAA. While following the Potomac River pilots have to perform a 30 to 40 degree turn while close to the river to line up with the runway.

This maneuver is what has caused some to place the airport on their scariest airports lists. (The Weather Channel)

BlackSalt Fish Market & Restaurant has announced that chef Mike Huff joined the popular Palisades fixture. Huff previously cooked at the now-closed Colvin Run Tavern in Virginia and Kinkead’s in the District before heading to Naples for three years while his wife was stationed there. During his time in Italy, he cooked at Pizzeria Da Gennaro while perfecting his fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizza and seafood techniques. (Zagat) A CBS News investigation has found animal care issues at the National Zoo. “Two newly acquired hornbill birds ... were kept in an indoor shack for seven months because their exhibit yard wasn’t ready. Only after a volunteer complained were the birds allowed in an outdoor space. But the wallaby that had to share its yard with these new arrivals became frightened, according to sources, bloodied its nose and spent much of its time frightened and hiding.” Zoo spokesperson says animals are well cared for, some recommendations made by a task force are already being implemented. (CBS News) The Food and Drug Administration will take up about 60 percent of the new Nuclear Regulatory Commission building next to the White Flint Metro station in what could put an end to the controversy among those in Congress about a large amount of wasted NRC office space in White Flint. (The Gazette)

Without debate, the D.C. Council approved a bill designed to enable Georgetown’s beloved Blues Alley jazz club to expand by exempting the updated facility from recordation, transfer and property taxes. The bill is titled “Historic Music Cultural Institutions Tax Abatement Act.” But Ward 2 member Jack Evans, the main sponsor, has openly stated that it’s aimed directly at helping Blues Alley survive in an increasingly competitive music venue environment. (Georgetown Dish)

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TRAVEL TECH

TECH

Ingenious Gadgets for on the Go

As the New Year unfurls, many of us head to warmer climates or to winter hot spots for adventures in snow and ice. Whatever your pleasure or point of destination, there are some great technology gadgets to help make your travels easier, more interesting and even a little more fun.

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TRAVELING SAFE In the December issue of John Eric Home (pg 94-96), we shared some suggestions for tech products that help keep your passport and credit card information safe from traveling hackers. If you missed it, check out the details about how criminals are getting crafty about trying to snag your personal data using wireless hacking devices from chips embedded in your personal security and financial materials.

TAG THAT BAG “I’m sorry but we haven’t been able to locate your bag is, ”perhaps one of the most feared statements a traveler can hear.

However, with recent innovations, digital solutions are rapidly advancing to remove this traveler fear-factor. Qantas Airlines has had a digital bag tag system in place since 2011 as part of its pioneering Next Generation Check-In Program. This past summer, Airbus announced a new prototype called the Bag2Go. And in November, British Airlines began testing its new Digital Bag Tag and check-in system it created in partnership with Microsoft that uses NFC equipped Windows Phone devices. This permanent digital luggage tag has the potential to eliminate the need for adhesive bag tickets across the airline industry if adopted widely.

Meanwhile, travelers have some of their own options for taking bag tracking into their own hands – literally – with devices that connect to smart phones and tablets. A popular option that offers real-time GPS tracking of your bag (or whatever other item you’d like to monitor from thousands of miles away) and updates on any of its movement is the BlueTrack Prime 1300 (available in UK for £85 plus service subscription), which includes about 10 hours of battery life. Other options include TrackDot ($79.99 includes one-year subscription, $12.99 annual subscription after that) and Wallet TrackR ($29.99 with no service required) that can

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be used for your luggage, wallet or keys and runs on a battery that lasts up to two years. Of course, leave it to Swiss Army to be on the cutting edge. Many of the company’s Victorinox Travel Gear bags come with a free Swiss Tracker™ Bag Tracking Program, which helps reconnect you with lost luggage. Each bag features a unique tracking ID number and owners can use a 24–hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year number to call collect from anywhere in the world. However, the system still somewhat relies on human intervention. If someone finds your lost Victorinox Travel Gear bag, they call the customer service representative at the phone number provided and using the unique ID number, the company works with them to reunite you with your bag.

Once discovered, Victorinox will notify you, arrange pickup and then coordinate delivery of the bag to your desired location – at no cost to you.

STAYING IN CHARGE In this ever-connected world, the last thing you need to do while traveling is run out of battery power. Keeping smart phones, tablets and your assortment of other devices amped up is key no matter what your destination. Packing a charger or two – including your car charger if you’re renting – is helpful in avoiding unnecessary costs. Of course, most airports now have tech shops or travel tech products in a section of the gift shops to replace these items if needed. If you haven’t updated your travel chargers in a while it’s worth considering a tech upgrade before your next excursion. If you’re traveling overseas, for example, the iBattz Mojo Slim Universal Travel Adapter ($30) is three fold-up adapters that come in a set that is lightweight and as compact as a deck of cards. The best part is each adapter let’s you charge two devices at once, by featuring both a standard port and a high-speed USB. It works in more than 150 countries, except a couple important ones such as India and South Africa.

KEEPING THE KIDS BUSY If you’re traveling with kids, having some games and activities for them to focus on during long trips or in case you need to preoccupy them during long delays. One of the hottest new items for kids is Nabi Jr ($99), a durable tablet that comes pre-loaded with tons of content that is more focused on fun learning than mindless programming. Similar to your own devices, its super fast, and comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and a high-resolution touch screen, Android apps, expandable memory and a rechargeable battery. It’s Drop-Safe bumper helps keep it working amidst rough handling, something that’s a given with kids. Also, with a built-in camera and video camera, it’s loaded with safety features to ensure kids are protected and parents remain in control of content. There are different versions for various age ranges, and special editions from Disney, Nickelodeon ($139) and more in case your child would prefer activities built around favorite characters.

INTERNATIONAL CES UPDATES Look for February coverage of highlights from the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Top left image courtesty of wired.com Middle left image courtesty of thenextweb.com Bottom left image courtesty of trakdot.com Top right image courtesty of ibattz.com

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California’s Paso Robles: A Worthy Wine Region Finds Its Moment Back in 1990, there were fewer than 20 wineries in Paso Robles.

Today the area is going through a metamorphosis and has nearly 170 wineries, producing wines with elegance, finesse, complexity and flavor concentration. Since the film “Sideways” let the cat out of the bag, this Central Coast region has taken off. For filmgoers with an appreciation for fine wines, it was a revelation. The movie, featuring two friends on a soul-searching wine-tasting tour, was set further south, but its gorgeous scenery invited a closer look at the whole area, and these days the Central Coast’s big news is Paso Robles.

For a taste of the innovation of Paso Robles, look no further than the handcrafted masterpieces of Edgar Torres. No surprise really, as Edgar started his journey surrounded by amazing wines as a waiter at the famous Villa Creek Restaurant and developed from cellar rat to winemaker under the tutelage of McPrice Myers and Russell From, two outstanding winemakers in their own rite. What Edgar pours into every vintage is his love of the art and of the land culminating in a passion for and commitment to small production and natural winemaking. Sourcing the same grapes as Meyers and From, Bodegas de Edgar’s wines undergo natural fermentation (no yeast added), where the natural heat of Paso Robles and the yeast within the grape skin initiate fermentation, allowing the varietal and vineyard to pronounce themselves from nose to finish. As with most masterpieces, they’re few in number and hard to come by. Bodega de Edgar lots are small and purposely so, focusing on quality over quantity. For the 2010 Tempranillo, only 200 cases were produced.

Another winemaker to watch is Jeff Cohn of JC Cellars, an urban, artisan winery, which gets its grapes from Paso’s finest vineyards. JC crafts exceptional single vineyard wines, known for bold California fruit, but with the sophistication and complexity of great French wines. Cohn is celebrated for Rhône style wines, and hailed as on one of the masters of zinfandel. What we love about Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel is the mix of old vine bramble, with blackberry and strawberry notes and hints of white black pepper that wind their way through the aromatics and the palate.

Less than 30 miles south of Paso Robles is the Foxen Winery, making wines along the Foxen Canyon Wine trail, which features dozens of wineries along the long and scenic roadway from Los Olmos to Santa Maria. Bill Wathen and Dick Dore have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen. Their first Pinot Noir came in 1989. They create very small production, full-throttle, rich Pinot Noirs. As Foxen’s most fruit-forward Pinot Noir, the Santa Maria Valley Pinot displays the bright red fruit of cherries and strawberries, with notes of cinnamon and clove, a velvety texture and a long lingering finish.

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BODEGAS DE EDGAR PASO ROBLES TEMPRANILLO A nicely soft, gentle red wine starring upfront flavors of cherries, red licorice, bacon, cola and peppery spices, folded into a silky texture.

JC DUSI VINEYARD ZINFANDEL Big and burly, with ripe blueberry and licorice aromas, revealing a dense backbone of tannins and acidity supporting the concentrated boysenberry, mineral and white pepper flavors.

FOXEN SANTA MARIA VALLEY PINOT NOIR - Spicy red fruit and floral scents are complemented by notes of Asian spices and musky herbs. A sweet vanilla note comes up with air and gives depth to sappy raspberry and rose pastille flavors.

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STYLIST WOMEN Pantone Picks the 2014 Trending Color‌..Radiant Orchid.

Does anyone know what that is? With a quick Google search you will know more than you need to about this very beautiful color. It’s a purple with undertones of pink and fuchsia. So what does this mean for you the consumer, the fashionista, the woman on the go? It means you will have some amazing options for clothing, nails, shoes, and accessories sporting this color. This lovely purple color is set to encourage springs arrival faster than the April showers.

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ORC

CHID

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A few tips when purchasing items in Radiant Orchid. First thing is no head to toe purple. This color is great on a lot of skin tones, but too much of it is not good on anyone. If you buy a dress make sure that the dress in this color is your statement.

Your accessories, shoes, and bag should complement it. A great way to do this is neutrals and softer colors.

Next, go crazy with accessories. This color will pop on any outfit. You will find it in many shades, depths, and textures so don’t be afraid to play with the color. We are seeing a lot of necklaces that are bold and dreamy, dripping in shades of purple. Shoes are another big hit and an easy way to rock this color. If you are a shoe addict, and come on, not many of us aren’t, then you will have a great selection of styles and tones to blow everyone away with.

Hair accessories are showing up everywhere with Radiant Orchid. This is a fun way to change up your everyday look and wear the hottest trend of 2014. Using clips, ponytail holders, headbands, and wearing a hat is a sure way to make a statement and stay current with the trends. Go on and experiment with it, you will have fun and uncover something radiant about you!

I hope you are getting as excited about spring as I am. It’s time for renewal; it’s time for change, and its time you bring out that true fashionista hiding inside of you. Stay beautiful and happy shopping to you!

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