Country Magazine, December/January 2023

AskConnie

What is the best way to prepare my home to sell?

There are many ways to prepare your home; I set myself apart by providing concierge level service, so the seller feels confident before their home even hits the “prime time”. I offer 2 services up front: First, a pre-listing inspection, so my sellers can see what things need attention in their home. Second, my stager goes through the home room by room and prepares a comprehensive staging consultation for my sellers and I to review.

How is the rise in interest rates affecting the housing market?

As rates go up the buyer must adjust their price point. That may mean they have to look at homes in a different price range or with different locations/amenities. I suggest getting creative with an experienced lender to learn how to bring down your rate.

How important is it to have good photography for my home?

How long before I need to move out should I begin the listing process?

Our team will be as proactive as you want us to be. I would advise to give as much time as you possibly can. If you know that you have a summer timeline to move then I would say give yourself at least 6 months to prepare your home with staging, inspection, photography, videography, etc. We always customize the plan to meet the needs of your family.

It is IMPERATIVE! You only have one opportunity to make a great first impression. When the professional photos are taken of your home to put on the listing in the MLS that is the first thing a potential buyer sees. If the photos are blurry or out-of-focus it can detract them from looking further or wanting to tour your home. My photographer uses HDR to overlay photos to give a crisp image, this sets your home apart from the competition. What is HDR? A specific style of photo with an unusually high dynamic range that couldn’t otherwise be achieved in a single photograph. I challenge you to go online and find my listings to see the high-quality photos I provide. If you would like to discuss your unique real estate needs confidentially, you may call or text me at +1 847.508.7775 or email connie.antoniou@sothebysrealty.com. Affiliated with Mahler Sotheby’s in Lake Geneva, WI.

Connie

the architect

Siblings Wallace and Julie enjoy a favorite winter tradition in their front yard, where they take on the challenge of building the neighborhood’s best snowman.

What do you love most about your home? Share with us on Instagram.

BECOME A

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Dr. Rekha Rajan

Under the leadership of President and CEO Greg Cameron and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, The Joffrey Ballet welcomes nine new dancers and prepares for what might be its most exciting season

ON THE COVER

Dr. Rekha Rajan wearing Balmain houndstooth knit double breasted dress, neimanmarcus. com. Photography by Lisa Sciascia, Hair and Makeup by Cathleen Healy, Styling by Theresa DeMaria

ON THIS PAGE

Country vs. Town’s Ashley Garofalo wearing Veronica Beard red wool double breasted blazer with gold bottoms, tan corduroy wide bottom pant neimanmarcus. com, and her daughter, Ella, on her pony, Delta. Photography by Lisa Sciascia, Hair and Makeup by Cathleen Healy, Styling by Theresa DeMaria

Founder

Contributing

J.W. CONATSER MEGAN WEISBERG MICHELLE CROWE, DUSTIN O’REGAN THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON DUNCAN, THOMAS CONNORS, ROCHELLE NEWMAN RUBINOFF, CATE MARIE SHELLENBACK, PETER WREN

MORGAN HOGERTY

LINDA LEWIS CHRIS GEIMER

SAM SUAREZ

MARIA PONCE BERRE, NICK FOCHTMAN, LISA SCIASIA

ROBERT RISKO

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADVERTISING@JWCMEDIA.COM / 847.926.0957

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES: MEGAN.WEISBERG@JWCMEDIA.COM / 847.370.5840

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Personalized instruction on the best equipment for your best body. 847-602-8001 / www.pilatesstudio6.com / Chris Girard, Owner and Certified Instructor

2021 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. The Sotheby’s International Realty trademark is licensed and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice.

As we begin to think about meaningful gifts for those in our lives, it’s also a time when so many of us reflect on how we can also give back to our greater community. In this issue’s Buzz section, we highlight ways to give back to our community during the hol iday season and throughout the year ahead with Saint Anne Catholic Community and Let It Be Us.

Our cover star is the highly accomplished Dr. Rekha Rajan. A classically trained opera singer and musician, who holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in music education, Rajan shares with Country her latest venture—This Is Music book series published by Penguin/Random House. Read more to learn who these books are perfect for in your life this holiday gifting season and beyond.

And if like me, the holiday season means an annual trip to the Nutcracker ballet, you won’t want to miss reading the article JETÉ which introduces us to The Joffrey Ballet’s nine new dancers as it prepares for what might be its most exciting season yet.

I’m delighted to have guest fashion editor, Maggie Stepf, private client stylist for Moda Operandi share with us the best looks for a glamourous winter vacation—either here, or abroad. Her picks include looks for on the slopes, staying warm and stylish during the day, and holiday parties for the evening.

In Dinner Date, our writer retells a fantastic dining experience at the newly opened Hamptons Social in Barrington—you’re going to want to book a reservation there if you haven’t already.

I wish you and your family a very merry holiday season and a wonderful New Year.

Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com

MY WISH LIST

Starting my mornings with coffee in Unison Home’s thrown gloss creamer and mug, unisonhome.com

Facing the elements in Alanui’s Icon belted fringe quilted wool-jacquard down jacket, net-a-porter.com

Decorating my Christmas tree with Elizabeth Hayt’s flower ornament, bergdorfgoodman.com

Country Loves Eryka Accordino wearing Adam Lippes black dress, neimamarcus.com

Ashley Stark launches new home line

New Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys Expedition: A Circumnavigation Of Sicily

PONANT, the French-flagged luxury sailing travel company, is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys on a series of co-branded sailings for 2023 and 2024. Each of the itineraries will be led by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts— whether an art historian, a solar astrophysicist, or an international relations expert—whose expertise and knowledge will shed new light on a destination and deepen travelers’ immersion in place. Among the new sailings is a nine-day circumnavigation of Sicily on Le Champlain, April 14-22, 2024. Departing from Valletta, the capital of Malta, the itinerary includes visits to well-preserved Greek ruins, impressive Norman cathedrals, active volcanoes, and a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, giving travelers a sense of these country’s ancient civilizations and cultural riches. Rates start at $6,500 per person.

For more information, visit us.ponant.com.

BARRINGTON GIVES BACK

SAINT ANNE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

Saint Anne Catholic Community Church’s Project Hope ministry works to change the lives of those in crisis and need by providing food, rent, transportation, and utility assistance to those living within the Barrington area. Last year, the ministry provided assistance to nearly 25,000 peo ple. While that number represents families and individuals served multiple times month-over-month, it also characterizes Saint Anne Catholic Community’s ongo ing commitment to those in need in the Barrington community. Persons can choose to sponsor a family for the entire year To inquire, call the ministry office at 847-3815721). Throughout the year, food donations can also be dropped off at the pantry office (320 Franklin Street). For more information, visit stannebarrington.org.

LET IT BE US: TOY DRIVE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Let It Be Us is working together with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and group homes to ensure that no child goes without a present this holiday season. Collections of new toys for children of all ages will be taken at Barrington’s White House, 145 West Main Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 15 and Friday, December 16. For more infor mation on the up to date gift wish list, supplies needed and more, visit https:// letitbeus.org/event/toy-drive-for-chil dren-in-foster-care-2022/.

5TH ANNUAL HOOSIER BALL

A night of sequin-studded disco fever, the 5th Annual Hoosier Ball was pure 1970s glam. Guests pulled up to paparazzi flashes and dancers in fringe cages, sipped cocktails in a tropical paradise, and ventured to their seats at beautifully designed tables for dinner. Following a lively auction and paddle raise led by Master of Ceremonies Bill Rancic, the real party started with disco queen Gavin

David & Brittany Jelinek

Christine Griffin, Ashley DiCiurcio, Bill Rancic

Laura Aliabadi

Brian & Alexandra Singer

Turek taking the stage. No photo moment was spared at the glam stations, where make-up artists prepped guests with extra glitter before heading down to the after party at Pizzeria Portofino, presented by Ferrari Lake Forest. The evening raised more than $575K for Lyon’s Way. lyonsway.org

Paul Daniel, Gay Daniel, Isabella Rico, Paul Daniel II Colleen Noyes

Lydia Kutko, Leslie Roberts, Jennifer Brubaker Dina & Nader Elrashidy

Alexandra Singer, Victoria Noyes, Whitney Lyon

Victoria Noyes, Colleen Noyes, Jodie Barbera

Leslie Roberts

‘POWER OF THE PURSE’ RAISES FUNDS FOR EARLY EDUCATION

More than 200 Lake County women joined forces November 6 to raise funds in support of early childhood programs for local children so they are prepared for kindergarten and ready to succeed. The money was raised through Women United’s signature annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, which took place at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove. During the sold-out event attendees enjoyed a champagne brunch and

Lucy Crist, Edita Kiarie

Elizabeth Suerth, Marisa Livingston, Lori Miller, Judy Kotsiopoulos, Sandra Bankston

Jennifer Riordan, Maya Lipert

Gale Graves, Carolyn Sawyer, Mary Lynn Carver, Susie Hurvitz

Margo Greenfield, Lucy Killian

had opportunities to bid on trendy designer bags, silent auction purses, baskets, and items. In addition, attendees raised their paddles to send children to a Kindergarten Countdown Camp for incoming kindergarten students with little to no preschool experience.

For more information about Women United, visit LIVEUNITEDlakecounty.org/WU.

Melissa & Alexa Dickstein

Michelle Garibay, Cara Heiser

Anjali Goel, Bernadette Buntin

Asja Triplett, Angela Baldwin, Pearl Lawson, Sandra Bankston, Edith Newsome

The Trzaska Family

Robin O’Connor, Erin Cartwright Weinstein

For 35 years, the AACD has offered this credentialing program. Accreditation serves to set the standard for excellence in cosmetic dentistry. Achieving accredited status from the AACD requires dedication to continuing education, careful adherence to the proto col, and a resolve to produce exceptional dentistry. Over the past 35 years, thousands of dentists have attempted to complete the process but only 400 have been able to meet the standard. Of these 400, only 200 in the world still practice dentistry today.

The process begins with a written examination. If the candidate passes the written part, they can then start the clinical portion. This involves completing five different reconstructive procedures that are pre-determined by the association. Each case is photographed un der high magnification and also requires a written report. Once the documentation is complete, the case is submitted for evaluation.

WORDS

BY JAMES T. GAVRILOS

Think about the ways we select a dentist. Some will ask a friend or neighbor. Others will go online and check reviews. Some will even respond to advertising that comes in the mail. But even with all of these methods, we cannot be sure how good their work is. This is where accreditation comes in.

Imagine that your dentist’s work could be evaluated by the top dentists in the world. They would have to submit their work for evaluation and it would have to pass the highest of quality stan dards. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has a program that performs this exact type of screening.

After the clinical portions are passed, a final oral examination is conducted along with a review of all the clinical photography and reporting. Only after passing all of these steps does the dentist receive his accredited status.

When you are ready to look for a new dentist, let AACD help you. Go to aacd.com and select the “Find a Dentist” tab. You will be asked to enter your location and you will be given a list of the dentists in your area. Keep in mind that less than 1 percent of the world’s dentists are accredited so you may have to travel to get to one. This first step will be a lot more reliable in getting the quality work that you need than asking a neighbor, going through online reviews or responding to a coupon.

Dr. James T. Gavrilos is accredited with AACD. His office is located at 129 Park Avenue in Barrington. For more information, call 847-3814040 or visit barringtondentist.com.

Plan Ahead for Healthy Legs

Vein Specialists of Illinois, a locally owned, independent medical practice is a leader in non-surgical, personalized treatment of venous disorders. VSI serves your community with two convenient locations in Lake Zurich and Elgin.

Trusted professionals Dr. Sorenson and Dr. Lutz are double Board Certified, and Diplomates of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine with a combined 35+ years experience. Utilizing the most current equipment and latest techniques to treat varicose and spider veins, VSI professionals will change the way you look and feel with minimally invasive procedures.

Why accreditation matters when choosing a cosmetic dentist.

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

What actress would play you in a movie? This question is challenging! I would say Salma Hayek because we are Latinas with a similar sense of humor and family.

Who from history would you want to travel with?

Mother Theresa. She is a role model of charity, compassion, and selflessness to those in need. A quote I love from Mother Theresa is “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”

Where do you look for inspiration? Nature and my everyday surroundings, my family, my culture, my heritage, and my Catholic faith. My country of birth, Peru, has a rich history that gives me inspiration with all that I do.

Favorite book? I enjoy historical novels with a romantic theme. One I am reading now is The French House by Helen Fripp.

Most beloved cookbook? The Peru Cookbook by Chef Gaston Acurio, and my grandmother’s and mother’s recipes.

Best dinner party hack? I am a planner, so I set a schedule leading up to the event with key milestones that need to be achieved prior to and on the day of the event. What’s in your bag right now? Coach black leather wallet, floss, MAC lipstick, Neutrogena lip balm, IT matte powder, candle lighter (ready to celebrate), measur

ERYKA ACCORDINO LOVES

Gadget Party Rocker / Blowhorn (Always ready to entertain.) Scent Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Barrington spot Breakfast with friends at Southern Belle’s, lunch at Francesca’s, and dinner at Shakou. Sunday Masses at St. Anne Catholic Church, and family walks at Grassy Lake Forest Preserve in Lake Barrington. Hostess gift to receive Flowers and wine Gift to give Wine and a personalized gift

Brunello Cucinelli black blazer and burgundy top, neimanmarcus.com

Garofalo in Dress the Population, black velvet jumper with feather neckline, Sofia Cashmere cashmere fur trimmed wrap with a favorite horse, GQ, neimanmarcus.com.

COUNTRY VS. TOWN| UP

Ashley Garofalo

landed at Loyola University New Orleans obtaining her BA days before Katrina ravaged the city. Evacuating to Florida, she spent her 20’s there before meeting her husband Jim. Now she resides in Kildeer with three daughters Anna (18), Emma (14), and Ella (6), and dogs Duke and Tito. Garofalo and Ella are both passionate equestrians who love spending time with their horses at Littlewood Farm in Libertyville. When she isn’t riding or busy as a Global Group Account Director at Tracy-Locke she and her family love to sneak away back to Florida.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA SCIASCIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Mantra? Don’t be afraid to give up the good and go for the great Best grooming tip? Face care is worth the spend; it’s your face and you only get one Guilty pleasure? Defi nitely Netflix, wine, and chocolate Favorite foods? Steak and Southern comfort foods any day Music you love? Thomas Rhett, Morgan Wallen, Zac Brown Band Best advice ever given to you? Sleep on it, it will seem better in the morning Best advice you’ve given? Trust your gut, it always knows the right answer if you’re willing to listen to it Earliest memory? Picking raspberries with my mom when I was little on the farm in Asheville, North Carolina When you wake up, you? Must have coffee Before bed, you? Face care routine . . . always What’s on your bookshelf? Juicy fiction—

Kristen Hannah, Nicolas Sparks, Erin Hilderbrand You can’t live without? Family, friends, horses, and dogs Love to escape to? The barn daily and to the beach whenever we can Advice you would give to your younger self? You have plenty of time to find your match, spend the time to treasure your friendships instead

WHEN IN TOWN WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Casual—lululemon leggings are a must-have staple Can’t leave the house without? Cell phone, can anyone? Transportation? SUV Driving music? Country/pop Place to eat? Region, Coopers Hawk Shop? LUXE wearhouse, Deer Park Best thing about the country? Feeling like you have the space to breathe without the congestion of the city Worst thing about the country? Not nearly as many restaurant choices The perfect day is? Out at the barn with my daughter, then out to drinks and dinner with my husband, friends, or family

Your style is? Tall boots with a dress, and if it’s a special occasion a cocktail dress and heels Can’t leave the house without? Cell phone, can anyone? Transportation? Uber/town car Driving music? Still a country girl at heart Place to eat? Chicago Cut, Café Ba-Ba-Ree ba!, Osteria Via Stato, Quartino Shop? Nord strom Best thing about town? Restaurant and shopping choices Worst thing about town? Traffic The perfect day is? Shopping, drinks at The Drake, dinner at a fab steakhouse

Moving from place to place as a child,

Garofalo at Littlewood Farm wearing Aiden Mattox, black satin gown with lace appliqué, Bergdorf Goodman.

Zac Brown Band

1 Maison Margiela, by the fireplace candle, nordstrom.com 2 Too Faced, born this way super coverage concealer in ganache, nordstrom.com 3 Fresh, black tea firming corset cream, nordstrom.com 4 Chanel, Paris-Edimbourg body lotion, nordstrom.com 5 Kahina Giving Beauty, argan oil, net-a-porter.com 6 Diptyque, brass carousel candles, net-a-porter.com 7 Charlotte Tilbury, eyes to mesmerise-golden eclipse, net-a-porter.com 8 Clé de Peau Beauté, the cream, nordstrom.com 9 Charlotte Tilbury, light wonder youth-boosting foundation SPF 15, net-a-porter.com 10 Gucci Beauty, rouge a lèvres mat lipstick-eadie scarlet 502, net-a-porter. com 11 Dr. Dennis Gross, vitaminC lactic firm & bright serum, drdennisgross.com 12 Dr. Dennis Gross, vitaminC lactic oil-free moisturizer, drdennisgross.com 13 Hourglass, ambient lighting edit unlocked palette, net-a-porter.com 14 Patricks, night serum, nordstrom.com 15 La Mer, the treatment lotion, net-a-porter.com 16 Chantecaille, pink opal lip cristal, nordstrom.com 17 Macrene Actives, eye cream, nordstrom.com

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG

Stay Chic For The Holidays And Into The New Year

End 2022 and begin 2023 on trend with style picks from guest fashion editor Maggie Stepf, a private client advisor with Moda Operandi.

In working with clients from Barrington to Zürich, Stepf provides a personal connection to the world of fashion. Moda Operandi offers the ability to order direct from the runways each season, as well as partnering with jewelers to create one-of-a-kind bespoke items. Stepf curates ready-to-wear apparel and accessories to provide a 360-degree wardrobing experience, with in-home and virtual appointments, that is tailored to fit her clients’ style and shopping needs.

EDITED BY MAGGIE STEPF

FROM

BUNNY

HILLS TO THE BLACK RUNS…

TICK TOCK: You will always be on time for the last run of the day when wearing the Blakt Rainbow Watch with multicolor sapphires from Private Label.

SNOW BLIND: Never wanting to blend in on the slopes, I love this ski suit from luxury sportswear label Goldbergh. Both fashionable and functional, it is what the modern woman wants in her suitcase when traveling to the slopes.

1 Goldbergh, pearl down shell ski suit, modaoperandi.com 2 Bottega Veneta, ski injection googles, modaoperandi.com 3 Gia Borghini, shiny puffer ankle boots, modaoperandi.com 4 Private Label London, blakt rainbow date just watch, modaoperandi.com 5 Moncler, shearling-trimmed downdetailed wool-blend long cardigan, modaoperandi.com 6 Moncler, faux fur wool beanie, modaoperandi.com 7 Jimmy Choo, chike sock-detailed suede hiking boots, modaoperandi.com 8 Oscar de la Renta, fringed crystal-grid skirt, modaoperandi.com 9 Oscar de la Renta, fringed crystal-grid bra top, modaoperandi.com 10 Moritz Glik, amora 18k yellow gold diamond necklace, modaoperandi.com 11 Ondyn, small illimine 14K yellow gold diamond earrings, modaoperandi.com 12 Ondyn, frisee 14K gold diamond bracelet, modaoperandi.com 13 Aisha Baker, lip lock twinkle 18K white gold, diamond, and ruby ring, modaoperandi.com 14 Gianvito Rossi, metropolis PVC & patent leather sandals, modaoperandi.com 15 Carolina Herrera, embroidered turtleneck romper, modaoperandi.com 16 Judith Leiber, gravity cube crystal clutch, modaoperandi.com 17 Mindi Mond, dripping 18K white gold diamond earrings, modaoperandi.com 18 Valentino, one-stud leather sandals, modaoperandi.com 19 Bottega Veneta, knot minaudiere, modaoperandi.com 20 Christian Louboutin, so Kate 100mm ankle boots, modaoperandi.com 21 Caroline Herrera, sequin wool turtleneck sweater, modaoperandi.com 22 Carolina Herrera, sequin wool midi skirt, modaoperandi.com

FIRE & ICE: This slinky and luxurious look from Oscar de la Renta is perfect for dancing the night away. I love it with this Frisée bracelet from ONDYN. With sparkling rows that dance and hang off the wrist, the bracelet is a spectacular representation of ONDYN’s signature articulated bezel-set diamonds. Pair with ONDYN’s Illumine earrings for the perfect red carpet, holiday, or party look.

HIGH SHINE: All forms of sequin are a top evening trend for this holiday season. Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera’s turtle and matching skirt shimmer with a subtle stripe effect while balancing drama with comfort. The perfect celebratory look.

WOW FACTOR: I love the whimsy of Aisha Baker’s jewelry. She creatively translates characters and tokens from children’s fairytales into contemporary jewelry pieces made from the highest-quality metals and stones. This quirky ring showcases a bold red lip molded from white gold set with white diamonds and bright rubies.

ON THE FRINGE: One of my favorite trends of the season. The all-over fringe romper—a fun, flirty alternative to a dress for the holidays. Pair with bold, statement accessories like these rhinestone stud shoes from Valentino, and the Gravity Cube clutch from Judith Leiber.

GIFT GIVING for the Holidays and into the New Year

WORDS BY MAGGIE STEPF

For him: Barbequing hits the road with this RS Barcelona Mon Oncle Portable BBQ Grill. When closed, it resembles an elegant, vintage-style briefcase. When opened, it reveals a portable tabletop barbeque with vented sides that allow for optimal airflow. Use it at home, on the terrace, or at a picnic.

1 RS Barcelona, mon oncle portable barbeque, modaoperandi.com 2 Renzo Romagnoli, leather golf travel set, modaoperandi.com 3 Liz Marsh Designs, exclusive handmade extra large porcelain faux bois cachepot, modaoperandi.com 4 Louis Vuitton, Virgil Abloh, modaoperandi.com

5 Adina Reyter, 14K yellow gold groovy Italian chain initial + heart necklace, modaoperandi.com 6 Melissa Kaye, large lola needle 18K yellow gold diamond earrings, modaoperandi.com 7 Karma el Khalil, strata 18K yellow gold moonstone, citrine earrings, modaoperandi.com 8 Emily P. Wheeler, patchwork 18K yellow gold multi-stone bracelet, modaoperandi. com 9 Bottega Veneta, the mini jodie crystal bag, modaoperandi.com 10 Gia Borghini Snow Boots 11 Saint Laurent, loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses, modaoperandi.com 12 Valentino, roman stud small leather shoulder bag, modaoperandi.com

For her: Personalization always elevates a gift. Take for example, the Groovy Italian Chain Initial Necklace from Adina Reyter. Adding sparkle with diamonds only highlights how much she means to you.

An accessory like the pink Valentino Small Roman Stud Shoulder Bag not only provides a fun pop of color but is likely to be different from anything in her closet!

Collecting with CONFIDENCE

Learn how to approach auctions with Hindman’s Joe Stanfield and Zack Wirsum.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

AHEAD OF HINDMAN’S December Fine Art Sales, we spoke with Hindman’s Vice President and Senior Specialist of Fine Art Joe Stanfield and Director and Senior Specialist of Post-War & Contemporary Art Zack Wirsum about how to approach buying at auction and developing a collection.

Where does one start with buying at auction?

Joe Stanfield: Auction is one of the best ways to start collecting and is more fun than people might expect. I would recommend attending an auction preview and discussing the process with a specialist. We love nothing more than welcoming cli ents into the galleries after spending so much time selling virtually during the pandemic.

Zack Wirsum: Bidding at auction is quite simple and there are several dif ferent ways to do it. You can still bid live with a paddle during the sale, as many people might imagine when they think of an auction. Prior to the auction, you can also leave an absentee bid—the maximum amount that you would be willing to pay—that will be executed on your behalf by the auc tioneer during the sale. Another option is to telephone bid. One of our team members will call you and bid as your proxy in real-time. Recently, more and more of our clients bid online using Hindman’s Digital Bid Room. No matter how you choose to participate, we love to see new bidders compete for property in our sales.

How does one know which artworks will be a good investment for their collection?

JS: We rarely suggest buying artworks specifically for investment. The best collections are built from the heart with love, time, and research on the artists that form the collection. That said, if you are interest ed in buying works that you hope go up in value, it is wise to see what market trends are happening. In recent years, there has been a well-overdue amount of attention paid to female artists and artists of color in the art market which is one area we see a lot of potential for growth. For example, we were blown away by the prices achieved in September’s sale of Gertrude Abercrombie paintings from the collec tion of Laura and Gary Maurer. With the majority of works selling for well above their estimates, it was clear that this female surrealist is continuing to rapidly gain attention. As an Abercrombie collector myself, it’s been very special to see how her market has flourished.

What are the pros of buying at auction?

ZW: Auction is an incredible place to buy art. But, of course, there are

a number of venues where collectors can begin today—the choices can be overwhelming for everyone from the novice collector to the experienced one. If you are interested in buying from a gallery, deal er, or an online platform so you can have the painting immediately irrespective of an auction calendar, that is certainly understandable. Most of our clients buy from auctions, art fairs, galleries, and more. I recommend that collectors buy from both the primary and secondary markets to build a rich collection.

Can I see the artworks before purchasing? How do I preview the artworks?

JS: Yes, you can view artworks in person before purchasing assuming that the auc tion is taking place in the city where you either live or can visit. Chicago is our flag ship office, but we also hold sales in Den ver, Palm Beach, and Cincinnati. If you are interested in seeing a painting in person, you simply need to contact Hindman and we can assist you.

Tips for a new collector?

JS: Buy what you like and be confident in your own eye, but also ask for assistance. Hindman specialists are happy to chat about your goals and dreams for your col lection and welcome the opportunity to offer our expertise.

What are you looking forward to offering this December?

JS: I am particularly excited about two works we have by Doris Emrick Lee, a re nowned American figurative painter and printmaker, that will be included in our December 7 American & European Art auction. The Art Institute of Chicago has one of her best paintings in its collection which I have always loved. To top it off, we also had a large consignment of paintings by Lee in the very first sale I worked at Hindman in 2006 so I am somewhat nostalgic about her as well. ZW: The December 14 Post War & Contemporary Art auction will feature a plethora of compelling works. I’m eager to see how a number of charming Abercrombie works will perform, and we also have out standing works by Sam Francis, Joan Snyder, and Alexander Calder to name just a few.

Hindman will present five Fine Art sales this December beginning with two photography sales on December 6: Eugène Atget Photographs Sold by the Museum of Fine Arts Houston; and Photographs. The following day on December 7, Hindman will present its American & European Art auc tion. The Post-War & Contemporary Art and Prints & Multiples auctions will take place the next week on December 14 and 15, respectively. For more information, visit hindmanauctions.com.

Artworks to be offered in Hindman’s December 2022 Fine Art auctions

THE LIMITATIONS OF DIVORCE LAW

Strategic Divorce attorney Michone J. Riewer explains the realities of divorce law and the importance of client mindset.

WORDS BY MICHONE J. RIEWER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

When most people enter a divorce attorney’s office, they experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel broken, violated, lied to, betrayed, abused, or mistreated. They may feel embarrassed that they were unable to make their marriage work. They may also feel completely numb to the process or might even feel relieved.

All of these feelings are valid and perfectly normal, but they can also be incredibly destructive. Hurt feelings often cloud judgment, leading to unrealistic goals from the divorce grounded, not in a desire to win, but to make sure their spouse loses. We often ask clients to consider what would have to occur so that when we meet in a year, they could be happy with the outcome and their situation. A large number of clients respond with, “I want my spouse to burn in hell.” That is not realistic. No attorney can achieve that goal.

Somebody may feel they are entitled to more than an even split. They may even be right. Unfortunately, the courts don’t recognize this desire. Courts aren’t interested in why you believe you deserve more assets or money. Courts don’t care how or why the marriage is ending, and it doesn’t matter to the legal system how hurt your feelings may be.

The judges care about one thing—upholding the law.

Many people believe there is a great deal of wiggle room in the legal system or that hiring a more aggressive lawyer and fighting for years will result in a better outcome. This is usually not true. When it comes time for the judge to sign off on an agreement or rule after a trial, these decisions are typically determined by a formula. Child support is determined by a formula. Spousal support or maintenance is determined by a formula.

A good lawyer will help you understand your rights and represent your best interests so that you don’t make decisions that will nega tively impact those formulas. But a good lawyer won’t promise you something that isn’t attainable or encourage you to fight your spouse to gain a split of assets that a judge would never agree to.

Contentious divorces happen when parties allow their hurt feelings or anger to get in the way of rational decision making. Some lawyers will take advantage of these destructive mindsets. Acrimony is their business plan. When a client comes to them saying they want 70 per cent of the marital assets, the attorney doesn’t explain why that is an unlikely outcome. Instead, the attorney encourages their client to fight for 75 percent. The attorney knows the law and knows no judge would award that division of assets. The attorney also knows that the longer the divorce drags on

the more money that attorney will collect in legal fees. Encourag ing acrimony has a clear benefit for the attorney and a clear drawback for the client.

Choosing the right attorney is very important. Having the right mindset going into a divorce is equally important. Spending thou sands of dollars fighting over a piece of kitchen equipment does not result in a win for anyone but the divorce lawyer. At the beginning of the divorce, we provide each of our clients with the name of a therapist so that they have someone to help them with their mindset. Throughout the divorce, we provide solid counsel to our clients so that they have an opportunity to understand the likely outcome and then reach that outcome more quickly and with less acrimony. This approach provides our clients with more assets to divide in the long run and fewer legal bills.

Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

Michone J. Riewer

DR. PETER TROYAN

DR. AGNES KUCHARSKA

DR. EWELINA SZYLKOWSKA

Striking The Right Chord

Dr. Rekha S. Rajan Brings Music To Children Everywhere

WORDS BY ROCHELLE NEWMAN RUBINOFF / PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA SCIASCIA STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY

Dr. Rekha S. Rajan has devoted her personal and professional life to creating and sharing music in nearly every way imaginable. Now this classically trained opera singer, musician, author, and arts educator, is inviting children to express themselves through the magic of music.

Rajan holds both a doctorate and a master’s degree in music education from Columbia University, a master’s degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Roosevelt University. She has performed as a professional opera singer and musician, taught in higher education, and worked and conducted extensive research in early childhood education.

Rajan’s latest venture is the much anticipated This Is Music series published by Penguin/Random House. These four beautifully illustrated board books, focusing on drums, horns, strings, and voice encourage young

children to be creative, to express themselves, to feel confident, and mostly to see, hear, and feel the music that exists all around us every day.

“I think as a musician myself and having studied music for over 25 years and taught music, there’s a misconception that taking music lessons and studying music is very expensive,” Rajan says. “We really wanted to show young families and children that music is all around them. A tabletop could be a drum, your own belly could be a drum. That’s what this series is trying to teach and what I’ve been trying to teach my whole career.”

Rajan lives in Barrington with her husband and three children, ages 9, 11, and 13. Of course, they all play instruments together! “When you really sit and observe toddlers and preschoolers, they will spontaneously make music and create rhythms and engage with their environment musically. I wanted to tap into that and take a very intentional approach. It’s not just the piano and guitar that have strings, there are stringed instruments all

Dr. Rajan wearing Cinq a Sept white sequin blazer and winter white wool trousers, AS by DF vegan leather strapless top, neimanmarcus.com

around the world. And, a unique feature of the series is that the back of each book has an instrument for the child to play.”

Tania Yakunova is the talented illustrator who has brought these books to life. “She is wonderful,” Rajan says. “She’s from Ukraine and has won multiple awards for her art. The books are just so vibrant and depict children of different colors and different body types—very inclusive and welcoming. “

Another children’s book Rajan recently had published is entitled Amazing Landmarks (Scholastic). It is a fully illustrated collection of ten iconic landmarks and includes interactive stories, prompting readers to understand the history behind each one.

Rajan also recently completed The Read Aloud Factor: How to Create the Habit That Boosts Your Baby’s Brain (Chicago Review Press). Published this fall, it is a unique new parenting book that has already received a starred review in Library Journal and Booklist. The book is broken up into sections that talk about how reading aloud and music support children’s brain development, their social emotional learning,

to

young families

and language acquisition.

Rajan has many appearances scheduled where she will not only read from her books but also bring instruments that children can try out and play and explore. In fact, Rajan has an entire room in her home filled with over 100 musical instruments she has collected from all over the world.

It’s clear that Rajan is truly passionate about music and the importance of introducing it to children at a young age. “We’re exploratory when we have young children at home and we’re trying to have them have as many experiences as possible. It’s so important to introduce music at a young age because once we enter school, the natural ability to take risks and be creative, to want to express themselves in front of their peers greatly shifts.”

Rajan’s passion and enthusiasm for improving the literary and musical lives of children is truly contagious. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or playing an instrument, Rajan emphasizes that the social and emotional benefits of music are enormous. How fortunate are we to be able to bang on our own belly drums and take advantage of her knowledge, talent, and expertise, located right in our own backyard.

Let the music begin!

For information about Dr. Rajan’s upcoming appearances please visit her website at: RekhaSRajan.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram @ RekhaSRajan.

“But we really wanted

show

and young children that music is all around them.”

Say hello to a Forbes -recognized financial advisor

Hunter Hamilton is among the 2022 Next-Gen Best-in-State Wealth Advisors by Forbes and SHOOK Research, a list of only 1,000 advisors nationwide. Stop by and say hello and congratulations for this achievement and for making a difference for his clients, colleagues and community.

Hunter Hamilton, CFP®, ChFC®, AAMS® Edward Jones Financial Advisor

1518 E. Hintz Road Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (847) 222-8021 Hunter.Hamilton@edwardjones.com

Source: Forbes.com, announced 8/3/2022; SHOOK Research data as of 3/31/2022. TAL-13513A-A-AD

James T. Gavrilos DDS

ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY

The only accredited cosmetic dentist in Barrington, Dr. James Gavrilos also has advanced training in complex restorative dentistry. Call to schedule a complementary cosmetic consultation today with the ONLY accredited cosmetic dentist in the area!

129 Park Ave Barrington, IL 60010 847-381-4040 www.barringtondentist.com

Jeté

Under the leadership of President and CEO Greg Cameron and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE , The Joffrey Ballet welcomes nine new dancers and prepares for what might be its most exciting season yet.

WORDS BY ALLISON DUNCAN/PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK FOCHTMAN OF NICOHALS JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA/HAIR & MAKEUP BY LONI HALE

One of the most prestigious dance companies in the world, The Joffrey Ballet has a reputation for boundary-breaking performances with a mix of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. That stellar reputation has been shaped by Greg Cameron, who has been leading The Joffrey Ballet as president and CEO since 2013, and Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director.

“Over the last several years, the Joffrey has striven to curate performances that speak to our ambitions, provide a voice to rising choreographic talent, and reach audiences everywhere,” says Wheater.

This season, the Joffrey adds nine new dancers to the company—Davide Oldano, Coco Alvarez-Mena, Wictor Hugo Pedroso, Natali Taht, Zach Manske, Nae Kojima, Basia Rhoden, Sergei Osminkin, and Annabelle de la Nuez— who hail from across the globe. Think everywhere from Miami, Florida and St. Paul, Minnesota to Tallinn, Estonia and Turin, Italy.

“I select artists who possess both strong technique as well as a depth of artistry,” says Wheater. “They also demonstrate a versatility that is key to taking on our unique and diverse repertoire and to evolving as an artist.”

Cameron elaborates, “These individuals bring many differ ent backgrounds and experiences, talents, and personalities. Ashley is exceptional at recognizing talented and emerging dancers who embody the exceptional level of creativity that makes the Joffrey unique. Our Board chair, Anne Kaplan, is also deeply committed to their growth onstage and off; part of our overall vision to give every Joffrey artist the tools to be exceptional artistic and cultural ambassadors.”

The dancers will help The Joffrey Ballet kick off its second season at the Lyric Opera House with live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck. “Our partnership with Lyric Opera has created a perfect situation as far as presenting transformative and powerful dance,” says Cameron.

The 2022-23 season—the Joffrey’s 67th—features inspiring new commissions from artists like Chanel DaSilva, Cathy Marston, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa as well as classics like Suite Saint- Saëns from the Joffrey’s own Gerald Arpino, paired with back-to-back grand story ballets—Anna Karenina and The Little Mermaid—by two giants of the art form in Yuri Possokhov and John Neumeier.

Neumeier’s haunting interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairytale The Little Mermaid—with an original score by Lera Auerbach—is soon to be the largest production ever mounted by the Joffrey and will premiere

Annabelle de la Nuez, Davide Oldano, Sergei Osminkin, Basia Rhoden

Coco Alvarez-Mena, Sergei Osminkin, Annabelle de la Nuez

Front row:  Basia Rhoden, Annabelle de la Nuez

Back row: Davide Oldano, Nae Kojima, Zach Manske, Sergei Osminkin, Coco Alvarez-Mena, Wictor Hugo Pedroso, Natali That

in April 2023. It’ll follow the tormented mermaid heroine on a journey between the divergent worlds of land and sea—one utterly complex, the other magnificently serene.

“This isn’t the Disney animated film version of The Little Mermaid but instead a sophisticated take on the fable,” says Wheater. “The sets and costumes are of the grandest scale. It demands the highest level of artistry from the dancers and is technically demanding. The company is more ready than ever to take on this exciting challenge.”

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Joffrey has persevered through countless obstacles, learning to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty with a renewed focus on what the Joffrey does best: presenting world-class dance to the city it calls home and providing dance education to students everywhere.

In the next five years, Cameron says the Joffrey will continue to focus on its strategic initiative and a rebrand of its educational programming “Joffrey for All,” envisioning a three-tiered approach for a holistic Joffrey education, including exposure to dance through Joffrey Community Engagement, scholarships, and training at the Joffrey Academy of Dance. The Joffrey has every intention of leading from the front, bringing new ideas about what dance and dance education can be to a growing generation of artists looking to make an impact. New dancers Oldano and Kojima were promoted from the Joffrey Studio Company, a professional training program within the Joffrey Academy that is described as the “penultimate step to becoming a professional dancer.”

“I truly believe community makes us stronger,” says Cameron. “A foundational principle of our founder Robert Joffrey was that dance was for everyone. Our ‘Joffrey for All’ programming is a reflection of that principle and also the core of the Joffrey’s mission to make dance accessible and relatable. It’s about collaboration, partnership with the community, honoring and supporting artists, and telling

stories that truly move people.”

When Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded The Joffrey Ballet in 1956, they must have known that spotlighting rising choreographers and emerging talent would be vital to the longevity of ballet. As Robert Joffrey once said, “Classical ballet is our core, but it is not our circumference.” That’s something Wheater inherently understands, too.

Wheater, in partnership with Raymond Rodriguez, Abbott Academy Director of the Joffrey Academy of Dance, helped bring the Joffrey’s ballet for young audiences Rita Finds Home to fruition this summer with an all-woman creative team made up of choreographer Amy Hall Garner, author Karla Estela Rivera, and illustrator Elisa Chavarri.

The collaborative project between the Joffrey and Miami City Ballet made its debut at the Navy Pier Lake Stage in July and will be remounted again next summer with performances around the city.

“Our art form must constantly evolve to remain relevant and have a place in this ever-changing world,” says Wheater. “Performing the classics and simultaneously bringing in rising choreographers to set work on our company is what shapes the type of artists that have always made up the Joffrey—those who can perform a technically demanding ballet like Don Quixote and then turn around and perform a much more contemporary work. Nurturing and embracing this breadth of repertoire is so important. I am always exploring the limitless language of dance.”

And there’s no better place for exploration than Chicago.

“This city has an incredible capacity to embrace art at every level, from ballet and opera to classical music and contemporary art and theater,” says Wheater. “I find that incredibly inspiring.”

For more information, visit joffery.org.

It’s about you.

3 things you should know this month in 60010

Celebrate and share Barrington’s light shines extra bright during the holidays. There’s something magical about the way our little town brings family and friends together this time of year. It’s also a time when many families fall in love with Barrington and make the decision to put down roots here. If someone you know is thinking about buying a home in 60010, they need a Realtor whose passion for living here shines through. Let me help!

The spring market starts now The old saying that the spring market starts after the Super Bowl is a thing of the past. If you’re thinking about selling next year, now is the time to get a plan in place. We can make a list and check it twice!

Know your options Yes, rates are up since this time last year, but innovative financing options like temporary rate buy-downs are helping homebuyers maintain their leverage and buying power. I can connect you with my network of mortgage professionals who share my passion for providing a concierge level of service. Call me to learn more!

In an industry where many of the players look, sound and act the same, Kate has built her business by daring to be different.

Kate Fanselow | Realtor 773.621.4597 kate@jamesonsir.com 303 E. Main Street, Suite 102 Barrington, IL 60010

A Québec City building. Photography by Francis Fontaine

Grenache the Great

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS

Southern France

“Let me show you the top of my world.” It is a fine, late summer day and vintner Frédérique Vaquer, a woman with a smile so radiant one can’t help but beam in return, leads me to a vine-covered hilltop in Roussillon, the Spain-hugging region in Southern France that was once part of Catalonia (and remains in its essence, Catalan). Once there, with the peak of Canigou in the Pyrénées-Orientales rising in one direction and the Mediterranean Sea grounding the far horizon in the other, one can’t help feeling a soupçon of envy. Of course, making wine doesn’t allow much time for taking in the view. Vaquer must be ever mindful of what is happening in the field and attentively exacting in the winery. And like many of her peers here and across the border in Catalonia

and Aragon, grenache—or garnacha in Spanish—is a grape around which much of her work revolves.

For most consumers, grenache is not as recognizable as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay, or sauvignon blanc. But then, merlot was generally unknown to the average American wine drinker until the late 1990s, when this stalwart of Bordeaux was produced in either 100 percent bottlings or blends in which its leading role was clear on the label.

Grenache, one of the three primary grapes used in blending Côtes du Rhône wines (along with syrah and mourvèdre) and the primary varietal in such marquee players as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat, shines in myriad wines in myriad ways. It can serve as an engaging aperitif, stand as a stellar accompaniment to a proper repast of lamb or duck, and in its richly varied sweeter incarnations, round out an evening as a partner to the cheese course or dessert.

A tough vine, able to endure searing heat, drought, and wicked winds, it survives in schist, clay, granite, and limestone and is longlived, with plants as old as a century still bearing fruit. The berry— which ripens late and not in abundance—can be purple, pale red, or green, and the wines produced can be red, white, or rosé. What’s more, the grape stars in a variety of vins doux naturels, fortified sweet wines that range in color from a hue just a step beyond apple juice to deep honey to an almost coppery cast. Aromas and flavor notes are all over, from fresh red fruit to jam, coffee, caramel, and nuts.

Grenache grapes

The region’s treasure

While hand-harvesting is still the rule, especially where the vines are cultivated as bushes rather than trellised, a shortage of workers and an increasingly erratic picking season (thanks to climate change) make keeping a crew at the ready difficult, so growers are turning increasingly to mechanized harvesting. On the flip side, Roussillon leads the French wine industry when it comes to avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with hundreds of growers and over 6,000 acres devoted to organic viticulture. An early adaptor is Maison Cazes. Founded in 1895, the estate—situated at the foot of the Corbières foothills in the Agly Valley—converted to an organic and biodynamic program in 1997. The grape that rules this neck of the woods is sweet, fruity (think cherry and strawberry), and not too tannic. Medium-bodied with approachable acidity, it can express a peppery personality and when grown near scrubland, offer hints of rosemary and other herbs. Depending on the plot and the winemaker, the wine can be tasty but unassertive or, if not out-and-out robust, distinctively full and well-rounded, such as the Narassa 2020 from Domaine Lafage, made from the fruit of 60-year-old grenache vines blended with syrah. Another full-bodied choice would be Grenache Rhapsody 2019, from vigneron Séverine Bourrier at Chateau de l’Ou, packs a powerful blackberry nose and a satisfyingly silky mouthfeel.

Although long assumed to have originated in Sardinia, research now suggests that grenache first appeared in the Spanish region of Aragon. It is well-represented in the region today, with any number of producers doing their best to honor the true expression of the grape. Comprising three wineries and 700 growers, Bodegas Aragonesas is located in the Ebro River Valley, not far from the Monastery of Veruela, where Cistercian monks cultivated grenache in the 12th century. The Aragonesas portfolio features a number of grenache-driven bottles. Those made from 100 percent of the

varietal include the bright, fruit-forward Argus Organic and Garna cha Centenaria, a sturdily structured, extremely food-friendly wine crafted from hand-harvested grapes hanging on vines as much as 100 years old that grow on extremely arid, slate slopes.

Located about 29 miles from Aragon’s capital, Zaragoza, the Carinena district is one of the oldest officially recognized wine-making regions in Spain. Here, Grandes Vinos—a cooperative comprising hundreds of growers—produces a variety of wines from a variety of grapes, including the local carinena, tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, and muscatel. When it comes to grenache, standouts include the 2019 Anayón, with its cranberry nose and pleasing balance of barely-there sweetness and soft tannins, and the 2017 Monasterio made from 40-year-old vines and shot through with subtle herbaceous and spicy notes.

Although red wines rule this time of year, when warm weather rolls around again, producers in France and Spain both offer welcome relief from the sauvignon blanc/pinot gris rut. Saint-Roch Old Vines Rosé—a combo of grenache and syrah—presents an enticingly delicate strawberry nose and is surprisingly structured for such a simple wine. Made of 100 percent grenache, the deeply-hued Coto de Hayas Rosado 2021 from Bodegas Aragonesas is another easy-going quaff with real flair, crisp, and slightly candy-like, but in a good way. For a straight-up white with good mineralogy and a touch of oak, Chateau de L’Ou’s Secret de Schistes strikes an elegant note. But it’s a long way before we break out the grill and open the pool. Until then, a little of Frédérique Vaquer’s all-grenache Exigence will do just fine.

For more information visit, domaine-vaquer.com, cazes-rivesaltes.com, domaine-lafage.com, chateau-de-lou.com/fr/, bodegasaragonesas.com, and grandesvinos.com/en/.

The snow-capped peak of Canigou is visible in the wine region

Wine in production

Monasterio de las Vinas

Shore Thing

The sprawling yet chic The Hampton Social in South Barrington channels the surf and sunlight of a day spent at one rather ritzy beach club.

WORDS BY PETER WREN / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE HAMPTON SOCIAL

From the jump, there are two things that help explain the downright meteoric success being enjoyed by the Hampton Social Club.

Fact No 1: Virtually every white-washed, beachy-tone, nautical-themed element that’s rocketed the concept to the top of the Instagram charts stems from the bougie-chic imagination of Brad Parker, the CEO and founder of Parker Hospitality.

Fact No. 2: Parker, who grew up in Deerfield, is one of six. The score sheet, back at the Parker home when he was a kid, once read: Brad: 1—Sisters: 5. Challenging at times?

Glazed Salmon

Grilled Octopus

Honey

Maybe. But young Brad received a free education—from no less than five different sisters—on what women really want when they hit the town out to sip and sup.

Early in his career, Parker didn’t exactly lean into that advice. His inaugural concept, a club-restaurant mash-up called American Junkie, might have made a social media splash when it debuted in 2013, but it didn’t play into his sisters’ sensibilities enough to make them regulars.

So Parker—who’s already launched eight Hampton Socials around the country, with plenty more to come next year—did what anyone interested in learning what makes well-heeled female diners tick might have done. He started watching Martha Stewart and a lot of reality TV. And then it hit him—like a giant swinging Birkin bag, clasp-side out, across the forehead—what if he Hampton-ized his original concept?

After all, the Chicago dining scene, back in 2015, was teeming with plenty of dimly lit warm-wooded steak havens and faintly Steampunk dining rooms, flush with crushed velvet and lots of exposed ductwork.

Every female starlet, in every realty TV show Parker ever watched, seemed to love, love, love eating al fresco. Not darkness, but light! Charming little tables enveloped in halos of sunshine. Swaying leaves and gentle breezes. And lots and lots of color—bold as a box of primary-school Crayolas—to accessorize the experience.

Parker decided he’d rethink his menu, leaning more toward a seafood-centric menu.

Lots of surf and a little bit of turf. Hampton Social Club’s menu still feels like it’s been engineered to ensure you can package everything up and tote it away for a coastal picnic. Shellfish on ice. Crab and shrimp bruschetta. Sea food cakes. Ceviche. Tons of salads. Plus lobster rolls, pizza, and the de rigueur smash burger.

And, of course, Parker knew he’d need to come up with some creative cocktails. Really cute little liquid ditties that didn’t burn like diesel on the way down. Frozen rosé. Juicy spritzes. And ball jar cocktails sweetened with lavender and honey.

Why not pack up all that fun stuff, Parker figured, and bring it all inside so Midwesterners—men and women and kids alike—could experience a Hamptons retreat closer to their own shore lines.

I’ve eaten in—or peaked inside—just about every Hampton Social in the Chicago, but the sprawling South Barrington location, all 11,000-square-feet of it, may be the most charming of the lot.

They’ve gilded it with all the Hampton hallmarks. The Rosé All Day Lounge, complete with wine coolers, couches, and frilly green faux topiary walls. The milky white walls painted to mimic the façade of a Maine lighthouse. And the strands of tiny lights that glow like fireflies.

There are little nooks and touches to be found here that’ll make you want to go home and re-watch Master and Com mander, including a dangling rope as rigging motif, model ships and oars glued and painted onto the walls.

The Hampton Social

We liked the more muscular stuff on the menu, especially the octopus starter. It’s part salad, part Greek seafood boil. Blistered cherry tomatoes. Lightly dressed greens. Split baby potatoes. All set in a creamy caper gravy—a chunkier version of the kind of aioli that’s often drizzled over carpaccio—which is zesty enough to offset all the smoky notes from the tender octopus.

Should you prefer something gentler, go for the salmon poke. Authentic, it’s not. But there’s a more versatile dish, in terms of cocktail pairings, on the menu. Plus, carb-watchers will appreciate the fact that it’s served with both taro chips and thinly sliced watermelon radishes

The seafood mix, itself, is sweeter than most pokes, due to the addition of diced mango. It’s very light, and mildly sweet— the sort of thing you’d order if you’d book the day at a high-end spa. Lots of cucumber, cold radishes, and slippery slivers of crab glazed with chili—like a sweet East Coast chow-chow.

For dinner, we hewed toward the old reliables. The balsamic glazed skirt steak won’t weigh you down, but be forewarned: its accompanying creamed street corn goes heavy on the spice. The honey-glazed salmon, accompanied with a fried seaweed salad plus a bed of asparagus, isn’t exactly novel, but what it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in terms of succulence. What’s particularly wonderful about a dining room like this is that you can linger as long as you want. We saw a few folks slip out of their chairs and enjoy a nightcap at the bar, and another group carry freshly poured white wine over to the Rosé Lounge for pictures. Proof that it’s not just a room with some lush views—it’s a concept with some serious staying power.

The Hampton Social, The Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington. Visit https://www.thehamptonsocial.com/ south-barrington or call 224.633.5414.

Cocktails

Make no mistake about it, Hampton Social makes some smart-looking drinks, spearing blueberries onto toothpicks instead of olives, clipping translucent plastic leaves onto the sides of glasses and using wooden honey dippers to give off a quaint summertime vibe.

Hampton Frosé

Thankfully, Hampton’s signature boozed-up Slurpie—made with Tito’s and a splash of rose wine— isn’t hyper sweet. It’s more nuanced. More Napa than Bourbon Street, which benefits from a Bellini blast of peach puree.

Honey Cove

This clever play on a hard iced tea—there’s tea-infused bourbon in there—comes with sprigs of greens sprouting up from the glass and a sand-colored straw bearing a tiny plastic bee. The taste’s buzz-worthy too, thanks to the rounded semisweet afterglow of a touch of Giffard apricot-flavored liqueur.

Balsamic Glazed Skirt Steak

JOIE de VIVRE

Travel to Canada’s Québec City for an immersion in French culture, cuisine, and language.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

Beloved for its Old World character and charm, Québec City is a Francophile’s dream steeped in 400 years of history. North America’s cradle of French civilization is accessible via a two-hour flight from O’Hare airport (about the same time it takes me to drive to Chicago in traffic). A visit to one of Canada’s oldest cities and the only remaining walled city in North America makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the elegance of centuries past.

Situated on the cliffs overlooking the great St. Lawrence River, Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a fairytale

essence with its narrow cobblestone streets and gorgeous architecture—think stone facades, grand cathedrals, and steeply pitched roofs. With French (the official language of the province) words dancing in your ears, café tables spilling out onto the cobblestones, and scent-filled bakeries dotting every corner, you can hardly believe you aren’t in the Old World. One of the many things that I absolutely loved was the sense of safety. No matter what time of night, we felt completely at ease strolling arm in arm, without a care in the world. Our laughter and philosophical banter were our only focus (as it should be).

STAY

We chose the luxury Auberge Saint-Antoine located in the historic district of Québec. The hotel stands on an archaeological site that has links to every stage of the historic district’s evolution. The hotel’s proprietors, the Price family, have masterfully mixed hospitality with history—creating a luxurious hotel that celebrates the centuries of Québec City. More than 500 archeological items are on display in the public areas, corridors, and rooms. Even a simple elevator trip is remarkable because it takes you through three and a half centuries of history; with each floor representing an archeological layer.

Every suite has a name, a signature artifact, and a story. My cheerful river view room, the “Lacy Glass Room,” incorporates the color cranberry—an ode to a fragment of a delicate glass European lamp sold between 1880 and 1925. In addition to the artifacts, the hotel incorporates stones from ancient French structures and the reception’s counters are made from oak timbers once used in 19th-century wharves. While the hotel celebrates the past, it is also outfitted with the most modern of amenities.

The Price family, with plans to expand, recently purchased the building next door. It was under construction when we visited, but when complete it will offer large suites for VIPs and multi-room suites for families. Celebrities flock to Québec City; the next time Celine stays at the Auberge Saint-Antoine, I suspect she will be quite thrilled with her brand-new accommodations. saint-antoine.com

DINE CHEZ MUFFY

Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this charming restaurant was named in honor of Muffy Price and exudes cozy elegance. The original stone walls and wooden beams of this former 19th-century maritime warehouse create a welcoming atmosphere in one of Québec City’s most historically significant buildings. The menu is a brilliant composition of Québec gastronomy focusing on savory flavors and ingredients from an organic farm on Île d’Orléans. The presentation is a work of art, and I highly recommend the duck if it is on the menu.

Caption Tanière3 stone barrel vaulted room where the culinary adventure begins

CHEZ RIOUX & PETTIGREW

A fan favorite on Rue Saint-Paul, this charming eatery and a fixture in the Old Port of Québec was named in honor of Mr. Rioux and Mr. Pettigrew who opened a general store in the 1860s. Those gentlemen would have surely approved of the restaurant’s focus on “boreal cuisine,” which uses seasonal products from small local producers and farms to assure quality ingredients. We opted for the blind-tasting menu and were dazzled by each course and wine pairing.

TANIÈRE

Interested in a three-hour culinary journey that is out of this world? Then book early at this Québec hot spot nestled between the St. Lawrence River and Place Royale. Reservations are essential because guests are texted the combination to the keyed lock on the restaurant’s front door. As you push open the heavy door, darkness yawns before you. A backlit forest motif emerges once your eyes adjust. A labyrinthian hallway delivers you into a barrel-vaulted stone

Chez Muffy dessert

room where the adventure begins with the first three courses of the 16-course meal.

Before we began our 16-courses, the barman arrived with an isotonic beverage brimming with vitamins to prepare us for the many libations to follow. One of which contained a beautifully frozen blueberry slush that spewed fluffy white smoke when dry ice entered the glass— breathtaking in presentation and taste.

The Tanière3 experience is a blind-tasting, boreal cuisine menu. As every menu is different, I won’t describe each devastatingly beautiful and tasty course. I, however, must describe two experiences that speak to a truly exceptional level of service and attention to detail. First, after moving into the main dining room for the “dinner” courses, a key was placed on my plate. It opened a drawer in the table where I found a note with my name, welcoming words, and prose inspired by the caviar delicacy that was served next. Later, at the evening’s end, we found ourselves in a magical room resembling an enchanted forest of birch trees. Here we were each given a menu with a gold wax seal—a memento of an unforgettable feast. This

bastion of excellence was recently awarded the coveted CAA/AAA Five Diamond designation and should not be missed.

IMBIBE

The conveniently located Bar Artefact is the perfect place to enjoy the Auberge Saint-Antoine’s signature drinks. We took a mixology class with head bartender Félix-André and enjoyed a fairly boozy afternoon. My favorite? An Aphrodite cocktail made with lycée liquid, vodka, grapefruit, and ginger. The bar showcases relics unearthed on-site during one of the excavation digs—be sure to visit the cannon and the cannonball still attached to the wood it crashed into eons ago.

EXCURSIONS TOUR QUÉBEC CITY

Hire a guide (we recommend Tommy Byrne 418-999-7096) for an engaging education about the city’s history and culture. Old Québec is the most intact fortified town north of Mexico, retain-

The exhibition Contemporary Art in Québec. From Ferron to BGL.

Photo: MNBAQ, Idra Labrie

Strøm Spa Nordique heated pool with hammocks overlooking St. Lawrence River. Photography © Bianca Des Jardins pour Strøm-3

ing its colonial architecture for more than four centuries. It is the historic and cultural heart of Québec City and the birthplace of French North America. We began our adventure at the foot of the famed Chateau Frontenac perched just above the St. Lawrence River at what must be the city’s highest point. Here you will find the monument of Québec City’s founder Samuel de Champlain. My favorite neighborhood on the tour was Petit Champlain. I adored the architecture—houses with charming dormer windows, gabled roofs, and wide chimneys. In winter, this pedestrian street is decked from cobblestone to rooftop in all things Christmas. Seeing Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, one of the oldest churches in North America, and the immense Québec City trompe-l’oeil mural gives you a glimpse into the city’s history and culture.

TOUR MUSÉE NATIONAL DES BEAUX-ARTS DU QUÉBEC

This stunning museum contains three buildings offering a vast panorama of Québec’s art history from the 17th century to the present day. We visited the spectacular Pierre Lassonde Pavilion, which houses the museum’s expansive collection of contemporary art dating from 1960 on. During a fascinating tour, we learned about the “King’s Daughters,” the 800 women who immigrated to Quebec in the 1600s under a program designed by Louis XIV and the controversy that surrounds that bit of history. I can’t wait to return to visit the Charles Baillairgé Pavilion, which occupies a former prison and now uses the cells that once held prisoners to hold art.

VISIT ÎLE D’ORLÉANS

Rent a car via volvodequebec.com and visit Île d’Orléans known as “the garden of Québec,” located just a half hour from the city. Spend the day experiencing all that this verdant island has to offer. Start with Cassis Monna et Filles, the winner of many international awards for making black currant products. The black currant, known by Quebecers as “gadelle noire,” is a remarkably fragrant, purplish-black berry originally appreciated for its medicinal qualities. The berry is not only brimming with vitamin C and immune system boosters but also creates incredibly tasty libations. Visit the store downstairs to taste the wide variety of products from wines and liqueurs to vinaigrettes and foie gras mousse. Pop into La

Monnaguette upstairs for their famous Poutine—an oddly delicious combination of French fries, cheese curds, gravy, and duck. You’ll need something in your stomach for the rest of the day’s tastings. cassismonna.com

Next, visit the Isle de Bacchus vineyard for a wine tour and tastings. Founded in 1982 in Saint-Pierre de Île d’Orléans, the vineyard is a pioneer in the history of Québec viticulture and produces red, white, rosé, aperitifs, and liqueurs as well as internationally renowned ice wine. This was my very first introduction to “ice wine,” a beautifully fruity dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. The setting is breathtaking with vines cascading from beneath the main house to the St. Lawrence River. isledebacchus.com

The heart of the island is home to a beautiful orchard, Domaine Steinbach. The orchard, set on the St. Lawrence River, contains 3,000 apple trees and soon will be 100 percent organic. I highly recommend tasting the flight of ciders to witness the scale of flavors. The quaint store offers a delightful array of ciders, jams, butters, and mustards. domainesteinbach.com

Our last stop of the day was OhBio-Ferme Jean Pierre Plante, a pristine farm with the most delicious produce. The certified organic producers, Jean-Julien and his wife, are passionate farmers who take extraordinary pride in their products and have a deep respect for nature—pride and respect you can taste. The farm family has a close relationship with the Price family (owners of the Auberge Saint-Antoine), and the farm’s fruits and vegetables are incorporated into the hotel’s cuisine. ohbio.ca

STRØM SPA NORDIQUE

For a Nordic spa experience beyond compare, make the short jaunt to Strøm Spa Nordique. This is an ideal spot to experience thermotherapy, a thousand-year-old wellness ritual that uses water for therapeutic purposes. Our treatment began with immersions in glorious, outdoor heated pools followed by a variety of cold plunges all while enjoying river views and birdsong. You could easily spend hours here enjoying the various steam rooms, saunas, and serene relaxation rooms—they even offer gourmet regional cuisine, beauty, and spa services. I could actually live there. One thermal experience I missed is the candlelit indoor flotation salt bath. I am dreaming of going back for this meditative experience. stromspa.com

FLY WITH COMPLEXE CAPITALE HÉLICOPTÈRE

Take a helicopter ride for a phenomenal aerial view of Québec City, the St. Lawrence River, Montmorency Falls, Île d’Orléans, and the mountains. complexecapitalehelicoptere.com

With so much to experience in this extraordinary city just two hours away from Chicago, why am I not there several times a year? Perhaps that is a New Year’s resolution. For you too? Bon voyage!

Aeriel view of Quebec from helicopter. Photography by Manu Coveney

Cassis Monna et Filles

Poutine

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WORDS BY MEGAN WEISBERG

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EDITED

1 Silvan Pot Large, jaysonhome.com

2 Luther Bowls, jaysonhome.com 3 Otis Sconce Black, jaysonhome.com 4 Bruno Chair, jaysonhome.com 5 Addison Ross, orange croc box with silver, addisonrossusa.com

6 Brunello Cucinelli’s cashmere cushion, matchesfashion.com/us 7 Unison, cherry bud vase, unisonhome.com 8 Unison, maple bud vases, unisonhome.com

9 Les Ottomans, ikat cotton placemats, matchesfashion.com/us 10 Patterson Flynn, Shannon rug, pattersonflynn.com 11 Thiago Lamp, jaysonhome.com

Freeform Coffee Table, jaysonhome.com 13 Addison Ross, large brown croc jewellery box with gold, addisonrossusa.com 14 Unison, maple and walnut big bread board, unisonhome.com 15 Unison, menageri oak bowls and server set, unisonhome.com

Inspired by Family

Barrington Native Eric Shellenback’s Entrepreneurial Journey

WORDS BY CATE SHELLENBACK / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

Eric Shellenback is now 63 years old, a doting father of three, and a pioneer in the gluten-free industry. But during his time at Barrington High School, when he was known as “Shelly” by his baseball teammates, gluten-free food was neither something he knew about nor thought he would one day forge a career around.

A true high school hero, Shellenback was named to the All-Century sports team at Barrington High and was drafted out of high school by the Texas Rangers in 1978. Deciding to forgo the opportunity to play professional ball, Shellenback accepted an offer to play at Southern Methodist University and later finished out his collegiate baseball career at Northwestern University.

“Professional baseball was a childhood dream,” Shellenback states. “But I recognized the importance of getting a college education, and thankfully I did.” After school, and early on in his career, Shellenback served as a division president at Häagen-Dazs where he began to consider the possibility of starting his own company.

When his daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2002, Shellenback became determined to address the lack of nutritious, tasty, high-quality, gluten-free food.

“It was always a dream of mine to start my own company,” he explains. “My experience in consumer-packaged goods in addition to my daughter’s diagnosis allowed me to see an opening in the market.”

In 2010, after 25 years of experience in consumer-packaged

goods, Shellenback—backed by a private equity firm—began to look for a gluten-free company to acquire.

“My primary focus was formulation capabilities,” he recalls. “The brand name and condition of their operation was important, but not critical.”

The Grainless Baker, now known as Three Bakers, was a small gluten-free manufacturer in Pennsylvania that fit Shellenback’s key requirements: taste, texture, and nutrition. So, he bought it.

“From 2011 to 2016 we experienced explosive growth. However, over time the competitive landscape changed dramatically,” he says.

In 2016, Three Bakers faced a production qual ity issue that disrupted sales and resulted in the loss of loyal buyers and revenue. At the forefront of the company’s development and decision-making, Shellenback began the process of searching for a private equity firm to acquire his business.

Looking far and wide, Shellenback connected with a London firm that was looking to expand its gluten-free food investments into the United States.

Europe-based Promise Gluten Free Bakery and Rudi’s merged with Three Bakers to create a powerhouse of formulation capabilities under the healthy halo of Rudi’s.

Today, Shellenback is leading Rudi’s Rocky Mountain Bakery brand, which is focused on fiber-rich, gut-healthy bread in both gluten-free and conventional channels. While only the future knows what holds for him next, a lifetime of athletic and career successes indicates bright tomorrows ahead.