July - Explore Issue
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our "Explore" issue! This edition is dedicated to igniting your wanderlust and inspiring your next adventure. From the sunkissed shores of the Amalfi Coast to the hidden gems of Nashville's great International eats.
We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. And I admit - I fall into the trap sometimes too. The trap of believing the only things worth doing are those for which I can make an exact calculation of the time, effort and investment it will cost me. The things that result in the highest level of control and least amount of uncertainty.
But the truth is - that is really a sad and unfulfilling way to go through life.
We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being beginners, and even for getting lost. Unstructured and open-ended times are the best for making connections, nurturing friendships and building trust.
When an old high school friend asked me to join her in exploring the Amalfi Coast, my first instinct was, "I can't." It's too far, I have too much work, no time, and it's too expensive. But this louder voice screamed, "You only live once!" So, I booked it and didn't look back. While away, I realized that these experiences are everything. They make the hard times worth it.
Travel is always a good idea!
Happy Exploring,
JENNIFER KAUFMAN,
PUBLISHER
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kit Garrott | kit.garrott@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mary Demere, Myra McEntire, Sue Baldani
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Braulio Fonseca - BFonck Creative Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
a
INTERNATIONAL Flavors
ARTICLE BY MARY DEMERE
Nashville has become a global culinary hotspot, attracting chefs from around the world to share their roots and talents. For authentic international flavors, there is no need to travel far and wide—the Nashville food scene creates a world tour without leaving the city.
THE IBERIAN PIG
The Iberian Pig, a haven for tapas enthusiasts, offers an extensive selection of imported cheeses and cured meats. Executive Chef Anthony Pell’s B.W.D. is a must–try: applewood bacon-wrapped Medjool dates with hazelnut romesco. Castellucci Hospitality Group President and CEO Fred Castellucci expanded to Nashville “to introduce the Pig’s vibrant personality, bold flavors and social atmosphere to a city whose food culture has always inspired us.”
Anatolia
Chauhan Ale & Masala House
ANATOLIA
Brothers Huseyin and Harun Ustunkaya brought Turkey’s rich culinary traditions to Nashville. Their restaurant, Anatolia, specializes in shish kabobs, seafood and vegetarian dishes, and the Anatolia Eggplant is a standout favorite.
LYRA
For a taste of the Middle East, Lyra offers a contemporary take on traditional flavors and spices. Chef and Owner Hrant Arakelian transformed the frittata-like Persian Kuku Sabzi into a vegan Socca—a soft-textured chickpea batter dish. Lyra’s new quick-service restaurant, Vega Shawarma, will feature hummus, pitas and sandwiches.
SANTO
Under the creative direction of Executive Chef Chancellor Boyd, Santo offers an eclectic Mediterranean menu. Dishes like the Focaccia French Toast and Cactus Pear Tart highlight Boyd’s artistic approach to cooking. Part of Siege Hospitality, which has launched beloved spots like Epice, Santo, is a warm, elegant dining experience with food and wine from all areas that touch the Mediterranean Sea.
CHAUHAN ALE & MASALA HOUSE
Co-owner and Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan blends her Indian roots with her love for traditional Southern cuisine at Chauhan. Its global selection of wine, cocktails and beer secures its status as a prominent Nashville ethnic restaurant.
Santo
Iberian Pig - Photography: Andrew Thomas Lee
PRECIPICE PRIVATE LODGE
ARTICLE BY MYRA SIMMONS MCENTIRE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRAULIO FONSECA - BFONCK CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY
Wellness, Water, Wander
Centrally located between Highlands and Cashiers in Western North Carolina, the surroundings of Precipice Private Lodge are abundant in unspoiled nature, and the accommodations are pure bliss. Thanks to the extreme dedication and exquisite choices of Nashville native, Paul Hirshberg, visitors can now experience both the natural landscape and the manmade luxury of the retreat.
The second-chance story of Precipice Private Lodge is deeply rooted in family tradition. As a child, Paul traveled with his father to what was once the historic Bear’s Den Lodge. Years later, a motorcycle ride during Covid led him through the highlands of Appalachia, and he serendipitously encountered the property once again. Paul discovered the place he’d loved as a child in horrible disrepair, the gate hanging off the hinges, the front door kicked open. Unwilling to allow the warmth of his memory to grow cold, or to leave the majestic place he remembered as a child in such a state, he purchased the property. After five years, a tremendous level of restoration, and millions of dollars, Paul has taken it far beyond its original glory.
“Water, wellness, and wander form the Precipice Triangle … an environment for renewal, exploration, and enlightenment.”
“They’ve thought of everything,” says Andrea Holland Rizk, founder and CEO of Rizk Public Relations, who served as a test visitor for the lodge. “They could facilitate a corporate group or retreat. As a private luxury rental with six king-bedroom suites, a visitor could entertain friends in the mountains for a wellness retreat, or couples could take a getaway adventure nature weekend.”
The design of the space lends itself to wellness-focused events, classes, workshops, and spa treatments. The lodge is surrounded by waterfalls, babbling brooks, and fountains, allowing guests to experience the healing essence of water throughout their stay. A hot tub sits adjacent to a cold plunge pool fed by a mountain stream. “There are foot baths should you want to do that after a hike, and a treatment room that doubles as a yoga studio. They can hire yoga instructors to come in if that's what you'd like,” says Andrea. “If wellness people want to bring their retreats to the lodge, the answer is yes. Paul is open to that because he really wants people to visit who want to get out and enjoy how special the area is.”
Wellness also focuses on cuisine, and the Precipice Private Lodge team will connect guests with a preferred list of vendors to provide a multitude of services, including chef dinners prepared on-site, cooking lessons, or wine tastings, They can also arrange personalized spa treatments, yoga classes, or guided hikes. “Anything you can imagine,” says Andrea. The house is not staffed but comes with an innkeeper who ensures the visit operates smoothly. She continues, “That person will show up every day and lay out breakfast, make sure that you know where the hiking trails are and how to operate the steam shower, and offer to call and make restaurant reservations or recommendations. It’s an extra level of service. They’re there as much as you need them to be.”
The area is renowned for its lush landscapes, offering access to fly fishing, kayaking, and trail hiking in the Nantahala National Forest, and providing plenty of opportunities to wander into an adventure or two.
To book the property, simply fill out the reservation request form on the website. The staff at Precipice will contact you directly to plan your visit, taking into account your specific needs and interests. “Precipice Lodge Retreat is a true passion project for Paul," Andrea says.
"and no detail has been spared. It's the perfect opportunity for somebody looking for a weekend to relax and have some exceptional meals and great wine, but also do yoga, get a massage, hike all over, and put your feet in the waterfalls. It’s the perfect property.”
Paul writes:
“I have personally always been a wanderer. Wandering has always been a way for me to find peace and bring balance to my life. At Precipice, my vision is to bring the balance of nature to our guests. Our wellness-themed lodge highlights the trinity of Water, Wellness, and Wander. Nestled in the valley of the Chattooga River Valley, our lodge provides a haven of lush forest, granite cliffs, and endless exploration. For me, there is no better way to stir the soul and become more connected to nature, and find inner peace. We invite you to Wander and immerse yourself in the magic of Precipice and its surrounding areas for a refined experience and personal rejuvenation.”
Paul's Top Six Things to See in the North Carolina Highlands:
1. A hike up Whiteside Mountain, the highest cliff and vertical rockface on the east coast. Whiteside offers breathtaking views and vistas of the Highlands and Cashiers Plateau.
2. A visit to High Holly Vineyard for food, drinks, and live music.
3. Summer music festivals each Saturday night in Founders Park.
4. Tour the Bascom Fine Arts Center and see well-renowned artist's exhibits with a highlight on local pottery and sculpture.
5. Take a leisurely stroll through the Highlands Biological Station nature preserve to experience lush landscapes, nature trails, and the vast biodiversity of native plants and species that the rainforest environment of Highlands has to offer. Sunset Rock, located in the heart of downtown Highlands, offers spectacular mountain views and breathtaking sunsets. It's the local's favorite place to sip wine and watch the sunset.
Website: precipiceprivatelodge.com/ Photos: precipiceprivatelodge.com/gallery/ Booking:precipiceprivatelodge.com/ booking-information/
AMALFI AWAITS
An Insider's Guide to Experiencing the Enchanting Amalfi Coast
We interviewed the Publisher of Belle Meade Lifestyle about her trip to the Amalfi Coast. We wanted to get her first hand experiences while it was fresh on her mind. She will have returned from the region a couple of weeks before this goes to print.
Q: WHAT MAKES THE AMALFI COAST SO SPECIAL?
A : The Amalfi Coast is a breathtaking stretch of coastline in southern Italy, renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming towns that seem to cascade down the mountainsides. It's a place where natural beauty meets rich history and vibrant culture. From the pastel-colored houses in Positano
to the stunning views from Ravello, every corner of the Amalfi Coast is picture-perfect. I have never seen anything else like it.
Q: WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AMALFI COAST?
A : I went in early June. It wasn't too crowded but wasn't dead either. The locals said the ideal time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is warm and perfect for swimming and outdoor activities. July and August are the peak tourist months, so if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May, June, or September. During these months, you can still enjoy the beautiful weather without the heavy crowds.
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER KAUFMAN
Q: HOW CAN I GET TO THE AMALFI COAST?
A : The nearest major airport is Naples International Airport. From there, you can take a train or a bus to Sorrento, which is the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or take a ferry from Naples to one of the coastal towns. Driving along the coast is an experience in itself, with winding roads offering spectacular views at every turn. Personally, I think it would be rude to rent and try driving on your own. The roads are so difficult that only an experienced "Amalfi" driver should be on the roads. Also, I recommend something for nausea if you get carsick.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEE TOWNS ON THE AMALFI COAST?
A : Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are the quintessential towns you shouldn't miss. Positano is famous for its steep streets and chic boutiques, while Amalfi offers a blend of historical sites like the Amalfi Cathedral and a bustling waterfront. Ravello, perched high above the coast, is known for its stunning gardens and panoramic views. Each town has its own unique charm and is worth exploring.
Q: WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS?
A : There's no shortage of activities on the Amalfi Coast. You can take a leisurely boat trip along the coastline, explore hidden coves, and swim in the azure waters. Hiking enthusiasts will love the Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), which offers breathtaking views. For a cultural experience, visit the Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, both offering stunning gardens and historical insights. Don’t forget to indulge in local cuisine and shop for handmade ceramics and limoncello.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE AMALFI COAST?
A : The Amalfi Coast is a paradise for food lovers. Seafood is a staple here, with dishes like spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and fresh grilled fish being musttries. Lemons from the region are famous, and you’ll find
them in everything from salads to desserts. Don’t miss out on trying a slice of torta al limone (lemon cake) or a glass of limoncello. The local mozzarella di bufala (buffalo mozzarella) and fresh produce are also incredible. Let's also not forget to save room for the gelato.
Q: WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ON THE AMALFI COAST?
A : The Amalfi Coast offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and tastes. For a luxurious experience, stay in one of the cliffside hotels in Positano or Ravello, where you can wake up to stunning sea views. There are also charming bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels that offer a more intimate experience. The Hotel Santa Caterina is a luxurious option.
Q:
HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY VISIT?
A : To truly enjoy the Amalfi Coast, take your time to explore and soak in the atmosphere. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast on a terrace overlooking the sea, then spend your days wandering through the towns, relaxing on the beach, or taking scenic boat trips. Evenings are perfect for enjoying a delicious dinner with local wine and watching the sunset. Don’t rush – the magic of the Amalfi Coast is best experienced at a slow pace.
Q: ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN GEMS OR OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH SPOTS?
A: While the main towns are certainly worth visiting, there are plenty of lesser-known spots that are equally enchanting. The tiny village of Atrani is a hidden gem with its narrow streets and quiet beach. The Furore Fjord is another stunning spot, a hidden cove with a small beach and crystal-clear waters. Exploring these lesser-known areas will give you a deeper appreciation of the Amalfi Coast’s beauty and charm.
The Amalfi Coast is a dream destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this enchanting coastline has it all. Pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with one of Italy’s most spectacular regions.
This yes is an education.
Help Turn No into Yes and give kids in need a brighter future by providing a new pair of shoes to children experiencing homelessness this back-to-school season.
ARTICLE BY MARY COMPTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
IT’S TIKI TIME!
"IF YOU CAN’T GET TO PARADISE, I’LL BRING IT TO YOU.”
It’s July. It’s Summer. It’s hot. It’s tiki time! It’s time for a high-flying cocktail concoction to replenish your spirits this Summer. It’s time to get on that flight and explore somewhere new for a paradise vacation or even a staycation with the Jet Pilot cocktail.
“If you can’t get to paradise, I’ll bring it to you,” said Donn Beach, the inventor of the Test Pilot the cocktail that preceded the fashionable Jet Pilot. The Test Pilot cocktail was invented by Beach in 1941 and preceded what we now know as the Jet Pilot. During this time of exploration and aviation, there were many variations of cocktails that sensationalized your taste buds. There was and is the Astronaut and the Space Pilot, but the Jet Pilot is the recipe we suggest you try. The Jet Pilot was created by tiki bar owner Steve Crane in 1958 at the Beverly Hills Luau bar and became a celebrated drink at tiki bars.
When replicating this frozen drink, make sure you don’t blend the ingredients too much so the effect has a crushed ice sensation that packs a punch. Or, if you’d rather, have it super chilled. You can crush the ice more as preferred to have a summertime slushy with a twist. Pack your bags and get on the next flight to paradise.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1-ounce overproof Jamaican rum
• 3/4-ounce overproof demerara rum (such as Plantation OFTD)
• 3/4-ounce gold rum
• 1/2-ounce grapefruit juice that is freshly squeezed
• 3/4-ounce lime juice that is freshly squeezed
• 1/2-ounce cinnamon syrup
• 1/2-ounce falernum
• Dash absinthe
• Dash Angostura bitters
• Garnish with a maraschino cherry and mint, a twist of lime, or with pineapple wings, if desired
STEPS :
STEP 1: Add all ingredients into a blender with a cup of crushed ice and blend on high until combined but not smooth, about 5 seconds. This allows the drink to have a crushed ice texture that is great for the summer heat
STEP 2: Pour into a double old-fashioned glass or have it in a whole pineapple with a tiki umbrella too!
STEP 3: Garnish as desired. Get creative and make a fruit plane to compliment the drink or flavor with a cherry and fresh mint leaves
The result is a satisfyingly flavorful mix of fruit and spice. The cinnamon compliments the varieties of rums and sends the tastebuds soaring. The combinations of rum give this drink an elevated kick. The crushed ice keeps it cool and refreshing. The cherry garnish creates a sweet and juicy finishing note. Try this treat while on your excursions or for your local explorations. The Nashville bars Chopper and Fox Bar & Cocktail Club have their own spin on this classy and timeless solace. This season is a fabulous time to try new places and explore! Cheers to the next exploration! The skies are the limit!
ARTICLE BY MYRA SIMMONS MCENTIRE
Wine and Equine
HAVE WINE WITH A HORSE AT THE EQUINE SOCIAL CLUB!
Laura Martin, a wine lover from California who moved to Tennessee to combine her two passions – charcuterie and horses - did not expect the Equine Social Club to take off quite like it has. She encourages visitors to “get away but stay close with Wine and Equine.”
Just a short drive from Nashville to Goodlettsville and billed as “Nashville's most unique wine and horse experience, ever,” Wine and Equine's offerings exceed every horse lover’s dreams.
“It’s super unique,” says Laura. “When I first came up with the idea, I tried to look for something like it and couldn’t find anything at all. It’s definitely a very unique experience and a cool atmosphere with the horses.”
And does one really enjoy the wine and charcuterie with the horses? “The horses have their own trays,” laughs Laura, “with goodies like carrots and biscuits." Human visitors have the traditional charcuterie. "Several cheeses, salami, cucumbers, apricots, berries, crackers, that kind of thing. Those come with wine pairings. I also serve brunch boards if you schedule a brunch - prosciutto, pastries, waffles, more breakfast foods, and of course, cheeses. And breakfast boards come with mimosas.”
The tastings are private, and Laura reiterates that the location is not a winery but a very special wine-tasting venue. “The wines are from everywhere,” she says. “The locals like that because they’re served different things on return visits.”
However you choose to experience the farm, “It’s private,” says Laura. “The cost is $60 a person, lasts for about an hour and includes the tasting, the charcuterie boards, the atmosphere, and enjoying a glass of wine with a horse! We open the barn doors and guests are surrounded by gorgeous pasture views and great company.”
https://www.equinesocialnash.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nashville_m2barn/ https://www.tiktok.com/@m2equineandwine
realty report
sample of recently sold properties in and around Belle Meade.
ANSWERING THECALL
THE HEROES OF AERIAL GROUP
BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY AERIAL GROUP
ARTICLE
“…our heroes from this program have rescued over 8,000 people.”
At the age of 12, when most kids are thinking about going to the mall or hanging out with friends, Britnie Faith Turner had much more serious issues on her mind. One of six homeschooled kids living on a farm, Britnie was very sheltered from many of the world's harsher realities. That changed when her grandmother came to visit.
"She showed us this documentary on sex trafficking, and it was so heartbreaking," she says. "I was awakened to the fact that these horrible atrocities existed, and I decided that I didn't want to live the rest of my life doing nothing about it."
Britnie believes that if something moves you to heightened anger or sadness, it's probably tied to your calling in life. Twenty-four years later, she answered this call many times over. Over the years, she has traveled to Africa, South America, Haiti and other island nations to combat this insidious industry.
In 2016, Forbes recognized her company, Aerial Development Group, founded in 2009 at the age of 21, as the 6th Fastest Growing Woman-Owned, Women-Led Company in the World. "The name Aerial is a constant reminder to keep the big picture in mind, remembering your purpose is bigger than any obstacle that could ever come against you."
Since its founding, Aerial Group has grown tremendously. It has multiple entities under its brand, such as Aerial Development Group, Aerial Builders, Aerial Properties, Aerial B&B, Aerial Produced, The Aerial, BVI (British Virgin Islands), and a newly launched retreat space called The Aerial, Nashville.
"I got involved in disaster relief after the hurricanes hit BVI in 2017 and was very frustrated by how inefficient most response teams were," says Britnie. "In April of 2019, I started dating a Green
CONTINUED >
“Nothing is more fulfilling than walking in your purpose and integrating it into your everyday life.”
Beret." His name was Jeremy Locke, and he would later become her husband and the co-founder of Aerial Recovery, Aerial's impact arm, a 501c3. "I was planning a mission trip to utilize all of what I had learned in 2017 to help after Hurricane Dorian devastated several islands in the Bahamas. Jeremy asked if he could come with me, got permission to do it, and while serving people who lost everything, I watched this active duty Green Beret organize the mission, get aid to the people in need, conduct search and rescue and streamline information."
Britnie asked him if his military friends would also be good at this work, and he knew they would be. The couple learned that veterans working in the humanitarian space were using their skills to save lives, and the experience was life-giving for the veterans themselves.
"Many of our military have experienced serious trauma," she says. "For these heroes to effectively respond and be able to keep responding to these disaster and rescue missions, we have found they are most effective when they go through a healing program."
Britnie and Jeremy created a program called Heal the Heroes to ease this transition. "We take struggling veterans and first responders through a year-long program, which starts with a healing retreat at The Aerial, BVI," says Britnie. "Heroes graduate as Humanitarian Special Operators trained to be heroes in their homes first. These heroes are now not only loving parents and spouses but they are also trained to rescue kids from trafficking and respond
to disasters globally. It seems we've found a solution to some of the world's greatest problems, and the results are that, in less than 36 months, our heroes from this program have rescued over 8,000 people."
These heroes are nominated and sponsored by private donors. Aerial Recovery aims to host four platoons of 25 heroes each year. "We've had 156 heroes go through our program so far, and we're on track to becoming the number one intervention group in the world for human trafficking," she says.
"Human trafficking is a fight that's bigger than all of us - an over $150 billion a year industry, and there isn't even $1 billion in place to fight it - we've all got to come together to end this evil."
In addition to those willing to become Humanitarian Special Operators, Aerial Recovery also needs people to donate or be sponsors. "One of the top nonprofits in the world just dropped 14 countries for rescue missions, so we're in emergency fundraising to pick up these cases before these victims are lost forever," says Britnie.
"You are called to be part of something bigger than yourself. Nothing is more fulfilling than walking in your purpose and integrating it into your everyday life. I encourage you to take an Aerial perspective of your life and work toward positively impacting as many people and places as possible during your one chance on this earth."
AerialRecovery.org @aerialrecoverygroup
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 7/31/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
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