The power of
When
Zach Binzer, CFP® Financial Planner Shareholder
Zach thrives on service to others, specifically working with clients to achieve their financial goals. Joining the firm in 2016, Zach brought his deep desire to help others along with a wealth of experience from his roles in tax accounting, employee benefits, and HR. He earned his CFP® designation in 2017 and became a Foster & Motley shareholder in 2021. Beyond his professional life, Zach is deeply involved in the Indian Hill and Montgomery communities, volunteering with the Indian Hill Bridle Trails, supporting Greenacres Foundation Summer Camps, and serving on two committees at Kenwood Country Club. Zach is also an active board member with Melanoma Know More and a Director for the Evans Scholars Foundation. He enjoys beekeeping and tree farming, but above all, he loves spending time with his family.
That’s
Trails & Tails
Can you believe that August is already upon us? Summer is in full swing and the long days are perfect for maximizing our time and connecting with friends and family. Perhaps you could venture out to try a new local restaurant such as Alara in Madisonville. Or cool off with a refreshing cocktail in the backyard—find our recipe for a dragonfruit drink on page 34.
It’s this time of year that has always led me to seek refuge in the woods beneath the cool green canopies, like those found on the historic Indian Hill Bridle Trails. I have fond memories of trailering to early morning rides—waking up before dawn to enjoy the cool of the morning before the signature Cincinnati swelter settles upon the day. There is something almost sacred about that time of day and even more so when combined with the ability to experience it astride a four-footed friend. Those memories came flooding back as we explored Clippinger Field, home to the historic Camargo Hunter Trials.
While it’s a bit hot to imagine donning wool hunting coats for the moment, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities in Indian Hill and the surrounding communities. It’s no secret that the special kind of companionship we form with our animals can be a transformative experience for children and adults alike. They teach us not only responsibility and care, but the value of deep connection, as well. Sometimes that connection comes easily, and sometimes we need a bit more professional guidance, such as that offered by the passionate canine educators at Central Bark.
Whether you prefer fine dining, slow evenings on the trails or early morning walks with furry friends, I hope you’re finding creative ways to enjoy the beauty of summer, in all its facets.
DEBORAH MEKENESE, PUBLISHER @INDIANHILL.CITYLIFESTYLE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Deborah Mekenese
Deborah.Mekenese@CityLifestyle.com
EDITOR
Tera Michelson | Tera.Michelson@CityLifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Natalie Mazey
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matsumoto Mari, Natalie Mazey, Lisa Moyer
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Anjali Fong Photography, Janie Jones, RF Graphic Designs, RVP Photography
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
AUGUST 2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Mota Car Club hosted 120+ guests for the Casa Ducati extravaganza showcasing 60 bikes. 2: Guests enjoyed the 46th annual Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance events at Lunken Airport + Ault Park. 3: The Nolan-Rice family's five-year-old mini boxer Daisy is an Indian Hill City Lifestyle fan. 4: Charitable collective Women100 held a launch event at The Lempicka to empower, inspire + invest in Cincinnati. 5: The vintage Oris Airstream visited James Free Jewelers’ Montgomery location, displaying a selection of Swiss, luxury wristwatches. 6: Proceeds from June's sold-out Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance events benefit Juvenile Arthritis. 7: Evergreen Presbyterian Church's Earth Care Festival welcomed 14 organizations to discuss caring for the planet.
Want to be seen in the magazine?
JOHN MCGRATH
AMANDA DONAHO
GARY KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Now in its tenth year, Fuse Martial Arts & Fitness celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Maineville at 7228 Columbia Rd, Suite 200. Practitioners begin as young as age 4 and continue martial arts training throughout their lives for healthier mental and physical lifestyles. The new location allows a positive impact on more students, who can gain confidence, awareness and community as they learn self-defense and functional fitness skills. FuseMartialArtsandFitness.com , davem@fusema-fit.com, 513.466.8332
Three New Members Join Indian Hill Foundation Board of Directors
The Indian Hill Foundation announces the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Frankie Josephic, parent and district volunteer; Katie Cousino, parent and district volunteer; and Robert Hart, III, Indian Hill alumnus and district volunteer. The mission of the IH Foundation is to drive innovation, enhance learning experiences and foster engagement both within and beyond the classroom. They aim to strengthen the bonds between the district and the community. IndianHillSchools.org/ indianhillfoundation_home.aspx
Stepping Stones’ 2024 Golf Classic a Huge Success
Stepping Stones hosted its 23rd annual Golf Classic at O’Bannon Creek Golf Club. The event was a huge success, raising more than $56,500 to benefit yearround programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Golfers enjoyed a raffle, prizes, dinner and awards. Allen Goss, Brandon Stewart, Nick Goss and Tim Goss won the afternoon tournament (pictured). Stepping Stones provides educational, recreational and social programs at locations in Batavia, Indian Hill, Norwood and Western Hills. SteppingStonesOhio.org
INTERIORS | KITCHENS | BATHS
Exceptionally E xqui site
Photography by Stepping Stones
Photography by Indian Hill Foundation
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANJALI FONG PHOTOGRAPHY
the packLEADER OF
MEET CENTRAL BARK MANAGER GABBY GERACI
Gabby Geraci is a dog person. As Manager at Central Bark, Madeira-Indian Hill, she is a dog mom to a whole pack of furry friends. Geraci knows each of the hounds by name and personality. Her chill attitude is contagious—she brings routine and calm to the animals under her care. When she enters the scene, all tails are wagging. Meet Gabby Geraci.
"Central Bark is different from other daycares. We focus on whole dog care, which addresses each dog's physical, emotional and mental well-being. Parents bring their dogs here to not only get exercise, but also to mentally enrich them."
What
do you like about working with dogs?
"I'm a big dog person. I’ve always loved working with dogs. It's easy for me—it’s relaxing. When you're around dogs, if you're stressed out, yelling, or running around, they just pick up on that energy. It helps to be calm so they are chill and happier."
What do you enjoy about working at Central Bark?
"Central Bark is different from other daycares. We focus on whole dog care, which addresses each dog's physical, emotional and mental well-being. Parents bring their dogs here to not only get exercise, but also to mentally enrich them. We like to be that onestop-shop for everything a dog needs: grooming, boarding, training and daycare.
"Everyone I work with is very knowledgeable. It's a great group! We have a lot of training: we learn about dog behaviors and handling techniques; we are certified in pet CPR and first aid. We’re just really looking out for the dogs here."
Tell us about a day in the life of a Central Bark dog.
"The dogs love being here. At Central Bark, we do enrichment daycare. The dogs are split into groups, no more than 12 to 15 dogs in each group, based on their size as well as temperament and energy level. They alternate between playing outside or inside and napping. Even the dogs that start out a little anxious, by the end of the day, it’s great to see them open up and make new friends. We send home report cards to parents every day—just a little snippet about how their day’s going. We also send pictures and videos to parents so that they can feel comfortable with their dogs being here."
Culinary Adventure
ALARA IS A FUN FOOD EXPERIENCE THAT ENGAGES ALL THE SENSES
On a busy corner in Madison Square, a new hot spot beckons diners to a fun food experience that engages all the senses. An enchanting setting for business and pleasure alike, Alara is a delightful restaurant with an adventurous seasonal menu that’s the secret sauce of its success.
One of seven local restaurants under the direction of Cincinnati restaurant group Looking Glass Hospitality (LGH), Alara offers a unique dining style that invites guests to enjoy time together while tasting new dishes.
“With Alara, we took a shift away from the stuffy, white-tablecloth service model to a shared experience—a culinary exploration,” says Scott Schmidt, CEO and founder of LGH. “We really wanted to create a model where instead of ordering to eat individually, it is more about ordering what appeals to you on the menu, and everybody at the table sharing those items.”
The concept was inspired by around-the-world fine dining but operates under the theory that fine dining doesn’t need to be pretentious to be delicious. The quiet luxury of Alara’s design was inspired by a trip to an upscale Los Angeles hotel. The welcoming and comfortable feel curated by LGH Creative Director Erin Schmidt, in collaboration with drawing department’s Alex Dever and Ron Novak, invites togetherness and celebration. With its contemporary dining room and sophisticated bar framed by billowy draperies, flourishing greenery and glamorous lighting, Alara is a destination.
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RVP PHOTOGRAPHY
H.O.P. Cakes—heart of palm, citrus frisée salad, avocado aioli, five spice vinaigrette, a gluten-free + vegan dish on the Small Plates summer menu.
“We wanted to create a fine-dining experience—with quality food, service and ambiance—but in a comfortable, approachable way to sit at the table and enjoy the meal together as a group,” Schmidt says.
No matter your party’s size or reason for gathering, there’s a spot for you at Alara.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere that gives you multiple experience points, whether you want to just sit in the bar or cocktail area, in the dining room or bring in groups and have a private dining experience,” he explains. “We have three private dining rooms for parties of 10 up to 28.”
Alara is all about creating memories. Guests especially enjoy the Chef’s Tables that flank the pass, where plates are handed from the open show kitchen to the dining room. While seated there, diners can observe the bustling kitchen and interact with Alara’s chef team. The intimate tables for two are only available by phone reservation.
“You are essentially in the kitchen, observing everything,” Schmidt explains. “The chef’s talking to you the whole meal, giving you samples, and allowing you to explore at whatever level you would like to.”
Alara’s menu items are plated so that they are easy to divide and share, ensuring that every bite encompasses each of a dish’s flavors, including sauces and toppings. The seasonal menu features contemporary American cuisine with global influences and an emphasis on prime meats and seafood. The summer menu highlights fresh corn, basil and heirloom tomatoes. From Korean Corn Dogs and Lobster & Corn Carbonara to the Chilled Seafood Platter and Wagyu Sirloin Strip, Alara’s menu offers a variety of familiar dishes with international twists.
“The menu changes seasonally,” says Schmidt. “We have a lot of very approachable items, and then we have some unique, different items that you're not going to see
CONTINUED >
“We have a lot of very approachable items, and then we have some unique, different items that you're not going to see or hear about anywhere else."
“We really wanted to create a model where instead of ordering to eat individually, it is more about ordering what appeals to you on the menu, and everybody at the table sharing those items.”
or hear about anywhere else. We don't put anything on the menu that we're not proud of and that we aren't excited about,” he adds.
Alara’s chef team works under the mentorship of Chef Mark Bodenstein, Corporate Development Chef for LGH.
“Mark is our corporate chef, and he led the charge on the menu and the opening of the restaurant. He is the guy who took all of our vision, all of our ideas and turned them into reality,” Schmidt shares.
For the full experience, start with a signature cocktail, but be sure to save room for dessert. Alara’s Pastry Chef Lisa Hood creates whimsical masterpieces that are as beautiful as they are tasty. Seasonal sorbets, a rainbow of mousses, one with a color-shifting glaze, and chocolate profiteroles come in servings for two.
Make Alara your next stop for adventurous dining. It’s an experience your palette won’t want to miss.
ALARA
5410 Medpace Way, Cincinnati | 513.272.5315
Sunday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. & Friday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
Happy Hour, Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m. AlaraCincinnati.com
Tomahawk Ribeye—Thirty-two ounces of prime meat prepared glutenfree with rosemary truffle butter, bone marrow demi + Alara's chimichurri.
HORSE LIFE
Ignite your Equestrian Spirit
ARTICLE BY TERA MICHELSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RF GRAPHIC DESIGNS
There’s no denying the indescribable bond between humans and horses and there’s no better location than our community to ignite your equestrian spirit. Lifelong Indian Hill resident Laura Wogen has been riding since the age of three. She gives us some tips for embracing horse life.
A unique feature of the Village is its 75 miles of bridle trails, making riding accessible for residents and non-residents alike. "A bridle trail license or daily pass is required to ride on the trails," Wogen says. Contact the Village to apply for a license and report any dangerous trail conditions that require maintenance. IndianHill.gov
Wogen does three-day eventing with Fred, her 11-year-old Oldenburg horse, and one of their favorite spots to practice fieldwork is Clippinger Field, home of the Camargo Hunter Trials. A part of the Indian Hill green space, Clippinger is a destination for jumping and gallop sets.
1. TAKE THE REINS
2. HAPPY TRAILS
3. CLIPPINGER FIELD
Safety first—get yourself fitted for a helmet. Local tack shops have them, plus saddles, bridles, riding boots, apparel and horse care items. Equus Now! and Dover Saddlery are two local shops to meet all your equine needs. EquusNow.com, DoverSaddlery.com
Wogen’s Fred boards at Glengarith Farm, a private farm where she trains with Owner and Trainer Diana Rich. She recommends that beginners consider training at local public barns. “Look into Derbyshire Stables and the Stables at Camargo—good places that offer different levels of training. The Indian Hill Equestrian Club is also a great resource,” says Wogen, who is a member. DerbyshireStables.com, PrestigeSportHorseManagement.com, IHEquestrian.com
The benefits of riding are too many to list. When we saddle up and enjoy the view between the ears of a horse, it boosts the spirit and soothes the soul. “Riding is a sport that has no age limits,” Wogen shares. “For me, it started as fun and moved into competition, then became a nice break from daily life, being outside in a pretty environment. It's inclusive of all stages of your life.”
5. TACKLE THE TACK
6. HEALING POWER OF HORSES
4. HORSE CARE
Bringing Joy
Back into the Kitchen
Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates
Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @ dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on
Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.
Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.”
The Start
“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.
Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.
“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment.
What eventually followed were 13 episodes over nine months where the Restaurants on the Edge team traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
“When you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.
Travel Recommendations for Foodies
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love.
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’
Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Whether your pup has the obedience of a dog show finalist, or social behavior that makes you want to play dead around others, you can develop more owner confidence with help from this expert trainer.
“Socializing your dog is beneficial for both dogs and their owners,” says Taryn Tyler, a certified dog trainer. “It creates confidence for both dogs and owners and displaces the anxiety we feel when our dogs aren’t behaving like we want them to.”
Taryn says that boundaries can be learned by dogs of any age.
“There’s a nasty perception along the ‘can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ line of thinking,” she says. “While you can’t take a dog with serious behavioral issues and completely turn them around 180 degrees, you can make improvements in how you understand your dog and how they understand you. Dog training isn’t just for struggling pups either. Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
ARTICLE
BY LISA MOYER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
STYLED BY ANGELA
BROOCKERD
“Creating a relationship between you and your canine based on confidence, reliability and reward can turn a good dog into a great dog.”
Taryn stresses that teaching a dog to sit or stay is less about tricks and more about the relationship that builds between animal and owner. “That, in turn, fosters an environment where the next time a family hosts Thanksgiving or has friends over, the owner and their dogs fall into the habit of obeying commands because of the confidence built through all the work put in beforehand.”
Even dogs with a troubled history can achieve improvement.
“We all love our dogs, but they can be stressful when they can’t seem to click in our home environments.
DOG SOCIALIZING TIPS:
• Socializing is more than taking your dog in public. A guy can dump a bunch of mulch in your driveway and spread it, but he’s not a landscaper until he’s following a plan. When the doorbell rings or a visitor comes into the house, what’s our expectation for the dog? When we’re in public and the dog’s attention is diverted, what’s our plan to refocus them? Socialization is 99 percent working on small steps as part of a larger plan.
• Socializing isn’t about our dogs being the center of attention in public. Everyone loves seeing a dog, but our best outcome for the dog is to go unnoticed. Sitting by our side, ignoring external stimuli, remaining calm—those are things we strive for when socializing a dog.
• When socializing dogs with other dogs, start small. Take a walk with another dog to get them to just exist in the same vicinity. Once they’re able to not be excited by the other dog, work on limited playing in controlled environments.
• If someone comes into your home, let them know what boundaries you’re working on with your dog. You can even suggest asking them to carry a few treats and work on some of the behaviors your dog is already comfortable with.
HOW TO THROW A BIRTHDAY BASH FOR YOUR FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS:
Once your dog is able to socialize with other pets, playdates are a great way to encourage good play behavior. One way to celebrate your pup’s birthday is to celebrate with their favorite furry friends. Here are a few helpful tips for making your gathering a success.
• Set up play areas for your furry guests to enjoy. This can include a doggy pool or splash pad, chew toys, frisbees, and don’t forget the pet-friendly bubbles.
• Offer party guests birthday attire such as a birthday hat, bandana or party outfit. Set up a photo wall for pet owners to get photos with their furry friends in their birthday outfits. Better yet, make it a costume competition, and invite guests to come dressed up ready to show off their pup’s attire.
• Create a treat display with a pet-friendly birthday cake and various chewy snacks for guests to give their pups.
• Party favors are a must to end your festivities with a bang. Fill party bags with bouncy balls, treats, and pet-friendly bubbles to send your guests off with a smile.
realty report
A SAMPLE OF RECENTLY
PROPERTIES IN INDIAN HILL.
This data is a sampling of sold properties from June 2024. Source: IRES MLS system.
AUGUST 1ST-4TH
GoettaFest
Newport’s Festival Park at the Levee, Riverboat Row, Newport | 5:00 PM
Don’t miss this annual celebration of all things goetta! Enjoy live music, family fun, including a 90-foot ferris wheel and delicious Glier’s Goetta. Admission is free. Goetta.com/GoettaFest
AUGUST 2ND & 3RD
2024 Ohio River Paddlefest
Schmidt Recreation Complex, 2944 Hubert Ave, Cincinnati | 4:00 PM
Paddle this 9-mile race in support of Adventure Crew, a local nonprofit connecting city teens with nature. Connect with environmentally-minded organizations at the Outdoors for All Expo on Friday, 4-9:30 p.m. On Saturday, 9-2 p.m., celebrate with food and live music at the Finish Line Festival. Register for the race online. OhioRiverPaddlefest.org
AUGUST 2ND & 16TH
Music Under the Stars
Greenacres Arts Center, 8400 Bloom Road, Cincinnati | 6:00 PM
Celebrate the summer season at Greenacres’ Music Under the Stars! Revel in a night of beauty in the iconic Arts Center gardens. On August 2, listen to the Cincinnati Symphony Woodwind Quintet, and on August 16, enjoy the Chris Comer Trio. Tickets are $15 per person. Children 5 and under are free. Reserve tickets online. Green-Acres.org
AUGUST 7TH
Turner Farm Sizzling
Summery Arrangements
Turner Farm, 7400 Given Road, Cincinnati | 6:30 PM
Embrace the summer season while curating your own floral arrangement with brightly colored zinnias, sunflowers, celosia and cosmos in a glass bubble bowl. Learn from expert florists as you experiment with textures and colors in bringing the outside in. Appetizers and wine are included with online registration. TurnerFarm.org
AUGUST 9TH
Movie in the Park
Stephan Park, 6300 Drake Road, Indian Hill | 9:00 PM
No tickets are necessary for Indian Hill’s free Movie in the Park event. Join neighbors and friends to enjoy the family-friendly movie “Migration” under the stars. Bring your own seat or blanket. IndianHill.gov
AUGUST 11TH-19TH
Cincinnati Open
Lindner Family Tennis Center, 5460 Courseview Drive, Mason | 11:00 AM
Experience this annual professional tennis event held right here in Cincinnati. Choose a single session or full series package and be front and center to the on-court action. Tickets can be reserved online. CincinnatiOpen.com
UPGRADE YOUR SPACE WITH THE TIMELESS BEAUTY OF TILE
Tired of your outdated backsplash? Look no further! Our team offers top-quality tile installation and exceptional customer service in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Your backsplash is an opportunity to express yourself. We deliver a hassle-free installation experience with attention to detail. Let us help you express yourself through your backsplash and create a stunning look for your home.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin
• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum
• 1/2oz- Lime juice
• Topped with ginger beer
• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame
GARNISH
• Small paint brush
• Simple syrup
• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame
INSTRUCTIONS
Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.
Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).
ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The Magic Dragon
Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail
