Metrosource National - OCT/NOV 2021

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your

healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems,

including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby.

Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed.

Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-

counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information

about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine,

visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP CREATING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0370 04/21

CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP CREATING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Chad’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

INDULGE, PAMPER, AND SPOIL YOURSELF

VIEWS

EDITOR’S LETTER

YOU DESERVE IT! PUT THE IMMEDIATE STRESSES OF TIME AWAY, AND

• Buy some fancy meats, cheeses, and artisanal

INDULGE YOURSELF, YOUR BODY, YOUR SENSES.

bread, and make a charcuterie platter. Enjoy that for

When you treat yourself well, others will follow suit.

cocktail hour or even as your dinner.

When you feel good about yourself, you will appear

• Open a good bottle of wine or champagne and

more confident and worthy of respect. Your strengths

drink the entire thing. (We have some wine ideas

will show, and you will not seem overly vulnerable to

starting on page 22.)

the opinions of others. In fact, others will want to join

• Buy that new outfit you’ve been wanting.

your party!

• Put on some soft music, close the door, and take

This issue is all about “indulgence” – from food

a long and leisurely bubble bath. (I’d suggest a glass

and wine, cocktails, travel, and skincare. Life is too

of wine here too!)

short to not indulge in the things that make you

• Order a pizza and eat the whole thing while

happy. Treat yourself! After all, you work hard, so why

watching Drag Race.

not celebrate all the little, everyday accomplishments.

• Hire someone to clean your house.

Especially now, we all need a little pampering to help

• Take the afternoon off work, grab that book you’ve

our mood. For my indulgence, this week I went to

been wanting to start, head to your favorite park,

a local hip coffee spot in uptown and thoroughly

and spend several hours outdoors reading.

enjoyed the fancy $7 extra foam vanilla latte with

• Go to the fancy coffee place and order a full-fat

whole milk, and sipping on the patio while people-

espresso drink.

watching. While it’s great when family and friends

• Buy tickets to a Broadway show that intrigues

treat you to something unexpected for your birth-

you. (We have some world-class theatre and cabaret

day (to fellow Virgos, mine was last month), what

ideas for you on page 46.) Get dressed up, go to the

about the rest of the year? Well, this is your time to

show, then have a late dinner at a nearby bistro.

INDULGE, and here are some ideas, both big and

• Visit that museum exhibit you’ve been wanting to

small, to get you feeling good --

check out.

• Go to a new restaurant and enjoy a meal. Splurge

• Go to a bakery and get a cupcake or doughnut. I

on wine pairings if they have them.

love a doughnut now and then – and it is definitely

• Enjoy a massage.

an indulgence.

• Buy that piece of artwork you’ve been lusting after.

• Create a special recipe at home – whether dinner,

• Indulge in a facial or skincare products. (There are

an appetizer, a dessert, a cocktail – something dif-

some great products to check out on page 18.)

ferent and fun. Enjoy the cooking experience and

• Book a night at a fancy hotel for you and your sig-

the result.

nificant other, or just yourself. Order room service

• Take a walk outside. Explore a new neighborhood,

and watch a movie.

park, beach, etc. Relax and decompress.

• Take a nap!

Whether your indulgences are big or small,

• Go to the local ice cream parlor and indulge in an

extravagant or inexpensive, planning some

ice cream cone.

“me-time” can help you, and those around you, feel

• Throw a cocktail party. (There are some delicious

good. So go ahead and spoil yourself, you deserve it.

PUBLISHER Bent Share Entertainment, LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Michael Westman COPY EDITOR James Delyea CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cesar A Reyes MARKETING DIRECTOR Christopher Jackson FEATURE WRITER Alexander Rodriguez CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ben Rimalower

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cocktails for your consideration starting on page 37.)

• Buy the prettiest flowers at your local florist and make yourself a bouquet.

• Plan a get-a-way. Vegas perhaps? (There are some hot new eateries to read about on page 41.)

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

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@metrosource @MetrosourceMagazine @metrosourcemag

METROSOURCE.COM

October/November 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 5

CONTENTS

THIS PAGE: DAVID ARCHULETA PHOTO BY ZACK KNUDSEN • CHEF GABRIELE BERTACCINI PHOTO BY CONSTANCE HIGLEY • PHOTO COURTESY OF KAMERON ROSS

26

32 14

14 CHEF GABRIELE BERTACCINI LIVING LA DOLCE VITA

26 DAVID ARCHULETA THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN FAITH, RELIGION, AND SEXUALITY

32 KAMERON ROSS AGT’S COUNTRY GENT

COVER: David Archuleta Photographer: Zack Knudsen METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

5

DEPARTMENTS

October/November 2021 | VOLUME 32, NO. 5

37

10

CULTURE

41

7 THE SCOPE Drage Race UK Season 3, ABBA takes a Voyage and a History Lesson on the Dance Theatre of Harlem

HEALTH 18 Pamper Your Face

TRAVEL 41 Celebrity Chefs Bring Flair to the Las Vegas Strip

ENTERTAINMENT 10 Asia O’Hara

42 Broadway Bound New York’s World-Class Theatre and Cabaret Venues Continue to Thrive

Talks all about Drag Race Live

FOOD & DRINK 22 Indulge this Fall in Some of Our Favorite Wines

37 Sip and Indulge Hand-Crafted Cocktails

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

METROSOURCE.COM

VIEWS

4 EDITOR’S LETTER

INDULGE, Pamper, and Spoil Yourself – You Deserve It!

THIS PAGE: ASIAN O’HARA PHOTO BY SCOTTY KIRBY • PRODUCT PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ROCKS™ PREMIUM COCKTAILS • VANDERPUMP ROSE CAKE PHOTO BY MICHAEL HARVEY • BROAWAY IMAGE BY SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

42

THESCOPE

CULTURE

THESCOPE

CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF WORLD OF WONDER

WATCH

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK SEASON 3 SASHAYS ONTO WOW PRESENTS PUT DOWN YOUR TEA AND CRUMPETS - SEASON 3 OF RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK PREMIERED ON SEPTEMBER 23RD. Twelve new queens from across the pond will slay their way

through a weekly series of challenges designed to test their make-up skills, fashion sense, sewing abilities, comedy, singing, acting, dancing, and lip sync skills. The queens will be assessed on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, with the judges selecting a winner, and the bottom two will have to lip sync for their lives before the eliminated queen is asked to sashay away.

RuPaul, Michelle Visage, Graham Norton and Alan Carr will all be returning to the judges’ panel this season, alongside special guest judges Oti Mabuse, Matt Lucas, Kathy Burke, Steps, Charity Shop Sue, and Jay Revell.

Airing Thursdays exclusively on WOW Presents Plus. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is produced by World of Wonder for BBC Three.

METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

7

THESCOPE CULTURE

LISTEN

ABBA: VOYAGE

ABBA, THE SWEDISH POP GROUP FORMED IN STOCKHOLM IN 1972 BY AGNETHA FÄLTSKOG, BJÖRN ULVAEUS, BENNY ANDERSSON, AND ANNI-FRID LYNGSTAD, ANNOUNCED NEW MUSIC AND A CONCERT, 40 YEARS IN THE

that brought all four of the original members together again, will feature the quartet going entirely digital in London next May, with a holographic live show, using motion capture and other techniques, with George Lucas’ special-effects company, Industrial Light & Magic.

No comeback would be complete without new music. Voyage, the album, featuring 10 new songs will be released on Nov 5, 2021. The first two singles from Voyage are “I Still Have Faith in You” and “Don’t Shut Me Down”– and both are available to stream right now.

In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, Björn Ulvaeus spoke about the group’s reunion, insisting the group never broke up permanently but took a break for creative reasons.“We ended because we felt the energy was running out in the studio, because we didn’t have as much fun in the studio as we did this time,”he said.“We never said,‘This is it. We’ve split, and we’ll never reunite again.’We never said that. We just said back then that we’d go on a break. And this break has now ended.”

Even though ABBA took 40 years off from making new music, Ulvaeus added that the bonds formed among his fellow bandmates are as strong as ever.“Everything came rushing back like it was yesterday,” he said.“We didn’t know what to expect when we went into the studio. We knew that,‘Oh, it might just be that we don’t have it anymore,’ and then realizing that we have something to give and something to say. That was an incredible feeling. In both songs, as you say, there is a lot of that, the happiness and joy of being able to come back like this and being proud of it.”

Visit www.abbavoyage.com to stream and pre-order ABBA’s new music.

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METROSOURCE.COM

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY BAILLIE WALSH

MAKING. A concert that combines the old and new, the young and not-so-young. A series of concerts,

READ

DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM: A HISTORY, A MOVEMENT, A CELEBRATION

IN 1969, AT THE HEIGHT OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, ARTHUR MITCHELL AND KAREL SHOOK FOUNDED DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM AS A HAVEN

THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF DANCE THEATRE HARLEM

FOR DANCERS OF ALL CULTURES. Over the past five

decades, the company has traveled the world creating timeless works that challenge traditional ballet head-on while examining ongoing issues of power, beauty, myth, and the ever-changing definition of art itself. Their groundbreaking, democratic vision for dance has fueled DTH’s growth into one of the most influential and revolutionary American ballet companies in modern history.

Now, for the first time, the essential history of this vital institution is brought to life in DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM: A HISTORY, A MOVEMENT ,A CELEBRATION by longtime members Judy Tyrus and Paul Novosel. With hundreds of sensational photographs, first-hand accounts, archival materials, and well-researched narrative, this stunning visual book traces the company from its origins in a Harlem basement to its activism and innovations in virtual performances throughout 2020, and the global pandemic. It’s a celebration of the performances, community engagement, and arts education through which the company continues to carry forward the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.

From music, to art, performance, film, fashion, and the written word, without African American culture, there is no “American” culture. While other books have been written about the importance and influence of the Black community in pop culture institutions, DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM looks at the African American history of ballet. It places Dance Theatre of Harlem in a historical context with the events happening in the wider world; from the civil rights movement that directly preceded the founding to the company’s groundbreaking and sometimes dangerous tours to apartheid South Africa, the Soviet Union, and China. It also tackles the segregation and racism that have troubled the company’s, and country’s, history, as well the social and political impact it made simply by being Black ballet dancers.

A perfect coffee-table book that is gorgeous and educational, for those looking for inspiration.

On sale October 26, 2021.

METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

9

ASIA DRAG RACE LIVE WITH

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

10

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

METROSOURCE.COM

O’HARA

EVEN BEFORE SHE HIT THE SCREEN OF RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 10, ASIA O’HARA WAS A STAR. This Texas native, having helped raise

her five sisters, started her drag career in the early 2000s when she entered and won an amateur contest at the Rose Room in Dallas.

She continued to perform and has won the crowns and many titles in the drag pageantry system, including three national titles. She’s done it all - she’s worked as a makeup artist, owned a costume design company, has released her own music, and her elaborate looks during her season of Drag Race have set the bar high in the world of avant-garde drag.

Last year, the nation got to see the person beyond the persona as Asia and her castmates took part in RuPaul’s Drag Race: Vegas Revue, a six-episode documentary series (cut short due to COVID) covering life behind the scenes of RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!, currently reopened at the Flamingo, Las Vegas. The reality series expanded on the Werk Room drama we’ve seen on regular Drag Race episodes, the emotions cutting a bit deeper than normal. We did not just see competitors fighting for camera time, showcasing one-liners in hopes of being a meme or tagline in hopes of winning the grand prize. We saw performers who have worked hard to get where they are, dealing with the tolls that professional life on the road and on the stage take on their physical and mental well-being as well as in their personal, family, and love life. It was raw, it was real, and not always pretty.

How thrilling to see the cast reunited (save for Evie Oddly) for an early performance of their post-COVID comeback. The show was electrifying, showcasing the best Vegas has to offer in terms of special effects, lighting, costuming, and sets. It was a gorgeous show to behold and a must for any Drag Race devotee – newbie or veteran fan. It was smartly put together, covering any of the cracks that we saw during the docuseries. Regardless of the cast drama and tears that we had seen on the show, these ladies were here to WERK, and they did just that.

At the center, was our mistress of ceremonies, Asia O’Hara. Despite some of the fragility we saw beyond the makeup in the series, Asia commanded the evening with the confidence and humor most often attributed to veteran performers beyond her age. She was on fire.

METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

11

What was going through your mind moments before stepping onto the stage post COVID? Pure excitement! And thankfulness.

There was a time when I didn’t know if I would ever be able to do what I loved again.

So, getting back on stage felt like hope.

What have you learned most about yourself from performing in Vegas Live?

I’ve learned that my eagerness to grow and evolve is just a strong as ever.

What is a personal favorite moment from the show?

Every night when I am being raised into the headphones for the mini challenge, the head carpenter straps me into my safety belt and tells me that he loves me and that I’m doing a great job. He’s kind of like my dad.

What has been the funniest/craziest onstage moment from the show?

Re-opening night when one of the props fell to the ground and almost took out a couple of entertainers!

What do your fans tell you the most?

That they love Vanjie.

We certainly saw a lot from the reality show.

Why is it important for fans to see what happens behind the scenes?

Because they showed who we really are!

We found out a lot about your personal life.

Are you ever scared about showing that side of Asia?

Not scared but cautious at times. My personal life is very precious, and I never want to tarnish that.

How are things backstage with your costars now?

I and the other lightheaded fun girls have a wonderful time backstage. Lots of love and laughter.

The world of drag continues to evolve. How have you evolved from your first ever performance in drag?

I’ve learned not to take myself so seriously. Life is short and I’m here to enjoy it.

What do you want Vegas audiences to walk away with from watching the show?

I want them to feel happy and disconnected from all the problems they thought they had.

Those Pit Crew Boys! Oh my - do the onstage muscles become a blur after seeing those hotties night after night?

You should see them naked - like I get to!

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METROSOURCE.COM

What is your pre-show ritual?

I light candles, listen to a podcast, have a cocktail with Vanjie and Kameron, and then start my makeup.

What is your after-show ritual?

When I get home, I listen to David Attenborough over a plate of vegan pad thai from Trader Joe’s.

How do you maintain your endurance and mental health during such an aggressive performance schedule?

Balance! I try to make the most of my days

before coming in to work. Hiking, a dip in the pool, shopping, etc. It’s important to get fulfillment from a multitude of things outside of work.

What is your message to your fans?

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God can’t keep you.

■

You can follow Asia on IG: @AsiaOHaraLand and get your tickets for Drag Race Live! at caesars.com/flamingo-las-vegas

PAGE 10 & 12: PHOTOS BY SCOTTY KIRBY • PAGE 11: SHOW IMAGE COURTESY VOSS EVENTS

We were able to nab Asia in between performances, for a Metrosource exclusive rapid-fire.

PA L M S P R I N G S , C A L I F O R N I A

Fall Preview

October 14-17, 2021 TICKETS AVAILABLE

Modernism Week

February 17-27, 2022

TICKETS ON SALE NOVEMBER 1

modernismweek.com

PAGE 14-16: PHOTOS BY CONSTANCE HIGLEY

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CHEF GABRIELE BERTACCINI QUICKLY BECAME A RECOGNIZABLE NAME AROUND THE WORLD WHEN HIS HIT SHOW SAY I DO PREMIERED ON NETFLIX. The Southern California based culinary wizard wowed

audiences with his skills in the kitchen, his compassion, and his openness to live authentically as himself. Say I Do follows three “gayngels” as they plan the upcoming nuptials of eight deserving couples. Chef Gabriele crafts unique, mouthwatering cuisine for the couples with a dollop of charm and a side of warmth. A native of Florence, Italy, Chef Gabriele embarked on his culinary journey at a young age and is constantly drawing inspiration for his menus from his globetrotting adventures. When it comes to inspiration both in his personal life and when creating cuisine for clients, Chef Gabriele draws from a variety of experiences.

“I am Italian first and foremost and our culture is rooted in the

LIVING LA DOLCE VITA WITH

CHEF GABRIELE

BERTACCINI

A 360-DEGREE APPROACH TO CELEBRATING LIFE

BY PAUL ZAHN

art of cooking and dining,” Chef Gabriele shares. “We call it ‘LA DOLCE VITA’ - the sweet life. The rise in recognition for authentic cooking and heritage recipes is a responsibility every Italian has especially if you are a chef,”he continues. Chef Gabriele also credits the strong female presence during his upbringing when creating his dishes.“I cook in the housewife’s style: casalinga. Those are the people that I learned how to cook from housewives, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters. That’s where I get my inspiration because Italy is like that. It’s like mother’s love. It’s like grandmother’s love. It’s instantly familiar and comforting all at the same time and immediately,” he shares.

Viewers of Say I Do feel instantly familiar and comforted with Gabriele because the unscripted show is less about over the top produced reality television and more about being authentic. Chef Gabriele explains,“It’s a show about the importance of connection with one another and the necessary act of embracing who we fully are without apologies or explanations. It’s a show about the true power of love.”He sought to blend his culinary skills with his culture and his personal journey.

“Food is all connected to stories and culture. Chefs are some of the most amazing storytellers.” In fact, one of the world’s most recognized culinary storytellers was a mentor to Chef Gabriele.

“Anthony Bourdain was someone I highly connected with and a great mentor. He lives within me every single day I walk into a kitchen or embark on a new adventure,” he shares.

One common bond both Bourdain and Chef Gabriele share - story telling chefs living authentically both on and off camera.

During the premiere episode of Say I Do, a groom-to-be disclosed his journey of living with diabetes and Gabriele unexpectedly shared an intimate aspect of his life he was living with HIV. He revealed,“The ability for Marcus to open up about something very personal about his life allowed me to do the same. It felt natural and needed. Conversations like the one I had on the show are testament to how much vulnerability is important in showing up fully for who we are. It is also important for HIV+ people to not be ashamed about our status and story but instead being open to talk about it and break down the barriers and stigma that HIV still has in our community.”The world applauded Chef Gabriele for living in his truth and using his platform to continue to de-stigmatize living with HIV. METROSOURCE.COM

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

15

Along with the praise of viewers and critics for his food and candid demeanor, Say I Do has served as a platform for the world to be introduced to the Gabrielle Bertaccini Experience. Chef Gabriele’s bespoke events company is not just about food and drinks it is a 360-degree approach to celebrating life. “When I started my company, I remember explaining everyone who worked with me that we were not in the business of food but in the business of creating memories. I wanted every event, experience and gathering to feel like a beautiful, curated dream. I believe the best dining experiences are the ones in which we are seated around a table sharing food and stories with others.

I want for our evenings to be the best dinner parties you’ve ever attended,” he gushes.

Although the past year and a half has been anything but a dream and with the world in a state of flux, Chef Gabriele notes this shift has affected the way we will approach and experience our food and beverage events leading into 2022.“The next year will bring two polarizing approaches to dining. One that embraces the need for simpler, comforting and soulnourishing cuisine and the other that functions as an escape and embraces

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021

frivolousness allowing patrons to be both fancy and indulgent,” he shares.

“We are crafting more exclusive types of dining events think of tasting menus, private dining experiences … moments that go above and beyond with ingredients and access. It’s a return to the true essence and special nature of dining together around a table,” he continues.

With holiday gatherings just around the corner, Chef Gabriele has some advice for the home cook and gift givers this time of year. “Every home chef should start by investing in a really, really good knife set. It can be expensive, but you buy them once and if you take care of them, they’ll last you a lifetime,” he shares.

“I especially love Japanese knives because of their light weight and sharp blades.” He continues, “Everyone should also own at least one cast iron pan and a good, thick wooden cutting board. I still have the one my grandmother used and every time I am in the kitchen it reminds me of the times we spent together cooking up Sunday dinners.”

Between running a successful catering and event planning business, globetrotting, and gearing up for a 2022 to remember Chef Gabe is booked, blessed and busy.

■

METROSOURCE.COM

BEEF RAGU WITH PAPPAREDELLE INGREDIENTS Passata di Pomodoro: 2 cans (28 oz. each) peeled whole tomatoes 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil 1 small clove garlic, smashed 1 sprig fresh marjoram 1 tsp. kosher salt Ragù Sauce: 2 ¼ lb. beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes ½ lb. pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes 5 oz. pancetta, cut into 1-inch cubes 5 oz. prosciutto di parma, cut into 1-inch cubes 5 oz. mortadella, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped 4 stalks celery, roughly chopped 1 carrot, roughly chopped 5 oz. strutto (lard), cut into pieces Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 ½ cups dry, fruity red wine (such as Sangiovese) 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock Pasta: Salt 16 oz. (or 500 grams) pappardelle or tagliatelle 2 tbsp. butter 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving

Step 4: In a large heavy pot, melt the strutto over medium-high heat. Add the ground pancetta mixture. Cook, stirring often, until the fat renders, about 4 minutes. Add the vegetables. Cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Add the ground beef and pork, season with kosher salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the beef and pork release their juices, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the wine and cook until the mixture begins to steam. Stir in the reserved 2 cups of passata and the stock. Reduce heat to low.

Step 6: Gently simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the beef and pork are tender and the flavors are concentrated, 5 to 7 hours.

Step 7: Set aside 6 cups of ragù for the pasta. Let the remaining sauce cool.

Step 8: Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook until al dente.

Step 9: In another large pot, bring the reserved 6 cups of ragù to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the sauce reduces slightly, about 3 minutes. Add the butter and swirl until the sauce is smooth.

Step 10: Using a large slotted fork, transfer the pasta from the cooking water to the ragù. Toss the pasta until coated.

Add some of the cooking water to loosen the sauce, if needed. Mix 1 cup cheese into the sauce. Serve the pasta with more cheese.

EVAN’S TIPS FOR RAGÙ • Buying the right tomatoes: When you’re shopping for canned whole peeled tomatoes, look for the high-quality San Marzano

DIRECTIONS Step 1: For the passata, pass the tomatoes with the juices through a food mill into a large bowl or pulse in a food processor until very smooth, about 1 minute.

Step 2: In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-low until it begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and marjoram and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced slightly, about 30 minutes. Discard the garlic and marjoram. Set aside 2 cups of the passata for the ragù.

Let the remaining passata cool.

Step 3: For the ragù, using a meat grinder or a stand mixer and a grinder attachment fitted with a large die, grind the beef into a large bowl. Without cleaning the grinder between batches, grind the pork into the same bowl. Grind the pancetta, prosciutto, and mortadella into a separate medium bowl. Run the pancetta mixture through the grinder again. Run the onion, celery, and carrot through the grinder into another large bowl.

variety. I like Bianco DiNapoli and Alta Cucina brands.

• Pancetta, prosciutto di parma and mortadella: Get thick pieces, not thin slices, of the cured meats at the deli counter. No meat grinder? Ask your butcher to grind it for you.

• Olive oil vs. strutto (lard): To keep the flavors authentically Bolognese, stay away from olive oil - olives don’t grow in Bologna - and stick to animal fats like lard or butter.

• Choosing your pasta: Homemade pasta is best, but your backup is high-quality dried. I like Spinosi brand tagliatelle or Garofalo brand pappardelle, which can both be found in stores or on Amazon.

• Cooking the meat: Don’t brown the ground meat. Searing will make it hard and dry in the sauce - the opposite of your goal of tender and luscious.

• Combining the pasta and ragù: Butter makes the ragù glossy and helps it cling better to the pasta. Adding just a few splashes of starchy pasta water will loosen the sauce and let the pasta swim deliciously in the ragù.

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PAMPER

YOUR FACE THIS TIME OF THE YEAR IS ALL ABOUT INDULGENCE, SO WHY

incare regime and need a change, there’s no better time than the fall. Take a little time to upgrade your medicine chest before the holidays. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and let go of anything you haven’t used this past year. Stock up on a high-quality cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and more to prepare for seasonal dry and inclement weather. Coming back to the office for in-person work?

Splurge a bit more so people can see what’s under that mask. If you’re staying away from indoor places and spaces, check out Brandefy (beyondthelabel.brandefy.info), a new app that“connects beauty enthusiasts with the backto-basics knowledge and ‘holy grail’ products they need.”

Look for Brandefy on Instagram @brandefy_ , check out their app for more information and tips. Remember to stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep.

BODY

HEALTH

LEAVE YOUR FACE OUT? If you’re feeling stuck in your sk-

CURRENTBODY SKIN DR. HARRIS ANTI-WRINKLE SLEEP MASK www.currentbody.com $125 Having problems counting sheep? Dr. Harris has a mask for you! While it might look like a regular sleep mask, CurrentBody Skin Dr. Harris Anti-Wrinkle Mask is the world’s first revolutionary anti-aging sleep mask clinically proven to reduce wrinkles.

Dr. Steve Harris, London’s leading aesthetic practitioner, had an eureka moment on a flight from London to Toronto and created this mask using 2R Technology (muscle relaxation and emotional relaxation) to target wrinkles. Dr. Harris’ mask uses care-

CURRENTBODY SKIN LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK

fully placed silicone dots to stimulate facial mechanoreceptors and triggers the auto-

www.us.currentbody.com $399

will start to soften and smooth out those pesky wrinkles. Treat your face well and

Does the CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask look familiar?

You may have seen Renée Zellweger, Carey Mulligan, and Kaley Cuoco sporting it on Instagram and other social media outlets. This flexible and wearable mask delivers the perfect dose of dual LED light directly onto the skin. The fun mask features the latest generation in wearable anti-aging technology, combining anti-aging red and near infra-redlight therapy. Outfitted with 49 LED bulbs, this device boosts radiance while stimulating collagen production. Wrinkles and lines getting you down? Lean into this trending mask, clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 35% in just four weeks.

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nomic nervous system to relax the body. Even fifteen minutes of wearing this mask your whole body will relax and feel good.

KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 RETINOL SKIN RENEWING DAILY MICRO-DOSE SERUM www.kiehls.com $60 This fall, Kiehl’s Since 1851 launched one of the hottest skincare items in the industry: A Retinol Daily Micro-Dose Serum. Their breakthrough serum formulated with a precise daily dose delivers visible benefits within the first two weeks. The Kiehl’s Since 1851 Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum is inspired by the medical science of “micro dosing.” This innovation contains ceramides and peptides to fortify the skin barrier while increasing the skin’s overall tolerance to retinol starting with the first use. We’ve known for some time that Retinol has been transforming people’s skin, but in the clinical evaluation this new formula reduced wrinkles for 100% of users, with 90% showing improved firmness, and 94% showing refined texture within twelve weeks of use. Use just one pump to cleansed skin, followed by a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF during the day for best results.

LAB SERIES DAY RESCUE DEFENSE LOTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 35 www.labseries.com $56 If you’re going out into the world it’s important to lather on the SPF. LAB SERIES Day Rescue Defense Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 35 is a lightweight, invisible daily moisturizer with SPF that will help to defend you against high-impact elements in the environment that can lead to dehydrated skin. The product features HYDRA-ENDURE technology, which pairs barrier reinforcers with a blend of plant extracts known to endure extreme weather conditions. Lather a generous amount before going out into the world. Have a bald spot, or sporting a bit of a receding hairline? Don’t forget to protect the top of your head as well.

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PAYOT PARIS MY PAYOT NEW GLOW

HEALTH

www.payot.com $36 It’s been one helluva year, and PAYOT Paris is there to get you covered for the holiday season. This super-brightening, shortterm treatment (10 days) is a concentrated vitamin C formula to revive the skin while leaving you looking refreshed and radiant. Apply each evening to refine and smooth the texture of

BODY

your skin. This orange-colored fresh gel contains 12% vitamin C and smells incredible. Consider this treatment a pause and refresh for your skin, just four to five drops on the face and neck each evening for ten days.

NATURAL BISSE OXYGEN MOUSSE www.naturabisse.com $50 If you’re looking to trade in your cleanser this fall, Natura Bissé’s Oxygen Mousse fresh foaming cleanser for all skin types is a perfect option. Literally a breath of fresh air, this silky, foamy facial cleanser is infused with a wonderful fragrance. Moisten the face and neck and apply the mousse on with gentle circular movements then rinse with water and presto!

Use twice a day to minimize pores, reduce clogging, prevent dehydration, and keep blackheads from forming.

The Natura Bissé Oxygen Collection aims to purify, revitalize, and hydrate while brightening because as their website states, “A burst of oxygen is perfect if your skin feels dull or asphyxiated due to environmental damage, stress, or even during long airplane flights.” Give your skin the deep breath it deserves.

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ONESKIN OS-01 TOPICAL SUPPLEMENT www.oneskin.com $120 OneSkin’s OS-01 Topical Supplement, is the first of its kind, designed to extend the health of your skin on the molecular level. The peptide OS-01 has been shown to rejuvenate the skin and effectively treat the negative implications of aging. Improve skin hydration and collagen production, and the skin’s smooth texture, while supporting DNA damage and overall cell function. Four female PhDs with a passion for prolonging the human health span pioneered this innovative product that is scientifically proven to extend the length of time the skin remains healthy. Apply using 1-2 pumps directly onto the face, neck, and hands each morning and allow it to work deeply.

SELF/ISH BEARD OIL www.selfishskin.com $28 With November on the horizon, many of our beards start to get extra scratchy and uncomfortable. Invest in a quality beard oil to make it through the whole “no shave” month! SELF/ish beard oil is lightly enriched with an infusion of antioxidant vitamins that work with Jojoba oil, Argan Oil, sunflower seed oil, rosemary, orange, lemon, and more to make your beard healthy and fresh. Just pump 1-2 drops of beard oil into your palms, rub your hands together, and massage it into your facial hair while making contact with the skin. Tame that unruly beard while transforming the look and feel of your facial hair.

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INDULGE THIS FALL IN SOME OF OUR FAVORITE WINES

BY KEVIN PERRY AND MICHAEL WESTMAN

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ECO TERRENO (SONOMA, CALIFORNIA) Eco Terreno (ecoterreno.com) is pouring a Pride Rosé, that embodies the spirit of Pride with its bright and airy mouth feel and refreshing finish. Mark Lyon, the former winemaker at Sebastiani, where he was revered as the catalyst to elevating their reputation for world-renowned wines and vineyard sites, is the founder of Eco Terreno and brings nearly four decades of vintner prowess to each glass that sprouts from his fertile imagination.

Lyon has perfected the art of biodynamic farming.

He embraces the natural rhythms of the Russian River and, in turn, the landscape hugs him back. It is a love story that only an LGBTQ+ winemaker could craft.

Their 2018 Sansara Sauvignon Blanc, is a brilliant, light, greenish-gold. The nose offers aromas of fresh cut hay, sweet pea blossoms, pink grapefruit, and wet stone. Silky and surprisingly full-bodied in structure, the wine has nuanced flavors of pear, melon, lime zest, balanced by a long and pleasingly dry, flinty finish. Can be enjoyed as an aperitif and pairs beautifully with goat cheese, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes.

Leoncito (Spanish for little lion) is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot that gives a nod to the Alexander Valley’s Hispanic heritage. The 2017 vintage is a dark purple color, with a nose of dark black cherry and boysenberry followed by hints of vanilla and baking spices. Smooth yet medium-plus in body, this wine offers rich flavors of ripe black cherry, red berries, and dark chocolate with a hint spice on the long, silky finish.

Ask for Eco Terreno at a wine shop near you or visit www.ecoterreno.com.

EQUALITY VINES (SONOMA, CALIFORNIA) No Pride period would be complete without a healthy splash of social consciousness. Equality Vines (equalityvines.com) is fiercely committed to the causes that pulse through our collective hearts and souls. The co-founders of Equality are Matt Grove and Jim Obergefell. If that second name ringa-ding-dings a bell, that’s because Obergefell was the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case that ultimately made same-sex marriage legal in America, but that was just an appetizer.

Motivated by their personal connections to the fight for equality, and fueled by a shared love of great wine, Grove and Obergefell launched a new kind of wine label, a label whose every bottle of wine not only tells a story but actually supports the ideals of ‘We the People’ and ‘Equal Justice Under Law.’ Equality Vines does more than put exceptional wine in bottles – they help fund the fight for equality.

For every release of Equality Vines wine, they partner with an organization dedicated to equality by making per-bottle cash donations directly to that organization. Collaborating with talented winemakers who craft their premium wines and share their beliefs in and commitment to women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrants’ rights, and more. Equality Vines believes in civil rights and equality for all and supports the ongoing fight for all to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The Love Wins Sparkling Rosé deliciously celebrates the landmark Supreme Court Marriage Equality Decision, with its crisp, light notes of strawberries, and dry finish.

Equality’s tasting room in Guerneville, California, is a must-stop on any visit to the Russian River Valley.

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The Prisoner Wine Company is located on the legendary Highway 29 in Napa Valley and welcomes visitors year-round for unexpected, immersive experiences. Or you can visit them online at www.theprisonerwinecompany.com.

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Food Pairing: Grilled Beef Short Rib Skewers (Serves 8) 3 lbs of boneless beef short rib sliced ¼ inch thickness Marinade: • ¼ cup of chopped pineapple • ½ cup chopped apple • ¼ cup chopped Asian pear • 4 garlic cloves • 1 ¼ cup of soy sauce • ¼ cup sesame oil • ½ cup sugar • ¼ cup of mirin • 4 cups of water 32 wooden skewers Toasted white sesame seeds Instructions: Put all marinade ingredients in a blender

THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY (NAPA, CALIFORNIA) The Prisoner was inspired by the classic sketch Le Petit Prisonier by 19th century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. The sketch is part of Goya’s series entitled, “The Disasters of War,”was created to be a visual protest against the injustice and brutality of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808. Since their founding, The Prisoner Wine Company has stood in solidarity with the fight against racism, mass incarceration and the systematic oppression of Black communities, and they are committed to educating, embracing diversity, and creating an inclusive environment where their employees and business partners feel safe, respected and valued.

The Prisoner winemaking team works with a family of growers to source a diverse variety of grapes from premier vineyards throughout California. The resulting wines are interesting blends of distinct quality and character. Hand-picked grapes ferment in bins for 10-20 days to allow the tannins to mature. All lots ferment separately and are pumped two times each day. Only once the tannins have fully developed are the grapes finally pressed, separating the juice from the skins.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of black cherry and ripe plum, layered with vanilla and baking spice. Concentrated dark fruit flavors culminate in a lush, full mouthfeel and a lengthy finish.

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and blend for 30 seconds. Marinate ¼ inch slices of beef short ribs for 24 hours. Put slices on skewers and grill over charcoal for 2 minutes on each side. Serve with a sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds.

Other offerings from The Prison Wine Company include: Unshackled 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Notes of melon, peach, fresh citrus, lime and tropical fruit. The addition of Chenin Blanc and Roussanne adds brightness and texture.

Unshackled 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vibrancy of fruit is the focal point of this wine. Featuring aromas of plum and blackberry with a hint of olive. Flavors of black stone fruit, clove, and dried herbs with solid tannin structure result in a flavor-forward Cabernet Sauvignon with balanced acidity.

Unshackled 2019 Red Blend A blend of Zinfandel, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tannat, and Tempranillo. A purity of fruit is evident, featuring aromas of raspberry, blueberry, and crushed violets. Flavors of spiced dried cherries, florals, and a hint of white pepper translate to a balanced wine that’s uplifting, supported with a generous mouthfeel.

EN GARDE (KENWOOD, CALIFORNIA) Blending a hearty Hungarian robustness with the laid-back vibes of California, En Garde Winery (engardewinery.com) is your passport to transcendence. Known for their luxe tasting room in Kenwood, California, En Garde is sharing their award-winning Cabs and Pinots with the grateful travelers along Route 12.

One standout selection is the 2018 Mt. Veeder Cabernet, which received 93 points from Robert Parker/Wine Advocate. The velvety texture of this medium to full-bodied wine is filled with flavors of black and red berries and is delicious now and for years to come.

En Garde’s 2018 Greenville Summit blend, though technically a Cabernet Sauvignon, is peppered with small amounts of Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Robust ripples of cloves and plum emerge from the depths of this layered wine to elevate your overall tasting experience.

Your taste buds will be pleasantly exhausted after exploring Eastern European techniques distilled through a Western American sensibility.

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THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN FAITH, RELIGION, AND SEXUALITY

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ DAVID ARCHULETA BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME WHEN HE WAS JUST 16 YEARS OLD. With more than 44 million votes,

he was declared runner-up and fan favorite for American Idol’s Season 7. After his appearance on the show, his career would launch into an immediate success with his debut single going double platinum and his debut album going gold. Album after album has reflected that success and, after more than a decade from his Idol debut, he is still a fan favorite garnering millions of music streams each month and selling out two national tours per year. In February, he will embark on his OK, All Right tour based on his latest album, Therapy Sessions.

With his innocent looks and angelic voice, the speculation immediately started as he hit the screen – was he, or wasn’t he? This summer, David confirmed that he is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a complexity that matches his life beyond the public eye, he has yet to define himself within the parameters of those letters but is using his voice to promote acceptance of LGBTQIA+ as well the importance of faith in one’s life. He remains a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but also talks candidly about the struggle that remains between faith, religion, and sexuality. Fans will experience a very different Archuleta this tour … he has grown up and he has a lot to say.

His summer single,“Movin’,”shows us a very fluid David, exuding confidence and sexiness that presents a more mature Archuleta. Though not Latin music, it is Latin-inspired, an homage to the heritage and music that he grew up with.

Music was always a part of his family.

I feel like I learned rhythm and groove from my mom’s Latin influence, her being from Honduras. From the jazz influence from my dad, I learned improv and feeling the language and expression you can have within a melody. I learned stage presence from my mom who also holds a passion for singing. My passion for music in

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general, came from my dad, and as I mentioned before, just taking risks with songs with ad-libs. Both of my parents encouraged me to believe that I was capable of being a performer - I was very insecure about it for a long time.

By the time he had hit American Idol at 16, he had already experienced years in the biz. He started singing at age six after inspiration from multiple views of the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary recording. By the age of 10, he was winning the children’s division of the Utah Talent Competition, which lead to television appearances as well as a stint on Star Search 2, winning that Junior Vocal Championship. His music experience in his youth was not just about the music, it was about the competition.

If I’m going to be honest, competing takes away what I enjoy about singing. I hate the comparison and the pressure and the idea of rivalry behind it. So, to get through competitions, I had to remove myself from the mentality of competing with others to simply competing with myself. Otherwise, it was hard to enjoy for me. At the same time, after doing competitions and seeing that I did well, even with other people competing, gave me the confidence I needed once again to think I was good and capable of it all. So, it’s a double-edged sword to help me have a new perspective on what I’m capable of.

The pros are the exposure and the learning experience of how to deal with a lot of pressure and attention.

The cons are the pressure and attention and comparisons that come. You have to learn how to take the attention and opinions objectively and as an opportunity to gain your own perspective on who you’d like to become and how to improve, but also not let it define you and rely on what other people think of you to decide your every move. It will interfere with your freedom to express. But if you take it well, it can give you ideas on how to think outside of the box.

THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY CYRUS PAMGANIBAN

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It is obvious that the producers of American Idol saw something from this young star, his first audition for the show was accompanied with a highlighted interview during which he chatted about his battle with vocal paralysis. His nervous demeanor while talking to Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell was instantly endearing but his obvious professionalism kicked into gear as he launched into John Mayer’s “Waiting for the World to Change,” not even flinching when Randy Jackson decided to join in. The votes from the panel were unanimous … the rest is history. He emerged as an eternal fan favorite.

I didn’t think I had anything great or unique to offer. But perhaps it was because I was awkward with the attention being given. I’d like to think they were connecting to the performances the same way I connected to them, and that I prepared well enough to make it easy to share that experience with them and see music the way I see and feel it. I was a shy and casual kid who wasn’t looking for a whole lot of attention. A lot of families and normal TV watchers could feel the same way. So maybe it gave audiences a moment to connect on that level too.

Even with years of competing and vocal instruction, Idol would be a totally different experience for Archuleta. It would challenge the limits of any singer, in addition to David being only 16 years old. The hardest parts of Idol?

Just the amount of pressure and attention. It made it hard to focus on singing and working on the songs. We were swung around everywhere.

The more attention we got gave less time to focus on the competition itself. A lot of times I just felt I didn’t have the energy to finish and keep giving a good show and keep the right energy and smile on my face. You feel exhausted by the end of it, and I think it showed on David Cook and my faces by the end of it. But I’d say it was a marathon worth running. Anything that takes time, effort, focus, and energy may wear you out but pushes you past what you thought were your limits and leads to many opportunities to grow.

We know from Idol history that some competitors make a name for themselves, some disappear into reality TV oblivion. Did reality TV give David a false idea of being successful in the music industry?

I don’t think it gave a false idea because it’s the route I took to achieve my success. It’s not the only one, but it was incredible to be in a show where the audience, which was a massive one, engaged in what I prepared each week and then supported me to continue my journey by voting in. It was a team effort with performer and voter and allowed me to gain a relationship with those who were investing on whether to become a fan and follow

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THIS PAGE: PHOTO BY MEGA MAN • AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7 COURTESY IMAGE

my journey or not. Even if they didn’t follow, they enjoyed seeing the process of me evolving in front of them.

Being in performance mode would become a mainstay in David’s life. He was the media and the fans’ sweetheart. Audiences clamored for that innocent boy they had seen on Idol; his smile was as much his brand as was his voice. How did David establish his own identity beyond the persona?

I think just over time with the years you learn you don’t always have to be “on.” Being on TV shows, you get trained to always be “on” for the camera and if you’re not then you’ve got a bunch of people telling you to smile more, put in more energy for the camera. After the fact, you learn you still need to somewhat turn on the energy and focus to give to an audience, but you can find your own way of doing it and still be yourself. I think it took me a few years though - even taking a break from music for two years to be a missionary in Chile for my church. It wasn’t until I came back and had a fresh new look and perspective on my career that I felt I could be more authentically myself while still bringing the energy to engage an audience for a performance or interview.

This year marks his nineth studio project, his creative process remains the same.

It usually starts with whatever is running around in my mind. Whether it’s something I’m contemplative about, stressing about, or excited about. I bring that into a writing room and start getting it off my mind to the writers, and it gets

on paper. And we see what stories need to be told.

His album, Therapy Sessions, is a leap of faith for Archuleta. It is an unabashed and transparent look into David’s internal struggle, a long-term battle with himself.

I was going through therapy and trying to apply the steps it took to escape the barriers I had created for myself. Whether it was fear, loss, dwelling on the past, or anxiety. There’s a constant battle going on because so much of my mind doesn’t want to budge. The songs are a sort of a back and forth within the inner dialogue I have with myself.

The result is a matured and plaintive David, his voice has changed from that first Idol audition.

I’d say I’ve learned to use my own voice within more rather than trying to use my voice as others want. Whether it’s TV producers, record labels, my parents, or what I thought my management team expected from me. I’ve learned to use my voice to speak honestly about whatever I’m discovering to be my truth at that time.

He is also using his voice to talk about religion.

While many members of the LGBTQ+ population have left an oppressive relationship with childhood religion, David continues to embrace the Mormon Church.

It’s given me the foundation to learn how to have a personal relationship with God, my Heavenly Father, I always like to say. It’s taught me the hope of a merciful and loving savior Jesus Christ who gives us grace when I have a hard time finding it for myself. I can be hard on myself a lot. So that grace of knowing someone is willing to forgive me METROSOURCE.COM

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even when I, or others, can’t is really encouraging to me. It gives me the perspective to look even beyond the moment and to dig in deeper for purpose.

His commitment to his faith was so strong he took two years off from his thriving career to complete his required work as a missionary. It was a humbling but inspiring experience for David.

I learned that I still have value even when I no longer have all the attention and popularity from a career. That was a big thing for me. Fame and popularity can hinder your selfworth because it can get you to rely too much on what others think of you and how much attention you get to equal your self-worth. And you learn that it is such an unpredictable and ever-changing variable to measure. I learned to lose myself in serving others and God, helping them learn how to have a relationship with Him. And I felt like I found so much of myself in the process.

Religion continues to be a headline-making thorn in the side of many of our community. Where inclusion and love should be the fundamentals on any faith based on the Bible, many have only messages of damnation, abuse, and even ostracization. According to David, there are misconceptions about his religion and our community.

I think the biggest one is that you can’t be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still be a member of the Church. All are welcome in a church meeting no matter what sexuality or gender you identify with, no matter what kind of relationship you’re in. Anyone can go and worship on Sundays. And I think that’s something most people don’t know.

This fall, he will release his first book, a children’s book based on the lyrics of his anthem “My Little Prayer.” It is a simple story about the power of faith, friendship, and prayer. His advice for those currently struggling with their faith and sexuality?

I’d say first - be compassionate with yourself! It’s a hard place. Church culture where it’s at still has a hard time wrapping its head around what it means to have a sexuality and attractions that aren’t the standard typical heterosexual ones. A lot of how it’s been looked at comes from fear of talking about sexuality in general, I think, and that’s a whole other topic.

Also, give yourself time. Have patience with yourself. When you feel ready and find someone who you know you can open up to, have the courage to do so. It doesn’t always have to be someone super close to you. Just someone who you know will listen and not judge you.

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Maybe not every community is ready to have that discussion, but I think we’re getting there. Even seven or eight years ago when I came out to my family, I just wasn’t ready to have that conversation with the public yet. I still needed time to understand myself better and find compassion for myself.

David’s coming out would come in phases, starting back in 2014.

My family handled it perfectly. I came out to my mom and younger sisters first. They just gave me a hug and told me they loved me and kept treating me as they always did. I didn’t come out to my brother and dad until this year.

I was afraid of what men would think of me admitting I had feelings for dudes, but they were supportive as well. Funny enough, my dad has been the most open-minded from the start. He would try to talk to us as kids about how he went to a gay bar with friends when he was younger to see it for himself and without the misconceptions from other people.

I didn’t want to hear it then because I didn’t understand it and process it yet. This time, a few months ago when I talked to him, I appreciated the story and him being open-minded to see without judging and assumptions in a whole different way. I don’t go to clubs or bars regardless of whether it’s a gay bar or your average straight bar, just because I’m not a nightlife person and like to keep home. But I still appreciate my dad trying to say in a long way that he supported and loved me and was happy for me to bring the conversation to our community who simply hasn’t had a lot of exposure to what it’s like to be open about sexuality that’s different from the norm.

This year, his coming out would also become public. The ever-divisive world of social media became a flurry of congratulations and support to digital eye rolls and scoffing at his commitment to religion. Regardless of the reception, it was something he had to do for himself.

I still was coming from a place that I thought I could influence my sexuality if I focused on the right things like marriage and kids and finding a girl to start that with. When I was feeling too much shame, anger, and resentment, even selfhatred that I couldn’t get it to work after several attempts, I realized I needed to be honest about what I was experiencing. I was thinking God must not love me because I couldn’t be straight.

Then I had an experience where I was praying every day for Him to help change me, because He had the power to remove this flaw from me,

and He came to me lovingly but clearly saying, “David, you need to stop asking me this. I created you how you are and with intention and purpose. You see this as a flaw and I don’t, and it’s time for you to understand what that means.

I don’t see it the same way you do.”

I also realized I needed to help people in my same situation to have more compassion for themselves. They may have had misconceptions about it, and that it was more a cultural stance on it in the church rather than how God really sees us. I knew I needed to show people with similar values that being LGBTQIA+ didn’t always look how they thought. That I could still be who I always have been, still have a relationship and seek God in my love, and still have sexuality/physical attractions that were different and that being attracted to men was not something I just looked to out of curiosity. It’s something I’ve had since kids first start developing feelings, intensified in puberty, and no matter what I tried to do to push it away and change it for all my life, it’s not how it works.

And instead of hating myself for it, I needed to look at it without judging myself so harshly and see myself without hate or despite. I had to be willing to view acceptance differently.

According to Archuleta, his coming out only adds to his thriving career, he is not afraid of any ramifications.

I value honesty and being true. So, I think it helps me to have that space to have honest and sincere conversations about things important to me and what I go through in my life. Most of my music comes from that place, and I hope it will help me continue to create things that will help people feel more in tune with themselves and with their creator.

Surprising to hear is the positive response he has received from the Mormon Church.

I was extremely surprised at how loving and supportive they’ve been. I’m not an official representative or spokesperson for my church, but I am a participating member who a lot of people see and watch. This has caused me to become this sort of unofficial spokesperson and even like a role model to a lot of people from my church. That made me extremely nervous, and even more embarrassed at the fact that I couldn’t figure out my sexuality. But when I opened up and was as sincere as I knew how, they’ve shown their willingness to walk with me and share my journey and mistakes (or what I thought would be mistakes). My actions are my own and I wouldn’t say everything I do has

THIS PAGE: COURTESY TOUR PICTURE

conversations it starts can help continue the work anyone else in similar positions has already started. I also hope to help find healing for people who’ve felt pushed out of family and community where they have longed to find acceptance. I’d like to create a space to help LGBTQIA+ people have a place of acceptance with people of faith, and that people of faith can also have a place of acceptance in the LGBTQIA+ community.

I don’t have all the answers, but I hope to help create more space and conversations by simply being honest and vulnerable in my experience.

David will kick off an exhausting, multi-city tour in February at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles. Audiences who have seen him perform before will no doubt notice the change in David’s voice, and new fans inspired by David’s coming out will no doubt experience some inspiration for their own journey. No matter the performance, David’s pre-show ritual is the same.

I always take a little moment to vocalize and say a prayer. Getting to perform is a gift, just as having something to give to an audience is a beautiful gift to share. In prayer, I give thanks for that and ask my Heavenly Father to remind me that that’s why I’m here in the first place. To share a gift to bring other people joy, help them find meaning and purpose in whatever way they may need it.

■

a stamp of approval from the official church, right? [Laughs] But I will say coming out and exploring my attractions aren’t a step away from God. For me, I’m going into this scary territory because it’s where my relationship with God has brought me thus far. And I’m trusting in Him. I think, personally, he’s also trying to teach me attraction isn’t a sin and has a purpose. I can feel joy and connection and bond to whom he’s given me those feelings. I make personal choices like saving myself for marriage, but I would do that whether I was in a relationship with a guy or gal. So, things like that help me stay true to my personal values.

In our current age of added letters and everevolving ideas of sexuality, David does not know what his role in our community is or will become.

But his voice is now officially added to ours. Perhaps his ideals can work towards building better bridges between established religions and our family.

I would say thank you for being willing to make room for someone like me to be heard.

I know a lot of people who have come from religious upbringings haven’t had the same response nor support, especially in the past when it was even more taboo to open up about sexualities outside the norm. So, I appreciate all the more the support and compassion y’all have shown to me in my personal experience and journey. I hope we can take advantage of the progress made to create a safer place for people who find themselves between the two worlds of faith and in the LGBTQIA+ community. I hope the place I come from and the

___________________ Writer’s Note: Having worked as a professional singer in the Catholic Church for more than 13 years at numerous parishes, chatting with David was an emotional journey.

I was fired, unceremoniously, after bringing my then-boyfriend to Easter service. From that point on, my relationship with religion was marred. Even hearing the words religion or faith instantly cause me to bristle. At first glance, I question anyone who can subscribe to a religion that has been the cause of so much hurt towards our community. Talking with David, I realize it takes courage and strength to stay committed to one’s faith in order to cause change. It takes foresight to take religion out of the hands of individuals who perpetuate an unfounded fear and hatred towards our community and instead, keep the focus on the driving force of that faith, the personal relationship between yourself and whatever beliefs you have.

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AGT’S COUNTRY GENT

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER KAMERON ROSS MADE AN IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION AS HE STEPPED ON THE STAGE OF AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. While many television

viewers may have been taken with Kameron’s chiseled jawline or Texas tight jeans, Simon Cowell was taken with his voice. Cowell asked Kameron to stop mid audition and sing acapella … to which he did, quickly becoming a fan cherished AGT sweetheart. The road to America’s Got Talent wasn’t easy.

Y’all I’ve been at the auditions for some time now. Since I was 16, I auditioned for Nashville Star, American Idol, X-Factor, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent. Three or four years before me getting cast for AGT I made it to a call-back audition for them. They tell you that if they want to move forward with you then you’ll hear from them, but if you didn’t hear from them then you were not chosen. So, after my call back audition, I thought it went so well I sat by my phone anxiously. Checking my email every second hoping I would hear from them.

Well, I didn’t. The next year I was asked to send in an audition video, and I said no. I was tired of getting my hopes up after so many years of getting no, no, no. Then the year I got cast I went through a lot of family situations with multiple family members getting cancer and multiple family members passing away over a course of a couple of years. Going through that you realize life is way too short not to go for your dream and do what makes you happy. So, I auditioned again for AGT and tried chasing that big dream one time again. I remember getting the call right before Christmas saying that I’ve made the show! Hanging up I went through so many emotions. I yelled with excitement, hugged my

partner, smiled so big, and busted into the happiest tears.

TV audiences and social media instantly responded to his debut episode. Besides his voice, what was his winning factor?

As you could tell from my audition, my mama raised me well! Always answering yes/ no sir/ma’am. Always respect everyone and treat them like you would like to be treated. I think that was clearly displayed on my AGT audition with me saying “yes, sir” to Simon, and him correcting me a handful or more times to call him Simon. Then following up with “we’re friends now” so I can call him by Simon. [laughs] Also, seeing that I’m human. I’m passionate about my music and my dreams.

Because of COVID, Kameron would perform for the judges in an empty theatre. Without the energy of a live audience, he had to command the room isolated on stage. This wouldn’t be the first time Kameron had felt isolated in his career. He started singing at the age of eight, after being inspired by attending his first live concert with the diva herself, Shania Twain. He would go on to perform at local country music concerts, put out his first album, and open for The Band Perry and Miranda Lambert. It was around that time that his sexuality was beginning to form. Once he came out, the phone stopped ringing. An industry that had once embraced him and his Texas-style had left him isolated and alone.

I would be lying if I said that taking a step back from my music career didn’t affect me.

There were countless nights where I thought I just threw everything away that I had worked so hard for. However, at that moment I and my happiness were most important to me. I didn’t METROSOURCE.COM

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want to have to deal with the acceptance of me coming out to everyone and then also have the pressure of the country music industry making me feel like I shouldn’t come out or that I was going to be shunned from the industry for being gay. In those moments my mental health and happiness were what’s most important.

I do not regret coming out at all. Truthfully, I have had my moments thinking how things would have been if I wouldn’t have come out to everyone or was just closeted. Then I quickly bounce back to thinking that’s not the life I wanted or want to live.

To make matters more intense, his personal coming out had its own complications.

It’s long and kind of sad. I lost my country music career. Lost a lot of friendships. My mom took it very hard, and I lost contact with her for a bit. But at the end of the day, we found each other, and we love each other so much. She has been keeping grandbabies (both of my dogs) while my partner and I have been traveling. I am glad to have her and my family in my corner when I need them.

Despite the struggles with his career and family, his love of everything Texas and country music is unwavering.

I could go on and on about all the things I love about Texas and being a Texan. I love that we can’t make it through one sentence without saying the word “y’all” or dropping a “g” off the end of the word when you say something like “how y’all doin?” That’s a very Texan thing to do. I absolutely LOVE the countryside of Texas. I know most people probably say this about their state but by golly, it’s beautiful out here! I grew up spending time and working on a ranch. I had a job as a ranch hand and outside of music that’s probably one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I have a big dream of owning my own ranch out towards Del Rio or San Angelo, Texas. When I tell y’all it’s simply breathtaking out there, I mean it! Also, this is about to sound super Texan of me, but when you’re on the road all the time you LOVE a good Buc-ee’s! It’s like a gas station/ store/food place heaven. The food is amazing, there are always cool things to buy, the beaver nuggets are something you’ll get hooked on, and the restrooms are always super clean, LOL. And country music? I think it’s the way every country music song tells a story. Some songs can move me to tears every single time I hear them, and I think that’s special. In other genres, I will find music that I love and can move dance to. But there is something about the storytelling in country music that is just amazing.

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The country music industry has experienced a boom in out gay musicians. TJ Osborne of the Osborne Brothers is the latest to come out with Lil Nas X, Ty Herndon, Brandi Carlile, and Brandy Clark, among others, representing our community. Has homophobia in country music changed?

I would say there is less homophobia nowadays than there was 5 or 10 years ago. However, when you start to think about it more, how many gay country music artists are being played on mainstream radio, nominated or winning award shows like the Academy of Country Music Awards? There really are not many if any at all.

We’ve still got work to do but I’m up for the challenge. I’m ready for my ACM award, CMT award, Grammy, and more!

Beyond Shania, his other musical inspirations run the gamut.

One of my all-time favorites is Dolly Parton.

She is Dolly and does not give a rip what everyone thinks about her. She’s a huge LGBTQ community supporter and she just reminds me of my grandma. When it comes to my different music styles, I’ve been influenced by artists like Hank Williams and Keith Whitley. Having that old-school soulful sound at times. The older I’ve gotten I’ve been influenced by some newer artists like Lizzo. Lizzo being her true authentic self.

Expressing and embarrassing herself in every way possible. Posting whatever she wants on social media. Also H.E.R., you want to talk about one heck of a talented artist ... my goodness! From her lyrics to her voice, to her looks is just amazing.

I also am influenced by my heritage, being part Mexican. I love reggaeton and Spanish music. I don’t speak Spanish and might not know what is being said, but I love it!

Kameron has capitalized on his natural good looks and hours in the gym by incorporating skin into his social media and music covers. He isn’t afraid of his sexual appeal overshadowing his music.

Attractive men are all over the internet and around every corner. I don’t mind showing some skin or posting a gym selfie because I know that people that love my music are going to love it whether I play in a turtleneck, shirtless, or an open vest.

Kameron has also been very open about his relationship. For the last two years, he has been dating another hottie from reality TV, Netflix’s Sugar Rush baker Lio Botello.

We met through my good Judy, Alyssa Edwards! I am so grateful for that! She had a Labor Day pool party that we were both at. There were a lot of people, and I never really got the chance to connect with him. A few weeks later we METROSOURCE.COM

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I hope I own a ranch with my partner, we have all my albums displayed to remind me of the hard work we put in. If there is a cow involved, I would love to own a calf, a Red Braham to be exact.

And his wish for the LGBTQ community is gentlemanly.

I want every single one of us to feel loved and accepted. That feels like it should be simple and not be this big wish, but we have

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so much work to do to get them there. I am ready for it though!

■ You can find everything Kameron Ross at KameronRoss.com Performance Alert: If you are in Palm Springs, Kameron will be performing on the outdoor stage at Oscar’s Downtown Palm Springs on October 15th.

Visit www.oscarspalmsprings.com for tickets!

PAGE 32-36: PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAMERON ROSS

were both out again, I was with Alyssa, and she screamed his name when she saw him going into the same club we were in. She introduced us again after she noticed me noticing him. I laid eyes on him that night and haven’t stopped since.

As social media proves time and time again, being revealing about your relationships can sometimes have a detrimental effect. Did Ross have any trepidation about sharing that aspect of his life?

I’ve had people tell me from the industry and from reality TV that displaying my relationship on social media could have a negative effect on my career. That I should “want to appeal to as many people as I can” - I don’t agree.

They also think I should worry about the thirsty people that would try to come after my man after linking over to him from me. However, I have a very healthy and great relationship with my partner. I have no reason or desire to want to hide my relationship. He is my biggest supporter, and I am his. We balance each other in a way that most wouldn’t understand. You find someone that has the same dreams and drive that you do. We encourage each other every day to be the best version of ourselves.

Some nights we spend hours and hours working on my music, some nights I am washing dishes after his baking. We have dreams and we are willing to put in all the work to make them a reality.

Kameron has big plans post-COVID. His live performances are starting to book up, including a California live performance debut at Oscar’s in Palm Springs, and he is hitting the market with remix versions of his music.

I absolutely love country music, but my musical interests are not limited to country. I love EDM, pop, reggaeton/Latin music, R&B, and so much more. Why limit myself to just country? Why not explore other genres but keep my country roots? We are human and we evolve. Much like that, so does our music. For example, Kacey Musgraves’ new music keeps her country roots but has some pop, Latin, and more influences.

His dreams for the future are unabashedly country.

SIP AND INDULGE

HAND-CRAFTED COCKTAILS FOR THE CRISP DAYS OF AUTUMN CURATED BY MICHAEL WESTMAN

WHILE THE PREMADE COCKTAIL SPACE TRADITIONALLY HAS BEEN SEEN AS A

THE MAI TAI As the old tiki adage goes, ‘what one rum can’t do, two rums can.’ Blended with light and dark Cruzan® Rum and a unique blend of flavors of orange, pineapple, orgeat, and coconut for the perfect Mai Tai.

THE COSMOPOLITAN A wildly popular drink, The Cosmopolitan, is a simple cocktail with a big following. Often referred to as ‘a cosmo’ this cocktail blends Effen Vodka, flavors of cranberry, triple sec, lemon zest, and lime.

CHEAP THRILL, On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails (ontherockscocktails.com)

is changing perceptions by creating a new ready to serve craft cocktail category.

On The Rocks™ cocktails are made with high quality spirits and natural ingredients, and come in 375ml, 200ml, and 100ml bottle sizes. Just pour over ice and enjoy!

THE OLD FASHIONED Staying true to the original recipe, the Old Fashioned is bold and simple using Knob Creek® Bourbon Whiskey, bitters, cane sugar, orange, cherry, and lemon flavors.

THE AVIATION A throwback to the era when airplanes were brand new. This classic gin cocktail, The Aviation, is crafted with Larios London Dry Gin, and flavors of dry cherry, lemon, and violet.

JALAPE„O PINEAPPLE MARGARITA The perfect drink for those who share our love of all things hot. The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita uses a flavor combination of pineapple and triple sec married with Tres Generaciones plata tequila and the heat from the peppers.

THE MARGARITA One of the most recognizable and sought after cocktails in the world, The Margarita offers a perfect balance between tequila, tart lime flavors and triple sec. This margarita is set apart from the crowd with Hornitos® Plata Tequila.

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Cruzan® Black Strap Rum is a mixologist favorite! Featuring robust licorice and molasses flavors that add an exotic element to your tropical favorites. Its most popular pairings include flavors such as lemon, lime, ginger and pineapple. Mix up a cocktail or two and relax by the fire!

CRUZAN AUTUMN SPICED PUNCH Ingredients: • 8 parts Cruzan® Black Strap Rum • 8 parts Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 16 parts blood orange juice Instructions: Combine rum and blood orange juice. Serve over ice in a tumbler.

(Serves 6)

CRUZAN BLACK & PINEAPPLE Ingredients: • 1 part Cruzan® Black Strap Rum • 3 parts pineapple juice Instructions: Build over ice in a highball glass.

Garnish with a cherry.

And for an Autumn treat with some other Cruzan® rums –

THANKSGIVING RUM COCKTAIL Ingredients: • 1 part Cruzan® Vanilla Rum • 1 part Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum • 2 parts pumpkin pie puree • 1 1/2 parts hot water • Chantilly cream (1/4 tsp vanilla extract, 2 parts heavy cream shaken until whipped) Instructions: Combine pumpkin puree and hot water and stir until well mixed. Add rums and then top with chantilly cream. Finish with fresh grated nutmeg and a cinnamon stick garnish.

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Hornitos® was boldly born in 1950 in honor of Mexican Independence Day. It all began in Jalisco, Mexico with founder, Don Francisco, a man who wasn’t shy about taking chances to make great tequila. From creating reposado before it was even a word, to revolutionizing the agave cooking process, to standing up to the Mexican government and setting new standards for tequila - it became Hornitos’ tradition to break tradition, all in the name of bettering tequila. Make a pitcher for your fall celebrations and enjoy!

HORNITOS PALOMA PITCHER (serves 16) Ingredients: • 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Plata • 32 oz ruby red grapefruit juice • 16 oz simple syrup • 32 oz club soda Instructions: Build in order over ice in a large pitcher. Stir.

Pour into tall glasses and top with soda. Half salt rim optional. Garnish with a swath of grapefruit peel.

REPOSADO MARGARITA PITCHER (serves 16) Ingredients: • 1 bottle (750 ml) Hornitos® Reposado Tequila • 16 oz lime juice • 8 oz agave syrup to 16 oz water Instructions: To prepare your Reposado Margarita for a large gathering, combine ingredients in order in a large ice- filled pitcher. Stir. Garnish glasses with a lime wedge. Salt rim optional.

HORNITOS TEQUILA ZARZA Ingredients: • 2 parts Hornitos Reposado Tequila • 1-part simple syrup • 1-part fresh lemon juice • Blackberries • Float: DeKuyper Creme de Cassis Liqueur Instructions: Combine all ingredients, excluding liqueur.

Shake well. Strain and serve over crushed ice in a rocks glass. Float liqueur on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries.

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Pinnacle Vodka recently launched its low-calorie innovation named Pinnacle Light & Ripe, in two refreshing, fruitforward flavors of Apricot Honeysuckle and Guava Lime. Crafted with natural ingredients, Pinnacle Light & Ripe provides a light and flavorful taste with no sugar and fewer than 75 calories, making it the perfect, refreshing sipper. Cocktail lovers can have it all without compromise, as the vodka line strikes the ideal balance between bold flavors and quality ingredients.

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PINNACLE LIGHT & RIPE APRICOT HONEYSUCKLE GREEN TEA Ingredients: • 1.5 parts Pinnacle Apricot Honeysuckle • 3 parts unsweetened green tea • .25 oz (½ Tbsp) honey • 2 peach slices • soda water Instructions: In a highball cocktail glass, gently muddle peach slices and honey.

Add Pinnacle Light & Ripe Apricot Honeysuckle, green tea and ice. Stir to combine. Top with soda water and garnish with additional peach or apricot slices.

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CELEBRITY CHEFS BRING FLAIR TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP

FOUR MUST-VISIT FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPOTS IN SIN CITY

BY PAUL ZAHN WATCH OUT CELINE DION, CHER, AND DONNY & MARIE - SOME OTHER POPULAR STARS HAVE BEEN MAKING A SPLASH IN SIN CITY. OVER THE PAST DECADE, SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE CULINARY WORLD HAVE FLOCKED TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP TO OPEN SOME OF THE COUNTRIES MOST RENOWNED DESTINATION EATERIES. These chefs have brought innovation, creativity, and indulgent

offerings to Las Vegas - helping to elevate the Las Vegas experience for tourists. From brunch to happy hour to dinner options - we rounded up the best of the best for filling the stomach and feeding the soul on the Las Vegas Strip.

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LGBTQ Advocate and Celebrity Chef Susan Feniger has fully embraced the indulgent nature of Las Vegas. Border Grill, a modern Mexican eatery at Mandalay Bay that she owns with Chef Mary Sue Milliken features seasonal fare that is conscientiously sourced. The restaurant recently revamped an already mouth-watering list of limitless brunch menu items. Feniger decided she wanted to take that indulgent vibe up a few notches but keep the restaurant aligned with her sophisticated take on dining.“When we first started this, we felt like we were competing with buffets in Vegas,”she shares.“We felt like we can do a similar thing but make the food to order so it’s fresh, interesting, doesn’t sit in a steam table and we get to have a chef cook it fresh.

It also comes out at different times so it’s not everything piled on one plate,” she continues.

The expanded menu at Border Grill features everything from short rib hash, diablo fried chicken, lobster cachapas, and more. Feniger’s menu also includes a variety of brunch libations

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including two of her favorite drinks.“I love, love our Cafe de Lola with rum or Kahlua,” she shares. “I also love mezcal so the El Mezcalero rocks. You get the smokiness of the mezcal, the tang of the passion fruit and a bit of sweetness from the coconut.

Or give me a spicy bloody Maria or two,” she says with a laugh. Feniger sought to really create a warm, indulgent atmosphere

following a tumultuous time in the world.

She says, “We wanted to have that killer menu that would make people feel nurtured and fed - even overfed! Nothing more comforting than hanging out, eating, drinking, and relaxing after an exhausting year and a half.” Clearly it is working for Feniger - Border Grill has been voted best brunch on the strip for several years.

THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF BORDER GRILL @ MANDALAY BAY

TAPAS ’TIL YOU TAP OUT AT BORDER GRILL’S LIMITLESS BRUNCH BORDER GRILL @ MANDALAY BAY

THIS PAGE: VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN BOTTOM’S UP BY MICHAEL HARVEY • LISA VANDERPUMP AT VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN BY ERIK KABIK

THE HAPPIEST HOUR IN A COCKTAIL GARDEN FIT FOR A QUEEN VANDERPUMP COCKTAIL GARDEN @ CEASARS PALACE

Reality star and restauranteur Lisa Vanderpump personifies indulgence with a fabulous flair. The British expat and LGTBQ advocate shot to fame on the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where she showcased her food and beverage hot spots PUMP and SUR in the heart of “Boys Town” in West Hollywood. When Las Vegas came knocking for a taste of LVP in the form of a cocktail garden, she answered.“It is such an honor that Caesars Palace asked us to partner with them on this venture - we were thrilled to become part of the Caesars Family,”said Vanderpump.“We have created a unique, decadent space with a majestic feel where guests can relax in a sexy garden oasis. From the design and ambiance (featuring the incredible Nick Alain lighting, fixtures, and furniture) to the selection of light bites and cocktails, I am proud of what we created and hope everyone will enjoy the experience as much as we do,” she added.

Guests can sip through the menu during happy hour while enjoying the stunning indoor patio featuring an al fresco-style garden with 16-ft. olive trees and eccentric lighting fixtures.

The LVP experience includes a cocktail list that focuses on craft cocktails with tongue-incheek names. Lisa’s sassy stamp is clear on her sumptuous libations like The Checkmate Bitch: Stoli hot vodka, Chacho jalapeno vodka, fresh pineapple, grapefruit liqueur, vanilla citrus, angostura bitters and pink peppercorns. Other options for include the Please Her, Caesar!: Vanderpump vodka, Rosé Champagne, blackberry, elderflower, lemon, aquafaba and the Matcha Matcha Man: Vanderpump vodka, matcha, fresh mint, lemon, ginger liqueur, aquafaba. The menu also features light bites to balance the boozy beverages. Vanderpump Cocktail Garden even features a list of delicious drinks to end the night with their ‘Naughty Nightcaps’ portion of the drink list.

Las Vegas loves Lisa Vanderpump so much that she is opening a new outlet, Vanderpump à Paris at the end of 2021. We say Oui Oui to more LVP in Sin City.

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Food Network darling Bobby Flay loves all things Italy. The chef and co-host of the Discovery Plus show Bobby and Giada in Italy loves southern Italy so much he decided to bring the full experience of the Amalfi coast to the Las Vegas strip with his new eatery, Amalfi.“Opening Amalfi at Caesars Palace has allowed me to showcase my passion for the Amalfi Coast and the fresh flavors the region is known for,” said Flay.“Our team has created an incredible experience that brings everything I love about the Amalfi Coast to the Las Vegas Strip, from the various seating areas to the coastal cocktails, to the fresh fish market to all the seasonal flavors we are showcasing on the menu. We have been blown away by the guests’ response already, making me incredibly proud and excited for all that lies ahead,” he added.

Upon entering the restaurant, guests are transported to the Amalfi coast with a design featuring a natural palette and touches of greenery, organic fabric, wood and stone and a colorful mosaic limestone floor. The main dining room features a large ceiling display of various wines and a bustling open kitchen. Guests can open up their palettes with an Amalfi Spritz - an updated and more sophisticated version of the Aperol Spritz featuring Selim Spumante, Cappelletti Aperitivo and soda water. Following a spritz or glass of prosecco, guests can indulge in flavorful and light antipasti like shellfish frito misto with Meyer lemon aioli and pistachio pesto or charred octopus with burnt orange pancetta. The focal point of Amalfi is the fresh fish and seafood display manned by a fishmonger who can share all the details about the fish featured. Guests can pick from the extensive selection including golden snapper, red snapper, black bass, branzino, Carabinero shrimp, among others. Then, guest can decide how they want the fresh fish prepared - grilled over charcoal or roasted al forno and served with the choices of Meyer lemon and capers, red pepper, and Calabrian chile pesto or salsa verde. Indulgent desserts like tiramisu and sorbets provide for the perfect finisher to a decadent dining experience.

Following a dinner at Amalfi, guests will love that Bobby loves all things Italy.

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THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMALFI @ CEASARS PALACE

A TASTE OF THE AMALFI COAST BY BOBBY FLAY AMALFI @ CEASARS PALACE

THIS PAGE: PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MAIR FOR BUGSY AND MEYER’S STEAKHOUSE @ FLAMINGO

A CLASSIC STEAKHOUSE WITH A GANGSTER FLAIR BUGSY AND MEYER’S STEAKHOUSE @ FLAMINGO

Bugsy and Meyer’s is the perfect spot for a taste of old school Las Vegas meets contemporary steakhouse. The name pays homage to Flamingo Hotel founders Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and business partner Meyer Lansky, who opened the first resort-style hotel on the Las Vegas strip in 1946. The restaurant’s decor features bold and vibrant colors with an Art Deco flair designed by the one and only Jonathan Adler with help from Chicago-based Studio K Creative. The eatery features half a dozen experiences for guests - a patio and lounge, centerpiece bar, a raw bar, three private dining rooms, a main dining room and a speakeasy The Count Room.

The indulgent steakhouse features an encased show cooler featuring the decadent in-house dry aged steak program. Guests can pick from a variety of hand-selected cuts include domestic prime, wet aged, dry aged prime, imported wagyu and more. Add-ons for the steaks include lobster tail, Alaskan king crab, foie gras, B&M scampi and Point Reyes cheese fondue. And what is a steak dinner without some over the top side dishes? Bugsy and Meyer’s has no shortage of indulgent sides like the truffle potato puree, lobster mac & cheese and The Heater - a potato with white cheddar, house sausage, and caramelized onions. The cocktail list features classic cocktails and several rum drinks - a favorite spirit of the 1940s. A favorite of guests is The Jungle Bird made with Cruzan black strap rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup with a pineapple wedge and leaf. Following dinner, guests can enjoy desserts like The Big Apple, made with caramelized apples, soft caramel, hazelnut café crumble and a white chocolate yuzu mousse. Or skip the dessert and live your best Las Vegas life and order a nightcap or two from the build-your-own OldFashioned portion of the drink menu.

There will be no gambling with your taste buds at Bugsy and Meyer’s - you will leave feeling like the gangster that you are.

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NEW YORK’S WORLD-CLASS THEATRE AND CABARET VENUES CONTINUE TO THRIVE

BY BEN RIMALOWER

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lizabeth Stanley and Celia Rose Gooding in Jagged Little Pill. photo by Matthew Murphy WELL, BROADWAY IS OFFICIALLY BACK AND, ONE

BY ONE, NEW SHOWS AND OLD SHOWS ALIKE ARE OPENING DOORS AND RAISING CURTAINS. Of

course, there remains the pesky issue of shows that were just beginning their runs in 2020 and never quite got their due, namely the nationally televised recognition of being honored as nominees for the Tony Awards. This slight will finally be corrected when the 74th Annual Tony Awards are presented at the legendary Winter Garden Theater - original home to Funny Girl, Follies, Mame and Mamma Mia! - on September 26th at 7pm ET, and broadcast exclusively on Paramount+. The trophies for Best Play, Best Musical and Best Revival will be presented on The Tony Awards Present: Broadway’s Back, airing immediately after and including performances from the nominated musicals as well as “beloved classics.” (The question remains ... when we theater queens reference these in years to come, will we call them “the 2020 Tonys” or “the 2021 Tonys?” Time will tell!) The Alanis Morissette musical Jagged Little Pill leads the pack with 15 nominations; Jeremy O. Harris’ enthralling Slave Play received 12, the most for any non-musical since Angels in America.

While Slave Play is sadly not scheduled to reopen (it concluded its limited run just prior to the pandemic), Jagged Little Pill (Broadhurst Theatre, open-ended) will resume performances October 21st. Competing Best Musical Tony nominees Tina (Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, openended) will once again ask“What’s Love Got To Do With It” on October 8th. Conor McPherson’s Bob Dylan musical Girl from the North Country (Belasco Theatre, open-ended) hadn’t been running long enough for the Tony voters to see it before the shutdown, but it starts up again October 13th to vie for next year’s prizes.

Adrienne Warren, center, stars in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. photo by Manuel Harlan

Todd Almondcenter and the cast of Girl From The North Country photo by Matthew Murphy

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Celia Keenan-Bolger, left, as Scout and Jeff Daniels as her father, Atticus Finch, in Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. photo by Sara Krulwich

The long running hits are still flickering open in real time as well, with Aaron Sorkin’s bold theatricalization of To Kill A Mockingbird (Shubert Theatre, open-ended) starring Jeff Daniels beginning again October 5th. The popular Temptations jukebox musical Ain’t Too Proud (Imperial Theatre, open-ended) starts serenading “My Girl” again on October 16th.

The longest running Broadway musical of all time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera (Majestic Theatre, open-ended) sings more music of the night on October 22nd. South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s collaboration with Frozen’s Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon (Eugene O’Neill Theatre, open-ended), is back November 5th.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Lyric Theatre, open-ended) will reappear November 12th, magically transformed into a single presentation from its former two-part self.

For those who prefer their special effects unplugged, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s improvisational hip-hop comedy musical Freestyle Love Supreme (Booth Theatre, through January 2nd) returns to drop some beats October 7th. Another show that had already closed pre-pandemic but has Sara Bareilles trodding the boards again now in her Tony-nominated role is Waitress (Ethel Barrymore Theatre, through January 9th) to serve up the love.

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The cast of Ain’t Too Proud photo by Matthew Murphy

The cast of Freestyle Love Supreme photo by Joan Marcus

Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles and Jeanna de Waal as Diana in Diana the musical photo by Evan Zimmerman/Matthew Murphy

TL Thompson, Pete Simpson, Emily Davis and Becca Blackwell in Is This a Room photo by Sara Krulwich

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Shows from 2020 that hadn’t yet officially opened to critics that now may continue their aborted preview processes include the musical adaptation of the blockbuster comedy Mrs. Doubtfire (Stephen Sondheim Theatre, open-ended) getting dolled up October 21st; the Princess Diana bio musical Diana (Longacre Theatre, open-ended) models the crown November 2nd with music by Bon Jovi’s David Bryan; and, most excitingly, London’s hit, the gender-bending revival of Sondheim’s landmark musical comedy Company (Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, open-ended) starring The Band’s Visit Tony winner Katrina Lenk with Broadway legend Patti LuPone importing her Laurence Oliver Award-winning rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch.”

One of my favorite Off-Broadway shows of recent years, Tina Satter’s mesmerizing docudrama Is This A Room (Lyceum Theatre, through January 16th) plays the big house September 24th. Another Vineyard Theatre production moving to Broadway in repertory with Is This A Room, Lucas Hnath’s equally acclaimed Dana H. (Lyceum Theatre, though January 16th) will share the venue from October 1st. Slam poet Keenan Scott II makes his Broadway playwriting debut with Thoughts of A Colored Man (John Golden Theatre, through March 20th) previewing October 1st.

A musical many theater fans feel got the short shrift when it opened on Broadway in 2004 (particularly when original leading lady Tonya Pinkins lost the Tony to Wicked’s Idina Menzel) is Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori’s Caroline, Or Change (Studio 54, through January 9th) resurfaces in a smash West End production with an Olivier-winning performance

by Sharon D. Clarke on October 8th. Alice Childress’s rarely produced 1955 satire about race in show business, Trouble in Mind (American Airlines Theatre, through January 9th), arrives for its long-awaited Broadway premiere November 18th starring Tony winner La Chanze.

November 3rd marks the first preview of Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s new play, Clyde’s (Hayes Theatre, through January 16th), starring Uzo Aduba (Orange Is The New Black) and Ron Cephas Jones (This Is Us). And Lincoln Center Theatre presents its latest Broadway musical Flying Over Sunset (Vivian Beaumont Theatre, open-ended), directed by James Lapine, from November 11th.

Deirdre O’Connell in Dana H. photo by Craig Schwartz

The cast of Fkying Over Sunset

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Carmen Cusack

There’s a lot brewing Off-Broadway now as well. At the top of my list are: Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 (Signature Theatre, October 12th - November 14th), a new take on Anna Deavere Smith’s groundbreaking depiction of the events following the police officers’ acquittal in the Rodney King brutality trial; Fairycakes (Greenwich House Theatre, October 14th - January 2nd), Douglas Carter Beane’s retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Trevor (Stage 42 Theatre, October 25th - April 17th), a musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning short that inspired The Trevor Project; and Selling Kabul (Playwrights Horizons, November 17th December 23), Sylvia Khoury’s prescient exploration of Afghanistan post-pullout.

New York’s world class cabaret venues continue to thrive, providing intimate musical entertainment by unparalleled talent.

This is nowhere more bountiful than at Feinstein’s/54 Below, where you can catch: Tony winner Laura Benanti (October 5th October 10th), brilliant up-and-comers and Search Party co-stars Bonnie Milligan and Natalie Walker together (October 11th), RuPaul’s Drag Race vixen Alexis Michelle (October 14th and November 19th), Liza’s sister/Judy’s daughter Lorna Luft (October 21st - October 23rd), Bright Star star Carmen Cusack (October 22nd - October 25th), Johnny Carson’s favorite singer Marilyn Maye (October 25th - November 1st), Smash diva Megan Hilty (November 2nd - November 7th), cult favorite belter Linda Eder (November 11th - November 13th), Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (November 18th - November 20th), and South Pacific breakout Paulo Szot (November 24th - November 27th).

Birdland and the Birdland Theater boast the incandescent Natalie Douglas (October 1st - October 2nd), jazz duo Tuck & Patti (October 12th - October 16th), viral impressionist Christina Bianco (October 15th - 16th), and a Jerry Herman tribute from the great Klea Blackhurst (October 20th - October 22nd). Weekly variety shows from Jim Caruso and Susie Mosher remain staples.

The Green Room 42 hosts a plethora of enticing stars, but special attention must be reserved for the original Tony-winning triple threat star of A Chorus Line, Donna McKechnie (November 11th-November 13th).

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