OTL PHX The Spring Issue 2023

the CANYON SUITES Luxury on top of luxury

ZUZU RESTAURANT

WIGWAM OG GOLF

PILATES ADD ZEN

Volume 2, Issue 2

FEATURES 12

THE CANYON SUITES LIFE

A superior location nestled at the base of Camerback Mountain, a Luxurious hotel within and luxury hotel. This discrete property is Five Star and AAA rated. R. Arebalo

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THE WIGWAM

The Wigwam is a true O.G. among the flashy resort names modern travelers associate with bucket-list trips to PhoenixScottsdale. Wigwam put the area on the map. C.Mickelson

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ZUZU

Retro yet modern Zuzu shines with stellar cuisine and a hip vibe.

T.Traverse

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MASTERS It’s that time of the year. Mesmerizing memories from Jack in 86 to Tiger. M.Bailey

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BOWFINGER, PARIS

A memorable experience of a lifetime found under the scarlet awnings of a brasseries with the gold letter “B.” R. Arebalo

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the CANYON SUITES Luxury on top of luxury

ZUZU RESTAURANT

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WIGWAM OG GOLF

PILATES ADD ZEN

ON THE COVER It’s another level of excellence. The Canyon Suites is a resort within a resort on grounds of The Phoenician.

Contents COLUMNS 18

FITNESS

Trends come and go but the power of pilates endures.

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42

Honma’s Beres NX Driver brings next-gen tech to a venerable brand name.

YOGA

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PUTT FOR DOUGH

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Stop getting stressed over golf. Add a little zen to your game.

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DRIVE FOR SHOW

Ford Raptor: The solution for putting a muscle car in a truck.

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GOLF FASHION Golf is not just a sport; it’s a statement of style.

BUCKS TIPS

Here are some tips for those are can’t take it from the range to the course.

TRAVEL

So much to see and explore in the histocial city. Endless summer days, Aurora Borealis, all in Alaska.

Why you should consider freezing your credit.

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EQUIPMENT

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ON YOUR GAME

Major Champion Justin Leonard talks about what’s next.

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WINE

Music and wine pairings create the perfect harmony for your palate.

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CIGAR

Casdagli Cigars - History and luxury blended to absolute perfection.

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24 5 OTLPHX.COM

From the Publisher Origin Story of OTL and its meaning Recently, I have received many questions as to the meaning of OTL. Since I have always known its meaning and origin, I take for granted that everyone else does.

Back in a small office in late 2001, my best friend and then business partner and I were talking about starting a magazine together. We began to hammer out the details of what our magazine would look like. At that time, we already had a local weekly newspaper in Austin and were doing quite well.

Our newspaper had full color on the front page (a big deal back then) and if you paid for full color on the front page, the back page would also be in color without additional costs. So, we thought about what we could do with the color back page. For the first few years, we ran these full-page recipes for our readers to try. They gained popularity as readers said they would cut them out and use them. Eventually, we thought about how to better utilize this space.

We enjoyed playing golf and played once or twice per week or whenever there was a chance to get out. It was a way to escape out of the small “executive suites” office, clear our heads, and think of new ideas. One evening after a round of golf, we thought, what if we could play a golf course, take a few pictures, and write about it? We could run a few pictures and tell people about how cool of a course it was. All in color on the back page of the newspaper. That was our first lightbulb moment.

So, off we went, ready to shine this light. Some of the best places came to mind. We called the folks at Barton Creek Country Club, Horseshoe Bay Resort, and The Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio. We told them we published a local newspaper and wanted to feature them. They said sure, to our delight, come on out and be our guests.

We played a few courses and published the newspaper with its stunning color back page course review. I wouldn’t be so bold as to say it was groundbreaking, but it was certainly a hit with readers and the courses.

This is where some of the magic was made. We had a client that owned an art gallery, Joyce Hunt, who suggested framing the back page and presenting it to the course/ resort so they could proudly display it in their pro shop or throughout the club.

Great idea. That’s what we did, and it was an even bigger deal. I am very proud to say that to this day, some clubs still have our first framed features displayed on their walls.

Okay, so back to the small office. We realized, what if instead of having a one-page feature on a course on the back of a weekly newspaper, we dedicate an entire magazine to golf?

We asked ourselves, what would we want to see in a golf magazine? Well, it would have to include the best golf courses. It would also have to include more exciting things than just golf. It would have great restaurants, travel destinations, wine advice, financial advice, interesting interviews…It would detail the things we loved about life and get the most out of it. Eureka!

We have never wavered from that original idea. What you see in this magazine today is what we talked about 21 years ago in that small room having a drink.

We said, let’s do it. Yeah, but we need a name first. I wanted to name it Fairways and Greens, but to my surprise, that name was already in use by a clothing company.

Great name by the way. Having both dabbled in writing screenplays, we said, let’s just use a working title for now until we think of the name we want.

The working title was On The Links. And it stuck.

I will explain later why we opted for OTL in 2017. And no, we were not trying to be like KFC. Hope springs eternal. Welcome to the Spring 2023 issue of OTL. Enjoy.

Sedric Walker • Publisher

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OTLPHX.COM

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@otl_PHX

OTLPHX.com

@otlphx

PUBLISHER Sedric Walker

GOLF FEATURES EDITOR Carl Mickelson

ART DIRECTOR Leticia Galarza

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL Buck Mayers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa K. Traverse, Scott Laird, Carl Mickelson Allison Loots, Leslie Stevenson, Nicole Pinter, Hunter Ham, Alejandra Bernal

FEATURES EDITOR Richard Arebalo

PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Chin

INTERNET & DIGITAL Mario Rossi

FOR ADVERTISING OR EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

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Award winner of The Best of Magazines, Periodicals & Publications

OTL_PHX magazine is published bi-monthly by Pristine Media, Inc. Executive, editorial,and advertising offices are located in Round Rock, Texas. Advertising rates furnished upon request. Advertisers warrant and represent that the descriptions and depictions of the products or services advertised are true in all respects. All advertising is subject to approval before acceptance. OTL reserves the right to refuse any ad for anyreason whatsoever. ©2023 by OTL. All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in whole or part without the express written consent of OTL is strictly prohibited. Editorial queries and manuscripts should be directed to the editor via email, editor@otlgolf.com. All letters and their contents sent to OTL are sole property of OTL and may be used, printed, and published in any matter whatsoever without limit, obligation and liability to the author thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and artists and not necessarily those of OTL or its advertisers. Manuscripts should be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped envelopes. OTL assumes no responsibility or liability for the return of unsolicited artwork, manuscripts or pictures. Printed in the USA.

11 OTLPHX.COM

THE CANYON SUITES LIFE 12 THE SPRING ISSUE 2023

STORY BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR

About a year ago, I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The striking resort, nestled at the base of Camelback Mountain, has been a prestigious luxury getaway since it opened in 1988. The hotel debuted with over-the-top 80’s glamor; oceans of Italian marble, gold-etched ceilings with massive chandeliers, and a storied million-dollar motherof-pearl swimming pool.

Though hard to imagine today, gardeners were brought from the Island of Tonga to transform parts of the property into a Polynesian paradise.

Despite the stunning Sonoran backdrop, some south-facing views could be mistaken for a luxury resort in Hawaii.

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hough much renovation has happened in past decades, in the summer of 2016, The Phoenician began a comprehensive upgrade of the entire property. This included a redesign of its guestrooms and casitas, and in 2017-18 it encompassed all the public areas; the main lobby, its iconic pool complex, and various health and fitness facilities.

In March of 2018, The Phoenician Spa opened. The three-story, new construction facility includes large steam rooms, saunas, indoor vitality pools, and 24 treatment rooms. On the roof is another large swimming pool with chic cabanas, deck chairs, and sweeping views of the Phoenix valley and Camelback Mountain. A nail salon, Drybar, and boutique shop make the spa a popular destination unto itself.

My home for four relaxing days in December was the exclusive Canyon Suites at The Phoenician. The discrete property located northwest of the main hotel is impressively rated both Forbes Five Star and AAA Five

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Diamond. Opened in 2007 as a “resort within a resort,” The Canyon Suites is a collection of 60 (nearly all suites) deluxe guest accommodations. The 2016 master renovation included redesigning the rooms, the large entrance lobby (now featuring The Canyon Lounge), and upgrading much of the private pool area.

The route to The Canyon Suites is the same as for The Phoenician proper. The long driveway off Camelback Road follows beautiful fairways, tennis courts, an impressive Athletic Club, and the historic mud-brick Jokake Inn. (Fans of the movie “Raising Arizona” will recognize the structure as the home of the Arizona family in the show.) A sharp left winds up to the separate Canyon Suites guest lobby. A larger-than-life bronze of a native American graces the decidedly southwest feel of the elegant facility.

Arriving at the property begins a progression of sensory treats. The lobby has very high ceilings and a faint signature aroma called “Golden Bamboo.” A central fountain adds the pleasant sound of falling water as you

are greeted warmly by Canyon Ambassadors at individual concierge-like desks (By the second day at the most, you are greeted by name.)

We were lucky enough to get an early check-in (a bit harder in high season) and were able to settle in quickly.

Just beyond the lobby, you’ll find The Canyon Lounge set up for complimentary breakfast service. Fresh coffee, juice, and an extensive buffet for every taste are laid out each morning. On various days, we were alternately treated to chicken chilaquiles, bacon frittatas, scrambled eggs and sausages, in addition to pastries, fresh fruit, bagels, and smoked salmon. I didn’t miss a single breakfast, and my boss is on a mission to get the recipe for their chilaquiles.

Indoor seating is a bit limited, but the gorgeous patio facing a jaw-dropping waterfall more than makes up for it. The immense water feature flows through boulders surrounded by native cacti and brilliant red bougainvillea. For added drama, what seems like the whole of Camelback Mountain looms just to the right of the scene. On cooler mornings, patio heaters keep the area warm, and the intense view and lovely sound of rushing water never gets old.

An essential aspect of any hotel’s comfort is its people. I learned from one of the managers that The Canyon Suites staff is purposely chosen from The Phoenician’s overall pool for its impeccable guest interaction. At breakfast, you’ll meet a very dapper gentleman named Buzz, who takes particular pride in the quality of breakfast fare. Karyn, Elenore, and Jan were there every morning, laying out the day’s selections, helping with seating, and providing guidance on the items.

I noticed that each person seemed very easy to engage in conversation. I felt I was already an old, favored regular on day one. Amazingly, this was not just professional courtesy; it was genuine charm.

Suite’s Bedroom.

Po r t e C o c h e r e .

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The first thing to say is the rooms are enormous. If you’ve ever stayed at an upscale hotel in New York or San Francisco, you’ll know that a large sum of money per night can still buy you a very luxurious closet. The suites here are mostly 1,200 square feet. Mine included a dining room, a large living area with two sofas, a very serviceable desk (sadly, I had to work a bit,) a spacious master bedroom, and two bathrooms. The main bath had a large soaking tub, a separate shower, and an enclosed WC. Like my stay at The Phoenician casita accommodations a year before, the bathrooms are generously filled with thick fresh towels (changed daily) and fragrant Le Chemin by Byredo bath products. One unique perk at the Suites is the variety of complimentary custom bath salts available each evening.

A travel write-up after the renovation refers to The Canyon Suites as having a “residential ambiance.” If you added a Chef’s kitchen, I would be happy to call this home. Barring that, The Phoenician’s culinary team can keep you well-fed. In addition to eight dining venues, a very recent return following the pandemic is 24-hour room service.

A stay at The Canyon Suites comes with all the amenities The Phoenician resort offers. Like the last visit, we

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enjoyed a couple of excellent steaks at the premium J&G Steakhouse. Executive Chef Jacques Qualin always manages to make the steak experience just a cut above. I complimented the asparagus’s size and flavor, and the waiter noted that Chef is very focused on their quality, often rejecting shipments that “didn’t meet his standards.”

The Peekytoe Crab Cakes are in a league of their own – light texture, very pure crab flavor, and I think the limeginger dressing may be addictive.

There is a good selection of wine at several price points on the standard wine list. With our steaks the first evening, we enjoyed an earthy, perfectly aged 2003 Chateau Trotanoy. Deeper pockets here will buy you some of the best wines from the hotel’s curated collection. (Ask for the wine “master list.”)

New for us this visit was an ‘Afternoon Tea at The Phoenician’ hosted just off the main lobby. The light meal was in the traditional English style with a fine selection of teas, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a splendid assortment of pastries.

In addition to the tea service, there are a few tempting “enhancements.” We opted for one with copious glasses of Ruinart Rosé Champagne, but the Royal Osetra Caviar option looked wonderful at a table nearby.

Visiting in December, the Tea Room is brilliantly decorated for Christmas, and pianist Lisa Pressman makes the afternoon perfect with classic standards and some beautiful Christmas carols.

We had some time before dinner, so we took a slow stroll back to our rooms. In the early evening, The Canyon Lounge is transformed into a comfortable fireside bar with a very talented bartender named Will. On different nights I got a terrific fresh apple-based cocktail and an excellent version of an Aviation.

After a spectacular dinner, we retreated to the large fire pit just beyond the swimming pool. Manager Kevin D. (wellversed in wine himself) led us down a winding path to just about the edge of the property. There, surrounded by comfortable outdoor couches and chairs, the large fire warmed us as we enjoyed an excellent Oregon Pinot Noir.

We had initially booked one of the large cabanas by the Canyon Pool for Saturday, but atypical cold and rainy weather kept us indoors. On most winter days, the serene desertthemed pool is an oasis with a spectacular view of Camelback Mountain. Its Canyon Grill also provides some well-made food options. Delicious burgers and fries came in handy one mid-afternoon.

Because of the weather, the amenities and size of my suite made me feel very much at home. One afternoon I stayed in and enjoyed a movie and snacks, the only thought being which additional spa treatments I could book later in the day.

Interestingly, the weather did not seem to deter some folks as I heard the occasional high ping of a well-hit golf ball. One reason many folks visit Scottsdale in the winter is the high number and high quality of golf courses. The Phoenician shines here as well. The resort features a prestigious 18-hole course designed by Architect Phil Smith, showcasing the unique beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert.

The spa, as mentioned earlier, is an impressive separate facility built from the ground up in 2018. The high atrium features a modern Phoenix sculpture, and another in basrelief fills the wall behind the welcome counter. The spa’s natural stone colors seem to soothe from the moment you walk in.

After check-in, you are escorted to separate changing facilities with individual lockers. Plush robes and comfortable footwear are available for lounging throughout the multi-storied building. You can arrive for sessions early and take advantage of the pools, showers, and saunas as needed. While some facilities are separate for men and women, couples’ massages are available.

The Forbes Five Star spa offers numerous services, including facials, scrubs, manicures, pedicures, and various types of massages and wraps. On my last two visits, I scheduled a Phoenix Rising (mineral) Scrub & Massage from Michael M. From the first Tibetan bell ring to the last removal of salts and oils, the deep relaxation had me lose track of time. I was euphoric and slightly lightheaded both times as I was escorted back to the common area.

My second treatment was a Gentleman’s Personal Remedy which deep cleaned and moisturized the face with various techniques. A common theme, even outside a specific ‘aroma therapy’ option, is the variety of scents used by the technicians. Unique mixtures of lavender, neroli, and many other

C a nyo n Wa t e r f a l l .

S u i t e ’ s L i v i n g Ro o m . botanicals have been calculated to truly relax.

While transit to and from the various facilities can be made via the ‘Valets’ small fleet of golf carts, The Canyon Suites offers a complimentary chauffeur-driven luxury car that can take guests within a specified range. Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall and Old Town Scottsdale are the most frequent requests.

On my last day, I appreciated the ability to do a late check-out as I had scheduled a later flight. Thinking back I have to say that with everything experienced in just four days, all the amenities and the wonderful people, It felt as if I was leaving home instead of going home.

Editor’s note: The Canyon Suites pulled off one good trick… This summer (May 30-September 5, 2023), The Canyon Suites will offer its best rates of the year, along with a nightly $50 resort credit.

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The Power of Pilates STORY BY LESLIE STEVENSON

Fitness trends come and go, making it more difficult to determine which is best for your personal goals. Personal capabilities, time, and accessibility to equipment may be a few of the deciding factors that influence your workout plan, but that still leaves many options.

OTLPHX / FITNESS

While Pilates is most popularly known for creating long, lean muscle, its benefits are more comprehensive than simply enhancing physical appearance.

Pilates has countless benefits for mind and body; a few that can be highlighted include injury prevention, decreased stress, improved flexibility, mobility and balance.

Contrary to popular belief, Pilates has not always been a female dominating practice. During the First World War, a young German man named Joseph Pilates was working as an orderly with patients that had trouble walking, which led to his idea to attach bed springs to the hospital beds as support to their limbs to help them recover their strength and mobility. After he and his wife immigrated to the United States in 1926, they continued their techniques in a body conditioning gym in New York. Word spread quickly of their success with rehabilitating athletes after injuries, making them popular among the dance community, with approximately 60% of their clientele being men. This method of strengthening one’s body with his created apparatus was originally named “Contrology”, however; after his death it was known as what we call it today, the Pilates Method.

Whether you are a professional athlete, starting out with your fitness journey or a veteran in the gym, keeping the body injury free is pertinent to reaching your health and fitness goals. Part of Pilates is learning how to control your muscles and

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achieve overall balance within your body. When all of your muscles are in tune and properly developed, you are less prone to injury while performing other daily activities or sports.

Practicing Pilates also decreases stress due to the controlled breathing techniques, low to no impact movements and overall exercise that releases natural endorphins in your body. Many people feel more energized rather than exhausted after Pilates thanks to these components.

Lastly, Pilates is beneficial as it aids in developing more flexibility and mobility. Not only should our muscles have flexibility for movement, they should be paired with mobility as it allows our body to have optimal range of motion at the joint.

No matter your goals, Pilates will be a beneficial addition to your wellness regimen and entirely deserving of your time and effort.

ADD A LITTLE ZEN TO YOUR GOLF GAME STORY BY NICOLE PINTER

UNPLAYABLE LIE

Sometimes you have no choice but to try to extricate your ball from a horrendous lie in deep grass. Many golfers freeze when facing this lie, too worried they can’t get it out. If you want to focus and calm your mind, down use some breathing exercises in the moment.

WATER HAZARDS

If you think you don’t want to hit the ball into the water many times you will end up in the water. Why? Your mind has a huge effect in this situation. If you are familiar with visualization meditation, the primary focus is a positive image. If you want to avoid the water, you need to think about where your ball should land, on the fairway.

FAIRWAY BUNKERS

In this situation, your confidence and a good mindset can help. A Zen mindset can help to get out of the bunker if you have the correct technique as well.

FEAR OF 3 PUTTS

Fear of failure is born out of high expectations and increased pressure, which is why most golfers have difficulty on the golf course. This causes mental, physical, and technical challenges to the player. Adding meditation and breathing technics with yoga exercises to your daily routine can positively affect your game. These following situations most golfers fear on the course.

This is where a relaxed and calm body and mind can help you a lot. The bad conditions of the green or maintenance cannot affect your game.

Breathing technics, you learn from yoga can help your game

OTLPHX / YOGA

The breathing technics you learn from yoga are the key to getting out of anxiety on the golf course. Being present and not worrying about the result is very important.

If you meditate regularly, you have the option for a quick mindset reset during the game. Focusing on your breath and getting to the present moment with a more calm and relaxed body is the best you can do for a good score.

If you are playing in a competition, it can cause more anxiety and obstacles to a good performance. Whether you are an advanced yogi or just bought your first yoga mat, you can practice pranayama, which is the regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises. Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means “extension of the prana (breath or life force).” It also means, “breath control.”

Yoga for golfers teaches you to control your body and mind and helps you deal with difficult situations on the course. The right attitude and mindset can help you get a better score and enjoy the game more.

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Why You Should Consider Freezing Your Credit STORY BY AUSTIN ASSET

If the latest massive data breach has you wondering if there’s something you can do to protect yourself — there is. The first option is to take the reactive approach and simply monitor your credit.

The second is to be more proactive and freeze your credit, making it very difficult for anyone other than you to take out credit in your name. This means even if a criminal obtains enough information to open an account, they’ll have a number of obstacles preventing them from using it.

Under the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act—effective since September 2018—you can freeze your credit free of charge. This began in 2017 when consumer advocates called on Congress to provide free access as, previously, each of the three credit bureaus could charge for the service and to unfreeze or “thaw” credit (useful for anything requiring a credit check).

WHAT DOES FREEZING MY CREDIT DO?

OTLPHX / PUTT FOR DOUGH

When you freeze your credit, the credit reporting bureaus can’t give any information to anyone who makes an inquiry about you. Typically, businesses inquire about your credit when you, or someone posing as you, attempts to open a new credit card, buy a car, or rent an apartment. The credit check helps the business determine if they want to lend or rent to you and can help set your rates and lending terms for loans and credit cards.

If your credit is frozen, the business can’t get any information about you which typically stops the process and means a fraudster can’t open an account while using your identity.

WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE FREEZE THEIR CREDIT? Though freezing your credit won’t guarantee safety, it’s a pretty strong defense against identity theft. You still need to unfreeze your credit if you legitimately want to apply for a loan or line of credit. While this

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is not a heavy burden, it does add extra steps anytime you do something that requires a credit check.

While reactive, credit monitoring is a viable alternative to a full freeze. When you pay for a credit-monitoring service, you’ll get alerts about any activity involving your credit report. This can quickly bring a potential problem to your attention—but you won’t know if someone has used your identity until after it happens.

You can always request a free copy of your credit report annually from each of the major credit bureaus and check it for any activity you don’t recognize. If you do find anything suspicious, report it immediately and take steps to lock down your credit through a fraud alert or credit freeze.

HOW DO I FREEZE MY CREDIT? If you want to freeze your credit, you need to do it at each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax (1800-349-9960), TransUnion (1-888-909-8872) and Experian (1-888-397-3742). If you request a freeze, be sure to store the passwords needed to thaw your credit in a safe place.

Whether or not you choose to freeze your credit, fraudsters can still take advantage by obtaining information like your credit card number(s) or passwords to online accounts. Make sure you’re taking the proper steps to secure your information and keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

OTLPHX / DRIVE FOR SHOW

The 2023 Ford Raptor R is Ford’s answer to those wanting the performance of a muscle car in the form of a pickup truck.

This vehicle is built to handle tough terrain, tear up a drag strip and provide an outstanding daily driving experience.

The Raptor R’s bold and aggressive design is sure to turn heads. The vehicle’s imposing stance and unique design features, such as its wide fenders and graphics package, make it a standout on the road.

The interior of the Raptor R is just as impressive, with a spacious and comfortable cabin that includes supportive seats and a user-friendly dashboard with a

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The Raptor R is designed to handle tough off-road conditions with ease. The vehicle’s Terrain Management System offers seven different modes, allowing drivers to select the optimal settings for various terrain types. The Raptor R also includes an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, and other features that make it an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts.

Overall, the 2023 Ford Raptor R is an exceptional vehicle that offers top-of-theline performance, design, and technology.

The muscle under the hood, advanced suspension system, and off-road capabilities make it an outstanding choice for anyone who loves high-performance pickup trucks.

If you’re looking for a pickup truck that offers exceptional performance with a $100,000 plus price tag, the 2023 Ford Raptor R is an excellent choice.

Driverside Vehicle Reviews

DRIVE FOR SHOW

2023 Ford Raptor R

large touchscreen display.

The Raptor R shares its power-plant with the Mustang GT500. This eight cylinder 5.2-liter monster delivers an impressive 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. It’s a powerful engine that is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and responsive shifting. The Raptor R’s advanced suspension system includes Fox Live Valve internal bypass shocks with electronic control technology, providing an exceptional ride both on-road and off-road.

The Raptor R is equipped with a range of advanced technology and safety features. The vehicle’s SYNC 4 infotainment system includes support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.0-inch touchscreen display, and a premium audio system.

DRIVE FOR SHOW

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STORY BY CARL MICKELSON

It’s as close as I’ve come to missing a tee time in probably 20 years and, I swear, it was through minimal-to-no fault of our own. OK, maybe we should have checked when we booked the tee time that no Holiday street festival spectaculars would be blocking several of the most common routes into Litchfield Park’s famed courses at the cozy-posh retreat, The Wigwam. It looked like a swell affair, and I can attest, it was remarkably well attended.

At just the right moment, we found a clutch detour to the clubhouse and the Wigwam’s Red Course and met a few helpful locals along the way. There’s a civic pride and easy friendliness in this West Valley enclave, and sister city to Goodyear, that you simply don’t find everywhere. Most everyone we met in the immediate area wasn’t just content and proud to hail from the area, they were happy to share local goodness with resort guests. Everything about our stay at the Wigwam was warm, unpretentious, and welcoming. Every destination aspires to make you feel like you’re at your home away from home, the Wigwam succeeds in a way that’s distinct with authentic oldschool desert-cool vibes.

As golf destinations go, The Wigwam is a true O.G. among the flashy resort names mod-

ern travelers associate with bucket-list trips to Phoenix-Scottsdale. I remember seeing ads for the place in GOLF and Golf Digest all the time in the early 90s. Before the rise of destinations like Troon North, TPC Scottsdale, The Boulders and We Ko Pa made Arizona golf look stylish and aspirational, the Wigwam projected a mystique that helped put the region on the map.

The parkland classic-meets-quirky Red Course, which debuted in the early 1970s, is one of three 18-hole layouts at the public-access Wigwam, found in greater Phoenix’s West Valley.

In the late 1980s to honor the club’s longtime professional, V.O. “Red” Allen, and the course’s architect, Robert “Red” Lawrence, the course named was changed from the West Course to the Red Course. The other two courses at Wigwam, the Gold and the Blue, are Robert Trent Jones Sr. creations with tons of character and, like the Red

The Wigwam

True Arizona Original Offers Cool Comfort in a Luxury Retreat Course, loads of fun. All three courses have been refined through the years and have had the total number of bunkers reduced to make the experience more enjoyable and increasing the amount of playable shot angles.

The Red Course is a traditional layout lined by pine and eucalyptus trees. It has a great balance of open and tight holes, and holes that move left-to-right with others flowing right-to-

left and just when you think the flow of holes is manageable and scorable, the course sinks its teeth into your scorecard. The course’s closing stretch of holes is arguably one of the toughest final four holes in the Phoenix area. The 591yard par-five finishing hole is a demanding double-dogleg tester featuring ominous water hazards on both sides. It was the site of the most satisfying par I made on the trip.

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Overall, Red Course takes you on an enjoyable trip and difficulty-wise, keeps bringing you more than meets the eye. It will take more than one trip around this layout to learn all the best angles into greens and all the places you simply shouldn’t miss around them. We played this round with a Jim and Sandy, a local couple in their mid-60s who play quickly, kept the conversation fun and inspired us to shape up and earn retirement as quickly as possible so we can play every day like them.

Opened in 1965 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., Wigwam’s original, championship-caliber Gold Course and shorter - but just as cerebral and aesthetically pleasing - Blue courses attract the most play among resort guests and locals.

Stretching to 7,345 yards, the Gold features generous fairways and a smart routing, old-growth palms and hardy desert deciduous trees with oldschool push-up greens that deny off-line approaches.

The greens present a variety of tough slopes, wild fall-offs and situations that require a savvy short game.

Water hazards, including a creek that snakes in front of several greens, can sneak up on you. The variety of par three is excellent as is the great mix of short and long par 4s. Jones espoused the “easy bogey, hard par” philosophy and it shows on this course. I love the opening of a reasonable par five at #1, short par four second, long par three third and epically long par-five fifth. The course closes memorably with fun par-three 16th and brawny par fours at 17 and 18.

The most complete golfing experience at The Wigwam, the Gold Course has hosted numerous U.S. Open Qualifiers, U.S. Amateur Qualifiers, several NCAA Regional championships, and the annual Patriot All-America Invitational. Play it once and you’ll discover why it’s routinely asked to test the most elite players in the country.

We didn’t play the 6,000-yard Blue Course but I did come back to shoot video content at junior event a few weeks later and saw a 14-year-old girl ace the island-green 15th hole. When she said it was her third, I discovered a new flavor of jealousy. I definitely want to play the Blue Course the next time I’m at the Wigwam.

In the common spaces and in the rooms, you’ll enjoy what locals have come to revere as Old Arizona luxury and the Territorial Adobe style of architecture. It gives a since of place, sure, but it also adds an upscale while relaxing sensibility to the resort experience. There’s a simple elegance that fits the region and the history at this beloved destination. The rooms being removed from the main resort, dining

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and meeting footprint allows you to walk in nature and enjoy the wonderfully manicured grounds.

We enjoyed cocktails in the large outdoor courtyard between the spacious pool area and the famed Litchfield’s restaurant. It was the perfect way to take in the sunset. Guests have options to stay in a Fairway Casita for easy golf access, an Adobe Collection to be close to the spa and fitness areas or a room or suite in the Oasis Collection, which features a courtyard, pool, event lawn and cabana bar. We loved the spaciousness of the suite and took full advantage of the

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The Wigwam got its start in 1918 as an “Organization House” to host Goodyear executives while visited the company’s cotton farm operations. The experience is just as welcoming and luxurious now and modern amenities make the place a must visit and a welcome change of pace from pure desert golf.

The meal I had at the stylish Litchfield’s with the scallop appetizer, perfectly cooked steak and irresistible beet salad was a top-three meal of the year for me. We got to meet the chef’s and talk to the manager about their dedicated approach to farmto-table practices. I travel and dine out a lot and this dining experience was 10 out of 10 in every way.

The Wigwam is quite simply a relaxing and invigorating place to relax or take in all the outdoor activities you choose. I’m glad I finally visited and look forward to getting back there in the not too distant future. They have an uncommon knack for making guest feel at home. Even at Red’s Bar and Grill, the casual dining spot next to the golf clubhouse, the waitress got to know about us and greeted us by name at breakfast the next morning.

The Wigwam cares about the little touches, and it shows.

To plan your getaway to the Wigwam, visit wigwamarizona.com.

Golf Mami looking the part

OTLPHX / GOLF FASHION

STORY BY ALEJANDRA BARNHARD - GOLFMAMI

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GOLF FASHION

Golf is not just a sport; it’s a statement of style. As a golfer, I take pride in looking my best, and standing out on the course.

When you look good, you feel confident, and that can make all the difference in your game.

To achieve my desired look I typically opt for a short-sleeved polo, which I pair with a comfortable golf skirt or a fitted dress. I love to experiment with colors, such as pink, red, and pastels, which complement my skin tone and add a touch of fun to my outfits.

Footwear is another essential aspect of my golf attire and I prefer to wear the classic golf shoes that provide the necessary support for my feet while still being stylish. To complete my golf outfit, I accessorize with a visor or hat to protect my face from the sun and add a touch of glamour.

Dressing up for golf is all about feeling comfortable, confident, and fashionable. By incorporating bright colors, comfortable yet stylish clothing, and accessories, I achieve a look that is sporty, fashionable, and perfect for the golf course.

You can follow my golf journey on Instagram @golfmami_ and visit my website www.mamiunlimited.com

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STORY BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE

n r e d h t o i m w e t s n e i e y s n i i o e u h c vib r t s e R uzu lar hip Z tel a s nd a Lob

Blac

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oused inside downtown Scottsdale’s iconic Hotel Valley Ho, on-site restaurant Zuzu beckons with a retro and contemporary vibe along with excellent cuisine. ZuZu’s décor takes its cues from the Arizona environment and the hotel’s rich history. The restaurant’s warm pinks and dusty blues are intended to resemble Arizona’s stunning sunsets and sunrises. The colors also nod to the hotel’s mid-century roots. Hotel Valley Ho opened in 1956 to acclaim. Stars like Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman and Tony Curtis stayed at this storied property. Architect Edward L. Varney designed the hotel and is responsible for the designs of other iconic Valley spots like Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. The concrete panels that you can see around the property today are one of the hotel’s signature design elements. In 1973, the hotel’s original developer Robert Foehl died. The Valley Ho was acquired by Ramada and eventually lost some of its shine. The hotel closed in 2001. In 2002, the property was purchased and redeveloped by Scottsdalebased Westroc Hospitality. The hotel reopened on Dec. 20, 2005.

Zuzu made its debut as part of that refresh. The restaurant was named

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ning

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after the matriarch of the family that owned the Hotel Valley Ho, Rosalyn “Rosie” Bennet Lyon. Her nickname was ZuZu. Lyon had a reputation for being a great cook and “believed that food is better when it’s shared with people you love,” according to the hotel’s website.

Located just off the lobby of the Hotel Valley Ho, ZuZu exudes cool. A narrow reception area features a sleek, black bar with soft, glowing blue light above the bar on the left. Find glass doors on your right that offer up views of the hotel’s OH Pool, a social hot spot on the weekends. Past the bar area, the dining room opens up into a spacious area that’s filled with circular dining tables and accented by turquoise chairs. The right wall of the dining room is covered in stones that lend a natural element to the space. The back wall features circular mirrors that are gently illuminated by soft-colored lights. See if you can spot The Vine Vault that houses plenty of fine wines near the back of the dining room.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Russell LaCasce. Award-winning LaCasce has over two decades of experience in the culinary arts and joined ZuZu back in 2017. Most notably, LaCasce worked for Beau MacMillan, the former head chef of elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney’s Resort & Spa. ZuZu serves brunch, dinner and happy hour.

Food-wise, look forward to an eclectic mix of cuisines. Food is sourced from local purveyors whenever possible. Some local farmers that supply ZuZu include

a.

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S e a r e d A h i Tu n a S a l a d .

Singh Farms, McClendon’s Select-Local Harvest, Pinnacle Farms, Abby Lee Farms and Schreiner’s Fine Sausage. For brunch, find Korean chicken wings, roasted garlic Moroccan hummus, seared ahi tuna salad, huevos rancheros, breakfast fried rice alongside brunch staples like buttermilk pancakes, burgers and omelets.

For dinner, enjoy short rib empanadas, lobster mac and cheese, bucatini Pomodoro, diver scallops, slow braised pork shank, eight-ounce filet of beef and pan seared Icelandic salmon.

Adventurous diners can order ZuZu, Take the Wheel. A full table only can order a special meal that’s prepared by the chef and exclusive to the table.

The dessert menu is a mix of decadent treats. Indulge in a double chocolate cake, raspberry cheesecake tart, black forest cake and the brookie, a warm chocolate chip cookie, brownie, chocolate pearls, raspberries and vanilla ice cream. One outstanding dessert offering is the oversized, Instagram-ready Showstopper Shakes. Diners can dig their spoons

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into massive milkshakes topped with a myriad of sweets that revolve around a theme that changes monthly. For instance, the March 2023 shake was a nod to Pastry Chef Maria Arenas’ native country of Argentina. This café con leche milkshake was finished with chocotorta, alfajor de maizena, torta-covered espresso beans and blue and white sprinkles—the colors of the flag of Argentina.

The cocktail menu is creative and features classic and new libations. Find the Backyard BBQ Old Fashioned that’s made with High West bourbon, VH peppercorn honey and angostura bitter and a classic espresso martini. These are complemented by offerings like the Purple People Eater, a blend of Botanist gin, blueberry lavender syrup, lime juice and a prosecco float.

We were recently treated to an incredible private dinner at ZuZu. MacMillan, LaCasce and James Porter, the chef and owner of luxury epicurean guest ranch Terra Farm + Manor located in Northern Arizona’s Prescott, teamed

of Nueske’s bacon and a side of black rice. The scallops rested beneath a blend of bright yellow uni cream seasoned with espelette pepper. The entire dish was topped with a handful of Thai basil leaves. The entrée course featured tender heritage tajima wagyu from Terra, a flaky black truffle and celery root gratin accompanied by a wild king mushroom and black garlic jus. The meal concluded with a beautifully plated mango panna cotta. Served on a white plate, the rich panna cotta was in orange, ball-shapes topped with gold flake and accompanied by strawberry compote, matcha sponge, passion fruit sauce, strawberry crumble and blood orange sorbet.

The sweet final course was a literally cool, refreshing dessert that captured spring’s colors.

The entire meal was expertly coursed out. The food was rich, but also light—a refreshing take on fine dining. The three chefs came out periodically to discuss each dish and provided great company. LaCasce even came around at the of the night and shook everyone’s hand.

We walked out of ZuZu feeling satisfied and ready to return to this stand-out Valley staple.

Hot Hot Chicken Sammie. up to cook a pop-up supper club celebrating The Resort at Paws Up in Montana. Porter is slated to cook at the resort’s Fish and Feast event from Sept. 1 to 3. The dinner was held inside The Rosie Room—a former maid’s closet that has been transformed into a warm, light pink colored space with a long wood table that proved to be a cozy space for an lively, intimate dinner.

The dinner started off with a colorful Hamachi crudo. The fresh fish was accompanied by passion fruit aguachile, peanut salsa matcha, avocado pearls and ninja radish, which added a nice crunch to this flavorful plate. Next up, we enjoyed perfectly cooked jumbo sea scallops served with a thick slab

S p i c y H a w a i i a n A h i Tu n a .

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Honma’s BERES NX Driver

Brings Next-Generation Tech to a Venerable Brand Name STORY BY MARC HALL

Japanese luxury golf equipment brand is taking a page out of the prestige automotive industry’s book with it new BERES NX line. Yes, that BERES. The holistically crafted artisan family of clubs that has been gifted to royalty and heads of state and, in some cases, has been reported to come with a price tag north of $50,000 for the brand’s “5 Star BERES” full set.

OTLPHX / EQUIPMENT

While not all Homna BERES come with such high price tags, the BERES name has long been synonymous with prestige and exacting performance in the Asian market as well as with golfers with more modest swing speeds. With the new BERES NX line, Honma looks to bring in a new generation of BERES users by targeting younger consumers. Think BMW’s 3 series offerings or the Cadillac CT5. By offering more shaft options for a broader range of

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swing speeds and a more accessible price point, Honma is look to get more consumers intrigued by and, even hooked on the long-revered BERES distinction.

It’s one thing to put a new driver in play.

But it’s quite another to step up to the tee with a gorgeous, state-of-the-art driver that inspires confidence. And that’s just what Honma’s new BERES NX does – performance wise, it brings out the best in your game.

EQUIPMENT

How so? It’s the brand’s ultra-premium BERES line that for the first time is offered in a more-affordable version without any compromises. And because it’s a game-improvement model that’s made with best-in-class materials, more golfers of varying skill levels can play it – including better players needing stiffer shaft flexes – and expect improved results off the tee. Think more distance, accuracy and consistency.

Available for men and women playing to 6-to30-handicaps, the BERES NX generates speed while yielding loads of forgiveness. Its draw bias will let you find the fairway more often, too. Available in base lofts of 9 and 10.5 degrees for men, plus a 10.5-degree lefthanded model, and 11.5 degrees for ladies, it can be adjusted -1 to +2 degrees.

The club generates high initial ball speed through a new clubface and crown structure that includes a no-weld upper L-CUP face, solid carbon crown, hyper wide slot and keel weighting. Its radial clubface surface expands the toe and heel repulsion areas to the edges, as well – meaning that no matter where you make contact on the face, you can expect the most-possible distance and accuracy. Plus the high MOI and low/deep CG creates high-and-straight ball flight.

Maximizing performance was the goal that Honma master craftsmen sought when designing this driver that happens to be the first-ever BERES model with adjustable loft and lie angles. To boot, it’s armed with Honma’s proprietary and lightweight VIZARD shaft. At just 45 grams, it’s more flexible in the middle, and then more optimized towards the butt and tip – helping you produce proper spin and fast initial velocity. All you have to do is take a comfortable, easy swing while the shaft does all of the work.

This driver looks modern and stylish and offers responsive feel and trusted performance. (MAll BERES Nx products will be available for retailers and consumers beginning April 1, 2023. Retail pricing for BERES Nx men’s and ladies’ drivers are $750.00

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FROM THE RANGE TO THE COURSE STORY BY BUCK MAYERS

OTLPHX / BUCKS TIPS

All too often, golfers get frustrated when they have a great practice session or a good warm up, then fail to execute when under the gun on the course. Playing golf is directly tied to proper thinking, belief, and trust – rather than from extra practice. Yes, practice is important and swing flaws must be corrected in the practice area but once corrected, it is the thinking process that will determine the effectiveness of the golf swing on the course.

Remember, when you practice, there is no water, no out of bounds, no fear of bunkers, the pressure to a score. Obviously, all of those factors do make a very big difference! Your mind is very clear on the practice range, and your golf swing is free and easy – with no problematic thoughts to interfere with your swing motion. Here are some simple steps to improve your golf course IQ:

Buck Mayers is an Emeritus Professional at Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, TX and can be reached at www.buckmayersgolf.com.

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1. Have a routine that is target oriented – not mechanical 2. Have a key – like brush the grass or clip the tee 3. Clearly see each shot successfully before you hit it 4. Positive imagery of where you want the ball to go (not water, OB, bunker, etc.)

5. Believe/Trust/Commit to one shot – one hole - one round at a time!

Remember to breathe. Feel relaxed and in balance before you initiate your swing. SEE IT, FEEL IT, TRUST IT, HIT IT!

From Jack to Tiger, most memorizing Masters

N

STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

ot coincidentally, I first started watching the Masters intently right about the time I got hooked on golf. I can still remember Seve Ballesteros winning in 1980 and 1983, Tom Watson and Craig Stadler’s victories in between, and Ben Crenshaw and Bernhard Langer in 1984 and 1985 respectively.

I recall how remarkable it was that a German won in ‘85. Having lived in Germany three times myself and being born there, I knew Germany wasn’t exactly a hotbed for golf, which makes Langer’s career so remarkable. (He continues to set records on the PGA Tour Champions).

But it really wasn’t until 1986 that I got hooked on the Masters, watching pretty much every round ever since. That’s about the same time

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I became obsessed with playing golf, thanks to a coworker at the first newspaper at which I worked. He was my golf mentor and would become my best friend.

Coincidently or not, 1986 was also most remarkable at Augusta National. It was when Jack Nicklaus won his 18th major, an unlikely feat nobody saw coming at age 46. Watching that cemented the Masters as my favorite major, as it is for many golfers. And because it’s the only major played on the same course every year, I often find myself asking how I would play those holes because we know them so well.

So from 1986 to present, the Masters has been on par with Super Bowls for me. Heck, what am I saying, better than the Super Bowl most years since the team I root for is never in it. What follows are my favorite Masters years, led off by ‘86, of course.

‘86

Nicklaus stuns the world

Besides winning his 18th major, six years after his last (1980 PGA Championship) and 24 years after his first (1962 U.S. Open), Nicklaus had to overcome not only the odds, but quite a few big names on Sunday to win. Going into the final round, he trailed Greg Norman, Ballesteros, Langer, Nick Pice, Tom Kite, and Watson. After a one-under 35 front nine, he still trailed Ballesteros by four going into the back nine, which would be one for the ages. His six-under par 30 on the inward nine included five birdies and an eagle on the 15th. He waited in the clubhouse as one by one, the other contenders failed to match him.

‘87

Larry Mize steals from the Shark

We all know about Norman’s collapses at Augusta (more on another one coming up), but in this one, he was just snake bit. Tied for the lead at the end of regulation, Norman, Ballesteros, and a relatively unknown Larry Mize went to the 10th to begin a playoff. Ballesteros was eliminated on the first hole, then Norman and Mize played the difficult 11th. Norman found the putting surface in two, and Mize, playing away from the water on the left, missed the green pin high to the right. Norman was sitting pretty when the unthinkable happened as Mize drained his chip shot for birdie. Norman missed his putt, of course.

It would be Mize’s only major win.

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‘92

Golf gods smile on Fred Couples

This was the one where Couples’ tee shot on the par-3 12th, hit the bank of the green. But unlike most of the other shots that landed at there that week, his didn’t roll back to water, miraculously stopping before it get wet. Couples managed to get up and down for par, then went on to win the tournament over none other than Raymond Floyd.

Had Floyd won, his victory would have rivaled Nicklaus’ six years early. As it was, he was the oldest player at the time to finish second at age 49.

‘04

‘97

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GETTY IMAGES

Tiger’s First Green Jacket

After a front nine of 40 on the front nine on Thursday, it sure didn’t appear that Tiger Woods would be in the hunt, but nothing could have been further from the truth. Maybe it was early jitters with this being his first professional appearance in the Masters, but Woods fired a 30 on the back nine, and it was clear he had arrived. He wound up shooting 66 and 65 over the next two rounds, and his 18-under total would be the lowest winning score ever recorded at Augusta National. Oh, and he won by 12 strokes. This would lead officials to try to “Tiger Proof” the course in subsequent renovations. It never worked, obviously.

Lefty finally breaks through

For the first part of his PGA Tour career Phil Mickelson wore the moniker of “best player yet to win a major.” But that all changed in 2004 when the 33-year-old drained an 18-footer for birdie on the final hole to best Ernie Els by a stroke. He became only the fourth player in Masters history to win by birdieing 18. In fact, Mickelson birdied five of the last seven holes to shoot 69.

Els, who finished two holes earlier with a 67, had eagled both the par 5s on the back.

‘12

Bubba Watson’s amazing wedge shot While everyone will remember the wedge shot Watson hit to win in a playoff, most have probably forgotten how Louis Oosthuizen got into position to win. The South African, in fact, made only the second double eagle in Masters history (the other was Gene Sarazen’s shot heard ‘round the world in 1935) by holing out his second shot on the par-5 second

‘95

Ben Crenshaw’s help from above

The day before the first round, Crenshaw flew back to Texas. He was a pallbearer at the funeral of Harvey Penick, the only coach he every had, his mentor since age 6, and, of course, the author of the famed “Little Red Book.” Crenshaw, the ‘84 champion, went into the Masters in a slump, to say the least, signaling perhaps that his best playing days were behind him. But this week he would not only find his game, but he found all the breaks, too. He said, “It was kind of like I felt this hand on my shoulder, guiding me along.” When he drained the putt on the 18th to win by one over Davis Love III, he doubled over with emotion. Was it divine intervention? Crenshaw certainly thought so, and most golf fans probably agree.

‘10

Mickelson’s amazing second shot on 13

Mickelson would win the Masters two more times, most notably in 2010 when he hit one of the most famous shots in Masters history, a 6-iron second shot from the pine straw through the trees just a few feet from the hole on the par-5 13th.

He actually missed the eagle putt, but made the comeback for birdie.

Commentator Nick Faldo called it “the greatest shot of his life.” Mick-

hole. He took a one-shot lead into the back nine, but Watson reeled off four consecutive birdies, starting with the 13th, to finish tied and force the playoff. On the second playoff hole, the left-handed Watson pulled his drive on no. 10 right into the trees. While Oosthuizen found trouble himself and wound up making bogey, Watson hooked a wedge some 40 yards around the trees from the pine straw to find the green and two-putt for par and victory.

elson would go on to win by three strokes over Lee Westwood. On a side note, most golf fans forget that Mickelson had another incredible shot, this one coming in the third round when he holed his approach shot on 14 for an eagle 2.

‘19

GETTY IMAGES

‘96

Faldo’s mastery greater than Norman collapse

Arguably the tournament was known more Norman’s final round 78 than it was for how well Nick Faldo played in the final round to overcome a six-stroke deficit. It would be Faldo’s third green jacket as he shot 67 on Sunday for the low round the day. Norman appeared well on his way, especially after he tied a course record on Thursday with a 63. Had he simply shot even par on Sunday, he would coasted to victory. How bad was Norman’s back nine on Sunday? He carded a 40 with two birdies, on 13 and 15.

Tiger’s improbable fifth green jacket

Not many saw this coming. It had been 11 years since Woods had won his last major, the 2008 U.S. Open, and 14 years since his last Masters victory. His 2019 win would beat the record for years between Masters wins set by Gary Player, who had 13. The odds were certainly stacked against Woods, who had to overcome injuries and a fall from grace after much publicized personal issues came to a head in 2009 and 2010. Woods played steady throughout at the 2019 Masters. When leader Francesco Molinari, the leader after 11 holes on Sunday, opened the door by hitting it in the water on 12 and again on 15, Woods stepped up. His final round 70 was good enough to win by one stroke over three other golfers.

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Anchor

OTLPHX / TRAVEL

alaska

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AGE

TRAVEL

STORY BY SCOTT LAIRD

Anchorage is often a city one sees on their way to somewhere else. The first European to survey the area was Captain James Cook, during his search for the Northwest Passage. He surveyed for less than two weeks, realized he’d hit a dead end, and left, but not before bestowing his name on the body of water—Cook Inlet—that Anchorage overlooks today.

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lthough indigenous Dena’ina and Ahtna people hunted, fished, and picked berries what is today Anchorage for thousands of years, there wasn’t a permanent settlement until the early 20th Century. By midcentury, scores of notable personalities overnighted in Anchorage when the airport was the crossroads of the world during the Cold War – everybody from then-Prince Charles to the Beatles overnighted in Alaska’s largest city enroute between Europe and Asia.

Today, many of the visitors on their way to somewhere else are bound for Denali National Park, or a cruise departure, but there’s plenty to see and do right in Anchorage—whether visitors arrive during the endless days of summer where the midnight sun isn’t hyperbole, or in mid-winter, when the Aurora Borealis often serves as a northern-style night light.

For an independent hotel experience, visitors can check out the Hotel Captain Cook, a threePHOTO BY: JACK BONNEY

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tower hotel overlooking Cook Inlet. Interiors take inspiration from the wooden sailing ships of Captain Cook’s explorations of Alaska and Hawai’i, and murals in the lobby depict scenes from the voyages. Wraparound views and fine dining at The Crow’s Nest, or Italian-inspired pub fare downstairs at Fletcher’s are top draws for both visitors and locals.

Downtown Anchorage is eminently walkable, and just steps away from the Captain Cook is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a paved trail spanning the length of the coast along the Inlet, from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park—popular in winter and summer with skiers, walkers, joggers, bikers, and others wishing to take in views of the Chugach and Alaska Ranges, including views of the peaks of Denali and Foraker—visible from much of Anchorage on clear days despite being over a hundred miles distant.

Also downtown is the Anchorage Museum, over 170,000 square feet of exhibits and collections covering the gamut of Alaskan natural and human history and art. A major draw includes the

C o o k a n d To t e m s

DESTINATION

PHOTO BY: SHELLY WOZNIAK

TRAVEL

permanent Art of the North collection, with paintings and drawings with Alaska and the Arctic as subjects. The museum is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of Native Alaskan artifacts and historic handiwork.

Just outside of Downtown Anchorage, on several wooded acres, is the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Unknown to many visitors is the fact that Alaska’s indigenous communities are immensely diverse—comprising five major culture groups, with their own distinct, mutually unintelligible language families and varying cultural traditions and practices. See demonstrations of Alaska Native dance and Native Games or storytelling, see fascinating exhibits in the Hall of Cultures, or explore six authentic recreations of Native Alaskan dwellings representing the traditional lifeways of the Iñupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Athabascan, Eyak, Haida, Tsimshian, Tlingit, Unangax, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Yup’ik, and Cup’ik peoples.

Anchorage also affords some interesting golf. The Anchorage Golf Course is open May through October, and with the midnight sun accepts tee times as late as 10PM! The 36-hole course at Moose Run, on the Army base at Fort Richardson, is also open to the general public.

Anchorage is also a good base for day trips around Southcentral Alaska. Just 40 miles south of the city lies Alyeska Resort, in Girdwood. The drive along the Seward Highway, closely drawn between the rock faces of the Chugach Mountains and the bore tides of Turnagain Arm affords plenty of opportunities for seeing wildlife, from the dall sheep that balance on the rock cliffs to the beluga whales that are often spotted near the aptlynamed Beluga Point.

At Alyeska Resort, the main attraction is a ski resort

PHOTO BY: KEN GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

A l a s k a ’ s N a t i v e Wo m e n

Ship Creek Fishing

where the base of the chairlift is virtually at sea level (no elevation issues for skiers here!), but non-skiers can take in views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers from a year-round tram service. At the top of the mountain lies the fine dining restaurant Seven Glaciers, so named for the glaciers visible from its tables: Crow, Raven, Eagle, Clear, Goat, Milk, and Alyeska Glaciers can all be seen in clear weather.

At the base of the tramway, adjacent the Hotel Alyeska, is the newly-opened Alyeska Nordic Spa, where spa-goers spend their time rotating between saunas or steam baths and outdoor hot or cold plunge pools nestled in the pine trees. Massages are also available for a completely relaxing visit—either in the brilliant sun of the Alaskan summer or the calming snowfall of a winter afternoon.

From Girdwood, it’s just a few miles more to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Most of the animals on the center’s 200 acres are given permanent homes after being orphaned or injured, and the expansive grounds replicate natural habitats for a wide range

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of Alaskan animals like wolves, reindeer, musk ox, black and brown bears, moose, elk, fox, and bald eagles.

Another popular day trip from Anchorage involves the Alaska Railroad, which is celebrating its centennial in 2023. In the summer months, early morning departures for Seward arrive just in time for day boat excursions to Kenai Fjords National Park.

Out on the water visitors can see orcas, puffins, sea otters, Stellar sea lions, several species of whale.

Visitors can also elect to take the Alaska Railroad north to Denali, but those who are pressed for time can take a flightseeing excursion from Anchorage, generally departing from Lake Hood, the world’s busiest seaplane base. Excursions run three hours and will trace explore the glaciers and rock faces of Denali, the largest peak on the North America continent, often landing for a photo opportunity before returning to Anchorage.

Less-adventurous seaplane fans can indulge in an Alaskan summer pastime—watching the seaplanes depart from Lake Hood by sitting out on the patio at The Lakefront Anchorage, perhaps with a local beer and a plate of fresh Alaskan seafood.

Lake Hood sits at the beginning of Spenard, one of Anchorage’s most fascinating neighborhoods, with a mix of nightlife, shopping and dining just outside the downtown area. The Writer’s Block Bookstore & Café has Russian and Eastern European comfort food on the menu, with cold-weather favorites like Russian pelmeni dumplings or pierogi and bone-warming

soups like borsch or Hungarian mushroom on rotation. Title Wave Books is a used bookstore with a blend of new and used titles, but it’s most notable for its large selection of hard-to-find Alaskana—locally published books and memoirs offering perspectives on northern life not easy to find outside the 49th State. Bear Tooth Theatrepub pioneered the puband-movie concept, offering a menu of good locally brewed beer alongside pizzas and Latin favorites.

Downtown, diners might indulge in Inlet views and Alaska seafood (in season, try cedar plank Copper River King Salmon) at Simon & Seaforts, or for a more low-key meal they might drop into the landmark Club Paris, for the famous bleu-cheese stuffed steak.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from downtown, but Hilton Anchorage has recently refreshed guest rooms, and is convenient to the Alaska Railroad depot for their early-morning departures.

Another recently renovated property is the Marriott Anchorage Downtown, where many guest rooms also have views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains.

When it’s time to leave, drop into 10th and M Seafoods for one last splurge—all their flash-frozen Alaskan seafood—king salmon, king crab, halibut, cod, or their own-recipe Alaska reindeer sausage can be packed “to go”, insulated in styrofoam and cardboard boxes with icy gel packs designed to keep products cold for 20 hours of travel. It’ll make for a tasty souvenir of the immense bounty of Alaska, and hopefully fond memories of its fascinatingly diverse largest city.

PHOTO BY: NICOLE GEILS

T h r e e B e a r s.

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Q&A: Justin Leonard

OTLPHX / ON YOUR GAME

ON YOUR GAME

STORY BY MIKE BAILEY

If you want to catch Justin Leonard on the Golf Channel or NBC Sports, you’re way more likely these days to see him on the course with a club in his hand, not a microphone.

The 1997 Open champion and Ryder Cup hero has worked the last seven years for the Golf Channel and NBC Sports as a commentator on golf telecasts. But there have been changes for him, both on the broadcasting front, and on the competitive side. Leonard turned 50 last June, so he decided to take a dip into playing last July at the Senior Players Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. He tied for 61st, and it started to get his competitive juices flowing again.

Now, his TV duties are pretty much behind him.

Another change is that he and his family have moved from Aspen, Colo., where they had lived since 2016, to Jupiter, Fla., where he can work on his game year-round, as he prepares to play his first full season on the PGA Tour Champions.

So far, so good. Leonard got 2023 off to a solid start as he finished tied for 10th at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in Hawaii. Then after spending a few days at the PGA Merchandise Show on behalf of a company he’s involved with -- GolfForever -he competed in the Chubb Classic at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla., and finished 10th again.

As for his involvement with GolfForev-

er, that came about during his years in Aspen, when he met up with founder Jeremy James. As a doctor of chiropractic (DC) as well as a certified strength and condition specialist (CGSCS), James has been helping professional and Olympic athletes as well as recreational athletes train to avoid injuries, overcome pain, and play their best for years. GolfForever, which started in late 2020, also counts PGA Tour players Scottie Scheffler and Ryan Palmer among its ambassadors. More recently, GolfForever has added its GolfForever Swing Trainer, a 44.5-inch training bar with a resistance cord to take the workouts to a new level.

Leonard, of course, has been using GolfForever in his training regime to get back into playing shape. We recently sat down with Leonard, who grew up in Dallas, played at the University of Texas, and of course, made the dramatic clinching putt for the United States Ryder Cup team in 1999 at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.

OTL: When you were playing on the PGA Tour, did you figure at age 50 you’d play PGA Tour Champions?

JL: No, that decision was more recent.

When I stepped away from playing and started doing TV with Golf Channel and NBC Sports, I really thought that would be my

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tric. What was that experience like for you preparing for high-level competition?

JL: I really enjoyed that week a lot because the prior three months I was really able to dive into my own game without having to step away and do TV. In fact, if anything I think I kind of overworked. I enjoyed (the week of the PGA Show) of not touching a club. I felt like I was behind having not competed in six years. I probably had five or six days over those three months when I didn’t touch a club, and I was pretty tired that week. I’m kind of still learning about what I need to do to be ready and prepared and rested, but it’s been fun getting back into it, and I’m starting to see some better results. So that’s exciting.

OTL: How did you get involved with GolfForever?

JL: So Jeremy (James) started out as just wanting to help people with their back issues. He had a clinic in Aspen for a number of years (Leonard used to live in Aspen before moving to Florida in June 2022).

He realized the vast majority of his clients played golf. And so we had lunch a couple of times, and he wanted to pick my brain, how to get more into the golf space and market it more towards golfers. I had some time to devote to it, and so I became a partner in this. He probably wouldn’t say it happened quickly, but it happened quickly. And now it’s getting so much traction with PGA Tour and trainers, understanding it’s not just tour players, but everybody needs this.

I’ve had access to the best trainers in the golf space.

But now everybody has access through GolfForever. path for the next 30 years. And it really wasn’t until maybe just before I turned 49 that one of my sons started playing more and then I realized that if I want to consider playing again, I was going to have to get back into it. So yeah, it’s been pretty recent. And stepping away from TV for now, I decided if I was going to play, I needed to do it now and not wait two or three years.

OTL: Of course, the broadcasting scene has changed, too. Did that have anything to do with your decision to start playing again?

JL: I loved being part of a team with NBC and Golf Channel, but yeah, that landscape is changing quickly. I wouldn’t be completely honest if I said that didn’t have something to do with it, but I also feel like getting back into playing and trying to apply the things I’ve observed over the last five or six years into my own game has been a lot of fun.

OTL: You played four events in between telecasts last year, but at the end of the year, you really started to work in preparation for your first event of 2023, the Mitsubishi Elec-

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OTL: Was GolfForever a big part of your preparation coming back to playing?

JL: Absolutely, amongst some other things. But I like to do a lot of different things, like Peloton, and Orange Theory. I love to do cardio, after living in Colorado for so long. But this is my real golf-specific workout that I do, and it absolutely helps.

OTL: Do you play pickleball or anything else to cross train?

JL: Yeah, a little bit. Mostly when we’re on vacation.

OTL: Let’s talk a little bit about the game of golf today vs. when you turned professional.

JL: It’s much more of a power game now. The way golf courses are built and set up, it just lends itself more to that. If you look at the top of the world rankings, the vast majority of those players hit the ball a long way. It’s been going that way for the last 10-15 years. When I first started playing on the tour, it was great if you hit it a long way, but you had to hit it in the fairway. Now I think because of the mainte-

ON YOUR GAME

nance practices on golf courses, it’s opened up more to where all the data that’s available just shows you’re better off just pushing the ball down as far as you can.

Some of that is technology, but some of that is just the type of athlete that now plays golf.

OTL: You had an incredible knack for getting up and down. You were very creative.

You definitely approached the game differently than a lot of players today. So If you were starting out today would you approach it differently than you did way back when?

JL: I would work on hitting the ball much farther than I do. At 50, I do some speed training, but not what a lot of the guys do now. A, because I’m not playing 7,600 yards. But B, because my golf DNA is kind of set, and I’m not going to change that too much.

OTL: Take us back to that scene at The Country Club in 1999. The 45-foot putt on 17 in your singles match with Jose Maria Olazabal that essentially cinched the U.S. comeback in the 1999 Ryder Cup. How do you recall that moment?

JL: My memories are very vivid. I got to relive it once every couple of years by doing TV around Ryder Cups. Especially with NBC broadcasting the Ryder Cups. I’ve done three Ryder Cups, and then being at Brookline this summer for the U.S. Open. So I get to relive that quite often.

OTL: What a lot of people forget is that after you made that putt, Olazabal still had a putt (which he missed) to tie the hole, but there was this mass hysteria. Did you try to quiet down the fans?

JL: I certainly did, but that (atmosphere) was throughout the week that especially boiled over on Sunday.

Tell us about what transpired on Saturday evening.

JL: The night before was pretty quiet until we got the pairings, and I thought it actually looked feasible with the way we front-loaded our lineup vs. the Europeans, who had three rookies playing very early.

That was actually going to be their first Ryder Cup match (they didn’t play the previous two days). President Bush came in and spoke. It was a good night because we still had a glimmer of hope.

OTL: What else stands out as most memorable in your playing career? The Open Championship at Royal Troon in 1997 must have been a proud moment.

JL: Yeah, The Open, winning there early in my career and getting to go back so many times was great. The Players Championship (1988), too. I really cherish the Texas Open and winning that three times.

And the (92) U.S Amateur (at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio). I also got to play in the ‘93 Masters as an amateur, which was very special. And I played with Tom Kite and Nick Faldo the first two days of the 1993 U.S. Open as an amateur (Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey). I really enjoyed my time at (The University of) Texas, too. I got to do a lot of fun things.

OTL: What’s next for you besides playing the PGA Tour Champions?

JL: I don’t know. I’m just getting my game ready, watching my kids (Reese Ella,19; Avery Kate 17; Luke Garrett, 16, Skylar Charles, 12) grow and mature, and spending time with my wife (Amanda). We did our first college-parents weekend last fall, and our other daughter is headed to college next fall. Our oldest is at UVA (University of Virginia), and our next is going to SMU in the fall. The family dynamic now that they are leaving the house is constantly shifting.

OTL: Have you and Olazabal talked about that moment?

JL: We had a good talk, and actually we got paired together a few weeks later in Valderrama (site of the 1997 Ryder Cup in Spain, where Leonard also competed) in a WGC event. And he was great, and gracious. It’s probably a good thing I don’t understand Spanish because he told quite a few people to lay off a bit (at Valderrama).

OTL: The 1999 Ryder Cup, of course, is remembered for the U.S. team’s incredible comeback on Sunday. U.S. Captain Ben Crenshaw told the press the night before “I’m a big believer in fate. I have a good feeling about this. That’s all I’m going to tell you.”

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OT L P H X / D E S T I N AT I O N

DESTINATION

Bofinger, Paris STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD AREBALO OTL FEATURES EDITOR

’ve been to France many times but never in the late autumn. After one sweltering and crowded summer trip to Paris, I avoided the high prices and huge tourist crowds as much as possible.

Business trips could vary, but April was my best bet for vacation.

In October, I was invited to a book launch by my friend, Adrien Motel. He had written a book about the legendary French Ocean Liner Normandie, which was to debut at a 1930s-themed black-tie dinner. The event was phenomenal, and October is my new favorite month to go to Paris.

I stayed at an almost fairytale-like hotel in the Place des Voges. It was covered in ancient vines that had turned a bright red as the season had started to change. The mornings were crisp, and it made walking a joy.

On my last evening, I headed towards the Place de la Bastille, just a few blocks away. The square is known not only for its place in the French Revolution but is now the site of Paris’s (newer) Opera House.

Turning off the main boulevard, I saw a short street filled with restaurants and cafés. One place caught my eye as it had a long row of scarlet awnings with a gold letter “B.” I had accidentally stumbled upon one of Paris’s oldest and most famous brasseries. – As I found out later, famous enough that in 1981 Francois Mitterrand reserved the entire first floor of the restaurant to celebrate his election victory as the new French President.

First, a word of warning… In France, there is a strong delineation between what we Americans lump into the term “restaurants.” A French café will offer coffee and a limited menu of snacks. A bistro will offer a limited menu focused on home-style meals (think most of the classics,) and a brasserie will have a much more extensive menu and traditionally have a connection with beer. (Indeed, the French word for brewery is “brasserie.”)

My confusion as to why I would not find Coq au Vin or Beef Bourguignon in

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B u t t e r n u t Ve l o u t é .

a French “restaurant” was settled by my French teacher years ago. I was told that “In France, “restaurants” … are for art.”

Frederic Bofinger came to Paris from the northeastern French region of Alsace. In 1864 he established a modest business with a strong focus on beer. He initially catered to the large population of Alsatian workers in the nearby Place de la Bastille.

The Alsace is renowned for great French food but also has a German influence. You can still see this connection in the presence of several sausage dishes and even sauerkraut on the menu.

Over the course of decades, Bofinger expanded, and in 1919, the brasserie was refurbished in the stunning Belle Epoch style. The gorgeous Art Nouveau domed glass ceiling, elaborate ironworks, and beveled mirrors today are much as they were over 100 years ago.

The menu is extensive and contains so many

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Baked meringue was floating on a pool of vanilla Crème Anglaise.

classics that deciding on dinner took a while.

There is a large selection of fresh seafood, and, a bit unusually, Bofinger does a tremendous business in takeaway fruit-de-Mer (cold seafood).

The menu features four prestigious varieties of oysters (Brittany Cadoret, Saint-Vaast le Tatihou, Fines de Claire, and Galarneau from Bourcefranc-le-Chapus near La Rochelle), each with a family story almost as old as the restaurant itself. “Shrimp” is listed by the desired size: shrimp, (larger) prawns, and (larger still) langoustines. French Crabs, welks, and clams are available alongside Canadian lobsters. All the above can be mixed and matched on various towering fruit-de-Mer platters.

There are many starters, from soups to escargot to foie gras and numerous seafood mains. I was impressed by the fantastic selection of “Meat” courses, including; Supremes of Chicken with Riesling,

DESTINATION

Ro a s t c h i c k e n b r e a s t w i t h a s p i r a l o f w h i p p e d p o t a t o e s.

Normandie Beef Tartare, and Grilled Beef Tenderloin with béarnaise sauce and fries.

In keeping with its Alsatian roots, there is a Sauerkraut selection including a frankfurter, Jura sausage, smoked bacon, salt pork chop; also, one called a “Sea Sauerkraut” that includes haddock, salmon, langoustines, and boiled potatoes.” Their cabbage is homemade according to tradition: candied onions with lard, juniper, coriander, and cumin.

To me, this was a menu of French food fantasies. (Not knocking “art,” but this was a dream menu) I opted for one of the fixed-price dinners, which allowed me a starter, a main, and dessert for only 35 Euros!

I started with a silky Butternut Velouté followed by a roast chicken breast with a spiral of whipped potatoes and the most delicious (chicken) brown sauce I’ve ever tasted. It had deep flavor, with perfect fat content and perfect sea-

B e a u t i f u l p i n k a n d p u r p l e Pa r i s s k y.

soning. (A baguette was all that was needed to dispatch the sauce completely.) Unlike myself, I ate the meal slowly to enjoy each bite.

My dessert was a picture-perfect “Floating Island.” A substantial baked meringue was floating on a pool of vanilla Crème Anglaise. It was drizzled conservatively (and correctly) with caramel and topped with chopped pecans. I enjoyed the meal with a 2020 Georges Burrier PouillyFuissé.

Not wanting to leave, I treated myself to a late-day espresso.

I shared the last bit of my wine with two lovely ladies visiting from San Francisco. One of them had just attended an early opera at the Bastille nearby. We marveled at the stained-glass dome and our luck for having been able to dine at such a beautiful spot.

Walking back to the ‘Pavilion de la Reine,’ I was treated to the most beautiful pink and purple Paris sky. Life was good.

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Music and Wine Pairings:

The Perfect Harmony for Your Palate STORY BY HUNTER HAM

OTLPHX / WINE

ine and music are two of life’s greatest pleasures, and when combined, they can create a truly unforgettable experience. Just as the right wine can enhance the flavors of a dish, the right music can enhance the flavors of a wine. Today we are going to cut loose, open a bottle of wine and explore the art of music and wine pairings, and how to find the perfect harmony

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for your palate. Please enjoy some playlists I have made on Spotify for you to enjoy along with the perfect wine!

First things first: what makes a good music and wine pairing? Just like with food and wine pairings, the goal is to find complementary flavors and aromas that enhance each other. A full-bodied red wine may pair well with a strong and bold musical piece, while a light white wine may pair better with a softer and more delicate piece of music. It’s all about finding the perfect balance.

WINE

Cab and Chopin?

Let’s start with a classic pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon and classical music. The bold tannins and rich flavors of the wine pair perfectly with the sophistication and elegance of classical music. From the soaring melodies of Mozart to the dramatic symphonies of Beethoven, a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and a classical music piece can transport you to a world of refined tastes and cultured experiences.

Samba & Syrah!

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try pairing a spicy Syrah with some Latin music. The bold flavors and spicy notes of the wine are a perfect match for the passionate rhythms and fiery beats of Latin music. From the sultry sounds of salsa to the energetic beats of reggaeton, a glass of Syrah and some Latin music can take you on a sensory journey to a vibrant and colorful world.

Bebop to Blanc For those who prefer a more upbeat and lively experience, try pairing a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with some upbeat jazz music. The refreshing acidity and citrus notes of the wine complement the lively rhythms and improvisations of jazz music, creating a playful and dynamic pairing. Whether you’re dancing the night away or enjoying a summer day with friends, this pairing is sure to put a smile on your face.

Bel Canto with Bordeaux Finally, for a pairing that’s both bold and elegant, try pairing a rich and complex Bordeaux with some classical opera music. The bold tannins and complex flavors of the wine are a perfect match for the dramatic and powerful voices of opera singers: from the grandeur of Puccini to the passion of Verdi, a glass of Bordeaux and some opera music can transport you to a world of passion, drama, and sophistication.

Music and wine pairings are a match made in heaven, and with so many options to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a bold and energetic experience or a soothing and relaxing one, there’s a pairing out there that’s sure to satisfy. So go ahead, indulge your senses, and let the perfect harmony of music and wine take you on a journey to new heights of taste and pleasure.

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Casdagli Cigars - History and luxury blended to perfection STORY BY TOMAS ZILINSKIS Exploring flavors is my passion and there is no better feeling than finding a brand that just does it for you in every blend and every vitola. It is surprising, exciting and flavors continuously bring back various memories from my life that I love to re-live in that moment.

Finding a cigar that speaks luxury and fine craftsmanship is not easy. Finding an entire brand that is exquisite and with every cigar light-up any aficionado would immediately recognize the uniqueness and impeccable flavor balance of every draw. I chose to share more about this particular brand for this specific reason and. After smoking hundreds of Casdagli cigars there is no doubt in my mind that it has it all for the luxury smoker, thus I want to make sure more readership can get access to those cigars and explore flavors I absolutely love.

Casdagli is a family-owned brand and has a deep roots in tobacco trade. Decades of experience and knowledge that Jeremy Casdagli, founder of the Casdagli Cigars company, has meticulously put into blends that have individuality, back story, and immaculate balance of flavors delivered to anyone wishing to enjoy simple luxury in life.

OTLPHX / CIGARS

I have been always fascinated by the history and backstories of cigar blends and after interviewing Jeremy Casdagli who is, in my opinion, a great and humble individual who takes a lot of pride with all cigar lines that his company produces, it was apparent that backstories have had a massive impact on all the

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blends. In particular I would like to touch up on a recent release of CASDAGLI CYPHER 3311 cigar line featuring four different vitolas named to commemorate Jaremy’s grandfather and his achievements as a captive of Nazis in WWII. While in captivity Major A.T. Casdagli often produced wartime embroideries to keep his mind at peace. What the enemy did not suspect is that he would stitch hidden cypher messages in his artwork that would be passed to MI9 through clandestine communication network to London. One of the most famous phrases stitched was ‘God save the King,“ and a disparaging message to the head of the regime. The artwork is regularly featured in various museums in UK and all Cypher 3311 cigar sales have a portion of income donated to Red Cross.

As for uniqueness of the cigars, only 16,000 (4,000 of each size) will be produced each year. Tobaccos used for these cigars are rare and very expensive, coming from Costa Rica, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador. Each cigar is packaged in individual coffin box and sold in a box of box of 8 with MSRP of 400$ per box for Colossus, Enigma and Needle sizes and MSRP of 480$ for Lorenz (diadema) size. Each blend and size bring a little different experience and tasting notes and a truly unique experience backed up by an amazing history and valor.

Since the brand is less known in the USA, you can find Cypher 3311 and other Casdagli blends on www.smallbatchcigar.com. Enjoy and until next time my fellow cigar friends, cheers.