Sophisticated Living Indianapolis July/August 2023

SAVE THE BEES.

"If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.”

Albert Einstein

SOPHISTICATED MILESTONES KLOSTERMAN-YANCEY ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp

Courtney Klosterman and David Yancey were engaged on May 28, 2022 at Newfields. A busy day getting ready for vacation turned memorable when David surprised Courtney with a proposal. Says Courtney, “We had talked about marriage so often that I didn’t think there would be a way for David to execute an engagement without it hitting my radar, but he picked the day before we left on vacation and I was hyper-focused on just getting to the beach.” David even had a celebration set up following the proposal with

their families and friends. Courtney had given David very little guidance regarding the ring she would like, saying only that she envisioned a ring that looked “different.” Courtney adds, “Knowing that this is the ring David felt was right for me, as the representation of the love we have for each other, makes it the absolutely perfect ring.” Courtney is the corporate partnerships sales director at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and David is an account executive at The Skillman Corporation. They reside in Fishers. sl

SNELL-HOLDEN ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Joanna Lemus, Sweet JoJo Photography

Rachel Snell and Kevin Holden were engaged on October 29, 2022 at the Phoenician resort in Scottsdale Arizona. Kevin recalls, “After a long, nerve-wracking flight, I was able to get Rachel in the right spot for the photographer, didn’t fumble over my words too badly, and even managed to surprise her a second time by having our parents there to celebrate with us.” The couple met at Kevin’s sister’s wedding, then started dating when they ran into each other

and realized they lived just a mile apart. Their wedding will take place on October 21, 2023 at the Bottleworks Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, and will feature the same band that played at the wedding the night they met. They reside in Fountain Square with their two dogs named Zola, a golden retriever, and Dom, a pomsky; Kevin is the founder and chief creative officer of Orbital Lab, Inc., and Rachel is a hospitalist at Community Hospital South. sl

SMITH-HARDER ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Cat Satre Photography

Whitney Jade Smith and Owen Andrew Harder were engaged on March 12 in downtown Indianapolis. The couple met back in middle school, when Owen moved to Indiana from Florida; both were track stars at their school, and have dated since the seventh grade. The proposal was a surprise for Whitney, who had been told by Owen that they were joining their families for a photo shoot–minus her father, a key detail meant to throw her off-track. She had once told Owen

that whenever they got engaged, she wanted two things–her father to be there, and a bouquet of white roses. When Whitney arrived at the location, Owen surprised her by dropping to one knee, holding a stunning pear-shaped solitaire diamond ring with a hidden halo, as her father appeared with white roses. Their wedding will take place on September 21, 2023. The couple resides in Indianapolis, where Owen owns a landscaping company and Whitney works in the dental field. sl

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SOPHISTICATED CELEBRATIONS

LOVEJOY-ELLIOTT WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Seymour Photography

Jessica Lovejoy and Quinton Elliott didn’t rush into marriage; both recently divorced in 2011 when they met, they kept their relationship strictly platonic. In 2017, they finally gave in to their mutual attraction and began to date, but agreed to take their time in getting to know each other, especially since both were parents to young children. An engagement followed in 2020, but Jessica didn’t feel the need for a formal wedding; however, it was something Quinton wanted very much. So, with a wedding date set, they expected things to go smoothly, but life had other plans. Quinton’s father had a massive heart attack, then Quinton himself had not one, but two emergency surgeries, followed by a heart transplant for his father. Once the smoke cleared, Jessica

asked Quinton what he envisioned for their big day. He replied, “I want a beautiful wedding,” and that’s exactly what he received. On December 16, 2022, more than 250 guests filled the Crane Bay Event Center for a celebration that had been a long time in coming. Guests in formal attire were greeted by an arrangement of wedding photos featuring the couple’s parents and grandparents–a “legacy of love,” says Jessica. The ceremony included the couple’s children to mark the creation of their blended family, and also featured love songs by the decade, in a nod to Quinton’s career as a musical artist. Though she hadn’t initially wanted a formal wedding, Jessica says the evening surpassed either of their wildest dreams, adding, “It was a night filled with smiles, love, and pure joy.” sl

SEVERNS-CLARK WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Chloe Luka Photography

Ally Severns and Michael Clark were married on June 18, 2022 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with a reception at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. More than 200 of their closest friends and family gathered to celebrate the couple’s love and friendship, which began during their days as students at Indiana University. The reception included

several fun touches, including cocktail napkins featuring their “fur baby” Roscoe, and a commemorative “Share a Coke with the Clarks” bottle for each guest. The Doo Band kept everyone dancing until finally it was time for the bride and groom to make their sparkler-lit exit; it was truly a day of love and celebration. sl

CHAUDHARY-SHATAGOPAM WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Jessica Strickland

Shivani Chaudhary and Kashyap Shatagopam were married on May 15, 2021, with a Sangeet reception at the Crane Bay Event Center, followed by a reception at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The couple met and fell in love in downtown Indianapolis, and wanted their special day to take place there. Like many, they’d had to delay their wedding for a year because of Covid, and were delighted to finally be able to celebrate with family and friends from around the country. The wedding itself was

a traditional ceremony combining elements of both North and South Indian customs. Following the ceremony, the couple was driven to the reception in an Indy pace car, and were joined by their whole bridal party in performing an entrance dance. Later, the bride was surprised by the groom and his groomsmen, who did their own choreographed dance in her honor. The couple agrees that their beautiful day of dancing and celebration was definitely worth the wait. sl

SMITH-RIZZO WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Rogue Images and Brosmer Photographic

Stephanie Smith and Jordan Rizzo were married on April 22, 2023, with a ceremony and reception at the Ritz Charles. The officiant was Chris Donlan, a close friend of the couple’s. The reception featured a cocktail hour with an oyster raw bar and passed appetizers and an

espresso martini bar, followed by a seated dinner, then dancing to the Endless Summer Band. The two met while working at RNDC, where Stephanie is currently a marketing specialist; Jordan works for Seismic as a development consultant. They reside in Fishers. sl

If a trip to

the Italian coast isn’t in your plans, Diavola’s Nero Pappardelle di Mare is summer in a bowl. House-made squid ink pasta is twirled with a trio of fresh seafood…buonissimo!

Photo

by Dave Pluimer

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Offers

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jeffrey Cohen

LUXURY BRAND MANAGER

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MANAGING EDITOR

Annie Mosbaugh Knapp

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Neil Charles

ART DIRECTOR

Jason Yann

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Caroline Hannan

Scott Harper

Suzanne Huntzinger

Geri Imler

Amelia Jeffers

Jack Mitchell

Bridget Williams

Photographers

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Andre Jefferson

Andrew Kung

Mark Lee

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Rachel Lutz

Dave Pluimer

Emily Poe

Intern

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Sometimes, as a parent, there’s a moment when you look at your child and get a glimpse of the future. It happened for me when my son Izzy was four years old. I walked into our family room one evening to find him happily disassembling a broken vacuum, and I wondered why my wife had given it to him to play with rather than take it in for repair. Then, from the kitchen, I heard the whine of the motor and, disbelieving, walked back in to see my wife taking it for a spin. The kid had fixed it!

Another time, when our son was a bit older and his mother and I refused to buy him a go-kart, he took matters into his own hands and built himself one. He used the motor from a drill we had around the house and took the tires off our old lawn mower, adding a steering wheel from one of his gaming devices. Despite ourselves, we were impressed. The best, however, was when he fixed our broken washer. Of course, the thing was just out of warranty and I was dreading the inevitable expensive repair bill. Before I knew it, my son had taken it apart, fixed it, and put it back together–problem solved.

Fast-forward to middle school, when Izzy was invited to participate in his school’s robotics program. I knew little about robotics before he started, and when I first began going to his matches, I was reminded of the quirky-but-cool kids in ‘80’s movies like War Games and Sixteen Candles. These kids were completely focused on the task at hand, quietly self-assured, and happy to be doing their own thing.

Robotics quickly becomes as all-encompassing as any other after-school sport or activity; the “season” seems to last the entire school year, and we parents seem to schlep our kids all over the state for matches. Somehow, it happens that we often have custody of the robot prior to the weekend’s events, much to our dog’s initial consternation. She’s gotten used to it now, and simply yawns as Izzy demonstrates the ‘bot’s latest tricks.

In high school robotics, things escalate. Teams at each school work together to build a robot, then go on to compete against one another. It eventually culminates in the VEX World Championship, the largest robotics competition in the world, held every year in Dallas. Students from all over the globe participate, and the competition is fierce. For the kids, it’s not only STEM skills that are required, but strategy, as they scout each other during tournaments and online, trying to determine weaknesses in other teams while maximizing their own partners’ strengths. At matches, kids even wear dark wrap-around sunglasses, like poker players, to hide their spying on future opponents.

This spring, Izzy, now a sophomore in high school, and his three teammates (team name: Killer Instinct) made it to the championship. In doing so, they were one of the top 800 teams on the planet, advancing to the 16th round before being eliminated after an unprecedented tiebreaker with the number-one seed, China. The trophy they won now sits proudly in their school’s lobby. Participation in robotics teaches kids how to program and code, as well as how to strategize, innovate and solve real-world problems, and I would wholeheartedly encourage any student to give it a try. It has been an amazing experience for Izzy, as we have seen him grow beyond that initial interest in “how things work” to learn skills that will serve him well no matter what field he chooses to pursue as an adult. And in the meantime? Let’s just say we have our own personal “uBreakIFix” store right here at home.

Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net

Team Killer Instinct: from left, Rishi Nagireddy, Izzy Cohen, Arnay Garhyan and Luke Aikin

Izzy and “the ‘bot”

OPEN MINDS. OPEN DOORS.

Opportunity starts here. Discoveries today ignite passions tomorrow, and every day at Park Tudor is an inspiration. Both in and out of the classroom, your student is free to explore their interests with guidance from educators who share their excitement. Students in junior kindergarten through high school will find exceptional opportunities in academics, athletics, extracurriculars and the fine arts. Watch them discover their passions at Park Tudor.

ODDS-ON FAVORITE

Written by Claire Williams / Photos courtesy of Badrutt's Palace Hotel

After making a bold bet with a group of summer English guests to stay in the Swiss town of St. Moritz for the fall season, claiming it to be more agreeable than London, Johannes Badrutt and four Brits who stayed behind would found not only the birth of winter tourism but also put this mountainous town on the map. Some 30 years later, in 1896, Caspar Badrutt followed his father's ambitious footsteps by opening Badrutt's Palace.

Although more than a century has passed, the chateau theme of the Palace remains but on a much grander scale. Most guests arrive in St. Moritz via the Bernina Express, more lovingly known as the Little Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Property. The storybook journey wends past villages built on mountainsides and snow-capped peaks while powdery snowflakes fall so gently that it's possible to imagine yourself inside a snow

globe. The pampering begins at the station, where a smartly uniformed Badrutt's Palace chauffeur awaits to whisk you away to the hotel in a Rolls Royce.

It's a short ride up the mountain to the heart of St. Moritz. The scale of Badrutt's Palace is hard to appreciate from the city center: 10 restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a spa, and an array of other offerings await behind its spinning doors. On the other side, you're greeted by grand wooden vaulted ceilings, with antique and authentic pieces adorning the space, and floorto-ceiling windows to make sure you never miss the beauty of the land that made those English linger longer way back when. Constantly evolving, Badrutt's has carefully crafted a grand hotel that exudes the glamour and glitz you expect from St. Mortiz while also celebrating the local styles and heritage of the area.

Almost 160 years after a bet by Johannes Badrutt created a winter tourism renaissance, Badrutt's Palace continues the family legacy that started it all.

As a historic hotel, there are no cookie-cutter rooms; each tells a unique story. In fact, Alfred Hitchcock famously drew inspiration for The Birds from one of them, and the Palace named room 501 the Alfred Hitchcock suite after his 34th visit. Guest rooms offer opulent touches, including spectacular wooden moldings on the ceilings, antiques, art, and even local crystals in the chandeliers. The marble bathroom in my suite was nearly as large as my Paris apartment!

Guest experiences abound in all seasons. In winter, the obvious main attraction is skiing. As a novice, I appreciated the expertise of the ski pro in the Badrutt's Palace on-site ski shop, although my bunny-ski skills were a far cry from the Olympic athletes she's outfitted for more than 17 years. She aptly demonstrated her prowess by guessing the correct size of our needed gear with a cursory glance.

Having skied only once before, as we ascended the mountain with seasoned skiers, I was worried my flashy ski suit would be the only thing going for me. Spending the morning with Pierre, one of the Palace's resident instructors, quickly allayed my fears. Having worked worldwide with beautiful people like Claudia Schiffer, Pierre remarked that people who've been skiing for decades will still hire him to continue the relationship they've built over the years.

After a day of busting down black diamonds or sticking to the more sedate slants of the bunny slopes, Badrutt’s Palace’s Paradiso is one of the hottest tickets in town. Paradiso sits at the apex of the après experience with a sprawling mountain-view terrace, spectacular food and wine, and a seasonal Gucci-branded lounge. Seizing the moment definitely calls for some fur accessories and bling. While my slope skills don't qualify me to participate in a stylish 007-esque pursuit down the mountain, I did my best to exhibit the effortless glamour of a Bond girl while at Paradiso.

One of the other main attractions of St. Moritz is shopping, and Badrutt's has that covered, too, with its prime location on Via Serlas, the world's highest luxury retail street. They recently opened a Golden Goose storefront on the property, allowing shoppers to create the ultimate souvenir: a shoe from scratch. Just across the street, Badrutt's Palace partners with the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and more locally-known European brand Fusalp (their Emilio Pucci ski suit might make you want to rethink taking more ski lessons) to cater to any and all shopping fantasies. There's even the possibility of arranging private shopping at any point, even at two in the morning. During this past ski season, Louis Vuitton opened a second-of-its-kind branded Khazastan-inspired yurt pop-up. Guests of Badrutt's Palace receive special access to this one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza.

Spa wellness garden and pool

Living room of the Helen Badrutt Suite

Paradiso. Photo by Steve Herud

St. Moritz Suite

The Grand Hall at Badrutt’s Palace

Badrutt’s Palace balcony view

The Gucci room at Paradiso

Like their shopping experiences, Badrutt's dining options cater to all palates and appetites. A short walk across the street from the hotel leads you to the center of the village and the 364-year-old Chesa Veglia. This former Swiss farmhouse specializes in authentic Italian pizza, elegant French cuisine, and rustic Swiss specialties (and where truffle is never lacking). For an even more authentic experience, you can ask for a private candlelit dinner in the wine cellar of the original Badrutt family farmhouse. The prices of the rarest among the 30,000 bottles it holds rival the Rolls Royce that brought me to the hotel.

What had been the hotel's tennis hall, the first in Europe, is now La Coupole-Matsuhisa, which offers Japanese-Peruvian delicacies by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, or as many know him, the man behind the infamous Nobu empire. The star-studded roster continues with King's Social House, helmed by Michelinstarred chef Jason Atherton. The food is just as spectacular as the

after-party, when the restaurant transforms into a nightclub, with table service consisting of sparklers and Dom Perignon. Finish off the night in the Renaissance bar, where you can pair your cocktail from their choice cigar collection and truly feel like the James Bond villain.

They say the new statement pieces are experiences; material objects are briefly exciting, but adventures stoke the fire of our memories for a lifetime. The highlight reel from a stay at Badrutt's Palace encompasses moments big and small, from indulgent treatments in an underground spa with a heated outdoor infinity pool so you can watch the snowfall to a simple touchpoint of a musician playing the harpsichord every morning at breakfast every carefully crafted encounter creates unforgettable moments. And if that wasn't reason enough to return, the property is building a new addition across the street to ensure that coming back again and again is a safe bet. sl

Chesa Veglia restaurant

HOW THE WEST IS WORN

Fine jewelry inspired by the rich heritage, culture, and landscape of the American West.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Jill Heller squash blossom vintage silver and turquoise necklace (jillhellerjewelry.com). Jenna Blake beaded necklace ($4,800; jennablake.com). Turquoise nugget necklace Seaman Schepps ($17,500; seamanschepps.com). Nunchaku earrings from Nak Armstrong ($1,275; nakarmstrong.com). Penacho ring from Colette ($4,770; colettejewelry.com). Marlo Laz Southerwestern ring ($2,400; marlolaz.com). Cece Jewellery A Traveler’s Tale ring ($10,600; cecejewellery.com). Signet ring with turquoise Hibiscus medallion from Nouvel Heritage ($5,600). Available through Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and nouvelheritage.com. David Yurman Petrvs horse amulet in 18K yellow gold ($1,450). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and davidyurman.com. One-of-a-kind Leo necklace from Emily P. Wheeler ($26,000; emilypwheeler.com). Effy 925 sterling silver and 18K yellow gold diamond bracelet ($1,365; effyjewelry.com). Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird cuff bracelet ($17,500; jacquieaiche.com). Fancy yellow diamond solitaire from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis ($22,000; albarre.com). Karina Brez Fearless Feathers ring ($1,900; karinabrez.com).

SINGULAR SENSATIONS

Superb stones that hold their own.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Yvonne Léon grey diamond solitaire bracelet ($3,179; yvonneleon.com). Anita Ko emerald heart chain bracelet ($2,975; anitako.com). Harakh Sunlight collection earrings with .72ct colorless rose-cut diamonds ($5,000; harakh.com). Bondeye Jewelry Calming Clear Shield bracelet ($790; bondeyejewelry.com). Nana Fink blue heart pendant with hand-carved emerald ($3,100; nanafink.com). Shay Colombian emerald solitaire studs ($8,860; brokenenglishjewelry.com). Ashley Zhang mint green tourmaline bubble pendant ($2,000; ashleyzhangjewelry.com). Ramona Albert Bloom ring with aquamarine ($7,700; ramonaalbert.com). Marco Bicego Petali Collection extra large flower ring ($4,900). Available at Diamond Cellar in Nashville and Columbus; Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis; Davis Jewelers in Louisville; Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and at us.marcobicego.com. Sidecar engagement ring with 4ct emerald-shaped diamond from Phillips House ($150,000; phillipshouse.com). Kassandra Nicholson ruby teardrop earrings ($1,820; kassandranicholson.com). This page, clockwise from top left: Akaila Reid Ridge Edge solitaire ring ($32,920; akailareid.com). Tejen Collection Iconic Collection 5mm diamond capstone split ring (tejen-collection.com). Sorellina Cigno cocktail ring with 4.50ctw opal ($9,000; sorellinanyc.com). Rebel Black ring from Thelma West (thelmawest.com). Verragio Renaissance-973-R Two Tone ($3,000, excluding center stone). Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville, and at verragio.com. Shahla Karimi Mid-Century Kahn emerald ring with cigar band (from $2,290; shahlakarimi.com). VRAM Chrona demi ring with bicolor tourmaline (vramjewelry.com). Chris Ploof tension setting ring in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Damascus, setting for .20ct diamond ($4,550, excluding center diamond; chrisploof.com). Continuity ring with .50ct diamond from White/Space ($6,650; modaoperadi.com). Unheated 7.20ct lavender sapphire solitaire from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis ($24,000; albarre.com). Ray Griffiths Crownwork ring with bezel set Aquaprase ($4,170; raygriffiths.com).

NEWSWORTHY

It was love at first bite on my inaugural trip to New Orleans. However, in my case, the ardor was auditory rather than gustatory. Having arrived after midnight due to a frustrating series of airline snafus and eager to make up for lost time, I set out just after sunrise to stroll the empty alleyways of the French Quarter. Much to my surprise, as the first rays of sunlight latched onto the Romeo spikes found on the posts supporting the ornate iron galleries that serve as launching pads for countless beads, street corner musicians had already set up shop to tickle the ears of tourists. While I couldn't discern whether they were extreme early birds or hanger's-on from the prior evening's revelry, I appreciated the distinct sense-of-place soundtrack for my wandering.

After working up enough of an appetite to justify grabbing a bag of warm beignets from Café Du Monde that I'd intended to enjoy in The Eliza Jane's large and lushly landscaped open-air courtyard, I spent the rest of my walk back to the hotel vigorously dusting the evidence of my early indulgence—a preponderance of powdered sugar—off of my ill-chosen black leggings.

Opened in 2018, The Eliza Jane is fashioned from seven 19th-century warehouses that, in past lives, included manufacturing Peychaud's Bitters, publication of The Daily Picayune, and a nondescript Comfort Suites. A two-year renovation stripped away the genericness imposed by the most recent inhabitant to reveal the pleasing patina of the past, including exposed brick, masonry

arches, and metalwork. Located on what was once known as "Newspaper Row," where no less than seven different papers were published in the late 1800s, only one—The Daily Picayune— was the first major newspaper in the country to have a woman at the helm. That woman, Eliza Jane Nicholson, is the hotel's namesake.

Born into a well-to-do Mississippi family in 1843, Eliza Jane sought more from life than marriage and motherhood, so she moved to New Orleans. After submitting several poems to The Daily Picayune under the name of Pearl Rivers, she was hired as the literary editor, earning $25 a week. She went on to marry the paper's owner, Colonel Alva Holbrook, who had sold the paper only to repurchase it after the new owners pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy. Before he could complete the turnaround, Col. Holbrook died, and on the paper's front page on March 26, 1876, Eliza Jane, just 26 years old and $80,000 in debt, announced herself as the owner. She implemented changes to appeal to a broader readership, including adding sections on international news, a society column, and pieces of fiction by notable writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain. Her astute business sense and a willingness to surround herself with capable and creative colleagues made the paper one of the most successful in the region. She remained at the helm with George Nicholson, her second husband and the paper's business manager, until they both succumbed to influenza in 1896.

Written by Bridget Williams

The Eliza Jane Hotel pays homage to a Big Easy publishing icon

A communal table in The Press Room.

Photo by Taggart Cojan Sorensen

The Press Room is a popular gathering spot day and night.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, the 196-room hotel is a short walk from the French Quarter. In my tworoom Editor's Suite, in what was the newspaper's offices, Stonehill Taylor designers opted for an eclectic, homey style executed in jewel tones with a clever mish-mash of unique accessories and art, plush upholstery, and wallpaper. Near the beverage station, classic bentwood Thonet chairs pulled up to a round table accentuated by a vintage typewriter holding a personalized welcome note, to which I added my own hunt and peck addendum. A brushed brass finish on the suite's lighting and bath fixtures encapsulates the forward-looking retro trend.

My suite's wet room took full advantage of the soaring ceiling height by placing a soaking tub in front of a floor-to-ceiling arched window dramatically dressed with drapery. At press time, the property was developing a bespoke line of lime-basil-scented bath amenities, including bath salts, room spray, and velvety hand cream. Eventually, they plan to have these and their line of cocktail bitters (more on that later) for sale in a lobby boutique.

With only one full day on my first visit to The Big Easy, I called on New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours for a half-day jaunt around the city's highlights. After learning of my affinity for a good yarn, especially when it involves ghosts, Dane Rhodes, my guide and a card-carrying SAG member, put on quite the performance. He also peppered his talk with stories of New

Orlean's most notable women, including Mother Henriette DeLille, Micaela Almonester, Rosa Keller, Baroness de Pontalba, Mahalia Jackson, and Leah Chase (all of whom are worthy of a Google search to learn their stories). "New Orleans would not exist without badass women," Dane remarked emphatically.

Our half-day tour ended with lunch at Gris-Gris on Magazine St. (grisgrisnola.com). While Gris-Gris means "bewitch" in Creole, and the restaurant is decked out with Voodoo memorabilia and motifs, it was their chicken and andouille sausage gumbo washed down with a frozen King Cake frozen cocktail that put a spell on me. Chef-owner Eric Cook is a native of New Orleans and a combat veteran who served six years in the United States Marine Corps.

Having checked both King Cake (aboulangerienola.com) and gumbo off of my culinary checklist, I couldn't complete my stay without making a stop at Central Grocery on Decatur Street (cemtralgrocery.com) for an authentic Muffuletta sandwich and Hansen's Sno-Bliz, which has been slinging snoballs since 1939. At the latter, the combination of soft-shaved ice, condensed milk, and flavored syrups made in-house from family recipes created a delightful velvety treat.

After depositing my leftover Muffuletta in my hotel room, I headed down the street to the Sazerac House for a tour to learn about one of the city's most famous exports. New Orleans'

The Press Room, the Eliza Jane’s lobby lounge.

Photo by Taggart Cojan Sorensen

pharmacist Antoine Amédéé Peychaud is famously known for inventing the cocktail in the mid-1800s. His blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters, and sugar, known as the Sazerac, and served in an egg cup called a "coquetier," was initially intended for medicinal use. The well-executed and engaging three-floor museum offers a fascinating deep dive into New Orleans' cocktail culture. Don't ask for the 200-year-old Peychaud's recipe; it's under lock and key as securely as the famous 11 herbs and spices in my home state's famous fried chicken.

Back at the Eliza Jane, Michael Glassberg, Lead Bartender at The Press Room, is developing a proprietary line of bitters for use in the bar based on knowledge gleaned from reading The Standard Manual of Soda and Other Beverages, published in 1897. "Bitters are like a finishing salt for cocktails," remarked Glassberg, who also leads Bitters 101 courses for guests wanting to learn more about creating bitters and crafting cocktails with these herbaceous liquids.

With its library-inspired setting and unique architectural flourishes, the Press Room is a hub of activity day and night. While the cocktail program skews towards a Francophile bent to complement Couvant, the hotel's French brasserie that’s located in the former Peychaid Bittners factory, Glassberg says he relishes the occasional challenge from clientele who hail from around the

world. Complementing the building's history as a welcoming space for women writers, the Press Room is home to monthly "Dear Eliza Jane" author talks in partnership with The Garden District Bookshop.

At Couvant (couvant.com), Executive Chef Ryan Pearson, who cut his teeth working at Restaurant Daniel in New York City before returning to his hometown, explained that the menu looks like what would result if a French-born chef was dropped into New Orleans. Pearson employs a minimal waste, snout-to-nail approach in his kitchen, and I regretted not having more time to sample Couvant's decadent and delicious fare. I did, however, partake of duck and waffles for breakfast and enjoyed a feast fit for a queen at dinner: Provençal flatbread, classic gougères, a beet salad with locally procured strawberries, tagliatelle topped with mushrooms from a family-run small farm in Saint Francisville, Louisiana; côte de boeuf with a black garlic bordelaise, and brioche-crusted veal.

Walking (more like wobbling) out of dinner at Couvant, which followed a "to die for" day of over-indulging in New Orleans' culinary delights, I recalled a framed quote by Insta-poet Atticus that I'd spied in a shop window earlier that day that read, "I hope to arrive to my death late, in love, and a little drunk." To this, I'd add, "completely stuffed." sl For

more information about the Eliza Jane, visit theelizajane.com.

A frozen king cake cocktail at Gris-Gris Brioche-crusted veal at Couvant.

Duck and waffles for breakfast at Couvant

The makings of a classic Sazerac cocktail on display at Sazerac House.

IT'S A DUESY

A gathering dedicated purely to elegance and design amidst the grounds of the storied Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy, the Concourso d'Eleganza was held for the first time in 1929.

Awarded by a Jury, Best of Show went to a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster styled in the coachwork design by Gurney Nuttin and owned by William Lyon of the United States.

In addition to the trophy, the victor received an 1815 Chronograph crafted by A. Lange & Söhne with a hand-engraved Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este crest on the hinged cuvette.

Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, James Cagney, and many other stars of the silver screen drove a Duesenberg during the 1930s. In 1880, the company's founders, Fred and August Düsenberg, emigrated from Westphalia, Germany, to the USA. Speedy successes in motorsport and a small series of exclusive models quickly made them a household name. The marque's crowning glory came in 1932 with the extravagant SJ model. As much as 320 hp was available when the supercharger kicked in, propelling the colossal car to around 140 mph. Speaking to the quality of its vehicles, the turn of phrase "it's a Duesy" arose in the popular lexicon as a general indication of luxury.

Beyond the top prize, the participants and competing vehicles at the Concorso battled it out for victory in individual categories. The Coppa d'Oro prize awarded by Public Referendum went to a

1961 Ferrari 250 Syder California with

coachwork

by Pininfarina/ Scagliette and owned by Jonathan Hu, Keybridge Collection of Hong Kong. Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, presented the Trofeo del Presidente to Rob Walton of the United States, owner of a 1968 Ford GT 40. BMW Group Classic brand ambassador and star tenor Jonas Kaufmann presented the Trofeo Il Canto del Motore for best engine sound, as chosen by the Jury to a 1970 Porsche 917 K to Christophe Count d'Ansembourg of Belgium.

Pagani's Huayra Codalunga, boasting Bronzo Aymara livery with an exposed carbon fiber finish, exclusive vintage leather and upholstery, and fine Loro Piana fabric, won the Design Award in the "Concept Cars & Prototypes" category, an award created in 2022, besting stiff competition that included Bugatti's W16 Mistral.

"The Huayra Codalunga is a tribute to Italian coachbuilders and race cars from the 1960s, cars that I love so much and that take me back to when I was a child," commented Horacio Pagani, Founder & Chief Designer. "We are happy to have won this award the first time we have participated in the most exclusive and historical classic car event in the world, in a category that represents the link between the automobile's glorious past and its exciting future." sl The 2024 event is scheduled for May 17-19.

Written by Andre James

The coveted Best of Show trophy at the Concourso D'Eleganza

Villa d'Este

went to a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster.

William Lyon behind the wheel of his 1935 Duesenberg SJ, awarded Best of Show

Photo by Gudrun Muschalla

Best of Show timepieces by A. Lange & Söhne.

Photo by Gudrun Muschalla

Bugatti W16 Mistral Pagani Huayra Codalunga

The Coppa d’Oro prize went to a 1961 Ferrari 250 Syder California

At its global debut at Auto Shanghai this past April, BMW solidly demonstrated the seamless interaction of its XM Label Red’s electric motor with a V8 engine. The company shifted gears at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival a few weeks later by assembling a global team of like-minded next-generation artists and cultural creators to express themselves alongside boldly styled Sports Activity Vehicle.

“Our goal is to be at the heart of where the creative magic happens – and Coachella is an excellent platform to foster new conversations with emerging talents as well as established artists,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication, Brand Experience. “BMW wants to enable artists – musicians, designers, actors, storytellers – to express themselves and engage with our brand and the first-ever BMW XM.”

The company’s claims are not mere hyperbole as the 738hp Sports Activity Vehicle, expected to cost in the neighborhood of $186k, can sprint from a standstill to 60 in 3.7 seconds, making it the most powerful BMW M road vehicle ever made. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph or 175 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.

The M HYBRID system of the BMW XM Label Red blends the virtues of electrification with the traditional qualities of a high-revving 8-cylinder combustion engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4 liter V8 engine alone produces 577 hp at 5,600 rpm – a 94-hp increase over the unit in the standard BMW XM. Peak torque is 553 lb-ft – an increase of 74 lb-ft over the standard model – and is available from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm.

Drawing energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody, the electric motor also employs innovative technology to deliver a noticeable increase in power. The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission together with its power electronics and helps to provide precise throttle response and nearly instantaneous power delivery. The electric motor, which enables an estimated electric-only range of about 30 miles at speeds up to 87 mph, contributes up to 194 hp to the maximum system output of the BMW XM Label Red, along with 206 lb-ft of torque.

The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. The high-voltage battery

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy BMW Group

With a 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the 2024 BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful member of the BMW M family.

takes just 3.25 hours to be replenished from zero to 100% charge. In addition, predictive heat management reduces charging times by preconditioning – warming or cooling – the HV battery. The charging cable stows away in a weekender bag secured in the rear cargo area using a carabiner-belt combination in M tricolor.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, imparting the BMW XM Label Red a dynamic sense of agility and poise, especially in 4WD Sport mode. An electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle further enhances traction, agility, and directional stability.

Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional – featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization with Active Roll Comfort to eliminate body roll on one side of the vehicle – and Integral Active Steering. The M Sport braking system comprises six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper units at the rear.

Distinguishing exterior features of the BMW XM Label Red include an available Toronto Red metallic accent band

instead of the standard black. The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The BMW XM Label Red is fitted as standard with 23-inch light-alloy wheels, with 22-inch wheels available as a no-cost option. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements are finished in Black high-gloss.

Customers can select either Brooklyn Grey metallic or choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes at no additional charge. In addition, the new BMW Individual Visualizer (bmw-m.com) is available from the start of orders for the BMW XM Label Red to help customers with the paint selection process.

The bold design continues inside the cabin with a rear passenger area modeled after a luxurious lounge, complete with diamond quilted BMW Individual Vintage Merino leather seats set beneath a three-dimensional sculptural prism headliner containing 100 separate LED lights.

Production of the 2023 BMW XM Label will begin in August of this year at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. sl

SUMMER STUNNER

Thirty years after the presentation of the Boxster concept car, Porsche will launch the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engine roadster: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS, which will celebrate its public premiere on June 8 as part of a livestream event in Stuttgart-Zuffenhau marking 75 years of Porsche sports cars (youtube.com/@porsche). The following month, it will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England (goodwood.com).

"With an engine taken directly from racing, the 718 Spyder RS offers a driving experience like no other," says Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "Slicing around a tight corner with the top off and the engine soaring to 9,000 rpm is an experience you will never forget."

The new 718 Spyder RS is a counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The same lightweight powertrain with high-revving engine characteristics also powers the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine generates up to 493 hp and 331 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine catapults the twoseater roadster from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Compared to the

previous 414 hp 718 Spyder without the 'RS' designation, the 718 Spyder RS boasts an additional 79 hp and accelerates to 60 mph 0.5 seconds quicker toward a top track speed of 191 mph. In addition, paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel even when shifting gears manually.

Weighing slightly more than 40 pounds, the exceptionally light soft top of the 718 Spyder RS makes the engine's iconic and instantly recognizable sound an even more stirring experience. A standard lightweight stainless steel sport exhaust system and distinctive combustion air inlets on the sides behind the headrests further heighten the effect.

Consisting of two parts—a sunshield and a weather protector— the single-layer soft top can be used with the sunshield alone. Both are entirely removable and stowable in the vehicle.

Sporty character defines the inside of the car, too, with a Race-Tex-covered GT Sport steering wheel with yellow 12-o'clock marking, standard full bucket seats made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish, and perforated Race-Tex seat centers in a contrasting color with a black background. Available exterior colors

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Piaggio Group

The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the most potent version of the popular mid-engine roadster.

include four standard and three metallic paints, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic and the special colors Arctic Grey, Shark Blue, and Ruby Star Neo.

An optional Weissach Package is defined by forged magnesium wheels, titanium sport exhaust tailpipes, an exposed carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber combustion air scoops on the sides, and a carbon fiber Gurney flap on the rear spoiler. Inside the cabin, the upper part of the dashboard is covered with Race-Tex, while the seat headrests boast embroidered "Weissach" logo.

Owners of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS have exclusive access to a handcrafted chronograph by Porsche Design, and made by the Porsche watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the configuration of the car, the case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon fiber and the strap is made of vehicle leather. The rotor on the back reflects the respective wheel design on the 718 Spyder RS.

The new 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS carries an MSRP of $160,700, excluding $1,650 for delivery, processing, and handling. Arrival at U.S. dealers is expected in spring 2024. sl

COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES

For many, the world of wine is mainly monochromic: white, red, and pink. As a result, vino drinkers may think that the world of spirits gets to have all the fun experimenting with colors and flavors. However, you may be surprised to learn that there is a long history of colorful winemaking.

In the red winemaking process, colors ranging from pale ruby to deep garnet result from allowing the juice from the crushed grapes to macerate with skins. Winemakers tinker with the maceration period, which can be anywhere between three to 100 days depending on what effect they want the skins to have on the wine, such as creating a rosé from a short maceration period, increasing wine flavor, tannin, or the viscosity (the body) because many flavor and phenolic compounds come from the grape skin. Contrarily in the white winemaking process, the skins are customarily discarded, giving white wines completely different characteristics, mouthfeel, and flavor.

Orange wines are an outlier. More technically referred to as "skin-contact wine" due to the winemaking process, orange wines are essentially white wines that take a page from the red wine-making book; counter to their moniker, citrus fruit is not part of the equation. Instead, the skins of the white grapes ferment with the juice to impart the wines with a range of colors ranging from medium amber to deep copper. Voila, orange wine!

Georgia (the country, not the state) is considered the "cradle of wine," with the archaeological record crediting wine creation to the people of the South Caucasus in 6,000 BC. Although it's enjoyed a resurgence for the past few decades and is a product of almost all of the world's wine-producing regions, orange wine has been among Georgian winemakers' métier for many millennia. Slovenian and Italian-made are also well-known, with new world wine regions, such as Australia, South Africa, and the United States, following suit.

While orange wines come from various grapes, they're often described as robust and full-bodied with a great depth of flavor,

akin to red wine, due to the grape skin contact, with the bonus of boasting the refreshing qualities of white wine. Common tasting notes include bruised fruit like apple, honeyed aromas of jackfruit (a fleshy tropical fruit), juniper, sourdough, dried orange rind, and savory flavors like hazelnut and apricot.

Notable orange wines include an Italian orange pinot grigio. The Italians use the word to Italian pinot grigio made in an orange wine style, known for honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus flavors.

For a complete departure from Italian riesling presents a tartness that is off-putting to some and endearing to others whose palate prefers complex sour flavors. The 2019 Orange Riesling from Bannister Wines in California's northern Sonoma County has flavors of quince, pomelo, tart apple, and allspice that will evolve with bottle aging (bannisterwines.com/ shop/2019-orange-riesling). Whereas other wines have limitations, orange wines like Bannister's Riesling fill the space of wines that pair well with more exotic and spicier cuisines.

Gerard Bertrand's Genora Orange wine from the south of France, made from four white grape varieties, presents aromas of white flowers, candied fruits, and white pepper. The wines' freshness pairs perfectly with aperitifs, cheese platters, and Indian and Asian dishes (en.gerard-bertrand.com/en/products/genora).

Another memorable wine on the color wheel is orange's cousin: yellow. Also known as "vin jaune," yellow wine is white wine exclusively produced in the Jura region in eastern France from the local grape variety, the Savagnin. Only four regions or appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) are authorized to produce it: Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Château-Chalon and Etoile. Legend has it that a winemaker found a forgotten barrel in his cellar and opened it to find "the Gold of Jura."

Today the process is not one you should wait around for: after fermentation, the wine is kept for six years and three months in oak barrels without "topping up," meaning that the wine that

STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Hotel Drover is the centerpiece of the revitalized Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards

Written by Bridget Williams

I'm fairly certain that it's part of our collective DNA as Americans to have some modicum of affection for the lore and legend of the American West. I am not immune to these fascinations, part of which spurred an early and enduring interest in Southwestern archaeology, an unwillingness to part with a childhood collection of American West knick-knacks, and a wholehearted willingness to don a cowboy hat and boots when given a chance. The opportunity arose a few months ago during a visit to the Hotel Drover in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

The anchor of the award-winning Mule Alley, a collection of 100-year-old horse and mule barns wonderfully refurbished and repurposed for entirely different types of horsing around, Hotel Drover is a chic cathedral of cowboy culture, whose name honors the pioneering spirit of Texas cattle drivers. Best exemplified by a signature neon cowboy installation by Austin artist Evan Voyles, varying and carefully calculated kitsch sprinkled throughout the indoor and outdoor public areas and the 200 guest rooms and spa suites pulls the heartstrings and adds a kick-off-your-boots welcoming spirit to the rustic-luxe design that belies the hotel's relative newness.

Far from cookie-cutter, Hotel Drover employs antique and bespoke pieces to encapsulate a distinct sense of place. From a signature scent with notes of fine leather, campfire, mango, and pepper (and coming soon to a branded candle); to Hotel Drover-

branded leather check-in booths; hand-forged chandeliers; Los Poblanos lavender-scented bath amenities sourced from a small maker in New Mexico; Rose Ann Hall hand-etched glassware in the restaurants; contemporary artwork; and lounge chairs upholstered in cowhide and dripping with fringe, the design artfully engages all of the senses. For me, it's the minor touches that attest to a hotel's attention to detail, and the chilled eucalyptus-scented towels in the workout room were the perfect post-workout olfactory pick-me-up.

Each spacious guestroom is unique, with most being in either a Texana, Frontier, or Republic style. Our Texana room was chockfull of vintage cowboy and cowgirl imagery, embossed leather, distressed wood, and a lively-tiled bathroom with a stainless steelskirted soaking tub—a perfect blend of fun and fancy.

In the Hotel Drover's "backyard," a $4 million investment in landscaping alone makes this a verdant and quiet oasis that makes the hustle and bustle of nearby Mule Alley seem miles away. Among the amenities are a refreshing pool; an arbor-covered private event space where Executive Chef Grant Morgan offers "adventurous" seven-course dinners; firepits with available s'more and mobile bar service; and an acoustic stage complete with seasonally changing murals of pin-up style cowgirl paintings by a local artist that's the site of the Drover Unplugged music series.

The lobby of Hotel Drover

Private dining is available in the Hotel Drovers “backyard.”

Providing shady respite from the hot Texas sun, the Hotel Drover’s “backyard” is a multi-functional space.

The Lucchese Fireplace Suite at Hotel Drover

Sweet and spicy bacon at 97 West

The first step in designing custom boots at the Lucchese boutique in the Hotel Drover’s lobby is having your foot traced to ensure a perfect fit.

At the entrance to 97 West, whose design pays homage to Wild West outlaws, dueling vintage prints of Tonto and the Lone Ranger with weapons drawn flank the entry. The menu features elevated ranch classics and reimagined comfort foods. Their brunch is stellar, with our favorites being the brunch taco board, sweet and spicy bacon (served "clothesline style" above jalapeno cornbread, and a decadent giant cinnamon roll served piping hot in a cast iron pan. The Lobby Bar, The Backyard, and The Courtyard at 97 West all offer chic spaces for sipping seasonallyinspired craft cocktails.

It's just a short walk down Mule Alley to Exchange Avenue, where twice a day, drovers parade longhorn steer, fascinatingly aware of the awe-inspiring span of their hood ornaments, down the street that's often lined three-deep with onlookers. An initiative conceived around the 150th anniversary of the city's founding, Fort Worth is the only city in the world to own a herd and employ full-time drovers. "It's important to remember that we're a cow town," said Ed Brown, the lead ambassador for the Stockyards. His entertaining and enthralling historical tours of the area touch on lore, legends, and why it came to be known as "hell's half-acre." As

he spoke, my head filled with hazy images of crushed red velvet and whiffs of stale tobacco and whisky breath.

The entirety of The Stockyards is a playground for grownups, with scores of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. From embellished boots and cowboy hats to colorful embroidered dresses, big hair, and shiny belt buckles, the predominant style among the throngs milling around the several-block area is the antithesis of "quiet luxury." Highfalutin folks flock to the Lucchese boutique in the Hotel Drover's lobby (lucchese.com). Here, specially trained staff offer the company's only "sole to scallop" custom boot experience that begins with an in-depth foot tracing and consultation. Options for personalization are limitless, making the experience of designing these wearable works of art akin to a tattoo that you can take off.

Proper Supply Co. (@propersupplycofw) offers another highstyle souvenir. General Manager and Creative Director Christina Falconer uses steam and know-how to hand-shape a beaver fur felt hat into your chosen style (I opted for a classic Cattleman crease). A self-taught hat shaper, Falconer cut her teeth at the rodeo, and under her direction, the shop showcases an eclectic mix of upscale cowboy couture. "I love being the voice of artisans," she remarked.

The Veranda Bar at Hotel Drover

An available and locally-inspired in-room amenity at Hotel Drover.

The Fort Worth Stockyards employs a team of professional drovers to lead the twice-daily longhorn parade down Exchange Avenue.

Photo by Glen Ellman

At Proper Supply Co. General Manager and Creative Director Christina Falconer uses steam and know-how to hand-shape a beaver fur felt hat into your chosen shape.

Proving that the world is indeed a small place, during our private hat party, Taylor Samuels, owner of Los Almas Rotas mezcal bar in Dallas, was on hand and offered me a "ranch water," a Texas-style tequila or mezcal highball made with lime and Topo Chico. As we chatted, he casually mentioned that he, too, was from my hometown of Louisville. "You might know my dad, Bill," he said casually. That would be Bill Samuels, Chairman Emeritus of Maker's Mark. So, of course, I asked why he opted for a south-ofthe-border spirit over Kentucky's most famous export, to which he replied, "Agave is a terroir spirit that makes mezcal more interesting because every batch is unique."

One thing is for sure in The Stockyards: you won't go hungry. Chef and entrepreneur Tim Love is the drover of dining here, with six distinct outlets: Paloma Suerte (palomasuerteftx. com); Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, where Hotel Drover has a dedicated balcony suite (tannahills.com); the alfresco Love Shack Burgers (loveburgershackfortworth.com); Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (lonesomedovefortworth.com); the White Elephant Saloon, famous for hosting Fort Worth's last gunfight (whiteelephantsaloon.com); and Caterina's (caterinasftx.com). Each of Love's outlets is a highly personal expression of his passions and affection for his friends and family.

Generating as much buzz as its elevated Italian cuisine are the jackets-required, phone-banned policies at Caterina's. Love, who said he got in a "huge" fight with his wife over the no phones policy, said the idea came to him after being seated next to an influencer at a restaurant in Miami who made a big spectacle filming their entire meal. Phones are placed in a neoprene case and locked at the door.

To assuage the anxiety of being so close and yet so far, patrons are presented with a complimentary glass of rosé Prosecco.

"Italian food is my favorite to cook," said Love, adding that he appreciates the focus on few and fine ingredients paired with proper technique. The high-ceilinged dining room at Caterina's is intimate and lively. Sitting in what was a hayloft, it was fun to peer over and see a sea of cowboy hats. Not content with resting on his celebrity chef laurels, Love said he frequently works the line in his various restaurants to keep his skills sharp. He's also recently dipped his toque into fashion, launching the Love Collection in Tannahill's Tavern's Goods and Chattels shop (goods-chattels.com).

Appropriately attired with new boots and a hat, we further immersed ourselves in cowboy culture with a stop at John Wayne: An American Experience (johnwayneae.com), a 10,000-squarefoot museum dedicated to the life and films of The Duke with 400 pieces of personal and professional memorabilia. Just outside The Stockyards is the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (cowgirl.net), the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the West.

The crowning event of our extended weekend stay was the Stockyards Championship Rodeo (fortworthstockyards.com), the world's only year-round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night. As this was literally my first rodeo, I was enthralled by the athleticism of horse and rider and totally swept up in the energy of the packed house.

As we reflected on a whirlwind visit, the Texas-sized hospitality most resonated. It's a way of doing business that Ed Brown aptly summed up by remarking, "We don't have tourists; you're our guests." sl For more information, visit hoteldrover.com.

An available and locally-inspired in-room amenity at Hotel Drover.

Photo by Lola Hardisty

mus m ertime

Grand Seiko limited-edition SBGZ007 with Caliber 9R02 ($79,000). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville; Diamond Cellar in Nashville; Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and grand-seiko.com.

Breitling Top Time B01 Ford Thunderbird with Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 and “squircle” sundials ($8,450). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and breitling.com.

To mark the second Miami Grand Prix this past May, IWC Schaffhausen released a version of its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 MercedesAMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team with a “Miami Pink” rubber strap ($8,350). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and iwc.com.

OMEGA 43 mm 150M Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer in steel and integrated green rubber strap with grey stitching ($10,200). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and omegawatches.com.

Cartier Santos-Dumont watch, large model ($6,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and cartier.com.

The 42 mm BR 03-92 PATROUILLE DE FRANCE 70TH ANNIVERSARY from Bell & Ross is intended to celebrate the anniversary of the Patrouille de France, an elite unit of the French Air and Space Force, founded in 1953. Limited to 999 pieces ($4,100). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, and bellross.com.

TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph, 39 mm in titanium ($11,250). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tagheuer.com.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 mm ‘Celebration” with calibre 3230 ($15,100). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus , Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewlers in Nashville & St. Louis and rolex.com.

Black Bay GMT 41 mm from Tudor Watch with Manufacture Calibre MT5652 ($3,975). Available through Richter & Phillips in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tudorwatch.com.

The Histories American 1921 from Vacheron Constantin reinterprets a model launched more than a century ago for the American market ($30,400; vacheron-constantin.com)

The center of the dial on the Patek Philipps 5531G is adorned with a cloisonné Grand Feu enamel motif. Available through The Diamond Cellar in Columbus & Nashville and patek.com.

Of Note... Beachy Keen

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: Yves Delorme Mahe beach towel ($170; usa.yvesdelorme.com). Plisy portable lamp from DIABLA’s Urban Garden Collection (from $320; 2modern.com). La Maison dar Dar Baladi Tutti Orange pendant light ($450; pro.lamaisondardar.com). Christian Fishbacher pillow cover ($198; fischbacher.com). IOSIS Landes Aurore decorative pillow ($140; iosis.fr). Ruff & Tumble ‘Beach’ dog drying coat (from $68.95; ruffandtumbledogcoats.com). Lele Sadoughi Soft Sunset checkered straw hat ($125; lelesadoughi.com). Chehoma sea flag side table (chehoma.com). Jonathan Adler left-facing Flow table lamp ($595; jonathanadler.com). OTOTO crab spoon holder and steam releaser ($20; ototodesign.com).

Borneo wallpaper mural from Isidore Leroy (from $1,068; isidoreleroy.com)

Sensi Studio Trinado lampshade hat ($189), halter maxi cover up ($297), and mini Mochica bag ($270; sensistudio.com)

Sense Studio Dumont hat ($306), oversized boyfriend shirt ($264), low waist pants ($186), straw carryall ($474; sensistudio.com)

Invented by a group of Australian divers, Air Buddy is a small, battery-powered tankless dive compressor that floats on the surface and follows along as you dive. The system provides 55+ min of dive time at a maximum depth of 12m (for single diver) or 6m (for buddy divers), following about 5h battery recharge from a wall socket or a 12V DC outlet ($1,688; airbuddy.com).

Of Note... Beachy Keen

Crafted entirely in teak and rust-finished metal the OUT-FIT compact outdoor gym from Ethimo and Studio Adolini is designed for use in the outdoors, from the beach to private terraces ($18,900;

Seal gown from the Hydra collection by Liz Martinez (lizmartinez.co.il/hydra-collection/)

Yves Delorme Bahamas bedding collection (usa.yvesdelorme.com)

ethimo.com)

Sophie Allport melamine cocktails plate, bowl, tumbler and tray (from $11; sophieallport.com).

LINDA A MORDOH, OWNER ROSEMARY PETERS • ERIKA PATE KRISTEN TYNER • REAGAN CLAYMON

MAKING UNIQUELY UNIVERSAL SPACES WITH CORNERSTONE INTERIORS

Written by Geri Imler / Photographed by Kristianna Henthorn / The Home Aesthetic

Whether by minimalist modernism or coastal calm, creating an individualized space with a sense of belonging and meaning can be difficult, posing a challenge for many homeowners. Cue Cornerstone Interiors, which prides itself not only on mixing modern elements with the traditional to create vibrant living spaces, but also on diving deep into what makes a homeowner fall in love with their surroundings. Established in 1988 by Barbara Olmstead, and taken over by her daughter, Julie Boutilier-Berghorn, in 2012, this boutique design agency brings to its clients a rich history steeped in over 25 years of experience.

While their main office is located on Massachusetts Avenue in downtown Indianapolis, I recently had the privilege of perusing one of Cornerstone’s recent design projects in Carmel. The owners, Kyle and Rachael Moore, enlisted Julie and her team’s expertise to carefully curate their remodeled house over the last seven months. I was greeted at the door by Julie and her longtime lead

designer, Monica Due, and immediately, their warm demeanor and bright smiles set me at ease. Stepping into the entryway with its meticulously inlaid herringbone tile floor, I immediately noticed the attention to detail, admiring its crisp lines and soldiering border. On the wall, the delicate patterns perfectly coordinate with the golden leaves of the entryway’s modern chandelier, creating an environment of stylish sophistication.

Throughout the house, harmonized aesthetics and calming color schemes prevail. From grass cloth wall coverings to Taj Mahal quartzite, it is evident how deeply Julie and Monica’s small team care for both the projects entrusted to them and the people who will ultimately make memories within their walls.

“Communication and trust is key,” Julie confided as we ascended the lushly carpeted stairs to the primary bedroom, a favorite of hers in this home. Indeed, her website explains that, “...discovering one’s aesthetic is an intuitive and important process in design.

The powder room features richlyveined natural stone.

The entry is a master class in subtle pattern play.

Custom cabinetry offers luxe storage.

The dining room’s round table is perfect for leisurely dinners with friends.

The dining room is a mix of rich textures and harmonizing wood tones.

The primary bedroom’s combination of light and dark tones creates a luxurious retreat.

In the primary bedroom, a corner offers a quiet spot for reflection.

We often find that people may have differing sensibilities, and we are experts in combining different approaches in order to create a cohesive environment.” By working with an open mindset and examining all of the possibilities, Cornerstone Interiors is able to merge the client’s ideas with the team’s varied background to generate a design that is uniquely special, yet timeless. Homeowner Rachael says, “Julie and her team were willing to adapt and work alongside us to create a home that fit our style, but also has a lot of interest and unique touches…what we ended up with is a home that is warm, welcoming, and classic while still feeling up-to-date and clean.”

Julie was quick to point out a few of the one-of-a-kind aspects she incorporated in the primary bedroom, including a two-tone wall that mimics the French countryside in a subtle and yet highly distinct fashion. The lines of the landscape, at once both chaotic and organized, instantly transport the viewer to endless fields of paradise. “The homeowner found the artist–Justin Vining–at the Saint Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Showhouse and loved him. So we commissioned him for their home with the result being nothing less than spectacular.” Other aspects Julie especially appreciates

include the curved lines of a vintage chair that mimic the delightful lamp adorning the writing desk, the earthly rust tones of the inviting sitting area, and the framed artwork that adds to the feel of stepping into not just a bedroom, but a retreat from life’s realities.

Transversing the wide planks of (newly-installed) dark hardwood flooring that looks like it has been there forever, it’s difficult to believe that this house was ever anything short of magical. But perhaps that’s Julie’s most distinctive feature. She and her team work with clients to not only bring out their most authentic selves, but also to spark joy in all who enter their spaces. Details are key; passing through the dining room, I noticed the Roma tape bordering the draperies, which happens to be the same pattern as the wall covering in the powder room. It’s a small touch, for sure, but hugely impactful, showcasing Julie’s skill of employing various colors and textures to weave together a picture of harmony. Scale is also one of Julie’s biggest strengths. It’s an attribute fully on display in the well-proportioned living room that beckons those who enter to sit on its plush sofas, relax with their feet kicked up on the oversized square leather ottoman, and enjoy a crackling fire in the updated faux stone fireplace.

The bedroom’s two-tone walls are actually custom artwork by Justin Vining.

In the freshly-painted, creamy kitchen, the stunning backsplash is the star. “It’s Zellige tile. Incredibly versatile and unique,” Julie explained with an appreciative nod. Each square is handmade, a variety of glazed terracotta clay that is kiln-fired over olive branches to give each one a distinctive glaze, color, and texture all its own. Together, it works to create a pattern infused with intricate unity, yet individuality–a fitting metaphor for exactly what Cornerstone Interiors does for its clients.

Services this boutique agency offers range from architectural onsite and CAD drawings for space planning, to color consultations, lighting and window coverings design, flooring recommendations, and placement of accessories. Whether performing one or all of these services, Julie and her team stand by their work with integrity and ingenuity until the desired end result is achieved.

Cornerstone Interiors has a future peppered with projects from Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana to California, New York, and Florida. From a modern Miami condo to a house in need of an Aspen feel, Julie is always excited to create individualized décor while providing the level of excellence she demands of herself and her team. Managing

her time between homes in Cape Coral, Florida and Indiana, Julie has recently dipped her toe into the market of southern Florida with her newest business, The Spirit of Design. “The word for this moment in my life is ‘inspire.’ I want to help people be better, have something better, and do great things,” she says. It’s the same feeling you get inside one of the homes she’s had the chance to play a part in creating. As if echoing this sentiment, Rachael adds, “Julie has a kind and caring heart. She truly wants the best for her clients and is willing to work until the vision is accomplished.”

At one point during our photo shoot, Julie was asked to prepare a bookcase that hadn’t yet had the benefit of her good eye. Standing back, I watched her take in the objects in question, deftly placing and repositioning them multiple times. I couldn’t help but marvel at her ability to naturally optimize the space while crafting a style tailored to the homeowners she has clearly gotten to know so well. Like a writer crafting words together to create a story, Julie and her team leave an indelible impression on the lives of their clients, helping them to not only fall in love with the beauty of their home, but to fully feel the comfort of its warm embrace. sl

A little girl’s room utilizes a subdued color palette to charming effect.

Image by Artistic Tile

GARY NANCE DESIGN

Sculpting the Future of Homes

Written by Geri Imler

Gary Nance is no stranger to beautiful architectural design, with his immersive 30 years in both the residential and commercial markets. From contemporary farmhouses to a plethora of lake cottages sprinkled across the Midwest, Gary has left his mark of classic style mixed with familial functionality and delicious details. His work has graced many local and national magazine pages, among them Better Homes and Gardens, House Trends, and Traditional Home. His original sketches were even selected for The Oikos Magazine, an Italian international design magazine–one of many he peruses endlessly to stay ahead of the trend game. This level of success comes from not just having a deep understanding of space and function, but also striving to really know the client’s needs and desires in order to carefully curate their vision. It’s evident: Gary Nance Design has built a reputation of integrity and dedication in creating custom homes.

But this is only part of his story. Gary’s life is a highlight reel of discipline, hard work, and perseverance against the odds. From overcoming his dyslexia to his near-death experience with Covid, his tenacity for life is clear. An award-winning body-builder, he is keenly aware that great results are earned with careful planning and execution. “You have to be regimented for success–designing, building, sculpting–both with a house and with a body.” This type of approach allows Gary to not only deal with the highs and lows of custom home design, but also empowers him to push his client’s vision to the next level–much like his determination with his health.

When he started getting into shape at the age of 63, his goal was to lose weight and find a healthier version of himself. But knowing he could do more, could be more, he began an in-depth body-building journey. Covid had other plans, severely sidetracking him, but Gary fought back. With his wife Nancy at his side, he not only recovered, but flourished, winning first place for his age group at the Indianapolis Championship Master Division body-building competition in July of 2022, and third place at the Master National Championship in Pittsburgh. He employs this same persevering ambition of forging ahead when it comes to the homes he designs, continuously exceeding expectations.

Even more important than his changed body is his changed mindset. Being that close to death pushed Gary to approach life with the knowledge of what is truly important–family, friends, and faith. He keeps these values at the forefront of his work, spreading ripples of encouragement and energy to all those involved in his projects. “I’ve been given a gift,” he says, “of not just combining the new with the old, but enhancing hundreds of lives.” It’s an infectious trickle-down effect of excellence and opportunity, affecting everyone from clients to painters to tile layers.

Bringing in his daughter, Taylor, to the business has made it a family affair. With Taylor’s media savvy and Gary’s wide array of projects, the firm is widely sought after not only in Indiana, but also in Michigan, Florida, Montana, Texas, and the Carolinas. Each of these varying terrains offer new challenges and ideas to keep Gary on his toes. His most current project is an exciting build outside of Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee. Working with a longtime client, Gary’s firm will become a part of this 300-acre historical property’s story. “At this level, it’s fun meeting and working with subcontractors that are the cream of the crop in talent and style,” he says.

Gary Nance

This Gary Nance design was the last home to be built in Bridgewater, and was published internationally by Oikos. Photo by Adam Gibson

One of Gary Nance’s lake house designs, this one on Lake Maxinkuckee. The brick was misted to achieve a softer look, and the oversized shutters add charm.

Gary Nance Design is located in the Indiana Design Center in Carmel, allowing his clients to explore a plenitude of showrooms and vendors. He even has his own custom architectural product line, Gary Nance Collection, which offers American-made light fixtures, stair spindles, and hardware that will soon be available nationwide, he says, adding, “Right now, we are really focusing on exterior light fixtures that fit the scale and proportion of these custom houses.” Unwilling to compromise when products are unobtainable, Gary makes his own, bridging a gap in product availability that might otherwise stunt the end result.

Even with such a high number of impressive projects under his belt, this dynamic 69-year-old continues to be excited for what’s to come. He plans to continue mixing the classics with slick modern elements, perhaps throwing in a touch of the rustic, or blending together elements of the East and West coasts into a magical combination. His favorite build, ironically, is always the next one, an attitude that reflects his forward-focused mindset. Certainly, with accolades pouring in from the design world, Gary Nance Design is thriving. Facing the future with a strong body, focused mind, and amazing support, Gary says he hopes to continue stretching “a client’s dreams as far as they can, and as far as they’re willing to take it.” sl

Gary says that body-building has transformed him, both physically and mentally.

HOW MODERN THERAPY BREAKS THE MOLD

Let’s imagine you’ve hired a personal trainer to help you meet your fitness goals. You are feeling motivated and ready for change. You meet them at the gym every week for an hour and talk about lifting weights, running, and pushups, but you don’t actually work out. Meeting with them might feel supportive, but if your goal is to get in shape, simply talking about it won’t work. It’s hard to believe a scenario like this would ever happen, yet it happens every day in mental health care.

Fortunately, we are on the cusp of a new era. Today’s psychotherapy practice only minimally resembles the images portrayed in movies and in the media. Modern therapists have exchanged abstract and theoretical speculation about clinical problems for more concrete and practical application of actual solutions–in essence, less talking and more doing.

Modern therapy is active, goal-driven, outcomes-measured, collaborative, structured, and effective because its emphasis is on changing behavior. We work. We roll up our sleeves. We identify the root of the problem quickly and start applying creative solutions, all in pursuit of learning and growth. We now have a solid base of scientific evidence to support the most effective methods for behavior change. We also have a better understanding of the brain and how to harness its potential for growth, called neuroplasticity. Technology-assisted treatment utilizes remote sessions where therapists can coach patients through situations in real time. Biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies are now widely available for therapists and patients to better see how our behavior influences our biology and vice versa.

If your therapist isn’t working with you on developing goals, creating a clear plan with opportunities for measurable

progress, and teaching you skills you can actually use, you may achieve sub-optimal results. I know this because I’m not only a therapist, I’m a patient too. I’ve experienced first-hand the struggle to find a qualified therapist you trust when you’re not feeling your best and wondering whether it’s worth the investment of time, effort, and expense. We often spend more time researching the best refrigerator to buy than which therapist to see.

Before you begin working with a therapist or coach, consider what you would like to accomplish. How would you like your life to look when it is all said and done? Studies show that finding a coach or therapist you connect with can be one of the biggest predictors of success, but ask questions to ensure they are qualified and experienced in the type of care you seek. If you are looking for a more long-term and open-ended approach, consider working with a traditional “talk therapist.” If you are looking to learn tools and strategies for change and growth, you may want to try a more shortterm, skills-based approach like cognitive-behavior therapy.

I am a strong proponent for creating more informed consumers of mental health care by sharing what is effective and scientifically-supported for which conditions, and equipping individuals with the right information to pursue the right kind of treatment with the right provider.

I am also deeply committed to reducing the stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment. I would love to help create a world where we can have open and routine conversations about therapy and how it works, and in doing so, eliminate barriers to treatment for all those who may benefit. sl To learn more about Dr. Natalie’s approach to care, or to book to speak, visit drnataliechristine.com

Written by Dr. Natalie Christine Clinical Psychologist and Wellness Coach

GET YOUR SATURDAYS BACK, WEEKENDS ARE MEANT FOR SO MUCH MORE THAN CLEANING!

MODERN MINIMALIST STARTING AT $39

EXPO CHICAGO: A NEW WORLD

Upon entering, nothing could have prepared me for the vibrant colors and forms that enraptured my senses. Art of the likes I’d never seen flanked me on all sides, as overwhelmingly daunting as they were stunning. In the midst of towering, larger-than-life sculptures and paintings, I suddenly felt as small as someone gazing at the stars in wonder of the vastness of the universe. The doors I walked through were none other than those to EXPO Chicago, one of America’s leading international contemporary and modern art fairs.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, EXPO impressively showcased over 170 different exhibitions, featuring artists’ performances, paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces that promoted messages as unique and beautiful as their mediums. One of my personal favorites was Studio DRIFT’s sculpture, one of many included in their Fragile Future series that depicted the synergy between nature and technology by bringing pieces of the outside indoors. I discovered it, like a moth drawn to a flame, by following a glowing light emitting from one of the artists’ booths. As I approached, I blinked at the fanciful sight before me: a chandelierlike sculpture made entirely of real dandelions at the “puffball” stage, stunning in its achingly delicate beauty. My initial thought was how painstaking a process it must have been to create such a piece, wondering who could possibly have the patience to gently incorporate these fragile seed structures into a work of art. As I continued to gaze in amazement, my mind flooded with memories of my childhood, laughing with my sister in our front yard as we picked dandelions to blow, faces comically scrunched in concentration as we put our hearts and souls into our wishes. The warmth of nostalgia filled me, and I wished my family were there to admire the sculpture as well.

Beyond showcasing beautiful art like Fragile Future, EXPO clearly takes pride in supporting local, regional, and international artists and their various messages. A recurring theme I noticed among the artists was how they cleverly used EXPO as a platform to introduce the social issues that inspired their work to an elevated artistic community.

One such figure was Patrick Dean Hubbell, an indigenous artist, through his impeccable Tack Room series. I was captivated

by the different portraits’ unique use of color and the haphazard, yet intentional, forms. I was drawn in, so much so that I found myself moving closer and closer until I was mere inches away from a canvas. When approached by Hubbell, I was deeply moved as he explained how his series challenged the idealization and misrepresentation of indigenous culture by White artists. Hubbell’s paintings encourage people to “unpack” and rethink the colonial mindset surrounding the American West. “Living and working in the Navajo nation, on my homeland, it’s not what you see in a museum. It’s not in a gold frame,” Hubbell said.

Hubbell praised EXPO for creating an “entrance point for viewers” in the cultural conversation he has started with his art. “Being here at Expo, it’s a really important place for this work to be because it is broadened to the art community on this level,” Hubbell said.

Derrick Adams is also one among many exceptional artists with a cause featured by EXPO. In collaboration with EXPO, Art on the Mart, the largest permanent digital projection in the world, showcased Adam’s truly magical animation “Funtime Unicorn: Ruby Rides Through Four Seasons.” The delightful animation of a unicorn traveling through the different seasons was a nod to looking at the bright side of life and drew the attention of many families along the Riverwalk. The animation was also intended to celebrate play, love, and joy within the African-American community.

Adam’s unicorns appeared once more as an interactive installation at Navy Pier. I witnessed adults and children alike jumping at the chance to ride the unicorns and could not help but join in the fun, laughing gleefully along with a group of complete strangers. Looking back, I am impressed by how Adams created art that managed to both unleash a sense of carefree abandonment and unite a group of unfamiliar people through shared joy. I suppose that is the mysterious hidden power of art.

EXPO Chicago and the artists it featured left an indelible impression on me, and I would come back in a heartbeat. Though the event is finished for the year, EXPO will return April 11 through 14, 2024. I’ll see you there!. sl

Written and photographed by Morgan Kirsch

Pizza Margherita

SON OF DIAVOLA

A former neighborhood pizzeria evolves into an Italian contender

Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Dave Pluimer

Serving up some of the finest pizza in town for the past seven years, Diavola was established by Indianapolis restaurant legend Gino Pizzi, before ownership was quickly transferred to the hands of the capable team of Lori Welch and Dennis Gurnell. A longtime Pizzi employee at Sangiovese, Mezza Luna, and the original Ambrosia, Lori has decades of experience in restaurant management that serves her well in the day-to-day operation of a bustling neighborhood eatery. For his part, the Italian-born Dennis spent many years in and around kitchens both here and in his native Vincenza before assuming the role of restaurateur. Having met at the Herron School of Art as students, and now parents to four grown children, the couple’s aspirations lay in the world of art and design long before their career paths converged on Diavola.

Initially conceived as a local pizzeria with a short wine list, Diavola has evolved into a full-fledged Italian restaurant, offering a concise and well-considered menu based on fresh ingredients. All pasta and sauces are made in house from scratch. “I make pasta every other day,” says Dennis. “I usually make 75 portions of ravioli at a time,” he continues, casually referring to the truly exceptional spinach, truffle and mushroom ravioli that is served with a rich gorgonzola, walnut and cream sauce. It is a musthave item, as is the tagliatelle Bolognese, with its house-made fennel sausage infusing a quintessentially northern Italian aromatic element to the sauce. While one or two dishes may harken back to the Pizzi era, such as the baked goat cheese and the meatballs, the menu clearly reflects the couple’s concern for freshness and seasonality.

In addition to the excellence of the pasta dishes, what truly sets Diavola apart from the competition is its otherworldly pizza, in this case genuine, Neapolitan-style pizza made with the correct ingredients and proper technique in an appropriate oven. What exactly constitutes great pizza is a highly contentious subject. Numerous establishments have tried and failed to create Neapolitan pizza, in large part because this particular beast is not easily mastered; one does not simply throw an assortment of toppings onto a prefabricated crust and bung it in the oven for a few minutes. With this style of pizza, the fermentation and baking of the dough are paramount; toppings are essentially the icing on the cake, so to speak.

The first thing you notice upon entering Diavola is the enormous customized Marra Forni forced air oven, reminiscent of a brightly-colored fire-breathing dragon, albeit a dragon that spits out perfectly cooked pizzas in 90 seconds flat. If you are into such things, this is the appliance every self-respecting home kitchen should have, (given the requisite space and ventilation, of course). Gas-fired, this behemoth churns out a blistering 100,000 BTUs and can cook 110 pizzas an hour. This is the only Marra Forni oven in Indiana, and, considering its price tag, that is not

surprising. The results, however, speak for themselves, more than justifying the expense.

Fashioned from 100 percent Antimo Caputo 00 flour from Naples, the finest pizza flour in the world, Diavola’s crust is a thing of complexity and beauty. An additive-free, all-natural flour that utilizes a proprietary blend of the best wheat on the global market, Caputo is essential for the production of the finest pizza crust. In addition to using the best flour available, Dennis also allows the dough to ferment for two days, a technique that results in a uniquely tender, yet crisp, texture that defines the Naples style. Tomatoes are the Sinatra brand, and are the finest plum tomatoes, similar to San Marzanos, grown in Naples. These plum-shaped gems are handpicked and packed in fresh tomato puree within hours of harvest, and contain approximately 16 percent higher solids than other similar brands, making for an outstanding, fresh-tasting sauce. Firm to the bite, yet airy and light, sufficiently chewy to give the jaws some exercise, but never doughy, slightly charred on the edges, but not exactly burnt, this pizza is as close as you will get to the real thing short of crossing the Atlantic. Pizzas are topped with carefully chosen ingredients in just the right proportions to ensure that the crust gets an even rise, and the dough never becomes soggy in the middle.

Pappardelle Bolognese

Nero Pappardelle di Mare

Stuccoed walls and rustic decor make one feel they are dining in the Tuscan countryside.

The Genovese pizza combines grilled chicken with pesto, sundried tomato and carmelized onion.

Picking a favorite pizza from the dozen or so on the menu (you can also build your own, but I prefer to leave it to the professionals) is rather like choosing one’s favorite bottle of wine. The Margherita, of course, is something of a classic, the great-grandma of all things pizza; Diavola’s version is particularly fine. Simply composed of sauce, cheese and basil, none of it slathered or piled up, the Margherita offers just enough of everything to provide the perfect interplay of taste, texture, color and aroma. Less traditional, but equally successful, is the Parma, which features a white sauce, prosciutto and arugula. We like to enjoy this one New York-style: sliced and folded, then eaten like a sandwich. To finish, try one of many desserts,

including a light and fluffy tiramisu or mouthwatering Italian lemon stuffed with its own sorbet.

Much as we love the elevated level of Diavola’s food, one of this cozy eatery’s greatest charms is that it is truly a neighborhood restaurant. “I’ve seen people propose here, hold their engagement parties and bridal showers here,” enthuses Lori. “We know so many people in the area and get to share the major events in their lives.”

As an alumna of the Pizzi organization, it’s fair to say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. For those of us who are not fortunate enough to live in Diavola’s neighborhood, the pizza alone will keep us coming back for more. sl For more information, visit diavola.net

A Hugo Spritz is a perfectly Italian aperitif.

July

6/29-7/8

3-16

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETYPresented

by

Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, montrealjazzfest.com/en-CA

Wimbledon, London, England, wimbledon.com

5-25 Festival d’Avignon, Avignon, France, festival-avignon.com/en

13-16

Goodwood Festival of Speed,West Sussex, England, goodwood.com/motorsport/festival-of-speed

14 Polo at Sunset benefiting Indiana Wish,Whitestown, Indiana, Indy polo.com

15-16 Indy Dance Festival, Indianapolis, indydancecouncil.org/indy-dance-festival

20-21 Summer with the Symphony, Fort Lauderdale/Miami, Florida, southfloridasymphony.org/summer-with-the-symphony

21 Summer Nights Film Series - Indy Shorts, Indianapolis, discovernewfields.org/calendar/summer-nights

29 Brews on the Boulevard, Carmel, Indiana, CarmelBrewsAndBarrels.com

August

7/28-8/20

Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis, indianastatefair.com

2-12 Locarno Film Festival, Locarno, Switzerland, locarnofestival.ch

3-6 Sydney International Boat Show, Sydney, Australia, sydneyboatshow.com.au

4-27

11-12

12-20

15-20

Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland, eif.co.uk

Carmel Jazz Fest, Carmel, Indiana, carmeljazzfest.org

Western & Southern Open, Mason, Ohio, wsopen.com

BMW Championship, Olympia Fields, Illinois, bmwchampionship.com

20 Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, Pebble Beach, California, pebblebeachconcours.net

25-27

Formula One Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort, Netherlands, dutchgp.com/en

Compiled by Morgan Kirsch

VENETIAN PRINCESS

Rev, benefitting the Indiana Health Foundation, took place for the 10th year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 6. More than 3,700 people attended, joined by WTHR anchors and emcees Laura Steele, Felicia Lawrence, Anne Marie Tiernon and Dave Calabro. Over $1 million was raised to support Indiana University Health’s care in trauma, critical care, and services provided by IU Health for the drivers and patrons of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

1) Carly Swift, Mandy Selke 2) Al Christy, Michelle Christy 3) Anne Marie Tiernon, Terry Tiernon 4) Allison Melangton 5) Benjamin Pedersen 6) Asia Watson, Morgan Clark 7) Craig Huse, Jill Huse 8) Lauren Kanaan, Susan Calabro, Dave Calabro, Tony Kanaan 9) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Alexander Rossi 10) Dave Calabro, Susan Calabro 11) Conor Daly, Amy Gaertner 12) Doug Boles, Beth Boles 13) Emille Sutt, Felix Rosenqvist 14) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Chef Neal Brown

REV

Photographed by Emily Poe

15) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Ed Carpenter, Heather Carpenter, Butler Blue 16) Ian Ziznovskis, Erica Ziznovskis 17) Karen Campbell, Kevin Austin 18) Lauren Kanaan, Tony Kanaan 19) Mark Miles, Aric Geesaman 20) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Crystal Miller 21) Mary Lofton, Chuck Lofton 22) Nicole Anderson, Cody Norris 23) Madelyn Gamble, David Dahn, Christopher Messina, Ava Hukzebos 24) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Jack Harvey 25) Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Gregory Cox, Leslie Wells, Alexa Rose, Prim Rose 26) Thomas Melvin 27) Greg Chernoff, Jill Chernoff 28) Susan Robinson, Felicia Lawrence, Laura Steele, Cathy Kightlinger 29) Kelsey Murphy 30) Emily Poe 31) Stefan Wilson, Gloglo Jiménez

Photographed by Emily Poe

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

More than 600 guests attended the inaugural Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame induction, held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on May 26, to celebrate inductees Tony George and Tim Cindric. notable guests included Roger and Kathy Penske, Mark and Helen Miles, Ed Carpenter, Lyn St. James, and Al Unser, Jr. Proceeds from the evening benefited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

1) Chris Paulsen, Debby Paulsen 2) Michael Schrom, Andra Ebert 3) Jennifer Schumaker, Eric Holcomb 4) Dan Rosenau, Jason Vansickle 5) Kent Baker 6) Richard Robards, Chris Calogero 7) Mike Smith, Sue Smith 8) Pam Bertoli, Jim Bertoli 9) Ayesha Saeed, Elizabeth Wetzel 10) Missy Miller, Lori Van Ryan 11) Rick Stevens, Joanie Stevens 12) David Lerch, Coral Koester, Carlos Maurer, Kristi Asher 13) Tony George and grandchildren

Photographed by Emily Poe

GRIT & GRACE

The inaugural Grit & Grace Nation Celebrity Fundraiser was held January 27-29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse during the Professional Bull Riding exhibition. Grit & Grace Nation was founded by former television news anchor Fanchon Stinger, who created the charity to encourage leadership skills and personal growth in young girls through bull riding. Commissioner of Professional Bull Riding Sean Gleason and wife Candis were in attendance, and national recording artist Coffey Anderson performed. The event raised $115,000 for Grit & Grace Nation.

Photographed by Bull Stock Media

MOYER OPEN

The 39th annual Moyer Open held at Crooked Stick Golf Club on May 15 involved over 125 golfers and many sponsors from the community. Since its inception, the event has generated over $1 million for St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center, a significant contribution that would not be possible without the generosity of the many golfers and sponsors. St. Mary’s provides early intervention services for children who have experienced poverty, abuse, neglect, parents with disabilities or additions or violence in their homes or neighborhoods.

1) AJ Foyt, Landon Paddock, Ryan Utnage, Casey Branham, Patrick White 2) Brandon Katzeff, Joe Moyer, Dan Moyer, Jarrod Detweiler, Eric Steger 3) Andrew Goedee, Mike Boilini, Jack Boilini, Brett Wells, Connor Dudley 4) Anthony Bradley, Mark Humphrey, Danny Terril, Chip Terril, Mike Oehler 5) Bill Pollert, Dan Cobb, Mark Gradison, Dave Garrett, Andrew Goedee 6) Nick York, Marty Murphy, Grant Gernhardt, Alex Reynolds, Robert Edwards 7) Chris Cole, Kris Brown, Dave Sumrall, Jeremiah Hamman, Craig Isabel 8) Cody Knapp, Bryce Parker, Andrew Rhodes, Tony Jovevski, Andrew Busse 9) Chuck Petrucciani, Tony Petrucciani, Denny Ford, Dave Vleck, Brian Slayton 10) Collin Powers, Matt Schiller, Konnor Kimmel, Chris Clemens 11) Drew Sawyers, Jeff Cartwright, Mike Foley, John Baxter, Chris Mills 12) Evan Wise, Patrick Dodson, Chris Perry, Paul Pilla, Joshua Halpern 13) Jamie Broce, Kevin Knafel, Bill Skillman, Ray Haltom, Steve Slew 14) Jeff Hansen, Brandon Snell, Roger Harvey, Curt White, Brent Beeler 15) Rick Witt, Tim Duvall, Dennis Kelly, Kevin Dicke, Kevin Rowles 16) John Allman, Matt Koscal, Chad Pulley, Gary Robison, Scott Durgin

We

MAGIC IN THE MAKING

The newly renovated Stutz building in downtown Indianapolis hosted more than 900 attendees for Old Town Companies’ Magic in the Making on May 12. The event was held to benefit the Penrod Society, which supports artists, students, arts organizations, and various other not-for-profit organizations whose missions and programming include arts, cultural, and educational activities, as well as the Stutz Artist Association.

1) Abby Renbarger, JR Renbarger 2) Andrew Wood, Megan Wood 3) Barb Reasinger, Scott Reasinger 4) Frankie Guzek, Teddy Guzek 5) Jenna Shewaed, Bryan Shewaed 6) John Murray, Erin Murray 7) Aleigha Clifford, Andrew Clifford, Lincoln Musser, Maisie Cochran 8) Jessi Trimh, Phil Van Schaack, Erik Hansen, Kimberly Hansen 9) Jordan Deamicis, Josh Deamicis 10) Josh Ruff, Jamie Ruff 11) Karila Zar, Maggie Terriquez 12) Rita Patel, Suresh Mukherji 13) Randa Franzen, Elise Brown 14) Seth Schubert, Morgan Millay, John Cory, Peyton Yelich 15) Ryan Helweg, Seanne Helweg

Photographed by Emily Lewis

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF INDIANAPOLIS

The Assistance League® of Indianapolis’ Mission Possible took place on April 22 at the Eiteljorg Museum, where guests enjoyed kicking up their heels with line dancing and bidding on silent auction items. Jill and Brian Hall, owners of Repro Graphics, received the Star Award, which is presented to those who give sustained support to the organization. The event raised $86,000 to support the Assistance League’s philanthropic programs, which help to transform lives and strengthen the Indianapolis-area community.

1) Cindee Potterack, Scott Potterack 2) Anne Kinney 3) Crystal Haslelt, Laura Hakim 4) Matt Weimer, Cathy Weimer, Kathy Detzler, Donn Detzler 5) Pam Benz, Steve Benz 6) Rick Ellison, Kelli Ellison 7) Marilyn Banks, Dobbie Smith 8) Keith Gambrel, Carol Gambrel, Rick Ellison 9) Susie Main, Deb Myers 10) Susie Main 11) William Carr, Adele Carr

REPUBLIC AIRWAYS AIRPLANE PULL

More than 2,000 people gathered for the 11th Annual Republic Airways Plane Pull, held on April 22 at the Indianapolis International Airport. Teams competed to pull an Embraer 170/175 aircraft and win prizes; celebrity guests included former IU and professional basketball player Damon Bailey and IRL drivers Kenny Moore, Flix Rosenquist and Pato O’Ward. This year’s event raised over $700,000 for Indiana Wish and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.

1) Morgan Roberts, Karen Alejandro, Melanie Smeltzer 2) Jeff Gelwicks, Tonya Whaley 3) Ashley Cardenas, Angie Valencia, Canta Schnau 4) Electra Parnell, Jonathan Stouffer, Patricia Stouffer 5) Julie Hauck, Hillary McCarley, Courtney Bickett, J’Lynn Mayes 6) Lucas Medford, Ashley Elmore 7) Daniel Murray, Stephanie Bauder 8) Phil Gumpert, Steve Bainka, Meg Zakrzewski, Matt Wooten, Bri Wittem, Susan Tsangaris, Hannah Edwards, J.D. Edwards, Zack Bickett, Jack Edwards 9) Rowdie, Zeke 10) Quinton Washington 11) Jody Bacon, Parker Feiss, Jamie Schmid 12) Steven Philips, Caitlin Phillips

Photographed by Andre Jefferson

HEROES CLUB

Supporters of the Heroes Club hosted a Mix and Mingle event on May 2 at 3UP Rooftop Bar in Carmel. The organization funds accidental death policies for the families of Carmel’s first responders, in the event of the unthinkable. Indycar driver Christian Lundgaard was a special guest; the evening raised nearly $30,000.

1) Angie Ernst, Kathy Brown 2) Annmarie Russell, Bob Russell 3) Barb Schneider, Steve Schneider 4) Brady Myers, Shane Collins 5) Elizabeth Henning, Casey Jacobs 6) Evan Melangton, Tom Melangton 7) Helen Miles, Christian Lundgaard, Allison Melangton, Mark Miles 8) Pete Quinn, Susan Quinn, Tim Hull, Mark Carney, Nancy Burrell, Bart Burrell 9) Jim Barlow, Tony Dellelo 10) Jim Brainard, Dave Haboush 11) Kelly Duke, Ross Williams 12) Mary Williams, Amy Snider, Dana Moore 13) Matt Frey, Michael Garvey 14) Rob Gomez, Steve Paliska, William Brooks, Shelia Brooks 15) Holly Banninga, Brent Banninga, Mike Jones, Nick Phalen

Photographed by Emily Lewis

KIDS DANCE OUTREACH

Deborah Dorman and Elizabeth Kraft celebrated their birthdays with more than 80 friends and nearly 1,000 supporters of Kids Dance Outreach at the organization’s event of the year, Message in a Bottle. Held on April 25 and 26 at Butler University, the evenings featured performances by Indianapolis children who are members of Kids Dance Outreach, and raised more than $122,000 to fund a future studio. Kids Dance Outreach was founded by former Boston Ballet Dancer Michael J. Johnson and his wife, Monica M. Munoz, to positively impact the lives of children through dance programs that inspire excellence, instill confidence, encourage teamwork, and applaud persistence. To date, more than 17,000 Indianapolis-area children have experienced the transformative power of the arts through Kids Dance Outreach’s programs.

Deborah Dorman, Robert Chan 12) P.A Katz, Karen Rodman, Deborah Dorman, Jody DeFord, Jonathan Eriksen 13) Denise Lents, Misuk Yun, P.A Katz, Deborah Dorman, Annatt Davis, Karen Rodman 14) Thomas Gannon, Alex Mirkin, Patrick Bouquett, Kimann Shultz, Cynthia Wright Wilson 15) Tom Alvarez, Deborah Dorman, Amy Wright, Jenny Bizzoco

1) Johnson Simon 2) Denise Lents, Misuk Yun, Mónica Muñoz, Deborah Dorman, Chris Regenovich, Karen Rodman 3) Cathy Clark, Scott Skillman, Deborah Dorman, Barbara Riordan 4) Heather Pappas, Bif Ward, Stephan Taylor, Deborah Dorman, Murph Damron 5) Jena Berger, Jonathan Berger, Deborah Dorman, Mónica Muñoz 6) Jody DeFord, Richard Buckner, Fernando Serpa, Deborah Dorman 7) Michael Johnson, Deborah Dorman, Ganson Salmon, Tom Alvarez, Jenny Bizzoco 8) Misuk Yun, Denise Lents, Ganson Salmon, Deborah Dorman, Patrick Bouquett 9) Paula Taylor Whitfield, Sherman Whitfield, Kim Gutfreund 10) Sandi Marcs, Ben Marcs, Deborah Dorman, Don Katz, Lynda Goeke 11) Stephan Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, Mindy Kennen,

Photographed by Andre Jefferson

SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE FOUNDATION

More than 250 guests attended the Chernoff Backyard Party on May 27, a fundraising event benefiting the Survivors of Violence Foundation. Dr. Gregory Chernoff served as “grill master,” delighting guests with filet, lamb chops, and salmon, and the Cease and Desist Band from Vancouver, Canada kept everyone dancing. All proceeds benefited the Survivors of Violence Foundation, which provides scar improvement and reconstructive surgery for people who cannot afford the cost of care.

1) Jill Chernoff, Greg Chernoff 2) Karl Edison, Dan Gutzman 3) Susan Lee, Terry Lee 4) Linda Daro, Linda Vaughn 5) Scott Campbell, Becky Lackey, Blake Lackey 6) Jeff Kuhn, DJ Fingerlos 7) Jill Chernoff, Jennifer Driscoll 8) Armando Guillen, Connor Collins, Carlos Arabitg, Jeff Flournoy, Zack Stephenson. Nils Nyman 9) Pat Sullivan, Andrew Sullivan, Joe Sullivan 10) Keagan Will, Erika Will, Hunter Will 11) Travis Webb, Michael Hansen 12) Lisa Van, Nancy George 13) Lori Nichols, BJ Nichols 14) Mary Jane Brady, Irwin Malamut

Photographed by Jennifer Driscoll and Mark Lee

CHERNOFF BACKYARD PARTY

15) Monica Frengel, Linda Vaughn, Nancy George, Lisa Van 16) Jaco Tormes, Flavia Reis, Jill Chernoff, Greg Chernoff 17) Jamie Troyer, Carolyn Sieger, Tatiana Leal, Michelle Snyder, Lisa Holderead 18) Greg Chernoff, Jill Chernoff, Pete Werner, Emily Chernoff, Payton Turner 19) Linda Vaughn, Greg Chernoff, Jill Chernoff, Nancy George 20) Lindsey Jordan, Michelle Kwiatkowski, Matt Kwiatkowski 21) Maureen Chernoff, Pete Werner, Emily Chernoff 22) Matt O’Connor, Bif Ward 23) Peggy Neal, Squire Neal 24) Melissa Costantini, Duncan Ross 25) Linda Vaughn, Greg Chernoff, Jill Chernoff

Photographed by Jennifer

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