Sophisticated Living Indianapolis Nov/Dec 2023 by Sophisticated Living Magazine

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SOPHISTICATED CELEBRATIONS

O’DANIEL-DINNEN ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Vilma Iglesias / Vilma Maria Boutique Photo Studio

Elizabeth Ann O’Daniel of Fort Wayne and Samuel Robert Dinnen of Zionsville were married in Fort Wayne on April 29, 2023. Their parents are Sheila and Jeff O’Daniel and Elizabeth and Bill Dinnen. The couple reside in Chicago, where they both work in the finance industry–Samuel as a private credit investor and Elizabeth as a corporate treasury banker. The two attended Indiana University, where they knew each other through friends but were not a couple. They reconnected after graduation when 8

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both found themselves in Chicago, and began dating when they went to see IU play in the 2020 Gator Bowl. Samuel proposed on February 11, 2022 at their Chicago apartment; he asked Elizabeth in private, but had arranged a party following the proposal with their families on the rooftop of their building. The ring is a classic round diamond set in a gold band that includes a hidden halo beneath the diamond, created by Reis-Nichols. Their wedding took place at the Fort Wayne Country Club. sl

‘tis the season of love.

MALATESTINIC-MILLER ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Emma Knutson Photography

Maddie Malatestinic of Indianapolis and Jake Miller of Fortville were engaged on September 1, 2023 at the Indiana Rooftop Garden in Fountain Square, a spot where they had one of their first dates two years before. Their parents are Rhonda and Mike Malatestinic and Linda and Russ Miller. They met when Maddie, a wedding planner, was helping to plan Jake’s friend’s rehearsal dinner; a month after that wedding, Jake asked Maddie on a date. After sending Maddie to look at rings, Jake surprised her with his final choice, a stunning Asscher-cut design. Following 10 slmag.net

the proposal, he had arranged a party with family and friends. Says Maddie, “Being able to share such a special moment in the same spot is what made the proposal absolutely perfect.” Their wedding will take place in Indianapolis on September 7, 2024, with a ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and a reception at the Omni Severin. The couple reside in Indianapolis, where Maddie is an event marketing manager at Planwell and Jake is vice president of economic development at Bose Mckinney & Evans. sl

BOYCE-NASH ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Catherine Band

Katherine Boyce of Cincinnati and Patrick Nash of Marblehead, Massachusetts were engaged on March 9, 2022, with a wedding ceremony on September 9, 2023 in Crocker Park and a reception following at the Corinthian Yacht Club, both in Marblehead. Their parents are Cindy and Jim Boyce and Cathy and Matt Nash. The couple met while attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio; after college, they moved to Marblehead, where

Katherine works in finance for Summit Partners and Patrick is director of construction at Schiefer Woodworking. Patrick surprised Katherine with a proposal during a ski trip to Vail, at the top of the mountain at Belle’s Camp. The ring is a custom design from Reis-Nichols that included a complementary set of earrings and a bracelet to complete Katherine’s bridal ensemble. The couple traveled to Japan for their honeymoon in October. sl slmag.net

EAST-KOLISEK ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Kayla Lang and Mike Lang / The Lang Co

Ashlyn East of Carmel and Jake Kolisek of Indianapolis were engaged on March 3, 2023, at their home. Jake proposed privately, then had arranged a dinner afterwards with their parents, Charlotte and Greg East, and Lisa and Frank Kolisek. The couple met when Ashlyn noticed Jake talking to a friend of hers at their gym and introduced herself; that 12 slmag.net

friend’s husband subsequently played matchmaker. Their wedding will take place on September 28, 2024 at Artisan Acres Estate in Noblesville. The couple reside in downtown Indianapolis; Ashlyn is a marketing consultant for Iterable, Inc., a technology company, and Jake is senior counsel of legal and compliance for Subaru of Indiana Automotive. sl

MURRAY-RODIMEL ENGAGEMENT Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by RC Photography and Betrothed to Bones

Gillian Elizabeth Murray of Martinsville and Ian Robert Rodimel of Greenwood were engaged on December 26, 2022. Their parents are Sandra Martin and Joshua Murray, and Katherine Wortman and Troy Rodimel. The couple met through friends when Gillian was a senior in high school and Troy was in his first year of college. They now reside in Bargersville, where Gillian is a sales consultant

with Reis-Nichols Jewelers and Ian is a delivery driver for UPS. Ian proposed to Gillian under the lights of the Bottleworks Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, with an emerald-cut diamond designed by Reis-Nichols that he had managed to keep a secret from her, despite the fact that she works there. Their wedding will take place in Waco, Texas on October 2, 2024 at the Gathering Oaks Retreat. sl slmag.net

DECAPUA-PEARSON ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Root Photography, Jaime Rivera Photography and Michael Vu

Danielle DeCapua and Michael Pearson, both of Fishers, were married on April 30, 2022. The wedding took place in Orlando, Florida, with a ceremony at Holy Family Catholic Church and a reception at Disney World’s Epcot, where Michael had proposed a year earlier. Their parents are Valerie Guyer and Dennis DeCapua and Barbara and Mike Pearson. The couple reside in Fishers; Danielle is a social media manager and bridal stylist for various businesses, and Michael is the owner and personal trainer at MP Fitness in Fishers. The two met when Michael became Danielle’s mother’s personal trainer and she tagged along during the workouts. “It wasn’t the 14 slmag.net

most romantic of locations,” recalls Danielle, “but we had an instant connection.” Knowing Danielle adored Disney, when it came time to propose, Michael knew it had to be there. They planned a trip to Disney World to celebrate New Year’s Eve in 2021, and he proposed on the boardwalk overlooking the water on New Year’s Day. The ring, designed by Reis-Nichols, featured a stunning light blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds in a split shank. Their 2022 wedding at Disney was a “modern fairytale” says Danielle, complete with a private photo session at Cinderella’s Castle. This year, they celebrated their first anniversary with a return trip to Disney. sl

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WHY GRATEFUL IS THE NEW HAPPY Written by Dr. Natalie Christine, psychologist and founder of Priority Wellness Group

The power of gratitude lies in its ability to shift our perspective immediately. It helps adjust our mindset from one of “lack” to one of “abundance.” It allows us to move from judgment and “not enough-ness” to acceptance and “more than enough.” There is a powerful transformation that takes place–physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually–when we elevate our thinking from “wanting” to “already having.” Gratitude not only changes our perception, it changes our behavior. We become more motivated, not less. We become more generous and compassionate. When we realize we have, we appreciate. When we realize we have, we worry less about what we don’t have, or what others have instead. When we realize we have, we become more sensitive to the needs of others around us that have less, and we give more. Our life suddenly becomes beautifully more abundant, and I’m not just talking about “stuff.” In my therapy and consulting practice, I often meet with people who only see the “gap.” The “gap” is the distance between what they have and what they want. Sometimes the gap is the distance between what they have and what they think they should have. Our goal is to strike a balance between the two. Close the gap, so to speak. We do this through a combination of techniques designed to help better accept what they have, and work to change their beliefs about what they don’t or believe they should. Practicing gratitude is one of those techniques. Bottom line: If you want to be happy, be grateful. Happiness stems from a sense of purpose and connection. Gratitude can be used as a tool to promote happiness because gratitude practice is grounding and brings your mind into focus.

When your mind is in present focus, it calms. When the mind is calm, new ideas can enter. Creativity expands. Interests and pursuits become clearer. When the mind is calm, we can better harness a sense of connection. When we intentionally practice gratitude, through meditation, our body relaxes as well. Here is a meditation to try if you like: Take a slow, deep breath to bring yourself to the present moment and begin the process of feeling more peaceful and centered. Breathe slowly, so your belly expands as you breathe in and gets smaller as you breathe out. Do this for a few minutes. Then bring your attention to and savor a few things: 1. The gift of your senses. What you hear, see, touch, taste, and smell. Contemplate how amazing it is to sense and learn— whether it’s hearing a song, a thought-provoking message, or the sound of your own breath flowing in and out. 2. The gift of your heartbeat. Steady, regular, pumping life-giving oxygenated blood to all of your organs. Take a moment to just feel your heartbeat. 3. The gift of breath itself. The silent, yet powerful, gentle, force of life. Gratitude practice is associated with better physical health too. It can boost our immune system and lower our blood pressure. People who practice gratitude are more “stress-resistant” and get less overwhelmed in overwhelming situations. They also tend to feel more fulfilled, peaceful, and content overall. If you want to feel more satisfied with life, start with feeling grateful. sl To work with or book Dr. Natalie to speak, please visit: www.drnataliechristine.com

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Our talented team of experts and signature salon experience will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Book your appointment now: 317.843.2611 • dllowry.com 727 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240

Nov/Dec 2023

{Indianapolis’ Finest}

Nov/Dec 2023 five dollars

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on the cover: Profiteroles are a classic French dessert, a decadent end to a delightful meal at Chicago’s Mon Ami Gabi, one of SL publisher and editor-in-chief Jeffrey Cohen’s favorite restaurants. For more, see page 94 or visit monamigabi.com. Photographed by Michael Williams

Sophisticated Celebrations

Why Grateful is the New Happy

From the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

French Connection

Electric Shocks

Hoop! (There It Is)

La Dolce Ricci

Child’s Play

Starry-Eyed Surprise

A Primer on Swiss Wine

A Walk in the Park (City)

The Gift of Time

BMW’s Neue View

Gather Round the Table

A Match Made in Indianapolis

The Greenbrier Legacy Club

The Chicago Athletic Association

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Lap Time

114

Mimi Blue Good Food

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Centier Bank: A Beacon of Stability

Offer available Nov. 1st - Dec. 31st. Bonus card valid for one year starting 1/1/2024.

Nov/Dec 2023

SL is profoundly grateful to Grace Schultz for her years of hard work as part of our publishing team. She will be greatly missed, and we wish her success and happiness. SL warmly welcomes the newest member of our team, Galit Sloman, as associate publisher. And the SL team extends our deepest condolences to managing editor Annie Mosbaugh Knapp and her family on the passing of her beloved father, Dr. Phillip Mosbaugh.

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Sophisticated Society

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HealthNet Foundation Gala

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Penrod Arts Fair

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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brooke Robbins Sophisticated Living is published bimonthly by Cohen Media, LLC, and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All rights reserved. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC, and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscriptions are $25 in the U.S., $55 outside. Single copies are $5 at select fine retailers. For subscription inquiries, write Sophisticated Living, Indiana Design Center 200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 212, Carmel, IN 46032, or call 317.565.4555.

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From the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Arthur’s never been an official exchange student, and we’ve never had one. The way he came into our lives was about two-and-a-half years ago, when a family who lives around the corner from us was hosting Arthur’s older brother, Gaspard, an exchange student from France, for the second or third time. Apparently, Arthur wanted to come to the states too, so the neighbors asked if we’d want to host him for the summer (of 2022). My wife and I discussed it, then asked our two kids, and it was a resounding yes. No matter that none of us speak even passable French, and (unbeknownst to us) Arthur spoke very little English. Fortunately, our kids are fairly fluent in Spanish, as is Arthur, and my wife and I recall some Spanish from our high school days. So picture a French boy living with us, and all of us speaking Spanish, with some cryptic English attempted by Arthur from time to time. From the beginning, Arthur fit in like he’d always been here. All three kids (plus our kids’ friends, as well as our neighbors’ kids and Arthur’s brother) got on like Arthur, flanked by the Cohen kids fast friends. We took Arthur everywhere: my mother-in-law’s lake house, northern Michigan, Kings Island (Arthur’s a thrill seeker and loves amusement parks). We even drove Arthur and his brother to O’Hare at the end of that summer when it was time for them to return to Paris, rather than putting them on a plane in Indianapolis, just so we’d have a bit more time with him. When Arthur came back to stay with us for the second time this summer, you should have seen the grin on his face after he’d cleared customs and walked out the door and saw us. When we got to the car, he ‘hugged’ it. He was equally excited to get ‘home’ to our house. He refers to us as ‘my American family’, and our home as ‘my American home’. The kid is so sweet and affectionate, so easy to get along with and helpful, constantly offering to do chores around the house. He even asked to accompany my wife to the charity thrift shop where she volunteers to help for a few days. And get this: the first summer, Arthur did his own laundry until my wife asked him not to; she does it for our kids and she wanted to do it for him too. He even made his bed every day. Our two kids must have thought an alien landed in our house. Arthur also loved my cooking, which brought me so much joy. He asked me every day what I was making that night, and requested some dishes again and again. Arthur has three siblings: Gaspard, a younger sister, and a special-needs younger brother. Maybe that explains his helpful, incredibly kind personality. His parents seem delightful; we’ve only ‘met’ them on FaceTime. Arthur’s dad owns several McDonald’s around Paris, and they live just outside the city. I’ve only seen pictures and videos of their house, but it’s newish, very modern, and stunning. His mother sent lovely gifts for each of us with Arthur this time; he must have told her I enjoy French wine, because mine were two bottles of a wonderful red from Saint-Emilion. We have a fourth bedroom that we call “Arthur’s Room.” That first summer, my wife decorated it for him, and that’s how it’s stayed. Someone gave him the nickname “Frenchie” and now he calls himself our Frenchie. I don’t imagine we’ll change Arthur’s room anytime soon; it’s there waiting for him, just like our college daughter’s room is waiting for her. ‘Goodbye’ a couple months ago was tougher this time, more emotional, bittersweet. For Arthur’s last night, I made a special dinner, his favorite salmon. A big group of us, including a bunch of the kids’ friends, and Arthur’s brother and his host family, sat around our backyard. After dinner, Arthur stood up and gave a little speech about how he felt we were all his family, adding “Cohen” to his last name. I don’t think there was a dry eye around. We’ve already made plans for Arthur to spend next summer with us, and we hope to go visit and stay with his family too at some point; they’ve asked several times. Our son did that this past summer, as soon as school let out. Arthur was still in school in France, so he spent a few weeks there, even attending classes together. Then both boys came here after the French school year ended. Before Arthur, we’d never even remotely thought about the exchange student thing, and I even remember wondering twoand-a-half years ago, what happens if Arthur and our kids don’t get along? It’s not like we could send him home. (Can you exchange exchange students?) But what a great decision it turned out to be–we now have another son across the pond, and our lives are so much richer because of him.

Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net 30 slmag.net

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View from a table for two at Brasserie Fouquet.

FRENCH CONNECTION

Perched high above Gustavia Bay, Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf sits at the pinnacle of luxury on the French island of St. Barth. Written by Bridget Williams

Location, location, location, as they say in real estate, is everything. The same could be said for the proliferation of luxury resorts on the chic tropical island paradise of St. Barth, where one in particular—Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf—stands alone. Its high hilltop location on the aptly named Sunset Hill provides sweeping views of Gustavia Harbor, Shell Beach, and Fort Karl, offering a simultaneous feeling of being away from it all but close to everything while enjoying the upscale service and amenities indicative of the family-run Hôtel Barrière Group. The result of a five-year build on challenging terrain, Le Carl Gustaf is executed as a series of standalone buildings that terrace

down the hillside. While densely packed onto the site, each of the 21 northwest-facing bungalows, most endowed with a private plunge pool and all crowned with a red metal roof, indicative of the architecture in the capital city of Gustavia, are enveloped by dense tropical landscaping that affords an incredible feeling of privacy. Guests are welcomed into the open-air lobby, which is also home to an outpost of the legendary Parisian restaurant Brasserie Fouquet as well as Spa Diane Barrière, named in honor of the hotel heiress who died in 2001 from injuries sustained in a plane crash. The spa's petite size belies the broad range of available face and body treatments. slmag.net

The bungalows and villa of Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf terrace the hillside just behind the church steeple in Gustavia.

Our Deluxe Suite boasted a pair of vaulted-ceiling rooms, each opening to a partially covered deck with a plunge pool. I had good intentions to use the available Hydrorider water cycle on our terrace but opted instead to use it to dry our swimsuits and let our steep walks to and from Gustavia suffice as my daily workout. Inside the bungalow, the décor is understated and elegant beach chic, with a primarily white and sand-colored palette punctuated by pops of color on the headboard and the wallcovering at the back of his and her closets flanking the entry to the spacious bathroom. In the living area, a recipe booklet for making in-room cocktails rested next to etched copper barware, and vintage black and white photographs of the area lent a homey feel. Perched even higher on the hillside, the Villa Diane is a 4,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath stunner with the most 34 slmag.net

exquisite sunset views and elevated amenities, including a private butler. Yachties and AvGeeks can be amply occupied for hours watching the ongoing sea and sky parade. Years ago, I loved visiting Shell Beach (the only beach in Gustavia) and having lunch at DoBrazil, a happy hippy-chic place whose slightly rough-around-the-edges aura stood in stark contrast to the gleaming mega yachts anchored just offshore. After Hurricane Irma decimated the island in 2017, the restaurant was reimagined by Hôtel Barrière as Shellona, just a short walk downhill from Le Carl Gustaf. After a few trips to the elevated day dining experience, packed with beautiful people, I was nearly ready to believe that the dark flecks in the sand at Shell Beach were actually bits of truffle that had wafted from the oceanfront restaurant, whose delectable menu is heavily laden with the fragrant fungus.

Looking down at Shell Beach from Ft. Karl, built in the late 18th century when Sweden controlled the island. A short, steep trail to the hillside ruins is located near Le Carl Gustaf and is an ideal spot for watching the sunset.

Living and dining area at Villa Diane.

A top-floor suite at Villa Diane.

Sea view terrace of a two-bedroom deluxe bungalow suite.

View from a deluxe suite terrace.bungalow suite.

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The bar at Fouquet’s.

The reception area at Spa Diane Barrière.

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Infinity views from the infinity pool at Villa Diane.

Lunch at Shellona

Dinner at Le Fouquet’s is a delight. The intimate open-air space offers views of Gustavia, whose lights twinkled like stars from our elevated perch. We began with a unique cocktail spritzed with edible perfume concocted by the head bartender using herbs grown at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes. We sipped while savoring classic steak tartare, a French classic prepared tableside and extra spicy to our liking. While there are parallels with the original Fouquet's menu, there is a distinct sense of place unique to this outpost courtesy of touches of Jamaican and Indian spices delicately sprinkled throughout.

View of Gustavia Bay from the bottom of a staircase at Le Carl Gustaf.

Edible perfume spritzed on a cocktail at Fouquet’s.

Although I’ve been lucky enough to visit the island on multiple occasions, this was my first time staying in Gustavia. I enjoyed walking to the beach, shopping, and dining without renting a car and navigating the increasingly congested winding roads. And, while it was easy enough to nearly roll down the hill for dinner at Bagatelle or scrumptious pizza at L'Isoletta, the steep ascent back to our room made me choose my footwear accordingly and wish I wasn't quite so stubborn when it comes to always eschewing the offer of a ride. sl For more information visit www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/saint-barth/le-carl-gustaf.html

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ELECTRIC SHOCKS Automobili Pininfarina aims to be the world's most desirable and sustainable luxury electric carmaker. Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy Automobili Pininfarina

Deeply rooted in the Italian car design firm and coachbuilder Pininfarina SpA, founded in 1930 and acquired by Mahindra Group in 2015, Automobili Pininfarina is combining its in-house expertise with some of the world's leading automotive design and engineering suppliers to support aggressive performance targets and a future portfolio of pure-electric vehicles. While the Pininfarina name has long been revered via its association with rock-star clientele, including Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo, this past August, Automobili Pininfarina ushered in an exciting new chapter in its history at Monterey Car Week by introducing the world's first pure-electric, open-top hyper barchetta the B95. In the motoring world, barchetta refers to an open-topped car without a removable or foldable top for weather protection. Priced from €4.4m and limited to just ten examples handcrafted in Cambiano by a team of artisans, deliveries of the world's first pure-electric hyper barchetta will coincide with the 95th anniversary of legendary design house Pininfarina SpA in 2025. The simplicity of the B95's flowing open-topped bodywork contrasts with exquisite technical details to provide a dramatic interpretation of a classic racer underpinned by pure-electric performance. The same state-of-the-art powertrain that delivers breath-taking performance in the Battista hyper GT powers the B95, but with a unique tune for such a bespoke vehicle. Accelerating from 0-60mph in less than 2 seconds, B95 has a top speed of more than 186 mph. The B95 features a high-capacity 120 kWh lithium-ion battery generating peak power of 1400 kW (1900 PS). The liquid-cooled, T-shaped battery pack is protected within a strong and lightweight carbon fiber housing and charges with DC fast chargers up to 38 slmag.net

270kW for a 20-80% top-up in as little as 25 minutes. Five driving modes are available to tailor driving dynamics, which activate via a tactile, sporty rotary selector next to the steering wheel. At The Bridge VII, an annual invitation-only event held in the Hamptons this past September, the B95 was presented alongside the Battista Edizione Nino Farina, a tribute to the fearless spirit of the first-ever F1 World Champion, Nino Farina – nephew of company founder Battista 'Pinin' Farina. The unique exterior design of the Battista Edizione Nino Farina is finished in bespoke Rosso Nino. This deep, rich red hue pays homage to the vehicles Nino Farina drove throughout his racing career and is complemented by a special livery on the lower body, finished in Bianco Sestriere and Iconica Blu. Interior details specific to this Battista Edizione include a black anodized chassis plate with a bespoke 'Nino Farina' dedication and passenger door plates unique to each vehicle that celebrates a different milestone from Nino Farina's life. The Battista's unique launch control technology contributes to Formula One car-beating acceleration, with 0-60mph achieved in 1.79 seconds. A car as fast as Battista demands strong stopping power, and official tests confirm that Battista is one of the fastest-braking EVs in the world. "B95 delivers the power of Battista and yet creates a new dimension of driving experience, redefining the very joy of driving. It is the first of a new kind, an object of desire that introduces the thrill of exceptional, electrified performance in stunning open-top form," said Paolo Dellachà, Chief Executive Officer, of Automobili Pininfarina. sl

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HO P!O (THERE IT IS) Compiled by Bridget Williams

This page, clockwise from top left: Michael Bondanza. Available through Elleard B. Heffern in St. Louis and michaelbondanza.com. Marco Bicego Jaipur Collection ($5,140). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nchols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and us.marcobicego. com. Mastoloni ($1,355). Available through Richter & Phillips Co. in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville, & Chesterfield Jewelers in St. Louis, and mastoloni.com. Luvente ($2,530). Available through Richter & Phillips Co. in Cincinnati and luvente.com. DY Mercer™ multi hoops ($1,750). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and davidyurman.com.

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This page, top row: Dru Jewelry ($1,895). Available through VanderZon Jewelers in Indianapolis and drujewelry.com. Rainbow hoops from Albarre Jewelry in St. Louis (albarre.com). Melissa Kaye ($13,850). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and melissakayejewelry.com. Lower rows, left-right: Harvey Owen (from $600; harveyowen.com). Jemma Wynne ($8,400; jemmawynne.com). Ananya (ananya.com). Rush Jewelry Design ($1,500; rushjewelrydesign.com). Akaila Reid ($3,560; akailareid.com). Alice Pierre ($1,960; alicepierre.com). Anita Ko ($6,525; anitako.com). Cece Jewellery ($17,286; cecejewellery.com). Mason & Brooks ($6,250; masonandbrooks.com). Deborah Pagani ($3,129; deborahpagani.com). Mindi Mond ($21,000; mindimondny.com). Boochier ($9,360; boochier.com)

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LA DOLCE RICCI Life is sweet as an owner of Palazzo Ricci in Abruzzo. Written by Claire Williams The recent TikTok craze prompting people to ask the men in their lives to reveal how much they think about the Roman Empire has undoubtedly placed the Eternal City top of mind for many. Between the ruins of Rome and the picturesque hillside towns of the Amalfi Coast spamming your Instagram, it's easy to overlook that other regions of the country are equally endowed with history and beauty. One is Abruzzo, located in southern Italy, next to the Adriatic Sea. It's known as the "green lung" of Italy and dubbed "the greenest region in Europe" as almost half of its territory is designated as either a national park or nature reserve, with dramatic mountain ranges and medieval villages spread throughout, with locals and tourists able to ski, hike, and visit the beach. The area is also not saturated with tourists, so instead of Italian knickknacks on every corner and overcrowded museums, you're able to travel throughout the region and discover like a true local, and follow the saying "when in Rome…" (or in this case "when in Abruzzo..."). 42 slmag.net

Within Abruzzo, the hill town of Casoli, situated on the foothill of Majella Mountain, is crowned by Palazzo Ricci. The historic palace is prominently cited to provide expansive views of the village, the Apennine Mountains, and the Adriatic Sea. On a recent visit to Casoli, we were escorted by two of Palazzo Ricci's Italian ambassadors, Yulia, who could be a young Sophia Loren's doppelgänger, and Giorgio, who looks like he stepped out of a Dolce and Gabbana ad campaign. Both made us feel like extras in a movie as we strode the cobblestone streets alongside them, listening to their stories about the city. Baron Ricci started compiling the first stones of the Palazzo Ricci in 1522. By 1799, the palatial estate allowed the noble Ricci family to entertain the era's dignitaries, royalty, famous artists, and celebrated writers within its walls. During World War II, the 38,000-square-foot Palazzo housed German and British regional commanders. After the war, the Ricci's returned and briefly used the property as their summer home.

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Visiting Italy, it's easy to fall under its spell and wonder what it would be like to live there. That's just what happened to one of the founders of Palazzo Ricci, Mike Brosnan and his wife, who stumbled upon the weather-battered ruins of the Palazzo during a trip to Tuscany in 2018. Along with friends and investors, hospitality and development veteran Ron Wade, and British interior designer power couple Bimbi Bellhouse and Spencer Power, the group is restoring Palazzo Ricci to rival its 18th-century grandeur with contemporary creature comforts. When complete, the Palazzo will contain 14 luxury residences and a host of five-star amenities, such as an owners' lounge, massage room, a rooftop observation deck, and a state-of-theart fitness center, to name a few. The careful restoration of the Palazzo has preserved the good bones and quirks inherent to the historic structure. They've refurbished the tiled roof and stained-glass windows, recreated floor tiles to match the original, and uncovered a mural belonging to a small chapel once hidden behind a wall. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into the owner's lounge, consisting of a library, wine cellar, art gallery, card and game room, 44 slmag.net

and a Roman bath, fully showcasing the Italian experience. Each of the Palazzo's three floors has four residences ranging from one to three bedrooms, from 628 square feet to 1494 square feet. The top floor is a 2,400+-square-foot penthouse with three en suite bedrooms and a private terrace overlooking the mountains. There's also a cottage residence, a separate two-level dwelling on the Palazzo grounds with a study and leisure space on the ground level, three bedrooms, and a walk-out balcony overlooking the palace gardens on the second floor. Each residence is treated as a standalone home, with individual design schemes suited to each interior and unique layout. The hand-picked eclectic furnishings, ranging from period antiques to Mid-Century pieces, will all remain true to the roots of the 18th-century Palazzo. Outside, the palace grounds will rival Italy's most prestigious villas, with 10,000 square feet of reclaimed formal gardens, a luxury swimming pool and spa, a fitness center, and outdoor living and dining areas. Owners can purchase an equity share in a residence, which provides a minimum of five-and-a-half weeks of use per year, with

the option to reduce or add on the number of weeks at the property and its amenities. The Palazzo Ricci Club allows guests to have an Italian home away from home with the amenities of a luxury hotel. Owners enjoy their residence without the commitment of buying a vacant second home for extended periods. If you can pull yourself away from the charms and amenities of the Palazzo and the village at its feet, Rome and Naples are just a two-to-three-hour drive from Casoli, and the Adriatic Sea is just a 30-minute drive. What was once a railway going up and down the coast is now a flat walking and bike path next to the sea. Structures known as trabocchi, once used as piers by fishermen, line the beach and serve as restaurants offering the catch of the day. Abruzzo boasts three signature wines: the white Trebbiano, the Cerasuolo rosé, and the red Montepulciano. The small organic vineyards at Azienda Tilli (aziendatilli.it/en/) made an impression, particularly when accompanied by a dinner as bold and rich as the wines. The winery's chef, a local just barely out of high school, further proves that this region is full of hidden gems.

At every meal throughout our tour of the many villages surrounding Casoli, one of our favorites was an Abruzzo specialty known as Pallotte Cacio e Uova, which are basically oven-baked cheese balls that really need no further explanation. Locals are ecstatic to speak with visitors and share their culture in an area somewhat untouched by the tourism craze that has nearly overrun Italy. A day trip in Lanciano brought us to the Bottega Buon Gusto, where our brief sampling of local products turned into an aperitif tasting of delicacies from the region, led by an enthusiastic owner eager to share his love of the area. The Palazzo Ricci Club allows owners to live like locals while being pampered like luxury guests in a region that truly can offer something for everyone. Five centuries after the first stones were laid for the foundation of the Palazzo Ricci, its legacy lives on for another generation to partake in the beauty and culture just as all those luminaries did centuries ago. There are five classes of fractional co-ownership at Palazzo Ricci, beginning at approximately $100,000. For more information, visit palazzoricci.club. sl slmag.net

CHILD'S PLAY Fine jewelry fashioned with a youthful perspective. Compiled by Bridget Williams

Emily P. Wheeler x Super Smalls Lucky Streak necklace ($34 for child’s version at supersmalls. com; $9,800 adult version at emilypwheeler.com).

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This page, top row: Onirikka Leap necklace (onirikka.com). Gigi Clozeau Cat Classic Gigi bracelet ($415; gigiclozeau.com). Bondeye Jewelry enamel heart with rolo chain ($475; bondeyejewelry.com). Marie Lichtenberg Candy Cane stick pendant ($7,520; marielichtenberg.com). VAN Stack Robot (from $4,950; vanrobot.com). Sig Ward horseshoe ring ($2,480; sigwardjewelry.com). Yvonne Leon rainbow earrings ($1,985; yvonneleon.com). Aaron Basha Prince & Princess cufflinks ($9,600). Available through Richter & Phillips in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and aaronbasha.com. Picchiotti “reversible’ Earrings ($26,400). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis, and picchiotti.it/en. EF Collection stud earrings ($375; efcollection.com). Eden Presley flower drop earrings ($2,800; edenpresley.com). Jacquie Aiche Twiggy anklet (jacquieaiche.com). Emily P. Wheeler heart bracelet ($8,900; emilypwheeler.com). Stephen Webster men’s Gossip ring. Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, and stephenwebster.com. Nadine Aysoy ombre ear cuff ($2,060; nadineaysoy.com). Janne Blake starfish charm (jennablake.com).

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The Charleston Place Hotel

STARRY-EYED SURPRISE

The newest owner of a Charleston icon aims to make it the city's first five-star hotel. Written by Bridget Williams There's comfort in consistency. The Charleston Place is the "OG" of the Charleston tourism machine. When it originally opened in 1986, the three-acre, 433-room property, situated in the heart of Charleston's historic district, catalyzed revving up the tourism engine, whose current full-throttle operation is evidenced by Explore Charleston's $24 million budget and countless multipage ads in national glossy magazines. The result is the Holy City enjoying a decade-long stretch as the No. 1 city in the United States, as voted by readers of Travel + Leisure. After being acquired in late 2021 for $350 million by local philanthropist and businessman Ben Navarro/Beemok Hospitality Collection (BHC), The Charleston Place shed its Belmond flag and reemerged several months later as a locally owned and independently managed hotel (for the first time in its history). Today, the crown jewel of Charleston succeeds without gimmicks or schtick, leaning instead on its recently refreshed and classically appointed public spaces and guest rooms matched with thoughtful amenities, elevated food and beverage offerings, and impeccable service.

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BHC plans $150 million worth of upgrades and renovations to preserve The Charleston Place's treasured identity while aiming for a five-star designation. Navarro is going for the gold with an all-star team comprised of luxury interior design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon, credited with the renovation of the Four Seasons George V in Paris and the Waldorf Astoria in New York and Beverly Hills; Atlantabased architect Cooper Carry, whose projects include The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island; New York landscape firm Rees Roberts & Partners; and Charleston interior designer Cortney Bishop Design. With an arrival that coincided with an extended torrential downpour, I had plenty of time to explore the property's indoor amenities. My spacious room projected a feeling of tranquility with two-tone taupe and grey walls accented with wainscotting and wallto-wall carpeting designed to mimic an Oriental rug. An ornate tieback mirrored the elegance of the multi-layered window drapery, which, when opened, revealed a glimpse of several of the more than 400 church steeples that punctuate the city's skyline. Antique mirrors accentuate the wardrobe, and an expanse of crisp white marble defines the elegant and spacious bathroom.

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The Charleston Place's expansive lobby serves as the city's living room, particularly during the holidays, when fidgety children dressed in their Sunday best are lined up for photographs on the split staircase. It's a behemoth property, but it's a sumptuous sprawl with wings holding boutiques and a breakfast-to-after-dinner array of dining opportunities that aren't mere hotel restaurants but gastronomic destinations in their own right. At the pinnacle of dining options is the Charleston Grill, where, under the direction of Chef de Cuisine Suzy Castelloe, seasonally-inspired and beautifully presented dishes match the understated elegance of environs outfitted with gilt bamboo fivearm chandeliers, champagne-colored walls with mirrored arched alcoves, contemporary art, and a moody dark painted bar. Long back-to-back camel-colored velvet banquettes line the center of the dining room, which overlooks a brick courtyard shared with the Palmetto Grill. Open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday, live jazz complements the elevated experience. 50 slmag.net

Unable to decide what to order, I asked my waiter, Drew, if three courses were too many. He replied, "I eat for sport," and encouraged me to follow his lead for an evening of perfectly paced culinary theatre. An asparagus mousse amuse-bouche complemented the Grill's derivative of a Paper Plane cocktail with vibrant blood orange notes. My tuna crudo, topped with delicate micro greens and colorful edible flowers, presented a balanced blend of sweetness and heat. Savory strawberry gazpacho represented summer in a bowl. Colorado lamb with traditional pea purée and tableside jus was among the most memorable main courses I'd enjoyed in some time. By the time the third course arrived, I was already plotting the next day's out-and-back walk over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as penance for my totally worth-it overindulgence. When it came time for dessert, I initially ordered the classic carrot cake with cream cheese ice cream just for the frosting, but I dove deeper to savor the pronounced ginger overtones in the moist cake.

Indoor and outdoor terraces are found on the hotel’s spa level.

Standard guest room.

At the Palmetto Cafe, open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, the blue/green walls with petite table lights in the same hue, louvered shutters on the angled ceiling, and a plethora of tropical plants and greenery lend the feeling of dining in an Orangerie. Here, patrons can indulge in Lowcountry classics interspersed with French-inspired dishes. The dark wood-paneled walls of the Thoroughbred Club contrast the adjacent lobby's polished marble floors and white walls. It was my first stop upon arriving, and, as I was famished, I didn't think twice about indulging in both the steak tartar and house-made truffled potato chips as I observed the ebb and flow of activity in the lobby. Gastropub fare is on offer at Meeting at Market, open daily for lunch and dinner. I always log miles and miles during my visits to Charleston, so I scheduled a massage at The Charleston Place Spa, where treatments employ holistic, therapeutic practices and products to alleviate and rejuvenate. Part of a larger complex that includes an indoor lap pool with indoor and outdoor lounge areas and a large fitness facility,

The Thoroughbred Club

The spa level at The Charleston Place includes a lap pool with a retractable roof.

the spa offers nine treatment rooms and leading-edge treatments, including Intraceuticals' range of performance-driven skincare. Already steeped in history, Charleston's charm is even more pronounced during the holiday season, and Charleston Place transforms into a true holiday wonderland with extensive holiday decor covering the hotel top to bottom, including 139 trees (more than the Biltmore and the White House) and a custom-built 41-foot tree in Market Street Circle; nightly snowfall in the Market Street Circle, offering guests and the community to enjoy a White Christmas in the South; and mini-performances of The Nutcracker ballet in the lobby. Under BHC’s leadership, patrons of The Charleston Place can expect continued excellence in consistency and calculated change. In a statement released after the opening, Casey Lavin, President BHC, said, "We believe that hospitality is a transformative art and that The Charleston Place has the ability - and responsibility - to inspire and nurture our guests, team members, and partners.” sl For more information, visit charlestonplace.com.

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Sitting in the middle of a vineyard in the canton of Vaud, is the impressive Aigle Castle, a fortress built by the Savoy in the 12th century. Photo by Andreas Gerth, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

A PRIMER ON SWISS WINE Written by Claire Williams

Swiss wines have quietly gained a reputation as an insider's gem within the global wine community. Despite Switzerland producing more than 26 million gallons annually, only two percent of that leaves the country. Within Switzerland's six distinctive wine-growing regions is an astonishing array of unique terroirs and an impressive roster of over 250 grape varieties under cultivation. This captivating tapestry comes to life when strolling through the picturesque vineyards or indulging in a wine tasting within the cozy confines of a local winegrower's cellar. Wine with Passion: Malans & Grisons The area around Bad Ragaz in Malans has been making wine for over a millennia. The historic center of Bündner Herrschaft is the Bothmar Castle, and the surrounding lush green vineyards make it one of Switzerland's most beautiful wine regions. Forty-five varieties of grapes grow in the Herrschaft, which is the warmest wine-growing region in German-speaking Switzerland. While more than 50 different wines are produced here, seventy-eight percent of production is Blauburgunder, a German synonym for Pinot Noir. The region's vineyard-hiking trail offers access to many vineyards and wine cellars, regionally called Torkel, meaning "wine-press," where visitors can learn about the vintners, 52 slmag.net

the climate, and the warm and dry, gusty Föhn winds responsible for producing vintages that consistently favorable values on the German Öchsle scale, which measures the density of grape must (the freshly crushed fruit juice that contains the skins, seeds, and stems of the grapes), and indicates the sugar content and grape ripeness used in wine production. House of Wine: Rhine Valley, St. Gallen Notable for its award-winning architecture and distinctive roofline, the Haus des Weins, (house of wine) opened in October 2018 in the center of Berneck, a winemaking village approximately 30 minutes by car from the city of St. Gallen. At present, 20 winemakers from the Rhine Valley, Sarganserland/Walensee, and Lake Zurich regions utilize the house to present approximately 100 wines for tasting and purchase alongside other regional products and handicrafts. (hausdesweins-sg.ch) TukTuk and Wine: Vineyards in Geneva Welo allows you to experience Geneva's vineyards and culture with an electric TukTuk journey. En route, passionate local vintners treat you to their finest wines while sharing the stories and insights behind their craft. (www.welo.swiss)

A group of cyclists in the vineyards of Oberflachs. Photo by Andre Meier, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Vufflens Castle in the wine-growing area of La Cote on the shores of Lake Geneva. Photo by Christof Sonderegger, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

Salgesch is best known for its vineyards, its wine and the proximity to the Pfynwald nature reserve. Photo by Roland Gerth, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

Bike & Wine: Mendrisiotto, Ticino With cycling paths that wind through vineyards and villages, a favorable climate and outstanding wines, the Mendrisiotto, the region of Ticino with the most vineyards, is a paradise for active wine enthusiasts. Available April through October, the 3.5-hour tour begins at the Fumagalli Winery and travels through what is frequently referred to as the "Tuscany of Switzerland," stopping at several vineyards for tastings. (mendrisiottoterroir.ch/t-en) Behind Closed Doors: Carnotzet of the Hôtel de Ville, Lausanne Signing on to this tour opens doors usually closed to the public, the carnotzet (a word from the French regional dialect that designates a small hiding place where bottles of wine are stored)of the Hôtel de Ville, for a tasting of the wines of the Les Domaines de la Ville de Lausanne. To enhance your experience, conclude by visiting a secret location for a delicious wine tasting narrated by a passionate local connoisseur. (lausanne-tourisme.ch/en/offer/lausanne-and-its-wines) Dynamic Wine Traditions: Lake Zürich Visitors can indulge in Zürich's wines at vineyards, wine bars, and the Expovina wine fair, staged each fall on 12 boats moored at the pier

Hiking in Chamoson in the Valais region of western Switzerland. Photo by Christian Meixner, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism. Autumn panorama near Ligerz on Lake Biel in Switzerland’s Jura & Three-Lakes area. Photo by Jan Geerk, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

The Siegenthaler family harvesting grapes in Rivaz in Lavaux, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, Canton Vaud. Photo by Stephan Engler, courtesy of Switzerland Tourism.

at Bürkliplatz on Lake Zürich. However, one of the most surprising examples of Zurich's wine aspiration is the Wellentänzer, or "wave dancer" wine. This unique wine, produced by hand harvested Johanniter grapes, undergoes a unique aging process where half the wine matures conventionally, and the other spends 70 days floating in a specially constructed sealed buoy that drifts in the lake, creating a twin comparison that serves as a reference when subsequently comparing the two wines. This innovative method harnesses the lake's natural energy, contributing to the wine's distinct character and symbolizing Zürich's creative winemaking approach. In Zürich, you can taste Wellentänzer at Restaurant Igniv (igniv.com/english) and Restaurant Blaue Ente (en.muehle-tiefenbrunnen.ch/blaue-ente). Swiss Wines in the Big Apple: Lavaux Wine Bar If a trip to Switzerland isn't in the offering, but NYC is, head to the Lavaux Wine Bar, a rustic-chalet-inspired spot founded by a Swiss trio of two winemakers and a cheesemonger hailing from the Lavaux in the heart of Switzerland's French-speaking region. They are passionate about and devoted to sharing their love of Switzerland's culinary and wine traditions with New Yorkers! (thelavauxwinebar.com) sl slmag.net

A WALK IN THE PARK (CITY) Pendry Park City makes it easy to enjoy the Wasatch Mountains year-round. Written by Bridget Williams

It used to be that ski towns seemed like ghost towns in the summer months, with empty lifts languishing above verdant hillsides abloom with wildflowers. As someone who took to skiing in their 40s and seems to get less capable and confident with every lesson, the mountains have always been more of a warm weather destination for me. And while I am sure that the locals aren't entirely happy about the rest of us discovering the benefits of the slopes sans snow, summer's longer days, sunny skies, and plenty of lodging, dining, and activity options deliver capacious opportunities for communing with nature. Opened in February 2022 and located in the center of Canyons Village, an easy 35-minute drive from the Salt Lake City Airport and less than ten minutes to the heart of historic Park City, Pendry Park City provides direct access (ski-in/ski-out in winter) to the resort's 7,300 acres of varied terrain. Founded in 2014 by Alan Fuerstman and his son Michael, Pendry is the younger sibling of Montage and the first Pendry outpost to operate as a destination resort. The resort’s 53 guest rooms are spread out in two towers with ample indoor/outdoor gathering areas at the mountain's base. 54 slmag.net

The soaring lobby, dominated by a massive stone and steel two-sided gas fireplace, is a hub of activity day and night, as Aprés Pendry, a European-inspired lobby lounge, transitions from breakfast to a chic remote work site and through to the nightcap crowd. An important aspect of Pendry’s brand identity is being artforward, emphasizing unique lighting and architectural elements. A majority of the accommodations at Pendry, ranging in size from a studio to four bedrooms, are privately owned. The super cute bunkroom in our sprawling two-bedroom, 2.5-bath corner unit (with the ability to link to adjacent rooms) almost made me wish we were traveling with young children. A muted color palette with a mix of natural materials, including stone, leather, and wood, and a smattering of contemporary art in geometric motifs defined the mountain-contemporary interior. Unique design touches included leather strap details on the tweed-meets-boucle upholstered sofa in the living room and a dining table for ten with leather bench seating. The fully-equipped kitchen, with an eight-burner gas range and a full-size Bertazoni refrigerator, sat unused due to the plethora of outstanding dining options on the property and beyond.

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Bunk room in a twobedroom unit at Pendry.

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View from a hiking trail on a mountain above Pendry.

KITA, the resort's signature dining experience, was conceived as a welcome change from the plethora of American steakhouses that predominate the area. "There's nothing like digging into a hot bowl of aprés ramen," said Beth Rossi, Director of PR and Marketing. KITA offers a menu of the finest A-5 Kato, Miyazaki, and renowned Kagawa Wagyu beef, as well as the aforementioned house-made ramen; daily chef 's-special robatayaki; and an extensive menu of Japanese seafood sourced from sustainable Japanese fisheries and flown-in nightly. Dos Olas is a solid Mexican restaurant serving seriously good tacos and margaritas in a lively environment. The aptly named Pool House, located atop building two and adjacent to the only rooftop pool and bar in the area, offers a naughty and nice menu where you can get a mammoth serving of truffle parmesan fries to accompany your fresh poke bowl. The spa level of building two includes a sprawling and well-equipped gym, a mainstay of mountain towns catering to the active, outdoorsy set. My blissful one-hour facial was an expertly choreographed pas de deux that seamlessly pivoted from

restorative to restful. The pumpkin enzyme peel, which smelled good enough to eat, left me with a baby-faced pink glow. A subsidiary of Pendry, the onsite Compass Sports offers equipment rentals and the latest accessories for every season, including ski, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking gear. Want to take a helicopter to Escalante National Monument for a private guided tour? They can happily arrange that and almost any outdoor expedition you can dream up. Guests can avail themselves of ample hiking and biking trails when the mountains aren't covered in snow. Ride the Red Pine Gondola to access an easy alpine lake hike, or take the 6.1-mile out-and-back trek to Fantasy Ridge, where a safety rope helps hikers navigate a shark fin ridge (don't look down if you're afraid of heights). The trail tops out at Desolation Peak, the second highest in Park City at 9,990 feet. Pendry offers a complimentary shuttle to Park City for venturing outside Canyons Village. Alternatively, you can reserve an SUV from their in-house suite of Cadillacs. No matter the season, there's never a shortage of things to do. sl For more information and special offers at Pendry Park City, visit pendry.com/park-city/offers.

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THE GIFT OF TIME Compiled by Bridget Williams

Top row, left to right: Tag Heuer Monaco Night Driver ($9,550). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and tagheuer.com. Arnold & Son DSTB 42 Red Gold (from CHF 42,600; arnoldandson.com). Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Dusk to Dawn ($5,000; louiserard.com). Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" ($5,995). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus & Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and tudorwatch.com. Middle row, left to right: Bell & Ross 41mm BR03 Golden Heritage ($3,900). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and bellross.com. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “ETNZ” Edition ($13,300). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and omegawatches.com. The Angelus Chronodate Titanium Storm Blue (angelus-wwatches.com). Longines Hydroconquest GMT ($2,775). Available through Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and longines.com. Kross Studio "House of the Dragon" Balerion Central Floating Tourbillon (CHF 108,000; store.kross-studio.ch). Bottom row, left to right: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 40mm ($19,500). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus & Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and rolex.com. The 101 Bangle by Jaeger-LeCoultre ($351,000). Inquire through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and at jaeger-lecoultre.com.

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Breitling Navitimer 32 (from $4,600). Available through Richter & Phillips Co. in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers & Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville. breitling.com. Image courtesy of Breitling.

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BMW’S NEUE VIEW With its latest design concept, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse, the company is showcasing what the next generation of its vehicles will look like. Written by Andre James Unveiled to the public for the first time at the IAA Mobility 2023 International Show in Munich this past September, BMW says its Vision Neue Klasse embodies a clear design language, with expansive surfaces and just a few distinctive lines, that have been pared down to the essentials. “The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines our ability to innovate in the core areas of electrification, digitalization, and circularity,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In this way, we are always able to stay two steps ahead of the future: The Neue Klasse is already bringing the mobility of the next decade to the roads in 2025 – and leading BMW into a new era.” The minimalist monolithic approach accentuates signature and subtly reinterpreted features like the BMW kidney grille, steeply forward-slanting “shark nose” front end, and the Hofmeister kink of the side window graphic. Distinctive wheel arches frame 21-inch aerodynamic wheels that pay tribute to the classic cross-spoke design inspired by motorsports. Paintwork in “Joyous bright,” a subtle yellow hue, underscores the cars

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approachable, future-oriented personality and contrasts the black side skirts and bumpers. A lighting effect with precise three-dimensional animation initiates intuitive interaction between the car and the driver as soon as they approach the car. E Ink elements in the lower portion of the side windows also feature in the exterior welcome scenario, directing attention to the sensor area that activates automatic door opening. Innovative technology similarly defines the design of the rear lights, with 3D-printed elements that extend over several levels and are controlled in a targeted manner to create a unique impression of depth. In addition to highly efficient electric motors, major advances in the new BMW eDrive technology include newly developed round battery cells, with more than 20% higher energy density than the prismatic cells used previously. The sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology will improve the charging speed and boost range for Neue Klasse models by up to 30%, and increase overall vehicle efficiency by up to twenty-five percent.

Inside the next generation of BMW iDrive guarantees a unique digital user experience that merges real and virtual worlds. Analogue operating controls have been reduced to a minimum. With BMW Panoramic Vision, which will be available for the first time in the Neue Klasse, information is projected at the ideal height into the driver’s line of sight and, for the first time, across the entire width of the windscreen, allowing both the driver and passenger to interact with the information displayed. A coordinated choreography between the ambient lighting and graphic elements of the Central Display and BMW Panoramic Vision enriches the user experience – which can also be customized using My Modes. In My Mode ‘Sport’, specific displays are set against a yellow background to support dynamic driving. The new BMW iDrive is based on a highly integrated software architecture that consolidates driving experience and infotainment data with data from the vehicle’s electronics and electrical system and the BMW cloud. Bright cord fabrics create a comfortable atmosphere inside the cabin. The light-colored instrument panel supports the

steering wheel, which is flattened at the top and bottom, as well as the Central Display with Matrix-Backlight in the outline of a parallelogram. The front seats are attached to the floor by a single bracket, freeing up additional legroom in the rear compartment, where passengers can enjoy the spaciousness created by having two individual seats. The design of the interior, which is completely free of decorative chrome or leather, helps optimize the carbon footprint of the production process. “30% more range, 30% faster charging, 25% more efficiency– the Neue Klasse represents a major technological leap that will take EfficientDynamics to new heights. The same applies to its design–which could not be any more futuristic,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Development. “With the Neue Klasse, we have embarked on the biggest investment in the company’s history. We are not just writing the next chapter of BMW; we’re writing a whole new book. That’s why the Neue Klasse will certainly impact all model generations.” sl

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GATHER ROUND THE TABLE

Gear up for the Holiday season with pieces perfect for getting or gifting. Compiled by Lionel Haff

Top row, left to right: Francesca waxed linen placemat ($64/pair; rebeccaudall.com). Mahatsara hand-woven telephone wire Open V platter (mahatsara.com/en/). Jenni Kayne x Staub oval gratin ($395; jennikayne.com). Bodman Blades' Weru Burl and Damascus Steel Pizza Wheel from ABASK ($1,070; abask.com). Chehoma Tooth pic owl (chehoma.com). Middle row, left to right: Annabel James resting stag wine cooler/punch bowl ($237; annabeljames.co.uk). Riedel Mosel Magnum decanter ($99; riedel.com). Vista Alegre Pharos tea set ($750; neimanmarcus. com). Carving set from Sabre Paris (us.sabre-paris.com). Chehoma green hobnail pitcher ($136; chehoma.com). Manual pepper mill from Peugeot ($89.95; us.peugeot-saveurs.com). Bottom row, left to right: Drag icon Ginger Minj spills the tea, bringing her signature humor and sass to a tongue-in-cheek memoir/cookbook. Entertain like royalty with Emily Timberlake's recipes for Bridgerton-style food and drink in the first official cookbook from the hugely popular Shondaland series on Netflix. Author Bryson Taylor shares 75 recipes inspired by the cult-classic holiday movie Home Alone. Skip the bar—and the alcohol—with Derick Santiago's 75 alcohol-free recipes for classic drinks, new flavor concoctions, and twists on old favorites.

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Lucas Castex' No 7 Oiled Walnut Serving Platter from ABASK ($1,475; abask.com)

Nickey Kehoe stoneware mixing bowls ($225; nickeykehoe.com)

Juliska Country Estate Winter Frolic & Stewart Tartan dinnerware and Berry & Thread flatware (juliska.com).

Kay Bojesen walnut Menageri corkscrew ($55) and bottle opener ($55; us.rosendahl.com)

Veronica Bear x Juliska Jardins Du Monde party plate, Bohemian Vine dinner plate, bamboo flatware, straw loop placemat, Bohemian Vine party plate, Jardins Du Monde planters (juliska.com)

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For after-dinner entertainment, Beringer Vineyards x Cynthia Rowley Wild & Refined Playing Card Deck ($35; beringer.com)

Dewar’s limited edition Double Double 37-Year-Old Scotch Whisky is crafted by five-time Master Blender of the Year Stephanie Macleod. Dewar’s Scotch Whisky has partnered with luxury French crystal manufacturer, Baccarat, to release a limited-edition set of Double Double 37 and cut crystal glassware as the ideal accoutrement to enjoy the ultra-premium liquid in style ($1,799; Dewars.com).

Orin Swift 2021 Papillon ($90) is a blend of all five Bordeaux-style varietals (orinswift.com).

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Mackmyra Svensk Whisky is Sweden's first 20-year-old singlemalt, aged underground in the Bodås mine for twenty years in ex-bourbon casks ($852; mackmyra.com).

T R A NSITION AL

TRADITION AL

RESIDENTIAL

CON TEMPORARY

COMMERCIAL DESIGN

41 S Rangeline Rd. Carmel,IN 46032 317-848-0020 savvydecor.com

LINDA A MORDOH, OWNER ROSEMARY PETERS • ERIKA PATE ANNE SMELTZER • AMY GAWRONSKI

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The backsplash is the star of this inviting kitchen.

A MATCH MADE IN INDIANAPOLIS

Joe and Mark Gradison of Gradison Design-Build team up with Linda Mordoh of Savvy Decor Written by Geri Imler / Photographed by Rachel Lutz slmag.net

Soothing colors and playful patterns combine beautifully in the living room.

It is no secret that downtown Indianapolis has much to offer, from creative culinary cuisine to colorful cultural events, sport venues to year-round fairs and festivals. Every week brings new options, opportunities, and memories for those willing to take advantage of the state’s capital city. For one family, that of Todd and Lisa Higgins, making the decision to build near the bustling action was an exciting step towards soaking up the city’s charms. Starting from scratch, with Joe and Mark Gradison of Gradison Design-Build and Linda Mordoh of Savvy Decor by their side, the resulting home surpassed anything they could have ever imagined. Drawn to the vibrancy and diversity of being downtown, the Higginses’ first step was to engage the Gradisons to help not only secure the unique site, but also to walk them through the multi-step process of their innovative design-build framework. This multifaceted approach takes time, allowing the builders and homeowners to really get to know each other and the priorities of the house. The process begins with assessing the strengths of the site (including such details as sun orientation) and then moves on to matching that with client-driven design elements. The conversations that follow filter into discoveries not only about the clients themselves, but the home they want to build, ultimately creating a prioritized list of wants and needs. “They definitely 68 slmag.net

listened to our vision and guided us,” says Lisa. As a tight-knit family who cherishes time spent with their three grown children, creating a home to accommodate extended family was high on the Higginses’ list of must haves. But building downtown is not without some unique challenges, especially when building in a historical neighborhood. While the end result may promise convenience to all things Indianapolis, trying to create parking in such tight quarters, as well as areas for staging materials and sequencing work, requires specific and extra planning. The Higginses’ much-desired carriage house is a prime example, as Gradison not only designed this element, but had to wait until the space was cleared from other home materials storage to build it. Gradison has worked through these types of obstacles before, as Joe Gradison tells us: “the building process is fluid, so the challenge is having the patience and discipline to hold the schedule without pulling trades in too early.” This keen observation takes experience to execute, and the homeowners placed their confidence in Gradison to achieve the house they wanted through a solid partnership with them. Their weekly calls to discuss challenges and successes as they figured out each element of the build not only created excitement for the Higginses, but for all involved in piecing together this puzzle into a picture of perfection.

Texture plays an important role in the interior design.

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The polished entry

A huge soaking tub is the focal point of the main bathroom.

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This office holds a secret...a Murphy bed.

Beautiful marble and bold stripes give this main floor bath a classic, yet contemporary feel.

A custom painting by artist Anna Afshar features Monument Circle.

That sense of collaboration extended to another member of the team, Linda Mordoh of Savvy Decor. Like Gradison Design-Build, this is not the first home Linda has dipped her fingers into molding downtown. But it is the first home she has crafted from the pre-build planning stage to the final perfectly placed piece of furniture. Being a part of the entire process–from tiles to lighting, flooring to furniture– inspired Linda to think outside of the box. The task before her and the Higginses was immense: fully utilize the amazing location while making the house Gradison was actively building into a gorgeously designed, yet entirely functional, home for family and entertaining. It is safe to say all three teams succeeded beyond all doubt. “Our home is exactly what we dreamed of,” Lisa says. “Linda’s expertise definitely played a role in helping us achieve our dream home.” The open floor plan has three fully realized levels. On the main floor, a large great room and three spacious bedrooms sit

ready to welcome friends and loved ones. A custom-made art piece commissioned by local artist Anna Afshar featuring downtown Indianapolis’ Monument Circle greets anyone who is lucky enough to cast their eyes inside the home’s front doors. In the great room, the inlaid linear fireplace creates a feeling of warmth, while the creamy cushions of the sofa beckon them to take a load off their feet and minds. Stepping into the kitchen, chairs surround an enormously luxurious island, waiting to welcome conversation and contemplation. Complementing the creamy classic countertops is the playful design of the backsplash, drawing the eye up to the golden accents on the darker range hood and sphere pendants. The family’s office, which overlooks the front of the house and hides a Murphy bed, is a combination of blacks, whites, and cowhide. The synchrony of its design extends to the first floor bathroom, with its geometric pattern of black and white tiles and striped wallpaper. slmag.net

The main bedroom is a deft mix of traditional and modern pieces.

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The lower level is the perfect spot in which to enjoy watching a Colts game.

Take the steps down to the basement level to be greeted by a delightful mixing of bourgeois and sporty. With its large sectional and five-person dining table, the space offers another sanctuary for the homeowners. Along with its cozy charm, showcased on the wall is the directional sign from the old Indianapolis Colts stadium–the RCA Dome–that once pointed this football-loving family to their season ticket seats. But if it is the night air that beckons, hopping on the elevator to the top floor lounge and rooftop deck provides not just a view of the fabulous swimming pool below, but of the amazing downtown skyline with its southwest views of the city and setting sun. A dishwasher, coffee maker, and bar area mean nothing is missing from this sky-high retreat. According to Linda, the Higginses look forward to “having to choose a different place to sit each night!” With a rooftop deck, a great room, an outdoor patio, and an upstairs lounge, their options are impressive. As they point out, “it’s super-livable, has multiple areas to hang out, and never feels crowded with its spaciousness.” Even with all these unique touches, Linda’s favorite part of the house is not a room or feature, though. Instead, when pressed to choose, she believes “the overall appeal and the feel of the home” is what makes her heart beat faster. “It’s so convenient, has an open feel, can be used for entertaining or family…it has it all.” Building a beautiful home that blends in with the culture and existing homes surrounding it is a privilege she is proud to be included in. Similarly to the way the home blends seamlessly into

the landscape of downtown, so too did Linda work to integrate pieces previously owned by the Higginses with her new design elements. Her desire was not to just make the house beautiful, but to also make it feel like home, a characteristic that evolved as they worked meticulously through the process alongside Gradison. With its completion, every room now has a little hook in it to make it special, to make it stand out, to make it theirs. But what truly makes this home unique is not just its amazing location. “What made it work so well was our collaboration,” Joe Gradison says. It is the merging of a master builder, a detailed designer, and the dream of two people wanting to make a move into the heart of the city. “We can’t imagine tackling this process without all their guidance and expertise,” says Lisa. By stirring together a melting pot of ideas, what welcomes the Higginses each day is a blend of quality construction, sophistication, and fun. “It’s how a family will live within the walls of a Gradison home that truly matters,” says Joe. In the end, it is not just a style, floorplan, or single part of the process that defines the finished product. It is making a client’s inspirations become their reality, it is bringing life to their dreams, and it is making the Higginses fall in love with Indianapolis and their new home over and over again. Or more simply, as the homeowners put it: “It is perfect–we absolutely love it!” sl For more information, visit gradisonbuilding.com and savvydecor.com

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T Way o Re r e

vate! no

A Bet t

Refined Remodeling

Since 1986

In Indianapolis, our Gradison family name has represented not only extraordinary custom homes but something beyond the art of construction. You deserve so much more than designs, schedules and budgets—after all, this is your dream home we’re talking about. Our approach is simple—building a relationship, then your home. We believe that’s the best way to truly design a custom home and a building process that fits your life. Your style.

GradisonBuilding.com

Image by Artistic Tile

8610 East 106th St • Fishers, IN • (317) 842-2888 • www.archbricktile.com

BRING YOUR VISION TO US The experts at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery are here to help create a home that’s as extraordinary as you are. Any project, any style, any dream—bring your inspiration to Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Visit build.com/ferguson to schedule your personalized showroom experience today.

YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM: CARMEL

Ciri Kitchen

Simplified. The Heart of the Home. Simpliﬁed. The Premier Group and Ovation AV are proud to announce their merger to offer an even broader assortment of superior brands and leading-edge home and commercial technology services to the Greater-Indianapolis area.

Simplified.

Combining Premier’s leadership position in residential and commercial integrated systems including lighting, window treatments, security & camera surveillance, audio & video entertainment, conferencing systems, and related technology solutions, and Ovation’s expertise and long standing reputation for providing the very best brands in high-end two-channel audio and Atmos home theater systems, this merger will surely result in customers being offered some of thetouch finestpanel. selections and Simplifying your smart home technology into one easy-to-use services the technology industry has to offer. After a tiring workday, it’s time to escape to a place of calm and relaxation. Let us help

you simplify your2024, evening routine the touch of a button called your “Night” scene. COMING SOON! In early you’ll be into invited to browse the new Ovation Retail Gallery featuring Contact us for a private consultation in our state-of-the-art showroom at the Indiana

the very best inDesign Lighting, Audio & Video. This new Experience Center will offer designers and homeCenter. owners the chance to test-drive the latest in home technology trends. Please visit our current Premier and Ovation showrooms.

premier-group.com

Premier Showroom Indiana Design Center 200 S Rangeline Rd, Ste. 118 Carmel, IN 46032

Simplifying your smart home technology into one easy-to-use touch panel. After a tiring workday, it’s time to escape to a place of calm and relaxation. Let us help

ovationav.com

Ovation AV Showroom Residential & Commercial Gallery 12345 Old Meridian St Carmel, IN 46032

THE GREENBRIER LEGACY CLUB Living the luxury resort lifestyle Written by Jeffrey Cohen Early this fall, my wife and I found ourselves returning to The Greenbrier, where we had been fortunate enough about the same time last year to stay with our children in one of the estate homes which date back to the 19th century. Our offspring were not too happy that they would be missing out on this most recent trip, one being away at college and the other in high school, but we were secretly delighted to spend a few very relaxing days in each other’s company at this world-class resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. This time, we would be staying at one of the historic Spring Row Cottages, part of the Legacy Club, a prestigious residential community situated within the sprawling grounds of The Greenbrier, a stone’s throw from the main resort. Famous for its world-class golf courses designed by icons like Jack Nicklaus and CB Macdonald, The Greenbrier is unique amongst resort destinations. Considered a luxury retreat from its inception, The Greenbrier began to further bolster its already sterling reputation as a sporting haven when it was purchased by entrepreneur (and future Governor of West Virginia) Jim Justice in 2009. Embodying a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern living, the Greenbrier Legacy Club offers a unique experience for its residents. The Spring Row Cottages, nestled alongside the resort’s spring-fed lakes next to the croquet courts, offer stunning views and unparalleled tranquility. Featuring immaculately designed interiors with all the amenities one could desire, these quaint homes pay homage to traditional architecture while effortlessly incorporating contemporary convenience. Arriving at our cottage after a long day of travel, we were charmed by the artful blend of Southern elegance and modern comfort. Featuring timeless elements such as hardwood floors, plush carpets and a color palette including soft pastels and warm earth tones, the entire home was illuminated by an abundance of natural light streaming through large windows, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Our living spaces were adorned with tasteful artwork and luxurious fabrics, and the bathrooms featured marble accents. We were also delighted to discover that the historic Legacy Club cottages are currently being made available for sale turnkey and fully deeded in association with membership to this new exclusive club; it’s truly an opportunity to own a piece of history, as the cottages have hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities throughout the years. Owning one of these cottages at The Greenbrier Legacy Club offers a range of exceptional benefits, including interior design and decorating, housekeeping and maintenance, making it possible to live the resort experience full- or part-time. With world-class resort amenities, including legendary golf courses, tennis facilities, a luxurious spa and private casino, and numerous options for fine dining right at their doorstep, residents can savor the ultimate in convenience and leisure.

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The Legacy Club courses are designed by golf legends.

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Resort living is a way of life at the Legacy Club.

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An interior of one of the Cottages

Following a quick change of clothes and a refreshing gin and tonic, my wife and I headed to Prime 44 West, the Greenbrier’s steakhouse, for dinner. Named the best restaurant in West Virginia by Southern Living magazine, Prime 44 West honors NBA legend and West Virginia native Jerry West. Upscale, clubby and inviting, the restaurant epitomizes the genre. We could not have been happier to dig into a couple of impeccable pieces of beef: the New York strip for myself and the Kansas City strip for my wife, accompanied by a spectacularly good Rhone red from the restaurant’s impressive list. Anticipating significant quantities of food and drink over the course of our stay, I made sure to spend an hour each morning at the extraordinarily well-equipped fitness center, located inside the resort’s tournament-level tennis facility. My wife and I also played a couple of games of tennis outdoors on a clay court adjacent to some players from the Las Vegas Raiders, who were practicing at the resort’s football facility. For years, NFL teams have come here to practice, including my beloved New Orleans Saints. Following my morning workout, breakfast each day was at the main dining room, where I alternated between the excellent salmon benedict and the lox and bagel with caviar.

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Design services can be part of the Legacy Club package.

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The Spring Row Cottages

An inviting porch at one of The Cottages

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The Greenbrier resort

Our second full day was action-packed. Following my usual workout and breakfast, we met up with one of the resort’s veteran instructors and guides for an hour of shotgun shooting, something in which my wife probably gained some experience on her grandparents’ farm, but I believe I held my own. After lunch, we shot a few more holes, this time at the Greenbrier golf course, where I fared somewhat better. Then it was a proper Italian dinner at The Forum, where we enjoyed classic hand-tossed Neapolitanstyle pizza made with the best imported semolina flour, burrata cheese, and handpicked preserved tomatoes from The Greenbrier Chef ’s Garden. The menu also features classical dishes from Italy’s various regions, complemented by an excellent wine list offering many Italian gems; all in all, a most enjoyable way to spend a mild fall evening. The following day we indulged in some pampering at the world-class spa. I contented myself with a Swedish massage to ease my sore muscles from the previous day’s tennis, while my wife went the distance with a facial and some other treatments that I frankly do not understand but was assured were wonderful. After lunch at Slammin’ Sammy’s, we returned to the tennis courts for a pickleball lesson. I have heard a lot about this relatively new-fangled game, but had never actually played. With the onset of late middle-age, I can attest to the fact that this is certainly easier on the knees than tennis. Our final dinner at The Greenbrier was at Sam Snead’s, a restaurant dedicated to the golfing legend. Overlooking a golf course, of course, we enjoyed the twilight and a couple of Manhattans before digging into some oysters Rockefeller, followed by lamb chops for me and a strip steak for my wife. As had been the case with all our dining experiences at The Greenbrier, the ingredients, preparation and service were of the highest order. Much as we may love The Greenbrier, the problem is always coming home: when you are pampered and treated to this degree, anything else, however good it may be, seems like a letdown. sl For more information, visit greenbrier.com and greenbrierlegacyclub.com

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FREE YOUR WILD side B O O K Y O U R 2 0 2 4 L u x u r y s a fa r i a d v e n t u r e k e n ya | S o u t h a f r i c a | ta n z a n i a When booking your travel, choose a hassle-free experience that allows you to customize your trip to Africa according to your preferences, including the destinations and experiences that interest you the most. For more information, contact Arnelle Kendall, Travel Concierge and Independent Affiliate of Unique Travel, a member of Virtuoso. 561.789.8286

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Art & Frame Conservation Corporate Art l Furniture I Textile I Sculpture Matting & Framing Antique Frames I Mirrors Collection Assessment & Cataloging Small Event Hosting

1134 East 54th Street, Studio J Indianapolis, IN 46220 317.396.0885 Easter Conservation: mjeaneaster@yahoo.com

www.easterconservation.com

CORNERSTONE INTERIORS C R E A T E

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cornerstoneinteriors@gmail.com julie@csidesignteam.com monica@csidesignteam.com

CSIDESIGNTEAM.COM

1747 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46201

317-986-6601

A BLOODY GOOD LINEUP Elevate your cocktail game with our lineup of mixes now available at Market District. Our selection has something for every palate, from award-winning classics to spicy variations. So say goodbye to the ordinary and bring home the extraordinary– because the best Bloody Marys begin with us, and they’re just a visit away!

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Banyan Brands, LLC

THE CHICAGO ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Where history meets modern luxury Written by Jeffrey Cohen Late in September of this year, my wife and I drove to Chicago to take part in our daughter’s first Family Weekend at her university. We had not seen her for several weeks, and I was, to put it mildly, feeling homesick, only in reverse. Thank goodness she is not attending college across the country, or I might be in therapy by now. We had booked a stay at the Chicago Athletic Association, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and another first for us. Centrally located across from Millennium Park, this historic architectural gem is tucked away in the heart of the city, offering a unique blend of history, sophistication, and modern luxury. The landmark building at 12 South Michigan Avenue has a storied past that dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as a private athletic club. Taking the opportunity upon our arrival to do a bit of exploring and admire the hotel’s architectural splendor, I immersed myself in its history and made a mental note to revisit points of interest over the weekend, but not before we grabbed a burger and a shake at what may be the world’s most beautiful Shake Shack, just inside the hotel’s main entrance. Founded in 1890 by a group of prominent Chicago businessmen and sports enthusiasts, The Chicago Athletic Association (CAA) quickly gained recognition as an exclusive haven for the city’s elite, boasting a lavish and opulent interior that rivaled the finest establishments of its time. The club’s membership was a who’s who of Chicago society, and the club became a hub for social gatherings, athletic competitions, and networking. Still extremely popular, the hotel was packed with visitors the entirety of our stay.

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The Chicago Athletic Association

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The hotel’s grand front lobby

The building itself, designed by renowned architect Henry Ives Cobb, is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its striking facade features intricate terracotta ornamentation, pointed arches, and a prominent gabled roof, all of which contribute to its considerable charm. An awe-inspiring space, the lobby features elaborate neo-Gothic arches, acres of burnished woodwork and three grand fireplaces. The decor pays homage to the building’s athletic heritage, with vintage sports memorabilia and a cozy library that invites guests to relax with a good book or a game of chess. The rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed with a blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics, offer breathtaking views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. For over a century, the CAA thrived and hosted events ranging from boxing matches to formal galas. However, as the years passed, the club faced financial challenges, and in 2007, closed its doors. The future of this historic landmark was uncertain until a visionary development team stepped in to breathe new life into the building. In 2015, after extensive renovations, the Chicago Athletic Association reopened as a luxury boutique hotel. The transformation was a labor 96 slmag.net

of love, carefully preserving the building’s historic character while infusing it with modern amenities and design elements. Guests now have the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the past while enjoying the comforts of the present. Arriving on a Thursday, that evening, our daughter, her roommate and their respective mothers headed into the city for a girls’ night out, leaving me alone to indulge once more in the considerable pleasures of Mon Ami Gabi, a splendid French bistro in Lincoln Park. Greeted at the door like an old friend, I was ushered to a small table in the bar where I spent one of the most enjoyable solo evenings I can remember, something I made a point of telling the chef when he popped out of the kitchen to say hello. Feeling very much at peace with the world, I dove into a steaming bowl of mussels and some dreamy chicken liver pâté, followed by a definitive steak frites, all of which were accompanied by a couple of glasses of Burgundy from the excellent 2020 vintage. Mon Ami Gabi has become one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago, and I look forward to revisiting often during the next four years while our daughter is in college there.

The hotel’s Milk Room specializes in rare vintage spirits and curated whiskies.

The gym has a purposefully vintage feel, despite its state-of-the-art equipment.

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Cindy’s rooftop restaurant is a perennial Chicago hot spot.

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Mon Ami Gabi, a little bit of France in Lincoln Park

Mussels at Mon Ami Gabi Photographed by Michael Williams

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The Game Room bar is located where the original club’s billiards room was, and offers a variety of games.

Over the course of the next few days, my usual workout at the hotel’s impressively equipped fitness center was followed by either coffee at Fairgrounds off the main entrance, or a light breakfast in the hotel’s Cherry Circle Room, where I enjoyed a refreshingly inventive avocado toast with caviar. In the afternoons, we attended various school-sponsored events at the university, including a soccer match, rugby game and an orchestral concert. On Saturday, we were treated to an on-campus al fresco lunch of Chicago-style foods, something we do not indulge in too often at home. With temperatures in the mid-70s, we could not have asked for a more bucolic weekend. Back at the hotel late Friday afternoon, my wife and I enjoyed drinks at the rooftop restaurant and bar, Cindy’s, which has become a destination for Chicago diners, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and serving up outstanding cuisine and craft cocktails. Dinner that evening was at the acclaimed Duck Duck Goat, a Stephanie Izard restaurant in the Fulton Market district. Here we enjoyed a spectacular array of dim sum dishes that burst with freshness and savory complexity. Particularly impressive was the Chongqing Chicken, a spicy dish that had me frequently reaching for my glass of Gruner Veltliner. Following dinner, we all returned to the hotel to The Game Room, a popular retro-chic lounge offering classic cocktails, finger foods and an array of games including bocce, pool, checkers and foosball; virtually everyone in the relatively young crowd was busily engaged playing (and drinking, of course). On our third and final night, after a day of activities, both families repaired to Gibson’s Italia on Canal Street. Since 1989, this exquisite Italian steak house has been offering a dining experience as breathtaking as its skyline views. Attentive and knowledgeable without being in any way overwhelming, we thoroughly enjoyed

the interactions with our servers, who displayed the kind of polish and poise that elevates Italia’s hospitality to another level. Amongst other exquisite dishes, we indulged in a dry-aged tomahawk ribeye, a steak that my wife deemed close to perfect, as well as the Lobster Fra Diavolo, a spicy seafood dish which translates to “Brother Devil” in Italian, featuring a picante tomato-based sauce that delivers a fiery wallop. Ending our meal with a digestif at the restaurant’s third-floor bar with its retractable roof, this was as close to a perfect dining experience as we could imagine. Upon returning to our hotel, our daughter retired to our suite, where she commandeered the largest bed, while my wife and I were fortunate enough to snag seats at the microscopic Milk Room, formerly a Prohibition-era speakeasy, specializing in rare vintage spirits and carefully selected whiskies. Apparently the room had been hidden behind a wall for decades and was only recently rediscovered when renovations began. Following our epic dinner at Gibson’s Italia, we opted for Calvados-based cocktails here to aid digestion, and so to bed. Before we said our goodbyes Sunday, we managed to find time to take our daughter to her new favorite lunch spot, RL, where she ordered more or less everything on the menu. I exaggerate a little, perhaps, but am secretly glad that this is not a weekly occurrence. However, I am happy that by virtue of our daughter’s college choice, my wife and I have a great excuse for regular trips to one of our favorite cities. By the time we next visit Chicago, it will be cold, lavishly windy, and decked out for the holidays. I am already looking forward to the sights, the lights and the comforting winter fare this great metropolis has to offer. sl For more information, visit chicagoathletichotel.com

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TIMELESS RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Naples South Haven Walloon Lake Lake Wawasee Lake Maxinkuckee

Lake Charlevoix Bay Harbor Big Sky Winnetka Oswego Lake Higgins Lake LeLand Bozeman

Gary Nance Design 200 E. Rangeline Road, Carmel, Indiana 46032

garynancedesign.com

317.710.0939

M A K E R O O M FO R A L L O F YO U

CALL , VI SI T A S H OW RO O M , O R FI N D U S O N L I N E TO SCHE DU L E YOUR COMPLIMENTARY D ES IGN CONS ULTATION

Carmel

1 S Rangeline Rd

CA L I FO R N I AC LO S E TS . C O M

317.849.1000

LAP TIME

A respected local jeweler makes his mark on motorsport. Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Michael Foley

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Established over 100 years ago in downtown Indianapolis, ReisNichols Jewelers has over the past century become a household name in its home city, enjoying a stellar reputation amongst customers and industry professionals alike. In the early years, the company specialized in designing and manufacturing emblematic jewelry for various Masonic organizations, an aspect of the business that continues to the present day. In recent years, under the guidance of CEO and co-owner (along with his sister Cindy) B.J. Nichols, the retailer offers the largest selection of top-quality jewelry brands in the Midwest with more than 20 designer lines and more than a dozen of the top names in fine Swiss watches, including Rolex and Tag Heuer. Today, the company is staffed by over 60 employees, with some of the finest experts in the industry, including gemologists, designers, and watchmakers.

A native of Indianapolis and a keen fan of motor sports, Nichols only became actively involved in racing quite recently. A member of the Putnam Park Road Course, a private driving club outside Greencastle, Nichols had purchased a Lotus, which he enjoyed driving around the track before he was encouraged to upgrade to a Porsche GT3. Seized by the racing bug, Nichols began participating in Porsche Club events at some of the most famous road courses in the country. Going professional was another story, however. “I was very much a middle-of-the-pack driver,” he explained to us in his team’s garage at the recent Indianapolis round of the Carrera Cup. “But Dan Clarke, who is the head instructor at Putnam Park, is extremely quick and very experienced. So I approached some of the members and asked them how they would feel about getting Dan into the series.”

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BJ Nichols checks in with driver Dan Clarke.

The series in question is the Porsche Carrera Cup, a premier one-make racing series that showcases the legendary German sports car manufacturer’s prowess on American tracks. Established in 2003, the series has a rich history and continues to be a fan favorite, attracting top-notch drivers and enthusiastic spectators alike. The Carrera Cup in the United States features Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, which are specifically designed for racing. These cars are based on the Porsche 911 road car but are modified for the rigors of the racetrack. They are powered by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing around 485 horsepower, and feature a sequential six-speed gearbox. These rear-wheel-drive machines offer exceptional performance, with impressive acceleration and handling capabilities. The series places a premium on driver skill, as all cars are nearly identical in terms of performance, making it a true test of driver talent. Over the decades, the Carrera Cup has served as a stepping stone for young talents looking to climb the motorsport ladder. The series has been a supporting event for major racing series 108 slmag.net

such as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, adding to its prestige and visibility. Over the years, it has witnessed thrilling battles and close competition, making it a favorite among motorsport enthusiasts. Dan Clarke was not a young driver looking to make an impression with talent scouts from the major teams, however. Getting into any racing series, even go-karting, requires large sums of money, and drivers who are just starting out need to bring sponsors or they will be ignored. With several years in open wheel racing including Formula Ford, Formula Three and IndyCar, Clarke, known as Speedy Dan, at 39 years of age had nothing to prove, but his racing career had hit a roadblock. Nichols says that Dan’s plan after racing was to instruct and build racing simulators–that is, until Nichols came calling. And thus was formed Reis-Nichols Motorsports, in partnership with Nolasport Racing which provides engineering and technical services. “I raised the money from some of the members as well as a few of

Clarke, left, and Nichols

my clients and found sponsorship partners, OrthoIndy being the largest, so we could enable him to come back and revive his career. Now I live vicariously through him,” Nichols says. Clarke’s journey in motorsport began in karting, where he gained valuable experience and honed his racing skills. His first major step in car racing was in the British Formula Ford Championship. Competing in the 2001 season, he showcased his potential as a young talent. Next, Clarke made a significant leap in his career by joining the British Formula 3 Championship. This marked a crucial moment in his career as he competed against some of the best young talents in motorsport. He achieved notable success in this series, including race wins and podium finishes, ending 5th overall in the 2005 championship. The highlight of Clarke’s career came in 2006 when he made the jump to the Champ Car World Series, an American open-wheel racing championship. He drove for the CTE-HVM Racing team and made an immediate impact by scoring podium finishes and earning a reputation as a highly competitive driver.

“Sixteen months before I started racing in Champ Car, I was in a Formula Ford: 160 horsepower with no wing,” recalled Clarke recently in the Porsche Cup garage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He was at the track for the weekend, during which time he drove the Reis-Nichols Motorsports car to a fifth-place finish on the Saturday and a second-place on Sunday. He enjoys many of the American circuits and has now spent more time in this country than in his native England. He is especially fond of Road America, a track where he has enjoyed considerable success. “I got my rookie pole position at Road America; it’s my favorite track. It’s very fast, and the speed keeps you on your toes.” A longtime resident of Indianapolis, the veteran driver has a soft spot for the road course inside the mighty Brickyard but admits that it can be hard to drive. To us humble spectators, that second-place win was highly impressive and perfectly executed, an indication, perhaps, that Reis-Nichols Motorsports is heading in the right direction–fast. sl slmag.net 109

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At Mimi Blue, meatballs are the star of the show.

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MIMI BLUE GOOD FOOD A taste of tradition on Mass Avenue

Written by Neil Charles / Photographed by Rachel Lutz In the heart of Indianapolis, at the north end of bustling Massachusetts Avenue, lies Mimi Blue, a beloved restaurant primarily known for its meatball dishes, now offering a substantially broader menu than it did when its doors first opened almost a decade ago. Owned by the prominent real estate developers Gerry and David Kosene and Gerry’s son, Michael, and named after their beloved mother, Mildred Bluestein Kosene, Mimi Blue is a testament to the brothers’ passion for preserving tradition and creating a welcoming environment for their diverse downtown neighbors. As real estate developers, the Kosenes have left an indelible mark on the city’s urban landscape; their visionary projects have transformed neighborhoods, creating vibrant spaces where people live, work, and play. In the smaller, more intimate environment of a restaurant, the Kosenes have fashioned a space where the neighborhood can gather to enjoy comfort food at its best.

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Recipe for a cozy lunch: decadent grilled cheese and a cup of Mimi’s chili.

A culinary venture rooted in nostalgia, Mimi Blue is reminiscent of the cherished family gatherings that inspired the brothers’ love for home-cooked meals, paying homage to their mother, whose culinary prowess and unconditional love nurtured their passion for food. As they reminisce about their childhood, the Kosene brothers fondly recall the delicious dinners that graced their family’s dining table and ultimately became the foundation for the restaurant. The restaurant’s history dates back to 2014. The Kosenes’ ambition was simple: to share the comforting flavors of their childhood with the people of Indianapolis. “Our mother stressed the importance of simple, fresh, and tastefully prepared food,” explains Gerry. “This straightforward and affordable approach to dining was our inspiration for the creation of Mimi Blue.” His son Michael Kosene, managing partner of the restaurant, adds wryly; “If she had been alive when we opened, she would never have allowed us to use her name, but she would have been proud of what we’ve accomplished.” At the heart of Mimi Blue’s success are its delectable meatballs, made from a combination of time-honored recipes and high-quality ingredients. The menu offers an array of items that cater to diverse tastes, from traditional beef to turkey, chicken, brisket (a cherished family recipe) and even vegetarian options; there is also a weekly rotating special that includes falafel and chorizo. The meatballs come with a plethora of sauces, ranging from hot to savory to sweet, resulting in an almost infinite number of variations. In short, there’s a meatball for everyone. And for those not inclined to partake of the succulent spheres, there is now a solid selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and vegetarian offerings to ensure that no one gets left out. Whether diners are in the mood for a classic Caprese salad, a hearty Italian sausage sandwich, or a side of crispy Brussels sprouts, Mimi Blue has something to satisfy. “We try to make sure that everyone is taken care of,” says Michael. “The menu has evolved a lot. We tried to make sure that we offer something that caters to every palate, whether it be vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.” The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to its sourcing practices. Locally sourced ingredients are used whenever possible, supporting the community and ensuring that every dish is fresh and flavorful.

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Gerry (left), Michael and David Kosene. Photographed by Adam Gibson

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A photo of beloved Mimi graces the dining room.

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The menu offers a variety of lighter and vegetarian options.

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Chicken fingers and fries are worth a special trip.

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As was the case for almost every restaurant, the pandemic of 2020 presented a unique set of issues for Mimi Blue and its owners. While many restaurateurs cut their losses early and closed their doors for good, the Kosenes took a more humanitarian approach, holding the staff’s jobs open for the duration and switching to a delivery-based model. “Say what you might about the government,” says Michael, “if it hadn’t been for them getting out that PPP money so quickly, most of us restaurateurs would not be here today.” During this time, the family amply demonstrated why it enjoys such a reputation for its community spirit. “We were making several deliveries a week to hospitals,” continues Michael. “We were taking a hundred meals at a time. It was the best thing we could have done and is one of my most enduring memories from our time in the restaurant business.” Over the past decade, but especially since the pandemic, the economics of the restaurant industry have changed, and not always in a positive direction. The cost of goods and services are still on the rise, while the dining public now more than ever is on the hunt for a bargain. “Everyone is getting a smaller piece of the pie,” says David. “Which is why we cannot afford to compromise on quality or service.” Taking a highly personal and hands-on approach to their restaurant business, the Kosenes strive to ensure that everything runs smoothly. As a direct result of the pandemic, delivery has become a major part of Mimi Blue’s business model, and it continues to grow. The food is portable and easy to reheat, making it perfect for casual entertaining. “We’re great for tailgates and we make the ideal party food,” says Michael. For a more formal but no less comfortable setting, Mimi Blue offers a private dining room that easily seats 25. No longer just meatballs, but still the meatball queen, Mimi Blue shows no signs of slowing down in this new and highly competitive era. sl For more information, visit mimibluerestaurants.com

Party on a plate: the chocolate layer cake is served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

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CENTIER BANK: A BEACON OF STABILITY As the CEO and Chairman of Centier Bank, Mike Schrage understands how important it is to keep promises. In a landscape where substantial financial institutions often abandon local communities through mergers and acquisitions, Centier Bank sees that big banks often forget about local communities, closing branches and removing that personal touch. But Centier Bank’s differentiator as Indiana’s largest private family-owned bank is committed to offering good rates and personalized service. “Big banks across the nation buy up smaller, community banks in mergers and acquisitions. It happens all the time, especially in our own backyard. Customers blink and suddenly, their bank is under a new name and new ownership, and it can be an unsettling feeling for everyone,” Schrage explained. A Fifth-Generation Legacy: Growth Amidst Challenges | Centier Bank’s story is one of resilience and expansion. From its humble beginnings as Bank of Whiting, the institution experienced remarkable growth in the 1970s and 1980s, stretching its presence across The Region and beyond. This legacy of progress continues even during the challenges of the present day. The grand opening of a state-of-the-art banking center in St. John marked a recent milestone, while expansion efforts continue in cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Over the last few years, Centier Bank’s commitment to its clients remained unwavering. The institution invested in digital 124 slmag.net

amenities to ensure secure and convenient access to banking services, reflecting its dedication to modernity without sacrificing personalized service. The opening of a corporate museum at the flagship branch in Whiting showcases not only the bank’s history, but also its enduring connection to the community. New Leaders, New Opportunities: Embracing Innovation and Engagement | As Centier Bank forges ahead, it does so with a team of experienced leaders who share a common vision. With Chris Campbell assuming the role of Centier Bank president and Anthony Contrucci leading First Bancshares, Inc., the bank’s holding company, a new era of innovation and collaboration is set in motion. At the helm of Centier Bank’s greater Indianapolis market are seasoned banking professionals Troy Kafka, greater Indianapolis market president; Ben Jefferis, business banking group manager; Navi Singh, mortgage production manager; Linda Risch, community relations officer, and many more associates who have impressive experience at Indianapolis-area financial institutions, and have planted roots at Centier in order to bank with purpose. These exceptional individuals, in key roles within Centier Bank’s expanding markets, are ready to make a positive impact and uphold the bank’s commitment to exceptional customer service, innovation, and community engagement. These appointments exemplify

Centier Bank’s dedication to exceptional customer service, innovation, and community engagement. Investment in Indiana Communities: Strengthening Bonds | Centier Bank’s recent announcement of new branches in Whitestown, and Indianapolis at 62nd and Allisonville Road and 86th and Ditch, with more growth to come. The strategic expansion reflects the bank’s dedication to personalized service and community support, offering residents of Boone and Marion counties a trusted financial partner that understands their unique needs. A Journey of Achievements: Building on Solid Foundations | Centier Bank’s growth story isn’t just about expansion; it’s also a tale of financial milestones and accolades that underscore the institution’s excellence. Surpassing $7.5 billion in assets, increasing deposits and loans year over year, Centier Bank’s robust performance speaks volumes about its financial strength and the trust it has earned from its clients. This trust has been validated by its consistent appearance on Forbes’ Indiana Best-in-State Banks and America’s Best Small Employers lists, as well as its recognition by the Indiana Chamber as one of the best places to work for 17 consecutive years. Schrage was also the recipient of the Leaders in Banking Excellence Award this year by the Indiana Bankers Association, as well as named on the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “IBJ 250” list.

A Legacy for a Better Tomorrow: Who You Bank With Matters | In an era where personal connections and community support are valued more than ever, Centier Bank proves who you bank with matters. With a legacy spanning over 128 years, the institution’s commitment to its clients, associates, and communities remains unshakeable. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Centier Bank remains a constant, steadfast partner that understands the value of local banking, personalized service, and a shared commitment to building a better future. “Our continued investment in leadership and our communities has provided extraordinary momentum to continue our strong, 128-year legacy of serving hometown banking across the state,” Troy Kafka explained. “Building a strong network of experienced bankers who understand their clients and the needs of their communities has sustained our growth and has demonstrated that who you bank with matters.” In a time when economic uncertainties cloud the horizon, Centier Bank’s story shines as a beacon of stability and unwavering commitment—a tale of a local institution that puts people and communities at the heart of everything it does. Through growth, challenges, and triumphs, Centier Bank is a true testament to the power of promise, partnership, and progress. sl For more information, visit centier.com

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ASSISTANCE LEAGUE CHARITY GOLF OUTING

The 2023 AECOM Hunt Charity Golf Outing, held September 7 raised $31,000 to benefit the Assistance League® of Indianapolis. The event was attended by 180 golfers and 40 volunteers, and activities included the tipsy toss, a 50/50 raffle, golf pong, and a silent auction. The Assistance League has three major philanthropies dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults in the central Indiana area: Operation School Bell ®, ALI Bears, and Assault Survivor Kits, and they are also conducting a trial literacy program with partner MSD of Washington Township. 4

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ST. MARY’S EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER ANNUAL RAFFLE

Supporters of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center gathered at Rick’s Boatyard on September 28 for the organization’s Annual Raffle. More than 1,700 raffle tickets were sold that evening, raising over $170,000 to support St. Mary’s two early childhood initiatives: The Preschool Program and The Professional Development Program. These programs integrate highly effective professional educators with a proven learning philosophy, use qualitative measures to show results, and impact preschool children in poverty with the highest quality cognitive, creative, social, physical, and emotional learning experiences that will transition into a foundation for lifelong success.

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1) David Ciechanowicz, Sky Block, Russ Dodge 2) David Paul, Tena Albrecht, Jenny Paul 3) Jensen Nowakoski, David Ciechanowicz, Grant Jenkins 4) Jon Arbuckle, Lisa Arbuckle, Lexy Ballard 5) Nolan Seward, Diane Seward, Shannon Saul 6) Sara Wajda, Rick Wajda, Lynn Wajda, George Wajda 7) Nick Dellen, Michelle Radomsky, John Hart, Jane Gosling 8) Steve Keller, Jan Smith 9) Jeremy Campbell, Steve Boesing 10) Abby O’Rourke, Sean O’Rourke 11) Shannon Mason, Jane Gosling, Margaret Saul, Kellie Behrle 12) Jeff Reed, Larry Griggers, David Stirsman, John Hart

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Photographed by Emily Lewis

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BOURBON, BLING & BOWTIES

More than 300 guests gathered at the Indianapolis Marriott North/Keystone at the Crossing for Bourbon Bling & Bowties on September 23. It was the 31st year for the event, which benefits Indiana Wish, a local wish-granting organization. Guests enjoyed sampling a variety of bourbons and Debrand’s chocolate, live entertainment by the Living Proof Band, a bourbon toss, and both live and silent auctions. The event raised $300,000 to grant wishes to Indiana children ages 3-18 who suffer from life-threatening illnesses.

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HEALTHNET FOUNDATION GALA

A sold-out crowd of nearly 400 supporters joined the HealthNet Foundation for its A Night in the Emerald City Gala on September 15 at the Crane Bay Event Center in Indianapolis. The event celebrated HealthNet’s 55th anniversary as a patient-centered medical home. A not-for-profit, HealthNet provides affordable primary health care and support services to more than 60,000 individuals in central Indiana. Contributions raised at the event will support the HealthNet Foundation’s Patient Assistance Fund and the HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program. Donations are continuing through September 30 thanks to a matching pledge given the night of the event by an anonymous donor. “We are so incredibly grateful to our donors, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for an amazing night,” said Interim HealthNet Foundation Executive Director Cindy Brumbarger. “This event exceeded all expectations and demonstrated how communities can come together to make a positive impact. Now more than ever, HealthNet’s mission to improve lives with compassionate health care and support services regardless of ability to pay is greatly needed.”

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1) Courtney Barber, Wendell Edmonds, Carmen Davenport, Tanya Mathis, Alisha Campbell 2) Barb Benson, Dale Benson 3) Ben Harvey, Megan Harvey 4) Brooklyn Lowery, Jonathan Lowery 5) Hannah Brumbarger, Tanner Brumbarger 6) Juan Guzman, Elana Guzman 7) Megan Kammer, Blythe Kinsey 8) Sonja Bachus, Kristin Lackey, Joe Lackey 9) Dottie Meyer, James Meyer 10) Rene Kougel, Missy Santa, Mona Mellinger 11) Zicri Williams, Jaquias Williams 12) Sue Beacher, Andy Nielsen

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PENROD ARTS FAIR

The 56th Annual CBIZ Somerset Penrod Arts Fair was held on September 9 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. The 10th Annual Merchants Bank of Indiana Evening with Penrod Presented by VALEO Financial Advisors, a gala-style event where attendees have the opportunity to purchase from featured artists, preceded the fair and was held on September 9. More than 25,000 people attended both events; the fair featured more than 350 artists from throughout the country. Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogsett was an honored guest and presented the Penrod Society’s Mayor’s Award to Clive Jachnik of Cicero, Indiana. Both events benefited the Penrod Society, an allvolunteer organization dedicated to supporting an array of arts, cultural and educational activities and institutions throughout central Indiana. Its core mission is to provide philanthropic service to the community, specifically underrepresented and underserved arts communities within central Indiana. More than half of the grants awarded to organizations in 2023 went to those that serve diverse populations or individuals at or below the poverty line. Last year’s Penrod events raised more than 150,000 for central Indiana arts organizations; proceeds from this year’s events are still being tallied.

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1) Deborah Russell 2) Michael Barnett, Cassandra Gillenwater, Jonathan Warren 3) Tiffany Fields, Erica Scott 4) Alison Summers, Stacie Shelton 5) Paige Mason, Jacqueline Lansing 6) Paige Thomas, Samantha Johnson 7) Haven Tunin 8) Scott Haney 9) Sarah Ratner, Eric Ratner

Photographed by Gary Watson

QUINCEANERA

On June 25, 2023, Pavel Polanco-Safadit and his wife, Ivonne Blanco, celebrated his daughter Aliana Polanco’s quinceanera at The Cabaret. The event was planned by Ivonne and featured Rafael Sanchez of WRTV as emcee, and many honored guests, including David Allee of Indy Jazz Foundation and The Jazz Kitchen. Josh Kaufman, winner of The Voice, and Pavel co-wrote and performed a song for Aliana, Beautiful, as a surprise in honor of the occasion.

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