{Nashville’s Finest}
slmag.net
Jan/Feb 2016 five dollars
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THE ART OF LIVING Explore our selection of extraordinary homes currently for sale in Middle Tennessee and around the world. thelipmangroup.com
Main Image: 345 Dink Road, Somerville, TN | Marisa Morgan, 615.943.1623
345 DINK ROAD | SOMERVILLE, TN
153 WATERFORD DRIVE | MANCHESTER, TN
Artfully designed to entertain and experience this serene setting, Deer Point Estate is a custom-designed retreat in majestic West Tennessee. Nestled on 320 acres of stillness, wildlife, and tranquility is a sportsman’s sanctuary and a nature lover’s haven with 145 acres in timber, a stocked 35-acre lake, and caretaker quarters. $6,850,000 | 9 Bedrooms, 8 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths Marisa Morgan, 615.943.1623
Immaculate and perfect in every way, this French-country abode is the epitome of life uncompromised. Stunning pastoral views and regionally located for convenient access to Nashville, Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. Two Geo Thermal systems, outdoor kitchen, salt water pool, and state of the art LED lighting. $799,900 | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath Angela C. Wright, 615.406.3212
4009 AYLEWORTH LANE | FRANKLIN, TN
THE PHOENIX LOFT, #601 | NASHVILLE, TN
Stylish architecture with a custom feel. Exceptional home with lovely spacious open living areas. High ceilings, beautiful millwork. Relaxing study with paneled walls and cofered ceiling and built in bookcases. Cook’s dream kitchen with an abundance of granite counters and storage. Private screened in porch with a cozy gas freplace. 3 car garage. $1,249,000 | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333
Atop this magnificent residence rests a private rooftop deck with 360 degree views of Downtown Nashville. 3 levels of living space with exposed brick, hardwoods throughout, 20’ ceilings, 2 gas fireplaces, commercial grade gas cooking, and private rooftop terrace with heated/cooled Florida room & glass Nana wall. $1,450,000 | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath Michelle Maldonado, 615.260.4423
82 RAMBO ROAD | FAYETTEVILLE, TN
789 ELYSIAN FIELDS ROAD | NASHVILLE, TN
Style & Efciency Combined. Tis magnifcent property includes 3 multi-use tracts: Colonial home, Riverbend Event Center and Equestrian Center and open air pavilion with riding area. Te main event center is approximately 15,900sqf with a 1,900sqf managers apartment with 2 bedrooms and everything you would expect in a traditional home. 66+ acres total. $3,300,000 | 5 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths and 1 Half Bath Ryan Kent, 931.625.6007
Built in 2014, this exceptional home is located in highly desirable Oak Hill on a 1 acre lot. Chef ’s kitchen with high end Wolf appliances and an abundance of space. Master bedroom retreat on main level with gorgeous bath. Stunning courtyard, covered patio and heated pool. 4 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 1 Half Bath Chris Mannino, 615.299.7995 Lawrence M. Lipman, 615.364.3333
2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-104 | Nashville, TN | 615.463.3333 Each ofce is independently owned and operated.
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Our professional travel advisors have many years of experience and understand the unique and demanding nature of our celebrity and executive clientele’s time to expertly manage custom travel preferences. Te result is a highly personalized and unique level of travel counseling before, during, and afer every trip.
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GROVE PARK works with customers from the selection and purchase of a lot, through the design, sourcing of materials, and construction of the home. Te company tailors solutions to each client, helping to guide them through this new era in the housing industry.
Brandon Jenkins 615.642.9992 www.GroveParkConstruction.com Office — 615.678.7963
Kevin Long (615) 496-8400 Area Manager/Mortgage Consultant NMLS# 192255
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Fit Today... For A Better Tomorrow. Julie’s Story In 2007, Julie was tired, overworked and overweight. After years of sitting behind a desk staring at a computer screen for her family business, she suffered from severe neck and muscular problems. It was time for a change. It was time to feel better. Julie saw an ad for Fitness Together and decided to give it a try. The stress relief was immediate. Te pain relief from her neck and shoulders came next. Before too long she was stronger and healthier than ever, and now (8 years later), she has maintained her weight loss of 30 pounds and over 30 inches. Her body fat percentage was at 32% and is now 18%. Te surprising part? It was FUN!! It still is! Te best part? Becoming her BEST SELF in her mid-50s – strong, confdent, in control of her destiny. “My trainer, Monica, helped educate me on healthier food choices. She also inspired me to have a regular fitness routine, which helped me lose weight, strengthen and tone my body, and most importantly she made it fun!!! I needed the guidance, encouragement and the accountability that Fitness Together offers in order to stay motivated.” Monica is proud to report that Julie has better strength and endurance than most 20 year olds. What an accomplishment!
John’s Story Most everyone agrees that exercise is a powerful preventative and sometimes an antidote for illness and disability. Te older we get, the more important it becomes to maintain a regular exercise program. John is 76 years old and can attest to the many benefts of a personalized ftness program. “At age 72 I experienced a lifechanging and nearly life-ending cardiac event. I was overweight with high blood sugar, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I did not eat to live, I lived to eat. Te last thing I thought about was exercising. In short, I was a heart attack waiting to happen.” Well, it happened. “After a 12-week stay in the cardiac rehabilitation unit at the hospital, I decided I wanted to live. Really live. I found Fitness Together and they developed a ftness program just for me. Approved by my cardiologist, of course.” “After working with Fitness Together for almost 4 years, I have a physical and mental fitness level that I can only remember having in my 30s. More importantly: • My heart size and function has returned to normal (as evidenced by several medical tests) • I am no longer diagnosed as diabetic and I maintain normal blood sugar levels through diet and exercise • My blood pressure is under control & lipid levels are normal • I have been able to eliminate some medications & reduce the doses on others John recently held a plank for over 10 minutes in a fundraising event. Wow!His physicians continue to be ‘amazed’ at his recovery and present state of health, and are quick to credit 90% to his Fitness Together program. What a way to LIVE!
Fitness Together is a locally-owned company focused on enriching the lives of our clients. Our certified professional trainers give one-on-one attention to you, working with you to develop an individualized ftness program that considers your strengths, injuries or weaknesses. We work beside you, there to support and motivate you every step of the way!
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50 Years of Guiding You Home.
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50 Years of Guiding You Home Steve@SteveFridrich.com STEVE FRIDRICH | 615-321-4420
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{Nashville’s Finest}
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Hotel Confdential Winter view of the New York City skyline from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park. Photo by Bridget Williams.
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on the cover: Big Kenny Husband, father, philanthropist, songwriter, artist, half of the platinum selling country duo Big & Rich. www.loveeverybody.com Photo by Joe Hardwick and styled by Christiev Alphin.
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Purple Reign
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Cape Expectations
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Bibliotaph… Model Behavior
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Hotel Confidential:
Ritz Carlton Central Park
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Curating a Lifestyle
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Of Note…
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An Affair to Remember
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The Dish
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Tokaj, Hungary
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Crossing Over
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Laying It All On The Table
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On Higher Ground
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The Importance of
Precision Facial Filling
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Brunk Auctions Upgrades
Nashville Estate Sales
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Seasonal Intervention
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360 Bistro
Jan/Feb 2016
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An Afair to Remember From the Yoko London Twilight Collection, a 10-14mm South Sea and Tahitian pearl necklace with 2.98cts diamonds in 18kt white and black gold (price upon request; yokolondon.com).
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Society Calendar
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Sunday in the Park
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Belmont Mansion Christmas Patron Party
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Once in a Blue Moon
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The Nashville Sophisticates Party
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2015 Literary Award Gala
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Jack C. Massey Leadership Award
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Jazzmania 2015
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Food, Art, Dancing, Holiday Cheer
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Thirty-Second Annual Harvest Moon Ball
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Designs to Intrigue
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Champagne and Chardonnay
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Nashville’s Oldest Charity Ball
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Authors in the Round
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Big Kenny’s Christmas Party
PUBLISHER Fabrizio Venuta ______________________________________________ EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Britt Steele ______________________________________________ CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kathleen Cofeen CONTRIBUTORS Senior Contributing Writer Beth Alexander Writers Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Chuck Hargett Scott Harper Jessica Harrington Leigh Hendry Gloria Houghland Amelia Jefers Jef Jefers Austin Pembroke Alexandra Rhett Dorren Robinson Photographers Tony Bailey David Bailey Allen Clark Kathleen Cofeen Ian Cresswell Shannon Fontaine Joe Hardwick Andrew Kung Chief Plastic Surgery Contributor Dr. Dan Hatef Social Editor Ted Clayton COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton Michael Parker MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Rhett 205.807.7027 | alexandra@slmag.net
______________________________________________
Are you a tastemaker? Contact Alexandra Rhett about advertising opportunities in Sophisticated Living.
205.807.7027 | alexandra@slmag.net
SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Greg Butrum - General Counsel Jason Yann - Art Director Sophisticated Living® is published by Straightforward Media, LLC. and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Straightforward Media, LLC. and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission.
SLMAG.NET
From the Editor-In-Chief Lately I have been questioning whether monetary donations to local and national charities that speak to our hearts and move us to the point of participating are actually enough. Let me be clear, the donations, large and small, make a huge impact. But not everyone has money to give. After seeing a story on the news about the Nashville Rescue Mission, my husband and I sent text messages to friends and family asking for donations. Money came in almost immediately from $5 to $100. Within 20 minutes, we raised $700 – enough to feed 402 people. In spite of the freezing and pouring rain, we wrapped up our daughter Carolina that Sunday evening and drove to the Mission. Tere, it was Carolina, who handed over our donations. We wanted her to see what we were doing and who it would help. But for me, that was still not enough. I wanted a more authentic experience. My husband and I are both so fortunate, as are the readers of this magazine. Tis magazine highlights all that is luxurious. Tese pages are flled with current examples of opulence as we know it, from private jets, Audimars Piguet watches and bottles of ’81 Chateau Margaux. Tere are also incredibly rare yellow diamond rings, mink-lined snow boots and exotic bungalows in Bora Bora throughout the pages of Sophisticated Living. For this issue, we wanted to give you the expected defnition of luxury, and perhaps a new one – the defnition of luxury as seen by some of those that are less fortunate in this city. As the Editor in Chief of Sophisticated Living Magazine, Nashville’s only luxury lifestyle publication, I feel a great sense of responsibility to not only defne but to redefne luxury to such a privileged audience. Te word “luxury” can represent many things to an individual. Te literal defnition is “an inessential, desirable item that is difcult or expensive to obtain.” However, my defnition has changed after spending a day experiencing life as a Nashville homeless person. When everyone else was participating in Black Friday, my husband and I experienced a small taste of homelessness – compete with a sign asking people to help. After seven hours sitting on the sidewalk panhandling and meeting some of the city’s neediest – and nicest – people, my defnition of luxury changed. It was changed by Big Man and Reggie and a 3-year-old named Ryder, who was so hungry he would not stop crying. We both became so awakened by the fact that everything we have today could all be gone tomorrow and that any of us could be the one sitting on Church Street with an empty cup looking for donations or even just a few kind words. I have learned that the homeless are incredibly gentle and gracious and that many of them are there as a result of simple misfortunes that could happen to any of us. Some were living on the streets after losing their jobs, others were there after loosing their livelihoods to addiction. Some even found refuge on the streets rather than in abusive homes. Te reasons are many. And in my search to better and further understand, their reality temporarily became mine. On Black Friday, I drove downtown and my husband followed behind. He maintained his usual polished appearance, however, I was quite the contrary. I intentionally skipped the shower that morning, and to the best of my ability, disguised myself in $9.78 worth of clothes I purchased from Goodwill. I found a spot in front of the Nashville Public Library next to a garbage can and set out my sign which read: Tis could have been you, please help me as I would have you. Te misspelling was intentional and I did not want to write anything that was false. Not knowing how I would be received, my husband, posing as a tourist with his camera in hand, was perched on a bench directly across the street from me, prepared to intervene if any uncomfort uncomfortable situation arose.
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I was terrifed. I did not want to belittle the homeless community. ty. I did not want to be recognized by our readers. I wanted to – if only ly for a little while – step out of my comfort zone and make others do the he same. I wanted to make people stop and think. Instead, most looked ed the other way, which broke my heart. I became not only frustrated, but ut also completely devastated. Within minutes, Reggie, a homeless man, an, approached me. He crouched down to my level, looked me in the eye and nd asked me what my story was. My answer to his question was somewhat at vague and only alluded to the fact that I was exactly where I needed to be. Ten he told me his. A few minutes later Big Man came by and wanted to meet me, the newcomer to his territory. He had a soothing deep voice. He was sincere and not threatening. Despite living on the street, Big Man said he was fortunate. “I have ve two eyes, two legs. I am a very lucky man. I have everything I need. d. Why wouldn’t I be good.” His words, while he meant them to be comforting, unsettled me. He was happy with so little. And there I was. Only the day before I was frustrated by not getting the Jimmy Choo shoes I wanted immediately because they were on backorder. And here was Big Man, wearing hand-medown everything, with no car to take him from place to place, with no bed to collapse in after a hard day, and with no idea from where his next meal would come… telling me HE was HAPPY. Hours passed. Only the homeless had stopped to talk to me. Ten, three Millennials approached and asked for my story. After I told them, they asked me if they could sit down and pray with me. For two minutes, they prayed for strength and the power to change and initiate change. Before they left me and my sign, they hugged me and told me our meeting was meant to be. I felt empowered and was reminded that nothing happens by chance. After a few hours, I changed location to the park on the other side of the street. For hours I had been listening to this little boy cry while his mother tried unsuccessfully to soothe him. Debbie and her 3-year-old son Ryder are among the city’s newest additions. Tey moved here from Wisconsin to try to fnd work and are staying at Room at the Inn until they land a regular paycheck. She had been sitting there for hours while her husband Robert was out searching for work. It broke my heart. My daughter is the same age as Ryder. Tat morning, I made Carolina chocolate chip pancakes and she sipped her organic whole milk from her Hello Kitty cup that she adores. Ryder’s meal consisted of some type of orange liquid from a rather dirty baby bottle. As these images of such deep contrast between all of our lives kept presenting themselves to me, my heart just sank even further. I took of my gloves, my coat, my grandmother’s monogramed blanket – the only thing I have left from her – my sweatshirt and socks. I gave them my water bottle and pillow. I even took the elastic band out of my hair to give Debbie to control her frizzy brown locks that kept getting in the way of her trying to soothe her son. I had to leave. If I stayed, I was going to be broken and broke. I would have given them everything I had. Te reason I am writing this is not to glorify what I did or belittle those who write checks. I don’t want to make the homeless look romantic or the privileged look mean. I don’t want to come across as an expert on homelessness. I am not. I spent seven hours out there. Less than a day. But the impact on me has been profound. Tere is a lot about the homeless I do not understand. Tere is no way I could. Tere is a lot about life I don’t understand. But while I am on this journey to fgure it all out, I wanted to include you, the reader, in my travels. It is a true luxury for me to be allowed into your homes, but it is also an even greater privilege for me to be able to share with you aspects cts of my life that allow me to continue to defne what matters most to me.. Tat night, did I drive back to my home in my SUV, yes. Did id I sleep in a bed that night, sure. Do I think about those who did id not, absolutely. Being homeless does not mean that one is overcome me with sadness for physically having less. No person should ever be saddened by what they do or do not have. Big Man was right. I wish you all a beautiful 2016. Te best IS yet to come!
Britt Steele Britt Steele, Editor-In-Chief britt@slmag.net slmag.net
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WHERE BUYING A LUXURY AUTOMOBILE IS A LUXURY THAT YOU CAN AFFORD
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PURPLE REIGN
American Pharaoh captures horse racing’s frst “Grand Slam” at the Breeder’s Cup Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Tony Bailey For centuries, the color purple has been associated with royalty, power and wealth. It was only fitting then that the color played prominently on the chrysanthemum blanket that was draped over the withers of American Pharaoh following the thoroughbred’s wire-to-wire win against accomplished older horses at the Breeder’s Cup Classic on October 31st at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, KY. Te decisive victory for the frst Triple Crown winner in 37 years made it the frst horse to capture horse racing’s Grand Slam. Despite concerns over the historic racecourse’s diminutive size in comparison with other tracks that have hosted past
Breeder’s Cup races, Keeneland easily accommodated the nearly 100,000 racing fans from around the globe who were in attendance over the weekend of racing. “Te 2015 Breeders’ Cup proved to be a resounding success in so many ways, but it starts with the remarkable work from the management and staf at Keeneland, whose attention to detail and superb execution created a spectacular racing event for all,” said Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup President and CEO. “We also thank the Lexington business community and to the KentuckyOne Health Breeders’ Cup Festival for their dedication and commitment in support of the worldwide guests attending the Championships.” slmag.net
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While all eyes were on three-year-old American Pharaoh for the fnal race of his illustrious career, the 2015 edition of the Breeder’s Cup saw one of the deepest felds in its history with 161 total starters in 13 races, including 25 from overseas, boasting a cumulative total of 120 Grade/Group 1 wins among them. Jockey Ryan Moore, who cinched victories on Found (IRE) in the Longines Turf and Hit It a Bomb in the Juvenile Turf and runner-up on Alice Springs (IRE) in the Juvenile Fillies Turf
and Legatissimo (IRE) in the Filly & Mare Turf, was awarded the 13th Bill Shoemaker Award. Te award honors Shoemaker, an accomplished jockey with more than 8,800 career victories, highlights of which include a 1987 Breeders’ Cup Classic win at age 56 aboard Ferdinand. Te 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships will be held on Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. sl slmag.net
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CAPE EXPECTATIONS Exploring from sea to sky in Cape Town, South Africa Written by Bridget Williams
Tere are certain moments in time when you feel really and truly alive. Standing at the base of Lion’s Head Mountain high above Cape Town, South Africa, just as the sun was making its debut for the day, was one of those times. I stood with my travel mates in complete silence, as there seemed to be an unspoken understanding that words would merely muddle the beauty of this fleeting moment. Below us laid the sleepy, sprawling metropolis, whose periphery is lapped by the frigid Atlantic Ocean. To the right, a dense blanket of fog danced across the surface of Tabletop Mountain. Tough completely random, the intersection of the curling fog and the strengthening sunbeams created a beautifully choreographed
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display of light and shadow that kept our mouths agape at the raw beauty of what our eyes were privileged to behold. Daylight firmly upon us, we set off for the top of Lion’s Head Mountain. As I contemplated the sheerness of the cliff face, marked by chains and footholds, I speculated that clearly South Africans have a vastly diferent view than Americans do of what qualifies as an “easy” hike. I’d initially signed on for the journey to South Africa in the hope that I would get the opportunity to cage dive with Great White sharks, but my disappointment in learning I would not be doing so was quickly tempered by breathtaking adventures such as the one that my height-averse brain was telling me not to do. I didn’t come 8,000
V&A Waterfront. Photo courtesy Cape Town Tourism.
miles to bring regret back as a souvenir, so I took a deep breath and headed to the top, from which I could look down on the same mountain I admired a few hours prior. Te One & Only Cape Town (capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com), located within the Victoria & Albert Waterfront, a varied shopping and entertainment district built seven years ago on the edge of the historic harbor, served as the home base for several days worth of excursions. Te building itself, designed by local architects Ruben Reddy and Dennis Fabian & Berman perfectly encapsulates the city by paying homage to its rich and diverse history with a defnite eye toward a dynamic future. While located in the midst of a bustling city, being on property feels very much like a secluded enclave,
the ideal embodiment of an urban oasis. An expanse of windows in the lobby frames the view of Table Mountain. Indigenous art and architectural accents play heavily throughout the design. To the left of the lobby is a three-story homage to food and wine, housing the Wine Loft and Reuben’s restaurant, and defned by an illuminated wall holding 5,000 bottles of wine. At the opposite end of the lobby and lounge is Nobu, the frst African outpost of Master Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa’s internationally acclaimed empire that serves as the property’s fne dining concept. It has the distinction of being the frst Nobu with a kid’s sushi menu, which is complemented by sushi-making classes for kids available through its comprehensive KidsOnly program.
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Entrance of the One & Only Cape Town.
As Cape Town is quickly becoming a foodie destination, it should come as no surprise that Executive Chef Reuben Rifel is a local celebrity; a local boy of modest means who learned to cook at his mother’s side and has risen through the ranks to become a star in the global culinary stratosphere. Te cuisine at Reuben’s pays homage to its South African patrons. Sommelier Luvo Ntezo, possesses an arguably unrivaled and infectious passion for his trade, and South African varietals in particular (and not at all afraid to cite shortcomings when his nose or palette dictates). He is consistently rated tops among his peers in all of South Africa. Overnight guests can choose from 91 guest rooms and suites in the tower overlooking the marina or one of 40 rooms that surround the spa on secluded and lushly landscaped islands only accessibly by a footbridge. The spa is one of the most comprehensive in the region, ofering 12 treatment suites, two vitality pools, sauna and steam rooms, a hair salon and the Bastien Gonzalez Pedi:Mani:Care Studio. A large free-form pool and restaurant round out the spa island amenities. A large ftness center in the main resort building boasts a dedicated Kinesis training room and studios for Yoga and Pilates. 38 slmag.net
Tere is a certain discernable gentleness palpable among South Africans, which comes through in the service at the One & Only. When someone responds “my pleasure” to a request, it never seemed contrived. Although be warned that when a local remarks that they’ll see you “now now,” it could be five minutes or 45. A scenario, it should be noted, that I never encountered with hotel staf. With its Mediterranean climate, abundance of wineries, 70 peaks above 950 feet, extensive coastline and semi-arid fringes, at times I felt as though I was traveling through California (the concept of “Cape Time,” also reminded me of a California casual attitude). Day trips encompass the mountains to the sea with areas of interest from art to zoology. Tose seeking to view the “Big Five” can do so as part of a day safari at a game park less than two hours away. The aforementioned shark experience is a 2.5-hour scenic drive along the picturesque “Garden Route.” I’m told Chris Fallows of Apex Shark Expeditions (and the One & Only’s preferred tour provider), is among the best, providing exhilarating experiences that are respectful of the sharks and their environment. A visit to the rugged Cape of Good Hope, situated at the perceived meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, provides the chance to see 250 species of birds, baboons and scores of picturesque overlooks.
5,000 bottles of wine are on view outside Reuben's Restaurant.
Chef Reuben Rifel
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Te Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve Photo by Alain Proust/iAfrika Photos. Courtesy Cape Town Tourism.
Penguins on Boulder Beach. Photo by Bridget Williams.
Baboons at Cape Point. Courtesy Cape Town Tourism.
Oenophiles will definitely want to explore the Cape Winelands. Rent a car, or better yet, arrange for a driver or charter a helicopter to shuttle you from one vineyard to the next. Notable stops include the Delaire Graff Estate and the Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch. At the former, Laurence Graf OBE (of the Graf Diamond family) has spent the past 12 years transforming the estate into one of the most prestigious on the Cape. If you like something more sparkling than wine, check out the fagship Graf Diamonds store – the frst in Africa – and prepare to have you breath taken away. Te property serves as a repository for contemporary South African art. Two on-site restaurants serve elegant cuisine comprised of locally grown, ethically sourced ingredients.
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At the Waterford Estate, enjoy a wine and chocolate experience amid the old citrus groves, rolling lawns, and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds reminiscent of Provence. I particularly enjoyed having a glass of the 2010 Kevin Arnold Shiraz with its namesake, Waterford Estate’s winemaker and one of the most respected winemakers in South Africa. “It’s the best example of Shiraz in Stellenbosch,” said Ntezo, who also recommended that those looking to add to their cellar should opt for Te Jem 2010. “I like that the blend is produced from the poorest soil in the region, because of the leanness, dryness and length of fnish it lends to the wine,” he explained. Ntezo’s final piece of advice? “Please don’t drink the local sherry. It’s made for and drunk primarily by senior citizens, for whom taste is irrelevant.”
40 rooms at the One & Only Cape Town surround the spa on lushly landscaped islands that are only accessibly by a footbridge.
Te cellar at the Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch. Photo by Bridget Williams.
At press time, $100 USD was equivalent to $1,395 South African Rand. This presents an incredible value for the U.S. traveler (the math wiz in our group tabulated that the most expensive entrée at Nobu – Taban Yaki Wagyu Beef – cost just $35 USD. Collectors of indigenous art and craft should also plan to bring along an extra (empty) suitcase for bringing back wares from the Watershed. Located a little more than block from the One & Only, this sprawling space is home to 150 tenants displaying unique wares from furniture to textiles, fashion and jewelry. Te Woodstock Art District, located in a suburb with a manufacturing history, is quickly becoming a hub for creative types and those who seek out their unique creations. Guests of the One & Only can create a customized art tour led by João
Te vineyards at the Delaire Graf Estate. Photo by Bridget Williams.
Ferreira, who has worked in the South African art market for over 20 years. As we discovered while traversing the rolling roads that wound along the coast and around the scrubby peaks, Cape Town provided exciting discoveries around every bend. Te bohemian atmosphere at Kalk Bay, the intensely hued homes that define the Bo Kaap neighborhood, the playful penguin colony on Boulder Beach, the English enclave at Simon’s Town, experiencing delightful desolation while horseback riding on the wide, wide sands of Long Beach, and surveying the high-dollar homes that line Clifton Beach just scratched the surface. My unfulflled wish to rendezvous with Great Whites leaves me with the perfect excuse to plan a return trip and dig a little deeper into this fascinating corner of the world. sl
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Bibliotaph... Model Behavior
Compiled by Victoria Chase
As the model monarch, born in 1926, married in 1947 and crowned in 1953, nearly every aspect of Queen Elizabeth's life has been captured on flm. Utilizing hundreds of photographs from the likes of Lord Snowdon and Annie Leibovitz, many published for the frst time, this book intertwines, history, politics, high society and global travel to tell the story of her six-decade reign. Christopher Warwick (author), Reuel Golden (editor) - Her Majesty - Hardcover, 306 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com). In the era prior to digital cameras, Polaroids were essential for testing lighting and the setting. In the post digital world, they've become cherished relics of a bygone era. Photographer Bruno Bisang shares a cross-section of his Polaroid archives,including sessions with supermodels such as Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks. Bruno Bisang - 30 Years of Polaroids - Hardcover, 208 pages, teNeues Publishing (teneues.com). Maker and muse–Mario Testino and Kate Moss–examine two decades of collaboration, from candid early shots backstage at runway shows to glossy spreads for fashion magazines. Many of the images were culled from Testino's private archives and make their published debut in this tome. Mario Testino Kate Moss by Mario Testino - Hardcover, 228 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com).
Fashion photographer André de Dienes met aspiring model Norma Jean Dougherty in 1945. In the few years that followed, the two were briefy engaged, embarked on several road trips and amassed a volume of portraits that would help the ingénue launch her legendary career. Steve Crist (editor) - André de Dienes: Marilyn Monroe - Hardcover, 616 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com).
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books Fashion icon and photographer Karl Lagerfeld focused his lens solely on model Claudia Schifer for his second Stern Fotografe portfolio. Karl Lagerfeld - Claudia & Karl Hardcover, 94 pages, teNeues Publishing (teneues.com).
Among the many starlets Hollywood photographer Bob Willoughby captured - Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda to name a few - Audrey Hepburn remained his favorite. He was among the frst to photograph the fedging star shortly she arrived in Hollywood in 1953. From then, the two became lifelong friends, with Willoughby capturing images from her personal and professional life. Bob Willoughby - Bob Willoughby: Audrey Hepburn, Photographs 1953-1966 - Hardcover, 280 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com).
From the late 1950s until his death in 1987, Andy Warhol used Polaroids as a method to chronicle his daily life and encounters. Tis book, created in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation, features hundred of these candid images, the Instagram of his era, with many published for the frst time. Richard B. Woodward (author), Reuel Golder (editor) - Andy Warhol: Polaroids - Hardcover, 560 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com).
Te master of glamour-meetsgrunge, fashion designer and California native Rick Owens launched his eponymous line in 1994. Now based in Paris, where his signature style has been afectionately labeled "glunge", this book examines his design trajectory through the lens of noted fashion photographers. Terry Jones (editor) - Rick Owens Hardcover, 120 pages, Taschen Books (taschen.com).
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HOTEL CONFIDENTIAL
Te Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park Written by Abigail Hamilton
Boredom in the Big Apple is not a word one would typically expect a visitor to banter about considering the city’s myriad of sights, sounds and setbacks (frustratingly infinite traffic jams spring to mind). In fact, the frenetic pace and vast array of options can leave one feeling slightly harried by the end of their trip. With a little planning, choosing the right hotel in a primo location and cooperation from Mother Nature, it is very possible to fll a long weekend without ever flling the back seat of a cab. Such was the experience during our recent stay at Te Ritz Carlton. Steps from the front door of the 33-story 1930s building designed by Emery Roth, Central Park’s horse-drawn carriages line Central Park South. Tis enviable location in the heart of Manhattan means that major attractions of the city are a short stroll away. Opened in 2002, the interior of the Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond property is akin to what one would expect when stepping across the threshold of a Park Avenue apartment belonging to a sophisticated savant. The reception area flows into Te Star Lounge, where the warm wood paneling and gilt 44 slmag.net
accents are mirrored by the golden service of legendary New York bartender Norman Bukofzer (think Mel Brooks-meetsGene Wilder). The elegant environs are further enhanced by a museum-quality collection of paintings, including examples from contemporary landscape artist Steve Hannock and postimpressionist NYC native Samuel Halpert. Te same ambiance is extended to the Auden Bistro, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Executive Chef Mark Arnao infuses the artisanal menu with dishes refective of his varied background and experience; he cites green curry chicken, sushi and foie gras terrine among his favorites to prepare. In the 259 guest rooms and 47 suites, dark wood gives way to soothing shades of celadon, taupe and pale rose executed in plush upholstery, brocade drapery and intricately textured carpets. Cloud-like beds are dressed in 400 thread-count linens, feather duvets and a choice of seven pillow types to ensure a perfect night’s sleep. Spacious bathrooms are sheathed in marble and boast deep soaking tubs and a separate shower.
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Luxurious amenities come as no surprise in a RitzCarlton property, but what consistently sets the brand apart is their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional guest experiences. For instance, a brief mention during booking that our visit coincided with a birthday celebration prompted a welcome amenity of bubbly, balloons and a miniature version of the NYC skyline rendered in dark chocolate waiting for us on the console table in the foyer of our room. Young guests of the property will be treated to cookies and milk at turndown and an amenity bag with branded items to be used throughout their stay, while pampered pooches (those weighing less than 60 pounds) are treated to a posh dog bed, rainproof trench coat for walks in the park and ceramic dinnerware. During our stay we opted to upgrade with Club Lounge access and treated it as our own personal living room, visiting
several times a day, beginning with breakfast at a table overlooking the bustle of Central Park and ending with a glass of bubbly while we refected on our day while settled into one of the comfortable seating areas. Te Ritz-Carlton Central Park has the designation of being the frst American full-service luxury day spa branded by La Prairie Switzerland, the world-renowned skincare line. Top-tier services are available in the European-style spa or in-room. Complementing the spa facilities is a comprehensive ftness center. While “location, location, location� might be enough for some properties, the Ritz-Carlton Central Park goes a step beyond to provide service as memorable as the views. Te Ritz-Carlton Central Park is located at 50 Central Park South. For more information or reservations, call 212.308.9100 or visit ritzcarlton.com. sl slmag.net
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Curating a Lifestyle: Hot Of the Block Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers 1
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Just as winter brings cooler temperatures, the auction world heats up for the busiest season of the year. Check out these recent prices - hot of the auction block. 1) In a bygone era, news stands were adorned with artwork by such renowned illustrator artists as Norman Rockwell and N.C. Wyeth. Tis painting by George Hughes graced the cover of a 1961 issue of Te Saturday Evening Post and elicited spirited bidding when it sold for $44,400 this fall. 2) Collectors are drawn to the organic shapes and vibrant colors of Dale Chihuly’s work. Tis small, Seaform bowl and nesting ball crossed the auction block at $3,250. 3) Te market for vintage wines and spirits is hot right now, as evidenced by this early case of Booth’s Finest Dry Gin. Distilled in London and imported into Canada decades ago, this case of 12 bottles commanded $4,500 at auction in December. 4) A vintage Swiss travel clock in silver with mother-of-pearl dial is adorned with Masonic iconography, sold $7,500. 5) Tis Rolex President model from the 1980s is the epitome of timeless style, the design having changed very little since President Eisenhower donned one while in the White House. It sold for $21,000 at auction. 6) Te sophisticated but simple lines of this chair (by noted designer T.H. RobsjohnGibbings for Widdicomb) appeals to today’s lifestyle, resulting in an auction price of $2,760. 7) A graduated set of six wonderful silver-plated food domes and trays by Gorham nest in a lovely ftted trunk, lined with blue velvet. Dated 1891 and monogrammed “E.B.” the set fetched $2,640. 8) An unassuming, small painted box from the early 19th century surprised many in the saleroom when it soared to $63,000. From Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the box is part of a very rare group by the same, unknown, maker. Amelia & Jef Jefers are co-owners of two fne art, antique and bespoke collectibles companies: Garth's of Delaware, Ohio and Selkirk of St. Louis, Missouri.
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Of Note... What’s in Store - Chic Storage Solutions for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions 1
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1) Tree shelves of the Model Bookcase from Teodore Alexander feature nude female fgures in polished aluminum as supports (price upon request; theodorealexander.com). 2) Te handcarved Rouen break front from Ebanista stands nearly eight-feet-tall (price upon request; ebanista.com). 3) Te Rider Étagère from Jonathan Adler presents a revised take on French Empire style crafted in black lacquer with antiqued brass accents ($2,995; jonathanadler.com). 4) Palm rectangular hamper from Waterworks ($240; waterworks.com). 5) Archive toy box from Land of Nod ($399; landofnod.com). 6) Saba walnut dressing table from Arteriors Home features two drawers with antique brass pulls ($4,500; arteriorshome.com).
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Compiled by Victoria Chase
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7) Te Coleccionista bookcase from Boca Do Lobo can be placed against a wall or used as a room divider (price upon request; bocadolobo.com). 8) Te Tivoli single door display cabinet from Habersham features three interior wood-framed glass shelves, LED lights and exterior Cremones bolt lock (price upon request; habershamhome.com). 9) Downing cofee table from Kate Spade features an inset brass storage/display tray ($3,365; katespade.com). 10) Te Machinto double-door glass cabinet from RH Modern was inspired by 1970s postmodern design ($2895-$3595; rhmodern.com).
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Harvey Keitel, Rachel Weisz and Michael Caine at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival. Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images for BFI.
Toni Garrn at the 2015 Bambi Awards in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for AIGNER.
An Afair to Remember
Inspiration for after-dark attire and accessories apropos from cocktails to the red carpet Compiled by Victoria Chase
Andre Lotterer at the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival. Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for AUDI AG.
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Pictured is Sienna Miller at the 2015 BFI London Film Festival. Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI. 1) Ohbon Night Owl necklace ($275; ohbon.com). 2) Jude Frances narrow beaded Maltese cuf ($450; judefrances.com). 3) Sandra Biachi Allure gold band ($1,008; sandrabiachi.com). 4) Butani diamond fnger armour ring (price upon request; butani.com). 5) Le Vian Couture 18k Strawberry Gold Lace & Chains bracelet with Blueberry Tanzanite, Chocolate Diamonds and Vanilla Diamonds ($25,797; levian.com). 6) Neely Phelan Arrowhead drop necklace ($300; neelyphelan.com). 7) Jimmy Choo Lorelai 100 foral glittered leather ankle-strap pumps ($1,495; saksffthavenue.com). 8) Jill Haber Sebastian Mackeral top-handle shoulder box ($2,150; jillhaber.com).
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Pictured is Nazan Eckes at the 2015 Bambi Awards in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Alexander Koerner/Getty Images for AIGNER. 1) Alexandra Mor High Jewelry collection detachable diamond bow and ruby earrings (price upon request; alexandramor.com). 2) Lydia Courteille Rainbow Warrior earrings in 18K gold with fancy sapphires, turquoise, rubies, tsavorites, and amethyst (price upon request; lydiacourteille.com). 3) Bijoux in black mesh from Paul Andrew (paulandrew.com). 4) Sutra black gold, diamond and turquoise drop earrings (price upon request; sutrajewels.com). 5) Edie Parker Flavia clutch with satin embroidery panel ($1,795; edieparker.com). 6) Armour Beauty's Vegan Armour V lip gloss in: Funhouse ($21; armourbeauty.com).
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Pictured is Sara Sampaio at the 68th annual Cannes Film Festival. Photo by Venturelli/WireImage. 6) Avakian diamond and emeral earrings (price upon request; avakian.com). 7) Carrera y Carrera Sierpes maxi earrings in yellow gold, onyx and diamonds (price upon request; carreraycarrera.com). 8) Two-sided La Cigale clutch from Emm Kuo reads "Oui" on one side and "No" on the other ($819; emmkuo.com). 9) Sergio Rossi Chrysalide sandal crafted from organic silk, lead-free Swarovski Advanced Elements crystals and naturallytanned chrome-free leather. ($1,250; sergiorossi.com). 10) Cream eyeliner from Bassam Fattouh Cosmetics ($33; bassamfattouh.com). 11) Tis Gown Needs a Crown satin fnish nail lacquer from OPI ($9; opi.com).
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Pictured are Caroline Beil & Philipp Sattler at the 2015 Leipzig Opera Ball in Germany. Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for Leipziger Opera Ball. 56 slmag.net
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Pictured this page is Natalie Portman at the 65th Berlinale International Film Festival in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Franziska Krug/Getty Images for AUDI AG. 1) Panerai Pocket Watch 3 Days Oro Bianco (price upon request; panerai.com). 2) Monique Lhuillier Beloved blue topaz and diamond pear-shaped pendant in 18k white gold ($1,150; moniquelhuillier.com). 3) Oscar de la Renta Alyssa metallic leather and PVC beaded pumps in gold ($1,190; saksffthavenue.com). 4) de Grigsogono Cufinks in yellow gold and onyx (price upon request; degrisogono.com). 5) Gold and diamond Anniversary Collection bracelet from Antonini (price upon request; antonini.it). 6) Smathers & Branson monogrammed needlepoint cummerbund ($220; smathersandbranson.com). 7) Tresor sandals from Sergio Rossi ($1,250; sergiorossi.com). 8) Anti-aging Intensive Moisturizer with VENefect advanced phytoestrogen technology ($185; venefect.com). 9) Closed on Monday men's matte moisturizer ($38; closedonmonday.co). 10) Mercedes-Benz Le Parfum for Men 120 ml ($120; perfume.mercedes-benz.com). 11) Bavna diamond earrings (price upon request; bavna.com). 12) Yoko London gold, diamond and South Sea pearl necklace (price upon request; yokolondon.com). 13) Aquazzura Iris fur and feather-trimmed suede D'Orsay strappy sandals ($950; saksffthavenue.com). 14) Ohbon Noir Nights bracelet ($979; ohbon.com). 15) Diamond Links bracelet by Harry Winston (price upon request; harrywinston.com). 16) Nomad Cosmetics New York beauty palette with SensExperience scented packaging ($50; NomadMakeup.com). 17) Shiseido Shimmering Rouge lipstick ($25; shiseido.com).
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THE DISH
An Italian food writer shares a hearty recipe for comfort food that suits the season. Written by Bridget Williams
Lake Como native Paola Lovisetti Scamihorn worked as a pharmaceutical scientist in Belgium and Austria for more a decade before returning to her Italian hometown and shifting her attention to cooking, nutrition and wellness. In addition to her cooking blog (passionandcooking.com), she contributes to several international magazines, collaborates with an athlete/personal trainer to ofer tailor-made programs on healthy food and proper training, and has recently published a new cookbook - Love is Eating, Healthy and Tasty Italian Recipes for Family Meals - that utilizes photographs, recipes, and historical and nutritional facts to embody her vision of food, science, health, love and passion. sl
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BRAISED BEEF IN BAROLO WINE WITH POLENTA – BRASATO AL BAROLO CON POLENTA (Piedmont) “Te name brasato derives from brace (BRA-chay), the hot coals over which the meat was traditionally cooked. Braised beef marinated in a fne Barolo wine is one of the most representative and classic dishes of the Piedmont region, a savory delight for a cozy dinner on cold nights. Barolo is a rich, deeply concentrated full-bodied wine, with pronounced tannins and acidity (and therefore ideal for marinating). You can enjoy brasato like we Italians do, with polenta – ‘the Italian grits’. Now, defying its humble origin, polenta has also been discovered by a new, sophisticated audience and it is frequently found in gourmet restaurants. You can also enjoy it with cheese like Gorgonzola.” Total preparation time: 12 hours (Cooking time is 2 ½ hours) Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS (Brasato) (2 lbs) cappello di prete, beef chuck roast 1 bottle Barolo wine 3 carrots 1 celery rib 1 yellow onion 3 garlic cloves 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 bay leaves 1 stick of cinnamon 3 peppercorns 3 cloves 3 Tbsp butter 2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil Sea salt to taste Polenta 1.5 quarts water 1 scant Tbsp kosher salt 2 cups cornmeal 2-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil DIRECTIONS Day 1 You should start preparation the day before you plan to cook the meat. 1. Tie the meat with a cotton string so it keeps its shape. 2. Cut the carrots, the celery and the onion into large pieces, and put in a large glass bowl with the meat and the bay leaves, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves and pepper. Add the wine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 12 hours. Tis is important to reduce the proliferation of bacteria.
Day 2 1. After 12 hours remove the meat from the bowl and dry it with some paper towels. 2. In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and the butter on high heat, sauté the meat over medium heat for 5 minutes on both sides. 3. Add the vegetables with the wine, and some salt to taste, to the pot containing the meat. 4. Cover and cook on low heat for at least 2 ½ hours. Te meat should be so tender that it could be carved with a spoon. While meat is cooking prepare polenta. 5. In a heavy saucepan bring the water to boil. Add salt. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cornmeal to prevent lumps from forming. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. 6. Remove the lid and stir constantly with a wooden spoon on high heat. Continue to stir for about 40 minutes (according to package cooking time) until the polenta is thickened. It should separate from the sides of the pan, and be able to support a spoon. 7. Add 2-3 Tbsp olive oil and mix well. Pour the polenta onto a wooden cutting board, let stand for a few minutes. 8. In the meantime remove the meat from the pan. Discard the rosemary sprigs and the bay leaves. 9. Blend the vegetables and liquid with an electric blender, and then boil to reduce the sauce for 2-3 minutes. 10. Slice the meat when it is no longer too hot (it will be easier to slice). 11. Cut the polenta into slices using either a knife or, according to the peasant tradition, a cotton string. You can also enjoy the crust; it tastes like Mexican tortillas. I love it 12. Pour the sauce on the meat and serve with polenta. Note: Barolo wine needs to be matched with food of similar weight such as meat dishes, heavy pasta and rich risotto, and it is excellent for marinating. In fact, marinades work their magic due to the acids in the wine, which break down muscle tissue and tenderize the meat. An appropriate Barolo substitute is Barbera or another full-bodied red wine. In this case let it marinate longer, about 18 hours. Polenta is not difcult to make but needs a lot of attention and nearly constant stirring. Te best pan to use should be a copper pot surrounded by the cooking flame (a large gas-burner is ideal). In the past – and indeed still today – farmers cooked polenta over an open fire, and this is without doubt the tastiest version you can eat! slmag.net
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Tokaj, Hungary
Written and photographed by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier
Te beautiful capital city of Hungary is Budapest. Buda and Pest were once separate cities physically divided by the Danube River; they are now unifed by several bridges, including the lovely Chain Bridge, making it easy to go back and forth between the two. Budapest is safe, very afordable, lively and home to just fewer than two million of the 10 million people living in Hungary. A member of the European Union since 2014, Hungary is located at the juncture of numerous cultures of Central Europe. Spend two or three days in the capital city, but allow the same amount of time if not more for the classic wine region of Tokaj. Tokaj is a mere twohour drive from Budapest in the northeastern part of the Hungary. Tis is exactly what I did, and I am thankful for it. Budapest, but in particular Tokaj, is quickly recovering from the stifing communist regime, which ended in 1989. Before this time, Tokaj had long been well-known as a high-quality classic dessert wine region. Te dessert wine Tokaj Aszu has been said to be a wine of kings and a king of wines. Nevertheless, we are going to save Tokaj Aszu for another day and talk about the dry wine revolution that is underway in Tokaj with the indigenous Furmint grape leading the way. Dry Furmint is emerging as the standard barrier for dry white wine in Hungary. Tis white wine is showing huge potential and it should, as they simply do not make red wine in Tokaj. Furmint possesses everything you would like about a dry white wine –
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refreshing crisp acidity and vibrant fruit such as lemon, apple, mandarin orange and apricot, all in a medium-bodied frame with a balancing bitterness that is both refreshing and structure-adding. It takes to very light oak treatment well or is delicious without it. Te region of Tokaj became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. I certainly agree, as it is a naturally beautiful place, from the confuence of the Bodrog and the Tisza Rivers, to the foothills of the ZemplĂŠn Mountains, which add a generally hilly topography that lends itself to the terraced vineyards and beautiful vistas. Tere are 27 villages in Tokaj, and you may see them on the label. Te mostly likely and important trio is the eponymous Tokaj, Mad and Tarcal. Most of the wineries are small, family-owned and operated. In this historic area it is ironic that the oldest winery we visited was just 23-years-old, with the average age of the wineries visited being just under 13 years. Given that private ownership has been allowed just since the fall of communism in 1989, it is truly remarkable how far the region has come. Despite the youthfulness of wineries, the region is riddled with a vast matrix of caves dating as far back as the 15th century. Some of the caves are less then six-feettall, while others exceed 12-feet in height. Some are short in length and concise, while still other caves are a labyrinth and would require a map to successfully traverse. Most are snapshots in time complete with the legendary black mold, which for the most part is allowed or even encouraged as it helps maintain a consistent level of humidity.
PRODUCERS Tere is simply not enough room to write about all the quality producers in Tokaj. While the list below does not include them all, I encourage you to try Dobogo Winery, Holdvolgy Winery, Basilicus Winery and Majoros Estate, as well as Kvaszinger Winery. Visiting the wineries is a very pleasant experience as the Hungarian people are friendly and hospitable with an excellent sense of humor and love to show you their wines. Difcult to fnd and difcult to pronounce, these wines will reward your eforts. BARTA WINERY Founded in 2003, the Barta Family owns one of the most important, high-quality vineyards in Tokaj known as Oreg Kiraly Dulo or the Old King Vineyard in the village of Mad. Atilla Homonna is the winemaker. Furmint Old King Vineyard (Oreg Kiraly Dulo) 2012 - Dry and crisp with the favors of apple, lemon, lime, mineral and a light herbal tinge, all in a medium- to full-body that is tasty and delicious. GRÓF DEGENFELD WINERY Founded in 1996 and owned by the Count Degenfeld Family. Degenfeld Hotel is the place to stay in the region and is located on the same grounds as their vineyards and winery, making it a great
place to visit the winery and its forward-thinking winemaker Vivien Ujvari. Furmint Estate 2014 - Honeysuckle, yellow apple, apricot, mandarin orange and ginger with a light mineral favor combine in this fresh, dry, medium-bodied wine with light oak ageing. ERZSÉBET CELLAR Founded in 1992 and owned by the Pracser Family. Every family member involved has a degree in viticulture and oenology including Hajnalka Prascer, the intelligent and affable estate manager. Hajnalka’s husband Ronn Wiegand is a Master Sommelier and Master of Wine and also helps at the winery. Furmint Estate 2012-Tasty mandarin orange, apricot and peach that is dry, crisp, complex and full-favored. An intense yet refreshing wine with delicious minerals in a medium frame. BÉRES ESTATE Founded in 2002 and owned by the Beres Family, the estate benefits from the family business acumen of Beres Drops, a nutritional supplement known globally. Awarded Hungary’s most beautiful winery in 2015. Furmint Estate 2014 - Fresh, lively and crisp, bursting with citrus, green apple and light white peach with a medium body and a fnish that is both vivacious and persistent. sl A Certifed Wine Educator, Harper is one of 140 professionals in North America and 220 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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Crossing Over With the debut of the XT5, Cadillac sets its sight on being tops in sales of crossover vehicles in the U.S. market Written by Andre James
One of the oldest automobile brands in the world, Cadillac demonstrated its staying power with the U.S. debut of its frstever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5) at the Los Angeles auto show this past November. “Te all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the frst of four new crossovers from Cadillac,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “It’s pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we’ve developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efciency.” A far cry from Cadillac’s first models, the 1902 twoseat Runabout and the rear-entrance Tonneau, which were powered by a 10 hp single-cylinder engine, the XT5 runs on a new 3.6-liter V6 engine with an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Featuring Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, the engine can seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving fourcylinder mode under low or moderate loads. Weighing in at 278 pounds lighter than the current Cadillac SRX, the unique new chassis improves body rigidity and crash performance while increasing rear-seat legroom by 3.2 inches
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compared to the SRX and allowing rear seats to recline and slide fore and aft. The lightweight structure of the XT5 is stiffer and stronger than the SRX due to the use of improved materials and advanced design methods. A diagonal “A-frame” front chassis brace in the underbody was added to provide a more solid driver feel and tautness for the vehicle in turns. Te resulting architecture imbues the car with a frmly planted stance, and a lean and sleek look. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration and allows further use of the cabin space with storage beneath the center console. An optional “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system is engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions and also provides enhanced stability in dry weather. Te AWD system is driver-controlled and includes a new “disconnect” feature that disables the rear drive unit for improved fuel efciency and reduced emissions. Te new suspension features lightweight components with a MacPherson Strut design in the front and a fve-link independent design at the rear.
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Standard wheels are 18 inches with 20-inch wheels optional. All versions equipped with 20-inch wheels have a Continuous Damping Control system to manage ride control in real time. The XT5 boasts Cadillac’s latest production systems for connectivity and safety. A rear camera mirror system enhances the driver’s rear vision up to 300 percent by utilizing a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. An HDR camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software that “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, and then projects an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display. Automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Trafc Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist are all part of Cadillac’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages to aid vision and collision avoidance Befitting its place in the luxury crossover market, the interior of the XT5 emphasizes comfort, clean lines and fine craftsmanship. “We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac’s executive director of global design. “Tis design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.” 64 slmag.net
As is the case with all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles. A Platinum edition, initially made popular on Cadillac’s Escalade, provides additional options for unique interior and exterior trim and materials and combines them with the highest technology features. In total, the XT5 includes fve interior color and trim choices, with decorative trim options ranging from carbon fber to two types of aluminum and three types of genuine wood. Te XT5 features an integrated wireless charger for mobile devices and 4G wireless connectivity, with a standard integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simpler in-car phone integration. Te rear lift gate of the XT5 includes hands-free operation, allowing it to open or close via gesture control beneath the rear bumper. An optional color reconfigurable Heads-Up Display is available. Cadillac’s signature LED light pipes are standard inside and out, while full LED headlamps are optional. A Surround Vision feature enables a “bird’s eye” view of the perimeter around the car to assist in parking. As the replacement for Cadillac’s popular SRX, the XT5 aims to fnally take the top U.S. sales spot from its primary rival, the Lexus RS. Production is scheduled to commence in the spring. sl
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LAYING IT ALL ON THE TABLE A Nashville icon appeals to a new generation of foodies Written by Leigh Hendry and Gloria Houghland Photography by Allen Clark Let’s face it: Sometimes you just want to go out to dinner and know exactly what to expect. Te familiar, the tried and true, the ease of an established eatery cannot be replaced by the glittery collection of outposts which have appeared on the Middle Tennessee restaurant scene in recent years. A local icon and Belle Meade landmark for decades, Sperry’s Restaurant, meets that mandate perfectly. For the past 41 years, the clubby, English steakhouse ambience has attracted locals and tourists alike for both celebratory occasions, as well as the perfect meeting spot to toast the end of the day. Its warm, inviting environs are a constant, no matter what the weather holds. And, particularly at this chilly time of year, the burning freplaces dial the warmth level up considerably. Sperry’s is named for Burton W. Sperry, the great-greatgrandfather of present owner Al Tomas. Burton was engaged in the hotel and restaurant business to widespread acclaim in Jacksonville, Florida from the late 1800s and on into the 1900s. While most of us know or have heard of the founders of Sperry’s, Houston Thomas along with his brother, Dick Tomas, few of us are aware that long before Sperry’s was even a thought, the building which houses the famous steakhouse 70 slmag.net
was the Garden Gate Garden Center, owned and operated by Houston’s wife, Sue and her mother Freda McDermott. It was during this time that Houston determined that there were few fne dining establishments in Nashville. He realized that the garden center was the perfect place for a restaurant, and went on to create the Brass Scales with co-owners Jerry Baxter and Bill Hale. With its piano and dance foor, it was quite a success for a time, but following a change in ownership, the business ultimately failed. The brothers’ father, Marion Thomas owned the building, so when the assets of the Brass Scales were auctioned on the courthouse steps, he scooped it up for his two sons to own jointly. Houston had a multi-faceted restaurant background having partnered with Major Walls of the Omni Hut in Smyrna to open the Ports of Paradise and Mahi Mahi in Nashville, both located on White Bridge Road. Although brothers Dick and Houston had differing views about the restaurant business, Sperry’s prospered during their 25 years together and became known for its quality and consistency as well as the “in” place for Nashville diners. Recognizing the importance of the “brand,” when Al Tomas and his wife Trish, bought Sperry’s in 2000, they decided to
maintain the warm ambience and concentrate on restoring the aging building while upgrading the menu. Today a digital picture frame in the foyer, below the oversized iron jockey which centers the room showcases the interesting history of the restaurant building, featuring the garden center along with a train derailment that occurred right out front in April of 1964. Al recalls when he was a young boy of 9, standing on his toes to peer into the lobster tank located in the lobby in order to select a lobster to be steamed in an autoclave, a pressure chamber used to sterilize medical equipment. It was quite possibly that experience that shaped Al’s love of the restaurant industry. His frst job was at Sperry’s in 1975 (age 14) where he started with daily clean-up, Later, he moved on to the position of dishwasher, then to busing tables before eventually waiting on customers. At age 18 he moved to Knoxville to attend UT where he met future wife Trish while working at Cajun’s Wharf. It was she who urged him to pursue his interest in the hospitality business. Al moved to Colorado to earn his degree in hotel/restaurant management at Denver University, graduating in 1994. Tat degree led to a crosscountry jaunt covering seven cities and 17 years while working at the likes of Houston’s and L&N Seafood Grill. “We moved
17 times in our first 10 years of marriage,” Thomas says while refecting upon his career. “Te restaurant business is second only to the military life when it comes to making transitions.” Upon entering the always-busy establishment with its wooden walls, antique hunt prints, signature nautical compass, foral paintings by Dick Tomas, leather upholstered chairs, dim lighting, welcoming chalkboard easel and overfowing display of collected curios, guests quickly grasp the message of relaxed informality. In fact, the setting just adds to the efortless Sperry’s charm where patrons regularly inquire about the shining wood table tops and bar which were built on the premises from Liberty Ship hatch covers used in World War II. Te bar top is hand-carved from the same wood, its unique fnish achieved by repeated applications of epoxy resin, rubbed to a mirror finish. Another curiosity is the portrait of the woman which hangs at the rear of the restaurant. Te subject is Maude Sperry Humphreys, daughter of Burton Sperry, whose picture is located to the left of the hostess stand. Many long-time Nashvillians will recall Maude’s Courtyard on Division Street, also founded by Houston, and his daughter Anne Clayton, as one of the city’s frst fne dining bistros.
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Te bar at Sperry’s is one of Nashville’s prime happy hour spots. Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., customers can usually expect a line out the door for half-price martinis, $5 house wines, $3 import beers and microbrews, $2 domestic beers and an inviting selection of the $7 Burton’s Bar Bites, which include Baked Escargot, Smoked Salmon and Prime Rib Sliders. As an added bonus, Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to half-price bottles of wines. But, the true piece de resistance is the well-established house menu. It’s almost impossible for diners to choose between the many distinctively Sperry’s oferings whether it’s the classic French Onion Soup, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Rack of Lamb Dijon, or the Maude’s Grilled Chicken. Tere are also seafood options targeted to calorie-counting, health conscious customers along with a plethora of tasty side dishes.The heart of the operation, however, is the heralded grill. In a town waist-high with steakhouses, Sperry’s stands out for the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of its Creekstone Farms beef, a premium product most often found in upscale New York eateries. Te Prime Rib of Beef, slow-roasted to perfection and served au jus with creamy horseradish sauce, is one of several outstanding house specialties. And then, there are the giant Alaskan King Crab Legs, which when added as a complement to a plate of prime beef, make for the ultimate meal, according to Tomas. Another favorite option is the chopped steak, ordered religiously by frequent patron and
former two-term Tennessee Governor Ned Ray McWherter. Te “made-to-be-eaten-with-two-hands,” 10 oz. Kobe burger is phenomenally moist, juicy and favorful and stands unsurpassed at the top of the price point spectrum. No matter which entrée diners select, they find each and every meal expertly prepared using the freshest ingredients available, and served with a friendly smile, of course. Te staf members at Sperry’s are well-seasoned, several of whom have worked at the restaurant for more than 20 years, including General Manager Jef Blondin. Al did not set out to reinvent the wheel, but stayed with his dad’s winning formula. The result? The Sperry’s Famous Salad Bar and Bread Board remain as popular today as they were when they debuted here in the ‘70s. Te salad bar components are super fresh, harmoniously arranged and ofer something for every taste. A cherished side item, the Lobster Mac and Cheese, is made from live whole Maine lobsters proving Sperry’s dedication to its motto: “As Fresh as it Gets.” Tose fve words are posted throughout the kitchen as a constant reminder to the staf. A recent introduction to the menu is the Grilled Scallops Benedict, served with country ham and asparagus tips over Byrd’s Mill Stone Ground Grits and topped with spicy hollandaise. A smaller variation can also be found on the appetizer list. Te famous sticky tofee pudding covered with crème fraiche and warm tofee sauce was added to the menu following Al and Trish’s jaunt to England soon after acquiring the restaurant while the revered Bananas Foster are still famed table-side.
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On a recent visit with out-of-town guests who consider a visit to Sperry’s a must-do when in Nashville, we treated ourselves to what was a frst for all of us – a 100% perfect meal. Dying to try some of the new choices on the menu, we were not disappointed. From the over-the-top professionalism of our congenial hostess, Emily, to our knowledgeable waitress, Irina, we decided to try the Seared Tuna Stack with its crispy jicama, fresh avocado, mango and chunks of sashimi-grade tuna first. As it made its way around the table, family style, one of the men in our party declared: “Tis isn’t just great; it’s fabulous!” Tat was high praise coming from this devoted meat-and-potatoes guy, whose response to the tasty tower of tuna was genuine. Next came the most tender grilled lamb chops (owing to the overnight olive oil, rosemary, garlic marinade and Coca Cola reduction topping) we have ever devoured. These melt-in-your-mouth morsels were served over delectable sweet potato fries, which unlike many bland and chewy iterations of this popular creation, were impressively crisp with a dusting of powdered sugar providing the surprising key ingredient. Te pan-seared jumbo lump crab cake, served with wholegrain mustard sauce, was prepared precisely as promised – 98% succulent crab meat that stands up to any Northeastern version. All of these appetizers were hearty and the portions ample enough 76 slmag.net
to share. We should have stopped right then and there, but no true carnivore visits Sperry’s without treating themselves to the beef. Two in our party ordered the famous Prince William Blue Cheese-Stufed Filet, wrapped in bacon and named after the heir to the English throne who famously dined at this powerhouse establishment in 2002. This is Al’s personally preferred dish on the menu, but the new Wild Mushroom Filet topped with onion straws, is certain to give the royal dish a run for its money with its scrumptious wild mushroom sauce. GM Blondin’s recommendation of the Bell Shiraz from Sperry’s extensive wine list was a high note of the meal. Several side dishes were ordered, but again, the mushrooms were our hands-down favorite. Tis new ofering presents chanterelles stufed with sweet mango and slightly spicy sausage, a favor combination which immediately got the attention of our collective taste buds. For dessert, we sampled Anne’s Coconut Cake and the all-time customer favorite, Sperry’s “Snowball” Sundae. And, because we just couldn’t restrain ourselves, we ordered a couple of Café Sperry’s, too. Tis distinctive cold weather cocktail has been the house cofee drink since 1974. Before we knew it, the plates were clean, the glasses empty and it was long-past time to waddle home! While holding true to the history of Sperry’s, Al has remained devoted to the need to stay relevant. Many of the Millennials who
grew up coming to the restaurant with their families are now adults with over-21 palates. He understands their desire to make an emotional connection to the brand, enjoy good food at a good value, support social responsibility, consume thoughtfully chosen ingredients and connect with considerate employees who are friendly, yet unobtrusive. He has added soundproof panels to the walls reducing any acoustic interference which might hinder more intimate conversations. Te 70-plus-year-old building has been meticulously maintained, as Al believes that guests deserve an exceptional environment as part of their dining experience. Te smartened-up, yet accessible menu now includes the Sperry’s Wedge along with the back-of-house Caesar Salad, so diners can circumvent a visit to the salad bar. Seasonal options like the Kale and Quinoa Salad bring other modern choices to the table, as well. Diners can also now order both artichoke and asparagus, grilled or steamed, with the Creamed Spinach available sautéed. Al credits his Director of Operations and Culinary Director Bob Tappan with the menu upgrades and improved presentations. Never one to rest on his laurels, Al has teamed with business partner, Sam Sanchez, and opened two new sister properties, Sperry’s in Cool Springs and another in Florence, Alabama. Both of the newer Sperry’s ofer extensive private dining rooms and the Cool Springs restaurant is such a close match to the Belle Meade
establishment that regular guests to both locations are often confused. This dynamic duo own six Sam’s Sports Grills. Their newest venture, Sam’s Place, has just opened up the street in the old Bread and Company location. Its marvelous menu and distinct décor, featuring a vast wall covered with television screens, are garnering rave reviews. In all of these enterprises, Al has strived to emulate the quality and consistency of the original Sperry’s. Next on his already full bucket list is Sperry’s Mercantile, to be located next door to Sperry’s behind the Porter Paints store. The same quality beef and super-fresh seafood that is delivered daily the restaurant’s kitchen door will be sold there along with all things “Sperry’s,” including the special sauces, house-made dressings, sides and desserts. Anne Clayton, Al’s sister, will also be ofering a variety of items perfected during her vast culinary career. It is refreshing that in an ever-changing market where so many restaurants are re-inventing themselves, Sperry’s remains a standout stalwart in the community. It continues to be a locally owned, independent restaurant aimed at diners looking to eat and drink well in a venue situated far afeld from the congested hubbub of the “new” Nashville culinary scene. After 40-plus years of superb food and superior service, it’s clear that the current generation of Burton Sperry descendants inherited both his business acumen and his culinary fair. sl
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ON HIGHER GROUND An architect’s deep understanding of his client’s desires forms everything Written by Leigh Hendry and Gloria Houghland Photography by Allen Clark
Less than a mile from the Davidson-Williamson County border southwest of Nashville sits a luxurious contemporary home, appropriately named Ridgetop. Perched on a substantial hillside, this striking abode features commanding views of the outer Nashville basin. And, while the stunning vistas were a primary reason for the dwelling’s location, the bird’s-eye view of the Iroquois Steeplechase grounds held a special, sentimental appeal for the homeowners. For Patti and Brian Smallwood, the annual Iroquois Steeplechase event represents much more than just a rollicking rite-of-spring for its thousands of attendees. It was there, more than a decade ago, that Patti met Brian Smallwood; they married less than a year later following a whirlwind courtship. Te couple initially resided in her traditional 1935 Tyne Boulevard home until Patti’s parents surprised them with the suggestion that they build on the family’s farm of Hillsboro Road. Te couple spent months
traipsing through the property’s old horse trails before settling on a site atop the highest hill. Architect Smallwood, who was raised in a Newport Beach, California home with a 180-degree view of the Pacific Ocean, understood the impact of a formidable view. Teir chosen hilltop, overlooking the Steeplechase course where the couple met, was perfectly in sync with his vision. As one of the principals in the Smallwood Nickle architectural firm, Smallwood found himself in an enviable position: accomplished architect meets opportunity to design dream home, a singular moment in any architectural career. Following his youthful west coast days, Smallwood, who traveled abroad before graduating from the noted Rhode Island School of Design, went on to receive his Masters in Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic and State University. He carefully reviewed and evaluated more than 200 frms before determining that Nashville’s Tuck-Hinton Architects was the place where he wanted to practice. slmag.net
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He had long admired their work and felt that one learned the best habits by choosing the best frm. Te fact that his brother, Geof, was a Nashville obstetrician cemented Smallwood’s decision to call Middle Tennessee home. After a five-year stint with Tuck-Hinton, and another year and a half with an interiors-focused frm, Smallwood and his new partner, Jim Nickle opened their own frm in the fall of 2001. Te timing, however, was not auspicious as it was just 10 days prior to the terrorist attack on Manhattan’s World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. While much of America’s economy ground to a halt, the duo made the best of a tough situation by tackling a wide range of projects from commercial build-outs to residential rehabs. Te turbulent times also provided lessons in skill-honing from planning to codes to zoning. Tey built the 6,000-square-foot Guy Brown Building from the ground up as well as their frst residential project, a Spanish-style Mediterranean home in the Brentwood area. Along the way they discovered that what both clients had in common were unique needs that they wanted met. Tey learned to interview skillfully and, more importantly, to listen carefully. “My job as an architect is to give the client the home or business they want, not what I want,” Smallwood pointed out. “I learned how important the lengthy interview process was, and how to parse out what the client wants but can’t fully articulate. Because it slows down the process, a lot of architects don’t enjoy that; but we understood its value.” The firm’s design philosophy had evolved: “A deep 84 slmag.net
understanding of the people who live in the houses we design, informs everything.” Now Smallwood would have the chance to put his guiding principle to the ultimate test. The first design hurdle in creating Ridgetop was resolving access to the property. Te long driveway to the top of the ridge required fnesse; from an architectural standpoint, it mattered to Smallwood how visitors frst saw the house. Te wrought-iron gate at the driveway’s entrance is anchored on both sides by sandstone pillars (the same stone is used for both the exterior and interior of the house) while the vertical light fxtures on each column are also repeated inside and out. Te detailed thinking inherent in these kinds of ambitious projects is exemplified by the “little things” which unexpectedly unite the whole. After winding up the drive through the idyllic setting, the property does indeed “open up” to an expansive pea gravel courtyard accented by boxwood topiaries. The home’s facade, showcasing a jaw-dropping combination of textures from exotic Ipe Brazilian wood to quartz sandstone blocks to stucco to steel to mahogany to glass, is a composition of alternating volumes joined together by horizontal roof overhangs. An “Alice in Wonderland” diamond pattern of grass and concrete visually guides visitors to the front entrance. Smallwood says that as he began to sketch their home, he and Patti started talking and talking. “All clients change their minds,” he said, knowingly. “But, if the architect is also the client, these ‘talks’
tend to move and morph over time.” Patti was immediately on board with Smallwood’s goal of creating a stunning, contemporary masterpiece. But it was also important to her, already the mother of one and planning to start a new family with Smallwood, that they had a place where children could play, as well as a warm, cozy fow for entertaining. Te incorporation of both of their family histories, along with their own life story, was a priority for the couple. Every room in the home addresses one or more of their expressed needs. “Many people feel that contemporary design is really cold. I appreciate that and balance that perceived coolness with the materials I choose,” Smallwood said. Porous quartz sandstone, which shimmers in the sunlight, graces the interior and exterior surfaces. Its texture, along with the light from the tall glass windows and the rich grain of the dark, wide-plank Peruvian wood fooring used throughout the house, bring depth and warmth to the design concept. A crisp black-and-white, diamond-patterned marble foor in the atrium gallery echoes the exterior diamond pattern while paying homage to the traditional entry of Patti’s former home. Te combined formal and informal living area, forged together into a single space, is just one example of Smallwood “hearing” what his client had to say. One side of the room holds an elevated freplace, clad in Jerusalem gold marble, with the requisite large screen television placed above a cantilevered storage cabinet. Te oversized sofa and cofee table with a leather surround suggest that this is the informal family side while an authentic French mantle takes center
stage at the other end of the room. A modern abstract by painter Christopher Martin of Aspen (where the couple vacations), which hangs against honey-colored, chevron-patterned, African curupixa wood walls, serves as an exclamation point here. “We purchased a lot of our furniture but we also have inherited pieces. Tat eclectic component makes our home warm. It’s one of the most frequent comments we receive,” Patti said. “And, there is a fne line between architecture and interior design,” Smallwood said with a laugh. With initial assistance from Atlanta interior designer Gil Hammond, the Smallwoods merged all the things they loved together. Te result is a home which efortlessly expresses who they are. The elegant, white Poggenpohl kitchen represents a combination of both clients’ desires. With its pass-through window to the hidden, utilitarian pantry with its pull-out drawers for plates, shelves for storage, refrigerator and freezer drawers, wine cooler and full-size refrigerator, the space is command central for the couple’s children. The Smallwood’s now have two young sons, as well as their 21-year-old son, Battle. Tere is a sitting area for adults, too, with an elevated fireplace and a window, perfectly positioned for keeping an eye on children at play. Smallwood designed a glass-topped bistro table with a steel rod bolted through the foor, rounding of the hard edges characteristic of most kitchen islands while providing a seat at the table for all. “Many happy projects, meals and conversations take place at this table,” said the architect. slmag.net
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Next to the kitchen is the verandah, the room where the family truly “lives.” Te heated porcelain foors emulate hardwood while the room’s walls are comprised of oversized Lift-and-Slide doors which can be folded, stacked and opened to create an outdoor room to the patio, a screened porch or be completely closed in winter. During chilly months, the family enjoys the verandah’s oscillating freplace, attached to a pole so as not to interrupt the view of the boys and three dogs jumping on their in-ground trampoline. “This is ‘sort of ’ a smart house and is definitely green,” Smallwood says. “We have a geothermal HVAC with hidden vents, high-performance doors, electronic windows and ICF walls with concrete sandwiched between foam insulation.” Te structural columns extend seamlessly from basement to roof. Te home’s baseboards, painted black so that outlets disappear, are recessed under the walls for easy cleaning. Instead of crown molding, Smallwood has also recessed the meeting of the walls and ceiling throughout the home, creating a deliberate divide that he refers to as the “reveal.” A hidden staircase, visible through LED-lit frosted windows, rises from the basement to the third foor music loft where accordion doors open, framing the home’s most show-stopping view. Te boys’ playroom has oversized doors with acoustic gasketry and automatic sweeps which mitigate sound, transforming the doors into a soundproof wall. “Every little thing he did is very special,” says Patti, admiration for her husband’s talent clearly evident in her voice. 86 slmag.net
Down the hall, past a metal sculpture of Aspen trees, is the dining room with its eye-opening, 15-mile view of Brentwood and Forest Hills. Studded leather chairs with metal pulls surround a traditional formal table while shimmery, pewter tea paper covers the ceiling. A built-in mahogany sideboard, topped with a dazzling mocha-and-gray crystalized granite, serves as the room’s focal point. A lap pool, which anchors the home’s southern axis, is punctuated by windows with views of the exterior grounds and an oversized bronze sculpture of a dog, Bailey. Te infnity pool is 4 ½’ deep and 75’ long with an Italian tile bottom featuring the words “Per Sempre” (the translation is Forever in Italian), the same words engraved on the couple’s wedding rings. In this wing of the home, the family library, with its black mantle surrounded by deep blue lapis, stands out. Beyond the French doors is an outdoor pool and cabana, positioned for prime sunset viewing. Outside the window of the library is a giant Bill Starke sculpture of a head with small people looking “Trough the Eyes of the Past” into the future. Tis conversation-worthy piece was Smallwood’s object of desire and subsequent 50th birthday gift from Patti. Across from the library, a guest room with a pair of carved church doors from Smallwood’s parents’ home, access the closet space. “People have great things; they just don’t always know how to use them,” Smallwood said.
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Tere are two Cambria marble-and-lucite consoles fanking either side of the entrance to the atrium with matching gold Baroque French mirrors (gifts from Smallwood’s parents) hanging over each. Te clean lines and purity of form in this space create a pure and simple wow effect. Upstairs, past the oversized 3’ x 5’ black-and-white photographs of the Smallwoods’ Yosemite wedding ceremony, is the architect’s favorite spot in the house: an overlook through the glass bridges that lead to the family bedrooms. Te master bedroom has a canopy-style bed, but Smallwood built a suspended ceiling attachment for the sheer fabric in order to create a soft four-poster efect. Te leather headboard is cleverly joined to a secret compartment behind the bed that is used for storing pillows. In the master bath, the foating vanity (topped with marble) allows for easy cleaning underneath. Te jade green “are-these-eggs-or-are-they-diamonds?” tile was a must-have the minute the Smallwood’s spied it during a visit to the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center showroom. Te glass shower and steam room both share a green mosaic tile pattern and the free-standing soaking tub has an elevated perspective of the incredible view. Te
walk-in closet made of Koto wood has pull-out bars for holding dry cleaning and ledges for organizing suitcases. Every door in the house has distinctive olive knuckle hinges that were repeated from Patti’s Tyne Boulevard house. Smallwood leans toward the residential projects at his firm while partner Jim Nickle takes the lead on commercial ventures (although both are adept at each). Tere is no single formula to the duo’s work and no two houses look alike. Each project takes on the personality of the individual owners, not the architect. Smallwood’s repertoire includes additions, re-models and re-interpretations of Craftsman style, Tennessee farmhouse, Napa wine country, Tudor, West Meade ranch style and homes with a New England feel. Whether it’s a small, one room re-model or a once-in-a-lifetime Ridgetop type of project, Smallwood makes every effort to put the same amount of thought into meeting each client’s needs. “Our most elegant and successful projects are all built on communication. Tis house is the way it is, not because we wanted a house this size,” explained Smallwood, “but because it met the needs of my client, which happened, in this case, to be me.” . sl slmag.net
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Te Importance of Precision Facial Filling Written by Dan Hatef, M.D.
Go to any cocktail party or beneft and you see them: Overflled faces. Many women have lips and cheeks that are too big and clearly over-injected. It was never supposed to be this way. Just 10 years ago, the problem was that faces were over-pulled, fattened, and had bizarre earlobe deformities. When hyaluronic acid fllers and fat injections came to the forefront, it was felt that restoring volume was what was missing from facial rejuvenation. These volumizers were billed as a cure to the bizarre appearances you were seeing around town. However, we seem to have traded one set of deformities for another. Why is this going on? There are many contributing factors, there are three things you should know as a patient considering fat or fllers: 1. Te Foundation of Facial Anatomy. 2. Fillers Are Not a Cure All. 3. Respecting the Harmony of Youthful Faces. Precision facial filling is a catch-all term I use to describe the artistic and anatomically-accurate use of fat and fllers. Although plastic surgeons have the best background to accomplish this, any good dermatologist, nurse injector, or aesthetician can learn these principles and get really nice results. THE FOUNDATION OF FACIAL ANATOMY Doctors are busy. Tese days, you are lucky to get thirty minutes of a doctor’s time. Because of this insane time crunch that doctors are under, we do not go back to basics. Anatomy is the foundation of everything that we do. Ten years ago, I was the anatomical research fellow in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas. At the time, it was the mecca of aesthetic surgery, with some of the world’s most renowned plastic surgeons. We discovered that the body’s fat was compartmentalized by fascial membranes which originate from the bone and deep tissues and insert into the skin. Previously, ligaments had been noted here and there, but until we used a special dye stain and microscopic dissection techniques, we did not see these membranes. This anatomy underlies the way the face looks, why you have creases in certain areas, and contributes to the way in which the face ages. An understanding of these anatomical nuances allows the surgeon to inject a little bit here and a little bit there to achieve the desired volume and contour, instead of having to randomly inject large lumps of fat or fller haphazardly. 98 slmag.net
FILLERS ARE NOT A CURE ALL In plastic surgery, the best results are typically obtained when more than one solution is thrown at the problem. Facial fllers are no diferent. When doctors try to erase every line with fller, they are going to have to use a lot. Tis is expensive, and leads to overflled features. Fillers work best when they are injected deep and superfcial, in lines and around them, and then combined with facelift surgery. Throwing ever more volume into the fat compartments does not restore their youthful tension – that requires surgery. RESPECTING THE HARMONY OF YOUTHFUL FACES If you look at a young face, it is full. Cheek and forehead highlights are round and glowing. As we age, those youthful contours fatten and dim. It makes sense that restoring this volume is an important part of facial rejuvenation. However, when fat and fllers are over-injected, instead of obtaining a nice contour, cheek contours are fat and blunted. When lips are overflled, you see less and less of the upper teeth; upper tooth show is a huge part of looking young. Tese undefned looks are not pleasing to the eye, and it is why you have a negative reaction when you see someone whose face has been overflled. As doctors, nurses, and aestheticians inject more and more filler, we are seeing more of these unfortunate results. As a patient, if you are armed with information, you can speak more intelligently with your doctor and work together to achieve the result you desire. An informed patient is a good patient, and that’s something we all want! sl
A NEW YEAR’S STATE of MIND
WE’RE DEBUTING OUR NEW MODERN MENU SMALL PLATES + 360 FAVORITES LOCALLY SOURCED DAILY CREATIONS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WINE LIST
615.353.5604 RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED 6000 HWY 100, NASHVILLE 37205 MON-SAT: 11-11 | SUN: 5-10 360BISTRO.COM
Photographed by Kathleen Cofeen
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SUNDAY IN THE PARK
Sunday in the Park is a special day and a glorious event, well respected by all Nashvillians for the preservation of our Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. Co-Chairs Melanie Baker and Sandy Sangervasi welcomed patrons to a most inviting autumn luncheon in Edwin Warner Park. Honorary Chairman, Clare Armistead, recognized and thanked all of the past chairmen for their leadership in this annual fundraiser. Te 26th anniversary of Sunday in the Park committee decided this year, in lieu of a party favor for guests, to join family and friends of our dear friend, Elizabeth James, in contributing towards the restoration of a historic shelter located in the park. Upon completion, the committee looks forward to dedicating this shelter in memory of Elizabeth, who was a great supporter of Te Warner Parks and beloved in our community.
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1) Allen and Lee Oakley, Kim and Richard Fletcher 2) Joyce Hitt, Steve and Mila Lynn, Laura Bearden and Donnie Newman 3) Anne Rourk, Berney Ragan and Sheliah Wall 4) Jay and Sandy Sangervasi, Melanie and David Baker 5) Tori Wimberly and Sarah Bartholomew 6) Gene Kamarasy and Lee Robinson, Sonny and Gail Berry 7) Rene Poe, Jackie Hicks and Ann Walker Harrison 8) Mary Lewis, Laura Niewold and Lisa Manning 9) Jere and Linda Ervin, Brian and Bonnie Bender, Caroline Ragan and Austin Brown 10) Jacqueline Hutton, Cathy Brown, Kate Graken and Beth Alexander
Brunk Auctions Upgrades Nashville Estate Sales Recent opening brings expertise and scope to the art of collecting Written by Beth Alexander Te Brunk Auctions ofce in Stanford Square is an intimate yet spare, bright yet uncluttered space that doesn’t impose on the stylistic preferences of a guest. But a peek inside the current glossy catalogue reveals an array of treasures and curiosities—silver, art, antiques, armaments and collectibles—irresistible to any collector. Nashville native Sarah Sperling manages the Nashville ofce, the frst ofshoot since Brunk Auctions started more than 30 years ago in Asheville, NC. Brunk Auctions consignments have included collections from museums and historic houses, along with those of such prominent American families as the Rockefellers and the Dukes. Tey have also handled the property of noted Nashville families, including items from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Caldwell. While up until now, the auctions have been held exclusively in Asheville, under Sarah’s leadership, the company intends to begin holding live auctions in Nashville. The Brunk Auctions experience is quite transparent, something middle Tennesseans may not be accustomed to. Each piece at Brunk Auctions is researched to develop credible descriptions and explanations about their value. “It can be an emotional process for the owner,” says Sarah. “We work with clients every step of the way.” Bidders participate from all over the world. The digital catalogue is sent to buyers in more than 60 countries who participate on the phone or online, with bidding available through their website or via Bidsquare. Many travel to Asheville to see the items in person. Sarah has begun hosting previews of upcoming auctions at the Nashville ofce and warns interested collectors that while no purchasing is possible at the preview, it’s a wonderful opportunity to see and handle the items. “An item can be beautiful in the catalogue, but when you hold it up close, feel its heft and see it glisten, it can really speak to you,” she says. Tus, those who fall in love must wait for the auction to make a piece their own. In the catalogue, estimated values accompany detailed descriptions. A small (13.5 by 7.37 inches) preliminary full-color sketch of Abraham Lincoln, “Te Young Woodcutter” by Norman 102 slmag.net
Rockwell, had been commissioned for Reader’s Digest in 1964 and was auctioned in November. It had been consigned to Brunk Auctions with an auction estimate of $30,ooo to $50,000 and ultimately sold for $48,000. On the other hand, there can be surprises. A small, exquisite jade table screen, 13.75 inches high, had an estimated value between $8,000 and $12,000; it sold for $1.2 million. Closer to home, a silver horse trophy made by Kentucky-based G. W. Stewart Manufacturing was estimated to bring between $20,000 and $40,000. It went for $160,000, a record price for a single piece of Southern silver. It’s important to stress that these happy outliers are the exception and a result of bringing the most informed bidders to the process. “We sell styles and periods across the board,” Sarah says. The display rooms in the auction house in Asheville are like a treasure chest, beautifully laid out. It’s a symbiotic relationship. “Our objectives are the same as yours,” she says, “to market to the largest possible group of bidders and get the best possible price.” Brunk Auctions experts circulate before the auction begins, answering questions and helping bidders locate specifc items. In July, Elizabeth and Frank Creech, an Asheville couple married 50 years, sold an extensive collection of perfume bottles they had begun collecting on their honeymoon. Tat catalogue contained pages of glorious bottles, each with its own provenance. Prior to the auction, they gave an informal lecture about the collection. Sarah said, “Once I heard them talk, I had to run back and look at the bottles again. You have this brief window of time to examine things you might never have known about before.” The Creeches trusted Brunk Auctions with their precious things because of “quality marketing, great service and a chance to be involved every step of the way, including deciding valuations.” In tribute to a life of collecting, Mrs. Creech confessed, “We’re keeping the frst bottle we bought.” Te next auction is in Asheville on January 15-16. Bidding is also available by phone, absentee and online bidding will be through Bidsquare. sl
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BELMONT MANSION CHRISTMAS PATRON PARTY
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Te host with the most, Mr. Rick Hart, opened his stellar Belle Meade home for the Patron’s of Belmont Mansion’s Christmas Celebration. LaRawn Scaife Rhea and Rusty Terry were overall celebration chairs and the patron’s host couples were Christine Barggren, Linda and Jere Ervin, Lisa and David Manning and Danielle and Joe Scaife. Weeks following this epic patron’s event, Belmont Mansion hosted a lovely Christmas dinner and luncheon, Belmont Mansion Style, with Mr. Joseph Acklen greeting all in his Christmas fnest. Not only was the evening magical, but the favors for this patron afair was certainly one to treasure. Te favors were a miniature copy of the Adelicia’s famous statue, the Sleeping Children by William Rinehart. Adelicia purchased this statue while on grand tour in Rome in 1867. Always a favorite of Mansion guests, now a favorite of the Patrons of Belmont Mansion’s Christmas Celebration.
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1) Rusty Terry, LaRawn Scaife Rhea and host Rick Hart 2) Ann Sheppard, Morel Harvey and Jocelynne McCall 3) Kanya Raja and Craig Oxford, Susan and Bob Falk 4) Sheliah Wall, Daisy King and Murray Clayton 5) Sylvia Bradbury, Janice Morgan and Laura Niewold 6) Richard and LaRawn Scaife Rhea, Cheryl Petty, Charlotte and Michael Goldston 7) Jere and Linda Ervin 8) Kristof Hart and Sandra Gardner 9) David Manning, Vivian and Luis Fernandez 10) Hank and Mary Brockman, Michael Goldston
Exceptional product. Impeccable service.
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
Monday thru Saturday - 10 to 5
280 White Bridge Pike, Nashville TN 37209 615-356-9596 - info@lumenlamps.com www.lumenlamps.com
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Photographed by Kathleen Cofeen
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ONCE IN A BLUE MOON
It was a pleasant surprise- a diferent selection of hors d’oeuvres were served consisting of boiled peanut hummus crostini with pickled okra, corn fritters and apple slaw remoulade, were served during the cocktail hour at Te Land Trust of Tennessee’s Once In A Blue Moon. Tis conservation celebration was held at Te Glen Leven Farm, a protected farm in the shadow of the Nashville skyline. A benefactor’s reception was held earlier in the evening where Mayor Barry spoke honoring Jeanie Nelson, Land Trust of Tennessee CEO. Tis year’s design theme, Phases of the Moon, was under the direction of Paiden Hite and Delia Darst, an all volunteer event. Co-Chairmoons Lisa Aston and Emme Baxter saw to every detail including the specialty cocktails, Waxing Moon and Waning Moon, of course made with Jack Daniels. Te delish country supper was provided by d. Kates Catering and was followed by dancing and clogging to the tunes by Boy Named Banjo. Keeping in the tradition, a grand bonfre and marshmallows ‘til morning proceeded. Only, Once In A Blue Moon.
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1) Ann Roos, Irene and Ridley Wills, Jeanie Nelson 2) Janet Kurtz and Wayne Malagon 3) Reid Estes, Butch Baxter, Caroline Aston and Royce Wilson 4) Ann Marie and Martin McNamara 5) Carol and Darryl Yockum 6) Melinda Welton, Carol and Tim Kirkland, Polly Nelson 7) Co-Chairmoons Lisa Aston and Emmy Baxter 8) Robin Haley and Gregg Binzer 9) Lin and Bill Andrews 10) Susan and Chris Holmes, Jeanie Rittenberry
Nashville native dedicated to personal service 24 years of experience in local market Family roots in Nashville real estate since the 1800's
Working in Nashville & Franklin's finest neighborhoods
Bill Bainbridge, ABR, CRS, GRI
bill@billbainbridge.com 615-300-1196 mobile 615-385-8077 office
4515 harding pike | suite 100 | Nashville, Tennessee 37205
bainbridgerealtygroup.com
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Photographed by Kathleen Cofeen
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THE NASHVILLE SOPHISTICATES PARTY
Te philosophy of Te Palm Restaurant since opening in New York in 1926 is to treat guest like family, serve great food, and always exceed expectations. Paired with Sophisticated Living, it makes for a tremendous partnership. We follow the same philosophy, as we truly love our clients like family. Tis inaugural event will become our new tradition. Te Sophisticates Party was held in early November at Te Palm to honor both of Sophisticated Living and Te Palm’s top 100 clients. Guests that attended the outstanding cocktail afair were entered to win special gifts from our friends; including Allen Clark Photography, Blend Bar Cigar, Brian S. Biesman, M.D., Te Blowout Company, Te Clayton Collection, Music City Indian, Music City Motor Cars-Bentley of Nashville, Travelink-American Express Travel, Clint Newman, D.D.S. and Veuve Cliquot.
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1) Nan Parrish, Ted Clayton and Sheliah Wall 2) Shigemitsu Matsumeri, Susan Byrd and Michael King 3) Ansel Davis 4) Melanie Fly and John Loudermilk 5) Caroline and Brandon Jenkins 6) Charles and Ilsa Krivcher, Alan and Rhonda Wernick 7) Megan Dyer and Bill Knestrick 8) Dr. Mike Spalding and Fabrizio Venuta 9) Nick and Carly Buchholz 10) Suzanne Berg, Dr. Brian Biesman and Elizabeth Motely
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SEASONAL INTERVENTION Travelink embraces strategic planning to achieve your ultimate escape Written by Gloria Houghland
Nashville is a four season town. Four separate seasons that requires the tempo of our lives to adjust to each. Tis is a serendipitous selling point for our popular town, but about this time of year, the coziness of that frst warm, winter fre and the joy and hope of the initial blanketing snow is long gone, done. We’re over it. Tired of chapped lips, observable breath and depressing days where the frosted ground and gray sky seem to merge, we wish longingly for the arrival of spring. Now is the perfect time to turn to experts that can help us switch gears and alter our surroundings quickly and hassle-free. Tat’s where Nashville’s own Travelink, American Express Travel, one of only eleven Centurion level travel agencies appointed by America Express, comes into play. After 21 years of doing business here, they know our weather patterns as well as our needs and desires to escape, relax, and explore. You do not have to have an Amex card to fnd help here planning a family vacation or business trip, or maybe a bit of both, but there are a lot of benefts if you do and the Travelink team will help you make the most of your travel benefts. You can receive Membership Reward® points to use on hotels, fights and cruises as well as use your Membership Reward® points to
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pay for all or part of your vacation. Teir global partnerships ofer a plethora of fne hotels and resorts (including our own Hermitage Hotel and East Tennessee’s prestigious Blackberry Farms), which have been personally vetted, both financially and experientially, by American Express “secret shoppers.” Not to mention, the Travelink team is well-traveled and will share their expertise to ensure just the right ft for your ideal vacation experience. They also have an Air Desk that will wield their weight when necessary to help you not only receive the best value on your discounted airfare, but work hard to ensure you have a stress-free experience. On a recent visit to New York, Sandy Schadler, Vice-President of Marketing for Travelink and a member of the prestigious Travel + Leisure Magazine advisory board, had her Delta return fight cancelled due to a power outage. Her daughter, flying home from a family visit in Michigan, was landing in Nashville the same evening and Schadler had to meet her at the Nashville airport to bring her home. Schadler called co-worker, Linda Raymer, a Travel + Leisure Magazine A-Lister and Departures Magazine advisory board member, for help. Raymer was able to have their team
snag a seat on a nonstop fight, not shown as available on the Southwest website, to ensure Schadler arrived in Nashville just in time to meet her daughter at her own gate. In this case, the Amex cultivated partnership really paid of exponentially. This award-winning company, headquartered here in Nashville, operates nationally with a combination of vacation retail locations, a business operations center, as well as a host of experienced globe-trotting travel advisors working remotely across the country. Their client base represents individuals and businesses that include Fortune 1000 corporations to small and mid-sized companies. Te luxury vacation division, Privileged Journeys, with Raymer at the helm, was created to provide an unprecedented level of personalized service where highly customized vacations are crafted for discerning wayfarers including executives, celebrities and VIP’s. Respecting the demanding schedules of their clientele, a personally appointed excursions mentor will meet and work with their clients, at their location and convenience on a multi-year “Live Your List” plan. After asking the pertinent questions, the travel advisor, client and family members work in harmony to set their multi-
year dream list of travel goals. “Successful people know how to set goals and achieve them. Making sure you see the world on your terms is what we help you do,” explained Schadler. “We go far beyond just booking a trip. We try to work with known suppliers to avoid travel problems and assist our clients with every small detail of their trip. From simply booking the best hotel for you in Chicago and your private driver to the trip of a lifetime cruise to Antarctica, we want to plan both big and small trips to help you enjoy your time to the fullest. If you sleep in and miss a fight, we will help make the adjustments. If you want to avoid the line down the block at the Vatican, we will get you front of the line access. Want tickets to a show in Berlin or dinner at a Michelin restaurant, we will listen, advise, create and assist.” Whether you desire the one-of-a-kind Privileged Journeys upper echelon experience or just want a spur-of-the-moment weekend get-away, get in touch with Linda Raymer at Travelink. com. She will guarantee the removal of your seasonal winter blues. As a matter of fact, contact her now for those sticky, summer humidity issues that will be here before you know it. sl
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A REHEARSAL DINNER THAT NEEDS NO REHEARSAL.
Rehearsal dinner, reception, engagement party, or brunch – whatever the event, Giovanni offers the perfect setting for your joyous occasion. Guests will enjoy a chic yet relaxed atmosphere and inspired Northern Italian cuisine. Call Giovanni himself to discuss your big day at this quaint midtown Nashville ristorante. 615.760.5932
giovanninashville.com
909 20th Ave South R I S T O R A N T E
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2015 LITERARY AWARD GALA
Created in 2004, Te Nashville Public Library Literary Award was created to recognize authors and other individuals for their contributions to the world of books and reading. Each year the award brings an outstanding individual to Nashville to honor his or her achievements, and to beneft our Public Library. Pulitzer Price-winning author, Jon Meacham, was the honoree at this year’s gala. Kate Ezell and Jennifer Frist orchestrated this formal black tie evening held at the Downtown Public Library. Cocktails and a seated dinner in the Reading Room followed by an after dinner champagne reception held in Ingram Hall. A few weeks prior to the gala, a lovely Patrons Party was held at the stately home of Margaret Ann Robinson, known as the best book club in Nashville. Patrons enjoyed a conversation between John M. Seigenthaler and Jon Meacham and the unveiling of artist Michael Shane Neal’s incredible portrait of John Seigenthaler.
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1) Bill and Debbie Tate, Lavoe and Tom Mulgrew 2) Joe and Brenda Steakley, Sara and Richard Bovender 3) Tom and Elizabeth Sherrard 4) Billy and Jennifer Frist, Kate and Steve Ezell 5) Annette Eskind and Heloise Kuhn 6) Ann VanDevender and Jon Meacham 7) Spencer Tompson and Margaret Ann Robinson 8) Mary and Calvin Lewis 9) Brenda and Ron Corbin 10) Bill and Tracey Frist
The Gulch, Nashville | 700 12th Avenue South | primanashville.com | 615.873.4232
Ask the Right Questions. Five questions to help you gain investing confidence
Women have certain advantages when it comes to investing. Research shows they’re often more focused than men on their family’s long-term financial security — meaning they’re less likely to make rash decisions about money. They are also more willing to seek out advice from financial professionals and trusted friends. But there’s one key thing they often lack: confidence. The 2015 Regions Women and Wealth Study points out this gap in confidence: When asked how confident they feel when investing, women, on average, rated their confidence level at 4.75 on a one-to-seven point scale, with seven being the highest. Men, by comparison, rated their confidence level at an average 5.42. Whether you’re married, single, divorced or widowed, your financial advisor can guide you through the basics of investing and help you build a financial plan tailored to your needs as well as your family’s. Your advisor can help you define your short- and longterm financial goals and then design an investment portfolio targeted to those goals.
Amanda Weeks-Geveden Area Business Manager 615.770.4284 Amanda.weeks@regions.com Regions.com/womenandwealth
Prepare yourself for your next meeting with your financial advisor with these five basic questions: 1. What is the ideal investment allocation considering my/our personal risk tolerance? 2. What is your current view on the economy? 3. What is your current view on stocks? 4. What is your current view on bonds? 5. How much income is my portfolio generating? Asking your advisor questions like these will help you become more familiar with your portfolio and ensure you’re creating a plan tailored both to your needs and the current economic environment.
Remember that investing doesn’t have to be complicated once you know the basics. The best way to ensure your savings are invested wisely for the future is to meet with a financial advisor to discuss your current financial situation, long-term goals, needs, and available options. Your Regions Private Wealth Management team can help get the answers to any questions you may have — from the Many women find they can benefit from simple to the complex. working with an advisor. According to the 2015 Regions Women and Wealth Regions is proud to take the lead in Study, 72% of women said they turn to helping women strengthen their a financial advisor for guidance on infinancial security. We look forward to vestments and financial planning, working with you to help you gain while 38% turn to their spouse and 14% investing confidence. turn to friends.
Your financial future starts with a wealth of knowledge today.
Looking for innovative financial solutions to help protect, grow and transfer your wealth? With our online resource Wealth Insights by Regions, you’ll find valuable articles and videos on a variety of topics: • Taxes
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Equipped with this knowledge, you can feel confident you’re making informed decisions about your unique financial situation. Ready to move your life forward?
Visit regions.com/wealthinsights today. © 2015 Regions Bank. Loans are subject to credit approval. I Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.
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360 BISTRO
Continuing to remain at the forefront of culinary excellence in Nashville Written by Alexandra Rhett Photography by Allen Clark While each city has its local go-to restaurants, it is rare to fnd a culinary experience that not only enhances the way your table enjoys a meal, but creates an incredible compilation of fne food and originality. 360 Bistro has created a well-rounded brand for being a top lunch and dinner gathering place for the area. Nestled at the point of Highway 100 and Harding Pike, the bistro’s heart begins to beat around noon and carries on throughout the evening, attracting individuals, neighbors, professionals and families ready to enjoy a dining experience that only 360 Bistro can create. Once you walk through its doors, you immediately feel a sense of warmth. The lighting is soft, the staff is so naturally pleasant, and aromas of fresh herbs take over your senses. Positioned in a neighborhood of loyal customers and fine Nashville businesses, 360 Bistro has rightfully obtained a reputation for delicious food, distinctive fne wine pairings and incredible service. While the longstanding menu of salads, soups, and entrees was highly regarded and supported by its regulars and newcomers each and everyday, head chef Will Uhlhorn and 122 slmag.net
sous chef Tom Sommers had a vision for 360 that would enhance its already beloved choices and transition them to a new and exciting collaboration of appetizer-size small plates, perfectly proportioned entrees, and crisp salads. With this plan of action fully supported by the owner, Nick Jacobson, 360 Bistro’s menu transformed from wonderful to exceptional. Of course, change can be a daunting task for any business to undergo, but Jacobson, Uhlhorn, and Sommers stayed true to the foundation of the restaurant, while simply creating a more enjoyable, creative, and modern culinary experience. The consumer is undoubtedly demanding a new way of dining. Creating options around this change was actually quiet liberating for Uhlhorn and Sommers. Each new dish at 360 Bistro is proportioned to be enjoyed either standing alone, or most popularly, amongst other small plates and entrees to share with the table. Te most exciting aspect of the new menu, that also gives way for vast creativity, is the way in which the ingredients are purchased. Te entire narrative for creating 360 Bistro’s menu has always been directed by the local farmers that provide 360
Bistro with the freshest and most beautiful fruits, vegetables, and meats in the area. A phone call is made every morning to their local farmers, as this is how Uhlhorn and Sommers learn what ingredients are the richest for the day. Because each item on the menu is constructed from only the finest and seasonal ingredients, the menu changes daily to reflect. Most recently, the chicken breast was paired alongside baby carrots, pak choi, and chicken jus. Pak choi was the most superb ingredient out of the green family that week; therefore, a new creative option appeared on the menu. Te unique squid ink linguini with smoked duck sausage and chicken egg most certainly catches your eye, so when it arrives to the table, rest assured that all senses will be completely satisfed. While the burger rightfully reclaimed its place on the new menu, the dining options transitioned from the standard salad starter and entrĂŠe to small plates and simplistically delectable meat, fsh, and vegetarian dishes from which to choose. New additions that have surprised the 360 Bistro team with its vast popularity are the pumpkin agnolotti with pancetta, pecans and pecorino romano,
as well as the rabbit weibwurst with sugo, oyster mushrooms, and peas. Each dish speaks volumes due to its delicate and intentional preparation, as the duo strongly believes less is more. Even though each dish speaks for itself, they are amply qualifed to compliment one or more side dishes during the meal. 360 Bistro also provides its guests with the luxury of indulging in this complete dining experience due to their fine-wine pairings, which have been carefully and thoughtfully catered to each dish. All staf members are outstandingly educated on 360 Bistro’s wine selection as they truly do respect the importance of this element of the meal, making sure all of the needs and tastes of each patron are met. Guests can now look forward to pleasant surprises and unique additions to appear on the menu daily when dining at 360 Bistro. Staying true to their business model of incredible customer service and outstanding quality, this recent restructuring of their menu only confrms and solidifes their prestigious position of remaining at the forefront of culinary excellence in Nashville. To explore what all is new at 360 Bistro, Call and make your reservation. 615.353.5604 sl slmag.net 123
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JACK C. MASSEY LEADERSHIP AWARD
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Te Jack C. Massey Award was created by Mental Health America in 1986 to honor the late Mr. Massey’s lifelong dedication to the Nashville Community. Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee presented the 2015 Leadership Award to Janet and Jim Ayers. Te Ayers have used their keen business skills to create transformational impacts in areas including education, healthcare, art, the environment and much more. Sondra and Doug Cruickshanks chaired this event with a stellar steering committee consisting of Nashville’s philanthropic leaders. Te Ayers join previous Award Honorees including Ambassador Joe M. Rodgers, Governor Ned McWherter, Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr., Annette Eskind, Alyne Massey, Amy Grant and Vince Gill and many other leading citizens in recognition of outstanding community leadership and considerable contributions to numerous causes that improve the lives of Tennesseans.
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1) Katherine DeLay, Jim Ayers, Colleen Conway-Welch and Pete DeLay 2) Honorees Janet and Jim Ayers 3) Agenia Clark, Brenda and Ron Corbin, Ellen Lehman 4) Event Chair Sondra Cruickshanks and Ann Brown 5) Janet Bentz, Lisa Campbell and Katherine DeLay 6) Gloria Houghland, Sandra and Larry Lipman, Hilda McGregor, Ellen Martin and Gerry Nadeau 7) Betty and Winfeld Dunn 8) Gordon and Shawn Inman 9) Joe and Anne Russell, Elaine and Bruce Sullivan 10) Susan and Chris Holmes, Lee and Allen Oakley
Perfect Privacy - 0 Ponoma Road | 288 acres, 35 minutes from Nashville. I-40 W Exit 172 - Then 1 mile. 36 acre crystal clear lake for all water sports. $2,900,000
Roper Lifestyle Real Estate, Te Rhythm Of Your Life. SOLD
LEGENDS RIDGE - FRANKLIN
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WALDEN GLEN - FRANKLIN
Historic Beauty - 1925 Capers Ave | Hillsboro Village. Walk to restaurants, and Vanderbilt. Built in 1913. Fully Renovated Showplace. $1,190,000
SOLD
WINDSTONE - BRENTWOOD
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FIELDSTONE FARMS - FRANKLIN
JOY ROPER 615.668.0953 | roperjoy@gmail.com
J.R. ROPER 615.347.5711 | joedroper@gmail.com 2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-104, Nashville, TN | 615.463.3333. Each offce is independently owned and operated.
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Points
98
RobertParker.com
Points
96
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Points
Points
95
Points
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RobertParker.com
Email corkdork@midtownwine.net for exclusive offers on highly allocated, top-rated wines
Make your holiday season more convenient: call the Corkdorks for call-ahead ordering, party planning advice and more! 615-327-3874 Midtown Corkdorks Wine, Spirits, Beer 1610 Church Street Nashville, TN 37203 615-327-3874
@MidtownWine @Midtown Beer @MidtownCorkdorks Midtown Wine and Spirits
BOOK YOUR NEXT PRIVATE EVENT AT 615.736.5305 events@mstreetnashville.com
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JAZZMANIA 2015
With its roots in the blues, jazz has been referred to as America’s classical music, yet has also become a major global phenomenon, branching of into a variety of forms. Te sounds of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Dizzie Gillespie, Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday were heard through out Te Liberty Hall at Te Factory in Franklin, benefting Jazzmania 2015. Musical guest performing on stage were Beegie Adair, Rod McGaha and Christina Watson and many other talented jazz entertainers. A jazzy menu was provided in an island theme by Sargent’s Fine Catering consisting of paella, island shrimp, and grilled fank steak with fre and spice- jazz for the tongue! Te mission of the Nashville Jazz Workshop is to expand and enrich people’s lives by ofering world-class jazz education and performance in supportive and creative environments.
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1) Monica Ramey, Sam Nugent and Billie Bryant 2) Roger Spencer and Mary Grissim 3) Brook and Hannah Babcock, Jonathan Horne 4) Mirandi and Brandon Herrenbruck 5) Lori Mecham and Elyse Adler 6) Stephanie Spottswood, Seth Karp, Jay and Lauren Karp, Walter Clair and Deborah Webster-Clair 7) Chuck Rapp and Joseph Gregory 8) Ernie Reynolds and Beegie Adair 9) Beth Curley and Doug Regen 10) Elaine Blake and Christina Watson
THE perfect beginning to your valentine’s evening
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Belle Meade Location 73 White Bridge Rd, Ste 126 (next to J. Alexander’s) Nashville, TN 37205 615-353-3002
Brentwood Location 782 Old Hickory Blvd, Ste 102 (in the Target Shopping Center) Brentwood, TN 37027 615-290-5080
Gulch Location 700 12th Ave South Suite 104 (In the Terrazzo Building) Nashville TN 37203 615-244-8243
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outdoor environments Swimming Pools I Spas I Water Features I Landscaping I Swimming Pool Remodeling
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FOOD, ART, DANCING, HOLIDAY CHEER
It was a wonderful holiday party beginning at 6 pm on a December Saturday evening ending after hours of fun and dancing. East Nashville was rocking and rolling with hosts Ed Nash, famed artist and Dave Puncochar, owner and designer of Good Wood Nashville. Te duo opened their galleries for a Holiday Open House for the guests to enjoy. Good Wood Nashville uses reclaimed lumber and barn wood to create works of art, from fooring to wall decor to furniture. Ed Nash’s creations were displayed beautifully throughout his space. Welcome Ed and Dave to our family and team at Sophisticated Living, what a fantastic evening of great food, drinks, live music, bonfres and art.
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1) Dustin Hillis, Ed Nash and Dave Puncochar 2) Ed Nash, Barbara Browning and David Kazmerowaki 3) Janelle and Steve Mabee 4) Karl and Sandra Ney, Kim Brewer and Allen Clark 5) Dustin Hillis, Nicky Nash and David Fox 6) Landy and Joy Gardner, Olivia Volf and Antonio Constandinou 7) Aaron and Molly Jones 8) Kortney and Dave Wilson 9) Dave Puncochar, Millie Greiner and Micah Puncochar 10) Christian Haggerty and Zach Lerman
2016. For a well
You.
Wellness Imaging.
www.PremierRadiology.com | 615.356.3999
Belle Meade n Brentwood n Briarville n Clarksville n Cool Springs n Hendersonville n Hermitage Mount Juliet n Nashville n Saint Thomas Midtown n Murfreesboro n Smyrna n Saint Thomas West
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THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL HARVEST MOON BALL
Jennifer and Cal Turner lll chaired this 32nd Harvest Moon Ball held at the “Nashville” home of host Sylvia Roberts. It was an evening of fne wine, food and incredible live entertainment. After all, this is Nashville! Dancing under tent to the Burning Las Vegas was the fnale of the get down evening where guest danced the night away. All funds raised beneft Second Harvest’s feeding programs serving children, families and seniors at risk of hunger throughout 46-counties in Middle and West Tennessee. 3
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1) Brittany and Hayley Dobbs, Vanessa Young, Karen Dobbs Albert and Megan Conner 2) Cal and Jennifer Turner, Sylvia Roberts and Jef Stone 3) Dave Berg, Gary Burr, Georgia Middleman and Jim Collins 4) Carol and Tripp Tornton 5) Nancy Hearn, Ted Clayton and Hope Stringer 6) Jay Joyner, Leslie Roberts Dabrowiak, Mattie Smith and Drew Carney 7) Gordon and Shawn Inman 8) Andrew Bettis and Allision Sessions 9) Tony Rose and Tina Halstead
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DESIGNS TO INTRIGUE
Karen Elson, Neil Krugman and Mike Whitler were the chairs for the 2015 Annual Conservancy Gala held in the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Designs to Intrigue was the theme for this cutting edge event, an evening where patrons are never quite sure what spectacular surprises are around the corner. Red tubular lighting suspended from the grand ceiling of Te Treasure Room surrounded Athena as she watched over the cocktail hour. Following cocktails, the large bronze doors opened allowing guest to enter the dinner tent to a sophisticated seated feast by Johnny Hafner. Honorary Chairs Clare Armistead and Hope Stringer recognized Te Century Tree Campaign Cabinet consisting of Marianne and Andrew Byrd, Aubrey Harwell, Ellen Martin and Hope Stringer, thanking these generous philanthropist for their leadership and their commitment to the restoration and revitalization project of our city’s central park. Te next phase of park construction will help strengthen, enhance and restore this beautiful oasis in the heart of our city for future generations.
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1) Co-Chairs Karen Elson and Neil Krugman 2) Kate Ezell and Demetria Kalodimos 3) Hope Stringer, Steve Kravitz and Samantha Saturn 4) Mary and Mike Spalding 5) Carole and H. James Williams with Ellen Lehman 6) Max and Laura Lee Goldberg, Dionne and Scott Dismuke, Joy and Landy Gardner 7) Roger Page and Carol McCoy 8) Hunter and Clare Armistead 9) Debbie Turner, Sylvia Rapoport and Beth Fortune 10) Frank and Sassy Carroll
Everything But The House is the nation’s premier online estate sale company. Visit EBTH.com to browse and bid on items from Nashville and across the country - right from your computer or smartphone. Enjoy the thrill of an auction without leaving the comfort of your home.
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Photographed by Allen Clark
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CHAMPAGNE AND CHARDONNAY
Jami Kaplan opened her lovely Brentwood home for Champagne and Chardonnay. It was an evening of fne wines, delectable bufet, shopping, auction and only women in attendance. Elise Crouch and Denise McMillan chaired the event and welcomed over 400 chic ladies in early October to an epic evening to help fund the fght against cancer. Te event is a fundraiser included in Te Nashville Wine Auction, America’s oldest charitable wine auction, raising over $18 million for cancer charities in Middle Tennessee. Yes, these women do know how to have fun and raise money at the same time, cheers!
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1) Lucie Carroll and Jorene Spencer 2) Dawn Mangrum, Ted Clayton and Michelle Johnson Greene 3) Jamie Kaye Otillio, Katie Johnson, Swathi Eygunni and Chelsey Lancaster 4) Gail Danner, Renee Chevalier, Betsy Miller and Vickie Horne 5) Janet Kurtz and Ann Eaden 6) Sheliah Shields, Karen Morgan and Donna Chapman 7) Emmy Phillips and Kimberly Cooper 8) Co-Chairs Elise Crouch and Denise McMillan 9) Lindsay Willis, Jami Kaplan and Kelly Foss 10) Lara Stevison, Tameron Hedge and Faith Malloy
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NASHVILLE’S OLDEST CHARITY BALL Nashville Host Couple Vicki and Kerry McCluggage opened their stellar home for the patron’s of the 67th Bal d’ Hiver. Founded in 1948 the Bal d’ Hiver is Nashville’s oldest charity ball. It is the Nashville Kappa Alpha Teta alumnae’s most popular and successful fundraiser, supporting Family and Children’s Services, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Kappa Alpha Teta Foundation. In its history, this event has raised over $5 million for its benefciaries. Ball Chairs Mary Lee Bartlett and Amy Colton along with Honorary Chair Sarah Ann Ezell welcomed patrons to a lovely evening in support of Te Bal d’ Hiver, which took place in late November at Te Loew’s Vanderbilt Hotel.
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1) Irwin Fisher, Sarah Ann Ezell and Kim Looney 2) Mary Jo Shankle, Steve Bartlett and Carolyn Hall 3) Alice Whitson, Charlie and Gray Tornburg 4) Missy Eason and Cindy Luna 5) Anne and Mike Saint 6) Mary Lee Bartlett and Amy Colton 7) Kerry and Vicki McCluggage 8) Lisa Manning, Buster and Cathy Shell 9) Sydney McClain and Florence Davis 10) Cathy Krumm, Mary Ellen Fitzgimonds and Kim Looney
EXPER IENCE HISTORY IN SOPHISTICATED LUXURY
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in the most luxurious seat in all of sports – The Mansion at Churchill Downs. Savor the elegance of Southern hospitality with breathtaking views of the races, unparalleled private concierge service, and exclusive f ine dining prepared by award-winning chefs.
For exclusive opportunities, contact: Becky Reid becky.reid@kyderby.com • 502.636.4533
Saturday, May 7, 2016 TheMansion.ChurchillDowns.com.
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AUTHORS IN THE ROUND
An engaging evening of cocktails, fne food and socializing with the authors of the 27th Annual Southern Festival of Books. Te event, Authors In Te Round, was held in early October at the War Memorial Auditorium. A celebration of the written word from the outstanding authors included in this years Festival of Books began with cocktails on the courtyard followed by a seated dinner, where an author hosted each table. To the surprise and delight of the patrons, everyone went home with a signed book from their table host as a favor. Event Chairs were Grace Awh and Laura Smith Tidwell, Founding Chair Todd Bottorf with his Mom, Jean Bottorf as Honorary Chair. 3
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1) Carolyn Randall Williams, Andrew Maraniss, Alice Randall and David Maraniss 2) Sharron Pigott, Don Winston and Trey Lipman 3) Steve and Linda Mason 4) Elaine Sullivan, Kate Grayken and Jamie Stream 5) Co-Chairs Laura Smith Tidwell and Grace Awh 6) Doug and Dee Altenbern, Joyce Vise, Elaine and Bruce Sullivan 7) David and Carrington Fox 8) Joyce Wood and Karen Roark Harmon 9) Toby Wilt, Holly Conner and David Boyer
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THE UNIVERSITY OF CREATIVITY
Tap dancing, snow bunnies, cocktails galore, as well as, a luscious dinner spread, great music, bonfres and incredible company were found at a fantastic party this December. Indeed, all enjoyed the evening at Te University Of Creativity, home of host couple Big Kenny and beautiful wife Christiev Alphin. Te Newport Aquarium played host for the 12th Taste of of occasion, Big & Rich Records Christmas Partyannual in celebration World charityand event. Leukemia andcontributors Lymphoma the holidays the Beneftting cities most the creative musical Society, Party Source generously supported event that are theTe heart beat of Music City, USA. Merrythe Christmas donatingthe delicious andWAY, drinks from the world! BIG & food RICH only in around Nashville!
TASTE OF THE WORLD
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1) Trevor and Courtney Cobb 2) Cowboy Troy, y, Fabrizio Venuta and Bo Ash 3) Johnathon Arndt, Christiev Alphin and Newman Arndt 4) Big K Kenny and Christiev Alphin 5) Saundra Steele, Whitney Daane and Jennifer Hanson 6) Fabrizio Venuta, Patty and Charles Esten, Britt Steele and Alexandra Rhett 7) Marc and Krista Marie Oswald 8) Jennifer Psait and D.J. Sinister 9) David Abbott and Big Kenny 10) Laura Lacy and Sandy Howard
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