Sophisticated Living Cincinnati July/August 2011

{Cincinnati’s Finest}

slmag.net

July/August 2011 five dollars

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July/August 2011

{Cincinnati’s Finest}

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on the cover:

Salon of the Eiffel Suite at the Plaza Athénée

July/August 2011

24

Home Is Where the Art Is

33

Not Child’s Play

34

An American in Paris

46

Of Note…The Great Outdoors

52

Côtes de Provence Rosé

54

Bibliotaph

56

Concorso d’Elegance Villa d’Este

67

The Party Continues…

A Tavola Bar & Trattoria

71

Gentlemanly Accoutrements

74

Well-Suited

78

Society Calendar

79

Hyde Park Farmer’s Market

80

Beacon of Light /

Art of Making Memories

81

Cincinnati Art Award /

Taft Evening in the Garden

82

OJPC Gala /

Cincinnati Flower Show Ladies Day

83

Guns & Grapes

84

Fire & Ice

85

Queen City Ball

86

Wild About Wine / Brain Bash

87

Cruisin for a Cure

88

Auction Preview Party /

Kenwood Senior Star

five dollars

34

“Black Collection” cocktails from Le Bar du Plaza

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From the Editor-In-Chief

Admiring the view of the village of Cernobbio on Lake Como from the ruins above Villa d’Este. Photo by Cici Williams

Normally I have a reputation for being a calm and relatively rational person, but get me within 500 feet of an airport and my phlegmatic façade dissolves with such expedience that my family is left wondering if an alien has taken over my body. It’s not a fear of flying that rattles me, rather it’s the unpredictability of airline travel in general and my lack of control over the outcome that puts my nerves on end. Two recent trips to Europe, which involved multiple stops (and, subsequently, multiple delays), found us either sprinting towards the gate to reach a departing flight in time or sitting endlessly in terminals, watching a neverending parade of humanity needlessly berate customer service agents, who, in the customer’s minds, apparently have the power to control thunderstorms and the travel patterns of ash clouds. Given the choice to be delayed or face a harrowing trip through stormy skies, I’ll gladly keep my feet on terra firma.

Te antithesis of the stressful skies, and an experience I always look forward to during trips abroad, is traveling by high-speed rail. As part of a recent trip to the UK, we managed to squeeze in 48 hours in Paris thanks to Eurostar, which transported us in relative ease and comfort in just two hours (resulting in the “American in Paris” travel story on pages 34-45).

Even our point of embarkation, St. Pancras International Station in London, was a treat as we arrived early for a champagne breakfast at St. Pancras Grand Brasserie, an English Heritage landmark site, and had time to spare to peruse the shops, including the crisp shirts in the Tomas Pink boutique. My daughter, who is most apt at sensing my apprehension on travel days, was quick to notice that it wasn’t just the breakfast bubbly that had me feeling so amicable. “Too bad there’s not a train back to the US,” she quipped.

While Paris was as lovely as I expected it to be, I’ll have to admit that the experience was eclipsed a few weeks later by a visit to Lake Como for the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este (story on pages 56-73). Everywhere we went I felt as though I’d stepped into an impossibly picturesque postcard, where everyone exudes the kind of retro glamour conjured up by the likes of Sophia Loren.

Something that struck me as funny was that on several occasions when engaging (or attempting to engage) in conversation with locals, the topic of George Clooney and the perceived corresponding rise in real estate prices would invariably come up. It was as if simply being an American put us on a first-name basis and therefore in cahoots to sabotage Italian home prices by importing our high profile celebrities! Wanting to allow other countries to shoulder some of the blame as well, after some prodding, our host acknowledged the presence of other notable foreign residents by pointing out the sprawling contemporary estate of a Saudi prince in view from the balcony of our guest room and later, while we were on the water, Richard Branson’s multivilla compound only accessible by boat. In the end, I’d argue that it isn’t celebrity but the deft hand of Mother Nature that created a limited supply of places with almost indescribable natural beauty that relegates ownership to a very lucky few.

Speaking of precious commodities, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many, including (but certainly not limited to), the staff and clients of the Indiana Design Center, John Kruse of Brown-Forman, Pedcor, Greg Hardesty of Recess restaurant, Ferguson’s, Tom Wood Automotive, Reis Nichols Jewelers, and Blue Moon Catering, for helping make our debut party in Indianapolis successful beyond out wildest dreams! More than 500 of Indiana’s finest turned out to celebrate with us and we are looking forward to great things from our newest market. Additional photos from this event and all of the events featured in this issue can be found on our website, slmag.net or on our facebook page, facebook.com/sophisticatedliving.

Bridget Williams, Editor-in-Chief bridget@slmag.net

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EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton Jen Dotson ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Bob Beggs Kirby Camm Matthew Boone Gardiner Scott Harper Rex Lyons Philip Ruskin Alice Gray Stites Diane C. Wachs Steve Wilson

Te summer issue available now on the iPad or your mobile device.

Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton Allison O’Daniel DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ PUBLISHER Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.

Visit slmag.net 22 slmag.net

SLMAG.NET

Erie Avenue Edwards Road

Michigan Avenue

Observatory Avenue

SUMMER’S

ON THE SQUARE Over 100 one-of-a-kind Boutiques|Galleries|Restaurants

Brought to you by

The Hyde Park Square Business Association

Hyde Park Farmers Markets On The Square Every Sunday – 9:30 -1:30, June through September Hyde Park Summer Concerts On The Square Every Saturday – 11:00 - 3:00, June 4 through September 3, EXCEPT June 25 The Hyde Park Blast Saturday, June 25, 8:00 a.m. - midnight

Annual Hyde Park Square Summer Sidewalk Sale July 29, 30, 31 45th Annual Hyde Park Square Art Show 10:00 - 5:00, Sunday, October 2

home is where the is

Art

A small painting by Hunt Slonem positioned over the sofa in the living room makes a big statement.

Te ceramic dango in front of the window wall is by Jum Kaneko.

Furnishings are a combination of timeless upholstered pieces from Baker and mid-century classics.

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“When I first met [the homeowners] 11 years ago, they were in a whole other design world; very traditional with prints of soldiers in tortoise shell frames,” said interior designer John Harrison of DIGS. Quick to point out that he is not adverse to such inclinations, “a designer in Cincinnati can’t have ‘a look’ or you’ll be a pauper,” he laughed. Nonetheless, as their friendship progressed, Harrison gradually introduced them to new ways of thinking about design.

Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung

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Displayed among the books and other treasures in the study is an Italian-made, contemporary rendition of a cuckoo clock by Paolino & Fusi.

Positioned in front of the shelves is an Eames lounge and ottoman.

Te baby steps became a full out sprint after Harrison introduced them to gallerist Carl Solway, who specializes in contemporary painting, sculpture, graphics and video art. “Carl’s knowledge of contemporary art is unbelievable, but he makes the process of selecting art fun and educational,” Harrison pointed out. Te first painting they were drawn to? Tey knew for certain what it would not be. “John said, ‘No more damn landscapes’ and that changed us forever,” said one of the homeowners. Incidentally, it was Stuck, The Flies Buzzed an etching, drypoint, screenprint and aquatint with embossed collage on Magnani Aquaforti paper by Nancy Graves (1990) that made them collectors of contemporary art from then on.

One of the homeowners is an engineer and approaches collecting with scientific precision. His partner, a professional in the financial industry, approaches the collecting process from a visceral level. This yin and yang approach has created an extremely well curated art collection in their current residence – aptly a contemporary condominium in a landmark building designed by architect José Garcia.

Harrison had the distinct pleasure of starting from scratch as the homeowners purchased their unit prior to the building’s construction. Such foresight allowed for many architectural changes to give prominence to the couple’s burgeoning art collection. “José is a joy to work with. Some architects fight interior designers and others, like José, just go with it,” said Harrison.

Te finished project is both accommodating and artful. Case in point is the spacious living room. Upon entering, the eye is immediately drawn to a 26 slmag.net

Each piece of furniture and art throughout the residence has been carefully selected to provide maximum impact.

small painting centered above the sofa on the floating wood divider separating the room from the adjacent kitchen and dining area. One of Harrison’s early collecting lessons he shared with the couple, the Hunt Slonem painting was purchased during a trip to Santa Fe. “It is a great example of something not having to be large to have a powerful impact,” he added.

Commanding attention in front of a long window wall in the living area is a monumental ceramic dango by Jum Kaneko. Recently installed, the piece – measuring more than seven feet in height – adds the perfect finishing touch in Harrison’s opinion. “Te room was cold without it and I didn’t want to add curtains, so I was so pleased when they reacted positively to this piece.”

Furnishings in the living room are a combination of timeless upholstered pieces from Baker and mid-century classics including a Barcelona daybed designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and a Saarinen pedestal side table.

Pieces such as the minimalist Taburet M Stacking Stool next to one of the sofas are destined to be future classics. Anchoring the room is a wool and silk rug by Edward Fields.

Te kitchen was designed in collaboration with Garcia with material input from Harrison, such as adding heft to the marble that envelops the island. Hung between the windows on a wall at the end of the island is a painting on manipulated layers of archival plastic film by Seattle-based artist Katy Stone. Keeping with the minimalist aesthetic, window treatments here and elsewhere in the residence are limited to disappearing window shades that allow for light and privacy control. In the dining area, an antique table slmag.net

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Hung between the windows on a wall at the end of the island in the kitchen is a painting on manipulated layers of archival plastic ďŹ lm by Seattlebased artist Katy Stone. An antique table that once belonged to Harrison feels perfectly in sync with the clean lines of the leather upholstered chairs purchased from Voltage.

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One of the homeowners’ favorite installations is a series of paintings of the Korean alphabet by artist IK Joong Kang that hang over the bar near the living room.

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Te design of the master bath mirrors the deliberate, minimalist aesthetic of the bedroom.

that once belonged to Harrison feels perfectly in sync with the clean lines of the leather upholstered chairs purchased from Voltage. Te aforementioned painting by Nancy Graves is given prominence within a specially designed niche at one end of the room divider.

One of the homeowners’ favorite installations is a series of paintings of the Korean alphabet by artist IK Joong Kang that hangs over the bar near the living room. Te original floor plan called for a nondescript hall, but Harrison realized that the space presented a unique opportunity to showcase additional artwork.

Bookshelves line one of the walls in the comfortable study. An Italianmade, contemporary rendition of a cuckoo clock in wenge-colored wood

by Paolino & Fusi on a shelf near the television was a gift from a friend.

Positioned in front of the shelves is an Eames lounge and ottoman.

Minimally furnished by design, the master bedroom is a study in tranquility. Katy Stone is responsible for the ethereal artwork over the bed, while local artist Joe DeLuco of DeLuco Architectural Metals crafted the custom-made brushed silver bed. Te television is mounted on a support column – the necessary wires concealed within – so as not to distract from the clean aesthetic.

Reflecting on his clients’ 10-year journey, Harrison could not be more pleased with the transformation – culminating in a residence that is artful both inside and out. He aptly summed it up by remarking, “We’ve executed their new vision to absolute perfection.” sl slmag.net

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NOT CHILD’S PLAY

Written by Kirby Camm, Bittners

Antique miniature furniture

Tere is something alluring about anything that is significantly smaller than its real life counterpoint. Antique miniature furniture truly follows that sentiment. Antique collectors and the general public alike have had a fascination with miniature furniture almost from its inception. I have seen miniature furniture dating from the early 17th century, and one late 16th century example. However, most miniature furniture examples you see in today’s antique marketplace will date from the late 18th through the entire 19th century.

There are several major misconceptions about antique miniature furniture that I would like to clarify. First and foremost, antique miniature furniture was never made to be a child’s toy.

True antique miniature furniture was made exclusively for adults.

There are many examples of antique furniture that were made for use by children, but these examples are not in the true sense miniature furniture. Even though it is small, children’s furniture is too big, and it belongs in its own unique category of antiques.

Another mistaken belief about miniature furniture is that of salesman’s samples. Salesman’s samples are mass-produced miniatures of all sorts of items made for traveling salesmen during

the latter part of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century. Antique examples of salesman’s samples are primarily American. In my opinion, the miniature furniture produced for salesman’s samples should be categorized as advertising antiques instead of miniature furniture. With that said, most antique dealers categorize salesman’s samples as miniature furniture as long as they are made of wood and are pieces of furniture. In the same vein, dollhouse furniture is always classified as dollhouse furniture instead of miniature furniture.

The illustrated English William IV mahogany butler’s chest, circa 1835, is a fine example of miniature furniture. If not for the standard teacup photographed atop this butler’s chest, anyone would think this is a full-size antique furniture piece.

Tis miniature butler’s chest is handmade, and this is important because I believe most antique miniature furniture was originally made by cabinetmaker’s apprentices to show the level of their woodworking skills. Note the furniture-grade wood used in its making. All miniature furniture pieces have personality and reflect the period and country when they were made. Although small in size, antique miniatures are big hit with everyone. sl

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AN AMERICAN IN PARIS 48 hours in the City of Lights Written by Bridget Williams

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It seems as though once one mentions a pending trip to Paris, those that have already been are more than eager to share “their” special place – a monument, bistro or out-of-the-way boutique – that serves as a marker of their visit and proof of time spent there. I knew that I was in for a treat when, upon mentioning that my short trip to Paris would include stays at Te Plaza Athénée and Hôtel Le Bristol, there was a distinct pause that let me know I had chosen wisely.

Eurostar’s high-speed trains allowed us to squeeze in an impromptu visit to Paris as part of a longer stay in London. In just over two hours, just long enough to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a catnap, we said “cheerio” to London and “bonjour” to France. Rail Europe recently initiated a concierge service for first class passengers to help travelers make the most of both short and extended visits.

Photo: Atout France/Hervé Le Gac.

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Te red window awnings and overflowing flower boxes that adorn the façade of the Plaza Athénée are one of Paris’ signature photo ops. Photo: Philippe Derouet

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Left: Restaurant Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée. Photo: Pierre Monetta.

Right: A picture frame aptly surrounds the view from the Eiffel Suite at the Plaza Athénée. Photo: Guilaume de Laubier.

The harried taxi to the Plaza provided little insight of the pleasures that awaited us. Lined with the world’s finest fashion labels organized in neat rows of stately limestone-clad townhouses, Avenue Montaigne appeared as an oasis of calm in the otherwise chaotic street scene. Located in the heart of the Avenue, across from Armani, the staff of 500 at the Plaza (including Patrick, who has served as concierge for 40 years) has been welcoming elite travelers since 1913. In summer, the red window awnings, flower boxes with red geraniums and Virginia creeper that adorn the façade are one of Paris’ signature photo ops.

Our two-room suite was an opulent Parisian retreat complete with gilt-accented antiques, sumptuous velvet upholstery on the sofa in the sitting room, heavy silk taffeta blouson drapery held back by heavy tassels, needlepoint rugs over the thick-pile faux-bois print carpet, and fine artwork.

As the sun played peek-a-boo in the clouds, the intermittent rays shone through a stained-glass window in the bedroom, creating a kaleidoscope of color that danced across the bedspread. Paris was already showing us its magic.

The Plaza has a total of 191 rooms, including 45 suites.

Tose on the first six floors are decorated in pure classic French style with Louis XV, Louis XVI and Regency style furniture, while the seventh and eighth floors are outfitted in Art Deco style. For the second year, during the summer months, the hotel is offering two themed children’s rooms (Barbie Modern Princess/Barbie Fashion Icon or Hot Wheels), connecting with either a deluxe parental room or suite. “We custom-tailor the experience to individual travelers so everyone can find something to make them happy,” said Isabelle Maurin, director of communications. Other unique experiences include use of a privately hired Riva boat on the Seine, complimentary use of “Plaza” bicycles and winter ice skating.

Te hotel has five restaurants directed by Alain Ducasse, who also supervises room service and the bar. This 10-year affiliation, Maurin assured me, goes way beyond Ducasse simply lending his name. “He controls everything down to the nuts and olive service in the rooms,” she added. Te hotel is the only one with a three-star restaurant (Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée), and two world champion pastry cooks (Christophe slmag.net

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Salon of the Eiffel Suite at the Plaza Athénée.

Deluxe suite bedroom at the Plaza Athénée.

Photo: Guilaume de Laubier.

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Galerie des Gobelins at the Plaza Athénée. Photo: Francis Amiand.

Michalak in 2005 and Jerome de Oliveira, his assistant in 2009). Vitrines outside Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée display mouthwatering chocolate creations as works of art.

The Plaza Athénée is the first and only luxury hotel to have received the “Living Heritage Enterprise” award, joining the likes of Baccarat, Boucheron, Chanel and Dior to be recognized by the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, as a French company with the expertise and excellence required to ensure the highest quality for their professional work and products.

Te problem with such a short visit is that I can literally hear the clock ticking off the minutes in my head. After exploring the hotel we set off for a relatively short (by my standards, my husband would have me add as a disclaimer) and scenic walk along the Seine to the Eiffel Tower. All the while I allowed my senses to take in the ancient vistas, which made it easy to ascertain the allure of the city. For those not so inclined to go by foot, guests who book one of the Plaza Athénée’s five signature suites have complimentary unlimited access to an Aston Martin Rapide and Cygnet.

We returned in time for tea in the Plaza’s exquisite Galerie des Gobelins, an ornate room with a soaring groin vault ceiling, sparkling chandeliers, thick carpeting over an intricate mosaic tile floor and rows of columns, the bases of

which were wrapped with cylinders of frosted cut glass and softly illuminated from within. Velvet-upholstered bergères surrounded small tables; the elegantly coiffed crowd, most conversing in French, led me to believe the spot is a favorite of locals as well.

Our tea was poured from polished silver pots into delicate bone china emblazoned with the Galerie des Gobelins insignia. Eyeing the dessert cart as it rolled by and then surveying the enviable figures of the ladies gathered (who, consequently seemed to have no qualms about indulging) left me pondering the age-old question of how French women manage to stay so thin!

After tea, I paid a visit to the Dior Institute. In 1947, Christian Dior set up shop on Avenue Montaigne to capture the high-end clientele that frequented the Plaza Athénée.

Over the years, his collections (some given the monikers of “Plaza” and “Athénée”) were photographed at the hotel; his models frequented the premises; and he could often be spotted lunching with his favored clients. So, when it came time to develop a spa concept for the property, an affiliation with the storied designer was a natural choice.

Te physical space is an amazing feast for the eyes, with interior styling befitting haute couture. The focal point of the main gallery is a central pool, over which a “droplet”

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of blown glass appears poised to break the water’s surface.

Arched doorways lead to the five treatment rooms, including a double VIP room – all of which are outfitted with updated versions of Dior’s emblematic medallion chairs and mirrors embellished with the caning motif. Rounding out the spa area is a relaxation and herbal tea lounge, fitness room, hammam steam bath and sauna.

Not wanting to leave the opulence of our hotel, we chose to dine at Le Relais Plaza. Te corridor linking the chic bistro to the hotel is lined with autographed photos of luminaries who have dined there, spanning eras and genres from Marlene Dietrich to Muhammad Ali. Stepping into the Art Deco dining room with décor inspired by the Normandie Ocean

Liner, I could almost picture Ms. Dietrich holding court in a softly lit corner; wisps of cigarette smoke wafting from her slightly pursed lips.

Early the following morning, I left my sleeping travel mates behind, laced up my running shoes and set out with my pocket map provided by the hotel and my iPhone (in case I got lost and also to document my journey). A highlight was the fragrant tranquility afforded by an early morning visit to the Jardin des Tuileries. Created in 1564 by Catherine de Médicis and opened to the public in 1667, it remains one of Paris’ most visited public gardens. I continued along the Seine, past the Petite and Grand Palais, winding through quiet residential areas and finishing with a celebratory lap

Te Dior Institute at the Plaza Athénée

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Te Bar at Hôtel Le Bristol hosts Saturday afternoon fashion teas.

Photo: Guillaume De Laubier.

around the Arc de Triomphe. In the span of just 90 minutes I had seen a day’s worth of “must see” locales.

A short taxi ride along the fashionable Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, midway from Opera and the Arc de Triomphe, nearby the Élysée Presidential Palace and within walking distance of the Champs-Élysées, led us to Hôtel Le Bristol, where several scenes from Woody Allen’s most recent movie, Midnight in Paris, were filmed. The hotel is named after the Count of Bristol, a grand British traveler infatuated with luxury and famous for his demands for all kinds of refined things in life.

Equally as grand as the Plaza Athénée, the marble floors of the expansive lobby were polished to a near mirrored finish.

An abundance of monumental floral arrangements filled the air with a delicate perfume. Fa-raon, the adorable and friendly Burmese Sacré cat who welcomes attention from guests and staff stopped to greet us. At check-in we were taken aback when presented with our room key – not one of the swipe cards so commonplace today – but an actual gold key of substantial weight. It was a simple nod to an era of refined travel that foretold of good things to follow.

Opened in 1925 and family-owned by The Oetker Collection since 1978, Hôtel Le Bristol was awarded its fifth star in June 2010; in May of this year it also became the first French hotel to be officially granted “Palace” status. In 2009,

the property commenced a comprehensive 100 million euro renovation that included the opening of a new wing; the renovation of 36 rooms and suites in the garden wing; a new spa (scheduled to open in July 2011); and the addition of a children’s area, among other enhancements. Te property has a total of 187 rooms, including 85 suites, some of which have private terraces or balconies.

On the way up to our suite, we peeked into the three Michelin star gastronomique, a breathtaking space that has the distinction of being the oldest room in the hotel, built by the Count of Castellane in 1829. When the property was a private home, the space was used as a theatre. It has been lovingly maintained in all of its original glory, including paneled walls of Hungarian oak, 18th century tapestries, Baccarat crystal chandeliers and a gold-worked ceiling that depicts the four seasons by Gustave-Louis Jaulmes. Under the direction of Chef Eric Frechon, the room serves as the winter dining room from October to April. Service moves to the glassed canopy in the expertly manicured magnolia gardens (the largest hotel garden in the capital) from May to September. Meals are served on place settings created by Baccarat especially for Hôtel Le Bristol with silver cutlery

by Christofle. Troughout the year, Chef Frechon, who was granted a “Legion d’Honneur” for his culinary services by

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Te expertly manicured gardens at HĂ´tel Le Bristol represent the largest of any hotel in Paris.

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Te newest wing of Hôtel Le Bristol is comprised of seven floors in a Haussmann-inspired building.

President Nicolas Sarkozy, orchestrates and highlights seasonal products on several occasions, such as mushroom month in fall or truffle month in January.

Accessed via an exposed cage-style elevator built in 1940, our suite was located in the newly opened wing of the hotel. Formerly private apartments, the seven floors of the Haussmann-inspired building were painstakingly acquired over two decades. While the addition of a second building significantly increased the hotel’s street presence, on the inside, the transition point from one building to the next goes undetected. Maja Oetker, wife of owner Rudolf A. Oetker, personally oversaw the unique decoration of the 21 bedrooms and five suites in the new wing, including the fine antiques (no reproductions) and fine art present in each room.

Traversing the corridors, I was quick to note a subtle perfume to the air, which I later learned came from a signature room perfume created specifically for Hôtel Le Bristol by JeanMichel Duriez that is dispensed regularly in the halls. I made sure to acquire a bottle as a souvenir to reactivate my Parisian memories as needed, although I hated to disturb the lovely packaging in which it came!

Feeling a great sense of anticipation as the weighty key turned in the lock, I entered the vestibule of the Paris suite,

and my jaw nearly dropped as I surveyed the rooftops of the city and the Eiffel Tower from an expanse of French doors lining the exterior walls. Like a child racing to open presents on Christmas morning, I dropped my handbag and made a beeline for the balcony, stepping outside to take photos of the postcard-perfect view.

Te 1,620-square-foot apartment featured a long room that spanned the length of the suite and contained a large living room at one end and a dining room with a table for six guests at the other. Te color palette of yellow, turquoise and red was as lively as the street scene below. Underfoot was a delicate needlepoint carpet with a laurel leaf pattern.

Heavy silk drapery framed the French doors, which led to a balcony that wrapped around the suite. Near the dining room was a fully equipped kitchen. A hallway separated the master bedroom from the rest of the suite.

An expanse of pink Portuguese marble defined the ultraluxurious bathroom, which featured its own hammam with soothing music and chromotherapy. Embossed green boxes on the vanity and soaking tub contained fragrant soaps from Hermès (whose flagship is located a short distance away).

Reluctant (once again) to leave the elegant confines of the hotel, I opted for a facial at the Anne Sémonin Spa, while my

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Left: Suite at the Hôtel Le Bristol. Right: 114 Faubourg at Hôtel Le Bristol

companions headed for the sixth floor pool, ideal for families traveling with children (the hotel has offered an extensive children’s program since 1997). From the pool deck, terrace and solarium, one can view both the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur. Constructed entirely of teak, the pool creates the illusion of being on a sailboat.

Even if you are not a guest at Hôtel Le Bristol, fashionistas will want to attend their fashion high teas, held on Saturday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. While watching the array of models showing looks from the likes of Celine, Yves SaintLaurent, Givenchy, Chloe, Lacroix, Ungaro, as well as up-and-coming designers, guests enjoy an English-style tea service complemented by a unique dessert by Pastry Chef Laurent Jeannin inspired by the featured designer’s style.

Revitalized by my spa treatment, we set out to do more exploring. Mélanie Hubert – head of communications at Hôtel Le Bristol said we must visit Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement; Paris’ highest point with the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Coeur serving as an exclamation point of its significance. Its designation as an historic district permits limited development and maintains the area’s historic character.

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to admire the views of the city laid out before us, as well as the sea of humanity – tourists, artists, peddlers, musicians and locals collectively enjoying a warm and sunny afternoon.

Knowing we would be remiss if we did not partake of macaroons during our brief visit, we stopped by Ladurée Patisserie, an iconic tea salon founded in 1862 and famous for its macaroons. Knowing my love of tea, some months ago a thoughtful friend gave me a lovely tin of black tea from Mariage Frères, and I was pleased to be able to replenish my supply with a visit to France’s most famous tea purveyor. Tea and cookies were followed by a leisurely stroll along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where we stopped to watch the guards outside the Élysée Palace before shopping at the boutiques of Hermès, Dior, Givenchy, Lavin, Louboutin, Versace and Pierre Cardin. I loved the latter’s multi-hued timeless shift dresses displayed in the window – au courant 30 years ago as they will likely be 30 years from now.

The Parisian-born concierge at our London hotel recommended we seek out the Michel Gant glove store. He had gone there often with his mother as a boy, and you could feel the nostalgia in his poignant reminiscences of the interiors, unaltered since it opened in the 1940s. We were

Te paneled walls of Hungarian oak, 18th century tapestries, Baccarat crystal chandeliers, and gold-worked ceiling of the winter dining room at Hôtel Le Bristol are all original to their 1829 installation. Photo: Guillaume De Laubier

dismayed to find it closed, but it was exactly as he described.

Not being able to go in only enhanced the mystique.

A memorable dinner was had at Lee 114 Faubourg, Hôtel Le Bristol’s newest restaurant and the anchor of the new hotel wing. Bridging the gap between the hotel’s famous bar and its gourmet restaurant, the décor of this chic space is a sight to behold. A spiral staircase of wrought iron links the twolevel, 93-seat dining room. Te lively décor pays homage to Mrs. Oetker’s favorite flower: the dahlia. Oversized blooms are rendered in warm shades and juxtaposed on walls of bright orange. Backlit walls, gold-leafed columns and violet carpets added to the drama. As theatrical as the décor, the service was friendly and accommodating, as was the case with the rest of our interactions with hotel staff. Chef Eric Desbordes presented a meal that was both creative and authentic and highlighted by seasonal vegetables.

After dinner we returned to our room to watch the glittery spectacle of the city’s transition from day to night.

Every hour starting at 9 p.m., the Eiffel Tower comes alive

with a spectacular light show. Standing on our balcony with the landmark in full view was a truly magical experience that I will not soon forget.

Sadly our time in Paris left me with many items on my “to do” list unchecked. However, my sulking was cut short by the hotel’s choice of car to transport us to the train station: a Maybach Zeppelin (an exclusive service offered by Hôtel Le Bristol). Purportedly the only one of its kind in Paris, when we reached the station, a small crowd of onlookers gathered wanting to see who was inside (their looks of disappointment when they realized it was not someone famous were almost instantaneous as we made our exit). Taking a moment to reflect on our whirlwind 48 hours in Paris, I had come to realize that while there is no shortage of luxury properties, what sets establishments such as Te Plaza Athénée and Hôtel Le Bristol apart from the rest is a commitment to customer service and making sure that each guest leaves feeling that their time in the City of Lights was as bewitching as they had hoped it would be. sl

Sources: Eurostar – raileurope.com | Plaza Athénée – Single room from 715€, Suites from 1,160€; 25 Avenue Montaigne; plaza-athenee-paris.com | Hôtel Le Bristol – Single room from 800€, Suites from 1,150€; 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré; lebristolparis.com | Basilica of the Sacré Coeur – 35 Rue du Chevalier-De-La Barre; sacre-coeur-montmartre.com | Printemps Haussmann - 64 Boulevard Haussmann; departmentstoreparis.printemps.com | Ladurée Patisserie – 75 avenue des Champs Elysées; laduree.fr | Mariage Frères - 260 Rue Fbg St Honoré; mariagefreres.com

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Of Note... Te Great Outdoors

Te unique design of the LED Halley light by Spanish manufacturer Vibia allows the light to form a complete arc when anchored to the ground on both sides, or a partial arc when anchored to a tabletop clamp or a wall. When the party's over it easily disassembles into three pieces for storage. Available through Switch Lighting & Design in Cincinnati (513.721.8100, switchcollection.com).

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Te Apex table from Barlow Tyrie extends from 106" to 155". Made from plantation grown teakwood, the Apex is arguably the largest production model outdoor dining table available today, easily seating 14 guests by use of its double buttery leaf system (teak.com).

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Of Note... Te Great Outdoors Part of a ten-piece Cast Collection by English designer John Reeves for Henry Hall Designs, both the bench and side table are made of 100% recycled aluminum and ďŹ nished with a durable zinc plate patina. Te bench uses FSC-certiďŹ ed teak slats. (henryhalldesigns.com).

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Both the Clip chair and ottoman from Gandia Blasco are made of rotationally molded polyethylene. Available via special order through Voltage in Cincinnati (513.871.5483; gandiablasco.com).

Made of anodized or thermo-lacquered (white, black or bronze) aluminum proďŹ les and polyethylene, the Pou armchair and ottoman from Gandia Blasco are available via special order through Voltage in Cincinnati (513.871.5483; gandiablasco.com). slmag.net

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Of Note... Te Great Outdoors Charles Outdoor furniture by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia. Available through Voltage in Cincinnati (513.871.5540) and Form + Function in Indianapolis (317.569.0333).

Te Splinter chair ($1,143) designed by Matthew Kroeker for Jane Hamley Wells, is a multipurpose chair/bench combo make of grade A teak and stainless steel. It represents the fragility of relationships and merging spirit of human nature (janehamleywells.com).

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The lightweight Area 51 Chair by Calligaris is suitable for use indoors and out. It's available in ďŹ ve stylish colors and stacks up to eight chairs high. Available through Houseworks in Indianapolis (317.578.7000) and Circa Home in Lexington (859.266.6721).

Perennials Fabrics sophisticated line of outdoor textiles becomes even more indulgent with the launch of Parisian-based Diurne for Perennials, an exclusive 100% solution dyed acrylic fiber rug collection. Woven by skilled craftsmen in Nepal from solution dyed acrylic fibers that are shipped direct from Perennials own mills, each rug is hand-knotted into modern floor coverings to ground the contemporary outdoor living space. Available exclusively to the trade, interior designers and architects can select specific colors and customize the rugs to fit within the design project perimeters (perennialsfabrics.com).

Te Kingswood sectional from Brown Jordan is made with all-weather woven materials that offer a classic look with unrivaled resistance to the elements while a rustproof, powder-coated aluminum frame guarantees strength and durability. Cushions are available for quick ship in a variety of gorgeous Sunbrella fabrics. Availble in Cincinnati and Louisville through Merridian (513.583.1234; 502.895.3151; merridian.com) and in Indianapolis from Especially Wicker (317.577.5755).

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Côtes De Provence Rosé

A few years ago I was in Sonoma Valley with some close friends, and we met at brunch before a big day of winery visits.

We were sitting outside on a beautiful but warm day; as always the wine list was in my hands. I looked over the wine list and found what I thought was the perfect wine for a warm mid-day meal, Rosé. When the server brought a dry Rosé, my friends cringed! I explained to them immediately to fear not. I clarified the wine was not sweet or White Zinfandel. I further told them it was a wine made from a blend of grapes that were fermented dry, and it would be the perfect “quaffer” on this warm day. Moreover, it would go with the wide range of foods we were about to enjoy.

With great skepticism, my friends tasted the wine. Tey generally thought the wine was refreshing, crisp and inviting. After giving me a hard time for humor’s sake (that’s what friends are for), they all acknowledged, despite being wine aficionados, that they would have never tried it if it were not right in front of them. As

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Written by Scott Harper, MS

a result, several of them now drink Rosé regularly in the summer.

Te moral of this story is not to judge a wine by its color. Rosé can be a delicious refreshing wine, but admittedly can easily be confused with sweet insipid Rosés or White Zinfandels.

Let’s talk for a minute about how Rosés are made. Rosés are made from red grapes. Te color and pigments in red grapes, for the most part, are located in their skins. In red wine production, the grape juice is allowed to stay in contact with their skins for an extended period of time, which imparts the red color. In Rosé wine production, the time the skins are allowed to stay in contact with the juice is limited in order to impart a slight rose to darker rose color, depending on the desired style, removing the skins before the color becomes too dark and before tannins impart too much of their astringent quality. While there are many ways to make Rosé wine, it generally comes down to managing the skinto-juice time and ratio.

These suggested Côtes De Provence Rosès are easy to like, easy on the pocket book and are great aperitifs or accompaniments to Salad Niçoise, Mediterranean preparations of grilled fish and roasted poultry.

Côtes De Provence Sables D’Azur Gassier 2009 A pale rose-copper colored wine. It is a light, dry and crisp “quaffer” of a Rosé. Fruity red flavors of strawberry, cherry, melon that are fresh and persistent. Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. The Gassier family has worked the vineyards for five generations in France.

Côtes De Provence Corail Chateau De Roquefort 2009 A pale Rosé with hints of copper and coral. It is dry, light to medium bodied and taut with crisp, zesty acidity, melon, cherry, raspberry, apple and a light whiff of dried Provençal herbs. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah and Clairette. Te wine is a family’s estate wine that until 1995 was sold off as bulk wine, until Raimond de Villeneuves started bottling and improving the wine and calling it Chateau de Roquefort.

Provence is the celebrated heartland of Rosé in France. Tey make a huge amount of Rosé in this region – the southeastern part of France on the Mediterranean, adjacent to Italy and located amidst the famous cities of Marseille, Saint Tropez and Cannes. With all of that tourist power, it is easy to know where a lot the wine goes. Te name of Provence itself conjures up fields of lavender, sunflowers, the Mediterranean Sea and the great gastronomy of this sundrenched area that is hot and dry in the summer, with mild winters and no less than 315 days of sunshine a year. With the great climate, it is hard not to make a wine that goes well with it. Rosé truly is the wine of summer.

Within the area of Provence is the largest wine region: the Côtes de Provence, which is known for its lighter color than other French Rosés. It typically will have copper hues and pale rose color with orange highlights. Made from a blend of grapes such as Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, Mourvèdre and

Clairette, Rosé represents 75 percent of the region’s wines.

You want to be sure to drink Côtes de Provence and Rosés young and fresh. Generally speaking, you should drink a Rosé between one and three years of age, for after that the vivacious fresh fruit that is so cherished could sadly be diminished. Also, enjoy the wine chilled at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit or out of the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes.

Tese suggested Côtes de Provence Rosés are easy to like, easy on the pocketbook and are great aperitifs or accompaniments to Salad Niçoise, Mediterranean preparations of grilled fish and roasted poultry. sl Scott is General Manager of the Bristol Bar & GrilleJeffersonville and is Wine Director/Sommelier for the 5 Bristol Bar & Grille’s in Louisville and Indiana. He teaches wine through Bellarmine University. Scott is a Master Sommelier and a Certified Wine Educator.

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Bibliotaph

“Dress like a Parisian” may be the title of the first chapter in this enchanting book written by French style icon Ines de la Fressange, but rather than issuing an imperious edict, Ines shares with the reader her “fashion should be fun” philosophy with the wit and charm for which she is internationally beloved.

Ines de la Fressange with Sophie Gachet - Parisian Chic: A Style Guide - Flexibinding, 240 pages, Flammarion.

Bringing together the histor y of an ancestral château, the legends of three celebrated designers, and the beauty of the gowns they created, this book is a treasure trove of history, fashion, interior design, and beauty. The gowns of these three famous designers are displayed to praise their legendary designs and their impact on haute couture today. Christiane de Nicolay-Mazery - Cristóbal Balenciaga, Philippe Venet, Hubert de Givenchy Hardcover, 144 pages, Rizzoli International.

Written by Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve -- two of the most respected wine experts in the world – and containing over 400 pages of encyclopedic information on thousands of French wines, this book is an oenophile’s dream come true. The guide is organized by region and covers everything from the famous wineries of Burgundy to wine from lesser known regions. Michel Bettane and Tierry Desseauve - Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France - Abrams Books

This book offers readers a rare glimpse inside 22 of Paris’ most prestigious historic properties that now serve as diplomatic residences. With specially commissioned photographs by Francis Hammond, the doors to these splendid houses are thrown open, many for the first time, to reveal a world where diplomacy among nations is fostered amid sumptuous period decors, furnishings, and priceless artworks. Alain Stella Historic Houses of Paris - Hardcover, 352 pages, Flammarion.

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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books For her tenth design book, author Betty Lou Phillips translates fervent beliefs that have long defined the French art de vive, alongside gorgeous photography of skillfully designed rooms that owe more than a little to French influences. Betty Lou Phillips - French Impressions: A Fresh Look for this Side of the Atlantic Hardcover, 240 pages, Gibbs Smith Publishers.

Te 20 private residences captured in lush and vivid photographs offer readers access into the homes of some of the city’s most fascinating inhabitants— Lenny Kravitz, Roberto Bergero, Yves and Victor Gastou, Jacques Garcia, Pierre Yovanovitch, to name a few – to provide a wealth of inspiration for the home. Barbara Stoeltie, writer and Rene Stoeltie, photographer - Parisian Interiors: Bold, Elegant, Refined - Hardcover, 208 pages, Flammarion.

Respected French restaurant critic Gilles Pudlowski offers his top 39 restaurant picks—based on the quality of the food, the beauty of the decor, and the res tau rant’s uniqu e his tor y —here Pudlowski shares menu selections and the stories behind these accomplished chefs and their kitchens. Giles Pudlowski - A Gourmet Tour of France: Legendary Restaurants from Paris to the Côte d’Azur Hardcover, 244 pages, Flammarion.

In France, Maxim’s is a restaurant as strong and essential to la vie Parisienne today as it was when it was opened in 1893 by Maxime Gaillard. Today, evenings at Maxim’s blur into fantasy, with a mixture of creative patrons young and old, from fashion, the contemporary art world, and film. A captivating history of this mythic place, the book also features an elegant collection of illustrated recipes—from Quail Confit to Fruit Charlotte—so gastronomes may try Maxim’s classic dishes at home. Maxim's: Mirror of Parisian Life - hardcover, 192 pages, Assouline.

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Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este Written by Bridget Williams

Ogling a hand-picked gathering of the world’s most desired vintage and concept automobiles is certainly a covetable experience on its own, but take this same assemblage and scatter it throughout the grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este in the town of Cernobbio, Italy, on the banks of Lake Como, and you have a car show without reproach. Held for the first time in 1929 and under the patronage of the BMW Group since 1999, the event draws entrants and onlookers from around the globe.

New this year was the addition of a motorcycle competition, a Saturday evening auction of 32 extraordinary cars by RM Auctions and a second public viewing day at nearby Villa Erba.

“Our aim was to take this long-established event into new territory while preserving its character,” said Karl Baumer, president of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and director of BMW Group Classic, outlining the reasons behind the changes.

“The main initiative we introduced to give people extra opportunity to visit the Concorso was the addition of a second public day,” continued Baumer. Dr. Jean-Marc Droulers, president of Villa d’Este S.p.A., also declared himself pleased with the weekend: “We’ve seen cars and motorcycles which

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made our hearts beat a little faster – both within the small, exclusive environs of the Villa d’Este and together with the wider public at the Villa Erba.”

During the Saturday exhibition, as Riva yachts and J Craft boats bobbed at their moorings near Villa d’Este’s floating swimming pool – their ultra-lacquered mahogany decks glassier than the wind-chopped lake surface – music from a jazz quartet provided the afternoon’s soundtrack, interrupted only occasionally by the whooshing of helicopter blades that announced the arrival of a VIP guest. Fashionably dressed owners and a few pampered pooches meandered the grounds, seeking solace from the midday sun under the leafy canopy of a mature tree or the hotel’s covered terrace.

Following lunch, a narrated parade of automobiles allowed guests to appreciate the beauty and history of each example.

Te weekend’s only glitch – a brief afternoon rain shower just before the awards presentation on both Saturday and Sunday – sent patrons scrambling for cover and owners rushing to seek shelter for their vehicles, some of which are never washed with traditional soap and water.

Rolls-Royce had a selection of Phantom, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Coupé and Ghost models on display.

Photo by Eric Williams.

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Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este Public viewing was held throughout the grounds of Villa Erba, which was constructed in the late nineteenth century. Photo by Bridget Williams

Aerial view of the historic automobiles assembled at Villa d’Este.

Photo by Bridget Williams.

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Guests enjoyed an alfresco luncheon while enjoying the parade of historic motorcars at Villa d’Este. Swedish powerboat manufacturer J Craft partnered with Rolls-Royce to oer VIP excursions on both land and water.

Photo by Eric Williams.

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Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este

Top sale honor during RM Auctions Saturday night sale went to a stunning 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta.

Representing the full spectrum of motoring interests, both past and future, was a selection of concept cars from Ferrari, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Infiniti, Renault, Scuderia, MINI and Rolls-Royce. “The concept cars at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este represent a rare opportunity to see these prototypes in close proximity, outside the context of the dazzle of the international motor exhibition circuit, a chance to examine their details, features and form in the natural light close up in the reality of the outside world,” said Baumer. Some, such as the electric Rinspeed Bamboo, clearly harkened to the past, calling to mind a Fiat Jolly, while others, such as the electric DeZir by Renault, boasted space-age styling with a pod-like interior.

In just over two hours, RM Auctions Saturday night sale treated a discerning international audience to one of the most significant offerings of collector cars presented in recent auction

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history, including the highly anticipated sale of six unique Bertone concept cars. Headlined by the wild 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, a predecessor to the Espada, for €1,512,000, total sales for the collection surpassed €3.6 million, with numerous lots far-exceeding expectations. Among the handpicked selection of 32 motorcars, six automobiles achieved individual millioneuro-plus results, with two lots surpassing €3 million. Top sale honors went to a stunning 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta for €3,360,000, along with a breathtaking, concours-quality 1938 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS Teardrop Coupé, which sold for €3,136,000. “Never has a car been more at home in its surroundings than the Talbot Lago T150-C SS was at our Villa d’Este sale,” said Max Girardo, managing director, RM Europe.

“It was a perfect fit for an event themed on showcasing the ultimate in elegance and sophistication in styling.”

1966 BMW 2000 CS CoupĂŠ Karmann

1953 Fiat 8V Berlinetta

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Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este - Winners Special Prizes by the Jury Trofeo BMW Group / Best in Show by the Jury Alfa Romeo, 33 Stradale, Berlinetta, Scaglione, 1968, Clive Joy, UK Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este / Best of Show by Public Referendum at Villa d’Este Alfa Romeo, 6C 2500 SS, Coupé, Bertone, 1942, Corrado Lopresto, I Trofeo BMW Group Italia / By Public Referendum at Villa Erba Alfa Romeo, 33 Stradale, Berlinetta, Scaglione, 1968, Clive Joy, UK Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes /

By Public Referendum at Villa Erba Aston Martin, Zagato, Coupé, 12 Cyl., 2011, Ulrich Bez, UK 1938 Delage D8 120 S Coupe by Pourtout

Trofeo Rolls-Royce / To the most elegant Rolls-Royce by the Jury Rolls-Royce, Phantom II, Special Town Car, Brewster, 1933, Norbert Seeger, FL Trofeo FIVA / To the best preserved pre war-car by the Jury Rolls-Royce, Phantom II, Special Town Car, Brewster, 1933, Norbert Seeger, FL Trofeo ASI / To the best preserved post war-car by the Jury Mercedes-Benz, 300 SL, Roadster, Mercedes-Benz, 1962, Heiko Seekamp, D Trofeo Automobile Club di Como / To the car driven from farthest away Bugatti 57 Ventoux, Coach, 1937, Andrea Capra, CH Trofeo BMW Group Classic / For the most sensitive restoration by the Jury Aston Martin, DB5, Convertible, Touring, 1965, Jim Utaski, USA Trofeo Rolls-Royce / To the most elegant Rolls-Royce by the Jury Rolls-Royce, Phantom II, Special Town Car, Brewster, 1933, Norbert Seeger, FL

1938 Talbot-Lago T23 Coupe Royal by Figoni & Felaschi

Trofeo Vranken Pommery / To the best iconic car by the Jury Jaguar, E-Type Coupé, Jaguar, 1961, Christian J. Jenny, CH Trofeo Foglizzo / Te best interior design by the Jury Fiat, 8V, Berlinetta, Rapi, 1953, Martin Gruss, USA Trofeo Auto & Design / To the most exciting design by the Jury Ford, GT40 MkII, Coupé, FAV, 1965, Claude Nahum, CH

Class Winners and Mention of Honor Class A: CLOSED FOR COMFORT Talbot-Lago, T23, Coupé Royal, Figoni & Falaschi, 1938, Joseph Cantore, USA

1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Coupe by Bertone

Class B: OPEN SKY Delage, D8 S, Roadster, de Villars, 1933, James Patterson, USA Class C: FIFTIES CHIC - CARS FOR THE JET SET Ferrari, 212 Export, Berlinetta, Vignale, 1951, Peter McCoy, USA Class D: NEW DAWN - SMALL CAR, BIG PERFORMANCE Siata, 400 F, Berlinetta, Balbo, 1953, Jan De Reu, B Class E: SWINGING SIXTIES STYLE Ferrari, 250 GT SWB California, Spider, Scaglietti, 1963, Jean-Pierre Slavic, CH Class F: THE BIRTH OF THE SUPERCAR Alfa Romeo, 33 Stradale, Berlinetta, Scaglione, 1968, Clive Joy, UK Class G: MASTERS OF CREATIVITY BMW, 2000 CS, Coupé, Karmann, 1966, Michael Ulbig, D

1933 Delage D8 S Roadster by de Villars

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Class H: COLOUR AND SPEED - POST-WAR RACING ICONS Ferrari, 375 MM, Spider, Pinin Farina, 1953, Andreas Mohringer, A

Famed collector Corrado Lopresto was the winner of the Coppa d'Oro with his Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS from 1942, built by Bertone after a design from Mario Revelli di Beaumont.

1953 Ferrari 375 MM Pininfarina Spyder

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Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este

2011 BMW 328 Hommage

Sunday’s public viewing at Villa Erba included an exhibition in the contemporary steel and glass Congress Centre commemorating the 75th anniversary of the BMW 328; a collection of MINI’s with exteriors reimagined in all sorts of wild and wonderful colors by the likes of Calvin Klein, Diane von Furstenberg and Kenneth Cole; and a celebration of 100 years of Rolls-Royce’s Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet figurine.

The jury awarded the Trofeo BMW Group, and with it Best in Show honors, to a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, while the time-honored Coppa d’Oro prize decided by public referendum went to an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS from 1942.

Te “Concept Cars and Prototypes” category was won by the Aston Martin Zagato, which was celebrating its world premiere

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at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Another model making its debut at the event was the BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled by the Bavarian company to mark the 75th birthday of its iconic BMW 328 sports car from the 1930s.

An American Pierce Four from 1910 won the Trofeo BMW Group in the first Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for motorcycles. After presenting the award, General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim shifted the spotlight to plans for the years ahead: “We are looking to develop this concours into a meeting point for all enthusiasts of motorcycle design. That fits in with both the tradition of the BMW motorcycle brand and the passion for bikes here in Italy.” sl

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The Party Continues...

A Tavola Bar & Trattoria Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung “We were making pizza with fresh vegetables from our garden before it was the cool thing to do,” said Jared Wayne, owner of A Tavola Bar and Trattoria, which recently opened at 1220 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine. Te constant along Wayne’s journey from home gourmand to restaurateur has been his commitment to quality and attention to detail.

A passion for cooking began during his formative years. Wayne fondly recalls summertime neighborhood gatherings (which included his business partner and childhood next-door neighbor Sam Ginocchio) centered on flavorful food and drinks that incorporated the best of what was fresh from the garden. After moving to Los Angeles, Wayne would frequent the nearby farmers’ market, returning with his bounty to make pizzas on the porch over charcoal fires. Word of his weekly Tursday ritual quickly spread, and before long, his place was packed with friends clamoring for a taste of his pizza.

After returning to Cincinnati for a brief stint working in real estate, Wayne connected with a friend who owned the lunch-only Take the Cake in Northside. Relaying stories of his LA pizza nights, she recommended that he revive the tradition by taking over her place one-night a week. Now the stuff of legends, the underground-style gatherings were a huge hit that convinced Wayne he was on to something. Along the way, he picked up a pair of business partners also drawn to the allure of the craft: childhood friend Sam Ginocchio and Bill Draznik. slmag.net

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“Te whole thing evolved rather organically,” said Wayne. Fortified by his pizza night following, he began visiting top-notch wood-fired pizza restaurants in New York and on the West Coast to study their equipment, menus and modus operandi.

After visiting Motorino in New York’s East Village, he was set on acquiring a version of their Neapolitan-made oven by Acunto. After discovering they were not UL listed, he resumed his search and was happy to discover Uno Forno, a US-based distributor of ovens made by the Ferrara family of Naples. Custom-made and considered among the most reliable and authentic Neapolitan brick ovens in the world, there are only a few examples in the United States, one of which is owned by Mario Batali. “I feel lucky to be among such a rarified group,” said Wayne. Weighing in at 5,500 pounds and custom-tiled with the A Tavola logo, it serves as a piece of functional art and a centerpiece of the restaurant’s rustic chic décor.

Bill Draznik also possesses a background in real estate with a specialization in revitalizing urban neighborhoods. He suggested the Over-the-Rhine location, to which all of partners quickly agreed. “It’s fun to be part of the rebirth of downtown. Tere’s a neat symbiotic relationship among the businesses located in the corridor,” said Wayne.

Wayne, Ginocchio and Draznik make an ideal team as each has a distinct area of expertise. Wayne spearheaded the interior design, crafting many of the tables himself as well as handling the finish carpentry. A fan of tables by George Nakashima, Wayne hand-selected wood from the same lumber yard in the Berkshire Mountains as Nakashima to build A Tavola’s irregular-edge bar height tables, which are surrounded

by Tolix stools in gunmetal grey.

Ginocchio mans the bar, and his creative concoctions – with names like Stefano Comes to America and Ginger Beer Me – were no doubt inspired by the unique slmag.net

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cocktails made by his mother. Te from-scratch difference is easily discernable, as with the latter, a combination of house-made ginger beer, fresh lime and a choice of rum, vodka, bourbon or tequila.

Draznik oversees the front of the house, presiding over a staff with ample experience in high-volume restaurants. “We made sure to hire people who knew more about the business than we did,” said Wayne. Ben Strum, formerly director of service at Boca, also helps to keep things running like a well-oiled machine, as was the case during our recent visit, a little more than two weeks after the restaurant opened.

Loosely translated, “A Tavola” is something you may hear a nonna call out, meaning “Come on, everybody! It’s time for dinner!” The wafting aroma of garlic was all the hearkening I needed. Te menu is straightforward, organized into pizza, bruschetta, antipasti and dessert. We started off our meat-centric meal with an order of dates stuffed with house sausage and wrapped with house-cured bacon. Anything wrapped in bacon is OK by me, and there were no complaints with this presentation!

Pizza selections include versions simply dressed with the traditional (house bacon and sausage) to the unique (egg, fig jam, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, to name a few).

We opted for the non-traditional route, choosing a pie topped with fig jam, prosciutto, fontina and arugula. Arriving at our table with lightning-fast speed, the crust had just enough char to lend charcoal coloring to the fingers of those who opted to forgo a fork and knife. Te wood-firing imparts a wonderful depth of flavor to the crust that simply cannot be reproduced by other cooking methods. Te sweetness of the jam was tempered by the saltiness of the prosciutto and fontina, creating the perfect balance of opposing tastes. Other unique ingredients such as boquerones (imported white anchovies) are scheduled to make special appearances from time to time as available.

Dessert options at the moment are limited to two choices: grilled peaches with vanilla lavender whipped cream and vanilla gelato finished with a shot of espresso.

It is clear from the lively crowd assembled during our visit that A Tavola has lived up to Wayne’s expectations. “From the onset my goal was to create an extension of my house parties.” sl

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Gentlemanly Accoutrements 1

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Written by Diane C. Wachs

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Into each life creeps an object or a garment that speaks to a great memory of the past, or an aspiration of the sort of life one would choose to live. Tese are comforting treasures that sometimes grace coffee tables, office desks, bedroom bureaus or bookshelves.

Every gentleman has a talisman or two that fits this description and speaks to his good taste and breeding. These accoutrements, or details of a life, should be subtle - gentle suggestions - that a fellow knows a thing or two, he’s been around, and to, far-away and interesting places, and he knows unusual and interesting people.

Today, generally, the details of a gentleman are often not tending their original purposes. Tey frequently become desk ornaments of powerful men, their unspoken statement being a potent reference to that particular man. Gentlemanly objects bear no reference to cars, (a custom set of Italian wheels or a Stutz Bearcat are acceptable) or designer anything, or arm-candy the likes of Paris Hilton, or crudity. Gentlemanly accoutrements are items that are unexpected, surprising, always provocative and meant to compliment the individual.

Some marvelous pieces available today have interesting pasts, and many have to do with virtures of vice - smoking, drinking, gambling.

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Exquisite cigars cutters make great paper weights on an office desk and are doubtlessly curious for both the non-smoker and inquisitive visitor. Austrian cutters that are made of German silver have a propensity to be formed as raptures - eagles or hawks - with powerful cutting beaks or claws.

Cigar bowls, designed in the Classical taste for gatherings of smoking gentlemen, sometimes bear the Tiffany & Co. hallmark and come equipped with continuously lit flames. Tese bowls speak to a different time in the early 20th century, when private clubs availed cigars in these bowls for their membership. Cigar bowls were objects of male camaraderie and commodious environs. It is arguable that they still are.

Po c k e t f l a s k s i n p r e c i o u s m e t a l s , e n g r a v e d i n commemoration of special events, are still great companions pieces for gentlemanly outings. One in particular, made in Paris

by Tiffany & Co., is this stylish Art Nouveau pocket flask, made for Robert Todd Lincoln, and presented to him by his dear friend, James Clarence Post. Te flask’s purpose, now in contention as politically incorrect, is certainly an object with an important past that speaks to its owner’s appreciation of another time and of its historical ownership.

Once de riguer for every gentleman, a gadget cane can create excitement and discussion when its top is removed to reveal its

1) Tiffany & Co. Silver Flask Presented to Robert Todd Lincoln. 2) Silver, Horn, Agate and Antler Gentlemen’s Accessories. 3) Tiffany Cigar Bowl and Lighter, sold for $3,335 at Cowan’s. 4) Silver Eagle’sHead Cigar Cutter, sold for $2,233 at Cowan’s. 5) Figural Silver and Glass Inkwell with Original Pen sold for $840 at Cowan’s. 6) Remington Dog-Head Gun Cane, sold for $5,750 at Cowan’s.

other supporting purpose - to allow a tiny game of chance with dice, a cup and a minimum number of ivory chips.

What better game of chance is there than horse-racing?

While there is a surfeit of equestrian-related “stuff ” crowding the internet, the great items distinguish themselves by their uniqueness. For example, found at auction was this pair of carnival race horses, once part of a tent game in the 1920s, still in their original paint and both still vying for the lead.

A favorite item for those fortunate enough to still receive paper mail, other that advertising, is the Victorian page turner, aka, today’s letter opener. Tese handsome oversized spatula-like implements were once employed to keep one’s hands free of ink from newspapers. Today, performing this task is perceived as more trouble than it is worth, but the objects deserve another life. Together with unusual letter openers, page turners can be of mother-of-pearl, ivory, wood, silver and tortoise shell, all elegant statement pieces to grace a gentleman’s, or lady’s, desk.

The list of fascinating accoutrements is endless - an evening scarf made from an 18th century obi sash, a delft sugar sifter to use for talc power, ancient Chinese seals to use as paper weights - all re-purposed, all interesting and all meant to augment an already attractive individual. sl

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Diane C. Wachs is Director of Fine and Decorative Art at Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati, OH. A former museum director and professor hailing from Lexington, KY, Diane holds a Masters in the History of Decorative Art from the Cooper-Hewitt Museum/ Parsons School of Design, New York, NY. Diane has led the Fine and Decorative Art Department at Cowan’s for over four years, overseeing auctions of over $8 million in fine art and antiques.

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well suited Photography by Andrew Kung

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On her: Swim 2011 collection by Sarah Jane Estes & Pilar Marite for Penny Royale (pennyroyale.com) On him: Z Zegna grey and black plaid suit, Eton dress shirt, Ermenegildo Zegna purple blocked tie and paisley silk pocket square, Tornio black alligator belt, and Salvatore Ferragamo loafers.

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On her: Swim 2011 collection by Sarah Jane Estes & Pilar Marite for Penny Royale (pennyroyale.com) On him: Z Zegna navy-grey suit, Ermenegildo Zegna striped dress shirt, Brioni blue and pink paisley tie, Etro red paisley silk pocket square, Torino brown Caiman lizard belt, Salvatore Ferragamo loafers.

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On her: Swim 2011 collection by Sarah Jane Estes & Pilar Marite for Penny Royale (pennyroyale.com).

On him: Isaia brown and grey windowpane jacket, Robert Talbott blue paisley pocket square, Ermenegildo Zegna blue plaid dress shirt, Brioni brown and blue striped tie, Isaia chocolate trouser, Tornio cognac alligator belt.

Models: Catherine Jones, Cosmo Model & Talent Agency & Mike Mueller, Valentino Vit Management / Hair & Make-Up: Heather Pink Davis slmag.net

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Society

July 2 6 11 11-17 13 16 17 18 18 22-24 23 24 25 29 30

32nd Annual Pioneer Days 5k Run, 8am, Greenhills Commons, pioneerrun.com concert:nova The Art of Dance, 7:30pm, Art Museum, Alice Bimel Courtyard, cincinnatiartmuseum.org Golf outing for The Point/Arc of NKY, Triple Crown, (859) 491-9191 Chiquita Classic, TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, chiquitaclassic.com Cincinnati Corporate Olympics, for Special Olympics, Fountain Square, hcso.info Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, 9am-4:30pm, Keeneland Race Course (Lexington, KY)keenelandconcours.com Mark West Memorial Golf Outing, Fairfield Greens South Trace Golf Course, 1:00PM, markwestmemorial@gmail.com River Hills Classic Scramble, Oasis Golf Club and Conference Center in Loveland, riverhillsclassic.com Partners in Prevention Golf Outing, Noon, Traditions Golf Club (Hebron, KY); amy.weber@covington.kyschools.us USTA National Father Son Clay Court Championships, Cincinnati Tennis Club, cincinnatitennisclub.com Cowan’s Summer Fine & Decorative Art Auction, 10am, Cowan’s Auctions; cowans.com Furniture Fair Celebrity Dinner, 6:30pm, Paul Brown Stadium; lls.org Furniture Fair Golf Event, 8am, Wetherington Golf & Country Club; lls.org 2nd annual Operation Give Back Classic, Fairfield South Trace, 12:30pm. Ogiveback.com/golfclassic.aspx Kelsey Ann Sorrell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing, 4pm, Devou Park Golf Course & Clubhouse; kelseyssmile.com

August 1 1 1 4 7-8 13 13 18 25 26 27 27 27

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Chris Hall Memorial Golf Outing, 11am, Heritage Club; tendermerciesinc.org Bethany House Services Golf Outing, Noon, Maketewah Country Club; dchapman@bhsinc.org St .Joseph Home Golf Classic, Vineyard Golf Course at Woodland Mound in Anderson Township, (513) 563-2520, ext. 124.

Beating the Melanoma Blues Event, 6pm, 9235 Shawnee Run Road; melanomaknowmore.com Jerry Wuest-Pete Hershberger Dinner Gala & Golf Classic; ucgardnercenter.com Rock On for Seniors, by Pro Seniors. 7 p.m. Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront; proseniors.org Brian Rohne Memorial 5k Run/Walk, Northern KY University; cincinnatirunning.com Wild About Wine, 6:30 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo; WildaboutWine@cincinnatizoo.org Salvation Army Golf Classic, 11 a.m. Legendary Run; deanna.powell@use.salvationarmy.org Cowan’s Asian Decorative Arts Auction, 10am, Cowan’s Auctions; cowans.com Crohn’s & Colitis Wine Tasting & Auction, 7:30pm, Newport Aquarium, ccfa.org./chapters/swohio Cowan’s Summer Decor Auction, 10am, Cowan’s Auctions; cowans.com Rockin’ Lobster party, the Children’s Home; thechildrenshomecinti.org

HYDE PARK FARMER’S MARKET

Photography by Lori Wellinghoff

Founded over a decade ago, the Hyde Park Farmers’ Market is held in Hyde Park Square every Sunday from June through October. Organized by Mary Ida Compton and Judy Williams for community building and as a means to connect consumers and local farmers, the weekly market is a cornerstone event of the vibrant Hyde Park business district.

Jane & Tom Dorger

Leslie & John Peckskamp

Cpt. Steve Linz, Lori Wellinghoff

David Wellinghoff, Phillip Long

Joe & Judy Williams

Marjorie & Phil Compton

Sarah Chasnoff

Noreen & Bruce Daniels

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Jennifer Gibson

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BEACON OF LIGHT

Chaired by Betsy Shapiro with Karen and Fred Abel as honorary chairs, Puttin’ on the Glitz was the theme of the 2011 Beacon of Light Humanitarian Awards, which honored Dr. David and Rebecca Barron and the Hon. Nathaniel R. Jones. Te blacktie evening began with a cocktail reception at Saks Fifth Avenue followed by dinner in the Hyatt Regency Grand Ballroom. Proceeds from the event benefit Lighthouse Youth Services.

Photography by Tony Bailey

Karen and Fred Abel

Marvin Butts, Tabitha Anderson

Marcus Sheanshang, Krisitie Sheanshang, Allison Kahn, Eric Kahn

Carole Rigaud, Edwin Rigaud, Moe Rouse

Al Levin, Louis Levin

Betsy Shapiro

Rebecca and Dr. David Barron

Lillian and Nathaniel Jones

ART OF MAKING MEMORIES

Some 360 guests helped raise $110,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati through the Art of Making Memories event, held this year at the Taft Museum of Art. Planning Committee members included Carol Rosenthal, Beth Simminger (co-chairs), Judy Dalambakis, Carolyn Finkelmeier, Susan Foster, Nancy Graeter, Tina Kohnen, Rodney Lear, Roger Rosenthal, Liz Stiens and Ann Bullock (honorary chair).

Photography by Tony Bailey

Beth Simminger, Nina Castrucci

Norma Butters, Joanne Sawyer, Shirley Rutter

Betty Rosenthal, Carol Rosenthal, Paula Kollstedt

Margaret & Steve Dobbins

Nancy Graeterand, Paula Kollstedt

Judy & Chris Dalambakis

Dave Custer, Mary Ann Jacobs, Tom Foster

John & Ann Bullock, Amy Kahn

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CINCINNATI ART AWARD

Photography by Photography Submitted

Legendary TV film producer, contemporary art collector and Walnut Hills High School graduate Douglas S. Cramer was honored as a recipient of the second annual Cincinnati Art Award from the Cincinnati Art Museum. Te gala awards ceremony coincided with the opening of Te Cincinnati Art Award: Gifts and Warhol Portraits of Doug Cramer, which will be on view through August 21st. Silk screen portraits of Douglas S.Cramer by Andy Warhol were view, as well as drawings, Polaroids and ephemera spanning Cramer’s collecting history.

Sherie Marek, Martha Ragland, Suzie Castellini, Dianne Dunkelman

Martha Ragland, Alice Weston, John Isch, James Crump

Douglas S. Cramer

Stan Kaplan & Joyce Elkus

Bob Castellini, Lois Rosenthal, Richard Rosenthal, Valerie Newell, Aaron Betsky

EVENING IN THE GARDEN

Photography by Tony Bailey

Docents and Friends of Te Taft Museum of Art presented an Evening in the Garden: Travels with the Taft, Commemorating 16 Years Benefitting Education Programs of the Museum of Art. The evening featured dinner by the bite courtesy of Jeff Tomas Catering; music by Te Steve Schmidt Trio; and, the opportunity to preview fabulously decorated table settings and purchase art and rae tickets.

Brooke Sherit, Deborah Emont Scott, Leslie Goshorn

Don & Judy Brown

Randy & Morianne Olson

Mallott and Nancy Nyhart

Carol and Bill Schmidter, Geogeanne Bradford

Laura Beverly, Linda Grypp

Jen & John duBois

Ann and Gerald Silvers

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OJPC GALA

Te Ohio Justice & Policy Center’s Inaugural Spring Gala, Making Cincinnati a City of Redemption, was held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Pete Rose was the keynote speaker with Nick and Nina Clooney serving as emcees.

OJPC is a nonprofit law office that works for productive reform of the Ohio’s criminal justice system. Trough collaboration, research, community education and litigation, OJPC advocates for a smart-on-crime, evidence-based approach to criminal justice.

David and Verna Williams, Allison Singleton, Pete Rose

Ward Headley, Pete Rose, Emily Headley

Photography by Photography Submitted

Bill Joiner, P.G. Sittenfeld

Pete Rose, Nick Clooney, Kurt Varner, Jeanette Altenau, Zach Wells

CINCINNATI FLOWER SHOW LADIES DAY

Chaired by Donzetta Nuxhall and Hazel Parrish, the Cincinnati Flower Show Ladies Day Luncheon at the Kenwood Country Club featured boutique shopping and presentation by Phil Nuxhall, – author of Beauty in the Grove – A History of Spring Grove and Kathryn Parish, a leading florist and event designer based in Miami.

Proceeds benefit the educational and horticultural programs of The Cincinnati Horticultural Society.

Photography by Tony Bailey

Elizabeth Fleckenstein, Jane Fleckenstein, Terry Fry, Teresa Freisthler

Ruth Ziemba, Carol Eckman, Emily Malone

Silvano & Jannis D’Alessandri, Kim Brown

Kathryn Parrish, Marcelo Mattoso

Michelle Hall, Dee Martin, Fran Christensen

Denise Eck, Irmgard Menninger

Marianne Powers, Cynthia Annett, Ogle Annett, Lindsay Shapiro

Hazel Parrish, Kathryn Parrish, Donzetta Nuxhall, Phil Nuxhall

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GUNS & GRAPES

Photography by Tony Bailey

Elk Creek Hunt Club was the site of the annual Guns & Grapes – a ladies fundraising event for junior Achievement. Following lunch, a silent auction and a shooting overview, the shooting competition began. The program concluded with a wine tasting reception and presentation of the Charity Cup. Proceeds from the event assist JA in their effort to help kids understand the connection between personal responsibility, hard work, perseverance and success in both work and life.

Dale Kozma, Denice Hertlein, Kay Geiger, Dawn Beatsche

Donna Iames, Lynn Mangan, Michael Dailey, Amy Lillard, Jamie James

Monica Barnett, Rick Farley, Shanna Osborne

Ashley Bruggeman, Patrick Bosch, Mary Beth Wright, Angie Krausen, Kim Valmore

Natale Anderson, Jackie Reau, Kelly Tassos, Melissa Johnson, Bev Benzing

Jill Warman, Julie Belton, Tom Winstel Jr., Marilyn Coleman, Christine Wagner

Joyce Asher, Ashley O’Daniel, Fares Radel

Tammy Stiles, David Kelly

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Tony Bonomini, Linda Lloyd

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FIRE & ICE

Tere were no worries at the Josh Cares’ seventh annual signature event, Fire and Ice, which took place in the Indian Hill home of founding board members. Tis year’s theme, A Gourmet Affair Trough Southern Africa, was rich in culture. Te sun shone brightly on the savannah that spring day allowing guests to mingle on the front lawn with rare birds and animals, cozy up with a boa constrictor, and relax poolside to the beat of African Drums all the while enjoying wild game and other delicious delicacies and libations. Te event raised over $75,000 to fully support two of the six professionally trained Josh Cares Child Life Fellows at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center who are devoted to providing comfort, support, and companionship to critically ill and injured children who are enduring lengthy hospitalizations without a parent who is able to be by their sides consistently, or in some cases, at all.

Laura Bohn and her husband Gary (pictured at the top step) organized a group of Heritage Club members to motor coach to the event from Mason.

Shari & Paul Preston

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Donna Anderle

Photography by Moira Grainger

Amy McGrory, Connie Hamlin, Cyndi Kenyon.

Dan & Lynn Pierce, Jim Saporito, Wendy & Jim Barney, Sarah Sullivan, Marla Fuller

(Front) Debra Ilynsky, Christina Fixler, Lynn Pierce, Traci DiGennaro.

(Back) Lisa Hall, Wendy Barney.

Ray Attiyah, Joy Rowe Blang, Mary Alice & Tim Koch

Betsy Swanson, Shirl Moran, Maureen & Ashley Davies.

Matt Werner, Joe Brenner

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QUEEN CITY BALL

Photography by Tony Bailey

Te grand opening gala of the Great American Insurance Group Tower at Queen City Square benefitted two incredible Cincinnati institutions: The Barrett Cancer Center and Te Lindner Center of HOPE. Te evening began with a cocktail reception on the upper floors of the building where guests were left speechless from the panoramic views of the riverfront. Te Michael Carney Orchestra entertained guests during cocktails and the seated gourmet dinner. Te evening concluded with dancing to legendary five-time Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Michael McDonald.

Rich & Renita Homan, John & Eleen Barrett, Mario San Marco

Char Lindner, Brad Wenstrup

Judge Susan Dlott, Stan Chesley

Carl Lindner ll, Martha Lindner, Greg Lindner Frances Lindner, John Barrett, Eleen Barrett

Linda & Jeff Wyler

John Barrett, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Lindner Jr

Gail Holloman, Ed Rigaud, Carole Rigaud, Phillip Holloman

Amy and John Linz

Pam & Warren Weber, Sue & Bill Butler

Sue Lawrence, Joe & Judy Williams

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Ron Beshear, Martha & David Millett

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WILD ABOUT WINE

Presented by Key Bank, this popular wine-tasting series at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden continues to enjoy record crowds. Held in various locations throughout the park, the event featured wine sampling, live music and up-close animal encounters. Light appetizers donated from popular local restaurants rounded out the event.

Photography by Tony Bailey

Alexa Greenler, Angie Ellison, Molly Volz

Missy & Shawn Torpe

Amanda Rose, Jenna Pottschmidt

Dave and Amy Deger

Sherry and George Parsons

Janet Denman, Janet Nacci

Stew and Joanie Mathews

Brian and Tracey Crellin

BRAIN BASH

Some 240 friends of the University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center enjoyed food, friendship and fund-raising at the second annual wine-tasting event at UC’s CARECrawley Building on April 28. Rich Seal, a member of the Brain Tumor Center’s Community Advisory Board, served as event chair, and Darrell “Doc” Rodgers, the 700WLW radio personality who has been treated at the UC Brain Tumor Center for metastatic brain tumors, gave an uplifting speech. Ronald Warnick, MD, the center’s Medical Director, announced that proceeds from the event are being earmarked for one or more educational kiosks, which will be placed at Brain Tumor Center treatment sites.

Photography by Dave Collins

Brittain & Brian Wiles

Carolyn Zink, Denny Deye

Caty Grzmajlo & Rick June

Dave & Joan Szkutak

Elizabeth & Dr. Christopher McPherson

Darrell “Doc” Rodgers

Dr. Ronald Warnick

Shelly & Dr. Lee Zimmer

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CRUISIN FOR A CURE

Photography by Tony Bailey

Te Ault Park Concours d’ Elegance fundraising event, “Cruisin for a Cure” was held at the Glendale Lyceum. Te event, benefitting Juvenile Arthritis, was themed to tie-in with the Concours’ featured marquee: Red Hot Rides: Ferraris and Fire Engines.

Elizabeth Bieser of Indian Hill and Ann M. Keeling of Anderson served as co-chairs of the event.

Stuart and Pat Clipson, Herb and Mary Kromholz

Ed and Tammy Besl

Rick & Elizabeth Bieser, Nancy & Dale Roe

Karen and David Campbell, Sandy and Rick Koehler

Missy and Mark Fisk, Sue Willis

Natalie Bieser, Casey Putsch

Stan Chesley, Matt Ladd, Elizabeth Bieser

Jackie Sweeney, Renee Locker

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AUCTION PREVIEW PARTY

Cowan’s Auctions held a cocktail reception in advance of their second annual Clark + DelVecchio Modern and Contemporary Ceramics Auction. Attendees were able to preview lots from the sale, which were broken into three segments and included an international auction of major works of ceramic art; over 200 works of British and American Studio Pottery from the Dorothy Miner Collection; and, hundreds of books on ceramics.

Photography by Tony Bailey

Debbie Dent, Micah Paldino, Adam Kleshinski

Bobby Gold, Maureen Buri, Wes Cowan

Steve McCabe, Ericka McCabe

Katie Monroe, Murray Monroe, Emily Everhart

Erika Johnes, Drew Ross

Lisa Schiesler, Jonathan Mezibov

KENWOOD SENIOR STAR

Michael Coler, Tom Rotz and the staff at The Kenwood hosted an exclusive Preview Party of the Kenwood Senior Star (5435 Kenwood Road). Guests enjoyed sumptuous hors d’ouevres and desserts while taking in the panoramic views of the 16th floor of the building. As part of the event, voting stations were set up throughout the facility allowing guests to decide the allocation of a $30,000 charitable contribution planned by Te Kenwood.

Photography by Tony Bailey

Eric Harmon, Mary Ann Terlinden, Charlie Borton

Chad Schaefed, Anderew Squibb

Bob Henning, Steve Wierzbicki, Dan Rivas

Jeff and Joy Graig

Jack Binkley, Janie Espy

Kim Miller MD, Lenore Miller

Councilman Wendell Young, Kathy Young, Tom Rotz

Bob Tomas, Michele Semona, David Wellinghoff, Bill Tomas

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Unbridled

spirit, i n d e e d.

Enjoy your bourbon responsibly.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2008.

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