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Dress from Kahindo, an ethical and socially responsible womenswear fashion brand created with original prints and exuberant colors that celebrates the legacy of African fashion with a modern twist (kahindo.com).
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Puttin’ on the Ritz
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Timeless Style
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Artistry in Engineering
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Anniversary Edition
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Alright Alright Malachite
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Fringe Benefits
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Island Idyll
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Bibliotaph...
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Eureka!
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Secrets of a Wine Seller’s Cellar
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Town & Country
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Of Note... Holding Court
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11 Things I Cannot Live Without Marlana Hammond Keynes
60 Of Note... Holding Court Alepel + RECESS pickle ball paddle ($98; alepel.com)
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Putting the McLaren Artura, the all-new, next-generation, High-Performance Hybrid supercar through its paces in California’s wine country.
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Sophisticated Society
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Eat Up Columbus
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Taste to Remember
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Recreation Unlimited Invitational Golf Tournament
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Columbus Symphony Gala
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Taste to Remember
S AW M I L L R O A D | E A S T O N T O W N C E N T E R | D I A M O N D C E L L A R . C O M
PUBLISHER Pure Publishing Columbus EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amelia Jeffers ______________________________________________ CONTRIBUTORS Writers Victoria Chase Ruth Crnkovich Colin Dennis Caroline Hannan Scott Harper Andre James Amelia Jeffers Jack Mitchell Bridget Williams Photographers Tony Bailey Ben Baldwin DDF Photography James Henthorn Jim Sanders Photography Tim P. Whitby ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 614.896.0284 ______________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Jason Yann - Art Director Sophisticated Living® is published by Pure Publishing Columbus, 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 Pure Publishing Columbus, 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®, P.O. BOX 164106, Columbus OH 43216. Telephone 614-896-0284.
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From the Editor-in-Chief It's a Friday night, and “the baby” is home from college with her roommate who is from California. The goal, apparently, is to show Amanda what it is like to live in the heartland. The itinerary for the weekend: a corn maze and pumpkin patch, a tour of Maddie's life (our old neighborhood and house, her school, some untold landmarks that I may or may not know about), and of course the bar scene at OSU. But it's Friday night, and the bar tour starts on Saturday, so tonight is “Mom time.” We settle on Dirty Frank's for dinner, The Book Loft, and Jeni's for dessert. I have joked that I can read my way though anything. For as long as I can remember, books have been my most faithful, reliable companion and somehow (is it nature or is it nurture??) all four of my children would probably say the same. A trip to the bookstore with us is not for the faint of heart, nor the faint of wallet. We don't even get past the tables outside before each finds a title that speaks to them: Abby (visiting from Germany) picks up “Let This Radicalize You” and Maddie snags a coming of age novel. Amanda holds up “Calm The F**K Down” and declares that she is in her Self Help Era. My kids giggle and look at me, an inside joke that everyone gets. It is an unusually quick visit for us; as we all want to start reading immediately – as in right now. I walk outside when the others browse fun totes and postcards and seize the opportunity to dive into my top selection: “You Could Make This Place Beautiful” by Columbus author Maggie Smith. A few years ago, Gramercy Books owner Linda Kass had recommended another book by Maggie Smith called “Keep Moving.” At the time, it seemed like a knowing, seeing kind of suggestion – though every interaction in my life at that time felt like a “knowing” and “seeing” experience...but in the “exposed” kind of way that made you wish the other person didn't know or see so clearly. I bought the book and stacked it on my desk – not to be read, but to serve as a reminder: keep moving. Before the little red spine took it's turn as a daily reminder, my mantra had come from a silly cartoon character: “Just keep swimming.” The thing is, I am not a good swimmer. Truthfully, I don't even like to swim. But it's what I lived by for so long...just keep swimming. This time I am drawn less to the title (taken from her now famous poem “Good Bones”) and more to the content. Not knowing much of Smith's work, I know enough to know that we have some life experiences in common – and that she has a penchant for assembling words in a way that touches people profoundly. I finish the prologue as my kids walk out of the shop and insist that someone read it aloud as I drive toward Jeni's. Later, at home, I snuggle into my reading and writing chair and jump back in. It's before dawn on Saturday, and I am back in my chair. I was up until my blurry eyes had betrayed me at 2am. I have resisted the urge to annotate. Books in my library can be like makeshift diaries: a snapshot of my circumstances, thoughts and feelings at any given time and notes about the relatability of a particular passage. This time, it is all relatable. My friend Kate once told me that I am very good at making a delicious steak dinner out of cold cuts. That comment comes to mind as I close the book and reflect on the title. “You Could Make This Place Beautiful.” My whole life has been spent trying to make *this place* beautiful: the messy, barely-put-together-trying-to-do-too-much-am-I-doing-it-ok place that I have found myself since...well, forever. The problem, I realize on this dreary morning, is not whether I can – it is who decides what is beautiful? Why is it that book critics, food critics, and art critics are rarely writers or chefs or artists, yet we give credence to their opinions about what is worthy, or tasty, or notable? In much the same way, I realize that I have offered up each of my places and spaces as a submission to critics – asking, “Is this beautiful?” and waiting, breathlessly, for their feedback. Some have told me how beautiful it is, how obviously hard I have worked, how proud I should be. But I don't believe them. Instead, I turn my attention to those who give an ambiguous acknowledgment that I can probably do better without actually telling me what is missing or needs corrected. So I keep trying and refining, as fast as I can, because life is short and what if I never make it beautiful, or what if I don't make it beautiful in time to convince the critics that I can? Can you relate? The thing is, I know what beautiful looks like. I have seen it, lived it, and made it. What if, instead of frantically trying to meet someone else's expectation of beautiful, I just trust that I know beautiful, and this messy place I find myself is beautiful, just as it is? Happy fall, and here's to each of us tuning out the critics and making the beautiful only we can make.
Amelia Editor in Chief ajeffers@slmag.net
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Cultivate Collectors Services is a passion project of Amelia Jeffers, designed to leverage 25 years of experience in auctioneering, art, and antiques to help my clients cultivate the knowledge, passion, trust, and relationships necessary to build and eventually divest of their collections. With six auctions annually, advertised internationally, Cultivate Collector Services offers ample opportunity to buy and sell all manner of art, antiques, and bespoke collectibles. If you are a seasoned collector, or simply aspire to start, contact me today for more information. Let’s Cultivate something great together.
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The Chicago skyline at twilight
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PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ
A visit to an iconic Chicago hotel eases empty-nester blues Written by Jeffrey Cohen Last time my wife and I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, we enjoyed a blissfully quiet sojourn in no one’s company but our own. On our most recent trip this past June, we were on a mission: to take our daughter to college freshman orientation and to meet her future roommate, a day we had anticipated for months, but which had finally arrived all too soon. Although we had not foreseen making any new friends that day, we hit it off immediately with our daughter’s roommate’s mother and made plans then and there to meet for lunch later. Once we parents were dismissed and the kids taken off to orientation, we departed with mixed feelings of both relief and foreboding, as I suspect many of us did, and headed straight for a favorite lunch spot, RL Restaurant just off Michigan Avenue. Within minutes, calm was restored with rounds of old fashioneds and vesper martinis, followed by a perfectly pale pink rosé from Provence, accompanied by lobster rolls and burgers, as we whiled away a pleasant afternoon with our newfound friend.
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The iconic Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Following lunch and a bit of window shopping, my wife and I made our way to the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago where we were greeted like old friends, which in a way we almost are by now. We have been staying at this architectural gem in Water Tower Place for almost 20 years, and relish any opportunity to return. While checking in, I enquired about the newly redesigned Presidential Suite, with its collection of notable art and luxury amenities, and as we are art lovers, wondered if a tour might be possible. The concierge, as accommodating as could be, granted our request for later that afternoon. Encompassing two floors connected by a show-stopping spiral staircase, the expansive suite features exclusive accommodations that offer a taste of luxury living in Chicago’s coveted Gold Coast neighborhood. With its art gallery theme, it offers guests the opportunity to sleep among museum-quality pieces by Tseng Kwong Chi, Rene’ Magritte, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist, complemented by panoramic views of the city’s skyline as well as Lake Michigan. With several pieces commissioned exclusively for the space, including those by Michael Young, a Chicago-based sculptor, the collection reflects Chicago’s sophisticated art scene. The expansive full-service kitchen features its own secret entrance, offering discreet access for invited guests and a heightened sense of 16 slmag.net
privacy. I would have loved to cook here, envisioning entertaining family and friends for a Chicago weekend, but with the advent of college and tuition payments, I realized, such rarified accommodations might remain beyond our reach for at least the next four years. Thoroughly impressed with our tour, we repaired to our own suite to dress for cocktails and dinner. Dining at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a journey through flavors and culinary craftsmanship. Torali, Italian-Steak offers the highest caliber of dry-aged meats, seafood, and Italian classics while Bar Torali, with its magnificent rooftop terrace, provides breathtaking views of the cityscape and lake. It was here that we enjoyed a couple of negronis before summoning a car and heading up to Lincoln Park for a quiet date night dinner. Mon Ami Gabi is a classic old-school French bistro, located in the historic Belden Stratford building. Cozy and pleasantly bustling, the restaurant is full of old world charm and is patronized by a clientele that clearly knows its European food. This little gem offers elevated country cooking that includes rustic chicken liver pate, steaming bowls of mussels and wonderfully authentic steak frites. Starting with escargots smothered in garlic butter, we subsequently enjoyed all the above, washed down with a delicious Chateauneuf du Pape. Then it was back to the hotel for a nightcap.
The stunning Presidential Suite
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Mon Ami Gabi offers classic French fare. Photographed by Michael Williams
A cozy spot at RL Photo courtesy of Gibsons Restaurant Group
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Quartino is a lively Italian spot with something for everyone. Photo courtesy of Gibsons Restaurant Group
The Ritz-Carlton’s Bar Torali
In the evening, Bar Torali comes alive with a thoughtful selection of wines, craft cocktails, and an inviting atmosphere that encourages lively conversations. This is the ideal spot for unwinding after a day of exploration, and it was to the outdoor terrace that my wife and I repaired after our immensely satisfactory French dinner. Here we enjoyed a couple of digestifs, talking about how much we were already missing our daughter, even though it had only been a few hours, and how much we were looking forward to seeing her the next morning. On our second day, following my workout in the hotel’s well-appointed fitness center in The Carlton Club, a private, members-only club also open to hotel guests, we enjoyed a quick breakfast of coffees and croissants in the recently-remodeled Club Lounge. This gorgeous space features various culinary and beverage offerings throughout the day, and functions as a “hotel within a hotel” for guests on the Club level. Next, we were off to campus to collect our daughter, who had already become fast friends with her new roommate. Deciding that a return visit to RL was in order, we all descended upon what has for at least the past decade been our
daughter’s favorite lunch spot. Somehow I do not think she will be able to afford to dine there on her student stipend, so she wisely made the most of the opportunity before her. Then she joined us at the hotel and took what may have been the longest bath in human history. I was tempted to assure her that she would be spending the next four years at a private university, not at the state penitentiary, but was secretly happy to indulge her whims. Dinner that night was at Quartino on North State Street, an eatery highly recommended by our food and wine editor as an ideal spot to entertain people of all ages. Specializing in all manner of fresh pasta, conveniently offered in full- and half-portions to encourage sharing, Quartino is a hive of activity at almost any time of the week; service is prompt and friendly and everything, including the Italy-heavy wine list, is reasonably priced. Starting with a selection of salumi and a silky ball of burrata for the table, we then dove into a selection of pasta, particularly enjoying the gnocchi with tomato sauce and tortellini alfredo with fresh peas. Prudently leaving room for dessert, we shared a plate of profiteroles before calling it an evening. slmag.net
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Torali at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a modern steakhouse with an Italian touch.
Lobster Benedict from Torali’s breakfast menu is a luxurious start to the day.
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Torali’s rooftop bar specializes in handcrafted cocktails and Italian-inspired small plates.
The following day, the three of us engaged in some light shopping in the morning, after which we visited the Spa at The RitzCarlton, Chicago by K’Alma, where I treated myself to a hot river stone massage while the ladies pampered themselves with manis, pedis, facials and everything in between. Dinner that evening was at Torali Restaurant on the hotel’s 12th floor. A modern steakhouse with an Italian twist, this is serious food for gourmets and gourmands alike. We had dined here on a previous visit and enjoyed several wonderful dishes, including a whole roasted branzino, memories of which still bring a smile to my face and an anticipatory rumbling in my stomach. We started with the charcuterie board accompanied by Manhattans for my wife and me, followed by an impeccable filet for my wife, a strip steak for our daughter and, inevitably, the branzino for myself. My memory had not failed: this was heaven
on a plate. Throughout our meal the flavors were rich, savory and utterly delicious, especially when accompanied by an excellent bottle from Priorat, which satisfied both my love of old-world elegance and my wife’s taste for rich, ripe reds. I am not usually one to steal from my wife’s plate, but found her steak to be nothing short of perfect. Bidding adieu to the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, and getting on the road for our three-hour drive home, we felt as if we had just exited one era in our lives and were about to enter another. The next time we would make this drive, it would be to deposit our daughter at college, and life would never be the same again–a daunting prospect, but also one tinged with excitement and anticipation. We spent the journey talking about the future and all that lay ahead; our horizons, disappearing into the distance like the Indiana cornfields, seemed endless. sl For more information, visit Ritzcarlton.com slmag.net
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TIMELESS STYLE Written by Abby Jeffers / Photography by James Henthorn
It is only fitting that the Grande Dame of women’s fashion in Columbus would have the house to match: Connie Leal Ballenger lives with her husband, Mike, in a timeless property highlighting her own eye for style and her impeccable taste, much like the clothing she sells in her upscale, high-fashion boutique, Leal, in Upper Arlington. Interiors at the french country-inspired property in Arlington are best described as bohemian, combining an original design by David Berg with the contents and design of two houses the Ballengers sold when they moved to this home: a large, old 24 slmag.net
Arlington residence and a charming Naples retreat. Berg’s penchant for sophisticated colors, traditional craftsmanship, and quality products provided the perfect backdrop for the Ballengers’ favorite pieces. The result seems effortless –– and possibly kismet. Ballenger’s style is a neat blend of old and new: upholstered furniture from Centner’s (a former Columbus staple) sits on top of rugs sourced from an old-school rug store on 5th Avenue (K.A. Menendian) and ABC Carpet & Home in New York. Artwork from the Muse Gallery adorns the walls. It is all very feminine without the fussiness –– a cool, comfortable chic.
A view from the front door
Steps to private guest loft
The french country manor encompasses Connie's timeless style
The Ballengers are very family-focused
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The family room is simply a stunning extension of the spacious kitchen
Rear patio
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The cozy study
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The primary bath could be a luxury spa
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The spacious owner's suite overlooks a lush yard
A history of living in old houses had dampened their interest in “new builds” because most seemed to generally lack character and quality. But the Ballengers were pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail in the acclaimed architectural designs and specs of Brian Kent Jones, who is tapped by the most discerning homeowners across and outside of central Ohio. Every inch of the space features purposeful design, modern architectural detail, and exceptional style culminating in a luxurious polish across the home. “I have always liked the mild juxtaposition of tamed modern elements within the classical DNA of the overall home,” said Kent Jones. “Like the steel canopy at the front door and the steel and glass window moments.” Upon entering, visitors see some of that blend of modern and classical: two steel and glass patterned panels frame the front
door, and the entry hall (flanked by a cozy den on one side and formal dining on the other) leads to a generous window looking out at the backyard, providing plenty of natural light and a certain airiness to the space. Steps away, the modern, open-concept chef ’s kitchen and great room, perfect for hosting friends and family, includes gorgeous vaulted ceilings, custom built-ins, and a gas fireplace with a detailed mantel. Additional first-floor living space includes a sun-soaked owner’s suite with french doors leading out to the backyard and patio. The bath feels like a luxury spa with striking marble everywhere –– from the extra-large soaking tub to the oversized shower, and from the double vanity down to heated floors. A pillowed ceiling and an oculus leading to the dressing room offer unique architectural detail. slmag.net
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One of the boys' bedrooms
Two of the remaining bedrooms retain the personal characteristics of the Ballengers’ young adult sons, ensuring they both have a space of their own when they come home. Though their sons are grown and flown, the house is segmented in such a way as to make it infinitely livable, no matter how many family members are around. And when extended relatives visit (Connie’s mom is a regular, watching the youngest Ballenger play football at nearby Denison), the loft apartment over the garage provides the perfect spot with a bit of privacy. 30 slmag.net
Guest bedroom
A fenced-in backyard, complete with a beautifully paved raised patio provides a natural solution to socializing during warmer months. Both of Connie’s sons and her husband are accomplished athletes, and the yard holds plenty of grassy space for tossing a ball while adoring fans watch from the patio. If Ballenger’s high-end boutique on Arlington Avenue was not enough of a testament to her timeless, upscale style, her house certainly drives the point home. sl
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ARTISTRY IN ENGINEERING
Parisian designers and artisans Franck Genser and Bina Baitel employ a transdisciplinary approach to bring elegant and exciting interiors to life. Written by Elliott Greene
Architect and designer Bina Baitel. Photo by Didier Delmas.
In September, the eyes of the interior design world collectively cast its discerning gaze on Paris for the Maison&Objet show and Paris Design Week. With Vivant, Vivants, which translates to 'alive, living' as the theme of the fourth edition of Paris Design Week and "quest of pleasures," the stated mission of Maison&Objet's fall edition, we're singling out a pair of designers who embody these concepts by marrying an adherence to time-honored techniques with forward-looking idealism. Franco-Swedish and a École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-La Villette graduate, Bina Baitel is both an architect and a designer. Baitel's youth in the Middle East imbues her work with multiple influences, enabling her to explore the question of cultural interpenetration on formal, functional, and symbolic levels. After founding her design and architecture studio in Paris in 2006, Baitel's creations have made their way into museums and international fairs (Milan, Dubai, Paris, New York, Venice, Basel) and
have been snatched up for public and private permanent collections. At Paris Design Week, she will unveil the Bina Baitel Collection, showcasing 30 pieces characterized by an invitation to contemplative and interactive experiences. Baitel says that each piece, developed through proprietary manufacturing processes and technologies in collaboration with the finest artisans in Europe, “tells a story materialized through a dedicated plastic expression, generating new typologies of objects.” The designer prompts us to question our relationships and interactions with the things surrounding us while she explores their common codes to propose concepts with strong inspirations. Her innovations include a lamp made entirely of flesh-colored leather, an interactive circular wall light ringed with fur, a stool inspired by the world of haute joaillerie, and a sofa inspired by the fluidity of maritime landscapes. These highquality creations express the artist's embrace of a constant dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and innovative experimentation. slmag.net
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Photo of Franck Genser by Vincent Leroux.
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Furnishings from Bina Baitel’s new 30-piece collection. Photo by Didier Delmas.
Fur-Light, by Bina Baitel is an interactive luminaire. Its sensitive fur, embedded with invisible sensors, reacts to the user's caresses to turn on and adjust the light as desired.
The PAD Lamp from Bina Baitel is made entirely of flesh-colored leather. Photo by Florian Klein.
The Naïa sofa by Bina Baitel. Photo by Stéphan Briolant
Oniski coffee table by Franck Genser
Piscine coffee table by Franck Genser
Since 2015, Franck Genser, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur, has turned out extraordinary pieces from his Paris atelier. Cabinetmaking, tapestry, art foundry, and alabaster work are among the skillsets he calls upon to breathe life into his sculptural pieces, combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless elegance. As a Gestalt therapist (a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment), Genser says he remains fascinated by the essence of objects, their impact on individuals, and the constant interaction between humans and their environment. At the heart of the Franck Genser workshop, the art of lacquer takes center stage, inspired by his extensive journeys and encounters with gifted artists. Among them, the revered lacquer master Nagatoshi Onishi profoundly impacted Franck Genser's work. Fueled by infinite patience and an unwavering quest for perfection, Onishi's influence is unmistakably evident in Genser's exquisite creations.Among these exceptional works, the Onishi coffee table is a testament to the rich legacy of Japanese vegetable lacquer. Painstakingly crafted using the Urusgi technique, the table undergoes more than 24 meticulous lacquering stages, each separated by precise sanding to achieve an impeccable finish. The result is a masterpiece that boasts sleek lines, sophistication, and a profound tribute to the art of Japanese lacquerwork. Woodworking is another of Gesner's cherished traditions, bringing forth remarkable pieces that embody the essence of exceptional furniture. Under the skilled hands of master craftsmen,
rough wood transforms into exquisitely curved forms, reflecting the designer's vision. Merging the best of modernity and tradition, the iconic Décision chair, inspired by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, a French furniture designer and interior decorator who was one of the most influential figures in the Art Deco movement, balances two finely sculpted solid American walnut volumes with four elegantly designed legs. An ongoing affinity for the delicate art of alabaster and Ruhlmann's legacy prompts Genser's team to hand-select some of these precious stones from the same deposit once mined by Ruhlmann in the 1920s. The workshop's Toutaime lamp enhances alabaster's natural transparency and facets while bathing interiors in a soft, diffused light. The Piscine coffee table is a key piece in the atelier's table collection that demonstrates the workshop's skill in bronze with a whimsical touch. The table's ladder-like base is waxed brass, while the deep blue bronze tabletop is achieved through the hot patina technique. Looking to the future by taking innovation to new heights, Gesner's studio is a pioneer in fusing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Engineers within the workshop focus on robotics projects, giving rise to imaginative creations, from touch-activated lamps to dome-shaped wall screens and even a serving droid for champagne glasses and bottles. Gesner says that these technical innovations, combined with human artistry and inspiration from his imagination, will continue to result in functional, artistic, and emotional furniture pieces. sl slmag.net
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ANNIVERSARY EDITION Porsche Commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the 911 with the 911 S/T Written by Andre James / Photography courtesy of Porsche Cars NA
Porsche is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 911 with a special edition built for maximum driving enjoyment. With a limited run of 1,963 examples, the Porsche 911 S/T offers a lightweight design and a purist driving experience. An optional Heritage Design Package, which will appeal to Porsche collectors and those with an affinity for nostalgia, draws inspiration from the racing version of the 911 S from the late 1960s and early 1970s. As the name identifies, the 911 S/T is the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first 911 generation. From 1969, Porsche offered a special race version of the 911 S, internally called the 911 ST. Modifications to the chassis, wheels, engine, and body significantly improved acceleration, braking, traction, and cornering grip. Large spoilers and other aerodynamic aids were not yet used in these models. The new 911 S/T takes up the spirit of the original 911 S (ST) and transfers it to the current model generation. Weighing in at just 3,056 pounds, this exclusive model, the lightest of the 992 generation, unites the strengths of the 911 GT3 with Touring Package and the 911 GT3 RS to deliver a unique combination of agility and driving dynamics. For the first time, it combines the naturally aspirated, 386 kW (525 PS) 4.0-liter high-revving boxer engine from the 911 GT3 RS with a manual gearbox and lightweight clutch. The compelling soundscape of the standard lightweight Sport Exhaust system heightens the exhilarating driving experience. The 911 S/T's particularly nimble and agile handling, designed for maximum driving enjoyment on winding country roads, reflects a focus on GT and motorsport expertise. Unlike the 911 GT3 RS, the direction of the development of the 911 S/T has been not on track use but rather for journeys on public roads. Every steering 36 slmag.net
movement and every ounce of pressure on the accelerator or brake is implemented immediately and precisely. The 911 S/T is the only 911 of the current generation to combine a double-wishbone front-axle design with a multi-link rear axle without rear-axle steering. Among other measures, the 911 S/T achieves its particularly agile and direct handling through consistent lightweight design. The hood, roof, front fenders, and doors, with their striking inlets, are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as are the rear axle anti-roll bar and shear panel (stiffening element on the rear axle). Porsche also fits the anniversary model with magnesium wheels, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system, a lithium-ion starter battery, and lightweight glass, all as standard. A new exterior color, Shore Blue Metallic, and Ceramica wheel rim color are exclusive to the optional Heritage Design package. Upon request, a starting number from 0 to 99 and decorative foil can be applied to the doors. The classic-style Porsche crest from the original 911 that adorns the front, the center caps of the wheels, the steering wheel, the headrests, and the car key underscores the historical roots of the 911 S/T. The interior also features cloth seat centers in Classic Cognac with black pinstripes, which are another homage to heritage. Two-tone semi-aniline leather trim in Black/ Classic Cognac with extensive leather surrounds, a roof lining in perforated Dinamica, and other elements from Porsche Exclusive Manufacture round out the package. The Porsche logo and the 911 S/T model designation on the car's rear are in gold. The new Porsche 911 S/T carries an MSRP of $290,000, excluding $1,650 for delivery, processing and handling. U.S. deliveries are expected to begin in Spring 2024. sl
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ALRIGHT ALRIGHT MALACHITE
Compiled by Bridget Williams
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Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Lariat Lapidary ring from TEJEN ($3,200; tejen-collection.com). Award-winning one-of-a-kind gold, malachite and diamond necklace by Aletto Brothers. Available through Elleard B. Heffern in Clayton, MO and alettobrothers.com. Nak Armstrong small Elliptic bracelet ($1,675; nakarmstrong.com). Piaget Possession watch with natural malachite dial ($21,900, piaget.com). This page, clockwise from top left: Bowen NYC malachite hearts necklace ($2,750; bowennyc.com). Sig Ward malachite and lapis inlay horseshoe necklace ($8,500; sigwardjewelry.com). Emily P. Wheeler Scarab necklace ($10,400; emilypwheeler.com). Malachite and diamond door knocker earrings from Mateo ($1,370; mateonewyork.com). State Property Allegory pavé tsavorite and malachite stud earrings ($1,920; thisisstateproperty.com). Sweet Dreams ring from Aisha Baker ($6,150; shop.aishabaker.com). Kavant & Sharart Talay Wave Flow earrings ($3,260; kavantandsharart.com). 70s bangle from Jenna Blake ($23,200; jennablake.com). Pebbles ring from Vendorafa (vendorafa.net).
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FRINGE BENEFITS Compiled by Bridget Williams
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Opposite page: Connexion diamond and chain earrings from Jemma Wynne ($27,300; jemmawynne.com). This page, clockwise from top left: Jade Ruzzo Tennessee drop bangle ($24,000; jaderuzzo.com). Anita Ko diamond and gemstone Shaker choker ($35,650; anitako.com). Broken English Taylor No3 necklace ($496; brokenenglishjewelry.com). Pink tourmaline and diamond shaker ring from Jacquie Aiche ($6,500; jacquieaiche.com). Emily P. Wheeler fringe earrings ($12,900; emilypwheeler.com). Albarré Jewelry ruby and diamond dangle earrings ($2,200; albarre.com). Earth Goddess Teak Chandelier Earrings from Capucine De Wulf Jewelry ($135; juliska.com/collections/capucine-de-wulf-jewelry). Nadine Aysoy Catena briolette emerald earrings ($6,020; nadineaysoy.com). MAREI New York Alexandria tassel earrings ($4,000; mareinewyork.com). Alison MacLeod Catkin Gossamer Web Earrings ($3,676; alisonmacleod.com). Nikos Koulis Jewels Together earrings (nikoskoulis.com). Reza Corne D’Abondance earrings ($256,000; worldofreza.com). Sia Taylor Sunrise earrings ($6,000 siataylor.com).
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The Haig Point ferry makes 18 roundtrips daily from a private dock on Hilton Head.
ISLAND IDYLL Haig Point is easy to define by what's missing,
and how that enhances life in the Lowcountry. Written by Bridget Williams "If you want to really get away from it all where no one can find you, then you're heading to the right place," remarked my Uber driver as we set off from the terminal at the Savannah airport to the private embarkation dock on Hilton Head to catch one of 18 daily round-trip ferries to Daufuskie Island's Haig Point. A strict no phones policy inside the ferry boat for the duration of the 30-minute voyage helped ease me into a more chill state of mind and make my acquaintance with the first of many locals who were all quick to extol the benefits of living in the car-free development. The architecturally unique array of homes, cottages, and townhomes within Haig Point (boasting some of the highest average home prices in South Carolina) are carefully positioned among 1,100 acres on Daufuskie Island, a mixture of waterfront, woods, and manicured golf greens that are bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Caliboque Sound, and the Cooper River. From Haig Point's 150-year-old Lighthouse, you can spy Hilton Head's red-and-whitestriped Harbour Town Lighthouse (an eight-minute boat ride away). With a fascinating history of human habitation dating back 9,000 years, the entirety of Daufuskie Island, whose name comes from the Muscogee language, meaning "sharp feather," has been named to the National Register of Historic Places. Spain claimed the Island in 1521 and enlisted the Native American population to fight off advances by the French and Scotts. Daufuskie's "Bloody 42 slmag.net
Point" is named after a trio of brutal battles between 1715-1717. Occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War, the Gullah people (freed enslaved people) returned to work in the oyster and timber industries. The Gullah population of 2,000 dwindled to roughly 60 after the Island's economy gradually declined. Still, Daufuskie's remoteness allowed the language and customs of the Gullah people to remain well-preserved. Since the beginning, Haig Point has been committed to the preservation of the Island's history. After purchasing the land in the 1980s, the original developers hired an archaeologist and historical architect to locate and restore sensitive sites. In conjunction with the Daufuskie Island Historical Foundation, in 2014, Haig Point, whose ownership was transferred to the members in 2001, restored a trio of former slave quarters dating back to the 1820s. Located near the ferry dock and the Strachan Mansion, a circa 1910 home barged to the site from St. Simon's Island in 1986, the ruins are a fine example of Tabby homes, a building material comprised of burned oyster shells, lime, sand, and water. Careful attention has also been given to preserving "Constitution Trees," massive twohundred-year-old Southern Live Oaks surrounding a fountain and dwarfing the 40-foot tower of the nearby Lighthouse. The tree's graceful, outstretched branches, festooned with resurrection ferns and Spanish moss, recall Charleston's famous Angel Oak.
Haig Point's 150-year-old Lighthouse
Morning sun coming through the branches of a “Constitution” oak tree.
The Strachan Mansion is a circa 1910 home that was barged to Haig Point from St. Simon's Island in 1986.
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The Calibogue Club at dusk.
The Daufuskie Community Farm is committed to bringing sustainable and organic farming to the island.
The Strachan Mansion is a hub of community life, with a coffee house, souvenir shop, a small grocery and meeting areas on the first floor and guest accommodations on the second floor. A large waterfront lawn with croquet and bocce areas is also a popular site for wedding receptions and special events. The Haig Point Club facilitates a strong sense of community, and homeowners are offered two levels of membership: the highest tier provides unlimited access to 29 holes of golf. Designed by Rees Jones, the 20-hole, par 72, 7,380-yard Signature Course has made Golf Magazine's list of "Top 100 in the World." For those new to the game or don't want to commit to a full day of play, the par 36 9-hole Osprey course is an ideal option. Tennis pro Ron Gwyn provides regular clinics at the Haig Point Tennis and Pickleball Center, which has received an Outstanding Facility award from the USTA. Two of the six HarTru® courts are lighted, and the site plays host to the Daufuskie Island Adult Championships, featuring amateur play for men and women in both singles and doubles, with divisions for adults aged 35 and older. Adjacent to the tennis center, a large fitness center overlooks a five-lane lap pool reserved for adults. The Beach Club at Calibogue Club, which overlooks the beaches of Calibogue Sound, is the site of a second family-oriented pool. 44 slmag.net
Daufuskie Island residents Leanne Coulter and Rhonda Davis run Daufuskie Blues, an indigo dying company.
A private equestrian center with a 12-stall barn supported by an accomplished team of equestrians offers members every service from grooming and boarding to lessons and trail rides. With no grocery store on the Island, I'd be tempted to rely on the culinary team at Haig Point's various dining options for sustenance. Sourcing locally from land and sea, the dining outlets offer everything from elevated Lowcountry fare to tried-and-true favorites to satisfy even the finickiest eater. Even though I was visiting solo, in the spirit of Southern hospitality, I never dined alone as current homeowners invited me to join them each meal. Everyone seemed genuinely interested in knowing what brought me to the Island and sharing the unique path to what drew them there. However, even with all the human-made amenities, I quickly found that my favorites were those offered by Mother Nature. Early risers who take to traversing the one-mile-long Beach Road are rewarded with spectacular sunrises. Low tide provides DIY oyster harvesting and sand dollar gathering. Constant coastal breezes are ideal for kite flying. Between 500-600 people live on Daufuskie Island full-time. Outside the gates of Haig Point lies a tight-knit and surprisingly rich and resourceful cultural community. Tour Daufuskie (tourdaufuskie.com) offers a guided History & Artisans tour led by an island resident, providing a historical overview and a fascinating
For two decades, The Iron Fish Gallery has operated on an honor system with customers signing in, noting the piece they took and whether payment was left in the honor box or if they want a call to pay via credit card.
A horse at Haig Point's private equestrian center.
Bourbon aging at Daufuskie Island Distillery
insight into what it's like to live in a teeny, isolated town. We ogled the quirky artworks at Iron Fish Gallery & Studio (ironfishart.com), where customers pay on an “honor system” and learned how the beautiful natural indigo-dyed textiles are made at Daufuskie Blues (daufuskieblues.com), which operates out of the Maryfields School, made famous by Pat Conroy in his book, The Water is Wide. Always keen to converse with a fellow Kentuckian, I hopped on a beachcruiser to visit Daufuskie Island Distillery (daufuskierum.com). Tony Chase, a long-time resident of the Bluegrass and a former pharmacist, perfectionist, and serial entrepreneur, retired to Haig Point with his wife Christy, only to "unretire" a few years later by opening a distillery on a 12.5acre site in 2015. Obsessed with quality and being as hyper-local as possible, the business launched with 54 barrels of rum and has since added flavored vodkas and rums, infused simple syrups and ready-to-drink cocktails. At the time of my visit, several barrels of bourbon were aging in the warehouse, created using a mashbill recipe shared by legendary distiller Lincoln Henderson. In a nod to Kentucky's claim that there are more barrels of bourbon aging than people, Chase remarked that he'll have a far easier time reaching that mark on Daufuskie, where bourbon ages differently due to the climate. "There's no cold season to stall the aging, so a four-year aged bourbon tastes like an eight-year," Chase explained.
Hugely successful from the get-go, Chase has added a food truck, serving as many as 200 "smash burgers" on their busiest days. For the high-octane entrepreneur who has owned 61 different companies, Daufuskie's business environment is a horse of a different color. Staffing and affordable housing remain a constant struggle, so he's establishing a nonprofit dedicated to building and renting affordable housing for Island workers. "Daufuskie is black or white, which you either love or hate," Chase said. "I've definitely learned to be a little more laid back." On my way back to the airport after my stay at Haig Point's Strachan Mansion, I shared the ferry with a group of teens heading to school on the mainland. Typically, when I come across a pack of kids this age, they all have their heads buried in their phones, but here, where it's not allowed, some chatted and laughed with youthful exuberance, others found a quiet corner to read; and, procrastinators after my own heart found a space to spread out and frantically work to finish up homework. It was a refreshing change of pace that recalled a line from Haig Point's marketing material: "It is not an escape from life, but a deeper immersion into it." sl Non-members wanting to experience the Haig Point homeowner lifestyle can register for the Daufuskie Island Marathon on January 13th, 2024; the annual Haig Point Foundation Golf Tournament in the spring; or book a Discovery Visit at haigpoint.com/discovery-visits/.
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Bibliotaph...
Compiled by Victoria Chase Using narration adapted from Davis’ own words and a unique undulating visual style that reflects Davis’ constant musical changes, this graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation centered around his quest to find a mysterious sound he heard on a moonlit country road as a child. Dave Chisholm (author & illustrator) — Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound, hardcover, 150 pages, Z2 Comics (available September 26) Rick Rubin, a nine-time GRAMMYwinning producer, named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time and the most successful producer in any genre by Rolling Stone, shares the path of the artists as a road we can all follow. “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself as a book on how to be,” says Rubin. Rick Rubin—The Creative Act: A Way of Being—hardcover, 432 pages Penguin Press
Bobby Berk, a design expert and Emmynominated TV host of Netflix’s Queer Eye, shows you how designing your space, no matter what size home you have, has an immediate, visceral, and undeniable impact. Bobby Berk — Right at Home: How Good Design is Good for the Mind — hardcover, 304 pages, Clarkson Potter (available September 12)
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From ancient castles to sturdy Georgian manors and modest farmhouses, the rich history of the 15 homes featured here offers a unique insight into the Irish temperament and an exploration of a style of decoration that, while adapted to meet 21st-century demands, still retains historical integrity. Robert O’Byrne—Romantic Irish Homes— hardcover, 176 pages, CICO Books
A look at thoughtfully matched, excessive, but on-point, more-is-better spaces worldwide and the passionate creators behind them. Living to the Max: Opulent Homes and Maximalist Interiors—hardcover, 256 pages, gestalten; us.gestalten.com.
bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books As the first-ever account of how the Popes’ presence has shaped the history of Rome, this book illuminates the lives of the men who have sat on the throne of Saint Peter, alongside the bold and curious actions of the men, women, and children who have shaped the city with them, from antiquity to today. Jessica Wärnberg—City of Echoes: A New History of Rome, Its Popes, and Its People—hardcover, 448 pages, Pegasus Books (available September 5)
Looking to literature, film, architecture, and art history, artist Noah Davis, who died from cancer in 2015 at 32, permeated his paintings with emotion and imagination. This book delves into the Los Angeles-based artist and activist’s impact and legacy. Noah Davis, Helen Molesworth, Franklin Sirmans, Lindsay Charlwood, Thomas J. Lax, Glenn Ligon, Julie Mehretu, and Fred Moten—Noah Davis: In Detail —hardcover, 208 pages, David Zwirner Books (Available September 12) A celebration of German home baking from Jürgen Krauss called "possibly the best-loved contestant in Great British Baking Show history." A self-taught baker, Jürgen draws on the flavors, techniques, and memories from his childhood, his European travels, and his wife's Jewish heritage to create this collection of authentic German baking recipes. Jürgen Krauss—The German Baking Book: Cakes, Tarts, Breads, and More from the Black Forest and Beyond— hardcover, 208 pages, Weldon Owen
This book is a vivid chronicle of a couple’s four-year, 40k journey across several countries and continents via bicycle. Olivier Van Herck & Zoë Agasi—Leaving the Comfort Zone: The Adventure of a Lifetime—hardcover, 320 pages, gestalten; us.gestalten.com. Recreate recipes from the hit series as prepared by "Gator," the on-set caterer for the Paramount Network show's cast and crew since season one. Gabriel "Gator" Guilbeau—Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook—hardcover, 176 pages, Insight Editions (available on September 12)
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EUREKA!
Putting the McLaren Artura, the all-new, next-generation, High-Performance Hybrid supercar through its paces in California's wine country. Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of McLaren
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A pair of Arturas parked outside Aperture Cellars
A dinner party celebrating Artura at Montage Healdsburg
After exhausting my arsenal of automotive knowledge in conversation with Roger Ormisher, Vice President of Communications and PR for McLaren in The Americas, at an exquisite lunch at Aperture Cellars served on a table embellished with bright orange flowers that recalled the head-turning McLaren Artura parked nearby, our table topic took a philosophical turn. Roger asked me and my tablemates if our minds would be at ease if today were our last. Had we gotten everything out of life we wanted up to this point? It was a poignant reminder of why moments matter. Just an hour before, I was behind the wheel of an Silica White Artura, enjoying a windows-down driving experience that allowed the intoxicating scents of redwood and sea air to commingle, feeling the pulse-quickening acceleration, and noticing how certain exhaust notes made the hair at the back of my neck stand on end. It was one of the rare instances where I enjoyed being fully present to live in the moment. And, though I'm not quite ready to punch out on my life's time clock, a lifelong chase after carpe diem, which on this day included thoroughly testing the Artura's cornering capabilities, means that, like my delicious lunch that day, nothing is left on the table. While I would have accepted an offer to pilot the Artura down my street, given the opportunity to do so through the varied terrain of California's Sonoma County, starting from the Montage in Healdsburg was a no-brainer. The evening before our drive, we took a deep dive into the McLaren culture during an alfresco dinner at
Winemaker Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars oversees Montage Healdsburg’s 15.5 acres of vineyards.
the Montage. As the last rays of sunlight cast a golden hue on the vineyards weaving through the luxury wine country hideaway, an A-list team of Ormisher, Nicolas Brown, President of McLaren Americas, Jo Lewis, McLaren's Head of Color and Materials Design, and Nolan Gray, Product Pricing and Fleet Specialist, shared the story of the world's last independent small volume manufacturer of high-performance vehicles. "Motorsports are the core of our DNA," explained Brown. He went on to illuminate how the Artura, McLaren's first-ever seriesproduction High-Performance Hybrid (HPH) supercar, represents the distillation of more than a half-century of McLaren's expertise and experience in race- and road-car engineering. Artura, the name for this "clean sheet" design, comes from combining "art" and "future." Extremely lightweight even with the battery, McLaren engineers employed a 'form-follows-function' design philosophy in devising the all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), uniquely optimized for HPH powertrains and built in-house. A single MCLA tub is strong enough to withstand the weight of 15 Arturas stacked on top of it. Audiophiles will appreciate the tubmounted subwoofer's clean, crisp sound free of vibrations. Sexy and supercar go hand-in-hand, and the exterior's super-formed aluminum panels perform like Spanx in accentuating Artura's sinuous curves with a functional 'shrink-wrapped' look. slmag.net
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Chef Jamil Peden during lunch at Aperture Cellars
Lunch setup at the Aperture Cellars' tasting room.
Designed around the driver, "it's all about having fun behind the wheel at any speed," remarked Brown. And, with an all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine with an E-motor and energy-dense battery pack, producing combined outputs of 671bhp and 530lb-ft, there's plenty of fun to be had. Rather than just becoming a garage trophy, McLaren owners put three times more miles on their supercars than other top-tier manufacturers in this realm. A mandate to cut weight without cutting corners resulted in several innovations, including a first-to-market domain-based ethernet electrical architecture that's twenty-five percent lighter and allows for over-the-air updates. Not only are the Pirelli P ZERO™ CORSA tires extra grippy, but their innovative Pirelli Cyber Tyre® technology allows for real-time data collection resulting in improved handling. While all the engineering and performance aspects are undoubtedly important and exciting, if the package isn't captivating, then it's all for naught. That's where Jo Lewis comes in. A master’s graduate of the Royal College of Art specializing 50 slmag.net
in textiles and technology, Lewis worked for Stella McCartney before moving to the automotive industry. Her involvement with Artura stretches back to 2016. "Design is cross-functional with engineering," explained Lewis, who added that McLaren's small volume means that customers get closer contact with corporate in the bespoke realm via McLaren Special Operations. Applying NASA-level knowledge to her craft, Lewis’ portfolio of innovations is quite impressive. A newly developed method for leather interiors leans on her aerospace experience to deliver thirty-percent weight savings. She's devised ways to make cashmere applicable in an automotive setting, taking advantage of its wicking abilities. "Slip and grip" embossing in key touchpoints makes getting in and out of a McLaren easier. Ultrafabric, derived from the yachting sector, is durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant. If seeing your name in lights is insufficient, Lewis has found ways to weave it into your carbon fiber dashboard (even using 24-karat gold). Available contour paint jobs highlight the Artura's aerodynamics akin to contouring cheekbones with bronzer.
Pieces from the Tumi x McLaren capsule collection with carbon fiber accents.
Fog shrouded the Healdsburg hillsides on the morning of my drive. Nolan Gray escorted me to my Silica White Artura with a sumptuous all Alcantara interior, including the steering wheel, making it feel so luxurious in my hands. The scissor doors opened effortlessly, and a single finger provided enough force for closing. I sank into the Clubsport bucket seat, and at the push of a button, the Artura started in EV mode, and I set off like a silent assassin buzzing through the vineyards. Knowing that 0-60mph straight-line acceleration is achievable in 3.0 seconds, I anxiously looked for a wide-open straightaway to switch the powertrain mode into Track to test the stat. As soon as I pressed the accelerator, the back of my head pressed into the seat, prompting me to yell "woohoo!" out of the open windows. In the interest of safety (and not wanting to go to jail!) I resisted finding out if sprinting 0–186mph takes a reported 21.5 seconds, so I'll have to take McLaren's word for it. Throughout my roughly 50-mile journey over varied terrain, I switched between Artura's four powertrain modes: E-mode,
Comfort, Sport, and Track. Artura can drive up to 11 miles on battery power alone, and when I found I'd nearly exhausted its EV range, I switched to Sport mode to replenish the battery. I became giddy when a "Curves Ahead" road sign popped up, knowing that I'd be able to hug them as tightly as an old friend. At the halfway point, our driving group convened at The Birds Café in Bodega Bay, and our tricked-out Arturas in hues ranging from lowkey to lookat-me created quite a stir. "I guess I'm a car girl now!" exclaimed one of my colleagues from New York City, who said she "didn't get car people" until she got acquainted with Artura. Truth be told, no one needs to own a McLaren, but at the end of the day, getting from point A to B is entirely more exhilarating for those wanting to squeeze every last drop out of life. Artura is priced from $233,000 for the standard specification. Every McLaren Artura comes as standard with a five-year vehicle warranty, a six-year battery warranty and a 10-year body perforation corrosion warranty. More information is available at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/artura. sl slmag.net
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SECRETS OF A WINE SELLER'S CELLAR French wine connoisseur Jérôme Peter shares a few of his favorites. Written by Claire Williams While he doesn't have a flickering cigarette sticking out of his mouth and isn't sporting a marinière, (the classic French striped shirt), Jérôme Peter does embody the essence of a true Frenchman and wine aficionado. With family hailing from Corsica and Alsace, Jerome's upbringing educated his palette with tastings from acidic Rieslings to crisp Rosés. In his 20s, an internship in the wine industry with his stepfather in the mid-90s allowed Peter to take a deep dive into wines of the world, meeting winemakers and discovering varietals from South America to China. In the process, he found a new love and passion for wine. Peter equates the feeling of finding a wine you love to "clicking" with a newfound love interest, saying, "When you know, you know that there's an instant chemistry." After his stepfather's passing just a few years later, Peter decided to honor the man who introduced him to his newfound amour by embarking on what would turn out to be a lengthy career in the wine world. Like a faithful partner, he has spent over 20 years working in the wine industry for Carrefour, the eighth-largest retailer in the world by revenue, following trends and selecting wine for its outlets year after year. Peter says his tenure is long enough that he was there when premium bag-in-box wine was a foreign concept and continues with him navigating the current biodynamic revolution. Peter's longevity in the French wine trade has made his name uttered in the same breath as renowned stars of the industry he frequents, such as winemaker Gérard Bertrand (well known for his collaboration on Hampton Water Rosé with Bon Jovi) and 52 slmag.net
sommelier Gérard Margeon. Over the past two decades, Peter has encountered specific wines that have stood the test of time to remain among his favorites in a market where tastes, flavors, and trends evolve more rapidly than we realize. Peter says that for him, tasting wine is a spiritual experience, something he calls "tasting the blood of the land," with each bottle bringing out a different emotion while telling the story of the winemaker and the terroir. Peter says Salvador Dali said it best with his maxim, "The connoisseur does not drink wine but tastes its secrets." Peter will take hours to make sure his roti de porc is the perfect complement to his bottle, not the other way around (and if there's no wine on the table, he says it's not a meal). As a youthful wine drinker, Peter gravitated towards bold and fruity wines and still enjoys them today. Gérard Bertrand's Cigalus wine from Pays d'Oc (the southern coast of France) is a wine he says everyone likes. It comes from a region with plenty of sunshine, and the wine boasts a balance of ripe black fruit such as blackberries, black cherries, and plums with grilled spice and toasted oak, imparting flavor that even the most stubborn wine drinker will enjoy. Made from Gamay grapes, Henry Marionnet's Tourraine Gamay 1ère Vendange (hailing from the Loire Valley region) is a lesser-known variety that is the cousin of pinot noir and with whom it shares similar tasting notes. Peter says he opens a bottle almost every evening at dinner with his wife, and it's worth noting the wine contains no sulfites, which, according to some reports, should give you less of a hangover and headaches after drinking, hence the easy drinking quality of the wine.
French wine connoisseur Jérôme Peter
For those more inclined to white wines, Peter enjoys Domaine Grist's Cotes d'Auxerre Chardonnay, sharing the taste of Burgundy without breaking the bank. It's a toasty wine with ripe fruits that pairs well with chicken and seafood, and if you're feeling like embracing the art de vivre of the French, foie gras. “A tremendous value for the price, finishing with pleasure and soul,” remarks Peter. If you're lucky enough to get your hands on a bottle, one of Peter's favorite big, sunny, and fruity wines is from critically acclaimed Domaine Peyre Rose. Marlène Soria founded the estate in the late 1990s in the village of Saint-Pargoire in the south of France, where her plan to make wine for herself and friends resulted in international success and even attention from Robert Parker. Peter says the small size of their operation means they only produce around 30,000 bottles a year, and they age them for up to a decade to let each bottle reach its full potential before they're sold. Peter still has a bottle of 2003 in his cellar, and he describes the flavor as "bold and balsamic." For those looking for something other than a fruit-forward wine, Peter recommends Chateau Rayas, started by the godfather of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Jacques Reynaud; their wines are some of the most sought-after in the region. The wines are aromatic and complex, and Peter singles out their herbaceous character. Moving outside of France, Peter gravitates to Italian wines. Among his favorites is an expressive Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino that's intense with ripe red fruit combined with more complex notes of licorice and pipe tobacco. To finish his evening on a sweet note, Peter enjoys the awardwinning Château la Varière's Bonnezeaux, Les Melleresses, a sweet
wine that combines citrus fruits, sweet spices and tropical fruits. And when it comes to bubbly, Peter says you can't go wrong with the classics: Krug champagne delivers rich and layered baked bread and brioche notes, while one of his other favorites, Taittinger Champagne, has ripe fruit, honey, and brioche aromas but is rich and creamy on the palate. During his career, Peter has been lucky enough to drink all the terroirs of France and even some of the rarest, such as Romanée Conti, which he says you should not pass up if given the opportunity to taste it. Not averse to change, Peter constantly discovers new wines to add to his favorites list. As the climate, trends, and even our palates evolve, there's a never-ending list of wines to choose from, and there are always new gems to unearth. sl Jérôme’s Cellar Standouts • Gerard Bertrand Cigalus Pays d’Oc • Henry Marionnet’s Tourraine Gamay Première Vendange • Goisot Côtes d'Auxerre • Domaine Peyre Rosè Languedoc Roussillon • Château Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape • Sauternes Château d'Yquem 1989 • Grange des Péres Languedoc Aniane Vin de Pays • Domaine LeFlaive Puligny-Montrachet • Domaine Jean-François Ganevat, Jura • Taittinger Champagne • Krug Champagne • Château la Varière Bonnezeaux Les Melleresses • Brunello di Montalcino Castello Banfi slmag.net
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Guests rooms have covetable views of Sheen Falls.
TOWN & COUNTRY A City-to-Countryside Tour of the Emerald Isle Written by Bridget Williams
Leprechaun lore aside, I've always found Ireland to be enchanting, particularly the myriad green hillsides of the rural countryside that stand in contrast to skies that are shrouded in clouds roughly half of the time, and which make the occasional pop of sunshine seem all the more magical. My Irish eyes were smiling during my most recent visit, which began with a whirlwind two nights in Dublin at The Merrion Hotel (merrionhotel.com), followed by another three at Sheen Falls Lodge (sheenfallslodge.ie), situated along the famed Wild Atlantic Way. But honestly, how could I not love a place where, after introducing myself, the locals are quick to remind me that my name is indicative of a strong woman and the name of one of three of the country's national saints? Located in an upscale neighborhood steps from the National Gallery, The National Museum of Ireland, and the "golden mile" around St. Stephen's Green, the five-star The Merrion represents a triumph of thoughtful historic preservation. The hotel comprises four Georgian townhouses, the oldest dating to the era when American Colonists were busy tossing tea into the Boston Harbor. The two-year restoration commenced in the mid-1990s, resulting in interiors that mirror the handsome exterior: elegantly understated and dignified. The present owners claim one of the largest collections of 18th and 19th-century art in Ireland and generously share it with hotel guests in public and private spaces. Art enthusiasts will want to avail themselves of a self-guided audio tour and partake of a whimsical afternoon Art Tea, in which the accomplished pastry chefs create edible works of art inspired by works in the hotel's collection. 54 slmag.net
The wings of the hotel envelope a beautifully landscaped garden with water features and a glass-enclosed walkway leading from the historic structures to the modern wing, which includes a large spa complex with an indoor pool. Accordion doors along one wall of the aptly named Garden Terrace restaurant bring the outdoors in; the elevated environs draw in stylish local "ladies who lunch" like bees to the hives on The Merrion's rooftop. The labyrinth-like cellar bar is housed in the property's original wine cellar, offering plenty of cozy nooks for a candlelight dinner. Waterfall-inspired stained-glass windows, an homage to the cascades dotting the famed Ring of Kerry, are inset among the thick stone walls. In a city with no shortage of pubs, this watering hole is popular with locals who come to imbibe its two bespoke ales, lemon gin, and listen to traditional Irish music on Thursday evenings. When the calendar flips to March, everyone purports to be Irish, a claim that's partially attributable to the fact that some 10 million Irish have left their homeland since the 1800s. It's mind-boggling that today, 70 million people claim Irish heritage, more than ten times the country's total population, which makes ancestry tourism a big deal. Dublin's subterranean Epic Museum (epicchq.com), the world's first fully digital museum, traces 1,500 years of Irish immigration, including the accomplishments of some of its most famous (and infamous) sons and daughters, who I was surprised to learn include Che Guevara, Muhammad Ali, Gene Kelly, Walt Disney, Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, and Barack and Michelle Obama, among many others.
The Garden Terrace Restaurant at The Merrion
The cellar bar at The Merrion
Front hall at The Merrion
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Accessible only by ferry, the 37-acre Garnish Island in Bantry Bay boasts extensive gardens with several unique structures.
French chocolatier Benoit Lorge at his eponymous shop in Kenmare.
Bill Sheppard and Aileen Crean O'Brien, owners of the Tom Crean Brewery.
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A feast of locally sourced Kenmare delicacies at Heidi Ryan's Wholesome Food, organize.d by Kenmare Foodie Tours.
The Baily Lighthouse sits on the southeastern part of Howth Head in County Dublin.
Dublin is a great town for wandering. If you're a James Joyce fan, you must stop into Sweney's Pharmacy (sweny.ie), whose lemon soap is famously featured in Ulysses (and still available for purchase today). With disheveled gray hair that calls to mind Einstein's coif and a silk tie peeking out from his down jacket that lends the air of eccentric aristocrat, owner and polyglot J.J. Murphy preserves the tiny shop as it appeared in Joyce's time. Smelling of stale tobacco and dusty old books, Murphy is quick to pick up his guitar to serenade visitors and invited us to return for a scheduled reading of Joyce's works. If music history gets your heart racing, you'll want to arrange a tour of Windmill Lane Studios (windmilllanerecording.com). Rather nondescript from the outside, Brian Masterson and James Morris opened it in 1978, and it remains one of Ireland's largest recording studios. U2 was famously the first Irish band to record there, becoming part of a motley mix of bands and artists that includes Simple Minds, Kate Bush, AC/DC, Hozier, The Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, Niall Horan, Lewis Capaldi, Van Morrison, and Ed Sheeran. Their studio tour allows you to mix a session with their virtual band and receive the MP3 file as a one-of-a-kind souvenir or, in my case, a painful reminder that even though I love to sing, I can't carry a tune. No visit to the capital of the Republic of Ireland would be complete without a pub tour. During ours, led by Perfect Pint Tour (theperfectpinttour.com), we visited both well-known and local's only watering holes and learned all about the letters and numbers
found on a Guinness pint glass; that a good Irishman (or woman) finishes a pint in seven sips or less; and, that foamy rings from topto-bottom evidence a perfect pour. We even went behind the bar to learn from time-tested pint perfectionists who seem to eschew any interest in crafty cocktails. The concierge at The Merrion can arrange a guided hike along the Cliff Path Loop that follows the contours of the wildflowercovered cliffs of the Howth Peninsula, just east of central Dublin. Ideal for a day trip; even though it's just a short drive from the bustling city, it feels worlds away. After a few days exploring Dublin, we hit the M7 to Sheen Falls Lodge in County Kerry. En route, we enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining rest stop at the Barack Obama Plaza, located next to the village of Moneygall. Essentially a fast-food-laden truck stop, a small second-floor museum highlighting US Presidents with Irish heritage is surprisingly well executed. Sheen Falls Lodge, nestled amid the gently undulating landscape next to its namesake falls and overlooking Kenmare Bay, was built in 1765 as a private country house and debuted as a 72-room resort in 1991. Later additions to the original structure kept the same Irish plaster exterior and steeply pitched roof as the original home, which belies its grandiose scale, including a large Easanna Spa wing with a massive indoor pool. Spa treatments incorporate VOYA products, made with sustainably-harvested wild seaweed from Ireland's west coast. slmag.net
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At Sweney's Pharmacy, made famous by James Joyce, proprietor J.J. Murphy is keen on entertaining visitors with a song.
Guests of Sheen Falls Lodge enjoy exclusive access to 15 miles of private fishing on the river.
All the guest rooms at this rural retreat, a Relais & Chateaux property, provide a view of the falls, Kenmare Bay, or both. Lodge guests are privy to 15 miles of private fishing on the river, and Sheen Falls has a strong commitment to conservation, ensuring that the native Wild Atlantic salmon who have inhabited these waters since the last Ice Age will continue to do so for generations to come. Not wanting to squander a moment of the views afforded by the large terrace of my sprawling Signature Suite, I indulged in an elegantly presented alfresco breakfast each morning, allowing the soothing sounds of the falls to have my full attention. In addition to nine distinct room types, the property boasts a trio of storybook thatched roof cottages and a pair of bayfront villas for rent, each beautifully, uniquely, and luxuriously outfitted. In addition to fishing, Sheen Falls offers scores of activities such as horseback riding, tennis, bike riding, sporting clays, guided walks and hiking, archery, kayaking and paddleboarding, golf, photography excursions, and falconry. Liam Regan, a licensed falconer and wildlife biologist from Killarney leads the falconry program. His calm demeanor makes even the most reluctant ornithologist comfortable as he demonstrates the skills of the forest's apex predators. 58 slmag.net
Liam Regan, a licensed falconer and wildlife biologist from Killarney leads the falconry program at Sheen Falls.
The Oscar Wilde monument in Dubin’s Merrion Square Park.
Dining options on the property include the newly opened Stables Brasserie & Bar, housed in the property's original horse stables. Casually elegant, it's quickly become a favorite of locals from the nearby town of Kenmare. The Falls offers a more elevated dinner experience. A recent addition is the Mediterranean-influenced Nua Vista Restaurant, located at the Lodge's sister property, Ring of Kerry Golf Club (ringofkerrygolf.com). For a more bespoke experience, private dining is available in several unique spaces, including the candlelit wine cellar, one of the largest private cellars in Ireland. Take advantage of a G&T in the cozy Sheen Bar, made with seacentric gin custom-blended by the nearby Isle of Barra Distillers specifically for Sheen Falls Lodge. Sheen Falls has a symbiotic relationship with the quaint town of Kenmare. A local artist created the whimsical mural behind the reception desk; local products are among the gratis goodies in the minibar; the stoneware coffee set hails from Killarney; and a local wine shop selects the Lodge's wine of the month. Kenmare locals, a surprisingly cosmopolitan bunch for a city of just 2,300 residents, are proud that their village was awarded a gold medal in the 2022 TidyTown annual nationwide competition.
A tour of Kenmare in Sheen Falls’ 1936 Buick is a popular among guests.
Private dining in the wine cellar at Sheen Falls Lodge
We enjoyed a half-day walking tour led by Kenmare Foodie Tours (kenmarefoodies.com), during which we sampled authentic French pastries at Maison Gourmet (maisongourmetkenmare. com), where the husband-and-wife owners hail from the Pyrenees; farmhouse cheese and charcuterie at Heidi Ryan's Wholesome Food, and award-winning, handmade chocolates from Lorge Chocolatier (lorge.ie), whose affable owner Benoit, a native of France, moved to Kenmare twenty-five years ago. Those with an adventurous spirit or just a fondness for craft beer will want to stop for a pint at the Tom Crean Brewery (tomcreanbrewerykenmare.ie). Another husbandand-wife enterprise, the duo are as passionate about their craft as they are about exploring the far corners of the globe. "We aim to produce a pint that doesn't cost the earth," explained Bill Sheppard, a former fireman from England who met his wife Aileen Crean O’Brien, a Kenmare native, while traveling in Goa, India. The couple worked with Dutch scientists to build a biodigester that converts the spent grain from distilling into high-protein silage to feed sheep. While sipping a St. Bridget Irish Lager, I learned that the patron saint was a brewer and several of the miracles attributed to her involved beer. Garden enthusiasts should plan to visit Garinish Island (garinishisland.ie), accessible by ferry in the sheltered harbor of
A suite at Sheen Falls Lodge
The lobby at Sheen Falls Lodge
Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, where languid seals blend in with rocky outcroppings. John Annan Bryce purchased the 37-acre island, which boasts a unique micro-climate, from the War Office in 1910 and tasked Harold Peto to execute extensive gardens with structures that include a clock tower, Grecian temple, Italian casita, and a Martello tower that dates to the Napoleonic Wars. Today the parklands are maintained by the Office of Public Works. After the tour, drive along the breathtakingly beautiful Healy Pass in the Beara Peninsula, dotted with solitary sheep whose wool bears colorful dots indicating its ownership, before stopping for super-fresh seafood lunch with the locals at Helen's Bar in Kilmackillogue Harbor. Marveling at the moodiness of the Emerald Isle's landscape always evokes introspection for me. In-between songs at Sweney's Pharmacy in Dublin, Mr. Murphy recited a quote attributed to G.K. Chesterton: "The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad, for all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad." I'd argue that the scenery, well suited to wide panoramic shots that beg for a dramatic orchestral accompaniment, is more winsome than weary, particularly when combined with Ireland's enduring culture of hospitality consistent from city to countryside. sl slmag.net
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Of Note... Holding Court Compiled by Colin Dennis
This page, clockwise from top left: Brilliant tennis bracelet from Uniform Object (from $22,500; uniformobject.com). Clare V. tennis ball collar necklace ($145; clarev.com). India Hicks x Recess Pickleball paddle ($98; recesspickleball.com). Alpha tennis bag from Tumi ($650; tumi.com). Le Duffle à La Tennis from Clare V. ($295; clarev.com). Cassanova Monogram tennis bag from Court Couture ($329; courtcouturetennis.com). Alice + Olivia Cindy Pickleball cropped tee ($195; aliceandolivia.com). Alice + Olivia Blaise Pickleball cropped skort ($265; aliceandolivia.com). Del Toro Shoes women's tennis ball felt slipper ($425; deltoroshoes.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: 4-pack Pickleball set from Nettie ($289.99; playnettie.com). Fila x Brandon Maxwell 2-piece polo tank ($120) and printed skort ($95; fila.com). Vinglacé limited edition pickleball wine set in white ($149.95; vinglace.com). Anyone for Tennis biscuit box from Biscuiteers ($58; biscuiteers.com). Palissade bench from Hay ($1,045; us.hay.com). Spinshot player Pickleball machine (from $1,979; spinshotsports.com).
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AUTUMN IN NEW YORK The Lowell makes it easy to take a juicy bite from The Big Apple’s best offerings. Written by Bridget Williams There are many reasons to visit New York City, and I have two: Amateur Night at the Apollo and Central Park. For my most recent sojourn, which included a stay at The Lowell (lowellhotel.com), I couldn't have gotten much closer to Central Park than if I pitched a tent under one of its 18,000 trees. And, if perks rather than parks are more your thing, you're a Birkin's-throw away from Hermès' Madison Avenue flagship. Walk just a little further for an actual breakfast at Tiffany’s at Daniel Boulud’s Blue Box Café on the fourth floor of the exquisitely renovated Landmark building on Fifth Avenue, which reopened to great fanfare this past April. Waiting to be discovered among its ten floors are a high jewelry workshop and an Audrey experience, where you can marvel at how teeny tiny Ms. Hepburn’s waist had to be to fit into that iconic Givenchy gown. Nestled on a tony tree-lined Upper East Side block dotted with brownstones and offering the chance to rub elbows with neighbors counted among the world's wealthiest (a nearby ninebedroom townhouse was on the market for $28 million), the Lowell, one of the last privately owned hotels, was practicing stealth wealth long before it became a buzzword. Stepping down into a small marble-floored vestibule that provides access to the chic Jacques Bar on the left and the hotel's reception room on the right, we were immediately entranced by the aroma of fresh flowers. Purpose-built as a 17-story hotel that opened 62 slmag.net
in 1927, notable features of the 74-room property include rooms with wood-burning fireplaces and furnished terraces, a rarity among NYC hotels. The Lowell's most recent $25 million renovation, overseen by current owner Dina De Luca Chartouni, and unveiled in 2017, cemented its consistent placement atop major travel magazines' lists of the world's best hotels. Los Angeles-based interior designer Michael S. Smith devised the property's eclectic interior design scheme, imparting a uniqueness that looks like it was collected over time. Though it is as impeccably and elegantly outfitted as the rest of the property, guests generally don't linger long in the small lobby, preferring instead to seek repose in large and luxurious guest rooms and suites boasting loads of natural light and upscale amenities, including Chartouni’s own DDC28 bath amenities. The hotel’s residential feel made it fun to ponder living in the city for a hot second. The army of attendants at the front desk projected the care and confidence of a team that's been at the helm for decades. The casual mention of a birthday resulted in the prompt delivery of a lovely card, a bottle of Cava, and a glass jar of colorful macaroons. By and large, rooms at The Lowell are as much as 100 square feet larger than venerable peers like The Carlyle and The Pierre. Our 15th-floor suite boasted a separate living room with plush upholstery and an abundance of windows to admire the view of neighboring rooftop gardens, a Carrera-clad bathroom with a separate tub and
Jacques Bar at The Lowell
The Hollywood Suite at The Lowell.
shower, and an elegantly understated bedroom so quiet that each morning, we remarked that for the first time, the sounds of the city didn't suspend our slumber. Not having read a physical newspaper in years, I looked forward to the daily doorknob delivery of the New York Times and the luxury of time and comfort to engage in an activity that felt akin to firing up a record player. Throughout our stay, I gravitated to the first-floor Club Room at the rear of the property, which is reserved exclusively for guests. Deftly toeing the boundary where gilt and mirrors traipse from gobsmacking to gaudy, I relished concocting my vision of who'd live in such a place. Classic design elements culled from Greek and Roman influence spoke to someone well-versed in history; a plethora of coffee table books hinted at continuous curiosity; art spanning the centuries signaled an openness to beauty in all forms; and a series of photographs of Marilyn Monroe surmounting a pair of leopard-print upholstered slipper chairs added just a touch cheekiness to indicate someone who didn't take themselves too seriously. It's always a treat when I can share something new with friends who live in the city, and it was fun to invite them for a private apéro in our temporary haven. "How did we not know about this gem?" they exclaimed while surveying the space. Arched French doors at the rear of the Club Room provide a view into the glass-ceiling orangery at Majorelle, The Lowell's elegant French/Mediterranean restaurant. Resplendent with a groin vault
The dining room at Majorelle
The Garden Suite terrace at The Lowell
ceiling accentuated by French Art Deco pendant chandeliers and a graphic black-and-white marble floor, the space is punctuated by monumental and fragrant floral arrangements. The lobby's grand marble staircase leads to the Pembroke Room, another of NYC's best-kept secrets. In this opulent, Europeaninspired salon, white-jacketed servers serve daily breakfast and weekend brunch for hotel guests. Also on this floor is a very wellequipped fitness room, which is quite large for a boutique city property. With The Lowell located one-hundred-fifty feet from Madison Avenue and slightly more than one thousand feet from Central Park, we amply occupied our days by shopping and strolling, even walking all the way through the park to Harlem for our pre-show dinner at Vinateria (vinaterianyc.com), a lively Black-owned restaurant serving solid Italian and Spanish-inspired food without pretense. While it's been a staple at the historic Apollo Theatre since the 1930s, I have been a fan of Amateur Night since college, when it would air on network television in the late night/early morning timeslot. I've attended in person four times, and I never fail to be entertained by the crowd and the rookie performers willing to go up against a "be good or be gone" audience whose display of dismay gets contestants promptly escorted by a tap-dancing "executioner" off a stage that's launched the careers of legends like Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown. For $30 a ticket, it's some of the best fun you can have on the cheap in the Big Apple. slmag.net
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The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store.
An amateur vocalist performing during Amateur Night at The Apollo.
The “Audrey Experience” on the fifth floor of The Landmark, Tiffany's 5th Avenue flagship store. Photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Here Lies Love sits at the opposite end of the entertainment spectrum (herelieslovebroadway.com). We were introduced to this new David Byrne and Fatboy Slim musical by dear friends who helped bring the disco-bio about Imelda Marcos to Broadway. Flirting with being among the top ten highest-grossing shows since opening in July, we celebrated the show's success and a pair of milestone birthdays with a prix fixe French/Korean feast at LittleMad (littlemadnyc.com). The restaurant's austere interiors, with overhead linear suspension lights casting an LED glow above chunky concrete tables with bench seating, belied the nuanced 64 slmag.net
flavors and beautifully presented dishes from Korean-born and New York-raised chef Sol Han's kitchen. While NYC has long been known as "The City that Never Sleeps," it seems that COVID has left a melatonin-like effect on the fine dining scene. Running a little late for our 8:30 reservation, we sat down and found that we had mere minutes to submit our order to the kitchen at LittleMad before the cutoff. And even though we were the last to leave, we were happy knowing that our somewhat abbreviated evening could continue back in the comfy confines of the Club Room at The Lowell. sl
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Jonah Goldberg
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General Wesley Clark Retired Four-Star Army General and Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander
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Malcolm Nance
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MARCH
Thank you to all who participated in the October 3rd program.
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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
October 1 1 1-30 2 2 3-10 4-21 5 6 7-9 13-16 13-16 14 14 14-16 19 22 23 28 30
Magical Moments A Night of Magic,Westin Great Southern; magicalmomentsfoundation.org Short North Gallery Hop Short North Arts District; shortnorth.org Harvest Blooms at Franklin Park Conservatory; fpconservatory.org Stefanie Spielman Step Up for Breast Cancer 5K; /tinyurl.com/stefstepup Family Fall Music Fest, Hinson Amphitheater; newalbanyfoundation.org Fall Foster Dog Sleepover; gigis.org Broadway in Columbus: Hamilton, Ohio Theatre; capa.org New Albany Lecture Series:An Evening with Deepak Chopra, MD; newalbanyfoundation.org Legends & Legacies, Lincoln Theatre; kingartscomplex.com/programs/legends-legacies-award Columbus Italian Festival, Italian Village; columbusitalianfestival.com New York City Wine & Food Festival; nycwff.org San Francisco Fall Antiques Show,Virtual; sffallshow.org Local Matters Harvest Ball,The Fives; local-matters.org CAPS For the Cure,The Exchange at Bridge Park; thecapsfoundation.org Annual Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, Turks and Caicos; caribbeanfoodandwinefestivaltci.com A Galaxy of Hope benefitting Star House,The Fives; starhouse.us HighBall Halloween; Short North; highballcolumbus.org HOWLoween Pet Contest & Fall Festival, Easton Town Square; eastontowncenter.com Columbus Symphony Presents Ghostbusters, Ohio Theatre; columbussymphony.com Columbus Symphony Presents Halloween Spooktacular!, Ohio Theatre; columbussymphony.com
November 4 4-5 4 5 5 5-6 8-13 22 24
30th Anniversary of Celebration of Learning, Main Branch; foundation.columbuslibrary.org/celebration-of-learning Columbus Symphony Presents Brahms & Dvořák, Ohio Theatre; columbussymphony.com Hilton Head Flights & Fancy Aeroport Gala, Hilton Head Island Aeroport; hhiconcours.com Hope For Healing benefitting The REID Foundation; reid.foundation Gallery Hop, Short North; shortnorth.org Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, Port Royal Golf Club; hhiconcours.com Broadway in Columbus: Hairspray, Ohio Theatre; capa.com Central Ohio Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Luncheon, COSI; centralohioafp.org/national-philanthropy-day/ Chase Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, Downtown Columbus; columbusturkeytrot.com
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Photos courtesy of Freedom a la Cart
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EAT UP COLUMBUS
Over 370 people honored survivors of human trafficking and celebrated Larry Armentrout, who retired from the Freedom a la Cart Board of Directors this year, at Freedom’s annual Eat Up Columbus soiree on August 26, 2023. Held on the rooftop of the National Veterans Memorial & Museum with beautiful views of the Columbus city skyline, the soiree highlighted lived experiences of Survivor Leaders Jess and Dorie as well as a singing performance from Survivor Leader Mickey. Invites encouraged attendees to wear all white to mark the blank slate provided to survivors for a fresh start and a life of freedom. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and both a live and silent auction at the event and raised over $220,000, meeting Freedom’s goal to continue to provide programming, workforce development, and opportunities to stand beside survivors.To learn more about Freedom a la Cart, visit freedomalacart.org.
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1) Angie Stevenson-Smith, Stephanie Bland, Jackie Jones, Emily Davidson, Lunetta Spivey 2) Guests enjoying a caricaturist 3) The Freedom a la Cart team 4) Guests at Eat Up Columbus 5) Dorie 6) Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) group 7) Jess 8) Kate
Photos courtesy of Freedom a la Cart
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9) A table setting at Eat Up Columbus 10) Lexi and guest 11) Eat Up Columbus 12) Eat Up Columbus 13) Guests enjoying a caricaturist 14) Guests at Eat Up Columbus 15) Mandy, Kristen, Lyndzy, Shannon 16) Hors d'oeuvres at Eat Up Columbus 17) The CATCH Court team 18) Staff preparing hors d'oeuvres at Eat Up Columbus
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Photos courtesy of Children’s Hunger Alliance
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TASTE TO REMEMBER
Children’s Hunger Alliance brought back its well-loved Taste to Remember fundraiser, which benefits Central Ohio children experiencing food insecurity, on August 24, 2023, for the first time since May 2019. Held at The Exchange at Bridge Park, the fundraiser featured great food from local chefs and restaurants, live and silent auctions, a bar cart raffle, and a wine and bourbon pull. Attendees raised over $128,000 to help CHA provide meals to more Central Ohio children and heard remarks from CHA President & CEO Judy Mobley, along with Carrie Maun-Smith, AVP – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations at Grange Insurance, the presenting sponsor. Dr. Jessie Flowers, a former pediatric resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, also spoke about reaching out to CHA a few years ago to create a partnership to provide meals to children at Nationwide’s Primary Care Clinic. To learn more about Children’s Hunger Alliance, visit childrenshungeralliance.org.
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1) Alex Wilson, Richard Almond, Jordan Wilson, Chris Asman, Ron Wilson 2) Attendees at Field to Table 3) Attendees at Field to Table 4) Benjamin + Jessica Jenzen, Jaeleen + Brad DeHays 5) Tiara Evans, Rebecca Wallihan 6) 2023 Field to Table planning committee 7) Derrick + Felicia Mayo 8) Deon Riley, Van Tsukada
Photos courtesy of Children’s Hunger Alliance
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9) Amazing Giants posing on vintage tractor 10) Field to Table 11) Attendees at Field to Table 12) George & Beth Zola, Pamela & Richard Yost 13) Scott Robinson, Doug Swartz, Lisa Shaw, Martin Kehlmeier, Jack Fry 14) 2023 Field to Table Chair, Shelly Harvey 15) Joanne Kick-Raack, Carla Cefaratti, Carmen Wojotanowski, Natalie Wojotanowski 16) Todd + Taylor King
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Photos courtesy of Recreation Unlimited
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RECREATION UNLIMITED INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Recreation Unlimited raised a record of over $871,000 at its 41st annual Invitational Golf Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club on September 17 and 18, 2023. 145 golfers participated in the tournament, which was sponsored by Germain Lexus of Dublin and Easton, to raise funds to help support camp programming for children and adults with disabilities or health concerns. Recreation Unlimited serves up to 2,800 people with disabilities or health concerns from Ohio and five other states, and at Recreation Unlimited’s 195-acre (wheelchair accessible) campus in Ashley, Ohio, campers enjoy sports, recreation, and educational opportunities year-round. To learn more about Recreation Unlimited, visit recreationunlimited.org.
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1) Paul Huttlin, Ken Westerheide 2) Paul Huttlin, Doug Hare, Ginni Ragan 3) Mark Monfort, Rachel Beck 4) Nate Jones, Chris Eckels, Matt Cacciato, Dusty Kilgour, John Ware 5) Sam Hardy, David French, Garrett Wofford, Ben McDonald, Brian Ramey 6) Aaron Post, Dawn Reynolds, Adam Galliers, Kelly Wilkin, Myron Gramelspacher 7) Micah Masimer, James Hobson, Don Barnes 8) Jeff Trotier, Rick Germain, David Lutterus, Jeff Bringardner, Mark Murphy 9) Paul Germain, John Germain 10) Rob Carroll, Robin Sears, Greg Brun, Ken Westerheide 11) Brent Bickel, Ken Westerheide, Bob Martin, Ty Fowler, Jim Popp 12) Doug Morgan, Frank Ingwersen, Stu Allen, Paul Germain, John Germain
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Photos courtesy of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
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COLUMBUS SYMPHONY GALA
Musicians and attendees alike celebrated big and inspired even bigger at The Dawn of inspiration, the Columbus Symphony Gala held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at the OhioHealth David P. Blom Administrative campus riverfront headquarters. Led by event co-chairs Amy Shore and Betsy Schumacher as well as an Honorary Committee of volunteers and supporters, the Gala honored OhioHealth with Kathy and Steve Markovich for their extraordinary role in advancing the well-being of the community and their exceptional support of symphonic music across central Ohio. Concertmaster Joanna Frankel, Columbus Symphony Musicians, and Columbus native Broadway star Tamika Lawrence with the Worship and Praise Chorale treated attendees to a night of inspiring musical performances, and guests enjoyed dinner curated by Kamal Boulos of The Refectory and executed by Cameron Mitchell Premier Events as well as a live auction featuring items from private Blue Jackets suites to exclusive musical recitals to support the Symphony’s mission of inspiring and building a strong community through music. To learn more about the Columbus Symphony, visit columbussymphony.com.
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1) Russell & Jacqueline Hodge, Kim & Jayme Horton 2) CSO musicians Joanna Frankel, Alicia Hui, Brett Allen, Karl Pedersen, Pei-An Chao, Wendy Morton 3) Steve & Nick Hardin 4) Auctioneer Amelia Jeffers 5) Stephen Markovich, MD, CSO Board Chair 6) Steve Crissinger & Dr. Tracy Cook 7) Tamika Lawrence and the Worship and Praise Chorale 8) Music Director Rossen Milanov 9) Mike & Kristin Foley, Mary & Andy Auch 10) CSO musicians Robert Firdman, Alice Risov, Zhe Deng 11) OhioHealth David P. Blom Administrative Campus 12) Terry & Michelle Hoppman slmag.net
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Photos courtesy of Children’s Hunger Alliance
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TASTE TO REMEMBER
Children’s Hunger Alliance brought back its well-loved Taste to Remember fundraiser, which benefits Central Ohio children experiencing food insecurity, on August 24, 2023, for the first time since May 2019. Held at The Exchange at Bridge Park, the fundraiser featured great food from local chefs and restaurants, live and silent auctions, a bar cart raffle, and a wine and bourbon pull. Attendees raised over $128,000 to help CHA provide meals to more Central Ohio children and heard remarks from CHA President & CEO Judy Mobley, along with Carrie Maun-Smith, AVP – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations at Grange Insurance, the presenting sponsor. Dr. Jessie Flowers, a former pediatric resident at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, also spoke about reaching out to CHA a few years ago to create a partnership to provide meals to children at Nationwide’s Primary Care Clinic. To learn more about Children’s Hunger Alliance, visit childrenshungeralliance.org.
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1) Amelia Jeffers, event Emcee & Auctioneer 2) Greg Smith, Ryan Berlin of Zink Foodservice 3) Ryan Kelly & Team, Two One Restaurant - Renaissance Polaris 4) Natalie & John Kompa 5) Judy Mobley, President & CEO – Children’s Hunger Alliance 6) John Kompa, Hexion and Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board Chair 7) Randy & Judy Mobley 8) Carrie Maun-Smith, AVP – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations at Grange (presenting sponsor) 9) Nikki Scarpetti, Children’s Hunger Alliance Governing Board Member & Hillary Stone
Photos courtesy of Children’s Hunger Alliance
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10) Karen Hejmanowski, Alan Hejmanowski, Anjail Mohan 11) Tracey & Stewart James 12) Mark Owens, Theresa Olson 13) Chef Doug Maneely & Team, The Golf Club New Albany 14) Adam Foxx 15) Chef John DiGiovanni, Executive Chef Lower.com Field 16) Leigh-Anne & Justin Moodley 17) Children’s Hunger Alliance Regional Advisory Board Members - Jason Roche, Mike Walter, Ashley Allen, Tracy James, Brett Radulovich (chair) 18) Mark Owns, Theresa Olson, Mary Dillow 19) Natalina Fickell, Judy Mobley, Carrie Maun-Smith
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11 Things I Cannot Live Without
Marlana Hammond Keynes For Marlana Hammond Keynes, bringing high-quality products directly to customers was a natural path. Her family’s eponymous clothing boutique, Hammond’s Clothiers in Lancaster, was an Ohio staple of high-fashion and high-caliber clothing long before big name retailers brought fashion-forward luxury brands to destination shopping meccas around Columbus. Finding her own path in retail (and following a passion for the arts and art community), Marlana and her sister opened their first art gallery in the basement of their family’s clothing boutique. community where she grew up more than four decades ago. Her success allowed her to open another shop, this time in Bexley, where she courted Columbus’ collecting community and built a stellar reputation for recognizing and cultivating talent, encouraging and supporting her artists, and bringing a near-unmatched level of integrity and passion to her gallery operation. When fellow arts-advocate and real estate investor Mark Wood brought her to a space on the corner of Russell and High, she couldn’t resist. Marlana moved her gallery to the Short North in 2015, and Hammond Harkins Gallery has sat on that street corner ever since. Marlana’s relationships with artists like Denny Griffith, Paul Hamilton, and Aminah Robinson have stocked the gallery with beautiful works, and Marlana quickly became one of the most recognizable names in the Short North and the Columbus art world as a whole. Visiting the gallery, it’s easy to recognize why: her taste in art and support for her artists is difficult to beat. Now, after more than eight years in the Short North and over 40 years in the industry as a whole, Marlana is retiring and selling the iconic gallery. Before stepping out of the art world as a whole, she shared with Sophisticated Living Columbus the ten things she cannot live without. To learn more about the gallery, go to hammondharkins.com. For more information about purchasing works or the gallery itself, contact a@ameliajeffers.com.
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1. Good food makes any day better. The Guild House and the Fish Market are my favorites. Oysters, raw on the half shell (my obsession), with lots of horseradish and cocktail sauce –– the works, and piles of ice. 2. Pearl necklaces. I went to work every day with my pearls around my neck because they have a cool elegance and a sense of confidence. 3. Boston Terriers. I had two cats, Muffy and Jasper years ago, but more recently, I fell in love with my friends' Boston Terrier, Buster, and he greeted me every day after work and just ran around in excitement. 4. Friends and family. I am grateful to my parents for raising me with standards like an amazing work ethic, integrity, and a dedication to my employees and clients, and to my friends for being there when it counted. My daughter stood by me through thick and thin and looked after me. She's indispensable to my life. 5. Fashionable clothes. I love to shop, and I love anything Chanelinspired. I like Lafayette and Leal, and I admire Connie Ballenger's taste. My parents owned a high-end clothing store, Hammonds, and the love of clothes transferred from them to me. It transformed my taste, and I love to keep up with current trends. 6. Art. Art has always been a major focus in my life, especially having started an art gallery and having been at it for 50+ years. If it had not been for the artists, I would not be here. 7. My lounge chair. Where would I be without the comfort of my lounge chair? It’s a big leather recliner, and every evening I cannot wait to put my feet up, relax, and contemplate life. 8. Period movies, especially anything Jane Austin. I love the recreation of 18th and 19th Century stories, especially from the enlightenment and regency periods. The scenery is thrilling, the clothes are so elegant; the gentility and formality of the period feels like something of my past from when I was growing up that is long gone today. 9. Lemon Meringue Pie, especially my best friend's. 10. Health. I have been blessed with a long life, free of major health problems. Every day is a gift and I am appreciative of still being upright and walking. 11. My staff, and all of the support they gave to me and my business. In the most challenging times, they were always by my side. sl
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