The Face of America Magazine 2022 - Vol.6 Issue 2

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

AIR ONE Personal Electric Helicopter

AIR, a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, announced that its flagship eVTOL AIR ONE has completed its first full forward flight, successfully transitioning from hover flight to cruise flight.

EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft developer AIR announced the completion of its AIR ONE vehicle’s first full forward flight, in which the aircraft executed a seamless transition from hover to cruise. On December 18th at around 3:00PM Israel time, the AIR ONE prototype, equipped to its maximum capacity of 1100kg, transitioned from take off to its cruising speed. Following this accomplishment, thousands of flight hours are planned for the AIR ONE as part of its FAA certification process, with AIR to gradually increase and optimize the aircraft’s range, speed, and endurance.

Commenting on the successful operation Rani Plaut, the CEO and co-founder of AIR, said: “It is thrilling to have reached this moment in our journey as we strive to build the foundation to make personal air mobility a reality.” Plaut added: “AIR is incredibly proud to play a role in the global [advanced air mobility] movement, and we’re looking forward and upward to 2024 when adoption of privatelyowned eVTOLs takes flight.”

ART BASEL MIAMI 2022 Words take power

WHITE STALLION RANCH

Cactus and horses paradise

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: STANNIBOI

White Stallion Ranch was originally built in the 1900’s and began as a cattle ranch. The original property was constructed of Mexican adobe brick made of mud and straw. During the renovation, wire and horseshoes were found in the walls. A small area of the original adobe is on display in the dining room, the original building on the ranch. Homesteaded by David Young in 1936 – 1939, Young became the first deeded owner of the property. Herbert and Vine Bruning purchased the ranch in 1939 to ranch cattle, chickens and turkeys. They changed the name to CB Bar Ranch and it was once home to 30,000 birds. In 1945, Max Zimmerman (a Chicago liquor store owner) bought the ranch and moved West to become part of the 100 strong guest ranch industry in Tucson. Max named the ranch the MZ Bar Ranch and constructed six buildings complete with kitchenettes for guests. These buildings are still standing but several renovations later they no longer resemble the original guest room interiors. In 1949, Mary Varner purchased the property, continuing to operate it as a Guest Ranch, she also offered long-term rentals to the nearby Marana Army Airfield. 1959 was the year Brew and Marge Towne, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts fulfilled their dream of owning a Guest Ranch. They re-named the ranch White Stallion, even though they wanted to name it The Black Stallion. They quickly realized that “BS Ranch” sported a negative connotation and White Stallion has stood the test of time.

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

In 1965, Allen and Cynthia True came from Colorado to make the ranch their home, with Russell, just five years old and Michael still in a crib. The ranch consisted of 17 rooms, 17 horses and 200 acres. The number of Guest Ranches left in the area had dropped to about 30, most were casualties of Tucson’s Urban Sprawl. With an eye toward the future, Allen and Cynthia began purchasing adjacent land as it became available, increasing the ranch to 3,000 acres. Today, the ranch offers 43 rooms and a 5 bedroom Hacienda as guest accommodations. While maintaining the traditions of the West with many of the original buildings still in use, Russell and Michael have added sunken tennis courts, a movie theater, a new pool and hot tub area with a serenity patio, lighted sport courts a spa area and fitness center. They have established one of the largest privately owned herds of horses in Arizona and a large herd of cattle. The rest, as they say – is history, today you’ll meet the third generation of Trues – working side by side with their sleeves rolled up, serving guests in the family tradition. Today, The White Stallion Ranch is simply one of the very best ranches in America with an outstanding service that makes all the difference. We have chosen to feature the amazing individuals who are making this place so special.

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Trevor Hare Maintenance Associate

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Luis Diaz Shooting instructor

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Lilee Shaw Server

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Megan Beasley Head Server

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Heidi Kerns Wrangler

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Ricki Mannings

Front Desk Associate

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Suzanne Walsh Marketing and Guest Services

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Mire Wrangler

Cassidy

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HISTORIC HOTEL BETHLEHEM Elegance and refinement

PHOTOGRAPHY

BY EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Gerber Server

Originally from Guatemala, he came to the U.S. at ten. He likes to surprise his clients with recommendations. He is very attentive to details

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

A student at the NCC, she has been working here since January 2022. Gianna always wanted to work at the Bethlehem hotel, applied, and got her candidature accepted! She is now working part time, but is seriously considering working full time on the hospitality industry.

Gianna Coyne Hostess at the Taproom restaurant

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Sanders Sales Manager / Wedding Planner

Kathy has been woring at the hotel for 13 years. For her, planning a wedding is a very important task for a couple’s most important moment. She loves winter, when snow turns the hotel into a fairy tale.

Kathy

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Rodney Rivera Executive Chef

Originally from Puerto Rico, he started at age 19 in a low level position in the kitchen. He did not spoke English and had no formal education. He first wanted to be a baseball player, then he realized he loved cooking more. He made his way as a Chef in other restaurants, and came back to the hotel. His food has influence from France, Caribbean, Spain and Italy. He likes to cook not for himself but for the community. He likes to integrate comfort food in the menus, as well as mode refined dishes.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Audra

Bartender

Audra used to work as a hairdresser, and after her daughter went to college, she felt she needed a change and started to work as a bartender. Her clients are travelers as well as locals, always looking for conversations. Doing cocktails requires technical skills but mostly the understanding of human relations.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

In 1741, Moravian Brethren built Bethlehem’s first house on the site of what is now the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Then, in 1794, the Moravians, famous for their hospitality, built what became the Eagle Hotel. The hotel has hosted world leaders and renowned celebrities over the years, including Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, the 14th Dalai Lama, Amelia Earhart, Harry Connick, Jr., and many more. The town’s history as a colonial religious settlement to an industrial icon is chronicled in eight George Gray murals that have hung in the hotel since 1937. And located in the heart of Historic Moravian Bethlehem, a National Historic Landmark District, the Historic Hotel Bethlehem is walking distance to museums, historic sites, and boutique shops.

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Stay Exquisite

Experience exemplary hospitali in an iconic setting in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. With refined accommodations, locally inspired dining and signature service, The St. Regis New York combines classic elegance with a modern sensibili

The St. Regis New York

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Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY

Oregon’s best kept secret for wine and food aficionados

The Willamette Valley is a 150-mile (240 km) long valley in Oregon, in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The Willamette River flows the entire length of the valley and is surrounded by mountains on three sides: the Cascade Range to the east, the Oregon Coast Range to the west, and the Calapooya Mountains to the south.The valley is synonymous with the cultural and political heart of Oregon and is home to approximately 70 percent of its population including the five largest cities in the state: Portland, Eugene, Salem, Gresham, and Hillsboro. Willamette Valley is known for being home to many premium wineries. Let’s explore the best!

BY

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

DURANT VINEYARD

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Paul Mentzer Wine educator

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Experience Durant Vineyards estate-grown and crafted wines from our beautiful Dundee Hills Wine Tasting Room at Red Ridge Farms. Perched above the dramatic Willamette Valley, both the Durant Vineyards Tasting Room (open by reservation) features incredible views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and miles of diverse agricultural land. Enjoy one of our signature picnic platters which feature local charcuterie, cheeses, Durant Olive Mill evoo drizzled baguette, assorted pickled veggies, and dried fruit.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

REMY WINE

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Remy Drabkin Owner

Remy Wines is a Willamette Valley winery founded in 2006 by lesbian winemaker and true Oregonian, Remy Drabkin. Born and raised in McMinnville, Remy came up in the cellars of Willamette Valley greats and by the age of eight, she knew she wanted to become a winemaker herself. Remy Wines produces northern Italian varieties grown in the Pacific Northwest, Willamette Valley legacy grapes and emerging varieties in her hometown of McMinnville, Oregon. Consistent throughout is Drabkin’s unmistakable flair for innovation and her healthy disregard for convention.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

FLANEUR WINE

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Lichtenthal Director of Sales and Hospitality

Russel

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

“We chose the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley of Oregon for a reason. The climate and environment of the region are unique, with daily fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall. One year is wet and cold, the next is dry and warm. We celebrate the eccentricities and unpredictability of nature, and want our wines to reflect this remarkable terroir. While each vintage retains underlying similarities, we let each year’s grapes speak for themselves. Because we respect the natural power of the land, we farm organically and sustainably to grow grapes that are delicious and that celebrate the environment. Our vineyards are dry-farmed, meaning there’s no irrigation. Flâneur vines have to work hard to reach for water, building character and strength—for more intense flavor and aroma.”

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

CARLTON WINEMAKERS STUDIO

King General Manager

Anthony

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Located in the heart of the Willamette Valley, the Carlton Winemakers Studio is a winery collective where numerous winemakers craft premium Oregon wines in one shared space. Guests are invited to visit the state-ofthe-art tasting room and taste the wines and learn about the unique and charming stories behind each label. A perfect snapshot of everything the Willamette Valley has to offer under one roof, 16 Vintners and tons of varieties.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Dylan Winemaker

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

LA RAMBLA

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

HIFI BAR

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

If you are a wine geek, this is your spot. If you are a music nerd, come here. Love design? You will be inspired. HIFI Bar a vins establishes an institution in downtown McMinnville where these passions could synergize. Its hope is that HiFi becomes the meeting place where the locals come to relax, explore and refresh their inspiration— and where visitors discover a warm-hearted community.

PHOTO: EFDLT STUDIO

Kenzo Digital, in collaboration with SL Green Realty Corp., is proud to present Air, a mind-bending new immersive art experience within SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. In a true love letter to the city, acclaimed artist Kenzo Digital has taken a thousand-foot-high venue, with a view that spans from Coney Island to the Bronx Zoo, and created a multisensory, transformative experience that is groundbreaking, euphoric, and will forever change the way we view the New York City skyline. “New York City is my home, my constant source of inspiration; it has molded me and given me so much,” said Kenzo Digital. “With Air, I want to create a space that shares the intoxicating sense of aspiration and inspiration that New York gives me with everyone who visits it—a beacon of possibility that pays tribute to all that New York is, can be, will be.”

In a true love letter to his home and with some of the best views in New York City, Kenzo Digital's Air presents visitors with so much more than just an observation deck. Air is a living, breathing space with mind-expanding effects that give each visitor an opportunity to reflect on their life, the world around them, and New York City itself. With over two floors of expertly crafted storytelling, Air allows visitors to experience themselves and life in a new way, where each visit is different depending on the time of day, outside weather, and one’s own unique emotional state. It's a world of its own right in the heart of NYC—much like Central Park. And as any true New Yorker knows, Central Park changes depending on the weather, time of day, and even who you’re experiencing it with. No guest ever leaves Air thinking that it’s just another observation deck as the opportunity to know oneself on a deeper level never gets old.

BHAKTA SPIRITS Vintage Bhakta: The tale of Booze’s brash Tycoon

Raj Peter Bhakta is a spirits mogul on a mission. The objective? Revive an ancient collection of spirits, reverse the fortunes of a forgotten corner of rural Vermont, and reignite the spark of American optimism— helping a nation find its spirit anew through the appreciation of the oldest drinks on earth. It sounds ambitious because it is. Impossible?

No. With his signature bravado, the larger-than-life entrepreneur has staked his own fortune on a vision as vast, complex, and exquisite as the vintage spirits which bear his name: BHAKTA Armagnac.

The son of immigrants, Raj was born in Philadelphia, where his father had landed with just fifty bucks in his pocket—before rising quickly from pumping gas to owning a successful set of ventures in the car business. Born in a quickly deindustrializing but once-great city surrounded by cars (and now possessing collection of vintage vehicles which includes the iconic 1933 Lincoln that Franklin Delano Roosevelt rode to his first presidential inauguration), Raj’s first memories were a contradiction of wonders: the greatness of our past, the pessimism of our present. Like many idealists, Raj’s first inclination was to seek fame; unlike most, he found it. After a role on Season Two of The Apprentice that saw him get “fired” by Donald J. Trump, Raj became a frequent cable news commentator on CNN and Fox. From there, he ran for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 13th district—and lost. Badly.

Bhakta absconded to Vermont, where he bought a decrepit dairy farm, vowing to bring it back to life. His father wasn’t impressed. “The Bhaktas came to America to get away from the farm,” his father told him at the time. “Not to see you go back to it.” But the younger Bhakta had a mission: from that farm, he declared, he’d create the biggest spirits brand in America, stick it to the Big Alcohol Monopoly, and build the fortune he needed to do some good in the world. The only problem? He had no experience in the booze business. (Not that that would stop him.) From that downon-its-luck farm, Bhakta launched WhistlePig Whiskey. . . which, with the help of legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell—”The Founding Father of American Craft Spirits”—went on to single handedly turn “luxury rye whiskey” from a contradictionin-terms to a household name. WhistlePig became a titan of the whiskey world, a defining example of spirits entrepreneurship, and a “unicorn brand” valued at well over a billion dollars.

Raj exited his stake in 2017. Buoyed by the win, he dreamed bigger than ever before, setting out on a global sabbatical in search of the next big thing in drinks. His travels brought him to Japan, Scotland, Columbia, India, and the Caribbean. . . but it was in France, through a series of improbable coincidences, that he discovered his excalibur: the oldest, rarest, and most valuable collection of spirits on earth. This ancient cellar contained single vintage Armagnac brandy spanning three centuries and dating all the way back to 1868. It had survived world wars, been hidden from invading armies, and had witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Its existence in the present day was nothing short of miraculous. Months of tense negotiation later, Bhakta bought the whole thing—and took the 1700’s château in the deal. He would revive that historic property too, he declared. And then, as if he hadn’t just made the biggest bet of his career, he doubled down: back in Vermont, he bought an entire college campus—the recently bankrupted Green Mountain College. He moved his young family to the President’s House. He moved his car collection to the gymnasium. And then he began moving his collection of ancient Armagnac into the college’s library, Griswold.

Curious to try the rarest, oldest spirits on earth? Go to bhaktaspirits.com to shop the collection and acquire an exquisite bottle to appreciate now (or to save for its financial appreciation later, as there is no rarer asset in the world of spirits.

PLACID BAY HOTEL

Reconnecting with nature for a magical week-end

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Welcoming guests for more than 40 years, Placid Bay Hotel effortlessly combines a modern Scandinavian design aesthetic with the outdoor retreat experience the Adirondacks are known for, with spacious rooms and cottages on Lake Placid. But you’ll never have to compromise on staying connected; our hotel is the first smart hotel in Lake Placid, with plenty of hightech features and modern amenities, from the high-definition TV to the keyless check-in. And at our matchless location, you’ll stay near Main Street, top outdoor attractions, and coveted destinations in the heart of upstate New York.

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Clean design, contemporary style, sophisticated boutique hotel vibes and connection with nature, the Placid Bay hotel is a wonderful surprise in a world of bland hotels and soulless chains. The design team and the management team have obviously worked well together to deliver a wonderful property. But let’s talk about the most important thing: the quality of the service. Because it’s not just good, it’s stellar.

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A morning Kayak adventure seems mandatory to start the day.

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Fiorella Papini General Manager

“I want to specially thank Fiorella Papini for the outstanding, above and beyond service she warmly provided as the General Manager of the Placid Bay hotel. Her kindness and professionalism are a model for the Hospitality Industry and should inspire every hotel Manager.”

-PG

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Jo Papini General Manager

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Agney Housekeeping Manager

Jessica

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Alyssa Keener Housekeeper

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PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Amazing experiences await nearby!

The Placid Bay Hotel is a basecamp for genuine adventures.

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

Don’t miss the Cobble Hill trail for a perfect afternoon!

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

PHOTO: PIERRE GERVOIS

This view of the lake never gets old.

DISCOVER HASIDIC BROOKLYN

Welcome! I’m a New York City tour guide with a passion for understanding societies. I specialize in the Hasidic world of my roots. Join me for an unforgettable walking tour and learn about NYC’s Jewish Hasidic community.

gifts

A curated selection of physical objects of interest, some of them might give additional social status, some others are just beautiful and/or useful.

DAROM BY YATIR

DAROM is a new brand from the renowned Yatir Winery, developed by its respected and talented winemaker Eran Goldwasser. He has been producing award winning and coveted wines for Yatir for more than 20 years in Israel. DAROM holds its own, with distinct flavors, characterized by refreshing, accessible grapes based on beloved and familiar varieties from select vineyards in the south.

PETE AND PEDRO DEODORANT

The most badass natural, aluminum-free, fresh eucalyptus and spearmint deodorant on the planet will keep your pits fresh and irritation-free all day long!

GROOMING LOUNGE

Grooming Lounge is your onestop shop for the finest selection of upscale men’s grooming products.

BUZZ TEA

Sip the classic, original Buzz Tea. Brewed from organic black tea and blended with Argentinian leaves.

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE WHISKEY

This whiskey looks delicious and is delicious. Perfect to sip with ice cubes while binge-watching your favorite TV show.

STONE

BY MERCER

Stone by Mercer Project is thoughtfully crafted, the collections embrace natural forms and boast irregular outer surfaces that you wouldn’t typically find in dinnerware, adding an amazingly artistic and pleasing touch. Currently available on Amazon and launching with the detail collection, the uniqueness of this set comes from the reactive glaze that gives each piece its own individual look. Various tones of color can be found within the same set as a result of the glaze's reaction to the firing heat. No dish is exactly alike, enhancing the feeling of exclusivity. Nachum's work is motivated by his belief in human equality; he considers everyone to be equal and entitled to the freedom to live the life they choose. The organic shapes, tactile cues, and hand carved inspirational notes are all evidence of human touch, and illustrate his process. Each carving and irregularity respects the simplicity of organic forms. We honor the importance that stoneware bears in our everyday lives, bringing people together at the dining table.

Exquisitely designed and affordably priced, Stone+Lain dinnerware beautifies a table and enhances every culinary experience, one plate, one bowl, one dish at a time. More than just dishware, they craft experiences out of porcelain, china, and stone. Stone+Lain believes that a formal or casual table moment should be priceless, not pricey. From dreamy marbled designs to sleek minimalist motifs, Stone+Lain appeals to all personal preferences with a vast array of unique and eyecatching settings. Porcelain, stoneware, bone china...they are the destination for tableware.