Davidsons FW19

FALL FASHIONS FORMAL EDUCATION

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STYLE

4 HAUTE HOTELS COOL COGNACS THE FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO

FORMAL EDUCATION A PERFECT TUX 4 HAUTE HOTELS GET OVERHAULS FERRARI FUSION MIXING OLD WITH NEW

BALTIMORE’S IVY LEAGUER

LODGE LIVING

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make your getaway in the season’s hottest looks

FALL/WINTER 2019

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CONTENTS f/w 2019

FEATURES formal education | 24 It’s a fact that any man looks good in a tuxedo— as long as it’s the right one, of course. Consider these head-to-toe tips to find the perfect look for your next special occasion.

precious stone | 36 Sexy, husky-voiced Emma Stone, just three decades old, has shown amazing range and conviction as a performer, proving that she’s a gem.

six degrees of cognac | 38 Why is this spirit so hip? Exacting production and ageing standards tell part of the tale.

the stew of mexico | 42 Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike.

DEPARTMENTS Memo | 2 This season, Davidsons is full of spectacular color and inviting styling to enhance your fall and winter adventures.

The davidsons Guide | 5

lodge living

Sustainable style…a rustic retreat…clothes for tweens and teens…and more.

Essentials | 10 You’ll look sharp in the season’s must-have shoes, sweaters, jeans and more.

AUTO | 16 The F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s chart-topping tech.

TRAVEL | 18 Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four. They’ve remade themselves—with exciting results.

room key | 46 Baltimore’s coziest luxe hotel, The Ivy, part of the Relais & Châteaux “family,” feels homey in a way that home itself can’t quite match.

It’s easy to enjoy a serious meeting, a festive event and a colorful fall season when you look your best at the Mountain Lake Lodge.

p.

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grape | 44

gadgets | 48

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Sportcoat by Hickey Freeman, dress shirt by David Donahue, pocket square by Peter Millar, textured stretch dress pants by Ballin, belt by Martin Dingman

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These high-tech toys might not be a true necessity, but need-schmeed—we want ’em!

ON THE COVER:

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Once typecast as plebeian and fish-friendly, this varietal now shows unsuspected depth and versatility.

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MEMO DAVIDSONSCLOTHING.COM

A Wonderful Time for Our Region!

DOWNTOWN ROANOKE 412 SOUTH JEFFERSON STREET ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 540.343.3734 MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. GRAND PAVILION 4235 ELECTRIC ROAD ROANOKE, VIRGINIA 540.774.1644 MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. (OPEN UNTIL 7 P.M. ON THURSDAYS) SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. Editor-in-chief RITA GUARNA Art Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO senior Editor DARIA MEOLI senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS lifestyle Editor HALEY LONGMAN Editorial assistant GIANNA BARONE Art director VICTORIA BEALL contributing editors HARRY DOWDEN, JOSH SENS Contributing Photographers DAVID HUNGATE, DAN SPRINGSTON

sneak peek or just enjoy the day, Mountain Lake Lodge What a beautiful environment we enjoy. has plenty to offer. For more information, This time of year, we are surrounded by the visit mtnlakelodge.com or call 540.626.7121. changing colors of fall in every direction.

Regardless of how you plan to spend your There is no better destination to appreciate getaway, Davidsons will help you to dress our natural assets than Mountain Lake with elegance, comfort and style. Choose Lodge in nearby Pembroke. a serious suit to highlight your leadership Whether you are planning a serious or a velvet dinner jacket for a late wedding business meeting, a celebratory event or reception that you can team with jeans for just looking for a place to relax and unplug, smooth in suede a New Year’s Eve party. The right vest can Mountain Lake Lodge has it all. From p. 10 offer just enough warmth with freedom nature walks to pristine overlooks, zip-lining of movement. The sportcoat can be outerwear or a through the tree tops, shooting clays with a certified sophisticated casual look. When temperatures drop, instructor or just sitting on the veranda taking advantage of the bird sanctuary, there is something for try a classic tweed topcoat for dress or casual.

This season, Davidsons is full of spectacular everyone. Cozy up next to the fireplace in the Stony color and inviting styling to enhance your fall and Creek Tavern in the early evening having a specialty winter adventures. Turn to page 26 to see some of cocktail or a local craft beer. You can also experience our favorite looks, then visit us in store to pick out the a sumptuous dinner at the Harvest restaurant, a true pieces you love. We look forward to seeing you soon. farm-to-table meal. Whether you spend the weekend

PUBLISHING STAFF group Publisher SHAE MARCUS National Brand Manager MONICA DELLI SANTI account executive JESSICA SALERNO Director of Production and Circulation STEVE SANBORN Advertising Services director JACQUELYNN FISCHER graphic designer, ad services VIOLETA MULAJ Production/Art Associate CHRIS FERRANTE Accounting AGNES ALVES, MEGAN FRANK, RANDY TASHJIAN PUBLISHED BY Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents SHAE MARCUS, CARL OLSEN Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, RITA GUARNA DAVIDSONS Magazine is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with

Larry Davidson

Davidsons. Copyright © 2019 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contributions: Write to: Editor, DAVIDSONS, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.782.5730; email rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions.

Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription,

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write to: Subscriptions, DAVIDSONS Circulation

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Department, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email steve.sanborn@wainscotmedia.com.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.

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Now Available at

1324 Grandin Road, Roanoke | 14805 Forest Road, Forest ReidsFurnishings.com

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THE

DAVIDSONS GUIDE STYLE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Davidsons is proud to partner with manufacturers who care deeply about the environment and its sustainability. Several of our vendors mandate sustainable practices be used in the manufacturing of their clothing. Here are brands we are proud to offer in our stores:

We are very excited to introduce Tretorn raincoats this fall at both of our Roanoke stores. Made in Sweden from recycled fabric and material (old fishing nets, for example), the outerwear is clothing you will feel good about wearing. Each raincoat includes the brand’s story, as seen below.

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THE DAVIDSONS GUIDE A PAW-SITIVE EXPERIENCE With cold weather around the corner, it’s time to put away the linen shirts and move your parkas and puffers back into the wardrobe rotation. Sure, you’ll be prepared for whatever winter has in store, but what can you do to ensure the comfort of your furry friends?

Unlike your Barbour or Peter Millar toppers, the natural coats of most dog and cat breeds lose resiliency when the temps drop. Here are some tips that will help you and Fido enjoy winter.

Know their limits. Most vets agree that America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever, should be kept indoors when the mercury dips below freezing.

Owners of smaller animals should be more cautious.

Of course, pups like Siberian huskies and St. Bernards thrive in the cold, but even they shouldn’t be kept outdoors too long.

Feet first. You wouldn’t step outside without proper footwear, so make sure you take care of your animals’ paws. Keep them clean and free of ice and melting agents like driveway salt. All-weather booties offer protection from the elements (and make for great Instagram posts). Also consider applying a moisturizer like ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment to keep paw pads soft, smooth and crack-free.

Play dress up. Cats and dogs with lighter layers of fur should be covered in the cold, whether they wear

sweaters or are wrapped in blankets. While wool is very warm, think wool/cotton blend or acrylic so washing the garment doesn’t become a chore for you. And be certain it’s the right fit—a loose-fitting sweater can pick up dirt and moisture if it’s dragging on the ground (and it’s easier for chewy teeth to damage).

Keep moving. Good old body heat can keep you warm on a brisk day, and the same is true for your pets.

Invest in some durable toys so outdoor exercise routines can continue in fall—they’ll also come in handy and keep finicky doggos and kitties entertained when the weather is too frightful to venture outside.

The heat is on. If you’re caring for a cat, you know he/she loves a good radiator. But it’s important to never give a household pet direct access to heat sources like a fireplace or space heater, as they can snuggle too close and burn themselves.

Other things to consider: For canines—Keep snow mounds low in fenced-in areas to reduce the possibility of escape; go for walks during daylight for warmth and extra vitamin D. For felines—Keep cats out of the garage, where substances like anti-freeze have an attractive scent but are poisonous if ingested; always tap on car hoods and wheel wells, both of which are common kitty hiding places because of their heat; set up indoor litter boxes for cats that take care of business outdoors.

THE A–Z LIST

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Davidsons features dozens of the world’s finest designer brands under one roof. See if you don’t find your favorites in the list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.

34 HERITAGE ALLEN EDMONDS BALLIN INTERNATIONAL BARBOUR BERLE BILLS KHAKIS BRACKISH BRAX BYFORD SOCKS COLE HAAN DAVID DONAHUE DKNY EMANUEL BERG EYEBOBS FAHERTY FLYNT GITMAN BROS. HART SCHAFFNER & MARX HICKEY FREEMAN JZ RICHARDS JOHNSTON MURPHY LUCCHESE BOOTS MARTIN DINGMAN MEASURE UP CUSTOM SHIRTS MICHAEL KORS OXXFORD PETER MILLAR PSYCHO BUNNY R. HANAUER ROBERT JENSEN NECKWEAR SAXX UNDERWEAR SOUTHWICK STRONG SUIT TOMMY BAHAMA TRASK W. KLEINBERG BARBOUR

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DRY SKIN? CHILL OUT You worked hard all summer to maintain the perfect tan, but good skin care shouldn’t stop now. The cool, dry air of winter tends to pull moisture away from your skin, leaving it flaky and scaly. Sure, you can cover up, but ignoring dry skin can lead to unsightly cracking and bleeding or trigger conditions like eczema. So what can you do to survive winter? Chill out and follow these simple tips.

Shower power. Long, hot showers might feel great when it’s cold out but they can remove the essential oils that protect your skin from dryness. Try a lukewarm, 10-minute shower instead.

Suds up. Use a natural, moisturizing soap or a non-soap option, like Cetaphil, to clean extremely dry skin, the University of Iowa’s Department of Dermatology recommends. And trust your handiwork: Lather up using your hands instead of a loofah or washcloth

(both of which have abrasive textures that can damage dry skin).

Get a pat down. Gently pat—don’t rub—your wet skin with a towel until the moisture is absorbed. You may think the extra rubbing will brush flakes from your body, but the friction could cause more irritation.

The right stuff. It’s important to apply a moisturizing lotion after every shower and while your skin is still damp. Products that contain ceramides, a type of fatty acid, work best because they help fill cracks in the outer layer of the skin, according to studies from the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Face time. Don’t forget to apply a proper moisturizer to your face. Heavy body moisturizers can clog pores; a lightweight facial moisturizer will relieve dry skin and can have anti-aging and anti-acne properties.

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For details call our LASIK coordinator

540.389.2020

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THE DAVIDSONS GUIDE DAVIDSONS WILL DRESS YOU AND YOUR YOUNG MAN

Fashion is a family affair at Davidsons. When Joe Davidson arrived in the U.S. from Lithuania around 1900, he began outfitting Virginia’s gentlemen with the world’s top garments in the most up-to-date styles. More than a century later, his grandson Larry continues that tradition and has expanded to dress gentlemen of all ages! Davidsons now offers high-end clothing for young men and boys—from suits and blazers, to trousers and khakis, to shirts and ties. Remember, if you can’t find the right fit, our experts will give your young man the same attention we give you. Father-son day? A family wedding or birthday party?

Davidsons has your little guy (and you!) covered for all the special occasions when he needs to shine like the rest of the family.

A RUSTIC RETREAT

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ASK MR. ETIQUETTE

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Larry Davidson explains how to sail through life without giving offense.

A party invite suggests “cocktail attire.” What does that mean?

—Rattled in Roanoke Your host is saying, “Get out of the business suit, lighten up and let’s have some fun.” That means no tie! A sportcoat, however, is a must—paired with an exciting shirt and a great pocket square.

Depending on the occasion, where the party is being held and what your spouse is wearing, jeans can be appropriate. Trousers will certainly give you a dressier look.

And of course the accessories are key—shoes should be less serious, the belt should work with the shoes. Last but not least, make a splash with your socks. It shows a little more character when you’re kicking back with a cocktail.

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Whether you’re in need of a getaway or just want to soak up the season, Mountain Lake Lodge (115 Hotel Cir., Pembroke, 540.626.7121, mtnlakelodge.com) is the ultimate retreat.

Situated in the middle of a 2,600-acre nature preserve within the Appalachian Mountains, the resort boasts cozy cottages along the lake, making it the ideal venue for weddings, business events and weekend escapes. Visit this fall and soak up the fresh air, dine on gourmet fare and enjoy an array of activities, including the upcoming events below.

Oct. 25–27: A Weekend with The Polka Brothers, featuring German beer and buffet Nov. 27–30: Thanksgiving package, including activities for the entire family Dec. 20–30: Warmth of the Holidays package—start a new family tradition this year Dec. 31: NYE Roaring 1920’s theme party

WARM UP TO A HOT TODDY

Everyone loves a mojito or Aperol spritz, but those drinks are so summer. Fall/winter is back in fashion, and ’tis the season for the hot toddy. Whether you’re in the mood for a nightcap or a cocktail to sip while cozying up to a fire, this drink will warm the body and soothe the heart. Never had one? Here’s an easyto-follow, surefire recipe from The Bourbon Bible (Mitchell Beazley, $20), a collection of recipes curated by Eric Zandona, a spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute. Cheers!

Ingredients n 2 fl. oz. bourbon n 1½ fl. oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed n 4 fl. oz. hot water n 1 tsp. honey n 1 lemon wedge, for garnish n 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish Directions n Add all the ingredients to a mug, coffee cup or glass cup with a handle and stir to dissolve the honey. n Garnish with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick, if desired.

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ESSENTIALS

SUEDE SENSATION

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Treat yourself to comfort and style with fall’s softest lace-ups, loafers and belts.

Clockwise from top right: chukka by Trask, tassel loafer and penny driver by Nettleton, belt by W. Kleinberg, microprint penny loafer

by Martin Dingman, lace-up cap toe by Nettleton.

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A GIFT FOR YOU Davidsons Fall Classic And Contemporary Fashions.

$100 OFF Any suit or sport coat (or blazer) and pant combination.

From our current selection of Fall styles. Good through Saturday, October 19th, 2019.

Davidsons Downtown and Grand Pavilion.

Must present this coupon.

Excludes Custom Clothing and merchandise on sale.

412 S. Jefferson St., Downtown Roanoke | 540.343.3734 Grand Pavilion, Near Tanglewood | 540.774.1644 DAV I D S O N S C L O T H I N G . C O M

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ESSENTIALS

ROCK ON!

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Update your casual look with these versatile must-haves for fall.

Reversible fl ipsider half-zip sweaters by Tommy Bahama, fi vepocket plaid jeans by 34 Heritage, belt by W. Kleinberg.

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made for mischief

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ESSENTIALS

BACK IN BLACK

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Wisbech Gilet vest, scarf, wash bag, umbrella and cap by Barbour.

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S H O E S O F WO RT H

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FERRARI’S HOTTEST

F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s chart-topping tech. By Darius Amos As if we needed another reason to sing the praises of Ferrari, the iconic Italian carmaker has rolled out yet another head turner. Gone from its lineup of speed demons is the 488, replaced triumphantly with the F8 Tributo. It’s easily the new flagship for the legendary brand, whose lineage includes some of history’s most recognizable and quintessential sportscars. (The Testarossa and 308 GTS come to mind.) And it pays tribute to many of its Ferrari ancestors, borrowing design elements from the F40 and the Pista.

Performance, however, is all its own. The Tributo is muscled by a 710-horsepower V-8, the highest output ever for a Ferrari equipped with that engine size. Engineers say it can reach a top speed of 211 miles per hour and finish a 0-to-62 dash in 2.9 seconds, two stats aided by top-of-class aerodynamics. The Tributo, which has an estimated price tag of $350,000, has sexy curves, like many Ferrari models and unlike the aggressive lines found on competitors like the Lamborghini Huracán and McLaren 720S. Though styling has always been the company’s forte, Ferrari has never needed sex to sell.

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One of the Tributo’s front-end features is the air intake system. Left and right vents provide cooling for the brakes and wheel arches, which naturally heat when drivers have the need for speed.

Boosting the car’s aerodynamics begins front and center. The S-Duct was specially designed to expel high pressure flow from the central bumper by deflecting it upward through the hood bonnet. Highway driving has never been this fun (or fast).

A 7-inch touchscreen is mounted in front of the passenger, giving the co-pilot a clear view of the car’s vitals and command of the infotainment system, climate controls and more.

Drivers, after all, can’t have all the fun.

Twin LED displays flank a central tachometer on the driver’s instrumentation cluster.

The screens show everything from the car’s gear selection to satellite radio stations so the driver’s head (and racecar focus) rarely has to shift.

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While you can select a variety of wheels, the optional starburst design is an aggressive twist on the classic five-spoke rim. The focal point of the wheel, of course, is Ferrari’s prancing horse on a field of yellow.

You can not only feel the power of the Tributo’s 710-horsepower engine, but also see it in action (unless you’re driving, of course).

Ferrari’s engine-underglass bodywork offers a full view of the midmounted V-8.

Maybe you’d like to forget 1980s fashion, but the Tributo’s louvered rear window (a throwback to Ferrari’s legendary F40 of the late ’80s and early ’90s) is a style from that bygone era that Ferrari brings back with pride.

Rearview highlights include the return of Ferrari’s twin tail light cluster—a throwback to the brand’s old 308 models—and a lightweight carbon-fiber spoiler that doesn’t add many pounds but still lowers the car’s center of gravity.

FALL/WINTER 2019

Ferrari debuts its new steering wheel in the Tributo. The design features a flat bottom for added comfort and convenience and more on-wheel controls such as a push-button start and paddle shifters.

Steering-column stalks are clearly things of the past.

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What a comeback!

Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four.

They’ve remade themselves—with exciting results.

FALL/WINTER 2019

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We admit it: It can be fun to visit an old dowager of a hotel, one whose genteel worn carpets whisper that it’s still trading on a reputation from decades ago. But how much more exciting to stay at an old place that has made itself dramatically new, so that a location full of great yesterdays—and great scenery—can also offer the ultimate hospitality of today.

When we say the famous hotels on the following pages have recently been renovated, we don’t mean a repainted lobby here and a new sprinkler system there. We mean they’ve been stripped bare, reimagined, reconfigured, redesigned and studded with state-of-theart amenities to more than delight the luxury traveler with the most demanding 2020 foresight. Depending on what continent you’re headed to, might one of them be on your itinerary soon?

CONTINUED...

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BELMOND CAP JULUCA, Anguilla, Caribbean

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Since it opened in 1988, this hotel, a cluster of Greco-Moorish-style villas, has been classed among the top upscale accommodations on this popular Caribbean island. A-listers such as Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson have been among its loyalists, booking their favorite villas year after year. But in 2017, when the hotel was acquired by luxury leisure company Belmond, it was long overdue for an update, especially after Hurricane Irma destroyed everything at the resort except a few villas. So in late 2018, the establishment reopened as the Belmond Cap Juluca, with two new restaurants, revamped guest accommodations, an upscale spa and a whole new aesthetic inspired by Moroccan design and architecture.

Change is apparent with one’s first steps into the indoor/outdoor lobby, as crisp white linens, wicker chairs and an eye-catching chandelier replace the former Arabian-style décor. Guest rooms and suites boast handmade tiles underfoot, sprawling bathroom suites and unique accents that show immaculate attention to detail, such as tassels hung on the doors instead of donot-disturb signs. The cuisine here makes hunger a blessing—as an excuse to indulge. Grab an Italian meal on the waterfront at the new Cip’s by Cipriani, or savor Anguilla-European fusion at the revamped Pimms restaurant.

What remains largely unchanged post-reno is the unparalleled staff attention—your stay comes with 24-hour butler service, with one staff member for every two guests.

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t leave this resort without at least one ride in the Belmond Buggy, a leather-seated, air-conditioned joy-ride vehicle reminiscent of Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine.

RATES: Rooms begin at $675 a night.

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THE OBEROI, New Delhi, India

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It’s appropriate that the capital of India is home to what was once known as the nation’s fanciest hotel; now it’s new and improved after 50 years in business.

Shortly after its half-century birthday, management of the iconic Oberoi, New Delhi went through a mid-life crisis of sorts, feeling that the hotel was outdated, and hoping to reinvent it with a more modern, relevant vibe that still spoke to its upscale clientele. Just shy of two years after construction began in 2016, Oberoi, New Delhi reopened, revealing a sleek, $100 million refurbishment inspired by the late Sir Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi architecture.

And what a reveal it’s been. All 220 guest rooms including 34 suites have been enlarged and outfitted with luxury amenities such as Italian marble bathrooms, teak floors and large picture windows. Natural light now hits just about everywhere, and 40 air filters were installed throughout the hotel to provide the cleanest, freshest, healthiest air in this heavily polluted city.

Updated dining and imbibing options were added to the offerings too; the Oberoi hired two Michelin-starred chefs to run Omya and Baoshuan, the hotel’s Indian and Chinese eateries, respectively, and introduced the new rooftop bar Cirrus 9, where guests can sip mixed drinks while looking out on Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one side and the Delhi Golf Course, India’s oldest, on the other. A hotel’s interior may change for the better, but the view outside? Nobody’s going to mess with perfection.

INSIDER’S TIP: If you’re hankering for a smoke, head over to The Club Bar and Cigar Lounge, the latter of which is attached to The Oberoi, New Delhi’s bar and offers personal cigar lockers (and yes, the air purification thing applies here too).

RATES: Summer prices start at $220 a night; winter stays go for around $290.

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THE FIFE ARMS, Braemar, Scotland

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Credited with “Scotland’s most exciting hotel opening of 2019” by Conde Nast Traveler, The Fife Arms has a lot of hype to live up to. The 19th-century hunting lodge with a many-gabled Victorian façade has always been architecturally special, befitting a facility 15 miles down the road from the royals’ Balmoral Castle. But for years it was underwhelming—a Financial Times writer recalled a sign warning of a leaky ceiling, next to which, sure enough, “a plastic bucket collected the rhythmic drops of water.” Well, forget all that! In December 2014, A-list art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth purchased the property, then closed it for four years of renovations, eventually opening its doors in late 2018 to rave reviews.

Located in Braemar, a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, The Fife Arms underwent the overhaul of all overhauls; the renovation involved transforming 80 guest rooms into 46 more spacious ones and adding a spa, a garden and a bar, among other luxury amenities. But perhaps the biggest undertaking was imbuing artful touches into every room, including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud and Queen Victoria. Antique furnishings and period wallpaper adorn the guest suites, and if you wander into a particular ill-lit corner you’ll stumble upon Victoria herself—in wax.

Fife Arms’ eating establishments are Scotland through-and-through as well, from its neighborhood bar The Flying Stag to The Clunie Dining Room and the art deco bar Elsa’s, inspired by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, a frequent visitor to Braemer.

INSIDER’S TIP: This hotel is dog-friendly; the Wirths have blocked off several rooms for guests to stay in with their furry friends.

RATES: Rooms start at $325 per night.

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HOTEL LUTETIA, Paris, France

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FALL/WINTER 2019

Making over a century-old art deco hotel in the heart of Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood is quite an undertaking. That’s especially true when it’s the iconic Left Bank hostelry Picasso lived in for a short while in the 1930s, where author James Joyce allegedly wrote a portion of Ulysses, where rooms housed Nazi officers during World War II. But architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte was up to the challenge, undertaking a four-year, $234 million renovation on Hotel Lutetia—the first renovation in its 100-year history—that concluded in 2018 and maintains the spirit of the original Lutetia while appealing to the 21st century traveler.

Just what was involved in such a venture? Turning 233 pre-existing guest rooms into 184 larger ones, building a new courtyard, installing custom-built 19th century-style furniture and adding natural light to windowed bathrooms and common areas, among other things.

The food and drink options have been improved upon too, with seafood expert and three-Michelin-starred chef Gérald Passédat at the helm of Brasserie Lutetia. Guests and locals can also enjoy a memorable meal at Le Saint-Germain Restaurant or the more casual L’Orangerie, or grab a creatively mixed cocktail at Bar Aristide or Bar Josephine, the latter named for French starlet Josephine Baker, who frequented the original bar.

INSIDER’S TIP: Complete your experience at Lutetia by booking a treatment or taking a fitness class at the brand-new Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre. A 55-foot swimming pool drenched in natural light and an infinity-edge hot tub are among this luxurious spa’s many standout features.

RATES: Stays begin at about $985 per night.

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JACKET CUT Try a modern fit for a fashion-forward and flattering silhouette.

This style is trimmer through the chest and shoulder than a traditional-cut jacket and it’s still black-tie appropriate.

JACKET SHOULDER The same rules for your sportcoats and suit jackets apply: The padding of the tuxedo jacket should not extend beyond the tip of your shoulders. If it does, the garment is too big.

JACKET LAPEL Wear a silk-faced peak lapel for highly formal occasions and a rounded shawl style when you want to soften your look. A notch lapel is versatile but the least formal for a tuxedo.

SHIRT FRONT A smooth bib-front shirt, perhaps in a pique fabric with room for studs, is a classic look. A shirt with no placket and concealed buttons is clean, while a pleated front worn with studs adds textural interest.

SHIRT COLLAR The best bet for the most formal occasion is the wing, a stand-up collar with downward points. For a more contemporary look, the mandarin and wide spread collar (ideal if you’re wearing a necktie instead of bow tie) are great options.

TUXEDO DETAILS

| DAVIDSONS

FORMAL EDUCATION It’s a fact that any man looks good in a tuxedo—as long as it’s the right one, of course.

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SHOES Patent loafers and oxfords are a surefire hit for the most formal events. Keep it low key by choosing the styles in suede or polished leather.

PANT LEG LENGTH See your tailor ASAP if your pants are bunching at the ankles (or showing them).

Trousers should have half or no break. The half break is standard, showing a slight dent where the hem rests on the top of the shoe.

PANT LEG WIDTH The way the fabric drapes is key: Anything too tight will create wrinkles, while too much material will appear baggy. Find a cut that’s flattering to your waist, thighs and calves.

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JACKET LENGTH Most guys can follow these easy guides: Your jacket should cover your backside and, with your arms at your side, the piece should end between your thumb’s knuckle and base. Of course, if you’re an NBA center, we’ll work with you.

e.

JACKET SLEEVE LENGTH The jacket sleeve should show about a half-inch of the shirt cuff—just enough for others to see your cufflinks.

appropriate.

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Consider these head-to-toe tips to find the perfect look for your next special occasion.

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lodge living It’s easy to enjoy a serious meeting, a festive event and a colorful fall season when you look your best at the Mountain Lake Lodge.

Photography by David Hungate Shot on location at Mountain Lake Lodge, Pembroke, Va.

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Suit by Hickey Freeman, dress shirt by David Donahue, tie and pocket square by JZ Richards.

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This page: sportcoat by Hickey Freeman, shirt by David Donahue, pocket square by Peter Millar, textured stretch dress pants by Ballin. Opposite page: Harris tweed sportcoat by Harmony, vest, shirt, pocket square and fleece denim pants by Peter Millar.

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FALL/WINTER 2019

This page: suede vest and plaid shirt by Peter Millar, two-tone textured five-pocket pants by Brax.

Opposite page: top coat

by Southwick, vest and plaid shirt by Peter Millar, two-tone textured fivepocket pants by Brax.

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| DAVIDSONS

This page: mixed yarn sportcoat by Q by Flynt, fisherman sweater by Peregrine. Opposite page: sportcoat by Hickey Freeman, vest, plaid shirt and pocket square by Peter Millar, two-tone textured five-pocket pants

by Brax.

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| DAVIDSONS

Left, elegant for formal: velvet dinner jacket and formal fly front shirt by Strong Suit. Inset, casual with jeans: dinner jacket and shirt by Strong Suit, pocket square by R. Hanauer, five-pocket cotton flannel pants by Peter Millar, belt by Martin Dingman.

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THE MUSE

Precious Stone

Sexy, husky-voiced redhaired Emma, just three decades old, has shown amazing range and conviction as a performer, proving that she’s a gem. By Haley Longman One look at actress Emma Stone and two things stand out: those stunning auburn locks and her large, green puppy-dog eyes. Hear her speak and you’ll instantly be charmed by her distinctively husky voice.

Then watch her grace the red carpet and it becomes obvious that Stone’s sense of style is fully worthy of those physical gifts.

The star, whose legal first name is Emily, grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a homemaker mom and a dad who was CEO of a general-contracting company. She’s spoken in many interviews of the panic attacks she suffered as a child, and, though therapy helped, her real salvation was performing in local theater. “My mom always says that I was born with my nerves outside of my body,” she told Elle magazine. “But I’m lucky for the anxiety, because it also makes me high-energy.”

And highly persuasive, perhaps? A PowerPoint presentation titled “Project Hollywood” convinced her parents to let her drop out of high school and pursue acting full-time in Los Angeles, where Emily became Emma. (An Emily Stone was already registered with the Screen Actors Guild.) But, like many young L.A.-bound whippersnappers, she faced years of rejection with failed TV pilots (such as on the competitive reality show In Search of the New Partridge Family) and not-so-great auditions (she lost out to Hayden Panettiere for the lead role in ABC’s Heroes).

By 2007, however, the 19-year-old had booked what became her big break: a supporting role as Jonah Hill’s love interest in the acclaimed coming-of-age comedy Superbad. The job offers began piling up; the budding starlet was cast in her first leading role in 2010’s teen comedy Easy A; she played a journalist in 2011’s Oscar-nominated The Help and was Ryan Gosling’s romantic partner for the first of three times so far in Crazy, Stupid Love that same year. She soon became Andrew Garfield’s on-screen girlfriend in The Amazing SpiderMan (and in real life too) along with its 2014 sequel before racking up a stunning three Academy Award nominations in four years: She was a contender for Best Supporting Actress for Birdman (2015) and for The Favourite (2018) and took home the statuette—for Best Actress this time—for 2016’s La La Land. In between the latter two was also

the critically overlooked Battle of the Sexes, for which Stone gained 15 pounds of muscle to accurately portray tennis champ Billie Jean King.

“Emma’s very modern, but there’s a timelessness to her, too,” La La Land writer and director Damien Chazelle has said, explaining why he cast the doe-eyed talent in her Oscar-winning role of Mia, an aspiring actress trying to make it in the City of Angels. (Her jazzpianist beau Sebastian was played by Gosling.)

Chazelle may as well have been talking about her sense of style.

Just as the Stone’s roles have grown increasingly notable, her sartorial choices have become more and more evolved. Nowadays, the style chameleon goes against the grain with unexpected looks on the red carpet, such as a show-stopping silk Louis Vuitton pantsuit or an elegant Chanel haute couture dress over ankle-length pants. But she is every bit as comfortable in a simple slip dress by Stella McCartney, or on the streets of New York in Madewell jeans and a tee. Her style has depth, much like her characters, and her bold fashion statements are representative of her all-around versatility.

Stone’s prowess on-screen and on the carpet—she even proved her theater chops with a stint in Cabaret on Broadway—is likely what snagged her her next big gig: Last year she became one of Louis Vuitton’s ambassadors and the star of its fall/winter 2018 handbag campaign. Endorsements weren’t new to her, though, as Stone was also the face of Revlon for a few years, joining with her mother, a breast-cancer survivor, to promote awareness of the disease.

“It’s true designers love her,” says Petra Flannery, her stylist for more than a decade. “But also Emma appreciates fashion from an artist’s point of view. Style is innate. It’s in her bones.”

Next up professionally for this self-deprecating but determined Alister are two film sequels; to the decade-old action flick Zombieland and the animated blockbuster The Croods. She’ll extend her range even more in 2020, playing a villain for the first time as the title character Cruella in Disney’s live-action remake of 101 Dalmatians.

One glance at Stone’s IMDb profile and it’s clear that her immediate professional future is well planned out. Beyond that, her high energy and great gifts promise decades of achievement to come.

| DAVIDSONS

Emma Stone has steadily ascended to the top of both the fashion world and the box office since her big break over a decade ago, often making the best dressed lists and starring as a range of diversified characters in blockbuster after blockbuster.

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SPIRITS

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SIX DEGREES OF COGNAC Why is this spirit so hip? Exacting production and ageing standards tell part of the tale. By Harry Dowden

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rime novelist Mickey Spillane had a ready reason why his fictional hero, detective Mike Hammer, so often drank beer: “Because I can’t spell cognac.” But today pop culture has discovered the spirit, orthography be damned. Cognac is one of the most popular sips among the most influential stars. Appreciating a fine glass of XO is a sure sign of sophistication and taste, and its authenticity and no-compromises production are a big part of its appeal.

Cognac is a complex beverage with a 500-year history and it takes its name from the area in southwest France where it is made under a set of strict guidelines. Brandies can be produced all over, but only those from Cognac itself may bear that moniker. Blends are composed of various eaux-de-vie (“waters of life”), twice copper-distilled wine (at least 90 percent Ugni Blanc varietal) that must age for a minimum of two years in oak (Limousin or Tronçais only, s’il vous plaît). The six blends on the following pages rest for much, much longer, however. A “young” cognac is still a delectable and smooth experience, but age brings the elixir to another level. Kick back with a snifter and the things you enjoy most in life—you may not be jet-setting in a G6 like some of cognac’s biggest fans, but you’ll feel on top of the world.

(A quick note on nomenclature: Until only last year, for a cognac to be deemed XO—extra old—required that the youngest blend component have remained in oak for six years. But that minimum was raised to 10 years—cognacs with threads below that aged now receive the Napoléon grade, the next one down.)

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SPIRITS

COURVOISIER XO

Beloved by iconic singer Rihanna, Louis XIII is one of the most exceptional cognacs available.

One hundred percent of the wines distilled for this blend are from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne cru, the premier subsection of six in the region whose harvests can be tapped for the beverage.

Each bottle of Louis XIII contains 1,200 blend components, meticulously sifted through and chosen. This is after only a “small” portion of eaux-de-vie are selected for the elusive path. The kicker? The cognac’s age makes a long-in-the-tooth 10-year XO minimum look like the blink of an eye.

The minimum age for a LXIII blend component is 40 years, and some threads surpass the centuryold mark.

The impressive age inspires a wide array of tasting notes, from the tropical to the earthy. The extended process has also lent the team a longterm vision that allows for careful consideration of processes, and an examination of our engagement with the passage of time. A collaborative effort with rapper and cognac connoisseur Pharrell Williams titled “100 Years” is both an homage to the lengthy creation process of the esteemed cognac and a plea to those who’d wish to pass on the tradition: a song, locked away, that will automatically release in 2117—if climate change and sea-level rise permit.

Recommended pairing: Barring dramatic medical advances, most of us won’t be able to hear what could be Mr. Williams’ magnum opus.

Instead, spin a copy of Random Access Memories from another of France’s fi nest exports, the electronic music duo Daft Punk. Their retro-futuristic sounds will lay the perfect backdrop for the waves of fl avor that a glass of Louis XIII offers.

A focus on techniques from the house of Courvoisier leads to an incredibly smooth product. Working closely with many growers across four crus, producers take pride every step of the way. That is refl ected not just in the distillate, but also in the oak that houses it. For both grape and wood, the process begins from the ground up.

Two-hundred-year-old oak is selected by in-house coopers, and staves are dried for three years before the barrels are complete. A year’s worth of grapes undergo primary fermentation before they are ready for cognac’s signature double distillation.

Sipping straight will be an immersive experience fi lled with big fl oral notes alongside caramel and dried citrus— think snacking on candied orange in a lush meadow. If you choose to mix it up a bit, Courvoisier recommends a classic sidecar: 5 parts cognac, 2 parts triple sec, 2 parts lemon juice, shaken well and strained.

Recommended pairing: Take a listen to mile-a-minute wordsmith Busta Rhymes’ early-aughts party hit, “Pass the Courvoisier Part II.” Pharrell Williams’s hook and his production as part of the Neptunes are just as smooth as the indelible beverage.

HENNESSY MARC NEWSOM Bold yet smooth, rich yet fi lled with subtleties, Hennessy has made a name as a luxury beverage of choice among creatives across different media. Arguably the fi rst to use the XO distinction, Henny, as it’s lovingly referred to, is an excellent sipper and all-around cognac.

Notably using only the Ugni Blanc varietal, each bottle of Hennessy XO comprises 100 blending components. This depth of composition has led to a specifi c set of seven fl avor notes that describe the journey through a pour of the elixir: Sweet Notes, Rising Heat, Spicy Edge, Flowing Flame, Chocolate Lull, Wood Crunches and Infi nite Echo. These notes were deemed so evocative that acclaimed director Ridley Scott was commissioned to compose a sci-fi tribute exploring each of the “Seven Worlds.”

The special Marc Newsom edition of the XO is another shining example of Hennessy’s collaborative spirit, showing a commitment to an aesthetic that prizes presentation alongside fl avor. The designer’s reworking of the distinctive decanter utilizes horizontal striations to visually highlight both glass and liquid, and creates a uniquely textured object that refl ects cognac’s many facets.

Recommended pairing: Savor a glass or two while watching Scott’s sci-fi watershed Blade Runner. Get your hands on 2007’s The Final Cut to appreciate the director’s true vision for the fi lm as you do the same with the work of Hennessy’s blenders.

| DAVIDSONS

LOUIS XIII

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SPIRITS

HARDY XO RARE

REMY MARTIN XO

In a landscape of limited edition blends, many of which focus on the design of the bottle itself, Hardy has to be hailed not just for excellent cognac but also for refined aesthetics. Founded in the region by an English ex-pat, the house takes influence not just from the spirit’s production, but from other sources of specifically French creativity.

Claiming a haute couture philosophy and decidedly feminine influences, Hardy produces cognac filtered through the lens of an atelier: Scents are cited as heavy stylistic influences, with tasting notes leaning toward the floral, and carafe designs explicitly influenced by bottles of fine perfume.

Early collaborations with the Cristallerie Daum studio have resulted in beautiful collectibles whose contents are as intoxicating as their containers. Recent works with the Lalique brand highlight the seasons, paying homage to the passage of time so crucial to cognac and the springlike bouquet it can offer.

Recommended pairing: Damozels & Deities is the most recent volume on 19th century stained glass from researcher William Waters and photographer Alastair Carow-Cox. Take in the beauty that glass working can achieve while savoring the bouquet of Hardy XO.

This is a classic take on the spirit and one that has showed immense staying power. The blend, with up to 400 components, is referred to as a Cognac Fine Champagne—its grapes sourced exclusively from vineyards in two of the region’s crus, Grande Champagne (50 percent+) and Petite Champagne. The particular soil’s terroir encourages the level of ripeness in the grapes that makes the wine well-suited for the 24-hour double distillation process.

The eaux-de-vie that are produced from the distillation processes each year can number in the thousands, but many will not meet the standards required for them to be set down for a transformation in oak.

Years later, we are finally able to taste the product of this patience, hard work and informed selection. A drop of water can open up the cognac and enhance some of the more subtle fruity and spicy aromatics, just as it does with a fine whisky.

Fatty cheeses and bold dark chocolates are among the great foods that pair well with cognac, but for its own XO, Rémy Martin recommends figs—a sweet treat that will bring out dried fruit flavors in the liquid that only time can develop.

If you want your cognac consumption to be a truly cinematic experience, check out the limited-edition XO packaging for the Cannes Film Festival. A pointillist take on the Rémy logo evokes the bright lights of a marquee and the flash of the paparazzi.

Recommended pairing: Kick back and take in the movie Port Authority, whose cast and crew made history voguing across the red carpet at Cannes. The film is a chronicle of romance in the NYC ballroom scene, whose traditions and uncompromising creativity will pair well with the warmth in your glass.

HINE ANTIQUE XO PREMIER CRU For more than 250 years, the house of Hine has patiently crafted fine cognacs. One of its main tenets is “finesse”—a word with deep history that has maintained relevance, much like cognac itself, and come to represent a certain sense of style and cool. So how does one finesse excellent cognac out of the soil? For Hine’s Antique XO, it means a blend of 40 distinct eaux-de-vies, crafted exclusively from Grande Champagne grapes, and an average component age of 20 years.

The producers cite Cyrano de Bergerac and acclaimed Bach pianist Glenn Gould as inspirations/accompaniments for the blend. As with other producers, there is a crossover of disciplines and lifestyles that inform the making of the cognac—a balance between savoir faire and joie de vivre, a commitment to technique, and of course, a bit of finesse. This blend has a wonderful spice character, lending a particular boldness that evokes Cyrano’s noted panache.

Recommended pairing: Light up a Macanudo Cru Royale while you savor a glass; the cigar’s bold yet balanced flavor will stand up to the cognac without overpowering it. The two powerhouses working together deliver maximum enjoyment.

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GOURMET

The stew of Mexico

Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. By Donna Rolando

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propelled posole on a journey beyond its homeland to growing popularity in the States, at restaurants in LA, Houston and San Diego, for example—and perhaps soon an eatery near you.

Just what is this dish that more and more Americans are putting on their culinary radar? The word originates with Nahuati, the language spoken by the Aztecs of pre-Hispanic Mexico, and may mean hominy (referring to the shelled, dried corn that is the star of this recipe). The large hominy kernels (cacahuazintle) are soaked (usually in water with lime) until they puff up; your taste buds can anticipate a chewy texture that smacks of corn tortilla. Other featured players are generally braised pork (for which chicken can be substituted—or, for a vegetarian dish, beans) and garlic.

So get your stockpot or track down a restaurant that serves posole, and discover why it’s becoming so popular in

the U.S. Chefs love how this recipe, with its humble foundation, is just right for customization. And talk about variety!

Among its many versions, posole comes in red, green and white—the colors of the Mexican flag. You won’t find any red or green salsas in the white version, while green can include tomatillo, cilantros or even jalapeños, and red relies more heavily on chiles like ancho. Then there’s the wide choice of toppings—everything from finely chopped onions, lettuce and radishes to avocado and lime—teamed up with tasty tostadas and crema.

It should perhaps be mentioned that the corn so basic to this stew had sacred significance to the Aztecs, who believed the gods made humans out of corn-meal dough. But there’s no need to dig that deep to discover why this is a cherished taste sensation. Feel free to experiment! After all, that’s what posole is all about.

While meat, peppers and other spices may vary, every bowl of posole is made with hominy—shelled, dried corn.

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ike treasured heirlooms handed down through generations, some recipes are prized for their constancy; chefs— even the home variety—follow them to the letter as though any change might break the culinary spell. (What would Grandma say?) But others are born with a wild streak, just begging for creativity.

Posole, Mexico’s national stew (or is it more of a soup?), is the second kind—simple, yet so appetizing it’s a favorite on special occasions such as New Year’s and Christmas. (Don’t be surprised, though, to see it pop up on ordinary days as well, because why wait?) Indeed, this robust recipe originating from native Mexican tribes has the right stuff to warm up body and soul in the winter and still be a hit in the summer sunshine—it knows no bounds.

It’s that anything-goes spirit—no two bowls are ever the same—that has

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GRAPE

The Verdicchio we didn’t know

Once typecast as plebeian and fish-friendly, this varietal now shows unsuspected depth and versatility. By Josh Sens

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Just as it’s unwise to judge a book by its cover, so is it unfair to judge a wine by its bottle. Consider the verdict on Verdicchio. For decades in the United States, the light, bright Italian white was widely associated with the glass container it frequently arrived in: a green, fish-shaped bottle, replete with fins and scales, a cork implanted in its gaping mouth.

The bottle was unmistakable, and it inspired assumptions. Consumers came to expect a pale-colored wine, high in acidity but low in nuance, with little about it that would stand in the way of the seafood with which it was most often served. As a general rule, their assumptions weren’t wrong.

Like wicker-bottle chianti, fishbottle Verdicchio was deemed an emblematic old-world-style table wine—inexpensive, easy-drinking, uncomplex. Not that there was anything wrong with that. But it also wasn’t all that Verdicchio could be.

“We knew that Verdicchio was capable of being so much more,” says Gianluca Garofoli of Garofoli winery in Italy. “But it had reached the point where the bottle was more famous than the wine inside.”

As a fifth-generation vintner in Le Marche (pronounced luh marKAY)—the eastern Italian region,

near the Adriatic Sea, that doubles as ground zero for Verdicchio production—Garofoli understood the roots of the varietal’s reputation. The name stems from “verde,” the Italian word for green, and true to its billing, most of the Verdicchio on the export market was bottled and consumed while it was young and green. It was wine for the people—not wine for sophisticates.

Never was Verdicchio allowed to age.

The Garofoli family envisioned something else. Verdicchio, they realized, was a varietal of vast, untapped potential. Its fruit could ripen quickly and give rise to subtle, structured wines that could age beautifully in the barrel and the bottle. Verdicchio could be much more than its dated stereotype— so long as you treated it respectfully.

In pursuit of their goal, the Garofolis began fine-tuning their approach.

They modified their farming practices, pruning vineyards to reduce yields and selecting only the choicest clones. At the same time, they began to experiment with aging techniques.

In 1981, the family broke starkly with convention, becoming the first major Verdicchio producer to abandon the green, fish-shaped amphora in favor of a Bordeaux-style bottle—a new look for a wine that was not the same-old Verdicchio. In 1986, the Garofolis

released their first Verdicchio “classico,” a lovely demonstration of the grape’s great promise. But the bigger watershed came in 1991, when the family unveiled Podium, an old-vine Verdicchio that was striking from the get-go but all the more remarkable as it matured.

“This is a Verdicchio that can age 10, 12, 15 years or even more,” Garofoli says. “It demonstrates how flexibile and sophisticated the varietal really is. We think of it as something like the Italian Chablis.”

In the years since, the Garofolis’ influence has rippled across the Marche, part of a growing wave that has helped elevate the profile of the region’s signature grape. The results are further evident in the work of such producers as Umani Ronchi and Villa Bucci, whose beautiful releases are a celebration of the varietal’s diverse strengths.

Showcasing the bright, refreshing notes that have long made Verdicchio foodfriendly, they are also wines of elegant body and intriguing flavor that grow only more compelling over time.

“The truth is, Verdicchio can be many things,” Garofoli says. “It’s still a wonderful table wine, good for everyday drinking. But it’s a lot more than the wine you might think you know, poured from a bottle shaped like a fish.”

Opposite page, clockwise from top: The Marche region in eastern Italy has produced Verdicchio wine grapes for centuries; producers like Villa Bucci celebrate Verdicchio’s strengths, including an elegant body and intriguing flavor; the Garofolis of the Garofoli winery: Gianfranco, Carlo, Beatrice, Gianluca and Caterina; most of the Verdicchio on the market was bottled when the grape was young and green; Umani Ronchi’s CaSal di Serra pairs well with seafood; by pruning vineyards and reducing the number of grapes, vintners like the Garofolis can select the best of the harvest.

TASTING NOTES Garofoli 2016 Podium Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, $26 A lush, golden color, with honeyed notes that give way to refreshing hints of ripe stone fruit. It’s delicious with salmon and halibut, but also a worthy pairing with grilled pork or roast chicken.

2016 Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio di Jesi Classico Superiore, $16 Medium-bodied, with a pleasing texture and sweet notes of cherry and nectarine. Try with fried calamari or garlicky shrimp.

Bucci 2016 Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi, $23 A full-bodied wine with a straw-yellow hue and perky flavors of apples and bitter almond. Enjoy with a pasta or shellfish risotto.

2016 Montecappone, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Ergo, $62 Smooth, delicate notes of almonds, peaches and apricots. Pair it with rich seafood such as salmon or halibut, but it also marries nicely with a roast pork loin.

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ROOM KEY

‘Charm City’ charmer

Baltimore’s coziest luxe hotel, The Ivy, part of the Relais & Châteaux “family,” feels homey in a way that home itself can’t quite match. By Rita Guarna

| DAVIDSONS

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ell friends you’re spending a weekend in Baltimore and they may wonder why you’re visiting the poor cousin of “richer” New York, Philly or D.C. But this historic city is full of delights for the visitor.

And if you hang your hat at The Ivy Hotel, you’ll feel like you’re visiting wealthy kin of your own.

The only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Maryland, this restored 1890s red-brick brownstone stands proud in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood and strikes the perfect balance when it comes to service: impeccable, yet discreet. Think of this as a relative’s country “house” in the city.

There is no check-in desk. Instead, a driver (yes, we were met and whisked to the hotel) drops you off at the entrance, where we were escorted through a small lower lobby into the elevator and up to the conservatory. There Simon, one of two concierges on call during our stay, greeted us and offered a glass of champagne and a tour of the property. (“Yes, please!”—on both counts.)

In the conservatory we were regaled with tales of the place. A beautifully restored piano, for example, belonged to the heirs of the original owners and is often used. From there, we ambled past the mansion bar, where guests are encouraged to pour their own classic cocktails (there are recipe books there too, should you need inspiration), then into the tea room, library and game room. The home—er, hotel—is full of antique furnishings, including an 1880s billiards table, Tiffany glass windows and vintage books in several nooks with oversize armchairs. A beautiful 1930s globe caught my attention, and it was only the promise of high tea that lured me away. Comfy velour couches, roaring fires and floor-to-ceiling

murals invited us to relax. And relax we did. Here it’s easy to revive the endangered art of conversation while munching on finger sandwiches and scones.

When I remarked to my companion that no one in the room appeared to be glued to his or her phone, one of the servers nearby smiled and said, “There’s no IT at high tea.” Indeed.

Sated, we climbed to the third floor to check out our suite—No. 9. The hotel offers 18 guest quarters: nine suites and nine rooms, ranging from 285 square feet to 985, each with a fireplace, an oversized bathroom and a one-of-a-kind armoire-cum-mini bar, designed by local art students. Our room featured a four-poster bed, a heated limestone floor in the bathroom, double vanities and a giant soaking tub. Everything in the mini bar, including local beers, wine and snacks (Old Bay chips, anyone?) is included in the hotel’s rate. So are afternoon tea, internet, on-demand movies, car service (within city limits) and breakfast.

It would have been easy to settle in and simply relax with a good book or two or three, but “Charm City” awaited. And did you know that in the mid19th century this—not Philadelphia, Boston or Chicago—was America’s second-largest city? Given the reputation of Baltimore (“Bawlmer,” if you speak the local dialect) as an important old-time port town, we decided to set sail on a boat tour courtesy of Art’s Cruises. Viewing the Inner Harbor from the waterside was fun, and we caught glimpses of Fort McHenry (where Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner”), the U.S.S. Constellation and the somewhat cheesy characters aboard a ship flying pirate flags. We opted to skip the National

Aquarium, one of the largest in the U.S., and instead, once back on land, visited the Baltimore Museum of Art. It houses the world’s largest collection of Matisse works in a public museum and a contemporary sculpture garden amid three landscaped acres.

Back “home,” we joined a group at a champagne soiree, the champagne paired with its classic 19th century companion: oysters. Executive Chef Mark Levy, a Briton formerly at the helm of the five-star The Point in the Adirondacks, yearned to keep his oysters ice-cold and wanted them passed around like other hors d’oeuvres. One member of his creative team fashioned a leather and steel contraption, and the roaming oyster bar was born, with a young man, Devon, shucking while chatting up guests.

Speaking of food, Levy serves up a varied menu for guests and locals alike at Magdalena, the hotel’s 75-seat bistro. Here you’ll find something for everyone: mac-and-cheese fritters for the ironic highbrow, a saddle of Colorado lamb and a caviar service for the hungry masses. There’s a nod to local fare with oysters, crabs (of course), cod and rockfish. We sat outside in a beautiful backyard courtyard, but other options included the wine cellar (the restaurant has an extensive wine and whiskey list), the treasury in the home’s former vault and an upper area with small booths.

Unlike dinner, breakfast is a guests-only affair, and it’s grand. Choose a made-to-order omelet or more elaborate eggs Benedict, waffles or the signature lemon soufflé pancakes. (They’re to die for.) With full bellies and promises to return, we bade concierge James a fond farewell as he summoned our driver.

If only visiting real family could be like this.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Suite Seven at The Ivy Hotel includes mirrored closet doors, a living room, two fireplaces and a bathroom with dual vanities, soaking tub and separate shower; original skylights, carved wood wainscoting and stained glass windows highlight the building’s three-story grand staircase; choose any seat in the living room, library or conservatory for afternoon tea; local seafood is abundant at Magdalena, the hotel’s 75-seat restaurant; visitors can enjoy morning coffee and evening cocktails in the inviting courtyard; guests are given concierge services and a personal driver.

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SLEEP ANYWHERE Comfort does not always have to come at the cost of efficient travel, and the Big Agnes Flume UL sleeping bag proves it. With a temperature rating of 30°F and a maximum weight of only 1.5 pounds, this bag is perfect for any trip in which packing light is a priority. Starting at $449.95

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Gadgets & Gear

A WISER WORKOUT The phrase “dumb kettlebell” might sound redundant, but a smart one does, in fact, exist.

The KettlebellConnect by JAXJOX can connect to your phone (via Bluetooth, of course) to track your progress and, with the push of a button, alter itself to weigh anywhere between 12 and 42 pounds. Talk about a smarter workout routine! $279

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UNWIND WITH A DRIVE Some stress-relief methods are more effective than others, but this one is essentially fool-proof.

That’s BodyFriend’s Lamborghini Massage Chair.

Immerse yourself in the spa-like experience of a full-body massage without ever leaving home. With completely customizable, remote-controlled settings and heart rate sensors that compute the ideal types of stimulation, this chair might literally be the height of luxury. $30,000

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These high-tech toys might not be a true necessity, but need-schmeed—we want ’em!

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD Three minutes of video gaming can be an effective workout—if you’re using STEALTH’s Core Trainer. With a foam armpad to optimize comfort and cleanliness and two free connectable gaming apps, this device makes working out quick, fun and challenging. Three “trainers” with varying intensity are available: the personal, professional and plankster trainers. $149–$299

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IT’S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE Looking for a personal ski coach for less than $200? The Rossignol & PIQ Wearable Ski Sport Tracker is a hassle-free device that attaches to your boot and imports data (speed, carve angles, jump heights, rotations and more) to your smartphone. It even generates a report detailing what you did well and which skills you could improve upon—just like a coach would do. $190

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GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER Grungy garage-born instrumentals are out, and smooth, technically proficient audio is in. Produce crisp sounds on the Roland TD-50KVX V-Drums set, a five-piece drum kit that blends electronic and acoustic beats. And you can march to the beat of your drum: Customize everything from the drum shell’s overtones to the cymbals’ thicknesses, and utilize 30 types of built-in sound effects. $8,000

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SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD IDEA Add style and reduce the clutter on your tabletop with the Symfonisk table lamp speaker. A joint product by Ikea and Sonos, the device boasts a sound output similar to the iconic Sonos One speaker. Highachieving in both aesthetic and audio quality, this product ushers in a new element of interior design: sound. $179

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