Levy's: Fall/Winter 2016

LEVY’S fall fashion art of charcuterie Mercedes-AMG GT S

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STYLE

F/W 2016

taylor swift

Cutting-edge charcuterie The power of pisco

power of pisco gadgets & Gear

mercedes’ road warrior the razor’s edge

fun for fall

Fall/winter 2016

Let Levy’s fill all your FASHION needs

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ednikow Jewelers has been named by Town & Country magazine as one of America’s Leading Independent Jewelers and is the only jeweler listed in Tennessee or Georgia. n Mednikow is pleased to bring its national reputation for the world’s most beautiful designer jewelry and finely crafted custom pieces, as well as a collection of important diamonds and gemstones to Nashville. n Throughout the year, the best and brightest jewelry designers, as well as new, emerging talents will be introduced at trunk shows. n Founded in 1891, Mednikow is a fifth-generation family-owned and Tennessee-based business.

The Nashville store is located at 2160 Bandywood Drive in Green Hills until Mednikow’s flagship store opens in late 2017 on Hillsboro Pike.

2160 Bandywood Drive, Nashville | 474 Perkins Extended, Memphis | 3384 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta

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“The most beautiful jewelry in Nashville”

Exceptional diamond rings in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold. Round, emerald cut, and vivid yellow Asscher.

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FALL/WINTER 2016

COLLECTION

AT ARDE MOTOR CARS

The most beautiful part of the fall is that Christmas is around the corner.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and New Year from Arde Motorcars

www.ArdeMotorcars.com

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contents F/W 2016

departments Memo | 10 What’s in store for fall at Levy’s.

The levy’s Guide | 13 Elegant Peserico clothing…Ask Mr. Etiquette…Hickey Freeman’s basted fittings…and more.

the techie | 18 A smart sleep mask? You didn’t know you wanted one…until now!

Grooming | 20 Rotating blades? Forget it. A wet shave—the way your grandfather did it—is a cut above the rest.

Essentials | 22 The best sartorial pairings, a cozy pullover and what to pack if you’re on the go.

features road warrior | 36 The Mercedes-AMG GT S has serious rock star presence that transcends its elegant design.

THE MUSE

TAYLOR SWIFT | 32

Sporting life | 46

Taylor Swift’s music—and muchcopied fashion sense—resonates with fans.

You may not think Spain and skiing go together, but Baqueira-Beret in the Pyrenees will make you think again.

Levy’s stories | 49 Six loyal customers explain what makes a trip to Levy’s so unforgettable.

the art of charcuterie | 54 For enthusiasts of this newly resurgent cooking style the meat is cured, but not the addiction.

Have fun this fall Stay warm—and stylish—with sartorial choices from Levy’s.

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spirits | 58 It was popular during the Gold Rush, and now pisco is enlivening cocktails across the country.

events | 62 Levy’s showcases Eleventy at Nashville Fashion Week.

in good company | 63 A farewell to longtime Levy’s sales pro Harry Webster.

music | 64 These singer-songwriters draw you into their realms of heartache and exaltation.

On the cover: On him, grey coat and grey shirt, both by Eleventy, brown knit tie by Italo Ferretti, pants by Ermenegildo Zegna, belt by Anderson, travel bag by Hook & Albert; on her, tan vest with fur trim, white blazer, white tank and white pants, all by Eleventy.

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No matter the destination, prepared is always a proper look.

A W 16 . E X P L O R E I N S T Y L E .

SWEDISH PREMIUM SHIRTS. FOR EVERY SITUATION.

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memo LEVY’S 3900 hillsboro pike, suite 36 nashville, TN 37215 615.383.2800 www.levysclothes.com Store Hours Monday to saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Editorial Director david levy Editor Mark Dowden Art Director stephen M. vitarbo Executive Editor rita guarna

Fall at Levy’s sneak peeks

Get your kicks! p. 13

Good read! p. 16

W

elcome to the fall 2016 edition of Levy’s magazine. There’s always something special in the air as we move into the cooler months. And as always, Levy’s has shopped the world’s fashion markets for exciting new items to introduce to you, our valued client. Here’s a taste of the offerings we selected for you during our travels: n This fall, we are pleased to introduce the full collection of Patrick Assaraf for men. You have to see for yourself these timeless pieces of knitwear, shirts, jackets and the designer’s perfect, signature tees. The fabrics are pure luxury. n Designed in California, the new offerings from True Grit and their women’s line, Dylan, are sensational, featuring their iconic Frosted Tip fleece. n Also new to Nashville: We are proud to present Bugatti, a premier European brand. n In another Levy’s launch, we now stock the collections of FaberCastell writing instruments, both the

design collection and the very special Graf von Faber-Castell line. These precision instruments are great for personal gifts, business gifts and, of course, your own writing pleasure. n In Levy’s women’s department, you’ll want to check out Majestic Filatures, Manila Grace and the expanded collections of Eleventy and Peserico.

Thank you, Nashville, for once again naming Levy’s the Best Men’s Clothing Store in the Nashville Scene readers’ poll. We truly love all of you too!

And thank you, Harry Webster, a longtime Levy’s associate, whom we honored for his 46 years of serving Nashville’s best dressed.

Our fall and holiday calendar is filled with exciting events in our store. Stop by, call, or follow us on Facebook for details on all upcoming trunk shows, pop-up shops, chili cook-offs and more. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Managing Editor nicole lupo Associate Editor Darius Amos Contributing Editors michael ardizzone, virginie boone, Liz donovan, timothy kelley, Christina poletto design contributors elieen crabill, yvonne marki Contributing Photographer Daniel springston Publishing staff Publisher Shae Marcus

Associate Publisher amy B. weiss National Brand Manager Monica Delli Santi Director of Production and Circulation Christine Hamel Advertising Services Manager jacquelynn fischer Senior Art Director, Agency Services Kijoo Kim Production/Art Assistant Alanna Giannantonio Accounting agnes alves, megan frank Published by Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President & CEO Mark Dowden Senior Vice Presidents sHAE MARCUS, Carl Olsen Vice Presidents Nigel edelshain, rita guarna, christine hamel levy’s Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Levy’s. Copyright © 2016 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, LEVY’S, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.782.5730; email mark.dowden@wainscotmedia.com.

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

Subscription Services:

­—Ellen and David Levy

To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, LEVY’S Circulation Department, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.573.5541; email christine.hamel@wainscotmedia.com.

| levy’s

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or

Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/ levysnashville, and follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/levysnashville.

shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.

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Choose from our exclusive spaces, incredible entertainment options and exquisite culinary creations to make your event one to remember.

BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY.

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the

Writing With an Old Friend

levy’s guide

Does the name Faber-Castell call to mind a yellow Number 2 pencil you used in school?

This classic brand is actually much more—it’s made world-class art supplies and writing instruments since 1761. Its luxury line, Graf von FaberCastell, offers pens that are the product of meticulous craftsmanship.

The fountain pens, roller-ball pens, propelling pencils and ball pens in its Classic Collection are designed as matching sets. You’ll look smart with one, no matter how you did on your SATs.

Small Is Big

When you perfect the details, the bigger issues fall into place.

That’s the story of Peserico, a women’s line that exudes sophistication and elegance. The strength of Peserico’s collections resides in quality production with a high level of craftsmanship, and an almost-rabid attention to the smallest details. The company, founded in 1962, has always been faithful to the “made in Italy” reputation, with the best fabrics, expert tailoring and an obsession with the perfect fit. So don’t obsess over the small stuff—let Peserico tackle them for you.

A Dream Come True: Dress Sneakers

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fall/winter 2016

They’re comfortable, look good, versatile, easy to wear and care for…what’s not to love about dress sneakers? Two brands in particular are making men happy all over the world. Magnanni is a third-generation family-owned company that has been producing fine men’s shoes for more than 50 years in the small city of Almansa, Spain. One of their claims to fame: Every step in their design and distribution is overseen by a family member. Vince is an American brand born in 2002. From their design studio in Los Angeles, they turn out a wide range of apparel, including dress sneakers. Try on a pair—and since they’re suitable for most occasions, you may never take them off.

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the levy’s guide Survive a long flight

Flying from New York to Boston? No sweat. But sitting in a cramped airline seat for hours on end as you hurtle across the globe? That’s a journey you might lose sleep over. Make surviving a long flight the least of your travel concerns with these tips: n Book the right seat. Size matters—as in your height and bladder. A window seat will give you incredible views and a place to rest your head, but you’ll have to climb over others each time nature calls. Score a bit more legroom and an easier path to the restroom with an aisle seat, but that too comes at a cost. Expect sleep interruptions from passengers in your row and those roaming the aisle. n Dress for comfort. Sure, you want to look polished, but park your tailored trousers and choose something with a more relaxed fit. Because feet tend to swell, wear slip-ons or shoes with loose laces and material that easily expands.

Stash extra socks or a light jacket in your carry-on in case the temperature takes a tumble. n Bring your own entertainment.

If the in-flight flick is a bust, pass the time with a novel or your mobile devices. Make sure smartphones and tablets are fully charged, as decent Wi-Fi and power outlets aren’t standard on all planes. But remember to pull away from the electronics to hydrate.

And be sure to stand up and stretch; you want to keep your blood flowing. n Pack essentials. We recommend a neck pillow, headphones, lip balm, toothbrush, snacks and gum. And moisturizer will help you avoid feeling like a reptile.

True Comfort There are few simple pleasures in life greater than the feeling of slipping into a favorite pair of jeans. That’s the design philosophy behind True Grit. True Grit is a great name for a men’s clothing line. But what happens when you sell women’s clothing too? You give that line a different name. In this case, Dylan. Both collections feature denim-inspired design. They blend comfy fabrics and everyday style to deliver that worn-in feeling of a tried-and-true pair of jeans. Call them California casual. But now you can get that feeling from an entire line of clothing. True Grit started in a garage and is now, as is Dylan, carried at retailers worldwide, including Levy’s. We know that feeling too—and we want you to take it home.

See You at Tootsie’s It’s a Nashville and country music icon: Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has been a fixture for more than 50 years.

The list of credits is enormous for this honky tonk and country music hangout, but here are some highlights.

Famous early customers were Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, Tom T. Hall, Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline and Roger Miller.

Coal Miner’s Daughter is one of several films that were shot there. Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after singing at Tootsie’s. We could keep going, but it would take another 50 years. And if you were wondering, Tootsie was a real person. Tootsie Bess was a larger-than-life singer/comedienne who died in 1978, but her Orchid Lounge keeps going. It’s the perfect place to hear up-and-coming musicians and soak in a chunk of Nashville history.

Tootsie’s orchid lounge, 422 Broadway, Nashville, 615.726.0463; tootsies.net

The A–Z List With dozens of designer brands to choose from, you’ll always find what you’re looking for at Levy’s. See if you don’t find your favorites in the list below. Then visit the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.

34 Heritage Southern Tide AG jeans Ted Baker Allen Edmonds Tommy Bahama Anderson’s Belts Torino Armani Collezioni Trafalgar Ballin true grit Borgo 28 Tulliani Bosca Victorinox Byron Will Carol Lipworth Leather Circle of Goods Gentlemen Yoana Culturata Baraschi David Donahue Zanella Derek Rose Dion Donald J Pliner Donna Degnan dylan Eleventy Elisa Cavaletti Ermenegildo Zegna Eton Flynt Gimo’s Gitman Bros.

Gravati Gucci Hickey Freeman Hiltl Hook & Albert Hugo Boss Jack Victor Jonathan Wachtel MAC Magnanni Majestic Filatures Majestic Intl.

Measure Up Meyer Patrick Assaraf Peserico Quinn R. Hanauer Robert Graham Robert Talbott Rodd & Gunn Royal Highnies Salvatore eleventy Ferragamo Sand Santiago Save the Duck Southern Firefly Candle

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In the heart of Nashville

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The best hotels have the pulse of the neighborhood in which they’re located. That perfectly describes the new Thompson Nashville hotel in the Gulch, a walkable area with restaurants, bars and nightlife.

With a rooftop bar that has superb views of the area and a look and feel that says “Nashville,” the hotel is true to its city. “Our mission is to provide a modern experience steeped in local traditions to the many incoming travelers, while also welcoming locals to an energetic, neighborhood destination to call their own,” says Niki Leondakis, CEO of parent brand Commune Hotels & Resorts. thompson nashville, 401 11th Ave. S., Nashville, 800.210.9602; thompsonhotels.com

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the levy’s guide Keep It Simple, Smarty

Sometimes you just want life to be simple. When it comes to your wardrobe, consider Patrick Assaraf’s collections. He sums up his design philosophy: “Everything I do is very simple, beautiful, minimalistic.” He tones down the noise and makes a statement with his confident dignity.

But that’s not to say his collections come off as downscale or drab.

Quite the opposite. His sportswearinspired basics stand out for their quiet elegance. His “casual” is comfortable, neat and clean. Each item in his collection works with everything else, so you don’t have to spend hours thinking through the day’s dress code. Now outfitting yourself is, in a word, simplified.

Perfection Attained

A company founded in 1899 knows its stuff inside and out. In fact, their factory in Rochester, New York, was known traditionally as the “Temple to Fine Tailoring.” Generations of men have been outfitted by Hickey Freeman, making the brand an American success story.

So there’s no question that they’re wizards of wardrobe. Example: the basted try-on, or basted fitting. It’s the best way to ensure a perfect fit in a Hickey Freeman suit. Not just a good fit…a perfect fit. And particularly if you’re a unique body type, the basted try-on is a must. Think of human anatomy, with the basted try-on being like a skeleton. And when the bones fit, the suit (like skin) can be built over it to fit the skeleton. Not a perfect analogy, but you get the picture. You wouldn’t want to have the wrong size skin over your skeleton, so get a suit that fits you, not just the mannequin in Levy’s, perfectly.

Ask Mr. Etiquette

The Ups and Downs of a Country Legend

His songs have been recorded by stars from Aretha Franklin to Kenny Chesney to Elvis Costello, but his road to fame has been anything but smooth.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music is the new book by the celebrated country-music songwriter and performer. It details his life, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Some highs: being the only songwriter in country music history to have a song on the charts in each of the past seven consecutive decades. Eighty singles on the charts and 37 Top Ten country hits, to go along with multiple Grammy nominations. Lows? A daughter with a malignant brain tumor. A wife who was in a serious car accident. Our review: He’s as good a book writer as he is a songwriter. Get yourself a copy.

David Levy explains how to sail through life without giving offense.

A lot of invitations these days say “cocktail attire.”

What the heck does that mean?

—Mystified in Memphis Your host is saying, “Get out of the business suit, lighten up and let’s have some fun.” That could mean no tie. It’s your option. A sportcoat, however, is a must—paired with an exciting shirt and a great pocket square.

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

Colorful socks show a little more sartorial character when you’re kicking back with a cocktail.

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Meyer: pants that inspire

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Since 1960, Meyer has been making men’s trousers, dress pants and jeans that promise “quality in every detail.” Each pair is carefully tailored for durability, flexibility and a perfect fit. And whether you’re stocking up for work or play, you’ll find that fit—and an impressive array of colors and styles—in Meyer’s fall/winter collection at Levy’s.

Based in Reichsdorf, Germany, Meyer crafts its pants from the finest materials: difficult-to-find cottons, linens and wools, and supremely blended polyester, elastin and other synthetics. If you’re allergic to certain materials, try Meyer’s trousers made of kapok (Java wool), a silky-soft antimicrobial fabric.

Meyer’s denim creations are also state-of-the-art. The T-400 style offers more stretch than conventional jeans, and the NH style fades more slowly. What’s more, these top-of-the-line materials are all ethically sourced. Meyer strongly believes in obtaining the finest materials while improving living conditions for clothing makers worldwide.

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PROUDLY MADE IN ASHLAND, PA

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the techie

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THE NEED FOR SPEED You’re free to celebrate when you get your hands on the trophy-like LaCie Chromé external hard drive. The polished aluminum case gives this computer device a sleek appearance, but rest assured that the design is matched, if not surpassed, by performance. It’s believed to be the fastest portable 1TB hard drive in the world—with transfer speeds of 940 MB per second. $1,499.

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Throw and go!

Be the star of your own show with the Lily Camera, the self-flying drone designed to follow you wherever you go. Carry the tracking device and toss the drone in the air—it’ll shadow you and capture your every move on video at 1080p at 60 frames per second. It’s the perfect partner to take on long runs, bike rides and ski trips. $899.

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Gadgets & Gear

Speakers for the Senses Could the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 90 speaker system be so visually stunning that looks would overshadow its rich sound? Close, but no cigar. The smartphone-controlled, 8,200-watt speakers have 18 drivers facing in all directions and boast an active noise cancellation system to cast away unwanted noise reflections and optimize audio quality. $80,000 a pair.

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Feel its presence Still using a motion detector that goes off when leaves blow by or a cat comes too close to your house? It’s time to install the Netatmo Presence security camera and floodlight, expected to be released later this year. This smartcam doesn’t cry wolf—its tech can distinguish between people, animals and cars, and it goes off when you want. Simply use the accompanying smartphone app to let it know when to shine and who or what is welcome on your property. Price unavailable at press time.

Something shiny to store data?

A smart sleep mask? You didn’t know you wanted one...until now!

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GIve it a rest A good night’s sleep is worth a million bucks. Thankfully, the Neuroon Sleep Mask will help you rest for just a fraction of that price. Sync it to your smartphone to receive a report that measures the quality of your sleep along with advice on how to improve your sleep. Frequent flyer? You can set up your mask to help you beat jet lag before you arrive at your destination. $299.

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a bright idea If you thought the iconic Flos Taccia table lamp was a tad big for your space, you’re in luck—it now comes in a smaller size. This piece maintains its timeless 50-plus-year design (complete with a white aluminum reflector and clear glass diffuser), but is reduced in size by 4 inches. $995.

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Thank you for 20 years of support!

We are so grateful for your efforts to make our 20th Anniversary fundraiser supporting Chic AWearness and ovarian cancer research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center a success!

CHIC A

NESS

GREEN HILLS

GREEN HILLS

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GREEN HILLS

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GROOMING

The Razor’s Edge Rotating blades? Forget it!

A wet shave—the way your grandfather did it—is always a cut above the rest.

Your suit and shoes say you have style, so don’t let a five o’clock shadow detract from your look. How do you fix this hairy situation?

Don’t reach for the electric shaver that was gifted to you on Father’s Day. Unless you’ve run out of time in the morning, Norelco isn’t the answer; it won’t give you the close shave your skin deserves. The best way to whack those whiskers is with an old-fashioned wet shave, which is making a comeback among gentlemen keen on making the right sartorial choices.

You’ve seen it done in Hollywood (remember Robert De Niro in The Untouchables?), but you can experience a wet shave in the comfort of your own home. All it takes is the right tools and ’tude. Think of shaving as a ritual and a tradition rather than a chore; your face will thank you in the end.

the shave Now comes the fun part—using a sharp doubleedged safety razor, like the kind that your grandfather might have used. A straight blade will give you the closest shave, but since it’s also known as the “cutthroat,” we recommend leaving that one to the professionals. Shave with the grain first, then pass across the grain if your skin isn’t too sensitive. Going against the grain might seem like a good idea—especially along the neck—but that will increase the likelihood of razor bumps and ingrown hairs. finish line Once you’re stubble-free, rinse with hot water to remove any excess cream and oil. Then splash your face with cold water. This will close the pores and prep your skin for a cool aftershave balm. If you didn’t rush the process and followed the steps carefully, you won’t experience too much of an “aftershave sting.”

You only need a small amount to hydrate the skin and prevent irritation.

Voilà! Run your hands up and down your face and feel the softness because you’re done and ready to face the world.

| Levy’s

prep work To start, apply a hot towel to your face to open pores and zap any bacteria on your skin. Keep it on for about five minutes, then massage a preshaving oil (a pea-sized drop or two is all you need) evenly on the skin. The oil will allow the razor to slide easily across the face, reducing irritation.

Dump the canned shave gels and foams.

Instead, use a high-quality cream or shaving soap that moisturizes and doesn’t contain too

many chemicals. (If you can’t pronounce the ingredients, skip it.) Lather up and apply it over the oil using a quality brush—think bristles made of badger or horsehair.

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Trust your clothing investments to the best.

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essentials

pair it well

Enliven your light blue shirt with splashes of colors and patterns.

Levy’s has the ultimate selection of beautiful neckwear and pocket squares from around the world to enhance your individual style, with offerings from Ermenegildo Zegna, Canali, Armani Collezioni, Eton, Robert Talbott, Gitman Bros., Dion, JZ Richards and more.

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essentials

| levy’s

Find these True Grit and Dylan frosty tipped Stadium pullovers, in a range of colors, at Levy’s.

The men’s and women’s brands offer casual luxury clothing with a sense of California sophistication.

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essentials

on the go

Hook & Albert Weekender bag, Hickey Freeman jacket, Eton dress shirt, Patrick Assaraf tee, J Brand jeans, Vince sneakers, Royal Highnies boxer shorts, Art of Shaving kit, Will Leather Goods toiletry bag, Davek umbrella and S’well bottle.

| levy’s

If adventure awaits, pack your bag with these musthave items.

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LIFE’S EASIER WHEN YOUR BANK IS TOO. Your bank is your choice. Choose easy.

Stop by your nearest Republic banking center or visit republicbank.com.

Franklin location: 113 Seaboard Lane Suite A130 Franklin, TN 37067 (615) 599-2274

Green Hills location: 2034 Richard Jones Road Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 383-7774 (Directly across the parking lot from Levy’s)

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Special fall Offers

from levy’s ON MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CLOTHING, SPORTSWEAR AND ACCESSORIES

75

$

This entitles you to savings of $75 on any new men’s Fall sportswear purchase of $375 or more.

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016

75

$

This entitles you to savings of $75 on any new Fall furnishings and accessories purchase of $375 or more.

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016

One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

100

$

This entitles you to savings of $100 on any new men’s Fall suit, sportcoat and pant, or tuxedo purchase of $500 or more.

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

100

$

This entitles you to savings of $100 on any new Fall women’s apparel purchase of $500 or more.

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016 One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or

Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

500

$

This entitles you to savings of $500 on any total purchase of new Fall merchandise of $2,500 or more.

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

1,000

$

GIFT CERTIFICATE VALID THROUGH sunday, december 4, 2016

One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

One certificate per client. Must present certificate to receive credit.

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Not applicable to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

previous purchases, sale merchandise, shoes, Made to

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

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This entitles you to savings of $1,000 on any total purchase of Fall merchandise of $5,000 or more.

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

Measure, special orders, Faber-Castell, Remo Tulliani or Carol Lipworth Jewelry.

3900 Hillsboro Pike • 615-383-2800

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NASHVILLE STYLE

C AT E R I N G · D E L I V E RY · O N L I N E

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the muse

Siren Song Years off her Nashville debut, Taylor Swift’s much-copied fashion sense—like her music—resonates with fans. By Christina Poletto

“B

orn in 1989.” That’s the description that accompanies the Instagram handle for Taylor Swift, the wildly successful 27-year-old entertainer who has wowed the world with her signature spins on country and pop music. Genius songwriter aside, this millennial also earns major likes for her playfully mature sense of style.

When she first came on the scene, Swift opted for flowy sundresses and scuffed-up cowboy boots to reflect her alt-country melodies.

Now, her look is much more polished, daring and of-the-moment. A perfect red pucker is one of her signatures, as is her collection of cat-eye sunnies. But it’s her unwavering devotion to beautifully tailored garments and glammed-up classic details that’s earned her accolades within fashion circles and among her rabid fan base.

While style is very personal to Swift, she’s not bashful about sharing it with the world. A self-described “kid of the Internet,” her adept

social media skills directly connect her to more than 90.4 million Instagram followers, who are rewarded with daily snaps of famous friends and fashionable selfies on and off the red carpet.

There is plenty of substance to back up the style too. To date, Swift has achieved innumerable honors—from Grammy to Billboard and American Music Awards—making her one of the most successful entertainers in history. Her inaugural pop album, 1989, was dubbed the best-selling album of 2014 and cemented her legacy as a multi-genre performer.

Like her ever-changing music, her evolving look underscores her growing influence on today’s fashion trends. In 2014, Swift topped People magazine’s annual best-dressed list, and in 2015, she was honored as Woman of the Year at the Elle Style Awards.

So where will her look and sound go from here? Only Taylor Swift knows the answer to that.

Fall/Winter 2016

Clockwise from top left: Taylor Swift wows with her signature red pout. The singer sports an all-black ensemble, including a J Brand leather jacket, on the rainy streets of New York in 2014. A year prior, she shimmers in a silver minidress at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she performed a number of songs as famous models like Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio and Karlie Kloss strutted the catwalk. The stylish star steps out in a mod plaid coat, dotted tights and stiletto heels as she shops in New York in 2014, the same year she purchased a sevenbedroom, 5.5-bath Tribeca penthouse for $20 million. “I was intimidated by it for so long,” she told an interviewer about the Big Apple. Now, she declares, “I love that I moved to New York.”

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road warrior

The new Mercedes-AMG GT S has serious rock star presence that transcends its elegant design. It was literally handcrafted by racers to own the road.

If you’ve a need for speed, this svelte sports coupe effortlessly scoots its way to a top speed of 192 mph. Comfortably. But more than that, it’s fully equipped with racinginspired controls, and designed to perform exactly as a supercar should.

The AMG GT S boasts a 503-horsepower, 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Its massive torque reaches its 479 lb-ft peak at just 1,750 rpm and holds it all the way to 4,750 rpm, letting you go from zero to 60 in a scorching 3.7 seconds.

“Dial in” the car’s performance character with the twist of a knob on the console. Choose from four preset modes—comfort, sport, sport+ and race—plus an individual mode that you can configure yourself.

LED headlamps with stylized “eyebrows” as daytime running lamps, side lights and indicators—as well as three separate high-beam reflectors—give the GT S its distinctive look.

Some 260 grill pins, capped in chrome and individually sized and spaced by the car’s designer, add an air of elegance to the exterior.

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The weight distribution of 47 to 53 percent between the front and rear axle, coupled with the car’s low center of gravity, translates to extremely agile handling and high cornering speeds.

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The body of the GT S is almost entirely composed of aluminum (more than 97 percent), and its spaceframe weighs just 514 pounds—a class benchmark. Among the non-aluminum components: a radiator support made of lightweight magnesium.

Inside, drivers will find deeply contoured leather seats, a 10-speaker Burmester surround sound system and a pair of high-resolution screens displaying entertainment, navigation, audio and other features.

Standard are high-performance tires staggered in both width and diameter (19 inches in the front, 20 in the rear) for maximum power delivery and super-sharp steering response.

Starting Price:

$131,200

A leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel offers easy access to the vehicle functions you use most often. Note the racing-inspired side grips.

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Fully variable exhaust flaps let you vary the engine sound depending on the preset mode you select—comfort, sport, sport+ and race.

fall/winter 2016

The enormous 15.4-inch front discs are grasped by powerful six-piston fixed calipers finished with eyepopping red paint and the AMG logo.

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Photography by Daniel Springston

Cool-weather fashion never looked so good. Stay warm— and stylish—with sartorial choices from Levy’s.

Have fun this fall

fall/winter 2016

This page from left: grey plaid sportcoat by Hugo Boss, grey shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna, black jeans by AG Jeans, belt by Will Leather Goods; grey top and black jacket by Manila Grace and black lace leggings by Minxx.

Opposite from left: long grey vest by Quinn, purple top by Baci, jeans by AG Jeans, necklace by Carol Lipworth; blue sportcoat

by Armani Collezioni, white plaid shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna, pocket square by J.Z. Richards and brown pants and belt, both by Meyer.

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This page from left: natural cashmere duster and rust cashmere dress, both by Quinn, necklaces by Carol Lipworth; brown plaid sportcoat by Canali, grey sweater vest by Levy’s, shirt by Eton, brown pants

by Ballin and belt by Meyer.

Opposite from left: grey coat and grey shirt, both

by Eleventy, brown knit tie

by Italo Ferretti, pants by Ermenegildo Zegna, belt

by Anderson, travel bag

by Hook & Albert; tan vest with fur trim, white blazer, white tank and white pants, all by Eleventy.

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This page from left: navy and white wrap dress by Peserico, jewelry by Carol Lipworth; navy suit by Armani Collezioni, shirt

by Eton, brown polkadot tie by Ermenegildo Zegna, pocket square

by Eton and belt by Torino. Opposite from left: purple and black brocade jacket by Sand, black shirt by Circle of Gentlemen, black pants

by Sartore, tie by Dion; black dress by Save the Queen and necklace

by Levy’s.

spring/summer fall/winter 2016

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This page from left: blue dress by Deca, necklace by Seasonal Whispers; navy velvet jacket by Flynt, whiteon-white paisley shirt

by Gitman Bros., grey pants by Ballin, tie by Ermenegildo Zegna, pocket square by R. Hanauer and belt by Remo Tulliani. Opposite from left: two-in-one navy and grey jacket by Handstich, beige jeans

by Ermenegildo Zegna; grey jacket by Handstich and grey-wash jeans by AG Jeans.

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the sporting life

the slopes of spain

It’s not the country you think of first for skiing, but Baqueira-Beret in the Pyrenees will make you think again. By Everett Potter

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ention Baqueira-Beret to most American skiers and you’ll get a blank stare. Tell them this resort is located in the Spanish Pyrenees and that won’t help much, since few Yanks realize that this mountain range along the France–Spain border harbors more than three dozen ski resorts.

Yet Baqueira-Beret is Spain’s largest ski resort, well known to well-heeled residents of Madrid and Barcelona, and none other than King Juan Carlos himself has a ski home here. Talk about your bestkept secrets.

Why ski the Pyrenees? Abundant snow and the opportunity to experience a radically different ski culture are the prime reasons. Where else can you enjoy a ski day with a luxuriously lazy 11 a.m. start, take a 6 p.m. siesta and have dinner at 11, with a nightclub visit around 1 a.m.? (If you dine at 8, you dine only with other Americans.)

I checked into the Hotel Val de Neu, the only five-star luxury hotel in the heart of the BaqueiraBeret resort, next to an upscale shopping center and a short walk to the lifts. The hotel is a bastion of comfortable luxury and high design, minimal in style, with lighting that highlights the local stone and wood used throughout. Black-and-white photographic artwork that pays homage to the resort is judiciously displayed. There are nice touches, like a welcome of hot chocolate and churros, and a pillow menu to ensure a good night’s sleep. Cookies or small cakes awaited me after a day on the slopes.

The hotel is a few minutes’ walk to the slopes and has ski lockers in the gondola building, so there’s no need to lug your gear. At day’s end, my mission was to clock some time at the spa, with its

series of thermal pools of varying degrees of heat.

The skiing here is truly alpine, which is to say above tree line, vast and open with views that go on for miles. The 4,700-acre resort, larger than Breckenridge or Snowmass in Colorado, has three distinct areas. Beret is aimed at families, with beginner and intermediate slopes that are wellgroomed runs. Baqueira has some intermediate runs and a few expert runs. It’s a good place to test your legs in the morning on runs such as Muguet, which stretches far out into a bowl, and Solei, where long straight cruisers took the edge off my jet lag.

On the third day, I explored Bonaigua, which is an area that beckons experts. It lacks snowmaking, and runs are not always groomed. It is also steeper than the other parts of the resort, and there are challenges that would be familiar to anyone who has skied Jackson Hole with its chutes and couloirs.

But the real appeal for experts in this area is the off-piste skiing, with countless opportunities to dive off the groomed stuff. The most famous of these is called Escornacrabes, which means “where goats tumble.” I looked, but had no ambition to mimic a mountain goat on a fatal fall.

By day four, I was ready for something a little more challenging. So I signed up for a day with Pyrenees Heliski, based in the valley town of Vielha. A day with five runs costs $896, which in the rarefied world of heli-skiing is something of a steal. We ran through our transceiver and safety training—they use the ABS or Avalanche Balloon System here—and were outfitted with backpacks, shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver before we lifted off on a bluebird morning. It was as excit-

ing as previous heli-ski experiences I’ve had at Revelstoke in the Canadian Rockies, with the pilot able to choose from a staggering amount of terrain, in this case some 155 square miles of the Pyrenees, as a snow playground. At each “drop,” as they call them in Europe, we jumped out in a crouched position, clicked into our fat powder skis and followed the guide as he made heroic figure-eights down the meringue-like slopes. Now, five runs might not sound like much until you add up the vertical, since we chalked up roughly 11,400 feet of vertical that day, comparable to any operator in the American West. By day’s end, my thighs were craving those thermal pools back at the Val de Neu. In the evening, tapas is always on the minds of tired skiers. In the town of Vielha, eateries like Basteret Bar-Restaurant let you savor prawns, cheeses, sausages and much more. In Arties, with its charming old streets, there are countless tapas bars, such as Tauèrnes Urtau, which I loved. Move on to a late dinner at Eth Restilhè, where you might find local trout on the menu and typical Catalan desserts such as crema catalana, the local version of crème brûlée. One night, post-tapas, I ended up in the more formal Ticolet in Baqueira, which has been gastronomic ground zero for 40 years, and even had a sighting of a minor royal, according to a local dinner companion.

A week of this and I was an easy convert to the Spanish way of ski life: a late start, enough runs to work up the first of many appetites of the day, and a sleep as deep as I could wish for. Skiing Pyrenees style is one of the most enjoyable ways I can think of to spend a winter week in Europe.

Clockwise from top: At 4,700 acres, Baqueira-Beret is the largest ski area in Spain. Six peaks are served by 33 lifts, with a 3,450-foot vertical drop, which is similar to Vail, Colorado. After a long afternoon of skiing it’s time to hit the thermal pools at the Hotel Val de Neu. The wide valley that Baqueira-Beret inhabits extends for nearly 25 miles, with France at the other end. Beer lovers won’t want to miss Birreria Eth Refugi at the base of the gondola; it features microbrews from more than 70 countries. In the mood for some adventure? Try heli-skiing. Some 155 square miles of the Pyrenees can be your own snow playground. The Hotel Val de Neu enjoys a privileged location—just 50 yards from the ski lift and close to new shopping opportunities in Baqueira.

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exceptional service luxury environment

Nashville’s destination day spa Voted best spa in Nashville 10 years in a row healing massage therapy, advanced skincare, relaxing hydrotherapy, perfect nail care and healthy, beautiful hair 615.352.3545 • escapenashville.com

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LEVY’S

stories

T

here are plenty of clothing stores that offer what you need, but how many of them have what you really want?

At Levy’s, our loyal customers return to the store not only for the finest sportcoats and dresses, driving shoes and boots, but they trust us for sartorial advice and guidance as well as our friendship. On the following pages, you’ll read about six of our amazing clients, all with different personalities, backgrounds and professions. We’re happy to serve each and every customer, giving them the personal attention they deserve and everything they want.

fall/winter 2016

Photography by Peyton Hoge Styling by David Levy, Wes Davis and Susie Parsons Hair and makeup by Jordan Breetz Shot on location at Union Common Restaurant, 1929 Broadway

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Erica and J.K. Brister

President of U.S. Pest Protection and founder of J.K. Brister Ministries, respectively

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Erica: I grew up going to Levy’s with my dad, since it’s

America’s oldest men’s clothing store, and people always said he was the best-dressed man in Nashville. But I didn’t realize they also had women’s clothes until I was Christmas shopping one year. Now I always go there and work with Susie for my professional attire. What’s so great about them is that they take our personal style and help us stand out in a unique way. I only like to wear natural fibers, like cotton and silk, in understated colors, like whites, beiges and creams. It’s important to me that I’m both confident and comfortable in my clothes. Even if I want to wear something like a T-shirt and jeans, Susie will help me find something like a soft cotton blouse to wear with jeans so I can have that confidence in how I look. The store has a lot of skilled,

talented people on staff, and they make shopping so easy.

J.K.: I’m a preacher, so I’m in front of people often, and I like to have my own style. I like James Bond–style classic suits in dark colors but then pop it with a bright pocket square, shirt or tie. Erica has her own flair too. She’s very current and ahead of fashion, and by osmosis, she keeps me updated. Susie also has kept us looking young. She puts clothes together in a way that’s more Fallon than O’Reilly. People are always asking where I get my suit jackets and custom shirts, and I tell them, “The only place you need to go to is Levy’s.” They’re just happy to serve you, which is a dying art these days. The sales associates once spent 4½ hours helping us shop. They really care about making you look great when you walk out of there.

That’s why we’re so loyal.

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Patsy King

fall/winter 2016

I’ve lived here 21 years and have probably been shopping at Levy’s for 20.

I would recommend everyone shop there, especially business professionals, because they have such an incredible selection of clothes at all price points. Personally, I go there for clothes that I can wear out on date night, which my boyfriend and I have every Saturday after church. We love to dress up and go out to dinner, and I usually wear the clothes I bought at Levy’s. I work with Susie, and she is the most pleasant, sweetest person you’ll ever know. If she sees something one of her customers would like, she sets it aside, and she’s full of suggestions. I also go to Vegas a lot, so I love fun clothes with patterns and bright-jeweled colors—clothes that make me happy when wearing them.

I also like my clothes to be fitted, and Levy’s has an excellent tailoring service. Almost everything I buy gets altered, and they’re so fast—everything is ready to wear by the next weekend.

I really appreciate that personal service you get at Levy’s. It’s nothing like a store you’d find at a mall. It’s quiet and well-maintained, and everyone is so helpful. There aren’t many shops like that around anymore, and I really appreciate the quaintness.

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marcus and Yolanda Henderson

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President/CEO and Special Events Coordinator of Henderson Financial Group, respectively

Marcus: Dressing is a big part of my world. I’m a corporate

Yolanda: My style icons would definitely be Jackie Kennedy

professional, and I dress based on how I want others to perceive me. I like to look conservative, yet properly appointed. I appreciate dark suits by Armani Collezioni, Canali and Ermenegildo Zegna, with a white shirt and ties that are noticeable by the texture or richness of the color. I truly believe that fashion comes and goes, but style is what you are and who you are. My style icon is the incomparable Gary Cooper and anyone who is reminiscent of the Gatsby era. Levy’s really gets that, from Susie in sales to Vickie in tailoring to David and Ellen. There’s a family atmosphere here. At the end of the day, everything is about relationships, and I’m proud to buy from someone who is true to his name and has integrity. I can’t think of any other haberdashery in Nashville that offers that skill and care.

and Michelle Obama—I like clothes with clean lines that are both a little fun and appropriate for professional functions.

I started to visit Levy’s with Marcus about five years ago, when I wandered over to the women’s section. Everyone is so friendly—they give you a hug and greet you by name. It just feels like family. Since I’ve been shopping there, I’ve come to love brands like Hugo Boss and Donna Degnan—all very classic styles that can be worn to work and dressed up for an after-5 look by just accessorizing or taking off a jacket. But on weekends, Marcus and I love to just relax. We have a mixed family of a daughter, 25, twin girls, 24, two sons, 19, and a niece, 19, so for fun, we just love to travel, sightsee and watch our children mature.

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sylvia Roberts

Philanthropist, volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank I usually shop at Levy’s to buy gifts because they have something for everyone at every age. It’s really a one-stop shopping place that’s perfect for high-fashion Christmas gifts across the board. But the knowledge and service they extend to their customers is what makes it special. And, of course, they carry my daughter Margaret’s Minxx brand of leggings, which is wonderful. She worked so hard to create a product that would fit women of all ages and every size. Margaret has been pursuing her dream and following her spirituality to help make people feel good about themselves, and I’m proud of her for that. She’s so honored that Levy’s chose to carry Minxx because all of their products are of such high quality.

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the art of

charcuterie

For enthusiasts of this newly resurgent cooking style the meat is cured, but not the addiction. By Liz Donovan

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t long last, being a carnivore is “in” again. For years, many of us have yielded the high ground to our vegetarian friends, remarking to one another only sotto voce that they’re missing a lot of good eats. But now the ancient European tradition of charcuterie—finely honed techniques for preparing cooked or processed meats such as sausages and patés—is making a big comeback among discerning chefs right here in the U.S.A. With a respect for nature and an abhorrence of waste, they’re making culinary history. So hold your heads high, meat eaters! And meet three top practitioners of this tasty art.

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Chris Consentino Boccalone and Cockscomb, San Francisco

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This celebrity chef says meat is his muse. Popularly known for his TV appearances—for example, on Food Network’s Iron Chef America and as winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters—he has made a name as a leader in charcuterie’s resurgence.

As executive chef at Incanto in San Francisco, which closed in 2014, Chris Consentino hosted an annual “head-to-tail” dinner in which he’d make a point of using an entire animal, even serving pork’s blood with chocolate for dessert. This philosophy, he says, was inspired by his friend, French chef Jean-Louis Palladin, who taught him “to be realistic and respectful about the path an animal takes from farm or forest to plate.”

At Incanto, Consentino created a house-cured charcuterie plate that included mortadella and fennel salame. When guests asked where they could purchase Incanto’s meats, Consentino and Incanto owner Mark Pastore opened a salumeria (Italian delicatessen) called Boccalone, also in the City by the Bay, in 2007. (The slogan on its T-shirts: “Tasty Salted Pig Parts.”)

There and at farmers’ markets, customers can purchase Consentino’s meats, including the bestselling mortadella hot dogs and cured salumis, such as capocollo, a neck meat aged with spices; guanciale, a salt-cured pork cheek used in Carbonara dishes; and even orange and wild fennel salame. (Customers enjoy getting a selection in the store’s popular “meat cone” dish.)

Besides Boccalone, Consentino focuses his attention on his newest restaurant venture, Cockscomb, and his blog, OffalGood.com, which highlights his passion for cooking offal, the parts of an animal that are not skeletal muscle. (It literally means “off fall”—the pieces that fall off the animal during butchering.) But don’t expect him to rest on his laurels—this creative chef is constantly reinventing. “The possibility of catching lightning in a bottle, or within a salami casing, is enticing,” he has said. “That’s what will forever thrill us about the art of cured meats.”

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Zach Allen B&B Hospitality, Las Vegas Meat making is part passion and part tradition for Zach Allen. While he was growing up, his Germanheritage family gathered each fall to create a big batch of smoked sausages. His interest in working with cured and smoked meats professionally was piqued on a trip to Italy, where he met prosciutto makers and was inspired to learn charcuterie. At that time, Allen was preparing for the opening of Mario Batali’s Otto in New York City; he was determined to cure all meats—from those served as antipasti to the pepperoni on the pizzas—in-house.

To learn the craft, Allen worked with Armandino Batali, Mario’s father, who runs the famed Salumi in Seattle, and took formal training at Iowa State University’s Meat Lab, where he discovered the chemistry and technology behind meat curing and smoking.

“You need to know the science,” he explains. “Why you need the salt, the sugar, the nitrate and so on— and you need to be careful using them to make sure you’re safe.” Through Allen, Otto became the first New York City restaurant to have a cured meats plan approved by the city’s Health Department for HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control points), a food-safety system pioneered by NASA. Pig parts some chefs would discard engage Allen’s imagination. The loin, which is lean with a little fat but “not marbled like a shoulder,” he says, can be turned into lonza. “We season with salt and a little sugar and let the sweetness of the meat sing,” he says. Meanwhile, he handles the fattier shoulder by rubbing it first with salt and sugar, then rolling it in ground black pepper, fennel and cayenne to make coppa. Ankles, which contain tough meat, need a little extra work to become a succulent full-flavored cotechino. “We’ll season it with a lot of fall spices— black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne and clove—poach it really slowly in Prosecco for two to three hours,” he says. “Add all the skin and fat and it becomes tender.”

As for overall guidance, “it’s important to respect and look at the animal,” Allen says. “Take what the pig gives you and make it from there.”

He oversees 10 restaurants with B&B Hospitality, and has helped Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich open 17 properties in the United States and abroad. He brings in thousands of pounds of pork from Heritage Farms USA, which provides the restaurants with pigs bred and raised exclusively for them. “If you’re going to eat meat, this is the best way,” Allen says. “You’re using the animal to its fullest. You’re not wasting anything.”

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Jamie Bissonnette Coppa, Boston; Toro, New York, Boston and Bangkok; Little Donkey, Cambridge, Mass.

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This meat genius actually spent many years as a vegetarian and vegan. Eventually, his culinary ambitions prompted a diet change. Jamie Bissonnette recalls that a one-time boss “said I was a good cook, but I’d never be a great cook unless I started eating the food.”

In 2011, Bissonnette won $10,000 on the Food Network show Chopped; in 2014, he was awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for the Best Chef Northeast and also published The New Charcuterie Cookbook: Exceptional Cured Meats to Make and Serve at Home. Today he owns five restaurants, having added Cambridge’s Little Donkey just this summer.

Writes celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern of Bissonnette: “He can take ordinary food, even odd bits, fifth-quarter stuff (the pluck, the viscera, ‘the nasty’ to some) and make angels weep.”

The rabbit mortadella in the book earned Zimmern’s praise; ambitious home chefs can also find recipes for Bissonnette’s duck prosciutto and Vietnamese bologna, or Cha Lua. For those hoping to get a taste of the chef’s own creations, an array of salumis, patés and sausages is available at Coppa.

Toro, a Barcelona-style eatery that focuses on seafood, finds room on its menu for Bissonnette’s carnivorous creations in tapas dishes, such as smoked beef heart and seared foie gras.

Those vegan days are long ago, but this chef’s respect for animals endures. He began experimenting with offal after seeing parts of the animal go to waste once the popular cuts were butchered off. “When I made the change from vegetarian to omnivore, I wanted as little waste as possible,” he says. He also insists on knowing where his meat comes from and only sourcing ingredients from sustainable providers, advising people not to cook with meat they don’t know anything about. “I only use people I can get to know and speak with about the pigs and how they were raised,” he says.

For would-be charcuterie enthusiasts, Bissonnette has simple advice: “It’s not something you can learn on a stage. It’s something one has to be really dedicated to.

But it’s delicious.”

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spirits

Peruvian Delight

It was popular during the Gold Rush, and now pisco is enlivening cocktails across the country. By Virginie Boone

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ne of the hottest spirits in the U.S. right now is pisco, a South American brandy distilled from wine. Lots of spirits tied to Europe date back hundreds of years, but pisco traces its roots to the 1500s, when Spanish missionaries in Peru and Chile began planting grapes to make wine.

The grapes were varieties like Muscat, Torontel and Pedro Jimenez, and the vines grown at fairly high elevation. As the French did with Cognac, South Americans figured out how to make pisco from these crops, fortifying the wine by distilling it in copper pot stills.

For pisco, grapes are harvested February through April, the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn harvest time, and the seeds and stems removed. The remaining fruit is crushed into juice and fermented using native yeast. Pisco then rests for a minimum of 90 days in “neutral” vessels, with oak never in

the picture. It’s made to be enjoyed right away, with nothing added— no water, no sugar, no caramel.

Named for a port in Peru, pisco also has a long legacy in California, where going back to the Gold Rush days it was a staple on San Francisco’s wild Barbary Coast.

There the Pisco Punch, a loose and powerful commingling of pisco, pineapple, lime juice, sugar and water, was born in the late 1800s.

Mark Twain, Rudyard Kipling and other literary figures enjoyed Pisco Punch when it was all the rage in San Francisco in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And, as New Yorker founding editor Harold Ross recalled, it “[tasted] like lemonade but had a kick like vodka, or worse.”

Today, a pisco producer called Campo de Encanto (which translates to Field of Enchantment) uses grapes from Peru’s Ica Valley. Developed by San Francisco bartender

Duggan McDonnell and sommelier Walter Moore in collaboration with Peruvian distiller Carlos Romero, its small-batch product is blended from five types of old-vine grapes, creating a smooth combination of peaches, almonds and mint.

The true test of pisco? Swirl it before you sip, says McDonnell.

And make sure the bubbles dissipate quickly. If they don’t, it means the spirit has been diluted, and thus isn’t real pisco.

Enjoy pisco neat, with a twist of lime, or in cocktails such as the Pisco Sour, a combination of the liquor with lime juice, sugar syrup and a shaken egg white. This is a drink that’s refreshing and proteinrich, smooth and sweet. Or consider Encanto’s Pisco Punch mixer, the Bank Exchange Pineapple Cordial, named for the saloon on San Francisco’s Montgomery Street that famously served pisco cocktails in the 19th century.

Clockwise from top left: The Paracas National Reserve, a popular tourist attraction in Peru, is located in Ica, one of the country’s five official D.O. (Denomination of Origin) departments where pisco can be produced. The premium brand BarSol uses centuries-old copper pot stills to distill its piscos. Combine the lively spirit with lime juice, sugar syrup and an egg white to create the classic Pisco Sour. Enjoy dinner and drinks at Illariy, one of the most popular restaurants in Cusco. In Peru, only eight grape varietals can be used to make the fermented spirit. BarSol specializes in piscos produced with Quebranta, Italia and Torontel grapes. Campo de Encanto was the brainchild of a San Francisco bartender and sommelier.

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fall/winter 2016

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fashion week

show time

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The season’s best looks from the world’s top designers were on display at Legislative Plaza during Nashville Fashion Week. Levy’s presented the Friday night fashion show featuring men’s and women’s collections by Milan-based Eleventy. “We are proud to be partners with the best retailers in the United States and especially with Levy’s in Nashville,” Eleventy CEO Marco Baldassari says. Proceeds from Nashville Fashion Week are invested in the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Fashion Forward Fund and distributed annually to new designers.

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in good company

fare well

Harry Webster retired from Levy’s after 46 years in sales—and we will miss him. Levy’s honored Harry with a retirement party one evening in August.

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From top, left to right: Harry Webster and David Levy Harry Webster and James Cortner Sue and Harry Webster Harry Webster and Marlin Sparks

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music

lonely together Four of today’s best singer-songwriters draw you into their finely limned realms of heartache and exaltation. By Mark Dowden

Courtney Barnett Australian singer-songwriter and (left-handed) guitarist Courtney Barnett meandered through musical styles before making it on her own: She played second guitar in a garage grunge band in Melbourne; she next played slide, mostly, for a psych-country band, and then graduated to lead guitar on her girlfriend Jen Cloher’s studio album in 2013. That was the year Barnett herself achieved critical notice with her own double EP. Her witty lyrics, deadpan delivery and bitchin’ accent combine in a distinctive, highly likeable act.

The album: Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit Go-to song: “Dead Fox”

Deeper dives: “Avant Gardener” and “Pickles From the Jar”

Ben bridwell

After launching Band of Horses in Seattle, front man Ben Bridwell returned to his native Charleston, S.C., where he lives with his wife and four daughters. “I feel like the best stuff that connects people to Band of Horses are these songs that have these discordant, quirky elements and weird-ass tunings that make no sense to anybody else,” he has said. Affable and self-effacing (he claims he’s a lousy musician), Bridwell writes catchy, often upbeat tunes, many of which are sublimely tinged by themes of loneliness and alienation.

The album: Why Are You OK Go-to song: “Casual Party” Deeper dives: “The Funeral,” the band’s best-known song, and “The General Specific”

Sturgill Simpson Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson doesn’t fit neatly into the country music mold.

He’s often compared to Waylon Jennings (although in truth he’s more like Merle Haggard), but that comparison misses his strangeness and originality.

IndieWire got it right when it described Simpson’s sound as “a mesmerizing and sometimes bewildering mix of traditional country sounds, contemporary philosophy, and psychedelic recording-studio wizardry.” His first major-label release, out this year, positively soars.

The album: A Sailor’s Guide to Earth Go-to song: “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” on which he’s helped by The Dap-Kings Deeper dive: His cover of Nirvana’s “In Bloom”

Laura Mvula Birmingham, England has turned out many fine musical acts—Electric Light Orchestra, Traffic, The Moody Blues and UB40, to name a few—but have you heard Laura Mvula? You should, and you will. She got her start in an a cappella group, a gospel choir and church choirs. As a substitute teacher, she began writing songs on her laptop. She sent out a few demos, and lightning struck. Her 2013 debut album was followed this summer by a new LP that’s soulful and exultant.

The album: The Dreaming Room Go-to song: “Phenomenal Woman,” funky and danceable Deeper dives: The ethereal “Who I Am” and “Sing to the Moon”

Would you sign my cast?

| levy’s

What makes a great après-ski soundtrack? Music that soothes mogul-jangled nerves, lubricates conversation and hints at the romantic potential of the evening (even if it exists only in your head).

Whether heard in the hot tub, the lounge of your chalet or a parking lot tailgate situation, these tunes fill the bill.

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“Step” by Vampire Weekend “Ghost Writer” by Garland Jeffreys “My Friends” by Red Hot Chili Peppers “Weed Party” by Band of Horses “You’re So Good to Me” by M. Ward “The Wheel” by The Grateful Dead (try Dick’s Picks, Volume 20)

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David Bowie

“Mercy” by Eric Bachmann “Bodies” by Blackheart Honeymoon “Starman” by David Bowie “Blue Soul” by Blue Mitchell “The Bucket” by Kings of Leon “Burn One Down” by Ben Harper

10/7/16 1:55 PM

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