M. Penner: Fall/Winter 2009

M PENNER

Irresistible Malbecs

THE MALDIVES

Meet Paul Smith

NO-FLY VACATIONS

YEARS AND COUNTING

FALL / WINTER 2009

35 THE TESLA ROADSTER

HOUSTON FASHION Fall-Winter Fashions

M PENNER FALL / WINTER 2009

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HUGO

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HUGO BOSS FASHIONS INC. Phone +1 212 940 0600 www.hugoboss.com

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LONDON

WWW.PAULSMITHUSA.COM

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{ contents }

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columns

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The Sporting Life Revelstoke and Kicking Horse, two of the newer alpine resorts in British Columbia, represent North America’s next frontier of lift-served skiing.

features

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Meet the Designer: Paul Smith The Englishman describes his playful tailored clothes as “Savile Row meets Mr. Bean.” ~-~ ~-~

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Electric Glide

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If your experience of electric vehicles is limited to golf carts, the Tesla Roadster just might blow your mind ~-~ ~-~

Grape Rich and inky, Clos Triguedina, Prince Probus and the New Black Wine are three terrific Malbecs from the Baldès family of Cahors.

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Escape to the Maldives Tropical glamour and barefoot elegance at Reethi Rah and Cocoa Island ~-~ ~-~

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All Play & All Work The good times roll when friends and colleagues share a passion for fashion. ~-~ ~-~

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departments Invitation to Style “M” is for Morris

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The M Penner Guide 17

The artistry of Angelo Nardelli ... one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces ... superior socks ... the best little guesthouse in Texas ... an amazing French restaurant on Lake Conroe ... and more!

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Essentials for Men Textures, patterns and the new way to wear a classic pinstripe suit

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Essentials for Women Shades of gray and pleasing pops of color

Service Directory Your guide to the amenities of the M Penner experience

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Stephen’s Selects Best bets, handpicked by M Penner’s Women’s Boutique Fashion Director

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Good Company Celebrating Italian fashion in Houston, and the life of M Penner’s founder

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feminine fresh tailored fun

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Discover the flavors of Milan

Hotel Granduca’s exclusive restaurant Northern Italian cuisine with a French accent Lunch 11:30 am – 2 pm, Monday – Friday Dinner 6 pm – 10 pm, Monday – Saturday Closed Sundays 1080 Uptown Park Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77056

www.granducahouston.com 713.418.1104 for reservations

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M PENNER

{ invitation to style }

1180-06 UPTOWN PARK BLVD., HOUSTON, TX 77056 713.527.8200 www.mpenner.com

Store Hours MONDAY TO FRIDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAYS THROUGH DECEMBER: Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Editorial Director

“M”

IS

FOR

KAREN PENNER

MORRIS

Editor & Publisher Creative Director

I met a nice gentleman at a party last weekend,

Art Director

and he asked me if I was the “M” in M PENNER.

MARK DOWDEN AMY A. DOWDEN

S T E P H E N M . V I TA R B O

Contributing Editors

JENNIFER CENICOLA,

Actually, “M” is for Morris, my father, who started

J U L I A C . I R E L A N D , T I M O T H Y K E L L E Y, I A N

the business 35 years ago.

KEOWN, MARIA LISSANDRELLO, FRANCESCA MOISIN, EVERETT POTTER

I heard the word “maverick” used freContributing Photographers

quently during the last presidential campaign,

F U LT O N D AV E N P O R T, D A N I E L S P R I N G S T O N

but to me, my dad was a true maverick. In 1974 he decided to open a men’s specialty store in Houston, procured a small SBA loan for inven-

PEEKS

PAT R I C E H O R VAT H

R I TA G U A R N A

he couldn’t afford to pay someone else to do

National Advertising Manager

it. He introduced Italian clothes to men in Houston and had the only store in

SHAE MARCUS

town featuring exclusively European fashion. People told him he was crazy and

Advertising Account Executive

developed a successful niche business. In the words of my friend Jane Weil, Dad’s zealous spirit went beyond clever merchandise selection. In the

see page 22

Art Assistant

tory, and did all the carpentry himself because

“Sonny taught the ‘cowboys’ of Houston how to dress like gentlemen.”

Winter warmer

LAURA CARAMAGNA

Corporate Editorial Director

he wouldn’t make it, yet he refused to compromise his vision and, ultimately, Sneak

Art Associate

S T E P H A N I E S TA I A N O

Advertising Sales Assistant SABA KAHN

Production Manager

CHRISTINE HAMEL

Advertising Services Manager

early years his controversial billboard with the tagline, “One Hell of a Man’s

THOMAS RAGUSA

Store,” really helped to put M PENNER on the map, though some people

Senior Art Director, Agency Services

thought it too racy (my, how times have changed!). In 1984 he decided to

KIJOO KIM

relocate the store to Kirby Drive. Again, he was strongly advised against such

Marketing Manager

a risky move and, again, he would not be deterred. During our 22 years on

Marketing Coordinator

SEAN GALLAGHER ELIZABETH MEE

Kirby, in addition to guiding the business to further growth (not to mention

Accounting

developing a reputation as one of the most astute retailers in the country), Dad

MAGDALENA SZARGUT

worked diligently to establish and develop the Upper Kirby District. And when

Published by

we moved to Uptown Park, Dad was supportive and excited about this new

Chairman

C A R R O L L V. D O W D E N

chapter in the store’s history.

President

MARK DOWDEN

I’ve had the privilege of working with my dad since 1983, and when he passed away in September, all I could think of at the time was how much his absence would be felt around the store.

A G N E S A LV E S ,

Executive Vice President Vice Presidents

JOEL EHRLICH

AMY A. DOWDEN,

N I G E L E D E L S H A I N , R I TA G U A R N A ,

In the short time between then and now, rather than feeling his absence, I sense his presence . . . everywhere. From the way we set up displays to the

SHANNON STEITZ, SUZANNE TRON

Regional Sales Director DOUGLAS C. BARKER

way we answer the phones . . . so much of everyday life at M PENNER was built on his vision, hard work and infinite creativity. I sit at his original desk and feel close to him as I do my work. When I’m out on the sales floor, I hear Links to love

see page 20

myself saying things (as he did) like, “Why is this shirt lying here?” or “Didn’t anyone notice this piece of thread on the floor?” or “Let’s have a good day today!” When his words pop out of my mouth, I laugh inside, knowing that it took 20-plus years of training to get them just right. Oh yes, and every day when I drive up, I see the “M” for Morris above the front door and think of my father with the fondest of memories.

Thanks, Dad, for the first 35 years—you did good!

—MURRY PENNER

Circulation Director

LAUREN MENA

M P E N N E R Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with M Penner. Copyright © 2009 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, M PENNER, 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: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, M PENNER, Circulation Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes, FL 34639; telephone 813.996.6579; email lauren.mena@wainscotmedia.com.

Advertising Inquiries:

Correction: Photographic credit to Mike Plank for his invaluable contribution to our photo shoot was inadvertently omitted in the last issue.

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

WINTER 2009

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Step into the Circle – The Brownstones at City Centre, where elegant options meet a timeless experience. A sense of community within an urban environment. A distinct blend of upscale retail shops, fine dining and world class hospitality in the midst of a pedestrian friendly atmosphere. You can have it all under the roof of a luxurious metropolitan home.

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Houston’s premier wine bars and wine retail stores www.tastingroomwines.com Three locations in Houston: Uptown Park Midtown River Oaks

Award-winning wines and gourmet foods Upscale and elegant environment Private and corporate event spaces Sommelier services Catering

“Gourmet Comfort Food and Wines of the World”

4720 Washington Ave. at Shepherd Houston, Texas 77007

207 San Jacinto at 3rd Austin, Texas 78701

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{ the

m penner guide } To wear anywhere:

Winking at women’s fashion You can’t see it in the picture here, but the image on the cover of Avedon Fashion 1944–2000 is printed holographically, so the model literally appears to wink at you as you walk by. This irresistible come-on is just a hint of the visual pleasures within. The lush new book chronicles the work of Richard Avedon, the most influential fashion photographer of all time.

Beginning in the late 1940s, Avedon bucked the convention of stiff, motionless poses by encouraging his models to move and express themselves. He also forged such an intense connection with his subjects that he often left photo shoots embarrassed by the personal details they revealed to him. From Audrey Hepburn to Veruschka to Kate Moss, the book covers all of Avedon’s most iconic fashion models and images.

Style Secret: CINO

ANGELO NARDELLI Classic and refined, but always with attention to contemporary details—this describes the menswear of Angelo Nardelli 1951, named for the company’s founder and the year of its founding.

The firm has flourished under the direction of Angelo’s son, Domenico, but so far the label is relatively unknown in the U.S.—a fact that gives it extra cachet among devotees.

With artisan-quality sportcoats, sweaters, pants and accessories, this insider brand also happens to represent great value. To experience the quality of Angelo Nardelli yourself, visit M Penner, exclusive stockist of the brand in Texas.

Designer Cinthia Menolascino specializes in beguiling contrasts—simple colors rendered in richly textured fabrics, military-inspired designs combined with romantic influences, rock-androll edge with Edwardian touches. Her cino line, just three years old, is the culmination of a long-held dream to design clothes “that I would wear.” Her target audience: women who “are passionate about great clothes that can be worn dressed up or dressed down.” Find cino’s latest collection for fall and winter at M Penner.

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Alight in the “piazza”

Romancing the

“I design for women who have a strong sense of style and who enjoy making a statement when they walk into a room,” says jewelry designer Carol Lipworth.

Inspired by the natural beauty surrounding her home on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, Lipworth’s designs make use of copper, gold, gemstones—such as amethysts, rubies, quartz and lapis lazuli—and freshwater pearls, accentuating the materials’ raw, natural shapes. Stop by M Penner to see some of her exquisite pieces, each one handmade and unique.

STONES

How never to miss a thing at M PENNER

Uptown Park—home to M Penner and 30 other upscale shops, spas and cafes—has the charm of a thriving European village. That’s just what world-renowned real estate developer Giorgio Borlenghi was aiming for when he designed the center a decade ago. “My desire was to create not just another shopping center but something that reflects the urban atmosphere—while at the same time it is an Italian-style center where people come to congregate,” says Borlenghi. His dream has become Houston’s very own “piazza,” complete with fountains, detailed architecture and lavish landscaping.

Unusual for Houston, shoppers stroll around Uptown Park rather than drive. Residents of the center’s two high-rise residences walk their dogs and chat over Starbucks concoctions; visitors staying at Hotel Granduca sip wine at The Tasting Room. Next time you’re in the mood to shop or dine in low-stress high style, visit Uptown Park in the Uptown/Galleria area of Houston, located on Uptown Park Blvd.

Let’s stay connected! Sign up for our e-club at www.mpenner.com, and respecial offers and more. And be sure

And the winner is ...

to “friend” M Penner on Facebook—

M Penner was recently honored with an Uptown/Downtown

we want to hear from you, too!

Achievement Award by leading men’s fashion publication

ceive advance notice of special events,

MR magazine. The award is presented to retailers who’ve demonstrated extraordinary innovation. “M Penner stays

Superior socks Vivek Nagrani was not long out of college when he began his hosiery business in 1999. His goals: to make a product “truly worthwhile” to the customer and “to be the best.” His role model: his maternal grandfather, who had operated luxury clothing stores in India and Pakistan, with an emphasis on customer service. And that’s how the world came to have V.K. Nagrani men’s hosiery, woven of the finest cotton by small factories, in bold, striking designs—and, by all accounts, addictive to men who’ve tried them. We challenge you to try a few pairs yourself, and defy you not to want more.

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at the forefront of retail by increasing its contemporary and sportswear assortments,” said the magazine, citing the store’s expansion into women’s fashion in 2006 and its partnerships with local retailers. M Penner also recently received the Gold Standard award from Esquire magazine, and Top Men’s Store designation from City Search.

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1. P.S.: Passionate Supporter and Political Spouse, by Andrea

m penner guide}

White. The wife of Houston Mayor (and current Senate candidate) Bill White, the author says she used to prefer life on the sidelines. But personal and professional growth, White found, go hand-in-hand with the passionate support one gives to other people. Order through Amazon.com; learn more at White’s blog, passionatesupporter.com.

GREAT PAGES:

2. What I Learned About Life When My Husband Got Fired was co-written under the names Red and Black by sisters Tina Pennington (Red) and Mandy Williams (Black). The former was a happy

Books by local authors

housewife unhappily surprised by her husband’s job loss; the latter a well-off, retired-young executive. Williams, via e-mail and phone, put her sister through a financial-basics boot camp—and the

Get inspired this season by two new books by M Penner customers

book is the entertaining-but-informative result, complete with worksheets for reader use. Available at M Penner.

Give the PERFECT GIFT

THE A-to-Z LIST

Can’t decide what to buy? Don’t know the size? A gift card from M Penner is the ideal solution:

M Penner features more than 50 designer brands under one roof.

See if you don’t find your favorites among our list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.

business associates, is available

Agave Denim

Hale Bob

Pink Tartan

Scott Kay

in any denomination you choose, and may

AG Jeans

Hanro

Rebecca Taylor

Strenesse

be used for any purchase at M Penner.

Alden

Hiltl

Rivamonti

Suzi Roher

The card spends like cash and has no expira-

An Ren

Hugo Boss

Robert Barakett

V.K. Nagrani

Angelo Nardelli

tion date and no fees. Gift cards may not be

Ike Behar

Robert Talbott

Versace

Arnold Zimberg

Incotex

Rolling Stone

W. Kleinberg

The Art of Shaving

Indies

Romano Martegani

Würkin Stiffs

your gift cards to the recipients you select.

Audrey Talbott

Jack Victor

Schumacher

Zanella

To order, simply call us at 713-527-8200. We

Belvest

John Varvatos

Canali

Canali

It’s right for friends, family and

redeemed for cash. We’ll be happy to send

accept all major credit cards.

Jose Luis

Carol Lipworth Designs

Julie Peak

Cino

Luciano Barbera

Cortina

Luigi Bianchi

Craig Taylor

Maj

WRIST WATCH

D. Exterior

Magnani

Surely the most imaginative silk knot cufflinks

Donald J. Pliner

Martin Dingman

in the world are offered by Würkin Stiffs.

Donna Degnan

Mason’s

They’ve got dozens of Knotz options inspired

Elaine Turner

Maui Jim

Ermenegildo Zegna

Mazon

Etro

Michael Toschi

more. Choose a hue for any mood! Each pair

Eye Bobs

Mulholland

comes in a crystal-clear glass vial with a cork

Farinaz

Nicole Miller

Finley

Pantherella

Geoff Nicholson

Paul Smith

Gran Sasso

Peace of Cloth

by birthstones, national colors, holidays and

stopper. Shown here: the Bruce Banner, from their Superheroes collection.

Find them, and

Gravati Farinaz

more, at our store.

Scott Kay

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Stephen’s SELECTS

THE LOOK FOR FALL & WINTER Collar Your World

Go for the Bold

Layer it On

Whether you complete your fall outfit

Hale Bob models blazed down the fall

As the temperature (finally) dips

with a cashmere blazer, a trendy jacket

runway in a rainbow of vibrant colors

in Houston, adding featherweight

or a fun new pea coat, pay special

prints.

layers is the perfect way to be

Neon oranges, cobalt blues,

both comfortable and fashion

collar this season. From the refined

teals, cranberries and ruby reds bright-

forward. Add a superfine me-

peak lapel on Zanella’s red cash-

en up any outfit, while bright pinks

attention to the expression of the

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2

and

multicolored

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rino wool vest from Stre-

mere jacket to the playful, exagger-

and rich purples are this season’s hot-

ated portrait collar on Hugo Boss’s casual

test hues. Other showstoppers include

layer of warmth without adding

nesse for that little extra

navy blazer, stylish lapels are a definite

Hugo Boss’s outstanding iridescent hot

bulk, a trendy ombre cardigan

trend. An Ren’s whimsical jackets call

pink fitted blouse and Rivamonti’s su-

sweater from Paul Smith for pop,

for big bold collars while just a touch of

per-sized, ultra-fine scarves in an array

or a beautiful, feminine scarf to

trim finish off Indies’ delicate sweaters.

of fabulous colors. For just a splash of

your little black dress to warm up

Don’t forget to showcase a fabulous

color, brighten up a neutral outfit with

with a dash of flash.

new necklace from Carol Lipworth

a colorful pressed leather handbag

along with your gorgeous smile!

from Elaine Turner.

Show it Off

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From AG Jeans’ super comfortable jean-leggings to D. Exterior’s stretchy, sexy high-waisted pencil skirt, form-fitting pants and skirts show off your curves and give a fresh look for fall/winter 2009. Match these streamlined bottoms with killer

Suzi Roher belts or flowy tops for a balanced, feminine finish.

Best bets from the fall 2009 collections, counter clockwise from top, Zanella; Hale Bob; Paul Smith; AG Jeans; Craig Taylor; Carol Lipworth necklace.

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BY KAREN PENNER

CHILLING OUT in COMFORT

I joined Facebook over the summer and, I must confess, I’ve had loads of fun reading about all of my “friends’” travels—from Greece and Italy to Santa Fe, Carmel and, of course, home-away-from home for us Texans, Aspen and Vail.

Murry and I chose a different strategy for summer entertainment and went on a search-and-discover mission for fun things to do close to home. The next time you have a couple of days or a week, consider these two great Texas destinations for family get-togethers, gastronomical adventures, or just a great change of scenery.

Over the July 4th weekend, our challenge was how to connect with close friends and our adult sons in a fun and relaxing place where everyone could kick back and have a good time together.

We found our answer in Comfort with Mary and Billy Canavan, Texas homebuilders (and an adorable couple) who have an unbelievable rental home just waiting for fun-loving guests.

Only a three-and-a-half hour drive from Houston (four if you stop at Bear Moon Bakery in Boerne to stock up on homemade breads and sinful sweets), this exclusive private home, originally built as the Canavans’ personal residence, rests atop one of the highest hills in Central Texas.

The main house and two adjacent casitas wrap around a crystalclear pool and outdoor living area complete with a patio, bar and kitchen designed for serious entertaining. The magnificence of the beautifully appointed house is upstaged only by the continuous Hill Country breeze and endless views of the rustic Texas landscape.

Included in the rental is Mary’s “To-Do List,” filled with suggestions of what to do in and near Comfort. Though we missed the stop Top, the pool has an unbeatable view; center, Mary and Billy Canavan with Karen and Murry Penner; Josh Penner on guitar, Ryan Penner on harmonica;

at the Sisterdale Bar “for local flavor,” the July 4th parade in Comfort that’s “right out of a Norman Rockwell painting,” antiquing, canoeing and a visit to the Joshua Creek Hunting Club, we did make a trip to the

left, Murry dressed for the Texas sun.

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Clockwise from top left, Sam Unell, Amanda Waldman; Scott Hoffer, Murry, Gayle Waldman, Jeremy Penner; Gayle Hoffer takes a dip; Steve and Gayle Waldman; Mark Penner with Scott; Gayle Hoffer and Karen Robinson; the group plays mahjongg; Karen, Murry and Gayle Hoffer. Center, Karen at table, with Janice Penner at her left.

Hill Top Café in Fredericksburg—a kitschy gas-station-turnedrestaurant replete with live country music, a fantastic collection of vintage Texas memorabilia and arguably the best food in town.

We also exercised with local fitness instructor Courtney Barkley,

and toasted coconut under the stars.

We swam, read books and played music together. We cooked, drank wine, and shared stories. But my favorite part of all was sitting in my lounge chair each morning, steaming cup of fresh-brewed coffee in

who came to the house and gave us yoga and water aerobics

hand, feeling the gentle cool-morning breeze on my face, enjoying the

classes. On one unforgettable evening we hired local chef Theda

precious stillness all around me and watching the sun rise above the

Sultenfuss, who prepared a marvelous gourmet dinner for 14 that

horizon, beckoning the new day.

started with artichoke tapenade and local spiced pecans on the patio and finished with chocolate marquise with raspberry coulis

To make a reservation at the Canavan House, go to vrbo.com and enter listing #242739, or call Mary at 830-995-2983.

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FOOD

Roux là là: left, a chef plates one of the restaurant’s delectable dishes:

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BY KAREN PENNER

AS FINE ART

Matthew Gray. Chez Roux overlooks scenic Lake Conroe.

Del Lago Resort & Spa which, after a $130 million, two-year renova-

slipped my teeny pink-tights-covered toes into my very first pair of bal-

tion, has transformed the old Del Lago Resort into a fabulous escape

let slippers, and looked proudly at my reflection in the enormous mirror

for couples and families alike. In addition to the spa, the resort offers a

that spanned the length of the Westbury Dance Studio. It was most

fitness center, golf course, tennis center and a multitude of swimming

definitely in that “Degas moment” that I knew the performing arts and

pools (I think I counted six)—all of it barely an hour’s drive from Houston.

forever be a part of my life and hold a special place in my heart.

So when I was asked to donate seats at the table of my next “res-

Chez Roux is a freestanding restaurant located just a short walk from the main hotel. As we made our way to the restaurant, Brian Thorpe, the high bidder for the dinner, introduced us to his guests, Jen-

taurant review” to the Silent Auction for the Houston Grand Opera I said

nifer Gaines, James Sivco, and Rachel Walton. Our dear friends Nanette

yes, without hesitation. And when I heard about Chez Roux, the new

and Barry Putterman joined us as well, making a perfect party of eight.

French Restaurant on Lake Conroe with the only Michelin-rated chef in the state of Texas, I knew that was exactly where we were going.

Our outstanding mini-trip began with a weekend stay at La Torretta /

and sauce verge. Center, Murry and Karen Penner with renowned chef

WHEN I WAS FOUR, I sat cross-legged on the well-worn parquet floor,

I were a perfect fit. What I didn’t know then was that the arts would

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seared wild Alaskan halibut on a bed of fennel, with globe artichokes

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The restaurant boasts an amazing chef’s table where diners sit literally inches from the chef. However, the open kitchen is also visible from the intimate main dining room, where we sat. We couldn’t resist

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A meal to remember: clockwise from top left, Brian Thorpe, Rachel Walton and James Sivco; Barry Putterman anticipates his dessert soufflé; a selection of artisanal cheeses; seared salmon with globe artichoke, topped with a soft-poached duck egg; Karen and Brian; Brian and Jennifer Gaines; James with Nanette Putterman.

the temptation to sneak over to the window a time or two to watch the brilliant kitchen staff as they masterfully transformed simple ingredients into beautiful, edible works of art.

Head Sommelier and General Manager Garret Donovan deftly handled the front of the house, suggesting wine and food pairings, catering to our needs and entertaining guests with table-side service. Meanwhile Chef Matthew Gray ran the kitchen, creating dish after dish that tantalized the taste buds and left us wanting more--not because we were still hungry, but because every dish was unique and delicious.

The menu changes weekly. If it’s available when you go, start with the roast Hudson Valley foie gras with duck confit pastille (we all agreed that’s a lot of words for “amazing”) followed by grilled salmon with squid ink risotto or the hand-carved Black Angus rib eye with bernaise and red wine sauce (serves two to three), and a side of the very yummy cheese soufflé of Texas Gold cheddar with corn kernel cream. I’m a wine-and-cheese dessert fan myself, but if you have a sweet tooth, go for the raspberry soufflé with white chocolate ice cream and raspberry sauce.

CHEZ ROUX 600 LA TORRETTA BLVD., MONTGOMERY (936) 448-3010 LATORRETTADELLAGORESORTANDSPA.COM FA L L

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{ essentials for men }

Mix

A put-together look mandates a mix of textures and patterns— from herringbone to hammered metal, from soft wool to silk

WELL

Sportcoat, vest and slacks by Angelo Nardelli; Robert Talbott shirt; Geoff Nicholson pocket square; Stefano Corsini belt; Gravati boots with socks by V.K. Nagrani; sunglasses from Maui Jim

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www.cartier.com

漏 2009 Cartier

3966 Westheimer 路 Highland Village 713-622-4411 Celebrating 20 Years of Serving Houston

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{ essentials for men }

Pinstripe

POWER A suit gains pizzazz when paired with eyepopping patterns—in a lining, a tie, a pocket square—and rich brown hand-rubbed double monk-strap shoes

Suit by Belvest; Robert Talbott seven-fold tie and pocket square; couture shoe by Ermenegildo Zegna

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The only Supercar Club in Houston A limited number of Members sharing the most desirable Supercars

A private, members-only Club Modeled after successful clubs in Europe and the coastal US Three levels of Membership available Exclusive access to the Club’s collection of Supercars Spend more days driving than most owners do A cost that is less than owning a single vehicle in the collection An experience like no other

Telephone: 713.481.4469 Email: Info@houstonmotorclub.com

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{ essentials for women }

Gorgeous in Though the palate is neutral, the effect is anything but dull. The secret: a mix of bold patterns and organic “statement� jewelry

GRAY Plaid jacket, vest and slacks by Strenesse; blouse by Farinaz; Paul Smith paisley scarf; necklace by Carol Lipworth

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{ essentials for women }

Over the

RAINBOW This season, the forecast calls for pleasing pops of color. Look for bright spots in a pea coat lining, a ribbon-y scarf or a fire-red clutch

Pea coat and scarf by Paul Smith; sleeveless turtleneck from D. Exterior; Peace of Cloth pants; Elaine Turner clutch; necklace by Carol Lipworth 36

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You

throw the

PaRty, we bring the

PiZazZ! Hand drizzled chocolate covered popcorn, pretzels, cookies and marshmallows

713-932-0991 www.chocolatepizazz.com

perfect for any occasion corporate gifts are our specialty we ship and deliver ChocoPizazz_Right.indd 1

11/10/09 1:09:24 PM

{ meet the designer }

|

BY FRANCESCA MOISIN

photographer, who procured for his son his first serious job: working as an errand boy for a clothing factory in the neighboring town of Nottingham. Yet in his book, You Can Find Inspiration in Everything (*and if you can’t, look again), Smith writes of the job, “The only thing that appealed to me was that it was about four miles from home and I could cycle there and back every day. I had no interest whatsoever in their clothes.”

That all changed two years later, following a cycling accident. Unable to see clearly through his narrow, black-framed, Buddy Holly sunglasses while pedaling through Nottingham one afternoon,

SAVILE ROW meets MR. BEAN

Englishman Paul Smith designs classic clothing with a witty, modern twist

Smith smashed into a parked Austen A40, flipped over the car and landed on the road. He broke his femur, collarbone, nose and two fingers, spent three months recovering in the local hospital and six more months recuperating at home.

“When I got out of hospital I discovered the English,” says Smith.

“Before then I’d never really had a social life outside of cycling.” This period of illumination would form the core of his life’s work, leading him to create clothes that are in one sense quintessentially British. The traditional rules of Old World tailoring are respected: Every Paul Smith design displays exquisite craftsmanship and strict attention to detail. He often uses Harris tweed or flannel mixed with Scottish Fair Isle patterns to create clothes that are quite simple. “An ideal suit is one that is not trying too hard,” explains Smith. “The width of the shoulder would not be too extreme; the proportion of the pockets, average.”

And yet, out of his cha-

THE MAN DESCRIBED AS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL designer in British

history never actually planned to work in fashion. Today he is CEO and chief designer of a company that sells everything from jeans to high-end suits, accessories to funky furniture in 50 countries. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for

the jacket accidentally blows open and your eye

he still can’t draw. In fact, until the age of 17, Paul Smith aspired to just one goal: to be a

is suddenly dazzled by a lining of shocking citrus

Born on July 5, 1946, in the small town of Beeston, England, Smith remembers

green. Wallets are made of fine Italian leather, yet decorated in the whimsical candy-stripe pattern for

his childhood as “always very comfortable … excellent mum, quirky dad—an always

which he has become iconic. His work has famously

stable, good relationship.” His older brother and sister were serious students, but Smith

been described as classic with a twist—a combination

“loathed school” and dropped out at 15. “He was reasonable at art, but that was about

of traditional and contemporary, mischief and market-

it,” writes longtime friend Richard Williams. “He passed no exams. His mind, a mind that

ability. “I describe it as Savile Row meets Mr. Bean,

liked to play, was always running away from the prescribed subject.”

personally,” says Smith. “This has been the basis of

It was Smith’s late father, Harold, a professional cloth merchant and amateur /

infuses every Paul Smith product with subtle yet unmistakable flair. A suit may look sober until

services to the clothing industry—yet this artist received no formal training and admits racing cyclist.

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otic, witty, playful mind there also emerges an element of fancy that

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izing them—adding unexpected details or colors.”

The people Smith met following his accident first introduced him to

from the 1960s, antique

this new world of fashion and art, architecture and music. At a Notting-

cameras,

ham pub called Bell Inn, they discussed Warhol and the Rolling Stones,

toy rabbits,

Mondrian and Miles Davis. This was also where Smith met Pauline Denyer,

furniture, Dy-

a Royal College of Art graduate who was working as a fashion teacher. In

son vacuum

1967, when Smith was 21, they moved in together. The two have been a

cleaners,

couple ever since. He describes his wife as “my love and my inspiration.”

paintings

“I couldn’t have done any of this without her,” says Smith. “She real-

and Japanese

ized I had all this energy and enthusiasm. She fostered that, channeled it.”

gadgets—all of

It was Denyer who encouraged Smith to use his life’s savings—£600—to

them for sale. “There might

open a shop, Vêtement Pour Homme, on a shabby back alley in Notting-

be a bright red toothbrush next to a

ham. At first he sold other people’s clothing, but eventually Smith “got

cashmere suit,” he says. “You can come

into design because I couldn’t find what I wanted to sell.” The public

out having spent three quid or a thousand.”

quickly took notice. They came “from all over, to buy clothes from the shop

That, perhaps, sums up Smith’s character best: Despite his many ac-

because they couldn’t get anything like them anywhere else,” says Smith.

colades and global successes, he still remains a humble boy from Beeston.

“We were a little oasis outside London.”

“I’ve sold on the shop floor, I’ve typed invoices,” he says. “At some point

And from the start, his stores were also homes for curiosities. “Even

I’ve done everything, and I’ve always kept my head above water finan-

back in 1979, in my first small space in Floral Street [London], I had a thin

cially. I don’t think I’m an exceptional designer. I think I’ve always been

little cabinet with a glass top, that I had made especially to put things in,

consistently good, which I feel is an achievement. I’d really just like to be

mostly from my holidays,” says Smith.

remembered as a nice bloke.”

Today, apart from impeccable clothing and accessories for men, women

Men’s clothing and accessories by Paul Smith are available at M Penner.

and children, Smith’s boutiques in cities like Dubai, Tokyo and Bangalore might at any moment be piled high with a mad assortment of magazines

F R A N C E S C A M O I S I N writes about travel and fashion.

Above, a Paul Smith sneaker and a wallet. Below and far left, looks from the fall/winter 2009 collection.

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Golden Colorado | 36” w x 48”h | Acrylic/Glass original painting | Artist: Eric Lee

“The beauty of Eric Lee’s work lies in the astute blending of hues and colors combined with the artist’s media of choice—acrylic on glass. The colors move as if floating in air, luminous and caressing to the eye. The glass is never glaring, but instead calming and weightless.”

SHERI HAMMOND, ART CONSULTANT

Presteau Studios 847-337-0944 www.presteau.com COMMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED

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Electric Glide What do you get when you take the body of a LOTUS ELISE and give it a green heart? The TESLA ROADSTER— a PLUG-IN THRILL RIDE that says the future really can BE ELECTRIC!

IT’S NOT JUST GASOLINE and nasty exhaust emissions the

new Tesla Roadster spares the world. As the first highperformance EV (electric vehicle), it also cuts down on noise pollution. That’s because the roar characteristic of sports cars with an internal combustion engine has been tamed to a barely audible purr by the Silicon Valley upstart. For some enthusiasts, the quiet can be disconcerting—a turnoff even—but for the eco-conscious lover of exotic cars, thinking of this debut model from Tesla Motors as the silent, stealthy type can be an automotive aphrodisiac.

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BY MARIA LISSANDRELLO

Unlike other high-performance cars, the electric Tesla Roadster is perfectly at ease cruising low and slow (and silently) down the boulevard. But press the accelerator, and you’re rewarded with an instant surge of power.

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If your experience of electric vehicles is limited to golf carts, the Tesla Roadster just might blow your mind.

The car will take you smoothly from 0 to 60 mph—or 60 to 120, for that matter—in less than 4 seconds.

Modeled after the Lotus Elise, the carbon-fiber car weighs

road like Velcro, the Tesla Roadster is a blast to drive.

in at 2,700 pounds, 36 percent of it claimed by the battery, or rather

On the flip side, when you take your foot off the accelerator,

batteries—6,831 of them to be precise. That may be 781 pounds

the regenerative braking system (which recycles the energy usually

more than the Elise, but don’t worry—the extra weight doesn’t slow

lost through braking) kicks in at once, causing the car to slow before

it down. Quite the contrary. Electric vehicles produce maximum

you’ve even tapped the Brembo brakes. It’s a function that takes

torque at 0 rpm, so a press of the Tesla Roadster’s accelerator

some getting used to and may have you stopping short of stop signs

launches you like a torpedo, pinning your back to the seat. No surprise

and red lights.

the small, sleek car does 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds. And the relentless

Of course, before you can put the pedal to the metal, you have

torque means a single-speed transmission is all that’s needed to

to get into the car—a feat for any driver who’s not lean and lithe.

get you where you’re going at a rate that outpaces the Lotus. For

Like the Lotus, the Tesla sits ultra-low to the ground. Once you man-

sure, with its slot-car handling and Yokohama tires that grip the

age to sling your legs over the door sill and lower yourself into the narrow bucket seat, you’ll notice it’s none too roomy. The Spartan

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M A R I A L I S S A N D R E L L O writes frequently about automobiles and food.

cockpit (which is, of course, what the automotive purist wants in a

She is also the librettist for opera composer Christof Bergman.

sports car) pretty much rules out the revolutionary electric vehicle

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Test-driving the Tesla WHEN THE GOOD FOLKS AT VULCAN MOTOR CLUB let me play with their

Tesla Roadster for a day, I learned that the most fun thing about this vehicle, hands down, is the stunning acceleration. Turn the key in the “ignition,” or whatever you call it in an electric car, and a “beep” tells you the motor is on. There’s no engine sound, no vibration. Tap the accelerator ever so gently, and the car eases into motion like a golf cart. You could glide quietly down a parade route at 1 mph. But press down on the pedal, and now you’re Han Solo making the jump to hyperspace. What’s more, the smooth, silent, instantaneous surge of power is available at any speed. Going from 60 to 120 is the same as going from 0 to 60—a thrill that lasts a little less than 4 seconds. Whether on back roads or the highway, I found myself looking for any opportunity to unleash a sudden, massive burst of speed.

My Tesla ride was not entirely silent. Besides the hum of the tires and the whistling wind, I heard a creaking spring that begged for adjustment. But I could forgive imperfections in fit and finish. This was, after all, the first generation of a brand new automotive marque.

Thanks to its Lotus body, the Tesla Roadster scored big points for looks. Some guy passed me on the highway, honking, smiling and giving a thumbs up. I waved back and then smoked him, unable to resist the pleasure of punching it one more time.

—Mark Dowden

To find a Tesla store, visit www.TeslaMotors.com/TeslaStore.

as an option for those seeking long-haul comfort.

Then again, the longest distance the Tesla Roadster will take you on a single charge is 244 miles. What then? It’ll take about three-

THE TESLA ROADSTER AT A GLANCE BASE PRICE: $109,000 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:

and-a-half hours to charge up—at a cost of just $4 to $7, depending

| MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK WITH OVER

on your local electricity rates. And never having to spend a drop on

100,000-MILE LIFECYCLE | 248 HP @ 7,800 RPM

gas or oil isn’t the only savings: The car is virtually maintenance-free.

| 200 LB/FT @ 0–6000 RPM | SINGLE-SPEED GEARBOX

Just think—no oil changes, no mufflers, no timing belts. About the

| 4-WHEEL BREMBO VENTILATED DISC BRAKES WITH ABS

only thing that can wear out over time is the battery, which means no worries about mechanical breakdowns.

And here’s another perk: You’ll enjoy a $7,500 Federal tax credit, not to mention incredible savings on gas. All told, choosing the Tesla could bring savings of $25,000 over an equivalent gas

| HAND-CRAFTED CARBON FIBER BODY PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS:

| 0–60 MPH IN 3.9 SECONDS | 244 MILES EPA COMBINED CITY/HIGHWAY | TOP SPEED: 125 MPH | CHARGING: AS LITTLE AS 3.5 HOURS FOR A COMPLETE CYCLE STANDARD INTERIOR FEATURES:

| HEATED SPORT SEATS WITH INFLATABLE LUMBAR SUPPORT

guzzler—and get you noticed as a sports car enthusiast with a soft

| TOUCH-SCREEN VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY

spot for planet Earth.

| ELECTRIC AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER FA L L

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ESCAPE TO THE

REETHI RAH and COCOA ISLAND offer

two visions of BEACHSIDE PARADISE

MALDIVES THINK DESERT-ISLAND PARADISE, and a variety of tropical images inevitably come to

mind: sandy beaches that are ultra-white and silky under foot, a crystal sea studded with colorful coral reefs, azure skies, perfect palm trees and, of course, quiet seclusion.

If one destination matches this mental checklist, it’s the Maldives, an island republic sprawled across 56,000 square miles of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives has the distinction of being the world’s lowest-lying country; its sandy hillocks rarely reach more than a few meters above sea level. That’s because the entire country is a constellation of coral reef atolls. Twenty-six atolls comprise 1,192 small islands, only 202 of which are inhabited. Of these, about 90 are resort islands, and of the 90, perhaps 18 are truly special, the location of some of the most rarefied resorts anywhere.

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BY E V E R E T T P O T T E R

IMAGES BY: ROLF GOTTWALD FOTODESIGN, CHRIS CALDICOTT, CERULEAN VILLA

The over-water villas at Reethi Rah offer thatched-roof elegance and endless views of the Indian Ocean.

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Perched over water, the villas at Cocoa Island emphasize barefoot luxury. The resort setting is more reef than island, as seen in the photo below; snorkeling and diving are prime activities here.

At Reethi Rah (opposite), high ceilings, natural materials and minimalist style distinguish the large villas. Beachside dining—al fresco, of course—is one of several mealtime options.

While the Maldives has had occasional visitors for millennia—it was a stop on ancient Persian and Chinese trade routes—it was only in the mid-1990s that tourism took off, meaning virtually all of the resorts in the Maldives are quite new. The best of these resorts have a lot in common: Each has luxury villas of unique design. Each has extraordinary coral reefs lying just offshore, a world of rays, triggerfish, clownfish and hawksbill turtles. Each has stellar service and a great spa—because the whole point of a Maldives vacation is to send you home relaxed, recharged and refreshed. It’s why Donna Karan, Sienna Miller, Beyoncé Knowles and Sir Paul McCartney are major fans.

But the approach to relaxation varies by resort. Here we present two resorts consistently rated among the best of the best, representing two ends of the relaxation spectrum: One&Only Reethi Rah makes you comfortable with electronic amenities and glamorous surroundings, while Cocoa Island epitomizes the concept of “barefoot luxury.”

REETHI RAH One&Only resorts are the top-tier properties of Butch Kerzner, who developed Atlantis in the Bahamas and Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. There are just six One&Only resorts worldwide (the best-known to Americans being Palmilla at the tip of the Baja Peninsula), and what they share are sophistication without stuffiness and service that approaches six stars.

Reethi Rah, located on North Malé atoll, is no different. The experience begins at the airport, where one of the hotel’s high-speed custom yachts (which doubles as a registration 48

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desk) whisks you to the property, one of the few islands in the Maldives that has been expanded, in this case to six times its original size. There are 130 large villas, some set on stilts over the water. The beach villas have outdoor king-sized sun beds set on private infinity pools next to the beach.

In a country renowned for its spas, Reethi Rah sets the bar high. An ESPA spa offers 10 treatment rooms and many ayurvedic therapies, not to mention signature treatments like the ESPA Energy Equalizer with Volcanic Hot Stones. There’s a yoga pavilion, women-only areas and multi-day Wellness Journeys, such as the seven-day Holistic Fitness journey.

The choice of restaurants at Reethi Rah is superb. Fanditha serves Lebanese cuisine on tables placed on the sand as well as in Arabian-style tents; Tapasake offers Japanese fusion; Reethi Restaurant has an international menu. And the remote location is no barrier to gastronomic excellence. Sushi-grade fish is flown in from Tokyo, free-range lamb from Australia, strawberries from Belgium. Reethi Rah ranks number 17 for food—in the world, mind you—on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2009 of the Best Hotels in the World.

COCOA ISLAND Cocoa Island has a deceptive simplicity, not unlike that of its sister Como resort, Parrot Cay, half a world away in the Turks & Caicos. It’s as if the humble but well-located beach shack has

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Soaring spaces and opulent design mark the spa at Reethi Rah (left). The resort has no shortage of options for soaking, from swimming pools—seen above is just one of the 40—to spa treatments (right). Known for gourmet fare, both Cocoa Island and Reethi Rah fly in fresh food from the world over.

Below, seared tuna from Cocoa’s Asian-influenced menu.

been made over with cool urban chic.

Cocoa lies in South Malé atoll, a 35-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport. Hotelier Christina Ong’s philosophy prevails here, so the property remains a simple islet covered with palms, wild sea grapes and hibiscus, encircled by a reef with proverbial gin-clear waters.

The resort is small, just 33 rooms, and its architecture unusual. Serpentine wooden walkways lead out to each accommodation, which is set on stilts, with baby sharks and reef fish circling below. There are rooms, suites, loft suites and loft villas, the latter with kitchen and private butler. The Dhoni suites are built to resemble local fishing boats. Surrounded by water, they actually look like floating boats, but they are firmly secured on stilts. Each has a full-length glass wall, giving you a sweeping view of the Indian Ocean from your bed.

Inside they are airy indeed, with high cathedral ceilings. Bathrooms are huge, with separate shower and tub. But it’s the natural materials that are standouts.

There are lots of white fabrics, including Frette sheets. The furnishings are wood and understated, floors are teak, and the overall mood rather Zen-like.

Maybe the single biggest reason to choose Cocoa Island is the Shambhala Retreat, widely considered among the best spas in the Maldives. If you’re pining for an Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage or a two-hour Como Shambhala Ritual massage, go for it. After a morning of yoga on the beach, of course. This place has a massive reputation among devotees of yoga, and some of the world’s leading instructors hang out here.

Cuisine is a major part of your stay at any Como property, and at the Ufaa restaurant, which is thatched with alang alang grass, you sit on large sofas and cushions. You can expect Indian-, Sri Lankan- and Thai-style cuisine, or you can elect low-fat, organic Como Shambhala cuisine.

At Cocoa Island, you can literally snorkel from your room to reef. And if you’ve ever contemplated learning to dive, these calm waters would be the place

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

to begin. There’s even deep sea fishing and windsurfing available as well.

The best time to visit the Maldives is December through March, the driest months.

But to capture the true spirit of Cocoa Island, simply take a private boat to a

Temperature remains steady year-round, averaging 88° F by day and 73° F at night.

deserted beach, with champagne, picnic and partner in hand. After all, you don’t

ONE&ONLY MALDIVES AT REETHI RAH

want to overdo it in paradise.

Doubles from $860 including breakfast | www.oneandonlyresorts.com COCOA ISLAND

E V E R E T T P O T T E R writes frequently about travel to Asia.

Doubles from $680, including breakfast | www.cocoaisland.como.bz FA L L

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All

play & all work The good times roll when friends and colleagues share a passion for fashion

Everybody’s into the pool: Belinda Hillhouse lines up her shot in a Hale Bob dress and Carol Lipworth jewelry. Brian Kreps, at left, wears a Luigi Bianchi three-piece suit and Ermenegildo Zegna shirt and tie, accessorized with a Scott Kay bracelet and V.K. Nagrani socks. Butch Layne takes his cue in a Robert Talbott shirt and sweater and Incotex pants.

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“Move over, guys ... let the Katy girl show you how it’s done.”

– Belinda Hillhouse

M PENNER TEAM AND FRIENDS AT THE WONDERFUL HOTEL GRANDUCA IN UPTOWN PARK PHOTOGRAPHY BY FULTON DAVENPORT

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JEWELRY BY CAROL LIPWORTH DESIGNS

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HAIR AND MAKEUP BY A PERFECT FACE

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Framed by fashion: Carol Lipworth glows in a Nicole Miller dress, jewelry of her own design and shoes from Lenny e Cia in Uptown Park. Javier looks great from head to polished toe in an Etro suit, Ermenegildo Zegna shirt, Robert Talbott tie and pocket square, and shoes by Gravati.

“I’m very, very sneaky!”

– Javier Aceves

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“I’m the first guy to swing a golf club in the lobby of the Hotel Granduca.”

– Butch Layne

Silver and bold: Fashion arbiter Butch Layne wears an Ermenegildo Zegna made-to-measure suit and shirt with a Robert Talbott tie and Geoff Nicholson pocket square.

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At home anywhere in the world: Murry Penner masters the moment dressed in Ermenegildo Zegna from head to toe.

“Somebody has to be serious around here.”

– Murry Penner

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Songs in the key of fun: Cody Sever plays around in an Angelo Nardelli flannel suit with an Ermenegildo Zegna shirt, tie and pocket square and bracelet by Scott Kay; Belinda plays along in a Strenesse jacket and blouse with Zanella pants and Carol Lipworth jewelry.

,

“Every girl’s crazy bout a sharp-dressed man.”

– Cody Sever, channeling ZZ Top

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“Check Mate?!”

– Stephen Skoda

Chess mates: Stephen Skoda, left, doesn’t miss a trick in an Ermenegildo Zegna cashmere jacket and slacks, Gran Sasso mock turtleneck sweater, W. Kleinberg belt, Donald Pliner shoes and Scott Kay bracelet.

Brian makes his move in a Canali sportcoat and shirt, Geoff Nichelson pocket square, Ermenegildo Zegna sweater and shoes and Zanella slacks.

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Sheer pleasure: Karen makes the scene in a D. Exterior top with Zanella pants and a Suzi Roher belt.

“Oh, I do love ruffles and lace!”

– Karen Penner

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“Don’t worry about it . . .

Murry’s got the tab!”

A toast to the host: Cody, in an Etro shirt and printed velvet jacket with AG jeans and Bill Lavin belt, gets the scoop from Women’s Boutique Fashion Director Stephen, who wears a Jose Louis perforated leather jacket, John Varvatos shirt and scarf, Agave jeans and W. Kleinberg belt.

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– Stephen Skoda

WINTER 2009

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• Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence • Top Spot for Business Lunches • Personal and Corporate Events • Private Room • Exclusive Caterings • High Tea

Kirans_Left.indd 2

4100 WESTHEIMER ROAD

713.960.8472

KIRANSHOUSTON.COM

11/10/09 2:39:47 PM

{ the sporting life }

BY E V E R E T T P O T T E R

SKIING 1 MILLION ACRES, B.C. Revelstoke and Kicking Horse are North America’s new frontier of lift-served skiing IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN STUCK in ski traffic on I-70 in Colorado and longed

for a more remote mountain experience, consider heading north to British Columbia—not to the coastal mega-resort of Whistler Blackcomb, where you risk being bummed out by rain at the base, but to the interior of B.C., where you’re guaranteed light powder, freedom from crowds, gorgeous vistas and improved bragging rights when you return home.

The two up-and-coming B.C. resorts generating big buzz are Kicking Horse and Revelstoke, and they have a lot in common. Both are hard to get to: Prepare for a long flight and a lengthy (but traffic-free!) mountain drive. And both are big, demanding mountains, like Jackson Hole or Snowbird—family destinations, sure, but also places where hard-core skiers and boarders can really put testosterone levels to the test.

This is skiing’s new frontier, remote mountains that were colonized by heli-skiing operations and a handful of über-fit backcountry powder hounds. Now that they’ve opened as resorts, savvy skiers have discovered that the reward for a long road trip is a heli-skiing experience without the peril or expense of a helicopter, amidst jaw-dropping scenery.

Start with Kicking Horse, which opened in late 2000. You get there by flying to Calgary and then driving two-and-a-half hours along the TransCanada Highway to the mining and timber town of Golden, B.C. Kicking Horse had humble beginnings as a locals-only area called Whitetooth, accessed via a gravel road and a single-lane bridge, with a log cabin as a day lodge. The lone chairlift carried a few hundred skiers a day.

CONTINUED ...

Where is everyone? With endless mountain views, ample powder and freedom from crowds, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort offers that top-of-the-world feeling.

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But then Vancouver architect Oberto Oberti and partner Ballast Nedam Canada Ltd. arrived and spent $150 million U.S., with another $100 million scheduled to be spent here by 2010.

What really kick-started Kicking Horse was the installation of the

Then there’s Revelstoke, which takes “extreme” to greater heights.

The new kid on the block, it opened in late 2007 with a sizeable boast: Revelstoke claimed that in a few years it would be bigger than Whistler

Dogtooth Range of the Purcells, the exclusive domain of heli-skiing opera-

Blackcomb, currently the largest resort in North America and the setting

tions, became accessible by mere mortals. The gondola gave the resort a

for the alpine events of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Take the gondola to the top of CPR Ridge, and you encounter a

Now, Revelstoke is a working rail town with a population of about 8,500 people, hardly a world-class resort. But what gave the brash

near-vertigo-inducing panorama of the jagged Canadian Rockies and

boast some heft were the surroundings. Revelstoke is smack dab in the

Selkirk Mountains. Kicking Horse’s four dozen marked runs are mere sug-

Monashee Mountains, one of the most legendary heli-skiing grounds. The

gestions. Basically, if you can see it, you can ski it. From CPR Ridge and

Monashees average 500 inches of powder a year—that’s more than 40

Redemption Ridge, you can drop in from any of 70 inbound chutes, some

feet of snow—and a heli-ski trip here has long been the stuff of dreams.

of which are breathtakingly close to vertical. The steep head walls drop

Suddenly, for the price of a lift ticket, anyone could access these

into broad bowls, which funnel down to gladed runs and mogul fields.

legendary powder fields with a trip up 8,029-foot Mt. Mackenzie. That’s

Exhaustion and exhilaration are partners here. And if you have novices in

the resort mountain, heavily treed below, with alpine bowls above. It

your family, note that there is a beginner’s way down from the summit.

amasses an impressive 480 annual inches of light, dry snow yearly, just

The town of Golden will never rival Aspen for amenities, but there are still some niceties for visitors. Foremost are the Eagle Eye Suites, a

/

private guide and first tracks in the morning, all for $950 a night.

Golden Eagle Express gondola. Overnight, a 12,000-foot peak in the

4,133-foot vertical drop, second in Canada only to Whistler Blackcomb.

64

come with butler service, breakfast and dinner for two, lift tickets, a

shy of the 500-inch mark.

At the beginning of its second season, 2008–09, Revelstoke surpassed

pair of luxury accommodations on the second floor of the summit lodge,

both Whistler and Vail for vertical, boasting 5,620 feet, with 32 trails, four

which houses the gondola terminal and Eagle Eye Restaurant. The suites

alpine bowls, four lifts, two gondolas and two quads, all high-speed. The

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Heli-cious descent: For skiers who want entire peaks to themselves, Revelstoke provides helicopter access to a half-million acres in the Monashee Mountains (opposite top). And for those who prefer to find creature comforts at the summit, the lodge atop Revelstoke’s Mt. Mackenzie fills the bill. The gondola seen at lower left is one of two at the rapidly expanding resort. This page: High above a cloud bank, a skier raises a cloud of powder at Kicking Horse.

skiable acreage is now 3,031. In short, it’s enormous and getting more so.

What vaults Revelstoke into the potentially great resort category is that it offers lift-served skiing, snow-cat skiing and heli-skiing, all from the moun-

and Selkirk Mountains is pretty inspiring. Right now, the coolest place to sleep is the newly opened Nelsen Lodge, a luxury boutique hotel at the base.

The future? The owners claim the skiing could be developed to the

tain base. Just carry your skis, buy the appropriate pass, and go. No other

point where Revelstoke would have 6,000 vertical feet and 10,000 skiable

mountain in North America can deliver that. The numbers that go along with

acres, which would make it by far the biggest resort in North America.

it tell the tale: The snow cat gets you to an additional 5,000 acres, while the

The plan is for a four-season resort that in 15 years will have 130 trails,

heli-skiing option opens up an astonishing 500,000 acres of wilderness.

5,000 lodging units and an 18-hole golf course.

If Revelstoke has an issue at this point, it’s that it’s too tough for any

But for now, go and ski this uncrowded hill while it’s still in its infancy.

but solid intermediate skiers and above. You won’t be pleased if you’re

And if your friends give you a blank stare when you tell them where

a novice—not when more than half of the mountain is rated “advanced”

you’ve been, that will be a good thing. The secret isn’t out yet.

and there are only two green runs. Good skiers test their mettle on that nearly 5,700-foot vertical, and multi-mile runs like Snow Rodeo and Devil’s

KICKING HORSE MOUNTAIN RESORT, B.C.

Club can be an endurance challenge. It also helps to be comfortable in

GETTING THERE: Fly to Calgary, rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and then drive two-

powder, since Revelstoke gets plenty of it.

and-a-half hours to Golden, B.C.

The other challenge? Getting here. Revelstoke is located six hours from

www.kickinghorseresort.com/winter

both Vancouver and Calgary. As for the town, you won’t find the comforts of Jackson Hole. But the architecture, a mix of Victorian, Queen Anne and

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT, B.C.

Dutch Revival, is authentically charming, and the backdrop of the Monashee

GETTING THERE: Fly to Vancouver or Calgary, and then rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle for the six-hour drive. Alternatively, take a flight into regional Kelowna Airport, followed by a

E V E R E T T P O T T E R , a contributing editor to Ski magazine,

two-and-a-half-hour drive.

has skied on four continents.

www.revelstokemountainresort.com/revelstokemtn

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{ grape }

C l o s Tr i g u e d i n a :

GORGEOUS MALBEC FROM CAHORS

|

BY C Y N T H I A H U R L E Y

IT’S FALL. You can feel it and smell it in the breeze. Ever since

In his book Wines of South-West France, Paul Strang tells us

I stepped outside, I’ve been thinking about my earthenware pot

that in the 14th century, most of the wine being shipped out of Bor-

of cassoulet doing a slow bubble on the stove. Is there any meal

deaux was from Quercy, the region of which Cahors is capital. Some

better for a day with a little nip in the air? And, being a wine

of these very profits allowed the Bordelais to clear their marshy

importer, I’m also thinking about what to uncork with it, but this

Medoc vineyards and develop their own winemaking business. The

is not a real head-scratcher. Cahors, that powerhouse red from

Bordelais often mixed in the superior Cahors grape juice to add sub-

the southwest of France, is far and away my first choice. Great

stance to their then rather amateurish, insipid wines.

Cahors is one of the richest and inkiest wines you’ll ever put in

One of the most appealing estates you can visit in the Cahors

your mouth. And the history of Cahors is as rich as the taste. I’ll

region is Clos Triguedina. The name comes from the medieval lan-

give you just a sip of that.

guage Occitan. “Me trigo de dina” means “I’m longing to dine,”

Cahors is a very old wine town, planted by the Romans, to the east of Bordeaux. The people of Cahors were making wine

which is probably what travelers said as they passed through Cahors on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

CONTINUED ...

when the Bordelais were still drinking beer. Their wines would

66

float west along the Lot River to Bordeaux, where the Borde-

Custodian of a family tradition dating back to the time of Louis-Philippe,

lais would extract heavy taxes and sell the wines to markets in

vintner Jean-Luc Baldès (above, left) puts grapes in a prune oven. Grown in a

northern Europe.

sun-kissed Cahors vineyard (top right), grapes are harvested lovingly by hand.

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THE ART OF

WILLI KISSMER

STEHENDER HALBAKT (BRONZE, 2009)

OFF THE WALL GALLERY 5015 WESTHEIMER | SUITE 2208 | HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056 713-871-0940 | OFFTHEWALLGALLERY.COM

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(Clockwise from left): Malbec grapes grow in clusters on the vine, barrels fill a commodious cellar and vineyard rows promise tomorrow’s sipping indulgence under the supervision of Monsieur et Madame Baldès.

A Scotsman in Côtes du Rhône: McKinlay sold his information technology business to retire on a vineyard. But the extraordinary land on the slopes of Mont Ventoux drew him deeper into the new venture.

Clos Triguedina makes a wine called Prince Probus

which is 100% Malbec; and The New Black Wine (also

to commemorate the action by the Roman Emperor

100% Malbec), which is made in the style approximat-

Probus in 280, which put the winemakers of Cahors

ing the way Cahors used to taste in the pre-phylloxera

officially back in business after a previous edict had

days. Phylloxera vastatrix is that very nasty sap-sucking

outlawed winemaking outside Italy. Apparently, grow-

insect that nearly wiped out all the vineyards of France

ing wheat was not nearly as interesting as making wine

in the latter 19th century.

and that part of their agricultural obligation was being

In the past, Black Wine was made by baking the

neglected. The plucky folks from Cahors had largely

grapes in the oven, pouring them into a saucepan and

ignored the ban, but it was good to be out in the

then boiling them to remove most of the water. Today’s

open again. The wine called Probus is powerful, racy,

Black Wine is made by putting the grapes in a wooden

silky, harmonious, first-class, and you should probably

box with grills on the bottom and blowing in warm air to

drop whatever you are doing and go and buy a bottle or

shrivel them. The grapes are then pressed, fermented,

three. Sorry. It’s easy to get carried away with the taste

and aged in new oak barrels for 18 months. The wine

of this wine. It is splendid.

is dark (although not really black), smoky and delicious.

Etienne Baldès planted Clos Triguedina in 1830.

Today, Jean-Luc Baldès is the eighth generation to be

Uncork some Cahors tonight; it’s the finest expression of Malbec in the world.

in charge of the winery. The domain makes three red wines I particularly love: Clos Triguedina, which is a

CLOS TRIGUEDINA

blend of 80% Malbec (known locally and historically as

TASTE | RICH, DARK, BERRY FLAVORS, SMOKY, SPICY, LONG-LIVED

Auxerrois), 15% Merlot and 5% Tannat; Prince Probus,

BEST DRUNK WITH | CASSOULET, RICH STEWS BEST YEARS | 2005, 2006

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C Y N T H I A H U R L E Y is an importer of French wines and

PRICE | CLOS TRIGUEDINA: $25, PRINCE PROBUS: $50,

a frequent writer on the subject.

THE NEW BLACK WINE: $60

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Sorrento RISTORANTE

HOUSTON’S FINEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT Sorrento Ristorante has become a favorite of locals and out-of-towners looking for the perfect Italian Restaurant in Houston.

You will be impressed by our ambiance, service and, most importantly, our quality Italian food.

415 WESTHEIMER, HOUSTON TX 77006

Sorrento_Right.indd 1

7135270609

W W W. S O R R E N T O H O U S T O N . C O M

11/9/09 5:24:44 PM

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Page 70

{ service directory }

THAT’S A WRAP! We’re here to make your life a little easier, remember? So, you pick the gift and we’ll take care of the wrapping on all

M

PENNER

PERSONAL

non-sale purchases at M Penner. Of course, all you have to

SERVICE

do is ask and we’ll pick the gift out for you, too!

As a family-owned business, we take a lot of pride in everything we do at M Penner. We have the finest sales professionals that you

ABUNDANT PARKING

EXPERTISE

Houston’s a big city and parking is often a challenge. At M Penner

A central part of the

we provide plenty of free parking, right at the front door.

M Penner experience is superlative service. When

will find anywhere and our experienced tai-

you need expert, individu-

loring staff works diligently to make sure that you look great. Our commitment to our customers goes beyond the sale. Service impacts every part of our business and our

WELCOME TO OUR HOME

alized attention, you’ll get

From our drink bar to our flat screen TV, we

it—instantly and for as

designed the store to make you feel at home.

long as you want. Our

Even our Made-to-Measure Room is casual and

knowledgeable staff is

comfortable, with its roomy conference table.

well versed in all of the brands we carry, the

goal is to constantly exceed your expecta-

trends of the season and

tions. Here are some of the things we do to

SPECIAL ORDERS

how to fit every body type.

take care of you. Of course, special requests

Whether it’s a suit, sportcoat or a pair of shoes, if you

They stand ready to advise

can’t find what you’re looking for, just let us know. We’ll

you on all matters of

do our best to find it from one of our many resources.

wardrobe and accessories.

are always welcome!

CLOSET CLEANING

Sometimes it’s hard to part with

COMPLIMENTARY ALTERATIONS Our reputation is

old friends. We can help. When you shop for your new sea-

sewn into every garment we sell. To make sure you always look

sonal wardrobe, our sales associates will come to your home

your absolute best, we provide complimentary alterations on all non-

and let you know which items are worn or out of style, and

sale items purchased at M Penner. We even perform routine

suggest how to coordinate your existing clothes with new

wardrobe maintenance: Should a button become loose or lost, we’ll

additions. We’ll even take your old clothes and donate them

be happy to replace it—-and press your garment—while you wait.

to a local charity on your behalf.

MADE-TO-MEASURE SERVICE Exceptional fit is essential to impeccable

PICTURE THIS

style. We have a whole room created for

Sure, all of your new clothes look great at the store but

you to design your own suits, sportcoats,

sometimes, once you get home, it’s hard to remember

shirts and trousers where we will take

what goes with what. Just ask and we’ll be happy to

your measurements and help you select

photograph your ensembles.

fabrics, styles, buttons, etc. from the finest companies in the world.

M PENNER GIFT CARDS M Penner gift cards are available in any denomination and can be purchased at the store or over the phone. Just give us the word and we’ll be happy to send them for you as well.

DELIVERY

We understand that sometimes it’s a challenge to

get to the store to pick up your alterations. Just let us know when and where, and we’ll be happy to deliver them to you.

SHOPPING BY APPOINTMENT

Penner brownies, made from a recipe passed down for

pre-select clothing to meet your needs. Items will be ready to try on upon

generations, are required at all Penner family events. When

your arrival, during or after store hours. Can’t find the time to stop by?

we built the store at Uptown Park we added a kitchen so

We’ll be happy to come by your home or office.

we could make them fresh for you every Saturday.

Just give us a call and we will

JAMES TURNER ILLUSTRATION

BROWNIES ON SATURDAYS

Cannoli on your Canali ?

W

hen you wear the very best, your clothes deserve Houston’s finest dry cleaners - Coronet Fine Dry Cleaning.

2211 Westheimer (just west of S. Shepherd) Houston, Texas 77098 713-526-4623 • www.coronetcleaners.com

Pick-up and Delivery available Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm • Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm Coronet_Right.indd 1

11/10/09 12:27:25 PM

{ good company }

Thank you, Houston

1.

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In October, M Penner marked its 35th anniversary as the premier purveyor of Italian men’s fashion in Houston. Our month-long celebration began with a cocktail party highlighting our 35-year history and the life of our late founder, Morris Penner, and ended with a wine tasting and fashion event. In between, we hosted charity days and donated over $10,000 to the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Fresh Arts Coalition, Houston Grand Opera, Houston Urban Debate League, Pink Ribbons Project, Recipe for Success, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Taping for the Blind, Tech Corps and The Mission of Yahweh. Special thanks go to The Italian Trade Commission, City Kitchen, Carl Moore Antiques, David Brown Flowers, Dorian Wines, The Tasting Room and, most importantly, our customers and friends for helping to make our celebration so special and meaningful.

11/10/09 10:35:16 AM

Fine Furniture, Accessories & Rugs

MEREDITH O’DONNELL FINE FURNITURE features the finest hand built American and European furniture available for home and office. Baker, Stickley, Hickory Chair, and TROSBY designs are all always in stock and on sale. Our licensed and degreed designers can assist as personal shoppers, finding the best solutions for your interiors. Independent Open to the public and to the trade.

design trade also welcome.

LOCATION 2992 Kirby Drive at W. Alabama Street, Houston, TX | 713.526.7332 | www.meredithodonnell.com

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888.880.3462

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|

zegna.com

11/10/09 12:42:56 PM