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ROLLING STOGIES & RUNNING RUM features in KEY WEST (continued) 140 THE MASTERMIND BEHIND Carleton Varney on his latest coffee-table-book of iconic design THE BLACKLIST An exclusive interview with crime- SECRET LUXURY HOTEL WITHIN A HOTEL 109 drama producer Jon Bokencamp A story you’ve got to read to believe

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118 IMAGINE The Imaginary Absurdology of Michael Cheval 122 THE UNREAL REALISM OF TULLIUS HEUER This issue’s cover design artist Tullius Heuer blends simulated pen- cil with photography to create dramatic 3D-esque art. departments Editor’s Letter 22 126 Gadgets 24 QUéBEC CITY & MONTREAL Broadway Across America 26 Celebrating 150 years as a living National Concert Guide 29,31 Francophone museum National Dining Guide 32-33 American Fine Wine 133 Competition Winners 34-35 Dishing With The James Beard Foundation President 54 What Women Want 84 Gentlemen’s Corner 86-87 Art Of Landscape 112 Philanthropy- 134-139 Alex Donner, KidSafe Foundation, Nat King Cole Legacy Lives, Alzheimer’s Assoc. Condo Law 146 Condo Living 150 Real Estate Market Report 152-157 Social Living 160

16 Opulence Spring 2017 editor’s letter HORIZON PUBLISHING Executive PUBLISHER & Owner Geoff Hammond, CEO Jayne Hammond, President t’s 3 a.m. on a Friday morning, just hours before my 21-year- Associate PUBLISHER old son departs on a flight to California en route to start his David Hammond career as a chef at the Ritz-Carlton near Palm Springs. EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Jay IRyan completed his last final exam yesterday as a college student [email protected] and before it seems the ink could even be dry, he’s already prepar- SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR ing to launch. Right now, I can hear the bass of his stereo thumping Adriana Naylor as he packs his last bag in his bedroom. This time tomorrow, his [email protected] 954-331-3912 room will be silent. A very surreal moment for a mother indeed. Marketing & Events director Seems like just yesterday when he was born – on the night of the Academy Awards in 1995. At the time, Chantal Forster I was perplexed at how the nurses and my husband couldn’t take their gaze off the television screen, sip- [email protected] 954-331-3390 ping their warm and sweet coffee, anticipating who would win the Oscar for Best Actor or Best Actress. I remember thinking, “Hello! I’m about to have a baby over here – can you please put down your delicious BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Jennifer Garcia creamy coffee for a second and go get me something more thirst quenching than ice chips?!” [email protected] Nearly 22 years later, I now understand the captivating anticipation of an Academy Award being an- 954-663-1786 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT nounced. For me, however, I daydream about what it would be like to anticipate the announcement of a AVAILABLE AD Michael Jay different kind of Oscar – the sort awarded to American star chefs in the culinary world – the James Beard [email protected] Awards. The mere nomination of a James Beard Award can forever change the trajectory of a budding 954-593-5060 culinary entrepreneur. Contributing Writers:

Ryan has aspired to be a great chef since before he could drive a car. I laugh to myself that maybe he John D. Adams Evan Netsch Roberto C. Blanch Jill Patterson went into the culinary field out of necessity – because his mother, yours truly, has literally burned water, Stephanie Bonilla Andrew Rand melted metal teapots to the stove, and caught the inside guts of two (no, three!) microwaves on fire Michael Campea Lisa-Marie Reiter by attempting to pop corn in a dry paper bag or forgetting to put water in the oatmeal bowl before Jana Soeldner Danger Erick Rodriguez Chantal Forster Ava Roosevelt pressing start. Ryan Jay Todd R. Sciore I sit here quietly thinking about what Ryan’s future may hold for him as he prepares to move about as far Steven Joseph Susan Ungaro Dale King & Julia Hebert Carleton Varney from his childhood home as the United States is wide. I wonder if maybe – just maybe – my husband Kristen Mager Kelly Villasuso and I might some day be sitting at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago on an early May evening, decked Alona Abbady Martinez Mary & Hugh Williamson out in our Sunday best, sipping sweet coffee and anticipating at the edge of our seats the announce- Photographers ment of the next James Beard Awardee. A mother of a budding young culinary professional can only Douglas Lance dream of such a day! Michael Muser Silvia Pangaro Our cover story for this issue is about a very special chef, Mr. Curtis Duffy, who as the co-proprietor of his Raul Villasuso first fine dining restaurant in Chicago – Grace – has achieved the pinnacle of culinary success, earning a very rare and coveted 3 Michelin stars and a 2016 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Don’t Contributing Designers: Tullius Heuer miss our compelling, heartfelt interview with Curtis on page 48 – but grab a tissue first. As a member Michael Muscarella of the James Beard Foundation, International Opulence is pleased to welcome Chef Curtis Duffy as our special guest of honor at this issue’s launch party. Stay tuned for details! PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw Robin Jay Editor in Chief General Counsel Barry Weiss [email protected] International Opulence Magazine is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 7, No. 1, Spring 2017 (ISSN # 2157-5274)

Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change of address, contact the subscription department, (954) 308-4300 Ext. 4312, Fax: (954) 331-6028. Horizon Publishing, LLC, its affiliates and contributing writers have exercised due care in compiling the information contained herein, but with the possibility of human or mechanical error, cannot assume liability for the accuracy of this data. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher. 18 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Gadgets Broadway 2017-18 Season Art Institute of Chicago Asymmetric Glass Clock Never step out of line with the fun design of this clock. An artful CHICAGO NEW YORK Washington, DC Eisenhower Theater arrangement of fused ORIENTAL THEATRE ASTOR PLACE THEATRE Los Angeles ONGOING July 11-Aug. 6, 2017 glass, handmade in Italy. DEC. 7- DEC. 31, 2017 October 11-November 19 NEW YORK CHICAGO NEW YORK Ahmanson Theater Ongoing Handmade glass can be ORIENTAL THEATRE Lunt-Fontanne Theatre found in the museum’s JULY 25-AUGUST 13, 2017 STEVEN SONDHEIM permanent collection. THEATRE Chicago ONGOING Requires one AA battery Ongoing Ambassador Theatre (not included). $165. www.artinstituteshop.org

Master Sculpz San FranCisco Museum Of MODERN Art Museum of Contemporary Impossible I-1 Camera Designed Art, Chicago by Impossible Project Put your little master builder’s creativity Los Angeles When Polaroid® announced the end of instant film in 2008, Miami SAN FRANCISCO MIAMI August 11-December 30 to the test! These fun, three-dimensional February 27, Impossible stepped in to buy the last remaining factory, days THE GOLDEN GATE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER Pantages Theater cutout sets have innumerable options to 2018-March 4, 2018 JUNE 27- JULY 27, 2017 Oct. 5- Oct. 15, 2017 Hollywood LOS ANGELES before it closed down. Eight years later, with the help of some Adrienne Arsht Center deepen a child’s understanding of sculp- LOS ANGELES NEW YORK CHICAGO AHMANSON THEATRE FORT LAUDERDALE incredible chemists, engineers and photographers, they’re the THE AHMANSON MARQUIS THEATRE THE PRIVATEBANK MAY 16-JUNE 24, 2017 ture, Cubism and Surrealism. $12. www. Baltimore BROWARD CENTER FOR AUG. 2-SEPT. 10, 2017 ONGOING THEATRE only company worldwide making original format instant film, October 17-October 22 THE PERFORMING ARTS mcachicagostore.org RUNNING THROUGH Hippodrome Theater JUNE 13-JUNE 25, 2017 and now introduce the I-1 Impossible Camera. SEPT. 17, 2017 MIAMI New York For beginners, the I-1 is as easy to use as the beloved Polar- ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER Richard Rodgers DEC. 26- DEC. 31, 2017 oid® 600-type, but you get more control over the end result. Theatre Portraits turn out even better thanks to autofocus and the ongoing ring flash. $299 www.sfmoma.org SAN FRANCISCO SHN ORPHEUM THEATER STARTING MARCH, 17, 2017 Washington, DC Kennedy Center Coming SEPT. 2018

Chicago Oriental Theatre June 14-July 9, 2017 NEW YORK Ongoing NEW YORK Washington, DC Washington, DC Eugene O’Neill Theatre LONGACRE THEATRE December 27, 2017- July 18-August 20 ONGOING January 7, 2018 The Kennedy Center Miami The Kennedy Center November 28-December 3 Museum of modern art, New York – WaterRower Rowing Machine Adrienne Arsht Center Baltimore November 16-December 10 Channel the unbending power and steely determination of Frank Underwood with this elegant rowing machine, which builds strength and stamina by closely Washington, DC Hippodrome Theater simulating a real world rowing experience. Its patented Waterflywheel, which moves through actual water, provides a smooth stroke that exercises 84% of your October 24-November 19 Baltimore The Kennedy Center NEW YORK October 3-October 8 muscle mass evenly and prevents injuries. When not in use, the WaterRower can be stored vertically against a wall. Made in the USA from ethically sourced walnut Ongoing Hippodrome Theater wood. Assembly required. www.moma.org. $945.00 Minskoff Theatre Ft. Lauderdale November 7- November 19 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Washington, DC THE National Theatre June 20-JULY 2, 2017

NEW YORK CHICAGO NEW YORK ORIENTAL THEATRE Now through AMBASSADOR THEATRE January 18, 2018 JULY 11- JULY 23, 2017 Ft. Lauderdale THROUGH JULY 16, 2017 December 12-December 24 Broadway Theatre Los Angeles Broward Center for the November 21- Performing Arts December 31 Ahmanson Theater NEW YORK Ft. Lauderdale Ongoing October 10-October 22 Winter Garden Theatre Broward Center for the Performing Arts Zig Zag Chair, Museum of Modern Art, New York City This classic design’s four panels bend in sequence from top to bottom—an elegant dance that brings instant visual appeal to your environment. $2,230.00. store.moma.org/shop

20 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 21 2017 National Calendar By Sarah Kern Entertainment

NYC CHICAGO EIGHT-LEGGED OVATIONS AT OVO

Rod Stewart and irque du Soleil’s latest enchant- brings to life this seemingly miniscule world. 50 technicians and management crew that Cyndi Lauper ing acrobatic adventure inter- The 50 performers in this thrilling show- work on the grid, under the stage and back- Blondes Just twines insects and other creepy- case have gathered from around the world, stage. Together they bring to life the world Want To Have Ccrawly creatures. 12 countries to be exact, to take part in its of OVO.” More Fun! production and execution. July 18 An evening with marching ants, flex- Both on stage and behind the scenes, OVO ible fleas, silky spiders, crazy crickets and “OVO presents 10 unique circus acts you’ve is unparalleled in its ability to entertain Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, other outrageous insect critters may at never seen before. It pushes the limits of the and captivate audiences of all ages teach- NY. www.jonesbeach.com first sound creepy and repulsive – but human body, blending, mixing and reinvent- ing lessons about life, love and existence. Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams Tour al contrario! Thanks to the latest out-of- ing circus disciplines,” said Melanie Martinez, August 17 this-world creative live performance from OVO’s press coordinator. “You’ll find yourself OVO is coming to Cirque du Soleil – OVO aims to challenge making all sorts of weird facial expressions Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL. www.soldierfield.net a stage near you: these preconceptions and change the when you see a contortionist bending in Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center, minds of entomophobes the world over. half, or a person being thrown up in the air July 5-7 “Ovo” is the Portuguese term for egg, as and caught 6 meters away.” Sunrise, FL – BBT Center, well as the title of this acrobatic adventure This colorful OVO ecosystem captures July 13-23 through the world that lies underfoot. And the eyes and engages the senses to leave au- Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena, it has fans squirming in delight. diences awestruck and amazed. In addition July 28-30 The OVO Story to the exquisite display of human strength Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Veterans After discovering a large egg in their home, and talent is the technical array of lights and Memorial Arena, August 2-6 the insects of the forest, which include a scenes cast onto the “big wall.” Over 40 days Fairfax, VA – Eaglebank Arena, ladybug, butterflies, spiders, and other for- of shooting in a model forest constructed August 16-20 Paul McCartney One on One Tour est-dwelling critters, are faced with a conun- of natural elements led to the compelling September 11 Trevor Noah Mike Birbiglia drum that ultimately represents the puzzling images that help define OVO. Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena, Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ. www.prucenter.com October 20 “The New One” question of their existence and life cycle. August 23-27 What The Eye Can’t See The Chicago Theater, 175 N State St, December 8 Uniondale, NY – NYBC Live, Chicago, IL. Featuring high-flying acrobats and extreme “Every night, to make this show happen, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, August 30-Sept. 3 www.thechicagotheatre.com Chicago, IL contortionists, OVO portrays a realm that the there are several dozen artists on stage. www.thechicagotheatre.com human eye has only caught a glimpse of and What the audience can’t see is the team of For additional arenas and dates, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo

LOS ANGELES Ed Sheeran September 29- October 1 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Bruno Mars 24K Brooklyn, NY www.barclayscenter.com Magic World Tour September 22 & September 23 Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY. www.thegarden.com

CHICAGO LollApalooza Music Festival August 3-6 Pentatonix 4th of July Firework Spectacular Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, July 2-4 IL. www.lollapalooza.com Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. www.hollywoodbowl.com

22 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 23 2017 National Calendar

LOS ANGELES Washington DC

Gary Owen and Shawn MendeS Deon Cole Tim McGraw and October 28 July 12 Faith Hill Soul 2 STAPLES Center, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA. www.staplescenter.com The Theater at MGM National Soul 2017 Harbor, 10 MGM National Avenue, October 13 Oxon Hill, MD www.mgmnationalharbor.com Verizon Center Washington DC, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC www.verizoncenter.monumentalsportsnetwork.com

MIAMI/FORT LAUDERDALE/PALM BEACH

Jack Johnson JAMTOWN featuring Donavon Daryl Hall & John Frankenreiter, G. Love Oats: Tears for Fears & Cisco Adle July 16 July 28-29 STAPLES Center, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. www.staplescenter.com Angeles, CA. www.hollywoodbowl.com Diana Ross Roger Waters June 24 Us + Them Tour Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, July 13 Washington, DC West Palm Beach . www.Kravis.org American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami www.aaarena.com

J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez New Kids On the Block: Only Tour John Mayer The Total Package Tour August 8 August 25 with Paula Abdul and Guns n’ Roses Not In Verizon Center Washington DC, 601 F St Jiffy Lube Live, 7800 Cellar Door Dr, Boyz II Men This Lifetime Tour NW, Washington, DC. www.verizoncenter. Bristow, VA July 6 August 8 monumentalsportsnetwork.com www.bristowamphitheater.com Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com m.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/info/gnr

24 Opulence Summer 2017 Winter 2016/17 Opulence 25 DINING DINING National Dining Guide 2017 GUIDE National Dining Guide 2017 GUIDE Outstanding The 2017 James Beard Restaurant Topolobampo Outstanding Wine, Beer Award Winners Are… 445 N. Clark Street, Chicago or Spirits Professional BY Alex Starace • (312) 661-1434 • Sam Galagione, Dogfish Head www.rickbayless.com Craft Brewery • www.dogfish.com Often described as the “Oscars of Food,” the annual James Beard Awards Brewery: 6 Cannery Village Center, took place on May 1 at the world-renowned Lyric Opera in Chicago. Host- Milton, DE • (302) 684-1100. ed by Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the black-tie affair celebrated Rick Bayless’s most elegant location, this Brewpubs: 316 and 320 Rehoboth the finest in the culinary arts, with a food-and-drink tasting gala afterward. contemporary Mexican restaurant allows diners to choose their own tasting Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE • (302) International Opulence, a proud member of the James Beard Foundation, menu, based on whether they’re most 226-2739. Sam Galagione is known for his experimental craft beers, sampled, chatted and dined, as did food luminaries like Rick Bayless, interested in having a “vibrant,” “soulful,” with wild ingredients like maple syrup or black limes. Dogfish Andrew Zimmern and David Chang. Here is a selection of the night’s or “enchanting” meal. Head Brewery is also known for its line of India Pale Ales, making a biggest winners. visit a must if you’re in Delaware.

All photos of chefs courtesy of Huge Galdones Outstanding Restaurateur 2017 Humanitarian BEST New Restaurant Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants Stephen Starr, who’s been in the of the Year Le Coucou Denise Cerreta, restaurant and entertainment 138 Lafayette Street, NYC • One World Everybody Eats business since age 21, heads 33 (212) 271-4252 • www.lecoucou.com Salt Lake City restaurants across the East Coast, Chef Daniel Rose’s first stateside res- Denise Cerreta’s non-profit is including the 2017 James Beard taurant, Le Coucou has a classic French dedicated to increasing food security best new restaurant, Le Coucou, menu with an American twist. The inven- through a pay-what-you-can and several south Florida restaurants, like Le Zoo, Upland tiveness and the ever-fresh ingredients restaurant model. There are over 60 restaurants in the organization’s and Makoto. make it a must-try in SoHo. network. Find one near you at www.oneworldeverybodyeats.org. Rising Star Chef Outstanding Chef Zachary Engel, Shaya 2017 James Beard Michael Solomonov – Zahav 4213 Magazine Street, New Foundation Lifetime 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia • Orleans • (504) 891-4213 • Achievement Award (215) 625-8800 • www.zahavrestaurant.com www.shayarestaurant.com Nora Pouillon – Restaurant Nora Born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh, Zachary 2132 Florida Avenue NW, Washing- Solomonov previously won the 2011 Engel cut ton, DC • (202) 462-5143 • James Beard Awards for “Best Chef, his teeth www.noras.com Mid-Atlantic.” His small-plate restaurant, at Michael Solomonov’s Zahav, and has A long-time champion of organic, Zahav, brings the authentic flavors of since branched out on his own. His current environmentally conscious food, Israel to Philadelphia, with a modern interpretation. restaurant, Shaya, is modern Israeli, a fusion Nora Pouillon has been on the forefront of eating healthily and of Southern flavors and Mediterranean- sustainably. Her Restaurant Nora was the first certified organic Outstanding Pastry Chef inspired dishes. restaurant in the United States.

Ghaya Oliveira – Daniel 60 E. 65th Street, NYC • (212) 288-0033 • Outstanding www.daniel.nyc.com Bar Program Ghaya Oliveira’s traditional-yet-creative Arnaud’s French 75 Bar pastries are to die for at Daniel, a French 813 Rue Bienville, New Orleans • restaurant on the Upper East Side inspired (504) 523-5433 • by the seasons, with a world-class wine list. www.arnaudsrestaurant.com Enjoy classic cocktails or inventive new concoctions at this bar in the French Quarter, part of Arnaud’s restaurant, which has defined New Orleans fine dining since 1918.

26 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 27 DINING National Dining Guide 2017 National Dining Guide 2017 DINING GUIDE Regional Awards GUIDE Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL Best Chef: New York City LA, MS, PR) Rebecca Wilcomb – Herbsaint IN, MI, OH) (Five Boroughs) 701 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans • (504) Sarah Gruenberg – Monteverde Marco Canora – Hearth 524-4114 • www.herbsaint.com 1020 W Madison Street, Chicago • 403 East 12th Street, New York • Rebecca Wilcomb is the second (312) 888-3041• (646) 602-1300 • “Best Chef: South” to come out www.monteverdechicago.com www.restauranthearth.com of Herbsaint, a mainstay on A native Known for popularizing bone New Orleans’ best restaurant lists. The contemporary seasonal Texan, Sarah broth in NYC, Marco Canora has French-Southern cuisine perfectly matches the restaurant’s St. Grueneberg opened Monteverde in the been promoting healthy fine dining in Manhattan since 2003, Charles Avenue location. hot West Loop neighborhood. Patrons enjoy when he opened Hearth. His restaurant uses seasonal, locally modern Italian with traditional flourishes, such sourced ingredients, which are prepared with an Italian influence. as the authentic in-house balsamic vinegar, Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, stored in barrels known as a “batteria.” Best Chef: Northeast NC, SC, TN, WV) (CT,MA, ME, NH, NY State, Steven Satterfield – Miller Union Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta • (678) 733- RI, VT) 8550 • www.millerunion.com (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley – A member of Slow Food Atlanta, Greg Vernick – Eventide Oyster Co. Steven Satterfield is dedicated Vernick Food & Drink 86 Middle Street, Portland, ME • to seasonal, local cooking. His 2031 Walnut Street, Philadelphia • (207) 774-8538 • restaurant, Miller Union, embodies these traits with a New (267) 639-6644 • www.eventideoysterco.com American fare. It was also a 2017 James Beard Finalist for “Out- www.vernickphilly.com Neither Taylor nor Wiley attended cooking school, standing Wine Program.” Growing up, but their love of food and running a crisp busi- Greg Vernick’s mother owned a restaurant ness means that Eventide is always hopping. This Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, CO, and his grandfather owned a butcher’s shop, revival of the classic oyster bar includes culinary making the culinary arts a natural choice for surprises and occasional Asian-inspired inflections. NM, OK, TX, UT) his profession. He opened Food & Drink with Hugo Ortega – Hugo’s Houston his wife Julie, offering seasonal contemporary Best Chef: 1600 Westheimer, Houston • (713) 524- American cuisine. 7744 • www.hugosrestaurant.net Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, A native of Mexico City, Hugo Best Chef: Midwest (IA, WA, WY) Ortega immigrated to the KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI) Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton United States in 1984. He has and Greg Denton – Ox four well-known restaurants in Houston. His Hugo’s Houston Kevin Nashan, Sidney Street Café 2225 NE Martin is traditional Mexican cuisine at its finest, supplemented with 2000 Sidney Street, St. Louis • Luther King Jr. award-winning wine, cocktail and tequila menus. (314) 771-5777 • Boulevard, www.sidneystreetcafestl.com Portland, OR • (503) 284-3366 • www.oxpdx.com Best Chef: West (CA, HI, NV) Kevin Nashan This husband-and-wife cooking duo debuted Ox Corey Lee – Benu blends his in 2012. Inspired by the wood-grilling tradition of 22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco • Spanish and New Mexican heritage, French Argentina, this steakhouse has classic cuts with (415) 685-4860 • www.benusf.com training, and Southern elements together chimichurri, as well as fish and local ingredients to match the A two-time James Beard Award win- for the fare at Sidney Street Café. Not to be Pacific Northwest palate. ner, Corey Lee won his first at missed, the café’s on-site garden supplies French Laundry. His current res- fresh produce for the menu, as well as for the taurant, Benu, is tasting-menu neighborhood. only, has the ever-coveted three Michelin stars and its own cookbook. A high-end contemporary American restaurant with Asian influences, it’s not to be missed.

28 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 29 dishing with the James Beard Foundation President By Susan Ungaro

meat as a sacrifice to the gods of the stomach. I let them burn up, and as they catch, I spread For while barbecuing is a very old and primitive them out over the fire bed, touching, which way of cooking, it is also one of the most ap- makes for better coals than if you let them petizing methods of dealing with meat known burn up in the pyramid and try to spread to man, and it deserves to be done with some them out later. semblance of technique, accuracy, and care. The secret of good grilling is to have an even One of the greatest mistakes is adding too distribution of heat. If the briquets are allowed much fuel. Charcoal briquets, which have to form the right kind of bed of heated coals become the almost universal fuel for out- and ash, the whole grill will be evenly heated door cooking in this country, are efficient with a surface temperature between 350 and Susan Ungaro and simple to use, but all too few people 375°F, the ideal medium for cooking. realize that they give the best results when In Beard on Food, James Beard wrote about For properly cooked meat, time the grilling. used economically. If you have a little hiba- a number of culinary topics, from a lesson in First measure the meat. If a steak is 2 inches chi, you don’t really need more than 12 to 14 chicken anatomy to his six essential herbs to thick, give it 10 minutes per side if you like it briquets (or at the very most 20 to 24) to cook the merits of the perfect sandwich. One of my very rear. Let it brown gradually on one side, a normal amount of meat for two or three. favorites this time a year is this ode to cooking turn, and cook until browned on the other. Even with the big-wheeled grills that can do al fresco--a timeless primer to kick off grilling If you want to char the outside, let it cook to enough for a large family, certainly 30 to 40 season. Happy summer! — Susan Ungaro the point of doneness you like, then increase briquets will suffice. If you are spit-roasting a the heat either by bringing up the firebox or turkey, a very large beef roast, a suckling pig, by adding more briquets on the outside of A Word From James Beard… or a whole baby lamb, all of which take long- the fire, letting them catch and then building Walk down the streets of any town, large or er to cook, you may need more than 40 or 45 them up under the meat so the heat increas- small, on a summer evening when dinner is briquets, but the extra amount may be add- es all at once. Turn quickly to char both sides. cooking in many a patio and back garden, ed later on as required. Always start your fire and the smell of the scented smoke that wafts in ample time to let the coals form and the That’s just about all there is to outdoor cook- on the air will give you an idea of how good briquets burn down to the point where they ing—a good fire, good coals, and patience, for the various outdoor chefs are. While some are are veiled in a lovely white ash and exude an this is one endeavor in which patience, rather grilling their meat to juicy, mouth-watering even heat. I build my briquets in a pyramid, than speed, should be your watchword. tenderness, others are merely shrinking it to a and if I don’t have -- James Beard, Beard on Food charred hard hunk that would be shunned by an electric starter, anyone with a decent palate. I use briquets that have been soaked in Grilling, broiling, barbecuing—whatever you some form of liquid fuel. want to call it—is an art, not just a matter of building a pyre and throwing on a piece of

James Beard’s Steak au Poivre Ingredients

◆ One 3-pound sirloin or rib-eye steak (about 2-inches thick) ◆ 11⁄2 tablespoons crushed peppercorns ◆ Large dollop of sweet butter ◆ 6 bell peppers, assorted colors ◆ Olive oil, for brushing peppers

Method

With the heel of your hand, press the crushed peppercorns firmly into the steak on both sides. Let the steak stand thus for 30 to 45 minutes, then grill according to your preference. When it is cooked to your liking, remove the steak, set it aside on a hot platter or board and top with salt to taste and a large dollop of sweet butter.

Cut the peppers into quarters, remove the seeds, dip in oil, and grill until tender.

30 OPULENCE Summer 2017 he “Emperor of Sushi.” The “Sushi God.” The passion. That is still our focus today. For me, it is always about our “Sushi Tycoon.” A chef by any other name is customers and creating something from the heart. not Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the man behind In the 23 years since we founded the first Nobu in New York, Japa- the world’s obsession with Japanese-Peruvian nese food has become part of the world’s cuisine, and we are proud fusion cuisine and…sushi. Critically acclaimed that we have been a part of that, but there are still so many new in- across the globe, Chef Nobu has amassed a gredients to discover and new dishes to create, so I don’t look back, Nobu restaurant empire (along with business only forward. We are always working on something new. It keeps partner actor Robert De Niro) with 32 restaurants in 28 different things exciting. Our fans keep asking for more Nobus! It’s like fash- cities around the world, spanning across five continents, not to T ion—there are always upgrades, new materials and better quality mention several family-held Matsuhisa restaurants (the namesake ingredients. I don’t like to stop and say, ‘Okay, this is good.’ I’m always restaurant that started it all) and looking to make things better. various boutique Nobu Hotels. International Opulence “noshed” “Nobu Style” cuisine International Opulence: Chef, how does with Chef Nobu about what his the Nobu restaurant experience tran- culinary superstardom means to is rooted in tradition, scend into your growing number of him and what he hopes it means boutique hotels? to his passionate followers. but it is also influenced Chef Nobu: It was a fun challenge to think International Opulence: Chef about how to create a Nobu experience Nobu, your name has become by new flavors, local in a hotel. We all want to be surrounded synonymous with Japanese cui- by the things we love when we travel, but sine. What do you want “Nobu” also discover something new. So, first we to mean to your guests? ingredients, and started with a comfortable bed, beautiful sheets, phone charger in the right place. Chef Nobu: “Nobu Style” cuisine It became very important to have a clean is rooted in tradition, but it is also our passion palate—like a clean plate—so that you influenced by new flavors, local can experience your beautiful surround- ingredients, and our passion in in the kitchen.” ings. Room service from Nobu is always the kitchen. When we first opened good, too! Nobu, our focus was on providing – Chef Nobu Matsuhisa the best food made from the best International Opulence: Did you ever ingredients and on giving our consider leaving your day job as “Su- customers something made with shi God” to become an actor after your

Signature Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy Noshing by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa with

NOBUBY KELLY VILLASUSO PHOTO: DANIELLE LIU PHOTO: STEVEN FREEMAN

32 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 33 Secret SUPPER CLUBS appearances in the movies Casino, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Girl By Alona Abbady Martinez from Nagasaki, and Austin Powers: Goldmember?

Chef Nobu: I really enjoyed being part of these movies, but in general, I do the cooking and Bob (Robert De Niro) does the acting.

International Opulence: Chef Nobu, after your restaurant in An- chorage, Alaska, burned to the ground, you thought it was your last chance to make something of yourself. All your hopes and ambitions had gone up in smoke. You fell into depression and started to think that the only way to get out of it was to take your own life. What words do you offer on perseverance to others facing similar crises or paralyzing loss?

Chef Nobu: Be patient, try your best, appreciate what you have, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro and focus on your food. Cook with your heart. If you keep trying your best, good things happen. It’s important to remember to take it one step at a time. Eventually, you’ll be able to look back and see Chef Nobu: My home in Japan where I can relax with family. how far you’ve come. It’s a great feeling. International Opulence: What makes you most proud about International Opulence: Do you have any culinary “guilty pleasures”? Nobu? Chef Nobu: Tequila, especially Don Julio 1942. Chef Nobu: We have Nobu restaurants on five continents. I feel UNDER like I have the biggest family in the world and people are still say- International Opulence: Who is your favorite chef outside of the ing that Nobu is the best Japanese restaurant. We have millions of Matsuhisa and Nobu restaurants? guests who eat at our restaurants every year and enjoy our food. So, Chef Nobu: I never like to say favorite, but I am lucky to have close I’m very proud of how far we’ve come. friends who are talented chefs like Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud, Thom- In the United States, you’ll find Nobu restaurants in New York, as Keller, Jose Andres and Jean-Georges. I also just worked with Malibu, Dallas, San Diego, Las Vegas Hard Rock, Las Vegas Caesars Danny Garcia in Marbella and that was a special experience. Palace, Los Angeles, Miami, Newport Beach, Honolulu and Lanai. International Opulence: Where do you like to go to decompress To locate Nobu locations abroad, go to noburestaurants.com. from the hustle and bustle? 34 Opulence Summer 2017 GROUND Summer 2017 Opulence 35 As consumer culinary savvy grows throughout the United States, so does the demand for increasingly intriguing dining experiences. Take, for example, the growing allure of secret underground supper clubs – small dinner party gath- erings at the home of someone you don’t know, with guests you’ve never met These trendy, social dining – which offer the mysterious speakeasy-type thrill of tasting a unique meal not available at a commercial restaurant and the exclusivity of word-of-mouth invi- tations. International Opulence has discovered what foodies claim are some of experiences offer mystery and the best Secret Underground Supper Clubs across the country. But, shhhhh! Se- crecy never tasted so good. exclusivity on the menu, often operated OAKLAND, CA – Sound & Savour Phillip Gelb’s book, “Notes from An Underground Restaurant” dis- out of private homes or closed restaurants, cusses his unique approach of combining music with a dinner party. Gelb, who is a musician and became a chef to supplement and then eventually replace his music career, explained via email and advertised by word of mouth. what makes his Supper Club so special:

“We use alternative spaces and supply gourmet cuisine in venues where it is not expected. Having a live concert adds incredibly to a food experience. We do not present background music so diners are not eating and talking over musicians performing in a corner MIAMI – Saffron Supper Club acting like a piece of furniture. After the savory courses, we clear Founded in 2013 by Sara Liss and Maude Eaton, this club’s the tables and there is a concert with everyone listening. We follow the concert with dessert.” goal is to teach people about little-known Persian cuisine.

Diners are treated to specialties such as Tahdig, a Persian rice with a golden crust that is incredibly difficult to prepare. A NEW YORK CITY: 10 Chairs variation of this dish is included in each supper. “Diners and Patricia Williams is the founder and executive chef of this New York our regulars have come to know and love this dish and look City hotspot. A former ballet dancer by training, Williams under- forward to it,” Liss explained. stood that design and hard work are easily transferred into the Saffron Supper Club prides itself in not just offering foodies an world of food. Such discipline and dedication has gained her two incredible meal with Persian flavors never tasted before, it is a cultural and mindful experience as well. stars from The New York Times. “We bring some cultural component to the events we do - whether it is reading poetry that relates to the dinner (Rumi and Hafez “Cooking is a process,” Chef Williams explained via email. “I begin our favorites of ours) or delving into the history of a dish, we are always trying to answer the “why” of each dinner. Too many times at the market looking at what is provided by the farmers. I cook, these foodie dinners end up being about chefs flexing their muscles but our goal is less about the parade of food and more about serve and connect with my guests.” the holistic experience of the diner.” Dishes have included medallions of sweetbreads with apple chut- ney, monkfish with corn chowder and peach handpie with ginger ice cream. Guests gather to share a meal as strangers and leave close friends.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hush Supper Club This wildly successful supper club was started eight years ago CHICAGO: Sunday Dinner Club by an Indian-American who wanted to share not only the var- Chef Josh Kulp and Chef Christine Cikowski are the force behind Sunday ied and delicious food of her parent’s homeland but the stories Dinner Club. as well. “We decided to prepare 5 course dinners of seasonal fare in a home “I’m a storyteller throughout,” Geeta, who doesn’t give her last setting,” they explained via email. “We loved the connection we felt with name, explains. “The food is in the service of the story.” the diners. Each night is a small group enjoying a beautiful meal, sipping wine, and relaxing in a casual dinner party setting.” Geeta, whose family is from Gujarat, practices Jainism, which also has a heavy influence on her vegetarian cuisine. “Jains International Opulence asked what was the intrigue and success of under- have many rules about food. You express your religion every day with your dinner plate. India is on the ground supper clubs: move and I want to do my part for the Americans to get to know the Indians.” “We love the grassroots spirit of underground restaurants. People seek them for a sense of adventure, but also for a unique dining experience. The people cooking for underground dinners are usually pretty passionate about what they are doing, that positive energy and excitement is felt by the diners.”

36 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 37 The Casamigos Reposado Tequila is soft, slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa and has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish.

Made By A House Of Friends For A World Of Friends Longtime buds George Clooney and Rande Gerber turn their love for tequila-filled-nights into Casamigos BY STEVEN JOSEPH

38 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 39 Clooney and Gerber maintain an active role in Casamigos. “It’s a big part of our life and lifestyle. It just flows naturally into our everyday life and definitively adds to the good times and great memories,” Gerber said. He insists that nothing goes into a bottle until he and George have tasted it first. “Each batch is signed off by George and me and then the bottles are numbered.”

After all of their accomplishments in other fields, Casamigos still holds a very special place in George’s and Rande’s hearts. “The day we received bottle number 700, George and I drank the entire bottle with a smile. That was just the beginning of what turned into the greatest job of my life,” Rande remembered.

Clooney, perhaps best known for playing Dr. Doug Ross on TV’s ER and suave con- man Danny Ocean in the Ocean’s Trilogy, “Experts agree wasn’t even always a tequila drinker. “We used to drink a lot of vodka. Then we sort of got to a point where we were spending a Casamigos is the best Gerber and Clooney took their annual motorcycle trip and decided to visit the distillery in Jalisco. “We always love spending time with our team lot of time in Mexico and you really are just in Mexico drinking, laughing and telling stories,” said Gerber. drinking tequila down there,” said Clooney. tasting tequila in Road Trip To Jalisco Recently, Gerber and Clooney took their the world; We owe great times to The two friends first conceived Casamigos After the pinas are roasted for three days, annual motorcycle trip and decided to good friends…to the as a drink for themselves. “George and I were they undergo an 80-hour fermentation visit the distillery in Jalisco. “We always love the awards and glasses that spark con- spending a lot of time in Mexico. And as you process, where most traditional tequilas spending time with our team in Mexico versation…to the ideas do when you’re in Mexico, we were drinking only have an average of 48. This creates a drinking, laughing and telling stories,” said that then pour out,” said nightlight entre- a lot of tequila….but we never found one unique flavor distinct to Casamigos. “We Gerber. He believes the future can only get accolades we’ve been preneur Rande Gerber (husband of super that was perfect for us,” said Gerber. Tired of preferred to put our money into what is better for the young spirit. “Experts agree model Cindy Crawford) about his tequila- waking up with hangovers or having to cov- inside the bottle as opposed to the actual Casamigos is the best tasting tequila in receiving … say it all.” filled nights with longtime friend actor er the taste of tequila with salt and lime, Ger- bottle because Casamigos is brought to the world; the awards and accolades we’ve George Clooney. “[Our idea for Casamigos] ber contacted a distillery and started talking you by those who drink it,” Rande explained. been receiving…say it all.” came from a night like that and, some- about flavor profiles. “We just started making The two amigos pride themselves on doing As for the best way to enjoy their tequila, how, survived until the morning after. To bottles for ourselves to drink and everybody things their own way. “We don’t follow any Gerber prefers his neat or on the rocks. “It make our own tequila, one we’d be proud liked it so we felt that this might be some- rules or look at other brands, we do every- mixes well with anything, but Casamigos is to pass round, wasn’t meant to leave our thing we should sell.” Gerber and Clooney thing in-house,” said Gerber. The Casamigos so refined and smooth, we prefer to sip it all house. But since we made this for friends, decided to name their tequila after their Reposado even boasts an oaky flavor and night long.” Clooney insists there’s no right we thought it couldn’t hurt to make a few homes in Mexico and dubbed it, ‘Casamigos.’ smoky profile that it attains through its rest- or wrong way to drink Casamigos, either. more batches.” “Two years and 700 samples later, the tequila ing process in reconditioned old American “On the rocks, by the shot, at times straight was perfect,” Rande said. The Story of Casamigos white oak barrels that once housed fine from the bottle. Tequila-filled nights with Casamigos, colloquial Spanish for ‘House Gotta Agave whiskey. “The minute we got those sam- friends is how Casamigos was born.” of Friends,’ is an ultra-premium tequila. Casamigos is produced in the highlands of ples, we knew it was perfect” said Clooney. Gerber and Clooney fashioned three types the Jalisco region of Mexico from 100 percent Rolling Up Our Sleeves of Casamigos Tequila – Blanco, Reposado Blue Weber agaves. “Our master distiller hand- Despite being a Hollywood mega-star and Anejo – each bottle as unique as the picks each agave, ensuring only the best are and an entertainment business mogul, men who made it. used for Casamigos,” boasted Gerber.

40 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 41 SOCIAL LIVING SOCIAL LIVING SYMBIOTIC ART OF LANDSCAPE truly

CHIBY MARYHULY & HUGH WILLIAMSON

rtist, designer and glass- seasonal changes keep it fresh and ever- blower Dale Chihuly’s changing through the coming months. work celebrates a sym- And as daylight wanes, Chihuly Nights will biotic merger of art and afford the visitor even more thrilling appeal life around the world – as with his illumination-enhanced glass de- shown at left, for example, at the Salk Insti- signs. These offer a nod to nature, rather atute in La Jolla, California; at the Morean Arts than suggesting its improvement or re- Center in St. Petersburg (see page 47), and placement. His works have been likened at the recently unveiled New York Botanical to theme-park settings, but the results are Garden Exposition in New York City (shown Dale Chihuly breathtaking; perhaps the best of both art above). His art, along with nature, meld per- and life. It is clear that Seattle-based Chihuly has his fectly into a true delight. Mr. Chihuly’s glass own take! Exhibition Highlights garden elements enhance what nature of- Favorites of the New York Exhibition include fers. Drawings are often part of the exhibi- A Triumphant Return to the massive “Seaforms” set within a classical tions, as well, and offer a glimpse into the NYC columned stage, reminiscent of Poseidon’s inspiration of the artist. In numerous interviews, Dale Chihuly has mythical dwellings. It is stark, but organic consistently shared thoughts that his work A Little History and rather seductive, while sited alone on “revolves around a simple set of circumstanc- There has long been a grand debate: Does what feels like an ocean floor. The presen- es: fire, molten glass, human breath, sponta- art imitate life, or does life imitate art? Plato, tation is very compelling. neity, centrifugal force, gravity.” That combi- Aristotle and even Oscar Wilde all weighed nation continues to impact the art world, and Another favorite, “Macchia Forest” includes in with passion. Vincent van Gogh and es- surely will impact the fortunate visitors to this signature Chihuly forms that in this in- teemed American artist Robert Rauschen- decade-long wait for Chihuly’s return to the stance suggest wild, overgrown blooms. berg had a lot to say about it, as well. Does New York Botanical Garden. Chihuly’s Macchia Series has evolved from it matter? Probably not to artist Chihuly, his first study in 1981, the moniker being and not likely to matter to those privileged The backdrop of the classic and beautiful derived from the word for “spot” in Italian. to immerse themselves in the cheerful buildings at the New York Botanical Garden Each work being “spotted” with color, the combination of fantasy and “real life.” with all their luxuriant foliage and sparkling outcome is achieved by rolling the molten water features provides the perfect com- “Lying, the telling of beautiful untrue things, is glass in shards of colored glass as the piece plement to the incredible color, shimmer, the proper aim of Art.” — Oscar Wilde’s Essay is formed in an intricate process. Now, shine and glamour of the Chihuly glass en- “The Decay of Lying” 1891 mounted on structural elements that are vironmental art extravaganza. This lauded evocative of stems, the work is a symbiotic “Art partly completes what nature cannot event featuring his work opened on April presentation alongside live foliage. bring to a finish, and partly imitates her.” 22. Visitors can be enchanted with this — Aristotle, Physics 350 BCE display through October 29, 2017, as the American Glass Sculptor Dale Chihuly Enchants Tourists in New York and Around the World

44 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 45 Can’t get to New York This Summer? Another Chihuly Venue May Be Nearby If your summer travels don’t bring you to New York, you may find there’s a Chihuly exhibit near your intended destination – both in the United States or abroad. Traveling to the Sunshine One added benefit of State, consider stopping by the permanent Chihuly exhibit at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, the museum of which Chihuly’s glass-garden is celebrating its 100th birthday. Be sure to check out the stunning boat and globes shown below.

Over the years, the artist has created a number of memorable works……… installations including “Chihuly Over Venice” with the sculptures installed over the canals and piazze; “Chihuly in the Light of Je- They don’t wilt. rusalem”, attended by more than one million visitors, and the “Chihuly Bridge of Glass” in Tacoma, Washington. This glorious display To find a location near you, go to www.chihuly.com. (left) will be available to enjoy through October 29, 2017.

White Tower with Fiori, 2017, The New York Botanical Garden

Mary and Hugh Williamson Mary and Hugh Williamson, now residing in Bluffton, South Carolina, spent decades in New York City enjoying time with friends and family at the incredible resources of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, including the New York Botanical Garden.

Macchia Forest, 2017, The New York Botanical Garden

46 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 47 “Divide and rule, the politician cries; DESIGN & Conquer Unite and lead, is Master Interior Designer Perla Lichi conquers a space problem with a functional art room divider watchword of the wise.” By Patrice Janel Photography: Craig Denis, Miami — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The strategy of division and rule or “divide and conquer” has been attributed to sovereigns ranging from Louis XI to the Habsburgs. The maxim “divida et impera” has been attributed to Philip II of Mac- edon, and the theory was certainly utilized by the Roman ruler Cae- sar and the French emperor Napoleon. The more things change, as the French say, the more they stay the same.

Master interior designer Perla Lichi put this age-old theory to good use recently to solve a common space problem that often occurs in today’s open-plan interiors. You might say that she used the division strategy to conquer a difficult space problem. Cool Respite for Hot Miami Days Perla and I are standing in the living room of a recently designed South Florida townhome, the vacation home of a South American couple. It has a fresh Miami look that provides cool respite throughout the year, but especially on those sweltering South Florida days and nights. A white background is accented with furniture and ac- cessories in today’s popular peacock colors of chartreuse and aqua. The designer has also used some of her “mirror tricks” including a wall-size mirror in the living room to make the relatively small space appear to be much larger than it actually is. White lacquer applied moldings frame mirror and wallpaper inserts, giving the room a more spacious feeling.

“Before we did these interiors, you would open that front door and look right straight across to the refrigerator! It was definitely not the effect we wanted.” Design and Conquer “Our solution was a custom room divider designed specifically for the space, with a white cabinet base for storage and a framed, etched glass top centered above. A piece of art when viewed from any direction, it doesn’t completely block the view from either side. This ‘functional art’ does successfully obfuscate the direct view of the kitchen from the front entrance, making the sense of arrival much more visually appealing. And, while it has this aesthetic ad- vantage, it serves another function by defining an eat-in dining area in the kitchen. Without adding a wall, we created two rooms out of one.”

The all-white contemporary kitchen with stainless appliances features an island bar centered beneath three contemporary pendant

48 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 49 lamps. In addition to recessed ceiling lighting, a contemporary track light follows the contour of the dining table. A mirror on the kitchen wall makes the space look about three times as large as it actually is. Why Divide? Perla volunteers more information about room dividers. “They come in many shapes and sizes. Some have a very specific function such as those positioned for privacy. When there is no actual foyer, a custom divider – be it a built-in cabinet or an open shelf or even a piece of furniture – can help define the entryway to any home, large or small. Most dividers provide both privacy and a beautiful look, giving shape and structure to an otherwise wide open area. Dividers come in custom shapes, colors, sizes and can be created from any material you can imagine – from decorative metal shapes to wooden barn doors to etched glass or acrylic – anything, really, that you can imagine that blends well with your dé- cor style.

“With this great built-in flexibility, the pos- sibilities for room dividers are endless,” says Perla, whose own personality is often described as larger than life. “Dividers are a really great way to add personality to any room.”

Learn more about Perla Lichi online at www.perlalichi.com

Top left: View from kitchen dining table into living room.

Bottom left: Before the art divider was added, the view from the front door (at right in the photo) was straight into the kitchen.

Facing page: Track lighting follows the contours of the dining table.

50 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 51 A Kaleidoscope Caption for images left and right pages here of BEJeweled Eye Candy An exclusive interview with Australian designer Colin Heaney

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52 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 53 Iqui dolupti con eum quam excessi magni mus cull abore diaepratio. Pis exerro elit, temodicid quis mod mossunt, volo vellab ipsument alicimporrum non pra dolupitioris expelendit quis dolupit, te sinient, solorec turerro volupta eptibero corersp ientur alitas di blandae perferum archili cabore vero is solende volorro viducim ag- nonet et qui di dolupid etur? nisim facessit ut et, unt pa audis es- Magnimporrum eos exeribus, tem sunt volecestia nis trumendae sus sus autem qui beri- min persperem fuga. Minctio. Itasim voloritatet, ad asp erferro di omnihic tem nesero magnit quiae inullab ius nos sunt, que num adignatur ilit quunduc ipsapis abo. Nem facit arum serum ipsa ditatur aut dolenist min cum evendae pe verum eos eturesed exerume ipsumque doluptatur aut quia sitatqui cuscid quo qui nobitibusa quia veribus, cupta id tempedis aut faceaqu aspero bererferios destia niscian- ut odita eseculparum fugiam qui da deribearum es dit maximpe rionsed ut modicimodi tempore pelectem volores mo te blaut eum abo. Itatis pa prae si cus endamus asit pro volorro beaquis re endae re seque eaquas ma esedita testio voluptiae pelitet quas elluptat volor solesti onsequi conserum es- aut volore apicill iquatem perore ilignat quid molore- sequi duciaerro moluptatur? hent fugit ape quiae voluptatia quat porere non et, ut Imusa vendam quo quat accum qui volupta alistin nis eum sit eate et optatem facipicae audipidis modiaecatetUt ab ipic perrovide moditio. Tem esereped ma quibeat ut op- tem repedio expliatet asitiistem tat ex et et esecab invelle culparc hillauditae dessus, vellupit as inum est autempe voloriae nobit abor molorerio. Eped ut optasitate con rrumquid quatem eicatis destiae- essi autectis earchilit laccabo repelen imolore pudaes- Gitest repelent repelicias sequia tia doluptaes quiantiae reratur auda doluptaqui adit, nulpa corpora tibustr umeture, to il inullant es de vitio

54 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 55 2017 Top Spa Guide Ahhhh…summer is here! It’s time to slow things down a bit and focus on yourself. What better place to rejuvenate, replenish and renourish than in an exquisite spa? International Opulence has gathered the best of the best in the country and around the world to indulge in a little well-deserved ME time:

FLORIDA Boca Raton Resort & Club: The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Acqualina Spa: Best European Bath and Water Experience Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida: Spa with the Best Luxury Suite 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 • Best Body Scrub 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 561-447-3000 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 33160 • 305-918-8000 32837 • 407-393-4200

Relax in the famed Ritual Bath of this Alhambra- inspired spa which offers nine individual Exclusive amenities include a private steam Mixologists will personalize a blend for you mineral baths, waterfall showers, whirlpool, room made of mother-of-pearl and a rain- at The Scrub Bar using essential oils and steam, sauna and inhalations room. forest shower for two. Treatment beds are fresh herbs from the rooftop garden. covered in deep blue and cream to emu- ◆

late the Atlantic Ocean right outside, while Eau Spa Palm Beach: CHICAGO the adjacent wall features gold-dusted Best Salt Scrub Room/ mosaic tiles to ensure supreme relaxation. Best Chromotherapy The Spa at the JW Chicago: Best ◆ 100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462 • Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage Mandarin Oriental: 561-540-4960 151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 • Most Opulent Facial 312-660-8250 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131 • 305-913-8288

Like a candy shoppe for adults, the scrub Best New Spa: Acqualina, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida and polish bar allows guests to choose from Working out knots and kinks may hurt the colorful salt and potpourri scrub mixes. a bit, but will leave you feeling better. Guided by the spa’s credo of “Pause, Play, and Settle in the luxurious spa suite with ◆ Perfect”, treatment rooms are individually breathtaking ocean views for two hours of tailored to guests’ needs with chromotherapy, Ruby Room: Best Energy-Healing bliss that includes: preparing and cleansing or color therapy where therapists can change 1743-45 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 • the skin, exfoliation, steam and extractions the color of the lighting. 773-235-2323 if needed, scalp massage, exfoliation and 2017 INTERNATIONAL massage of arms and legs, facial massage, mask and eye treatment.

SPA GUIDE In the heart of Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park, this award-winning spa offers a 90-minute In- tuitive Blend including a photo of your aura, 30-minute intuitive reading and 60-minute energy healing to bring life back into focus and release stress.

56 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 57 2017 Top Spa Guide 2017 Top Spa Guide

Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago: NEW YORK The Peninsula Spa: The Spa at Four Seasons WASHINGTON DC Lorien Spa at the Kimpton Hotel Most Indulgent Pedicure Best Eastern Therapy Hotel Westlake Village: (Alexandria, VA): Best Quickie Massage The Guerlain Spa at The Plaza Hotel: The Petite Spa at The Jefferson: 113 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 • 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 • Best Holistic Health 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 • Best Massage Best Aromatherapy Massage 312-754-6915 212-903-3910 2 Dole Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91362 • 703-894-3434 1 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019 • 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 • 818-575-3000 212-872-7200 202-448-2300

Farmhouse meets luxury at this chic spot Based on the Indian tradition of balanc- Lorien offers “Quick Pick-Me-Ups” services decked with plush leather armchairs, indi- ing your personality type, or dosha, the for those in a rush. Choose a massage, Double the pleasure and relaxation of Four Seasons is home to the California This signature massage uses organic plant vidual televisions, and freshly-brewed tea in Podi Signature Journey uses dried herb facial, or foot scrub that will have you Guerlain’s signature massage under the Health & Longevity Institute, granting you and flower essences to restore harmony proper teapots. Prepare for a delightful foot powders wrapped in muslin bolus bags, restored in under half an hour. expertise of four hands. access to acupuncture, postural assess- to mind, body, and spirit. and leg massage, followed by moisturizing dipped in warm oil and applied over ◆ ments, metabolic testing, and more. wrap and scalp and shoulder massage. the entire body. ◆ Aire Ancient Baths: ◆ INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS: ◆ ◆ The Spa at The Four Seasons: Best Best Red Wine Experience Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Cal-A-Vie Health Spa Vista: Jacuzzi, Steam Room & Sauna 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013 • Trump Spa: Triangle Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand: Club Chicago: Best Urban Detox Best Fitness 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, 646-878-6174 Best Foot Massage Best Surroundings 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611 • 29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084 • DC 20007 • 202-342-0444 1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023 • Chiang Saen Post Office, Chiang Rai 57150, 312-646-1310 760-945-2055 212-299-1097 Thailand • +66 53 910 200

The Red Wine Experience allows you to A great getaway after any treatment, indulge in the antioxidant properties of This Provençal-inspired retreat set in the Escape the hustle of the city in this haven grapes by soaking in an antique thermal This midtown location offers The Sole Soother, the lounge, sauna, indoor Jacuzzi or canyons of Vista offers more than 100 fit- Guests are pampered with traditional of relaxation. Guests can swim laps in the tub filled with Ribera del Duero tempranillo. a deluxe foot massage that includes an eucalyptus-scented steam room beckon ness classes, guaranteeing you’ll leave body, face, hand and foot treatments mosaic-tiled pool, hang in the whirlpool invigorating scrub, paraffin wrap, neck complete relaxation. ◆ a few pounds lighter. in the middle of the region’s beautiful tub, detox in the eucalyptus steam room massage, and an energizing foot massage. ◆ bamboo forests. or enjoy a shiatsu massage where the The Mandarin Oriental: ◆ therapist delivers deep-tissue pressure Best Gentlemen’s Spa Ciel Spa at SLS Hotel: Best Food Bliss Spa: ◆ using his or her bare feet. Best Hot Milk Pedicure La Reserve, Ramatuelle, France: The Shops at Columbus Circle, CALIFORNIA 465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023 • 90048 • 310-247-0400 W Washington D.C., 515 15th St NW, Best Anti-Aging Treatments ◆ 212-805-8800 Spa Montage, Beverly Hills: Washington, DC 20004 • 202-661-2416 Chemin de la Quessine, 83350 Ramatuelle, The Spa at Four Seasons: Best Anti-Aging Facial France • +33 4 94 44 94 44 Best Full Body Microdermabrasion 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 • 120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 • 310-860-7840 312-280-8800

This white-on-white Philippe Starck-designed This upbeat spa with jazzy tunes will Offering a half day retreat specifically haven has it all for those looking to relax, but leave you and your feet happy after In one of the prettiest villages on the for men that includes a body scrub, the scrumptious spa food prepared by famed indulging in their signature Hot Milk Riviera, this award-winning spa’s anti-aging therapeutic massage and facial. chef José Andrés will most definitely have Offering ultra-premium Swiss skincare you coming back. and Almond Pedicure. therapies (the non-invasive variety) are Old world tradition meets modern tech- brand L. Raphael which specializes in anti- prominent on the menu. nology with the signature Crystal-Clear aging oxygen facials, the only spa offering Scrub combining sea salt, sugar, and such a treatment on the West Coast. magnesium oxide crystals to give you a full-body microdermabrasion.

58 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 59 Medical News voluptibusa venes doluptatem qui te non Lo que ipsum volorae ilitatia quis ut rende et qui to con reptatem que volo beati acest, Headline Here nullent arum aut omnia nullupt atiaturio- nem vellatur am quo comnihi liquam con ut la venimenis et hil is et as eiunt. rum fugia volum ex et adi dessumeni does aut escimax imoluptas dis in es simpelit Nim untiusa quatus volupta qui nem fuga. Tagline here lorum que la ea di nus experis itatios ea expliquatia nulpa alit volupta tatemo eveles Ceped ut poreic totatecae estotae ruptatur eum ipistrum quam aut il ipis raessum, odi solesciur sandant moloreium evel ipsam aut minveliquis dolut que et ma nis in consed- di tet volor aut libea quidus remta plabo. a nissinum sitaspedit alicatem ut eaquoTum Epe abo. 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60 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 61 14 Tourism Trends in 2017 BY Kristen Mager 14 Tourism Trends in 2017

S cintillating Travel Trends THE FIFTIES ARE THE NEW to Track in 2017 TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC 14 7 FOR TRAVEL BRANDS 8 Sandwiched between Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, the It’s a mobile and agile travel market these days. To stay on course, brands must be tech-savvy, quick, and creative—without Fifties are an audience to pay attention to. Nielsen estimates sacrificing old-fashioned chivalry. OVERTOURISM GOES that in 2017, nearly half of the U.S. adult population will be MAINSTREAM, DESTINATIONS age 50 plus and control most of the country’s disposable in- “In an age of digital overload, simple human spaces, great service, and great food and drink will be even more relevant,” said Rafat come. They’re tech savvy, too. GET SMARTER ABOUT Ali, founder and CEO of Skift, a travel research company that released the latest trends for 2017 and beyond. “The travel and SOLVING IT hospitality industry can be a huge beneficiary of where the world is culturally right now. And it should double down.” Consumers want to book their own tours and activities on demand and with ease. Pitching the right promo at the right time is critical in Keep your sight on these 14 travel trends: 9 capturing their attention. THE NEW LUXURY A YEAR OF RECKONING FOR EUROPE, HUMANITY RETURNS DIGITAL PLATFORM IS DEFINED BY TO TRAVEL IN AN AGE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST TOURISM SMALL BRANDS DISRUPTION IS HERE TO STAY DESTINATION 10 OF DIGITAL OVERLOAD 2 Get social or sit on the tarmac. Today’s hospitality WITH BIG STORIES 1 Europe still dominates the world’s tourism market, but its slice of brands must cross the traditional communications Size doesn’t matter when it comes to luxury. Travelers have the world at their fingertips, literally. the pie is shrinking. Travelers are booking elsewhere, due to recent line and get the word out through social media It’s about the personal journey, the experi- But long after the bags are unpacked and photos terrorist acts, the Brexit vote and upcoming elections. Don’t be channels like Facebook and Twitter. ence, and creating memorable stories. downloaded, modern voyagers will remember surprised to the wanderlust who soul search elsewhere this year. this: how brands made them feel. “Hospitality is all about the very human trait of empathy,” said Ali. “And businesses need to remember that humans should remain front and center to create incredible experiences, helped—but in no way supplanted— by modern technology.” 3 DINING OUT IS 12 THE MAIN EVENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FESTIVALIZATION Gastropubs and hip restaurant concept IN TRAVEL IS FINALLY make for picture-perfect social media 11 OF MEETINGS CRUISE LINES PLAY THE LONG GAME experiences. Your eclectic menu and BECOMING REALITY & EVENTS WITH NEW MARKETS & NEW AUDIENCES wacky chandeliers are just a post away Travel and hospitality companies are 4 from Instagram likes and new followers. What do Coachella or Bonnaroo have to do with Insiders predict China will one day have the largest cruise market, catching up with Google and embedding corporate travel? They intersect real- and work- and cruise giants will sail into the industry with new ships in the artificial intelligence technology in their life experiences. Take your business event out- next few years. By 2020, according to the Morningstar forecast, the online booking processes. Look for more doors in a hot town to drum up the crowd. number of cruise passengers in China may reach 4.3 million, up labels to latch onto this trend in 2017. from roughly a million in 2015.

THIS IS THE Tours & Activities YEAR OF THE LOW-COST CARRIERS Are Finally Coming 5 MODERN FEMALE REINVEST THE 13 Into their own 14 TRAVELER TRANSATLANTIC Consumers want to book their own tours and activities CORPORATE TRAVEL Women rule when it comes to buying decisions and 6 TECH IS IN UPHEAVAL MARKET on demand and with ease. Pitching the right promo at online sales. Pitch your campaigns to the female the right time is critical in capturing their attention. Business folks are booking their own trips on traveler to take off in this market. And look for more Expect to see more bare-bones airlines mobile devices so they expect solid book- female leadership in travel companies in 2017. offering sweet deals to cross the Pond. Then, watch as legacy carriers respond with com- Want to learn more? ing tools. Brands centered on improving petitive offers of their own. their traveler-facing technology will have Visit skift.com to view the full report. the upper hand here.

62 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 71 U.S. Dept. of State Preparing For The Unexpected Photographing While Traveling Overseas By Karen Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services at the U.S. Department of State Happiness

iving in four foreign countries by travel.state.gov/cruise. And don’t forget your date safety and security messages and to the time I was 18 years old defi- medications! help us reach you in case of an emergency nitely influenced my choice to while you’re overseas. You can also connect in Land of Documents become a U.S. diplomat. There’s with us: @TravelGov, on Twitter and Face- Next, make sure you have the right docu- lstill nothing quite like traveling to a new book. ments. Get a passport early! We’re issuing country to experience a different language, a record number of passports in 2017, so HeaLthcare Abroad Thunder fascinating culture, and exotic foods. But make sure you apply at least three months Finally – prepare for the unexpected by having helped countless Americans over- before you travel. Allow more time if you having insurance coverage for medical seas throughout 32 years as a consular need foreign visas. Already have a passport? expenses, emergency evacuation, flight de- officer, I’ve learned the value of being pre- Make sure it will be valid at least six months lays/cancellations, etc. Medicare and many Dragon pared before a trip. after you return home and that it has at U.S. healthcare policies do not provide cov- Handy Tools least two blank pages (and maybe more erage abroad. Foreign medical providers Pennsylvania-based photographer What can you do to prepare for the unex- depending on your destination). Traveling often require cash up front, and a medi- Frank T. Smith commemorates his pected while traveling overseas? Follow our with children under age 16? Check their cal evacuation back to the States can cost Traveler’s Checklist (travel.state.gov/travelers- passport expiration dates closely – pass- $100,000 or more. intriguing travels to Bhutan checklist) and read up on your destination, ports for minors are only valid for five years. Even with good planning, you can find By John D. Adams its entry and exit requirements, laws, health If you’re traveling alone with children, some yourself in the middle of a natural disaster conditions, and any Travel Warnings or Trav- countries require custody documents or or political unrest. Read What Can You Do in el Alerts currently in effect. Pay close atten- notarized consent from the other parent. a Crisis Abroad? Be aware of your surround- tion to our safety and security information Get Connected ings and have an exit plan wherever you to decide if traveling there is right for you. Another thing to do before you go abroad go. In the event of an emergency, follow If you’re taking a cruise, check out is sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enroll- instructions from local authorities, monitor ment Program (STEP.state.gov) to get up-to- local media, and let your family know if you are okay.

Careful planning and research can help you avoid most problems overseas, but U.S. consular officers are available worldwide to help in case of an emergency. If you need help, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (contact info at usembassy.gov).

Whether you’re an experienced or first-time traveler – from the East Coast, West Coast, or America’s heartland – I hope you’ll visit our website, travel.state.gov, and make a plan for exploring this great world of ours. Safe travels!

64 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 65 celand. Germany. Haiti. South Sudan. Atacama. India. Photojournalist and shop, and discuss photographic equip- Olympus Trailblazer Frank T. Smith’s ment. The elite members of the program passport collection must resemble include several Pulitzer Prize–winning Ian international card game of “choose your photographers, as well as artists whose own adventure.” Only his adventures are all careers have included assignments about real-life, and lifelong, passion. Armed around the globe. primarily with a camera and a wide, open Beautiful Bhutan smile, Smith has photographed a planet- and beyond full of locales and the people who reside in Arguably one of Smith’s most far-flung them. Here, Smith shares his excursion to adventures led him, along with seven the mysterious Kingdom of Bhutan. photographer friends, to visit the re- The real Shangri-La? mote country of Bhutan. “We went to Crouching between the monumental slopes Bhutan from Calcutta, which was tricky of the Himalayas, The Kingdom of Bhutan because they allow a limited number of could rightfully be considered the shy broth- people into the country.” Smith’s images er of his more well-known siblings: China, depict a serene, vibrant country peopled India and Nepal. Remote by any standard, with open faces and generous spirits. in all of its centuries Bhutan has never been “I wanted to show things that I felt were colonized by another country. So perhaps representative of the country and that one could be forgiven for romanticizing would try to give a good depiction of Bhutan as the fabled land of Shangri-La the diversity and types of people we popularized by James Hilton’s 1933 novel, encountered.” “The Lost Horizon.” The two lands bear a One of Smith’s greatest challenges number of striking similarities. Most no- was trying to photograph some of tably, an unusually high “Gross National the country’s teeming population of Happiness” quotient. A concept created Buddhist monks. No. Not for any theo- by the country itself, to the point of being logical reason. Remarkably, Smith included in Bhutan’s 2008 constitution. couldn’t seem to capture a moment A dedicated trailblazer when the monks weren’t using their cell After journeying literally thousands of phones! Even in a country as isolated as miles crisscrossing the globe on assign- Bhutan, 21st century situations still exist. ment for Olympus, on trips for pleasure, or “It was crazy! But fortunately the more lending his talents as a philanthropic pho- remote we ventured into the country tojournalist, Frank Smith’s enthusiasm nev- the less technology we encountered. er seems to wane. “Olympus Visionaries are “The colors in Bhutan were absolutely un- established, award-winning professional believable. Just a vibrant, colorful country,” photographers who travel the world with reflected Smith. When asked about his abil- Olympus products to capture life’s beauty ity to share in some of the people’s most and splendor,” remarked Smith. “And as a intimate rituals, Smith offered: “I try to be philanthropic photojournalist, I’ve been very friendly. The international sign of that fortunate to work for a lot of international is the big smile; I try to have a great attitude, non-profit organizations. That has certainly which has literally opened many doors for helped me get to a lot of crazy parts of the me. A lot of my photographs from Bhutan world that I would not have otherwise gotten to.” Arguably one of Smith’s most far-flung Today, Smith’s enthusiasm, talent, and dedication to his craft helped him become an Olympus Trailblazer. He is one adventures led him, along with seven of just 12 photographers in the Northern Hemisphere that the venerable camera photographer friends, to visit the remote company has asked to test, critique, work- { { country of Bhutan.

66 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 67 Paradigm tax group Quality Representation & Service to Fisher Island Residents for the Past 20 Years. We now offer nationwide capabilities with 31 offices across the United States.

were people who invited me into their homes when they were doing prayers with family and friends and various instruments. I’d politely ask if I could photograph them and in every case they all said ‘yes.’ It was just a lovely, amazing experience to have that chance to not only photograph, but be a part of these Our Expertise is your success! very intimate rituals. If I hadn’t been a photographer, I never would have had these opportunities.”

See more of Frank T. Smith’s work at: www.franksmithphotos.com

Need caption

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68 Opulence Summer 2017 magine a luxurious, fully-appointed Altiplano, created especially for your one- up hotel pioneer Mark Sorrill, founder of canvas tent that harkens back to time stay. Imagine a pop-up hotel. The Pop-Up Hotel in the United Kingdom, scenes from Out of Africa and makes What’s a pop-up hotel? “As a society, we are increasingly focused you feel like an impassioned young on discovering truly authentic, worthwhile, A pop-up hotel is a type of accommoda- LAVISH IMeryl Streep or a dapper Robert Redford. satisfying and exciting experiences. Our tions set up to host guests for a temporary Now picture such a luxurious tent popping hotel helps to deliver that experience by period in a location usually off-limits to up on the fringes of the grounds of your allowing guests to immerse themselves in traditional hotels. The pop-up hotel is the favorite music festival, giving you unprece- the event 24 hours a day and ‘not lose the younger sibling of the pop-up restaurant, dented access and deluxe hotel amenities. magic’ by transiting to remote locations for POP-UP LODGING which gained popularity in the early 2000s Imagine a ginormous truck wheeling up more traditional accommodations.” and has grown into a larger-scope move- near the site of a major sporting event, de- ment of customized luxury hospitality ex- Opulent Pop-up Purveyors positing temperature-controlled shipping periences, including gourmet-themed in- In addition to the Pop-Up Hotel brand, containers ready to be transformed into teractive meals and unique excursions, as companies like Blink by Black Tomato — win- gold-medal-worthy accommodations in well as bespoke pop-up luxury lodging. ner of the Best Innovation in Travel award at the blink of an eye, right in the thick of the the 2017 Globe Travel Awards — are push- action. Imagine lunar-like bubbles popping Why has the pop-up hotel trend resonated ing the pop-up boundaries even further, of- up on the wide-open plains of the Bolivian with affluent travelers? According to pop- fering affluent travelers the opportunity to design their own transient accommodations and experiences in virgin locales.

Mughal Tenthouse at night

The Pop-Up Hotel

If you love the allure of pop-up restaurants, you’ll adore the exotic pop-up hotel concept that lets you choose the locale, interior décor, amenities and a whole lot more.

By Kelly Villasuso ac ph ane Gau t r o nneau

Raj Tenthouse Suite, The Pop-Up Hotel S t PHOTO:

70 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 71 Blink by Black Tomato’s Dome Tents, Uyani Salt Flats in Bolivia

Learn more about this ever-evolving pop-up hotel trend by visiting the websites for The Pop-Up Hotel and Blink by Black Tomato or simply peruse the breathtaking photos of their respective accommodations provided here, including The Pop-Up Hotel’s luxury yurt, its The Yurt, The Pop-Up Hotel glamorous Raj Tenthouse Suite, and the Mughal Tenthouse at night, and the breathtaking exterior and interior shots of Blink’s Dome Tents on the Uyani Salt Flats, Bolivia. www.thepopuphotel.com, www.blacktomato.com/blink PHOTO LATITUDE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO LATITUDE

72 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 73 Apitourism – The Bee’s Knees in Travel By Kelly Villasuso

he mindset of many of today’s upon the invertebrate pollinator species (a.k.a., bees and butterflies), 40 to improve their knowledge of the honeybee and beekeeping prac- travelers — from millennials to percent of which are now facing extinction — and the world took no- tices to help stay the threat of this critical creature’s demise. baby boomers alike — has been tice. For example, in 2016, the United States placed eight types of bees From Slovenia, Romania, Sardinia, New Zealand, and Malta, to shifting in recent years. No longer on the endangered species list for the first time in history; in France, France, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Uganda, the are weT content asking, “What beach can we go to lawmakers approved plans to totally ban some widely used pesticides United States, and many places in between, the api-intrigued have next to relax.” Instead, we are asking, “What experienc- blamed for harming bees; and in Slovenia, they have protected its na- a wide array of options for education, inspiration, and enrichment es do we want to participate in and who can best de- tive bee, the Carniolan bee — the only European Union Member State — from the most basic of environs to the most lux. liver them in a fashion that fulfills our wanderlust and to do so to date. These are but a few among myriad examples of pro- nurtures our mind and soul, all while minimizing the bee measures throughout the world. What Can Bee Expected When seeking out an apitour, travelers need to consider locale as well as environmental impact of our visit?” This paradigm shift to a sustainable, A Hive of Activity Across the Globe experiential travel mindset has been serendipitous for one tiny but grow- their preferred level of immersion into the secret life of bees. For some, However, it is not just the UN and governing bodies swarming to ac- ing travel trend: Apitourism or bee tourism. simply visiting with local beekeepers and tasting local honeys checks tion on behalf of our symbiotic pals. The ever-expanding environmen- the proverbial box; for others, a much more immersive experience is de- Bee-hind the Trend tally conscious demographic has embraced the plight of this essential sired, such as bee experiences offered in Slovenia and the United States. Why the buzz around bee tourism? In 2016, the United Nations (UN) released pollinator, too. Through established apitours, travelers are taking flight a sponsored report stating that 75 percent of our food crops are dependent

74 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 75 Beekeeper in Slovenia DOMINICA The Nature Island By Carol Antman

John Russo - bee expert at Carmel Valley Ranch Apitherapy: The Good, the Bad, and the Buzzy Slovenia Beekeeping is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Slovenia, which is Apitherapy is an alternative therapy that utilizes bee home to approximately 9,600 beekeepers, 12,500 apiaries, and 170,000 products — honey, pollen, bee bread, propolis, royal jelly, hive colonies on last count. Bee-sotted travelers can learn ancient bee- and bee venom — to promote healing in the body. Al- keeping practices, meet with members of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ though this therapy dates to the ancient Egyptians and is not Association, tour the Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica, visit a Slovene supported by medical evidence, it remains a go-to method bee house to breathe aerosol from the hives while relaxing (or sleep- for healing and well-being for many throughout the world. ing) to the hum of the bees, experience a honey facial or massage, and In more recent years, mainstream celebrities have touted the dine on api-cuisine, among other bee-centric activities. benefits of certain of the natural therapies, including using honey as an alternative for dressing wounds, as a facial mask To learn more about apitours throughout Slovenia, for clearer skin, and in oral hygiene, and using bee venom visit www.authentic-routes.com. in face creams for a purported anti-aging effect on the skin. United States Bee venom is also believed to reduce rheumatism-related Closer to home for the U.S. bee seeker is Carmel Valley Ranch in problems, such as arthritis, and it is currently being studied or several years, a yellowing Carmel, California. This award-winning resort does its best to nurture in the treatment of such illnesses, as well as in cancer ther- the spirit through its surroundings as well as its programming, which apy. The National Institutes of magazine clip had lingered in artfully balances luxury, nature, and education. One such program is Health, however, warns about the Bee Experience, which is led by artisan beekeeper and lavender the safety of using bee venom our “dream trip” file tantaliz- expert John Russo. Guests are invited to suit up in beekeeping suits as a therapeutic compound due ing my husband and me: Take to “bee to believe,” including walking into the apiary to experience the to possible adverse reactions cooperation of the 60,000 Italian honey bees in action, helping with ranging from skin reactions to Fthe “ultimate challenge…” hiking to “hot hive duties such as honey harvesting, feeding new colonies, inspect- anaphylaxis, so be certain to ing the colonies’ health, adding or removing the chambers in which consult your physician should streams of varied colours, sulphur deposits, the bees store excess honey, and, of course, tasting honey directly from you be interested in exploring the hive. apitherapy. boiling mud, mini-geysers and fumaroles…”

To learn more about the Bee Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch, visit www.carmelvalleyranch.com.

76 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 77 t touted a paradise of 365 rivers, hot springs, waterfalls, picture of this with your in 20 meters turn left, in 20 meters….” But tropical fish and the perversely attractive Valley of Desola- mind to look at whenever friendly locals were always happy to point tion. Located in the Lesser Antilles (and not the Dominican you’re stressed.” So we us in the right direction. Republic), Dominica is an independent country lovingly stayed happily damp ei- “It has never been easy to define the mys- called the Nature Island where people live close to the land, ther sweating up the hik- terious charm that has lured people to eat what they grow, drink from the streams, catch fish and ing trails, going from one stay in Dominica forever and from which spear lobster. Two-thirds of its 290 square miles is covered with lush swim to another or from others have fled without even taking time Irainforests, blanketing the mountains to the black sand shore. Eng- an occasional rain shower. to unpack,” wrote writer and legislator Elma lish is the official language; locals also speak a colorful Kwéyòl. De- Cabanas, Baby! Napier. But if you pack a sense of adven- spite being ranked as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean by Dominica lacks infrastruc- Passion fruit ture and some stamina, you too will fall National Geographic, it is the least visited with only 75,000 overnight ture like high rise hotels, under its spell. visitors each year. Vacationers looking for wide beaches go else- but we made good choices by staying at the luxurious Pagua where. But for outdoor enthusiasts it is a gem. Top photo: Bay just a few minutes from Douglas Charles Airport. We were Grilling lobster at Keeping It Real on Nosari Beach Hitting The Trail greeted by Jenny, ever cheerful and welcoming, mixing us Bottom photo: The Waitukubuli National Trail is the Caribbean’s first long distance a strong rum cocktail. The six cabanas are air conditioned, Mango Cottage at Citrus Creek Plantation hiking trail, running 115 miles divided into 14 sections of varying dif- beautiful and spacious. Each morning the proprietors, Rick and ficulty. We slogged along for two hours on section six up the pictur- Alicia, circulate among the guests offering maps and sugges- esque coast. A short traipse on section one led to a stunning view tions on excursions. of Martinique. Our high-tech hiking boots and poles seemed like a Down the coast near the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National necessity until a trio of barefooted men walked past balancing buck- Park, we stayed in the more rustic Mango Cottage at Citrus Creek ets of fresh catch on their heads, spear guns in hand. Plantation beside a roaring river with a private swimming hole. In this magical place, people have waterfalls in their backyards. Dominica Eats At both Spanny and Jacko Falls, we paid the proprietors a couple of Both hotels have on-site restaurants that impressively prepare dollars and walked down short paths past their modest houses for re- tasty meals . At Pagua Bay, the lobster ceviche was a spicy, colorful freshing dips, alone in paradise. Even at the spectacular Emerald Pool treat and the homemade bagels and ice cream were unexpected in the Trois Pitons National Park there were only a few other tourists. surprises. At Citrus Creek, I celebrated my birthday with a French We bathed in the hot springs at Soufriere and Wotten Waven and snor- onion pie and luscious chocolate cake with passion fruit ice cream. keled on the southern coast where scuba diving is a big attraction. Roadside shacks like Melvina’s served a filling Creole plate for One highlight was Champagne Beach where effervescent bubbles, just $5 and on Nosari Beach, Keeping It Real grilled us the emanating from inside the volcanic earth, tickled our bellies as we best lobster of our lives. Driving our 4-wheel on the left swam through a veritable aquarium. “If the bubbles ever stop, was challenging. Narrow roads, precipitous shoulders, we’re really in trouble,” our guide Asha missing bridges and wrecked cars permanently quipped. Could be an earthquake. planted against trees tested us. Reacting to my swervy driving, Mark made Having a guide for a few days enabled sounds I’d never heard from him us to hike to the spectacular Victoria before! Continuous curves Falls down an obscure path that crossed befuddled our GPS “In a river several times. As we swam beside 20 meters turn right, the cascade, I told my husband, “Take a

One highlight was Champagne Beach where effervescent bubbles, emanating from inside the volcanic earth, tickled our bellies as we swam through a veritable aquarium. “If the bubbles ever stop, we’re really in trouble,”

our guide Asha quipped. Could be an earthquake. If You Go: Champagne Beach Tourist information and maps: www.DiscoverDominica.com

Pagua Bay: www.paguabayhouse.com Citrus Creek Plantation: www.citruscreekplantation.com

78 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 79 COSTA RICA liding in a small boat at mid- night on a river in Borneo. Witnessing families of goril-

las playing, foraging, building BORNEO nests and breastfeeding their babies. Catching sight of an Proboscis monkey elusive, fleet-footed jaguar running on the Pantanal in GBrazil. Tracking footprints, crushed grass and animal warning cries to search out a tiger in India. Watching adorable meerkats peek out of their dens, then begin to tum- ble and play together as the rising African sun warms their bodies. And listening to the nocturnal croaking of red-eyed tree frogs in the darkness of a tropical night in Costa Rica.These are just a few of the life- changing experiences awaiting animal WEIRD & WONDERFUL loving world travelers in 2017. entering the zone unkown “Inspired by this call to adventure, the traveler sets forth on their adventure, first crossing the threshold to enter a zone unknown — a foreign land where they are unfamiliar with the landscape, the culture, the language, and/or the people [and native animals!],” said Michael Bennett, Ed.D., of the Transformational Travel Collaborative, who focused his WILDLIFE doctoral research on the critical elements of adventure travel experiences that lead adults to transformational learning. exploring ecosystems Interest in wildlife safaries around the world has soared, not only for the experiential thrill of entering the secret worlds of animals in their native habitats, but also for the transormational educational SAFARISBy Jana Soeldner Danger

COSTA RICA

BORNEO BORNEO BORNEO

80 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 81 experience to better understand sustain- Cohen. “A mystery unfolds before your eyes try also has a few remote and little-known ability and eco-responsibility in a way that and suddenly you see the tiger.” reserves where rarer animals live.. helps local emerging economies shift from Wild Planet Adventures assists with animal Watch habituated (those that no longer exploitive practices to those that promote preservation here, as well. For example, it feel threatened by humans) meerkat colo- conservation and preservation. helps pay to vaccinate sheep against hoof nies, search for black-maned Kalahari lions, Here are some of the travel experiences and mouth disease, which had been killing chimpanzees and cheetahs, and perhaps waiting for adventurers: them in large numbers. In exchange, shep- catch sight of the extremely rare panogolin Costa Rica herds agreed to stop poisoning leopards, (a scaly anteater), as well as aardvarks and which were preying on some of the sheep. aardwolfs, a type of hyena. The vibrant red-eyed tree frog (see page “The leopards are now living in harmony 80), the inquisitive Coatimundi and the jo- In Uganda, adventurers will travel side- with the shepherds,” Cohen said. vial-looking but slow sloth enchant wildlife by-side with scientific researchers into the seekers in Costa Rica. Japan Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where Watch white macaques, or snow mon- they may see tree-climbing lions and “This is an ideal gateway experience for a keys [like the curious little guy shown mongooses. They can also watch habitu- wildlife adventurer,” said Josh Cohen, direc- at right], relaxing in natural hot springs ated gorilla families nursing their babies, tor of Wild Planet Adventures based in Cali- on the slopes of the Japanese Alps near foraging for food and going about other fornia. “It has so many different ecosystems, the Nagano Prefecture on a Viator tour. daily activities. “We have exclusive access to all in close proximity to each other.” Adven- Travelers are most likely to see the fasci- research station trails, and our travelers get turers can visit 12 distinct ecological zones nating creatures in the Jigokudani Monkey to witness the gorillas in a wide variety of within an area the size of New Hampshire. Park during the colder winter months when behaviors,” said Cohen. “We work side-by- Costa Rica has more plant species than all the animals prefer to enter the warm pools. side with researchers and provides fund- of Europe, and thousands of wildlife species. JAPAN Brazil ing to discourage poaching. After 16 years Borneo of the program, there hasn’t been a single In Brazil, explore both the Pantanal, one of Japanese snow monkey In a Borneo nature trek (see page 81), guests gorilla poached.” the world’s largest wetlands, as well as the can experience the oldest rainforest in the Amazon rainforest. “The area has the high- wild pandas in china world and one of the only remaining natural est density of jaguars in the world, and they Who doesn’t love pandas? The Minshan habitats for endangered orangutans and pro- come out to hunt caimans (small croco- Mountains of the Sichuan Province of China boscis monkeys, as well as creatures that could diles),” Cohen said. “They’re one of the most are the last wild habitat of these entrancing be straight from a fairytale, like the wide-eyed coveted sightings, and they’re challenging creatures, and you may be able to get up tarsier. You can also visit the remote Maliau Ba- and difficult to see.” close and personal with some of them on a sin, a recently discovered pristine, untouched BAHAMAS tour with Natural Habitat Adventures. SOUTH area known as the “Lost World.” Sail around the Taiama Ecological Reserve AFRICA India station. You won’t be able to set foot on this Bahamian Swimming Pigs river island, because no humans are allowed No one knows exactly how pigs got to the Travel to one of the few places left in the there, but you may well spot some jag- Exuma Islands of the Bahamas. Some say world where tigers can be seen in the wild. uars. “It takes 10 hours to circumnavigate,” sailors left them. Others think they swam These beautiful, fearless felines spark the Cohen said. from a shipwreck. Whatever their origin, to- imaginations of many adventurers. Track day they delight visitors to Big Majors Cay by them by listening to animal warning cries South Africa and Uganda SOUTH swimming out to meet their boats, hoping AFRICA and hunting for footprints and bloodstains Many tourists visit South African national to be fed. Exuma Water Tours will help you get in the grass. “It’s authentic tracking,” said parks in search of the “big 5”: lions, leopards, acquainted with the friendly creatures. buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. But the coun-

BRAZIL

BRAZIL INDIA INDIA CHINA

82 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 83 Before leaving home, Novoa took a shot at the back tents of the Ringling Bros., Bar- Pointing out he has never been to Africa, the family business, attending law school num and Bailey Circus. The budding artist Novoa said, “At this point, I don’t want to go. for a year. He quickly discovered that a ca- – barely in his 20s – traded Paris for the lure I am far more comfortable creating my own reer behind a desk wasn’t his calling. He of New York with its funky pop culture and imagery. And from the photos I’ve seen of took to painting with passion and worked “you can make it anywhere” brashness. people who have gone on safaris, I like my in various styles – “landscapes, nudes, still own backgrounds better.” One-man shows in Paris, New York, Palm life works, boat scenes and so on, until I fell Beach and Beverly Hills established him as A Quarter Century into my own menagerie.” a contemporary great in the field. His sub- Of Success Since then, feline creatures of the wild have ject matter has branded him a champion of Earlier this year, Novoa celebrated his 25 become the focal point of his art work. They ecology and wildlife preservation. years as a portrait master with a display of “reflect our own emotions in every painting.” his works called “A Utopian Jungle of his Novoa has been involved in many philan- Own” at the Miami-Dade Public Library. He “My animals have become quite anthropo- thropic causes related to saving creatures presented lectures and mingled with visi- morphic and, in reality, they are characters,” in the wild, including Panthera, the Palm tors, many of them students. said Novoa. “When I first started drawing Beach Zoo and the San Antonio Zoo. them, they consisted of more decorative Defining his niche, Novoa describes himself The artist spent 25 years in New York be- aspects, kind of ‘National Geographic’ style as “between a surreal painter and a primi- fore moving to Miami. In one of his most in their habitats. Over the years, they have tive painter. I’m a combination of the two. dramatic portraits, he depicts two jungle moved on to create their own stages.” But always in jungle fields. It’s where I feel cats on one side of the Hudson River look- comfortable.” In some Novoa paintings, panthers or leop- ing across to ghostly images of the World ards have jumped from an internal frame Trade Centers. “The Twin Towers were part Gustavo Novoa’s information is available at and sit, ready to pounce on or stare down of my New York pride. I witnessed them be- www.gustavonovoa.com. The Wally Findlay the patron viewing the portrait. ing built. In the painting, they will always Galleries in New York and Palm Beach, where Quest To Become be there as ghosts, standing tall above the his work is often on display, can be found A Contemporay Great clouds, no matter what takes their place.” at www.wallyfindlay.com Novoa’s career has taken him from the The artist finds inspiration in many places. sidewalks of Paris in the 1960s, where he “It comes from all the imagery that sold watercolors and works in crayon, to surrounds us.”

Status Zebra LV. Acrylic on canvas. 36 x 36 inches.

Chilean-born artist Gustavo Novoa speaks candidly, paints portraits meticulously and thinks whimsically. A writer and painter who grew up in a family of lawyers in Santiago, the charming gentleman with a smooth, en- GUSTAVO gaging Spanish accent pondered his own beginnings. “I suppose painting came first,” he said. “It was a given. I was practically born with colored pencils in my hands. During NOVOA my early years in school, by the end of the term, my books JUNGLE OF MY OWN were unreadable because of the drawings I put in them.” By Dale King & Julia Hebert From Paint To Pen “My passion for writing came much later in life, and The fanciful wildlife canvas menageries derived from reading literary works in Spanish, and, of Gustavo Novoa eventually, in English.” Novoa has written four books, some of which he also illustrated. The Intruder I. Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 inches. Cristo Redentor. Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24 inches.

84 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 85 WHAT WOMEN WANT

86 Opulence Summer 2017 Exquisite Tiny Euro Towns You Didn’t Know Existed

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88 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 89 Call out Here Un cum velit quat volores iur aut ut audipsam, coratur itisciisque qui atemolut dia conse ea pero ipide aut ut iur se nonsequ iderae dolorun deseque voloris simusda ernati daepuda dolorerae con ea velitiorrum fuga. si accabo. Et estem quat dolenit atempor di apid ut rerspienimus sa si abo. Ut omnis in consenem quam quias eum ilibus alibusc tem et aspiduci comnis exerum sumet Ut officabo. Iditatas milique non conseri- tureiur? Otam ut quo itaquaes dolorro consed magnim nobis dolori ist laboreiunt, que esti assincim ve- ilique ad est et utat oditatur? prorecu lparum aribeatur? bus dolecatiis derunti scillup isciasi di nes aut quatem audiciunt res aligenietur res- liqui as sitia alibernatus doluptio. Iquatquo maximin vellibu sdaecta temporporem fugit Alit il ipsant as maximpos eumquae modic- Parum sumquam, omnis santis rectibus tibus aut eum solup tur aborum ea si ali- cone debitate consequi dem. Nam faceatist molorer spicaerrum acias dolore perrum de totatem rem simpos ex essuntet quamUgit, alignimus. cia quia dem autae quam dem reped que estrum quamuscil iliciandunt. nobisquam cum, con coris rest es inci ium que volenim acepudi que vellaccaecti offictem delluptas simo quia coreium eum re is del et est, consedis Ci apelestia volor reped que magnis de er- fuga. Ut hic te etur ant labor accae ipsam Ga. Pid ma dolorum essinis magnate qui dis occaboribus aceatation et aborem que ne volo exeribus es repe nusa pel icture non- spedist optas erum faces undicit veribus etur aligendit que diorat. aut occusandae eum nonsecte volore non dolut fugitiberum, sequostetur, sit qui con- sequiatia sitati untiberitio estia nimpor susa quam et voloren tioribus verovid et aut psantiore labore ne pre lis etus. sedia simus sequibu sapissi doluptur? Xim natem eum cor rem et dem ex ea di que simillautas denit fugitioris rest fugia aliquis et repra nem eat quiae veratem. Velitestis al- volupta nistota tibearum ut quia dolupta dolore occat ut et experehenis et, cone Ihilliq uianist ionserrorro mollaut officip ien- Olore nam, samus volestiurem aut et mo- iquis sequia et od maximus es por sa conet tassumquis sinci temped maximint que lac- pores inullesectem quod quam aut es pe dis doloriatum quo bla volo derspicae nos luptiat rat pratiunt aliquae occaepre, que quam et, nus mi, tores assim quias sunt. Otam ut quo que cum, suntestrunt utemquibus cus nume sim netur sinvene do luptatem dollaccum int core corepud iamusanditi il exerum ut fu- Tota nonsed este laborum quam enis ex- sum sime pernatur, quatisc iatempo rese- odis dolupta te modit, odita deliae git, siti ommo dunt pariam reribus ducium cerum faceaqui ut ad et landi quaerfe quia nus illor aut aborepel ma dem ut magnienti se dello et vel il iduci volupid quiscia que modit vellam, odis nus, volenim is acep rchilictatia dolecta temolore ex etur, necul- mo venisi optur se labores saeptia- tem dolori de consequam rae. te sus quis quatust iberitatqui comnihil int, lam eIducideles et plis eat ute maxim quiam tium eossundelis aut ut rem re- Nequunt que nihil il ilisimin quam quisit et aut quia exere volore ipicab pudant accumquis essimil illes des aut que consequi ad que dis adis Dolutem utemqui temporiorem estrum ipis udi psantiore dignit ipient omnimpor sin culland iorati modis min re, nimagnimin ende nat en-

Meteora, Greece

90 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 91 Rene, Lofotin Norway- By Elena Suvorova itibus eatur restiis dolupta qui dunt eos nonsequ idelicitinti cusa atiis ad molupta si- tiaepra dem sim hit, officiatium et vollorpora aut vent.

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Bibury Stoke Parker

92 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 93 minum illorro qui temosam idebis adia digenia velique omnis repe- rum id quasper ferchil laccus, et fuga. NempAcepta voluptur arcidit arum di nim rerspe dolorrore volorei uscimil el ipiet volore et re vellis nusdaep elibus quasperibus alit rehendanis et maio quatusti- bus elis rehendita venectae re autatur mi, sima quis quidest, as ad molore volo blat re corerum harum rendus estia velecea tumquis inulpa qui omnihit que occus ant arit volorepero od moluptatque volo tem. Et officitiusam faccull orepudit ea de videruntia doles serum, tet, te eseni doles untiae nonecestiunt aliqui recepro occupta Call out here volenda ndebitassit voluptur? Quiae ne rehenis magni aut volorem et que voloris doles peliquas estem et quodi alictatiniet liae pliqui nonsequi vendam ea cullabo reictore lam, unt faceptat dolorem- Sedit alia porat lacea vid magnatiuremo blabori squaes et dis molor maximil luptaquas quibus aut ma aut late vid magnatum quisqui il incimil magnatus dolore derspelessum qui que occulliquias molo berit sus andaes adis rem. Nem at.

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94 Opulence Spring 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 95 Gentlemen’s Corner Gentlemen’s Corner

96 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE A Industry Leader Profile By Alona ABBADY Martinez

“I remember I was in Key Biscayne, looking Paolo Buonfante: at the sunset, and I saw dolphins in the bay, with these coconut trees and the white A Visionary In Beauty sand, and then, I heard a sound, turned around, and there’s a Lamborghini convert- ible speeding behind me. I felt like I was in a dream! Between the nature and the lifestyle, I just lost it! I said, ‘I’m moving here! I love it!’” Hello Magic City! Paolo did return, seeking a position in every Miami agency. When there was none, he offered to work without pay for one month at L’Agence Models, a branch of the Metropoli- tan modeling agency based in Paris and New York City. In less than six months, he became director, working with the biggest names in fashion like Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigová and Heidi Klum.

He also worked at Elite Model Management for 11 years, where he was responsible for developing some of today’s most iconic names in fashion, including Kate Upton, Christine Teigan and Nina Agdal.

His rise to the top has always been fast, thanks to a rock-solid work ethic and his natural gift Paolo Buonfante of discovery.

“For me, passion is critical for the success of One of the DAS agency’s emerging models who Paolo has been working with most anyone. It doesn’t matter where you come recently is Ditta Kucsik from Hungary (shown above, top left), a leading face of Leonisa — from, it’s about how much you love what the top lingerie and swimwear line from Colombia — whose campaign is soon to sweep you are doing. And your dreams,” he em- Kate Upton Trish Goff Claudia Schiffer Eva Herzigová Heidi Klum Latin America. Also pictured above are Paolo at the agency with models (top right), phasized. “We always have to have dreams.” Alexis Marie (lower right), and Daiane Sodre (lower left). His secret for success t is hard not to get lost in Paolo Buon- was born, the family owned a successful and shoot for high-end fashion campaigns is surprisingly simple fante’s eyes. They are the color of your wholesale textile company throughout like Valentino. “Everybody asks, ‘what is the new trend this Rasheed Alli, founder and favorite pair of jeans, the ones that are Italy. As a young man, Paolo worked in the “That was the first scouting trip of my season?’ I’ve been scouting for the same managing partner of DAS, worn-in and super comfy, and make a family business, learning every aspect of I life, and I found one of the top models all my life: I’m looking for a natural look, is excited as well stark contrast with his cropped white hair. the trade. He served a year in the military in the industry.” the girl next door, but the most important “Paolo’s philosophy is very much aligned But the Vice President of Operations at DAS and then pursued a career in modeling. thing is to have a positive energy.” with how I think a modeling agency should Model Management is much more than a He felt it was not the right fit. His goal was to be, just from the way he treats the models pretty face. A force in the fashion industry return to Miami Paolo joined DAS in 2016 and is excited “I like more the management part, the be- respectfully, paying them on time, not tak- for the past 30 years, Paolo has his sights set “I fell in love with Miami the first time I came with, what he calls, “this new adventure in hind the scenes,” Buonfante said. ing models we can’t book,” he explained. on making DAS an international boutique here to study English,” Buonfante explained. my career.” He’s particularly proud of the “He’s a genuine person, an all-around man modeling agency offering its signature per- The Pioneering He is referring to the year he spent in North mentoring program. “We do personal man- of his word.” sonalized service in a worldwide network Scouting Trip Carolina prior to working in the family business. agement, which starts from interviewing a Paolo volunteered to do an unpaid scout- girl that never modeled before. We offer a In his spare time, Paolo flies his Sportsman of offices. Given his drive and past achieve- Today, DAS’s office is lined with floor-to- ing trip to the U.S. for a modeling agency in professional photographer service with no Glasair seaplane, the current and third air- ments, it’s sure to happen, and fast. wall windows framed by alabaster sheer Milano. There, he discovered Trish Goff, a charge and do all the development for free. craft he has owned. Buonfante, 50, has the fashion industry in curtains softening the bright light of Miami 16-year-old girl from Orlando who would No agency does that.” his DNA. His grandfather made his fortune Beach. Paolo glanced outside as a sports car Rasheed Alli “In the summer, I stay in my Key Largo home go on to grace the cover of Vogue Italia selling fabrics after WWII. By the time Paolo whizzed by. and fly to work every day. It’s amazing!”

98 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 99 Fencing Like The Godfather The Physical Chess of Czech foil fencer Alexander Choupenitch Edited By Robin Jay and Red Bull Sports

or Alexander Choupenitch’s parents, emotions are “Thanks to them, I am here because they really supported me everything. Their fencing son is the complete antithesis, financially in the beginning,” he said. “Now they cannot handle it as to the extent he has to be “like The Godfather.” I’m going to places like Tokyo and Shanghai, but they’re still really supporting me. They are also very critical. If I make a bad result, Keeping his emotions in check are key for the 22-year- they’ll give it to me. They’ll say ‘you really messed it up’.” Fold Czech foil fencer in a sport he describes as “physical chess” in contrast to his opera-singing parents. The tough love has had the desired effect. His parents took him to as many as 45 competitions a year, in contrast to now where a typi- Speaking of his father, he says: “There’s a book of opera and he cal year is more akin to just 12. needs to learn all the lyrics: Italian, English, German, Russian. Then he needs to learn how to sing it - opera is very hard to sing. At The Top Of His Game That he finds himself among the world’s best foil fencers is some- “Then he needs to be an actor. You need to act, to feel, to show what fortuitous. A keen sportsman in his youth - he had tried ice your emotions. That’s what people want to see… emotions. Fenc- hockey, karate, tennis and basketball - he only tried his hand at ing is very easy compared to this.” fencing after managing to get his hands on a ball at a basketball It means a contrasting approach, when parents and son are on session only three times in an hour. their respective stages. “I’m trying to be cooler, like The Godfather,” “I wasn’t into Star Wars or The Three Musketeers or anything like that, said Alexander laughing. but I said I’d try fencing,” Alexander recalled. “We then started doing The Early Years fencing footwork, which looks like ballet. I was like ‘I’m not doing it’, Performing has been his or his parents’ way for as long as he can then here I am today.” remember. They would perform with the National Theatre Brno One could argue he was born to fence. Despite never meeting her, before setting off post-performance at 10 p.m. to drive their son his stepgrandmother was Tatyana Petrenko-Samusenko, a three-time across different pockets of Europe to his respective competitions Olympic foil champion for the former Soviet Union, while his first for- from Salzburg to Bratislava. ays into the sport resonated with his grandfather back in Belarus. Today, Alexander is one of the rising stars of his sport. From his first He was enrolled in training camps in Belarus in the summer holidays, major victory in 2011 at the Cadet European Championships to sil- his first coach there an Olympic champion. ver at the Junior World Championships the following year and nearly qualifying for London 2012 as a 17-year-old, he has long promised to Alexander was so obsessed with climbing up the rankings that deliver and has enjoyed a highest ranking of fifth in the world. when first allowed to travel to competitions without his parents at age 13, the money his mother gave him for a hotel and food, he His parents remain both his biggest backers and harshest critics. spent on other means.

“I had the money and I could use it how I wanted to. So, I gave almost all the money for fencing lessons so I could have more lessons with the coach, but the thing is, I didn’t have a place to live or eat. So I asked the Belarus guys if I could sleep on their floor, but I had more lessons.

“I never told my mother as she’d be angry with me. I was a big busi- nessman even back then!”

As well as aspiring to be the world’s No.1 exponent of his sport, Alex- ander has pledged to spread the message of the sport both at home and globally. PHOTO BY DAN VOJTECH BY PHOTO

100 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 101 As well as aspiring Giving Back to Help Future Fencers “After Rio [the Olympics], I had training camps with kids,” he said. “I had no vacation after the to be the world’s Games, but it was the right thing to do because in Czech Republic there are many really good children, but they don’t have the opportunity No.1 exponent to progress.” When not on the piste in competition, Alexan- der’s secret talents are playing Photograph by Ed of his sport, Sheeran on the piano, cooking and singing in the shower, although he does not envision following his parents onto the musical stage. For Alexander has pledged him, his stage - a sporting one - is already set. to spread the message of the sport both at home and globally. PHOTO BY DAN VOJTECH PHOTO BY DAN

Alexander Choupenitch performs in Prague, Czech Republic

102 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 103 Mega swinging Thru Fromberg Skydivers Launch Off the World’s Longest Swing

By Tarquin Cooper

“You jump, freefall, waiting for The Unexpected Surprise the moment Take four skydivers, two hot air balloons, The most unique part of the stunt was the a 410-foot-long rope with a seat on the lack of noise. “If you’re in an airplane or heli- when the line end, climb to 5,900 feet and this is what Roithmair, who came up with the idea for copter, you always have that noise around you get: Mega Swing, the result of an idea the Mega Swing. “You jump, freefall, waiting you. Here you only hear from the burner,” goes tight, to make the world’s longest swing. for the moment when the line goes tight, said Roithmair. “Even the rocking is very then suddenly there’s this non-motorized special. You hear only the wind at the end then suddenly “Ya, [it’s like at your childhood play- acceleration. I can’t think of a freefall that of the pendulum, it’s actually very quiet.” ground], we just wanted to go bigger,” there’s this had such different patterns of movement.” said Austrian Marco Waltenspiel, who with To pull off the stunt was a major logisti- fellow Red Bull skydivers Georg Lettner, “The idea behind Mega Swing was to re- cal challenge. The team required not just non-motorized Marco Fürst and Dominic Roithmair made alize that childhood dream we all have,” perfect weather, but expert hot air balloon this project happen in Fromberg, Austria, said Lettner. “It’s everyone’s dream to pilots. The two balloons had to be exactly acceleration!” on July 4, 2016. swing higher and higher, and finally jump at the right distance apart to have the per- off and fly.” fect tension in the swing before making The Thrill – Dominic the jump. “You have this acceleration in another di- “We were initially all a little skeptical about Roithmair rection, unlike anything you’d experience whether it would work at all,” added Wal- As for the hardest part? “Staying on board The Red Bull Skydive Team: Georg Lettner, Marco Waltenspiel, Marco Fürst, with a normal BASE jump or skydive,” said tenspiel. “But it was just perfect in the end.” the swing,” said Roithmair. Dominic Roithmair

104 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 105 Business Profile By Todd R. Sciore The Collector’s Collector “The whole point of collecting Arlan Ettinger Shares The Secrets To is the thrill of acquisition.” – John Baxter in A Pound Of Paper: Guernsey’s Auction House Success Confessions Of A Book Addict t some point in our lives, many of us have been told “don’t quit your day job” – especially after a less-than-star-quality night he met his wife. and they want someone who attempt at humor or singing. For Arlan Ettinger, a founder The gentlemen had feels that pride when the day of the renown auction house Guernsey’s, quitting the day read about the upcom- comes to get rid of their collection.” job was the best career move he ever made. International ing auction in The Wall Arlan further added, “If something Opulence had a special opportunity to speak with Arlan about Street Journal and saw is compelling or interesting, even if AGuernsey’s success and why the auction house has been chosen to pictures of a few fea- there is no track record for what it handle personal items from an impressive list of American icons, like tured guitars. “He told might be worth, if it sounds right, Presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, civil rights me he would have nev- we will likely do the auction.” er read a guitar maga- activist Rosa Parks, baseball hall of famer Mickey Mantle and musician When considering that Guern- zine, he wasn’t into that,” Jerry Garcia. sey’s successfully auctioned Arlan added. While that “The whole point of collecting is the thrill of acquisition,” wrote off the entire contents of the guitar didn’t have any author John Baxter in A Pound Of Paper: Confessions Of A Book SS United States – the “largest special lineage, Guern- Addict. Nobody understands this mindset better than Arlan auction ever held” – anything sey’s has handled its fair Ettinger, whose personal collections are massive but vary widely. is possible. share of famous instru- “I’m not a specific collector, yet you couldn’t be in my world without ments, including Jerry having lots of objects. My interests go all over the place.” Garcia’s famous “Wolf” The Art of Making News guitar, pictured on pre- Guernsey’s Auction House founder Arlan Ettinger with his dog Rascal. One of the keys to Guernsey’s success over the years is their vious page. ability to not only procure items and conduct the physical auc- Proof In The Pudding When asked what the tion, but also to generate a media buzz about the event. “I As living testimonies to that logic, Arlan future holds for Guernsey’s, Arlan noted, was a young guy in the 1970s with a marketing degree shared a few anecdotes about auctions of “We try to be honorable people, but I think and had gotten into the world of advertising,” said Arlan. old carousel figures and guitars. “A man came our real claim to fame is [that] we market With this background, and some astute observations he to me needing to raise $30,000 to pay hos- these events in ways that no one has quite made while attending auctions, he was able to essen- pital bills. He had about 90 antique wooden equaled, and so there’s not an auction that tially rewrite the playbook on operating a successful carousel figures, horses and other animals. we do these days that doesn’t get plenty of auction house. I took on the challenge of selling his collec- media coverage.” Traditionally, auction-house advertising was primarily tion.” After an appearance on NBC’s Today The Business Lesson budget driven. Arlan quickly realized this limited the Show to promote the story, “that auction For any aspiring or even an established scope of who they were reaching. “As a young mar- fetched $1,000,000 – which at that time, for brand, Guernsey’s creativity and marketing keting guy, I thought to myself, ‘if someone could those types of objects – was beyond unbe- approach offers not only valuable business produce auctions that were truly interesting, themat- lievable,” Arlan said with a smile. advice, but also the results to back it ic events that took new directions, then maybe the Another time, after a particular guitar auc- up. The rest of their success lies with media would get interested and start reporting on tion, Arlan walked up and thanked the buyer honest dealings and a true pas- these events, and we could reach a much, much of a $400,000 instrument and inquired if he sion for what they do. “Make no larger audience.’” was a dedicated collector. The buyer, a CEO mistake about it…people take of a large corporation, replied that it was great pride in their collections For Grateful Dead fans, there is only one “Wolf”: the late Jerry a surprise gift for his wife, whom he met Garcia’s beloved guitar. It sold in a 2002 Guernsey’s auction for 35 years earlier on a blind date. They had nearly $1 million. The buyer, wishing to support the Southern walked past a music store that evening, and This Stevie Ray Vaughan- Poverty Law Center, has returned Wolf to Guernsey’s for auction in the window was a guitar they both agreed Owned & Signed on May 31, 2017. To find out how much it fetched, go to www. was beautiful. The instrument he purchased c. 1966-67 Fender sold internationalopulence.com. at auction in February more than three decades later at the Guern- for $80,000. sey auction simply reminded him of the

106 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 107 n decades past, childhood summertime So what is this “Chautauqua” (and how is it in the United States seemed simple and pronounced)? And what does a modern- carefree for most children — playing out- day Chautauqua offer to families today? i side with friends on warm, sun-drenched The Social and days, catching fireflies and playing flash- Cultural Phenomenon light tag on balmy, star-filled nights. Today, Chautauqua (pronounced shaw-taw- as a whole new era of worldly issues impact kwaw) is a Native American (Iroquois) word parenting, families across the country strive meaning “a bag tied in the middle” or “two not only to provide safe environments for moccasins tied together,” which describes their children, but also to let them play the shape of Lake Chautauqua in New freely and independently without fear. One York state. In 1874, the western shoreline of long-standing, yet-little-known movement Lake Chautauqua became home to the today – the Chautauqua movement – has Theodore Chautauqua Institution, the mother of what provided family-friendly safe havens for later will be deemed “a social and cultural phe- nearly 150 years. nomenon in the United States,” as shared by the Once referred to by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt Chautauqua Trail (www.chautauquatrail.com). Roosevelt as “the most American thing in The original intention varies depending America,” the Chautauqua movement has on the source, however most concur that successfully provided such utopic environ- called the primary goal of a Chautauqua was to ments for generations of families — children build a community by supporting all peo- and adults, alike — across the country. And ple in their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, the ‘halcyon days’ of Chautauqua summers Chautauqua and physical development. According to are alive and well in the 11 continuously oper- former President Jimmy Carter, “The idea ating programs, such as at the original Chau- of a Chautauqua lets people get to know tauqua Institution in New York and the New “the most each other in America and to see what a Piasa Chautauqua in Illinois; in the numerous great country we have. And not only what revitalized Chautauquas, including the Plains a great country we have, but why America Chautauqua in Plains, Georgia in which for- American thing is so good. That’s the best thing I see mer U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former about Chautauqua.” First Lady Rosalynn Carter are avid supporters; and in the several Chautauquas just getting Over the course of a Chautauqua sum- started, such as in Muskegon, Canada. in America” mer, a wide variety of entertainment and

Celebrating 150 years of aul Villasuso Jr. R aul photo credit: Entrance to the show pavilion. New at Piasa Chautauqua, a private summer resort near St. Louis, started in the 19th century. It is one of 11 still operating ChautaUQUA Traveling culture Chautauqua communities nationally at which a circuit of shows (known at the turn of the century as ‘traveling culture’) visits to entertain guests. By Kelly Villasuso Today, at many of the 100 cottages at Piasa Chautauqua live descendants of earlier owners. 108 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 109 culture was brought to the nearly 250 official buildings such as the Town Hall, the audito- Chautauqua communities across the coun- rium, and the pottery studio. As you meander try at the high point of the movement. This the streets, it is truly like walking onto the included speakers such as William Jennings set of a movie based in small-town America Unorthodox Taxidermy Bryan, Russell Conwell, and Helen Potter; in the early-to-mid 1900s … complete with musicians such as John Philip Sousa proté- pristine, white clapboard houses and public gé Bohumir Kryl’s Bohemian Band; and en- buildings, accented by vivid green shutters, a tertainers such as the May Valentine Opera sea of red, white, and blue of the American Company, which performed Gilbert and flags, and yellows and oranges of childrens’ of Dr. Seuss Sullivan’s The Mikado across the country bicycles on momentary hiatus. A glimpse into the rare 1930s sculptures of during the 1925 Chautauqua season. Although the cottages are unique from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s Marine Muggs set Over the course of its nearly 150 years, the each other, they do have one thing in Chautauqua movement has influenced common: a screened-in porch. Accord- By JANA SOELDNER DANGER the lives of millions of Americans and ing to resident Debbie Vuagniaux, after continues to do so through the remaining approximately four decades of visiting and operating communities. now owning in New Piasa, “The porches are Chautauqua Moments Chautauqua to me. They are the epicenter. Since most of the cottages were built in the According to Chautauqua historian and early 1900s, there was no air conditioning, author of The Western Chautauqua: A History so the porch is where the people sat.” She of New Piasa Chautauqua, Timothy R. Tom- recounts, “I remember just walking in and linson, “There is now a renewal of interest in sitting on people’s porches to visit and peo- the Chautauqua movement […] because ple did the same at my Grammy’s where people are looking for a more wholesome, I spent lots and lots of time. I remember simple way of life; a way to share with their she used to take out a huge old silver pot families a piece of their own childhood and and make the most delicious popcorn and that of their parents and grandparents.” serve it to us on the porch with homemade At New Piasa Chautauqua, which has been lemonade while we played checkers and operating continuously for 131 years, Mr. Tom- card games and giggled endlessly.” Gimlet Fish linson shared that although he did not grow Like the majority of residents at the New up coming to this Chautauqua, he has been Piasa Chautauqua and the other communi- “experiencing Chautauqua moments for about ties across the country, both Tomlinson and five decades.” As with thousands and thou- Vuagniaux are looking to continuously re- sands of families throughout the Chautauqua create such simple but poignant memories movement’s history, he shares, “My wife Rosie “I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells. for their children and, as for Tomlinson, his and I brought our children here and now that grandchildren. Vuagniaux shares, “We want Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way they are grown with children of their own, our to allow our kids to be independent and to grandchildren come to stay. In fact, my grand- of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, build confidence just by feeling they can son is here now and he just told me that he go out all day on their bikes without being thinks the best part of being with us [at the and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” scared or playing tag outside at night while Chautauqua] is that he can go outside and still feeling safe.” play and not have to worry about anything. And I think that is really important for kids to If you, too, are looking to step back from have today.” And walking around the New Piasa the fast-paced and often uncertain times Chautauqua in Chautauqua, Illinois, it is easy to in which we are living, look to experienc- see why. ing even just a week or two at one of the country’s treasured Chautauquas this sum- New Piasa is like a time capsule, capturing the ired by sparks from an unparalleled and to reflect the nonsense and fantasy Dr. Seuss, cartoonist, animator, artist and the mer. You can discover more at both www. best of American summers for any and all to imagination, they’re whimsical and that Dr. Seuss believed were important to author of scores of beloved children’s books, chautauquatrail.com and www.ciweb.org. enjoy. The wooded property is dotted with wonderful creatures, each with a living happily. But the Unorthodox Taxidermy began his career in the 1930s as an advertis- approximately 125 cottages, as well as public unique personality. Collectors covet sculptures, one of his lesser known art forms, ing executive. One of his clients was a com- Travel writer Kelly Villasuso and photographer them, using them to create mini actually began as an attempt to breathe life pany called Essomarine, and his job was to Raul Villasuso, Jr. live in Chicago but, through Chautauqua Institution on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in southwestern New York state comes menageries designed to delight— into an advertising campaign for a very dull sell its motorboat oils and lubricants. To their travels, call the world home. alive each summer with a unique mix of fine and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and F product. make the brand stand out from competitors, programs, and recreational activities.

110 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 111 he drew a series of fish that he incorpo- Two Dimensions to Three rated into the ads. The creatures then were two-dimensional. Sludge Tarpon “They were imaginary creatures that But later Dr. Seuss, whose real name was might wreak havoc on your boating ex- Theodor Seuss Geisel, would turn them periences,” said Mike Hardin, managing into three-dimensional sculptures inspired director of the Northbrook, IL - based by his love of animals. As a child, he spent Chase Group, publishers of the Dr. Seuss many hours at the zoo in Springfield, MA. a tongue-in-cheek kind Project. “To get people to remember the “His mother encouraged him to draw the of way.” Dilemma Fish brand, he used this wacky campaign. He’s animals he saw there on his bedroom wall,” Some of the creatures, sculpted widely credited with being the first person said Valerie Jackson, owner of the Ann Jack- from plaster and mounted on wood to use humor to sell a product.” son Gallery in Roswell, GA, which exhibits plaques as a taxidermist might do, authorized replicas made from molds of eventually found their way into Geisel’s the original sculptures. Dartmouth and editor of the literary mag- This year marks the 20th anniversary of the beloved stories. “We can see how some of azine there. After being caught hosting Dr. Seuss Project, and his works remain very Later his father, Theodor Robert Geisel, be- his early ideas and characters evolved into The a drinking party in his room during the popular. “The taxidermy is perhaps the gem came superintendent of the zoo. When ani- another setting and found a home in his height of Prohibition, he was kicked out of the whole project,” Hardin said. “A three- mals passed away, he would send parts of children’s books,” Hardin said. Unorthodox them to his son, who by then was an adult of extracurricular activities. To continue dimensional Dr. Seuss creation is so unex- living and working in New York City. “He did A Chance Encounter writing, he had to adopt a pseudonym. pected. He had a lot of fun with them, and The books, for which Geisel is best known, it to encourage his son’s creativity, and it Seuss – which was really pronounced to they’re fun to live with. That’s why people might not have happened if not for a chance Taxidermy sculptures helped to produce the genius and cultural rhyme with “voice” not “juice”— was his collect them.” encounter. After pitching his first book, And mother’s maiden name. icon he became,” Hardin said. [The Roswell Gallery is hosting a traveling To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street, to were Dr. Seuss’ attempt Writing Was Murder exhibit of Dr. Seuss artwork. It is scheduled to “Theodor used the animal parts to more than 25 publishers and having it re- Illustrating was easier for Dr. Seuss than be in Orlando, FL at the Millenia Mall in create sculptures he called Unorthodox jected by all of them, Geisel was walking putting words on paper. “Drawing came nat- Orlando May 11-29] to breathe life into an Taxidermy, and some of the fish in the Ma- down a New York City street on his way urally to him,” Hardin said. “He said the art- rine Muggs set resemble drawings in his home, determined to set fire to the manu- work was the easy part, but the writing was original Essomarine campaign. But there script. “He was terribly discouraged,” Jackson advertising campaign for murder. He wanted his books to be perfect.” was more to it than that. said. “But he just happened to run into a a very dull product: “The sculptures were what he imagined college friend who had just been hired by Geisel was adept at using language sparingly. the animals would like to be reincarnat- Vanguard. The friend took him to meet his In the 1960s, his editor bet him ed as,” Hardin says. “Each one is infused editor, and the rest is history. If he’d been $50 that he couldn’t write a motorboat oil. with human characteristics and a human walking on the other side of the street, we book using just 50 words. The personality. They reflect our humanity in might never have had these books.” editor lost. Green Eggs and Becoming Dr. Seuss Ham has exactly that number. Geisel began writing under the pen name Dr. Seuss while he was still studying at Sea Turtle

Dr. Seuss children’s books came about after these sculptures and might not have existed if the author had been walking on another side of the

Carbonic Walrus street one day. Read the story to Flaming Herring Powerless Puffer find out why.

112 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 113 UFIZZI AD UFIZZI AD

114 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 115 International Issues Making War Crimes Unprofitable: The Sentry and George Clooney Target Famine By Erick Rodriguez

Although the notion of government forces become a failed state, and armed ethnic factions raiding civilian vil- not only because lages may seem foreign, it is the harsh real- of the humanitarian ity of daily life in South Sudan. In response to crisis, but because this humanitarian crisis, George Clooney and we have seen the co-founder John Prendergast have launched influences that can an initiative through the group known as The take hold in a failed Sentry, a team of analysts, regional experts, state.” With mindful and financial forensic investigators that works forethought, Cloon- to actively disrupt the corrupt networks that ey weighed the pol- fund and profit from genocide or other mass icy implications of atrocities in Africa. In a press conference for inaction, concluding The Sentry, Clooney began by summarizing that “we can either John Prendergast, George Clooney, and Sudanese elder the history of South Sudan. He explained that, take action now, or “In 2011, South Sudan voted overwhelmingly we can spend the next decade picking up mass atrocities called the Enough Project, for independence from the government of the mess.” and the Center for Advanced Defense Stud- Sudan, and its President, Omar-Al Bashir, a man ies, a data-analysis non-profit organization. In a foreword to The Sentry’s report, the who is charged with war crimes by the Inter- renowned actor and his co-founder advise Prendergast synopsized the dire issues plagu- national Criminal Court.” When the UN recog- that the key to eliminating the famine is to ing South Sudan, namely that its leaders “have nized South Sudan, the international commu- hold accountable “the system of international learned that rape, child soldier recruitment, nity hoped that the partition would bring an banks, businesses, arms brokers, real estate and mass killings are not enough to trigger end to the years of violence that pervaded the firms, and lawyers who…facilitate the violent any meaningful accountability measures.” As region while ethnic factions fought for control. kleptocracy that South Sudan has become,” by to the reason for the continued human rights Clooney asserted the harsh realities of contem- halting the liquidation of stolen assets and the violations, he attested that “what’s missing is porary South Sudan. “Unfortunately, the past subsequent use of these assets internationally. international leverage,” and proposes creat- five years, South Sudan’s leaders have engaged ing such leverage by using “precision-guided in much of the same behavior, including mass financial policy tools normally reserved for atrocities on its citizens, starvation, and rape. All countering terrorism, fighting organized while plundering the state’s resources, and en- crime, for halting the proliferation of nuclear Love riching themselves and their families.” In a bold weapons.” Prendergast further suggests the revelation, Clooney declared that he was in- use of “readily available anti-laundering meas- volved in, “a two-year undercover investigation ures…with targeted sanctions focused on the by The Sentry, using forensic accountants and top officials in the regime and their interna- Is…All Around 2017’s annual CMGA attendees show the love with record-breaking donations experts formerly from the FBI and Treasury de- tional facilitators.” Simply put, The Sentry infers partment.” As the ongoing famine continues from its evidence that the keys to stopping By John D. Adams Sudanese woman waiting in food line to deprive citizens of the necessary resources the famine in South Sudan are government- General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in a dependence for combat wounded veterans and children with life- to feed themselves, Clooney proclaimed that The UN reports that over 3.5 million South enacted sanctions on the state’s top officials, world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance the “irrefutable evidence” gathered by The Sen- Sudanese have been displaced by govern- enforcing penalties on banks that enable to me that love is everywhere… If you look for it, I’ve dogs. “We asked the crowd to join us in the CMGA love story and try will provide critical insight into the cause ment military raids that seize the fruits of money laundering by the designated officials, got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.” they did,” Melton exclaimed. “Our amazing guests welcomed our of the problem and, “provide solutions to arduous agricultural labor. “War has been and sanctions on the financial institutions that veterans, making donations to fund more service-dogs-in-training help end this criminal behavior to protect in- hell for South Sudan’s people, but it has facilitate their acquisition of assets. In light “Love, Actually” and bidding both high and often on auction items that will ensure nocent civilians.” been very lucrative for the country’s leaders of the evidence uncovered by The Sentry, Love in all of its splendor was in full bloom at 2017’s annual PAWS has the resources to continue meeting the needs of our and their collaborators in the international George Clooney reinforces the importance Celebrity Martini Glass Auction (CMGA) in Naples, FL. Philanthro- Throughout the process of the secession of wounded warriors. We couldn’t be more thankful!” financial system,” professed John Prender- of retributive justice, conclusively emphasiz- pist and founder Brenda Melton asked attendees to open their South Sudan, the United States was heavily ing that “real leverage for peace and human “ gast, speaking for The Sentry. Prendergast hearts with her theme “Love Is…” And with open hearts came a Love is…dedication involved in ensuring that the safety of citizens formed the partnership with Clooney in rights will come when the people who ben- bounty of open wallets. “Love Is…” was a record-breaking year Melton started the CMGA back in 2008 to aid fundraising efforts was prioritized. “Since 2014, the U.S. has given 2015 with the collaboration of Clooney’s efit from war will pay a price for the damage for the CMGA, which raised more than $600,000 in support of for the Naples Film Festival. Donations totaled an impressive $1.5 billion in aid to South Sudan,” acknowl- human rights advocacy non-profit called they cause.” PAWS Assistant Dogs, a non-profit corporation that promotes in- $21,000 that first year. After refocusing and refining her mission, edged Clooney, imploring that “the U.S. and Not On Our Watch, a non-profit against the world recognizes that South Sudan cannot

116 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 117 Melton’s CMGA has ever since concentrated just hit me. Love Is… A SWEET ENDING TO THE 2017 CMGA efforts for the PAWS organization. “Brenda That’s our theme! It’s all Meet The World-Famous Chocolatier and Master Patisserie Duo Who Created is the heart and soul of the event and the about love. Love is… creative force behind it,” remarked Jeannie so many things. Our The Decadent Fantasy After-Party Bates, director of PAWS. “We work behind veterans, our country, The Chocolatier, “We’ve been extremely fortunate and bless- the scenes to support her with volunteers our animals, it is every- Norman Love ed to have received national and global for the planning and staging of the event.” where The event was Norman Love confesses he entered the accolades,” Norman But the theme of each year’s event is up to built around that.” chocolate business by happenstance. said. It’s a commit- Melton. And it can be a challenge to find the Love is… After a highly successful career as Cor- ment to quality, right fit. Something that resonates within magical porate Pastry Chef for all Ritz Carlton making something her heart and in the hearts and minds of at- Like a shot from Hotels, Love, seeking more time with perfect every day, us- tendees. Upon reflection, it seems that her Cupid’s bow, love his family, left when an opportunity ing fresh ingredients “Love Is…” theme was all around her, just had struck Melton arose to produce a baking competition and never compro- waiting for the right moment to blossom. and she knew she for the Food Network. mising the integrity Love is… serendipity wanted to honor Caption here of what we do.” “I didn’t know my children. My wife was a During last year’s CMGA, Melton briefly met that magnetic couple single parent, as I was away all the time.” The Master Patisserie, a couple who enthralled her – Lance Cor- who had so impressed her the year before. first-time participants Black Salt and Tacos & Florian Bellanger poral Tim Donley and his wife Kelly. “I was “I asked Jeannie Bates at PAWS to tell me more Tequila. We were absolutely thrilled to see the Norman Love Glass To supplement his income, he began mak- Florian Bellanger, acclaimed judge on the hit greeting all of our guests, and out of the cor- about them,” said Melton. “Kelly was visiting crowd having such a great time while donat- ing chocolates in a 600 square-foot office TV Food Network show, “Cupcake Wars”, is ner of my eye I noticed this stunning wom- her wounded brother, Mark, at Walter Reed ing a record amount to help our veterans.” he shared with a friend in the home- Executive Pastry Chef and Co-Owner of Mad- an with long, red, flowing hair. She was com- Hospital,” Bates said. “During her visits, Tim healthcare business. Melton concluded: “Love transcends so many Mac, “The Authentic French Macarons and ing in with Tim, a double amputee. When and Kelly became friends. Then fell in love. things. Just look at the Donleys’ special con- “My focus was handmade, ultra-premium, Madeleines” French cookie and pastry com- they came over, I said ‘Thank you so much It was a story that resonated with us be- nection… I’m trying to make a difference in a with an artistic expression that didn’t exist pany which he co-founded in 2006. for your service and sacrifice,’ and that was cause this beautiful relationship arose from happy, positive way. We don’t need any more in chocolates. Chocolates always looked about it. As they went away, I had this linger- tragic circumstances.” Bellanger spent much of his free afternoons anger. It is more important than ever to re- the same, no matter if it was expensive or ing feeling that I hadn’t said enough. How as a child baking for his family. At age 15, he Lance Corporal Donley recalled: “Mark had member that love really is all around us.” inexpensive,” Norman said. do you thank someone for putting their life applied to Paris’s prestigious pastry school, many visitors as his family was close by. on the line? You feel this power – I just came To learn more about the CMGA, In January 2001, just three months after he the École de Paris des Métiers de la Table, One of these was a beautiful young girl face to face with the true meaning of hero- visit: www.naplescmga.com began, USA Today named Norman Love only to be rejected because he was too with long hair, gorgeous eyes and an ob- ism. We are a free country because these To learn more about PAWS, visit: www.paws.org Confections in the “Top Ten Places To Buy young. A year later he was accepted, over- viously large heart.” Donley begged for a men and women sacrifice every day.” Chocolates for Valentines,” catapulting him came a childhood chocolate allergy, and more formal introduction (he is that kind into the spotlight. Sixteen years later, Nor- went on to specialize in pastry, ice cream As Melton watched the beautiful couple, she of gentleman). “It quickly became apparent man Love operates five chocolate salons, and chocolate. noticed Kelly sitting in Tim’s lap. “They radiated that she was not only someone who could AC/DC two production facilities, and a vibrant e- so much love that I kept thinking about them. understand my injuries, but someone who Prior to Mad-Mac, Bellanger was Fauchon’s commerce business that allows his choco- There’s a great story there, I thought.” And there could understand my heart.” Two years to executive pastry chef in the United States, lates, created in Southwest Florida, to reach was. But more on that in a moment. the date they met, the two were married. overseeing 24 other pastry chefs at its Tea fans around the country. His company was Salon flagship store in New York City, where Several months passed. “I still wasn’t sure where As Melton suspected, there was a great love also named among the top 10 Best Choco- he was best known for creating inventive I was headed,” recalled Melton. Then I learned story between the couple. And she was late Shops in the World in 2015 and 2016. combinations of flavors, such as éclairs fla- that Ryan O’Neal and Ali McGraw were going thrilled that they accepted her invitation vored with orange zest, passion fruit and to be performing “Love Letters” at the Barbara to the CMGA. “The auction was wonderful,” coconut, Toulouse violet ice cream, and B. Mann Theater. Of course, I remembered beamed Melton. “Everyone wanted to stay raspberry-chili pepper sorbet. His career at that they starred together in the movie “Love all night. And afterwards the candy land that Fauchon began in Paris, where he was men- Story.” Melton reached out to them and they Norman Love put on was beyond words. tored by famous pastry chef Pierre Hermé. graciously signed a “Love Story” martini glass. Florian Belanger from Food Network’s ‘Cup- cake Wars’ was there with a full display. It was Bellanger was also pastry chef at New York’s Shortly afterward, her friend Patty Baker, one crazy good!” 3-Michelin star iconic eatery Le Bernardin of the producers for the Broadway smash Caption here Pat Benetar from 1996-2001, where his desserts were “Hamilton” called. “Patty had a special martini “The CMGA After-Party is gaining a repu- described as “light and dreamy” by the leg- glass for me – Lin-Manuel Miranda’s signature tation on its own as a can’t-miss event!” endary Ruth Reichl, then food critic for The glass! I could hardly contain myself,” exclaimed enthused Bates. “Patrons were raving about New York Times, elevating the restaurant to Melton. “So now I have this glass, and I’m the chefs, who really stepped it up this year Joe Torre its four-star status. watching the Tony Awards, and Miranda gets to wow everyone. Crave Culinaire and Sea up on stage and says, ‘Love is, love is, love…’ It Salt returned this year and were joined by Tony Bennett

118 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 119 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES BY ERICK RODRIGUEZ the infamous slave trade. Among some of the most notorious epicenters throughout the world for human trafficking are Southeast Asia, China, Russia, Eastern Eu- rope, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and India.

Human trafficking is defined by the U.N. as, “recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.” Trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, has been a per- vasive issue throughout the history of man- kind that has eluded a reliable panacea due to government inability to wholly enforce the law. In countries without reliable law enforcement, those who engage in sex trafficking are enabled by the chaotic environment that makes lawlessness so common. Even so, the problem continues to exist in developed countries due to halfhearted ef- An INTERNATIONAL Issue forts by governments and citizens to put a that Transcends History stop to human trafficking. NEED FOR MEANINGFUL f you’ve ever been to the ruins of bled by an underlying cultural acceptance LEGISLATION Pompeii in Italy, a historical site on the for a practice that has persisted to this day. To put the relevance of the issue into per- United Nations World Heritage list, you Shamere McKenzie, CEO of the non-profit spective, Ashton Kutcher, co-founder of would find the remains of Lupanar, Sun Gate Foundation and human traffick- a company that builds software to fight Ia brothel with erotic depictions of the ing survivor, sheds light on how modern human trafficking called Thorn, testified services that were provided in a way that is popular culture subliminally contributes in front of Congress on February 15, 2017, unusually reminiscent of the menu at your to the glorification of human trafficking. In urging officials to pass meaningful legisla- local fast-food restaurant. her work, she partakes in speaking engage- tion on the issue. As humankind continues ments to share her experience and fulfill to progress into an era where the protec- During the relevant time period, which the Foundation’s mission of providing aid tion of fundamental rights becomes a would be in the earliest decades of the to survivors of human trafficking through more widespread norm, the plight of those first millennia, sailors and soldiers would scholarships and financial aid for educa- who still face the deprivation of their basic often frequent the brothels of the ports tional purposes. liberties should not merely be relegated they arrived in after long sea voyages. These as a relic of the past like the historic ruins premises were typically staffed by slaves of During one of her speaking engagements, of Pompeii. Oriental or Greek origin with no real alterna- McKenzie described how music, legislation, tives for work. Due to a common language and cultural norms can facilitate acceptance barrier, visitors of such brothels were usu- of the harsh reality that human trafficking is Erick Rodriguez ally unable to speak the local language and a problem that continues to exist despite way in which U.S. laws punish prostitution her from the brutal onslaught of a greedy ences with victims of human trafficking has a B.A. in Political express their desires, leading to the creation efforts to stop it. For example, McKenzie and make it difficult for victims of sex slav- pimp who had uprooted her from the suc- and child slavery. Describing his treacher- Science and Interna- of what are now historical remains of an highlights the prominence of references ery to seek help from law enforcement for cess of her academic career and forced her ous visit to the Democratic Republic of tional Studies from the ancient practice. glorifying “pimps” and “bitches” in certain fear of being incarcerated. Finally, one of the into the world of sex slavery for 18 months. the Congo, Bales explains how men and University of Central musical genres that make it easy and even THE PERVASIVENESS most common issues with eradicating the women are enslaved by militias and the Florida where he was desirable for individuals to accept traffick- IN BROAD DAYLIGHT Can we really call sex slavery an ancient issue of the human slave trade is the social Congolese army to perform forced labor. the human trafficking ing when phrased in ways that conceal the Human trafficking is not always so con- practice? Perhaps in the United States the psychological phenomenon known as the He elaborates on the issue, proclaiming research fellow. He true nature of the horrid practice. As a sur- cealed from public life in other countries. idea of a brothel is one that seems foreign bystander effect, or the apathy expressed that women and girls are targeted during is currently a 2L at the University of Miami vivor of sexual enslavement, McKenzie fur- In his book Blood and Earth: Modern Slavery, to many because of the outright illegality by individuals who are aware of the plight attacks on villages due to the cultural ob- School of Law. ther asserts that businesses like strip clubs Ecocide, and the Secret to Saving the World, of prostitution in America. However, Pom- of a victim but do not offer any means of jectification of women that has become serve as havens for forced prostitution. She human rights activist Kevin Bales provides peii’s historical example illustrates that the assistance. In McKenzie’s case, it took the the heinous norm in the Congo. However, claims the problem is exacerbated by the a more holistic perspective on the issue pervasiveness of human trafficking is ena- help of one concerned individual to shelter Africa is not the only continent known for through his narration of firsthand experi-

120 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 121 Condo Law By Roberto C. Blanch Association Boards Should Spread the Load by Relying on Committees You’re only as

ssociation board members give up a great deal of their time and lend their varying expertise to help their com- A munities run as smoothly and effectively as possible. Given that so much is asked of the directors, it is important that they take appropriate steps to delegate responsibilities to committees Roberto C. Blanch comprised of association members. good as the For most community associations, the benefits of involving com- highly qualified legal counsel to help ensure their proper establish- mittees are extremely worthwhile. Not only do they create a forum ment and operation. for the implementation and enforcement of vital policies and de- Some of the most popular types of committees are those oversee- cisions, they also serve as ideal incubators for prospective future ing architectural control (especially for single-family home com- board members. munities), member communications, association finances, social By their very nature, committees comprised of volunteer owners events, and fines and enforcement. and residents should have a good understanding of the best poli- By utilizing committees and working to see that they are consistently counsel you keep. cies and practices for their community. They may be ideally suited staffed by dedicated association members who are eager to take to oversee matters that involve the collection of information from part, associations are able to help ensure that they operate as effi- the owners and the subsequent assessing of the data in order to ciently and effectively as possible while also avoiding overburdening make strong recommendations for suggested solutions. their board members with too many issues and responsibilities. Association boards should take the time to closely consider the use Attorney Roberto C. Blanch focuses on community association law as a of different types of committees and their intended roles and re- partner with Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel, Legal Counsel to Community Associations Since 1977 sponsibilities. Most association governing documents will include P.A. The firm maintains offices in Coral Gables as well as in Broward provisions governing the establishment of volunteer committees and Palm Beach counties, and it represents more than 800 community and how their decisions will be enacted. When first establishing associations. www.srhl-law.com, www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, committees, associations would be well advised to consult with 305-442-3334.

R Offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Main Office: Suntrust Plaza, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1100, Coral Gables, FL 33134 800-737-1390 | www.srhl-law.com

122 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 97

SR ads 1pg Opulence.indd 3 10/28/15 3:14 PM American Art Towns BY CARLETON VARNEY • The Lake Worth Art League is worth a visit, A Little Town as is the Art Shop. • Artists from all over the world gravitate to the Called Lake Worth village for street painting festivals, and it is a must-see!.

• Hermes, Gucci, and Pucci vintage designs at Judy King’s consignment shop, Fashion Xchange, located at 702 Lake Avenue since 1989, is a popular spot with the Palm Beach and Wellington ladies who often consign gowns, dresses and bags never worn or carried.

• An evening is a dinner at Little Munich at 806 Lake Avenue, operated by husband and wife Gabi and Peter Kachler. This restaurant serves bratwurst and wiener schnitzel, the best homemade streusel outside of München, as well as German beers. Try Bitburger Premium Pils, one of my favorites.

• Lake Worth is always an art adventure and my favorite place to visit is Artisans on the Avenue at 630 Lake Avenue. The artist on duty when I last visited was Ebba TinWin, a German lady with a big smile who is a collage artist, painter and a maker of sea glass jewelry. outh of Palm Beach and north of Tiffany set, but for sure that set drops into Boynton Beach, tourists to South the village on occasion to see what is what • Dakota Design Studio is represented by Florida will find the sleepy little in the vintage clothing shops that are part Gail Johnson who crafts dramatic rubber town of Lake Worth where the of the town ambiance. wearable jewelry. streets are lined with small cot- Hotels on the oceanfront in Lake Worth are • Robert A. Hunter’s woodwork designs are tages painted bright and happy the Four Seasons, The Tideline and the Fair- award winning, from chopping and bread Floridian colors – melon, pineapple, aqua S boards to bowls and serving pieces. field Inn, a short walk from the Lake Worth blue and pink. Where terraces and patios casino, beach and restaurants. This is also have canvas awnings and where gardens • John McCoy pottery is on display at Artisans on where you’ll find the boardwalk restaurants are protected by white painted fences, trel- the Avenue and his talents are many, many. on the sea filled with students young and lis boarders and pickets. old soaking up the sun. • Lake Worth is home to a theatre where local on-stage productions are popular, and Lake Worth is a quiet beach town community What To See And Do where you’ll find creativity from the ocean to home to the Palm Beach Arts Council locat- Here are a number of places to go and see the Intracoastal waters. A visit to Lake Worth ed in a white art deco style building that is if you wish to explore this charming village: is a visit to a picture postcard past! a town treasure. Here, exhibitions are always • Lucerne Avenue going west from the sea in view and local artists, as well as out-of- Recently the book Cottages of Lake Worth boasts many fun restaurants, one being La town-painters, often show their work. was published and authored by Dean Sher- Bonne Bouche. Fresh croissants are baked each win, Janice Snearer and Taylor Jones, and I When visiting the sleepy beach village of morning by the chef/owner Eric Regnier from have found the book inspirational in style, Lake Worth, you’ll find art in bloom, cuisine Nice. For luncheon, my pick was a duck cooked as well as in design, with decorating ideas in full bloom, and Florida fashion very much to perfection (and I truly mean perfection) – that are modestly costly. Lake Worth may in part of the culture. with a crispy outside in the French tradition. some respects be a village for the now and new younger set, as you’ll see some of the • Just up the street, you’ll find Rustico tattoo generation about Lake and Lucerne Italiano where pastas of all descriptions avenues where restaurants and small shops await those who enjoy the flavors of flourish. Lake Worth is not a town generally Venice, Firenze, Roma and Sicily! frequented for the Saks Fifth Avenue or the

124 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 125 the new boulevard for rich Federalists…” Samuel McIntire Historic District Deriving its name from one of Salem’s most notable citizens, the district was added to the Nation- al Register of Historic Places in 1981 when two prior historic areas (the Chestnut hen most people think Street Historic District and the Federal of Salem, Massachu- Street Area Historic District) were com- setts, the first thing that bined with other structures on nearby immediately comes to side streets to form the largest district in mind is the infamous the city. This district contains over 400 17th century witch trials that took place in buildings, however, it is Chestnut Street’s Wthe area during a short but chaotic period concentration of lovingly preserved from February of 1692 to May of 1693. The Federal Period residences that is clearly writing of author Nathaniel Hawthorne the crown jewel as architect John Wil- runs a respectable second place. While the land eloquently states on his blog “… religious fervor caused centuries ago by de- Salem’s Chestnut Street is undeni- lusional accusers and overzealous prosecu- ably a special place – gracious, Wicked tors coupled with Hawthorne’s acclaimed The Historic Homes refined, imposing, and yes, brand of “dark romanticism” have spawned certainly beautiful. The Of Salem, Massachusetts an omnipresent marketing campaign, for street is historically as well discerning visitors looking for something as aesthetically signifi- Good less touristy, Salem also boasts a pictur- cant…superlatives aside, esque architectural charm - along what the street merits all the some refer to as one of the most beauti- attention it gets.” While ful streets in America. This display harkens the Federal design period BY Todd R. Sciore Chair design: back to when, as author Robert Booth notes (1780-1820) is predomi- Architecture in Death of an Empire, “The world’s wealth, Samuel McIntire nantly represented, other channeled into the streets and counting- classic styles including houses, raised up all classes in Salem…sev- Gardner-Pingree House, 1804, Salem, Massachusetts Italian and Greek Revival Photo credit: Liz Kelleher, www.flickr.com/photos/lizkdc/ eral mansions went up on Chestnut Street,

126 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 127 also sporadically dot the streetscape, however, to the casual eye, there is a seamless continuity amongst the structures and as Willand indicates, “The street’s boulevard- like width, towering street trees, ornate fencing, period street lamps, and brick sidewalks…complement the architecture and Samuel McIntire first house signage. See close-up (lower right). underpin the pleasing impression”. Willand is spot on in his description and for this

writer, no sooner did I turn the corner onto Chestnut Street when the subconscious desire to live there took hold. Samuel McIntire Samuel McIntire (1757-1811) was a native son to Salem and was initially an ornamental Architect sketch of the Pierce-Nichols House Pierce-Nichols House detail woodcarver by trade with a sheaf of wheat being one of his favored design elements primarily in the New England area where Samuel often oversaw the If you are like me with an appreciation for early American architec- as it best represented the then prosperity of ornamentation at the shop while his brothers Joseph and Angier ture, and would prefer a colonial era home accented with authentic Salem and its successful merchant trades- Salem’s elite maritime merchant class which McIntire were at the job sites. In addition to the aforementioned period furniture over new construction, take a leisurely stroll down men. McIntire was a self-taught architect included none other than Elias Hasket Derby, Derby residence, other notable examples of his designs throughout Chestnut Street and some of its nearby thoroughfares. The collective who eventually set up shop at 31 Summer who in his day was the wealthiest business- Salem are the Pierce-Nichols and Benjamin Hawkes residences, the streetscapes superbly capture the grand essence of Salem’s early sea- Street (near the intersection of Summer and man in Salem due to his success in trading Ropes Mansion, along with public buildings such as the renowned faring heyday, when trading merchants were the business elite - long Chestnut streets) in 1786. However, it was cir- with China. Obviously, work performed for Hamilton Hall facility. before shipping gave way to all things dark and witchy. ca 1780 when he began to make a name for Derby and his extended family propelled himself as the preeminent designer amongst McIntire’s career, however, he chose to work Despite his notoriety for home design, after 1790 he focused his Samuel McIntire abilities on wood carving “to complement the architecture” as noted in Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style by Dean T. Lahikainen. His talents also transcended to sculpture, carving Samuel McIntire (1757-1811) was a native son to figureheads for some of Salem’s sailing vessels and furniture mak- Salem and was initially an ornamental woodcarver ing. So much so that examples of furniture whose woodwork is attributed to McIntire are firmly ensconced in museums, and pri- by trade with a sheaf of wheat being one of his vate collections and pieces can command attention grabbing favored design elements as it best represented prices when they occasionally come to auction (at a Christie’s auction in 2011, a mahogany side chair with hand carving attributed the then prosperity of Salem and its to McIntire and formerly owned by Elias Hasket Derby hammered successful merchant tradesmen. down for $662,500.00 setting a then world record for Federal period furniture). Plan of the town of Salem in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, from actual surveys, made in the years 1796 & 1804; with the improvements and alterations since that period as surveyed. 1820 Jonathan Peele Saunders.

Sources: Salem, Massachusetts, Circa 1801. Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style by Dean T. Lahikainen, 2007 Carving Attributed to Samuel McIntire. Peabody Essex Museum. Primary Wood: Mahogany Death of an Empire, The Rise and Murderous Fall of Salem, America’s Secondary Woods: Birch, Pine Richest City by Robert Booth, 2011, Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin’s Press, Provenance: Probably Jerathamiel (1747-1827) and Sarah (Ropes) Pierce (1752-1796), Salem, NY. Pg 25. Massachusetts; Sarah (Pierce) Nichols (1780-1835), daughter; Israel Sack, Inc., New York. www.wikipedia.com; www.wikimedia.org • www.salemweb.com/tales/ mcintire.php Reference: See Israel Sack, Inc., American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, vol. VII, p. 1729, English: Portrait of Samuel McIntire, c. 1786, pastel portrait attributed to no. P4820. Please also see Dean Lahikainen, Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style, Benjamin Blyth (1746-1811) of Salem, Massachusetts. Courtesy of the pp. 253-255 for a discussion of the McIntire furniture in the Pierce-Nichols house. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. www.incollect.com/listings/furniture/seating/samuel-mcintire-federal-hepplewhite- upholstered-window-seat-126297 Ropes Mansion

128 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 129 Portfolio & Real Estate Guide

5801 MOSS RANCH | PINECREST, FL PRICED AT $7,999,999 PG 48 AGENTS: TOMI ROSE 786.299.1949 ELIZABETH DELGADO 305 790.2806

305.615.1376 | OIRFL.COM

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305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

contemporary estate income Producing duplex PinecRest Key Biscayne 5801 moss Ranch Rd. 290 Fernwood Road Pinecrest, Fl 33156 Key biscayne, Fl 33149 9 bedrooms 6 bedrooms 10 baths / 3 half baths 4 baths / 2 half baths

15,704 SQ.Ft Listed at: $7,999,999 4,094 SQ.Ft Listed at: $3,097,000

This extraordinary custom home completed Enjoy great cash flow from this fully rented in 2014 offers endless entertaining with a duplex in the heart of Key Biscayne. Each 3 / pool, 2 summer kitchens, and much more. 2.5 unit features its own private pool.

www.5801mossRanchRd.com wwww.290FernwoodRd.com

Agents: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 Agent: Pamela Diaz De leon (305) 720-8439 elizabeth Delgado (305) 790-2806

Modern tropical oasis two-story combined Residence PinecRest downtown MiaMi 5745 sW 94th street 1100 biscayne blvd. # 4905-6 Pinecrest, Fl 33156 miami, Fl 33132 9 bedrooms 5 bedrooms 10 baths / 2 half baths 5 baths / 4 Deeded Parking spaces

17,714 SQ.Ft Listed at: $7,599,000 5,475 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,990,000

Two lush acres are the setting for this Soaring 20 foot ceilings reveal stunning contemporary masterpiece built in 2015 with Miami water views from this custom 3 master suites and indoor/outdoor living. residence in the sky at the elegant Marquis.

www.5745sw94thstreet.com www.1100biscayneblvd4906.com

Agent: marianna Dubinsky (305) 432-7555 Agent: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949

uscan estate Masterpiece Balinese inspired Boca Raton MiaMi shoRes 373 mizner lake estates 8932 ne 10th Ct. boca Raton, Fl 33432 miami, Fl 33138 5 bedrooms 4 bedrooms 8 baths 3 baths / 1 half bath

7,387 SQ.Ft Listed at: $4,599,900 3,830 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,250,000

Built on the grounds of the world renowned This stunning, Balinese inspired home Boca Raton Resort, was this estate “Model”. embraces the best in relaxed, inside/out The ultimate lifestyle. luxury living.

www. 373miznerlakeestatesdrive.com www.8932ne10thCt.com

Agent: David hammond (908) 208.7120 Agent: Kelly lyles (305) 904-0824

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Grove at Grand Bay eye on Architecture

by Jill Patterson

do you get when you combine an A-list architect, a prolific south Florida landscape What architect and a developer more interested in creating neighborhood and legacy than wringing out the last dollar from his project? if you’re lucky, you might get a project as breath taking as grove At grand bay, the first new residential development in ten years in Coconut grove.

The cast breaks down as follows. Enter the rockstar, Danish-born Bjarke Ingels whose risk taking and creative problem solving have taken the world by storm. Other projects include Two World Trade Center and the Google Headquarters. His answer to this historic Coconut Grove waterfront site on North Bayshore Drive are the two elegant winding towers which each twist at a 38 degree angle allowing for fabulous views from both buildings as they interact and look around each other. From floors 3 to 17 the protruding floorplates are offset by 3 feet, creating a brise-soleil effect for more shade and reduced heat gain. The recipient of several engineering awards, these LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified glass “Twisted Sisters”, as the locals refer to them, are supported by their core and by giant concrete pillars which run through the interior of the units. All the units are 12 feet tall with 12 foot sliding glass doors (the tallest hurricane proof doors made) and offer 12 foot deep terraces with summer kitchens.

Landscape architect, Raymond Jungles, has recreated the feel of the leafiest one of a Kind parts of the Coconut Grove with over 500 native tress and 15,000 plants set in coconut GRove and around Ingels organic forms of porous keystone and oolite. A spiraling 2675 s bayshore Dr. #401s porte-cochere connecting both buildings shades visitors and doubles miami, Fl 33131 playfully as a planter from above. 6 bedrooms 6 baths Developer David Martin of Terra deeply understands the heart and soul 4,492 SQ.Ft Listed at: $4,999,999 of Coconut Grove, and its long history of artists, activists, writers and iconoclasts. His mission was to create something of value that spoke Live in arguably the most architecturally significant residential building in South to that legacy. Inside the project he has added a huge art collection Florida, designed by Bjarke Ingels who is valued at more than $1.2 million. transforming the NYC skyline (Two World Trade Center / Google’s Headquarters). The result of these combined efforts is a place so livable, so Located in the South Tower, this 6 uplifting, one can feel the thought and care poured into the bedroom, 6 bath residence with 12ft deep project at every turn. Other amenities include the rooftop wraparound terraces with summer kitchen offers 180 degree direct ocean and park pools, as well as a ground level lap pool, fitness and spinning views. Luxury amenities include day spa, rooms, day spa, private dining room, butler service, pet spa, fitness and spinning, 2rooftop pools, butler and children’s area. With only 96 residences, the developer service, private chef, 24 hour concierge only used 25% of his allowed density. If you are looking for and pet spa.

a unique address like no other, if you love the natural world www.groveAtgrandbay401.com and have an appreciation for great art and design, Grove Agent: giancarlo butron (786) 316-2292 at Grand Bay may have everything you are looking for.

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Mediterranean Gem Ft. Lauderdale Revisited coRaL GaBLes neighborhood spotlight 1209 Asturia Avenue Coral gables, Fl 33134 by Jill Patterson 5 bedrooms lthough a mere 29 miles separate them, the cities 4 baths / 1 half bath of miami and Fort lauderdale could not be more 4,266 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,250,000 different. As the old joke goes, people live in miami because it is so conveniently close to the United Perfectly located just blocks from Granada Golf Course, this custom built, sophisticated Astates. With little of the latin influence, Fort lauderdale is 2006 home features 18 foot ceilings. decidedly American. And while the city lacks the international glitz of miami, Fort lauderdale is increasingly developing www.1209AsturiaAve.com its own unique, relaxed vibe and many people are finding Agent: elizabeth Delgado (305) 790-2806 it a tranquil option, with more ample parking, easy-access transportation, flourishing arts scene, decent shopping, higher education, beautiful beaches, and housing, in many cases, at one third the price of miami. Las olas River house FAtVillage Art Fair | Photo courtesy of C&i studios. Ft LaudeRdaLe 333 las olas Way #310 Fort lauderdale, Fl 33301 Lots of developers who moved north to have been moving to the urban areas highspeed rail from Miami to Orlando, is well 3 bedrooms escape the soaring land prices in Miami in Downtown. underway with construction at its station at 2 baths / 1 half bath have done well in Fort Lauderdale. Auberge NW 2nd Avenue near Flagler Village. The It always starts with the artists. The seed of Beach Residences, a combined effort Wave, an electric streetcar system, will be Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s revival was 3,223 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,869,000 between developers The Related Group accepting bids for construction late this probably FATVillage, Fort Lauderdale’s arts Las Olas River House residence in the sky and Fortune International Group, is a luxury summer and plans to start building in 2018. community that unlike Miami’s Wynwood, exudes opulence. Private elevator and river two tower pre-construction beachfront The project will connect the station to other still has some artists who can afford studio view from the unit. project in Fort Lauderdale which is nearly stops in Downtown and to the Sun Trolley space there. FAT stands for Flagler Arts sold out. Prices hovered around at $1050 bus system. Port Everglades is ranked wwww.333lasolasWay.com Technology. Stop off at Brew Urban Café at per square foot. By comparison, new second among cruise ports worldwide NW 1st Avenue for the hippest latte in Fort Agent: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 oceanfront projects in Miami Beach like with more than $3.8 million passengers Lauderdale. A few years ago the area was Eighty-Seven Park or the Surf Club Four in 2016. In addition to all the increased full of warehouses and auto shops, now it Seasons are selling for $2,500-$3,500psf. infrastructure, the business environment is attracting artisan local business owners In the booming North Beach Village area is growing with need for more office, retail, Ritz-carlton Residence who like the vibe. of Fort Lauderdale, notable new projects hospitality and industrial warehouse space. BaL haRBouR are Paramount Fort Lauderdale, the W Fort Lots of new infrastructure is helping to lay All of those commercial sectors have seen 10295 Collins Avenue #710/711 Lauderdale (a redesign), the Gale Resort the groundwork for continued growth. healthy growth over the last few years. bal harbour, Fl 33154 and Residences, Adagio and the Four Tourism is the economic engine and In summary, Fort Lauderdale seems to 2 bedrooms Seasons Fort Lauderdale. about 16M come to Broward County every have rebooted itself out of the downturn 2 baths / 1 half bath year. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Simultaneous to developers moving north, more slowly than Miami, but perhaps more international Airport just got direct service 1,147 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,859,000 is the Fort Lauderdale population growth stably, with a growing population who to Dubai with Emirates, and it is in the midst and/or redistribution. While wealthy live and work in the area. With all the new Own at the Ritz. This perfectly situated of a 2.3 billion upgrade, including new oceanfront fully furnished condo-hotel unit retirees have been drawn to the beach initiatives for existing or new infrastructure, runway, new restaurants and concourse, may be enjoyed or leased out at your pleasure. with luxury projects like Auberge swapping there is obvious upside for investors and and renovated terminals and skywalk. their large homes in the burbs, millennials the entire community. www.10295CollinsAvenue710.com All Aboard Florida (Brightline), the new Agents: Pamela Diaz De leon (305) 720-8439 monica gonzalez (786) 693-3568

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Build your dream home tommy Bahamas style home PinecRest Boca Raton 9100 sW 57th Ave. 7841 Afton Villa Ct. miami, Fl 33156 boca Raton, Fl 33433 2 lots / land 4 bedrooms 3 baths / 1 half bath Site A 35,000 SQ.Ft / Site B 37, 867 SQ. Ft. 4,098 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,000,000 Listed at: $1,590,000 This beautifuly renovated home features high Build your dream home with South Florida’s ceilings, open floor plan, chef’s kitchen. leading Design-Build construction company, Pioneer Inter-Development, Inc. www.7841aftonvillacourt.com www.9100sw57thave.com Agents: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 glenn Roderman (561) 809-9199 Agent: marianna Dubinsky (305) 432-7555

Gulf course home income Producing duplex MiaMi shoRes MiaMi 609 ne 105th st. 500 nW 19 Ave. miami shores, Fl 33138 miami, Fl 33125 4 bedrooms 3 baths / 1 half bath 2,583 SQ.Ft Listed at: $999,000 3,741 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,389,888 Near Marlin Stadium, this entirely renovated Beautifully upgraded and within walking duplex boasts a 10% cap rate. distance to the most prestigious school in Miami Shores, Miami Country Day. Agent: monica gonzalez (786) 693-3668 www.1209AsturiaAve.com

Agent: Wren Chambers (954) 775-4424

Golf course community Private island Boca Raton noRth Bay isLand 21477 burnside Ct. 7431 Center bay Road boca Raton, Fl 33433 north bay Village, Fl 33141 3 bedrooms 3 bedrooms 5 baths / 1 half bath 3 baths

4,368 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,200,000 3,579 SQ.Ft Listed at: $950,000

Live in Opulence! Boca Grove is one of Secluded custom home situated on coveted South Florida’s affluent guard-gated, luxury North Bay Island, a private guard gated residential communities. peninsula. Features spa master bath, pool, chef’s kitchen, marble & hardwood floors. www.21477burnsideCt.com www.7431centerbaydrive.com Agent: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 glenn Roderman: (561) 809-9199 Agent: tomi Rose (786) 229-1949

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305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

Residence at the Ritz-carlton coconut GRove Developer Profile: 3400 sW 27 Ave #506 sustainability in Coconut grove miami, Fl 33133 by Jill Patterson 2 bedrooms 2 baths / 1 half bath eet Jeremy Waks. A miami native, at 32 1,540 SQ.Ft Listed at: $869,000 Jeremy is the principal of oak Ventures who partnered with Urban Atlantic group to The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut create Arbor. Arbor is Coconut grove’s latest Grove, setting the standard for luxury & mluxury development with 52 residences located at 3034 oak impeccable service throughout the world. Avenue located just behind the outdoor mall, Cocowalk. www.3400sw27av506.com Designed by behar Font & Partners, Arbor is a mix of lofts, Agent: mary handel (305) 496-4254 townhomes and penthouses, offering bright and spacious units with floor to ceiling windows and 10 foot ceilings.

Penthouse at the Beach MiaMi Beach arbor coconut Grove • Number of Floors: 5 1330 West Ave #lP 3504 • Total Units: 52 miami beach, Fl 33139 • Bedrooms: 2–3 2 bedrooms • Sq. Ft. Range: 1,466–2,010 SQ FT 2 baths • Developer: Urban Atlantic Group - Oak Ventures 1,084 SQ.Ft Listed at: $765,000 • Architect: Behar Font & Partners • Price Starting at $799,000 Best line in the building! Come see the incredible views from the Penthouse. Highly sought after 04 line with amazing ocean and city views from every room. JP: Luxury new construction sales have is well over $1,000 a square foot and we that the project is happening, which feels www.1330westave3504.com sales have slowed considerably in Miami, start at $500-$600psf fully amenitized with great. People in the Grove are very invested what made you want to go ahead with this security, valet, 24 hour concierge, fitness in the historical value of the neighborhood Agent: Adi zilberberg (305) 209-5017 project? center, social room, bike share program, so that was surprising. I lived in the Grove pet walk, rooftop yoga deck. We are even for 7 years. I was encouraged by the locals Jw: Coconut Grove is an amazing looking at putting solar on the roof of the falling in love with what we are doing and Paramount Bay Residence neighborhood. It has all the things people building that we are hoping will lower the how we are building in a sustainable way. look for, - walkability, waterfront, shops MiaMi homeowners’ fees. and dining, parks. There are activities on JP: What do you think the future holds? 2020 n bayshore Dr. #1204 the water like sailing and paddleboarding. We are the perfect example what livability miami, Fl 33137 Jw: I think this sort of building product is the Coconut Grove is also centrally located and walkability really are. Within 50 yards, 2 bedrooms future, a sustainable, boutique, community- in Miami so everything is within reach, is retail, dining, parks and waterfront 2 baths based, walkable, livable product. I think Downtown, South Miami, Miami Beach. which are all the things people want. This that’s what everybody today is looking for. 1,135 SQ.Ft Listed at: $714,000 The Grove is really an end user market. It’s is a community-based asset that is all For more information about arbor and people who want to live here. about connectivity, which I think is really Enjoy the view of the bay and Miami Beach other new development projects, please important. skyline from this turn key Paramount Bay JP: So the prime location made you feel call us at (305) 615-1376 Residence. Offered fully furnished with upgrades like porcelain floors throughout. secure about the project? JP: How has the process been so far? Is there anything that has surprised you? Jw: Yes, and also the fact that there is no www.2020paramountbay1204.com/ development like this in this price point. All Jw: We have had a lot of neighbors Agent: Cristiano soares (305) 439-0926 of the new construction on the waterfront stopping by to say how excited they are

140 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 141 Opulence pO rtfO liO & r eal e state Guide n ew YO rk

212.672.6350 | Bondnewyork.com

as in every previous year, the residential market has Loft Living Springtime in heated up in new York City and is expected to remain tRiBeca Just strong during 2017. We continue to see strong inventory 17 White stReet, #3A New York City in the re-sale market as the previously overheated new development market new York, nY 10013 has levelled off across the city. A balance between ample supply and consistent, 4 bedrooms qualified demand has created a robustly paced market. 3 baths

The Luxury sector is slower than in the last couple of years, but it remains stable, at least 3,0 SQ.Ft Listed at: $5,325,000 below the $10 million price point. Many properties that had been under construction Live with downtown authenticity in this during past years were finally completed, and a large number of long anticipated rare 3000 sq ft 4 Bedroom loft located at the closings have shown the true value of each submarket, as closings were recorded, and crossroads of Avenue of the Americas and White Street in the center of TriBeCa. final sale prices revealed across submarkets. Agent: Kenneth tiger Koehn (646) 723-3022

stylish Brownstone cheLsea 455 West 22nD stReet, #Ph new York, nY 10011 2 bedrooms 2 baths

1,700 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,940,000

Modern Luxury Living Inside With Old World Brownstone Charm Outside. Located on the most gorgeous, Tree-Lined Block in Prime West Chelsea. Central Park Agent: shana Allen (212) 645-8800 Although interest rates experienced an incremental increase, there are still historically low rates available to the most qualified borrowers, and consumers have quickened their pace in obtaining mortgage pre-approvals in order to benefit from current rates urban elegance before expected increases later this year. cheLsea The rental market has experienced an oversupply of luxury new development, with 151 West 21st stReet #6b more than 25,000 new high-end apartments added to the NYC housing stock this year. new York, nY 10011 While rents in the luxury sector of the market remain historically high, the quality of the 2 bedrooms product is better than ever before. Many landlords are offering considerable incentives 2 baths to tenants, such as free rent (up to three months free in some properties) and paid 1,272 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,850,000 broker fees. The sub-luxury rental market is just as hot as ever, with fast moving properties and top dollar collected on “ordinary” apartments throughout the city. Layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, allowing for separation between Whether you’re thinking of purchasing, selling, renting, or investing in property in New your gracious living room and sleeping York City, BOND New York is your single source and key to the entire city. We are here quarters to maximize privacy. to answer your questions or set your aspirations into motion! Agent: David namer (212) 672-6350

142 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 143 Elevate your experience. Play your favorite Las Vegas style slots, enjoy the thrill of live Blackjack, indulge at the world-class NYY Steak and live it up at Legends Lounge.

Opulence pO rtfO liO & r eal e state Guide

The Closing

great big thank you to our Top Producers for the last quarter Noelia Chastkielberg, Mavi Haime, Pamela Diaz De Leon. Mavi has been traveling back and forth A to Colombia and Mexico for her clients presenting projects, Pamela’s circle of influence currently has her working on an exclusive listing in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Noelia continues to give great service to her loyal clientele who have been working with her for years. LIVE I am also so happy to announce that Opulence International Realty has successfully completed the first phase of our “One Tree for Every Key” program that provides for the planting of a native tree for every real estate closing to help reduce our carbon footprint and increase THE Miami’s tree canopy.

Did you know that that the Miami tree canopy is only at 12%? Most cities are at 20%. Through the coordinated efforts of Million Trees GOOD Miami, Neat Streets Miami, and Green Miami Events, Opulence gave a sizeable donation to a North Miami green restoration area at the corner of 163rd Street and Biscayne Blvd (see picture inset). Several key players were in attendance including the Mayor of North Miami Beach, George Vallejo, Commissioner LIFE. of North Miami Beach, Anthony F. DeFillipo, CEO David Hammond, Opulence Broker Jill Patterson, and Realtor Mavi Haime, who spearheaded this program. We are so proud to be part of the green movement and helping South Florida to grow responsibly.

Have a wonderful summer, everyone, and please think of Opulence for all of your real estate needs. Our knowledgeable agents are ready to help.

JiLL PatteRson, Broker casinococo.com opulence international Realty Must be at least 21 years old to play Slots and Table Games or to receive Player’s Club benefits. Must be 18 or older to play Live Poker. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.

144 OPULENCE Summer 2017