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AMPLIFY YOUR VACATION CSI International, Inc. provides custodial, mechanical and corporate support services to commercial Class A properties — educational, manufacturing and industrial — in the eastern half of the United States. At CSI, everything we do stems from one simple premise… We make life easier for our clients and ensure this by providing the finest in:

• Janitorial services • Operating engineers services • Green cleaning options • Building mechanics services • Mechanical services • Corporate services

866.502.PLAY 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com Fort Lauderdale Corporate Headquarters

2 South Florida6700 OPULENCE North Andrews Spring 2016 Avenue, Suite 400 • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 • 954.308.4300

16-SHRH-0937 - Opulence Ads_AAA.indd 1 2/12/2016 4:55:36 PM A tale of two skylines: Miami’s Opulence International Realty and Manhattan’s BOND New York are proud to announce a new alliance that bridges the gap between two of the most desirable real estate markets in the world. Together, we can seamlessly service clients in either city. A penthouse overlooking Central Park, a beach condo with stunning ocean views? They can be yours.

MANHATTAN MEETS MIAMI

™ IN NEW YORK? CALL 212.582.2009 IN MIAMI? CALL 305.615.1376 bondnewyork.com I [email protected] oir .com/OM I info@oir .com

2 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 3 LUXURY INTERIORS BY PERLA LICHI

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Auberge is truly a treasured destination, located directly on the white sand beach of the Atlantic and offering an unparalleled standard in luxury living. From sunrise to sunset, Auberge offers the best in premium beachfront living. Spend mornings pampered at our state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, mid-day lounging in poolside perfection and evenings enjoying delicious bites at our James Beard award-winning restaurants.

EXCEPTIONAL BUYING OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE SOUTH TOWER North Tower over 80% sold.

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Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating representations of the developer. For correct representations, make reference to this brochure and the documents required by Section 718.503, Florida Statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. This Condominium is developed by PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC (“Developer”) and this offering is made only by the Developer’s Prospectus for the Condominium. Developer, has a right to use the trade names, marks, and logos of: The Related Group, Fortune International Group, The Fairwinds Group, and Auberge Resorts, LLC, each of which authorizes the use of their respective logos and names, but none of which is the Developer. Neither Auberge Resorts LLC, nor any of its affiliates or related persons (the “Auberge Group”), is related to, affiliated or associated with, or a partner in the business of the Developer, PRH Fairwinds, LLC, or any of Developer’s affiliates or related persons. No representation, warranty or guarantee is made or implied by the Auberge Group with respect to any statement or information made herein or otherwise about the Condominium. Neither the Auberge Group, nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents has or will have any responsibility or liability arising out of, or related to, this publication or the transactions contemplated by this publication, including any liability or responsibility for any statement or information made or contained in this publication. Auberge® is the registered trademark of Auberge Resorts, LLC and used by license agreement. In the event the Auberge® license should lapse, this Condominium and any hotel affiliated with this Condominium will not be permitted to use the name Auberge®. The managing entities, hotels, brands, artwork, designers, contributing artists, interior designers, fitness facilities, amenities, services, and restaurants proposed are subject to change. The Developer is not incorporated in, located in, nor a resident of, New York. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units in New York or to residents of New York, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law unless the condominium is registered in such jurisdictions or exempt. Your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state or territory of residency. This offering is not directed to any person or entity in New York by, or on behalf of, the Developer or anyone acting with the Developer’s knowledge. No purchase or sale shall take place as a result of this offering, until relevant registration and filing requirements are met, or exemptions are confirmed. Any art depicted or described may be exchanged for comparable art at the Developer’s discretion. Consult the Prospectus for all terms, conditions, specifica- tions, and Unit dimensions. Reproduction for private or commercial use is not authorized. 2015 ® PRH FAIRWINDS, LLC, unless otherwise noted, with all rights reserved.

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ONLY 95 BEACHFRONT RESIDENCES / OVER 75% SOLD / NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bedrooms and 4 Bedrooms Available

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. / 954.719.5620

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20 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 21 SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle 56

47 128 142 Top FEATURES

49 Best in Class Haute Cuisine

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16-SHRH-0937 - Opulence Ads_Kuro Scallops.indd 1 2/16/2016 10:45:58 AM SOUTH FLORIDA WE’RE NOT MOVERS, WE ARE Capturing the luxury living lifestyle 109 TRANSPORTATION ARTISTS

62 Wine Inventory Surveys and Evaluations For the Serious Wine Collector

64 The Uncanny Story of the Opulent Wine Maker Nikki Torres

Take A Bow! 40 67 Photographer Barry Seidman The SYMPHONIA Boca Raton Celebrates Its Tenth Season Casts a New Light on Wine Photography

Meet the Chief Ambassador 42 70 Renaissance Art Philanthropy of The Greatest Show on Earth An Afternoon with the Contessa at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence 47 Keep on Shuckin’ Exceptional Handmade Steel Oyster Shuckers 74 Paramount Fort Lauderdale Exclusivity in the Heart of Action 50 Best in Class Italian Mediterranean Cuisine: CORSAIR by Scott Conant 76 The World Luxurious Living on the High Seas 52 Best in Class Dry-Aged Steak: 78 Maki ng the Season Bright NYY Steak Historic, Festive Floridian Art in the Landscape 53 Best in Class New-Style Japanese: Kuro 81 Best of the Best Top 10 Luxury Cigars 55 Best in Class Modern French Cuisine: Bagatelle 82 Best Ultra Luxury SUV For ultra-secure, private storage and moving services, trust RoboVault. Bentley Bentayga Our facility offers flawless protection for all your collectibles, from 56 FA NTASTICO! vehicles to wine. Our highly-trained fine art and antique handlers can be Coya’s Executive World Chef Sanjay Dwivedi 83 Best High Performance Supercar trusted with anything from a favorite painting to your entire household. 59 Opulence Selects McLaren 570S Top 10 Best Wines Whether you want to store a piece of jewelry or move a priceless piece of 84 Best Swiss Luxury Timepieces art, you’ll have peace of mind. 60 Claudia Zárate Vergés Ulysse Nardin Master Sommelier of Wine and Tea 87 Best New Technology The Triumphant Return of Polaroid 90 Best Master Interior Designer

PACKING • CRATING • SHIPPING • MOVING • STORAGE • SECURITY For more information or to request a complimentary on-site estimate, call 954-766-9997 or visit RoboVault.com 24 South Florida OPULENCE Winter 2015/16 SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle 71

features (continued) 126 face Time with a Famous Caricature Artist Perla Lichi 128 Beach Real 94 B est Italian Opera Maestro Thanks to an idyllic Mediterranean locale, A Personal Message from Andrea Bocelli abstract painter Greg Kessler explores his Tour the Bocelli Farmhouse in Tuscany more naturalistic side

99 best International Philanthropy 132 Constructionist Jane Manus International Red Cross Ball Best Ball Gown Designer: Isabelle Armstrong 133 Carleton Varney’s TRUMP AD New York Trumptown Tour 102 Best of the Best SPAS 136 David Feder 103 fort Lauderdale’s Iconic Seaside Ritz-Carl- Mr. Trump’s Right-Hand Man ton’s at Trump National Doral New Makeover

142 JFK’s Assassination 106 best of the Best Luxury Does Recently Released CIA Data International Yacht Charter Solve the Biggest Mystery of the 20th Century? 108 the Keepers of Culture Karen & Michael Bivins 146 E ast Brick Nantucket Mansion Links to the History of Moby Dick 113 dallas Opera’s Novel Institute for Women 151 Dinosaurs Around the World Conductors Discover the Most Realistic Dinosaur Experience Ever!

114 William T. Wiley Monkey See departments 117 Safe haven for Newborns Gadgets 30 Meet The Very First Safe Haven Baby Who Is All Grown Up! Calendar of Events 34-38

For Her & For Him 97 118 Amazing Investment Quality Tanzanite Sculptures & Jewels Health 131

Art IN Miami Real estate 138 124 The Paintings of Winston Churchill An Exhibit Curated Condo Living: Insurance 154 By His Granddaughter Edwina Sandys Condo law: Scandal Prevention 156 Social Living 156-160

26 South Florida OPULENCE Winter 2015/16 HORIZON editor’s letter PUBLISHING Executive PUBLISHER & Owner Geoff Hammond, CEO Jayne Hammond, President Associate PUBLISHER Best of the Best David Hammond EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Jay Family Holiday [email protected] SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Gift: Face Time Adriana Naylor [email protected] 954-331-3912 One of my favorite aspects about our team at South PR AND MARKETING MANAGER Florida Opulence is that we’re a tight-knit bunch who Chantal Forster [email protected] enjoy learning about each other’s families, heritage, 954-331-3390 customs and values. With ages ranging from 30 to 83 Business Development director and different ethnicities, countries of origin, religious beliefs, family structures, Erika Buchholz [email protected] political views, personalities (several of us, including yours truly, are Type A – 954-609-2447 which keeps every day interesting and exciting), and a host of other valuable COYA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT differences, one thing we all agree upon is the priceless perspective we all gain Michael Jay as a result of sharing our stories with each other. When deadlines get fierce and 954-593-5060 we’re down to our last box of K-cups on a final 48-hour stretch at the office on Contributing Writers: John D. Adams Linda Marx the race to upload to the printer, the ultimate prize we keep our eye on this time Carol Antman Leslie Miseyko of year is time with our families during the holidays – quality face-to-face time. Stephanie Bonilla Jill Patterson Jana Soeldner Danger Denise Reynolds Face time is hard to come by in a business based on constant deadlines. Two April Erhard Ava Roosevelt weeks ago, I was with my husband and four children (25, 20, 16 and 8) at a nice Kara Franker Edwina Sandys Steven Joseph Todd R. Sciore restaurant for dinner. We were all at the same table, but I noticed everyone was Dante Keeler Jeffrey M. Spector quietly staring at their smartphones. I heard the ding, ding, ding of text messages Dale King & Julia Hebert Clifton M. Thuma Dr. Robert Lavinsky Carelton Varney being sent and received. The ironic part was they weren’t texting to their friends, Kristen Mager Mary & Hugh Williamson they were texting each other – even though they were sitting at the same table, Gary M. Mars one sibling just inches from the next. Talk about a wake-up call! My husband HAIR & MAKEUP AT OPULENCE YACHT GALA Alexis Dominguez Mobile Salon collected all of the distraction boxes – including mine – and stashed them away. (954) 425-2175 [email protected] With social media and virtual offices that never close, our society has turned into Fine Art Editors one with rapid, endless messaging, but much of it with no eye contact – or even Michael and Karen Bivins voice contact for that matter. On my family’s cell phone plan, we no longer need a Photographers bundle with unlimited calls – because everyone texts. This Christmas season, the Harry Benson most important gift I’d like to receive from my family, and probably most valuable Douglas Lance Silvia Pangaro gift I can give them, too, is quality time together to talk, visit, laugh and play – a PROOFREADER Christmas Eve and Christmas Day without our iPhones, iPads, Xboxes or laptops. Suzanne Shaw It’s often forgotten but so true: The best things in life are free. This holiday season, why General Counsel Barry Weiss not share the priceless gift of real quality time with your family and friends, too? [email protected] South Florida Opulence Magazine Robin Jay, is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Editor in Chief Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 5, No. 4, Winter 2015/16 (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 28 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 system without first obtaining permission from the publisher. Gadgets:BEST OF INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS AT CES 2016

The future of technology innovation stood BEST OF INNOVATIONS: center stage in January in Las Vegas, with COMPUTER HARDWARE more than 3,600 companies launching & COMPONENTS products across more than 2.4 million net HP ENVY Curved All-in-One The HP ENVY Curved All-in-One delivers square feet of exhibits – the largest show the most immersive experience with top floor in CES history. of the line performance, in a QHD+ curved The following “Best of Innovation” display larger than life, which is award titles reflect innovative design and Technicolor Color Certified. engineering in some of the most cutting- edge tech products and services coming to market. CES Innovation Awards entries are evaluated on their engineering, aesthetic and design qualities, intended function, user value and market differentiators.

BEST OF INNOVATIONS: TABLETS, E-READERS, & MOBILE COMPUTING YOGA Tab 3 Pro A multimedia tablet with a built-in projector! It transforms a wall or ceiling into a brilliant 70” screen. Enjoy a theater experience on the brilliant 10.1” QHD display, and the integrated JBL® 4-speaker sound bar. Up to 18 hours of general use on a single charge.

BEST OF INNOVATIONS: HOME APPLIANCES BEST OF INNOVATIONS: Somabar Robotic Bartender HEADPHONES The world’s smartest bartender. Somabar JBL Reflect Aware integrates Wi-Fi connectivity, onboard The JBL® Reflect Aware™ headphones sensors, electronic ingredient tag- deliver both best in class noise cancelling ging and automated cleaning making performance and the ability to adjust noise bartending as easy as pressing a button. level from your environment for greater Using the Somabar app, you can now awareness. It requires no battery because share and create cocktails with anyone they draw power and audio directly on the globe in seconds. from the lightning connector on Apple devices.

30 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 31

20160216_Opulance Print 2 outlines.indd 1 2/17/16 13:59 Gadgets:BEST OF INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS AT CES 2016 ™

BEST OF INNOVATIONS: UNMANNED SYSTEMS TURNBERRY OCEAN CLUB AND ACCESSORIES PARAISO BAY Lily Camera PORSCHE TOWER RISE TOWER AT The Lily Camera, Lily’s flagship product, is BRICKELL CITY CENTER the world’s first throw-and-shoot-camera. The product combines computer vision, FAENA HOUSE GPS and stable, high-resolution image PARK GROVE capture to grant users the freedom of documenting their lives while still living in the moment.

BEST OF INNOVATIONS: GAMING AND VIRTUAL REALITY iWear Wireless Vuzix iWear Wireless is a high-end pair of video headphones that provide users with a streaming wireless personal home theater and mobile wearable gaming solution that extends the small mobile screen into a huge 125” screen that is connected to the web or smart phone for access to content on the go.

BEST OF INNOVATIONS: 3D PRINTING Mcor Arke Full Color 3D Printer WE ARE THE EXPERTS Mcor Arke is the world’s first full color, professional and safe desktop 3D printer. Our agents have the inside track to Miami’s development market and will guide you seamlessly through your next transaction. With banking and attorney There is currently no full color desktop relationships fully versed in international transactions, we have what it takes to negotiate every aspect of your next purchase for your beneﬁ t. 3D printer available on the market. Mcor Arke will also offer reliable and safe 3D And it doesn’t stop there. Once your asset is purchased, we oﬀ er concierge services including leasing and maintenance. Speak to one of our Opulence printing with the opportunity pre-construction experts and you will see why our knowledge is your power. to customize the design of each printer.

SFO's CES Innovation Pick: NinjaTek 3D Printed Shoes NinjaFlex is a 3D printing filament supplier for desktop 3D or fused deposition model printing that is a form of "additive manufacturing." Essentially, it is the process of heating up a material and laying it down on top of itself in a continuous pattern until an object has formed out of all those layers. Think PAMELA DIAZ-DE-LEON CHRIS SOARES ANA CRUZ ANA BRAGA MELISSA HORMANN about the extrusion process as similar to what a hot [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] glue gun does in heating the adhesive to melt it 305.720.8439 305.439.0926 561.201.0738 754.368.1511 305.498.8060 down. Word of NinjaFlex filament spread like wildfire as consumers latched onto its unique blend of flex- OPULENCE INTERNATIONAL REALTY NEW DEVELOPMENT AGENTS ibility and strength. It is capable of stretching to 10 times its size before it breaks. Opulence International Realty | 2060 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33137 305.615.1376 | oirﬂ .com Information deemed reliable but is not warranted. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2016 Opulence International Realty

32 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Upcoming Events

March March MARCH 10-13 DIY STATIONS 6 -12 11 DESIGN GALLERIES Bacardi Miami Jazz Roots: Sinatra Sailing Week 2016 sings sinatra Adrienne Arsht Center stunning plan it all wedding catwalk on the show ﬂ oor

The new Cirque du Soleil touring show inspired by James Cameron’s record-breaking movie AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight, will be presented at the American Airlines Arena as part of a global - WEDDING SHOW - The most anticipated multi-class regatta in tour in arenas around the world. www.aaarena.com Miami will take place from March 6th to March 12th, 2016. Teams representing countries from all over the world will meet An extraordinary show for extraordinary weddings again and line up under Miami’s sunny Find everything to plan your perfect wedding! skies on Biscayne Bay to compete for the March April celebrated Bacardi Cup and the BMSW regatta trophy. miamisailingweek.com STUNNING FASHION We join in the 100th birthday celebration of 17- 4/3 2 the music, life & legend of Frank Sinatra with Amaturo Theater at The Broward Frozen: Center for the Performing Arts FT. LAUDERDALE SINATRA SINGS SINATRA. Once in a lifetime Disney On ice AMAZING PRIZES March experience with FRANK SINATRA JR. delivers Slow Burn Theater Company American Airlines Arena Sunday, May 22nd personal recollections of life on and off the Spring Awakening stage with his father. www.arshtcenter.org The winner of eight Tony Awards including ENDLESS INSPIRATION Ft. Lauderdale 10 Best Musical, Spring Awakening explores Convention Center Itzhak Perlman the poignant journey of a group of German Kravis Center students in the 19th century as they move SOMETHING FOR March from adolescence to adulthood. The heartwarming Academy Award®- EVERYONE! winning tale you love is now LIVE and skat- 15 ing into your town. www.aaarena.com Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center Rihanna America Airlines Arena Travis Scott will join The Anti World Tour As #YWEshow Special Guest In North America global MIAMI OPEN Sunday, May 22 superstar, Grammy Award®-winner and Tennis Tours multi-platinum selling artist, Rihanna, March announced today. THE ANTI WORLD TOUR. 3/21-4/3, 2016 20th Anniversary of In the Fiddler’s House www.aaarena.com Itzhak Perlman, violin Hankus Netsky, music 31 director, saxophone and piano; Andy Kathy Griffin For Exhibiting & Sponsor Statman, clarinet and mandolin; The Brave Opportunities: Old World and Klezmer Conservatory Band; Au-Rene Theater at The Broward [email protected] and other special guests. www.kravis.org Center for the Performing Arts Whether she’s tear- 651-757-4216 Enjoy tropical and secluded Key ing up stars on the OR Biscayne, filled with white sand red carpet, making [email protected] Anderson Cooper beaches and palm trees, where the 651-757-4232 blush on CNN or tournament takes place. The twelve- keeping fans dou- day tournament features the top 96 bled over with men and women tennis players in the laughter in her world and boasts a 13,800 seat stadi- stand-up comedy specials, she has been um court. Come join us for the luxury, making audiences laugh for years with rapid rich culture, and world-class tennis Buy Tickets Now @ fire wit. that only Miami can offer! www.miamifashionweek.com/ YourWeddingExperience.com [email protected] | 651-757-4222

34 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Upcoming Events SPRING 2016 BROADWAY SEASON April 17 March 1-13 April 12-17 April 12-17 may 10-22 Wanda Sykes Seminole Hard Rock-Hollywood

Broward CEnter for Broward CEnter for the performing arts the performing arts broadwayacrossamerica.com Adrienne Arsht Center Broward CEnter for for the Performing Arts broadwayacrossamerica.com the performing arts broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com

Comedian Wanda Sykes comes to Hard Rock Live at 7PM. seminolehardrockhollywood.com June 2016

April 9-26 Amaturo Theater at The Broward Wine Down Center for the Performing Arts Wednesdays 29 Slow Burn Theater Company Sorrisi 21st Annual Las Olas Heathers The Musical Every Wednesday. All night at Sorrisi Wine & Food Festival This hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new Wine Bar. Enjoy specially-priced small The much-anticipated Street Festival will fea- musical relives the greatest teen comedy bites paired with fine wines. ture more than 70 of South Florida’s finest of all time. It is the story of Veronica restaurants and more than 45 wine tables Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit and micro brews, live entertainment, music, who hustles her way into the most power- and more. www.lasolasboulevard.com ful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get com- 2016 fortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid at school. Ladies Night Legends Lounge Every Thursday beginning January 2016. Enjoy champagne specials, live entertainment and luxury brand giveaways.

May May

14-18 21 Miami Fashion Week focuses on the clothes Tracy Morgan that make sense to show in Miami – resort Seminole Hard Rock wear. Miami has always been a resort wear & Hotel-Hollywood kind-of –town. Dressing up in Miami is a JULY 7 CIRKOPOLIS Comedian Tracy Morgan makes his trium- Adrienne Arsht Center• Ziff Ballet Opera House resort kind-of affair. You’ll never, ever need phant return to the stage with his “TRACY Culturist Member a coat around here and even a scarf or MORGAN: Picking up the Pieces” tour. Pre-sale: February 3 • boots don’t get pulled out of the closet www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com Public Sale: February 8 very often. It’s only logical that Miami Cirque Éloize returns to Fashion Week is all about resort wear. the Arsht Center with Cirkopolis, a heart-pump- ing show that dazzles all! Cirkopolis is a feast for the senses combining the worlds of circus, dance and theater with inventive stage design, original music and video projections, 10 acrobats and multidisciplinary artists!

36 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 entertainment Come to the Cabaret Ole Chum Meet the Man & Celebrate Its 50-Year History Behind The By Jana Soeldner Danger

hen Cabaret comes to the stage at South Beach Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for W the Performing Arts April 12-17 (and (& NYC!) again January 10, 2017 at the Broward Center for Performing Arts), it will build on a 50-year Wine & Food history. The hit musical first opened on Broad- way in1966 at the Broadhurst Theater with a wildly successful run of 1,165 performances. Festivals By Jana Soeldner Danger It was a time of burgeoning political activism, with sentiment building against the war in Vi- ee Schrager is the creator of both the nationally renowned etnam, and the civil rights and women’s move- South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, ments growing stronger. Cabaret was perfect of Nazism, Cabaret tells the story of the life and as a metaphor for the world, the club’s master each of which has grown into a star-studded destination for that turbulent era, because although at first loves of flamboyant Sally Bowles, a 19-year-old of ceremonies is the storyteller, and the rise of event. The senior vice president at Southern Wine & Spirits glance it may appear to be a romantic story L American who works as a singer at the seedy the Nazis is a dark, ever-present undercurrent. is also the author of three cookbooks, and his latest, America’s Best set against a backdrop of memorable music, Kit Kat Club. A raucous ensemble takes the Breakfasts, celebrates his favorite meal of the day. “I love starting The production by the award-winning it also carries an ominous message about the stage there every night to tantalize a crowd the day with a great breakfast,” he said. “It’s where I plan out the Roundabout Theatre Company comes di- danger of closing your eyes to what is going trying desperately to lose itself in the deca- rest of my day.” rectly from Broadway. Kelley Shanley, presi- “Cooking shouldn’t be intimidating,” Schraeger continued. “It’s really on in the world around you. dent allure of Berlin nightlife to get through dent and CEO of the BCPA, said, “Broadway Schrager has loved just reading a recipe and following directions. But a good meal is times that are growing uncertain. Sally falls in Cabaret is based on a 1939 novel, Goodbye to shows spark the imagination and create to cook since he was more than just cooking. It involves serving it correctly and putting love with Brian Roberts, a bisexual Cambridge Berlin, by Christopher Isherwood, and the 1951 lifelong memories. Through our partnership a child. “My mother the right things together.” At his home, putting the right things to- University student who has come to Berlin to play I Am a Camera by John Van Druten. The with Broadway Across America, each season was a great cook, gether can sometimes take an unusual turn. He recently hosted a complete his German studies. The two have original Broadway production directed by Hal boasts at least one regional premiere that of- and I was always in party to try out his new pizza oven. “I served pizza and filet,” he said. Prince was an experiment in making a musical an affair, but later, they fall under the spell of the kitchen when my fers our audiences the first chance of seeing Aspen inspiration in which the message is as important as the wealthy Baron Maximilian von Heune, who se- brothers were out the latest blockbusters right here.” What gave Schrager the idea for the SoBe Wine & Food Festival? plot. Set in 1930s Berlin during the violent rise duces them both. With the Kit Kat club serving doing other things,” “Friends had taken me to the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen,” he he said. “My earli- recalled. “On the plane coming home I thought, ‘this is the greatest South Florida Opulence sat down with Garth He concluded with “Much Too Young (To est memories are of thing in the world. But think how much better it would be on our the afternoon before his first come-back Feel This Damn Old).” As the melody faded family meals and the Lee Schrager (far right) enjoys breakfast with beautiful beaches.’” and the stage lights came up, he was gone. wonderful smell of show. Why did he choose South Florida for his father Kenneth, and mother Marlene. his first night back on stage? “When I was The audience erupted, chanting his name. them. I love cooking The annual SoBe Festival – the 15th of which took place in February planning the tour, I was in Oklahoma in the He reappeared, singing several more songs. the way some people love ballet and opera.” His culinary penchant – benefits the Chaplain School of Hospitality and Tourism at Florida grew during high school. “In those days, boys went to wood shop International University. It grew from a small, one-day event to its cold. Florida was an easy decision because The Recording Industry Association of and girls went to home economics,” he said. “I hated machines and current status as a three-day extravaganza that draws guests and it has the best weather and the best fans – America (RIAA) certified Garth Brooks as was afraid of the wood shop class, so my mom went to the school media from all over the country. In 2008, many of his same partners and Miss Yearwood [Garth’s wife] wanted to the top selling solo artist in U.S. history, with and arranged for me to take home ec. I thrived there.” in the Florida festival joined him to create its New York counterpart, go where it was warm,” Garth said. 136 million albums, along with the only solo an affair that stretches throughout the city from the Meat Packing Garth took the audience through an emo- artist to have six albums surpass the 10-mil- Simple Fare District to Pier 54 while raising funds for the Food Bank for New York By Ashley Hammond tional roller coaster from “Papa Loved lion mark. He is the highest country debut Although he is a food professional, Schrager prefers simple fare. City and Share Our Strength. fter 31 Platinum records, 17 American Mama,” “Ain’t Goin Down (‘Til the Sun leader of all time. Garth’s absence from the “I don’t like pretentious food,” he said. “I’m a basic eater, and I love Music Awards, a Country Hall of Fame Comes Up),” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” music industry wasn’t only for his family, but good, hearty comfort food.” When he entertains at home, it’s usu- his new breakfast cookbook Ainduction, a beautiful second mar- The audience, swaying, sang along to every also for children everywhere. In 1999, he ally a casual affair. “I dislike formal dinners, and I rarely do a seated Schrager still appreciates his mother’s cook- riage and raising two children, Garth Brooks word. As Garth sang “In Another’s Eyes,” Tri- launched Teammates for Kids Foundation- dinner,” he said. “I’d rather have a good burger than a set menu at a ing. In fact, his new cookbook has a recipe finally emerged from retirement. Returning sha Yearwood arose from the dry ice mist with athletes, celebrities, and corporations, formal restaurant and I’d rather cook for 25 people than four. I love from her called ‘German Breakfast’, a con- to Florida in January, the BB&T Center in mid-song. Their tandem vocals genuinely to raise money for the underprivileged. having a meal in the kitchen with people sitting around talking coction that includes, among other things, about food and enjoying it. The popularity of cooking is growing potatoes, onions and peppers. “We always Sunrise overflowed with fans ranging from complemented one another. Later, Garth “I want people to remember my songs and among both men and women,” Schrager said. “The Food Network had it for dinner,” he recalled. “It’s still one of tweens to baby boomers. His return to the reentered and blew the audience away good deeds, not me.” stage was no less thrilling as in the ’90s. with a rendition of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” and the Cooking Channel have made it more mainstream. my favorites.”

38 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 39 Throughout history, there are those for- But gaining a formal education and a promi- tunate few born as passionate innovators nent title was not the highest level Thibault’s with an innate fire blazing from within to passion would take him. His endless thirst for discover the extraordinary. an extraordinary concoction gave him the One such man is François impulse he needed to fly much higher than Thibault. A coveted cognac that. The challenge came when another high- AGAINST cellar master, this innovator flyer, Sidney Frank, made his way to Cognac in went on to achieve the ultimate search of the cellar master who would brew his IN A SHIFT challenge – one that others would dream to life: a high-quality vodka that would have deemed nearly impossible for a sell well in the existing American market. Frenchman: to create an ultra-premium So how did Frank end up choosing a cellar vodka that would spellbind upscale Ameri- FROM master who knew nothing about vodka to cans. But achieve the impossible he did become the creator of his dream elixir? Pure when he created Grey Goose. chance. An accidental meeting with Thibault GRAPES How the Venture Began led Frank to put all of his proverbial goose Born in the region of Cognac, France, most eggs in one basket, challenging Thibault into famous for its production of brandy and pouring all of his creative juices into the crea- François Thibault, cellar master who created wine, Thibault developed his passion for cre- tion of what has become the world’s most Grey Goose vodka in France. TO GRAINS ating extraordinary spirits early on. The son popular vodka brand. of a local wine grower, he quickly became “My instinct and inspiration are what drove immersed in all aspects of the spirit industry. me to be crazy enough to take on the chal- place. “My goal was never to recreate the It was his unconventional upbringing that lenge. In the beginning, many skeptics standard vodka. It was always to create ignited his passion for the creation of quality believed I would fail since vodka is typically something that had never been attempted spirits, leading him to pursue a formal edu- assimilated as an Eastern European drink,” says before,” says Thibault. And that he did. cation in wine making. Shortly after receiv- Thibault, “But the philosophy that has always ALL ing a degree in Oenology, Thibault joined a So why is it that mixologists all over the driven me has been this: If you don’t know leading Cognac house working under the world choose Grey Goose over competi- it’s impossible, then it is possible.” And since tutelage of a maître de chai (cellar master), tor’s brands? Well, it’s all in taste. Today, Thibault wasn’t certain it was impossible, later earning the prestigious title of cellar Thibault still oversees the crafting of Grey he blindly challenged himself to make master himself in 1992. Goose vodka, personally tasting every it possible. batch, ensuring the vodka’s quality is al- “The education I received from my family and Grains from the ways maintained and never compromised. ODDS my endless passion for my vocation led me to Breadbasket of the World gain the confidence I needed to become a cel- The creation of Grey Goose starts with the How A After thoroughly researching the vodka lar master. You don’t go to school to become very best ingredients from France – includ- making process, Thibault noticed that his- French Cognac one,” says Thibault. ing soft winter wheat grown by three local torically vodka had most often been pro- farming cooperatives in the Picardy region Cellar Master duced using grain. Since he resided in the of le grenier à blé (the same high grade country known as the “breadbasket” wheat used in the finest French breads of the world, Thibault sought the and pastries). Founded America’s advice of experienced bakers, learning about the different pa- The harvested wheat is trucked to a dedi- Favorite Premium Vodka rameters analyzed in order to cated mill and distillery, where a small spe- select the highest-quality grain. cialized staff of less than two dozen people By Stephanie Bonilla carefully weighs and verifies the starch Shifting his mind from grapes content before milling the grain four times. to grain, everything else fell into The wheat flour is then blended with exclusive natural spring water naturally filtered through limestone in the Gensac-La-Pallue region of Cognac. Then begins the ‘sacchar-

40 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 41 GREY GOOSE DRY MARTINI (Image left) Ingredients • 2½ parts GREY GOOSE vodka • ½ part chilled NOILLY PRAT dry vermouth • Dash of orange bitters • Lemon zest to garnish

Method Add ingredients into a mixing glass. Top with cubed ice and stir. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with lemon zest.

GREY GOOSE LE FIZZ Ingredients 1½ parts GREY GOOSE vodka 1 part St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur ¾ part freshly squeezed lime juice 2 parts soda water

Method ification’ process of converting starch into Top Notch QC ing real fruit flavored spirits to the Grey Build all ingredients APART from soda glucose and the activation of yeast that Every batch of Grey Goose vodka under- Goose portfolio: “Cherry Noir,” “L’Orange,” water in a Boston glass. Top with initiates fermentation. The resulting ‘wheat goes more than 550 daily quality con- “Le Citron” and “Le Melon.” cubed ice and shake. Fine strain into mash’ churns through a half-dozen tanks trol checks, including the personal tast- Unlike the geese that appear on the iconic a chilled flute. Top with chilled soda where simple sugars convert into alcohol ing and approval by Thibault. Once a bottle of Grey Goose, Thibault has never de- water, and garnish with a GREY GOOSE on its way into a massive column still that batch receives his thumbs-up nod, the sired to spread his wings and migrate else- stirrer. ultimately produces the velvety smooth bottle receives a signature cork that serves as where. Cognac will forever be his home. And Grey Goose vodka. its seal of quality. From field-to-bottle, the ex- although he dedicates his inspiration to his “Even with today’s advances in technology, pertise of the Maître de Chai François Thibault homeland, his spirit has become universally there is no machine capable of replicating ensures an unparalleled smoothness and ex- popular. Today, Grey Goose bottles are dis- the human qualities intrinsic to the creation ceptional taste to the connoisseur palate. tributed throughout the world in more than of Grey Goose,” Thibault said. Thibault’s passion for creating vodka has 130 countries. So for the man whose passion GREY GOOSE L’OXYMORE continuously grown over his tenure. Re- overcame the impossible, and whose story An expression of defying expectations, this unlikely blend of umami French cèpes, sour lemon, cently he enacted the novel idea of add- teaches us to always aim to fly higher, we raise sweet vanilla and sharp vinegar harmonise together perfectly. This creates a smooth and com- our glass to François Thibault – with a toast plex cocktail that will alter perceptions of flavour pairing. L’Oxymore is inspired by the theme that he may always continue to fly beyond. ‘Against All Odds’ demonstrating a unique combination that comes together unexpectedly. Much like many of the protagonists within this year’s film awards contenders, L’Oxymore is quirky, fun and deliciously intriguing.

Ingredients: Method: • 3/4 parts GREY GOOSE Le Citron Shake all ingredients and double strain into Flavoured Vodka a chilled coupette rimmed with fresh vanilla and garnished with fresh vanilla pod. • 3/4 parts French cèpes mushroom syrup* *25 grams dried mushrooms (cèpes/porcinis) • 3/4 parts fresh lemon juice in 1 litre of water, bring to the boil, add 500 • 1 bar spoon of crème de cassis grams of sugar • Drizzle of aged sherry vinegar

42 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 43 hile the trend may be new, the process isn’t. Shrubs in some form or the other have been around since at least Bibli- cal times, according to some, who note that Ruth partook of a vinegar drink Wwhile working the fields in Boaz. More commonly, the drink’s origin is believed to be 12th century Persia or 17th century England, though its current trendy form is thoroughly American.

As any early Yankee could tell you, few things beat the taste of fresh-picked fruit. But the current face of shrubs is none other than Jess Sanchez- However in the colonial U.S., this tru- McClary, who appeared on the ABC’s season 7 debut of Shark Tank. ism was felt particularly keenly because Her company, McClary Bros., is based in metro Detroit and sources without refrigeration and without dense its ingredients locally. “I like to introduce people to foods they didn’t produce distribution networks, fresh fruit know existed, or that they didn’t understand were so delicious,” was indeed fleeting. Early Americans need- Sanchez-McClary said. Her favorites include a batch of fig leaf shrub, The Rub On ed to preserve their extra yield so it would where she got the fig leaves from an urban farm in Detroit, and Paw last long after harvest. One of the easiest Paw, the only tropical fruit that grows in the upper Midwest, a fruit and healthiest methods was by pouring that can’t be found in grocery stores because it’s so delicate it doesn’t vinegar over it, allowing it to sit for a few stand up to industrial shipping. days, then straining it out and eating it later. Shrub Retro True to Sanchez-McClary’s environmental ideals, very little at McClary As a byproduct of the process, the leftover Bros. goes to waste, even though the company only sells the shrubs and liquid was actually a flavorful (and relatively not the fruit left over. For example, the company’s vinegared apples are mild) infused vinegar that could be mixed used by another local company, Beau Bien, as the base for its chutneys, Vinegar with sugar and seltzer water. The result while some vinegared fruit is used by the Detroit Pop Shop to flavor their was a refreshing drink similar to what we’d Ice Pops. The remaining produce is reused as compost at a local farm. nowadays call a soda. Predictably enough, McClary Bros. is so committed to local, sustainable agriculture that they’re it didn’t take long before the colonials real- working with a non-profit in New Orleans to open another production Cocktails ized that shrubs could also be mixed with facility that focuses on flavors specifically local to Louisiana. “That gives The History and Wonder of Shrubs From hard spirits such as rum and brandy, to us a new agricultural zone,” said Sanchez-McClary. “There are so many make for a satisfying alcoholic beverage. Colonial Americans to the McClary Bros. amazing flavors grown there that are so different than what we have in By Alex Starace In fact, shrubs (which can refer to either the Michigan. It’s really going to add to the variety that we already offer.” infused vinegar or the finished drink) were And so the story of making shrubs is really a story of returning to bygone commonly consumed in the United States foodways and local roots. Even as Sanchez- Visit any hip neighborhood in America and you’re bound until the early 1900s, when refrigeration McClary pitches venture capitalists on Shark and other, easier preservation methods to find at least one retro cocktail bar serving artisanal Old- Tank, her story (and the story of shrubs) is became available. By the 1930s, the local, the story of doing what our American fore- Fashioneds and Sidecars. But what’s the next big trend? It practical process seemed destined to die bears had done for generations. No matter out – it got skipped over as the world be- whether it’s the eighteenth or twenty-first may very well be drinking vinegars, also known as “shrubs,” came more industrialized. century, making a homegrown beverage which offer crisp, strong flavors without the artificial sugars The shrub is cataloged by Slow Foods USA that’s delicious will always be in style. and preservatives found in many mixed drinks. as a “culturally significant food in danger of extinction.” A small family farm, Tait Farm, outside of State College, Pennsylvania, was credited with first reviving the shrub in 1986, when they had a glut of extra raspberries. A friend suggested preserving the fruit using a recipe for an old colonial beverage called Raspberry Shrub. By 1987, the farm was selling the drink to customers; today Tait Farm Foods has created over 50 varieties of fruit shrubs for purchase.

44 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 45 blind test the coffee and award scores traded commodity in the world after oil (in Quite the difference from your Bloomberg based on fragrance, aroma, flavor, acid- dollar terms)! ticker price! ity, after taste, body, balance, sweetness, When you are watching Bloomberg in the As you can see from these prices, cleanliness and uniformity. morning and you see coffee scroll across Boquete is well-known internationally as How Each section is analyzed and broken down the bottom of your screen, this is the New the perfect location to produce amazing in detail, awarded points from 1 to 10 and York “C” market index for commercial coffee. Specialty Coffee. With the right altitude, independently scored by dozens of Q rich volcanic soil and year-round perfect Trading right now in a range from around Graders. Aroma alone can be described as weather, it is no surprise that roasters $1.20 - $1.30 a pound. Hard to get rich off animal like, ashy, burnt, chocolate, earthy, from around the globe descend on our Taste Masters that price when it can cost $1.50 a pound floral, nutty, woody and even spicy. small town each year searching for the to produce it! Q Graders Best in Panama specialty coffee. But Specialty coffee, coffee that scores There are currently more than 3,500 cer- So you can see why everyone here at In- 80 points and above when cupped by a tified Q graders worldwide, and grow- ternational Coffee Farms is excited about Score CQI trained Q Grader, that meets strictly ing. The Q Coffee System identifies qual- the bright future for the Specialty Coffee set SCAA standards, sells for 5, 10, 20, and ity coffees and brings them to market industry. We have acquired 3 farms so even 100 times that price.

offee offee through a credible and verifiable system. far in 2015 and are in negotiations with Specialty Coffee Here in Panama every year the SCAP (Spe- This system allows Specialty Coffee farm- many more. These farms are ideally situat- By Darren Doyle ers to have their coffee tested against in- cialty Coffee Association of Panama) hosts ed in the Boquete region and have all the e receive questions every week at International CoffeeF arms dustry standards to ensure that they get annual coffee auctions where roasters and attributes necessary to produce amaz- on what the standards are for scoring fine coffee. First a bit top dollar for the coffee and are rewarded producers from all over the world flock to ing Specialty Coffee.A ll they need is a of clarification: Specialty coffee should not be confused with for years of hard work, with the focus on Panama to bid on the Best of Panama coffee. little love! “gourmet” or “premium” coffee.T hese are simply marketing coffee Quality, not just Quantity. The lowest price on the list was $9.70 Wterms with no defined standards. If you like the idea of joining our Merry The retail value of the U.S. coffee market per pound, about 8 times the “C” market Band of Panamanian Coffee Farmers, According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), “Coffee is estimated at $46 billion dollars a year, rate. The highest price paid was $140 per please email me at which scores 80 points or above on a 100-point scale is graded ‘specialty’." with Specialty Coffee comprising approxi- pound for Finca Esmerelda’s world class [email protected] Specialty coffees are grown in special and ideal climates, and are distinc- mately 51 percent volume share but nearly Geisha. The average price was some- or call 877-208-7988. tive because of their full-cup taste and little to no defects. The unique fla- 55 percent value share. Up from only 1 per- where around $17 to $20 a pound. vors and tastes are a result of the special characteristics and composition cent almost 25 years ago and surpassing of the soils in which they are produced.” non-specialty for the first time ever.

So what does this mean? According to the International Coffee Or- Most of us are familiar with how wine is slurped, spat and graded by a ganization (ICO), demand for coffee is set wine connoisseur, who then awards the wine a score, usually from 50 to to increase by 25 percent over the next 5 100, and that score is one of the important factors that determine the years. “Consumption is increasing as so- quality and thus the value/price of the wine. cieties in India, China and Latin America For consumers, we can, at a glance, see the score awarded to a wine that continue to be Westernized,” the ICO’s we know little about and can make an informed buying decision based executive director Roberio Silva told The on this score.It also separates the two buck chuck from the $200 bottle of Wall Street Journal. Chateau Margaux! To promote and self-regulate this grow- This scoring method has its critics though. Some people point to the fact ing industry, growers, exporters, roasters, that this scoring method is subjective and open to interpretation. The retailers and equipment suppliers have Specialty Coffee Association of America, established in 1982, and with established trade associations. These as- members in over 40 countries worldwide, has set very strict industry sociations exist in both coffee-consum- standards when it comes to scoring Specialty Coffee. ing and coffee-producing countries.

These standards are set by a Standards Committee. “It is a quantifiable Among the countries that are very fa- and qualifiable measure, based upon scientific testing, which set values mous for producing excellent specialty and/or ranges of values for coffee.” coffee are Ethiopia, Kenya, and Panama. Cupping How is Q Grading coffee Cupping the coffee is the process of evaluating and scoring brewed coffee. reflected in the price? The SCAA Coffee Taster’s Cue the sipping and slurping and spatting! This is where Q Graders (Quality At the end of the day, coffee is a com- Flavor Wheel Graders), or master tasters, certified by The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) modity. Although it is the 2nd most Specialty C Specialty

46 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 47 What’s THE FUSS OVER FOSS? Just Get The

ByIn Robin Jay Here The unconventional, unfiltered and unapologetic Chef Phillip Foss is redefining fine dining at his Michelin-starred dinner-party kitchen in the Windy City

hef Phillip Foss is to Chicago’s food- clean – no utensils allowed – or else get the ’ELscape what Jim McMahon was to hell out.’ That was right after his dry-witted Chicago Bear’s football in 1986, headwaiter, Bill, handed me a slip of paper, when Ditka’s ‘Da Bears’ danced the said he wasn’t asking for my phone number Super Bowl Shuffle on their way nor trying to pick me up, and said within to winning Super Bowl XX. The earshot of the other guests, ‘just use this to spit break-all-the-rules McMahon was a out your gum lady.’ hunky, controversial media darling It’s all part of Foss’ dinner party schtick. And – perhaps most notably for mooning journal- a brilliant one at that. Cists when they asked about an injury to his buttocks. This in-your-face, take-me-as-I-am Here’s the Dish chutzpah is exactly the refreshing exuberance “My quest for EL Ideas [shortened from of Chef Foss at his adventurous but unpreten- ‘Elevated Ideas’ and an homage to the el- serving upscale cuisine. No walls separate din- a few laughs and hugging the host goodbye “I’ve always had a pretty devious sense of tious small-dinner-party style eatery, EL Ideas, evated train system in Chicago] is to make ers from chefs. Foss wants guests to expect the as if they attended a dinner party.” humor,” said Foss who is not unlike a radio unexpected when served the fixed 13-course shock jock in the kitchen. [And while we’re in the rather incognito Chicago neighborhood fine dining cuisine and service approacha- The unconventional business model at EL molecular gastronomy tasting menu. on the subject, I would be remiss not to known as Douglas Park. ble and fun instead of pretentious and stuffy,” Ideas involves a BYOB approach – with no mention a fun anecdote – one told to me said Chef Foss, whose gas-station style “Interaction with the kitchen team, and oth- corking fee. When guests arrive, they find an Given that Foss is a Green Bay Packer’s fan not by Foss, but a story he also doesn’t deny. uniform shirt is donned every day with a er guests at our small 10-table-top establish- iced bucket adjacent to their table, ready to (he’s originally from Milwaukee – I won’t hold It’s the time when Chicago’s real shock jock, pair of shorts, without exception. When it’s ment throughout the meal, is not only wel- chill whatever beverages they have in tow. it against him) he may take my comparison to Mancow Muller, arrived at EL 30 minutes Bottom image: Chef Phillip Foss' bitter cold outside, he simply adds a pair of come, it is encouraged,” Foss said. “I love that Bill and the other waiters are like stealth his rival team as an intentional dig. Consider late, holding up all the other guests. A young take on the deconstruction of a wool knee socks to his ensemble. I’ve got a place that is really an extension snipers, swiftly slipping in without guests it tongue-and-cheek pay back my friend. You lady at my brother’s table who had previ- White Russian cocktail: Ossetra/ Once inside the unmarked building at 2914 of my personality. Guests will come in here noticing to ensure glasses are always topped see, the first time I entered EL Ideas last De- ously worked for the radio hotshot, thought Vodka/ Coffee West 14th Street, guests encounter a ven- feeling a little bit stiff and stodgy, and by off. It’s an approach that allows guests to cember (as a gift from my brother and sister- he was a lousy boss, and being a bit under in-law), Foss insisted we ‘lick the first plate ue not usually associated with restaurants the time they leave, they’re all smiling and unwind and let their hair down. happy from eating some great food, having

48 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 49 the influence, stood up to give him loud lam- came about pretty much by accident. When Foss graduated from CIA in 1991 and Out of Necessity took off but eventually lead to another set- basting for being tardy. I’m told the local cel- growing up in Milwaukee, Foss admits he managed to land a whirlwind of impressive Comes Invention back: A swindling employee had skimmed eb took the scolding like a man, and dinner was a rabble-rouser in high school, getting opportunities in the Big Apple, including “At that point, I was out on the street,” Foss the books to fund her wedding. Fortunately, service returned to business as usual.] While into more than his fair share of trouble. But Lafayette, Oceana, The Quilted Giraffe and noted with humility. “I had two kids by this there was a silver lining to the misfortune. it’s true that EL’s online reservation web- in his senior year, his culinary teacher took Le Cirque. But with a loud mouth in an in- point, was very young and needed to get “I was getting a health inspection at this loca- site insists guests must be prompt for their notice of a raw talent he saw in Foss and dustry that demands respect for higher- up and working really quickly. I kind of tion where we made the meatballs so that seating time, Foss swears there’s no truth to suggested he go to cooking school to be- ranking chefs, Foss found most of his stints pioneered the food truck movement here I could get the kitchen’s license turned into the notion that he locks the front door the come a chef. His mom agreed and insisted short lived. In 2001, he relocated to Chicago in Chicago; at the time there weren’t any. I my business’s name,” Foss said. “At the end of minute a scheduled serving session has her son, deserving or not, attend the very to work briefly at Tru and Bistro Margot, be- went about changing laws to make it easier the health inspection, the inspector wasn’t begun. A jerk? No. A prankster? Yes. best culinary school possible – and she fore jetting off to Brazil for a couple of years. for mobile vending to be allowed. I was sure what kind of a license to give us. She paved the way for him to attend the Culi- The culinary gypsy returned to Milwaukee, Sometimes, however, the joke can be on lucky enough to find the kitchen here on saw this little dining area in the front and de- nary Institute of America (CIA) in New York. then went on to Maui, then to Israel (where Foss. One EL Ideas tasting menu includes West 14th Street, and was lucky enough to cided to give us a restaurant license. As soon he adored the food – and the women – find a truck that I could rent to open up a ‘culinary cocaine’ – dried coconut and lime (Left): “This dish is inspired by a toad-in-a-hole, as she said that, it was like lightning striking, and found his wife), then off to Bermuda, food truck concept. That’s when my Meaty- powder plated on a piece of mirror with a fried egg is cooked in the middle of bread. and I was like, ‘Oh my God, why didn’t I think back to Milwaukee and – holy smokes – to balls Mobile was born. a razor blade to cut it and a straw to suck In this case, we just made an egg yolk fudge, about doing my restaurant here?’ That was it. the esteemed Palmer House in Chicago in it in through the mouth. It was a dish in- piped it into the middle of a house-made “We did a lot of fun takes on meatballs and Two months later we were open.” 2010. But that, too, wasn’t meant to be for tended to poke humor, but one that nearly potato bread and then just shaved copious anything that was in the form of a ball,” Foss long. The opinionated chef, argumentative Hitting the Big Time backfired the night an Illinois State Repre- amounts of white truffle over the top of that. reminisced. “Our dishes had a lot of puns to with his colleagues, was let go for tweeting, Foss says his culinary ideas presented at EL sentative was a guest in the restaurant and them – like schweddy balls, bulls’ testicles “Can’t we just smoke a bong?” Ideas are crafted with a modern sensibility and chocolate salty balls. The clever concept

(Above): Allium (onion) – Let me count the ways! (r - l): Onion flan topped with ossetra caviar; Boiled leeks with hamachi crudo; Pickled pearl onion with bottarga roe; Scallion kimchi with sautéed shrimp; Compressed red onion with mojama atun; Confit onion with chicken liver mousse and air dried duck; Caramelized onions with maitake mushroom leather; and Spring onion jam with seared Wagyu beef. “This course is probably the most polarizing we’ve ever had on our menu. Some of our guests love it, raised an eyebrow at the unusual presenta- So we just make it a point to take people At first when asked how he got the culinary tion. Fortunately, in the end, the congress- out of that element and keep them out of bug, Foss says it was a fluke. “My idea of some of them don’t like it at all. But woman had a sense of humor and playfully their preconceptions as soon as they come cooking was to follow directions on a box rubbed some powder under her nose. in. That’s why, more times than not, the first of mac and cheese,” he said with a laugh. we love it, so we don’t really give “I’ve never done anything as far as profes- dish that we give guests is to make them But when probed a little further, the truth a s*!*. What we’re looking at is a sional performing is concerned, but I’m not lick their plates – sometimes clear plates to comes out. “When I was a little boy, around 2 afraid to be up on the stage and I’ve been make sure everyone can see each other lick- years old, there are pictures floating around shigoku oyster and daikon kim- told I’ve got a voice that resonates,” Foss ing them. Who says a little humiliation can’t that showed I enjoyed watching my mom said. “I think that is our niche. I mean, the be fun? The crowd is very much a part of the cook – so much so that my dad decided chi that are set in a lightly gelled food is great and I’m very proud of what we performance. If the crowd buys into it and to build a little stovetop out of cardboard, do, but I think the thing that really separates the crowd is willing to let go, the evening put it on the couch, and then take pictures smoked duck consommé. Enoki us from everybody else is the performance usually becomes more and more exciting.” of me sitting and stirring pots. It was a pas- mushrooms and soy round off the aspect and the connections that I’m able to sion that just kind of went to sleep for the Success from Hard Knocks make with the guests. I don’t like to feel like next 18 years until my mentor reawakened Foss’ five-year-gig so far at EL Ideas is a suc- preparation with a kiss of umami. a corpse in rigor mortis sitting in my chair. the interest.” cess story that didn’t come easy. In fact, it Enjoy (or don’t)!”

50 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 51 that expresses his experience, palate, humor, and honest approach. Before each course, Foss or a member of his crew gives a description about the inspiration, stories and guest interactions that went into creating the dish at hand. Take the French fries and milkshake course, for instance.

“It’s kind of a Midwestern thing to dip French fries inside an ice cream or Frosty,” Foss explained. “One of my daughters’ babysitters took them out for it and the kids loved it. The next time I took them out, they ordered it and I sat there watching them eat it. I was thinking, ‘Wow, you’ve got hot and cold, that’s fun; sweet and salty, that’s fun.’ And then I just thought of a different way to make it happen in the dining room.” The signature dish is served in a tall old-fashioned milkshake glass with a long spoon. Foss instructs the guests to stir the ice at the top of the dish, and when they do, the concoction combusts with an explosive plume of liquid nitrogen. Plenty of ‘awwwwes’ and smiles ensue. That’s the sort of sweet applause Foss cherishes. RITZ Ad “I don’t consider myself a mad scientist at all,” Foss said. “I love to make people happy by just thinking outside of the box. I think of it as taking a commonsense approach to ingredients and figuring out a way to implement them in a way that is interesting to the guests.

“What we do is we have stage, and when people come in, they don’t know what to expect. We’ve got a really strange location, no signage on the outside of our doors, and we dead-end adjacent to a train yard. People walk in and see it doesn’t look like any other restaurant that they’ve ever been in before. They’ve already made the leap of faith; they’ve paid all of the money up front because we This dish pairs morels (exotic mushrooms), uni, halibut and charge everybody before they arrive here. They’ve already brought nasturtium leaves. themselves to the ledge, and once they walk in the door, it’s our job to kind of push them off the ledge. We want to make it fun. It turns into a party every night.”

This 'French fries & ice cream' dish — a take on a popular Midwestern tradition of dipping (Above) This dish is a play on the Olivia restaurant in Texas where they prepare fries into a shake — requires guests at EL a dish called Lamb with 86 Preparations. “I personally thought that was a little to stir and crack an ice layer at the top of bit over-the-top, and decided to do a little tongue-in-cheek play off of that with the dish that then combusts with plumes my version: lamb with one ingredient — garlic. I took many different varieties of of steam. garlic, as many as I could find, and prepared them in a bunch of different ways to serve with the lamb,” Foss said.

52 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Kurti, along with French physical chemist Hervé This at AgroPar- isTech, agreed that a new study discipline was vital to bridge the chasm they saw between food science and cooking. Together, in Becoming 1988, they coined the adage ‘molecular and physical gastronomy.’ Four years later, after Kurti’s passing, Hervé brought together scientists, chefs, food writers and educators at the very first International Workshop on Molecular and Physical Gastronomy in Erice, France. A Physicist The consortium took an in-depth look into the scientific phenom- ena that takes place in culinary transformations. The Turning Point for Extreme Science In Cooking in the Meanwhile, in the futuristic kitchen of El Bulli in Northern Spain – awarded No. 1 restaurant on multiple occasions – Chef Ferán Adria was already pioneering a trail in molecular gastronomy (or ‘deconstruction’ as Adria preferred to call it), serving guests cleverly Kitchen deconstructed and concocted dishes that smoked, exploded, oozed aromas, entertained and amazed in a 30+ course tasting extravagan- A look at the za that were equal parts fine dining, lab antics and circus play. Chef Adria’s intriguing culinary fortitude influenced many of his relatively new genre protégé chefs to exemplify his legacy by taking interpretations of of molecular gastronomy his discoveries into kitchens around the world – including Chef Thomas Kelly of The French Laundry in San Francisco, Chef Grant and how inquisitive Achatz of Next and Alinea in Chicago (and now Miami Beach at the home cooks can – Faena Hotel), as well as Chef Jose Adres at Bizarre in Miami Beach. In this issue of South Florida Opulence, we introduce you to another if they so dare – molecular innovator making ripples among foodies, Chef Phillip try it at home Foss of EL Ideas in Chicago (see page 46). With almost cult-like demand driving multi-month-long waiting By Robin Jay lists, and a lottery of pre-pay-only online tickets running $150-$600 or more per person, you may wonder if there is a shorter route to “The invention of a new dish is of greater having your first molecular gastronomy experience. One option – importance to the happiness of mankind than if you’re daring – is try your hand at it at home. Internet-based companies like Molecule R offer molecular gastronomy kits, ingre- the discovery of a new star,” said Hungarian dients, tools and tutorial videos to enthusiastic home cooks who physicist Nicholas Kurti in 1969 in an address want a do-it-yourself alternative. Following, experts from both he presented to the Royal Society entitled The of these DIY companies share some basic principles and tips Physicist in the Kitchen. “I think it is a sad reflec- of molecular gastronomy. tion on our civilization that while we can and do measure the temperature in the atmosphere of Venus, we do not know what goes on inside our soufflés.”

54 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 55 Name here Molecular GELIFICATION Gastronomy 101: PRINCIPLE: According to molecularreci- Techniques and pes.com, modern chefs can use a Additives group of ingredients known as Name here Name here BASIC DIRECT SPHERIFICATION “hydrocolloids” (a molecule that PRINCIPLE: This technique, de- can evenly disperse through wa- Shown above: Black “Caviar” Spheres signed by Chef Adria, involves ter) to create a gel from a wide produced by ‘basic direct’ spherifica- variety of ingredients and for controlled gelification of a fla- tion, as well as gel spaghetti. vored base liquid with sodium alginate in a bath of calcium that specific applications. The term solidifies the liquid into spheres. The very thin membrane is almost describes ingredients – such as agar- undetectable and explodes with a burst-in-the-mouth sensation. agar – that have either a thickening or gelling ef- This is the preferred spherification method for producing small fect. The difference lies in that a gel can display the character- spheres called “caviar.” istics of a solid, but a thickened liquid always behaves as a liquid. Name here Hydrocolloids can be formed as a hot gel, a gel that forms when DEEP FREEZING WITH LIQUID NITROGEN heated and melts when cooled, a fluid gel, a sculpted gel, a gel PRINCIPLE: Liquid nitrogen has long been used in molecular sphere with liquid inside, gel beads, gel spaghetti, crispy films from Name here gastronomy demonstrations. The dehydrated gel, coating gels for solid ingredients and many others. instantaneous vapor cloud that results from condensation of ambient POWDERIZING air is very impressive to guests. It flash-cools PRINCIPLE: Another recipe technique is the transformation of the food, then evaporates. Liquid nitrogen high-fat liquids into a fine powder. The maltodextrin additive, de- also makes it possible to freeze alcohol to rived from tapioca, makes this technique possible. A powder made make original cocktails, which is not pos- from olive oil, chocolate, peanut butter or even bacon makes it sible with traditional freezing techniques. It possible to create flavored lumps that can be caramelized and is also possible to create flavor powders us- crisped on the outside. (See image at right) ing ingredients such as fruit or flowers that REVERSE SPHERIFICATION have been crushed when frozen. Important note: PRINCIPLE: The key difference be- The extreme cold of liquid nitrogen makes handling it very tween reverse spherification and ba- Name here dangerous. Molecule R recommends training to understand the sic direct spherification is the step in reactivity and risk of burns before working with the substance. which the gelling agent is added to EMULSIFICATION the bath. In reverse spherification, the PRINCIPLE: Soy lecithin is a natural protein that has the unique property agent is added in the setting bath, of stabilizing foam. This emulsifier is used to reach an unusual equilibri- whereas with the basic direct tech- um between air and liquid. The foam will stand for about 30 minutes be- nique, it’s added in the base. With re- fore it begins to dry, however the soy lecithin solution can be re-blended verse spherification, the film grows several times in order to obtain more foam. inward, and with basic direct spherification, it grows outward. This may

This vibrant dish illustrates use of ‘spherifcation,’ and Name here ‘powderizing’ techniques of molecular gastronomy.

56 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 57 EDGE Steak & Bar seem like a slight difference, but it’s significant is a little like yeast which, when combined in the type of spheres desired for a dish. Spheres with sugars, produces alcohol and carbon can be made in advance using the reverse dioxide. Chefs can use it as a fat replacement method because they set after they are taken because agent creates creaminess through out of the bath. Basic direct spheres continue bonds that join between gum molecules, to solidify and have a shorter shelf life. which form a network that traps air in the liquid preparation. It can be used to create a FROZEN REVERSE SPHERIFICATION some can be used for hot preparations as tasty low-fat ice cream-like substance. PRINCIPLE: Frozen Reverse Spherification well as cold ones. Siphon whipping differs is similar to the Reverse Spherification tech- from emulsification in that foams can be This same property is also used in molecular nique, but it includes an additional freezing made without using an emulsifying agent. mixology whereby xanthan gum is added step with hemispheric silicone molds that to cocktails to create a suspension effect speed up the process. SUSPENSION & THICKENING that makes fruit, herbs or even flavored PRINCIPLE: Some thickening agents are caviar to appear suspended in a liquid. SIPHON WHIPPING increasingly used in creative cuisine to add PRINCIPLE: A culinary whipper is designed a touch of extravagance to dishes and cock- to obtain a foamy mousse from a liquid by in- tails. Xanthan gum, derived from a fermenta- jecting gas into a closed flask containing the tion process by bacteria, transforms sugars, liquid and expelling it out under pressure. nitrogen, magnesium and other minerals Siphons are available in several volumes and into polysaccharides. This transformation Mint leaf suspended in Mojito Cocktail ball. MOLECULAR GASTRONOMY RECIPES

A MODERN CUT OF STEAKHOUSE BLOODY CESAR SPHERES DECONSTRUCTED COCOA CAVIAR MISO SOUP 4 fl. oz clamato juice 1 1/4 cups water 1 oz dried shitake mushrooms 1.5 fl. oz vodka 1 oz sugar 1 cup water 1 cup white mushrooms 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 oz cocoa powder 2 cups vegetable broth A few drops of Tabasco sauce 2 cups water 4 lemongrass stalks A few cracks of black pepper 1 sachet Sodium Alginate 1/2 bunch cilantro 1/2 tsp Calcium Lactate 1 sachet Calcium Lactate 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 sachet Sodium Alginate White chocolate cream 2 tbls butter Dash of sesame oil To garnish: key lime halves cut width-wise, 1 1/4 cups cream Salt and pepper to taste celery salt, celery leaves 3.5 oz white chocolate, chopped Directions: MISO SPAGHETTI Directions: 3/4 cup miso soup, filtered 1) In a pan, bring the sugar, cocoa powder 1) In bowl, combine clamato juice, vodka, 4 cups ice cubes Worchestershire sauce, Tabasco, pepper and and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil and continue 1 sachet AGAR-AGAR CALCIUM LACTATE until the calcium lactate cooking two minutes. Lemongrass & Cilantro Foam has dissolved. Pour mixture into small, semi- 2) In a rectangular, flat-bottomed bowl and 1 cup water 1 bunch cilantro spherical molds and let sit in the freezer for 1 using a hand blender, dissolve 1 sachet of 6 lemongrass stalks Sodium Alginate in the cocoa preparation. hour or until frozen. 2 tbsp lime juice 2) In a rectangular, flat-bottomed bowl and using Let sit 10 minutes. 1 sachet Soy Lecithin a blender, dissolve SODIUM ALGINATE in water. 3) Dissolve 1 sachet of CALCIUM LACTATE in 2 Garnish: Blue-foot mushrooms, enoki Let sit 15 minutes. cups of water using a spoon. Then, using a mushrooms, fresh wakame 3) Unmold frozen Bloody Cesar Spheres in alginate pipette held at a 90-degree angle, empty the LEMONGRASS & CILANTRO FOAM bath. Let sit for 3 minutes while gently stirring calcium lactate bath into the sink and onto 1) Bring water to a boil. Coarsely chop cilantro and lemongrass. Remove boiling water from periodically to prevent spheres from touching. a sieve so only the cocoa caviar remains. Rinse in lukewarm water. heat and infuse cilantro and lemongrass for 10 4) Fill a medium-size bowl with water. Using a minutes. Add in lime juice and let sit to cool. White Cream: slotted spoon, delicately collect the spheres 2) Transfer cooled infusion to a rectangular and briefly rinse them in water, then remove Bring the cream to a boil and pour into a bowl with flat-bottomed bowl. Sprinkle in SOY LECITHIN. excess water from each sphere by applying a the white chocolate. Stir and set aside to cool. Using a hand blender, blend 3-4 minutes, then piece of towel on the bottom of the spoon. Assembly: let sit for 5 minutes. Assembly: Pour the white chocolate cream into serving 3) To serve, collect foam using a spoon. With a small spoon, dig a bit into each lime half so spoons, top with some cocoa caviar and serve. Assembly the flesh is slightly curved inward. Place a sphere Divide spaghetti between plates and decorate with blue-foot mushrooms, enoki mushrooms on each lime half, top with celery salt and serve. and wakame. Serve lemongrass and cilantro foam on the side. RESERVATIONS: (305) 381-3190 EDGERESTAURANTMIAMI.COM 1435 BRICKELL AVENUE, MIAMI, FL 33131 EDGEMIAMI 58 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 60 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 61 JAMES BEARD CHEF JAMES BEARD CHEF

62 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 63 REVVING UP GOURMET DINING IN A GALLERY OF SUPERCARS By Robin Jay

Elo sitting in a Bugnotti.

or London-born former model Elo, fast cars and a fast life because the men got to sit next to a Bugatti or Ferrari or other su- were destiny. “I was born with gasoline in my veins,” he said. percar of their dreams, they went happily and willingly.” His parents named him after the ’70s British rock group The stellar success of the culinary supercar event made it obvious ‘Electric Light Orchestra’ (ELO) with the hope that some day to Elo and Mai that scheduling more dinner events at the London he’d get to jam with the band. He never did – but that didn’t Motor Car Museum made great business sense. Problem is, Lon- stop Elo from achieving an electric career of his own. F don’s licensing authorities didn’t agree. “They snubbed their noses “During the height of my modeling career, I collected supercars at the idea, saying that having a black-tie restaurant in a museum – Ferrari, Maserati, Bugnotti, Rolls-Royce, Shelby and Lamborghini would be as absurd as having one in a hospital.” Approval denied. models graced my garage,” Elo told South Florida Opulence. The Miami Discovery But then, in the late ’90s when Elo retired from modeling, he found The disappointed couple wasn’t pleased with the decision, but they himself with a hangar filled with some 30 collectible luxury auto- didn’t let their strategic idea die on the vine. In 2015, while on vacation mobiles and a $5,000-a-month garage rent that he wasn’t sure how in Miami, Elo and Mai happened to drive through artsy Wynwood. “We he’d sustain. “My wife, Mai, came up with a brilliant solution,” Elo saw the painted murals on the buildings, the art galleries, boutiques and said. “She said, ‘Everyone loves to come and see your car collection. eclectic eateries – and we automatically looked at each other and said, Why not create a supercar museum, share them with the public, ‘This is it!’” said Elo. “It was so liberating to see this neighborhood of ulti- and create a business at the same time.’” mate, pure creativity. We just knew it was the perfect place for our vision.” Launch of a Supercar Museum Birth of a Novel Supercar Elo loved Mai’s idea. Together, they opened the London Motor Mu- Dining Experience seum. It was a huge hit. In early 2014, they came up with another The couple went to work scouting the ideal space. By the week of Art epiphany. “We decided to host a Valentine’s Day dinner in the mu- Basel 2015 last December, the pre-opening dry run of Miami Supercar seum,” Elo said. “We posted the opportunity online and within 30 Rooms – the nation’s first Auto Art Gallery and Gourmet Dining Expe- minutes we were sold out. It was a perfect scenario: Women got rience – took place at their 15,000 square-foot auto art gallery in the a romantic gourmet Valentine’s Day dinner with their man – and heart of the Wynwood Art District. And then, on February 11, 2016, the inaugural ticketed dinner opened to the public.

64 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 65 the 1955 SL 300 Mercedes Gullwing; 1929 Rolls-Royce Bootch; 1958 450 S Maserati vintage racing car; 1961 196 SP Ferrari vintage racing car and the 2007 Shelby Supercar Ultimate Aero TT – awarded in 2007 with the title of fastest production car in the world. Miami Supercar Rooms also features one-of-a-kind vehicles including a 1935 derivative of the only Bugatti “Atlantic,” known as the “Pacific” - built “It was an exhilarating supercar-culinary en- turing six dining “pods.” Each pod is available The Miami Supercar Rooms experience is by the famed Terry Cook of Delahaye ÙSA. counter featuring a special Peruvian menu to reserve at $3,000 each for the entire eve- based on a free guest membership program. Miami Supercar Rooms is located at 2022 orchestrated by Executive Chef/Owner Rafael ning – each one seating groups of up to six White Membership provides all access and a NW 1st Court, Miami, and is open from 10 Perez Cambana of Wynwood’s GK Bistrono- people. The dining experience within each priority status for dining reservations, as well a.m. Wednesday through Monday, with mie,” said Elo, who brought his most popular pod is accompanied by one of the most as other perks. Silver Membership also grants dinner reservations available from 7 p.m. to series of classic, vintage, exotic, sports and cus- desirable cars in the world. Upon being a member with full access inside the Auto Art 1 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. tom-made vehicles for the centerpiece of his seated, an associate welcomes the group Gallery along with other special dining privi- The Auto Art Gallery is open daily to the aesthetically fueled dining concept. “We com- with the story and rich history behind the leges. Black Membership is for those who wish public (except Tuesdays) with free admission bine luxury automotive excellence, epicurean vehicle situated beside them. Each month, to enjoy the gallery of vehicles on display from 10 a.m. hospitality and nightlife entertainment – the while relaxing with friends at the bar. Miami Supercar Rooms will partner with a For further information and to make a first experience of its kind in the country.” local Miami restaurant, from which the Ex- Within the Auto Art Gallery, members will reservation, call 305.363.2020, email reserva- The Miami Supercar Dining Experience ecutive Chef will create a special menu to be able to experience a never-before-seen [email protected] or visit begins with a spacious open-air patio fea- serve members for the monthlong period. collection of extremely rare models, such as www.miamisupercarrooms.com

66 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 67 CHEF CLAY CONNELLY CHEF CLAY CONNELLY

68 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 69 Recalling the crystal firm’s restart, Ildiko said, “Sandor had the talent and the heritage and also some of the unique, antique The classic engraved crystal designs from his grandfather. We started masterworks handcrafted by four the business in our basement. Very soon, Renaissance we had two, then four, then 12 employees. generations of a family of Hun- that had fallen into ruin at the hands of We moved to a larger space and opened garian artisans at Varga Crystal communists who invaded Hungary at the our own retail stores, too. We built our based in Budapest grace some of end of World War II. The Russian hoard business with persistent hard work.” of Hungarian the world’s most notable dining seized Geza’s factory and shops in 1945 Family Heritage and destroyed them. Five years later, tables, from royal palaces to the Czechoslovakian by birth, Ildiko, young- Geza, broken by his loss, died. White House. est of four children and a descendant, Perhaps to set destiny’s course back through her physician father, of the Royal Fine Art But the cherished brand first created in on track, the couple founded Varga Art Sobiesky Family of Poland, grew up in the 1930s by Geza Varga might have fall- Crystal under Hungary’s communist Hungary. Not one to shrink from a chal- By Dale King and Julia Hebert en into the black hole of forgotten history regime which banned direct exports and lenge, the statuesque, 5-foot-11 blonde were it not for the efforts of his grandson, imposed a 75 percent tax on items leav- compiled considerable face time in the Crystal Sandor Varga, and particularly Sandor’s ing the country. “Sandor and I had to start modeling world, spent two years study- then wife, Ildiko. After they were married from scratch to build the new crystal busi- ing medicine, then switched to an inter- in 1972, they began the arduous task of ness,” said Ildiko, who is still a leader at the national business school and obtained resurrecting and reviving the company firm and travels the world promoting it. the equivalent of an MBA.

70 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 71 Her efforts fueled her passion for hard work. Armed with business skills and market savvy, she took the fledgling Varga design business and grew it into an art crystal empire with five interrelated companies, a half-dozen factories and corporate offices in the United States and Budapest.

She and Sandor continue to run the operation which has soared to worldwide proportions with the duo at the helm. The Varga firm was one of the first privately owned companies to see daylight under the communist regime of Hungary.

“We were among the first few who privately exported goods from Hungary” when restrictive government ended in 1989. “Varga Art Crystal was exported to Japan, Israel, Italy, France, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, among others, in the 1990s. It was and is collected by heads of state, royals and celebrities around the world.”

Ildiko and Sandor, though divorced, “are still friends,” she says, and share an important business relationship. They have two children, Akos, who works for the Varga company, and Sandor Jr., who has remained in Hungary to learn the An unmatched technique of diamond and copper-wheel engraved crystal art which is unique to the Varga culinary experience packages collection. “I am very proud my sons want to continue the family tradition.” Available Varga Fine Art Crystal Arrives in the U.S. Omni Amelia Island is thrilled to host its Ildiko launched the first U.S. location at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton in 1993. She made her 3rd Annual Fish to Fork event offering an ED YOU Palm Beach debut in 1995 with a gift gallery on Worth Avenue. That location put her on the FE R unmatched “foodie” experience, including weekend Package Palm Beach Society map and she was soon on a first-name basis with the Island’s elite. true dock-to-dish specialties in a fun, may 6-8, 2016 interactive atmosphere. The resort will • Luxurious oceanfront E accommodations for two nights Sales of Varga Crystal continue to flourish. “It is sold in more than 300 stores just in the United States.” P Y welcome six renowned chefs from around I C IT Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s are among them. For Palm Beachers, the Mary Mahoney URIOUS the country to showcase their fishing and • Friday Night Cocktail Party & “Only a Wine-Paired Dinner store, also on Worth Avenue, carries the famed glassware. culinary skills, ultimately tested with a live vote from event guests! • Saturday Lunch at The Sprouting The woman who directed the firm’s renaissance sees elegance in what has been re- Project-our chef’s aquaponic greenhouse and organic garden handful of stored. “It’s important for people to know that 100 percent of our items are hand- MAin Event | May 7, 2016 • Saturday Night Main Event in engraved. Only a handful of people do this; it is a dying art. I always say how Magnolia Garden people do important it is to 6:00 PM Open Bar & Individual Chef Challenge Tasting • $1,075 per room based on have a beautiful ta- double occupancy ble setting. If you are 7:30 PM Team Competition Begins this; it is a VIP PACKAGE enjoying a beverage, 8:30 PM Sample & Savor Team Dishes - then vote! may 5-8, 2016 it tastes better when • Includes all Weekend Package events dying art .” you are drinking it out 9:30 PM Announce Winners plus exclusive events with the chefs of a beautiful glass.” • $1,645 per room based on tickets to the main event - $95 double occupancy

– Ildiko 2016 Chef lineup For reservations, please call: Kenny Gilbert Craig Deihl 1-888-261-6161 Fernandina Beach, FL Charleston, SC

Kathleen Blake Joey Ward Orlando, FL Atlanta, GA

Cesar Zapata Jeremy Sewall Miami, FL Boston, MA

39 Beach Lagoon Amelia Island, Florida 32034 omniameliaisland.com get hooked. visit fish-to-fork.com

72 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 DANA DONATY Bringing Imagination To Life By John D. Adams

Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 75 “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ~Pablo Picasso

by not wasting any available materials. So I will have all of these virgin canvases on the floor that I use as a cleaning surface for my brushes and palette. I even use my leftover water and at the end of the day that gets poured on there too. It’s a very rich, mark- making process, all different types of marks are going down and not by using a brush. And all of that mark-making is the beginning of the next painting.” Just as a child brings life to the clouds, Donaty seeks out her mysterious creatures amid those marks. Creature comforts The canvases on the floor eventually work their way up onto the wall. Once one painting is finished, another comes up. Some- times the figures are easy to find. Other times, they need to be teased out. Donaty’s Dana Donaty incredible process embraces the chaotic, the seemingly impenetrable canvas of what many would see as simply a mess. Do- he brilliantly-hued denizens of a inspiring trompe l’oeil installations, have naty’s random chaos gives way to a child’s allowed her to experiment with a variety Dana Donaty painting are a wild wide-eyed wonder and a search for secret of materials and construction concepts. “I bunch. Donaty’s “creatures” whirl meaning. “There’s a lot of undeveloped believe that all informs the work that I do around more traditional figures real estate to work with on that canvas,” now in a way that makes it a stronger body. T(often legs, shoes and feet) conveying a remarked Donaty. “And as you begin to de- With commissions, people are looking for a thoughtful delight in the unbounded pow- velop some areas then areas that aren’t de- reflection of themselves. This current work er of childhood imagination. “I’m interested veloped begin to show themselves. There is my reflection.” in exploring the space that is occupied are moments like that in every painting.” It between childhood and now,” said Donaty. As children, most of us at one time or an- is at times like these when Donaty feels she “The work really is concerned about the life other have sprawled across a swath of cool is really skirting the boundaries of abstrac- of the imagination and taking that imagina- grass and stared at the billowy clouds scut- tion. “There are triggers that randomly act tion seriously… People often want a story tling by. What did you see? Look, there’s a as mental files. Sometimes I acknowledge or narrative for my paintings. But I can’t give unicorn! Over here, it’s Donald Duck! There’s what I see and sometimes I don’t. The pro- you that. I can tell you that my work shares a word for this phenomenon – Pareidolia. cess, by design, allows me to set up inter- similarities with literature. It is almost a form of When the mind takes in random stimuli, it actions with the unexpected and to find automatic writing. There are at least two pro- instinctively begins to try and bring order these chance associations. I’m interested tagonists… As the iconography unfolds in the to those random signals. in the space between childhood and now. paintings, there seems to be a lot of mischief, Exploring the coexistence of seemingly Donaty’s creative process relies on, and playfulness, larceny, sarcasm, and maybe some random and planned actions.” indeed, embraces, this process. Tap- other things. It is the grammar of fantasy. And ping again into her childhood memories, Donaty’s work urges us to delight in that there is an active role for the viewer.” Donaty adheres to her Depression-era sense of possibilities that many of us out- Head in the clouds father’s mantra of “waste not, want not.” grow. “Listen to yourself. Take your imagina- Donaty’s work continues to grow and “Nothing went to waste on his watch. tion seriously. Like it or not, it has its own evolve. Her numerous private and public And this is how I, on my watch, own that life. It knows things. You just have to trust art commissions, design work, and awe- standard. I practice the same principle yourself enough to let go and listen.”

76 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 77 FeetFirst What you put on your feet often creates a psychological and physiological change. Donaty embraces those personalities (you’ll notice she incorporates shoes in each of her paintings shown on this page). “Yeah, put on your new pair of Darth Vader shoes and let the party come to you! I like that shoes can give a different point of departure when you start a conversation. It’s a more interesting exchange than ‘what do you do for a living.’ Suddenly, you’re wearing something that starts a conversation. You’re giving clues to your personality. You can be so many different things – daring, seductive, playful, irreverent…”

Undeniably, Donaty has a fascination with life below the knee. “What do you mostly see as a child? You are at knee level and lower. Adults are concerned with things from the knee on up. The human in my pieces is the grownup… The shoes represent the sound of my mother going out. I didn’t have to be told when my parents were going out for the evening. I knew the sound of it. The way those dress shoes click-clacked on the floor. For me, that sound creates a strong pleasure response. If the shoes were on, we kids knew they were going out. And five minutes after they left, I’d be straight into my mom’s closet, playing dress-up, trying on shoes. When they went out, WE had a freedom to play and be crazy. That sense of joyfulness.” By April Erhard To fully appreciate Dana Donaty’s creative process, watch her Corrugated Curves VI time-lapse videos on You Tube. Artist Robert Steele Corrugated cardboard Visit Dana Donaty online at: www.danadonatyfineart.com

To view the art titles, go to www.southfloridaopulence.com/dana-donaty

78 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 79 ane Gershon Weitzman, wife of iconic shoe designer Stuart Weitzman, has cleverly combined her passion for shoes and art in her recently released coffee-table book Art & Sole. In it, she features 150 fantasy art shoes made of unique materials like feathers, corrugated cardboard, Swarovski crystals, fresh flowers and even frosting. Mrs. Weitzman discovered and commissioned fantasy shoes by artists for window displays Tin Can Alley of the very first Stuart Weitzman shop on Madison Avenue in the mid-1990s. “The windows became a destination,” Jane said. Fashioning a Shoe Show Growing up in Atlanta with a great deal of southern hospitality and warmth, Jane wanted to bring that graciousness she grew up with to Madison Avenue. She oversaw the window displays, where she chose to feature fantasy shoes from artists from all over the world. Mrs. Weitzman said, “I took a chance...95 percent of the shop windows in the world are product and signage...” Mrs. Weitzman said, adding that it was risky to do, but ultimately very successful. “The women loved the shoes in the window...It made the women ask, ‘What are they selling?’”

Weitzman started her hunt for artists in New York City, riding many freight elevators in lower Man- Art Shoe Themes covered in stained glass, Swarovski crystals, hattan in the search. As the need for new artists Another artist whose work was displayed and vintage stones. grew, Mrs. Weitzman began traveling around several times in the windows of Stuart The Weitzman family still owns most of the the country looking for artisans to make fan- Weitzman was Robert Tabor. He created shoes in Art & Sole, but some shoes were not tasy shoes for the window displays. a New York City themed display of yel- made to last, like the ones made by florist low taxis made out of acrylic, vinyl, various The window display changed monthly, Jane Carroll. The Petal Pushers were made trims, and rhinestones. Tabor’s training in exhibiting a different artist and theme. During from pink calla lilies with ranunculus, hydran- costume design shows in the intricately October, the windows were filled with Hal- gea, florets, and lamb’s ear. “[Jane Carroll] constructed Wizard of Oz characters and the loween monster shoes that were wrapped in showed us how to mist the flowers and she Jane and Stuart Weitzman Shower Shoe. came in and touched them up periodically Decked Then Jane discovered Sharon Von Senden’s with real flowers.” in Dahlias pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness Artist Jane Carroll month. “Sometimes it would be interesting... work at the City Museum of St. Louis. A mo- You can relive the artistry of those Burgundy dahlias we had these monsters and pink ribbons saic on the stairs by the artist caught Jane’s days through her new book, Art & Sole, with hocus pocus at the same time,” said Weitzman. eye. “The museum auctioned off a few of roses and dusty available now. Sharon’s shoes and then, of course, I met her miller leaves Typically, the displays required around eight and she made more shoes for us. Our dis- shoes from the artist to fill two windows. plays revolved around her work each time we However, smaller shoes often required more opened a new store.” from the artist: “Douglas Wilson’s shoes are “The women loved smaller than the other shoes, so we needed a Senden’s mosaic shoes were placed on lot of those shoes to fill the window – around mirrored turntables so that onlookers could the shoes in the 14,” she said. “His shoes are called Automata view every angle of these beauties. In fact, because they have little cranks on them, and even the soles of the Jewels at Work are window... It made when you turn the cranks, parts in the shoes move.” Automata is made of galvanized wire, the women ask, stainless steel, silver, and acrylic film. “When I Ribbon Candy Artist Linda Leviton was a kid, they used to make model airplanes Coated and bare ‘What are they selling?’” out of acrylic film,” Weitzman said with a smile. copper wire

Tango Artist Sharon Von Senden Stained glass, Swarovski crystals, and vintage stones

80 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 81 FIND IT. LOVE IT. Saks Fifth Avenue Nordstrom Louis Vuitton Porsche Design Rolex Mayors Jewelers Tesla Motors Montblanc

Simon_Dadeland_Spread.indd All Pages 2/15/16 3:34 PM Engaging the Groom David Tutera, Best Celebrity Wedding & Festivity Planner By Robin Jay

f David Tutera were a professor, began creating a brand as an author, having penned seven books on the his course curriculum would topic and as a television personality with multiple shows including, “My surely be ‘The Art of Celebration.’ Fair Wedding,” “David Tutera’s CELEBrations.” Building the reputation of my Whether the wedding maestro name has also helped my brand successfully blossom into many partner- ifor celebrities like Star Jones, Shannon ships, selling various fashions, DIY, housewares and décor collections. I’m Doherty and Jewel, or the curator of so grateful to have come this far and only hope to go up from here.” couture events for Jennifer Lopez, Special Focus on the Groom Matthew McConaughey, Elton John, No doubt most couples have heard the adage, ‘happy wife, happy Barbara Walters, Prince Charles and life.’ And for many men, that traditionally has meant allowing their countless others, this adrenaline-driven man of merriment has a client brides to take center stage at the wedding. But the savvy Tutera A-list second to none. South Florida Opulence sat down with Tutera for a notes that one secret to keeping modern brides happy is to get chat about his impressive career – and his advice on a novel topic: How their man more engaged in the wedding planning and ceremony. to get the groom more engaged in the wedding planning process. “Today’s grooms are definitely playing a larger role in the wedding Born to Celebrate planning process, which I think is great!” Tutera said. “I have dealt A prominent florist, Tutera’s grandfather detected his grandson’s artis- with couples in the past where the bride was laid back and the tic talent at a young age and motivated David to pursue his destiny. groom was the one with all the say. It’s all about communication, “My grandfather was both an inspiration and a mentor to me, espe- trust and reassurance when it comes to taming a bride or groom cially when I worked alongside him as a teenager in his floral shop,” “zilla.” At the end of the day, both the bride AND the groom are im- Tutera said. “It was with him that I learned about different flowers portant in all of this and should both have a hand in the wedding and arranging them into beautiful presentations. He took notice planning process. in my artistic ability and encouraged me to dream big and pursue “Begin your wedding planning by sitting down with your groom something greater with it. His advice and support guided me on and asking him what he would like to help with rather than assign- my own path, eventually leading me to start my own business. tions for women for quite a few years now, I recently was excited to ing him tasks to do on his own,” Tutera advised. “This will give you Wedding Fashion for Him Always stepping out in style himself, Tutera serves as fashion con- start designing for the groom with my ‘David Tutera Men’s Collec- “I started a small singing telegram business at the age of 19 and just ran a good idea as to what he wants to do rather than you delegating. sultant for his brides and grooms alike. ”Every groom should have a tion’ offering everything to complete a sharp look from head to toe with it. Like any business, there were times when it was hard, but I just Make him feel like he is making the decisions with you and not just unique style in mind when it comes to the fashion for him and his with men’s tuxedos, shoes and accessories.” kept pushing through. I took pride in decorating my tiny storefront win- being told what to do by you…remember, it’s his day too, let him groomsmen,” he said. “There are many ways to stand out through dow to appeal to all the passersby. One day, a woman took notice of feel like it is! There are plenty of things to get the groom excited and David Tutera will appear in Fort Lauderdale on May 22, 2016 your suit or tux, whether it’s patterned socks, glossy lapels, bright my window design, stopped in and asked if I would decorate her son’s more involved: picking out the groomsmen’s gifts, selecting your at Your Wedding Experience presented by David Tutera. South Florida pocket squares, or personalized cufflinks. It is particularly important bar mitzvah – and that was the beginning of what would become my playlist, picking out the perfect ‘getaway’ car, or researching your Opulence is pleased to be a media host of his one-of-a-kind, for the groom to stand out slightly from the groomsmen. Some ex- event planning and design business. One event led to the next, every honeymoon. Create a signature drink together or have each of you multicity wedding event tailored to couples and the best ‘Tutera- amples of how to do that could include donning a more sophisti- one being bigger and more over-the-top than the last, and before I knew create a “bride” and “groom” specialty cocktail. When you’re ready approved’ wedding resources under one roof. For details, go to cated flower, wearing a more elaborate tie knot, or sporting bolder it, I was being called to do affairs for the Royal Family, the White House to select items for your registry, go together and make sure to pick www.yourweddingexperience.com. items such as shoes or vest. Having been designing bridal collec- and A-list celebs. My work quickly achieved worldwide recognition and I things that you both like.”

84 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 85 A GROOM’S & GENTLEMEN’S SPA DAY AT THE BILTMORE By Robin Jay

historic Coral-Gables hotel n Gentlemen’s Vital Boosting Facial – gem, the Biltmore is celebrat- Cleansing, clarifying and boosting energy ed for resplendent wedding will be the forefront of this facial. Custom- A celebrations and, for decades, ized to the needs of male skin and daily OIR 2 has hosted brides and grooms as they rituals, this treatment provides vitality and pledge their sacred promise for life. enhanced energy while soothing irritation from shaving and moisturizing the skin for Preparing for the big day is a tremendous long-lasting results (50 minutes). undergoing, and with so many distractions, it’s easy to overlook the vital value of relaxa- n Gentlemen’s Day at the Zen Suite – The tion and a healthy beauty regimen. Named spa is not just for the ladies. Gentlemen’s North America’s Leading Spa Resort in the Day at the spa’s Zen Suite is available. The 2015 World Travel Awards, the Spa at the Zen Suite offers a complimentary ameni- tomized groomsmen celebrations, as well Biltmore is the ideal respite solution. ties bar with fresh fruit, infused waters as bachelor festivities. What better way to And, yes, the spa is not just for the ladies. and herbal teas. Refreshments are availa- celebrate or thank your loved ones than Gentlemen’s Day at the spa is a splendid ble to enhance the experience. Choose with a private spa party? opportunity for grooms and the men in from spa cuisines featuring healthy bites And then, once the bride and groom their bridal party to relax, bond and reflect. and fresh elixirs to celebratory indulgenc- become Mr. and Mrs., the happy couple can A New Man es. Half day packages include four hours wind down and share one of the many spa of services and full day packages include The Biltmore Spa offers an attractive menu experiences in the Biltmore’s luxurious six hours of services. of services for men, including: couples‘ suite. The Lotus Rose Sanctuary was Instilling some relaxation into the buzz of a developed with newlyweds in mind, provid- n A New Man Spa Package includes a busy wedding weekend, this unique full- ing an elegant journey to delight the senses Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage (50 service spa suite provides a customizable and envelop the soul with the beauty and minutes) and Gentlemen’s Vital Boosting retreat and private spa experience. Cus- love that rose and lotus represent. Facial (50 minutes). What is it about your community’s The spa is not just for the ladies. Gentlemen’s risk management program that Day at the spa is a splendid opportunity for keeps you up at night? grooms and the men in their bridal party to relax, bond and reflect. • Does the D&O policy we purchased fully protect { { the board? • Will our Disaster Preparedness/ Recovery Plan be effective when we need it?

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86 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 87

47 South Florida OPULENCE Winter 2015 n Greek mythology, Narcissus falls madly in love with his own reflection in a woodland spring. In the popular fairy tale Snow White, it’s a magic mirror that reveals i“who is the fairest of them all.” The ON THE WALL reflective or “functional” side of mirrors has long been part of our culture. In fact, BY JANET Verdeguer mirrors have been used for both their decorative and functional properties in homes and public places from as far back as the 14th century.

They are just as popular in today’s interiors. Extremely flexible, mirrors come in almost any size and shape – round, oval, square, rectangular, wall-to-wall or custom cut – and they can be framed to suit any décor.

With all this built-in flexibility, mirrors also happen to be an extremely helpful “tool” for interior designers who are often challenged with designing spaces with specific problems. Mirrors add beauty, make the space appear larger, conceal unattractive room features, enhance light, brighten dark areas, and bring life into an otherwise drab room.

When it comes to catching and reflecting light in your home, nothing does it better than mirrors. Mirrors have often been used to make public places look bigger, with spectacular examples such as the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles in France. And these same techniques are frequently applied in residential interiors.

For people who live in apartments or condominiums, window light can be limited. A single mirror or a grouping of mirrors can be used to create the illusion of windows and reflect light into the space. In our design work we often use mirrors to bring the outdoors in, whether it is the foliage from an attractive garden area or a magnificent ocean view.

Left page: Coral Gables Residence. “Dubai Hi-Rise” Photo by Barry Grossman A round mirror is framed to match an Arabesque décor. By placing the two identical floor-to-ceiling Photo by Shadow mirrors opposite each other, when looking into one of the mirrors, it is like looking into infinity.

88 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 89 Groupings of mirrors can be effectively used in lieu of artwork behind a sofa or in a hallway. For a home filled with antiques, mirrors with similar antique style frames, such as gold leaf will be most effective. Once popular wall-to-wall mirrors that were often used to make a room seem larger have been replaced with a new trend – a row of long, tall mirrors spaced across the wall.

Another technique we frequently use is to position two mirrors opposite each other. The result is what I like to call a view to “infinity.” In one recent installation we created a breathtaking highlight by placing two Venetian antiqued smoked mirrors with gold veining on opposite walls behind the seating area.

The mirrors reach from floor to ceiling. The corner of each “diamond” design has an added nail head to give added dimen- sion to the mirror. The beveled edges on each of the squares adds to the glamour and sparkle while the mirrors continuously reflect and enhance the beauty of the interior spaces. Since the two mirrors are exactly opposite each other, when In Greek mythology, looking into one of the mirrors it is like looking into infinity. I think Narcissus Narcissus falls madly would be pleased. Top left: Mirror as Wall Décor in love with his Beveled squares set at an angle reflect a formal dining room. own reflection Photo by Shadow Large image: in a woodland A large horizontal mirror flanked by two smaller mirrors—all similarly framed— spring. In the enhances the feeling of spaciousness in this formal dining room. Photo by popular fairy tale Shadow Next page, left image: Snow White, it’s a Colorful artwork from the client’s personal collection—as reflected in large, magic mirror that framed wall mirrors—does double duty in this wood-paneled penthouse lobby. reveals “who is the Photo by Barry Grossman Next page, right image: fairest of them all.” A rectangular mirror is framed to flow with a funky contemporary-style décor. Photo by Barry Grossman

90 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 91 “I was born five years later, and my sister was born two years after that.” LIFE AS Good butlers are skilled at anticipating their employers’ needs and meticulous about their responsibilities. Walter must have A CHILD been good at both, because although he began as an assistant, he was quickly pro- moted. ”When the head butler retired, my OF THE father took over the job,” June recalled. Family Life Walter was not required to live at the White VANDERBILT’S home, so during the winters the Jordan family had an apartment several blocks away from the townhouse. June and her sister attended a By Jana Soeldner Danger school for gifted children, and Ina stayed home BUTLER to care for her daughters, working from the Jordans’ apartment as a seamstress for some of What’s it like to live a life like the one New York City’s wealthiest socialites, although Doris, Ina and June Jordan (nee Kingan). depicted in “Downton Abbey”? A world where butlers and housekeepers run Walter and Ina Jordan on their wedding day. households and take care of every detail of their wealthy employers’ needs? June property that supplied flowers to adorn the Kingan, now 83, knows firsthand. Her father, rooms and fresh fruits and vegetables for the Walter Jordan, served as head butler for kitchen covered two acres. Mrs. White was a Emily Thorn Vanderbilt White, granddaugh- master of understatement: “She called it their ter of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the railroad mo- summer cottage,” June said. gul who amassed the fortune that made June Kingan, daughter of Ina and Walter Jordan. Walter loved his job and going to work the Vanderbilts one of the richest families every morning, June recalled. “My father in the history of the United States. was very attractive, a typical English gentle- Top left: Ina and Walter Jordan, head butler "Elm Court" in Lenox, Massachusetts, in 1887. It is the largest shingle-style house in the United man. He was very nice to people and had a of Emily Thorn Vanderbilt White. Glamorous Homes States. The 1919 "Elm Court Talks," held at Elm Court, led to the creation of the League of great sense of humor. Mrs. White was very Right top: Mrs. Vanderbilt-White's posh stone During the winter, Walter presided over Nations and the Treaty of Versailles. townhouse at 854 Fifth Avenue in New York City the staff at Mrs. White’s posh stone town- fond of him.” where Walter presided as head butler. house on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Romance in a Castle June cannot recall her ever making a dress for didn’t talk about what he did, because a Right middle and bottom: Interior photos Park in New York City. There she entertained June’s mother, Ina, met Walter at Edinburg Mrs. White. While her father was easygoing, her good butler doesn’t talk about the family of the townhouse. the creme de la creme of New York soci- Castle in Scotland, where Ina was work- mother was less so. “She was on the feisty side,” he works for. But if you’ve seen “Downton ety with lavish galas, dominating the social ing as a ladies’ maid for the Maitland family, June said. “She could be a little bit bossy.” Abbey,” you know what a butler does.” scene during the city’s gilded age. It was whose history goes back at least to the 12th Walter had to be on his toes keeping the Idyllic Summers at Elm Court century. Walter, who was English, held a but- White household running smoothly dur- Summers at Elm Court were idyllic. June’s ler’s position with a someone who visited Once each summer, Mrs. White ing work hours, but with his own family he family lived in a cozy cottage on the the castle. The two quickly fell in love, but could relax. “My mother was the manager grounds, although the girls spent much invited the children of the help to Ina, who had traveled to the United States at home,” June said. of the time at summer camps, where they and was eager to return, refused to marry learned skills like swimming and archery. tea at the Elm Court mansion. It was the 1930s, and America and the rest of Walter unless he found work in America. “Most children in New York City played in the world were suffering in the midst of the June and her sister would the hydrants during the summer,” June said. In those days, wealthy American families Great Depression. Rumors of approaching “I was very lucky. I got to go to the coun- walk up the long, winding were eager to hire English butlers. But how war in Europe were flying, causing distress Walter’s job to make sure the house ran try. Mrs. White was very aware that children did butlers on one side of the ocean connect on both sides of the ocean. June’s parents driveway and enter the smoothly and that servants performed their needed things to do.” with employers on the other side? “He prob- worried about their families in Europe and jobs flawlessly. “It was quite a large staff,” beautifully appointed ably went through an agency,” June said. also realized how fortunate they were. “Many Elm Court was near Tanglewood Music June recalled. house, where Mrs. Eventually, Walter landed a job with the other people were out of jobs, and my par- Center and Jacob’s Pillow, a dance school In the summer, Walter and his family traveled Vanderbilts, one of the most prestigious ents knew they were lucky,” June said. and performance center, and when the White would have cookies with Mrs. White to Elm Court in Lennox, Mass., girls weren’t at camp, June’s parents en- families in America at the time. “They Walter rarely spoke about his work. “He was a 55,000 square-foot mansion with 106 rooms couraged their daughters to take advan- and tea served. brought him over from England,” June said. quite formal even at home,” June said. “He set on 44 acres of land. Greenhouses on the

92 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 93 Duties of a Modern-Day Butler By Jana Soeldner Danger

The profession has a rich history. It began in France rather than England, as many people believe. And the job was originally more limited. “The butler was the person who took care of the wines,” said MacPherson.

When the idea moved to Britain, the butler’s he said. “If you don’t do it Charles MacPherson duties expanded to managing the male mem- properly, you can damage a surface.” bers of the household staff. But back then, the Who makes a good butler? “People who butler answered to the female housekeeper. f you thought butlers went the way enjoy being of service, pay attention to “The housekeeper was head of the house, the of top hats and corsets, you would be detail and are organized,” MacPherson said. keeper of the keys,” he said, adding that until wrong. The profession is alive and well, World War I, housekeepers were always female It is also important to develop the skill of an- said Charles MacPherson, founder of a and butlers were always male. But with men ticipating someone’s needs before they are domestic service school in Toronto that The Biltmore House and surrounding estate was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895 and stands as the prime example of the gilded age heading off to fight in the trenches, women spoken. And perhaps most important of all: carries his name. in America’s industrial revolution. I expanded their roles in the domestic service a willingness to maintain and protect the em- “Butlers are more in demand today than industry. Today, most butlers are still men, but ployer’s privacy. A good butler never, ever talks tage of the culture they offered. “We’d go to mansion. June and her sister would walk up at any time except the Victorian era,” said about 10 percent are women. about the people he works for, MacPherson the concerts and sit on the lawn,” June said. the long, winding driveway and enter the MacPherson, a member of the Domestic Es- emphasized. “You see the family at their best At the end of World War II, the private beautifully appointed house, where Mrs. tate Management Association, a worldwide and at their worst. What parent hasn’t had Elm Court was magnificent, June recalled. service professions almost died. Frozen and White would have cookies and tea served. educational organization for the private ser- a screaming match with a child, and what Mrs. White built the original home with processed foods, as well as synthetic fabrics “She’d ask us about how our summer had vice industry and the author of two books on husband and wife have never had an argu- her first husband, William Douglas Sloane, and mass-produced clothing that didn’t gone, and about school,” June said. “She was the subject. “There’s such a demand for but- ment? Although you’re privy to it, you never president of the W.&J. Sloane company, a require as much maintenance, made it easier very lovely to all the children on the estate.” lers we can’t meet it.” discuss it.” furniture and decorating firm, in 1886. Over for families to take care of themselves. There the years there were many additions and At Christmas, the staff children would travel Why? Because there is a growing number of were also fewer wealthy individuals, and While a butler must be there to serve his em- renovations, and in 1919, the mansion was to the magnificent Fifth Avenue townhouse, wealthy individuals who need someone to many members of the growing middle class ployer, it is important to be so unobtrusive the site of a series of meetings known as where they would enjoy another tea party in manage their huge homes and complex life- couldn’t afford servants. “It all had to do with that at times, he is almost invisible. A truly the Elm Court Talks, which led to the Treaty surroundings beautifully decorated for the styles, said MacPherson, who more or less fell supply and demand—too many service good butler can do his job without making of Versailles and the League of Nations. holidays. “Mrs. White always gave us a Christ- into the profession himself. After training for professionals and not enough high income his presence felt. “When you enter a room, mas gift,” June recalled. “We would each get you’re in their personal space,” he said. “You Understandably, the furnishings in the hotel work, he decided it just wasn’t for him, families caused the industry to become a very nice new coat every year.” Emily Thorn Vanderbilt White have to respect that space.” mansion were extremely elegant. “There and started a catering business. One day a nearly extinct,” MacPherson said. celebrity client asked whether he’d be inter- was also a lot of artwork,” June said. “It was As the children of the Whites’ head butler, Today, a butler might be more of a manager How much does the profession pay? It can ested in becoming her butler. He said yes. very beautiful. To me it seemed like a mu- Doris and June were well trained in proper When Mrs. White passed away, her fam- than a servant, especially in households where be surprisingly lucrative. “A butler can make seum, but it was still comfortable.” etiquette, so they were comfortable during ily helped Walter find a job as head of food The client began teaching him some of the there are multiple staff members. “You’re do- $75,000 to $100,000,” MacPherson said. the visits. “We were always very careful to Elm Court was only one of the magnificent services for a large financial institution. “Our fundamentals of the job, like how to set a ing the same things as a hotel manager, but While a butler used to live almost always say please and thank you,” June said. “Our residences owned by the Vanderbilts. During lives didn’t change when she died,” June said. table correctly and the proper technique for on a smaller scale,” MacPherson noted. at the employer’s home, today he often re- mother and father reminded us of that.” opening doors. He quickly realized the job their heydays, they were known for their After Mrs White’s death, Elm Court briefly be- On the other hand, many butlers still serve sides elsewhere. In either case, one of the was a good match for him. “I was fascinated. love of lavish homes. Mrs. White’s brother A More Formal Era came an inn. But eventually it closed and fell meals, take care of laundry, and do the biggest challenges is maintaining a person- I really felt like I’d been a butler in a previous George constructed the Biltmore in Ashe- June’s family attended the same church into disrepair. Then in 1999, members of the housekeeping. “The role changes with every al life that is separate from the employer’s. life,” he said. “I loved being of service and an- ville, NC; her brother, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, as Mrs. White both in summer and winter. Vanderbilt family began to renovate it. June household,” he said. “There needs to be an understanding when ticipating someone’s needs. It was also an summered at The Breakers in Newport, RI; Whenever June encountered her father’s remembers visiting the place with her hus- you start a job that you can’t be there all incredible environment to work in.” Each task must be done correctly and and her sister Eliza built Shelburne Farms in employer, she was dressed formally. “She band soon after the process began. Many the time,” MacPherson said. “Many butlers professionally. When MacPherson’s stu- Shelburne, VA. All were sprawling estates. always wore a lovely dress and beautiful of the fine furnishings were gone and the The client owned three homes, and fall into the trap of giving up their personal dents learn about dusting, for example, he shoes,” June recalled. “She never wore shorts place was badly in need of remodeling. But MacPherson was gradually given more lives. The challenge is when to leave the Elegant Tea Parties brings in a museum curator to help teach and a T-shirt. The era was much more formal.” the memories remained. “I was very lucky,” and more responsibilities. “Eventually, I had 60 family alone.” Once each summer, Mrs. White invited the the class. “Dusting is very complicated,” children of the help to tea at the Elm Court June said, “that my father had that job.” staff members reporting to me.”

94 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 95 When Marie and Rick were antique shopping in St. Simon Island, they found a painting of a woman with such a striking resemblance to Eleanor Fatio, the wife of their home's architect, they felt compelled to buy it (shown above). To them, it was one more sign they were destined to buy the Palm Beach home.

hen Rick and Marie Wackenhut bought their A Swiss immigrant who oceanfront winter home on Palm Beach in took a bite of the Big 2011, they never dreamed they’d uncover so many Apple before moving Historic Fatio-Era treasures behind the walls. But, during the five-and-a-half month renova- to South Florida, Fatio tion, they unveiled one priceless gem after another—including a more- was one of a small crop Palm Beach Mansion than-decade-old Palm Beach Post clipping that brought special meaning of architectural innova- Marie and Rick Wackenhut Restores to ‘home sweet home.’ tors who cultured the Palm Beach style while living and working among the island’s elite. Fatio had a symmetrical and refined style compared The Coquina-stone mansion, located at 930 S. Ocean Boulevard, was W to fellow bohemian architect Addison Mizner. Rather than engineering built by noted society architect Maurice Fatio in 1929. The two-story, homes with modern elements of the time like steel and glass, Fatio de- L-shaped home has four expansive bedrooms in the main house with signed with earthy materials and native stones. a guest house off the pool, a gourmet cook’s kitchen, and a beautiful outdoor retreat complete with private pool and loggia. With archived photos as their guide and a renowned crew, the Wackenhuts returned their home to the Fatio era, putting the finishing touches on just hours before 175 guests arrived for Rick’s epic birthday bash on 11/11/11. The architectural and time-inspired labor of love earned the couple the prestigious Institute of American Heaven Architect’s Addison Mizner Award of America for the best historical restoration in the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean.

The renovation also caught the attention of Fatio’s daughter Alex- & andra (Alex), who visited the Wackenhuts home and signed over a book she’d penned about her father.

By Kristen Mager 96 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Earth Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 97 The master suite features expansive ceilings and his and her bathrooms—a vintage fireplace providing the focal point for Marie’s pampering space. Outside the master suite, the Wackenhuts added a guest wing complete with a coffee/juice bar and TV area for the grandkids. Following the roofline, they designed a new guest bathroom that winds down curved steps and creates a seamless flow to the ocean. Underground Discovery Like many homes on the island, the Wackenhuts’ has a basement that once led to a tunnel under A1A.

“You’d go through a submarine door that seals the water from coming in and the tunnel would take you into the beachfront cabana,” said Marie.

When Fatio sold his home, the next home- owner fell onto hard times due to the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and sold the cabana, ”We have a beautiful note from Alex expressing her gratitude for reveal was a unique and nearly-erased fresco mural below seven so the tunnel is now sealed off. Rick and us returning the house back to her father’s vision,” said Marie. layers of paint in the archway leading into the house. Marie used the space to create a climate- From Old to New “This is the one element in the home that truly represents Maurice controlled wine room that has a floating The overhaul of the home started from the outside in. Over the Fatio,” said Marie. “We believe he meant for it to be heaven and earth.” wall revealing an original and still working years, the Coquina exterior—made from porous ocean coral—had 1920s elevator encased in bronze. A restorative artist used a solvent and tools—including fine dental taken in moisture, so steel columns and a wall of sealed brick were ones—to gently and meticulously remove layer by layer of paint. An old metal army desk that remained in added to protect the home from the salty, tropical ocean elements. “With the help of archive photos he was able to replicate the draw- the concrete basement when the Wacken- All of the electrical, plumbing, and cooling/heating systems were ing with the exact watercolor hues,” Rick said. huts bought the home held a secret charm replaced, and a commercial roof was installed. no one could’ve expected. Another historical find under the paint was a coat of arms, which The prior residents had covered the pecky-Cypress painted ceil- Alex confirmed was the Fatio family crest. “Our builder decided to go through the desk ings with snow-white cardboard panels that were starting to fall before throwing it out,” said Rick. “Inside the and reveal the art beneath. The original ceilings were delicately re- “We were so delighted and it gave our entire project integrity,” said drawer, there was one section of the pa- stored to their gorgeous teal and cream palettes. Below, the oak Marie about the historical gem that greets you as you enter the per from 13 years earlier—way before we floors were refinished and exposed all through the downstairs liv- doorways leading into the main living spaces. The home owned the home and just a point in time. ing space. Cuban-style tile in the solarium and entryway was repli- Features Galore It was an article about me in 1998 when I cated, as were windows and doors that mimicked the bronze ones The sprawling gourmet cook’s kitchen was not part of the his- has a chaired a local walk for the cure to prevent from decades before that couldn’t be replaced due to hurricane torical restoration but was still designed to match the Fatio era. childhood diabetes. We couldn’t believe building code. Ceilings that had been lowered were raised back to Striking features include a boardroom-sized island made of basement that it had been in that desk for all those years, display gorgeous arched windows curved like the seashore. reclaimed, hand-planed European oak, antique-white cabinets, right in this room. We felt like it was a sure Rick’s office facing the ocean was updated from Kelly green and and a charmingly painted and carved wood table and chairs. once led to sign that this house was meant to be ours.” leopard deco. A bar was custom built in a nook by the window and Outside the kitchen, a breakfast patio overlooks the pool tucked The article sits framed among the wine bot- panels and arches were added throughout. The dining room was between lush Florida foliage and lemon trees. a secret tunnel tles now and serves as a reminder about the also taken back to its elegant roots. In the loggia and entire exterior, the Coquina stone is numbered history of the home and the homeowners. “We refashioned the dining room right down to the decorative painting and assembled in the exact order Fatio intended when he quarried under A1A. About the entire renovation process, Marie on the wood beams,” said Marie. “All in all, we removed 60 huge contain- the stones in the early 1920s. said, “It was nice to bring it back to the origi- ers of extra materials that had been added to the house over the years.” The Wackenhuts nal. We feel like we contributed to Palm Beach “On top of the history, the master terrace overlooking the ocean is the and this house will stand for a long time.” If Walls Could Talk most beautiful spot in the house,” said Marie. Panoramic views of the converted it to As with every major renovation, one can expect some surprises, turquoise Atlantic Ocean await you on the balcony as well as from an and the Palm Beach structure was no exception. The most exciting outdoor terrace off of the new master sitting room. a wine cellar.

98 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 99 Unwrapping Miami’s Everywhere we look, Miami is Luxury Pre-construction growing up more sophisticated, By Jill Patterson more artistic, more Market diverse, smarter, and much more beautiful.

The bar has been raised so high this the preceding pre-construction wave in of good taste and exemplary customer development cycle, that a whopping sev- the early 2000s, it was a wild few years of service in the same prime location. With developers and architects from literally around en Pritkzer Prize winners are at work on rampant building and quick fire transac- Designed inside and out by Brazil’s own new projects in Miami along with other tions, but nowhere was there a quality of Isay Weinfeld, its condo hotel inventory the world, Miami feels something like the United internationally acclaimed designers and product in Miami available as there is to- offers generous sized units to appeal to landscape designers. Both Zaha Hadid day. Everywhere we look, Miami is grow- entire families with large landscaped Nations of new development. The Magic City usually and Renzo Piano have chosen Miami to ing up more sophisticated, more artistic, balconies. The project will feature the gets the wrap that it is like its own country, an entity put their first residential projects in North more diverse, smarter, and much largest pool in South Beach with 250 America. In fact, every development more beautiful. feet. The restaurant will be run by a separate from the rest of America, but one could seems to have a distinct flavor, unique Take a trip up Collins Avenue Michelin-rated chef. The feel is relaxed style and story to tell. mid-century modern meets 007 cool. Think back. Before the W South Beach, argue that it may actually be the most American Average price per square foot is currently What a difference before the Setai, it was the Shore Club. at $2,500. city in the nation in terms of its incredible diversity, a decade makes Long left to languish, the Shore Club has Blame it on Art Basel. Blame it on the sav- changed hands and is now undergoing a Ten blocks north, Argentina welcomes one of our founding virtues. viness of today’s international luxury massive renovation and rebranding you. Visionary developer Alan Faena’s buyer, but developers have upped their by Brazil’s superior hotelier, Fasano. opus, Faena District, combines condo game this time around and the result is Known for their impeccable hospitality and hotel with art and entertainment show-stopping. For those of us who rode for over a century, Fasano will be an oasis to create a unique Faena-land in and

100 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 101 around the site of the old Saxony hotel. costing $1billion to build, among other A collaboration of icons of architecture (Sir magnificent, high-end projects such as Norman Foster and OMA/Rem Koolhas) with Mansions at Aqualina and Turnberry Ocean icons in filmmaking (Baz Lurhmann), the Dis- Club. Price per square foot for these luxury trict features Faena Forum, a 150 seat live cab- projects ranges from $1,350 – $2,000. aret and cultural center, 2 hotels (Faena and Crossing back over the MacArthur, Turkish Casa Claridge’s) complete with butler service, development family Bayraktar are hard at Faena Bazaar, Tierra Santa Healing House spa work on Island Gardens which will be North with the largest hamaam in Miami and several America’s only marina designed exclusively restaurants, including Los Fuegos helmed by for mega-yachts. With 5,000 linear feet of famed Argentinean open fire chef, Francis docking space, the marina will be able to Mallman. The condo residences are com- accommodate super-yachts up to 550 feet prised of Faena House (47 units/sold out), offering deep harbor dockage for drafts of Faena Versailles Classic (22 units) and Contem- 18-21ft. The marina will offer full-service porary (41 units). The Classic is a transforma- amenities, including on-site immigration tion of a Roy France Art Deco sweetheart. customs clearance, water taxies, as well as Faena House gathered enough force behind it 221,000sf of luxury retail, and 2 branded ho- to mark the highest price for a condo sold in tels with fractional ownership opportunities. 2015 ($60,000 for the PH in Faena House). The completely finished and are priced at approx- OIR Back on the mainland, celebrated Iranian feel here is exclusive, luxurious, and fanciful. imately $670 per square foot. architect, Zaha Hadid has drilled down 177 feet Market Another 50 blocks north is a taste of Italy, with in order to lay the foundation for her futuristic Is all this development good for Miami? architectural powerhouse, Renzo Piano’s, 87 One Thousand Museum. An engineering mas- Some locals resent that they are priced out Park. The Shard in London, The Centre Pompi- terpiece containing no interior columns, the of these exclusive luxury projects placed in dou in Paris, the New Whitney in New York… building will be supported by 4,200 uniquely the most prime locations. It’s true, but there one might find it astonishing, but powerhouse shaped forms made in Dubai and shipped to are other benefits that need to be weighed, international architect, Piano, in conjunction Miami. The result is striking. The building will including the exponential tax base created with David Martin (Terra), has recently broken feature high-level security, a helipad, an aquatic by these high priced developments. Those ground on this elegant project of 70 waterfront center on the roof and a Sky Lounge. The pro- monies ought to translate into better trans- units positioned just north of North Shore Park. ject is made up of 83 exclusive units and price portation and general infrastructure for our Nature takes center stage, as entire walls of per square foot is around $1,400 per square foot. emerging city. Artistically, the quality of new glass open to the sea and park views. Finishes building is so astonishing, how can we not Finally, at the center of this new wave of are in American oak and Italian marble creating be grateful for the talent gracing our city? construction is Brickell City Centre. Funded clean spaces to play host to the ocean breezes While some city skylines look like a chronicle by Hong Kong development company, and changing light. Some units include pala- of colliding architect egos, thankfully, the Swire, BCC was first to acquire land in down- tial balconies of over 30 feet in depth. Average projects born in this cycle seem inspired town and begin building their $1B mixed-use price per square foot is at $2,500. mostly by Miami’s beauty and as a contex- project when others were still in the planning Not much farther up Collins, America’s tual response to its extraordinary quality of phases. Slated to open in just a few months, architecture master, Richard Meier has trans- light and stunning natural elements. BCC features 5.4 million square feet with two formed the village of Surfside with his Surf residential towers, Reach and Rise with 780 Jill Patterson is a Broker Associate Club Four Seasons stretching for 5 blocks and at Opulence International Realty. units total, East Hotel, retail and office space. 880 linear oceanfront feet. A master of light 305.203.9985 or visit The entire project is LEED gold certified and Opulenceinternationalrealty.com and space, Meier has responded to the loca- features a 150,000 foot CLIMATE RIBBONTM tion with his signature glass incandes- trellis system. Residential units are delivered cence. 120 residences and 31 hotel residences, Meier has incorporated some of the historic Surf Club where the glitterati of the ’40s once feted. Apparently, Meier liked the project so much, he bought a unit himself. Average price per square foot is at roughly $2,400.

Farther north, Sunny Isles could almost be mistaken for Dubai, with its branded towers of Porche and Armani, the latter reportedly

102 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 103 Flaming Art More is More in the Night Landscape Fire in fireplaces, chimineas or firepits can be seen from some distance and can provide psychological By Mary and Hugh Williamson warming. Be sure to include at least two fire features in your landscape design as there is a multipli- There is little in life that is more mesmer- reverses the roles, becoming the design vel is bestowed upon the early Romans er effect that is quite impressive. Clusters of these izing than the random rhythm of a flicker- focus and the most dynamic element in who saw the candle as a beneficial use of artistic elements mounted on raised platforms of ing flame. We associate candles, lanterns the night landscape. flame enabled by the god of fire, Vulcan. varying heights are spectacular. and fireplaces with glamour and warmth. The use of candles has been seen in reli- Flame can be the solitary glow of a can- Of course in South Florida, added warmth gious ceremonies for thousands of years in On a Smaller Scale dle, a gas lantern or a torch. Grouped is not necessarily welcome, but the glam- many faiths. Firepits have existed for eons The nighttime patio landscape experience can be together in a firepit or fireplace, flames our of a flickering flame always is. Our as well. Nomadic tribes would cut the turf greatly enhanced with the inclusion of fire features, are viewed as fire. Flames cast fascinat- favorite restaurants are candle-lit for a above a firepit, and after building their fire ideally placed in uncovered areas. Multiples, even ing shadows of foliage and hardscapes, reason; the radiance and pulse of a glim- to cook their food and warm themselves, if with small versions, make much more of an in- creating mystery. It extends the use of mering candle in a dimly-lighted room replace the turf to conceal their wherea- pact than a single component, and are striking your landscape into the evening, espe- suggest romance and allure. And the bouts as they moved on. See familyfirepit. when placed within a container garden. If the idea cially when reflected in the shiny leaves of same is true in your evening landscape. com for a fascinating read! of chimineas is appealing, and you have a covered magnolias and other glossy-leafed plant- Both flame and fire are powerful design balcony, fill the bottom of the bowl with sand or ings. Here is where cast light can support Our American Iteration tools that affect us strongly. gravel, and add masses of candles. Torches are also the shimmer of the flame. In colonial times, bayberries were used a great and festive idea. The flame of candles or ‘Flame’ is distinguished from ‘light’ in to extract a waxy fuel, but this laborious A Little History torches needs to be integrated into your more in- the night landscape. Light is cast on ob- process was phased out when the whal- Candles and torches have been a part of timate spaces as they provide their magic best jects to highlight them in the same way ing industry burgeoned and whale oil life and celebration for over five thousand when viewed close-up, so a patio setting is perfect. a fine supporting actor supports the became available. Incremental improve- years. Credit for this seemingly simple mar- Candles should only be used in hurricane globes or lead. Accent lighting! Flame in the night ment continued as chemists developed their many variations. Varied shapes and heights of better fuels, and inventors introduced the globes, whether on a dining table or on a patio, mechanized methods of candle produc- have heightened effect. tion. Increased manufacturing, aimed for the decorative market, started in the Whatever the size or location of your landscape 1980s. Candle suppliers now offer an venue, lack of flame is a foregone opportunity! enormous variety of shapes, scents and While most are the result of lightning, please colors. Gas lanterns, which became prom- remember that Florida has the second highest inent as street lighting in American and number of wildfires in the nation, and your flames European cities in the early 19th century, must be extinguished thoroughly when your last now offer everyday sparkle to homes guests depart. and gardens.

There are multiple opportunities to add flame and fire to your night landscape. Choices for introducing flaming additions to your landscape do not end with candles in hurricane globes, or votive lights. Chimineas, (or chimeneas) plentiful in the South Florida market, are a trouble-free addition to the landscape. Largely enclosed, they burn safely and efficiently, and are available in clay or cast iron versions. Fire- Mary & Hugh Williamson pits – preferably portable versions – also offer a magnetic gathering place.

104 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 105 CAPTURING By John D. Adams THE NOSTALGIA OF NORFOLK

Matthew Usher has thus far spent his professional career as my ancestors were fishermen right here in this town. I don’t know a news photographer for the “Eastern Daily Press” in Norfolk, if that’s part of what inspires me. But the chap who taught me at England. Whether covering a Royal visit, a local fire, or a child’s school did a lot of work in Norfolk and that passion really rubbed interaction with a tarantula, Usher’s work has always held a sig- off on me. He knew everything. He opened the door.” nature beauty. He retains a clear expertise in the use of light of Indeed, before attending Hansell’s class, Usher had decided to Matthew Usher space, and he also possesses that little bit of magic that allows pursue a degree in painting. And while he could always draw certain artists to convey emotion through a static image. Last No- and paint, the canvases never generated the feeling he was striv- vember, Usher held a very well-received exhibition in his small, ing for. With photography, the flood gates of creative possibili- coastal home town of King’s Lynn. The pictures on display weren’t ties exploded. “In the two years he taught me, he made me work “My education with film and printing his commercial work. They were 24 carefully selected landscape my backside off,” reminisced Usher. “I learned to take pictures images in Norfolk. Usher’s landscapes are filled to bursting with a really taught me how to get things right, with real film. I was also a black and white printer. And that has zeal for the often overlooked beauty around us. always stayed with me. It is important to me to try and keep as not relying on technology to do that job for me. I put a lot Finding his voice much integrity in the work as possible. My education with film John Hansell (1944-2005) was well known in Norfolk as a land- and printing really taught me how to get things right, not relying of pressure on myself. But you have to be your biggest critic.” scape photographer and fine printer. He had been featured by An- on technology to do that job for me. Digital has changed some — Matthew Usher glia Television, and had held a number of one man exhibitions. He things, made some tasks easier, but my basic technique is still was also Course Director and Lecturer in Photography at the Col- the same. The discipline is the same. You still have to understand lege of West Anglia where he became a beloved mentor to Mat- the camera and how it interacts with light. But most importantly thew Usher. “I have a great love for my area,” said Usher. “A lot of you have to have an eye for composition. If there isn’t a com-

106 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 107 pelling composition there, how can you like something, I’m not going to use it draw anyone in?” again. I’m very strict with my own work. The right tools The last picture I included was shot just a for the right job few weeks before the exhibition opened. It took Usher five years to compile the 24 “It is very important for me that the images which comprised his recent exhi- technical side is as perfect as possible. bition. Working full time while raising a I don’t want anyone to ever accuse me family doesn’t leave a lot of time for pho- of being technically weak. I put a lot of tographic “hobbies.” But more than the pressure on myself. But you have to be your time constraints, Usher is a proud perfec- biggest critic. You’ve got to work to set tionist. “I had 24 images in that show and yourself apart.” I didn’t want a single one of them to be Usher’s mentor, John Hansell believed weak. I wanted people to walk into that that “the image making process, by what- room and be transported. I wanted them ever means, should begin in the heart and to see what I was capable of.” the mind’s eye and be its creator’s chosen It is perhaps this tenacity bedrocked by means of communicating visually to his a solid technical knowledge that enables fellow man.” In this sentiment, too, Usher Usher to imbue such a sense of wonder- agrees. “That’s the thing with making pic- ment and beauty in the often disregard- tures. I’m not just creating them to keep ed or ignored. “When I’m taking the pic- them tucked away. I like to share them be- ture, I’m already holding in my mind what cause people may not always see what I see. I want to achieve with the final image. I see the world a different way through my Then I go to the computer and work on camera. I’m humbled to be sharing my work getting what I want. I live with the piece with people halfway around the world.” for a few days to see how it feels to me. See more of Matthew Usher’s work online If I’m happy with it, then it will pass. If I’m at: www.matthewusherphotography.com not happy with it, I just discard it. If I don’t

108 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 109 mainland, with an old, historical fishing village sprinkled just outside the bridge’s AMI baby sea turtle entrance, as if reminding incoming visitors that remnants of old Florida still remain.

Should AMI ever be a contender for a mini getaway, gear up to work on your tan and tap out of the real world. Ditch your cottage and explore the landscape A mix of colorful cottages and shady palm trees dominate this island’s landscape. The most challenging part of the day will be deciding on transportation. Visitors can hop on a free trolley, rent a bike or scooter, YOUNG PHOTO BY JOHN or use their own two feet to explore the is- But AMI doesn’t only do seafood right. A popu- Experience a golden land. Whatever the choice, there are plenty lar local treasure can be found on the north end hour— west coast style of sights that will awaken the senses. Two of the island. The Donut Experiment allows Florida’s west coast is infamous for its spectac- things that are not seen on the island: in- mad scientists of all ages to create their own ular sunsets. You can pretty much catch nature dustrial eyesores and high-rises. This mod- cake-based donuts. From key lime glazes to painting the sky “magic” from anywhere on the est beach community has been successful Sriracha toppings to choose from, the world west side of the island. Waterfront establish- at maintaining its old Florida beach feel by really is your oyster at this local island shop. ments crowd up just as the sun is about to set. keeping developers and chainy hotels OFF If there was ever a photo opportunity, this of the island. It’s every old Florida aficiona- Drink like a local Bars can be found all over the island ranging would be it. After all, there is no better lighting do’s dream come true. from rustic waterside tiki bars, to laid back than that of the sun kissing the horizon. But don’t let this description confuse you– establishments nestled in-between eclectic art Soak up the rays not everything on the island is kitschy and shops. With a Key West feel sans the rowdy The “wake up slow” mentality is alive and well Best Kept old. Although no higher than three stories crowds, you can never go wrong while explor- on Anna Maria. Switched over to island time, tall, jaw-dropping cottages have been built ing AMI’s nightlife. When deciding what to you won’t catch many beachgoers catching BY STEPHANIE BONILLA around the island, serving as both residenc- wear, think: “What Would Jack Johnson Do.” Flip- early rays here. Swooping pelicans can be es and lodging for visitors. Albeit beautiful, flops and shorts are always the perfect choice spotted plunging into the pristine water while these new and improved bungalows still for overloading on piña coladas. bottle-nosed dolphins grace observant beach Secret fit the “quiet money” mold exhibited bums with impromptu cameos. With seven While bar hopping, be prepared to nurse throughout the island. AMI got the memo: Florida Travel Destinations your beer as you sway to live renditions of miles of sugary white sand, visitors typically Upscale just doesn’t jibe with beachy. “Brown-Eyed Girl” and “Free Bird.” Local spend most of their time at the beach, usually Overload on island grub musicians don’t just croon Jimmy Buffet’s alternating between catnaps, day dreaming, Like most islands, seafood is the prominent “Margaritaville” for a buck here — they truly and cooling their feet in the ebbing tides. mere three and a half hours from food of choice on AMI. Local eateries take pride get to know their audience. You’ll go from Painting on left page courtesy of Robert Johnson Miami, concealed from maps and Anna Maria Island in serving domestic meals to seafood lovers, nervously shouting out requests, to taking Oil on canvas, 16" x 20" travel lists, lie two hidden paradises is known for its delivering shrimp and an array of fish and oys- 941.779.9888 multiple shots with your entertainment. [email protected] • roberttheartist.com that have become the Sunshine great fishing ters fished directly out of Florida’s waters. State’s best kept secrets. Both loca- ations operate on a different kind of adventure fre- quency; yet equally serve as glorious reminders that Cottage on Anna Maria Island fresh tropical escapes can be found right in our own backyard. Anna Maria Island, FL Sometimes warm, cottage-studded gems are hidden below Florida’s surface. While self-proclaimed weekenders flock to familiar beaches, an un- mapped islet reveals itself. Tucked along the Gulf of Mexico, Anna Maria Island (AMI) is located approxi- Anna Maria Island restaurants– mately 40 miles south of Tampa. A bridge is the only plenty to choose from

thing connecting this subtropical nirvana to the islandannamari A.c om

110 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 111 Blue Spring for rent at the ground’s concession. Bathers tend to congregate prevalent in this area, making it a common occurrence for around the spring’s boil, watching adrenaline junkies leap off of a couple of intertwined honeymoon flies to casually land on State Park sandy banks into the clear blue water. This particular area — hikers. If you’re looking for lusher scenery minus the island feel, which houses an underwater cave and an abundance of marine look thirty minutes north of the greater Orlando-area. Regardless of whether you prefer paradise or paradise- life — is a magnet for scuba divers. Divers and snorkelers alike Wedged between your typical Central Florida neighbor- lite, these two hidden gems offer exclusive experiences delve into the depth of this mysterious hole, seeking to inflate hood — and more live oak trees than you can count — to those lucky visitors who find them. their sense of adventure; and if they’re lucky enough, experience lies Blue Spring State Park. Covering over 2,600 acres, this a manatee sighting. state park serves as a Manatee Refuge to a growing population of buoyant sea cows. The park’s biggest attraction, Enjoy a Picnic respectively called Blue Springs, is one of Central Florida’s The park’s grounds have a variety of places visitors can use to kick most valuable treasures. Whether you prefer cannon ball- back and dry off. Pavilions, BBQ pits, and grassy areas can be found ing into one of nature’s swimming pools, hiking miles of just outside the spring’s boardwalk, with families migrating here to unspoiled wilderness, or casting your fishing line near the get their grub on. Though the park offers both food and drinks for shore, this park’s got you covered. purchase, visitors can opt to bring their own food and beverages. Beer drinkers beware: Alcohol is not permitted on park grounds. Take a Dip Excited families with multicolored floats can be spot- Take a Hike ted disappearing behind oak trees, eagerly making After lunch, walk some calories off on one of the park’s nature trails. their way toward the spring. A windy boardwalk leads Begin your voyage at Pine Island Trail, a lesser-known, less-used guests to the awe-inspiring turquoise waters. At 73 de- terrain. 4.5 miles each way, the trail offers dense forests, shady grees, the crystalline water automatically triggers your resting areas, casual scrub-jay sightings and plenty of photo opps. explorer vibes to resurface. Swimmers who bravely This scenic route allows passersby to get a true taste of nature’s take the chilly plunge soon realize that there’s a lot magic. Delve into the oak tree forest and spot cardinals, deer, turtles, to discover in this swimming hole for the adventurous. snakes and a variety of insects that call this trail home. Love bugs are

Visitors have the option of swimming, tubing, snorke- ling or scuba diving down the spring. For those feeling a little more energetic, kayaks and canoes are available

112 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 113 nce upon a time there mile marker 82, where 423 known deaths was a purple isle with occurred (most of whom were veterans a beach road of smoky of the United States Armed Forces) and gravel leading to pris- toured the Indian Key state historic site to tine white sands lining better understand the area’s rich role in an ocean of a myriad our country’s history. We used Robbie’s of to Oof blues and dotted with clapboard houses Islamorada to visit Indian Key since it is only reminiscent of simpler days… accessible by private boat or charter. Escape Living in Chicago in the dead of winter, Ahhhh, to relax, sip, such a place seems straight out of a fairy shop and dine tale. However, when four best friends want Because a “ladies who lounge” vacation to escape the tundra of the Midwest for a would not be true to its name if it did not “ladies who lounge” vacation, we found offer the proper balance of luxurious R&R anything is possible if you only dream it. activities, we set out on daily escapades. From gallery hopping and arts-and-crafts By Kelly Villasuso With our collective wish lists defined — Purple Isle shopping at The Rain Barrel Artisan Village travel within the United States, average tem- peratures 70 degrees or higher in January, a A look at the quintessential piece of paradise place that offers us a chance to decompress in Islamorada that four friends from the Windy but also offers a beautiful backdrop for outdoor activities and educational opportuni- City discovered in their quest for a weekend ties — we found our prince among islands. winter refuge We found Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Heritage of Islamorada With a history dating back to the sea charts of Spaniard sailors in the 1500s, Islamorada has drawn sailors and settlers and vacation- ers alike. Islamorada — or the Purple Isle — is just over seven square miles and, lucky for us, is just two hours south of Ft. Laud- erdale where our bird of steel delivered us from the clutches of Mr. Snow Miser, allowing us to quickly guide our chariot — and ourselves — into tropical bliss.

We planned out the perfect blend of historical sites to keep us grounded in reality and more lighthearted activities to tickle our fancy. We visited the memo- rial for the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 at

114 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 115 hammocks. This author’s favorite: the hammock on the dock, where the vista is uninterrupted for as far as the eye can see. You’re sure to find your own favorite spot at The Moorings, which has graced the cover of many a magazine and is also the site for scenes in the popular “Bloodline” series on NetFlix.

to dining at many We found a tennis court and a 25-meter heated swimming pool nes- of the local gems, tled discretely amongst the mere 18 villas on the property. We also we traversed the found bicycles at-the-ready near the 100-year-old banyan tree and Purple Isle from side to kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and windsurfing equipment at your side and end to end — when- disposal on the beach – made all the more enticing when someone ever possible, with a glass of kindly carried your equipment-du-jour right into the Atlantic for you bubbly in hand. and picked it up on your return.

We knew our story of winter escape Each day we returned to the Waca villa and to the comforts of home, would not be complete without including the plantation-style porch and Adirondack-style chairs out- an enchanting castle to call home. side, and the hand-painted tiles, a soaking tub, freshly ironed bedding, We were happy to find that there are a whole host stainless steel appliances, and a fully appointed kitchen on the inside. of luxurious lodgings on the isle, including the renowned Beautiful is my nature Since our story did not include any of us cooking, the kitchen ap- Cheeca Lodge & Spa. But for this adventure, we chose The pliances and utensils were merely nice-to-haves for us. Instead, Moorings Village & Spa at 123 Beach Road to truly bring our The Moorings staff was happy to make us reservations at the many once upon a time to life… nearby restaurants, including Lora Lei’s, Chef Michael’s, Green Turtle The Moorings Village & Spa resides on what once was an Inn, and their very own Morada Bay and, most notably, Pierre’s. The 18-acre coconut plantation on the Atlantic coast of Is- two-story, West African-style mansion is so picturesque, its verandas lamorada. The grounds are a botanical showcase of and overstuffed chairs so inviting, and its sandy front lawn so pristine, coconut palms, banyan trees, and other vibrant flower- we wanted to move in … until we experienced the cuisine of Execu- ing and fruit-bearing plants … all softly rustling and sway- tive Chef Ishmael Toro, and then we begged them to let us move in. HOLLYWOOD WELLNESS CENTER ing in the tropical breeze, creating an immediate sense Be sure to try Pierre’s vibrant seafood curry, easily the most beautiful Welcomes you to an extraordinary era to be young again of peace and tranquility. and flavorful dish on the menu with a mélange of lobster tail, jumbo shrimp, and sea scallops in a Thai coconut curry sauce and artfully Dr. Christian González, Chief Medical Officer of the renowned Spine and Wellness We spent time meandering through the lush grounds, served in a coconut shell with forbidden black rice. Centers of America, welcomes you to our new center. Aesthetic and Regenerative including kicking up sand on one of the largest natu- solutions such as Stem Cells and PRP are among our innovative services available for ral beaches in the Keys, or simply taking in the heavenly And we all lived happily ever after, fully sated by our adventure on the you now in Downtown Hollywood. surroundings from one of the many strategically placed Purple Isle … until it snows again in Chicago.

“Practicing Aesthetic treatments with the goal of my patients maintaining a refreshed and youthful appearance” is the motto for the center’s director, -Dr. Michelle Weiner

305.907.7407 call today for a complimentary consultation. WELLNESSHOLLYWOOD.COM

116 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 he rich and the beautiful have flocked to Palm Beach for generations. Who doesn’t New, Young & Fun love to frolic in the sun and sand? Enjoy the architectural style of Addison Mizner? Enjoy Tthe fashionable restaurants? Taboo on Worth Avenue Palm Beach Style 2016 has seen the likes of Dukes, Duchesses, Princesses, and Society’s top players for generations. Billionaires live on the island and The Donald now occupies Mar-A-Lago once home to Marjorie Merriweather Post, mother to The Taselaar Family actress Dina Merrill! Who knows, Mar-A-Lago despite being on the airplane-landing path may become the winter White House. Yes, they say that Palm Beach is the most important post office stamp in Florida, and all Home Tour the world understands that Palm Beach style in living is By Carleton Varney the style to watch!

Enter front and center Nina and Pieter Taselaar, a ‘today’ couple with homes in Palm Beach, Newport, Rhode Island, and Manhattan Island, New York City. Pieter Taselaar is the founder and managing partner of a hedge fund Lucerne Capital Management LLC (European Investments) and Nina, a psychologist, has a New York City practice. The Taselaar’s two accomplished daughters, Amanda and Claudia, studied at Georgetown University and are sailors of the first order. Their father Pieter, Rotterdam born, won the World Championship in the Melges 32 Sailing Class in Porto Cervo, Sardinia with his sailing craft Bliksem. Pieter has won many other maritime and sailing championships in other classes, as well. Bring in a Modern Era of Palm Beach The Taselaars are a prime example of the new Palm Beach style of fun and young. A family who plays together seems to stay together. Nina and Pieter enjoy a Palm Beach residence that is filled with Palm Beach color and furnishings, a mix of rattan, palm trees, prints, ocean colored carpets, and outdoor barbecue living along with contemporary sculpture.

A party at the Taselaars is one everyone wants to attend, what with the outside barbecue and music in the happily styled family room with its faux bamboo walls, painted striped tented ceiling, and deep carpetry of sculpture palm fronds on a hand tufted Irish rug. The Taselaars like a Palm Beach home that is not serious and over gilded with silks, satins, and buttons and bows. “Palm

Photography in this story by Kim Sargent

118 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 119 Beach should be happy with color,” says Nina, whose residence is everything but cream, beige, grey, or black. In fact, there is not a touch of grey or beige throughout the seven-bedroom villa. Pieter the sailor does enjoy a library styled with MACKINAW ISLAND shipboard wood-paneled walls, and lots of seaman’s maps on the wall.

The Taselaars like the outdoor lifestyle in the sun. Pieter goes kite surf- ing, sometimes with his daughters, and keeps a catamaran at the waterfront just after dinner for bar action in the open- yards from their front door. Nina and area restaurant. Pieter and the girls are fitness aware. Nina joins her Bar Class on North For the young and fun, including those County and is often seen on the over 30, restaurants like Buccan Bar, Imo- golf course practicing her swing, at to, the Grill, and Bice are always in style St. Catherine’s Greek Church in West and no one who loves Palm Beach ever Palm Beach, or at Southern playing wants to miss the Motown night at the bridge. Nina is a champion master at iconic Polo Bar at The Colony Hotel. Fri- the game and has impressively con- day night is a must! Speaking about The quered the game over the billionaire Bill Colony, the nightclub shows in the Royal Gates. For keeping beautiful, Nina goes Room are always a Palm Beach must for all regularly to Le Bazaar on North Country the fun people. Rob Russell at The Colony where Nick takes care of the coif and is a gentleman to know, as he is always Nicole takes care of the coloring. booking the Royal Room to full capacity. Other favorites of 2016 life in Palm Beach For fun at evening time, the daughters are Par Three, at the golf course just down Amanda and Claudia both in their early the South Ocean Boulevard right after 20s start out at the Breakers H.M.F., passing the in-residences at Ibis Isle. then on to Cucina for dancing, and then to Camelot on And if you are in for juices in the town, Clematis for ending the even- those young and fun folk always go to ing disco dancing. Amici Market or to our friend Stephanie Bojangles who has moved her juice bar Claudia Taselaar tells me that the into Sprinkles on Poinciana Plaza. menu of events for the young and fun people is H.M.F. first, then It is all about young and fun style in Palm Cucina, and then Camelot. The Beach 2016. girls sometimes take in E.R. Bradley

120 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 121 esterday, Today and Tomor- row, My Life, is Sophia Loren’s brilliant tale of her journey through a poverty stricken childhood to becoming one of ythe most celebrated actresses of our times. Told in an engaging narrative, her book provokes tears and admiration for her tire- less quest to rise from the ashes of war-torn Naples, Italy, to fulfill her dreams of stardom and motherhood.

Sophia Loren was born Sofia Villani Scicolone, a daughter of Romilda Villani and Riccardo Scicolone, a construction en- gineer of noble descent. Overcoming her father’s abandonment and her mother’s negativity is a tribute to her strength and determination to succeed in a career in motion pictures that spans six decades and at 81, is far from over.

Her notable film appearances include “House- boat,” “That Kind of Woman”, “It Started in Na- ples,” “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” “Mar- riage Italian Style,” and “Two Women” for which she earned 22 international awards, including an Oscar for best performance in a leading role. Ms. Loren graciously agreed to sit down with Sophia Loren starred with Cary Grant in the movie “Houseboat” in 1958. South Florida Opulence to talk about her life.

Ava: I know firsthand that writing can be a me in the movies. And maybe people will and what we saw. It was really terrible. I heart-wrenching experience. What most be interested. think I’m going to write another book! inspired you to write? (Laughs.) Ms. Loren: I wrote my book because after I Ava: I was very interested in your life story, worked so much, I had the urge to let it all out. Ms. Loren. It is true, it brings your fans closer Ava: Your warmth and your kindness are I want to share with the people who see my to you. I felt like I got to know you. Tell us apparent in your prose. How did you films all the beautiful things that have hap- about your friends, please. manage to survive in a business filled pened to me. The cinema had a great impact Ms. Loren: My friends…they’ve always been with jealousy and back-stabbing being on my life, early on, you know. When I was very understanding with me. And I could so nice? very young during the War in my little town, say that, through the letters or maybe when Ms. Loren: I never looked for quarrel. my family and I were living a very sad life. We I walk in the street, just the look they have in I never looked for bad things. I always constantly struggled and endured a near- their eyes when they see me. It’s really very tried to understand if there was a prob- One on One with starvation. So many times, even during the positive. And also very moving. I cry easily, as lem and to try to understand the rea- bombardment, with the planes flying above a matter of fact. son. I’ve never been somebody who would attack people, because, really, I us, my sister and I were sneaking into the Ava: Who has influenced your life the most? didn’t know how to do it. Maybe with movie theatre. We had an urge to see what Ms. Loren: I think…myself. When you are 10 kindness…maybe with simplicity…you life was like outside of our little war-torn vil- years old…11…12… you don’t really know realize yourself that it is much, much Sophia lage. There was a lot of hope when we came how bad some people are or could be… out of the movie theatre. It was another world stronger. An exclusive interview with the timeless and this question of killing…this question that I was trying …I wanted really to discover. silver screen legend, devoted wife and mother of every night going through a tunnel and Ava: From Cary Grant to Marlon Brando, you And so, in writing, I came with many living where the train was passing by at 4 played opposite extraordinary leading men. other thoughts and things that happened o’clock in the morning…and cockroaches. Were you ever attracted to any of them? to me during my work. I wanted to share Also because, I’m talking about a little girl Ms. Loren: All of them…no…I’m joking. I LQ & A Witho Ava Rooseveltren it also with the people who went to see starting to live…starting to open her eyes… had to learn a lot in these movies. I didn’t

122 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 123 By Robin Jay medical research update sent me a little card saying: “Why don’t Ava: Tell us about your relationship with your you participate [in the beauty pag- children, please. Intranasal Insulin Therapy eant]?” And I said, “Well, it’s fun…maybe Ms. Loren: Unfortunately, my children do not I will…yes…and I did. But in my heart I live with me because they live in America and for Alzheimer’S Disease thought, “If I’m going to be second, I will I live in Geneva and this is something that be very lucky.” So I became second. But upsets me sometimes. But they are always was one of the first to try to understand wanted to see what would happen if we pro- I met a man who later on became the with me because they call me every night. how the brain contributed to endocrinology, vided extra energy, extra glucose, to patients love of my life, Carlo. I think is the most beautiful feeling that a and how insulin, one of the main endocrine with Alzheimer’s disease. We gave them a sug- woman can have when you embrace your hormones, actually had an important role ary beverage and, surprisingly, we were able He was a big producer, he was an child for the first time. in normal brain function and how well your to improve their memory,” Dr. Craft explained. intelligent man. He had a great sense of brain ages,” said Dr. Craft, a Professor of Inter- “What became clear was that the only folks humor. He was a very cultivated man. Ava: You are scheduled to appear at the Kravis nal Medicine and Research Director of the J. who showed memory improvement were That’s all I needed really because I was Center on March 28. Palm Beach is a long way Paul Sticht Center on Aging, and Co-director the ones who also showed elevations in in- completely hungry for things that I could from home. Why here? of the Roena B. Kulynych Center for Memory sulin. People need to have the insulin on learn and be a better human being. So Ms. Loren: I really don’t know America. I’ll get and Cognition Research at Wake Forest Uni- board in order for memory to improve, About when he asked me to go to see him in the opportunity to know my American audi- versity School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, 5 years ago, we were funded by the Zenith his office at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, ences and to know a lot of my friends from North Carolina. Additionally, she has been a Suzanne Craft, Ph.D. program at the Alzheimer’s Association to I did. I found Carlo and a little later we Americans who see my films and know me. Pfizer Visiting Professor at Johns Hopkins Uni- went to dinner together. He started to Like I did for my book. You have a question and carry out a clinical trial looking at giving in- South Florida Opulence is pleased to sup- versity and was a featured scientist in the HBO teach me how to do things, but in a very, I will answer it. I hope you like me, that’s all! sulin intranasally to see what would happen port the annual Rita Hayworth Luncheon, documentary series ‘The Alzheimer’s Project.’ very subtle way. He never offended me. if we made insulin more available through An Evening with Sophia Loren is a show about co-chaired by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan “I got interested in how glucose (sugar) regu- the nose. There are direct pathways from the The cover of Loren’s latest book now available. Never. So, little by little, this friendship me and my life. We start with an interview sec- (daughter of Rita Hayworth) and Carleton grew and we started to do many pictures. We lation might affect the brain. It’s been known nose to the brain. The pilot trial produced tion, then a question and answer section where Varney at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, attend a proper school of acting, you know. lived our lives together for about 45 years. He for a long time that people with Alzheimer’s very promising results. On that basis, and you can ask me anything, and then a ‘meet to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Fol- Especially when I was doing American produced almost all the films I made… “Two disease have a problem with energy, with sug- some other trials funded by the NIH, which films. I knew just very little, almost nothing, and greet’ opportunity afterward. I like to be lowing is an interview with neuropsycholo- ar use in the brain. On PET scans, we can see also produced encouraging results, we then of English. So I had to learn my lines in a very surprised. I’m a very shy person in the begin- gist Suzanne Craft, Ph.D., whose compel- this problem years before symptoms even ap- designed a large trial, which is going on right precise way. I was very proud to act with the “An ning, so I don’t like to know things in advance. ling pioneering research is funded in part pear. We knew that every time you consume now with about 250 patients across the biggest actors in film in my career. In the be- And then, little by little, I get acquainted and by the Alzheimer’s Association. sugar, your insulin levels rise. But nobody had country. At the end of that trial, if the results ginning of my career, I met a wonderful man I may enjoy it a lot. I’m doing 12 cities in America. Evening with “I always did have a fascination with the brain. made that connection before that it might be are strong, we will go to the FDA to request who came from the south of Italy, Naples. Ava: How is your life today? What gives That ultimately led me to study and specialize the insulin and not the sugar per se that was their consideration of intranasal insulin as a His name was Vittorio de Sica. I was Sophia Loren is a show you the most joy? in neuroendocrinology. Our research group related to improved memory. In our lab, we therapy for Alzheimer’s disease.” fortunate enough to do with him about me and my life. We start Ms. Loren: To wake up in the morn- a very popular film titled “The Gold ing with a smile on my face. And the of Naples.” Little by little, I started to with an interview section, then desire to challenge myself as usual. 10 Ways to Love Your Brain work together with Vittorio and he This tour is a big challenge. This is became like a father to me. And it a question and answer section my first tour in America. It’s a new & Reduce Risk of Cognitive Decline was really a wonderful feeling. experience! where you can ask me anything,” 1. Break a sweat. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate. Ava: Did the leading men help you? Ava: What would you consider to 2. Hit the books. Formal education at any age will help reduce risk of cognitive decline. Ms. Loren: No, because I was the said Loren, who will perform be your greatest accomplishment to leading lady. There was no leading date? And what is your biggest regret? 3. Butt out. Quitting smoking can reduce that risk of dementia to levels comparable to those who have not smoked. man. So I would tell myself, “Sophia, at the Kravis Center on Ms. Loren: Greatest accomplishment? Eve- 4. Follow your heart. Rish factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke – obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes – negatively impact I think you can do that. Just learn. Just rything! I couldn’t ask for more! Although I March 28, 2016. your cognitive health. Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow. open your eyes and your ears. And listen to do have a little regret. I wish I could have per- Vittorio and he’s going to help you for sure. formed once on Broadway. I was asked once. 5. Heads up! Brain injury can raise your risk of dementia. Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls. He did! God bless his soul.” Something with Bernstein, maybe. “Marriage, 6. Fuel up right. Eat a healthy diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Women”, “Marriage, Italian Style”, “A Special Ava: By the time you met Italian film pro- Italian Style” onstage. But life is always a sur- Day”, “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”. 7. Catch some Zzz’s. Not getting enough sleep may result in problems with memory. ducer Carlo Ponti, you were barely getting prise if you want it to be. Maybe I will go with established. How did he influence your With him I felt secure. I wanted a family, but of another idea which is absolutely smashing. 8. Take care of your mental health. Studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment career and your life? course at that time, he was married. But our Ava: Thank you so much, Ms Loren. It was such if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress. relationship grew, grew and grew. And here I Ms. Loren: Well, I met him when I was 17 at a pleasure getting to know you better. And 9. Buddy up. Staying socially engaged may support brain health. a beauty pageant. He was in the jury. I was am being his wife and having 2 beautiful chil- we’re all looking forward to seeing you live on- 10. Stump yourself. Challenging your mind may have benefits for your brain. Complete a puzzle. Do something artistic. Play games. there with a friend of mine who was par- dren that are the joy of my life. I’m starting to stage at the Kravis Center on March 28! ticipating. I was there eating and Carlo Ponti be very moved!

124 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 125 tions. And after finishing second in a most prestigious race at Phoenix Park, Dublin, I hung up my boots” and moved on. His mind kept wander- Portrait of ing to other influences. "I grew up with two delightful parents and in a hotel," Brinsley said. "I was visually entertained everyday. It was a country a gentleman house hotel on a beautiful lake. Gen- tlemen would fly fish in their Harris Brinsley Matthews tweeds. Weddings by day and din- by Dale King and Julia Hebert ner dances by night. Guests from far and wide all looking smart. From the time I could sit up, I took notice of everything and everyone! My mother ome may say this success story of Ireland-born studied art, my aunt was an archi- Brinsley Matthews is self-fulfilled prophecy. You tect. My mother had great flair and see, his mother named him after Richard Brinsley was very resourceful; aunt Millicent Sheridan, the famous Irish playwright, poet, long- was very disciplined in design. Obvi- S time owner of the London Theatre ously I noticed that. Millicent used Royal, Drury Lane, and a former Whig what was once our gatehouse as a member of the British House of Com- holiday house, and every time she mons who now rests in the Poet's Cor- visited I dashed up there to discover ner of Westminster Abbey since 1817. another world, a more linear world, Fast-forward some two centuries, and no antiques for her (my mother and you'll find his namesake Brinsley Mat- I loved antiques). For her, everything thews, also a poet and man of the arts, was to be practical and space saving. 'Portrait of a Gentle- adding even further to a Renaissance man,' Richard Brinsley But with an odd internal wooden wall man's impressive credentials. Sheridan, painted by varnished and another wall white- John Hoppner. Just 20 years ago, you'd find washed, upholstery of large plaid and Brinsley embracing hairpin a heavy arts-and-crafts rocking chair turns in a sleek, one-seated, roofless Formula V with a toile fabric seat and back, one speedster, racing toward a top-five finish at Mon- has a great look going on. At home dello race track in Ireland or Pembrey in the UK. lots of color, chintz, art and antiques It isn’t typically the place to find a Sotheby’s- of every period and genre, it was not pedigreed, highly educated gentleman with staid by any means - my mother knew diverse feathers in his cap – like classic fabric how to work it." and wallpaper designer, antiques appraiser, poet and filmmaker.

In the 1990s, Matthews decided to follow the likes of race legends Jackie Stewart and Mi- chael Schumacher. “Like every red-blooded male, after studying and seeing the world a bit, it’s time to knuckle down and figure out what you want to do. I was in Hong Kong at the time, looking out at Kowloon Bay, when I said, ‘I’d really love to be a race car driver.’ I had to create a business to fund racing, because no one would sponsor an unknown.” He competed for a handful of years, always finishing in the top five. But “I started thinking of other aspira-

126 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 127 The Fashion Designer lights “the art of the person and their envi- "Art has no bounds, an eye does not stop - ronment. Five people, from age 10 to 70, how could it? Like history, there are many are interviewed: A schoolboy from a bro- reasons which lead up to the event. Fash- ken home wants to be a jockey, a new ion is a part of life and of home. It's how boarding school girl discovers she has 32 we choose to live, there are daring sides to sisters, a choir boy realizes he’ll never sing soulful sides," said Brinsley, who also designs again, an Italian grandmother is proud luxury handbags when he's not designing of her life, a monk offers an oasis. A com- fabric or wallpaper. "It's not about nailing mon theme became transparent in the it - it's about expression, the cut and texture documentary – hard work. It takes work to of a garment are of equal importance. Fuss make grades, plant a garden or build a com- has no place in fashion, simplicity is key. A fortable home to share and experience,” he touch of flair adds gaiety, however simplic- says. “Each person has a true identity and is ity speaks louder." a positive, natural example of a successful life. Even though it was filmed in the depths The Filmmaker of winter, magical backgrounds just seemed With a curriculum vitae with such diverse ac- to present themselves - choppy waves, complishments as Formula V race car driver, moss-covered stones, tall dead grass, crisp Sotheby's collectibles expert, resort owner, skies and full moons.” A Weekend 'About Town' bag for him. fashion, fabric and wallpaper designer, and poet, one might think it humanly impossible With all he has attained, Brinsley still harbors to add anything more. But, then again, Brin- a love for race driving. “When I wind down sley Matthews is no ordinary man. In 2015, a little more, in the later years,” he promises, he added yet another genre to his reper- “I shall race again – in the Monte Carlo toire – documentary filmmaker. In Ireland, he Classic Car Rally." directed “Under An Irish Sky.” The film high-

Brinsley Matthews in the Palm Beach workroom where he designs fabrics.

his creativity and was much involved in the de- Brinsley’s works speak for themselves, from man of many talents The Christmas Children’s Hunt at Lady Dunraven’s in County Limerick during filming of The master artisan has co-owned a resort sign of The Greenbrier, WV, The Grand Hotel, MI, the restored Royal Palace in Lithuania to the "Under An Irish Sky." hotel in Ireland, designed and sold furnish- The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach and The Stoneligh lavish 2008 Academy Awards: Designed and ings, accessories and handbags , and earned Hotel and Ritz Towers in Dallas. To Brinsley, color decorated the Green Room. Millicent is a double bamboo handled model praise for his career at Sotheby’s. Softly spo- is key. “Colors should always bring a freshness, The Poet in a mandarin color of full grain leather, for mood, offering harmony or contrast to give which is undoubtedly a sophisticated hand- ken, with a charming Irish accent and infec- Richard Brinsley Sheridan each other recognition. Colors are like human bag whose timeless beauty and unsurpassed tious laugh, Brinsley declines to brag, though would be proud to know personalities, they have to have depth, a bright- elegance will catch attention at a glance. he certainly has much to boast about. that his namesake is also ness, or be subtle to be interesting. When I’m The interior is very roomy with a full red It was serendipity, perhaps, that drew Brinsley a published poet. Brinsley creating a wallpaper or fabric, the art of story- suede lining plus a wall zippered pocket and to Carleton Varney, president of Dorothy Drap- Matthews' book, called telling develops. Yes, no man is an island, and smartphone pocket. er & Co. of New York. “I met him in an antiques “Lands Shared,” includes nothing should float alone. For me, work is a store in London,” said Brinsley. “I just happened a foreword by Desmond joy,” said Matthews. The Varney-Matthews duo to be in the store, too.” They quickly found that Guinness, founder of the Irish Georgian attend to every detail when remodeling a ho- “what I had done and what Carleton had done Society. Critics rave that Matthews' poetry tel “from the menus to the buttons on the uni- were a perfect match.” Today, as director of de- is uplifting for all. forms to the matchbox covers.” sign and operations, he is forever immersed in A scene in "Under An Irish Sky": A boyhood life by Lough Sheelin.

128 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 129 UFIZZI UFIZZI

130 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 131 beautiful and shaggy haired, with down- cast black eyes. He was at once humble, Reimagining polite and gracious. Everything about his demeanor belied the fact that I was ob- serving a modern master. As we became Renaissance familiar with each other over the course of the next few days, the magic inherent in his work came brilliantly to light in his persona. Art Through We walked through the streets of Havana laughing and playing games. We found faces in chipped paint on horribly dilapi- dated historic homes, pretending to be The Eyes Of their owners and giggling about the apartments we would take on the Malecon while “they” put in our pool. We each drank A Young a beer and ate popcorn while staring out at the sea and imagining Miami, impossibly, just there on the other side of the horizon. Cuban Since then, I have come to know Luis well. He is a gentle and loyal creature from another place and time, far more comfortable in the surreal landscapes and esoteric Millennial worlds of his mind than this one. “I am not interested in reality, at all,” young Luis said. “I want to explore magical realms, Painter dreamlike realities and the spiritual planes By Stacey Conde, of the highly evolved. In my work, I wish to Curator of Conde ContemporarY show a world which exists outside of this concrete and material world. I want to ex- La Ironia de un Idilio Toledo del Rio plore the soul.” Meet the Family of Artists Luis Enrique Toledo del Rio was born into he first time I met Luis Enrique a Habanero, but then, Luis Enrique is from a family of artists on October 31, 1989. His Toledo del Rio was in Havana Santa Clara. In his effort to be respect- father, Enrique Toledo, is an accomplished when, as promised, he col- ful, I read him as sterile and humorless. painter whose work resides in the perma- Despues de el Ocaso Tlected me from the airport. Prior to that, I was wrong. nent collection of the Vatican, his grand- our conversations had all taken place via Getting to Know Luis mother a published poet and author, and email. His writing was formal, stilted and Standing before me at Jose Marti Interna- his mother an actress in children’s theatre. completely devoid of the witty slang and tional Airport was a 26-year-old man-child, Luis graduated from Leopoldo Romañach “chispa” (spark) you might expect from

132 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 133 forest spoke, it could tell us all that has happened since the beginning of time,” Luis said.

Rather than call his work surreal, which it certainly is, Luis borrows from literature and refers to his paintings as examples of magical realism. One wonders if in this we see the influence of his grandmother.

Apart from the fantastic and magical elements alive in his paintings, what strikes me most about Luis Enrique’s work is his un- wavering patience, attention to detail and AIRPORT technique. This young man has the hand of an old world master. His subjects seem to exude a light from within, a living flame even, reflected in the opalescence of their skin. This achievement is clearly by design.

I recall visiting El Museo Nacional de Bel- las Artes with Luis. We were on the side exhibiting exclusively Cuban artists, in the portrait gallery. Luis moved from painting to painting, completely obsessed by the skin. He pointed out the talents of each of the various artists, their technique, how they achieved such light in the skin. “Someday…” he said, “…someday I hope to achieve this.” That day has come.

Since entering the global market, Luis’ work has doubled in value and resides in collections across the U.S., in Canada and Mexico. Mistress of Destiny SUPPORT friends of as a professor of fine art, like his father Renaissance iconography to depict life and uffizi gallery before him. He tried teaching for a short space in terms and forms outside of the ordi- Luis Enrique Toledo del Rio is represented by time, until ultimately deciding the path nary. His influences are clearly Renaissance Conde Contemporary, an art gallery in Mi- wasn’t his. Luis Enrique took up paint- with a nod toward the Gothic. He cites his ami specializing in contemporary Cuban art. ing full time on moving to Havana with father as his greatest professor. Luis Enrique and Conde Contemporary have his best friend and brilliant realist painter The Young Master’s Vision generously agreed to donate 30 percent of Darian Rodriguez Mederos. The vast majority of the artist’s paintings take all proceeds of works featured in Toledo del Rio’s work, “…opens virtual doors place in a mythical forest. I asked him why. this article to The Friends of Uffizi, to unseen worlds…” the worlds of his “interi- “The forest has always been here. It is ancient, an organization dedicated to the or” as he says. He uses objects, symbols and magic and holds forgotten memories. If the restoration of some of the world’s greatest treasures in fine art.

134 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 135 Paredes combines themes in nature - ori- known for blending painted bodies that studied landscape painting and portraiture gins, camouflage, transformation and her appear to disappear into an outdoor scene. drawing, which still heavily influences my body - to acquire multiple identities with camouflage work.” “By incorporating the body painting into a a blend of sculptural recreations and pho- physical landscape, I blur the line of reality for Merry's unconventional ‘flesh canvas’ brings tography. Each element reminds one that both the viewer and the subject,” said Merry, obstacles to overcome. humans are but one element in nature, of whose UK model Kyle James (below) posed which the body is pristine expression. “Fleeting nature can cause challenges, like fully painted in front of Modern Wonders running or cracking paint,” she said. “It is “The backgrounds in my photographs of the World. She says this “guerrilla-style” technically very difficult to paint on a per- symbolize a place I have lived, some with approach is common to much of her work. son since the body is three-dimensional, flowers, some with patterns, related to “I grew up in Seattle during the grunge and because I often sculpt together multi- a personal story," said Paredes, who first movement and moved to the Silicon Val- ple bodies, camouflage hard lined architec- paints the back side of a model, photo- ley in 1992,” Merry said. “I was actively in- ture onto curvy, soft bodies or create work graphs it, and then has another artist re- fluenced by and involved in the environ- from a single perspective.” paint it on her back for the final image. ments surrounding me that were driven In Merry’s latest series, Lost in Wonder, the “My mother would listen to Chopin while I by some of the defining elements of these artist traveled to the Modern Wonders was playing around her as a young girl and periods: rebellion, pioneering innovation of the World. She toured each location to I think it influenced me since I was forming and take-it-all attitudes. My parents sup- ‘observe the architecture, decay, energy of expressions at a tender age. In kindergarten, ported me and placed me in art classes at the people and effects of tourism.’ Merry I was already looking at things in a different San Jose Museum of Art in high school. I way and doing strange looking collages. Growing up in Peru, one is influenced by an visual wealth of history, art, crafts, tradition and religion, and that indents your subcon- scious and comes out when creating art.”

Curious, I asked Paredes why she doesn’t typically show her face “The face is the pro- tagonist and the character I interpret is usu- Cecelia Paredes: Rhythmic Garland ally expressing feelings with hands or movement and does not need more. I do leave a bit of skin when camouflaging, as an anchor The Art of to reality.” For Paredes, whose work has been exhibited at museums worldwide, one situation was especially memorable. “We were preparing for an outdoor performance,” she said. “It was ready to snow. Everyone was bitterly cold and short of patience. It was 6 a.m. in the open forest. I was posing as a By Robin Jay bird on a branch. Seconds before the shoot, a deer came into the scene. He looked at One of my favorite covers of South Florida Cecelia Paredes: Vanishing in Wallpaper us, smelled me and peacefully left. We re- Opulence featured a stunning painting of what Peruvian-born Paredes studied fine arts at the Catholic University of mained speechless. It was a gift, a reward, appeared to be the alluring face of a blue-eyed Lima and at Cambridge Arts in the United Kingdom. She now works pure magic!” leopard. The uniquely textured cover turned between Lima and Philadelphia. “I came to the United States for true To see more of Paredes' artwork, go to heads like crazy. But what really surprised our love in 2004 – when I married opera composer Jay Reise.” readers was when we noted the image wasn’t a www.ruizhealyart.com. You might call Paredes a wallflower. She is best known for cam- leopard at all – but rather an illusion painted on Trina Merry: Vanishing into EXPERIENCE THE LIVING ILLUSION OF CRAIG TRACY ouflaging herself into fancifully papered walls (see image above). a naked woman by one of the world’s premiere Worldly Landscapes “I wrap, cover or paint my body with the same pattern of the mate- body painters, Craig Tracy, who is legally blind. Trina’s work caught my eye when I learned rial and represent myself as part of that landscape. Through this act, she had studied under the great Craig Tracy. In response to readers' requests, it's time for a follow-up story on a I am working on the theme of building my own identification with She lives and works in New York and is best new trend in body painting: The Art of Making a Human Vanish. Here the part of the world where I call home.” you'll meet three amazing artists from around the world.

136 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 137 so my smart mother painted the entire staircase of our three-floor house with murals – and saved our home.

“Communist Bulgaria was a gray world. Daily hours with- You’re only as out water or electricity and long lines for sugar or oil were normal. At home was a different world. We had a library with books in many languages. My mother taught me about different minorities and cultures. My father was good as the a poet and writer. They gave me huge freedoms. All of the room walls were my canvas. I was allowed to paint on them with whatever I wanted. The lack of things can be the best food for inspiration...so was my family. My mother’s father was counsel you keep. a documentary filmmaker, one of the few people allowed to leave the country. I thought if he could find a way out of the system, I would also travel the world. My grandmother and Legal Counsel to Community Associations Since 1977 aunt were on the jury of ballet festivals. I played piano for 10 years, the language of my soul. My mother painted theatrical stages and costumes. They all influenced me. Chaos and Order “At age 20, I followed the adventure in my chest and moved to Vienna, Austria, to later returned with the model to create the Bella Volen: blending art, study painting," Volen said. “My work is like a painted photography. poetry & music symphony played by an orchestra, or a tree Bulgaria native Bella Volen is passionate “I wanted to understand what makes a place in the fog creating sounds of an orchestra. about her craft (shown above). “Art is my life – ‘great’. Why do these physical structures go It is complex. One of the most important my dreams, my hopes, my breath. down in history? At tourist sites, there are goals in my art is the impact on the ob- It's the only thing which can`t hurt me. visual consumers ‘taking’ from this environ- server. I want every age group and origin to I was born in Sofia, the capital, in 1982, ment without appreciating the history and enjoy it. My painted canvases are colorful, a very hard time for intellectual people culture of the people who made these struc- my painted bodies are dressed in patterns, who didn’t want to be stuck in a commu- tures. I was amazed so many people idealize they are not naked. I cherish old traditions, nist society, where almost everything was these places but leave with only selfies. They new ideas, style and knowledge. In times forbidden,” Volen said. “The government looked... lost,” Merry said. “Artists are culture of conflict, the world needs more beauty, was taking away people’s houses to make makers, so I couldn’t approach this trip the more art, more music.” same way. We ‘made’ a picture and gave en- kindergartens. Two houses next to ours To enjoy more of Bella Volen’s creativity, go ergy back to these places.” were taken, and they wanted our house, Offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach to www.bella-volen.com. too. If a house had some kindTrina of Merry cultural To see more of Trina Merry’s artwork, go to Main Office: Suntrust Plaza, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1100, Coral Gables, FL 33134 heritage, the government couldn'tInstanbul take it, www.trinamerryartist.com. 800-737-1390 | www.srhl-law.com

138 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016

SR ads 1pg Opulence.indd 3 10/28/15 3:14 PM n this era of visual stimulation, photographers must continuously raise the bar on special effects in order to compel their spectators. But if you think such achievements are limited Photomicrography to the intuitive hands of computer- Igenerated filmmakers like J.J. Abrams or Where Science & Art Converge George Lucas, think again. Advances in digital photomicrography are now shin-

By Robin Jay ing the spotlight on the authentic talents of none other than Mother Nature and the scientists and engineers who’ve designed Live-cell digital imaging gives a whole new meaning to an the technology to capture the mindbog- “inside look” at anatomy, worthy of gracing walls of a fine gling images she creates. If you’re an art enthusiast, study the imag- art gallery. es in this layout and tell us what you see? Can you detect the anglerfish ovary, the bird of paradise seed, the soap film or the honeybee eye and pollen spores? Judges at the annual Nikon Small World Photo- micrography competition can – and have been for longer than you might imagine. The scientific camera capabilities have become so advanced and the images so fascinating, that the four-decades-old competition is now attracting art collectors. South Florida Opulence sat down with Eric Flem at Nikon Instruments for a truly inside look at this fascinating genre of photography.

“There have been huge advancements over the past years in microscopy and related imaging,” said Flem. “One of the biggest leaps forward has occurred with the advent of digital imaging. Microscopy has been around since the 1600s, and imaging what was seen under the scope evolved along with camera technology. From early days of literally sketching what was seen [such as the famous anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci], to attaching film cameras to the equipment, and most recently digital cameras.

“However, the digital camera has opened new realms to the scientist that has not Dr. Bernardo Cesare Mr. Charles Krebs been previously available and not re- Department of Geosciences Charles Krebs Photography ally applicable to consumer and artistic Padova, Italy Issaquah, Washington, USA photography. Digital cameras use digital Graphite-bearing granulite from Kerala Chrysochroa buqueti (jewel beetle) carapace, near eye data to create an image. And by do- (India) (2.5x) Polarized light Diffused, Reflected Illumination 45x ing so, this has allowed for much more sensitive scientific imaging equipment, but also has allowed further advance-

140 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 141 Ralph Claus Grimm (1st Place 2015) Jimboomba, Queensland, Australia Eye of a honey bee (Apis mellifera) covered in dandelion pollen (120x) Reflected Light

Karl Deckhart, Eckental, Germany Soap film (25x) Top Image: James Hayden The Wistar Institute Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA “An excellent example would be fluores- Anglerfish ovary cence, which uses fluorescent dyes that Two-channel Autofluorescence are triggered by certain wavelengths of light. These dyes are attached to the various parts of the sample being studied. Once these cells are hit with the Left: Viktor Sykora, biomedical researcher certain wavelength of light, the section at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the they are attached to lights up. This technol- Charles University in Prague. This bird ogy has greatly enabled the research com- of paradise seed image won 5th place in Begonia crassicaulis plant taken on a scanning microscope munity to see things not previously visible, the 2010 Nikon Photomicrography Small by Viktor Sykora, biomedical researcher at the 1st Faculty and apply this basic concept to a host of World Competition. of Medicine of the Charles University in Prague. new techniques and technologies. This has given scientists a great leap forward in their ability to see and analyze their respective ment by utilizing the digital image as DATA “Although many of the Small World be considered or necessary for conven- fields of study.” rather than simply as a means to create a competition entries – like convention- tional photography. The microscope ample is a scanning electron microscope One photographer who has won multiple photomicrography books: Secrets of Plants visual image. This has allowed for the crea- al photography – are captured by art- business is quite unique in that development microphoto of begonia crassicaulis taken awards at the photomicrography competi- and Invisible Human World. "And because tion of imagery using the data pulled from ists striving for visual expression, the of new and cutting-edge equipment and by Sykora (shown on previous page). tion is Viktor Sykora, a biomedical researcher my hobby is photography, I try to connect the image and literally allowed scientists majority of microscopy (and the technol- techniques requires the expertise and at the 1st Faculty of Medicine of the Charles Judges at the Nikon Small World competi- science and art in my work. I'm constantly to see beyond what can be visually seen in ogy that goes with it) is designed with a goal collaboration between the research com- University in Prague. "One of the amazing tion score entries based on technical merit, seeking new ways to view the world. ” a subject. to SEE things better and the ability to munity and the engineers that build this features of scientific work is that it often scientific relevance, and visual impact. To see analyze what they do see. “The overall goal of photography through equipment. Frequently, these people work reveals to us new, fascinating and beau- The photomicrographs could be also taken the tremendous gallery of past winners and the microscope is different from conven- “This circumstance creates technologies together to innovate, develop and bring tiful views of the world around us," said by other methods than light microscopy other fascinating photomicrography artistic tional photography,” Flem explained. for imaging that would not normally even to market new equipment technology.” Sykora, who has published two scholarly used in Small World contest. One such ex- specimens, go to nikonsmallworld.com.

142 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 143 from the general public, he has graciously rent Mongolian government has suddenly allowed them to be displayed in his local called for the immediate seizure and return museums at times, and had already prom- of these fossils, despite their public sale at ised them to a permanent home in the U.S. auction houses (which had their own le- Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. The gal research with an opposite stance on the fossils were a hobby for him to share with matter) for decades, and their open sale on DINOSAURBy Steven Joseph GEsTAPO his children, and he is part of a larger com- the markets under previous governments munity of non-scientific fossil collectors who in the past. They did so in an unusual and ince the very first hunter-gather- stamps, memorabilia, cultural artifacts, or Of course this scenario sounds extreme! share their treasures with academics such aggressive manner, possible only under ers stopped being nomadic and jewelry, almost everyone of us has some It sounds like gestapo tactics that could as the well-known Dr. Robert Bakker, the a “creative” interpretation of a 1934 U.S. settled in fertile areas, humans form of a collection that is uniquely special only happen in another country. But, that’s curator of the Beijing Museum, and other Customs law, in tandem with the Homeland Lavinsky T-Rex skull in storage have been collectors. Collectors and often shared within a peer community exactly how avid amateur fossil collector Dr. academics from museums around the world. Security enforcement of the Customs office. of food. Collectors of traditions. of like-minded collectors. And now we’re all Robert Lavinsky is describing it. See, Rob is to their newly found powers after being Lavinsky is not a fossil-dealer or amateur An Absurd Loophole Collectors of knowledge about in danger of the U.S. government breaking under siege from the Customs Office due merged into Homeland Security. Rob has paleontologist by trade, but his interest in Under a new loophole in the U.S. Customs Sour surroundings. As technology has ad- down our doors, and taking it back at the a fine private collections of fossils, all ob- science led him to start collecting fossils laws, a country can report these items as “sto- vanced, the things we have collected as a bequest of foreign countries. Loopholes in tained legally at auctions or on the open when his children were born as something len” and the U.S. government can then choose society have gone from needs to simply antiquated laws and aggressive interpreta- and public market at trade shows in to honor that claim without the burden of things that intrigue us. Whether it be coins, tion of the laws meant originally and spe- Denver and Tucson [see the inset of proof, and initiate a seizure. Homeland Se- cifically for the seizure of narcotics assets the actual auction description from This case isn't simply curity has cited the National Stolen Prop- are being used to seize collectibles from which he purchased the T-Rex skull]. erty Act and sent letters to Rob and other law-abiding, taxpaying citizens. But the issue isn’t how Rob came about fossils, but anything collectors requesting they voluntarily relin- into possession of the dinosaur quish their fossils. The letter also warns that bones in the USA, or even how they of value from the earth “any other attempt to conceal, sell, transfer, Snapshot of auction book entry entered the USA, so much as the fos- or otherwise dispose of the stolen artifacts sils’ origins. from another country. may be a violation of U.S. law.” “Suddenly Not Just a One- dealers and collectors are running scared. Time Incidence What's to stop African na- The amateur market is completely drying Rob isn’t alone in his plight. “Dr Jim up. People are afraid to sell or display any- Godwin, a 74-year-old anesthesiolo- tions from passing a law thing, regardless of provenance such as an gist and fossil collector in Texas, was auction house, and this hurts everybody pulled from a surgery two years ago. about removal of gold or including the scientists and the museums,” Seven SWAT agents with guns showed Rob laments. up at his hospital to threaten him with diamonds, then instituting Lavinsky’s plight first began when he charges in front of his patients and received a strongly-worded letter sent staff, and escorted him forcibly home to his home from the U.S. Attorney to seize his skull (one like mine but search-and-seizure for all General. In a speech to the public after smaller), although his other fossils (like Rob’s (and DiCaprio’s and Cage’s) letter mine) remain under threat still,” said jewelry in the U.S.? was sent, the USAG called private col- Lavinsky. lectors “Rapists of the Earth. They (the According to a former head of natural history collectors) hide them (the fossils) from sci- to share with them and leave as a legacy. at Chait Auction House and Bonhams Auction ence, and we are losing out because of this.” ¹ “Nothing I have is a secret,” he says. And his House and other authorities, other collectors The USAG then made remarks stating how collection is “not about the money. I have in the same position include the well-known honored he was to repatriate the people of never done this for business.” fossils owned by Phil Mickelson, Nicholas Mongolia with previously seized fossils. “The Cage, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Who is next? But a portion of Lavinsky’s collection in- people of Mongolia can now restore them Our national museums? cludes dinosaur bones that were discovered and display them…(they are) astonishing and dug up in Mongolia. Mongolia has a symbols of Mongolian national pride.” ¹ But The Background strict policy today about the exportation of without the work and money of private col- Lavinsky’s multimillion dollar collection anything removed from the ground. Howev- lectors and the expeditions their purchases contains exciting specimens that span the er, fossils for open sale in the USA have been finance, these fossils would still be in Mon- globe, from Montana to Mongolia. And sold for decades here. And recently, the cur- golia. In the ground. rather than selfishly hoard these bones

144 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 145 Our dedicated experts understand the needs of community associations.

government is citing Mongolian laws to validate taking these fossils back from U.S. citizens who bought in the fair and open marketplace within the USA.

The Mongolian constitutional law upon which the case is based is itself antiquated and being manipulated by the USAG as a flimsy attempt at setting a dangerous legal Nicholas Cage bidding on a dinosaur specimen precedent. The law was enacted in 1924 when Mongolia was raided by the Soviet nations.² The Chinese Civil War left Mongolian borders unprotected When recalling the USAG’s words, more have been civil,” he said. “If the government and the U.S.S.R. invaded and pillaged private property. or less echoed in newspaper articles from had just come to me and said, ‘Hey, here’s the This is the equivalent of using the Second Amendment promotional events where U.S. officials give money you paid for the fossil back, it was al- (the Right to Bear Arms, as at the time the United States American citizens’ items to foreign govern- legedly exported illegally, and we apologize for population needed to arm itself against the British) as an ments, Lavinsky laughs with cynicism and the inconvenience but another country wants excuse to hoard chemical weapons. disgust. “There aren’t enough scientifically- it back and we will mediate a fair compensa- Retroactive Regulation Contact our South funded digs by professional paleontologists tion for repatriation as with any other art field,’ The big picture issue at hand is that this is not simply Florida Relationship to possibly discover everything out there. The I would have given up immediately. But now about fossils, but potentially anything of value that at Manager: scientific community needs amateur collec- I’m embroiled in what could be a multimillion some point came from the earth or from another coun- tors to help get these fossils out of the ground. dollar lawsuit against the government who try and was once traded openly in the USA. Combined Rebecca R. Prieto, V.P. The truly injured party here is the American has an unlimited budget and seems to be act- with Homeland Security’s newfound power, and un- offi ce: 786-953-1221 Popular Association Banking serves the community taxpayer, paying for Homeland Security to ing to enforce foreign laws (from the 1920s) on der the new interpretation of the laws here (primarily cell: 305-206-0170 association industry exclusively. We offer: spend tens of millions of dollars chasing fossils U.S. soil.” a customs law dating to 1934 called the “customs carve [email protected] which were sold in the open market in the U.S. U.S. Attorneys Citing out” provision),³ what is to stop the African nations from • Financing for building repairs and capital under existing U.S. law to fair buyers.” Lavin- Mongolian Law (Not passing a law about the removal of gold or diamonds improvement projects sky is referring to the legal battle he is now U.S. Law) from their borders, then instituting a search-and-seizure ensnared in over ownership of his fossils, • Competitive fi xed rates with terms up to 15 years In arguing against the claimants’ motions for all jewelry in the U.S. that contains such things from a topic that quickly makes his blood boil. • Insurance premium fi nancing up to 100% to dismiss these seizures, the government’s before they specifically banned them? And a search- The Irony lawyers liken their case to that of a previ- and-seizure backed by, and paid for by, the U.S. govern- • Excess FDIC insurance coverage limits available “So here’s the rub. I can’t even sue for own- ously allowed seizure in which customs ment? How about the tribal masks displayed in many with ICSSM and CDARS®1 homes as decorative art? Or the Egyptian artifacts grac- ership of the fossil. The fossil itself is the de- forms were doctored and the item was In addition, cash management and fendant in the suit. Eventually I can legally in- smuggled out of the country. In that case, ing the walls of many of our museums? “This is retroac- lockbox services are also available. tervene as a ‘friend of the fossil,’ but currently the laws violated were not of the country of tive regulation,” Lavinsky said, “They’ve dropped a nucle- this is a case of the U.S. (funded by the tax- origin, but of the United States. The lawyers ar bomb on a hobby that’s passionate about educating payer) versus the fossil (whose defense is also then repeatedly cite the 1924 constitution and sharing the beauty and inspiration of science with funded by the taxpayer). And if the U.S. wins, as well as the 2002 Criminal Code of the our country and the world.” The U.S. has started another the fossil is returned to Mongolia where U.S. Law of Mongolia to assert their legal right war, and it’s a war that “no one is winning.” Least of all, citizens would never be able to see it.” to reclaim the fossils. But this isn’t a case of the taxpayer who funds these witch hunts. And there Mongolia versus the United States in some will be more if this is not challenged. The controversy has Lavinsky questioning not neutral location which recognizes every References: just the art of collecting, but the entire gov- country’s individual laws. The United States 1Prepared Remarks for U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara Dinosaur www.AssociationBankers.com ernment he supports. “This whole thing could Repatriation Ceremony, July 10, 2014 2Case 1:12-cv-04760-PKC Document 12 Filed 08/17/12 1. CDARS is a registered service mark of 3Case 1:12-cv-04760-PKC Document 16 Filed 09/04/12 Promontory Interfi nancial Network, LLC. ICS is a service mark of Promontory Interfi nancial Network, LLC. ©2016 Banco Popular North America. Member FDIC. 146 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Could One American Family’s America as early as 1307, beating Columbus by almost two centuries, DNA Trace to the and told about sites in both the United States and Europe linking the Knights to cryptic symbols that Wolter suggests represent a connection to Jesus’ bloodline.

What is the connection? Some have claimed that Scotland's firstG rand Master Mason William St. Clair and his descendants were members of the Knights Templar. The idea was that not only were the St. Clairs the Knights Templar & keepers of the Holy Grail, they were the Grail itself by virtue of suppos- edly being descendants from the bloodline of Jesus. Believers in this ideology came to this conclusion by way of Mary, Jesus' mother, who was known as Santa Mara della rosa. With Jesus being called 'the rose of Sharon,' the followers link them to the Sinclairs of Roslin, which they have deciphered as the Rose line. These theorists believe that Jesus had a child with Mary Magdalene and that this would have created a family the Holy Bloodline? bloodline with a St. Clair surname. This is also the controversial plot line By Jana Soeldner Danger in Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code.

But, St. Clair hastens to say, there is no real evidence of a child fathered by ike many people, Steve St. Clair want- Jesus. “There are those who are chasing that fantasy, but there’s nothing ed to trace his ancestry. But little did to support it,” he said. “I’m interested in fact, not fantasy. But just because he know that his search would lead to I haven’t seen any evidence of a Jesus/Mary bloodline doesn’t keep me solid evidence that his family is directly from being curious about it.” linked to the Knights Templar, a powerful ancient order mentioned in the popular Unclear Origins L Some people think the idea of the child might have started with the novel The Da Vinci Code by best-selling author Dan Brown. Some people believe, as the novel Masons (a fraternal organization that traces its roots to stone mason intimates, that there is a connection between guilds in the 14th century), St. Clair said. Others believe it might have the Templars and a child born to Jesus and begun with the book, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, which was published in Mary Magdalene. the 1980s. Confronting Mortality Photo credit: Matthew Usher Matthew Photo credit: St. Clair’s search began soon after 9/11. The New Steve St. Clair visited Castle Acre York marketing executive had plans to go into Priory to research his ancestry. the city that day, but something came up that changed his mind. Afterwards, he realized he probably would have been killed if not for that seemingly simple decision. “It brought me in touch with my own mortality,” he said. “I decided I didn’t want to die without learning my own history.” Gathering Stories His first step was to send his grandfather a tape recorder. “He recorded hours of stories and family connections,” St. Clair said. “It taught me a lot about the decisions our family made and the mistakes they made.”

After listening to the tape, he couldn’t wait to search further into his family history. “I was hooked,” he said.

He began a quest to track his genealogy that took him to French abbeys, castles in Scotland, and many other distant locations While St. Clair was in France, he visited a sculpture done by a 15th century where he pieced together the history of the St. Clairs. Eventu- artist that stands in the St. Remi Basilica. The statue depicts several people ally, his story was featured in a two-part episode of “America standing over the body of Jesus after his crucifixion. St. Clair says the central Unearthed,” a TV show hosted by forensic geologist Scott Wolter figure is Mary Magdalene, and her large belly suggests that she is pregnant. on the History Channel. The program disclosed evidence that On the platform holding the body of Jesus is a Templar cross. some members of the Knights Templar may have come to

148 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 149 While St. Clair was in France with Wolter, the two visited a The two were indeed connected. St. Clair then opened his French family known as the Counts of Champagne, a French noble- He finally had the proof he had been seeking. sculpture done by a 15th century artist that stands in the St. Remi DNA study to Sinclairs all over the world to try to un- man named Hugues de Payens began the order with eight of his The De Vauxs and the St. Clairs had a common ancestor who lived in Basilica. It seems to suggest there was interest in the idea during derstand family connections even to those knighted relatives. Their goal was to protect Christian pilgrims as they the 1100s, and the two families lived near to each other in Normandy that era, and St. Clair has a photo of the statue posted on his web- who lived in the medieval era, including traveled to visit holy sites in Jerusalem. during the 1200s. Both had donated money to St. Martins des Champs site. It depicts several people standing over the body of Jesus after the Knights Templar. In the year 1129, the Knights were sanctioned by the Church in Paris, a French abbey where the Order of Templar had strong influ- his crucifixion.T he central figure is Mary Magdalene, and her large “Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code was and, as a result, gained power and influence.T hey became very ence. Wanting to see the site for himself, St. Clair flew toF rance, where belly suggests that she is pregnant. On the platform holding the actually bad for our family,” he successful at raising funds, and they sought donations of money he did further research using primary source documents from the era. body of Jesus is a Templar cross. said. “It furthered a myth which and land, as well as commitments from young men to join the “The Normans kept very precise written records,” he said. Separating Fact From Fantasy had zero supporting evidence. Order. A donor’s reward was the assurance of a place in heaven. During the 13th century, both the De Vauxs and the St. Clairs moved But St. Clair was interested in his own personal genealogy, not the It put the focus on fantasy rather New members of the Order took oaths of obedience, chastity, pi- to the same area of Scotland, where the De Vauxs donated Fidra plot of a novel or the musings of medieval artists. He wanted to than the facts, which are, by them- ety and poverty. They were also required to give all their earthly Island to Dryburgh Abbey, a place closely associated with the Sin- know where he came from, because his past is responsible for who selves, quite interesting. I discovered goods to the monastic brotherhood. clairs. Written records of the transaction exist, and the St. Clairs are he is now. “I became incredibly focused on getting it done, and it’s that our family back in medieval England listed as witnesses, also a definite sign that the families were related. been quite a journey,” he said. was quite powerful and influential. We moved in In 1139, the Church gave the Knights Templar even more power. “People back then changed their names according to the proper- very important circles. We got into Scotland in 1162, They were allowed to pass freely across borders, paid no taxes, So like many others, he started hunting for connec- ties they lived on, but their DNA was the same,” he said. and the same direct bloodline of our family still and were subject to no authority except the Pope. During the tions and clues. “When I first began searching, I got owns that land.” Crusades, the Templars were an elite fighting force, although not Many Rewards back to the year 1822 and got stuck,” he said. all the members were soldiers. Many took on a supporting role, Tracing genealogy has many rewards, and a DNA test is a good The Order of Looking for a way to move forward, he de- raising funds for those who were engaged in battle. way to start, St. Clair said. “The results tell you actual people you the Knights cided to do a DNA test using the website match with, and you can contact them and continue your search. Templar The St. Clair Connection Family Tree DNA. He also persuaded a man Exactly who were the By the time St. Clair began his research, there was already plen- “If you have a surname that goes back to Normandy, England or Scot- named Stan St. Clair to do a DNA test as Knights Templar? ty of conjecture about the family’s connections to the Templars. land, you should look through the medieval records and see if you find well. “I was simply trying to prove whether But there was no real evidence, and he realized he might be able your surname with other names together donating land to the same or not I was connected to Stan’s line, because Their history dates back to use DNA to find some. abbeys,” he continued. “If you find this, then chances are you are a di- he had a solid paper trail to a man named Al- to the 12th century, soon rect descendant of those medieval people. Ancient records matches exander Sinkler, a 1698 immigrant from Scot- after the first Crusade. It turned out that DNA was indeed the key to the puzzle. plus DNA matches are as good as it gets in extreme genealogy.” land,” St. Clair said. “My own study had holes in Backed by a powerful During the search, he found that the St. Clairs were directly related He added, “DNA alone is just a string of numbers. But testing it from the 1800s.” to a family named De Vaux, and that its members had been in- combined with records research tells you very precisely when Hugues de Payens, a French nobleman, was the volved with the Templars. “It changed everything for me,” he said. co-founder and first Grand Master of the Knights you share common ancestors.” “It crystalized the fact that we were connected to those families.” Templar. He began the order with eight of his knighted relatives. Their goal was to protect Knowing the Connections Christian pilgrims as they traveled to visit holy sites Knowing the truth about his family and separating it from myth has in Jerusalem. In 1129, the Knights were sanctioned brought him a great deal of satisfaction. “It’s a real pleasure to know by the Church. I connect to particular families and particular times, and to really know the history of those families,” he said. “The fact that I’m here today is the result of the things they did and the decisions they made. The search honors those ancestors.”

He’s glad he sent that tape recorder to his grandfather, the decision that started his genealogical journey. “Every generation should sit down and write their stories,” he said. “Sooner or later there’s going to be someone like me who wants them, and the stories should be there for them.”

To see more about the research Steve St. Clair did on his family, visit his website at stclairresearch.com/content/ Sinclair-Templar-Proof

During the 13th century, both the De Vauxs and the St. Clairs moved to the same area of Scotland, where the De Vauxs donated Fidra Island to Dryburgh Abbey, a place closely associated with the Sinclairs. Written records of the transaction exist, and the St. Clairs are listed as witnesses, also a definite sign that the families were related.

150 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 151 Deputy Grand Master Akram Elias poses in front of the Pillars of Charity 19 November, 2007 at the Supreme Council, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, USA in Washington, D.C. This monumental building in the nation’s capital has been the national headquarters of the Supreme Council since 1915. This Freemason lodge in Washington, D.C. was the one depicted in the Dan Brown novel "The Lost Symbol".

he lowly dollar bill is long A Dollar’s Worth Of History known to have arcane When the smaller size currency in our wallets made its debut symbolism incorporated with series 1928 Legal Tender and Silver Certificates, the older, into its design, and while larger size dollar bills (affectionately dubbed “horse blankets”) the average consumer is were replaced. The series 1928 reverse design is often called a Tfamiliar with its appearance, few are able “funny back” by collectors. This design was short lived and was to interpret the meanings contained replaced on series 1935 Silver Certificates by the more familiar therein. South Florida Opulence con- image we know today. tacted Mr. Akram Elias, a former Grand According to the Philadelphia Fed, the genesis for the reverse Master and widely recognized expert design change came in 1934 from then Secretary of Agriculture in Masonic symbolism, for a look at the various items that are Henry Wallace who was reading a feature on the Great Seal of the hidden in plain sight. It was Akram’s “Mother Lodge” (Potomac United States. He presented his idea to President and fellow Free- Lodge No. 5) in Washington, D.C. that was portrayed in the mason Franklin D. Roosevelt who was receptive and decided to Decrypting Dan Brown book The Lost Symbol.

The DBy Toddollar R. Sciore

1923 Legal Tender and Silver Certificates, the larger size dollar bills “Funny Back" reverse of a Series 1928-A $1.00 bill (affectionately dubbed “horse blankets”)

152 South Florida OPULENCE Spring 2016 Spring 2016 South Florida OPULENCE 153 condo law The all-seeing eye above the pyramid is an oft-used allusion to God, however“to Freemasonry, this symbol stands for the source of light and is referred to as the Grand HOAs, Condo Associations Must Architect, the Grand Geometrician, or Providence” Implement Safeguards to Prevent Election Fraud By Gary M. Mars

A recent case in Las Vegas has set a new bar a majority voting control of the boards in order the election meeting and determine whether for the heights to which criminals will go in to secure lucrative contracts once control was their ballot was counted or disallowed due to their efforts to defraud condo associations and obtained. Co-conspirators traveled to Mexico the submission of more than one ballot for HOAs for contracts worth millions of dollars. A to print phony ballots, used the master key at their unit. U.S. Justice Department investigation revealed a condominium complex in order to remove Board Integrity that 11 homeowners and condominium as- ballots from mailboxes, and retrieved discarded If association members believe that the integ- sociations in Las Vegas were defrauded of mil- ballots from a condominium’s dumpsters. rity of their board of directors has been com- lions of dollars in a board of directors takeover Community association boards control the promised, they should consult with highly scheme that took place from 2003 to 2009. purse strings of the communities that they experienced legal counsel in order to discuss Forty-one defendants were convicted as part govern, and they have been long-standing and determine their next steps. Election re- of the investigation. targets for unscrupulous board members. For calls, court appointed receivers, and other legal The Scandal Details those who own residences in condo and HOA actions are among the measures that can be The number one represents oneness and unity The eagle to the old world was a symbol of power…to the Founders of the United The defendants were accused of getting their communities, this board takeover scheme pursued, and criminal investigations by state States in the new world, the eagle became a symbol of freedom and independence straw unit buyers elected to community as- underscores the level of involvement and vigi- and federal law enforcement are also possibili- sociations’ boards of directors through forgery, lance that is necessary in order to help ensure ties that can come into play. bribery, ballot stuffing and dirty tricks, all with that their community associations avoid this replace the funny back with the more esoteric Great Seal of the purpose of preserving and/or building peace in this world”. Partner Gary M. Mars with the South Florida law the help of a Kung Fu grandmaster to intimi- type of fraud. United States. “By esoteric,” states Elias, “I mean the one dollar firm of Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La The all-seeing eye above the pyramid is an oft-used allusion to date wary board members. As disclosed under bill contains symbols that convey deep meanings which only the Unit owners should make every effort to vote Torre, Mars & Sobel has focused on community God, however “to Freemasonry, this symbol stands for the source his plea agreement, this martial arts expert ad- initiated eye can fully decipher. In fact, using the one dollar bill, in all elections and submit their own ballots, as association law since 1991. www.srhl-law.com, of light and is referred to as the Grand Architect, the Grand mitted that the conspirators would rig the as- one can explain the fundamentals of the Great Experiment as fraudsters may attempt to secure and utilize www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, 305-442-3334. Geometrician, or Providence.” One of the more overlooked sociations’ board of director elections by using envisioned and crafted by the Founding Fathers of the United forged ballots from those who do not normally Freemason symbols in the design is the arrangement of thirteen stolen and forged ballots so that they could win States.” vote in the elections. They should also attend five pointed stars over the eagle in the shape of a six pointed Symbolism Explained star. Thirteen stars represent the original colonies, however Ever wonder why George Washington is featured on the one Elias notes the “number five is very important in the language of dollar bill and not a higher denomination more befitting the symbols of Freemasonry” as it represents, among other things, Father of our country? Logic would figure it was because he was that “Freemasonry teaches that there are five classical (Greco- our first President, however “the number one represents one- Roman) orders of architecture, namely Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, ness and unity” which Elias indicates is why Washington “who Corinthian, and Composite”. The six pointed star, which is most successfully brought the diverse populations of the colonies commonly thought of as the Star of David, represents “the seal to form one union” is on its obverse. of King Solomon, the wise king in the Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam”. On the reverse you will find a prominently featured eagle. “The eagle to the old world was a symbol of power… to the Founders The next time you handle a dollar bill take a second to look at ANDY ARICLE of the United States in the new world, the eagle became a sym- The Great Seal of the United States on the reverse and know bol of freedom and independence.” There is also the concept that you are holding what Akram Elias feels is “the most esoteric of duality within the design as the eagle is holding both arrows piece of paper money that exists on the face of the earth” while (war) and an olive branch (peace) in its talons and in its beak a further adding that “The Great Seal is a constant reminder of banner with the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of Many, what the Great Experiment is all about. The Seal teaches to seek One). “Esoterically, this signifies that the United States will re- new and enlightened ways to solve old problems. Today, the main free and independent in this world as long as it strikes the United States faces trials domestically and internationally. How right balance between waging war and building peace.” Elias are we to go about tackling them? Let the Seal be a source of also noted that the eagle is facing the olive branch meaning inspiration, and never let history repeat itself”. that “unlike in the old world where nations waged war for the Sources purposes of conquest, enrichment and enslavement, in the new Paper Money Of The United States 20th Edition- by: Arthur L. and Ira world, the United States should go to war only for the higher S. Friedberg, published by Coin & Currency Institute, 2013.

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