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20 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 21 An aerial view of South Floridas Fisher Island overlooking Downtown Miami, South Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. Summer 2014.

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A World Apart Apart A World Apart BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS & BEACH CLUB ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPONORAL AS REPRESENTATIONSCORRECTLY STATING CANNOT REPRESENTATIONS BE RELIED UPON AS OF CORRECTLY THE DEVELOPER. STATING REPRESENTATIONS FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR MAKE CORRECT REFERENCE REPRESENTATIONS, TO THE DOCUMENTS MAKE REFERENCE REQUIRED TO THE DOCUMENTS BY SECTION REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS & BEACH CLUB 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, ORALTO BE REPRESENTATIONS FURNISHED BYFLORIDA A CANNOT DEVELOPER STATUTES, BE RELIED TO TO A BEUPONBUYER FURNISHED AS OR CORRECTLY LESSEE. 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No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan is filed with the BEACHBEACH | MARINA | MARINA | TENNIS | TENNIS | GOLF | GOLF | RESTAURANTS | RESTAURANTS & & BEACH BEACH CLUB and are based upon preliminaryFLORIDAORAL REPRESENTATIONS developmentSTATUTES, TO plans, BE CANNOT FURNISHEDORAL which REPRESENTATIONS BE are RELIED BYsubject A DEVELOPERUPON to change. ASCANNOT CORRECTLY TO This ABE BUYER isRELIED not STATING an ORUPON offering LESSEE. REPRESENTATIONSAS CORRECTLY in All any artist’s state STATING or in architectural OFwhich THE REPRESENTATIONS registration DEVELOPER. renderings, is FOR required OF sketches, CORRECTTHE DEVELOPER.but graphic in REPRESENTATIONS, which materials FOR registration CORRECT and photos MAKE REPRESENTATIONS,requirements depictedREFERENCE haveor otherwise TO MAKE not THE yet REFERENCE DOCUMENTS describedbeen met. 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Untitled-5 1 5/12/15 12:32 PM Untitled-1 1 4/1/15 4:42 PM

Untitled-1 1 Untitled-1 1 4/1/154/1/15 4:42 4:42PM PM SOUTH FLORIDA

36 82 99 Top FEATURES

44 The Man Behind Today’s Brigade of Gurkhas The World’s Finest Cigars

FORT LAUDERDALE’S ONLY NEW TRUE BEACHFRONT RESIDENCES

An exceptional development from the team behind many of South Florida’s most desirable properties, including Jade Beach, Jade Ocean, Murano Grande, and Apogee. With lifestyle amenities and services from the brand behind award-winning residential and resort destinations, including Esperanza, Auberge du Soleil, and Calistoga Ranch.

aubergebeach.com 954.908.2085

FORTUNE I N T E R N A T IO NA L Sales by RELATED REALTY in collaboration with FORTUNE DEVELOPMENT SALES G R O U P Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. 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. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units to residents of CT, ID, NY, NJ and OR, unless registered or exemptions are available, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the Prospectus for the Condominium and no statement should be relied upon if not made in the Prospectus. Developer (as is defined herein below) reserves the right to revise or modify designs and construction specifications. All depictions of appliances, fixtures, counters, soffits, wall coverings, floor coverings, furnishings, closets, and other matters of detail, including, without limitation, items of finish and decoration, are conceptual only and are not necessarily the final finishes and details included with the purchase of a Unit. The managing entities, operators, hotel operators, amenities, resort managers, spas, restaurants, and other features referred to are accurate as of the date of this publication; however, there is no guarantee that these will not change. Dimensions and square footage of the Units are approximate and may vary with actual construction. This Condominium is being developed by PRH Fairwinds, LLC (“Developer”), which has a limited right to use the trademarked names and logos used herein pursuant to a license and marketing agreement. The Related Group, Fortune International Group, and The Fairwinds Group are not, singularly nor jointly, the developer. No real estate broker is authorized to make any representations or other statements regarding the project, and no agreements with, deposits paid to or other arrangements made with any real estate broker are or shall be binding on the Developer. All prices are subject to change. Services and products offered by any spa, resort, concierge, beach club, restaurant, or other vendor are offered for a fee. Consult the Prospectus for the site plan and the location of the Unit you desire. © 2014, PRH Fairwinds, LLC. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, the content is owned by Developer and the unauthorized reproduction, display or other dissemination constitutes copyright infringement. 24 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 25

AUBERGE_OPULENCE_MAY_2015.indd 1 4/30/15 10:58 AM SOUTH FLORIDA

34 Love Letters Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw Back Together on Stage

36 T he New Liquid Gold Rare Vintage Whisky

Between the Finger Ring Graceful Cosmos Ring, pink gold, mother-of-pearl and diamonds.

Haute Joaillerie, place Vendôme since 1906

26 South Florida OPULENCE Summer 2015 BAL HARBOUR - 9700 Collins Avenue Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 27 vancleefarpels.com - 305-866-0899

CLIENT: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS JOB NO.: 10324009-I SPACE UNIT: PGB 4C (B: 9.125” W x 12.0625” H; T: 9.” W x 11.9375” H; L: 8.5” W x 11.4375” H) 1 dag hammarskjold plaza new york, ny 10017-2205 212.832.3800 PUBLICATION: OPULENCE FALL ISSUE - 2015 www.avrettfreeginsberg.com

APPROVED DATE ART FILE NAME MECH SCALE EFFECTIVE RESOLUTION TRAFFIC/PROOF READER RING_TWO_COSMOS_NACRE_SWOP.tif 35.2% 851 dpi PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR VCA_R.ai 76.6% Illustrator ai DIRECTOR PRINT SERVICES ART DIRECTOR COPYWRITER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR Date Created: 08/12/15 Artist: Mark MANAGEMENT SUPERVISOR Proof: 01 Page: 01 CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRINTED AT 100% Date Revised: Artist: CLIENT SOUTH FLORIDA

features (continued)

departments

Gadgets 28

Calendar of Events 31-32 Dining Guide 49 Anti-Aging 80 Women’s Beauty & Accessories 81 Men’s Grooming 98 Real Estate 120 Health 122 Condo Law 134 Condo Insurance 136 Condo Living 138 Social Living 140, 142, 144

28 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 editor’s letter HORIZON Are You PUBLISHING Well Informed? Executive PUBLISHER & Owner Geoff Hammond, CEO In today’s society of social media, many young Americans Jayne Hammond, President get their news in short blips. Some refer to them as the Associate PUBLISHERS “under-informed” generation, a risky label when it comes Mark Blackburn David Hammond to making sound, life-impacting decisions. However, if you’re among the 20-somethings reading this, don’t take EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Jay offense. History shows no matter what our age, we can all [email protected] use a reminder to read and research – and make our own SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR “well-informed” decisions. To add a bit of levity to a rather Adriana Naylor [email protected] serious subject, consider these common “facts” most of us 954-331-3912 were taught in school that are, as it turns out, not so factual. PR AND MARKETING MANAGER Quiz yourself: Chantal Forster [email protected] 1. Who invented the lightbulb? 954-331-3390 2. Who discovered America? Business Development director Erika Buchholz 3. What’s in a camel’s hump? [email protected] 4. What are diamonds made of? 954-609-2447 5. What country invented champagne? BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Michael Jay 6. Why are flamingos pink? 954-593-5060 SAMUEL LYNNE 1 7. Who held the first title as President of the United States? Contributing Writers: 8. Did Van Gogh cut off his ear? John D. Adams Alena Klenot Carol Antman Linda Marx Easy stuff, right? You may be surprised. There is almost always more to the story than meets the Michael Bender, Esq. Robert A. Newman, Ph.D. eye. Consider the answers to the previous questions: Thomas Edison didn’t “invent” the lightbulb; Scott Buser Jill Patterson Kyla Coker Andy Rand he improved it by creating one that used reduced current electricity. Christopher Columbus didn’t Rafael Cruz Ava Roosevelt “discover” America; Leif Eriksson beat him to it in 1,000 AD. It’s true that a camel can go seven days Jana Soeldner Danger Todd R. Sciore without drinking – but what’s inside a camel’s hump is not water, it’s fat. If you thought diamonds Bill and Luciana Dugan Alex Starace April Erhard Joshua Stone are derived from coal, think again. The gem is formed from shafts of volcanic rock. Grapes from the James Espey, OBE Clifton N. Thuma first champagne did come from that region in France, but the first bubbly champagne was made Lisa Genova Carleton Varney Julia Hebert in England by Brits who imported the grapes and fermented them. Pink and orange flamingos get Alex Villasuso Steven Joseph Mary & Hugh Williamson their color from eating carotene-filled algae, not from shellfish. The first man to hold the title “Presi- Dale King dent of the United States” was John Hanson – who served under the Articles of Confederation, but not under the Constitution – a reminder not to be fooled by vague questions. And the earlobe of Photographers artist Vincent van Gogh was indeed cut off, but two German historians recently published evidence Harry Benson Lori Garner showing he didn’t cut it off himself. It was sliced off in a sword fight by his friend (and fine fencer) Douglas Lance French artist Paul Gauguin. Historian Hans Kaufmann explained to ABC News, “[Van Gogh] became Natasha Kertes very aggressive when Gauguin said he was leaving him for good. Gauguin, wanting to defend him- Silvia Pangaro Heidi Somes self and get rid of ‘the madman’ drew his weapon and made a move toward Van Gogh and by that he cut off his left ear. Gauguin left the next day and the two men never saw each other again. In the PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw first letter that Vincent van Gogh wrote after the incident, he told Gauguin, ‘I will keep quiet about South Florida Opulence Magazine this and so will you.’ That apparently was the beginning of the ‘pact of silence.’ ” is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, Had the historians taken the traditional story about Van Gogh at face value and not embarked on 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 5, No. 2 Summer 2015 their own studies, the world may still be under informed on the subject. Certainly, the fact falla- (ISSN # 2157-5274) cies mentioned here aren’t life altering, but they serve as encouragement to stay informed, do your Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change research, check sources and think for yourself before making decisions on important matters. 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 At South Florida Opulence, we wish you a summer rich in reading and thinking. 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 Robin Jay, Editor-in-Chief not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

30 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 31 gadgets

The Smartphone Controlled Electric Skateboard This is the electric skateboard that is controlled by a smartphone. A free app allows riders to accelerate, slow down, and stop simply by sliding their finger across the screen. Supports up to 220 lbs. For ages 14 and older. Compatible with all iPhones running iOS 6.1 and later or Android. 37 3/4" L x 10 3/4" W x 5" H. (19 lbs.) $749.95. www.hammacher.com

The Personal Day Spa This is the personal spa that provides soothing heat, massage, and aromatherapy to relax the mind and body. The spa produces dry, sauna-like heat that penetrates deep into tissue to improve circulation and relieve swelling. The bed is made from soft memory foam that contours to the shape of your body and delivers a full-body vibration massage that relaxes tense, overworked muscles and joints from your shoulders to your ankles. Special conditions and guarantee limitations apply. 39"-89" H x 89" L x 35" W. (260 lbs.) www.hammacher.com Price $8,000. (Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.) LANVIN

Aroma360 Easy-to-manage diffusers, which cover spaces anywhere from 600 to 8,000 square feet, are sleek, ESSIO - aromatherapy whisper-quiet, and allow for multiple fragrance concen- diffuser for the shower tration levels. Essio works with virtually any shower Ranging from $229 to to diffuse 100 percent organic essential $1,299. www.aroma360.com oils into the shower. It turns your or call 561.203.0053. shower into a spa. Try Essio essential oil aromatherapy, which moisturizes and balances skin with six original organic blends. The superluxurious formula will also benefit weather-worn hair. Installs in minutes with no tools necessary. Starter kit with 3 essential oil pods: $44.99. www.essioshower.com

saks.com The Instant Photo Printing Camera This is the point-and-shoot camera that prints photos by itself. Using a self-developing high-speed film, the camera produces a vibrant, scrapbook-worthy 2 1/2" H x 3 3/4" W color print in only 20 seconds.. Includes a 20-shot pack of instant photo film, a snap-on lens with a mirror for close-ups and “selfies”, wrist strap, and four AA batteries. 4 3/4" H x 7 1/4" W x 3 3/4" D. (1 1/2 lbs.) Price $199.95. www.hammacher.com Bal Harbour and Dadeland BAL HARBOUR 305.865.1100. DADELAND 305.662.8655.

32 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015

152494_SF_OPULENCE_M.indd 1 8/4/15 11:45 AM UP & COMING EVENTS

september October October november

17-1/3 6-7 17 6-15 No Boundaries: 2015 Opening Lantern Festival Miami International Aboriginal season:The Russian In The spirit Auto Show Australian Musical Soul of Obon Miami Beach Convention Center Contemporary New World Symphony Abstract Painting Morikami Museum & A showcase of new vehicles from over 40 Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor Japanese Gardens manufacturers from around the world. PAMM www.nws.edu Enjoy Japanese folk-dancing, drumming, www.miamiautoshow.net an Ennichi street fair and iconic lantern floating ceremony. www.morikami.org

The exhibit brings together the work of nine Aboriginal Australian artists: Paddy Bedford, Janangoo Butcher Cherel, Tommy Mitchell, Ngarra, Boxer Milner Tjampitjin, Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri, Tjumpo Tjapanangvka, Billy armani Joongoorra Thomas, and Prince of Wales (Midpul). Each of these men is a leader with- October October november in their community and while they began painting late in life, their works explore complex and innovative modes 8-11 of abstraction. www.pamm.org 16-17 12 Cirque Éloize “iD” Jerry Seinfeld LIVE Adrienne Arsht Center for the Kravitz Center Performing Arts for the Performing Arts september The stage comes alive with acrobats, break America’s premier comedian will perform dancers, and contortionists, a one-of-a-kind his signature stand-up routine. video trampowall finale. www.arshtcenter.org www.kravis.org 21 Billy IDOL Seminole Hard Rock Live- Hollywood America and three dog night Billy Idol and The London Souls bring Kings Seminole Hard Rock Live- & Queens Of The Underground Live Tour. Hollywood www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

October

27 VISIT Taylor swift American Airlines Arena US Taylor Swift returns to American Airlines ONLINE! Arena on October 27, 2015 with special guest Vance Joy. aaarena.com/events

southfloridaopulence.com

34 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 35 UP & COMING EVENTS 2015 BROADWAY SEASON

Oct. 6-18 Oct. 22-Nov. 8 Nov. 17-29 Dec. 8-13

SUNDAY BRUNCH WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 AM-2:30 PM Reservations recommended. Call (954) 935-6699 (6NYY) Broward CEnter for Broward CEnter for Broward CEnter for Broward CEnter for the performing arts the performing arts the performing arts the performing arts broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com www.browardcenter.org

Dec. 15-27 Dec. 29-Jan. 3 jan. 26-Feb. 7 Feb. 2-7

SAMUEL LYNNE 2 Broward CEnter for the performing arts broadwayacrossamerica.com Broward CEnter for Adrienne Arsht Center Adrienne Arsht Center the performing arts for the for the broadwayacrossamerica.com Performing Arts Performing Arts 2015 broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com

Feb. 24-March 6 April 12-17 April 12-17 may 10-22 Ladies Night Legends Lounge Every Thursday beginning January 2016. Enjoy champagne specials, live entertainment and luxury brand giveaways.

Broward CEnter for Adrienne Arsht Center the performing arts broadwayacrossamerica.com for the Broward CEnter for Adrienne Arsht Center Performing Arts the performing arts for the broadwayacrossamerica.com The Sound Performing Arts broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com of Music Dec.29-Jan. 3, 2016

2015 KEY to the CURE Get the shirt. Shop the weekend. Show your support.

Join Saks Fifth Avenue in the fight against cancer. Get the shirt, designed by Jason Wu, available exclusively at Saks this October. Then shop Thursday to Sunday, October 15 to 18, when Saks will donate 2% of sales to local and national cancer charities.*

Special thanks to Julianne Moore, the 2015 Ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Wine Down Stand Up To Cancer and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key To The Cure *THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 TO 18, 2% OF PARTICIPATING VENDOR NET SALES AND PARTICIPATING VENDOR FLAT DONATIONS FROM SAKS Wednesdays FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK AND BEVERLY HILLS, AND SAKS.COM UP TO A TOTAL OF $500,000 WILL BE DONATED TO OUR NATIONAL BENEFICIARY, THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION (EIF) AND ITS PROGRAM STAND UP TO CANCER (SU2C). ADDITIONALLY, FROM OCTOBER 1 TO OCTOBER 31, Sorrisi 100% OF THE KEY TO THE CURE T-SHIRT SALES FROM THESE LOCATIONS AND SAKSOFF5TH.COM WILL BE DONATED TO EIF/SU2C.

Every Wednesday. All night at Sorrisi FOR ALL OTHER SAKS FIFTH AVENUE LOCATIONS, AN ALLOCATED AMOUNT BASED ON STORE’S WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF TOTAL SALES COLLECTED FROM 2% OF PARTICIPATING VENDOR NET SALES AND PARTICIPATING VENDOR FLAT DONATIONS FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15 TO 18, ALONG WITH 100% OF THE KEY TO THE CURE T-SHIRT SALES WILL BE DONATED TO EACH STORE’S DESIGNATED CHARITY PARTICIPATING IN Wine Bar. Enjoy specially-priced small THE KEY TO THE CURE CAMPAIGN. bites paired with fine wines.

36 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015SOUTH_FL_OPULENCE_5.8375x2.55_MAG_KTTC.indd 1 8/10/15 8:14 AM Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 37 theater

The Broadway ‘Best Musical’ about the power of young love and music Set in Dublin, Once is the smash-hit, 8-time Tony award winner (including Best Musical) that has captured hearts around the world with its touching love story, glorious music and irresistible humor. It’s a celebration of music, love and the city that inspired it. Now it’s coming back to South Florida – at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts October 6-18.

Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us. All the music in Once is played live on stage by an extraordinary cast of actor-musicians. Between them, the 12 actors play 30 instruments during each performance, including guitar, cajon, melodica, harmonica, piano, violin, castanets, bass guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, tambourine, drums, accordion and cello.

Once is an exhilarating must-see story about seizing life, chasing love and finding joy in making music. For tickets, visit www.browardcenter.org; by phone 954-462-0222.

SOBE

38 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 39 “We As the youngest and first African-American Ring- Managing the Unexpected master in the history of Ringling Brothers and Bar- “Being Ringmaster is never boring because the cir- transport num & Bailey circus, Johnathan Lee Iverson, now 39, cus is a living, changing thing – although, truthfully, insists he has the greatest job on earth. In his glit- there are no real life-risking dangers for me,” he says the audience tering red overcoat and black top hat, Iverson has of the circus where he shares the stage with trapeze MEET THE enchanted audiences for 16 years as Ringmaster of artists, clowns, jugglers, bike and motorcycle acts, from this the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. and a variety of animals, horses, elephants, tigers CHIEF A“I love seeing what the circus does for people,” says and a male lion named Masai, who has his own world into Iverson, who was born and raised in New York City trainer and trailer. AMBASSADOR another. as part of a family who played musical instruments Iverson does have a script, but there is always a new and sang. “It is refreshing to see such joy on the faces dynamic, a novel challenge. When a technical glitch OF THE the circus of the audience members and to be part of making recently caused a power outage, Iverson led the it happen.” audience in song. “They loved it!” is a perfect Traveling to 48 cities to perform some 450 shows GREATEST SHOW A few other times, sadly, when a member of the in the United States during 11 months of the year, 100 person performing troupe died unexpect- marriage of this talented song-and-dance man never tires of edly before a show, the Ringmaster stoically had ON EARTH making his audiences smile. He was no novice with to act like everything was okay despite the tragedy science and audiences when he secured the Ringmaster job in of the situation. By Linda Marx 1998. At age 11, Iverson sang with the noted Boys With so many performers employed, there are occa- miracle.” Choir of Harlem where he was named lead tenor sional injuries. Sometimes the afflicted entertainers and traveled to exotic places like Singapore, China, – Johnathan Lee Iverson want to do the show with a sprained ankle, broken Japan and France. But, as he immersed in the magic foot, or bad case of the flu.T o protect the talent of the microphone, Iverson often felt overwhelmed from themselves, “I just say no.” by the grueling long hours of rehearsal. “There were times when I hated singing in the choir, but my The internal drama among performers can some- mother made me stay,” he says. “I am so glad I lis- times prove a challenging issue, for which Iverson tened to her because it prepared me for the career says he has zero tolerance. “I don’t like people bring- of a lifetime.” ing personal baggage to the show,” he says. “It’s not The Grooming of a Performer fair to the audience who come to eat popcorn and cotton candy and have fun.” After the choir, Iverson attended Fiorello H. LaGuar- dia High School of Music and Art & Performing Arts Making Lifelong Memories in New York City. He went on to the University of One of Iverson’s fondest memories is when he took Hartford in Connecticut, earning a degree in Mu- the circus to Mexico about two years ago. He led the sic and Performance. While auditioning for dinner entire show in Spanish. He took pictures with audi- theater and opera singing jobs in hopes of landing a ence members and indulged their tequila, now one gig to take him back to Europe, Ringling representa- of his favorite drinks. “I was genuinely touched by tives rang his bell. He was interviewed for Ringmas- the whole experience. The people were so welcom- ter, a position he had never thought of pursuing. ing, and [he laughs] they were fascinated to see that I was black and not a basketball player. The experi- “I was clueless!” he quips, “but I agreed to a series of ence was enriching for all of us.” auditions, along with 30 other applicants. The offer came out of left field!” Iverson says the circus is the ultimate celebration of living things, an opportunity for dynami- Iverson was honored to accept the job of chief cally diverse people of all ages and backgrounds to ambassador of the Greatest Show On Earth. And he witness the genius of human artistry and animals has never looked back. Every day is an adventure thriving in a world that they love. for Iverson, who lives with his wife Priscilla, a former dancer and now production manager of the show, “We transport the audience from this world into an- and their two children ages 10 and 6. The family has other,” says Iverson. “The circus is a perfect marriage their own apartment on the largest privately owned of science and miracle. The guests cannot possibly train in the world, which allows them a fabulous enjoy what we do without contemplating some- traveling lifestyle, highly adventurous and intellec- thing bigger.”

ery E bony Lee & Prisci ll a I verson Photo Ga ery Johnathan tually stimulating. Each family member has a com- Tickets can be purchased at www.ringling.com partment as they ride from city to city.

40 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 41 dining guide Fort Lauderdale - Miami Beach - Miami

Bagatelle 2000 Collins Avenue Miami Beach 305.704.3900 www.bagatellemiami.com

“From the moment we entered Bagatelle – with the comic book art mixed with chandeliers, white linens, fresh flowers and groove music – I knew we were in for a special experience,” said Michael Jay, husband of editor Robin Jay.

J TURNBERRY

Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE A Cheers to Umami! The Art of Making Japanese Mushroom Bourbon By Robin Jay

Ooh-baby, you’re going rice wine used in Japanese kitchens), black out the innovative Japanese craft kitchen to love the ‘Umami’ taste pepper syrup and lemon juice, is without after a concert. Jared, the ever-aware New- of Jared Boller’s head- doubt my new favorite bar room mélange. York-trained mixology professional, noticed turning Hachi cocktail at What is Umami? my eyebrow raise in puzzlement when I saw Kuro in the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Ca- the ‘umami’ category on his drink menu. He If you’ve never heard the term ‘umami’, you’re sino. It’s made with – get this – mushroom politely stopped over to explain, “Umami not alone. I discovered it on a whim when my bourbon! Seriously, the Hachi, made with means ‘savory.’ It’s one of the five basic flavor husband and I stopped into Kuro to check four-mushroom bourbon, mirin (a sweet palates besides sweet, sour, salty and bitter.” STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 Chop all of the mushrooms into large pieces. Over medium heat, begin to heat up grape- In a large sealable plastic container, add the A Picasso of cocktails, Jared cleverly uses seed oil in the bottom of the pan. Once the oil bottle of bourbon and cooked mushrooms. these five taste categories on his out-of- is heated, add all of your mushrooms. Gently Cover the mushrooms/bourbon and let sit for the-box cocktail menu (and he names each stir the mushrooms for 5-10 minutes and break 48 hours (tip: the longer they stay, the better of them with a Japanese number) to help them down until they are lucid and brown. the bourbon tastes!) Through a chinois strain- guests choose drinks suited best to their er, you can pour the bourbon back into the bottle for storage in the refrigerator. personal palates. Being a mushroom and truffle fan, I just had to try the Hachi.

Pow! The Hachi was so uniquely delicious Japanese 4 Mushroom Bourbon that even my husband pushed aside his Ingredients: off-menu foo-foo drink and ordered one Hachi ½ cup Shitake mushrooms for himself. Who knew mushroom bourbon By mixologist Jared Boller at kuro ¼ cup Portabella mushrooms existed, let alone tasted so darn good?! Yields 1 cocktail ¼ cup Oyster mushrooms ¼ cup Maitake mushrooms “Mushrooms and bourbon make a harmo- Ingredients: 1 tbsp. Grapeseed oil nious marriage,” said Jared with a smile. “It’s ¼ oz. Mirin (a sweet rice wine used in Japanese kitchens) 1 bottle Buffalo Trace Bourbon the perfect blend of wheat and corn in the ¾ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice bourbon that pairs so well with mushrooms. ¾ oz. Black Pepper Syrup (recipe below) Method: When I created the drink, I thought ‘If the 2 oz. 4 Mushroom-infused Buffalo Trace Bourbon See Step Photos pairing makes sense in a food recipe, why (3-step recipe above) not pair the two in a cocktail?’” Black Pepper Syrup Method: Ingredients: I was so impressed with this idea of ‘mush- • Using a jigger, pour the ingredients in their proper amounts into 1 qt. Sugar room bourbon’ that I asked Jared if I could see a cocktail shaker in the following order: fresh lemon juice, mirin, 1 qt. Water the bottle label. His reply surprised me: “No.” black pepper syrup and mushroom-infused bourbon. 1 cup Black Pepper “What? Why not?” • Once all ingredients are combined into cocktail shaker, add ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Method: “Because there is no label…I make the mush- • Fine strain the shaker mixture with a mini strainer (e.g., chinois Simmer ingredients over low heat room bourbon myself in the Kuro kitchen.” strainer) over fresh ice. for 30 minutes. Fine-strain cooked mixture for cleaner fuel. Cool! I knew right away I had to share Jared’s • Garnish with lemon twist and dry shitake mushroom and enjoy! mushroom bourbon story in South Florida Opulence. Even if you make it at home, I highly recommend you stop into Kuro maitake to try the real McCoy. It’s Kuro’s best- selling cocktail! portabellA

Oyster

SHITAKE

44 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 45 Tobacciana By Kaizad Hansotia

Are Cuban Cigars PARK IT IN YOUR PERSONAL VAULT Really Better? Here Are Five Reasons Why They Are Not

iven the prospect that the 50-year-old 3. The Communist regime has left its mark on half Cuban trade embargo may soon be being a century of workers. Wages are still low. Morale is lifted, many in the tobacco industry are spec- low. Labor conditions are still poor and the labor ulating about what this will mean regarding force remains unmotivated. Gthe mystique that surrounds Cuban cigars as the 4. Around the time that the Soviet Union began to “forbidden fruit,” now that it’s no longer forbidden. fail, petroleum became scarce in Cuba. It became Will Cuban cigars still be considered superior? more difficult to rotate crops regularly. Animals like Will Cuban cigars retain their stellar reputation oxen and mules became more common in agricul- once they are no longer considered contraband? tural systems to rotate crops, but there remain ru- Or has isolation and neglect of the Island Nation mors that the land has become bad for farming. destroyed what was once a truly unique crop? 5. Once Cuba opens up, the demand for skilled Top cigar companies such as Davidoff, Gurkha, Flor rollers will increase elsewhere. Other countries, Dominicana, Padron and Pepin Garcia all produce willing to pay more, will be able to lure quality premium cigars that can stand up and compete workers away from Cuban factories. All of these with a Cuban cigar any day of the week. By compar- changes will cause the already inflated prices ing the flavor profiles of Cuban cigars with the finest of Cuban cigars to raise substantially as demand cigars from around the world, here are five distinct for greater wages will cause prices to increase 10 reasons why Cuban cigars are NOT better. times the current rate.

1. Cuban cigars are one dimensional in their flavor In conclusion, while the demand for Cuban cigars base. They don’t have the complexity that blended will most likely increase in the short term once the cigars have. The tobacco isn’t grown in different soils embargo is lifted because even the casual cigar from other well-known tobacco nations such as the smoker will be interested to see what they’ve been Dominican Republic, Nicaragua or Honduras for missing all these years, it won’t be a permanent situ- example. How can Cuba compete? What will Cuba ation. The increased demand will probably cause a For specialized storage and shipping services, trust RoboVault. Our facility offers do? The general consensus is that Cuba will not lower quality product, creating disappointment and flawless security for all your collectibles, from vehicles to wine. Our highly-trained even try to compete. The Cubans will shy away from sending the regular cigar smoker right back to his buying any tobacco made outside of their native or her favorite brand. All of these points are, how- packing specialists can be trusted with anything from a favorite painting to the entire country. But their biggest concern should be how ever, positive for the rest of the cigar-making world. contents of your household. Whether you want to store a piece of jewelry or move a introducing their tobacco to the Dominican Repub- Consumers will initially get their “fix” and be driven priceless piece of art, you’ll have peace of mind. lic and Nicaragua will fare given that blends from to better quality cigars made outside of Cuba. those countries will continue to be made better.

2. Quality control outside of Cuba is 10 times better Kaizad Hansotia is the CEO of Gurkha Cigars. than it is inside Cuba. Hand rolling cigars is tiring and Gurkha, known for creating the finest, most only the best rollers in the world can be consistent expensive cigars in the world, produces eight with their rolling style throughout their entire shift. million cigars per year that are sold in more than Draw testing cigars is the best way to make sure they 50 countries worldwide. The Gurkha Cigar Group Inc. are not rolled too tightly or too loosely. Yet draw test- is located at 6600 Hiatus Road, Tamarac, FL 33321. ing can slow down production, increase costs and For information, visit www.gurkacigars.com. is often overlooked. Tightly rolled cigars then pass PACKING • CRATING • SHIPPING • MOVING • STORAGE • SECURITY through the line all too frequently.

For more information or to request a complimentary on-site estimate, call 954-766-9997 or visit RoboVault.com. 46 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 47 herever I go. The 36-year-old brand is phenom- spray painted by a gentleman whose specialist job was to spray paint enally successful, selling nearly 4 million cases new fridges white.” There is nothing like ingenuity! annually and voted the No. 2 liqueur in the I simply loved it and Fleck and I agreed that it had a world- THE TRUTH BEHIND world. But Malibu, too, had a humble begin- level potential. ning and the tale is worth telling. W Birth Pangs Fame has many fathers and there are THE TRUTH OF First and foremost, Coco Rico was produced in South Africa. Politically, many who claim to have been involved in South Africa was a pariah nation and Nelson Mandela was still in jail. the creation of Malibu. I remember well On the other hand, who would ever believe that a rum produced in when in 1983 I was the Chairman of IDV South Africa, looking as if it is from the Caribbean, could sell on the UK Limited (one half of Diageo UK) and an world stage, and lastly, an additional problem for me, as a new boy to enthusiastic Malibu brand manager from MALIBU RUMBy Dr. James Espey London was to convince, if I may say, a rather “English” set of colleagues UK came to visit us. He gave me a lot of (remember, I am British not English) that this could be a world beater. advice and direction as to how Malibu should be positioned among several oth- I sat down immediately with my good friend Jago, who was the Di- Dr. James Espey O.B.E. er things about the brand. rector of New Product Development Worldwide. First and foremost, the name Coco Rico was actually registered by I bit my tongue in exasperation because he was waxing eloquent National Distillers, so we decided to see what else about the brand without knowing its true origin. Today, there is a won- we could find. Jago often tried and tested little derful distillery in Barbados and if you ask any consumer where the ideas and never disposed of them, for he be- brand originated, they will say the Caribbean without batting an eyelid. lieved that one day they would reappear. Ironically, the brand was started by the three founders of The Last He had a failed brand in his locker called Drop Distillers Limited – Peter Fleck, Tom Jago and me. Malibu, and immediately we loved the The Truth Behind the Truth name, so we ensured we had clear registration in every country of the world. In the ‘70s, I worked for Gilbeys South Africa as the Marketing Then we appointed an advertising Director of the company, a subsidiary of IDV and thus Grand agency to work with us with shaping Metropolitan of London. We lived in an apartheid South Africa, with and positioning, which would say all the unfortunate and sad laws imposed by the then Nationalist nothing about the background, but Government, affecting the interaction and the relationship be- everything about the promise in the tween the different races. bottle. They came up with a brilliant We were a tiny liquor company, compared to the two main jug- slogan, “It comes from paradise and gernauts competing against us. We had to be flexible and agile and tastes like heaven.” We then had to con- we did everything possible, as a liberal British company, to com- vince our skeptical colleagues that the pletely ignore government rules and regulations as we sought to brand was worthy of serious attention. employ the best possible team irrespective of race, creed or colour. Securing Corners We were also a very entrepreneurial company, trying new ideas Shortly after I moved to London, I established a New based on instinct rather than research. There is no test as good as a Product Council, which involved the top marketing peo- living test in the marketplace. We used to spend a fair amount of ple from all the different IDV subsidiaries meeting once a year to time traveling around the world looking at ideas that could be review all the various projects on the table. In 1979, we planned a ma- adapted to South Africa. jor New Product Conference in the Bahamas. I then visited Professor Peter Fleck, my good friend and colleague, joined Gilbeys South Ted Levitt who, when I was a student, was my absolute guru. He wrote Africa in the early ‘70s, and when I was transferred to London in a marvelous article published many years ago called “Marketing Myo- 1977 as the Group Marketing Director Worldwide, he replaced me, pia.” It was first published in 1960 and is as relevant today as it was then. eventually becoming Managing Director of Gilbey SA. I called upon Levitt in Boston and persuaded him, along with his Toward the end of ’78, I returned to South Africa on a business trip and wife, to have a holiday in the Bahamas and help us present the Fleck showed me his newest brand: Coco Rico, a light coconut fla- Malibu story to my skeptical colleagues. Levitt loved the idea and voured Caribbean style rum. It was in the distinctive Malibu bottle and agreed to act as a catalyst. We paid him a small fee, he had a I loved the crossed palms and the setting sun. In every respect it was wonderful weekend and would you believe it, at the end of the from the Caribbean! I asked Fleck how he managed to have a white weekend everyone thought let’s give it a go. bottle produced, to which he replied, “The glass manufacturers could Litmus Test called UK not produce it, so we simply, in a very Heath Robinson fashion, created We launched the brand in the UK through the Peter Dominic stores, a conveyor belt with the bottles hung upside down and they were which we owned and through bars and nightclubs. It was trendy, it

48 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 49 NOELIA CHASKIELBERG IS SELLING “To be successful, attitude and ability are equally was cool, and it was different. In addition, we sold it at a price Marketing imagination is a great requirement. Courage, tenacity important. My goal is to continue to work harder similar to brands, such as Smirnoff and Bacardi, but it was 25 percent and the ability to try something, ignoring one’s negative colleagues South Florida Luxury than anyone else. You can trust I will deliver.” alcohol in strength. This meant that we paid less duty and was thus is also a requisite. Luck, because of course one has to have luck. more profitable and initially we called it a liqueur, which allowed us It was of course a great flavour and at the time people were happy to advertise on television. In the ‘70s and ‘80s no spirits brands were to have something new. ever advertised on television, but liqueurs were happily able to do Last but not least, I was fortunate to have the support of the Board so!! In no time Malibu took off and then we moved to sell it in differ- of IDV and its Chief Executive, Sir Anthony Tennant (sadly now de- ent markets on the world stage. Of course, Duty Free was also an ceased). I was the Board champion, Jago, my partner, was the Head important springboard, which helped us with this process. of New Product Development and Fleck, a key member of the New Global Resonance Product Council, who started with Coco Rico. In essence, the IDV Suffice to say, it rapidly grew to become a very popular interna- team got together and made it happen. tional brand and some years later, when Diageo was formed, IDV I wonder whether the same process would apply today or would we sold it to Allied Distillers for around USD 1 billion. They had to be consumed with the inevitable hundreds of thousands of pounds dispose of the brand because they had acquired Captain Morgan spent on research rather than going out and trying a great idea. and it was deemed as second serious rum, so in terms of the Monopolies Act, they had to sell off one of their rum type brands.

A few years on in more recent times, Pernod Ricard acquired Allied Distillers and thus they obtained Malibu, where it resides today. But it goes beyond that. It is now a total Caribbean brand. The original About Dr. James Espey bottle said “Caribbean style rum.” Nothing has and The Last Drop changed. It simply says “Caribbean Rum.” Dr. James Espey O.B.E. is a true veteran of the Liquor Industry, Imprints Left By The Past with over 46 years of experience. Together with his long- Fortune favours the bold and there is time friends and partners, Tom Jago and Peter Fleck, he cre- nothing like a living test market. ated and launched Baileys Irish Cream and Malibu, as well as The Classic Malts, Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Chivas Regal 18, amongst others.

Seven years ago, instead of retiring into the shadows, the trio created their own boutique spirits company, The Last Drop Distillers Limited – with the slogan “before there is no more.”

The Last Drop Distillers Ltd is the world's most exclusive BATH CLUB I SOLD APOGEE SOUTH BEACH I SOLD Spirits company. The team consider themselves "rare spirits hunters," seeking out hidden barrels of some of the oldest and most precious ‘last drops’ of whisky and cognac in existence. Many are tasted, but very few are deemed eligible for the Last Drop… and all releases to date have been award-winners.

The current release is a 48-year- old blended whisky voted as the Scotch Whisky of The Year in the authoritative 2015 Whisky Bible. The recommend- MEI I SOLD BRICKELL CITY CENTRE I SOLD ed retail price is $4200 - and there are only 180 bottles NOELIA CHASKIELBERG, SALES ASSOCIATE in the USA. 305.978.3481 I [email protected] The Last Drop team intend to bring out no more than three small unique releases each year; to be first in the know why not join their mailing list? www.lastdropdistillers.com ™

2060 N Bayshore Drive I Miami, FL 33137

50 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 51 BY HOPE GRAINER

BY HOPE GAINER

Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 53 ometimes the best things come about by accident. hydroelectric power. The filling process is automated and hands- Entrepreneur Jon Olafsson hails originally from free, capable of producing 30,000 bottles per hour. Nothing the ‘land of fire and ice,’ Iceland. At just 14, the is added or taken out of the water and it is never exposed to enterprising lad started his impressive path to outside air. It has a high alkalinity and PH balance of 8.4 “The becoming a major media mogul – owning 85 average person drinks a lot of low PH level beverages, like coffee percent of Iceland’s music industry in radio, tv and alcohol, so the high water PH helps to balance the body,” Sand mobile phones. He was a big fish in a said Jon. The first time Icelandic Glacial water small country with a population of only about comes into contact with the open air is when 300,000 people and a land mass the size of the consumer breaks the seal. New York. In 2003 he decided to retire and Adding to the perfection of the water is the sold everything. He wanted to find a bigger sophisticated packaging with its signature playground and landed in London. sculpted, glacier-inspired bottle neck winning About this time, Jon’s son Kristjan was ap- it numerous awards for both overall concept proached by a Saudi to find a water business and design. The materials for the bottles and in Iceland. He found one, secured it for his packaging are recyclable. Icelandic Glacial has client, but when it came time to pay, the Saudi been designated as the world’s first bottled wa- disappeared. The Olafssons got stuck with ter certified as Carbon Neutral for both product buying the water company. It was a blessing in and operation. Even the shipping is done by disguise. Jon discovered he was a work junkie and was eager to empty cargo space on vessels returning to the U.S. or Europe. come out of retirement. They did their due diligence and realized This fall, Icelandic Glacial is adding bubbles to its super-premium water could be a good business. spring water. The new sparkling water will be delivered in glass With about 50 percent of the market from the U.S., but only bottles that are more round in shape to maintain carbonation. The about 20 percent of the world consumption, they were ready to still water will also start being available in glass, as well as in a more take on the world. They saw the success of Fiji and decided to elegant and subtle bottle design. Kristjan Olafsson, co-founder, said jump on the water bandwagon and open an office in L.A. “The the line extensions were in “a response to what the market’s been water category, much like the media industry where I came telling us.” from, is a very crowded space. The key to success is having a very Salt of the Earth unique product and building a brand around it,” Jon Olafsson, The Olafsson family seems to have come from a good gene pool Chairman of Icelandic Glacial water, told South Florida Opulence. full of entrepreneurial spirit. Jon’s mother, who raised him in a In spring of 2004, Jon and his son Kristjan launched Icelandic modest home with a dirt floor inI celand, is enamored with her Water Holdings, developed a world-class bottling plant and son’s success. “I am incredibly proud of my son. He is truly one launched their award-winning water brand, Icelandic Glacial of the hardest-working, most dedicated men I have ever known,” water. Based in Hlidarendi, Iceland, not far from Reykjavik, the raves Heida. Kristjan adds, “It is a privilege to work side-by-side water is sourced from the naturally replenishing underground with my father, as I’ve learned so much from him.” Patriarch Jon Olfus Spring. The natural source was created as a result of a huge chimes in, “It’s been a fulfilling journey building a company with volcanic eruption 5,000 years ago. It is protected by an impen- my son.” etrable layer of lava rock contained in a 128,000-acre exclusion But success is not enough for these Icelanders. zone replenished by rainfall and snowmelt over uninhabited and Giving back is always on their minds. Following the untouched lava fields, which take 400 to 600 years to reach the 2010 Haiti earthquake, they shipped 42 tons of water river source. Thus, it is a natural, renewable product. The over- to the country. Jon Olafsson sees the charity side as flow alone that goes into the ocean daily is twice the amount of his foray for the future. “I want to make sure everyone all bottled water consumed worldwide. has access to clean water.” From Nature to Bottle But will he ever really be able to give up the reigns The glacial water goes directly from the source into the state- and retire again? Time will tell. And a fun fact: of-the-art facility via a stainless steel pipeline. The plant is one Icelanders hold the top spot for highest life expectancy of the greenest and cleanest, run entirely by geothermal and in the world. Could it be something in the water?

For more information and store locators: www.icelandicglacial.com .

54 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 55 ans of Bravo TV’s popular series High Stress Profession Artistic Presentations Really Real? Below Deck may wonder what Robinson is passionate about his profession, Although he is meticulous about every- How much of what happens on the show handsome, talented Chef Ben but the job isn’t easy. He typically gets a day thing he does in the kitchen, he is especially is impromptu, and how much is planned Robinson is like when he is off- off just once every six weeks, and he once careful about presentation. “I want every or even scripted? Robinson isn’t allowed camera. The reality show, a kind worked four months straight without a single plate to look the same, and have amazing to talk about it, but he admitted that some Fof nautical Upstairs, Downstairs, tells the one. His days begin at 5 a.m., and he often form, composition and color,” he said. “It’s events are enhanced for drama. “When you story of what goes on behind the scenes spends 19 hours in the kitchen. “I’m the only like I’m doing nine little paintings. I really film a reality show, you have to be more ex- in a luxury mega yacht as it cruises the chef there is,” he said. “I don’t have a helper, get into the moment when I’m plating.” pressive than in normal life,” he said. “We’re Mediterranean. Robinson is in charge of and there are 12 crew members and nine trying to tell a story to an audience.” He enjoys dabbling in molecular gastrono- making meals for finicky wealthy guests guests. I get breakfast, I make pastries from my, a technique that explores the science Keeping It Fresh as well as the hardworking crew, while scratch, and throw something out for the of cooking, and the physical and chemical Where does he see himself in the future? cameras film the process. crew. Then I do crew lunch, guest lunch and transformations of ingredients that occur Maybe he’ll travel or write a book, he said. guest hors d’oeuvres. Then it’s crew dinner Both Sides of during the process. One of his favorite dishes “The key to success is to keep learning, and guest dinner and midnight snacks. And the Atlantic in the genre joins together blocks of sushi- keep it fresh and open new doors. To be a everything has to be great. It’s a stressful job.” The product of an English father and an quality tuna and salmon. “It’s an amazing good chef, you have to challenge yourself. American mother, the single, 34-year- Having camera and lighting crews traipse delivery—bright orange and bright red,” he “This is just the beginning.” old culinary artist who owns a home in behind while he works in the already said. “It’s slightly provocative, and I think food Fort Lauderdale owes his sexy accent to cramped quarters of a yacht kitchen makes should be provocative. On a yacht, people his European upbringing, but his foray it even more challenging. “They tell us we are looking for the wow factor.” into the glamorous world of yachting is have two jobs—one is your actual job, and the result of childhood visits to this side the other is being a cast member,” he said. of the pond. Keeping Guests Happy— His family summered on Cape Cod, No Matter What It Takes where he saw yachts come and go regu- Guests frequently request dishes with exot- larly. When his brother suggested he get ic ingredients, and Robinson does his best a job on one of them, he signed on as to provide them. “I have a lot of contacts, a deckhand. In addition to his mainte- and I can pretty much get any ingredient in nance and cleanup work, he began to the world within 48 hours,” he said. “There’s do a bit of cooking. “The captain realized I a lot of pressure to keep the guests happy.” had a lot of skill in the kitchen,” Robinson He recalled one day when an imperious Rus- recalled. “He said to me, ‘What are you do- sian guest insisted that he simply must have ing washing my boat when you can cook black truffle and porcini mushroom risotto like that?’ Then he took me to the kitchen for dinner—that very same night. The yacht and told me, ‘This is your new office.’” was traveling between Sardinia and Sicily, Years later, Robinson landed the TV show and Robinson hurriedly dispatched a crew gig by answering an online ad for the job. member in a small, fast dinghy to head into “It was late at night and I’d had a couple port and hunt down the needed ingredi- of drinks, so I sent off an email,” he said. ents. “Happily, the guest got his porcini and Two days later, he got a casting call. truffle risotto that night,” Robinson said. Ben Robinson (left) with the cast of Season One. To see the cast of Season 3, tune in August 10th, 2015 on Bravo TV.

Bravo’s YACHT Chef By Jana Soeldner Danger

56 South FloridaBEN OPULENCE Fall 2015 ROBINSON By Steven Joseph Chef Loris Navone ood should inspire. The tastes, Brings His Award-Winning Culinary Heritage to Tamarina smells, textures, and presentation should move your entire being to a place where every bite is a step in From Switzerland, Navone moved back to his native Italy, specifically Carnia, located in the Northwest region of a journey personally designed for the country. Navone describes Carnia as “smaller than a town. And yet, we were the ‘big village’ of 5,000 people, fyou by the chef. And with every new chef surrounded by even smaller groups of 300-500 people.” There Navone honed his skills under the tutelage of his who steps foot in a kitchen, they bring along mother. As successful as he has become, Navone still relishes his trips home, and he spends his free time with them the memories and maps of every daydreaming about the dishes he will ask her to cook for him that remind him of his childhood. “I am journey they themselves have taken up to excited for ‘frico di patate’ which is a crispy potato cake made with cream cheese, and ‘cjarsons’ that point. The hope is that their unique which is a sweet and salty ravioli made with chocolate and chestnuts.” experiences along their personal culinary road have honed their skill-set to maximize Upon graduating from high school, Chef Loris followed his peers into engineering, but your enjoyment of their creations. Enter was isolated in his classes from his friends and sought out his true passion, being in Chef Loris Navone, newly crowned Execu- the kitchen, the safe haven of his childhood. Navone bounced around a few tive Chef of Tamarina in Miami, a restaurant restaurants before settling in at a locale specializing in coastal Italian, making focusing on “coastal Italian” fare.

Chef Navone’s path to Miami began in Swit- zerland of all places, as a young Italian boy who literally played in the kitchen with his grandmother. “I didn’t speak the language, and so my grandmother protected me from Beet Salad the neighborhood boys by sheltering me in the kitchen.” Navone didn’t think he was cooking at the time, “I grew up playing with pasta dough the way children in America play with Play-Doh.” Navone’s grandmother served at his extended family’s pasta store, making “to go” batches for his aunts and uncles to pick up on the way home from their jobs. Her simple, peasant-style recipes served as his jumping-off point for his love of the kitchen, but very little of his current repertoire would appeal to her pared-down tastes. “My grandmother would scorn how I mix foods, she would never believe in combining say, gnoc- chi and clams.” When asked what, if any, of his present menu she would recognize, Chef Loris points to the spinach and ricotta ravioli. “This is more reminiscent of what she taught me, very simple, yet still delicious.”

58 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 59 “I want to make food that is fun AND delicious.” – Chef Loris

use of the extremely fresh seafood. When a regular patron mentioned he was looking to bring an Italian chef to America, Chef Loris tagged along and soon found himself in Miami. Navone then worked his way up to Chef du Cuisine at Dolce, one of Miami’s most famous Italian restaurants.

Dolce was then featured on the television cooking competition “Best New Restaurant” on the Bravo network. Navone and his fellow Dolce chefs made it all the way to the finale where Chef Loris and his Pork Belly team won the competition with a menu featuring the same “frico di patate” he craves from his mother. “People were always telling me I was a good chef, but I never believed it until we won.” The attention and praise Navone received from his time NAVONE TRUMP on the show attracted the attention of Tunu and Yona & Tunu Puri, established restauranteurs of In- dian descent. Loris was approached by Tunu and Yona Puri to helm their new Coastal Italian concept Tamarina, giving him full control of the kitchen to create the Italian menu that he wanted. Navone has wasted no time injecting the menu with his playfulness and zeal. Chef Loris even created a hamburger as tribute to the owners’ heritage; “It is made with lamb, which is central to Indian cooking, and the bun is infused with curry spices.” Cheesecake So make your way down to Tamarina in the heart Brulee of Miami’s booming financial district. Designed by David d’Almada and Yona Puri, Tamarina is furnished with dark wood, brass accents and antique mirrors evoking Italian glamour with a Miami accent - chic and lively, yet relaxed and cozy, also showcas- ing a Champagne Bar Terrace. Chef Loris recom- Cavatelli mends you open your meal with something light, Lamb and experience his modern approach on crudos with Owner’s vision of a crudo bar complementing the Coastal Italian culinary experience at Tamarina. Chef Loris is constantly experimenting with exciting takes on the fresh fish classic, and is currently tinkering with an uni ice cream. “I want to make food that is fun AND delicious,” he says. Then proceed to tantalize your taste buds with his signature grilled octopus before settling into your entrée. No matter what you select from the cutting-edge menu, you're in good hands: Navone-tested and Grandmother-approved!

60 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 61 im Bernau probably got in seri- Oregon State University. This was proba- Wine Folly. “Our terroir is unique with an- ous trouble for overly enjoying bly when Jim’s dad reconsidered Jim’s cient volcanic, glacial and sedimentary the sips of wine his parents gave childish mischief and speculated, “Some- flood soils on slopes where orientation, him as a child. Especially when day our hillsides will be covered elevation and grade create unique they discovered that the effects with vines.” “We’re just getting started,” growing conditions,” Jim describes. The had motivated him to pilfer Jim countered. winery is committed to being a thought- Indulge In A Romantic CJoncord grape juice from the freezer, ful steward of its land. All vines are natu- “Jim is an amazing person,” says Christine read up on fermentation in the family’s rally grown and tended by hand. Biofuel Collier, the winery director. “When you encyclopedias and stash a batch of brew tractors and sustainable corks have meet him the word ‘visionary’ comes to in the crawl space of the house. They’d earned the vineyards a “Hero of Salmon” mind. Everyone says that.” He believes in certainly have been more lenient if they’d and the industry’s coveted Founders hard work and collaboration. In 1983 he known that Jim was beginning his life’s Award for low impact viticulture. “Our ap- bought an overgrown plum orchard in Oregon Winery Vacation work: introducing pinot noir to Oregon. proach is to grow, by hand, the highest the Salem Hills and began Willamette Val- quality fruit using careful canopy man- A delicious look at the American Pinot Noir getaway at Willamette Valley Vineyards History of Wine in Oregon ley Vineyards, watering his vines with 17 agement and to achieve wines that Wine had not been produced in the state lengths of 75-foot garden hoses he BY CAROL ANTMAN are truly expressive of the varietal and since prohibition and laws were unfa- bought on sale. Over the years he the place where they are grown,” Jim vorable. Eschewing the plan his father purchased neighboring vineyards and proudly explains. had for him to become a lawyer and the continued to lobby to stimulate the in- popular path of dilettante vineyard own- dustry’s growth. To build the enterprise, SUCCESS! ers, Jim worked as a lobbyist before he he conducted the first crowd funding in The pinot noir is reaping praise and planted the first vine. He helped pass leg- the nation with over 2,000 wine enthusi- awards. Wine Enthusiast Magazine calls islation in 1981 to establish an advisory asts and vineyard owners acquiring Willamette Valley Vineyards “One of Amer- board for research and promotion of the shares. Today it’s one of the smallest com- ica’s great pinot noir producers.” The vine- industry. Further law changes made win- panies on the NASDAQ. yard was named “2011 Winery for the Year” eries a permitted use on farmland, by Wine and Spirits Magazine and a “great So now the mossy, wet climate of Oregon allowed the direct shipment of wine and ambassador for wines of Oregon.” They re- has cache. “The focus in Oregon will be began wine tastings in stores and restau- ceived the hottest small brand award from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sparkling rants. The Oregon Wine Board was be- Wine Business Monthly. “It’s been quite a wine — it’s practically a spitting image gun. His philanthropy funded a profes- quest,” Jim muses. Now that the winery is of Burgundy, France,” enthuses the blog sorship for fermentation science at producing over 100,000 cases a year, it is

62 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 63 HERITAGE Ad

available for under $30 a bottle nation- ous Celebrity Reflection. The wine’s popu- wide. Aficionados describe the pinot’s larity inspires a rowdy annual grape taste as fruity with nuances of cranberries stomping where costumed participants and earth. Visitors to Oregon can sample get up to their knees in fruit. Couples are flight tastings at the vineyard or tasting flocking to the newly renovated hospital- rooms at McMinnville or Tualatin or tour ity suites for romantic “Under the Tuscan the operation which Rachel Ray called Sun” weekends. There’s even pinot poetry “One of my most memorable experiences as in this ditty from Richard Dyer of South out in the vineyards.” For East Coast en- Carolina“…With distinctive aromas of thusiasts, Willamette Valley Vineyards is earth, oak and spice… Very intriguing hosting a cruise out of Miami Nov. 7 to 14, and ever so nice…Perhaps it’s the soil or 2015 with Jim leading workshops, wine- even the seasons, or maybe the winemak- paired meals and tastings on the luxuri- er is really the reason…”

If you go: Visit the vineyard: www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com. Go on the cruise from Miami: syndical.com/blog/willamette-valley-vineyards-kirkland- signature-cruise-syndical

64 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 65 A good cup of joe Philanthropy Ah, the pop of a cork – no other sound better says, “The Party has screw caps to close their wine bottles. While these rather unpoetic started!” Have you ever wondered where cork comes from or how materials avoided the taint concern, they presented another prob- the curious bit of bark is fashioned to close up wine for 10 or 20 lem. The French call great wine of an esteemed estate or excellent years to emerge at just the desired moment? The answer is that vintage ‘Vin Garde,’ wines to be guarded. They are wines to be laid cork is nature’s marvel – buoyant, pliable, resistant to water, ancient down in a quiet, secure, cool vault to ‘cellar’ and develop in the in its use, yet a most modern eco-friendly material. bottle. Ten years of aging for Bordeaux’s great chateaux and 20 for the deep wines of vintage port are needed. There is debate about An oak tree, the Quercus Sober, has adapted to the dry soil and strong what is happening, but several centuries of experience have shown light of southern Portugal. The bark of this tree is fashioned into cork. that high quality natural corks of good length allow a slow ‘matur- The Alentejo region is home to half the world’s cork production. ing’ of the wine. As to the new plastic cylinders, no one knows South Florida Opulence spoke to cork oak farmer Francisco de Almeida what two decades or 10 might do to the wine. We do know that Garret about his experiences raising this unusual crop in the town of aluminum caps will remain intact, but how does the wine evolve Monte Novo. “Our cork farms have been in the family for 400 years. 2,200 under them? The grand chateaux are staying with natural cork. And acres of our estate are cork forests with 80-120 trees per acre.” maybe we all should. If wine producers still use natural cork, then Since only 10 percent of the trees can be harvested, this leaves Francisco’s three children can repeat the old adage of the farmers large areas for the native plants and wildlife to thrive. “The of the Montados: cork oak forest, the ‘Montados,’ is multifunctional, and in terms “Vinhas das minhas, Olivias dos meus Pais of biodiversity is one of the richest ecosystems in the world,” e Montados dos meus Antepassados.” Francisco said. Each year, Alentejo oaks older than 25 years have (Vineyards of mine, Olive Groves of their bark harvested by hand in the summer when the trees will my parents and Cork Forests of my not be damaged by the stripping. “At harvest time, we avoid any A Toast ancestors.) “I would like Ameri- possible contamination from the soil. We ship the cork as cans to know our cork farm is soon as it is harvested to the factories that process it.” Francis- very important for biodiversity, co and his crews are worried the bark may become contami- conservation and carbon sink, and nated with ‘cork taint.’ This is a natural fungus in the soil. Recent that cork stoppers are essential for technology has improved the quality of corks, all in an effort to to the the economic sustainability of make the best natural stopper. But before these practices, some the ‘Montado’ ecosystem. wine bottles seemed to develop a musty, odd taste. Some win- Curious eries shifted away from cork and used plastic cylinders or even “And …I love what I do…” History of

By Clifton Thuma Each year, Alentejo oaks older than 25 years have their cork bark harvested by hand in the summer when the trees will not be damaged by the stripping. The Alentejo region in Portugal is home to half the world’s cork production.

66 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall Fall 2015 2015 South South Florida Florida OPULENCE OPULENCE 67 A hile lovers look to small boxes for jewels to proclaim their devotion, French Chablis fans who limit their food pairings to classic W matches like oysters or chèvre are missing out on some surprisingly bold combinations. Even red meat works with certain Chablis, notably wines from Chablis Grand Cru. Recently, a sultry evening dinner at Flagler Steakhouse at The Breakers in Palm Beach proved this seemingly preposterous point in a memorable fashion, as winemaker Domaine Laroche Grégory Viennois from Domaine Laroche shared a stellar lineup of Chablis that both rein- forced and shattered pairing preconceptions. These complex white wines can be a good Chablis that Dares to Stand Up to Red Meat choice for wine drinkers who, nine times out of ten, reach for something red. By Denise Reynolds Chablis Primer Chablis comprises four appellations located in northern Burgundy, France: Petit Chab- lis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru. The most esteemed Chablis wines are Chablis Grand Crus, which are further divided into seven climats, all of which fan out in the commune of Chablis, facing the sun at varying altitudes along the right bank of the Serein River. One can never be At Domaine Laroche, a Chablis producer dating back to 1850, chardonnay grapes are too rich or too thin, pampered from start to finish. Like all white Burgundy, Chablis is pure chardonnay, yet the expression of Domaine Laroche wines varies widely based on micro-terroir fac- the saying goes. And in tors—including vineyard elevation and sun exposure—just as children born from the South Florida, one might same parents often have completely different personalities and achievements.T he common ground in Chablis is coveted Kimmeridgian subsoil—layers of clay, chalky add too young to the trifecta. limestone marl, gravel, and nutrient-dense fossilized oyster shells dating back 150 In many ways, Chablis reflects million years—that imparts unmistakable minerality, a bracing characteristic that distinguishes French Chablis in blind wine tastings. this sensibility. Like the taut sun- As in South Florida, the real estate mantra: “location, location, location” echoes through- splashed bodies drawn to our shores, out Burgundy, separating great vineyards from profoundly great vineyards. “It’s very important to secure the best blocks,” says Grégory Viennois, win- it’s intensely fresh, with a steely mineral- emaker for Domaine Laroche, “the best vines to produce the best ity reminiscent of crushed seashells—and wines. Buying new plots today is très chèr, so it is a true asset to have plots in premier and grand crus. it begs to be paired. Tension grips the tongue “We have a lot of old vines in our estate,” says Viennois. “These with undeniable energy, as surely as a penetrat- grow grapes with thick skin. In the skin we find all the good natural compounds that give remarkable minerality to the final ing gaze across a sizzling South Beach dance floor wine and protect it against oxidation.” In 2001, in response to cork just before dawn. pollution concerns, Laroche decided to embrace screwcap closures. Today, corks from tightly controlled suppliers are found only on their premier and grand crus, which will improve for at least ten years with cellaring. Grape nannies Laroche adapts winemaking techniques to each individual plot. Grapes grow in tiny single-vineyard plots of land, each with its own dedicated viticulturist who oversees all aspects of their care. Organic concepts prevail, as this one grower nurtures vines by double pruning, debudding, and soil conditioning. To further ripen grapes, these vine nannies selectively remove leaves to aerate the canopy, maximizing sun exposure for baby grapes—so essential in Chablis’ continental climate, where warm days are punctuated by chilly nights during the growing season.

Laroche perpetually searches for the best fruit, segregating all plots of premier and grand crus from harvest to bottling. Yields are kept low, ensuring vines produce top- quality fruit that typifies its origin. Plot-by-plot, vines are hand-harvested and grapes

68 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 69 Ramp up the reveal by pairing a hearty red meat with a Laroche grand cru Chablis. Chef Thomas Laimo from The Breakers shares his recipe for Marinated Veal Chop with Leek and Chive-Infused Risotto and Ricotta Salata, surprisingly yet stunningly coupled with 2012 Domaine Laroche Chab- lis Grand Cru Réserve de l’Obédience. Or try one of the winemaker’s own unconventional red- meat pairings for Laroche grand cru Chablis: Asian Beef Tartare with ginger, coriander, soy sauce and lime. Either pairing will reflect Stephan Tanzer’s 95+ point review: “outstanding mineral lift, giving the wine a penetrating quality and keeping its fruit under wraps today. Most impressive on the smooth, dense, palate-saturating finish. This very long but tight wine will need at least several years in bottle to unfold.” Sure sounds like the South Beach scene, where unexpected pairings are often the most fascinating of all.

FLAGLER STEAKHOUSE Chef Thomas Laimo – THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH Marinated Veal Chop with Leek and Ricotta Salata Risotto This hearty center-cut veal chop pairs superbly with Domaine Laroche Chablis. arrive at a sorting table to ensure even more control over fruit selection Les Blanchots with eastern exposures that protect the fruit from late after- before being gently whole-bunch pressed. After malolactic fermenta- noon sun. Formerly a village monastery, monks made wine at l’Obédience Serves 2 tion and settling, wine is kept partially in stainless steel tanks and par- as early as the ninth century. 2 12-ounce bone-in center-cut veal rib chops tially in mostly older French oak barrels for nine months until it is time Daring au Pairing 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to birth the final blend. “We declassify plots we are not perfectly satis- 1 tablespoon meat seasoning All this obsessive attention to detail in the vineyard and the winery fied with,” says Viennois. At this stage the wine is transferred to stainless 6 ounces veal marinade (recipe follows) beautifully translates terroir to the glass, making Chablis one of the steel tanks where it ages on fine lees for the next year. Cooked risotto (recipe follows) world’s most food-friendly wines. Perfect to serve year-round in 2 teaspoons unsalted butter, sautéed until browned Domaine Laroche owns nearly 100 hectares (247 acres) of vineyards South Florida, Domaine Laroche pairs wonderfully well with a wide ¼ teaspoon sea salt in prime locations, including eleven premier crus and three grand cru cli- variety of dishes. Pour Chablis for friends who eschew chardonnay Position oven rack about 3 inches from heat source; mats: Les Blanchots, Les Bouguerots and Les Clos. Laroche’s most acclaimed for whatever reason and watch their surprised expressions when preheat broiler to high (or preheat grill to medium-high). Rub veal chops with vegetable oil; sprinkle both sides with meat seasoning. Place veal chops on hot grill or ridged cast-iron grill pan; grill or broil for 2 minutes. Without flipping, rotate chops by 45 degrees wine, La Réserve de l’Obédience, is a blend of separate steep-slope plots of the label is revealed. to create hatch marks, then cook 2 more minutes. Turn chops over. Grill or broil second side of chops for 2 minutes; rotate for hatch marks. Cook 2 more minutes until browned and meat thermometer inserted horizontally into center reads 125° F. Remove from heat; INSIDER GUIDE TO CHABLIS, FRANCE transfer chops to a wire rack, let stand. To serve, spoon cooked risotto onto center of individual plates. In a large, shallow broiler-proof baking dish, place veal chops; pour Stay at Hôtel du Vieux Moulin in Chablis. Situated in an 18th-century mill over a rushing marinade over chops. Heat under broiler until lightly charred. Remove dish from broiler; top chops with browned butter. Season to millstream, this charming boutique property offers bucolic views overlooking gently sloping grand taste with sea salt. Arrange chops on top of risotto, slightly off to the side. Top chops with remaining marinade. Serve immediately. cru vineyards. Seven spacious rooms, including two suites, are modestly decorated and encourage TO MAKE THE VEAL MARINADE relaxation, as do the cozy robes and slippers. Continental breakfast is served in the lounge or on the 2 tablespoons Parmigiano - Reggiano 2 cups olive oil sun terrace, and an honor bar is stocked with wines from Domaine Laroche. Centrally located yet 1 ½ tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped ½ cup white balsamic vinegar ideal for a romantic getaway, it’s within walking distance of the Obédiencerie. www.larochehotel.fr/ 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste en/vieux-moulin-hotel 2 tablespoons garlic cloves, minced Sample Domaine Laroche wines at Obédiencerie. An impressive 13th-century wooden wine In non-reactive mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside. press — one of the last two existing in perfect working order — is still used to ceremoniously TO MAKE THE RISOTTO crush chardonnay grapes during the annual Harvest Festival in Chablis. View the press during a 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Domaine Laroche tour and tasting at Obédiencerie, a former monastery that houses the oldest ¼ cup onion, minced (½ of a small onion) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste wine ageing cellars in Chablis. (See also page 80 for a selection of monasteries around the world 1 cup Arborio rice ½ cup leeks, cut into 2-inch julienne strips (1 small leek) that have been converted to luxury hotels.) Designated by the French National Heritage, these 2 cups chicken stock, heated 1 teaspoon fresh chives, chopped cellars are used today to age premier cru and grand cru wines. Discover these wonderful wines at ¼ cup ricotta salata Trim root ends and tough dark greens from leeks; discard. Slit remaining white and pale green leeks lengthwise and then into Boutique Laroche wine shop at Obédiencerie. www.larochehotel.fr/en/wine-shop quarters. Rinse well to remove dirt; cut into 2-inch matchstick julienne. Set aside. Dine at Au Fil du Zinc. Located in the hotel, this unassuming mod- In a heavy bottomed pan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add diced onions to pan; sweat until translucent. Add Arborio rice; with ern bistro restaurant dazzles diners with culinary skills honed at Joël Robuchon’s Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris. wooden spoon, stir to coat. Add hot chicken stock, 2 ounces at a time, allowing rice to completely absorb stock each time, stirring Über-talented chef Ryo Nagahama and his wife Vanessa, pâtissière extraordinaire, use pristine seasonal ingredients to constantly until rice is tender yet firm to the bite with a creamy consistency. prepare delightful dishes worthy of their own star. Robust attractively priced wine list, especially the Chablis. Menu Add ricotta salata and butter, a little at a time; stir gently. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Fold in leeks. changes every ten days and offers six-course dégustation or à la carte selections. Serves lunch and dinner daily, closed Add chives to garnish. Plate immediately. Tuesday and Wednesday. www.restaurant-chablis.fr/home

70 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 71 Atlantis The Palm hotel has quickly be- Elegant aquatic-themed accommoda- you to play with them, you’ll find set with- come an icon of Dubai. Inspired by the tion includes a large living area complete in lagoons the fascinating Indo-Pacific ocean and its wondrous marine life, eve- with a dining table, a separate majlis/ TV Bottlenose Dolphins of Atlantis. Dolphin rything about Atlantis is larger than life. room, a beautifully appointed bedroom Bay is Dubai’s first mammal rescue and Designed to exhilarate and destined to and en-suite bathroom. However, it is the rehabilitation centre and focuses on edu- impress, signature suites are the jewels view from the bedroom and bathroom cation and conservation whilst offering a in this hospitality crown, complete with that makes this suite so very special. With range of intimate and unforgettable shal- a dedicated butler to look after guests’ floor-to-ceiling windows intoT he Ambas- low and deep-water interactions. every need. Bespoke guests can sub- sador Lagoon, guests are simply mesmer- SLEEPING A Qualified Marine Mammal Specialists merge themselves in the underwater ized by the dramatic ancient ruins of the guide guests through their memorable suites – truly a unique experience where mythical lost city and its 65,000 marine encounter with these playful and highly the bedroom and bathroom look into the inhabitants. intelligent creatures. mesmerizing Ambassador Lagoon. Enter the fascinating For more information, The two underwater suites, Poseidon world of dolphins visit www.atlantisthepalm.com UNDER and Neptune, are perhaps our most inti- And if sleeping with the fishes inspires mate and romantic suites where guests descend into the perfect hideaway.

SEACompiled by Robin Jay

DINING WITH THE FISHES AT AL MAHARA Al Mahara, ‘The Oyster Shell’ in Arabic, located at Burj Arab Hotel in Dubai doesn’t just tantalize your palate; it’s a dining experience that will stimulate all your senses. The stunning floor to ceiling aquarium inside the restaurant sets the scene for a meal where only the best will do. Sink into the soft seats and be mesmerized by the world of colorful sea life swimming beside your table, while our team of award-winning chefs prepare you something very special. For reservations, call +971 4 301 7600 or email [email protected].

72 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 FallFall 20152015 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE 7373 Surreal underwater photographer Henrik Welle is… The Man fromBY JOHN D. ADAMS Atlantis

ike an epic character out of Melville or Conrad or Stevenson, underwater photographer Henrik Welle would sail across oceans to tame an unnamed restlessness and uncover his passionate obsessions. One look at Henrik Welle’s underwater photography conveys his exultation for marine life and human Linteraction with the water. He has managed to imbue the majesty and mystery of the sea that any landlubber can appreciate. But it was many years before Welle would find the current that would propel him to combine art and the ocean. His is a centuries-old maritime tale that will lead him to the treasure of found passion. From a pool to the sea “Since I was a child I could dive underwater before I could even swim,” Welle recalls. “People would freak out, reminding my mother that I couldn’t swim. But my mother would just say, ‘He’s okay. He is like a turtle. He goes under, comes up and takes a breath, and then he goes down again.’” These adventures were poolside, of course. Welle didn’t live anywhere near natural bodies of water. “In Germany, it was tough to follow that passion.”

By 1997 Welle was living in Hamburg and working in marketing. But it wasn’t a satisfying choice. One day a friend suggested he learn how to scuba dive to see if perhaps that would lead him in a better direction. “It was the middle of winter and I went to an indoor pool to get some instructions. They put a tank on my back and threw me in. I was blown away. They had to drag me out of the pool. I thought, ‘Why haven’t I been doing this for years?’” He immediately began to inquire about how to become a dive instructor.

A year later, Welle had left his native Germany to take a six-month certification course with Ft. Lauderdale’s Pro Dive USA. “While I was going through dive classes I soon realized that if I did become an instructor, I’d probably never certify anybody because they wouldn’t meet my standards. So I still wasn’t going in the right direction. But I did have my certification as a dive master.

74 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 75 A new hope To make ends meet, Welle was working as a self- taught videographer and video editor. But he still felt a bit lost. Until something amazing happened. “I went on a dive vacation with some friends,” he says. “I had a cheap little camera with an underwater housing and I was just taking nature pictures underwater of what I liked. Everybody looked at them and were amazed by the pictures I took. Someone said, ‘Why don’t you do something with underwater photography?’ I sold all of my video equipment and got a proper camera and that’s how my nature pictures began.”

Because of his natural affinity for water,W elle could spend less time worrying about his dive equipment and concentrate on honing his photographic skills. He taught himself about lighting, and how to con- tend with water temperature, currents, and the flotsam that is eternally floating around his subjects. He began diving and photographing during different times of day. He learned that sometimes, the sea offers up its most exotic beauty at night. “You can look at a rock during the day, and it’s just a rock. But you do a night dive and that rock is exploding with all sorts of life with brilliant forms and colors coming out. That’s why I love night diving. So I do most of my pictures at night.”

Aqua, man, and the agent of time ing against a wall while water approaches. “He is actually lying on Today, some of Welle’s most riveting work combines man and the floor of a pool with weights in his pockets. The ‘smoke’ is milk water in surprising and beautiful ways. But again, it was a friend’s coming out of his mouth. I took the picture then turned it so you suggestion that would ferry Welle to this connection. “A friend of see the surface of the water vertically.” More pictures with this man mine asked me to do an author photo of him underwater. So we in black surfaced. “The body of work is called ‘The Only Time.’ The began brainstorming. He was fully dressed and sitting as he is in a surface, the person and the wall. Past, present and future. He is the café just reading a book. But he was underwater. When we started agent of time and is an everyman who can exist in all three times looking at the pictures, I thought: ‘Wow, this is really neat. Let’s but always remains. And the only reality is the NOW.” do more.’” More work with man and water has developed, and Welle has a After much experimentation, the black-suited Agent of Time was host of new ideas to explore. Like the great seaman explorers be- waterborne. In one arresting shot, he appears to be smoking, lean- fore him, it seems Welle has at last navigated to his own utopia. “This is my niche. This is my element. This is my passion.”

76 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 77 Historic Serenity 5 Splendid Monastery-Conversion Resorts Spiritual Ambience Around the World

By Jana Soeldner Danger

Centuries ago, monasteries and abbeys were places of refuge offering shelter to travelers as they journeyed on dangerous roadways beset by bandits and wild animals. Today, many of the structures that once housed religious orders have been transformed into hotels and inns, and travelers are once again finding refuge there. Gone, however, are the thin mattresses, dim lighting and austere furnishings the structures once held, and in their place are 21st century comforts.

Although they are modern and comfortable, many of the properties have preserved architecture, artifacts and other elements of what they once were. If you are looking for a vacation that combines history, serenity and a spiritual ambience, you might try one of these.

Monastero Santa Rosa – Salerno Province, Italy Visitors to Monastero Santa Rosa on the Amalfi coast can travel back in time as they admire many of the architectural features of a Dominican monastery originally built in the 17th century. Sister Rosa Pandolfi, a member of a noble family, funded its construction, and when the convent was completed in 1681, it was dedicated to St. Rose of Lima.

In recent history, an American woman, Bianca Sharma, fell in love with the ancient building in the Salerno Province of southern Italy when she first saw it from the deck of a friend’s yacht. She bought and restored the three-story building, with a careful eye to preserving the medieval arched entrance, the original parlor, the vaulted ceilings and other elements. The hotel has a spa, and all 20 rooms have ocean views.

Monastero Santa Rosa – Salerno Province, Italy

78 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 79 Parador de Santo Estevo – Galicia, Spain The Parador de Santo Estevo in Galicia, Spain, situated on a densely wood- ed hillside, was once a Benedictine monastery that dates back to the sixth Mandarin Oriental – Prague, Czech Republic century. It overlooks a wine growing region know as the Sacred Shore, where This intimate hotel located in a former Dominican monastery is set amidst the palaces and vineyards cover the steep slopes of two river valleys. gardens of Prague’s historic Malá Strana. A former Renaissance chapel houses the award- winning spa, and the newly opened Spices Restaurant and Bar offering authentic Asian The monastery’s architecture features Romanesque, Goth and Baroque fare and contemporary design blending local history with modern luxury. It offers an ex- elements, and in 1923, it was declared a historic monument. Today, the quisite private dining room hidden below the restaurant in a spectacular wine cellar – said hotel the monastery became is modern and contemporary, yet it preserves to be the former apartment of a monastery friar. With authentic details such as bare brick the ambience of its past. Each of the 77 guest rooms in three cloistered walls and an original medieval well, it’s the ideal place for wine tastings, private dinner or areas has its own unique décor. Amenities include a heated indoor pool, romantic proposals. a spa, a sauna and a restaurant that serves local fare.

Monasterior – Cusco, Peru This historic venue once housed a Spanish monastery built in 1595 on the site of the Inca Amaru Qhala’s palace. A few years later, the Spanish took it over and established a seminary there.

Then in 1650, an earthquake caused major damage, and the reconstruction included the addition of a Baroque chapel that still exists. The structure was remodeled into a hotel in 1965, but the building remains a historical landmark protected by Peru’s National Institute of Culture.

The 126-room hotel features stones around the entry doors that bear the Spanish Arms Escutcheon, ancient archways and antique artwork. It is built around a central courtyard with Couvent des Minimes – Mane, France a 300-year-old cedar tree. Because of the hotel’s The Couvent des Minimes sits on a hillside near the French village of Mane in Provence, France. extreme height, some rooms can be enhanced The original structure dates back to 1613, when it was home to Minimes monks. Then in the early 20th century, with oxygen. The Monasterior has a spa, a bar and it became a convent for an order of Franciscan nuns who planted exotic flowers in terraced gardens, fruit orchards and olive groves. two restaurants. Today the property is a luxurious boutique hotel that mixes medieval architecture with contemporary design. The 71 cells that once housed the nuns have been transformed into 46 modern guestrooms, and the gardens and orchards that were tended by the sisters now help supply the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Amenities include the L’Occitane spa, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis.

80 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 81 82 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 82 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 83 “Baubles, bangles, rounded furnishings like Arne Jacobsen’s famous 1958 “Egg Chair,” can all be employed in creative ways to bring a little peace and Hear how they jing, jinga-linga, pizzazz to any home’s interiors. “Balance tastefully,” advises Perla. Baubles, bangles, “Trust your own creativity. A couple of egg-style chairs to balance out your more angular pieces… It depends on the person.”

Bright, shiny beads. So what is it about circles, spheres and rounded furnishings that feel Sparkles, spangles, so jubilant yet comforting? Perla, a devotee of Feng Shui, notes: “The Baubles, circle is a water symbol. Holding round objects, having a balance of Your heart will sing ...” circular representations, gives us a kind of comforting feeling that calls us back to the womb. The comfort of that softness … Some Frank Sinatra sings “Baubles, Bangles and Beads” need more of that water element and so we add many more round- Master interior designer Perla Lichi and I are browsing through her ed elements to the space. Then there are others who just might like Bangles online portfolio. I pause to express the kinds of “oohs” and “aahs” usu- touches of it, in perhaps a decorative blown glass sphere.” ally reserved for the lighting of a Holiday tree or a champagne toast Baubles and bling on New Year’s Eve. But this is the middle of summer. And those beau- Even though Perla is always upbeat, she gets impossibly excited tifully cascading baubles and beads, those lovely hued chandeliers when talking about glitz, crystal baubles, spheres, and shimmery ripe with glass and crystal spheres aren’t Holiday decorations. They touches. Do a Google search on decorating with baubles and & Beads are integral, and unique, elements of interior design. They just put beads. All you will see are Holiday decorating ideas and images. Bubbles aren’t just for champagne and celebrations. you in a Holiday mood. And that’s exactly the point. “When I think Perla rejects that notion. “These elements are not just for Holidays Add some “Holiday” sparkle to your everyday life about using bubbles and beads with interior designs, I get excited,” and celebrations! Crystals, diamonds, clear spheres, I’m thinking Perla enthuses. “They make me happy. They make me want to have about Swarovski. It’s so hot right now. And it is exploding with By John D. Adams fun. To me, design is art, so I might as well use all kinds of shapes and possibilities. Contemporary, crystal chandeliers, beads for pillows, elements and textures … why not use circles, bubbles and beads?” towels with beaded trim, this is the bling. Diamonds may be a girl’s Circle of trust best friend, but this is the jewelry for your interiors… As ever, Perla is feeling creatively effervescent. She has been think- “Designing for the Holidays is all about the lights and the glamour ing a lot about how crystal spheres, bangles, glittery beads, even and the ornaments. But why should you limit that to a few weeks out

84 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 85 “You have to play and be honest with yourself. What makes you most comfortable? Think of it this way. When you were a child blowing bubbles, how much was enough? I wanted to use the whole bottle!” – Perla Lichi

of your year? You can always have things lighted and beaded. It brings life and joy!”

Creative crystals commercial spaces and in homes, we have been creating divid- crystal doorknobs. Crystal faucet handles. Fill baskets with glass The more we discuss crystals and spheres, ing walls from curtains of shimmering beads, little glass orbs, balls. The ideas are limitless. And it could certainly be easy to it becomes clear that you can bring in small crystals, gold and silver chains… Recently, I did a girl’s go overboard. that essential comforting circle motif in a bedroom and sitting room. She wanted a very feminine space “You have to play and be honest with yourself,” advises Perla. thousand overt or subtle ways. but still wanted to divide her sitting area from the sleeping area. “What makes you most comfortable? Think of it this way. When So we did a wall of crystal strands that really does give the room We discussed beaded curtains that act as you were a child blowing bubbles, how much was enough? I a soft, shimmery waterfall feel. You still have an open room but room dividers. Not a new concept. They wanted to use the whole bottle! But you might have only liked the view is softly obscured.” were big in the 1960s and have contin- to use a little bit. For some people, less is more. But for me, more ued to festoon dorm and laundry rooms Perla emphasizes the importance of details. “Remember, these is better.” across the country. Perla, of course, thinks touches are the jewelry of the house. In one house we imbed- See more of Perla’s work online at: about what a sumptuous luxury the ded the owners’ initials on the master bedroom door panels us- www. perlalichi.com “drapes” can convey. “More and more in ing Swarovski crystals.” Think about bringing back a version of

86 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 87 My 2015 Voyage to No one can doubt the beauty of the coun- but not for lack of want to preserve. When try with its sandy beaches, lush moun- asked what is the magic of the country, I tains, tobacco and sugar cane fields, can say without hesitation, is its people for they are working still as they were – charming, hospitable and loving with generations ago, not at the same speed, hope there will be a future of prosperity however. The buildings have magical and rebirth. style and with architectural elements: For the future visitors of this island country, Moorish-shaped windows, decorated only 90 miles from the coast of Florida, tile walls, and wrought iron balustrades here are some hints and observations – while crumbling in many and in most about Cuba today. instances – are there to remind all that

By Carleton Varney there was, and is, a glamour and beauty in its very being. Over the last five decades, much has been neglected for lack Cuba is a country for the curious, yes, and it is a country filled with contrasts – of funds to protect architectural heritage, a world that once was, prior to the revolution in 1959, and a world constantly in flux and change over the last 55 years. The Cuba of today is the one that is complex, as well as curious. My associate Brinsley Matthews and I were in the Island nation recently visiting sites that have been the talk of our country for years and years.

No one can doubt the beauty of the country with its sandy beaches, lush mountains, tobacco and sugar cane fields, View of Colonial City of Trinidad, Cuba for they are working still as they were generations ago.

8888 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE FallFall 20152015 FallFall 20152015 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE 8989 PLANNING YOUR FLIGHT style with French Gothic gargoyles. There is a Sevillian air of refined are held together with tape and coat hangers, and seats are low Cuba is reachable by air only on charter aircraft from Miami. style in the main lobby floor tiles, which have a MoorishS pain and needy of springs. Along the walk down the Prado, take note DINING IN CUBA One must travel with a group – fully authorized by the gov- influence.T he splendid ceilings recall the tradition of the Roman of the Capitol modeled after the Capitol building in Washington, Paladar is the Spanish word for ernment of the island country (and ours) – for purposes of cul- coffer.T he English Gardens are from the Romantic period. While D.C., built in 1929. Also check out the Moorish style of the Ingla- dining restaurant and there are tural and professional interest. Generally, American tourists, the Nacional is in need of vast refreshing (visit but don't stay there terra and Sevilla Hotels, as well as the original Bacardi factory, many now open where private for tourist purposes only, are not permitted. I traveled with the for the night), the classic bones are there. While there, a must to see which I’m certain the Bacardi family seeks to reclaim one day. enterprise is allowed. You will Ohio Alumni Group of Oberlin College. is The Hall of Fame, where legends have been photographed – like find them sublime (but drink Josephine Baker, Betty Grable, Ginger Rogers, Tyrone Power, John OLD HAVANA PLAZAS bottled water only)! I recom- Our group stayed at the Parque Central Hotel in the center Paul Sartre, Errol Flynn, John Wayne. Rita Hayworth honeymooned Old Havana and its Four Plazas offer a glimpse of what a colonial city mend these eateries: of Havana, where most foreigners stay when in the city. The there with Prince Aly Khan. is all about. The Four Plazas comprise Cuba’s first UNESCO World hotel is nine stories high and has two roof swimming pools. Heritage site. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the site of the oldest Span- Concordia – 418 e/Gerrasio I give the hotel a four-star rating, as rooms, dining facilities, HAVANA'S SEASIDE AVENUE ish fortress in the New World (1519), also the locale of the first mass y Escoban, Centro Havana. cocktail lounges and shops are all handsomely appointed. A stroll down Malecon, Havana’s seaside avenue, is a must. You'll held in Cuba. In the Plaza de San Francisco, you can visit the restored Formerly known as La Maison One of the most unexpected pleasures was the dream breakfast enjoy seeing a hotel design of the late 1950s – The Riviera. This Basilica San Francisco de Asis. At the Plaza Vieja, you’ll find artist gal- Camaguey, this was the locale buffet, which included cold meats and cheeses to dried fruits, hotel, designed in the spirit of the Fontainebleau (in Miami), but leries, boutiques, museums and market places. Most of the books of the Cuban iconic film “Fresa y omelets, fruit juices (I loved the pineapple smoothies!) and not as stylish, was the genius idea of Meyer Lansky of mafia noto- available for purchase feature the words of the revolutionaries. Wan- Chocolate.” It is one of the most Traditional restaurant a decadent bakery section. riety to fulfill his casino/hotel dream. Visiting the hotel interiors and popular dining spots. dering through the street of the old town with plazas filled with ca- exterior with table settings swimming pool is like walking through a time warp. New times are VaRADERO BEACH fés, you will see architecture spanning five centuries. E nd your old Paladar Mercaderes – on the terrace and view on coming, but I doubt the domed Lansky gambling casino will find A visit to the white-sand beaches of the Varadero Beach resort, with world walking tour at the Plaza de la Cathedral. 207 e Lamparilla y Amas Gura, Old Havana in the Caribbean its tables or slots back in place. The gambling days, favored by Lu- island of Cuba a stop for a coffee at the DuPont Mansion and nine-hole golf course, Havana Vieja. This restaurant, ciano Lansky, Genovese and President Batista, were immediately ART, MUSEUMS & FUSTERLANDIA is a must. The residence, with its eight guest rooms, was built in the where lobster is always a treat, is inside the home of the owner destroyed by the rebellion of the masses and the Castro forces. Certainly there is a plethora of art galleries and museums in Cuba 1930s for the DuPonts and their friends. – from a museum of The Revolution, where airplanes and mis- in old Havana. EXCURSIONS When in Havana, a must is a stop-and-see at The Hotel Nacional siles are exhibited, to the Presidential Palace directly across the El Ajiaco – Calle 92 (Los Pinos) #267 entre Stay 3r, Cojimar. Staying at the Parque Central offered the visitors on our cultural De Cuba, the crowning jewel of Havana, built in 1930 on top of calle where Fulgencio Batista was ousted in 1959. There is even This restaurant is in the fishing village where Ernest Heming- trip the opportunity to walk the Prado Promenade. Here one Taganana Hill with views over the oceanfront avenue, known as a town, a small “Gaudi-esque” village, where houses and shops way kept his boat “The Pilar.” Before dining, visit Finca Vigia – finds fabulous villas of yesterday waiting to be restored and the Malecon. The hotel was designed by the prestigious New York are ceramic-treated and covered by the artist Jose Fuster. Fuster the plantation style colonial house where Hemingway wrote brought back to their original intent to be seen and enjoyed architectural firm of McKim, Mead &W hite, which had designed has transferred the town with wonderlands of sculptures, mo- “The Old Man and the Sea” and lived from 1940 to 1960 with his Palm Beach’s convention resort hotel, The Breakers. There are shopping streets in Havana where trend-setting saic and murals where local neighbors volunteer their homes to wife Martha Gellhorn and their children. European clothing can be purchased, but at prices that are not become part of the sprawling masterpiece called Fusterlandia. The roofs of the Nacional are classic Roman architecture with San Cristobal Paladar – San Rafael 469 E/Leal tad y affordable for the Cuban population – who live on meager wag- Sevillian patios that in Cuba had their expression in 19th century La Factoria is a late-night place to rendezvous and look-see all Campanario, Centro Havana. This local Cuban custom antique es and rationed food products. Transportation around the city colonial constructions. The outer arcades are Californian mission the art, from photography to watercolors and giant oils. There restaurant may have a cluttered look, but it has been rated the is by Coco motorcycles – yellow bubble-looking vehicles with are bars and open terraces where there will be lots of hands #1 Paladar in Havana by the English newspaper “The Guardian.” three wheels and by some now contemporary taxi vehicles. Cy- holding sugar lumps and mojitos. cling carts are also on the streets, along with the automobiles left My favorite: La Casa Verde Paladar in Vinales on the island in the 1950s by Cuban families who sought exile in Our visit to Cuba was a most memo- Valley - Lealtad 208, Centro Habana, Havana, Cuba No one the United States. The vehicles, yes, the Chevrolets, the Buicks, rable cultural experience – and I can’t should visit Cuba without driving through Pinar del Rio Province. the Cadillacs, all in full colors – yellows, reds, pinks, greens. Unfor- wait to go back when Cuba is once This is the pine-populated, red-soiled tobacco region where you tunately, most of the autos of yesterday need restoring. Windows again in full color. Maybe then postal can visit a tobacco farm and enjoy yourself at the restaurant “La service to the U.S. will be restored Casa Verde,” and see the most beautiful mountain views in the so that I can mail postcards of this country. The country style food is made of home-grown produce beautiful island to my friends. and you can hike the hillside terraced gardens.

Carleton Varney and taxi driver Enma Leydis in Havana

Pictured – Malecon, a seaside avenue

9090 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE FallFall 20152015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 91 of American railroader Jay Gould, inspired it. She was running to a meeting with Charles Arpels and threw her necessities into a metal Lucky Strike cigarette box. Arpels took that impromptu carry-case Historic Poetry idea and made it his own. Perhaps the firm’s most intriguing contribution – one that bears a 1933 patent – is a technique of setting gems “invisibly” onto jewelry, for the Wrist enhancing the aesthetics of each piece. In actuality, the gems are held within an unseen metal grid on the underside. The process of meticulously placing the tiny stones can take up to 1,000 hours.

1939 drawing of of the Cadenas watch design

Like its revived timepiece brand, Van Cleef & Arpels has also adapted to a new era. It has an e-boutique on its Web site and allows Duke and Duchess of Windsor shopping and catalogue browsing online. A nine-second video on By Dale King and Julia Hebert YouTube instructs viewers how to pronounce the company name The Jeweler of Royalty properly. (Arpels, like “apples.”) Throughout the decades, Van Cleef & Arpels has enticed clien- an Cleef & Arpels, the company renowned for its In 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels opened tele from the ranks of royalty (the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Solving the Mystery of this Luxury Brand exceptional jewelry, fine men’s and women’s its “jewelry salon” at the now- Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco), Hollywood stars (Glo- The firm has spent generations riding the crest of the high-end fragrances, and watches that are dubbed “poetry for famous address of 22 Place Ven- ria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, fashion jewelry and fragrance market, responding to trends, creat- the wrist,” imbues its pieces with magical, mystical dome in the French capital. Many among others) and leaders of finance, the Mellons, Kennedys, Van- ing its own and even patenting a “Mystery Setting” process, the likes qualities – and has for 119 years. locations worldwide would follow. derbilts and the Onassises. V of which will be revealed to all later in this article. Based in Paris, the The ‘New’ The coming rebirth of Cadenas watches is being hailed throughout Throughout its varied, fanciful history, Van Cleef & Arpels has leapt prestigious design and Vintage Returns the Van Cleef & Arpels network, which includes four Florida loca- from milestone to milestone, often based on the substantial abili- fabrication firm was The high-end house of jeweled tions: Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Naples and Bal Harbour, Miami. ties of family members who worked in unison to make things hap- born in fairy-tale fash- goods and aromatiques (called pen. Estelle’s three brothers came on board around 1900. Alfred and “Cadenas watches are made up of the double snake chain,” said ion after Estelle Arpels, “La Maison,” French for “house”) Estelle’s daughter, Renee Puissant, served as artistic director from Catherine Cariou, the firm’s heritage director. “The dial is notable daughter of a Parisian is about to reissue a timepiece 1926 to 1942. Her arrival boosted brand identity, and her savvy led for being completely slanted. Wearers can glance at the time very precious stones dealer, it created 80 years ago. to the appearance of amazing creations. discretely.” and Alfred van Cleef, “Van Cleef & Arpels had been son of a diamond cut- In the 1930s, Estelle’s brother, Julien, also had sons – Claude, Slightly updated from the 1930s-era timepiece, with a larger dial making sumptuous bejeweled watches since the 1920s, but it was ter from Amsterdam, Jacques and Pierre – who entered the business. By the 1970s, the and enhancements to the stone, setting and clasp, the new Cade- not until 1935 that the Maison created the model which would de- were married. They mantle had been passed to a new generation: Phillipe Arpels and nas was unveiled at the 2015 Salon Internationale de la Haute Hor- fine the marriage between beauty and functionality: the Cadenas became partners in Dominique Hourtouille (Jacques’ children) and Caroline Daumen logerie. “It’s an eternal watch, thanks to its design that is simultane- watch,” said company president Nicolas Bos. business, as well as life, (Pierre’s daughter). ously extraordinary and restrained,” said Catherine. and drew upon the Inspired by Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor, the Cadenas time- Van Cleef & Arpels turned a fluke into a fashion statement in 1930 “It was appreciated by women in the 1930s and will be appreciated talent of members piece resembled a bracelet rather than a watch. At the time, it was Estelle Arpels marries Parisian precious when it created “the minaudiere,” a type of evening bag/vanity case today by women in the 2000s.” from both families to considered gauche for genteel women to wear wristwatches in stones dealer Alfred van Cleef that became wildly popular. A friend and client, Frances Gould, wife expand and diversify. public, so those who did had to view the time with a furtive glance. The Cadenas line made that task easier, and will do so again.

92 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 93 We were not talking good, or merely excellent, we were staring at some of the finest examples of gems ever to come out of Africa! Period. No debate – we knew it as soon as we looked into the first two cases THE RAINBOW What we were looking at was the distilla- and beheld a huge 360+ carat Morganite of luscious tion of those decades of experiences, fill- pink, an incredible blood red Cuprite that was almost ing the cases of this marvelous museum. 300 carats (a world record?), an unsurpassed Cerus- Warren, and later his son Ian, have spent OF AFRICA GEM site (looking like a giant Diamond) at 430+ carats, the last 25 years focusing all of their efforts and the crowning glory: an unbelievably large, bright on displaying those gemstones of Africa – green Tsavorite Garnet weighing 65.72 carats (about building what is arguably the world’s fin- the size of a quail’s egg.) And those were only some COLLECTION est African gem collection. “It’s a snapshot of the impressive gemstones in the first case – there By Mary Fong/Walker & Jim Walker, Directors of Heritage Auctions in time,” Warren said. “And that snapshot were many more cases containing: Paraiba Tourma- Nature & Science Department won’t be repeated again. Somebody else lines, Mandarin Garnets, Aquamarines, Tanzanites, will take another snapshot, but this is a Curators of the Rainbow of Africa Museum located and exotic, one-of-a-kind, collector stones. The color snapshot of the early times when the gem in the English countryside outside London con- and variety was incredible, the quality and size were discoveries of Africa, excluding diamonds, tacted us at Heritage Auctions in Dallas to ask if we world-class, and the gems were all well cut, brightly really got going.” He set out to create a would consider bringing their museum collection polished, and well proportioned. to auction. Given the distance, we had to pencil it world-class collection of African gems, re- into the schedule. After a flight across ‘the pond,’ We went from case to case with our jaws on the floor, flecting all colors of the rainbow, and qui- a train ride out from London, and a short cab ride excitedly pointing out one spectacular gem after an- etly, patiently, he achieved his goal. other. All in all, well over 350 gemstones were on ex- later, we found ourselves standing in front of a very Rainbow of Africa Comes hibit! And there was more – a fine selection of African nice home in the suburbs. We thought, ‘there’s a to Auction in October museum here? Are we at the right address?’ mineral specimens and meteorites were interwoven Heritage Auctions is proud to be bringing with the display to round out the story of the Taylor this collection to auction. The Taylor family We were greeted at the door by a smiling gentleman family’s discoveries. This was a comprehensive mu- just wants every gem to find a good home and his equally congenial wife: Warren and Di Taylor. seum, documenting the gem world of Africa: from – passing it on to the next ‘caretakers’ who After the usual introductions and pleasantries, we Morocco at the northern end, to South Africa at the will appreciate these treasures as much as were still wondering where the museum was. other, and all parts in between. Each display told a they have enjoyed bringing them togeth- A Surprise of a Lifetime story. You could spend hours (and we did) just going er. The auction will be held in New York The answer came when we were escorted through through each case that represented either a type of City on October 15. All of the gems and the house and then down the stairs. As we wound gem or a region. minerals will be there on display – recre- our way down the staircase, an African theme The Story Behind The Collection ating the Rainbow of Africa Museum one emerged through prints and paintings on the wall. How was this astonishing collection amassed? Well, it last time before the collection is scattered We were being transported from England to anoth- turns out this museum represented over 50 years of to the Four Corners of the World. er continent: Africa. We found ourselves in a room collecting, and three generations of the Taylor family. completely filled with museum display cases. We Warren had grown up in South Africa and had been were very pleasantly surprised! It was like entering fascinated by gems and minerals for most of his life. another world – one full of spectacular gems of eve- It was his father, Morton Taylor, who introduced him ry size and color imaginable. It was mind-boggling to the hobby. Morton had become fascinated by the and quite beyond our expectations. wonderful crystals and rocks that surrounded him, 99 times out of a hundred, when we are told some- and the two would spend days wandering around one has something spectacular they would like in the ‘bush’ going treasure hunting. Later, Warren Heritage to auction, we find ourselves disappointed had the opportunity to take some geology courses and faced with the delicate task of informing the while at university, and when he had to do his intern- person that, although their prized treasures are very ship, he got the chance to work in the famed Tsumeb nice, they are not something suitable for auction. mine in Namibia. He was hooked! He spent most of This was that other elusive 1 percent: the ‘Holy Grail’ his wages buying specimens, and so it began. for which every auction company searches. And Later on, Warren narrowed his focus to acquiring su- who would have thought we’d find it in an unas- perior examples of the gem crystals of Africa, taking suming home in the English countryside? the rough he accumulated and having it cut by mas- The astonishing thing was that these gemstones ter lapidary artists into the wide array of gemstones were some of the finest the world has ever seen! now found in the Rainbow of Africa collection.

94 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 95 Left: A case from the on 20 percent of the specimens to help him keep focus on value over Jerome Shaw time. He has the space to add the “fun pieces,” but the money is in the collection, showing The Golden Age major fluorites and specimens that other major collectors would want. an azurite formerly Case in Point #2: The Barry Kitt Collection in the collection of Barry Kitt came into my office like an excited kid in 2010, entranced by Andrew Carnegie. having seen his first tourmaline cluster in the Smithsonian and the re- of Collecting & Photo: Silvia Pangaro alization that ‘YES, you can actually own such things!’ He realized that he Right: The world's had the immediate opportunity to gain entry into minerals at the top best specimen of end of the field. He then made the hard-nosed decision that as an inves- Rose Quartz, 33 cm tor in other things, he should buy minerals the same way: ONLY the best. tall, known as ‘The He also considered the trend toward investors looking for investable Investing in Madonna.’ Sold by hard asset categories and he realized that these natural mineral treasures, Heritage Auctions in as an asset class, were virtually unknown by the mainstream investor 2013. Mark Mauthner Photo, courtesy Herit- community. He has actually taught me a lot about applying these logi- age Auctions. Now in cal principles to build his small but focused collection that is constantly Fine Minerals the J. Shaw collection, being upgraded as any opportunity might arise. via Arkenstone. He buys pieces that correspond to a Left: By Dr. Robert Lavinsky uniform size range and meet his own Perhaps the finest known Below: individual assessment for incredible Kitt collection prize- example of a rare hot pink ine minerals are specimens of naturally crystallized beauty that beauty. To his credit, even after only tourmaline with a blue top, winning case at the mesmerize those of us who collect them. They are regarded for 5 years in the field, he has managed from a famous 1972 find in Tucson 2015 Gem & every reason that a fine Rodin sculpture might be: provenance, San Diego’s mountains. This Mineral Show, for to buy, or trade, an incredible num- piece, part of the Kitt collec- condition, context and rarity. These are beyond mere ‘scientific Best-in-Show. ber of famous old pieces while tion, is considered the iconic objects’ to be put on a shelf. And, they are millions of years old. Photo: Christi Cramer also chasing down some example of the find and of The shocking reality is that they exist at all, to enjoy, given the rigors of (Mineralogical Record) of the new “Van Goghs” an American tourmaline fsurvival. that come to our mar- specimen for its balance ket. He exhibited for the and aesthetics. Tracing the History of Mineral Value In the days of the European Royalty’s ‘Grand Tours’ around the Continent, fine first time at the Tucson Lower right: Mineral Show, the larg- World-class cluster of gem mineral specimens were gifted as a matter of course, between educated est mineral show in the Aquamarine crystals with members of the royal class. Cabinets of ‘natural curiosities’ were in many Garnet and Quartz, 20 cm palaces of the times, and some even survive to the present. The Archduke world, in Feb. 2015, and tall, from Pakistan. Found Stephan von Habsburg-Lothringen (1817-1867) was one of the greatest won the top prize for a in 2013, now in the Kitt collectors of all time. In the early 1900s, the action in the mineral collecting mineral collection on collection. world shifted to the USA, following the energy and dynamism of technology exhibit at the show. and new wealth. Notables such as Thomas Edison, Andrew Carnegie, and The role of the Internet J.P. Morgan (the gemstone ‘Morganite’ was named in has been pivotal in ed- his honor!) were among the top collectors of the early ucating savvy tangible 1900s, spending millions in inflation-adjusted dollars. J.P. investment collectors. who are building another round of world-class collections as did the Morgan’s collection still forms the core of the American Market giant Heritage industrial royalty of the early 1900s. Museum of Natural History in NYC to this day. After his do- Auctions noticed this nation, the era of fine minerals, and the apprecia- Case in Point #1: asset class and added tion of these treasures of Nature, withered. The Jerome Shaw Collection it as an art class to the Jerome Shaw founded and sold a major insurance company and then Today, we live in a ‘Golden Age’ for auction world. In only pursued a second career as a gallery owner (101Exhibit in L.A.) and art this hobby-turned-asset class. 20 years, my rather investor: A lifetime collector of decorative and fine arts, his collections Fine minerals are being seen opaque hobby has were exhibited at several major museums. He went to the Tucson as an Art class by top collec- turned into a world- Gem & Mineral Show with his collections curator Nathan Reiskin to tors of other forms of beauty, wide sport and an learn more about his new hobby. Cautiously, he went to higher levels exhibited as masterpieces in emergent asset class. of collecting in the field (I met him halfway there). Jerome told me he homes and museums (such treats minerals just like any other field of art he has collected over the as the Smithsonian, Houston For more information years: He buys what he likes, what gives him pleasure to look at. He Museum, Dallas’ new Perot about mineral collecting, still treats it as an investment and intends to make a profit in the long Museum), and sought after visit www.irocks.com. run, by following the strategy of spending 80 percent of the money with increasing zeal by top collectors

96 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 97 Photographer: Chiaroscuro Fotografia Wardrobe Stylist: Lina O'connor MUA: Desiree Sutter Hair: Priscilla Minney

Photographer: Rochalle Stewart Photography Makeup/Hair: Leeza Zain Garvin

orn into a family of accom- to compare Jaimie’s career trajectory to those of Paris Hilton and Kim plished entrepreneurs, most Kardashian, Jaimie insists that her path is unique. notable of which is her uncle, Meet Jaimie fashion mogul Tommy Hil- Born to ambitious parents who taught her the value of hard work, figer, Jaimie Hilfiger is blazing Jaimie admits she experienced a privileged childhood growing up her own path to success. “Hard work runs in my family,” says Jaimie, in New York. “Family is very important to me and my mom and dad who at the age of 25, launched the first phase of her own skincare have sacrificed so much in their lives,” says line in partnership with La Curcio. “My parents taught me Jaimie, an only child whose father is one of When Tommy was 25 years old, he had Tommy’s eight siblings and owns his own Bjust suffered a major setback. Due to a that I could achieve any- construction company. “My parents taught devastating flood and a downturn in the me that I could achieve anything I wanted thing I wanted to, so economy, he had to close his first store, to, so I graduated from high school when I The Next Generation Of The People’s Place in Elmira, New York. I graduated from high was 17 and college when I was 20.” Tommy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy As a teenager, Jaimie left her parent’s house in 1977. Against all odds, he then turned school when I was 17 and in the Northeast to attend the University his namesake label into an iconic Ameri- of Central Florida in Orlando. Though she can apparel brand and years later, in 2010, college when I was 20.” didn’t know a single soul, Jaimie hoped that sold his company for a whopping $3 bil- – Jaimie Hilfiger the Sunshine State would provide her with lion. One of his newest projects includes more temperate weather and a chance to mix and mingle with a Hilfiger renovating the historic Raleigh Hotel on South Beach. New Miami Beach resident, Jaimie Hilfiger, dishes on what it’s really like different crowd than back home. While her sorority sisters at Alpha to be a young entrepreneur and the niece of legendary designer Tommy Hilfiger. His niece, Jaimie, is now 25 years old, a new Miami Beach resident and Delta Pi were working toward becoming nurses, lawyers and teach- engaged to celebrity jeweler Igal Dahan. While her story is strikingly ers, Jaimie had her sights on stardom. “I modeled throughout col- By Kara Franker different than that of her uncle’s, Jaimie represents the next generation lege and I began saving my money to move to L.A.,” says Jaimie, who of young entrepreneurs. Not only do they want traditional success in began her modeling career when she was 7 years old. the terms of financial gain. They also want fame. While some are quick

98 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 99 Living A Glamorous Life, Jaimie is quick to point out that her uncle Hilfiger Style would help her with her career if she asked The first phase ofT he Jaimie Hilfiger Collection In Los Angeles, Jaimie continued to work as him to and that he did offer her a college By La Curcio includes a hydrating mist ($65), a model, landing more than 15 magazine internship at his company. But Jaimie lip balm ($37) and hand cream ($23). The sec- covers. Critics presumed that Jaimie’s suc- wants to build her own empire and she’s ond phase, targeted to debut this winter, will cesses came from a boost from her highly- willing to put the work in without calling include a face and eye makeup remover, a connected uncle and even her own family her uncle for help. “And I’ve never asked detoxifying mask, and a calming serum. The members assumed that Tommy pulled in him because I think that would be tacky,” entire La Curcio Skincare line, ranging from a few favors. One of her cousins heard a she adds. youth extending day creams to dramatic performance serums, features products that are rumor that Tommy hired Jaimie’s publicist Being perceived as “tacky” is simply not in multifunctional, paraben and gluten free with and that’s why she had landed gigs with E! Jaimie’s DNA, but developing an extraor- no artificial fragrances or dyes. Additionally and The Huffington Post. But according to dinary personal fashion sense does run in all products are made in the USA in luxury Jaimie, those rumors were false. “Tommy the family. Jaimie’s closet is full of Chris- containers that are all recyclable. In the spring has always supported me and loved me as tian Louboutin shoes, Chanel purses (she’s of 2016, Jaimie plans to launch an entire his niece, but we’ve never mixed our rela- particularly fond of her CC Signature 2.55 cosmetic line featuring her signature lip color: tionship together with our businesses,” says in creme with gold hardware, but she has hot pink. In the meantime, she is the brand’s Jaimie, who hired her own publicist in 2010. all the colors) and an impressive jewelry spokesperson and recommends the products “It’s actually a huge misconception by a lot collection with handmade pieces from her for women of all ages and anyone who desires of people, including my own family.” fiancé’s line, i.d x-change Cuffs of Love. timeless, younger looking skin. What’s next for the model-turned-entrepre- www.LaCurcio.com neur? She’s planning her wedding, working on a cosmetics line and getting acquainted with her new neighborhood: Miami Beach. As far as career goals go, she’s stepping out from under her uncle’s shadow and charting her own course in the beauty industry.

www.JaimieHilfiger.com

Photographer: Chiaroscuro Fotografia Wardrobe Stylist: Lina O'connor MUA: Desiree Sutter Hair: Priscilla Minney

Photographer: Rochalle Stewart Photography Makeup/Hair: Leeza Zain Garvin

100 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 101 for her & him

For Her PHYTO-C NO-TOX BOTOX Potent anti-aging cream simulates collagen The Practicality of Luxury and combats imperfections. www.phyto-c. By Leah Jayasanker com. $240 Let the Saks Fifth Avenue Club Come to You

LISA BOOTS The Lisa boot is a classy PVC injected, tall rainboot, using a high-quality, “We once had a girlfriend party eco-friendly compound. Navy, Black or Gray. www.Swims.com. $189 in which the ladies were

enjoying their champagne and

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102 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 103 Impeccable poise ounded in 1913 by Robert Bam- An inimitable design packed with ford and Lionel Martin as ‘Bamford innovative engineering and plentiful per- & Martin Ltd’, the company has formance, the V8 Vantage is endowed sculpted by speed developed into an iconic brand with truly great sporting dynamics yet Designed to face the demands of the real world, the V8 Vantage Fsynonymous with luxury and elegance. offers excellent everyday usability. takes the road in its stride 1914 saw the birth of the name ‘Aston Award-winning looks, standard-setting Martin’ following one of Lionel Martin’s dynamics and pulse quickening desir- Compiled by Robin Jay successful runs at the Aston Hill Climb in ability make the V8 Vantage an excellent Buckinghamshire, England. Within a year, choice. With a muscular and musical V8 If 007 the first Aston Martin had been built and engine, all aluminium construction and The story of Aston Martin’s rise from a two-man operation working from a small London workshop to a globally respected registered with the name, and an icon of a high level of hand-craftsmanship, it has marque has been long, colorful and often dramatic. A rich and prestigious heritage defines Aston Martin as something the automotive world was born. the same inherent quality and integrity as truly unique within automotive history. were to have James Bond’s Iconic Ride all Aston Martin cars. And with a choice of of Choice Coupe and Roadster body styles, manual or automated paddle-shift transmissions his Aston Since it’s launch at the turn of the century, and virtually limitless scope for person- thrilling fans at the racetrack, Aston Martin alization there’s a version to perfectly suit is also extremely proud of its long-term your individual taste and driving style. Martin of silver-screen relationship with James Bond. The association began in 1964 with the Lithe and low, with minimal overhangs film Goldfinger featuring the iconic DB5 and a foursquare stance, it looks resolute- choice today, and has continued to present day, with the ly planted to the road, while the skin-tight marque’s 11 Bond film appearances. tailoring emphasizes its athletic physique. he’d certainly Models: All Vantage models feature aerodynamic From Vintage to Vantage refinements from our Vantage GT4 race program. These include a deeper and And if 007 were to have his Aston Martin more aggressive front splitter, more consider the of choice today, he’d certainly consider prominent side sills, a rear diffuser and the Vantage V8 an A-list automobile. a tailgate featuring a more pronounced Widely acknowledged to be one of the upswept ‘flip’ to reduce lift and increase Vantage V8 all-time great pieces of car design, the high-speed stability. Vantage has effortless presence and an an A-list exceptionally clean, sculptural form. “Vantage GT is also closer than you think, with MSRPs starting from $99,900,” “The Vantage is a modern sports car with said Ken Gorin, President and CEO of classic ideals. Potent, charismatic and The Collection, South Florida’s premiere automobile. blessed with inimitable style and excep- luxury automotive dealership housing tional athleticism, the revitalized Vantage the globe’s most celebrated automotive range is the fastest and fittest ever,” said brands. Dr. Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO. “Wheth- er you’re drawn to the poise and purity of THE COLLECTION Aston Martin is located the V8 or the unprecedented pace of the at 200 Bird Road, Coral Gables. To schedule new V12 S, you’re assured an electrifying a test drive, call 305-444-555 or visit www. driving experience and a car that captures thecollection.com. the true essence of Aston Martin.”

104 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 105 Back In The Saddle A reawakening of the passion for riding and its uncanny similarities to fine business practices

By Todd R. Sciore

hile only a small subset of outliers are able to turn their favorite hobby into a prosperous, full time career, many of us know that despite our passion for a particular pastime, it is often forced to take a W backseat to educational, familial and professional obligations. In other words, life gets in the way. However, if fortune smiles upon us, we sometimes get a second chance to revisit our youthful ambitions – only this time with a larger budget. Such is the case with Broward County, Florida resident Susan McGregor. Susan is the current President of Fort Lauderdale based RoboVault (a state- of-the-art Museum-Quality Storage and Services Vault owned by BBX Capital), and she generously shares with South Florida Opulence her love of dressage horseback riding, its confluence with corporate leadership skills, and one (perhaps the only) early life negotiation ‘failure.’

“I rode horses as a child; I was one of those young girls who was just head over heels horse crazy. I had a huge poster of all of the Kentucky Derby winners over my bed…and I was always trying to convince my parents to get me a horse. I used to try to convince my father that he wouldn’t have to cut the grass!”

It was logical situational assessments like this that predestined Susan to pursue degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and achieve “I rode horses as a child; success as a high-level human resources executive with Florida-based Bank Atlantic before moving into the corner office herself. “I took lessons, I rode as a kid and I would go out with my friends and ride in col- I was one of those lege, but you go on to grad school and kind of put all of that away. I got married, I had a son and I was focused on my family and career.” young girls who was While Susan’s story to this point sounds like it could belong to any number of career-minded individuals, in her case, opportunity knocked one more time and, fortunately, she was home to answer the door. “About just head over heels seven years ago, I started riding again, and this time I bought a horse. I started riding dressage and I had never taken dressage lessons before.” horse crazy.” While she has a genuine appreciation for the horsepower of the exotic sports cars under her safekeeping watch at RoboVault, experience in the dressage ring has taught her that there is more to life than a need for speed. “When you’re younger, it’s the thrill of riding, and when you’re older, you realize that thrill can end up in broken bones.”

106 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 107 Dressage, a French word for “training,” is, as Susan advises, a good way to learn the fundamentals of riding – the correct posture and communication techniques. “Dressage is very disciplined; you have to be very precise…it’s been referred to as ballet with your horse. The cues are very subtle, you’re almost dancing with your partner, but your partner can weigh one thousand pounds.” Horse Sense The legendary comic W.C. Fields once quipped that horse sense “is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” However, Ellie Scofield, proprietor of Galloways Farm in Parkland. there is more to it than that. It’s that instinctive ability to take the lead and safely navigate the pitfalls in front of you. Inspiration to continue death knell to your organization. “Dressage is a wonderful sport leading effectively sometimes comes from unconventional sources, and the horse will respond to your communication or lack of it. and despite partaking in various leadership seminars during her ca- Horses are herd animals and one of you has to be the leader. If reer, some of the most effective lessons are those Susan learned while the horse is not confident in you as the leader, it will be the leader, training with her beloved, full-blooded Arabian gelding Tsundance Kid and I think it’s the same at work, as well.” Susan also sagely advises at Galloways Farm in that “you have to remember that you’re only a leader if someone is Parkland, Florida. willing to follow you, and if you get too far out in front, you’re not a Another Kind leader, you’re alone.” of Horsepow- The pages of South Florida Opulence are often filled with features on er in Business individuals pursuing their passions, sometimes after a long hiatus. Communication Break- Whether it be reforming the band, dusting off the easel and palette, down, a rock standard or climbing back in the saddle, give it a whirl. Who knows, you just from the Led Zeppelin might learn something. Oh, and in case you’re wondering about catalog, may be a great Susan’s one early ‘failure’ mentioned earlier? It’s that despite her ef- song for hitting the forts, Dad didn’t fall for the “If you buy me a horse, we won’t need open road; however, a lawnmower” routine. But Susan says this early “failure” taught her in practice it can be a one of the most important lessons of her life, “Success might not come on the first try; but never ever give up on your dream.”

108 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE A IT’S ALL ABOUT

THE THRILLBy Robin Jay

or Austria-born marketing guru Dietrich Mateshitz, the epiphany of a lifetime came during a business trip to Thailand on a mission – of all things – to sell Blendax toothpaste for Procter & Gamble. There, he became infatuated with a high-sugar, high-caffeine drink called ‘Krating Daeng’ (which means Red Bull) that mostly truck drivers and other intensive-labor-driven workers bought for stamina. FSome colleagues thought Mateshitz was nuts when he suggested launching a similar energy drink in Europe and the United States. But the shy executive stuck to his guns, connected with the founder of Krating Daeng, and in 1987 co-launched Red Bull. Today, 27 years later, it is the highest-selling energy drink on the globe, selling more than 5 billion cans in 167 countries in 2014. Why the super success? Because Mateshitz knew it was never just about a sports drink in a can – it was about an adrenaline-driven lifestyle brand. His company’s slogan, “Red Bull gives you wings,” is marketed ingeniously through a campaign of worldwide thrill events – like cliff diving; air racing; ice climbing; mountain scaling; sky diving, and racing about anything on wheels (just to name a few).

Mateschitz has told reporters, “Red Bull is an invitation, as well as a request, to be active, performance-oriented, alert and to take challenges. When you work or study, do your very best. When you do sports, go for your limits.” Fernanda Maciel trains in Lapinha da Serra, Brazil on February 19, 2015 Get a load of some of the Red Bull’s best thrill-sport action scenes performed by some seriously rugged athletes joyously juiced up on Red Bull in the last year… Photo: Marcelo Maragni

110 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 111 Alex Megos climbs ‘Beekeepers Apprentice’ at the Buttermilk Boulders near Bishop, CA, USA on November 18, 2014.

PHOTO: Ken Etzel Baptist article

March 23, 2015. Leg 5 to Itajai onboard Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. Day 05. Phil Harmer finds space to brush his teeth away from the saltwater. PHOTO: Matt Knighton

Marco Waltenspiel, Marco Fuerst and Georg Lettner fly their wingsuits in tight TJ Rogers poses for a portrait formation above the crater at Red Bull’s Last Resort just of Mt. Bromo in Indonesia outside of Halifax, Canada on on March 2, 2015. September 19, 2014. PHOTO: PHOTO: Scott Serfas Wolfgang Lienbacher

112 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 113 An exclusive interview with Billionaire Investor Wilbur Ross A Man Baptist article In the

KnowBy Ava Roosevelt

ilbur Ross has been a part of the global financial landscape for decades and has successfully navigated a fragile balance between risk and reward. He is best known for leveraged buyouts and restructuring failed companies in industries such as steel, coal, telecommunications, foreign investments, shipping and textiles.

Wilbur’s voice of reason is no stranger to those enjoying pre-trading hours on CNBC. Unlike many other guests, his resounding wisdom NEW provokes calm even in the most turbulent stock market zigzags PHOTO COMING of missed opportunities, burst bubbles and colossal windfalls. wI sat down with Wilbur to discuss his views on finance and business. Wilbur Ross Ava: I understand you aspired to be a writer, yet you left Yale’s Daily Themes course, not Yale, for a summer job on Wall Street and ended up with an MBA from Harvard. Rather than playing with words, you decided to play with money and became a bankruptcy advisor.

Wilbur: Yes, I advised the creditors of Drexel Burnham in the bankruptcy. Our other big cases included Texaco, TWA, Public Service of New Hampshire, Bank of New England, AH Robins and Mesa

114 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 115 Petroleum. I was Executive Managing and art. I am still overweight in securities Wilbur: FRB [Federal Reserve Bank] will raise Director of Rothschild before buying the because of my business. rates no later than September, keeping the Stephen Hawking: private equity business from them on April dollar strong. Ava: Are the high real estate prices here to stay? Fools’ Day, 2000. We actively turn business- My Computer Is My Voice Ava: What do you think of the rise of China? es around in order to create equity values. Wilbur: Easy money boosts values of exist- Do you see this as a threat to U.S. hegemony? screen. A cursor automatically scans across this key- Most investors buy stocks and passively ing properties, but eventually leads to over rilliant theoretical physicist board by row or by column. I can select a character hope they will go up. That excites me! building, except in places like Palm Beach Wilbur: Geopolitical power derives from Stephen Hawking explains where there is little vacant land and zoning economic and military strength, provided how his computer gave him by moving my cheek to stop the cursor. My cheek Ava: You are considered to be one of the is very strict. leaders have the will to exercise it. The a voice when ALS took his movement is detected by an infrared switch that is wealthiest individuals in the world. Please tell Obama lack of will has caused disruption Bown. In 1963, Stephen Hawking con- mounted on my spectacles. This switch is my only us what this kind of wealth means to you? Ava: The persistent low price of oil surprised throughout the world. Geopolitical power tracted motor neurone disease (ALS) interface with the computer. EZ Keys includes a even the most seasoned investors. Where is it Wilbur: Wealth lets me help others. I donated ultimately derives from economic power and was given two years to live. Yet he word prediction algorithm, so I usually only have going and why? the Norman Foster designed Ross Library at but is only effective if the President has the went on to Cambridge to become a to type the first couple of characters before I can Yale’s School of Management’s new campus. Wilbur: Technological innovation caused political willpower to exercise it. brilliant researcher. From 1979 to 2009, select the whole word. When I have built up a sen- Money also lets me collect art and share it the shale boom, much of which is ok at he held the post of Lucasian Professor tence, I can send it to my speech synthesizer. I use a Ava: What if China makes the yuan a gold- with the public by lending paintings to exhi- $60 plus, so oil is not likely to go much over at Cambridge, the chair held by Isaac separate hardware synthesizer, made by Speech+. backed currency? bitions at the National Gallery of Art, MOMA, $70 because more wells would come on Newton in 1663. Professor Hawking has It is the best I have heard, although it gives me an Chicago Art Institute, The Tate, National Art then. Also, OPEC keeps increasing produc- Wilbur: China will not adopt a gold “stand- over a dozen honorary degrees and was accent that has been described variously as Scandi- Center in Tokyo, Forbidden Palace Museum in tion to punish Iran and Russia. ard.” Doing so would slow its economic awarded the CBE in 1982 by the Queen navian, American or Scottish. growth by constraining monetary supply. of England. He is a fellow of the Royal So- Beijing, The Vatican Museum, the Albertina in Ava: China holds $1.2 trillion of U.S. debt. Through EZ Keys, I can also control the mouse in ciety and a Member of the US National Vienna, The Brooklyn Museum and Arts in Na- Its currency, yuan, is pegged to the dollar. Ava: What is your view on Obamacare and its Windows. This allows me to operate my whole Academy of Science. Stephen Hawking is ples, Florida. If these works were just in a vault What is your view on the present and future staggering costs? computer. I can check my email using the Eudora regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Ein- in Switzerland, the public would never be able value of the dollar? email client, surf the Internet using Firefox, or write lectures using Note- Wilbur: Obamacare was based on wrong to enjoy them. stein. In 2014, the blockbuster movie “The Theory of Everything,” star- pad. My latest computer from Intel, based on an Intel® Core™ i7 Pro- assumptions and poorly executed. To ring Eddie Redmayne and cessor and Intel® Solid-State Drive 520 Series, also contains a webcam Ava: Which investment gave you the most joy make healthcare universally available at Felicity Jones, took a which I use with Skype to keep in touch with my friends. I can express a or the biggest headache? reasonable cost, you need to cap medical “To make look at the relationship lot through my facial expressions to those who know me well. Wilbur: Bank United in Miami Lakes was the malpractice, approve new drugs faster and between the famous I can also give lectures. I write the lecture beforehand and save it on disk. happiest because it never had one missed healthcare at lower cost, eliminate non-critical features physicist and his wife. To- step between when we bought it from the and permit home care for the aged. day, at age 73, Hawking’s I can then send it to the speech synthesizer a sentence at a time using the Equalizer software written by Words Plus. It works quite well and I can try FDIC until its IPO 18 months later, the largest universally Ava: What was the biggest risk you ever took? brilliance is unwavering out the lecture and polish it before I give it. bank IPO ever and a triple for our funds. Greece Did it pay off? – quite a remarkable vic- is our biggest headache for obvious reasons. available at tory over the condition I keep looking into new assistive technologies, and recently Intel® has Wilbur: Biggest risk was buying the private sponsored a team of its engineers to design a new facial recognition sys- Ava: What is your view on the record high pric- equity business and becoming an entre- reasonable cost, The life of Cambridge physicist tem aimed at improving my communication speed. They also have some es of U.S. stocks and world markets? preneur at age 63. It has been great! Stephen Hawking and his success despite new ideas regarding my software interface and it will be interesting to see Wilbur: We obviously are closer to the you need to cap Ava: The residents of Palm Beach are thrilled the results of this. It looks quite promising. I have also experimented with market peak than the bottom. No one can that you were appointed to the Underground ALS was portrayed in the movie Brain Controlled Interfaces to communicate with my computer, however, call the exact top or bottom, but in the medical malprac- Utilities Task Force. Is ten years a realistic time as yet, these don’t work as consistently as my cheek-operated switch. last 12 months, we sold five times what “The Theory of Everything.” tice, approve new frame to bury most of the power lines on the we bought. island? Do you foresee any problems and how [ [ Ava: Would the highly anticipated correc- drugs faster and will you assure this ambitious project will be so deadly for most. Professor Hawking continues his lectures and tion of the market be healthy in the long run accomplished in our lifetimes? communications through a computer device that translates his keystrokes into audible speech…he controls the computer with his and why? at lower cost, Wilbur: Palm Beach's undergrounding is cheek movements. He shared details about his computer system that Wilbur: Low rates equal no return on short- long overdue. Everglades Island, Hobe eliminate non-crit- may help others dealing with ALS communicate easier… term debt and everyone knows rates will Sound and Jupiter had successful, smaller rise, hurting long-term bonds, so the only ical features and projects. People shouldn't worry. The pro- Stephen Hawking: things people are buying are stocks and Pi- cess is not very intrusive and any damage Since 1997, my computer-based communication system has been spon- cassos. Greed has dominated markets, but permit home care to landscaping will be restored. Then, the sored and provided by Intel® Corporation. A tablet computer mounted on Books By Stephen Hawking fear will reappear from time to time. more sections being undergrounded at the the arm of my wheelchair is powered by my wheelchair batteries, although Professor Hawking has published many books tackling the fundamen- for the aged.” same time the faster the work will be done, the tablet’s internal battery will keep the computer running if necessary. Ava: How diversified are you? tal questions about the universe and our existence. For information but more sections mean more near term My main interface to the computer is through a program called EZ Keys, about these and other books, visit Stephen Hawking’s Web site, go to Wilbur: The Rothschild traditional strategy disruption so there is a trade-off. written by Words Plus Inc. This provides a software keyboard on the www.hawking.org.uk. was one-third each, securities, real estate

116 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 117 would waste away quickly. Here was a brilliant young man with Hope Found! high hopes and his whole life in front of him. When Stephanie sent me information about glyconutrients and said Dealing with the Devastating News that they looked promising, I paid attention. I had grown up think- For me, the onset of my ALS was so odd that it took many doctors ing doctors always knew best, but my doctors’ attitudes about ALS and two years to get a final diagnosis. It began in 1997 when my leg shocked me. It took courage to break out of my traditional, con- muscles began to feel tight. Then in August of 1999, things changed, servative mold and try an alternative treatment, but I knew I must but subtly. On my walk one morning, I tripped. This was no big deal, if I were to have any hope of getting better - I had nothing to lose I thought. When it began to happen with regularity, I took note, but because I was on a slow but steady decline approaching death. The still dismissed it. That December, while in Virginia visiting relatives, the information I read made sense, so in October 2004, I began taking weatherman predicted a snowstorm for the following day. Not want- glyconutrients. Almost immediately, I had a very surprising result. To ing to get caught in it, I made a new reservation and departed for the my delight, my hair stopped falling out. New small improvements airport. When I walked onto the tarmac, my leg muscles became so followed, about 21 in all. stiff that I was barely able to make it to the plane. I was terrified. Once Stephen Hawking home, I went to our family doctor who referred me to a neurologist. He Dr. Hawking’s and my own experience have much in common. The was the first of many over the next two years. I was examined, pinched, main physical differences are in mobility. I can still write and feed poked and tested for everything the doctors could imagine. Results al- myself, although slowly in each case. And each of us has had loving ways showed negative. With such odd, vague symptoms, doctors were care. Yet, there is one where we have a cardinal difference: in the baffled. Instinctively I knew I was dying, and I was truly frightened. I matter of faith. I feel I am more fortunate than he. His vast knowl- didn’t want to die! I had things to do with my life. But what was wrong? edge and reasoning of the Cosmos has convinced him that there is My limitations increased to the point where I no God, and no hope for an afterlife. Thus, he needed a walker. Without warning, I suddenly “In my opinion, the looks forward to a few more measured heart- and inexplicably found myself falling to the beats and then an eternal sleep. His belief leaves him without a star of hope. floor. I would often narrowly miss hitting my most important thing head on the corner of a table. Matters had I am college educated with a reasonable become dangerous. I quickly lost my ability amount of intelligence. Compared to Dr. to speak. Except for losing one’s sight, not is not the hand one Hawking, however, I am a dwarf. Yet I cannot being able to speak is the worst thing imagi- understand how he concludes that no God nable. Some assumed that because I could has been dealt, but exists. Even though he was raised an agnos- not speak, I must be mentally impaired. Im- tic, he does have supreme reasoning abilities. agine the frustration this causes! Once I had I know enough about reason to know that to argue down a hospital administrator who how one chooses to one cannot prove or disprove the existence of thought I didn't know my own name! Thank God. Yet, I have inferred His existence through His Universe and God I can write notes. play the cards.” miracles in plain sight. Consider a rose. Sir Ar- Finally, an Answer thur Conan Doyle wrote through characters My Solar System In October of 2001, Dr. Jeffery Rothstein of – Jean Cox Holmes to Watson in The Naval Treaty, "A rose is not an essential for life, such as oxygen and Coral Springs’ Jean Cox compares her life with ALS to that of Dr. Stephen Hawking, Johns-Hopkins University diagnosed my condition as the dreaded ALS. It was a relief to know, although I was stunned. water; it is an embellishment of life.” Its color, fragrance, velvet touch, as portrayed in the recent movie “The Theory of Everything” I thought things could not get worse, but I soon found out differently. and beauty are all extras, unbidden gifts from the Lord. Only a Su- preme Being would give such an extra. Indeed, a rose is as unique By Jean Cox In February 2004, Charles and I lost our eldest son in a tragic accident. Stress from this took a huge toll. Events turned negative again when I as a quasar, and quite as wondrous. I believe Dr. Hawking could ecently I watched the movie “The Theory of What is ALS? developed a urinary tract infection that quickly turned into acute co- learn much from this small wonder. Still, I do not begrudge him his beliefs. They are his “Natural Rights,” as John Locke and Sir Isaac Everything,” about theoretical physicist Dr. Stephen ALS is a horrible disease and worse, by far, for some. It leaves the litis and sent me to the hospital. For six weeks, I was at death's door. Newton reasoned. Hawking’s misfortune of having amyotrophic lat- mind intact and the body in shambles. Life expectancy for most Twice my doctor asked Charles if he should put me on life support. My eral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. I could is two years. Yet, for some that is a blessing; for others it is over- family even discussed my funeral. It took three months of touch and Some may say I have been dealt a bad hand, and from all appearances, rrelate to his plight more than most because I, too, have ALS. How- whelming. When viewed in the right light, it can provide an go in the hospital, but thankfully, I eventually pulled through. I was I have. Yet, in my opinion, the most important thing is not the hand ever, being older and more mature when diagnosed at age 50 unappreciated benefit: It gives one the time to settle matters with thrilled to get home. Stephanie, our daughter, had spent countless one has been dealt, but how one chooses to play the cards. People (Dr. Hawking was just 21), I was fortunate to have enjoyed more loved ones and friends. Sudden death offers no opportunity to settle hours researching alternative health options for me because my doc- quickly learn a lot about their character when facing death. One years of life without the condition. I was happily married to matters or say goodbye. tors had told me to go home and prepare to die. They reiterated there makes life choices every day. The choices one chooses make all the my husband, Charles, and our children were grown, and we was no cure and even discouraged me from looking for alternative difference in quality of life. Yes, I miss my good health and active When Dr. Hawking was diagnosed, he was a promising young were looking forward to traveling. Life was good. Still, all of us treatments. My primary ALS doctor said, “The disease is progressing life. But, if my strong faith serves God’s purpose and inspires others student in the physics department at Oxford University. How dev- were devastated at first. Now, 18 years later, we have all learned and we cannot stop it. I will not let you suffer.” As grave as the situa- to believe, then I feel very blessed. In closing I say: Bless Him and astating that prognosis must have been for him. Not only was he to live with my disease in the best way possible. tion was, I knew there must be something I could do. bless him. told he had only two years to live, but that his body’s muscles

118 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 119 An Opulent Bond: iami and New York have a long-standing relationship. One might even say, Miami is New York’s beautiful Miami Meets Manhattan Myounger sister. She’s sunny, glamorous, sexy. She likes to party. For decades New Yorkers have traveled to her shores for reju- venation and revelry. Their ties go way back. It is no wonder that Opulence Inter- national Realty has just created a strategic alliance with another real estate firm in the Big Apple.

After 18 months at the helm of Opulence International Realty, President and Broker James Hoffman can see that the tide is changing. Buyers from South America, which were responsible for the bulk of trans- actions in Miami for many years, are beginning to slow with the value of the dollar increasing. New York has historically been a bread and butter feeder market for Miami. Besides her obvious beauty and ease of transit, the tax advantages alone make her very attractive to New Yorkers looking for a foot in paradise. It is interesting to note that buyers for the preconstruction projects in this new phase of development in Miami, especially on Miami Beach, have largely been New Yorkers.

As Opulence International Realty expands, Hoffman has felt the need to find an alliance in the big city to leverage all that the firm has to offer.

After some research, he and Director of Development Solutions, Jack Paget, found a solid partner who could mirror Opu- lence’s values and strengths. Enter Bond.

Like Opulence International Realty, Bond is a privately held real estate firm. In fact, with seven offices in Manhattan and over 500 agents, Bond is the largest independ- ent firm in New York. Bond was established in the year 2000 by two lifelong friends, Noah Freedman and Bruno Ricciotti. Their motto was “friendship first, business second.” “Business is about relationships and

Opulence International Realty President and Broker James Hoffman

120 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 121 everything in an organization trickles from still retained their hands-on approach. Ric- his own. Hoffman is a real estate veteran of came down to people and process. I have met The New York alliance is part of Hoffman’s locally and now with Bond in New York, we the top down. I firmly believe the respect ciotti states, “No other company our size is 20 years who has been executing start-ups some exceptionally talented people in this larger plan to expand Opulence Interna- can offer our customers extensive access and trust in our relationship [with co-found- self-managed. They have been created in the real estate industry for his entire career. business. I have learned a lot about the multi- tional Realty. After founding the first Sports to buyers.” tude of disciplines in the industry and the and Entertainment Division last year, er, Noah Freedman] is the foundation upon through mergers and acquisitions. The peo- He thrives on the creation process. He found- Bond is also keen for the connection. After passion and expertise that the real pros bring Opulence International Realty was quickly which Bond is built and is the backbone of ple who built them aren’t there day to day, ed his own company, Steamroller, Inc. that seeing other top New York brokerages to the table.” Hoffman brought the wealth of able to obtain significant high profile Bond culture. …Every decision I make is and you can see that in all the interactions acquired and repositioned its own company either establish offices in South Florida or his experience to launch Opulence Interna- listings, thanks to the talents of their OSE one that tries to take into account the within that firm. Bond is not like that. We assets over an abundant 10-year period. In ad- team up with established South Florida tional Realty in 2014, employing state-of-the- Senior Vice President, Tomi Rose. Hoffman’s whole picture and whether or not it is sus- don’t ever want to be run like a corporation.” dition, he has made himself an expert in all brokerages, Bond welcomed the partner- art technology with an expert eye for person- next move was to create the Developer tainable and fruitful in the long term for all Bond’s inclusive, friendly management style areas of the industry, including mortgage ship. Bond’s company culture is all about nel talent to achieve his goals. “The moment Solutions Department to capture a piece of parties involved. Success is a team effort has reaped some huge rewards over a rela- brokering, residential appraising, assemblage cooperation and teamwork. Principals Ric- you arrive at our office, you know we are not the new development market. He hired and at Bond, we are all a family.” Bond is a tively short span of time. Last year, it logged and development execution. Powerhouse ciotti and Freedman recognized an affinity your typical real estate company,” Hoffman longtime development top producer, Jack full-service brokerage, covering all New York in a 222 percent increase in listing dollar in- brokerage, Corcoran Group, eventually recruit- with Opulence and look forward to nurtur- says. “We bring a level of sophistication, indus- Paget, for the task. The New York alliance is neighborhoods for residential sales and ventory year over year and is counted in the ed Hoffman and there he developed his ing a relationship that will be winning on try intelligence, and personal attention that his next move. “We are so excited about leasing, commercial sales and leasing, top 12 brokerages in New York. inventive marketing approaches and estab- both sides and one that will capitalize on communicates that we understand that you the opportunities this opens up for our new development marketing and corpo- lished protocols for delivering top-of-the-line the strengths, creativity and connections of For Opulence International Realty President are seeking a unique and professional relation- agents and, in particular, our customers. rate relocation. This kind of a diverse services to customers in the Palm Beaches. “All both firms for years to come. market strategy is what has set Bond and Broker, James Hoffman, Bond’s flexible, of the ventures I was a part of over the years ship, not just a Realtor.” Leveraging OIR’s networks in Latin America, apart from the competition, but they have personal approach to business is very like

122 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 123 Odic tore di offic tem. Post, incipsapit lati consequis dolupta temporr ovidis asi tem con res magnamu sdanis vollit apiet quod everumq uaspis dolut lacea dit alit is atem. ut eos volessi nulparuptas vollige ndandis Et magnaturecum serrovid magnihi cabo- est voluptat alitate ceatesti apernam, torit rib eatusapis niet que etur alique dolore eliquia dessit estessequia voluptaspid que aut omnihil is non rem. Atendun delicat estrum, exerovita que vel ipsantectus et es- et excest facea nobitium rentin nus atibus, trum que velenisciet optat rerspedit, quiae tendant quundia sero ommolorepta inve- volorectatis et faccum eost, cor recaboribe- les edignimus eaquae renia nus aut volo ro dolupta tiuribus. blaborr orepere dolorum a cuptur aturio et fuga. Apernamusam iliatem quia volupta Les volum ex et quam repudam di dolum sitis dolupient as que velicipsus autem re- dernam harum quam dita vene occate pellibus ma dolupta temqui aruptus eum porepre quatem. Debit expeliquo magnat aut eatiusae plibero eum si a quo tem etur? abora consecus eosapis doluptatem qui- Quia sande pra voluptas quam alic tem il- dem fugit alit, quias susa doluptatquis eseri lectat. alition sequatemos simet quatum di repu- ditibus int. Feritaspis debitione nis nullaborum endae Dande odictias sequia nis essi officia estiam, idundic atureri volor- porehent. rum volorrum, estrupta quate volutem fugit facero que is et doluptat et quam, sumque Lum liam, tenim suntibea quiae pore, ear- ventio et plitae nossit, od eiuntorum idebit ion nimilis eaquam si ut aceatempos rem eum volores ipsunte nemporibus elent, ut eum et volorehent hari duciend ellorup quaerrum quam quamus quae volorem po- tionsed istiand ereium re nulliquisim qui rior sint es dolorei cimpos magnis consect quam sandus ditibus, quistrum es atem otaquatest volo esequia sperumque labore- hariorit omnimi, ad quam que cullest, omni- cae con conse dolo vernam sima acea magnis am quae quibusaped min consenis cumque est, quam fugitis cusandit et labo. cor ab ilicimi nullore volest, as dolorum vo- Et volorectem aut eum aborehenis non- sectem fuga. Itatemporio. Olorio mostis aut fuga. Us eaqui utem eum doleste vidunt. Headline Here Ibus alitat adita aut laboria volum dolupta turehenis imi, verovit, volum inis coraepr orition nimincimi, ab in coris pro toratis si- milique qui rem fuga. Et fuga. Itaqui oditi- busam, ut as dolore ventia volorpo reribus- Tagline here To tem im ra illupta tiusam listiatibust in expe dae ped eicab imil pratemp oresto min essecae perciusdae simo estis et Dande odictias sequia doles voloria voluptatiis res eat quia anderio voluptatur porehent. Lum liam, tenim suntibea quiae pore, ear- aut lanisque voluptatem vel eium ut et, odic te nus dis ex- ion nimilis eaquam si ut aceatempos rem eribus, sima corende represtis a Tagline here To tem im ra ut eum et volorehent hari duciend ellorup tionsed istiand ereium re nulliquisim qui illupta tiusam listiatibust in expe pratemp oresto min es- quam sandus ditibus, quistrum es atem secae perciusdae simo estis et doles voloria voluptatiis res hariorit omnimi, ad quam que cullest, omni- magnis am quae quibusaped min consenis eat quia anderio voluptatur aut lanisque voluptatem vel cor ab ilicimi nullore volest, as dolorum vo- eium ut et, odic te nus dis exeribus, sima corende repres- lor acessit, sed et, estem. Optiore int. tis a lor acessit, sed et, estem. Optiore int. Ipsam qui qui nus, a ant qui cus estis mi, ipicatum earupti dio est fugia santo volupta Ipsam qui qui nus, a ant qui cus estis mi, turesti berupti atenda volorun tiantio be- ipicatum earupti dio est fugia santo volupta riatium vel ma volectescit aut volendicide turesti berupti atenda volorun tiantio be- consequis dolupta temporr ovidis asi tem riatium vel ma volectescit aut volendicide everumq uaspis dolut lacea dit alit is atem.

124 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 125 ™ love where you live

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lous natives, can ensure the look of paradise! Yet, gardening in the Sunshine State The practice of Container Gardening then emerged in China in the form of the bonsai, and also has a few drawbacks – like weeding in the heat of the summer and fall. Happily, as simpler, religion-oriented sites in Ancient Greece. Rome then made the garden experience g there is a solution. its own, with a more pleasure-focused approach. Those who could not afford actual gardens often employed the skills of artisans to provide them with trompe l’oeil versions on walls. Container gardens, whether you have an expansive landscape or a condomin- The roof garden at the National Museums Scotland in Edinburgh, with fabulous contain- ium balcony, can be a colorful, manageable and delightful means of bringing ers and plantings, represents over two centuries of evolution that reflect its predeces- texture, interest and glamour to your outdoor environment. They also offer a sor institutions and celebrate the glory of diverse Scottish environments. potential and compelling obsession to collect and to utilize unique containers. Earthenware pots, cast iron urns and stone vessels from around the world can be

128 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 129 ProPerty tax adjusters, Inc. Is now Part of

A Few Secrets for ParadIgm tax grouP a Practical Application Quality Representation & Service to Fisher Island Residents for the Past 20 Years. Some notable container gardeners refer to the We now offer nationwide capabilities with 31 offices across the United States. perfect container formula as incorporating “the thrill, the fill, and the spill”— a stunning tall center feature, a mid-height filler, and a spilling flower or vine to drape over the edge. South Florida offers a host of native “thrills.”

Annuals provide color and often the right height for the “fill.” And they can be changed frequently without disturbing the “thrill.” The “spill” can be provided by Euphorbia, Vinca Vine, Ornamental Potato Vine and so many others. It is that “spill” component that caused the gardens in Babylonia to appear to be “hanging,” and it remains an important visual in today’s applications. How About Your Closet? Or Maybe a Favorite Painting? Your home may be graced with a Pierre Deux fabric, with its thoroughly French palette of splendid yellows and blues. That could be continued with a container that boasts a “thrill” of blue Porterweed, a “fill” of native golden Lantana, and a “spill” of white Euphorbia.

Is Lilly Pulitzer your gal? Pink and green Coleus as a “fill,” an Aztec grass “thrill,” and a Vinca Vine “spill” can carry the love to your outdoor space. Maybe you’d prefer a fill of pink Pentas, which does not even have to be deadheaded! Or Brazilian Red Hots.

Do you own a prized Fernando Botero masterpiece [such as those shown on page 134]? His vivid palette of bold reds, magentas and blues are an inspiration for a color-filled explosion ofS alvia, Red Fountain Grass and Purple Queen.

Your “thrill” component is best met with an indig- our exPertIse Is your success! enous Florida plant. They are reliable. The drought and heat-resistant qualities of these make your plantings sustainable and the maintenance a breeze. Do remember that specimens planted in containers dry out more quickly than those in the ground. While irrigation has been around since 5,000 BC, and modern-day irrigation can be customized for your container garden, the simple task of watering these wonderful additions to your Real Property, Personal Property and Complex Industrial Tax representation. abode can be more precise, satisfying and thera- Federal Tax Credits/Local Abatements Available for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures. PHOTO COURTESY OF AL WHITELY peutic; wonderfully simple and low-tech. Mary and Hugh Williamson Paradigm Tax Group Gary A. Appel, Esq. Adam C. Cappel Bay Point Office Tower, Licensed Florida Senior Managing 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1100 Real Estate Broker Consultant - Principal Miami, Florida 33137 Senior Managing Phone 305.576.0033 Consultant - Principal [email protected] www.paradigmtax.com 130 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 131 rt aficionados recognize the paintings and sculpture of Fernando Botero by his signa- A ture style, also known as ‘Boterismo,’ Fernando Botero: which joyously depicts people and figures in large, An Exultation of Volume exaggerated volume. Widely considered the most famous living Latin American artist, Botero’s works are An intimate look inside the life found in prominent galleries, museums, and residenc- of Latin America’s most famous es globally. While we see him as a cultural icon, living artist Juan Carlos Botero knows him simply as “Papá.” South Florida Opulence sat down with father and son to learn

BY John D. Adams more about Fernando’s artistic style, his strong convictions, and his philosophies on life and art. Family ties “Joyous. Beautiful. Comforting.” These are just a few words that Juan Carlos Botero uses to describe his father’s art. The words also resonate as adjectives to their familial relationship. Juan Carlos has explored his own artistic persona as an award-winning novelist. His father is his greatest supporter. In 2012, to coincide with Botero’s 80th birthday, the two collaborated on the book: The Art of Fernando Botero, in which Juan Carlos deciphers Botero’s aesthetics and universality. “It was a great experience writing the book because he [Botero] is the one who requested it. This book was a must- thing to do.”

Juan Carlos has had a front row seat to his father’s life and work, but he learned more while writing the book. “What's really amazing to me is his profound conviction that art should celebrate life,” says Juan Carlos. “His work is very different from the more tormented works by artists like Edvard Munch or Francis Bacon. They are full of life and light, sensuality and beauty. I find this truly admirable from someone who had such a hard time in his own personal circumstances. He grew up around poverty in Colombia, his father died when he was 4. Despite these dire situations, Botero’s passion to create art propelled him to Europe where he studied the great museums, artworks and artists. Through these experiences, Botero developed a deep conviction regarding the history of art. In his father’s opinion, Juan Carlos said, “If you study the history

El Arrastre (Dragging away the Bull), 1992, oil on canvas. Private collection Fernando and Juan Carlos Botero

132 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 133 Pedrito on Horseback, 1974, oil on canvas. Medellin, Museo de Antioquia

suality and beauty while at the same time matadors of his time,” Juan Carlos enhancing and glorifying reality. That’s what said. “Fernando explored the his work is about.” subject of bulls with boundless passion…such as in the scene Fernando, the artist himself, added with a wry [shown on page 132] of the smile, “A large, immense apple is more of an tumult of dragging the bull out apple than the commonplace apple of every- of the ring.” day life. The purpose is to magnify the essence of things.” Historic portraits This Colombian master is also Bullfighting revered for portraits of famous “As an authority on art history, Fernando people in history – for their good Botero has known the most fecund ways of or bad actions. About this, creating lasting art is to have acquired a vir- Fernando Botero said, “It is very tuoso mastery of one’s craft and to build difficult to make a portrait of one’s work on the foundations of an impor- someone in real life without tant pictorial tradition that has been ex- violating the principles of one’s posed to the inexorable test of time,” said artistic style.” Juan Carlos. “Some have even been re-envi- Connoisseurs of Botero’s work know the main sioned from the canvas of other subject of the master’s work is Latin America. artists,” explained Juan Carlos. “for For years, he made nothing other than paint- example, he reinterpreted the ings of bullfighting. “He was influenced by his superb knights of Malta like in Alof uncle, Joaquin, an enthusiast of bullfighting, de Vignacourt by Caravaggio” [see who motivated the artist to see the art of bull- Alof de Vignacourt as Seen by Caravaggio, 1974, oil on canvas. Private collection Botero’s interpretation shown up- fighting as practiced by the most illustrious per left page]. of art up to the 20th century, most was about beautiful and uplifting On other occasions, Fernando things. During the Renaissance, you see works that denounced atroci- Botero has made portraits of ties through violent images, but they were also always very poetic and people he knew in real life. beautiful. Even if the lives of the artists were tormented, their works al- “Special consideration must un- ways portrayed an exultation of life. That is the tradition of art that he questionably be given to those wants to belong to.” Botero made of his son, Pedrito Fernando Botero surmised, “Learning to paint requires great effort, a Botero, who died at the age of 4 true calling, and many years of dedication. But today, one has to learn following a tragic car accident this all by oneself. Before, in the Renaissance, for example, artists began in Spain in 1974. He and his wife as child apprentices to village masters, and in their studios they be- were overwhelmed by bound- came familiar with the techniques, resources, methods and artistic in- less grief. But as soon as he novation of their time. But today’s universities do not fulfill this func- could, Fernando shut himself in his studio, faced his pain head- tion, or they do so very poorly, so the student has to learn by himself, everyday poses, such as sitting in a barber’s pear in Catholicism. Each work is gigantic, on and began painting Pedrito [including practically from scratch. And very few have the patience. In art, what chair getting a haircut [at left]. absolutely monumental and beautiful… matters in the end is what remains, and the mediocre tinkering of con- Pedrito on Horseback shown here]. These ceptual artists whose only goal is to momentarily shock their viewers sublime creations reflect incomparable love, Now 83 years old, Botero continues to “I think that what he has done is extraordi- will certainly neither survive nor surpass the implacable test of time.” tenderness and sweetness. In the painting, produce a voluminous quantity of painting nary; and not only his goals as an artist but to the right of the boy is a small toy house and sculpture. The artist divides his time be- also as a philanthropist. He has donated more Not Fat, but Immense with the windows wide open. There, we tween homes and studios in Paris, Monaco, than 700 works of art valued in the hundreds Botero’s signature style, depicting an exaggerated “fullness” in his sub- see the boy’s mother and father looking out Colombia, Greece and the centuries-old of millions of dollars. He has created two huge jects, is occasionally viewed as “fat people and animals.” But Juan Car- at the emptiness that follows a loss of town of Piesrasanta in Northern Italy. “Every museums in Colombia, and he has done it all los emphasizes that is a crude underestimation of the artist’s intent. this magnitude.” time I get the opportunity we go to see him,” by himself. He doesn’t have a secretary or a “That poetry of volume and form is essential to my father’s work that Self Portraits says Juan Carlos. “The entire family spends messenger. He is an extraordinary human be- some people misunderstand. He is conveying an exultation of vol- every summer together. I spoke to him to- ing, so whatever I can do to help communi- Fernando also painted portraits of himself, ume. Volume has been one of the most important elements in paint- day. He is currently doing a stunning exhibi- cate that idea is welcome because he de- as did many great Renaissance painters. ing from the Renaissance up to the beginning of the 20th century tion in Zurich. It’s really amazing. It is a new serves so much praise and recognition for Self Portrait, 1994, oil on canvas. Private collection Sometimes he showed himself in specific when abstract art appeared. It is a perfect form to communicate sen- subject matter – the female saints that ap- what he has accomplished.”

134 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 135 t’s 3 p.m. on July 22 ANVIL The Exuberant Assemblages of – not a cloud in the “The stump I used was at my sky on Highway 395 farmhouse when we bought the in northern Califor- place,” Robert explained. “It was nia. Robert Hudson Robert Hudson iand his wife Mavis Jukes used to split wood by the family By Robin Jay are headed home from who built the house, which was a weekend on their land heated by a wood stove. I also in the high desert, where used it to split wood. But the furnishings include a picnic table beneath a piñon history of the stump isn’t what pine and sky for a roof. motivated me to put it on the They’re en route to their sculpture. I just like what it is: a farmhouse in Cotati, a Robert Hudson rural town close to stump. Blacksmiths often put Sonoma State University. anvils on stumps. But in the case

Under the seat for safe transport rest treasures Robert bought of Anvil, the anvil is 6’ above earlier in the day – an old clothing iron made of heavy cast iron, the stump.” and an antique tool for ‘taking the dents out of cars.’

You might presume Robert and Mavis are an average retired couple out for an afternoon of antiquing. But they are far from retired and they’re certainly not average. Mavis is a celebrated children’s book author, elementary school computer teacher and former lawyer; and Robert is a world-renowned artist, best known for his funk art assemblages, but also his paintings and ceramics. Assemblage is an art form dating back to the cubist constructions of Pablo Picasso, an artist of which Robert’s work is often compared.

“I would describe my sculpture as abstract polychrome welded- steel sculpture painted to create spatial illusions, incorporating found metal objects, shapes, and forms," Robert clarified.

Hudson is one of the founders of the Bay Area Funk Art Movement of the 1960s. The movement’s name derives from the jazz term ‘funky,’ illustrating the eccentric, sensuous fervor of the genre’s musicians. Some say 1920s jazz funk was unrefined. But die-hard musical artists proved it was woven solidly into Americana, just as visual artists like Robert Hudson proved funk was an American art form worthy of high praise and high value.

The story behind how Robert Hudson became such a notable artist is as interesting as the man himself. It’s a story best told in his own words…

“My sculptures have been described as ‘a riot’ of color, ‘joyous,’ ‘dizzying illusions that defy the shape of welded steel,’ ” he said. “A sculpture is MARGUERITE like 3-D painting. And the objects are a sort of paint. Every move I make is considered; every color “Having a tea set in my studio is what started this sculpture. It belonged to Mavis’ mom, Marguerite Jukes, who was I choose is deliberate. None are interchangeable. a teacher and a plein air painter. Sometimes it’s hard to part with objects. But it wasn’t like parting with the tea set Many are kinetic: When the sculptures rotate, when I made the sculpture. It was more like keeping it, but in a different form.” – Robert Hudson you can watch the changing colors, shapes, spaces, and lines. Photos By John White

136 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 137 “I have used found objects in all areas of my art: bought my own art supplies with money baler. It sat in my field for 30 BETWEEN THE LINES works on paper, collage, assemblage construc- I earned by working as a deckhand on a years. I never used it, but I tions, ceramics, sculpture. I have an inventory of tugboat. liked looking at it. My friend “This sculpture incorporates stock and scrap steel; cast iron dogs and horses, Mike gave me an antique “I met my friends William Wiley and Wil- shards of cast iron sinks, which ornamental iron and colorful enameled cast iron marble statue of a bathing liam Allan [both now renowned artists] in I buy in recycling centers and sinks and bathtubs - which I break up with a woman. I cast it in bronze Richland. Wiley and I met when my cous- sledgehammer.” and put it on a sculpture. break up with a sledgeham- in Jim and I made a circus, involving my Friends in New York sent mer,” said Robert. “Stainless In the Beginning dog, Coalie, who could shake hands and me cast iron table legs from “How and where my parents lived, what they val- climb ladders. Wiley showed up with his steel cubes rotate on swivels. Paris. And a big box full of ued, what they made, and the materials they gave little brother, Chuck, and bought tickets. lemon yellow porcelain The scroll shapes were pat- me all encouraged me as an artist, so it’s important Chuck’s ticket was discounted to a nickel. bathroom fixtures once terned after a plastic drafting to know where we lived and why. “Bill Allan and I met on an art trip organ- arrived via UPS with no template and cut out of steel.” “My father was originally a cowboy in Wyoming, ized by the Richland High School’s art return address. That’s where but learned carpentry from his father. He teacher, Jim McGrath – legendary among Mavis drew the line. married my mother and they settled his former students. He trusted me with a “One of my most fulfilling in Pioche, Nevada, where he key to the art room, so I could work there accomplishments was re- worked as a carpenter in a after hours; sometimes all night. McGrath ceiving a Lifetime Achieve- silver mine. Pioche had a took us to museums, like the Seattle ment Award from the Lee grocery store, a drugstore, a post Museum, where I first saw Morris Graves’ Krasner Foundation. I have office and about six bars. I looked paintings, which influenced my work. He four adult children, whom forward to him coming home and took students to Native American dances I adore, all artists.” opening his lunch pail. He always saved me and root and berry festivals and salmon fes- half his sandwich. tivals. He had ‘Thought Fires’ by the Colum- Today, Robert Hudson sculptures bia River where we sat around a campfire and paintings reside in many prestig- “When I was 5, we packed up the ‘37 Ford and and talked. ious venues – the Museum of Modern headed first to Salt Lake, where my parents Art, New York; National Gallery of Art, bought a 24’ house trailer. My dad then got a job “People ask me about the serendipity of Washington, DC; Whitney Museum building grain elevators in Silverton, Oregon. We three world-class artists growing up to- of American Art, New York; and the lived in a trailer park near a stream. We moved to gether. It was nothing in the water – it was Chicago Art Institute, to name a few. Richland, Washington, when I was in 4th grade. great public schools, very well funded by My father worked on government buildings out grants, great art teachers, Native American “I’ve been making art in the same in the desert at a place called ‘The Area,’ where drummers and dancers, beautiful land- place at my own pace for 38 years,” they made atom bombs. We lived in a trailer park scape, sagebrush and the Columbia River. said Robert. “I do feel lucky. I don’t near the Columbia River. I liked sleeping out- have a bucket list; I just want more “I received a Scholastic scholarship for side with my dog Coalie. I had an older brother, of the same – more time with my tuition at the Art Institute of San Fran- Richard, who got me construction jobs installing family, more fly fishing, and more cisco. If I hadn’t gotten a scholarship, I’d kitchen cabinets while I attended the Art Institute making art.” have been a tugboat pilot who made art.” of San Francisco. Robert earned a BFA in painting and MFA Robert Hudson is represented by Samuel “My parents always said I was born creative. I had in sculpture. He has taught at the San Fran- Lynne Galleries in Dallas, Texas. For more tinker toys. I built things, like raceways for bottles cisco Art Institute, the University of California information please contact them at in the snow. And I was always on a treasure hunt. at Berkeley, and was a visiting professor at www.SamuelLynne.com That’s why I incorporate found objects, often natu- the University of California, Davis, and the ral objects, in my work. My family found beauty in California College of Art. natural objects, especially rocks. We went on ex- BLUE The Artist’s Life Today cursions - sometimes fishing for trout, but mostly “My main studio is in a field in Cotati that “This is an abstract figure: looking for arrowheads and agates. My mom includes vernal pools and a hill covered with head, body, bent arm. My rigged me a fishing pole with a stick, string and eucalyptus trees.” His other is the outdoor safety pin. I had a collection of agates in a bucket. guess is that the split in the sagebrush studio mentioned earlier with “At home, we all liked to draw with pencils and the picnic table and the piñon tree. steel, outlined in white, was paper. I also had crayons. My favorite colors were made by a cannonball “Friends and neighbors drop off or send the pointed ones. On birthdays, Mom gave me an things they think I might use in sculptures. being fired at steel as an art kit: pencils, papers and crayons. Christmases, One gift was from Jack, a farmer: his old hay ammunitions test.” the art kit included watercolors. In junior high, I

138 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 139 THE

STORYTELLERBy John D. Adams

TURNBERRY 2

I’m a yarn teller. My job is to engage you as much as I can shadow, color, contrast, depth, and dimension to spring out of each and as often as I can,” said Ridley Scott, film director (“Thelma photograph, as fully formed as any two-hour movie. & Louise,” “Blade Runner,” “Gladiator,” and many more). Tell me a story “There are many ways to tell a story. Verbally we do it all of the time. A Nick Garcia photograph is all about the details. As a portrait photogra- There are writers of every stripe. Painters. Filmmakers convey a sto- pher, he must build a scene that will convey at a glance his subject’s career ry through combinations of sounds and images. And then there is status, job description, personality, basically anything the client wants. Nick Garcia, who as a photographer, has arguably the most difficult Oh, and to complicate matters, he just met the subject five minutes ago. task – he must tell a story within a static, silent, two-dimensional It is a common situation and one that seems nearly insurmountable. “I photograph. Garcia’s talent is his ability to engage a viewer within like that,” laughs Garcia. “I don’t get scared of going to an unfamiliar place. the first second, and hold his attention, allowing the play of light, I like that moment where I get to a place and there’s nothing there so

140 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 141 I have to build a scene, create a new environment, and compose and how it is lit and how it interacts with the subject. A lot of peo- it in a way that is going to reflect the personality of the client.” ple don’t do that. They only concentrate on the subject. It is very The background is the foreground important for me, how that person fits in there. A lot of times we are shooting in a hotel room or a room or environment that isn’t theirs, Look carefully all around the subjects in Garcia’s photo- so I strive to achieve the feel that they are comfortable and belong graphs. He pays special attention to architectural and tex- in that environment. As for color, we are in Miami! I have been all tural details, lighting, focus, and, of course, color and my life surrounded with that high contrast, beautiful saturation, movement. “I got to a point where I was able to shoot and that translates into how I view the world. people, fashion, and portraits so my background helped me to look at the environment around as well as the “For me it is all about the image. I’m not necessarily good with primary subject.” words. I’m not a writer. But I’m telling stories. I tell them through my images.” And for Garcia, this “signature style” sets him apart from other portrait photographers. “Most times we work with a very See Nick Garcia’s work at www.nickgarciaphotography.com specific style. We emphasize the importance of the background

142142 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE FallFall 20152015 FallFall 20152015 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE 143143 an’s fascination with glassmaking began with simple beads circa Marine Turned 3500 BC, and while the basic concept hasn’t changed, the process has undergone Modern American myriad innovations over Mthe centuries. Refined manufacturing processes fostered the age Glassblower of mass production, and utilitarian items from windows to wine bottles rolled off assembly lines as fast as the mind can Up Close And Personal With count. However, the quest for mastering Acclaimed Artisan Doug Frates glass also included talented artisans, who despite their small numbers, continue to push the boundaries of creativity. South By Todd R. Sciore Florida Opulence had a special opportunity to speak with Doug Frates, one of today’s preeminent glassblowing artists to get the dish on how he started out and his thoughts on working with glass. Hidden Talent In a perfect world, Doug Frates Glass wouldn’t exist. He is a walking contra- diction of sorts — a rough-and-tumble former U.S. Marine successfully working within the delicate medium of glass. He is friendly with an underlying intensity and is focused yet tangential. A quick glance at a bowl from his alluring yet functional Sedona or Splash Glass collections and one would assume he has several decades of experience. Doug’s foray into glass came by chance just over 10 years ago after leaving the military. ”It was luck of the draw — I pretty much took it [a glassblowing class] on a whim; I didn’t go to college for it.” Laughing, Frates shared that upon his return from a 2003 tour in Iraq, he tried his luck in Sin City first. ”I had a bunch of money saved up. I took a big trip to Vegas and spent it all over a weekend. But, I did have a little left over when I came back and spent it on a glassblowing class. After I took that class I became enamored by it.”

Armed with a new found passion, Doug realized he had a hidden talent for it. ”I was able to grow enough to start working for other people, and through that process, I learned my own techniques and skills.” Those ”other people” Doug worked for and trained under were

144 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 145 A good cup of joe

none other than Fritz Dreisbach and Tom fire-red mass with a flat steel plate called Philabaum — two luminaries within art a marver. The glass conductor, Doug, may glass circles. Doug’s family initially thought then call for a bit of ”kurling” to add deco- glassblowing would be just ”one of those rative glass bands or beads to the base, “you learn it by doing it and phases he would grow out of.” But to the as well as some ”caning” to twist and pull contrary, Doug’s passion was permanent the glass to blend in colors and sculpt that’s what’s cool about glassblowing- and, within the artisan set, he found a sur- the precise shape. Then, it’s back into the prising similarity to his military career. ”We glory hole for a quick flashing to ensure it’s always teaching you, all work cohesively together for one main the glass remains hot and pliable. This purpose, and that brings me back to the continues until the project reaches Doug’s you’re never teaching it.” Marine Corps; there’s a large level of cama- expectations, at which time he performs raderie and teamwork involved.” some final polishing before placing the – Doug Frates glassblowing techniques glass into an annealing oven that gradually cools the finished work. Today, like a conductor of a symphony, Doug is the gaffer of his own hot box stu- a mysterious medium with dio, guiding and cuing teammates, such a mind of its own as the blower, as he dips the blowpipe into ”Glassblowing is an animal unto itself. a 2300-degree ”glory hole” pot, twirling it It requires skill, knowledge, physical like a honey wand, to gather molten glass. strength and respect,” said highly regard- Once enough is gathered, Doug instructs ed glass artisan William Morris. Doug ex- the blower to carefully puff just the right pands upon this by showing deference to amount of air, with just the right amount the molten, amorphous substance. ”You of pressure, at just the right speed, to initi- learn it by doing it, and that’s what’s cool ate the shape of the intended piece. Doug about glassblowing - it’s always teaching directs another teammate to get the you, you’re never teaching it. There are so ”punty” ready — that’s the mass of glass many dynamics to glassblowing, that’s placed on a receiving pipe to transfer the what reeled me in and keeps the adrena- glass from the blowpipe so that another line rushing!” artisan can work on the other end. ”Grab To see additional glasswork by artisan Doug the caliper to secure the piece,” Doug says Frates, go to www.DougFratesGlass.com. to a colleague as he further shapes the

146146 South South Florida Florida OPULENCE OPULENCE Fall Fall 2015 2015 Fall Fall 2015 2015 South South Florida Florida OPULENCE OPULENCE 147 147 Hunt For A Fenn published this memoir with nine clues in a poem that leads Millionaire’s HiddenTreasure to the treasure he hid. BY STEVEN JOSEPH Fenn released his memoirs, The Thrill of the Chase, which each year, and with it so contained nine clues hidden in a poem that alluded to too has Forrest’s legacy. the treasure. Fenn’s book was self-published with the “I think the biggest dis- There’s gold in them thar hills! proceeds benefiting the local book store which carried appointment for For- By “hills” I mean the Rocky the title, so at first, there was little buzz surrounding the rest would be if some- three million dollar prize. But word soon spread, and one finds or, has already Mountains. And by “gold” I with it, some bizarre and unintended consequences. found, the treasure, but is Indeed, in addition to hundreds of thousands of e-mails keeping it a secret, selling off the contents one piece at mean, well, gold, actually. Forrest has received (he claims to have stopped counting a time so as not to attract any attention,” muses McGar- at 65,000 three years ago), Fenn has also received death rity. “But Forrest tried to safeguard against that by includ- But this isn’t your great-great-grandfather crying out, “Manifest threats, stalkers, and one man even threatened to dig up ing some really rare pieces that he would notice if they Destiny!” and prospecting in California in the late 1840s. No, this his father’s grave. “I told him flat out, ‘For the sake of your showed up at auction.” gold has already been panned, found, refined, and processed family don’t do this,’” says McGarrity. and coined. And then after going through all of that trouble, col- Many wonder if the treasure is even real. Several sleuths lected in an ornate brass chest and promptly hidden again. Only McGarrity and Fenn first met over 40 years ago when Santa claim to have already found Fenn’s millions, but that the in the case of this treasure hunt, the map is a series of cryptic Fe was still a small town of under 50,000 people. They be- treasure is intangible, that the journey is a spiritual one, clues, and no “x” marks the spot. came much better acquainted when McGarrity established and that the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow is the himself as a writer of historical novels, which appealed to exquisite beauty of nature experienced along the way. The treasure in question originally belonged to Forrest Fenn, Forrest’s two passions. The first, of course, is his insatiable When asked to prove the chest is indeed hidden, Forrest a former Air Force pilot-turned art dealer who settled in New Mexico hunger for all things archaeological. But the second, and replies, “Well, you know the only way two people can in the 1970s after retiring from the service. He and his wife opened the only observed by those who know him on a personal level, keep a secret is if one of them is dead. So I could prove the premier art gallery of the Southwest and soon attracted high-profile is celebrity. “Don’t let Forrest’s ‘Aw, shucks’ demeanor fool existence of the treasure by taking you to it… but then clientele including Jackie Onassis and Steven Spielberg. you,” McGarrity says. “He is loving the attention.” I wouldn’t want to be your insurance agent.” Combined with a passion for American history, Forrest accumu- The Chase Continues lated the largest private collection of Native North and South As the treasure hunt gains notoriety and publicity, peo- American artifacts in the world. Forrest’s collection boasts thou- Forrest Fenn ple have increasingly sought out Forrest for quotes and sands of pieces of pottery, artwork, and even Sitting Bull’s fa- soundbites, but McGarrity warns, “He has a real ‘Will vorite pipe. “Forrest has been a collector his whole life, he started PHOTO COURTESY JEN JUDGE PHOTO COURTESY Rogers’ sense of humor.” Forrest himself has said, “Every as a child with marbles and as an adult that love transitioned into writer ups the value of the treasure, so when it gets up to art, and then artifacts,” says longtime friend Michael McGarrity. $20,000,000.00 I’m going back to get it.” This year alone, Thrill of Discovery more than 30,000 amateur treasure hunters will chan- Eventually Fenn closed the gallery and began writing to pass the nel their inner Indiana Jones and head to New Mexico, time. His books were mostly about exploration and archaeology Colorado, Wyoming, or Montana hoping to strike it rich. but shared the common thread of the spirit of discovery. Then in The search has led to a stark increase in tourism-related the ’90s, Fenn was diagnosed with kidney cancer and not given funds flowing into the four states, as well. “Of course it’s an optimistic prognosis. His mortality looming, Forrest planned an been a great economic boon to the area. One of the elaborate treasure hunt as a play on traditional charity. Fenn spent hotels here downtown even has ‘The Forrest his free time between cancer treatments acquiring the chest and Fenn Reuben’ on their lunch menu,” McGarrity filling it with 265 gold coins, gold nuggets, and jewelry. adds. The treasure-related frenzy has grown

Upon beating cancer, the idea of the treasure hunt became In the hidden treasure, Fenn included some a reality as Forrest ventured off to hide the chest. In 2010, really rare pieces so that if they hit the market,he’ll know the treasure was found.

148 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 Fall South 2015 Florida South OPULENCEFlorida OPULENCE 149 149 my performance and I didn’t want to disap- Hussein’s native language. Piro was one of Getting point my country.” Because of the Geneva those agents – and his Assyrian heritage Conventions and that Hussein had been made him the most likely candidate to earn classified as a prisoner of war, it was the first the trust of the high-level Arabic prisoner. It into the time in history the FBI had been put in would take trust to get the narcissistic Hus- charge of interrogating such a significant sein to discuss extremely sensitive matters, head of state in his home country. It was a such as the location of Weapons of Mass monumental assignment. Destruction (WMDs), to admit to mass Mind of homicidal gassing of Kurds in Northern Who is George Piro? Iraq, to reveal any ties with Al-Qaeda, and But make no mistake, Piro was no rookie to among other things, to reveal reasons be- law enforcement. Prior to joining the FBI in hind the invasion of Kuwait that sparked Saddam 1999, he served as a security policeman in the Gulf War. the United States Air Force. Afterward, he became a detective at a California Police Piro prepared for his daunting task by Hussein Department, went to night school to earn a watching countless news videos and An interview with the FBI’s college degree in criminal justice, and then reading newspaper reports; studying the joined the ranks as a criminal investigator history of Iraq and Hussein’s political ‘ac- Special Agent George Piro for the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s complishments’ (such as improving health- on how he got ‘High Value Office and was assigned to the County’s care, education and infrastructure in the Saddam Hussein Detainee #1’ to befriend, trust Drug Enforcement Agency. third-world country), and even reading the clean shaven, with a mustache, and was dictator’s four published books and poems. much taller than I expected – 6’1”, about an and talk after his capture. Piro’s appreciation for law enforcement de- In January, following his appointment to inch taller than me. It was so hard to believe veloped at a young age. Born in Lebanon By Robin Jay lead the Hussein interrogation, Piro’s team I was standing there, face-to-face with with an Assyrian heritage, he witnessed as a of analysts from the CIA, FBI intelligence Saddam Hussein, the disreputable man I boy firsthand the turbulence and terror of analysts, language specialists and a behavior had watched on television news reports in e remembers the moment like it the Lebanese Civil War that broke out in profiler, landed unannounced in Baghdad the ’80s and ’90s who was notorious for was yesterday. The time was 5 1975. Schools and businesses shut their in the middle of night at Camp Cropper. causing such horrific conflicts and atrocities.” p.m. on Wednesday, December doors. His family sought cover in a bomb Being a high-value detainee, Hussein was 24, 2003. FBI Special Agent shelter. It was a frightening experience no Persuading A Sociopath separated from the other prisoners in a George Piro had left his office child should ever endure. to talk truthfully H windowless barrack cell. At first, Hussein was guarded and reserved. and was driving to the mall to catch up on Piro’s father, being an expert in dental man- “When I arrived, Hussein wasn’t feeling well But as a special agent of the FBI, Piro was some last minute Christmas shopping. The ufacturing and having relatives in the Unit- and asked to see a doctor,” Piro recounted. highly trained in the skill of interviewing car phone rang. He could never have imag- ed States, found the means to relocate his “No one was cleared to translate for the phy- reluctant sociopaths, understanding what ined how answering that call would put family to the safety of Turlock, California, sician, so I saw this as an opportunitiy to start makes them tick, how to gain their trust him center stage for one of the FBI’s most when George was 12. important missions. building a relationship with the man I was and get them to talk. Interestingly, Hussein “My parents wanted a better life for us,” Piro there to interrogate. I knew Hussein wouldn’t thought Piro reported directly to President “It was a senior official from FBI Headquarters said. “I was eager to become an American respond positively to threating language, so George Bush. If he had known that Piro was in Quantico,” Piro told South Florida Opulence. and to fit in with the other kids. I didn’t my mission was to get him to trust me, to an FBI agent (and had never even met the “He said I had been selected to serve as the want them to judge me because of my ac- befriend me. It would be no easy task, but, President), he would likely have viewed his team leader to interrogate Saddam Hussein,” cent, so I began avidly studying and watch- fortunately, we had no particular deadline – position as being beneath him and may the deposed president of Iraq captured just ing TV [his favorite program was the Califor- we had time on our side that would be nec- have refused to communicate. 12 days prior while hiding in a spider hole in nia Police Department show called CHiPs]. I essary to penetrate his guarded wall of rhet- a mud hut in Ticrit. “I was told to prepare to From his very first encounter with Hussein, was fluent in English within a year – and oric and for me to learn his behaviors in leave for Baghdad.” Piro subtly set the scene psychologically to had every bit of an American accent. I order to know when he was lying and when demonstrate he was in charge and that the wanted to dedicate my life to giving back he was telling the truth. At the time, Piro had been an agent with the inmate was at a submissive disadvantage. FBI just five years. “When I received that un- to this country.” “The doctor and I approached his cell at the Overtime, the strategy was designed to expected call on Christmas Eve, I was blown The Covert Mission end of the hall. I knocked on the door and break down Hussein’s defensive walls away.” The importance of the assignment to Baghdad walked in. I introduced myself in Arabic as of superiority. was overwheming – in a moment’s notice, I At the time of the Iraq War, only one in 1,000 ‘Mr. George.’ Hussein was standing and was had the reputation and the legacy of the “I positioned his chair so that it literally put FBI special agents was fluent in Arabic – wearing a traditional white robe. He was Federal Bureau of Investigation riding on his back up against a wall. I sat between Hus- FBI Special Agent in Charge George Piro, Miami Bureau

150 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 FallFall 20152015 SouthSouth FloridaFlorida OPULENCEOPULENCE 151151 Taking your building sein and the door,” Piro explained. “It was a every human being does – to have com- would show weakness and invite defeat. subliminal message that he couldn’t escape panionship and interaction with other Hussein said he underestimated the United without dealing with me. I told him that if he human beings.” Piro had discovered Hus- States, assuming the most he’d have to to another level. needed anything – even the time of day – he sein’s human weakness and would covertly endure for his lies would be minor air strikes.” needed to go through me. There was pur- take advantage of that vulnerability. With regard to the homicidal gassing of the posefully no clock on the wall and I was wear- The subtle psychological initiatives contin- Kurds, Saddam made no denials. “In his ing a very large watch. The strategy was to get ued to ensure Saddam’s deeper dependency twisted mind, Saddam truly believed the him to rely on me and only me.” on George – and for the prisoner to come to people he killed were getting what they Special Agent Piro came back to the cell his own realization that he’d never again be deserved for committing acts of treason,” every day for 9 months, spending increasing- free or take back the saddistic rule of his George said. ly longer amounts of time with him, at country. In a prior interview with 60 Minutes, Interestingly, when asked about Saddam’s Hussein’s request. Sometimes they spent as George said he showed Saddam videos of connections to Al-Qaeda, the former dicta- Concrete Restoration • Waterproofing • Painting and more many as seven hours a day together. Some- his statue being torn down by fellow Iraqis, tor told George that he was against a unit- times he listened for hours as Hussein read and he once allowed him to look out the ed Islamic state and viewed Osama bin him poetry he had written – a task he detest- window during a nighttime flight over Laden as a lunatic, a threat. ed but very convincingly pretended to enjoy. Baghdad so that he could see for himself the bright lights and bustling activity. The un- And the real reason for Iraq’s invasion of “I spoke to him about things I knew he’d be In a twist to make Saddam think his interrogator was his friend, CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC. George brought him ‘birthday cookies’ made in his own mother’s kitchen. “A Good Price is Only Remembered for a Short Time proud of – like the books he had written, spoken message: Iraq is thriving without you. Kuwait? Saddam revealed to George that it how he had developed Iraq with improved The Memory of a Good Job Can Last a Life Time” On Saddam’s birthday, it became apparent was revenge for an insult from the coun- healthcare and nationalized oil production, to the former dictator that none of his country’s leader – for an Emir saying it was his and about philosophies of religion and pol- trymen celebrated. But in a twist to make mission to turn every woman in Iraq into a itics,” said Piro. “I stayed away from subjects Saddam think his interrogator was his friend, $10 prostitute. that would make him angry and clam up – George brought him ‘birthday cookies’ made like his childhood. He didn’t want people to In the end, Special Agent George Piro won in his own mother’s kitchen. know his father wasn’t kind to him or that the cunning game of chess – getting his he grew up poor and underprivileged.” The Moment of Truth opponent, one of the most brutal dictators Saddam’s trust in George grew. At just the in history, a man who knew his fate, had no Eventually the two were on a first-name ba- right moment, in the natural progression of a motivation to cooperate, and had “no sis – George and Saddam. Sometimes they conversation that Saddam initiated, George remorse, no regret” – to entrust him, to would eat together or walk next to each asked him about the weapons of mass believe “the show,” and to tell us what we other in the exercise yard. And there was destruction and where they were hidden. wanted to know. one characteristic about Saddam that Piro found particularly surprising. “He seemed “Saddam confided in me that Iraq didn’t His boss at the finish of the interrogation more ‘normal’ than I expected; he had some have WMDs, that most were destroyed dur- said, “Piro’s expert work in revealing likable qualities. He was polite and some- ing the U.S. inspections. But he did say he Saddam’s secrets was probably one of the times charming. He shook my hand. Don’t fully intended to rebuild WMDs again one top accomplishments of the agency in the get me wrong – there were times I could day,” George said. “I asked him why he ada- last 100 years.” Today, it’s no wonder why see hate in his eyes. And he could be cold, mantly lied about having WMDs, risking the Mr. Piro is Special Agent in Charge of the like when I brought up the death of his penalty of war against his country. He said it Miami Bureau of the FBI. sons, it didn’t seem to phase him. But deep was because he was more fearful of letting Well done, sir. down, he needed the same basic things Iran find out he didn’t have WMDs; to do so All of our services are backed For more information: by our 5 year labor and 2411 S.W. 58th Terrace, West Park, FL 33023 materials warranty. Phone: 954-985-5353 • Fax: 954-985-5356 That’s quality you can count on. www.restoreconstructiongroup.com #CGC 1515037 152 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 INSURANCE Is Your Legacy Protected? 75 Years. 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156 South Florida OPULENCE Fall 2015 Fall 2015 South Florida OPULENCE 157 State-of-the-art condo law Building Services Should Associations Cash Check and Superior Work- Payments Wrongfully Marked As Payment in Full? Force Management By Andrew Rand, controller & Director of Association Accounting at CSI Management Services LLC Before August 8, 2014, community associations the full amount of assessments due. The trust & Sobel, P.A. said the case struck fear in were comfortable with §718.116(3), which pro- attorney disputed the amount, but provided associations familiar with accepting partial vided “any payment received by an association a check for $840.00, which was less than the payments. Now partial payments and ac- must be applied first to any interest accrued demand. A letter with the check said payment companying correspondence had to be by the association, then to any administrative was being made “in full and final satisfaction carefully examined to ensure there was no late fee, then to any costs and reasonable at- of all claims made against the trust.” The asso- language indicating accord and satisfaction. torney fees incurred in collection, and then to ciation indicated it would accept it as a partial Fortunately, the effects of the Saint Croix case the delinquent assessment.” However, when payment. At trial, the court ruled in favor of were short lived. Effective July 1, 2015, the a Florida Court of Appeals ruled on the case the association. However, on appeal, instead Florida Legislature adopted amendments of Saint Croix Lane Trust & N.L. Shapiro, Trustee of §718.116(3), the court relied on §673.3111, to §718.116(3) to clarify the existing law. It v. Saint Croix at Pelican Marsh Condominium which dealt with accords and satisfactions. It now reads, “ … the foregoing is applicable Association, Inc., everything changed. found that because the accord and satisfac- notwithstanding §673.3111, any purported tion language was in the letter, and that the The Situation accord and satisfaction, or any restrictive en- association cashed the check, the full amount The association had filed a lien foreclosure dorsement, designation, or instruction placed due was satisfied. against a unit. The unit had a first mortgage, on or accompanying a payment.” so the association didn’t bid at the foreclo- A Shock For Associations sure sale. Once the Saint Croix Lane Trust Attorney Michael Chapnick of Siegfried, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA CHAPTER took title, the association demanded it pay Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars 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. What is it about your community’s At CSI, everything we do stems from one simple premise… risk management program that We make life easier for our clients and ensure this by providing keeps you up at night? the finest in:

• Janitorial services • Does the D&O policy we purchased fully protect • Operating engineers services the board? • Green cleaning options • Will our Disaster Preparedness/ Recovery Plan • Building mechanics services be effective when we need it? • Mechanical services • Is our Insurance Program in compliance with • Corporate services our bylaws? We have the answers. • With all these recent natural disasters, how do we effectively budget for next year?

• If we have a claim will it be adjusted and paid correctly?

Fort Lauderdale Corporate Headquarters Serving South Florida F or 90 yearS • 800-638-8664 • www.S latonriS k S erviceS .com 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400 • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 • 954.308.4300

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