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Equestrian Orange County | Monarch Beach

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Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Riding in Paradise

For guests of the St. Regis, EquiSports International provides world-class horseback riding just minutes from the resort.

By Micaela Myers | Photos by Yvonne Smith, Anthony Verebes and Shannon Rose

 

Coastal Orange County truly offers something for everyone, including world-class horseback riding, instruction and competition. All this can be found just a short drive from The St. Regis Monarch Beach at EquiSports International’s Blenheim Farms in San Juan Capistrano.

The facility is owned and operated by two-time Olympian Robert Ridland and his wife, former United States Equestrian Team rider Hillary Ridland. EquiSports International offers training programs for horses and riders—from novice to Olympic level. The luxurious amenities of Blenheim Farms include grass pastures, sand paddocks, indoor and outdoor arenas, a barn and clubhouse. What’s more, Blenheim Farms sits directly adjacent to international horse show grounds. The show facility hosted the 2000, 2004 and 2008 U.S. Olympic trials, and provides visitors and those who ride at the facility direct access to more than 20 horse shows a year.

Go for a Ride

Adults, children and families can book riding lessons, half-day or full-day camps at Blenheim Farms through the concierge desk at The St. Regis Monarch Beach.

“They offer horse education for children involving introduction to horse safety, anatomy, grooming and tacking up, followed by games, riding skills and crafts,” explains concierge Felicia Gilboa. These full- or half-day camps for kids offer a complete equestrian experience and culminate with a horse-themed art activity. A picnic lunch can also be incorporated on the beautiful grounds.

“One of the art activities the kids like the most is decorating horse shoes,” Hillary Ridland explains. “They get to paint and decorate a horse shoe, then we take a picture of the child and we center it so that the horse shoe works like a picture frame they can take home. The other one they really enjoy is we have a couple of white horses, and they get to paint a horse. They literally use washable paint and paint the horse—mane, tail, handprints, you name it. They really enjoy it. We take their picture with the horse for them.”

“The guest response has been very positive,” adds The St. Regis Monarch Beach Chef Concierge Gundula Reile. “Guests even decided to go a second time. Blenheim is also great to work with when it comes to guests that already have experience.”

In addition to the children’s camps, experienced adults or those who have never ridden before can also book riding lessons. The farm can arrange to have a professional photographer on hand as well to take photos of guests on horseback—special memories to carry home and keep.

All instruction is individualized—no large groups like many facilities offer. The barn houses approximately 20 horses at any time, and the lesson horses are professionally trained and maintained. Those who keep a residence in the area or visit frequently can also arrange to have their personal horse boarded and trained at the farm.

 

Lunch and a Show

Aside from instruction, guests will enjoy taking in a world-class competition at the nearby horse show facility. Blenheim EquiSports manages equestrian competitions and produces more than 30 events a year in San Juan Capistrano, Del Mar and Las Vegas. Events include 18 United States Equestrian Federation “A” or “AA” rated hunter-jumper shows featuring several World Cup Qualifying Grand Prix, United States Hunter Jumper Association International High Performance Hunter Challenges, Pony Finals, Medal Finals and more.

For a VIP horse show experience, the concierge team at The St. Regis Monarch Beach will work with Blenheim EquiSports International to arrange for horse show viewing from the San Juan Capistrono facility’s Medal Club, a VIP tent located directly in the center of all the action. In the Medal Club, guests can watch the competition live and on TV monitors, enjoy drinks, snacks and a catered lunch, and more. A riding lesson can be arranged in conjunction with watching a horse show as well. “Kids can ride and then everyone can watch the show and have lunch,” Hillary Ridland explains.

Horse show visitors will also enjoy vendor booths and exploring the grass-covered grounds—a country atmosphere so close to the bustling coast. Most tournaments also feature Family Fun Days with kid-friendly activities and entertainers. Whether visitors seek a riding camp for their kids, professional instruction for themselves or a day of exciting horse competitions, Blenheim truly offers it all.

FOR MORE INFO Blenheim farms; 28801 San Juan Creek Rd., San Juan Capistrano; 949-633- 4040; equisportsinternational.com

 

EXPERT ADVICE

Hillary Ridland began her riding career at age 7. At 19, she rode in the American Invitational Grand Prix in Tampa, Fla., and the very next year became one of the youngest riders ever to represent the United States Equestrian Team in a Nations Cup event. Ridland went on to win several grand prix events in the United States, and competed internationally in Europe and Canada. She remains one of only two riders to go double-clean in the Chrysler International Jumping Derby held annually at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Here, she shares her best advice for riders new to the sport.

 

Q: If someone is a little afraid to ride but wants to give it a try, what would you tell that person?

A: I taught skiing before, and a lot of people are afraid to ski, especially adults. For them, the most important part was to feel that they could stop whenever they were uncomfortable. That’s one of the first things we work on—how
to stop the horse. We always work in small spaces too. But basically you’ve got to just bite the bullet and give it a try!

 

Q: Some adults may feel like they’re too old to learn to ride, but many people take up riding as adults, correct?

A: Definitely. Adults are just as easy to teach as kids. The same concepts apply.

 

Q: Can you tell us about the lesson horses?

A: What’s different about our lesson horses is that because we don’t do a big assembly line and have a billion horses that we don’t have time to work with and keep happy with their job, our horses are treated just like show horses. They get schooled, they get days off, and they get excellent care, so they’re happy to do their job. They’re not out a billion times a day. They get ridden once a day.

 

Q: What should a person expect during their first lesson?

A: In the first lesson, we’ll spend a fair amount of time going over safety in the cross-ties and on the horse—what can spook them, what makes them feel at ease, moving around them correctly, et cetera. They’ll spend some time grooming the horse and getting him ready. Then they will get on and ride in a small area. The first things we’ll work on are the aids—how to stop the horse and how to make the horse go. As they get better, they’ll spend less time grooming and spend more time riding and learning balance and how to direct the horse, and if they want to learn to jump they can go on to that.

 

Q: If a rider has the dream of learning to jump but is a beginner, what’s a realistic timeline before they can start work over fences?

A: Everybody is different. As soon as they master balance of their body, then they’re capable of going with the horse over the jump. If they are unable to [find] balance in their own body in the saddle, then jumping the horse would throw a monkey wrench in their training.

 

Q: What do you love the most about riding?

A: I was just talking yesterday to my barn manager about that. I said I was excited to ride today. She asked, “Why?” and I said because I really enjoy just riding by myself when I have horses to work with and I have time to do it and really get into their head and perfect the flat work before I jump—for me is really fun. But the best thing is being really, really fast in a jump off (competition), cutting every corner you can and leaving all the jumps up.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about teaching and training?

A: I think I’m a really good teacher because I think I’m good at making
it interesting and figuring out how each person learns, and being very enthusiastic. For me the best part is when you see that light bulb go off— whether it be figuring out how to post or nailing a big course—it’s watching it all come together for a rider.

 

WHAT TO WEAR

“For riding attire, it is best to wear riding boots and britches,” Hillary Ridland explains. “However, jeans and shoes with a heel will work for first-timers.”

For those who want to purchase gear before heading to Blenheim Farm for a lesson, Ridland suggests shopping at the following locations:

American Horse Products, 31896 Plaza Dr., San Juan Capistrano; 949-248-5300 Ortega Tack and Feed, 31735 Rancho Viejo Rd., San Juan Capistrano; 949-487-1535

 

OLYMPIAN ROBERT RIDLAND

A two-time member of the U.S. Olympic team, Robert Ridland is president of Blenheim EquiSports. He served as an analyst for NBC during the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, is a current member of the United States Equestrian Federation board of directors and is a celebrated international course designer. Bespoke Magazine recently chatted with him about the Olympics and horseback riding in general.

 

Q: What are your favorite memories from competing in the Olympic games?

A: It’s not the competitive side that makes it so special, even though as competitions go there’s nothing better than the Olympic games, it’s the non-competitive side. It’s being in the Olympic village with the other athletes. … It’s amazing how many athletes from other sports will come to watch us practice let alone come to our events. That said, what’s the most special part of the Olympics? The opening ceremonies where you all come together as one team from different countries and different sports all marching into the stadium at the same time. It’s a pretty amazing experience. In Montreal it was particularly amazing. Even though we weren’t the home team, we might as well have been because when the Americans came in, the ovation was tremendous because there were so many Americans in the stands. The stadium was literally shaking. What made that special later on was that that’s where we competed.

 

Q: As a course designer, how do you go about creating a challenging course?

A: The first aspect of a show jumping course is that it’s never the same from competition to competition. Even on the same day there are a number of course changes. To me it’s part of the fun of the sport. The riders have to analyze the new course every time they go into that competition. … Obviously originality is part of [course design]. Maintaining a difficulty appropriate to whatever type of competition it is, is essential. Ironically, the courses I’ve done for the Olympic trials are among the easiest courses to conceive because you know going into it you don’t have any problems with making it a very, very difficult course—everything is at the maximum level of difficulty. … Overriding everything is safety.

 

Q: For young riders with Olympic dreams, what is your best advice?

A: Go for it! I was able to follow a dream. It’s a complicated sport. Obviously our “equipment” is a little more expensive, but we’re not the only ones that have expensive equipment involved. You can do it. Our top Olympic riders are all top professional riders. They’re riders who mostly came from moderate means that figured out a way to learn from the best professionals. They worked off their lessons and all that. Just like Formula racecar drivers—those drivers don’t own their cars. … Is it difficult to make the Olympics? Of course, but it is in any sport. Go for it.

 

Q: Lastly, what do you enjoy most about riding?

A: The beauty of our sport is that every day is a new challenge, even
if you’re not competing and even if you’re not jumping. … Because your “equipment” so to speak is a live animal with a personality and has just a good of shot as waking up on the wrong side of the bed as you do, every day is a new challenge. … Also, we are so lucky where we live. We are grateful every time we ride on a gorgeous day like today. It’s beautiful weather here in San Juan Capistrano.

Local Insights: Monarch Beach | Spring 2012

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Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Local Insights

Chief Concierge Gundula Reile offers insider advice for the best things to see and do in Orange County this spring.- By Kelly Shannon

Whether you wish to dine, shop or play, the concierge team at The St. Regis Monarch Beach can provide recommendations tailored to your wishes. For springtime, Chief Concierge Gundula Reiles shares some of her top picks.

Internationally Inspired Eatery

Nestled in quaint and charming Laguna Beach, Sapphire Laguna is a perfect fit for the town’s artistry and affinity for unique cuisine. “Sapphire Laguna is one of my favorites. The beach cottage restaurant accentuates the Laguna Beach flair, while also incorporating local artists, which include many plein air artists and painters,” reile says. The casual yet polished eatery sits across the street from one of the best surf spots in town and is located in an old Laguna landmark, The pottery Shack. Snag a seat under an umbrella on the brick patio and warm up by the fire pit if it’s chilly outside. Sapphire’s internationally inspired menu changes seasonally, utilizing the freshest local ingredients possible. “The flavors are inspired from around the world, giving you a huge variety of tastes,” reile adds. The abundant wine list isn’t filled with big-name vineyards, but is thoughtfully hand- selected by chef and owner azmin ghahreman. (1100 S. Coast hwy.; 949-715-3300; sapphirellc.com)

The Great Outdoors

Spring is the season for the ultimate hiking experience. the buds are blossoming, birds are chirping, and the weather is generally temperate. “we have wonderful beach trails around the St. Regis and also have a beautiful bluff walk towards Dana Point, which features stunning views of the California coast,” Reile says. Just a few miles north, Laguna Beach features miles of hiking trails for the more avid hikers (lagunabeachinfo.com). Just north of Laguna, Crystal Cove State Park offers 3.2 miles of beach and 2,400 acres of undeveloped woodland, making it among the most scenic spots to walk or bike. along the beach, visitors can explore tide pools and sandy coves. (Pacific Coast highway and Reef Point Drive; crystalcovestatepark.com)

Garden Stroll

There is nothing quite like taking that moment to stop and smell the flowers. “I love to send guests to nurseries or gardens in the spring,” says Reile, recommending guests to visit the renowned Roger’s Gardens, located across the way from Fashion Island in Corona del Mar. Filled with beautiful f

oliage, flowering plants, fountains and designer pottery, the landmark also offers upscale home furnishings, décor, collectibles, holiday items and fine art from select vendors all over the world (2301 San Joaquin hills Rd., Corona del Mar; 949- 640-5800; rogersgardens.com). Reile also recommends visiting the one-of-a-kind Laguna Nursery, which offers a unique combination of plants, art, fountains, furniture, gifts and architectural artifacts, in a gathering designed to inspire and invigorate outdoor environments. (1370 S. Coast hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-494-5200; lagunanursery.net)

Spring Showers

“In the unusual event it rains in Southern California, there are still many things to experience indoors,” says Reile, who recommends heading to north Laguna Beach to Laguna Art Museum. The museum’s collection includes more than 3,500 works of American art, dating from the early 19th century through today (307 Cliff Dr.; 949- 494-8971; lagunartmuseum.org). Reile also suggests the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, one of Southern California’s finest museums and orange County’s largest, located in Santa ana. the museum offers exhibitions, lectures, art classes, children’s art and music education programs and more. the museum’s guiding philosophy is to help people learn about other cultures through the arts and to offer visitors a greater understanding of themselves and appreciation of the world in which we live. (2002 n. Main St., Santa ana; 714-567-3600; bowers.org)

Tea Time | Houston

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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High Time for Tea

Whether enjoying time with friends and family or celebrating a special occasion, The St. Regis Houston’s renowned tea service and full-service tea lounge provide the perfect location for this timeless tradition.

By Gaye Weintraub | Photos by Diana Simonetta

From the moment of its discovery nearly 5,000 years ago to the rituals observed today during the afternoon ceremony, the world has cultivated an eternal love affair with tea. Originally grown for its medicinal benefit, consumption quickly elevated to an art form that continues to offer both historical and cultural importance that is unsurpassed.

 

The Tea Ceremony

Chinese Emperor Shennong discovered tea in 2737 B.C. while stopping to rest on the roadside during his travels. Dried leaves from a nearby plant wafted into his pot of boiling water, and Shennong found the result to have a refreshing taste and pleasant aroma. Heralded the “Father of Chinese medicine,” Shennong implored his people to grow the plant for therapeutic purposes. During the 3,000 years it took for tea to become popular throughout the Chinese empire, consumption greatly influenced Chinese culture and embedded itself in every aspect of society.

Lu Yu wrote the first definitive book on tea. The “Ch’a Ching,” or “The Classic of Tea,” detailed the origins of tea and codified tools and methods for harvesting, preparing and serving the hot beverage. Yu’s tome greatly influenced Zen Buddhist missionaries, who developed and perfected the chanoyu, or Japanese tea ceremony, and elevated the consumption of tea to artistic fashion.

Although on its surface the chanoyu encompassed little more than notes for making and serving tea, the ceremony required polished service distinguished for its perfection, grace and charm. Much like its inception into Chinese culture, tea service in Japan grew from the imperial realm to the rest of society. Teahouses flourished, and geisha added the tea ceremony to their repertoire.

 

Royal Treatment

In the early 1500s, Europeans began to sail abroad in search of trade routes, and by 1557 Portugal had established trading stations, enabling a monopoly on trade between China and Japan. During the first commercial trading trip between Portugal and China, a Portuguese Jesuit Father became the first European to experience tea. He took his discovery home, and tea became an important part of Portuguese daily life. The Portuguese custom of drinking tea would prove crucial in bringing the rich tea traditions to England during the reign of King Charles II in his marriage to the Portuguese infanta Catherine de Braganza in 1662.

Although tea first appeared in Britain around 1658, Charles’ marriage laid the foundation for the British tea trade and made tea the most popular drink of English society. Catherine’s dowry, the largest in recorded history, granted England permission to use all ports in the Portuguese colonies in Africa, Asia and the Americas, thus providing England direct trading rights to tea. The wealthy adopted Catherine’s adoration for tea, and before long tea replaced ale as the national drink.

 

A Social Affair

The Victorian period of the 19th century cemented the rich customs and traditions afternoon tea embodies today. As prices on tea dropped, the indulgence once reserved for the upper class became an affordable indulgence for the working class. One of Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting invited friends every afternoon for tea and assorted sandwiches, buttered bread and sweets, a habit embraced by other hostesses. Afternoon tea, or “low” tea, occurred between 3 and 5 p.m. and placed emphasis on presentation and conversation, as well as filled a gap between meals.

Afternoon tea was created to foster friendship. As it had in Portugal, Holland and France, taking tea exemplified social norms in England. In vogue, tea parties commemorated milestones and celebrated daily life. From picnics to sporting events to lavish affairs, afternoon tea brought men and women together socially. Private tea gardens enhanced guests’ experiences with flowered walkways and live musical entertainment. Tea parties attracted all walks of life, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and George Frideric Handel. In 1860, Queen Victoria opened the private gardens at Buckingham Palace for afternoon tea. Queen Elizabeth II maintains the tradition, hosting 8,000 guests daily over a three-day period every year.

 

Introduction to America

Tea arrived in America in 1690, and the tea trade dominated New York City, Philadelphia and the rest of the East Coast. Tea gardens first opened in New York City, followed by tea service in hotels and teahouses. Afternoon tea strengthened social bonds. Tearooms and tea courts allowed for polite conversation over afternoon tea, and prominent socialites, such as Caroline Webster Astor, the mother of St. Regis founder John Jacob Astor IV, fostered its ritual and existence.

A descendent of Dutch aristocracy, Mrs. Astor earned the title of “Queen of New York society.” Known for her lavish entertaining, Astor served as a pioneer of America’s high society.

 

Tea at the St. Regis

Throughout its history, The St. Regis Houston has remained the venue of choice for afternoon tea. From the moment of arrival, the reason is conspicuously apparent. Before entering the hotel, greetings flow from the valet and doorman and continue into the lobby with a welcome from the concierge. A warm reception from the tea butler at the entrance to the tea lounge further confirms the very essence of the St. Regis brand— uncompromising in its pursuit to create the best experiences for its guests.

Exclusively designed for afternoon tea service, the tea lounge resembles an elegant but inviting living room, one sure to put even the most anxious tea novice at ease. Guests may relax on a couch by the fireplace or at a bistro table closer to the afternoon’s entertainment. A live harpist accompanies every afternoon tea. The tea lounge seats 25 comfortably, the perfect number for a mixture of clientele, be it two friends catching up, a daughter’s first tea with her mother, bridal and baby showers, or businessmen in negotiations.

The St. Regis Houston’s tea butler Judy Solorzano believes that afternoon tea is all about the experience. “The tea lounge here at St. Regis Houston is the place to celebrate milestone moments,” Solorzano explains. “Afternoon tea makes the milestone complete. Tea is all about taking yourself away from the reality of the day for an afternoon to relax and enjoy a custom experience.”

Pastry Chef Dwayne Fortier agrees. “I think tea is considered a distinct kind of afternoon service,” Fortier says. “People align that overall with the St. Regis picture. It’s tied into the St. Regis brand—distinct, personal service.”

Solorzano and Fortier both contribute to the timeless tradition of unparalleled perfection. Although she has only been with The St. Regis Houston for a year, Solorzano studied hotel management at Les Roches International School of Hotel Management in Bluche, Switzerland. The school ranks No. 2 among all international hospitality management schools in the world. In 2012, she will obtain her certification as a tea master, an accomplishment that requires intense training in the history, customs and types of tea. Fortier has more than 20 years of experience in pastries and has worked at The St. Regis Houston for eight years. Originally from New Orleans, most of his training has been in the hotel industry.

A Bespoke Experience

The St. Regis Houston offers 22 types of tea with additional seasonal blends throughout the year. An outside company provides the hotel with the high-quality blends. The tea company also creates an exclusive St. Regis blend for all St. Regis properties. The Houston hotel’s most popular request, the St. Regis blend combines Keemun and Ceylon black teas with blackcurrant and bergamot. Other popular blends include Flowery Earl Grey, another black tea blend accented with blue cornflower petals, and Pear Oolong, a semi- oxidized tea flavored with natural essential oils of Bartlett pears. Each tea leaf in this blend is rolled by hand into a tiny pearl that seductively unfurls when placed in boiling water.

Solorzano explains that loose leaf teas served in the tea lounge exhibit a higher quality than other teas because each leaf is rolled by hand. “In loose leaf teas, only the top part of the tea plant is used,” Solorzano explains. “Tea bags are done by machine and take the entire leaf. The quality doesn’t compare.”

To fully appreciate the ritual of afternoon tea, Solorzano and Fortier pair tea and prosecco with a carefully selected assortment of sandwiches, scones and pastries. The menu follows a traditional English fare of sandwiches consisting of cucumber and baby watercress, aged Gruyere cheese with roasted peppers, grilled chicken salad with arugula leaves, smoked salmon with capers, egg salad with dill and pumpernickel, and cured bresaola beef and provolone cheese; blackcurrant scones with Devonshire cream; and three signature pastries. In Fortier’s tenure at The St. Regis Houston, the sandwich menu has only been changed once. While the pastries vary depending on mood and season, the blackcurrant scones remain true to tradition.

Just as the menu follows tea customs reminiscent of afternoon tea in England, so does the tea service. Wedgewood designed all china utilized in the tea lounge. While the china pattern, teapots and strainers are not unique to just The St. Regis Houston, the tea cozies covering the teapots are. The resident seamstress designed the cozies exclusively for tea service, adding yet another dimension to making sure no detail gets overlooked.

 

Custom Requests

In an effort to provide guests with unmatched hospitality, Fortier says he welcomes custom requests. “Sometimes tea service gets booked, but people still want tea. We are happy to provide tea service in the privacy of their room,” Fortier says. “We will also do specific food requests. We will do gluten-free requests, plain scones, and even vegetarian and vegan accommodations when possible.”

While afternoon tea remains a hot tea service, Solorzano says iced tea is available upon request. “Two iced tea blends are the St. Regis Blend and Nobo Whole Fruit, a fruit fusion of wild strawberries, blackberries and raspberries,” Solorzano says.

In recent years, tea service has grown in popularity with bridal and baby showers. Because tea service is a formal yet relaxing occasion, guests can celebrate milestones while savoring tea and its accompanying treats, and bask in the music of the live harpist. Of course, teatime is not limited to milestones, but open to everyone.

Afternoon tea remains rich in custom and tradition. Its timelessness appeals to everyone and commemorates the world’s love affair with tea. St. Regis stands foremost in preserving the heritage of a ritual first conceptualized almost 5,000 years ago.

Afternoon tea takes place Wednesday through Sunday from 3 – 5 p.m. Tea service is $39 per person, plus tax and gratuity; reservations are strongly recommended. Call 713-403-2631.

 

TEA TOUR

For those who wish to experience a variety of tea traditions, the following establishments offer tea service around Houston.

Ashland House: Afternoon tea served Monday thru Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Traditional afternoon tea menu with a variety of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. $27.50 per person; reservations required. (7611 Westview dr.; 713-682-7611; ashlandhouse.us)

Flora & Muse: Afternoon tea served Monday thru Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Savor an assortment of chef-selected finger sandwiches and pastries with your choice of premium imported teas. $15 per person; reservations suggested. (12860 Queensbury, ste. 143; 713- 463-6873; floraandmuse.com)

Kiran’s Restaurant & Bar: Afternoon tea served on the second saturday of every month. Enjoy chai and chutney as well as ladyfinger sandwiches, handmade pastries and desserts. $35 per person; reservations required. (4100 Westheimer rd.; 713-960-8472.; kiranshouston.com)

Path of Tea: Tea tastings led by Tea Master Thia McKann. Featuring more than 145 varieties of premium tea blends. Call for times and details. (2340 W. Alabama st.; 713-252- 4473; thepathoftea.com)

Serenitea Tea Room & Gift Shop: Light tea, afternoon tea and tea tastings served throughout the day. $5.95 – $26.95 per person; reservations recommended for saturdays or parties of five or more. (4352 Westheimer rd.; 281-491- 4588; sereniteatearoom.com)

Té House of Tea: High tea. Traditional Victorian tea with quiche of the day, salad, tea sandwiches, scones, crepes and choice of tea. $10 for children and $30 per adult. Reservations required. (1927 Fairview st.; 713-522-8868; tehouseoftea.com)

Polo: The Sport of Kings | Houston

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Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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A Perfect Match

Houston is home to the largest regional polo center, making it the ideal place to play or watch this sport of kings.

By Rod Evans | Photos by houstonphotographer.com

They represented the classic image of wealth and opulence in turn-of-the-century New York City. Even the name—Astor—seemed to denote royalty. In photos from the period, John Jacob Astor IV, with his white boater hat, and wife Ava— adorned in long, flowing dresses and accessorized by wide-brimmed hats—conveyed an image of privilege and luxury.

In America in 1904, the sport of polo was literally the “sport of kings.” Matches were held at exclusive clubs, where entry was allowed only to the fortunate few whose last names were sufficiently high in the social strata, who sipped champagne from crystal flutes as the action played out in front of them on lush green fields with dashing players atop majestic steeds.

Around the turn of the century, the son of William Astor and great-grandson of fur trading magnate John Jacob Astor, was one of the key players in the hosting of polo matches on Governors Island in Manhattan that were the highlight of the New York social scene. After founding the St. Regis New York in 1904, Astor fostered a strong bond between polo and the new luxury hotel. But after divorcing Ava in 1909 and marrying Madeleine Force, Astor would perish among the hundreds that died when the Titanic sank in 1912.

But while Astor died in the most famous shipwreck in history, the St. Regis continued his legacy of supporting and promoting the sport of polo, a connection that continues today. But one thing has changed: Polo, while still a sport primarily enjoyed by people of means, has gradually become a more inclusive pastime available to all. Modern polo clubs sponsor polo schools that teach the ancient game to newcomers and host matches that are open to the public.

Today, with hotels and resorts around the world in such destinations as Buenos Aires, Singapore and Bangkok, as well as the newly refurbished St. Regis Houston, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts remains an influential player in the advancement of polo and sponsors many international matches each year.

 

Key Ingredients

At first glance, polo might resemble hockey on horses, with players swinging sticks (mallets in polo) in an attempt to push a small ball past a pair of goal posts—but the similarities end there.

The sport is played on a 300-by-160-yard field with four players per side. Players wield mallets that are around 40 inches long with a hardwood crosspiece at the end and try to hit the 3.5-by-4.5- ounce ball through the goal posts, which are set 8 yards apart. Polo “ponies” aren’t really ponies, but are in truth full-sized horses, often Thoroughbred crosses—usually mares—trained exclusively to play the game and are blessed with speed, stamina and the ability to stop and start quickly. Each player rides at least three different ponies during a match. The matches are divided into six periods of play, called chukkers, each one lasting seven minutes. One of the oldest polo traditions takes place between the third and fourth chukkers, when spectators are invited onto the field to “stomp the divots” churned by the galloping hooves.

Player ability is represented by his/her “goal” ranking, also called a handicap. The United States Polo Association (USPA) assigns goal ranks ranging from -2 to 10, with players attaining a 10 rating being extremely rare. Additionally, matches are rated by goals, derived from the sum goal total of the players on the field. The players’ uniform numbers denote their specific position, with the players wearing numbers 1 and 2 playing offensive roles, while the number 3 is worn by the team leader, who serves as the pivot between offense and defense. The number 4 is ordinarily worn by the team’s defensive specialist.

Watching a polo match is almost like a cross between attending the Kentucky Derby, the America’s Cup yacht race and an NFL football game. The VIP tents are populated by the well- heeled and tailgaters gather around the grill in the shaded parking area, while horse aficionados stroll the stables to get an up close look at the ponies.

 

Bayou City Polo

Houston, long known for its uninhibited, oil soaked, frontier culture, also boasts one of the largest and oldest polo clubs in North America. The Houston Polo Club (HPC), founded in 1928, celebrates its 85th anniversary this year. Situated on 26 acres of real estate next to beautiful Memorial Park, the HPC is recognized by the USPA as the largest Regional Polo Center (RPC) in the nation. The USPA has designated just five clubs in the country as RPCs, which are given support by the mother organization to grow the sport in the U.S.

Earlier this year, the HPC announced a merger with the Brookshire Polo League, located to the west of the Greater Houston area, in a move that HPC Executive Director Pam Mudra says gives the HPC the largest playing membership of any single USPA club in North America.

“We just finished our first season under the merger, and it was very successful,” Mudra says. “You could see the difference in the quality of play and overall excitement of the club.”

The merger swelled the HPC’s playing member ranks to nearly 150 players, including top women’s player Sunny Hale and Jeff Hall, one of America’s best male polo players. But perhaps more importantly, the partnership is expected to bolster the club’s Polo School, as well as its junior, intercollegiate and interscholastic polo development programs.

Last fall, the club hosted the prestigious U.S. Women’s Open, the largest female polo competition in the country and an event that had been on a 20- year hiatus. The tournament, sponsored by Cartier, featured 16 teams, a very high level of play and more than 1,000 spectators. “We had women from all over the world competing. The winning team included Dawn Jones, wife of Tommy Lee Jones, who has played at our club in the past,” Mudra says. “Dawn was even named MVP of the tournament.”

The HPC divides its calendar into spring and fall seasons, with the 10-week spring season beginning in April and running through June. The 11-week fall season begins in early September and runs through late November. Matches are held on Sunday afternoons in an atmosphere that is both elegant and casual, with many fans tailgating before and after the matches.

Mudra says the HPC is currently discussing polo partnership opportunities with The St. Regis Houston that she hopes will be finalized by the time the spring season begins. “We’re very excited about the possibility of partnering with the St. Regis given its long history of supporting polo around the world,” Mudra says.

In addition to taking in a polo match as a spectator during a stay at The St. Regis Houston, guests who would like to get in some action on the field themselves can take advantage of the benefits that HPC’s large membership base affords, as Mudra says practice chukkers can be scheduled for players during their visit.

“We can put together a custom package for visitors depending on how long they will be in town,” she says. “We could set up one-on-one time with a pro or put them into an established group for a match. Our large membership gives us a lot of options.”

For members, the club places a high priority on teaching and fun. Riding lessons are available to beginners, who then graduate to the eight-week Polo School. Having completed their lessons, players can advance to tournament polo or to the “Margarita League,” open to players looking to play socially. Mudra says newcomers are often surprised to learn that women make up about 40 percent of the HPC’s membership.

“The USPA says women players are the fastest growing membership segment in the country,” Mudra says. “Many of our female members already know how to ride when they sign up for Polo School, while a lot of the men have to first learn how to ride before they can learn the sport. We have co-ed play throughout the year.”

 

An Ancient Game

Believed to have originated in Persia around 2,000 years ago, polo was initially a training game for cavalry units, sometimes with as many as 100 players to a side. The sport evolved to become a Persian national sport played exclusively by nobility, with women and men playing the game, though separately. The first records of Europeans playing polo appear around 1600, with British tea planters credited with forming the first European club in 1859 in India. The storied Calcutta Polo Club was founded in the 1860s, helping to spur a boom period in popularity.

New York City was an early hub for the sport in America, with records showing the first matches being held around 1877. The Polo Association, which later became the USPA, was founded in 1890, and helped to spread the sport throughout the country, although it remained an endeavor mainly enjoyed by the wealthy due to the necessary expense of purchasing and maintaining a stable of ponies.

From 1909 to around 1950, the U.S. was dominant in international polo competition, but during the 1930s the sport became increasingly popular in Argentina, and now the South American country is seen as the unquestioned master of international polo, with crowds at matches sometimes exceeding 60,000 spectators.

 

The St. Regis Connection

The St. Regis continues to be a standard bearer for the sport around the globe through its sponsorship of premier tournaments and the hosting of its own high goal matches. Argentinean pro Nacho Figueras serves as the St. Regis’ connoisseur, a role that calls for Figueras, one of the best players in the world, to act as a global ambassador for the sport. He also oversees the company’s polo website, which provides international polo news, information on St. Regis’ polo related offers and even playing tips from Figueras.

The St. Regis International Cup, held in May at Cowdray Park Polo Club in West Sussex in the U.K., is one of the most highly anticipated high goal matches each year and is attended by heads of state and international celebrities alike.

Last fall, the elite Greenwich Polo Club hosted the first ever St. Regis 1904 Polo Cup, named in recognition of the year The St. Regis New York was founded. Guests enjoyed afternoon tea, St. Regis’ signature Red Snappers and superb polo. The high goal match was won by the St. Regis team, captained by Figueras.

To book a lesson or catch a match in Houston, visit thehoustonpoloclub.com. To learn more about the St. Regis connection and matches worldwide, visit stregispolo.com.

 

THE ST. REGIS CONTINUES TO BE A STANDARD BEARER FOR THE SPORT AROUND THE GLOBE THROUGH ITS SPONSORSHIP OF PREMIER TOURNAMENTS AND THE HOSTING OF ITS OWN HIGH GOAL MATCHES.

The Houston Skyline | Houston

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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0

Heightened Expectations

Houston’s ever-shifting skyline remains a testament to enterprise and innovation.

By Cynthia Lescalleet

 

Like sentinels, Houston’s downtown skyscrapers overlook a city still unfolding—in all directions. Built for commerce, for industry and for civic pride, the iconic towers of downtown represent Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit. The city’s pervading, prevailing attitude looks beyond what is or what was to what’s next or what might be.

Such transformational tendencies have been in place since Houston’s founding 175 years ago by brothers John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen. Land speculators from New York, they arrived at the confluence of two bayous on the flat coastal plain and floated the idea of a city.

Granted, their promotional flyers took some literary license. They re-imagined the impassable, sub-tropical environs as a more bucolic setting, replete with abundant natural resources and a mountainous horizon.

Today, the monumental vista once envisioned by the brothers Allen is one that is man-made—comprised of glass, steel, concrete and stone. Soaring skyscrapers, both modern and historic, companionably reflect in each other’s presence—and sometimes visually grind like tectonic plates to further shape the built environment.

Call the ongoing evolution “a will to make urbanism,” says Bob Eury, executive director of Downtown Houston Management District and president of Central Houston Inc., which stewards downtown’s urban viability and revitalization.

“Every time you turn around it’s a new skyline,” Eury says “There’s always something on the horizon, and that’s Houston. Even if you think it has gotten quiet, it will fire back up.”

Houston’s most recognizable silhouette dominates the northwest side of downtown. There, a shiny spine of architecturally pedigreed skyscrapers overlooks the winding Buffalo Bayou of the city’s origins.

As the 21st century gains momentum, however, downtown Houston east of Main Street is welcoming a fresh wave of sky- seeking development, triggered in part by a new city park called Discovery Green.

Meanwhile, fine examples of Houston’s earlier skylines endure, although the once lofty towers are now dwarfed by their newer, shiny neighbors.

 

Keeping up with Jesse Jones

Modern day Houston is a decentralized city with several thriving mixed-use commercial districts. A century ago, however, Main Street downtown was Houston’s primary address for business, entertainment and lodging. That status was set in motion—and maintained until post-war suburbanization—by business magnate and civic booster Jesse H. Jones. An industrious builder, determined banker, powerful newspaper publisher and committed philanthropist, he was called to federal positions during pivotal economic times. Among the national positions he held were U.S. Commerce Secretary (1940 – 1945) and chairman of the Reconstruction Finance Corp. (1932 – 1945).

“Jones’ lifelong philosophy was that building community also builds business,” says biographer Steven Fenberg. He penned “Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism and the Common Good” as well as the Emmy-award winning PBS documentary on Jones: “Brother, Can You Spare a Billion? The Story of Jesse H. Jones.”

“Only if the city prospered would he succeed,” Fenberg cites as a theme to understanding Jones’ motivation, philosophy and results.

Among Jones’ civic and economic contributions were marshaling federal and local funds for creating the Houston Ship Channel, which opened in 1914, and attracting early oil companies to town a century ago, thus getting the city an early lock on a fledgling industry, notes Fenberg. He is community affairs officer for Houston Endowment Inc., a philanthropic foundation established in 1937 by Jesse and Mary Gibbs Jones. Its impact continues to reverberate.

Jones began what became his Houston real estate empire by accumulating property along Main Street. “He built the most ornate movie palaces, most luxurious hotels and tallest office buildings,” Fenberg says.

Impressed with the scale of the Paris skyline, Jones’ earliest projects (1907 – 1913) soared 10 stories. Later, as other developers upped the height of their projects downtown, Jones reciprocated higher. Among the examples of Jones-era properties is a landmark building that still turns heads.

The Gulf Building, today known as the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building on 712 Main St., is an acclaimed 35-story tower conceived by architect Alfred C. Finn. The building opened in 1929 and remained Houston’s tallest tower until 1963. Dramatic lighting throws the tower’s embellishments into high relief. In its day, two aviation beacons on the building could be seen 20 miles away, according to Fenberg.

“To Jones, the Gulf Building was a monument to Houston, to Texas, to the South and to himself,” the author explains. In an editorial the day the tower opened, Jones (then sole owner of Houston Chronicle) expounds: “The Gulf Building symbolizes my conception of the Houston of Today. Both are essentially modern.”

If what constitutes “modern” has shifted with the times, Houston’s interest in being modern has remained steady, says Jim Parsons. Parsons is the Greater Houston Preservation Alliance’s special projects director and co-author with GHPA’s David Bush of “Houston Deco: Modernistic Architecture of the Texas Coast.”

The Gulf Building marked the high point of the Roaring ’20s construction boom that was transforming Houston from a Southern town to major metropolis, Parsons says.

Other gems of Houston’s Jones era skyline, though not Jones’ buildings, include:

Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby St.: It’s 10 stories tall, though it looks even taller, and the 1939 limestone-

clad Art Deco design by Texas architect Joseph Finger still holds its own in the skyline. Finger is attributed with having called his civic design “for the masses not the classes,” Parsons says. The exterior features medallions depicting great lawmakers and inside, the stylized lobby evokes a civic feel.

Niels Esperson Building at 808 Travis St.: Built as a memorial to its namesake by his widow Mellie Keenan Esperson, the landmark building was designed to be impressive when it opened in 1927 as the tallest building in the South. It’s still impressive today, both from a distance and from the sidewalk. A column-ringed tempietto, or temple-like cupola, caps the 32-floor building, which is punctuated with terraces, urns and obelisks. A steer skull motif in the keystones harkens both Roman style and Texan roots. The architect, John Eberson, was known for his opulent movie palace designs. Parsons describes the building’s exterior detailing as “a fantasy version of Italian Renaissance” and compares the effect to an inside-out grand movie house lobby of its day. Mellie Esperson eventually erected a smaller, adjacent Moderne-style building bearing her own name.

Building an Identity

Oil overtook agriculture as Houston’s economic engine in the first decades of the 20th century.

After World War II, the city’s “explosive growth redefined the city and its skyline,” says architectural historian Anna Mod, who specializes in Houston’s transformation from “The Bayou City” to “The Space City.” She’s the author of “Building Modern Houston” and a historic preservation specialist with SWCA Environmental Consultants.

“Houston grabbed the reins of its ‘look to the future’ attitude,” Mod says. A perfect storm of conditions enabled this, she says, citing infrastructure like the local freeways and the Houston Ship Channel; local industry retooling post-war; overall post-war prosperity; and NASA’s announcement it would locate its headquarters here.

Architecturally, modernism’s more streamlined, stylized expression fit this new space-focused mood in town, she says. “Houston in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s is really the city’s heyday, and buildings that mark this bold and modern spirit still stand downtown.”

Parsons, meanwhile, suggests that Houston’s buildings from this design period tend to exhibit a more restrained style—and thus are perhaps aging better—than trendier buildings from the period found in other cities.

Important examples built downtown from this period include:

El Paso Energy Building at 1001 Louisiana St.: Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 1963 for Tennessee Gas Transmission Co., which became Tenneco, Inc., the building design responds to Houston’s warm climate by having deep, recessed windows shaded by the tower’s exoskeleton. Mod describes the site-sensitive design as a harbinger of today’s best building practices that seek energy efficiency and sustainability.

One Shell Plaza at 910 Louisiana St.: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill also designed this 1971 building, which retains an antenna to bring total height to 1,000 feet. Architectural historians call it a local landmark for its engineering, which features a framed-tube structure rather than one of traditional steel. Since the walls and central core carry the building’s weight, interior space is open and flexible for both workers and building mechanics. At 50 stories, the tower remains the tallest, lightweight concrete buildings in the world. “It paved the way for the super tall towers,” Parsons says.

 

Building Blocks

By the 1970s, the race to touch the sky was in high gear, fueled by the oil economy, banking and developers eager to build—and build big. Notable architects and rivaling industry players vied to produce the arresting postmodern results that decades later continue to dominate Houston’s horizon as monolithic sculptures.

“A byproduct of Houston’s lack of zoning was to allow a great skyline to be created very quickly,” says Mark Cover, CEO of Hines Southwest Region.

A prolific developer then and now, Gerald D. Hines is often credited with having the attitude that “good architecture makes good business.” Cover says this concept is still in force at Hines. Buildings designed to be both artful and functional have enduring value, he says: “Higher utility buildings increase their useful life due to extended tenant interest.”

Houston’s two tallest skyscrapers downtown are examples of this longevity. Although built as contemporaries, their designs could not be more different. One is all angles, the other all curves.

Chase Tower at 600 Travis St.: At 75 stories, Houston’s tallest tower is easy to spot. Built for Texas Commerce Bancshares in 1981, it was designed by world renowned I.M. Pei & Partners. Among the tower’s lore is that the original plan for 80 stories would have caused aviation issues for nearby Hobby Airport. An interesting element of its design, executed in gray granite and steel, is that there are no seams on the corners of the building. The granite wraps around the edges, adding to the precision of its record-holding five-sided presence.

Wells Fargo Plaza at 1000 Louisiana St.: Built in 1983 and designed as Allied Bank Plaza by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 71-story glass- skinned tower is Houston’s second tallest by a mere 10 feet. The building’s footprint incorporates two off-center quarter circles, which some architectural observers describe as a dollar sign.

Also anchoring the Houston skyline are two highly recognizable buildings by Philip Johnson/ John Burgee Architects. Built just seven years apart, their vastly different silhouettes are monumental benchmarks of Houston’s postmodernism.

Pennzoil Place at 711 Louisiana St.: Built in 1976, the project’s distinct profile in bronze glass features two 36-story towers offset by a mere 10 feet and culminates at a 45-degree angle—as if a taller tower had been severed in half, Parsons says. The design is modular; two office windows equal one display window, 12 windows equal an entrance. The double-tower footprint also reflects how the building was leased: one company per tower. During construction, the developer added two extra floors to accommodate tenant interest.

Bank of America Center at 700 Louisiana St.: Looking a bit like a pink granite sandcastle, the 1983 building designed for Republic Bank echoes both 16th century Dutch canal houses and 1920s-style skyscrapers, architectural historians say. The tower rises in three segments stacking back from the street. A portion of the lower level encases the former Western Union building since moving its telegraph cables was cost prohibitive.

Heritage Plaza at 1111 Bagby St.:The oil boom was a bust by the time this distinct building was completed in 1987. M. Nasr & Partners designed the 53-story tower. Its unique Aztec pyramid cap reportedly was inspired by the architect’s vacation in the Yucatan. The tower is a signature of the downtown skyline in its role as backdrop to city festivals, events and fireworks displays held along the bayou it overlooks.

 

Houston of Yesterday—and Tomorrow

Houston today is building another layer into its ever-shifting skyline. However, the 21st century commercial, residential and civic projects downtown are clustering on and east of Main Street.

Some of this growth is on property once amassed for an ambitious $1.5 billion development launched 40 years ago, but later discontinued after only a few of its towers were completed. Houston Center was billed as an entirely new “downtown within downtown,” with a dozen high-rise offices, residential towers, hotels, shopping and entertainment facilities, underground parking for 40,000-plus cars and an enclosed pedestrian level two stories above the existing streetscape, explains Laura Van Ness, director of business development at Central Houston.

The initial completed office buildings of Houston Center carry vestiges of the greater plan in subtle places—for example, the elevated pedestrian levels. Meanwhile, blocks of land from the failed project that were donated to the city made way for the George R. Brown Convention Center (1987) to become a colorful anchor to downtown’s eastern border. More recently, Discovery Green, a popular new 12-acre park adjacent to the convention center, opened to provide programming as well as open space for those who work, visit or live downtown.

The area’s newest towers, meanwhile, exhibit the sustainability and best building practices of a new millennium, Van Ness says. Among them is the 46-story BG Group Place, a Hines project at 811 Main St. that is one of only three LEED Platinum core and shell buildings in the world. And, the recent $442.5 million sale of 29-story HESS Tower at 1501 McKinney St. shattered records as the highest sale price ever paid for a Houston office tower and highest price per square foot.

“The office tower sale is a vote of confidence for the city, an example of how Houston grows despite recent economic challenges and a reiteration of good architecture being good business,” says Rusty Bienvenue, executive director of AIA Houston.

Houston Mayor Annise D. Parker describes how the city’s skyline endures: “Each building in our skyline—whether it’s a gleaming skyscraper that is home to an oil giant or the historic Houston City Hall and Harris County Courthouse—stands as a symbol of our personality, spirit, power and history. It is a skyline that is recognizable ’round the world for its architectural beauty. It is a skyline that continues to evolve—just like Houston.”

Local Insights: Houston | Spring 2012

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Local Insights

St. Regis Houston concierge Tim Hess and his team share the bountiful array of spring offerings just outside the doors of the St. Regis Houston.- By Andrea Landis

As a member of the concierge team, Tim Hess has gained inside knowledge of all the best places to indulge and unwind in Houston. Here are his recommendations for where to brunch, beautify and blossom your home and wardrobe during the sunny spring months.

Brunch

A scrumptious start awaits you at Houston standbys for the beloved combination of breakfast and lunch.

You won’t have to go far to get an exceptional first meal any day of the week at OUISIE’S TABLE. “Just down the street from the St. Regis, Ouisie’s Table has a great Saturday and Sunday brunch as well as weekday breakfast,” Hess says. Decadent South-inspired plates on the brunch menu include shrimp and cheese grits and crab cake benedict. (3939 San Felipe; 713-528- 2264; ouisiestable.com)

Or, enjoy the warm spring air, a flavored mimosa and your choice of nearly 50 brunch menu options on “one of the best patios in the city” at BACKSTREET CAFÉ. The café’s selection of “seasonal American cuisine” is diverse enough to please any palate. (1103 S Shepherd Dr.; 713-521-2239; backstreetcafe.net)

For a “unique and casual” atmosphere, Hess recommends EMPIRE CAFÉ. Wake up with Empire’s great coffee or a cocktail from its list of “Good Morning Potions” inside the cozy coffee shop or on one of two patios. (1732 Westheimer Rd.; 713-528- 5282; empirecafe.com)

“The best Sunday brunch hands down,” though, goes to BRENNAN’S OF HOUSTON. The sister restaurant to Commander’s Palace in New Orleans has been serving elegantly plated Creole favorites to satisfied Houstonians for 45 years. (3300 Smith St.; 713-522-9711; brennanshouston.com)

Relax

Nothing follows brunch or shopping better than a well- deserved pampering session at one of Houston’s best spas or a leisurely afternoon at one of Houston’s notable landmarks.

“THE SPA AT THE ST. REGIS HOUSTON is our top choice for pampering,” Hess says. Guests of The Spa at The St. Regis Houston are enveloped in the utmost comfort and relaxation, with luxurious specialty treatments exclusive to the St. Regis, like the Thai Yoga Massage and the Caviar Facial. (The Spa at The St. Regis Houston, 1919 Briar Oaks Ln.; 713-840-7600; stregishoustonhotel.com/spa)

If nature entices you, the serene MEMORIAL PARK promises a lovely afternoon. The 1,500-acre wooded oasis in the middle of the city offers jogging trails, golf, bird watching and endless other sports and recreational activities in addition to the peaceful beauty of its environs. (Memorial Park, 1001 E. Memorial Loop; 713-863-8403; memorialparkconservancy.org)

For beer lovers, SAINT ARNOLD BREWING COMPANY hosts tours of its brewery Monday through Friday afternoons and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. See firsthand how “Texas’ Oldest Craft Brewery” creates its 11 original beers, from the hops to the glass. (Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 2000 Lyons Ave.; 713-686-9494; saintarnold.com)

Shop

Liven up your freshly spring-cleaned home and closet with pieces from Houston’s sought-after galleries and boutiques.

For furniture and home accessories, Hess recommends KUHL-LINSCOMB. “Fantastic is really the only word to describe them,” he says.

Kuhl-Linscomb has five separate showrooms in its single 70,000-square-foot location, brimming with fresh and modern designs that have earned the center numerous awards, accolades and ardent customers. (2424 W Alabama; 713-526-6000; kuhl-linscomb.com)

Hess also directs guests to BERING’S HARDWARE for quality entertaining essentials. “Don’t jump to conclusions about a hardware store,” he says. “Bering’s is unique and has some of the finest china, silver, glassware and home décor in town.” (3900 Bissonnet; 713-665-0500; berings.com)

RESORATION HARDWARE has just opened its new flagship store in Highland Village, just south of the hotel, Hess adds. It is the “biggest and most expensive store to date” for the hugely popular retailer of classic furniture and textiles. (4091 Westheimer Rd.; 713-850-8838; restorationhardware.com)

After refreshing your space, refresh your own—or a special lady in your life’s—spring wardrobe with apparel from TOOTSIE’S. Hess calls it “the best women’s retailer in Houston.” Occupying an entire city block, Tootsie’s is reputed for right-on-point styles and cutting-edge trends. (2601 Westheimer; 713-629-9900; tootsies.com)

St. Regis Around the World

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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0

With more than two-dozen destinations worldwide, guests can look forward to uncompromising service at exceptional locales wherever their travels take them.

BY BESPOKE MAGAZINE STAFF

Built on a tradition of exclusive excellence, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts are known internationally for their unrivaled addresses and superlative service. The brand’s story began more than 100 years ago, with the debut of the flagship St. Regis New York in 1904. Now, there are more than two-dozen destinations worldwide, with new properties unveiled each season. All of these legendary locations offer guests singular experiences in extraordinary style.

 

THE ST. REGIS NEW YORK

Created by Colonel John Jacob Astor for his wealthy friends and associates—including the Rockefellers, Carnegies and their peers—The St. Regis New York reflects the refinement of the society for which it was built. That uncompromising legacy continues to be enjoyed by today’s elite guests, who appreciate the sophisticated luxury of the gilded Age along with modern-day conveniences and exceptional dining, including Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis New York, the hotel’s signature restaurant. (stregisnewyork.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS MONARCH BEACH

The St. Regis Monarch Beach is the best SoCal address for beach, golf and spa—a Tuscan- style, oceanfront property that has bragging rights as one of California’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awarded resorts. when you’re not hitting the links or enjoying the beach, sample epicurean delights at Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern. (stregismb.com)

 

 

 

THE ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

The St. Regis San Francisco offers luxury accommodations with modern day sophistication in one of the city’s most vibrant and artful neighborhoods; the Museum of the African Diaspora is located within the hotel, and the renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is just steps away. (stregissanfrancisco.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS ATLANTA

An in-town AAA Five Diamond resort, The St. Regis Atlanta offers dining, shopping and culture in the heart of Buckhead. experience the uncompromising luxury of 151 spacious guest rooms, including 31 suites exclusively enhanced with signature St. Regis butler service. (stregisatlanta.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS ASPEN

The St. Regis Aspen Resort just completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation to offer a new standard of five- star luxury design in Aspen—the type of design John Jacob Astor would have envisioned himself during the gilded Age. whether seeking summer outdoor activities at their best or the ultimate winter wonderland, the resort is centrally located at the base of Aspen Mountain. (stregisaspen.com)

THE ST. REGIS HOUSTON

Conveniently situated between River oaks and galleria houston, The St. Regis houston makes it easy to explore the city while enjoying bespoke service with true Southern hospitality. (stregishoustonhotel.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, D.C.

Located just two blocks from the White house, The St. Regis Washington, D.C. boasts that every American president has stayed in the luxury hotel since it opened. Royalty, diplomats and refined business travelers appreciate the dazzling design, bespoke service and exquisite amenities, including Alain Ducasse’s Adour restaurant. (stregiswashingtondc.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY

Ski in/ski out at this spectacular mountain getaway in Park City, utah. amenities at The St. Regis Deer valley Resort include a private ski beach, split- level infinity pool, Remède Spa, exquisite dining and more. (stregisdeervalley.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS BAHIA BEACH

Nestled in a Caribbean coconut plantation in Puerto Rico— between a lush national forest and the sparkling sea—The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort made Condé nast Traveler’s 2011 hot List for it’s tropical luxury, including a Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course, acclaimed cuisine from Jean-georges, and a pristine, sandy beach. (stregisbahiabeach.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS PUNTA MITA

This residential-style oasis on the alluring Pacific Coast of Mexico features two Jack nicklaus Signature golf Courses, a tennis center, Remède Spa, and the nearby Marietas islands with all their natural beauty and outdoor adventures. (stregispuntamita.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE ST. REGIS MEXICO CITY

Located in the city center, this sleek, 31-story Torre Libertad overlooks the Paseo de la Reforma. Guests appreciate the design of architectural legend Cesar Pelli’s, complete with fine dining, a Remède Spa and indoor swimming pool. (stregismexicocity.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS BEIJING

In the heart of Beijing’s business, shopping and diplomatic districts, The St. Regis Beijing offers natural hot springs, health club, spa and a wealth of sumptuous dining choices. (stregis.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS SHENZHEN

Rising high above the presti- gious financial district, guests of The St. Regis Shenzhen take in spectacular views from this new city landmark. Opened in November 2011, the property features five restaurants and lounges, plus a spa and health club. (stregisshenzhen.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS SANYA YALONG BAY RESORT

Newly opened in November 2011, The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort in Hainan Island, China’s premier resort destination, features exclusive beachside position. (stregissanyayalongbay.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS SHANGHAI

The hotel embraces a vibrant mix of culture and business, with easy access to the city’s major tunnels. On property, guests can partake in award-winning Italian cuisine or delectable Chinese flavors, use the business center or head to the spa for some pampering. (stregisshanghai.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS TIANJIN

Along the picturesque Hai River, The St. Regis Tianjin opened in the fall of 2011, offering visitors a world of epicurean experiences, from innovative dining at the signature Chinese restaurant yan Ting, to contemporary French and continental cuisine at Boulevard (stregistianjin.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS IHASA

Visit the “roof of the world” in lhasa Tibet at the new St. Regis lhasa Resort, complete with stunning design, décor and art inspired by the region, plus fine dining and all the St. Regis amenities you would expect. (stregislhasa.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA

Offering a sprawling 44 acres of blissful Polynesian paradise, including a 13,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, The St. Regis Bora Bora is located on its own private island in the lagoon. (stregisborabora.com)

 

 

 

THE ST. REGIS BALI

Adjacent to the magnificent Bali golf & Country Club, The St. Regis Bali Resort is barefoot island elegance at its best, with azure waters, a spacious Remède Spa, and 124 suites and villas amid lush gardens and lagoons. (stregisbali.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS OSAKA

Experience urban splendor and vistas of the Osaka skyline from the serenity of the 12th floor lobby. Nearby, visitors will find everything at their fingertips, from the ancient Shitennoji Temple to the Municipal Museum of Fine art and the city’s most exclusive shopping boulevard. (stregisosaka.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS SINGAPORE

Located in heart of the shopping and embassy district, The St. Regis Singapore provides a respite from the lively Orchard Road dining and shopping scene. The hotel includes an award-winning Remède Spa, with signature treatments like the warm jade stone massage. (stregissingapore.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS BANGKOK

Experience the splendor of Bangkok from a premier location along Rajadamri Road, near the city’s elite business institutions, fine dining and luxury boutiques. On site, enjoy vintage wines from a magnificent wine cellar, indulge at elemis Spa or refresh in the inviting outdoor pool. (stregisbangkok.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS FLORENCE

The grand hotel—a preferred stop in central Florence since the 18th century—underwent a complete renovation and opened as The St. Regis Florence in May 2011. The majestic hotel offers an authentic setting for everything from events in the charming Sala delle Feste to dining at its celebrated restaurant. (stregisflorence.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS ROME

Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s gold list, the landmark St. Regis Rome features opulent interiors, an austere façade and 23 suites, each exquisitely appointed in a combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. (stregisrome.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS MARDAVALL MALLORCA

The breathtaking Serra de Tramuntana Mountains and the azure-blue of the Mediterranean Sea create the stylish backdrop—and stunning views—for Spain’s St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort. (stregismardavallmallorca.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS DOHA

Towering sand dunes and ancient architecture paint a magnificent landscape for The St. Regis Doha. Opened in november 2011, the elegant facilities include a signature gordon Ramsay restaurant, a club featuring new york’s Jazz at lincoln Center and a world-class Remède Spa. (stregisdoha.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND

The iconic St. Regis brand extends its legacy to Abu Dhabi, with the opening of The St. Regis Saadiyat Resort and Residences in late 2011. Mediterranean architecture and a contemporary interior design give way to outdoor recreation at Saadiyat’s pristine beach and golf club, designed by the golfing legend, gary player. The resort also includes one of the largest function facilities in the region. (stregissaadiyatisland.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS BAL HARBOUR RESORT

Amidst one of South Florida’s most exclusive areas is The St. Regis Bal Harbour, a haven of oceanfront elegance featuring floor-to- ceiling panoramic views of the atlantic. Opened in January 2012, the resort transports guests and residents to an island oasis with a signature restaurant presented by international star Chef Jean- georges Vongerichten and a five-star Remède Spa. (stregisbalharbour.com)

 

THE ST. REGIS PRINCEVILLE

The St. Regis Princeville Resort marks the legendary brand’s first resort in Hawaii. Serene luxury meets a remarkable destination, complete with ocean view golf at the renowned Makai Golf Club and pampering at Halele’a Spa. (stregisprinceville.com)

 

THE LANESBOROUGH, A ST. REGIS HOTEL IN LONDON

Located in prestigious Knightsbridge, opposite to Hyde Park, The St. Regis London is ideally situated. Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the international designer stores of Sloane Street and Brompton Cross are a minute’s walk away. The Lanesborough is famous for innovative international cuisine and traditional afternoon tea, and all guests are personally cared for by St. Regis butlers. (lanesborough.com)

 

On the Horizon:

 

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

Opening Spring 2012

 

The St. Regis Changsha

Opening early 2013

 

The St. Regis Chengdu

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Lijiang Resort

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Buenos Aires

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Cairo

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

Opening 2014

 

The St. Regis Amman

Opening 2015

 

The St. Regis Zhuhai

Opening 2015

 

The St. Regis Noida, Delhi NCR

Opening 2016

Quench: Sommelier Secrets

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Secrets of the Sommeliers

St. Regis expert sommeliers share their thoughts on the world’s best wines.

By Michelle Franzen Martin

 

Certified sommeliers are the world’s wine experts—trained in all aspects of wine, from grape varietals to storage, service and pairings. Each St. Regis Hotel & Resort employs expert sommeliers to maintain one-of-a-kind wine lists and recommend superior wines and pairings to guests. Here, we speak with six of these experts in-depth to discover their personal favorites, recommendations for surprising varietals and their best suggestions for mouth-watering pairings.

From Their Personal Cellars

Ask any sommelier to name his or her favorite wine, and you’ll get some creative answers.

“If I were the last person in the world and had to choose one single item that best would represent the pinnacle of human creation, then that item would be Krug Rosé Champagne,” says Harry Constantinescu, sommelier and wine director at The St. Regis Atlanta.

The Champagne has a gentle rustic overtone, with strawberry and overripe cherries accompanied by dried grass.

“It’s crisp, but not overwhelmingly acidic, with a long finish,” Constantinescu says.

Jura de Almeida, sommelier at The St. Regis New York, also considers Champagne among his personal favorites.

“I don’t have one favorite, but if stranded on a desert island, some Champagne and burgundy would get me through,” he says.

For Champagne, de Almeida prefers a Krug vintage brut from 1988 or Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1975.

“Both Champagnes are perfectly balanced with subtle notes of brioche and a texture that has fitness and power at the same time,” he says.

Like de Almeida, Daniel Grajewski can’t narrow down one favorite wine.

“I love them all equally,” says the diplomatic Grajewski, sommelier at The St. Regis Monarch Beach’s Stonehill Tavern. “I just like certain ones better on certain days. But if you forced me to choose, I would have to say that I love riesling the most for whites and pinot noir the most for reds.”

That’s because neither grape can be grown just anywhere, but are specific to their terroir.

“What I love about them most is that the grapes will always tell you where they are from without losing their identity,” he says. “Riesling from Alsace, France, and riesling from Mosel, Germany, are two different animals, but at the same time, they have a truth of riesling that runs through them. Pinot noir is the same way.”

But for Sebastien Verrier, sommelier for The St. Regis Bal Harbour, picking a favorite wine—or at least the varietal—is easy.

“I can name a few burgundys,” he says. “The best white burgundy all around is Montrachet. Just smelling it gives me goose bumps. It just makes you salivate because of the minerality of the wine. I could just stay and smell the wine over and over.”

 

Never Pass Judgment

Michael DeCanio, sommelier and food and beverage director at The St. Regis Houston, says his favorite wine is the Ottimino Zinfandel—a Russian River wine from California that often is overlooked by serious wine drinkers.“My wife and I are both red zinfandel drinkers and first discovered this wine while dining in New York,” he says. “As soon as we tasted it, we knew that we had found our favorite wine.”Still, he acknowledges, zinfandel isn’t very popular with many wine enthusiasts.

“I think red zinfandel in general may not get the respect it deserves,” he says. “But it is a very food- friendly wine that has great fruit.”

What are some other wines that are misjudged? John Vuong, sommelier at The St. Regis San Francisco, says sauvignon blanc is a good wine that shouldn’t be ignored.

“Sauvignon blanc seems to have become the stepchild of wine,” Vuong says. “It’s become ‘not cool’ to order sauvignon blanc, but it shouldn’t be. The wine has a really good structure and is very versatile.”

Vuong has been enjoying Italian sauvignon blanc, as well as others from Napa Valley that are aged in concrete. The concrete gives the wine a different feel, he says.

Grajewski says he’s surprised by the public’s perception of Australian wines—one wine myth that he’d like to debunk.

“Right now I’m on a big kick with Australian wines after spending two weeks there recently,” he says. “What was most surprising was the perception of what Australian wines are in the United States: the perception they only make big, rich, over- extracted, high-alcohol wines that are made only for the big scores from reviewers.

“But what surprised me is that the wines we tried from multiple regions in Australia were just the opposite. I had wines that were soft and elegant, with low alcohols and high acidity, from regions that are colder than we think Australia is.”

Grajewski recommends trying wines from a variety of Australian regions, such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Clare Valley.

“Wine is about balance, and these regions are the epitome of balance,” he says.

The more mainstream merlot is Constantinescu’s pick for a wine that often is passed over, but that deserves recognition.

“Merlot has been looked down on and has lost a lot of popularity in the past decade due to some movies, reviews or simply because it was considered old news,” he says. “But let’s not forget that merlot is the main blending partner of cabernet sauvignon in Bordeaux and the main ingredient of one of the most expensive wines in the world: Petrus (a Bordeaux wine estate).” So yes, don’t sleep on merlot, or else it’s your loss.

 

Versatility

The St. Regis sommeliers have different opinions on what is the most versatile wine.

“I really like working with pinot noir since you can use it for many different pairings,” DeCanio says. “The versatility of the grape is great since you can find lighter-bodied pinots that work very well with fish and some really nice full-bodied pinot noirs that work great with grilled meats. It also is a great wine to enjoy on its own.”

Constantinescu agrees, adding that the grape’s difficulty to grow only makes it more special.

“Probably most winemakers will agree with this,” he says. “Besides the fact that it is a difficult grape to grow, it is influenced by every single component of the terroir and is prone to mutation with hundreds of clones grown in different vineyards. However, when handled properly, it can produce some of the deepest and most complex wines in the world.”

But other St. Regis sommeliers say the most versatile wines are among the white variety.

For de Almeida, the most versatile wine is Champagne—which goes well as an aperitif, or with food and dessert, he says.

Another versatile white wine: riesling. Both Grajewski and Vuong like its versatility. Reisling is high in acid, which is key in food pairings, Vuong explains.

“It’s a good palate cleanser,” he explains, adding that he likes the traditional German tradition of pairing riesling with pork.

Grajewski agrees: “Riesling can come in all shapes and sizes—from bone dry to sticky sweet, still to sparkling—but it always has a great backbone of acidity that is refreshing.”

Verrier also prefers another white wine for versatility—chenin blanc.

“Vouvray (from the Loire Valley in France) has a little bit of sugar, but an also a mushroom character because of the soil and microclimate,” he explains.

“It is one of the most unique sweet wines in the world, and I like to pair it with foie gras terrine with slices of fresh black truffle.”

 

Perfect Pairings

DeCanio, too, likes to pair wine with foie gras, but his choice would be Sauternes—a sweet white wine from France blended with semillon, sauvignon and muscadelle grapes.

“This may be on the decadent side, but I really love foie gras and a nice Sauternes,” he says. “If Sauternes is out of your budget, a late-harvest riesling or moscato would be a great substitute.”

Grajewski, who also likes foie gras and Sauternes, also prefers regional pairings.

“When eating food of the region, it only makes sense to drink the wines of that region,” he says. “I like to pair Bordelaise lamb with a (red) wine from Pomerol, France. It’s just heavenly.”

Constantinescu’s perfect pairing is seared scallops and white meursault, whose dominant grape variety is chardonnay.

“I often think about meursault as being scallops in liquid form,” he says.

And de Almeida’s favorite pairing involves a French red wine: Chateauneuf du Pape, from the Cotes du Rhone region. It’s best enjoyed with duck, he says.

“It is earthy and powerful with black and red fruit flavors,” de Almeida coments.

 

Some Must-Trys

When it comes to suggesting great wines, the St. Regis sommeliers offer a plethora of choices.

“What I would love is for everyone to try a wine they never have had, whether it’s a grape not many people have ever heard of like assyrtiko from Greece or even a more famous grape like merlot, only from a region they’ve never had it from before,” Grajewski says. “I wouldn’t even hope for everyone to like what they tried, but what I would hope for is for people to have opened their eyes to something new.”

For DeCanio, that wine is Albariño.“It is a great wine from Spain that is a bit on the lighter side but very food-friendly and refreshing,” he says. “One that stands out and is easily accessible is the Martin Codax.”

The Martin Codax Albariño, from the Rias Baixas region, is a crisp and dry white wine with flavors of pear, passion fruit and apple.

Constantinescu, who is as much intrigued by the stories behind the wine as he is with the taste, says the Commandaria is a must-try.

The amber-colored sweet dessert wine, made from xynisteri and mavro grape varieties, comes from the Commandaria region of Cyprus. It’s also the oldest named wine in production, with the name dating back to the crusades in the 12th century. The wine also is the first to be named by the place of origin and not the grape varietal, Constantinescu says.

“Many people are now familiar with the stories surrounding the Knights Templar (a Western Christian military order that existed during the Middle Ages), but do they know they also produced an amazing wine that they carried around the world during their crusades for the kings to drink?” Constantinescu says.

One more great sweet wine to try: Tokaji, from the Tokaj-Hegyalja region in Hungary, de Almeida says.

“It’s grown in the Carpathian Mountains at a high altitude,” he says. “It formerly was the sweet wine of choice for royalty, and in its most rarified form—Eszencia—it is among the best sweet wines in the world.”

At The St. Regis

Every wine list is different, and at the St. Regis, sommeliers showcase their years of expertise while creating a wine list that reflects a variety of regions, price points and some personal preferences.

DeCanio, who favors red zinfandel, includes Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel on the wine list. It is available by the glass or by the bottle at The St. Regis Houston.

“It is the red that I believe everyone must try when they join us at the St. Regis,” he says. “It’s the quintessential zinfandel that has great fruit and nice body. The Seghesio family has been making award- winning zinfandels for a very long time, and they’re often listed on the top 100 wine list each year by ‘Wine Spectator.’ ”

Verrier recommends that guests try Albarino Nessa, from Spain’s Rias Baixas region. Available by the glass at The St. Regis Bal Harbour, the wine has a crisp, bright flavor of apples and pears. “It’s a very aromatic, refreshing wine,” he explains.

When visiting The St. Regis New York, be sure to try Domaine Ramonet’s Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Boudriotte 2008. De Almeida describes it as ethereal and light-bodied. It’s available both by the glass and by the bottle.

Constantinescu brings his passion for wine and history to The St. Regis Atlanta, where he includes Stag’s Leap Hands of Time meritage among the wine offerings. It is available by the glass and by the bottle.

“What makes this particular winery special is that we owe the success of the American wine industry, in part, to them,” he says.

That’s because in 1976, the Napa Valley-based winery won in a famous blind tasting in Paris over the First Growths of Bordeaux (arguably the best terroir in the region).

“The wine is a tribute to all of the winemakers who have worked for Stag’s Leap over the years,” Constantinescu says of the meritage.

When visiting The St. Regis San Francisco, Vuong recommends trying the Chateau Musar red wine from Lebanon.

“There is a lot of history in the winery, and the area is war-torn, of course, but in their struggles, they’ve achieved a delicious wine,” Vuong explains. “It’s very Old World and different. When people talk about Lebanese wines, they always think of Chateau Musar.”

Whichever St. Regis you visit, a one-of-a-kind wine experience curated by experts is guaranteed.

Miami Artists on the Rise

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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Miami Artists on the Rise

A new class of Miami artists is causing a colorful stir in the art world.

By Dana Nichols

 

They hail from a Miami that is unique in time and place, with the first years of Art Basel as their platform. The nation’s largest art fair, Art Basel Miami Beach, a sister exhibit to Switzerland’s famed festival, hosted 260 galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa last December. More than 2,000 artists from the last two centuries had work on view, attracting more than 50,000 visitors and ultimately doubling collective sales numbers from the prior year. It was also its 10th anniversary, a coming-of-age tale for the region’s cultural stamp and a sign of progression for this magic city. We take a look at what lies ahead in the next realm with five relevant Miami-bred artists who are set to take the world by form.

Bhakti Baxter

The 32-year-old Argentinean-American painter defines a rare breed of ever-evolving, working Miami artists who make the rest of the world pop its eyes open. “I would argue that it’s artists like Bhakti that make Miami’s worldwide cultural presence possible and interesting to an international audience,” says Nina Johnson, owner-director of Gallery Diet where Baxter held a solo show this past November.

Credibility for his lyrical, motion-filled ink and oil paintings and installations began early in his career. Baxter began showing work after graduating Miami’s Design and Architecture Senior High School, and as a college student at the New World School of the Arts, he was tagged as a favorite of some top Miami museum curators. Baxter exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami (MOCA) in 2001. Subsequent solo shows were held at the Galerie Perrotin in Paris in 2005, Fredric Snitzer Gallery in Miami in 2007, and Federica Schiavo Gallery in Rome in 2010. “Rompelotas was a huge success,” says Johnson of last year’s Gallery Diet show. “The works [revealed] a tremendous amount of growth and also allowed his audience to understand the free- flowing nature of his practice—from the range of media he chooses to the concepts and sources he draws inspiration from.

“There is no such thing as the ‘local’ in the 21st century; we need to know how to appreciate our im- mediate surroundings but also understand that there is only a global conversation,” Johnson says. The gal- lery recently published a 120-page retrospective book about Baxter’s work, which illustrates just how much the young artist has achieved over the last decade.

 

Jen Stark

When Stark was spending her junior year at Maryland Institute College of Art in Aix-en- Provence in 2004, construction paper was one of the only things her student budget would allow. That was the beginning of a beautiful thing: In just eight years she has amassed a brightly hued, hypnotizing body of work and rainbow style that is often assumed to be the work of someone well beyond the age of 28. Her technique of slicing and gluing layers of colorful paper into shapes and sculptures conjure infinity, optical illusion, kaleidoscopic symmetry and positive energy. “Her work is spiritual. You can lose yourself in the work,” says gallerist Carol Jazzar. Recently, Stark’s psychedelic signature graced the outside walls of the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale during Art Basel Miami, as well as the cover of the Harvard Business Review. Expect more from this Miami native, including motorized and light pieces and more stop-motion animation projects.

Bert Rodriguez

Bert Rodriguez’s clever take on conceptual art has charted his course of success outside state lines outside of his native Miami. He was named a Whitney Biennial artist in 2008, and recently gained representation by Los Angeles’ OHWOW Gallery. To prep for jumping into his narrative, think in humor, simplicity and pop culture. His works are full-body experiences that both artist and viewer partake in together: For example, his recent exhibit in Los Angeles was titled, “A Meal I Make with my Mother,” where he and his Cuban mother set up a kitchen in an art gallery and people who came to the show ate it; and his Biennial exhibit featured Rodriquez offering therapy sessions to people.

This 36-year-old prankster says no matter where he goes, he will always thrive in his hometown: “It’s the place I’ve always been able to do whatever I want without any pressure (subconscious or otherwise) to compromise on anything I’ve wanted to pursue with my work,” he explains. “The most contributing factor to my success being here was probably that it wasn’t New York or LA, or any other already culturally- defined city at the time that I began showing publicly. I stuck out like a sore thumb.” In attracting the attention of respected critics and curators along the way, Rodriguez has shown at Miami Art Museum, Bass Museum of Art, MOCA and the Bronx Museum of the Arts in New York. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the New World School of the Arts in 1998, and has worked with Fredric Snitzer Gallery since 2001. He turned heads with a 2006 Art Basel Miami Beach performance, “A Bedtime Story Read by Bert Rodriguez,” a simple outdoor reading set against the lofty art fair.

 

Nicolas Lobo

The buzz coming from Nick Lobo’s corner has grown louder in the last couple of years, as the 32-year-old multimedia artist continually crosses boundaries with his smart, challenging work using radio, sound, science, space and sculpture to tackle intangible modern subjects like media and aviation. Last year, his solo exhibition, “Limestoned,” at Miami’s Charest-Weinberg Gallery drew praises of success, followed by his first-ever exhibition at Art Basel. He finished the year with his first solo show in New York at Marlborough Chelsea: “Nicolas Lobo: Gum, Dropped,” where his microwaved CDs and marble and granite columns showcased his complex talent to the contemporary New York audience. A video reel showing grape cough syrup blasted through a fire extinguisher onto white walls, set to a slowed-down, 14-minute Justin Bieber track titled “Grape Syrup Action for Paul Octavian Nasca’s ‘U Smile 800% Slower,’” created quite a stir. Lobo began his education as a film student at the University of Miami and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Cooper Union in 2004. He has exhibited at MOCA, Miami Art Museum, Bass Museum, NADA Art Fair and Art Basel Miami Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Sanchez-Calderon

A tour de force of the Miami art movement for the past decade, Cuban-American artist George Sanchez-Calderon has an architectural approach to street art that is revered in his hometown. Case in point: His latest project is a sculpture park in downtown Miami that will include, among other things, Monument/Plinth/ Stoop—previously installed in Miami in 2007, and part of the 40th Anniversary of Public Art in New York City—cast in solid concrete “so when people stand on top of it they become part of the sculpture.” Though trained traditionally with a Master of Fine Arts from Rhode Island School of Design, Calderon has become known for building thought-provoking places to go for experiential commentary on modern life. Miami won’t forget his 80 percent scale installation of Le Corbusier’s 1920s modernist house, Villa Savoye, under the Interstate-395 overpass in Overtown, which remained in place from 2001 to 2003, nor his Midtown Midway Circus—two of his early defining Art Basel projects.

“George is an amazing artist with a mind that seems to go on infinitely,” says Typoe, the local street artist who curated the highly anticipated homegrown Primary Projects show “Here Lies Georges Wildenstein” during the 2011 Art Basel, which featured Calderon’s “After Durer.” Conceptualized from the 1525 design by Albrecht Durer and cast from a homeless man in Calderon’s neighborhood, “It’s one of the only homages I’ve done,” the artist remarks. He explains: “Because humanity doesn’t change. We still treat people in certain ways.” Up next, his narrative of globalization and life in the form of an old split-flap display railroad sign, which received much buzz when shown at Miami’s de la Cruz Collection and will continue making noise. “He is extremely important to Miami and the movement that has been here over the last couple of decades,” Typoe says. “Artists, curators and dealers all alike had nothing but great feedback on his pieces.”

What Baxter, Stark, Rodriguez, Lobo and Calderon share in their home turf is a balmy climate and their fingers on the trigger of a vibrant art scene with more international trajectory than the departure gate at Miami International Airport. South Florida is indeed developing into one of the most exciting places for contemporary art in the U.S. The smart set in the rest of the world is keeping a targeted eye on its youngest homegrown artists, lest they miss something huge.

 

ART DESTINATION BAL HARBOUR STYLE

Get a museum-grade dose of contemporary art on your shopping experience. With South Florida now a top winter destination for the international art population, thanks in part to the tropical climate and elite offerings, the area is appealing to a global audience more than ever before. Bal Harbor ups the ante in 2012, with highly curated, exclusive evening talks and art shows. Visitors and locals alike are thirsty for it, says Carolyn Travis, executive director for tourism in Bal Harbour. “Since Art Basel came 10 years ago, the art world has changed here,” she says. “We want to shine a light on what’s going on around us—the evolution of the arts.” This includes Art Chats with luminaries, Art Nights (which began last year) and installations that will feature Miami-based artists’ work as selected by global guest curators. “I always enjoy the opportunity to create something specific, especially for a context where art or my kind of creative output isn’t often seen or experienced there,” says artist Bert Rodriguez, whose Krystallos candy and sugar jewelry display at Saks Fifth Avenue was shown at one of the premiere Bal Harbour Art Nights in 2011. “My original idea was to invite a bunch of kids and have a bake sale in the middle of the store. The idea then evolved to making couture-looking jewelry out of candy and displaying it using all the elements already in use in the store.” Sound fun? That’s the idea. “I’d like to create an environment in which the artists can create the best possible work,” Travis says. “I want them to live in an environment where they can push themselves.” Art Night on March 29, 2012, features a talk by photographer-filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and work by Colombian- born artist Sara Modiano. Launching in October 2012, a public art program features a six-month installation determined by a group of established local collectors and artists working with a guest curator, aimed to introduce even more Miami artists to the public sphere.

 

IN YOUR ZIP CODE

These up-and-coming artists are on a rapid ascent to international acclaim. Look for them in a contemporary art gallery near you:

 

Los Angeles

Watch for more to come from Bert Rodriguez (mine- gro.com) as he splits time between
LA and Miami in 2012
with OHWOW Gallery (937 North La Cienega Blvd.; 310-652-1711; oh-wow.com).

 

Washington, D.C.

This summer Jen Stark (jenstark.com) is part of a group show at the Smithson- ian Renwick Gallery, where 40 contemporary artists who were born since 1972 have been selected for “40 under 40: Craft Futures,” on view July 20 – Feb. 3, 2013 (1661 Pennsylvania Ave. NW; 202- 633-1000).

 

Rome

Bhakti Baxter is represented by Federica Schiavo Gallery (Piazza Montevecchio 16;
+39 0645432028; federicaschiavo.com).

 

New York

The Marlborough Chel- sea Gallery, where Nick Lobo’s successful show kicked off 2012, is creating more aggressive contem- porary exhibits; expect more Miami names to make an impact (545 West 25th St.; 212-463-8634; marl- boroughgallery.com).

 

Toronto

Cooper Cole Gallery (formerly Show & Tell Gallery) will show Jen Stark throughout the year along with the rest of its cutting- edge lineup (1161 Dundas St. West; 647-347-3316; coopercolegallery.com).

The Cars of James Bond

By
Bespoke Concierge Magazine
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0

Driving Mr. Bond

From “Dr. No” to “Skyfall,” James Bond films over the last 50 years have co-starred some of the most seductive cars ever built.

By Jim Gorzelany

 

It often begins with a chase. An epic high-speed pursuit that careens from one hair-raising death-defying maneuver to another before reaching a bombastic resolution rife with explosions, crashes and exchanges of weaponry, with the hero inevitably driving off, his car largely intact, en route to seduce some femme fatale and/or vanquish his next opponent.

And that’s just before the film’s opening credits begin to roll.

Throughout the last half century, the world’s most famous cinematic secret agent—that’s “Bond, James Bond”—has piloted just about every manner of vehicle ever conceived, from a helicopter, fire engine and jet pack to a snowmobile, Russian tank and even a lunar rover. Still, it’s 007’s seemingly endless fleet of exotic cars—in some instances they’re virtually disposable within the context of the storylines—that are the movies’ un-credited co-stars.

In many of the films “Q,” the fictional head of the British Secret Service’s research and development division, diligently customizes Bond’s rides with an amazing array of vehicular armaments and gadgetry. Whenever the need—not to mention the plot—dictated, Bond could elude and subdue his pursuers with machine guns, smoke screens, rocket launchers, oil slicks, tire shredders and even “adaptive camouflage” that could render a vehicle effectively invisible at the touch of a button. While such items have yet to be made available in today’s cars, at least one futuristic gizmo that was a mainstay in 007’s classic rides from the early films has become widespread, namely the mobile telephone.

To coincide with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, and with “Skyfall,” the 23rd movie from EON Productions currently in production, the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England, is staging an exhibition of 50 of the greatest 007 vehicles. Called “Bond in Motion,” the retrospective runs through December 2012 and is said to be the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. In addition to iconic vehicles like the Aston Martin DB5 Sean Connery drove in “Goldfinger” and the Lotus Esprit Roger Moore took underwater in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” the exhibition features oddities like the Parahawk-powered parachute flown by Pierce Brosnan in “The World is Not Enough” and the SFX Cello Case Ski adeptly navigated by Timothy Dalton in “The Living Daylights.”

The National Motor Museum is situated in the south of England, in the New Forest area between Bournemouth and Southampton, about 87 miles southwest of London. For those not fortunate enough to be able to travel to the museum to see the “Bond in Motion” display firsthand, we’re bringing a taste of it to you. Here’s a look at what many movie buffs consider to be among the best 007 vehicles of all time.

 

Aston Martin DB5

First seen in the 1964 film “Goldfinger,” the venerable DB5 is arguably the car that’s most clearly, inexorably linked with James Bond. A luxury grand touring car produced between 1963 and 1965 that came powered by a 282-horsepower 4.0-liter engine, the DB5 packed many then-upscale amenities like reclining seats, wool pile carpets, electric windows, chrome wire wheels, full leather upholstery and even a fire extinguisher. The DB part of the car’s name stands for David Brown, who owned Aston Martin throughout much of its post-WWII glory days.

Bond’s version featured such handy accessories as a front-firing machine gun, passenger-ejection seat, smoke screen, oil slick dispensers, a bulletproof barrier, revolving multinational license plates, and front and rear retractable ramming arms. Perhaps in a nod to the chariot race scene in the movie “Ben Hur,” it also came with extendable wheel hubs that could disable an adjacent vehicle by slashing its tires. The durable DB5 also saw duty in “Thunderball” (1965), “GoldenEye” (1995), “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997) and “Casino Royale” (2006), and even was used as the basis for the spy character Finn McMissile in the 2011 animated film “Cars 2.”

 

Aston Martin DBS

Another old-school British club-like car, the original DBS was featured in 1969’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”—the only film in which George Lazenby portrays 007. The latest iteration was Daniel Craig’s ride of choice as Bond in the 2006 version of “Casino Royale” and the subsequent 2008 installment, “Quantum of Solace.” Unlike the gadget-laden DB5 above, the Aston Martin DBS featured in either film stands on its own merits without being retrofitted with assorted armaments.

Both elegant and aggressive, the current DBS is Aston Martin’s flagship model and offers a stunningly modern take on its predecessor’s old-money British sports car styling. Available as a closed-roof coupe or Volante convertible, the DBS packs a hand-assembled mid-mounted

6.0-liter V12 engine that brings a full 510 horsepower to the pavement. In “Casino Royale,” the car performed a record-breaking seven-roll stunt maneuver after which it was cannoned into the air. Three models were reportedly destroyed during the filming.

BMW 750iL

Perhaps Bond was beginning to feel his age in the 1997 release “Tomorrow Never Dies” with Pierce Brosnan’s 007 taking to the wheel of BMW’s flagship 750iL sedan, which, then as now, is more typically seen populating country club parking lots than it is traversing the globe on the secret agent circuit. And at that, in the movie’s signature chase scene, Bond isn’t behind the wheel at all, but rather is driving the car while hunched in the back seat—not to mention engaging all manner of weaponry, including flash grenades, tear gas, rockets and a metal spike dispenser—using his specially modified Ericsson cell phone as a remote controller. The chase ends with the BMW sailing off the roof of the building (with 007 leaping from the car just in the proverbial nick of time) and crashing into a rental car facility across the street as an onboard system voice says, “Congratulations on a safe journey.” Fifteen BMW 750is were reportedly destroyed in the making of the film.

The first car to come from Q Division that had four doors, the 7 Series remains BMW’s ultimate expression of luxury. The “L” in the nomenclature indicates it’s the long-wheelbase version that features additional rear-seat legroom and is often employed as an executive car. The current generation features a 400-horsepower V8 engine in the only slightly renamed 750Li and a rip-roaring 535-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 in the top 760Li model. While the 7 Series is decidedly plush, it’s traditionally one of the most pleasurable to drive large luxury cars on the road, with well-balanced ride and handling qualities. The present generation also includes a V8-powered gas/electric ActiveHybrid7 version for wealthy environmentalists.

 

Ford Mustang Mach 1

“Diamonds are Forever” (1971) marked Sean Connery’s return to the Bond series after a one-film hiatus. A tale of international espionage punctuated with beautiful women and fast cars, the most prominent of the former being diamond smuggler Tiffany Case (played by 1970s bombshell Jill St. John) and the latter a 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. In the process of preventing the villainous Blofeld from controlling the world using orbiting lasers, Bond commandeers Case’s Mach 1 to out-maneuver pursuing police cars in a Rat Pack-era chase down the Las Vegas Strip, leaving assorted collisions in its wake. The sequence’s signature maneuver is an extended escape down an otherwise too-narrow alleyway with the Mustang somehow squeezing through on only two wheels.

While Ford may not have recommended drivers try that trick at home with the stock Mustang Mach 1, the sports coupe was an impressive performer in its own right. In production from 1969 – 1978 and available as a dramatically styled fastback model, the Mach 1 offered a choice of no less than four V8 engines, with the top power plant being a 429 Cobra Jet Ram Air version that was a mammoth (even by classic muscle-car standards) 7.0 liters large. Suspension upgrades helped the Mach 1 hold its own through the corners and by all accounts made the aforementioned high-speed run on two wheels at the hands of a highly skilled stunt driver.

 

Lotus Esprit

As seen in 1977’s “The Spy Who Loved Me,” the low-slung Lotus Esprit served double duty as an on-road sports coupe and a compact submarine. Thanks to special engineering courtesy of Q, Roger Moore’s 007 takes the Esprit deep below the surface to engage in a reconnaissance of the villain’s underwater facilities. As if that’s not enough, the Esprit was also handily equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, which Bond subsequently uses to blow a helicopter out of the sky. For its submerged skills, the cinematic version of the vehicle earned the nickname “Wet Nellie.”

Meanwhile, the road-going version of the wedge- shaped Esprit was manufactured from 1976 – 2004, with the first generation, dubbed S1, being the model featured in the film. It came powered by a rear-mounted 2.0-liter engine that generated a modest 140 horsepower in its U.S. configuration. While it wasn’t particularly fast, the lithe and lightweight Esprit made up for a lack of power with its tenacious handling abilities.

What car might be next for James Bond to ride into another tale of intrigue? Internet reports suggest Daniel Craig’s 007 settles back into the cockpit of the iconic Aston Martin DB5 for at least one memorable scene. No word on whether it’s fitted with an ejector seat, machine guns or both, however.

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