Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2020 i Palm Beach Illustrated

After such a roller-coaster year, settling into the holidays with your tribe feels like wrapping yourself in cashmere on a blustery day: warm, comforting, familiar. This year more than any other in recent memory, celebrating the holidays is all about tradition, time-honored and new. In our house, we’re incorporating a little of both. We’ve always upheld the Greek custom of feasting with extended family on Christmas Eve, then exchanging presents on New Year’s Eve, which is the night Santa Claus (Saint Basil for us) visits. But since Florida is home and our 11-year-old twins were born here, we embrace American traditions equally. This, of course, means an entire month’s worth of gatherings and gift exchanges, movies and hot chocolate by the fireplace (yes, even in 80 degrees), and multiculti cookie…

Beachgoers and outdoor devotees are well acquainted with aloe vera’s cooling powers on sunburnt and stressed skin. The gel from the ubiquitous succulent takes on a new life as a hydrating, plumping, and soothing mainstay in products meant to refresh and moisturize tresses and enliven the complexion: D’Isolana Skincare Aloe Vera Calming Elixir with soothing thermal water ($70, disolana.com); M-61 Hydraboost Serum 2.0 ($82, Bluemercury); Soleil Toujours Organic Aloe Antioxidant Calming Mist ($26, soleiltoujours.com); AVegan Beauty Balance Toner ($38, aveganbeauty.com); IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better Setting Spray with hydrating hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and aloe vera extract ($28, Sephora); and Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask ($37, Bluemercury).…

Think of Hinckley’s iconic Picnic Boats—celebrating 25 years in build—and it’s hard to picture them without a pair of beefy diesels gushing out water, Hoover Dam–style, through Hamilton jet drives. But for the legendary Maine boatbuilder’s gorgeous new Hinckley 35 model debuting this summer, those twin diesels and water jets are being jettisoned in favor of twin outboards. It makes sense. Outboards are easier to maintain and are more efficient too. In the case of the supercharged, 300-horsepower Mercury Verado motors that’ll come standard, they’re also quieter and more refined. For speed demons, outboard power will get the new 35 to that out-of-the-way beach quicker than diesel. With optional twin 350-hp Verados, top speed should be around 42 knots, as opposed to 38 for the current Yanmar-powered 34 Picnic. Then…

It’s been a gradual process. But isn’t the old saying that good things come to those who wait? That’s the story of Cognac. Over the past century, Cognac—a specialty brandy distilled from white wine—has established its position as one of the world’s leading luxury drinks. Because Cognac is a blend of spirits across vintage years, those blends became rich and complex as the producers grew older and acquired more reserve stocks. Today the packaging and bottling of the top Cognacs is just as beautiful and compelling as the liquid contained inside. Some cost as much as an emerging artist’s canvas. A hand-blown crystal decanter may not improve the taste of Cognac, but a beautiful bottle can be an enticement to indulge. Here, we take a look at some of the…

Set amid lush vegetation, with more than 5,000 plants and 500 varieties of foliage from around the world, the restaurant at Delray Beach’s Sundy House is one of the most romantic places to enjoy a meal. Over the summer, the eatery received a makeover. Now known as Taru, it features the food of executive chef James Strine, a veteran of destinations such as The Breakers and Café Boulud. “The Sundy House is one of the area’s iconic properties, and my goal is to energize it and breathe new life into it,” Strine says. “I want it to be more than a brunch and special occasion restaurant.” Strine is a proponent of what he calls “new Florida cuisine,” a nod to the groundbreaking Mango Gang of South Florida chefs from the…

Like most classic cocktails, the precise origins of the Brandy Alexander are unclear. Although critic Alexander Woollcott claimed it was named for him, some historians attribute it to Tsar Alexander II of Russia, and still others trace it to a bartender named Troy Alexander in Manhattan at the turn of the twentieth century. It was reputed to be John Lennon’s favorite drink, introduced to him during his infamous Lost Weekend. Regardless of which version you accept, the place to enjoy it in Palm Beach is at the legendary Leopard Lounge at the Chesterfield Hotel. “When people come here, they realize they’re stepping back in time,” says bar manager John Bowman. “We focus on the cocktails your parents were drinking in their prime.” While the Leopard Lounge originally opened as a…

There’s a great deal of talk about healthy hair, but Bridgette Hill, a Philip Kingsley–trained trichologist and one of New York City’s top colorists, advises that the bigger issue can be an overlooked scalp. “Simply put, our hair formation and growth begin below the skin,” she says. “By the time the hair protrudes from the hair follicle, it has already been formed.” She adds that the scalp is the root connection between internal health and external beauty. “The quality of the hair follicle is dependent upon the quality of the tissue, cells, and blood that fuel the follicle which makes our hair fibe. If there are deficiencies in vitamins, mine als, nutrients, declining health, intake of toxic medications, or high cortisol levels due to [stress], the hair follicle may be…

I arrived in Florida back in 1992, just in time for Hurricane Andrew. I endured that storm in Miami under a sturdy dining room table with my future wife, mother-in-law, and grandmother-in-law. The storm and its aftermath quickly taught me the value of preparation and the need for both a plan and the support of those around you. 2020 brought a storm unlike any I have experienced. COVID-19 has reshaped the way we conduct business, attend events, and interact with one another. I have hosted and been a part of dozens of video meetings since March and they appear to be a permanent fixture on my calendar. Many rote daily activities are indeed very different, but some things remain the same. Our reliance on and support for one another is…

STYLE NOTES QUEEN OF HEARTS: Accessories in unexpected shapes instantly add personality. RIGHT ANGLE: Go modern by opting for geoprints and silhouettes with clean lines. COLOR BLOCK: Rich hues in contrasting combinations create a forward take on the trend.…

Vermont is on the tip of everyone’s tongue these days. True, natural splendor and minimal development have always been assets of the Green Mountain State. But the pandemic has cast a newfound spotlight on Vermont as America’s next great vacation and second-home destination. In a state where wilderness claims more than 76 percent of the land, the air is pure, the scenery is stunning, and the outdoor pursuits are endless. Nowhere is this more palpable than at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a resort community underscored by a rusticchic, alpine lodge with simple rooms and suites, as well as more extravagant mountain cabins, private homes, and the in-progress One Spruce Peak, an exclusive collection of modernist townhomes and residences. Nestled between the base of skyscraping Spruce Peak and Vermont’s highest…

Upon graduating from Florida State University, Lauren Czarniecki packed her bags and drove cross-country to work for interior design firm Kelly Wearstler in Los Angeles. She stayed four years before heading to South Florida. Today she’s owner and principal interior designer of Czar Interiors and resides in West Palm Beach’s SoSo neighborhood with her husband, Michael Lichko, and Luna, their Cavapoo puppy. On her regular jaunts to Los Angeles to shop for interior design projects and soak up inspiration, Czarniecki stays at Shutters on the Beach or the Maybourne Beverly Hills. “I love how L.A. feels so fresh,” she says. “Every time I go there, I feel like I’m seeing the cutting edge of design, restaurants, and fashion. The city just has so much great energy.” Fortunately, JetBlue’s new direct…

• ALL COGNAC IS BRANDY, BUT NOT ALL BRANDY IS COGNAC. • COGNAC IS A MARITIME REGION LOCATED IN THE SOUTHWEST OF FRANCE, NORTH OF BORDEAUX. • THE REGION IS DIVIDED INTO CRUS, VINEYARD AREAS WITH DISTINCT CHARACTERISTICS: GRANDE AND PETITE CHAMPAGNE (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH CHAMPAGNE ITSELF), BORDERIES, FINS BOIS, BONS BOIS, BOIS ORDINAIRES, AND BOIS À TERROIRS. • TO MAKE COGNAC, GRAPES ARE FIRST MADE INTO WINE, AND THE WINE IS THEN DISTILLED INTO A SPIRIT IN A COPPER POT STILL. • AFTER DISTILLATION AND DURING THE AGING PROCESS, THE SPIRIT IS REFERRED TO AS EAU DE VIE (“WATER OF LIFE”). • COGNAC IS LABELED ACCORDING TO THE YOUNGEST SPIRIT IN THE BLEND. THE CATEGORIES ARE V.S. (VERY SPECIAL, TWO YEARS), V.S.O.P. (VERY SPECIAL OLD PALE, FOUR…

Miami native Lauren Samson graduated from Florida International University with a business major and a minor in hospitality. She started at The Blind Monk in West Palm Beach in 2013 and gradually worked her way up to wine director and sommelier. PBI recently caught up with her to discuss her background and thoughts on curating a beverage program. (theblindmonk.com) —M.S. PBI: Did you grow up in a wine-drinking family? Samson: Not at all! Having a bottle of wine on the table was rare in my house. But when I was at FIU, I took a course called “Culture of Wine” taught by Bill Hebrank. I was amazed at his background and passion, at how widely he had traveled, and I was fascinated to learn about all the complexities that go…

Saff on Buns, Johan’s Jöe, West Palm Beach. These raisin-filled, saffron-spiced pastries are a Swedish Winter Solstice tradition. They’re available all month, with single buns priced at $4.45 or a dozen for $49.45. The best part? They make an excellent after-dinner treat and an even better morning-coffee companion. (johansjoe.com) Gourmet Marshmallows, Sweets by Milka, Tequesta. This is one the kids will adore. Marshmallow guru Milka Gordillo specializes in handcrafted “dreaMallows” stuffed and topped with flavors such as cookies and cream, lemon coconut, and salted caramel with toasted pecans. She accepts orders through her website, with a dozen priced at $15. (sweetsbymilka.com) Panettone, Amici Market, Palm Beach. Amici Market offers numerous takes on this festive Italian cake, including a new Ricordi Collection from Breramilano 1930 by Cova, which features beautiful wrapping…

After a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2008, Joseph Chammas and his wife, Tawna, began growing their own food. What started with a few raised beds led to the creation of Gratitude Garden, an organic farm in Loxahatchee that boasts many varieties of turmeric and offers additional products such as turmeric extracts and instant golden milk made with their lion’s mane mushrooms. Below, Joseph Chammas shares his insight on turmeric and how to add this medicinal food to your diet. (organicturmeric.com) PBI: What are the benefits of turmeric? Chammas: We always invite people to do their research and highly emphasize the importance of this. From our research and experience, we have found that turmeric is an incredible anti-inflammatory that aids with pain memory, and mood, to name some of the…

BUYING INFORMATION COVER Raffia and elvet hand-embroidered silk faille cape and embroidered column gown (price upon request), Naeem Khan, naeemkhan.com; Janis In Heels black macramé sandals ($895), Christian Louboutin, christianlouboutin.com; Silvia Furmanovich earrings ($11,400), Betteridge amethyst ring ($24,000), Betteridge, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach. PAGE 90 Yellow paisley lace shirt ($2,290), yellow mohair cashmere knit top ($950), yellow paisley lace skirt ($2,100), Fendi, fendi.com; mid-heel pumps in white satin fabric with grosgrain bow and crystals ($1,350), Gucci, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach, Town Center at Boca Raton, gucci.com; turquoise earrings ($18,300), multi-stone ring ($23,000), twostone ring ($34,200), Sylvie Corbelin, Betteridge, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach. PAGE 91 Raffia and elvet hand-embroidered silk faille cape and embroidered column gown (price upon request), Naeem Khan, naeemkhan.com; Janis In Heels black macramé sandals ($895), Christian Louboutin,…

Delray Beacher Katrina Stoneking grew up around fashion—her mom worked for Saks Fifth Avenue and, along with Katrina’s grandmother, taught her how to sew—but it wasn’t until tragedy struck in 2017 that Stoneking discovered how fashion intertwined with her calling. At the age of 32, Stoneking suffered three heart attacks. She was eventually diagnosed with Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) and emerged from the nightmare with a new lease on life. In 2019, together with her husband, Matt, she opened Bitsy Stoneking, a boutique and online store featuring slow fashion from around the globe. For Stoneking, the new business has become both a creative outlet and a way to express her gratitude for the gift of life. “When I opened my boutique, I felt it was important to give back…

After studying fashion merchandising and design at The Art Institute of Atlanta, fashion and jewelry designer Harrison Morgan launched his eponymous label. Within six years, he had opened his own Manhattan showroom, sold to every major department store, and seen his creations worn by A-listers. Though he was born in Miami, raised in Atlanta, and lived in Manhattan for most of his life, Morgan also has deep ties to Palm Beach, having vacationed here for decades and sold his collection at local trunk shows. Five years ago, he made Palm Beach his primary residence at last and married interior designer Guy Clark. Together, they enjoy exploring Europe and visiting their lake house in upstate New York. Morgan serves on committees for the Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Center for…

SHOT BY PALM BEACH ILLUSTRATED ON LOCATION AT TARPON COVE, PALM BEACH For buying information, turn to page 167. Fashion editor: Katherine Lande Jewelry provided by Betteridge, Worth Avenue, Palm Beach For buying information, turn to page 167. For buying information, turn to page 167. For buying information, turn to page 167. For buying information, turn to page 167. Model: Shani Zigron, Elite Model Management, Miami Hair: Heather Blaine using Redkin, Creative Management, Miami Makeup: Gina Simone using Dior Beauty, Creative Management, Miami Photography assistant: Lucie Prsalova Fashion assistant: Roxy Rooney PBI extends a special thanks to Kevin Condon for providing the location. For additional information, please visit tarpon-cove.com…

For many Italians and Italian Americans, Christmas Eve means one thing: seafood. The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a culinary tradition rooted in the Roman Catholic practice of not eating meat on December 24. While some families do make seven types or preparations of seafood, others serve 12 (to represent the apostles), and still others are a little more liberal with their exact count. For an upscale addition to your Feast of the Seven Fishes, try making Scusi Trattoria’s wood-baked branzino al limone. Many of the dishes at this Palm Beach Gardens restaurant were inspired by executive chef and partner Laurent Tourondel’s Italian grandmother. “My grandmother is actually the one who taught me how to cook,” says Tourondel. “She had a very good palate. She always amazed me.” He…

AMERICAN 1000 NORTH The Jupiter Lighthouse serves as the backdrop for chef Jason Van Bomel’s global takes on classic dishes. 1000 North U.S. Hwy. 1, Jupiter (1000north.com) $$$ AVOCADO GRILL Chef Julien Gremaud offers flavorful Florida-Caribbean bites. His latest venture, Avocado Cantina in Palm Beach Gardens, features the same vibe with a Mexican flai. 125 Datura St., West Palm Beach (avocadogrillwpb.com) $$ BANTER Located inside the Canopy by Hilton hotel, Banter serves the latest Florida fusion cuisine. 380 Trinity Place, West Palm Beach (banterwpb.com) $$ BREEZE OCEAN KITCHEN Enjoy Floridian cuisine at this seaside gem at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. 100 S. Ocean Blvd., Manalapan (eaupalmbeach.com) $$ BUCCAN Chef Clay Conley offers a wide-ranging menu of small plates that changes with the seasons. 350 S. County Road,…

A glass of Port is a perfect ending to a holiday meal—not surprising, since it can bring almost any dining experience to a hedonistic conclusion. Despite its appeal, however, Port is widely misunderstood. The genuine article is sourced from grapes grown in Portugal’s Douro Valley and made near the city of Porto, in the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia. Permitted grape varieties are mostly red and thick-skinned, yielding a fullbodied and tannic wine. Fermentation is halted by the addition of neutral grape spirits, resulting in a sweeter wine with an alcohol level of nearly 20 percent. The fortification process probably originated before refrigeration as a way of shipping the wine without spoiling it. There are two main types of Port: those aged in barrels and those matured in glass…

Don’t have time to go to the gym? Boca Raton–based Bodylastics brings the gym to you without the expected cost or space requirements. The company’s anti-snap resistance bands are portable, stackable (so you can increase tension), and sold in complete sets that include bands, anchors, and handles. Bodylastics also provides free workouts on YouTube and exercises on its website that you can search based on the muscle group you’d like to target. Here, CEO Blake Kassel shares three exercises sure to improve your bandwidth. (bodylastics.com) 1 Repel Squats: By mimicking the sensation of repelling down the side of a mountain, this squat targets the quads and glutes. Secure the band(s) at the top of the door. Attach a handle to each end of the band(s). Grip a handle in each…

Personalization makes a thoughtful gift extra special. This month, I’m spotlighting haute products that are customizable, like the bespoke trunks from Petite Keep. You can choose every detail, from the color to the lining. I bought three to use as keepsake boxes for my children’s sweet mementos. Speaking of kids, these chic nesting baskets from famed interior designer Bunny Williams are an absolute must for the mom who does it all. Put them to work as a laundry basket, a toy-collecting carryall, or in any number of other organizational roles. Looking for a custom gift for the special man in your life? These sleek nightstand, desk, or entryway phone chargers from Courant are ultra-refined, plus the customization comes free. And there are ample options for the fashion phenom, from name…