Wine With Wanda

Unwind & Dine: JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

 

View from my room at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa - pretty nice!

Surrounded by the Sonoran Desert and offering dramatic views of the McDowell Mountains, the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa was the last stop on my short but chic grand tour of Phoenix. Set on 316 acres where Phoenix meets Scottsdale, JW Marriott Desert Ridge is just 20 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport. The property opened in 2002 and completed a $16 million renovation of all 950 guest rooms in 2011.


I think one of the jewels of JW Marriott Desert Ridge is the Revive Spa. 28,000 sq. ft. of absolute luxury, Revive Spa boasts an impressive 41 treatment rooms. I highly recommend the Revive Facial - the gentle exfoliation and deep cleansing masque left my skin very smooth and with a healthy glow. Revive Spa also offers many signature services that incorporate Native American treatments.

 

The casual but elegant dining room at Tuscany - one of the ten restaurants at JW Marriott Desert Ridge


Twisted Pasta Bolognese & Pecorino

Chef Sarah Turgel

Tuscany is one of ten dining options at JW Marriott Desert Ridge. Under the guidance of Chef Sarah Turgel, Tuscany serves authentic Italian cuisine - including hand-crafted pastas and pizzas. Tuscany's seasonal menu focuses on locally grown produce and they even have their own organic herb garden. You can really taste that freshness in Chef Turgel's creations - she has a real talent for letting the flavors of quality ingredients shine through and practices an impressive restraint by not overmanipulating them. 

Wildfire Golf Club

Recreation options at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge are plentiful - two 18-hole championship golf courses designed by Faldo and Palmer, four acres of turquoise pools and waterways, tennis center with eight courts, botanical garden, bicycle rentals, shops & boutiques, Family Escape Club and more.

 

For more information, visit the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa website. And, pop by the Visit Phoenix website for great tips on planning your getaway.

Holiday Gifts with Heart from UNICEF

I have very clear memories from childhood of collecting money on Halloween for UNICEF. It felt so good to go around with that little cardboard box and raise money for children in need. Well, I may be a tad advanced in years to trick-or-treat for the cause, but I can certainly shop! Children around the world need the vital assistance that UNICEF provides - clean water, food, education, medical attention, and so much more. Shopping UNICEF's holiday gift & cards collection is an easy way to support their important work. Here are four of my favorite finds from this year's collection.

Special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston bag designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini, $1520


Every jetsetter needs a great bag! For the fifth consecutive year, Gucci Creative Director and 2011 UNICEF Woman of Compassion honoree Frida Giannini has designed a special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston handbag. This new version of the signature Boston handbag comes in alabaster micro Guccissima leather. Twenty-five percent of the retail price of each bag sold through May 2013 will benefit UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” and “Schools for Asia” initiative in Malawi, Mozambique, and China. Over the past two years, the “Gucci for UNICEF” bags have generated more than $2 million for UNICEF. Available in Gucci stores worldwide and on the Gucci website.

Bamboo Scarf
$45

A great scarf is a travel essential - it provides warmth and can take an outfit from drab to fab in an instant! This striking scarf has a design inspired by Asian tapestry and is made of soft, eco-friendly bamboo. Organza bag included.

UNICEF Trunki Carryon
$40

It is never too soon to start preparing the next generation of jetsetters about the importance of packing smartly!
This adorable lightweight, sturdy, carry-on sized suitcase with a UNICEF logo serves as rolling luggage and riding toy for little ones ages 3-6. Made of thick, durable plastic and holds up to 75 pounds.

Emergency School Kit
$94.14


Another great way to make an impact with your gift giving is to opt for a UNICEF Inspired Gift that makes an immediate and dramatic difference in the lives of children. Inspired Gifts include lifesaving items such as therapeutic milk for malnourished children, medical supplies, mosquito nets to keep children safe from Malaria, and many more vital items.  One of my favorites is the Emergency School Kit - it delivers notebooks, pencils, storybooks, and even soccer balls to children who have lost nearly everything to war or natural disaster.  To learn more and to select a lifesaving gift in honor of a loved one this holiday season, visit www.inspiredgifts.org.

I've only scratched the surface of the many wonderful gifts available in the UNICEF Holiday Collection. Jewelry, toys, home decor, ornaments, and those famous holiday cards just a few of the guilt-free shopping options. Click here to view the entire collection.

Sophisticated Sip: Clos de los Siete 2009 Argentine Malbec Blend

'Tis the season to eat, drink, be merry and share a bottle of Clos de los Siete 2009 Argentine Malbec Blend. Deep garnet with glints of purple, Clos de los Siete 2009 is a beautifully balanced blend of 57% Malbec, 15% Merlot,15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot. This full-bodied red wine has a lovely long finish and shines with notes of juicy blackberries, plums, cassis and a subtle peppery earthiness. Matured 11 months (70% in French oak barrels and 30% in vat), Clos de los Siete's tannins are sturdy but not too aggressive. No need to decant but I would let this vino breathe for a bit to allow the flavors to really bloom. A very elegant and versatile wine, Clos de los Siete 2009 will pair perfectly with a hearty steak, beef short ribs, Boeuf Bourgignon, and even a juicy burger.  

Clos de los Siete has quite a pedigree - it is a unique Argentine wine endeavor established by famed wine consultant Michel Rolland and his 6 Bordelaise partners and 2009 marks their 8th release. "2009 is an excellent vintage for Clos de los Siete. The concentration, freshness, and purity of the fruit is remarkable and a testament to our commitment to produce an unfiltered red wine that truly express its terroir," says Mr. Rolland.  

The suggested retail price for Clos de los Siete 2009 is $18 but it tastes more expensive - making it a great choice for holiday dinners and as a gift for wine lovers. 

Jet Set Scents: Luxury Fragrances by KRIGLER

Jazzy Riviera ²10 by KRIGLER  celebrates the vivacity of the Jazz Era on the French Riviera -  it blends luxurious Bergamot with their signature KRIGLER Cedar, and is topped by notes of elegant Coriander, crisp sweet Freesia, Lemon, Musk, Patchouli and Vetiver.

Don't underestimate the power of scent - in an instant it can trigger a memory, create a mood, and transport you to faraway times and places. Many of my favorite fragrances spark my wanderlust or remind me of places that I love. When I was introduced to KRIGLER, I was instantly intrigued because many of their fragrances are inspired by locations. Founded in 1904 by Albert Krigler, these luxury fragrances became very popular in the 1920's with celebrities, royals, and tastemakers who were drawn to his scents inspired by luxurious locales such as Monte Carlo and the Riviera. Many of the scents are unisex and can be layered to create a truly unique fragrance. A KRIGLER fragrance is a great gift for you and your favorite jet setter! KRIGLER has re-opened at New York City's legendary Plaza Hotel but, if you can't make it to their NYC or Monte Carlo boutiques, KRIGLER also sells fragrances, candles, soap, skincare, and bodycare on their website.

Right now, I'm wearing KRIGLER Mediterranean Peach 15 and it is providing the perfect tropical escape on a chilly NYC day. Juicy notes of peach are balanced with dew fruit and blackcurrant leaves. Not too sweet, it has a warm zest that makes it softly sexy. Another interesting feature of KRIGLER is that each luxurious fragrance is accompanied by a unique number. You could select a KRIGLER scent based on your special someone’s birthday, anniversary or their lucky number.

For more information, visit www.KRIGLER.com.

Where Fun & Chic Meet: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale

An absolute highlight of my recent whirlwind trip to Phoenix was staying at the fabulous Westin Kierland Resort & Spa. Located in the tony Scottsdale area, The Westin Kierland is a grand oasis in the Sonoran Desert and just 20 miles from downtown Phoenix. Business travelers, golfers, spa lovers, shopaholics, foodies, families, singles, and couples can all carve out their own sublime space at The Westin Kierland - the Resort has perfected the formula for pampering and entertaining their guests.

The Accommodations

The view of the golf course from my room at The Westin Kierland

The Westin Kierland's 732 rooms all offer a private balcony or terrace and many have dramatic views of the lush championship golf course and mountain range. Elegantly appointed, the centerpiece of the room is the Westin Signature Heavenly Bed. No matter how jetlagged you may be, I promise that you will feel brand new after a good night's sleep in this plush temple of slumber - the Westin Heavenly Bed is ten layers of pillowtop mattress bliss. And, if you're traveling with your four-legged friend, the Westin Kierland is a dog friendly hotel and can pamper your pooch with their very own Westin Heavenly Dog Bed. (And, if you decide that you want to sleep like a baby while at home, Westin does sell their Heavenly Beds with all the trimmings - brand new, of course.)

Dining
From poolside noshing to fine dining, The Westin Kierland takes their food seriously. One of their most popular dining destinations is Deseo and I highly recommend it. The concept and menu were developed by James Beard Award-winning Chef Douglas Rodriguez - widely regarded as the creator of Nuevo Latino cuisine. Deseo means desire in Spanish and the restaurant hits the mark in satisfying cravings for inventive and delicious food.

Millionaire Tacos (yuca taco, lobster, ahi tuna, Japanese hamachi) and Rainbow Ceviche. Vibrant and fresh, all of the flavors meld together beautifully - the tacos are absolutely addictive.

Adobo Pork y Tlacoyo (chile marinated korobuta tenderloin with pork and bean corn empanada). Seasoned to perfection, the spices add richness but not too much heat.


Forget having a smoke after dinner, a chocolate cigar is a much better option.  Such a delicious and whimsical dessert - even the matches are edible!


 The soft glow of flickering candles guide you down the stairway to Deseo's foyer and towards Nelson Garcia-Miranda - Deseo's Resident Artist. Not only do his colorful paintings adorn Deseo, patrons can actually watch Garcia-Miranda deftly apply paint to canvas during Happy Hour. Garcia-Miranda arrived in Phoenix in 1999 after seeking political exile from Cuba but the richness of his cultural heritage is powerfully portrayed in the "Cubanidad" style of his paintings. Garcia-Miranda's creations truly complement the bold and colorful nature of the cuisine at Deseo.

Agave, The Arizona Spa
Agave, The Arizona Spa sits just outside the Resort and has 20 treatment rooms, a quiet lap pool, and a relaxing courtyard and garden. The indigenous Agave plant is incorporated into many of the treatments. A signature tradition at Agave that I really enjoyed was the Apache Burden Basket placed outside of every treatment room. Before your service begins, you are invited to symbolically place your burdens inside the basket to keep worries and troubles behind, just as the Apache people would traditionally do when entering their teepees. Living in NYC, sometimes I feel that I need an extra large burden box but I found the ritual very soothing and a great way to unwind before my Rollerssage - a full body treatment that combines the feeling of Swedish massage with the roll of semi-precious stones combined with radiant heat.

The Scottish Experience at Westin Kierland
 
As a tribute to the Scottish immigrants who contributed to the development of Arizona's railroads, mines, and towns; guests are encouraged to gather around the fire pit at the Resort’s Dreamweaver’s Canyon to enjoy the haunting sounds of the Scottish Bagpipes with Michael McClanathan. Other Scottish inspired activities include a Scottish Golf Experience  - complete with kilt rentals and Johnny Walker beverage carts. If you want the scotch without the golf, you can partake of the Saturday Night Scotch Tastings at the Rim Lobby Bar. And, if you see a tartan clad terrier running around The Westin Kierland, you haven't imbibed too much scotch - that's the resident pooch Scotty!

Experience the rush of the waves in the Arizona desert on The Kierland Flowrider.

I am happy to give The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa the little black dress seal of approval not only for luxury, but also for creativity. Did I mention that they have a Chief Fun Officer and a team exclusively focused on creating unforgettable activities for kids of all ages? Or the really cool Kierland FlowRider that allows guests to experience the exhilarating sensation of riding the waves? And, if shopping is the only cardio on your agenda, Kierland Commons, a very popular shopping area with more than 70 retailers, is located adjacent to the Resort and the Key to Kierland program gives you access to discounts at select shops and restaurants.

Visit The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa website to learn more. The Visit Phoenix website is also a great resource for planning your getaway.

 

 

Two Must Visit Phoenix Museums: The Heard Museum and The Musical Instrument Museum

On my recent trip to Phoenix, I had the chance to visit two amazing museums - the Musical Instrument Museum and the Heard Museum. They are both very special places and definitely worth the time if you are visiting the area.

Musical Instrument Museum

I would love to get trapped overnight in the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) and just rock out! MIM's mission is to collect, preserve, and make high-quality musical instruments, images, and music from every country in the world accessible to the public. Highlights include an Experience Gallery where visitors can play unique instruments from all over the globe and the Artist Gallery that showcases musical instruments that were played by legends such as Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, Carlos Santana and John Lennon - in fact, MIM has the piano that Lennon used to compose Imagine. In the Geographical Galleries you can take a musical journey around the world. 

Heard Museum

Founded in 1929, the Heard Museum is an extraordinary tribute to the history, culture, and lives of America's Indigenous peoples - especially the American Indian cultures of the Southwest. The Heard's 12 exhibition galleries display an amazing array of baskets, pottery, and jewelry. Remembering Our Indian School Days: The Boarding School Experience is a powerful exhibition that tells the little known story of how Native American children were forcibly removed from their homes by the federal government and sent to boarding schools hundreds of miles away. The Heard's gift shop boasts a beautiful selection of jewelry, art, books and more.

Sophisticated Sip: Three Delicious Decades of Churchill's Vintage Port

Lest you think that all Port drinkers are country club fogies, I'm here to tell you that this classic libation is an elegant match for modern tastes. Full bodied, aromatic, and simply delicious, Port is a great option when you crave the grace of wine but the power of a spirit.

Last week, I dramatically increased my knowledge of Port when I was invited to attend a dinner tasting at Hearth Restaurant of the widely acclaimed Churchill's vintage Ports. Best of all, the tasting was led by the founder of Churchill's, Johnny Graham.

A Little Bit About Churchill's
Established in 1981, Churchill's was the first British Port company to have been established in 50 years. But Mr. Graham is no rookie - his family has been producing port since the 19th century. The man knows what he's doing! During his remarks, Mr. Graham stated that "we need to simplify port." Well, I accept the mission dear readers, so here is a little Port primer. 

Churchill's Vineyards in the Douro Valley

So, What Exactly is Port?
Genuine Port comes from Portugal's Douro Valley and is considered a fortified wine. Port starts off like any other wine - grapes are picked, crushed, and fermented. However, before the fermentation is complete it takes a delicious little detour - it is fortified with a neutral grape spirit. The end result is a beverage with a higher alcohol content than wine and more residual sweetness. Ports fall into many categories, from young Tawny to mature Vintage. Most Ports are red but white Port is also available. The Churchill's website has a great description of the Port varieties.

How Does Vintage Port Taste?
Simply sublime! I've long been a fan of Tawny Port but Vintage Ports were brand new to me. Our tasting at Hearth included some of Churchill's finest vintages spanning three decades (1982 - 2011).  According to Mr. Graham, "A Port company's reputation is primarily built on the quality of its vintage Port. By classic vintage Ports I mean wines that have the concentration, complexity, quality and finesse, as well as the natural acidity and tannic structure, to age well for at least 50 years."

Like fine wine, each Vintage Port had a different personality but some common flavor traits included notes of dark berries, juicy figs, honey, currants, dark chocolate, green tea and spice.  

What Pairs With Vintage Port?
Churchill's 1994, 1997 & 2000 Vintage Port paired with 60-Day Dry Aged Beef with Chanterelle Mushrooms, Parsnip & Bordelaise

Churchill's Vintage Port 2003, 2007 & 2011 paired with Fig Cake w/ Candied Pistachio & Whipped Mascarpone

Widely considered a perfect after dinner tipple or cigar accompaniment, I learned that Port is surprisingly versatile and pairs well with foods beyond cheese and nuts. I think it is an especially good match with red meat and desserts with a hint of spice. It is also recommended that you decant vintage ports - this will really allow the flavors to bloom.

So, are you intrigued and ready to explore the world of Churchill's vintage Ports? Also, if you find yourself in Portugal, plan a visit to the Churchill's Visitors Center. To learn more about Churchill's portfolio of  Ports, visit their website.

 

Recipe for Sustainable Domestic Bliss: Adrian Grenier + SHFT Red Wine + LG Studio Kitchen Appliances

 

SHFT Co-Founders Adrian Grenier & Peter Glatzer with their private label red wine

Whether it is a perfect pan of paella, a bubbling pot of bouillabaisse, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich - a home cooked meal prepared with love and skill is hard to beat. Now, imagine that meal in a shiny new energy efficient kitchen where you sip sustainable red wine and actor Adrian Grenier sautés your organic vegetables. Ok, I can't deliver Mr. Grenier but I do have some suggestions for the kitchen and the vino!

 

Courtesy of LG Electronics (the "life's good" people), I was invited to attend an intimate discussion about environmentally friendly home design at the Museum of Arts and Design in NYC. There were several stars in attendance that evening but the biggest were Adrian Grenier and the LG Studio suite of premium kitchen appliances.

In addition to being a talented actor/filmmaker, Adrian is also a passionate environmentalist and the co-founder of SHFT - a sustainable lifestyle platform. The SHFT website highlights all of the little shifts that we can each make in our everyday lives to protect our planet's resources. On the home front, saving energy is a good way to start and the LG Studio line delivers efficiency in a sleek-stainless steel package. For example, the refrigerator uses at least 20 percent less energy than required by federal standards yet offers the greatest capacity of any 42-inch width side-by-side fridge (hmm, imagine how many bottles of bubbly that can hold)! The LG Studio line also includes a gas cooktop, a double wall oven, a steam dishwasher and more.

Adrian lives a very green but design conscious lifestyle at his solar-paneled home in Brooklyn and said that he wouldn't mind having the new LG Studio line in his kitchen. (He also said that sharing a plate of food is a good way to build a relationship and keep your weight down!) Maybe Adrian won't be sharing a plate of couscous casserole in your dream kitchen anytime soon but you can enjoy a bottle of his SHFT 2009 Paso Robles Rhone Blend ($24.99). This organic and sustainable red wine is a bold and fruit forward blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre with big dark berry notes. Now, Adrian and SHFT just need to get started on a white wine so we can stock it in our LG fridges!

Visit LG and SHFT for more information.

Perfect Pairings: The James Bond Formula for Adventure

James Bond films combine exotic locales, classic cocktails, a dashing leading man, brazen bad guys, and femme fatales to create the ultimate cinematic escape. In honor of 007's 50th anniversary and the latest flick, Skyfall, I'm sharing this fun infographic from Harley & Co. that gives you the formula for creating your own Bond adventures.

Serene Sophistication in the Sonoran Desert: Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Spa & Resort

Three resorts in three nights? Yes, I did it! I was recently invited to Phoenix, Arizona to celebrate the 10 year anniversaries of three of the area's top resorts. So, after spending 2 nights in Sedona, I repacked my little black dresses and headed to Phoenix to began my travel trifecta. The first stop on my itinerary was a one night stay at the wonderful Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa.

Just a 15 minute drive from Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport, Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is an oasis in the high Sonoran desert. Located on the land of the Gila River Indian Community, the property is owned by the Pima and Maricopa tribes and virtually every detail, from the architecture to the cuisine, was designed to authentically represent their heritage. The resort even has a cultural concierge and a Native American cultural library. It truly seems that the local community and the Sheraton brand have fostered a successful collaboration that showcases the best of traditional cultures and modern hotel management.


Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is quite different from other resorts that I have visited. Yes, it has all of the modern amenities (spa, restaurants, golf, etc.) but somehow this spacious property (500+ guest rooms) feels intimate and serene. Following Pima and Maricopa tradition, all entrances to the resort, spa and golf club face east. Entering the dramatic main lobby, you feel embraced by the traditional native roundhouse inspired design. Floor to ceiling windows provide stunning views of the mountains to the west and the domed ceiling is adorned with a majestic mural composed of ten vibrant panels, each depicting a different aspect of the culture - including creation, basket weaving, and games.


The guest rooms, like the public areas, are decorated in a palette of earth tones - muted browns, rich tans, and burnished oranges. The Pima and Maricopa tribes are famous for their baskets and pottery, respectively and the guest rooms are split into two wings. Design motifs appearing on the comforter, headboards, tiles, etc. in the Pima rooms reflect their basket patterns while those in the Maricopa wing showcase pottery designs.


Sheraton Wild Horse Pass offers several excellent dining options from casual to chic but Kai is the restaurant you absolutely MUST visit during your stay. A Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond award establishment, Kai means "seed" in the Pima language and the menu masterfully showcases native ingredients and flavors in a unique and upscale fashion.


One of my favorite dishes was the luscious Grilled Tenderloin of Tribal Buffalo served with Smoked Corn Puree, Cholla Buds, Merguez Sausage, Scarlet Runner Bean Chili, and Saguaro Blossom Syrup. I will admit to being skeptical when I saw this on the menu - how could all of those seemingly unrelated flavors possibly work together? Well, I assure you they did - the slight gaminess of the meat was balanced by the spicy, sweet, and savory enhancements. A really well-executed dish.

Blue Coyote Wrap at Aji Spa
(No, that isn't me! You didn't really think I would include a photo of myself covered in blue mud, did you?)

A visit to the Aji spa is another must. Located in a separate building on the property, Aji is absolutely a superior spa experience. Aji means "sanctuary" in the Pima language and offers an authentic Native American spa menu - many of the treatments and activities are designed and practiced by Aji's Pima and Maricopa Cultural Caretakers. I opted for the 80 minute BAHN (Blue Coyote Wrap.) After being covered in their proprietary Azulene mud and then steamed, I rinsed off the layer of blue and was then massaged with aromatic cedar and sage oil. The experience was invigorating and relaxing. This is one of those spas where you can spend the whole day. Clad in my comfy spa robe, I took a blissful nap in the lounge and noshed on their addictive spicy trail mix, but other options include dining in the cafe or taking a dip in the pool.

Sheraton Wild Horse Spa & Resort offers so much that my 24 hours weren't nearly enough. Although, I would probably spend most of my time at the spa and dining, the property also has two 18-hole golf courses, an equestrian center, tennis courts, jogging trails, four pools, and an 111 foot waterslide. Off-site, they can even arrange for you to spend a day unleashing your inner speed demon at the world-famous Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.



And, in case you are wondering about the name - wild horses DO roam the surrounding desert land and can be seen from the resort.

Visit the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Spa & Resort website for much more information about this special resort. I also recommend Visit Phoenix for tips on planning your getaway.

Stay tuned for upcoming articles about more of my Phoenix adventures at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa and the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort.

A New York Minute: Flamenco's Finest, Beaujolais Nouveau, and Hearts of Gold

Trust me, even native New Yorkers can feel overwhelmed by the city's endless entertainment options. Whether you are a seasoned local or a visitor to my hometown, I'm sure you'll enjoy these three events that have earned my little black dress seal of approval.

Festival Flamenco Gitano: Diego El Cigala
Tuesday, November 13
8:00 PM, The Town Hall
$45-$65
That voice, that charisma, that hair - vocalist Diego El Cigala has it all! One of Spain's most acclaimed Flamenco artists, Diego El Cigala will mesmerize the Big Apple with his distinctive and soulful voice. Me encanta!

 

Rue des Beaujolais
Thursday, November 15
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM, L'Express
Add a dash of ooh la la to your day and join other wine lovers in celebrating the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Released to great fanfare every year on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau will be the honored guest at wine events around the world. If you are in NYC, Rue des Beaujolais is THE event to attend. A day long celebration hosted by L'Express restaurant, the festivities include Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau , a book signing with culinary legend Jacques Pepin, live music by Franglais, all-inclusive meals (lunch $25 & dinner $35 - wine included), and more. The  event will be live streamed on big screens in NY and Lyon.

Hearts of Gold Gala
Friday, November 16
6:00 PM, Metropolitan Pavilion
$75-$1000
Enjoy a fabulous night out and support a worthy cause at the Hearts of Gold Gala. Hosted by celebrities Soledad O'Brien, Tamara Tunie, Emme, and Rhonda Ross, this sophisticated soirée raises funds for NYC's homeless mothers and children. This year's theme is "Come to the Cabaret" and features cocktails, dinner, silent & live auctions, a fashion show (showcasing fall looks from Tracy Reese and other designers) and much more. Founded in 1996 by former model and stylist Deborah Koenigsberger, Hearts of Gold has raised more than $2 million in support of NYC shelters - impressive!

Mixing It Up with Martin Miller's Gin: England Distilled, Iceland Chilled

Recently, the wine and spirits fairy delivered some samples of Martin Miller's Gin. Clearly, someone out there thinks I've been a good girl. I must confess that for many years gin was on my banned drinks list after a dreadful experience at a dodgy disco in Spain, but lately I've had a change of heart. Many of my most fashionable friends are gin drinkers and there is a whole world of gin based cocktails I would like to explore.

Before I even sipped Martin Miller's Gin, I had high expectations that it would be deliciously different. You see, Martin Miller is gin obsessed. So obsessed, in fact, that his extreme dissatisfaction with other gins on the market inspired him to create his namesake brand in 1999. Described as a bon vivant with a head of unruly hair, Mr. Miller is quite a success story - he began amassing his estimated $40 million fortune as a schoolboy in England. His resume includes authoring dating guides, breeding hamsters, and investing in boutique hotels.

Hand crafted using a complex process that involves two separate distillations, every drop of Martin Miller's Gin is blended using Icelandic spring water. The first thing that I noticed about Martin Miller's Gin is the aroma - unlike my experiences with other gins, the juniper scent is subtle and does not knock you over. The refreshing, dry, and lively taste comes from a blend of familiar botanicals - juniper, coriander, angelica, and Florentine Iris- coupled with the more unusual cassia, cinnamon bark, and liquorice, along with Seville orange peel and lime. It is also the first gin to use cucumber in its recipe as a ‘functional ingredient’ giving Martin’s Gin its unique and characteristic long, dry and fresh finish. Martin Miller's Gin has been lauded with over 25 international medals and accolades, including some fancy gold medals.

So far I've sampled Martin Miller's Gin neat, on the rocks, and with tonic - all absolutely delightful - the botanicals and flavors are beautifully balanced. Next on my list is a classic cocktail - the French 75.

Recipe for a Martin Miller's Gin French 75
2 parts Martin Miller's Gin
1 part lemon juice
1 1/2 parts simple syrup
top with Champagne
Shake first three ingredients, strain into a flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist. 

A bottle of Martin Miller's Gin sells for about $36. Visit the Martin Miller's Gin website for more great recipes and to learn more about this gin that was "born of love, obsession, and some degree of madness."


 

Red Rocks & Blue Skies: My L'Auberge de Sedona Getaway

The priceless view from my Vista Suite at L'Auberge de Sedona.

Yours truly can spend hours immersed in travel magazines, memoirs, and television programs but nothing beats the feeling of actually hitting the road and seeing it for yourself. Two weeks ago, I took my very first trip to Arizona and kicked off my getaway with 2 nights in Sedona. Located just 2 hours north of Phoenix, Sedona's breathtaking beauty and peaceful aura made it the perfect start to my vacation.

The stunning view of Sedona's legendary Red Rocks from my Vista Suite at L'Auberge de Sedona left me absolutely speechless. Consistently recognized as one of the world's best hotels, L'Auberge offers a refined rustic luxury that is a perfect match with the landscape. My two-room suite was tastefully decorated and featured great touches such as a gas fireplace in the living room. And, the bathroom was extraordinary - not only did it have a Jacuzzi tub and a spacious shower, there was also an outdoor cedar shower. Taking an afternoon shower al fresco in the Sedona sun was absolutely exhilarating and made this city girl feel in touch with Mother Nature. And, I was assured that peeping toms are not a problem!




Of course, the most exquisite feature of my L'Auberge suite was the view - all of the rooms had large windows that made the Red Rocks feel like an extension of the suite. I spent much of my trip on the expansive redwood deck, just gazing at the scenery and breathing in the fragrant air - a crisp scent of juniper, mesquite and other natural aromas. I really began to understand why many people feel such a strong spiritual connection to Sedona.

L'Auberge's 87 guest rooms and cottages are spread out over 11 landscaped acres. Whether you opt for a creekside cabin or a view of the Red Rocks, the accommodations at L'Auberge are top notch. It is a great resort for a solo trip, romantic escape, girlfriend getaway, or a destination wedding. If you have a large group, you can event rent out the magnificent two-story lodge.



While it was very tempting to spend all of my time just luxuriating in my suite, I ventured out for the Sedona Dreams treatment at the spa. 90 minutes of bliss, Sedona Dreams is a full-body treatment that includes exfoliation, massage, and hot stones - so relaxing! I opted to have my treatment at the spa but they are happy to provide services creekside or in the privacy of your room.



Who knew pampering could work up such an appetite? I was ravenous after my spa visit and opted for dinner at the L'Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek - rated "One of the Top Ten Restaurants in the Southwest" by Condé Nast Traveler. It was truly one of the most beautiful outdoor dining experiences I've ever had. The melodic sounds of the flowing creek, twinkling lights, and lush canopy of sycamore and cottonwood trees put me in a very romantic mood, and I was alone! Heat lamps keep the temperature comfortable on a brisk night and the service is attentive without being clingy. The L'Auberge menu showcases Mediterranean inspired American cuisine and the wine list is quite impressive. Breakfast, lunch, and cocktails are also served and indoor dining is also available.




The next morning I took advantage of L'Auberge's complimentary transportation for guests and was chauffeured in a Land Rover to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Fashioned after a traditional Mexican Village, Tlaquepaque means "the best of everything" and is an interesting mix of art galleries, artisan shops, and eateries.





I would definitely visit Sedona again and highly recommend staying at L'Auberge - they have everything you need for a great vacation - beautiful accommodations, a perfect location, delicious food, spa, and a wonderful staff. On my next trip I would explore more of Sedona and sign up for an off-road adventure with Pink Jeep Tours - they offer excursions to the Grand Canyon, Ancient Ruins, Coyote Canyons, and more.

For more tips on planning your Sedona vacation, explore the L'Auberge de Sedona and VisitSedona.com websites.

PS. Self-portraits can be a challenge when traveling alone but here is a photo I snapped while on the deck of my suite at L'Auberge. I just can't get enough of that view!