by Kavita Daswani

For a space as compact as it is (some 600 square feet of wall-to-wall shoes), Fred Segal Feet has certainly seen a lot of action in its four decades — Lionel Richie stopping by almost every day, Bette Davis in a wheelchair puffing delicately on a cigarette, Barbra Streisand at the front using the store’s phone (something reserved for an elite few).

“Everybody came by,” said Stanley Silver, founder and co-owner with his wife Patti, of the landmark LA shoe boutique. “There were some days it was so packed that even I couldn’t get in.”

For a store that is celebrating its fortieth year in business, there is no sense that Fred Segal Feet has already had its heyday. Indeed, four decades later, the place remains a magnet for shoe buffs who stop by to find the often iconic, otherwise hard- to-find pieces that the Silvers personally pick out. In a retail landscape now cluttered with specialty shoe boutiques, Fred Segal Feet has managed to hold its own, being the first to launch brands and showcase new designers.

Apart from a small store selling San Remo boots, “We really were the first shoe boutique in Los Angeles,” said Silver, reclining on the floor of his comfortable, light-filled Beverly Hills home, a space enriched with sculptures and artwork. He and his wife (the couple have been married 46 years) had moved to the West Coast from Chicago where Silver worked in the men’s wholesale shoe business.

One day, Silver stopped by the Fred Segal boutique on Melrose where he saw the Beatles buying jeans. He immediately had an epiphany: a corner of the property should be dedicated just to shoes, and he should be the person to run it. These were the days before Barney’s and Neiman Marcus when Rodeo Drive had yet to become the retail mecca it now is. People had money but nowhere to spend it. Retail impresario Segal was game, and allotted Silver the space that Fred Segal Feet remains in to this day.

“We started with funky, casual footwear,” recalls Silver, remembering the stacked- heeled platform shoes reminiscent of the time. The business took off quickly, propelled by perks like foot massages given to customers or thank you tokens in the form of lollipops and shoehorns in the shape of feet.

A decade in, Silver asked his wife to join the business, leading a foray into women’s wear. She had been at home raising the couple’s three children, but when theopportunity presented itself to visit Italy and scout for brands, “I cried, and then I went,” she said. Between them, the Silvers introduced LA fashionistas to brands such as Miu Miu, Tod’s and Stephane Kelian. Over the years, there have been crazes – the store would sell about 100 pairs of Zodiac’s Indian moccasins every Saturday and every last pair of Nike limited edition collections.

“I’m always still looking for new brands,” said Patti Silver. “They have to be exciting, original, affordable.” At the last adjective, she hesitates for a second. There might be $65 flip-flops on offer, but there are also $6,000 boots. A new offering, from emerging avant-garde designer Raphael Young is priced at $1,000 a pop.

“The more expensive pairs are selling slowly,” said Patti Silver, addressing the new reality of high-end retail. “People are more conservative. But there are some who still say, ‘I love it. I don’t care what it costs.’”

Much of the store’s current business, while still steeped in celebrity, is becoming more international. An Australian tourist stopped in and spent $2,000 on a pair of boots; a woman from Mumbai bought fourteen pairs of $200 Pradas for her young daughter. Silver himself keeps an eye out for anything sparkly and glittery for Elton John, a regular customer. And a new shoe-and-bag-of-the-month offering is generating buzz in all the right circles.

www.fredsegalfeet.com

Enthusiastic reception was delivered to this year’s President of the Jury, Tim Burton. The American filmmaker stands between cinéma d’auteur (art-house cinema), popular cinema and genre films. Burton’s influence added a touch of imagination and fantasy to this year’s Festival.

Photo Credit: Dominique Charriau; WireImage / Venturelli; WireImage / Tony Barson; WireImage / Venturelli; WireImage / Olivier; BORD

by Robyn Stark / photos by Kevin Landes

Whether lounging around the pool, deck or beach, these hot summer suits are easy to accessorize and sure to turn heads. Try a hot animal print bikini or sexy monokini in an artsy pattern.  Cover up for a walk on the beach in an Egyptian inspired number like Mara Hoffman’s x-back double dress. Keep your tootsies from frying on the cement in strappy gladiator sandals. And if you must wear jewelry to the pool, leave your precious jewels at home and opt for something modern such as a waterproof silicon watch by Io Ion.

Yellow Henna Bandeau Bikini by Mara Hoffman, $117.60

X Back Double Dress in Collar Black by Mara Hoffman, $297

Forest acid green pony and leather mix sandal by Jimmy Choo- $795

IO ION Analogic waterproof watches, available in 25 colors, $30

Makale Barbie Halter and Alexandria bottom by L*Space, $146

London Bandeau top and London Long Tie Bottom by ViX swimwear, $164

Tory Burch Channing Tote in Yellow, $250

by Shin Takei

This revolutionary new sports car from AMG, the sporting division of Mercedes Benz, is nothing short of spectacular. Until now, AMG has been turning existing Mercedes models into hot rods. With the release of the 2011 SLS, a sports car built from the ground up, AMG has officially burst into the exotic super-sports car market.

The Grand Prix Racing heritage of Mercedes Benz led to the construction of the 300SL production car in 1954. With doors that opened up instead of out, resembling the wings of a bird, it earned the nickname “300SL Gullwing.” Using the 300SL as its prototype, the SLS AMG has carried on the tradition of “Gullwing” doors but with a much lower sill to simplify ingress and egress.

As with the original 300SL, the new SLS is a technical tour de force that sits atop the summit of automotive technology. The SLS sports an all-aluminum space frame chassis, weighing a mere 531 lbs. The normally aspirated 6.3 liter 32-valve DOHC V8 produces 571 hp at 6,800 rpms and 480 ft/ lbs of torque at 4,750 rpms. The transaxle setup is paired with an AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed automatic transmission. A twin clutch system, connected by a carbon fiber driveshaft makes for minimum loss of power from the engine to the tires. As with the original, the engine is a dry sump type, sitting deep and low towards the center for an optimum balance of 48%/52% front-rear, respectively. The curb weight is only 3,573 lbs, making it quite nimble for its size.

Door handles are flush like the original and are touch-sensitive as they gently move out for you to grasp. The light-weight door is easy to lift and, thanks to the low sill, ingress is the same as with any sports car. Swathed in premium leather, the interior features sexy carbon fiber accents. The sport seats boast magnesium back rests and are fully adjustable. Even the cabin space feels quite roomy, in contrast to the claustrophobic 300SL.

DRIVING IMPRESSION: We attended the AMG Driving Academy at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey where several AMG vehicles were available for testing. Through a number of exercises, we learned that the SLS accelerates quickly, with lots of torque controlled by your personal input. There is a setup for launch control, which allows you to keep the stability control in sport mode and the rotary transmission knob in RS for race start, but you can simulate F1 type starts.

Shifts are crisp, quick and precise with the paddle shifters. The AMG SLS has a rushing take-off, but the body stays tight and controlled without any drama, instilling confidence to further pressure the gas pedal. The limited-slip transaxle and the traction control systems do wonders in corners, allowing you to brake late. The ABS assists you through the apex of the turn, making you feel like you’re driving on rails. With neck-snapping acceleration, massive brakes with awesome stopping power, balanced and controlled cornering, great engine sound and feeling, the AMG SLS is truly a super sports car.

The “Gullwing” doors have a built-in detonation device that ejects them in case there’s a rollover and you need to crawl out. The rear spoiler pops out when 75 mph is reached and retracts when you’re going 50 mph or less. Although our test car was a pre-production prototype, the overall quality and degree of finish was superb. One can only anticipate the production version to be even better.

With plans for a roadster and a “more-potent” Black Series, the SLS will satisfy the hard core enthusiasts. Lucky owners will be grinning every time they close those “Gullwing” doors. Priced starting at $183,000, we think it’s a bargain.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: 10 In one word, fabulous. A super-sports car with all the techno goodies.

LOOKS: 9 The long nose, short deck and “Gullwing” doors make it a modern classic.

DRIVING IMPRESSION: 10 A true modern sports car, born to be driven. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds, 11.7 second 1⁄4 mile, ‘nough said.

HANDLING: 10 A thinly veiled race car hides within. You can be confident going around any corner with this kind of grip.

LUGGAGE SPACE: 4 Holds two golf bags but not much more. Ship your luggage ahead to your destination for long stays.

BLING FACTOR: 10 You’re going to attract a crowd whenever you drive up in this car. Be prepared to answer questions.

For more information visit www.mercedes-amg.com

by Laura McHenry / Photos by Rod Foster

Tune in to ABC on a Monday night and you’ll get an eyeful of glitz and glam rivaling any show on the Vegas strip. The flashy costumes, the sultry moves and the big personalities of Dancing With The Stars add up to chart-topping ratings and Facebook-worthy fodder. But peel back the layers of sequins and spray tan, and you’ll see substance over style. The professional dancers on the show are well-trained athletes with drive and motivation, “overnight sensations” who have worked their whole lives to get to this place. No one proves that more than Damian Whitewood.

With soap-opera good looks and a swoon- worthy Aussie accent, Damian’s first impression packs quite a punch. But sit down with him for a cup of coffee and conversation and you’ll meet one of the most down-to-earth people in the city. Growing up in Perth, Australia, Damian’s life was simple. His parents chose to raise their children in a place that afforded many opportunities, but not without a tremendous amount of hard work. Damian’s mother was a ballroom dancer, so he found himself at the studio quite a bit as a child. The lure of the dance floor won and by age 15, Damian was competing regionally.

With competition fees, coaching and costuming, dancing is not an inexpensive art form. Damian’s mom, a hairdresser, told him that if he was serious about dancing, he needed to find a way to support his passion. So he did. He became a hairdresser to make some money on the side. He quickly learned, however, that his mother wasn’t doing him any favors. She would not hire him to work at her salon. She wanted him to make his own way. So once again, he did. Damian found a job at a neighboring salon and made enough money to keep dancing. Believe it or not, he cuts his own hair to this day!

Damian flew through the ranks of competitive dance and became Australian Champion, WA State Champion and Australasian Champion in Ballroom and Latin American styles. He also represented Australia in the Worlds Youth Latin in Germany, the Worlds Youth Ballroom in Russia and was a semi- finalist at the Blackpool International Championships in the UK.

In 2000, Damian was contacted by the producers of “Burn The Floor,” a slick, sexy stage show filled with the best of ballroom dance. Damian toured with the show, living his passion for the art without the pressure of competition. It was on this world-wide tour that he met Peta Murgatroyd, his partner in the show, and now his partner in life.

Along the way, Damian has shared the stage with the likes of James Brown, Shirley Bassey and Deep Purple in Monte Carlo. He has appeared on Dancing With The Stars in Australia and the US and So You Think You Can Dance in Australia and Holland. This season of Dancing With The Stars has thrust Damian into the spotlight, literally and figuratively. With a partner as high-profile as Pamela Anderson, he has found himself on TV talk shows, radio spots and of course, winning the hearts and votes of millions of Americans.

The pressure is intense: choreographing their routines, costuming the two of them, and working with Pamela to help her be the best she can be. It’s non-stop adrenaline until the results show. Then it’s back at it again. And Damian loves every minute of it. Every week, it’s an opportunity to “figure out how to get the best out of yourself.”

Having lived on both coasts of the US, Damian feels very much at home in LA. The weather, of course, is a huge draw, but he also loves the energy of the city. He intends to put down roots here and see what Southern California has to offer. He’s thankful he has Peta to share this new chapter with. When asked what’s next for him, Damian doesn’t spout off big plans or have his future completely mapped out. But he has a calm sense that he is where he needs to be right now. The next thing for him will reveal itself in perfect time. It’s this humility and gentleness that complement his performance side. The facets of this man are many.

Damian’s star is rising. And it casts a warm glow on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

by Laura Denton-McHenry / Photography by Richard Hume

The first thing you notice when you meet Brooke Burke might be her knock-out bod or maybe her devastating dark eyes. Or it could be…her dimples. As the face of Dancing With the Stars, there’s much to admire about her. But what is most disarming and endearing is her adorable smile encased in a pair of dimples that just make you want to, well, smile. But let the record show that there’s far more to this dancing queen than meets the eye.

Brooke welcomes us into her lovely Malibu home wearing sweats and flipflops with her hair in a ponytail. (Wait…she doesn’t walk around her house in sequins and heels?) Her youngest children, Rain (3 ½) and Shaya (2), climb and cling onto her, painting the picture is that Brooke isn’t that different than most working moms of four. Sure, she gets to wear fabulous gowns to work, but really, she performs the same juggling act many women do.

Very quickly the conversation turns to children and Brooke lights up. Family is her passion. It is what fills and completes her. Engaged to actor/singer David Charvet, the two raise three girls and a boy: Neriah (10), Sierra (8), Rain, and Shaya; or as Brooke says, “We raise each other. As much as they are learning from me, I am learning from them.”

Being part of a big family is something Brooke knows much about. The oldest of nine children, she grew up in Tuscson, Arizona. A superstar model and celebrity host were not on her list of things she wanted to be when she grew up. What she really wanted to be was an auto mechanic. Yes. An auto mechanic. “I was a total tomboy growing up – definitely not a girlie girl,” Brooke says. “I hung out with my step-dad and worked on cars and watched a lot of football with him and had no idea I’d end up here dressed like a princess.”

Brooke has come a long way from tinkering under the hood. Not only is she the new host of number one show on television, she also took home the Mirror Ball Trophy as the winner of season seven of Dancing With the Stars. That feat is one of her proudest accomplishments. “I know it’s a fun TV show, but we all worked really hard in the competition. It was challenging on every level. It was blood, sweat and tears. To win was not in my plan – I really hoped to just stick around for a few weeks. But I stepped out of my comfort zone. I found the courage to be fearless and try something I never did before. I think it can send a message to other moms out there. You don’t have to give up something that’s important to you once you have children. You can still find ways to set goals and reach them.”

What Brooke is most passionate about isn’t modeling or hosting television shows. She really, really loves being a mom. She loves being at home more than anywhere else and her most favorite moments are those with her family. Backyard barbeques, pool days and family dinners are cherished. “I always knew I wanted a big family and David and I committed to find a way to make it work. We’re both really hands-on. If he’s working, then I’m at home and vice-versa. We make sure that we are there for our kids no matter what. My kids are my priority so I have to pick and choose the projects I take on. It just works. It’s not easy, but in a beautiful way, it works.”

Modernmom.com is an online magazine Brooke created with her partner Lisa Rosenblat for moms to connect with other moms. “Raising a family is a learning experience. It’s so important to be part of a trusted community of mothers where you can go to get advice. We learn so much from each other. If you want to know something, you ask your girlfriends, right? Well, this is a space for that.”

The website offers input from various writers as well as a daily blog from Brooke. “I’m really out there about who I am. I share the challenges I’m facing and the victories I’ve had. Raising a family is hard. I learn from other women every day, and hopefully someone can learn from Modern Mom. We want moms to feel celebrated and appreciated and encouraged to reach for their dreams, whatever they may be.

“I’m devoted to my kids, but I’ve accomplished more things in my career as a mother than I did before I had my children. Trying something new like Dancing With the Stars at that stage of my life was a big stretch. I hope mothers can do that more. Without sacrificing the priority of the family, mothers need to do something that accomplishes the things important to them as women. So often women get pushed behind the scenes once they have children, but we have to remember not to lose who we are.”

In addition to hosting and blogging, Brooke is working on her first book. The Naked Mom will release Spring 2011 and centers around Brooke’s views on motherhood, career, achieving goals and finding the balance to make it all work.

Does this woman ever sleep? When asked how she manages the day-to-day plate-spinning of her life, Brooke says, “As a woman and a mother, you just find a way to make it happen. No matter what everybody needs from you, you find an endless supply of whatever it takes.”

As Rain sits in her lap, Brooke muses, “My kids are my priority. I’m so fortunate that my career fits into my family’s life. I’m incredibly blessed.”

Credits: Stylist: Katie Maco & Lindsey Steede  Hair: Steven Lake  Makeup: Jetty Stutzman

With vast knowledge of the arts and sciences, Mohamed is a poet of stone, a creator of fantastic visions manifested into reality.

For three decades, Mohamed Hadid has offered unsurpassed architecture and design vision to the world. From major office and residential developments on the East Coast, to Ritz Carlton hotels in Washington D.C., New York, Aspen and Houston, Hadid has expanded his work to redefine exquisite estates. Focusing on projects considered by many to be insurmountable, Hadid’s insight coupled with his fusion of business desire, elegance, perfection and belief in stretching the realm of possibility has led to his latest Beverly Hills creation.

When Mohamed enters the room, you immediately sense the power of his artistry. Maybe it’s his mirthful laugh, soulful voice, or intense eyes. Whatever the case, the man exudes wisdom and greatness. With vast knowledge of the arts and sciences, Mohamed is a poet of stone, a creator of fantastic visions manifested into reality. This particular Beverly Hills home feels like a museum. Everything is huge in scale, spacious and spectacular. But how does one get to this point in life, a master of craft, a virtual embodiment of the Beverly Hills Lifestyle? What is the story behind this architectural legend?

Beverly Hills Lifestyle: How do you find your inspiration?

Mohamed Hadid: Most often, nighttime is my creative time. Even while I sleep, things come up in my head. I’ll jump out of bed and put them on paper.

BHL: Are you influenced by other artists and architects?

MH: At one time I was doing a lot of masters paintings. Rubens and Picasso are my favorites. As I get older, I literally don’t have
the patience any more to wait for paint to dry, so I am switching to different mediums. When you have less time, you do things faster and in a different light. So I started looking at Franz Klein and Mark Rothko and other artists that have amazing talent, but also can create a lot of pieces fast. Modern art takes less time. I’m influenced by great architects around the world, from Philp Johnson to I.M. Pei, wonderful artists.

BHL: You once said: “Designing a house is a free flowing experience.” What does this mean?

MH: You put the walls up and go from there. What I do is I build the walls, then I decide from where the light comes in, and I start building and designing room by room. I build houses for the environment they are in. Depending on the setting, the house could take on a Victorian design, or a modern feel, or Mediterranean. So the house fits the environment and will become that environment. It fits into the grounds.
This particular house was originally designed as a 4000-5000 square foot mid-century home. Because the area lends itself to contemporary artistry, I decided to keep a modern feel. Fine lines, great old materials, stone and wood and so on were all brought from overseas. Ideas from over the years, travels, thoughts, things that I have picked up around the world – I bring them into the home.

BHL: One of the striking features of this house is how the outside blends with the inside. Did you have that in mind the whole time, or was that something that evolved as you were creating?
MH: It developed as I created. Because it’s a one-story house, I wanted to build a 50,000 square foot indoor/outdoor experience. Even though it’s a 13,000-14,000 square foot house, the design takes you to the outside to incorporate the space and the grounds. Once you open the doors, you live indoor-outdoor.

BHL: How did you strike upon the pyramid theme?

MH: I am intrigued by the ancient pyramids. I thought it was a modernistic style, even though built in ancient times. It’s really a very contemporary art; geometrical and precise. So I thought I would bring that back and introduce it into this home.

BHL: How long would it take you to create a house such as this? Where are you in the building cycle?

MH: Well, the building of homes like these actually doesn’t take that long, as long as you have ideas that you can implement immediately. You have the workers. You have the artists. I do all the interior and exterior design, so it’s easily done. A house like this would maybe be a 12-13 month project, total, including design and construction. I oversee every detail.

BHL: You said this home is not done yet. What is to come?

MH: Some of the garden features are not done yet. There’s a sunken sitting area with a fireplace. I’m building a studio here for my art and sculpture. We have not finished the theater room. When the finishing touches are completed, hopefully I’ll move into this house soon.

BHL: There are some breathtaking textures in the house, materials that you don’t see implemented often. Can you tell me about them?

MH: Some of the woods include African zebra, elements of olive wood, and pearl wood, which comes from the bottom of the tree. All the stone, indoor and outdoor, came from Jerusalem, from the quarries of Bethlehem. We have entire walls made of beautiful brown alligator skin. All these unique textures interplay to create this modern home.
For this particular house, because it is modern, I decided to do a “one man show.” Design the house, build it. Design the furniture, build the furniture on the premises. All the furnishings and artwork and sculptures are done by me. The total package is art to me.

BHL: What are your favorite aspects of the house?

MH: I like the dining table; that is an original custom design. The piece is family oriented and it brings people together. The large sofa is unique. So these are some things that are totally custom and will never be built again.
What is the biggest challenge you face when building a house like this?
I’ve designed many houses. Right now,
for example, I’m simultaneously designing seven or eight homes, all of different styles. It’s difficult to manage all the projects, all at the same time, and switching hats from a modern to a Victorian to an English classic. There’s not enough time in the day to do all these things. So time is the only challenge. Otherwise, these are easy things to do.

BHL: What else are you devoting your time to?

MH: Family. I have children. Sometimes, I remind myself to stop thinking about designing and spend time with family!

BHL: Backing up a little bit, this journey your life has been, what was your start in architecture? When did you decide in your heart that this is something you wanted to do in life?

MH: Well it started when I was a child. I thought that I had art in me. But my dad told me to stay away from it because it’s not a way to make money. So I became an engineer. I’m an architect professionally. The combination of art, engineering and architecture under my wings makes me a man of all trades.
I was born in Nazareth then moved to Syria. So I had that “old culture” from the Arab world. I came to the States in 1964 for high school, then after undergraduate studies, went to MIT in Boston. I have developed homes, hotels and office buildings since the early 70’s. In 1991, I moved to Los Angeles and here I am.

BHL: Tell me about your connection to Beverly Hills. Why choose this city to be your home?

MH: Beverly Hills is a very attractive city that is becoming more cultural. Twenty years ago, there was not much. But now there’s all the elements that families enjoy. It’s a safe environment. It’s beautiful, 320 days of sunshine per year. So all the elements are there for great living.

BHL: What’s next for Mohamed?

MH: I’m living in the moment. When the next project comes, it comes, and I deal with it. But at this moment, I’m here. I’m also working on an all-inclusive hotel in Morocco, and I’m doing another project in Mexico. So these are big projects I’m dealing with at the moment.

BHL: You must do a lot of traveling.

MH: I really don’t. I used to travel a lot but I’m switching gears. I want to spend as much time in Beverly Hills as possible. My kids are in Malibu, so I want to be here for them. I have my family. I have a good life, thank God.

BHL: Any words of wisdom you want to impart on our readers? Any advice?

MH: Enjoy what you do. Do what you enjoy.

By Jesse Stirling

Executive Chef Craig Strong moved from Pasadena, California to Laguna Beach less than a year ago. After many years at the Ritz-Carlton, the move to Studio at Montage, Laguna Beach inspired this rising culinary superstar to spread his creative wings. “The days of fine dining with stiff service and worrying about which fork to use are over,” explains Chef Strong. “Modern food is going to a place of professionalism, but relaxed fun.”

After walking through the opulent Montage hotel lobby and surrounding gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the restaurant itself feels low-key and breezy. This aura of casual refinement permeates the essence of Studio. The whole experience is delightfully surreal, like walking into one of those charming Laguna Beach watercolor paintings, strolling past the palm trees and right through the front door of an elegant coastal cottage.

Inside, the magic happens. Romance fills the air. The light level is a warm glow, the music ambient, server-to-guest ratio high and the noise level low. Everything you touch is the best quality: the linens, the china, Ridel stemware. Even though the vibe is casual, people appear dressy and chic. A cozy, welcoming atmosphere dominates. Not one chair is empty.

Our 12-course meal features progressive California cuisine. Chef Strong leans in and whispers, “I get to play around with a team of totally dedicated people. I love what I do. I want to share it with you.”

A series of one-bite appetizers starts with a caviar taco, consisting of crème fresh, chives, shallots and caviar folded into a delicate crepe no bigger than a fifty-cent piece. “Pick it up with your hand, it’s edible art!” Chef Strong encourages us. Next is the Crab Cone. A sheet of dried, hand- wrapped pineapple serves as a mini-cone, housing a delightful “scoop” of crab mixed with vanilla sauce. The juxtaposition of tastes and unorthodox presentation tricks the brain. Even the breadbasket is spectacular, with black olive, cranberry walnut, sourdough and house made brioche. The warm brioche, spread with lightly salted organic butter, is like a dessert in itself.

Almost impossibly, the quality of the drinks is on par with the food. We segue from cocktails with names like the Salty Dog and the Dutch Cooler to complex French wine. “100% sauvignon blanc, originating from the playgrounds of Royalty” our sommelier quips. A 1998 Hermitage, La Cuvèe des Miaux, Rhone, France is spectacularly balanced and brings the dining experience to yet another level.

Back to the meal. We dive into duck prosciutto, chipotle-cured for two weeks, served with an Asian pear ginger salad containing, foie gras mousse, cashews and raisins, drizzled with a blood orange sauce.

Have you ever sipped warm soup out of a hallowed out eggshell? Few dining experiences are as extravagant and decadent. Three-layered lobster bisque, accompanied by a lobster spring roll, comprises a dish named Humpty Dumpty. The name foreshadows events to come, as one of the servers accidentally tips the dish, causing the delicate egg to fall and soup to spill. In perhaps his finest and most telling moment, Chef Strong and his team retreat to the kitchen, reemerging 30 seconds later, a new Humpty Dumpty in hand. “I know from experience to always have an extra one in waiting,” smiles Chef Strong.

The next few courses arrive in rapid fire: fresh Maine Diver sea scallops and parsnip fettuccine. (Seriously, who puts vegetables through a pasta maker? Genius.) Jidori chicken and mushroom fricassèe are next, followed by veal tenderloin, flavored with whole grain mustard sauce. We are playing in culinary themes approaching a Salvador Dali level of food art.

As the main dish arrives, we exchange curious glances. We haven’t had the entrée yet? Do we have any room left? Yet the moment we catch a whiff of the succulent lamb we somehow get hungry all over again. Ravenous. Marinated for one week in olive oil and other herbs, the lamb is then plated with oven-dried tomato, bacon, artichokes, tarbais white beans, tuscan cabbage, lamb jus and hot tomato gel. We are now in dinner nirvana.

To finish with something sweet, we enjoy warm strawberry shortcake with coconut meringue crust, accompanied with strawberry consommé and coconut sorbet. This light, refreshing dish is followed by an array of daring taste combinations resulting in huge dessert wins.

As the meal concludes, Chef Strong invites us to tour the open kitchen and check out the prestigious 12-person Chef’s Table. This exclusive space provides the public with an opportunity to experience the preparation, interact with the chef, and receive a dining experience tailored to your every whim.

What’s next for Chef Strong?

“What’s next depends on the season, the new ingredients, ways to give the guests more fun. Summer brings terrific tomatoes, flowering pea shoots, cute little radishes. I try to deliver enough tweaks, tricks and surprises to be fresh and fun.” And with that, he’s off, mingling with the crowd, greeting every table. Grumpy, reclusive chefs, take note: the bar has been raised.

Articulate, polished, young and charismatic, Craig Strong is not just a chef. He’s a magician, a kitchen visionary, half-chemist, half-artist, 100% daring culinary genius. We deem him “Chef 2.0,” a new breed of food engineer, with cover boy good looks and a passion you can feel. He’s found a home at Studio, producing dishes that push new ground, please the eye and warm the palette.

by Heather Burgett

One could say that the entire Lake Como region itself is a five-star resort. In the busy season – April through October – the lake bustles with activity. Nestled at the base of the Swiss Alps in Northern Italy, Lake Como is one of the most affluent regions in all of Europe, if not the world.

Lake Como is a magical land of pristine waters and awe-inspiring mountain peaks.  It’s only an hour by car from Milan and Switzerland, two hours from St. Moritz, three hours from Venice, and five hours from Monte Carlo or Florence. The region has received more publicity in recent years due to George Clooney’s purchase of a villa on the lake. Other renowned villa owners include Donatella Versace and Richard Branson. The region boasts a rich history of European aristocracy; to this day, it is populated with counts and countesses tucked into mountainside villas.

With such an opulent history, one might be surprised to find only three five-star hotels peppering the perimeter of the lake.  Villa d’Este is the most famous resort in the region, partially due to its constant presence in the media for its celebrity clientele and signature style of polished extravagance. The resort is in Cernobbio, only a short drive from the city of Como.  Famous couples that have chosen to honeymoon here include Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, as well as Ari Onassis and Maria Callas, whose romance started here.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio delivers a memorable five-star experience.  The third generation owner stresses personalized and intimate customer service that guarantees anonymity. In fact, the general manager has a contract stating that he cannot discuss hotel guests until they have died. So, he can only tell tales of long-gone dukes, duchesses, kings, queens and U.S. Presidents that once nestled their heads on Serbelloni down pillows. The Hotel’s Michelin star-rated Mistral Restaurant also features Executive Chef Ettore Bocchia’s famed molecular cuisine.

Just a short ferry ride across the lake from Bellagio, the elegant Italian Liberty designed Grand Hotel Tremezzo Palace is celebrating its Centenario (100 Year Anniversary) on July 10, 2010. This resort is surrounded by seven of the finest golf courses in Italy, all within a 90-minute drive. Tremezzo and Villa d’Este also feature the lake’s only two floating swimming pools.

The countless villas around the lake are world-class. Villa Balbianello is one of the mystical locations that George Lucas featured in Star Wars: Episode III. This also has to be the most picture perfect spot for a wedding. From simple civil ceremonies to extravagant weekend-long celebrations, Bellagio allows for any dream wedding imaginable. The staff at the Serbelloni assure that no request is too great for them to accommodate.

With its endless natural beauty, exhilarating fresh air and temperate climate, Lake Como has an intoxicating allure. Most couples that have had a wedding or anniversary here return annually. Activities include regional gastronomy, excursions on foot, golf, spas, casinos (40-minutes away), hang-gliding, biking, horseback riding and boating. There is also shopping for traditional crafts of fine silk and handblown glass. Lake Como has an unlimited supply of entertainment for everyone. Apparently one guest at the Serbelloni has even booked a room for the same week each year “until he dies.”

Staying in the picturesque resort town of Bellagio might be as close to living in a real life fairy tale as one can get. The quaint ancient village is known as the “pearl of the lake,” and with good reason. Mr. Spinelli, the general manager of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, elaborated on the region’s tumultuous history as well as the high standards of his hotel. We talked over lunch as we ate “fish of the lake,” Lavorello, and an exquisite regional appetizer, Persico–black rice tossed with just the right amount of melted artisan cheese, drizzled with sage butter and topped with delicate tiny fried perch-like fish.

The next day, we departed at 11:00 a.m. for a private boat ride around the lake. A pleasant driver rattled off all the details in Italian regarding the villas and towns we passed. At that hour, the signature Lake Como lighting that reminded me of dusk’s “Magic Hour” was casting a soft translucent amber glow on everything. With the Alps looming high above us, our boat floating over the glass-like water, and having experienced first-rate hospitality, I might have found my own personal Shangri La that requires a yearly expedition.

by Marshall McLaughlin

A marvel in nautical craftsmanship and sailing architecture, this newly launched 184-foot super yacht breaks into new waters with its streamlined design and modern sophistication. The newest addition to Perini Navi Group’s already stellar fleet, Panthalassa surpasses its predecessors with an ultra light aluminum superstructure forming its racy, aerodynamic lines. Powerful aluminum masts rise to 192 feet as a carbon fiber boom combines to achieve maximum efficiency on the water.

London based Foster+Partners were called upon to bring this seafaring structure to life and give the spacious interior its charisma. David Nelson, a senior partner and Head of Design at Foster+Partners reflects, “In designing the yacht, we were very keen to bring natural light into the saloon and to create interior spaces that offer the choice between privacy or a more social experience.” Demonstrating this vision, acrylic rods surround the oval staircase that cuts through all three levels of the ship reflecting daylight back to the living areas.

Leather walls, teak floors, granite countertops and marble tiles contribute to the organic tone of the décor. Modern, curved lounge chairs thread around the hull of each of the six individual cabins providing cozy, informal seating. Similarly proportioned cabins offer relaxing living spaces for up to 12 guests. The main saloon is partitioned with electrically operated glazed screens that can transform the room to accommodate intimate retreats or lavish formal entertaining.

Boasting significant advancements in naval architecture, this sailing yacht guarantees the ultimate in performance and comfort. Through the combined efforts of Perini Navi and Foster+Partners, Panthalassa sets sail as a leader in maritime innovation and style.