Sophisticated Living Lexington March/Apri 2026

BITTNERS

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ADD A NEW HORSE TO YOUR STABLE

At Germain Louisville, we represent three of the world’s most dynamic automotive brands — Audi, Porsche, and Land Rover — delivering a lineup built for those who expect more from the road. From Audi’s precision-engineered sedans and SUVs, to Porsche’s legendary 911 and electrified Taycan, to Land Rover’s uncompromising Defender, Range Rover, and Discovery models, our showroom is defined by capability, innovation, and unmistakable presence.

Beyond our new inventory, we offer a carefully selected collection of pre-owned luxury and exotic vehicles — each held to the highest standards.

Proudly led by fourth-generation family ownership and backed by the strength of Germain Motor Company, we remain focused on one simple goal: delivering an exceptional experience one customer at a time.

Lately, I’ve been wondering what really makes life feel meaningful. It’s not just the obvious things. Sure, a beautiful table setting or a well-made cocktail can help, but the real value comes from something you can’t buy, arrange, or share online: relationships.

Maybe it’s the excitement for Easter or Keeneland gatherings, but early spring in Lexington always brings a special sense of anticipation. There’s usually a March morning when you step outside and feel the new season coming. It’s not warm yet, but it’s close. The air smells a little sweeter. The Bluegrass is waking up, and if you’ve lived here a while, you can sense it before you see it. The dogwoods will bloom soon.

I love these in-between weeks. The garden beds are still too cold to plant, but I have a stack of dog-eared magazines full of inspiring pages. Our trellises are empty, but we’re imagining climbing roses. This is the season for making plans, writing lists, and dreaming. Honestly, these are some of my favorite days, because March and April in Kentucky are about looking ahead—choosing what matters most when it’s time to get to work, whether it’s a new garden, a long-awaited dinner party, or a friendship that needs tending.

When I started this role with Sophisticated Living, people asked what brought me to publishing. The truth is, it wasn’t publishing itself. It was about making connections. A city isn’t solely defined by its buildings or landscape, but by the people who support each other year after year. Lexington does this well. We come together, celebrate one another, and, with the help of our talented friends, we do it with style. At its core, that’s what this magazine is. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a place to gather.

Every gathering begins with a relationship. Each partnership we form, every business we highlight, and every story we share starts there. When I meet with a restaurateur or designer, I’m not focused on page design, but on who they are, what inspires them, and how their passion adds something special to our city. The best conversations aren’t about business—they’re about shared excitement. It’s a mutual love for craft, for beauty, for perfecting the details, and the joy that comes when everything works out.

That same spirit fills this issue.

In Lexington, spring doesn’t arrive with a whisper. It comes with the sound of thundering hooves. Keeneland’s spring meet is almost here, and this year there’s something extra to celebrate: the beautiful new paddock buildings. These buildings honor our favorite traditions while giving us something new to admire. In this issue, we’ll take you inside for a closer look, and we think you’ll want to linger.

We’ve also scored a coveted table at Millstone for a chat with chef and owner Tyler Murray about what makes it one of the buzziest new restaurants in town. From its storied location to an overarching emphasis on congeniality and upscale, approachable cuisine, you’ll want to get a reservation sooner rather than later.

This issue is full of things that make this time of year irresistible —spring libations worth perfecting, travel that restores you, and all the beauty that comes with our city in full bloom.

Cheers!

Lee Milward

Associate Publisher, Lexington

lee@slmag.net

UNLOCKING THE SECRET TO PEAK ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

How to Train Smarter, Recover Faster, and Compete at Your Best

By Dr. Carl Paige, Medical Transformation Center

Many of us believe we’re doing everything right by working out consistently, eating clean, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest. Yet even the most disciplined routines can overlook the deeper physiological factors that influence performance, recovery, and long term vitality. That’s where athletic optimization comes in. It’s a science driven, personalized approach that helps you understand what’s happening beneath the surface so you can train smarter, recover faster, and perform at your highest potential.

The Science Behind Athletic Optimization - Athletic optimization goes far beyond traditional fitness assessments. It’s rooted in cellular medicine, a whole body approach that evaluates how your systems work together and how underlying cellular imbalances may be affecting your overall performance. Intense training creates micro damage in tissues, taxes the nervous system, and increases oxidative stress. Without proper recovery and internal support, the body can’t rebuild efficiently, leading to plateaus, fatigue, or injury. Instead of focusing solely on muscles, speed, or stamina, athletic optimization examines:

• Digestive function, which influences nutrient absorption, inflammation, and energy

• Hormone balance, essential for strength, endurance, and recovery

• Nutritional deficiencies, which can limit performance

• Detoxification pathways, which affect inflammation, fatigue, and cellular health

• Recovery strategies, to accelerate muscle repair, replenish energy stores, and reduce soreness

Evaluating these factors reveals what you can’t see in the mirror or measure on your smartwatch. It identifies the hidden factors that may be holding you back, even when your training is on track.

Creating a Personalized Plan for Peak Performance - Once you have a better understanding of what’s going on internally, it’s time to create a customized plan tailored to your physiology and fitness goals. No two patients are the same, and no two optimization plans should be either. Your program may include:

• Nutrition plans to correct deficiencies and support energy production

• Hormone optimization to improve stamina, strength, and recovery

• Digestive support to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation

• Detoxification protocols to improve cellular resilience

• A fitness plan aligned with your body’s needs and performance targets

• Strategies for both active recovery - meant to promote and accelerate healing in the short termand longer-term recovery, such as mindfulness, movement, and red-light therapy

This approach ensures you’re not just working harder, but working smarter, with a clear understanding of what your body needs to thrive.

A Guide to Prepping for Spring Sports - Spring is the perfect time to reboot your training. Whether you’re running a marathon, joining a tennis league, playing on a softball team, or preparing for long days on the golf course, these strategies will help you perform at your best.

Plan Your Training - Consistency matters, but so does balance. Include strength training to support endurance, mobility work to prevent injury, and core training for stability.

Fueling Your Body - Nutrition is foundational to overall health. Eat lean proteins (at least 30-50 grams) within 30 minutes of completing your workout to support muscle repair. Make sure you’re staying adequately hydrated by drinking before, during, and after a workout. Dehydration affects performance long before you feel thirsty.

Prioritize Recovery - Recovery is where progress happens, where muscle is built, and bones are strengthened. Tools like infrared saunas and guided stretching (e.g., yoga) can reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Schedule at least one day of rest into your program.

Data Drives Results - Tools like VO2 Max testing and body composition analysis give you real data on your aerobic capacity, metabolic efficiency, and muscle-to-fat ratios. This information helps you train smarter, not just harder.

Listen to Your Body - Fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, or declining performance are signals from your body - listen to them. Addressing these issues early prevents injury and supports long term success.

Introducing HealthSpan Center - Medical Transformation Center (MTC) has long been a leader in cellular medicine and personalized health. We know that optimal health is the foundation for optimal performance. With that in mind, we’ve recently expanded our footprint, adding a 4,500-square-foot sister facility dedicated to helping patients focus on recovery, nutrition, and building physical resilience. HealthSpan Center is designed to give patients the tools, data, and environment needed to elevate their resilience at any age. The new space includes:

• VO2 Max Testing - This gold standard assessment measures how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. It helps

Carl Paige, MD, is CMO and co-founder of Medical Transformation Center with his wife, Terri Paige. After 25-plus years in traditional practice, he recognized the substantial need for a more proactive approach to wellness and began exploring Cellular Medicine, which strengthens and optimizes individual cells to support the whole body from its most basic unit up. The Kentucky-based MTC is now a respected leader in integrative Cellular and Regenerative Medicine. Continuing to pioneer research-based techniques and advances in his field, Dr. Paige is an original member of the Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute (SSRP), where, when not practicing at MTC, he now trains other physicians on applications of Cellular Medicine in healthcare. Dr. Paige is a respected, leading voice on groundbreaking treatment modalities, research-based techniques, and advances. Grounded in experience and extensive training, Dr. Paige looks at each patient holistically, considering factors such as lifestyle, genetics, environment, and more to determine the best, most personalized way to maximize overall wellness and boost healthspan. medicaltransformationcenter.com

determine training zones and improves endurance testing. While it doesn't directly improve any functions, it makes it easier to track progress and prevents overtraining.

• InBody Analysis - The InBody machine is a sophisticated body composition tool that provides precise measurements of muscle mass, fat distribution, hydration, and metabolic indicators. This is critical data for athletes of all stages to use when finetuning performance.

• Performance Focused Fitness Studio - Outfitted with the best training equipment and staffed by experienced resilience coaches who understand both functional medicine and performance science, the studio includes:

• A rower

• An elliptical

• Dumbbells and kettlebells

• Functional trainers

• Space to train up to six people at a time

• Infrared Sauna - Infrared heat supports muscle recovery, reduces inflammation, and enhances detoxification. After your session, use our on-site shower to make sure toxins are fully flushed.

Building true physical resilience goes well beyond the gym. HealthSpan Center aims to offer more resources focused on the full body, including nutrition classes and stress management strategies for you.

Athletic optimization isn’t just about competing. It’s about preserving your flexibility and mobility so you can enjoy the activities you love for decades to come. Whether you’re preparing for a sport, striving for a personal best, or simply wanting to feel stronger and more capable, understanding your body is the most powerful tool you have. sl

THIS OLD HOUSE

Kim Bloomfield continues a loving legacy of stewardship of The Witherspoon House.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by Tracy Beall

Owning an old house is less about possession and more about stewardship, creating an intimate, daily interaction with the past that becomes woven into the fabric of one’s own life. An old house provides a tactile link to history, where running a hand down a hand-carved banister or admiring rainbows cast by stained glass windows connects the present-day owner to generations who once lived, loved, and labored within the same walls. “Around every corner is a memory,” remarked homeowner Kim Bloomfield, who has left an indelible fingerprint while respecting the intentions of previous generations.

When Kim, her late husband Hugh, and their two daughters moved into the Witherspoon House on West Third Street in downtown Lexington, they became just the ninth stewards of

the stately and eclectic Châteauesque-style residence, which also incorporates aspects of Gothic and Renaissance architectural hallmarks and sits on nearly one acre, resulting in a feeling of enviable privacy in the heart of the city. Not entirely convinced about the merits of moving from a ten-acre property to downtown, Kim gave Hugh a one-year deadline to complete the necessary renovations while their family lived with Hugh’s parents.

The Bloomfields kept the home’s original floorplan intact, working with the precision of an archaeologist to peel back layers of wallpaper and paint to reveal forgotten details of previous eras, and in the process creating a profound sense of responsibility and connection, ensuring that the house remains a living, breathing testament to time rather than a forgotten relic.

Walls in nearly every room are adorned with art and photographs hung gallery-style, a unique mélange that’s as colorful as the home’s original owners, Charles Chilton Moore and his wife, Lucy. A former Church of Christ preacher, Charles’s studies of the Bible led him to atheism, and he published a paper in the Lexington, Blue Grass Blade, promoting his prohibitionist and abolitionist ideals. He had the distinction of being one of the last men in America to be sent to prison for blasphemy and was later pardoned by President William McKinley. Despite Moore’s controversial nature, an obituary published after the death of their five-year-old daughter Eliza, whose funeral was held in the home, read, “Her parents and family have the sincere sympathy of this entire community.”

The home’s third owners are credited with acquiring additional lots in the rear that now comprise the deep yard, which accommodates the original garage (with anti-Vietnam War-era scribbles from a prior owners’ son still intact on one wall) and another matching structure that served as a clubhouse of sorts for Hugh’s varied passions: mountain bike racing, motorcycles, restoring cars and music. Hugh’s weekly jam sessions with friends have continued with Kim’s blessing after his death, and one can imagine that the sounds of his favorite songs played by cherished friends are a soothing balm for an aching heart. A screen porch, Kim’s favorite spot during warmer months, and an inground pool, shaded by centuries-old trees, complete this oasis.

Today, the wood floors, intricate fireplace mantels, and stained-glass windows appear newly installed. After a new

kitchen was added at the rear, the original one was converted to a spacious laundry room. Hugh was a fan of exposed brick, and in several rooms, the plaster was removed to provide a unique focal point. In the breakfast area, a large piste map of Crested Butte is mounted on an exposed wood plank wall, and this detail is repeated in a nearby powder room with wood reclaimed from Juddmonte Farm.

In the dining room, Kim meticulously hung a series of 24 botanical prints, and her precision led a local framer to joke that she should consider it as a career. Flanking the fireplace are endearing formal oil portraits of their daughters as young girls. Throughout, children’s art receives equal billing amid both found and fine art, from mid-century Charley Harper serigraphs to centuries-old oils. On the second floor, a painting by the late Pamela Sexton is one of Kim’s favorites. “I loved her home, and her style left such a good impression on me,” Kim stated.

Unusual for an older home, each bedroom had a closet. In the primary suite, a former sleeping porch was converted into a generous bathroom. The third floor was a favorite retreat for their daughters when they were young, with their antique twin French beds in an alcove under an angled ceiling, hinting at giggle-filled sleepovers.

Living amid the memories of a three-decade marriage has provided Kim with great solace, along with her boxer, Floyd, a sweet, protective, and constant companion. Her home pulses with the energy of a life well-lived and the glow of enduring devotion. “Hugh was the love of my life and my best friend.” sl

Renee’s Bridal COUTURE

SOPHISTICATED WEDDINGS

CAROLINE & TRISTEN MORROW

Photos by Lisa Houlgrave

Caroline and Tristen met at a mutual friend’s UK football tailgate, where they hit it off immediately. “He asked me out on a date a few weeks later, and the rest is history,” said Caroline, adding that the friend who served as matchmaker was a groomsman in their wedding.

Tristen popped the question during a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, and they celebrated with members of Caroline’s family at their family home in Park City.

The wedding took place at Caroline’s childhood home, surrounded by horse farms, where she said she “wanted to capture our family’s vibe: classy but FUN!” With the trees dressed in their peak autumnal colors, Caroline let the property’s beauty speak for itself, singling out the sunset on the horse paddock behind the reception tent as a cocktail hour highlight.

Caroline worked closely with Melody Rodgers of Refined Social Events, who specializes in farm weddings. “I wanted the decor to be beautiful and the food to be good, but we really wanted people to be dancing and celebrating with us,” Caroline said, adding that Melody was instrumental in visualizing the event layout, which included the ceremony in front of the home and a reception in the rear.

The color scheme was simple: black and white with a pop of purple as a nod to Leiomyosarcoma and Alzheimer’s disease. Tristen’s

mother passed away from Leiomyosarcoma prior to the wedding, and Caroline chose to honor her memory by wearing her veil. Caroline’s father, who walked her down the aisle, passed away from Alzheimer’s a few months after the wedding.

Caroline said one of her favorite aspects (and a big hit with guests) was an espresso martini ice luge engraved with an “M” that served as an interactive statement piece for the main bar area. Another highlight was the 12South band, who kept the dance floor packed all night with an assist from Rogers, who passed out flip-flops to those looking to kick off their heels. As the night went on, guests received light-up cowboy hats, adding to the fun and festive atmosphere.

The couple honeymooned at the Nayara Springs Resort in Costa Rica. sl

Key Vendors: Planner - Melody Rodgers - Refined Social Events; Photographer - Lisa Houlgrave; Florist - Flowers by Marnie and Jenny; Band - 12South; Caterer - Dupree Catering; Rentals - Canva Furniture; Paper - Gabrielle Wilson Designs; Hair - Saint Salon for Bride and MOB; Beheld Hair for bridesmaids; Makeup - Kristen Gray Makeup; Wedding dress - Relix bridal; Wedding cake - Martine’s Pastries; Ice luge - Lexington Ice Sculptures

90 HAS NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

With the opening of its new Paddock building, Keeneland offers a modern take on racing tradition.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photography courtesy of Keeneland

Keeneland doesn’t put on airs; it stands in a league of its own. Founding President Hal Price Headley underscored the track’s long-running motto of “Racing as it was meant to be” by once stating, “We are not running a race plant to hear the click of the mutuel machines. We want them to come out here to enjoy God’s sunshine, fresh air, and watch horses race.” The unadulterated exaltation of racing as an honorable tradition is paramount in every aspect and serves as an enduring homage to John Oliver “Jack” Keene, whose private training track and racing club he created in the undulating Bluegrass countryside set the wheels in motion for what Keeneland is today.

It is Keene who is credited with selecting the hard-chiseled limestone-block architecture for the “barn,” a fortress-like monolith

adjacent to his training track that housed living quarters, a dining room, a ballroom, and stalls. The placement of the “barn” (later converted into the clubhouse), permitted Keene and his friends to watch their horses race in the morning with the sun on their backs, and explains why Keeneland has the only west-facing clubhouse standing at the head of the stretch in the United States.

Keene’s investment in the project was inching closer to a million dollars when the Great Depression put the brakes on his partially finished dream. In 1935, for $130,000, the Keeneland Association, founded following the 1933 closure of the Kentucky Association track in downtown Lexington, acquired 147 acres, which included the racing circuit, the “barn”, a partially completed indoor training track, and copious quantities of plants and shrubbery.

To get the project ready for public use in time for the 1936 Fall Meet, the Association launched a design competition, selecting young Lexington architect Robert McMeekin—who is said to have appealed to his discerning clients tastes by presenting his ideas in a leather binder with brass handles—even though he’d never designed a racecourse, or even a sporting venue for that matter. He had, however, worked on several stately homes and barns and shared Keene’s ardor for Kentucky limestone. The result was a clubhouse of unequaled uniqueness then and arguably now. The original grandstand McMeekin designed seated 2,500, and 1,500 of those seats were purchased by Headley for fifty cents each from an auction of the Kentucky Association Racetrack.

Flowering dogwoods and redbuds won’t be the only things debuting at the spring meet: the first guests will be welcomed inside the Paddock, Keeneland’s most ambitious project since its inception. With a chiseled two-over-two stone façade that harmonizes with the clubhouse, the three-story $100 million new build, designed by the architecture firm Populous and interior design by Matthew Carter Interiors, expands capacity by 1,000, creates a new East Gate

signature entrance, and offers unique viewing opportunities. The building is designed for year-round use and will support Keeneland’s robust sales program, including the annual September Yearling Sale—widely recognized as the world’s largest and most prestigious Thoroughbred horse auction—in addition to hosting private events.

In each distinct space on all three levels, as well as a new chic “speakeasy”-style bar in the members’ only Keeneland Club, Carter, who is sought after by clients from coast-to-coast for his signature, sophisticated and seamless melding of old and new using antiques, layered textures, and tailored, upholstered furniture, deftly demonstrates that traditional can also feel timelessly on-trend. Carter, who has collaborated with the track for more than a decade, follows in the footsteps of other legendary designers, including Billy Baldwin, who was involved in the original barnto-clubhouse transformation in 1935-1936.

On the ground level, the 1936 room pays homage to the year of the first meet. With its quarter-sawm oak paneling, tobaccocolored leather chesterfield sofas from Hickory Chair and club chairs upholstered in a windowpane fabric by Pollack, the space functions

as the track’s living room, allowing guests to freely mill about and cheer on the jockeys as they make their way up the wide staircase leading from their renovated quarters below and through the 1936 Room enroute to the Saddling Paddock (where ticketholders in this space have exclusive access to the verdant Paddock Lawn).

With tall windows providing a view of its beloved namesake, the Sycamore Room provides a top-tier a la carte dining experience. The perimeter is lined with uniquely outfitted cozy private dining alcoves. Walls in the main space are dressed in mahogany wainscoting and wallcovering, offering a playful take on classic gingham. Dining tables surround a central lounge area centered on a stunning bar with a reeded front and waterfall sides. Arches are a recurring theme, with the mirror in the barback mimicking the arc of the second-floor windows.

Named for Kentucky’s native flowering tree, the secondfloor Dogwood Room is set up for traditional buffet-style dining. Carter’s selection of a large-patterned, custom-colored wallcovering from Quadrille brings the ballroom-like space down to scale. Bold patterning continues underfoot with a custom rug whose pattern is

reminiscent of the paddock’s basket-weave brick. Art is appropriately equestrian but eclectic, with a notable exception: a lively painting by Kentucky artist Ellen Skidmore.

The rooftop, simply and aptly named because as Meredith Daugherty, Communications Managerat Keeneland explained, “No matter what we named it we figured that people would just default to ‘The Rooftop’.” presents two distinct personalities: an open-air rooftop bar with a bird’s eye view of the paddock on one side and a large chunk of Keeneland’s vast pastoral acreage on the other, and a slightly more contemporary feeling dining area and lounge. The open-air section is accented with an expanse of wood, some of which was reclaimed from trees felled on the property by storms. Though it shares design cues from spaces below, with its blonde wood tones, the Rooftop’s dining area presents a wholly unique atmosphere.

The ethereal aesthetic of the Rooftop’s dining area is also present in the new Old Library Bar, a club members’ only amenity located in what had been the Keeneland Library, the world’s largest repository of resources chronicling the Thoroughbred.

Here, Carter called upon colors originally found in the room, most notably dressing the walls in salmon-colored grasscloth. Layers of pattern abounds beginning with cane-patterned carpeting. Decorative artist Kim Comstock is responsible for the cerused finish on the ceiling and wall trim, which, in a space with a lower ceiling volume, helps it not feel claustrophobic. With intimate seating areas distributed around the bar, receiving an invitation from a club member to enjoy this space will undoubtedly become the hottest ticket in town.

Members-only upgrades have not come at the cost of making the track experience exclusionary, with exterior improvements designed to enhance the visitor experience for everyone. Outside, the Paddock building saddling stalls were relocated along the east

side of the Paddock to provide more space for horses; patrons will enjoy more space with widened walkways at the East Gate and South Gate entrances; and a dedicated winner’s circle for stakes races marked by a hedgerow designed to be reminiscent of the greenery that defines the boundary of the winner’s enclosure at many European racecourses. Meredith pointed out that, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day, Keeneland remains open to the public, so you can drop in outside racing days to watch horses train, attend a sale, or peruse the library.

Now that Keeneland’s biggest investment to date is saddled up and ready for its debut, one can surmise that should Keene, McMeekin, and Headley visit the track today, they would be elated to see what Keeneland has become by staying true to what it’s always been. sl

THE GOLDEN AGE OF WELLNESS

Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal are leading the evolution of holistic travel in Dubai.

By Macey Phillips / Photos courtesy of Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal

As I settle into a poolside cabana, stretching out my legs on the plush lounge chair after a long 12-hour flight, I’m surprised to discover that despite the soaring temperatures — well over 100 degrees — I feel nothing but relaxed, sipping an ice-cold spritz atop the Atlantis

The Royal’s sky pool on the 22nd floor as the sun sets over the city of Dubai. This is the kind of luxury one quickly becomes accustomed to in the city of gold. Known for its extravagance and decadence, Dubai inspires immediate awe and wonder, yet it is the city’s evolving wellness scene that offers a more restorative way to discover the destination.

Savvy travelers have long been drawn to one of the seven Emirates to indulge in a life of richness. A global hub, Dubai attracts a wide range of visitors — from those accustomed to a lavish lifestyle to international business leaders and adventure

seekers. Yet a new wave of interest is taking center stage, as wellness offerings become seamlessly woven into the city's luxury landscape, delivering a deeper kind of internal wealth. Hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal are enticing travelers to linger longer and look beyond the glitz and glamour.

Both Atlantis properties have established reputations as destinations in their own right, each with its own unique take on indulgence. Firmly planted on The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island shaped like a palm tree, the resorts offer views of both the endless blue sea and cityscapes. Beyond the scenery, the hotels provide high-end shopping, fine dining, immersive activities, and spa and wellness offerings that will leave you wondering if you should extend your stay in this golden slice of paradise.

Stepping into the soaring lobby of Atlantis The Royal, with its dramatic glass windows and expansive ceilings, it’s immediately clear that five-star treatment is the baseline here. A space that has already welcomed A-list celebrities since opening three years ago, the atmosphere feels both grand and effortlessly chic. One of the first stops for guests seeking restoration is the AEON Clinic, which specializes in regenerative medicine and advanced wellness treatments. From ozone therapy with medical-grade O₃ to innovative stem cell treatments focused on biological age reversal, and customized IV drips designed for an immediate health boost, AEON offers a customizable and innovative experience.

After treatments, guests can retreat to their spacious suites, which feature walk-in closets and oversized soaking tubs. The standout in-room amenities, however, are inside the famous toiletry box. Complete with combs, toothbrushes, and razors all drenched in gold – a subtle reminder that luxury is woven into every detail.

The AWAKEN Spa continues the journey with offerings such as the Golden Hour Massage, featuring hot volcanic stones handdipped in 24-karat gold, leaving you truly glowing the rest of the day. The indoor and outdoor facilities will keep you occupied for hours, from hydrotherapy pools and aromatherapy steam rooms to a snow fountain—a must in Dubai.

Dining plays a central role in the experience. Guests can reserve tables at Milos, by acclaimed Chef Costas Spiliadis, for Greek Island flavor; enjoy omakase in a cabana at Nobu by the Beach; or explore standout concepts like Carbone, whose recent arrival (late 2025) only enhanced the impressive list of dining options on property. For those seeking something a little more exciting and vibrant, Cloud 22 should be at the top of your list. The hotel’s iconic rooftop sky pool, currently in collaboration with Ounass x Dolce&Gabbana, which makes you feel dropped into an eternal Italian summer, offers sweeping views from cabanas and an infinity pool overlooking The Palm. One can catch a sunset and a live DJ while indulging in cocktails for the ultimate escape.

While Atlantis The Royal captivates with its scale, ultra-luxury offerings, and modernity, its sister property offers something equally compelling — a sense of familiarity, warmth, and pleasure that is just as enticing.

Situated next door, Atlantis, The Palm presents a more whimsical interpretation of luxury, one that feels far-reaching, playful, and deeply immersive. Upon arrival at the resort, guests are greeted by a mesmerizing 32-foot hand-blown glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly. This vibrant and eclectic piece sets the tone for what those checking in are bound to encounter — a unique, one-of-a-kind, and enchanting stay.

Rooms here take inspiration from the sea, with softer color palettes that mix blues and coral, inducing an immediate sense

of relaxation upon entering. Balconies offer views over the property, including the beach, where you will often find an early morning paddleboarder getting in some alone time before the heat takes shape. Twenty-four-hour room service came in handy as I adjusted to jet lag, which I enjoyed while wrapped up in a plush robe and slippers, a true moment of luxurious indulgence.

In the evening, you won’t find yourself short of dining options with buzzy spots like Nobu for decadent sushi, one Michelinstarred Hakkasan for innovative libations (the Lychee Martini is a must), and Brasserie Frantzén, a lively bistro with Frenchinspired cuisine melded with Asian flavors and Nordic influences by Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén, which has a candy shop inside for a unique and enveloping dessert option.

Wellness exists here not as a centerpiece, but as a natural extension of the lifestyle. At AWAKEN Spa, treatments draw inspiration from balance and sensory restoration, providing therapies that help guests recalibrate after long-haul travel or busy seasons of life.

Signature offerings include AWAKEN Hypno Healing, which provides a hypnotic experience that soothes the mind, and the Skin Firming Facial, which uses products from the world-renowned Augusts Bader line, leaving you with a radiant glow that lasts throughout your trip. Expansive amenities, such as cold plunges and saunas, allow relaxation to last well beyond the treatment room. After my session, I found myself lingering longer than expected, wrapped in a robe and in no hurry to be anywhere else — the clearest sign that the treatments had done exactly what they were meant to do.

With the ongoing list of indulgent offers at Atlantis, The Palm, the greatest might be the freedom to create and shape each day as you please, alternating between energy and ease, activity and stillness.

Combined, both properties reveal the span of what refined hospitality can look like. Atlantis The Royal offers a taste of grandeur and extravagance that some travelers seek in a getaway. At the same time, Atlantis, The Palm provides a dreamier, resortstyle retreat rooted in comfort and discovery. Neither stay eclipses the other; instead, they complement one another, allowing guests to choose the rhythm that best suits their preferences. Dubai is becoming more than just a city to stop over on your way to other destinations; it is becoming the destination for ultimate renewal and tranquility, a place for uncovering more than meets the eye. sl

Clockwise from top left: İTÄ Bahia Ring (itajewelry.com). Assael NatureScapes Earrings. Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael.com. Asante Tourmaline & Diamond Ring from Maison H Jewels (maisonhjewels.com). Briony Raymond Aurora Earrings (brionyraymond.com). Swati Dhanak Floating Galaxy Fan Earrings (swatidhanak.com). Jenna Blake Fan Earrings. Available through Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and jennablake.com. Crisscut Diamond Earrings from Christopher Designs. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Rivard Jewelers in Lexington, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and christopherdesigns.com. Terzihan Epoca Earrings (terzihan.com). Kwiat Chandelier Earrings. Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and kwiat.com. Edgar Degas, , ca. 1880. Pastel on gray-green laid paper. Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Eden Presley Azurmalachite & Tourmaline Fan Earrings. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and edenpresley.com. Picchiotti Spessartite and Diamond Ring. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and picchiotti.it. Opposite page clockwise from top left: Spanish or French fan, dated 1845; Fan with Poetic Verses, dated 1301 AH/1883–1884 CE; Fan, possibly Spanish, dated 1850–69; French fan, dated 1870-79; French or Dutch fan, dated late 17th–early 18th century. All fan images courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

ACES IN THE HOLE

Powder and pampering in the Tetons

By Bridget Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Hotel Yellowstone and Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa

Powder hounds were certainly howling, and not for joy, as many of the West’s most storied ski areas suffered from historically low snowfall totals at the start of the 2025-2026 ski season. Numerous Colorado mountain towns, including Aspen, saw rain over Christmas. In Deer Valley, Utah, every mountain pushed back its opening date for the first time in its history. Bucking these trends, Jackson, Wyoming, received significant early snow, placing it among the top U.S. resorts for early-season accumulation. By midJanuary, Jackson Hole reported more than 130 inches of snowfall over Vail, Colorado, with 90 of its 130 trails open.

My advice to counter this unpredictability? Choose your accommodations wisely so you're not solely beholden to Mother Nature to make or break your holiday. As my ski skills are subpar at best, we split a recent trip to Jackson between two resorts: Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole (HotelYellowstoneJH.com) and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (tetonlodge. com), balancing outdoor adventures with indoor pampering.

Occupying the coveted crest of East Gros Ventre Butte with next-door neighbor Amangani (currently closed for renovations), the adults-only Hotel Yellowstone, which opened in August 2024, transformed an existing property from rustic to mountain

modern, fully capitalizing on seemingly infinite views of the Teton Range with huge expanses of glass.

In lieu of a lobby, check-in takes place in the property’s communal living room (or the adjacent terrace), a welcoming space where an evolving menu of beverages and light bites is available from early morning through evening cocktail hour (there’s also a generous selection of complimentary snacks, sweets, and drinks in each suite). A wide staircase leads down to Olivia’s, an elegant all-day dining destination with décor that pays homage to the American West while seamlessly blending modern design influences.

Walls of glass on two sides and mirrors on the others provide a rotating gallery on a monumental scale; the way the fog rolls across the valley and the mist conjures fleeting, floating rainbows is an Impressionist’s dream. Knowing active, adventure-filled days were in the offing, we had no qualms about going big at breakfast, including steak Benedict and stuffed French toast with blackberry syrup. Lunch offerings include elevated salads and sandwiches, while candlelit dinners are a more refined affair (beautifully plated, though no less hearty). Constant throughout all meals is the use of the best of what’s local and congenial service.

Hotel Yellowstone’s 36 lavishly appointed 600 square-foot guest suites are spread across the four-acre property in clusters of four within free-standing buildings that are either perched on the precipice of the butte or around a pond. The wood-sided structures with standing-seam roofs blend into the thoughtfully planned native plant landscape, which gives way to sagebrush-steppe and native grasses that create a transfixing ripple with the slightest breeze.

In public areas and guest suites, the color palette is muted, employing shades that mimic the seasonality of the landscape from spring’s green-gray to fall and winter’s tawny and straw-colored hues. This subtlety, particularly in guestrooms, allows layered texture to rise to the forefront, from fluffy sheepskin upholstery on armchairs to the nubby softness of bouclé upholstery on a half-moon sofa. The power of nature is captured in large-format black-and-white photography, from grizzly bear cubs in the lobby to an image of a fog-shrouded fly fisher mid-cast on display in our suite.

As beguiling as the rooms are, it’s the view that’s the real draw, and I spent a great deal of time on our generously proportioned, covered balcony, where, from our elevated vantage point, the red and green runway lights from the airport (the only commercial airport in the U.S. located entirely within a National Park) twinkled like Christmas lights and in the early morning light, and grazing ranch cows scattered amid the yellowed grasses

looked like pinpoints. An accordion door separates the floor-toceiling Calacatta marble bathroom, complete with a Toto Washlet Japanese-style toilet, from the bedroom, so you can literally bathe in the view from your oversized freestanding soaking tub.

An intimate spa at Hotel Yellowstone offers an outsized menu of destination-derived treatments for a boutique property, including red light therapy, infrared sauna, cold water therapy showers, and two couples’ treatment rooms, each with a Himalayan salt treatment booth. Also well-equipped is a petite gym with TechnoGym Cardio equipment, free weights, and yoga mats. The pièce de resistance of the spa level is a heated negative-edge pool surrounded by retractable floor-to-ceiling glass windows that invite in refreshing mountain breezes.

Hotel Yellowstone is located less than five miles from the charming and historic Jackson Town Square; 15 miles from Grand Teton National Park’s Moose Junction Entrance; and 60 miles from Yellowstone National Park’s South Entrance. They’ve partnered with local outfitter Backcountry Safaris to offer curated destination experiences exclusively for guests, encompassing wildlife safaris, fly fishing, Snake River floats, UTV excursions, and sunrise or sunset toast outings. For winter fun, Hotel Yellowstone is nearby both Snow King Mountain, which recently opened Snow King Observatory and Planetarium

(snowkingmountain.com/mountain/snow-king-observatory), the only mountaintop observatory and planetarium in the United States, and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (jacksonhole.com), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

A premier destination for powder enthusiasts, averaging 459 inches of snow each season, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort serves up some of the most challenging terrain in the West, including iconic runs like Corbet's Couloir, a double-black diamond. Nearby, the National Elk Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/national-elk) offers sleigh rides around the herd, North America's largest, with winter populations typically ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000 head. In warmer months, the resort’s Aerial Tram, which ascends 4,139 feet to an elevation of 10,450 feet in just 12 minutes, offers access to a vast trail network that links Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

The slopeside Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is situated in the heart of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. It was love at first sight as soon as we entered the soaring lobby, when I was unable to notice anything else once I spied Scout, the GM’s cuddly Bernadoodle and the hotel’s unofficial mascot, positioned like a welcome mat at the front of the reception desk. After administering Scout’s obligatory belly rubs, I was able to survey the surroundings in the recently renovated space, which seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with

Hole's rich

Rugged natural materials such as dark wood, timber beams, and large stone-faced fireplaces, which anchor multiple cozy seating areas with plush couches and throw blankets, are juxtaposed with custom chandeliers, blackened steel, and antique brass accents, and expansive windows that frame the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain landscape. The rustic alpine-style design continues in the guestrooms ranging in size from 350 to 1,580 square feet. Common among them is a stone-faced gas fireplace and built-in boot dryer, and most boast a fully equipped kitchen with a separate dining area. Spacious bathrooms offer a jetted tub or a double-headed rain shower.

The hotel’s Spur Restaurant, consistently rated among the top restaurants in Teton Village, is one of a handful of year-round dining venues in the village and popular with the après-ski set. For a grab-and-go breakfast, pick up a Bear Claw 399, a delectable treat named to honor the late Grizzly 399, the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem when she was killed by a car in October 2024. You can indulge in the delectable treat guilt-free, knowing that proceeds support grizzly conservation in the area. The cuisine at Spur is elevated American West with heavy European alpine influence. All three meals at Spur feature hearty fare with plenty of locally sourced ingredients (including vegetarian options) to power active days.

Next door, Teton Mountain Lodge’s sister property, Hotel Terra (hotelterrajacksonhole.com), offers another outstanding dining option Il Villaggio Osteria. The intimate space, with a prominent salumi bar and a wood-fired pizza oven, transports diners to the Italian countryside through its rustic, lively ambiance. The menu is designed for a multi-course, family-style dining experience, showcasing authentic, seasonal Italian fare, including a wide array of house-made pastas, pizzas, and fresh salads.

After a day of outdoor activities, Spa Terre at Teton Mountain Lodge offers a serene alpine escape, blending nature's healing power with luxurious amenities, including signature Thai

body rituals, a eucalyptus-infused steam room, an infrared sauna, an oxygen bar, and a salt chamber. If you need to finesse your fitness, there’s a sprawling gym adjacent to the indoor/outdoor pools and hot tubs.

The ski season at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort typically ends in early to mid-April, with spring skiing offering fewer crowds and “corn” snow that can transform steep bowls into soft, forgiving surfaces by afternoon. The resort will host the Rendezvous Music Festival, headlined by The Flaming Lips, on March 28, 2026. For snow reports, real-time on-mountain video feeds, and more information, visit jacksonhole.com. sl

SPRING COCKTAILS

Let’s set a Spritz Bar!

Written & photographed by Jennifer Brian

Oh, that glorious sunshine! The promise of warmer days is just around the corner, and I could not be more thrilled because that means Spring Cocktails. Hallelujah! This winter, I was inspired to explore fresh takes on mocktails and lower-ABV (alcohol by volume) cocktails, wanting something new that felt like a treat without being heavy or high-proof. It no longer feels like a trend, simply how we all want to move forward- thoughtful about what we are consuming, celebratory without being fussy, and damn tasty. Enter the spritz!

Spritzes have a long history, dating back to the 19th century in Veneto, Italy, when Austrian soldiers added a “splash” (German: “Spritz”) of water to the strong wines of Italy. This segued to adding prosecco or sparkling water, and then Italians began adding bitters to the mix in the early 1920’s. In the 1950’s, the traditional Aperol Spritz was born, soon to become Italy's national cocktail, where it still holds a place of distinction today.

The understated elegance of a spritz speaks to me. It is the quintessential Italian “il dolce far niente” (translated as “the sweetness of doing nothing”, which is more about the joy of unhurried moments and less about couch rotting). It is the stylish, simple art of “Oh, this? I just threw it together,” when you want WOW without all the work. The traditional recipe for a spritz is 3-2-1. Three parts prosecco, two parts liqueur or syrup, one part soda water. Using this simple formula, the possibilities are limitless and governed only by what you like in a cocktail.

With Easter and Mother’s Day just around the corner, setting up a spritz bar is a fun way to get folks involved and give your guests a sure-fire way to drink what they enjoy while being creative and interactive. Experiences involve your guests in the

best of ways, creating moments of connection and cementing the gathering into the “Best Time EVER!” type of event.

A spritz bar can be anything from a collection of a few liqueurs and bottles of prosecco to a crafted mixer station with pre-measured vials in ice, ready to pour. Some suggestions are listed below, but by all means, drink what you love! A few bottles of liqueurs and syrups, a bucket of ice-cold prosecco, and some gorgeous garnishes can turn any gathering into a party. It is also easy to turn a spritz bar into a spirit-free craft beverage bar. Juices or nonalcoholic mixers with any type of sparkling beverage, like flavored fizzy water or Italian sodas, are also a big hit. Let us know what your favorites are. Saluti! sl

Liqueur/Amaro/Syrup Suggestions

• Aperol or Campari (so traditional and delicious)

• Elderflower Liqueur (like St Germain)

• Limoncello (always a favorite)

• Ramazzotti Amaro (caramel, chocolate, dark fruits, plus warm baking spices and just enough bitterness)

• Cynar (bitter artichoke-based aperitivo with deep, earthy notes and enough sweetness to keep you taking another sip)

• Any Make & Muddle mixers (Honey Lavender Elixir and 3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit in particular are home runs)

Garnish Suggestions

• Orange wheels or peel

• Lemon wheels or peel

• Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or sage

• Edible flowers

DREAM DRIVES

Aston Martin Experiences offers an immersive journey into luxury, performance and adventure.

Edited by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Aston Martin

Kicking off in April, Aston Martin’s 2026 Experiences program offers enthusiasts a curated portfolio of exclusive lifestyle and adrenalinefocused track programs, designed to immerse participants in the ultra-luxury world of the iconic British brand.

Anchored by the flagship invitation-only ASCEND and UNLEASHED programs, customers and admirers of Aston Martin will have the opportunity to connect with the brand through lighter formats via its Supertours and Supercharged experiences.

At the pinnacle of the offerings, the ASCEND lifestyle driving programs are reserved for an elite group of up to 12 couples per 4to 5-night adventure. Combining breathtaking drive routes with unrivalled cultural immersion and privileged access to world-class events, highlights of the ASCEND calendar include:

24 Hours of Le Mans: France (June 11-15, 2026)

Explore the Loire Valley’s grandest Châteaux before diving into the thrill of Le Mans. Meet racing legends and gain behind-the-scenes insights from the Aston Martin THOR race team, whilst viewing the world’s biggest endurance motorsport event, in VIP hospitality from The House of Aston Martin.

The Ultimate James Bond Experience: Italy (September 2026)

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Casino Royale, step into the thrilling world of James Bond. From unforgettable driving adventures to exclusive behind-the-scenes access, this immersive journey will put guests in the footsteps of the world’s most famous secret agent.

Formula 1® in Texas: Austin, USA (October 22-26, 2026)

Experience a stunning journey into Texas Hill Country combined with the sights and sounds of the United States Grand Prix in ultra-luxury style, with exclusive track access and driver meet-and-greets.

Exclusively for owners of Aston Martin limited-edition, trackfocused models, UNLEASHED provides the ultimate hypercar

experience, with access to iconic Formula 1® circuits, including Circuit Paul Ricard in France (April 2026), Red Bull Ring in Austria (May 2026), and Monza in Italy (September 2026). Participants will explore the full potential of their cars under the guidance of championship-winning drivers, with comprehensive technical support and motorsport physiotherapy. After the adrenaline-filled days on track, Aston Martin’s signature luxury takes center stage. Guests will unwind in five-star accommodations, enjoy gourmet dinners hosted by Aston Martin's special guests and connect with fellow track-focused car owners.

Under the Supertours umbrella, lifestyle events include a driving tour in Marrakesh in April, an immersive race weekend at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix in May, and an ultimate Best of British experience at Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Also on the agenda is a series of journeys showcasing China’s most breathtaking landscapes, from the coastal serenity of Hainan to the dramatic frontiers of Tibet and the cross-border Guangxi-Vietnam.

Supercharged immersive track events include a day of performance driving at Millbrook Proving Ground with Aston Martin’s elite instructors and track driving at Silverstone’s Stowe Circuit, the home of Aston Martin’s UK development. Other regional programs include a fantastic track day at Monticello, a private country club for automotive enthusiasts in Monticello, New York, in May.

“From the exclusivity of ASCEND to the adrenaline rush of UNLEASHED, each program reflects our unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable memories,” said Finbar McFall, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin. “Whether it’s cultural discovery, track performance, or the thrill of a scenic drive, there’s something to captivate every Aston Martin aficionado.” sl

For further information on all Aston Martin Experiences, including booking details, available at astonmartin.com/experiences.

SPRINGTIME

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Clockwise from top left: Gérald Genta Geneva Time Only is a reimagining of a 1970s design, shown in rose gold with a grained brass dial with a gradient smoked effect. Under the dial is a Zenith Elite GG-005P automatic movement with 50-hour power reserve and a 4Hz frequency (geraldgenta.com). Hublot 43-mm Big Bang Unico Titanium Coal Blue Edition, powered by the Unico Manufacture chronograph flyback caliber, with a three-day power reserve. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and hublot.com. For its homage to the Year of the Horse, Longines launched a special edition of its Master Collection in collaboration with the Peon Art Museum in China, limited to 2,026 pieces worldwide. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Schiffman's Jewelers in Lexington, and longines.com. DANIEL ROTH Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton with new manually wound calibre DR002SR with newly shaped bridges and plates designed to accommodate an openworked construction (danielroth.com). TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer with new in-house TH20-04 automatic movement, which has been specifically developed to incorporate the tide indicator function. Available through ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tagheuer.com. Hamilton’s new American Classic Intra-matic 40-mm Chronograph H in hunter green draws inspiration from the golden age of late 1960s and early 1970s motorsport. The piece is packaged with a second Milanese steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and hamiltonwatch.com. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with turquoise blue lacquer dial and bright black counters is fitted on an Oysterflex bracelet. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelrs in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simon’s Jewelers in St. Louis and rolex.com. OMEGA Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18K Moonshine Gold, powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, and omegawatches.com.

I’LL

HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING

A globetrotting oenophile shares five of her favorite recent pours.

Written

and

photographed by Vicki Denig

Hi there, Sophisticated Living! My name is Vicki Denig, and I’m a wine and travel journalist, as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine, based between New York and Paris. Over the past year, I’ve become SL’s unofficial wine correspondent, sharing my favorite bottle discoveries from around the globe. Recently, my winter travels took me through France, Switzerland, and northern Italy, where I delightfully indulged in a handful of local wines. I’m excited to share a few of them with you here, along with a few tried-and-true favorites popped (and produced) closer to home. Feel free to follow along on Instagram at @vickidenig or at www.vickidenig.com.

Rex Hill Grande Cuvée Brut 2019

(Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA – SRP: $60.00)

Great sparkling wine is produced right in our backyards here in the USA, and this vintage Grande Cuvée Brut from Rex Hill is one of them. This delicious wine is crafted from an organic/ biodynamic blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is vinified using the same method used in Champagne (called the méthode champenoise or traditional method), which involves aging the wine on its lees in bottle for an extended period. However, while the legal aging minimum in Champagne is 12 months, this world-class bottle spends an impressive five years aging before release, giving everyone’s favorite French region a serious run for its money. Expect notes of green apple, citrus, and marzipan to lead to a refreshing, saline-tinged finish. I personally popped a bottle without food

simply because the mood for bubbles hit me, but it’d be equally delicious with cheese boards, seafood, or salty potato chips.

Château de Béru Chablis 2021

(Burgundy, France – SRP: $54.99)

Almost everyone has an “I hate Chardonnay” wine drinker in their life, though the sentiment often stems from only having experienced overripe, excessively oaky expressions. For a bottle that promises to change their minds—or at least provide a thoughtprovoking moment—look no further than Chablis. Hailing from northern Burgundy, these crisp, refreshing examples of Chardonnay showcase a whole different side of this often-misunderstood grape, and frequently leave self-proclaimed Chardonnay haters pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this wine from Château de Béru with a friend on a Friday afternoon in Paris, because truly, what more could one want from a mid-day bottle? Bonus tip: If you’re looking for an all-day spot to pop bottles and enjoy small snacks in between lunch and dinner services in the City of Lights, Le Mary Celeste (lemaryceleste.com) is your best friend (AKA, where this bottle was enjoyed).

La Stoppa Trebbiolo Rosso 2023

(Emilia-Romagna, Italy – SRP: $27.00)

The term “natural wine” has caused a lot of confusion—and unfortunately, unnecessary division—in the world of wine, as there’s no exact definition as to what the term means. However,

most wine professionals will agree that these wines are, at minimum, made from organically farmed grapes, fermented with native (as opposed to cultured) yeasts, and vinified without additives or excessive manipulation. The biggest takeaway I try to remind wine drinkers of is that, despite the category's stereotype of being “funky,” not all wines are. Case in point: this fun and fresh bottle from La Stoppa. Crafted from a blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Bonarda, vinified entirely in steel and concrete (as opposed to oak barrels), this easy-drinking bottle is effortlessly juicy and boasts ample amounts of brisk acidity. It almost reminded me of what a Lambrusco would be without the bubbles—in other words, perfect for pizza, red sauces, or charcuterie boards.

Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc 2022

(Finger Lakes, New York, USA – SRP: $27.00)

Cabernet Franc was the first grape that really made me fall in love with wine, as I immediately fell under the spell of its signature earthiness and peppery undertones. While most wine drinkers’ inaugural Cab Franc experiences—mine included—generally occur with expressions from the Loire Valley, great expressions are produced across the United States as well. Personally, I tend to gravitate towards bottlings from New York’s Finger Lakes, as the area’s overall cooler climate yields brighter, less ripe expressions than those produced elsewhere. This thought-provoking bottle from Hermann J. Wiemer is made with 20% whole clusters and

aged for 10 months, mostly in stainless steel (approx. 90%) and used oak barrels, resulting in a vibrant, food-friendly wine noted with flavors of black cherry, raspberry, used leather, tobacco, and savory herbs. Enjoy it slightly chilled with cured meats, vegetarian stews, or mushroom-based sauces.

Prunotto Barbaresco 2022

(Piedmont, Italy – SRP: $48.99)

If you’ve been following this column over the past year, you’ll know that my love of Nebbiolo knows no limits—especially when made in Barbaresco. I recently drank this bottle at Ristorante Tullio in Rome (if you love old school Italian spots, definitely add it to your list!) and it was simply fantastic (tullioristorante.it/en). Founded in 1904, Prunotto is a historic winery located in Alba, and is known for its classic expressions of local varieties, including Barbera, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo. In the glass, the wine pours a beautiful garnet hue, offering flavors of red fruits, rose petal, orange peel, and a hint of cinnamon. While velvety and fruit-forward now, the wine promises to age gracefully in the cellar for at least another 5-10 years—that is, if you have the patience to wait that long! sl

Vicki Denig is a wine / travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her work regularly appears in various industry publications, including Decanter, Food & Wine, and WineSearcher. In addition to journalism, Vicki also works with a handful of wine-focused clients, including Paris Wine Company, High Road Wine & Spirits, and more. When not writing, she enjoys running, indoor cycling classes, petting dogs, and popping bottles on her rooftop with friends.

Compiled by Bridget Cottrell

Jewelry Celebrating the Year of the Horse HORSE POWER

The Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes vitality, freedom, speed, and ambition. People born in Horse years are thought to be energetic, independent, and natural leaders who enjoy new challenges. This period is seen as dynamic, encouraging bold action and progress, as shown in the saying Mǎ Dào Chéng Gōng, meaning "instant success" or "success arrives as soon as the horse appears." The energy of the year often leads to quick changes and personal growth for those who act with courage and purpose.

Clockwise from top left: Marie Lichtenberg Bonne Chance Jumbo Charm (marielichtenberg.com). Boochier Jewels Dice Diamond Bangers Charm (boochier.com). top left: Mellerio Fire Horse Talisman (us.mellerio.fr). Heavenly Vices Horseshoe Love Token (heavenlyvicesfinejewelry.com). Anita Ko Lucky Diamond Horse Talisman (anitako.com). Lionheart Legacy Majestic Horse Brooch and Pendant (lionheartjewelry.com). Strength Signet ring from Ana Katarina (anakatarina.com). Seal & Scribe Golden Pony Ring (sealandscribe.com). Jacquie Aiche Carved Agate Horse Cameo Ring (jacquieaiche.com). Sig Ward Horseshoe Ring (sigwardjewelry.com). Claudia Mae Horse Stud Earrings (claudiamae.com). Martha Calva Most Wanted Bag Charm (marthacalvo.com). David Yurman Petrvs® Horse Woven Station Bracelet. Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers in Lexington, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and davidyurman.com. Monica Rich Kosann Horseshoe Earrings. Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Charles Mayer and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Schiffman’s Jewelers and LV Harkness in Lexington, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and monicarichkosann.com. Brooke Gregson Diamond horseshoe earrings (brookegregson.com). The Back Vault David Webb Horse Face Brooch (thebackvault.com)

TAKING A BITE AT THE BIG APPLE

In celebration of its 50th year, Rétromobile Paris sets its sights on New York this November.

Written by Matthew Cottrell

A different kind of supermodel hit the red carpet at the Expo Porte de Versailles in the City of Lights this past January. Coinciding with the biannual Paris Haute Couture Week, over four days, the 50th annual Rétromobile drew close to 150,000 motoring enthusiasts to this comprehensive lifestyle motoring event. To mark the milestone, Rétromobile’s official 2026 poster featured BMW’s first Art Car, a BMW 3.0 CSL with graphics designed by Alexander Calder half a century earlier. Since then, BMW has teamed up with an esteemed roster of artists, including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Jeff Koons, to name a few, whose one-of-a-kind works were displayed alongside one another in one of three sprawling halls at Rétromobile.

Rétromobile organizers also used the anniversary to announce the first Rétromobile New York, scheduled for November 19-22 at the Javits Center. We sat down with Gerard Neveu, the former CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship and the current CEO and Director of Rétromobile New York, to gain some insight into what classic car fans can expect in the Big Apple. “We are positioning the event as a new pilgrimage for both US-based and international car lovers, bringing together collectors, curators, brands, and lifestyle partners in a setting designed to foster meaningful encounters and spark future collaborations,” explained Neveu.

Expanding the world's most prestigious and largest annual classic car show to the United States, home to the world's largest market for classic cars, was an easy decision. Deciding on the host city

and the date proved a little trickier, with organizers considering Miami and Los Angeles, among others, before opting for New York City the weekend before Thanksgiving. “At this moment, nothing similar to Rétromobile currently exists in the United States,” remarked Neveu, who added that, unlike a concours, a rally event, or a “Cars and Coffee” club meetup, the Rétromobile format is a “complete automotive ecosystem and the most exciting pop-up garage in the world.”

While exact details were limited at press time, the New York edition will follow a similar schedule to the Paris event, with the first few days reserved for VIP guests before opening to the general public. “It’s exciting to provide a wider audience with a rare opportunity to indulge their passion and love for cars,” remarked Neveu. The late November date is intended to make the event the grand finale of the classic car show calendar.

To give us an idea of what to expect in New York, including the level of expertise and motoring star power the event affords, we toured the show floor with Hervé Guyomard, who served as director of the Le Mans circuit from 1971 to 2006. As we walked, the affable Guyomard, whose continued enthusiasm for motorsports is contagious, was frequently stopped by racing fans and former drivers, and he was able to summarize the latter's stats, from placing to the make and model of their cars, with exceptional accuracy. One of my childhood racing heroes, Belgian driver "Jacky" Ickx, was on the show floor, but unfortunately, we didn’t cross paths while touring with Guyomard.

The world of Bugatti was one of four flagship exhibitions, the centerpiece of which was a Bugatti Autorail. Measuring 23 meters long and powered by four engines from the legendary Bugatti Royale, it remains the last surviving example of the 88 produced. In an era of slow steam locomotives, Bugatti’s train reached 140 km/h on the line and set a speed record of 194 km/h. Alongside the Bugatti railcar, the exhibition, organized with the support of the National Automobile Museum in Mulhouse, France, also featured seven unique prototypes created between 1928 and 1956.

As part of a retrospective tracing the world of rallying from the 1960s to the 1990s, a backdrop of immersive scenography, created in partnership with the Gino Macaluso Foundation and with the support of Oreca, Transport Prevost, and Motul, highlighted Lancia Stratos, Audi Quattro, Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, Toyota Celica GT-4,

Renault R5 Turbo, and more, with each embodying a turning point in rallying history. Throughout the event, there were talks and presentations with drivers, engineers, co-drivers, and rally experts who shared their stories, memories, and anecdotes from the races.

An immersive exhibition entitled "Steve McQueen: A Passion for Speed" took visitors on a journey through the world of the King of Cool: his legendary motorcycles, his movie cars, his rare objects, but also the entire culture he inspired.

Two-wheelers were in the spotlight as part of a dedicated Motorcycle Village and the celebration of several significant anniversaries. Visitors discovered the heritage of Royal Enfield, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, and the iconic brand Triumph. To mark Ducati's 100th anniversary, the Italian manufacturer presented one of the largest spaces ever dedicated to motorcycles at the show.

Gooding Christie’s held its inaugural European sale as Rétromobile’s official auction house, and they join Richard Mille as the first “signature” partners of the New York event. Stanchion ropes separated general admission guests from registered bidders who sipped champagne while perusing 80 exceptional vehicle lots from the world’s most esteemed automotive marques. Competition and track-only Ferraris had a robust presence, led by a 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO (Lot 67) that sold at €9.1 million ($11.1 million), a new high for the model, and a 2018 FXX K Evo (Lot 40) close to €7 million ($8.5 million), a record sale for this track-only variant.

The auction was one of four that took place in Paris during this time, with Ferrari accounting for seven of the ten highestvalue transactions across four major auction houses: Artcurial, Bonhams, RM Sotheby’s, and Gooding Christie’s. The headline-

grabbing gavel came at RM Sotheby’s, where a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (Lot 140) sold for just over €14 million ($16.7 million).

When asked to provide additional details about Rétromobile New York programming, Neveu gave a very French reply: “Let’s enjoy a long dinner together before diving into dessert,” meaning they will course out programming information in the months leading up to the event on their website (retromobile.us). Neveu said that while the United States “has enough content for two decades to explore and produce,” his team is remaining “humble” for the New York debut, offering as much square footage as Paris (approximately 400,000) and between 200 and 250 exhibitors. “Our intention is to create an experience with the American market in mind, not a carbon copy of the European experience.” sl

SEINE-SATIONAL

Spring design fairs in Paris point to what’s new and notable in interior design.

Written by Bridget Cottrell

As soon as Pantone announced that “Cloud Dancer” was its Color of the Year, PR agencies flooded my inbox with design boards and product recommendations (including hair color!), attempting to put an interesting spin on what many view as an underwhelming selection. The reaction from the design world was swift, with opinions ranging from “boring” to “serene.”

Joining the chorus of the disenchanted was Sarah Hamon, CEO and Founder of S2H Communications, who wrote in an email announcing the release of her company’s 2026 Trend Book, “What is wrong with white, you might ask? To begin with, if you work in our industries, you know that living in white means choosing nothing. It means not daring, not moving, not being able to express taste on your walls because you’re renting, passing through… So, you draw no boundaries in your home, no zones — like in an asylum — living in endless white. And you never feel better for it… Pantone, which is supposed to accompany its Color of the Year with sociological analysis, seems to have missed the moment when people around the world are craving connection, reassurance, and comfort.”

Hamon’s biting critique represents a sizeable pushback from the design world, who, in 2026, are resolute in championing color (including more nuanced shades of pure white) as a reflection of character. Vibrancy was on full display this past January at the bi-annual Paris design fair Maison & Objet (representing 2,300 brands from more than 60 countries) and Paris Déco Off (referred to as the “Fashion Week for Interiors,” where more than 150 interiors-related brands unveil new fabric, wallcovering, and passementerie collections in their showrooms). Flocking to this global stage, industry leaders can identify the zeitgeist, discover material innovations and new talent, explore the dialogue between tradition and modernity in design, and find unique pieces that lend authenticity to a space.

For 2026, Maison & Objet adopted the theme PAST REVEALS FUTURE, exploring the powerful idea that new forms await invention within the memory of materials, gestures, and cultures. Inspiring the curated exhibitions, thematic itineraries, and trend presentations throughout the fair were four orientations: Metamorphosis, Mutation, Revisited Baroque, and Neo-Folklore.

At Deco Off Casamance offered a graphic exploration influenced by modernism and Art Deco.

Tréca Paris opened its Place des Victoires boutique with a dedicated installation created especially for Paris Déco Off. In collaboration with Pierre Frey, three beds were dressed in fabrics selected for the occasion and showcased within a continuous scenography.

was among the new patterns shown by Camengo

Roset reintroduced Sandra, created by Annie Hiéronimus who was the sole female designer at the company’s design studio when the soft, sculptural sofa was launched in 1975. The new version remains true to Hiéronimus’ original vision – flexible, plush, and endlessly inviting – while integrating Ligne Roset’s unmatched expertise in all-foam seating, including multi-density foams for better support, a built-in lumbar cushion, and an ultralightweight construction that moves easily between spaces.

Organizers of Maison & Objet elected Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby Studios, which has offices in Paris and New York, as their Designer of the Year. With a body of work ranging from product design to the conception of singular, immersive environments, Nuriev acts as both a design anthropologist and a storyteller of the unexpected.

“Nuriev’s practice lies at the crossroads of art and design, driven by the sensitivity of a designer who questions the overabundance of objects in which we live,” said Franck Millot, Maison & Objet’s Director of Partnership and Special Events, in a release announcing Nuriev’s election. “Harry is also a cosmopolitan creator who has chosen Paris as his home base, following in the footsteps of great figures who enriched the Parisian art and cultural scene. A touch of Diaghilev for the Russian soul, and a bit of Scott Fitzgerald for the extravagance.”

Sophisticated Living was pleased to be part of the festive atmosphere in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Rue du Mail/Place

des Victoires neighborhoods generated by a slew of cocktail parties held in permanent and pop-up showrooms as part of Paris Déco Off. A tradition for more than a decade, hundreds of oversized, colorful lampshades served as beacons in the Left and Right Bank neighborhoods, illuminating the textile industry’s creativity and use of sustainable fabrics. As part of the “Festival of Fabrics,” the facades of galleries, showrooms, the Hôtel de l’Industrie, and the storefront of the Bar du Moulin were dressed in lively textiles from the likes of Designers Guild, Thevenon, C&C Milano, and more.

Countless studies have demonstrated the significant impact of interior design on health and mood. The events in Paris evidenced that, in an increasingly chaotic world, beautiful and thoughtful design can create deeply personal, layered, and sustainable sanctuaries that blend well-being with self-expression, whether you’re a Cloud Dancer or someone who prefers to tiptoe through a colorful field of tulips. sl

ROOTED

Sandals Dunn’s River builds on a legacy of hospitality in Jamaica

By Bridget Cottrell

Nuanced and mild, with an extremely pleasant sweetness and an almost total lack of any bitterness. These descriptors could be used to elucidate the flavor of Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee or the people of the island themselves, whose resiliency was on full display following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa in October of last year.

Tourism is a cornerstone of the Jamaican economy and a powerful engine for social change. Since 1981, Sandals Resorts (sandals.com), with seven properties in Jamaica, and its non-profit, the Sandals Foundation (established in 2009), have been key drivers in both areas. During a virtual town hall following Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman Adam Stewart said, “One thing I can tell you is that when we come back, we always come back bigger, better, and stronger.”

Sandals’ staff supported more than 1,000 guests stranded during the storm, noting that team members volunteered to stay on property to ensure guests were cared for and to arrange charter flights to get them home. The company maintained pay and benefits for 100 percent of its staff during the shutdown. Encompassing everything from getting water to families in remote and hard-to-reach areas to

repurposing its corporate hangar for medical evacuations and supply missions and collaborating with hospitals and the World Central Kitchen and Team Rubicon to set up kitchen hubs, the Sandals Foundation distributed more than a million dollars in aid through one of its most far-reaching relief efforts to date.

While Sandals Dunn’s River, situated on Jamaica’s north coast, had been open less than a year when the hurricane struck (it reopened on December 6), the property itself has deep ties to the brand. Adam Stewart’s father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, grew up on the beaches around the former Arawak Hotel in Ocho Rios, which opened as Jamaica’s largest hotel in 1957. As a young boy, Butch even sold fish he’d caught to the kitchen. After acquiring the property in 2020, Butch's emotional ties to the place only deepened as he collaborated with his son, Adam, to reimagine the site, based on the original footprint architect Morris Lapidus drew for the Arawak Hotel. Then, as now, two hotel towers are angled so that the ocean remains the focal point. Jamaican roots are infused into every touchpoint, and in the case of a decades-old banyan tree present in the Arawak era, are literally fixed to the site.

We stayed in a Tufa SkyPool Butler Suite, the first cantilevered suites in Jamaica. Calling it our “aquatic opera box” from which we surveyed the activity below, our glass-fronted plunge pool spanned the length of the oceanfront balcony, creating a striking visual from the ground, and a few moments of mild embarrassment for me when I forgot everyone could see me dancing to a thumping afternoon DJ set.

Another notable premium room category is the Coyaba Swim-Up Rondoval Butler Suites. Nestled into a lush native landscape, in these multi-story suites, you trade sea views for stars with an openair rooftop and a soaking tub for two. Both room types include personal butler service.

The resort features 12 restaurants and 8 additional bars, including swim-up bars. I particularly enjoyed starting my day with a cup of the resort’s own Blue Mountain coffee blendBLUM, both in my room and in the coffeehouse of the same name, where drinks and treats are served in vessels made by local potter David Pinto. Guests can purchase his pieces, along with other regional handiwork, with proceeds going to the Sandals Foundation. Scattered throughout the property are cuisine-

specific restaurants encompassing Italy, France, Asia, Greece, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with spirited décor to match.

If rum is the honey of the Caribbean, then the Dunn’s Rum Club is the hive, where you can enjoy specialty flights and have a mixologist craft a signature drink using more than 30 variations of the Caribbean’s best rum. A popular après dinner spot (where one evening the mixologist created a custom drink colored to match my ensemble), the swanky space boasts space for dancing, billiards, and dominoes. Pair your drink with Caribbean-themed small plates, including Jamaican oxtail sliders.

While many guests appear to be supremely contented lounging by one of five pools or the ocean, there are scores of included land and water sports, including unlimited PADI-certified SCUBA diving. Sandals’ sister company, Caribbean-based Island Routes, founded in 2009, offers more than 500 immersive tours and experiences across nine island destinations, including Antigua, the Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks & Caicos. Through the company’s Private and Bespoke Collection, guests can experience off-the-beaten-path places on land and sea.

In our case, our custom itinerary treated us to an afternoon of culinary bliss with cultural icons and chefs, sisters Michelle and Suzanne Russo (twosistersja.com). Our driver escorted us way up into the verdant hills where, at the terminus of a rocky, unpaved road, the jungled landscape parted to reveal “Rockfield,” a lightly restored Victorian-era Great House with much of its original furniture and artwork, overlooking a vast landscape veiled in mist. For more than three decades, the lively Rousseau Sisters have been among the Caribbean's finest culinary storytellers through their acclaimed restaurants, television shows, and award-winning cookbooks.

“In the seventies and eighties, Jamaica was culture-focused,” remarked Suzanne, adding that she and Michelle are trying to revive that movement through food, crafts and cuisine, using Rockfield as a hub. “Too long the narrative of Jamaica has been curated to be one thing, and we are out to change that by sharing the density, grit, and edge you don’t often get to see,” explained Michelle, who added that they are particularly committed to telling the stories of rural Jamaican female cooks.

Taking a comfortable seat on the verandah, with the elevation and a cool breeze providing relief from the swelter at sea level, we sampled bites of ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish. It was my first taste of ackee fruit, which, when boiled, takes on a

scrambled-egg—like texture. A lover of spice, I appreciated the addition of Scotch bonnet pepper, a key ingredient in Jamaican cuisine. Michelle said the experience is intended to replicate a “real Jamaican Sunday lunch experience.” We milled about the home and kitchen as lunch preparations were underway, discussing everything from the parallels of Jamaican and American Southern cuisine to the intricacy of jerked meat. I came to understand that the latter is a process (simultaneously smoking, roasting, and steaming) and definitely not just a seasoning mix.

Equally meaningful are the outings offered through the Sandals Foundation. Prior to establishing the foundation in 2009, Butch Stewart “adopted” local schools, funding maintenance and supplies. “Long before philanthropy was considered fashionable, my dad tapped into the needs of our community and carried that torch because it was the right thing to do,” said Adam Stewart. Most recently, the Foundation has been focused on bringing sustainable solar energy to under-resourced Caribbean schools. During our stay, we participated in a “Reading Road Trip” and visited a nearby primary school to distribute supplies we’d brought and spend a few hours interacting with students. It was both uplifting and humbling, and remains my most poignant memory of the trip, and the essence of what, in my opinion, travel should be. sl

CULTURE CLUB

At Millstone, service sparkles with the same care and finesse as each dish, creating a dining experience that feels perfectly orchestrated from start to finish.

Written by Bridget Cottrell / Photos by Erica Sharp

While many chefs keep their nerves under wraps, Tyler Murray, co-owner of Millstone in Dudley Square, is refreshingly candid. “I still feel a little terrified every day,” he admits, though his steady presence suggests otherwise. In just a few short months, Millstone has already claimed its place among the city’s most sought-after dining destinations.

Tyler, a Kentucky native, started his culinary journey by happenstance. As a undergrad at the University of Kentucky, he worked delivering room service orders (“complete with a gold vest and bow tie,” he recalled) at the Marriott Griffen Gate Resort, where gravitated toward the back of house to lend a hand in the

kitchen. “It’s where I fell in love with food,” recalled Tyler, who went on to culinary school and remained with Marriott for 15 years, moving so frequently that he was often asked if he was in the military. After a stint in DC, Tyler and his wife, also a native Kentuckian, decided it was time to put down more permanent roots for themselves and their two children and returned to Lexington, where Tyler worked as Executive Chef for University of Kentucky Dining. Responsible for menus running the gamut from comfort food for students to elevated special events, Tyler said he relished the creative freedom afforded by his role. “And, as a sports fan, it was cool to cook for and interact with the athletes,” he added.

Crossing paths with Matt and Dave Burton, owners of historic Dudley Square, sowed the seeds for a carefully tended partnership that developed over several years and picked up steam in 2024. “I got to a ‘what if’ point in life, and Matt and Dave are just incredible people, so it made sense to go for it,” explained Tyler. Home to the original location of Dudley’s, a Lexington dining institution, the Millstone site had sat empty since 2017. An extensive renovation added a dining room, doubling the footprint while retaining original distinguishing architectural features. A new elevated patio was built around towering trees, and the shade from summer’s leafy canopy will make it a soughtafter alfresco dining destination throughout the warmer months.

Designer Cara Drion infused the space with spring green trim, cozy banquettes, tall windows, ginger jar lamps, rattan chairs, grasscloth wallcovering, and a wood-beamed ceiling. The result is a sunlit haven that feels both inviting and unmistakably like home.

The Burtons gave Tyler complete creative control over the menu, which he refers to as “comfortable, approachable, and elevated regional cuisine.” He singled out his personal favorite,

roasted chicken thigh and ricotta gnocchi, as an example of his playful take on the chicken and dumplings, a beloved Southern staple. The filet is a top seller, paired with “Millstone butter,” whose secret recipe is as carefully guarded as KFC’s blend of 11 herbs and spices. Tyler intends to lean into seasonality, initially switching the menu twice a year and eventually as many as four times. The cocktail (and mocktail) program is equally inventive and heavy on flavor development, while the globally focused wine list is succinct and no-nonsense. “In keeping with our commitment to approachability, we didn’t want to litter the table with a bunch of different menus for food, wine, and cocktails,” said Tyler.

Before finalizing the menu, Tyler scrutinized every description, removing what he called “chef-y words” to maintain a “consistent, user-friendly vibe”. Local meat and produce factor heavily throughout, with many vendor relationships carrying over from his time at UK. “It’s important to include ingredients with their own story,” he elucidated, singling out purveyors including Bourbon Barrel Beef in Carlisle and Eggleston Farm in Berry.

Though they originally aimed to time their opening during last year’s Fall Meet at Keeneland, Tyler now sees the quieter debut as a blessing, giving his team space to perfect every detail before welcoming guests. Among the first to dine was Debbie Long, owner of Dudley’s on Short. “It was a nice tip of the hat,” Tyler reflects, hoping Millstone will soon be just as beloved in Lexington’s dining landscape.

As construction hummed along, Tyler poured his energy into assembling a team devoted to delivering standout hospitality. “When people talk about us, I want them to rave about the service just as much as the food,” he says. Nine years into sobriety, Tyler is fiercely committed to nurturing the uplifting culture he’s created at Millstone. “The fog was lifted; I tasted food differently, my creativity took off, and I became a better person,” he says of his sobriety journey. He

stays active in Ben’s Friends, a support network for sober hospitality workers, and speaks candidly about his struggles to encourage others to prioritize their well-being.

A self-professed introvert, Tyler says he has to consciously “flip the switch” when it comes time to make the rounds in the dining room. “It’s easy because I love what I do and taking care of people,” he said. He jokes that his wife is “the first lady of Millstone,” and that family time now frequently coalesces around the restaurant, with his ten-year-old son being particularly enthusiastic about lending a hand. “It’s been a huge shift for our family, but we are all in,” Tyler proclaimed. sl

THE HISTORY OF CHINOISERIE Europe’s

Fascination with the East

and photographed by Kim Hites

Chinoiserie is one of the most recognizable and enduring decorative styles in European design. Known for its fanciful scenes, exotic motifs, and elegant craftsmanship, it blends European artistry with imagined interpretations of Asian culture. Though inspired by Chinese and East Asian art, chinoiserie developed primarily in Europe and reflects centuries of fascination with the wider world.

Chinoiserie is a cultural phenomenon that emerged in Europe during the 17th century when expanding global trade introduced Europeans to goods from China and other parts of East Asia. Through trading companies such as the Dutch and British East India Companies, imported objects began arriving in European ports, including items such as fine porcelain, silk textiles, lacquered furniture and screens, painted panels and wallpapers, and decorative objects.

These furnishings were unlike anything produced in Europe at the time. Their materials, craftsmanship, and decorative motifs sparked widespread curiosity and desire among wealthy Europeans. Out of this fantastical imagery, a new style craze erupted, born from the mystery surrounding China and the perception of Eastern beauty.

However, genuine imported goods were costly and difficult to obtain in large quantities. As demand grew, European artisans began producing their own interpretations, creating objects inspired by Asian art but adapted to European tastes. This new

decorative style became known as chinoiserie, the French term meaning “in the Chinese style”.

Chinoiserie reached its peak popularity during the late 17th and 18h centuries, especially in France and England. The style flourished during the Rococo period when interiors favored playful ornamentation and imaginative themes.

Rather than accurately depicting Chinese life, European artists created romantic fantasy scenes featuring pagodas and exotic pavilions, as well as imaginary landscapes with decorative birds and flowering trees. Figures were depicted in stylized costumes while ornate designs dominated decoration. These images reflected European imagination more than authentic Asian culture, blending curiosity, fantasy, and luxury.

Chinoiserie continues to captivate because it combines elegance with imagination and intrigue. Its storytelling quality, delicate detailing, and decorative richness add personality to interiors without feeling tied to a single historical period. Today, designers often use chinoiserie as an accent that can evoke a sense of mythic interest rather than decorating entire rooms as was once common. The style also pairs easily with European antiques, modern furnishings, and contemporary spaces, making it versatile for today’s homes. These objects offer both historical charm and decorative impact, making them timeless additions to sophisticated interiors. sl

March SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

5-8

Kentucky Crafted The Market, KY Horse Park Alltech Arena

6-8 2nd Annual Thoroughbred Classic, Pickleball Paddock; refugeforwomen.org

7 KY Hopeful Paws Pawtry Gala, 6pm,The Manchester Reserve; kyhopefulpaws.com

10 The Freedom She Carries Ladies Luncheon,The Clerestory; refugeforwomen.org

13-4 Dance SCAPA 2026, Central Bank Center; centralbankcenter.com

14 Elizabeth’s Village 12th Annual Gala, 6pm, KY Horse Park Alltech Arena

14 Mary Queen of Angels Night of Angels Gala, 6pm, Hilton Lexington Downtown; maryqueenschool.org

14 Alltech Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade, 10:30am; Fifth Third Pavilion at Tandy Park

21 Friends of Public Education Gala, 6pm, Perkins Building in Richmond

21 Paul Frazer Combined Test & Dressage Show, KY Horse Park; ckrh.org

28 Saint Joseph Berea Foundation Spring Gala, Chenault Vineyards; https://ow.ly/Jw7350YcOj2

30 Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, 7pm, 214 E. Main St.; carnegiecenterlex.org

APRIL

3-24

Keeneland Spring Meet; keeneland.com

4 Stakes Black Tie Gala, 7:30pm, 167 W. Main St.; thestakesparty.com

10

UK Treble Choir + UK Men’s Chorus Spring Gala, Singletary Center

18 Wesley Waddle 5k/10k, Wilmore, KY; refugeforwomen.org

22-26

Kentucky Three-Day Event, KY Horse Park; kentuckythreedayevent.co

25 KY 4-H Foundation Emerald Gala, Fasig-Tipton; kentucky4hfoundation.org

28 SVRC Hope Blooms Gala, Clerestory at Greyline; svrckentucly.org

HER KNIGHT

Spanning two enchanting evenings, the annual Her Knight dances invite fathers or chosen ‘knights’ and their daughters aged 4 to 12 to dress up and share a magical night of dinner and dancing.

BLUEGRASS CHARITY BALL

by The Malicotes

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AN EVENING WITH COMMERCE LEX

An enthusiastic crowd of nearly 900 gathered for An Evening With Commerce Lexington, presented by Fifth Third. A highlight of the event was the annual awards, celebrating the remarkable community impact and volunteer spirit of individuals and organizations shaping both our organization and the wider community. Among the honorees, Debbie Smith, Lexington Market Leader for Cherry Bekaert LLP, earned the Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership as treasurer on the Executive Board, helping to fortify Commerce Lexington’s financial foundation.

CENTRAL KENTUCKY HEART BALL

Jennifer and Jo Palumbo served as co-chairs of the 2026 Central Kentucky Heart Ball, guiding an inspiring celebration of progress and purpose. Their efforts helped the event raise over $750,000 to fuel life-changing research and healthier futures for all.

by

PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

Held at the Signature Club of Lansdowne, this annual pajama party raised $34,000 for Justin’s Place, bringing the two-year total to $64,000.

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LEXARTS HOP

LexArts first HOP of 2026 included dozens of galleries, museums, artists’ studios, and creative spaces who collectively threw open their doors for a community-wide celebration of creativity in a variety of mediums.

SOPHISTICATED STARS

Written by Joy Yascone Elms MA

Spring’s sweet promise drifts on the breeze, Derby fever is in full swing, and it is time to toast Pisces and Aries birthdays. The March 3rd Lunar Eclipse in Virgo brings a tide of transformation. Saturn, after wandering through Pisces since March 2023, is poised to march into Aries, where it will sculpt destinies until 2028. Meanwhile, Jupiter, the planet of fortune and plenty, awakens on March 10th, 2026, eager to sprinkle each sign with blessings in a vital corner of life. Let’s discover what celestial surprises are in store for you.

Yurman Aries Amulet. Available through Schiffman’s Jewelers (schiffmans.com).

your heart lead you to the horse that sparks your imagination.

Didn’t see your sign? Head to slmag.net/Louisville to read more.

March 21st to April 19th

Saturn’s journey through Pisces has drawn you inward, urging you to face your shadows and find strength in solitude. Now, as Saturn enters Aries and your 1st house, you are ready to emerge, stepping boldly into a new chapter with renewed clarity and purpose. The March 3rd lunar eclipse in Virgo shines a spotlight on your health and work, opening doors to transformative opportunities or celebrating a hard-won wellness victory. When Jupiter goes direct in Cancer on March 10, 2026, home becomes your sanctuary, filled with momentum and joy. At the Derby, trust the comfort of home and family—especially a parent—to guide your lucky pick.

April 20th to May 20th

Saturn’s recent tests in your social circles may have left friendships feeling strained or your world a bit quieter. As Saturn slips into your 12th house, you enter a season of reflection and inner growth. The Virgo lunar eclipse sparks your 5th house, bringing joyful news about children, a creative epiphany, or a romantic milestone. If things have felt stalled, this eclipse gives them a nudge forward. With Jupiter going direct in your 3rd house, conversations sparkle, writing flows, and a sibling becomes a source of support. At the Derby, your luck is strongest when you bet alongside a sibling or follow a tip that comes through a lively chat.

Sophisticated Stars Astrologist Joy Yascone Elms MA is the author and founder of The Power of Divine Timing; an annual sign by sign guide based on astrological timing helping readers to find and nurture their blessings and starve their challenges! Joy also offers Divine Timing coaching programs that help clients stay accountable to manifesting their goals and dreams based on their personal divine timing. Visit www.thepowerofdivinetiming.com for more info or email Joy at thepowerofdivinetiming@gmail.com.