A new clear liquor is in town and it has come all the way from Estonia! Unfiltered vodka made from a slow-distillation method using 90% winter rye and 10% wheat, Saaga 1763 Vodka is here. It is said that Saaga has neutral aromas with hints of buttered rye toast, vanilla and talc with a smooth, light entry leading to clean whipped cream and mossy herbs. And if you can picture this the vodka finishes with sweet cream, pasty dough, mineral and white pepper qualities. Who knew vodka could be so complex! If one vodka can pack all that luminous flavor in one clear liquor I'd say Saaga 1763 sounds like one to try.
Earlier this month we mentioned Navigenics -- a DNA testing service where you send in a swab of your spit to be analyzed for a variety of genetically testable diseases. Now there seems to be a growing controversy concerning these over-the-mailbox testing kits. Both New York state and California have issued warning letters to such companies including Navigenics and 23andMe stating these tests should not be administered without oversight from a practicing physician. Although no formal charges have been made yet, interested customers from New York have been put on a waiting list at Navigenics until this mess can be sorted out. At least that particular company offers genetic counseling services for individuals who find out they may be predisposed to get Alzheimers and other diseases... a small step in the right direction.
Ever looked upon the figurine adorning the hood of a Rolls and wondered who that stunning woman was modeled after? Well, the silver screen will soon bring you the answer -- but I'd be happy to give you a sneak peak. Called the Spirit of Ecstasy or The Whisperer, the emblem was born out of a love affair between Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and his secretary Eleanor Thornton. Although a potential national scandal, the symbol that influenced future Rolls Royce emblems will live on through a new film starring Christian Bale called The Silver Ghost. Love affair, beautiful cars and drama -- sounds like my kind of movie.
Dubai is making their mark on the world of luxury living with a new coastal, residential tower designed in conjunction with Christian Lacroix providing the style and ambiance of the façade, interior and lobby of the thirty-eight-unit building. The designs will be constructed around paradoxes: east meets west, contemporary and baroque, and old meets new. With no word on when construction will begin, what the building will be named or how much the units will sell for the newest addition to the Dubai landscape is sure to wow the wealthy and intrigue real estate investors the world over.
Daphne Guiness,socialite and couture collector, has decided to jump on the bandwagon and perform her own spring cleaning in her closet -- except she is auctioning her unused and unwanted items to support the Womankind charity which benefits women in developing countries. The auction of such pieces from Chanel, Versace and Alexander McQueen happens today at 2 pm with Kerry Taylor Auction House in London. For those of us who can't make the lightning-speed trip over the pond, you can also bid via eBay. A typical lot of shoes may include four or more styles from Jimmy Choo, Yves Saint Laurent or Prada and will range from $80 to $400. There are also Marni coats and a Lanvin shredded ribbon dress. Although you have to be a size 37 shoe (that's in UK sizing) you don't have to fit into the gorgeous handbags, hats or accessories.
To many people, chocolate is already a spiritual experience as it lifts your mood, satiates your emotions and heightens your sensuality. Take the raw quality of chocolate, or cacao, and all its glorious elements made in a vegan, kosher, halal and organic fashion and you've got Sacred Chocolate. The pinnacle of chocolate bars with 70%, 80%, 90%, 99% and 100% cacao, Sacred Chocolate is combined with maple sugar to give it a luxurious quality of taste. Although a new brand on the market Sacred is bound to please most any palate -- as long as you are willing to pay $9 or so per bar.
Looking for a little fun in the sun where mesa landscapes and nearby Santa Fe create a relaxing atmosphere to get your swing in gear? Offering one night's lodging and two rounds of golf at Black Mesa Golf Club, including a complimentary breakfast for two, the Inn & Spa at Loretto's Golf Getaway is the perfect excuse to get out of town and enjoy one of the "Top Ten Courses You Can Play" as distinguished by Golf Digest. Beginning at $379 per night per room the boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Fe also offers their guests a chance to unwind with spa treatments and yoga as well as top notch dining and live entertainment. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and historic surroundings while partaking in the time honored tradition of 18 holes.
I've always had a thing for Kate Spade's simple but stylish deigns -- not just handbags but formal china and accessories too! I certainly have summer on the brain and when perusing her website I came across the perfect bag that screams clam bake in Cape Cod or a day at the races sipping a mint julep. The Darlington Jackie is all American made from woven corn husk straw with brightly colored cowhide detail and lined in the signature dot cotton. Don't worry about things slipping out of your new bag with the pyramid turnlock closure and short shoulder length. Be subtle and glamorous with the 14K white and light gold hardware at an affordable $395.
No, it is not the hot bartender behind the counter -- Dirty Sue is a fantastic double-filtered olive brine that lends itself easily to Dirty Martinis and other fantastic beverages. Who likes getting their olive juice from inside the Sam's Club sized jar of olives behind the bar? Messy, plus the potential for a lot of different hands inside the jar, Dirty Sue makes your favorite dirty drink at home or at the bar perfectly. Buy it large or small, to suit your needs, and never be unprepared for a guest again. Of course, keep the olives -- they're a nice garnish (or snack for those of us who need food with our drinks).
Many vacationers these days no longer consider the focus of their trip to be business or pleasure, but philanthropy. The Ritz-Carlton has added a new program as part of their Community Footprints effort for just such travelers matching impeccable hospitality with community endeavors. Obviously each location will offer a different Give Back Getaway but each is intended to offer guests a chance to leave a lasting impression on the local community through a half-day experience of either humanitarian or environmental projects. An exceptional opportunity from an exceptional hotel.
Tetrapak wines are not the newest thing but I think the typical consumer would assume the wine is cheaply made and would lack the taste of a finer wine. Yellow+Blue begs to differ. Moving towards a greener packaging product (get it -- yellow+blue makes green!) and getting away from heavier shipments which use more gasoline, Yellow+Blue has decided to choose light tetrapak over heavy glass bottles for their new Malbec. The tetrapak is the same kind of material which typically stores juice in boxes for kids -- I guess this means adults have "juice" boxes of their own now! The Argentinian Malbec is set to sell for about $11 per one liter pak which would have cost $20 per bottle. Drinks on the go, good for the earth and less expensive to boot! I'm in for a taste.
One of the most highly anticipated food events of the year is taking place at Nick & Toni's in East Hampton, Long Island on July 13th. The 2008 Great Chefs Dinner is a celebration of both gastronomy and philanthropy as top chefs from around New York City and the Hamptons donate their time and talent to support the Hayground School. A progressive and creative environment for children ages three to fifteen from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds, Hayground even teaches students the art of cooking. The proceeds from this grand event support both the school's teaching kitchen as well as scholarships for the many students who rely on those funds to go to the charter school.
Some of the premier chefs sharing this experience are Craft's Tom Colicchio, The North Fork Table & Inn's Claudia Fleming, and Five Points' Marc Meyer. Tickets are on sale for $1,500 inside Nick & Toni's and $350 in the tent and are sure to go fast!
Three of the Best New Restaurants of the Year (in alphabetical order):
Bubbles Bar at Guy Savoy in Las Vegas
Diverxo in Madrid
Gresca in Barcelona
Three of the Best Value Restaurants (in alphabetical order):
Kau Kee Restaurant in Hong Kong
Kefi in New York City
Kiosko Universal in Barcelona
If you're looking for the top carnivorous place or the premier place with a view check out more of the list on Food & Wine's website. Get out of town and chow down at some of the best eateries in the world.
Dubai is making their mark on the world of luxury living with a 
Daphne Guiness,socialite and couture collector, has decided to jump on the bandwagon and perform her own spring cleaning in her closet -- except
